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The Philippines lie off the southeast coast of Asia
between Taiwan and Borneo in the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea.
They are composed of 7107 islands and islets (7108 at low tide). The
warm waters offer the attractions of sunbathing, swimming and diving
through a dramatic display of coral gardens and spectacular marine
life. Luzon is the largest and most northerly of the main islands.
The spectacular landscape is made up of the mountainous north, the
flat vistas of the central plain and lakes and volcanoes in the southern
pensinsula. Manila, capital and hub of the nation has been a port
for hundreds of years. Places of interest include San Augustin Church
and Manila Cathedral, which offers an excellent view of the harbour.
Hundred Islands, lying off the coast of Pangasinan, are made up of
400 islets surrounded by coral gardens and white sand beaches. This
area is ideal for swimming and fishing. Mindanao, the most southerly
island, has a very different feel from the rest of the country. In
the southwestern tip is Zamboanga City, considered by some as the
most romantic place in the Philippines and a favourite resort amongst
tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled tropical
scenery and magnificent flowers. Local dishes include kare-kare (an
oxtail stew in peanut sauce served with bagoong) and sinigang (meat
or fish in a pleasantly sour broth). On most evenings there are cultural
performances by local artists in the many performing arts venues.
Many of the top hotels offer lavish music spectacles ranging from
string quartets to show bands.
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The Philippines was named after the Crown Prince Philip II of Spain.
He was reputed to be an extreme introvert, austere, humorless, and
unpopular. Dubbed the "Spider of the Escorial" because he
seldom left his palace, Philip II reigned over the vast Spanish empire
handed down by his father, Charles V, and was a leading patron of
Catholicism. He was elegant and slender and, in his youth, good-looking.
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