Dive into the rich natural, cultural heritage of Guam with Cebu Pacific
MANILA, Philippines - Imagine a holiday with pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and tax-free shopping. Now that Cebu Pacific, the leading airline in the Philippines, offers low-fare flights between Manila and Guam, it might be time to put this US territory on your bucket list.
The largest and southernmost of the Mariana Island Arc, the island of Guam is located east of the Philippines. This exotic and stunning destination is rich in natural resources and boasts diverse colonial history and local culture, which probably accounts for its one million visitors a year.
Guam is lush and tropical, with breathtaking ocean views, making it seem like an untouched paradise despite its popularity among tourists. Impressively, the island manages to protect its resources well. Its beaches, for one, like Tumon and Tanguisson, boast abundant marine life.
Guam is also surrounded by a thriving coral reef that makes it a year-round snorkeling and diving destination. Diving can also be a lesson in history, as among the most popular destinations in Guam are the SMS Cormoran and the Tokai Maru, shipwrecks from the two world wars.
The island is also blessed with a slew of natural wonders such as towering cliffs, beautiful limestone forest terrains, the Pagat Caves, Sigua Falls, Ague Cove, Marbo Cave and Talofofo Falls, a scenic 30-foot waterfall in the Ugum River that can be accessed by cable car.
Guam may be a remote island, but it certainly doesn’t lag when it comes to shopping and high-end retail options. To top it all off, shopping in Guam is duty-free.
Shopaholics will find a haven in Tumon, dubbed as Guam’s center of shopping and fashion. Check out the DFS Guam Galleria and Tumon Sands Plaza where all the popular designer brands are. All-time favorite American brands are also available at marked-down prices.
Guam’s local cuisine is another comeon. Rice is a fixture in Guam; red rice, to be precise. Called hineksa’ aga’ga in Chamorro, red rice is prepared by cooking short-grain rice with achote (annatto) water.
Another must-try dish is kelaguen, which is similar to ceviche and enjoyed with flour or corn tortillas. This dish is prepared with chicken, octopus, or squid, in a pickling marinade of lemon juice, fresh coconut, green onions and hot red chilies.
Chamorros, as the locals are called, are fond of making dishes that are closely similar to Filipino dishes such as meat stews, coconut-infused dishes and candied fruits, which should be easy for Filipino tourists to enjoy once there. This can be attributed to the fact that Filipinos comprise approximately 25 percent of Guam’s population.
Cebu Pacific’s lowest year-round fares start from P7,197 all-in, but seat sales go for as low as P2,500.
For information, visit www.cebupacificair.com.
