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The Mail Bag |
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Posted: Wednesday September 11, 2002 |
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The
Hotel Travel Network's senior writer Robin Gillow will
answer your questions, comments, views and experiences
on the 1st and 15th of every month in
"The Mailbag". |
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This is your page! Write
to me!
Send me your point of view
or any question you have about Asia and its neighbouring countries.
We value your feedback. Help us make your holiday the absolute best!
Simply fill in the form below & we'll reply
If you have
never travelled to the Philippines before or
just require some up to the minute information
then this is the page to ask on. If we don't
already have the answers on our extensive
guide pages, we will find it for you. |
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What is the best time
to visit, weather wise? |
What is the
best time to visit weather wise? I want to have the best
holiday ever...it's long awaited and want to visit during
the sunniest weather. |
Gary Green,
New York |
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November to
April are the recommended months to visit the islands.
November and December are the coolest months, with daytime
temperatures of around 28°C, while March, April and May are
very hot: expect temperatures to peak at 35°C. Watch out for
Christmas and Easter when the whole of the Philippines hits
the road and getting a seat on a bus or plane can be
difficult. |
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Do you have any
information on the Taal Basilica? |
Do you have
any information on the
Taal Basilica and where it is located? |
Margaret
Watson-Smith, Sydney, Australia |
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Basilica of San Martin de
Tours (Taal Basilica) San Martin de tours is the Patron Saint
of Taal. The church was first built by Father Diego Espina in
1575 in San Nicolas. It was destroyed when the volcano erupted
in 1754. It was rebuilt at its present site in 1755 and was
again destroyed by an earthquake in 1849. Construction of the
present church was started in 1856 and was once noted to be
the biggest church in the whole of East Asia. The church is
unique in the sense that it combines patriotic, religious and
artistic influences. Its facade is Baroque and consists of a
single mass of stone shaped into rich, complex designs. |
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What activities are
available for children in Batangas? |
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Where do you suggest
we choose to holiday? |
Where do you
suggest we choose to holiday i the Philippines as we want to
do a lot of diving. We are very interested in wreck dives
and have heard there are a number in the Philippines? |
Jerry and
Sharon Cox, Vancouver |
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There
are many areas but I suggest you visit somewhere in the Subic
Bay area. Subic Bay has been judged one of the best wreck dive
sites in the Philippines. Most wrecks are remains of World War
II and among the more frequently visited wrecks are the USS
New York, a 19th century battle cruiser; and two Spanish era
hulks - El Capitan and San Quentin. The San Quentin is
considered notable because it has remained in good condition
up to the present day. Wreck diving in Subic Bay can be done
the whole year but best season is from January until the end
of May. Note: The Subic Bay Freeport still maintains its
recompression chamber from the U.S. Navy days and is open
24-hours a day. |
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Is cock fighting
still practiced in the Philippines? |
Is cock
fighting still practiced in the Philippines and where would
you suggest would be the best place to watch this sport? I'm
a photographer and am keen on getting some good shots of the
sport in action. |
Philip
Wilhelma, Harare, Zimbabwe |
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Cock fighting is
practiced throughout the country. You are therefore advised to
ask your hotel concierge or scan the local newspapers on
arrival for venues and current competitions closest to your
hotel. I feel that no-matter where you choose to do your
shooting, that you'll get great shots, as many arenas are open
air and I'd take a few flash shots for anything in a closed
environment.
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How long does it take
to get to Baguio and/or Cebu from Manila? |
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What's worth buying
in Manila? |
What's worth
buying in Manila? I am a bit of a "shop-a-holic" but like to
know what is considered worth looking out for when I go
shopping in Manila in a few weeks time, as I'll be visiting
on holiday for a week only, so want to be well prepared?
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Grace Mc
Farlane, Scotland |
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You'll find all the
information you'll need to spend your hard earned savings on,
on the following Shopping and Dining web page:
http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/manila/guides/dining_shopping.htm |
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