‘The Best’ of the Philippines - its natural wonders
b5media’s Travel and Culture channel is having a little internal contest for our theme day, featuring a ‘Best’ post from each blog.
Finding the ‘best’ of anything about the Philippines is just difficult to put my finger on - the best of what, you ask? Well, the best of… restaurants, food, places to visit, people, arts, entertainment, celebrities, accomplishments… it’s a long list. But I figured, what is the best thing (for me) about the Philippines anyway?
It is this. That this, my country, is a paradise of natural wonders. Here are just some of the best that the Philippines offers.
1. The Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao. Well-known as the “eight wonder of the world”, this magnificent engineering feat is carved by the Ifugaos about 2000 years ago from the rocky mountains of Banaue to make available a staple need - rice. In fact, if you are to visit the terraces, widen your tour to include the Cordilleras and you will be blown away by its raw beauty. And then, you might as well continue your travels on to the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
2. Mount Mayon in Albay. Nearly a perfect cone, even while the volcano erupts every few years, this mountain has held us the locals in fascination and fear since its first recorded eruption in 1616.
3. Taal Volcano in Tagaytay. It’s the world’s smallest volcano, and aptly so because Taal Volcano is actually “a crater within an island within a lake”. It’s also one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupting over 20 times since 1572.
4. Subic Bay in Olongapo. It has one of the best all-around diving spots along this side of the Pacific, offering something for both novice and experienced divers.
5. The chocolate hills of Bohol. Chocolates, yummy! Well, not really. But geologists can’t explain exactly how these hills came to be. Which is a wonder by itself.
6. Los Banos in Laguna. I just have to plug this in. Of course there are many towns and small cities as beautiful and rich as this place, but I tell you this is paradise. If you don’t believe me, then spend a weekend, climb Mount Makiling, relax in our soothing mineral hot springs and spas, and you’ll be a convert.
7. The Philippine coastlines and beaches. The whole archipelago combined is one of the longest combined coastlines in the world. What with over 7,000 islands, you will never lack for beach resorts and hide-aways.
Now this list is really longer than just the seven above. Which actually inspires me! I think I will write more ‘best of’ in the coming weeks. There is a lot to explore about the Philippines that merit telling the world about. After all, it is paradise ‘found’.
Tags: paradise, Philippines, culture, travel, tourism
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July 18th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I love this post, thats patriotism.. sharing ideas about the beauty of our country is a great help… lets spread the good news and lets keep them coming.
July 19th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
[...] Filipina Soul, Grace tells us about The Best of the Philippines — It’s Natural Wonders. From her list of examples, both above and below the ground, it’s easy to feel the love of [...]
July 20th, 2007 at 10:44 am
[...] here at Filipina Soul, I tell about The Best of the Philippines — It’s Natural Wonders. From the list of examples, both above and below the ground, hope you can feel the love for our [...]
July 24th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Grace,
I have to agree with you..there’s so much to see and do in the Philippines. I truly believe your list could go on and on.
Some of what I saw there may not be the typical “best” or even make it in the travel books but certainly a treasure none the less..
Thanks
Don
July 24th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
[...] of Filipina Soul has listed “the Best of the Philippines” of course you’ll find a some of the usual suspects listed but I’m looking forward to [...]
July 25th, 2007 at 9:25 am
The beaches look wonderful.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
I think it would be better if you will update your 8 wonders of the world list and maybe you will discover that Banaue RT has been deleted in that list. no offense meant, just trying to be informative.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
i want to suggest that for next generations nominees for wonders of the world for philippines is pagsanjan falls, because its beautiful falls.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Philippines is one of the country who has many nominees in this year new 7 wonders of the world..just keep on texting…
June 6th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Philippines is the best country in the world (in as far as my opinion is concerned.)
June 14th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Philippines truly has great wonders, and I just hope the people together with the goverment will not only be proud of it, but also be involved in preserving them.
Cast in your vote for the new wonders at http://new7wonders.com
you may also visit my blog for links at http://new-7-wondersoftheworld.blogspot.com
August 5th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Our country has many beautiful spots but now it is polluted we can save it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Philippine is one of those beautiful countries that foreign should visit, they shouldn’t miss this chance in exploring our country. Especially our Majestic Mayon Volcano. our delicacy, the People itself our way of accepting foreigners, the hospitability that embarks to our personality and the beautiful smile of the Bicolano’s. Don’t fail or even miss to visit PHILIPPINES!
October 10th, 2008 at 1:18 am
…philippines is one of the most beautiful country in the world coz of the word”the best of the philippines”….!!!so that try to preserve our country for bieng polluted…!!!!!
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I’m proud to be here in the PEARL OF THE ORIENT…..
Political crisis is not the hindrance for the foreigner to visit this beautiful country….
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
the undefeated rice terraces of Mayoyao is one of the best places you will ever have to see. the rice fields are built with stone walls, unlike in banaue that is not supported with stone walls
see details at http://www.majawjaw.co.cc
April 11th, 2009 at 4:02 am
I believe the wonderful Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines deserve to be considered as one of the seven wonders of the world considering that even geologists fall short of explaining how these chocolate-shaped hills come into existence. They are indeed wonderful & worth preserving.