The Philippines is the place for people who seek an inexpensive destination, value history and admire natural wonders. The country is a unique blend of Internet cafés, cell phone sites, first class airports, excellent hotels and the natural charms of the tropics.
With a highly trained English speaking people and excellent facilities, the country is the natural choice of tourists for rest, recreation, pleasure and business.
The Philippines is accessible by air from major cities of Asia and the Pacific. As such, it is the geographical center of commercial, cultural and intellectual activity in the region. Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic and Laoag are the international gateways to the country. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier airport serving more than thirty airlines from different cities in the world. Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, links Manila to 14 cities in 8 countries, including direct flights between Manila and Vancouver. PAL also offers travel packages around the country. The pleasure of safe and luxurious shipboard holidays combined with the excitement of the islands can be experienced aboard the WG&A Superferry.
The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. The rich history of the country combines Asian, European and American influences.
Spanish colonization brought about the construction of
Intramuros, a walled city, in 1571 as well as European-styled churches and buildings in Manila and other parts of the country. After more than three centuries of colonial rule, Filipinos declared their independence and established the first republic in Asia in 1898.
Close to five decades of American rule in the 1900s brought education to the country and the establishment of buildings, parks and other cities. Filipinos fought alongside the Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor. In recent years, peaceful, bloodless, people power revolutions have characterized the Filipinos desire for political change.
The events that shaped the country have made several buildings and places historic sites recognizing the heroic efforts of the Filipinos to establish a free and progressive Philippines.
Apart from these historic sites, the Philippines is blessed with natural wonders.
The island of Luzon, the largest in the country, is where Manila, the historic and vibrant capital, and Makati City, the country’s financial center, are located. Centuries old buildings
show the rich culture and history of the country. Other structures show the progress and development of the country through the years.
North of Manila is Baguio City, the summer capital and cool mountain resort, and the Banawe Rice Terraces, pre-historic rice lands carved from the mountainsides. Ancient Spanish structures and historic buildings line cobblestone roads in the northern cities of Laoag and Vigan.
The historic city of Cebu, in the Visayas in Central Philippines, was the first Spanish settlement in Asia. Lovers of nature enjoy the beaches in the Visayas, particularly Boracay, touted as the best beach in the world with powder fine white sand stretching more than four kilometers.
Other beaches, diving spots and coral formations can be found in Mactan and Bohol, which is two hours away from Cebu by ferry. Popular diving destinations in Bohol are Panglao, Balicasag and Pamalican, where one can also go whale watching. In Bohol are the Chocolate Hills, thousands of cone-shaped mounds scattered over fifty square kilometers. Picturesque rural life and Spanish roots consisting of centuries old churches and period houses can also be found in the other parts of Visayas.
In Southern Philippines can be found Mindanao, the second largest island in the country. At the southeastern part of Mindanao is Davao, where Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak is located.
Apart from seeing the sights, tourists can take advantage of several activities in the country.
As an archipelago with a coastline twice the length of the United States, thousands of long, white-sand beaches lie next to the warm crystal blue waters of the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Take your pick from Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, Davao or Ilocos. The Philippines also boasts of excellent water attractions, such as lakes, waterfalls, and rivers that create excellent kayaking and white water runs. The destinations for these activities are the Cordilleras, Cagayan Valley, Panay and Negros Islands, Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon.
Action Asia Magazine describes the Philippines as one of the most exciting surfing and diving destinations in the world. According to the magazine, the Philippines is to scuba divers as Switzerland is to skiers and Hawaii is to surfers. Subic Bay, Anilao, Puerto Galera, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan are some of the popular dive sites. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site located in the Central Sulu Sea, is home of 46 genera and 379 fish species representing 40 fish families.
The Philippines is also a sanctuary to a wide variety of flora and fauna that can not be found anywhere in the world. The wilds of Davao, Samar and Quezon are home to the Philippine Eagle, one of the largest eagles in the world. Davao is the home of the exquisite waling-waling, a favorite of orchid
lovers. In the mahogany forests of Bohol can be found the smallest mammal in existence, the tarsier. In Donsol, Sorsogon, tourists can interact with whale sharks while in Bais, Dumaguete and Bohol, people bow-ride with dolphins. Calauit Island, an uninhabited 3,700-hectare island, is a refuge for endangered Philippine and African animals.
Tourists have also discovered that the Philippines is an inexpensive shopping destination where you get the most out of your money. Huge shopping malls contain imported and Philippine-made brand name products, handicrafts, furniture, clothes, wedding gowns, shoes, and a variety of accessories. You can also find the lustrous South Sea Pearl, touted as the best quality pearl at the best value.
Dining and entertainment abound in Manila’s more than 10,000 restaurants serving international and local cuisine. A relaxing massage and a rejuvenating spa are available in most hotels and resorts. You can play in one of the first class golf courses around the country, including night golf in Intramuros, or try your luck in casinos and gaming halls in major tourist destinations.
Vigorous efforts are being exerted by the Philippines, with the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Tourism Secretary, the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, as well as the Philippine Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver to further enhance Philippine tourism.
I invite everyone to visit the Philippines and gain an experience like no other.