december-2011

EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CAUAYAN
AREA CODE (78)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$.02)
TOUCHDOWN The airport in Cauayan opened
in 2008. Upon landing, ask the Cebu Pacifi c
staff for advice regarding transport to get to your
lodgings. Buses and jeepneys travel from the
airport to town.
BY DAY Go shopping around the city and be sure
to haggle for the best price, as the majority of the
local stores there are generous in giving discounts.
Don’t forget to visit the Isabela souvenir shop,
which is located beside the City Hall.
BY NIGHT Night-time in Cauayan is not as busy
as the other cities in the metro, but you can still
fi nd good places to relax and hang out with good
friends. To rejuvenate, go to Moki Thai Massage or
check the newly opened Zen Bamboo Spa.
SLEEP Stay at The Hotel Andrea — it’s along
Canciller St at the heart of the city. Put up your
feet and enjoy a hot shower after a long day.
www.thehotelandrea.com
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Ferdie Tan
businessman
BEST BREAKFAST Aling
Luring’s sirkele, which is similar to
dinuguan but not quite.
BEST SOUVENIRS Isabela
items like the miniature botaka or
lazy chair.
LOCAL SPEAK “Mano” (How
much?), “Awan ti tawar” (No
discount?), and “Dyak ma awatan”
(I can’t understand).
PHILIPPINES
CLARK
AREA CODE (45)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From Diosdado Macapagal
International Airport (DMIA), you can take a taxi,
bus or jeep to the city. Any of these will take you
to the terminal or SM Clark. Within town, there are
cabs and jeeps. You can also hire a car or van.
BY DAY Got an adventurous spirit? Visit the
Miamit Falls and drop by the Aeta Village of
Sapang Uwak in Porac, Pampanga. Or go on a
4x4 ride at Sapang Bato and be fascinated by the
sand cliffs as you cruise along the riverbed.
BY NIGHT There are four casinos inside Clark
where one could — quite literally — spend the
night away. Enjoy the nightlife and the lights by
walking through Fields Ave, the bar and restaurant
strip along Balibago, Angeles City.
SLEEP Try Oasis Hotel along Clarkview in
Balibago. It’s one of the newest hotels, and its
amenities include a pool and a pub with live
artists. www.oasishotel.com.ph
Emmanuel
T. So
businessman
BEST DINNER C’ Italian Dining
or Sylvia’s San Fernando for the
best local food.
BEST BUYS Halo-halo at
Kabigting’s, and carabao milk-based
candies of Carreon in Magalang.
MUST-TRY Take one day to
explore and trek Mt Pinatubo
during the summer. You’ll enjoy the
experience and the views.