For those who haven't been to the Philippines yet, it's time to consider a visit to this culture-rich, fun filled nation.
Foreigners who have visited the Philippines always come back for more. It's true that this place is not perfect but if you're looking for a great get away, great entertainment and warmth inside and out (in the people and in the weather) then the Philippines should be your next flight out.
Every province has their own fiesta and each month there is a wide variety of themes all over the country - both traditionally and internationally inspired celebrations. You can say that Filipinos work and live for the fun. For those who have met a Filipino - youcan say that we carry a happy virus. We simply see the brighter things in life and choose to live another day to celebrate something - anything!
For Filipinos in the city, a party in the club starts at around midnight and finishes literally when the sun is up! Drinking would start as early as 8 at night and finish at 5 in the morning and anything such as a simple rest day can be reason enough to party. The more, the merrier!
Mabuhay! The local greeting given to everyone who comes to the Philippines, normally understood as our term for "Welcome" but literally means - Live. And once you've been to the Philippines you can say that it is what everyone does - Live and live for the fun.
Many of the sights in the Phlippines have become, if not nominated, part of the wonders of the world. The famous man-made Banaue Rice Terraces, Perfectly Cone-Shaped Mayon Volcano and the Subterranean River and Park in Palawan are all here. The beauty is, there is always more to see, visit and experience.
So if you're up for a mountain climb, a cave adventure, a dive in the deep blue sea, a tan on the beach or some experience with a deeply mixed and warm culture, try it where it's more fun - try it here.
Try it in the Philippines.
Visit your favorite travel sites now - or just ask a Filipino friend all about it!
With Summer now officially declared here in the Philippines, there are many people both locals and tourists alike that are getting ready to head off to the land of sun and sea. Many are so eager to get wet and tanned and party out like there is no tomorrow. But the question that most people seem to forget to ask is whether they are packing enough to be prepared for the modern day sun and its rather potent UV Rays.
A lot of people like getting a tan for many reasons though most of which are for aesthetics. Many feel that a tan makes them feel and look healthier, or sexier, some would even go through time consuming efforts to get a tan such as lying at the beach or pool for hours. For whatever the reason, one has to understand that extensive exposure to the sun can result in more than just a nice tan.
The science behind the reason why people get tanned when exposed to sunlight constantly is that tanning is a result of the skin reacting to potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The change in skin color is caused by the production of additional pigmentation in an effort to protect itself from the sun. Repeated exposure to UV radiation either from the natural sun or from exposure to sun lamps in tanning salons, increases the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, but also increases risk of getting sunburns which is quite painful.
A sunburn is a burn from the UV radiation of the sun. It is considered mostly as a first degree burn which if occurs to more than enough area on your skin could be quite life threatening if left unattended.
There are different types of UV wavelengths in the light spectrum — UV-A and UV-B. Both are damaging to the skin. UV-B damages the outer layer or skin while UV-A rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Both UV-A and UV-B are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and sunburns which is what most people are trying to avoid especially when they get much older.
It is important to take precautions against sunburns. There are also a particular demographic type of people that need to be more careful when it comes to sun exposure. These people are:
Caucasian type skin or white/pale skinned individuals
Those who have been treated for skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer
Who are on medications- Some prescription drugs and skin products can cause sensitivity to the sun. make sure to check the prescription labels for side effects and check with your physician or pharmacist
Tips to protect yourself from the Sun's harmful UV radiation
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are good for water sports because they last longer.
SPF (sun protection factor) or at least 15. SPF refers to the degree of protection. The higher the number the better the protection.
Broad spectrum protection- protects against both UV-A and UV-B
Water-resistant sunscreens hold up better and last longer. However, these products still need to be reapplied regularly.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after you go in the water or sweat. Even with sunscreen it is still possible for people to get a tan.
Reduce Your Time in the Sun
UV rays are at its strongest and most dangerous during midday hours, especially from 10am to 4pm. Stay in the shade as much as possible during these hours, even on cloudy days as the cloud only tends to block off roughly about 17% of the sun's radiation. It’s still possible to get sunburn when it’s overcast outside.
Dress Appropriately and Bring Necessary Accessories Use your favorite caps, hats and umbrella next time you hit the beach. It’s important to wear clothes that protect your body to avoid sunburn. Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a hat with larger brim or long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.
Check Yourself
Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. It is best to be on the look out for new moles, spots or sores. Look for changes in the size, shape or color of existing birthmarks and moles especially irregularly shaped moles.
Long-term consequences of overexposure to the sun are significant. Just one blistering sunburn doubles your chances of developing malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is directly related to the amount of sun exposure you have had. This is determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun.
Exposure over a long period of time can cause premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, and age spots.
Make sure to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your skin. You can still have fun in the sun without compromising your health.
Overall, it is quite important to be very careful about how much exposure you would want to have under the sun's powerful rays most especially at the beach as many would tend to over look it once they hit the cool waters and soothing breeze.
With the Island of Boracay being named as a top summer and beach destination, there are many tourists now flocking to get a taste of the white sandy beaches and wickedly amazing parties that Boracay has to offer. One thing that many do tend to over look though are the ordinances that have been placed and are being enforced in the Island of Boracay to help keep the place clean, safe and well preserved. Below is the list of the those particular ordinances/rules that both locals and tourists should abide by:
Malay Municipal Ordinance for Boracay Island Beach
* Municipal Ordinance No. 100, series of 1996 (anti-smoking) - There are designated smoking areas that you should go to if ever you have the need to smoke.
* Municipal Ordinance No. 272, series of 2009 (no smoking by the beach)
* Municipal Ordinance No. 2001-141 (anti-extraction of sand and pebbles) - There is a Php 2,500 fine for first time offenders.
* Municipal Ordinance No. 98-116 (no urinating and defecating on the beach)
* Municipal Ordinance Nos. 182-2003 and 92-1996 (no pets are allowed by the beachfront)
* Municipal Ordinance No. 132-2000 (no eating and drinking of liquor by the beach)
Failure to follow any of these ordinances will have its equivalent penalties which can vary from a fine of around Php 2,500 for first time offenders to mandatory jail time.
It are these things that if followed strictly by everyone, shall ensure that the beauty of Boracay is well preserved for generations to come. I personally believe that it is very important that we abide by these rules and help enforce them as the the Island of Boracay is definitely something that we can truly say is proudly Pinoy.
Other things that you can do to also help out in preserving this pristine tourist destination:
Use fewer disposable and non-biodegradable products. This could be as simple as drinking tap water instead of bottled water. Remember—the plastic bottle that you use for just a short while will be around for a very long time.
Dispose of your trash in the right way. Do not litter. It might end up in our oceans.
Recycle. It helps keep garbage such as glass, plastic and metal out of our beaches
Boracay has been getting international awards and is continuously recognized as a top tourist destination globally. It is important that we take measures to ensure that it stays that way for a very long time.
Boracay is a paradise for certified sun worshipers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven.
Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan, a province on the Visayas island known for its colorful Ati-Atihan festival.
Boracay's thousand hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical heaven - crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy and diverse marine life.
Boracay has three little communities - Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc-Manoc in the south, Hilly elevations of upto 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapac and Manoc-Manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages and may sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.
The culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Chinese, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai - are all fused into the native cuisine. Truly Boracay has become the premiere destination of beach lovers around the globe.
Water Fun: The Beaches beckons for some serious swimming, or just wading by the shore. For more active vacationers, wind surfing and parasailing gears are readily available. Go sailing with the help of locals acutely attuned to the rhythms of the sea.
Beach Combing: There are over a dozen beaches dotting the islands. White beach, Diniwid, Alinghai Beach, Manoc-manoc beach, and Cagban Beach, among others. Work on your tan, read a book, relax and have a massage. White Beach probably the most famous stretch in the country features bright, fine sand and clear shallow waters.
Nightlife. Spend the last hours of the day at any of Boracay's bars and discos. Beer in hand, you can dance on the sand with a few brilliant fireflies. If this seems too rowdy for your taste, take a stroll on the moonlit beach.
Bat Caves: Explore the bat caves of Yapak, preferably with an experienced guide and take photos of these night creatures.
Kar-Tir Seashell Museum: Located at the village of Ilig iligan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of seashells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles, and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.
I love going to the beach and laying lazily on the sands enjoying the sun as I try to get a good tan sipping a nice cold cocktail and getting a back massage at the same time. That is my idea of a get away. The coolest thing is, I don't really have to spend that much to do that and neither do I have to go far. That is what Puerto Galera has to offer its visitors and of course much more. So for today I am featuring the coolest island getaway that is just a few hours away from Manila to tease you just a bit more. :)
Puerto Galera or port for galleons is a small town on the northeast coast of the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Though a quiet little town, it is a popular summer destination in the country. People come here from all over the country and the rest of the world for its wonderful beaches and fun water activities. Others also come here for its nearby forests, waterfalls, and dive spots.
The little town has always been a trading haven even during the pre-Spanish era. Evidence of this comes from artifacts from Thailand, Vietnam, and China dating way back into the 10th to 15th centuries. The Spanish took advantage of its natural harbor and used it for trade. The town soon became the government seat of the whole Mindoro Island. In December of 1927, Puerto Galera was turned into an independent municipality through a congressional act.
The Puerto Galera's weather is like the rest of the country. The months from March all the way to May are hot summer months. June to October are the rainy months, which are accompanied by tropical storms. The rest of the year is favorably cool, making the months from December to May the peak season for tourists. Activities
Scuba diving is a big hit since the submarine ecosystem here is fantastic. Dive shops in Puerto Galera offer beginner courses for those who want to take their first steps or first dips. Other water sports you can try include windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing.
If you want to get out of the tropical cool waters for a change, then you can go hiking, shooting at the gun range, paint ball games, and off road motorcycling. But, if you want to spend a quiet day enjoying the beautiful panoramic views then go to Ponderosa Golf Club.
Resorts and Hotels
There are a lot of places to get a room and board in Puerto Galera. Since it is a popular tourist destination, you are sure to find accommodations according to your budget or need.
Some of the places you might like to see are Sabang Beach, White Beach, Lalaguna Beach, and Palangan. Of course, you'll also find lodgings elsewhere like in the bay area for instance where it is more peaceful. But, if you're always in the mood to party at night, then the funfare of Puerto Galera's nightlife is in Sabang Beach and White Beach.
Some places to take note of on Sabang Beach include the following: Villa Sabang Beach Resort, Captain Gregg's, Big Apple, Tropicana Private Fortress, and Coral Cove. If you prefer to stay at the Small and Big Lalaguna Beach then try Portofino Beach Resort, Lalaguna Beach Club and Dive Center, Deep Blue Sea, and El Galleon Resort and Hotel.
Apartelle de Francesca is a nice place to stay where accommodations are reasonable and is located at the center of White Beach. If you're in the Palangan area you might want to check out Encenada Beach Resort and Tanawin Bay Resort.
Dining
If you're looking for romantic dinners, a varied international menu, wonderful weekend barbecues then head to Puerto Galera Yacht Club. If you want to slow down from all the partying or perhaps try something Mexican then you should go for Badladz Restaurant. Still staying away from the rowdy crowds, Captain Gregg's is a great place to escape while enjoying idyllic mornings and sumptuous evening barbecues. If you would love to get a cup of coffee after a wild night then Portofino Cafe has everything you need. It's also a great place to grab a snack and enjoy friendly service. The Big Apple Dive Resort has a Floating Bar that offers wonderful shakes, made-to-order sandwiches, and a great panoramic view of Sabang's waterfront. If you're looking for fine dining then move on to El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel, which usually has a guest chef flaunting his best crafts. Getting to Puerto Galera
To go to Puerto Galera from any city or place in Manila, you would first have to drive to the port at Batangas City. You will then have to go by boat to the Sabang Beach in Mindoro. From there, you have several beaches to choose from. You can opt to go to Coco Beach, White Beach, Tamaraw Beach or the Big and Small Lalaguna; although, you can also always opt to stay in Sabang Beach. Regardless of where you choose to go, you will certainly enjoy the beaches of Puerto Galera.
Here is a cool video I found that just shows you a little bit more of this island summer getaway:
