ILOCOS PROVINCES

Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and its metropolitan area is the country's economic, cultural, educational, and industrial center.

Shopping in Manila is a way of life. Almost everywhere you go are stores, shops, boutiques from the small corner store to the giant malls that you can find almost everywhere you go in Metro Manila.

The walled city of Intramuros is a must see for tourist. Within its walls are the centuries old Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church & Museum. Also inside it’s walls is Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress and garrison -now a park. Located at the mouth of Pasig River, Intramuros was built to defend Manila from invaders. Today, inside the walled city are houses from the Spanish times that have survived. Some have been converted into cozy restaurants, museums, dormitories and souvenir shops.

Manila Ocean Park, located at the back of Quirino Grand Stand in Rizal Park, Manila. It is a multi-million, state-of-the-art oceanarium complex with an open water marine habitat, restaurants, function rooms and marine research facilities.

Malacañang Palace - The official residence of the president of Philippines. It also houses some government offices, the Malacañang Museum and the Presidential Museum. The palace is an 18th century villa along the Pasig river located in the center of Manila. It was purchased by the Spanish government in 1825 and has been renovated and expanded through the decades. Malacanang Palace was first used as the Spanish Governor-General's summer residence. In 1937 became the official residence of the Philippine President. Manuel L. Quezon was the first Filipino chief executive to live in Malacañang Palace.

Bicol Region

The Bicol Region of southeastern Luzon is made up of the Provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate. Legazpi City, capital of Albay, is centrally located in the region and is accessible from Manila in less than a hour by plane or in a few hours by bus.

One of the famous tourist attraction. It is known for its perfect cone. It is located in Legaspi. The volcano stands majestically at 7,946 ft. and base is 10 km. in radius. And nearly the volcano is the Cagsawa Ruins - in 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted and sent lava flows cascading down its sides. The townspeople of Cagsawa fled to the church where they perished when it was engulfed in the fiery flows. Today, only the church tower remains as a memorial. There are also so called - " Mayon little sisters" it is Mounts Isarog, Iriga and Bulusan.

There are also breathtaking caves and spelunking Calabidongan Caves(at the above), Hoyop-Hoyopan Caves, Del Rosario Caves, Minaroso caves.

Yehey!!! Its time to cool down on the beaches. These are Sogod Beach, Buhatan Beach, Cagraray Island, Batan Island, San Lorenzo Beach, Putsan Beach, Kilayukay Beach, Ilologan Beach, Roca Baluarte and Rizal Beach.

Dubbed as "Switzerland of the Orient" located at the center of the Bulusan National Park.