Filipinos are fond of eating. Aside from the average three meals a day, there are additional snacks in between. If people of other countries prefer to have pizzas when hungry, Filipinos satisfy their hunger with Pinoy streetfoods.

They are highly affordable and will surely satisfy your hunger. You can buy them in portable stalls in the streets, outside school gates and churches, parks and even in malls. As travellers, you should experience tasting them. Here are five of the streetfoods that you should not miss to try in the Philippines.

Balut – a boiled fertilized duck egg or chicken egg. Filipino culture revolves around this dish so don’t be surprised to hear a vendor shouting the word ‘’balut’’ in the evening. Enjoy this dish with a pinch of salt. Only here in the Philippines that you can have it bottled, pickled and even in omelette and adobo.

Fishballs and squidballs. They are balls formed from flaked fish or squid mixed with flour, deep fried and served with sauce. You can choose three kinds of dipping sauces- spicy, sweet or sweet and sour.

Isaw. It is a barbecued chicken intestine. It sounds like dirty but don’t worry, they are cleaned several times before grilling over charcoal. Usually, it’s marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, catsup and oil. For a more delicious taste, soak it with spicy vinegar while still hot.

Tokneneng and Kwek-kwek. An inexpensive yet delicious snack, tokneneng is a chicken egg made in an orangey mixture of flour, baking powder, water, salt and pepper. This is deeply fried until it becomes crispy. It tastes best when paired with vinegar with chilli. Kwek-kwek is likewise the same but quail eggs are used instead. Buy it for only seven to ten pesos.

Adidas. This is a grilled chicken feet which is a good partner for beer. Usually, it is boiled first and barbecued in a grill with a sweet and sour sauce. It can also be cooked in adobo style or just fried.

You can’t appreciate streetfoods if you just look at it. Try to taste it and you might ask for more. Eating streetfood is a great way to understand Filipino culture. There is nothing more authentic than the foods in the street. Go for the challenge and prepare for a wonderful streetfood adventure in the Philippines.

Check it out here: Free and Easy Packages

Before you travel to the Philippines, you should know what clothes to pack, not just those which are comfortable but also those which are appropriate and presentable. Everything you wear should depend on when and where you go. To complete your travel experience, have a taste of Pinoy fashion styles. Here are tips on how to visit Philippines with clothes fit for your activities and destinations.

Know the Weather

Is it summer or monsoon? In the Philippines, summer months are from April to May. Bring with you light and loose cotton clothes when you plan to have your visit during these months. Monsoons fall between June and October. The weather tends to be humid and rainy so don’t forget your portable umbrella, water proof shoes and light jackets.

Note the places you want to go

Beach?

Don’t forget your swim suits. For women, wearing bikini is okay but if you’re in one of the beaches in the province, wear shorts instead if you don’t want people staring at you. One option is wearing colorful beach dresses with sunglasses and hats to protect you from the heat of the sun.

Mountain?

If you’re headed to the mountains, bring a sweater or a jacket. Fleece or denim jackets would be fine with jeans. You can also wear scarf. Thick jackets are not necessary unless you are the type of person who shrinks in a cold weather.

Church?

Wear outfits that cover your shoulders and legs when visiting churches. Sleeveless and shorts are highly discouraged.

Set your activities.

Don’t miss great outdoor experiences in the Philippines. Go hiking with sandals or boots. Equipment for activities like snorkeling is not a problem. You can easily rent them. Always bring your camera. It’s not just a clothing accessory but your companion in capturing the moments of your travel experience.

Recommendations

Pack lightly and buy clothes at your destinations instead. Most cities in the Philippines sell really cheap clothing. Top spots for shopping clothes are Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Buy souvenir shirts. They come from various sizes, colours and styles. Feel free to choose what suits your taste.

It is fun in the Philippines but it would be more fun if you travel with the appropriate fashion statement. Therefore, be prepared with your outfits to make the most out of your visit.

Eskaya  is a 16-hectare beach resort and spa sprawling on varied landscape of cliff, flat land, ravine, caves and a spectacular view of the sea. A mountain of lush foliage meets the eye on the higher ground while five kilometres of white sand stretches down the beach, 600 meters of which is part of the resort.

A beautiful resort-spa located halfway through Panglao Island along its coast facing Mindanao Sea in the southernmost tip of Bohol, Philippines. It’s a 25-minute drive away from Tagbilaran City. Transfer to the island can be arranged by the hotel upon booking or through public transportation.

Accommodations

Eskaya offers 17 air-conditioned thatched villas or locally known as “balai” of spacious layouts, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature private pools. In-room entertainment systems come with cable TV, an iPod dock and DVD player. Balconies open to sea, mountain, or garden views. Each accommodation is individually furnished with a kitchen and basic utensils and decorated with Filipino touch of world-class comfort.

Facilities and Amenities

A private beach, health club, children’s playground, library and complimentary bicycles are featured at the hotel. There are 14 outdoor swimming pools and 4 spa tubs along with an indoor pool. In addition to a children’s pool, a sauna and a steam room are included. But the centre of attraction of the resort is the infinity pool which blends with the sea at its bluest.

The restaurant has plenty of sea and pool view serving local and international dishes. Special diet menus can be requested. Dining can be at the beach, poolside, garden, or in the comfort of villas. Leisure options include table tennis, horse riding and water sports like fishing and diving. After a tiring day, relax with soothing massages at the spa or in private spa pools.

Event space consisting of banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms are available. Moreover, babysitting, laundry, dry cleaning, breakfast in the room, ironing service, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, car hire, tour desk, room service and wedding services are provided.

Activities and Nearby Attractions

From the resort, there’s an easy access to Alona Beach. Or one can go island hopping, scuba-diving in Balicasag Island, whale-watching in Pamilacan Island, sunset cruise at Panglao Bay and more sight-seeing.

Guests can visit the famous Loboc River, the man-made forest, the Chocolate Hills, watch fireflies in Loay town and see the cute tarsiers. Other attractions include Baclayon Church and Museum, Alburquerque Church and Convent and the historical Blood Compact Site in Tagbilaran.

The name Eskaya refers to the only known indigenous people of Bohol. When interpreted, it means “first”. The resort, like the tribe, connotes pride, prestige and honour. A vibrant garden island resort is a unique place where guests are made to feel at home in their “balai”. This warmth and hospitality are part of the enchantment of Eskaya.

Want to stay at Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa while in Bohol?

Here’s our wonderful package:

Conditions apply

Photos courtesy of Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa

Shangri-La, one of Asia’s premiere hotel chains has a beautiful resort and spa in the Queen City of the Philippines– Cebu. Strategically set on a 13-hectare landscape of tropical greenery overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Visayan Sea, Mactan Channel, and some nearby islands.

Location

Located at Punta Engaño Beach in the quiet Eastern side of Mactan Island, it’s a 15-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and a 30-minute one from Cebu City making it a suitable choice for hotel accommodation. Guests can arrive at the resort via limousine, taxi or car hire from the airport. It can also be arranged upon reservation.

Guestrooms

Shangri-La’s Mactan has nine storeys of 547 luxurious guestrooms and suites of tropical interior design blending contemporary Filipino furnishings with indigenous materials. The rooms are divided into the Main and Ocean Wing.

Ocean Club Rooms are exclusive and edgier compared to regular guestrooms. Varying media and entertainment include WiFi and wired internet access and satellite TV. High quality bath and personal care, office equipment and stationary, and refreshments are provided.

Facilities and Amenities

The resort offers a Business Centre which is an ideal place to conduct business, 6 specialty restaurants, a beach bar, banquet and conference facilities, clinic, numerous shops, beauty salons, and a lobby lounge which overlooks the lush garden with comfortable seating spaces. These are located on garden level or ocean front.

Recreation facilities such as CHI, The Spa– one of Asia’s largest spa villages offers excellent relaxation such as sauna baths, massages, therapies and treatments. Large air-conditioned indoor play area for children, expansive pools, and a private beach cove add to the conveniences.

E-zone brings electronic entertainment through its video arcade and karaoke rooms. Game and fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the golf course and fitness centres nearby the hotel.

shangri-la's Mini Marine Sanctuary

The one-of-a-kind five hectares Marine Sanctuary has about 100 species of sea creatures where guests can enjoy scuba diving, swimming or boating. There are also provisions for more water sports like sailing, water skiing and wind surfing.

Moreover, a complimentary breakfast spread can be enjoyed at Tides in an open kitchen setup. They also provide 24-hour room service and front desk, courier, car rental, laundry and valet services among others. Weddings and other celebrations are also catered.

Landmarks

Cebu’s landmarks and tourist spots in Mactan are of walking distance. Lapu Lapu’s Shrine and Fort San Pedro are top visited historical sites. One can also light a candle at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño for religious offerings. Art galleries promoting local culture can also be found in the island.

Crossing either one of the twin bridges connecting to mainland Cebu, one can have a breath-taking sight of the Mactan channel or Metro Cebu at night. A tour around the four-century old Magellan’s Cross is a must. Rizal Museum and Library, Rizaliana Museum, and Casa Gorordo provide vast cultural and historical artefacts. The 99 steps of Cebu’s Taoist Temple is a must climb also to light joss sticks. Take a walk and travel back in time on Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. Also, visit Cebu International Convention Centre and Plaza Independencia for a modern vibe.

Shangri-La is the pearl sparkling upon the pristine, white sand beaches of the Visayan sea soothing its guests after a tired tour around Metro Cebu or long solitary walks at the beach. The truly remarkable over-the-top business and pleasure services make it one of the celebrated 5 Star Hotels not only in Cebu, but in the whole Philippines.

Book now!

Mactan Shangri-la Cebu

$2340 per person

Inclusive of:

Return airfares and taxes to Cebu flying Philippine Airlines (taxes as of 28MAR2012)

6nights in a Superior Garden View room

Daily breakfast

Return airport transfers

Conditions apply

Contact us for enquiries