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VISIT PHILIPPINES 2015
Philippines as seen from space
by: Universe-Beauty
A land of more than 7,000 islands on the edge of Asia, the Philippines is home to spectacular beaches, emerald rice paddies, jungle-clad mountains, teeming tropical reefs, smoking volcanoes, and some incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Its stunning natural wonders are equaled only by its people. Welcoming, warm and famously friendly, the Filipinos themselves always leave a memorable and captivating impression on visitors to this archipelago in the middle of the South China and Philippine Seas.
The Philippines is a blend of native Melanesian and Austronesian ancestry and the cultural influence of Arab, Chinese, Japanese and Indian immigrants that have made the islands home throughout the centuries. The archipelago has been undeniably stamped with a strong Hispanic influence from Spanish rule with crumbling colonial architecture, vibrant town fiestas, and the largest Catholic population of any Asian country at 83%. But, more recently, the big malls and fast food chains that are creeping in are an indication of the impact the United States has had on the culture of the Philippines and perhaps influential in the upbeat attitude of the 93 million that call the Philippines home.
While the Spanish have passed on their emotion and passion to the Filipinos, the strength of the American legacy is found in the English language that is widely considered a second language, after Filipino, in this archipelago where around 77 languages are spoken in 170 dialects. American movies, television and music are extremely popular throughout the country and many signs and businesses advertise in English.
Filipino-Spanish "mestiza" women, 1899
by: Johntewell, Flickr
An American public school teacher
by: Chrispforr.net
Despite the modern world creating homogeneity and a westernized façade, distinct cultural and geographical traits also exist that are essentially indigenous and Austronesian tribal minority communities are still dotted throughout the islands. Mindanao is known for its colorful Muslim tribesmen, Visayanas as shy and sweet, Tagalogs of the central plains are known for their industrious mentality, and the Ilocanos of the north for their strength and frugality. The result is an amazingly diverse and multicultural country that is inherently accessible and open to visitors.
Famous for their bayanihan or ‘spirit of kinship’ passed down from their Austronesian fore-fathers, the Filipinos have extremely close family ties and patriotic spirit. They are legendary throughout Southeast Asia for their genuine hospitality and beaming smiles, and if you are in the country during a fiesta you are almost guaranteed to be warmly welcomed to share in the feasting.
The Filipino Hospitality
by: Prehispanictraitsoffilipino
The Filipino Bayanihan Spirit
by: Ellen-inretrospect
Despite its small land mass this group of islands is abundant in tourist riches and offers something for every traveller – from beach bums, to historic buffs, and adventure enthusiasts, to city dwellers who will revel in the bright lights of the Philippines’ mega-cities. They say it would take 20 years to visit the archipelago if you were to spend one day on every island so here are some of the Philippines’ top attractions to give you a taste of what is on offer.
BORACAY
This small island is ringed by stunning beaches and an abundance of coral reefs to dive and snorkel. There are plenty of adventure sports like parasailing, kite surfing and cliff diving to keep the adrenalin junkies interested and award-winning resorts to kick back and relax at. You can take boat tours to explore volcanic caves and turquoise lagoons or grab a drink and watch the sun set spectacularly to the west of the island each night. Boracay has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene with excellent fusion fare and venues that keep going until the break of dawn.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are situated in the Cordilleras Mountains and rise to an altitude of 5000 feet (1525 meters). Hand-carved by the Ifugao tribes throughout the last 2,000 years these emerald green fields are fed by an ancient irrigation system that transports water from the rainforests above the paddies. There are excellent trekking opportunities in the surrounding area to take in this stunning scenery and breathe the cool mountain air of this UNESCO World Heritage listed site. It is believed that if connected end to end these terraces would wrap halfway around the globe! Although still in use today their future as an agricultural resource is uncertain as more young Ifugao people are migrating to the cities to find work.
BANAUE RICE TERRACES
Banaue Rice Terraces
by: ShedExpedition
TUBBATAHA REEF
This marine sanctuary in the Sulu Sea is home to some of the Philippines best dive sites with immense coral walls that abruptly drop to the depths below. While a mecca for divers it is also accessible to snorkelers of all experience levels. Protected as the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park it comprises two atolls separated by a deep channel and is best explored between April and June when the waters are calm and visibility at its clearest.
Tubbataha Reef
by: Pinay Traveller
Tubbataha Reef
by: Pinay Traveller
INTRAMUROS (Spanish Old Town), MANILA
The historic core of Manila, Intramuros, was built by the Spanish Colonial administration from the late 16th century. Its defensive walls contain a treasure trove of crumbling colonial architecture and historic monuments.
Don’t miss Fort Santiago where you can follow in the footsteps of the Philippines’ national hero, José Rizal, as he walked from his cell to be executed in 1896. Make a stop at the Manila Cathedral, originally built in the 16th century and reconstructed many times throughout its history, before continuing on to the UNESCO World Heritage listed San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines. The Baroque exterior leads to an elaborately decorated Mexican-influenced interior with exquisitely carved wooden doors and an ornate ceiling painted by Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni in the 19th century.
While the old city has not been extensively restored and is threatened by development pressures, it is a captivating place to spend a day or two wandering and soak up the history of this capital city and the cultural influences that have helped shape the Philippines.
Plaza Romano + Manila Cathedral
by: Jose (Yobz)
Instramuros Trolley
by: Mia of Whee!Explore
MAYON VOLCANO
The perfectly symmetrical cone of Mayon Volcano dominates the surrounding landscape of Albay, rising 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). As the most active volcano in the Philippines its influence on the soil and geography of the island of Luzon is significant. Conditions permitting you can trek the volcano and lower slopes that are home to fantastic bird life and camp in the surrounding area. The force and impact of the volcano’s most destructive eruption in 1814 can be clearly seen in the nearby Cagsawa ruins with all but the façade of this baroque church destroyed by the lava and belching ash that Mayon discharged.
Mayon Volcano
by: Infocomrade
PALAWAN
This island is home to stunning stretches of uninhabited beaches, unspoilt landscapes rich in wildlife, and coral reefs that support not only an abundant fish life, but also dugongs and manta rays. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean Park on the north coast hosts a unique natural phenomenon – the world’s longest navigable underground river. Guided paddle-boat tours take guests through this underground wonderland that is filled with fascinating rock formations and bat communities.
Palawan
by: ShedExpedition
CHOCOLATE HILLS
The island of Bohol is home to the unusual geological formations known as the ‘Chocolate Hills’. These 1,268 symmetrical formations range from 98 to 164 feet (30 to 50 meters) and are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name. Thought to be formed by weathered marine limestone on top of an impermeable clay layer, these natural phenomena offer a beautiful landscape to trek through and stunning scenery.
WHALE SHARK SPOTTING IN DONSOL
Between November and June this sleepy fishing village in Sorsogon province comes alive with migratory whale sharks that can be spotted off the coast. While these gentle giants draw the majority of visitors, tiny fireflies also put on a spectacular show, lighting up the night along the Donsol River. With beautiful beaches and cascading waterfalls all within easy reach, together with an abundance of seafood waiting to be caught, Donsol is a fantastic getaway both in and out of whale watching season.
Whale Shark in Donsol
by: Mandalay.pl
MALAPASCUA ISLAND
The only place in the world that thresher sharks inhabit on a regular basis, Malapascua Island is a must for serious divers that want to tick another one off the list. In addition, manta rays and hammerheads frequent the waters so you are almost guaranteed to have some big encounters. For non-divers there are unexplored white, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and coconut palms, dotted with quiet fishing villages – the perfect paradise escape.
Malapascua Island
by: Ocean Vida Resort
MANILA
Manila at Night
by: Crystal Sprenkler
Jeepneys in Manila
by: Sherry
For some Manila is just another polluted, urban jungle where overpopulation has led to large areas of poverty and few green spaces. For others it is the heart and soul of the Philippines where dreams and money are made and the development taking place in this nation is most vividly displayed. It is the economic and political center of the country with boundless food and shopping encounters on offer. While Filipino food doesn’t have the international reputation of its South-eastern neighbors, such as Vietnam and Thailand, its unique cultural influences have blended to create enticing dishes that are distinct to the region. Don’t forget to try Sinanglay - fresh tilapia fish stuffed with tomatoes and onions and simmered in coconut milk, grilled Chicken inasal marinated in lemongrass and calamansi and brushed with achuete, or, for the brave, the Philippines famous balut – a 17-day old boiled duck embryo. Wash it all down with suman at manga - a sticky rice steamed in banana leaves and served with fresh, sweet mango.
Shopping is undoubtedly a favorite Manila past-time and with malls in abundance you won’t have trouble finding some retail therapy. Wave down a ‘jeepney’ – the modified World War II jeeps brought by the Americans and lavishly decorated by the Filipinos – and discover some of the city’s vibrant markets and the exuberant locals that characterize them.
While you might have to do a bit of searching to find the sights and historical landmarks of Manila that are being enveloped by the booming metropolis, the stoical, ever-smiling people will most certainly shine through.
CLIMATE
The Philippines has a tropical climate which means warm weather ranging from 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C throughout the year. The best time to visit is the cooler months from November to February when conditions are relatively dry and sunny conditions prevail. From June to October is the rainy season and the potential for strong typhoons will certainly remind you you’re alive! March to May are the hottest months, but if you can handle the heat this is a great time to travel with fewer visitors in the archipelago.