In the heart of Luzon are the provinces of Cordillera, famous for their unique architectural masterpieces that can be traced back thousand years ago - the Rice Terraces. These are carefully hand carved mountainsides that look like giant steps forming stairways to the sky. The most famous of them are concentrated in the province of Ifugao, and Banaue’s Rice Terraces, being accessible is the most popular of all.

Not so far from Banaue is the town of Bangaan, home of the Bangaan Rice Terraces cluster that was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1995 as a Living Cultural Heritage of the people of Cordillera.

From the top of the Bangaan Rice Terraces, one will witness the unobstructed view of the beauty of these hand carved mountains and the village below. Experience the surreal feeling of walking on one of the wonders of our modern world, trek to Bangaan Rice Terraces and Village and see the marvelous creation of the ancient Ifugaos.

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Cagayan de Oro City, the capital of Misamis Oriental, is the gateway to Northern Mindanao. It is one of the places in the Philippines where I want to live. A place where adventure, nature and city living intersect in a rich blend of diverse culture and art.

CDO as what this city is popularly called, is home to half a million inhabitants. This typhoon-free city is the regional and shopping capital of Northern Mindanao, with a very active and vibrant nightlife. The Night Cafe and Market is a must experience, where locals and tourists gather in the streets of Divisoria on weekends to enjoy music, beer, barbecues and great bargains.

The place is also popular to white water rafting enthusiasts, with class III and IV rapids of  Cagayan de Oro River stretching from Barangay Dansolihon to the city proper.

Experience the hospitality of its people, the endless smiles in the City of Golden Friendship, the city in bloom, blossom and boom. Ali na sa Cagayan de Oro. (more…)

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Coron, a second-class municipality in northern Palawan is a paradise blessed with rich marine life, endemic flora and fauna, and magnificent landscape. With its stunning limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, picturesque lagoons and lakes, and wonderful underwater scenery, the place imprints an indelible beauty to everyone who fall to its distinctive charm.

It is among those few places declared as country’s marine reserve thus making the island and its surrounding a protected area. The island is also home to seven enchanting lakes which are sacred cultural sites of Tagbanuas. Of these seven lakes, only two are known and open to public - the Kayangan Lake which is named as the cleanest lake in the country for three consecutive years and the Barracuda Lake (the other five are known only to Tagbanuas).

Experience Coron - the jewel of the Calamianes group of islands, the picture perfect paradise. You will definitely keep on coming back.

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In celebration of the Manila’s founding anniversary, Lakwatsero is featuring my beloved city.

“When Manila sneezes, the Philippines catches cold.” - Nick Joaquin

The Philippine capital Manila is a unique blend of east and west. It is home to more than a million and a half inhabitants and is dubbed as the center of government, culture and education of the country.

The rich history of the city is dated even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, but it was during the Spanish era (1571) that Manila was proclaimed as the capital of the Philippines thus becoming a center of transpacific trade for more than three centuries. The premier city of the Philippines celebrates its day every 24th day of June.

Lonely Planet describes the capital as a teeming metropolis, with huge tower blocks crowding the few remaining traces of colonial architecture that survived the bombing of the city during World War II (Manila is the second most destructed city during WWII, next only to Warsaw).

Today, the city is constantly evolving and coping to the development but still maintains its unique charm. From contemporary shopping malls to high-class seaports, remnants of its history to modern structures, the city got it all, enough reasons to keep you coming back to Manila.

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Culion, a fourth class municipality in Calamianes Group of Islands, located in northern Palawan is a quiet town with a history of continuous struggle. From being a former leper colony, Culion holds the promise of a brigther tomorrow with its rich past and breathtaking natural wonders.

Culion is slowly embracing Tourism. Unknown to many, aside from the remnants of its history, this town can boast of its natural attractions and great adventures - from diving and snorkeling to trekking and rock/cliff climbing. A stay in Culion, tourists will be treated to its rich history with a visit to its Museum, and a walk to the town where the evidence of it being a former leper colony still present with the old establishments and structures still in place.

Experience Culion, see its beaches, waterfalls, rice terraces, old church and fort, and explore its rich marine life. It is a town is waiting to be discovered.

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Nested in the mountains of Cordillera is the city of Tabuk, in the province Kalinga. It is 480 kilometers away from Manila and 10-12 hour drive from the Philippine capital. This remote highland city is a total contrast of an urban metropolis - no sckycrapers, malls, nightlife and crowded highways.

It is home to Chico River and its tributaries, the country’s longest river (from Mt. Province to Cagayan) and a popular destination for white water rafting in Luzon, with difficulty peaking at level 5 during rainy season. The river also serves as source of irrigation for ricefields of Tabuk (the biggest rice producer of the province), and the entire province of Kalinga.

Unexpectedly, Kalinga province has a lot of “not so popular” but definitely beautiful and natural attractions that are waiting to be explored. Tabuk, as it capital is the gateway to those. Experience Tabuk, where a quiet life awaits everyone in this mountain city.

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Tagged as the Philippine’s melting pot of diverse cultures, Davao City is a safe haven in Mindanao for those who want to experience modern city life and commune with nature’s offerings. With its contemporary malls and establishments, nearby world class beaches and explorable caves, great restos and foods, superb adventures and lovely people, Davao City is definitely the place to be.

It is South East Asia’s largest city at 2,444 square kilometers with population of 1,725,355 (2005). Foreign magazine ranked this place as the most livable city in the country, and earned a spot among the 20 most livable cities in Asia surpassing Metro Manila and Cebu.

It is home to the Philippine Orchid (waling-waling), the exotic Durian, the country’s highest mountain - Mt. Apo and the Philippine Eagle. You can also visit the Crocodile Park, feel the rapids of Davao River with the White Water rafting Adventure, and defy your fear of height in Davao’s latest attraction - the Zipline (Zip for Life).

Davao, the Premier City of The South, the City in Bloom, the Royal City. Experience it and find your own words that best describe how magical this place is.

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