Huwebes, Enero 24, 2013

PHILIPPINES THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT SEA

Philippines wins the Best Tourist Destination award from Oriental Morning Post as "The Most Romantic Destination" by media group.The award was received by Department of Foreign Affairs officials on January 15, 2013.
Read More:
Mb.com.ph Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Posted that Philippines the "Most Romantic Destination"

The Philippines is consider a "mixed economy" country, a home for multiple cultures and traditions that drawn foreign interest.The Philippines contains a natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, warm & friendly and talented people which make your staying more fun and enjoyable.

Without a doubt Philippines established a good reputation when it comes to our interpersonal relations with foreign visitors. They find Filipinos very hospitable and warm persons which make it more interesting. The Best destination spot in the Philippines are called the "Wonders of the Philippines".


Wonders of the Philippines


1. Rice Terraces of Banaue

Rice Terraces of Banaue  tagalong name Hagdan-hagdang Palayan also know as Payaw one of the Best destination spot in the Philippines.Is a 2000 year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the Batad indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

STORY: A legend on the origin of Banaue Rice Terraces in Benguet, Mountain Province
Source  : http://blog.mangotours.com

Long time ago, a tribe of natives (Igorots) was living peacefully on the plains. Soon after, the Spaniards came and conquered the land; leaving the natives with no choice but to flee to the mountains. Unfortunately, the mountains where the natives went were sloped and steeped, thus making it impossible for them to plant rice, their staple food. A growing number of natives started to get sick and some died due to hunger. It was then when Apo Lakan, the first Ifugao religious specialist decided to carve the image of Bulul or “the Rice God”.

He looked for the best timber and started carving. After few hours of carving, Apo Lakan fell into a deep sleep and dreamt. In his dream he saw himself standing at the foot of the mountain staring at the rice god as it was slowly rising up to the heavens. Upon seeing this, he went back to his hut, brought a bird and offered it to the god. He followed Bulul up to the top of the mountains where he performed the offering ritual. Heaven’s gate opened afterwards and much to his surprise, he saw the rice god standing on a great stairway made neither of gold nor of silver; it was made of rice plants. After few seconds, Bulul “the rice god” suddenly vanished and Apo Lakan was awakened from his deep slumber.

Apo Lakan thought that the dream was a sign; a solution to their problem. He called his tribesmen and immediately told them about his dream. Apo Lakan asked the natives to gather stones, sticks, and mud. They carved the mountains like a stairway and planted rice with their hands. After few months, the rice plants grew all over the terraces. The natives were happy as they were saved from famine. Till this modern day the Banaue Rice Terraces stands majestically, thus a proof of the Ifugaos' ingenuity and rich culture.


2. Underground River of Puerto Princessa

 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most distinguished protected areas of the Philippines also known Puerto Princesa Underground River. Was established as a National Park in 1971 and seated at Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island.

It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. The Park features limestone or karst mountain landscape contains of 8.2 km long Underground River that flows directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and subject to the oceans tide flows directly to the sea and associated with tidal influence that make it one of the most unique natural phenomenon. The presence of 11 minerals, scientifically and aesthetically unique speleothems, and a 20 million year old Serenia fossil embedded in the walls of the cave justifies the declaration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Source: http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com


3. Tubbataha Reef

 

Tubbataha Reef or Bahurang Tubbataha is an atoll coral reef and a Natural Marine Park in Sulu Sea, Philippines compose of two huge atoll its a ring-shaped coral reef including a coral rim that encircles a lagoon partially or completely (North Atoll and South Atoll) and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef. Was located at 150 kilometres (93 mi) southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan  and protected by Marine Protected Area (MPA). According to the official website of the Natural Marine Park, Tubbataha covers 97,030 hectares (239,800 acres; 374.6 sq mi) while UNESCO measures the reefs at 130,028 hectares (321,310 acres; 502.04 sq mi). In December 1993 Tubbataha Reefs National Park was declared the World Heritage Site means a place that has special cultural or physical significance.

Tubbataha Reef Park was considered to be the global center of marine biodiversity because it  contains no less than 600 fish species, 360 coral species, 11 shark species, 13dolphin and whale species, and 100 bird species. The reefs also serve as a nesting ground for Hawksbill and Green sea turtles.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubbataha_Reef