30 reasons to visit the Philippines

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Inihaw na Pusit​

Aside from adobo, another well-loved squid dish is inihaw or grilled. It is usually stuffed with chopped onions, garlic, and tomato for that juicy squid meat bursting with flavor.

 

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Kinilaw na isda​

The local version of the ceviche, kinilaw na isda is made with raw fish mixed with vinegar and typically garnished with onions, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and chili pepper to further enhance the flavor. Other souring agents such as calamansi, green mangoes, tamarind, balimbing (star fruit), and kamias (bilimbi) can be used too.

 

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Sinigang na Hipon​

Sinigang na hipon is a favorite local dish known for its sour and flavorful taste. The dish also contains vegetables including okra, water spinach (kangkong), asparagus beans (sitaw), eggplant, radish, and taro corms (gabi). To achieve that sourness the dish is known for, a local ingredient such as tamarind, guava, calamansi, kamias, santol, or batuan is added. Commercial sinigang flavors and seasoning are also used if such natural ingredients are not available.

Sinigang can also be cooked using pork or fish as the main ingredient.

 

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Camaron Rebosado​

Camaron rebosado is made of marinated shrimp dipped into a batter made of flour, black pepper, egg, water, and cornstarch or baking powder. It is then deep-fried until golden. The heads and tails of the shrimp are often removed and the marinade is a combination of calamansi or lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic, and other preferred spices.

Camaron rebosado is similar to Japanese tempura but with a thicker coating and is not chilled before frying.

 

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Fried Bangus​

Bangus, or milkfish, is the country’s national fish. One popular way to cook it is by frying. To do this, the bangus is split on the side by running a knife from the tail to the head. The gills and innards are removed and then laid open before washing to remove blood. If you do not want to go through the preparation, you can find cleaned bangus in most markets and groceries in the country. You can also buy boneless bangus and marinated boneless bangus.

 

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Steamed Crabs​

No fancy or elaborate preparations but steamed crabs is definitely a crowd favorite. The Filipino way of doing it is actually called halabos wherein the crabs are cooked using very little water.

 

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Steamed Oyster​

Steamed oysters (locally called talaba)… just the thought of it can make some people drool. In the Philippines, you can find several talabahan, a stall or eatery specifically serving steamed and baked oysters. The steamed oyster is often dipped into a mixture of calamansi, soy sauce, and spiced vinegar.

 

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Dried Seafood​

When you visit the public markets in the Philippines, be prepared to see a long section specifically selling various kinds of dried fish and seafood. These fishes are usually split open, salted, and then sun-dried or air-dried. It is typically cooked by frying or grilling but it is sometimes used to add flavor to tinola (vegetable soup), ginisang monggo, and a few other dishes.

 

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Rellenong Bangus​

While it is a delicious bangus dish, it’s not everyday one can eat rellenong bangus (stuffed bangus) because of the process it takes to prepare it – separating the skin from the meat, deboning, cooking the meat along with other ingredients, stuffing the fish meat mixture back to the skin, and frying. But the effort is all worth it as the dish is so tasty.

 

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Top Hiking Destinations in the Philippines​

Mount Pulag​

Location: Northern Luzon

Provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya

With its peak at 2,928 meters above sea level, Mount Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the country. It is most known for its sea of clouds and the breathtaking view of the sunrise, sunset, and Milky Way Galaxy at dawn therefore attracting several mountain climbers and hikers. Not only that, the mountain is also home to a large diversity of flora and fauna so that makes the climb more interesting.

Aside from the views, another attraction of Mount Pulag is the burial caves of the Kabayan mummies, the mummified Ibaloi people of Benguet. The mummies were believed to be made as early as 2000 BCE.

Mount Pulag has easy to moderate trails but know that the peak can be reached in 3 to 4 hours so you be sure to prepare physically and mentally if you intend to conquer the country’s most popular hiking destination.

 

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Mount Daraitan​

Location: Northern Luzon

Provinces: Rizal and Quezon

Just a few hours drive from Manila is Mount Daraitan, found along the Sierra Madre mountain range, the longest mountain range in the Philippines. Its peak is at 739 meters above sea level and has a moderate trail. Like most mountains in the Philippines, Mount Daraitan is surrounded by a lush greenery where animals thrive. Aside from the limestone cliffs and the scenic views of the Sierra Madre, hiking Mount Daraitan also allows you to see and enjoy the Tinipak River, Daraitan Falls, and caves.

 

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Mount Batulao​

Location: Southern Luzon

Provinces: Batangas and Cavite

With its summit at 693 meters above sea level, Mount Batulao is a popular hiking spot for beginners as it has easy trails and also due to its close proximity to Manila and Tagaytay. Mount Batulao has 12 peaks, mostly rocky cliffs and offers impressive views of Taal Lake and Volcano, Pico de Loro Mountain Range, Mount Maculot, and the surrounding areas.

The forest of Mount Batulao covers an area of 30,000 hectares and home to at least 22 bird species including the Philippine hanging parrot, Philippine coucal, Phiilippine bulbul, and Philippine pygmy woodpecker as well as glossy swiftlet and barn swallow being the most common.

 

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Mount Apo​

Location: Southern Mindanao

Provinces: Cotabato and Davao del Sur

Conquering Mount Apo is probably every hiker and mountain climber’s dream. The highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo has an elevation of 2,954 meters above sea level. It is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna including the critically endangered Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird. Considering its elevation and difficulty of the hike, the mountain is best explored by experienced mountaineers and hikers.

Mount Apo is declared a national park and a protected area.

 

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Mount Pinatubo​

Location: Central Luzon

Provinces: Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales

While its 1991 eruption is considered the most destructive volcano eruption in Philippine history and 2nd largest eruption in the world during the 20th century, Mount Pinatubo is still one of the most favorite destinations among hikers, local and foreign travelers alike. Reaching the summit may take two to three hours of hike but your effort will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the volcano’s crater lake filled with bluegreen water.

Several tour operators offer Mount Pinatubo tours and trekking packages which allow you to see the crater lake.

 

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Mount Maculot​

Location: Southern Luzon

Province: Batangas

Beginners would love Mount Maculot as it has three trails, one of those is easy and the peak can be reached in around three hours. A campsite can be found along the way thus giving hikers a place to rest or even spend the night. Also known as Mount Macolod, Mount Maculot has an elevation of 947 meters above sea level. The peak offers great views of Taal Volcano as the mountain lies adjacent to Taal Lake.

 

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Mount Tapulao​

Location: Central Luzon

Province: Zambales

Mount Tapulao is one of the tallest mountains in Zambales with its height of 2,037 meters, thus its other name High Peak. It is a popular hiking destination in the province considering its rolling trails and gradual terrain providing hikers picturesque views of the lush forest. The hike to the summit and down takes two to three days but all the effort will be worth it as you will get to feast your eyes on the 360-degree view of the other mountains in Zambales, the Lingayen Gulf, the South China Sea, and other areas of Zambales.

 

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Mount Batolusong​

Location: Northern Luzon

Provinces: Rizal

Found in the province of Rizal, Mount Batolusong is only a few hours drive from Manila. The summit has an elevation of 600 meters above sea level making it a perfect hiking destination for beginners. Additionally, its trail is well-marked thus making it easy to reach the summit in two to three hours. The summit provides magnificent views of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the Mount Susong Dalaga as well as the provinces of Laguna and Quezon.

 

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Mount Makiling​

Location: Southern Luzon

Province: Batangas and Laguna

Mount Makiling is considered a sacred mountain in the Philippines as it is believed to be the home of Maria Makiling, the most popular diwata or anito (fairy) in Philippine mythology.

The country’s first national park, Mount Makiling is blessed with rich flora and fauna including pitcher plants and various species of orchids.

 

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Osmeña Peak​

Location: Central Visayas

Provinces: Cebu

Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete is recognized as the highest peak in Cebu. This popular hiking destination has easy trails and a number of resting areas thus great for beginners or first-time hikers. The summit offers 360-degree view of the island of Cebu as well as the nearby islands.

 

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Top 10 Beaches in the Philippines​

1 | White Beach, Boracay Island​

The most famous beach in the Philippines that is also well-known in the world, White Beach in Boracay Island is a favorite summer destination for locals and foreign tourists alike. Walking along the shore while gazing at the stunning blue green water and powdery white sand beneath your feet is like stepping into your long-awaited tropical dream. The 4-kilometer strip of beach is booming with restaurants, bars, and shops as well. This gem that is a strong reminder of nature’s beauty transforms into a fun and lively spot for night revelers. Boracay has in fact one of the most active nightlife outside Metro Manila. Add the thrill of doing various water activities such as helmet diving, parasailing, and banana boat ride, your Boracay experience will surely be one for the books and will want you to come back for more.