Recommended Locations For Long Stay

The Coalition has identified 5 suitable locations in the Philippines for retirement:

    * Manila
    * Cebu
    * Clark/Subic
    * Dumaguete
    * Tagaytay

The selection of these locations is mainly based on the easy access to complementary amenities such as high standard medical centers, health and wellness facilities, leisure and sports facilities, commercial establishments, airport, possible investment and employment opportunities and most especially the availability of housing units suitable for Long Stay Visitors at competitive rates.


Manila

Metro Manila is the common term for the metropolitan area that includes the city of Manila which is the national capital of the Philippines together with fifteen surrounding cities including Quezon City, Makati City and many others to explore. The population approaches about 15 million; together with the rest of the Philippines, Metro Manila lies totally within the tropics. Its proximity to the equator means that the temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 20'C and going higher than 38'C.

Metro Manila can offer great shopping experiences from the sheer quantity and quality of shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars. One can stroll to the classy malls that are located within the Central Business District of Makati, including the upscale malls like Glorietta, Greenbelt and Rockwell Center which are regularly the place of hang out for the members of the Metro Manila's upper classes. For other options the city's native markets like the Philippine-only tiangges, are strikingly different but are equally engaging. Unlike the mega-malls, these colorful markets showcase the special products of the country's many diverse cultures such as standout purchases and good finds like wood carvings, paintings, exquisite clothing and a lot more. Among these markets can be found in Greenhills Shopping Center in the municipality of San Juan, St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City and Tiendesitas in Pasig City. 



Manila can offer the visitors some fine collection of outdoor activities and excursions. From the fascinating polo and golf experience, to plainly drenching in a hot spring or having picnics in the Parks  and as well as the chance of watching the sunset by the bay for the nature's amazing offer of relaxation. One can also explore the historical sites in Manila such as Intramuros, different museums and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for a brilliant appraisal of the Philippine Culture. In Manila there are lots of activities to keep you busy during your stay.




Cebu

Cebu City, dubbed as the Queen City of the South is the second most significant metropolitan center in the Philippine Islands next to Metro Manila. It is located on the eastern coast of Cebu within the heart of the archipelago, it is an important cultural center within the country since it is the first Spanish place of settlement in the Philippine Islands. The city's most famous historical landmark is the Magellan's Cross which was known to be planted by Ferdinand Magellan back in 1521. Cebu is the center of business and trade within the Visayas region.

Cebu has the second largest international flights in the Philippine Islands through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport located in Lapu-Lapu City which offers direct flights to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Palau,  Qatar; and many other destinations which make Cebu a hot spot for exploring Asia. During the last three decades Cebu has flourish to be a booming tourist destination within the archipelago. Since blessed with a tropical climate Cebu's weather is relatively moderate, the coldest weather in Cebu would be during December until February while summer seasons starts in March the perfect time to visit the beautiful white sand beaches within the region.



There are many things to do and see in Cebu City, shopping establishments like SM City Cebu, Ayala Center and Robinsons Plaza are great places to do your shopping. Also the Colon Street, which is one of the oldest streets in the Philippines and was named after the distinguished explorer "Cristobal Colon" or Christopher Columbus is the spirit of downtown Cebu City. It is a dazzling city by night composed of shopping malls, movie houses, tasteful restaurants, lively entertainment centers and casinos. On the other hand as time passed by, the establishment of outdoor shopping centers have become a trend in Cebu and it is widely patronized by a lot of people since it satisfy the feeling of leisurely strolling in a town center environment. Credibly, Cebu can also offer some of the country's best diving hubs; prominent worldwide for its beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear waters, it is definitely the ideal place for an exceptional vacation experience. World-class resorts hosts the islands and offers superb accommodation facilities, scuba diving, windsurfing, boating and other water sports serving both divers and plain tourists alike. These places can definitely add a marvelous pleasure and experience, offering never-ending activities to engage in.




Clark/Subic

The Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales, was once an American naval base. And it has boomed as a favorite tourist destination; this is because of the Subic International Airport and the airport at the Clark Special Economic zone in Angeles City, these airports opens up the area and welcomes international guests for their easy access of the sublime Subic. The tourism facilities have rapidly expanded within the Subic Bay Freeport including the promotion of Eco-tourism; thus making it a fascinating tourist destination. With the activity offers such as water sports, jungle safari, historical sites and a wide range of night life keeps people coming for variety of superb experiences. Subic in Olongapo City is fitted for everyone's budget, choices varies in all price ranges of Hotels & Resorts that will cater to all sorts of your preferred activities.



Olongapo City is comparable to Honolulu which is a combination of white sand beaches, clear bay waters, and tropical forests amidst a progressive business area; it can definitely be considered a city theme and a tourist haven at the same time. If you are in for an exhilarating experience then you can visit places like the Pamumulaklakin Forest trails which is ideal for jungle trekking and eco-tours another is the Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST CAMP) wherein the indigenous Aeta people teaches tourists the necessary techniques on how to survive the jungle. For an impressing and entertaining experience, one can visit the Ocean Adventure, a marine park which features a whale and dolphin show showing some tricks on water, another is the Butterfly Kingdom, a great place to get up close and personal with the lovely, bright creatures and learn about their life-cycle. Lastly is the Triboa Bay Mangrove Park which is a home and a breeding site for birds, fowls, and fishes.

For a simple leisure walk or a way to enjoy the scenery of the place, it is worthwhile to visit places like the Subic Bay Lighthouse an old lighthouse that presents truly relaxing panoramic scenery of the area. The Enchanted Castle is another beautiful place to visit since it is proximate to the Baloy Beach resort and a beautiful coral reef area can be explored by snorkeling and scuba diving. Lastly, take pleasure in the excitement of kayaking in the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo, while trekking the area, you will encounter numerous hot springs, mountain pools that can definitely revitalize your tired body, mind and soul. Talk about real relaxation. All these things Subic offers you for the vacation that will always be remembered.

 


Dumaguete

Negros Oriental is made up of 20 municipalities and 5 cities, to which the center is Dumaguete City; it is the main harbor and capital of Negros Oriental, a province situated at the southwestern part of the Visayas. It is well-known as 'The City of Gentle People' a community with the most number of peace loving and hospitable people. Dumaguete is exceptionally blessed with a moderate climate that stabilizes the refreshing wet and warm dry seasons and it is rich in culture, history and natural resources.

Dumaguete is famous for its top two most unique islands being considered as among the world's best and splendid dive sites. These are the Sumilon and Apo Islands having the most magnificent coral reef sanctuary and marine wildlife; it can easily be accessed by just a few minutes boat ride from the Negros Oriental Province. It's the ideal place to relax, unwind, and take pleasure in the beauty of the tropical setting. When it comes to shopping Dumaguete City is an exciting place with an ever-increasing array of varieties, you will definitely learn how to shop like a local and save a lot of money but confidently assuring that all purchases are of good quality.

Dumaguete is a place of cost-friendly living where everyday is a wise expense getaway of the well deserved quality and luxurious value of its beauty. Definitely a lavishing lifestyle in a tropical paradise and one can even expect a royal treatment of Filipino hospitality. From the wonderful people to the fantastic tourist spots as well as the great food and incredible diving sites; Dumaguete City certainly has it all for you and a visit to this place will definitely give you the taste of the local flavor and staying for long will even give you the enjoyment of the Dumaguete lifestyle, this is the kind of place that you can surely regard as your second home.



Tagaytay

Tagaytay City plays a very important role in the tourism of the Philippines. Its potential as a tourist spot is due to its attribute of a picturesque place with terrific accommodations and facilities that equates into international standards. The main attraction in Tagaytay is the fascinating panoramic view of the beautiful Taal Volcano which is considered to be the smallest volcano in the world. In spite of its proximity to Metro Manila, it is blessed with an invigorating cold climate which is a great destination when summer comes along and when the temperature in the city is rising up.