In the continent of Asia, the country of the Philippines could be considered to have one of the most unique cultures in the world. One factor that contributed in its distinctive culture is the fact that Philippines is predominantly a Christian country (mostly made up of Catholics). Its strategic location (middle of the Southeast Asian region) made it a melting pot of different heritage brought about by various early traders and merchants that put up their businesses. Some went home to their motherland; some stayed for good and with that, cultures and beliefs mixed and it was tagged as 'Filipino'. Philippines is definitely rich in natural resources. For this reason, as history attested throughout the years, foreigners had been trying to reach and claim the country as their own for practical reasons (raw materials). Nonetheless, the natural beauty of the country has the alluring power or influence that attracted people around the world.
The Philippines' rainforests and its wide coastlines make it home to a various array of sea creatures, plants, birds and animals. It is one of the ten most geologically mega-diverse countries and is at or close to the top in terms of biodiversity (per unit area). More than 1000 terrain vertebrate species can be found in the Philippines including over 100 mammal types and more than 150 bird species that exist exclusively in the country. Common species include the Tamaraw of Mindoro and the Bohol's Philippine Tarsier. The Philippines lacks predators, with the exceptions such as the Philippine Eagle national bird), birds of prey, cobras and pythons. Other native animals include the various species of bats, mouse deer, palm civet cat and the Visayan Warty Pig. With an estimated o more than 10000 plant species in the country, more than 3000 of which are exclusive to the islands, Philippine rainforests boast a selection of flora, including many exceptional types of rafflesia and orchids. The Narra is regarded as the most significant form of hardwood. Philippine territorial marine area encompass further than one million and a half square kilometers (more than 600000 square miles) producing unique and diverse sea environment and is an vital part of the Coral Triangle. There are more than 2000 fish species and over 500 coral species. Philippine waters also sustain the cultivation of pearls, crabs, and seaweeds. Seaweeds, crabs, and the cultivation of pearls can also be sustained in Philippine marine environment. These natural assets are the main reasons why Philippines has been categorized of having a gigantic diversity of flora and fauna in the world.
The local government of the Philippines tries to be economically competitive with the international market by enhancing the Eco-Tourism. This tourism industry would be emphasizing on the nature preservation and appreciation, at the same time, trade and commerce would grow as the influx of tourists and potential clients would be creating business opportunities and creating jobs. The internet is one of the best media of communication and advertisement and for that reason the http://www.gov.ph/ provides useful information and vital facts that are very helpful especially for first timer. The official website is user-friendly and very interactive. Definitely, there is nothing to be worried about. Enjoying and learning a glimpse of the Philippines is literally, just takes a few clicks away.
Although the Philippines has mountainous terrains, approximately 14 percent of its 158,810 kilometer roads is paved. Wherever you may be, Philippines transportation is easy because of the different modes of transport at your disposal.
In Metro Manila as well as in the provinces, airconditioned and non-airconditioned buses are accessible. The cost of fare is much higher with the airconditioned variety. However, if your destination is located outside of Manila, you can avail of chartered bus lines.
The most popular means of transportation is the jeepney. These vehicles resemble those used by the Americans at the height of the Second World War. Like most buses, they also have a regular route and will stop when flagged down. The minimum fare is P7.00 per 4 kilometers and an additional 50 centavos for the succeeding kilometers.
Airconditioned taxi cabs are accessible in any part of Manila. If you want to travel by car, not in a taxi, there are car rental services also available but you need to have an international driver's license. If you are staying in a luxurious hotel, majority of them have limousine services that will take you to your desired destination.
Cheap and fast is what both the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) would give you. This is the preffered mode of transport especially by commuters who are going to their respective places of work. The MRT, for instance, traverses the commercial centers of Ortigas and Ayala Avenue.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR), which is government-owned is a viable option if you are traveling outside of Manila. The track stretches across 1,060 kilometers of the country. However, it can only service those going to Luzon provinces so if you are going to the other islands, the best option is to ride a ferry.
Another option for Philippine transportation is through the air since there are more than 40 provincial airports in the country. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is just a kilometer away from the Manila Domestic Airport and is 7 miles from the heart of the city. The NAIA boasts of offering several amenities such as a medical clinic, banks, and postal service along with duty-free shops, among others.
Seventy five of the total 262 airports in the country have paved runways. The Philippine Airlines is the country's national carrier with flights connecting to 12 cities in 7 countries. On the domestic front, PAL has daily flights to 17 local cities. Likewise, when traveling to smaller locations, you can choose among Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, Mindanao Expres, and SEAir.
Waterways and seaports in the country stretch 3,219 kilometers. There are various shipping companies connecting Manila to other major ports in the country. The busiest seaports are located in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, Cebu, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro.
Traveling to your desired location is very easy with these Philippines transportation options.
Fiestas are eagerly awaited events in the Philippines. The festivals celebrate the happy nature of the Filipinos. Whether it be for honoring the patron saint, or a harvest rite or commemorating a historical event, Filipinos celebrate every event.
Some of these Philippine Festivals even attract local and foreign tourist. Street dances, fluvial processions, floral parades, reenactments are some of the attractions of Fiestas. Below are some of the Festivals that are celebrated in the Philippines.
Every Ninth of January, Filipinos from all walks of life congregate in Manila’s Quiapo Church to honor and give thanks to the Black Nazarene. Many Filipinos claim that the church’s Black Nazarene statue is miraculous. Devotees claim that the Black Nazarene has answered their prayers.
The religious devotion of the Filipinos is showcased in this day. The statue of the Black Nazarene is place on a carriage and pulled by thousands of male devotees along the streets near Quiapo Church.
The Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated every third week of January in Kalibo, Aklan. This Philippine Festival is a combination of historical commemoration and religious homage. It commemorates how Bornean chieftains and the local Ati King Marikudo reached a deal to settle the land during the thirteenth century. Locals also give thanks to its patron saint Sto. Niño during this celebration. The main feature of this Philippine Festival is the street dance where soot-blacked people dressed in Ati-Atihan costume dance in the street along the accompaniment of drums.
Every last week of February, residents of Baguio take to the streets and celebrate Panagbenga. A parade of floats decorated with locally grown flowers is the highlight of this Philippine festival. Another attraction of this festival, is the street dance. Local schools compete in a street dance competition. Students of each school are dressed as Baguio flowers and perform in a choreographed dance. Thousands residents and tourist line up the sidewalks to watch the schoolchildren dance in the streets.
In Lucban, Laguna, residents give thanks to its patron saint San Isidro every 15th of May. Houses are colorfully decorated with fruits, vegetables and kiping (leaves colored with dyed ground rice) as materials.
Lechon or Roasted Pigs has made Balayan, Batangas famous. This locally delicacy is in demand around the Philippines. To showcase this famed Balayan product, residents dress-up their roasted pigs as politicians, celebrities, even saints. These dressed-up lechons are paraded around town. On-lookers can partake of the lechon as they are paraded around town.
Celebrated every September 16 in Naga City in the Bicol Region. This Fiesta honors its Patron the Virgin Mother Mary. The highlight of this event is the fluvial parade.
Very last week of November, residents of Angono, Rizal honor their patron saint San Clemente by paraded giant paper mache puppets. Another feature of this festival is that residents are dowsed with water as the procession marches on.
San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its beautifully made Christmas lanterns. To showchase this artistry, the Giant Lantern Festival is held every December. Enormous Christmas lanterns with intricate designs and elaborate twinkling light bulbs compete with each other for the festival’s top prize.
Many know Zamboanga because of the beautiful flowers that grow here and the thriving businesses but not all are aware of the brilliant Zamboanga festivals that keep visitors coming back to this region in the southern part of the Philippines. One might be wondering what makes these Zamboanga festivals different from the events celebrated in other parts of the country but once one has attended a single celebration, it is a hundred percent guaranty that there are no other festivals that can compare to it.
Let’s take the Regatta de Zamboanga as an example. Done annually during October this Zamboanga festival is one of the most entertaining and colorful. Boat racing has never been this fun or amusing to watch. The locals make their own vintas or sailboats just for the Regatta de Zamboanga and regardless of whether they win the race or not, they go home proud and happy that they are able to showcase something that they have worked on for several months. Every history book about Zamboanga would have something in it about vintas but very few would be able to describe the Regatta de Zamboanga with such conciseness. The atmosphere at this Zamboanga festival is almost party-like with all the colorful sails and the contestants dressed to kill in equally colorful costumes. The Regatta de Zamboanga is an event sponsored by the local government and hence one can expect prestigious awards at this event.
Derived from the Spanish term that means “Flowers of May”, Flores de Mayo is a Zamboanga festival that has been celebrated for over a century, dating back to the Spanish occupation of the country. Flores de Mayo lasts for a whole month and no other Zamboanga festival will exhibit the devotion of the Filipinos to the Catholic faith. Flores de Mayo is in honor of the Virgin Mary and this is an event that is participated in by children as they are the ones designated to bring flowers to the statue of Zamboanga’s patron. Although Flores de Mayo is not really unique to Zamboanga, but the way that this province celebrates it is different. One of the highlights of this Zamboanga festival is the Santacruzan which is a series of parades held in the streets where Christian items such as bibles and statues of saints are showcased. The children in particular look forward to the game at the end of the Flores de Mayo called “pabitin”, where children are blindfolded one by one and would have to crack a clay pot filled with goodies.
Ever since my 'rationality' started to work, I had noticed that the wave of having a better chance of survival in life, moreover, a better kind of lifestyle was one or both parents needed to go and work outside the Philippines. My feeble mind always conditioned me that it was practical, but then I was aware that it has its repercussions or consequences. After having a sense of maturity, I guessed I was right in a way. Lack of presence from a parent or both parents had taken its toll on their child or children. I had a lot of classmates that had some issues identifying themselves as they grow. Not that they were confused of their gender, but it was more of being held responsible of what they should do. I was really thankful that in my school our support system was very compassionate of those who needed assistance. Unfortunately, not all of us have the same chance to have this kind of treatment.
At a young age, I believed that money should definitely a problem, but I was conscious that money was, is and would always be a big part or a major factor of life. The drive of consumerism and ‘compound interest’ had played its role making life in a higher notch and at the same time complicated (the great scientist was right about compound interest!) As for me, I did see the potentiality of the Philippines in terms of economic growth.
We are aware that there is an economic crunch going on for past few years in the international market. Those companies which had foreseen the crisis in advance had entered business process outsourcing line in doing commerce. It involved tapping potential human resources offshore and paying a lower labor cost and that made the difference in terms of survival in the world market. Philippines had been one of the countries chosen because of its competency in terms of talent and skills. Multitasking had been the greatest talent or skill a Filipino possess. Call centers companies thrive in the Philippines because of hardworking and dedicated 'Pinoys' (Filipinos) who know what they are doing. Whether it would be a technical and communication skill, we Filipinos have it! This is actually the reason why I seem not be attractive with the lucrative offers working outside this country. I really value the presence and importance of my family.
Filipinos are very family oriented. We value the importance family lineage. Recognizing this culture, the individual's formation, maturity and personal growth greatly depends on the exposure he or she has on his or her formative years. If this has been everybody’s concern, I am really positive that Philippines would definitely be economically competitive in no time and it is all because of talented individuals from families who give importance to moral values.
The Philippines is all about having modern conveniences right at one’s fingertips while holding close values and beliefs that have been passed on from generation to generation. The Filipino’s warmth and hospitality is best showcased by Philippine hotels, establishments that always welcome their guests with a smile and provide service comparable to none.
In the heart of Makati’s central business district lie a luxurious Philippine hotel called the Dusit Thani Hotel. This Philippine hotel has 538 luxury rooms that have complete facilities that have been designed especially with the needs of the guests in mind. The Dusit Thani Hotel combines Thai and Filipino traditions to provide solace and satisfaction and their guests. The hotel facilities offered by this Philippine hotel are concierge, airport transfer, business center, baby-sitting service, dental clinic, Olympic-sized pool, several fine dining restaurants, spa and a shopping mall. The Dusit Thani Hotel is also a good place to hold meetings and conventions and one will find that this Philippine hotel has complete equipment for anything that one might need and a venue that promotes business thinking. The rooms on the other hand at the Dusit Thani Hotel all have air conditioning, Internet connection, a work desk, mini bar, IDD telephone, LCD flat screen and bathroom with a bathtub and a shower with complete bathroom amenities. What keeps drawing people to this Philippine hotel is that despite being a luxury hotel that can sometimes be intimidating, Dusit Thani Hotel makes their guests feel right at home and they are very attentive to what their guests need during their stay.
When in Davao, a luxury hotel that blends Filipino hospitality with Western comforts is the Marco Polo Davao Hotel. This Philippine hotel is located in Mindanao, the southernmost island of the Philippines. The rooms at the Marco Polo Davao Hotel are elegant and are very spacious and there are many types to choose from. All 245 rooms at this Philippine hotel have large beds, cable television, IDD telephone and a bathroom with all the amenities in it. The signature suite of the Marco Polo Davao Hotel is like a self-contained apartment only much better and ensures privacy. The facilities of this Philippine hotel are fitness center, spa, swimming pool, business center and recreation facilities. While staying at the Marco Polo Davao Hotel allow them to arrange a tour of the city so that one will get to enjoy all the attractions that Davao has to offer. The restaurant at the Marco Polo Davao Hotel also serves fine Asian and Western dishes.
Emmanuel 'Manny The PACMAN' Pacquiao has been the modern hero for the Filipinos as a nation. Bagging seven world titles in the field of world boxing scenario definitely makes Filipinos proud of its race. Nonetheless, throughout the history, Filipinos (citizens of the Philippines) have been involved in physical activities such as sports. Nowadays, other than boxing, various pastimes and sports are trendy in the Philippines such as 'sipa', chess, ten-pin bowling, taekwondo, badminton, football, volleyball and of course basketball. Outdoor sports and off and on the road sports are getting popularity as well like mountaineering, cycling and motocross. Among the said sports, basketball is considered as the most popular pastime or sports for majority of the Filipinos. It has something to do with the influence of the Americans as they colonized the country in the 1900's. The Philippine Basketball Association or the PBA has been regarded as the first professional basketball institution in Asia and the manifestation of how the Filipinos love the game.
However, before these Western sporting activities entered the Filipino culture or psyche, there were already noted Filipino traditional games that had been considered the pastimes of the ancient Filipinos. These games or activities had been popular most especially for the youth. 'Luksong Baka' and 'Luksong Tinik' could test leaping ability by jumping over hurdles that go higher as the game progresses. 'Piko' tests players’ accuracy as they try to hit a stone in a given distance using another stone termed as the 'pato'. Defense, speed, agility and being strategic are tested every time 'Patintero' is being played. 'Patintero' is played with the 'it' team (defensive team) and tries to defend the 'court' by 'tagging' any body part of the offensive team to make them the 'it' team. If the offensive team avoided any 'tagging' from the defending team and finished the hurdles, a point would be awarded. Another notable traditional game is 'Sungka'. According to some accounts, instead of seashells, precious stone gems or pearls were being used to play 'Sungka'.
The cultural heritage of the Philippines could be read on history books and write ups. Nonetheless, experiencing this cultural heritage is more than reading accounts and seeing lovely pictures. It is all about being a part of it by visiting or having a tour at the Philippines. Arranging, booking and gathering some information regarding Philippines is just a few clicks away. Since eco-tourism is being promoted, a lot of travel agencies could help tourists with their traveling and touring needs. Everything is made possible by the power of the World Wide Web or the internet nowadays.