"Pilipinas" Philippines by barbskie

Philippines Travel Guide: 23,792 reviews and 79,244 photos

An island nation

I'll admit, I seldom visit my Motherland and do not have so many pictures from there. I mean views and sceneries nor buildings , monuments or other popular places. I'm fond of capturing individuals before until i've got a digital camera as a present. My great interest grew more and more until i came across to virtual tourist page. Though lack of images to post, i'm still proud to share the places i had been and those one's i'd like to visit in the future.......miss my Pinas( as we locals call our country).

The Republic of the Philippines lies in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. Once a colony in the year 1521-1898 under the Spaniards. In 1898 to1946 was colonized under the United States and have been the largest influences in the country's culture.

Philippine is situated about 1,210 km (about 750 mi) east of the coast of Vietnam and is separated in the north from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. Bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea (and Pacific Ocean), on the south by the Celebes Sea, and on the west by the South China Sea, the archipelagic state comprises about 7,100 islands. Resulting from this situation are great variations in climate, geography and vegetation.

Its total area ai about about 300,000 sq km (about 115, 830 sq mi). About 298,170 of the total area is land area with the remaining 1,830 being the total water area. The capital and largest city is Manila.

Extending 1,850 km (1,150 mi) from north to south and almost 1,127 km (700 mi) east to west, the Philippine Island group is of volcanic origin and generally mountainous. Running parallel to the coasts, as well as bordering them in many places, the mountain ranges extend north to south. There are about 20 active volcanoes on the islands, and earthquakes are fairly common.

The country is divided into three islands namely, Luzon, Visayas , from where i come from and Mindanao.
Visayas is at the eastern part of the country. Some popular destinations are , Cebu City, Bohol Island, Iloilo, Negros Occidental with its capital Bacolod City and Negros Oriental like Dumaguete City.
The larger parts are Luzon and Mindanao, and are characterized by high mountains with alluvial plains and narrow fertile valleys. The smaller islands are mountainous with surrounding flat lowlands.

Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest point, reaches 9692 ft (2954 m) and is found in the southernmost ranges on Mindanao, the second largest Philippine island.

Luzon, where Metro Manila is situated has solid mass and the availability of roads and infrastructure, Metro Manila's environs and the many provinces a few hours' drive away are perfect weekend getaways. An overland tour is the most insightful way of getting to know Luzon. North of Manila lies the summer capital, Baguio has cool air with scent of pines and flowers.

Near Baguio are the strawberry fields and vegetable farms of Bontoc and the Trinidad Valley, and the splendor of the Banaue Rice Terraces, dubbed as the 8th wonder of the world.

Lining the northern coasts are the provinces of La Union, its winding beaches lined with tiny resorts and fishing villages, Pangasinan, with its wondrous Hundred Islands and sleepy, rustic Ilocos. The Old World unfolds dreamily in Vigan, a town of Baroque churches, horse-drawn carriages and Antillan houses.

Surrounding Metro Manila are provinces of specific interest such as Pampanga, the culinary capital of Luzon; Bulacan, known for its colorful fiestas and home-made sweets; and the artists' towns of Rizal. Moving down south from Manila, the coastal road winds through the historic towns and hundred and one resorts of Cavite. Across the Bay looms the island fortress of Corregidor, a tribute to the last bastion of freedom in the Pacific during World War II.

Further south, the breathtaking length of Tagaytay Ridge affords a view of the world's smallest active volcano, TaaI-a volcano within a lake within another volcano. In the towns of Laguna, artists' communities embrace tradition and religiosity under the shadow of the mystic Sierra Madre ranges. Waterfalls, hot healing springs and a general abundance of water resources characterize these fertile plains which circle Laguna de Bay, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

The ragged southern coasts make Batangas province a diver's paradise. Sheltered coves and coral islets harbor divesites with stunning underwater vistas. Due west are the coconut plantations of Quezon, where folk festivals are enacted with ritualistic pageantry. Extending southeast along this land of plenty is Albay and its Mayon Volcano, magnificent with its near-perfect cone.

On the other side of Luzon, an island extends across the South China Sea towards the Philippine Deep-Palawan, the last frontier. Explore the subterranean caverns of St. Paul's Underground River, dive the depths of Tubbataha Marine Reserve or go on an African safari on the island sanctuary of Calauit. West of Palawan in the South China Sea is a cluster of 53 tiny coral islands, islets and reefs. Scattered over an area of about 61,876 square miles, these islands are said to be rich in oil and other mineral deposits, and are being claimed by Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. The Philippines occupies eight islands:
Pag-asa, Kota, Panata, Parola, Patag, Lawak and Rizal-known collectively as the Kalayaan Group.

Philippine Jeepney

Jeepneys are one of the popular means of public transportation in the country, in the suburbs or in the city. A hop and off style. Tricycles (bicycle with three wheels) and Pedicabs (with motorbikes) are more common in barrios and small towns. For long distance land trips , there are buses with or without air condition and taxis. There are also big small and big companies operating sea transportations to almost all parts of the country.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Our hospitality, many beautiful spots and the climate!
Cons:too far to make a rush visit!
In a nutshell:My native land!

Last visit to Philippines: Apr 2008
Intro Updated Nov 15, 2008
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Reviews (3)

Yellow Carabao Mangoes! Things to Do (3)

I think every traveler who came here in our country knows what Philippine Mangoes are. But to those who haven't tried it... more travel advice

Boracay Island Things to Do (3)

An island with numerous white sand and cold beaches even if the temperature is quite high), freshwater lagoons, coconut... more travel advice

Cebu Island Province Things to Do (3)

Cebu Island is in the Central part of the Philippine Peninsula, east of the Visayas Region. Cebu City is the first... more travel advice

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Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 23, 2005

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Cebu City

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Comments (5)

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OH_DK May 2, 2009 at 9:03 AM

I just had some great experiences in your Motherland! Looking forward to meet you at the Euromeet in Portugal. Ove from Denmark
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cachaseiro Apr 20, 2009 at 3:30 PM

indeed a very nice country.
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moonlighting Mar 28, 2008 at 4:21 AM

I love mangoes!!!
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goutammitra Jan 15, 2007 at 6:34 PM

Magandang UMAGA! I never knew you are Filipino. I have now many Philipino friends courtesey Jon & Isa. Read about them in my pages.
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tiger9090a Jul 28, 2005 at 12:50 PM

Stunning photo of the rock! Incredible!