CAMARINES SUR

RESORTS

Pasacao Chain of Resorts

Pasacao, Camarines SurFirst District
Camarines Sur's very own version of the Copacabana Beach in Brazil, Pasacao has about 12-kilometers of beaches filled with people on weekends, either to unwind after a busy week of work or to spend pleasure and fun with the whole family. Just a 45-minute ride by car from Naga City , excursionists can choose from isolating themselves to the nearby Daruanak Island , to enjoying the ambience of a floating cottage to basking under the sun while on a leisure cruise on a motorboat.

Gota Beach Resort

Caramoan, Camarines SurThird District
A five-hour trip either by bus from Naga City to Sabang, San Jose and by boat to Caramoan or directly by land through the Caramoan Peninsula Road, one will be amply rewarded with beautiful beaches with fine white sand beside majestic limestone and marble mountains as well as a taste of adventure in its exotic islets with coves nearby. (Temporarily unavailable due to continuous improvement of the area.)

Consocep Resthouse

Brgy. ConsocepTigaon, Camarines Sur
Constructed by the DPWH during the 70s, the place offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Partido area and Mt. Iriga.

Weinert's Guesthouse

PacificBrgy. NinoSagnay, Camarines Sur
Just over an-hour by bus or jeepney from Naga City, it a German-owned resort, which serve an international cuisine with high-comfort guestrooms, bar, function room are just a few of the amenities offered by the resort.

NATURAL WONDERS

Mt. Isarog

Camarines Sur
Towering 1,976 meters above sea level and covering 10, 112 hectares, it is the haven of indigenous flora and fauna. Most of the rare exotic of orchids, medicinal and flowering plants, wild boars, deers, squirrels, monkeys and untamed rodents are found on the base of the slopes of the mountain. It is now the last Rainforest Mountain in Southern Luzon. Hundreds of waterfalls both known unknown, an unforgettable sigh to behold. The Protected Area Management Board has identified Malabay Falls (Naga City), Curry (Pili) Consocep (Tigaon), Hiwacloy (Goa) as tourism areas within the mountain.

Mt. Asog

Iriga, Camarines Sur
Towering 1,120 meters at Buhi side and 1,212 meters Iriga City side and overlooking Lake Buhi dormant Asog beckons to the adventurous mountaineers and feel rewarded discovering a three hectare sunken crater blooming with pine trees. It is home to the Agta, a tribal people of Bicol.

Lahuy Island

Caramoan, Camarines Sur
A 10-kilometer long island about 3 kilometers at its widest point. The island has long stretches of uniquely white fine sand. Barangay Gota has been known as a gold-mining community even before the war. At present only small-scale operation is in existence. At sitio Nipa, a spring 300 meters from the shore provides fresh water source not available elsewhere. A 40-hectare mangrove swamp near Barangay Oring offers a habitat for a marine wildlife.(Temporarily unavailable due to continuous improvement of the area.)

Animasola Island

Balatan, Camarines Sur
A captivating scene of exotic rock formations and crystal clear water welcome visitors traveling off the coast of Balatan.

Tayak Lagoon

Malarad Island,Caramoan, Camarines Sur
The lagoon is accessible by swimming underneath the rocks on the beach side. Coral gardens are vast and colorful.(Temporarily unavailable due to continuous improvement of the area.)

Isla de Monteverde

Denrica, GarchitorenaCamarines Sur
The island is covered with virgin forest, inhabited bybirds, bats and ignanas. It is bordered by white beaches with clean and clear sea water.

Pinaglukaban Island

Brgy. Denrica, Garchitorena
The island offers superb sites for scuba diving. It has white sand and a lagoon.

Umang Cave

Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Like a deformed cathedral the cave interior is illuminated by natural windows millions of bats flying in circles petrified hill of guano.(Temporarily unavailable due to continuous improvement of the area.)

LANDMARKS

Nahulugan Kampana

Brgy. Sta. Maria, LagonoyCamarines Sur
The belfry of the first stone church which serves as the living memory of the past became an added tourist attraction of the municipality. It is approximately 300 meters from the Lagonoy Poblacion and can be reached thru walking or riding motor vehicles or padyaks. Presently the area is categorized as open and grassland area, but half a portion is utilized for agricultural purposes. It has an area of more or less one (1) hectare and privately owned by Ontengco's family.

Calvario Hill

Brgy. San Francisco, Iriga CityCamarines Sur
Presently, this is the site of Bicol's magnificent Emerald Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes. In olden times, the hill was once the habitat of the Asuang (witch), the reason why the hill is referred to as the "orno" or "oven". As the result of the angelization of the area the hill became the site for staging "Pagtanggal", the Iriga folk version of the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ, hence, the name "Calvario Hill". The first "ermita" or mission chapel of Iriga during Spanish times was erected here as evidenced by religious artifacts unearthened in the site. Opposite the Ermita the Casino Espanol was erected, a favorite converging are for Spanish rulers. When the Americans came at the turn of the century, this was converted into a base for its cavalry forces. During the Japanese occupation, a Japanese garrison was established on the hilltop, utilized as watchtower against guerillas. Many Filipinos met martyrdom in this area.

Kinuwartelan

Brgy. Perpetual Help, Iriga CityCamarines Sur
Situated along the tourist route, about 7 kilometers from the city proper, this place was a Spanish garrison camp during the Spanish Period. Many Filipino insurrections were kept here at and did hard labor; hence, the name "Kinuwertelan" meaning place of Incarceration. No trace of the prison barracks can be seen today.

Ateneo de Naga University

Ateneo Ave., Naga CityCamarines Sur
The only Jesuit school in the region founded in 1940 was called the Fort Santiago of Bicol during World War II. The Japanese used its building as a concentration camp and torture chamber.

Universidad de Santa Isabel

Elias Angeles St., Naga CityCamarines Sur
Founded in 1868, this was the first the Normal School for women in the Far East. It was also the seat of the first Bicolano government in area after the Spanish war. Before it was conferred a university status, its name was then known as the Colegio de Sta. Isabel.

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary

Naga Cathedral Grounds,Naga CityCamarines Sur
Situated beside the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, it was founded in 1793 and became the second school in the Philippines. This was the seminary where Bicolano hero Jose Maria Panganiban and Bishop Jorge Barlin studied. A museum is located inside the seminary. It is called the Museo del Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres.

NIGHTLIFE

The Bistro Roberto

Magsaysay Avenue,

Naga City, Camarines Sur

Tel. No: 473-6530

To anyone loving the nightlife and every string of fancies it carry, there's Bistro Roberto. Located at the heart and soul of evening entertainment along Magsaysay Avenue, Bistro Roberto showcases live entertainment featuring both local and Manila-based bands. The crowd is a mixture of both yuppies and oldies either singing or dancing the night away. Open from Monday thru Sunday 4pm until 2 am. Dress Code: Casual wear; slippers and sando not allowed.

BATANGAS - FROM THE LOWEST VOLCANO TO DEEPER DIVES

A province that is famous for excellent dive sites and the world’s lowest volcano, Batangas is going nowhere but up. It is a thriving tourist destination replete with open beaches and sheltered coves, subterranean caves and deep harbors, a preserved heritage and brave men in history.

Found in the province is world-known Anilao and its many dive sites that are ideal for poking around and observing marine life, and outstanding for macro photography. Multi-hued crinoids are prolific. The variety of nudibranchs is unmatched. Night dives are especially nice and often reveal unusual creatures like sea hares, sea goblins, catfish eels, ghost pipe fishes, blue-ringed octopuses, mandarin fishes, and snake eels. The area’s best known dive site, coral-covered Cathedral is spectacular at night. One of the prettiest dives in the area, Sepok has nice coral gardens and a vertical wall.

Taal Lake and Volcano in Batangas is Southern Luzon’s centerpiece attraction. Known to be the smallest in the world, it is a volcano within an islet within a lake within a crater within a volcano. The town of Taal reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era; the other is Vigan in Ilocos Sur. The village in Taal conforms to the old town layout combining the municipal hall, school, church, and houses.

Among the multitude of popular tourism activities to be had in the province are heritage tours, pilgrimage tours, scuba diving, shopping, mountain climbing and trekking, swimming, and snorkeling. Batangas is located only 110 kilometers south of Metropolitan Manila, and is very accessible from the national capital by land.

HISTORY

Founded in 1581, Batangas used to be a bigger province, which was composed of the present Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the present southeastern portion of Laguna. It used to be called Balayan, with the town of Balayan as the capital.

In the beginning of the 17th century, Marinduque and Mindoro were made into separate provinces. In 1732, the capital was transferred to Taal. Finally, in 1754, the capital was transferred to Batangas and the province was thereafter named after the new capital town.

Batangueños are known for being adventurous, business-minded, industrious, friendly, and hospitable. They also happen to have a long-standing reputation for bravery, owing to the Balisong, a Philippine handmade fan-knife native to the province. To add to the perception, Lipa in Batangas, known as Coffee Granary of the Philippines, produces the popular Kapeng Barako, strong coffee considered fit only for strong men.

BATANGAS IS FAMOUS FOR:

Anilao

It is not only ideal for poking around and observing marine life but also outstanding for macro photography. Multi-hued crinoids are prolific. The variety of nudibranchs is unmatched. Night dives are especially nice and often reveal unusual creatures like sea hares, sea goblins, catfish eels, ghost pipe fishes, blue-ringed octopuses, mandarin fishes, and snake eels.

Apolinario Mabini Shrine
The national shrine is a memorial to the nationalism of Philippine hero Apolinario Mabini, known as the Sublime Paralytic, whose moral convictions and political principles illuminated the Filipinos in their search for national identity. It houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero who is also considered as the Brains of the Katipunan, the 1896 Filipino revolutionary movement against Spain. The shrine is located in Barrio Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas.

Taal Lake and Volcano

Southern Luzon’s centerpiece attraction is Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas. The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic view of Volcano Island can be seen. The volcano is known to be the smallest in the world. Surrounded by a lake, it is situated on an 8.8-kilometer islet, lapped by the 27-kilometer-long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking.

Taal Heritage

Taal reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era; the other is Vigan in Ilocos sur. The village conforms to the old town layout combining municipal hall-school-church-houses. It consists of a number of tourist attractions, namely, the Leon Apacible Historical Landmark, Marcela Mariño Agoncilio Museum and Monument, Basilica of San Martin de Tours, Escuela Pia, and Church of Our Lady of Caysasay.

Basilica of San Martin de Tours / Taal Church

San Martin de Tours is the patron of Taal, in whose honor a fest is celebrated every November 11. The church was first built by Father Diego Espina in 1575 in San Nicolas. It was destroyed when Taal volcano erupted in 1754, rebuilt at the present site in 1755, and once more destroyed by an earthquake in 1849. Construction of the present church was started in 1856. Once noted to be the biggest in South East Asia, the church is unique in its combined patriotic, religious, and artistic influence. Writers point to its theatrical exuberance. Its façade is baroque and consists of a single mass of stone shaped into rich complex designs. The church, however, is a fusion of styles with arched openings, alternating segmental canopies and arches of assymmetric shapes.

Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
This church is one of the province’s distinct cultural artifacts for some of the priceless relics of the Spanish colonial period. Among the relics are the 27-centimeter image of the Virgin which was fished out of the waters in 1603, the Augustinian emblems engraved on the communion rails, the ornately carved holy water receptacle, and the few baroque motifs which remain on the external frieze. The church has been renovated but many interesting details of period art can still be appreciated.

Mt. Maculot
One of the highest and most prominent mountains in the province, Mt. Maculot is one of the favorite sites of mountain trekkers. It is said that the mountain was the last stronghold of the Japanese in the province before they were defeated. Several tunnels built by the Japanese soldiers are present in the area. The name Maculot, meaning kinky, was derived from the curly-haired aborigines found in the place.

Parada ng Lechon
The celebration held every June 24 in the town of Balayan coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Lechons, or roast suckling pigs, coming from each barangay of the town are paraded, dressed in accordance with the theme of the fiesta. The parade is capped with a grand viewing of the lechons at the plaza. After the parade, the townspeople and guests partake of the fare as well as engage in water dousing.

Punta Baluarte, Calatagan
A nature resort set on the rolling hills of Hacienda Bigaa, Punta Baluarte offers first-rate accommodations, world-class golf course and facilities.

Balisong
Batangueños have a long-standing reputation for bravery, owing to the Balisong, a Philippine handmade fan-knife native to the province. Balisongs are an excellent buy from the myriad of shops that litter the province, showcasing the artistry of Batangueños.

Tanauan Aerial Sports
Accessible in less than two hours south of Manila, the small town of Tanauan is the skydiving capital of the Philippines. The drop zone, between Mt. Makiling and Taal Volcano, showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Skydiving Center in Tanauan has a 1200m airstrip with several aircraft available to take you aloft for jumping. The standard equipment is state-of-the-art square parachutes, which all have Cypress automatic activation devices fitted for maximum safety.

LG FLATRON W52

PC Monitor

LG puts the FUN back in your video games with the new Flatron W52. The user-friendly LG Flatron W52’s display is easily customizable, thanks to the FUN key, which enables one-touch access to many of its special functions. These include the 4:3 wide function that converts 4:3 sources to widescreen without distortion and eZ Zooming which allows viewers with less-than-perfect eyesight to lower the monitor’s resolution with a single touch of the FUN key. There’s also the Photo Effect and Sound function, which allows you to add special effects and sounds to slide shows. The LG Flatron W52 comes in 19”, 20”, 22” and 24” models.

SAMSUNG SGH-F250

Looking for a really nice music phone? The Samsung SGH-F250 is a sleek and good-looking mobile that comes equipped with dedicated music playback navigation keys on the front. This glossy tri-band GSM/EDGE slider music phone has a stylish metallic keypad and with an optional 2GB microSD card, where you can store up to 1,500 tracks in various formats which you can enjoy using stereo Bluetooth. Other functions include a speaker phone and an FM radio, 1.3-megapixel camera and USB 2.0 connectivity.

LAGUNA - RESORT PROVINCE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Laguna, Resort Province of the Philippines, is a haven of fresh and pristine bodies of water such as hot springs, lakes, and waterfalls. Most notable is Pagsanjan Falls, formerly called Magdapio Falls, referred to as “shooting rapids.” It is found in Cavinti, starting from Pagsanjan town. Another is Lake Caliraya, which is located between Cavinti and Lumban. The strong mountain breeze that blows from the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges and the distant Mount Banahaw makes the lake an ideal place for aqua sports like wind surfing, water skiing, sailing as well as game fishing. Laguna de Bay, Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake, stays pristine throughout the year due to regular rain showers.

Innumerable hot springs abound in the province, including the famous Hidden Valley Springs which is located in a secluded part of Alaminos town. A trip to Dalitiwan River, located in Botocan, Majayjay, is an exciting adventure because the terrain is rugged, as mountain lands go, and the cool water or river gushes through the rocks and boulders along the watercourse in sweeping currents. The mystical Mt. Makiling in Los Baños is an inactive volcano, rising to about 1,109 meters above sea level. It is indeed endowed with nature’s beauty, making it ideal for all types of nature tripping, from trekking to bird and butterfly watching and even camping.

Laguna is not only endowed with natural wonders. It also plays an important role in the country’s history as the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, whose infancy and early manhood were spent in the towns of Calamba and Biñan. A number of churches of Spanish-influenced architecture in intricate Romanesque and Baroque design, mostly restored to their original elegance, are also found in the province.

The province is one huge showcase of Southern Tagalog craftsmanship. The town of Paete is famous for its woodcarvings, papier mache, and handmade paper products.Tree seedlings, sampaguita flowers, orchids, and exotic plants are big business. Cut flower farms are found mostly in towns of Calamba, Los Baños, and Bay. Sweet tropical fruits abound, such as the lanzones from Paete, pineapple from Calauan, chico, banana, mango, rambutan, and avocado. Add to these Laguna’s embroidered garments. Jusi cloth made from banana fiber is painstakingly, albeit deftly, transformed into beautiful pieces of clothing worthy of being tailored into the Philippine national costume, the Barong Tagalog. Shoes made from abaca hemp is a growing industry in the town of Liliw.

Owing to its nearness to Manila, Laguna is presently becoming the center of economic activity in the Southern Tagalog Region and the CALABARZON area. Business in the area is bustling as shown by the presence of several industrial estates designed for handling large scale firms engaged in textile manufacturing, electronics, food processing, industrial machines, and car assembly.

PAGSANJAN, LAGUNA

The town of Pagsanjan is blessed with natural wonders – the awe-inspiring gorges, the roaring rapids, and the Pagsanjan Falls, a plus factor that made Pagsanjan one of the premiere tourist attractions of the country. The gorges teem with wild orchids, ferns, and vines, and in early morning, chattering monkeys and beautiful sunrays and peaceful water. Inside, multi-colored birds flirt in the bushes. The thrill of shooting the rapids here is an experience of a lifetime, starting with boarding a banca paddled by two expert Pagsanjeño boatmen. The only way to the falls is through the Bumbungan River of Pagsanjan. The upstream trip, three miles from outside town on the rugged Cavinti highlands, is relatively slow as the boatmen paddle and drag the banca against the currents. But the half-hour trip back provides an unforgettable experience in shooting the 14 rapids.The rainy season is the best time to view the series of mini-falls, over 19 in all, first of which is the Talahib Falls. Farther on are the Kalukuy Falls and the misty Bridal Veil Falls. Some of these mini-falls are unnamed and rarely seen in the summer. Huge stones called Pusong Bato lay at the center of the river.Pagsanjan is further known for beautiful and quality shoes and locally made slippers. The shoe store located at Gen. Taiño Street is a tourist favorite.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park in the Philippines. It is located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, about 26 kilometers (16.1 miles) from Manila. It has a land area of 17 hectares (41 acres). The park is managed and operated by Enchanted Kingdom Inc., formerly named Amtrust Leisure Corporation.

Enchanted Kingdom is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Park zones

• Spaceport - Relive the glory days of the American space exploration program of the 1960s. Portabello - A replica of Portabello, a place in Panama in the Caribbean Sea where the riches of the Incas were shipped by the Spaniards.


• Brooklyn Place - Take a sentimental journey down the streets of Brooklyn, one of New York's five boroughs, as it was in the 1940's.


• Victoria Park - Inspired by the era of Queen Victoria's rule


• Boulderville - Discover an era ruled by dinosaurs as you enter Boulderville, a prehistoric cartoon zone designed to capture every child's imagination.


• Midway Boardwalk - Coney Island, known as "America's Playground" in the 1930's, comes to life at the Midway Boardwalk.


• Jungle Outpost - The heart of the Amazon is the setting of the Jungle Outpost.
  

Attractions

• Space Shuttle (Vekoma Boomerang roller coaster)


• Rio Grande Rapids (River rafting ride)


• Anchors Away (Pirate Ship Ride)


• Discovery Theater (4D Theater)


• Roller Skaters (Mini Roller Coaster)


• Jungle Log Jam (Jungle-themed flume ride)


• Flying Fiesta (Giant swing ride)


• Carousel Condor (Spinning Tower Ride)


• Swan Lake Dodgem (Bumper Cars)


• Wheel of Fate (Ferris Wheel)


• Up, up and Away (Balloon Ride)


• Bumbling Boulders (Teacups-Type Ride)


• Stone Eggs (Kiddie Ferris Wheel)


• Exodus the Ride (ATV Adventure Trail)


• Kart Trak (Go-Kart Race Track)


• Boulderville Express (Train ride)


• Xtreme Paintball Rialto (Motion Simulator Theatre)


• 7th Portal (3D Theater)

History
The park was conceptualized by the Landmark Entertainment Group and modelled after Knott's Berry Farm. It was built at a cost of P1.2-billion. The park first opened on July 28, 1995.

KUSINA SALUD

Simulan na natin ang Trip sa Laguna. Anu-ano nga ba ang maari natin nakita sa dito. Hmmm... dapat kumain muna tayo sa unang trip natin. Kaya the best dyan ang KUSINA SALUD. Balita namin masarap daw ang breakfast dun.... Pero ano at saan nga ba matatagpuan ang KUSINA SALUD?

Kusina Salud provides an enriching cultural experience that emphasizes Filipino cuisine and artisanship in a verdant environment.
Opened in October 2004, Kusina Salud features an enchanting ambience created by Filipiniana textile artist Patis Tesoro, and a unique preparation of modern Filipino cuisine by Chef Paul Poblador and his talented team.

About 83 kilometers from Exit 50 (Lucena/Batangas) on the South Luzon Expressway, Kusina Salud is located in Brgy. Sta Cruz, Putol in San Pablo, Laguna.

Visiting Kusina Salud makes for an excellent day trip, and can be a satisfying addition to other sojourns in San Pablo. The establishment is surrounded by popular resorts, organic nurseries, artist workshops and inns.

Kusina Salud is developing into a sustainable tourism attraction in the heart of Laguna, the resort capital of the Philippines.

Filipino Food

Chef Poblador describes his culinary creations for Kusina Salud as modern renditions, interpretations and combinations of classic Filipino dishes.

When his mother-in-law, Patis Tesoro, launched Kusina Salud in October of 2004, he suddenly felt at odds with the concept, given his background of ten years in French cookery. His forte felt like an Achilles' heel waiting to be the target of nostalgic Filipino palates craving their grandmother’s special adobo, which absolutely no one can best. He decided to rely on the talents and skill palettes of his team of Filipino chefs with regard to their expertise in Filipino food.
“And why not?” he thought. “Their cooking is what Filipinos everywhere can relate to. It’s the most basic taste we know.” Nevertheless, this wasn’t enough for the discerning taste buds of our countrymen. “It seems like the food in Kusina Salud doesn’t compare to its ambience,” they lamented, “and it certainly doesn’t compare to the culinary experience we had in Salud! Bistro in Baguio,” some of them added. Aha! Thanks to their comments, we were able to identify our customers' expectations of the Kusina Salud experience!

“Cool!” Pol exclaimed, “Now I can play!” From trying hard to be a traditional Filipino restaurant, we shifted our focus towards becoming the Pinoy counterpart of a French restaurant in Provence. My husband immediately started experimenting with gusto in the kitchen. His dishes soon accommodated the nuances of fusion gastronomy while still showcasing our revered traditional flavors.

What was once an ordinary pinaputok na tilapia with red egg salad suddenly became an oft-desired dish thanks to the addition of sarsang laing on the side. The conventional binagoongang baboy was embellished with eggplant tempura and a petite green mango salad; this dish has proven itself a consistent top seller since its inclusion in the menu. The kare-kareng dagat lends itself to French cookery techniques as its basic flavors are reliant on the accompanying sauces of annatto-peanut and bagoong. It is a favorite of San Pableños right after the lumpiang ubod with Visayan sinamak.

We now define the distinct Kusina Salud Modern Filipino Cuisine as the preparation of locally sourced fresh ingredients by way of both French and Filipino cookery techniques to create complimentary combinations of tastes, providing a uniquely adventurous, unforgettable and fulfilling culinary experience. Salamant sa inyong pagdalaw. Sana magustuhan ninyo ang aming handa. Bon apetit at kain na!

Kusina Salud aspires to be a sustainable tourism attraction in the next three years. As a safety net of Filipino culture and heritage, we hold gallery shows and food festivals displaying the unique creations of prolific local artisanship movement.

KUSINA SALUD

Cell: 0921-7726985

Laguna: 049-5736155

kusinasalud@gmail.com

VILLA ESCUDERO PLANTATION AND RESORT

Villa Escudero

An interesting two hour drive South from Metro Manila brings you to one of the Philippines most popular get aways, Villa Escudero, where Philippine culture and history comes to life.

History
Villa Escudero is a working coconut plantation founded in 1872. In 1980 the Escudero family opened the plantation to the general public. Since then Villa Escudero has developed a worldwide reputation as a focal point to experience Philippine culture and history in a beautiful rural setting.

Day Visits
A convenient, refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, recharge your batteries, enjoy a variety of fun filled activities and lunch at the famous Waterfall Restaurant.
- Cultural Show
- AERA Museum
- Lunch at Labasin Falls
- Swimming Falls
- Rafting at Lake Labasin
- Recreation Hall
- Souvenir Shop
- Snack Bar

Overnight Stay
Enjoy an overnight stay with a choice of three styles of accommodations
- Riverside Cottages
- Long House Garden Units
- Long House Garden Suites

Dinner with nightly entertainment is served in the Coconut Pavillion from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Following a restful sleep enjoy breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Conferences and Special Events
The Villa Escudero Conference Center is the perfect place for a company conference or special event. The Center features a main hall, which can accommodate up to 200 participants or can be divided into two smaller sections. Ample breakout and food service areas are incorporated into the Center.

Weddings
Wedding service includes ceremony at the Chapel of the Ascencion, transportation of the bride and groom by horse drawn carriage, and reception at the Wedding Center dramatically set in the midst of a lush tropical garden.

Directions
How to get there from Metro Manila:Driving time is about 2 hours (90 km)

- Take the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX)
- Exit at 50 A (Lucena exit)
- Turn left at Sto. Tomas junction
- Head straight South. By pass the towns of Alaminos and San Pablo
- Slow down upon seeing the Quezon Province Boundary Arch.
- The Villa Escudero entrance is immediately to the left.
- Follow the instructions of the gate officer when turning into the Resort.

Bus Lines: Several Bus Lines serve the route and will let you disembark and pick you up directly at the entrance (e.g. Tritran, JAC Liner, Philtranco, South Star).

Contact VILLA ESCUDERO
Manila Office: 1059 Estrada Street, Malate 1004 Metro Manila
Provincial Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4 San Pablo City 4000
Telephone Numbers: 521-0830/ 523-0392/ 523-2944
Fax Number: 521-8698
E-mail us at: vespar@pldtdsl.net

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip, make sure that you find out about the wet and dry seasons, or other possible weather conditions that may affect your holiday. If you are using a travel agent then make sure that you ask about this, even though they should tell you.

General Info
Filipinos often use their eyes, lips, and hands to convey a wide range of messages. Raised eyebrows and a smile indicate a silent "hello" or a "yes" in answer to a question. Fixed eye contact between men is considered an aggressive gesture. The proper method to summon somebody is with a downward wave. Filipinos place great emphasis on polite language and gentle conversation. Voice tone is always soft and gentle, and direct questions should be avoided. Filipinos value their self-esteem, so never criticize or argue with them publicly. Most men, when so provoked, will fight for the preservation of their pride or self-esteem. Avoid topics such as politics, religion, corruption and foreign aid. Filipinos enjoy conversations about their families.

What to Wear
People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women is light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in.

Mode of Transportation
There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use.

Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel all the major routes in Metro Manila except Roxas Boulevard. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 10.00, adding PhP 2.00 for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 9.00, with an additional PhP1.00 for every succeeding kilometer. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment.

Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 "quatro pesos in local tounge" (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 50 centavos additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump.

The LRT : It's the fastest, cheapest way to go. The PhP 10.00-worth token takes you from Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) to Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked.

Taxis: Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters. to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected.

Local Currency
The unit of currency in the Philippines is the peso (P). Notes are issued by the Central Bank in denominations of P10, P20, P50, P100, P500 and P1, 000. Coins are issued for 5c (centavos), 10c, 25c, P1 and P5. Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized foreign exchange dealers. Outside of Manila, the use of the Philippine pesos for payments is preferred. Travelers checks issued by American Express, Bank of Tokyo, Bank of America, Barclays and Citibank are widely accepted. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club can be used to pay for most goods and services.

Business Hours
Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification.

Visas
If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe and hold a valid passport and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy or, once here, from Bureau of Immigration. For most foreigners staying up to 21 days, visas are not required upon entering the country, provided visitors have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations. For visitors who are planning to stay up to 59 days, a temporary visitors visa is required, and registration with the Commission on Immigration and Deportation is necessary. Foreigners arriving from an area infected by plague, typhus or yellow fever are required to have valid vaccination and immunization certificates. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports need special entry permits. Visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Weather
The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons hot and dry from November to June and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets.

Customs Regulations
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before arrival to facilitate customs examination. For those with no currency or article to declare, BC Form 117, signed by the custom officer serves as a gate pass. Foreign currency more than US$3,000 must be declared at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated behind the customs examination area. Departing passengers are not allowed to take out foreign currency more than the amount that was brought in and declared. Local currency not exceeding P1,000 can be taken out of the country. Imported items brought in, and not to be taken out again upon leaving, are taxable.

Source: Lakbay Pilipinas

Events: April 2008 Festivals

HINUGYAW SA HINIGARAN FESTIVAL
April 25-30 / Hinigaran, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 1 hour 30 minutes from Bacolod City to Hinigaran by land)A week-long festivity which culminates with a grand parade featuring street dancing performers in their colorful costumes.

YAGYAG FESTIVAL
Last week of April / Cangmating Sibulan, Negros Oriental (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)The festival is a showcase of local arts and culture, fashion and unity. It features Mardi grass type streetdancing and related events. This is also an occasion for trading and barter, and celebration.

BANGUS FESTIVAL
April 28-May 02 / Dagupan City, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land)Part of Dagupan's Pista'y Dayat celebration, highlight of which is the longest bangus grill, 101 ways to cook bangus, Bangus Harvest Dance parade, sports competition/exhibition.

PISTA'Y DAYAT
April 29-May 01 / Lingayen, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land)Thanksgiving festival for the year's bountiful harvest from the sea.

GOTAD AD KIANGAN
April 30-May 03 / Kiangan, Ifugao (9 hours from Manila by land)A thanksgiving festival Ifugao-style featuring sports, arts and native rituals.

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