Out!
October - November 2007
Vol. 1.2


Hot and Cool Lovers' Getaways
By Roda Novenario

Like many couples know, even the perfect love affairs need spice sometimes. Out-of-town getaways usually do the trick so we compiled the top three hot and cool getaways for you. Take a peek, take a trip. We promise it will be a lot of fun.

Fire Hot!
1. Boracay Island, Panay
This island-paradise is the travel destination of dreams. Long stretches of gleaming white sand. Distractions that suit all tastes, be it diving, snorkeling, banana boat rides, parasailing and whatever else. Bars are awake, all day and night. Food options are abundant and buffet meals often pack in the best of Filipino and seafood cuisine. Boracay is the first stop for serious beach party people.

Not to miss are drinking challenges at Moondog's Shooter, breakfast at English Bakery (3 branches in Bora), homemade Italian ice cream at Caffe 1920, fruit shakes at Jonah's Fruit Shake & Snack Bar, and coffee at Real Coffee & Tea Café. There are good food place scattered mostly on the stretch of White Beach so just take your pick and indulge.

If you're itching for something different, try a romantic paraw (native boat) tour that can come with a meal for two. Mountain bike trails around Boracay can also be a great way to see the island. There are bikes for rent in several places along the beach.

2. Panglao Beach, Bohol
Panglao is diver heaven, with its shore reef already lush with colorful corals and interesting tropical fish. The waters close to the beach have patches of sea grasses, and there's a resident green and black pufferfish on the leftmost side, facing the water. Likewise, it is surrounded by some of the best dive sites in the country.

Balicasag Island, just 10 minutes off Panglao by boat, is a world-renowned dive destination. Its periphery is made up of several dive sites. Some notables are the Black Coral Forest, where you can explore rare black corals at less than 100 feet deep; and the Cathedral Wall, with its several wall formations that teem with marine life. Pamilacan Island (30 minutes from Panglao) also has a marine sanctuary and a great beach to laze around in.

Panglao also draws travelers interested in dolphin and whale watching. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed if you set out very early in the morning (5AM).

3. Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Galera is great for its proximity from Manila, active night scene, the Mindoro Sling, White Beach's long stretch of beach, and Sabang's dive shops every 5 feet. There are also very good dive sites that pepper the waters of Galera, mostly close to Sabang Beach. A trek to Tamaraw falls is likewise a great way to while the day away.

Mass tourism however has caused some visible degradation in its snorkeling and diving areas. Hopefully, some steps are taken to revive Galera waters.

Cool Getaways
1. Baguio, Benguet
Everyone reading this has probably gone to Baguio. It's one of the more accessible mountain vacation spots, just an 8 hour bus ride away from Manila. And I'm sure we all wouldn't mind going back to Baguio. Baguio is cool and homey; and walking its streets, even if you're not from there, seem safe.

There are the usual tourist spots for newbies and it's always best to plan a route. If you want a packed day, it might be best to hire a jeep or cab for going around. Drivers are often fair and in good spirits. Don't miss the Bell Church near La Trinidad, the strawberry fields of La Trinidad, the Philippine Military Academy and Tam-awan Village.

The cityscape has changed a lot lately. There's already an SM, the only "open" SM I know of. Some old nooks have given in to age and "more happening" places.

Le Fondue at L' Azotea is still there for nightly acoustic sets and inuman ambience. Burnham Park is still a great place for jogging, boating, biking and having picnics. Café by the Ruins remains a favorite for native cuisine. The new OMG! offers an alternative music venue and vegetarian food.

2. Sagada, Mountain Province
Sagada is THE spelunking destination in the country. There are several intricate caves to choose from, and guides are trained and well equipped in aiding caving newbies. The most popular is the Sumaging cave or the Big Cave. It takes about 3 hours to finish a typical tour of this cave; and there is an option to traverse into and out of Lumiang cave for an additional 2 hours. Add in a couple of falls and mountain trails, hanging coffins, limestone cliffs, fresh vegetables, great weather and un-crowded streets - Sagada is perfect!

Don't miss out on the Masferre Photographs and Sagada Weaving demos.

3. Banaue
Banaue is a small mountain town surrounded by picturesque rice terraces. Sometimes referred to as the "8th wonder of the world," these terraces are the town's main attraction. The best ones are often a ride and hike away; and make for an unforgettable adventure, with its bumpy edge-of-seat ride and the typical walk-up the terraces walls. (Some physical dexterity is required for these hikes.) When in Banaue, try to see the terraces of Batad and Cambulo. If pressed for time, The Viewpoint offers a more accessible alternative.

Through the years, the state of these terraces has declined due to damaged irrigation systems, mass tourism, and neglect. It is even in danger of being taken off Unesco's World Heritage Site list. Immediate steps towards the terraces' rehabilitation are needed.