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.

If you are a nature lover and a history buff, it is a convenient destination for a day trip or an extended stay because it is easily accessible by land.

There is more to discover in Bataan, with its historic landmarks and sustainable eco-tourism sites that are thriving within a growing commercial economy. Here are some places to visit in beautiful Bataan.

Learn about history at Mt. Samat

Take a day tour to Mt. Samat, which is a military shrine dedicated to the freedom fighters of World War II.

The Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor, standing at 555 meters above sea level at the peak of the mountain. Here, you can take an elevator up to an observation deck at one of the arms to get a view of Corregidor Island, which was the last Allied stronghold in the Philippines.

Before reaching the cross, visitors pass through a colonnade that commemorates heroism. There are sculptures by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, stained glass windows designed by Cenon Rivera, and bronze insignias representing soldiers.

There is also a World War 2 museum and informative tours about historical events such as the Bataan Death March. This harrowing moment in time was when about 75,000 captured soldiers were made to walk 65 miles for seven days without food or water.

Refresh your senses at Rancho Bernardo

Enjoy a relaxing stay at Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort. The eight-hectare property with gorgeous mountain views has luxurious amenities at its private villas that come with outdoor Jacuzzis and 24/7 butler service.

It is a quiet sanctuary amid landscaped gardens with koi ponds along its jogging trails and meditation areas. It has an all-day dining restaurant that offers local cuisine, and a pool that has a bar and lounge made for unwinding from city life.

Engage with nature at Playa la Caleta

Playa la Caleta, also known as PLC, is an eco-tourism resort that has a secluded beach for lounging under the sun.

For more active pursuits, there are facilities for water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding. Those looking for the ultimate thrill can also try out cliff jumping at Miguelito Island.

Land-based adventures are also available on its nature trails that lead to a lush mountain jungle, with trekking destinations in choices of gorgeous waterfalls or a panoramic view deck overlooking the sea. Diving is another attraction at PLC, with two house reef dive sites and an underwater gallery in an artificial reef.

With all its nature-based activities, the resort advocates for sustainable tourism with programs such as monthly beach clean-ups, eco-camps, tree planting activities and conservation efforts for marine turtles, giant clams, and the eagles that reside in the mountainous area.

Immerse in culture at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Experience old-world charms at Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, which was named as Asia’s Most Excellent Destination in 2017 by Destination Luxe. It was also recently recognized and awarded the 2021 Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Hotel in Asia and the Pacific.

Its main attractions are the heritage houses that have been transferred from their original sites and reconstructed along the expansive property.

Heritage tours can be conducted through fun rides on jeepneys or horse-drawn carriage, and a boat ride on the river helps guests have a different perspective of its ornate Lola Basyang Bridge. To get into the spirit of the destination, guests can catch cultural shows or have their portraits taken through old-school photography methods at Fotografia dela Escolta.

Those looking to enjoy the clear waters in the area can also head for the beach and engage in watersports such as wakeboarding or riding on a jet ski or banana boat.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar prides itself in housing artisans, craftsmen, and craftswomen hailing from different regions across the Philippines.

Journey safely through nature and history

Bataan’s Mt. Samat and Las Casas de Acuzar, together with cruise activities at Manila Bay and Corregidor Island are part of the inter-regional Soul Circuit. This was developed by the Department of Tourism to showcase the attractions that are found in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

The Philippine Department of Tourism has launched its #MoreFunAwaits campaign to showcase its preparations for the eventual resumption of international travel with a priority on health, hygiene, and safety.

The Tourism Department has also been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols.” This will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that thorough inspection and assessment was conducted. Only those accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.

Learn more about the Philippines’ new and exciting adventures, as well as safety and travel updates, visit http://www.morefunawaits.com/ or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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The Holy Week is an important occasion for Catholics. In the Philippines, about 83% of the population belong to the Roman Catholic faith.

One of the traditions that Filipinos have been practicing is the Visita Iglesia, wherein the faithful visit at least seven different churches (sometimes even 14) on the evening of Maundy Thursday or on Good Friday, and pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

During the pandemic, Catholics resorted to virtual or online Visita Iglesia. But now that travel restrictions have eased, Filipinos can go back to practicing their Lenten traditions.

Metro Manila has over a hundred churches, some are heritage structures, such as the San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church), and the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church), to name a few. But if you wish to discover other historical churches and be spiritually and culturally enriched with their own stories, here are some in nearby provinces that you can include in your itinerary.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Barasoain Church)
City of Malolos, Bulacan

A national shrine, the historic Barasoain Church was built in1885. It served as the session hall of the Malolos Congress in 1898 and the birthplace of the First Philippine Republic, the first in the whole of Asia, in 1899. The Universidad Literaria Cientifica de Filipinas, the first state university established by the Filipinos, was housed in its convent in 1898. The Barasoain Church Historical Landmark boasts of a light and sound museum called Museo ng Republika ng 1899 which is being managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Saint John the Baptist Church
Calumpit, Bulacan

Founded in 1572, St. John the Baptist Church is the oldest church in Bulacan. The church had been a witness to the Filipinos’ struggle against Spanish, American, and Japanese rule.

Inside the church is a tunnel that, according to history, was used by priests during the Spanish regime to keep gold, religious statues, and ornate jewelry hidden from the sight of treasure hunters. Likewise, it is in this tunnel where Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish soldiers were buried during the war.

Saint Dominic de Guzman Church (Abucay Church)
Abucay, Bataan

Built in 1588, Abucay Church is considered as the oldest in Bataan and one of the oldest churches in the country. The structure of the church was made of red bricks with adobe stones that withstood the test of time. It was where Tomas Pinpin, the first Filipino printer, printed the earliest books in the Philippines together with Fr. Francisco Blancas de San Jose, his co-author, and teacher.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church (Orani Church)
Orani, Bataan

Enshrined in this church is the wooden statue of Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani. This iconic pilgrimage church sits right in the middle of Orani.

The original structure built in 1714 was initially made from nipa leaves, molave wood and bamboo. The chapel was eventually reconstructed with stronger materials like adobe and stone. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1852 and razed by fire in 1938.

The Orani Church served as witness to many historical events including the Philippine Revolution and the Japanese occupation during the World War II.

On September 09, 2019, Pope Francis of the Vatican granted this church the title of Minor Basilica.

San Guillermo Parish Church
Bacolor, Pampanga

The church serves not only as a reminder of the tragic Mt. Pinatubo eruption, but also as a testament of Bacolorenos’ strong faith and resilience. The church was constructed by the Augustinian Friars in 1576, with rich decoration that depicts the advanced stage of Baroque and Rococo.

On September 3, 1995, lahar mudflow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo which erupted on June 15, 1991, covered the town and buried the San Guillermo Church in half. The church, whose remaining features were preserved and maintained, is still being used as a place of worship.

Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Betis Church)
Betis, Guagua, Pampanga

It is dubbed as the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” because of its interiors, particularly the intricate paintings on the church’s walls and ceiling that are comparable to the frescos of Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. These paintings are attributed to several local artists, including Macario Ligon, Victor Ramos, and Simon Flores. Through its intricately carved wooden main door, wooden flooring, and some wooden statues, the church pays homage to the woodcarving heritage of the province, with Betis being the center of this craft and industry.

The National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) declared the Baroque-inspired Betis Church a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church (Maragondon Church)
Maragondon, Cavite

The first structure was built by the Jesuits when the parish was established under the patronage of Our Lady of The Assumption in 1618. During the Spanish-Dutch War, the church was destroyed for fear of becoming a Dutch fort. After the war, the church was rebuilt using wood, then was renovated to stone.

This church is the only heritage structure in the municipality of Maragondon and was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure.

Church of St. Mary Magdalene (Kawit Church)
Kawit, Cavite

This is the parish church of the Municipality of Kawit in the Province of Cavite. First built made of wood in 1638, it is considered one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The construction of the current church started in 1737 and was restored in 1990. Located few meters away from the mansion of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, this is the church where the president of the First Philippine Republic was baptized.

Our Lady of Light Parish (Cainta Church)
Cainta, Rizal

The original stone structure was built in 1707. From the time of its erection as a parish, it belonged to the Archdiocese of Manila. It was placed under the Diocese of Antipolo in 1983. The church suffered damages due to an earthquake in 1853. When the church was burned downed during the Filipino-American War in 1899, it took more than 60 years before restoration efforts started. The facade was kept untouched.

Cainta Church was declared a historical site by the NHCP for its significant role during the Filipino-American War.

San Idelfonso de Toledo Parish (Tanay Church)
Tanay, Rizal

The first parish was actually established in 1606. From then, it had its own history of destruction and reconstruction. The present church was completed in 1783. Retablos with several images—particularly of Our Lady of Anguish, the Immaculate Conception, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter of Alcantara, the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo—adorn the altar. Carvings of the 14 Stations of the Cross inside the church are masterpieces believed to be created by native artists of the town.

The parish houses the relic of a piece of a bone of Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo. It was declared by the NCCA as a National Cultural Treasure.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (Lipa Cathedral)
Lipa, Batangas

More commonly known as the Lipa Cathedral, this renaissance church, which was established in the 1700s, serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Lipa. The structure features stained glass windows, a painted ceiling with a domed center, and a grand altar lit by round glass panes in front.

The original structure was made of light materials and was located on the shore of Taal Lake. It was destroyed when Taal Volcano erupted in 1754. Reconstruction efforts for the transplanted church started in 1779 and was completed sometime between 1865 to 1894. After World War II, the cathedral suffered massive damages and underwent intensive renovation afterwards.

Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours (Taal Basilica)
Taal, Batangas

This magnificent landmark sits atop a hill right at the center of the town. It is named after the patron saint of Taal, Saint Martin of Tours. The dominant religious structure measures 96 meters in length and 45 meters in width.

The Basilica’s size and Baroque façade is awe-inspiring. Its extraordinary structure is even more captivating with the addition of dome ceilings hand painted with intricate detail. Perhaps the most outstanding element is the illuminating altar wall made with shining sterling silver and gold, symbolizing the sacred liberation of the tabernacle.

Travel safely!

All these destinations 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 Heritage Churches to Consider for Your Visita Iglesia appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

With the Philippines as an emerging health tourism destination, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon has been developing its medical and wellness tour packages that offer not only health services but also its culinary treasures and adventure destinations.

The region has a number of DOT-accredited medical and dental institutions with sophisticated state-of-the-art medical equipment and world-class experts that are guided by the health and safety protocols of the Department of Health.

Medical, Dental, and Eye Care Tour Packages

Whether you need a health screening or dental or eye procedures, these packages will give you the care, comfort and relaxation that you need. The packages can be as short as a 3 Days-2 Nights trip, or as long as 10 Days-9 Nights, depending on the number of days the treatments will require, and includes accommodation at a 4-star Hotel with breakfast (twin sharing), tours to pre-selected destinations, airport-hotel and hospital/clinic transfers, services of an English-speaking coordinator, and of course, the warm service of Filipino health and tourism workers, among others.

Medical packages available are Health Screening, Hip Replacement Surgery, and Prostate Surgery. For dental tour packages, they have the Dental and Beauty Package, Dental Veneers Treatment, and Dental Crown and Tooth Bridges; while eye care tour packages available are the Comprehensive Eye Exam Package and the Lasik Surgery Package.

Holistic Health Packages

The region also offers wellness packages aimed at improving the overall well-being. The packages include accommodation at Orissa Garden of Wellness, choice between Angeles Heritage Tour or Clark City Tour, visit to souvenir shops in Pampanga, airport transfers, services of an English-speaking coordinator, and the Filipino brand of service. Holistic food are also available upon request.

• The Red Therapy (blood circulation therapy) is a treatment with cold laser for pains and aches. It improves circulation and energy, immune system, and opens all meridian points.
• Aura Purification is for aura cleansing through Himalayan crystals purification and full moon sound therapy. The sound therapy is a vibrational medicine for alignment using the principle of healing sounds to wake up the cells and reharmonize them, deeply touching every part of our body, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Mind, Body and Spirit Restoration Package or Chakra alignment, which refers to energy points in the body that should stay “open” and aligned. It focuses on healing the nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
• The Resonance Therapy is supportive medicine for cancer prevention, diabetics, as well as for hypertension, fatigue, liver and kidneys, lungs, insomnia, power booster, among others.

Tourists may book their medical and wellness tour packages through these accredited travel agencies:

Ties That Travel Inc.

(+63)45499-0358; 922-8552965 to 66

tiesthattravel@gmail.com

Amega Travel and Tours

(+63)45321-0045; 9176264907

sales@amegatravelandtours.com

Explore Central Luzon

While the medical and wellness packages are mostly offered in Pampanga and Bulacan, travelers can also explore the other destinations in the region.

Travel to the Province of Aurora, a surfer’s haven with surfing sites that have gigantic waves of up to 2.7 meters high. An interesting spot is the Diguisit Rock Formation that was formed by the pounding waves. It is located along the semi-white beach of Diguisit and just lying beside the famous Cobra Reef—an ultimate surfing location in Baler.

Relax and unwind in the beautiful sand beaches of Zambales and Bataan. Take a trip back to the Old Manila at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Situated in Bagac, Bataan, the resort showcases the best of Filipino heritage and culture thru Jose Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses. Each casa serves as a bridge between the rich history of the Spanish colonial era and the contemporary luxury and comfort of a modern hotel.

For adventure lovers, the Mt. Pinatubo journey is a must-experience. It includes one and a half hours of 4×4 jeepney ride and an hour trek, passing along the stretches of sand and almost Alpine, white-gray-brown mountain formations. The highlight of the tour is the crater lake whose color changes from blue green to deep blue depending on the season.

Of course, a trip to the region known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines” would not be complete without discovering its culinary treasures. Savor the heritage dishes that speak about the region’s culture as well as fusion cuisine from some of the best-known chefs in the world. But don’t forget to try Pampanga’s most iconic dish, pork sisig, which was even dubbed as “the greatest pork dish on Earth” in an article on The New York Times.

The region is continuously exploring and developing its food tourism offerings. The DOT Central Luzon has discovered more than a hundred heirloom dishes each in the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan through its food mapping that will serve as their guide in further developing the region’s culinary tourism.

New Terminal of Clark Int’l Airport

Central Luzon is accessible by land, air, and sea.

Whether you are coming from the north or south of Luzon, the region is accessible by land through major expressways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Foreign tourists coming in from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are just an hour and a half away from the region through these expressways.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Port is one of the major port of entries of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Travelers can also come in through the Clark International Airport, which is connected to a lot of the major cities in the world with direct flights to key airports in Asia and the Middle East. It’s soon-to-open new terminal building will offer fast, safe, and efficient air travel services such as contactless self-check-in and bag drop, advanced docking guidance system, and even contactless ordering for pre-flight dining. The terminal also promotes inclusivity with all-gender restrooms, nursing stations, and prayer rooms.

Aside from these services, the new terminal is a sight to behold and may even be a tourist attraction in itself featuring modern Filipino architecture inspired by the slopes of Mt. Arayat and the Filipino Christmas lantern.

In fact, the new terminal is one of the top six finalists in the 2021 World Selection of the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the Airport Category. Finalists of the Prix are chosen for their innovative qualities, creativity, and design connection to culture and heritage.

For more updates about open destinations in the Philippines and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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