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. One word that best describes Philippine culture is diversity.

This diverse culture is due to the fact that the Philippines has been accessed through migrations and trade not only by its neighboring countries, but also by countries from all over the world. These countries have left their cultural influences on the Filipino people who in turn have passed 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 capability to laugh at themselves and their dilemma, thwarting 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 qualities have been repeatedly demonstrated in their capacity to adapt to change, demonstrated in Filipinos thriving and prospering in any part of the world.

* 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.

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 geography is distinctly tropical but the atmosphere is distinctively occidental. Camiguin is sure to captivate anyone who visits with the desire to be back again soon.

Dakak

Dakak Park Beach Resort is located on the sunny white beachfacing the exotic turquoise Sulu Sea. The 750 meter private beach is blanketed with pure powdery white sand. The tumbling waterfalls and natural spring water feed the resort’s two pools, while the ultimate hideaway is provided at a private open-air jacuzzi where you can unwind in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an ambience of peaceful 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 popular for international divers and adventurers. The ideal place for sun seekers and snorkellers is Honda Bay, which has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches. Its blue cool waters are dotted with islets that assure one of a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkeling in its crystal clear waters to island hopping within its enclaves or simply having a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas, Honda Bay is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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 stunning seascapes in the province of Palawan, which is 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 foremost dive centre, renowned for the crowds of thresher sharks utilizing the marine highway between islands of Cebu and Leyte.

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 inviting views, clear blue waters, and white sand. 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 islet on the southwest of the Philippines of the bigger island, Bohol. On the southern beach of Panglao there are numerous resorts that line up on the beach. Bohol, just across from Cebu, is best-known for its curiously bumpy Chocolate Hills landscape. 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 appealing, but currents can be dangerous in the surfing season. There are also other white sandy beaches like Pamangal Beach near San Andres town or Igang Beach.

Antipolo City is a city of pilgrims and contemplatives, tourists, traders, artists and artisans.
Situated on the east of Manila, its name came from the Tipolo tree, which grows in that area. It is very 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 second largest town next to Rodriguez in Rizal province. Antipolo is divided into two districts, which are further subdivided into 16 barangays.

The 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.