What's On & Expat - Philippines

An ideal place for couples to spend their honeymoon in Baguio. Here, amid the towering pine trees and the cool mountain weather, they can cuddle and huddle. In summer, children on vacation and heat-weary urban dwellers make the long trip to the city for a much-needed breather.
  With The Manor at Camp John Hay’s three new packages, Baguio City is poised to be the “all-season, all-reason” destination. “The Barkada Bonding Package,” “Satin Nights” and “The Manor Reunions” give guests a chance to experience the sights and sounds of the highland resort city—shopping in the various ukay-ukay centers, sampling the pulsating nightlife and gorging on its famous greens and its other delicacies.
  With the packages, one can go home to The Manor at Camp John Hay and enjoy the

world-class comforts of well-appointed suites that are veritable homes away from homes. The rooms overlook manicured lawns, lush pine forests and the impressive Cordillera Mountains. Each is equipped with modern amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave oven, hot and cold water shower, in-room safe, and a phone system with IDD/NDD. The “Barkada Bonding Package” includes two nights accommodation in a superior room or one-bedroom suite for three to four persons, buffet breakfast for the group and welcome drinks with pica-pica at The Piano Bar.
  Lovers who wish to spend a weekend in Baguio can avail of the “Satin Nights Package,” a romantic rendezvous of two nights accommodation in a superior room or one-bedroom suite for two, a welcome feast

with wine and flowers, satin robes and beddings, buffet breakfast and a romantic room set-up.
  The Manor Reunions Package gives family members the chance to bond amidst Baguio’s cool clime and the elegant ambience of
The Manor. The package includes two nights of accommodation in a superior room for two to

Negros Oriental, and its capital Dumaguete, lives up to the moniker “city of gentle people” as Islands magazine listed it as one of the 20 best islands to live on. The province joins the list of other exotic addresses such as the Grand Cayman, Gozo in Malta, Carriacou in Grenada Vieques in Puerto Rico, which all offer a mix of indigenous culture, friendly neighbors, uncomplicated living and adventure attractions.
   Islands magazine is one of the widest circulated and most trusted travel publications in the United States. Its readership of 500,000 is comprised mostly of frequent tourists who take more than one annual holiday and stay for an average of seven days at any given vacation.
  In a statement, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said, “more than the attractions in a particular province or city, it is the people who play a big role in creating a welcoming and positive impression to travelers. Negros Oriental being recognized as one of the best islands to live speaks of an exceptionally hospitable experience that make people want to stay for the long haul.”
   The secretary further called on local government units to continue with their efforts to build up the tourism potentials of their jurisdictions. While infrastructure is essential, programs should also include creating a community mindset that is tourist-friendly and puts forth the world famous Filipino

brand of hospitality.
   Published in the August 2007 issue, editors of Islands magazine chose islands around the globe that have the best living conditions for foreigners who would like to relocate. Deciding factors include weather, languages spoken, ease of immigration and accessibility to hospitals. Expats were also interviewed for an insider’s opinion.
   Negros Oriental earned three out of five flip-flops, or rating, from the magazine. Of note was Dumaguete City’s youthful vibe courtesy of the prominence of academic centers. Also mentioned was the city’s picturesque Rizal Boulevard, the seaside promenade lined with cafes and art galleries. German expat Georg Bender, who moved to the island in 2001, spoke of the great diving experiences awaiting scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts.
  Dumaguete City, the provincial capital, prides itself as the City of Gentle People for the winsome and hospitable residents who help create a tranquil and genteel way of life. Dumaguete is also known as college town, with several institutions of higher learning located in close proximity to each other and students comprising a fourth of the population. Most notable is Silliman University, the first Protestant college in the Philippines and the oldest American-established tertiary education center in Asia.