The Philippines has absolutely been underestimated. I mean, sure, this country has been (and still is) under many common dilemmas, but that didn’t stop me from going to this beautiful country. My friends told me not to go there cause of the so-called terrorist scares and all, but I dared to go. And surprise! I’m still alive! Dubbed as the “Pearl of the Orient,” it certainly lives up to its name. The capital city Manila is certainly one of Asia’s cosmopolitan cities, despite its cornucopia of both old and new structures mixed with the rundown shanties and elite buildings.
Apart from Manila, there are several amazing stops you can visit in the country for seeing faces and places and immersing in a maelstrom of diverse cultures, what with 7,107 islands comprising this magnificent gem. The beaches are spectacular (try Boracay, Puerto Prinsesa, and Siargao for surfing), the food exotic and scrumptiously tasty (try their renowned roast pig called “lechon” as well as adobo, and other culinary adventures), and the people very warm and welcoming (believe me, the Filipinos are known for their hospitality). It’s amazing what you can do in a country that’s so culturally diverse.
Since this country is an archipelago, I would suggest backpacking from the north going south (look at a Philippine map, and you’ll see why), since it is comprised of three major parts: Luzon (north), Visayas (a group of clustered islands in the middle), and Mindanao (south). For the seasoned backpacker, you will (as usual) go through the basic “backpacker standard procedure” when visiting an Asian country. Like Thailand, the Philippines serves up good accomodations that fit any price range. Be careful, though. Be street-smart as there is no such thing as a truly honest country. Always haggle prices since the country is jam-packed with bargains from food to clothing. Absolutely anything under the Philippine sun.
Other than that, they serve up wicked parties in Manila and Boracay, filled with the most GORGEOUS people you will ever see. I once encountered a fellow backpacker from Paris on the shores of Boracay while on a jammin’ beach party, and she said to me, “God, I would die to have the Filipina skin.” Apparently, tourism isn’t the only thing the Philippines serves up. Filipina women are considered to be the most beautiful creatures of all since they are famous for the “morena” skin tone: a perfect mix of brown and tan that makes you look like a bronze goddess. Word on the street is that Europeans who have visited the country went to tanning salons just to copy their look. Of course, I did it the free way: sunbathe!
I would advise that your starting point be in Baguio (the country’s official Summer Capital) and end in their surfing mecca, Siargao. Stay away, though, from the Far West areas of Mindanao (that’s where the country’s rebels are majorly based). All in all, do your research about the place before heading there and knocking yourself out with the wonders it brings. Come to think about it, the Philippines is a refreshing alternative if you get bored with the common backpacking hotspots. Try it out for yourself and see that it isn’t so bad.
