How to Read the Philippine Map

Look closely at the Philippine map and you will perceive a farmer with his hat on, with one hand stretched out to the left side, and his body bended to the right. The farmer seems to be in the traditional position of planting rice.

The head and torso of the farmer represents the northern most major group of islands called Luzon.

The lower part of the farmer's torso represents another major group of islands called the Visayas.

The the legs and feet of the farmer represent Mindanao, another major group of islands.

The hand stretched out to the left is the long island named Palawan, which is also part of Luzon but with the southernmost part closer to the Visayas.

Thus Philippine maps draw out Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as the three major group of islands in the Philippines: Luzon up north, Visayas in the center, and Mindanao down south.

Sometimes, this major group of islands is referred to as LUZVIMINDA, corresponding to the first three syllables of the major islands.

A beautiful name actually. That's why occassionally you will meet some ladies named Luzviminda in the Philippines.

Agriculture is an important industry in the Philippines. So much so that some local legends finds the reflection of a farmer on a Philippine map.

When you visit the countryside you will notice large tracks of farm still using  traditional farming methods.

When reading colored Philippine maps one thing stands out. And that is many of the bigger Philippine islands are provinces themselves. Island provinces with rich marine industry and tourism.

Philippine islands offer countless adventure tourism, endless diving or snorkeling excursion choices.

Luzon in the north is the largest island bunched together with surrounding small islands. On the northernmost tip are the beautiful islands of Batanes. A photographers paradise.

A little to the south you have the excellent beaches of Pagudpod. Pangasinan and La Union also feature good beaches and nice bays for wind surfing.

A Miss Universe candidate once was asked: "How many islands are there in the Philippines"?

The candidate quipped with a witty answer: "Would you like that answer to be in high tide or in low tide"?

As a matter of fact, the Philippines is made up of 7107 big and small islands. And yes, the tides at our seas determine when some islands get totally submerged in water.

Hence, during high tide--this usually happens when the full moon is out-- several of these islands get completely submerged under water.

You can witness the appearance and disappearance of islands if ever you visit a place called "Hundred Islands" at Pangasinan, around 170 kilometers north of Manila.

From Manila you can reach nearby Batangas which stretches hundreds of kilometers of  beaches. All just a few hours from Manila.

But the most popular Philippine islands are Boracay, Mindoro, Palawan, Camiguin, and Cebu. All of these islands are found in the Visayas.

From Batangas City you may take a short ferry ride to Puerto Galera in Mindoro island.

Palawan is particularly popular for snorkeling and diving.

Down south Mindanao also features some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Philippines. Davao City at the bottom of Mindanao is a popular destination.

You can also visit Sitangkai, Tawi Tawi, the Venice of the Philippines.

Next time you look at any map of the Philippine islands remember to mark out all these popular destinations.

You can grab your copy of Philippine maps at any National Bookstore outlet.

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