Visiting the Philippines

The Philippines is composed of thousands of islands in the South Pacific. It is unique because the culture combines Chinese, Malay, Indian and Islamic cultures with Hispanic and American influences. There is a lot to take in on this enormous archipelago, both in terms of natural beauty and history.

The capital city of Manila is home to more than 11 million inhabitants. It offers more to do than the average traveler will have time for. This city is bustling and modern; some of the most popular attractions are the Museum of the Philippino People, Fort Santiago, the Chinese Cemetery and the Malacañan Palace.

When you are done sightseeing for the day, try the food. Filipino cuisine is a combination of its diverse cultural makeup. One of the dishes that must be tried is chicken inasal. This dish involves marinating chicken in a combination of lime, pepper and vinegar before it is grilled over hot coals. Before you leave the Philippines, try the unofficial national dish, adobo. This refers to either chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, garlic and bay leaf. Tapa (cured beef) and torta (omelets) are also popular. For something sweeter, try one of the most famed desserts, Halo-Halo, served in a tall glass and consisting of sweetened beans covered in shaved ice and evaporated milk topped with custard, yam or ice cream.

If you are looking to get out of the city, then relax on the beaches of Cebu or Palawan. These are some of the best locations for snorkeling on any of the islands.