Travel North Philippines - Best Value Group Tours

5-Day Quick getaway (US$400/person) - Hundred Islands/Bolinao/Pinatubo/Manila
10 Day Northern Discovery (US$800/person) - Banaue/Sagada/Ilocos Norte and Sur/Pinatubo/Manila
15 Day Philippine Escape (US$1200/person) - Banaue / Sagada / Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur/ Mount Pinatubo / Manila PLUS your choice of BORACAY or PALAWAN

PM us now for full details!
If you are group of 6-10 pax ready to go, you can choose your own dates! We will even knock $50 off for each person.

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Corregidor Island - History and beauty

Corregidor Island, locally called Isla ng Corregidor, is an island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in southwestern part of Luzon Island in the North Philippines. Due to this location, Corregidor was fortified with several coastal artillery and ammunition magazines to defend the entrance of Manila Bay and the City of Manila from attacks by enemy warships in the event of war. Located 48 kilometres (30 mi) inland, Manila has been the largest city and the most important seaport in the Philippines for centuries, from the colonial rule of Spain, Japan and the United States, to the establishment of the Republic of the Philippines in 1946.  

Congratulations Vigan, Philippines - New Wonders Cities!

Vigan, Philippines, New Wonders Cities, #travelnorth, #travelnorthph, #travelnorthphilippines

Banaue Rice Terraces - 8th Wonder

Banaue Rice Terraces (Filipino: Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 metres (5000 ft) above sea level. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces.

HOW TO GET THERE:

By bus
Getting to Banaue directly might take a lot of effort if you're not taking a direct route from Manila or if you don't have a tour agency to help you. Visiting Banaue can be tied in with a tour of North Luzon, it can be reached easily from Bontoc, which is a close to Sagada, and easily reachable from Baguio, the capital of the region. Here are a few possible ways to get to Banaue:
Manila - Banaue
Ohayami Trans, Lacson Ave. cor. Fajardo St., Sampaloc, Manila (Just near University of Sto. Tomas or take the train from the Legarda Station then just take a trickshaw to the terminal). Provides trips directly to Banaue. They have three daily trips - 21:00 and 22:00 leaving their terminal in Manila and taking 9-10 hrs

GV Florida Transport Inc./Dangwa Transport Co., Lacson Ave. cor. Earnshaw St., Sampaloc, Manila (Just near University of Sto. Tomas or take the train from the Legarda Station then just take a trickshaw to the terminal, gvfloridatransportinc.com. Provides trips directly to Banaue and Deluxe bus w/ restroom equiped ,one stopover. daily trips - 22:45 p.m. leaving their terminal in Manila and taking 7-8 hrs. and from Banaue leaving @ 20:00 p.m.

Manila - Baguio - Banaue
Ohayami Trans, Otek St., Burnham Park, Baguio City (within Chowking area), [2]. 8 hrs. Provides trips from Baguio to Banaue. 
KMS, Near Rizal Park, Baguio City. 7 hr. Provides a mini-bus trip from Baguio to Banaue. They have two daily trips: 08:00 and 21:30
The first option may be a good choice if you don't like overnight buses or want to enjoy the very scenic drive during the day.

Manila - Baguio - Bontoc - Banaue
There are jeepneys going from Bontoc to Banaue (P150) and even Sagada to Banaue (P195) during peak season or holidays. Jeepneys arriving into Bontoc from Sagada (and no doubt other jeepneys and buses) are sometimes met by drivers who can offer you a minivan journey on to Banaue, which takes around 2-2.5 hours, we paid 150 Piso each for this in May 2014. There does not appear to be a fixed schedule for these but we left Sagada by jeepney at approximately 1220, reaching Bontoc at 1300, our van set off shortly before 1400 and we were in Banaue by 1610.

Manila - Solano - Nueva Vizcaya - Banaue Ifugao
Buses heading to Tuguegarao (e.g. Baliwag transit, Victory,Florida transport inc., etc.) pass by the town of Solano. Several jeepneys ply the Solano-Banaue route or the Solano-Lagawe, Ifugao route. From Lagawe, one can then take another jeepney to Banaue.

Manila - Tarlac - Solano - Banaue
Buses heading for Baguio pass by Tarlac. Vizcaya liner plies the Tarlac-Solano route at 05:00.

Tags: #travelnorth, #travelnorthph, #travelnorthphilippines

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banaue_Rice_Terraces
http://wikitravel.org/en/Banaue

Images:
http://www.riceterracesbanaue.com/
http://www.markmaranga.com/
http://www.bestourism.com/

September is Pangasinan Tourism Month!

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan Sept 2 (PIA) – The Pangasinan provincial board has declared September of every year as Pangasinan Tourism Month to strengthen the province's tourism program.

The board authorized the Tourism Operations Division of the Office of the Governor to spearhead the tourism month and plan and implement appropriate activities supportive to the declaration.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr., who authored the resolution, said the declaration is in line with the observance of World Tourism Day celebrated on September 27 as declared by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The declaration also supports the National Tourism Week marked every last week of September under Presidential Proclamation No. 894 in 1996.

 Calimlim said the recognition will instill tourism in Pangasinan peoples' consciousness and raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic values of tourism among Pangasinenses.

 Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Malou Elduayan disclosed that for the past years, Pangasinan showed an increasing trend in tourist arrivals.

 The tourism office's latest record showed 250,165 tourist arrival based on hotel occupancy and 611,000 visitors based on guest arrivals in the province’s tourist destinations.

She added Pangasinan remains on the top spot among the four provinces in Region 1 in terms of tourist arrivals. (MCA/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

#travelnorth, #travelnorthph, #travelnorthphilippines

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan Sept 2 (PIA) – The Pangasinan provincial board has declared September of every year as Pangasinan Tourism Month to strengthen the province's tourism program.

The board authorized the Tourism Operations Division of the Office of the Governor to spearhead the tourism month and plan and implement appropriate activities supportive to the declaration.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr., who authored the resolution, said the declaration is in line with the observance of World Tourism Day celebrated on September 27 as declared by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The declaration also supports the National Tourism Week marked every last week of September under Presidential Proclamation No. 894 in 1996.

Calimlim said the recognition will instill tourism in Pangasinan peoples' consciousness and raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic values of tourism among Pangasinenses.

Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Malou Elduayan disclosed that for the past years, Pangasinan showed an increasing trend in tourist arrivals.

The tourism office's latest record showed 250,165 tourist arrival based on hotel occupancy and 611,000 visitors based on guest arrivals in the province’s tourist destinations.

She added Pangasinan remains on the top spot among the four provinces in Region 1 in terms of tourist arrivals. (MCA/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2821409643611#sthash.kScF5NZ4.dpuf

Natividad Waterfalls, Natividad, Pangasinan

Pangasinan is not just blessed with wonderful beaches. It is also lined with a series of easy to reach waterfalls that are accessible in less than an hour from the newly opened Rosales exit of the TPLEX.

Natividad, Pangasinan which shares borders with Nueva Ecija is one of the new up and coming destinations not only for eco-tourism but for pilgrimage as well. We will post more photos and a full article on this quiet and blessed town.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Its white-sand beaches and crystal-blue water makes Pagudpud a haven for tourists. Maira-Ira Point is also an emerging attraction with its secluded beach known as the Blue Lagoon, as well as kilometer-long Saud Beach. Access to this public beach is from a secondary concrete road on the north side of the Maharlika Highway just before approaching the Patapat Viaduct. On the way to the Blue Lagoon, a sea arch can be seen. Coconut trees line much of the town's coast. On a clear day, the Babuyan Islands are visible from Patapat National Park.

The Patapat Viaduct, elevated 31 metres (102 ft) above sea level, is 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) concrete coastal viaduct that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag to the Cagayan Valley Region. It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. Located more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, it offers a scenic view of Pasaleng Bay- a view that leads towards wide and pristine beaches backed by mountains with breathtaking waterfalls Kabigan and Mabaga, along with the many cool, refreshing springs waiting to be discovered within.

Tan-ok ni Ilocano: The Festival of Festivals

Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands charm Hollywood actress

ALAMINOS CITY, Nov 8 (PIA) – Hollywood Actress Rachel Grant, known as a ‘Bond girl’ in the movie Die Another Day, visited Pangasinan on Sunday and was fascinated by the beauty of the province’s top tourist attraction, the Hundred Islands National Park here.

Grant, who was born in the Philippines, has captivated millions of fans around the world.

She dived into the depths of the islands and frolicked there for more than an hour, enchanted by its serene and abundant aquatic life, the city information office reported.

Grant was fascinated by the giant clams in one of the islands and the different species of fish in the deep sea.

Before her island adventure, Grant visited the city’s GK Eco-Village at Sto. Rosario in barangay Lucap, a project of the Gawad Kalinga, Ramos Foundation, Alaminos 100, City of Hundred Islands Employees Cooperative (Chiempco) and the city government.

Grant and Mayor Hernani Braganza led the ceremonial laying of bricks (made of waste materials) in the center of the four-hectare village, where 18 units of decent houses are now home to poor residents.

An advocate of the Gawad Kalinga since 2007 and a Global Ambassador to Human Nature, Grant thanked Alaminians for the warm welcome accorded her and wished the dwellers a happy and contented living while expressing hope that the project will also be replicated in many other parts of the country.

Grant also visited the city’s Mangrove Forest Park in barangay Bued to take part in planting mangrove seedlings.

“There is so much more to a bigger house, lots of money and that is having a happy and loving family and friends, things that really matter in life,” said Grant. (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from CIO)

PH (La Union) makes waves in world surfing map

 

elaine abonal on surfboard

By Norman Sison, VERA Files
With over 7,100 islands to choose from, the Philippines is known for its postcard-lovely beaches. Of late, it has been making waves on the world map of surfing.
One Internet site, Wanna Surf (www.wannasurf.com), describes the Philippines as "one of the last surfing frontiers". It lists 35 spots in the country. Fourteen of those are in Siargao Island alone, in the south.
San Juan town in La Union province is the northern Philippines' surfing capital. It is blessed with two surfing seasons — July to October and November to March — when waves spawned by the north swell crest from five to 12 feet.

Kiteboarding in PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE

PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE

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Awesome pics of Bangui, Ilocos Norte

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE

Click on the image for a MUUUUCH LARGER VIEW!

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Dasol, Pangasinan

Dasol, Pangasinan
WOWtrippers.com



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Paoay Kumakaway!, The Ilocos Norte Tourism Brand

Experience the beauty of Ilocos Norte. Taste the famous Tupig, bagnet and Pinakbet Pizza. Feel what is like to be Panday as you trek the sand dunes. Get the tan that you have always wanted in its white sand beaches. Get awed with the natural and manmade attractions of the province. Remember your heritage by visiting the churches and other historical places. Relive the life of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos as you trail his childhood to his presidency. Escapade, culture, fun, leisure, and relaxation rolled into one. Find it all in Ilocos Norte. Forget the risk, live for today, and be spell-bound in Ilocos Norte. Halina, ang Paoay Kumakaway!

Travel North Field Trips 2012

Enjoy the journey of learning in a different way.

Historical landmarks

Enviable tourist spots,

Wildlife

Theme parks

Museums

Shrines

Theatrical or TV shows

Contact us now!

Landline: 075-5165506

Sun Mobile: 09228020476

PACKAGE 1: Manila Ocean Park

With side trip:

• Mall of Asia
• Manila Zoo
• Luneta

Php. 1800

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PACKAGE 2: Star City

With side trip:

• Fort Santiago
• Mall of Asia
• Luneta

Php. 1900

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PACKAGE 3: Star City and Ocean Park

With side trip:

• Intramuros / Fort Santiago
• Luneta
• Mall of Asia

Php. 2300

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PACKAGE 4: Zoobic Safari

Inclusive of:

1. Tiger Safari Ride
2. Close encounter w/ tiger
3. Savannah
4. Serpentarium
5. Zoobic Park
6. Safari Show (10:30, 1:30, 3:30)
7. Aetas’ Trail
8. Bone Muzooeum
9. Croco Loco
10. Hip Hop Bay a Wak
11. Rodent World –Mice Surpice
12. Forbidden Tree

With side trip:

• SM Pampanga
• SBMA

Php. 2000

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PACKAGE 5: Fun @ Ocean Adventure

Inclusive of:

1. Entrance to Ocean Adventure
2. Guided Park Tour
3. Dolphin Friends Show
4. Sea Lion Show
5. Walk on the wild side – Forest wildlife animal show
6. Jungle Survival Demonstration
7. Learning Center Programs
8. Entrance to Adventure Beach
9. Assigned Cabanas in Adventure Beach Resort
10. Swimming in Adventure Beach

With side trip:

• SM Pampanga
• SBMA

Php. 2000

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PACKAGE 6: Zoobic Safari with Ocean Adventure

Inclusive of:

1. Tiger Safari Ride
2. Close encounter w/ tiger
3. Savannah
4. Serpentarium
5. Zoobic Park
6. Safari Show
7. Aetas’ Trail
8. Bone Muzooeum
9. Croco Loco
10. Hip Hop Bay a Wak
11. Rodent World –Mice Surpice
12. Forbidden Tree
13. Train ride
14. Entrance to Ocean Adventure
15. Guided Park Tour
16. Dolphin Friends Show
17. Sea Lion Show
18. Walk on the wild side – Forest wildlife animal show
19. Jungle Survival Demonstration

With side trip:

• SM Pampanga
• SBMA

Php. 2300

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PACKAGE 7: Super North!

Inclusive of:

1. Bangui Windmills Photowalk
2. Paoay Photowalk
3. Malacanang of the North
4. Shopping for Pasalubong
5. Marcos Mausoleum and Museum
6. Baluarte Zoo and Park
7. Close encounter w/ tiger
8. Calle Crisologo Heritage Village Photowalk

Php. 2300

Packages Inclusions

1. Transportation via class A tourist bus with AVR and Microphone

2. Entrance fees

3. Uniform T-shirt

4. Photoshoot - Digital album in a CD

5. Video Shoot – Video coverage with music video

6. Booking of destination.

7. Service of Tour Coordinator

8. Service of Tour Facilitator/Guide

9. Toll Fees

10. Tarpaulin

11. 24-Hour Accidental Insurance

12. Allowance for Teachers joining the tour (at-least two per bus)

13. Teachers free of charge (at-least two per bus

14. Incentives for the school.

15. Additional Incentives which can be discussed.

NOTE: MINIMUM OF FORTY EIGHT (50) PAYING HEADS PER BUSES.

Contact us now!

Landline: 075-5165506

Sun Mobile: 09228020476

Vigan City as one of the New7 Wonders Cities

After the success of Puerto Princesa Palawan of the New7wonders of nature,
Let's all support Vigan City as nominated at the New 7 Wonders Cities

To vote for Vigan click here



photo by Edgar Alan Yap

The 14th La Union Longboard Open

Now on its 14th year the La Union Longboard Open is slated this coming weekend Feb 3, 4 and 5 at the Monaliza Point in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. The event is the biggest show of Logging/Longboarding excellence in the country and it draws the best of the best longboarders from all over as La Union is the longboarding capital of the Philippines. A Filipino-Foreigner friendship competition, the Longboard Open is a must watch specially for all those surfers in love with the art of longboarding.

poster 1

This is repost from Lokal Soul
No copyright infringement intended

Basking in Bolinao, Pangasinan | Travel Inspirations

By Gael Hilotin for Yahoo! Travel

The rustic charm of Bolinao makes it an ultimate retreat. Pangasinan has long been known for the iconic Hundred Islands. But oh boy, Bolinao has its own appeal to flaunt! From its dreamy sunset, to the towering lighthouse, the majestic falls, the golden-sand beaches and the clashing of the waves to its rocky shores!

Here are some of the things you can do when you visit Bolinao:

Visit St. James Parish

This old colonial church built some 400 years ago by the Augustinian friars has an old stone façade and Mexican-styled altars. Though the church is not as impressive as other archaic churches in the Philippines, you'll be mesmerized by the scene of devotees lighting candles and chanting their prayers and the antique statues of saints enshrined inside the church.

Savor the local food

Several vendors flock outside the St. James church early in the morning to sell binungoy (also called binungay), a tasty local delicacy. Binungoy is made of sticky rice placed inside a bamboo stick before cooking. Other food to try in Bolinao are the lumi, bangus (milkfish), and longganisa.

Plunge into the legendary falls

Our guide tells us the story of how the Bolinao falls came to be, but of course these are just one of those Philippine myths which was passed on from generation to generation. The cool and clear green waters and the serenity of its surroundings will make you jump right into its indulgent waters like we did.

Swim at the golden beach

The glittering sand, the clean waters and the jovial locals makes Patar white beach irresistible! Cottages and sari-sari stores all lined up on the shores and children playing around during late afternoons is a wonderful way to observe the locals way of life.

See Cape Bolinao lighthouse

The towering Cape Bolinao lighthouse which is a few meters away from Patar beach offers a majestic panoramic view of its surroundings. The picturesque lighthouse is one of the tallest in the Philippines and is a great spot for photo op.

Listen to the waves

Bolinao offers serenity at its best at Patar Rock Formations. This is where the rapture of the waves collides with the rocky cliff, creating a scenic setting. It is one of those places where you can feel nature connecting to your soul. Be warned not to walk barefoot though as it will surely hurt your happy feet.

Relax in the beach resort

Puerto del Sol beach resort is a sea-kissed sanctuary with gates leading to the serene beach with a perfect view of the legendary Bolinao sunset. Its garden is meticulously manicured and adorned with iconic religious statues and grandiose image of Mother Mary in shades of blue creating a Mexican culture atmosphere. The indulgent pool is nestled right in the middle of the villas surrounded by the garden and lined with loungers and parasols.

Watch the dramatic sunset

End the day with a relaxing view of its epic sunset that will surely soothe your soul and be enticed by dramatic scenery that you will keep coming back to.

Source: Yahoo Travel

6th Aurora Surfing Challenge 2012

PREPARE FOR THE FIRST NATIONAL SURF COMPETITION OF THE YEAR

Happening on Feb 9 to 12 that’s Thursday to Sunday, the competition will be held at the Sabang beach break for the eliminations while the semis and finals are to be held at Cemento Reef as conditions will permit. This ‘shortboard’ only competition will see the best surfers from the country carve, snap and fly on their boards with huge prizes waiting for the winners.

Speaking of winners, homeboy Jeff dela Torre has won the event 2 times in a row. So, will he get a prestigious record of a 3 peat Aurora Surfing Challenge crown? Or will this be the year a new surfer will be crowned as champion? Siargao, Daet, La Union, Lanuza and Zambales surfers among others are definitely hot on the chase. And in the midst of the action, LokalSoul will be there to find out the results of this exciting event.

The Aurora Surfing Challenge is brought to you by Aurora Surfriders Association Incorporated (ASRAI) in cooperation with Congressman Sonny Angara and the Tourism of Aurora. LokalSoul.com as always is a proud media sponsor.

Head to Baler and watch the country’s best! Check out the EVENT invite on Facebook. More details soooooon!

Source: Lokal Soul

Alaminos strengthens measures for safe travel to Hundred Islands

by Venus H. Sarmiento

ALAMINOS CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) — Changing weather patterns prompted the Coast Guard and the city tourism office here to strengthen measures that would ensure safe boat travel of tourists to the famous Hundred Islands.

Lt. Dennis Rapal of the Sual Coast Guard said they are strictly monitoring motorized boats at the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) to prevent accidents due to strong current.

But apart from strong current, motor vessels also need to consider high and low tides, Rapal said.

“Minsan, hindi natin nakikita sa surface pero sa ilalim may current (Sometimes, we don’t see it on surface even when there’s a strong current),” he said.

City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison said wearing life vest or life jacket before boarding the boat is a strict policy in the island.

A capability training for the island crew is also being conducted regularly to enhance their capabilities and knowledge in boating and ferrying passengers.

“We have to enrich and refresh their knowledge basically, so that they know what’s expected of them,” Sison said.

Strong winds may also affect boat travel but passengers can seek shelter in the small islands when faced with really strong wind, he added.

The HINP has at least 350 boats ferrying passengers daily from the Lucap wharf to the main islands. (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan)