John Grant asked:




Donsol used to be sleepy coastal town in Sorsogon-a province in the southernmost tip of Luzon. Nobody knows Donsol except for, of course, its local inhabitants until a few years ago when tourists from all over the world began to flock this remote place to get a look-see at the largest fish on earth: the whale shark.

Before, fishermen in Donsol were ignorant of the ecological (and tourist) value of whale sharks. They used to hunt, slaughter and sell the poor gentle sea creatures to Japanese traders. Local folks call them “butanding” or “big fish” in the vernacular. Early sightings of the butandings were reported in the Visayan seas in Bohol further south. It was said that massive slaughtering caused their migration to Donsol waters.

Although, according to stories, the first butanding that was netted out in the area was also butchered. A marine biologist witnessed it and instantly recognized the fish as a rare marine specie. The biologist immediately reported the incident to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international organization promoting the preservation of the wildlife.

WWF wasted no time and launched an education campaign about the giant creature. After coordinating with the Department of Tourism, whale-watching soon became a tourist activity that allowed extra income for the people of Donsol.

Whale sharks can grow up to 50 feet in length. It has a rather wide mouth with hundreds of pointed teeth. It usually comes in grey or greenish brown color with white or yellow spots all over its body.

It earned the label gentle giant of the sea because of its harmless nature, considering it is of the shark family. It has nothing in common with whales except for its size, thus the name. Divers can swim and interact with them and are only known to sink deeper into the ocean when it gets upset. There has been no known attack on humans of whale sharks.

Scientists are still baffled with the large migration of whale sharks in Donsol. These fishes are known to prefer the cold waters, not the tropical seas that we have. One explanation would be the flourishing of planktons in the area. Planktons are organisms that fill the diet of the whale sharks. It is also hard to record the number of whale sharks that now thrive in Donsol. But early studies show that whale sharks can travel 14,000 miles in 40 months and is capable of breeding in different sea environments.

Whale sharks swim on the surface of the water especially during the morning and early afternoon. It opens its mouth rhythmically when feeding on the planktons and visitors may be treated to this wondrous sight if they spot the fish at the perfect time. But don’t expect them to jump up and down the water like the whales or dolphins. That’s actually another beauty of the whale shark experience because this makes it perfectly east and safe to get near them.

Create a video blog

Ian J Stevenson asked:




The Philippines is a travel destination unknown to most North Americans. Reasons may include distance, lack of promotion, and uncertainty over safety.

Distance is certainly a consideration, as the trip is long (18 hours to Manila) and costly. A bargain fare ranges from $1000 to $1800 depending on the season, the carrier, and how good a shopper the traveler is. For those simply seeking a beach resort there are plenty of destinations that are closer and cheaper.

Yet, despite equivalent travel times, countries such as Thailand, China, Japan and Korea are increasingly popular. The Philippines offers world-renown diving, with many first class resorts catering to the scuba crowd. Incredible scenery combined with unique culture and history should draw visitors. Best of all, these attractions are available at bargain-basement prices due to the low value of the peso ($1=app. pp45.) Why do other parts of Asia continue to draw tourism at the expense of the Philippines? Lack of promotion is one of the main problems.

Countries such as Thailand and China heavily advertise their attractions, while The Philippines remains a mystery to most North Americans. It is, however, becoming a popular destination for Australians since the bombings in Bali, and a few Germans and Scandinavians find the dive resorts a welcome respite from northern winters, proving that Americans would head there as well, if properly informed of the many attractions.

Why the apparent lack of interest in developing tourism?  This is a complex question with no easy answers. The Philippines is a resource rich nation that remains largely underdeveloped. Thailand, with very similar resources, has built up a world-class tourist industry (unfortunately suffering due to recent political problems,) is a major exporter of rice, and an important supplier of fruit, fish and seafood. The Philippines suffers from massive poverty, largely a result of a series of corrupt governments. Politicians have more interest in lining their own pockets than in improving conditions for their fellow countrymen. Fortunately there is now a ray of hope with the election of “Noynoy” Aquino from one of the most respected political families. He has vowed to fight corruption and put the country back on course. Unfortunately, even if he is successful, significant change is years away.

The perception that the Philippines is unsafe remains another deterrent to tourism. How unsafe is it really? Violent crime against foreigners is very rare. Years ago there were a few kidnappings, but this is a thing of the past. Other types of non-violent crime are a risk for the unwary. Pick-pockets ply their craft on public transit and other crowded areas. Offers from strangers to share drinks, or accompany them anywhere should be avoided. The rule when traveling here is the same as elsewhere, do your homework. In any part of the world some areas are safe, and others not so much. A good guide-book will help in avoiding risky areas, but when in doubt ask for advice at your hotel, or from your travel agent.

Filipinos are generally friendly, cheerful, and welcoming. The Philippines offers a highly rewarding travel experience to those willing to try something a little different, and is less costly, while being no less safe than other Asian destinations.

Caffeinated Content

Claire Ortega asked:




Tourists flock the Philippines for its beaches, come hell or high water (or terrorist threats). And who can blame them? Tourists can get the best white-sand beaches at the cheapest costs. I’m not much of a beach bum (5 minutes under the sun and I turn into toast), but I love the following beaches for their beauty:

Boracay

People may say it’s overrated because it’s easily the most popular beach in the country. But I say that the place deserves all the praise that comes its way. The fine white sand stretches along the whole tourist side of the bay. The sand slopes gently; no sudden drops while playing in the water. There are a lot of water activities waiting to be done. Shops, restaurants, hotels, and other friendly business establishments line the beach. There is even a strip mall in the hub of the beach! The water seemed magical to me; warm when it was drizzling, and cold when the weather is too warm.

Bohol

The white beach in Panglao Island, Bohol is another favorite of mine. But I love the dolphins there more than the beach itself! You can rent a boat for a small fee. The boatsmen will cheerfully lead you to spots where the dolphins are. It’s so much fun watching them play with each other, and even playing with the boats and the people inside.

Puerto Galera

Great for a spur-of-the-moment getaway from Manila is the White Beach in Puerto Galera. It’s sort of a smaller version of Boracay. The night life is as active here as in Boracay.

Samal Island

This is a great place to visit with families, as well as friends. The fine white sand slopes gently here, too. As an added precaution, the tourist sections are fenced off from the deeper parts of the water. Plus, the water is so clear; you can see fish swimming around your toes!

Marinduque

There are a lot of beaches among the islands of Marinduque. One of the popular beaches there is called White Beach. But my favorite will always be one of the beaches of the Tres Reyes (Three Kings) Islands. The shore is made up purely of beautiful shells! In my opinion, this is one of the hidden jewels of the Philippines. Travel information can sometimes get very localized; and this place has not received much publicity.

Here ends my top 5 list of beaches in the Philippines. But don’t take my word for it! Also, you might like other beaches more; so get as much Philippines travel tips as you can and start exploring the country soon!

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Dating Fish asked:


Philippine women or Filipinas are becoming popular these days, in America or any other Western countries. Filipino girls are famous in their characteristics which are faithful to their husbands, hard-working especially housework, taking good care of their children, and etc. Philippine women are different from traditional Filipino ladies. They are on high-level of education and getting good jobs as Philippine men. In Philippine traditional society, Philippine women can not make their own marriages, but most of their marriages are arranged by elders or the family of the boys. We sometimes feel heart-brokenly for such Philippine brides who got to live with unknown-until-married husbands to the rest of their life. Philippine American are gathered in California, USA at most. Even Philippine American girls who live in USA for a long time, they still keep their family-oriented custom.

There are 7 golden characteristics of Philippine girls or brides that you should know of. We want to say the beauty of Philippine women who are beautiful and gentle, patient and respectful to the Philippine traditional custom; that is, they take a good care of their husband and children. Women in Japan respect their men or their husband from the time they know their men until falling in love, and get married, and become the wives, they always respect the love that is giving by their husbands. A Philippine woman usually does not get divorced if she has an unfaithful husband because she always try to work it out to maintain her family and raise her children.

A Philippine woman usually keeps traditional family custom. They maintain and try to support their family relationship and respect their husbands as well as let their men lead the family. When you meet with A Philippine girl, you will see what I am talking about here, and will see Philippine ladies are the most pretty women on the world. In other words, Philippine women are someone who are honest, pretty, and faithful to their husbands because of their family oriented custom which you rarely find in Western women, generally. When Western guys look at the beautiful yellow skin and skinny body of most of Philippine girls, they will love them. Moreover, their faithful characteristics to their husbands and unlimited satisfaction of taking care of their children make Philippine women unique.

In other words, getting married with Philippine women are the best. Filipino ladies from Asia countries such as Japan, China, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and etc are the top. Philippine women who are currently living in the Western countries are the next best. Why Filipino women are the top women? Because they can cook delicious dinner and there are no guilt trips for going out with the guys after getting married. They are skinny, thin, and beautiful and there are no fights between husband and wife. In fact, when a Western guy find and talk to A Philippine woman, they never want to date with Western girls again. Moreover, Filipino ladies always keep classy, cultured, traditional values. So, they are decent wives for Western men. In fact, 7 golden characteristics of Philippine wives are:

1. Philippine girls are skinny, thin, and beautiful;

2. Philippine women can cook daily meals;

3. Philippine ladies are very family oriented;

4. Philippine woman enjoys her housework.

5. Philippine lady takes care of her children;

6. Filipino female is very hardworking and enjoy working;

7. Filipino women rarely goes out for the guys after married;

So, are you ready to find special Philippine girls? Do not wait. Take action now. Join these free Filipino dating services to find that special soul mate of your dream.

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.