april-2012

PHILIPPINES
VIRAC
AREA CODE (86)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Jeepneys and buses ply the
main thoroughfares of Catanduanes. Tricycles are
also a popular means of transport. On the other
hand, most hotels in the area can arrange for your
pick-up from the airport.
BY DAY Set out to Baras where Puraran Beach
Resort is, and surf on its great waves. You can also
visit Twin Rock Beach Resort for other activities
like zip lining, wall climbing and kayaking. Ask the
staff for other things to keep you on the go.
BY NIGHT Unwind and have a light beer at
Seabreeze Resto with your friends. The place is
known for its relaxing and romantic ambience.
It’s actually even perfect for a night out with your
loved one.
SLEEP Kemji Resort in San Isidro Vill. has a
swimming pool and Wi-Fi access for those
who want to keep in touch. Even better, it is just
walking distance from the airport.
Priscilla
Milagrosa
former customer
service agent
BEST DINNER Try kaldereta —
one of the all-time favorite dishes of
Pinoys — from Sandy’s Blossoms.
BEST SOUVENIRS Pili nuts
and abaca-made products like bags
and slippers.
LOCAL SPEAK Always fi nish your
phrases with “tabi.” It shows everyone
that you’re a nice and considerate
person.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CATARMAN
AREA CODE (55)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles are just a few steps
away from the arrival hall of the airport. A
15-minute ride takes you to Catarman proper
for PHP10 per passenger. Pay PHP60 to rent a
private tricycle.
BY DAY The best way to experience Catarman is
to explore its respective barangays. Go around the
area and discover the many enchanting falls and
dams. Try kayaking at Macagtas Dam, surfi ng at
UEP White Beach, and hiking the mountains.
BY NIGHT Take a stroll along undisturbed
highways during full moon, and feel the mountain
breeze while you smell the natural aroma of rice
fi elds along the way. Enjoy your night with a
sizzling dinner at The Nest.
SLEEP Just 20 minutes away from the airport is
Bobon Beach Resort on Dancalan Beach. They
have an in-site dive school so you can try out
diving. bobonbeachresort.com
Rensis Noel
Ragasa
geographic
information system
specialist
BEST BREAKFAST Dried fi sh
with fried rice and tsokalate at the UEP
White Beach Resort during sunrise.
BEST SOUVENIRS Minoron, pili,
and other handwoven and crafted items
in front of the Catarman Airport.
LOCAL SPEAK Greet the locals
with “Maupay nga Aga” (“good
morning”) or “Maupay na Gab-I”
(“good evening”).
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NELSON PETILLA
PHILIPPINES
LEGAZPI
AREA CODE (52)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles and vans are available
to take you in and around Legazpi. From the
airport, you can easily hire a taxi to take you
to the city proper or directly to your hotel
or inn.
BY DAY Have an early morning jog at the
“Boulevard,” a long path beside the Pacifi c Ocean.
It offers a stunning view of Mt. Mayon and the
Sleeping Lion Hill. The toasted siopao from The
Siopao Center makes a great snack.
BY NIGHT Hang out by the Embarcadero de
Legazpi as the sun sets against the majestic Mt.
Mayon, and see the ships quietly docking at the
nearby port. Have dinner or a cup of coffee in one
of the restaurants.
SLEEP Hotel St. Ellis has elegantly furnished
rooms. It is located along Rizal St., which is within
walking distance to shopping malls and other
establishments. www.hotelstellis-legaspi.com
Aissa G.
Aurellano
government
lawyer
MUST-TRY Don’t fail to visit the
Cagsawa Ruins for a great view of Mt.
Mayon and the stone church.
INSIDER TIP Get what you need
much faster by calling everyone
“manoy” (“kuya”) or “manay” (“ate”).
LOCAL SPEAK To be polite and
to show respect, always end your
sentence with “tabi,” which means
“please”.
LESTER LEDESMA