april-2012

PHILIPPINES
DIPOLOG
AREA CODE (65)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are tricycles as well as
single motorcycle services from the airport to
the city. The fare is negotiable, ranging from
PHP10–30. Once in the city, tricycles will be your
main means of transport.
BY DAY Climb the 3,003 steps to Linabo Peak for
a cardio workout and a bird’s-eye view of Dipolog
City, Sulu Sea and the neighboring towns. Go
island hopping in the summer; if you’re lucky you
might even see dolphins around the boat.
BY NIGHT Get a ringside view of the famous
sunset from Dipolog Blvd. as you enjoy the fresh
sea breeze. Enjoy a relaxing walk and try local
street food, such as balut and green mangoes
with bagoong.
SLEEP West End Court along Echavez St. is
ideally situated a few blocks from the boulevard
and the commercial area and restaurants. www.
thewestendcourt.com
Mario Dandi
Romano
president,
Caff einated
Photographers
BEST DINNER Buridon, osso buco,
and pizza Roma at UrChoice Bistro
Café.
BEST SOUVENIRS Go to the gift
shop at Cathy’s Bakeshop for a variety
of products.
BEST FESTIVALS The P’gsalabuk
Festival is a must-see. The term
“P’gsalabuk” means “gathering” for the
early tribal settlers.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
PAGADIAN
AREA CODE (62)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles are the main means of
transport around the city. What’s more, Pagadian’s
tricycles are unique: they’re inclined at a 25˚ to
40˚ angle, which allows them to negotiate the
exceptionally hilly terrain.
BY DAY The City Commercial Center Mall or C3
(owned by the city government) is a one-stop
shop of various stores and food chains. Take
a mountain ride to Mt. Palpalan and see a
spectacular 360° view of the city center.
BY NIGHT One must-see is the Las Vegasinspired
Dancing Fountain at 6pm in the City
Plaza. Visit the Night Market and sample the food
at various barbecue stands. Have a taste of local
Filipino cuisines at Pinoy Grill and Django’s Grill.
SLEEP Mardale Hotel is Pagadian’s newest hotel.
The rooms start at PHP800++ a night for the
most basic room. If you want a suite, you'll pay
PHP4,000 a night. mardalehotel.com/rooms.html
{ 168 }
Feliciano S.
Ababon III
architecture
student
BEST SOUVENIRS Take a picture
of yourself riding our famous inclined
tricycles.
LOCAL SPEAK Use "Mangadto
tag ubos,” which means “Let us go
downtown.”
MUST-TRY Again, it's riding our
roller coaster-like tricycles. It is oneof-a-kind
and quite famous in the
country!
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
PHILIPPINES
TAWI-TAWI
AREA CODE (68)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN There are no cabs in Tawi-Tawi.
Tricycles are everywhere, however, especially in
Bongao, the capital. Drivers charge PHP15–20
per 5km. To visit nearby islands, rent a lantsa
(small motorboat) for about PHP100.
BY DAY Explore the area and go island hopping to
see the unspoiled powdery white sand beaches.
You will also fi nd traditional houses on stilts just
by the shore. Visit Simunul Island, the birthplace
of Islam in the Philippines.
BY NIGHT Tour the whole island by renting a
motorcycle and going around the circumferential
road of Bongao. Head to the elevated Tawi-Tawi
Provincial Capitol and get a bird’s-eye view of
Bongao’s Commercial Center.
SLEEP The fi rst hotel in Bongao, Beach Side
Inn along Suwangkagang, Pasiagan, features a
serene beach setting. It is located just across the
Simandagit Beach. Tel: +63 (68) 268 1446
Basil Sali
university
instructor
BEST BREAKFAST Start your day
with a fl aming hot satti or junay iban
itlog at Bongao Coffee Shop.
BEST BUYS First-class dried fi sh,
dried squid, and Malaysian products are
reasonably priced.
BEST DINNER Tiula itum (tausug
black soup), khulma (local curried
stew), and grilled fi sh with agar-agar at
Jenno’s Place.
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP