Windsurfing in the Philippines

Sun-and-fun tourists flock to the Philippines for the country's hundreds of miles of picturesque beaches, crystal-clear seas and fruity tropical libations. Windsurfers, however, are more interested in the stiff breezes than the stiff drinks, as a couple of the beaches in the Philippines are top-notch windsurfing destinations. While you're there, keep an eye out for famous faces: You might just convince one to sign your board.

Bulabog Beach

• Boracay Island's Bulabog Beach is by far the most popular destination for windsurfing in the Philippines, so it's not surprising that the International Windsurfing Association regularly holds major competitions at the site. The main attractions are the beach's consistent wind conditions and moderate swell. Students head to the adjacent lagoon, where hip-deep water smooths the learning curve. Advanced practitioners and competitors head for the passages through the delimiting reef and into the choppy seas outside the lagoon. There, hotshots jump as high as their skills will let them.

Victoria Beach

• Cuyo Island's little resort hamlet of Victoria Beach, located in Palawan, supports a handful of boutique-style windsurfing and kitesurfing schools. Learners choose Victoria Beach for its quiet atmosphere, shallow lagoon and close-by activities for nonkiting friends and family. Experts venture out of the lagoon for the high-flying and much more dangerous open-sea surfing.

Kingfisher Beach

• Tucked away in a remote coastal corner of Pagudpud, the diminutive resort at Kingfisher Beach caters specifically to the windsurfing and kitesurfing crowd. Walk-ins are not accepted. Athletes are housed on-site in rooms ranging from economical thatch-roofed huts to fully equipped cabanas. The result is a pleasantly uncrowded site with shallow, flat water, predictable wind conditions and excellent consistency.

Season

• Windsurfers find the best conditions for their sport in the Philippines between the months of October and March, when the winds average 15 to 20 knots. The season's strongest days peak at around 35 knots.

Safety

• Windsurfing requires the athlete to accept a moderate level of personal risk. At windsurfing sites in the Philippines, rescue equipment is limited. At low tide, the sharp surface of the submerged reef can be very close to the water's surface.

Read More ..... »

Philippine Tourism

The Philippines is an oddity in Southeast Asia -- the approximately 7,000 islands under Spanish rule for more than three centuries are a mix of European and Asian culture, which explains the country's many and varied attractions. But the attractions in the Philippines aren't all cultural; the nation's seemingly infinite beaches are arguably one of its biggest draws. Tourism booms in the Philippines, so ATMs and currency exchange houses are easy to find. During the peak season of January to May, you should book your accommodations early to avoid price hikes

Traveling and Transportation

• The most common way to reach the Philippines is by air, arriving in Manila, the capital city, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The typical visa is valid for 21 days. Some travelers enter the country by boat, but this is usually only feasible from major Malaysian or Indonesian ports. The Philippines comprises a series of islands, so traveling around by boat is common. Ferries between the islands abound and range in quality, so be sure to check out companies on the Internet before you book tickets. The country has an extremely developed bus system that is fairly reliable with standard fares. Rental cars are available in larger cities, but driving yourself in Manila is not recommended due to dangerous traffic. Your options for taking the train are fairly limited -- only one major train runs from Manila to the Bicol region.

Finding Accommodations

• Because the Philippines is a relatively small country and transportation is easy to use, it's best to stay in either Manila or the suburb of Makati. Manila hotels run the gamut from high-end boutiques to budget motels, while Makati lodgings tend to cater to businesspeople. You're also usually better off in Manila and Makati because these are popular tourist destinations, where hotel staff typically speak English, and transportation from Manila to other parts of the country is readily available

Things to See

• The Philippines is a major international tourist destination, so you won't run out of things to do on your trip. Manila isn't to be missed -- the oldest Chinatown in the world and the walled city of Intramuros are among its top attractions. If you're interested in a beach vacation, check out the island of Boracay, which is full of luxury resorts and beaches, including the famous White Beach. Head to the mountainous North Luzon region, characterized by endless hiking trails leading you to seemingly untouched native villages. The island of Negros is another beachy attraction in the Philippines, but its vast sugarcane fields stretching beyond the horizon lend it a somewhat more rural -- and peaceful -- atmosphere than what you find in Boracay and other more popular beaches.

Staying Safe

• Terrorist and criminal activity -- including the kidnapping of foreign visitors -- in the southern regions of the Philippines has led the U.S. Department of State to issue a travel advisory for the nation. Danger is mostly concentrated in the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao, where travelers shouldn't venture unless absolutely necessary. Before and during your trip, regularly check the Bureau of Consular Affairs website for updates on safety in the Philippines. Petty crime in the larger cities is not uncommon, so travelers should keep their belongings secured at all times. If you are mugged, don't resist, as this can turn a nonviolent crime violent quickly. Report crimes to the local police, and don't hesitate to contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila for any concerns.

Read More ..... »

Places to See in Naga City

Every September the Philippine island of Luzon, in the country's Bicol region, hosts a festival for its patron saint, the Virgin of Penafrancia. Held in the province of Caramines Sur, the Penafrancia Festival draws thousands of loyal devotees to the wide and winding streets of Naga City -- making it one of the main religious centers of the region. In addition to a large number of cultural and religious sites, the city is also home to Western-style coffee shops, posh eateries and other spoils of metropolitan life. A university keeps part of the population young, active and curious, although those of all ages, local or tourist, are encouraged to take advantage of Naga City's diverse attractions.

Make Pilgrimage to Religious Spots

• Many of the city's religious sites, unsurprisingly, focus on the Lady of Penafrancia, each offering a further glimpse into the heart of the town. The 1985-built Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia is the newest building devoted to the Bicol Patroness. Designated the patron saint's official home, this is where the procession of the image of Penafrancia begins and ends after its journey through the city and along the Naga River. Also involved in the Penafrancia Festival is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga: After a short procession from the Basilica Minore, the patron saint's image is held in the cathedral for nine days during a series of prayers. For a bit of history, head over to the San Francisco Church where the Bicol revolutionaries received surrender from Spanish forces. Built in 1578 by Franciscan friars, it was the region's first church.

Soak in Mount Isarog National Park

• While it may be a bit challenging to reach -- a 45-minute drive from the city center, followed by a 30-minute walk along a steep, rough road with vehicle access wholly dependent on the weather -- determined hikers to Mount Isarog National Park will be rewarded. After paying the gate attendant a varying entrance fee, and a wander through the park's lush greenery, take a detour to Malabsay Falls. Here, the free-spirited can swim in cool waters with a view of the rain-forested folds of Mount Isarog itself. On your way out, give your trekking muscles a treat by visiting the nearby Mount Isarog Hot Springs. You can find these natural hot baths just before Mount Isarog's entrance road, over three-fourths of a mile off the main road.

Go to the Active Sports Oasis

• A mere 14 minutes from the center of Naga City lies a water sports fanatic's dream. Camsur Watersports Complex was specifically designed to bring multiple water sports such as water skiing, wakeskating, wakeboarding, and even snow skiing to the public. While professional athletes from all over the world frequently visit the park, it also encourages beginners to get active. Hours of activities stretch into the night with the help of spotlights, and this place is equipped with so many amenities you may never want to leave. With a selection of restaurants, sand bars, guest viewing stands, spas, shops and more, Camsur Watersports Complex can provide hours of entertainment, even if you don't fancy a sport. See their website for rates.

Find Your Culture Fix

• Naga City is not short on culture, and luckily, there are a few museums to fill you in. Start at the University of Nueva Caceres Museum, which holds historical artifacts related to the Bicol region and people. The UNC is one of the oldest museums outside Manila and is recognized by the International Association of Museums. For ecclesiastical‎ education buffs, head to the central pavilion of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, where you can sift through hundreds of years of Bicolano religious education in the Museo Conciliar del Seminario de Nueva Caceres. Items displayed include scholastic records, archives and memorabilia from important Bicolano bishops. To learn about the Bicol Patroness herself, visit Our lady of Penafrancia Museum. Check out the the 3-D presentation of the Bicolano Pilgrimage of Faith as displayed through the Penafrancia Diorama.

Read More ..... »

Places to Visit in the City of Cagayan de Oro

"The City of Golden Friendship" is a motto the locals of the Filipino city of Cagayan de Oro take very seriously. Known for its hospitable vibe, abundant natural features such as caves and waterfalls, and adventure sports, this small, developing city with a laid-back, provincial atmosphere has numerous places to visit.

Nature

• Nestled in Cagayan de Oro’s Malasag mountains, the 6,000-acre Mapawa Nature Park is home to waterfalls, rivers and lush vegetation. Take a nature walk, swim or camp out under the stars. If you’d like to try a more isolated waterfall spot, visit the F.S. Catanico Falls in Barangay, which is concealed by enormous stone boulders. Rent a picnic hut and barbecue. If you just have a short time, take a stroll through Gaston Park, one of the urban green spaces in the center of the city that was the former main plaza of the city when it was a Spanish colony.

Restaurants

• To take advantage of Filipino cuisine and local seafood, make a stop at Reynadelrio, a former river ferry docked just north of city hall, or try brunch at Sentro 1850. Get inexpensive barbecue meat skewers and rice at Butcher’s Best Barbeque. For something a bit more upscale, head to Cafe Laguna, which resembles a whitewashed colonial-era home, for some grilled fish and mashed potatoes. Cagayan de Oro also has plenty of international cuisine to choose from. If you’re craving Japanese, there’s Ramen Tei; Indian-food lovers should try Karachi Restaurant; for rustic Italian, go to La Tegola; and in case you can’t look at one more bit of grilled meat, try Green Haven Vegetarian & Mongolian Restaurant.

Culture and History

• The 17-acre Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village is an outdoor museum that contains replicas of tribal houses from the region as well as a panoramic view of Macajalar Bay. You also will find a couple of minimal museums with artifacts of the city’s history and heritage, including the Museo de Oro and the Cagayan de Oro City Museum. Military buffs should visit the Macahambus Hill, Cave and Gorge, the site of a battle between the Kagay-anons and U.S. soldiers during the Philippine-American War in 1900. The underground cave has a 130-foot circular gorge as well as a ravine filled with enormous trees and plants.

Recreation

• Mapawa Adventure Park has plenty of stimulation for the active traveler. Here, you can try activities from zip lining, canyoneering and whitewater rafting to the more subdued horseback riding and biking. If you’re not into thrills, head to the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club for a day on the greens. When it gets dark, you may want to make a stop at Inilog Grill & Acoustic Bar for karaoke and cheap beer.

Read More ..... »