South East Asian Trips

Cebu island has historic significance - the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted the first Spanish flag in Cebu and set in motion a course of events that was to change the Philippines forever. Various landmarks in Cebu City stand, as reminder of Philippines' tryst with Spain - there is the historical Fort San Pedro and the Santo Nino Church from the 16th century, and Magellan's cross - which was erected by his crew in the year 1521.

Various tourist destinations are in the vicinity of Cebu, including the Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island. This curious name comes from the fact that these perfectly rounded hills look like large chocolate drops during the height of the dry season. Pangalo Island nearby has good resorts and beaches, while Bantayan Island; with its untouched beaches is a better choice for the solitude seeker. Sumilon Island, also in the vicinity, has good diving sites.

Historic Cebu lies in a strategic position in the Visayas; it has been an entry point for adventurers and merchants for centuries and is where the Portuguese Captain Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in 1521. This is now Cebu's most famous landmark. In recent years it has become a popular tourist destination, offering vast stretches of white sandy beaches, mountains, nightlife, shopping and parks. It is also one of the country's main diving centers, with the prime dive spots at Moalboal, Sogod, Pescador, Santa Rosa Islands and Boyong Boyong in Mactan. Cebu also boasts modern shopping malls, classy restaurants, two casinos, and golf courses. Also worth visiting is Basilicam.nore de Santo Nino, an ancient church housing the oldest religious image in the country; Fort San Perdro, formerly a Spanish Garrison and now a park and am.seum, Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, where people go to have their fortunes told, the mountain town of Busay, and the old town of Carcar.

Baguio is situated amidst the mountainous region of Cordillera approximately 250 Km north of Manila, in the Province of Benguet.

The city is one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. On average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. No surprise then that Baguio is considered the "summer capital" of the country.

In the early 19th century the Spaniards, during their long occupation of the area, were able to establish order, built churches and schools, made trails and introduced coffee. The arrival of the Americans at the beginning of 1900 spurred development in Baguio. Their best am.nistrators and teachers were fervent boosters and promoters: Worcester, Wright, Forbes, Pack, Barrows, EcKman and others who together with Filipinos committed to make the place heaven.

The events of the Second World War stalled all development, leaving Baguio in total devastation. However, the war changed course and on September 3, 1945, General Yamashita formally surrendered to the Americans and the city immediately set to the task of rehabilitation.

Baguio today is a wonderful and modern city, performing am.ltiplicity of roles, as an educational, trade, tourism and am.nistrative centre.