The Philippines is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia made up of 7,641 islands. Known for its lush green landscapes and rich historical heritage, most people associate the Philippines with beautiful beaches and green jungles. However, this beautiful country has much more to offer.
From painted jeepneys to giant shoes, Feet Do Travel share 7 things to know about the Philippines.
From painted jeepneys to giant shoes, Feet Do Travel share 7 things to know about the Philippines.
This post is by: Xiao Yu of Sharemoney
Painted Jeepneys are a popular sight all over the Philippines
The Land of Upcycled Jeepneys
This custom dates back to the Second World War and the development of the jeep motor vehicle used by the US military. The Philippines saw a large number of US troops during the World War and one of the things introduced to this country was the jeep.
After the war, these jeeps were converted into public transport and over the years, the humble jeep has been upcycled into a colourful means of public transport. These upcycled jeeps are the most popular means of transport in the Philippines with loud colours and stylish designs. If you are visiting the country and looking for a unique experience, take a ride in one of these.
Oldest Chinatown
In the capital city Manila, the suburb of Binondo is the world’s oldest Chinatown. Established in 1594, it is a delightful blend of Chinese, Spanish and Filipino cuisine culture. From noodles to mongo hopia, tantalise your taste buds with this unique fusion of Southeast Asia, the Far East and Europe which all comes together in Binondo’s Chinatown.
This custom dates back to the Second World War and the development of the jeep motor vehicle used by the US military. The Philippines saw a large number of US troops during the World War and one of the things introduced to this country was the jeep.
After the war, these jeeps were converted into public transport and over the years, the humble jeep has been upcycled into a colourful means of public transport. These upcycled jeeps are the most popular means of transport in the Philippines with loud colours and stylish designs. If you are visiting the country and looking for a unique experience, take a ride in one of these.
Oldest Chinatown
In the capital city Manila, the suburb of Binondo is the world’s oldest Chinatown. Established in 1594, it is a delightful blend of Chinese, Spanish and Filipino cuisine culture. From noodles to mongo hopia, tantalise your taste buds with this unique fusion of Southeast Asia, the Far East and Europe which all comes together in Binondo’s Chinatown.
One of the many beautiful rice terraces in the Philippines
Incredible Rice Terraces
Seemingly curved into hillsides in beautiful wavy terraces, these amazing rice terraces date back over 2,000 years and are still surviving. Because they are built into near-inaccessible mountain terrain, none of the numerous invaders who marched through the Philippines were able to destroy these beautiful farm lands leaving them intact.
Beauty Pageants Are Big
While beauty pageants are usually treated as entertainment in other countries, not so in the Philippines. In this Southeast Asian nation, beauty pageants are big and televised shows are followed by a huge number of viewers across the country. Little surprise therefore that the Philippines has produced four winners for the Miss Universe pageant (the most recent was 2018), one winner for the Miss World pageant and six winners for Miss International pageant.
Seemingly curved into hillsides in beautiful wavy terraces, these amazing rice terraces date back over 2,000 years and are still surviving. Because they are built into near-inaccessible mountain terrain, none of the numerous invaders who marched through the Philippines were able to destroy these beautiful farm lands leaving them intact.
Beauty Pageants Are Big
While beauty pageants are usually treated as entertainment in other countries, not so in the Philippines. In this Southeast Asian nation, beauty pageants are big and televised shows are followed by a huge number of viewers across the country. Little surprise therefore that the Philippines has produced four winners for the Miss Universe pageant (the most recent was 2018), one winner for the Miss World pageant and six winners for Miss International pageant.
Mount Mayon is one of the many volcanoes in the Philippines, which is located in the "Ring of Fire"
Lots of Volcanoes
One of the unique features of the Philippines is its number of volcanoes. So numerous are their volcanoes Camiguin province is famous for having the world’s greatest number of volcanoes per square kilometer (the island has seven). Luckily for the region though, it has been decades since the last volcano in the province erupted.
They Love Their Coconuts
The Philippines is the largest producer of coconuts in the world. Every year, they export nearly 20 million tons of coconuts (2010 figures). It is safe to say that one of the plentiful things to enjoy in the Philippines is coconut fruit.
They Have Giant Shoes
It seems an odd thing to have, but the province of Marikina in the Philippines boasts of having the largest pair of shoes in the world. These giant shoes are 17 feet long and 8 feet wide. They were built to celebrate the shoe making industries of Marikina.
One of the unique features of the Philippines is its number of volcanoes. So numerous are their volcanoes Camiguin province is famous for having the world’s greatest number of volcanoes per square kilometer (the island has seven). Luckily for the region though, it has been decades since the last volcano in the province erupted.
They Love Their Coconuts
The Philippines is the largest producer of coconuts in the world. Every year, they export nearly 20 million tons of coconuts (2010 figures). It is safe to say that one of the plentiful things to enjoy in the Philippines is coconut fruit.
They Have Giant Shoes
It seems an odd thing to have, but the province of Marikina in the Philippines boasts of having the largest pair of shoes in the world. These giant shoes are 17 feet long and 8 feet wide. They were built to celebrate the shoe making industries of Marikina.
Need more inspiration for the Philippines?
Ultimate 10 Day Philippines Itinerary
Montpellier Falls, Alegria and Mainit Hot Springs, Malabuyoc, Cebu
Off the Wall Street Art in Cebu - Unusual Expression of Art
Ethical Swim with Whale Sharks in Leyte, Philippines
Diving Sogod Bay, Leyte, Philippines
Sardine Run, Moalboal, Cebu - Swimming with Millions of Sardines
Biodiversity of the Philippines, and the Fight to Protect It
Ultimate 10 Day Philippines Itinerary
Montpellier Falls, Alegria and Mainit Hot Springs, Malabuyoc, Cebu
Off the Wall Street Art in Cebu - Unusual Expression of Art
Ethical Swim with Whale Sharks in Leyte, Philippines
Diving Sogod Bay, Leyte, Philippines
Sardine Run, Moalboal, Cebu - Swimming with Millions of Sardines
Biodiversity of the Philippines, and the Fight to Protect It
Moalboal Eco Lodge, Cebu Island is the perfect place to stay when you visit the Philippines
Where to stay when visiting the Philippines
If you are visiting Cebu Island for the famous Sardine Run and turtle snorkelling, we recommend Moalboal Eco Lodge.
Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you love nature, wish to be close to amenities, but value a good night's sleep.
Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, the Bamboo Cottages are suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. There is plenty of space to observe physical distancing at the Eco Lodge. They have two private rooms and a spacious 4-bed dormitory, a breakfast area, and a beautiful hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Contact Moalboal Eco Lodge with your enquiry.
If you are visiting Cebu Island for the famous Sardine Run and turtle snorkelling, we recommend Moalboal Eco Lodge.
Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you love nature, wish to be close to amenities, but value a good night's sleep.
Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, the Bamboo Cottages are suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. There is plenty of space to observe physical distancing at the Eco Lodge. They have two private rooms and a spacious 4-bed dormitory, a breakfast area, and a beautiful hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Contact Moalboal Eco Lodge with your enquiry.
