Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
Cebu City

The church and convent erected by the Augustinian Fathers under the Rev. Andres Urdaneta in 1565 were the first established in the Philippines. Both were burned down on November 1, 1566. The second church was likewise destroyed by fire in March of 1628, but rebuilt soon after (1628 - 1629) under the administration of the historian Rev. Juan de Medina, O.S.A. The present massive church was designed and constructed during the priorship of Rev. Juan Albarran, O.S.A., (1735 - 1737). The Santo Niño venerated in this church since the time of Legaspi, is the center of intense devotion and religious pilgrimages through out the Visayas.

Barasoain Church

Barasoain Church

Malolos City, Bulacan

Barasoain was originally part of Malolos until its official separation on August 31, 1859. In 1903 it became part of Malolos again. The old church constructed by Rev. Francisco Royo, O.S.A., was destroyed by fire in May, 1884, but rebuilt by Rev. Juan Giron, O.S.A., in 1885. This church was the seat of the Philippine Revolutionary Congress which convened from the middle of September, 1898, to the last week of February, 1898, under the Pedro A. Paterno. Among the important measures passed by the Malolos Congress was the Malolos Constitution drafted chiefly by Felipe G. Calderon..

Ilocos Sur

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

The entire Ilocos region which then stretched from the town of Luna (Namacpacan) in the province of what is now part of La Union to Bangui in what is now part of Ilocos Norte and was then called by its ancient name Samtoy (from the phrase “sao ditoy, which in Ilokano meant “our dialect) and the inhabitants built their villages in small bays on coves called “looc” in the local dialect. The natives by the coast were referred to as “Ylocos” which meant “from the lowlands” (the “Igorots” of the Cordilleras on the other hand meant “from the highlands”). Subsequently, the Spaniards called the region “Ylocos” or “Ilocos” and its people “Ilocanos."

Ilocos Norte

St. Augustine Church, Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte which is famous for its natural and cultural scenery, is located at the northernmost tip of Luzon. It’s a favorite destination of many foreign and local tourists for its wealth of attractions. The capital of Laoag City features the Sinking Belltower, which has sunk to the ground because of its weight. Its half buried entrance once allowed a man on horseback to enter. Beside the Cathedral of St. William is the plazacomplex with its historical Abolition of the Tobacco Monopoly Monument, Ilocos Norte Capitol, and the Ilocandia Museum. The La Paz and Suba sand dunes are favorite movie settings ranging from classic local films such as Nora Aunor’s Himala to Hollywood gems like Tom Cruises Born On The Fourth of July.

Davao City

Davao City Hall

Davao City is Mindanao’s premier city and the gateway to the region’s attractions. At 244,000 hectares, it is the world’s largest city in terms of land area; its boundaries encompass commercial areas as well as beaches, mountains, and forests. The city was developed during the early 1900s when Japanese migrants set up plantations along its shores, taking advantage of the rich volcanic soil. Nowadays, Davao is considered as one of Asia’s best cities; its been rated by some regional publications as one of the most livable cities in the region. It’s also blessed by a mild climate that’s rarely affected by typhoons.

Situated beside Davao Gulf, the city is dominated by the Philippines’ highest mountain, 2954-meter-high Mount Apo. The dormant volcano is home to tribes such as the Bagobo, Manobo. Mandya and B’laan, and its fertile, cool foothills are covered with plantations of exotic fruits like durian, marang and pomelos as well as numerous flower farms. The exceptional waling-waling orchid is grown here. Mount Apo is actually a national park area, and the sight of its bewildering array of flora, captivates many mountaineers ranging from impressive mahogany trees to strange lichen formations.

Cebu

Mactan International Airport

Cebu is an hour's flight away from Manila. Cebu is a long narrow island stretching 225 kilometers from north to south. It is surrounded by 167 neighboring smaller islands, that includes Mactan Island, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango, and the Camotes Islands.

Cebu City, its capital, also known as the Queen City of the South, is the oldest and second most important city in terms of business and tourism in the country. Cebu’s top tourist draws are its world-class beach resorts. Metropolitan Cebu is also composed of the adjoining cities of Mandaue and Lapu-lapu. Cebu is the Country’s oldest Spanish settlement, dating from 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi established a permanent habitation first known as Santissimo Nobre de Jesus. It was actually the capital of the new city of Manila, was established in Luzon in 1517.

There are many places of interest in Cebu City. One is “Magellan's Cross” which was named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who came to Cebu in the early 1500s. Pieces of the original cross are believed to be encased in the present cross. The monument is just across the street from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. It used to be the only Catholic Basilica in East Asia. The basilica houses the famous “Santo Niño” the patron saint of the Cebuanos. Other historical relics are Fort San Pedro and Colon Street, the oldest in the country.

Cavite

Cavite is revered as the birthplace of the Republic. Many of the events associated with the Philippine Revolution occurred here. At Kawit is the balcony of the Aguinaldo Mansion, where the Independence of the Philippines was proclaimed on June l2, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo. The first president of the ill-fated Philippine Republic, the General’s house is now a national shrine featuring mementoes of Aguinaldo.

Tejeros between Rosario and General Trias was the site of a convention of leading revolutionaries, which included Andres Bonifacio. Markers recall battles at Binakayan and Alapan (where the Filipino flag was first unfurled).

Baguio

Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, is situated 1,500 meters above sea level. It is one of the few places in the Philippines with a cool climate. It’s always eight degrees cooler in Baguio than in the lowlands. Baguio was developed during the early 1900s by American colonial officials who sought for a mountain retreat away from the heat of Manila. One little known fact is that the original city plan was modeled by architect Daniel Burnham after that of Washington D.C. Its name derives from bagyiw, an Ibaloi word for a moss that grew in the mountains’ damp, swampy areas.

Along Marcos Highway leading to Baguio is Marcos Park with its enormous concrete bust of the former president. Jutting out of take mountainside within viewing distance of motorists, the bust was said to be the first in a series of busts memorializing he different presidents of the Philippines. Unfortunately, portions of the bust were blown up a few days before New Year’s Day of 2003.

Aklan

Kalibo Airport

Aklan is a 45 minutes flight from Manila. By sea it takes 14 to 18 hours from Manila. Aklan encompasses the northwestern portion of Panay Island and nearby Boracay Island, both situated within the Visayas island group and having an estimated land area of 181,789 hectares


Aklan has two of the most famous tourist attractions in the Philippines: Boracay and the Ati-Atihan Festival. Seven-kilometer long Boracay is rated as one of the best beaches of the world. Only one kilometer across at its narrowest point, its legendary white sand stretches can be found in several beaches, the most famous of which is the 4 kilometer long White Beach. Other beaches include Yapak, Manoc-Manoc, Bulabog, Diniwid and Puka Shell.

Boracay’s numerous accommodations range from the most luxurious to the most basic. Other island attractions include the famous Rock along White Beach, the so-called Bat Caves, and Crocodile Island. Caticlan in Malay is the jump-off point to this island paradise. The capital of Kalibo holds the Ati-atihan every third week of January. Celebrated in honor of the Santo Niño, the feast originated from a legendary event held by the Atis, the province’s original inhabitants. Places of interest also include the Museo Aklan, black-sand Busuang Beach, and the revolutionary 19 Martyrs of Aklan Freedom Shrine.

Philippines: The Heart of Asia

People

As the world’s third largest English-speaking nation, Filipinos are known to have excellent communication skills. They will easily understand and address any of your needs and concerns, since they are very fluent in English.

A multicultural race, Filipinos have a high respect for culture and can relate to anyone, regardless of color, gender or age. They are known worldwide for their friendliness and hospitality.

In fact, about 30,000 Filipino healthcare professionals deployed yearly in over 130 different countries—proof that they are always in demand in hospitals and medical centers around the world for their positive attitude and high level of competence.

Doing Business in Philippines

Who may invest?

Anyone, regardless of nationality, is welcome to invest in the Philippines. With the liberalization of the foreign investment law, 100% foreign equity may be allowed in all areas of investment except those reserved for Filipinos by mandate of the Philippine Constitution and existing laws..

What requirements must be complied with before a foreign corporation can do business in the Philippines?
A foreign corporation must first secure the necessary licenses or registrations from the appropriate government bodies. In the case of corporations or partnerships, the necessary incorporation papers from the Securities and Exchange Commission must first be obtained. In the case of single proprietorship, registration from the Bureau of Trade Regulation & Consumer Protection of the Department of Trade and Industry must be secured.

Say 'I do' in Cebu

The Queen City of the South is fast becoming an ideal wedding destination

If before, Manila was the only place being considered by foreign travelers visiting the Philippines, Cebu now comes to their mind, especially when looking for the country’s most important wedding—and honeymoon—destination.

“For those who look for diverse locations, Cebu is the destination of choice,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Cebu/Region VII director Rica Bueno told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview. “There is a variety of themes and venues available [here]—from heritage-inspired, island or beach, laid-back garden reception, or a ballroom in a fine hotel. Cebu is also an ideal jumpoff point for island-hopping in the Visayas for adventurous couples.”

The  DOT has been promoting Cebu—apart from Boracay and Palawan—as a primary wedding destination for foreign tourists looking to have exotic weddings outside their home countries.

Philippine National Hero

Jose Rizal: A Biographical Sketch

JOSE RIZAL, the national hero of the Philippines and pride of the Malayan race, was born on June 19, 1861, in the town of Calamba, Laguna. He was the seventh child in a family of 11 children (2 boys and 9 girls). Both his parents were educated and belonged to distinguished families.

His father, Francisco Mercado Rizal, an industrious farmer whom Rizal called "a model of fathers," came from Biñan, Laguna; while his mother, Teodora Alonzo y Quintos, a highly cultured and accomplished woman whom Rizal called "loving and prudent mother," was born in Meisic, Sta. Cruz, Manila. At the age of 3, he learned the alphabet from his mother; at 5,

Philippine Food

Philippine Food

(Excerpted from The Food of the Philippines: Authentic Recipes from the Pearl of the Orient. Text and recipes by Reynaldo G. Alejandro. Introductory articles by Doreen G. Fernandez, Corazon S. Alvina, and Millie Reyes.)

The Philippines country culture starts in a tropical climate divided into rainy and dry seasons and an archipelago with 7,000 islands.These isles contain the Cordillera mountains; Luzon's central plains; Palawan's coral reefs; seas touching the world's longest discontinuous coastline; and a multitude of lakes, rivers, springs, and brooks.

Philippines Eagle

The Philippine eagle is one of the largest and most endangered eagles in the world. The raptor is currently documented on just four Philippine islands—Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar. Scientists estimate that perhaps only a few hundred pairs remain in the wild.

With a wingspan of nearly seven feet and a weight of up to 14 pounds, the species, Pithecophaga jefferyi, casts an impressive shadow as it soars through its rain forest home. Its long tail helps it skillfully maneuver while hunting for its elusive prey, like flying lemurs or palm civets.

100 Best Things About Being Pinoy

FROM the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSA Revolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on. Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They're the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over this Centennial-crazed country and in no particular order, are a hundred of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.

1. Merienda. Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?
2. Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo't calamansi, suka at sili, patis.
3. Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want.

Boracay Island Philippines

Boracay Philippines

"finest beach in the world"

It is seven km long and one km width at its narrowest point, is situated off the northwest corner of the island of Panay, and lies in the Western Visayas island-group, or Region 6, of the Philippines. In Boracay, there are three villages or barangays, Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-Manoc.Yapak is generally hilly but there are roughly beautiful beaches such as Ilig-Iligan, Pukashell and Balinhai beach.Balabag is the central part of the island and the virtually popular place is White Beach. Half of the residents live in a quiet place Manoc-Manoc.

Boracay is a beautiful small island surrounded by coral reefs and located one km north-west of Panay island in Visayas of the Philippines. It is the most popular beach in the country as the most visited tourist spot in the Philippines. Before the middle of 1980s, it was a famous hidden resort but known to limited numbers of sea lovers. Now many tourists visit there from all over the world, America, Europe, korea, Taiwan and so on. The climate from March to June are the summer months in Boracay, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius. November to February bring enjoyable winds, cooler temperatures, and occasional rain showers. July to October are the rainy months.

Top 5 Best Destinations in the Philippines

One of the biggest archipelagos in the world, a true natural wonder, Philippines is the most sought after tourist destinations; over 7000 islands are attracting people all over the world by their unique flora and fauna as well as magnificent landscapes, amazing beaches and distinctive local people, that what makes these islands a real must-see corner of the world. This article presents you top 5 destinations in the Philippines.

Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu is a beautiful inland sea on the island of Mindanao, the most Southern Island of the Philippines. This lake is located in the southern Tiruray Highlands at an altitude of almost 300m (984ft). Lake Sebu is surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains and is home to the T'boli, a highland tribe famous for their colourful costumes, complicated beadwork, woven work and brass ornaments. The Ubos, or Tasaday, also live in the region, they are a cave-dwelling and primitive, stone-age tribe that lived in isolation in high caves of the primary rain forest area. Another tribe, the Tirurays, are divided into coastal, river and mountain groups. Tirurays who live in the mountains still live in their traditional way. The area of Lake Sebu is recognized as the T'boli and Ubo ancestral domain.

Lake Sebu actually consists of three adjacent mountain lakes wich will instantly capture the heart of nature lovers. Lake Sebu is the largest among the three lakes. Lake Siluton, the deepest and Lahit the smallest. These placid lakes are found in the middle of Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve which is used for fish farming or Tilapia Culture, duck raising and the harvesting of freshwater shrimps and snails. More than one half of the land around the lake is cultivated for agriculture. The lake also irrigates the fertile Allah Valley, the area surrounding Lake Sebu has many small streams, rivers, springs and creeks. Local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up. The watershed of Lake Sebu is recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the Philippines and is proclaimed as a Protected Landscape. 

Bohol: Philippines

Chocolate Hills

Bohol, a small island in central Philippines, is known for the famous and only Chocolate Hills. One of the most popular tourist spots in the country. It is true however, that when most people think of Bohol, almost nothing comes to mind. You might be surprised who is more than the usual tourist spot and there are more to explore and see in this island that the formations of limestone hills.

Bohol is home to the shores of pristine beach. Panglao Island, just minutes from the capital Tagbilaran, is increasingly gaining more popularity among local and foreign tourists as a relaxed and tranquil beach destination alternative to Boracay.

But if you're the type who is not satisfied with having a bath in water and taking in spectacular views overlooking the sea, Bohol certainly not disappoint. Divers have more than enough options for sites of world class diving around the island. Colorful coral reefs and rich marine life will surely satisfy all types of browsers, from beginner to expert divers divers.

Another popular attraction is the dolphins and whales. Pamilacan Island is home to the best observers who organize these tours. Most ancient hunters who joined the dolphin and whale show after the Philippine government banned the killing of these marine mammals.