To a tropical archipelago hosting 7107 islands matted by majestic mountains with lush verdant rainforests slowly sprawling into thick mangroves with tall swaying coconut trees lining long wide strips of powdery white beaches.To the Banaue Rice Terraces – 100 square miles of an ancient irrigational innovation that exemplifies the mastery of engineering that has nourished the ifugao for generations, now declared a UN heritage site, truly an 8th wonder of the world.
To the San Fabian PTA Beach Resort – former President Ferdinand Marcos’ beach rest house, given an “AA” resort rating ensuring a presidential vacation experience.
To where the classical splendor of 19th century Europe merges with the growing cosmopolitan culture of thriving metropolises, veritable melting pot of cultures in South East Asia throbbing with the earthy beat of ethnicity and the powerful pulse of progress.
To Club Intramuros Golf Course – this challenging par 66 sits at the heart of the Historic walled city of Intramuros in our nation’s capital Manila. Ideal for the busy golfer because it is the only golf course that offers night golf in the country.
To Tagaytay Picnic Grove Complex – this special interest resort offers a breathtaking view of the Philippines’ most furious volcano while taking in the cool refreshing breeze of Tagaytay and it boasts of a kilometer long scenic eco-trail hugging the famous hills.
To Balicasag Island Dive Resort – this island resort, classified as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites, has a marine life sanctuary showcasing environmental conservation and ecological preservation – a perfect example of the BEST of the Philippines has to offer.
To the Gardens of Malasag – nestled along the slopes of a watershed, it harbors a breathtaking view of ecological diversity comparable to famous gardens in Spain and France provides a glimpse of Filipino heritage in Northern Mindanao as seen through artifacts, customs, flora and fauna in a reforestation setting.
To the "City of Flowers" - Zamboanga City, often referred to as the "little Hong Kong", where you can find a championship 18-hole golf course with a spectacular beach park running a 1 km long stretch of white sand shoreline front-lining a 15 minute boat ride trip to pink sands and coral in nearby Sta. Cruz Island. Come and enjoy the Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park.
To where the infamous American World War II General Douglas MacArthur landed on Red Beach in Palo, Leyte to lead Allied forces in liberating the Philippines from the Japanese occupying forces fulfilling his immortal promise, "I shall return!" Relish a hero's respite in this Class A Resort along historic Red Beach, site of one of WWII's greatest naval battles "The Battle of Leyte Gulf" - rest, reminisce and recreate history in MacArthur Park and Beach Resort.
To the Intramuros' Light and Sound Museum, a spectacle of visual renditions of the significant milestones in Philippine history and the life and times of the Phlippines' National Hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The exhibit starts off with an introduction to Philippine pre-history and tells the story of a country's evolution from a splintered colony to a nified nation driving back its oppressors as it segues to the life and times of Dr. Jose Rizal, his youth, his enlightenment and patriotism.
To the Cultural Shelter of the Philippines - The Philippine Tourism Authority Tent at the heart of the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila. The "Clamshell" as it is fondly referred to, has now become the venue of choice for various, performances, concerts, trade fairs and exhibitions. With its size and strength, the Clamshell has also become the setting for weddings and receptions.
These are but a few of what the Philippine Tourism Authority has to offer.
What are you waiting for?
Come to where the invigorating sunrise of the Pacific Ocean greets your every morning and the comforting sunset of the South China and Celebes Seas always bade you goodnight.
Come over – the BEST in the Philippines is waiting for you.
In service to God, country and the Filipino people,
By: Raymond Cunanan
raymondlacapcunanan@gmail.com
