PHILIPPINES

The Philippines as a country is a bit of an outkast in comparisment to the other “South-East-Asian” countries. The Spaniards brought Catholicism to the archipel, the Americans introduced a policital system that’s still partly is active. Miles of sea divide the Philippines with neighboring countries geographically but also cultural. A mentality like “it’s going to be allright”, many (snack)restaurant chains (unfamiliar to us), means of transport like the “jeepney” and the “tricycle” and an young embryo in an egg as a snack. But the country boast also endless tropical beaches, amazing rice terraces, many possibilities to go diving (and snorkeling) and a tragic history with occupation and struggle. These are the Philippines in a nut shell.

History and the actual SITUATION

The people from the Philippines (mostly descendant from Malaysia) lived before the “conquisadores” from Spain in the 15^th century isolated and there was united at all. The Spaniards would colonialize the archipel for 350 years and next to some words in the nowadays common language is religion the only big legacy the Europeans left.

The United States would after the war (Spanish – American) and a briefly civil war take control of the Philippines for 45 years; they would be building schools, hospitals and infrastructure. The country would be independent if the Japanese didn’t invade it in the WWII. Manila would be destroyed and the Philippines would be one of the major battles between the Imperial Japanese army and the marines from the United States. Also the biggest navy battle ever was among Philippines waters. After the war the country was stated independent and would be turn into a dictatorship under old president “Marcos”. Today the Philippines still suffers from major problems due to corruption, environmental issues, human trafficking, prostitution and a booming growth of the population without economic growth. Also the problems with the minorities (especially on “Mindanao” island with the muslims) are an ancient but still current problem.

tourist destination

The Philippines is a true “Walhalla” for divers – a country existing out of thousands island, big and small with a huge number of reefs and nature. Ship wreck diving is were the archipel is famous for due to dozens of Japanese ships sank bombed by American boats and/or war jets. Next to diving the country has an enormous amount of sand beaches ideal for sun bathing, snorkeling and other summer activities. A destination like “Boracay” famous for his nightlife and white sandy beaches full of local and Western holiday makers. Perhaps the most precious paradise on earth is the amazing “Bacuit archipel” on the northside of the last frontier island “Palawan”. A place that can easily compete with “Halong Bay” in Vietnam and/or “Phuket” in Thailand. Dozens of little islands dotted with high karst and limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, the blue-est water even seen among white sandy beaches and waving palmtrees.

The north of the country shows a total different image; first of all you can take a look in Manilla for the old colonial Spanish fort from where the Philippines was administered from. On a daytrip you can visit the tiny island of “Corregidor’ about 30 miles from the capital in the Bay of Manilla. Several traces of WWII where the Japanese and the Americans battled are still clearly visible. You can visit the island on a tour or individually. (gun)Batteries, ruiines of a cinema, hospital, barracks and of course the famous “Malinta” tunnel where the American general “MacArthur” attempted to save the country. Further north is the old colonial town of “Vigan”. Here you can see the unique architecture mix of Chinese, Mexican and Spanish influences in the houses among old horse cards. Last but certainly not least are the “UNESCO” sited rice terraces of the “Ifugao” people. Build in the 10^th century by hand is this a magnificent piece of engineering – thousands of stone terraces build with a technical suburb system of irrigation. They call this the 8^thworld wonder and this is a must see for everybody going to the Philippines.

Due to the diversity of touristic sites in the country is it not so strange in spite of his “isolated” status that more and more (Western) tourists find the way to visit the archipel.

about the philipPines

The Philippines are blessed with a bit of everything; surrounded by water there are rivers, lakes, chains of mountains and jungle. The climate is as many other Asian countries; tropical. The archipel is often hit by storms, typhoons and also the outbreak of volcano’s. The mentality of the inhabitants is often referred as “just making the best of life” and “complaining doesn’t help anyway” what results in a flat attitude towards corruption, environmental problems and for example prostitution. It seems the people miss the power or will like the “Asian tigers” in Vietnam and Thailand. There are dozens of minority groups living in the Philippines with their own culture, language and history and even between the islands are differences in dialects. English is spoken by people in and around Manila and is often understood but not spoken (fluently). Maybe a legacy from the Americans but the present of several (snack)chains can be seen all over the country – the biggest is certainly not “MacDonalds” but “Jollibee” but there are chains that are specialized in pizza, noodles and rice dishes. Of course you can still visit the local restaurants where you can remove the lits from the pans to look what’s inside. Unfortunately it seems that their presence is getting less in the years coming as is the cyclo (taxi).

It seems that the Philipino’s are less open to tourists as in for example “Laos” and “Cambodia”. My experience is that they won’t ask suddenly in the bus, tricycle and/or jeepney where you come from and what you’re plans are although they speak English. They seem less enthusiastic and less curious about tourists with their big backpack. Similarities with other (South-East) Asian countries is the religion (although not the same one) that influences live badly and the importance of the family. To spread your opinion of disgrace about someone of something is not done in the Philippines.

the archipel

With a big archipel like the Philippines you have to deal with big distances over land but also over water. This involves another way of travelling. You have to travel a lot with ferries which are not going on a daily base or you have to take a plane. Keep in mind that it’s not going all that smoothly that you are used to be. Another pain in the ass is the fact that they are several bus companies (on other islands other companies) which are leaving from different terminals. Even local people are not informed about prices, time schedules and options and for a general tourists this could be a crime especially in big cities.

The “jeepney” (a conversed old jeep which pollutes like hell) and the “tricycle” (a motorbike with a kind of carriage for transport) are the countries unique means of transport. Old fashioned they are the proud of the country. Not like most other countries in Asia and around the world are the people of the Philippines totally not interested in soccer. They rather gamble and/or look at cock fighthing matches. Also basketball is very popular. Every village and town have at least one covered field where people can play. It seems that the country once stood on the same level as the old ruler of the country; the United States.

aftermath

I think we can conclude to say that the Philippines are a truly Asian country with a slightly different sauce on top than his neighbouring countries. It’s diverse looking at different tourist sites but be aware of storms, unsafe territories because of kidnappings and terroristic actions. To travel around the archipel is inexpensive due to trips with the plane and/or boats can it turn out to a quite expensive trip after all. Also the prices of accommodation (especially in touristic area’s like Boracay , Manilla and El Nido) are higher than for example in Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok. It can also be time consuming travelling with ferries because of the time schedule, delays and because of that it’s hardly impossible to have a fixed plan. A good thing is that this country is not overrun yet by (Western) tourists and backpackers. It’s easy to be among locals in many places, cities especially in the rural areas and the not so fancy places. Hopefully this will last as long as possible.

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