The Philippines, is an archipelago found in the western Pacific Ocean of South East Asia. With Manila as its capital city, it is comprised of around 7,107 islands.
The influence of past colonization by Spain and the USA, has caused modern Filipino culture to focus mainly around the influences of Western society, rather than that of its nearby Asian neighbors.
However the older Asian aspects of Filipino culture are still very relevant through the strength of Filial Peity - The Respect for Parents and Ancestors. As well as through beliefs in ancient mythology and religion.
The westernized Filipino culture means that tourism plays a valuable role in the country's economy, with most foreign tourists coming from Western destinations such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany.
The main basis of Filipino tourism is located around the metropolitan region of Metro Manila, the political, economic, social, cultural, and educational center of the country. Popular destinations include.
The influence of past colonization by Spain and the USA, has caused modern Filipino culture to focus mainly around the influences of Western society, rather than that of its nearby Asian neighbors.
However the older Asian aspects of Filipino culture are still very relevant through the strength of Filial Peity - The Respect for Parents and Ancestors. As well as through beliefs in ancient mythology and religion.
The westernized Filipino culture means that tourism plays a valuable role in the country's economy, with most foreign tourists coming from Western destinations such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany.
The main basis of Filipino tourism is located around the metropolitan region of Metro Manila, the political, economic, social, cultural, and educational center of the country. Popular destinations include.
- Intramuros - A walled city in Manila built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Originally Manila's boundaries were the city walls, but due to expansion newer buildings were built outside the walls. Today Intramuros contains museums, churches and an old fort.
- Makati City - The modern face of Manila, it is home to major malls, business centers, and hotels. Lined with modern high rise buildings, the Makati skyline is the best in the country.
- The Chocolate Hills found in the island province of Bohol, are home to one of the smallest primates in the world, the Phillippine Tarsier.
- The Taal Volcano, one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world, is just an hour away from Manila.
- The Hundred Islands, located in the northern Philippines, are a group of more than 400 islets with coral reefs surrounding them. Famous for their beaches they can be explored by snorkeling.