april-2012

PHILIPPINES
ILOILO
AREA CODE (33)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are taxi services available
from PHP300 upwards. You can also hire
metered cabs right outside the airport. It’s a 30- to
45-minute ride to the city. Within the city, there
are tricycles and jeepneys.
BY DAY Iloilo is famous for its batchoy and kansi
(bone marrow soup). But you also have to try a
seafood meal at Breakthrough, where you can
buy lobsters for a song. When you’ve had your fi ll,
visit attractions like the Miagao Church.
BY NIGHT There are lots of places to choose
from. Need a drink? Get a tequila or margarita at
The Tijuana Bar, or a beer at Below Zero. Feel like
having fun? Dance the night away at The Flow, a
hip party place.
SLEEP Sarabia Manor offers complete comfort.
It is about 40 minutes from the airport and 15
minutes from the seaports. Rooms are a bit pricey,
but worth it. www.sarabiamanorhotel.com
Toots B.
Jimenez, Jr.
PR publicist
BEST DINNER Ponsyon
Restaurant by Breakthrough, capped off
with red wine at Henry’s Wines.
BEST BUYS Pasalubong by Merci,
and sweet mangoes from Guimaras
Island and Leon town.
INSIDER TIP Present your travel
ticket at any Merci Branch to get 10
percent off Merci Pasalubong Products.
www.merci.com.ph
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CATICLAN (BORACAY)
AREA CODE (36)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Take a short tricycle ride to the
Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, board a banca
that will transport you to Boracay Island. The
main mode of transport is the tricycle, and it is
cheap and plentiful.
BY DAY Ariel’s Point is, by far, a favorite excursion
in Boracay. They take you on a boat to a nearby
island, where you can dive from platforms and
cliffs at 10 to 30m. Tickets can be purchased at
Ariel’s House at the Boracay Beach Club.
BY NIGHT There’s so much to do when the sun
goes down. One cool spot is Nigi Nigi Too, where
you can dine on the beach; the food is great. The
hospitable owner also walks around offering shots
on the house.
SLEEP The Residencia Boracay on Station 1 has
the ideal serene beachfront location, and it’s only
a short walk to Willy’s Rock and to Stations 2 and
3. reservations@residenciaboracay.com
Dennise
Abad-Allred
events director
BEST DINNER Veer away from
international cuisines and enjoy the
local fare at Nigi Nigi Too.
BEST BUYS Trinkets and souvenir
items at D’Mall. You’ll see clothes, food,
hats, everything you need.
INSIDER TIP If you want to relax
and need a bit of peace and quiet, stay
in Station 1, where it’s less crowded and
more serene.
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PHILIPPINES
KALIBO
LESTER LEDESMA
AREA CODE (36)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN The best way to get to the city
center from the airport is by tricycle — it’s cheap
and the Kalibo version is larger than the ones in
Manila. It can accommodate six adults, including
the driver.
BY DAY For nature lovers, visit the Bakhawan Eco
Park and see the beautiful mangroves. Also check
out the scenic and beautiful Mabilo Beach, as well
as Miggy’s Secret Garden. For history buffs, head
to the Kalibo Museum for more of Aklan’s past.
BY NIGHT Hear mass at the Kalibo Cathedral on
Sunday evening. For those who want to relax,
Abregana Resto Bar has a live acoustic band and
you can have a bottle of cold beer. There are good
eats in Taft St., which open at around 7pm.
SLEEP Experience the nice ambience of the
Kalibo Queens Inn Hotel at Toting Reyes St.,
where you can get a good night’s sleep. Tel: +63
(36) 262 5788
Mc Heincyr
Yatar
Malonesio
graduating student
BEST SOUVENIRS Exotic items
and other native products at the Dela
Cruz House of Piña.
BEST DINNER Enjoy a delicious
dinner at the Café Latte Restaurant with
friends and family.
BEST FESTIVAL Witness the
world-famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival
during the third week of January. It’s
a must.