As it may be to many of you, the Philippines was a mystery to us, a place that we hadn't heard much about. Now, after only a week in this fascinating country, we feel like we have discovered a hidden treasure. We'd like to keep it a secret so that we can enjoy it all to ourselves, but it's just too good not to share. Plus, there are 7,107 islands to enjoy!

Manila, Puerto Galera, and Mt. Pinatubo
Of course, most journeys to the Philippines will begin in the capital of Manila, a place that kicked our senses and excitement into high gear. It's impossible to label Manila, as it's a city of contradictions, from the cosmopolitan chic of Makati to the urban chaos of Malate. Amongst high rise hotels and international chain restaurants, street vendors sold grilled pork sticks, mangoes, peanuts, fish balls, and fried sweet bananas. While the huge shopping malls boasted all the top brand stores, men on the sidewalks sold everything under the sun: samurai swords, fake rolexes, gum, shavers, single cigarettes, guitars, scenic paintings and more. We rode the clean, convenient light rail train, then piled into the old long jeeps called jeepneys, flamboyantly decorated and crowded with people. In the old walled capital of Intramuros, high school students rode on horse carriages through the cobblestone streets while sending messages on their mobile phones. And speaking of contrasts, how about a Latin Asia? That's how we've come to think of the Philippines, and one of our favorite things about it. Here, in the middle of South East Asia, is a country of Roman Catholics who love to sing and dance! They have huge voices, families and hearts, and their language, Tagalog, is full of Spanish influence. Instead of Asian temples or shrines, there are churches, cathedrals, and town squares, full of families around the fountain. Christmas was in full swing already at the beginning of December, making it an even more festive experience for us. We strolled and ate along the Baywalk, enjoying the night lights and live music, a staple in the Philippines.

As soon as we were on a bus southbound out of Manila, there were new contrasts to enjoy. We drove right out of the crowded cityscape into rice fields and palm tree groves. Then, just a quick boat ride and we were surrounded by jade green water and tropical forest islands. Pulling into the port of Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island, the water mesmerized us with 4 different shades of blue and green. Our boatman, June, took us around to the many islands to snorkel, cooked us a barbeque lunch on a deserted white sand beach, and guided us to the indigenous people's hill tribes to visit a village school, admire rattan crafts made of vines, and drink from freshly harvested coconuts. Beneath the water, we found giant clams and coral gardens full of colorful fish right off the beach. Above the water, at Sabang beach we drank at a floating bar and shared a bottle of gin and a sing-a-long with four young Filipino guys and a guitar. On the intimate Small La Laguna Beach, we relaxed in hammocks at the Portofino. More like a beach front residence than a resort, the Portofino hosted us for two nights in a homey Spanish style studio apartment. We ate on the lovely patio a few steps above the beach, chatting to the fun and friendly staff for hours while the parrots squawked and beautiful Filipino girls in sarongs strolled by on the beach. We marveled at how we had gone so long without knowing about this amazing country!

Another bus northbound from Manila showed us yet another side of the Philippines ... wetlands dotted with white egret birds and a volcano that once ravaged central Luzon, the northern area of the Philippines. Omni Aviation invited us up to Clark, a former American military base near the volcano, for a scenic flight over the top of Mt. Pinatubo, which blew its top in 1991. In the 4-seater cessna plane, we could fly right over the old lava fields and over the 1780 meter summit, which now has a green lake in the caldera. Our pilot, Roland had recently become a flight instructor through Omni Aviation flight courses and gave us a very smooth flight and landing. Thanks to Aljess, Roland and Omni Aviation for a fantastic experience! We spent the night before in Angeles, the area around the old base, which is still alive and kicking with American and international restaurants, go-go bars, and particularly plenty to keep the single white male entertained.

Traveler Tips:
* Staying in the Ermita/Malate area of Manila will serve you best. Right in the heart of Manila's action and sightseeing and plenty of choice for accommodation and food. Use jeepneys, tricycles, or taxis to get to other parts of the city.

*Many will warn you about meter taxi drivers ripping you off, but if you just make sure the meter is running, these taxis are always cheaper than prepaid ones.

*Package travel arrangements which include hotel and all transportation are very affordable in the Philippines. Everything is extremely organized and it saves you the hassle of having to bargain at each transfer point. You can make arrangements in Manila. We highly recommend Afro-Asian Travel & Tours.