An archipelago situated in Southeast Asia possessing a total of 7,640 islands in which approximately 2,000 are inhabited is one country to be crossed off the bucket list if you wish to embark on a memorable trip comprise of bustling cities and beautiful islands and yet does not cost you an arm and a leg.
The very moment you land feet on the grounds of the Philippines, as a former Spain colony of 333 years, you’re anticipated to experience a variety of pan-spanish elements some of which are the national language tagalog itself consisting of loan words such as mesa and lamesa (table), estudyante (student), libro (book), eskwelahan (school), and many more. Plus, the name of the country itself was inspired by the king of Spain of that particular period, Philip II. They were called “Las Islas Felipinas” (The Philippine Islands) before Filipinas (Philippines) became official.
Besides, there exists profound cultural integration between Spain and the Philippines in terms of religion where the majority is predominantly Christian; celebrations in which “Santo Niño” (Hold Child Jesus) was adopted; fusion cuisines like the popular stuffed chicken Galantina and stewed pork Estofado. It doesn’t just end there though, the rest is for you to discover.
Manila
Sometimes referred as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Manila is the capital city of the nation and is one spot you do not wish to miss out when visiting the Philippines especially if you’re a city enthusiast. Swamped with beautiful historical buildings, museums, shopping complexes, restaurants, and being the main gateway to many other destinations of the country, it is ranked the most frequented city in the Philippines. Be sure to check out their street food markets holding a plethora of variations of local delicacies, situated by the roadside, it is almost discoverable in all corners.
With that being said, Manila is one of many regions most vulnerable to natural disasters. A major typhoon caused flood struck Manila in November last year submerging even areas which were historically not flooded such as the City Hall. Lives were taken and tens of thousands of shelters were damaged, who knows if the same event will re-emerge sometime soon? Smart villagers have considered a quality metal roof installation for the betterment. Having a higher-functioning roofing system plays a role in reducing flood likelihood.
Tagaytay
Located merely an hour away from Manila, Tagaytay is highly frequented for its commanding views of Taal Volcano, also the world’s smallest volcano. Though not precisely located in Tagaytay, this very place allows tourists to admire and capture this magnificent peak. Should you demand a closer look at the volcano, you can always take a boat ride across the lake and hike up the volcano. Tagaytay is one spot you do not wish to overlook, especially when you’re taking a break off busy cities and in search of peace of mind. Its cooling temperature and breathtaking scenery can make your wish come through. Spend longer time here with a mini picnic session whilst you please your eyes with the view.
Vigan
Should you be looking for spots to experience more of the nation’s pan-Spanish attributes, you would love to pay Vigan a visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Asia’s greatest example of a Spanish colonial town, Vigan is deemed one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. You’re expected to witness merchant houses and Baroque churches all of which were established during the colonial era. You may also want to spend a night or two in one of the Air Bed and Breakfast (Airbnb) to experience what it feels like to stay in these sophisticated buildings. Despite the buildings being long-established back in the 16th century, the structures remain just as sturdy and strong. If you’re looking for cost-friendly and noise-resistant roofs that ameliorate the general structure of your shelter, business unit or warehouses, metal roofers could be of help. Contact metal roofing Malaysia today for professional advice.
Boracay
If you seek satisfaction under the hot sun by the offshore building sandcastles and just enjoying life in general, you must visit Boracay once the pandemic cools down. Situated within Manila in the province Aklan, Boracay is one of the most highly frequented tourist spots across the nation. Holding a plethora of resorts ranging from luxury hotels to cost-friendly inns, you’ll definitely see yourself swamped with the number of adventurous activities as you spend your holidays on this very beach filled with powdery white sands and immaculate blue waters. Bear in mind that there exists a set of strict rules inflicted on tourists to avoid exploitation. Once you set foot into Boracay, you will discover a variety of activities that you can consider avail yourself of to make this trip a memorable one; some of which are scuba diving, snorkelling, and sipping on cocktails in pubs and bars, helmet diving, windsurfing, and many more.
If you’re in the midst of picking a perfect spot to embark on a budget-friendly trip once the pandemic cools down, you will find this insightful.