Lost in Manila» Second World War http://www.lost-in-manila.com Are You Lost in Manila? Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:11:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Travel destinations: The Philippines – Part 1 http://www.lost-in-manila.com/travel-destinations-the-philippines-part-1/ http://www.lost-in-manila.com/travel-destinations-the-philippines-part-1/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:53:23 +0000 LostinManila http://www.lost-in-manila.com/travel-destinations-the-philippines-part-1/ Manila, doesn't only evoke of charm and warmth but also of beautiful hotels and restaurants where accommodation and food are exceptional to the discriminating tastes.

... ]]> Dubbed as the “Pearl of the Orient”, the Philippines simply means nothing to a lot of foreigners until they set their feet on a land that comprises more than 7,000 beautiful islands, populated by friendly and hospitable people.

Destination guides may not be enough to describe the many things that tourists could discover when they land on the country that is awash with rich history and bucolic countrysides that remain to be explored. Indeed, the Philippines is an ideal destination, where your stay will be livable and free.

Occupied more than 400 years by Spain, the Philippines remains a serendipity to many people. Its capital, Manila, doesn’t only evoke of charm and warmth but also of beautiful hotels and restaurants where accommodation and food are exceptional to the discriminating tastes.

But if you want to discover more about the Philippines, the best way to explore are the countryside. You can go to Palawan, called the last frontier, which still remains an environmentally safe destination where peace and tranquility exist. The white pristine and unspoiled beaches are more than enough to make you think life is wonderful. In the Visayas, there is a lot to be discovered, but Boracay is the most internationally known destination for young and old foreigners alike. Some have stayed while others simply keep coming back.

Getting around the country is not a problem at all. There is a lot of transportation services that can be had. Various airlines service most major cities from Manila. In Central Visayas, Cebu City has an international airport that accommodates international carriers. From there, you can hop to Mindanao via the ships and ferries available at the city pier.

For those who hanker to see the north, you can just pick the right bus ride to Luzon. Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, was founded by the Americans during the liberation period, after defeating the Japanese forces in the second world war. And there is much more to see.

The best time to visit the Philippines is between December to May every year, where you can feel the real meaning of summer. Come aboard!

]]> http://www.lost-in-manila.com/travel-destinations-the-philippines-part-1/feed/ 0 Tips for Jeepney travel in the Philippines http://www.lost-in-manila.com/tips-for-jeepney-travel-in-the-philippines/ http://www.lost-in-manila.com/tips-for-jeepney-travel-in-the-philippines/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:45:58 +0000 LostinManila http://www.lost-in-manila.com/tips-for-jeepney-travel-in-the-philippines/ restaurants to splurge on food. I really think that's a must.

It is frustrating to learn that with the advent of technology, ... ]]> Riding a jeepney is actually very easy but the thought made me realize if it’s also simple from a foreigner’s point of view. I bet it isn’t. When I travel, I make sure that I have done my research on the place where I intend to visit before embarking. The first thing I usually check is the mode of transportation how do people get from one place to the other without taking a cab. I still believe that the best way to explore a certain place would be on foot or by trying to be like the locals. I also procure a list of the places worth visiting and restaurants to splurge on food. I really think that’s a must.

It is frustrating to learn that with the advent of technology, the Philippines still doesn’t have a detailed map of the streets of Manila posted on the web. I have seen some but it only includes the main highways of Metro Manila and the Central Business District in Makati, not on places like Sampaloc, Manila where the streets are tangled up like cobwebs. Google map can’t be viewed with street maps and concrete directions as compared to other countries. A good one with a timetable is very useful for anyone who intends to go around the Metro.

The chrome-plated jeepneys or jeep are the most popular, common and cheapest means of transportation in the Philippines. They have existed right after the Second World War, from the equipments left by the U.S Army and have undergone modifications to suit the Filipino culture.

Here are some the basic information about riding the jeepney as needed by a first-time traveler in Manila:

First: One needs to know his or her destination. If one intends to go to Quiapo, then look for jeepneys bound for Quiapo.

The signboards made of thin metals or thick plastics with the letters painted on it are placed on the windshield, and tells you the destination of each jeepney. The route can be seen on the sides of the jeepneys like Cubao Quiapo or Pasig to Divisoria. Normally, the destinations include not only street names but also landmarks like city hall, agencies or malls.

Second: Hail the jeepney anywhere. Yes, sad but true. We can hail the jeep anytime except in the middle of EDSA Cubao and the drivers would be very willing to stop for you, though a sign up there just right beside you says no loading and unloading’. Well, it’s just a sign and people have already mastered how to ignore it. But then, if you’re wise enough then hail the jeepneys in proper places. I’ve been doing this but the problem is,

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