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When the Department of Tourism launched its new tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, the slogan went viral. Filipinos came up with a lot of reasons why it’s more fun in the country known as the Pearl of the Orient. Different posters were even posted on Facebook, featuring the uniqueness of the Philippines! For all of you travelers who are wondering why it’s more fun in the Philippines, here are some things you should know.
1. The Philippines has a diverse culture.
From colorful festivals to historical landmarks, the Philippines showcases a mix of Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic influences in their culture. Every region or province has its own tradition and special delicacy. The country has 171 native languages, showing the diversity of its people and culture.
2. World-class beaches are found in the Philippines.
The pristine white sand of Boracay, the crystal blue seas of Pagudpud, the divers’ haven of Panglao, the clear turquoise waters of Pearl Farm Beach, and breathtaking seascapes of El Nido are just some of the beaches you need to visit in the Philippines.
3. Filipinos are hospitable.
You’ll receive the warmest welcome from any Filipino household. Whether you’re going to a tourist destination or simply going around the metro, Filipinos will accommodate you in the most congenial way. They will offer you the best of what they have to make you feel at ease in their company.
4. The Philippines is the country for every shopper.
You’ll find quality items at affordable prices in the Philippines. Shopping is one of the favorite past times of Filipinos. Bazaars are big in the metro and mall-wide sale is prominent. From signature bags and clothes to locally-made ensembles, you’ll definitely find both trendy and quaint items in your shopping spree.
5. Filipino cooking is a trademark to every traveller.
Aside from the famous adobo, kare-kare, sisig, and Bicol express, Filipinos have different exotic delicacies such as balut, dinuguan, and papaitan. Filipinos love to eat and that makes them good cooks, too. Some Filipino chefs even made it to the White House and the Buckingham Palace!
6. The Philippines is home to some of the wonders of the world.
The Banaue Rice Terrace is a man-made structure created by the Ifugaos. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Underground River of Puerto Prinsesa was recently declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The world renowned Chocolate Hills of Bohol is fascinating. When I went there, I was in awe to actually see more than 1,000 picture-perfect hills! If you love the sea, you will be mesmerized by the Tubataha Reef, one of the largest and most preserved reef systems in the world. It was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1993.
7. Filipinos are cheerful people!
Smile comes by freely if you’re in the Philippines. They love to laugh and crack jokes. In the midst of adversity, Filipinos still find reasons to smile and laugh about random things. They are generally fun to be with!
8. It’s easy to go around in the Philippines.
Transportation is accessible and cheap in the Philippines. Aside from the usual cabs and buses, they have colorful jeepneys and different types of tricycles to choose from. Wherever you are there’s a means of transportation ready to take you to your destination! You can even go around the walled city, Intramuros, via E-Chariots and go to all avenues and every small street around.
9. Filipinos are talented and entertaining people.
If you need someone who knows how to sing and sing well, you can always count on a Filipino to do that. Performing arts are ingrained in the Philippine culture. They can sing, dance, act—you name it! A videoke is one of the must-have items in a Filipino get-together.
10. The tropical weather that gives tan.
Foreigners love the Philippine weather because it gives them the natural tan they want while they frolic the beaches. The tropical weather in the Philippines is not too hot compared to Middle East countries. They have the perfect summer weather for every vacationing traveller.
11. Filipinos are sociable.
You’ll rarely feel out of place when you’re in the Philippines. At some point, one Filipino will talk to you while you’re travelling. Saying hi, hello, or ‘kamusta’ is a common greeting you will hear from them. Most of all, they are also very much in touch with social media. Facebook and Twitter updating is a common past time to the ever sociable Filipinos.
12. Filipinos are creative.
You can buy different native crafts, necklaces made of glossy magazines, bags made of juice tetra packs and other trinkets made by the creative hands of Filipinos. You can also find the best henna tattoo artists in the Philippine beaches.
13. Festivals abound.
Festivals in the Philippines consist of parades, music, tribal dance, and indigenous costumes. Some of the popular festivals you shouldn’t miss are the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, Panagbenga or Flower Festival in Baguio, and the Masskara Festival in Bacolod.
14. Malls in every corner.
If you like to stay in the metro, the Philippines has lots of malls to keep you busy. Based on an article released by the Forbes magazine in 2007, there are three malls in the Philippines that made it to the top 10 world’s largest malls—SM Mall of Asia (4.2 million square feet), SM Megamall (3.6 million square feet), and SM North Edsa (3 million square feet).
15. The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world.
Language barrier won’t be much of a problem when you’re in the Philippines. Whether you’re in a tourist destination or a mountain-based province, there will be Filipinos who can converse with you in English.
There are more things to discover and explore when you’re in the Philippines. Both locals and tourists enjoy travelling and vacationing in different parts of the country. From heritage and culture to people and places, once you’ve stayed in the country you’ll be able to say “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!”
Author Bio:
Abigail Ang is an aspiring writer and a former Backpacker. She is into almost all types of music. She also has a passion in singing and an interest in sports particularly Ultimate (Frisbee) and running.
Abigail is also one of the editors of White Knight Hotel Intramuros a renowned Budget Hotel in the Philippines.
