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The Blessings of Nature

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Baguio/ Banaue

Get a glimpse of the eighth wonder of the world – the Bananue Rice Terraces, a living testament to man’s ingenuity in forming a forbidden terrace into a continuing source of sustenance.
Manila

The Capital and premier gateway to the country, it is the heart and soul of the archipelago. Antiquated infrastructure compete with odd-looking skyscrapers while tradition clashes with modernity.
Laoag/Vigan

Home of Paoay Churh, acclaimed as one of the world’s heritage sites. Ilocos Sur is a gold mine of culture and history while Ilocos Norte is a treasure of rich marine life.
Cebu

It is considered as the country’s second largest metropolis. One of the most popular destinations for beach lovers, boasting an expose of white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, swaying palms and lots of sun. Rich in history, culture and traditions
Subic/Clark

The country’s Freeport Economic Zone. It boasts of a thriving and bustling industrial zone from garments, furniture, and indigenous materials to high technological electronic, industries not to mention, its world-class hotel and casinos.Bicol

The majestic Volcano boasts of its perfectly shaped cone. The nearby ruins of Cagsawa church stand as an enigmatic testament of the past.
Bohol

This province is home of the chocolate hills which are hundreds of dome-shaped limestone hills covered with grass that turns brown under the sun. Bohol is also famous for the tarsier, the world’s smallest primate.Boracay

Acclaimed as one of the best beaches in the world. A perfect place for weekend get-aways. An adventure island where you can partake in endless activities such as water sports, bargain shopping, golf, island hopping or a soothing massage.
Palawan

Dubbed as the last frontier, Palawan is a mini archipelago of Virgin Islands. Beautiful deserted beaches provide a stark contrast to Palawan’s mostly mountainous terrain. It is also home to flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere in the world.
Camiguin

The name rhymes with come again, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands of the country. As such, it is also referred to as the Philippines’ Garden of Eden. The presence of a number of majestic waterfalls that create both, hot and cold springs is only of the many attractions of this island-paradise.Cagayan de Oro

Brace yourself for an exhilarating white water adventure down the mighty Cagayan de Oro River. More than a gateway to Mindanao, it has exotic culture and other natural features waiting to be explored.Davao

Popularly known for its pearl and banana export industries. Davao is Mindanao’s industrial center and home of Mt. Apo, which is the country’s highest peak. Davao is also known for the rare Philippine Eagle.

Smile for all Filipinos

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SMILE
By: Nat King Cole

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

A Smile to all Filipinos

They said that one of the character traits of Filipinos is “Joy and Humor”. Is it true?
Of course YES. Filipinos have the ability to cheer and laugh and fun loving approach to the ups and downs of life. Laughing at themselves and the mess they are in is an important coping mechanism. In many instances, they are playful, sometimes cynical, and laugh at those they love and at those they hate and make jokes about their misfortune. The sense of humor certainly, provides emotional balance and optimism.

Thousand Miles Away

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I am NORTEHANON.

Nortehanon is a name being called by the people who live and a native from Northern Samar.

Northern Samar is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Catarman and is located at the northern portion of the island of Samar. Bordering the province to the south are the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar. To the northwest, across the San Bernardino Strait is Sorsogon; to the east is the Philippine Sea and to the west is Samar Sea. Most people speak Norte Samarnon, a variation of Waray-Waray, though Cebuano is also widely understood, being spoken in the municipality of San Isidro and the island municipalities of San Antonio and San Vicente. A third language Inabaknon is spoken in the island of Capul. Norte Samarnon usually is further subclassified into Balicuatro, Central and Pacific speakers. Northern Samar has a lot of tourism potentials that are still undiscovered and unknown by many tourists. You can find famous old churches, beautiful falls, rivers, caves, virgin forests, beaches, and other secret places. Three of these “secret” places are the islands of Biri, Capul and Dalupiri, all off the coast of Northern Samar. Remote and desolate, and definitely off the normal tourist track, forgotten Northern Samar evokes powerful images. Among the last frontiers in the country, its rugged coastline of limestone cliffs along the Pacific Ocean is a historical landmark. During the Spanish colonial era, Samar Island was the first Philippine landfall seen by the Manila galleons as they approached the end of their long voyage from Acapulco. Entering the waters of the Philippine archipelago, the galleons called at the fortified island of Capul off Samar, offered thanks for a safe crossing at the Jesuit church, and then negotiated the rough waters of narrow San Bernardino Strait toward Manila, their final destination. Capul also became the last stop on Philippine soil of the departing galleons before the long, often treacherous trans-Pacific sail to Acapulco in Mexico.

Actually, I am far from places I dream off and seeking for the nature’s beauty. Once there was a tourist map of the Philippines that I found in our mini library and suddenly caught my attention for it features the different spots of the Philippines and its 7,107 islands beyond the usual. At the back, I saw the Philippine map and I tried to locate those places known by their scenic beauty.

Most of these spots are from Luzon and more than thousand miles away from the place where I belong. I do that I sometimes felt a little of insecurity to other people who had their money to visit and experience different kinds of adventure just to reach and take a tour those wonders of the world particularly in our country.

But Behind those insecurities I never cease discovering…details, pictures, movies, articles and any visual aid featuring the Philippines spots is a great contribution to my hungry thoughts and curious mind in terms of discovering.

Above all, the place where I am right now is not a hindrance para di ko maexperience ang pagpunta sa ibang lugar.“Ok lang yun”, sabi pa nga ng iba…coz upon seeing those pictures and reading it seems that I’ve already done there. Imagine? Traveling without money…amazing!

Think twice and a hundred times

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Do I really dream? Yes I do.
Nothings impossible of dreaming, anything you want…you can. Actually, this blog of mine is not a personal discovery but a discovery of all Filipinos and anyone who loves Philippines.
How wonderful and blessed we are to stay in this rich country, abundant in natural resources and human resources.

But, peoples of today seems to be blind and fool in terms of describing Philippines. Notice how they criticize and throw out negative feedbacks in public without thinking that this would be the appropriate move or not to express their rights. Is this truly our nature that we will always keep on judging without knowing the truth? Remember, that we have our rights but there should be a limitation in order to maintain harmonious relationship to one another.

I was disappointed to hear this from other Filipinos because supposedly their mission is to create a good image for our country rather than expressing their grievances at all times.

In other words, it started in politics when people are not satisfied to our

Government. The very reason they never stop to do these things – rallies, riots, killings, etc. Unfair right? Palagi nalang kasi gobyerno natin ang binabato sa lahat ng kapalpakan ng ating bansa which is not helpful in uplifting the economic status of our country – Philippines. Is it only the government that exists in this world? Why don’t we look the things that give life to every individual? What I’m trying to emphasize here is the WONDERS OF NATURE…the Philippines flora and fauna, wonderful places and islands, natural resources, mineral resources and marine resources.

Discover our country’s greatest asset and let those “wonders” inspires you. Don’t be so much affected by the issues and other disgusting events of the world. Let’s promote the beauty of our country and revealed the hidden paradise on it.

Paths of History

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Indo-Malays and Chinese merchants inhabited the islands before the discovery in 1521 by Spanish travelers led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. They named the archipelago Felipinas after Spain’s Philip II.

The Spanish conquistadors introduced Christianity to the Philippines. They saw the islands an ideal hub for commerce with Manila and Cebu as strategic trading ports. The seat of government was first established in Cebu and later moved to Manila in 1571. Spanish colonization lasted from the 16th to the 19th century, or 333 years, and was marked by a series of uprisings.

The Filipinos waged Asia’s first nationalist revolution in 1896 and won their independence from Spain on 12 June 1898.

The Americans came after the Spanish left and introduced their educational and legal systems as well as their democratic from of government. The Americans ruled for 48 years until World War II broke out in 1941 and the Japanese annexed the Philippines for 4 years. The US forces returned to liberate the Filipinos and on 04 July 1946, the Americans finally recognized Philippine Independence.

The Philippine Archipelago

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Philippine Map

An Archipelago abundant in nature, rich in culture, and filled with pleasant discoveries. The Philippines has three main islands: Luzon in the north; Visayas, a cluster of smaller islands in the middle; and Mindanao down south, the largest island. The country has 79 provinces grouped into 16 regions.

The Wonderful Hundred Islands

The Philippines enjoys a diversity of destination, activities and events, which every explorer experiences in this archipelago of wonders. Vast mountains and volcanoes tell of great legends. Old cities share stories of the past. Caves excite. Shimmering waters and a tropical climate lure travelers all near round.

Coron Palawan

Banaue Rice Terraces

Paoay Church

Famous Mascara Festival

Mayon Volcano

Considered the third largest English-speaking country in the world, the Philippines also offer world-class facilities and services - excellent accommodations. Fine restaurants, modern shopping centers and communications services, efficient congress and exhibition organizers and professional tour operators.

Night Lights at Dela Rosa
Street, Makati City

Mall of Asia

Philippine Congress Building