The tourism industry in the Philippines is developing very rapidly. This is quite natural, because there are all conditions for a wide variety of recreation. Beach, extreme and even sex tourism is offered to its guests by the Philippines.
The best beaches in the country are located on the islands of Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Panglao and Mactan. Fans of eco-tourism will love the island of Palawan and its amazing underground river Puerto Princesa. Divers from all over the world travel to the Philippine Islands for new underwater experiences. The islands of Boracay and Palawan, as well as the reefs of Apo and Tubbataha are especially popular among diving enthusiasts. Many volcanoes in this country create excellent conditions for active or extreme mountaineering.
The best time to visit the country is from December to May, when comfortable air temperatures are combined with calm and dry weather. Tourists should also try original local dishes. Filipino cuisine can be quite spicy, so when ordering, you should tell the waiter in advance the desired amount of spices in the dish.
Local coconut oil, pearl jewelry, as well as a wide variety of products are usually brought from this hospitable country as a keepsake. handmade– from frog purses to rattan furniture.
The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see in the Philippines?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.
The capital of the Philippines, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Founded in 1571. The city is now part of the National Capital Region. Manila is famous primarily for its historical district of Intramuros, various museums, Rizal Park and the official palace of President Malacañan.
On the banks of the Pasig River is the famous historical district of the capital - Intramuros. At the end of the 16th century, it was erected to protect Spanish families. Today, tourists from all over the world come here to see the ancient fortress of Intramuros with their own eyes, visit one of the oldest churches in the country, San Agustin, built in 1607, and also get acquainted with the local defensive structure - Fort Santiago.
One of the most popular tourist centers in the country. There are excellent places for diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and beach lovers are attracted by the famous White Beach. There are many hotels, cafes and restaurants on the island of Boracay, and trendy DJs and incendiary discos await night-time party-goers.
Jungles, mangrove forests and mountains are the main natural characteristics of the island of Palawan, which began to be settled in the 12th century. Nowadays, people come here to stay in luxurious eco-hotels, go diving and trekking, as well as visit the famous Tabon caves, in which the remains of ancient humanoid creatures were discovered.
The length of the White Beach on the island of Boracay is about 4 kilometers. There are always a lot of vacationers here, and newlyweds often use the White Beach for wedding ceremonies. Conventionally, the beach is divided into three parts, according to the numbers of boat stations. Pure sand and a gentle entrance to the water make White Beach a great place for a family vacation.
One of the oldest urban parks in Asia is Jose Rizal Park. This special place was named after a famous 19th century Filipino figure. And in 1946, it was in this park that the independence of the country was proclaimed. Among other attractions, there is a monument to Jose Rizal, Independence Flagpole, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, the National Library of the Philippines, the Orchid Greenhouse and the Butterfly Pavilion.
In 2008, the Manila Ocean Park was opened in José Rizal Park. The main local entertainment here is the 25-meter Living Ocean Tunnel, the walls of which curve at an angle of 220 degrees. Manila Ocean Park itself is divided into several themed areas. Also in the aquarium you can see a musical fountain, the height of which is more than 35 meters.
The first historical mention of the city of Vigan dates back to the 16th century, when the local population traded with Chinese merchants. The buildings of this city combine the architectural solutions of the Philippines, China and Europe. Among the sights of Vigan, it is worth noting separately such places as the Cathedral, the birthplace of the Filipino patriot Jose Burgos and the presidential residence.
The river is located on the island of Palawan. For 8 kilometers, it flows in a large cave, where excursion flights are regularly made. A little more than 1 kilometer of this underground river is available for inspection.
On the island of Bohol, famous among tourists, there is an unusually picturesque mountain system - the Chocolate Hills. These geological monuments got their original name due to the grass that covers them. During the dry season, the grass dries up and turns from green to brown, hence the name of the hills.
One of the most beautiful active volcanoes on the planet - the Philippine volcano Mayon, located on the island of Luzon. At the base of the volcano, you can see the remains of the city of Sagzava, destroyed by the eruption of 1814. You can see Mayon from a bird's eye view from the cockpit of a seaplane, those who wish have the opportunity to make a hike to the volcano.
To see one of the smallest active volcanoes on the planet, you should move south from the capital of the Philippines. The volcano is located in the center of the lake of the same name, so the most convenient way is through the water. The volcano is not too high, and you can get to its top in just 20-30 minutes. Taal offers amazing views of the lake and its surroundings.
Unique man-made fields, created over 2,000 years ago, are a national treasure and a popular tourist attraction in the Philippines. The excellent irrigation system of rice terraces in the Philippine Cordillera is still used today for the cultivation of vegetables and rice.
These structures are located in different geographical locations in the Philippines. They are UNESCO sites and are combined into one pool of attractions due to the peculiar interpretation of the Baroque style by Filipino and Chinese masters. Saint Augustine Church is located in Manila and is the oldest church in the country. The Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva was built in the city of Miagao in the 18th century. The Paoay and Santa Maria churches are located on the island of Luzon.
In the southeast of the island of Palawan is the famous Tubbataha reef, which gave its name to the local national park. Lives here great amount fish species, including barracudas, moray eels, stingrays and hammerhead sharks. Divers from all over the world rush to dive near the Tubbatah reef to see with their own eyes all the water diversity of these places.
The famous object of mountain tourism in the Philippines. This active volcano, over 1,400 meters high, last erupted in 1991. It was then that a crater was formed, which later turned into a lake. This lake attracts tourists with its beauty almost as much as the volcano itself.
At the request of the Chinese diaspora living on the island of Cebu, a Taoist temple was built here in the 1970s. Made in the traditional Chinese architectural style, it looks original among the Philippine landscapes. In addition to the rich interior decoration, tourists are attracted here original technique divination about the future.
One of the largest reefs on the planet, Apo Reef is a popular attraction in the Philippines. To protect the local natural diversity, a natural park of the same name was created here. From the end of winter to May, diving enthusiasts come to the reef to personally admire the variety of corals and the many fish that live here.
The highest point in the Philippines, which is a potentially active volcano. These are favorite places of pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. The trails of Mount Apo are ready to accept climbers with a wide range of skills, and the climb to the top is from 2 to 9 days, depending on the route chosen. Apo Volcano is part of the national park of the same name.
The military-defensive building, located in the city of Cebu, begins its history from the 16th century, when the first stones of this fort were laid. After the last restoration, carried out in the 1970s, a museum was formed on the territory of the fort, where documents and photographs of the Spanish ownership of this building are stored. Outside, the fort is surrounded by a park adorned with a monument to the famous Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
This military building was originally built of earth and logs, and after the Spanish-Chinese war, the fort was built of stone. Among the Filipinos, these places are honored as the last resting place of the famous national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, until the moment of his execution. Today it houses a museum, and tourists use Fort Santiago for picnics and leisurely walks in the fresh air.
In 1521, the ships of the famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the island of Cebu. Local residents and their ruler, impressed by the power of the weapons of the Spanish team, converted to Christianity. In honor of this significant event, Magellan ordered a wooden cross to be erected in the center of the city, which today is a popular tourist attraction.
One of the most unusual sights of the Philippines - the grave of Magellan and the monument to the leader Lapu-Lapu - is located on Mactan Island in the Mactan Shrine Park. When Magellan arrived on the islands, only the leader Lapu-Lapu opposed the expansion of the Spaniards. To teach a lesson to the recalcitrant natives, Magellan entered into battle with them, but lost and was killed during the retreat. As the legend says, it was the leader Lapu-Lapu who did it.
Maskhid al-Dahab is called the Golden Mosque for its huge dome covered with gold. Its construction took place in 1976 specifically for the visit of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan president. And although the visit did not take place, Maskhid al-Dahab is still a sacred place for many Filipino Muslims today.
In 1962, the fossilized remains of three ancient people were discovered in the Tabon caves on the island of Palawan. These remains were called the Tabon man. Also, special burial vessels, jade jewelry and various stone tools were found here. Tourists can visit the Tabon cave only with a guide.
One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines is the Santo Niño Basilica in Cebu. It began to be built in the 16th century from wood and clay. Then, on the site of the first building, a stone church was erected, which organically combined neoclassical, Romanesque and Muslim styles of architecture. Inside the Basilica of Santo Nino is a museum of the history of Christianity on the island of Cebu.
The main residence and office of the vice-president of the country is located in the suburbs of the capital. The Coconut Palace was opened in 1981 specifically for the visit of Pope John Paul II, but the pontiff refused to stay in the overly luxurious building, in his opinion. For the construction of the palace, coconut shells and special coconut lumber were used, and the roots, bark, trunk, fruits and even flowers of the coconut were reflected in the design and decorations of this building.
The picturesque Loboc River flows on Bohol Island, which is now one of the popular attractions in the Philippines. It regularly organizes river cruises, during which you can stop to have a bite to eat in floating restaurants and listen to traditional Filipino songs performed by local residents. These river cruises start near the Loai Bridge and finish near the Busai mini waterfalls.
Funny tiny monkeys with big eyes - tarsiers - can be seen on the island of Bohol. These rare primates live here in natural conditions in a specially fenced park, and if desired, they can even leave it. When visiting the Tarsiers Center, you should behave quietly, do not touch or frighten small animals.
The three-stage Kawasan waterfall, located on the island of Cebu, attracts tourists not only for its beauty. The fact is that this water cascade is located in the real jungle. At first, tourists are brought up in jeeps or buses, and then adventurers move independently following the guide. To visit the Kawasan waterfalls, you should wear shoes with grooved soles or special trekking boots.
The Philippines is a magnificent beaches, exotic nature and a comfortable stay.
One of the main advantages of the Philippines is its people. They are incredibly kind and hospitable. Filipinos are famous not only for their perfect hearing, and every second one plays musical instruments amazingly, but also they have a great sense of humor. Their smiles and interest in the guests of the country are so sincere that one never ceases to be amazed at their sensitivity and cordiality. In addition, the Philippines is a state in which main religion- Christianity, the population is devout, but there are no severe prohibitions. About how to plan solo trip to the philippines, which islands to choose for recreation and how to get to them - in this article.
VISA
Visa to the Philippines. Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Philippines.
When is the best time to go to the Philippines
The best time to travel to the Philippines is from the beginning of November to the beginning of May. Local summer - the season of "taginite" lasts from March to the end of May. Taginite in the Philippines is considered the hottest time of the year. In May, the southwest monsoon "habakat" comes to the islands, which brings with it wet weather, and from June to November comes "tagulan" - the rainy season. In November, the monsoons give way to dry Amihan winds. Starting from this month, the “cool” winter days of the “tag-lamig” season are counting down. For those who can hardly endure the hot, humid climate, the ideal time for a holiday in the Philippines comes when beautiful weather sets in almost the entire territory of the archipelago. The Philippine winter will last exactly until the beginning of March, then the heat will intensify.
How to get to the Philippines
There are no direct flights to the Philippines from Russia. Flights from Russia are carried out by companies Etihad(Docking in Abu Dhabi) Emirates(Dubai) and fly duba i (direct flight to Dubai from Samara, Ufa and Kazan), cathay pacific(via Hong Kong), Singapore Airlines(via Singapore) Qatar Airways(Doha). The main airport for international flights is located on the island of Luzon- the largest island in the north of the country; on the same island is capital of the Philippines - Manila, a huge metropolis, one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. The second airport, which also accepts international flights, is located on the island of Cebu.
With all the variety of choices, it is most convenient to fly to the Philippines via Hong Kong. Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong (as well as for the Philippines). Therefore, it is easy to combine Hong Kong and the Philippines in one trip (for example, book two nights in Hong Kong there and one night back, and devote the rest of the time to relaxing on exotic islands).
You don't need to get a visa to Singapore in advance either, but a flight from Singapore to Manila or Cebu will take much longer than the same route from Hong Kong. Although the travel time Moscow-Singapore and Moscow-Hong Kong on direct flights is almost the same - about 10 hours. But a flight through Hong Kong is good because if you are flying to Boracay and there are no plans to visit Manila (and you want to get there quickly), then the easiest way is to book tickets Hong Kong-Boracay (Caticlan Airport on Panay Island) - Hong Kong for a flight Cebu Pacific Air(this option is especially convenient for those traveling with children). The flight has a connection in Manila, but if you buy tickets, for example, with a departure at 8.25 from Hong Kong, then at 13.50 you will be in Caticlan and you can easily catch the ferry, from the airport to the ferry station only 10 minutes by car. You need to book morning flights from Hong Kong because Caticlan only accepts small planes that do not have permission to fly at night. The last flight that departs from Manila to Boracay is around 17.00. Therefore, if you book tickets for flights Etihad(arrives in Manila at 16.00) or Qatar Airways, Emirates, then you need to book a hotel in advance for at least one night in Manila. If you are flying from Manila or Cebu to Kalibo International Airport, also located on Panay, then the time of arrival is no less important. From Kalibo to Caticlan, from where ferries depart to Boracay, the trip will take at least two hours, and the water area closes at night around 20.00. If you miss the last ferry, book a hotel for an overnight stay in Panay. Important. If the hotel offers a transfer, do not refuse, do not rely on your own intelligence, luck and the ability to book ferry or plane tickets "on the spot" cheaper. Remember that cheap is not yet high quality, and even half an hour spent in a tin can (no other associations arise at the sight of boats of private cabs) will cost much more than 15 on a speedboat, the trip on which the hotel organizes. Yes, you can get lucky, but you can also fail. And your own safety is not the case when you need to save.
Which island to choose? Features of independent travel to the Philippines.
Lovers of snow-white beaches and windsurfing go to Borokay. Cebu is a great opportunity to combine beach, entertainment and shopping. Bohol and Palawan are for fans of eco-tourism and secluded relaxation. One of the main questions that arises when planning a vacation on the islands is the ebb and flow of the tides. Of course, you should not be afraid that you will have to repeat the fate of Ferdinand Magellan.
It was ignorance of the tides in the Philippines that killed the navigator. The history of the country, which appeared on the world map relatively recently (less than 500 years ago), begins with the island of Cebu. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, heading with his flotilla - without knowing it - to the first trip around the world, lost his way and, as expected, in the best traditions of travelers in the Middle Ages, discovered new lands - the Philippines. Having quickly conquered the island of Cebu and its ruler Humabon, on April 27, 1591, the navigator headed for the neighboring island of Mactan, where local tribes lived. But the grandiose plans of Magellan were not destined to come true, his ships fell into a deep ebb. The flotilla was stuck a kilometer from the coast, and the entire crew was forced to unload from the ships and walk towards the coast. The natives, led by the leader Lapu-Lapu, were in a more advantageous situation. Thanks to the dense tropical thickets and hilly terrain, they were easily camouflaged, while vigilantly watching the invaders, and as soon as they approached, they attacked the "medieval tourists", killing 9 Europeans, including Magellan himself. Those who managed to escape returned to Spain a year later and delivered the sad news of the death of Magellan.
For five centuries, the population of the country has become much friendlier and more hospitable to tourists, but the situation with the ebb is still the same. are especially felt tides on the islands Cebu and Bohol, they are also observed on Boracay, but no longer cause much discomfort. The resort reputation of Cebu and Bohol is justified by the fact that, in comparison with other islands, it is here that the entertainment infrastructure is most developed: promenades, bars and restaurants, plus a lot of space for excursions. So if you can live a couple of hours on the beach or in the pool, then Cebu and Bohol are right for you.
These two wonderful islands are also suitable for those who do not like too complicated flights and transfers. A minimum of transfers from Russia to the Philippines in the event that you decide to rest in Cebu. The flight route will be as follows: Moscow-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-Cebu flights. Arriving in Cebu, you can check into a beach hotel and enjoy your vacation. This is also a convenient option also because while relaxing on the island of Cebu or on the island of Bohol, you can combine a beach holiday and an excursion program.
- DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN PHILIPPINE HOTELS
Cebu
The history of the Philippines begins in Cebu, and in terms of its popularity among travelers, the island competes with the island of Luzon and the capital of the state, Manila, located on it. There are many historical monuments from the time of the colonization of the island by the Spaniards, space for shopping and entertainment. A good alternative to a beach holiday would be a trip to the Kawasan waterfalls, where visitors are offered unique hydromassage procedures: a person is placed on a raft woven from bamboo and led under a rock, under the jets of a waterfall. Visit an amusement park sky adventure in Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts and go ice skating in the park Fuente Osmena.
How to get to Cebu You can fly to Cebu from Russia (with one or two transfers) on flights Emirates, Korean Air, Aeroflot and other airlines, or fly a flight convenient for you to Manila, spend 1-2 days there, and get from the capital by plane or ferry to Cebu. We immediately warn you that ferry in this case, not the best option. Travel time by ferry is 20-22 hours. Company ferries SUPERCAT run between Manila and Cebu 5 times a week, the departure schedule often changes, so you need to check in advance. Ferry Carlos A. Gothong Lines departs from Pier 18 (Manila Pier 18) 2 times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departure at 11.00. Cost from $16. By plane Travel time from Manila to Cebu is 1 hour 20 minutes. There are several flights per day. First departure at 04.00. The cost of a round-trip flight is just over $100.
WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN CEBU
Owners of the best beaches in Cebu hotels Movenpick 5* And Shangri-La Mactan 5*. At Movenpick 5* there is a private beach where you can indulge in bliss under the sun and no one will bother you with annoying attention. Outdoor swimming pool Sapphirepool, surrounded by beautiful gardens. On the territory of the hotel beach there is a marine reserve, with an amazing variety of underwater world - perfect place for diving and snorkeling. A center aquatic species Sports offers a wide variety of water activities. The fitness center and health club with the latest equipment includes a gym, dance studio and thermae. The SPA center, surrounded by a fragrant garden, has six different treatment rooms and a variety of relaxation areas. Shangri-La Mactan 5* — perfect option for accommodation with children. The hotel consists of two buildings: garden wing (modest delux rooms, delux sea view and several suites) and ocean wing (closer to the ocean, club and premier level rooms). The hotel reception has Russian-speaking staff. Very well organized children's activities. The kids have a three-story playroom at their disposal, and for teenagers there is a game club stuffed with all kinds of slot machines and computer games. In the evenings, the hotel arranges entertainment programs, themed evenings with performances by Filipino performers are especially successful. If you are looking for an alternative Shangri-La Mactan, it is worth paying attention to Crimson Resort & SPA 5* . Alegre Beach Resort 4* suitable for those who seek privacy, as it is 2 hours away by car from all settlements. Comfortable rooms, very nice pool and decent beach. Badian Island Beach Resort&SPA 5* located not on Cebu itself, but on Badian Island(across the strait) on the other side of the island of Bohol. This is an island hotel consisting of several bungalows with a pool. Very nice beach. In all pools sea water. In a hotel diet food from environmentally friendly products. For entertainment, guests are offered every evening themed entertainment on the beach and barbecue dinners. At Badian Island Beach Resort&SPA has its own coral beach, where hotel guests are delivered by boat - a great place for snorkeling.
CEBU HOTELS: COMPARISON OF PRICES ON DIFFERENT BOOKING SITES
BOROKY HOTELS: COMPARISON OF PRICES ON DIFFERENT BOOKING SITES
Palawan
When people talk about the island of Palawan, they actually mean a mini-archipelago, consisting of several dozen tiny islands and one large one. This is a paradise for divers and lovers of expensive comfortable rest in "eco-style". Palawan is located 600 km from Manila in the southwestern part of the large archipelago of the Philippine Islands. The main attraction of Palawan is considered national park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River- an extended network of many caves connected by an 8-kilometer underground river St. Paul.
The best time to travel to Palawan is from January to May; from June to the end of October, it is better to refrain from traveling to the islands, because despite the air temperature rarely falling below 30 degrees, it rains heavily here.
HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN
Depending on which of the islands of the archipelago the hotel is located on small airplanes local airlines can fly from Manila and Cebu airports Puerto Princesa, Cuyo, Tautau, Pamalican, Busuanga And El Nido. You can move between the islands on yachts or speedboats.
Hotels can also arrange Cebu airport charter or Manila, or pick up at Puerto Princesa Airport to take guests to the hotel by boat. The journey, for example, from the port of Puerto Princesa to El Nido will take about 40 minutes.
WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST HOTELS IN PALAWAN
The best hotels, which offer the most respectable vacation, are located in the natural reserve on the islands of El Nido. All resorts here offer all-inclusive accommodation, which includes not only food, but also a full range of entertainment. Therefore, upon arrival, you can immediately develop a program for your stay with an instructor and plan diving, kayaking or picnics on uninhabited islands. It is worth staying in Palawan for 3-4 days, rarely anyone stays longer here.
Local landscapes are very reminiscent of the area Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, so some tend to assure that the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies, starring Pierce Brosnon, was filmed on El Nido. This is not true. But local hotels have seen many celebrities without agent 007. So, for example, in the pearl of Palawan Amanpulo Resort 5* like to spend their holidays Robert DeNiro And Claudia Slate. This luxurious reservation, consisting of secluded villas and bungalows, is located on a separate island of the same name with the hotel. Twice a day: at 13.00 and 16.00 from Manila to the hotel runs its own charter. Back, from Amanpulo to the capital of the Philippines, flights are made at 9.30 and 14.30.
No less beautiful hotel El Nido Apulit Island Resort 4*, opened in 2010, is located in Taytay. Perfect for holidays with children, especially school age, as well as for a honeymoon or organizing wedding ceremonies here. The hotel occupies the territory of a private island surrounded by rocks, hidden from prying eyes in a quiet bay with white sand. The hotel offers 50 water cottages built on stilts over the water in a traditional Philippine architectural style on the seashore. Each cottage has a private veranda overlooking the turquoise bay of Palawan Taytay and the surrounding islands and rocks. The peculiarity of the hotel lies in the fact that only eco-recreation and complete immersion in nature are promoted on its territory, so you will have to forget about the TV for a while. But on the other hand, the hotel staff fully takes over the cultural and sports program of recreation for its guests. During your stay in El Nido Apulit Island Resort you can make daily boat trips to uninhabited islands, watch birds and animals that live in the rainforest, accompanied by a personal guide. And every evening there are themed dinners on the coast.
Another hotel of the chain is located on the island of Lagen El Nido - Lagen Resort 4*. Considered one of the best resorts this region. Lagen Resort consists of a complex of bungalows located on a hill or directly on the water. The neighboring island of Palawan can only be reached by boat in 30 minutes.
Economical holidays are offered in El Nido Mineloc Resort 3* located on the island of the same name. The rooms at the hotel are a little simpler than those of its two previous counterparts, but the beach here is much better than in Lagen Resort.
Palawan's collection of luxury hotels will soon be replenished with another hotel for an exceptional holiday, located on the island Huma- 80 water bungalows from Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, in the heart of the Palawan archipelago. The island is very popular among divers due to the rich marine life and the wreckage of 12 of the most legendary ships that were wrecked in the middle of the 20th century.
Huma has many mountains covered with tropical forests and primeval caves, and the endless clean beaches that encircle the island were once the habitat of the "sailor Ibrahim", who was washed ashore in 1352 after the crash of his galleon "Huma" on the way from India To China. Ibrahim is no longer alive, but the legend about him and the name of his ship still live.
All hotels in Palawan on the map: price comparison on different sites
If planning independent travel to the Philippines is too difficult for you or there is no time for it, it makes sense to turn to specialists Top Travel Agent. There are two options: you can order the development individual itinerary to the Philippines or ask to pick up a ready-made offer from a tour operator that meets your needs. Feel free to leave a request - it does not oblige you to anything, travel agents will send you options and you can choose either the cheapest one or entrust the organization of your trip to a highly rated Philippines specialist
Ethnically, the Filipinos, who have occupied only 2,000 islands from the entire archipelago, are very heterogeneous. The largest ethnic group, the Tagals, make up a third of the 100 million population. Their language formed the basis of the Filipino - the state language, which is used for interethnic communication between representatives of the rest of the peoples of the country. Facilitating communication is also the fact that in all local languages, almost half of the words are borrowed from Spanish. Many islanders speak English, the second official language.
The majority of the population professes Catholicism. A small percentage of Muslims are concentrated in the south of the country; they even have their own autonomous region in Mindanao. Tourism is not developed here, the islanders live in poverty, are engaged in agriculture, fishing, pearling. The local flair continues in the rest of the country, but at the same time, the Filipinos are Europeanized due to the lasting influence of the Spaniards. This duality is observed in many ways: modern hospitals are opening, but traditional medicine is also popular, democratic values are taking root, but the Asian clan system in politics is preserved.
Country history
The originality of the Philippines is due to their eventful history. Filipinos regularly fell under outside influence and courageously resisted it - the result was an eclectic, but very attractive fusion of national identity and borrowings from a wide variety of cultures.
As early as 2 thousand years BC. e. the ancestors of the modern Tagals and their relatives came from the Chinese coast, displacing the dark-skinned tribes that had lived here since ancient times. In the I millennium BC. a kingdom appeared on Luzon that existed until the 16th century. and actively engaged with China. In 1521, the first Europeans sailed to Cebu, led by Magellan, who soon died in a fight with the islanders. The victory did not help the natives: the Spaniards claimed their rights to these territories, naming them the Philippines in honor of the then ruling King Philip II. Since 1565, the Philippines became part of New Spain, uniting the colonies of the kingdom in both hemispheres.
The next three centuries were spent in periodic attempts by the Filipinos to rebel against the authority of the king and the church. In fairness, it should be noted that Catholicism also played a positive role: priests organized education in schools, published books, and provided medical assistance to the islanders. Together with the Spaniards, the locals waged a military campaign against the Dutch in the 17th century and lost to the British in the 18th century, although under a peace treaty, the colonies were soon returned to Spain.
All these vicissitudes did not affect Mindanao, where from the 13th to the 19th centuries. an independent Muslim state flourished. These territories were annexed to the main territory of the Philippines only in late XIX century. In 1898, the united state declared independence, but already in 1902 it fell under the rule of the United States, however, not very burdensome. The Philippines became autonomous in 1916 and the first president was elected in 1935. During the Second World War, the state fought with Japan, with the help of the American military, it was liberated from the invaders, while Manila was practically wiped off the face of the Earth.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the country did not wait for peace: Muslims began to fight for secession, and the dictator Marquez, who was overthrown only in 1986, came to power for many years. He was replaced by the widow of the deceased oppositionist Nino Aquino, whose name is the country's largest airport, Corazon Aquino. The current president of the Philippines is their son Benigno Aquino. It was from the late 80s that Filipinos began to study English everywhere, which became the state language, abandoned Spanish and began to develop tourism.
Natural and man-made attractions of the country
A significant part of the coast, both external and internal, is a natural beach - nature itself suggests the location of the resorts. The Philippine Islands differ among themselves in terms of the cost of living, the availability of diving sites and architectural attractions, and transport accessibility.
Luzon Island
Covered with low mountains interspersed with fertile plains, Luzon is the largest island in the archipelago. Here are located Manila, the capital of the state, and Nino Aquino International Airport, which lies 7 minutes drive from it. Formally, Manila is the second largest city in the country, significantly inferior to the 2.7 million-strong Kesson City, but in practice, these million-plus inhabitants and Kalookan merge into the Capital Region, equal in population to Moscow.
The most popular historical landmark of the country is located in Manila. These are Intramuros, the Spanish fortress walls of the 16th-18th centuries, almost completely destroyed during the bombing of World War II, but restored. Now tourists willingly visit restaurants and galleries in the city wall, the neo-Gothic Manila Cathedral of the 16th century. The main museums of the country are also concentrated in Manila: among the most interesting are Bahai Tsinoy, dedicated to Chinese culture, the Metropolitan Museum with a collection of decorative and applied arts of the Philippines.
After seeing the sights, travelers try to leave the agglomeration, which suffers from poor ecology and is simply cluttered. Local residents prefer to relax not on the coast, but in the "summer" capital of the country, in the mountain resort of Baguio. There are several active and extinct volcanoes on Luzon, in one of the craters of which a large Taal lake was formed, suitable for fishing. Tourists climb the Pinatubo volcano, view the active Mayon volcano and the Pangsanhan waterfalls.
Davao Port, with a population of about 1.7 million, is located in Mindanao, the second largest island in the archipelago. Tourists are attracted by the Apo National Park with endemic representatives of flora and fauna and the volcano of the same name - the most high mountain country, reaching a height of almost 3 km. For couples who want to relax in peace, it is better not to go here: the political situation on the island is turbulent, there is a constant terrorist threat.
Cebu Island
The city of the same name, the center of the province, became the first urban fortification of the country. Fort San Pedro, a Spanish fortress of the 16th century, has survived to this day. He later passed the baton to Manila. Off the northern part of Cebu is the island of Bantayan, known for its inexpensive prices and excellent beaches in the Santa Fe area, which is reached by ferry from Cebuyan Hagnai. True, there are no places for diving here and divers go to the island of Malapasca for thrills. Here, extreme people watch the movements of flocks of sharks. The memorial on the island of Mactan is of historical value: the monument on the grave of Magellan is adjacent here to the monument in honor of his killer, the leader Lapu-Lapu, who fought against foreigners.
The largest islands of the Philippines are well equipped for recreation, but aesthetes prefer Boracay, reaching only 7 km in length. The giant White Beach is publicly accessible, and there are many nightlife and souvenir shops nearby. The island is famous for its caves, colonies of rare blue corals grow off the coast, and there are several diving centers. Balabog beach in November-December is ideal for surfing. The plane from Manila delivers tourists to the island of Panay, from there to Boracay for half an hour by boat.
Bohol Island
In the reserve on the island of Bohol, tourists find themselves in the habitats of tarsier lemurs, where they are even allowed to pet these charming bug-eyed animals. Another natural attraction of Bohol is the Chocolate Hills. Against the backdrop of an evergreen summer, their grass that fades towards the end of the season looks very exotic. Bohol is known for its beaches and excellent service. The nearest island of Cabilao is considered one of the best diving centers in the country.
Mindoro Island
Located near Luzon, the island will appeal to lovers a relaxing holiday. From entertainment - diving, due to strong currents recommended only for experienced athletes, hiking in the mountains and to the Tamarao waterfalls. If you get really bored, you can visit the cockfights.
Negros Island
Negros Island with geothermal stations and an active Kanlaon volcano attracts those who prefer to relax away from the noise of civilization. In Dumaguete, where the flight from Manila flies, divers gather. There are three dozen places for diving of varying degrees of difficulty, especially many opportunities open up for athletes near the island of Apo, the coastal waters of which are saturated with marine life. Visibility in clear water reaches 40 m, the current is average, sometimes strong.
Palawan Island
This region is known for archaeological finds and natural attractions. 8 km underground river of Puerto Princesa, object world heritage UNESCO is one of the 7 wonders of nature. The river is named after the nearest city, located at a distance of 80 km. Only 1.5 km of the stream is open for tourists, to visit it you need to get permission from an office near Palawan Airport and travel from the town of Sabang. At the height of the season, due to restrictions on the number of tourists per day, this is problematic, so a permit, that is, a permit, is booked in advance, 2-3 weeks in advance for 350 pesos. A two-day excursion from Puerto Princesa with a guaranteed visit to the river costs about 2000 pesos.
Small islands surrounding Palawan form the El Nido nature reserve, the entrance to which costs 200 pesos. This place is considered the most beautiful in the Philippines. You can get here by plane from Manila, by bus from Puerto Princesa, or by boat from Coron Airport, which is quite dangerous. Civilization almost did not penetrate here, and this is the beauty of a reserved corner.
Holidays in the Philippines
Like other countries in the region, the Philippines celebrates many local and national, religious and political holidays. Among those understandable to foreign tourists are Catholic Christmas, New Year, Good Friday, All Saints Day, May 1. The end of the Muslim month of Ramadan is a holiday for the whole country.
Of the celebrations unusual for a European, the magnificent Manila procession on the Day of the Black Nazarene on January 9 deserves attention, when a statue of Christ made of ebony is carried through the streets. In Baguio, the whole of February is devoted to flowers. On May 15, Pachias is celebrated in Quezon City, when houses are decorated with fruits and vegetables in honor of Saint Isidore. Philippine Independence Day coincides with Russian and is celebrated on June 12th.
Philippine Cuisine
Central and Latin America, Western Europe, North Africa and, of course, Southeast Asia are the sources of diversity in Filipino cuisine. A lot of spices are put in the dishes, but still more moderately than the nearest neighbors - the influence of Spain is affecting. You don’t have to wait long for what you order in restaurants - the heat treatment of the products takes place literally in front of the eyes of the visitors and is served on the table. The order of appearance of dishes is the same as in Europe. In restaurants, people often eat with their hands, but people with a European appearance are served the usual cutlery. When choosing meals Special attention you should pay attention to seafood and freshly squeezed juices from exotic fruits. The only disappointment awaiting tourists is Philippine desserts: rice or noodles of varying degrees of boiledness, doused with sugar syrup. From drinks, in addition to the usual tea, coffee and juices, guests will be offered local beer and ginger tea, or salabat. From strong alcohol for cognitive purposes, you can try Philippine rum.
Shopping in the Philippines
In the shopping centers of Manila and other large cities, products of all world brands are presented at Western prices, but here you can also look for their licensed Asian copies of good quality, which cost several times cheaper. Small shops sell artisan goods adapted to the tastes of Europeans, and high-quality clothing made from locally produced natural fabrics. You just need to remember that Filipinos do not differ in powerful physique, so only slender tourists can pick up things for themselves in such shops.
Inexpensive but spectacular souvenirs - jewelry made from coral, natural pearls, silver mined in Philippine mines, coconut and wooden utensils. Pleasure is more expensive - wicker rattan furniture. Connoisseurs of natural cosmetics buy coconut oil in the Philippines. The guitar factory located in Cebu produces authentic Spanish flamenco instruments. Shopping malls are usually open until 20:00, in shops, according to Spanish custom, they often observe a siesta and do not work during hot hours.
Prices in the Philippines
The price level in the Philippines is very low even with the current dollar exchange rate. If you cook on your own, fruits are the cheapest - their cost is 2-3 times lower than in Russia. The vegetables we are used to are expensive, the meat is comparable to Russian, as are alcoholic beverages. Local rum is obscenely cheap. Lunch in a restaurant will cost about 300 pesos, you can have a quick bite on the street for 50-100 pesos.
When planning the cost of a trip, it is worth calculating the budget based on 1000 pesos per day per person. This includes meals, lodging, travel expenses, and entertainment. For the amount of 2000 pesos, tourists can afford high-class services, spa treatments, taxi rides, daily restaurant meals in comfortable hotels and shopping.
Customs regulations
You can take out of the country up to 200 cigarettes and 0.95 liters of alcohol, if you exceed it, you will have to pay a fee. It is forbidden to export gold items, except for your own, specified in the declaration, items made of ivory and precious woods, wild plants and animals. Antiques require a special permit. A tourist can bring in any number of bank cards, checks and cash in foreign currency, preferably in dollars, however, if the latter are more than 10,000, they will need to be declared. Local money is imported and exported in the amount of no more than 10,000 pesos.
Money
The national currency of the Philippines is the peso. 1 peso is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 pesos and coins of 1,5,10,25,50 centavos and 1, 2, 5 or 10 pesos.
It is better to change dollars for Philippine pesos in large cities - the rate is more profitable there, it is more difficult to find exchange offices in the provinces and the rate will be less attractive. City shops and most hotels accept Visa and Master Card. Banks are open until 15:00 only on weekdays, ATMs are open around the clock. The service fee, that is, the official tip, is included in the bill, the attendants give change to the visitor, while part of the coins can be given voluntarily. Porters at airports are conditionally free: they work for tips. It is obligatory to carry a trifle with you for calculating on transport and banknotes of 5, 10, 20 pesos.
In the Philippines, you need to have change (coins of 1.5 or 10 pesos) and small bills (10 or 20 pesos), since such “little things” as water, ice cream, jeepney fare can cost only a few coins, and the seller often there will be no change from 50 or 100 peso bills.
Information for tourists
In the outer resorts of the Philippines, it rains from June to October, while in the interior, precipitation is more evenly distributed. At this time, not all roads can be driven, with the threat of a tropical typhoon, there is a chance to get stuck for a couple of days at the airport, so it is recommended to plan a trip for the period from November to May. You need to take an umbrella and warm clothes with you for excursions to the mountains.
The visa-free regime for Russians is valid for 21 days. If the guest liked the country so much that he wants to stay, he just needs to contact the Immigration Bureau in Manila to extend the visa up to 59 days. This organization has 44 branches across the country. Only vacationers can enter freely, for other purposes you need to obtain a visa at the embassy in Moscow or at the consulates in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.
Beautiful beaches, tropical sun and a sea of recreational opportunities: diving, island hopping and surfing. The Philippines has long attracted the attention of tourists. But there is more than just beach sand and snorkeling on the islands. In this article, you will learn about a few of the best islands in the Philippines.
Olango Island
Located five kilometers east of Mactan Island, Olango Island has the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country. About 77 species of birds stop on the island during annual seasonal migrations, including sandpipers, egrets, terns and thules. Birds fly from Siberia northern regions China and Japan to Australia and New Zealand and then back. Declared a nature reserve in 1998, Olango is also home to approximately 16,000 native birds, predominantly found in the northern part of the island. The southern part of the island is represented by a wide shallow bay, tidal strips and mangroves. It is better to visit the reserve at the peak of bird migration, namely from September to November for migration from north to south and from February to April for migration from south to north.
El Nido and Bacuit Archipelago
The small coastal town of El Nido, located in the farthest northwestern corner of the island of Palawan, for many tourists becomes the starting point for traveling to other islands of the Bacuit archipelago (Bacuit). This limestone island nation with spectacular rock formations rises from iridescent sea waves wherever you look. It is believed that the conspicuous karst reefs with sharp jagged rock ledges were formed six million years ago as a result of the collision of India with mainland Asia. As soon as these rocks emerged from the water, winds and erosion began to work on them. So clefts, caves, underground rivers and karst funnels appeared in them.
Camotes Islands
About three hours by boat from Cebu are the three hospitable, tranquil Camotes Islands, largely untouched by tourism. This is a great place to get to know the social life of the real barrios (Philippine quarters) of the Visaya group of islands. Supercat's Ocean Spray speedboat departs twice a day for the Camotes Islands from Poro Island's Cebu City Pier. On the banks of Poro there are many beaches where you can rent sun umbrellas or tents for spending the night. The best beaches and best snorkeling spots are found on Thulang, a picturesque island separated by a narrow strait of turquoise water from north coast Pacijan Islands.
Panglao Island
Panglao Island is a tropical diver's paradise with several charming sandy beaches and a welcoming little capital with an old Spanish church. The best white sand beaches are found on the east coast of the island. These are the beaches of Bikini Beach, San Isidro Beach and Libaong Beach - an ideal place for a relaxing holiday, swimming, getting a tan and escaping from the bustle of the city and problems. The reef at the western tip of Panglao, a few minutes from Alona Beach, is in good condition with healthy corals, plenty of fish and underwater rocks up to fifty meters deep.
Guimaras
Between the islands of Panay and Negros there is a small island and the eponymous Philippine province of Guimaras, famous throughout the island country for sweet and juicy fruits mango. Guimaras is separated from Panay by a very narrow strait. The main occupations of the local population, by which they earn their living, are agriculture and serving tourists. In total, about 110,000 people live here. The bulk of the population is concentrated in five small towns. You might get the impression that although tourism has begun to take root in Guimaras, it remains something of an afterthought for the province. In the interior of the island, all life, as before, "revolves" around the harvest of citrus fruits, coconuts and rice. Other activities of local residents are also far from the industrial sector and close to the “rural” one: fishing, charcoal mining, wicker basket making and carpet weaving.Panay
The triangular-shaped island of Panay has always been deprived of the attention of tourists. Perhaps because vacationers were always in a hurry to the island Boracaylocated just beyond the northern tip of Panay. But Panay has plenty of room for hiking, adventure and discovery. The island has a fairly long coastline and a mountainous, tropical jungle-covered interior that has never been fully mapped.Sibuyan
Rising above Sibuyan Island is the jagged, saw-like peak of Mount Guiting Guiting, an unforgettable sight! Sibuyan is the most northeastern in the Romblon group of islands. Everything an adventurer can dream of is here: great beaches, dense rainforests and impressive mountain peaks. This is an amazing emerald island, spread over 450 square kilometers. One of the few patches of land in the Philippines, where nature has been preserved almost in its original form. So it was in 1996, when a significant part of Sibuyan Island was declared a protected area.
carabao
Only six kilometers separate the capital of Carabao San Jose on the east coast of the island from the town of Lanas on the west coast. Carabao is an idyllic place where fishing is the backbone of the island's economy and tourism is taking its first tentative steps. Divers come to the island to make a couple of dives in the coral reefs off the coast of the island, but there are no diving centers, so you have to take all your diving equipment with you. Surprisingly few people stay in Carabao for long. This is all the more strange because the island is surrounded by picturesque beaches with white sand and is so small that during the day you can arrange a small hike from the east coast of Carabao to the west and back, leisurely strolling through coconut groves and rice fields. Renting a motorbike in San Jose will allow you to explore the island even faster and even visit Tagaytay Point, the highest point on the island with great views of the scenic surroundings.Leyte
In the eastern part of the Visaya group of islands, there is Leyte Island, the northern coast of which is separated from Samar by a narrow strip of ocean, the San Juanico Strait, through which a surprisingly beautiful bridge is thrown. Leyte is another picturesque piece of the Philippines, often overlooked by tourists. On this island, you can spend at least a whole year without losing the novelty of endless beaches, jagged mountain peaks inland, hills and lakes. And all this is not marked on tourist maps and is known only to local farmers who have lived for generations on the shores and hillsides of the island of Leyte.Malapascua
Eight kilometers from the northern tip of Cebu and not far from Boracay is the island of Malapascua. The island is famous for the famous resort of Bounty Beach, a strip of white sand on its southern coast. IN last years many resorts and small hotels appeared here. The beauty of Malapascua is in no way inferior to the picturesque landscapes of Boracay, although the island is only 2.5 kilometers long and one kilometer wide, even a little less. There is no large-scale construction on Malapascua, no big hotels, no trendy nightclubs. There is only beach bars where divers love to visit.
Bohol Island
Everything that is good in the Philippines can be found on one "compact" island: excellent diving conditions, magnificent beaches, old gothic churches and the unique "Chocolate Hills" (Chocolate Hills). Bohol Island is attractive, and life in the barrio and the idyllic island outback flows calmly and measuredly. Traces of vigorous activity are observed only on the beautiful beaches of Panglao Island, where divers gather. On the rest of the islands, including Bohol and Carabao, everything is always quiet and calm.
Siargao Island
Beyond the northeastern tip of Mindanao lies the tear-shaped island of Siargao. The beaches of Siargao are similar to the beaches of Boracay, there are many picturesque coves and lagoons and everything a typical tropical island needs: beautiful coastal landscapes with palm trees and turquoise water, with small villages in the interior of the island and coconut groves. Surfers were one of the first tourists to choose Siargao. They chose Tuason Point as their "base", which they liked so much that they nicknamed it "Cloud No. 9" (something like Russian for "seventh heaven"). And although mass tourism on the island has not settled, surfers come here to this day.Samal and Talicud Islands
Samal Island, or as its official name "Samal Island Garden City" sounds even more grandiose, and Talikud Island (smaller) lie literally a stone's throw southeast of Davao Island in Davao Bay. The narrow strait that separates Davao and Samal is called the Pakiputan Strait. Of these two islands, it is better to choose Samal. If only because it is larger and there are more interesting things. It has charming coves, excellent beaches, and many excellent diving sites with colorful coral reefs and several sunken ships lying on the seabed. So, the wreckage of three Japanese ships practically stumbled against each other near Pearl Farm Beach on the west coast of Samal.Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island, located right off the northwestern coast of Cebu, is calm and pastoral, flat and arable, without the gloomy mountains that characterize Cebu. This is a great place for outdoor recreation, but divers are unlikely to like it here - there are practically no corals left off the coast. Most of the resorts and beaches of Bantayan Island are located around the attractive little town of Santa Fe on the southeast coast. Steamboats from Cebu regularly go to Santa Fe Pier.Romblon
Off the northern coast of Panay, between Mindoro and Bicol, is the province of Romblon, which consists of three large islands (Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan) and a dozen small islets. There are not many tourists in the province, since most vacationers find that it is not so easy to get here. But if you do decide, you will find that there is nothing particularly complicated here. There are several resorts in the province of Romblon, and the whole nightlife consists of passing from time to time not crowded karaoke parties. Several picturesque and uncrowded beaches and coastal waters with coral reefs make Romblon an excellent place for a relaxing holiday for divers, snorkelers and nature walkers.Apo Reef Marine Natural Park
Apo Reef, about thirty kilometers west of Mindoro Island, stretches 26 kilometers north to south and 20 kilometers east to west. The reef consists of two main atolls separated by deep straits and several smaller atolls, but with no less picturesque and calm lagoons with white sandy bottoms. Above the surface of the water Coral reefs rise in just three places, on the islands of Cayos de Baio, Binangaan and Apo. On the largest of them, Apo, there is a rescue station and a lighthouse. Diving here is really something special. While diving, you can see sharks (and even hammerheads), barracudas, schools of tuna and sea turtles. In the vicinity of Apo Reef, most of the 450 species of coral in the Philippines are represented, ranging from tiny, similar to bubbles, corals, to huge, resembling the head of a Gorgon with snakes, sea "fans", between which hundreds of colorful tropical fish scurry: sea angels, fish swallows, surgeon fish and eels.
Capital —
Area– 299,764 sq. km.
Population- 105.7 million people
Language- English, Filipino
Form of government- unitary presidential constitutional republic
Date of Independence (from USA)- July 4, 1946
Largest cities— , Quezon City, Davao
Currency- Philippine peso
Timezone — +8
Telephone code — +63
Travel to the Philippine Islands(and there are 7,107 islands) unlike any other, it really is a country of contrasts - huts and palaces, bloody sports and beauty; all extremes can be found on these exotic islands, and all of them are extraordinarily fascinating. Here, a stone's throw from the dirt and chaos of big cities to untouched, by the hand of man, the jungle and coral islands. Ancient temples, majestic Catholic cathedrals and tropical nature - what else can you expect from a trip to the Philippines?
Philippine Islands - video
The Philippine archipelago was discovered on March 16, 1521 by the Portuguese during the Spanish round the world expedition. The Philippine Islands were named after the Spanish King Philip II. In the Philippines, very often they take someone else's culture - turn it upside down and pass it off as their own culture. At the end of the 17th century, the Spaniards came to the Philippines and brought Catholicism with them. And so, in the Philippines suddenly appeared places with such names as Santa Anna, Santa Barbara, Santa Elena, San Diego, San Juan, Santiago and others. After they left in the 20th century, the Americans came. And then the names appeared here: Washington Street, Forbes Park, McKinley Road and so on.
The biggest mark in the history of the Philippine Islands was left by the Spaniards. At the end of the 19th century, Spain also fought with two countries: they fought with the Americans for and at the same time tried to suppress the Philippine revolution in. As a result, they were defeated both there and there. Therefore, they had to find a way to keep up with the Filipino people who only yesterday were their maids and chauffeurs. They decided to kill two birds with one stone - to sell the Philippine Islands to the Americans. And in 1898, the Americans set foot on this land. But, at the end of World War II, the Americans ceded the Philippine Islands to the Japanese, with dire consequences. American General Douglas MacArthur vowed to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation and in 1944 began the siege of Manila, with the Japanese in it. But in 1946, the Philippines declared its independence.
Like it or not, but the Spanish influence on the Philippines was very tangible. Filipinos even began to be called Hispanic-Asians. And that's true: like the Latinos, they love fiestas, festivities, and also gravitate towards siesta - after-dinner relaxation. The national minority makes up 10% of the population. Half of these minorities are Muslims who live on the outlying islands, but 90% of the population are Catholics. After all, when the Spaniards came with a sword and a cross, they were met by very good-natured and calm people. They accepted Catholicism without resistance and good-naturedly, and today 90% of Filipinos profess Catholicism.
In the Philippines, an occupation that not all people are delighted with is very popular - this is. In the Philippine Islands, it is the national sport. More than half of the country's population takes part in these games - they are the owners of roosters or place bets. Tourists believe that cockfights are an extraordinary explosion of emotions, fights are very exciting. And yet, it is a cruel spectacle, at the end of which one of the roosters either dies or is beaten half to death.
A characteristic feature of the Filipinos is cordiality and goodwill, with which tourists are met by local residents of even the most remote villages. In small coastal villages, people lead a modest life, earning it by fishing. Residents eat part of the fish themselves, and the rest they take out for sale in the markets. People live here in modest bamboo huts. In one small village, about 300 people can live, although a census of the population in such small villages is never carried out. All life here is subject to the rhythms of the sea. There is no electricity in the deren, the fish is not stored in refrigerators, but salted and dried in the sun, so it is stored for a long time. In the center of the village, there is often a small church - Catholicism is the main authority here, although it has some admixture of animistic beliefs. Every Sunday, the inhabitants gather in the church to pray, and on holidays a priest comes to them from the mainland. The chapel may be somewhat spoiled by the tropical climate, but this in no way diminishes its significance for the inhabitants.
There are many things about the Philippine Islands that make them different from the rest of Asia, and the food is one of them. The cuisine in the Philippines is extremely diverse. It seems that there is a universal slogan here - "everything is possible!", therefore everything is sold in the markets. Back in the 16th century, the Spaniards began to dominate the islands for three hundred years, and it is not surprising that this was reflected in the local cuisine - today thousands of pigs are butchered in the Philippine Islands. Filipino cuisine may not lack the sophistication found in Chinese or Thai cuisines, but here, too, there is an extraordinary variety of snacks of all kinds. And most of them are for the owners of a strong psyche. Favorite dish Filipino balout - an egg with a chicken almost ready for hatching. And for those with steel stomachs, there are annual chili eating championships. The main prize is only $45, but despite this, a crowd of brave people is ready to "pounce" on this explosive food. Water and a banana at the ready if you need first aid. The record of these competitions is 500 peppers.
Perhaps the greatest attraction of the Philippine Islands is the beauty of their nature. So, in the southeastern part of the island of Luzon (the largest island of the Philippines) is Mayon Volcano, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is also the island's most active volcano - over the past 400 years it has erupted 50 times. It is located on the border of the continental Eurasian and Philippine plates, and its height is 2,462 meters.
