Travel to the Philippines

The Philippines is located west of the Pacific Ocean and is one of the countries in the continent of Asia. Its location and landscape, all makes up for a unique tropical weather ideal for a holiday during the colder months. The country boasts of pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters that are safe for swimming, surfing and a whole lot of water sports.

First time visitors to the Philippines should immediately head to Palawan’s Tubbataha Reef located southwest of Luzon. It’s been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site title and features colorful underwater life forms, both fish and corals, surrounded by unique landforms. The location of the reef also has interesting overhangs, caves and a nearby bird sanctuary.

If you happen to visit the Philippines during the summer months, then the trip won’t be complete without seeing Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills. Observing from an elevated spot, you’d be amazed to see a thousand of perfectly cone shaped hills that looks almost like mounds of chocolate under the summer heat. In addition, the island also features interesting forest animals that can only be found in the country.

Also located on the island of Bohol is Panglao Beach. It offers sandy white beaches and unspoiled beauty being discovered only in the recent years. The beach also has a diving spot for the more
adventurous traveler.

Other destinations suited for the type of traveler looking for adrenalin pumping activities are the islands of Leyte and Samar. The Red Sea at Palo, Leyte offers strong winds for wind surfing. The waves in Calicoan, Samar on the other hand, are ideal for surf boards. The island faces the Pacific Ocean so it benefits from gigantic waves very much suited for surfing.

Aside from beaches, the Philippines also offers tourists interesting land forms and Mt. Apo which is located in Davao City, Mindanao is one of them. It’s the highest peak in the country. A climb up will take a few days and is best done during the months of April and May. During the climb, you’ll definitely see a lot of interesting things: unique flora and fauna, a lake with cold and hot water, and if you’re lucky, may site majestic [endangered] eagles gracing the sky. At the top, the view is just fabulous and breathtakingly beautiful.

The country also boasts to have the 4th largest mall in the world-SM Mall of Asia. It is located in the country’s capital and offers a wide array of shops, restaurants and cafes. Aside from shopping, you can also entertain yourself with one of the daily shows or the weekly fireworks just in front of the bay and esplanade.

Photo sources: Chocolate Hills-Wikipedia, Wind Surfer-taken by author at Palo Beach December 2008, 4 pm

[Staying at the] Mabuhay Manor

The Mabuhay Manor is the first balikbayan hotel in the Metropolis of Manila. Being centrally located, they are very much ideal for Filipino families going to and from countries abroad looking for an accessible place to stay that has a touch of home.  But whether you're a Filipino returning home or a holidaymaker in this country, Mabuhay Manor will definitely welcome you with a kind of hospitality that stays true to Filipino culture. 

Guests are offered plenty of accommodation choices at the Mabuhay Manor, from affordable to luxury suites suited for any group size or budget. Choices available are deluxe, premium and superior rooms; and manor, executive, junior and team suites. But whatever accommodation package a guests chooses, they will be assured of a vacation in comfort and style. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, modern facilities, phone, a mini fridge, and a television for entertainment. In addition, guests can have rooms serviced daily and their laundry done.

Every morning, guests will wake up to a hearty meal at the breakfast room. A wide array of cuisines is available, from Filipino, English to Mediterranean. Guests are simply given plenty of choices at the Mabuhay Manor. For lunch and dinner, guests can dine at the lobby restaurant or at the Sutukil which features three favorite Filipino [seafood] dishes: sinugba (grilled), tinola(a savoury soup with seafood) and kinilaw(very fresh seafood with spices drenched in vinegar).

Mabuhay Manor values the safety of every guest and offers various services at the business center. For those in need of currency exchange,  a representative can be arranged to be at the hotel so guests are assured of secured transactions. Complimentary safety deposit boxes and internet access are also available at the lobby. In addition, guests can make use of the hotel’s car services or request for a taxi at the front door when touring the metropolis.

Aside from these amenities, Mabuhay Manor also offers a few entertainment facilities. The swimming pool located at the back is suitable for a whole day of family fun and recreation. Otherwise, guests can enjoy a game of chess, dama or the traditional sungka at the lobby. Other facilities and amenities include a prayer house, tour desk and airline ticket booking services.

Disclaimer: Author does not represent Mabuhay Manor in any way. Review and accommodation description is based on author’s stay at this hotel.