Go dancing each day the Panglao way by Jysmon Sean
SITTING at the foot of Bohol just a short sea-trip from Cebu, Panglao Island has already proved itself to be the new playground of the Philippines...and thousands (if not millions) of dollars of investment money is being poured in to develop the island.
Already it has twice helped Bohol to win the Tourist Destination of the Year contest in the Philippines and hopes to help a third time at the Manila trade exhibition this September when it showcases the beauty of its beaches.
There are even plans approved by President Gloria Arroyo to develop a domestic airport on the island to take over from Tagbilaran Airport, with the intention to upgrade it to international status at some time in the future, to make it easier for the island's thousands of visitors to reach the coral-white sandy shores which surround it on all sides.
There are resorts dotted all around the sandy shores of the island, which connects to mainland Bohol at Tagbilaran and Bool via two road bridges, and each resort is situated in its own grounds on the edge of a sapphire sea.
Already well-known by scuba divers for the diversity of its fish life in the off-islands of Pamilacan, Balicasag and Pungtod, which are easily reached from the main resort area of Alona Beach, the rest of the island is also developing with top-class resorts: Land has already been put aside for a new Tourism Estate.
The off-islands sport hammerhead sharks, some rays, massive schools of jackfish and barracudas, and there are resident dolphins playing just off the beaches, plus (in the right season) whale-sharks. It is also well-known for the inordinate number of nudibranch and pygmy fish (including seahorses) which inhabit the coral reefs on its southern side.
Bohol itself takes pride in Panglao Island, although sometimes other towns in the area become a little jealous - especially since Panglao town itself has won the prestigious street dancing competition in Tagbilaran's Sandugo four times in a row, the only two in the history of Bohol to do so. Now the island town has been asked to 'take a rest' for a while by the Sandugo Foundation to give another town on Bohol a chance to win!
The 'dance capital' of Panglao is not too worried: the Sandugo street festival in July is only the live rehearsal for its' own major event - the Hudyaka sa Panglao which takes place on August 28th every year in the grounds of its parish church. Then the ten barangays of the municipality compete fiercely with each other to see which is the best of the best.
Its' own dance festival brings back ex-Panglao residents from all over the world, and instead of making a day of it, the music and dance lovers of Panglao try and make a whole week of it...and more. Actually, they take nine days and the whole town has a festive atmosphere with parties all over the place.
The big party starts off in earnest at 2pm every August 28th when several hundred dancers and their accompanying bands with their distinctive beat queue up outside the Municipal Hall to dance and parade their way to the grounds of San Agustin Church, where the 'real' party is held on the green. Now the people of Bohol can really see what they have missed out on by telling them to 'take a breather!'
A funfair atmosphere is already in motion - and has been for days! - and the dancers entertain until well past sunset to compete for the 'best of the best' prize.
About the Author
Philippine Wide provides quick information on traveling in the Philippines. Philippine Travel Guide, Restaurant Reservation, Diving Spots, Best Spa and Beach Resorts Reservation Services - Reservation Services for Boracay and other destinations in the country.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Amanpulo Pamalican Island In The Philippines by Ian SG Smith
Amanpulo Pamalican Island In The Philippines by Ian SG Smith
Arrival at Amanpulo in the Philippines actually starts before you ever get there!!
You are taken on arrival at Manila airport to the private Aman lounge prior to boarding the hotels own private twin prop aircraft which flies you directly to the resort. That is some style!!
The first thing that happens on arrival is that you are given the grand tour of the resort, before being taken to your 'casitta'/banda/villa.
We were lucky enough to have a beach casitta, which stood only a short path away from what was almost our own private beach, and what a beach. Imagine white talcum powder as far as the eye can sea, backed by the most beautiful shades of turquoise and pale blue and green sea. I thought I'd seen the finest beaches in the world in the Seychelles - not so!!
The casita has wall to wall windows, so the views of the water are absolutely spectacular.
There is a king sized bed, a huge bathroom with dressing area, separate shower and tub, all just A1.
Outside there is a large sun deck with two day beds and a hammock, and all totally private.
You can add to this the most exquisite cotton robe for lying around in, wonderful fluffy towels, toilet products, and fresh fruit every day.
After all that it comes as no surprise to discover that the food was another feature of Ananpulo. There is an a la carte menu, daily specials, and in fact whatever you want the chef will cook, and you can eat anywhere virtually at any time. A gastronomic paradise!!
Especially notable was the beach club paella, and the barbecues.
This isn't a resort for people who need to be entertained, with most activity being on or under the water, and then of course there is the beach!!
Probably the outstanding thing of all, was the unbelievable subtle and sophisticated level of service, rendering Amanpulo as one of the finest resorts anywhere.
About the Author
Andrew Watkins contributes to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com
Arrival at Amanpulo in the Philippines actually starts before you ever get there!!
You are taken on arrival at Manila airport to the private Aman lounge prior to boarding the hotels own private twin prop aircraft which flies you directly to the resort. That is some style!!
The first thing that happens on arrival is that you are given the grand tour of the resort, before being taken to your 'casitta'/banda/villa.
We were lucky enough to have a beach casitta, which stood only a short path away from what was almost our own private beach, and what a beach. Imagine white talcum powder as far as the eye can sea, backed by the most beautiful shades of turquoise and pale blue and green sea. I thought I'd seen the finest beaches in the world in the Seychelles - not so!!
The casita has wall to wall windows, so the views of the water are absolutely spectacular.
There is a king sized bed, a huge bathroom with dressing area, separate shower and tub, all just A1.
Outside there is a large sun deck with two day beds and a hammock, and all totally private.
You can add to this the most exquisite cotton robe for lying around in, wonderful fluffy towels, toilet products, and fresh fruit every day.
After all that it comes as no surprise to discover that the food was another feature of Ananpulo. There is an a la carte menu, daily specials, and in fact whatever you want the chef will cook, and you can eat anywhere virtually at any time. A gastronomic paradise!!
Especially notable was the beach club paella, and the barbecues.
This isn't a resort for people who need to be entertained, with most activity being on or under the water, and then of course there is the beach!!
Probably the outstanding thing of all, was the unbelievable subtle and sophisticated level of service, rendering Amanpulo as one of the finest resorts anywhere.
About the Author
Andrew Watkins contributes to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com
Wedding Anniversary Idea by Nathalie Fiset
Wedding Anniversary Idea by Nathalie Fiset
Wedding anniversary is a special celebration for couples as they mark another year into their marriage. There are many ideas couples can choose from to make their wedding anniversary as unforgettable as their own weddings. Many couples choose to take vacations and leaving kids and work behind for a few days while they go out of town or out of the country to celebrate. Others opt to celebrate with their families at home, in hotel, or a nearby resort. Wedding anniversary idea must be carefully planned; and it is not a difficult task. Here, we list some great choices you may want to consider for your wedding anniversary:
Out of Town Wedding Anniversary Idea:
1. Relive the honeymoon experience all over again by taking a trip to your favorite destination as a couple. Book a beachfront room in a romantic beach resort destination such as the Bahamas, Hawaii, Brazil, or the famed tropics of Asia such as Thailand, the Philippines, or even in Indonesia.
A 3- to 4-day trip in the scenic tropics will surely make the trip memorable as you sip wine and enjoy romantic meals by the sunset. Go snorkeling together and enjoy what nature has to offer. Mornings can be spent sipping coffee and reading, while savoring the view from your villa or cottage.
2. Backpacking in Asia for the adventurous, low maintenance couple is a unique way of celebrating anniversaries. Take a tour in Vietnam or Cambodia, and see the wonderful, majestic ruins of old civilizations. Book a room in a local hostel, and walk the streets together to sample local delicacies and purchase wares to take back home for the kids.
3. For couples who are strapped with time and are on a budget, booking a night or two in a bed and breakfast is a simple yet romantic way to celebrate anniversaries. With the variety of bed and breakfasts nowadays, couples can choose one with moods and themes that they would love.
This is also a perfect retreat for those who would like more quiet and simple ways to celebrate their wedding anniversaries. There are Victorian bed and breakfasts, and modern ones to choose from. Typically built from family residences, bed and breakfasts offer a homey vibe that couples will appreciate. Enjoy wine and snacks at night, or watch the sun come up together. Mornings are always pleasurable, one can opt to have breakfast served for them in bed or join others in main dining halls.
4. Rough it up and go camping! Enjoy an intimate camping trip to nearby woods or forests. This will provide you with perfect alone time to enjoy conversation, a warm cup of coffee by the woods, and being one with nature. Wake up together to dewy grass and foggy mornings, and a great day for hiking.
Celebrating at Home:
1. Make your wife feel extra special. If you have children, plan something with your kids for her to wake up to. For example, write in the bathroom mirror, "I love you". Or, when she gets home from work, cover the flooring from the main door in the house leading to the bedroom or the dining room for a sweet surprise. Have a home cooked meal waiting for her, and candle light dinner. Children can help bake a cake, and use icing to write a short sweet note on the cake.
2. Throw a small get together in the house with immediate family members and close friends to make it more intimate. Use a fun theme, such as a Hawaiian theme or 70's decade. Then, plan a video where you will say a sweet message to your spouse, and funny anecdotes from your marriage together to present to everyone as the highlight of the party.
3. Get married again! If you are celebrating 10 or more years of marriage, this would be a good time to get married again. Turn your backyard or garden into a sweet reception site, with close family and friends nearby to share the special moment. Each of you can say vows to each other, and during the toast, talk about the sweet and funny differences in this wedding compared to your first. This is an intimate and simple way of celebrating love and life again.
4. Plan for a portrait of you to be taken. Go to a professional photographer who can help you come up with a great romantic theme and shoot classic photos of you to hang in your living room. These kinds of photos will be cherished for a long time not only by you, but by your children and grandchildren.
Deciding what to do for wedding anniversaries is a perfect way for couples to express their individuality and togetherness as a couple. No matter what you choose, it will be an intimate reflection of your life together, and it will always be full of meaning.
About the Author
For more information on wedding planning, please go to: http://www.your-best-wedding.com/wedding-anniversary-idea.html http://www.your-best-wedding.com http://www.safepaydayloans.com http://www.drnathaliefiset.com
Wedding anniversary is a special celebration for couples as they mark another year into their marriage. There are many ideas couples can choose from to make their wedding anniversary as unforgettable as their own weddings. Many couples choose to take vacations and leaving kids and work behind for a few days while they go out of town or out of the country to celebrate. Others opt to celebrate with their families at home, in hotel, or a nearby resort. Wedding anniversary idea must be carefully planned; and it is not a difficult task. Here, we list some great choices you may want to consider for your wedding anniversary:
Out of Town Wedding Anniversary Idea:
1. Relive the honeymoon experience all over again by taking a trip to your favorite destination as a couple. Book a beachfront room in a romantic beach resort destination such as the Bahamas, Hawaii, Brazil, or the famed tropics of Asia such as Thailand, the Philippines, or even in Indonesia.
A 3- to 4-day trip in the scenic tropics will surely make the trip memorable as you sip wine and enjoy romantic meals by the sunset. Go snorkeling together and enjoy what nature has to offer. Mornings can be spent sipping coffee and reading, while savoring the view from your villa or cottage.
2. Backpacking in Asia for the adventurous, low maintenance couple is a unique way of celebrating anniversaries. Take a tour in Vietnam or Cambodia, and see the wonderful, majestic ruins of old civilizations. Book a room in a local hostel, and walk the streets together to sample local delicacies and purchase wares to take back home for the kids.
3. For couples who are strapped with time and are on a budget, booking a night or two in a bed and breakfast is a simple yet romantic way to celebrate anniversaries. With the variety of bed and breakfasts nowadays, couples can choose one with moods and themes that they would love.
This is also a perfect retreat for those who would like more quiet and simple ways to celebrate their wedding anniversaries. There are Victorian bed and breakfasts, and modern ones to choose from. Typically built from family residences, bed and breakfasts offer a homey vibe that couples will appreciate. Enjoy wine and snacks at night, or watch the sun come up together. Mornings are always pleasurable, one can opt to have breakfast served for them in bed or join others in main dining halls.
4. Rough it up and go camping! Enjoy an intimate camping trip to nearby woods or forests. This will provide you with perfect alone time to enjoy conversation, a warm cup of coffee by the woods, and being one with nature. Wake up together to dewy grass and foggy mornings, and a great day for hiking.
Celebrating at Home:
1. Make your wife feel extra special. If you have children, plan something with your kids for her to wake up to. For example, write in the bathroom mirror, "I love you". Or, when she gets home from work, cover the flooring from the main door in the house leading to the bedroom or the dining room for a sweet surprise. Have a home cooked meal waiting for her, and candle light dinner. Children can help bake a cake, and use icing to write a short sweet note on the cake.
2. Throw a small get together in the house with immediate family members and close friends to make it more intimate. Use a fun theme, such as a Hawaiian theme or 70's decade. Then, plan a video where you will say a sweet message to your spouse, and funny anecdotes from your marriage together to present to everyone as the highlight of the party.
3. Get married again! If you are celebrating 10 or more years of marriage, this would be a good time to get married again. Turn your backyard or garden into a sweet reception site, with close family and friends nearby to share the special moment. Each of you can say vows to each other, and during the toast, talk about the sweet and funny differences in this wedding compared to your first. This is an intimate and simple way of celebrating love and life again.
4. Plan for a portrait of you to be taken. Go to a professional photographer who can help you come up with a great romantic theme and shoot classic photos of you to hang in your living room. These kinds of photos will be cherished for a long time not only by you, but by your children and grandchildren.
Deciding what to do for wedding anniversaries is a perfect way for couples to express their individuality and togetherness as a couple. No matter what you choose, it will be an intimate reflection of your life together, and it will always be full of meaning.
About the Author
For more information on wedding planning, please go to: http://www.your-best-wedding.com/wedding-anniversary-idea.html http://www.your-best-wedding.com http://www.safepaydayloans.com http://www.drnathaliefiset.com
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