Nestled in Greenbelt Park in the heart of Makati City, the Philippines, Ayala Museum is considered one of the leading cultural institutions of Philippine art and culture. It displays the finest collections of dioramas of Philippine history and works of renowned Filipino painters. Established by Filipino abstract painter and one of the premier multimedia artists in the country – Fernando Zobel, the museum was opened in 1967 but the current building was inaugurated in September 2004 and was designed by Leandro V. Locsin and Partners.

Ayala Museum began as a museum of Philippine history and iconography, and transformed itself into a museum of fine arts and history. The museum hosts changing exhibitions, featuring ethnographic items, works by young visual artists, historical photographs, and major art works on loan from foreign or local private collectors. The museum is recommended to traditional and contemporary art enthusiasts and it is a magnificent setting for special events and activities. It has a wide and graceful lobby, state-of-the-art conference and meeting rooms, a glassed-in gallery, and a plaza surrounded by a Zen-inspired garden.

The first department of the museum is called “The Diorama Experience”, which features handcrafted dioramas narrating the highlights of the Philippine history such as the 1946 independence from the United States and the 1986 People Power Revolution. For more additional information please visit official website: http://www.ayalamuseum.org/

Eskaya Beach Resort is a heavenly retreat in an unspoilt part of the Philippines. This stunning resort combines the scenic nature of Bohol facing the Mindanao Sea with the high standards and myriad facilities. The “all villa-resort” is a sprawling 16-hectare boutique style property offers a complete package of modern facilities and excusive atmosphere. With only 15 well-appointed private villas this is the right place for those looking for tranquility and privacy.

Surrounded by a serene atmosphere, the entire resort is primarily built in a traditional way with the use of indigenous material like bamboo, wood, and cogon. Thatched villas have large, comfy beds and whirlpool baths and provide modern facilities and equipment without sacrificing its rustic chic appeal. The thatched villas, or “balai” in the dialect, are designed to reflect Bohol’s indigenous culture, benefit from a strongly defined sense of community and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

Chef’s Table is a contemporary restaurant in Taguig, Philippines owned by celebrity Chef Bruce Lim,who  a well celebrated chef renowned with the hosts of world-renowned tv cooking shows and consults for numerous food companies. His cuisine is essentially contemporary Filipino. He takes local dishes, ingredients, and recipies and gives them a surprising but pleasing twist.

This idea of the restaurant is interpreted in different levels – in space, in views, in form, and in materials. The weaving interior of the project is designed as an open one and is the first thing that is seen upon entry as it was pushed to be right in the center of the space. In the middle of the kitchen and consequently the whole restaurant is the chef, the genius behind the sumptuous gastronomy. The existing space had a mezzanine, which posed a challenge as to how to make the chef on the ground below visible from the deep portions of the upper level.

You should definitely try Roasted Tomato Halaan (clam) soup: a fresh, light clam broth infused with roasted tomato puree, the Prawn Aligue (crab fat) My Way: oven-baked luscious fresh prawns on aligue-flavored sotanghon (vermicelli), and the Chill-a-fino: a steamed fillet of stone grouper sitting on a bed of bright violet, unexpected savory ube mash. For seasoned Chef’s Table followers, no more waiting for almost 2 months for Chef Bruce’ dishes!

About 400 km from Manila is the city of Vigan. It is a well-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia, complete with cobblestone streets and a design that fuses European colonial architecture with Asian designs creating one charming and unique atmosphere. The name Vigan was derived from “Biga”, a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River.

One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. Established in the 16th century, its cultural heritage consists of more than 180 ancestral houses, administrative and religious structures, public squares and other historical landmarks built during the 18th and 19th centuries. Several museums exist for the many national heroes that were born here. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. 

Located on the beautiful Mactan Island, this is one of the most exclusive boutique resorts in Philippines. It’s an ultra posh destination perfect for those who want to get pampered. The resort offers six deluxe suites and three expansive villas set in a lush beachfront and where guests can experience relaxation in their very own private getaway.

The resort‘ suites and villas are intended primarily to reflect the beauty of their surroundings. They have ethnic touches with a timeless, elegant style and offer the best of modern amenities, including: free wireless high speed Internet, LCD satellite television, full service mini-bar, king-sized beds and 100% cotton and silk linens.

In addition to the spacious suites and villas, guest enjoy full luxury spa and restaurant experiences. Enjoy the classic, elegant style of the topics with accents on warm dark woods and natural stones. Official site: www.abacaresort.com

Misibis Bay is a tropical resort, where you will find 24-hour butler service, two delightful restaurants, a superb spa, three pools and a vast selection of activities, including underwater submarine explorations and helicopter trips to the crater of Mayon Volcano. There is a wide range of sport activities from cycling, horse riding to fishing.

All suites have high airy ceilings, large terraces and sun decks, direct access to the swimming pools or the beach. Our suites have been designed to accommodate couples, familes, and everyone in between with first class style. Every suite has a day bed or two for additional guests. Many of the suites can be joined together to form two bedroom suites. And all are steps away from the wondrous environment that is Misibis Bay.

he resort features 37 luxurious suites in different beach front or poolside villas, some of them offering an awesome, unhindered view of the majestic Pacific Ocean.  Its exclusive beachfront allows you to bask in the tropical scenery and other fine points of  resort living:  a chic restaurant offering Asian and Western cuisine, a pool and beach bar, a world-class spa with  treatment villas, horseback and ATV riding, jet ski, windsurfing and snorkeling among many others.

There are also the endemic natural and man-made attractions within and around the province of Albay that make Misibis Bay the perfect take-off point for a Bicol adventure. There is of course the unrivalled beauty of Mayon Volcano – with its perfect cone, and swimming with the Whale Sharks in Sorsogon. Journey to the southernmost part of Luzon and enjoy the adventure of exotic Albay. From kayaking to mountain biking, snorkeling and wind surfing, Misibis Bay has the activity that will satisfy your adventure cravings. Location: Cagraray Island, Albay, Philippines.

Taal Lake lies in the crater of an extinct volcano on Luzon Island, about 56 km south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. One of the most picturesque places in the country, it contains Volcano Island, with Mt Taal, an active volcano, rising to 984 ft (300 m).

A smaller volcano erupted to form the island in the middle of the lake. Later on, a smaller volcano erupted to form the island in the middle of the lake. Widely known as the smallest volcano in the world, Taal Volcano is a scenic view that can be seen from the stretching slopes of Tagaytay highways elevated at 2500 ft. above sea level.

The first recorded scuba dive inside the crater was made by a team led by Thomas Hargrove in 1986 to a depth of about 20 metres. Taal as the Decade Volcano for the Philippines Thirty three eruptions have been recorded since 1572 at Taal, mostly on Volcano Island.

Islands, islands everywhere – hundred of them in the Mindanao Island group, of which is the largest by far is ‘big daddy’ Mindanao at 97,500 sq km. Mindanao is the centre of Islam in the Philippines, though it is now the island’s minority religion. Even so the struggle to secure an independent Muslim state on the island has been taking place for centuries and continues to these days. Photo by: frankeys creation

Mindanao is located at the mos southerly and easterly point in the Philippines. The island has a unique character that makes it seem very different from the rest of the Philippines. It is also a land between modern and traditional. Photo by: sweetcaroline?

The thriving industrial centre that is Davao City certainly belongs to the 21st century, as do the many intensive agri-businesses producing commodities like pineapples and meat. But once away from centres of population in the largely unspoiled back country, adventurous visitors will find themselves in a nature – lovers paradise and will be fascinated by the timeless way of life. Rich flora and fauna, astonishing attractions, stunning coastlines and islands, white sand beaches, crystal water, different ethnic communities with colourful festivals – all combine to make Mindanao a popular tourist destination. Photo by: anggebarcelona

There is more than enough of Mindanao to go round, but despite awareness of the importance of eco -tourism, some of the new facilities will seem intrusive to those who prefer things just the way they were. Photo by: rempleo (in a cocoon)

When to go: Any time – there is no significant wet or dry season and the climate is pleasant all year round. Population: 18,134,000. Getting there: Fly in to the recently upgraded Davao City international airport. You should know: Davao City is the world’s largest by area, at the last count sprawling out over 2,450 sq km and still growing. Photo by: Storm Crypt

Bohol is oval-shaped island and lies to the southern-east of Cebu Island and due north from Mindanao Island. Bohol is the 10th-largest island in the Philippines, with an area of 3,300 sq km and a coastline that is 260 km in length. It has gently rolling landscape and mountainous interior. One must see are the famous Chocolate Hills near Carmen, known as ‘The Jewel of the Philippines’. They are amazing natural wonder – some 1,200 uniform cone-shaped limestone hills. They are grass-covered and turn brown in the summer, which is where the chocolate comes in. There is a good road system on the island, giving access to both the interior and coastal villages. Photo by: WisDoc

The capital city Tagbilaran is located on the south coast, popular with those who like beach holidays on sand. Bohol is surrounded by 70 smaller islands. Many of these can easily be reached by the mainland, and some offer unusual experiences like whale dolphin watching. This activity is conducted by former fishermen who now serves as ‘stewards of the sea’. Photo by: reybronx

When to go: November to April is mild, May to July hot and humid. August to October mild but rainy. Population: 1,137,000. How to get there: By sea to the Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier from Cebu, Manila and various other islands. Photo by: Flipped Out

This is the largest island in the Philippines Archipelago, giving its name to the one of the country’s three island group. Lizon itself is the world’s 15th-largest island, with an area of 105,000 sq km and the fifth most populous. The country’s capital Manila is located there, making Luzon the centre of economic influence in the Philippines. Photo by: lehongwang

Mountainous Luzon is home to the country’s second- highest peak (Mount Pulag) and most famous volcano (Mayon). Another natural highlight is the world’s largest lake on an island in a lake on an island – Crater Lake on Vulcano Island in Lake Taal on Luzon. This amazing landmark was once a vast inlet of the sea. As a result, it has many saltwater species that have adapted to fresh water – there were even bull sharks until the locals eliminated them in the 1930s. Photo by: Sekitar

Luzon has the best infrastructure of the Philippines‘ main islands and offers breathtaking contrast between its modern cities, variety of scenery, spectacular coastline and a rural way of life.

When to go: The climate is temperate, allowing year-round visiting, but April to June is the peak of tourist season. Population: 39, 500,000. How to get there: There are commercial flights into Luzon’s international airports, featuring cheap flights fom Hong Kong. Photo by: vicdv888 – (Super Busy)

El Nido Resorts began 20 years ago as a 15-cottage dive camp built in an isolated island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Miniloc Island, with a total land area of 224 hectares, is one of the largest islands in the El Nido Protected Area. The resort is encircled by limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters.  It’s a great place to relax. The island is a part of the still unspoiled chain of 45 limestone island jewels that make up El Nido, Palawan.

Miniloc Island Resort composed of 50 rooms with a variety of accommodation styles. Standard Rooms are 21 sqm, with garden and partial bay views. They are fitted with a queen size bed or 2 single beds. 25 air conditioned seaview room with separate shower and toilet facilities, Hot and cold water, Mini bar, Reception area.

There are water cottages built on stilts over the water. There are also seaview rooms with an adjoining verandah, directly overlooking the sea.

Amenities: Business Center, High-speed Internet, Restaurant and more.

The waters fronting the resort are rich in marine life.

It also has a Marine Sports Center, complete with water sports equipment such as diving and snorkeling, kayak, windsurfer, and hobie cat.

The archipelago of Palawan, Philippines is consisting of huge variety of tropical forests, over 11,000sq km of coral reefs, mountains, 2,000km of coastline, marine wilderness with more than 2,000 species of fish. The site contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. The area is home to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which is also known as the “Underground River Cave“. Located only an hour flight from Manila, it is one of the world’s longest underground river – whole 8.2 km.

The underground river navigates through a cave that includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large deep chambers. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. Animals such as snakes, bats, large lizards,  squirrels and fishes live in the cave.

Puerto Princesa is reach in beautiful places and features a lot of exciting activities such as rock climbing, bird watching, seeing mangrove trees, tours in Sabang River. In 1999 the area was inscribe by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Boracay islandis a tropical paradise located 1 km northwest of Panay Island in the Visayas Region. Surrounded by the blue waves of the Sibuyan Sea and covered with white sands, this island is the most popular tourist destination of Philippines. Boracay Festivals and Events all over the year also attract a lot of people to this island. The Ati Atihan Festival, Boracay takes place during the third week of January every year.

The festival takes place in three places, one after the other-the Ati Atihan Festival along Boracay’s White Beach, the world famous Ati Atihan Festival in Kalibo and the Tribal Ati Atihan Festival in Ibajay.
In the festival the participants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright tribal costumes as they dance on the streets shouting “Hala Bira”.

The 3rd Boracay International  Festival will be held on April 30, May 1 – 2, 2009 and will be bigger and even better than the previous years – a fun-filled event incorporating the dragon boat spirit of sportsmanship and great international camaraderie.

Philippines never run out of reasons to celebrate. Boracay is indeed the land of happy people so stay happy and till next.

The people of Cordillera, 3’000 years ago took on one of mankind’s most impressive landscape modification projects in order to farm effectively transform a mountainside region into what some now call the eighth wonder of the world. These are The Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordillera. The project is astonishing due to the fact that it was completed thousands of years ago without the use of modern apparatus and machinery takes the terraces and integrated irrigation systems to a whole new level.

The idea of this craftsman is very simple and something not unique to the Philippines. In the Cordilleras region this has been applied to an area on an elsewhere unseen scale: approximately 10?360 square kilometres. Entire mountains, sometimes thousands of feet high, sculpted like blocks of wood. The natural streams and rivers of each terraced mountain and its forests have been diverted using a huge and complex arrangement of canals, sluices and taps, the same water is then pushed to the highest terraces using miles of wooden piping. when the terraces fill up they overflow and start to fill the terraced field below, and the cycle continues until the entire mini-waterfall covered mountain is carrying an immense weight of water.

The rice terraces are, a huge tourist attraction and have attracted attention and money from across the world. Water isn’t as readily available as in the past due to the effects of an earthquake and the new demand for water itself from the tourist industry. For that reason UNESCO has placed the terraces on a list of world heritage sites it believes to be ‘in danger’.

Google Earth Placemark – Visit to Taal Volcano and Lake is number 1 thing to do in Manila