t r i p
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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.
SEE &DO
A visit to Laoag is not
complete without going to the beach.
Sand stretch is light brown, and the
water’s clear. And if you can’t get enough
of sand, go sandboarding at the La Paz
Sand Dunes. Surf and get stoked as if
you’re in an action-adventure film. Don't
forget to fill up on empanada!
SLEEP
Fort Ilocandia is still my favorite
hotel.
Tel: +63 77 670 9101;
fortilocandia.com.ph
EAT
Try authentic Ilocano dishes at
the plaza. Have a feast on pinakbet,
diningding, bagnet and longganisa.
SHOP
Don’t go home without some
bagnet and longganisa! Also, get some
woven bags from the market or plaza.
MUST-TRY
Sandboarding and eating
empanada at the plaza.
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.
SEE &DO
Get a feel of the country’s
history by stepping foot at places like
Luneta, Intramuros and Fort Santiago.
While in the area, visit the nearby Manila
Cathedral and the San Agustin Church.
Shop for cheap items and fashionable
clothes at Divisoria or the Baclaran
Terminal malls.
SLEEP
Enjoy the service at and location
of the Fairmont Hotel. Check out
fairmont.com/makati
.
EAT
Café Mary Grace has the best
cheese rolls in town — excellent for
breakfast or merienda.
INSIDER TIP
For authentic Japanese
cuisine, try the restaurants at Little Tokyo
in Makati.
SHOP
Visit the Kultura store at SM for
souvenirs.
Janice
Layug
consultant
PHILIPPINES
MANILA
Paula
de los
Reyes
writer and SEO
analyst
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.
SEE &DO
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady
of Piat. Piat is the pilgrimage town center
in the north east, which is an hour’s
drive away from the city proper. From
there, head to the Buntun Bridge, which
is considered to be one of the longest
bridges in the Philippines. You'll get a
good view of the Cagayan River there.
SLEEP
Stay in Las Palmas De San Jose.
Tel: +63 78 844 1661;
com.ph
EAT
Sample traditional Filipino food at
Tita Isabel’s BBQ Grill & Restaurant near
the Tuguegarao airport.
MUST-TRY
Explore the Callao Caves
located in the town of Penablanca, which
is a 45-minute ride from the city proper.
SHOP
Buy
chicharabao
,
which
is chicharon made of carabao skin.
Ruel
Umali
photographer/
entrepreneur
PHILIPPINES
TUGUEGARAO
RAP RIOS
