Photo by bingbing, Flickr Creative Commons

Every matter in this universe naturally finds the right place to fit in but others tend to go against the tide. Like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle whose pieces are scattered all over the empty floor, the Philippines developed into an island-packed country after years of geographic molding. Among the 7,107 islands in the country, one island remains at the peak of beauty and adventure – Siargao.

Siargao, known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, is an approximately 437 square kilometers tear-drop shaped island located at the southeast of Manila, specifically in the province of Surigao del Norte. It encompasses nine municipalities wherein one contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao. Also, the coastline features a series of massive coastal reefs and white powdery beaches with coconut palms designed at the center of the island which heighten the valuable assets of the island.

The island is greatly influenced by strong winds and currents from the Pacific Ocean and Mindanao current running westward through Siargao Strait, thus, making it a perfect spot for surfing. Specifically, Cloud 9 offers the best waves. Furthermore, it hosts events such as Billabong International Surfing Competition in Septembers and Siargao International Game Fishing Competition in Aprils.

If you’re alarmed with the fading colors of your own book, you absolutely come to the perfect place to unwind and rediscover yourself. The island offers every individual the best adventure to experience as if it would be the last. Surfing, yoga, biking, diving, fishing, island hopping and kayaking are some of the must-try activities. It will not only relax your mind but also allows you to burn some unwanted fats and be united once again with nature.

Strangers on the block don’t have to worry about their security. People are very friendly, hospitable and accommodating. You will be treated as if the same blood is running through your veins. This character reflects Filipinos’ unique value of treating family with great importance, thus, you will absolutely have a home away from home. Various resorts that offer all kinds of accommodation, rentals for motor, mountain bike and surfing board and surfing lesson are also available.

Siargao is a hidden treasure of the country that continuously moves on greater heights. Complete an all–in–one package trip by discovering a jewel and a paradise in the Philippines and be amazed with Siargao!

If you want to spend summer in the Philippines, that is from mid March till the end of May, chances are you will be spending your day on its beaches from its famous Boracay and Palawan to secluded beaches located close to your relative’s barangays.

There is another way exciting activity to do in the Philippines during summer and that is Visita Iglesia.
Visita Iglesia is Spanish for “church visit” and it observed in the Philippines during Lenten Season specifically during the Holy Week. Only few countries like Philippines, Poland and Malta observe this Catholic tradition since these countries have many churches. This tradition started in Rome when devotees and pilgrims visit the 7 great basilicas as an act of penance.

And in the Philippines when Holy Week is also a working holiday, it is a time for relaxation. As a Catholic country, Filipinos are urged to obliged into penance and observe the Holy Week rather than pure beach outings and parties.

If you want to combine both religious duties and relaxation, Visita Iglesia is the best thing to do. Still, doing this practice must be heartfelt. For Visita Iglesia, you will visit 7 churches on Maundy Thursday. In every church you visit, you must pray that Station of the Cross but some Catholics will just pray on their own ways. What is more important is that you pry for forgiveness and give thanks to your blessings.

The good thing about Visita Iglesia is that balikbayans like you will revisited Philippine history through its churches. You can choose any churches but holidaygoers opt to visit colonial and heritages churches even if they are kilometers away from each other. This makes Visita Iglesia very popular among travelers.

Even in the Metro, there is the Quiapo Church, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and Baclaran Church.  Batangas and Luzon have plenty of old churches while the Visayas is a great place to a Visita Iglesia with its heritage churches of impressive architecture.

Coming to the Philippines for a Pinoy summer? Visit heritage churches, pray for penance and enjoy the country in a different light.

Palawan is no doubt, Philippine’s pride – a living paradise. And now the world has hailed its natural beauty as its Underground River has tentatively became one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World.

From white-sand beaches to secluded islands, Palawan is the best place for those who adore nature. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park gives you more reasons to pay Philippines a visit. Located 50 kilometers from the capital city of Puerto Prinessa, this underground river wil never fail to impress tourists, travelers, adventurers and even the vagabonds.

What makes this underground amazing that it has bested other natural wonders like Africa’s Kilimanjaro? First, it is an underground river. We have seen rivers with the sky above your head with some birds flying over perhaps? But with Puerto Princesa’s river, it is inside a cave. And not just any cave, as you cruise, you will be served with sculptures from stalactites and stalagmites. Giant mushroom-looking crystals decorate the interior of the cave. Bats flying or ogling as you pass by and the cool breeze that will calm any soul.

The whole river is 8.2 kilometers long. One of nature’s creation that is is roofed with a cave before it flushes to the South China Sea. As a National Park, this attraction is not just because of the river. At the mouth of the river is a lagoon with its mossy-clear waters lined with ancient trees. Nearby is a white-sand shore. Very unspoiled that the area is still home to various animal species from monitor lizards to monkeys. Looking up at its crystal clear skies are rugged cliff formations. Wipe out small boats and tourists and you will imagine living in paradise.

Experience and be in paradise when you visit Palawan.

Book your holiday now. www.travelaccess.com.au

Okay, we will save you from a “horrifying” photo of a balut. Unless you live under a rock or you are absolutely clueless when it comes to Filipino food, balut is one of the most famous culinary wonder in the Philippines. No, we are not talking about au gratin dishes here, it is more of an adventure for non-Filipinos. It has been one of the “must foods to eat” while in country especially among international tourists.

Here’s why.

Balut is a boiled fertilized duck egg. Boiled egg is a usual breakfast feast but with balut, the chick is forming waiting to be born. Yikes! You may say. But those who have tasted it or patrons to this somewhat out-of-ordinary food attest of its juiciness.  Some even say that it is an aphrodisiac. As an egg, it is rich in protein too. For those on a diet, this is a certified calorific treat!

There are many towns in the Philippines that are known for balut like Pateros in Luzon but balut is a streetfood in the country. You can easily buy them from peddlers. Look for that small ice box that reads , “Balut”.

So how do you eat a balut?

Are you ready? First, you remove the uppermost part of the egg; like 1/4 of the whole egg. There, you will see the little chick with the yolk swimming in the juice. Now, you sip the juice draining the whole egg. Onced dried”, its time to eat the unhatched egg.

Balut can be eaten as it is but most Filipinos eat it with a dash of salt. For some it is theb est pulutan. Eat it with an iced-cold beer and viola! Perfect drinking season.

Balut also comes in “number of days” which corresponds to the number since the egg was hatched. For starters, choose “16 day, the chick is not that formed yet for the most adventurous ones, there is “21 days” where you can munch chick’s tender bones.

When visiting the Philippines, try eating balut. If you bring along friends and family, dare yourselves to discover its uniquely Filipino gourmet treasure. A fun activity to do while in the country that will surely be one of your best memories while on vacation.

TIP: Due to scarcity of ducks in some places, chickens are used and called “balut sa puti“.

Camarines Sur or CamSur was once a sleepy and hard to reach province. But with a young governor’s dream and determination, CamSur has become one of Philippine’s top tourist destination. Last year, it has surpassed other famous local destinations in the Philippines like Cebu and Boracay. No doubt, CamSur has finally made its mark on Philippine tourism.

Located in the southeastern portion of Luzon, Camarines Sur is one of the provinces within the Bicol region. Livelihood is centered on agriculture and fishing.

Governor Luis Villafuerte Jr or Gov. LRay is the man behind its success and transformation. He started with introducing one watersport- wakeboarding. With high-end facilities like the Camsur Watersports Complex ( WCW), the province have hosted international tournaments attracting more and more tourists ( both local and international) year after year.

With a large space and sunny weather – his province is the perfect place for this sport. Never leave CamSur without trying your luck in wakeboarding. There are lessons available and the complex have areas for all levels -from beginners to expert wakeboarders.

And Camsur’s prominence doesn’t end with watersports. With its idyllic and secluded beaches, one of its island became a favorite location of Survivor, a famous reality TV show. CamSur’s Caramoan Island hosted five international Survivor franchises like Survivor France and Survivor Israel.

Caramoan Island is just one of the many islands in the province that you can enjoy. Try island hopping and visit secret bays, climb limestone cliffs, conquer peaks and enjoy its pristine white sand beaches. If you want island destinations that are totally untouched, fly to Camarines Sur.

Camarines has plenty to offer to its visitors. If these extreme sports and adventures is not your cup of tea, you can go for more relaxed holday ideas while in the province. You can visit old churches or savor the provinces spicy dishes. Practice your haggling skills in local markets if you want some shopping. Go to Lake Buhi and see the world’s smallest fish.

CamSur’s popularity is not just nestled on activities and natural resources but also with its modern facilities. Like any tourist spot, CamSur has modernized their facilities to cater even to discerning internationa tourists. In terms of accommodations, travelers can expect to stay in accommodations that have amenities and facilities that can ensure both comfort and convenience. For those on a lighter budget, there are also affordable accomodation choices.

Most of all, CamSur takes its pride to their friendly locals. The locals are highly grateful on how tourism changed their way of living. More children were given a chance to go to school while others do not have to leave to find  a job in Manila. Indeed, their governor’s dream has finally became a reality.