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The Glossary
Philippines Travel Guide
Known as Southeast Asia's "Pearl of the Orient," the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. The northern side of Luzon is the mountainous region of the country and is home to the capital, Manila. In the middle is Visayas, home to the country's best beaches. Capping of the country's diversity is the southern region of Mindanao, where most of the Muslim population resides. Wherever visitors go, they are welcomed by the warm smiles and hospitable nature of Filipinos.
A Cultural Buffet
Filipino culture is similar to neighboring Asian countries but is also dominated by Spanish and American influences. The official language, Filipino, borrows Spanish terms and most locals have Spanish surnames. Many Filipinos are updated with American pop culture and have adopted the system of fast food chains. The adaptation of foreign culture is what makes Filipino culture strangely familiar and unique at the same time.
Filipinos express their hospitality best in holding their festivals and serving their local dishes. Popular foods include adobo, kare kare, lechon, and crispy pata. Within the major cities are authentic Italian, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants comparable to their original.
Indigenous Diversity
Popular Filipino culture may have foreign influences but provincial tribes have retained their historical identities and cultures. The indigenous tribes' traditions have survived the reign of Spanish and American colonization. The most notable of these tribes are the Ifugaos, who were responsible for carving out the Banaue Rice Terraces from the mountains. The Banaue is fed from an ancient irrigation system in the rainforests located above the terraces.
The southern islands of Mindanao are the most distinct of Philippine cultures, having kept the Islam influence from Arab traders in the 13th century. The presence of Muslim culture is cultivated by the Maranao, Tausug, and Banguingui ethnic groups.
Philippines Landmarks:
- Airports (1)
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- Bars (52)
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- Clubs (7)
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- Museums (16)
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- Restaurants (1)
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- Sights (27)
- Stadiums (4)
- Theatres (6)
- Universities (1)
- Zoos (3)
Philippines Traveler Advice
| Accommodation (1) | Activities (1) | Female Traveler (2) |
| Food (9) | Health (1) | Itineraries (37) |
| Nightlife (4) | Shopping (6) | Sights (3) |
| Transportation (10) | Visa (1) | Volunteering (1) |
| Warnings (27) | With Kids (1) |
Philippines photography
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User blogs:
Global warming: good for winegrowing?
Climate change has silver lining for English vineyards As world leaders grapple with how to tackle climate change in Copenhagen next week, England's winegrowers are embarrassed to admit that global warming is suiting them rather well. This year's crop has been one of the best yet, with a record three million bottles produced -- twice the average production of the past five ... Read full Blog post
Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See All- Siargao
- Amanpulo
- Amanpulo Philippines
- Baguio
- balete pass
- Banaue
- Bohol
- Bolinao
- Boracay
- Cagayan de Oro
- Cagayan Valley
- Calatgan
- Camsur
- caraballo mountain range
- Cebu Island
- More destinations
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