Where to stay in the Philippines
 

We're still deciding on where to stay for our beach vacation over the Easter holiday. The Philippines is still a possibility. We are looking for a beach location that has quaint shopping within walking distance. The kids will want a hotel with a nice pool and beach. A hotel that offers water equipment like snorkeling gear and kayaks would be a plus for recreation. All we want to do is hang around the hotel, walk to shopping, and go on snorkeling/diving excursions. We will be there a week and want to stay around the $200 mark for the hotel. We are not limiting ourselves to any particular island, but want nice beaches and snorkeling.

Boracay beach would be your best bet. Wide beach with powder fine white sands, clear waters for swimming, kid friendly. Island has a shopping strip smack in the middle. All resorts have snorkeling, diving, jet skis, parasailing, boat, island hopping packages. For your $200 hotel budget, check out Boracay Regency Resort and Spa, The Strand, 357 Boracay, Boracay Tropics, 7 Stones Boracay. Top resorts are Discovery Shores on white beach and the remotely located but luscious Shangrila Boracay but both are around the $400 a night range. Flights to Caticlan (Boracay) from Manila are on Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific (around 50 minutes, can run from less than $100 to $200).

El Nido, Palawan is also a fantastic one.

unfortunately though, shopping and the really beautiful beaches here in the Philippines doesnt go hand in hand.

Pinoypride is right- if you want shopping you will need a few days in Manila.