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“If you make a habit of buying things you do not need, you will soon be selling things you do.”
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THE PHILIPPINES, MORE THAN THE USUAL
See the Philippines as a country with friendly people and charming natural attractions and discover
why it is more than the usual. An archipelago of 7,107 islands, the Philippines stretches from southern China to northern Borneo. The mixture of foreign (Indo-Malay, Chinese, Spaniard and American),
influences have molded a unique Filipino culture forming over a hundred ethnic groups.The Philippines is a moving experience,
an unraveling cultural show.
It is a world of passionate people, rooted in Asian tradition and values.
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Officially known as the republic of the Philippines (republika ng Pilipinas). It is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting
of some 7,100 islands and islets. The total land area of the Philippines is 115,800 square
miles (300,000 square kilometres). It is bounded by the Philippine
Sea to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south,
and the South China Sea to the west and north. The Philippines takes its name
from Philip II, who was king of Spain during the Spanish colonization of the islands in the 16th century. Manila is the biggest city and the national capital. It is located on Luzon, the largest island, which has a land area
of 40,420 square miles. Mindanao, at 36,537 square miles the second largest island, lies in the south.
Take a look at Filipino's history and
culture mirrored by century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. See the best of nature in the white-sand beaches
and three-layered virgin forests. Discover the Philippines islands, blessed with an extensive coastline, the Philippines is
ringed with unspoiled beaches, its deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offer about 40.000 square kilometers of coral reefs teeming
with a wide variety of marine life.Endowed with a temperate climate, the Philippines offers a perfect
treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific ocean, the Philippines boasts of unsullied
beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather and dazzling islands.
Witness the vast expanse of nature's
splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature
tripping, the country's mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway form the lowland's summer heat. Feel
the breeze of the summer at white-sand beaches deemed as among the world's finest, be fascinated at the spectacular views
and take a dip in the refreshing waters. It is no wonder that the Philippines are often named as
the pearl of the oriënt.
TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES
Basically the most common way to get to the Philippines is
by airplane.
Manila and Cebu City are the only major entry points. There
are flights between the Philippines and many Asian Cities, Australia, Canada, continental Europe, the United Kingdom, New
Zealand and the USA.
From Manila and Cebu there are many flights daily to local
destinations, travel by boat is very popular among the Filipinos.
There are also flights between Davao (Mindanao) and Manado
on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi.
It is possible to travel by sea between the Philippines and
nearby parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. Schedules and rates are prone to change, so it's best to be flexible in your
travelplans.
Beautiful, charming, exotic, kaleidoscopic, enchanting - the Philippines is all that and more. The many islands of
the archipelago each offer something unique and enticing, and is the perfect place to fulfill every need, whether its for
peace and quiet, a few rounds of golf, frenzied shopping sprees or partying until the sun comes up.
The Philippine deep in Surigao facing Pacific Ocean offersperfect waves for surfing
and other ocean adventures.
Davao province is Mindanao's industrial centre. It is renowned for its pearl and banana exports and is one of the most
progressive cities in the country. Mount Apo is the highest
peak in the country and the Apo Range has spectacular waterfalls, rapids, forests,
springs and mountain lakes.
Cagayan de Oro on the northern coast is
the gateway to some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.
In Bukidnon there are huge cattle ranches and the famous Del Monte pineapple
fields. Iligan City is the site of the hydroelectric complex driven by the Maria Cristina Falls.
Lanao del Sur province is a Muslim community settled along
the shores of Lake Lanao. Other attractions near the lake include Signal
Hill, Sacred
Mountain;
the native market, Torongan; home of the Maranao royalty; the Muslim mosques
on the banks of the lake; and examples of the brass ware industry in Tugaua.
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Mabuhay Philippines,
German language
The Philippines is known as a diverse and inexpensive destination
with low cost food, hotels and transportation. The attractions of this beautiful country are as many as they are diverse,
which each island offering something different and special to their visitors. White sandy beaches, lush green forests, majestic
mountain peaks, age old and modern cities and rustic country sides.One of the more than 7000 islands is Mindanao, located
in the heart of the Asia-pacific region.
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MINDANAO
Although the island of Mindanao is largely associated with
the Muslim community, it is home to a very diverse group of people. Catholic settlements are largely spread within and alongside
the Muslim communities.
Many indigenous tribes are also settled here, including
T'boli, Yakan. Tausug, Maranao, Samal and Badjao among others.
The agri-based economic development in the region has likewise
attracted other Filipinos from other parts of the country as well as foreigners.
A wide variety of dialects, both local to Mindanao as well
as those from the Visayas like Cebuano and even from Luzon, are spoken.
The many tongues spoken in Mindanao is a testament of the
diversity in cultures that thrive on this island. Filipino and English are fluently used for most business and official transactions.
Mindanao, second in area in the Philippines is a land of extremes,
a vacation paradise provided that the traveler is well prepared.
The landscapes are lush and varied, encompassing coastal plains
and swamps, fertile volcanic plateaus and river valleys.
Mindanao promises to be an endless holiday hideaway of white
sand beaches, islands, lagoons, mangrove swamps, mountains, valleys, ocean, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, rock formations, forests,
springs and marshlands.
Some 16 million people of various ethnic and cultural origins
inhabit the island. Though most of Mindanao's beaches are still untapped, this does not however, deter the intrepid traveler,
it only makes the art of travel discovery a basic requirement.
At present people from all religions peacefully intermingle
with eachother and South Cotabato is considered a melting pot of religions and varied cultures.
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The Philippines promises
to take your breath away. Its cool crystal currents will grab you offering a fine display of seashells, puka shells &
rainbow-colored corals. The glistening powder-white sands & clear blue waters paint the landscape. A touch of soft &
vibrant hues. Majestic sunsets & moonlit skies are the constant backdrops that add to the Philippines distinct charm & allures. As the tide
ebbs, the beach dramatically transforms into a magnificent coral garden. A feast for the senses. Discover the many wonders
of the islands
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The
Philippines, Travel Video
The
Philippines offers the traveler diverse cultures, varied scenery, a rich history, endless activities
and, foremost, a welcoming people. From the electric chaos of the capital city of Manila to the serenity of the island of
Cebu and the other 7,106 islands, the Philippines has something for everyone.In spite of invasions, oppressions and hardships
they’ve suffered, the Filipinos have never lost their feelings of goodwill toward other people and their faith in God.
The Philippines is still a well-kept secret, let this Travelscope's video take you to the
Philippines.
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Mindanao is offering you the world's largest clam; the world's largest Eagle,
the nation's highest peak, is homeland of colorful ethnic tribes, while Zamboanga along with the Sulu Archipelago is fabled
for its seafaring communities.
Davao is geographically the largest city in the
world and offers some of the best natural attractions one can find in Philippines.
A
tour of the city and its out- skirts will bring the visitor to Dabaw Etnica, a tiny settlement of the Mandaya tribe; Dabaw
Museum whose display includes tribal artifacts and costumes, and the Taoist and Lon Wa Buddhist Temples. There are also visits
to the Greenhills and Derling Orchid Farms where Davao's orchids blossom and bloom. The waling-waling orchid reigns supreme over the other orchids
in the province in terms of color and size.
Image
yourself away from the urban rat race. You are in a tranquil places surrounded by the azure sky and pristine waters, sipping
fresh coconut juice under shady tree, and simply enjoying nature's bounty. As the kid's laughter drifts in the air, fresh
wind blows through your hair giving you the feeling of utmost serenity.
The hidden treasures of the Philippines are reserved for those who walk. From the
windswept coasts of Batanes in the north to the forested peaks in Mindanao, hundreds of wind places can only be reached on
foot; from coral islands and limestone tower soaring high over the sea, to High Mountain masses, jungle covered peaks and
still-active volcanoes.
The artistry and diversity of ethnic tribes lend a richness to local color. The Maranao have their okir, a curvilinear
carving tradition that sets off their houses, musical instruments, personal ornaments and household implements in brilliant
colorful motifs. Visitors will find unique souvenir items among the handicrafts of the T'boli, who weave theirfamous t'nalak
patterns. The Sama tribes hand-weave cool mats in jewel colors along the walks of their stilt houses inviting spectators to
bargain for their wares. The sea-faring Badjao dive for coveted South Sea
pearls. Arts and crafts demonstration tours, tribal, festivals, and visits to ethnic villages provide insight into the everyday
lives of the cultural minorities.
The adventurous travel would probably wish to conquer Mindanao's vast mountain wilderness or explore
the many forests and wildlife reserves. Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur is the country's highest peak. Climbers are trekkers will find
on its slopes forests exotic flora, steaming geysers, rainwater lakes, swift flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls; and
at itsbase, Mount Apo Science Foundation, an agricultural institutuin surrounded by woodlands ideal for bird-watching.
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BLENDING
CULTURES
The blending of Islamic and Christian cultures on the Mindanao island is fascinating,
In the central provinces of Lanao and Maguindanao there are strong Muslim cultures, like in Jolo and the Tawi-Tawi islands.
In Zamboanga, old Spanish fort and churches stand side by side with domed mosques, while the eastern side of the island is
relatively modern, with large communities of migrants from the Visayas and Luzon.
The cultural diversity of the region is the result of a large influx of migrants from the
north over a long period of the region's history. Found here are three main cultural groups: the early Filipinos who belong
to various indigenous tribes living in the highlands and remote areas of Mindanao, the Muslim Filipinos who were early converts
to Islam and who regard the region as their traditional homeland, and the Christian Filipinos who founded settlements and
communities in the course of their migrations from other parts of the country. The indigenous inhabitants generally shy away
from the centers of population and find refuge in the quiet foothills of coastal and interior mountains. They are known today as "the cultural communities."
From the exotic to the unspoiled; from towering volcanoes to dazzling
sand beaches; from quaint villages and ancient places to some of the world's most deluxe resort hotels. The Philippines, a country of endless fascination.
South Cotabato, a perfect base for all Philippine explorations, is home to a unique mixed culture valuing peace and harmony above
all else. On this idyllic Island , traditional art forms, music and dance are well preserved. The island's original charm
is still very much in evidence, its stunning sceneries and spectacular festivals set off by the gorgeously lush landscape
of the island interior.
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MINDANAO ATRRACTIONS
Mindanao
has diverse attractions, in
the western part the main gateways are Dipolog for the northern part, and Zamboanga City in the south. Zamboanga City is the jump-off point to the island of Basilan, home to the
Yakans, Jolo where the Tausog live and the Tawi-Tawi islands of the Samals. Zamboanga offers a showcase of cross-culture,
Christian and Moslem. Nearby Sta. Cruz Island, famous for its pink beach is an ideal place to spend a leisurely day.
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COASTLINE
Mindanao’s coastline is a puzzle of numerous peninsulas and deep bays. It has several mountain ranges, mainly
running from north to south. Mount Apo, rises from the Central Cordillera to a
height of 9,695 ft.
The western part of Mindanao is shaped like a giant handle, only connected to North Mindanao by a narrow neck of land separating Pagadian Bay to the south from Panguil Bay to the north. The mountainous peninsula of Zamboanga, with the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur is
the only densely populated along the coast.
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Off the coast of eastern Mindanao is the Philippine Trough, which descends
to a depth of 10,430 meters. The Philippines is part of a western Pacific arc system that is characterized by active volcanoes.
Among the most notable peaks are Mount Mayon
near Legaspi, Taal Volcano south of Manila, and Mount Apo on Mindanao. All of the Philippines islands are prone to earthquakes. The northern Luzon highlands, or Cordillera Central, rise to between 2,500 and 2,750
meters, and, together with the Sierra Madre in the northeastern portion of Luzon and the mountains of Mindanao, boast rain
forests that provide refuge for numerous upland tribal groups. The rain forests also offer prime habitat for more than 500
species of birds, including the Philippine eagle (or monkey-eating eagle), some 800 species of orchids, and some 8,500 species
of flowering plants.
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RIVERS
AND LAKES
The principal islands of the Philippines are traversed by large rivers, some of which are navigable. The longest river
of the republic is the Cagayan, in north central Luzon. Other important rivers of Luzon include the Agno and Pampanga, crossing the Central Luzon Valley; the Chico, flowing
through the Cordillera Central and irrigating the mountainside rice terraces; the Pasig, a commercially important artery flowing
through Manila; and the Bicol, the primary river of the Bicol Peninsula. The principal rivers of Mindanao are the Mindanao (Rio Grande de Mindanao), which receives the
waters of the Pulangi, and the Agusan.
The
country's most extensive river systems are the Pulangi (Rio Grande), which flows into the Mindanao River; the Agusan, in Mindanao
which flows north into the Mindanao Sea; the Cagayan in northern Luzon; and the Pampanga, which flows south from eastCentral
Luzon into Manila Bay. Laguna de Bay, southeast of Manila Bay, is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines. Several rivers have been harnessed for
hydroelectric power.
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SOUTH COTABATO
South Cotabato is one of the provinces on the Mindanao island
and endowed with numerous natural sceneries that have a great potential as tourist attractions and is blessed with creative
people who maintain and develop the beauty of these places.
Beautiful sceneries to visit are:
- Lake Maughan and Mt. Parker in T'boli, a
reservation area, provincial park and ecological camp.
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