all inclusive resorts philippines"all inclusive resorts philippines" HELP! I need a wedding package in Guam, Saipan, Bali, Hawaii, Thailand or the Philippines. Recommendations?
My fiance and I would like to get an all-inclusive wedding package in one of the above places. She is from Japan and I'm from Australia. It'll only be a small wedding (her family - 3 people, my family - 3 people and us 2 - 8 in total) We want it to be more a holiday for all rather than a wedding for us. We want a top resort with accomodation for all for 3-4 nights, photographer, music, cake, reception, dinner and for it to be a legally recognised wedding. Somewhere in the vicinity of about $10,000 Australian dollars. Any recommendations would be much appreciated - thank you!!!!
The difficult part might be the "legalized wedding" aspect of it. I married a Thai woman in Thailand, with my marriage recognized in Thailand only, so you would still need to be legally married in the country you plan on staying in for it to be valid (in other words, you might only have a ceremonial wedding in another locale other than where you reside). I still had to go to my respective embassy in Thailand to declare that I was legally allowed to wed, however.
Your money will go a lot farther in Thailand, Phillipines and Bali than it would in Hawaii. I also think the logistics of transporting people back and forth might be better if you stay in the same hemisphere. If you have relatives from Australia, and she has relatives from Japan, meeting somewhere in the "middle" would probably be best (should be a few hour flight from Japan to many of the locations, perhaps a little bit longer because Australia is so far away from many places).
P.S. Congrats!
El Nido Resorts Interview with Mitzi S Canafranca - HD
all inclusive resorts philippines all inclusive resorts philippines
For some of us, winter really hurts! Sure, you can always turn on a heater in winter, but you still have to get out of bed to do so... and unless you are not only rich, but care nothing for the greenhouse, it is simply not possible to keep your entire home at a comfortable temperature year round,. That is, unless your home is actually on a tropical island in front of a bright, silken white sand beach! If you believe that the best way to deal with winter is to escape it, read on for our recommendations for beautiful beach hotels in Fiji islands, Boracay luxury hotels, and hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Cairns.
Fiji is a group of 300-plus islands, with gorgeous shady palms, crystal blue waters and stunning secret lagoons, as well as an enormously friendly local culture. Fijians are heavily dependant on tourism, and hospitality is definitely one of their innate skills. Great Fiji luxury resorts include the Jean Michel Cousteau Vanua Leva resort, set on a 17-acre coconut plantation and overlooking peaceful bay waters. If you are into scuba diving, any eco- or water-sports, or just romance and sun, this Fiji luxury resort is a great choice. Shangri-La Yanuca is another excellent Fiji island hotel, where they focus on the basics of intuitive, attentive service, beautifully designed and kept rooms, and delicious food, all in stunning sunset-colored tropical surrounds.
Opening in a very short time is a new resort on Boracay, one of the Philippines beautiful tropical islands. For untouched wilderness, the Philippines is one of the last undiscovered destinations for the masses. You can be one of the first to enjoy Shangri-La's luxury Boracay hotel, when it opens in October 2008, with its stunning sea views, Hawaiian architect design, refreshing outdoor day beds and invigorating plunge pool.
On the nearby Pamalican Island in the Philippines is the Amanpulo resort, perfect for those who hate ice, but love tropical heat - it is surrounded by gorgeous turquoise waters, powder-soft sandy beaches, and a coral reef only three hundred meters from the shore where the hotel sits. Other creatures come to enjoy Pamalican island luxury as well, including green and hawksbill turtles. If you are lucky you can spot these , as well as extensive bird and fish life that surrounds this luxury resort in Asia.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the lovely warm, tropical world's busier destinations, but is only a short drive away from some beautiful tropical beaches in the Straight of Malacca. Islands like Bagan Sungai Lima, and Kampong Perigi Nanas are nearby, with water as warm as you would bathe in, and a stunning array of marine life. Stay in KL, rather than closer to the beach, for a better variety of accommodation though - you'll find some stunning hotels in Kuala Lumpur, like the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The Mandarin Oriental is an award winning hotel in Kuala Lumpur adjacent to the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers. With extravagant rooms and suites, innovative bars and restaurants, and indulgently relaxing spas and leisure facilities, this Kuala Lumpur hotel also features over 300 original works of art, for a look into traditional Malay culture. For something closer to the airport, that is still within easy reach of Malaysia's beautiful beaches, try the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport hotel. Babysitting and poolside massages ensure that you will have a truly relaxing beach vacation at this Kuala Lumpur hotel.
Chase that chill in the morning air away - or let it chase you to some of the world's most stunning, and comfortably warm, destinations!
About the Author
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.
Bohol, Philippines - You'll Enjoy yourself There More Than Ferdinand Magellan Did
“Eight days a week is not enough to show I care” crooned the guitarist, serenading us on the deck of the lunch-cruise barge as we drifted down the Loboc river on Bohol. “Eight days a week, I loooooove you” he continued, the plus-forties tapping their feet or singing along. I wouldn’t go out and buy a Beatles album, as I’ve heard their songs too many times, but I do like it when someone sings one, as some of my first memories are of their songs. I pondered what it is about the Philippines that makes its inhabitants so musically talented - pretty much everywhere you go there is a guitarist playing - maybe these guitar-playing and singing talents are something that the country can thank the Spanish for.
I don’t get the impression that the Spanish are thanked for much else except Christianity, judging by the reverence in which they hold chief Lapu Lapu, who killed the Spanish conquistador Ferdinand Magellan on the nearby island of Mactan in 1521. He had sailed there in order to teach the inhabitants who was boss and, badly misjudging their fighting spirit, had decided to leave all of his mercenary forces aboard in order to save the glory and gore for the meagre Spanish contingent. After telling the mercenaries to watch carefully in order to learn the superior Spanish art of war, he marched his band of country-men ashore, only to be promptly hacked to bits, with most of his companions. This display rather confused his audience of native mercenaries, one of whom remarked that he wasn’t very impressed with the superior Spanish art of war and preferred the old-fashioned approach of just lopping heads off with a big axe.
This text about Magellan is a bit of a digression. As a further digression within this digression, the reader may be interested to know that, according to recent findings, the straits of Magellan off the Cape of Good Hope weren’t actually first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan at all but by a Chinese admiral in 1421. For a fascinating and plausible theory that the Chinese discovered pretty much everywhere before Europeans did, I recommend the reader check out the book “1421, the year China discovered the world”, by Gavin Menzies.
As if to reinforce my musical impression of the Filipinos, our lunch barge pulled up at a pontoon on which sat about forty ukulele players and singers, aged from about eight to eighty, their faces wreathed in huge smiles. The small children wriggled with impatience at having to sit still, whilst the young women fluttered their eyelashes and, when I smiled at them, blushed and looked away, giggling to each other. Granddad plucked intently at an instrument I didn’t recognise whilst a young lad strummed a guitar bigger than he was. After a while I noticed one of the parents nod an ‘OK’ to a group of boys, who promptly downed their instruments and dived into the river, one of them climbing up onto our barge and then using it as a diving board. Some of the day-trippers aboard backed away from the spot where he was climbing, fearing a soaking when he hit the water, but they needn’t have worried, as he jumped far out and dived in head-first, hardly causing a ripple as he went in, let alone a splash. “Hmm, maybe I should have a go at that” I thought, “then they’d really have something to worry about” (my water displacement is, shall we say, rather greater than the boy’s is). After the lovely pontoon music show we finished off our lunch. The food was competent rather than superb but was enjoyed by all except my son Nigel, who turned his nose up at everything, which was no surprise, as he’s only eight. Thankfully he eventually found something he could enjoy, the superb mango, watermelon and pineapple, which tasted way better than, in my experience, they ever do in Europe.
I sat and watched the jungle slide by on each side of the river. Palm trees reached out from either side and above the barge, their fronds swaying in the gentle breeze and the sunlight filtering through them, dappling the decks in hazy, soft sunshine. As I watched my wife Fon fuss over my son, a feeling of contentment and peace came over me. Everything seemed OK, even the things about life that were less than perfect. I find that as I grow older I experience happiness in a different way. When I was younger it was all about losing myself in intense concentration while doing something exciting, now it’s more about tranquillity and family values.
Other highlights on Bohol are the great scuba diving and snorkelling. I’m not much of a scuba diver so I went snorkelling to a spot near the little islet of Balicasag, which I unreservedly recommend. We left our resort aboard a local banka boat at the crack of dawn in order to get a chance to see the dolphins that for some reason appear at that hour. I had somewhat cynically thought that this was probably unlikely to happen, but they appeared on schedule and in numbers, then swam around us for a good hour. They seemed to be swimming in family groups, some of them just barely breaking the surface and others (maybe displaying the exuberance of youth) jumping right out of the water. They are such lovely creatures, with their funny faces seemingly permanently grinning at some private joke. We arrived at Balicasag a while later and, after an unusual-for-me breakfast of steamed prawns, friend eggs and rice (which tasted better than I expected it to), we boarded a much smaller, hand-powered boat. Motorised boats are forbidden to enter Balicasag Marine Sanctuary in an initiative to protect the flaura and fauna: this arrangement appears, judging from the profusion of fish swimming around the coral in the crystal-clear water, to have worked. A long column of fish swam in an almost military formation along the reef wall. They seemed so ordered and organised that I wondered if one of them was in charge. Was it the fish in front? Or maybe he was just the expendable point-man and the fish behind him was the one in charge?
A large cloud of small bait-fish swam by. I took off my life-vest (which had been supporting me in the most comfortable fashion as I had lazily floated and watched the marine life) and dived down, feeling pleased with myself for hiring flippers, as I’m a weak swimmer without them. I swam straight through the cloud of fish. At one point all I could see around me were little black fish, illuminated by scattered rays of sunlight. Beautiful, just lovely. The most beautiful thing about the experience was the way that they swam away from my moving limbs, almost as if by magnetic repulsion, all maintaining exactly the same distance from me. It felt like being clothed in fish. I don’t remember ever enjoying a snorkelling experience so much.
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are the island’s most popular tourist attraction and deserve the attention they get, as they look most peculiar. 200 hundred-foot tall earthen mounds jut out of a flood-plain, most topped in grass and looking like the perfect place for a picnic. Almost all of them are almost perfectly conical in shape. I tried to research the reason for their strange shape, but couldn’t find an answer - a bit like the authors of the official tourist tablet at the site, who didn’t seem to know either. The hills are reminiscent of the English burial ‘barrows’ (or mounds) on Salisbury Plain, only much, much bigger. It looked as is, instead of a few prehistoric chieftains lying underground, here there were dozens of dynasties of emperors, each interred under a couple of tens of thousand of tons of earth, in a scene a bit like Salisbury plain meeting the pyramids of Giza.
For our first visit to the Chocolate Hills we hired a driver and mini-van and were taken to the tourist centre on the single hill which has been developed for the purpose and which is covered in concrete, fast-food outlets, hawkers and screaming children. When I asked the driver if he could vary his route so that we could experience the scenery without the crowds, he reacted with the same incomprehension as I remember getting from a donkey at a sea-side fare in England, when I used my feet on its flanks to attempt to make it change its customary route. A few days after this disappointing experience we returned to try and experience the hills in a more natural way, hiring a motorbike on which we could meander through the lanes and take in the experience at our own pace. We had planned to hire a local guide (when I say ‘local’, I mean one of the farmers working amongst the hills) and to then climb one of them. We were thwarted by a rain-storm, which was a bit unfortunate, but at least gives us a good reason to return. Those readers who are wary of motorbike-riding in SE Asia are advised to get themselves driven to the Chocolate Hills in a minivan and to hire an additional helper to trail them on a bike, and then to hop on the bike when they reach the hills, where the small roads are relatively safe.
After checking out one of the Philippines’ best beaches, why not visit some of Thailand’s: www.andamanadventures.com
subic philippines tourism"subic philippines tourism" Should A Coal Plant Be Built in Subic Bay?
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Aboitiz are building a 300 megawatt coal plant at the mouth of Subic Bay, Philippines. This area is one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines. The builders say the project will provide much needed future energy but residents say it is a travesty to put a coal-fired plant at the mouth of the Bay, which is a protected marine reserve. What is your view? - The Subic Bulletin (www.subicbulletin.blogspot.com)
Coal-fired Power Plants represents 36% of total carbon emmisions. I live in Pagbilao, Quezon, where the government built a 700 MW plant, The Trees(Forest), The Sea (Pagbilao Bay) and the people are dying.
Why travel to Cebu, Philippines of all places? What makes Cebu, Philippines special among all other places in the whole country - or the world even? If your travel plans for this year includes Cebu, here are some reasons why we're certain that you won't regret your decision on choosing Cebu as your travel destination.
What Makes Cebu Popular Even if we weren't to talk about any of the famous tourist spots of Cebu, Philippines, there are still other things that make Cebu so very popular with the tourists. First, there's the food. If you love those ripe yellow mangoes, you absolutely must go to Guadulupe because their mangoes - served dried or not - can never fail to make taste buds water.
And then there's chicharon or pork rind; if you've never tasted chicharon yet, a good place to start would be at Cebu. Other food to explore in Cebu would be "puso", the hanging rice, dangit, a dried fish usually eaten for breakfast and budbud, another type of rice.
And then there are the souvenirs or other accessories that you may only purchase in Cebu, Philippine. If you come from a country experiencing all four seasons - people back home would probably appreciate if you give them the beautifully hand woven blankets made from Argao. People with deep faith would no doubt appreciate as well gifts of the Medallions of the Christ Child. For fashion lovers, jewelry made from Mactan stone, corals or seashells are very much popular.
Lastly, there are the guitars. People with fine ears for music can't help but appreciate the quality of guitars manufactured in Cebu. If you also want to see with your very own eyes the manufacturing process of a guitar, from start to finish, LapuLapu City of Cebu is the place to travel to.
And now finally, we come to the places...
Magellan's Cross - Since the Philippines began to be of interest to the world thanks to Ferdinand Magellan's discovery in 1521, tourists might as well begin their travel plans by visiting Magellan's Cross which is found in Magallanes Street of Cebu City. This place is of much historical value to the Philippines because it's also where the baptismal rites of the earliest Filipino Christians were held.
Mactan Island - Water sports have always been a favorite activity by tourists when visiting the Cebu and if you're fond of this as well, make sure that you drop by Mactan Island because the waves there are alike no place else!
Cebu is also the jumping point to other exciting destinations like Dumaguete, Bohol and Sumilon.
About the Author
Dan Eggers live in Dumaguete City in the Philippines, he is running a Dumaguete website with a lively Dumaguete Forum . the site and forum covers all of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.
Dancing Inmates (CPDRC-CEbu, Philippines) - part 1
Get a perfect holiday trip with Thomson Holidays Co UK
When it comes to setting up a plan for the most reliable travel services, one often finds limited options to choose from. A holiday package which offers you every required facility in perfect accordance with your budget limitations is hard to track down. This result in lowering the actual festive feel the holidays bring with themselves and many people cancel out on their travel expeditions reluctantly. What if you get to know about a travel company which offers you the best of holiday deals with affordable hotel bookings and airfares all rolled into one complete holiday package? Yes this does sound amazing isn't it? With Thomson Holidays Co UK, now your dreams of visiting your desired holiday spot with economical travel deals have finally come to reality.
Started back in 1965, this travel company has constantly stayed on the top of its game by offering attractive travel offers and discounts to its esteemed customers. It is much more than just booking a hotel reservation online. Having its own airline and operational network of cruises, you can very well imagine the level of enjoyment it can add to your holiday season. Offering a plethora of awesome holiday packages, this travel company has always stood among its competitors in the consumer market. Did you know that Thomson holds the record of having the most loyal and satisfied customer base which prefers booking and re-booking their holidays with this company every time they decide to travel? Yes it definitely is true. Providing you a wide range of holiday packages with great value for your money and excellent customer services has always been a trademark of Thomson. Being the market leader in the UK for more than 30 years, this travel company offers supreme holiday services and attractive incentives as you book your holiday package online.
Getting a reservation online with Thomson holidays co uk gives you many appealing options to choose from. You can not only book holiday packages but also can arrange flights, get hotel bookings reserved and much more. Just visit their website to take hold of latest travel deals and money saving offers to ensure an affordable holiday trip for you and your loved ones. Moreover, you can select a holiday travel package according to your preference ranging from choosing awesome cruise holidays, relaxing city break deals to more adventurous holiday excursions like ice skating, snowboarding and skiing. The company has also recently been awarded for owning the most punctual and travel friendly charter airline services to make your holiday trip a hassle free one.
A number of exciting holiday packages has already been introduced by Thomson as the holiday season draws closer, connecting London to various exotic holiday destinations. You can take hold of amazing last minute deals as well offering you great savings starting off from £159. In addition to this, if you get your hands on voucher codes offered by this travel company, you are eligible to get discounts starting off from £122 as well. This sounds pretty economical isn't it? Look around for additional benefits including airport parking, car hire services, insurance and currency exchange facilities and much more to give your pocket a refreshing feel as you travel. So, visit Thomson today and book cheap travel plans to Spain, Malaga, Alicante, Tenerife, Portugal, Majorca, Greece and many amazing holiday destinations to enjoy hassle free traveling.
About the Author
John Orton is the marketing manager and manages the different thomson holidays co uk offers. He has the vast experience in marketing and trading industries and has been helping the buyers and guides the clients about the codes.
philippines beach resorts_5"philippines beach resorts" What beach resort in Cavite, Philippines would you recommend?
Preferably the MOST AFFORDABLE yet AWESOME. Thank you!!
There are no beach resorts in Cavite that can be called AWESOME. Not even its top 2 beach resorts Puerto Azul and Caylabne, both in Ternate. And because these are both high-end, neither is in the category of AFFORDABLE.
So we limit our choices now to "affordable", considering that there is none we can call awesome. The best in this lot is Villa Excellance in Tanza, Cavite. The beach is good enough for swimming, although the water quality is not as goos as those in ternate, Tanza being closer to the polluted Manila Bay. But good enough, if you are not very finicky.
They have accommodations that are decent. You can grill your meat and fish right beside your cottage, while you and your friend are having fun singing, drinking, in the small veranda in front. Or you can choose to go to the videoke place within the resort.
You may also just want to rent tables with shed near the shore. There are hundreds of these in Villa Excellance.
They also have a store that sells most everything you will need. Shirts, water, drinks, even fish and meat to cook.
Finally, if you prefer to swim in a pool, they have a huge pool. Entrance to the pool is, however, separate from the entrance fee to the resort itself.
You won't need directions to Villa Excellance. Just go to Tanza and every Tom Dick and Harry can point you in the right direction.
PHILIPPINE BEACH WEDDING-Bamboo Beach, Nasugbu, Batangas
diving equipment"diving equipment" What is the basic equipment needed for scuba diving?
I'm hoping to make scuba a new hobby.
Don't worry about getting all new gear, you can rent everything when you get your stuff.
However, I would reccomend getting Mask, Snorkel, and Fins at the least. Also maybe look at a wetsuit and boots, depending on where and how often you'll be diving in certian tempeatures.
After you get that stuff, I'd look at getting a Boyancy Compensator, weight belt, and regulator (containing first stage, second stage, octopus, BC hose, and depth/pressure gauge) in whichever order you can afford.
Always get your tank last, as it's not that much more to rent one than to fill it up.
that's all you need for basics, other gear that you can get include dive knives, lights, cameras, dive computers, and writing slates, and just about anything else you can think of. You don't need any of that, but it's always fun to have new toys.
Scuba Diving Lessons : How to Assemble Scuba Equipment
The Many New Hotels Phenomenon That Is Set To Sweep In The Philippines
Interest in the Philippines condominium hotels sector has increased significantly in the past two years following many years of intermittent development and association with other shared ownership vehicles, says Beth Collingz in her recent report: 'Condominium Hotels-The Philippines Latest Hotel Phenomenon'
Beth Collingz, Overseas Marketing Director, Investment Sales for PLC International Marketing the lead marketing partners for Pacific Concord Properties Inc's Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines explained: A condominium hotel is a hotel operating unit which is sold to individual equity investors, where each owner acquires a room, suite or studio whilst the whole enterprise is managed as a hotel operation under a single brand.
Buyers own their units the same as regular condos. There is no time limit to ownership. All Condos come with freehold title deeds. The Condotel model is similar to the serviced apartment or apart hotel sector and is suitable for an investor who wants to test the water in hotel investment.
We are seeing more and more sophisticated customers coming to the market and a change in demand patterns; the traditional timeshare products seem past their prime. This, plus an increase in investment appetite for the hospitality sector, suggests that the condominium market looks set to grow Collingz continued: Many international hotel brands have also declared that the Philippine hotel landscape is ready for condominium hotel developments, either in conjunction with self-contained hotel operations, as fully self-contained condominium plans or as a part of a mixed-use development plan such as the Lancaster Brand.
Condominium hotels are significantly less developed in the Philippines than in the US, in part owing to a low cost residential focused market as well as the lack of development in the hotel sector since the 1997 Asian Crisis.
Alternative hotel ownership are featuring more and more in the hotels sector, with the rise of condominium hotels and a shift in investor strategy, thus creating a new investor profile. At the moment, the Philippine condominium market is being targeted and driven by private retail purchasers, typically reasonably net worth individuals attracted by a city centre or a resort investment foothold although we are now seeing more and more first time property buyers moving into the Condominium Hotel marketplace said Collingz.
Metro Manila and Cebu are particular favorites as an investment destination. There is room for a wider pool of institutional and real estate investors to invest in a portfolio of condominium units or the establishment of an investor-developer partnership.
Collingz continued that a lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices in the Philippines compared to Europe, specially UK Housing prices, and the easy payment options available for our Condo Hotel Developments, but there are other factors, too. Offshore Property Investors, Foreign baby boomers as well as overseas Filipinos, are looking for ways to maximize their return on investments as they approach retirement, and so are purchasing second homes, particularly Condo Hotel Investments where they can use the Condo for vacations and rent it out through our In-House Condotel Management when they are not using the unit thereby gaining rental incomes that on today's purchase prices, give a projected ROI on their investments of some 12-16% depending upon the mode of payment for the unit.
Pacific Concord Properties Inc's Lancaster - The Atrium, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines is a "Full Service" Condominium Hotel offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, the Lancaster Atrium will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condo Hotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condotel Management. This makes the Lancaster Brand of Condotels, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines.
Part of the success story for this sector will be the education of a whole new investor base previously accustomed to buy-to-let residential plans or conventional commercial real estate investments, together with the emergence of a secondary market in the Philippines to demonstrate transparency and liquidity said Collingz.
Aninuan Beach Resort Can Now Deliver Instantly Confirmed Bookings at Low Rates With Its Newly-launched Online Reservation System
Oriental Mindoro, Philippines – Reserving rooms at Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort has just been made easier and more convenient with an innovative booking system that was recently launched on the resort's website.
The Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort’s new reservation system shows potential guests two weeks' worth of real-time room availability matched with the lowest possible rates. This feature allows selection of accommodations based on tastes, and more importantly, budget. A 10% deposit payment, which is deducted from the total room charge, ensures the availability of the chosen room type upon the guest's arrival at the hotel. An automatic e-mail is immediately sent after the transaction to serve as confirmation.
This addition of a groundbreaking system is part of the resort’s tradition of providing exemplary service. It offers guests a better booking process because it delivers competitive rates and cuts confirmation time in half. Because this reservation system is backed by a Royal Bank of Scotland company called WorldPay, security is very well assured.
Also, supporting this new system is a professional customer relations unit that' has been trained to handle and manage reservation-related concerns, such as modifications of booking arrangements.
The Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort in Puerto Galera, Philippines fronts South China Sea and is one of the most famous destinations in the area. It is on the Tropical Island of Oriental Mindoro, and is only 3 1/2 hours by car and ferry boat from Manila International Airport. Guests may choose from its 20 rooms, each having its own balcony with an amazing view of the sea. The resort is truly heaven for the water sports enthusiasts as different diving schools are only nearby. Also available at reasonable prices are banana boat rides, para-sailing, jet-ski, and kayaking equipment. Fifty meters from the resort is a spectacular coral garden to snorkel in. For more information on The Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort, visit http://www.aninuanbeach.com/
The resort’s easy-to-use booking system is powered by DirectWithHotels, a direct reservation performance specialist and partner. The company makes direct reservations easier for all accommodation providers, helping them maximize the potentials of their websites to deliver best rates and instant confirmation online. For more details, log on www.directwithhotels.com.
Contact Information:
Aninuan Beach Resort
Aninuan, Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
philippines holidays 2009"philippines holidays 2009" is the Philippines an expensive place for an Australian to travel?
my boyfriend asked me to name someone I really want to go for a holiday, and I said the Philippines, because I’ve herd it’s a beautiful and simple place and I’ve wanted to go for ages, he then told me he’s going to take me there just after my birthday in Jan 2009 - he’s paying for everything. is it expensive? because seeing as he insist’s on paying for the whole holiday by himself I would be left feeling very uncomfortable if its going to cost a lot.
Nah luv take it from a fellow aussie who goes there all the time. It's not expensive on the level. Things such as food,transport,accomodation and leisure activites are alot cheaper than compared to things here home. I mean a 20 minute taxi ride from Brissie's city to an outer suburb will put you out of pocket 50 bucks after a night on the town. Over there that twenty minute cab right will cost you less than 10. Food is cheap too for example a Big mac meal at macca's will cost you like 90 peso from last memory which is basically 2 dollars,really high end resto's will only cost you about 20 or so for a really nice meal, I mean you pay more for a steak in a pub here with that money.
Hotels aren't to bad aswell and you can stay at nice places for less than a hundred a night which is pretty good. Shopping is a must also and things such as clothes, electronics and everything you can think of is I could say 30-40 percent cheaper. Ofcourse your designer labels will keep up as here but even so they are cheaper to buy there and the selection is by far huge with all things shopping concerned.
But yeah on the level its relatively cheap to stay there for afew weeks depending on what you do and what you buy and what kind of lifestyle you live. You can go either budget or splurge and at the end you'll still be fairly impressed on how much further the Aussie dollar goes in the good old Philippines. Last bit of advice is to really research what you want to do and try to learn as much as you can about the culture,the people as it will help you out alot for when you are there so you have better idea on what the place is like. Need anymore help feel free to give me a buzz. You did pick a great place to visit though and like me I'm sure you'll come back whenever you can. Cheers
resorts cheap"resorts cheap" Does anyone know any good CHEAP SKI resorts in Pennsylvania or New Jersey for a big group of like 20 ppl?
Does anyone know any good CHEAP SKI resorts in Pennsylvania or New Jersey for a big group of like 20 ppl? hi, I would like to organize a skip trip to like the poconos, but no1 is giving any rates on the internet. Thanks in advance
you can try the poconos. you be able to rent a cabin which would be cheaper than all of those rooms or you might get a discount because theres so many of you. my favorite is Camelback mountain but Jack Frost is good as well.
Myrtle Beach|Ocean Front Resorts Cheap|Family Vacations
Poet's House Villa Apartment for Vacations Holidays in Corfu Kerkyra Greece
Holidays in Corfu, Greece with comfort and hospitality ----------------------------------------------------------------
I am a 4th generation descendant of Gerasimos Markoras and since Poet's House is in my loving care, I decided to renovate the house in order to preserve the inheritance for the local community. I will be happy to welcome you in my 300 year old village mansion, where my forbear, the Corfiot poet Gerasimos Markoras (1826-1911) lived and wrote most of his poems. Now it is a little historical treasure and a romantic place for vacations.
The house is set on the top of Stronghili, a small traditional village, tucked in the hillside and looking across the lush green valley towards the traditional villages of Agios Mattheos and Ano Garounas. It is ideally located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and yet close enough to shopping and dining areas. The Corfu town centre is about 25 km away. The beatiful beach of Agios(Saint) Ioannis Peristeron is 2 km away and Halikounas Water Island and beach is 7 km away. The resort of Moraitika is 3 km away where a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops can be found.
I will be happy to welcome you at Poet's House of Corfu and I am sure, you will have great stay in this historical place, from where you can start discovering Corfu's secret beauties, culture and traditions in your holidays..
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A pulsating metropolitan, the capital of Philippines has much to offer to the discerning tourist as well as those on a budget travel here. Being one of the most popular vacation destinations in Asia, it isn't hard to find cheap flights to Manila A true blue cosmopolitan, the city is a cultural melting pot with various religions, traditions, ethnicities, beliefs and values living and thriving in sweet harmony. Hugely exciting, Manila exudes a fascinating charm like no other. A daunting yet vibrant and dynamic capital, the city is laden with a multitude of historic sites and interesting places to see, not to forget a long list of things to do. No matter whether one's here for a short vacation or an extended one, looking forward to a luxurious stay or a more modest one, Manila always offers an unforgettable experience. Cheap hotels, bed and breakfasts, motels, holiday homes, apartments, and five-star hotels, the city's got them all. An amazingly intriguing place by the day and an equally dazzling and lively one at night, the capital of Philippines has everyone enthralled. Historic building and ruins standing tall and pretty alongside modern structures, the hustle and bustle of city life existing next to the verdant countryside, the city's contrasting character is highly alluring at one moment and terribly exciting the other. One of the major and oldest attractions in Manila happens to be Intramuros. Situated on southern bank of the Pasig River, the medieval Spanish walled enclave is replete with ancient yet magnificent buildings and ornate churches. Surrounding this antiquated place are various performing venues, art galleries, shops and restaurants that make Intramuros a fascinating tourist mecca. Museums, exhibitions, music halls, theaters, opera houses and cinemas abound in Manila, hence the city turns out to be a haven for history buffs and art aficionados alike. Enjoy recreation for you and your entire family at the Rizal Park, marvel at the San Augustin Church, see how the nation is run at the Malacanang Palace, now the seat of government, have a quiet moment at the American Cemetery and Memorial, see your kids enjoy at the Enchanted Kingdom or see them make a splash at the Splash Island, shop till you drop at the chaotic Divisoria Market, or pick up indigenous works of art from the Nayong Filipino Cultural Park. Apart from enjoying the city life that Manila readily affords one with, short day trips or weekend getaways are an equally exciting way of enjoying the surrounding areas. Excursions can be undertaken to places like Las Pinas, Corregidor, Tayagtay City, Banaue, Puerto Galera, and the island of Palawan. As mentioned earlier, the city of Manila dons a different hue as the night falls. Glittering lights of dance clubs, attractive ambiences of lounges, inviting and innovative menus of fancy restaurants, and lively conversations with locals at an elegant café, nightlife in Manila is as varied as can be. Flea markets, glitzy malls, small designer boutiques and a plethora of retail outlets, shopaholics are in for some real treat here.
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Balikbayans always find themselves wanting to come back to Kabayan Hotel whenever they spend vacation in their homeland. Here are some of the reasons why Kabayan Hotel is admired by Balikbayans.
Simple yet comfortable. One of the things that Balikbayans miss the most in the their homeland is life’s simplicity. That’s why Kabayan Hotel lets guests enjoy the same uncomplicated lifestyle Balikbayans missed during their stay abroad. Rooms are designed with simplicity and are modestly furnished to bring a homey feeling to guests.
Low, low rates. Spending time with loved ones doesn’t mean one has to splurge to enjoy moments with them. Kabayan Hotel Pasay offers affordable accommodation that surely matches the guests’ budget. Rates start at $16.
Unmatched hospitality. Kabayan Hotel Pasay is known to give balikbayans home-like comfort. Committed to give each guest a special treatment, its staff makes sure to go extra mile to bring quality accommodation, unsurpassed services and security to everyone.
Kabayan Hotel understands their needs. Only Kabayan Hotel knows the needs of Balikbayans from convenience to security. Here, quality accommodation at its best is given to every guest from start to finish. Family, Deluxe, Superior and Premium accommodation at Kabayan Hotel include 24-hour airport transfers and breakfast. Also, guarded parking, safety deposit boxes and secure luggage room are available 24/7.
tours philippines"tours philippines" Is it possible for a Peace Corps volunteer to spend three tours consecutively in one country?
I have a Peace Corp volunteer friend who's about to finish his two tours in the Philippines and now he wants to renew for third time. Is this possible? Are there any tour of duty limitations in a single country?
Your friend needs to talk to his CD. It's only with that person's permission it's possible, and the CD won't have the final say -- it will lie with the Regional Manager.
And it might be tough, since after two terms, he's unlikely to have the same CD he came in with. A newer CD might not be familiar enough with your friend's work to fight for it, which is what it will take.
See the Peace Corps manual, which is posted here: http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/manual/MS281.html#3.0--extension_of_volunteer_service_within_the_host_country
"3.3.2 Extensions Beyond 25 Months A Volunteer's request for an extension of service beyond 25 months from the original COS date may be approved only by the Regional Director. The Country Director shall send an email, fax, or cable to the Regional Director explaining why, based on the criteria in paragraph 3.2 above, the extension is warranted; what extraordinary circumstances warrant the extension beyond 25 months; and whether special leave would be applicable. The Regional Director shall send an email, fax, or cable to the Country Director either approving or disapproving the request. If the request is approved, the Country Director must report the extension using the format described in paragraph 3.3.1, noting the Regional Director's approval. "
Break the monotony of end-of-year holidays with a different kind of Christmas and New Years’ Eve break. Leave behind the stress, hassle and work normally associated with the holidays and instead treat yourself to some much deserved fun and festivities, or some rest if you’re so inclined.
We asked our member hotels to send us their most unusual, unique and interesting packages, offers and entertainment options for Christmas and the New Year and we’ve selected the best ones for your perusal.
You can be assured that in addition to providing you with something unique for the end of the year festivities, all the hotels and offers also give you world-class comfort, luxury and extras.
Party like it’s 1999 in the Swiss Alps
Montreux, in Switzerland, is renowned among music fans as the home of one of the world's best annual Jazz festivals. Over the Christmas season it’s also home to one of the biggest parties in the country.
Every year the Montreux Music and Convention Center is host to a huge Christmas party with the best DJs in the world congregating there to play music throughout the night. If you fancy dancing Christmas away then you won’t find a better or more original venue.
The Convention Center is conveniently located within walking distance of the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic – and with rooms starting at 150CHF this December, don’t delay and enjoy a party to remember this Christmas.
Morning snow, afternoon swim in Cyprus
Enjoy a truly memorable Christmas day at the Londa hotel: start with a hot drink and breakfast up in the Troodos Moutains (an hour’s drive from the hotel) surrounded by snow before heading back down to the hotel in the afternoon for a swim in the sea or just a spot of sunbathing.
This unique Christmas break relies on the weather permitting the combination of snow and sun, however should that fail the hotel, and its surroundings, offers plenty to do and see year-round.
Rooms at the Londa hotel start at 124GBP and the hotel has two Christmas and NYE offers available until the end of December 2009: a NYE in Cyprus package and a Luxury Christmas Package package.
Relax in Florence
Best known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Florence is also a great destination for end of year holidays with a difference.
Monsignor Della Casa, located just outside Florence in a quiet, beautiful countryside resort, is offering couples a special massage during the holiday season complete with Champagne lotions.
The hotel is also offering an exclusive luxury package until early January with a free night and breakfast package. Rates at the hotel start from 114GBP.
Take part in one of the oldest London traditions
London's Serpentine Lake is a destination for the hardy in the annual Christmas Day swim. Established in 1864, the 'Serps', as they are affectionately known, is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the U.K. and each year the event attracts a raft of brave competitors who race the traditional 91m (100 yard) swim.
If you wish to compete in one of London’s craziest, and most challenging, Christmas traditions we recommend booking a room at The Capital Hotel, right next to Hyde Park. It will be the closest shelter to warm up again once you come out of the water!
The Capital is also offering an exclusive Christmas package with breakfast, Champagne afternoon tea and parking included. Rates from 262GBP.
Or try their Indulgence package which includes 2 nights’ accommodation, breakfast and access to the hotel’s spa. Rates from 452GBP.
Party, then relax, in style
The Quay Hotel in Wales is offering a Spa and Party combination for New Years’ Eve 2009 sure to please those who like to see the new year in style and need to recover for a day, or two, afterwards.
The hotel is offering the following:
Spa treatments and a pre-pamper party in the hotel room for girls
Dinner in the hotel’s restaurant with sparklers and bubbles at the table as well as Champagne cocktails flowing all night
Jazz band
Sparklers and cocktails on the terrace at midnight
On New Years Day spend time in the sauna and steam room, before enjoying a renewing massage
Watch the first sunrise of the year atop a volcano
Head to Tenerife this year for a truly unique way to celebrate the coming New Year. Stay at the luxury Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque where, following a special New Year’s Eve dinner and show at the hotel, you can book a limousine to take you to the top of the Teide Volcano and watch the first sunrise of the new year above the Canary Islands while toasting with snow-chilled champagne.
A New Year memory you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Toasting atop a volcano too hot for you? How about a glacier?
The Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, Switzerland, is offering adventurous guests a unique New Year’s Eve experience with a Rolls-Royce and helicopter transfer from the hotel to a nearby glacier where you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne at 3,000 meters when the clock strikes midnight. Settings don’t get more unforgettable than this.
Those less inclined to make it to the top of a glacier may also find the hotel’s special New Year’s Eve dinner appealing, with a Truffle menu designed by three-star Michelin chef Anne-Sophie Pic – 520CHF per person.
Party, fireworks and healthy New Year resolutions in the Philippines
Mandala Spa & Villas, located on Boracay island, is a luxurious spa retreat in the Philippines.
The hotel is offering New Year festivities that balance both the need to party and your wellbeing and resolutions for a healthy new year.
The island is often very busy during that time of the year, with plenty of people congregating to relax, rejuvenate but also party.
Before the clock strikes 12, guests have their resolutions set on living a healthier lifestyle: yoga in the morning, massages during the day, and a sumptuous vegetarian dinner at night.
A few minutes before New Year, everyone is ushered through the resort to watch the beach fireworks that blast off from different hotels as well as from a barge a few meters from the shore. After that you can walk, share drinks, cheers, dance and bar-hop with strangers in their crazy hats and trumpets all night long. The party ends right in time for your next yoga class at 9 am.
Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe, in Baden Baden, Germany, has an offer for New Years’ Eve sure to leave a loved one truly impressed.
The hotel has a host of special activities in its Christmas and New Years’ Eve program - from the more ‘standard’, such as gala dinners, parties and fondue evenings, all the way to the more unusual and memorable such as castle concerts, ballroom dances.
However its most outrageous offering really is something else – a romantic sleigh ride through the wintery Black Forest. If you’re looking to impress your other half this new year, this could be the holiday you’ve been looking for.
Somewhere in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the East China Sea, east of Vietnam, south of Taiwan and just north of Indonesia, lies a much neglected but historically and ecologically prized archipelago known as the Philippines. This understated cluster of 7,107 islands is the perfect tropical getaway balanced with just enough colonial cultural intrigue and undulating urban energy to keep you going. Despite the country's somewhat turbulent recent history, the Philippines has reached a level of stability making no better time than now to travel the wonders of the island-nation.
Colonial Legacy, Indigenous Heritage
The first western encounter with the Philippines occurred when Spain's Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, initiating over 300 years of Spanish colonization. A tremendous amount of today's Filipino population is a fraction Spanish, although a negligible number of residents are completely Spanish. The United States took over colonization in 1899 until the Japanese invasion of the strategic islands during World War II. Following Japanese defeat, the Philippines received its independence in 1946. American cultural and military influence still permeates through island culture, although the last U.S. military base has finally been closed. Original human settlement in the region began about thirty thousand years ago when people crossed then-existing land bridges from Asia. Malaysian and Indonesian settlers joined the fray a few thousand years later to constitute a most interesting blend of semi-indigenous cultures still present in the Philippines today. Direct descendents of the first arrivals currently live in the northern province of Zambales.
A Pocketful of Paradise
The nation is divided into three main regions, each with its own metropolitan hub and particular points of interest. Luzon to the north is the most populated region, with the expansive capital city Manila as its main destination. Travel farther north to Banaue where a spectacle of rice terraces had been etched up along the hillside by the Ifugao tribespeople over 2000 years ago. Also, don't miss the truly isolating beauty of Hundred Islands National Park where you may just find a beach all to yourself, as there are literally hundreds to choose from. The central region of Visayas is mostly smaller island clusters and famous for Boracay Island's White Beach and surrounding resort and aquatic activity areas. Make sure to explore the island's less crowded, but just as white-and-turquoise beaches. The southernmost region of Mindanao is home to Davao, the largest city in the world by land area, and the stately Mount Apo, the Philippine's tallest mountain. Enjoy a thrilling river rafting trip in Cagayan de Oro or get back to basic Filipino life in the Tiruray Highlands where the remote shores of Lake Sebu are peacefully inhabited by the T'boli tribe.
While the Getting's Good
With nearly 40,000 kilometers of coastline, a fantasy-like landscape of tropical greenery, and world-class cities offering world-class cuisine and lifestyle, it's hard to imagine that this puddle-jump in Southeast Asia will remain a secret for long. See for yourself why the Philippines is one of the last remaining gems of biodiversity and indigenous culture in this ever-growing region of the world!
As a diver, I am always looking for a perfect place to dive, but doesn’t burn a hole in my pockets as well. I want a good place with good facilities, comfortable accommodation, good weather, good scenery and good food plus good security.
You know where I have found the place? Right in the island of Borneo on the Northern tip. The place is Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai and Mataking islands on the Celebes Sea.
Up north you have the Sulu sea where you have Langkayan island and to the West, you have the pristine waters of the South China Sea. Three vast seas in one trip. Beautiful spots, lots of interesting marine life, big pelagic fishes and action or if you prefer the muck diving, exploring for the vast variety of critters in the ocean floor .
I am a calculative person, meaning I would work my budget out and exploit to the maximum. I am taught to get maximum out from minimum at the work place and this is the principle I applied. Maximum from minimum resources! Traveling to Malaysia and reaching the state of Sabah, there is a certain sum of money being spent, right? If you have traveled half the world to reach this place, you would want to explore as many diving sites as you want. The beautiful part in this place is that the four sites are quite near to each other. The experience is unique in each one though.
For example, at Sipadan, it is big fish action, the Barracuda, Turtles, sharks and rays. At Mabul and Kapalai, it is the macro life on the ocean floor, the weird critters you have never seen before.
It is unique to be staying on houses built on stilts over the sea. Where do you get to sit on your balcony and by looking down at the water below, you can watch the antics of the Mantis Prawn? This is one unique place. And the conversion of currency is USD1 gives you RM3.4 (Ringgit Malaysia). A can of coke cost you about USD50cents. So how about that for spending power at this place?
There are a number of dive resorts with PADI status at these dive paradise. The renting of diving equipment is a bargain compared to other places I have visited.
And getting to Sabah is easy as the capital city Kota Kinabalu is well connected to major airlines from USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Bangkok, Macau, Shanghai, Australia and Kuala Lumpur.
About the Author
Article by Felice L. A freelance writer, writes reviews on places, sports and topics of interest. http://www.sabah-scuba-dive.com
HD Video, Scuba Diving in Puerto Galera, Mindoro in the Philippines with Atlantis Dive Resort
directory of hotels"directory of hotels" Is there a place online where i can find hotel information that will take me to their homepage?
Trying to find a hotel information website or index of some sort. Have been searching for hotels online, but all i can find are booking engines. These websites do not give hotel information like phone number or address. I need hotel a hotel directory which is world wide that displays accommodations because my trip is across the world.
I know exactly the website you are looking for go to http://www.hotelsitedirectory.com this website is the best because it's not a booking engine like all of those other travel sites. This site will link you directly to the hotels homepage and give you hotel contact information. This directory is also global and it's free! highly recommend it!
Local Hotel Directory - Hotel Local Search Online Marketing
Nigi Nigi Boracay Island Hotel – The Next Top Luxury Vacation Destination
Boracay Island, Philippines is touted to be one of the best playgrounds in Asia and the jewel of Philippine tourism. This tropical island is also a popular holiday destination because of its crystal clear azure waters, white sand beaches and lush tropical rainforests. Aside from its natural marvels, Boracay Island, Philippines is home to scads of deluxe Boracay Island hotel designed to match the already existing pristine beauty of the island.
One of these hotels is Nigi Nigi Boracay Beach Resort. It is the only Boracay hotel built in native pagoda cottages set around in a lush tropical garden which reflects Philippines famous culture and heritage. Nigi Nigi is also one of the few hotels that offer deluxe Boracay accommodation at a very affordable price. Guests can also enjoy special Nigi Nigi Boracay hotel package, offers and discounts available all throughout the year.
When it comes to activities, Nigi Nigi Boracay Hotel offers numerous ocean sports and land adventures to indulge in. The hotel has complete facility and equipments for para-sailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, tennis, mountain biking, golf, yachting and scuba diving Boracay. And after a day of tropical island escapade, guests can soothe their tired muscles and relax at Nigi Nigi therapeutic massage center.
Guests can also spend their day at Nigi Nigi Boracay hotel beachfront restaurant and bar which is the mingling point of value minded tourists. Later in the evening the serenity of the tropical island immerse into the beat of rhythmic music and transforms to become a part of the huge and vibrant Boracay nightlife.
Many of the island guests, who return to Boracay Island Philippines, always find their way to Nigi Nigi Boracay beach resort to enjoy all Boracay Island has to offer. They find that the hotel manages to capture their dream tropical getaway while still offering all the facilities wanted by a traveler, at very reasonable price.
Book your dream tropical escape today! Visit Nigi Nigi Boracay Beach Resort at http://www.niginigi.com/.
About the Author
A computer professional who works on the internet helping Nigi Nigi increase its viewers through optimization. For world class diving Boracay visit us online at www.niginigi.com/
Luxury Home For Sale in Philippines , Sabang Beach , Mindoro , Puerto Galera
philippines holiday packages_2"philippines holiday packages" High-rise automated Car Parks could resolve urban parking problems. Would you invest or provide funding?
Car Parking around high-density urbanized Metropolitan Manila (PHILIPPINES) has never been easy. And the situation is getting worst. I seek European &/or American CarPark designer-manufacturers who would want to tie-up with a Filipino-owned qualified MetroManila-based integrated Steel Tower Fabricator-Galvanizer - purposely, to manufacture In-Country and to market their branded designs in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia.
Project Cost could be U$400K with a probable 100% ROI in 5 years - or sooner. Inasmuch as the Philippines is Investment-friendly, this pioneering venture is likely to qualify for a Package-of-Incentives - inclusive of Income Tax Holiday for a limited period, among others.
For more read on this Investment Opportunity, kindly visit my site - http://carparks.multiply.com Would American &/or European manufacturers of automated CarParks go into JV In-country Manufacturing in the Philippines - with a qualified Filipino Partner?
Actually, it is a possibility. I don't have the information available right now, but check with San Francisco, California's city transportation department. They have several vertical car parks because of the high density population there. It's kind of neat to see cars on shelves one above the other like toys in a store. Find out who does it and contact that company and see. Great Idea, good luck, hun.
Send money to Philippines and win with Xpress Money, this X'Mas
list of philippine hotels"list of philippine hotels" root word of mapanatili is panatili? please explain...?
question 2: root word of katangian?/unlapi?/gitlapi?/hulapi?
question 3: root word of gupit?/ayon?/pamantayan?
question 4: root word of pananaw?/kaisipan?/matatatag?
question 5: root word of tanggapan?/tagpuan?/napapangibabawan?
question 6: ligaw means wooing/suitor? please explain..
question 7: what is pinay?/kalalakihan?
question 8: how should i say "36","48","69" in tagalog,and "176","889","2748" and "89432" in tagalog?
question 9: how should i say: "where is the immigration office?","i want book a hotel","i want to find a hotel" in tagalog?
question 10: root word of ingat?
question 11: please give me a complete list of the philippine holidays which the office do not work(especially in Manila)(please both in English and tagalog)
question 12: what does "kung" mean in tagalog? please give me some examples. SORRY,i only have 5 questions to ask one day,but i have 40 questions a day!!!!!
"George Rabusa, How Do You Plead/Guilty or Not Guilty?"
Nix/Jsbraza
My informant can vividly remember that Thursday, January 27, 2011. He happened to be watching the Senate hearing on Gen. Garcia's case wherein Gen. Angelo Reyes was invited to shed light on his involvement. During that hearing, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada suddenly called in a surprise witness, Ret. Col. George Rabusa, who was known among the military circle as Gen. Reyes protégée. I am sorry, but having known him and his wife, Debbie Rabusa, for several years made me puke! What kind of a man is he to sell his master? The one who treated him when the Garcia-Rabusa scandal broke out in September 2004 and he was only put under ‘house arrest' while his co-accused, Major General Carlos Garcia, was jailed for almost 6 years? The one who treated him like his own son?
Shock and dismay were painted all over Gen. Angelo Reyes' face Just two days before George went to his residence and made insinuations that somebody is going to "pin him down' in the Senate hearing. Even with his brilliance and unquestioned intelligence, Gen. Reyes had no clue that he was facing the descendant of Judas Escariot, the traitor!
George acted the part so well that day. Even his namesake, Hollywood actor George Clooney, will be put to shame. Splendid acting complete with theatrical props: "wheelchair, when he can still walk, albeit slowly; tears on cue, and the most sordid look. Indeed, this is the man we had come to know. A man who will go through great lengths to get what he was wanted!
From Pork Butchers to Instant Millionaires
In the early ‘90s when George was still a junior officer, he and his wife used to butcher some hogs at the back of their old quarters, and they would go around the neighborhood and friends to sell pork. Such entrepreneurial spirit was very common given the meager soldier's salary. The neighbors were obviously their loyal customers. Like anyone else, they were seen as normal couple then. Living a simple and Spartan life as all did inside the camp--devoid of arrogance.
Things started to change when George had sensitive positions such as budget officer of G2, PA with then Col. Urgello as his boss. More so, often when years later, Gen. Urgello became Commanding General, Phil. Army (CGPA) in 1998 and made George his ‘money bag' officer, the one who takes care of all financial needs of the CGPA. There was a sudden change in the Rabusa couple's lifestyle: brand new cars and SUVs were parked in their designated garage at PAOVILLE, Fort Bonifacio. Senior officers questioned their blatant display car with their meager salary; they got 3 top of the line SUVs! Neighbors' jaws kept dropping in amazement but more disbelief! Where did their fortune come from? Did they win the lottery? Further scrutiny yielded negative lotto winnings. (You cannot hide the excitement, can you? You will shout it out to the world!) They just happen to be smart couple who knows how to play the game and learn how to take advantage of the prevailing situation.
George & Debbie became (A movie was made in 1967 starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Bonnie & Clyde is a term used to describe couples engaged in anomalous and criminal activities.) George and Debbie didn't really rob banks and kill people; they just used their bosses' names and influence to ask for favors and financial support from the J-staff in Camp Aguinaldo, more often, that the staff would be left wondering if the Army spent all their monies they have. "Yes, they pocketed most of their "loot". And that was the start of their good fortune!
Hello, Mrs. Tess Reyes!
It was during these times when they came to know Mrs. Tess Reyes, the wife of Gen. Angelo Reyes, a ‘mistah' of Gen. Urgello. Mrs Reyes actively participated in the Phil. Army Officer. Although very friendly and endearing, she chose to sit at the back of the van instead of sitting beside Mrs. Urgello, being a ‘mistah', because Debbie would always position herself next to Mrs. Urgello. Except those who genuinely knew who she was, nobody gave her any special attention accorded to a wife of a ‘rising star' until rumors started milling that her husband was going be named SouthCom chief, a springboard to becoming a Chief of Staff.
George took notice on Mrs. Reyes and did a background investigation. For that was what he was known for (he is an intelligence man, by the way, having been assigned in G2, PA & ISAFP). He came to know that Gen. Angelo Reyes had a ‘paramour' in Mindanao, and left Mrs. Reyes on her own to take care of her children in Manila. With her birthday
coming up, George, at Phil. Army's expense, held a lavish birthday party for her. Of course, he told Gen. & Mrs. Urgello about his plan. Mrs. Reyes was very grateful of this gesture; it was the start of their close associations.
From then on, he made himself available to Mrs. Tess Reyes requirements. With the logistics he was holding, he managed to support her financially. He made sure that she would be heavily indebted to him, enough weapons to ask for ‘juicy' positions later when her husband became CSAFP. Such is George's trademark ‘modus operandi'. For him, nothing happens by accident –he has to make things happen! Debbie, on the other hand, invited Mrs. Reyes to their exclusive ballroom dancers group wherein Mrs. Lyn Ligot is a member. This was the start of the so called "trial'. With Mrs.Tess Reyes, Mrs. Lyn Ligot, & Mrs Debbie Rabusa as exclusive members. The three became inseparable; they even call each other "sister"!
The Road To Chief Budget, J6, Camp Aguinaldo
As fate would have it, Gen. Angelo Reyes became Chief of Staff, almost at the same time when Gen Urgello was about to retire. George, with his influence, was offered a Battalion Commandership in South Cotabato was ahead of his contemporary. But it wasn't part of his plan as he said" "I already suffered a gunshot in my leg in Abra; I have no intentions of going to another war-torn area to prove my worth!" Instead, he went to see Mrs. Tess Reyes and asked for the position he had been eyeing for: Chief Budget, J6 where the action and big bucks are! He been thinking aloud those times and told a lot of people that he cannot compete to the top position, chief of Staff, because he's one of the oldest in the class. ( He was even trying to convince some lawmakers to change the retirement age 60, instead of 56, so he fit the bill). He made it known that the next best thing for him to do was to gather as much money as he care and retire U.S. in style. This means that he would have businesses to take care of his twilight years! Therefore, everyting was pre-planned and premeditated!
Now, heavily indebted to George, Mrs. Tess Reyes kept bugging her husband to make George as chief budget. The military officers surrounding Gen. Reyes vehemently objected to such suggestion. Most of them of George's caliber, and they feared for the fate of the AFP's budget. One of these officers even saw the extent of how George would make his way to win the heart of Gen. Reyes by personally pushing the wheelchair of Gen. Reyes' mother, even when there were personal aides present. (Funny how a wheelchair was used again to elicit sympathy, this time, with the world as his audience!) As the saying goes: "never underestimate the power of a woman, especially, a bedmate". Tess Reyes succeeded in convincing his husband in placing George as chief budget, J6, AFP. And the rest was history…
Mrs. Tess Reyes & Company's Frequent Trips Abroad
True to his words, George was very supportive of Mrs. Tess Reyes financial requirements—actually he volunteered to endear himself. He also saw this as an opportunity to pocket to pocket some of the money, "legallyy'! He admitted in public that he gave Mrs. Reyes $ 10,000-$20,000 as pocket money. What he failed to admit was how much he reflected in the ‘book' in case his bosses would check. The public would never know that in every trip that he encouraged Mrs. Reyes & company to go, he pocketed at least a million or two of himself. Multiply that by the number of travels the group made ( at least 15 times during his time as Chief Budget) and you will get a amount close to 30 million! He also failed to mention the extent of involvement of his equally scheming wife from most of these trips. She acted as the ‘moneybag' if George would not be around to do it for the madams. Debbie even bragged about those trips and shopping sprees. Indeed, it was her distinct privilege to be the only wife of a junior officer brushing elbows with General's wives and shopping around the world with the First Lady of the AFP. She even related a story wherein Mrs. Reyes told George to buy her an expensive set of jewelry abroad, and not to be left behind, bought for her a more expensive one! And Debbie even flaunted them on several occasions. The three ladies: Tess, Lyn, and Debbie were often seen in swanky hotel lobbies having coffee, waiting for their dates, big-time AFP dealers, whom they personally asked their cuts from the multi-million contracts they got approved through the intimidation of George. Influence-peddling, they call it. Therefore, it was easy for them to go to the U.S. and shop for houses, like the one in Anaheim, California where they bought 3 houses, one for each of them, and proximate to each other.
Last Senate hearing on Feb. 7, 2011, when Sen, Jinggoy Estrada asked George if his wife accompanied mrs. Tess reyes & Mrs. Lyn Ligot on their trip abroad, he outrightly denied and said that Debbie has never been close to the 2 ladies because ‘she was just a wife of a junior officer'. Basically, he LIED under oath.
Banking on Filipinos very short memory, and being aware that he is now treated like a demi-god by audiences who are enthralled by his fabricated lies, may I refresh George and the public's memory, that in Dec. 15, 2004, George testified in the House of Representatives that the travels of his wife, Debbie Rabusa, were not official. Meaning, she has to shoulder her own expenses and pocket-money. But with no substantial income to back up her frequent trips abroad, George fabricated documents to show otherwise. Also, in the feb. 3, 2011 issue of Global balita, "travel records of the Bureau of immigrations revealed that Mrs. Erlinda ligot and Mrs. Debbioe rabusa were constant travel companion of Mrs. Tess Reyes… "That LYING bastard!"
There were several instances wherein George & Debbie use dMrs. Tess Reyes for their personal gains. In just a short period of time, they were able to build mul;ti-million houses for themselves and their relatives. Two of these multi-million houses (P10M each at the tiome of constraction excluding the Italian furniture & fixtures) are found side by side at AFPOVAL. One owned by George, and the next-door-neighbor belong and the next-door neighbor belonged to his brother, a member of class '83 and assigned in the Phil. Navy. Another for the parents of a certain Dave in Paranaque, a weekend place in Batangas, a P50-million house in one of the most exclusive subdivision in Q.C.--a gift from a dealer, and a multi-million peso mansion for George's girlfriend in Fairview. If you are going to tally them all, the amount is way more than what the law requires to file a plunder case against a government employee who was, by the time, had a gross earning of only P25 thousand pesos month! By now, you have the insight why George needed to save his ass!
$5M ‘Pabaon' For George's Family!
Before Garcia-Rabusa scandal broke out in September 2004, they knew before hand that it was bound to happen. Somehow, the incident of Mrs. Clarita Garcia's written affidavits in the U.S. was leaked to media men, to buy them an airtime and hoping that it would die a natural death. Besides, they have to have the P1.5 million debut party of their eldest daughter at New World Hotel first, before Debbie and the kids would fly to the U.S. for good! They said, George was to follow suit but he still had "unfinished' business to take care of. The guests who attended the said debut party were wondering why instead of a happy atmosphere befitting a girl's coming out of the society, the whole family was crying! A few months later, in September 2004, the scandal that implicated George as a major player in looting the coffers of the AFP, bannered the headlines!
On the sidelight, there were wild talks that Debbie found out about George extra-marital affairs. He even had a multi-million house built in Fairview and bought franchises of Pancake House for her. Allegedly, Debbie, fed-up of his philandering ways, gave George an ultimatum and made him choose between her & the children or the other woman. Honestly, they are just trying to make-up stories to misled people. A very reliable source told me, the couple have been ‘money laundering' precious green bucks going to the US in the tune of $ 5,000,000.00, to prepare for their pre-planned early retirement. They managed to put them through especially marked ‘balikbayan' boxes to avoid detection, using very close friends as recipients.
The said money was used to buy properties in cash. They first settled in Florida area, wherein she bought a house and a homecare business. Debbie and the children left for the US in May 2004, the scandal broke out. When the Filipino community in Florida knew the real score about Debbie Rabusa (Well, if you are buying properties in cash in America, you are inviting unnecessary attention! An average American owes the bank a huge amount to pay his house mortgage), Debbie sold their Florida property in haste. Some people close to them took advantage of the situation and would like to have their properties almost next to nothing! At this point, Debbie sought the help of a very good friend in LA to help her with the transactions in Florida. It was at this point when this ‘very good friend' learned about the amount money Debbie managed to bring to the U.S. $5 MILLION DOLLARS IN COLD CASH!!! (I wonder now if this is the same $ picked-up by a colonel at the UN headquarters in New York, that Heidi Mendoza said was missing? Hmmm…)
As per records, Debbie established a company called Art International, Inc., with an office located at 3115 Rancho Vista Ste D, Palmdale, CA 93551. As to the nature of the business, it is hard to establish what she was into and was far from her place of residence. As I've mentioned earlier, Debbie bought a property in Anaheim, CA, next to Mrs. Ligot and Mrs. Tess Reyes, and God knows how many more, under the dummy owners. Remember, they have lots of ‘mistahs', George's classmates at PMA, who went out of the military service and settled mostly in West Coast, USA. He must have elicited favors from them given his penchant to go after people who owed him some favor in the past.
When the inquiries about ill-gotten wealth of the three became pronounced, Debbie sold her property in Anaheim and bought another one in neighboring place. Though the three of them still saw each other in the US, it was very elementary for Debbie to move to another location. Driving top of the line SUVs, Lexus & BMW, Debbie lived a lavish lifestyle in California. While her children were enrolled in private schools, ordinary American parents sent theirs to public schools. There were sightings of her and Mrs. Ligot in casinos, while George with his paramour frequented in casino hotels as high roller players here in the Philippines, when everybody thought he was under ‘house arrest.'
Suffering Consequences at His Household
My informant said that two years ago, he heard that Debbie allegedly succumbed to breast cancer and George had a stroke. Their eldest daughter had to pay $35,000.00 for fixed marriage and the second daughter was rumored to have a tumor. "Easy come, easy go," as the saying goes. Most, if not all of their loots, gone kaput! George started asking for financial support from the Chief of Staff down to the lowly civilian personnel, whom he knew had some money to spare, in Camp Aguinaldo. Most of the people who knew his true color didn't believe his "palabas". They said, he employed another tactic to solicit sympathy among peers, now that Gen. Garcia is out of jail and George knew that his name will be dragged again due to the extent of his involvement in looting the coffer of the AFP.
A Prolific Chess Player
My informant could still remember how Debbie used to describe her husband. "George is a very good chess player. Nobody can defeat him!" Debbie would say. She is mighty proud of the fact that her husband is brilliant!
Looking back, my informant took note and realized how George manipulated a lot of people to advance himself—Gen. Urgello, Gen. Reyes, Gen. Ligot and Gen. Garcia. Right now, he is also manipulating the minds of the brilliant senators and our judiciary systems with his blatant lies: the purported anomalous transactions in the AFP whom he and his assistant Lt. Colonel "Sonny" Lim, had masterfully designed & orchestrated. Yes indeed, George Rabusa is a chess master in his own right!
In closing, my informant expressed his sincerest apologies to the Reyes' family. To the late General Angelo Reyes, may his soul rest in peace!
About the Author
Samba-NCAA (National Commission for Culture & Arts) Quezon City, Summer of 1995
PPI-UNICEF (Philippine Press Institute- United Children's Fund)
5-Days Children's Newspapering Seminar & Convention September 2000
PAHRA (Philippine Alliance Human Rights Advocacy) 3-Days Rights Defenders Training, Iligan City April 2004
CHR (Commission on Human Rights) Seminar Workshop on Human Rights Based Approach to Local Legislation Iligan City, March 2008
CaFod UK Capacity Strengthening on Disaster Risk Reduction Training Misamis OrrientalJuly 30-August 6, 2009
MPC-EU (Mindanao Peoples Caucus-European Union) Seminar Workshop on Peace Reportage General Santos City January 20-23 2010
ASPAP (Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc) Training for Automation Election in the Philippines, Mindanao State University, Marawi March 2010
PAEA (Philippine Art Educator Association)-Faber Castell 1st Art Convention
Pasay City November 2010
DJ JOAN @ INZO CAFE. A BALIK-BAYAN Travel Show, Roxas City, Capiz episode with Drew & Paolo
