Islands Hype: A Quick Overview of the Philippines

So did that ad listing that says “house and lot for sale Philippines” catch your eye? If your answer is yes, you are in luck. We will tell you more about this beautiful country which is home to some of the most hospitable people in the world. Here are some of the most important things you should know.

Business

Luzon is home to the most prominent business districts. These are Makati City, Ortigas Center, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and Eastwood City in Quezon City. All of them are in the National Capital Region. The south islands are also not far behind, with Cebu and Davao holding their own as competitive places to do business. If you are planning to work for the biggest companies, consider living near these areas. They house some of the biggest multinationals and BPOs around.

Tourist Spots

As the country is an archipelago, it goes without saying that beaches would be prime destinations for tourists. The most popular one, of course, is Boracay. Clear waters and fine white sand litter the shores of this world-renowned paradise. Provinces like Laguna and Batangas are also home to various resorts. This is near the nation’s capital and is a quick journey for those who don’t want to stray too far from home but are eager to go to the beach.

If you are one who is into history, you have choices too. Corregidor Island is a quick boat ride away from Manila. This island features remnants of World War II like lighthouses, vintage cars, and old military vehicles. Places like Vigan also feature houses that will take you back to 18th-century Spain. And since the majority of the populace is Catholic, you will see some stunning churches, too.

Despite being a tropical country, there are places where you can enjoy colder climates like Tagaytay and Baguio. The latter is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. For the many who are tired of the heat especially during summer, these serve as places they can escape to cool themselves down.

Living Locally

Living like a local is laid back, with neighbors always welcome for a chat. There is usually a marketplace accessible to the town. Here you can shop for all kinds of goods. You will be hands-on in picking out meat, fish, and vegetables. If you want to save more money, try to haggle with the merchants. This is actually a common scene when you’re in the market. This is also a place where you can save a lot as the prices here are lower than in a grocery store.

When you are traveling short distances, you can ride the jeep or tricycle. These are the common modes of transport within towns and villages. In major thoroughfares like EDSA, taking the bus or train is the norm. You can also use ride-hailing apps or ride a taxi, but they are considerably more expensive. It is suggested for you to use these for emergencies or short trips.

The Philippines is rife with culture and friendly people. You would need to stay for a longer time if you want to know them all. Go ahead and take your time exploring this beautiful country.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.