nature in the philippines essay

Philippines Travel: The Beauty of the Country and its Wonderful People

• February 27, 2023
• Last updated: February 27, 2023
• Asia , Destinations , Philippines

Home » Travel Blog » Philippines Travel: The Beauty of the Country and its Wonderful People

Our trip to the Philippines started terribly. We got food poisoning from an Indian restaurant in Phuket where we arrived from Koh Lanta  to take our flight to Manila. Actually, we kind of ‘missed’ the flight. The traffic was fine that day, the guesthouse we lived was close (20 minutes of walking) and we arrived to the airport six hours before the departure.

What we overlooked, however, was that the departure time was 00.25 on the 1st of April, which meant we should have arrived at the airport the evening of the 31st. But we arrived on the 1st in the afternoon, when the plane was already long gone. April Fools Day was indeed foolish.

But it all turned out fine in the end; we caught a flight the following day, arrived safely to Manila at 4 am, spent ten hours at the airport, tasted a lot of Filipino food and took another plane to Caticlan and a local bus to Pandan in Antique, one of the four provinces of the Panay Island.

We loved the small town of Pandan and its barangays (a Filipino term for a village, district or ward) so much that we decided to do a tour of other small towns and villages so that we could stay in contact with locals and avoid crowds on the beaches that were filling up quickly due to the Easter holidays.

A vast number of Filipinos were travelling to see their relatives in different parts of the country or to spend their vacation on the beach, which coincided with very high rates for flights.

We spent the majority of our time with locals and we were incredibly touched by their stories, their humble yet bright personalities and vivacious energy. Now, we would like to thank them for some lessons that have influenced us.

To do that, we are dedicating this post to all of the dear people of the Philippines whom we met on the road. Many of you do not have the internet, a computer, and some of you have little to no electricity, but the world is small and we do believe these words will find you one day.

Traveling to the Philippines with a family? Then make sure you get the right visa. For more information, please check out Philippines eTA for Children Requirements . 

Philippines Travel: The Beauty of Wonderful People

Your smiles are charming.

We did nothing but smile on the streets, in the hotels, at the markets and in the bistros everyday. The elderly, children, vendors, and fishermen; all of you smiled after the first surprised look crossed your faces.

You welcome foreigners warmly

“Where are you from?” and your other curious questions started many conversations. After we responded, you proudly said, “Welcome to the Philippines!”

You love singing

A luggage porter at the airport sings, a shop assistant sings (at 4 am!), a guy selling tickets for a local bus sings, staff members in hotels sing. Not to mention that karaoke in small villages is as common as a bakery shop. There is even karaoke in the jungle!

Join some of the local tours in the Philippines:

• Oslob Whale Shark Swimming and Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
• From Bohol & Panglao Island: Full-Day Bohol Tour
• Boracay: Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour with Snorkeling

You are big basketball lovers

No matter how small or destroyed a town or village is after a typhoon, there is always a court for outdoor basketball. Over 30°C and hot sun? No problem. You still manage to start a game with some friends.

Heading to Thailand? Check out our comprehensive travel guide Thailand Independently

Your politeness is impressive

“Yes, ma’am”, “Yes, sir” was something we were getting used to for a while. And despite us requesting that you call us by our first names, you kept on with your high standards of politeness.

Heading to South-East Asia? Read more of our articles.

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Your wild nature is a magnificent experience

Lush, wild forests, saturated, green rice fields like those in Banaue , waterfalls and rivers, all in unspoiled beauty. There is much more to admire than just your beaches, especially your hills and hidden gems of small islands that offer spectacular views of the landscape, villages, rivers and unpaved roads, where only a local can manage to ride a motorbike!

Read more about Philippines in this guide of Boracay .

How helpful you are

Where to eat, what to see, how to get somewhere: you suggested tips and insider info without us even asking you.

Your faith in God is profound

It was a big visual change for us, to come to the Catholic Philippines from Buddhist Thailand. Buddhist string bracelets were replaced by crosses on necks, temples and altars became churches, chapels and statues of Jesus and Holy Mary.
The churches we visited in Panay and Manila were full and many young and children attended the masses, compared to some predominantly Catholic European countries.

You are impressively family-oriented

You used to work and live abroad and you’ve come back because of your aging parents or a family you have a strong bond with. No matter how good the job was you had, you prefer to take care of your loved ones until they get better.
Many of you also come back to retire in your homeland or plan to do so in the future.

It was not easy to explain to you that we left our homelands to travel around the world using only phone contact with our families.

Your women are so pretty

Those of you in the countryside and small provinces simply shine with their pure, feminine beauty with no artificial, cosmetic additions. In the cities this changes, but we consider this an inevitable side effect of commercial pressures in all large, global cities.

Join some of the tours to do in the Philippines:

• Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour
• El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches
• Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour

You love sweet, salty and fat

We had heard so many contrasting opinions about your cuisine and honestly, the food we tasted was very nice. We especially enjoyed the homemade meal we tried at our Couchsurfing host in Manila, but very often the amount of sugar or salt in your dishes was too much for us.

You are great storytellers

Once you see there is someone who is ready to listen to you, you tell your story and you are not at all shy when talking about your private life.

You speak English even in small neighbourhoods

Sometimes it was a simple “good afternoon” that you loudly declared with a smile on your face, other times you started to chat about different countries and our travels. Whether it was kids running on the shore, ladies at the markets or a solitary man living alone in a forest, all of you were happy to share your time with us and made a great effort to have a conversation.

You guys can play with anything!

We might have been staring at you too much when you were playing with your flip-flops or with bottle lids. No need for expensive toys here!

You do your best to preserve hidden islands

In some areas, you follow strict ‘carrying capacity’ rules in order to preserve the natural treasures of waterfalls and forests. You restrict the number of tourists who can enter areas during a certain period of time and we think that’s an amazing approach! But we feel you must become more active in keeping trash out of your forest and rivers.

Oh, your jeepney!

What makes them so special is the way you paint them and how you pass the money to a driver via other passengers!

You always keep a positive spirit

When we saw your destroyed schools, huts and boats from typhoon Yolanda that hit you in November 2013, we had only one thought: the God you believe in so much could allow this to happen only to a people who have tremendous power to cope with tragedy.

You remember exactly what you were doing that day, where you ran to hide and how long the hell lasted in your barangay.

Now, almost six months later, when you’re still waiting for your shelter to be repaired or build from the scratch, you smile! You smile and you help those who have less than you.
“Bahala na,” you say. You really live the moment, not caring about tomorrow or the past.

Even if this might prevent you from planning for the future, you live your life fully, with love, open hearts and a willingness to help those who need it.

The things we learned about other cultures so far have been precious for us. But the things you have taught us are crucial for our self-development, too.

People of the Philippines, you have helped us to realize that humanity is something that connects this world. We must remember that we are all the same, no matter which corner of the earth we were born in.

Pack & travel:

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Ivana Greslikova

• Published: February 27, 2023

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192 thoughts on “Philippines Travel: The Beauty of the Country and its Wonderful People”

amazing pics!!! your zest for travel is contagious 🙂

Thanks, Rommel.Glad our adventures inspire you 🙂 Cheers!

I missed the chance to meet you guys:( Hopefully on your next visit:)

Hi Melo, either in the Philippines or other country, it would be nice 🙂

Thank you very much. Beautiful photos and even more beautiful experience that you shared. I know you have a lot of stories to tell about the Philippines and our people. I’ve lived in Manila for a long time but settled in Iloilo City since 1998. Ive travelled the world but I hope to travel to every corner of my country in my lifetime. Thank you again for sharing a positive post about my country.

Thanks for reading, Paul! Wishing you to explore as much of your homeland as possible!

AMAZING PHOTOS!!! Too bad I missed you guys in the Philippines! Hope you had a great time! Fantastic post, will share it right now!

Hi Sab, many thanks! The world is small, so hopefully we will cross our paths one day 🙂 Enjoy Chiang Mai, it’s a great place for digital nomads… We stayed there for three months and had a fantastic time! Cheers!

There’s some incredible pictures in here that you both should be incredibly proud of, not only for their great composure, but more for the fantastic scenes that you’ve captured.

Hi Dale, thank you very much! We are happy we can share these moments with you and other people. We are very grateful we could witness the lives of Filipinos’ that gave us really a lot! Safe travels, guys!

Hi Ivana. It’s great that you have been to Pandan .My hometown is Sebaste 15 km away from the place . It’s amazing that you have contributed nice experience of our town. I have recently come back from Kalibo capital of Aklan.I built my house there and in the near future I am going home for good because I’m now retired,I love my country and for sure I like to live in the Phil. where can offer me many things.

Awww.. I feel so proud being a Filipino after reading this and looking at the pictures. You captured the essence of who we are as a country, and I was left in awe and sentimental about it! Thank you for this feature! 🙂

Sarah, thank you. We’ve been sincerely honoured that we could visit your country and to know your beautiful culture of warm hearts!

I’m so glad that I had the chance to meet u guys! Love this post and your pictures. I can subscribe every single word.

Filipino people are truly amazing.

I will definitely share this 🙂

Safe travels and I hope we will meet again!

Ciao, Clelia! Thank you, it was a pleasure to meet you and glad that we met in Pandan which turned out for us a wonderful place to start our tour in the Philippines! See you in Italy or in Asia again 🙂

very good blog! I recently been in the Philippines myself and I totally agree with your look on the country and it’s amazing people! it’s more fun in the Philippines 🙂

Hello, Mandy, glad you had similar experience! Thanks for your kind words, too 🙂

wow…. thanks for letting the world know how beautiful my country is <3

Salamat, Grasya!

Thanks for the wonderful pictures….I feel so proud and lucky to see my province ( Antique ) featured in your blog.

Salamat, Shela 🙂 We are pleased to get know your province, too!

You said the most beautiful words about distinct Filipino traits (as well some nooks and corners in the Philippines) that we Filipinos often fail to recognize and appreciate. Salamat. Thank you for reminding to take stock of our many blessings. It’s a blessing too welcome visitors in our country, but getting a heartwarming feedback on these visits is a bonus! God bless you on your future travels guys!

Thank you a lot! We loved these unknown ‘corners’ and remote islands we visited a lot. There’s is a lot to explore and the nature was just breathtaking! Hopefully more Filipinos will travel to these places, too.

We almost went to the Philippines after Japan, but we ended up in South Korea instead. There is so much to love of this country looking through your photos and the jeepney looks so funky, one day perhaps we’ll finally make it there 🙂

Aww, you guys will LOVE jeepneys! They are real pieces of art! I sincerely wish that you’ll make it there one day. Not only because of this incredible transport, but also for the nature and people that are truly spectacular 🙂

Yes, yes, 1000x yes! There are so many things to love about the Philippines and your post pretty much nails them all. The singing! The smiles! The sunsets! The only thing we didn’t really care for in the Philippines was the food, but I think that was really the only blemish on an otherwise wonderful country. (And we were still relatively new travelers, so maybe there were better options to be had and we just didn’t find them.) So glad you enjoyed your time in one of our favorite countries!

Hi Steph, we followed your adventures in the Philippines too and we can easily understand now why you do so!!

Aww.. This made me smile. Thank you. I brought a Chinese friend back home in the Philippines (Roxas City, Capiz) this Easter. She loves my countrymen too. She wants to go back and probably marry a Filipino fisherman. Haha..

If she met the same generous and funny guys as we did, then we are not surprised by your friend’s decision 🙂

Gorgeous photos! You definitely portray the Philippines as a beautiful place filled with smiling people. I’d love to visit someday.

Thank you, Anna. If you have a chance in the future, we can only recommend the Philippines!

Some of the friendliest, most giving people I’ve ever met were of Filipino descent (in Australia and the US). I can only imagine it’s a very friendly country by what I’ve seen of its expats. Whether they have a lot or little, Filipinos share and smile. They also introduced me to a whole new style of asian cooking.

That’s so nice to hear about your experience, Michael. I am sure you will love the country if you visit it one day 🙂

Our flight home from Phuket was just after midnight too. We caught our flight, but I kept worrying about going on the wrong day! Glad you had such a wonderful time in the Philippines. My husband’s family is from the Philippines, so I hope we will go some day. I am so not surprised there is karaoke in the jungle!!

Lucky you with the flight 🙂 I am sure your husband can bring you to many places where you can encounter a great hospitality of locals or be charmed by the landscape there!

Wow! I love how you’ve defined our country, culture and our ways. You’re such an amazing writter. I have this habit of skipping through words while reading blogs, but how you made me read your article, word for word, is really something! Salute!

Also, I would like to say Maraming Salamat… For loving and promoting Filipinos to the world. Who knows, maybe someday, the favor you and your colleagues are doing for us (including all other Asian nations), may be the start of a better treatment, respect and equality to Asians around the world.

Again, maraming salamat kaibigan… More power at mabuhay ka!

Daryl, thank you, your words are really kind. Me and Gianni, my partner, co-traveller and photographer of this website, do appreciate them. We will do our best to spread the word about not only Asian countries, but about all other places we visit, so people can be inspired to get know new cultures by their own and share their knowledge and experience, too. Salamat!

Thank you for yourkind words about our people. Little angel smiles coz she see s another angel. Take care.

Thank you, Pabs. We’ve been very grateful that we could get know your people a little bit. Kind greetings to you!

Pure joy to read this kind of blog …while reading I keep telling myself yes we are likes to sing … yes we do sing a lot food is extreme .. salty, sweet and fat- but our seafood is great right?

Thank you for your beautiful post.. hope this blog reach the hearts of other travelers around the world

Hi Czha, thanks for commenting. Right, your seafood was really good 🙂 Gianni was in 7th heaven when we were in Roxas and sampling all the specialities 🙂

Your beautiful words & photos brought tears to my eyes. It made me miss my country, my barangay & most especially my family since I live & work here in the UK. Salamat for sharing the Philippines to the world & good fortune in all your future travels 🙂

Ivy, thank you. Now you have made out eyes wet… Your country is just beautiful and I wish you could see your family and beloved ones as often as you want!

🙁 miss my home…

I’m so sorry to hear that so many people who are commenting here feel homesick, including you, Dennis. We have seen that the conditions for finding a good job are really challenging in the Philippines… On the flip side, you can spread your culture throughout the world and motivate other people to pay a visit to your homeland! All the best for you!

Thank you so much Ivana and Gianni , for being true and kind to others, but most especially for showcasing us Filipinos to the whole world! Hopefully someday, people around the world recognizes the true essence of “being human”, to love without conditions, to give without expecting in return, and to respect each other, no matter what country or place you came from. Again, maraming salamat, God bless you guys and may Almighty God always keep you safe on your travels!

Dondon, thank you for these kind words. We are confident people who will travel one day to the Philippines and those who’ve already been there can only spread a positive word about your country. At least this has been our experience and we are very grateful for that.

Thanks for discovering the true colors of the Philippines. Soon I will be happy to share to you perhaps giving you the tour information of the Eastern Visayas where Typhoon Haiyan first made its landfall way back. The most hidden of scenic spots wherein many of these were not yet captured by cameras….. be the first to show to the world this part of the country. I wish you to be back here in our Philippines which shows you the true colors of life…..

Hello, Yasee, from what we saw in the Panay island we have understood the place was affected a lot and some scenes and stories in small barangays made us very sad for a while. I believe that a positive attitude of locals together with some help of NGOs and individual support will bring back all necessary things that your people need.

thank you so much for your beautiful write-ups about my country, it made me so proud to be a filipina…..your photos were so enchanting…maraming salamat po uli!

Many thanks, Edwina! The Philippines are simply photogenic 🙂

upon looking those picture u make my tears pour down i really miss my contry my hometown thank you so much that u appreciate the beauty of our country hope in your future travel you can visit my province CEBU where a lot of tourist spot and adventures there salamat at mabuhay !

Hi Rose, I’m really sorry you feel homesick, hopefully you can enjoy your time back home soon. Thanks, we want to visit Cebu, too, since we have heard a lot about it! Take care and wish you to be surrounded by nice people so you do not miss your homeland too much!

Hello, thank you so much for your great appreciation and wonderful blog of experiences about my country, the Philippines. Your thoughts and nice words to our culture reminds us our love ones whom we left behind at home, with their smiles and joys in your very nice photos we can see. We are grateful indeed that you are not just a visitors to us and to our country but you try to live within us in your short journey to the Philippines by sharing your life experienced.

Daghan kaau salamat! Mabuhay and God bless!

Salamat, Gilbert! The love and family bond you are all showing to us is so beautiful! We really loved our time in Antique while staying with locals and by doing this we got a great chance to know your culture better. Take care!

my grand parents are from antique and ilo ilo,. and yes! i also had so much chances visiting our province, thanks for the positive feedbacks, i feel honored to come from such hidden paradise in the philippines, Godbless your journey 🙂

Thanks a lot, Jovs!

madamo gid nga salamat halin sa amon tagipusuon diri sa iloilo..in english more thanks to you from the buttom of our heart from here in iloilo….thanks for appreciating our city,culture,and our people

Hello, Jejun, many warm thanks!

While reading, tears kept flowing from my eyes without me knowing it. I am very emotional about your post on my beloved country. Hoping you will not forget us from now on, wherever your feet got you. Thanks a lot for the every very kind word you wrote. I was raised in small town of Tibiao in Antique. Madamo guid nga salamat!

Hi Danny! We have been keeping the Philippines in our hearts and minds till now, and the friendships we have made there are very precious for us, too. Tibiao!! Our favourite place 🙂 You can check our last post about our eco-adventures there. Take care!

Fantastic! I love the way you right story on what you experienced on your wonderful journey. I’m so glad on how you appreciate my fellow Filipino people. You are so lucky for witnessing our unique culture and been in some beautiful places of our dear country. That is one of my dream to visit those places  when I go back home for good. Right now am still working in a foreign land.

Many thanks kaibigan, Mabuhay!

More power and good luck to your next interesting trip.

Once again, Salamat! 🙂

Hi Marites, Antique welcomes everyone who wishes to explore it 🙂 Good luck with your job abroad and happy returns home!

This blog is so beautiful. Thank you for your beautiful comments about the Philippines. I appreciate your concern for our country. That some people do not care, politicians corrupt, illegal deforestations. We still have a long journey but I am sure it is people’s collective effort that will make the difference.

Francis, we all wish you only the best!

“Maraming salamat po!” 🙂

I am deeply moved with your story about our country. It makes one proud being a Filipino and for an article written as extensive and beautiful as this it makes one Filipino to start loving, exploring and sharing the beauty of her own country.

Yes, to share and spread the voice about the Philippines is one of the best way how we all can show the love for the country! All the best, Kath 🙂

Maraming salamat for the kind words!i am so proud to b a filipino!i just came back from a week of palawan trip 5hrs ago when i saw and read your blog…the words that i dont know how to express about my own experience,you write them all down!and you inspire me to continue to travel,discover and experience all the different islands of my country!more power to your team and may u inspire more people to visit philippines!have a safe travel! 🙂

Hi Mers! Great to hear about your experience in Palawan! We are very happy to read that the post made your feet itchy 🙂 Take care and take a chance to travel whenever you can 😉

thank you so much for appreciating my country Philippines, yes I am a Filipino and proud to be an Ilonggo (ILOILO CITY), hope you could visit again…More power and God Bless you both in your upcoming journeys… Its more fun in the PHILIPPINES…

Many thanks, Jane 🙂 We will go back one day!

Maraming salamat po

Salamat, Paul!

such compliments do make us more proud of who we are as Filipinos thou we are facing poverty but we Filipinos still have all the reason to be thank full to Gods blessings in our land

You are doing great, Dawn, despite all the troubles you are facing there!

I have experienced travel through your eyes. Thank you for bringing me to wonderful places of my country. I am one of those filipinos who seldom travel or never ridden a plane. I can only count the few scenic places i’ve seen with my one hand. Your travels have not only seen beautiful places but witnessed the beautiful souls. God be with you and be safe. A very soul-enriching travel indeed.

Hi Ritchelle, I don’t know which part of the Philippines you come from, but wish you to travel whenever you have a chance! Yes, you are right, the people we have met are gorgeous and we are very honoured to get know better some of them.

Thanks for the kind words you have said about our country especially about the Panay Islands. You and your buddy is not only very kind but also very beautifu….God bless you.

Salamat, Reynaldo 🙂

Tears can’t stop falling from my eyes while reading this. My heart rejoiced with gladness that somebody could see the beauty that’s within Filipinos despite the negative impressions we keep on receiving. Thank you for finding time to know the heart of the Philippines, its PEOPLE. You have truly defined the Philippines. The pics are lovely. Thank you much.

Awww, Anne, it’s touching for us to read your comment, too. We are spreading the voice about the Philippines as much as we can, through this blog, but also while traveling and meeting other travellers who have never been there. Thank again for kind words and all the best for you!

I was very touch!!! On how you can put your experienced as I was feeling and actually experiencing it! The essence of your actual experience and writing it, made simple things significant to me. Thank you for opening my eyes!!!I have a beautiful country…Maraming Salamat po! Mabuhay .

Thank you very much for the feedback, Maria! Your country is charming for many people, may they be locals or foreigners 🙂

thank you for the nice write ups and blogs and pics shared about my country, the Philippines…. hope everyone can see the positive beauty of the place and not just the negative ones… mabuhay at maraming salamat!!!!

Salamat, Faith! We would like that more people go to explore your country and know your people. The land of the Philippines has a lot to offer!

Thank you for visiting our country and for visiting my hometown Roxas City, Capiz:) I’m just so proud that I was raised and have lived their! So missing fresh seafoods, the beautiful smiles, typical bbq by the beach, the beautiful beaches and sunset and of course my family back home:( I’m so glad that people coming from other countries appreciate and love my fellow filipinos and my country too! More power to you!

Thanks, Berna In Roxas we had a few awesome seafood feasts and we liked a lot the Olotayan island we visited one morning. Sadly, it was much destroyed by the typhoon last November. But the people there are just amazing! Take care.

One of the best blogs ive ever read! My tears just fall down while reading this and makes me wanna go home and explore my country. Thank you Ivana and Gianni!

Daisy, thank you very much, we are very pleased and happy to inspire also the Filipino expats to travel in their own country. I sincerely wish that you could go and travel through your country!

Thank you for visiting our place … im from iloilo ..its so amazing you guys experiencing our good hopitality as a filipino …. i wonder may be you miss to eat our very own la paz batchoy and pork litson …and some time visit our dinagyang festival im sure you will love it… thanks indeed of your post .

Hi Caesar, Oh, litson was Gianni’s favourite dish! We had a chance to eat it in different provinces and he loved it 🙂

Reading your blog made me homesick – in a good way. Not many travellers explore Iloilo City & I’m glad you guys did. I’m Filipino-Canadian but will always be an Ilongga by heart. I feel your sincerity & kindness through your words. Thank you for appreciating my home country. Safe travels!

Thanks for commenting, Gigi! I hope you have a chance to visit the Philippines and spend some time in Iloilo, too. Take care, wherever in the world you are 🙂

We, Filipinos are very emotional. So, when I was reading your post I felt like crying. We’re glad you came to our country and saw not only with your eyes and hearts. I shared your post with friends who shared them, too. May you continue traveling together and bless more people in your journeys. Thank you soooo much.

Thank you many times, Jodie! For your warm words and for helping us spreading the voice about the Philippines, too.

Hi! Maam Ivana, this story brings tears into my eyes. How I miss my homeland. How I miss living in a very rural life. Working abroad esp. In Middle East when you see nothing but desert and feel nothing but the heat of the sun, made me realize that even my country is not an oil- rich country or as rich as this country, we are still blessed of having beautiful and natural resources, kind hearted and not abusive people and above all else a God- fearing country. your experience and story brings me back to my childhood days when only an empty can, a flip flop, a piece of stick, and a friends can make you Happy for the day. I hope one day you can explore more in mindanao… Thank you! Mabuhay po kayo!

Argy, thank you for the feedback. Happy to hear the article has brought you good memories, but sad to hear you are living less joyful life now. Wish all will be fine around you and that one day you live the life in a country, where you will feel happy!

Next time you come to the Philippines I’ll invite you to my island in Negros Oriental…your story is very beautiful I can’t help myself but feeling imotional. The last time I went home was in 2011 after 10 years that I didn’t able to see my family. I’m planning of going back hopefully I’ll be there before New Years.. Anyways shoot me an email:) I would love to hear from you all..much ❤️❤️❤️

Hi Gayle, Good luck and hopefully you get back home for NY or even earlier to spend some nice time with your family! If you are interested, you can subscribe to our newsletter so you can receive more updates about our travels and projects 🙂

Thank you for the very kind words. I am one of those Filipinos out of the Philippines and this blog entry has made me miss more the simple way of life back home. Yes, no matter how many years we’ve been away, we always look forward to that one day when we go back home and never have to leave. Our family is one of the primary reasons why we leave, and the main reason why we want to go back. Again, thank you for visiting our country and it is nice knowing you and your group had a good time there!

Hi Zandro, All the best for you, your family back home and all beloved ones around you!

Am so glad you enjoyed the Philippines. Most Filipinos are respectful and humble and very welcoming, especially to foreigners and returning Filipinos(balikbayans). I have Filipino friends, though , who don’t think the way you appreciate the Philippines. And I feel sad. Please come back and see more of the Philippines! Cheers!!

Hi Charlie, thanks for commenting! I guess those who do not see the beauty in their homeland anywhere in the world are not satisfied for any reason. May it be a bad or no job, system, neighbourhood, relation etc. So we wish all those who do not feel comfortable in the Philippines to look at it in more positive way and feel more at ease at home soon.

We like people who like us. So when you said you enjoyed your travel to the Philippines and your encounters with the Pinoys (nickname for Filipinos), it is also because you treated the people you met with appreciation and respect. I am sure that the people you talked to will remember you with fondness too, in way they mirrored your kindness and friendliness.

Thank you for the kind words about my country 🙂

Safe travels to you….

Hello Love Joy, we are confident also in the opposite: our hosts and new friends were so friendly that we couldn’t be different to them 🙂 Many thanks!

Ur post about our country is something to be proud of, i couldnt help but 2 share it on my fb’s a/c ….thank u so much….

Many thanks for spreading the word, Juday!

What a great post: this really makes me want to visit the Philippines. Wonderful pictures and sounds like the people are wonderful!!

Thank you for the pictures and stories you shared about my province. Aside from Boracay, we have a lot to show to the world how beautiful Panay is- people, place and food. I am from Iloilo. “Salamat gid sa pagbisita. Halong!” -thank you so much for the visit. Take care!

Definitely, Ruby! There are so many places worth of visit 🙂 We did not make it to Boracay this time, but enjoyed the Philippines a lot, though 🙂

Salamat Ivana and Gianni for sharing this very nice photos and your kind worlds to my dear country. I work in a cruise ship and visited a lot of nice places around the world but there is really no place like home. Hope to see you both in the Philippines on your next visit. God bless you both and thank you again for this very nice blog.

Thanks, Kiko. Many happy voyages to you, too!

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing the world your experience of the Philippines. 🙂

Thank you very much for the feedback, Leo!

Thank you for your kind words. your blog about my country make us all proud to be Pinoys. truly that its more fun in the Philippines and there’s no place like Philippines. Thank you Ivana and Gianni! =)

Salamat, Jhara!

Our pocket is empty but our heart is full..this is the reason why is it that i am so proud to be a filipino. And thank u for letting the world knows what kind of personalities does the filipino have your kind words in every sentence is really appreciated..bearhugz♥

Well said, Von, hearts of Filipinos are absolutely gorgeous!

thank you for visiting philippines…awesome pics…next time you might extend your vacation in the philippines just imagine 7,107 islands… and you just only visited 2 islands hhmmm you missed the 7,105 islands..take care and god bless…

Thanks, Bro Grimes, we are slow travellers and take all easy 🙂 But we want to go back for sure 🙂

I guess all is been said in here.. I just want to thank you & Gianni for choosing my beloved country one of ur destination.. It’s an honored to to have you foreign visitors in my homeland.. Wish u both all the best. DAGHAN SALAMAT.

Many thanks, Ramil! We appreciated your comment!

Great read! Can’t help but to get a bit emotional while reading it, been away from home for a year now. It’s also my dream to travel and see the beauty of my country, thank you for giving me another reason to do so. Will explore when I get back. God bless you and Maraming Salamat!

Salamat, Charles! I wish you to travel across the Philippines as much as possible 🙂 Take care!

I would like to thank both of you for showing the good part in us. Thank you for taking some time to talked to us and appreciate in your most sincerest way. From our heart “Maraming Salamat Po!

Thanks for your feedback, Jun Seyan!

Salamat Ivana. Godbless

Thanks, Patrick!

Hello Ivana,

One can only read between your lines. It is with sincerity and honesty you describe the places, the people you came across. Many of us Filipinos were touched by your kind words. You expressed your appreciation to our beautiful country that we as Filipinos sometimes never have the time to fully enjoy, because we are so busy trying to make a living to better the lives of our parents and family.

Thank you for taking the time to write positively about our people who inspite of hardship are honest, giving and kind.

May the LORD guide you and Gianni in your travel as you spread wonderderful words about other culture.

Frank Massachusetts

Hi Frank, many thanks for these kind words and your blessing!

Thank you very much for taking time to visit my beloved homeland Philippines especially to the city of love ILOILO CITY♥♥♥

Thank you Mel, your comment is much appreciated!

Thank you so much for this wonderful article on your blog. I am an American that so much loves the Philippines it almost hurts! I have made many trips to the Philippines and you describe this amazing country and people so well. The Philippines is a beautiful country as far as landscape…but what makes the Philippines so good for me is the people. I have NEVER met people so warm, so gracious, so welcoming, and so so so positive as filipinos.

I wish more people in the world could visit the Philippines as you did…not just the nice resorts but down in the streets in the nitty gritty. What an amazing place and people. For those of you reading my post…if you haven’t been to the Philippines…Go! For filipinos that, for some reason, don’t realize how good your country is…open your eyes. Sure there is a lot of poverty…but you and the rest of the filipino people make your country amazing. I am proud to say I truly love the Philippines.

Hi Todd, wow, so kind words from you! I’m sure soon this country will be welcoming more and more travellers. I can see already now that more and more people choose Philippines as their vacation destination. And that’s wonderful!

Thanks, Ivana for the article. I came from a small town in Aklan-Buruanga, you passed thru it on the way to Libertad and Pandan. I live here in cold Chicago. You truly love the Philippines. Someday I will come home and spend the rest of my life there!

Hi Winston, thanks, I am very glad you’ve liked reading the post. Wishing you beautiful time in Chicago and may your dream to stay in your homeland in the future come true. All the best for you and your beloved ones !

Thank you for the kind words about my motherland. I’ve lived in the US ever since I was 9 (almost 22 now), but my Filipino pride stays true and strong. I love reading about travelers’ experience in the Philippines; it always gives me the biggest smile! It makes me proud to be from a country that treats everyone so well, even though, as you pointed out, we’ve had our share of tragedies. I don’t know the next time I get to visit the Philippines, as I am currently in college, and in the process of trying to get into Pharmacy school. However, seeing entries like these makes me feel at ease. I may be thousands of miles away, but I’ll always be a Filipina.

Thank you, Erv and wish you lot of success at your college and hopefully you’ll get a chance to see the Philippines one day again!

Thanks Ivana…you are one of the reason why we, the Filipino people continues to smile…without highfalutin words you were able to describe and praise the quality of our natural essence – in simple terms about a simple people…mabuhay ka Ivana, you are welcome to come back a million times…

Many warm thanks, Victor, we felt great among Filipinos and it’s a country which we definitely wish to explore more 🙂

This is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for bringing such a wonderful group of photos and people into my life through this post!

Thanks a lot Chanel!

Incredible photos! We travelled to Palawan last year and just thought it was so beautiful. I’d love to travel some more of the Philippines, I’m sure you could spend months and months island hopping there!

Wow, I bet you had a great time in Palawan, Charlie. We had to skip it last year, as we arrived just for Easter and flight tickets cost a fortune at that time 😀 Yeah, you’re right, you can do an epic islands hopping in the Philippines. I wonder if there is a person who did all of those 7107 islands. That could be a life challenge, right?

Thank you for this blog! I got inspired about the stories that you’ve shared. I love my country Philippines and I’ll love it forever! Cebu is a nice island to!

Thanks for your comment, Rodjie, we hope we’ll have a chance to travel to this part of Philippines, too.

Loved reading this. Currently living in the Philippines. Really well written and stunning photos ! Shared 🙂

Thanks Tom, you’re too kind. Which part of the Philippines are you living in?

Well-written travel blog about our beautiful country. I admire you for seeing beauty in every situation! Life should be lived like that. Best regards.

You didn’t miss a thing in your article and great photos! The Philippines has so much to offer, really. Try visiting Boracay, with its stunning white sand beach and thriving night life! See you soon again!

Hi Leo, thanks, you’re too kind. We were actually very close to Boracay, in a barangay called Pandan, where we stayed for for some time instead of visiting the white beaches. We’re also not big party lions and we prefer to stay with locals in calmer areas 🙂 Cheers!

We love the Philippines and will be back! Our adventures took us kayaking from remote island to Island for 8 days. Exploring The Chocolate Hills on a motorbike then We completed our PADI Advanced Open Water in Puerto Galera, Philippines! Also staying with a old Leper Colony on Culion Island. Finding a Piece of Africa on Calauit Island. To Helping build a school with Hike + Bike= Build A School on Busuanga. All so much in one country and more to come! Nice people and great adventures.

Looks like you spent there at least half year, David 🙂 So many things done! I’m curious about the BUild A School project, do you have a post on your blog about this? Would love to read more!

I love the Philippines! Great article and beautiful pics.

Thank you, Fabio!

Wonderful colors!

Found your blog via the Two Monkeys Travel Group. You captured the charm of the Philippines beautifully! Thanks for this post. 🙂 Filipinos are indeed God-fearing, family-oriented, hospitable, and warm. Hope you can visit our country again soon!

Thanks a lot for stopping by, Patricia! We do hope to come back, too 🙂

I agree, the people in the Philippines make it my favorite country in the world, and are why I live there

Thanks for reading, Dante! It’s nice to hear you have such positive experience with the Philippines.

I have lived here for 2 years (from the USA) and it is just a great place to live. Of course there are some small things you must get used to, but overall I love it.

Wow, two years must be long enough to get the country under your skin 🙂 Hope you’re having a great time there!

I just came across this post about my native people yesterday. Thank you for seeing the good in them despite the flaws. Thank you for the heart-filled tribute you have generously given. Your tenderness and love for people show themselves through your posts, and I admire your willingness to see and show the world that which is good in others. Honor well-said; a post well-read! Thanks!

Thank you a lot for commenting, Omar. We do appreciate your kind words. Honestly, our time in the Philippines was special thanks to local people and their warm nature towards foreigners. Thanks again!

Very touching blog about my country and my people. You did not only captured amazing pictures during your stay in the philippines___you have captured my peoples hearts, too! Your experience about riding the jeepney made me laughed so hard…the passing of the money by the people all the way to the driver! The same amazement i had probably during my first jeepney ride long time ago, when i was just a little girl. So glad you had a wonderful time during your stay. Wish you and all your companion a happy and safe journeys in the future. God speed!

Thank you for sharing this very wonderful story. Thank you! Thank you! 🙂

Shared and Tweeted! Reading this made me teary-eyed… could be PMS but, I just had the feels. Thank you for seeing my country and my people beyond our faults and flaws. We have a lot to offer as a nation, unfortunately ..what makes us unique as a country has also been our downfall and gets the better of us in more ways than we can help ourselves. I hope you find yourselves back in our shores to tell the world more about my Pinoys. Big ups to your article and your beautiful pics <3

I agree….even tho im not fr your beautiful country..this hits my heart too..Super Apir!

wonderfully written blog and beautiful pics of the beloved Philippines..Thank you for sharing this Ivana

More than a year after you dropped by our islands, and people are still loving your blog about our country, including myself. You are so perceptive, appreciative and sensitive, qualities that enabled you to relay your sentiments very well. I assure you that the responses that you received are reflections of the beautiful qualities my countrymen see in you. Thank you for the warmth that you share about a country of very warm people.

What an admirable way to travel and experience a new place . You’ve opened my eyes to the beauty of a place I still call home and I can’t wait to re-visit places I’ve been to with a deeper appreciation of the people who make me proud of who I am. Thanks much and keep loving what you do.

By the way it was a Filipino, Roberto del Rosario, who invented the karaoke machine! One of the origins of the yoyo stems from the Philippines …in a local dialect yoyo means ‘come back’ …and that is what I advise you to do with the Philippines – its endless tropical magic is supported by a people friendly beyond compare! I write a blog on my site about the country and have been living here 19 years and am still exploring so many new beautiful places and islands. If you travel to every islad in the country for 48 hours each it will take you 40 years just to see the Philippines….hang on I’d better get out there again …..bye – go well, stay well. and enjoy life’s journey!

Hi Bruce, thanks so much for reading and commenting! Well, no surprise karaoke was invented by a Filipino 🙂 Wow, 19 years in the Philippines! So, theoretically, you should have already travelled to cca 3,500 islands according to your calculation. We definitely want to go back and explore other islands, so we might get in touch with you for some tips in the future. Thanks again for stopping by and best of luck in your adventures in the Philippines and everywhere you go!

I soon married a Filipino woman. She is very honorable and dignified . She having Noble family And Farmer And Personality . I was fascinated by she . Philippines . A great country and thousands Beautiful island And kind people And hot Blooded . hospitable . Intimate . The good women and Accountability in life . Have Feeling And Lover Their husbands . Philippines People Looking for quietness and comfort . And Hard work and great effort They do For a decent life . ….. I am inviting all people of the world. For dating. With the great nation of the Philippines And See the beauty of the islands Philippines . .. Thank you

Nice post about our country… We maybe not the strong economically but in faith we are STRONG.. Will share this 😀

Reading your stories game my eyes a sting and i was just able to hold on the tear that was to fall. You hit it on the nail guys. Reading your story somehow made me feel proud that I am A Filipino! Im nor here in ireland working far from my family back home. I guess reading your stories made me miss home more…Thanks for a very touching work!

Thank you for this post! You are an amazing person. Please continue travelling and writing good things about the best places you visit 🙂

Thanks a lot for the feedback and kind words, Jacy!

What I nice article about my home country! Thank you for this post. Should you visit Philippines again, try to vist the northern part of Philippines as well.

Thanks for reading, Jhes, we’ll definitely explore more once we’re back there 🙂

Hi Ivana, thank you for your interest in our country, it’s really nice to see foreigners visiting & writing about my beloved country. next time visit Batanes or Cebu or both ha ha… like you, me & my fiance loves to travel, (just got back from cebu) he he. planning to visit sagada this June & davao on September. and if my pocket permits Hinatuan Enchanted in surigao del sur ph

Teary eyes when about to finish reading. Thank you for the kind words and great article, glad you came and keep safe for all your travels.. Reading this in 2016

Awww, thanks for reading, Mariss and for your touching words… We will be back!

I am a Filipino and I’m really glad that a foreign people like you appreciate the beauty of Philippines even those of tragic or bad things for us…u saw what we can’t see in our country.. Thank you for your wonderful words about my country..

Nice photo of a jeepney ?

wow! incredible scenery beautiful and I feel happy to be on this website.

I really like your post about the “The Beauty of the Philippines and its Wonderful People” Very interesting article with wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing very informative blog.

i was moved y the way you described narrative your experience in the Philippines.thanks for sharing your experiences and memories you have and continue having in the future.may god bless you and keep you safe in stay.

WOW this post made my day. I am a Filipina and an avid traveler as well and I came across your blog while researching for future trips. And when I found out you visited my country, I was curious about how you find it so I clicked on it. Then I found this post and it MADE ME CRY. Thank you so much for this post. It really touched me. I have been to so many wonderful countries already and your post made me realize that I in fact live in a very beautiful country.

Thank you for expressing to the world who we truly are as Filipinos. I am from Iloilo though I reside in Canada now. We have a place there so next time you visit, you have a home with my family. We are connected on Twitter (@aesta1).

Hi guys 🙂 thanks for posting nice words and pictures of the real Philippines. I love this country so much.

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Protecting Biodiversity in the Philippines

The islands of the Philippines host one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife species in the world — at least 20,000 of which cannot be found anywhere else.

Recognised as the hottest of biodiversity hotspots — a global conservation priority area which faces significant threats — the Philippines, together with other megadiverse countries, hosts over two-thirds of Earth’s plant and animal species. However, increasing human activity has pushed its wildlife to the edge of collapse.

Several endemic species in the Philippines have only four percent of their natural forest habitat remaining. At sea, unsustainable fishing has reduced fish populations, putting pressure on the ocean’s ability to provide food and incomes.

The nation is also an international hub for illegal wildlife trafficking, while the domestic exotic pet and bushmeat trade continues to threaten biodiversity. Authorities lack support in enforcing national protection laws and are largely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of illegal activity. Poor communications infrastructure in areas where wildlife trafficking occur compounds the issue — as citizens and law enforcers find it difficult to report violations. Additionally, persistent negative practices and the lack of valuation of nature drive this harmful trade.

The Protect Wildlife Project was launched in 2016 in collaboration with Conservation International, USAID, and other partners to combat the threats to wildlife and the causes of biodiversity loss in the Philippines while taking into consideration environmental threats such as habitat loss, unsustainable harvesting, and pollution.

Conservation International works in close consultation with the government and local community members to inform regional development plans and national policies through scientific research, while promoting community-based conservation stewardship. We are directing our initial efforts under this project to Palawan, the nearby world-renowned biodiverse Tubbataha Reef, and the Sulu Archipelago — where biodiversity is high yet wildlife trafficking runs rampant. The project is also expanding to new sites in southern Mindanao, including General Santos City and the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato.

Improving attitudes, awareness and livelihoods

Conservation International and partners are working with local communities to help them understand how their livelihoods are directly linked to the health of nature, and the necessity to conserve these natural resources and wildlife — thereby effecting a reduction in unsustainable behaviors. This effort is implemented with respect to indigenous communities’ ancestral domains and will be integrated into local development plans. By incentivizing and providing training for sustainable livelihoods, our work allows communities to transit away from unsustainable, and often illegal, work towards that which benefits themselves and nature.

Strategizing and strengthening law enforcement

The archipelagic nature of the Philippines makes patrolling a difficult task for law enforcement teams, who already have insufficient resources. Through science-based research, monitoring animal populations and recognizing the uniqueness of each ecosystem, Conservation International is able to train protected area staff and inform crime prevention, law enforcement and policy-making strategies. This allows authorities to prevent both domestic and syndicated wildlife crime — breaking patterns that put Filipinos in criminal danger and that harm the environment.

We engage community members of various groups and roles to encourage their ownership and commitment to their land, forests and seas, and empowers locals to safely conduct on-the-ground patrols with knowledge and training.

Innovating research

Wildlife trafficking is a grave issue that requires a concerted, collaborated effort to dismantle. Conservation International, the government, local communities and partners will work with universities to advance conservation education and innovate new technologies to aid our work in the field.

The Protect Wildlife Project will assist partner universities in research and development — allowing for improved conservation, law enforcement and sustainable livelihoods. The project also aims to develop knowledge products and technologies that will lead to policy reforms and improved management of conservation sites.

Safeguarding biodiversity

Home to large numbers of endemic species.

Of more than 52,100 species described in the Philippines, more than half are found nowhere else in the world. The Philippines are also home to some of the highest concentrations of critically endangered and endangered species on the planet.

More of our work

Be inspired by nature in Bohol, Philippines

With abundant wildlife, incredible scenery, and “new normal” protocols, this island-province is nature-made for outdoor discovery.

Ranked among the world’s most biologically diverse countries, the Philippines is one of the best places on Earth to see fascinating creatures and awe-inspiring natural areas. The archipelago is home to some 70 percent of the world’s flora and fauna species, including over 100 mammals found nowhere else on the planet. In the island-province of Bohol , guided ecotourism experiences offer up-close views of the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Along with other destinations in the Philippines preparing to welcome back local visitors, Bohol has earned a SafeTravels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council. SafeTravels certification ensures tourism operators in Bohol are following standardized global protocols designed to help safeguard travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amazing animals

Native to the Philippines, the palm-sized tarsier is one of the world’s smallest primates. Best known for its big, bulging eyes, the nocturnal creature is notoriously shy, making it unlikely you’d spot one in the wild. Tour the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area to learn about efforts to preserve important tarsier habitat and to observe the tiny creatures sleeping in the trees.

In the Bohol Sea marine sanctuary surrounding Pamilacan Island, watch for magnificent marine life like whales, dolphins, and manta rays on a guided boat tour . March to June is the best time to see bus-sized sea creatures like the sperm whale and Bryde’s whale . To offer marine ecotours, operators must earn the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) Seal of Excellence, indicating strict adherence to “new normal” standards.

The Loboc River flows south from central Bohol to the Bohol Sea and is popular with cruises, but stand-up paddleboards are increasingly popular for a more active, eco-friendly and tranquil experience.

Jungle waterways

Paddle through paradise along the Loboc River, one of 12 major rivers connecting Bohol’s upland ecosystems to the sea. The 40-square-mile Loboc Watershed, the province’s largest watershed forest reserve, provides critical habitat for several flora and fauna species, including the Philippines endemic red-keeled flowerpecker, a tiny bird with a powerful tick-tick-tick call. While tourists regularly travel the Loboc on floating-restaurant cruises, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours are a more eco-friendly and up-close way to see the surrounding nature: rainforest, river, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Tour options include multi-day excursions, such as SUP yoga retreats and trips including paddleboarding among sea turtles off Panglao Island. To experience the mesmerizing sights and sounds of the jungle after dark, take a SUP night tour. Depending on the season, weather, and moon phase, you could be treated to magical views of a glowing full moon or of twinkling fireflies. SUP-ing is naturally well-suited to “new normal” travel since paddleboarders are outdoors and can maintain physical distance on the water.

Enchanting environments

Stretching as far as the eye can see, the rounded Chocolate Hills are a mysterious, topological wonder found only in Bohol. An estimated 1,776 limestone mounds—appearing velvety green most of the year and chocolate brown in the dry season—rise from the surrounding the island’s interior plains, creating an otherworldly backdrop visible from the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.

In eastern Bohol, the captivating Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are cultural landscapes and ancient engineering marvels. Hike to higher ground to view the mosaic pattern created by the rice fields on the emerald slopes of Candijay. Nearby, visit breathtaking Can-Umantad Falls . Thought to be Bohol’s highest cascades, the roaring falls tumble 60 feet down a tiered, rock face. As with all Bohol tourist destinations, advance reservations are required to hike to the falls and visitors must follow posted COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Undersea wonders

Bohol province is home to some of the best dive spots in the Philippines. Five major ecosystems—fringing mangroves, seagrass beds, sargassum seaweed beds, coral reefs, and deep-sea —are present in the Bohol Marine Triangle, comprised of Panglao, Balicasag, and Pamilacan islands. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the islands harbor a dazzling array of marine life, including nearly 145 coral species, 13 of the 22 known marine mammal species, and endangered and vulnerable species like the giant clam , manta ray , and whale shark .

The Triangle’s largest island, Panglao, conveniently connected by a causeway to the main island of Bohol, is the gateway for snorkeling off Alona Beach and for offshore scuba excursions. Whether you want to learn how to scuba dive, earn an advanced diving certification, or take daily dive trips, Panglao’s PADI-certified dive operators, such as the Bohol Divers Club , can customize an itinerary to fit your skill and interests. Reduced boat capacity, enhanced sanitization of rental gear, and keeping divers six feet apart until they’re underwater are some of the “new normal” measures designed to safeguard guides and guests.

For more travel guidelines and updates visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip for information.

Related Topics

You may also like.

Four dream destinations to discover in the Philippines

Experience the best of the Philippines in Boracay

Go island-hopping in Palawan, the Philippines

Know before you go: the Philippines

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Beauty of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,100 islands. It is located in South East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The Philippines has 3 main regions. These regions are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The capital of the Philippines is Manila.

Culturally relevant attractions showcase the history and culture of the Philippines. We can find several museums and preserved architecture all over the islands. The Intramuros is one such structure. Built by the Spanish people during their regime, it houses several churches and other relevant political buildings and structures. In the neighboring province of Metro Manila, one can find the Banaue Rice terraces. These are mountain slopes converted into rice paddies. Since the tribes in this area didn’t have a lot of flat land, they develop the mountains to cater to their needs. In Sagada, one can see the hanging coffins, which were placed on the rock face of mountains.

In Cebu City, one can see the Lapu-lapu monument in Mactan, depicting the chieftain who thwarted Ferdinand Magellan. Cebu is also overflowing with five star hotels and resorts which cater to beach lovers and divers. Make sure not to miss the Sinulog Festival which showcases the story of the Sto. Nino de Cebu. A boat or plane ride away from Cebu is Bohol, a large island with beautiful, pristine beaches and a bevy of underwater attractions. The island of Bohol is also home to several churches which date back to the Spanish era. One can also find the legendary Chocolate Hills in Bohol. These hills look like mounds of chocolate during the dry season, thus their name.

Palawan is world renowned for its world class resorts and dive spots. One can also fish for game fish and other large fish there. The resorts in Palawan are exclusive and very private. Several of these, offer water sports adventure and other adventure sports like rock climbing. We can also witness the gathering of the delicious bird’s nests which are then made into bird’s nest soup. There are underwater rivers which can be explored by diving or by boat.

Davao City in Mindanao is home to Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak. This is the base of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary which houses the endangered eagles along with other birds of prey. The Pearl Farm, Davao is an exclusive island resort specializing in pearl culture. Bukidnon is famous for its Del Monte Golf course and Del Monte Pineapples. Huge plantations of pineapples make a scenic backdrop for pictures. Ati-atihan festivals are held in Bukidnon. These events are usually about agriculture, horse riding etc. Cagayan de Oro is the neighbor of Bukidnon to the north. One can go white water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River. It boasts a 3 hour ride down river with 27 rapids. There are several Nature Parks here that allow one to zip line from one tree to another and rappel down a gorge.

These are just a fraction of the beautiful sights and attractions to be found in the Philippines. Many more await visitors and tourists alike.

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6 comments on “Beauty of the Philippines”

optimistic! wow its so nice philippines is a great country.

awesome!!! terrific country wat man pasya tah hehehe ? boracay i love it.

i love philiphines its nice....wow! im proud to be a filipina

The Philippines is so beautiful like a paradise.

.......................................?????????????????................................................................ .........................so good here in philipines,come and enjoy........................................

Really very good.

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Flooding Problem in Philippines Research Paper

Essay introduction about flood in the philippines.

The Philippines generally and Metro Manila specifically is a city prone to flooding by its very nature and locality (Warren, 2000). Nevertheless, the city has grown and developed into a world trade commercial center that is always controlled by torrential waterfalls that make it lose its beauty. The Pasig River, which crosses the Manila City, is a landmark that collects the spills of natural waterways and drains excess water occasioned by heavy rains. Manila, Philippines, is characteristic of the heavy downpour that always results in dense flooding that literally disrupts business, learning, and transport as schools and offices are indefinitely closed immediately the rainy season begins.

Background on the Flood

Flooding affects every region of the Philippines neighborhood, and several low-lying regions in the Manila City, such as Espino, Taft, Malabo, and Valenzuela, are usually among the worst hit in every series of flooding that occurs in Philippines (Bankoff, 2003b). Neglect of friendly flood control measures and deeply rooted political interests in the concept of environmental conservation are factors involved (Fano, 2000). Damaged watersheds, enormous slum dwellers living in the echelons natural waterways, and the total disregard for the city’s drainage system continue to make the city of over 15 million people much chaotic, more uncertain, and highly vulnerable to high dense series of flooding.

Geographic Location

Metro Manila City is located in a semi-alluvial floodplain whose escapement is a formation of sediment flow that emanates from the Malabon-Tullahan and Meycauayan the riverbeds far north and the Marikina riverbed in the east (Catalina, 2012). The city stretches onto a land area of approximately 636 kilometers square and measuring nearly 20 kilometers in length, stretching along a north-south axis with an area that again stretches for another 22 kilometers (Afuang, 2001). Geographically, the city is open to Manila Bay unto the western side and adjacent to Laguna de Bay, a large water mass on the southeastern frontier.

Bankoff (2003a) observes that due to these geographical facts, the metropolitan region is made up of a massive urbanized drainage basin that receives frequent instances of river water outbursts that renders the existing system to wobble heavily from the canals that were constructed in the ancient regimes during the Spanish colonial period. In spite of the ever-growing vulnerability to these torrential water masses, rapid urbanization continues to be embraced in the Manila main drainage strip with residential homes, commercial sites, and heavy industries being built in these waterways with no regard to future considerations (Catalina, 2012).

The Climate of the Country

It is no doubt that it floods in the Philippines because it rains, while the rains and the Typhoons that occasion these flooding incidences normally increase in magnitude, observers opine that this is a duty of climate change, and it would be necessary to set out a work plan to stop this menace (Fano, 2000). As Badilla (2008) notes, the weather patterns and rainy seasons are increasingly becoming unpredictable which in essence result in sustained heavy rains that runs for days none stop causing severe flooding in most parts of the country. Large areas of the Manila City and other adjacent cities such as Quezon and Navotas have always shared in the problem as the rainy season sets in (Afuang, 2001). Poor weather conditions and flooding often damage vegetable plantations while heavily reduces the supply and drives up the costs of food; in effect, it makes life unbearable for the greater population of the Philippines nationals ( Flood disaster mitigation and river rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines , 2013).

The risks of flooding in the vast Philippines nation is worse off increased with the potential effects of climate change that is taking place in most parts of the world. Usually, serious flooding is occasioned in the months of August to November, and naturally, most of the flooding that occurs in the low-lying urban region are spill-offs from the slopes overlooking the Sierra Madre mountain strip along the eastern valleys of Marikina (Badilla, 2008).

Research Paper about Flood Control in the Philippines: History of Flood Management

Much of the Philippines flooding history, Manila region was the heart of great flooding trends, while the Pasig River and its branches like Marikina River, which were the main passageways to several settlements in the upcountry (Bankoff, 2003b). Despite that, the fact that the river had a series of destructive flooding instances, the riverbanks has always been considered a potential settlement by those who could hardly afford to obtain land or establish a business in the safer areas of the city ( Flood disaster mitigation and river rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines , 2013). Right from the onset, the population in the Philippines preferred to utilize the water from River Pasig to other sources of water for domestic consumption. Over the years, drawing points stretched to near the banks of the city, and the supply of this commodity was always polluted.

Following numerous failed attempts to mitigate this problem and manage the quantity of the supply of water, the Board of Water and Sewerage Commissioners formed to counter this menace tasked the city’s water engineering to discern and assess the variables in this concept (Bankoff, 2003b). The strategy of attempting to mitigate floodgates of water by taking the water point offshore continued inwards with slam dwellers increasingly encroaching on the waterways until the extension became impractical. As the populations continue to grow, the seizure of the suburban region also continued to expand, giving Manila City the need to construct additional pumping stations.

According to Bankoff (2003a), this necessitated the digging of new lake tunnels which were well supplied by intakes that fed the cribs, and by 1898 the task of combining several pumping systems and tunnels ended up in this present-day integration, a system with enhancements which stands out as the present supply of Philippines springs. In those years, the Pasig River was mild such that after the installation of the waterways, it became obvious that flooding was a menace. In addition, the construction of the many industries along the Manila City downtown further made the problem hard to accommodate ( Flood disaster mitigation and river rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines , 2013).

Recent Floods (New Flood’s Happened in 2013-2014 or 2012)

In recent years, instances of heavy downpour resulting in massive flooding have been witnessed in various parts throughout the Philippines. Flooding in the Philippines, in most cases, is occasioned by heavy rainfall at the mountainside or in the upper regions in the Manila north. The rains in these regions have been characterized by torrents, and so massive floods descend in the Manila City and other adjacent towns. In 2013, the worst flood was recorded as having reached over 30 feet that left many houses submerged as a business came to a standstill while learning in most places were called off for the better part of the rainy season.

Manila, by its nature, is an urban city-state that historically and up to date has had a series of water pollution problems (Badilla, 2008). It is no doubt that the flooding problem in the Philippines is because of the poor drainage management in Manila City and its internal waterways (Afuang, 2001). The Pasig River is nonetheless a contributory factor, and it is most probable that the north shore does not sufficiently discharge its waterways sufficiently whenever it rains because of the slum settlements and other industrial projections in these waterways.

According to Bankoff (2003a), several Philippines cities fall short for these harmful practices, which under normal circumstances, should be given priority by the nation’s regulatory authority. In an attempt to mitigate this nuisance, the government of the Philippines has lately embarked on diverting the waterways as well as the presumably attempting to evacuate the slum settlements and industrial projections in these waterways, that for a long time have inhibited the smooth sailing of the rainwater down the streams.

Problems and Destructions

Over the years, several households residing near the riverbeds have been subdued by these massive floods. In most cases, whenever it rains, the river burst its banks and spill over to the neighborhoods with overarching consequences (Doracie, 2000). During the escalating heavy torrential waterfalls or typhoons, the flooding in the streets of the Manila City swells to a high of two to three meters making most of the informal settlers to vacate their houses and seek shelter in evacuation points until the water pool recedes to bearable levels. Generally, these concerns disrupt the normal life of the Philippines residents, with all these in force, the business normally comes to a standstill in the worst-hit areas as transport and other factors that supplement commerce are subdued (Doracie, 2000).

Learning in most parts of the country, instantaneously becomes disrupted as most schools and colleges are prematurely closed down, disrupting the general learning calendar in several regions. In addition, normally, these flooding sequences are normally accompanied by instances of malaria and cholera outbreaks as mosquitos find it the most opportune moment for breeding. This, as Doracie (2000) notes, often comes at the backdrop of the closure of most social amenities as hospitals in most places become defunct. As a way of survival, the locals usually have to rely on aid from the state or non-governmental organizations that often steps in for various support factors ( Flood disaster mitigation and river rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines , 2013). In these difficult times, houses are usually brought down by the submerging water levels, and roads are indefinitely washed away.

Risk Management in the Country

Because of the influx of urbanization, slum villages usually develop; these often occur along the downtown hindering the free flow of the waterways in the adjacent rivers. Of much worry to the Philippines has been the projection of several cottage industries along the waterways in the City of Manila downtown. Much of the urban riverbanks are dotted up with informal settlements. Currently, the Philippines authorities have embarked on a housing and resettlement program that seeks to address the housing and resettlement situation in most of the cities in the region (Catalina, 2012). This is done at the backdrop proper drainage system so that the systematic and proper relocation to some identified places could be achieved for the benefit of all while keeping the ecosystem safe and relevant to the people.

As part of the government efforts, the affected house3holds are usually moved to amicable settlements within the national housing projects. Benchmarking its effort on the foundation that the Philippines topography is another factor to contend with, the government has also embarked on a work-plan aimed at digging trenches to aid the water flow down the streams. Alongside these programs will be the installation of dams along the waterways, as well as expanding the width of the existing ways and rivers to contain more water and eventually curb the frequent spillover onto the Manila streets ( Flood disaster mitigation and river rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines , 2013).

Solutions and Measurements to Solve Issues

The Philippines’ government has been on record lately as being at the forefront in tackling the excessive torrents of massive water occasioned by heavy rains or by the city’s adjacent Pasig River. Bausa and Reyes (2007) speculate that some wayward industries are still reluctant to bring down their installation as part of the risk management process. Research holds a greater volume of the county’s rainwater is directed into the city, which apparently lies in the lower regions geographically. For the suppression of doubt, these exemplifications only offer a remote preview to the most complex situation of the land-lies the experience, which has been great. The Manila City residents must learn to live by the definition of their unfortunate topography by reducing on the practices that naturally tend to demean their surroundings (Bausa & Reyes, 2007).

Further, Warren (2000) recommends that they must always be willing to reach out to outside assistance to mitigate the pollution in the Pasig River as well as the perennial floods imposed upon their city’s water supply. The Manila City that has been unparalleled and adversely affected by the unending instances of floodgates of water pollution must step up rapid response teams to tackle water pollution issues. In the event that these measures are not responded to in time, Bausa and Reyes (2007) note that there might be a concern for worry given that the scale of environmental degradation is great and swift, and eventually, things might never be the same again in Manila – its suburbs and the mainland. Borrowing heavily from history, during the mid-1800, the Philippines profoundly dealt with the Pasig River water pollution in ways that were best fitting for the time. Today, many technological changes have taken shape, eventually altering the way humans solve contemporary problems (Warren, 2000).

While the society is better prepared, more informed, and well equipped as never before, it would serve as a duty of negligence by the authorities to offer solutions that seek to mitigate the many instances of perennial floods. The 19 th -century engineers, however, were not concerned with the scourge of a diminishing reality of large water bodies, rather, they were concerned with the protection of urban populations from the scourge of lack of water hence the need by building the city-states near large water bodies (Bausa & Reyes, 2007).

Research Paper about Flood Control in the Philippines: Essay Conclusion

Proper drainage and disaster preparedness will always remain key in the concept of flood management in the Philippines. The concerns of flood management, as well as its mitigation program, are usually the duties of the communities living in flood prone regions. Governments should always enforce realizable measures that are aimed at curbing the impacts of the heavy downpour that results in massive flooding, as has been the case with most of the Philippines’ cities. While perfecting on these strategies is not always an easy achievement; monitoring by the regulatory authority is always necessary.

Afuang, B. (2001). Floods and the City . Web.

Badilla, R. (2008). Flood modeling in Pasig-Marikina basin . Web.

Bankoff, G. (2003a). Cultures of disaster; society and natural hazard in the Philippines . Routledge Curzon, London: Sage Publishers. Web.

Bankoff, G. (2003b). Constructing vulnerability: The historical, natural, and social generation of flooding in metropolitan Manila. Disasters , 27 (3), 95–109. Web.

Bausa, J. W., and Reyes, G. V. (2007). Proposal report flood hazard mapping project in Philippines . Web.

Catalina, M. (2012). Structural Measures for Flood Management in the Philippines . Web.

Doracie, B. (2000). Flood Hazards in Metro Manila: Recognizing commonalities, differences, and courses of action. Social Science Diliman , 1 (1), 60-105. Web.

Fano, N. (2000). Flood control and drainage network/operations/plans in Metro Manila . Web.

Flood disaster mitigation and river rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines (2013). Web.

Warren, J. F. (2013). A Tale of Two Decades: Typhoons and Floods, Manila and the Provinces, and the Marcos Years. The Asia-Pacific Journal , 11 (3), 1-11. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2023, November 12). Flooding Problem in Philippines. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flooding-problem-in-philippines/

"Flooding Problem in Philippines." IvyPanda , 12 Nov. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/flooding-problem-in-philippines/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Flooding Problem in Philippines'. 12 November.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Flooding Problem in Philippines." November 12, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flooding-problem-in-philippines/.

1. IvyPanda . "Flooding Problem in Philippines." November 12, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flooding-problem-in-philippines/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Flooding Problem in Philippines." November 12, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flooding-problem-in-philippines/.

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Essay on Philippine Culture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Philippine Culture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Philippine Culture

Introduction.

Philippine culture is rich and diverse. It is a mix of various influences from its history. This makes it unique and interesting. The culture includes traditions, languages, festivals, and art forms.

Traditions and Customs

The Philippines is known for its customs. These are rules that guide how people behave. Some customs include respect for elders and hospitality. Filipinos are known for being friendly and welcoming.

Languages and Dialects

The Philippines has many languages. Filipino and English are the main ones. There are also over 170 dialects. This shows the country’s diversity.

Festivals and Celebrations

Festivals are a big part of Philippine culture. They are colorful and fun. Each festival has a story behind it. This makes them special and meaningful.

Arts and Crafts

Filipino arts and crafts are beautiful. They show the country’s creativity. Examples include weaving, pottery, and carving. These crafts are often passed down through generations.

Philippine culture is a blend of many influences. It is unique and diverse. It is a culture that values respect, hospitality, and creativity. It is a culture to be proud of.

250 Words Essay on Philippine Culture

Introduction to philippine culture.

The Philippines is a beautiful island country in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich culture that is a mix of many influences. These influences come from its history, people, and its location in the world.

Historical Influence

The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years. This Spanish rule has left a big mark on the country’s culture. Many Filipinos have Spanish names, and the country’s main religion is Roman Catholicism. This shows the strong Spanish influence.

People and Traditions

The people of the Philippines, called Filipinos, are known for their friendliness. They love to celebrate and have many festivals throughout the year. These festivals are filled with music, dance, and colorful costumes. They also have a tradition called “Bayanihan”. This is where everyone in a community helps each other. It shows the strong sense of community in Filipino culture.

Food in the Philippines

Filipino food is a big part of their culture. It is a blend of many different styles, like Spanish, Chinese, and native Filipino. Rice is a staple food, eaten at almost every meal. Adobo, a dish made from meat, vinegar, and soy sauce, is a popular Filipino dish.

Philippine Art

Art is also important in the Philippines. Their art includes weaving, pottery, and music. The “kundiman” is a type of love song that is very popular. It shows the Filipino’s love for music and their emotional side.

In conclusion, the culture of the Philippines is a rich mix of history, people, and traditions. It is a culture that values community, celebration, and art.

500 Words Essay on Philippine Culture

Philippine culture is a beautiful mix of different influences from its history. It is unique and rich because of the combination of Eastern and Western cultures. This essay will explain the culture of the Philippines in a simple way.

The Philippines has over 170 languages, but Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are the official languages. This means that most people in the Philippines speak at least two languages. This is a big part of their culture because it shows how they can adapt to different languages and still keep their own.

Family Values

Family is very important in the Philippines. Filipinos have strong family ties and they often live with their extended family. This includes grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. They believe that the family is the basic unit of society. They also show respect to their elders by doing the “mano po”, where they take an elder’s hand and touch it to their forehead.

Festivals, or “fiestas”, play a big role in the culture of the Philippines. There are lots of fiestas all year round. They have these to honor their local saints, to give thanks for a good harvest, or to celebrate history. During a fiesta, there is often music, dancing, and lots of food. The “Sinulog” and “Ati-Atihan” are two of the most popular festivals.

Filipino food is a blend of different flavors. Rice is a staple food and is usually eaten with meat, fish, or vegetables. Some popular dishes are “adobo” (meat stewed in vinegar and soy sauce), “sinigang” (sour soup), and “lechon” (roasted pig). They also have sweet desserts like “halo-halo”, which is a mix of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various fruits and beans.

Arts and crafts are also a part of the culture of the Philippines. Filipinos are known for their weaving, pottery, and jewelry-making. They use local materials like bamboo, rattan, and shells. They also have unique dances, songs, and stories that they pass down from generation to generation.

Philippine culture is a wonderful mix of different influences. It is rich in traditions, languages, foods, and arts. Even with all the changes over the years, Filipinos have kept their unique culture alive. They are proud of their history and traditions, and they continue to share them with the world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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The Unbearable Uncertainty of Pregnancy

By Clare Beams

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In my first pregnancy it looked like this: At our anatomy scan, the doctor was able to see that the umbilical cord was attached, not in the center of the placenta, where it was supposed to be, but off to the side. In my second pregnancy, it came when they measured a fold at the back of my daughter’s neck, the nuchal translucency. Follow-up testing was recommended if this fold was thicker than 3mm, because too much thickness there might or might not mean chromosomal or structural abnormalities that might or might not be incompatible with life. My daughter’s was 3mm exactly.

“What does that mean?” I asked, both times.

“Don’t worry,” the first doctor said. “Nature knows what it’s doing. It’s probably nothing.”

“Don’t worry,” the second doctor said, and then gave me forms to sign for chorionic villus sampling.

Neither of them actually answered my question.

Even before these moments, I’d found pregnancy uneasy , unknowable terrain. First there were lines on a test, then a little mounding between my hipbones, which I could only feel when I was lying down, and a vague sense of sickness, like reading in the back of a car on a twisty road. With more months came heft and an uncanny internal stirring, like a twitch of a new inner muscle that became distinct flailings, bumpings, and rollings. Here, at my core, was a region I had no access to. A sealed black box on which everything—a whole life—suddenly depended. Were things all right, inside? Who knew? Not my doctors, it seemed—not with the certainty I craved. I’d somehow turned my own body into a sort of restaging of Schrödinger’s cat . My eventual baby, inside the closed container of my uterus—my own organ, but exempt from my conscious control or knowledge, an unseen central zone I’d never been very aware of before—was both all right and not all right at all times. Both possibilities existed, and neither could be ruled out. The baby was utterly inaccessible to me even when I contained it completely, even when I was touching whatever appendage it was jabbing me with through the wall of my own abdomen.

When my doctors didn’t answer my questions to my satisfaction, I set off in search of answers elsewhere. My Google searches from those months read like a staccato seismograph of panic:

nuchal fold how thick is still normal

nuchal fold thick outcomes

umbilical cord attachment placement

umbilical cord off-center what happens.

Yet the whole internet seemed to be an echo chamber of the uncertainty my doctors had given me, a whole world with nothing surer to offer than probably, and the facts I gathered just made my not-knowing noisier. I found my way to the sites of scientific journals and lost hours there, reading about percentages of babies who turned out to have various conditions, babies born alive and not born alive. The numbers were objectively in our favor, yet failed to reassure me. Nowhere could I find enough of the central why I sought: a clear cause-and-effect-based story, some account of what the things the doctors had seen, when they glimpsed inside the black box at my core, might mean. Every possible cause was quickly supplanted by the next, sometimes with wildly different ramifications. The abnormalities on my daughters’ scans could be inconsequential artifacts of being a particular human, or they could be the first stage of a cascading catastrophe. The internet just told me, in the end, that what the doctors had seen could mean nothing or everything, and the seesawing of my mind between these two possibilities felt like actual motion, like the uncanny internal motion of the baby inside me, shifting me around in ways I couldn’t control.

I’ve found, in speaking to friends who’ve been pregnant, that some version of this experience isn’t uncommon. There is an amazing amount we do not know about pregnancy , and about women’s bodies in general , particularly those organs that have anything to do with sex . Pregnant women don’t generally volunteer for invasive studies, of course—but the reasons for our collective ignorance are, I think, deeper. We have a longstanding squeamishness about women’s interiors, which many cultures have historically imbued with a lot of fearful mystery and capacity for wrongness. For centuries, the dominant feeling on the part of the people in charge (mostly men) was that it would be better for everyone—maybe especially for women themselves—to avert their eyes, that no good could come from looking in such places. Medicine hasn’t fully recovered from this view because society hasn’t. I kept coming up against the limits, sometimes deliberately set, of what everyone knew.

By Alexandra Macon

By Leah Faye Cooper

By Jenny Berg

I also think my search failed to reassure me because it was my first real high-stakes experience with the limits of what it’s possible to know at all. I’ve had two pregnancies, and I have two daughters, now 7 and 11, and this is lucky math. But it turns out, of course, that the end of the pregnancy is far from the end of the worrying. Pregnancy itself was only my first taste of the joy and fear my daughters have brought streaming into my life, in quantities that have reset my scales. Every day I find new things I can’t know about my daughters: what their experiences feel like to them, what they’re thinking at any given moment, what the world is doing to them while I’m not with them (or even while I am). My daughter breaks an arm jumping for the same bar she’s caught 500 other times; my other daughter decides, after a snub at recess, that her friend will never love her again; in just the time between when they get off the bus and when they arrive at our door two streets away, there are a million unforeseen ways they could break my heart. Children, after all, are definitionally unprecedented. I’ve had to expand, in every way, to fit mine, but I can never hope to succeed entirely. When my daughters were born one worry ended, yes, but they moved out from my body into a world I can only ever see in part—and their inner worlds, too, are only ever partly accessible to me, a new form of the black box, those realms on which so much depends. And so parenting has brought me constant practice with not knowing the information that matters more to me than any information in the world.

Clare Beams is the author of the novel The Garden , out next week.

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