Still in Dumaguete

Hello backpackers, my apology for not updating this blog as often as I could. We are still in Dumaguete and will be back in Manila in 2 days so by then, expect a couple of blog post about adventures and misadventures in the place of gentle people.

I have so much to tell and for now, it remains a secret. I hope you will come back some other time. I am sure you will love what you read. I hope.

Provincial Life

We are currently in Dumaguete to visit my hubby's parents and siblings. It is to my delight to see my kids reunited with their cousins. They are enjoying every hour of the day living a simple and provincial life.

While in the city, we only wake up when the alarm of our cellphone beeps up to maximum level. But here, the kids would wake us up after feeding rice to the chicken.

Given the choice, I still like to live in the province than in the city. How about you? In about a week, we will be going back to city life.

DOT Slogan

For years, the Department of Tourism slogan is WOW Philippines or Wealth of Wonders Philippines. It was a great choice of slogan I would say. But with the recent administration, the secretary change it to:

Pilipinas Kay Ganda

This slogan is flooded now with criticisms from the locals as it is not understand for tourist which is the main target for such slogan. How can a Chinese or an American can understand Kay Ganda.. Its like selling Chinese character slogan to attract tourist to China. Thats even worst.

President Aquino scraps today this new slogan and is back to

Wow Philippines

I would prefer myself the older version. There is a class in the name.

Metro Manila Hotels

This is my compilation of Hotels within Metro Manila. I hope you could find the suitable hotel for your purpose:

SHANGRILA HOTEL MAKATI
Ayala Avenue cor Makati Avenue, Makati
Tel: 813 8888

EDSA SHANGRILA HOTEL
Gardenway, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: 633 8888

DUSIT THANI MANILA
Ayala Center, 1223 Makati City
Tel. 867 3333 Fax 867 3888


NEW WORLD HOTEL
Esperanza St. cor Makati Avenue, Makati City
Tel. 811 6888

SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila
Tel: 551 5555

INTER-CONTINENTAL MANILA
No. 1 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Tel: 793 7000
Web: www.intercontinental.com/manila

THE PENINSULA MANILA
Ayala Avenue cor Makati Avenue, Makati City
Tel: 810 3456

MANDARIN ORIENTAL MANILA
Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City
Tel: 750 8888

DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES
Roxas Blvd., cor Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila
Tel: 528 3000
Web: www.diamondhotel.com

HYATT HOTEL AND CASINO MANILA
1588 Pedro Gil cor. MH del Pilar, Malate, Manila
Tel: (63-2) 245 1234
Web: www.manila.casino.hyatt.com

CENTURY PARK HOTEL
599 P. Ocampo St., 100 Malate, Manila

to be updated soon

Great Coffee at Java Jazz in Tagaytay

Tagaytay is always the first to visit when you are in Manila. At least when you want to go outdoors. Its the closest tourist attraction and still remains at its peak. The highlight of this place is the Taal Volcano, but mountain, sea, ocean, lake, zoo are also around the area.

I was actually surprised when I last visited Tagaytay. There are so much things to do, places to explore, food to eat but always too little time.

But first, lets talk about the coffee at Java Jazz after all that is the topic here.

Java Jazz is actually a bed and breakfast place. I have numerously tried their food, nice and cheap - thats the magic word. Our family is always looking for this word : cheap and nice or vice versa.

This place surely have both. But what I love most about this place is their Kapeng Barako. Try it for yourself and come back here for your comments.

Welcome to Manila Backpackers

Hi fellow travellers, welcome to our new site.. the Manila Backpackers.

Watch out for to die-for restaurants, places to visit, things to do and a whole lot more not only while in Manila but as we travel around the world.