january-2011

trip journal
PHILIPPINES
COTABATO
AREA CODE (64)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a taxi at the airport
for PHP100–200. When in the city, you can get
around by tricycle, jeepney or even hail a cab
as there are a few taxis that make the rounds of
the town.
BY DAY Take a tour inside the majestic People’s
Palace Compound, have fun at the Lourdes Grotto,
a mini zoo and park that’s only a 10-minute drive
from the city proper, or shop and dine at MC
Square, beside the New People’s Palace.
BY NIGHT Sing your heart out, drink, play
billiards and chill at the Bull Winkle Bar, just along
the National Highway. Or dance to the latest beats
during Café Florencio’s “Disco Nights”, which
happens every Sunday.
SLEEP El Manuel is a budget-friendly hotel with
rates that include breakfast for two, Wi-Fi and access
to the swimming pool. Its proximity to a mall is also
a plus. Quezon Ave, Cotabato City.
Haliman
Kimanao
Satol
OIC, public info
off ice
BEST SOUVENIRS Cotabato
City is known for fresh shrimps and
crabs at very reasonable prices.
BEST BUYS Take home these
Muslim delicacies: dudol, tinagtag
and bulua.
BEST FESTIVAL Watch street
dancing and the historic Ginakit
fl uvial parade during the culmination
day of the Shariff Kabunsuan.
DID D YOU
KKNOW?
{ 102 }
LESTER LEDESMA
PHILIPPINES
OZAMIZ
AREA CODE (88)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN The Ozamiz City Airport is in
Gango. You will need to take a taxi and the ride
will set you back PHP60. Within the city, it’s
only PHP6 to go anywhere. Get around town by
trisikad (bicycle with a sidecar).
BY DAY Opt to do a relaxing activity, stroll along
the beach in Cotta and pay homage to the image
of The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. The
image is believed to be miraculously growing, and
has been the object of pilgrimages.
BY NIGHT Check out the newly opened Moon
Café, the best Mexican-inspired restaurant
in town. It’s got good food, great ambience,
affordable prices and excellent service. It’s a good
place to make new acquaintances.
SLEEP Royal Garden Hotel has newly renovated
rooms with affordable rates. Pay PHP795 a night
for a single with breakfast and Wi-Fi access.
Tel: (88) 521 2888
Maria Fe
Tampipi
customer relations
off icer
BEST BREAKFAST The Kings
Breakfast at La Veranda, located
inside the Royal Garden Hotel.
BEST SOUVENIRS The Suman
Center in Clarin sells plain suman
and suman laced with chocolate.
INSIDER TIP Always wear a
smile! Ozamiznons are friendly
people and they will be more than
glad to show you around town.
When in Ozamiz, a visit to Dolphin
Island is a must.