WOW The Philipines what a interesting country and so very big my 3 weeks was not enough when there is to be exact 7107 Islands, The Philipines i found was very different to the other Asian countries i have visited, its 95 per cent Cathlic there is much more poverty and its alot more dangerous so i heard and read, The south is a area where you don't go (terrorists, muslims and bombs) But anyway a few things about the Philipine people they like to address foreigners with either Sir or Maam, they stare at you but not in anykind of aggresive way so i reed, They also like to ask you lots of questions such as "What is your religion ? your surname, how old are you, and aways with me it was " Where is your companion" ? (You travel alone!! Wow) ??.

The favourite places that i visited were Lake Taal volcano, Borocay island, Bontoc, 1 hundred islands. I was very surprised how different the Philipines was compared to Thailand mainly the lack of tourists that i didn't see any for about two weeks and its much harder to arrange your transportation and trips (Manila by the way has 10 bus stations). I didn't like Manila for the reason that its far too chaotic and noisy apart from the Roxas Promenade and old Spanish Quarters it has little else to stay for. I enjoyed the one hundred islands tour located in a small town called Luzon, I hired a boat and driver from my accomodation for the day and we visited 4 main islands we fished in the Great China sea i caught a few aswell and to finish I went snorkling and swimming a very eventfull day. In Lake Taal (2 hrs sth of Manila) where the worlds smallest active volcano is located i stayed for one night with a Philipine family they took me to see the Volcano 30 mins by boat within a smaller lake, its a hard walk to the top if you opt into not hiring a horse to take you up (i was the only one who didn't "cheap charley"), For the evening they cooked a great meal for me fish, vegies and rice all enough for 3 persons.

In Bontoc which is the centrepoint for the stunning rice terraces i was given a itinerary to follow from the hotel owner for a day of walking to 2 different villages out in the rice fields, My first stop was at Manogong which consisted of just one primary school and a shop anyway i sat with the teachers from the school for about an hour and they selected two childen to escort me to the next village which was where the hot springs was based (would this happen in the U.K, 2 children given permisson to escort around a complete stranger?). My trip to Borocay Island (16hr boat ride to Manila) lasted longer than i had planned because of the tythoon which halted planes and boats for two days but anyway its a tourist paradise with lots of bars, white sandy beaches, and opportunities for excellent diving so i was told.

I think overall i prefered Thailand and Malaysia i felt a lot more relaxed but for other reasons it was great being the only foreigner travelling through, your waved at from the buses spoken to but also stared at a lot more, but out of all the places i visited only Manila the capital is an area that i wouldn't like to revisit local people say its dangerous, the rest is fine your welcomed in and looked after, they are fun loving people, and they all want to talk to you they are interested in your reasons for being in the country your religion, your status etc. it doesn't seem as touristy as other Asian countrys but that could be down to its geographic location, it does has a repitation of kidnappings etc in the past but as long as you take precautions as you would anywhere your fine. there seems to be a lack of tourist activity's as in other countrys maybe you need to scatch a bit more under the surface but for me a lot of time is needed to explore the country propley theres countless islands and fiestas to see, The highlight of my trip would of been the active volcano in Mayan but it was very active at the time and also severe weather conditions made it impossible to climb.

There main source of activities for local people are basketball and billiards and everyone it seems is a karoke singer (the next pop idal) there are karoke bars in every town with always somebody at the mic, also country music is played alot with live bands playing most nights.

The infustructure of the towns is down to the days of American independence with wide roads, high traffic lights and lots of fast food outlets, all the signs are in English but the Philipines first language is Taglish with a few words included of Spanish language (numbers are in Spanish also).

History ~ Under Spanish rule for 3 centuries until America declared war together with the Philipines and won, The U.S then brought the Philipines for 20 millon dollars from Spain. then after WW11 Japan gained control for most of the war until the Philipines gained full independence on July 4th 1946 from America.