Bolinao, Pangasinan

Bolinao is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 61,068 people in 12,182 households.

The people generally speak Ilocano and Panggalatok but they also have their own unique language called Bolinao, brought in by Sambal settlers during colonial rule. Most people generally understand and speak English.

On November 18, 2007, Bolinao challenged the historical fact that the first Mass was held on March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday, at Limasawa in Southern Leyte. Memorial markers (donated by Italian priest Luigi Malamocco, 62, from Odorico’s hometown of Friuli, Italy) were set in the town’s church and on Santiago Island, claiming that in 1324, Franciscan missionaries led by an Italian priest named Odorico celebrated a thanksgiving Mass thereat and also baptized natives

Lemery, Batangas

Lemery is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Batangas, Philippines with major commercial establishments fastly occupying the streets of Lemery. Lemery is also known for its ideal terminals of travel to Manila and other cities due to its proximity.

Anawangin, Zambales

Anawangin is a secluded cove on the coast of Zambales. It can only be reached by a boat ride or a five hour trek over the mountain (or hills) that borders the place. Anawangin has a nice, clean, white sand beach. Mountains serve as a backdrop to the place and just beyond the sloping beach you find a forest of trees similar to the Pine trees of Baguio. Where you would normally find coconut trees in most beaches in the Philippines, Anawangin is different since the tree cover is evergreen providing lots of shade to protect you from the scorching sun.

Lake Caliraya

Lake Caliraya was created in 1937 by US Army Engineer Major General Hugh J. Casey by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre to generate hydroelectric power for Manila. It was sabotaged by retreating Americans to prevent use by Invading Japanese who rebuilt it, then themselves sabotaged it as their own defeat approached. The Americans placed the Largemouth Bass in the lake. Through the years, the lake remains the most popular bass fishing spot in the country. It was 'discovered' in the early 70's by Manila tourists who then popularized the lake to Manila's elite and expatriate community. Property value increased dramatically, more so when the main road was upgraded to concrete and the hydroelectric plant refurbished. Caliraya became a high class neighborhood of vacation homes on the lake, similar to those in western countries, for the rich and famous. An example is the De Padua vacation home, built in 1974. That was until the 1980s, when Lake Caliraya's surroundings were occupied by the New People's Army, affecting tourism and development. Nevertheless, since 1985 there has been major real estate development, with the construction of several world class resorts, golf courses and country clubs. Caliraya to this day is a haven for the rich and the elite, with activities including large mouth bass fishing, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, boating in general, golf, camping, and other sporting and outdoor activities. Property values remain high, and a new generation of developments, private and commercial, is on the rise.

Greenbelt

Greenbelt is the Philippines' first Premiere Lifestyle Center that offers to the cosmopolitan consumer high quality, specialty shopping, dining and entertainment. Indoor and outdoor elements mingle with fluid harmony in this multi-awarded lifestyle center.

Olongapo

Olongapo is a medium-sized port city located on the northeast coast of Subic Bay, 127 kilometers northwest of Manila. The city grew out of a small fishing village and today has a population of approximately 250,000 and covers an area of 185 km². For many years the city prospered from a US Naval Base, but in 1991 it suffered the dual calamities of an abrupt withdrawal of the US Navy Base, the city's main industry, as well as from the devastating effects of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The government and citizens fought hard to recover from these setbacks and today the city is a growing urbanized center focused on services, education, and tourism.

It has managed to transform itself from a navy base town known as a 'sin city' to a 'model city', through various innovations of local governance, such as: a colour coded transport system, expansion of public markets, an integrated solid waste management programme, vendors' cooperatives, community organisations, and many other public and community development programmes. Today, the city is focused on becoming a successful free port city; a centre for commerce and tourism; a part of the three National Triad Growth Centres; and a sub-regional centre for trade, education, health, sports and tourism.

Aurora

Aurora is a province blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions. It has its share of historical sights such as the home and resthouse of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. The province also has a beautiful Catholic church and several historical markers. Its natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking are only some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora.

Bukidnon

Bukidnon is considered by Filipinos to be the food basket of Mindanao. It is the major producer of rice and corn in the region. Plantations in the province also produce pineapples, bananas and sugarcane.