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About the Philippines: The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia composed of more that 7,100 islands. Many of the volcanic islands that constitute the archipelago are isolated. The 11 largest islands namely Luzon, Masbate, Mindoro, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Samar, Negros, Panay, and Mindanao, account for more than 94% of the total land area.

The geography is commonly hilly, rising to a high point of more or less 3 kilometers at Mount Apo, a volcano Mindanao Island. Luzon and Mindanao islands only have wide lowland areas. There are various dormant and active volcanos, particularly Mount Pinatubo in Central Luzon, which made a big noise in 1991.

Wildlife incorporates the carabao (water buffalo), monkeys, reptiles, and tropical birds. There is abundant deposits of gold, lead, manganese, silver, nickel, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron ore and coal and an exceptional hydroelectric and geothermal power potential. Volcanic steam provides an increasing factor of the nation’s power supply demands.

There are two distinct seasons, the Dry and the Wet. The dry season is somewhere between the month of March to June whereas the wet season is from the month of July to October. The period in between is neither too hot nor too wet for comfort. Humidity is relatively high, about 80%. The climate is warm but healthy. It was said that it is one of the most beneficial tropical climates in the world.

The mean yearly lowland temperature is more or less 27°C (80°F). Temperatures fluctuate more between day and night and high and low altitudes than between seasons.

The Filipino people is a mixture of races. Racially, most Filipinos are a mixture of Malaya and Mongoloid races, with some mixture of Chinese, Indian, Arab, Spanish, and American elements. The Spanish expression ‘mestizo’ is used to describe anyone of mixed blood.

Although the Filipino people speak a variety of languages and are spread across many islands, they have a rather high degree of cultural resemblance. The long fight for self-government, the utilize of Filipino (which is the national language) and English languages in the schools, the persuade of Christianity, and the rural-to-urban relocation have contributed to union. Least saturated are the Muslims of the south, the upland hill tribes, and recent Chinese immigrants.

Generally, Filipinos have these qualities: friendly, hospitable, devoted to family, respectful of authorities, devoted, sentimental and happy. They could easily adjust to new situations almost certainly because of the fact that they had been under several colonial rules in the past.

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The Philippines art and culture is colourful and lively that distinguishes Filipinos from its Asian neighbors. This include traditions, language, and arts which are found in museums, churches, galleries, and within the heart of each and every Filipino. Diversity is the word that best describes Philippine culture.

This different culture is because the fact that the Philippines has been accessed through immigrations and trade not only by its neighboring countries, but also by other countries from all over the globe. These countries have left their cultural persuades on the Filipino people who in turn have given these influences from generation to generation.

The Filipino Cultural Traits

* Close Family Ties:

Filipinos tend to uphold close family ties. For Filipinos, the family is the center of the social structure. Most Filipinos live close to their family for most of their lives, even when they are independent adults.

* Bayanihan

:

The helping attitude of Filipinos whenever one is in need. Frequently, the Bayanihan spirit can be seen when a car gets a flat tire. The bystanders or passers-by would assist the driver to get the car back on the road.

* Pakikisama:

Pakikisama, or harmony, in English, involves getting along with others to maintain a harmonious relationship.

* Utang na Loob:

This means Debt of Gratitude. It is owed by one to a person who has helped him through the whatever trials or adversities one has gone through. This if further reinforced by the local saying: ‘Ang hindi lumilingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa kanyang paroroonan’, which means, ‘One who doesn’t look back to where he has started, will not reach his destination’.

* Sense of Humour:

The Filipino’s sense of humour is evident in their optimistic approach to life. They have the ability to laugh at themselves and their predicament, embarassing it may be. This helps them to cope with life and helps them to survive.

* Resourcefulness:

Filipinos are resourceful, inventive, creative, and fast learners. They are ingenious and often improvise and make innovative use of whatever is available. These traits have been frequently demonstrated in their capacity to adapt to change, established in Filipinos flourishing and prospering in any part of the globe.

* Hard Working:

Filipinos are regarded as excellent workers who perform well, be it physical labor or sophisticated and technical types of work. This natural tendency for hard work, is driven by the desire for economic security and improvement for oneself.

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Philippines Tourist spots such as the eighth wonder of the world Banaue Rice Terraces in Benguet, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Intramuros in Manila Philippines, Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Tagaytay, and Burnham Park in Baguio are just some of the many destinations you can visit. You’ll surely find whatever fancies you, your budget and your preferences.

Listed below are some of the beautiful tourist destinations of the Philippines:

Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordillera’s

Banaue rice terraces is a mand-made engineering marvel that is referred to as “the eighth wonder of the world.” Inscribed in the World Heritage List of the UNESCO, it is a living testimony to man’s genius. Ancient Ifugao’s turned the rugged terrain of the Cordilleras into a continuing source of sustenance.

Puerto Galera, Mindoro Island

Puerto Galera is an ideal place to do island-hopping from Luzon or a place to laze on pristine white sands and clear, warm water. The most popular beaches for swimming are White beach and Tamaraw Beach, while beaches near Sabang have best facilities for coral-cruising. For more tranquility try Big and Small Laguna Beaches. Puerto Galera also offers excellent inland nature walks.

Camiguin

Camiguin, which rhymes with “come again,” has been regarded as the most beautiful island in the Philippines. As such, it is also referred to as the Philippines’ “Garden of Eden.” The occurrence of a number of magnificent waterfalls that form both hot and cold springs is only one of the many attractions of this island-paradise. The topography is unmistakably tropical but the ambience is uniquely occidental. Camiguin is sure to mesmerize anyone who visits with the itch to be back again soon.

Dakak

Dakak Park Beach Resort is located on the sunny white beachfacing the exotic turquoise Sulu Sea. The private beach that measures 750 meter is blanketed with pure powdery white sand. Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed the resort’s two pools, whilst the ultimate hideaway is provided at a private open-air jacuzzi where youcan relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissful solitary refinement.

Honda Bay, Palawan, Philippines

Despite its outstanding natural beauty, Palawan’s islands have been one of the least developed holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Non-commercialism has made the province of Palawan very special. It is becoming more famous for international adventurers and divers. Honda Bay is the perfect place for sun seekers and snorkellers because it has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, with fine white sand beaches, coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty. Its blue cool waters are dotted with islets that assure one of a pure-pleasure experience. Honda Bay is sure to leave a lasting thought because from the snorkeling in its crystal clear waters to island hopping within its enclaves or simply conducting a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas.

El Nido, Palawan

Dominated by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delectable soups specially found in Chinese restaurants – the Nido Soup. This soup consists mainly of the bird nests that abound in the area. But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country’s last frontier. Because of its utter splendor, it has also been called the island of the gods – heaven on earth, that is El Nido.

Malapascua Island, Cebu

This tiny island, situated at the northeast tip of Cebu Island, is relatively new to the international market, but already rates highly on the the list of world’s best beaches - some say it is the new Boracay. This has also become a major dive centre, famous for the crowds of thresher sharks using the marine highway between Cebu and Leyte islands.

Mactan Island

Lying in the heart of Cebu is the island of Mactan. This tropical-island adventure endowed with an array of colors – from its beach, resorts, nightlife, hotels, music, drinks, food – will ensure to spice up every guest.

Pagudpud

In the Northern part of the Philippines is a beach reputed to have the longest contiguous white sand with mighty waves and strong winds that can compare to Hawaii. Wind and wave surfing are the outstanding activities that Pagudpud beach offers its very discriminating clientele. Not to mention the fascinating views, white sand and clear blue waters. Pagudpud promises its visitors a magnificent experience in a secluded paradise.

Panglao, Bohol

Panglao is a perfect for a great dive and beach holiday. It is a small island on the Philippines southwest of the bigger island, Bohol. On the southern beach of Panglao there are numerous resorts that line up on the beach. Bohol, is just across Cebu, famous for its strangely bumpy Chocolate Hills scenery. It is becoming more popular as the region’s best beach destination, with superb white sand and some world class diving sites, mostly on the adjacent little island of Panglao.

Pearl Farm, Davao

Pearl Farm is located in the Samal Island off the coast of Davao City, Southern Philippines. The premier beach resort, which lies in the pristine island of Samal, used to be a pearl farm. There thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported form the Sulu Sea, were once cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. At present, beach lovers all over the world visit this first-class beach resort for its panoramic landscape and seascape, and white sand bringing with them the memory of a lifetime – a soothing private retreat in a tropical seventh heaven.

Puraran Beach, Catanduanes Island

Catanduanes Island lies in the Pacific Ocean just off Luzon and is one of the Philippines’ major surf venues. Puraran Beach’s white sand is very alluring, but currents can be hazardous during the surfing season. There are also other white sandy beaches like Pamangal Beach near San Andres town or Igang Beach.

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Philippines tourism can be considered as the country’s comparative advantage and this is the reason why the government puts great effort in promoting the tourism industry. The country is archipelagic and located in the Pacific Ocean and this is one reason why the tourism is a hit in the country.

The Philippines has been blessed with beautiful natural resources made more appealing by its unique culture which in turn was influenced by many foreign cultures. Spain, Latin America and the United States have all contributed in its little ways to help make the Filipino culture what it is right now.

The tourism in the country is booming thanks to its natural resources scattered in all parts of the country and also to its unique Filipino identity. The Philippine tourism began stepping up in the 1970s and this lasted till the mid 1980s. After that time, guest arrival in the country begins to slow down. An indicator that the country’s tourism industry is on the move down is on the standard stay each of the tourist in the country. By 1988, the average stay of a tourist in the country is 8.9 days. This figure is significantly lower than the registered 12.6 days in previous years. But this scenario for the country didn’t last since by 1990s, the sector once again peaked with around 1.2 million tourist arrivals for 1992. This jolt in the arrival of visitor in the country has gave the Department of Tourism a more optimistic outlook and allowed for the Department to say that they anticipate more tourist arrivals in the future.

By the year 2000, the tourist arrivals in the Philippines totaled 2.2 million and this was pushed to 2,838,000 by 2003. The Philippine archipelago is well known for many sights, sounds and festivals and these are several of the reasons why the tourism industry in the country is a hit.

From Metropolitan Manila to as far as the Northern provinces to the southern provinces of the country, there will always be a tourist spot that travelers and tourists will love.

. Metropolitan Manila. Intramuros in Manila and Makati City are known tourist draws. The Intramuros in Manila is called the ‘walled city of Manila’. This was constructed in the 1500s and originally the whole of Manila was restrained within the areas of the walled city. But since the city has been growing exponentially, a number of buildings have been built outside the city. Right now, Intramuros is being visited due to its museums, churches and the old fort. Manila on the other hand is known for its vibrant night life. A nightlife and party scene that can rival those found in other Asian capitals. Other than Manila, Boracay and Cebu are also considered as party hotspots in the country. Makati is simply Manila in a modern way. Most modern facilities can be seen here- from shopping malls to major hotels and business centers.

. Aklan. This is one province in the Visayas region and considered as one of the most visited provinces in the country. Aklan is known for its ‘Ati-Atihan Festival that is hosted in Kalibo.

. Bohol. This province in the Visayas region is known for its ‘Chocolate Hills’. These are limestone hills that look like ‘chocolate hills from afar. The province is also the home of the Philippine Tarsier, which is considered as one of the smallest primates in the world.

. Northern Philippines. The Northern Philippines is known too for its many tourist spots. One popular destination is Mt Pinatubo known for its massive eruption that happened in 1991. The Hundred Islands is another place worth visiting. The Banaue Rice Terraces are known for its beauty too- rice terraces that are carved from the mountainside. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. A visit to the country, northern provinces will not be whole without checking the ‘Hanging Coffins’ of Sagada.

. Taal Volcano in Laguna is worth checking too, and this is considered as one of the smallest volcano in the world.

. Palawan. This is a province and an island situated in the South China Sea and famous for its beaches.

. Boracay. And talking about beaches, Boracay is one destination worth visiting.

There are a number of great tourist spots in the country and since the country is archipelagic in nature, some of the adventure that can be experienced by the tourists will be mostly water-based. Philippine tourism activities and festivals are often concentrated on some of the best surfing and diving sites in the country.

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More than the usual - this is how the Philippine is positioned in the tourism block. The country is an archipelago and known officially as the Republic of the Philippines. This archipelago is located in Southeast Asia and holds the distinction of being one of only two predominantly Christian countries in Asia. East Timor is the other country. There are around 7,107 islands in the country and these islands host around 90 million people. This population based on 2008 estimates makes the country as the 12th most populous country in the world. For the traveler interested to know more about the country, it should be learned that the country has around 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide and these are the Filipinos who work in other countries and one of the main reasons why the economy of the country is competitive.

According to 2008 estimates, the gross domestic product or the GDP of the country is pegged at over US$ 327.2 billion and this is considered as the 37th largest in the world. The name ‘Philippine‘ traces a long history. This name was derived from the name of King Philip II of Spain in the 16th century. It was the initiative of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos to use the name Las Islas Filipinas or the Philippine Islands as his name for the islands Leyte and Samar. And the use of this name was in reference and in honor of the Prince of Spain. A further examination of the name ‘Philippine’ will reveal that this has Greek roots and according to historians this was the name of the father of Alexander the Great.

Philippines is seperated geographically into three major islands:
- Luzon
- Visayas
- Mindanao

And these three major island grouping is then sub-divided into 17 regions, another 81 provinces and 136 cities. The country also plays host to 1,494 municipalities and 41,995 barrios. The government controls Sabah, North Borneo as stated by Section 2 of the Republic Act Number 5446. Ecologically, the country is known as one of those countries which feature diverse flora and fauna. This feature of the country is one of the major reasons why the archipelago is one of the favorite places for travelers who seek to experience nature at its best. Another main reason why the country is always part of the list of preferred travel destinations is that the country is rich in natural resources and its scenic spots are panoramic and ready to comfort and to overwhelm the first-time visitors. The natural resources of the country are extensive and this can be seen in many areas like agriculture, forestry and minerals.

Talking about the archipelago is not complete without talking of its fertile and arable lands, the forests that host diverse ecology and the panoramic coastlines. For those travelers willing to sample what the country has to offer over a limited amount of time, it is suggested that the interested traveler should focus on its culture, its beaches and its heritage. The unique Philippine culture will let the traveler experience the many festivals in the country- from Sinulog in Cebu to the Penafrancia Festival in the Bicol Region. Philippines has plenty of festivals and these festivals are mostly celebrated during the month of April and May - the time for the country’s fiestas. Most of these festivals have links to the church and religious in nature.

Exploring the country without visiting some of its renowned beaches is not suggested. Since the country boasts of around 7,107 islands and a coastline twice the length of the United States, you can really expect that the country will have some of the best beaches. Mere mention of the Philippine will evoke images of fine and white beaches of Boracay, Palawan and some of the more not-so commercial yet beautiful sands of other beaches. Some names that should be part of the plans of the traveler include Pagudpud, Mactan Island and Panglao. And speaking of heritage, the country is home to Ifugao Rice Terraces which is now part of the UNESCO Heritage List in 1995. Aside from this rice terraces, Philippine also plays host also to many old churches- baroque churches in Metro Manila and these are all considered as heritage sites that carry the country’s culture and history.

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According to the LGU, the province’ administrators are known to be development-oriented and these public administrators steer the province to economic growth and development. Reason three relates to the presence of economic zones in the province. The province of Cebu plays host to nine economic zones. Reason four relates to the fiscal management. According to the provincial government, the province is known for its good fiscal management and the province is one of the leading lights when it comes to assets and cash in bank. And lastly, this province ranks 1st because of the unity present in the province. These are the listed reasons why Cebu, Philippines according to the provincial government as the leading province in the country.

Cebu boasts a rich history

But this is not only the things that make the province unique. The province of Cebu has a very long history as well, and it is considered as one of the oldest provinces in the country. In fact, the history of the province goes way beyond 400 years ago and this started when the island was made as a province when the colonization of the Spaniards was just starting. And even before the arrival of the Spaniards, the province of Cebu was already active in its trade with neighboring provinces and islands. The island was in fact known as the center of trade in Southern Philippines as it dealt with the traders from many countries like China, India, Malaysia, Japan, Burma and other parts of the continent. And even before the arrival of the Spaniards, Cebu Philippines has already established its social structure. The province has roughly 3 million people and the language used is Cebuano. English is widely used too mostly in business transactions and this language is also understood by majority of the population. The province is known for many interesting travel destinations.

Here is a listing of some of the famous destinations in the province:

• Argao. The main attraction of the town includes the public stone buildings that date back many centuries ago and one of its main attractions is the Rococo-Baroque church of the St. Michael Archangel. There is also a man-made Riverstone Castle and this was entirely built from stones.
• Badian. Badian is known for its white sand beaches and a must visit for travelers.
• Bantayan Island. This is also known for its clear blue waters and its fine white beaches. This is the place to be for tourists and travelers during Holy Week.
• Camotes Group of Islands.
• Carcar City. There are a number of good-looking and well-preserved ancestral homes in the city. This is also considered as a ‘Little Marikina’ thanks to its growing shoe industry.
• Malapascua Island. The shores in the island are comparable that to those seen in Boracay Islands.
• Sumilon Island
• Moalboal. This island hosts the orchid farm and it is considered as the largest orchid farm in Southeast Asia.
• Medellin
• Aloguinsan
• Dalaguete. Another prime destination in the province of Cebu known for its white sand beaches and lengthy coastlines.

And of course, a visit to the province will not be complete without checking out Cebu, Philippines one of the biggest and advanced cities in the country. The city of Cebu is best known for its ‘Sinulog Festival’- considered as the province’s biggest fiesta. The festival is known for its street dancing, face painting and street parties and concerts. But at the center of the celebration is the carved image of the Holy Child Jesus.

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Antipolo City is a city of pilgrims and contemplatives, tourists, traders, artists and artisans.
Situated on the east of Manila, its name was derived from the Tipolo tree, which grows in that area. It is rich in natural attractions.

Antipolo City Philippines is a part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, being a hilly and mountainous area. This place has a total land area of 38,575.04 hectares, the 2nd largest town next to Rodriguez in Rizal province. Antipolo is divided into two districts, which are further subdivided into 16 barangays.

This city is accessible in different routes: (1) from Marikina via Sumulong Highway, (2) from Cubao, Quezon City, via Marcos Highway, and (3) from Cainta/Taytay via Ortigas Extension.
Buses, FX’s, shuttle buses, jeepneys, and tricycles are the modes of transportation which interconnect the city’s 16 barangays.

English and Filipino are widely spoken and understood by the residents. The telecommunication is provided by the country’s largest telecommunication system and over 100 internet cafes serve access to electronic mails and websites.

Tourism, manufacturing/processing (garments and shoes) for export, “kasuy” or cashew nuts, cement processing, and agriculture (poultry and livestock) are the major industries of the city. The city also has public and private schools.

During the 1720’s, the Virgin of Antipolo/ Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Senora dela Paz y Buen Viaje) gained legions of devotees coming from Manila and the neighboring towns and provinces. According to historians, this miraculous icon saved her galleon in going back and forth from Manila to Acapulco for eight times, thus saving it from the destruction of pirates and Dutch and British blockades. The month of May is the fiesta of Antipolo, when thousands of devotees pay homage to the virgin.

Antipolo City has plenty of attractions, both natural and man-made, which are particularly enticing to tourists. The Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is a popular spot where thousands of devotees flock to during the fiesta, especially those who are traveling abroad. The white cross of Pinagmisahan Hills on the highest peak of Kaytikling Road, is also a popular destination during Lent season in the Philippines.

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