LITMIR.BIZ

      The crystal clear waters of El Nido, Palawan, are fringed by limestone formations carpeted in thick vegetation.

      In the far south of the country, Mindanao attracts the most avid surfers for its annual Siargao Surfing Cup, although the western side of the island remains largely off-limits due to Muslim separatist unrest.

      To the west of the archipelago is Palawan, a largely wild and unspoiled island. The Bacuit archipelago comprises incredible limestone formations jutting out of crystal clear waters. The best time to visit is between November and April, during the dry season. The wet season, from May to October, brings high humidity and typhoons, with flights and ferries often canceled. In a country battered by an average of twenty typhoons a year, Filipinos have the extraordinary ability to smile and remain optimistic in the face of disaster.

      MEET THE FILIPINOS

      EXUBERANCE, HOSPITALITY AND DEFERENCE

      Undoubtedly one of the world’s friendliest peoples, Filipinos are renowned for their warm hospitality. The Philippines is probably Asia’s most Westernized nation, largely as the result of more than three centuries of Spanish and American rule; people wear Western clothes, speak English and practice Catholicism. But underneath this Western veneer, age-old traditions are still very much alive.

      Filipinos are known to be exceptionally friendly and approachable. Don’t be intimidated or offended if a stranger quizzes you about your personal life. Filipinos are often intrigued by foreigners and don’t feel shy about asking personal questions. They are a gentle, kind-hearted people who do not respond well to shouting or anger, and find it difficult to say “no”. “Yes” can variously mean “yes”, “no” or “maybe”. This can cause much frustration among Westerners, although it is simply the result of Filipinos’ innate desire to please those around them. They dislike broaching awkward subjects for fear of losing face. Failure to be sensitive, disagreeing with others and getting angry in public can cause hiya, or deep shame.

      One of the most admirable qualities of Filipinos is their ability to always smile and be positive in the face of calamity. Filipinos show their respect by using the Tagalog honorific “po” (“sir” or “mam”) when addressing others. “Po” is often added at the end of sentences when speaking to someone who is older or of higher social rank.

      A group of Filipino children pose for a photo.

      The Ifugao people of the Cordilleras.

      “Cowgirls” line up during a rodeo festival featuring cattle wrestling as part of the 103rd Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming of Central Mindanao University in Musuan.

      Street performers pose in traditional dress at Manila’s annual Aliwan Fiesta, which showcases the country’s Filipino cultures and heritage.

      Asia’s Bastion of Christianity

      Home to 86 million Christians, the Philippines is the fifth largest Christian country in the world and is Asia’s only Catholic nation along with East Timor. Following the Spanish conquest of the archipelago in the 16th century, Catholic missionaries spread Christianity throughout the islands. In the tribal heartland of the Cordilleras ethnic groups avoided Spanish annexation largely thanks to their remote location. Over time the faithful integrated pre-Hispanic beliefs with Catholic rites and rituals, resulting in a syncretic religion known as Folk Catholicism. A good example of this practice includes venerating saints that are not recognized by the Catholic Church, and praying to animist spirits for abundant harvests.

      Processions, fiestas and Catholic rites like All Saints Day, Holy Week and Christmas are rigorously observed and are official public holidays. In recent years, new Catholic movements such as El Shaddai, along with Protestant movements, including Jesus Lord Church and Iglesia ni Cristo, have spread across the country.

      Manila’s Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, colloquially known as Quiapo Church, houses the Black Nazarene, an ebony statue of Jesus Christ believed to be miraculous.

      Filipino families attend Mass at the Santo Niño Parish Church in Tacloban City, Leyte Island.

      A statue of Jesus Christ outside Baguio City’s rose-colored Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral.

      Men and women light votive candles in an act of prayer.

      Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is held in honor of the Santo Niño, or Baby Jesus, with a grand parade featuring boisterous celebrations and vibrant costumes.

      A young man paints a street mural in Manila, said to be the world’s longest peace mural spanning 2.35 miles (3.77km).

      Customs and traditions vary widely

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