The Philippines Islands are an archipelago abundant in natural resources, brimful of natural wonders, and full of cultural influences that have melted into each other throughout an amazing history. Made up of more than 7,100 islands, the people of the Philippines forthrightly and genuinely embrace a tradition of hospitality and friendliness. The Philippines are composed of more than one hundred ethnic groups living in a nation with a culture that is a fusion of Spanish, Asian, and American influence. This unique and utterly beautiful country of tropical islands is a true wonder of the world.

Because of its location in between so many other the civilizations of South Asia, the Philippines have always been the center of seaborne trade India, Arabia, and China. The Europeans arrived in 1521, when a small fleet from Spain, led by Ferdinand Magellan, landed on the island of Cebu. Today you can see the cross that marks Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan, near Cebu City, one of the many burgeoning new centers of tourism and beach vacations in the Philippines. The Spaniards successfully settled the island and converted most of the population to Catholicism, though the Muslims of the Southern Islands resisted them throughout the history of the country. Every visitor to the area was quickly enraptured by the beautiful tropical climate. In the inland mountains of Luzon and Mindanao Islands, cool breezes could be enjoyed in the summer, and the coastline in the winter was always warm and rich with tropical marine life. The beaches and resorts of the Philippine still offer some of the best surfing and diving in the world today!

After 300 years of Spanish rule, the United States took control of the islands. The fortress island of Corregidor remains a monument to the Filipino and American alliance of World War II. If you visit the capital, Manila, be sure to visit Corregidor Island and see the ruins of the U.S. Barracks there. There are also many other attractions in the city – the old town is a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture! Just south of Manila, the dormant Taal Volcano and Taal Lake offer beautiful vistas and scenery in the inland jungles.

In 1992, when the U.S. returned the area around Subic Naval Base at Zambales and Clark Air Base to the Philippines, several huge development projects were begun that created a vacation wonderland around the area. Today Angeles City and the Subic/Olongapo City area number among the finest family attraction centers anywhere in the world. The eruption of nearby Mount Pinatubo left behind an amazing natural attraction visible by plane and touring safaris. Angeles City is famous for its casinos, and the Subic/Olongapo area now offers several water parks, zoos and other family vacation attractions.

Filipinos are famous for their hospitality. It is customary to treat guests like royalty. During the numerous joyful festivals occurring in many towns throughout the year, many families will incur debt as they prepare amazing feasts for friends and visitors. Tourists may notice the powerful Latin influence on Filipino mores and manners, and yet conclude that Southeast Asia is still the source of most of the area’s culture.

When they enter the Philippines, most visitors automatically are issued a free three-week tourist visa. If you plan to stay for longer than that, apply for a visa extension. The first visa extension is valid for 38 days and each extension after that is good for 59 days.