Reflections on the Philippines - February 22, 2006
I'm back in Seoul, the trip around the Philippines has finished. I really enjoyed the time overall. It had been a goal of mine for quite some time to check out as many different places as I could in the Philippines and now that goal has been accomplished.
In retrospect, Manila was a bit tough to enjoy in that Malate/Ermita district. I could have and should have stayed in the Makati area, that is always extremely comfortable and 'normal' for foreigners. As everyone says though, the provinces (everywhere outside of Manila) is where its at. I really believe thats true. The people and places were a million times better outside of Manila, and all the other cities essentially have the same things for the most part - I mean of the better aspects of a city.
As far as favorite places, it would be Boracay. Despite a 'tourist' image.. its really well-deserved and an incredibly special place. Nothing else remotely compared to it. Prior to this trip, I was under the impression that every island and beach in the Philippines would be like Boracay, but just not discovered yet. Maybe there are more out there somewhere, and with 7000+ islands, its completely possible. But Boracay defintely deserved the title its received as the best out there - one of the best in the world.
As far as cities go, I'd say Cebu was my favorite. It was much smaller than Manila, but had all the positive things that Manila had without the many negatives. Plus its very easy to get around Cebu, and the taxi drivers on the whole are much more honest there than Manila.
As far as places to explore again someday. I would definetely like to visit Bohol again and spend more time. Outside of Boracay, I'd say Alona Beach in Panglao Island was my second favorite beach, and its only a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu. Its not nearly as lively as Boracay, but it does have beautiful clear water and white sand. From the Puerto Princesa to Manila airplane, I also saw quite a few really cool islands/beaches from high up in the air on the eastern coast. I really wish I'd spent more time exploring that area as well. Outside of those areas, perhaps Camiguin Island would be really interesting (as I've heard a lot about it from Filipinos in particular) as well as Cagayan de Oro (which I've often heard is just a really nice city).
All in all, I have fairly positive impression of the Philippines. Most of all I will remember the live music that seems to permeate all over the place.
Back in Seoul..
May 31, 2006
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