Saint Augustine was quoted saying that “the world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only a page.”
Do you feel like switching things up in your life and expanding your horizons? Consider visiting the Philippines.
The Philippines is an Asian nation with over 7,600 islands. It has become a tourist hotspot recently because of its exciting festivals, ancient customs, friendly locals, and historical cities. So, irrespective of what you seek as a traveler, the Philippines holds the answer.
This guide will point you in the direction of the most amazing places to visit in the Philippines and traditions you’d most likely encounter as you sojourn this blessed Asian country. Stay tuned!
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The Best Places to Visit While in the Philippines
As C. Joybell C. said “Travel is the best teacher. The only way to an open mind is by taking a plane out into the open world.”
If you make that bold step to head to the Philippines, here are some spots you must visit for a time of your life:
1. Palawan
Palawan is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing islands in the Philippines. Here, you’ll find the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has a landscape made from limestone karst alongside an underground river. In municipalities like El Nido and Coron, you can execute activities such as snorkeling and island hopping.
2. Banaue Rice Terraces
Also called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Banaue Rice Terraces was hand-crafted by the Ifugao people 2,000+ years ago. Views from the terraces are calming, especially during sunrise and sunset. In 1995, different sections of the Banaue Rice Terraces became UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
3. Siargao Island
Siargao Island has a teardrop shape and is known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” It features world-class beaches, huge waves, and a smooth-sailing island lifestyle. Siargao Island’s Cloud 9 is a hotspot for surfers globally. If you don’t surf, don’t worry; there’s a truckload of things to do. For context, you can go swimming in the clear Sugba Lagoon or explore rock formations at Magpupungko.
4. Vigan City
If you’d like to see what the Philippines looked like when it was colonized by the Spanish, add Vigan City to your travelling itinerary. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter mansions made of dark wood and horse-drawn carriages. This city still remains vibrant, and you can purchase freshly baked empanadas that’ll make your taste buds scream in delight.
5. Davao City
If adventure appeals to you, consider touching down at Davao City on your next trip to the Philippines. For starters, this location is home to diverse cuisine; due to its nearness to the sea, you’ll find a truckload of seafood, including the local favorite — kinilaw na tuna.
That said, sky riders can get their dose of adrenaline at Eden Nature Park and Resort. And with Davao City ranked as the third safest city in Southeast Asia, you can take rides and engage with locals without reservations.
Exciting Filipino Traditions to Discover
The Philippines is a kaleidoscope of cultures. You’ll encounter traditions with Asian, Spanish, and American roots. As you move around the Philippines, you’ll find traditions that’ll either impress or shock you. Notable mentions include:
Sabong (Cockfighting)
Before you head to the Philippines, the idea you’d have about cocks is their loud crows and how delicious they taste. Well, they’ve got one extra purpose you might not be conversant with in the Philippines — fighting!
Cockfighting, also known as Sabong, is a sport where two roosters are left to fight in a ring positioned in the middle of a loud crowd. The rooster that’s the last one standing after the fight wins the event.
Sabong has been part and parcel of Filipino culture for centuries. This sport was around before the Spanish arrived in the country in the 1500s. It has gone big now, with many of the events even hosted in stadiums. Many view Sabong as a traditional sport. However, several individuals deem it as cruel and are spreading awareness to stop animal blood sports in the Philippines.
To tell you how popular it has become, Sabong has ventured into the online betting space. Now, bettors can place wagers on what rooster will come out victorious in a particular event. It’s that big. According to Evelyn Balyton, a sports betting expert, Sabong betting is huge in the Philippines and it can be considered a part of the mainstream betting sector in the country now. What’s better? It’s also legal.
Suppose you also want to join the action and are looking for where to place Sabong bets without hassles, consider checking review sites to discover a list of legit online Sabong website in the Philippines.
Bayanihan
The term Bayanihan revolves around community and helping each other out in times of difficulty. It originated from a tradition where different individuals would come together to take a neighbor’s house from one location to another. You might wonder how this was possible. Well, since houses back in the day were constructed with bamboo, people will team up to carry them using bamboo poles.
In today’s world, however, Bayanihan represents the Filipino people’s acts of corporations, especially in periods characterized by natural disasters. When you visit the Philippines, you’d notice that the spirit of Bayanihan is everywhere. From locals helping you find your way around town to families coming together for celebrations, the Philippines oozes care all around.
Pamamanhikan
In Filipino culture, marriage isn’t just about two individuals. It’s about both families. One tradition intricately linked to this event is Pamamanhikan. It involves the man and his family going to visit the woman and her family to ask for her hand in marriage.
And guess what? The man’s family doesn’t embark on this trip empty-handed; rather, they go bearing gifts and different delicacies. This is basically a show of respect to the girl’s family and sets marriage talks off to a great start.
Modern couples in the Philippines ignore Pamamanhikan. However, those resident in rural areas or with traditional parents embrace it.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines has locations where you can take Instagramable pictures with relative ease. But this country is deeper. It’s a hub where you can forge meaningful connections with locals, get in sync with amazing traditions, and have mind-blowing experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get set to uncover the beauty of the Philippines.
