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The Philippines is a destination for every reason. Comprised of 7,107 islands along the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines' unique topography blessed it with an abundance of natural wonders squarely placing it at the center of the world's marine biodiversity. Tropical sun amidst long stretches of world-class beaches with stunning powdery white-sand set amidst lush foliage, panoramic mountain views, and pristine ecological preserves make it every nature adventurer’s paradise. While an unparalleled variety of 80% of the world’s known corals, scores of unexplored reefs, wrecks and walls are waiting to be discovered, and marine life representing over 2,000 species provide a superlative experience for scuba divers, snorkelers and other aqua sports enthusiasts.

Filipinos are widely acknowledged as the "friendliest people in Asia” for their superb hospitality and fun-loving nature. Communication is not an issue anywhere in the archipelago; the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world and over 90% of Filipinos are able to speak and understand the language. All sorts of festivals and celebrations are scheduled year-long where guests are welcomed with open arms and made to feel right at home. Seldom can one find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their visitors.

Filipinos espouse a richly diverse heritage drawn from Asian, European, and American influences. The first natives on the islands enjoyed flourishing trade with their Asian neighbors even before the arrival of the first Spanish colonizers in 1521. Chinese, Japanese and Malay merchant vessels regularly visited the islands leaving indelible imprints on the natives’ traditions. Over three centuries of Spanish colonization subsequently introduced central governance and, with the introduction of Christianity, carved a western facet on the Filipino psyche. In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States; the Americans provided widespread public education paving the way for the adoption of American political and commercial systems that are the norm to this day. This potent mélange of east and west affected different parts of the country in varying degrees resulting in a full range of interestingly distinct regional destinations to experience, from rarely explored localities offering a unique glimpse into centuries-old Filipino traditions to pulsating Metro Manila with its 24/7 cosmopolitan business and entertainment action.

The Philippines offers endless shop-till-you-drop options. There are itinerant vendors hawking souvenir trinkets; teeming flea markets with Filipino and oriental crafts and all sorts of consumer products; and some of the biggest malls in the world featuring everything from international signature items to the latest electronic gizmos. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised their best purchases could be bought at hundreds of shopping centers at a fraction of what it will cost back home.

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