PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.
In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence in 1946.
Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what were perceived as corrupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations.
Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

Manila is a city less traveled, with adventurers almost always choosing to move on to the Philippines’ famous white-sand beaches right away. Metro Manila (National Capital Region), composed on various cities including the Philippines’ capital, Manila,goes beyond being a gateway to out-of-town day trips and popular island destinations. There is more to this urban region than the constellation of cars stuck in traffic; and to have its beauty reveal itself to you, you just need to have the right amount of patience and determination.

Metro Manila is home to the usual ingredients of a developing metropolis. The economic, political, and cultural centers are housed in here so everything you need to learn about the country, you will find in the labyrinth streets of the Metro and its cities.

Filipinos are curious shoppers.It’s no wonder why Metro Manila is home to over 16 supermalls offering a variety of both local and international brands.

Rich in culture and history, Manila can be the very place to visit for travellers looking to immerse in a myriad of ethno linguistics, a beautiful chaos sitting in a mega-city teeming with unique stories. It may not be the kind of time-travel you have in mind but Filipinos in Manila are more than willing to take you back in time and tell tales of the olden days.

Beyond Metro Manila, you can visit neighboring destinations and attractions such as Tagaytay, Pagsanjan and Nuvali Sta. Rosa to name a few.

Sample Filipino dishes through the different city food tours and Filipino restaurants. Dine and watch the Kultura Filipino Dinner and Cultural show at Barbara’s or try wine and craft beer pairing with Filipino streetfood such as balut (duck embryo), fishball,isaw, etc.

Lechon, adobo and sinigang are favoritedelicacies with countless variations throughout the country. Popular Filipino dishes adopted from Chinese are “lumpiang shanghai” and “pancit” while Spanish-influenced cuisine include “mechado,” “menudo,” and “pochero.”

Blessed with an abundance of seafood, tropical fruits and creative cooks, there’s more to Filipino food than the mind-boggling balut (duck embryo)

Considered to be one of the most progressive and developed provinces in the country, Cebu is not just known for its awe­inspiring tourist destinations but also for being a global hub for various industries such as furniture­making and BPO.

The city is also a storybook of historical events waiting to fall on curious ears. From the colorful tales of its sleepy fishing village to the first Spanish settlement that resulted in it being considered the cradle of Christianity in the Far East, Cebu is the cultural treasure chest for those in search of both history and hype.

With Cebu being the oldest city in the Philippines, you can expect nothing more but destinations filled with history. Cebu is the oldest settlement established by the Spaniards, and that is very evident in the various tourist spots in the city. Downtown Cebu is home to the world­recognized Magellan’s Cross which Magellan ordered to be planted on the site upon their arrival in 1521.

Another historical site is the Lapu­Lapu Shrine where a 20­meter statue of the great Datu Lapu­Lapu was erected to honor the native leader who killed Magellan. You can also walk along the oldest and shortest national road in the Philippines, Colon Street, or visit the oldest military defence structure, the Fort San Pedro, built by the Spaniards with the help of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi who hired indigenous Cebuano laborers as additional workforce.

Just a short walk from the fort is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country. The Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, or more commonly known as Santo Nino Church. Of course, with Philippines being an archipelago, Cebu is not short of wonderful beaches for those in search of a little R and R. Visit the tropical island that is Bantayan and treat yourself to a getaway in its crystal clear waters, clean shoreline, and fine white sands.

This small island has never left the numerous lists of must­ see beaches in the world. Famous for its fine, white sand beaches, Boracay has received many well­-deserved awards and recognitions from various travel magazines, blogs, and agencies.

It’s no surprise that the island awarded by international travel magazine Travel + Leisure as the best island in the world back in 2012. With its clear blue waters stretching out into the horizon, Boracay is one of the ultimate places to go if you want the best island experience Philippines has to offer.

It’s pretty obvious tourists go to this majestic island for the clear blue waters and powder ­white sand but besides the paradise ­like beaches and the friendly locals, Boracay, being one of the most modernized, progressive islands in the Philippines, is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re up to dance the night away, chill along live music, enjoy watching dancers breathe fire or listen to spoken word poetry, the island’s nightlife is comparable to that of Ibiza’s explosive hype.

Fun­ filled leisure activities also await visitors of this island. Adventure­ seekers can cross horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kite boarding, windsurfing, parasailing, cliff diving, and banana boat riding off their lists because all of those are hip and happening activities present in Boracay. You can also go for island hopping by hiring a boat for about half a day to tour around the island’s amazing lineup of beaches such as the Crocodile, Puka, and Tambisaan Beach.

You can also make your Ariel dreams come true by signing up for mermaid swimming lessons. Experts from The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy would gladly take you under their fin and teach you how explore the waters in monofins and mermaid tails.

Bohol is one of the many gems in the Philippine archipelago, offering amazing, Instagram-worthy photographs of cute and cuddly bug-eyed tarsiers and the unrivalled view of the majestic world-famous Chocolate Hills. But really, Bohol is a treasure chest for globetrotters and backpackers alike looking for island adventures in pristine white beaches, rich forests, limestone formations,and dive sites teeming with a colorful kaleidoscope of marine life.

Despite being hit by typhoons in the previous years, the people of Bohol still managed to preserve their island province’s treasures so we assure you, every picture you’ve seen of this place is nothing compared to actual experience it can offer you when you get there.

If there is one other place in the Philippines that gets its fair share of popularity in the field of being paradise ­like, it’s Palawan. This island province boasts of many breathtaking attractions, mostly of seascapes so beautiful it could take the worries of even the most stressful person in the world.

Palawan is a terrestial and aquatic wildlife gem so it’s the perfect place to visit for adventurers looking to fill their journals with colorful photos of both fauna and flaura. With over 1,700 islands and islets, a coastline reaching over 2,000 kilometers, Palawan is as spectacular must ­see destination if you’re gong to the Philippines.

Palawan has a lot to offer for adventure ­seekers out there. From fun water activities such as snorkelling and diving to exciting island ­hopping and caving, the island has what it takes to keep any outsider want to stay.

Let’s start with the globally­recognized Underground River. Here, you can enjoy paddle­boating your way around a part of the world’s longest river navigable. The river is part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site known worldwide for its successful efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustain tourism.

A great side trip on your way to the Underground River would be the Ugong Rock. Perfect for the more adventurous travellers out there, the Ugong Rock is a limestone formation towering at 75 foot. In here, you can have fun letting your adrenaline out by squeeing in through holes and cracks as you climb up to the top.

Of course, don’t forget the Coron Reefs, a jewel for nature lovers and divers. It doesn’t only have amazing aquatic wildlife but its principal dive sites are actual 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks. Listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world, Coron is a must ­see destination in Palawan.

Another famous tourist spot in Palawan is the El Nido Marine Reserve Park which is home to the island’s most­visited white­sand beaches and coral reefs. Like Coron, the kaleidoscope ­like biodiversity in here makes El Nido another favorite among divers.

Located in the heart of Philippine’s Central Luzon region, Clark is part of Pampanga province, bounded on the north by Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, Bulacan on the east, on the south by Bataan, and on the west by Zambales.

Almost the size of Singapore, Clark occupies over 33,000 hectares of prime land located in the culture-rich Central Luzon. It is a natural entry point to the Asia Pacific Region, with only 3 ½ hours flying time away from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Korea and other key points in Asia.

With a highly improved road network and increasing flights at CIAC, Clark is setting out to become the hub for business, aviation and tourism in the Philippines.

Business, Leisure, Wellness and Adventure Possibilities in Clark

Whether for business or leisure, numerous choices await even the most discriminating business traveler or visitor. Duty-free shopping and fine dining to unwind after a hard days work? Choose from a variety of duty free shops, SM shopping mall, bars and restaurants located inside the secured boundaries of the Freeport.

Mix business and leisure in any of the world-class championship golf courses at the Mimosa and Fontana Resort and Country Clubs.Relax and rejuvenate your senses at the New Well Being Spa and One Zen Wellness to sample world-class wellness and spa facilities.