But it’s this diversity that makes Filipino cuisine what it is: a vast, textured landscape of styles and techniques and flavors. It’s something that’s inspired not only by local culture and customs, but also by local ingredients and climates. You could spend years in the country and still discover something new to eat each time you go out. People who’ve lived here still do. 

So how does Margarita Fores—one of the Philippines’ most familiar culinary personalities—address this diversity? 

The answer is: she makes it even more diverse. 

A Margarita Fores meal is marked by something unusual—a twist in the recipe using an unlikely technique, or a local ingredient in place of another. And so you have dishes like ravioli with calamansi cream, or Biti fish chicharon (a crispy delicacy made from the swim bladder of the local abo fish) sprinkled on fried rice or on top of a fish. These twists draw from her experiences living across the Philippines and throughout her lengthy stays outside the country. And these experiences began when she was just a child who liked to eat. 

“Well, as a young girl, I was a real lover of eating,” Fores says. “I think that a real prerequisite of being a good chef is really loving to eat.”

But isn’t just her love of eating that makes Fores an exceptional chef. She’s an accomplished culinary artist with multiple distinctions in the field. 

In 2016, she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef—an award that’s part of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. As a list that’s curated by culinary industry experts across Asia, this is no small honor. Because, if anything, Asian cuisine has some of the most distinctive palates in the world.

Fores was also later inducted into the Order of the Star by the Italian government for her role in promoting their cuisine, making her a knight in Italy. And throughout her career, Fores has been a restaurateur who owns and operates several popular establishments across the Philippines, aside from running her own catering company.  Still, she continues to produce new ways to appreciate food by introducing new concepts.

But while she’s both an internationally renowned chef and an Italian knight, Fores got her start the way every Filipino child gets their start in cooking: by preparing the rice for the family meal. 

In Negros she made rice over a wood fire, using a traditional clay pot called a kulun-kulun. 

“I think that that one was the most vivid experiences that had to do with cooking food,” she says. “So being Negrense and visiting Negros as a child a lot, I kind of like imbibed the love for the food of my home province whether it was chomping on a piece of sugarcane or eating piaya or seeing them make inasal.” 

Fores never lost the curiosity she had when she was a little girl, and has since gone across the world to add even more experiences that would shape her cooking as she grew older.

In Negros, she watched her nanny and the family cook wrap fresh spring rolls, make vats of kadyos (a soup with pork and pigeon peas), and prepare kilaw (a ceviche-like dish using vinegar). While living in New York in the 80s, she learned to make pasta with her mother’s cook, Marietta. And when she had the chance to work with Italian fashion house Valentino, she developed a taste for Northern Italian food. Later, she would train professionally in Florence, Milan, and Rome, pursuing the passion that she brought with her from childhood.

While she may have trained extensively in Italian cuisine, it’s her Filipino roots that inform her taste. She shares that she loved watching Martha Stewart when she was young, and dreamed of being like her. Only, with a Filipino vibe, using local dishes and ingredients.

And this is where we see her now. Her cooking is a mix of Italian and Filipino traditions. It crosses the boundary between continents, makes a taste of its own. Even in the Philippines, where there’s such a broad culinary history, Fores is adding new pages: written in her hand, imbued with her own experiences. 

Her dishes are as inventive as they are flavorful: the normally sugar-laden piaya (flatbread with muscovado) is instead served as a savory dish with pâté; seafood ravioli becomes crab ravioli topped with taba ng talangka (fat from small river crabs); Mostarda di frutta (Italian candied fruits) is remade with santol, guava, and calamansi. In this way, Fores uses the diversity of Filipino cuisine and expands its horizons even further.

So, given how diverse it actually is, what does make Filipino cuisine so unique? 

“Well, I think that really because, perhaps the most prominent flavor profile in our food is really sourness. And I think that that’s what makes our cuisine very different from other cuisines in the world,” she answers. “And precisely because of that sourness, we incorporate sweetness, saltiness, umami to be able to balance the sourness.” 

There’s an extensive number of souring ingredients all over the country: tamarind, batwan, calamansi, nipa palm, coconut, pineapple, and the wide range of vinegars in every region. And it’s how people work with these and mix in other flavors that make Filipino cuisine unique. That, and the history of trade and influence from countries like Spain, the USA, Mexico, China, and Japan have made the cuisine richer in tradition. 

In a world of social media, people have become more open to trying new cuisines from everywhere, and Filipino food has become a little more present online. But where does it stand on the global scale? 

“I think that we’ve made huge steps forward to get our cuisine out there,” Fores says. “We’re a very young country and it took us a while to really feel strongly about what we call our own.” 

‘But look around, I mean, everyone is now aware of what Filipino is. It’s not anymore just our adobo that’s there, or our lumpia and pancit,” she continues. “But now there’s a lot of interest in our Cordillera rice, in our vinegars globally, our coffee, our chocolate has won awards all over the world. So I’d like to think that we’re there, we’re there.”

Maybe it is, maybe it will be. But even as Fores thinks it’s there, one thing remains true: the best place to try it is here. 

Since April 1, 2022, the Philippines has been welcoming fully-vaccinated tourists worldwide, with no test upon arrival nor quarantine. The country has also developed several circuits highlighting the unique attractions and fun activities within the country.

To know more about the Philippines’ 7,641 islands, our latest travel advisories, and other updates, check out https://visitor.tourism.gov.ph/ or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The post World-Renowned Chef Margarita Fores Is Writing New Pages in the Book of Philippine Cuisine appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

As tourism has a multiplier effect—creating not only jobs but also livelihood opportunities through offering of goods and services—sustainability ensures the preservation of destinations, thriving of culture and traditions, and inclusive growth. Moreover, as sustainability measures often involve the community, the locals themselves become part of the meaningful experience of their hometown’s visitors. 

Here are the top sustainable tourism destinations for your next adventures in the Philippines and the communities that you will encounter on an unforgettable journey.

The eco-friendly locals of Mt. Hamiguitan and Mt. Apo in Davao

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental is Mindanao’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, with attractions such as a pygmy forest where trees are stunted to only about 4.5 feet in height. There are 1,974 endemic plant and animal species that have been identified so far, including carnivorous pitcher plants, the iconic Philippine Eagle, Philippine cockatoo, and golden crowned flying foxes.  The locals are engaged not only in tourism but also in sustainable livelihood programs. One of these is beekeeping using the native stingless bee species called ‘kiyot’. This also helps with pollinating and protecting Mt. Hamiguitan’s vegetation.  

The Mount Apo Natural Park is home to 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic, including the Philippine Eagle which is the largest in the world. The mountain is also inhabited by several indigenous groups: the Manobos, Bagobos, and Klata who consider it as a sacred mountain. They perfectly demonstrate how to coexist in harmony with the environment. Trek porters are equipped by the local tourism offices to share their knowledge of the mountain and its conservation. 

The artisans of Ilocos, Panay Island, Eastern Visayas, and Central Mindanao

The women of Ilocos, particularly in the towns of Paoay, Vigan, Pinili, down to the towns of Santiago in Ilocos Sur and Bangar in La Union have been weaving from their homes since pre-Hispanic times. Their hand-loomed Inabel fabric, made from cotton blends is made into blankets, table covers, and even apparel, such as bags, shoes, and face masks for the new normal, with traditional designs that have been passed down through generations. 

Panay Island also has a proud tradition of weaving, with several weaving communities across the island. In Aklan, they dexterously weave the fibers of the piña or Red Bisaya pineapple plant into delicate-looking cloth made into home decor and even formal apparel. Aklanon weavers are known for their piña and silk cloth creations that are embroidered with floral designs while the weavers of Iloilo and Antique are known for employing the suk-suk or inlaid weft technique in hablon and patadyong cloth.

Weavers in Eastern Visayas use materials harvested from plants that grow abundantly in their area to craft mats that can be used for sleeping or fashioned into decorative items such as place mats and plant holders or even bags and fans. These materials range from abaca, buri palm, coconut leaves and ribs, rattan and tikog or reed grass, pandan, pawa which is a type of thin bamboo, and seagrass. 

The surfing communities of La Union, Baler, Siargao, Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar

The surfing hotspots of the Philippines have produced not only a burgeoning tourism industry but also world-class local surfers. Those living in the islands have picked up the sport and the waters of La Union, Baler, Siargao, Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar have increasingly seen more locals on their boards. These friendly Filipino surfers are the embodiment of the laidback local surfing lifestyle and are also staunch advocates of caring for their marine environment. 

The culinarians of Iloilo City, Bacolod, Zamboanga City, and Davao City

Visiting the different regions of the Philippines is a taste trip, with each province contributing richly to the food map of the country, with recipes that make use of what is easily available in their locality. A cultural awareness of these dishes and the resulting food tourism ensures that not only the recipes are handed down to the next generation but heirloom produce will continue being planted by the local farmers.

Iloilo city is considered as one of the food capitals of the Philippines, with flavorful delicacies such as bowls of La Paz Batchoy noodles and Molo Soup. Negros Occidental is called the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines for its fields of sweet sugarcane. Among their preferred dishes for guests especially those visiting its capital city, Bacolod are Inasal (chicken grilled over hot coals), Piaya (unleavened flatbread filled with muscovado sugar), and Kansi or beef shank with bone marrow cooked in broth flavored with a local souring agent called Batwan.

Seafood abounds in Zamboanga, and their must-try dishes include ingredients such as a crustacean locally called Curacha, Imbao or mangrove clams, snails called Kulo, and Lato — a seaweed that resembles small green grapes, or commonly known as green caviar. Davao is known for its fruits, ranging from pineapples, bananas, sweet pomelos, and the infamous durian. For a memorable meal, try the specialties that make use of fresh seafood such as Kinilaw, the local version of ceviche, and Sinugba or freshly-grilled seafood.           

The farming communities of Negros Occidental

To experience life on a Filipino farm, visit the 14 farm tourism sites that have been accredited by the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas. These farms highlight the potential of sustainable agriculture that can provide income streams for the communities who profit from both the produce and their eco-tours. Visitors can relax and appreciate the bounty of nature while learning the technology applied to the farming practices suited to the climate and soil conditions of the area.

Travel safely!

All 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, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post These Local Communities are Thriving with Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

In 2021, the Philippines celebrated its pivotal role in the Quincentennial commemoration of the first circumnavigation of the world by navigator and explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He arrived in 1521 and discovered a thriving civilization. Many of these ancient cultural traditions are still in practice today together with the influences that have been introduced by other cultures. This has made the Philippines an interesting destination where various cultures from different eras come together.  

With the country’s rich heritage and culture, sites of interest abound all over the country. Many of these historic places can even be visited conveniently in one city. Here are some places to visit on your visit to the Philippines:

Ilocos 

Up North, the influences of the Spanish era abound, from the Baroque churches such as the San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century, it was also named as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973. The Museo Ilocos Norte gives visitors a glimpse of life in the region’s diverse cultures with displays of Ilocano, Igorot and Itneg traditional clothing, household utensils, ceremonial objects, and more. The museum is housed in an old tabacalera, or cigar factory, with tobacco being one of the main agricultural industries of Ilocos. 

Vigan is another charming city to visit for a cultural trip. The Bantay Church in Ilocos Sur is a must-see with its bell tower structure that also served as a lookout point against pirates still standing to this day. The whole street of Calle Crisologo is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North, with its old-world charm of cobblestone streets and heritage structures transporting tourists back in time. Vigan is also where one can watch the traditional art of pottery making at the Pagburnayan, while travelers can watch locals, in Brgy. Camangaan still in Vigan, weave the local cotton fabric called Inabel on their handlooms.        

Cebu

One can find remnants from Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in the Philippines at Cebu, with a monument called Magellan’s to commemorate the first baptism held in Philippine shores, and the Sto. Nino Basilica across the street houses the image of the Child Jesus that was gifted by Magellan to Hara Humamay and Rajah Humabon of Cebu when she was baptized into Christianity. One can also visit the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to view its Sino influences such as carved reliefs of phoenixes and the two dogs standing guard at the entrance. 

Plaza Hamabar is named after Rajah Humabon. Here, one can find a statue of the Cebuano Chieftain as he was described by Magellan’s chronicler Antonio Pigafetta. The Cebu Heritage Monument is a tableau of concrete, bronze, brass, and steel showing events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The Colon Obelisk can be found on Colon Street, which is said to be the oldest street in the Philippines and, as it is now still an important avenue for commerce. An imposing structure of stone, Fort San Pedro was built as a fortress against Muslim raiders by the first Spanish Governor-General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, and it is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country.      

For those looking to experience Cebuano arts and crafts, there are tours to the Alegre Guitar Factory and the furniture makers such as the atelier of Kenneth Cobonpue and the workshop of Dedon furniture. Other cultural stops are the Casa Gorodo Museum which is a National Historical Landmark with its glimpse into the way of life of a Chinese-Filipino family in the Parian District, 1730 Jesuit Museum or Parian Museum which is the old retreat house of the Jesuit Order in Cebu, Museo Sugbo, the former Cárcel de Cebú, which houses pre-colonial artifacts and Chinese wares, and the Carmen Copper Museum and Heritage Center which presents the history of the copper mining industry in the country. 

Greater Manila Area 

Corregidor Island served as a fortress of defense during the Spanish period because of its strategic location near Manila. During World War 2, it was used as a garrison against the Japanese forces by Filipino and American soldiers. Its ruins can be visited today as a memorial to those who lost their lives on the battlefield. 

The Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite was the home of the first Philippine president. It was here that the Filipino flag was formally unfurled for the first time and where the National Anthem was also played as a sign of independence from Spanish rule. In the neighboring Cavite town of Maragondon, stands the Roderico Reyes Ancestral House, better known as the Bonifacio Trial House where the leader of the Katipunan revolution Andres Bonifacio was tried and found guilty of treason by the government established by Gen. Aguinaldo. 

For artful pursuits, one can go to Tagaytay and visit the Museo Orlina of modern glass sculptor Ramon Orlina and the Puzzle Mansion of enthusiast Georgina Gil-Lacuna who holds the Guinness World Record of having the most number of completed jigsaw puzzles on display. In Angono, which is known as a hometown of artists, one can find the studio home of Carlos “Botong” Francisco, the second National Artist for Visual Arts who specialized in capturing rural folklife. He was also the one who is credited for discovering the country’s oldest form of art, the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs which are located in a rock shelter just outside his town. 

Manila

Fort Santiago in Intramuros was a Spanish fortress where the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was incarcerated before his execution at Bagumbayan, now Rizal Park. The fort, with its stone ramparts still intact, is now a public park with remnants of history on display in a museum celebrating Rizal’s life. The Baluarte de San Diego is another part of Intramuros that was part of its stone fortifications. Crossways and a staircase lead visitors to where cannons were strategically placed as protection against invaders.  

For more historical content, tourists can visit the Casa Manila Museum which is a replica of a typical Spanish colonial mansion furnished with items of Philippine, Chinese and European origins. The National Museum, houses some of the country’s most important works of art from Juan Luna’s Spoliarium which won Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid to the works of contemporary artists. The San Agustin Church in Intramuros is the oldest church in the Philippines. It exhibits remarkable features such as Baroque altars, wall buttresses and ceiling paintings in the tromp l’oeil style.

Rizal Park in Manila is a popular tourist spot for locals and international travelers for its wide-open spaces and its attractions that include a dancing fountain and a bas relief map of the country. There is also a Monument to mark where Dr. Rizal was buried and a stature in honor of Rajah Lapu-Lapu, the country’s first hero, who defeated Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan. 

Western Visayas

Bacolod is known for its sugar plantations and the heritage houses nearby that illustrate how the hacienderos lived during the Spanish era. Among the houses that one can visit are Balay Negrense which was built in 1898 by Victor Gaston, son of Frenchman Yves Leopold Germain Gaston who is considered the first to popularize sugarcane cultivation on a commercial scale in the region, and The Ruins, which are what’s left of a mansion that Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built for his wife Maria Braga Lacson after it was razed in a fire. 

For a taste of heritage, stop by El Ideal, the city’s oldest bakery for a snack of their baked specialties that include bañadas, kinamunsil, masa podrida, lubid-lubid, biscocho de caña, and biscocho prinsipe.

Eastern Visayas

The region is rich in history and culture. One of the new circuits that have been developed is the Sinugdan Quincentennial Tour which brings travelers on a pilgrimage to seven heritage stone churches: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church and the St. Isidore the Laborer Chapel, both in Baybay City; the Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Church in Hilongos, Leyte; Saint Joseph the Worker Church in Matalom, Leyte; the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Maasin City; the Sto. Niño Church in Malitbog; and the St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan, all in Southern Leyte. The tour also brings tourists to other attractions in the area, such as San Pedro and San Pablo Islands in Hinunangan or Molopolo – Sta. Cruz Fish and Bird Sanctuary in Macrohon before heading to Limasawa Island where the historic first Catholic Mass in Asia was held on March 30, 1521.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur famously promised Filipinos, “I shall return”, upon retracting American troops in World War II. He returned on October 20, 1944, and his landing on the shores of Palo, Leyte has been marked with a bronze monument.

Note: The Leyte Gulf Landing headed by Gen. MacArthur was the turning point of the war in the Pacific theatre, his return/landing on October 20, 1944, together with former Presidents Sergio Osmeña and Carlos P. Romulo is now marked with a monument.

The Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum which was built by the late President Marcos in his wife Imelda’s hometown in Tacloban is a repository of her priceless art collections and religious relics.

For a nature trip, visitors can head to the Sohoton Caves in Basey, Samar for a river cruise that takes them through lush vegetation before entering a cathedral-like cave with various stalactite and stalagmite formations. A stop at Basey brings tourists to a village of mat-weavers who use leaves that have been dried and dyed before being woven into intricate and colorful patterns.

Discover the Philippines’ tangible treasures

The island souvenirs of the Philippines are unlike any other in the world. Here one can find souvenirs that showcase the rich and diverse culture of the country. Rattan is one of the indigenous materials that are used for traditional packaging, from shopping bags called bayong and boxes that are used to store items in the home. Banig or woven mats are another Filipino woven product, used for sleeping or as bags and home accents.   

Filipino pastimes include playing street games, such as trumpo or wooden tops that children use to battle it out to see whose top spins the longest.  Music is another big part of Filipino culture, with instruments like the ukulele or the kubing or jaw harp playing important roles in traditional celebrations.      

For a more modern take on the country’s culture, one can try Paradise Mango Rum which uses the sweet flavors of the Philippine mangoes in a potent drink, and the Trese komiks on which the popular Netflix show on Filipino folklore is based. 

Travel safely!

All 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, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post Explore Filipino Culture in These Historic Cities appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

What is it like to capture something on canvas? To shape an idea into sculpture? More than the brush strokes, more than creating an installation piece by piece, what it takes is time. Because time is what’s needed to find a voice, to see what can be done with any kind of medium. 

And even for award-winning artist Charlie Co, it’s taken years to find the language.

“You know in the art world we are always inspired by the masters. But with us, us artists we seek our own language and own images and it takes years to see what you want.” “So it took me forty, fifty years of my life doing that.”

Part of it is likely because a creative path never goes in a straight line. There’s no point A, no point B. At least, not in the regular sense. There’s always just a vast number of ideas that may or may not make it to the canvas.

“To see a blank canvas and see an image,” Co shares, “it takes years for you to see things.”

Filipino contemporary visual artist, Charlie Co. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

Charlie Co’s work is at times disturbing and somber, using expressionism and surrealism. But no matter what form it takes, it creates a sense of being there. His images build a visceral connection that draw you into them. This is partly because his work is derived from social realities: things that exist, amplified through art. But it’s also because his mastery of visual craft allows him to tell a story the way he imagines it should be told.  

“I’m a storyteller, just like many artists, we’re all storytellers.” He explains. ‘When I did my first painting, I said ‘I want this, I know this, I just want this.’ But I know it’s gonna be a long journey, but I was very focused on what I do. 

With the environment around him as the inspiration—political situations, personal expressions, and the landscape—these details eventually merge into a world. Only, it’s a world the way he sees it. 

And Co’s world is one that has been across the globe. His work has been displayed in Australia, Singapore, China, Brazil, and Japan. It has also earned him multiple awards, including the Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines—the country’s oldest government award. 

Orange Project at Bacolod’s Art District. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

But while Co has created a world of his own, he also recognizes that other people like him have done the same. This has led to him to reach out to other creatives, and he would later become the co-founder of the Orange Gallery in Bacolod City’s Art District—a space made for artists and curators. Co is also one of the leading personalities behind Viva ExCon, a biennial art convention that has been around for over 30 years.

But what does it take to bring artists together? Is it a shared vision? The promise of discovering like-minded people? Perhaps. But mostly, it’s coffee. 

“You need a table, you need coffee, gather the artists and talk about it. Try to do things.”

And things have been happening at the Art District. Co and the other artists have been busy creating, planning for the next thing. Talking about how they want to bring the art community forward. 

The Art District located at the heart of Bacolod, Negros Occidental. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

“I want Art District to be a center where you can have coffee,“ he says. “When you want to be creative you can just go there and do your writing, or your painting, or you get inspired by the space.” 

But Co’s vision isn’t just about creating a community for artists to get their creativity going, it’s also about supporting each other. During the worst of the pandemic, with most of the country under lockdown, the art community was struggling to survive. Co and the other figures in the art industry rallied together, forming the Art Heals movement. 

This movement raised money by selling off artwork, and the funds were used to supply artists with groceries. They’d also reached out to help frontliners as well, recognizing that the art community doesn’t stand alone, but stands with the rest of the world. In this way, art did heal the community. Still, Co is looking to do more than that.

He mentions that there are plans to expand the reach of the Art District, that it could one day support the artists. Not just by inspiring them to pursue their craft, but also by helping them earn by sharing what they know. In turn, this would make it sustainable for them.

“Early next year we could have this…school for all ages and it’s also giving livelihood to artists who want to teach,” he continues “But again, it’s quite a little bit abstract right now but from here, you go to Art District, you’ll see what I’m saying, what I’m talking about.” 

Charlie Co, with his team of local artists, putting together an art installation. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

But abstract or not, these plans are keeping the art community moving in Bacolod. The culture is thriving, now even more alive with artists like Charlie Co pushing for things to happen in the scene. And just like his work, the Art District in Bacolod creates a visceral connection that draws you to it. But you don’t need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the experience. All that’s needed is an open mind and a plane ticket. 

Since April 1, 2022, the Philippines has been welcoming fully-vaccinated tourists worldwide, with no test upon arrival nor quarantine. The country has also developed several circuits highlighting the unique attractions and fun activities within the country.

To know more about the Philippines’ 7,641 islands, our latest travel advisories, and other updates, check out https://visitor.tourism.gov.ph/ or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The post Charlie Co Tells the Story of the World on Canvas appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Over the pandemic, more and more Filipinos picked up cycling. Apart from the fact that it was one of the few exercises allowed, it gives a more immersive way of checking off destinations off our travel bucket list and experiencing the world around us.

If you’re looking to explore Bicol and Central Visayas, for example, perhaps going on two wheels would be a good way to do it.

Both regions are filled with both charming architecture and natural wonders that would make a great backdrop to your cycling route.

Fantastic sights

Bicol is a region rich with historical landmarks and natural landscapes. There’s Caramoan, a peninsula east of Bicol, where one can find fine, white-sand beaches and limestone cliffs like in Palawan. In Catanduanes, there are waterfalls, corals, and mountain ranges. And of course, there’s the Mayon, along with its cousin, Bulusan Volcano.

Speaking of Mayon, one of the more popular Cycling routes going to Region 5 is the well-known eight-day Bicolandia journey. The route starts in Manila and ends in Sorsogon, spanning about 1,300 kilometers.

It passes through the famous zigzag road (also called Bituka ng Manok, or chicken intestines in Tagalog) at Atimonan, Quezon, which passes all the way to its end in Gumaca.

The route is challenging but fulfilling, as the zigzag road passes through the mountains. From Gumaca, the road leads straight to Daraga in Albay, and then Sorsogon, the final destination.

Upon reaching Sorsogon, bikers can then do another famed circuit, the Mayon Volcano Loop. Also known as Mayon 360, the circuit typically starts in Legazpi, which affords cyclists a fantastic view of the volcano’s perfect cone shape. It then goes through Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and then back to Legazpi.

Along the route, bikers can see popular Bicolano sights such as Cagsawa Ruins, Vera Falls, Quituinan Hills, Tabaco Church, and Solong Eco Park.

Check out https://www.ctphtour.com/ and https://zchedulista.com/ for more information regarding Bike Tours in Bicol Region

Magic and history

Central Visayas, on the other hand, consists of four provinces (Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor) and three highy urbanized cities (Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Cebu City).

Region 7 is a huge place for a cycling tour, but there is a popular Bike & Boat route in the Central Visayas that can be used as a good reference point. The circuit encompasses three major areas: Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The first and second day would be a tour around historic Cebu City, with sights like Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro. After the city proper, you travel west to the less known areas of Cebu, which is filled with beautiful beaches and pristine waters—like Tajao Shoreline, located in Pinamungahan, Cebu.

From Pinamungahan, on the third day, travellers can then go to Dumanhug or Santander to catch a boat or ferry to Negros Oriental, where you can see sights like the Canloan Volcano. Mount Canlaon is located in Canlaon City, also in Negros Oriental. Then, on the fourth day, you would be on your way to Siquijor.

The island is often associated with mystical traditions and the supernatural. Siquijor is also well known for its healing festivals, and for the sale in public markets of potions made from insects, tree barks, and herbs.

The fifth day would be an exploration of Siquijor’s coastal loop, with attractions like Sandugan Beach, Salagdoong Beach, Cambugahay Falls, and Salagdoong Beach, along with various caves and nature parks—like the Bandila‑an natural park and butterfly sanctuary.

Day Six would see you leaving Siquijor and onto Bohol. From Tagbilaran, you ride along Bohol’s southern coast. Day Seven and eight will explore Bohol’s hidden gems and all the way to the white sand beaches of Anda.

On Day Nine, cyclists would then go to the rolling hills and greenery of Bohol’s interior towns, from rice terraces to little-known villages. Day 10 would bring you to the Chocolate Hills, while on Day 11, the tour would bring you to a nature preserve and meet the official mascot of Bohol – the tarsier. Day 12 will be the flight back to Cebu, or, as another option, travelers can also take a ferry from Bohol to Cebu. Ferry options can be found in Tubigon or Tagbilaran City.

Check out https://www.viator.com/Visayas-tours/Bike-and-Mountain-Bike-Tours/d5171-g16-c55 for more information regarding Bike Tours in Central Visayas

Travel safely!

COVID restrictions in doing these bike tours would vary according to your chosen route. And while the current situation in the country points to a further easing of COVID restrictions, it would be best for you to always bring your vaccine card, along with other forms of identification when traveling the land route like in the Region 5 bike tour.

When flying to Cebu for the Region 7 circuit, be prepared with your vaccine card when boarding a plane to the city.

The post A Bicol and Central Visayas Travel Bucket List for Cyclists appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Once international travel resumes, travelers will once again be able to visit the Philippines’ popular beaches as well as under-the-radar island destinations that offer the ultimate escape from the feeling of confinement, with wide-open spaces and friendly smiles from the locals.

With more than 7,000 islands in a beautiful archipelago, definitely more fun awaits visitors for their next beach escape to these pristine and quiet little pieces of paradise.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island boasts stunning white sand beaches and eco-tourism sites. From the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the island is easily accessible by boarding a bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal to the Hagnaya Port. The journey will take you on a scenic ride to the northern tip of Cebu, including a short ferry to the Santa Fe Port on the island. From the latter, you can take a tricycle to your accommodation.

Bantayan Island boasts a range of accommodation options, from upscale hotels and oceanfront resorts to budget fan rooms, hostels, and homestays. If you’re on a budget or simply prefer lounging right under Bantayan’s blue skies, you can also opt to bring and set up your own tent in any of the campsites located across the island.

Activities in Bantayan include swimming, cliff diving, island-hopping, kayaking, and even skydiving. One can soak in the local culture by approaching locals who engage in fishing and the production of savory dried fish as their primary source of livelihood.

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

The waters surrounding this long stretch of beach are crystal clear, with a white powdery sandbar perfect for a long solitary stroll and for taking lots of photos.

Kalanggaman is derived from the word “langgam,” which means bird in the local dialect, as the two ends of the island seem to flap like bird’s wings when viewed from above.

There are no big resorts on Kalanggaman Island, and crowds are kept at bay, with the Municipality of Palompon putting a cap on the number of tourists that can visit per day. Those who want to spend the night can stay at native cottages or set up camp along the strip of beach and watch the stars put on a show against a gorgeous velvet sky. The nearest hotels are in Ormoc and Tacloban, both of which are several hours away from the island.

Traveling to the island is most convenient through Ormoc or Tacloban. Although there are currently no direct international flights to these cities, visitors can fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport and take a connecting flight to either of the two municipalities. Flying to Ormoc is your best option as it will take just an hour and a half by bus or van to reach the Palompon Ecotours Office, where you will need to pay a conservation charge before boarding a 90-minute ferry trip to Kalanggaman Island on a rented boat.

Secret Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Framed by towering cliffs and turquoise-hued waters, Secret Beach in El Nido is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered by travelers who want to experience the thrill of finding a treasure from Mother Nature. The beach is accessible only by swimming through a crevice among the limestone rocks that’s just above the water.

The quickest way to El Nido is a direct flight from Manila to Lio Airport, which is about 30 minutes away by land from the El Nido town proper. Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Princesa and take a five-hour bus or van ride to the town center.

El Nido is known for its luxury hotels and exclusive resorts, but budget-conscious travelers can also find basic hostel and cottage accommodation options across this world-class island destination. Secret Beach itself is located on Matinloc Island, which is a boat ride away from El Nido town proper. To access this hidden gem, you can book the El Nido Tour C through any of the town’s travel operators, which will take you to the beach as well as Matinloc’s other sites.

Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros Occidental

This aptly-named beach in the sweet province of Negros Occidental is a destination known mostly to locals as Langub Beach. Locals love to spend their lazy summer afternoons swimming in its azure waters. Here, one can catch a beautiful sunset while listening to the waves and relaxing on the warm brown sand. Among the activities to try are snorkeling and paddleboarding or simply taking a refreshing dip in the cooling blue waters.

This secret oasis isn’t easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort. From Manila or Cebu, you can take a flight to Bacolod City, and from there take a five-hour bus ride to Hinoba-an at Ceres South Terminal. You should get off the bus at Gil Montilla junction near Sipalay City Hall, along the highway. Get on a tricycle from here and head to Barangay Nauhang river. You may rent a small boat to transport you to the southern end of Sugar Beach, where you’ll have to walk to your preferred resort. Flying into Dumaguete City is another option, which takes about the same travel time.

There’s a range of luxury and budget resorts and hotels in Sipalay City, where Sugar Beach is located. These include beachfront accommodations, each with its own sunbeds, cabanas, kayaks, and ample space for various beach activities.

Mantigue Island, Camiguin Province

A 20-minute scenic boat trip from the eastern side of the alluring Camiguin Island brings travelers to this gleaming white sand island framed by lush greenery. Mantigue Island is a four-hectare slice of tropical wonderland famous among divers because of the endangered hawksbill turtle frequently sighted in its clear waters. This island is indeed a diver’s dream because it is teeming with colorful and rare marine creatures such as colorful clownfish, nudibranchs, frogfish, sharks, and dense schools of fish with a backdrop of amazing gardens of corals and seascapes.

To complete your experience, you can admire the local wildlife of its mini tropical jungle, frolic among the waves, laze on the powdery sand, or you can grab a bite of the sea urchin (uni) offered by the locals on the beach right out of the ocean! There are no big crowds on the island as it is only open for day tours, and the number of visitors is limited to help preserve its natural beauty. If you need to spend the night, there are inexpensive beach resorts, hostels, and homestays in Mahinog and nearby towns.

The fastest way to travel to the island is to fly from Manila or Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City. From the CDO airport, you can take a shuttle to Agora Bus Terminal, then board a bus to Balingoan Port, where you can take a boat to Benoni Wharf. At the Wharf, you can hire a tricycle or motorbike to take you to the Mantigue Island departure area in Barangay San Roque, Mahinog.

Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island, Surigao del Norte

Siargao is fast becoming a favorite surfing destination for local and foreign enthusiasts, but for those who want to experience the more idyllic side of the province, they can book a boat tour that will take them island hopping for a whole day of enjoyment among small secluded sandbars. Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island are destinations for those who want to feel what it is like to live on a tiny remote island. Guyam is a small circular island with swaying coconut trees and beach huts, while Naked Island, as its name implies, is a bare beach with deep waters suited for scuba diving. Daku, which means ‘big’ in the local dialect, is large enough to be home to a small and friendly fishing community.

Traveling by air is the most efficient way to reach these islands. If you’re flying in from another country, you’ll need to fly into either Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or Davao International Airport. And then take another flight to Siargao (Sayak Airport), located in Barangay Del Carmen, about 45 minutes from General Luna, which is the favored home base of most tourists visiting the province. There, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options ranging from traditional resorts to chic boutique hotels and hostels. The town is also home to tourist booths where you can book island hopping packages that will take you to both Guyam, Daku and Naked Island.

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

The white sand and blue seawater of Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte has become a popular destination among local beach lovers who want to experience a quick getaway from urban life. If you like a peaceful beach environment, Calaguas is the ideal location to rest and unwind. Relax on the beach, swim in the clear water, explore the island, and connect with your friends, and you will enjoy the island’s uncomplicated pleasures. Scuba diving/snorkeling (bring your own equipment), island and beach hopping, sunrise/sunset viewing, swimming, and camping are some of the other activities available. You may also choose to trek the rolling hills of the nearby Tinaga Island.

To reach the island, Naga in Camarines Sur is the closest airport with regular commercial flights from Manila. From Naga, Daet is around two hours drive. Once in Daet, get on a public van bound for Paracale (entry point to Calaguas Island). The trip takes another two hours. After arriving, look for the fish port and rent a boat bound for Mahabang Buhangin.

Tents, huts, cabanas, and air-conditioned rooms are available at beachfront resorts in Calaguas. Alternatively, you can stay in resorts and hotels in Daet and other neighboring towns.

Travel safely!

The Tourism Department, which has 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” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducts thorough inspection and assessment to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.

To ensure safe travels to these beautiful beaches, the Tourism Department enhances its health and hygiene protocols, with tourism workers undergoing constant training and tourism establishments implementing standardized safeguards in their premises to protect their guests and employees.

Through its Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the Philippine government is constantly updating its protocols to safeguard Filipinos and foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines. To know the latest updates and travel advisories about the Philippines, visit https://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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