Visitors have been enchanted with the beauty of Philippines and the charms of its people. Find out what drove some to make it their new home or prompted others to return.
The Philippines is an archipelago studded with 7100 lush fertile islands that serve as home to about 90 million friendly people. Nature is on full display on most islands, filled stunning rock formations, fiery volcanoes, sloping hills and beautiful white sand beaches. These also serve as home to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures, either endangered or endemic to the archipelago.
World Heritage Sites
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre chose five spectacular sites in the Philippines as a testament to its beauty. First, among these are four baroque churches scattered in the archipelago. These churches serve as testimony to the country’s proud Catholic heritage.
The Banaue Rice Terraces situated north of the archipelago are next. These ancient rice fields built on the steep mountain slopes of Ifugao were built using knowledge and sacred traditions passed from generations to the next.
Near province of Ifugao is Ilocos province and its small town of Vigan. This historic town is the only well-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia that has exceptionally retain its peculiar architectural and cultural elements.
Next on the list is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It is distinguished by its spectacular limestone cave and underground river that opens directly into the sea from the mountain. Last but not least is the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park. This atoll is home and nesting site to innumerable marine species and birds.
These World Heritage sites in the Philippines demonstrate the nation’s unique blend of natural bounty and its proud cultural legacy. Moreover, the archipelago also serves as a background to other wonders. The Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Mayon Volcano in Albay, and Boracay Island in Panay are just some of the country’s top tourist drawers.
Going places
There are a lot of ways for the traveler to move around. National airlines or shipping companies offer routes in most cities and towns at reasonable rates. But for the truly daring, one can try tiny boats called bancas that navigate between smaller islands, jeepneys or tricycles that travel most towns and catch a closer glimpse of life in the islands.
A visitor can enjoy a ride in a jeepney and eventually appreciate Filipino craftsmanship. It evolved from the spartan jeep used by Americans during World War II into a whimsical or even unsightly multi-purpose vehicle that can possibly accommodate fifty passengers.
Fiesta time!
Filipinos also take humor seriously and party hard. Protestors can often be seen taking the streets, singing and dancing to popular tunes with militant lyrics.
Towns all over the country also host lively themed fiestas throughout the year as offerings to their patron saints and to celebrate ancient traditions. Major festivals are promoted by Department of Tourism and visitors discover that these fiestas feature pulsating or funny street dances and overflowing food and alcohol.
For instance, the Ati-atihan Festival of Kalibo, Aklan commemorates an ancient historical deal and also honors its town patron, Sto. Niño. These festivals further come alive enhanced by the Filipinos’ vaunted hospitality. Strangers will often find themselves invited like long-lost relatives to participate in the festivities and later will find themselves returning next year.
All of these make the Philippines worth visiting. Some visitors even remain and chose it as their new home. Each island in the archipelago has something unique to offer; be it a natural or man-made spectacle. These are just waiting to be discovered.
