Other Things to do in the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands and islets which invite exploration by the adventurous.Its fish rich seas and inland lakes challenge sports fishermen; its waters invite sailing buffs; its coral reef and wealth of marine fauna delight the scuba or snorkel diver, marine biologist underwater photographer alike; its volcanic peaks, rainforest, caves, underground rivers, nature reserves and wealth of flora beckon the mountain climber, trekker, botanist and nature lover.

http://www.about-scuba-diving.com. The best site where you can find extensive travel information about diving, beach resorts, hotels and more.

http://visayanmartialarts.com Martial arts schools and clubs you should take a look at and join. You will find many to choose from on this comprehensive website.

There are lots of things to see and do; whether you are just "visiting", or planning to find somewhere to "live in the Philippines.

Things to do Activities

Boating and Sailing are immediately obvious things to do in the Philippines.This can range from chartering luxury cameraman yachts, to sailling a "Hobie Cat", or renting a "pump' boat (banka) or traveling on the large ferries

Water Sports: Water skiing and Jet Ski hire are available from most major beach Resorts along with "banana boat" inflatables and such, which 'kids' of all ages seem to enjoy.

Snorkelling and Diving is fantastic in the Philippines, and some areas rank among the best dive spots in the world.

Fishing For the keen sports fishermen among you who want to fish as a pastime, there are many species of tropical fish to be caught, and many of them make tasty eating.Just use a rod and line and not dynamite, OK.

Were to go fishing in the Philippines

Don't let anyone tell you there are no good fishing spots in the Philippines. These are the same people who say the Philippines isn't safe for people to travel.

Here are some good fishing links where you can get an idea of what can be had if you know who to talk to:

Philippine Fishing Links:

http://philangler.tripod.com
http://www.cebucruising.com/home.html
http://www.blueskysportfishing.com/index.html
http://goodcatchfishing.net

Happy Angling!

Hiking The best way to experience the beauty that the Philippines has to offer, is on foot.If you don't know where to go, and what to see, guides can be hired and there are "adventure" tour operators who can arrange expeditions to visit "off the beaten track places.There are social organisations that cater for taking groups out into the Philippines countryside on Rambles, walks, or even "Hashes".To find out more about this last one, read this "Overview of Hashing in the Philippines" from a LinP List Member.

Biking/Cycling For those not wanting to explore on foot, one can try cycling or mountain biking.Again these can be rented and specialized "Adventure Tour" operators organize "expeditions".Renting a motorcycle for some Off-Road Dirt Biking extends the range of places one can visit in a day - you do need motorcycling experience to try this though.There are also specialized social Dirt Biking Clubs you can join, and they will show you the places to go.

Things To Do - Sports

Go-Karting Whilst not being available everywhere in the RP, there is a number of purpose made Go-Kart tracks around the RP.If not wanting to get into the serious stuff with National and International championships, Karts can be hired to "have a go".The thrill and adrenalin rush from driving at 60mph or more with you bum only a couple of inches from the ground has to be experienced to truly understand how exciting it can be.

Off-Road - 4 Wheel Driving Judging by some serious looking 4WD vehicles about, with trick raised suspension, air intake snorkels and winches fitted to their vehicles, there are probably some enthusiastic off-road clubs in the RP.

Golf is a popular pastime for many everywhere. The Philippines offers some excellent courses at very affordable prices and the bonus of some beautiful "caddies" at some. For an overview of golf in the Philippines read this "Golf Overview" from a LinP list member.

Tennis is fairly popular in the Philippines, and not just confined to Hotels and Resorts.Most cities and many towns can be found with courts to play on.There are Tennis Clubs to join, if you are serious about this sport.

Basketball is the national sport and you will find the "hoops" with back board in the tiniest of villages and Barangays and is extremely popular-a legacy from the US domination.You won't see many slam dunks except from the "imports,"(players from the US usually), but you will see a fast game, expertly played.

The locals will encourage you to join in and this is very much the case with Volleyball - set up on beaches in many places.

Things To Do -Recreation Bars and Restaurants

The bigger cities have bars and restaurants that foreigners will find acceptable and enough choice to find places they will enjoy. Prices for food and drinks are very reasonable in most places.A San Miguel beer is typically Php25-35 although in hotel bars it can rise to Php90 or more with the service charges. Smaller towns tend to have Karaoke bars where the locals hang out.

Dancing and Disco's

Ballroom dancing is very popular and Dance Instructors are available to help you brush up on your steps at reasonable prices.With a few exceptions there are not really any clubs catering to a particular style of dancing such as Salsa etc.The "ballrooms" cover all types of dancing, not one style in particular. For those wanting less formal dancing, discos are available of many types, with prices to match.

Music is very popular in the Philippines.It seems to get into their blood at an early age with kids singing along to Karaoke music.Filipinos are very gifted and talented musicians and singers. Unlike Western bands or groups where you have one guy who is rhythm, another is lead, another a bass guitarist and one on the drums. Many Filipinas can play several, or all the instruments, and very capable of taking on the job as lead singer as well. Western groups tend to have rigid "sets" of pre-planned numbers whereas a Filipina band will improvise and adapt to suit the mood and wants of a particular audience as well as often performing any song on request.If you have never tried singing - learn! Joining in a Karaoke session is a good way of "bonding" with the locals and if you attempt one in Tagalog, it will earn much respect (even if you don't get it right they appreciate you trying and have a damn good laugh at your pronunciation mistakes!).

Billiards/Pool/Darts

Often incorrectly referred to on signs as "Billiards", the popular game they actually play is "Pool" and tables can be found in many places. Efren "The Magician" Reyes is the champion of the world at this writing, just having defeated Earl "The Pearl" Srickland. Darts however is less popular, and even when you can find a place with a Dart Board they might not have it spot lit and may not have darts for you to borrow so be sure to take your own. The Filipinos who do play, often take it very seriously, and are potential world champions.

Chess is popular pastime and I am sure the Filipinos will willingly accept a challenge to play against you if you want to try.

10 Pin Bowling has been in the Philippines for a long while and there are bowling leagues, you can try and join, if you want to play competitively.

Things To Do - Communication

Internet Access/e-mail

Internet or Cyber Cafe's are available for those that don't have their own PC with a Modem and a Telephone line. These seem far more prolific in Cebu than in Manila where on-line Gaming seems more popular.

Those fortunate to live in areas of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and a few others, may be able to get DSL service connection. For the rest of us Dial-Up is the only option. Here you can choose between a signed contract with monthly fees for a prescribed number of hours (with cost penalties usually if you exceed these, and no rebate if you use less), or pre-paid access whereby there are no monthly fees and the flexibility to use the credited number of hours over several months. These pre-paid cards give the flexibility of being able to switch between ISP's depending on price, performance and ability to get a free line. Currently you can pay as little as Php3.85/hour (130 hours over 3 months for Php500).

IDD Telephone Calls

The Philippines is supposed to have deregulated Telecommunications. So far this has not resulted in true competition, especially in the area of International Phone calls - the Philippines remains in the high price bracket compared to other truly deregulated countries. Calls from a Globe mobile phone cost US$0.4 per minute to anywhere in the world. VoIP is not legally allowed in the RP currently if it terminates on a telephone line and/or telephone handset. This does not stop individuals using their PC's to initiate calls to other PC's and to telephones in countries where VoIP is permitted - this brings the cost down to US$0.04/min or less.

Things To Do - Visual