april-2012

PHILIPPINES
DUMAGUETE
AREA CODE (35)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are taxis to help you get
around the city, as well as jeepneys and pedicabs
(which are powered by a bicycle). Once in town,
you can also rent a motorbike — a really fun way
to get to where you need to go.
BY DAY Pack a picnic basket, a blanket, and rent
a motorbike to get to Forest Camp in Valencia. If
you prefer to be by the sand and sea, hop on a
ferry to nearby Apo Island for great diving, or book
a tour to see the dolphins on the coast of Bais.
BY NIGHT By nightfall, much of the city’s activity
is concentrated along Rizal Blvd., the smaller,
quainter version of Roxas Blvd. Enjoy an evening
stroll or pick a spot on the breakwater from which
to view the silhouette of Siquijor island.
SLEEP Stay in RM Guest House along the
North National Highway cor. East Rovira Rd.
in Bantayan (tel: +63 35 422 4000), or La
Residencia Hotel (tel: +63 35 225 7100).
Claude M.
Ramos II
marketing specialist
BEST BREAKFAST Sweet suman
budbud with tsokolate in the market or
Mamias (which has a great view)
BEST DINNER Tasty chicken at
Golden Roys, and most of the dishes at
Sta. Teresa Restaurant
INSIDER TIP Dumaguete is a
small, laid back university town, so be
sure to wear comfortable clothes and
shoes for going around
DID D YOU
KKNOW?
HERSLEY VEN CASERO
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
BACOLOD
AREA CODE (34)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$.02)
TOUCHDOWN One arrives in Negros through
the Bacolod-Silay airport in Silay City. That’s
about 15km northeast of Bacolod City, or about a
30-minute drive if there are no traffi c jams. There
are plenty of tricycles.
BY DAY Those who like history should visit the
Bacolod Plaza Complex or Bacolod Public Plaza.
The San Sebastian Cathedral and the Unknown
Soldiers Monument is found here amid the
gazebos and fountains.
BY NIGHT You may not fi nd the typical nightlife
you’re used to in Bacolod. So just opt for dinner;
all restaurants in the city are known for their
diverse menus, from native to exotic, from casual
to fi ne dining.
SLEEP L’ Fisher Hotel along Lacson St. is an ideal
location to stay. It is just 30 minutes away from
the airport and fi ve minutes away from downtown.
lfi sherhotel@yahoo.com, lfi sherhotelbacolod.com
BEST BREAKFAST Any
restaurant that serves danggit, tomato,
indigenous sinamak, and plain red rice.
MUST-TRY The evolution of the
Pasalubong Centers led by Merci is a
shopping experience in itself.
INSIDER TIP Present your travel
ticket at any Merci Branch for a 10
percent discount on Merci Pasalubong
Products. www.merci.com.ph
{ 151 }
Gil Alfredo
B. Severino
writer
Head to Bais from Dumaguete for
some dolphin and whale watching.
JAMES BETIA