“It’s more fun in the Philippines,” says the slogan of the Philippine tourism. In a couple of weeks, the sizzling summer season in the Philippines will be officially up and about when morning turns less chilly and when “fun,” the Filipino way can be expressed in a hundred and one ways (or more).
Summer is an exciting time to be in this sensational destination. Found at the verge of eastern Asia, this country is home to over 7,107 amazing islands inhabited by hospitable locals and exotic indigenous tribes. There is something here for everyone – history, culture, pristine beaches and islands, mountain resorts, unforgettable gastronomies, “fiestas” and other attractions.
Philippine Feasts
Summer is also the time of the year when feasts and festivals abound. In truth, the country is overflowing with these festivities it will be easy to catch one when you decide to come for a holiday regardless of the month or season. If you should decide to come in the months of March, April or May, the summer months in the country, check out the calendar of Philippine festivals to decide where you want to go and take part.
In the month of March alone, there are 14 major fiestas in the country (there are numerous small feasts in between), that’s roughly one feast every other day. There are eight festivals held in the month of April and 18 in May. Each of these is an attraction since these fiestas showcase Filipino culture – their beliefs, faiths, cuisine and delectable food.
Catch the Perfect Wave and Indulge in the Beach
With its extensive coastline and 7,107 islands, there are too many exciting prospects in the country. Siargao is dubbed as the country’s surfing mecca; Cloud Nine, one of the world’s best according to CNN, is as dramatic as it is dangerous. No wonder that surviving its waves is in the bucket list of the world’s best and most passionate surfers. The island has other attractions that can fill your appetite for a tropical paradise holiday – Daku Island, Naked Island and Guyam Island.
Check out the 6 tempting reasons to visit Surigao where Siargao is. Go island hopping and have a blast in the 24 beaches of Britania Group of Islands; San Agustin has sand as fine and snowy as Boracay’s (listed as a top beach in the world along with Palawan, another island destination).
Dive in Sulu Seas’ Tubbataha Reef, one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Philippines. Other destinations worth visiting aside from Palawan and Boracay are Malapascua, Puerto Galera, Palaui Island, Coron and and Tawi-tawi in the South.
Only in the Philippines
The Philippines is also home to a host of unique attractions and experiences. Imagine scaling the heights of Mt. Pinatubo that once caused massive destruction as an aftermath to its eruption after being dormant for 600 years. The pristine Underground/Subterranean River in Puerto Princesa, still in Palawan, is among the world’s most extraordinary phenomena. The spectacular Banaue Rice Terraces has been painstakingly carved by the Ifugaos using the simplest tools about 2,000 years ago. These jaw-dropping farm terraces are reminiscent of giant steps reaching up to the high heavens. These farms are still being used for agriculture to this day. Not too far is Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines with a chilly temperature ranging from 15 to 23 °C (59 to 73 °F).
Unforgettable Gastronomies
Filipinos love food and the Philippines is home to a variety of sumptuous dishes. The Bicolandia is known for its spicy foods – pinangat, laing, Bicol Express and desserts using pili nuts. Pampanga, dubbed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, is home to sisig, kamaru or mole crickets, betute or stuffed frog, and a lot more. You can’t leave without tasting the “national dessert,” the halo-halo served in a tumbler or bowl of sweet, preserved ingredients with shaved ice and milk. If you love street foods, the city streets in the country will satiate your appetite like no other.
From the lechon of Cebu and pinakbet in the Ilocos to the sweet desserts of Bulacan and Buco pie from Laguna, there seems to be no end to the mouthwatering offerings of the country. The ingredients abound from the seas to the farms and backyard gardens. Davao City is the food basket of the Philippines; fruits are sold at rock-bottom prices during the festive “Araw ng Davao” held every March and “Kadayawan” celebrated in August. Replete with float parade and street dancing, these are attracting local and international tourists alike.
Wherever Filipinos gather in any of these islands, they are sure to swap stories and laugh hard at their own misfortunes and mistakes. Aside from the wonderful destinations and delicious foods, the happy locals are so warm many international tourists are enticed to stay longer, comeback for more or even settle in any of its beautiful islands. The happy nature of the Filipinos make the slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” come to life.
