This blog post aims to:

• Promote Philippine tourism with the Department of Tourism's new slogan "It's More Fun in the Philippines"
• Appreciate our country's uniqueness and beauty.
• Show some of the must-visit place in our country that is at par with world-famous destinations.

   With 7,107 tropical islands, the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago in the world.  Visiting this island nation often overlooked by travelers reward those who go the extra distance to reach it. Any traveler who has been here will tell you that it’s the people and their culture that makes the Philippines truly unique. Colonized by a succession of world powers,  the  Philippines is a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance and tradition. The Philippines truly qualifies as one of the last great frontiers in Southeast Asian travel. Cross whichever ocean you need to and see for yourself. 

   Here are a few of the 7,107 reasons why visiting the Philippines is a must.

Philippine Vinta

   The vinta, together with pearl divers, and the Badjao boat dwellers, form the romance of the Sulu seas. The vinta's colorful sail decorates many a picture of southern Philippine sunsets beckoning the adventurous at heart to the joys and wonder of riding big waves.

   It is a very small and unsteady sailboat, used only for short trips on days with normal breezes. Vinta is how the sailboat is called by the maritime people of the Sulu archipelago. Some say it may be a name coined by the Spaniards.

   Vintas with very colorful sails still abound along some seashores, especially of seaside resorts, for tourists who want a bit of romance and adventure. Zamboanga hosts a vinta regatta each year. A fleet of vintas crosses the close to 23 kilometer wide Basilan Strait. Watching the regatta can be a romantic adventure in itself.

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/Mindanao/mindanao_culture.htm

Butanding Watching

 Albay's neighboring province to the south, Sorsogon, is host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. These creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for generations and in 1998, the Philippine Department of Tourism declared this area an official sanctuary for the Whale Shark, thus protected this fascinating species.

    Although Whale Sharks, or "Butanding" as they are locally known,  are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. If you are not comfortable swimming in the waters, then it is just as amazing to experience them from the boat. The Butanding swim along side the boat all the time.

   Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. Some basic snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins and a water vest) are just about you'll need in the water to be able to experience swimming among them.

http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/whale_sharks.html

Philippine Tarsier

   With its huge eyes, long tail, and hands and feet that must have inspired Steven Spielberg when he created E.T., the Philippine tarsier is almost Bohol's trademark. Still, few people have had the opportunity to have a close encounter with it.

   The reason is twofold. Because it is a shy nocturnal animal that leads a mostly hidden life, it sleeps at daytime near the trunks of trees and shrubs deep in the impenetrable bushes and forests. They only become active at night, and even then, with their much better sight, and amazing ability to maneuver around trees are very well able to avoid us noisy humans well before we become aware of it's presence, so even when they were still present in abundance, the worlds of the tarsier and humans were mostly separated. 

   The tarsier is often claimed to be the world's smallest monkey -- however, this claim is somewhat dubious, since, although they are primates, technically, the tarsier is not a monkey. The Philippine tarsier is a very special animal, well worth a day trip while you're on Bohol, and for some it is even the reason for their trip, and with an average 130 grams for an adult Philippine tarsier, it is still one of the smallest primates...

   To communicate with each other, the tarsier produces a number of different calls; sometimes a long piercing single note, and sometimes a soft sweet, bird-like thrill. When several individuals are talking with each other they can produce a noise that somewhat resembles the chirping of locusts. Male tarsiers have epigastric glands, which they use for scent marking.

http://www.bohol.ph/article44.html

Chocolate Hills

   The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. They look like giant mole hills, or as some say, women's breasts, and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. However, this idea is quickly abandoned, as the effort would surely surpass the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The chocolate hills consist of are no less than 1268 hills (some claim this to be the exact number). They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make.

   Legend has it that the hills came into existence when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight that lasted for days. When they were finally exhausted, they made friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. For the more romantically inclined is the tale of Arogo, a young and very strong giant who fell in love with an ordinary mortal girl called Aloya. After she died, the giant Arogo cried bitterly. His tears then turned into hills, as a lasting proof of his grief.

http://www.bohol.ph/article6.html

Pinoy Sorbetes

   Although it’s not too hot this summer, the temperature tends to get higher in midday sun. And that’s the perfect time to go out and get yourself a cup of ice cream! Yum yum.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? I go for rocky road, strawberry, langka (jackfruit), and that sinfully sweet choco fudge brownies! There are people who don’t like chocolate-based flavors, just like my grandma. She would always pick the halo-halo or the macapuno ice cream and dumps the super sweet flavored ones.

   On lazy summer days, nothing beats coolers like ice cream. And if you’re just bumming around the neighborhood, dirty ice cream saves the day! Don’t you miss those days when you’re off from school and after lunch you would hear the bell of mamang sorbetero ringing over and over? Delightful. 

   Dirty ice cream or sorbetes. Why did they call it as such? To create distinction, sorbetes is the one sold on the street and there’s the one produced by huge ice cream companies and are sold on supermarkets and ice cream parlors. Did they tag sorbetes as dirty ice cream because it’s being sold on the street? Share us what you know.

   Nothing beats the old apa (cone) that sweet little cone which now costs P5 with 2 or 3 scoops. Others would opt for ice cream in a bun. That one’s a bit heavy on your tummy! Perfect for afternoon merienda.

http://taranakaintayo.blogspot.com/2011/04/selecta-pinoy-sorbetes.html 

Marikina Shoes

 It's just fitting that Marikina City, being popularly known as the shoe capital of the Philippines , houses the Shoe Museum.   Where else could you find an annual Sapatos Festival (Sept. 9), a fully motorized running high heel, giant shoes in the middle of the river and home of the world's largest shoes (Marikina Riverbanks) than in Marikina !

Located along JP. Rizal St. and just across the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church is the Shoe Museum.   The museum holds shoes of several famous people including a pair of shoes from each president of the Philippines in chronological order.   Other shoes note worthing are those of celebrities, ambassadors, political figures and even traditional shoes from several countries.   On the 2nd floor, you'll read history about shoe making including life-size mannequins depicting the art of shoemaking.  You'll also find some unusual shoe sizes like one being 3 feet long.  

http://www.marikinalife.com/2009/05/marikina-shoe-museum.html

Kalesa

   The Philippine Kalesa was designed to carry two people and some baggage, although I'm sure more than two would be carried quite easily, specially when I have seen 7 Filipinos on a motorbike! The carriage has small sides and a roof to keep the glaring sun from burning you, two huge wheels hold the carriage up, which are then connected to a scrawny horse by two poles strapped either side of the horse.

   The carriage is brightly coloured and it looks as though a lot of care has been taken in it's upkeep. A whip is kept in a pipe to the cocheros right hand side and sticks straight up in the air like a radio antenna.

   One of the more amusing things with the whip, is the noise it makes as it is pulled from the pipe that holds it. It makes a rasping sound, which the horse hears and immediately trots faster. Obviously the horse associates the noise of the whip coming from the pipe as a chance to speed up before he gets whipped on the but! I'm happy to say that the horse was not whipped at any stage.

http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/kalesa.html

Vigan

   About 400 kilometers from Manila is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. It is the capital city of Ilocos Sur located on the west coast of northern Luzon. One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia with a unique European atmosphere. Several museums exist for the many national heroes that were born here. Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. The name Vigan was derived from "Biga", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River.

http://www.philsite.net/vigan.htm

Banaue Rice Terraces

   Banaue rice terraces were carved in the mountains of Ifugao Philippines by our ancestors of the Batad Indigenous people. This 2000 year old Banaue rice terraces has also been recognized as one of the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is the only man made wonder that is sculpted from earth. In 1995, Banaue Rice terraces has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spectacular creation has been built mostly by hand and minimal only with the use of equipments which shows Ifugaos great craftsmanship and creativity. It is composed of rice fields to provide themselves a source of livelihood in the highlands. The location of Banaue rice terraces is 1, 500 meters or 5, 000 feet above sea level and it covers 10, 630 square kilometers about 4, 000 square miles of teh mountainside. This wonder has been fully maintained by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforest above the terraces. This place is greatly known as well as a great tourist destination in the Philippines because aside from its stairway design heading to the sky, there are a lot of hiking trails in the area. It is located north of Manila at Cordillera Mountain Province. If Banaue rice terraces will be connected end to end, the length is ten times longer than the Great Wall of China.

http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_tourist_spot/rice_terraces.html

The Jeepney

   Jeepneys are Philippines most widely used and affordable form of transport. They came into existence at the end of world war 2 when the US military left them to the locals on there return home.

   Step onto any road in the Philippines and you are guaranteed to see a Jeepney. These colorful forms of transport are everywhere. The Jeepney is the most affordable form of transport and only cost a couple of peso to go almost anywhere in the city. Just flag down the jeepney jump on the back (normally whilst it is still moving) pay the driver and jump off at your location.The locals even have competitions to see who has the most decorated Jeepney they decorate them with almost anything even the cockpits are lit up with multicoloured lights like some futuristic space craft! or an over the top Christmas tree!

   The unique thing about Jeepneys is that no Jeepney is the same. The time taken to decorate the Jeepney is often a lot more than the actual time it took to build it.

Very often the Jeepneys are so full you will see people hanging off the back, people are crammed in like sardines in a tin!

http://morphman.hubpages.com/hub/JEEPNEY-PHILIPPINES-THE-ULTIMATE-PUBLIC-TRANSPORT

Mayon Volcano

Mayon is known for its almost perfect symmetrical triangle shape. It is commonly referred to as one of the natural wonders of the world.

Fun Facts:

• The name Mayon is derived from the Bicolano word Magayon, which means "beautiful."
• She is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.
• There are 49 eruptions since the first documented activity in 1616.
• The worst recorded eruption occurred on February 1, 1814. Some 1,200 people from the nearby town of Cagsawa sought refuge inside the local church, but had lost their lives, as the whole town including the church was completely destroyed by the lava. 
• Only the  church tower remained standing.
• To this day, the Cagsawa Ruins still stand upright as an eerie reminder of the power behind Mayon's beauty.
• The Mayon has been restless since 1999, when it unexpectedly emitted a large plume of ash startling the local residents. A series of eruptions followed in 2000 and 2001. Prior to this, the last major eruption of the Mayon was in 1993, causing the death of 70 people and evacuation of 50,000 residents.

http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/mayonpage.html

Palawan

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   Palawan has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world. It is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and pristine beaches. It is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life. It boasts of exotic flora and fauna, like the mousedeer and the scaly anteater.Palawan waters are among the best in the world, not only for diving but also for fishing. A diver's paradise, it has miles of sub-surface coral and rainbow reef walls which surround the coasts and coves teeming with rich marine life.

   Palawan boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders. African animals from Kenya in Africa - giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles, co-exist with endemic Philippine animals, like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock (pheasant), in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga, considered one of the province’s most amazing sites. Another sanctuary found in Rio Tuba Village, Bataraza is the Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. This island is a haven for birds that rest and converge two hours before sunset, after a day's flight. 



http://www.palawan.gov.ph/ 

Beaches

The Philippines have been well known for its fantastic beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in the Philippines that one may consider visiting.

1. Boracay – has always been the favorite place of beach goers to go in the Philippines. This is because of the great white sand and cool waters, Boracay is the place for people looking to party. It is even considered as one of the finest beaches in the world. Boracay is located in the North West part of the Visayas area called Panay.

2. Pagudpud – if you’re looking for a place that can be like Hawaii, Pagudpud is the place to visit. The strong winds and waves can be compared to that of Hawaii which makes this place often visited by surfers. Pagudpud also has long continuous white sands and inviting beach waters for people looking to just swim. Compared to Boracay, this place is more secluded.

3. Mactan Island – the queen city of the South, Cebu, also has its fair share of great beaches. One of them is the so called Mactan Island. It is a tropical island resort. It provides tourist with great entertainment such as night life activities that will spice up the visit.

4. Panglao - if you love to dive visiting Panglao is the place to be. This place is a tiny island found hidden in it’s bigger nearby island of Bohol.

5.Camiguin – the palce has been known to be one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines because it still seems like a paradise. Some people even consider the palce the “Garden of Eden” in the country. Camiguin has a great topography that includes waterfalls, and the hot and cold springs. The place will be mesmerizing and will definitely tempt you to go back.

6. Dakak – a private beach that spans about 750 meters long the Sulu Sea. The beach also has great white sands that can be compared to powder. The pool’s water comes from the spring water and the waterfalls that are on the area.

7. Honda Bay – this are islands that surround the capital of the South Western province of Palawan. Among these islands, the tourist can go island hopping, diving and swim on the cool waters. In one of the islands, one can see the variety of fishes without swimming out too deep.

8. El Nido – the palce has been known as the country’s last frontier and Palawan - the Island of the Gods. This place offers great beaches that will tae you away from the urban life. This place is the best to visit if you are looking for complete peace and quiet. Aside from the magnificent beach, the palce also offers you a sight of the beautiful seascapes, towering marble cliffs and a variety of tropical birds.

9. Pearl Farm – far south in the city of Davao, lies the premier beach resort know as the Pearl Farm. The place no longer has the pearls you are looking for. But the place can still offer an experience as valuable as a pearl. This is because of the great resort that is accompanied by the white sands.

10. Siargao – this place is another surfers dream. The place offers you waves that can curl up to 12 feet high. Aside from the waves, the place also has beaches that still remains unspoiled by urban lifestyle.


http://www.netguard.dk/top-ten-beaches-philippines.php 

Philippine Cuisine

The Filipino Cuisine has a humble beginnings. The early Filipinos used simple ways of cooking like broiling on an open fire, boiling and roasting. But with the frequent visit of Asian neighbours like the Indonesians, Arabs, Indians, The Malays and the Chinese who used to come to the Philippine shores to barter their goods and produce, the Filipinos were introduce to their use of spices and herbs to enchance the flavour of the food they eat.

When the Spaniards arrived in the Philippine shores in 1521, the Filipinos were introduced to a different style of cooking, The Spaniards have a big influence in the present Filipino dishes that is serve in every homes of the Filipinos today because the Philippines have been a Spanish colony for almost 400 years.

The Chinese migrants and traders have also added a different taste to the way Filipinos cook. Chinese migrants introduce the use of noodles known as "Mi" as in Lo-Mi, Mi-Ki, Ma-Mi, Mi-Sua. Now we have our own version of noodles called Pansit/Pancit. Pancit is a noodle dishes sautted with pork, shrimp and vegetables.

Other Chinese-inspired dishes, are Lumpia Shanghai (spring roll) fried and served with soy sauce and chopped garlic, kikiam, siopao, and siomai, have been a favourite and become a part of Filipino way of life.

http://asiarecipe.com/phifood.html 

The People

   The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 76.5 million as of May 2000, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.

   The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers. The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese. The piousness comes from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient Oriental people today. Pilipino is the official national language, with English considered as the country's unofficial one.

   The Filipinos are divided geographically and culturally into regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects - the sturdy and frugal llocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalogs of the central plains, the carefree Visayans from the central islands, and the colorful tribesmen and religious Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities can be found scattered across the archipelago. The Philippines has more than 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions of these basic regional and cultural groups.

   

   The country is marked by a true blend of cultures; truly in the Philippines, East meets West. The background of the people is Indonesian and Malay. There are strong Chinese and Spanish persuasions also. The history of American rule and contact with merchants and traders culminated in a unique blend of East and West, both in the appearance and culture of the Filipinos.

   

   Filipinos are out for fun where-ever possible. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes. Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their Western visitors. Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian.

http://www.learn-in-asia.com/philippines_people_history.htm 

   These are just a few of the reasons why the Philippines is a paradise on earth. The places, the culture and traditions, the food, and the people are truly one of a kind. Visiting the country this island country is really worth the travel and is an experience to behold. It is truly "More Fun in the Philippines"  than on any part on the world.