Trek-Philippines

"Bayan Ko" A song from Freddie Aguilar
Dive Philippines!
The Tubbataha Reef & Palawan
Key Links about the Philippines
Banaue Rice Terraces
World's No.1: Boracay
Wow! Volcanoes - Philippines
The San Pablo Volcanic Field
San Pablo City
GUESTBOOK**Make a statement**
Testimonials
History at a Glance
Superb Beaches
Baguio City and Manila
Fort Santiago
Views of the Pasig from Fort Santiago
Vigan and Puerto Galera
Feasts & Festivals
VT Philippines Forum
Why not visit the store - for all things travel!
acknowledgments & credits

The Philippines lies within the 'coral triangle' - the area with the highest marine biodiversity on earth.

The archipelago has a diverse marine eco-system,
home to some of the finest dive sites in the world.
Dive with the Dugongs at Dimakya Island, Thresher
Sharks at Malapascua or snorkel with Whale Sharks at Donsol.

Wreck enthusiasts head to Sangat Island Reserve and Coron Bay where the WWII Japanese Fleet can be
found.

Alternatively try the tiny island of Cabilao where
the reefs are home to barracuda, sharks and large rays - or Balicasag Island - with its marine sanctuary, walls and schooling jacks.

The Philippines has diving suitable for everyone with islands, beaches and reefs waiting to be explored.

For the finest dive sights in the Philippines click here for an excellent colour brochure.
"Spectacular drop-offs, deep dives, caves, wrecks, and a richly varied marine life await the visitor. The variety of hard and soft corals is amazing . there are more than 500 species (the entire Caribbean only has around 60). Divers commonly see sharks, rays, moray eels, octopus, and sea snakes, along with innumerable species of fish, including groupers, jack, tuna, surgeonfish, parrot fish, sweetlips and lionfish, to name a few. Of the 100,000 known species of shellfish, over 21,000 are found here, including many that are unique to the Philippines. It's a diver's paradise!"
Jack Jackson, Globetrotter Dive Guide to the Philippines, 2nd edn.,
New Holland Publishers: London, 2002


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The Tubbataha Reef is regarded as one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. The diversity of marine life found in Tubbataha is equal to or greater than any such reef of its size in the world.
Tubbataha is a reef ecosystem made up of two atolls comprising of roughly 10,000 hectares of corals and many other forms of marine life, and is a sanctuary located in the middle of the Sulu Sea.
The reefs lie on the Cagayan Ridge, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes which starts from the north at the Sultana Shoal and ends in the south at the San Miguel Islands. It is located 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and 80 nautical miles southwest of Cagayancillo.
It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, in recognition of its outstanding universal value in terms of marine life species diversity and richness.
Palawan includes 1,800 islands and other many excellent diving destinations. The world-renowned French aquatic biologist Jacques Cousteau spoke of Palawan as "the most beautiful place I ever explored".

Regarded as the Philippines' last ecological frontier, Palawan provides world-class diving and a diverse wildlife that is not found in any other part of the archipelago.

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Researchers have recorded 396 species of corals - 85 per cent of all hard coral species in the entire Philippines. There are 479 species of fish from 46 families. Manta rays are frequent visitors to the reef as are barracudas and large schools of jacks. Tubbataha is also home to six species of sharks - usually found cruising around the outskirts of the reef. There are two types of sea turtles and nine species of marine mammals found in these reefs.

Coral reefs are one of the earth's most ancient ecosystems. They date back to the Mesozoic period around 225 million years ago.

Tubbataha is one of the Philippines' oldest ecosystems. Scientists have suggested that the reefs' formation began around 15 million years ago with the eruption of the chain of volcanoes along the Cagayan Ridge.
Tubbataha is a global resource and as such it is our shared heritage.
Please offer your support.

After more than twenty years of conservation efforts, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to no less than:

* 573 species of fish
* 379 species of corals
* 11 species of sharks
* 12 species of dolphins & whales
* 79 species of algae
* 7 species of seagrasses
* 44 species of birds
* Nesting Hawksbill & Green sea turtles

The park contains roughly 10,000 hectares of coral reef, lying at the heart of the coral triangle - the centre of global marine biodiversity.

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My country the Philippines, Land of gold and flowers, With love in her palms She offers beauty and virtue.

And of her modesty and beauty, The foreigner was attracted. O, my country, you were enslaved, Mired in hardship.

Even birds that are free to fly, Cage them and they cry, Much more a beautiful country, Shall long to be free.

Philippines my beloved, Cradle of my tears and suffering, I'll aspire, To see you truly free.

Freddie Aguilar

...Step inside and have a browse - there's bound to be something right up your street...
The Trek-Philippines Travel Store

For the best in books, music, dvd's and travel accessories.

Don't forget your travel insurance....

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www.visitmyphilippines.com for just about everything you need to know, and even a little that you don't!

An online gateway to all the regional destinations. The information is excellent and the images superb.

For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains.
The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the Batad indigenous people. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces.

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Regularly voted in the top ten, the reputation of Boracay stands supreme as one of the finest beaches in the world. The combination of powdery white sand, azure crystal clear waters, fantastic sunsets, and coconut trees which appear to bow in deference to nature's beauty, all add up to give this destination the truly justifiable title of a tropical paradise.Yahoo Travel have named it No.1, ahead of Nassau, The Bahamas, in their top ten most popular beaches of 2007. Indeed two of the top three are in the Philippines, with Cebu at no.3.
This 4.5 mile long island is situated 200 miles south of Manila in the province of Aklan, Visayas - the central region of the Philippines.There is a wealth of information on the web about Borocay - far more than this brief highlight can do justice. Whilst there are an unknown quantity of beautiful beaches in the Philippines, the key factors of enjoyment and appreciation are infrastructure and access. Due to the commercialisation of Boracay, this is not a problem. It's a must see destination - once seen, never forgotten!

There are 22 active volcanoes in the Philippines.
14 of which have erupted since 1907. The most recent was Mount Mayon in June 2001. (Image right)

There are 27 potentially active volcanoes and over 350 inactive ones. Volcano trekkers and enthusiasts should visit the:
Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology website.

The Philippine Islands are a volcanologist's paradise, and also a great starter to the subject for budding adventurers.

The following gives a brief introduction to some of the most well known volcanoes.....

Taal Volcano in Tagaytay, 30 miles south-west of Manila, with its spectacular, breathtaking, evocative and enigmatic views hide the fact that it
is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

The volcano is known to be the smallest in the world. Surrounded by a lake, it is situated on an 8.8km (5.5 mile) islet, lapped by the 27km (17 mile) long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking.

Since 1572, Taal has erupted at least 34 times. From early 1991, the volcano has been restless, with swarms of earthquakes, new steaming areas, ground fracturing, and increases in water temperature of the lake.
As recently as April 2007 the water in the crater has been bubbling. Taal is a must-see trip when visiting the Philippines - provided of course that it's not over active!

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Regarded as the worlds most perfectly symmetrically formed volcano, Mount Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Since 1616, it has erupted 47 times.

At 8,077 feet, it is located in the province of Albay in the Bicol region on the Island of Luzon.

The most destructive eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1, 1814, when lava flows buried the town of Cagsawa and 1,200 people perished.

Only the bell tower of the town's church remains to this day above the new surface. The Philippines lies on the Pacific "rim of fire" and is host to some of the most spectacular volcanoes in the world.


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The world awoke to Mount Pinatubo in June 1991. The volcano stirred from her slumber some weeks earlier. consensus has it that she re-awakened as a result of an earthquake the previous year. In any event, her eruption was to be the largest of the twentieth century.

People had lived and farmed on her fertile slopes for hundreds of years. Indeed many would not have known that Pinatubo was a volcano. Those that did would have assumed it was long extinct, as the last recorded eruption had been 500 years earlier.

The caldera which formed after the eruption created a sulfurous lake. One quarter of which was drained recently by the Philippines Government for fear of flooding. What remains is a geographical phenomenon of outstanding beauty, now known as the Summit of Peace and Tranquility.

ANNUAL PINATUBO TREK
(A MARCH TO PEACE AND TRANQUILITY)

Every November. Bgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac

An annual event to commemorate the world-famous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo heralded the world over as the biggest geological upheaval of the 20th century.

The event is meant to bring together hundreds of people to the tranquil and pacific crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo known as the Summit of Peace and Tranquility.

While at the summit people are enjoined to renew their avowed commitment to sow the seeds of peace, stability and harmony amongst Filipinos. An ecumenical worship highlights the annual sojourn.

For more information pls contact:
Dept Of Tourism -Region III
Tel. # (6345) 961-2665/961-2612

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Mount Apo is a dormant volcano, but with sulphuric vents, located in south central Mindanao, 20 miles (32 km) west of Davao City. It is the highest point rising to 9,690ft (2,954 m) and one of the 14 bio-geographic zones in the Philippines.
Part of the Cordillera Central, it is covered by a forest of tall, tropical hardwoods; two subsidiary peaks nearly match its height. Mt. Apo National Park, established in 1936, has an area of 80,864 hectares and was submitted for consideration as a Unesco World Heritage Site on 16th May, 2006.
Mt. Apo is considered the centre of endemism in Mindanao. It has one of the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area.
It has three distinct forest formations from lowland tropical rainforest to mid-mountain forests and finally to high mountain forests. It is the home of the rare Philippine Eagle.
Mount Apo is a majestic mountain with spectacular scenery which makes it a popular destination for adventure tourism and hiking. Apart from its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, the attractions of Mount Apo include several hot springs and lakes (including Agco Blue Lake at 1200m and three summit lakes), the sulphurous volcanic cone, Marbel River (with its milky white water), several waterfalls, including Todaya Falls on the eastern flank, and the semi-circular summits of Mount Talomo and Mount Sibulan.

Six ethnic tribes live in the area. Mount Apo is a sacred place for the 450,000 Lumad tribal people and is their last remaining home. (Lumad is the collective name for the 18 indigenous groups on Mindanao).
The park is now under the management of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR). Mount Apo has been listed in the ASEAN List of Critical Areas for Conservation.

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The San Pablo Volcanic Field lies at the southern end of Laguna de Bay which is the largest lake in Luzon. It contains dozens of cones and craters (known as scoria cones and maars). The youngest of which is Sampalok Lake, formed about 700 years ago.

The high point of the volcanic field is the eroded Mount Makiling, a stratovolcano, which has a deep crater whose floor is 480m below its north rim.

Further information Global Volcanism Project Smithsonian Institute

The City of San Pablo is in the province of Laguna, Philippines. Otherwise known as the "City of Seven Lakes" namely: Sampalok, Palakpakin, Yambo, Bunot, Pandin, Muhikap and Calibato. All now inactive volcano calderas (see "volcano" section above). The most prominent being "Sampalok Lake" which flanks the city, and is majestically overlooked by Mount Cristobal and the mystical Mount Banahaw.

San Pablo is a bustling, vibrant city of trade and commerce, and a renown centre of learning.

It hosts the CocoFest every year for one week in January, between the 7th and 15th. The 2009 promotional poster is featured here.


The city is one of the oldest in the Philippines and was first visited by the Spanish in 1571 - fifty years after Magellan first visited the islands. However evidence exists of a thriving community long before then.
With it's mountains and lakes on the doorstep, superb restaurants and bars, bustling markets and excellent transport links, San Pablo is a must-see city for any traveller visiting the Philippines.

For further information about the lakes click here

The city is centrally located to some great tourist destinations - such as Laguna Bay and the Taal volcano, and is only 60 miles south-west of Manila.

TheVilla Escudero (pictured), located just outside the city, is one of the finest resorts in the Philippines.

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...you'll be a welcome guest at the Dub City Café
Great music, Great food, Great vibes. For people who dare to be different.
The first and only alternative venue in San Pablo City.
All good music and everything in-between. From Classic Jazz to vintage 70's rock. The 80's punk and new wave.

The modern day electronica and chill out music...
And the list goes on......

Monday to Saturday 5pm onwards

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Situated at Brgy Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound, San Pablo City, Laguna, Sulyap Restaurant, Arts & Antiques is rapidly becoming a major attraction in the town.

Turn back the hands of time and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders of the past. Enter the time warp as you step into the world of "Sulyap Arts and Antiques" where the past meets the present, and the present breathes life into the past.

Sulyap offers a variety of items that range from simple potteries to turn-of-the-century four-poster beds. Collectibles that date as far back as 1800.

The showcase is an ancestral house (incorporating a unique restaurant), originally situated in Quezon Province. Feast your eyes on colourful espejo, indigenious designed capiz, and from simple to intricately carved furniture.

Or simply indulge in the ambiance of the old world.

Picture credit to Sanyata

Squid heads in fact - they really are the best part of the squid. If you're lucky enough to visit Kusina Salud in San Pablo City, its a speciality of theirs.

Kusina Salud features an enchanting ambience created by Filipiniana textile artist Patis Tesoro, and a unique preparation of modern Filipino cuisine by Chef Paul Poblador and his talented team.
This atmospheric venue provides an enriching cultural experience that emphasizes Filipino cuisine and artisanship in a verdant environment.

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TAGALOG is one of the major languages spoken in the Philippines, mostly by people from the Tagalog regions in the main island of Luzon. It is the lingua franca in Metro Manila, the national capital region of the country. It also serves as a base for Filipino, one of the two official languages of the Philippines (along with English).

The TAGALOG language has very strong affinity with Malay languages (Bahasa Indonesia/Malay). However, due to more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule over the Philippines, the language has incorporated a significant number of Spanish words and expressions. The language also includes words and phrases that are rooted in English and Chinese.

English is the medium of instruction and visitors should not really encounter many language problems as English is widely understood - however Filipinos will be overjoyed to hear foreigners speaking their native tongue and as such learning a few basic words and phrases is a very good idea, and will certainly enhance the stay of the visitor.
Click here for useful words and phrases

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Interested in the Islands history?
Visit my lens Wow! Philippines! History (1521-1571.
From Ferdinand Magellan and the first 50 years of Spanish colonization....

...and Jose Rizal - National Hero (1861 - 1896)

"What matters death if one dies for what one loves, for native land and cherished ones?"

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When Jose Rizal walked from his prison to the place of his execution, he not only walked proudly for himself, but he planted the seeds of pride for his people. His last words written in his cell: "MI ULTIMO ADIOS" or "LAST FAREWELL" were an enduring life giving breath from a man who was about to breath no more:

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed,
Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,
With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;
And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,
I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.....

.... My idolized Country, for whom I most gravely pine,
Dear Philippines, to my last goodbye, oh, harken
There I leave all: my parents, loves of mine,
I'll go where there are no slaves, tyrants or hangmen
Where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign.

Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,
Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;
Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;
Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;
Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.

To read the full poem and to find out much more about this incredible man visit here The Jose Rizal Website.


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Boracay Island, with its fine powdery white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the north western tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The best of the island is the 4 km. White Beach, widely broadcast as the "finest beach in the world." The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.

In the Northern part of the Philippines is Pagudpud, a beach reputed to have the longest continuous white sand with huge waves and strong winds that can compare to Hawaii. Wind and wave surfing are the outstanding activities that Pagudpud beach offers its very discriminating and selective clientele. Not to mention the inviting views, clear blue waters, and white sand. Pagudpud promises its visitors a magnificent experience in a secluded paradise.

Panglao is perfect for a great dive and beach holiday. (See the Dive section above). It is a small island off the southwest coast of Bohal - the larger island. On the southern beach of Panglao there are several resorts that line up on the beach.


Lying in the heart of Cebu is the island of MactanThis tropical-island getaway, also famous for Ferdinand Magellan's last stand, is endowed with a variety of colours - from its beach, hotels, resorts, nightlife, music, food, drinks - will guarantee to spice up every tourist.

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Camiguin, which rhymes with "come again," has been regarded as the most beautiful island in the country. As such, it is also referred to as the Philippines' "Garden of Eden." The presence of a number of majestic waterfalls that create both hot and cold springs is only one of the many attractions of this island-paradise. The topography is unmistakably tropical but the ambience is uniquely occidental. A study in contrast, Camiguin is sure to mesmerize anyone who visits to want to come again - to Camiguin!


Framing the rugged and intriguing coastline of the capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa City is Honda Bay. Its blue cool waters are dotted with islets that guarantee a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkelling in its clear waters to the more adventurous island hopping within its enclaves to simply having a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas, Honda Bay is sure to leave a lasting impression on all fortunate visitors.


Dominated by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delectable soups specially found in Chinese restaurants - the Nido Soup. This soup consists mainly of the bird nests that abound in the area. But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country's last frontier. Because of its complete splendour, it has also been called the island of the gods - heaven on earth - that is El Nido.

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Pearl Farm is located in the Samal Island off the coast of Davao City, Southern Philippines. The premier beach resort, which lies in the pristine island of Samal, used to be a pearl farm. There thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported form the Sulu Sea, were once cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. Today, beach lovers all over the world visit this world-class beach resort for its white sand and panoramic landscape and seascape, bringing with them the memory of a lifetime - a relaxing private retreat in a tropical paradise.


Siargao, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is renowned for its curling waves that soar from nine to twelve feet high. It is frequented by surfers from all over the world. Besides surfing, the island of Siargao is well-known for its unspoiled beaches and its rural charm.

Situated amidst the mountainous Cordillera region and 5000 ft above sea level, 155 miles north of Manila, in the province of Bengeut, Baguio Cityis one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. On average, Baguio is at least 8 degrees cooler than any place in the lower lands. Baguio, the City of Pines, is also known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines."
It is gifted with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions which make it an important and interesting destination.
Incredible as it may sound - from a tropical country just 500 miles north of the equator - Baguio is the best source of highland vegetables such as lettuce, broccolli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, asparagus and other greens. All these come from the different Cordillera provinces, and are sold at the huge and very popular Baguio City Market. Visitors will be astonished at the wide variety of produce on offer. The sounds, smells and colours of this vibrant market are worth the trip alone.Some of the finest strawberries in the world are grown in the high fields surrounding the city, and often just walking amongst them you will literally have your head in the clouds! Take a trip to Mines View for an incredible mountain vista overlooking breathtaking landscapes. Shop at the hundreds of small market stalls nearby for traditional carvings, indigenous tribal crafts, paintings and cultural curious.

Baguio is a city of style, culture and sophistication. The high winding road to reach it is not for the feint hearted, nor for poorly maintained vehicles, but once reached, it is breathtaking in its vibrancy, confidence and vision.
Click here to visit the official website of Baguio City.

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Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich heritage. Nowhere else in Asia can match the allure and diversity of this thrusting, bustling thriving city.

Here you will find not only modern skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls (some of the biggest in Asia), blaring bars and thumping discos, but also Spanish colonial ruins and centuries-old buildings, Baroque Churches and universities that are living testaments to the city's long and colourful history.
Bring along your sense of adventure, experience the many delightful surprises the city offers, and discover why the Filipinos and the early Spanish traders and travellers have called Manila "The City of our Affections".
Experience some European history right in the heart of Asia. Feast on delicious Asian, European, Mediterranean and Filipino food. Listen to live bands play your favourite jazz, rock or R&B music.
Hit the dance floor and show off your latest dance steps. Or do the tango, the salsa or waltz your way across a ballroom.
Most tourists travel to Manila to watch the famous sunset at Manila Bay. This golden red sunset is breathtaking, inspiring the works of many artists, photographers, and poets. A view of this glorious sunset alone is sure to make a trip to Manila worth your while.

Manila has everything to offer everyone. Chances are it will be the first place you see, and the last when you leave. Throw on your dancing shoes, shake off your inhibitions and swing the night away!

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Originally the site in the late 16th century of the palace and kingdom of the native Muslim ruler Rajah Suliman. After being conquered by the Spanish, Fort Santiago was renamed and rebuilt in to an imposing fortress of majestic proportions by Miguel Lopez Legaspi - the first Spanish Governor of the Philippines in 1571. It stands testimony to early Philippines history, Spanish imperialist conquest, and stood witness to events in the Seven Years War when the British conquered Manila from the Spanish in 1762. It played it's part during the Philippines Revolution of 1896, and housed the cell of Dr Jose Rizal - the Philippines National Hero.
Its shadow loomed over the Philippine-American War of 1899 and the Japanese invasion in 1941 where it was used to imprison both American and Filipino soldiers in horrendous conditions.
Part of the original walled city of Intramuros on Manila's Pasig river, it's entrance measures 40ft high, and its walls are 8ft thick.

Does the Ghost of Fort Santiago exist? Find out more here.

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These photographs were all taken in late 2007.They demonstrate the hustle and bustle of Manila's main artery, and emphasises Fort Santiago's commanding and strategic position on the river.

The early Muslim settlements established themselves along the banks and later, when the Spanish established their colonial governance, they built the walled city of Intramuros on the southern bank.

The Pasig connects the Philippines' largest lake - Laguna de Bay, with Manila Bay - where the sunsets are not to be missed!


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Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places.
In Metro Manila, the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. LRT-1 (yellow line) connects the northern district of Monumento to the southern district of Baclaran with stations situated at major intersections.

MRT (Manila Metro Rail Transit System) traverses the length of EDSA (Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue)and connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passing through the major arteries of Makati's financial district.

LRT-2 (purple line) starts at the university belt in Recto, passing through Santa Mesa, Cubao, Katipunan, and ends in Santolan, Pasig.

By air, Philippine Airlines (Tel. No.[632]855-9999) and Cebu Pacific (Tel. No. [632] 702-0888 ) provided daily services to major cities and towns.Asian Spirit (Tel. No. [632] 851-8888),
Laoag International Airlines (Tel. No. [632] 551-9729), and Seair (Tel. No. [632] 891-8708) service the missionary routes(ie those routes not serviced by PAL). There are also scheduled chartered flights to major domestic destinations serviced by smaller commuter planes.

By sea, inter-island ships connect Manila to major ports. Ferry services connect the smaller islands.

By land, Philtranco (the bus and coach service) connects Manila to Bicol in Southern Luzon, to Samar and Leyte in the Visayas, and Davao in Mindanao.

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On 2nd December 1999, the Historic Town of Vigan was inscribed in the World Heritage List.

Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Its Kamestizoan District is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tiled roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.

Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well preserved example of a European trading town in East and South-East Asia.

Puerto Galera, on Oriental Mindoro is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Philippines.

Founded in 1572, the same year as Fort Santiago, it became the first provincial capital. It is situated on the northern peninsula of Mindoro Island, approximately 160 km (100 miles) from Manila.

The island is separated from Luzon by the Verde Island Passage. Waters are flushed by the South China Sea, resulting in strong currents of up to 6 knots. This makes the area well known for its spectacular, exhilarating drift dives.This passage is very deep, and clear water is very common to the dive sites along with a fantastic variety of underwater flora and fauna.

The diversity of hard and soft corals, along with hundreds of species of tropical fish life makes Puerto Galera one of the most popular dive destinations in the Philippines. The 5 km (3 mile) foreshore is a protected area and marine sanctuary.

The ro-ro (roll on-roll off) ferry from Batangas port is a joy across the passage, and takes a good hour and a half to complete, before arriving at Calapan, the principle port and town on Mindoro. Pass some wonderful islands on route, and be amazed at the dolphins which escort the ship along the journey.

There is a vibrant night-life at some of the beaches here, and some would say that it has become over commercialised. However the terrain of Mindoro offers spectacular challenges, so whether its diving, trekking, sailing, sunning, partying, history or culture there is something for everyone.

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* The Philippines are 8 hours ahead of GMT

* Most visitors do not require a visa provided their stay does not exceed 21 days. For further information click www. gov.ph/faqs/visa.asp

* It is the third largest English-speaking country in the world.

* The country is divided into three geographical areas: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

* It's coastline adds up to 17,500km (10,875 miles).

* Three prominent bodies of water surround the archipelago: the Pacific Ocean on the east, the South China Sea on the north and west, and the Celebes Sea on the south. This position accounts for much of the variations in geographic, climatic and vegetational conditions in the country.

* Some 80 percent of the population are Catholic. About 15 percent are Moslem who are mainly in the southern island of Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.

* The Philippines' fertile land accounts for the more than 900 species of orchids representing 100 genera that have been found.

* The Sampaguita is the national flower.

* Among the country's fauna are some endangered species like the Philippine Eagle, the tarsier, and the mouse deer.

* It has a tropical climate with relatively abundant rainfall and gentle winds. There are three pronounced seasons: the wet or rainy season from June to October, the cool, dry season from November to February, and the hot, dry season from March to May.

* The coolest month is January and the warmest is May. Both temperature and humidity levels reach the maximum in April and May, but these are generally good months for aqua sports and mountain trekking. Some of the most colourful festivals are held during these months.

* The Philippines' highest peak is Mount Apo - at almost 3000m (9,692ft) - and is a favourite for hiking and adventure travel enthusiasts.

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There are several every month, so whatever time of year you go - providing you're in the right place - you'll catch one!

Jan 9 - Feast of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo, Manila)
2nd Saturday of January - Pasungay (Festival of Bulls), San Joaquin, Iloilo
January 16-22 - Ati-atihan (Kalibo, Aklan)
Jan 22-27 - Philippine Balloon Fiesta (Clark Field, Pampanga)
3rd Sunday of January- Sinulog Festival (Cebu City, Cebu)
4th Sunday of January- Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City)

Feb - Baguio Flower Festival (Baguio City)
February 2 - Feast of Our Lady of Candles (Jara, Iloilo City)
Feb 15-25 - International Bamboo Organ Festival (Las Pinas Church)

Mar/Apr (Holy Week) - Moriones Festival (Marinuque)
Apr 9 - Bataan Day (Mt Samat, Bataan)
Apr 21-23 - Imbayah Festival (Banaue, Ifugao)
May - Antipolo Pilgrimage (Antipolo, Rizal)
May 14 - Pulilan Carabao Festival (Pulilan, Bulacan)
May 15 - Pahiyas Sa Quezon (Sariaya, Lucban)
May 17-19 - Obando Fertility Rite (Obando, Bulacan)

June 12 - Independence Day (Kawit, Cavite)
July 25 & December 25 - Paaway Sa Kabayo (Horse fight)

20-24 August Davao City Kadayawan Sa Dabaw
9 September Surigao City Bonok-Bonok Festival
Third Saturday of September Penafrancia viva la vergen
01-12 October Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
14-21 October Masskara Festival Bacolod City
25-28 October Lanzones Festival

November - Grand Cordillera Festival (Baguio City) November 22-23 - Feast of San Clemente / Higantes Festival (Angono, Rizal) December - San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival (Ermita, Manila)
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Intramuros, Manila)
December 18 - Bikol Pastores (Legazpi City, Albay)
December 28-30 - Binirayan Festival (San Jose, Antique)

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Global voices seek to amplify, curate and aggregate the global conversation online - with a focus on countries and communities outside the U.S. and Western Europe. They are committed to developing tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices everywhere to be heard.
Click here to hear voices from the Philippines.

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Any questions? Local people with local knowledge, and previous visitors to the Philippines are happy to provide information. Ask them here

"OK kids, if you ever want to know what a great and successful Squidoo lens should look like just take a good look at this masterpiece."

An
squidoo.com/oktoberfest"

A great site, which I favorited on Squidoo to come back later and to watch and discover your site in calm. Thank you so much for that impression you give about a very nice land. And yes, you're right, when you write in your lens: "Take nothing but your memories, leave nothing but goodwill." That's a sentence is everywhere and everytime important to repeat and to live. Thank you so much."

Solveigh
hereke-silk-carpets.com

"excellent squidoo page of philipines. so informative. "

Dominique
dominiquegoh.com

"What can I say but WOW!!! Beautiful blog site, if anyone bypasses this site he/she would miss the Philippines alltogether."

Harry
anecdotesandtravels.blogspot.com/

"I really liked your lens which used colourful vivid images that enticed the viewer to visit the beautiful Phillipines. Good Links, a good layout and good pictures. No wonder its been voted one of the top travel lens on Squidoo. Well done!"

Angelica


"Oh i love your site! It makes me wanna go back to my country soon! Great job!:)"

sheila
noahandkaeden.blogspot.com

"Very nice and colorful travel site. Good navigation tools and well done content."

Yaacov
carnifest.com

"Wow! Mabuhay indeed! Great to see some website showcasing the beauty of our country Philippines. Keep it up :) "

Earth
thehaven-earthlingorgeous.blogspot.com/

"Very imformative site about the Philippines. Being a diver my eye went right to the dive page. Had never even though of there as a dive destination. Opened my eyes up. Nice, easy to navigate site. Good job."

Bryan
offdutybrand.com

"Thanks for the info. I have book marked this site - I do travel to the Philippines quite a bit (husband from the Philippines) so this will come in very useful"

Mandy
millionaireslifestyle.net

"Well designed and beautifully laid out Lens offering a wealth of information on the Philippines. Excellent all round content and fast response. Great travel site Recommended!"

Mark
worldwidetravelblog.blogspot.com/

"Another great travel site. The quality photos were a bonus for the site. Very fast loading and really easy to navigate."

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fulltiltpoker.com/?key=MDAwMDFBRTQwMDAwQjM5RjAwMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAwMDA-

"Great site! Fantastic photos and articles. Really inviting and makes you feel welcomed. Good luck!"

Alex
liveinbrisbane.blogspot.com

"This is one of the best squidoo sites out there. Ive never seen so much information in one place!"

Kim
squidoo.com/campervanadventures

"Great site about the Philippines. It really is a beautiful country. Great links. Well done."

David
isamansworld.com/

"Very nice squidoo well done, lots of articles and content, good pictures quality (and beautiful girl) a must to be read. all the best."

steve
pocket-map.net



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1. The producers, participants and publishers of the videos courtesy of You Tube.
2. All those who have taken photographs and placed them on Photobucket to allow them in the public domain.
3. The Tubbataha Reefs National Park.
4. The Philippines Tourist Authority.
5. Unesco World Heritage.
6. To anyone not mentioned who has made a contribution (Please let me know and due recognition will be given).
7. To all those who have left feedback.

Thanks to one and all.

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