Nationality: Dutch
Occupation/Location: Financial Controller/Amsterdam, the Netherlands
How did you find about the Philippines?
I travel to many places in the world as a tourist but Southeast Asia is my favorite destination. After visiting Thailand and Malaysia several times I wanted to discover the Philippines.
What Philippine locations have you visited?
Manila, Puerto Galera in Mindoro , Sabang in Batangas, Angeles City in Pampanga, Boracay in Panay, Mactan in Cebu. Next destination will be Palawan.
What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?
Places
Manila: Shopping malls such as Robinsons in Ermita, Ayala in Makati and the Mall of Asia by Manila Bay are great places to spend your time in Manila, as well as Intramuros where you find some rest in the bustling city. In the weekend evenings Greenbelt Three at Ayala in Makati is cool and the place to be.
Mindoro: Has great nature, diving spots and beaches (especially White beach)
Angeles City: For the guys who look for it: Fields Avenue. Aside from that and an international airport with a free tax zone, there is nothing to do there.
Boracay: They try to be the best beach in Asia and maybe they are succeeding. White beach is beautiful at the day and cozy in the evening. Don’t forget to visit the Amazing Show opposite the D-Mall. It is a bit expensive but it is it worth and the dancers really deserve your visit!!!
Cebu: Mactan Island for the beaches and Cebu City for sightseeing, shopping and going out at night. Don’t forget to visit the Chinese temple, Fort San Pedro and to make a day trip to Bohol Island.
Food
So far I have not found out what the typical Philippine food is, it looks like a mix of Thai and Malaysian food.
Culture
The culture is a mix of Asian soul, Christian religion, the American way of thinking and Spanish names.
People
The people make you feel welcome in the Philippines: MABUHAY!
What do you dislike about the Philippines?
I dislike the typhoons and traffic jams. I do not close my eyes to the poorness of many people.
What do you like about the Philippines?
I like the people, the Asian culture, the nature, the beaches, the good dive and snorkeling places and the nightlife. Most of all: I find my rest in the Philippines because there is so far no mass tourism of Western people such as there is in Thailand or Bali. The Philippines makes me feel relaxed after a busy period of hard working.
Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.
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