Adto na 'ta

A heritage dating 2,000 years ago, Banaue is considered a world wonder. As its name suggests, the terraces are mountain slopes carved stair-like in order to preserve the mountain from erosion and other natural disasters at the same time to be used for planting rice. This is a display of the Ifugaos' (the minority group that live in the area) ingenuity and engineering skills. It is said that their entire length would circle half the globe. Can you imagine how wide it is? It used to reach as far north as Cagayan and to Quezon in the south but natural wear and tear took its toll. Fortunately, efforts from the government to maintain the beauty and attraction of the Rice Terraces continue to this day. Can you feel the cool and clean air prevailing in the surroundings? A tiny Ifugao village, that continues to till the rice terraces. A picture of serenity. Far from the crowd, polluted metropolis, close to nature. It takes 9 hours to go to Banaue from Manila.

Last Saturday, October 18, 2008, about 25 bloggers who are inclined to food-blogging were treated to an intimate dinner by no less than Jose Fil Benitez, the current manager of the establishment who took over the helm from his mother, after finally convincing her it was time Mario's is taken to the next level, and we were all impressed with what Fil has planned and laid out for Mario's and of course, what he has planned and laid out for us bloggers that night. (Fil, the gracious host, shown here with Arpee) Fil, was the perfect host, entertaining us all with anecdotes about Mario's origins in Baguio city until it was burned to ashes (sadly) and how it remained to be a landmark in the restaurant scene after 37 years. Yours truly can't complain about the food I ordered and tried. Let me enumerate them, from appetizers: Oyster Rockefeller in pesto hollandaise, buttered garlic, and chorizo shrimp. For main course: Paella marinera, Chilean seabass, broiled salmon, Steak in

( Baguio City picture taken from a far, during a not so foggy day) Baguio tourist spots are popular destinations during summmer. The temperature in Baguio is 8 degrees lower than any area in the lowland that is why tourist flock to Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, La Trinidad, Wright Park, The Mansion, People's Park, Rizal Park, Mines View, Maryknoll Park, and the famous Session Road. (Row boats in Burnham Park) This is one of the must-do whenever you go to Baguio. Burnham is conveniently located near Session Road, a major thoroughfare in Baguio, where nightlife is very active and alive. The Mansion is the Presidential residence in Baguio City. It's always part of my Baguio tour. Baguio houses located along the hills. Baguio transient homes abound in the city and can be availed by group tours for reasonable prices. La Trinidad Benguet vegetable fields. The 'salad bowl' of the country because of fresh veggies that are harvested f

(A shot of the famous Puerto Galera, Mindoro where one can find attractive bistros and cafes lining the beach and gets active at night) There are places that are worth seeing again and there are places that fail in many aspects that going back is simply not an option.  I take pride in the fact that I have taken a trip to Puerto Galera, not once, but three times. Something that I never do with other destinations. I never like returning to a place, once I have stayed there for three days, but for some reason, Puerto Galera has that magic that beckons at me to return. There are many diving resorts in Puerto Galera thus making it one of the top diving destinations in the Philippines. Professional divers offer diving lessons or provide services as guides should one wish to. Bangkas (local canoe) abound the Puerto Galera coast, mainly because fishing is one of the industry aside from the stong tourism.  Some of these can be rented should one wish to go island-hopping. To go t

(View of the Taal lake and Taal volcano, one of the active volcanoes in the country. It is also known as the world's smallest volcano) Tagaytay is the most accessible tourist destination from Manila. Only one and half-hour ride from Manila, Tagaytay offers a breathtaking view of Taal Lake - Taal is a lake inside an island which is inside a lake (you need to see it for yourself to know what I am talking about). People taking a respite from the city life can just hie off to Tagaytay and enjoy the calm scenery and refreshing atmosphere. Tagaytay hotels and resorts are ideal venues for trainings, conferences and retreats. A must try for visitors is Mushroom Burger. It has a distinct taste that one will surely enjoy. Tagaytay is also a recreational place. You may try horse-backriding for only P700 but prices may vary for a group tour. A bangka (a local canoe) ride is necessary to go to the lake and volcano. What is a short adventure to the beauty you will behold upon reach

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(Explore intramuros in a kalesa and see the ruins of old) A first timer in Metro Manila should first set his feet in Intramuros because no other place could transport one back to the Spanish Era but this very historical fortress. During the Spanish times, Intramuros was the center of political, military and religious power. Thus we see remnants and reconstructed buildings of the Spanish officials and one of them is the Governor's Palace . The majestic Manila and San Agustin Cathedrals are also still popular venues of weddings as they provide a romantic backdrop to newly weds. Other academic institutions established during the Spanish era such as the Colegio de San Juan de Letran continue to provide quality instruction to its constituents. Inside Intramuros is the garrison called Fort Santiago , a favorite tourist spot, because this is where the Philippine national hero, Jose P. Rizal spent his last hours before he was executed in December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan (now c