province are in danger of extinction, and Mindoro might lose the symbol that it once proudly introduced to the world.

The Tamaraw, scientifically known as Bubalus mindorensis, is endemic to Mindoro. Belonging to the family of buffalos, thesame categorical group of the Philippine carabao, the Tamaraw is the largest endangered land animal in the Philippinestoday. In 1996, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed it as one of the ten most endangeredspecies in the world.

The Tamaraw measures between five to six feet in length and weighs about 300 kilograms. While it shares many similaritieswith the carabao, the Tamaraw is most known for its horns, with a "V" form, unlike the horns of the carabao, which take acurved shape. The Tamaraw's horns grow about 14 to 20 inches long.

From 10,000 heads in the 1900's, the Tamaraw population went down to 369 heads in the late 1980's. Today, reports say there are as few as 20 heads roaming in the wild. World's Smallest Monkey

In many respects, the Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is different from other animals. Considered as the world's smallestprimate, it measures only about twelve centimeters in length. Its two big eyes cannot move and do not have a tapetum -the upper protective tissue. Because of this, the Philippine tarsier has learned to turn its head 180 degrees. It has also twogrooming claws on each foot and an almost bald tail extending about nine inches.

Found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol and Mindanao, the Philippine tarsier got its name from its elongated tarsusbone. An ordinary tarsier weighs between 117 and 134 grams. It is able to move between trees by leaping as far as threemeters. It also has keen senses of hearing and sight.

Today, there are only about 1,000 tarsiers inhabiting the wilds of Corella town in Bohol province where the biggestconcentration of these rare animals was once reported. Ensuring the continued existence of the Philippine tarsiers is thePhilippine Tarsier Foundation Inc.

Neither A Bear Nor A Cat Palawan bearcat is neither a bear nor a cat. Known in Southeast Asia as binturong, the bearcat is a species of its own, with population in the forests of Palawan, Borneo, Burma and Vietnam. It belongs to the family of Viverridae (civets). The Palawan bearcat has a long body and a pointed face leading to the nose. Its head and body measure 61 to 96 centimeters in combined length while its tail is almost as long. It weighs 9 to 14 kilograms and lives up to 20 years.

It has thick black fur, which hunters use for making clothes and caps. It is usually awake at night when it finds food anduses its tail to climb tall trees where it hides among the leaves. Like other wild animals, Palawan bearcat's population isthreatened by human activities.

Endangered Cockatoos

The Philippines is home to some of the world's most exotic birds. Scientists have documented 577 bird species around thePhilippine archipelago. Of this number, 185 species are endemic to the country. The Bird Life International listed 116 ofthem as "threatened" or "near-threatened".

One of the most endangered species is the exotic Kalangay or the Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), whichbelongs to Psittacidae or the family of parrots. Some cockatoos can live up to 50 years. They are known for mimickinghuman voices. Most of them measure 33 centimeters in length and weigh 0.29 kilogram.

The remaining population of kalangays, between 1,000 and 4,000, is now restricted to Palawan, particularly in St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park, Pandanan Island and El Nido Marine Reserve. World's Largest Fish Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world.

Locally known as "butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across the oceansbut nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group than in the waters of Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 35feet in length and weigh about 20 tons. In 1996, a marine biologist discovered that whale sharks are ovoviviparous, whichmeans that the females produce live offspring from eggs hatched in the uterus.

The Philippine government declared whale sharks as endangered species in 1998, thereby banning its plunder and exploitation. Right now, the Department of Tourism is promoting eco-tourism to protect the whale sharks in Donsol. World's Smallest Fish

The world's smallest freshwater fish is found in the Philippines. The dwarf goby (Pandaka pygmaea) measures 1.2centimeters or less than half of an inch, the tiniest known vertebrate. American Ichthyologist Albert Herre first discovered itin Malabon River in 1925.

The Philippines is also the home of sinarapan, the world's smallest commercial fish. Sinarapan, scientifically known asMistichthys luzonensis, is a goby found only in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur province. Sinarapan grows to anaverage length of 1.25 centimeters, only slightly longer than the dwarf goby. Today, unabated fishing in the two lakesthreatens the population of sinarapan.

Herbivorous Marine Mammal Dugongs or sea cows, the only herbivorous marine mammals, are often sighted in Philippine waters, particularly near Palawan province and southern Mindanao.

According to marine scientists, an ordinary dugong grows up to three meters in length and weighs 400 kilograms. It feedson sea grass so it always reaches for the bottom of the sea. Whether dugong's appetite has

something to do with its longlife remains to be verified. It is said that a dugong can live more than 70 years. The Philippine government has banned thecommercial exploitation of dugong since 1991.

Exotic Seahorses More than 500 of the world's 700 coral species are found under the waters of the Philippines, which is a part of the Coral Triangle - a region in the Pacific Ocean.

Seahorses are small saltwater fish belonging to the Syngnathidae family (order Gasterosteiformes), which also includespipefish and sea dragons. Most seahorse species, probably the most peculiar creatures in the water, live in the CoralTriangle. There are at least 50 known seahorse species in the world. They inhabit temperate and tropical waters but most ofthem are concentrated in the warm coastal waters of the Philippines.

The seahorse's scientific genus name, Hippocampus is a Greek word, which means, "bent horse." Seahorses range in lengthfrom about 2 inches to 14 inches. They are known for their small compressed body covered with 50 rectangular body plates.At least 47 nations and territories around the world are involved in buying and selling seahorses. The largest knownimporters are China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Among the largest exporters is the Philippines.

Largest and Smallest Shells

Both Tridacna gigas, one of the world's largest shells, and Pisidum, the world's tiniest shell, can be found under Philippinewaters. Tridacna gigas grows as large as one meter in length and weighs 600 pounds while Pisidum is less than 1 millimeterlong. A shell called glory of the sea (Connus gloriamaris) is also found in the Philippines and considered as one of the mostexpensive shells in the world.

World's Largest Reptile

The saltwater crocodile, which can be found in the Philippines and other Asian countries, is considered as the world's largestreptile. Scientifically known as Crocodylus porosus, it is different from Mindoro's freshwater crocodile (Crocodylusmindorensis), which is a relatively smaller species.

An adult saltwater crocodile measures between six to seven meters (20-23 feet) and weighs about two to three tons. Therewere tales that a 27-foot saltwater crocodile was killed near Lake Taal in Batangas in 1823. It reportedly took 40 men tobring the body ashore. When the men cut the crocodile's body open, they found the body of a horse in seven pieces. Thelargest crocodile ever sighted was a 33-footer in Borneo in 1920. It was believed to be 200 years old.

Endemic Plants The Philippine archipelago also teems with different types of plants. It is said that as many as 9,000 flowering plants can be

found in the country, including 200 fruit trees. Among the endemic fruit trees in the Philippines are durian, mabolo, pili and bignay. They Were Vanishing

Vanishing were not only the animals endemic to the Philippines, but also several things and cultural traditions that Filipinosin the 1950s grew up with. Among the items that are no longer found in the Philippine market are bakya, banig and salakot(If you still remember them). Bahay kubo is also disappearing in towns and barangays and it would be hard to find a house,with a batalan today. Who still observe cultural traditions like harana, bayanihan and balagtasan. And where did the makatago?

Important Dates Trivia January 1 - a holiday in the Philippines; revelry starts on the night of December 31. January 20, 2001 - Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo replaced President Joseph Estrada via a military-backed people's revolt. January 23, 1899 - The First Philippine Republic was inaugurated in Malolos. February 5, 1899 - Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic, declared war against the United States. February 17, 1872- Three Filipino priests - Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora - were executed in Bagumbayan. February 18, 1565 - Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in Samar; took possession of the island. February 22-26, 1986 - Filipinos launched the so-called People Power revolution that led to the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos.

March 11, 1942 - General Douglas MacArthur fled from the Philippines; vowed to return.March 16, 1521 - Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines; landed in Samar.March 23, 1901 - President Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered to American forces in Palanan, Isabela; later took an allegiance

to the Americans. March 29, 1942 - Luis Taruk organized the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap), an underground guerilla movement.

March 31, 1521 - The first mass was held in Limasawa Island.April 9, 1942 - Bataan fell to Japanese forces.April 11, 1899 - By virtue of Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded the Philippines to the US; sold for US$20 million.April 26, 1898 - The United States and Spain declared war against each other over the Philippines, Cuba, Guam and

Puerto Rico.

April 27, 1521 - Battle of Mactan; Magellan was killed by men of Lapu-Lapu.April 30, 1937 - Filipino women won the right to vote during a plebiscite.May 1, 1913 - The first Labor Day was celebrated in the country.May 1, 2001 - Some 20,000 supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada attacked Malacanang Palace in what is now

known as the mob rebellion.

May 6, 1899 - The first municipal election was held in Baliuag, Bulacan under American supervision.May 6, 1942 - American and Filipino forces in Corregidor Island surrendered to Japanese forces.May 10, 1897 - Andres Bonifacio was executed at Mount Buntis in Maragondon, Cavite by men of Emilio Aguinaldo.

May 14, 1935 - Filipinos ratified the 1935 Constitution.

May 19, 1571 - Miguel Lopez de Legazpi defeated Raha Sulayman; claimed Manila for Spain.June 10, 1647 - Dutch fleet attacked Cavite; later lost to Spaniards.June 12, 1898 - Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines' independence from Spain, its colonial master for 333 years.June 19, 1861 - Jose Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna.July 4, 1901 - William Howard Taft became the first American civil governor in the country.July 4, 1946 - The United States declared the independence of the Philippines.August 8, 1967 - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) was established, with the Philippines as a founding

member.

August 21, 1971 - A bomb explosion disrupted a meeting of Liberal Party politicians at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila.August 21, 1983 - Benigno Aquino on his return from exile in the US was shot dead at the airport.August 23, 1896 - The Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio met at Pugad Lawin in Balintawak and tore their cedulas, in

defiance to Spanish authority. August 23, 1901 - The US Ship Thomas, with 600 American teachers on board, arrived in Manila. These teachers were later called Thomasites.

August 25 - National Heroes DayAugust 30, 1951 - The RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty was approved under the Quirino administration.September 21, 1972 - President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law; lifted it on January 17, 1981.September 29, 1901 - A US general ordered his troops to "shoot anything that moves" in what is now known as Balangiga

massacre in Samar. October 4, 1762 - British forces sieged Intramuros; Spaniard later reclaimed the walled city. October 20, 1944 - General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines via Palo, Leyte. November 1 - a holiday; All Saint's Day

November 1, 1542 - Ruy Lopez de Villalobos named the archipelago Felipinas after King Felipe II of Spain.November 1, 1897 - Emilio Aguinaldo and his supporters established the Biak na Bato Republic.November 30, 1863 - Andres Bonifacio was born in Manila.December 10, 1898 - The US and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris; the former acquired the Philippines from the latter for

US$20 million. December 10, 1941 - Japanese forces attacked Manila; occupied the city on January 2, 1942.

December 14, 1897 - The revolutionary government led by Emilio Aguinaldo signed a peace pact with the Spanish government. Aguinaldo went to Hong Kong.

December 25 - Christmas dayDecember 30, 1896 - Jose Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan.December 30, 1937 - President Manuel L. Quezon declared Tagalog as the basis of the national language.

Titles of Philippine Places Trivia What's in a Name?

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has the habit of using titles as a way of endorsing tourist destinations in the country.However, other countries are also using similar titles. Aside from Filipinos, the Japanese also use the phrase "Pearl of theOrient" to refer to their country. While Filipinos describe the Banaue Rice Terraces as the eighth wonder of the world, theChinese use the same title for the Great Wall of China and the Cambodians for Angkor Wat. According to Filipinos, MountMayon has the most beautiful cone figure among all volcanoes in the world, the same way the Japanese view Mount Fuji andCosta Ricans view Arenal volcano. Davao City is reportedly the world's largest city but other cities in the world protest,including Puerto Princesa City of Palawan. Boracay Island is sold as the world's most beautiful beach resort, but Thailand,Indonesia, Latin American countries and several Pacific islands are ready to contest this title.

Aklan - oldest provinceAngono, Rizal - town of artistsAntipolo City - picnic areaApalit, Pampanga - tapayan capitalBaclayon Church, Bohol - oldest stone churchBacolod City - city of smilesBacolor, Pampanga - country's capital in 1762-1763Baguio City - summer capitalBalabac Island, Palawan - land of Philippine mouse deerBaliuag, Bulacan - the first town to have electionBanaue Rice Terraces - stairways to the skyBarasoain Church - headquarters of the Malolos Congress

Basey, Samar - town of mat festivalBatanes - smallest province; northernmost provinceBataan - last stronghold during Japanese occupationBiak na Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan - site of the Biak na Bato republicBinondo - known for Chinatown districtBocaue, Bulacan - firecrackers' capitalBohol - land of chocolate hillsBoracay Island - world's finest beach resortBulacan - land of heroes and beautiful womenBukidnon - pineapple countryCalamba, Laguna - birthplace of Jose RizalCalamian Islands - land of Calamian deerCalauit Island, Palawan - animal sanctuary

Camiguin - land of volcanoesCapiz - seafood capitalCatanduanes - land of howling windsCebu City - premiere city in the southCentral Luzon - rice bowlCorregidor Island - island fortress; the rockCrisologo Street, Vigan - kamestizoan districtDavao City- world's largest city; durian capitalDavao Oriental - easternmost provinceDivisoria - bargain capitalDonsol, Sorsogon - sanctuary of whale sharksGapan, Nueva Ecija - newest cityGeneral Santos City - most competitive city; tuna capitalGuiginto, Bulacan - cutflower capitalGuimaras - mango capitalHundred Islands, Pangasinan - actually composed of 400 isletsIligan City - land of waterfallsIntramuros, Manila - walled cityKabayan, Benguet - land of mummiesKalibo, Aklan - land of ati-atihanKawit, Cavite - first independent townLaguna - resort provinceLaguna de Bay - largest lakeLanao del Sur - center of IslamLas Pinas City - land of the bamboo organLipa, Batangas - coffee capitalLubao, Pampanga - the birthplace of Diosdado MacapagalLucban, Quezon - Pahiyas townLuzon - world's 17th largest islandMagallanes, Agusan del Norte - site of the oldest treeMakati City - financial centerMalolos, Bulacan - site of the First Philippine RepublicManila - capital cityMaria Cristina Falls, Iligan City - mother of industryMarikina City - shoe capitalMexico, Pampanga - formerly known as MasicuMeycauayan, Bulacan - jewelry capitalMiag-ao Church, Iloilo - fortress churchMindanao - world's 19th largest islandMindoro - land of the tamarawsMount Apo - highest peakMount Arayat - legendary home of Mariang SinukuanMount Mayon - a volcano with nearly perfect coneNayong Pilipino - Philippines in miniature. (The theme park was opened in 1972 and closed on June 25, 2002.)Negros Occidental - sugar capital; sports capitalPagsanjan Falls - Philippines' el doradoPalawan - the last frontier; largest province; westernmost provincePampanga - culinary capital of LuzonPaete, Laguna - town of wood carversPaoay Church, Ilocos Norte - earthquake baroquePaombong, Bulacan - vinegar capitalPhilippine Deep - world's second deepest spotPhilippines - pearl of the orientRio Grande de Cagayan - longest riverRomblon - marble countrySan Agustin Church, Intramuros - oldest church in LuzonSan Fernando, Pampanga - lantern capital of the worldSan Juanico Bridge - longest suspension bridgeSan Sebastian Church - the only steel church in Asia

Siargao Island - perfect waves islandSpratleys - the islands claimed by six countriesSta. Maria, Bulacan - egg nest of the PhilippinesSta. Maria Church, Ilocos Sur - outstanding example of Spanish baroque architectureSubic Freeport - American townTaal Volcano - world's smallest volcanoTagaytay City - the next summer capitalTangub City - Christmas symbol capitalTawi-Tawi - southernmost provinceTrinidad Valley - land of strawberry and vegetablesTubbataha Marine Park - world's richest bio-geographic areaUnisan, Quezon - oldest townUniversity of San Carlos, Cebu City - oldest universityVigan, Ilocos Sur - Spanish colonial townZamboanga Sibugay - newest province

Origin of Names of Places

Trivia

Abra - abrir, a Spanish term which means openingAntipolo City - antipolo, a tree that used to abound in the areaAgusan - agusan, a Tagalog term referring to a spot where water flowsAklan - from Akean RiverAlbay - albaybay, a Bicolano term meaning by the bayAngeles City - Don Angel Pantaleon de MirandaAntique - hantic or large antsApayao - apayaw, a native word for negotiable riverAurora - Maria Aurora Quezon, wife of former President Manuel QuezonBabuyan Island - babuyan, which refers to a place where pigs are keptBacolod City - buklod, referring to a hilly terrainBago City - bago, a large tree in the areaBaguio City - bigjiw, an Igorot term for a mossBalagtas, Bulacan - Francisco BalagtasBalanga, Bataan - balanga, referring to a cooking potBaliuag, Bulacan - maliway, an adjective meaning tardyBasilan - basilan, which means iron trailBatanes - Ivatan, the natives of the areaBatangas - batang, or huge logsBenguet - benget, a Nabaloy term meaning head scarfBiliran -biliran, a native grass used for weaving matsBohol - bool, a village in Tagbilaran CityBulacan - bulak or cottonBukidnon - bukidnon, referring to the people of the mountainButuan City - butuan, a sour fruit in the areaCadiz City - named after Cadiz, SpainCagayan - carayan, an Ilocano word for riverCagayan de Oro City - kalambaguhan, evolved from the word lambago, a type of treeCalamba, Laguna - kalamba, a wide-mouth earthen jarCalumpit, Bulacan - kalumpit, the name of trees, which used to abound in the areaCaloocan City - look, meaning interiorCamarines - camarine, a Spanish term for granaryCamuigin - kamagong, a tree of the ebony familyCapiz - kapis, a Visayan term for pearl shellsCaraga - caraga, or inhabitants of the areaCatanduanes - named after Catandungan river, along whose banks tando trees used to aboundCavite - kawit or hookCebu - sugbuCotabato - kuta bato, or a stone fort

Dagupan City - nandaragupan, meaning where once stood a commercial centerDapitan City - dapit, a Cebuano term meaning to inviteDavao City - daba-daba, a native term for mythical figuresDumaguete City - managuit, a Cebuano term meaning to captureEDSA - Epifanio delos Santos AvenueGuimaras - himal-us, as local inhabitants called the place in the pre-Spanish periodHagonoy, Bulacan - hagonoy, the name of a weed that used to abound in the areaHermosa, Bataan - hermosa, a Spanish word for beautifulIfugao - pugo, which means hillsIlocos - loco, a Malay term for lowlandIloilo - ilong or noseIsabela - Queen Isabela of SpainKalinga - kalinga, a native word for headhuntersLanao - lanaw, a term referring to the people of the lakeLaguna - la laguna, meaning the lakeLaoag City - iluag, meaning clear or lightLa Union - from the Spanish term unionLegazpi City - Miguel Lopez de LegazpiLeyte - hiraite, the name of the place formerly known as EteLucena City - named after the town of Lucena in Andalucia, SpainLuzon - lu zung, a Chinese phrase meaning a far away landMakati City - makati na, meaning the tide is ebbingMaguindanao - danao, or floodMalacanang Palace - may lakan diyan, meaning there lives a gentleman or the Spanish words mala cana (bad sugarcane)Mandaluyong City - may daluyong, meaning where big waves rollManila - may nilad, a phrase referring to a spot where nilad grows.Marinduque - Marina and Garduke, a legendary coupleMasbate - masa bati, which means mix and beat as in making breadMayon Volcano - magayon, a Bicolano term for beautifulMeycauayan - may kawayan, which refers to a place where bamboos growMindoro - mina de oro, or gold mineMisamis - kuyamis, referring to sweet coconutMountain Province - mountainMount Makiling - Mariang Makiling, a legendary nameMount Pinatubo - pinatubo, a term meaning left to growMuntinlupa City - monted de lupa, a vernacular phrase meaning hillsNaga City - naga, a Bicolano term for narra treeNegros - negros, a Spanish term for black peopleNorzagaray, Bulacan - Governor General Fernando NorzagarayNueva Vizcaya - a Spanish phrase meaning New BiscaynePagsanjan, Laguna - pinagsangahan, or where the river branched outPalawan - palan yu, a Chinese phrase for beautiful harborPalayan City - palayan, or rice fieldPampanga - pampang, which means riverbankPangasinan - asin, which means saltPanay - pan hay, a Spanish wordParanaque City - para aqui, a Spanish phrase meaning stop herePasay City - paso hay, a Spanish phrase meaning there is a passPasig River - passi, probably evolved from the word mabagsik, meaning violent in force

Pateros - pato, meaning duckPhilippines - Philip II of SpainPlaridel, Bulacan - Marcelo del PilarPulilan, Bulacan - pulo ng ulan, meaning island of rainQuezon City - Manuel L. QuezonQuiapo, Manila - kiyapo, a cabbage-like weedQuirino - Elpidio Quirino

Rizal - Jose RizalRomblon - lomlon or donblonSamar - zamalSarangani - sangir, the language spoken by inhabitants of Sarangani IslandSilliman University - Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman, a philanthropist from New YorkSiquijor - quipjod, a native term that means the tide is ebbingSorsogon - solsogon, a Bicolano term meaning to follow the riverSultan Kudarat - Sultan Kudarat, a Muslim ruler in the 17th CenturySulu - sug, meaning water currentSurigao - saliagao, a native term meaning to grabTarlac - tarlac, an Aeta word which refers to a weedTagaytay City - taga itay, two words which mean cut and fatherTawi-Tawi - jaui jaui, evolved from the Malay term jau that means farTuguegarao City - tuggui gari yaw, an Ibanag phrase meaning it used to be fireValenzuela City - Pio ValenzuelaVisayas - Bisayas, or the name of the people in the areaZambales - zambals, or the name of the inhabitants in the areaZamboanga -samboangan, evolved from the local term sabuan, which refers to a wooden pole.

Philippine Natural Wonders Trivia Third Longest Coastline

The Philippines, one of the world's largest archipelagos, also has one of the longest combined coastlines in the planet. Thetotal length of the country's coastlines is 36,289 kilometers or almost twice that of the United States. It is said to be thethird country with the longest combined coastlines, after Canada and Indonesia. With 7,107 islands, the Philippines liesbetween two great bodies of water, namely: on the east by Pacific Ocean, the world's largest ocean and on the west bySouth China Sea, the world's second largest sea after Caribbean Sea.

Eighth Wonder of the World

The Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao province has been dubbed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". The Ifugaos carved theterraces from the rocky mountain of Banaue, about 4,000 feet above the sea level, hundreds of years ago. The total outlineof this architectural wonder, otherwise known as the "stairways to the sky" is about 13,500 miles long, or about half theglobe's circumference and ten times the length of the Great Wall of China.

To preserve the natural beauty of the spot, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)declared it as a world heritage site. "For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of themountain. The fruit of knowledge passed on from one generation to the next, of sacred traditions and a delicate socialbalance, they helped form a landscape of great beauty that expresses conquered and conserved harmony betweenhumankind and the environment," the UNESCO said.

World's Deepest Spots

The world's second deepest spot underwater is in the Philippines. This spot, about 34,440 feet (10,497 meters) below thesea level, is known as the Philippine Deep or the Mindanao Trench. The Philippine Deep is in

the floor of the Philippine Sea.The German ship Emden first plumbed the trench in 1927. The world's deepest part of the ocean is the Marianas Trench,which is over 11,000 meters below the seal level.

Nearly Perfect Cone

Mayon Volcano in Albay province has the distinction of having a nearly perfect cone. Towering at a height of 2,462 metersabove the sea level, Mount Mayon overlooks Legaspi City. Its name, derived from the Bicolano term Magayon, meansbeautiful and is associated with a folk legend. The volcano has a base circumference of 62.8 kilometers. Geologists claimedthat the stratovolcano developed its cone shape from a pile around the vent of volcanic materials composed of lava, rockand ash. Its first eruption was recorded in 1616, and there were at least 47 more eruptions since then, the last one inFebruary, 2000. In 1911, its eruption killed 1,300 people and buried the town of Cagsawa.

World's Smallest Volcano

Taal Volcano, a 406-meter-high crater, is said to be the world's smallest volcano. It is described as "a crater within an islandwithin a lake" because it stands as an island at Taal Lake. The lake was formed after the volcano, which used to be muchlarger, collapsed. The ridges around Tagaytay City, which overlooks the lake, are believed to be part of the crater of the oldvolcano. These ridges now serve as the border of the 18-mile-diameter Taal Lake and stretch 32 kilometers from MountBatulao to Mount Sungay. Also considered as one of the world's most active volcanoes, Taal Volcano has erupted over 20times since 1572.

Animal Sanctuary

Located northwest off Palawan mainland is Calauit Island, a 3,700-hectare wildlife sanctuary that serves as a host to Africanand Philippine wildlife. The Philippine government developed the sanctuary in response to an appeal by the InternationalUnion of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to save the endangered animals. The only one of its kind in the Philippines, Calauitis home to over 600 species of giraffe, impala, topi, gazelles, eland, and zebra and to Philippine endangered species such asthe Calamian deer, Palawan bearcat, Philippine mouse deer, tarsier, pheasant peacock, scaly ant-eater and monitor lizard.The island also provides a refuge to sea turtles (pawikan), giant clams and the rare seacow or dugong.

Largest Natural Park

The Sierra Madre national park in northern Luzon is the country's largest natural park. The 359,000-hectare park is thehome of endangered species such as pawikan (Chelonia mytas), bayakan or giant bat, Philippine eagle (Pithecophagajefferyi), wild boar (Sus philippinesis), Philippine brown dear (Cervus marianus), cloud rat (Ratus mindorensis), flame-breasted fruit dove, kalaw (Philippine hornbill), bukarot (Philippine crocodile), and native owl.

Richest Marine Park

The Tubbataha Reefs in Sulu Sea is considered as the world's richest bio-geographic area. Derived from two Samal wordsmeaning, "long reef exposed at a low tide", Tubbataha was declared as the country's first national marine park in 1988. Themarine park covers 33,200 hectares and contains what is believed to be the world's largest grouping of marine life, per unitarea. Scientists claimed that more than 300 coral species, and at least 40 families and 379 species of fish were recorded inthe area. Among the species identified in the area were manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, dolphins and jackfish. In1993, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Tubbataha Reefs as a worldheritage site.

Finest Beach Resort

Widely known as one of the world's finest beach resorts, Boracay Island has unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Itstranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. The island also affords visitor amagnificent view of sapphire seas and golden sunsets. The island lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayasregion, off the Sibuyan Sea.

Siargao Island

Siargao Island, lying east of Surigao del Norte province, boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves comparable to thatof Hawaii. The island is a mass of tropical land with scores of reefs, points and white beaches. American surf photographerJohn Callahan discovered the remarkable waves of the island in 1993. He came back from his trip armed with stories aboutthe lovely sun-drenched island and documented his find with beautiful photographs. Siargao's Cloud Nine break is said to beamong the best in the world.

Longest Cave

The 15-kilometer St. Paul Cave in Palawan province is considered as the longest natural cave in the country. Other notablecaves in the Philippines are the 8.9-kilometer Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental; and the 7.7-kilometer OdessaTumbali Cave in Penablanca, Cagayan. In terms of vertical range, the deepest cave is the Sumaging-Latipan-LomyangCrystal Cave in Sagada Mountain Province. Its deepest point is 163 meters from its mouth.

World's Longest Underground River

Palawan's St. Paul's underground river is said to be the world's longest underground river. The navigable part of the riverinside the cave of the 4000-acre St. Paul Subterranean River stretches 8.2 kilometers in length (5 miles). However, this titleis being disputed in Vietnam where an underground river known as Son Trach River reportedly extends 7 miles in length.Filipino explorers, however, claimed that once fully measured, St. Paul total length would reach 15 kilometers.

Longest River

Cagayan River or Rio Grande de Cagayan, with a total length of 353 kilometers, is the longest and widest river in thePhilippines. It bisects the Cagayan Valley from north to south. Also considered as the mightiest watercourse, Cagayan Riversources its water from smaller rivers and streams in the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, Caraballo, Cordillera, and BaletePass. This river meets the South China Sea in an impressive expanse known as Aparri Delta. The other notable rivers inLuzon are Chico, Abra, Pampanga, and Bicol. In the south, the principal rivers are Mindanao (known in its upper course asthe Pulangi) and Agusan. Meanwhile, the underground river of St. Paul's Natural Park in Palawan is considered as one of theworld's longest subterranean rivers. The world's longest rivers are the Nile River in Egypt and Amazon River in SouthAmerica. Also worth mentioning are the Yangtze River in China, Mekong River in Vietnam, and Euphrates River in Iraq.

Highest Mountain

Towering at a height of 2,954 meters (9,692 feets), Mount Apo is the highest peak in the country. Located 25 kilometerssouth of Davao City, the mountain which forms part of the Mount Apo National Park is blessed with hot springs, sulfurpillars, geysers, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. It is home to a number of endemic animals such as the Philippine eagle,falconet and mynah. Its peak can be reached on a four-day hiking trip. Apo means "grandfather of all mountains". Scientistsclassify it as a semi-active volcano. Materials from previous eruptions have made the soil around the mountain extremelyfertile. The mountain's base covers 72,796 hectares of mountain ranges that extend from Davao del Sur to MisamisOriental. While the mountain's peak looks snow-capped, the white appearance is actually caused by the presence of sulfur.

Longest Mountain Range The longest mountain range in the country is Sierra Madre, which stretches from Cagayan province in northeastern Luzon to Aurora province in southern Tagalog. Highest Waterfalls The highest waterfall in the country is the 388-meter-high Aliwagwag Falls, in Cateel town, Davao Oriental province. The cascade has 13 rapids and looks like a stairway with 84 steps of varying heights.

The second highest waterfall is located in Barangay Rogongon, 54 kilometers from Iligan City. Limunsudan Falls, a two-tiered fall, has a combined height of 870 feet. Its lower cascade alone measures 400 feet, higher than the entire height ofMaria Cristiana Falls.

Maria Cristina Falls, also in Iligan City (Lanao del Norte), towers at 320 feet. Also known as the "Mother of Industry", MariaCristina Falls supplies 80 percent of the total energy requirement of the Mindanao region. Another breathtaking waterfall inIligan City is the Tinago Falls, located 13 kilometers from the city proper. As its name implies, this 420-foot waterfall lieshidden in a deep ravine. The world's highest waterfall is the Angel Falls in Venezuela. As a

tributary of Caroni River, thiswaterfall has a total elevation of 3,281 feet.

Largest Lake

Laguna de Bay, an inland body of water covering 900 square kilometers, is the country's largest lake. Located between theprovinces of Rizal and Laguna, the lake receives its water from 21 river systems. In the middle of the lake lies the island ofTalim, a heavily populated settlement of mostly fishermen. The second largest lake in the country is Lake Sultan-Alonto inMindanao. Commonly known as Lake Lanao, the lake covers an area of 355 square kilometers. Meanwhile, the world'slargest inland body of water is the Caspian Sea, which is actually a lake in the boundary of Europe and Asia and covering anarea of 143,240 square miles. Lake Superior (North America), Lake Victoria (Africa), the Aral Sea (Russia) and Lake Huron(North America) are also among the world's largest lakes.

Towering Cliffs

The towering limestone cliffs of El Nido that rise magnificently from the crystal clear waters of South China Sea amidstverdant backdrop are among the most astonishing pictures one can see in the Philippines. El Nido, a secluded group ofislands west off Palawan province, is also known as a sanctuary of endangered birds and marine animals.

sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive to Caticlan where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay. Siargao Island

This newly discovered island boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800kilometers southeast of Manila, the tear-shaped Siargao Island is a perfect haven for the sun, sea, and surf buffs. It lies onthe eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao. The island is a mass of tropical land withscores of reefs, points and white beaches.

Its promise as a surfing mecca in the making was discovered in 1993 by American surf photographer John Callahan whowent to investigate the rumors of spectacular waves in a little known Mindanao town. He came back from his trip armedwith stories about the lovely sun-drenched island and documented his find with beautiful photographs.

Siargao opened itself to the international surfing community by playing host to the Siargao Surfing Cup in the municipalityof General Luna. Siargao's Cloud Nine break is said to be among the best in the world and foreign sportsmen view "theunparalleled surf of Siargao as a magnet for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing on miles ofwhite sandy beaches that the reef-ringed island and its rich waters afford the visitor.

Samal Island

Samal Island offers unending fascination with its white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and rockformations.It is an archipelago of nine islands located in the Davao Gulf about 700 meters south of Davao City. An idealmodel for resort and development, Samal Island provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset.

Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is outside of the typhoon belt, and enjoys relatively calm weather. Its coastline ischaracterized by tall, swaying coconut trees, white sand beaches, rock formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and small fishingvillages, all suggestive of a tropical island paradise.

Almost all of the beach areas have white sand, with widths varying from only a few meters to more than 10 meters. Itprovides ample space for picnic huts, reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for simply relaxing and enjoying the tropicalscenery.

The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. The colors of the coastline at the beach areas transforms itself from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea, with its deep waters and coral reefs.

Among its popular attractions are the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm, the caves of Talikud Island, the White Stone Mountain, and the San Jose Muslim Fishing Village. Bohol's Springs and Beaches

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmedby gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stopat any point and jump in.

With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete withancestral homes and centuries-old churches. Bohol is composed of numerous isles -Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao,Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent dive spots.

The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many natural wonders to be found in Bohol. The province is the home of the world'ssmallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran.Other exotic flora and fauna may also be found amongst the forest of Bohol.

Bohol's various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural playground for the adventurous tourist. One cancruise its rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters, or just stroll down the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surpriseyou.

Tagbilaran, Bohol's capital town can be reached by plane or boat from Cebu and Manila. Numerous tourist inns and excellent resorts are found in Tagbilaran and Panglao island.

The Beaches of Palawan

The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country's last frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to anamazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. Palawan is also home to Tubbataha Reef, the onlynational marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef ofAustralia.

With more than a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwaterrivers and magnificent caves. Other well-known attractions include Saint Paul's National Park which boasts of caves thatnestle an underground river; El Nido, a world-class resort famous for its awe-inspiring seascape and limestone cliffs; andCalauit island, home of Philippine and African wildlife.

Also in Palawan is the primordial island of Busuanga, a perfect starting point for sorties to other nearby islands.In Palawan,each day is promising. The sun rises over the South China Sea and soon everything else sparkles, including the smiles of itspeople.

The Beaches of Glan, Sarangani

Glan, the largest town in the Sarangani province, boasts of world-class beach resorts and rich fishing grounds. The terrain ofGlan is characterized by flatlands, rolling hills and mountains. Most land areas have been converted to agriculture andfishponds.

The town of Glan is bounded on the east by Davao Del Sur, on the north by Malapatan town, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by Sarangani Bay. Many foreign and local tourists flock to the area during summer because of its splendid beach resorts. The sorrounding waters, particularly in Gumasa, Baliton and Margus areas are rich fishing grounds. As many as 2,400 species of marine animals have been found in the bay. The dominant catch include yellow-fin tuna, shipjack, and mackerel. Glan can be reached from Manila and Cebu by airplane going to General Santos City and a 45-minute drive from the airport. Subic Bay

Subic, the former US naval base in the Philippines, is now a hub for commerce and tourism. Just two-and-a-half hour drivenorth from Manila, Subic offers a full view of the blue mountain and sea and of the green background of a three-layeredvirgin forest.

Points of interest include the 18-hole Binictican Golf Course and Clubhouse, a white-sand beach, bowling and arcade center,a ship wharf past a restricted forested area, firing ranges, fishing grounds and an area for bungee jumping.

Visitors to Subic can take a 12-hour jungle survival course, visit an Aeta tribal village, take a bay cruise, explore the coves,

end up at the white-sand beach of Grande Island, engage in water sports, go horseback riding or simply enjoy the scenicview of the sea.

Subic Bay is complete with tourism-support facilities that include a marina, a yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops. It also boasts of an international airport. Anilao Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas is considered the summer mecca of diving fanatics. The resort offers accommodations and diving facilities, plus the services of training clubs that provide courses on diving.

Situated in the southeast area of Batangas province, Anilao may be reached within three hours from Manila through publicbuses or jeepneys. From Anilao, one can start diving from the shore or go in bancas to nearby islands. Among them isSombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve where sports activities are regulated.

Other dive spots in this side of Batangas are Mapating Rock at Maricaban Island, Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point. Puerto Galera Puerto Galera (which means Galleon Port) is one of the most popular beach resorts in the Philippines. A marine reserve, it is endowed with coves, fine sandy beaches and shallow coral reefs ideal for snorkeling.

The place can be reached from the port of Batangas City where a ferry service to Mindoro awaits the tourists. Bancas maybe hired to go to Escarceo Point, the best dive spot in Puerto Galera. The area offers positive thrills and guaranteedexcitement, with its sudden rushes of strong currents and steep slopes which are a favorite gathering place for large pelagicfish.Diving expeditions are usually organized by certified masters on specific dive spots.

Hundred Islands

Northern Philippines boasts of white-sand beaches in Pangasinan and Ilocandia. Among the best tourist destinations is theHundred Islands which can be reached from the Pangasinan town of Alaminos, where the lodging accommodations andrestaurants are situated.

At Hundred Islands, the visitor may rent an island for one's own private beach for a day. Short boat rides take off from the village of Lucap to the Hundred Islands. Beaches stretch along the western coast of Ilocos region. Among the popular beach resorts are Cresta del Mar, Bali Hai, Cabana and the Coconut Grove in La Union province. Ilocos Norte also has fine resorts such as D'Coral Beach Resort and Fort Ilocandia. Pools and Resorts Aside from beaches and diving spots, the Philippines also has other beautiful places. You can either take a dip in the refreshing waters of modern resort facilities, feel the gush of volcanic hot springs or just have fun under the waterfalls. Pagsanjan Falls

A popular tourist destination, Pagsanjan Rapids and Falls is a series of 14 rapids punctuated by mini-waterfalls on the way to

the main falls. Pagsanjan is a small Laguna town which served as the setting for Fracis Ford Coppola's film "ApocalypseNow."

The terrain towards the main falls offers a lot of exitement. As one negotiates the waterway, the trips becomes wilder, withthe river flanked by towering cliffs lush with vegetation. Waters from the Cavinti and Luisiana dams cascade downPagsanjan Falls and into a segregated part of the river which is about 150 feet deep. Here, one can rent a raft and enjoyriding under the falls.

Laguna Resorts

Aside from Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna has a lot more to offer. Laguna has one of the Philippines' incredibly beautifulcountryside sceneries. The province offers a scenic view of a bay, considered as the largest in the country. The towns ofCalamba and Los Baños abound with swimming pools and resorts. Many residents of Metro Manila head for these townsduring summer.

In Calamba, one can proceed to the ancestral house of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The house now serves as a museum and is a repository of Philippine history and culture. Los Baños, on the other hand, is famous for its numerous hot springs. Considered as a flower basket in Luzon, Los Baños produces a wide variety of flowers and other ornamentals. Mt. Makiling, an extinct volcano, stands guard over the town. Hidden Valley Springs Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most popular resorts in Alaminos, Laguna. The valley nestles at the foot of Mt. Makiling, a mystical mountain associated with local myths.

A number of springs with hot, cold and soda water, lace a forest of huge fruit trees, tropical shrubs and flowering plants. Aconcrete path connects the pools and leads to the jungle's interior where a waterfall has cut a gorge down themountainside.

The resort has cottages for overnight stay and restaurants. It is an ideal base for visiting the surrounding provincial towns of Laguna and Quezon. Bulacan Resorts Bulacan, a progressive province just north of Manila, offers resort facilities that are generally clean and complete in amenities.

The towns of San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Balagtas, Pandi, Malolos, Plaridel and San Miguel boast of resort facilities thatdraw visitors from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The rural setting provides a perfect blend of countryside nature andmodern facilities for fun and recreation.

Among the well known resorts in the province are DJ Paradise Resort in Malolos; Sibul Spring Resort in San Miguel; Grotto Vista in San Jose del Monte; 4k Garden and Lanesca Resort; Latian in Marilao and Villa Christina in Balagtas.

Bulacan is just a 30-minute drive from Manila via the North Luzon Tollway or through the Mac Arthur Highway. Villa Escudero

Villa Escudero, a coconut plantation village in San Pablo City, was developed by its owners into a tourist destinationcomplete with swimming pools, picnic area, fishing grounds, and modern amenities. Special packages can be arranged toinclude overnight stay with food and accommodation.

The village offers a glimpse of plantation living. The whole area is surrounded by coconut trees and flowering plants. Theestate also houses a museum whose collection ranges from fabulous antiquities to kitsch. Bamboo cottages grid a river thatflows to a dam where picnickers gather around the tables set up on the water.

The village is a one-and-a-half hour drive south from Manila. Puerto Azul Situated on the southern entrance to Manila Bay and opposite Corregidor Island is Puerto Azul, a beach resort that offers a breathtaking sight with all its elegance and mystique.

Puerto Azul, a tourists' paradise in the outskirts of Ternate town in Cavite, boasts of flowery bushes, verdant hills andforests, blue sea, and fine sand beaches. Here, one can imagine one's self in the Biblical Garden of Eden (a little bit in themodern era, though).

The resort complex, which nestles within a 3,300-hectare nature reserve, houses two entities: the Puerto Azul Beach Hoteland the Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club. The club manages a world-class golf course designed by Gary Player and RonKirby and completed in 1978. It is now a popular venue for many prestigious championship tournaments.

Though Puerto Azul has always been synonymous with golf and the beach, now there are other things that one can dowithin the complex. Puerto Azul Beach Hotel has, in fact, prepared 30 fun-filled activities which can be done on one's own orwith family.

Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island, known for its lanzones festival, offers white-sand beaches, spring resorts and magnificent caves untouchedby industrial development. The island lies off the north coast of Mindanao. Aside from its beaches, Camiguin boasts of springresorts and waterfalls.

The 62-square kilometer island-province has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on Earth. Most famous of the island's seven volcanoes is Mt. Hibok-Hibok whose last eruption was recorded in 1951. Among its popular attractions are the Ardent Spring Resort run by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the Mt. Hibok- Hibok itself, Santo Niño Cold Spring, Medano Islet, Mantigue Island and the lanzones festival. There are local flights to Camuigin island. Cool Mo un ta in s

Witness the vast expanse of nature's splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the country's mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands' summer heat. Baguio City

Rising 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool weather throughout the year. On the average,Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the "summercapital" of the country.

It is awarded with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions which make it an important and interestingdestination. As early as March, tourists and locals take the six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road. Within a mile ofthe city, the sweet scent of pine trees and flowers already permeate the air.

Designed by Daniel Burnham during the American occupation, Baguio City is situated in the midst of pine-covered hills andvalleys at the southern end of the Cordillera. Among its popular attractions are the well-manicured lawns of Club John Hay,the Mansion House and the Burnham Park.

From Baguio City, one can proceed to the Banaue Rice Terraces, also considered as the eighth wonder of the world. An engineering marvel, this "Stairways to the Sky" was constructed by hand by the Ifugaos. Tagaytay With an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool climate all year round.

This city perched on a ridge is located in the province of Cavite, some 56 kilometers south of Manila. It overlooks Manila Bayon the north, Taal Lake and Taal Volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on the east and the China Sea on the west. The city islinked to the Metropolitan Manila and the province of Batangas by the Aguinaldo Highway.

Among its attractions is the Tagaytay Picnic Grove where one can get an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, which lies within a lake. Taal Volcano, which rises 406 meters from the lake, is reputedly the world's smallest volcano. Taal Lake itself is an immense body of water formed when the old crater collapsed and the walls of the larger volcano caved in and sank. A visit to the Volcano Island can be arranged through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Quezon City which maintains a monitoring station on the island. For visiting tourists, support facilities are readily available in this idyllic city. Tagaytay is the "sister" city of Las Vegas and Nevada, U.S.A; Tainan City, Taiwan; and Bankstown City, New South Wales, Australia. Sagada This Mountain Province town, situated west of Bontoc, boasts of its cool weather and spectacular sceneries. A pastoral upland valley, Sagada provides an endless expanse of mountain ranges which are clothed by fogs in the early morning.

Among its attractions are towering limestone cliffs, subterranean caves and unexplored forests. Some of Sagada's cavesremain unconquered. Because of their length and depth, Sagada's natives believe that these

caves lead to the center of theEarth.

Other sites to visit in Sagada are the Kitongan bottomless pit and underground river, Calvary Hill, Bukong Falls and AlipineLake Banao. Sagada has accommodation facilities and can be reached by public buses from Banaue in Ifugao province orfrom Baguio City.

Banahaw Another popular destination, specially during the Lent period, is Mount Banahaw, an extinct volcano which rises 2,100 meters above sea level.

Banahaw towers over the southeastern towns of Laguna and Quezon. Revered as a mystical mountain, Banahaw hasbecome a sanctuary for different religious cults. Up on Banahaw's leafy slopes live members of various religious sects whoadhere to what seems to be a mixture of Catholicism, Buddhism, the cabala, animism and other forms of pagan worship.Down below, in the foothill towns, dwell amulet-makers, soothsayers, faith healers, diviners and dedicated UFO watchers.

Banahaw comes alive during the Lent when various religious sects re-enact the passion of Jesus Christ. People ascend to Mount Banahaw to experience its cool weather, bathe in its hot springs or simply stand amazed at the sight of nature's beauty. Mount Banahaw can be reached from both east and west. From the east, the ascent starts in Lucban, Quezon, while from the west, in Dolores, Laguna. For both climbs, it is advisable to have a guide to ensure a safe trip. Urban Wonde rs Enchanted Kingdom

Thousands of people head south of Manila to spend a day of fun-filled relaxation and adventurous excitement within theAmerican-style walls of Enchanted Kingdom, a 17-hectare world class theme park conveniently located in the outskirts ofSta. Rosa, Laguna.

Enchanted Kingdom, a short five-minute ride from the Sta. Rosa Tollgate of South Luzon Expressway, brings the closestversion of Disney-type leisure in the country. The theme park, managed and operated by Amtrust Leisure Corporation(ALC), offers educational entertainment tours to students and "gastronomic treats" to families.

The P1.2-billion park, which has been operating since July 28, 1995 was conceptualized by Landmark Entertainment Groupand designed after the Knott's Berry Farm, America's first amusement theme park located in Buena Park, California. It is amember of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). As such, it provides visitors withthrilling rides, stunning sights, and wondrous experience.

In the words of the Enchanted Kingdom operators, "the place is an active mix of thrills, attractions, entertainment, foodservice, celebrations and shopping set amidst an enthralling place that presents the past and

the future, the quaint and thesophisticated, the picturesque and the dazzling in one unique package."

Enchanted Kingdom is an aggregate of seven theme zones: Victoria Park, Portabello, Brooklyn Place, Spaceport, JungleOutpost, Midway Boardwalk, and Boulderville. These zones serve as enclaves to 21 thrilling rides and attractions meant toprovide daring visitors with a sense of flight, twist, twirl, and other acrobatic stunts.

The rides include the Grand Carousel, Flying Fiesta, Rialto, Space Shuttle, Log Jam, Wheel of Fate, Condor, Up Up and Away,Roller Coaster, Anchors Away, Dodgem, Stone Eggs, Air Pterodactyl, Swan boats, and Bump n Splash. In the near future,the park is set to introduce other exciting rides such as the Kiddie Train Ride and the Rio Loco River Rapid Ride.

Aside from the rides, Enchanted Kingdom also charms its visitors with various treats such as the fireworks show every weekend, dance presentation by the park's in-house talents, theater shows, seasonal shows, well-manicured gardens, classic American brownstone facades and establishments, and a variety of characters and mascots led by the Wizard.

Manila

Rediscover Manila like you've never seen it before. Be charmed by the city's glorious past mirrored by its century-oldchurches, gallant forts, classic plazas, ancestral edifices, stately museums, and historic monuments. At the same time,relish the beauty of a modern city rising from the ruins of yesteryears. Beyond Manila's busy streets and crowdedcommercial centers lie festive joints that celebrate life.

The Old City

Manila, which was named after a white-flowered mangrove plant called nilad, was a tiny Malay settlement along the PasigRiver ruled by Rajah Sulayman in the 16th century. The Spanish colonizers moved the capital of the Philippines from Cebuto Manila in 1571. They built the walled city of Intramuros, which for the next 300 years, was to become the nerve center ofthe Spanish rule.

Intramuros was the political and commercial center of the Spanish regime. From this walled city, the Spaniards extendedtheir cultural and religious influences to the different parts of the country. They built churches, Catholic-run schools anduniversities, government buildings, and magnificent artifices, which reflect the Castilian architecture.

At the turn of the century, the Americans came and ruled the Philippines for 50 years. They introduced their ownarchitecture, language, education and system of governance. During this period, Manila underwent a facelift. A blend ofAmerican and Spanish influences gave way to a new Manila, which was to evolve into a giant urban area known as MetroManila.

Today, Metro Manila is an aggregate of 10 cities and seven municipalities. Intramuros

Among the popular attractions in Metro Manila are Intramuros, Rizal Park, Binondo, Malacañang, Malate, the CCP Complex,Nayong Pilipino, Ayala Avenue, the Fort, Ortigas Center, Quezon Memorial Circle, and countless bars and restaurantsscattered around the metropolis.

Traces of the Spanish influence still loom in Intramuros. A tour of this landmark will provide the visitors a deeperunderstanding of Manila's rich heritage. Intramuros protects within its walls a number of national treasures like the FortSantiago (once a prison for revolutionary Filipinos, now a peaceful park-cum-museum), San Agustin Church (the oldeststructure in the country with its Baroque interiors and trompe l'oeil murals), Manila Cathedral (a magnificent architecturalfeat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows), Casa Manila (a former colonial house andnow a museum of national relics), and San Juan de Letran school.

Intramuros has been restored for the tourists. Today, it houses a museum, art galleries, an open-air theatre, finerestaurants, craft shops and souvenir stalls. It also keeps a park lush with tropical flora and homing pigeons. The park,Puerto Real, is the venue of Saturday musical performances during dry months.

Rizal Park

Just beside Intramuros is Rizal Park, a 60-hectare conglomerate of gardens, historical markers, plazas, an artist's sanctuary,a 1913 bronze monument of Jose Rizal, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, a light-and-soundtheatre, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds, with dozens of fountains. Fronting the northwest side of the park isManila Hotel, whose lobby is one of the most imposing in the world. Along the park's bayside, tourists can have anunobstructed view of the fabled Manila Bay sunset.

A five-minute walk from Rizal Park is the National Museum, the official keeper and guardian of the country's cultural,historical and natural heritage. It houses the representative works of the National Artists, as well as the renowned paintingsof Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Juan Luna. It puts on display some prehistoric finds, including the Tabon skullcap, pottery,ceramics and other artifacts from China and Indochina and remnants of pre-Hispanic boats that brought Malay immigrantsto the Philippines dating to about 1250. Other establishments worth visiting in the area are the Metropolitan Theater andthe National Library.

Binondo Area

Across the Pasig River from Intramuros is the Binondo area, home of Chinatown. The district is filled with all things Chinesefrom Peking duck and Buddhist temples to gold watches, snake soup, and wonder herbs. The high chords of Chinese songsand the permeating smell of incense complete the uniquely Chinese ambiance. It is said that this quaint district was alreadya hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571.

In particular, Ongpin offers a lot of variety: restaurants, pet shops, bakeries, grocery stores, jewelers, traditional medicineshops, acupuncture clinics, kung-fu schools, and mahjong parlors. Ongpin leads to Plaza Santa Cruz, which is where RizalAvenue curves to meet the MacArthur Bridge. Escolta, now a shadow of its former self, leads off from here. The plaza isdominated by Santa Cruz Church.

Malacañang

From Escolta, one can proceed to the San Miguel district, known for its Spanish-style houses and the Malacañang Palace,seat of the Philippine government. This ornate Spanish colonial palace, with its arches and balconies, was built as a privatecountry house in the late 18th century and purchased by the government in 1825. At first the governor-general's summerresidence, it became his permanent residence in 1863, after the Palacio Real in Intramuros was destroyed by anearthquake. In 1986, the palace museum was opened for the public. Visitors are advised to call first. The telephone numberis 521-2307.

The CCP Complex

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex is the arts center of the country. Located along Roxas Boulevard inPasay City, this is the premier venue for ballet presentations, concerts, stage plays, performances, exhibits and trade fairs.Inaugurated in 1969, the CCP comprises a fine concert hall seating 2,000 plus an intimate 400-seat theater as well as alibrary, museum, art gallery, and an upscale restaurant. The lobby is opulent, with marble floors, curving staircases, andglass and kapis-shell chandeliers.

Also within the complex is the Coconut Palace, an architectural wonder made from the coconut tree mixed with otherindigenous material. The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the Product Design and Development Center,the Folk Arts Theater, Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (PHILCITE), Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel andManila Film Center are also found here.

Beside the CCP Complex is the World Trade Center, while fronting it is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) building. TheBSP houses two museums: the Money Museum, which showcases excavated antique gold jewelry and the MetropolitanMuseum, a repository of classic Filipino paintings and a host of rotating international art exhibitions.

Roxas Boulevard is also lined up by de-luxe and standard hotels, lively nightclubs, and the Cuneta Sport Center, home of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).