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 topography is generally hilly, rising to a high point of about 3 kilometers at Mount Apo, a volcano in the island of Mindanao. 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 are rich deposits of gold, lead, manganese, silver, nickel, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron ore and coal and an excellent hydroelectric and geothermal power impending. 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 considered that it is one of the most favorable tropical climates all over the world.

The mean annual lowland temperature is about 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.

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.