Chocolate Hills

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Why did they name them chocolate?  Well, it's because if you go to the top of any of the 1,260 hills and take a bite from the top, they actually taste like the 90% cocoa chocolate.  Don't believe me, well, congratulations on passing this test.  The hills are covered in grass and as the dry season continues, the grass changes in colour from green to brown.  These sweet treats are around 30 to 50 meters high, meaning a tough walk up, but an exhilarating sprint and face dive down. I don't understand how there hasn't been a zorbing business created here. The Chocolate Hills are in the Bohol Province of the Philippines, as with most places in the Philippines, domestic flights and boats will become your friend on this island packed nation.  

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Banaue Rice Terraces

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With every country there is always a push to get an eight wonder of the world added, with their country in it.  Philippines answer to this is the Banaue Rice Terraces. Standing back and looking at this 2,000 years old rice extravaganza, carved into the mountains of Lfugao, you may think to yourself  'They do have a strong point'.  Especially when you realise that very few tools were used in the creation of this masterpiece.  So, when you ask about the irregularity of the rice steps, and give a quote for doing one in less time.  Be prepared for some pushback. These terraces are still being used today for the vegetable and rice needs of the people.  That's correct, shockingly they have diversified into vegetables, and to my mind this solves the reason why it's not the eight wonder. False advertising.

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Luzon

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If I had to draw a volcano it would be a simple triangle, with a tonne of lava coming out. Basic in drawing, but impressive in nature. The Mayon volcano or Mount Mayon is an active volcano with a “Perfect Cone” due to its symmetrical shape.   As impressive as this is, remember my drawing?  With lots of lava?  Well, the Mayon volcano has frequent eruptions leading to large evacuations of the neighbouring towns with the ash and mud raining down on the poor people below.  In 1814, 1200 people lost their lives due to an eruption. But, as you are visiting I'm sure it'll be fine.  You have bought travel insurance?  Yeah? Ok, then it will be fine. 

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Coron Island

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Beware of the instagrammer whilst on your travels to Coron Island.  This photogenic jungle clad rock fortress of a place is largely inaccessible.  A tour on a bangka is the way to see the island, this includes the Kayangan lake, Banol beach and the twin lagoons accessible by swimming through a tiny crevice.  This is where you can pull out your tiny crack jokes.   What's a bangka? Well, picture a boat with ski's either side and your about there.  There will be crowds,  there will be admission fees, but there is a lot of climbing adventures and snorkelling to enjoy. Just remember that it is appreciated to photo bomb as many pictures as possible.  I can feel the likes already.

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Fort Santiago

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Why does everything sound Spanish in the Philippines? Well, a history lesson will help you understand. Fort Santiago in Manila is a citadel that unsurprisingly built by the Spanish. The citadel is Jose Rizal's prison and place of execution. Jose Rizal was a writer  and key member of the propaganda movement.  In Fort Santiago Jose was executed for the crime of rebellion, bronze footprints in the ground to mark his final steps. During his excitation, the Filipino firing squad had their own Spanish firing squad if they fail to fire.  It's worth a look to find out more of this incredible story. 

Siquijor 

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Oh, you like beaches do you? Fancy a getaway that is off the beaten track.  But you are a smidge under your ideal budget.  Well, well, well, if only there was an Island retreat with sandy beaches, great snorkelling, waterfalls and a past riddled with witch doctors and magic potions.  Ahh well. If only.

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