The Philippines
"It's More Fun In The Philippines!"
The Philippines is a beautiful island nation full of friendly, welcoming people who never fail to greet you with a smile. While the Philippines has a long and tragic history of colonization at the hands of Spain and later the United States, this country and its people remain resilient. Most know only of its idyllic beaches and turquoise waters, but there are many other hidden gems and cultural wonders to be experienced.
The Philippines is chock full of stunning views from every island, but here are a few must see destinations to add to any itinerary.
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
With crystal clear salt water in a quiet little town, this river is as close to paradise as you can get. Legends say that fairies added sapphires and jade to give the water its unique color, and fishermen tell tall tales about elusive fish that can't be caught. Travel to the island of Mindanao to see this unique beauty in person.
The Batad Rice Terraces
The Batad Rice Terraces are a stunning sight. Lush, verdant green cascading down the mountain side like stairs for giants. Located in the town of Banaue on the island of Ifugao, these terraces were carved by hand some 2,000 years ago. They are still in use today. A one hour hike from town, this breathtaking view is certainly worth the effort.
Surfing on Siargaio's Cloud Nine
The Philippines is not the first place one thinks of when imagining the best surfing in the world, but Siargao certainly rates in the Top 10 despite this. It even holds its own international surf competition: the Siargao Cup. With crystal clear water and a perfect wave called Cloud 9, it's an ideal spot for surfers and divers alike.
Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Bohol's Chocolate Hills look more at home in a Star Wars movie than on Earth. There are many fantastical tales surrounding the creation of the Chocolate Hills, but one favorite is that a giant, unlucky and disappointed in love, wept for so long that the hills grew where his tears fell. It's quite a romantic view so perhaps there is some truth to the story.
Filipinx are wonderful people no matter who they are or where they're from, but there are a few notable names that might be more recognizable than others!
Leyna Bloom
Born in Chicago, IL. to an African-American father and Filipinx mother, Leyna Bloom is an actress, model, and dancer. She made history as the first transgender woman of color to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and Vogue India.
Ruby Ibarra
A Bay area resident and native, Ruby Ibarra was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US with her family as a child. She is a rapper and spoken-word poet and activist who speaks about her experiences as an immigrant and her heritage as a Filipinx.
Bruno Mars
Half Filipinx and half Puerto Rican, Bruno Mars is a muscian and acclaimed showman who has had Top 40 hits with every album he's released. He's won countless awards and performed in some of the most sought after venues in the world.
Manny Jacinto
A Filipinx-Canadian actor, Manny was born in Manila and immigrated to Canada as a young child as so many of the Filipinx diaspora do. His most notable role so far has been as Jason Mendoza in the Good Place. But he has recently been casted in Top Gun: Maverick.
Philippine cuisine is rich, flavorful, and colorful. Food is a sign of love and caring in any Filipinx household. Anyone planning to visit the Philippines should prepare a long list of dishes to try, but here are a few favorites!
Pancit Palabok
A delicious noodle dish prepared with shrimp gravy and topped with shrimp, smoked fish flakes, pork cracklings, and eggs.
Sinigan na baka
Baka meaning beef, this is a hearty stew served with rice that can also be made with seafood, pork, or chicken. It has a sour broth made from tamarinds and includes vegetables like kangkong and eggplant.
Halo-halo
On hot and humid days, halo-halo is the perfect treat to cool off. Meaning "mix-mix," this dessert is made from shaved ice and condensed milk, sweet beans, coconut strips, and topped with a scoop of deep, purple ube ice cream.
Banana langka turon
Turon is another sweet snack, often found at street vendors in the city. A layer of plantain and langka (jackfruit) is rolled in an eggroll wrapper and deep-fried before being caramalized in brown sugar.
The Philippines is a country full of incredible experiences, warm people, and delicious food, but it's a place that must be enjoyed beyond a computer screen. So if you're planning a trip, why not go to the Philippines?