My Place, My Home, My Beloved Mother Land (Philippines)

Member Name: curious_tan

Product:	Philippines
Date:	30/06/06 (600 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 7,107 islands with more than 170 dialects but English speaking nation

Disadvantages: long distance travel and isolated "unfriendly" tourist sites

In my general observation, the Philippines is one of the least of places for travellers' destination list of going abroad, either for business or leisure!

Frankly, this is my first time to write something about my beloved country. No matter what's going on in my country, as the sayings go, "Home sweet home"... "there's no place like home", Im proud to be born in this country! Despite the current political, economic and social problems being faced by the Philippines in the 21st century, its people (Filipinos, or in Tagalog, PINOY) maintain their warmth hearted, hospitable and hardworking qualities to survive.

Well, Im one of the fortunate citizens of the country to be able to travel around the world and enjoy what other countries can offer! Despite the privileges and opportunities of being a frequent flyer, I still prefer to stay in the Philippines and help my countrymen or the nation as a whole to preserve, conserve and protect our natural resources! The only reason why Im away from home (the same with other Filipinos working as nurses, domestic helpers, construction helpers, etc.) is to earn a living. Another reason for me in particular is to do further studies and have the chance to meet other people around the globe and enjoy my hobbies: photography and reading!

The same with other populated cities in the world, Manila and other sub-cities in the country have their own bad and good reputations in terms of politics, diversity,culture and urban problems. Everywhere around the globe, you can find slum areas, crimes, terrorism,drugs, prostitution, corruption, etc... so these things are not unique in the Philippines.

I dont want to be biased here in my review, but there are so many things and places to enjoy being a tourist, a foreigner or a businessman in the country! From the northern part, Luzon down to the middle part of the country, Visayas (where my hometown is) and to the farthest south, Mindanao, will offer of so much fun and entertainment - value for your money!

And most importantly, it has so many protected forests, beaches, waterfalls, caves, and natural parks that both foreign and local tourists will surely enjoy.Listed below are the partial list of the interesting places to visit that have been officially declared by the United Nations as marine reserves, national parks, protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries.

1.Masinloc and Oyon Bay -Zambales (Masinloc)
2.Palaui Island -Cagayan (Santa Ana)
3.Apo Reef -Mindoro Occ.(Sablayan
4.Mount Apo -Davao del Sur (N. Cotabato)
5.Mount Guiting-Guiting -Romblon (San Fernando)
6.Mount Kitanglad -Bukidnon (Malaybalay)
7.Northern Sierra Madre -Cagayan Tuguegarao
8.Apo Island -Negros Or.(Dumaguete)
9.Batanes -Batanes (Basco)
10.Guiuan -Samar (Guiuan)
11.Mount Matutum -South Cotabato(Matutum)
12.Penablanca -Cagayan (Penablanca)
13.Pujada Bay -Davao Oriental (Mati)
14.Sagay -Negros del Norte (Sagay)
15.Sarangani Bay -S.Cotabato(Gen. Santos) V
16.Siargao -Surigao del Norte(San Isidro)
17.Taal Volcano -Batangas (Talisay)
18.Agusan Marsh -Agusan del Norte (Butuan)
19.Mayon Volcano -Bicol (Albay)
20.Hundred Islands -Pangasinan
21.Mt. Banahaw - Quezon Province

Specifically, if you like mountain climbing, I suggest to visit my hometown where Mt Guiting-guiting is located, or Mount Kitangland and Mt. Banahaw. For scuba diving and surfing, I recommend Siargao or even Subic Bay (Olongapo). And for excellent suntan and beach life, you can stay in Boracay (Kalibo, Aklan), Hundred Islands, or Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro) or some part of Palawan and La Union (Pangasinan). There are also heritage sites including the Rice Terraces (as shown in the photo) in Batad; the Walled City -Intramuros (the old Spanish settlement site at the heart of the city of Manila); Burial and milestones caves in Sagada (Mountain Province)and Tabo Caves in Palawan. To mention some of the all-year round cultural festivities like Ati-atihan, Dinagyang, etc., including our longest celebration of Christmas season (starting October till January) with full of beautiful lanterns/dancing lights along major commercial districts/routes, including the annual giant lantern competition in Pampanga (Luzon). Sorry, but this page is not enough to mention those exciting places and events.

The only downside of visiting the country is the travel distance and the air tickets! It is quite expensive, but there are international travel agencies (thru the internet) that offer good travel package deals between 500 to 600 pounds(return) or less if you travel between May and September. Traveling within the country is affordable, including accommodation and food, and even shopping! The Philippines has huge shopping centres scattered within the metropolis of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Cebu, Davao and Olongapo!

Summary: The country with 7,107 islands to explore - both nature and people!