Travel destinations: The Philippines – Part 18

I’m a pure blooded Filipino. It’s a must then for me to study my own cultural heritage. Since grade one, I was more or less compelled to know my country’s origin. And during my college days, it was part of the school curriculum for me to complete a total of 19 units of subjects pertaining to history in order to pass. Fortunately, I’ve graduated last year. That would more or less make me qualify in giving you an overview of my country.

If my memory won’t fail me, we got our country’s name from King Phillip of Spain. The country that had invaded us for 333 years. But like any other conquered countries, we fought for our freedom, killing thousands of my countrymen but giving birth to thousands of Philippine heroes. But wait, I’m not here to discuss about history. If you find history a boring subject don’t worry, the feeling is mutual.=)

Personally, if ever I would decide to visit a particular country, I don’t think I would rush my self to the nearest museum and look at the country’s artifacts or go to the nearest bookstore and buy a book about the history of that country. Although such actions would indicate how interested you are but why don’t you explore what is present in that country? And if you want to see beautiful spots and meet amicable people, then my country won’t fail you.

I’ve read an interesting article about the “Seven Wonders of the Philippines. If you want to know about it just feel free to click on the link. I have to agree with that article. Seven of the best places my country has to offer would include: Rice Terraces of Banaue, Tubbataha Reef, Chocolate Hills, Subterranean River at Puerto Princessa, Taal Volcano, Mayon Volcano and Boracay. But I had also recently encountered a book entitled 1000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz which I later on learned is an international best selling book and was actually featured in Discovery Channel. Two places from my country was included: The Rice Terraces of Banaue and the Amanpulo Resort in Palawan. I could never be more proud.

With over 7107 islands in the country, every month you get to celebrate a lot of festivities. We have yummy delicacies and own native products that you could choose from. As the only Christian country in South-East Asia, we have lots of great churches for you to celebrate mass! Hospitable, friendly, close-family-ties and great respect for elders are some of the character traits of a Filipino. And may I add “beautiful people” as well since I’m one of them.

My country may not be financially rich but every day we learn how to survive. It’s amazing actually to know we are one of the happiest people on earth. Maybe time will come that I could get to visit other countries and appreciate their cultures the way I appreciate mine but one thing is for sure, I was born, raise and I will eventually rest in peace in this country.