Travel destinations: The Philippines – Part 2

There are as many reasons to visit The Philippines as there are islands – thousands. The warm sunshine, the glorious beaches and even warmer smiles of the Philippino people make you forget your pressures, forget your troubles and return again and again.

Granted, the first time you visit The Philippines it is like walking into a huge jumble sale. From the moment you arrive at Cory Aquino International Airport outside the sprawling metropolis of Manila you are definitely in The Philippines. The colors, the noise, the laughter, the mothers and their kids,- you’ve never seen so many kids – everyone and everything mixed up together under the warm sunshine with nobody in a hurry to do much.

Except when you ask them. The Philippinos are respectful and attentive when you request something like “can you tell me where to get a taxi to Batangas”, or, “where is the Comfort Room (toilet) please” – ask nicely and you will be met with a wide smile and more often than not, a friendly escort to where you need to go.

Over the generations, The Philippinos have had to adapt to a number of conquerors. From the Spanish (the name The Philippines comes from King Philip of Spain some 500 years ago) the Germans, the Japanese, to the Americans (Carnos or farangis as they are called locally in the nicest possible way), each has left it’s mark on the nature and make-up of this friendly and resourceful people. Devout Catholics to the last, God rides with them everywhere they go. “Wallah problema” or no problem is something you hear everywhere.

Don’t be shy to ask. The Philippinos love Americans and everything about the US. Nearly everyone you talk to speaks excellent English and they are aware The Philippine islands have a complex method of getting places known only to the locals and frequent travelers and so they understand when you need a little help. To get to most places in the 7000 plus island archipelago requires a combination of taxi, bus or Jeepney ride to a Banca, the Philippines standard mode of transport by sea.

Getting around as easily as possible in The Philippines is probably the single most important factor in having a good time there. You can only enjoy crystal clear warm water, beautiful sandy beaches, diving on reefs of extraordinary beauty and mountains of volcanic wonders if you can actually get around without agony. For the most part your hotel or resort will take care of the pick-up details from the airport to their door but do not be afraid of