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In my profession in the aviation industry I have had several occasions to travel to foreign lands. By the year 2003, I was able to have an opportunity to work and live in Singapore; it is one of the cleanest countries in the world; and a model of economic stability and public policy. I have written a number of articles on living in Asia, most have appeared in monthly magazines or website newsletters. However, none of my previous travels and experiences come close to my time in the Philippines. The experience was incredible. The following article will give you an idea of just how wonderful and beautiful the Philippines are. I hope to show in my article the contrast between East and West. In The Pearl Of The Orient The alluring beauty of the Far East is seen through its contrasts of culture, lifestyle, and climate. Somehow everyone of us has the desire to live and settle into a paradise that would provide ease and quiet enjoyment. To many the East could provide such a place: a place that would satisfy every transient and visitor in their desires for a great deal of pleasure – where life could be more interesting and exceptionally unique. The PHILIPPINES is an archipelago that is known as the "Pearl of Oriental Beauty and Enchantment" because of its rare scenic views and tourist attractions. It consists of more than 7,000 islands and islets; it is located off the southeast coast of the Asian continent. It has three principal Islands: the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippines has a total land area of 116,000 sq. miles; its neighbors are Taiwan to the north, Hong Kong to the northwest, Brunei and Malaysia to the southwest and Vietnam to the west. It lies within the Pacific basin and has a tropical climate. Rainy season normally occurs from June to December. Summer starts in January, but without a doubt the months of March and April are the warmest.

Map of the Philippines

Volcanoes and waterfalls, on the other hand, are the most popular attractions in the Philippines. The Iraya in Batanes Island, Taal in Batangas, Banahaw in Quezon Province, Mayon in Albay (having the perfect cone), Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin Island, Apo in Davao province and the Makaturing in Lanao are the most famous Philippine volcanoes. Taal Volcano is recorded as the smallest volcano in the world, situated in the southern part of Luzon.
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Puerto Galera Cove, Oriental Mindoro

Banaue Rice Terraces Benguet, Ifugao Province

Beach resorts are famous in the Philippines: the resorts of Dos Palmas in Palawan, Dakak in Dapitan, resorts in the Camiguin islands, Pearl Farm Paradise in Samal Island, resorts in Cebu Island, Boracay Beach in Aklan, resorts in the Oriental Negros and the beach resorts in Bohol Island are some of the favorites of foreign tourists 

There are, indeed, countless places I have visited during my past travels in the Philippines. One of the places  that is most memorable to me is the city of Baguio in the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is situated on the highly-elevated provinces of northern Luzon. It is said to be the "Summer Capital” of the Philippines due to its distinctly cold climate. Baguio City is a far distance from the city of Manila (capital of the Philippines). Estimated travel time from Manila is 6–7 hours by land.

There are of course considerable numbers of historical landmarks in the Philippines because of the long period of colonization. Beginning with the Spanish in the 16th century up until it became a dependent state of the United States in the late 19th century. On July 4, 1946 the Philippines achieved full independence. The Philippines is unique, but it largely ignored by its Asian brothers because of its intimate ties with the West. It is the only nation in Asia that is predominantly Catholic.

Splendor Of The Oriental Negros Isle (17th - 21st July 2005)

In the late afternoon of 17th July, I set an itinerary that beagan at the seaport of Dumaguete City (the Capital of Oriental Negros Province). It is a Philippine isle situated in the Central Visayas region near the islands of Cebu and Siquijor. It took me 5 hours before reaching my intended destination as the ship navigated the open seas of northwestern Mindanao, which was my port of origin. I was a total stranger in this city for it was my first visit.

From the days I spent in Dumaguete, I was able to visit many small towns and most of the popular spots on Oriental Negros Isle. Traveling with me was my bosom-buddy friend Sheila, who is a longtime resident of Dumaguete, and who made all my sightseeing excursions possible. 

One of the historical landmarks in Dumaguete that I visited was St. Paul’s University, the first St. Paul’s University in the Philippines. It was built by seven French Sisters who first set foot on the boulevard of Dumaguete in 1904. The statue of the Seven French Sisters is conspicuously emblazoned along the seaport of the city.

Another prominent site is Silliman University founded by the Americans in 1901. It is one of the pre-eminent international schools in the Philippines with mostly South Korean and Iranian students studying English. Silliman Hall is adjacent to the seaport and is the first building built by the Americans in 1901.

There are attractive vacation spots in Oriental Negros such as Sea Forest Resort & Restaurant in Sibulan, Oriental Negros; the Forest Camp Resort in Valencia, Oriental Negros; and the Santa Monica Beach Resort in Banilad, Dumaguete City. They are among the most popular tourist spots visited by foreigners. Forest Camp Resort is very far from Dumaguete, and is situated on the elevated vicinity of southern Oriental Negros. Thus, several Koreans, Americans, Japanese and some European guests stay in this resort because of its humid temperature and natural flowing waters.

Underneath the azure waters of Santa Monica Beach Resort lies a collection of diverse coral reef and fish species. Other interesting views include the Lake Nailig and the Twin Falls located at the apex of Mt. Talinis in the province of Oriental Negros.

Dumaguete has an active nightlife. There are numbers of celebrated night-time pubs to hang-out in, and they seem free from harm. Seeking a pacific place to stay is indeed the best way to have a pleasurable vacation. Many foreigners have found their home in Dumaguete as this is one of the safest places to live in the Philippines.
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Kawasan Badian, Cebu Island

Hundred Island Alaminos Pangasinan

Despite the fact that the Philippines are constantly plagued with political crises, the Filipinos possess many fine attributes. One warm Filipino trait is hospitality.

All peoples are hospitable in their own way, but Filipino hospitality is something that is beyond comparison. This kind of hospitality has been misunderstood by many foreigners, particularly by the Spanish adventurers of the past, who thought that profuse hospitality was a form of inferiority and subservience.

As I contemplate moving to Europe, one trait that will always remind me of the Filipino people is their loyalty to a friend. For the Filipino, “Friendship” is sacred and symbolizes mutual aid under any circumstances. This lingering legacy stays in the heart of the Filipino people where its essence has remained. 

(I wish to convey my sincerest gratitude to the people who bestowed their heartwarming hospitality to me during my travels; to those who contributed the necessary facts and details for the conclusion of this article. I thank the openhanded RACADIO family of Dumaguete City, Philippines especially Sheila, whose kindness and generosity are part of the final article; to her mother Josephine and her sibling Mark; and to all friends: Wilson, Ellen, Aileen, Jay-r and Dan, tons of blessings!)

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Santa Monica Beach Resort, Banilad, Dumaguete City

Lake Nailig,  Mt. Talinis Oriental Negros

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