Paradise Philippines

Apart from its white powdery coastline, vibrant tropical parties, and cozy holiday resort accommodations, Boracay is a destination well known for its wide selection of bars and restaurants. Hence, more and more tourists have fallen in love with the island and choose to come back whenever opportunity permits.

In actuality, there are too many appetite-whetting Boracay restaurants, ranging from upscale dining venues to hole-in-the-wall outlets, worthy of mentioning. For starters, here are some of the best eateries one can find in this beautiful island.

Manana Mexican Restaurant

If you're craving for fresh, hot, and generous serving of Mexican goodness, don't think twice about heading to Manana along White Beach in Station 1. The restaurant being famous among Boracay patrons for its tacos, burritos, and nachos, is also preferred for its airy and laid-back restaurant setup.


Dos Mestizos

Many food enthusiasts dubbed Dos Mestizos as the best Spanish restaurant in the island. To prove its worth, you can indulge in any of their 16 Tapa specialties, including Gambas Al Ajillo, Croquettas de Quezo Azul, and Chorizo; and 5 different styles of Paella namely Valenciana, Marinara, Negra, De Pollos, and De Verduras.


Lemoni Café and Restaurant

The cafe gained immediate interest from numerous Boracay vacationers due to its creative menu. Its customer following eventually grew because of the resto's scrumptious array of desserts including the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Classic Lemon Tart, and Lemon Café cheesecake. It's found at the heart of D'Mall, just close to many pleasant and budget-friendly Boracay lodgings in Station 2 like Boracay Holiday Resort.


Real Coffee and Tea Café

Another place that should be included in your list is the Real Café in Station 1. With its Nipa hut-inspired structure, it may seem like a modest coffee shop. But don't underestimate its prowess, especially with good food. In fact, never leave the island without tasting and bringing home at least a box of its pastry specialty, Calamansi Cupcakes. Take a sip of their coffee that has been considered as the best one served in the whole island.


Café del Sol

With so many dining options in the island, Café del Sol cannot be ignored particularly during breakfast time. Often swarmed by people craving for hearty morning meals, the restaurant is notable for its breakfast set meals and pastas including the Beef Tapa Meal, Belgian Waffles, Pastrami with Cheese and Roasted Vegetables, and Prosciutto with Eggplant and Cheese. In addition, its house-specialty cheesecake is gastronomically satisfying, as well.


Jonah's Fruit Shake

Ask anyone who has been to Boracay and they will unanimously recommend that you take a bottle of fruit shake from Jonah's. Though, there's nothing too exceptional about their fruit shakes, you'll still find yourself searching for a Jonah's store while you're strolling on the sands of Boracay or even before you retire to your resort accommodations in Boracay, Paradise Philippines.

Are you stuck with your moping kids at a hotel in Manila after taking them to each and every historical site in town? Cut them some slack and let them have fun. How, you ask? By visiting these children-friendly Paradise Philippines attractions that we have listed down for you.

Candy Factory
SM City North EDSA, North Avenue cor. EDSA, Quezon City

Located right inside SM City North EDSA's main mall is Candy Factory, a giant indoor play area or jungle gym for kids. You may accompany your children inside. But even if you don't, you can be assured that they will come out unscathed, as the whole thing is stuffed with foam guards. Candy Factory also documents pictures of every kid with his or her guardian. Every person who goes inside the play area is required to wear socks. If you don't have one, then you may buy a pair from them.


Museo Pambata
Roxas Boulevard cor. South Drive, Manila

Museo Pambata, which directly translates to Children's Museum, is the first-ever discovery museum in the Philippines. It opened in 1994 and has since been a favorite venue for educational trips. If you're staying at a Manila accommodation, such as Casa Nicarosa Hotel, you may reach the place simply by driving toward the north end of Roxas Boulevard.


Fully Booked
Bldg. 6, 902 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Do your kids love to read? If yes, then you should definitely take them to Fully Booked, one of the best bookstores in the country. It has 18 branches nationwide, but going to the main store in Bonifacio Global City is highly recommended if you like to have the widest and most unique selection of titles. Here are carpeted floors and cozy couches, and visitors are free to read as long as they want. Surely, letting your kids soak for hours in the company of books is among the best ways to spend time outside your Manila hotel.


Star City
Sotto cor. Jalandoni Sts., CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

One of the first full-fledged amusement parks in the region, Star City is among the easiest destinations to get to if you are traveling with kids. Look forward to the exciting sections of the park, namely the Pirate Adventure, Lazer Blaster, Land of Giants, Peter Pan, Time Tunnel, Dungeon, and Snow World.


Manila Zoo
Quirino Avenue cor. Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila

The 5.5-hectare Manila Zoo is the perfect place to let your urban-raised kids see creatures that usually can only be found in the wild. Here, they will meet the 36-year-old Maali, the sole elephant living in the entire Philippines. The zoo also houses animals that are endemic to the country, including as Palawan binturongs, long-tailed macaques, and Philippine crocodiles. Surely, visiting this zoo is a good way to let your kids have fun away from the comforts of your cozy hotel in Manila.

Nowadays when you ask young people about the Bicol province, they will probably tell you about the gorgeous resorts in Albay or the spicy specialties like Bicol Express and the Sili Ice Cream. Or perhaps they will tell stories about how they enjoyed watching the whale sharks in Donsol. But before all these attractions mattered, the Bicol Region on our Paradise Philippines was already a popular tourist destination primarily because of the Mayon Volcano. This active volcano is located in the northern boundary of Legazpi City and is renowned for its almost symmetric conical shape. Here are some facts, figures, and other trivia about the country's most famous volcano.

• Local folklore refers to the volcano as 'Bulkang Magayon' or beautiful volcano, after the legendary heroine Daragang Magayon, which in Bikolano translates as 'beautiful lady'. She is said to be very attractive, loving and kind, but also capable of violence when provoked.
• Mayon Volcano is classified as a strato volcano or composite volcano. Stratos are characterized by their steep profile and periodic, explosive, and quiet eruptions. Mayon is only one of the 18 active volcanoes scattered among the 7,100++ islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.
• Mayon's measured height is 2,462 m or 8,077 ft above sea level. It also has an estimated base circumference of 62.8 km, encompassing multiple towns like Camalig, Malilipot, and Sto. Domingo.
• The volcano's most disastrous eruption occurred in February 1, 1814, affecting thousands of lives and submerging the church of Cagsawa. Only the belfry and some parts of the convent survived. The ruins of Cagsawa remains to be one of the most visited Albay attractions today.
• The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or PHIVOLCS deploys electronic distance meters, precise leveling benchmarks, and portable fly spectrometers to monitor the volcano's daily seismic activities.
• The last reported height of activity was in the end of 2009. Mount Mayon released moderate lava flow that caused panic and evacuation among the residents living near its base, though it did not cause very serious damage.
• In the year 2000, the government proclaimed the area as a protected landscape. Hence, the establishment of Mayon Volcano Natural Park.
• There have been debates among netizens about Mayon's claim of being the world's most perfect-shaped volcano. Some argue that Japan's Mount Fiji fits the description better. In defense, Filipinos pointed out that the Mayon maintains that coned-shape image regardless whichever side you view it.
• There are restaurants in Albay, specifically in Daraga, attract travelers because aside from the food, they offer a good view of the volcano.
• If there is one place that could challenge Mount Mayon as the premier tourist destination in the region, the favorite would be Misibis Bay. This resort accommodation in Bacaycay, gained worldwide acclaim when it was prominently featured in different versions of the popular international reality series, The Amazing Race. Misibis Bay is also a good destination for water sports enthusiasts.
• It is one of the most photographed natural wonder in the Philippines. It has been featured in many books, postcards, stamps, posters, and other souvenir items. There are galleries and resorts in Albay that have portraits of the Mayon in their halls and rooms as fixtures.

When you are fed up of the usual dessert options near your house, hotel, or serviced apartment in Makati, Paradise Philippines, venture out in the city for a gelato. With less fat, more milk, and a richer, velvety texture, gelato -- Italian for "frozen"-- is a healthier and more sophisticated version of the most ice cream.


Take a little trip into foodcourts centers and quaint neighborhoods to check out these places for the best gelato in town.


Gelatone
2nd Floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center
The shop is small but there are as many as 16 ice cream flavors and even more toppings to choose from. Coffee lovers will especially love its affogato, traditionally vanilla ice cream drowned in hot espresso but Gelatone's version features a scoop of nocciola (hazelnut). You can complement this refreshing snack with delicious paninis or pasta.


Cara Mia
Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Stock Exchange Complex, Ayala Avenue
Caramia comes from the legendary Amici chain of restaurants. It has various gelato flavors for an average of PHP 70 per scoop. They also serve Italian breakfast and sandwiches, gelato cakes, and gelato milkshakes.


Caffe Ti-Amo
Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center
You'll remember Caffe Ti-Amo for its set of unique flavors for gelato, which include ube, dark chocolate caffelato (separate from milk chocolate), chocolate mint, melon, blueberry, orange, and piña colada.

MokkiLato Gelato
Foodcourt, Landmark, Ayala Center
Dubbed as "real artisan gelato", the ice cream from MokkiLato comes in rich-sounding flavors, like vanilla bourbon, pistachio, tiramisu, nocciola, and pamplemousse, which is a type of French grapefruit.


Chocolate Fire
PDCP Bank Centre, Leviste corner Rufino Streets, Salcedo Village
While its gelato is undoubtedly delicious, ice cream probably won't be the first in your mind when you visit Chocolate Fire. The dessert menu here tempts the appetite. You must try the Drizzled Marshmallow Sticks, Honeycomb Crunch Bark, Dipped Anzac Biscuits, which is derived from an Australian dish, Minestrone Soup, and any of the fresh-tossed salads.


Gelatissimo
2nd Floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center
Available here are classic flavors, such as chocolate, tiramisu, vanilla, and mango. But Gelatissimo also offers Caramelized Fig, Honey Toffee Malt, Lemon Cheesecake, and Berry Pavlova. Gelatissimo's new product lines include Italian coffee and traditional Italian biscotti.


Piazza Pazzo
Ground Floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive corner Estrella Street, Poblacion
Piazza Pazzo rotates 40 flavors weekly, so each time you visit, the experience will be unique. If you're a tourist pressed for time that you can't stay at the store but want to enjoy some ice cream back at your hotel accommodation or serviced apartment in Makati, you can buy Piazza Pazzo's gelato by the pint.

Tagaytay City is one of the Paradise Philippines' most-visited destinations. People come here often looking for where to stay in Tagaytay, places to have fun, and things to do. Regardless of frequency, the city remains on the travelers' list of one of the most favored getaways, and here are some of the reasons why:


1. It's completely accessible.

Tagaytay City lies about 55 km from the country's capital of Manila. With just a few hours of travel, it is relatively closer to reach than any other Philippine destination like Baguio or Boracay Island. In fact, relaxation in the city is just a short car or bus ride away. With such accessibility, locals who crave the cool breeze and peaceful ambience of its landscapes need not go so far and choose any special day to visit. It is for this reason that people regularly come here for a weekend retreat in an accommodating hotel in Tagaytay, while some go on day trips.


2. It's an exquisite way to dine al fresco.

Restaurants that line the mountainside feature great views of the Taal Lake and Volcano. To take advantage of this, some have set up a lovely dining atmosphere to best appreciate the natural surroundings. Choose from open-air halls, charming nipa huts, or bed & breakfast places surrounded by lush gardens. These places offer a wonderful setting to match Tagaytay's incredible vistas.


3. It's one of the simplest ways to breathe easy.

A city atop a mountain, Tagaytay is known for its cool and breezy climate. It's no wonder people from the hot and humid Metro Manila come here to enjoy the cold and soothing weather. To see its picturesque countryside view and breathe its gentle air is truly a simple yet priceless joy.


4. It turns any occasion into special celebrations.

When there's an event to celebrate, Tagaytay makes it a more colorful day to cherish. Everything from couple's anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, and reunions get a touch of excitement and brilliance when highlighted by its locales. Its wonderful restaurants and gardens provide the perfect setting for a family affair, lovely hotels for romantic anniversary weekends, and breathtaking churches for the most unforgettable weddings.


5. It's an ideal place to retreat and rejuvenate.

While you can easily find a place to relax in Metro Manila with hotels sprawling over every corner, nothing beats the serene and irresistible ambience of an accommodation in Tagaytay. You can hide away and spend uninterrupted moments with family, friends, and loved ones, and everything in the city will match such special time. When you're wondering where to stay in Tagaytay, almost every choice here perfectly blends with the holiday you seek.

From reasonably priced attractions to a cozy affordable hotel in Manila, visiting the Philippine capital can be quite a memorable adventure. And with plenty of accessible locales and amusements, having an enjoyable stay within the bustling metropolis wouldn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Must-see Locations

Apart from being the country's capital, Manila forms part of the Philippines’ historic journey through wars and years of colonization and is now a flourishing city. Much of this is evidenced by dozens of its notable attractions sprawled across all over its districts.

A city within a city, Intramuros is just one of those destinations. Known as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros continues to showcase much of the defining architecture that the city's past has introduced. Its defense fortress, Fort Santiago is also a prominent site. While going in and out of Intramuros is fairly welcome, there are certain attractions within the walled city that requires a meager fee. Not to worry though, the costs of an affordable trip to this much-celebrated Manila destination hardly equates to the beauty and priceless history it embodies.

Parks in Manila also offer an inviting escape from the city's busy lifestyle. Among the most recommended is Rizal Park, which honors the memory of the country's hero, Jose Rizal. Within proximate distance of the park’s lush grounds is Manila Bay, where you can witness a magnificent sunset without spending a dime.

Getting around

There are numerous modes of transportation in the city that would save you so much time and money. The country's "jeepneys" are notable local vehicles with various routes around Manila to get you to the right destination. Buses are also an affordable means of getting around, with air-conditioned ones offering a comfortable ride. If you want to escape the usual heavy traffic, however, MRT and LRT lines are equally advisable, just be ready to brave the crowd during rush hour.

Relaxation

At times, the city's vivid and pulsating energy can get quite overwhelming for both locals and tourists. For this, spas and massage centers around the metro are also available for a soothing respite. These refreshing havens of comfort, like Wensha Spa, offer plenty of programs and treatments that are mostly affordable and enough to rejuvenate the senses.

In terms of hotels in Ermita, Manila, a wide range of hotels and inns are also accessible to cover the needs of any type of guests, from the sensible tourist to a traveler on business. These city retreats, like Gran Prix Hotel and Suites Manila, are suitable for practical yet comfortable visits catering to essential concerns without the frills. Such service being a worthwhile choice for an affordable hotel in Manila.

From booking a budget hotel in Manila to getting around its colorful streets, a visit to the Paradise Philippines' majestic capital doesn't always entail an expensive trip. Whether you intend a short or extended stay, experiencing life within the borders of this lively metropolis can be quite a journey that doesn't have to cost you far too much.

In terms of attractions, the historic city of Manila poses quite a selection of enjoyable locales you can enjoy without paying a lot of money. A trip around the streets of Intramuros takes you to a picturesque location of old colonial architecture carefully preserved and maintained. There's also the impressive shows presented at the Manila Ocean Park where one could enjoy a delightful display of marine life and featured presentations. And regardless of what landmark you check out, you definitely shouldn't miss a spectacular view of the sunset just off Manila Bay.

Getting from point A to point B is hardly a problem when you're traveling on a budget all over Manila. Apart from taxi cabs that can take you anywhere you need to go, other means of transportation are also available for you at lesser the costs. There's the MRT and LRT lines connecting you everywhere in Manila and its neighboring cities for a fraction of the price you'll be paying a cab. That is, if you don't mind the intense crowd. Buses are also a cheaper alternative. Once you're in town, though make it a point to try out the Philippines' iconic "jeepneys,” colorful shared transports common all over the city streets with a variety of routes leading up to different locales for a meager fee.

The Filipinos love for food transcends every corner of the city when you're in an urban jungle like Manila. And regardless of your tight budget, there are numerous ways to enjoy scrumptious food in the metro without burning a hole in your pocket. Fast-food restaurants, for one thing, can be found in almost every major street, from the usual KFC and McDonald’s franchises to the home-grown Jollibee outlets. There are also plenty of humble bistros called "carinderias" offering appetizing Filipino meals you can enjoy at affordable prices.

Just as there are a myriad of accessible amusements in the metropolis, a number of lodging options are also within reach of the on-the-go traveler, as well. A reasonably priced accommodation in Manila would prove to be a wise choice for the practical customer who simply needs a relaxing respite to pause from his adventure in the city. These urban comforts, like Gran Prix Hotel & Suites Manila, cater to the essential necessities of their guests without going overboard on the frills, and consequently, the bill. So, if you're planning a momentary stay enough to rest and restart your trip, a budget hotel in Manila is certainly worth considering.

For those who come to the famous Paradise Philippine shores, booking a hotel in Boracay usually means more than just basking in the warm sunlight over the island's white sand beaches. Apart from the expected scenic holiday, visiting the island usually entails a getaway worth cherishing for lovers who seek its unforgettable sights and pursuits.


Witness a Lovely Boracay Sunset



What's a trip to Boracay Island without seeing a captivating view of the sunset over the horizon? Always a delightful sight, the sunset can be seen as you take cool drinks by the beach and brace yourself for a night of partying with the lively crowd. If you want to make this little part of the evening more special however, you can with a simple gesture. Take a paraw sailboat ride and let the gentle breeze wrap you and your special someone in a spot at sea as you watch the sun go down. The ride usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and depending on your haggling skills, can cost between PHP500 to PHP1000. Regardless of the cost, the view is absolutely worth it.


Dinner by the Beach or a Private Picnic



Overlooking the azure waters, a candlelit dinner by the beach poses a wonderful and almost effortless opportunity to be romantic. With most beachfront restaurants and hotels offering such exquisite dining experience, you can never go wrong with the right backdrop already set around you.

But when crowded restaurants take away the fun of what's meant to be a cozy escape for you and your loved one, you can always walk away. Take this chance to enjoy a more peaceful route. Go on an island hopping trip or rent a boat and head towards Boracay's less populated beaches. Arrange for a drop off at Puka Beach and have the boatman pick you up after a few hours so you can have a private lunch. Most restaurants, resorts, and those with favorable Boracay hotel rates offer packed meals for such an occasion for your convenience.


Horseback Riding



Commit to waking up early for a visit to the horse stables in Sitio Pinaungon. Here, a horse riding trip along a beautiful path offers a wonderful chance to start the day right with the right person riding beside you and nature all around you.


Exhilarating Sports and Activities



If you're the type that enjoys a bit of adventure, you may opt to try diversions in Boracay that include water sports and diving activities. Take part in snorkeling or scuba diving lessons to add an engaging new experience to your couple's retreat. In the southern part of the island is Bulabog Beach, where parasailing and windsurfing are the must-do activities. Whether you're an expert or a beginner, simply trying them out is bound to be an experience you'll never forget.


Peaceful and Elegant Accommodations



Sometimes, where you stay can make or break a romantic getaway. Steer clear from crowded spots if you're hoping for a serene vacation with your special someone. You can also opt for a Boracay Island hotel that has charming facilities to highlight your stay. Much like Boracay Sands Hotel that features an elegant balcony overlooking the beach. Hanging out at this hotel in Boracay at any point of the day is a wonderful activity on its own if you have the right person with you.