Just Back From ...

The Edsa Shangri-la is excellently located for the business district while the Shangri-la Makati hotel is perfectly located for shopping as it it right across the road from the main shopping mall. Both Shangri-la's are modern and of the top quality that is expected of the Shangri-la name.

Manila is surprisingly clean and hassle free. There is a lot of traffic though so a 5 minute car journey can take up to an hour, but if you are in an air-conditioned car then it's not so bad! Manila has a lot to offer, from its excellent shops and restaurants to its history and old Spanish churches.

From Manila you can do several interesting day trips. We went to Tagaytay, a couple of hours from Manila by bus. It is a volcanic area and houses a beautiful golf course which has its very own cable car linking it to the country club! A most unique and beautiful golf course.

We also visited the island of Boracay. The journey involves flying to Kalibo then driving for an hour through lush paddy fields to Caticlan and finally taking a boat to the island. We stayed at Fridays resort right on the beach front. It has beautiful rooms and a great restaurant. Boracay has the most beautiful beach with its fine white sand and turquoise tranquil sea. The village itself has a fun feel to it and the restaurants and market are great.

All in all the Philippines is a beautiful country with beautiful people and scenery. It is excellent value for money and I am looking forward to returning one day.