10 Reasons To Visit the Philippines

The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia, composed of 7,107 islands. The capital city is Manila. Philippines have a population of more than 98 million, the seventh most populated Asian country and the 12^th most populated country in the world. The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate and is usually hot and humid. There are three seasons: the hot dry season or summer from March to May; the rainy season from June to November; and the cool dry season from December to February. The average yearly temperature is around 26.6 °C (79.9 °F).

Although there are many reasons to visit the Philippines, I will just enumerate ten of them.

1. The People.

Filipinos are known to be hospitable, gentle, cheerful, resilient and God fearing people. Filipinos always have a lighter side in every difficult situation they encounter. In Typhoon Pablo, many Filipinos still laugh and have fun amidst the rain and the flood. With always a smile welcoming you, you will feel comfortable and accepted, and maybe that is one of the many reasons why many tourists always comes back in the Philippines. Filipinos are also known to be great singers. Even Ellen DeGeneres said that many of the best singers are from the Philippines. If you visit the Philippines, you will hear people singing in videoke in just every corner of the street or in every occasions they celebrate. Most Filipinos speaks and understands English, so travelling in the Philippines is convenient since you will be able to communicate with the locals.

2. The Beaches

The Philippines can be called Asia’s beach capital and has some of the best beaches you will ever see.

• Boracay. Boracay Island, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago. It is even considered as one of the finest beaches in the world.

• El Nido. Always known as the country’s last frontier and sometimes "the Island of the Gods". El Nido is a popular base for divers. It offers great beaches, beautiful landscapes, diving sites. It is ideal for many outdoor activities such as cave explorations, kayaking, water activities and island hopping.

• Siargao – the island is a "Surfer's Dream" and known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. The place offers you waves that can curl up to 12 feet high. It also has beaches that still remain untouched by urban lifestyle.

• Pagudpud. Pagudpud is located at the topmost part of Luzon. Pagudpud also has long continuous white sands and inviting beach waters for people looking to just swim. It is a place that can be like Hawaii. The strong winds and waves can be compared to that of Hawaii which makes this place often visited by surfers. It is more secluded than Boracay.

3. Food

Filipinos loves to eat. Rice is their staple food. When it comes to food the Philippines has it all. Here are some of the foods you should try when you visit the Philippines

• Lechon – is a whole pig roasted to the crispy skin stage over coals. This food is prepared for festive parties and celebrations.

• Adobo – is a marinated pork or chicken mixed with garlic, vinegar and soy sauce.

• Kare Kare - A rich peanut-accented stew made with ox tails or pork mixed with vegetables.

• Sinigang - A sour soup dish made with pork or fish mixed with swamp cabbage, string beans, tomatoes, onions you may add chili if you prefer it spicy. You can use tamarind or ready-made sour mixture.

• Halo Halo – is a dessert made with sweetened jackfruit, banana, beans, purple yam, tapioca, milk, sweetener and crushed ice. You can put ice cream or leche flan on top. You will love eating this especially on a hot summer day.

• Suman - Sticky rice wrapped and steamed in a banana or palm leaf. This is best eaten with a slice of ripe mango.

• Balut –is a developing duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. Some may find eating Balut yucky, but for some it’s a delicious and energizing food.

4. Natural Wonders

• The Chocolate Hills is one of the Philippines' natural wonders. During dry season, the grass on the hills turns brown and they look like mounds made of chocolate that is why it is called Chocolate Hills. It is the famous tourist attraction in Bohol.

• Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is located in Bicol Region, in the province of Albay. One of the most perfect cone shaped in the world. Mayon Volcano is still one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines.

• Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines and one of the tourist attractions in the province of Laguna. The falls and the gorge were declared as the National park in March 1976. The popular way to get to the falls is through shooting the rapid boat ride with the help of skilled boatmen and another is to hike the falls from the town of Cavinti.

• The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located at Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The river is called Puerto Princesa Underground River or St. Paul Underground River was provisionally chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders on November 11, 2011. It is also the world’s longest underground river measuring 8.2 km.

5. Shopping malls

If you love shopping, Philippines have lots of shopping malls. The 3 of the largest malls in the World can be found in the Philippines.

• SM City North EDSA which is located in Quezon City, is the largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia and third largest in the world in terms of leasable area (496,878 square meters).
• SM Megamall which is located in Ortigas, is one of the largest SM Supermall developed and operated by SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall operator in the Philippines owned by Mr. Henry Sy, Sr. which can accommodate a maximum capacity of 4 million people.
• SM Mall of Asia, which is located in Pasay, was once considered the largest mall in the Philippines until the renovation of SM City North Edsa.

6. Sunset on Manila Bay

If you will go to the Philippines, try to witness the beautiful sunset in Manila Bay. Manila Bay is a natural harbour which serves the Port of Manila in the Philippines. The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbours in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world.

7. Jeepneys

Jeepney is one of the unique means of public transportation in the Philippines. You can see it all over the country. Found only in the Philippines, jeepney is used for short and long distance travel and is cheaper than riding a taxi. If you have the chance, try to ride on a jeepney like Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R), who didn’t missed the chance to try and enjoyed it.

8. The Tarsier

Tarsiers are small animals with big eyes. When you visit the Philippines and go to the island of Bohol, a sanctuary near the town of Corella, is having some success restoring tarsier populations. You can watch tarsiers up close in the wild but you cannot touch them.

9. Festivals

Tourists visit the Philippines not only because of the beautiful beaches and scenic sports but also they want to watch the country’s great festivals and colorful parades.

10. Cheaper compared to other countries

The cost of living in the Philippines is cheaper than any other countries. So travelling in the Philippines will save you from hotel accommodations, food, transportation, salon and clothing.

As you can see there are many reasons to visit the Philippines and there is no way you will regret it. After visiting this country, you will not only love the Philippines but also you will learn to accept, understand and love the Filipino people.