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With an exotic mix of East and West, the Philippines’ many
islands boast pristine beaches and luxury accommodations
at a reasonable price.
by Jimmy Im
As I marveled at the vintage interior of the jeepney—a
former World War II American trooper jeep-turned-bus/taxi—heading
toward Rizal Park, I eavesdropped on two Filipino women bantering
in native Tagalog. Hearing the word mesa (“table” in
Spanish) incorporated in their conversation piqued my curiosity
as the currency here in the Philippines is—oddly enough—the
peso. If that didn’t further confuse me, I couldn’t
help but note virtually every sign we passed was written
in English.
Needless to say, the Philippines isn’t your typical
Asian country. The culture is rooted deep in Spanish colonialism
(remaining prominent in architecture, language and cuisine),
and the strong Western influence is unavoidable in the bustling
streets dominated with English-language storefront signage.
Furthermore, the Korean community swells to the increase
of promising export processing zones and stronger economy.
One may think these non-native components would strip a healthy
chunk of the modest city’s identity.
But it’s quite the opposite.
Diversification in its heritage is a Philippines trademark,
and it’s not the only idiosyncrasy that this country
fosters with pride. This group of 7,107 islands is the only
predominately Roman Catholic-practicing country in Asia,
an unusual notion considering it’s also the most accepting
(and perhaps only) country with a thriving gay population.
So, sure, the Philippines doesn’t quite march to the
traditional Asian gong, but it ranks as one of the most interesting
countries in the Far East. After all, the campaign here is “beyond
the usual.”
Manila
Manila was a key player in WWII, and several of its best
attractions are related to the commemoration of its important
war-time role. One of the most popular sites is Fort Santiago
in Intramuros (old Manila), the military headquarters that
served as a Japanese prison and torture chamber during
the war.
Just a short drive away is the Manila Hotel, temporary residence
of legendary bad-ass Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the war.
His suite still houses original furniture, as well as badges
showcased on several walls. MacArther’s former office
sports a view of Corgidor Island, where his famous last words, “I
shall return,” still resonate.
History is also served at Rizal Park, where national hero
Jose Rizal’s tomb is preserved and monitored 24-7.
Rizal was executed for treason in 1896 for spearheading a
revolution that resulted in the country’s freedom from
Spanish rule.
While history here is overwhelming, so is the shopping. Opened
in 2006, the SM Mall of Asia is the biggest mall in the Philippines
and second largest shopping center in the world. I was subjected
to a shopper's paradise that included 600 enticing stores,
an indoor, Olympic-size skate rink and never-ending food
court. Despite my notoriously maxed credit limit, I partied
with my credit card as the Philippines happen to be one of
the most inexpensive countries in Asia for American travelers.
For instance, street vendors sell 20-cent fresh mangos, and
ubiquitous full-body massages are no more than $5.
Bohol
From underground caves to rice fields, Bohol is known to
be one of the most picturesque cities (and locals will agree
it is the most iconic in the Philippines). It’s also
home to the incredibly unusual, fist-sized, wide-eyed tarsier,
the smallest primate in the world. Roadside tarsier farms
let you get close to these interesting creatures. But it’s
the geological phenomenon of Chocolate Hills that put Bohol
on the map. More than 1,200 cone-shaped hills sprawl across
50 square kilometers of land, turning brown in the dry season
to resemble Hershey Kisses (or nipples, whichever image you
prefer).
The organic lunch buffet is a must at the Bee Farm, a secluded
sanctuary on a cliff overlooking Bohol Strait. Everything
from the honey in the bee farm to the furniture in the hotel
rooms is made on the premises.
A stay at the Panglao Island Nature Resort, a 72-room property
right on the Sulu Sea, includes thatched-roof seafront bungalows
equipped with private decks and Jacuzzis, with glass walls
in the bathrooms fenced in by gated lush gardens. Swimming
in the resort’s natural cave is popular with locals
and tourists alike.
Cebu
History buffs like me will appreciate the island of Cebu,
the oldest city in the country. Magellan first docked here
in 1521; the cross he spiked into the ground still remains
erected as a memorial next to the city’s oldest church.
Cebu boasts a thriving diving scene. The beaches are some
of the most sublime in the Philippines, with incredibly diverse
sea life. Magellan was later killed on Mactan Island by warrior
chief Lapu Lapu, so it’s actually this tiny island
that put the Philippines on the map. It’s true—Magellan
himself never completely circumnavigated the world, but his
ship and crew did. Lesson learned: Don’t trust your
history teachers!
Boracay
There’s so little infrastructure on Boracay that even
their airport is on the next island. There’s not even
a manmade walkway (boardwalk, sidewalk) that separates the
resorts and shops from the five-mile white-sand beach, making
it a true getaway. The main industry is, of course, tourism,
so hawkers abound with fake labeled goods, but the most authentic
purchase is the beachside massages, $5 for a full hour.
Discovery Shores, the luxury resort that opened last year,
has raised the bar in terms of high-end accommodations, though
travelers continue to return to Boracay Regency Beach Resort,
a stylish property with exceptional service. Situated conveniently
in the center of the beach row, the resort recently unveiled
the new Garden Wing that features suites with pool access;
you can literally step off your deck and go for a swim.
The Deails
Philippines Tourism Department
www.tourism.gov.ph
Accommodations
Hyatt Hotel & Casino
Manila
Rooms from $110
www.manila.casino.hyatt.com
Panglao Island Nature Resort
Bohol
Bungalows from $183
www.panglaoisland.com
Shangri La Mactan Resort & Spa
Cebu
Doubles from $240
www.shangri-la.com
Boracay Regency Beach Resort
Boracay
Garden suites with pool access
from from $350
www.boracayregency.com
Discovery Shores
Boracay
Junior suites from $350
www.discoveryshoresboracay.com
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