Mabuhay (Welcome)! Let me take you to a breathtaking trip to my country, the Philippines!
I was raised in a country filled with natural resources, surrounded by aquatic life, and greeted by people who always wear a smile. In fact, according to the 2009 Happy Planet Index (HPI) published by the New Economics Foundation, the Philippines is the 14th happiest place in the world, up 3 places from 2008's 17th place ranking. There are many reasons to love and enjoy the Philippines, a few clicks away and you’ll definitely want to spend a holiday in the Philippines, or more popularly called as the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
I live in an archipelago with 7,107 islands, surrounded by marine life and resources. Loads of beautiful and exotic beaches that are just perfect for working on a glorious tan is just one of the reasons tourists flock to the Philippines in droves.
The Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands each hosting attractions both natural and man-made. With an extended coastline boasting both of black and white sand beaches, a highly diverse marine life, lush mountain forests filled with rich flora and fauna, every island has something special to offer its visitors.
Natural wonders like the perfectly shaped Mayon volcano, the tiny Taal volcano, the picturesque Banaue Rice Terraces, adventurous underground river of Puerto Princesa and the powdery white sands of Boracay, Palawan, Batangas, Cebu, Camarines Sur and Bohol are just a few of the top tourist draws the country has to offer. |
| Sand Castle in Boracay |
 |
| Beach in Bohol |
 |
| Mayon Volcano in Albay |
 |
| Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan |
 |
| Rice Terraces in Banawe |
 |
| Boat Riding in Palawan |
 |
| Taal Volcano in Tagaytay |
But don’t get me wrong. The country is not just about nature trips and sunny beaches. Towering skyscrapers, humongous shopping malls, and numerous bargain centers called "tiangge" may be found in the major cities and outlying towns. Tourists out for a bit of shopping usually find themselves overwhelmed by the wealth of bargains and smorgasbord of commodities ranging from original designer clothes to cheaper knock-offs which may be bought at unbelievably low prices.
Originally of Malay stock, the typical Filipino is brown skinned, compactly built, and sports thick, curly hair and a flat nose. However, occupation by different foreign colonists have resulted in inter-racial unions from which sprung the “mestizos” or mixed-race offspring. Don’t be too surprised to meet fair-skinned tribal Ifugaos who took after their Japanese ancestors or Filipinos with Spanish, Chinese, or American features.
The country is also blessed with many different customs and traditions that are still being practiced in today’s modern world. You would still see indigenous tribes living in the mountains and tropical forests, practicing their old beliefs which was passed on from generation to generation. Tourists are lucky if they chance upon native wedding rituals, feasts, and farming rites.
Our country is also host to hundreds of local dialects such as Tagalog, Bisaya and Chavacano. Tourists, however, should not worry about communication difficulties as most Filipinos are taught to speak English starting at very young ages.
Filipinos are very fond of commemorating things through fiestas (celebration). Be it religious, regional, or citywide, people will always find reasons to deck the streets with streamers and hold street parties and parades that often last for days. Some of the more popular fiestas are the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan; the Sinulog Festival in Davao, Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City, and the Pahiyas in Quezon Province.
Our country is also host to hundreds of local dialects such as Tagalog, Bisaya and Chavacano. Tourists, however, should not worry about communication difficulties as most Filipinos are taught to speak English starting at very young ages.
Filipinos are very fond of commemorating things through fiestas (celebration). Be it religious, regional, or citywide, people will always find reasons to deck the streets with streamers and hold street parties and parades that often last for days. Some of the more popular fiestas are the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan; the Sinulog Festival in Davao, Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City, and the Pahiyas in Quezon Province.
Source of some pictures:
