12 Hottest Destinations in the Philippines this 2019

Tweet

With 7,641 islands, it’s really fun to explore the Philippines and its famous tourists spots plus hidden gems. There are numerous activities to do and places to explore for all types of travelers.

Check out and make sure to add these hot local destinations right now to your 2019 bucket list! 

According to Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading online booking platform for hotels, flights as well as activities and attractions, the places on this list have seen a 74% increase in tourist arrivals from 2018 to 2019.

1. Basco, Batanes (+386% arrivals)

More local airlines are offering flights to Batanes - making ticket prices more competitive, and even cheaper than before! If flying from Manila, it’ll take two hours to get to Basco, the provincial capital. 

Known as the New Zealand of the Philippines because of all the greenery, Batanes is home to the Vayang Rolling Hills, Mount Iraya, and to Valugan Boulder Beach. Travelers are drawn to the overall relaxing feel the island gives.

Best Time to Go: December to February

Popular Batanes Hotels in Traveloka: Shanedel's Inn, DDD Habitat Lodging House, Nathaniel's Lodge

2. Legazpi City (+197% arrivals)

Touted as the “City of Fun and Adventure,” Legazpi City is one of the best places for adrenaline junkies and history buffs. Some of the famous attractions include Albay Park And Wildlife, Cagsawa Ruins Park, and Daraga Church.

Meanwhile, the Legazpi City government announced its latest tourism ventures: a four-kilometer “Walk Meter” at the Legazpi Port District for joggers and visitors, and the Bay and Marine Park Information Center. The latter is for visitors who’d like to know more about the Albay Gulf and Polique Cove.

Best Time to Go: March to June

Popular Legazpi City Hotels in Traveloka: Mayon Backpackers Hostel, F2M Tower, The Oriental Legazpi

3. General Santos (+174% arrivals)

When in General Santos, visitors can now enjoy a more refreshing time at the improved Plaza Heneral Santos. The place has been planted with more trees, making it ideal for joggers and nature-lovers. Don’t forget to try their famous tuna and to explore more of this city down south.

Best Time to Go: March to May

Popular General Santos Hotels in Traveloka: RSG Microhotel, Hotel Giorgio, Dayo Suites

4. Laoag City (+160% arrivals)

The local government of Laoag was recently dubbed top performer in the 2018 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for Infrastructure in Region 1. This means travelers can expect better roads, bridges, and buildings when they visit the city. It’s time to try their drool-worthy empanadas and visit the famous Malacanang of the North.

Best Time to Go: May to June

Popular Laoag City Hotels in Traveloka: West Gate Hotel, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, UKL Ever Resort Hotel

5. Subic Bay (+95% arrivals)

Since it’s very accessible and has several attractions for travelers of all ages including Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure Park, and Inflatable Island, it’s no surprise that Subic Bay remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike. 

If you want a thrilling overnight stay, then why not book a night at Zoobic Safari’s GlampZ. Putting their own spin on “glamping”, Zoobic Safari has several container vans that have been converted into comfortable overnight stays with a full day’s meals, a day tour, train ride and a visit from the zoos smaller and friendlier animals.

Best Time to Go: November to May

Popular Subic Hotels in Traveloka: Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel

6. Siargao Islands (+90% arrivals)

Previously more associated with surfing, Siargao has made a name for itself as a great destination for beach and nature lovers because of its breathtaking scenery, beautiful sand, and crystal clear waters.

Thanks to more airline opening flights to Siargao, it’s now easier and faster to reach the island and its awesome landmarks including the Magpupungko tidal pools and lagoons as well as the Sohoton cave.

Best Time to Go: March to October; August to November

Popular Siargao Hotels in Traveloka: Patrick's on the Beach Resort, Ocean 101 Beach Resort, Viento del Mar

7. Angeles,  Pampanga (+53% arrivals) 

With several attractions, such as Deca Wake Park and Zoocobia Fun Zoo, and new businesses opening up shop in San Fernando and its surrounding areas, it isn't hard to see why Pampanga is quickly transitioning from a fairly sleepy province (albeit the infamous Walking Street) to the bustling metropolis it is becoming.

Moreover, going to Angeles City is now easier than ever! Take the new P2P bus from Robinsons Galleria to SM Clark Pampanga. 

Best Time to Go: January to February

Popular Angeles Hotels in Traveloka: DM Residente Hotel, Eurotel Angeles, Red Planet Angeles City

8. Dumaguete  City (+39% arrivals) 

Named as the Best Place to Retire in the Philippines last August 2018 by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Dumaguete City garnered an average of 87.48% and won over more popular cities such as Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod. Factors that were taken into consideration include “cost of living, the warmth of the community, climate, health care provisions, as well as peace and unity”.

Best Time to Go: June to August

Popular Dumaguete Hotels in Traveloka: The Flying Fish Boutique Hostel, Gabby's Bed and Breakfast, Go Hotels Dumaguete

9. Alaminos City (+38% arrivals)

Newly constructed, the 56-foot statue of Christ the Savior on top of Pilgrimage Island in Alaminos City is definitely a sight to behold. Tourists have to climb up 263 steps from the beach to get to the top and to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the nearby islets.

Alaminos City is the gateway to the famed Hundred Islands National Park and is one of the main reasons why people flock to the area - after all, you can go camping, snorkeling, kayaking, or beach bumming.

Best Time to Go: November to April

Popular Alaminos City Hotels in Traveloka: Villa Antolin Hotel, Asia Novo Boutique Hotel - Alaminos, Islandia Hotel

10. Cagayan de Oro (+29% arrivals)

Are you a night market lover? Visitors of CDO can now enjoy haggling various goods at the Divisoria Night Cafe and Night Market. Whether you’re there to snack on a variety of street food or to buy clothes at a steal, there’s something for everyone to buy!

Best Time to Go: March to June

Popular Batanes Hotels in Traveloka: Red Planet Cagayan De Oro, St Nicolas Inn, GV Hotel Cagayan de Oro

11. Naga (+17% arrivals)

If you love thrill and adventure, make sure to visit Naga’s Adventure Park, Mount Isarog National Park, Caramoan Beach, and Malabsay Falls.

Don't forget to skip Bicol's newest culinary destination, Que Pasa. This Spanish restaurant in Naga has an attractive setting, making it IG-worthy as well. Of course, the food is heavenly with a capital H.

Best Time to Go: May to June

Popular Naga Hotels in Traveloka: Eurotel Naga, CBD Plaza Hotel, Villa Caceres Hotel

12. Tacloban City (+13% arrivals)

Tacloban has come a long way since it was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda - with life slowly going back to normal, one of the best ways to bring money back into the city is by supporting local tourism. And why not?

Often used as a jump off point for Samar and Leyte, guests can visit nearby Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park, the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, and Tulaan Falls. Other things to try out is the local cuisine, specifically chocolate moron, binagol, and food at Ocho Seafood Grill.

Best Time to Go: February to March, May to July

Popular Tacloban Hotels in Traveloka: Zpad Residences, Go Hotels Tacloban, Hotel Estrella

Ready for your next adventure? Book your hotels with Traveloka to get the best deals! 

WESTLIFE ‘The Twenty Tour’ Celebrating 20 Years of Hits

Tweet

WESTLIFE is back and in full swing with The Twenty Tour! Celebrating their 20th anniversary with 14 number one hits, the band brings their much-awaited reunion tour to Asia including MANILA on July 30, 2019 at the Araneta Coliseum.

'The Twenty Tour' is Westlife's fastest selling tour of all time. The band sold an incredible 400,000 tickets in just 48 hours. The shows will see the global pop kings perform their greatest hits and all 14 of their UK No.1 hits including ‘Swear It Again’, ‘Flying Without Wings’, ‘If I Let You Go’, ‘My Love’, ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘A World Of Our Own’, ‘Unbreakable’, ‘Mandy’, and ‘You Raised Me Up’.

Being the UK’s top selling album group of the 21st century, Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian have also returned with their highly anticipated first new single in eight years, ‘Hello My Love’, which is written and produced by superstar hitmarkers Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac.

Westlife have sold over 55 million records worldwide, and are the only band to have their first 7 singles enter the UK chart at No.1. They also have the most singles of any artist to debut at No.1 in the UK. Overall the band have had an incredible 14 No.1 singles, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. They have had 33 No.1 albums worldwide and as a live act have sold 5 million concert tickets worldwide.

Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets to WESTLIFE - 'The Twenty Tour' in MANILA will be on-sale beginning March 30 viaTicketNet.com.ph and at all TicketNet outlets nationwide.

#WESTLIFEManila2019 

ALL ABOUT THE HUSTLE: MEET YELLOW CAB’S SO WORTH IT SQUAD

Tweet

MANILA, Philippines - Today’s generation of hustlers get a lot of flak by virtue of their age, but if Yellow Cab’s So Worth It Squad is anything to go by, it is that they embody the hunger, grit, and courage needed to make big things happen.

After securing indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben, Yellow Cab has welcomed eight more personalities to its list of brand ambassadors: filmmaker, columnist, musician, and production studio head Quark Henares; dynamic streetwear duo Emil and Vince Javier of Don’t Blame the Kids (DBTK); visual artist and muralist Anina Rubio; collegiate basketball stand-outs UP Fighting Maroons; writer, editor, and mental health advocate Pam Pastor; social entrepreneur Anya Lim; stand-up comic Red Ollero; and writer, performer, filmmaker, host, and dance teacher Mika Fabella.

From launching a local streetwear brand, championing Filipinos today through storytelling, growing one of the country’s first social and cultural enterprises, raising awareness of mental health, to exceeding expectations of collegiate basketball fans, the So Worth It Squad has taken the unconventional path, showing how important it is to have that ever-present fuel to be more, do more, and give more.

“The So Worth It Squad is comprised of individuals who we feel best represent the values that we also stand for as a brand—resilience, ingenuity, and grit,” said Charlene Sapina, Marketing Operations Head of Yellow Cab Pizza Co. “They are those who have never been shy about taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, leveraging on skills, love for their craft, and hunger for what they believe is so worth it.”

They may come from different backgrounds, but for Ben&Ben lead singer Miguel Guico, the So Worth It Squad have a great thing in common—a healthy appetite for possibilities. “For Ben&Ben, friendship, hunger, and love for music have driven us as a group,” said Guico. “We just had to pursue it, even when we were not earning as much or playing to small crowds, even if logic would tell us otherwise. We enjoyed the feeling of playing together and playing for our audience.”

Filmmaker Quark Henares shares that another trait that the So Worth It Squad share is a thirst for their craft. “Choosing the creative, unconventional path means that you never stop learning and growing. I think that’s the kind of hunger that we all share,” said Henares. “I’m proud to be part of a group that embodies a desire for learning and excelling.”

The So Worth It Squad is not just notable for being mavericks in their respective fields. Visual artist and muralist Anina Rubio shares that at the root of all their stories is a deeper hunger, one for meaningful work that will touch the lives of a lot of Filipinos. “My desire to break out from my previous career came from wanting work that brings me happiness and meaning,” shared Rubio. 

“We all have this sense that the work we do has a higher purpose, whether it’s inspiring people to pursue a life in the arts, providing sustainable livelihood, or helping people improve their health. That’s the hunger that keeps us going and makes the hustle so worth it.”

As a brand, Yellow Cab understands what it means to be the challenger and the kind of hustle it takes to realize what Filipinos believe is so worth it. It hopes that in sharing their stories, the So Worth It Squad would inspire more Filipinos to stay hungry, to keep hustling, and to power through until they make it. 

For more information about Yellow Cab’s So Worth It Squad, please visit yellowcabpizza.com/soworthitsquad/.

Q.C. Dining Destination 13 UBAY Celebrates Filipino Creativity with Painting Exhibit

Tweet

Eight talented local artists led by renowned painter Fernando Sena came together to celebrate creativity and the indomitable Filipino spirit in an exhibit hosted by 13 UBAY in Quezon City. Sena, who is best known for his still life renderings of the ubiquitous pan de sal, is joined by Bernardo Maac, Mario Villanueva, Angelito Lepalma, Agnes Batallones, Jojo Garcia, Dennis Tresvalles, and Joval Kisinamal in a special, month-long art exhibit at the restaurant titled Embracing Filipino Food and Art. 

Guests at the restaurant can appreciate the artworks that range from still lifes, to street scenes, and abstracts, all done in vivid colors and in different forms and techniques that capture the eye and imagination. 

The food and ambience at 13 UBAYT make the perfect backdrop for this artistic endeavour, as the menu is composed of food that is familiar to the Filipino palate, with bestsellers such as Beef Pares, Chicken Inasal and SinaingnaTulingan, in a setting that is homey and approachable. 

During the opening ceremony for Embracing Food and Art, Sena congratulated 13 UBAY for the exhibit concept, saying that he hopes that will be more venues to highlight Filipino talent in visual arts. The restaurant welcomes more collaborations with local artists as it hopes to establish itself as an art hub in Quezon City while providing its guests with visual and gustatory feasts through its ambience and home-style Filipino food. 

The Embracing Food and Art exhibit at 13 UBAY is still ongoing.

The Banawe neighborhood restaurant is located at 13 Ubay St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City. For more information and to view the menu, visit 13 UBAY on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT 13 UBAY:

13 UBAY is a dining destination in the Banawe area of Quezon City, offering Casual Filipino dining in a relaxed homey ambience that inspires creativity.

Galileo and Add-Venture Learning presents “Awesome Singapore Math Add-Ventures”

Tweet

Why Is Math so important for kids and all to learn?

It is next to impossible to live an independent life without basic math skills. Children begin to learn about money in the early elementary grades. Math skills taught in early childhood education are designed to provide the foundation children need to succeed in elementary school and beyond.

We must encourage everyone, kids and all to excel in this area to increase functioning and opportunities in life and career as a result.

Why is Singapore Math popular among schools around the world?

The roots of this homegrown approach to Math started from a country with a population that struggled with Mathematics. Like most developing countries, they depended on textbooks and curriculum from foreign publishers. Recognizing the important role of Math education in shaping the citizens’ global proficiency, the Ministers of Education decided to take charge of the country's learning roadmap and developed an approach never before used in the world. 

Enter Singapore Math, a teaching method that places emphasis on mathematical fluency through problem-solving without the need for rote learning and memorization. Fewer topics are introduced per level but discussed in greater detail, allowing deeper understanding and creating a strong foundation for higher math learning.

This change in direction proved effective as the country reaped its benefits. Since 1995, Singapore has consistently ranked first (or in the top three) in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). The tables suddenly turned and Singapore Math became the resource and standard of effective approaches to learning Math. Now, over 25 countries including USA, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, and Israel (including the Philippines) have incorporated Singapore Math into their textbooks

As one of the pioneers in advancement in learning, Galileo Enrichment Learning Program was the first to introduce Singapore Math as an after-school program and the first to hold Singapore Math Festivals in the Philippines. The Galileo Singapore Math Program aims to enhance the Math skills of students aged 6-12 through the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) Approach. This learning strategy allows the student to represent math concepts first through actual and concrete objects, then reinforced with a visual method called bar modeling, before finally progressing to mental solving techniques.

To strengthen its Singapore Math Program, Galileo has partnered with Add-Venture Learning, a publishing and training company headquartered in Singapore. Add-Venture Learning specializes in making Singapore Math an enjoyable experience for students through their game packages, apps, magazines, and training. Behind their products are prominent figures in the world of Singapore Math and are recognized for their contribution in shaping and training Singapore teachers of the Ministry of Education.

The two educational think tanks have shared teaching and learning philosophies which complement their approach to making learning fun and meaningful through play. Both Galileo and Add-Venture believe that a child learns best by enjoying what is taught. Both companies employ game-play elements and a variety of activities to bring amusement, wonder, and knowledge in every engagement of any child.

To introduce the partnership, Galileo and Add-Venture Learning held a special event entitled “Awesome Singapore Math Add-Ventures.” 

The event discussed the hows and whys of Singapore Math by demonstrating how to unlock sample Math problems. The discussion was handled by Dr. Queena Lee-Chua, one of the leading minds in Math and an advocate of Singapore Math. She was joined by Scott L. Chua, who shared his experiences of transitioning into a Singapore Math program and how it helped shape his Math skills.

For more details on the Singapore Math Program and the Add-Venture Learning materials, contact the Head Office at 845-1234 or select centers: Galileo Legaspi, Makati City (810-8506); Galileo Better Living, Parañaque (846-5398, 0998-793-9363); Galileo Malabon (362-3154); Galileo Parada, Valenzuela (291-1136, 0948-365-2970); Galileo Sta. Rosa, Laguna (502-7023, 0988 554 8101); and Galileo Bacolod (433-4713, 0917-801-0338).