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Philippines Attractions
The Chocolate Hills are simply a mystery. Legend says that the hills were made when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight. When they were finally through fighting, they became friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. Others believe that the hills are exposed coral formations weathered from thousands of years. Whatever the history, the 1,200 hills in Bohol are magnificent to see—completely uniform in size and shape. They stand about 30-50 meters high, covered in grass, but at the end of the dry season, turn chocolate color. You can climb 214 steps to an observation hill near the complex to view the immensity in the number of hills.
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To get there--Plenty of tours go to the Chocolate Hills. If you want to go there on your own, get to Tagbilaran, then take a bus terminal in Dao and catch a bus to Carmen. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Chocolate Hills complex, you will then take a 2.5 or so mile walk to the complex. If you are coming from Tubigon, a few buses will go to Carmen daily.
There are very few places to stay in the Chocolate Hills, so you should make this a day trip.
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Unique among Manila's landmarks, Paco Park is quite possibly the only one of its kind in the world. A former cemetery, the construction of which was completed in 1820, it consists of two circular structures containing tiers of niches (now empty) that were once used for interment. On top of both stone structures are galleries along which the visitor can take a leisurely stroll to better admire the tranquil beauty of the park. A National Historical Shrine, Paco Park serves as the venue of Paco Park Presents, a yearlong series of free concerts/cultural events held every Friday evening.
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It is located on Calle Real cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. This is a Colonial Lifestyle Museum which is a part of the Plaza San Luis complex. The house which is a rebuilt replica of the original house that stood on the same site was patterned after a mid-19th century house that stood along Calle de Jaboneros in San Nicolas, Binondo. The house features antique furniture and furnishings from China and Europe dating back to the 19th century. Some of the famous collections inside are the crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs, Chinese ceramics, four-poster ebony bed, religious images, antique piano and harp, marble-top tables, and other such items that show the luxury of the era |
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Cebu Philippines
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Often called the "Queen City of the South" and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is the country's oldest city. Exploring Cebu City, one encounters a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru the centuries from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu's shore.
Time has been kind to Cebu. From Zubu, the fishing village and busy trading port in 1521 has evolved a highly urbanized metropolitan center which now serves as focal point of growth and development in Southern Philippines. With its five cities; Cebu, Danao, Lapulapu Mandaue and Toledo; and its 48 smaller towns, Cebu. has more than kept pace with the nation's progress. |
Today ' the island province leads in traditional and non-traditional exports and has the highest economic growth rate anywhere in the country. Likewise, recent indications pointed out that Cebu has become the country's most favorite tourist destination.
In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu's 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters. Cebu. has gained wide popularity for its fantastic diving grounds evidenced by the proliferation of resorts which offer luxurious accommodations, excellent dive facilities and the services of competent dive masters and dive guides.
Cebu's strategic location makes it ideal for those who wish to travel to the other islands and provinces. By plane, boat or bus, nowhere could be too far from CEBU. |
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Coconut Palace Philippines
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Coconut Palace is the latest pitstop in this week's Amazing Race.
For a brief background, the Coconut Palace was built by Imelda in the 70's to serve as the Pope's residence during the Papal visit to Manila. I've been inside the Palace three times. The first time for my grade school field trip, the second during my cousin's debut and the third only last December covering a wedding. The place is beautiful but the Manila Bay sunset is the palace's best asset.
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