TOP EMERGING DESTINATIONS FACT SHEET

Region I: Ilocos

a. Laoag City
Located far north, in the Philippines' Ilocos Region, Laoag is a busy city,
with an international airport that makes it a convenient jump-off point to
neighboring provinces such as Abra and Benguet. It is also home to St.
Williams' Cathedral, one of the biggest cathedrals in the country. Besides
taking in the splendor of historical monuments and sites, such as the
cathedral's Sinking Bell Tower (the tallest edifice in the region) and the
Museo Ilocos Norte, visitors can also enjoy an exciting afternoon in the
sand dunes of La Paz, located along the outskirts of the city, or go further
north to enjoy white-sand beaches. One can also have his fill of the local
culinary delights, such as bagnet (deep fried pork), dinengdeng
(vegetable stew) and the famed Ilocos empanada.

How to get there: A plane ride from Manila will take one to Laoag City in
just under 45 minutes, while several bus lines offer a direct route to the
scenic city by land—although one would have to endure 9 to 12 hours of
travel time.

b. Dagupan City
Known as the "land of the milkfish," Dagupan is considered a first-class
city because it has become the primary education, commerce and
commercial center North of Manila. Besides its abundance of fresh bangus
or milkfish, Dagupan is also known for its historical landmarks and
spectacular beaches. The city lies along the coastline of Lingayen Gulf,
itself a historical landmark, for it was here where the American and
Japanese forces clashed during World War II.

How to get there: It would take one about 4 to 5 hours to travel to

Dagupan by land (via car or bus), from Manila. Travelers can also opt to
reach the city from Baguio, which is 2 hours away.

Currimao
This island boasts of incredible panoramic sceneries and great beach
resorts. You will definitely want to visit the pristine beaches and tranquil
waters of Gaang Beach Resort Cove for a fun holiday. Another reason to
visit is the Dinaklisan Festival of Currimao. It is held every year on April 29
to May 1. It is a colorful festival filled with singing and dancing as the
locals give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest and for keeping the
fishermen safe during their fishing trips.

How to get there: Fly from Manila with either Philippine Airlines or Cebu
Pacific Air to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte province. These airlines serves
Manila-Laoag-Manila route. From Laoag International Airport ride a
passenger jeep to Laoag City's bus depot and take a mini-bus bound for
Vigan City. Currimao is a half-way distance from Laoag to Vigan - a 30
minutes ride. Along the way, you pass the town of San Nicolas, Batac,
then Currimao. Get-off at Barangay Gaang of Currimao. From there take a
tricycle ride to the resort of your choice.

CAR: Cordillera Administrative Region

La Trinidad Valley, Benguet

This landlocked municipality is the capital of Benguet and is a picturesque
town that was once known as the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines" because
of its numerous vegetable farms. That moniker has now been replaced
with the equally interesting title of "Strawberry Fields of the Philippines."
La Trinidad has indeed earned that distinction, what with enormous
valleys filled with thousands of strawberry plants and other greens.
Because of its climate and topography, La Trinidad has also become
known for its beautiful orchidariums and rose gardens, located near
Benguet State University and Bahung, respectively.

How to get there: La Trinidad can be accessed via different points of entry
by land (4 to 6 hours): from the Mt. Province, through the Baguio-Bontoc
Road, from La Union, through Marcos Highway, from Nueva Viscaya, or
from Pangasinan, through Kennon Road. While buses ply the Manila-
Baguio route regularly, one can also choose to fly to Baguio (45 minutes),
then take a jeepney or a cab to La Trinidad.

Region II: Cagayan Valley Region

Sta Ana
Palaui Island is the pride of Sta. Ana in Cagayan. It was declared as a
marine reserve in 1994 and boasts of a diverse ecosystem of waterfalls,
springs, cliffs, flora, and fauna. The island is ideal for travelers who love
outdoor adventures such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, and
camping.

How to get there:

Region III: Central Luzon Region

Baler
Surfers head to Baler, Aurora because of the Baler Bay’s nine-foot high
waves. It is considered as a surfer’s paradise and every February, surfers
and spectators gather for the Aurora Surfing Cup. For travelers who are
interested in Baler’s rich history, they can visit local attractions such as
the Baler Catholic Church and Quezon Memorial Park.
How to get there: By land, it would take about 4 hours or more from
Manila to Baler, Aurora. Planes also fly to an airfield in San Luis, which is
20 minutes away from the town proper.

Zambales
Another surfers' paradise, Zambales is comprised of many white sand
beaches, the waters of which provide waves that can challenge both the
beginning and advanced surfer. It also boasts of great wreck diving spots,
with at least 35 WWII Japanese ships waiting to be explored off the
Zambales coast. Beaches, such as Anawangin cove, provide great
campsites as well. Aside from that, Zambales holds the 1995 Guinness
World Record for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world. Everyone
is encouraged to go on a fun Mango Tour, where they can go mango
picking.

How to get there: Taking the bus from Manila will get one to Zambales in
roughly 3 to 4 hours, via Olongapo City.

NCR : National Capital Region

Taguig City
Taguig offers visitors a good, long taste of the exciting Manila life.
Bonifacio Global City offers a myriad of options to enjoy good food (from
gourmet fare to classic Filipino cuisine), as well as great entertainment
and an exciting shopping experience. Serendra, Bonifacio High Street,
Market! Market! and other restaurants, boutiques and bars provide
visitors and guests with everything anyone could ever want in a leisure
and entertainment hub. It is also a great place for people who live or who
want to start living a healthy lifestyle, and it is a common occurrence for
the area to be populated with joggers and fitness enthusiasts.

How to get there: Taguig City is accessible via public transportation from
any of the International airports and hotels in Metro Manila.

Region 1V-A: CALABARZON

San Juan, Batangas

San Juan has become a favorite weekend getaway for Filipinos who want
to escape the stresses of Metro Manila without having to take a plane.
White sand beaches, pristine waters, exotic sea life and excellent
snorkeling and dive spots have made San Juan a top summer destination
for both Pinoys and foreigners alike. Numerous beaches—from the very
affordable to the more luxurious—line this municipality; one will never run
out of fun, relaxing options.

How to get there: It's advisable to take a car to San Juan, so you don't
have to transfer from bus to tricycle or jeep. From Manila, it's a 3-hour
drive to the municipality of San Juan.
Region IV-B: MIMAROPA

Marinduque

Located at the heart of the Philippines, Marinduque is home of the

Moriones Festival, a top tourist attraction wherein locals parade the town
in costumes and masks, representative of the Roman soldiers during
Biblical times. It also boasts of scenic beaches, diving sites, mystical
caves, hot springs and serene isles, making it an ideal retreat for
adventurers, spelunkers and nature-lovers. Marinduque is also where the
famous Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa is located. This accommodation
provider is one of the most exclusive and breathtaking resorts in the
country.

How to get there: Regular flights from Manila can take you to Marinduque
in about 45 minutes. You can also take the bus to Lucena City, then hop
onto a ferry for the Buyabod Port in Sta. Cruz or Balanacan Port in Morong.
Other bus lines can also take you directly to Marinduque from Pasay,
Quezon City or Kamias.
Region V: Bicol Region

Sorsogon

Home of the butandings (whale sharks), Sorsogon is also known as the

"Switzerland of the East," because of its rolling hills and valleys. Whale
sharks are spotted often (seasonally) in the town of Donsol, while the
Bulusan mountain's surroundings offer ideal places for trekking and
camping. Firefly watching during the evenings is also one of Sorsogon's
tourist magnets.

How to get there: Buses ply the southern route to Sorsogon regularly, with
trips that can last as long as 10 hours. Planes can fly to Legazpi or Naga
and travel by land from the airports to Sorsogon.

Naga, Camarines Sur

Magnificent, historical churches and religious passion plays (in the town of
Buhi) characterize Naga as one of the most spiritual cities in the
Philippines. Naga, though, has also become known as being one of the
major sports centers in the country. The CamSur Watersports Complex
offers wakeboarding, waterskiing and wakeskating over huge manmade
lakes. It also recently hosted Ironman 70.3 – the first time the Philippines
became host of such an internationally recognized triathlon event.

How to get there: Naga City is accessible via plane (45 minutes) or by bus
or car, via a route that will take from 8 to 10 hours from Manila.

Region VI: Western Visayas Region

Silay

The birthplace of National Artist Leandro Locsin and Hiligaynon playwright

Miguela Locsin Montelibano, Silay has been known to be the center for
culture of the Visayas Region. Well-preserved ancestral homes, which
have been identified as National Treasures by the National Historical
Institute, as well as exceptionally beautiful cathedrals, such as the San
Diego Pro-Cathedral make Silay a top destination for those interested in
Philippine architecture and the arts.

How to get there: Planes fly to the Bacolod-Silay airport regularly from
Manila.

Region VII: Central Visayas Region

Dumaguete

Dumaguete is the capital of Negros Oriental, and the largest city in the
region. It boasts of having some of the country's best dive sites, and is
also home to the region's best universities, such as Silliman University.
Sumilon Island and Apo Island have drawn dozens of tourists from all over
the world, with their diverse marine ecosystem and colorful corals and
aquatic life. Besides diving, tourists can also enjoy adventure trails and
dolphin and whale watching.

How to get there: Planes regularly fly to the Sibulan Airport from both
Manila and Cebu. One can also choose to travel by sea from either cities
to Dumaguete.

Region VIII: Eastern Visayas Region

Catarman, Northern Samar

Catarman offers peace and tranquility to the weary traveler, or adventure

and thrills for those who want to live a day or two of excitement. Rustic
simplicity sums up this quiet provincial center, while surrounding areas
offer island hopping, whale and bird watching, as well as hiking through
mountains, rock formations and even to old lighthouses and churches.

How to get there: Various domestic airlines can take you from Manila or
Cebu to Catarman, while ferries can also bring you to this Eastern Visayas
paradise by sea.

Region IX: Zamboanga Peninsula Region

Dapitan

Known as the place of exile of Jose Rizal, the Philippines' National Hero,
Dapitan boasts of both historical landmarks and beautiful, natural sites
such as the Dapitan Bay, the white sand beaches of Aliguay and Selinog
Islands, as well as panoramic views of hills and foot trails from Talisay.

How to get there: Various airlines ply the Manila-Dapitan and Cebu-
Dapitan routes regularly.
Region X: Northern Mindanao Region

Cagayan De Oro

If the Philippines is known as the "Land of Smiles," then courtesy should

be multiplied three-fold in Cagayan de Oro, for it has been tagged as "The
City of Golden Friendship." Besides amiable townsfolk and locals, Cagayan
de Oro is also home to such tourist attractions as the Gardens of Malasag
Eco-Tourism Village, Museum of Three Cultures, Monigue Cave, and
Macahambus Adventure Park, where one can get his fair share of thrills
through whitewafter rafting, kayaking, rappelling and ziplining.

How to get there: Cagayan de Oro is accessible via plane from either
Manila or Cebu.

Region XI: Davao Region

Island Garden City of Samal

A serene hideaway from the hustles of the city, the Island Garden City of
Samal is just a stone throw's away from the bay of Davao. Paradise-like
coves, commercial resorts and private beaches are spread along a long
coastline, offering myriad ways to enjoy a relaxing weekend or a much-
needed break. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy Talikud and Ligid islands,
while others will find the 224-hectare mariculture park, the bat sanctuary
and the Sanipaan Shoal exciting attractions.

How to get there: Flights will take you to Davao International Airport from
Cebu, Manila or Singapore.

Region XII: SOCCKSSAGEN Region

Sarangani
Besides being known as one of the country's largest importers of
freshwater milkfish (bangus), Sarangani Bay is also a serene paradise of
sorts. Excellent dive spots, powdery white beaches, caves, waterfalls and
rainforests create an ideal place to seek whatever adventure one might
wish for.

How to get there: Daily flights from various airlines take visitors from
Manila or Cebu to General Santos City, while ferries ply sea routes from
Iloilo, Manila and Cebu, Zamboanga or Davao.

Region XIII: Caraga

Butuan
Highly urbanized and industrialized, Butuan is one of the fastest
advancing cities in Mindanao. Located in Agusan Del Norte, the city plays
hosts to a variety of colorful and fun festivals, such as the Abayan
Festival, the Kahimunan Festival and the Adlaw Hong Festival. Trips to the
Agusan River (the deepest river that runs through the city), as well as
treks to Mount Mayapay and the Butuan Regional Museuem are also
popular tourist activities. For the sea, the sand and soothing waters, visit
Cubi Cubi Beach or Tinago Beach.

How to get there: Planes regularly fly from Manila and Cebu to Butuan
City, while ferries also go to Butuan from Manila or Cebu.

ARMM: Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao

Mountains, waterfalls, serene beaches and coastlines as well as
rainforests with rich and thriving ecosystems provide tourists with
practically a whole new world to explore. The coastal province of Tawi
Tawi, for instance, features a rich, thriving ecosystem that creates natural
zoos, and clear, blue waters and paradise-like beaches that beckon to the
adventurer and the nature-lover, both.

How to get there: Tourists and visitors can fly to Zamboanga city by
plane, or get there by boat from either Cebu or Manila.