Category: Destinations

A national cultural treasure, estimated to be more than 1,600 years old, is housed in an old dilapidated structure near the east bank of the Libertad river in this historic city and trade center of Agusan del Norte province. The Balanghai shrine, a one-storey building being maintained by the National Museum, houses two of the three ancient boats discovered and excavated from 1976 to 1986. A curator and restorer at the Balanghai Shrine said radiocarbon tests administered by Japanese experts on one of these boats suggested that the wooden boat could have existed as early as 320 AD. Another boat was carbon dated to be more than 1000 years old.

International tourism receipts in the Philippines surged 41 percent year-on-year to about $4.9 billion in 2007, as international visitor arrivals grew 8.7 percent to a record 3.092 million.

Malacañang Palace

From Escolta, one can proceed to the San Miguel district, known for its Spanish-style houses and the Malacañang Palace, seat of the Philippine government. This ornate Spanish colonial palace, with its arches and balconies, was built as a private country house in the late 18th century and purchased by the government in 1825. At first the governor-general's summer residence, it became his permanent residence in 1863, after the Palacio Real in Intramuros was destroyed by an earthquake. In 1986, the palace museum was opened for the public. Visitors are advised to call first. The telephone number is 521-2307.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan has successfully landed on the top 77 nominees on the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) international poll. Organizers of the N7WN reported that the top 77 were chosen out of the 261 contenders, after the second phase of the worldwide voting ended in July 7, 2009.

"The success of this campaign wouldn't have been possible without the Filipinos' worldwide support.  We are grateful to the people who voted and heeded our call to promote one of our national treasures," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

According to the N7WN report, from the top 77 nominees, only 28 Official Finalists will be chosen by the N7WN's Panel of Experts.  The announcement of the 28 selected finalists will be made in Zurich at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters on July 21, 2009 at 12.07 GMT.

Cebu was cited as the “Best Honeymoon Destination” during the World Trade Fair 2010 in Shanghai, China, according to a report by BusinessMirror.  Tourism Secretary Ace Durano welcomed the award which was given by the Shanghai Tourism Municipal  Administration, VNU Exhibitions Asia and Shanghai International Conference Management Organisation.

The Philippines has some of the best islands with white sand beaches in the Pacific Ocean.  These idyllic resort islands and white sand beaches are spread across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  Some of the best Pacific white sand beaches are in northern Luzon, including the white beaches in Batanes, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte and Palaui Island in Cagayan province.

A building that looks so old, yet so grand like Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte province easily captures the attention of both foreign and domestic visitors.  It is also helped by the fact that no less than the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO acknowledged Paoay Church as a world heritage site.

Ilocos Norte is famous for its old Baroque churches, most notably Paoay Church in the town of Paoay.  Originally known as the St. Augustine Church in Paoay, foundation of the building was laid in 1694, and it took nearly two centuries before the church took its final form, according to historical accounts.

Baguio City

Rising 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool weather throughout the year. On the average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the "summer capital" of the country.