philippines Travel & Living Guide
7,000 islands. One endless summer.
This tropical wonderland packs a punch, think white-sand beaches, underground rivers, karaoke everywhere, and food that’ll ruin you (hello, halo-halo!). The Philippines isn’t just a destination, it’s a vibe that stays with you long after the tan fades.
Linguistic Diversity
With over 170 dialects spoken across the country, the Philippines showcases a rich tapestry of languages, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Longest Christmas Season
Filipinos celebrate the world’s longest Christmas season, starting as early as September and extending until January, culminating in the Feast of the Three Kings.
Basketball Obsession
Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, with the country co-hosting the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and declaring a holiday to celebrate the event.
Archipelago of 7,641 Islands
The Philippines comprises 7,641 islands, making it one of the world’s largest archipelagos. Surprisingly, over 5,000 of these islands remain unnamed on most international maps.
Balut Delicacy
Balut, a fertilized duck embryo, is a popular street food in the Philippines, often enjoyed with a pinch of salt and vinegar.
Jeepney Culture
Jeepneys, colorful and uniquely decorated vehicles, are a popular mode of public transportation, symbolizing Filipino creativity and resilience.
Predominantly Christian Nation
The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia, with more than 85% of its population identifying as Christian, primarily Roman Catholic.
World’s Largest Pearl
The largest and most expensive pearl, weighing approximately 75 pounds and valued at around $100 million, was discovered in Palawan, Philippines.
Home of the Tarsier
The Philippines is home to the tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, known for its enormous eyes and nocturnal habits.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Located in Palawan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the world’s longest navigable underground river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Karaoke Invention
While karaoke originated in Japan, the karaoke machine was patented by Filipino inventor Roberto del Rosario in 1975, making it a beloved pastime in the Philippines.
Text Messaging Capital
Dubbed the “text capital of the world,” Filipinos send about 400 million text messages daily, totaling approximately 142 billion texts annually.