General Santos City Description

General Santos City teems with a population close to half a million (2ooo census). General Santos City, primarily agro-industrial, contributes to the region’s major producers. Favorable agricultural factors makes General Santos City the largest producer of corn, coconuts, copra, pineapples, asparagus and rice. Locals of General Santos City avail of fish and seafood that could not come fresher, having the sea in close proximity. General Santos city contributes the largest total daily fish landings, leading the production of sashimi grade tuna.

General Santos City Attractions

General Santos City directs a finger to Kalaja Karsts, 15kms at the Northeast side of the city. Towers of karsts formations stud the area. Here, General Santos City can be viewed together with Sarangani Bay and some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.

Try spelunking at Kalaja Cave, wading at Bunga Spring, climbing at Kalaja Face, splashing at Absekong Waterfalls, and trekking at Nopol Hills. General Santos City gives a chance for the experience of all these adventures.

General Santos City Location

General Santos City is bordered by Sarangani Province and South Cotabato. General Santos City lies southeast of Manila, southeast of Cebu and southwest of Davao. Key cities connect to General Santos City by air, sea and land transportation. General Santos City hosts the country’s second largest airport-in-area, landing planes from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. One of the most modern seaports in the country  – Makar Wharf – is also in General Santos City, anchoring ships from within and outside the Philippines. Land travel to General Santos City is through the Pan-Philippine Highway, with more than 400 passenger buses and jeepneys providing services.

Foreigners Buying Property in the Philippines have the property in another persons name.

I visited the Philippines for the first time in 1997. Upon arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I instantly realized that I had come to a country with an ill deserved reputation as over-Americanized and not Asian enough. The warm weather was a relief after coming out of a New York winter. There was a band playing Filipino folk music in the airport, wearing straw hats and the traditional barong tagalong shirts. I was overwhelmed by the sounds and colors that swirled through the streets as I made my way to the domestic airport for a flight to Cebu. I stayed in Cebu for one month and on my return to the U.S., I knew that I wanted a place of my own there to go back to.

In 1998 I made a second visit. This time along with Cebu I took excursions to the islands of Bohol and Palawan, thereby giving myself a look at a few of the over 7,000 islands the Philippines has to offer. Cebu appealed to me because it is a city but with a relaxed air and without the congestion of Manila. I also figured that real estate would be somewhat cheaper, so I decided to concentrate on Cebu.

Philippines Property Categories

There are many categories of properties in the Philippines. The most expensive real estate is the subdivisions. Subdivisions are geared towards foreigners and middle to upper-middle class Filipinos, including those who work abroad. They vary but generally subdivisions have there own infrastructure and security. Developers often set up booths in local malls to display their models. You can buy a house and lot with the developer building the house, or sometimes just the lot and build the house yourself. Subdivisions are good because they usually have flexible payment schemes. If you don’t have money to pay for the house in full you can opt for term payments. Make sure they give you an interest rate you can live with. All of the subdivisions I’ve seen offer a maximum of 5 years to pay. So, for a house that costs $USD20.000 you’re talking about $USD500/month for five years and it’s yours. There are simple subdivisions without pools and clubhouses that offer a house and lot for just over $USD10.000 so shop according to your budget.

Another category of property is the house or house lot outside of a subdivision. This type of property will generally be cheaper, especially if it is outside of a major city like Cebu. One concern is that you have to rely on public services when it comes to water and waste removal, as well as the maintenance of your electrical grid. In other words, you’re in the “real world”. If you fancy the countryside you can find extremely cheap lots and local carpenters to build your nest. Lot listings such as these are easily found on the internet. There are a variety of Filipino realtors online from reputable companies. My advice is to make contact and then get on a plane and take a look.

Another option is the condominium. New and used condominiums are everywhere and like subdivisions, offer payment plans. Newer condos can be overpriced so be picky.

Where to Buy Property in The Philippines

Deciding which island to buy on is a complicated affair. I would suggest thinking about the kind of environment you like. Every major island in the Philippines has an area with ample countryside but not every island has a major city. Cebu is the middle road. There is a good size city and a geographically diverse countryside. Bohol is an almost entirely agricultural island with a quaint seaside town. Palawan, often called the Philippines “Last Frontier”, is vast and breathtaking. If the beach is your thing, you will find it in Palawan. Land in Palawan is much cheaper than other areas of the Philippines. I’ve seen subdivisions with lots advertised as low as $USD1.800. Domestic travel is inexpensive so find out what island speaks to you.

How to Buy Buy Property in The Philippines

The procedure for buying real estate in the Philippines takes some getting used to. Foreigners (non-Filipinos not including former Filipinos) can not buy property outright. The easiest way for a non-Filipino to buy property is to have a Filipino spouse purchase the land. Former Filipinos can buy land up to a certain amount. The foreigner can own the building but not the land, unless the foreigner has a Philippine Special Retirement/Investment Visa. To qualify for this visa you must be at least 35 years old and meet the bank deposit requirement which can be withdrawn at a later date for your investments. There is a processing fee and the amount of the deposit/investment needed depends on whether or not you are married to a Filipino or former Filipino. This allows you almost all of the investment privileges of a Filipino citizen. For specifics on the program, check out the Philippine investors visa website. Foreigners are allowed to own condominium units outright but are only allowed to own 40% of a building or complex. You can also form a corporation where you and a Filipino or former Filipino partner, divide the ownership. This partner could be your spouse or child. For corporations, the Philippine government recognizes the right of succession in the case of foreigners.

The Philippines offers a unique environment for your get-away or permanent home. There are so many islands to choose from and a well developed industry accustomed to accommodating foreigners.

Original Post

However, there are various means by which noncitizens can hold property in the Philippines.

The most common way is a corporate structure. Corporations can own land, so long as Filipino citizens own 60 percent of the company; the rest can be owned by a foreign partner or partners. The arrangement makes it particularly easy for foreigners to buy condominiums, as long as they don’t compose more than 40 percent of a building’s ownership.

As a result, Walters owns two of his properties in his own name. He has put the other two in his wife’s name, a common practice but one that can cause problems in the event of a divorce.

Foreigners cannot claim citizenship in the Philippines without renouncing their original nationalities. Hardly any do.

But people of Filipino descent may be able to claim dual citizenship and, with it, the right to buy land. And even natural born Filipinos who have lost or given up their citizenship can own as much as 5,000 square meters, or about 54,000 square feet, in an urban development or three hectares, or 7.4 acres, in the countryside.

As a result, it is increasingly popular for overseas Filipinos to invest back home.

The expatriate Filipino population is global and extensive, but centered in the United States. Big developers like Ayala Land, Megaworld and Rockwell Land have started advertising their developments in major U.S. cities, trying to attract investment from the Balikbayans, the Filipino word for nationals who live abroad permanently.

Foreigners without local blood ties who want to make purchases other than condos must get more creative. Sometimes they fall back on a variation of the corporate structure: The foreign partner makes an off-the-books arrangement with local “owners.”

“Basically you can set up a Philippines corporation, have your lawyers or Filipino friends as 1 percent owners, but in reality the entire money is foreign,” said Monique Pronove, managing director for Pronove Tai & Associates property consultants. However, there are laws explicitly aimed at preventing such dummy partnerships.

“The reality is, yes, you can do it,” Pronove said. “But I would rather, if you are my client, that you be safe and do it legally and own condominium properties. And anyway, it is easier as well.”

Some foreigners have managed to secure beachfront property legally, through the use of 25-year leases, often with automatic renewals. This is particularly common on the popular resort island of Boracay, where Germans pioneered the resort trade and there are many properties in foreign hands. The lease holders then are free to build homes, although eventually the ground can be sold out from under them.

For the most part, though, foreign interest is centered on high-end condo developments in Manila’s best neighborhoods. There are some condo projects in Cebu, the country’s second city, but almost none elsewhere.

John Riad, chief executive of the online real-estate brokerage HousingInteractive.com, said he specialized in condos in the Makati, Rockwell and Fort Bonifacio neighborhoods, the most exclusive parts of Manila.

Original Post http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/19/news/rebuyphil.php

Philippine Retirement Visa Benefits

Low Cost

$1400 one time payment. Unlimited stay in the Philippines.

Once you are an SRRV Visa holder, it opens the door to vast opportunities and benefits. These include:

1. Option to Retire Permanently

• You may live, work and study in the Philippines

2. Multiple Entry Privileges

• You may travel outside the Philippines and re-enter anytime

3. Exemptions from:

• Income tax over your pension and annuities;
• Exit and re-entry permits of the Bureau of Immigration;
• Annual registration requirement of the Bureau of Immigration;
• Customs Duties and Taxes with regard to the importation of household goods and personal effects up to US$7,000.00;
• Travel tax, if you stay in the Philippines is less than one year from the last entry date; and
• I-Card

As an SRR Visa holder, the PRA can assist you in obtaining basic documents from other government agencies. These include, but are not limited to:

• Alien Employment Permit
• Driver’s License
• Tax Exemption/Extension Certificate
• Tax Identification Number
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance

Cost $1400

Email us for more information and to determine eligibility.

Cotabato City Description

The City of Cotabato economically is a trading center for farm products coming from the nearby municipalities. These products are copra, rice, corn, cassava and beans. Cotabato City is also a great source of aquatic products like shrimps, crabs, various tropical fishes most especially the yellow fin tuna.

Some thirty minutes from Cotabato City, is a spectacular coral reef formation that would entice divers, both amateur and professional. Cotabato City is justifiably famous for its woven fabrics because of the intricate and uniques designs made with fine and expensive threads making them the hallmarks of an industry being carried out for many centuries.

Cotabato City in particular is also proud of tradition in this ancient craft and produces some of the finest examples of Loom woven material to be seen anywhere in the world.

Cotabato City Attractions

Spend your leisure time on both historical and natural attractions you can find here in Cotabato City.

Rio Grande de Cotabato is the most famous landmarks in Cotabato City. Next spot travelers can visit is the Tamontaka Church which was built in 1872 of Spanish architecture and design.  About a 5 minute ride from the city is a serene and tranquil place with an area of about 50 hectares were the major seminaries are lcoated. It has a St. Bernadette Grotto and a giant Jesus Scupture that is very ideal for those who want to get in touch with their inner selves. It is the oldest church in the city, a relic of the living past.

Lourdes Grotto is a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France. The compound is equipped with ideal retreat house for recollection and seminars, a mini zoo and a children’s park.

Nature lovers and thrill-seeking explorers will be fascinated by Kutang Bato Caves. The only cave in the country that is right in the heart of the city. These caves were also the source of the city’s present name for “KUTA” means FORT and “WATO” means STONE hence the name “Fort of Stone” which later on became Cotabato. Its walls of white, beige and brownish shade glitters in the dark and echoes a colorful past dating back to the days when no foreign foot yet trampled upon its land. The caves had given sanctuary to the natives when the Spaniards tried to convert them into the Castillan Faith and has served as refuge when the Filipino guerillas fought the invading force of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.

Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine- A monument in honor of Takumi Butai and Japanese soldiers who died here during the Second world War. Takumi was the Provincial Commander of the Japanese forces assigned in Cotabato City. Before he died, he requested that some of his ashes be buried in Cotabato City. This shrine was put up by the Lion’s Club of Kyoto, Japan in cooperation with the City Government of Cotabato.

Cotabato City Location

Cotabato City is an undertaken city geographically surrounded by the Province of Maguindanao that belongs to the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Yet the City is considered part of Region XII, not of ARMM.

Cotabato City is located at the southwestern part of the Philippines, approximately 698.9 nautical miles (1294 km) from Manila, the country’s capital. Cotabato City is roughly about 240 kilometers west of Davao City, about 154 kilometers northwest of General Santos City, 180 nautical miles east of Zamboanga City and 350 kilometers south of Cagayan de Oro City. It has a total land area of roughly 27,564 hectares.

Cebu City Description

The City of Cebu is the capital of Cebu in the Philippines and is the second most important metropolitan center in the country. It is the country’s main domestic shipping hub and is home to more than 80% of the country’s inter-island shipping companies. Cebu is also the main hub, outside of the capital, of international flights into the country and is the most important center of commerce, trade, and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao, the southern parts of the country. Cebu City is dubbed the Queen City of the South because of these important functions the city does. According to the official 2000 census, it has a population of 718,821 people in 147,600 households. Metro Cebu has a total population of more than 2 million people.

Cebu City Attractions

Cebu City is almost like Metro Manila because of the central trading, shipping business and commerce. However, there are historical and natural wonders you might want to discover and experience here in the Queen of South.

The 485-year-old cross, Magellan’s Cross, is housed in a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street (Magallanes being the Spanish name of Magellan), just in front of the city hall of Cebu City. Magellan’s Cross is a symbol of Cebu City and the chapel’s image can be found in its city seal. It is also seen as the symbol of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.

Cebu’s oldest Roman Catholic Church, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, also still retains the original stone texture and natural color it had in 1735. Its towering facade blends Muslim, Romanesque, and neo-classical architecture, this church of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu-which translates literally as “holy child of Cebu.” And if you are one of those devoted Roman Catholics, you wouldn’t want to miss seeing this church in your life.

Fort San Pedro is the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines. Built by the Spaniards to fight off sieges by hostile natives and Muslim pirates, the fort was finished in 1738, some 200 years after it started construction.

The fort at one time or another also became the American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime, got turned into classrooms where Cebuanos received formal education from 1937 to 1941, used as prison camp and fortification for Japanese soldiers during World War II or from 1941 to 1945, served as hospital when battle for liberation was fought, and became an army camp from 1946 to 1950. This place is really amazing by serving a lot of purpose for the Cebuanos.

Cebu City Location

The city lies on the eastern shore of the island of Cebu and is the first Spanish settlement in the country. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. Its geographic coordinates are 10°17′0″N, 123°54′0″E. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban, and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City is located.

Cavite City Description

Cavite City occupies a hook shaped peninsula projecting out into Manila Bay. Evident in the city’s shape, the province’s name was derived from the Tagalog word “kawit” which means hook.

Cavite City has been a birthplace to some of the national heroes like Emilio Aguinaldo. Also, the Corregidor Island gained international fame as the site of the valiant, last ditch stand of the Filipino-American forces against the Japanese invaders in 1942. The fortress island is now a major tourist attraction, as the buildings, tunnels, gun emplacements and other structures remain well-preserved.

There are more to expect on Cavite City because the historical attractions of Cavite City is one of the phenomenal things you can find here. Cavite City is filled with historical events seen in locations and museums. Read along to find out more about what to see in Cavite City.

Cavite City Attraction

The Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum in Kawit is where the independence of the Philippines was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 by General Aguinaldo, the Philippines’ first president.

The Andres Bonifacio House in General Trias is the former home of the country’s revolutionary leader. The site of his court martial in Maragondon is also preserved. Other historical sites include the Battle of Alapan and Battle of Julian Bridge Markers, the House of Tirona, and Fort San Felipe.

Cavite features religious landmarks that reflect the province’s devotion to the people’s beliefs. The main churches of the province are the Imus Cathedral, Silang, General Trias and Maragondon Catholic Churches. The Shrines of Our Lady of La Salette, Silang, and St. Anne, Tagaytay, also attract pilgrims.

The picturesque natural wonders are mostly found in the upland areas such as Tagaytay Ridge, Macabag Cave in Maragondon, Balite Falls in Amadeo, Malibiclibic Falls in General Aguinaldo-Magallanes Boarder, Mts. Palay-Palay and Mataas na Gulod National Park in Ternate and Maragondon, Sitio Buhay Unclassified Forest in Magallanes and flowers, vegetables and coffee farms.

Cavite City Location

Cavite City lies 35 kilometers southwest from Manila by road. It borders the municipality of Noveleta to the south. The peninsula encloses Bacoor Bay to the southeast and Cañacao Bay to the northeast, both small parts of Manila Bay. The Sangley Point Naval Base is part of the city and occupies the northernmost portion of the peninsula. This used to be an American military naval base and has since been converted into a special Philippine military base.

Cavite City Hotels and Resorts

Mount Sea Grand Resort is approximately 28kms. away or a one-hour drive away from Manila and 45 minutes away from the NAIA airport. No need to worry if you’re thinking of emergency cases, it is only 10 minutes away from the nearest hospital. this is one of the best of the resorts at Cavite City and you can enjoy the stay for 4,700 pesos for a night in one room. And complete meals come in package.

Microtel Inn and Suites Eagle Ridge is a 57-room hotel situated in the flourishing town of Gen. Trias, Cavite which features four championship golf courses designed to provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy an international-caliber golfing venue. Nearby are the Gateway Business Park/Special Economic Zone and the First Cavite Industrial Estate.

Caylabne Bay Resort is one of the Philippines’ most promising resort-hotel which is just 90 minutes from Manila. It has a panoramic view of pristine beaches and virgin forests. Treat yourself to the best of Asia in this Spanish Mediterranean-themed hideaway set in a secluded cove along the rugged coast of Ternate, Cavite.

Cauayan City Description

Cauayan City is situated in the center of this big and naturally rich province as you can see in the picture. The province of Isabela is the biggest province in the Cagayan Valley Region and is now one of the premier provinces of the north. It has been dubbed as the “Rice Granary of the North” so you’ll be well-fed if you take your vacation in Cauayan City.

The town got its name from the word “Cauayan” meaning bamboo in the dialect of Gaddang, the early settlers of this place. Natives of Cauayan City has a tale on how early Spaniards got here and found abundant growths of bamboo trees along creeks that circled the town site namely Bulod, Sipat, Bungkol, and Marabulig creeks where few families lived. Whatever tales there are behind Cauayan City’s name, they would be interesting most especially if the tales are told by the old folks.

Cauayan City Attractions

If you’re a person who likes looking at the past, historical structures still visible up to this day are the big adobe stone church, “Our Lady of the Pillar Church” located at Poblacion and the Tabacalera warehouse and La Insular bodegas found at barangay Turayong which were constructed during the Spanish rule.

And if you like participating in merry activities, Gawagaway-yan Festival of Cauayan City is a celebration you should see here. The festival has a bountiful livelihood and merriment for the ethno-linguistic groups residing in Cauayan City. It also traces and gives due recognition to the ancestry of Cauayenos from the ethno linguistic group called Gaddang and recognizes the diversity of the cultural groups residing in Cauayan City through streetdancing, float parade and other indigenous activities.

Cauayan City Location

Cauayan City is located at the center of Isabela Province, which is also called the “Queen of the North”. Cauayan City is near the boundary between the mountainous areas like Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga and Cagayan.

You can access Cauayan City by bus or by plane from Manila. The Cauayan City Domestic Airport located at Barangay San Fermin completes the infrastructure provision for transport for the city of Cauayan with provincial and regional impact. Visiting other areas in Isabela Province is made easier by the Cauayan City airport.

At present, the facility is undergoing upgrading of facilities intended to accommodate international cargo flights. When completed, it is also expected that normal operations of the Philippine Airlines will resume which is very crucial in the commerce and industry sector of the city. This is very timely since Cauayan City has been selected to host the Proposed Isabela Special Economic Zone and the Regional Agro-Industrial Growth Center.

Canlaon City Description

Canlaon is home to the highest peak in the province, Canlaon Volcano, which is also one of the attractions in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Being one of the tallest peaks in the Visayas, you can view the whole Visayas region with the clouds just a stone’s throw away. You can also see in the map above that Canlaon City is in an island. There’s no doubt that this city has a lot of natural wonders in it. So better read on to check it out. You might get an idea where your next summer escapade will be.

Canlaon City Attraction

Canlaon Volcano raised Canlaon City’s skyline to 8,085 feet above sea level as one of the favorite spot of intrepid mountain climbers and the still active volcano can be accessed from Canlaon City, 165.7 km. from Dumaguete City. This dormant yet quite active volcano, is one of the 5 highest mountains in the Philippines. Its new crater is a breathtaking 400 m deep and less than 100 m wide. The trail to the top is steep, and you’ll trek through different vegetation zones from rich agriculture land to thick rain forest until reaching the lunar-like landscape surrounding the crater. Camps are usually set-up on the crater saddle.

Inyawan Enchanted Falls flows 100 feet off Inyawan River at the edge of a forest. Cold and clear waters cascade downstream that joins with Masaulog River. I’m not pretty sure why they call it Enchanted falls but it’s better to go there and find out what made it enchanted.

Quipot Falls is described as a bottle-shaped water cascade which is about 100 feet and the largest of three neighboring waterfalls fed by the Binalbagan, Malaiba, and Linothangan tributaries. The name “Quipot” almost sounds like the Tagalog word which means “narrow”. That’s probably the reason why people of Canlaon City called it Quipot Falls. It has a deep basin ideal for swimming and boating as well.

Makawiwili Ridge is also known as the “Saddle in the Sky,” the ridge is located between two mountain peaks 8,000 feet above sea level, and frequently used by scientists as a vantage point in observing the two craters of Canlaon Volcano.

Camp Mapot and Mountain Park is a verdant plateau 5,000 feet above the sea level and is first developed as a health camp. Pine trees, streams, and hillside springs, some rare flora and fauna are present in this part of Canlaon City. The temperature and scenery is reminiscent of Baguio’s Mines View Park. This camp is also a part of Mt. Canlaon National Park which is one of the favorites of nature trekkers.

Canlaon City Location

Canlaon City is situated on the eastern side of Mt. Canlaon in the Province of Negros Oriental. It is bounded on the north by the City of San Carlos, on the east by Vallehermoso, on the south by Guihulngan, and on the west by La Castellana.

Canlaon is located 168 km from the provincial capital Dumaguete. Guihulngan borders it on the east by Vallehermoso and on the south.

Laoag City Description

Laoag City, a 1st class city, is the capital city Ilocos Norte in Northern Philippines. Laoag City is a major political, commercial and industrial hub in the province. Combining the rustic appeal of Spanish colonial past with natural wonders and with amenities of modern living, Laoag City appeals to the romantic, the adventurous and the sophisticated.

Laoag City Attractions

Laoag City is one of the major tourist areas of the country. Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort in Laoag City – the only 5-star hotel in northern Philippines – along with other humbler establishments answer to travelers’ needs. Places of interest in Laoag City include Spanish colonial buildings, Philippine-baroque churches, white-sand beach resorts (Pagudpud) and Marcos-era mansions

Aside from these, the sinking bell tower, St. William Cathedral, Ilocos Norte Capitol, La Paz Dunes, Ilocos Lighthouse, Bangui windmills (the first windfarm in Southeast Asia) and the Ilocos Norte Museum are all within easy access when in Laoag City.

Laoag City Location

Laoag City has an international airport that has flights to and from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China; and domestic flights connecting to major points in the country.

Several bus companies come in and out of Laoag City, making connections to major and minor destinations. Laoag City is a 10-14 hour drive from Manila.

La Carlota City Description

La Carlota City was named after a wife of a Spanish official. A 3rd class City in Negros Occidental, La Carlota City has stretches of sugarcane fields and mango farms that you see as you travel around the area.

La Carlota City Attractions

La Carlota City boasts of Guintubdan Waterfalls, a water source coming from cold springs. The area around this water form in La Carlota City is ideal for camping

A frequent subject of local artists in their paintings, a sugar mill chimney in Hacienda Adelina, dots the view of a field of mango trees. This chimney, built in 1915,  testifies to the sugarcane fields that used to cover the whole hacienda in La Carlota City.

Also in La Carlota City is Our Lady of Peace Parish Church, which celebrates its feast every January. The architectural design of this church in La Carlota City is unique in the province of Negros. Features of this hundred year old church are the impressive use of red Silay bricks and coral stones from nearby Guimaras Island.

Pasasalamat Festival in La Carlota City happens April of every year. This thanksgiving festival in La Carlota City traces its roots to old agricultural practices of celebrating after a bountiful harvest. The highlight of this festival is the street dance performance along La Carlota City’s main highway.

La Carlota City Location

La Carlota City sits at southwestern portion of Negros Occidental.

La Carlota City is bounded by Bago City in the north, the mountain ranges of Kanlaon Volcano in the east, La Castellana town in the southeast, Pontevedra town in the west.

Lucena City Description

Lucena City is the capital city of Quezon province. A highly urbanized city, Lucena City has a current population of 220,834 people. People in Lucena City predominantly speak Tagalog, followed by Bicol, Masbateno and other migrants’ dialects. With a land area of 8,316.90 hectares, Lucena City has more that half of its size devoted to agriculture. Lucena City is growing into a major urban center with an agricultural economy. In Lucena City, a vast portion of what used to be coconut plantations are now converted into residential subdivisions.

Lucena City Attractions

Lucena City makes up for having no forest zone by its three-hectare man-made forest known as the Botanical Garden in Enverga University. Together with a one-half hectare Ecology Park at Brgy. Isabang, Lucena City ecology is kept in balance.

Tayabas Bay, near Lucena City, is one of the excellent fishing grounds in Quezon Province. Other bodies of water found in Lucena City include two big rivers – Dumacaa River and Iyam River. There are few marshes along the seacoast of Lucena City, partly because most of them have been converted into fishponds.

Lucena City Location

Lucena City is bounded on the north and northeast by Pagbilao, on the south and southeast by the Tayabas Bay, on the southwest by the Municipality of Sariaya, and on the northwest by the Municipality of Tayabas. Lucena City is at the southeastern part of Quezon Province.

Lucena City is approximately 137 kilometers southeast of Manila via the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway.

With its seaport, Lucena City has become a gateway to Southern Tagalog, Metro Manila and other parts of Mainland Luzon from the Bicol region and the island provinces of Marinduque, Masbate, Palawan, and Romblon. Lucena City is linked to its neighboring towns, cities, and provinces through roads, railways, as well as sea and air routes.

Puerto Princesa City Description

Puerto Princesa City is the capital city of Palawan. Named after a Spanish Princess, Puerto Princesa’s charm lies in its diverse population of people coming from various provinces and countries. With a land area of 253,982.00 hectares, Puerto Princesa City has now 35 urban barangays and 31 rural, totaling to 66 barangays. The predominant languages used is in Puerto Princesa City are Cuyuno, Tagalog, Visayan, as well as English.

Puerto Princesa City Attractions

Puerto Princesa City is famous for its crocodile farm, dive spots and underground rivers.

Only in Puerto Princesa City is the longest navigable underground river and reputedly the most beautiful subterranean river in the world. An 8.2 kilometer underground river that passes a spectacular cave before emptying into the South China Sea, this is truly a gem in Puerto Princesa City. At the mouth of this cave in Puerto Princesa, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels call the beach near the cave their home.

Visitors to Puerto Princesa City can also enjoy bird watching, mountain trekking, and exploring the deeper part of the forest.

Puerto Princesa City Location

Puerto Princesa City lies at the mid-section of Palawan Island. Approximately 306 nautical miles from Manila, Puerto Princesa City is 206 nautical miles to Panay Island and about 250 nautical miles to Zambonga. Puerto Princesa City is bounded on the North by the Municipality of San Vicente and Roxas and on the South by the Municipality of Aborlan. Facing on its western side is a coastline of the South China Sea, while to the East of Puerto Princesa City lies the Sulu Sea.

Airplanes and ferries shuttle back and forth from Puerto Princesa City and Manila, as well as to other major destinations in the country.

Lipa City Description

Lipa City is a 1st class city in Batangas, Philippines. Lipa City is a major recreational, religious, commercial, industrial and educational center in Batangas province. With a total land area of 24,465.93 hectares, Lipa City distributes its land use to agriculture, forestry, agro-industrial and residential. The terrain of Lipa City is characterized with rolling hills, plateaus and low mountains.

Lipa City Attractions

Lipa City spots worth visiting include Mount Makiling, which is 1,109 meters in elevation. Mount Malarayat and Mount Maculot, bordering Lipa City on opposite side, beckon to the adventure-seekers.

San Sebastian Cathedral can also be found in Lipa City.

Lipa City Location

Lipa City is bounded Santo Tomas in the northeast, San Pablo City and San Antonio in the east, Padre Garcia and Rosario in the southeast, and Ibaan and San Jose in the southwest, Cuenca and Mataas Na Kahoy and Taal Lake in the west and the Balete and Malvar in the northwest.

Lipa City’s location, in a valley located between  Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot, makes this city protected in times of typhoon. Lipa City is 78 kms south of Manila, reachable in three hours on a bus.

Ligao City Description

Ligao City has a combination of no dry season with more pronounced rainfall from November to December. With a slow growth rate, Ligao City has a total population of 90,603 individuals, mostly speaking the Bicolano language. Ligao City has a total land area of 24,640 hectares. Fertile flatlands, mountainous and hilly terrain transversed by rivers compose the landscape of Ligao City.

Ligao City Attractions

Ligao City possesses unspoiled beaches along the coastal settlements of Catburawan, Cabarian and Maonon. You can experience the hospitality of the people by taking lodging with the inhabitants. For those with adventurous taste buds, and accommodating stomachs to boot, you can savor the local specialty of hot chili dishes cooked with coconut milk.

Ligao City Location

Ligao City in Albay is bounded by the municipalities of Oas, Guinobatan, Tabaco, and Pio Duran. All barangays in Ligao City are connected to the city center via all-weather concrete roads.
Ligao City is 27 kms from the provincial capitol of Albay, and more or less 30 kms from Legaspi City. Approximately 507 kms from Manila, Ligao City can be reached through an hour ride on a place or a ten-hour trip on a bus.

Legaspi City Description

Legazpi City is the “Queen City of Southern Luzon”. A first class city, Legaspi City is the capital Albay province. Legaspi City is also the center of Bicol Region, being the main hub of trade, commerce and transportation. With the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano as the backdrop of Legaspi City, the view of this city is simply beautiful. The blue waters bordering a part of Legaspi City completes the picture of a panorama unseen anywhere else.

Legaspi City Attractions

Legazpi City tops Bicol Region’s tourist destinations, thanks to its proximity to Mayon Volcano. The site of one of the world’s largest annual migration of whale sharks – Donsol – is also easily accessible through Legaspi City. A convenient jump-off point to other tourist destinations, Legaspi City connects to the Cagsawa Ruins, the upscale resort of Misibis, and the white sand beaches of Sorsogon and Catanduanes.

Other places to go to and sights to visit include – Albay Park and Wildlife, Liberty Bronze Bell, Japanese Tunnel, Magayon Art Gallery, Legazpi City Museum, Bicol Heritage Park, and the hills of Liñon and Kapuntukan.

Legaspi City Location

Legaspi City is located in the geographical center of Bicol peninsula. Lying between the two island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, Legazpi City can be reached through land transport by bus from Manila. An international airport in Legaspi City services daily flights from Manila. Legaspi City is also accessible by sea, with its port docking all sort of sea-going vessels.