t r i p
j o u r n a l
147
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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
The city is swarming with
astonishing places to visit. The collection
includes: Spanish-era churches (some
of which are recognized and listed
as UNESCO World Heritage Sites),
Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation
and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. You can
also check out the La Paz Sand Dunes.
SLEEP
Unwind at the serene Java Hotel
—
a 50-bedroom hotel very suitable for
families or people traveling in groups.
EAT
Experience authentic Ilocano dishes
at Herencia Cafe. Try the pinakbet pizza.
SHOP
Go to Laoag City public market.
Don’t forget to ask for a discount!
MUST-TRY
The Laoag trip is incomplete
without tasting the Ilocos empanada. It's
offered everywhere.
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
Do some bargain shopping
in Quiapo where you can get the best
deals on home accessories, handicrafts
and clothing. Visit Makati and The Fort
at night for a taste of Metro Manila’s
nightlife. Watch the sun set on Manila
Bay while indulging in an ice-cold beer,
perfect for the warm Philippine weather.
SLEEP
Stay at the InterContinental in
Makati — it’s a short walk from Glorietta,
one of Manila’s most popular malls.
EAT
Eat at any of the dampa places
scattered all over the metro.
SHOP
Go to the SM Mall of Asia, the
fourth largest shopping center in Asia.
MUST-TRY
If you have extra time, head
off on a short road trip to Tagaytay only a
few hours’ drive from Manila.
Ched
Pagayatan
projectmanager
PHILIPPINES
MANILA
Andrea
Mastellone
group general
manager, Seda
Hotels
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
Explore the Basilica Minore
of Our Lady of Piat (Piat, Cagayan),
Ermita de San Jacinto and the Sts. Peter
and Paul Cathedral — three historical
churches that were built during the
Spanish era. Go sightseeing and trekking
along the Sierra Madre Mountains and
Callao Caves too.
SLEEP
Check in at the Pulsar Hotel
in the business district. It has spacious
guestrooms.
Tel: +63 78 304 1118; pulsar.
EAT
Try Café Michelle's (in Hotel Roma),
Asuncion’s, Jaksilog and Adri-Nel’s.
SHOP
Check out Mall of the Valley along
Calle Commercio.
MUST-TRY
Every traveler must taste the
pancit batil-patong. It is the Cagayano
version of pancit.
Patricia
Louise
Baua-Perez
nurse/stay-at-
homemom
PHILIPPINES
TUGUEGARAO
RAP RIOS
Experience a Life Uncommon at Php9,000 a month
The Residences at
Commonwealth
by
Century
