The holidays are almost upon us. This time of year is not only for holiday observances but it's also the time of year that many people like to vacation. Let's face it, most of the US, Canada and Europe has dull, grey skies, rain, snow, ice and cold to freezing temperatures. Time to get away! Only question is where to?

This year, why not choose the Philippines? Warm temperatures, sunny skies, beautiful beaches, wonderful people. That's enough to satisfy most. Want more? How about mountains with rice terraces that are thousands of years old? You'll find them in the Philippines. Or you could visit someplace like Vigan, which is a World Heritage Site. Go to the Hundred Islands for a great time at the beach. Tour Manila and it's surroundings like Intramuros, the old city from the Spanish colonial days. Take in the sights of Ocean Park with your family. Dine in a restaurant while you watch the sun set over Manila Bay. Breathtaking! Visit World War II historical sites like Corregidor Island. Walk along the path of the Bataan Death March and pay homage to those vets who were imprisoned and lost their lives. Visit Cabanatuan the site of the prisoner of war camp featured in the movie "Great Escape". Over in the Bicol region you'll see Mt. Mayon volcano which is said to have a perfect cone.
Do you see where I'm going with this? All these activities are on the Island of Luzon and that is only one island out of 7,107!

Go to Cebu and see the Santo Nino. Visit the actual spot where Lapu Lapu slew Magellan then dine next door at Sutokil. Visit the world class resorts that line Mactan Island Cebu. Go up to Tops Cebu for breathtaking views. How about Moalboal for great diving? While there take in Kawasan Falls as well. Take the fast boat to Bohol and see the Chocolate Mountains. Have a nice dinner on a river cruise. See the tarsiers, tiny little monkeys measuring only 4-6 inches long (10-15 cm) with big adorable eyes. You'll only find them in the islands of Southeast Asia. Indulge yourself and spend some time at one of the great resorts on Alona Beach. Travel over to Negros Oriental where you can find more great diving around Apo Island. Speaking of Apo, hop a quick flight down to Davao and climb Mt. Apo the highest mountain in the Philippines.
Jump on over to Leyte Island and visit MacArthur's 1944 landing spot where he fulfilled his "I shall return" promise.

Don't forget the people of the Philippines either. While the country has great sights to see and many things to do, what makes it all so endearing are it's people. Always hospitable, always courteous, always generous, always warm and loving, always smiling. It's why I often call it the "Land of Smiles".

Wow! I'm out of breath and there's so much more to this great country. Where's my favorite place? I have a friend in Amlan, Negros Oriental who swears that's the best place. Another likes Cebu. Another loves Ilocos. Some say the Makati area of Manila. My favorite? Anywhere. As long as I'm in the Philippines then I'm in my favorite place.

Now back to the original question. What's a good choice for a vacation? I encourage you, Choose Philippines! If all of the above is not enough then watch this short video for even more reasons to "Piliiin Mo Ang Pilipinas" (Choose Philippines). My thanks to the Philippines Department of Tourism and ABS-CBN network for producing this beautiful and informative video.  The video features Pilipino singing stars Angeline Quinto and Vince Bueno, the song was written by Robert Labayen, vice president of ABS-CBN's Creative Communications Management.

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