Alexis Ray Celestino asked:




Here are some tips to help guide you and other travelers find these historical sites:

1. Ask around.

When you have time to visit any locality, fell free to ask the local residents on where they go to hear mass, or where you can find the oldest church, the miraculous shrines, someone surely will direct you on your way.

2. Buy a Travel guide and Map.

This is of course a must for any traveler, especially a foreigner or even a local first timer. Or else, how can you expect to get around without any form of knowing how to navigate your way. Travel guides and maps, such as the Philippine atlas and E-Z maps are easily purchased in bookstores and department stores. These are maps that are also available at the tourism office in any locality.

3. Search the Web.

You can also search the internet on anything and everything about the Philippines. There are many websites that feature the country and touch extensively on various topics, including old churches and historical religious sites.

Perhaps you can visit the Google website and look under:

a) Churches in the Philippines

b) Wow Philippines old churches

c) Baroque Churches in the Philippines

d) Philippines Churches

As you search on those different sites, you can see their different pictures, historical backgrounds, statues of the different Saints and altars. You can also read their different history from when they were built, why they were built and the people involved in building the different Gothic designs of the churches and the beautiful garden designs of the shrines.

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Amelia Generalao asked:




Philippine archipelago comprises 7, 101 islands with three major group of islands; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This Southeast Asian country is home to peace loving and diligent Filipinos with warm smiles ready to greet you. Philippines is a country that exudes beauty, rich culture and wonderful stories that is evident in all parts of the archipelago.

The captivating wonders of Philippines allured tourists and travelers, foreigners and locals, from the breathtaking views of Batanes down to the southern island of Tawi Tawi. You need not spend a fortune to experience a truly tropical holiday as everything you love can be found in the Philippines at cost effective rates. Its world class scuba diving spots with amazing coral reefs and inviting powdery white sand beaches in Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu make a perfect destination to kick off pressures at work and temporarily forget the crowded city life. The amazing wonders of Philippine archipelago never fail to amaze backpackers, thrill seekers and adventurers from its highest peak, Mount Apo to the wild river of Cagayan de Oro. Whether it is a family vacation, romantic getaway, group outing or educational tour, Philippines has it all.

Discover colorful festivals and in different towns and cities that enchants the imagination of the world. These annual festivals have long been a part of the Filipino culture not only to party but to boosts spiritual belief. Among these major celebrations are: Sinulog in Cebu, Kadayawan in Davao, Maskara festival in Bacolod, Ati Atihan in Aklan, Dinagyang in Iloilo and Panagbenga in Baguio.

Experience its diverse culture, charm, mouthwatering foods, sweet fruits and exotic sceneries! Discover Philippines!

Kansieo.com

Greg Pierce asked:




The Philippines is considered one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources. It is composed of 7,107 islands and has a tropical environment that can be enjoyed by any tourist. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy all of its panoramic views, whether natural or man-made. It is known to the whole world that the country has some of the best tourist destinations. Some of these places may not be that grand or majestic, but they will be spectacular, nevertheless, even for local folks.

Enjoying the different destinations in the Philippines is easy and may be due to the fact that English is considered to be the second tongue. Considering that the country has over 180 languages, many people do speak English, even in the rural areas. Some foreigners may wonder why this is so. It’s actually because Americans were the country’s last conquerors. The country also has strong ties with English-speaking countries. When you tour the country, you will find your vacation more enjoyable because it’s easy to understand why things are the way they are. It’s also easy to understand the Filipino culture because they will know how to converse to you.

If you’re planning to spend a holiday in this tropical haven, it would be great to know a little about it. the Philippines is an archipelago where islands are united by seas and divided by mountains. Geographically speaking, since the country is a composition of many different islands, people tend to share their sub-cultures to each other and everything will still be united as the larger Filipino culture that all regions will be known for. Because of this geographical nature of the country, Filipinos can be so diverse yet one in a unique way.

Today, the Philippines has risen as one of the most fabulous destinations in Asia. There are many spectacular views that any tourist can enjoy. If you go to mountains, you can see the man-made rice terraces in Banquet which were made by the natives of the mountains as a way of sustaining their livelihood. The Banawe Rice Terraces are actually counted as one of the eight wonders of the world, and so are the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Those who love the underwater will also marvel at the rich marine life in the country’s many diving sites.

Most of all, tourists will often leave the country thinking of it not only as a land of beautiful views and beaches but also as a place where warm and spirited hosts will effortlessly go out of their way to accommodate an eager tourist. Immediately after arriving in the Philippines, most foreigners would see how friendly and hospitable Filipinos are. In fact, some actually come back because they have found love in the Philippines. This love does not always mean romantic love. It can also be a fascination for the country’s fabulous attractions, including its culture.

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J.P. Miller asked:




Let me tell you about my decision to move from the comfort and safety of my apartment in the United States for a third world country in Asia. ( The Philippines )

I had a fairly successful internet business in California that was pretty much on auto pilot and producing monthly income that would allow me to live comfortably anywhere in the world. All I needed was an internet connection and a few hours a week to manage the business and do some updates to my web sites. So that left almost any country I wanted to live in available to me.

I decided to move the Philippines. I had lived in the country with my father about 10 years earlier and enjoyed my time there. The people are very friendly and there are many fun places to visit and take in the culture and attractions the country offers.

I put everything I owned in storage and got my plane ticket to leave the United States. It took me 3 weeks from the time I thought about going back to the time I stepped off the plane at Ninoy Aquino International airport in Manila. My friend has a travel agency in Manila so I booked my traveling arrangements through his company.

Once I got through customs I had arranged for the hotel car to pick me up so I just looked for the guy holding up a sign with my name on it and off we went to the hotel. At that time I had to stay in a hotel but I planned on staying a long time, so during the next few weeks I spent a lot of time looking for an apartment to rent.

After about 2 weeks of looking for a place to stay I finally settled into my apartment in Makati, witch is the business capital of the Philippines I used a rental broker that basically drove me around the city to different apartments that I wanted to look at. It is a free service, the broker just gets a commission from the Unit owner for finding somebody to lease there unit.

I have happily lived here for 5 years now and currently looking to try and start a business in manila as my savings has been depleted and my former Internet business in the United States is no longer operational.

Living in this country has been very enjoyable, from the friendly people to the beautiful places to see in this tropical country. I highly recommend to anybody that they visit the Philippines and it is the 3rd largest English speaking country in the world so you seldom have trouble finding somebody that wont understand you.

Some of the things you can do if you plan to vacation or live here are.

1. Scuba Diving

2. Surfing

3. Night Life ( Lots of lovely girls in this country )

4. Back Packing

5. Mountain Climbing

Most people come here to visit one of the many beach resorts on Luzon or one of the many surrounding islands. There are over 7,000 islands in the country. The most popular places are:

Borakay:

The most popular beach island for tourist wanting fun and sun. Borakay has the most beautiful white sandy beaches I have ever seen, there is a lot of night life and water sports available. If in manila there are domestic flights that will take you to borakay. The flight is approximately 1:30

Puerto Galera:

This Is a beautiful place with nice coves and wonderful views of the coral reef. Most of the resorts here cater to scuba diving enthusiasts. They do have beaches and you can always go swimming or rent a jet ski, but the main goal of this peaceful area is to help people go scuba diving. I have been scuba diving there many times and it is very fun, if your a beginner they have PADI dive courses available that will have you explore the underwater world in only a few days. To get to Puerto Galera from Manila you would take a scheduled bus ride that is about 4 hours long, once the bus stops you then board the SEACAT ferry that will take you to Puerto Galera. The boat ride is very relaxing and drinks are served.

I’m sure you will enjoy your time in the Philippines just like I have.

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Constantinos Scoumbris asked:




Manila City or simply Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the cities that make up the greater metropolitan area of Metro Manila. It is situated on the shores of Manila Bay just west of the geographical center of Metro Manila. This 38.55 sq km city lies on an isthmus between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay in southern Luzon. The city of Manila has 16 district, 8 are located on the North of the Pasig River and another 8 on the South of Pasig River.

In the very center of Philippine urban life – the Millennium Plaza sits in the heart of the Manila Business and Financial District. It’s the perfect location for your vacation home with five huge air conditioned shopping malls, offering everything from Gucci and Armani, to hand-made Philippine crafts and $1 first run Hollywood movies, museums, fantastic upscale eateries and specialty stores, and the world’s major banks.

In addition, Makati has the hottest nightclub scene in Manila. Makati has it all. When the night falls, the club scene heats up with drinks, dancing, and fantastic entertainment – all for a fraction of what you would pay anywhere else! This is the perfect place – no matter what you want from your Manila holiday!

If you like to shop, to sight-see, to soak up culture, or get romantic, you have exactly the right place! Vacation condo is just a short taxi or Jeepney ride (3-5 minutes) from the most modern, upscale shopping centers in Asia! Fabulous gourmet cuisine is just minutes away, and a tour of the city will take you through 300 years of Spanish history and color.

You’re also just a short drive away from both Clark AFB and Subic Bay – former U.S. military bases, that have been transformed into free trade zones. The perfect place to pick up anything you need, tax free and cheap!

Also, being the main city in the world’s largest archipelago, your vacation home is just a short flight, or boat ride away from some of the most beautiful tropical island getaway resorts on the planet!

If you’re a “party animal” – you’ll love Makati! When the sun goes down, the night club scene really starts to roll! You’ll find excellent bars and pubs in the area, with top quality live music and great entertainment. If your taste runs to the more “exotic” types of shows, you’ll find something for just about everyone and while we are not IN the night club district, your holiday rental condo is just a short walk away.

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Jason Martin asked:




If you’ve traveled at all, you know that packing for a trip can be time consumer and perhaps a worrisome ordeal. If you’re traveling a far distance, to some exotic land, the pressure really cranks up.

But, fear not. Today, I’ll give you a list of items you should think about packing for your next excursion to the Philippines. The last thing anyone wants is to being a vacation on a bad note. One pre-visit tip is to check the climate for the area(s) you’ll be visiting. The Philippines is a tropical paradise, but the climate changes from region to region.

Here’s a quick list of some good items to bring on your Philippines vacation:

1. Lightweight cotton shirts (to be comfortable).

2. Tank tops (again, comfort is key).

3. Shorts & jeans (mixture for climate and activity changes).

4. Camera with extra memory cards (capture everything).

5. Power adapter

6. Insect repellant (especially if you require a specific type/brand).

7. Sunglasses

8. Tagalog phrase book or cheat sheet.

I’d also recommend brining an extra suitcase, so you have plenty of room for souvenirs. You’ll definitely want to bring stuff home with you. In the Philippines, they call gift items “pasalubongs.”

While most Filipinos speak English (less in the more remote parts), knowing just a handful of key phrases in Tagalog (their language) will help you blend in more (they’ll appreciate it) and you’ll be able to navigate better. There’s no need to learn the whole language, but bring at least a sheet with 15-20 phrases/words on it.

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Ivi asked:


I received a copy of ‘The Philippines Through the Eyes of a Foreigner’ through an email last June 2007. Why did I not react then? First, I did not have my own blog yet. Second, and more importantly, I did not see the need to do so as it was one man’s sentiment and there was some truth to it. So why am I reacting now? Well, yesterday as I was sorting out my email I chance upon the letter again and then later on as I was doing some research on Filipino culture I chance upon the same essay. This time though, I was surprised to see a lot of reactions from my kababayans, ranging from defensive to violent rections. Why be so harsh on the guy when he is merely voicing out his sentiments as he is entitled to in the first place.

Although there are some truths in his essay, there are also some overstatements.

Let me start with the sad truths:

1. Yes, it is true that we do have streets lined with street people, beggars and squatters.

But, let me remind you that those people did not dominate our sidestreets overnight.

Once upon a time, those people used to live happily in the rural areas. Then one day, a politician named Mr. Trapo arrives in a shiny limo and promises them the sun, the moon and the stars. But there is a catch, they have to go to his town to help him win elections by becoming ‘flying voters’. They were pledged mammoth promises, given a few measly bucks and picked up by huge Sarao jeepneys bound for Zion. After Mr. Trapo wins his election, he leaves all the necessitous folk behind. With their families still with them, hungry, broke and exhausted, where do they go now? With very little money left from Mr. Trapo, they begin building shanties along the sidestreets. And the rest as they say is history……..

2. Yes, it is true that our roads are cursed with pollution and our public utility vehicles are in disreputable states of repair. Yes, we have streets full of potholes and unrepaired streets.

Then one day, after Mr. Trapo is sworn into office, he becomes Congressman Trapo. He decrees that the roads be repaired and lined with asphalt. Since he has the power to pick the contractor, he selects the one who offers him the most proceeds. And because the contractor has to give a huge chunk of his earnings to Congressman Trapo, he figures that to earn more he could probably gain more by using substandard materials. That explains the potholes.

Congressman Trapo runs for the Senate and wins. Senator Trapo is now even more jaded by all his power. He does not care (or he has been bribed enough) to overlook that the other government subsidiaries are allowing bus comapnies to import buses that are really old and dilapidated. So that explains the disintegrating vehicles and the pollution that comes with it.

3. Yes, it is true that our educational system allows children to attend schools without desks or books to accommodate them. Yes, it also true that teachers, even college professors, are paid salaries so disgracefully low that it’s a wonder that anyone would want to go into the teaching profession in the first place.

Senator Trapo has his share of the The Pork Barrel, A.K.A. Pork, Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). These are funds given to both members of the Senate and Congress, these are discretionary in nature so it is up to Senator Trapo to identify the projects that will be funded from these funds. Senators get P 200 million each while the congressmen are allotted about P 70 million each. To have something to show for, Senator Trapo builds small waiting sheds with a huge picture of his face and his name in large fonts to advertise what he has done. He forgets about the public schools that cannot accommodate half the school’s population. Senator Trapo also needs more funds to help him in his re-election bid. He forgets about the teachers who, aside from a meager salary, work long, grueling hours.

There are a lot of Mr. Trapos all around us. He could very well be holding office at your Barangay Hall, the City Hall, the House of Representatives, the Senate, maybe even in Malacañang. Who knows?

There is no ending to my fairy (goblin) tale. The rest is up to you.

As for the overstatements, here’s my take on that:

1. Filipinos do not worship, almost slavishly, everything foreign. Foreigners are not looked up to and idolized.

Filipinos are essentially warm, nurturing, and tolerant to a fault.

Do not mistake Filipino hospitality for worship. Having said that, it is but natural for Filipinos, even Asians in particular to be generous givers. Luxury goods, more often than not, imported brands flatter not just the giver but the receiver as well. Isn’t that what it’s about, status quo?

Case in point, last week my husband & I were in Greenhills for an errand. In case you don’t know, it is a shopping mecca for everything faked or copied. We traverse the tiangges as I wanted to do some research on the demographics of people who patronize fakes. Surprise, surprise. In one corner, we saw 2 Americans (males) searching for an ‘authentic looking fake’ briefcase. We walk some more and more and we see 3 foriegners (they sounded British but I wasn’t sure) looking for ‘authentic looking fake’ Mont Blanc pen. We walk a bit more and we see 2 foreigners (males) looking for ‘authentic looking fake’ Louis Vuitton bags for their girlfriends. Is that what character is to you? I’m not even making this up.

Allow me to spill another anecdote. A few months ago I was at Louis Vuitton in Greenbelt waiting for my purchase to be wrapped when I was approached by a man in his 60′s (about my Dad’s age) asking my impression on 4 LV bags laid out in front of him. He said he was having a hard time deciding which one to pick as an anniversary present for his wife and the SA(sales associate) wasn’t much help. I gladly oblige. Mind you, he was Filipino, very simply and unostentastiously dressed. He didn’t look like a fashion victim nor did he look uber rich. Maybe just like the rest of us, he appreciates a little luxury. Don’t you think?

Even in HongKong, walk around and you’ll see about 60% of the locals are carrying LV bags. Real ones, I’m sure. We went to all 3 stores and all of them were packed. In one store, we had to wait in a long queue just to get in. You wouldn’t call them slaves to foreigners, would you?

2. Filipinos are not itching to leave the country.

It’s just that sometimes, for some people, there seems to be no other choice.

Do you think our OFWs would still leave the country if they were given the same rate here as they are given abroad? Domestic helpers abroad are paid more than thrice over than what our teachers are paid here.

In the United States for instance, the minimum wage (average) is about $6.00 an hour. Did you know that that same amount is the minimum wage here BUT for a full day’s labor? I **** it when I hear foreigners say, ‘Oh, the gasoline prices here are the same as in the US’ or whatever country. No matter how the numbers match, it’s still not the same. No matter how our government rubs all sorts of figures on our faces, they mean nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why? Because we, the Filipinos, feel nothing. The government has nothing to offer. The jobs they claim to have are mediocre compared to what we as parents have to pay for in tuition fees. What jobs await U.P., Ateneo and La Salle graduates? Jobs at call centers?

To strive for something better is no shortcoming on our part. We will always strive for the best, not just for ourselves, but for our families and our nation.

The government claims that it is helping boost tourism in our country. How exactly?

When we went to Bangkok just a few weeks ago, I wanted to visit Siam Paragon. We could’ve walked as the mall was only about 5 kilometers from our hotel, I merely wanted to ride a tuk tuk so we hail one to take us there. Since the cab and tuk tuk drivers there understood very little English I brought a map, a picture of the mall and a copy of the exact address. About 15 minutes and many kilometers later, still no mall in sight. He brings us to a jewelry store, when we asked why, he said that he’s bringing us there at no extra charge to us. It’s just that everytime they bring in tourists, they get a coupon for free LPG (their petrol) from the government. We aren’t under any obligation to buy, just come in for a visit. He then takes us to another shop (and thus my asthma was triggered by the stench of LPG). We ended up buying some goodies as he says he will get a small commission if we do so (yes, we were that gullible, but to us it was being helpful). Even during the temple tour, the tour guide told us that it was compulsory for them to bring tourists to particular spots. That is because their government encourages exactly that. Do you think the tricycle drivers here would get an incentive if they bring you to Luneta? I don’t think so.

But what about tourism in the Philippines. My husband & I were surprised to see on a cable channel that some of our museums are still open. Note that it was on a cable channel and not even a local channel. Up until that moment we thought all our museums have closed down. Is that the government’s definiton of ‘boosting’ tourism?

We are a free country. We are free people. We are entitled to our own opinion. In the same way that each of us is free to voice that opinion. If you’d want to block or edit everything negative you hear just to make it favorable to you, won’t that be the start of censorship?

The reason behind my poking fun at Filipino drivers (in my blog) isn’t to insult, ridicule or degrade them but maybe, just maybe with those little insights I could reach out to someone to do something about it, be it by doing better at it (it is a skill after all) or by at least implementing the laws that are there for a reason.

Hats off to Mr. Barth Suretsky. I do believe that it was in his best intention to put a little perspective into our culture and I take no offense whatsoever. I thank him for taking the time to analyze the things that somehow puzzle me as well.

To all foreigners, always remember this, we Filipinos have managed to unseat 2 presidents in the last 2 decades. It is my belief that we can do so again. It’s just that at this point, there is no one person who could penetrate the system and not be spoiled by it. It will take time, discipline, and the will to change in each of us. Like I said, probably not in my lifetime. But soon, I hope.

I am a Filipino and I am proud to be one. I love my country and it is here that I will spend my old age until the rest of my days.

I hope you can say the same for yourselves.

simon ramsden asked:


 

 

 

 

“Eight days a week is not enough to show I care” crooned the guitarist, serenading us on the deck of the lunch-cruise barge as we drifted down the Loboc river on Bohol. “Eight days a week, I loooooove you” he continued, the plus-forties tapping their feet or singing along. I wouldn’t go out and buy a Beatles album, as I’ve heard their songs too many times, but I do like it when someone sings one, as some of my first memories are of their songs. I pondered what it is about the Philippines that makes its inhabitants so musically talented – pretty much everywhere you go there is a guitarist playing – maybe these guitar-playing and singing talents are something that the country can thank the Spanish for.

I don’t get the impression that the Spanish are thanked for much else except Christianity, judging by the reverence in which they hold chief Lapu Lapu, who killed the Spanish conquistador Ferdinand Magellan on the nearby island of Mactan in 1521. He had sailed there in order to teach the inhabitants who was boss and, badly misjudging their fighting spirit, had decided to leave all of his mercenary forces aboard in order to save the glory and gore for the meagre Spanish contingent. After telling the mercenaries to watch carefully in order to learn the superior Spanish art of war, he marched his band of country-men ashore, only to be promptly hacked to bits, with most of his companions. This display rather confused his audience of native mercenaries, one of whom remarked that he wasn’t very impressed with the superior Spanish art of war and preferred the old-fashioned approach of just lopping heads off with a big axe.  

This text about Magellan is a bit of a digression. As a further digression within this digression, the reader may be interested to know that, according to recent findings, the straits of Magellan off the Cape of Good Hope weren’t actually first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan at all but by a Chinese admiral in 1421. For a fascinating and plausible theory that the Chinese discovered pretty much everywhere before Europeans did, I recommend the reader check out the book “1421, the year China discovered the world”, by Gavin Menzies.

As if to reinforce my musical impression of the Filipinos, our lunch barge pulled up at a pontoon on which sat about forty ukulele players and singers, aged from about eight to eighty, their faces wreathed in huge smiles. The small children wriggled with impatience at having to sit still, whilst the young women fluttered their eyelashes and, when I smiled at them, blushed and looked away, giggling to each other. Granddad plucked intently at an instrument I didn’t recognise whilst a young lad strummed a guitar bigger than he was. After a while I noticed one of the parents nod an ‘OK’ to a group of boys, who promptly downed their instruments and dived into the river, one of them climbing up onto our barge and then using it as a diving board. Some of the day-trippers aboard backed away from the spot where he was climbing, fearing a soaking when he hit the water, but they needn’t have worried, as he jumped far out and dived in head-first, hardly causing a ripple as he went in, let alone a splash. “Hmm, maybe I should have a go at that” I thought, “then they’d really have something to worry about” (my water displacement is, shall we say, rather greater than the boy’s is). After the lovely pontoon music show we finished off our lunch. The food was competent rather than superb but was enjoyed by all except my son Nigel, who turned his nose up at everything, which was no surprise, as he’s only eight. Thankfully he eventually found something he could enjoy, the superb mango, watermelon and pineapple, which tasted way better than, in my experience, they ever do in Europe.

 

I sat and watched the jungle slide by on each side of the river. Palm trees reached out from either side and above the barge, their fronds swaying in the gentle breeze and the sunlight filtering through them, dappling the decks in hazy, soft sunshine.  As I watched my wife Fon fuss over my son, a feeling of contentment and peace came over me. Everything seemed OK, even the things about life that were less than perfect. I find that as I grow older I experience happiness in a different way. When I was younger it was all about losing myself in intense concentration while doing something exciting, now it’s more about tranquillity and family values.

 

Other highlights on Bohol are the great scuba diving and snorkelling. I’m not much of a scuba diver so I went snorkelling to a spot near the little islet of Balicasag, which I unreservedly recommend. We left our resort aboard a local banka boat at the ***** of dawn in order to get a chance to see the dolphins that for some reason appear at that hour. I had somewhat cynically thought that this was probably unlikely to happen, but they appeared on schedule and in numbers, then swam around us for a good hour. They seemed to be swimming in family groups, some of them just barely breaking the surface and others (maybe displaying the exuberance of youth) jumping right out of the water.  They are such lovely creatures, with their funny faces seemingly permanently grinning at some private joke. We arrived at Balicasag a while later and, after an unusual-for-me breakfast of steamed prawns, friend eggs and rice (which tasted better than I expected it to), we boarded a much smaller, hand-powered boat. Motorised boats are forbidden to enter Balicasag Marine Sanctuary in an initiative to protect the flaura and fauna: this arrangement appears, judging from the profusion of fish swimming around the coral in the crystal-clear water, to have worked. A long column of fish swam in an almost military formation along the reef wall. They seemed so ordered and organised  that I wondered if one of them was in charge. Was it the fish in front? Or maybe he was just the expendable point-man and the fish behind him was the one in charge? 

 

A large cloud of small bait-fish swam by. I took off my life-vest (which had been supporting me in the most comfortable fashion as I had lazily floated and watched the marine life) and dived down, feeling pleased with myself for hiring flippers, as I’m a weak swimmer without them. I swam straight through the cloud of fish. At one point all I could see around me were little black fish, illuminated by scattered rays of sunlight. Beautiful, just lovely. The most beautiful thing about the experience was the way that they swam away from my moving limbs, almost as if by magnetic repulsion, all maintaining exactly the same distance from me. It felt like being clothed in fish. I don’t remember ever enjoying a snorkelling experience so much.

 

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are the island’s most popular tourist attraction and deserve the attention they get, as they look most peculiar. 200 hundred-foot tall earthen mounds jut out of a  flood-plain, most topped in grass and looking like the perfect place for a picnic. Almost all of them are almost perfectly conical in shape. I tried to research the reason for their strange shape, but couldn’t find an answer – a bit like the authors of the official tourist tablet at the site, who didn’t seem to know either. The hills are reminiscent of the English burial ‘barrows’ (or mounds) on Salisbury Plain, only much, much bigger.  It looked as is, instead of a few prehistoric chieftains lying underground, here there were dozens of dynasties of emperors, each interred under a couple of tens of thousand of tons of earth, in a scene a bit like Salisbury plain meeting the pyramids of Giza.

 

For our first visit to the Chocolate Hills we hired a driver and mini-van and were taken to the tourist centre on the single hill which has been developed for the purpose and which is covered in concrete, fast-food outlets, hawkers and screaming children. When I asked the driver if he could vary his route so that we could experience the scenery without the crowds, he reacted with the same incomprehension as I remember getting from a donkey at a sea-side fare in England, when I used my feet on its flanks to attempt to make it change its customary route. A few days after this disappointing experience we returned to try and experience the hills in a more natural way, hiring a motorbike on which we could meander through the lanes and take in the experience at our own pace. We had planned to hire a local guide (when I say ‘local’, I mean one of the farmers working amongst the hills) and to then climb one of them. We were thwarted by a rain-storm, which was a bit unfortunate, but at least gives us a good reason to return. Those readers who are wary of motorbike-riding in SE Asia are advised to get themselves driven to the Chocolate Hills in a minivan and to hire an additional helper to trail them on a bike, and then to hop on the bike when they reach the hills, where the small roads are relatively safe.

 

After checking out one of the Philippines’ best beaches, why not visit some of Thailand’s: www.andamanadventures.com

 

 



 

Christine Layug asked:


Magazines are very general in which covers everything from Art Magazines, Auto and Cycle Magazines, Business and Finance Magazines, Children Magazines, Cooking and Food Magazines, Entertainment Magazines, Fashion Magazines, Health and Fitness Magazines, Home and Gardening Magazines, Lifestyle Magazines, Photography Magazines, Sports Magazines, Teens Magazines, Women’s Magazines and Men’s Magazines. But when it comes to Men’s magazines, especially here in the Philippines, Maxim magazine Philippine is the best choice of all.

Maxim magazine Philippine is an international English language lad magazine based in the United Kingdom and known for its revealing pictorials featuring popular actresses, singers, and female models, of which none are *****.

Maxim is very popular among the men and even the women throughout the world such as Argentina, Canada, India, Indonesia, Israel, Belgium, Romania, the Czech Republic, France (marketed under “Maximal”), Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Russia (where it stands now as the most popular men’s magazine), Serbia, the Philippines (which is known now as Maxim magazine Philippine), Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, and Portugal.

Maxim magazine Philippine is one of the most used men’s magazine here in the Philippines next to FHM. So if you’re thinking of buying some Maxim magazine Philippine then why not avail on M-Express. M-Express is the first ever online magazine shop here in the Philippines.

M-Express does not only sell Maxim magazine Philippine but other magazines such as Food Magazine Philippines, Fashion Magazine Philippines, Homestyle magazine philippines, Game magazine philippines and many more.

M-Express doesn’t only sell magazines such as Maxim magazine Philippine but also makes deliveries throughout the country for free. M-Express manages this because M-Express is powered by the most reliable courier service here in the Philippines, the LBC. M-EXPRESS is the first ever door-to-door magazine delivery service in the country. It is the convenient way to order magazines anytime and anywhere you are in the Philippines. You can place subscriptions or order per title allowing you the flexibility to control your budget.

For more information on Maxim magazine Philippine, then visit http://www.m-express.com.ph

Ruel Hinaloc asked:

Scuba diving Philippines does not get any diverse, anywhere in the world! No matter what level of diver you are, diving Philippines has something to offer you. In fact I can just virtually guarantee that the scuba diving you do in the Philippines is able to blow your mind and make you concur twice about diving when you get home. You will literally be spoilt when diving in the Philippines.

Water Temperature.

The water temperature diving in the Philippines, is similar to diving in your warm bath at home! It is definitely divine. A balmy 22 C to 25 C during the cooler months of December to March and 25 C to 28 C during the warmer cycles of April to November. Water temperatures want these, supplies you the opportunity of diving in the comfort of lycra skin suits or 3mm wetsuits. When you are use to diving in 5mm and 7mm steamers or a great deal dry suits, this type of diving is pure heaven.

Why Dive the Philippines?

The Philippine Islands, that there are over 7,100, have the widest variety of marine life in the world. The diving here is still making discovered, it does however have a level of popular spots which are very familiar with the diving tourist and these types of ones are world class. Outside these types of popular diving locations lie thousands of unexplored scuba diving opportunities. Since the Philippines has so many islands, with chosen of them not easily accessible, the draw for the scuba diver in the Philippines to be the first to explore an underwater reef or to discover a wreck is a real possibility.

Statistics out of the Philippine Department of Tourism indicate that scuba divers visiting the Philippine Islands, return for an average of 10 trips each. If currently is not a high recommendation on the grade and health of the scuba diving industry in the Philippines, afterward I’m not absolute what is!

Scuba Diving Philippines – What Sort of Diving?

Philippines scuba diving has everything to satisfy the most fussy diver. All you have to do, is put your wetsuit on and put your tank together, even then there is someone there to assist you. From here it gets easier. Someone will carry your gear on and off the dive boat for you, help you put your scuba reservoir and gear onto your back and help you out of the water when you have finished. Sound easy? You bet it is. Now, what type of diving should you expect? Well rather much everything you can think of is covered.

Pristine reef diving.

Exhilarating drift diving.

Big pelagic fish action.

World War II wrecks to be discovered.

Fantastic wall diving.

Muck diving for those who like macro photography.

Deep diving.

Coral Gardens.

Night Diving.

Swim throughs and caves.

Technical diving.

Soft coral spectaculars.

The majority of dives are conducted by boat, generally a basically short trip from your resort. If you are not diving from a boat you can by and large provide fine reefs right in front of your resort, superb and easy shore diving. For the final experience, live aboard dive vessels can in addition take you to areas seldom if ever visited by scuba divers, this is the ultimate experience.

Diving Philippines ? What will I see Underwater?

The list is too big to try and let you know how you will see underwater, but I will say to you about the marine life you will definitely see underwater. The marine life is exceptionally abundant, based on data from rare nudibrachs to a high density of the 27 species of clownfish or Amphiprion Sp., not to mention the gregarious colours of the soft corals and the vibrancy of the hard corals. If big fish are an attraction, then schooling barracudas, sweetlips, Thresher and Hammerhead Sharks am able to not disappoint you. The top fish in the country furthermore frequents Philippine waters, the mighty Whale Shark. Even mammals are widely seen, both dolphins and dugongs.

Diving Philippines provides you so many options that every dive will be distinct and mind blowing, a great deal if it is at the same dive site!

Note: The Philippines has had it’s fair share of dynamite fishing and cyanide poisoning. This is continually being pushed out, as more Filipinos comprehend a better times ahead in tourism dollars. Cyanide poisoning is used for capturing fish for marine aquarium enthusiasts. This practice is being addressed by the Marine Aquarium Council in conjunction with Philippine Authorities, who are training local fisherman in the use of ecological net catching of small fish. They are moreover teaching good husbandry techniques for the sustainability of this industry.

Diving Philippines is everything and more you want it to be. Your expectations will be met and driven further as opposed to you thought possible, the possibilities are endless.