Why It’s More Fun in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. In 2012, the government to launch the “Its More Fun in the Philippines” ad campaign in the global arena, with television commercials and special tourism features airing over CNN International. More than four million foreign visitors traveled to the Philippines that year, the highest on record at that time and the Philippines hopes to attract some 8 million foreign tourists this 2018.

Discover 20 Compelling Reasons to Visit Philippines

Spending a holiday in this 7,641-island country surely spells massive. Check out what’s to love in this beautiful country.

1. Friendly Filipinos

Filipinos are known for their fun-loving, kindhearted and hospitable nature. Generally speaking, locals are very friendly and helpful. They will make you feel right at home in the Philippines. They have the natural sense of happiness which makes tourists love the Philippines and the people as well.

2. Unlimited 5-star beaches

A country made up of 7,000 plus islands, the Philippines has no shortage of world-class beaches, as each island offers rich landscapes of tropical rainforests, mangroves and mountain ranges. Backed by a lush range of flora and fauna, sun-seekers from around the globe are lured in by the white sand and crystal-clear, emerald waters. Perfect for a tropical getaway, the Philippines is also home to the world-famous Boracay Beach, which has consistently ranked as one of the world’s top beaches according to the world’s top travel experts such as Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor and Travel+ Leisure, among many others.

3. Festivals

With dozens of colorful, music-filled festivals, you will find yourself dancing to the beat of drums and festive music that reverberate throughout the towns. Gorgeous costumes and amazing decorations and lights adorn entire villages during festivals. Don’t miss the Mother of All Philippines Festivals! The Sinulog Festival in Cebu welcomes people from all over the world every third Sunday of January. Experiencing a city or town festival will let you witness colorful ethnic and glamorous awe-inspiring dance presentation and Street Parties.

4. Food

Delicious food highlighted by a variety of seafood and the melting pot of Filipino cuisine that blends Indian, Spanish, Chinese and Malay influences, just like the simple but refreshing mix of halo-halo. After spending 300 years under Spanish rule, Philippine cuisine bears the indelible mark of Spanish flavors blended seamlessly with native flavors and spices. Anthony Bourdain, a world-renowned food expert, has touted Filipino cuisine as the next big thing in the world food scene. Dare to try some exotic food? When in Davao, give Durian a try. Smells like hell, but tastes like heaven. Load up on the country’s number one fruit export, dried mangoes and get a taste of Filipino adobo.

5. Waterfalls

The Philippines is more than just sea, sand and sun. For anybody who loves landscapes and adventure, it’s hard to resist the stunning, but sometimes dangerous allure of waterfalls. The Philippines is home to a plethora of waterfalls that will take your breath away and even let you cool off. Get ready to be blown away by the country’s most scenic and majestic waterfalls tucked away in the lush mountains or forests, many of these spectacles showcase nature – from cascades and pools to vegetation and rock formations – at its best.

6. Arts

Art lovers and travelers can go off on art-filled adventures and celebrate the work and talent of Filipino artists. Do some art tripping in the art capital of the Philippines Angono and you’ll be hard-pressed not to find art here as it is almost everywhere, including the streets. Hear music from the only organ made almost entirely of bamboo in the world, with the performances of local and international artists alike. Art is not just about artworks displayed in museums or large exhibits. In many travel destinations around the Philippines, art is also a way of life and livelihood for locals. Have a more culturally-rich travel experience by watching locals create art before your eyes.

7. Shopping

Filipinos have created the term “malling,” born from their love of going to malls, not essentially to go shop but plainly to enjoy the displays and the cool temperature. Home to the world’s most expansive malls, the country caters many independent shops highlighting local products, handicrafts, or artworks found at big public markets anywhere. Pay a visit to local favorite Greenhills for some “retail therapy,” or go to massive malls especially in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

 

8. Island Hopping

According to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, the Philippines has 7,641 islands. Imagine dramatic limestone formations rising from the turquoise waters plus the wide choices of destinations and activities waiting to be experienced. Topping the list of islands to visit is Palawanm the country’s “Last Frontier”. It was chosen by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine as the World’s Best Island for two consecutive years now besting the likes of Santorini, Maui, Galapagos Islands and Seychelles. Locals continue to preserve this valuable travel jewel for future guardians and visitors to enjoy. 

9. Underwater World

Located in the planet’s Coral Triangle, the Philippines is home to the highest concentration of coral, flora, and fauna, marine, bird and reptile species in the world. Scientific researchers have found that the country has the highest concentration of animal, plant and coral species per unit area in the world. The Philippine sea encapsulates the depth and breadth of our magnificent and rich marine heritage. Tagged as the center of marine biodiversity, the country has been enticing global divers to enjoy this God-given gift showcasing world-class scuba diving sites where divers are treated to fish-filled reefs to World War II shipwrecks. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was established in 1988 by then Philippine President Corazon Aquino. It exists as a wonderful testimony of biodiversity being home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals (half of all the coral species in the world), 21 species of sharks, skates and rays, 13 species of dolphins and whales, and two of seven species of marine turtles, namely the hawkbill and green.

10. Retiree’s Haven

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) intends to raise the number of foreign retirees in the country to 80,000 by 2020. Foreigners prefer the Philippines as a retirement place due to beautiful climate, best golf courses and beaches, naturally friendly Filipinos and it is economical to live here.

11. Medical Needs

The Philippines is currently ranked eighth in the world as the preferred destination for people seeking treatment, consultation, and diagnostics. Presents the medical and healthcare status of the Philippines which seeks to continue expanding its network, explore opportunities and partnership and provide solutions to patients founded on unique holistic approach and personalized care.

12. Basketball

Basketball in the Philippines has been a big part of Filipinos everyday life. Wherever you will go—be it in the streets of Metro Manila or in the provinces—the basketball court will always be present. Private and public organizations would always put up basketball clinics every summer, or introduce a basketball league to advocate sports among the youth.

13. Adventure Spots

If you’re keen to face the Philippines adventure spots, then you’re in for a treat. Visit a number of caves for Spelunking, take a wet adventure of White Water Rafting at the rapids in Cagayan de Oro River or cliff diving in Ariel’s Point in Boracay. If you’re the eerie kind adventurer, a must-try diving experience can be found in the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin. Included lately in the World’s top 50 surf spots by CNN, Cloud 9 in Siargao is a surfer’s wave paradise. Feel like flying ala Superman? Dare try Lake Sebu’s zipline, one of the tallest in Asia and be mesmerized by the sight of four waterfalls gushing through a lush tropical rainforest and rainbow.

14. Rich History and Culture

Want a taste of unique Philippine experience and see how fun the Philippines actually is? Try commuting and ride a jeep. Overcrowded and colorful, Jeepneys have become a national image of the Philippines. Originally from U.S military, jeeps are left over from World War 2. They were sold or given to the Filipinos, who then customized them with vibrant colors and reconfigured them so they could fit more passengers. Another interesting thing to do is schedule an Intramuros walking tour which gives you a fascinating insight into the history of the Philippines and Manila.

15. Join in the Karaoke Challenge

Filipinos are songbirds and love to grab a mic and sing. Karaoke singing is the national pastime – which can be proven by the fact that most karaoke machines in the Philippines have a score-giving feature. It’s where singing is not a talent, but a hobby that’s why Filipinos are musically inclined people. Did you know that Bruno Mars is part Filipino? Even our national boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao, sings and sold hit record albums.

16. Jollibee

The Filipino fast-food chain is commonly referred to as the country’s answer to McDonald’s. The iconic Jollibee was more of a glimpse of life in the Philippines, it ties the senses of smell and taste together, promising that the aroma is as good as the food itself. The country’s favorite go to restaurant to celebrate simple every day triumphs, Jollibee is more than a Philippine, it’s home.

17. Mountain Climbing

Due to the Philippines geography, the country is embraced with mountain ranges that make it an ideal destination for hikers. Filipinos are blessed with majestic mountains that leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned mountaineer, there’s a summit waiting to be reached.

18. Interacting with Tribes

With so many islands and over 16 regions, Philippines have different kinds of cultural practices. Even though Filipinos by tradition follow most practices before the Spanish era but keep up with the modern practices, several indigenous tribes have managed to keep their cultural identity alive. The Philippine government made a tremendous effort in protecting the ancestral lands of these tribes.

19. Explore the Wildlife

Philippines has a lot of places for the wildlife enthusiast to discover in search of endemic species. You can swim with the gentle giant whale sharks in Donsol, Philippine eagle in Davao said to be the world’s largest eagle in terms of its length or height and the elusive and tiny primate that is Philippine tarsier of Bohol.

20. Faith

Filipino’s innate faith in God is anything but admirable. This is why the country rise above tragedies, believing that in the end, all will be well. Among the many characteristics that describe Filipinos, the value of faith is the most important. For many years, the Philippines has been the only Christian nation in the whole Asia. A big religious event happening every 9th of January is the almost a day procession called Traslación which showcases an outstanding display of Filipino faith. The country yearly battles with super typhoons but Filipinos consistently proves that faith is stronger than any storm and displays hope that can weather any sort of tragedy.

Best time to Visit the Philippines

The Philippines is full of tourists between November and March. The country is fully accessible these months, more welcoming weather leading you to many beautiful islands and more remote areas. If you want to get that sexy tan though, summer is your best bet as temperatures are high during April and May. The wet season falls between June and October, but the rain isn’t really continuous and rarely impacts on travel plans. You will still enjoy hot, sunny days at this time, fewer crowds and lush, green scenery. These months can is more easy on the pocket, lesser crowds, the weather’s still pleasant and flights will be cheaper than during the peak season which summer and December.

If you want a taste of Philippines grand holiday, Filipinos are known for genuine hospitality and for celebrating Christmas for the longest time. Spending your vacation during Christmas season will surely be unforgettable.

Traveling the Philippines signify going home with the unique culture that the nation is proud of. So come visit the Philippines so you can come up your own amazing reasons!