By michael vivar
Spanning the Pacific Ocean and Sulu Sea in Southeast Asia is the Philippines. Filipinos claim there are 7,000 islands at high tide.
The nation is home to what many travelers say are the friendliest people on the planet. The climate is just as warm as the residents' reputation.
Dry season lasts from December until May. Though the wet season isn't constant torrent, the humidity can be unbearable. Here are some highlights of a Philippines trip.
The Philippine islands are extremely active tectonically with several volcanos. This picturesque peak is striking for its almost perfect conical shape.
The western island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Explore underground rivers. Try the fresh, raw cashews grown on local plantations.
Rizal is the Philippines' most prominent hero. His writing and eventual execution inspired Filipino independence. The memorial park is a contemplative space.
This is a miracle of ancient engineering. Vast steps carved into mountains maximized natural irrigation. Indigenous people still farm crops at the site.
The festival is mainly celebrated in Cebu City. It's Catholic fete, but also honors pagan traditions. Other cities have joined in and there's something for all party people.
It seems counterintuitive go to a mall in paradise. Until recently, air conditioning was rare so many vaunted Filipino merchants like Lhuillier and restauranteurs set up in cool shopping centers.
Most Filipinos say the best cooks in the country hail from this province on the main north island. Try world-famous cuisine like lechon, balut and the national dish, sisig.
With crystal clear waters off of nearly infinite coastlines, the Philippines is one of the foremost destinations for snorkelers and scuba divers.
"The Filipino embraces civilization and lives and thrives in every clime, in contact with every people." - Jose Rizal, Filipino writer/activist