Allan Merin asked:




Many are still looking for a one-stop travel destination where they can get closer to nature, enjoy the sun, soak into the water, do some exercises, try extreme sports, or relax at a world-class hotel. Search no more; for you need not go any farther than Camarines Sur to squeeze all of the above-mentioned activities in one memorable vacation.

Camarines Sur, the largest among the six provinces in Bicol Region, has cemented its place in the list of top travel destinations in the Philippines, thanks to the growing number of people hooked to extreme water sports. The province was not included in most Philippine travel guides until the Camarines Sur *********** Complex opened its doors to the public in May 2006. Since then, the six-hectare active park, which has facilities for wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and waterskiing, has buoyed the local tourism industry.

Politically subdivided into 35 municipalities and two cities, Camarines Sur is also a haven for beach bummers. One of the famous natural attractions in the province is the beaches of Caramoan, a second-class municipality perfectly made for island hopping. Its fine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Other interesting activities popular for tourists are rock climbing, caving, camping, trekking, and mountain biking.

Camarines Sur, which is about eight to ten hours drive from Manila or 45 minutes by plane, is also a magnet for Catholic faithfuls. The province is home to Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City. Come September, religious enthusiasts flock to the city for a religious festival wherein the image of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia is paraded on a float. Old churches are also a staple fare in the province. Some of them are the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Quipayo Church, and Nabua Ladrillo Church.

Like any province in the archipelago, Camarines Sur also has its own share of colorful events and festivals. In San Jose town, local talents and young artists take center stage for the Harana Festival. The February 11-15 event aims to promote cultural awareness through singing and other forms of arts. Other popular occasions in Camarines Sur include Iriga City’s Tinagba Festival, Bato’s Karanowan Festival, Minabalac’s Tumatarok Festival, and Nabua’s Boa-Boahan Festival.

The province, which accounted for 55.2% of the1.3 million people who set foot on Bicol last year, has also something to offer to hikers and sightseers. Two potentially active volcanoes- Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga – are home to exotic flora and fauna. Along the climb, don’t forget to check out Nabuntulan Falls and Malabsay Falls. Meanwhile, the recommended destinations for spelunkers are Kalupnitan Caves in Ilibmanan and Adiangao Cave in Presentacion.

Tourists can choose from various accommodations ranging from the very simple to the luxurious. As a travel tip, place your reservations in advance to avoid any inconvenience. There are hotels and resorts offering affordable vacation packages for the budget-conscious travelers. The crunchy pili nuts and the spicy Bicol Express are must-tries for first-time and repeat visitors.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy.

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Allan Merin asked:




The Philippines, which is known for its thrilling tourist attractions and colorful festivals, is slowly making a name for itself as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. An emerging water recreational activity in the country is parasailing. With its rich water resources, the Philippines is an ideal place for this high-flying adventure.

Initially available in posh resorts in the Bahamas, Hawaii, Guam, and Australia, parasailing is steadily gaining more following in the Philippines due to its inclusion to various vacation packages by offered resort and vacation rental operators across the country.

Parasailing, which is also known as parascending, allows an individual to stay in the air for several minutes while strapped in nylon harnesses. A boat usually carries the parascender into the air. The sport appears difficult but experts insist that parasailing doesn’t need any special skill other than sheer courage. Enjoying the high-adrenaline experience is one of the common tips shared by experts to beginners.

Here is a guide on where to find the best parasailing sites across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Mactan Island

Situated on the southeast of Cebu, Mactan is one of the leading parasailing destinations in the country. Most accommodations in the island entice tourists with their various water recreation facilities where you can go parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and sailboating. While in the air, the parascender gets a fascinating view of the islands of Bohol, Sta. Rosa, Olango, and Cebu. Pristine beaches and rich marine resources have placed Mactan on the Philippine travel map.

Boracay Island

Parasailing adventures also await holidaymakers in Boracay, which is famous for its white sand beaches. A brave soul is treated with a bird’s-eye-view of the whole island. While most resorts in Boracay arrange parasailing activities for their clients, tourists can also hire the services of hawkers who offer much lower prices. A 15-minute parasailing escapade in Boracay usually costs between Php 1,500 and Php 2,500. Parasailing allows tourists to get their energy flowing in enjoying various events and activities in Boracay.

Subic Bay

Another favorite parasailing site in the Philippines is the Subic Bay in Zambales. Since it is just a couple of hours away from Manila, most water adventurers in the metro quench their thirst for parasailing and other recreational activities in Subic. Parasailers get an unforgettable view of the Subic Bay and Grande Island. Other water activities in Subic include scuba and wreck diving, yachting, and kayaking.

Coron Island

The island paradise of Palawan has everything for every tourist, including parasailing. In Coron, a famous travel getaway in the province, one can enjoy a view of the island around 400 feet above the water. The island, which is also famous for its pleasant rock formations, is considered the best wreck diving site in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as ten to 30 feet and as deep as 120 to 140 feet.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

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Allan Merin asked:




Visiting the Philippines, which is home to some of the world’s famous tourist spots, is enjoyed best when you are equipped with the basic Philippines travel information about the country. Blessed with rich natural resources and fascinating landscapes, the predominantly Catholic nation offers a wide selection of luxurious and affordable hotels and vacation homes choose from while enjoying numerous travel destinations.

Vacation rentals are steadily becoming a popular alternative to expensive hotels in the Southeast Asian nation. You can rent a villa that features a kitchen to fulfill your gastronomic needs, a living room to let your family gather together, and other basic amenities to make your stay in the Philippines memorable. Renting a vacation home also gives you a feel of the local neighborhood; making you closer to the Filipino people.

Here are some of the great accommodations that give both value and quality for your money while spending your holiday in the Philippines. Rates may vary depending on the size, location, and services offered by property owners.

Anito Beach House
If you are planning for a relaxing vacation in the Boracay Island, you must try the Anito Beach House. Created by the renowned Oneplace Design Group, this luxurious place gives its guests a clear view of the island’s famous white beach. It is fully air-conditioned and equipped with cable television and wireless Internet. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, this is the perfect vacation home to stay in as it offers surfing, parasailing, snorkeling, and diving. Accommodation rates start at USD 238 per night.

Luxurious Mountain Log Cabin
When in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, one (a) way to enjoy its cold weather and tourist spots is to check in at the Luxurious Mountain Log Cabin. Located at a private subdivision in the “City of Pines,” the house is built on traditional logs but (is) equipped with modern facilities for relaxation. This 3-bedroom cabin costs at least USD200/night.

Clear Water Resthouse
To enjoy a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano in Tagaytay City, you should make a reservation at the Clear Water Resthouse. The resthouse has a splendid view of the volcano. An hour drive from Manila, this ancestral place can also be the perfect venue for weddings, corporate functions, and simple get together with family and friends.

There are many other accommodations and temporary residences to stay in while taking a vacation in the Philippines. For your convenience, contact a rental agency ahead of time. They will be able to provide you with enough information about the best vacation homes that offers the most competitive rate and service that you surely deserve.

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David K. Bradley asked:




If you are vacationing in the Philippines, make certain you allow at least a couple of days for a stay at Boracay. Speaking from experience, this is a beautiful spot with white sand beaches and plenty of activities to keep boredom at bay.

The island is a short flight from Manila, about 200 miles south of Manila. Flights are cheap and Boracay is well worth the cost and your time.

The island is small, a little more than 10 square kilometers, dog-bone shaped and just northwest of Panay Island in the Western Visayas. Although the island is small, there are more than 4 kilometers of beach. The two main beaches are White beach and Bulabog beach. White beach is on the western side of the island and Bulabog beach is on the eastern side.

Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and kite boarding. There is a world-class golf course too! The windsurfing is excellent here; in fact, Boracay Island is a venue on the Asian Windsurfing Tour. You can also hook-up with local tour guides for cave exploration and rides in native boats. Naturally, there is time to relax and sightsee too!

The place is definitely a tourist destination with all the negatives implied therein. Even though I’m a bit jaded, I truly had a great time there and left feeling that I had gotten my money’s worth. From me, that’s saying a lot!

There is ample lodging available here in Boracay, including any number of hotels, and lodges. If you want a vacation rental, they’re here too.

After only a few minutes of searching the Internet, I found a reasonably priced vacation rental. I’m not suggesting this is the one for you, but I liked it for the following reasons.

First, I’m frugal, not cheap, FRUGAL! This listing describes a two-story villa in the native style. I like this because I want to really experience the Filipino lifestyle. For this particular property, only a two night minimum stay is required. The cost is $70.00 (USD) per night, roughly 3200 pesos. The property faces White beach and has all the amenities. It sleeps three, has a full kitchen including all the utensils, queen bed and twin bed with all linens, washer, air-conditioning, refrigerator, cable/satellite TV, wireless internet, deck, balcony, beach view, mountain view and a BBQ grill. Ahhhh, heaven!

The longer you are willing to stay, the lower the nightly rate. It drops all the way to $50.00 (USD) for a fourteen night stay. If you want to stay a month, by all means, do so, for $945.00 per month! This is truly reasonable in a resort setting.

There are many properties to choose from. I don’t want you to feel this is the only one. I chose this one for location, price and amenities. Not necessarily in that order! No matter what lodgings you choose, I can all but guaranty you will enjoy Boracay. It offers friendly people, plenty to do and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

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Brett Jankowiak asked:




It was not until I had been given my first San Miguel that I realised that this place was hot, humid and sticky. My first San Mig didn’t even touch the sides. I was back in Manila sitting at the bar in the hotel, after dropping off my bag and putting all my important documents in the safety deposit box. I took some time to reflect on my first visit to this incredibly diverse country.

When you discuss holiday destinations with people, the better trodden paths are the ones most frequented, not many people I know have traveled to the Philippines. Let me tell you, if you enjoy tropical islands with white powdery sand merging into the jungle on one side and then disappearing into the turquoise blue water on the other, then this is the place for you! After all there are 7,107 islands in the Philippines, take your pick!

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world, which makes getting around so much easier. Tourism has not really taken off like in neighboring Asian countries, like Thailand and Malaysia and the infrastructure is not quite there, which in a way makes it all the more exciting because your holiday will become an adventure, it can drag you down at times but once you arrive at your final destination the trip getting there will be long forgotten.

My journey took me to the resort town of Puerto Galera on the island of Mindoro. Puerto Galera is the port where Spanish Galleons use to take refuge from the might of the typhoons. Letting your imagination wonder a little as you glance around the port, you can almost see the Spanish Galleons swinging on their anchors.
Puerto Galera has recently won the 2005 Most Beautiful Bay in the World Award. It is easy to see why.

Getting to Puerto Galera

From Manila you need to take a bus to Batangas which takes approximately three hours, depending on the time of day and which day it is, the longest it has taken me was seven hours. From Batangas which is south of the Philippine capital of Manila you can catch a ferry across to Puerto Galera which is about an hour to an hour and half. The trip to Batangas is pretty uneventful, the real beauty starts when you get on the ferry. The water is a deep cobalt blue, if you are lucky you may even see dolphins, turtles and flying fish.

The Beaches

The majority of the resorts are centered around the beaches of Sabang, Small La Laguna and Big la Laguna. Sabang is where most of the action is, discos, pubs, restaurants and lots of accommodation. The next beach along is Small La Laguna which has more accommodation and the beach is quite nice. Make sure you stop off at the Point Bar which separates Sabang from Small La Laguna Beach the view is outstanding. Moving further away from Sabang you come to, in my opinion, the pick of the beaches, Big La Laguna Beach. The beach here is beautiful and it a lot quieter than Sabang, with some superior accommodation.

What to do in Puerto Galera?

The main focus here is the water. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the number one pursuits. The scuba diving is first class. There is no swell so swimming is safe, as are other water activities, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Do try and get up to Ponderosa Golf Club for some jungle golf, lots of fun. Trekking is also available and do combine the trek to visit a Mangyan Village. Or you can just curl up on the beach with a good book!

Back to Reality

Pondering over my icy cold San Miguel, my first two week stay in these enchanted islands left me relaxed and ready to get back into the rat race of modern society. My first trip seemed like years ago, but I have visited and lived in this wonderful country on and off for a decade.

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Jason A. Martin asked:




Before you rush out that door to enjoy your vacation in the Philippines, I have ten quick tips you should know. The Philippines is a great place to vacation, but plan poorly and your dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. Preparation is the key to any successful vacation.

Ten Quick Tips:

1. The temperature of the Philippines stays warm year-round. The range is from 78F to 90F.

2. If you have any questions about your visit, contact the Department of Tourism.

3. While the Philippines is one country, there are many regions–each with its own culture. Each culture has its own spin on food.

4. Don’t be a miser. When services are provided, don’t forget to tip. 10% is a common tip amount.

5. The Philippines’ monetary unsit is the peso (PhP). Get some of these and travel around with them. It makes dealing with local commerce much easier.

6. As mentioned in point #3, the country has different regions. There are 16 of them to be exact. Take the time to know the difference and you might find locals warming up to you.

7. If you want to see traditional festivals, celebrations and events then you need to go during the summer. This is the best time to see these attractions.

8. There are many ways to get around the Philippines including jeepneys, tricycles, pedicabs, and air-conditioned taxis. Explore and enjoy yourself.

9. Get to know some common Tagalog phrases. Many in the Philippines speak English, but they light up when someone is trying to speak their language.

10. Have fun, be nice and take lots of pictures. Don’t be shy about mixing with the locals. You might find some hidden gems that way.

There you have it; 10 great tips for traveling to the Philippines. All that’s left is for you to go and enjoy yourself.

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Allan Merin asked:




If you’re idea of a relaxing vacation is exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, then visiting Vigan is the right place for you. This fifth-class city in the northern region allows tourists to travel back in time with its unique antiquity and idyllic atmosphere. Dubbed as “Heritage City of the North,” Vigan is described by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the “best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.”

Vigan, which is roughly a nine-hour bus ride from Manila, is being groomed as the primary tourism destination in northern Philippines. To attract more local and foreign visitors, the government has been launching promotional activities such as various festivals and events over the past years. Hotels and vacation houses were also built in the city as part of projects aimed at improving the local hospitality industry.

Tourists will never get bored in Vigan. There are lots of tourist attractions to choose from in the city aside from the dozens of proudly standing ancestral houses. Here are some of them.

Calle Crisologo

Vigan is best known for Calle Crisologo, a 500-meter long street made from cobblestone. Its design is a mixture of 18th century Filipino and Spanish architecture. Feel the thrill of living during the Spanish era by riding a kalesa, or a horse-driven carriage. Calle Crisologo, where a number of movies and television shows depicting the Spanish times were shot, is also home to hotels, pension houses, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Baluarte

Another must-visit place in Vigan is Baluarte. Covering an area of 80 hectares, this zoological park provides shelter to various animal species such as pythons, tigers, snakes, birds, ponies, and many more. Baluarte, which is owned by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, also has a garden where different butterfly species are roaming around freely. Cameras are allowed inside Baluarte. And the best thing is admission is free.

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is an imposing structure situated at the heart of Vigan. Built by the Augustinians between 1790 and 1800, the church is famous for its unique “Earthquake Baroque” architecture. The cathedral, which is the site of various Catholic activities in Vigan, is frequented by pilgrims across the Philippines.

Crisologo Museum

If you are fond of various memorabilia, then you must enter the Crisologo Museum. This two-storey building located at the end of the Crisologo Street houses history exhibits, antique furniture, and literary collection. The car in which former Gov. Carmeling Crisologo was ambushed in 1961 is also displayed at the museum.

Longanisa Festival

One of the much-awaited events in Vigan is the Longanisa Festival. This annual event seeks to promote the local longanisa (native sausage) industry. The festival, which is celebrated on the third week of January, features street dancing, trade and food fairs, and various cultural exhibits. Longanisa is often served with fried rice and egg.

Apatot Beach

Vigan also has its share of fine beaches. One of them is Apatot Beach, a popular recreation site of local residents. This body of water is rich in historic past. At the end of World War II, the United States used Apatot Beach to unload armaments for American soldiers serving in the area.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

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Jo Jones asked:




The Philippines is a collection of thousands of Islands in Asia. The main religion is Christianity and there are roots from Spain and USA. This means that the culture is quite similar to the west and this brings us onto the first reason why living in the Philippines is so good.

1. The people in the Philippines speak excellent English. The Catholic religion is similar to Europe and America. The previous ties to Spain and more recently USA mean that it is very easy to get along with people. Other countries in Asia like India and Thailand have very different cultures and English is not widely spoken you you feel very out of place.

2. The country has a warm climate and countless places to take a short vacation if you are living in one of the large cities. There is plenty of rain in the rainy season between June and September but the general weather is hot and tropical. You are never more than a few hours away from a nice beach or more mountainous destinations like volcanoes or the rice terraces of somewhere like Banaue.

3. The price of living in the Philippines is very cheap compared to western countries. A small place could cost as little as $200 a month, but there are also high class condos available for expats. Food can cost next to nothing or if you live somewhere like Makati City in Manila there are many top class international restaurants with every cuisine imaginable available.

4. The low costs of living make it a great place to work in. The facilities offered to people working in international companies are excellent throughout the country. If you are self employed then of course the lower expenses will really help. The Philippines has an excellent education system so if you want to start a business it is a perfect place to do so to take advantage of the low salaries.

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Jose Abada asked:




Are you planning to visit the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines and yet you do not have any idea on where to go? Are you sick and tired of seeing frowning people in the busy streets of the usual city setting? Well, I will bet that Davao City is the best place for you!

Sweet fruits, great beaches, hospitable people – these are the words that best describe one of the most magnificent place in the Philippines, Davao City!

This beautiful city is one of the top tourist spot that the Philippines is proud of having. This place is bestowed with wonderful lands and waters that lures and tempts many tourists from and outside the Philippines.

Aside from that, the city has a wonderful history that adds in its magnificence! Originally, the term Davao means fire. It is from the word “daba-daba.” Interesting festivals marked the place. One of the most anticipated and well attended festivals in this city is the well known Dinagyang Festival. Aside from that, many other rituals are done in this place that highlights the gracious past and culture of the people.

Davao City is bestowed by different tourist attractions that really lure many visitors from and even outside the Philippines.

Among the historical tourist attraction, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is one of the must see. It is located in Matina, Davao City. This is an open air chapel that features the replica of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague and Our Lady of Fatima. Aside from the relics, the wonderful panoramic view of the coconut plantation and other fruit bearing trees adds in the magnificence of the city.

About 9 to 15 kilometers from the city cradles a shrine for the veterans of war – the Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine/ Cemetery. Even though that there is the term Japanese in the name, the cemetery is open to all sorts of races.

Your trip to this city will not be complete if you will never get the chance to see and know the people of the place. Go and visit Davao Museum so you will surely have the chance to witness the culture and traditions of the city and of course the people.

Davao City is also known for the beautiful hand woven cloth and actually you can have a glance on this at the T’Boli Weaving Center. The T’Boli Weaving Center is located at the Insular Hotel Grounds, Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Your visit in the said place will be highlighted by the demonstration of the tribal women of South Cotabato of the traditional craftsmanship and art of the T’Boli Tribe. See how they weave and turn the native abaca into fibers. Witness how the strips turned into canvass of artistry by designing figures with the intricate of patterns.

Davao is not just a place gifted with great people but also it is gifted with splendid water. You can spend your time around the different beaches, which offer best summer activities. Dive and snorkel around its clear waters! One of the must see is the Muslim Fishing Village located at San Jose, Samal Island. In the said place, children can dive overboard while the adults will be busy side seeing over the magnificent view from the native huts built over the waters.

Last but not the least, your stay at the city will not be totally complete without bringing home the ever delicious durian fruit.

Davao City is filled with beautiful sceneries and tourist attractions and of course with beautiful people with the heart of gold! Smiles will surely be a souvenir for any visitor or tourist who will spend time in beautiful Davao!

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Rich Quiambao asked:




Among the paradise of islands that is the Philippines, among the choices of escapes around the world, and among all the chains of resorts and hotels all over the globe, there exists a hidden secret. This is a secret so coveted, 99% of the inhabitants of the Philippines doesn’t even know its there: the private resort Amanpulo.

The private island is a so luxurious, decadent and extravagant, it is on a class of tourist destinations of its own.

Owned by the AmanResorts luxury group, Amanpulo bears its parents’ name “aman” meaning peace. The word “pulo” on the other hand is the native Filipino word for “island”. Amanresorts is only composed of 15 or so luxury spots in different places, so Amanpulo is no less lavish and exciting as it other more well-known cousins. Amanpulo just opened in the Pamalican Island of Palawan, in the Eastern archipelago of the Philippines. Getting there and leaving there is by private jet, though one can assure you leaving paradise would be pretty hard. Well, at least the jet ride is seamless and comfortable.

Whats more, since this is a private island, getting in is no easy feat. One must know the appropriate channels and get in the right time to obtain a reservation. For a summer vacation in a year or two. One may not know this, but one of the sole entries in the book Places to See Before You Die for the Philippines is Amanpulo, so it is definitely worth the wait.

In Amanpulo, it is said that wide, powdery-white beaches are the wonder, compounded by the seascape proved majestic by the view of nearby Manamoc Island. Sometimes, when visitors stare out at Manamoc form the footprinted shorelines, do they ever wonder whats its like to be on that island paradise, then find themselves on the exact same fantasy in reality? The Aman gives no less.

The Beach Club of course, is said to be Amanpulo’s pride and joy. The relaxing wide are is spread with soft decks and pillows, with walkways leading to the pristine pools or the magnificent beach. The beach is the best choice by morning, while subtly lit pools are the choice place to unwind in romantic nights.

In addition, the place simply called The Restaurant serves both Filipino and international cuisines. And from the sound of the reviews, The Restaurant is on a league of its own, a throwback to when hotel restaurants were the best places to dine in. Serving fresh greens form its own vegetable and herb garden, The Restaurant will settle everyone’s worries over what’s good to eat because well, everything is good to eat.

Beach side casitas, nipa hut inspired but very luxurious lodges, are spaced very wide apart. This gives the impression of having your own beach paradise because you can choose to rarely see other guests. The views are fantastic, and a camera is a must. Maybe an underwater camera is a must too, since only 300m form the shore, a reef so full of color and life awaits anyone.

Coming clean, this is not an advertising ad for Amanpulo or the Aman chain of resorts. This is just a simple yearning to go there, one of the best places on earth unabashedly called paradise by those who have seen it. To taste the secret.

Local Philippines is your one-stop source of information about the Philippines with its fascinating travel destinations, colorful festivals and premier attractions.

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