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PHILIPPINES
TUGUEGARAO
PHILIPPINES
LAOAG
AREA CODE
(78)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
To get to town, take two tricycles:
one from the airport to the main road, and then
another to the town proper. It should cost you no
more than just PHP10 per ride. And the rides are
fairly short.
BY DAY
For starters, go canoeing and take
snapshots of the Philippines' longest river bridge,
the Buntun Bridge. Then explore the Tuguegarao
Cathedral’s textured brick façade accented with
white columns and artistic spirals.
BY NIGHT
Treat yourself to
pancit batil patung
,
a noodle dish unique to Tuguegarao, at Eva’s or
Nang’s. They not only offer the best-tasting
batil
patung,
they also have an open kitchen so you
can see how the yummy
pancit
is prepared.
SLEEP
For business or leisure, choose Pulsar
Hotel. Room rates start at PHP1,275++ per night.
Tel: +63 (78) 304 1066, www.pulsarhotel.com,
pulsar.hotel@yahoo.com
BESTBUYS
Handcrafted design
slippers available at Chamela’s Flip Shop
and Bead Shop along Diversion Road.
TRIVIA
Tuguegarao earned a trophy
for having the most number of tricycles
in the country.
INSIDERTIP
Get a tricycle at a
docking area instead of randomly
flagging them down, so you only have
to pay PHP9.
Jammie
Gesmundo
employee
Loisan
Mabborang
business
development
specialist, CEZA
AREA CODE
(02)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
The ride to commercial centers
from the airport takes 30 minutes to an hour,
depending on the traffic and where you’re headed.
Pay around PHP450 to hire registered airport
taxis, but metered cabs are also available.
BY DAY
Travel through time at the historical sights
of Intramuros and Rizal Park, then visit the Manila
Ocean Park and go on an Aquanaut Voyage. For
cheap retail therapy, head to Greenhills, Tutuban
and 168 Shopping Center.
BY NIGHT
Eat and drink your heart out at one of
the many restaurants and bars at Fort Bonifacio
Global City or Eastwood. Then head out to Opus
or Republiq at Resorts World Manila and dance
the night (and calories) away.
SLEEP
If you want the luxury of a hotel with
the comforts of home, stay at Discovery Suites
Ortigas. It boasts a great spa and an award-winning
steakhouse, 22 Prime.
www.discoverysuites.com
PHILIPPINES
MANILA
Ma. Cristina
de Luna-
Protacio
corporate sales
manager
RAP RIOS
BEST DINNER
Saramsam Café
for its Poqui Poqui pizza and Saramsam
pasta.
MUST-TRY
Ride the 4x4 and try
sandboarding at Paoay Sand Dunes for
a unique experience.
INSIDER TIP
Malacañang of the
North is open Tuesdays to Sundays
from 9am to 4pm. The entrance fee
is PHP20.
LOCALSPEAK
Say
"Ate/Kuya,
magkano ang tawad?”
when asking
for discounts.
MUST-TRY
Street foods such as
balut
, fishballs and
isaw
at any corner
or jeepney stop.
INSIDERTIP
Shopping in Manila is
good but it's even better if the prices are
marked down. So keep your eyes open
for upcoming sales at the malls.
AREA CODE
(77)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
You can hire a van, jeepney
or tricycle from the Laoag airport to get to your
destination in town. An eco-friendly means of
getting around the city is the
kalesa
or horse-
drawn carriage.
BYDAY
Hire a tricycle for around PHP600 and
go to Paoay. Visit Malacañang of the North, Paoay
Lake, Paoay Church and Paoay Sand Dunes.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Laoag and
head to the beaches in Pagudpud.
BY NIGHT
Head to the Laoag City Plaza and visit
St. William's Cathedral, where you can check out
the Sinking Bell Tower. Grab dinner and linger
for drinks at the restaurants and bars nearby —
they're open till late!
SLEEP
Enjoy the homey atmosphere of Balay da
Blas Pensionne House. The owner, Mr. Sam, is
very accommodating and helpful.
balaydablas@
yahoo.com
LESTER LEDESMA
The Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes was declared a National Geological
Monument in 1993.
DIDYOU
KNOW?