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The Philippines is a unique blend of East and West, having been colonized by
Spain for three and a half centuries and then by the United States for 150 years.
Spain for three and a half centuries and then by the United States for 150 years.
- Composed of 7,107 islands, the largely-Catholic country lies between the
Philippine Sea and the South China Sea some 1,210 kilometers from mainland
Asia.
The country is a popular destination for foreign visitors because of its numerous
tourist spots. Its people are friendly and fun-loving and food is cheap and plentiful.
The Philippines is home to more than 750 species of birds, including the monkey-
eating eagle, the largest of its kind in the world. The giant bird has a wing span of
seven feet and a height of five feet and a half when fully grown.
With a coastline stretching 10,850 statute miles, twice as long as the coastline of
the United States, it's no wonder the Philippines is well-known for its many fine
beaches. These include Camiguin, El Nido, Siargao and, of course, the world
renowned beach at Boracay.
The Chocolate Hills (above) on the island of Bohol is an unusual geological
formation consisting of 1,268 individual mounds. The hills are of uniform size
ranging from 30 to 50 meters in height. They are covered in green grass, which
turns brown during summer, thus the name Chocolate Hills. How they were
formed remains a mystery. But legend has it that two giants engaged in a fierce
fight, throwing stones at each other. When the dust settled after several days of
fighting, the two decided to make peace and left the island, leaving behind the
mess they had made. Another legend claims that a young giant named Arogo fell
head over heels in love with an ordinary female mortal named Aloya. But the girl
died. Arogo cried over his loss, his tears falling to the ground and forming what is
now known as the Chocolate Hills.
formation consisting of 1,268 individual mounds. The hills are of uniform size
ranging from 30 to 50 meters in height. They are covered in green grass, which
turns brown during summer, thus the name Chocolate Hills. How they were
formed remains a mystery. But legend has it that two giants engaged in a fierce
fight, throwing stones at each other. When the dust settled after several days of
fighting, the two decided to make peace and left the island, leaving behind the
mess they had made. Another legend claims that a young giant named Arogo fell
head over heels in love with an ordinary female mortal named Aloya. But the girl
died. Arogo cried over his loss, his tears falling to the ground and forming what is
now known as the Chocolate Hills.
The Banaue Rice Terraces high up the Cordillera Mountains in the northern
Philippines is a World Heritage site. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World,
it's located 5,000 feet above sea level and covers nearly 4,000 square miles. The
rice terraces were carved into the mountains by the Batad people, who continue
to till the terraces in the same way their ancestors did more than 2,000 years
ago..
Philippines is a World Heritage site. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World,
it's located 5,000 feet above sea level and covers nearly 4,000 square miles. The
rice terraces were carved into the mountains by the Batad people, who continue
to till the terraces in the same way their ancestors did more than 2,000 years
ago..
Other Travel Stories
Vibrant, Bustling Hong Kong
One of the most expensive cities in the world is also one of
the most popular shopping destinations.
Boracay: Paradise on Earth
Boracay's crystal-clear waters and powder-fine white sand
make it second to none.
Vibrant, Bustling Hong Kong
One of the most expensive cities in the world is also one of
the most popular shopping destinations.
Boracay: Paradise on Earth
Boracay's crystal-clear waters and powder-fine white sand
make it second to none.