december-2011

LESTER LEDESMA
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
TACLOBAN
AREA CODE (53)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport to the downtown
area, a van (PHP300) is most convenient as it will
drop you off at your hotel. There are multi-cabs,
jeepneys and tricycles too. You can also hire a car
for longer stays.
BY DAY Wear your explorer’s hat and take a
road trip! Tacloban is near numerous historical
landmarks such as the MacArthur Memorial Park
in Palo, and natural wonders like the magnifi cent
Sohoton Caves in Basey.
BY NIGHT Enjoy a good dinner at San Pedro Bay
Marina. The delicious food, as well as the great
view, will defi nitely leave a lasting impression.
Don’t forget to visit the San Juanico Bridge at
night. The view is simply spectacular.
SLEEP The Leyte Park Hotel along Magsaysay
Boulevard is highly accessible and close to almost
all business establishments, making it a practical
place to stay in. www.leyteparkhotel.com.ph
{ 208 }
Christopher
D. Geli
architect
BEST BREAKFAST Hotel
Alejandro’s Café Teresa serves a
variety of Filipino favorites.
INSIDER TIP Check out the
Tacloban Facebook page for the
latest events and things to do.
LOCAL SPEAK “Marisyo an
ak pag-ukoy dinhi! Mabalik ako!”
translates to “I had fun staying here!
I’ll be back!”
WALTER VILLA
PHILIPPINES
TAGBILARAN
AREA CODE (38)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.20)
TOUCHDOWN The airport is within the city, and
there are plenty of tricycles at PHP6 for a ride.
For trips to nearby towns, there are vans and taxis
for hire. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to
Panglao Island as traffi c jams are rare.
BY DAY Visit the Baclayon Church, one of the
oldest coral churches in Asia. Have lunch onboard
the Loboc River Cruise and enjoy live music. Or
relax to a full body massage at the Bohol Bee
Farm for only PHP500.
BY NIGHT Have dinner and drinks at the Aplaya
Bar and Restaurant in Bluewater Panglao Beach
Resort. Ask Chef Jet to surprise your palate with a
concoction not listed on the menu. But whatever’s
there is really good too.
SLEEP Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort has a
spa, two swimming pools, deluxe rooms and villas
which are spacious and beautifully designed.
www.bluewater.com.ph
Inna
Angeles
business owner
BEST DINNER Amorita Resort
comes highly recommended as a
go-to dinner place when in Panglao.
MUST-TRY Snorkeling and
diving at the Marine Sanctuary, and
the new Loboc Zipline Adventure.
BEST SOUVENIRS Various
spreads from the Bohol Bee Farm:
pesto, malunggay, honey and
coriander