1. escapes
escapes
George Tapan
George Tapan
An archipelago
comprised of 7,107
islands will surely
never run out of
diversions to meet
every whim and
fancy. From the
SPOILT FOR
most adventurous
treks and water
sports, to bargain-
hunting and ultra-
CHOICE
relaxing spa treats,
the Philippines
has it all.
text TESA ARCILLA
photos COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINES
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

2. escapes
of Kabayan. Designated as one of the 100 Most
Endangered Sites in the World by Monument
Watch, these well-preserved mummies were ini-
tially found in the caves of Timbak, Bangao,
Tenongchol, Naapay and Opdas in the early
1900s.
Moving further south of Luzon towards Ma-
nila, a good place to stop for a trek is the province
of Pampanga where the Mt Pinatubo volcano
stands majestic. Its unexpected massive eruption
in 1991, although initially catastrophic, left behind
a completely new landscape reminiscent of the
Australian outback, and a constantly eroding ter-
rain that makes the trek a real adventure. The trea-
sure of this volcano lies in its crater — once filled
Breathtaking view of Mt Pinatubo’s pristine crater
with lava, now boasting a crystal blue lake that
has been said to remain at a perennially warm tem-
perature. From this overpowering vision, stop by
T
Taal Lake and get a glimpse of Taal volcano, the
MORE THAN THE USUAL smallest volcano in the world, sitting right in the
he Philippines’ most famous des-
Of the 7,107, the three main islands are that of middle of the lake, or head for Bohol’s Chocolate
sert, halo-halo (literally ‘mix-
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. In these idyllic isles, Hills and try (if you can) to climb all 1,268 of them.
mix’), is one that aptly describes
one can find spectacular sights ranging from age- Then top off all that mountain-trekking with an ex-
the mish-mash of cultures found
old rice terraces carved into mountains, to pre- hilarating canoe ride down the eight-kilometre Un-
in its history, people, traditions,
served Spanish colonial cities that boast of archi- derground River in Sabang, Puerto Princesa.
lifestyles and of course, the country itself. And by
tecture dating back to the 16th century. But a visit to the Philippines need not be a
no means is this ‘mix’ superficial. From a long his-
Coming from a city of skyscrapers, it is rough and rugged tour of its topographic diver-
tory of Western colonial rule — interspersed with
definitely an interesting contrast to experience the sity. If the old-and-beaten track of nestling on an
the visits of merchants and traders — evolved a
high- and low-rise wonders of the Philippines — a idyllic beach resort somewhere in the Pacific suits
people of a unique blend of East and West, both
far cry from Hong Kong’s IFC towers, but over- you better, there’s more than enough island para-
in appearance and culture.
powering nonetheless. And even if one opts to stay dise to leave you spoilt for choice.
Today, the Philippines is fondly described
on the island of Luzon alone, there are more than
as the resulting nation after spending “300 years
enough choices to go around, with the first stop
in the convent, 47 years in Hollywood and three
none other than the Banaue Rice Terraces, the
years in concentration camps” — said in refer- Picturesque view of Taal volcano in the distance
famed world heritage site in northern Luzon’s Cor-
ence to Spanish colonial rule, the American re-
dillera region.
gime and Japanese occupation during WWII. Add
Described by some as the eighth wonder
to that the pre-Spanish period of trading with
of the world, the rice terraces were carved from
neighbouring Asian countries, mainly China and
the high Cordilleras over 2,000 years ago, with
Taiwan; the brief British occupation, early Mus-
locals still living in the traditional ways of their an-
lim-Malay settlements and even earlier settle-
cestors. Fresh strawberries are plentiful here, so
ments of nomads, and you have a big melting
enjoy your fill then head to the south of the Cordil-
pot of vigorously-stirred cultural elements.
lera region. Here, you’ll discover the province of
For this and many other reasons, the Phil-
Clément Rossignol
Benguet, wherein lies 500-year-old mummies
ippines has become a single nation of 7,107 is-
made by members of the Ibaloi tribe from the town
lands coloured by intrinsic diversity. Ifugao girl at the Banaue rice terraces
Ifugao girl at the Banaue rice terraces

3. escapes escapes
George Tapan
MANILA, MANILA
But as with every beach getaway, it is admittedly
a big comfort to return to the noisy and busy at-
mosphere of the city. Our next stop is the good
ole ciudad of Manila, a lively metropolis command-
ing a panoramic view of the Manila Bay. Historic,
bustling and culturally inspiring, the Philippines’
cosmopolitan capital is a blend of cultures and
flavours that invariably offers a distinctly Filipino
experience.
One of the must-sees in the city is the
‘Walled City of Intramuros’, located right in the
heart of Manila City. Built in 1571 during the Span-
ish era, the area is filled with European buildings
SUN, SAND AND SEA and churches that have been replicated in differ-
At the mention of paradise, the first island that ent parts of the archipelago. Right in the centre of
usually comes to mind in the Philippines is the Intramuros lies the grand Manila Cathedral, the
palm-studded island of Boracay. Its talcum-fine seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. Nearby
factfile
beach, balmy weather and warm crystalline wa- stands the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone
ters have been likened by holiday-goers to a hyp- church in the metropolis.
notic magnet. For those who have had enough of
SPA RESORTS
Walking barefoot from one end of the is- sight-seeing, there is of course an avenue to
Known for its pristine beaches and
land to the other is a kaleidoscope-like experi- practice Hong Kong’s ‘national sport’ — shopping.
breathtaking natural beauty, here are
ence of walking through a tunnel of colourful sail- From the most unbelievably cheap bargains
MUST-SEE SIGHTS two picks around the Visayas region
boats, dolled-up nipa huts, towering coconut trees in the market maze of Divisoria, to the high-end for those searching for the ultimate
With thousands of islands to visit,
and brightly coloured costumes. There are plenty boutiques located just within the Makati spa getaway
each with its own unique beauty to
of leisure options — a bustling nightlife for the business district, you’ll have no complaints boast, here is but a handful of places
THE FARM AT SAN BENITO
party-goer, boating, windsurfing and scuba-div- about the gamut of shopping options available to see around the island of Luzon.
No 119 Barangay Tipakan
ing for the adventure-seeker, and of course, spa in Manila.
Lipa City, Batangas Philippines
BANAUE RICE TERRACES
havens for the less energetic. All these and more are what make
www.thefarm.com.ph
Mountain Province, Cordillera
It may be quite hard to imagine such hustle Manila the thriving capital that it is. Enduring
and bustle in a secluded island, but with a four- foreign occupation, wars and natural catastro- MANADALA SPA BORACAY
KABAYAN MUMMIES
kilometre shoreline and limitless access to the phes, the city has depth and a lasting character Boracay Island, Malay
Benguet, Cordillera
ocean, there’s always something to cater to that never fails to carve its own little niche in the Aklan, Philippines
everyone’s fancy. hearts of visitors. www.mandalaspa.com
VIGAN HERITAGE VILLAGE
Vigan, Ilocos Norte
FOR MORE INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM (DOT)
TAAL VOLCANO
Room 208, DOT Building
Taal Lake, Batangas
T M Kalaw Street, Ermita
Metro Manila
PAGSANJAN FALLS
www.wowphilippines.com.ph
Rizal Street, Laguna
(DOT) HONG KONG OFFICE
CHOCOLATE HILLS
14th Floor, United Centre
Tagbilaran, Bohol
95 Queensway
Admiralty, Hong Kong
EL NIDO MARINE RESERVE
www.wowphilippines.com.hk
Miniloc, El Nido, Palawan