1. UP DILIMAN Salcedo Village, Makati to UP:21Kms (via McKinley Road to Market Market through C5) Good points: You can measure the distance you’re covering if you just run around the Academic Oval, which is 2.2km. You’re in Manila but you’d still get the feel of being close to nature, with tall trees providing some respite from the sun’s rays, a grass-covered football field at the center of the oval called the Sunken Garden, less pollution especially early in the morning or late at night when there are less vehicles inside the campus. People don’t stare at you like you’re a crazy person since running is common in the campus. Being in the company of other runners keeps you more motivated to run. There are hydration stations around where you can not only rehydrate but also enjoy a simple breakfast. If you don’t have a car, there are also “baggage counters” where you can park your stuff with Manang or Manong selling Gatorade, Pocari Sweat, Powerade, softdrinks, buko juice, water, banana, pandesal with peanut butter, egg, or cheese, pancit canton, lugaw, etc. Inside the campus, you can also find your own favorite running route if you feel like running on your own. There’s a hilly part called Heart Break Hill where you can do some hill repeats 2. SHOTGUN/ TIMBERLAND 37km from Marikina and back There are many ways to attack the killer hills of Shotgun or XXX. You can start from a store just before the 3km ascent with an elevation that makes you feel closer to the sky, or start from Marikina for a longer run. Good points: There are stores along the way for your nutrition and hydration needs. It’s a good training route if you’re preparing for an ultra marathon since you’ll get to run along main roads, some people, and lots of dogs. There is almost no flat area along the route. You either go up or down. That’s why it’s an ideal run route to build your endurance and strengthen your legs. It usually takes us less than 6 hours to complete a sub-40km route including short breaks to refuel so during summer, your heat training is already covered. There are also trails around Marikina and San Mateo. There are pine trees in the city that you can also explore. You just need to be careful running with vehicles and some strangers. It’s best to go there in groups for safety reasons. 3. DASMARIÑAS VILLAGE It’s an exclusive village in Makati City and you’ll need a permit or be with a resident to get the chance to run there. Running inside the village is like finding a sanctuary and quiet place within the hustle and bustle of the city. The village is well-maintained and there’s hardly any trash. There are huge trees that are refreshing to look at and protect you from getting sunburned. If you want to use your running time to reflect, clear your mind, or just escape from the world, Dasma is the perfect place, especially in the morning. There are very few people in area so you can focus on your run training. There are hills for hilly workouts. The road is made of asphalt so it’s knee-friendly. The air is clean since they control the entry and exit of vehicles. Safety is not a concern because it’s a heavily guarded area. Warning: The only way you can hydrate inside is if your sponsor-friend will allow you to take a break at their house so make sure to bring your own supply of food and fluids, which you can buy from Rustan’s right before you enter the village gate.

The vast majority of nonimmigrant visa applications received at the U.S. Embassy in Manila are for tourism or business travel. B-1 visas are for business, including such things as a need to consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, buy goods or materials, settle an estate, appear in a court trial, and participate in business or professional conventions or conferences; or, where an applicant will be traveling to the United States on behalf of a foreign employer for training or meetings. The individual may not receive payment (except for incidental expenses) from a United States source while on a B-1 visa. B-2 visas are issued for general pleasure/tourist travel, such as touring, visits to friends and relatives, visits for rest or medical treatment, social or fraternal conventions and conferences, and amateur/unpaid participants in cultural or sports events. In most instances, consuls will issue a combined B-1/B-2 visa, recognizing that most business travelers may also wish to travel for tourist purposes. How to Apply To apply, please check the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures page. In addition to the basic documentary requirements, as specified on the application procedures Step 2, the interviewing officer may request the following documentation: 1. Evidence of ties and financial status of the applicant, or the applicant’s parents, if minor, in the Philippines. 2. If the purpose of the travel is for: Business – a letter from the U.S. organization indicating the purpose of the trip, the intended length of stay, and the firm’s intent to defray costs, if applicable. Applicants traveling on business for a Philippine-based employer should present a letter from the employer outlining the travel and business plans, including dates of travel. Pleasure – documents concerning purpose and length of the trip and ability to cover the costs of the trip. Personal/domestic employee – please refer to the Traveling with Personal/Domestic Employees page for more information. Medical Cases such as Treatment or Donation of Organ, Bone Marrow, etc. – please refer to the Medical Cases page for more information. Emergency Cases such as: Visiting an Ailing Family Member – an up-to-date statement from a U.S. physician indicating the condition of the patient, including contact information so that, if necessary, the consul may contact the physician. Attending a Funeral – provide a death certificate or other documentation of the family member's death. 3. Proof of travel medical insurance for applicants who might be at risk of requiring medical care while in the United States Notes: In certain cases, additional documents may be requested. All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted, unless specified. The applicant must submit these documents to the interviewing consular officer during the interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not accept documents before the interview. Any documents received will not be returned and will be destroyed. Please note, however, that presentation of the documents will not guarantee visa issuance. Applicants must still qualify under INA Section 214(b). The following documents are not considered helpful: In general, affidavits of financial support will be of little value to an applicant (exception: a student visa application must have an affidavit of financial support). The affidavit of support is a requirement only for immigrant visas. The interviewing officer is less concerned about how the applicant will be supported during his/her stay in the United States than in whether s/he has reasons to return home.

Sagada Is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Dubbed as the "Shangri-la of the Philippines" , there are a lot of activities that can be enjoyed here. You can do trekking, spelunking, waterfalls hiking, visiting historical sites, food trip and a lot more. As first-timers, we enjoyed the peace and serenity of the place, the rusty idyllic atmosphere, it's cool climate and most especially, the friendliness of the people. You can find many places and do many things in Sagada. Here's a list of some of Sagada's must-see tourist spots, attractions and things to do and experience. Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins, it could be one of its most iconic tourist attractions. I've been wanting to see it for the first time, and the hanging coffins in Sugong were the very first I've seen. According to some locals, this burial ritual is still being practiced up until today, but locals have to pay a high price for the honor to be buried as such. Perched on high stones and cliffs, these hanging coffins can easily be reached by just walking for about half an hour from the town proper to the viewing deck on the left side of the road. According to our guide, the Lumiang cave has at least 200 coffins that have been buried there for more than 500 years. To get to Lumiang, you need to walk for about 30 minutes from the town proper and it will require you to trek downhill to the cave. Unfortunately, as we don't have much time, our guide didn't brought us to the cave but he pointed us to where it is located. Nestled in a valley, this cluster of rice terraces can be seen on your way to the Sumaguing Cave. The lush green rice terraces are really a feast to the eyes. You could take a short rest here while taking some precious photos. Good thing it was not yet harvesting season as the rice terraces are still so green and very refreshing! This is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sagada. Also known as "Big Cave", it is said to serve as a refuge for Filipino soldiers from the Japanese guerrillas during World War II. As you explore the cave, you will be amazed by the towering stalactite and stalagmite formations inside which will make tour trip to Sagada truly memorable. Check out a more detailed post on this here. If you are into hiking, you should not miss climbing Mt. Ampacao. Towering at 1, 889 MASL, it is considered as the highest peak in Sagada. A guide is not required to reach its summit. You just need to get to the jump-off point near the Ambasing Elementary School and make your way up to the summit. Check out a more detailed post on this here. This is one of the newest attractions in Sagada. It is on its first week of operations when we got to try it last April. Get a heart pounding zip lining experience while enjoying the view of Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. I will make a separate post on this later. Check out a more detailed post on this here. THE ZIP LINE ALREADY STOPPED OPERATION. Sagada is known to be the only Philippine town that is predominantly Protestant with almost 95% baptized into the Episcopal Church. Built in 1904 by the American Missionaries, the St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church is an old stone-walled church with beautiful stained glass windows and charming blue doors. Located at the Anglican Mission Compound is is just a short walk at the center of the town. Within the compound of the church is a trail leading to the echo valley. It requires short trek passing through the calvary hill, the municipal cemetery and a narrow trail along the hillside. Jagged rock formations will greet you and the famed hanging coffins of Sagada can be seen from here. Try shouting and you will know why the place is called echo valley. If you want a closer look of the hanging coffins, you need to take a short trek deep down the valley. It wasn't an easy trek, you need to be extra cautious with every step to reach the site. This practice of burying is believed to make the deceased loved ones closer to heaven. There are several coffins here and it's a mix of the old and some new ones. If you go here via a guided tour, listen carefully to your guide as he will give you information on the history and the tradition behind the practice of the hanging coffins. Ganduyan is the traditional Kankanaey name of Sagada. Owned by Christina Aben, the museum is full of Kankanaey artefacts, sculptures, accessories, furniture, utensils, traditional clothes and a lot more. Be sure to listen to Mrs. Aben as she is a fountain of information about Sagada's history, culture and tradition. Her stories about her collection will let you appreciate Sagada even more. No entrance fee is required, but you can donate for the maintenance of the museum. Picture taking is not allowed inside. Your Sagada experience will not be complete without sampling the dishes at Salt and Pepper Diner, Yoghurt House and Vincent's Coffee and Grill. You can also try the Patupat rice delicacy, Bugnay wine and the blueberry muffins which you can buy just around town. When it comes to food, you will surely enjoy Sagada as there are a lot of food options to choose from. Check out a more detailed post on this here. There are still a lot of things to do and to discover in Sagada. You may also visit Marlboro Country, Bomod-ok Falls, Lumiang Cave, Lake Danum, Pottery House, Kiltepan Viewpoint, Pongas Falls, Sagada Weaving and a lot more. Please don't hesistate to add more by leaving a comment below. I can't wait to visit Sagada again to try and discover other things it offers. 'Til the next time! HOW TO GET TO SAGADA Via Banaue: Take a bus bound for Banaue. Travel time is about 9 hours and fare is 450 pesos (for the bus schedule check out this post). From Banaue, take a jeepney to Sagada. Travel time is around 3 and a half hours (with several stops), fare is 250 pesos. Via Baguio: Take a bus bound for Baguio. Travel time is about 6 hours and fare is 400 pesos. Then go to Dangwa Bus Terminal and look for the Lizardo bus bound for Sagada. Normally, the earliest trip is at 5:00 am and the last one is at 1:00 pm. Travel time is around 5 hours, fare is around 220 pesos.

ACE Travel Insurance is a worldwide leader in the provision of travel insurance products and services to millions of travelers. Our suite of products is designed to give you greater coverage wherever your travels may take you. ACE Travel Insurance offers greater coverage and extensive benefits to meet your travel insurance needs. Our range of plans is designed to meet the diverse protection and budget needs of different individuals. You can choose between coverage for single trips ranging from 1-180 days and the annual plan, which provides coverage for unlimited trips (up to 45 days per trip) within the year. GREAT BENEFITS AT A GLANCE : Necessary Medical Expenses Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Hospital Confinement Daily Cash Benefit Compassionate Visit Return of Minor Children Personal Accident Accidental Burial Trip Cancellation Trip Curtailment Travel Delay Aircraft Hijack Missed Connecting Flight Loss of or Damage to Baggage and Personal Effects Loss of Personal Money Loss of Travel Documents Baggage Delay Personal Liability Automatic Extension

Where are the travellers-in-the-know heading in the coming year? We predict the top 10 hottest new travel destinations for 2013. By Laura Fowler Any travel junkie will tell you that there is nothing quite like the buzz of being first to discover a wonderful part of the world. That could be an entire country, a hard-to-reach region, or a best-kept-secret neighbourhood of a city before it hits the mainstream and the developers move in. Sometimes it's a matter of timing it right, when there's enough going on to make a place exciting, and before it becomes tired and over-developed. Last year we predicted Burma would be a top destination and, indeed, its ethereal landscapes and magical sights have proved so popular that responsible-travel tours have all but sold out for 2013 already. Also on our hot list for 2012 was Sri Lanka, whose east coast is beginning to welcome back holidaymakers after lying unvisited for decades during the political trouble, and British Airways is upping its London-Colombo flights to three a week to cope with demand, keeping at the top of our wishlist for another year. And Colombia, Vietnam, and the Poles have all become popular with adventurous travellers wanting to explore these beautiful destinations before they become touristy and overdeveloped.

Why you should add Philippines to your Indie/RTW trip The Philippines has thousands of tiny islands, each one with tiny, picturesque white-sand beaches. In Manila you'll have the opportunity not only to see life in the Philippines, but also the unique ways that Filipino culture has blended with the immigrants that have come from around the world. The hospitality of Filipinos is unbelievable, and it's a place you'll remember forever simply because of the local people. There is tons of nature and wildlife to explore among its thousands of islands. The weather is pretty temperate year-round - it doesn't really ever get too hot or too cold (though the rainy season is from June to October). Other Southeast Asian countries may get all the attention when it comes to cuisine, but the Philippines has plenty of local specialties to offer. Sometimes it's nice to travel in a foreign country where your language is spoken by most of the locals - most locals speak English in the Philippines. Indie travel tips for the Philippines Take a day trip out to Boracay Island and see Puka Beach one of the world's most beautiful tropical beaches. Take a ferry from Manila to Puerto Galera and spend your days earning your SCUBA diving license and exploring the ocean in water so warm you'll be able to stay in all day. To get a good first hand look at Filipino culture, spend your time in Manila, the largest city in the Philippines with 10 million people in the metro area and the country's capital. Take a ride on an old US military jeep called a jeepney. Enjoy the variety - tropical beaches, jungles, mountains, volcanoes, and coral reefs. Go trekking in the mountains of North Luzon. Learn a new skill like scuba diving or surfing. Transportation Flights from North America or Europe to the Philippines usually stop in Hong Kong or Singapore. There are several airports for getting around within the country, which is mostly done by plane rather than boat when traveling long distances. Accommodation The Phillipines hosts thousands of travelers each year, and while its numbers aren't as impressive as Indonesia's or Thailand's, there are more than enough hostels to be found in almost every major city around the country and many rural locations.

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 5, 700 cases occur annually. Most cases (up to 75%) are acquired while traveling internationally. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 21.5 million persons each year. Typhoid fever can be prevented and can usually be treated with antibiotics. If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you should know about typhoid fever and what steps you can take to protect yourself. How is typhoid fever spread? Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers, recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed Salmonella Typhi in their feces (stool). You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding Salmonella Typhi or if sewage contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food. Therefore, typhoid fever is more common in areas of the world where handwashing is less frequent and water is likely to be contaminated with sewage. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever and other signs and symptoms. Where in the world do you get typhoid fever? Typhoid fever is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions such as the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan. Therefore, if you are traveling to the developing world, you should consider taking precautions. Over the past 10 years, travelers from the United States to Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been especially at risk. How can you avoid typhoid fever? Two basic actions can protect you from typhoid fever: Avoid risky foods and drinks. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever. It may surprise you, but watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated. This is because the vaccines are not completely effective. Avoiding risky foods will also help protect you from other illnesses, including travelers' diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A. "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it" If you drink water, buy it bottled or bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute before you drink it. Bottled carbonated water is safer than uncarbonated water. Ask for drinks without ice unless the ice is made from bottled or boiled water. Avoid popsicles and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water. Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot and steaming. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Vegetables like lettuce are easily contaminated and are very hard to wash well. When you eat raw fruit or vegetables that can be peeled, peel them yourself. (Wash your hands with soap first.) Do not eat the peelings. Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors. It is difficult for food to be kept clean on the street, and many travelers get sick from food bought from street vendors. Getting vaccinated If you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common, you should consider being vaccinated against typhoid. Visit a doctor or travel clinic to discuss your vaccination options. Remember that you will need to complete your vaccination at least 1-2 weeks (dependent upon vaccine type) before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect. Typhoid vaccines lose effectiveness after several years; if you were vaccinated in the past, check with your doctor to see if it is time for a booster vaccination. Taking antibiotics will not prevent typhoid fever; they only help treat it. The chart below provides basic information on typhoid vaccines that are available in the United States. Table 1: Typhoid Vaccines Available in the United States Vaccine Name How Given Number of Doses Necessary Time Between Doses Time immunization should be completed by (before possible exposure) Minimum Age For Vaccination Booster Needed Every... Ty21a (Vivotif Berna, Swiss Serum and Vaccine Institute) 1 capsule by mouth 2 days 1 week 6 years 5 years ViCPS (Typhim Vi, Pasteur Merieux) Injection N/A 2 weeks 2 years The parenteral heat-phenol-inactivated vaccine (manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst) has been discontinued. What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever? Persons with typhoid fever usually have a sustained fever as high as 103° to 104° F (39° to 40° C). They may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache, or loss of appetite. In some cases, patients have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever is to have samples of stool or blood tested for the presence of Salmonella Typhi . What do you do if you think you have typhoid fever? If you have a high fever and feel very ill, see a doctor immediately. If you are traveling in a foreign country, you can usually call the U.S. consulate for a list of recommended doctors. Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics. Resistance to multiple antibiotics is increasing among Salmonella that cause typhoid fever. Reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) and the emergence of multidrug-resistance has complicated treatment of infections, especially those acquired in South Asia. Antibiotic susceptibility testing may help guide appropriate therapy. Choices for antibiotic therapy include fluoroquinolones (for susceptible infections), ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. Persons who do not get treatment may continue to have fever for weeks or months, and as many as 20% may die from complications of the infection. Typhoid fever's danger doesn't end when symptoms disappear Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying Salmonella Typhi. If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the disease to other people. In fact, if you work at a job where you handle food or care for small children, you may be barred legally from going back to work until a doctor has determined that you no longer carry any typhoid bacteria.

Dondi Tawatao | Getty Images Once opposed to the prospect of a major naval base inside this picturesque Philippine cove, fearing it would mean bars and brothels for visiting sailors, local residents now look forward to the arrival of American and other foreign warships. The reason is China, whose rapid creation of artificial islands in the disputed Spratly chain of the South China Sea is setting off alarm bells across the Philippines, a country with one of the weakest navies in the region. Nowhere is that concern more palpable than around Ulugan Bay, a large sheltered expanse of pristine blue water along the western Philippine coastline that lies 160 km (100 miles) from the Spratlys. "Before we were not so concerned about the South China Sea but now we feel the tension, " said Jane Villarin, head of the village of Macarascas, one of several small townships dotted around the bay. "We are afraid China will one day come to our community because of this dispute." Developing the naval base is the Philippine military's top priority although funding bottlenecks have caused delays, armed forces chief General Gregorio Catapang told Reuters on Monday after taking reporters to a Philippine-held island in the Spratlys, a trip that drew a sharp rebuke from China. The plan calls for transforming a small existing naval facility at Oyster Bay, a cove within Ulugan Bay on Palawan island, into a fully-fledged operating base within five years for Philippine naval frigates to berth. Catapang also said this week that warships from the United States, Japan, Australia and Vietnam would be welcome to make port calls. The U.S. Navy could refuel and resupply at the base, he added, although the Philippine navy has said it would be hard to accommodate destroyers and aircraft carriers because of the bay's relatively shallow water. Washington has already asked for access to Philippine military bases in eight locations to rotate troops, aircraft and ships for training as the United States shifts more of its forces to Asia, Catapang said last month. New road Developing the mangrove-fringed bay into a major naval base could exacerbate tensions with China, which claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of the vital waterway. Read MoreChinese naval push could affect global trade When Reuters visited the Ulugan Bay area this week, workers were busy cutting through Palawan's forest, building an access road to Oyster Bay, which is otherwise only accessible by boat. The 12-km (7.5-mile) long, two-lane paved road should be ready within a few months, the workers said. When road construction began in October 2013, residents told Reuters their concerns: bars and brothels would mushroom while fishing might be declared off-limits because of the naval activity. The Philippines once hosted a giant American naval facility at Subic Bay, northwest of Manila, until it was closed in 1992 following a Philippine Senate vote. What still rankles with some Filipinos were the brothels in nearby Olongapo City - around 500 establishments according to one local non-governmental organisation. Environmental activists oppose the road to Oyster Bay, but local residents have their eyes on China, which last month defended its reclamation in the Spratlys, saying the new islands would provide civilian services such as weather forecasting and search and rescue facilities that would benefit other countries. Read MoreMrs Xi Jinping: China's new source of soft power? The majority of people in Macarascas supported the naval expansion plan, said Villarin. Another Macarascas resident, Gerry Ginez, said a U.S. naval presence was needed to help protect the Philippines. Carlos Quirante, head of the nearby village of Bahile, said he once opposed the base expansion, but could now feel tensions rising over China's island building.

One of the most popular destinations in the Philippines is Palawan, and for good reason. It has been declared as one of the world’s nature reserves and heritage site. The whole island boasts of rainforests, majestic mountains, karst cliffs, primitive caves and virgin beaches. The waters of Palawan are best for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Palawan is a diver’s paradise. Coral reefs, surrounding the island, stretch for miles and miles. The whole island is surrounded by beautiful coral gardens and reefs that abound with colorful marine life. (1) Diving at Coron Bay - Coron Bay is situated in North Palawan, the most westerly part of the Philippines. It lies in beween Busuanga and Culion Islands. There is fabulous diving all around the area, but the bay is particularly well known as having some of the best wreck diving in the world. The wrecks and pleasant rock formations provide for excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with underwater visibility extending up to 20 meters. Forbes magazine named Coron as one of the ten best dive sites in the world. (2) Exploring the Underground River; Puerto Princesa's Subterranean River - The St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park can be found 50 kms away of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The park boasts the world's longest Underground River and has recently been nominated as one of the new seven wonder's of the world. Paddle boats take tourists for a one hour exploration inside the subterranean river to enjoy one of the most beautiful natural treasures of the world. Visitors can enjoy the different limestone formations and the bats flying above the cave. (3) Island hopping at Honda Bay - The islets and reefs found in Honday Bay teem with fishes and sea creatures of various colors and shapes. Here the shallow waterscover an endless stretch of beautiful white sand. These islets are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water at Palawan Honda Bay is so clear that visibility stretches far and wide into the ocean floor. . (4) Discovering El Nido - El Nido Marine Reserve is 238 kilometres north of Puerto Princesa. A hidden gem in the center of Bacuit Bay and the country's largest wildlife preservation area. This popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs.The beaches of Bacuit Bay is blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are found here. Manta rays are a common sight;and when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as "dugong". The water in and around the bay are a perfect spot for the hawksbill turtles and serves as their nesting site. (5) DIving the Tubbataha Reefs- The Tubbataha Reef National Park is considered the mecca of diving. The reefs are home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life. The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. Tubbataha is the Philippines' first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture yourself slowly entering its crystal-clear waters, and as you breathe slowly through your air source, slowly sinking into the depths of the ocean, colors begin to whirl around you, taking the shape of an angelfish, a green sea turtle, a white tip reef shark, a mass of pristine coral. You find yourself in a world, one that is surreal, a magnificent underwater garden. This is Tubbataha.

2. A South America feeling in Asia Forget about temples and Buddhism! Forget about tuk-tuks! The Philippines is fully packed with churches, people are Roman Catholic and the local form of transport is a Jeepney. The Philippines is a former Spanish colony, just like a big part of South America. This gives the Philippines a unique feeling nowhere to be found elsewhere in Asia! If you are “temple” tired, the Philippines is the perfect place to catch a fresh breath of air! 3. The Tarsier If you visit the Philippines you can encounter one of the smallest primates in the world. This little animal is called a Tarsier and it is one of the cutest animals I’ve ever seen in my life. On the island of Bohol you will find a Tarsier sanctuary where you can come face to face with this amazing little creature. It takes a lot of effort not to melt when you look in to its eyes. 4. Malapascua Island South East Asia has a lot of beautiful islands. The most amazing one, in my opinion, is Malapascua Island. The island has some of the best beaches and diving spots in the Philippines. The best feature of this island however is the local population. The local people on this island are so friendly. Just walk around, talk to the kids and practice your karaoke skills when locals invite you in to their houses. 5. The Chocolate Hills This is one of the weirdest landscapes you will ever see. A landscape dotted with little green hills with hardly any vegetation growing on them. A local told me the legend of the two fighting giants. A long, long time ago there were two giants arguing about a girl. After a while they started fighting and throwing big rocks at each other. They didn’t bother to clean up after so the landscape was dotted with numerous rocks. You are probably wondering why they are called Chocolate Hills! In the dry season, the grass on the hills will turn brown and they will look like hills made of chocolate. 6. The diving Most people who travel to South East Asia get their diving license at one point. I did mine, like many others, at the island of Koh Tao in Thailand. If you are into diving then the Philippines is the place to be. The country has some of the best diving spots in the world. Very famous spots are Coron, Apo reef and Monad Shoal. The last one is the famous Thresher Shark dive. I did this dive on Malapascua Island and it’s absolutely stunning. It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling when numerous 4-5 meter long sharks surround you. 7. The beaches Coming from Thailand and Malaysia I thought beaches couldn’t get any whiter. Well, I was so wrong. The Philippines has some of the best beaches I’ve ever seen. The water is so blue and makes a beautiful contrast with the white beaches. If you’re looking for postcard perfect places, just visit the Philippines. 8. El Nido El Nido is a little town on the island of Palawan. It is a must visit! The town is a bumpy 5 to 6 hour ride from the islands capital Puerto Princessa. It takes you through an amazing untouched landscape. El Nido is surrounded by limestone mountains and the coastal area is dotted with numerous inhabited tropical islands. I recommend you to book a trip to visit some of the islands and spend the night at one of them. Be sure not to forget your snorkel gear! Just hop in the water, put your head under water and you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a tropical aquarium. 9. Cheap Liquor Besides being blessed with an astonishing natural beauty, the Philippines also have very cheap liquor. A bottle of the local beer San Miguel won’t cost you more then 50 cents and a bottle of local rum will cost you around 1.5 dollar. 10. No scams Scams…. Who doesn’t hate them! If you traveled in South East Asia you can probably remember the many scams in Thailand or Vietnam. Sometimes I felt like everybody wanted to scam me. The good news is: I didn’t encounter any touts that wanted to scam me in the Philippines. They seem to be non-existent and it is a great feeling not be harassed constantly. Items you may need when you Visit the Philippines As you can see there are many reasons to visit the Philippines. It is a little bit of the beaten track but I can assure you there is no way you will regret visiting the Philippines. It is my favorite country in South-East Asia!