Top Philippine Destinations of 2009

According to a report by the Department of Tourism, here are the top local destinations of 2009.

1. CARAMOAN, CAMARINES SUR


Camarines Sur emerged as the country's top tourist destination. The province, known for its wakeboarding destination, accommodated 147,504 foreign guests and 754,698 domestic tourists to reach a total count of 902,202 in the first half of 2009.

2. CEBU


Cebu was the second most visited tourist destination with 830,599 visitors. It continued to be the top destination for foreign tourists with 321,116 in the first semester, while domestic tourists in Cebu count to 509,433.

3. BORACAY, AKLAN


Boracay was the third most visited destination, receiving 383,813 visitors in the January-June 2009 period. Foreign visitors in the resort island went down to 112,315 and domestic tourists rose to 271,498.

4. BAGUIO CITY, BENGUET


Baguio, the summer capital, was relegated to the fourth position, albeit a 14.5 percent drop in tourist arrivals.

5. DAVAO



6. PUERTO GALERA, ORIENTAL MINDORO

7. BOHOL

8. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

9. ILOCOS NORTE

10. PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

Banaue Rice Terraces tops UK mag's travel feature

THE TOP-RATED UK-based travel magazine TNT came out with a four-page, full-color article, hailing the 2,000-year-old Banaue rice terraces as one of the best and most unforgettable destinations in the world.

A stunning view of the Banaue rice terraces, with an expanse of green mountains in the background, was the feature’s main photo.

Seasoned British writer and photographer Mike Stratton rued the fact that the Banaue rice terraces was not qualified for the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” poll because organizers did not recognize the terraces as “natural” because the Ifugao people constructed them.

He added that many people in the Philippines and even abroad have long regarded the rice terraces as the Eighth Wonder of the World, online polls notwithstanding.

Stratton pointed to Batad as the finest place to view the rice terraces, and described how Batad’s rustic way of life, its people and its wildlife have made Banaue truly awe-inspiring. Photos of Ifugao locals accompanied the writer’s recount of his stay in Batad.

Taking his readers along the tricky trek to Tappiya Falls, Stratton also engagingly described his precarious hike, but gushed upon reaching his destination: “Tappiya falls was more cappuccino than skinny latte – its powerful, foamy flow plunged 40 meters, thudding with real fury into a pool. At that moment I didn’t need to be told that I was experiencing one of the great natural wonders of the world; I knew it.”

Stratton also gave valuable travel guidelines alongside the Banaue main feature. From Filipino food choices to the best time to visit and how to get around, a round up of the best islands to suit one’s activity fancy, Stratton has provided readers with information they need to prepare for a visit to the Philippines. Cloud 9 in Siargao Island, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and the Philippine jeepney were featured in breath-taking photos.

“Our diverse attractive spots and rich culture leave lingering impressions that travel enthusiasts just couldn’t resist – so they keep coming back,” Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano noted.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in cooperation with Cathay Pacific Airways, hosted Stratton’s visit to Banaue last summer.

12/20/2009 Mayen Jaymalin, Philippine Star

Getting To Know: BAGUIO CITY, BENGUET

Zigzag road going to Baguio City

ORIGINALLY, Baguio City was a settlement camp of American troops during their occupation in 1900s where they patterned the architecture of houses and buildings after their homes in the United States. And to easily access the neighboring towns, they have constructed Kennon Road; a highway known for its narrow and challenging turns. Apparently, this changed its peaceful face to a city of merchants and uncontrolled migrants from surrounding towns. When Americans left, more settlers invaded the thriving city and soon turned into a crowded district of mixed locals and vacationing tourists who come mainly for its temperate climate.

Baguio Cathedral

The city’s economy moved progressively despite the absence of the founding Americans. Parks, Gardens, Museums, markets and shopping malls were established everywhere and perhaps elevated the rapid rise of tourism. Big growth on hotels, lodging houses, restaurants and bars is increasing every year. Aside from farming, locals shifted to handicrafts to sustain the rising demand of market coming from tourism. Because of this Baguio famed itself as the best place to go for cheap wood carvings and fabric weavings. These shops are all over the city market and nearby town markets of Asin and Trinidad.

Fresh Flowers of Baguio

Baguio illustrates an ambiance of people wearing warm outfits all year around. If you only see Philippines as a tropical country, visiting Baguio somehow changes that view. Filipinos regarded this city amidst the towering peaks of the Cordillera, as the summer capital of the country, where they can move away from the irritating heat during summer.

Panagbenga Festival celebrates the bountiful harvest of flowers

To get there, Victory Liner, bus company based in Pasay City along Edsa, has departures for Baguio in the morning daily. You can also take your car. From Balintawak take North Expressway and get off at Dau Exit. Pass by Tarlac, Urdaneta and Pozzorubio. Before reaching Rosario, you may see a junction (Kennon Road) to Baguio. Skip that way, and at about 500 meters, you will see a newly constructed road with a signboard "to Baguio". Other routes such as Naguillian Road from Bauang, or Marcos Highway from Agoo are good options for people who may want to enjoy first the beaches of La Union.