ChiChi Bacolod

Nationality: Filipino.

Occupation/Location: Blogger, Cebu City Philippines.

How did you find about the Philippines?

N/A.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

El Nido, Coron, Sagada, Baguio, Potipot, Calaguas, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Ilocos region.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

With over 7,000 islands in the Philippine archipelago, there’s no shortage of exciting places to see. Most of us have only just begun to explore the backyard that we call the Philippines.

     Food

Some would say that Filipino food is a little too sweet and oily. I say they haven’t tried Ilocos’ distinct cuisine or Bicol region’s fiery hot food. They also haven’t taken a bit out of the famous Cebu’ lechon which made Anthony Bourdain declare that it’s the best he’s eaten. Yeah, I’m bisaya and proud!

     Culture

From the mountains of Sagada to the Ivatans of Batanes to the Moros and Chavacanos of Mindanao. From north to south and east to west, the Philippines is composed of a number of different customs and traditions that coexist to form the hybrid that is the Filipino culture.

     People

Filipinos are world-renowned for their generosity, hospitality and a general attitude of ‘Bahala Na’ (It’s all up to fate.). You can immediately get a sense of the Filipino attitude by just listening – Everywhere you go you will hear singing. We are a fun-loving, family-oriented, karaoke-loving, Pacquaio-mad nation.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

The nation’s airport could certainly use a revamp. This is the first thing that foreigners see. We can perhaps invest in what kind of impression we give them. Another revamp to consider would be the nation’s tourism strategy. There are campaigns starting and a lot of new media people are helping out but I still think a huge campaign for the country should be initiated by the Department of Tourism.

What do you like about the Philippines?

There are more reasons to like our country than there is to hate it. The beauty in the Philippine landscape alone can rival any country. Our festivals or fiestas, our beaches, our food. We have so much to offer.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

L-R: 1) Coron, Palawan: It’s one of the Philippines’ paradise. With it’s secret beaches and coves, tiny little paradise of islands, hot springs, surrounding waters that are great for snorkeling and diving and the country’s cleanest lakes – who can help but call it paradise?; 2) El Nido, Palawan: Who says El Nido is just for the rich and royal? We enjoyed all that the island had to offer on a tight budget of less than P7,000. The budget didn't stop me from enjoying all the wonderful treasures that Palawan has to offer. Nope, the tight budget didn't deter us one bit.; 3) Calaguas, Camarines Norte: As virgin and untouched a beach can get. In this little island off the town of Daat in Camarines Norte, there are no hotels or resorts. There’s no electricity, not even plumbing. If you want to experience one of the best beaches in the Philippines, then head on to Calaguas.; 4) Sagada, Mountain Province: Located 16 hours north of Manila, Sagada is where I go to experience the mountains, rice terraces, caves and its numerous waterfalls. It’s amazing, beautiful and breath-taking. ; 5) Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte: The windmills of Bangui is a distinct landmark that you have set foot in this bagnet-eating region. It boasts not only of this but of 100-year old churches, lighthouses, amazing rock formations, waterfalls and beautiful beaches.

Do you have a website or blog?

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