Philippine Islands:
of Floating Pearls and Emeralds
As far as aviators and Google Earth geeks are concerned, the Philippine islands are emeralds and pearls scattered at the western rim of the Pacific, nothing less. And there's not just "a few" of these islands, but thousands! Most of them are covered by lush tropical rainforests, while the rest are either dotted by the glass and concrete of human civilization or by pearly-white sands.
However, it's more than just the distant view of the Philippine islands that make them gems indeed: it is culture and natural beauty and the people living in them.
Hundred Islands National Park Philippines
In the northern part of the Philippine islands, the Hundred Islands National Park in the province of Pangasinan are easily some of the most notable islands in the country. Scattered near the Gulf of Lingayen, this group of 123 white-sand islets have become the apple of TV producers' eyes recently.
Two years ago, Marina, a top-rating TV series about a girl cursed to become a mermaid had all its beach scenes shot at the shores of some of the isles. The Philippine franchise of the phenomenal reality show Big Brother also shot a series of episodes in one of its islands, Governor Island, just last summer.
Today tourists are racing against each other to stay at the house where the show was taped. With rooms that can accommodate eight to ten people, complete with a bathroom, a kitchen, and well-furnished living and dining rooms, it's a perfect place to be when escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life. And that's not to mention the soothing sound of the tide nearby that bids dream elves to do their job fast.
One of the favorite activities in this part of the Philippine islands is, of course, "island-hopping." Riding rented boats, you can get a glimpse of all the islands in their raw beauty.
If you are more adventurous, yes, you can even visit each island, imagine you are another Columbus or Magellan, and kiss its shell-studded shore as did these intrepid explorers centuries ago!
And if you do that, never forget to visit Cathedral Cave located in one of the isles! The cave, so called because of its breathtaking size, has rustic beauty that simply is awe-inspiring.
Camiguin Philippine Island
Yet another tourist hub in the Philippine islands is way down south - Camiguin Island, in the northern part of Mindanao. Much like the Hawaiian islands, it is volcanic, an "island born of fire."
Camiguin is composed of seven volcanoes, only one of which is active and last erupted in the 50s, creating what are now famous tourist destinations.
One such site is the ruins of the Old Catarman Church, where a chapel now stands within. The place is now called the Chapel Within a Church.
Another point of interest is the Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery, also in Catarman, where a huge cross marks the town graveyard which sank in 1871 after a volcano eruption.
For thrill seekers, hiking up Mount Hibok-hibok, the island's lone active volcano, should be an experience like no other. Rising up to 1,250 meters, it is the lord of the island, watching the vastness of Bohol Sea in the north and mainland Mindanao in the south.
Pious Catholics also flock by the hundreds to the extinct Old Vulcan during the Holy Week, making their Panaad or promised pilgrimage. Passing through the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross (depicted by almost life-size statues), the pilgrims tread a steep trail up to the volcano's summit.
Camiguin island's natural wonders, however, are not limited to majestic volcanoes and the picture-perfect shores that separate the island from the sea. Thanks to Mt. Hibok-hibok, hot springs also dot the island. The Ardent Hot Springs is a place no tourist should ever miss. Steaming pools of water here are not only relaxing but therapeutic as well.
Boracay Philippine Island
And then we have Boracay, the most renowned among Philippine islands. Only about two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, it is located near the tip of Aklan.
In the 70s, it was "discovered" by the cast and crew of a film starring Robert Redford. From then on, Boracay skyrocketed to global fame for its immaculately white sand. And that's when world-class resorts and bars began to mushroom around it.
Now Boracay is dubbed a summer capital of the Philippines. Tourists local and foreign visit the island for the perfect combination of the azure sky, turquoise water, cotton-white sand, and emerald-green foliage blanketing the island to make the one perfect vacation.
Indeed, the Philippine islands are like giant jewels strewn in the Pacific Ocean. Here we only talked about two islands and one group of islands; there are thousands more out there. That's thousands more fun and thrill - all for you to discover.
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