merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Feb 1, 2012, 6:10 am
  Taft Avenue just got more exciting as the famed street welcomes the latest addition to its line of dynamic dining and lifestyle establishments —The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Set to open in One Archer’s Place on Fidel Reyes St. near De La Salle University (DLSU), the new The Coffee Bean...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jan 12, 2012, 11:36 am
Do you want to increase your chances of getting more lucky for the year 2012?  Then waste no time and head for the nearest Fully Booked branch before the Year of the Dragon officially begins so that you can still purchase some of the remaining copies of The 2012 Water Dragon Lunar Calendar.  The w...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 17, 2011, 8:59 pm
A friend of mine showed me this news a few days ago from www.news.com.au in Australia,  regarding the Philippine tarsier, the world's smallest primate,  getting threatened by tourism.   It is sad that the government have been promoting the country to increase tourism and strengthen this sector o...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 3, 2011, 8:34 pm
photo from:  www.younoodle.com OFW remittances at an all-time high: social remittances as new currency from Global Pinoys  Remittances from Filipinos working overseas are at an all-time high.  And no, it’s not just because they’re sending back US dollars, Saudi Riyals, Euros or Japanese Yen...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Nov 18, 2011, 1:43 pm
Planning a tour around Manila?  Here are some important places to include whether it is a historical, religious, or tour of any nature.  Depending on the time you spend at each point of interest, this entire tour itinerary could take, at least, 1 day. The Coconut Palace, is where the current Vice-...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Nov 9, 2011, 7:22 am
The people of Bunawan have a good reason to throw a big party now that  Lolong has finally gained recognition as the world's biggest crocodile in captivity and we know what this means.  This will surely boost tourism in the area.  The once unknown town of Agusan will be one of the tourist-drawer ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Oct 24, 2011, 12:24 pm
Drawing inspiration from his grandmother who died of bone cancer, the very same illness that kept her wheelchair-bound, Councilor Alfred Vargas, the hardworking councilor of Quezon City, launched PWD (Persons with Disabilities)...PWeDe which aims to increase people's awareness of the plight of the P...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Oct 24, 2011, 11:47 am
We all know that Bulacan is one of the provinces that suffered from Ramon's wrath and the devastation caused a lot of suffering among the Bulakenyos.  During times like these, Filipinos never fail to extend their hands whether it be volunteering to help evacuees or donating food and clothing.  In ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Oct 3, 2011, 7:03 am
I stayed in this idyllic town in Leyte for 3 weeks for work and pleasure and those 3 weeks were one of those I would fondly recall always.    I let my hair down and just simply relaxed on this beach which is 50 meters away from the cottage inside Visayas State University, one of the premier...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Sep 17, 2011, 11:16 am
(Photo from:  Bruce Casanova) I was one of those who monitored the pageant on Sept. 12, because, for the first time, I was convince the crown belongs to Shamsey Supsup, the Philippines' bet for the Miss Universe title.  I believe Shamsey is one of the really good representatives that we have...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Sep 15, 2011, 10:44 am
Who has not heard of "Lolong,"  the buwaya, or crocodile that was caught in Bunawan, a town in the province of Agusan del Sur, on Sept 3, 2011?   Well, everyone probably has.  Lolong was finally caught three weeks after some experienced crocodile hunters and locals carefully planned to capture t...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Aug 25, 2011, 7:07 am
Looking for a great vacation spot? If you're a travel enthusiast or just in the mood to have a weekend getaway with your loved ones, then you should definitely visit the 22nd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM).  This will be held from September 2-4 at a bigger venue which is the SMX Convention Cent...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Aug 20, 2011, 1:51 pm
  When the Andalucia docked in Maasin, Leyte, I couldn't help but think that my stars were working in my favor (as they always do), considering that I missed my chance to see it when it docked in Manila and I didn't even have an inkling that it was going to follow me all the way to Leyte Province ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Nov 14, 2010, 9:06 am
In a secluded part of the scenic district of San Isidro, Rodriguez, (formerly known as Montalban), Rizal, lies Avilon Zoo, otherwise called Montalban Zoological Park.    This 7.5 hectare zoological park is considered the largest in the Philippines.  I had attempted to pay it a visit a mill...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Sep 8, 2010, 2:27 pm
Life is very laid back in this small but pretty town of Laguna, is probably what you will be thinking once you set your feet here.  Vestiges of Spanish colonialism is very evident in each turn you make from the town center, to the church (naturally) and to the municipal hall.   The town of ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Aug 16, 2010, 11:02 pm
The town of Pila is Laguna's response to the Vigan of Ilocos in that Pila's old homes have preserved the Spanish architecture that characterized them: carved wooden balustrades, wooden or iron bars crossing the shuttered windows that give natural ventilation,  recessed porches and balconies, ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Aug 5, 2010, 3:45 am
Cebu Pacific's inflight magazine writes Neva's as one of the places to go to get delicious pizza and other kind of good food in Puerto Prinsesa.  It is a simple affair, nestled in a garden full of ornamental plants and trees, but the food is far from simple. Their menu is quite ecclectic.  No tell...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Aug 2, 2010, 11:38 pm
Like any tourist destination, there are many souvenir items for sale at every tourist site in Palawan.  If you go to Honda Bay, there are vendors that sell souvenir items such as t-shirts, fancy pearl jewelries, ref magnets, key chains, and the like.  They are very affordable.  T-shirts can...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jul 29, 2010, 12:15 pm
For P40, one can see these dangerous reptiles at the Palawan Wildlife and Rescue Center, which was formerly called Crocodile Farming Institure.   It is a breeding facility for the c. porosus and c.mindorensis type of crocodiles.  The big ones you see here are the older crocs which you find ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jul 24, 2010, 11:07 am
If you can see a dead mangrove submerged for over a year in sea water, chances are, you will be able to see this slimy, worm-looking creature that lives and feeds on the flesh of the dead mangrove.  It is called Tamilok and according to people who have tasted it, its flesh tastes like the flesh of ...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jul 11, 2010, 3:15 pm
  Baker's Hill is a travel destination in Puerto Prinsesa because it is a business establishment with a unique format.  It is a combination of a refreshment parlor and theme park, and unlike some theme parks privately run, there is no entrance fee at Baker's Hill.  So coming here is not only refr...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jul 9, 2010, 1:23 am
After hopping around the many islets of Honda Bay, I felt I was already acclimatized with the seas of Palawan and that it was time for me to enjoy the natural wonders that Palawan boasts of.  As you all know,  the Subterranean  River of Palawan  is the official nominee of the Philippines for the...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jun 7, 2010, 3:57 am
Taal Volcano was a picture of tranquility when we went there one day in April.   The sight of the world's smallest active volcano instantly wiped away the sweat from our long ride from Los Banos, Laguna, the muggy air disappeared.   This volcano which lies within the lake which is also insid...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - May 29, 2010, 2:31 am
I was in Quezon Memorial Circle this afternoon and I chanced upon this mini amusement center currently being constructed inside the big Quezon City landmark.  This new attraction at the QCMC showcases thrilling rides like the Wild Wind.  This is actually like the Space Shuttle of Enchanted K...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Apr 29, 2010, 12:48 pm
Liliw is one of the towns in Laguna province and it is famous for its footwear industry.  Most of its products can be seen on display at large department stores in malls in big cities such as Metro Manila (but with a different price tag, naturally).   These products have really been a big help to...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Mar 7, 2010, 12:12 pm
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Feb 7, 2010, 11:18 am
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 19, 2009, 5:02 am
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 14, 2009, 11:36 pm
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Sep 21, 2009, 11:03 pm
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Sep 15, 2009, 2:01 am
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Sep 4, 2009, 1:36 am
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jul 3, 2009, 1:04 am
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Jul 3, 2009, 1:03 am
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
Because Palawan in itself is an archipelago, island hopping is an activity that should not be skipped.  Each island in the entire archipelago has a distinct characteristic.   So on the second day, Honda Bay was my destination.  Honda Bay is the gateway to Starfish Island, Lu-li (lulubog-lilitaw...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
On weekends, one of the most visited areas in Tagaytay, which is just about an hour drive away from Manila, is the Tagaytay Picnic Grove.  Just like myself, people come here for various reasons.   I particularly appreciate the cool breeze that comes from Taal Lake.  It is one of the things that i...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
                                                        Starfish Island off Honda Bay How does one start recounting good times,  enchanting scenery, mouth-watering food,  and  natural wonders?   This is what I experienced during my 4-...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
Pagsanjan River is totally awesome. Covering the municipalities of Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Lumban, a cruise down its waters will provide riders a chance to appreciate nature, both on land and on the waters. For starters, Pagsanjan River is the major source of water, food and income for the three muni...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
For history buffs, this landmark will be interesting. As you exit Sta. Juliana of Capas, Tarlac, you'll pass Capas National Shrine which was constructed to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who died during the infamous Death March which occurred after Bataan fell on the hands of the Japanese....
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
Nobody prepared me for the stunning welcome when I finally reached the crater of Mt. Pinatubo one weekend in December 2009. The aquamarine lake water was cool and calm. The surroundings tranquil, but occasionally broken by excited cries of trekkers and mountaineers. The beauty of the lake, mes...
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merce m posted an article on Manila Traveler - Dec 31, 1969, 7:00 pm
Calamba is a peaceful, moderately large city in Laguna, a province in the southern part of Manila which is famous for being the birthplace of our national hero. When newcomers reach the town proper, this giant earthen pot, sitting atop a cave-like structure is what greets them. Some words ar...
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