The Philippines
As a country extending over southeast coast of Asia between Taiwan and Borneo island in the Pasific Ocean and South China Sea, the Philippines consist of 7,107 islands and islets. The Philippines was named after King Philip II from Spain. Luzon is the biggest island among another islands where the capital city, Manila, is located at the east coast of the island. The inception of Manila dates back to 1571 where the Spaniards founded Manila as the hegemony center in Asia. The remnant of the Spanish colonialism is the oldest part of the city, the Intramuros (meaning within the walls), which was built as a stronghold. Previously, the border of the city was within the Intramuros. As the city had grown in years, new buildings were erected outside these walls. The foreigners can watch a traditional dance similar to that of flamenco style and costumes much influenced by Spanish tradition. Inside the Intramuros lies San Agustin Church, giving a marvelous sight to the harbor.
Manila is included to what is called Metro Manila which comprises 17 cities and municipalities. Makati is the complete opposite face of the Intramuros. Makati is one of the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila. It has been a major financial and economic center of the Philippines. Being a highly cosmopolitan city, many international standard shopping centers are attractive to the foreigners. Makati also has the skyscrapers in the Philippines like PBCOM Tower and G.T. International Tower. The Philippines Stock Exchange is also in Makati as well as five star hotels such as Shangri-La Hotel Makati, the Intercontinental Hotel Manila and the Peninsula Hotel Manila.
The famous intercity transportation is a jeepney which will convey the local and foreign tourists along the streets in Manila. This colorful-painted bus was inspired by the US Army vehicles during World War II in the Philippines. There are no jeepneys alike one after another. The chauffeurs have competed one another to make their vehicles blatantly different in colors. MRT (Metro Rail Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are also available to cater the travelers needs of sightseeing around the city.
The Visayas, a cluster of several islands and thousands of islets, are reachable about 320 kilometers from Manila. Each of them is embroiled by white sand beaches and palm trees. Among islands in the Visayas, the one the tourists must visit is Cebu island. There lies Cebu City which is the second largest city in the country and the most densely populated island. As the island is encircled by coral reef, it is recommended that one snorkel and dive. The historical site here includes a Magellan’s wooden crucifix that was fixed to the ground over 450 years ago to celebrate the Catholic baptism of an infidel king. Ferdinand Magellan was one of the Spanish conquistadores that noticed and landed in Cebu in 16th century when Spaniards came for the first time in the Philippines.
Bohol island lying across the straits from Cebu is a haven of the most dazzling natural wonders. It has Tagbilaran City as the capital. The limestone hills, some 30 meters in height, appear like gargantuan chocolate drops and possesses a nickname of Chocolate Hills. The spectacular natural wonder can be discerned where hills arise from the flatlands. These hills enveloped by thin green grass that withers and turns brown in summer season are located at approximately 55 kilometers northeast of Tagbilaran City. White sand beaches present a good looking scene with the typical coconut trees. The locals there are talented in making coconut woven material such as: baskets, hats, and mats.
The province of Palawan is a small island southwest of Manila. Although it is difficult to get to, once the travelers come into the island, they will not forget the natural experiences there, i.e: hiking to the mountain, swimming in the lake, and discovering the coral reefs. Palawan is also a natural gas resource at the northeastern part of the island.
The second largest island, Mindanao, located at the south of the country consists of several mountain ranges and the highest volcanic mountain in the Philippines namely Mount Apo (2,954 meters). At the southwestern tip of Mindanao lies Zamboanga City. It is regarded as an interesting, favourite resort where one can find uncontaminated tropical scenery. As the major population is Muslim, many Muslim potteries and miscellaneous wares are available there. Davao province with its city, Davao City, is an industrial city. Mount Apo is in the province’s area.
Manila is included to what is called Metro Manila which comprises 17 cities and municipalities. Makati is the complete opposite face of the Intramuros. Makati is one of the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila. It has been a major financial and economic center of the Philippines. Being a highly cosmopolitan city, many international standard shopping centers are attractive to the foreigners. Makati also has the skyscrapers in the Philippines like PBCOM Tower and G.T. International Tower. The Philippines Stock Exchange is also in Makati as well as five star hotels such as Shangri-La Hotel Makati, the Intercontinental Hotel Manila and the Peninsula Hotel Manila.The famous intercity transportation is a jeepney which will convey the local and foreign tourists along the streets in Manila. This colorful-painted bus was inspired by the US Army vehicles during World War II in the Philippines. There are no jeepneys alike one after another. The chauffeurs have competed one another to make their vehicles blatantly different in colors. MRT (Metro Rail Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are also available to cater the travelers needs of sightseeing around the city.
The Visayas, a cluster of several islands and thousands of islets, are reachable about 320 kilometers from Manila. Each of them is embroiled by white sand beaches and palm trees. Among islands in the Visayas, the one the tourists must visit is Cebu island. There lies Cebu City which is the second largest city in the country and the most densely populated island. As the island is encircled by coral reef, it is recommended that one snorkel and dive. The historical site here includes a Magellan’s wooden crucifix that was fixed to the ground over 450 years ago to celebrate the Catholic baptism of an infidel king. Ferdinand Magellan was one of the Spanish conquistadores that noticed and landed in Cebu in 16th century when Spaniards came for the first time in the Philippines.
Bohol island lying across the straits from Cebu is a haven of the most dazzling natural wonders. It has Tagbilaran City as the capital. The limestone hills, some 30 meters in height, appear like gargantuan chocolate drops and possesses a nickname of Chocolate Hills. The spectacular natural wonder can be discerned where hills arise from the flatlands. These hills enveloped by thin green grass that withers and turns brown in summer season are located at approximately 55 kilometers northeast of Tagbilaran City. White sand beaches present a good looking scene with the typical coconut trees. The locals there are talented in making coconut woven material such as: baskets, hats, and mats.
The province of Palawan is a small island southwest of Manila. Although it is difficult to get to, once the travelers come into the island, they will not forget the natural experiences there, i.e: hiking to the mountain, swimming in the lake, and discovering the coral reefs. Palawan is also a natural gas resource at the northeastern part of the island.
The second largest island, Mindanao, located at the south of the country consists of several mountain ranges and the highest volcanic mountain in the Philippines namely Mount Apo (2,954 meters). At the southwestern tip of Mindanao lies Zamboanga City. It is regarded as an interesting, favourite resort where one can find uncontaminated tropical scenery. As the major population is Muslim, many Muslim potteries and miscellaneous wares are available there. Davao province with its city, Davao City, is an industrial city. Mount Apo is in the province’s area.
