This summer season, a trip to Bataan should be in the books. Pack your bags and head to Central Luzon to experience the beauty and culture that this province has to offer.
Miraculous Images
For the religious, Orani Church is a must-see. Also called the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church, this site is a pilgrim shrine which many Catholic devotees come to visit every year.
The Orani Church features majestic architecture comprised of old and new techniques. Pay close attention to the Batingaw ng Orani, the church’s heritage bell which shows the loyal faith of the people of Orani to the Lord.
Never Forget the Death March
Bataan was the site of some especially gruesome parts of history. The Death March of World War II would definitely top the list in terms of historical impact.
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced to march on foot from Bataan to Tarlac.
This was a journey of 97 km to 112 km, for prisoners who were tired, starved, injured from severe physical abuse, and lacked sleep. Anywhere from 5,650 to 18,000 died as a result of this Death March, forever cementing the Japanese as one of the cruelest military colonizers in Asia.
To honor the lives of the fallen, the Bataan Death March Marker was constructed in Mariveles and Bagac, Bataan to mark ground zero of this event. You can visit this to pay your respects as well as view the site of this moment in history to remember how many people sacrificed their lives for democracy.
Historical Heritage Houses
A trip to Bataan isn’t complete without a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the best beach resort in Bataan. The only Historic Hotels Worldwide property in the Philippines, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the Bagac, Bataan resort that will make you feel as if you traveled back in time.
Each casa or house is painstakingly restored to its former glory; however, if you book a stay in one of them, you will be treated to modern amenities such as Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, and in-room coffee and tea facilities.
If you’re short on time, you can enjoy a heritage walking day tour with family and friends, or else book a room for a night and have more time to marvel over the majestic Spanish-era architecture. Reservations are easy; head over to https://lascasasfilipinas.com and check availability and prices for your preferred dates.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
7 Alternative Travel Destinations While Everyone Is Waiting For Boracay’s Comeback
You’ve probably heard by now that the Philippines’ most famous travel destination, Boracay Island, will be closed to the public for rehabilitation. The government announced that it could take up to 6 months or more for the entire rehabilitation process to finish.
During this period, all hotels, resorts, and other related properties and businesses will stop all operations. This is an unfortunate timing because aside from the fact that livelihoods are going to be affected, it’s the middle of the summer in this part of the globe and many will miss the island and its many attractions.
Luckily, there are lots of other places in the Philippines that tourists could visit while Boracay Island is in recovery mode:
1. PUERTO PRINCESA
Palawan is arguably Boracay’s closest rival when it comes to best travel destination in the country.
Puerto Princesa, its capital city, has a lot of stuff to offer. It is home to the Underground River (included in the New Wonders of the World list) and the crocodile farms and sanctuaries.
Complete the nature-themed trip by booking a stay at Aziza Paradise Hotel to get a taste of a lush and carefree haven through nature-inspired interiors, excellent service, and ultra-convenient facilities.
2. BOHOL
The province of Bohol is not that far from Boracay and Cebu. The main tourist draws are the famed Chocolate Hills and those cute little tarsiers, but many forget that there are also many great beaches in this part of Visayas especially in the towns of Panglao and Danao.
Tip: try the river cruise buffet and stand-up paddling (SUP) on the Loboc River. Stay at the Loboc River Resort and enjoy the modern nipa hut lodgings, captivating river and forest views.
3. BACOLOD
The City of Smiles is famous for its colorful MassKara Festival every October and the local food scene that will make chicken lovers rejoice.
The city and province is rich with natural wonders like beaches, islands, coral reefs, forests, waterfalls, and caves.
Need a place to crash? Check out L’Fisher Hotel—the only first-class accommodation in the locale and right in the heart of the city’s business and commercial center.
4. BATANGAS
Don’t like airports or flying in general? The province of Batangas is just a few hours south of Metro Manila. People go here for the food, switchblades (balisong), tree-top adventures, and of course the beach resorts in Calatagan, Nasugbu, and Laiya.
Palm Beach Resort in San Juan is a place not just for couples on a romantic holiday, but also big groups and long-staying guests, as well as people who are looking for picturesque venues for weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other special occasions.
5. DAPITAN CITY
What Dapitan lacks in adrenaline-pumping adventures, it makes up with centuries-old architecture, amazing mix of cultures, historical sites, and quaint beach resorts.
One great example would be Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan City. It is a 30-minute drive from Dipolog City and Dipolog Airport. The resort also offers tours, cruises, and travel packages that highlight Dapitan’s rich culture, history, and lush surroundings.
6. ILOILO
The city is known for its annual Dinagyang Festival, but people also come here to taste the local flavors, check out the museums, and explore heritage sites, and experience the nightlife.
If you ever find yourself in Iloilo City, book a night at The Mansion. It’s one of the most prominent landmarks in the locale and features a unique blend of Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino heritage and architecture.
This iconic hotel offers easy access to sites like the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Molo Mansion, and Calle Real; Atria Park District, Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, SM City Iloilo, and the Smallville Complex.
7. METRO MANILA
When all else fails, you could always just stay in the city. School’s out. Everybody is on a holiday. This is the best time to explore the historic city and see its real charm and wonder.
Walk the streets of Escolta. Shop at Greenhills. Watch the sunset at Manila Bay. Check out the nightlife at Poblacion.
There are many great and affordable hotels in the metro like Ace Hotel & Suites in Pasig City– a first-class hotel epitomizing an exceptional combination of excellent service, modern technology, and urban lifestyle.
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