Why I love Philippines

I strongly believe that the Philippines is the most underrated country in South East Asia.

It’s true, that when most people think of taking trips to South East Asia, they usually jump at Thailand, or Vietnam, orBali, before considering the Philippines. This is probably because The Philippines hasn’t become commercialized or mainstream.  It’s often overlooked.

Well, I’m here to tell you that this country is absolutely incredible. The Philippines is such an amazing country. It is hard to pin point what I love about it. Philippines is a friendly and uplifting place to be.

Reasons why I love Philippines because of the people, beaches, caves, food and lakes. 

The People

I think the first thing I loved about the Philippines was just how friendly the local people were. This wasn’t the forced friendliness you encounter when in a tourist heavy area, but a generosity of spirit that made you feel immediately at home.

Whatever situation life has put them in. Whatever the situation is, most of the time you will find them singing, smiling and making the most out of what life has given them. I love the Philippines because of the amazingly happy and friendly people. It was like being part of one big family. 

The Food

Filipino dishes such as adobo (rice, vegetables, and either chicken or pork), the various ‘silogs’, and the famous luchon (roast pork).

Filipino food may not be as famous as that of its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors. But with more than 7,000 islands and a colorful history, this archipelago has some delicious dishes of its own.

Blessed with an abundance of seafood, tropical fruits and creative cooks, there’s more to Filipino food than the mind-boggling balut (duck embryo).

The Beaches

The Philippines is generating a buzz as a less-discovered alternative to Southeast Asian beach hotspots like Bali and southern Thailand. It's not hard to see why. The country has more than 7000 islands, most boasting at least an idyllic beach or two. With such a wealth of coastal pleasures on offer, it can be tricky to pick your spot. Here are a few areas to home in on.

*El Nido

The dramatic limestone formations of theBacuit Archipelago  keep the postcard vendors in business, but unless you're a serious rock climber you'll spend more time on the beaches around this laid-back northern Palawan town. The islands of the archipelago are blessed with dozens of beaches, the best of which are visited on island-hopping excursions out of El Nido. Alas, these do get crowded and cost a bit of money to get to.

The Philippines is generating a buzz as a less-discovered alternative to Southeast Asian beach hotspots like Bali and southern Thailand. It's not hard to see why. The country has more than 7000 islands, most boasting at least an idyllic beach or two. With such a wealth of coastal pleasures on offer, it can be tricky to pick your spot. Here are a few areas to home in on.

*Pagudpud

Easy to access it is not, but those with a sense of adventure are well advised to travel toPagudpud, a town on the northern tip of the Philippines' main island, Luzon. The highway up here is the Philippines' answer to the Great Ocean Road or the Pacific Coast Highway. It zigzags around dramatic headlands and skirts seemingly endless beaches such as Blue Lagoon, where Luzon's whitest sand and bluest water can be found in one place.

*Siargao

It's best known as the Philippines' top surf spot, but an all-day loop around the island ofSiargao  brings you up close and personal with beaches equal to any in the South Pacific.Cloud Nine  is ground zero for surfers, but to escape the crowds head offshore to any number of uninhabited islets. Or drive up to Burgos near Siargao's northeastern tip, where coconut palms back a three-kilometre crescent of powdered-sugary soft sand, and perfect waves peel off in several directions.

*Boracay

Boracay is a small island in the Philippineslocated approximately 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip ofPanay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies.The island comprises thebarangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak in the municipality of Malay, in Aklan Province. The island is administered by thePhilippine Tourism Authority and the provincial government of Aklan. Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also famous for being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. It is also emerging among the top destinations for tranquility and nightlife.

The Caves

There are around hundreds of caves in the Philippines and some are not yet explored. The most popular cave in the Philippines is the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River but there are more interesting caves in the country. Caves in the Philippines are popular for its own unique features like huge stalactites and stalagmites, home of thousand of bats, having a cathedral inside, and many more interesting features.

*Aglipay Caves 

Located in the Province of Quirino formed in Baraggay Villa Ventura. There is a total of 8 accessible caves in the Aglipay Caves.

*Puerto Prinsesa Underground River

The longest cave, Calbiga Cave is the largest cave in the Philippines. The cave is located in Western Samar. Calbliga Cave is 7 kilometers long and have an area of 900 square kilometers.

The Lakes 

In the Philippines are popular spot for diving, chilling and sight seeing. Since the country itself is surrounded by waters, many water formations emerged and some gains popularity and became a tourist spot. There are lakes that are popular for its weird water temperatures, frightening deep, wide area, healing power and more.