Tourism in Philippine

Eight Tourist Anchor Destinations:

Manila

Manila is a microcosm of the rhythm of the islands, named after a delicate white mangrove plant, this charming city lives as a silent witness to the country’s turbulent history. Once ruled by the Islamic Rajah Sulayman, the city was captured one after the other by the Spain lards, the Americans, and then the Japanese, Todaym the city is the country’s capital, a fast growing mertropolis spurred by the country’s capital, a fast growing metropolis spurred by the country’s robust economy. Given its fascinating history, Manila is a showcase of different cultures. The enterprising tourist might want to visit the ruins of Intramuros of Corregidor, the greens of Rizal; Park, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the mustique of Chinatown or the urban veneer of Makati and Ortigas.

Cebu

In the island of Cebu, the worlds of business and leisure go hand in hand. Called the “Queen City of the South” Cebu is the site of the new and exciting business ventures between local and foreign capital, But amidst such hectic commercial activity. Cebu’s numerous beach resorts and ezhilarating historicity beckon tourists of all races. The city is also blessed with numerous museums and churches. As for the shopping. Cebu offers a lot of souvenir ideas form export quality fashion accessories and furniture, handcrafted guitars, steel crafts and handicrafts to dried mango preserves, sugar coated biscuits, and peanut wafers.

Davao

Known for its elegant orchids, exotic fruits and Muslim heritage. Davao is a bustling city teeming with cultural diversity. It is the industrial hub of Mindanao with corporate centers, manufacturing site, shopping centers, hotel and casinos. Davao also features various points of intrest for the adventurous visitors. Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country and home to the Philippine Eagle, is a close distance from Davao City. Caroland Farms, 13 kms, from the city, is a bird and wild duck sanctuary, Samal island offers an array of beach resorts for serious unwinding.

Baguio

The country’s summer capital, Baguio city stands amidst the mountainous region of the Cordillera Situated 1500 m above the sea, Baguio is one of the few places in the country blessed with a cool climate. At any time it is eight degree cooler in Baguio than the lowlands. Apart from the numerous sightseeing”musts” as Burnham Park , Club John Hay, Lourdes Grototo and the Mines View Park , Bagulo is also a great shopping place. Delight on freshest vegetables and straeberries. Bagulo is also the jump-off point to the famous Banawe Rice Terraces.

Boracy

Known far and wide as an island paradise, Boracay has charmed vacationers with its powder white sand, crystal blue waters and purposely laid-back pace. Located at the northern trip of Panay island, Boracy is about three hours away from Manila. Sunworshiper from all over the world visit Boracay yearly, and some have even made it their second home. It is no wonder. Therefore, that French, German, Spanish and English can be heard spoken in the island. The culinary fare is equally exciting, featuring a wide range from Thai and Austrian to Belgian and Filipino. Numerous water sports facilities, including dive shops are on hand as well as a sprinkling of bars and discos. Most visitors however, prefer to sit back and enjoy the sun.

Palawan

An island of peace and quiet, it seem time has stood still for Palawan. Situalted between Mindoro island and Noorth Borneo. Palawan is the country’s last frontier. It is the home of over 80 cultural minority groups. It is sanctuary for the most exotic plant, animal and aquatic life in the country including the Calamian deer, the Palawan bearcat and the tarsier. As if these were not enough, Palawan also features white sand beaches, black marble caves, and breathtaking dive sites. Visit Calauit Island, Ursula Island, EI Nido beach, and Saint Paul Park for an unforgettable Palawan sojourn.

Bohol

The country’s tenth largest island, Bohol is a veritable masterpiece of nature with its blend of pristine white beaches, wonderful dive sites, virgin forest and rolling hills. Situated in Central Visayas, Bohol is particularly popular for the Chocolate Hills. This natural wonder consists of hundreds of dome-shaped limestone hills covered with grass which dries up and turns brown under the sun. It is also in Bohol where the historic blood compact between the Boholano chieftain Sikatauna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi took place. Other points of interest include the Jesuit- built Baclayon Church and the underground water springs of Hinagdanan Cave.

Laoag/ Vigan

Time-locked Ilocos is a broad hardy country blessed with impressive wide highways and stretches of narrow cobblestone roads, antiquated towns dominated by heavily-buttressed grand churches and Antillan ancestral homes, and a brave people who, by sheer industry, harnessed a formidable terrain into a source of sustenance. A seemingly tempestuous sea rimmed with uneven rock formation and ascetic mountains are the two scenic images that first impress the visitors to IIocos. Wedged between the wild China Sea and the rugged Cordillera mountain range, the region presents a visual feast that is at once dazzling in its boldness. Divided into IIocos Sur and IIocos Norte, their capitals- Vigan and Laoag City- are anchor tourist destinations and part of the 7000 times more island that make up the Philippine archipelago.