Mount Pulag is the second-highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon at 2922 meters above sea level. It is bordered by three provinces: Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. Climbs to its summit feature evergreen forests and clear streams but the highlight is the breathtaking view of a “sea of clouds” that backdrop its grassland summit. Recently it has become famous as among mountain climbing circles.

Photo courtesy of Benedict Kwok

Just within the area of the proposed North Triangle Central Business District of Quezon City, is Eton Centris. It is a mixed-use development comprised of offices, transport stations, retail establishments and residential condominiums.

Every Sunday, SIDCOR holds its weekend market just beside the Centris Walk. The market features items and products found from all over the Philippines such as fresh organic vegetables, fish, poultry, meat, gourmet bread, cooked ham, baskets, longanisa, books, ladies clothes, pets and ornamental plants.

Image courtesy of PinoyProgress.com

The Chittorgarh Fort in the state of Rajasthan in India is the largest of its kind in the country, and the oldest in the state. A legacy of the Rajputs, it was one of their most impregnable installations that houses temples, towers and palaces. It sprawls an area of 700 acres.

Courtesy of chictraveler.com

Rice field terraces are a fixture in Asian countrysides, varying in colors, shapes and vastness. Pictured above are the Yuanyang rice terraces in Yunnan province in China.

Courtesy of Chictraveler.com

Arena Island is a 2 hours and a half away from Puerto Princesa by land and by boat. The resort offers an experience different from the usual tourist activities.

Established with a mission to protect sea turtles, or Pawikan, Arena Island has a program dubbed as “Pugad Pawikan” that advocates protection of these creatures by providing a sanctuary and breeding ground. Under this program, hatchlings are cared for and nurtured until they are ready for release into the seas. The program uses an internationally-recognized tagging system to monitor the return of the turtles to the island.

Visitors are encouraged to take part in this conservation effort through donations, for the purchase of equipment and supplies for the continued operation of this environmental program.

Images courtesy of asiandiscoveries.com and lakbaypilipinas.com

Surrounded by towering limestone walls, Barracuda Lake at Coron, Palawan is a sight to behold -and a relaxing place to stay in. Legend has it that a giant barracuda lives underneath the blue depths of the lake. Entrance fee is collected from guests.

Photo courtesy of outoftownblog.com

Honday Bay is accessible through Puerto Princesa’s east side at Sta. Lourdes Wharf. Among the attractions in this bay are the different islands that scattered on its turquoise waters. You can easily hire guides to take you on a beach hopping trip. Some islands have entrance fees, while some do not.

Image courtesy of sarareegae.blogspot.com

The El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe is a labor of love of Judith and Tani Distal, an enterprising couple living in El Nido. The shop features a full-service restaurant, a bar, travel desk, a souvenir shop and a small grocery shop.

The Art Cafe is known for its seafood fare, pastas, salads, with ingredients grown from its organic farm.

Our pick of the water sports activities you must do on this Canary Island

The various Canary Islands are home to some incredible food, landscape, people and beaches. This we know – you can be sure that any Tenerife holiday from a travel specialist like Thomas Cook will include delicious local produce, friendly gente de la isla, incredible craggy cliffs and inland vistas coupled with sunsets over the ocean.

But the islands are also worth noting for their incredible range of watersports. As activity holidays become increasingly popular, spots such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria are capitalizing on their established popularity with tourists by also offering great seaward excursions, from boat trips to surf lessons.

Here’s our pick of the water sports musts in the Canary Islands:

1. Sea kayaks

The best way to explore on your own watch – and easiest skill of all to master. Rentals tend to stay below 20 Euros for up to four hours, allowing you to take an expedition to see the hidden coves and caves along the Canaria coasts.

2. Surfing

Gran Canaria is the best place for this – there are established surf schools and good consistent waves around the main town, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; similarly, take a trip south to Playa del Ingles to the Surf School Gran Canaria for a less touristy experience. What’s more, cheap holidays to Gran Canaria start from only £250 per person with Thomas Cook, so it’s an inexpensive option.

3. Whale and dolphin watching

The most sedate of all water ‘sports’ – but worth a trip with all the family. These run from most of the main beach towns in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and last up to three hours, with the chance to hit open water with schools of dolphin.

4. Diving

Not the cheapest option by far, but with water temperatures that never drop below seventeen degrees Celsius, a much better option than learning to dive in a cold reservoir in mid Wales. Turtles, hundreds of species of fish and curious rock formations will have you underwater for hours.

5. Parascending

You might not think this is a water sport…but being strapped to a massive kite and hoisted into the air (with a well-versed instructor) can take you to some dizzying heights – and land you back in the waves at the end. One for daredevils and those desperate for a bird’s eye view of the island.

A tradition with Filipino Christmas shoppers is to watch the annual christmas show at Greenhills. The automated mannequin show which features the usual holiday-themed stories, used to held at Cubao at the former COD department store. With COD closed several years ago, Greenhills Shopping Center administrators have take the reins to hold the show which has been a tradition with shoppers.

The show runs every night, every 15 minutes starting 6PM until 11PM for the whole Christmas season.

Photo courtesy of mvlnunez.blogspot.com