This Large water body is also called as the Captain of the South Seas and is adored for its tranquility and splendor. This Filipino Republic is the paradise and the beauty of the world. This little piece of land is consisting of 7,107 islands located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and north of Sabah and Borneo.

The Philippines is an archipelago abundant in nature, rich in culture, and filled with discoveries. The natural wonders, colorful history and warm, engaging people make living there more presentable and a collection of memories. With manila as its Capital city, the land spreads to an area of 298,170 km2 and with the Pacific Ocean surrounding it. With a varied culture, over a dozen languages and a fusion of groups, living at Filipino makes it worthwhile.

The major cities swarming with population are Manila (Capital), the Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Vigan and Zamboanga City are some of the well known.

Faith
The Philippines is not only the largest Christian country in Asia, but also it is the world's third largest Catholic Nation. The Catholic faith remains the single biggest legacy of three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule. Catholicism is still taken quite seriously in the Philippines. Masses still draw crowds from the biggest cathedrals in the metropolis to the smallest parish chapels in the countryside.

The biggest religious minority are Muslim Filipinos who primarily live in Mindanao and Sulu, but also increasingly in cities such as Manila, Baguio or Cebu in the north and central parts of the country.

Filipino Travel
On entering the Philippines foreigners from most countries automatically get a free 3-week tourist visa. Most of the people who reach this paradise have to fly to it as this is an island, voyage by a ship might even take a longer time and make you feel seasick by the time you reach the destination so it is always recommended for an Air travel so to save time. Getting around inside can be a mix of all the possible transports such like Air, Boat, car, Train and also Bus.

Ferryboats are one of the best Tourist attractions with a little ride, butting along the streams and the shallow beds of the Filipino coast. Other main reasons for foreigners are the seas that they practice for Scuba Diving and for sea explorations; the sea world takes the divers to a land of fantasy and amazement because there is much to see that is there under the waters of the Archipelago.

Local language
There are two official languages spoken in Philippians: English and Filipino but most often found with a mix of Malay, Spanish, Chinese and also Tamil. Although English is an official language of the Philippines and a compulsory subject in school, it is in practice used more often by the ABC1 class and it would be awkward if a Filipino speaks English to a fellow Filipino of the lower class.

Tourists however won't have problems using English when making inquiries from commercial and government establishments. A few simple phrases in Filipino will come in handy when traveling to rural places, as English proficiency is limited there.

Adventure Sporting
Whitewater rafting and Speedboats are one of the most opted water sports; water surfing and Wind surfing fall at the second orders. Large groups of people are found surfing and speeding on the waters during all season of the years. It has almost become the official sporting event in the main Filipino region and in the places of the coastal paradise.

Feasting times
The feasting times of Philippians are always linked with the Saints and the paradise of the lands in the Filipino regions. Few feasts that are most common over the places are: Black Nazarene, Sinulog, Panagbenga, Chinese, Ati-Atihan, Moriones, Pahiyas, Flores de Mayo, Kadayawan, Bangus Festival, Kagay-an Festival and Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Most of them have their strong faith and never cease to continue their rituals and beliefs that had its inception ages past; the tradition and the culture is even till this day respected and followed.

Fun in the Sun
Beaches are found in plenty in these regions and in different fines of sands and sizes of beaches. Boracay boasts of sparkling white beaches, and is becoming a very popular resort destination. Though the water contamination was a major concern for a period of time now however, there has been a concerted effort at cleaning up and the spectacular coral reefs teeming with tropical fishes are once again safe for tourists.

Tourist attractions
Various landmarks in Cebu City stand, as reminder of Philippines' tryst with Spain - there is the historical Fort San Pedro and the Santo Nino Church from the 16th century, and Magellan's cross - which was erected by his crew in the year 1521. Various tourist destinations are in the vicinity of Cebu, including the Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island. This curious name comes from the fact that these perfectly rounded hills look like large chocolate drops during the height of the dry season.

Pangalo Island nearby has good resorts and beaches, while Bantayan Island; with its untouched beaches is a better choice for the solitude seeker. Sumilon Island, also in the vicinity, has good diving sites. The Mindoro Islands are noted for their white beaches and crystal clear water and multi-hued coral reefs. A popular diving spot is near Puerto Galera on the northern coast. Mindoro also has extensive sugar cane plantations, forests and mountains.

Though life at Philippines has flourished over the ages, still this magnificent landscape is still under the threat of global warming. Slowly and steadily the dark abysses of the water world are eating the coasts. The only solution to slow the process is by reducing the pollution rate and to bring in the awareness of natural assets to the tourists and to the inmates.

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