Summer 2010 in the Philippines

Summer 2010 in the Philippines is unique on its own. There are array of activities being held at various venues in every economic stature in the society.

The elite families in the country have special functions to attend to in every posh hotels and restaurants, not to mention their frequent appearance at famous beach resorts while doing business there.

The middle class families, I’m sure will also include going out to the beach with their families. Even those families who belong to poverty line will have a budget of going out to the beach with their families. All of us here in the archipelago have many places to go during summer. Problems of different magnitude are temporarily forgotten when you have time indulging in outdoor activities.

Activities to choose from during summer

First on the list is going to the beach. At the beach, whether you’re poor or rich, all are equals in enjoying the cold blast of the water once you plunge yourself to the sea. One of the famous beaches in the world is in the Philippines, and that is Boracay. Many local and foreign tourists flocked their way to the island to the enjoy the amenities and the waters of this white sand beach.I may also include the CWC (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) that recently beaten Boracay as the number one tourist destination in the country (this is the province where I live).

1. Diving and snorkeling can also be added to your activities once you visit the beach. You can always ask for the site at roving beach personnel. The prime haven for divers is the Anilao, Batangas . Many divers are enthralled by the unique diversity of living structures underneath the waters of the said site. The Tubbataha Reef in Palawan which is considered an eco-marine park is included in the New Wonders of the World. You can also enjoy swimming with the dolphins in the said place. You can also visit the biggest whale shark (butanding) that frequent the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon in the Bicol Region.
2. Mountain hiking. Now that Lenten season coincides this prolonged summer, because of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), many mountaineers include their holy retreat in their summer activities. In our place here in Metro Naga, Bicol, local and foreign tourists can trek the elevation of Mount Isarog (located in Pacol, Naga City). Malabsay Falls is your first stop. There are local guides in the barangay that can also bring you to the hot spring beside the falls. You can also visit Mount Asog in Rinconada area, Iriga City and Buhi, Camarines Sur. You’ll not worry about traveling because, the local airport is located in the capital town of the province. You can trek other mountains in other regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol and other peaks in Visayan islands will surely lure you to stay more. The highest mountain peak in the country is Mount Apo in Davao. You can also find the famous Philippine eagle in the said mountain.
3. Educational tours. There are travel agencies that are sponsoring tours that can bring you to historical sites and parks in the country. The influences of Eastern and Western cultures are apparent in many edifices, structures and sites that you can find in the country.
4. Visiting places. Those who have relatives in other places in the country can go to their parents’ places, not only to enjoy the amenities of the place but also have a bonding with cousins and friends, as a sort of family reunion. Summer places in the country include, Baguio City (the summer capital), and also Cebu and Davao.
5. Attending fiestas. Summer also means fiestas. The religiosity of the Filipinos is attributed to the celebration of the patron saint being commemorated in the occasion. Major attractions during summer are street dancing and parade in every festival in the country that attract foreign and local tourists.
6. Summer businesses. Periodic businesses, like selling summer coolers frequent every street in any place you visit,. In the cities, town or barrios. You just have to be careful of what you eat and drink nowadays. Ever heard of ‘magic sugar’?

1. If you're confined in more than 7, 000 islands of the Philipines, island hopping will be enjoyable to you. The lazy, carefree life of many Filipinos will spread to you like a disease (not in a bad way huh!).
2. How about a romantic date in many posh hotels and restaurants in Manila, Baguio, Cebu or in Davao? Have you tried to enjoy the ambience of Manila Hotel, Hyatt Hotel or even the Heritage Hotel? Well, try it with your love one and savor every minute of it.
3. You will never regret appreciating the natural wonders in the country.
4. There are lots of stories, whether good or bad about this nation. If you travel from Aparri to Jolo, you will conclude that the Filiinos are really hospitable not hostile ones (maybe only the terrorist groups scaring and abducting some foreigners , especially in Mindanao).
5. Amid the socio-political and economic problems in the country, Filipinos are still smiling and welcoming visitors, wholeheartedly.