Search the Community

The previous thread had been deleted for some reason. So this replaces it. Website: https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com

Last Holy Thursday (April 21) we went on a trip to Bagac, Bataan to a place called Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Here's a description of the place from their website. A living museum of Philippine customs and traditions are re-born in a community typical of the 18th to early 20thcentury Philippines. Historical Principalia or noble class mansions, House of Stone or Bahay na Bato and Wooden Stilt houses that once, were old and decaying architectural pieces of a bygone era and slowly fading into the background of modern urban life are now, restored in a picturesque setting reminiscent of a Juan Luna or Amorsolo paintings. These architectural treasures that have been carefully and painstakingly reconstructed from different parts of the country and rebuilt, "brick by brick" and "plank by plank" now , stand resplendent with pride against a backdrop of majestic mountains, expansive rice fields and a running river that flows to the sea. Currently, there are twenty seven heritage architectures, each full with memories and history. Walking along village cobblestone streets or riding one of the caruajes (horse-drawn carriages) commands a feeling of nostalgia and wonder, romance and appreciation of simple living at its best. At Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the legacy of our forefathers and the beautiful Filipino traditions live on. It is a step back into the past, reliving the age- old traditions and practices distinct to our culture, without leaving the luxury and comforts of the modern world. A showcase of Filipino talent, ingenuity and craftsmanship, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar takes pride in the past... And keeps its hope for the future. I took some photos of the place and here they are. For more info on the place, visit their site: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Edited pictures to fit maximum allowed size.

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx229/dcrjmed2014/4955_98029681979_98022256979_240623.jpg http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101597726979_98022256979_24696.jpg Resorts World Manila located at Newport city, just across the NAIA Terminal 3. It's a joint project of Alliance Global Group, Star Cruises Ltd. and Genting Group of Malaysia. Hotels within the complex are the Marriott Hotel which is the first new 5-star international standard hotel to open within the past five years, Maxims Hotel is the first Deluxe Casino Hotel in the country and another hotel which is a budget hotel called the Remington. Aside from the three hotels, Resorts World will feature the Newport Mall which will have four high-end cinemas, four-levels of luxury brand stores, and will have a glass roofing similar to the MGM Hotels and Casinos. The Newport Theater, meanwhile, will offer world-class entertainment for the performing arts. http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101598896979_98022256979_24696.jpg http://www.rwmanila.com/

Price isn't really an issue...Basta wag lang 50k+ a night or anything like that

Any more info guys & gals?

guys summertime is approaching. kung may alam kayo na pdeng puntahan sa batangas post it here.. para ma2lungan natin ang mga fellow mtc members na nghahanap ng mapupuntahan dito.. :mtc:

The 5-minute briefing on Sagada — the Cordillera's most atmospheric mountain town. Hanging coffins on Echo Valley cliffs, Sumaguing Cave's underground river crawl, Kiltepan sunrise over the rice terraces, and the country's strongest mountain food scene. The 12-hour Manila trip that affluent Filipinos make at least once. Sagada sits at 1,500–1,800 m elevation in Mountain Province in the heart of the Cordillera. The town is famous for the hanging coffins on the cliffs of Echo Valley (the Kankana-ey Igorot traditional burial practice, still observed by elders), Sumaguing Cave (the country's signature spelunking experience), Kiltepan sunrise over the rice terraces, and a mountain food scene built around Sagada lemon, Sagada coffee, and traditional Igorot dishes. The town gained mainstream popularity after the 2014 Filipino film That Thing Called Tadhana — it's been a busy weekend destination for affluent Manileños and the Cordillera circuit's anchor stop ever since. For broader Cordillera trip planning (combining Baguio + Sagada + Banaue + Kalinga), see the Cordillera Travel Guide parent thread. Why Sagada matters (and how it differs from Baguio and Banaue) The Cordillera's three Big Three destinations have distinct identities: Sagada = atmospheric mountain town, hanging coffins, caves, indigenous Igorot culture still actively lived. The contemplative pick. Baguio City = the summer capital, urban Cordillera, family-friendly, easiest access from Manila (4–6 hr drive). Banaue Rice Terraces = the UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces, the postcard scene. Pilgrimage destination. Most affluent visitors combine all three across a 5–7 night Cordillera trip. If you only have time for one and want the atmospheric mountain experience, Sagada is the choice. The hanging coffins of Echo Valley The Kankana-ey Igorot practice of suspending coffins on limestone cliffs is the headline cultural experience: Echo Valley — short 30-minute hike from the town center past the Anglican church. Coffins are visible from a designated viewing area; no climbing required. Local guides are required — register at the Sagada Tourism Office. Hiring a guide is both regulation and proper respect (these are active burial sites, not a tourist museum). The practice continues — Igorot elders are still buried this way; you may see freshly-placed coffins. Be respectful. Sumaguing Cave and the Cave Connection The country's signature spelunking experience: Sumaguing Cave — the "Big Cave," accessible from the town center. ~3-hour scramble through chambers, underground river crossings, rope-assisted climbs over rock formations (the King's Curtain, the Elephant, the Pregnant Woman). Wet, muddy, exhilarating. Cave Connection (Sumaguing → Lumiang) — for serious cavers: a 4-hour traverse connecting Sumaguing to the older Lumiang Cave, which contains stacked Igorot coffins from a different era. More demanding, requires advanced caving experience. Required gear — wear clothes you don't mind ruining; bring water shoes or sandals with grip. The local guides provide oil lamps (yes, real ones). Important: All cave tours require registered local guides through the Sagada Genuine Guides Association (SaGGAs). The cave is dangerous without one. The other Sagada experiences Kiltepan Viewpoint — the sunrise spot over the Sagada rice terraces. Early-morning trike ride (~30 min from town); on clear mornings, the sea of clouds settles in the valleys below. Bomod-Ok Falls (Big Falls) — half-day hike from Banga-an village; ~200 ft waterfall with swimming pool at the base. Lake Danum — late afternoon sunset spot, peaceful walk. Sagada Pottery — traditional ceramics workshop near the church, free to visit. Mt. Ampacao — half-day hike for views over the Cordillera. Where to stay Sagada accommodation is small-scale and atmospheric — no luxury chains here. The recognized properties: Sagada Heritage Village — heritage-style lodges, the recognized upper-tier stay. Misty Lodge & Cafe — boutique mid-tier, walking distance to town center. Coffee Heritage House & Hostel — coffee-farm property, mid-tier, popular with the affluent backpacker scene. Inandako's Bed & Breakfast — boutique B&B with character. Kanip-Aw Pines View Inn — pine forest setting on the way to Kiltepan. Bana's Cafe & Pinetree Lodge — mid-tier inn with the town's signature cafe attached. Sagada Homestay — original homestay-style accommodation, the budget option. For ultra-luxury Cordillera stays, members head back to Baguio (Manor at Camp John Hay, Forest Lodge) and pair with Sagada day-trip or short overnight. Where to eat — the Sagada food scene Sagada has one of the country's strongest small-town food cultures: Yoghurt House — the legendary Sagada institution. Homemade yogurt, lemon pie, mountain breakfasts. Always queued. Sagada Lemon Pie House — the namesake lemon pie + Sagada coffee. Cozy mountain cafe vibe. Bana's Cafe — Filipino breakfast and pinikpikan, mountain dining. Salt and Pepper Diner — casual dining, locally beloved. Misty Cafe — attached to Misty Lodge, breakfast scene. Sagada Brew Cafe — Sagada-grown coffee, the local roastery. The signature flavors: Sagada lemon — the local citrus, used in pies, marmalade, and dressings. Sagada coffee — locally grown Arabica, the country's recognized mountain-coffee origin. Pinikpikan — traditional ritual chicken (the ethical asterisk: the preparation method is controversial; some restaurants prepare it humanely). Etag — cured smoked pork, the Cordillera mountain protein. Sourdough — Sagada Pottery's sourdough bread is a quiet legend. Getting there Sagada is one of the country's more demanding destinations to reach — the ~12-hour journey is part of the experience: Manila to Sagada direct — Coda Lines overnight bus, ~12 hours. Departs from Cubao around 9pm, arrives Sagada around 9am. The most efficient route. Manila to Baguio + Baguio to Sagada — Victory Liner to Baguio (4–6 hr), then GL Trans bus to Sagada (~6 hr). Total ~12 hours but with stops. Private van with driver — ~₱8,000–12,000 from Manila, faster (8–10 hr) and more comfortable. Once in Sagada — the town is walkable; for outlying spots (Kiltepan, Bomod-Ok trailhead, Lumiang), hire a local trike (~₱150–300 per trip). Cross-thread links Pair this thread with: Baguio City (Benguet): Burnham Park & Strawberry Farm — for the Cordillera entry point and easiest access from Manila Banaue Rice Terraces (Ifugao): UNESCO Site & Batad Amphitheater — the UNESCO rice terraces, often combined with Sagada in a single Cordillera trip Kalinga / Buscalan (Kalinga): Apo Whang-Od Tattoo & Tribal Culture — for the traditional Whang-Od tattoo experience Vigan (Ilocos Sur) — heritage Spanish-colonial town, sometimes paired in a longer Northern Luzon trip (link TBD) For broader Cordillera trip planning, see the Cordillera Travel Guide parent thread. When to go November to February — the coldest months, 5–10°C overnight, sweater weather, peak holiday season. Christmas–New Year is the busiest window; expect Manila-style traffic on Sagada's narrow roads. March to May — pleasant cool weather (15–22°C daytime), the affluent summer-escape window. Holy Week is very busy. June to October — wet season; landslides possible on Cordillera mountain roads, cave tours occasionally suspended after heavy rains. Insider tips Book accommodation early for long weekends and Holy Week. Sagada has limited rooms; the affluent crowd books months ahead. Cave tours require registered SaGGAs guides — register at the Sagada Tourism Office on arrival. Wear clothes you don't mind destroying in Sumaguing Cave — mud, water, scraping rock. Bring a change of clothes for after. Kiltepan sunrise — leave the lodge by 5am to be at the viewpoint before sunrise (~5:45–6:15 depending on season). Bring warm layers; pre-dawn is genuinely cold. Sagada lemon pie at Lemon Pie House is a non-negotiable. Yoghurt House yogurt is a non-negotiable. No nightlife scene — Sagada quiets down by 9pm. This is the appeal. Cellular signal is spotty outside the town center. Most lodges have WiFi but it's slow. Bring cash — many spots are cash-only; ATMs are limited. Respect the burial sites — Echo Valley and Lumiang Cave are sacred Igorot spaces. No selfies on or near the coffins. Your turn. Current cave tour conditions, guide recommendations, Sagada lemon pie debates, recent road condition reports, accommodation tips, food scene updates, photography ethics around the hanging coffins. Sagada regulars — fill in. — MTC Mods

Hello What are the best resorts near Metro Manila and can anybody post their contact numbers? Thanks.

care to share your contacts...thanks

Tropical rainforest, rugged mountains including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, killer surf and beaches lure travelers to the island of Mindanao. Mindanao’s capital – and the country’s third most populous city – vibrant Davao City has plenty of cultural, foodie delights and beaches just waiting to be discovered before you head to the island-province of Camiguin. As well as its tropical beaches, the latter is best known for its Mount Hibok-Hibok Protected Landscape of interior forest reserves (designated an ASEAN Heritage Park) and for its three National Cultural Treasures. Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport has flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha and Quanzhou, as well as internal flights. Other domestic flights operate to and between several airports within Mindanao including the island paradise of Siargao. Hiking, diving, surfing and white-water rafting are just some of the exciting activities that await the adventurous in Davao Province and Camiguin, although wildlife encounters and visits to natural sites are high on the agenda too. Beaches promise relaxation, as do the likes of yoga and meditation with their associations with the Hindu-Buddhist traditions that influenced local life during the classic epoch of Philippine history. You might also consider a day-trip or overnighter to Lake Sebu a 4hr bus-ride (145km) southwest of Davao City – a growing ecotourism and adventure-sports destination as well as home to the T’boli and Ubo tribes. THINGS TO DO IN DAVAO & CAMIGUIN Trek to the top of Mount Apo in Davao province – the Philippines’ highest peak, at 3,144m, or the UNESCO listed Mount Hamiguitan (1,620m). Explore Davao City including the D’ Bone Collector natural history museum. Visit Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo with its wildlife shows and educational exhibits. Between Davao and the Cagayan de Oro, swim in Blue Water Cave in Bukidnon, and rappel, climb and spelunk nearby. Go white-water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River with its electrifying rapids. Surf at Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental. Explore Camiguin’s historic gems: the Old Bonbon Church ruins and Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, Guinsilibas’ Spanish-era watchtower, Old Mambajao fountain and municipal building, Santo Rosario Church in Sagay town, and 14 heritage and ancestral houses. Immerse yourself in nature at Tuasan Falls on Camiguin island, a lovely spot to swim. Dive or snorkel at sites suited to all levels, especially those around Camiguin Island. Visit Davao’s luxury farm resorts Pearl Farm and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation.

if you're looking for a really special place to go and money is no object, consider Nami Private Villas in Boracay. Go to their website for more information Nami Private Villas. I guarantee, you won't find a nicer place to stay at in Boracay. - walanjoe