The Philippines is home to the world’s only “Pearl of the Orient”, as its capital city is titled, and Manila offers any visitor an intriguing Southeast Asian experience emblematic of island life in a modern context. For a truly immersive experience in the city, consider staying at one of the many stellar serviced apartments Manila caters to its international visitors. The Somerset Millennium Makati offers business and leisure visitors some of the finest Manila serviced residences in the city, which provide a welcome home away from home experience. If you’ve got time for a weekend excursion, head over to the unique island of Boracay located around 200 miles off the coast of Manila. Famed for its pristine and powdery sand beaches and glistening sapphire waters, it provides the quintessential island experience in the form of water sports such as snorkeling, helmet diving, kiteboarding, scuba diving, windsurfing, cliff diving, and provides the perfect environment for some beach relaxation. If you fancy a round of golf, Boracay is home to an exquisite 18-par, 720hole golf course designed by Graham Marsh, and it is home to over 350 tourist hotels that offer the perfect option for a romantic getaway. Boracay also boasts a riveting nightlife saturating the various bars, restaurants and clubs on its premises. This island is famous for some local events, such as the Ati-Atihan, which is an annual feast to commemorate the deity of Infant deities in some Christian communities around the world. Boracay also hosts the famous dragon boat races that are emblematic of East Asian culture, and it will host the Asian Games Centennial Festival in November 2013 in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Oriental Games. No matter what time of year you visit, Boracay is always bustling with activity, so explore this eclectic isle when you’re next in the Philippines.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
