Why It’s More Fun in the Philippines! – Guest Post

This is a guest post written by Epril from Eps and Amy called “Why it’s more fun in the Philippines?”. If you are planning to go to the Philippines or fancy knowing a little bit more about it, you will find this post very interesting. I have not been there and I would love to visit one day! If you would like to know more about Epril, please scroll down to the bottom of this post where you can find her details, under “About the Author“.

Like many other countries, the Philippines has loads to offer when it comes to tourist attractions, many varieties of delicious foods from different cuisine, and hospitality. There are a lot of beautiful places to go to in the Philippines and the warm welcoming of the Filipinos through their positivity, smile and the way they accommodate foreigners.

Since we originally came from the Philippines and we are going again for another holiday this year I wanted to showcase to you why it’s fun in the Philippines.

THE FILIPINOS

Smiles are everywhere in the Philippines. Filipinos often smile and it’s contagious. They have the natural sense of happiness which makes tourists love the Philippines and the people as well. They have a very cheerful nature where they love to entertain visitors. They are more than happy to offer the best food they have in their house if they have a visitor.

Last year when we went to visit our friend they prepared loads of food for us and they even prepared a big roast pig or what we called “lechon”, it’s like a fiesta. If you are a foreigner, they treat you like a celebrity in the countryside, even though they don’t know you they might ask to have a picture with you because they find you beautiful. They are happy to help and they can even speak English for you. The people there are easy to please and love to please tourists from other countries.

Filipinos also love karaoke, it’s a place where people love to sing and doesn’t require a talent. Just sing your heart out.

Whatever food is your preference, there is always something for everyone. There are many different restaurants in the Philippines, which cater many different cuisines whether you want American food, British, Chinese, Indian and much more. There is a lot of varieties you won’t get bored. But if you are visiting the country you need to try Filipino food and some of the street food such as barbecue and our famous exotic “Balot” (a boiled egg with a developing embryo that has a bit of soup inside and can be eaten from the shell) honestly, I only eat the yellow part and the soup I can’t take the little embryo. It might not be for everyone but it’s good to try if you are up to something new.

I would also recommend you to try some of the Filipino dishes such as adobo, Kare Kare, pinakbet and much more. Filipinos eat rice three times a day and have a snack in between meals. You can enjoy many different foods in the Philippines without breaking the bank.

THE TRANSPORTATION

There are a lot of buses, taxis and jeepney in the Philippines. It’s more laid back there because they mostly stop everywhere, just raise your hand as a sign and they will stop in a safe place. It’s the same when you want to get off just say “para” (stop) or say wherever you want to go and they will drop you there. It’s very different here in the U.K. where buses have a schedule and certain places to stop. In the Philippines there are a lot of different modes of transportation and our famous colourful jeepney are everywhere, you can ride and ask drivers where you want to go. They are very helpful and friendly.

THE TOURIST SPOT

One of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines, The Chocolate Hills are unusual geological formations that consist of at least 1,268 individual mounds scattered throughout the interior of the island of Bohol. The almost symmetrical and same-sized formations range from 98 to 164 feet (30 to 50 meters) high and are covered in green grass. During the dry season, the grass turns brown, hence the name. There is no consensus on how these giant mole hills were formed. One theory holds that the Chocolate Hills are the weathered rock formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay.

Boracay is one of the popular tourist attraction in the Philippines. I’m so excited that we can finally visit Boracay this coming August when we go for our holiday. According to few friends whose already visited Boracay, they said that it’s a beautiful island which features such as beautiful beach resorts and great adventures like cliff diving, parasailing, motorbiking, horse riding, snorkelling, kite surfing and scuba diving. Tourist can also watch stunning sunsets, explore volcanic caves and remote coves of turquoise lagoons. When the sun sets, Boracay night-life pulsates with many bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.

We have already visited this lovely rice terraces long time ago. Carved from the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago without modern tools by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm terraces resemble giant steps reaching up to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice and vegetables on the terraces. The view is so stunning and really fascinating.

One of the best places to visit in the Philippines is Palawan. We haven’t been there yet but it’s on our bucket list. It’s an island province that stretches from Mindoro to Borneo between the South China and Sulu seas. Puerto Princesa, which is close to large karst formations with an underground river, is the provincial capital. According to many bloggers who have already visited there, Coron Reefs on Busuanga Island is a popular diving spot, drawing divers who

want to explore Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. Another popular destination is El Nido, a town sandwiched between towering limestone karst cliffs and the beautiful Bacuit Bay.

Other popular places in the Philippines are the following:

● Tagaytay
● Taal lake batangas
● Vigan
● Donsol
● Cebu
● Mindoro
● Camiguin
● Batanes
● Lake sebu
● Puerto galera mindoro
● Samal island Davao city
● Pagudpod ilocos norte
● Mactan island
● Siargao island
● Palaui island

THE CULTURE

Filipinos were colonised by American, Spanish and many other cultures during the world war that our culture and tradition have been influenced by them. Some of the words we use in our language are the same as the Spanish like “kumusta” which means “how are you?” also Filipinos are very polite so don’t be offended if they will keep calling you ma’am or madam. Children also in the Philippines are very respectful. They will take your hand and put it on their forehead which we call “Mano ” or when the elder will say “God bless you” Filipinos are very religious as well and they practice their belief accordingly. So if you ever come to the Philippines, you will already have an idea how you will be treated. Filipinos love tourists in the Philippines and you can see that through their welcoming smile and hospitality.

THE WEATHER

It’s mostly hot in the Philippines so you have to be prepared. Bring loads of sunscreen, summer clothes and sandals. People, there are mostly laid back and just wear shorts and t shirt with slippers. You might find it too hot to bear but once you are at the beach it’s heaven.

THE HOTELS

There is a lot of many different types of accommodation in the Philippines. Just go online and search the best deal. There are a lot of cheap and affordable hotels with swimming pool and other amenities.

So if you ever want to go and Travel Asia, please do come to the Philippines and experience what it has to offer. I’m sure you will be delighted because it’s more fun in the Philippines.

Have you been to the Philippines before? If so, what did you like the most? You can find more about Epril over at Eps and Amy. You can follow Epril on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & Pinterest. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

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