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PHILIPPINES
VIRAC
BESTBREAKFAST
Order your
breakfast of choice at Kemji Resort and
Restaurant in San Isidro Village.
MUST-TRY
The Alay Lakad
marathon from Virac to Batong
Paloway chapel on Holy Friday.
LOCAL SPEAK
“Mabalos”
means “thank you” and
“maray na
aga/hapon”
means “good morning/
afternoon”.
John
Mendoza
Bola
photographer
AREA CODE
(55)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
Tricycles are just a few steps
away from the arrival hall of the airport. A
15-minute ride takes you to Catarman proper
for PHP10 per passenger. Pay PHP60 to rent a
private tricycle.
BY DAY
Go nature trekking in Washington
and Cervantes. Don't miss the beautiful falls in
Cervantes, which is about a 45-minute walk
from the highway. Get a tan at White Beach, La
Fortunata or Piniel’s resorts.
BY NIGHT
Bar-hop from Tsiban to The Nest
to Chino’s Steak and a lot more. Sugbaan sa
Northwood, with its eat-all-you-can spread, is
also a nice place to hang out at night with family
and friends.
SLEEP
Let Pink City Pension House be your
home away from home. It is located along Roxas
St. in Brgy. Yakal, which is in the heart of town.
Tel: +63 (917) 900 3371
PHILIPPINES
CATARMAN
Charisse
Marie A.
Catama
student
PHILIPPINES
LEGAZPI
Trix
Deseo
writer
SAMUEL DE LEON
LESTER LEDESMA
BEST DINNER
Fill your tummy
with the best barbecues. Have them at
Mang Raul’s.
BESTHANGOUTS
Eusebio’s and
Isla Café have a nice ambience and
good food.
MUST-TRY
Visit Piniel’s Farm
Resort, which has two swimming pools,
open cottages and overnight rooms —
great for groups of friends or family.
AREA CODE
(86)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
Jeepneys and buses ply the
main thoroughfares of Catanduanes. Tricycles are
also a popular means of transport. On the other
hand, most hotels in the area can arrange for your
pickup from the airport.
BY DAY
Visit Bato Church; built in the 1800s,
its interiors are still well-preserved. Also trek
to Tignob Island, Caramoan for hidden white
beaches. Twin Rock Beach Resort offers an
adventure-filled day of ziplining and wall climbing.
BY NIGHT
Stroll along Imelda Boulevard and
enjoy the gentle evening breeze. If it’s social
drinking and a late-night dinner you’re after, check
out Sea Breeze restaurant. SOG bar features a live
band every night.
SLEEP
Catanduanes Midtown Inn along San
Jose St. has a central location, which makes it
easy for travelers to navigate the city. It also offers
panoramic views.
www.catmidinn.com
AREA CODE
(52)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
Tricycles and vans are available
to take you in and around Legazpi. From the
airport, you can easily hire a taxi to take you
to the city proper or directly to your hotel
or inn.
BY DAY
A photo shoot by Mayon Volcano is a
must. You'll find friendly locals in the Cagsawa
area, who are willing (and able!) to take shots for
a small tip. Reserve other days for swimming with
whalesharks
(butanding)
in Donsol.
BY NIGHT
When in Donsol, Sorsogon, book
the Ogod river firefly tour. The long stretch of
mangroves along the river features thousands of
fireflies glowing in harmony. Breathtaking on a
clear and quiet night!
SLEEP
If you want to experience Filipino
hospitality and culture at its finest, reserve a room
at family-run guest house AguLuz Homestay.
Tel: +63 (918) 942 0897, (920) 952 8170
BEST SOUVENIRS
Cute whale-
shark trinkets are available near the
Butanding Interaction Center.
INSIDER TIP
Whale-sharks are
aplenty from March to May. Best time
to see them is from 9am till noon.
LOCAL SPEAK
Commend
someone's cooking by saying,
“Masiramon na marhay ining
luto nindo!”