Travel destinations: The Philippines – Part 4

The Philippines: Pearl of the Orient

Where do I begin? There are 7,107 islands last I looked at the count. There are white sand beaches, majestic mountains, mysterious caves, incredible seas and glorious sights. It is the only Asian country with a European culture – Spain ruled over it for over 350 years. It is the only Christian Asian country where it remains over 90% Christian and 81% Roman Catholic. The Philippines in the fifth largest English speaking country by population following the United States, India, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.

The “Pearl of the Orient” has it all. Great beaches off the coast, springs, caves, waterfalls, wildlife, mountains, ideal diving sights, historical churchesthe list goes on. Vast tracks of sugar plantations have turned the Philippines into Asia’s sugar land, but the Philippines are more than just sugar. It is the land of the hospitablea place filled with colour and joyful spirits. When one experiences the Philippines, they truly will believe that the best things in life are free.

With its native history and Array of colonial influences, Metro Manila has always been the point from which every Philippine journey sets off. The busy, fast-paced lifestyle of the people seen along the walkways and boulevards is in stark contrast to the remains of history contained within the Walled City of Intramuros – one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. From forts and dungeons, to the restaurants and bars and the massive shopping gallerias, museums and theatres, Manila continues to be a place where the past and the present are entwined.

I attended my first two years of college as an American student in the Philippines. Whilst in the Philippines, I was able to visit the islands of Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, Camiguin, and Cagayan de Oro. The warmest and clearest beaches that I have ever seen in my global travels were Panglao Beach in Bohol, in areas of Cebu, and in other areas of the Philippines including Zambales, and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. I highly recommend the Adobo in the Philippines and the Gyoza in Japan. The mangoes in the Philippines are the best in the world and you must not pass on a chance to sample the tasty, authentic Filipino spring rolls that Filipinos refer to as “lumpia”.

I enjoyed the Philippines so much that, a few years back, I obtained my Filipino citizenship. February was my most recent trip and was the first trip with my then one year old son. I cannot wait until the next holiday season to sample some more of that delicious, authentic Asian cuisine in the Orient and also see its beautiful sights and people in person once again.