The unsung Philippines

But because on earlier visits I had done the other attractions of Manila, her parks, museums, cathedrals, palaces and World War II battlegrounds, my requirements were simplified. This time I mainly wanted to let Manila's agreeable animation wash over me a few days, before going on to the less trammeled provinces - and I was curious about how affordable it could be. I'll throw in some more figures.

Hotels in the Ermita-Malate section, of which there are many, will run from $35 to $60 a double. Food in an infinity of varieties comes next and covers all needs - to wit. The restaurants in the first class hotels will be very pricey, and for splurging a top restaurant in the fashionable Makati area will run $25 or more. But, all over town there's such familiar names as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Tony Romas, Wendy's, Benihana, Domino's Pizza Hut, the list goes on and on, all places that provide sustenance at somewhat less than Stateside prices, and in the Ermita-Malate district there are seafood, Chinese, local food, and BBQ restaurants where between $3 and $ 10 will see you happily fed. And, for those of us who, following a good meal, require amiable nightlife - be it at the Swagman or otherwise - opportunities are unlimited. Ask almost anyone.

Finally after those gala several days in Manila, which I think ran me less than $100 a day, I was ready to leave the hue and cry, I was ready to search out something quieter among these 7,100 islands, some of which are very large, while others resemble the tiny cartoon island, that has a single palm tree in the center. I wanted a destination where I could swim, dive, hike, consort with the locals, eat seafood, or just do nothing. Choices were many. I could set out to sea on one of the Inter-Island ships, fast, punctual, inexpensive vessels that deliver passengers up and down this archipelago of islands. And, aboard these ships that offer either cabins, dormitories or sit up facilities, passengers may find merit in the lively discos that are often present.

Or I could fly domestic air services in any direction. I could choose nearby Mindoro with its palm clad beaches and its jungly mountainous interior that's productive of visiting primitive tribes and viewing animal life. I could go to Tagbilaran, the provincial capital of Bohol and from its wide range of inexpensive hotels I could enter markets bustling with seafood just brought in by local boats. I could set off on a river safari - complete with waterfalls. Here too there's good diving, old churches to be seen, and perhaps best of all is the hiking among some of the most curious creations of nature - the perfect cone like Chocolate Hills.

Then there's Bacolod, the capital of Negros island where I can put up at what is described at $70 as an expensive hotel, or down a notch $25 will see me comfortably installed in one of 13 or so budget hotels. Near here there's good hiking on the verdant slopes of Mt. Canlaon, there are fine beaches, and close by there are wonderful get-away small islands. Then when it comes to dining, Negros food is among the best in the Philippines.

Cebu, with its multitude of beach resorts - both pricey and cheap - is a good choice, and the two day trip by sea from Manila to Cebu City is one of the most amenity filled voyages in the Philippines. Or I could revisit the scenes of my war among the cordial inhabitants of the green and lovely islands of Samar and Leyte. Another choice - by air or sea - would be the little island of Siquijor, which is noted for beaches, waterfalls and quaint villages, where as in most provincial areas life goes on in a laid back sort of way and a smile is rewarded with a smile.

But unfortunately, I must advise travelers, I hope temporarily, to avoid parts of the far southern islands. Inquire carefully before going to parts of Mindanao, and for the time being it's wise to avoid the Muslim islands of Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi Tawi. There have been kidnappings and ambushes in this area.

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