PHILIPPINE TOURISM OVERVIEW

 Political Structures and Subdivisions

 Geographical Characteristics
 Tourism Network System

1. Philippines is one of the favorite destinations of tourists around the globe.

2. The climate, the people, and the natural attractions that the country possess are just some of the reasons why
tourists visit our country.

BASIC FACTS

 It is an archipelago consisting of approximately 7,107 islands

 It is surrounded by three bodies of water, namely PHILIPPINE SEA ON THE EAST, CELEBES SEA ON THE
SOUTH & SOUTH CHINA SEA ON THE WEST AND NORTH
 It is divided into three main islands, LUZON, VISAYAS & MINDANAO
 Manila in Luzon is the country’s capital
 As of 2013, it has a population of 98.7 million Filipinos residing in the Philippines. Aside from this
number, an additional of about 10 million Filipinos are residing abroad. With these, Philippines ranked
12th most populous country in the world
 Its early inhabitants were the NEGROS
 The etymology of the name Philippines was derived from KING PHILIP II of SPAIN
 It is a constitutional republic with a presidential system of government
 Its defense is handled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the AFP, which is composed of the Air
Force, Army, and Navy
 It is a founding and active member of United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
or ASEAN

LANGUAGE, PEOPLE AND CULTURE

 Filipino is the main language in the country
 English is considered as the second language and is used as a medium of instruction since 1898
 The English language came to the Philippines through the Thomasians.

FERDINAND MAGELLAN
- Rediscovered the Philippines on March 16, 1521
After Magellan’s Expedition, several other expeditions were sent by Spain:
 Cabot
 Saavedra
 Loaisa
 Villalobos

MIGUEL LOPEZ DE LEGAZPI

 First Spanish governor of the Philippines
 Is said to be the founder of the City of Manila

Philippines has three major occupying forces:

  Spanish - 333 years
 Americans - 43 years
 Japanese - 3 years

Prior to the coming of the Spaniards, the Philippines was into barter trade
Religion in the Philippines is heavily influenced by the Spanish colonizes
Currently, around 80% of the country’s citizens are Roman catholic Christians

POLITICAL STRUCTURES AND SUBDIVISIONS

As of December 2016
Provinces – 81
Cities – 145
Municipalities – 1,489
Autonomous Regions – 2
Administrative Regions – 17 (as of August 2021)

CAR & REGION 1

CAR
 CAR - one of the autonomous regions in Philippines
 Established July 15, 1987, thru executive order 220 issued by President Corazon Aquino
 CAR Provinces: Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga & Mountain Province
 Regional center of CAR is the Chartered City of Baguio, Summer capital of Philippines
 Home of the industrious indigenous tribe called Igorot
 Have 9 Major Rivers

Delicacies such as:

 ABUOS – ant eggs as a main ingredient and it is also known as “ANT EGG CAVIAR.” Serve as adobo and it
can be also eaten as raw
 ARABICA – it is organically crown coffee bean (50 to 100 years old) organic
 LECHON – the difference of lechon in cordillera is they put herbs and vegetables
 ETAG – is a salted pork binuburo na pork or nilalagay sa ilalim ng lupa or sa mga jars) they use as an
ingredient in other viands. There are 2 processes in making etag, the smokes & fermented
 PALILENG – is a variant of liver fish and it is usually coaked in salt and vinegar
 PATUPAT – it is a rice delicacy that is wrapped in banana leaves
 PINIKPIKAN – native delicacy, they kill the chicken by beaten it
 SINUMAN – rice cake serves as dessert

📌ABRA
 Capital is BANGUED
 Name Abra is from GAP OR EL ABRA DE VIGAN OR GAP BETWEEN VIGAN

Attraction of Abra such as:

 CASA REAL – located in Bucay
  BOLINEY HOTSPRING – 32 kilometers, who love taking bath
 TUGOT NI ANGALO – footprint, found in San Quintin

Festival of Abra such as:

 KAWAYAN FESTIVAL – they celebrate the bamboo in their region
 DAPIL FESTIVAL – festival of sugar cane which is one of Abra’s made agriculture product for
manufacturing wines called (Basi) vinegar mascuvado
 ARYA ABRA FESTIVAL – celebrating Abra’s individuality, a long week celebration. It is a various sector in
the province each day they offer group of persons as a way of honoring them for what have done for the
province of Abra

📌APAYAO
 Name Apayao is Apa-yaw means “over taking”
 Capital is KABUGAO
 Known as the “LANDLOCKED PROVINCE”

Attraction of Apayao such as:

 APAYAO RIVER – features a number of waterfalls in other features as it runs to the center of Apayao
 LUSSOK CRYSTAL CAVE – has 3 room caves
 BAYUGAO FALLS – Has 3 tec natural falls

Festivals of Apayao such as:

 APAYAO DAY – Annual fiesta, had a February 14, consist of cultural act. Presenting pageant and sports.
 SAY-AM-TALIP-TADOC FESTIVAL – Celebration featuring ethnic songs and dances rituals.

📌 BENGUET
 Capital is LA TRINIDAD
 Benguet was from benget means “edge”
 It is the SALAD BOWL OF PHILIPPINES

Attraction of Benguet such as:

 ITOGON HOT SPRINGS – variety of adults and children made of a mountain with water coming of hot
springs also known as 13 thousand resorts.
 MOUNT PULAG – highest mountain peak in Luzon, altitudes of 9640feet above sea level, consider as a
playground of the gods by local folks. Have too many species of island floor, and fawn including famous
dwarf bamboos which covers picked of the mount pulag.
 KENNON ROAD – zigzag road going to Baguio, best appreciated as the famous lion’s head.

Festivals of Benguet such as:

 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – they celebrate by February
 ADIVAY FESTIVAL – 13 municipalities of Benguet gather together every November or December means
(thanksgiving and unity). Showcase their wealth and culture, natural resources, and agriculture.

📌IFUGAO
 Capital is LAGAWE
 Name Ifugao is from “i-pugo or of the hills”

Attractions of Ifugao such as:

  PULA & CAMBULO NATIVE VILLAGE – rustic village in the first leg of the trek of the road of Banaue to
Bangaan.
 PHILIPPINE WAR MEMORIAL SHRINE – a gigantic memorial shrine to commemorate the World War II.
(Ifugao native house) located in Linda Kalinga.
 BANAUE RICE TERRACES – start from the base of the mountain.

Festival of Ifugao such as:

 IMPAYAH FESTIVAL – The rich and colorful of Ifugao
 TUNGOH AND HUNGDUAN FESTIVAL – display of an indigenous arts and crafts of agricultural products
hosted at the municipality grounds. (Ethnic parade/ industrial) demonstrate the indigenous practices,
the rituals and dances and sports competition.

📌 KALINGA
 Capital is TABOC CITY
 Kalinga means “Enemy”
 Kalinga Province is the “Green Heart of Cordillera”

Attraction of Kalinga such as:

 MABILONG WEAVER VILLAGE – it is the center of the etnic giving industry in the province, it is along the
road and tourist can buy souvenirs directly from the rivers.
 BUSCALAN VILLAGE – mountain of the cordillera's Asian kalinga or (mambabatok) called Apong Wang
Od. (The tattoo artist).
 PALAN-AH FALLS AND HOT SPRING – this name of this waterfalls derived from the native (pinalpalang-
a) chair.

Festivals of Kalinga such as:

 ULLALIM FESTIVAL – Tourism and industry promotion event for 3 days February 13,until February 16,
showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Kalinga and their bountiful natural resources, sports
and indigenous food.
 UNOY FESTIVAL – for the thanksgiving of the Unoy Rice in other agricultural products the people and
the tinglayan.
 MATAGOAN FESTIVAL – celebrating the peaceful relationship between among the different tribes of
tabok. Showcases the indigenous practices arts and dances. Celebrating June of every year.

📌 MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
 Capital is BONTOC
 “Mountain Provinces mean Mountains”

Attractions of Mountain Province such as:

 BONTOC VILLAGE MUSEUM – Features the range of the artifacts grafted by the Igorots to be used for
traditional celebrations and practices or for domestic purposes.
 HANGING COFFIN – test of 2000 years old Igorot burial traditions. They used pine wood coffins
suspended of primitive wires and ropes. it is believed by the old Igorots (mga sinaunang igorots) this
practice of burial is (para malapit daw sa heaven) ito ang kanilang paniniwala.
 KILTEPAN VIEWPOINT – Spot faint for the amazing view of sun rise in Sagada, it is also called (kiltepan)
pick because this is the highest point in the area and bounded of the village of (kilong titep an). Gived
view kiltepan rice terraces.
Festivals of Mountain Province such as:
 LANG-AY FESTIVAL – weeklong agro industrial ride tourism and cultural fair with tribal dances and songs
in ful redalla. Share the happiness
 BEGNAS FESTIVAL – the gathering of the people in the province to have an ethnic offering of
thanksgiving for bountiful harvest. Pigs and chicken is being butchered for the family and clans food to
eat.

📌 REGION 1
 REGION 1 [Ilocos Region] - the home of history & home of some President such as Ferdinand Marcos &
Ramos
Delicacies such as:
 BAGNET – deep fried crispy pork belly that is usually served with chunks and bagoong and fermented
 BURONG ISDA – it is delicacy made from salted fish with fermented rice
 DINAKDAKAN – it is delicacy made from boiled and grilled pig. And this part is ear, liver and face of the
pig, also some they put the stomach and intestine of the pork
 DINENGDENG – it is a vegetable with bagoong or fermented fish or shrimp paste
 PINAKBET – with ampalaya as a main ingredient with bagoong
 POQUI POQUI – a vegetables dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes and egg
 REGION 1 Provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union & Pangasinan

📌 ILOCOS NORTE
 Capital is LAOANG CITY
 Ilocos means “ilokong - the law land”

Attractions Ilocos Norte such as:

 PAOAY CHURCH – this site build with a combination of Baroc Gothic & Oriented Architecture Design. It
is made of coral stones and bricks and it is a UNESCO world heritage sights. Destroy twice by
earthquakes 1706 & 1926
 LA PAZ SAND DUNES – it is a few minutes from the center of Laoag and you can go this with 4/4
vehicles. Can be driven up and down, it is built during the Spanish Colonial Period
 CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE – Bojeador on the South China Sea sell by also known as Bulgon Light
House
 BANGUI WINDMILLS – project by North Wind Development Operations as a practice for renewable
energy resources. Help to reduce house gases that causes of global warming
 KAPURPURAWAN WHITE ROCK FORMATION – approximately 30 mins for Bangi or Windmills

Festivals Ilocos Norte such as:

 GULING-GULING FESTIVAL – residents dressed in their Ilocano costumes and sing around the town
 FARMERS FESTIVAL – highlight street dance parade participated by dressed up farmers industrial trade
pair contest of biggest farm
 TALIP FESTIVAL – celebrated to pay tribute to the ancient peace packed that has brought lasting peace
between and among ethnic tribe of province of Ilocos Norte. Also aims to cultivate and highlight there
rich culture customs and indigenous tradition. Celebrate to enhance stronger ties among the other
tribes and Ilocano merging with them

📌 ILOCOS SUR
 Capital is VIGAN CITY
Attraction of Ilocos Sur such as:
 BURGOS MUSEUM – houses collection of father Burgos Memorabilia and photographies, families and
jewelleries, noli me tangere
 PAGBURNAYAN – Factory Makes Burni(jars) way back pre-colonial history. The used of jars is for
domestic purposes but both now for DE formative purposes
 CALLE CRISOLOGO – destination in Ilocos Sur this is a world heritage site famous for cobble stones
street. Colonial period night street light and Kalesa
 BALUARTE MINI ZOO – has animal from the Philippines and all over the world massive property owned
of former Chavit Singson. Cage animals & butterfly garden

Festival of Ilocos Sur such as:

 KANNAWIDAN FESTIVAL – commemoration of 2 province which is Ilocos Norte and Sur by the virtual of
the royal degree on Feb 2, 2018 consider as a prime festival of the province, cookfest
 VIVA VIGAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS – 1st week of May and its includes Binatbatan street dancing parade and
Sana Crusan Abel Iloco Fashion Show Exhibit trade fair and religious ritual and honor of the black
nazareno
 BAGNET FESTIVAL – held every December Narvacan where the town is banking on its culinary past in
more domestic and foreign tourist birth plays of Bagnet

📌 LA UNION
 Capital is SAN FERNANDO CITY
 La Union is Spanish word means the Union

Attraction of La Union such as:

 MA CHO TEMPLE – largest temple outside Japan and it was built in Sept 11, 1975 houses of images of
Ma Cho as well as other Chinese
 BAUANG BEACH – perfect for surfers during high tide. Place for both beginners and having experience
to hangout
 BALAY ANITO FALLS – popular to hikers who looks for something challenging
 BACSIL RIDGE MONUMENT – the most famous battle sight in La Union during World War II. It was
border established by the Japanese and the joint 12o first in gantry in regiment of united states arms
 SAN JUAN SURFING SITE – known for surfing

Festival of La Union such as:

 BAGGAK FESTIVAL – being held by April symbolizes the enthusiasm some of the Ilocano’s spirit, unity
and industry (baggak is morning star)
 DINENGDENG FESTIVAL – culinary state called dinengdeng , with backyard vegetables
 BASI FESTIVAL – held every week of May in town of Nagilad where in local celebrating the art of wine
making called Basi this are native local wine fermented by sugar cane

📌 PANGASINAN
 Pangasinan means PANG-ASINAN - SALT MAKING PLACE
 Capital is LINGAYEN
 3 developed island such as Governor Island, Children Island & Quezon Island

Attraction of Pangasinan such as:

 HUNDRED ISLAND NATIONAL PARK –
 PATAR BEACH –
  ENCHANTED CAVE – cave that has clear water with corals and Asian rocks. Trip of their cave is for
educational and fun.
 BOLINAO FALLS – composed of 2 water falls, ( bolinao falls 1 and bolinao falls 2).
 BOLINAO FALLS 1-underated and less filled of people both falls are pictures and a great places to go in a
nice refreshing, and has more rocks.

Festivals of Pangasinan such as:

 DUMAYO FESTIVAL – held annually to give thanks to the blessings that urdaneta city has receive
through the years. (bas bas ng pag iisang dibdib is the name of the activity or the free mass
wedding).bloodletting act., tree planting, preservation and lot more.
 PISTAY DAYAT – where the face of the sea annual coastal celebration of community lining in lingayen cal
,according to the old folks, the folks of lingayen started in early 1960s as a simple limited shoreline
community virtual of prayers, mills and marry men or about May 1.
 SIGAY FESTIVAL – fluvial parade/ motor boats from different barangays of binbale participate
 BANGUS FESTIVAL – isa sa pinakamalaking festival that is being held every year in pangasinan.( milkfish
or bangus).