january-2011

LESTER LEDESMA
PHILIPPINES
PUERTO PRINCESA
AREA CODE (38)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Most hotels in Palawan can
arrange to have you picked up at the airport.
Tricycles to the city center cost about PHP35.
Vans are also available for hire and not too
prohibitive in cost.
BY DAY Detox with a yoga class in Bahay Kalipay
then go sailing with Gener around Honda Bay.
Gener’s on-the-spot cooking is a must to try!
Contact Gener at tel: +63 (905) 264 6377.
www.palawansailing.com
BY NIGHT Do the fi refl y cruise in Iwahig River for
an enchanted evening. You’ll be amazed at how
thousands of fi refl ies light up the dark night sky.
For a regular evening out, check out some of the
local restaurants and bars.
SLEEP Soul searchers should stay at Bahay
Kalipay, www.bahaykalipay.com. For urbanites
needing air-conditioning and TV, check into
Microtel Inn & Suites. www.microtel-palawan.com
Monica
Eleazar-
Manzano
yoga teacher
BEST BREAKFAST Bahay
Kalipay’s live food breakfast of raw
vegan food with live enzymes.
BEST DINNER La Terrasse
serves amazing cuisine in a great
ambience. It’s right by the airport.
BEST BUYS Buy wild Palawan
honey and cashew nuts for relatives
and friends from the old market
in town.
DID D YOU
KKNOW?
BOBBY TIMONERA
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
BUTUAN
AREA CODE (85)
CURRENCY PHP1 = US$0.02
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, you can hire a
taxi or a van to take you to the city proper. Once in
the city, you do as the Butuan residents do — hop
on the ubiquitous tricycle which is the main way
to get from place to place.
BY DAY Trek up Mt Mayapay, which is the
highest peak in Butuan. The majestic mountain
plateau offers visitors a breathtaking view, and
is also home to many archeological excavations
and fi nds.
BY NIGHT Enjoy dinner in a wonderful setting
at Caliente Café where they also serve the
best chocolate cake. Then head to the newlyrenovated
Moff’s Restobar where you can party
and listen to the mixes of the best DJs in Butuan.
SLEEP For luxurious rooms, book a night at
Dottie’s Place on JC Aquino Avenue. It is also a
suitable venue for big events. On the other hand,
Priscilla City Guest House is casual and cozy.
Jessica Ann
Mancao-
Magno
senior marketing
consultant
BEST BREAKFAST Priscilla’s
offers a variety of homemade food
that’s easy on the budget.
BEST BUYS For affordable buys
that are found in the heart of the
city, visit Mancao Supermarket.
BEST SOUVENIRS Taste and
then take home the region specialty,
palagsing, a sticky rice cake
wrapped in banana leaves.
The Cuyunons are among the original
inhabitants of Puerto Princesa.
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