Blepharoplasty/ Eyelid Surgery: Affordable Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

By: Edwin Paul Magallona, MD

A blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is commonly a cosmetic and aesthetic surgery which improves on a person’s tired look as a result of excess folds of skin on the upper eyelids, bags around the lower eyelids and drooping eyebrows. Basically the procedure takes out excess skin, fat and muscle. When it is performed with the goal of improving vision, it then becomes reconstructive in nature. As we go through life and accumulate additional years, the effects of gravity, loss of skin elasticity, sun exposure and daily stress all leave their marks.

Realistically, eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty will never stop the aging process, may never take the stress out of your life, or may not even give you that extra energy you need daily. However it may still effectively take years off your looks and “turn back the clock” by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. For those who have severe physical manifestations to start with, this cosmetic surgery may at least may one look his fair age. The end result is rejuvenation, giving each patient that fresh and bright look.

All patients interested in the procedure will need an informative and meaningful consultation with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. The patient is expected to discuss all expectations with regards to looking and feeling better after her blepaharoplasty or eyelid surgery. He should keep in mind though that the desired result is basically reasonable improvement and realistic enhancement and never impossible and unachievable “perfection”. Emotional stability and realistic expectation in patients is a must. Having a “new” look from an eyelid surgery never entitles or guarantees a better relationship nor successful job in life. It solely improves appearance and possibly helps boosts self confidence. This is truly what blepharoplasty may just do for you. How you handle the positive physical effects and gains of an eyelid surgery is actually up to you.

Blepharoplasty takes approximately 1-2 hours and can take longer if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures as a temporal lift, facelift, and browlift. This surgery may be safely done in an outpatient setting or in a hospital basis under local anesthesia with or without light sedation, or even under general anesthesia if combined with other procedures. If sedation and local anesthesia is chosen, this would allow one to be comfortable during surgery while the eyelid skin is completely numb. Most patients are however able to tolerate surgery with just local anesthesia and with just the same results.

The operative technique of a blepharoplasty is most of the time performed first on the upper lid followed by the lower lid. Incisions are made following natural lines and creases which effects maximal concealment. Working through the incision, your cosmetic plastic surgeon separates the skin from underlying fat and muscle. Excess skin and protruding fat is excised.

Wound closures are always meticulously done by your cosmetic plastic surgeon. Though scars are expected and are natural consequences of any incision or surgery, your cosmetic plastic surgeon will try his best to keep them hardly noticeable as possible. After surgery, dressings may be placed over the wound with antibacterial ointment applied. Post blepharoplasty patients are instructed bed rest for at least a day and ordered to avoid any exertions as to cause increase in blood pressure in the facial area for at least a week. Cold compress is applied for a day while stitches are out after usually 5 days. Most patients do return to work after 2-3 weeks.

All operations including cosmetic plastic surgeries have their small share of complications and risks. Bleeding, infection, and healing problems are possible though not so common. Any pain or discomfort may be effectively controlled more often than not by the right over the counter oral medications. It is prudent however to inform your plastic surgeon or any staff member of any bothersome and persistent problems. Swelling and bruising/ skin discolorations are common and expected and usually resolve in a week or two. A sense of numbness and tightness is usually present which eventually improves and subsides.

For the potential plastic surgery patient in general, it is strongly advised to consult with a certified plastic surgeon. Patients are strongly encouraged to ask around and be properly and thoroughly informed regarding the procedures they desire whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive in nature. Your certified cosmetic plastic surgeon will display adequate knowledge, skill and care prior, during and after surgery.

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Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines.

For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery..visit http://www.philippinecosmeticplasticsurgery.com or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012

Dumaguete City a city know for its hospitable and warm people, an booming economic center and tourist attraction and the center of learning in the south.

Wanting to visit a city that is like no other? A city that is not like manila or cebu a little smaller but just as fabulous? Then you might want to try visiting Dumaguete City. It is the largest city of negros oriental and also the capital seaport.

The people here are called Dumagueteños popularly known for their hospitality and friendship and well gentleness. Dumaguete City is then considered ‘a city of gentle people’.The term Dumaguete came from the word ‘daggit’ and ‘dumaguet’ because of the muslim attacks on the city and ‘dumaguet’ bacause of the power of the natives to captivate its visitors.

Dumaguete is the smallest in terms in land area among the 20 provinces and 5 cities here in negros oriental considering it is the capital city. it is bounded by the municipality of sibulan to the north and the municipality of Bacong to the south. But lets not go there shall we?

The economic status of the Dumaguete city has been influenced by business process outsourcing and other industries. Major examples of these are the companies Teletech, a call center firm and SPi, one of the worlds leading BPO companies. these two firms are one of the largest ITES firms operating here in Dumaguete.

The city is also a tourist attraction, and the upsurge of tourists flood Dumaguete annually for the annual fiesta’s, the Silliman founders day and the likes. The boulevard also pose as one of the best tourist attraction site here in Dumaguete, with its magnificent view of the Mindanao sea and the local shops, and restaurants fronting the sea. Dumaguete is just a piece of the big cake when it comes to local wonders and travels spots in Negros Oriental.

If one is interested to visit the mountains, jungle perhaps one can visit forest camp located up high in Valencia were u could just relax away from city life. If u want a more exhilarating experience u can go to Lake Balinsasayao and experience the beauty of the jungles untouched by man. I bet one will remember his/her experience when he/she visits the city.

Dumaguete is not just a tourist attraction, it is also a progressive universty city with. Considered the central learning center of the south, dumaguete city boasts university of prestigious honor like silliman university. One of the first american built university in asia. Different races, different languages come to Dumaguete to study, take for example koreans who come here to study english and iranians who do the same. Other universities like St. Paul University ,Negros Oriental State University, and Foundation University takes it respective titles as part of the university city.

So basically Dumaguete is a cool and nice place to visit. The people are warm the attractions are nice (you got to love Dumaguetenas) and it only take what 10 minutes drive from the airport? Do why not visit Dumaguete? The colorful history of Dumaguete contributes to why it is a must go to place in the map, and im confident to say u wont be wasting your time for nothing.

Philippines is a nice distinctive place to visit. With its tropical weather and excellent varieties of beaches and resorts, anyone would easily fall in love with this wonderful country located in the south eastern part of Asia.

My experience of stay in the Philippines makes me want to plan an immediate return for another vacation. If you are thinking of traveling to the Philippines, you should definitely be a little familiar with its main city capital called Manila. This is where you will most likely plan your flight arrival destination to end up at.

Finding cheap flights to Manila is not that easy, you need to do researching as well as planning ahead of time. Flights to other local airport destinations may not be cheaper since manila is the main capital of the country. So, almost all international flights are routed thru the city’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, thus, more scheduled flights and much lesser expenses for airline companies.

However, Cebu Mactan International Airport has been gaining international flights already. At the time of this writing, they have 6 regular direct international flights. Taipei is the most recently added trip to their list of scheduled flights, and is scheduled for at least twice a week. It maybe a little expensive compared to a Manila flight, but if you intend to go anywhere near Cebu area like Bohol or somewhere around the Visayas region, then it would be a fairly good option to take advantage at. Another international Airport would be in Davao which has 3 international daily scheduled flights, to Singapore, to Koror Palau, and to Manado Indonesia.

Airfares are usually the most expensive part of a vacation trip, next to it would be hotel accommodations, this is why most of those who plan to visit the Philippines would surely want to go after those cheap flights to Manila. Nevertheless, once you arrive in the country, most of the things you will find there have adequately cheap prices, like food, transportation, souvenir items, clothing stuffs, and other accessories you may want to buy, way much cheaper compared to buying the same things from other countries.

Further more tips in finding cheap flights to Manila would be:

• Asking for quotations from travel agencies

• Surfing the internet to compare and get the best rates out there

• If you are from USA, then there are lots of Filipino agents selling cheap airfares to Manila, do try asking for them around your neighborhood

• Planning ahead on specific dates will give you bigger savings

• Most airlines offer huge discounts if booked earlier, but you must be sure about the schedule of your flight, otherwise you may end up getting charged for more should you request to cancel or change your flight schedule later on

• Some companies give discounts if you pay them via credit card, you should take advantage of such offer

• Other companies even accept travel mileage points to cover for your airfare

If the time has come for your vacation or a holiday getaway, read this article before making your plans. There are many places of great beauty and interest to be seen in the USA and Europe. But, whether transportation, touring, theme park, or food and lodging, it is expensive. This article is written for every traveler, whether a backpacker on a budget, or a first class – five star traveler.

Travel in Asia is inexpensive and opens the door to different cultural experiences. Planning can be for a short holiday, an extended stay, or choices of laying the groundwork for the ultimate stay, retirement. Nowadays, with so many opportunities to make money using the Internet it is not out of the question to “retire” early.

Medical Tourism in Asia growing in popularity. It is high quality and affordable. Just one of International standard hospitals in Bangkok serves 400,000 international patients annually, In the USA cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000. At a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. It is possible to have quality medical care, and an Asian holiday, for a fraction of the cost of the same procedure in the USA.

Let us take a tantalizing glimpse at just some of the countries.

Thailand – Land of Smiles. Often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. A visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok for sure. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai. From pristine beaches in the Southern Islands to the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.

India – Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. India Gate, an imposing structure, has emerged as one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. The Red Fort Delhi, a masterpiece of architecture, is a popular spot. A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to Agra, famous as the site of one of the world’s most romantic, graceful and photographed buildings, the Taj Mahal.

Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos – Three small countries neighboring Thailand. Each opens a different world of exploration. Cambodia – the highlight is visiting Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century. Vietnam – is a varied country, offering beaches, mountains and hundreds of years of history from the ancient Cham Towers to remnants from the Vietnam War. Laos – savor the crafts, culture and hospitality of Laos with a river trip, visits to ancient temples, gorgeous palaces, and traditional villages.

Nepal – Adventure, travel, trekking, birding, wildlife, and cultural & overland Safaris. Take an air flight along the Himalayas and view magnificent Mount Everest. Nearby, discover the serene beauty of Tibet, the country which inspired the Dalai Lama. .

Indonesia – Jakarta, the capital city of the world’s fourth most-populous nation. Bali is Indonesia’s main holiday destination. Flores is a pretty lush green island with forests, palm and banana trees, rice fields and many volcanoes. Highlights are the three small offshore islands of “Gillis” that invite snorkeling, diving and relaxing. For hikers, a climb to the top of the volcano Rijani.

Philippines – An island nation comprising over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean.

Manila, the bustling capital has powerful reminders of the country’s past, along with attractive parks, fine museums, and exhilarating nightlife. The Ifugao Rice Terraces

are a testimony to the early technological advancement of the Ifugao people. Take a jeepney ride to the market. Be brave, try balut, a Philippine delicacy. Go diving in the Visayas.

Singapore – Shopping on famous Orchard Road, the dream of every woman. The Night Safari at Singapore Zoo is fabulous. Chinatown, a little glitzy, but you can buy all the souvenirs you want there. Interestingly, one of Singapore’s most beautiful Hindu temples is smack dab in the middle of Chinatown. Decide if a Singapore Sling is worth the hype in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. There’s more to Singapore than urban glitz, like rambling in the rain forest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Japan – Tokyo is the capital city and home of the Imperial Residence and Emperor’s Palace. Select a popular destination or region in Japan and explore its attractions. Ride the Bullet Train to the magnificent city of Kyoto. Visit Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park. Castles, temples, gardens, the list of top destinations in Japan is too long for this article..

Taiwan – Taipei, the country’s booming, vibrant capital remains steeped in Chinese, Japanese and native Taiwanese cultures. Some of its most impressive sights include the Grand Hotel, topped by the largest Classical Chinese roof in the world, the Shihlin Night Market, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial with the National Theater and Concert Hall located directly across from each other on the grounds. A popular day trip is Tailuge (Taroko Gorge), considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

Hong Kong – the Pearl of East and jewel of The Orient. Nathan Road is lined with shops, restaurants, nightspots and cheap places to stay. If you’re in Hong Kong with the little ones, they’ll probably appreciate Ocean Park (aquarium), Water World (swimming pools and water slides), and of course Disneyland. If you’re in Hong Kong for more than a few days, then there’s plenty of outlying islands to discover.

It is often said that for the traveler that has seen it all and done it all, there is still Katmandu, Nepal. And, that too is in Asia!

If you do not visit Asia, you will be missing not only a paradise of affordable travel, but the chance to see an alternative living location. For retirees, it is luxury living for pennies, not just getting by on their pension. Asia, a paradise experience is waiting for you.

Disini Luxury Spa Villas is located in Seminyak, Bali. It is known for its heavenly atmosphere and the outstanding service of the staff and crew. They will definitely make you feel at home. It is just minutes away from the Sunset Beach. Not only that! Art galleries, fashion boutiques and dining venues that are considered as world class are just walking distance away from Disini.

Disini Luxury Spa Villas has a total of 22 units for their guests. There is a breakfast area where they serve the most delicious morning meals. Local restaurants are also around the place. The Spa is the pride of the hotel.

Taj Exotica Bentota is the best resort in one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches. It is 90 km from the airport and 7km to the city center. The hotel has first class facilities that have freshwater pool, good restaurants and a state-of-the-art gymnasium and health club. The stylish rooms overlook either the Indian Ocean or the beautifully landscaped gardens. All rooms have large bay windows and balconies and offer 24 hour room service.

You can enjoy the best of local and international foods in two restaurants of Taj Exotica Bentota. There is also a coffee shop and a bar located at the poolside.

Ascott Manila Hotel is located in Makati, the business central of Metro Manila. It is surrounded by business, entertainment and shopping centers. Some of the major attractions of Metro Manila include the Ayala Museum, Filipinas Heritage Library, Singapore Embassy and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Ascott Manila Hotel has a total of 306 rooms that has its own kitchen and it also comes with some amenities that will surely make your stay very memorable.

A continental breakfast is served in the morning. The restaurant serves excellent dishes for you to feast on. The lounge is the coolest place to relax. The hotel also has rooms designed for important meetings and conferences. They also have a state-of-the art gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis court and spa.

The most popular destination for both business and leisure travelers in Cebu is the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. It is located just 10 minutes drive from the airport and is a 30-minute drive from the International Convention Centre, shops, 24-hour casinos and nightlife.

The rooms of Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa are luxurious and the units are designed to please the visitors.

If you are fond of European and Asian foods, better check the restaurant. Tapa is also their main attraction. You can enjoy the sunset with your one and only from the Sapphire Pool and Bar. Enjoy drinking and eating with your family and friends while overlooking at the big pool.

Located in the shores of the popular white sand beaches, Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort is popularly known as the most relaxing place in the coastline of Maribago. If you want to stay in a place that is in touch with nature yet it is also modern, then this is the perfect place for you.

Maribago Blue Water Beach Resorts has 132 rooms for guest accommodations. Each of the rooms are properly furnished as they aim to give their guest a relaxing and comfortable experience. You can easily view the gardens from the room windows. The place is also popularly known for its restaurant called Allegro, which serves local and international specialties for you to feast on.

When it comes to a popular place in manila that sells different kinds of flowers, Dangwa flower market is the most popular. Dangwa flower market is situated in the heart of manila, located in Dos Castillas street. The Dangwa flower market is home to an over of 50 Philippine flower shops that provides manilenyo’s some of the most beautiful flowers around.

But aside from Dangwa flower market Philippine flower shops can also be seen throughout the Philippines, and some Philippine flower shops have expanded their businesses on the internet. Online Philippine flower shops are the best way on placing a reservation on flowers, especially when a peak season is coming such as February, May, November and December.

But other than reservation, other online Philippine flower shopscan even make some special delivery on them, and the only online Philippine flower shops that can make deliveries all over the Philippines is the Flower Express the online Philippine flower shops.

Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops is the all-occasion, no-occasion flower delivery service. Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops is the fast, reliable and affordable way to send premium flowers to your loved ones anywhere in the country.

Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops partners are no less than LBC and the country’s best producers of world-class flowers. LBC, the country’s dependable domestic and international courier service brings to the group over 50 years of experience and an intensive network of branches nationwide.

Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops world-class suppliers provides the team with premium flowers that are produced using state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology. That’s why Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops is sure to deliver the highest quality at the best value.

The Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops can provide a wide array of flowers to their customers such as Roses, Alstroemerias, Carnations, Ecuadorian Roses, Gerberas, Lilies, Orchids, Spring Flowers, Tulips and many more.

Other than flowers, Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops can also offer gift items such as Chocolate, Fruit Basket, Gift Baskets, Men’s Fragrances , Wines & liquors, Women’s Fragrances and Mass Prayer Cards.

So if you want more information about Flowers Express online Philippine flower shops, then visit their site at www.flowers-express-philippines.com.

The Philippines offer a rare cornucopia of riches to the holiday maker. There’s the chaotic and colourful capital of Manila, delightful islands and beaches, and a scenic hinterland where time seems to have stood still. Here’s a look into what makes this country unique – a slice of old Spain in the capital, some wonderful islands, and historic Cebu where the explorer Magellan converted the local ruler.

The Philippines has a long and turbulent history and was a Spanish colony for almost 500 years. This colonial past is hard to find, but in the teeming and dynamic capital of Manila, still has a piece of old Spain.

To explore this slice of history head for Intramuros (Within the Walls), the remnants of a walled city in the very heart of Manila between Rizal Park and the tourist centre of Ermita. Much of Manila’s colonial architecture was destroyed by bombing during WWII and the Spanish heritage of Manila is concentrated here.

Intramuros was once a mighty walled city that housed its Spanish rulers. Within its massive eight-foot-thick walls lay a Spanish city complete with stately administration buildings, schools and hospitals, and churches, convents and monasteries.

Fierce fighting during the Second World War wreaked havoc on Manila and today, all that remains of this once mighty structure is a three-mile-long stretch of rampart which you can walk along.

If there’s one thing all visitors to the Philippines agree on it’s the beauty and abundance of the beaches. And where better to find a great beach than on an island! The Philippines is home to 7107 islands and for a tempting slice of island life, head for the Hundred Islands group a five-hour drive north of Manila.

Here you’ll find that the Philippines will exceed your expectations about what a tropical paradise should be like. It offers endless sands, warm waters and undersea coral gardens make up a swimmer’s, fisher’s and snorkeler’s paradise or the perfect place for just lazing and getting a tan. Nature lovers will be pleased to know that Hundred Islands is the world’s second-largest marine reservation and home to over 2000 species of aquatic life.

Finally to Cebu, which is the site where the Spanish conquistadors first arrived in the Philippines in 1565. Here you’ll find the famous landmark of Magellan’s Cross, a wooden cross planted by Magellan to mark the baptism of the Moslem Rajah Humabon and his wife Juana and 800 followers.

Magellan’s Cross is now housed in the centre of a chapel adjacent to the Basilisca Minore del Santo on Magellanes Street. According to a sign outside, the original cross is contained in the item standing in the chapel. This is to protect it from souvenir hunters.

Magellan’s Cross has potent symbolic value in the Philippines. It’s the emblem of Cebu City and considered the symbol of Catholicism in the Philippines.

The Philippines is home to a host of other holiday delights, but these three attractions will introduce you to this charming and beautiful country and whet your appetite for more. When visiting the Philippines, be sure to have a reservation, because hotels in the Philippines could be fully booked in high season. Of course the Internet offers many opportunities to book Philippines hotels in advance.

 

During the 1800s, most of Manila’s social and commercial interactions were solely within the Intramuros. However, a tiny area about the southern part of the walls was marked out to thwart the often patriotic attacks from the locals. The region was called Luneta due to its lunar appearance and the park was called Bagumbayan, meaning ‘new town’ in English. Later on it came to be known as Luneta.

Luneta perhaps holds the facts related to some of the most crucial parts of the Philippine history. Prominently, this includes the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal (Dec 30th 1896). His death made him a national martyr and hero in the Philippine revolution. As a tribute to his sacrifice, the Bagumbayan Park was christened Rizal Park.

The name Luneta is derived from the word lunette. It was believed that the park was of the shape of a half moon, located adjacent to a Spanish fort and served well as a protection from the local attacks. It houses the Rizal monument made in granite and bronze, which is an established sculptural figure for the nation. Here a mausoleum has also been built where the remains of Rizal are preserved.

Today, the Rizal Park is a wonderful attraction site for visitors and a picnic and vacation site for the locals. The park contains a small artificial lake which resembles a replica of the Philippine archipelago. The park also hosts recreational activities like bands and orchestras that are played open to air, and rightly named “Concerts at the Park”.

There is a large flagpole right in front of the Rizal monument. This is called as the Km 0 or the Kilometer Zero. This point is considered as the constant starting point for all types of geographical measurements in Philippines. For instance, the Baguio city is on the north and is approximately around 330 Km away from the Manila city, that is particularly the Rizal Park.

Manila is a bustling hub and visitors have many places to go to and a variety of things to do. While you are enjoying the city, make sure you check out a few Manila serviced apartments for your accommodation needs. There are several Manila serviced apartments for you to choose from, and many of them provide high-quality facilities and services for a comfortable stay.

If you are getting tired with the same old vacation destination where all you can see are structures, architectures, statues, and paintings, then it is about time to bring yourself to something different. It is about time to visit the exotic and tropical island of the Philippines.

The Philippines is culturally diverse with different languages and color. You suddenly begin to realize that there is more to the Philippines than it more than 7,000 glittering islands in the Pacific.

Taking you to the far eastern side of the world would bring you the one of the most enchanting places you would ever see with several islands waiting to be explored at minimal prices.

Craving for something different would mean booking your airline ticket at this tropical country that showcases one of the best beaches in the world and some of the best diving spots that one can ever find with its deep marine sanctuaries.

But why go to the Philippines if you can get the sun, beaches, and diving spots in the Caribbean or Miami perhaps? Aside from getting cheap airline tickets that will fly you to the best places in the Philippines, there are numerous domestic flights that could take you anywhere closer to the exotic and remote beaches of the islands with your cheap airline tickets to the Philippines.

Cheap airline tickets to the Philippines can be acquired through several online and offline travel agents, airline companies, and cheap airline ticket sites. Once you have arrived, in its mainland, you are greeted with the warmest welcome from the locals who are all to glad to see visitors from anywhere.

Talking about accommodation?

There are several world-class beach resorts that offer cheap accommodation and cheap delicious foods both from local and international cuisine.

The Philippines boasts of its fine sugar beaches with cheap yet modern facilities with top service located at the central part of the country.

Palawan is one of the unspoiled areas f the country that has modernity and nature combined at the same time. You are afforded a breathtaking views and white sand beaches with exotic food, cheap souvenir goodies and shopping for luxuries at super low prices.

Tagaytay. You will never get tire of this island where you can see the mouth of the volcano up close and even stand on its mouth after crossing a lake and it is just several hours away from the huge and bustling city of Manila where all the fun and modernities are present.

Mayon Volcano. Located 500 kilometers southeast of Manila, this volcano boasts the “almost perfect” cone that towers the whole region with its majestic and picturesque view. You can take a bus or take a 45-minute cheap domestic plane that travels daily from the Manila International Airport.

These are but 4 of the sights you can see in the Philippines from different places. In between you discover that the entire archipelago has more to offer. You get to see different people from different areas of the country and with your cheap airline tickets to the Philippines you get to visit a whole lot more and spend several days more as most of their goods are priced at low prices.

The Philippines is actually a haven for bargain hunters and adventure seekers who love the sugar white beaches and the undisturbed marine life. Think of all you can do with extra money after purchasing cheap airline tickets to the Philippines and you will never regret for not paying too much on airfare. Now, compare that to other parts of the world. There is truly no better place to see and visit than the Philippines.

The largest as well as the official capital city of the Republic of Philippines, Covering an area of about 39 square kilometers and with a population of about two million people, Manila is the world’s most densely populated city.

Located at the mouth of the Pasig River on the Manila Bay’s eastern shores, in southwestern Luzon – the largest island in the country, Manila is actually a part of the Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, also referred to as the National Capital Region (NCR.) Once a stronghold of the Spanish Empire during the colonial times and a point of trade between Europe and Asia, Manila has now become one of the most prominent cosmopolitan cities in the world. Lying on a narrow strip of land between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay, the Metropolitan Manila is made up of 17 cities and municipalities. Further, Metro Manila is regarded as one of the world’s mega metropolises, and serves as the economic, educational, industrial, and cultural center of the country.

From historic buildings, monuments, and interesting museums to entertainment facilities and parks and gardens, attractions in Manila are truly endless. Perhaps the greatest of all attractions in Manila is Intramuros, which is a medieval fortified city designed in European style. Once served as the focal point of the Spanish colonial rule, the city was the seat of administration for a period spanning from 1571 to 1898.

In 1945, many of the city’s portions were destroyed by the Americans, which were later restored. A visit to this walled complex is a great way to experience the rich heritage of the region. Few among many of the highlights of this complex are Fort Santiago – a beautiful fort that was erected on the ashes of a Muslim ruler during the 16th century; Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, which is the oldest of its kind in the city; and Casa Manila, a 19th century mansion noted for its beautiful furniture.

A museum, exhibiting some rare collections of oil paintings, can also be found within the San Agustin Church’s old monastery. Apart from these, attractions also include the Rizal Park, an excellent area for enjoying recreational activities. Named after the national hero, Jose Rizal, the park is credited to be the largest of its kind in Asia.

Another worth visiting attraction in the city is the magnificent Malacanang Palace, which now serves as the official residence of the Philippines president. Located along the northern banks of the Pasig River, this palatial complex is noted for its unique architecture, and consists of sections such as Malacanan Palace; the Bonifacio Hall, which was formerly the office of Ferdinand Marcos successor Corazon Aquino; Kalayaan Hall, built under the American administration.

Mabini Hall – the administration hall; and above all a guest house. Also, a significant attraction in Manila is Bahay Tsinoy, which is an interesting museum that has on display collections related to Chinese-Filipino culture. Housed within the Kaisa Heritage Center, the museum’s collections include pictures depicting life of Chinese immigrants, and Chinese artifacts such as coins, pottery, and kitchen utensils.

Further, popular attractions in Manila cover Paco Park, which is probably the one of its kind in the whole of the world. Considered a historical shrine, the park was once a cemetery. With a unique design, the park consists of two circular structures with different levels of recesses. In short, the way the park is designed is truly stupendous.

Other not to miss attractions in Manila are Manila Zoological Garden, which is home to some rare collection of Philippine as well as African wildlife; Carfel Seashell Museum, which has on display some rare seashells; Kanlungan ng Sining, where you can find a unique variety of sculptures, paintings and photographs; Ayala Bridge, which connects San Miguel to Arroceros; Meban Garden, the city’s first botanical garden; and Liwasang Bonficacio, a park that has been built to commemorate a Philippine hero, Andres Bonifacio.

Hence, no wonder why tourists flock to Manila all-year round. Manila has accommodation options to cater every taste and pocket. From budget villas and hotels to high-end resorts and apartment, Manila’s accommodation choices are superb. There are also some hotels that provide services in the form of packages, covering accommodation, dining, and facilities to explore the attractions of the place.