 An archipelago of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is a tropical paradise of dramatic landscapes and volcanoes, lush green paddies, sparkling white sand beaches and turquoise seas.
The country's 10 main islands lie in a sickle shape directly south of Taiwan, their volcanic ranges protecting the other countries of South East Asia from the Pacific Ocean.
The Filipino people are proto-Malay, with a blend of Chinese, European and American genes mixed in through the centuries -- a result of trading contacts, followed by 350 years of Spanish and 50 years of American colonial rule.
Filipinos are warm and direct, having largely relinquished the circuitous approach of their Asian neighbours and enthusiastically embraced the "American way". Until recently its people were the country's major export. The beautiful, independent Filipino women enjoy an enviably high status at home.
Incongruous images typical of the Philippines are the startling clarity of the seas beside ramshackle gaudy jeepneys that bounce along rutted concrete tracks, pulsating with hugely amplified music.
|
About Philippines
An extraordinary opportunity to have a great adventure in some of Asia's most dramatic landscape while honing the skills of journalism at the same time.
The Central Philippines is made up of the archipelago of tropical islands called the Visayas, including Leyte (Imelda's home province), Cebu and Bohol.
The Ati-Atihan Festival is The Philippines
quote answer to the Rio Carnival or Notting Hill and is an extravaganza of costumed fun and loud music.