THE PHILIPPINE CENTENNIAL FIESTA CELEBRATION
"ALAY SA SANDAANG TAON NG PILIPINAS"
(A Theme for a Dream)
DAY 1 - 04 DECEMBER, THURSDAY
"MALIGAYANG PAGDATING SA MAYNILA"
(Welcome to Manila )
Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International airport with courtesies of the port and a festive welcome by a local rondalla string band and sampaguita garlands by lovely girls in Filipina costumes.
Board your colorful "jeepneys," the Philippine's "King of the Road" and enjoy an exhilarating drive to your hotel escorted by police escorts on board motorcycles with sirens blaring.
Upon arrival at The Manila Hotel, the Champagne Strings will serenade you with their soothing music as you enjoy your tropical welcome drink.
"PAALAALA SA NAKARAANG PILIPINAS"
("Nostalgia Filipina")
Board your waiting horse-drawn carriages and turn back the hands of time as you journey to Intramuros in 1571 - Manila , the old walled city. Its massive walls were breached by seven gates. Only Spaniards and Spanish mestizos were allowed to live inside. Each night, drawbridges across the moat were raised to ensure the colonists' security. You will visit Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church to view its beautiful and rich rococo interiors. Proceed to the courtyard where cocktails will be served.
Return to The Manila Hotel for an unforgettable dinner at the Champagne Room which is probably the most beautiful restaurant in the Orient. The Champagne strings will seranade you during dinner.
A specially concocted "Sabaionne" dessert will be prepared in front of you while the Champagne Strings play in rhythm as the chief beats the "sabaionne" meringue.
Overnight Manila Hotel.
DAY 2 - O5 DECEMBER, FRIDAY
Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
After a hearty breakfast, depart hotel for the domestic airport for your 70-minute flight to Dipolog on Philippine Air Lines PR165.
1050H Arrive Dipolog.
DAKAK PARK BEACH RESORT
Nestled on the top of the Northern Zamboanga, Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and is surrounded by mountains on its east side. North of Dakak are Negros, Cebu and Bohol . To its south is the Mindanao mainland with Borneo and Sarawak beyond the Celebes Sea . Conveniently encircled by all thise large islands, Dakak tactfully evades the typhoon belt, making it perfect all-season destination.
"MAAYONG PAG-ABOT SA DAKAK" ("Welcome to Dakak")
Upon arrival at the airport, group is greeted by Intas representatives. Flower leis are given as the guests are ushered to the waiting tricycles that will take them to Dapitan where a rondalla greets them as they board the motorized outrigger boat for Dakak. Cold towels and welcome drinks are given out during the transfer. As boat approaches the private cove of Dakak, a welcome streamer on the rock greets the guests. The sound of gong signals the arrival of the group as jet skis and wave runner escorts the boat tot he reception. As the boat slows down, dancers in native costumes and fire breather meet the group and shower them with flowers. Group disembarks on wooden planks as they watch in awe the dancing native children in colorful costumes with music of the "kulintang" and the rondall providing the serenade. The resort staff welcome the group with "Mabuhay! Welcome to Dakak".
Lunch will be "al fresco" at the Port Orient.
"KAMAYAN SA GABII NG SULTAN"
("Romance of the Hands on the Night of the Sultan")
The beach will be decorated with torches and banana trunks. Male guests will come in "sawals" and the ladies in "sarongs." A sumptuous buffet will be laid out as the Sultan entertains you. Eating, a passion and like all of life's pleasures, it must be enjoyed to the fullest. Eating with bare hands was the ultimate pleasure! "Kamayan", the romance of the hands . . . it began centuries ago when the "Datus" and the "Sultans" ruled their Golden Island . Very often, a royal feast was held to celebrate a royal birth, a wedding or a battle won. There was food a-plenty while the music played. A colorful wedding dance featuring the "Singkil" will be performed. The evening promises to be fun-filled in an exotic setting of local culture.
Overnight resort.
DAY 3 - 06 DECEMBER, SATURDAY
"ALMUSAL SA ILALIM NG PUNONG TALISAY"
(Breakfast under the Talisay Tree)
A savory Filipino breakfast under the tree. You will be treated to a special blend of "tsokolate" (chocolate) connected the way the old Spanish friars liked it.
"HANAP-YAMAN SA ISLA NG ALIGWAY" (Treasure Hunt and Picnic at Aligway")
The day is devoted to swimming or snorkeling or just exploring Dakak's own desert island paradise of Aligway where a sumptuous barbecue of fresh seafood, meat and fresh fruits await you. Marvel at the sight of dolphins, school of glittering fish and colorful corals. Explore the island villages with an unforgettable adventure of treasure-hunting!
1500H Return to the resort.
"HIWAGA NG KABUNDUKAN" (Wonders of the mountain)
Mystical and unforgettable - - the very words that will describe this night's theme dinner. The theme will pay tribute to the hardy souls of the different tribes with their most unique cultures in the country. Marvel at their ethnic rituals; complete with bonfire, tribal chief, dancers and women weavers . . . and leave with lasting memories of a tribal mystique uniquely Filipino. . .
DAY 4 - 07 DECEMBER, SUNDAY
Breakfast at the resort.
ALAALA NI RIZAL AT TANGHALIAN SA LAB KAMAYAN"
(Visit to Rizal Shrine and Lunch Lab Kamayan)
Visit Dapitan City and its famous Rizal Shrine, a memorial to our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Lunch will be at Lab Kamayan, a prawn farm. . . take a 10 minute boat ride passing through the Antipolo-San Pedro rivers. . . enjoy seafood delights such as prawns, crabs, milkfish and oysters. . .
After lunch, return to the resort for freshening up.
Transfer out to airport for flight to Manila Arrive Manila .
"NOCHE BUENA SA BAHAY"
(Christmas Eve at Home)
Experience Christmas in the Philippines in a typical Filipino home gaily lit with millions lights and colorful lanterns.
Overnight Manila Hotel.
DAY 5 - 08 DECEMBER, MONDAY
Breakfast at the hotel.
"PAALAM PILIPINAS" "(Goodbye, Philippines )"
