Philippines
The Republic of the Philippines [1] (Filipino: Republika ng
Pilipinas) is an archipelago in South-East Asia consisting of
7,107 islands located between the Philippine Sea and the South
China Sea, east of Vietnam, and north of Sabah and Borneo.
The Philippines is an archipelago abundant in nature, rich
in culture, and filled with pleasant discoveries. Experience
the Philippines, its 7,107 islands, its natural wonders, colorful
history and warm, engaging people. Over a hundred ethnic groups,
a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and
arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino race and the
wonder that is the Philippines.
Regions
There are a total of 79 provinces in the Philippines that can
be divided among three main island groups:
Luzon – the northernmost island group, center of government,
history and economy and home to the capital
Visayas – the central island group, heart of the country’s
antiquity, nature and biodiversity
Mindanao – the southernmost island group, which showcases
Philippines’ indigenous and rich culture
Cities
Manila - the national capital. The Metropolitan Manila area
includes several cities and municipalities to form one administrative
body governed jointly by the local governments and the Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Angeles - interesting place with a wild nightlife, wonderful
and friendly people.
Bacolod - the city of smiles and land of sweet tooths.
Baguio - the country's summer capital (cool weather), nice parks
and views, home of the "Igorot" peoples, vegetable
gardens
Cagayan de Oro - known as the City of Golden Friendship, it
is popular for whitewater rafting. As the gateway to Northern
Mindanao, it is the jump off point to destinations like Camiguin
Island and Bukidnon Province.
Cebu - also known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is the
first established indigenous settlement discovered by the west
in the Philippines. For a short time before the re-dedication
of Manila, Cebu City served as the capital of the far eastern
territory claimed by Spain.
Davao - one of the largest cities in the world in terms of land
area. Relatively young when compared with Manila or Cebu, it
has grown to become the economic and commercial hub of the southern
island of Mindanao. Nearby you'll find the country's tallest
mountain (Mount Apo), the endangered Philippine Eagle, and one
of priciest orchids in the world, the Waling-waling (Vanda Sanderiana.)
Tagbilaran City, Bohol - the City of Friendship, site of the
Blood Compact Treaty between Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna representing the Bol-anon people
(of Bohol). The main entry point to Bohol's Chocolate Hills,
centuries-old churches and Panglao Island's white-sand beaches
and world-class dive sites.
Vigan - historic Spanish town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other destinations
