/countries/show/philippines/1.rss en-us Imagine yourself surrounded by more than 22,000 hectares of natural beauty. You are in the middle of a dramatic landscape with jagged cliffs and limestone mountains jutting out from a green sea of lush tropical vegetation. If you are a bird watcher, the air is filled with the sounds of flapping wings and exotic calls from parrots, hornbills, herons and leaf birds. If you are a nature lover, your eyes catch the clumsy movement of monitor lizards stumbling through the rustling leaves and squirrels leaping from bent tree limbs, while blinking eyes of wild macaques curiously peer back at you from behind shadowy foliage. This place of untamed geography and exotic wildlife is no mere dream. It is Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines.   Located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan, which in turn is just an hour long flight from Manila, this UNESCO Natural World Heritage site is a hotbed of biodiversity. Additionally, it is one of the 28 finalists for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" competition. With such prominent accolades, this National Park is an adventure hotspot worth exploring. Historically speaking, the area has sparked interest for centuries, but it wasn't until March 26, 1971 that the Park was officially established as St. Paul's Underground River. In 1992, the boundaries were extended and the area was re-branded under its present name: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. In addition to its facelift, management responsibilities of the area were transferred over to Puerto Princesa City Government, which has since managed to establish a multitude of biological core-zones, reserves and protected areas balanced with a hearty flow of healthy ecotourism.  Within the Park's boundaries there is no shortage of vivid wildlife, majestic mountains and pristine white sand beaches. However, the uncontested poster-child of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is its namesake—the 8.2 km long underground river. Starting with a turquoise-blue lagoon at the mouth of a cave, the river flows through a series of mysterious chambers filled with stalagmite pillars, otherworldly rock formations and domed amphitheatres, before emptying itself out into the azure depths of the South China Sea.  Although remote and wild, experiencing the underground river can be rather simple. The most straightforward way is to book a tour package, which should cover the cost of transportation, and entry fees. Some will even provide meals. Alternatively, after independently making your way to the cave entrance from Sabang Pier and registering on the list, you can simply sit back and stare up wide-eyed at the cave formations around you. You will go in for only 5 km, since the river becomes difficult to navigate after that; but the constant water dripping from the cave ceiling and the smell of bat droppings around you will keep you fully alert. The sounds of flapping wings and stories of resident pythons slithering alongside the tourist boats are enough to make your trip worth it. Emerging from the cave, you'll feel as if you've momentarily stepped back in time and managed to return unscathed. So whether you are a seasoned biologist ready to explore an ecological hot-zone, or a day-tripping tourist trying to fill your vacation planner with adventurous activities, there will be lots for you to discover when you go underground at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 05:13:24 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/puerto-princesa-subterranean-river http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/puerto-princesa-subterranean-river Kawasan Falls is a tranquil set of mountainous falls located in the town of Badian, Cebu. This cascade of crystal-clear spring water is a must for anyone in the area. Its lush green surroundings alone are enough to lighten your lungs from the weight of local tricycle exhaust, but its true allure is only experienced once you slip into its cool waters for a refreshing dip. You can enjoy a rare treat swimming under Kawasan Falls' firm chutes of water—a natural waterfall massage! Although not necessarily among the accepted and popularized ranks of Shiatsu or Swedish massage, a waterfall massage is a unique pleasure seldom available to most. An easy 20 minute walk along the gurgling river path from the main road will lead you to the first tier of Kawasan Falls. The largest of the three Falls, the first tier is also the busiest. Light blue water gushes from the mountain into a large pool below. Locals greet you warmly and offer you the opportunity to take a bamboo raft under the Falls for a few hundred pesos. Although it's hard to resist the urge to cease your swimming pursuits here, if you continue on to the second set of Falls you'll find a more secluded swimming spot and an opportunity for the massage of a lifetime. Just 15 minutes further up the path is a much quieter and smaller set of Falls. Wading down the stairs and into the water, the more solitary surroundings allow for an easier environment to position yourself under Falls without going under. As the water from Kawasan Falls stems out over the mountain ledge and onto your shoulders and head, the water droplets are transformed into liquid fingers. The soothing movement of cool water streaming over you releases tension and eases sore muscles. Thoroughly cool and content, a final 20 minutes of hiking will transport you to the final tier of Kawasan Falls. Not nearly as grand or imposing as the first two tiers, the third set of Falls are framed by towering bamboo, simple family living and soaring stone face. Although there are locals at the first two Falls, at the third you'll find a sweetly-simple family. Living quite a ways up the mountain, the seclusion doesn't seem to have affected them much, and they bear some of the warmest smiles in the Philippines. A trip to Kawasan Falls takes you to a time and place where waterfalls aren't framed by tourist traps and mazes of concrete and steel, but instead are highlighted by soaring palms and bamboo bridges. Here you can swim in the waters amongst locals and enjoy some of the simplest, yet most rewarding pleasures nature has to offer. Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:13:29 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kawasan-falls http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kawasan-falls First established in the 16th century by Chinese traders from the Fujian province, Calle Crisologo, or Crisologo Street, is the main street in Vigan: the capital city of Ilocos Sur in northern Philippines. Vigan is a well-preserved Spanish colonial town that has withstood the trials of time, specifically during the Second World War. Crisologo Street is so impressively well-preserved that present day visitors can experience what life was like centuries ago. To conserve this nostalgic colonial street in the heritage city of Vigan, only horse-drawn carriages are allowed to enter and pass, and are as common as the yellow cabs of New York City. Kalesas, or horse-drawn carriages, are one of the Spanish influences in the Philippines that have lost their popularity as other modes of transportation, like buses, jeepneys and tricyles (a motorcycle with a sidecar, similar to Thailand’s tuktuks) are more convenient. There are only a few places in the country that still use the kalesa, and these are now reserved for romantic weddings and other special occasions. For 150 pesos (or less than US$4 per hour) you can tour Crisologo Street, as well other parts of the Vigan City, in the old colonial style of a kalesa. To ride the entirety of Calle Crisologo will take less than an hour, but you might get addicted and ride the kalesa throughout the whole of Vigan. The "drivers" are trained by the local Department of Tourism to act as your local tourist guide. The quaint sound of the horse’s hooves against the cobblestoned street, along with the sight of old colonial houses, will take you back in time to the Philippine Spanish era. It’s no wonder why Crisologo Street with the kalesa is the most photographed scene in Vigan, and often featured in postcards and various magazines. A UNESCO Heritage Site, this cobblestoned street stretches up to 1 km and is lined with colonial houses. These houses are referred to as “bahay na bato,” or stone houses. They are two-storey houses with the ground floor made of stone and used as a granary or storage area, while the upper floor is made of wood and used exclusively for living quarters with its sliding windows adorned in capiz shells. The houses that line Crisologo Street are houses of affluent families, and are unique blends of Chinese and European architectures. Some of the houses in Calle Crisologo are now used as souvenir shops selling items from T-shirts to locally grown tobacco. Crisologo Street is also home to many antique stores selling pieces which are great souvenir items to bring back home such as woven fabrics crafted on wooden handlooms. Stories have been told which suggest that the city of Vigan was spared destruction out of love. During the later part of the Second World War, retreating Japanese troops would blaze any town before leaving so that American forces could not make use of them. However, one Japanese general who lived and married a local girl in Vigan, made a pact with the parish priest to spare the city in exchange that the priest would take care of his family. The Japanese general may not have survived the war, but his undying love for his family saved a very lovely town and became one of Philippine’s most famous destinations. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:26:11 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/crisologo-street http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/crisologo-street Almost all towns and cities in the Philippines have their own festivals, but one particular festival in the Visayas island group stands head and shoulders above the rest—the Ati Atihan Festival. Held every third Sunday of January, this jovial celebration transforms the quiet district of Kalibo, in the province of Aklan, into a lively and upbeat place filled with dancing, music and other merry-making activities. Known as the “Mother of All Festivals,” the Ati Atihan Festival has been celebrated for more than 700 years, and still ranks as one of the main festivals in the country. The Atis (or Aetas) are one of the indigenous people of the Philippines. Dark-skinned, and short with kinky hair, these Atis were the first settlers of the Philippine archipelago and still live in the highlands all over the country. The Ati Atihan Festival holds street dancing competitions from different groups called “tribu” (or tribe), and these performances are the main attraction of the entire celebration. Dancers in their flamboyant costumes, with headdresses made from indigenous materials, paint their bodies in black and dance along the streets of Kalibo. Almost all Philippine festivals of dancing, drum music and elaborate tribal costumes trace their origin back to the Ati Atihan Festival. You can choose to watch the Ati Atihan Festival from the sidelines and enjoy this carefree sight, but with all the energy it's hard to resist joining in the street dancing. Expect someone from the crowd to drag you up to dance or paint your face. A clean face is frowned upon during the Ati Atihan Festival, and some tourists and locals smear their arms, legs, and even their whole torso with soot. Black is undoubtedly the most prominent colour during the Festival, and “black dancers” identify the Ati Atihan Festival from other Philippine festivals. The word “Ati Atihan” means “to be like an Ati,” and covering the body with soot mimics the appearance of an Ati. The Ati Atihan Festival started when a group of Malayan chieftains, known as “datus” from the neighboring Borneo, sought refuge and found a new home as they escaped a tyrant king in their homeland. When they arrived in the island of Panay, where Aklan is located, it was inhabited by the Atis. Diplomatic and courteous as they were, the Bornean datus made a pact with the king of the Aeta, Marikudo, to settle in their land. In exchange for some gifts, specifically a golden hat locally known as “salakut” for Marikudo and an anklet for Marikudo’s wife, the Atis agreed to settle in the highlands leaving the lowlands to the new settlers. To celebrate the new relationship between the Atis and the Malays, they danced and drank day-in-and-day-out. At that time, the Atis were celebrating their good harvest, and so to join in the celebration, the Malays covered their bodies with soot to appear dark-skinned just like the Atis. Hence, the first Ati Atihan Festival was born—which is still going 700 years later. Attached to the Ati Atihan Festival is the Santo Niño (or the Holy Child Jesus) which is highly venerated in this Catholic country. When the Spaniards came to the Philippines to convert the natives to Catholicism, they performed the native Ati Atihan. Today, the tribal festivity also has its own religious aspect, and some devotees carry images of the Holy Child and dance their petitions to God for the success of their children and their business. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:42:46 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ati-atihan http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ati-atihan Summer in the Philippines is not only synonymous with beaches and fun, but also with the Lenten season. For approximately 73 million Catholic Filipinos, this is a special time of year when penance and sacrifices are made prior to the resurrection of their Lord Jesus. They say Filipino faith can move mountains, and in some cases it can even influence them to nail their hands to a cross or be cut by whips in order to endure the suffering of Jesus. It may sound a bit weird, but Filipinos take the word sacrifice very seriously. Every Good Friday, thousands of locals and tourists flock to small towns throughout the Philippines, such as Pampanga or Jordan, to witness the crucifixion acted out in what is known as "Pagtaltal sa Guimaras." This re-enactment of Christ's Passion includes the last supper, scourging at the pillar, carrying of the cross, the seven last words and the crucifixion. Leading up to the crucifixion re-enactment, thousands of penitents will whip themselves in this voluntary ritual. The practice of crucifixion itself is controversial and not encouraged by the church—willing participants have their palms nailed into a cross. For over thirty-three years the crucifixion re-enactment has been taking place every Good Friday and ends at 3 p.m. when the person portraying the role of Jesus is nailed on the cross. According to Catholics, this is also the exact time when Jesus died. The people who portray the role of Jesus during the crucifixion re-enactment say they do it for sacrifice, personal penance, good will and blessings. Over the years, different people have portrayed the role of Jesus, including females and even visiting tourists. Whether you're Catholic or not, the crucifixion re-enactment is a shockingly bold introduction to the Filipino faith. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:51:21 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/crucifixion-philippines http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/crucifixion-philippines Guisi Beach is a peach of a beach located on the island of Guimaras, in the Visayas Region of the Philippines. As the soft golden sand sinks between your toes and crystal clear water laps onto the shore, you will be awestruck at the serene and sheltered surroundings you have descended upon. This beautiful beach faces the open sea, with a seemingly infinite view of the sprawling sky and rolling waters. A hideaway fanned by lush green palms, wedged between massive limestone boulders and framed with soaring cliffs, Guisi Beach bestows a rare and welcomed affect of instant relaxation to all who visit A popular attraction while relaxing on Guisi Beach is a visit to the 18th century Spanish Colonial Lighthouse. A short 15min hike up a gradual hill, allows you the opportunity to explore the remains and enjoy a view of the beach below not to be missed. If you are more of a beach bunny, some sun and a relaxing swim in the cool azure waters is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful afternoon sun. The fish here are friendly and make for amusing company. The area surrounding Guisi Beach is not without its charm. For $10 US per hour you can rent an outrigger canoe, known locally as Bangka, and explore nearby offbeat smaller beaches, caves and towering rock formations. Located in Dolores, in the municipality of Nueva Valencia, Guisi Beach is largely untouched by mass tourism. There are no resorts along Guisi Beach, but there are small cottages that you can rent for just $8 US a day; facilities include showers, comfort rooms and a small store. If you are searching for an unspoiled beach that you can enjoy almost all to yourself, then Guisi Beach is for you. This serene enclave of golden beach never disappoints. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:23:27 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/guisi-beach http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/guisi-beach