january-2011

PHILIPPINES
LAOAG
AREA CODE (77)
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a van, a jeepney
or a tricycle from the Laoag airport to get to your
destination in town. However, an eco-friendly
means of getting around the city is the kalesa or
horse-drawn carriage.
BY DAY The Laoag sand dunes don’t just offer a
breathtaking view — they are now a playground
for thrill-seekers. Try sand-boarding and offroading
which is offered by the LEAD movement.
www.leadmovement.wordpress.com
BY NIGHT Bistro 51 is a great place for a night out
with friends. Start off with dinner and then stay on
for drinks. Must-tries on the menu are the Bistro
51 Special Salad, Burger Bites and Tricia’s Knock
Out Punch.
SLEEP Stay at Balay da Blas Pensionne House
to experience authentic Ilocano hospitality. Quaint
and quiet, it’s away from the noise but still close to
the heart of the city. www.balaydablas.com
Veronique
Tan
blogger/student
BEST DINNER Fort Ilocandia’s
Red 8 Asian Restaurant has the best
Peking duck and dim sum.
LOCAL SPEAK Try saying
“Naimbag nga aldaw yu apo” to
locals — it means “good day”.
MUST TRY Sample Laoag’s
sweet empanada on Primo
Lazaro Street. Instead of the usual
longganisa, a sweet meat is used.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
CLARK
AREA CODE (45)
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TOUCHDOWN From Diosdado Macapagal
International Airport (DMIA), you can take a taxi, a
bus or a 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 Unknown to many, the northern portion
of Clark, which is surrounded by Aeta villages,
is accessible to the public but it’s advisable to go
with a tour guide. Pocket waterfalls supply cold
water from the mountain. Have a dip!
BY NIGHT Clark nightlife is dead apart from
the casinos. But outside Clark, the bars that
were once fi lled with American GI’s, remain,
frequented by retirees. Check out authentic Indian,
Mediterranean and American restaurants.
SLEEP Hotel Vida, the newest hotel in Clark is a
modern, tropical-inspired hotel with comfortable
rooms. It’s suited for both family vacations and
business engagements. www.hotelvidaclark.com
MUST DO The Mt Pinatubo scenic
tour from Omni Aviation or the Hot Air
Balloon Festival in February.
BEST BUYS Tibuk-tibuk dessert or
the original Kapampangan sisig. Better
yet, why not try both?
INSIDER TIP Avoid the mall.
The restaurants on Fields Avenue
are the best — good enough for
celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.
{ 87 }
Jose
Antonio
Narciso
school
administrator
LESTER LEDESMA
PHILIPPINES
LEGAZPI
AREA CODE (52)
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02
TOUCHDOWN Tricycles and vans are available
to take you in and around Legazpi. From the
airport, you can also easily hire a taxi to take you
and your luggage into the city proper or directly to
your hotel or inn.
BY DAY Wake up your body with an early
morning workout! Burn some calories and jog to
Lignon Hill Nature Park for breathtaking views of
the city and of Mayon Volcano. You can also try
the zipline.
BY NIGHT The Embarcadero de Legazpi is
the city’s newest nightspot. A major waterfront
development at the harbor area of Legazpi City
adjacent to the alluring Kapuntukan Hill, it is
perfect for dining out.
SLEEP Hotel Venezia has a wide range of
accommodations, and is very near the Legazpi
City Airport. Capt F Aquende drive, Tel: +63 (52)
481 0877 / 481 0888. www.hotelvenezia.com.ph
Martina
Carmela
Busalla
educator
BEST DESSERT Try Albay
Pilinut’s mazapan de pili. Great for
those with a sweet tooth!
MUST DO Explore the lava trail
at the foot of Mayon volcano on an
all terrain vehicle (ATV).
BEST SOUVENIRS Chili
pepper keychains and wacky,
trick shots taken by the locals at
Cagsawa Ruins.