Philippines – Land of Natural Wonder and Beauty
From Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the 7,099 islands that makes up the Philippine Archipelago offers a wide variety of sights, sounds and tastes that would provide interest even for the wary traveler. Up North in Luzon, the provinces of Ilocos and Vigan give people a view of majestic Spanish churches all made during their 300 year reign on the country. In Vigan, the town center has been restored to it’s original look as a Spanish town for all tourists to see. These old Spanish churches hold some very interesting relics from the past such as antique figures made of ivory, silver and gold. Behold the silver guilt altar of Vigan that used to grace the main church now housed in a museum a walk’s distance from the town center. In the hustle and bustle of Manila, we find Intramuros, the Spanish made fort where the center of the Spanish Aristocracy in charge of the colonizing forces once ruled from. See the wonders of the thick walls and restored buildings of days gone as you get to see dances and events that showcase the rich heritage of the place. See the area where Jose Rizal was jailed and executed as the country’s defiant voice against the rule of foreigners.
See the relics of war in Corregidor where the Philippinnes was lost and regained from the Japanese with Gen. Mc Arthur’s words, I Shall Return!, famous words as he fulfilled his promise to American and Filipino forces as he left when the country fell into Japanese hands in 1941.
The country is wide and varied, with all the conveniences of modern life. From isolated and pristine beaches to idyllic towns with people who speak many dialects but share one common trait, that smile that is for all to behold as you go to the Philippines the “Pearl of the Orient”.