The Floating Houses of Agusan Marsh

Picture source: phys.org

Top Theme Songs in the Philippines

Best Historical Places in the Philippines Part II

The Philippines is really full of history and structures that remain as a stain of many historical revolutions. As we see those structures that were constructed by our house contractors ancestors, we reminisce the sacrifice of all Filipinos to aim the freedom we had now. These structures really play a very big role in our history and in the present time, it shows as the evidences of all the struggles that our Filipino heroes have gone through. That's why many Filipinos, preserved these structures to remain the memory of sacrifices done till to the next generation of the Filipinos. Here are the 5 historic structures;

Best Historical Places in the Philippines

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part III

It rivals Boracay’s fine white sand beaches. In the islands of Mindoro, there is a gem called Puerto Galera. Another credential attached to Puerto Galera is being one of the premiere diving destinations in the Philippines. Like its powdery white sand beaches, Puerto Galera has crystalline blue waters full of wonderful surprises under its currents.

More than 30 dive sites, if this number is not enough to quench your thrill for an underwater adventure. A Puerto Galera dive will test your limits. You’ll encounter at least three types of dive: recreational, wreck, and drift diving. We cited a few of these awesome dive spots below:

Sabang Triple Delight
We only made this up for the purpose of highlighting the three Sabang plunges: Sabang Reef, Sabang Bay and Sabang Point. You’ll also be delighted to know it only requires a recreational or beginner level to experience Sabang.

Hole in the Wall
This one is coined as it is, a coral wall with a hole (2m wide) right at it. Although a beginner could try this one, a diver must watch his buoyancy to avoid bumping at the soft and hard corals as he goes thru the hole. Don’t forget to take pictures to relish the moment.

The Canyons
The exhilarating part starts here. Take note that this dive is for advance levels. The Canyons hit the 45th place on CNN Travel best diving site in the world. Definitely, this dive site is worth the try and the risk.

Fish Bowl
We need to remind you first the Fish Bowl is not for the faint heart. When we say you’re going to be sucked in, we’re not exaggerating. Upon descending, a strong current will push you in to the deep blue. Be ready because the sight at the bottom can astound you for the second time. This was not named the Fish Bowl for nothing. Expect a trench shaped-bowl where schools of Barracuda, White Tip Reef Sharks, Tuna and other marine life swirl inside it. Behold a kaleidoscopic scene right before eyes, but make sure to hold on tight – with all your strength.

Japanese, Sabang, and Alma Jane Wrecks
When you see a wreck in land, it is often referred as a junk. Put a wreck under the depths of the sea or ocean it will be a masterpiece – turning into vibrant wreckage adorning the sea floor. Over time, coral communities will populate it. Eventually, school of fishes and other marine life will take over this wreckage and turn it to a habitat.
Colorful, mysterious, and beautiful are the proper descriptions for shipwrecks turn into artificial habitats for underwater flora and fauna. The perfect spots are the Japanese, Sabang, and Alma Jane shipwrecks. Capture the past using your underwater camera.

Kilimar Drift
Do you want to take a drift? Then try the Kilimar Drift. Avoid this one if you’re not an expert drift diver. You’ll not only be injured, it will not be a fun and memorable experience.

Did we somehow convince you to enroll in a crash course, just to take a dive and witness Philippines’ exotic marine life? Remember this is only some of Luzon’s best dive sites, namely, Romblon, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. A country being a part of the famous Coral Triangle has many benefits such as automatically listing the Philippines one of the best diving destinations in the world.

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part II

As we promised, let us continue jotting down the most-visited dive spots in the Philippines. This entry will guarantee you to be an underwater photographer. In a single destination, you can have a chance to see a fleet of shipwrecks; one of the CNN Travel’s top picks; and one of the New Seven Wonder of Nature. The island is a large narrow strip with several islets around it located near the western part of Luzon, the island of Palawan.

The diving hotspots in the province are plentiful. Considered as the “Diving Mecca of the Philippines”, it adds to the difficulty level on where to start the plunge. Once again, will lend a helping hand and already prepared a list below:

Coron Bay – The Chuuk Lagoon of the Philippines

It is comparable to the Chook Lagoon of Micronesia. Famous for its sunken ships, Coron is the best shipwreck diving destination in the country. It is one of the remnants of World War II. On September 24, 1944, 11 Japanese ships took refuge in the waters of Coron Bay and near Busuanga manned by the Japanese Imperial Navy. However, the U.S. naval forces detected the anchored Japanese war and supply ships at Coron. Taking this opportunity, Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey planned the assault. Led by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, the U.S. naval aircraft launched a surprise aerial attack to take down the enemy. Catch a glimpse of history several meters below sea level of Coron Bay, Palawan. The once formidable warships turned into a safe haven for various marine flora and fauna.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – A CNN Travel Top Pick

Do you want to go to the center of marine biodiversity? Palawan has the largest Marine Protected Area in the country, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Nestled at the heart of Coral Triangle, it is an important buoy for the preservation of marine life not just in the country but the entire planet as well.

One of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems, Tubbataha consists of two large atolls (North and South) and a smaller one called Jessie Beazley Reef. This world-renowned coral reef structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and enlisted by RAMSAR as one of Wetlands of International Importance.

Tubbataha hits the 8th place of CNN Travel’s best dive sites in the world. It seems overrated, but Tubbataha is indeed a diver’s paradise. Bird enthusiasts may want also to flock around the two islets of Tubbataha that were frequented by migratory birds. Some of the fowl visitors are internationally threatened and endangered.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – A New Seven Wonder of Nature

Another Palawan’s pride, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park formed 20 million years ago with two main parts. The limestone/karst mountain landscape and an 8.2 km underground river that flows through a cave then out in the sea. The two of the world’s largest are inside Tubbataha. The underground river called Cabayugan River is the world’s longest river (8.2 km) and the Italian Chamber, the largest cave in the planet.

Because of its pristine environment and its unique abundant biodiversity, it garnered several worth-mentioning international recognitions:

One of the prestigious awards it bagged is being hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature on Nov. 11, 2011. The park’s management only allows one kilometer of the park lasts for about an hour.

This is the island of Palawan for you. A world-class tourist destination packed with internationally known attractions. One last to go and we will complete our three-part Luzon Plunge.

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part I

Do you want a kind of underwater experience in a kaleidoscopic level? You don’t need to travel abroad because you’re already at the right place. Diving in the Philippines sites sprouted left and right because of the archipelagic structure and interlinked water systems that contributed to the rich marine biodiversity of the country.

The Philippines is a surplus of dive spots and some are not even yet subject for exploration. One worth mentioning is the Marble Capital of the Philippines, the province of Romblon located almost at the center of the Philippines. Due to its remoteness, Romblon retains its aura of mystery and pristine nature. One of the overlooked tourist destinations in the country, yet it has a way to charm travelers both land and sea.

In the dry regions, lies Spanish-era churches and you can find here one of the challenging peaks in the Philippines, the Mt. Guiting Guiting. Under the land mass, under the depths of its seas, is a diverse marine life. We suggest that before you go there bring a handful of extra batteries, memory cards, and a charger as well.

Romblon boasts thirty dive spots in and around the area. Definitely, a one-day trip would not be enough. Quality beats quantity, so we pick out a few dive hotspots ready for you to discover in no particular order.

Still can’t get enough of Philippines’ spectacular diving sites? The list is not yet finished and by the end of this, you can plot your own diving saga.

What are the foods to eat in the Philippines

How to be in love with the Philippines? Many Tourists know this country because of the beaches and many beautiful vacation spots and also because of the nature it has and the weather. But many of them have become one of the fans because of the foods that can be tasted in the country. It’s a taste that brings you home. Since the summer in the Philippines is getting started, many of the turista (tourist) prepare their things to visit Philippines for scuba diving and also taste again the food what Filipino really proud of.

courtesy of Google Images

Lechon Baboy (pig), it is influenced by Spanish. It is a roasted pig, cooked in charcoal while being stung in a bamboo. It's become a national dish in the Philippines, it is typically served on special occasions such as Christmas, fiesta, reunion and etc,. The city of Cebu serves the most delicious lechon in the Philippines.

courtesy of Google Images

A popular dish that consists of meat, vinegar, garlic, peppercorn, oil, bay leaf and soy sauce. Filipino citizen considers this as “Pambasang Ulam (national dish)”. Typically the meat of the adobo is chicken and pork, but today some Chef try to cook seafood in it. Also, this local food can be tasted in the snack flavored as adobo.

courtesy of Google Images

One of the favorite dishes of the Filipino. A soup tastes sour because of the flavor of tamarind. It is cooked with the ingredients of meat, tamarind, vegetable, onions, siling berde (pepper green), and tomatoes. Mangoes and kamias can be a replacement with tamarind and shrimp, chicken and fish for the meat.

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It consists vegetables, meat and serves with bagoong. Traditionally, it serves in fiestas, at the province of Pampanga without kare-kare, the fiesta is cannot be considered complete.

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A beef fried or grilled is served at breakfast together with sinangag (fried rice) and fried egg.

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A crispy, delicious and juicy leg of the pig, add vinegar sauce for the better taste. It has lots of cholesterol, so watch out and don’t eat too much.

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Noodles dish in the Filipino cuisine that symbolizes “long life and good health”. It is typically served on birthdays.

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A fresh and fried roll dish that consists of vegetables inside. Lumpiang sariwa and lumpiang pirito, how it called in the Philippines. And for dessert, a sweet deep fried roll with saba banana is what you can eat and it is called as turon.

courtesy of Google Images

A Filipino known dessert, combinations of shaved ice, condensed milk, ube, leche plan, macapuno, beans, mongo, banana, sago, gulaman, jackfruit and ice cream. It is best to eat contrast with the hot and sunny summer weather.

Want to taste any of them? Dive Philippines and discover it. Come and visit the country!