"A group of travel buddies whose primary intention is to explore and share to all Filipinos the amazing places and hidden gem of the Philippines".
WHY IT'S MORE FUN IN THE
PHILIPPINES?
Here are some of their testimonials:
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because the people are honest and friendly. In general, they may be one of the poorest, but would give the shirt off their back to a complete stranger. That is true hospitality!” — David Kudransky, California
“It’s more fun in the Philippines [because] you get more bang for your bucks!” — Rapha Elle RN
“Life …is simply more fun in the Philippines! Smiles in the Philippines are cheaper than any place in the world because we’re a bunch of easy to please and love to please people.” — Dr. Valerie de Leon, Millbrae Smiles California
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because of the Filipino’s innate faith in God. So whatever happens, God is still in full control. This is why we rise above our tragedies — we move on, we believe that in the end, we will triumph! It makes us one of the happiest people on the face of this planet. Add to that the incredibly, unbelievably beautiful coastline! Oh, and we just did the zipline in Agas Agas, Leyte! A must-do!” — Luchie S. Callanta
“It’s more fun in the Philippines. It’s where singing is not a talent, but a hobby. People who have less smile more, and a stranger is always a part of the family.” — Francis Erneth Mojado Lu
“It’s more fun in the Philippines, because it is the only place in the universe where the so called ‘Bayanihan’ spirit prevails, which no specific culture or nation could ever duplicate or surpass. Hail the Pearl of the Orient Seas!” — Maria Nanzee
“Going places, from town to town, is not a problem — colorful jeepneys are here [while you ride] with other people. You can ask drivers [how to get to] where you want to go. They are friendly.” — Orlando V. Lucero
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because we celebrate Christmas and New Year here with a bang. Dito sa Canada, pagkatapos ng holiday, parang walang nangyari. Hindi memorable ang celebrations.” — Rose Noveloso
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because we Filipinos have world-class talents and skills. — and that is our TRADEMARK.” — Eugene Ramos
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because the malls are alive and teeming with people at 8:30 on a Tuesday evening.” — Rita Sargadilos Balazo
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because Filipinos are hospitable.” — Catherine Gonzales Calumpad
“Definitely more fun in the Philippines! I’ve been to many countries as well, but I still prefer ikutin ang buong Pilipinas. ItÕs because of [the] good weather, best beaches especially my hometown Palawan! Cheaper to travel, friendly and helpful Filipinos and natural attractions. Here in Europe itÕs also nice but expensive to tour around and [it’s] always cold. Iba ang adventure, thrill at attractions sa Pilipinas. Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan! Simulang ikutin ang sariling bayan at masasabi niyo na kay ganda talaga ng Pilipinas.” — Sheryl C. Hansen
“It’s more fun in the Philippines kasi sobrang passionate tayo. Kung anti-DOT slogan, sige lang, banat. Kung pro-DOT naman, banat din. Definitely more fun in the Philippines to stand up for what you believe in! Gosh, I miss the motherland so bad.” — Sanctina Lxi
-Inquirer
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT
PHILIPPINES?
The Philippines is best known for its natural beauty, from white sandy beaches and rich coral reefs to green mountains, perfectly-shaped volcanoes and brightly-colored “Ifugao Rice Terraces that attracted over 4.8 million tourists in 2014, based on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Tourism Highlights 2015.
Indeed, the Philippines is one of the best tourist destinations that will surely leave you breathless. If you are tired of colossal temples, this country will give you a distinct feeling of joy and so much discovery that can’t be felt elsewhere in Asia. Its natural resources along with its delectable cuisines will attract you more of its rich culture and heritage.
Here are the reasons why you should get in touch with a tour operator in the Philippines and visit the country.
Philippines is very festive at heart
Celebrations like Panagbenga in Baguio City, Maskara Festival in Bacolod, and Ati-Atihan in Aklan make the Philippines a splash of color and diversity. If you are into riotous costumes, odd folklore and street dancing, these festivities will tour you around the memory lane. They truly showcase the heart and soul of the Filipino natives.
Filipinos also pay tribute to their own patron saints and bountiful harvests by remembering their town festivals. With numerous towns and cities to choose from, you will never run out of itinerary in this country, at any time of the year.
Philippines is an English speaking country
English being the universal language is one important aspect that’s why traveling to other countries become a success. Foreigners love to travel in the Philippines because 90% of its people know how to speak English. Unlike most of its neighboring countries in South East Asia, where you’ll find it easy to communicate.
As far as traveling is concerned, the Philippines is a great country for first time travelers because of their language. As a matter of fact, Koreans visit this country to study basic and advanced English lessons for better opportunities abroad and in their country.
Philippines is full of exotic and pristine beaches
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines proved to many that it is the absolute destination for water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving Other than water sports, Philippines is also becoming a favorite spot for other new water sports emerging such as flyboarding and kayaking.
Friendly Locals
Filipinos are known to be hospitable. Arriving at the airport, you will be greeted by friendly people who will assist you in your needs. Cab drivers will try to make conversation with you and, if you are lucky, they can give you suggestions on what to try and where to visit.
Upon getting to your destination, locals will make friends with you and make you feel home. They will introduce you to their family members, and even invite you to some occasions like fiestas, birthdays. They will even let you gatecrash a wedding! And of course, as you go, they will give you packs of food to take to your hostel.
They will wave you goodbye as you hop onto your next destination, with their friendly faces and happy smiles.
Festivals
A big part of every province in the Philippines is the festivals they celebrate once a year. These festivals either originated from their patron saints or from the legends that came from their place.
Colorful parades, finely-created and detailed costumes, street parties, and dance competitions hype up the mood of every festival. Visitors can check out popular festivals like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City, Moriones Festival in Marinduque, and Rodeo Festival in Masbate.
Lechon, balut, and other gastronomic ventures
Who would not love tasting the Filipino food? One way to observe the culture of the country is through its food and Filipinos definitely excel on it. Taste Cebu’s world-class Lechon, fill your hungry tummy with Pampanga’s sizzling sisig, or experience eating in your palm with Quezon Province’s Pancit Habhab. Some must-try are adobo, balut, halo-halo, and of course, Davao City’s durian.
Great adventures
Climbing in the Philippines has gained tremendous attention in the past couple of years, thanks to outdoor enthusiasts who are very keen on promoting the beautiful mountains the country has. When in Davao, reach the highest peak of the country in Mt. Apo at 2,954 meters.
Travelers can also try Mount Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Pulag for additional adventures. But if you would like to take your kids with you and try smaller yet equally breathtaking views, Batangas City has a lot of mountains to choose from—Mt. Batulao, Mt. Gulugod-Baboy, and Mt. Maculot are just some.
Whale sharks and underwater friends
Anilao in Batangas, a couple of hours away from Manila, has a lot of diving spots to visit and you can dive in the Philippines with friendly sharks too. This is the main attraction in Oslob, Cebu, where whale shark watching can be included in tours. Just don’t forget to take precautionary measures.
Get a tattoo
Get a souvenir of all your memories in the Philippines. One artistic way is to get a tattoo from the the last Mambabatok Apo Whang Od, based in Buscalan, Tinglayen, Kalinga. Each day, many people line up to have a tattoo from Apo Whang Od, who is now aged 100.
Discover hidden caves
In between towering mountains and breathtaking islands are hundreds of caves waiting to be discovered. When in the north, you can tour the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada and have a side trip to its hanging coffins. In Palawan, you can also check out the internationally-acclaimed Underground Subterranean River.
Lurk in lakes
After visiting caves, the lakes should be next. In San Pablo, Laguna, there are seven lakes you can see in a day. But if you want to see more, go to Coron, Palawan’s world-class Kayangan Lake and get to know people from the Tagbanua tribe.
Relive history
The country is a historical place with a diverse culture coming from different colonizers. In Manila, you can have a day tour in Intramuros or the Walled City. It has been a refuge during the Spanish regime. A day tour in Corregidor, an island before reaching Manila Bay, was also a witness of history during the American colonization. In Ilocos Sur, you can go down memory lane at Vigan’s Calle Crisologo, which, up to now, is a preserved area showing the Spanish colonial and Asian architecture.
Trek to volcano’s crater
The Philippines do not fall short when it comes to volcanoes. See Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay in Bicol Region, and be stunned in her perfectly cone-shaped form, like that of Japan’s Mt. Fuji.
A few hour's drive from Manila is Tagaytay City, where you can see the second most active volcano in the country. Surrounding it is the Taal Lake which gives you a captivating view from Tagaytay City. You can actually go down the lake and spend time near the volcano for a day.
Another exciting experience is a day trek in Mt. Pinatubo using 4×4 cars. You will be amazed at the beauty of the crater lake, which was a result of the volcano’s eruption in 1993. Back then, it displaced thousands of Aeta community in Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. However, despite its destructive eruption, Mt. Pinatubo left a beautiful reminder through the emergence of stunning coves within its area—Anawangin and Nagsasa.
Banaue Rice Terraces
The world-class Banaue Rice Terraces up in Ifugao Province should be included in your list. The ancestors of the indigenous people in the area carved the 2, 000-year-old terraces with their bare hands. It is considered as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by UNESCO.
Party life
Partying in the Philippines is more fun! It can be in the bars of Quezon City or in Boracay, or just a simple get-together in a Filipino home. One thing that will not be absent from every party is the karaoke machine, which has been the center of every occasion due to the Filipino love for singing.
Wine and beer
Parties and get-togethers will not be complete without the drinks! Filipinos love merrymaking with a couple of beers on the side or a glass of wine. In Quezon Province, it boasts of its lambanog or a coconut wine.
You can also try local rum crafted at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental, or try the local craft beers in Baguio City.
Wherever you are in the Philippines, visitors will always have a reason to enjoy and see the country’s beauty. Either through food, sights, and people, there will always be a reason to return to the country.
Certainly, there are a lot of reasons to visit this country aside from all of these. If you want a vacation that is truly memorable, try going to this country and experience hospitality at its finest form.
-The Culture Trip
-Uno Tours
THE GEMS OF THE PHILIPPINES
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