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PHILIPPINES
VIRAC
LOCAL SPEAK
The locals are very
friendly. Don’t forget to say
"
mabalos"
for "thank you".
BEST FESTIVAL
Join in the fun
during the Catandungan Festival, which
will be held this month.
BEST BREAKFAST
Cocido
(
our
version of the hot and sour soup) with
fried fish is a feast. Best with
sinangag
(
fried rice) and hot coffee.
Karina V.
Tabuzo
government
employee
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
Head to Haven of Fun Beach Resort in
the island of San Antonio and experience the
breathtaking view of the beach. Go island hopping
and visit the rock formation in Biri Island, and the
white sand beaches in San Vicente.
BY NIGHT
For dinner, indulge in native cuisine
at Bobon Fishville Resort and enjoy the charming
ambience of the place. Then head to Tsiban, a
famous nightspot in Catarman, and watch a band
perform live.
SLEEP
Get comfortable accommodations at
White House (Café Eusebio). The rooms are clean
and spacious.
Catarman Commercial Complex;
tel: +63 (55) 500 9245
PHILIPPINES
CATARMAN
Demia C.
Tan
hobbyist
photographer
PHILIPPINES
LEGAZPI
Tina Nayve
entrepreneur
SAMUEL DE LEON
BEST BREAKFAST
Try the light
breakfast at Cafe Eusebio and Isla
Coffee. Both are affordable options.
BEST SOUVENIRS
Visit the
Native Product Store, which is owned
by the Caguimbal family.
LOCAL SPEAK
Impress the locals
by saying
"
Maupay nga aga"
which
means "Good morning", and
"
Maupay
nga gab-i"
("
Good evening").
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
Go to the beaches and visit the waterfalls.
At Twin Rock Beach Resort in Brgy Igang, you can
go ziplining, do wall-climbing or kayaking. You
can also check out the dive sites. A late afternoon
dip in Mamangal Beach is a must-do.
BY NIGHT
Have an early dinner by the pier
at Sea Breeze Restaurant. You must try their
sinalpungan
(
fried carabeef tripe) dish. They also
serve lots of seafood dishes and Japanese food.
Cap off the night at S.O.G., a local bar.
SLEEP
Monte Karlo Waterfront Tourist Inn has
a homey atmosphere.
186
San Vicente, Virac,
Catanduanes; tel: +63 (928) 698 9559,
montekarlo.net
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
Go to Lignon Hill if you want to see
Mount Mayon without the clouds covering it. The
view is breathtaking. Visit the Embarcadero too.
You'll get the best view of the sea and Mount
Mayon from there.
BY NIGHT
Check out the Embarcadero and have
dinner at one of the restaurants there, or relax
with a spa treatment. Alternatively, you can go to
Pepper Land near the airport in Washington Drive
and hang at Havana Café and listen to live music.
SLEEP
Enjoy value-for-money accommodations
and a lovely view at Ellis Ecotel at the third level
of Embarcadero de Legazpi.
Tel: +63 (52) 481
4088,
BEST SOUVENIRS
Abaca
handicrafts like bags, placemats and
slippers in Tahao Road.
LOCAL SPEAK
Useful words
include
"
tabi"
("
please" or "excuse me")
and
"
mabalos"
("
thank you").
MUST-TRY
Visit Mayon Resthouse
Observatory directly at the base of
Mount Mayon and view the volcano
from there.
LESTER LEDESMA
