december-2011

PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA
AREA CODE (62)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a jeepney
(PHP7) or tricycle (PHP20–25) to the pueblo (city)
as there are only a few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car
charges a minimum of PHP150, and may be the
best way to go.
BY DAY Go shopping for cheap souvenirs at
Pasalubong in Canelar, Barter. Try Zamboanga’s
best seafood delicacies at Alavar Seafood
Restaurant. Visit Fort Pilar shrine and the National
Museum to discover the city’s Spanish heritage.
BY NIGHT Dine at Lantaka Hotel and enjoy a
sumptuous dinner overlooking the sea. Go to
Knickerbocker Glory at the Paseo del Mar for
dessert. Finally, have your night cap at the Lobby
Bar of the Garden Orchid Hotel.
SLEEP Get a good night’s sleep at Garden Orchid
Hotel along Governor Camins Ave. It is just
minutes away from the city’s international airport.
info@gardenorchidhotel.com
Kristine
Lafuente
Collado
fund accountant
BEST DINNER If you love
seafood, you shouldn’t miss the crabs
at Alavar Seafood Restaurant.
BEST SOUVENIRS Watch out
for pretty cultured pearl sets, malong
and batik.
LOCAL SPEAK Practice saying
“gracias,” which means “thank you”
and “buenas dias,” which means
“good morning.”
LESTER LEDESMA
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
GENERAL SANTOS
AREA CODE (83)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Hire a taxi at the airport for a
fl at rate (PHP300–350). If you don’t have much
luggage, a habal-habal (passenger motorbike) for
PHP100 will do. In the city, tricycles will be your
main means of getting around.
BY DAY Spend the whole day at the new Paraiso
Verde Resort & Water Park in nearby Koronadal.
Enjoy its four different world-class pools, especially
the Moby Wave Experience, and go to their Aqua
Food Court for a meal.
BY NIGHT Check out one of the favorite local
haunts, PiYESta KTV Bar & Resto. Sample its
delicious home-style food and cap your night with
a drink or two. Bring everyone along — the service
is superb.
SLEEP Stay at GenSan’s newest hotel, the Ice
Castle Experience (I.C.E.) Hotel in Provido Village
City Heights. This boutique hotel has its own
restaurant, bar and spa. frontdesk@gensanice.com
BEST DINNER Steamed crabs
at Gusteau’s or the king crabs in
coconut milk at Red Trellis.
BEST BUYS Jinkee’s Fashion
World Boutique regularly displays
items used by Jinkee Pacquiao.
INSIDER TIP Play pool at
Pacman’s Sports Bar. Who knows,
you might be lucky and even see
Manny Pacquiao here.
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Orman
Ortega
Manansala
banker