ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

Scattered like beads of pearls across the vast emerald waters of the Western Pacific and South China Sea, the Philippine archipelago is a collage of 7,107 exotic islands. Spanning 1,850 kilometers from north to south, the Philippines' total land area of 300,000 square kilometers is mostly mountainous. The topography varies from swamps to high mountain ranges, one of which includes Mt. Apo, the highest peak in Mindanao at 2,954 meters above sea level. Ironically, the country also has the lowest spot in the world - the Mindanao Deep, an abyss that is 11,518 meters deep.

The archipelago is divided into three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Luzon, the largest among the group of islands, occupies the northern portion of the Philippines where Manila, the capital city, is located. Wondrous sights abound in Luzon: to the island's north are the awesome man-made Banaue Rice Terraces of the Ifugaos, Spanish heritage towns and cities like Vigan and Laoag; and the picturesque Hundred Islands in Lingayen Gulf. The island's central and southern regions abound in natural wonders as well: Intramuros in Manila, volcanos such as Mt. Mayon in Bicol, Taal in Batangas, and Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales. Luzon is a land teeming with unspoiled natural wonders - lakes, waterfalls, rivers, rainforests and beaches.

Visayas, the group of islands situated in the heart of the archipelago, consists of about 6,000 islands which include the main islands of Cebu. Bohol, Negros, Panay, Samar, and Leyte. The Visayas bridges the cultures from the country's north and south. The numerous fiestas and religious feasts that take place in this region are a testament to the diverse cultural influences of the people. The Visayas has some unique geographical features that must not be missed - the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Boracay's world-famous sand beach and marine parks such as the Marabut Marine Park in Leyte.

Mindanao, the second largest group of islands, forms the Philippines' southern tip. Despite its size, to this day it remains one of the less explored islands in the country. Mindanao has promising destinations for adventure seekers and culture lovers. This is where travelers can get a glimpse of many ethnic groups that live on alluring coastlines and lush mountain villages.

The country's population stands at 78 million, predominantly Roman Catholic. The people are of a mixed Malay culture enriched by centuries of Spanish influence and traces of American affluence. The Filipinos are known throughout the world for their smiles and warm hospitality. They are outspoken yet very diplomatic for they value freedom under a democratic government. Gifted with the faculty to learn different languages, most Filipinos speak English just as well as the national language or any of the regional dialects.

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in Asia. It is a city with a history as interesting as its people. Vibrant and pulsating with life, Manila has evolved to the melting pot that it is today. Sprawling eastwards from Manila Bay, Manila is bisected by the Pasig River, which is crossed by seven bridges. Located at its southern portion are landmarks that represent the country's history under foreign rule. The walled city of Intramuros was the center of activity during Spanish colonial times while the administrative buildings are standing legacies of American rule during the early 1900's. On the north side of the river are the city's biggest traditional public markets, educational institutions, minority ghettos, and the presidential palace, Malacañang Palace.