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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
Visit St. Peter's Cathedral and Ermita
Church, then head off to Peñablanca to see the
beautiful Callao Caves. Don’t pass up on kayaking
in Peñablanca as well. Have fun on the beaches of
Gonzaga and Sta. Ana.
BY NIGHT
Dress casually in light cotton shirts,
but remember to bring an umbrella or a cap just in
case it rains. Chow down at Mongolian Grill in Las
Palmas de San Jose, where you can also have
drinks after.
SLEEP
Have a noise-free stay at Las Palmas
De San Jose. It’s the type of resort that has
everything, like a pool and dining area, among
others.
www.laspalmas.com.ph
BESTBREAKFAST
The Tuguegarao
longganisa
and beef
tapa
are must-tries.
BESTSOUVENIRS
Head to the
Valley Souvenir Shop for pieces that are
unique to Tuguegarao.
BESTFESTIVAL
Don't forget to
mark August 16 on your calendar: it's
the Tuguegarao town fiesta. It would be
good to plan ahead.
Twinkle
Legaspi
food& travel
writer
Christian
Guzman
businessman
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
Visit the Baclaran Terminal malls for
cheap and fashionable clothing. Head to Intramuros
later to check out the nerve center of the Spanish
occupation in the Philippines, and to get a glimpse
of Spanish-era Manila.
BY NIGHT
Hang out at San Miguel by the Bay
beside SM Mall of Asia and order authentic
Filipino seafood dishes. Ride the tallest Ferris
wheel in the country and get a fantastic view of
the city. Catch the fireworks display on weekends.
SLEEP
For budget-conscious travelers who just
need a comfortable place to crash, choose Salem
Domestic Guesthouse. It's only minutes away from
the airport.
Tel: +63 (916) 429 1111
PHILIPPINES
MANILA
Mariano
Axel Nocom
hotelier
LESTER LEDESMA
LESTER LEDESMA
MUST-TRY
Go dragonfruit picking
and taste dragonfruit
siomai
, fried rolls,
even ice cream.
INSIDER TIP
The wakeboarding
park will launch in the next few months.
Definitely another good reason to visit!
BEST BREAKFAST
The Pasuquin
Biscocho is a soft roll with pleasant
hints of aromatic anise. It's perfect with
local Kangkang coffee.
BESTDINNER
Geni's Café along
Domestic Rd is a must for those who
want authentic cooking.
MUST-TRY
Get in on the action with
off-road, gas-powered RC car racing at
Xtreme Toys Mall of Asia.
INSIDERTIP
Always be safe and
aware of your surroundings. Have a
hotel in mind before you take a cab
from the airport.
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.
BY DAY
Satisfy your spirit of adventure and take
an exhilarating 4x4 ride across Ilocos Norte’s
famous sand dunes. Since you’re there, make
sure to try sandboarding — and have your photo
taken while you're at it.
BY NIGHT
Fort Ilocandia is more dramatic at
night when the lights are all lit. There are also bars
and restaurants, as well as a beach right by the
property where you can take a relaxing evening
stroll.
SLEEP
Ilocos Convention Center is one of
the newest and biggest resorts. It has modern
amenities and even uses the famous local fabric,
Abel, in the rooms.
Tel: +63 (77) 670 8817