With the remarkable beauty and undeniably friendly locals, the Philippines isn’t difficult to love. Most tourists think that the Philippines is just about beaches but actually, it’s much more. And just as a trip here will certainly make you fall for everything you see, it will also make you fall for the values of everyone you meet and the palatable cuisines they serve.
Here are the 10 reasons why you’ll love the Philippines even more!
1. Breathtaking Views
Unlike other places, an adventure in the Philippines takes you to a wonderland where it seems as though you’ve walked straight into a postcard. Cue in, Batanes and Banaue Rice Terraces.
Its vast greenery, hills, stunning sunset views everywhere and crashing waves from the ocean surely take one’s breath away. And just like that, you’ll be in a state of bliss.
The Philippines is mysterious, grand and inviting at the same time. Through the eyes of a first-timer, this country is unbelievable.
2. 7,641 Islands to Choose From
The beaches and islands are, certainly, one of the most convincing reasons why you should visit the Philippines. The country has been known internationally because of its pristine beaches.
Boracay tops the list. Many people all over the world drool to go on a trip to this island. Boracay is famous for its fine white sand and now, clear blue waters, party scene, and amazing water activities.
Then there goes Palawan. You can either go to Coron where great diving spots and lagoons are or El Nido where you can just enjoy the chill ambiance of the place.
Bantayan Island in Cebu also amazes tourists in so many ways. The island offers fresh air, calming sound of the waves, and cerulean waters.
3. Great Diving and Surfing Spots
Diving enthusiasts around the world just can’t get enough of the fantastic Philippine diving spots. Some tourists make their way to the Philippines to train or get their diving licenses because of its tropical nature and reputation as a great vacation destination. Some popular spots are found in Coron, Palawan; Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; and Monad Shoal in Cebu.
Another thing the Philippines boasts of is its amazing surfing spots! Some people from across the world travel here just to feel the adrenaline rush from surfing the Philippine waters. Surfing spots in the Philippines that are worth the visit include Siargao, the country’s surfing capital, Baler in Aurora Province, and La Union.
4. Exquisite Pinoy Cuisine
With more than 7,000 islands and rich history, the Philippines has some delicious dishes of its own. And there’s more to Filipino food than the mind-boggling balut (duck embryo).
And when in the Philippines, one should not miss its famous adobo. The pork or chicken meat is marinated in vinegar and soy sauce. It’s easy to prepare so it’s very common in the country.
Lechon is also something worth trying! The entire pig is roasted over coals, with the crisp, golden-brown skin served with liver sauce, the most coveted part. Everyone loves this, even the late world-famous chef Anthony Bourdain. He won’t say it’s the best pig ever for nothing!
Another must-try dish in the Philippines is the sinigang. There are many varieties of it though: from pork to seafood. Everyone loves it because of its sour and slightly spicy taste.
Some may not like how balut tastes like, why people would line up for isaw (pork and chicken intestines) or why Filipinos eat with their hands. But perhaps the best way to understand Filipino food is by trying.
5. Ridiculously Good People
May it be to locals or foreigners, Filipinos are warm-hearted people. They are caring, respectful, hard-working, and full of possibilities even in hard times.
Filipinos are naturally empathetic— a loved one’s problem becomes everyone’s problem. They hold each other’s hands, they hardly leave their loved ones alone and they constantly check in with each other, whether through texts, calls, Skype, or other social media platforms.
Filipinos respect their relatives and they treat the elderlies with great fondness. They grab their hand and put it against their forehead. This gesture of pagmamano is so deeply ingrained in their culture that it has become the greatest symbol of affection in the family.
Filipinos don’t discriminate and that is why they are highly ranked for service, hospitality, and care-related jobs.
6. Grand Festivals
When it comes to parties and festivities, Filipinos take it seriously! In fact, each province has its own festival. They are vibrant, colorful, lively, and grand.
These Philippine festivals showcase the country’s culture and the locals’ creativity. Many feature colorful costumes, painted bodies, and crazy beautiful street dance performances.
Tourists from all over the world visit the Philippines not just to see its beautiful beaches and breathtaking sights, but also to experience the country’s grand festivals that, without a doubt, makes it more fun in the Philippines.
7. Dynamic Nightlife
Contrary to what others think, Filipinos are not dull and boring. They know how to party, too! In fact, there are many great bars in the country that take the party scene to the next level!
Enjoy a pub crawl at Poblacion in Makati or go to Bonifacio Global City or Ortigas to get the best city views, breezy outdoor escapes, and chic spots that are sure to have you sipping and toasting all night long.
8. Interesting Mix of Different Cultures
Because of the country’s history of colonialism and encounters with different cultures — Chinese, Malay, Spanish, American, and Japanese — what has resulted, is the most curious melting pot of varying traits and practices.
Travelers familiar with any of these cultures will be surprised and amused at the parallels Filipinos carry in their ways of life.
9. Filipinos Welcome Everybody With Open Arms
Many tourists find Filipinos very hospitable and this impression is clearly an edge. That’s how hospitable they are! Filipinos don’t discriminate but welcome everyone with open arms even if they’re not related. They will offer anything they can to foreigners and even teach them Filipino words even without asking.
10. It’s More Fun in the Philippines
With all these being said, the country’s tourism slogan is true. It’s more fun in the Philippines because you’ll never run out of things to do. You will fall in love with the people and every spot in the country. You can come to the Philippines for the beaches, but what you’ll get is so much more.
The Philippines may not be the richest country in the world or may not have the highest standard of living yet. Still, the Filipino people are very rich to have good qualities and breathtaking places that spell genuine happiness.
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