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1. PICK STRAWBERRIES IN BAGUIO
Why you should do it:
The summer capital of the Philippines has been a favorite vacation spot
for generations. But beyond your fondness for the cooler climate, you
should try the unique experience of picking your own strawberries. The
red heart-shaped fruit spread out in front of you is a sight to
behold–unless you’re not fond of strawberries at all. But if you’re a
die-hard strawberry lover, we recommend getting a cone of strawberry ice
cream or a cup of strawberry taho right after picking for additional pleasure after a job well done.
2. GO SPELUNKING IN SAGADA
Why you should do it:
Craving for a highland adventure? Grab your backpack and gear, and go
caving in Sagada. What appears to be a quiet retreat away from the city
actually has a handful of unique experiences available for the
thrill-seeker. Sumaguing Cave, or Big Cave as it is popularly referred
to, is a must for any Sagada traveler. Although there are other smaller
caves to explore, this cave is the most-frequented caving hotspot in
Sagada.
3. VISIT THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF VIGAN
Why you should do it:
A walk down Vigan’s streets brings you back to how it must have been
like to live during the Spanish era. Vigan tops the list when it comes
to revisiting the romance of our colonial past. Calle Crisologo, the hub
for old, ancestral houses, is the place to go to. Try renting a
horse-drawn carriage or calesa, and enjoy a ride around this world heritage site.
4. GO HORSEBACK RIDING IN TAGAYTAY
Why you should do it:
Tagaytay’s cool climate makes it a favorite for urbanites seeking
relief from the heat of the city. The Picnic Grove in particular, is a
favorite because it’s the center for various activities like horseback
riding. And it doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden a horse in your
life, there are experienced guides and instructors who will be more than
willing to show you the ropes.
5. VISIT THE SHRINE OF THE BLOOD COMPACT IN BOHOL
Why you should do it:
Apart from a visit to the Chocolate Hills, the Sandugo Shrine is
another must-visit because of it’s historical significance. Said to be
the approximate spot of the ritual where a pact of friendship to end
hostilities was made by Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the
shrine memorializes this event with the help of bronze statues by the
National Artist, Napoleon Abueva.
6. WATCH THE SINULOG FESTIVAL IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Every third Sunday of January, the city of Cebu swells with tourists
from all over the world who want to take part in the annual Sinulog
festival. It is, without question, one of the most famous, most
colorful, and grandest festivals in the country. So if basking in the
sun or hiking up the mountains is not your thing, then you can perhaps
try watching Cebu's Sinulog Festival parade or dancing the night away in
the street parties that follow it.
7. DECORATE A HOUSE FOR THE PAHIYAS IN QUEZON
Why you should do it: This
annual tribute to San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farmers, is held
to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Houses are decorated with kiping—leaf-shaped
ornaments made with rice flour—in various colors, and other produce
arranged in such a way that homes resemble parade floats. It’s a feast
for the eyes, and with all the dishes served during the fiesta, the
palate as well.
8. SEE THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL IN BACOLOD
Why you should do it:
The Masskara Festival, also referred to as the “Festival of Smiles,”
will call out to the amateur photographer in you as the festival
practically bursts with color. Various dance groups try to outdo each
other with elaborate costumes and masks as they parade dancing down the
streets to the beat of lively music.
9. DANCE WITH THE ATI-ATIHAN IN AKLAN
Why you should do it: Love
street dancing? Go to Kalibo in Aklan and dance to the tunes of the
famous Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan. Celebrated every third weekend of
January, this festival is been considered by many as the Mardi Gras of
the Philippines. You don’t have to paint your face with soot or wear the
costumes; just shout “hala bira!” while dancing wildly with the locals is just as much fun.
10. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO CORREGIDOR
Why you should do it: Corregidor
holds a special place in history as one of the key points in the
defense of Manila during World War II. Today, the ruins of the soldier’s
barracks as well as the guns used used against the enemies serve as a
testament to the brave individuals who fought to keep the country safe.
11. GO TO A POTTERY WORKSHOP AT UGU BIGYAN
Why you should do it:
Named its owner, Ugu Bigyan is a special destination in Quezon for
those whose passions lie in art and food. Art is a focal point for Ugu’s
family and along with the home atmosphere and the delicious food, the
one-of-a-kind items sold at the workshop makes this a one-stop
destination for tourists.
12. SEE THE WINDMILLS OF BANGUI
Why you should do it:
The windmills that dot the shoreline of Bangui lend a special charm to
this seaside town. Used as a source of clean energy, the huge windmills
are a sight to behold and make for some pretty amazing photos. Get the
full romantic effect by taking photos during the “blue hour” and you’ll
know what we mean.
13. TOUR MALACAÑANG PALACE
Why you should do it: Built
in 1750, Malacañang first served as a summer home for a Spanish
aristocrat. It was purchased by the state in 1825, it then became the
official home for Spanish Governor Generals, and during the
Spanish-American War, the residence of American Governor William Howard
Taft. Malacañang is now designated as the official residence of
Philippine presidents during their tenure. After the People Power
Revolution in 1986, the Palace was reopened to the public and was
converted into a museum. Guests can view art and furniture from the
Palace collection, including portraits of every President from Emilio
Aguinaldo to Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
14. VISIT THE BARASOAIN CHURCH
Why you should do it:
For travelers looking to see a little bit of history, a visit to the
Barasoain Church in Bulacan is a must. Founded in 1859 by the
Augustinian missionaries, this structure is witness to some of the most
important moments in our country’s history. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and
former President Joseph Estrada are just some of the leaders that have a
special connection to the church.
15. EXPLORE THE COCONUT PALACE
Why you should do it:
Named after the tree of life, the Coconut Palace, situated at the CCP
Complex in Pasay City, now serves as the official residence, as well as
primary office of the Vice President of the Philippines. Built in 1978,
the grand palace was made out of special coconut lumber, Philippine
hardwood, and coconut shells. This structure also features a salakot-shaped
roof. The suites on the second floor are named after the regions in the
Philippines, and each features handicrafts unique to the regions.
16. RIDE THE OLD LOCOMOTIVES IN THE SUGAR PLANTATIONS IN NEGROS
Why you should do it: Known
as “Sugarlandia,” the wealth of Negros comes from the vast sugar
plantations scattered throughout the province–-and you have to see the
wonders of these plantations at least once in your lifetime. Take a ride
on the old locomotives with the locals and enjoy the vast view of the
province’s lifeblood.
17. SEE RIZAL’S HOME IN CALAMBA
Why you should do it:
Rizal’s ancestral home in Calamba, Laguna, is among the most-visited
attractions in the province. Although it was destroyed sometime in
World War II, the national artist Juan Nakpil supervised its restoration
under the Executive Order No. 145 issued by then President Elpidio
Quirino. The Calamba Church, where Rizal was baptized, was just next
door.
18. VISIT THE PINEAPPLE PLANTATIONS IN MINDANAO
Why you should do it: Some
claim that the biggest pineapple plantation in the world is in the
Philippines and it is located in Mindanao. Here, pineapple plants
stretch as far as the eye can see, not surprising since the country is
the second largest producer of the fruit. While Mindanao is home to a
number of large pineapple plantations, the one in Polomolok in South
Cotabato offers not just huge tracts of land devoted to the fruit, but
also an amazing view of Mt Matumtum.
19. GO ON A CALESA RIDE OR A WALKING TOUR OF THE STREETS IN INTRAMUROS
Why you should do it:
The walled city of Intramuros is famous for a lot of things. From the
old buildings that make up each block, to the ruins of the old cells
used as prisons, this city within a city is teeming with history. The
best way to imagine how life was back then is by way of a horse-drawn calesa
down Intramuros's cobbled roads. You never know what things you may
discover just around the corner. Not one for the carriages? Sign up for a
walking tour!
20. TOUR FORT SANTIAGO
Why you should do it:
Fort Santiago was set up as a military defense structure in the 16th
century and has seen it's share of wars, even surviving the bombing
during World War II. Officially a part of Intramuros, Fort Santiago is
now an important monument that captures Manila's glorious past. A tour
of Fort Santiago means walking the same streets as our ancestors from
long ago.
21. SEE MAGELLAN'S CROSS AND THE STO. NIÑO SHRINE IN CEBU
Why you should do it:
Cebu holds the distinction as being one of the first places in the
country to experience Western influence. Magellan's Cross, housed in a
small shrine near the Cebu City Hall is said to be the original cross
that the Portuguese explorer brought with him when he first landed on
the islands. Right next to it is the Sto. Niño Shrine, which houses one
of the oldest images of the Child Jesus as well as centuries-old
antiques.
22. MACARTHUR'S LANDING SITE IN LEYTE
Why you should do it:
The island of Leyte in the Visayas played a special role during World
War II. General Douglas MacArthur landed on the shores of Leyte on
October 20, 1944 and presided over a campaign that helped in the
liberation of the country from the Japanese. On Palo Beach, where
General MacArthur landed, there is a memorial that commemorates the
exact pose of the party as they waded to shore all those years ago.
23. SEE THE SPOLIARIUM AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Why you should do it:
The Spoliarium is a painting by the celebrated Filipino artist, Juan
Luna. Standing four meters high and nearly seven meters wide, the
painting shows the scenes beneath a roman arena where the bodies of dead
gladiators are placed before being disposed of. This painting is a
source of national pride because it won the Exposicion Nacional Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.
24. MEET THE IGOROTS OF THE CORDILLERAS
Why you should do it:
Composed of six ethnic groups (the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg,
Kalinga, and Kankan-ey), the Igorots of the Cordillera region represent a
culture that is unique to their region. From their languages and
customs, to the way they dress, the Igorots continue to preserve a
culture that still depends greatly on the spirits and bounty of the
earth.
25. SEE THE LIGHTS AND SOUNDS SHOW AT RIZAL PARK
Why you should do it:
Located on the purported exact site of Rizal's execution, the light and
sound show is performed daily for audiences that include tourists and
school children. Here, people are treated to a re-enactment (by way of
statues created by Eduardo Castrillo) of Rizal's final days before his
execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896.
26. SEE THE PETROGLYPHS IN ANGONO, RIZAL
Why you should do it:
These images, carved in stone in Angono, Rizal, are the oldest known
works of art in the country. Discovered in 1965 by National Artist
Botong Francisco, these etchings date back to 3000 BC. Showing stylized
images of people as well as animals, these petroglyphs are the earliest
indications of human life in the country.
27. EAT LECHON IN CEBU
Why you should do it: Most Pinoys will agree that a trip to Cebu will not be complete unless you sample the lechon. Their version of the lechon is said to be so tasty that no sauce is required. And it's not just the locals that sing the Cebu lechon praises. Even internationally acclaimed foodie Anthony Bourdain called it "the best pig ever" in his food trip show, No Reservations.
28. EAT BALUT IN PATEROS
Why you should do it: This delicacy is an acquired taste, even among Filipinos. After all, the balut is not exactly eye candy. But the best way to enjoy balut is in Pateros--a place that is known as the balut capital of the country. They even have a festival for this delicacy!
29. TRY OUT THE ORIGINAL SISIG IN PAMPANGA
Why you should do it: This tasty favorite may not be the healthiest dish around, but sisig's appeal is undeniable. Variations of sisig vary
from kitchen to kitchen and from restaurant to restaurant. but it
supposedly was the culinary brainchild of Lucia Cunanan from Angeles
City. As with anything, the original version always comes out tops!
30. GALLERY HOP IN ANTIPOLO AND RIZAL
Why you should do it:
While people may go to either of these location for a quick break from
their busy city lives and recharge, a growing number of individuals make
their way to Antipolo and Rizal to see beautiful paintings, sculptures,
and pottery made by talented local artists. Grab a few friends and
expand your cultural horizons during a day trip to some of the galleries
scattered throughout these locales.
Source:
Female Network - link