Beautiful flowers

Sampaguita Jasmine

Sampaguita jasmine (Arabian Jasmine) is the national flower of the Philippines, found throughout the island nation. It is a vining plant with ovate evergreen leaves, growing to 9 feet tall. It blooms throughout the year in the Philippines, producing large clusters of sweetly fragrant, snow-white flowers that fade to pink as they age. The flowers are waxy with eight petals arranged in a star-like pattern. In wild plants, decorative black-purple berries emerge post flowering, but these seldom appear on plants under cultivation.

Waling-Waling

One of the largest and most unusual orchids in the Philippines, the waling-waling (Euanthe sanderiana) is native to the island of Mindanao. Sometimes called "the Queen of Orchids," this species produces exceptionally large, 5-inch flowers with intricately lobed petal formations and tendril-like fringe around the outer edges. The flowers are buttery yellow in color with ornate reddish-purple markings. It grows to nearly four feet in height with a gracefully curved flower stalk and flat, strap-like leaves around the base.

Philippine Camia

Found in forests above 2,000 feet, the Philippine camia (Hedychium philippinense) is an epiphytic herbaceous plant sometimes referred to as white ginger. It has up to three stems ending with a cluster of four-petalled white flowers with a pale yellow hue at the center. They are strongly fragrant and are often used in perfumery. After flowering, Philippine camia bears three-sided capsule-like seed pods which are orange in color with dark-red seeds. They are commonly cultivated in the Philippines and other tropical countries.

Jade Vine

Jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) is an unusual evergreen vine known for its talon-like, pale blueish-green flowers. Although once common throughout the Philippines, jade vine is now scarce due to habitat destruction. Sometimes reaching 70 feet in length, the vines are woody and up to two inches in diameter. The foliage is oblong and dull-green, arranged in groupings of three. Long, hanging clusters of flowers emerge in spring and summer, often with nearly 100 blooms arranged in six-foot long garlands. The flower's shape resembles a cat's claw and is often jade-green in color, which gave rise to its common name.

List of Endangered Animals in the philippines

Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons)

How I wish these two cute piglets remain forever young. They simply look adorable and attractive with their striped bodies.

Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat (Phloeomys pallidus)

This rodent that can be found only in the Philippines is a nocturnal animal lives in the forest. This mammal is an herbivore and moves very slowly. They are eaten by large birds. Due to its large size, they are heavily hunted for their
meat. It is a critically endangered species.

Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus)

 One of the weirdest and ferocious-looking animals in the world is the Bearded Pig. It looks weird because of its beard – a very unusual feature for a pig. This pig lives in rainforests and mangrove forest. Bearded Pigs also sometimes have tassels on their tail. It is also known as the Bornean Bearded Pig.

The Philippines is truly unique in having the largest number of “endemic suids” Other pig species that can be found in this country are;

Palawan Bearded Pig (Sus ahoenobarbus)

The Palawan Bearded Pig can be found on the islands of Balabac, Calamian and Palawan. It is about 1.6 meters in length and can grow up to I meter tall and can weigh up to 150 kg

Oliver’s Warty Pig (Sus oliveri)

Oliver's Warty Pig, which is also commonly called Mindoro Warty Pig, is a small species of pig native to Mindoro.

Philippine Warty Pig (Sus philippensis)

The Philippine Warty Pig is a species with two pairs of warts and with a tuft of hair extending outwards from the warts closest to the jaw. It can be found in Luzon, Catanduanes, Leyte, Mindoro, Samar, Jolo and other Philippine provinces. Its population greatly declined due to loss of habitat and heavy hunting by noose traps or trigger set bullets.

Flying Dragon (Draco volans)

The Flying Dragon is an animal that does not actually fly but glides. It is endemic to the Philippines and other neighboring countries. The Flying Dragon can glide from tree to tree over distances upwards of 8 meters or 25 feet. It feeds on ants and termites.

Philippine Porcupine (Hystrix pumila)

The Philippine Porcupine is a rodent that can only be found in the island of Palawan in the Philippines. This rodent belongs to the Old World porcupines. This unique animal is also known as the Indonesian Porcupine or the Palawan Porcupine.

Visayan Spotted Deer (Cervus rusa alfredi)

It’s quite unusual but this deer - the Visayan Spotted Deer is a nocturnal animal. It is endangered and can be found in the Visayan islands of Negros and Panay. It is also known as the Philippine Spotted Deer.

Philippine Deer (Cervus mariannus)

Another species of deer that is critically endangered is the Philippine Deer. They can be found in abundance decades ago in forested areas of the Philippines.

Greater Dwarf Cloud Rat (Carpomys melanurus)

Would you believe that meats of many rat species in the Philippines are considered delicacies? This is the reason why many rat species are critically endangered in this country. The Short-footed Luzon Tree Rat is a rodent, as stated on its common name, which can be found in the island of Luzon. It is also known as Greater Dwarf Cloud Rat

Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo (Bubalus mindorensis)

The Tamaraw or Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo, which is a small hoofed mammal similar in appearance to a water buffalo, can only be found in the island of Mindoro, Philippines. It is now an endangered species because of human habitation, hunting and logging.

Famous Volcano in Philippines

Mayon Volcano

 

This is the most picturesque of all the volcanoes in the Philippines - Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano in
the province of Albay. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past
400 years. The first recorded eruption was in 1616. Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay, Philippines.
This volcano is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone.

Taal Volcano

The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic view of Volcano Island
can be seen.
Taal volcano, a 406 meter-high crater, is the world's smallest active volcano. It is described as “crater within an
island within a lake” because it stands as an island at Taal Lake. There have been 33 recorded eruptions of Taal
since 1572. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside
its crater which is called the “Crater Lake.”

Mount Pinatubo

 

A giant reawaken after more than 400 years of deep slumber. The volcano's eruption in June 1991 produced the
second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century. With an elevation of 1,745m this volcano is located in
Zambales.
Mt. Pinatubo is a popular tourist destination in Central Luzon. A 2-3 hour trek then commences on a trail that
leads to its crater lake. Facilities include a view deck, cottages, and kayaks. Swimming in the lake is allowed
although it is restricted to the proximal banks.

Mount Apo

 

Mount Apo is a large stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is the highest mountain in the
country and overlooks Davao City. Its name means “master” or “grandfather.” Apo is flat topped, with three peaks,
and is capped by a 500 m wide volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy.

Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,954 m. In
1936, Mount Apo was declared a National Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is home
to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred that are endemic. The Mt. Apo Natural Park includes 629
species under 148 families of vascular and non-vascular plants. Five hundred seventy two species belong to 124
families of ferns and angiosperms, while 57 species belong to 24 families of bryophytes or mosses.

Mount Arayat

 

Mt. Arayat is an inactive volcano in Pampanga, Philippines rising to a height of 1026 m above sea level. The
volcano is located in a flat agricultural region within the municipality of Arayat, Pampanga. Mt. Pinatubo is located
a further ten miles west.

It is considered a mystical mountain, and people are against a proposal to place radio antennas atop the peak.
Two trails lead to the two peaks of Mt. Arayat. Mt. Arayat National Park has a trail to Peak 1. This is the more
popular trail, taking around 3-4 hours to reach the peak. Peak 1 offers views of Central Luzon, including
Pampanga River, the mountains of Zambales and Bataan, and the mountains of the Sierra Madre Range. On the
other hand, Peak 2 can be accessed from Magalang, Pampanga.

Mount Banahaw

A dormant volcanic complex located on the boundary of Laguna and Quezon, Philippines. It is considered to be
sacred by the local residents because of its “holy water and or holy sites. It has a height of 2,158 m, above seal
level.
Mt. Banahaw is a traditional pilgrimage site for locals, being considered a "holy mountain". It is also popular
among mountain climbers being the closest >2000-meter mountain to Manila. Hiking activity peaks during Holy
Week of each year, with climbers numbering thousands. Points of interest include the Cave of God the Father
and the spring at Brgy. Kinabuhayan, said to have curative powers.

Mount Bulusan

Mt. Bulusan or Bulusan Volcano is the southernmost volcano on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is found in the
province of Sorsogon in Bicol 70 km southeast of Mayon Volcano. It has four craters and four hot springs; San
Benon Springs, Mapaso Springs, San Vicente Springs, Masacrot Springs.

Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Homahan, Mt. Binitacan, Mt. Batuan, Mt. Calungalan, Mt. Calaunan, Mt.
Tabon-Tabon, Mt. Juban, and Mt. Jormajan. It is one of the 22 active volcanoes in the Philippines and after
Mayon, Taal and Pinatubo is considered the 4th most active, having erupted 15 times since 1886.

Mount Hibok-Hibok

Hibok-Hibok is an active volcano on Camiguin Island, Philippines. It has 6 hot springs; Ardent Spring, Tangob,
Bugong, Tagdo, Naasag and Kiyab, three crater lakes. It also has a volcanic mark, Taguines Lagoon. Its adjacent
volcanic edifices are Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Mambajao, Mt. Ginsiliban, and Mt.Uhay. There are also domes and cones at
Campana Hill, Minokol Hill, Tres Marias Hill, Mt. Carling, Mt. Tibane, and Piyakong Hill.

Hibok-Hibok erupted five times in modern history. The first recorded eruption occurred in 1827. This was followed
by similar activity in 1862. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular hiking destination in Camiguin Island. The usual jump-off is
Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao. Views from the summit include the nearby White Island.

Kanlaon Volcano or Mount Kanlaon

Mt. Kanlaon is a stratovolcano on Negros Island, Philippines. Kanlaon has an elevation of 2,435 meters and a
base diameter of 30 km. The summit of Kanlaon contains a broad elongated northern caldera with a crater lake.
Mt. Kanlaon is a very popular site for nature trippers due to its vast quantities of flora and fauna, and its
legendary history and myth.

The volcano has three hot springs on its slopes; Mambucal Hot Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring, Bungol Hot Spring.
Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Silay and Mt. Mandalagan. It is the most active volcano in central Philippines.
Kanlaon has erupted 25 times since 1886. It is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is surrounded by the Mt.
Kanlaon National Park.

Mount Makiling

Mt. Makiling is located in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is an inactive volcano, which rises to 1,090 m
above sea level. A campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling is being managed by the Boy Scout of the Philippines
and was the site of the 10th World Scout Jamboree in 1959. Mt. Makiling is also a popular hiking destination.

Come visit the beautiful Philippines and see more of its natural wonders.

Filipino Folk Dances

Binasuan

- Originated in Pangasinan Province “meaning with the use of drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand carefully maneuvered with graceful movements. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

Rigodon

- Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed at formal affairs like inaugural balls where prominent members of the government participate and enjoy.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw

- The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance “fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

Sublian

- The term “subli” is from two tagalog words “subsub” meaning falling on head and “bali”, which means broken. Hence, the dancers appear to be lame and crooked throughout the dance. This version is originally a ritual dance of the natives of Bauan, Batangas, which is shown during fiestas as a ceremonial worship dance to the town’s icon, the holy cross.

Kuratsa

- Commonly performed during festivals in Bohol and other Visayan towns, this dance portrays a young playful couple’s attempt to get each other’s attention. It is performed in a moderate waltz style.

Itik-itik

- According to history of this dance, a young woman named Kanang (short for Cayetana) happened to be the best performer in the province of Surigao del Norte. At one baptismal reception, she was asked to dance the Sibay, and began improvising her steps in the middle of her performance imitating the movements of an “itik”, a duck, as it walks with choppy steps and splashes water on its back while attracting its mate. Because of its unusual steps and fascinating interpretation, the audience began imitating her.

Tinikling

- Tinnikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.

Maglalatik

- Originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to pay tribute to the town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the palipasan and the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the reconciliation. Moro dancers wear read trousers while the Christian dancers show up in blue. All dancers are male ; with harnesses of coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.

Maria Clara

 - Maria Clara is the main female character in Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere -a literary piece that features the colonial situation of the Filipinos during the Spanish regime. She was characterized as a Filipina woman of virtue and nobility. This dance is a mix of Spanish gracefulness and customized native props, such as bamboo castanets and Asian fan. Female dancers wear Maria Clara dress that typifies the European style, while men are in barong tagalog, a traditional Filipino embroidered long-sleeve shirt made of pineapple fiber.

Cariñosa

 

- Cariñosa is a word that describes an affectionate, friendly and lovable woman. This dance is performed in flirtatious manner with fans and handkerchiefs to assist the dancers’ hide-and-seek movements.

La Jota Manileña

 

- It is a dance named after the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, where an adaptation of Castilian Jota afloats with the clacking of bamboo castanets played by the dancers themselves. The costume and the graceful movements of the performers noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture.

Sakuting

 

 - Originated in Abra, this dance interprets a mock fight between Ilokano Christians and non- Christians with training sticks as props. It is traditionally performed during Christmas at the town plaza or from house-to-house as a caroling show. As a return, the dancers receive presents or money locally known as “aguinaldo”.

 

 

 

 

Pantomina

 

- Meaning "Dance of the Doves", this dance is the highlight of Sorsogon’s Kasanggayahan Festival every third week of October. Groups of participants, mainly elderly in colourful costumes, dance to the tune of Pantomina song. It is a courtship dance originated from immitating the courtship and lovemaking of doves that then showed during the dance where men attempt to please the women.

Top 10 Churches

1.Paoay Church

 

 

Paoay Church is included in the Unesco World Heritage list. The church was constructed in 1704 and was completed in 1894 by the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo. It is considered as the best-known “earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick and are supported by 24 carved and massive buttresses. It is a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental architectural designs.

2.Barasoain Church

 

Barasoain Church (also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish) is a Roman Catholic church built in 1630 in Malolos City, Bulacan. Having earned the title as the Cradle of Democracy in the East, most important religious buildings in the Philippines, and the site of the First Philippine Republic, the Church is proverbial for its historical importance among Filipinos. Founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859, the church is also renowned for its architectural design and internal adornments. The original church was burned during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution however, it was renovated. It is about 42 kilometers away from Manila

3.San Agustin Church of Manila

 

San Agustín Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. Completed by 1607, it is the oldest church currently standing in the Philippines. No other surviving building in the Philippines has been claimed to pre-date San Agustin Church.
In 1993, San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during during the Spanish colonial period designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, under the classification "Baroque Churches of the Philippines". It had been named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976.

4.San Sebastian Church of Manila

 

San Sebastian Church was completed in 1891, it is noted for its architectural features. An example of the revival of Gothic architecture in the Philippines, it has been recognized by the UNESCO as the only all-steel church or basilica in Asia. It has also been implausibly reputed to be the first prefabricated building in the world, and more plausibly claimed as the only prefabricated steel church in the world. In 2006, San Sebastian Church was included in the Tentative List for possible designation as a World Heritage Site. It was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1973.
The Church is under the care of The Order of the Augustinian Recollects, who also operate a college adjacent to the basilica. It is located at Plaza del Carmen, at the eastern end of Claro M. Recto Street, in Quiapo, Manila

5.Dauis Church of Bohol

 

Another beautiful church in Bohol is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis, on the Island of Panglao. It is located not far from the bridge that connects Panglao with Bohol. The church was founded by the Jesuits Fr. Diego de Ayala and Joseph Gregorio. The church is build in a mixture of styles, influenced by both Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Inside, on the ceiling, are some impressive frescoes painted Ray Francia in 1916. Lito Arraya renovated the building in 1970.
The church's patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is said to possess miraculous powers. An old legend relates that once, when the town was invaded by pirates, the people of Dauis locked themselves into the church. However, they soon ran out of provisions and water. Then a miracle occurred: a well appeared at the foot of the altar. This same well is still the main source of water for the people living close to the church, and, although the well is only a few meters from the sea, the water is absolutely fresh. The water is said to have healing powers, so, if you're visiting here, don't forget to bring a bottle and take some home.

6.Quiapo Church

 

Quiapo is a district of Manila, Philippines, also referred to as the "old downtown." It is known for its cheap prices on items ranging from electronics, bicycles to native handicrafts.
Quiapo is also famous for the Black Nazarene. Thousands of people parade through the streets to touch the statue where it is supposed to produce miraculous effects. A number of faithful usually collapse in a faint during the ritual, and some have even died. The Feast Day of the Black Nazarene (also known as Quiapo Day) is celebrated every January 9th.
Plaza Miranda in the heart of Quiapo District, is named after Jose Sandino y Miranda, who served as secretary of the treasury of the Philippines for 10 years beginning in 1853. It is a square or a public plaza in front of the St. John the Baptist Church or Quiapo Church as it is widely known. It is also a popular site of political rallies. On August 21, 1971, while the Liberal Party held their Miting de Avance in the plaza, a bomb exploded, killing 9 and injuring almost 100 civilians.

7.San Jose Church in Ivana Basco Batanes

 

San Jose Church
(Ivana). Built in 1814 although its foundation dates back to 1795. Of all the old churches in Batanes, it is the only one that was not built in the espadaña style. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile or belltower that gives the appearance of a fortification. Fronts the Ivana Seaport and offers a commanding view of the sea and surrounding countryside due to its elevation. Located 14 kilometers from Basco

8.Baguio Cathedral

 

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, better known as Baguio Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral located at Cathedral Loop, adjacent to Session Road in Baguio City in the Philippines. It is distinct for its rose-colored exterior and is one of the most photographed buildings in Baguio City. It served as an evacuation center during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. 

 

 

 

 

 

9.Basilica de Sto. Niño in Cebu

The Basilica of Santo Niño, also called Basilica del Santo Niño, Basílica Minore del Santo Niño and formerly known as the San Agustin Church prior to its elevation as a Basilica Minore, is a 16th century church in the heart of Cebu City, Philippines. It is purportedly built on the exact spot where the image of the Santo Niño, a sculpture depicting Jesus as a black Holy Child, was found by Spanish conquistadors in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan

10.Our Lady of Manaog Shrine in Pangasinan

Manaoag, Pangasinan is one of the Philippines’ pilgrimage centers, thanks to the presence of the Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine, home to the image of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario (i.e., Our Lady of the Rosary), which is believed to have miraculous powers. Non-Catholics may scoff at such idolatrous devotion, but that has not deterred millions of Filipino Catholics from visiting the shrine and venerating this representation of Virgin Mary.