Legend of the Hundred Island

In this Pangansinense myth, the remains of a war turn into what today is a popular tourist attraction.

Centuries ago before the coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines, there was a brave rajah who ruled over the people og Alaminos - Rajah Masubeg. He had several hundred warriors to guard his kingdom, led by his son Datu Mabiskeg. The little kingdom enjoyed peace and prosperity, Unmolested by its neighbors.

But one day a report came that an invading force was coming from across the sea. The rajah called a council of war among his chieftains. They decided to meet the enemy at sea. The enemy must not be allowed to land. One hundred of the bravest warriors were summoned. They were placed in the large namcas, armed to the teeth. Datu Mabiskeg, in the lead banca, commanded the task force.

The two forces were soon locked in mortal combat. Furious hand –to-hand fighting broke out on the boats and ranged until the sin sank in the west and darkness covered the sea.

When morning came none of the hundred warriors returned alive. The enemy was nowhere to be seen; they had been annihilated, and so were the one hundred led by the intrepid son. While the kingdom celebrated the victory, the old rajah mourned his son.

A week later, when the townspeople woke up in the morning and looked toward the sea, a wonderful sight met their eyes. Where before there had been an empty expanse of water as far as the eye could see, now there were many tiny island dotting the sea line. There were about a hundred of the islets. Some were shaped like overturned bancas; other looked like bodies of dead men floating in the sea. These, the people of Alaminos believed, were the one hundred warriors who had given up their lives in defense of their homes. The gods has immortalized them in the form of island so that they might watch over their native land forever

Tacloban: Gateway to the Leyte/Samar Region

This Visayan Region, whose premier city is Tacloban has many attractions that reward the intrepid – those seeking the road less traveld in search of pristine beaches, magnificent caves, underground rivers, and cultural funds

San Juanico
The Country’s Longestr Bridge
Lying on the outskirt of Tacloban City, this iconic bridge Connects Leyte and Samar

With its claims to fame as the country’s longest bridge, it has become this region’s famous landmark and a favorites spot in for tourist souvenir photos. It measures 2.16 kilometers in length and its shape, Like a letter “S”, ads to its beauty. If u believed in superstition, there is one that says that if you can hold your breath till you reach the other end, your secret wish will come true.

We hope you have strong lungs.

The Santo Nino Shrine
Filipinos fondly call the infant Jesus “Santo Niño”.

In the heart of the city is a shrine dedicated to this beloved religious figure built by Tacloban’s famous and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. The shrine seems to play homage to two realms, spiritual and political. On the ground floor is a beautiful chapel with an ornate altar; on the upper floor, it is all material grandeur. On this floor are bedrooms of the former First family of the Marcoses with Imelda’s bathroom having its own chandelier. The bedrooms and luxuriously furnished with chandeliers from the Czech Republic, Australian-made mirrors, Italian tiles and leather wall covers, Chinese jars and porcelain, and some of the best carpets from the world

San Pedro Island
Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

This less-traveled region offers pristine island such as San Pedro with powder white sand, turquoise waters and beautiful corals. Nights are filled with stars and dancing fireflies. To reach San Pedro Island, i]takes two-hours road trip along the Abuyog-Silago Road and a 30 minutes boat ride to the island.

Lake Danao
Tongonan, Leyte

For good resorts and beaches a favorites day trip destination of Tacloban City residents is a two-hour drive to Ormoc City. Try their famous “Queen Pineapple,” a variety of pineapple known for its sweet taste, popularity served as a fruit desert. Fifteen kilometer northeast of Ormoc City is Lake Danao, Which Surroundings including a protected national park that attract nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.

Mat Weavers
Basey, Samar

About 20 minutes from the San Juanico Bridge is the town of Basey, known for its banig or local mats, These are notable for their soft and smooth texture and come from a local weed variety called “ticog”, The towns weaving products are worthy to bring home.

Rock Formations
Marabut, Samar

Just 10 minutes from Basey, you will view these tall rock formations jutting from the sea like sentinels guarding the coastline. If you wish to linger longer, there are a few resorts that offer cottages and small boas to explore the tiny beaches surrounding these unique formations. Dramatic sights such as these make the drive along this coastal road from Tacloban to the provinces of Samar a trip worth taking.

Sohoton Caves
Basey, Samar

This is an eco-adventure which few still know about; hence, fewer crowds or none at all. This cast area can take a full day to explore, with attractions like an 840 hectare park with the caves, underground rivers, magnificent limestone walls, and varying soil and rock formations, to get there, boat rides can be arranged either in Tacloban City

The Farm, Lipa City, Batangas

Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson swears by the therapeutic waters found in its natural springs. Two recent awards won are Spa Cuisine of the Year from ASIASPA Baccarat Awards for 2009 and Spa Retreat of the Year also from ASIASPA in 2008.

Rates starts at ++ (US$150)
Tel. No. +632 696 3795
Website: www.thearm.com

Mandala Spa and Villas, Boracay Island, Aklan

Located in Boracay, one of the world’s best beaches, the multi-award winning spa resort recently won as Favorite Spa in the Philippine by the readers of SpaFinder. The spa oozes with the tranquility, good vibes, and offers villas for stay – a perfect escape from the partly island scene.

Rates start at Php 13,000 ++ (US$ 290) for villas
Tel No. +6336 288 5858
Website: www.mandalaspa.com

Abaca Resort, Cebu

It first started as low-key restaurant that attracted a following with is delectable dishes prepared by American Chef, Jason Haytt. It has expanded to a tastefully designed boutique resort with native Filipino touches, landing it a spot in COnde Nast MAganzine’s “Hot List” in 2009.

Rates start at Php 14,300 ++ (US $320)
Tel No. +6332 495 3461
Website: www.abacaresort.com

Plantation Bay Resort Resort and Spa, Cebu

His Caribbean-inspired resort offers themed cottages around the country’s largest man made swing lagoon. It has landed twice in the Conde Nast Magazine’s Reader Choice Awards for the Top 100 Resorts in the World in 2009 and 2008

Rates start at Php 6,700 ++ (US$150)
Tel. No. +6332 340 5900
Website: www.plantationbay.com

Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu

This Sprawling resort, also designed by famous Filipino architect, Bobby Manosa, has guest balconies that provide sweeping views of its well-0manicured lawns and the sea. It won Best Asia Resort in the Philippines in Travel an Leissure magazine’s “T+L. 500” in 2010 and the SEAN Green Hotel Award for 2010.

Rates starts at Php 7800 ++ (US 175)
Tel. No. +6332 231 0288
Website: www.shangri-la.com

El Nido, Palwan

There are actually two resorts – the original to Miniloc Island and a newer, more luxorious one in Lagen Island. With a serious drive towards eco-friendliness. El Nido has won the 2009 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award and was listed twice, in 2007 and 2008 in 2008, in travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Our Favorite Green Resorts.” Guests live in cottages that stand on stilts by the water while limestone cliffs and thriving tropical jungle serve as the backyard.

Rates start at Php 7,300++ (US $165) for twin sharing
Tel. No. +632 894 5644
Website: www.elnidoresorts.com

Amanpulo, Palawan

This elite hideaway resorts in Pamalican Island, Palawan that belongs to the famous Aman resort chain recently won 4th place in the 2009 Awards for Excellence in Best Resorts in South East Asia from th UK's Gallivanter's Guide. It draws the ultra-rich and celebrities from all over the world with its gorgeos beach, privacy from prying eyes, and resort with a Filipino theme designed by the Philippine National Artist for Architechture, Bobby Manosa.

Rates Starts at Php 33,500 ++ (US$750 for a tree top casita.
Tel. No. +632 759 4040
website: www. amanresorts.com

Award-Winning RESORTS

With the country's natural beauty coupled with the Filipino's warm and hospitable nature, it is no surprise that many Philippine resorts have garnered numerous awards and commendations