Best Places in the Philippines

As adolescents, we always dream of traveling around the world to see for ourselves the wonders each country offers. Alas, the constriction of time and money hinders us from realizing such dream.

But with technology, especially the Internet, and this chance of sharing, we’re able to see and appreciate places we dreamt about. We are here to show you some great places in our country you may consider visiting in the future.

The Ilocos Region is known for its amazing tourist spots. Ilocos Norte offers you white sand, clear waters and university (school) of fishes and other marine animals in Pagudpud. With the tremendous waves, you’ll surely enjoy surfing. Pagudpud is the newest paradise in the Philippines. Another tourist destination is the Marcos Museum where one can find the remains of the man who raised the economy of the Philippines, former President Ferdinand Marcos. His body is preserved in a glass case freezer. Read his biography and be inspired by his cleverness.

Then, drive down to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Turn back in time with the cobblestone streets and Spanish-style houses of the town. Visit the house of Father Jose Burgos, a priest falsely accused of mutiny during the Spanish regime. Inside are some of his belongings- from spoons, saucers to paintings and cars. You might get an idea of your dream house when you see his house.

Another tourist attraction found in Vigan is Chavit Singson’s Baluarte. It is a 20-hectare land with a zoo, shooting range and chapel. Tour around the place riding on a pony or calesa. You can see white deers, wolves, tigers and other animals in the Baluarte. Don’t worry, entering the place is free since it’s Singson’s gift to the people.

From Ilocos, ride a bus to Mountain Province, the “Weaver’s Paradise” famous for its hanging coffins. These coffins are arranged in high step rock formation. The Sumaging Cave features shimmering golden and silvery rock formations with cool natural pools. Suit yourselves with the golden temples of grains in Maligcong. The Maligcong Rice Terraces is like the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.

Bontoc, the capital of Mountain Province, shares the Lang-ay Festival held every first week of April. Tribal dances and other cultural pride of various ethnolinguistic groups are shown. For those who find pleasure on indigenous things, Bontoc is best visited during this time.

Let's drive up to the “City of Pines”, Baguio. Baguio was called city of pines due to the numerous pine trees growing on the city. Baguio is also known as “The Summer Capital of the Philippines” because of its refreshing and cold climate. Witness the Panagbenga (flower) Festival held every February. It shows amazing cultural, historical and natural bounties. You’ll be mesmerized watching the floral parade. Explore various kinds of flora- from the most native to unique- at the Botanical Garden.

Take a jeepney to La Trinidad to the Bell Church. It has a pagoda, landscaped gardens, well-designed arches and buildings with flags, bells, and dragons. You’ll also find some Buddhists’ artifacts and literature about China’s history.

Drive down to Pampanga and experience the Sisig Festival. The festival is held every December. Sisig is a spicy cuisine of the Filipinos. Go hiking in the high peeks of Mt. Arayat. After a tiresome day, you’ll be relaxed with the cool waterfalls.

From Pampanga, go down to Manila. Then take a ship to Cebu.

The deep turquoise waters welcome you to Sumilon Island., which lies at the heart of Cebu. People there will welcome you with their smiles and efforts to make you comfortable. It is a 24-hectare coral rock land, one of the best hidden treasures of our country. Sumilon has a marine sanctuary, which makes it perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island offers whale and dolphin watching boat trips. You’ll surely be singing Sebastian’s Under the Sea when you go diving. Alongside this, taste the authentic Cebu food- fish dishes, fresh fruits and spicy salads.

Then, ride a yacht to Boracay. Boracay is a tiny butterfly-shaped island in Western Visayas. Days in this place can be spent by simply laying on the beach, little bit of boating, wind surfing, scuba diving, trekking, mountain biking and playing golf. Nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle. Sail boating and kayaking are popular sporting activities. Then you can do parasailing at sunset. You can also rest on about 260 different resorts.
There are no hang-ups either in this island. At daytime having a soothing massage under the shade of coconut tree beside the shoreline is a common sight. From dusk to dawn, Boracay turns into one big party place where everyone is welcome to join in.

These are but some of the bounties Philippines can offer.