What Makes the Philippines a Pearl?

The Philippines is known as “The Pearl of the Orient” probably because of the treasure and the beauty that visitors can find in the 7,107 islands this archipelago has. This Southeast Asian country is divided into three major parts and these are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It has 15 regions: Regions I-XII, Cordillera Autonomous Region, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and National Capital Region.

Whatever your reason for visiting the Philippines is, there is a destination that can fit your personality. If you just want to take in the view and just relax, you can go to Baguio (which is the summer capital of the country) or to Tagaytay. If you are a water person, there are just a lot of beaches and dive sites to swim into. If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll never run out of mountains, volcanoes and caves to explore.

If you’re a first-time tourist, you definitely have to go to the world-famous Boracay Island. Everybody craves its sun, sea and sand. You don’t even need a map to go there coz everybody’s headed there. We’re not kidding you about this. People lovingly nicknamed the place “Bora” as the place is so friendly people want to be on a first name basis with the place.

There are endless events and parties that are happening where everybody seems to know each other and everybody is having a lot of fun. Aside from entertainment, the place boasts of its food, banana boats, jet-skiing, parasailing and other water sports, and of course, the white sandy beaches.

Since Manila is the capital of the Philippines, it is a must-see. Forget what Claire Danes said about Manila. Go to Manila to prove her wrong. Through the efforts of outgoing Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, he made the city alive again with his “Buhayin ang Maynila” program. Everybody loves the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard. You can chill in the many restaurants lining the area. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to catch the lovely sunset at Manila Bay.

Want to see the eighth wonder of the world? Then fly to the Cordillera Autonomous Region where the Banawe Rice Terraces are. Be amazed to see the proof of Filipino ingenuity.

Are you curious about the world’s smallest monkey? Then off to Bohol you go! Not only will you be able to hold the tarsier in the palm of your hand (it’s that small!), there’s the view of the Chocolate Hills that can awe you.

Other favorite tourist spots include The Hundred Islands, Taal Volcano, Mayon Volcano, Palawan Coron Bay, Siargao Island and Puerto Galera.

Aside from these magnificent places, I’m proud to say that Filipino hospitality makes the Philippines a gem for tourists.
 
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