Taking inspiration from Cebu’s successful Suroy Suroy Sugbo program, which involves a comprehensive community-based cultural mapping project to identify and preserve the province’s natural and cultural treasures, the Philippine Experience program aims to provide visitors with an immersive and authentic cultural experience.

Embark on one of the five themed tours offered by the Philippine Experience program, where you can delve into vibrant living cultures experiences, explore historical, natural and cultural heritage sites, admire various artistic expressions, welcome wellness and faith encounters, and savor the diverse flavors and local produce of the Philippines. To learn more about the program, feel free to browse our special Philippine Experience passport for Davao Region which contains detailed information and exciting highlights.

Know more about Davao Region

FESTIVALS:

KADAYAWAN SA DABAW (August)

MUSIKAHAN SA TAGUM (February)

SUMMER SAYA SA ISLA (May)

BULAWAN FESTIVAL (March)

FIVE PROVINCES:

When it comes to eco and highland adventures, Davao del Sur is the perfect place to be. Start by scaling the king of all mountains, Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest at 2,954 meters above sea level. It also boasts of various mountain trails depending on one’s skills level.

The province also leads in the preservation of local arts and traditions with their array of cultural villages, including the Salinta Monon Weaving Center in Digos City, named after the late National Living Treasures awardee who once taught the art of Inabal weaving, and the Tibolo Cultural Village, which showcases the culture and traditions of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe at the foot of Mt Apo.

Davao del Sur also has various outdoor leisure attractions, such as upland gardens, cafes and resorts adorned with artistic installations, situated along the Kapatagan-Bansalan corridor.

Must-buys from the province include Bansalan coffee, inabel fabric, fresh organic produce, and Bagobo-Tagabawa trinkets and accessories.

Regarded as the region’s last frontier, Davao Occidental is a religious pilgrimage haven as it holds a bevy of old churches, heritage houses and religious landmarks from the town centers to the hilltops of the municipalities of Sta Maria to Jose Abad Santos.

To those who enjoy the great  outdoors, the province is naturally endowed with waterfalls and surfing-ready beaches situated in the towns of Malita, Jose Abad Santos and Don Marcelino, and wild mountain trails in Mt. Sumadel and Mt. Monkeyawa in Sta. Maria. The islands of Sarangani and Balut are some of the region’s most pristine beach destinations.

Must-buys from the province include tupiri woven products from the Sangir tribe and nito woven products from the Blaan tribe.

Davao del Norte is the region’s center for agri-ecotourism. This bustling province prides itself with budding agricultural developments and mixed-used tourism hubs across its cities and municipalities. This includes Panabo City Mangrove Forest Park, the Mariculture Park, Hijo Resort, Tagum Aquamarine Complex, and Tagumpay Nature’s Park.

The Island Garden City of Samal has long been known as the crown jewel of the province with its rows of beach and inland resorts, dive sites, wildlife conservation and other fun-filled land and aquasports endeavors. The municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, and Talaingod are also popular with  heart-pounding adventures, such as spelunking, trail hiking and other outdoor pursuits.

The province also celebrates its annual Tipanud Festival in honor of its tribes: Mansaka, Sama, Dibabawon, Mangguangan, Ata-Manobo, Mandaya and Kalagan.

Must-buys from the province fruit wines, banana products and native woven products.

Davao de Oro is known for its natural, leisure and wellness attractions. From nature parks and mountain resorts surrounded by sea of clouds, to spectacular lakes, waterfalls and natural hot spring that assure relief and relaxation, mostly managed by the local communities.

Bilawa Hot Spring, Lake Leonard and the numerous cascades and mountain trails of Maragusan are some of the most-visited sites in Davao Region.

In-land resorts, recreational sites and local concessions dot Davao de Oro’s highland and valleys while its coastal area offers rest and relaxation locales ranging from mid to high end island beach resorts.

The province is home to Mansaka, Mandaya, Manobo, Mangguangan, Dibabawon and Kagan ethnic communities.

Must-buys from the province include Kagan delicacies, Bya’is traditional wine, bibingka and Mansaka woven products.

Davao Oriental takes pride of its diversity of attractions, from its cluster of exhilarating cascades, world-class dive sites and flourishing reefs, to towns and landmarks that chronicled its rich history.

Located in the borders of Mati City and the municipalities of San Isidro and Gov Generoso, Mount Hamiguitan is an important attraction in the province and region, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in Mindanao. This more than 2,000 hectare  protected forest is a realm thriving with rich biodiversity.

The province is also home of three of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World : Balete, Mayo and Pujada bays in Mati City teem with rich marine resources from turtles, dolphins, dugongs, to thriving corals and reefs.

To immerse in an enriching cultural experience, the Mandaya villages in Sitio Sangab in Caraga is considered as one of the outstanding culturally rich indigenous communities in Southern Mindanao that has stood the test of time.

Other historical and important sites in the province include the San Salvador del Mundo church, parolas of Cape San Agustin, Pusan Point, and Subangan Museum, which chronicles the cultural, historical, social and economic development of the province.

Must-buys from the province include dagnay fabrics, bottled chilli, and coconut products.

WHERE TO STAY IN DAVAO?

To elevate your experience, we invite you to check our DOT-accredited accommodation facilities and indulge in a truly unforgettable stay.

DAVAO’S 11 TRIBES

Davao City is home to 11 indigenous and Muslim tribes, living peacefully and harmoniously in this bustling metropolis. Their colorful and rich culture and traditions are among the strong foundations of the vibrance, growth and identity of the city.

The Atas or “dwellers in highlands” are powerful people who appear to be a mixture of Negritos and Malays. As occupants of the headwaters of Davao, Tuganay and Libuganon Rivers, the Atas depend primarily on hunting as their livelihood.

The Iranun were regarded as the fiercest pirates in the Malay world, adopting a typical maritime lifestyle of sea invaders. They navigate the merchant shipping and coastal settlements in the Philippines, the straits of Malacca and the islands beyond Sulawesi. In present day, they are known as fishermen and long-distance traders.

The Kagan people are known as agriculturists – cultivating rice, corn, abaca, and coconut for cash crops. Those who live near the coasts practice fishing. They are Tagakaolo who have converted to Islam either through intermarriage or contact with the Maguindanaons.

The Klatas occupy a territory stretching from Catalunan to Calinan within Davao City. Their traditional population centers included Blao, Tagakpan, Dulian, Sirib, Gunalong and Tamugan. They were known then as forest dwellers.

The Maguindanaons are known as the people of the flood plain in Mindanao, originating from the province of Maguindanao. They reside around the three district of the city and nearby provinces. Living mostly along the mouths of rivers, they impeded the Spanish colonizers efforts at bringing the other tribes of Davao within the Christian fold.

Maranaos are known for their colorful traditional attires. Called the People of the Lake, they are brave and historically, offered sacrifices in defense of their homeland and to their religion, Islam. They take pride of their rich literature called Darangen and are adept in metal and wood crafts like the torogan, a special house built for a Maranao maiden, and okir, an artistic design.

Matigsalog or “River People” are considered to be the most aboriginal inhabitants of Mindanao. In Davao City, they are mostly located in the hinterlands of Marilog, Marahan or Paquibato. Their houses are built near the rivers, often on the forks of trees.

Ovu-Manuvos are known for their intricate casting, fine weaponry, and jewelry. For them, these things possess souls as souls also possess animate objects. Obu oral tradition tells of Apo Sandawa’s journey from the north to Davao. Apo Sandawa’s point of entry in Davao was at Ulas. From Ulas, Apo Sandawa and hid family moved north towards the Talomo mountains, even reaching Mt. Sinaka.

Sama people value togetherness. They are described as cohesive and peace-loving. Their forebears are said to possess special powers, having the supernatural ability to invite spirits called “Jin” to do things for them. Majority of Sama reside in the coastal barangays from Bunawan to Toril.

Tagabawa, which means “people from the south”, occupy the districts of Marilog, Baguio, Calinan, Tugbok and Toril. Natives who identify themselves as such are called Bagobo. They are known for their intelligence.

Tausugs, originally from Sulu, are known as the “people of the current” and are known for their courage and bravery. Loyalty is an important trait among the Tausugs. They practice the ritual of blood compact to signify the depth of their loyalty to one another. They are fierce and dangerous but the moment one befriends one of them, the bond will be enduring.

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All of the province’s marine waters are part of the Verde Island Passage, too, which the California Academy of Sciences has declared the “center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity.”

This is why it comes as no surprise that Batangas is also home to numerous resorts that not only protect marine life in the area, but offer opportunities for guests to see and experience its beauty through various water activities.

Here are some you should try while you’re in Batangas to make your trip as fun as possible.

Kayaking

If you’re not yet ready to try diving, though, there are other relatively easier activities you can try. Arthur’s Place Dive Resort in Mabini, known as one of the first dive resorts in the area, also offers kayaking.

Through the family-run resort, you and your companions can kayak over the waters of Balayan Bay, which covers the entire shore of the province. The experience allows you to relax while moving over water, enjoy ocean views, and get a glimpse of the fishes, corals, and other underwater beings in the bay that’s part of the world’s center of marine biodiversity.

Just like its well-known diving lessons, the staff provides guidance for guests. Necessary gear such as the kayak, paddle, and a lifejacket are also available.

Arthur’s Place Dive Resort requires guests to present antigen test results taken within 24 hours before admission, or RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours.

Day tours for adults cost Php 200, while children 12 years old and below can enter for free. The rates for their 12 fully-furnished accommodations—beachfront, air conditioned, or fan rooms—are available upon request.

To get there from Manila, head to SLEX and take the Calamba exit. Keep driving to STAR tollway and at the roundabout, take the third exit onto Bauan-Batangas Provincial Road and turn right to Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road. Turn left onto Bauan-Mabini Road and continue driving until you reach Brgy. Bagalangit, where the resort is located.

For public commuters, board a Batangas City-bound bus and transfer to a Mabini-bound jeep going to Anilao Port. From there, ride a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to the resort.

Total travel time takes two to three hours.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthursplacediveresort
• Contact Information: +63917 777 9341 / +63919 312 3938 / +63939 913 5718; info@arthursplacediveresort.com
• Website: http://www.arthursplacediveresort.com/index.html

Diving

When in Anilao, you should grab the opportunity to go diving. The area, after all, is one of the country’s prime diving spots frequented by foreign and local divers for its diverse marine life.

Whether you’re a beginner or a certified diver, you can give it a try through the premium diving services at Solitude Acacia Resort (formerly Acacia Resort and Dive Center).

The 25-room resort is only a boat ride away from Verde Island, where you can experience seeing rare muck diving critters or fascinating reef walls.

A certified instructor will give you a theory lesson and a practice pool session before diving into the ocean. If you don’t have diving gear, fret not. The resort can provide to you a wetsuit, and an Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) or breathing gas.

Solitude Acacia resort requires guests to bring proof of booking confirmation, negative antigen or PCR test within 48 hours prior to check in, and a health declaration form you will fill out by scanning the Safe Pass PH QR code.

Room rates start at $260 (roughly Php12,500) for Single Rooms and $320 (roughly Php15,380) for Twin/Double rooms per night. There’s also an option for Room Packages which start at $660 (roughly Php31,730) for four days and three nights.

All-Inclusive AIR Dive Packages are available, too, starting at $855 (roughly Php41,100) for four days and three nights inclusive of six dives and more. You can book a stay for as long as 15 days and 14 nights or longer.

To go to the resort via public transport, board a Batangas-bound bus in Cubao or Buendia. Upon arrival at the bus terminal in Batangas, board a jeepney headed for Mabini. Tell the driver to drop you off at Mabini Crossing, then subsequently board a tricycle upon arrival. Tell the driver that the drop-off is Solitude Acacia Resort.

If traveling via private car, get on the Metro Manila Skyway from Magallanes EDSA. Take South Luzon Expressway / Calabarzon Expressway / Star Tollway and take Batangas City exit at the end of Star Tollway. Take Diversion Rd. in Batangas then take Bauan–Batangas Provincial Rd. Take Palico–Balayan–Bauan–Mabini Rd/Mabini Circumferential Rd in Mabini.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolitudeAcacia/
• Contact Information: emailus@solitude-acacia.com
• Website: https://solitude-acacia.com/

Swimming

While swimming is a common water activity and the province is teeming with resorts where you can enjoy it. But doing so at Aquaria Water Park just elevates the experience.

The resort, designed, and developed by Millennial Resorts Corporation for family, friends, and travelers who want to enjoy a leisurely break, is a water playground.

As it’s nestled along Calatagan South Beach, where a 525-meter stretch of fine white sand awaits you, you can easily enjoy a quick swim at the beach, try beach games such as soccer and volleyball, or even brave a banana boat ride.

The water park, meanwhile, has pools for people of all ages. Its Kiddie Pool is only three feet deep, allowing kids to play around and have fun safely.

Guests can also swim to their heart’s content in five other pools, including the Cove Pool and Sunken Pool Bar.

The highlight, however, is the water park’s Landing Pool. Here, you can feel the exciting rush of going down a giant three-story slide and landing in a six-feet deep pool.

A day tour pass for adults is at Php370 during weekdays and Php510 on weekends. For kids, it’s at Php185 and Php255, respectively.

Aquaria requires an RT-PCR Test, a valid ID, and that all guests wear a face mask and face shield in all public areas.

For maximum convenience, it’s recommended to go by private vehicle. From Manila, take SLEX until the Santa Rosa Exit. Continue until the Tagaytay Rotonda and drive through Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and turn left at the Balayan-Calatagan Highway.

Finally, turn left at M. Apacible near the Calatagan Municipal Hall; keep going and you’ll see the water park before long.But if you’re going to commute, ride a bus to Tagaytay-Lian. Get off the bus once you’re at 7-Eleven in Lian. From there ride an ordinary bus to the Calatagan Public Market, then a tricycle directly to Aquaria.

Overall, the trip should take around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquariawaterpark
• Contact Information:+6388365055/+639992253333/aquaria@millennial-resorts.com
• Website: https://aquaria.millennial-resorts.com/

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Batangas have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks and face shields, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post All the Water Adventures to Try While in Batangas appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

The cruise is one of the highlights of any trip to the province, where guests enjoy a sumptuous lunch while listening to a serenade of local songs. As the motorized boat gently sails through the river, it passes lush nipa and coconut trees, and other tropical flora and fauna.

Another key attraction is the local communities who entertain guests through dance and songs on floating docks, locally known as the balsa. Tac-an and the association uphold the traditions of folk dances.

Tinikling itself is a sight to behold, with some saying that the dance represents the resilience of Filipino people.

The dance mimics rice-preying birds, which must walk over grass and avoid bamboo traps set by farmers in fields. In the performance, clappers hold two to four bamboo poles, which they knock together rhythmically. Dancers follow the tempo of the poles as they gracefully hop and skip over it to avoid getting their ankles caught. Apart from the tap-tap-tapping of the bamboo poles, this mesmerizing dance is accompanied by the melody of the rondalla, a stringed instrument.

Ripples of joy

It’s this resilience that Tac-an must channel outside of work as she faces the devastating effects of the pandemic, including losing her job.

Her work as a dancer already had its challenges. She doesn’t have a salary or a regular fee, and instead relied on donations and tips from tourists. The work is also grueling, and a typical day can run up to seven hours on the job. It can extend if there are more guests in the floating restaurant, and it takes one hour for them to prepare.

Despite the lack of salary and the long hours, she is happy with her work because she sends ripples of joy to the guests who watch them perform.

“The pandemic affected me and our group because the tourism industry stopped. We lost our source of income,” Tac-an says. The impact of the pandemic hit her twice as hard, since she is supporting two kids in college

“I am struggling because my family members have no work and no income. And we know that we have daily expenses, especially food and utility bills. There is also debt to pay,” Tac-an adds.

Luckily, she has a monthly income as a barangay kagawad [councilor] but according to her, “my salary is not enough for our expenses.” To cope, the group used funds allotted for the maintenance of their balsa [floating dock] to share rice with each other. Their community also gave relief goods.

Amid the pandemic

Bohol is one of the most visited destinations in the Central Visayas region. In 2019 alone, the province drew 1.58 million tourists, a 5.6 percent increase from the arrivals in 2018. Prior to the pandemic, 30,000 go in and out of the island-province per day. This March, the number is around 1,000 per month.

The result was destructive, with many tourist destinations closing down. The Bohol economy lost Php 10 billion. Tac-an is one of the 200,000 workers in the province who lost their source of income.

To help, the local government distributed cash assistance under the Department of Social and Welfare’s (DSWD) social amelioration program. As early as May 2020, 17 towns in Bohol have finished doling out cash assistance to families. This May, the Department of Tourism (DOT) partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to release funds for displaced tourism-related workers.

Tac-an may still be unemployed now but there is hope on the horizon. Bohol is reopening to tourists. This June, at least 20,000 residents have been fully vaccinated. Soon, she will be able to overcome her challenges with the same grace, passion, and determination she shows while skipping over the tap-tap-tapping of the bamboo poles.

The post The Loboc River Cruise Longs to be Filled with Music Again appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Armed with backstrap looms, the Yakan intertwine an array of brightly colored threads to create remarkable geometric-patterned textiles. And you can witness this intricate process firsthand at Zamboanga City’s two-hectare Yakan Weaving Village.

The Yakan mainly reside in Basilan but due to religious and political conflicts in the area during the 1970s, they fled and took refuge in Zamboanga City. The unrest, however, led to the revival of Yakan weaving since the tribe had no means to sustain their daily needs.

“As rural folks, we had a hard time adjusting to the city. We were used to hunting and fishing. So they, especially the women, started to revive the craft,” says Sergio Ilul, current tribal leader of the Yakan.

Tennun is the Yakan word for woven cloth and pagtetennun is the act of weaving. This inimitable craft led to the Yakan being honored as one of the finest weavers in the Philippines.

Behind each strand of Tennun

An easily transportable backstrap loom is utilized by the Yakans, its size depending on the type of Tennun to be woven. A weaver would place on her waist an Awit, or a belt-like cloth connected to the loom’s front beam to keep the threads in place. The Deddug or warp beam, on the other end, faces the weaver, suspended diagonally like a seesaw from the ceiling or any higher platform.

The weaver starts her masterpiece by leaning back and pulling the threads one at a time using Sud dendam, a comb-like apparatus made of bamboo.Different colors of thread traditionally made from dyed pineapple and abaca fibers are placed on each row of the loom and it’s up to the weaver to decide what to create. This process of mapping out patterns and choosing threads is called Pagpeneh.

The Yakan exhibit weaving techniques wielded only by experts. The complexity of pagtetennun is divided into different categories. To name a few, these are Seputangan, Bunga-sama, Sinulu’an, Inalaman, Pussuk Labbung, and Pinatupan.

Seputangan is the most intricate of all and formed without any guide, only through memory. It is widely renowned for its distinct multicolored five to eight mata-mata (eye) or dinglu (diamond) patterns. Finished products are never identical and differences are visible in the distribution of colors and patterns.

Seputangan cloth is considered to be the most expensive part of a Yakan woman’s attire, considering the craftsmanship put into its production. It is traditionally worn as a headpiece or belt.

The Yakan are inspired by the pure beauty of the environment that surrounds them, and nature is unmistakably represented in each textile. The Peneh Kenna–kenna, for example, is inspired by a fish while Peneh Sawe–sawe, imitates snakes. Peneh Dawen–dawen, meanwhile, is inspired by foliage.

A day in a life of a Yakan Weaver

Evelynda Otong is a fourth-generation Yakan weaver, cultural advocate, and a mother of 3. Pagtetennun has always been a part of her. Otong started with 2-inch Tennun coasters and she remembers relying on her talent to earn an allowance for school. She mastered the art of tennun at the age of 7 and to this day, the majority of her time is spent weaving.

After accomplishing house chores, Otong starts to weave at around 9 A.M. or 10 A.M., “By 4:30 P.M., I make sure to pause so I can also relax and rest my hands.” Not a day in her life has she managed to let go of pagtetennun except when she’s pregnant or due to respect and beliefs, when a relative passed on.

Given her love for the craft, Otong formed Tuwas Yakan Weavers, a group that focuses on preserving Yakan traditions and nurturing the 7th generation of weavers.

This includes her nieces and daughters, even her youngest, Princess Kelly. “At the age of two, I already taught Princess. And now at 5, she knows how to weave coasters by herself,” Otong shares.

A heartwarming and special mother and daughter bonding, Otong and Princess would weave together. “They show interest in the craft,” the mother says. “Whenever I weave, my children would sit beside me and they are fascinated by it.”

Otong and her works have been featured in several magazines but international recognition started when HABI Textile Council, an organization that aims to preserve and promote Philippine textiles invited her to indigenous weaving exhibits in Manila.

For her, the greatest achievement by far is when she got the opportunity to be part of the 2019 London Fashion Week. “Tennun is ours. It has become our identity. And it’s my advocacy to showcase Tennun to the rest of the world,” Otong proudly states.

These opportunities continue to inspire Yakan weavers and allow them to encourage the younger generation to keep their culture and traditions alive.

Unwoven threads

There are 45 families residing in Yakan Weaving Village and since the entire tribe has been fully vaccinated, they reopened the village for tourists last week of November 2020.

Pre-pandemic, the Yakan tribe would welcome tourists as soon as they are finished with their breakfast, as early as 6 A.M.

“Everybody was paralyzed, we lost our source of income. Then someone asked if we can create Yakan masks. So we catered to that request and that’s when it started. Until such time other people started to patronize. We even got an order for 5,000 masks. So woven masks became a huge help during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ilul shares.

Also, online selling has become part of how the Yakan tribe is sharing their craft with the world. “In fact, one of my nieces is able to sell Tennun outside the country. She gets orders from places as far as New York, California, Australia,” Ilul adds.

Wearable statement piece

The simplest Tennun is sold at Php 500 per meter. Some of the Yakan woven items you can buy at the village are masks for Php 100 to 150; Pillowcase for Php 450 and table runners at Php 700.

A Yakan woven sling bag costs Php 380 to Php 500 while earrings cost Php 80. Summer hats for Php 1,200; Jackets for Php 5,000; Pencil skirts for Php 2,500; Wallets for Php 75; Cosmetic pouch for Php 180 and shawl for Php 1,800.

You may directly interact with the weavers online through their Facebook pages: Tuwas Yakan Weaver, Tennun Habing Yakan, Serge Ethnic Art, and Angie’s Yakan Cloth.

Weaving plays an essential role on how Philippine indigenous tribes get to creatively express their culture. For the Yakan, it has also turned into a source of livelihood as travelers start to seek cultural tourism, where tourists can gain a better understanding of the locals, the community’s customs, language, and beliefs that are far from what they are familiar with.

The Yakan community is innately warm and has always been welcoming. Immersing yourself in their colorful world will allow you to appreciate one of the Philippines’ indigenous local treasures and the deep origin of why they are recognized as one.

Help the community thrive and sustain its traditions by taking home a wearable art piece.

How to visit

A 12 minute ride from Zamboanga International Airport, Yakan Weaving Village is located at Labuan-Limpapa National Road. You may take a tricycle for Php 50 or a jeepney at Php 12. Just tell the driver to drop you off at Yakan Village.

Outsource the planning: iTravel Tourist Lane, 4Bros and I Events and Travel

Travel safely!

Explore Zamboanga City responsibly by making sure that you comply with the province’s health and safety protocols, such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Ensure that you have acquired travel authority at https://s-pass.ph/ prior trip. Bring a copy or screenshot of this along with your vaccination card and valid ID upon arrival.

For the latest travel information about Zamboanga, you may visit their official website or Facebook page. You may also review updated safety protocols and requirements on Philippine destinations at www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel

The post A Look Into Zamboanga’s Weaving Pride appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

But did you know that many of these important destinations offer immersive experiences beyond historical education?

From riding on the highest zipline through cultural landscapes in Mindanao to being in awe of one of the most photographed streets in our country, to appreciating the wide expanse of sea and sky at an observation deck, here are experiences at heritage sites recommended by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Take a tour of the tombs and columbary of San Agustin Church in Intramuros

Three centuries of Spanish occupation is seen and felt all over our country until today, and many of these hispanic influences are easily visible in Intramuros. The 60-hectare block of land was built and fortified by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, in the 16th century.

Many important landmarks have persisted from the time of The Walled City’s construction, not the least of which is the 400-year-old San Agustin Church. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the structure is one of the oldest Catholic churches here, and the first built by the Spaniards in Luzon.

The church, as it stands now, is the third time that its Augustinian friars rebuilt it. First made of bamboo and nipa in 1607, it was brought down by a fire. The wooden structure that came after also burned down.

Besides being a place of worship, the ancient structure is also a Museum and Cultural Center filled with centuries-old artifacts. A tour here includes a visit to the tomb of governor-general de Legazpi, who is buried within the holy grounds. You can also pay your respects to renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna, whose remains are kept in the church’s columbary.

• Address: San Agustin Church, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday
• FB pages: https://www.facebook.com/sanagustinmuseum/, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIntramurosAdministration
• Entrance fee: Php200 (regular) / Php 160 (students, senior citizens, frontliners, PWDs)

Immerse in Spanish architecture at the most photographed streets of Vigan

Slices of pre-colonial Spanish rule also exist outside of our country’s capital, and one notable example of this is Vigan in the northwestern province of Ilocos Sur. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 400-year-old Ilocano city is renowned for its well-kept ancestral homes and buildings, and is and one of CNN’s “most picturesque towns in Asia.”

Much of the immaculate architecture here can be found near Plaza Salcedo, which is named after Vigan’s founder, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo.

From there, you can easily explore the rest of the picture-perfect location on foot, beginning with St. Paul’s Cathedral across the street. Built in 1800, the baroque church stands on the same spot where de Salcedo established the community’s first wood and thatch chapel in the 16th century.

About five minutes away is Calle Crisologo, the city’s most photographed street and most popular tourist attraction. Like a postcard come to life, the thoroughfare is lined with the homes of Vigan families who rose to prominence in the town’s heydays as a trading hub.

You can easily walk around the cobblestoned stretch, but a kalesa ride, which costs Php150 an hour, might give you a more immersive experience. Many of Crisologo’s antique residences have been converted into museums, hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants, allowing you to go on a deep dive of the Vigan’s history.

Vigan only allows pre-booked tours with accredited agencies and operators. We suggest booking your accommodations in advance as well to ensure a smooth and safe trip to and around the Ilocano capital.

Look far and wide from the Memorial Cross observation deck at Bataan’s Shrine of Valor

The United States of America also occupied our country, but just for a fraction of time than the Spaniards’ centuries-old rule. While the Americans still met fierce opposition, their 48-year-old occupation did allow for gradual independence and the formation of a commonwealth government.

This US-Philippine alliance was strengthened by the events of World War II, which saw American Armed Forces fight alongside Filipino soldiers against Japanese invaders. The months-long battle came to a head in Bataan in Northern Luzon, where the allied troops surrendered.

Today, the Shrine of Valor stands near the peak of Mt. Samat, the US’s last stronghold on the island, in remembrance of the fallen heroes who bravely defended the country’s freedom.

Inaugurated in 1970, the 72-hectare Shrine consists of a Colonnade decked with sculptures, murals, and stained glass displays that depict the Battle of Bataan. Behind this marble hall stands the Memorial Cross, a 92-meter-high structure of reinforced steel and concrete that stands watch over the province.

Its base is clad with an 11-meter-tall relief designed by our National Artist Napoleon Abueva, which illustrates historical events and icons like Jose Rizal and Datu Lapu-Lapu. You can ride an elevator up to an observation deck on the Cross’s 30-meter-wide arms that opens to 360-degree views of the peninsula and nearby Corregidor Island and Manila Bay.

The Shrine currently only accommodates pre-booked visits. You can reserve your slots at least two days before your intended travel date.

• Address: Shrine of Valor, Mt. Samat, Brgy. Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
• Contact number: +63 949 413 0762
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/mtsamatftez
• Entrance fee: Php40

Appreciate Mindanao’s cultural landscape on the highest zipline in Southeast Asia

First and foremost, our country is a land of diverse ethnicities. Before the Spaniards came, a variety of indigenous tribes thrived across the archipelago. Many of these groups were able to repel these would-be foreign conquerors and, as a result, managed to uphold their own values and traditions until today.

The island of Mindanao, in particular, is home to a total of 18 indigenous tribes. Four of them—the T’boli, Ubo, Tiruray, and Manobo—continue to flourish in the municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

These groups have resided in this part of the country for centuries, with the T’boli making up more than half of its population. They still live the way their ancestors did, relying on fishing and agriculture for livelihood, and, because of their careful cultivation of the land, UNESCO has recognized the region of Lake Sebu as a cultural landscape.

Once travel restrictions are lifted, you can take a trip down to the Mindanaoan province to visit the museums and centers around the area. You can also observe the tribe’s customs and rituals including musical performances as well as the complex process of T’nalak weaving.

One of these places, the Lake Sebu School of Living Tradition (LST), also serves as a homestay for visitors. While there, you can don traditional T’boli garb for Php200 (women) and Php150 (men).

• Address: Lake Sebu School of Living Tradition, Sitio Lambanig, Brgy. Poblacion, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
• Contact number: +63 935 456 9359
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/LakeSebuSLT
• Rate: Php350 a night, with breakfast

At Lake Sebu, you can also trek through the “Seven Falls” via hiking trails. But we highly recommend viewing it on the highest zipline in Southeast Asia, a sweeping ride that is 600 feet above the ground.

Only four out of the seven falls can be seen from this point of view, while the rest is only accessible on foot. But at Php300 to Php350 for a two-way ride, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.

• Address: 7 Waterfalls Zipline, Brgy. Lake Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
• Contact number: +63 65 8281 1761
• Entrance fee: Php20 (adults) / Php15 (senior citizens) / P10 (students) / Php5 (children below 12)
• Zipline rates: Php350 (weekends and holidays) / Php300 (weekdays)

Have a remote travel experience in the secluded village of Batad

Next to Mindanao, Northern Luzon has the second highest concentration of indigenous cultures in the Philippines. The mountainous Cordillera province is home to seven major ethnic groups—the Tinggian, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankana-ey, Ibaloy, Ifugao, and Bontok—collectively known as Igorots, from the Spanish word Igorrotes which means “of the hill or mountain.”

These highland tribes are farmers, distinguished for their ingenious tradition of agricultural terracing. This is the method behind our world-famous, and highly photographable rice terraces.

Not many may know but there are in fact more than 48 of these farming landscape wonders in the Igorot mountains, some even dating back 2,000 years. Five of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Hungudan, and Nagadacan Rice Terraces.

The Banaue Rice Terraces, actually, is not included in this list because of the abundance of contemporary structures in its area. But it remains to be one of the top tourist spots in our country and is considered a National Cultural Treasure.

There are a lot of activities to keep you occupied at Banaue. Apart from hiking up the mountain to observe the terraces from different vantage points, you can drop by the Banaue Museum as well as the Tam-An Village to observe the daily life of an Ifugao tribe.

But if it’s a unique and completely remote travel experience that you’re after, make a beeline for Batad. To get to this secluded village, you’ll need to take another 45-minute jeepney ride from Banaue town proper to a drop off point called the Saddle. From there, you’ll have to trek another 20 minutes until you reach your destination.

Despite its isolation, Batad has several affordable options for accommodation in the area, including homestays in traditional Ifugao huts. In terms of getting around, the area’s unspoiled landscapes mean you’ll have to go on long hikes to visit sites. But it’s worth it for the breathtaking views.

After trekking up the rice terraces, you can venture out to Tappiya Falls for a swim, or head out to Awa View Deck up in the mountains for unparalleled panoramas. You can explore the area on your own, but there are local guides you can hire for around Php600 (max of four people) to tour you around.

Right now, travel to the Cordillera province has been limited in line with nationwide safety protocols. But locals will be happy to welcome visitors back once travel restrictions ease up.

Appreciate cave systems and limestone cliffs on a paddle boat at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park

Palawan’s Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.”

The main draw at this 22-hectare ecotourist spot is the 8.2km long underground river that flows directly into the sea. About 4.3km, or half of the whole route, can be explored aboard a paddle boat that will take you to see intricate cave systems and limestone cliffs.

This largely landscape contains a mountain-to-sea ecosystem that protects Palawan’s rainforests. It also provides critical habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region.

You’ll likely catch some of the park’s four-legged, furry, or winged residents before you enter the underground river. These include crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, bats, and flocks of birds that wander the area.

Just off Puerto Princesa town proper, the park usually only allows a limited number of tourists to enter per day so it’s best to book your visit ahead. Right now it still remains closed due to COVID restrictions.

But when things pick up again, you might want to check out packages online or through your accommodation, which usually start at Php2,000. If you prefer to explore on your own, you’ll need to secure a tour permit from their office in Puerto Princesa’s City Coliseum before you can travel to Sabang Village. You’ll also need to pay a Php500 environmental fee upon arrival at the park.

Travel safely!

All of these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post 6 Heritage Sites and What They Can Offer to the Adventurous appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Sinugdan Quincentennial Tour: Seven Heritage Stone Churches + Limasawa Island. Travel back in time through this tour which highlights the role the Eastern Visayan islands of Samar and Leyte played in the historic first contact with the West. It is a three days and two nights tour that incorporates pilgrimage, historical and cultural experiences, as well as a taste of natural adventure.

Guiuan-Balangiga Ancestry Tour. This four days and three nights tour will bring guests to the historical towns of Guiuan and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, highlighting the following nationally-significant events: the first landing of the expedition crew of Ferdinand Magellan in Philippine soil (Homonhon Island) in 1521; the Balangiga Incident during the Philippine-American War in 1901 where the Americans suffered defeat, but in retaliation, they “burned” Samar and plundered the land, carting away the three Bells of Balangiga as war booties; the American Forces took Suluan Island in Guiuan, where they fought their first battle in the Philippine territory in 1944 during the Leyte Gulf Landings; and the arrival of thousands of White Russians who took refuge in Tubabao Island also in Guiuan after President Elpidio Quirino allowed them to seek asylum in the Philippines following the fall of Kuomintang Government in China in 1949.

Sogod Bay Dive Site Tours. Nature and adventure lovers, you would want to check out the Sogod Bay Dive Sites, which have been dubbed as the rising star of Philippine dive destinations. This relatively undiscovered divers’ paradise has something to suit every diver’s level of experience, preference, and expectations.

More good news: Divers also get to swim with the whale sharks. DOT said that the activity is 100% sustainable and ethical because artificial feeding is not allowed.

Leyte Bike Tours. These aim to introduce circuits, including the Leyte-Samar Interface and the Northwest Leyte Corridor Leyte Biliran Tour Circuit, among others, that are positioned to become the bike tour routes in the region for both bicycles and motorized bikes. This program targets to promote health and wellness among the bikers as well as to give them the opportunity to visit different points of interests within the bike loops.

The DOT reminds the public to always wear a face mask and practice social distancing when outside. For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Perspective-Changing Eastern Visayas Tours to Take Note of appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.