Where to get the best value vacation for your money
September 16, 2009 by LostinManila
Filed under Restaurants
So, your thinking about taking a vacation but with todays economy what it is your trying to make your dollar go as far as possible. You want to have a great time but you don’t want to pay three prices, right ? Have you considered the possibility’s of southeast Asia? I know that for most Americans European countries are the first locations to enter the mind when considering destinations for vacation, However there are hundreds of other vacation spots around the world that are equally as interesting if not more so. Take the Philippines for example, It is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. The Philippines has everything you could ever ask for. Not only is the Philippines a part of American history it also has white sandy Beach’s, tropical forest, exotic animals and an Array of interesting historical locations.
No matter if you are looking for big city lights or just a quit place to relax, you will find it all in the Philippines. For those seeking the fast paced life of the city , your first stop should be the capital city Manila where you will find fine dinning, dancing and an endless night life or day time excursions like fishing, diving, or just laying around on the beach at one of the many resorts. You will also find many points of interest such as Manila Cathedral or St. Augustin Church.
Your second stop should most definitely be the city of Cebu. Cebu has many points of interest and like Manila it offers an Array of night life and fine restaurants. Cebu will also offer you an opportunity to shop in some of the largest mega malls in the world or play golf on some of the nicest golf course’s in southeast Asia. You will find historical locations such as the Taoist Temple, Casa Gorordo and the University of San Carlos Museum just to name a few. Of course there are also activities such as diving, boating,trekking and rock climbing.
Manila and Cebu both have wonderful accommodations ranging in price from around $12.00 a night for those on a tight budget to around $150.00 a night for those who have money to burn. The people of the Philippines are some of the most pleasant people you will ever meet and language is no barrier as most Filipino speak fluent English.
For those of you who are a little more adventuresome or who prefer the quit laid back lifestyle. You should book passage on a ferry or ship and venture out into the provinces to one of the many islands of the Philippines. The island of
Manilas History Is Intramuros
May 6, 2009 by LostinManila
Filed under Nightlife
The city of Manila is located on the west coast of the Philippine main island of Luzon and surrounded by fertile plains. The city straddles at the delta of the Pasig River, a short navigable stream that connects the fresh water Lake of Laguna de Bay with Manila Bay and the South China Sea.
It sets the archipelagos rhythm and is pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. The capital follows the curve of Manila Bay approximately from north to south. It is the largest city in Southeast Asia with approximately 10 million people.
Whenever Manila is mentioned, the speaker actually refers sometimes unknowingly to a vast conglomeration of 12 cities and five municipalities. Each is an autonomous political entity, but together functioning as one city called Metro Manila. Exploring this sprawling metropolis can be quite a daunting prospect even for its residents, but as a visitor you may rest assured that your stay will be most likely confined to certain areas, as outlined in this guide.
The roads in Manila are in a perpetual state of chaos bordering on anarchy, a result of the capitals rising population and poor infrastructure. There are so many vehicles fighting for every inch of road space that at peak times it can be a sweaty battle of nerves just to get a few hundred metres.
At the heart of Manilas history is Intramuros. It features the grand Manila Cathedral with its detailed stone carvings and stained glass mosaics. Fort Santiago, the site of torture chambers and dungeons and the favourite wedding spot, the San Agustin Church.
Its relentless bustle and notorious nightlife are both exciting and draining, but if its action youre looking prepare you for non stop action. You can listen to a wide variety of popular bands and singers, take advantage of Happy hour specials, dance up a storm at clubs and street parties, or cap an exhilarating night with a cappuccino at a corner cafe. Hotspots not to be missed are bohemian Malate in Manila, upscale Ayala Rockwell in Makati, and the trendy Libis and Timog Avenue in Quezon City.
Fascination is an understatement of the feeling that one gets by visiting Manila, a lively metropolis commanding a magnificent view of the world famous Manila Bay and its golden sunset. Historic, bustling, awe inspiring, the Philippine Cosmopolitan Capital is a blend of cultures and flavours that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.
