City of non stop action and fun…

As we wrap up the month of July 2008, we have decided to build Paraiso Philippines into more of a resource center to a much broader reference by the inclusion of city articles all over the country. Thanks to the contribution of this article from the owner of When Silence Speaks, website owner Mitch Carvalho, a native and resident of Olongapo City. The City of Olongapo has been a landmark for decades since it was made into a city in 1966. But prior to that it was a part of the United States Naval Reservation and was owned by the US until they handed it over to the Philippine Government in 1949 and made as a municipality. The now closed Subic Base and know as Subic Freeport Zone, located in Olongapo City is home to the US Fleet that guarded Asia even in the Korean and Vietnam War. I remembered how the perimeters inside and out of Subic looked like those times and much like the Mabini area. Bars and Clubs lined the streets with live bands playing nightly. That also paved the way for most of our musical talents in rock n roll such as Joey “Pepe” Smith of the Juan De La Cruz Band, Mike Hanopol, Freddie Aguilar, Sampaguita and other musical talents that performed there and made their way to different parts of the world. It all started in Gapo.

Olongapo City a part of Zambales that became famous and known through the years with the motto that reads “Bawal Ang Tamad sa Olongapo” and later on people came up to another one that says “Fighting For Excellence” or “Aim High”. This was due to the time when Mt. Pinatubo erupted and at the same time when Americans bid goodbye to the Subic Naval Base. At first it was a horrifying experience for all the residents. They never thought the place would be saved from the killer volcano. Plus the fact that Americans vacating the Base has affected a lot of people whom have lost their jobs. But as what the sayings go “Bawal Ang Tamad Sa Olongapo” and “Fighting For Excellence” led the people to strive more and get up from where we have left off. That was the time when the Subic Freeport Zone was made.

Thanks to the people of Olongapo who have dedicated their time and effort saving the place. There were hundreds of people who have worked as “Volunteers” all throughout the maintenance of the whole zone. And guess what the best part was, Olongapo City boomed more than expected. Colored coded jeepneys were maintained. Sidewalk Vendors, Drivers and Public Utilities willingly complied to wear the uniforms given in every designated area. Jeepneys Drivers wear blue shirt with their names printed at the back. Flower or Sampaguita Vendors wear pink vests and pants. Sidewalk Vendors show off their goods in a uniformed blue painted stall. These things have always made the place well. It does not only project a “beautified or maintained town” but because of the “unity” and “concern” that the people of Olongapo City has always shown and extended to their beloved hometown.

After so many years, now it could be claimed that the people of Olongapo City have recovered all the losses after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption and proved that they could survived. Olongapo has now become one of the famous and often visited places in the country. One of the spots that attract tourists and other country’s residents is the newly developed “Zoobic Safari” the only tiger safari in the Philippines. For just P395 entrance fee you’ll get to see different animals and the whole place for at least 3 hours. Fair enough eh? One of the main attractions is the “Tiger Encounter” where you have the chance to see and feed the tigers safely (P200 for a whole of chicken), of course with the help of the professional trainers. Not only that, there’s another one called Crocoloco where crocodiles are kept. Just like the tigers you are allowed to feed them in the feeding area (a piece of chicken for just P50). Believe me you will enjoy the experience. Resorts, accommodations, restaurants, malls, airport and even theme parks are now the most visited that changed the ways of life of every residents in Olongapo City.

It really is confusing when planning a trip and choosing a place to stay. Need not worry we’ll try our best to help you out. Choosing from the hundreds or even thousand of accommodations from luxurious hotels to budget inns could be very time consuming. Planning the budget is the very first step to consider. While proximity to the main center of a place is often a deciding factor, some prefer a little bit off the action centers which are quietly located a few miles. It’s always good to compare each establishment while planning. Most travel agencies offer travel budget packages that includes a place to stay in both hotels or B and B Inns too.

First of all is the question, is it business or pleasure ? Business as everybody knows are mostly short term while staying and enjoying the whole month or more has different itineraries. Hotels are much more convenient to the average businessman, since they need to be more nearer to the financial district while the tourist group are inclined to stay away from the regular noises. We’ll just take 2 examples to look at.

The Edsa Shangrila Hotel is a luxurious 5 star accommodation complete with all that extremely luxury service a traveler would need. No need for introductions since every travelers dreams of luxury from service to facilities and from bedroom to dining. The hotel is located within minutes away from the financial district of Makati and the also minutes away from the cities of Manila and Quezon City. Best for travelers for a short stay, business or corporate groups. With all the luxury they offer, of course a deserving price per night comes with it. View the lobby and bedroom photos below and anyone will just say WOW.

Rose Villa is a residential bed and breakfast accommodation a little bit away from the city center. The private residence offers also extremely cozy accommodations with an affordable price perfect for long term and budgeted stay.

Bedrooms are fully arranged with a combined European and Western setting each with own bathrooms, a common living area, air conditioning and hot and cold showers.

While the mini lobby or living room is arranged on a combined local and western atmosphere with native rattan furnitures, it really is a cozy place to relax.

Then the kitchen which has fully equipped appliances with comfortable settings comes with marble counter tops. The Bed and Breakfast Inn offers a rate from a single room of $30 a night to a family room of $40 a night which is a totally affordable cost with a breakfast of choice inclusion.

So my friends and our beloved guest to the Philippines it all comes down to your choices, budget and your individual itineraries of a planned trip. But guess what, all hospitality establishments in the Philippines offers individual unique atmosphere and a very affordable price for a cozy and relax stay.

We at Paraiso don’t endorse nor prefer one establishment to another. We just made an example for our guest and future travelers to have an idea and a good view for a proper stay in our country.

It’s summer vacation. Schools are closed. The temperature is soaring high in that summer heat and the family needs some cool breeze air or a dip in the water or better just a simple relaxation viewing the nice scenery of Taal Volcano and the country side. Tagaytay City is a third class city in the province of Cavite, that is about 60 miles south of Metro Manila. A very popular tourist destination for its excellent cool breeze of air, mountainous treks of nature, green pastures of land that is perfect for horseback riding, and of course the view of the popular and historical Taal Volcano.

Tagaytay City with its local government and support of the friendly local people, successfully preserved the beauty of this favorite summer destination through various programs. The city boasts as one of the most highest popular attractions due to its proximity to Metro Manila, the preserved natural beauty through the years and its wonderful accommodations provided by nearby hotels.

You can enjoy yourself by riding these cable cars and view the excellent panoramic view or just relax with friends or barkadas in one of the native rest huts above.

So what are you waiting for. Get your gears ready and give yourself and your family of that much needed vacation.

Akyat na po sa Tagaytay.

After talking about the wonderful beauty of the provinces let us shift our journey to the place of the beautiful people and none other than Metro Manila or the National Capital Region. Manila as it is popularly known is the capital as well as the major financial business center of the country. It is the center place of government and also the primary location of most top schools and universities.

Metro Manila is composed of 15 cities and 2 towns in which are all nice places to live if you are a city lover. One can find a complete city life extravaganza of a non stop 24 hour nightlife. From disco’s, bars, sing-a-long’s (karaoke) to the very well recommended open kitchen eatery’s or the well known Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate. At daytime the malls are a favorite hangout spot for cooling yourself especially in the hot summer season or relax and watch your favorite up to date movies. But lets not forget the other wonderful attractions like the historic Fort Santiago or the Chinatown in Binondo.

The financial districts are the most busiest in the daytime. Thousands of people pile up in the morning to get to work catching public transportations like the famous and colorful Jeepneys or the Light Railway Transit (LRT) reminding me of the busy sections of New York and Tokyo. But most of these is well concentrated in Makati City with high rise buildings of banks and foreign embassies that comprise the bulk of Makati’s offices.

So talking about Metro Manila’s exciting places will take us years to cover but definitely I will leave you now for you to discover the other wonderful places the city has to offer. I would also recommend a stay in the luxurious hotels around to complete your satisfaction of what a real vacation is all about.

List of the cities and towns that comprise the National Capital Region or Metro Manila.

1. Caloocan City
2. City of Manila
3. Las Piñas City
4. Makati City
5. Malabon City
6. Mandaluyong City
7. Marikina City
8. Muntinlupa City
9. Navotas City
   
10. Parañaque City
11. Pasay City
12. Pasig City
13. Pateros
14. Quezon City
15. San Juan City
16. Taguig City
17. Valenzuela City