Lumpia

Lumpia are one of the many fine delicacies you will find in the Philippines. They are very similar to the Chinese egg-roll. You can get them filled with various foods, such as meat, vegetables, fruits and any number of other combinations. There available fried or fresh and can be dipped in a wide variety of sauces. Lumpia make a great appetizer or snack between meals and are a must try for those visiting the Philippines.

Filipino Lumpia

Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano (Mount Mayon), is an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay, which is located in the Bicol Region, on the island of Luzon. Renowned as the “Perfect Cone” because of its almost perfectly conical shape. The Mayon Volcano is an extraordinary site to see, but keep in mind it is active. If you have plans to visit the area it would be wise to check local conditions first since the Volcano has shown recent signs of a pending eruption.

 Advisories can be found here, National Disaster Coordinating Council

Mayon Volcano December 27, 2009 10:35AM  

Tourism

The Philippines are one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations. Consisting of more than seven thousand islands and the largest concentration of animal species for its size in the world, it’s a nature lovers dream. The numerous coral reefs and white sand beaches are perfect for those looking to enjoy the warm tropical weather and go swimming, snorkeling, diving or just sit back and relax while you’re enjoying a nice cold drink on the beach.

 San Sebastian Cathedral  











The Philippines have a lot more to offer though. The Spanish settled here in 1565 and there are Cathedrals here dating back to the 16th century. These Cathedrals are still used today. Many old Spanish forts are still standing and there is the shrine on Mactan Island in Cebu to honor Ferdinand Magellan, the famous Portuguese explorer credited with being the first man to sail around the world. The Mactan shrine is a famous landmark here because it’s where the Filipinos first opposed the Spaniards led by Datu Lapu Lapu in 1521.

Filipino desert Halo Halo 












Hotel accommodations vary from the small to the luxurious hotels and beach resorts. Cottages are even available for those who want more intimate accommodations. There are plenty of tours are available and usually a short ferry ride can take you to a nearby island for some further adventures.

 Jeepney

There is no need for a pocket translator since English is a second language here and spoken in all the main establishments. Exchange of currency is not a problem either. There are plenty of outlets throughout the cities including the airports and hotels that you change your cash to the local currency. Visa is readily accepted at all the major businesses here as well. Transportation is readily available. You have your choice of a cab or if your feeling adventurous a Jeepney or tricycle to name a few.

 Coron Island

The people of the Philippines are some of the most friendly you well ever meet. They are quick to smile and always pleasant. They love the foreign visitors and will treat you with the utmost respect and do what they can for you so that you will enjoy your visit. If you’re looking for a vacation spot that will give you nearly endless possibilities of things to do in a beautiful place, then the Philippines may be just what you are looking for. With so much to do, the beauty of the islands and its people you can have a vacation that will offer you many great memories that will last a life time.

More fun in the Philippines 2012/2013 - Department of Tourism 

 

New Philippines Bureau of Immigration Office in Cebu

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration opened a new satellite office in Cebu. It is located inside the Gaisano shopping mall in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island. According to BI statistics the Mactan-Cebu International Airport saw an increase in the number of foreign tourist to over 600,000 in 2012. The number has been increasing steadily in recent years. This is part of a program the BI has launched to make their services more accessible to tourist. This is great news, especially for those of us living in Cebu. Tourist will benefit as well since the new Immigration office will give them another convenient option and help reduce the wait times that are occasionally part of the Visa process due to volume.

An added bonus to the new BI satellite office in the Gaisano Capital Island Mall Mactan you can enjoy some shopping or dinning in one of the many fine establishments located in the mall when you are finished. Aside from shopping Lapu Lapu City offers the following, The Mactan Shrine (Commemorating the famous battle between Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu Lapu), scuba diving, and plenty of white sand beaches. Some example are, Shangri-La, Plantation Bay, Blue Waters, White Sands, Tambuli Beach Club, to name a few.

The location of the new Philippines Bureau of Immigration Office is in the, Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, ML Quezon National Highway, Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu 6015. It is located right between the two bridges. (See map below)

For a list of immigration fees click here.