Beautiful beaches in the Philippines

I've always known that my country The Philippines is a piece of paradise.

The Philippines is an archipelagic country comprising of 7 107 islands (high tide or low tide) with which each island offers a rich biodiversity ranging from its tropical rain forests and mangroves, coral reefs, mountain ranges, world-class beaches, beautiful islands and diverse range of flora and fauna. As a tropical country, it is one of the few mega diverse countries in the world.

The country also offers one of the longest white sand coastlines in the world which is one of the many tourists attractions. So, If you have plans of travelling and still has no specific destination to go to, The Philippines is the perfect place for you...Here are some most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.

Boracay, Aklan

Boracay is located 315 km south of the Philippine archipelago. A small island in the province of Aklan which is considered as the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It is famous for powdery white sands and pristine clear blue waters. Nightlife is also a popular tourist attraction because nightlife here boasts numerous and exciting activities. Numerous pubs, bars and nightclubs line the coastal areas of the island. It also offers activities good for relaxation and is an outstanding environment for tranquility.

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido in Palawan is the Philippines best beach and island destination according to CNNGO-travel news website of the international Cable News Network, for its "extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. It is most often dubbed as the Philippines' last frontier. It is currently rated at No. 14 among the Top 100 Most beautiful Beaches in the world.

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro Province about 130 km south of Metro Manila area. It boasts of beautiful white sand pocket beaches good for swimming, relaxation, snorkeling and sailing. It offers one of the most diverse diving sites in Asia and contains one of the highest diversity of marine species in the world according to research conducted by the University of the Philippines.It is also protected by UNESCO since 1973.

 Samal Island, Davao City

Samal island is also known as the Garden City of Samal. It is approximately 2 kilometers away from Davao City, the capital of Mindanao. It is also named as the largest resort in the Philippines because it has a good number of white sand beaches and world-class resorts including Kaputian Beach Resort, the famous Pearl Farm, and the Paradise Island. It also boasts numerous marine reefs and crystal blue waters good for relaxation. Because of this, The Department of Tourism named it as one of the most visiting island destinations in Mindanao and is now considered as the fastest growing tourist destination in the country.

Panglao Island, Bohol

Located in Bohol island, it is a lot like Boracay with all the fine white sands that it has and crystal clear blue waters. The diving spots around the island are also among the best in the Philippines. Marine species are also abundant in the island. It contains about 250 species of crustaceans and 2500 species of mollusks which are newly discovered. Such discovery was initiated by Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project who discovered that Panglao Island has more marine species and biodiversity than Japan and Mediterranean sea combined. Currently, Panglao island is being developed and soon the government will start the project on building an airport to boost the island's tourism further.

Secret Beach, Coron, Palawan

Coron Palawan is best known for its limestone cliffs and shipwreck diving sites. It is listed among the top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world by Forbes Travel magazine. Aside from this, behind the majestic rock formations, there lies a secret beach (actually its more like a lagoon) with its crystal blue-green waters encircled with limestone formations and white sand on the shore, this secret beach is really a paradise! You have to exert so much effort in going here though because it is behind tall cliffs either you climb the cliffs for adrenaline rush or you swim underneath...mind you, it's all worth it!

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

Palaui Island beach is the only Southeast Asian beach included in the list of top 10 of CNN's Top 100 Most beautiful Beaches in the world. It is listed as number 10. CNN described Palaui Island as a raw beauty and where nature unfolds with all the flora and fauna, volcanic rocks, powdery white sands and rich marine biodiversity. No hotels and other luxury items are found here. It is literally an untouched paradise...so whether you want to go there camping on the shores to stare at the stars at night or Homestay, it's your choice.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is often referred to as The Boracay of the North because of its fine white sands,numerous water activities (for those who are checked in some private resorts) and of course crystal blue waters...It is a simple municipality. No ATMs, and no malls. Along the way to Pagudpud, there are also numerous attractions such as the Patapat viaduct. Although there is a bus going there directly from Manila, most tourists prefer car rentals in getting there because there is no other means of transport aside from the tricycles found in the area.

The Blue Lagoon is now becoming more famous because of its secluded beach and not many tourists go there.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Siargao island is a tear-shaped island in Surigao del Norte. It has the largest mangrove forest in Mindanao which caters to rich marine biodiversity. It is good for diving, snorkeling and most specially it offers outstanding conditions for surfing. The island is commonly known as surfers haven. Surfers all around the globe flock to this island because of large and cloud 9 waves perfect for adrenaline rush. This cloud 9 waves are greatly influenced by the uninterrupted winds from the Pacific ocean. The cloud nine reef waves is the site where annual Siargao surfing cup is held.

Mactan Island

Mactan Island is located in Cebu Province. It is considered the most densely populated island in the Philippines because it is home to 430 000 people. It boasts many tourists spots and attractions. As a coral island, Mactan offers rich marine biodiversity which is good for diving and snorkeling. Island hopping is also recommended since the island is composed of numerous islets, water sports activity is also popular for leisure and entertainment. These includes jet skiing, sailing and para-sailing. Cultural activities are also found in the island.

 Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Calaguas is a group of islands composed of three major islands Tinaga, Guintinua and Maculabo and some minor islands that showcase the true definition of nature’s beauty. The most famous and most frequented is Tinaga because of the reputed Mahabang Buhangin beach which offers fine, powdery white sand and respite from the hustle and bustle of modern living.

 Malapascua Island,  Cebu

Situated at the northern most portion of Cebu, the island is famous for the rich ecosystem that flourishes in its waters. Malapascua is a sunken island with a 230-meter drop off and the abundance that Malapascua offers has attracted the Thresher Shark. This is the reason why diving adventures have become common and popular around the island because these sharks are easy to spot given the exact time and location. Aside from an extraordinary diving adventure, the island in itself is a beauty which has more to offer to its visitors. To name a few, tourists can go beach bumming, biking and cliff jumping for the adventurous at heart.

 Anguib Beach in Sta Ana, Cagayan

This beach belongs under the goldmine list of beaches in the Philippines. The place does not have any commercial establishments save for simple resorts that offer accommodation, thus it is ideal for those vacation goers who want adventure and respite rolled into one. During non-peak seasons, you can have the island to yourself together with the locals who are nothing but accommodating. There are only designated areas where camping and cooking are allowed so make sure to ask first before you start pitching your tent.

Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City

If you have had enough of white beaches, maybe you might get interested to take some time off in an island getaway with pink sand. Yes, you heard it right – pink coralline sand courtesy of red organ pipe coral pulverized and mixed with white sand. Open to the public is the bigger Sta. Cruz Grande while the little one, Little Sta. Cruz is off limits to the public because it is being used as a military camp. Although there had been some dispute over security, the recently growing popularity of the island brought by more and more positive reviews it has garnered over the years from the online community is enough indication that it could be a potential vacation destination on your next summer trip. There are cottages in the island that you could rent overnight especially that camping is not allowed.

Malamawi Island in Basilan

Another hidden beauty in Mindanao that is yet to see its own share of crowding tourists is Malamawi Island in Basilan. Contrary to how Basilan has been portrayed negatively in news, the island offers one of the best beach sceneries you will ever see in your lifetime. It is serenity and beauty rolled into one. Once you reach the place, you will really wonder what took you so long to visit place. The accommodation is superb and the experience is just surreal.

Paliton Beach, Siquijor

True to the tales of magic and enchantment that Siquijor is famous for is the experience that Paliton Beach offers. With its captivating beauty, no wonder it has earned a commendable reputation among its visitors. It does not only offer the beauty of white sand beaches and crystal clear sea water. It also gives you the best getaway especially that Siquijor is one of the remaining island province in the country that has remained, to this day, tied to traditions.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

There are just a lot of things to do in the island if marveling at its beautiful white sand beaches is not enough for you. Aside from the almost unlimited beach activities to spend your time on, you can also go caving, rock climbing, trekking and rappelling. You might even find yourself not wanting to leave the island anymore.

Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan

The trip going to this place is tough and tedious – but it is definitely all worth it. The coastline is just beautiful amidst it not having much maintenance at all considering that it is a pubic beach. You pay, however, for accommodation which could be anywhere from backpackers affordable to the more expensive hotel-type lodging. The mixed view of the sand, the mountain and the sea is just captivating and memorable.

Gumasa Beach, Sarangani

Aside from tuna, another reason to come packing your backs to head to Saranggani is Gumasa Beach. It has been able to maintain the countryside feel of the place but has also been developed to cater to the varying needs of the tourists. The seafood here is recommendable. While enjoying a beach escapade, you can buy from the selling locals who go resort hopping to peddle their catch or just go directly to the nearby wet market and indulge seafood treats at a very affordable price.

Dakak Beach in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte

Dakak is very ideal for people who want to have a grand beach vacation complete with superb accommodation while enjoying one of the best beaches in the Philippines. It is one of the longest running resorts in the country and, aside from its pristine waters, it has also a lot of activities that visitors could enjoy. For the more adventurous and backpacking tourists, there are also a lot of affordable accommodations around the area.

Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo

If you think one island is not enough, then what about an island hopping experience to visit six islands to marvel at. Because of limited electricity, there is no nightlife. Thus, if you are one of those travelers who have had enough of crowded and noisy beaches, then this place is ideal for you. But there are a lot of things that will definitely pre-occupy you in your stay. After island hopping, you can go caving in nearby caves, go and visit the lighthouse at Bgry. Asluman and a whole lot of beach activities.

White Island, Camiguin

An island paradise that is literally secluded from the main island Camiguin. During high tides, a majority of the White Island disappears but during low tide, the stretch of its white sand could take you minutes to travel. During the day, some locals can be seen putting up their mobile stores for travelling tourists. The island is somehow different from the mainland considering that, as its name suggests, its sand is white whereas the mainland’s is the typical black sand common in Philippines.

Beaches in Quezon Province (Borawan Beach, Kwebang Lampas and Cagbalete Island)

If you are looking for an almost endless beach escapade, then the best place to visit is the Quezon Province. Pagbilao, for one, has Patayan Island, Kwebang Lampas, Biliran Sand Bar, Silangang Nayon and Pueblo Por Aplaya to boast of which could all be best enjoyed through an island hopping activity. There is also Borawan Island which is said to combine the beauty of both Boracay and Palawan, thus the name “BoraWan”. And, in Mauban there is Cagbalete Island which is just spectacular in all its all natural and rural beauty.

Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan

The Hundred Islands in Pangasinan has been making good impressions among local and foreign tourists. During high tide, island head count is 123 while its 124 during low tide. Cabarruyan Island, which is the largest of all the islands, is considered to be the “mother” island of the group. The islands which are best enjoyed through island hopping have been declared as one of the Philippine’s national parks. While island hopping, you can also try snorkeling, fish feeding, swimming and explore some of the islands’ caves and cliffs.

San Antonio, Zambales

If you are planning to go to Zambales, make sure you get to visit both the Anawaning Cove and the Camara Island. Tourists can go and set up camp in Pundquit and from there go on an island hopping adventure to Anawaning and Camara. Make sure to bring you swimming and snorkeling gears with you to make the most of your visit. You can even go skim boarding and surfing. If you are planning to do other activities, a trekking adventure might interest you or capturing every fine details of the islands using your camera.

Ticao Island in Masbate

Somewhere in Masbate separated by a P35 boat ride is the island of Ticao which is home to four towns, old churches and houses with a lot of history to tell and the beauty of nature that is meant to be explored. Aside from the clear waters of the sea, you can also explore Halea Nature Park, Matangtubig Spring and Catandayagan falls to name a few.

Summer Time!!!!!!

The summer season has already begun in the Philippines. It is a season of the year where students take a three-month break from school. For them, this could mean sleeping in late or waking up late. It is also a great time to have a family adventure. It could be a vacation in Palawan or Boracay. It could also mean scheduling a mountain climbing activity to Mt. Apo during the Holy Week.

In summer time me and all of my office mates  go to the beach and or to resorts and hang out there. Summer is a great time to have fun with your family and friends.

Summer is the season of the year to relax, let loose, and have fun. Every one of us  anticipates and needs the summer months away from school and offices.  In the summer, stress levels drop,  stop thinking, and  live life to the fullest. We all need the break to get away from school or even at works  and its handcuffs limiting us to certain boundaries

Spending summer vacation in the Philippines is a real treat for the adventurous traveler. Nobody does summer quite like the Filipinos. Summer begins at the tail end of March and ends at the first week of June. And with temperatures rising to almost boiling hot degrees, most folks would rather head to the numerous malls all over the country to take advantage of the air conditioning. But if you want to make the most out of your summer holiday in the Philippines, then you definitely have to go exploring.

From attractions, beaches, historical sites, shopping centers, adventure zones and foodie enclaves, the choices are endless in this country made up of 7,107 islands, each with their own charms - but of course a few will stand out above the rest because of the attractions, views, and various things that one can do in a specific city or province. As choosing where to go first and what to do next can be quite a head-scratcher, consider a tip from regular visitors: one can start from Manila, then go North towards Benguet and Baguio, continue towards the south and pass by major destinations such as Tagaytay, Quezon, Bicol, Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu. If you don’t have the time to visit all the destinations, you can pick and choose according to your preferences. For instance, if you want to stay close to Manila, then you’ll do well to go and experience a gastronomic adventure in Pampanga, then head to the beaches in Batangas or Puerto Galera, and do some sightseeing in Tagaytay. All three provinces are roughly about two hours away from Metro Manila.

If you are planning to spend the summer season here in the Philippines, you should not miss these places:

Baguio is one of the most famous cities in the Philippines and has been celebrated as the Summer Capital of the country for the past 99 years.   It was the playground of the Americans who built this city as their vacation spot in the 1900’s. It has since expanded, and now has a population of 30,000.

Welcome to Baguio City

Burham Park in Baguio one of the tourist spot

Mines View Park

Strawberry Farm of Baguio

Other 15 Great Destinations near Manila

1. Be Blown Away by Mt. Pinatubo.

     Figuratively, of course! Take a bus to Tarlac, ride a 4×4 jeep, and trek to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo! It’s a long way but the view is definitely worth the time and effort. See the rim of the crater slope up from a lakeful of rainwater, accumulated over the years! You can even boat across the crater lake and camp overnight.

2. Laze on Volcanic Ash in Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove, Zambales.

     One of the provinces at the base of Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales was terribly buried when the sleeping volcano awakened two decades ago. But the disaster dumped a good amount of ash onto its the rocky shores, breathing a new life to its otherwise ordinary beaches. Today, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves have risen as popular tourist destinations for its ashen sand and agoho trees (resembling pine trees) that foster a unique Baguio-meets-Boracay vibe. Capones and Camara Islands are also waiting!

    3. Trek to the Crater of Taal Volcano.

          If you love admiring it from afar, you’re gonna love it even more when you’re actually on the volcano. It only takes two to three hours to get to the jump off point in Talisay, Batangas. From there, you can rent a small boat to take you to the volcano island. Prep for a rigorous trek because its slopes, while not as steep, can still drain all your energy especially when the sun is harsh. (And unless you’re trekking at night, I’m telling you: clouds or no clouds, the sun is harsh!) If long treks aren’t on your favorites list, there’s always the horse option, for a fee of course.

4. Beat the Heat in Tagaytay City.

      If for whatever reason  you don’t want to trek, you can avoid getting physical and just admire the volcano and the lake from a distance, like most people do. Tagaytay offers the best views, with a lovely, cool atmosphere to boot. Visit the newly opened Sky Ranch and get into one of the coaches of their giant Ferris wheel, overlooking the lake. Not into rotating wheels? Spend a morning in one of the city’s parks and gardens. The People’s Park in the Sky has not been maintained well but you might still want to stay a 360-degree view of the city. Or just enter a coffee shop, order a latte, and just ponder on why the hell you don’t want to trek to the crater of the volcano you’ve been admiring from afar!

5. Learn how to Dive in Anilao, Batangas.

     Anilao in Mabini, Batangas is just three hours away, making it a favorite among Manila-based divers and future divers. One-day beginner courses are available to those who wish to learn how to, well, dive. Batangas waters host a wide array of marine wildlife that will blow you away.

If diving isn’t your thing, you may also opt to climb Mt. Gulugod Baboy, an easy climb for professionals (probably the climb of my life if that were me) or take a boat to Sombrero Island and make love with the sun while flaunting your brand new bikini!

6. Church-Hop from Lipa to Taal, Batangas.

      From the petal shower site at Carmel Church to the sacred well of Sta. Lucia, from the magnificent Lipa Cathedral to the massive Taal Basilica, the biggest in Asia — the road from the city of Lipa to the heritage town of Taal is milestoned by grand churches and miraculous sites. Whether you’re a believer or not, make a stop at these places and see what the fuss is about. If you have more time, roll out a bit more of your map and continue your journey to Calaca and Balayan, which also boast old, majestic churches.

Don’t forget to dig in to some of the most delectable Batangueno dishes along the way! Missing bulalo, tapang Taal, lomi, and kapeng barako is a mortal sin!

7. Hit the Beaches of San Juan, Matabungkay (Lian), Nasugbu, and Calatagan.

     San Juan harbors the province’s most popular beaches today but if it’s too crowded for you, drive to the other side of Batangas. Matabungkay used to be the “it” destination decades ago but it might still be a good place for a respite. Nasugbu is starting to be a great alternative, too, and the sight of Mt. Batulao is a constant invitation to awaken the dormant mountaineer in you. The barely touched shores of Calatagan offer front row seats to watch a spectacular Batangas sunrise. The Punta de Santiago Lighthouse is another point of interest.

8.  Camp Overnight in Borawan and Dampalitan Islands, Quezon.

    They say that Borawan is a portmanteau, Boracay and Palawan. The more believable origin of the name however is bulawan, which means gold. But screw etymology, just get yourself to this paradise on your next holiday break!

The towering karst cliffs hug the white shores of Borawan, reminiscent of many islands in El Nido and Coron (but don’t expect them to match them). Borawan is only four to five hours away. It is one of the many islands off the coast of Padre Burgos and Pagbilao, Quezon, that nestle gorgeous white sand beaches! Other places to visit: Dampalitan Island and Puting Buhangin. There are no resorts here so camping is the way to go!

9. Join a vibrant festival in Quezon, Batangas, Rizal, or Pampanga.

Mark your calendars! Here are some of the most energetic and most interesting festivals near Manila:

• Pahiyas Festival – May 15 in Lucban, Quezon
• Parada ng Lechon – June 24 in Balayan, Batangas
• Higantes Festival – November 23 in Angono, Rizal
• Giant Lantern Festival – Saturday before Christmas, San Fernando, Pampanga
• Hot Air Balloon Fiesta – 3rd Week of February, Clark, Pampanga

• 

Pahiyas Festival is my absolute favorite. It is a celebration of the good harvest, in honor of San Isidro de Labrador. A parade roams around town passing by houses that are creatively decorated with vegetables and kiping, a colorful ornament made from rice (and yes, they’re edible)! If you get hungry, there’s always longganisang Lucban and pansit habhab! Traffic can be as dense as your former boss so you might also consider staying overnight in Lucban or neighboring town.

10. Appreciate Art and Get Cultured in Angono, Rizal and Paete, Laguna.

       Known as the art capital of the Philippines, Angono is as interesting as it is accessible. See the Angono-Binangonan petroglyphs, a prehistoric artwork that is considered the oldest in the country. Pay a visit to the house of Carlos “Botong” Francisco and get to know the national artist better. For the adventurous eater, try Soup No. 5 and fried itik in some of the more famous restaurants in the area!

One of the most underrated destinations in the country, Laguna holds a number of surprises for those who will take a step into its overlooked territory. Learn the art of sculpture and witness how this craft has become the center of the lives of the people of Paete! Go on a bakya shopping spree in Liliw! Overcome your fears and descend into the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan. The province is also dotted with several historic churches, ancestral houses, and unique restaurants!

 11. Chase Waterfalls in Pagsanjan and Pangil, Laguna.

       Pagsanjan Falls may be just another waterfall to many but it is the getting there that makes a visit an unforgettable experience. Board a small boat and be amazed with how the boatmen masterfully conquer the rapids and the rocky stream on the way to the waterfall! Buntot Palos Falls is another best-kept secret of Laguna that may be attractive to the thrill-seeking adventurer.

12. Go Bird-watching in Freedom Islands.

       This one is not near Metro Manila, it is in it! Freedom Island and Long Island, collectively called Freedom Islands, lie off the coast of Paranaque and Las Pinas. More formally known as Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, the Freedom Islands have a huge ecological role in the area. It is the last remaining mangrove forest and salt marsh frontier in Metro Manila.  These two islands also serve as a sanctuary for many marine lifeforms and a refuge for more than 80 species of birds, both local and migratory

14. Retrace the Death March in Bataan.

       Sounds like an emotional torture but this activity can be very enlightening and rewarding to history buffs! And since you’re already in Bataan, don’t miss the chance to visit Mt. Samat and some of the province’s beaches.

15. Make a Splash in Puerto Galera.

       A bus and a ferry ride away, Puerto Galera has been the go-to summer destination among city-dwellers for beach activities such as swimming and beach bumming. But there’s more to this Mindoro paradise than what’s on the surface! Puerto Galera is a great diving destination. Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, it is one of the destinations with the richest marine biodiversity in the world.

Manila itself is blessed with many culturally and historically rich sites.

A Mother's Love

My mother

My kids

A mother's anguish was kept 
So her children would not see her wept 
Grasped the burden that her family has 
Took all the ache and hardships they have 

She prepares for breakfast, lunch and dinner 
Brings her children to school and fetch them after 
She washes the clothes and cleans the house 
Rinse the dishes and so with cars 

The exhaustion she felt was unnoticed 
Giving a bit of time for herself she could not promise 
The love for her family she has is undying 
Only to see her children smiling she feels like flying 

To be a mother is not easy 
Giving up so much of her just for you to be happy 
Unconditional love is what she needs 
So the doubts that rankles her mind somehow will diminish..