The Philippines is an archipelago comprised of 7,107 islands with more than 4,000 of it uninhabited. Up to date, only a few have been tagging the country on the top list for tourist destinations, here are a few reasons why you have to visit it anyway.
Summer heat usually comes all year round. There may be months where the rain shows up occasionally however the sun is beaming much more often. Unless you are a vampire, you will surely love this beach-ready weather.
- Filipinos are known for their hospitality
So never wonder if someone from the neighborhood calls out to you to invite you to dinner or when from time to time, a kid says hello. That is an innate character of Filipinos. Filipino homes love visitors. When you happen to drop by, expect the best food served on the table and they will insist you taking a bite. You will never go hungry in this country.
- Underwater is popular for its biodiversity
If you are a lover of underwater adventure, go and see Palawan. Here, you get an up-close look of rare species of water animals and coral reefs. Most of them are endangered though. Be sure to be a responsible visitor. Do not litter.
- Century-old structures permeate through the archipelago
Churches and battle fortresses had been made into tourist attractions. Roman Catholic churches are considered a common fixture in a community, thanks to 333 years of Spanish occupation. If you are the type who enjoys historical trips, the Philippines will definitely suit your needs. It is in the Philippines where you see the oldest street in Asia, Colon Street. That is found in metropolitan Cebu. Underground paths made by soldiers during the war era are also subsisting up to date. The famous Intramuros, or the walled city, will also fascinate you. Walking down its aisles will take you into an informative trip down the memory lane.
- Land forms are Instagram-worthy minus all the filters
Perfect cone-shaped volcano? They have it. See Mayon Volcano. Lush green mountain ranges? They have Sierra Madre to offer. Off for a hike uphill? They have a number of mountains to choose from. Manunggal in Cebu, Arayat in Pampanga, to name a few. Guaranteed, the view up there are worth all the hike hassle. You get to see postcard-like scenery. Instagram filters will go unused all throughout the trip.
- You will never be empty-bellied with all the sumptuous delicacies.
Filipinos are passionate cooks. They usually do the extra mile in the kitchen most especially when a visitor is expected to come. Seafood is a mainstay in the buffet tables. It is not a wonder at all for a country surrounded with different bodies of water: Pacific Ocean in the East, West Philippine Sea in the West, Celebes Sea in the South.
Various cultures have influenced the taste of the Filipino cuisine. It can go from spicy to sweet or even sour. Most loved is the “lechon”, which is char-grilled pig with its belly filled with different types of herbs.
If you are more of the adventurous type, give “balut” a try. You’ll surely love this boiled egg of a baby duck, paired with spicy native coconut vinegar.
Amidst all the negative publicity circulating around regarding some safety issues in the Philippines, there are still a lot of reasons why visiting it is definitely worth the try. It’s more fun in the Philippines, it will be best to see this wonder for yourself.