Philippine Tourist Attraction-term Paper

Philippines Tourist Attraction

PHILIPPINE

TOURIST

ATTRACTION

Names:

Kristina Abalos

Kristel Kim Allanigue

Lady Glaidelle Altes

Gayle Therese Basilio

Francis Matthew Castro

Lianne Esguerra

Holy Angel University

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I. IntroductionII. Luzon

A. Bat Caves in Philippine1. History & Facilities………………………………….page12. Image of Bat Cave in Philippines…………………..page2

B. Puerto Galera1. History & Facilities…………………………………page82. I mages & Views……………………………………page9

C. Monestrio de tarlac1. History………………………………………………page162. Views………………………………………………..page17

D. Scenic Candaba Swamps1. History & location………………………………….page182. Images……………………………………………... page19

E. Vigan1. History & Facilities……………………………….. page202. Views……………………………………………….page21

F. Bolinao1. Facilities & History……………………………….. page222. Views……………………………………………….page23

III. VisayasA. Boracay Butterfly Garden

1. History & Facilities………………………………..page32. Images & Views……………………………………page4

B. Punta Cruz Watch Tower1. History & facilities…………………………………page102. Images………………………………………………page11

C. Sumilon Island1. History & facilities…………………………………page122. Views…………………………………………........page13

IV. MindanaoA. Katibawasan falls

1. Facilities & history…………………………………page62. Images & Views…………………………………....page7

B. Subterranean River National Park1. History & Locations………………………………..page142. Views & images…………………………………....page15

V. Reference…………………..............................................page24

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I. Introduction

Philippines an exotic tourist destination in Southeast Asia boasts of several fascinating tourist

destinations of the world. Sprawling across 300,000 square kilometers, the beautiful archipelago

is home to 7,107 enchanting islands. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao constitute the main island

groups in the country. The country is renowned for its beautiful islands, golden beaches,

astonishing volcanoes, numerous diving spots and exotic wildlife among other Philippines tourist

attractions. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners and adventure seekers are all lured

by the major Philippines tourist attractions. Apart from its scenic surroundings, Philippines also

boasts of major cultural and historic sites. You can unwind the past with architectural marvels of

Vigan in Ilocos and the remains of Second World War. The colorful festivals are celebrated with

much gusto and make for major Philippines tourist attractions. Philippines is the Land of

Freedom and Beauty. It is a country, which has its own origin, history and culture. Its identity

has been rooted from the heritage of its forefathers. Each and every Filipino citizen should value

the legacy of a glorious past, the greatness of its race and the character and traits that are

distinctly Filipino. Travel to Philippines and discover the wonders of the country. Come across

the beautiful world-class white sand beach resorts like Boracay and Panglao. The unique

cultural, historical and architectural heritages of the Philippines are other also worth discovering

on your Philippines Tour. The beautiful colonial structures of Vigan in Ilocos and World War II

markers of Manila never fail to fascinate its visitors. The Filipinos are vibrant and fun loving

people and like to celebrate almost every occasion with great fanfare. The vibrant and colorful

festivals are major tourist attractions in the Philippines. Philippines has hundreds of

colorfulfestivals, celebrated all round the year in one or other part of the country. Visit and

discover the enchanting Philippines in all its hues on your tours to Philippines.

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BAT CAVES IN PHILIPPINES

Bat caves in Philippines is one of the most tourist attraction in Philippines. Bat Caves in

Philippines are home to thousands of giant fruit bats. These caves are located on a rocky coast

east of Yapak. Beside the home-trees of the Flying Foxes, one will find three distinct caves, the

Crystal Cave, the Buslugan Cave, and the Bat Cave. The last one, the Bat Cave, shelters the cave

bats. The cave is populated by giant fruit bats and cave bats that emerge from the caves to forage

for food with the descent of the dusk. Bat Cave is a series of small caves leading to the actual Bat

Cave which is also easy to get to by land. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders,

and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the

stones are extremely slippery with slime and bat guano, as well as extremely dangerous, since

the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in

addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. There are bats in the cave, but down

at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see

them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. The 7,107

islands of the Philippines one of the world's top ten biodiversity "hotspots" are home to a diverse

and invaluable community of 74 species of bats. But their very existence is threatened every day.

Philippine bats are relentlessly hunted as bush meat, and their cave roosts are lost to improper

guano mining, recreational caving and the commercial harvesting of swift let nests used in bird-

nest soup. Their populations are declining throughout the islands.

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BAT CAVE IN THE PHILIPPINES

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BORACAY BUTTERFLY GARDEN

The Boracay Butterfly Garden was opened to the general public in April, 2005. It holds a

Wildlife and Collector's Permit from the DENR/PAWB and is registered to breed butterflies.

This garden originally started as a hobby in 2001 for Patrick Manion, a retired chemist from New

Zealand and his Filipino wife, Adela Jaudian, who comes from Dumaguete City, Negros

Oriental. It is endowed with spectacular landscape and simply amazing scenery.Boracay

Butterfly Garden in Philippines is one of the famous tourist attractions in Philippines. The

beautiful, netted, tropical garden that contains hundreds of live Philippine butterflies of many

different species, and in excess of 150 plant species. Boracay Butterfly Garden in Philippines is

situated on the Bolabog Beach, on a 1600 sq.m beachfront property, which is only a 4 minute

walk from the D'Mall Shopping Centre or a 7 minute walk from White Beach, via the path that

runs on the north side of the BWSS. The adjoining Gift Shop specializes in Philippine

Handicrafts, eg Romblon marble, nito, abaca, Aklan pottery, etc. The restaurant serves light

snacks and hot/cold drinks. The same building may be rented out for private parties.One of its

specialties is providing live butterfly releases for weddings and other special occasions. The most

perfect facilities here is Centrally located on the island, this property is only a 4-minute walk to

the D'Mall Shopping Centre, with all its shops, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, ATM's, bars,

and 7 minutes walk to the White Beach. All cottages are well appointed with contemporary

amenities as well as are fully furnished with beautiful decors and have well equipped kitchens

that gives you a feel of home, while away from home.

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THE BORACAY BUTTERFLY GARDEN IMAGES

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KATIBAWASAN FALLS

Katibawasan Falls is one of the treasured gifts nature has bestowed to the island of Camiguin. It

is one of the many waterfalls Camiguin has to offer. It is located 5 kilometers southeast of

Mambajao at the foot of Mt.Timpoong in Camiguin, Philippines. It is about 250 feet which

cascades 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by trees, wild ferns and the like. It is very ideal

for swimming as the falls tumble down into the green pool. Tourist are welcome to swim. It is an

ideal place to cool off during hot and humid days. There is however an entrance fee of 30 pesos

per person since the falls is maintained by the province. Giant ferns decorate the surrounding

land, carpeting the spaces and huge trees and dropping vines provides the backdrop the falls.

Katibawasan Falls is maintained by the Local Government of Camiguin and a minimal fee of 15

pesos for adult and 6 pesos for children are collected for the maintenance of the area. Upon

entering the gated area, a monkey amuses tourists but be sure to stay 2 meters away just for

safety precaution. A concrete step would lead you down to the pool area. Katibawasan Falls is

not really as majestic as Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City or comparable toTinago Falls but it’s

something one can be proud off. Before, there used to be a lot of water cascading down the pool

area but lately, it has been greatly affected by El Niño. Outside the gated area of Katibawasan

Falls, you can find different souvenir shops which sells printed t-shirt, hand-made bracelets and

wallets and a whole lot more. They also sell beverages and chips. Katibawasan Falls is 5-10

minutes away from from Camiguin Highland Resort and about 15 minutes from Bahay-

Bakasyunan and Balbagon Sea Port. It is 20 minutes away from the Airport of Camiguin but the

lone flights coming from Cebu are recently stopped because of maintenance issues.

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KATIBAWASAN FALLS IMAGE

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PUERTO GALERA

The Spaniards discovered Puerto Galera in the early 16th century as a safe haven for their

trade ships during heavy squalls and typhoons; the words literally mean 'Port of the Galleons'.

The sheltered Bay of Puerto Galera itself remains an anchorage for boats during bad weather to

this day, although it's the beaches of Small La laguna and Sabang that now provide the main

attraction to new comers. Puerto Galera, one of the oldest settlements of the religious

missionaries, was founded in 1574 as the original capital of Mindoro . Originally, the town was

located at the Lagundian, now a "sitio", chosen by the Spanish authorities as the provincial

capital due to its excellent harbor and natural beauty. But due to its susceptibility to moro raids,

the Spaniards were forced to transfer the town from the Lagundian to the present site, which they

named Puerto Galera. The town was popularly known as "Puerto Galera" (Port of the Galleons).

Spanish galleons coming from Mexico and Spain used the presence of an excellent port or

berthing place to take refuge during stormy weather before proceeding to Manila .

The mountains and the good harbor nearby served the Spaniards well as shields from the

moro pirates and other marauders. Several guard houses and watch towers were built at the top

of the surrounding mountains. The biggest was constructed at Dampalitan Point, north of the

town facing Batangas Channel. Public and Military headquarters, hospitals, warehouses and a

convent made of stone were also erected through the efforts of both the church and the state. A

wharf was also built at Muelle Bay . Adjacent to this stood a warehouse for rice, which caught

fire one night. It is widely believed that the charcoaled grains, popularly known as "black

rice", till remain scattered at the shores of Muelle up to this day.

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PUERTO GALERA IMAGES

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PUNTA CRUZ WATCH TOWER

In Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran City, a curious triangular watch tower oversees the

seas South of Bohol. From its windows at the top, you can see Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao.

The Spanish had it build in 1796 as a look-out post against pirates and Muslim marauders, who

at that time where a plague to the people of Bohol. Punta Cruz Watch Tower is a beautiful

specimen of architecture built by the Spanish in 18th century. You will have to travel just for 13

kilometers from Tagbilaran City in Maribojoc, to visit this triangle-shaped Punta Cruz Watch

Tower in Philippines. You will be able to get spectacular views of Cebu, Siquijor and Mindanao

from this place in Bohol.Bohol, an island province in Central Philippines is otherwise, famous

for its lofty hills, gushing waterfalls, silvery beaches, and intriguing variety of wildlife and

remnants of colonial architecture. If you are a nature-lover seeking a spot for eco-tourism, you

can straight head towards Bohol holding forth attractions like Punta Cruz Watch Tower in

Philippines. Overlooking the seas in the southern part of Bohol, this watch tower was constructed

with the purpose of guarding off against pirates and Muslim piranhas. These invaders were

infamous for bugging the safety and peace of Bohol in 18th century.While watching out from the

tower, today, you can have a gala relaxed time with drinks and snacks. Relish the beauty of the

spot and have a picnic. Today the Punta Cruz watch tower still provides an excellent view. The

site now offers a small stall for buying drinks and snacks and makes a good spot for a picnic and

a swim -- although you'll have to watch out when you climb on the very sharp rocks.

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PUNTA CRUZ WATCH TOWER IMAGE

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SUMILON ISLAND

Sumilon which means “take refuge”. The history of Sumilon Island speaks well of bravery and

national loyalty, two of the traits that the Filipinos are well known for. In 1813, a historical battle

took place that claimed the victory for the townsfolk, and put an end to the then relentless attacks

by pirates – the last attack being in the year 1782 when the church was left looted and destroyed

by marauders.

Aside from religious duties, a young 25 year old Spanish Augustinian monk named Julian

Bermejo led the battle for the local folks, masterminding a simple defense plan which ultimately

brought the looting to a stop. Later on he also introduced livelihood skills, finished a new church

by first securing its premises by thick walls using mortar and coral blocks and constructing a two

story watch tower. This feat proved to be a success and to this day, the Spanish tower and the

church remains to be a treasure to the people of Sumilon.It is a small 24 hectare island located in

the southeastern tip of Cebu that is a favorite diving milieu for all enthusiasts. Dubbed as the

country’s first marine reserve, Sumilon Island is a treasure trove of hundreds of marine flora and

fauna species guaranteed to give a truly unique diving experience. More to that, its white sand

beaches are a venue for all beach sports and activities. This island is by far the most popular

diving spot in the whole of Visayas because of its amazing underwater views. When before its

corals were seriously ravaged by the Muro Ami fishermen with the use of the dynamite fishing

technique, now it has flourished into a world class 39-hectare marine sanctuary that serves as a

home to thousands of aquatic species – the Muro Ami left only to fill the pages of history.

Activities include bird watching, beach picnics with the family, fishing, hiking, island tours,

paddling and trekking.

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SUMILON ISLAND IMAGES

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SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometres

(31 mi) north of the city center of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The National Park is

located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. It is bordered by St.

Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto

Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. It is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean

River National Park, or St. Paul Underground River. The entrance to the Subterranean River is a

short hike from the town of Sabang. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of

the 28 finalists for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" competition. The beauty of the steep

peaks composed of limestone enhance the lush natural environment as well as the rolling

coastline and bountiful rice paddies. Saint Paul Cave is a notable feature in the park due to its

vast and varied quantity of animal life that are supported in and around its vicinity. Also notable

is the park’s ecosystem that runs all the way up in the mountains, right down to the sea. The park

is also considered to have some very significant Asian forests. The immaculate white sand

beaches and unmolested natural aesthetics are also unique to this natural park. It is believe to be

one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world which features cathedral-like

caverns and domes. The stalactites and stalagmites formation resembles like religious images,

fruits and birds. Truly, an admirable underworld that project the omnipotence of the Creator over

human hands. The Underground River is home to other cove dwelling fauna. This National Park

is currently a popular destination for visiting bird-watchers, and most of the threatened and

restricted range birds of the Palawan Endemic Bird Area have been recorded here. Several

threatened species are regularly seen in the extensive lowland forests and substantial number of

Palawan Phesant Peacock and Philippine Cockatoo are found in the park.

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SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK IMAGES

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MONASTERIO DE TARLAC

Cited as the most revered pilgrimage site in Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism,

region III, on account of its spiritual prominence is the Monasterio de Tarlac located in Brgy.

Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac. Enshrined at the Monastery's Church of the Risen Christ is the sacred

relic of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified and has died. The reliquary is

known to be the only one in the entire continent of Asia. The veneration of the True Cross finds

its origin in the legend of Helena. According to Christian tradition, when Emperor Constantine

granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., his mother, Queen

Helena, later in 326 A.D. made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate those places sacred to

Christians and find the Cross of Jesus. With the help of Christians there, she found many places

where Jesus lived, and carried out his ministry. Queen Helena had churches built in many of

these sacred sites (e.g., the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre, the Calvary, the Nativity, etc.). She also

found the True Cross, buried under a pagan temple, the nails, and the title that was affixed to the

Cross. She is said to have verified the true cross among the three that were unearthed through

miracles (a dead girl was restored to life when touched by the True Cross) . She left part of the

Cross in Jerusalem, gave part to her son in Constantinople, and took part back to Rome where

the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was built. Pieces of the Cross were venerated as holy

relics, and fragments were given as gifts to many churches in Europe. The relic of the True Cross

found its way to Tarlac through Frater Ronald Thomas Cortez, or Frater Archie, Prior of the

Servants of the Risen Christ, a monastic congregation of brothers who has vowed to live a

monastic and contemplative life. At Tarlac's Church of the Risen Christ where the relic is

enshrined, inscribed atop the altar are the latin words: Ave, Crux, Spes, Unica. This means Hail,

the Holy Cross, Our Only Hope.

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MONASTERIO DE TARLAC IMAGES

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SCENIC CANDABA SWAMPS

Candaba was formerly known as Candawe. It is one of the oldest settlements during the pre-

Hispanic time, long before the encomenderos took hold of the town in 1593.A bird sanctuary and

a haven for bird watchers, thousands of wild ducks migrate here during winter in China. The

swamps are communal fishing grounds encompassing some 430 km² of highly arable land. Here

the province's best produce, watermelon, muskmelon, which find their way to world markets, are

produced. Candaba swamps are very fertile due to its sustained deposits of humus and decaying

vegetable residues. Migrant wild ducks and various bird wildlife escape winter winds

from China and Siberia making Candaba their yearly sanctuary. Hunting birds in the swamp are

a tourist attraction. The place profiles the Central Plains of Luzon, with farming and fishing as

the main livelihood of the populace. During the summertime melons and water melons abound in

the area making the market area a bee-hive of activities with several carts filled with this kind of

fruits. Candaba Swamp is located in the municipality of Candaba, Pampanga, 60 km northeast

of Manila. The swamp encompasses about 32,000 ha, composed of freshwater ponds, swamps

and marshes surrounded by seasonally flooded grasslands. During the wet season, the entire area

becomes submerged underwater, but dries out during the months of November to April, when the

swamp is converted to farmland by the locals. WHAT TO SEE: Migratory birds spend winter in

the Philippines or pass through the islands on their way to points South and North on their return

trip to their native habitats. Egrets and indigenous birds like the rare salaksak and batala can be

observed especially during dry months when the fishponds turn to rice fields - when large

numbers of egrets descend on shallow pools teeming with snails and small fish. In 1982, about

100,000 ducks were observed in a single day, thus having the largest concentration of birds in the

country

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SCENIC CANDABA SWAMPS IMAGES

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VIGAN

Vigan witnessed several revolts of Filipinos against the Spaniards. One of them was Diego

Silang, who overtly raised a violent battle against the invaders. After his death, his wife

continued the battle but similarly then captured and executed. Juan de Salcedo, grandson of

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, settled in Vigan in 1572 and renamed the area Villa Fernandina after

his King’s son. He built Vigan patterned after his grandfather’s construction of Intramuros. In

1755, the seat of Nueva Segovia, the diocese of northern Luzon that was first established in

Cagayan, was moved to Vigan. The cathedral was built in 1790 and 1800 and stood out among

Vigan’s beautiful sights. Since then, the city was developed by the Chinese merchants and

artisans who inherited the next aristocracy.Vigan as well is the native home of Padre Burgos, one

of three Filipino priests who were executed by the Spaniards to warn the natives of putting up

more revolts against them. His house is now recognized as a prestigious museum containing

articles used by the Tinguians (the tribe once inhabited the district), details of the arrivals of the

Spaniards, and the Filipinos’ difficult life at the time of their occupation.Vigan is geographically

situated to be very near Fujian, China. It is said that if one were to travel by ship to the

Philippines from Fujian, he would reach Vigan by nightfall if he left Fujian at daybreak. And

since there was a long history of trade with the natives, Vigan became a favorite port of entry to

the Philippines. Vigan was destined to duplicate the original layout of Intramuros, Manila. It had

the same stately stone mansions, cobblestoned streets and spacious plazas one can still see in

existence in Intramuros today. Like Intramuros, the streets were designed in a pattern that would

ensure that one side would always be shaded to shield pedestrians from the tropical sun.

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VIGAN IMAGES

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BOLINAO

Folk etymology attributes the name "Bolinao" or this remote fishing enclave from the fish piece

"monamon" but commonly called "Bolinao" by the Tagalogs, Bicolanos and the Visayans. A

theory also points out that once upon a time "pamulinawen" trees grew luxuriantly along its

shores, thus, the Ilocano migrants who crossed the Lingayen Gulf named it phonetically similar

to the name of the tree. Nowadays, however, such tree does not exist anymore. Bolinao was

founded by Capt. Pedro Lombi in 1575, an island known as "Binabalian" meaning "old town"

with few hundred settlers. Bolinao and other western Pangasinan towns were once part of

Zambales. It was the year 1903 when Bolinao and other western towns were transferred to

Pangasinan due to its proximity to the capital town of Lingayen. Bolinao is situated at the

northwestern tip of Pangasinan and the Lingayen Gulf. It is bounded on the north and west by

China Sea, on the south by the rolling hills and plateaus of Bani, and on the east by Kakiputan

Channel; this body of water separates Bolinao from the only island town of Pangasinan -- Anda

-- which is formerly part of Bolinao. It is approximately 274 kilometers north of Manila via

Camiling town of Tarlac, 79 kilometers away from the capital town of Lingayen, 98.5 kms. away

from Dagupan City, 115 kms. away from San Carlos City and 125 kms. away from Urdaneta,

Pangasinan.

Regular trips to the municipality are available with Dagupan Bus Co., Five Star, Victory

Liner, Philippine Rabbit, Times Transit, Byron Express and scores of mini-buses going from

Bolinao to Dagupan and vice-versa. Jeepneys also ply the Alaminos-Bolinao routes while

motorized bancas make trips between the island barangays. A one hour boat ride is also available

from San Fernando, La Union to Bolinao.

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BOLINAO IMAGES

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III. REFERENCE (Internet Sources)

http://www.itravelphilippines.net/philippines-tourist-destinations/index.html

http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/philippines/philippines-tourist-attractions/index.html= tourist spot

http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/philippines/philippines-tourist-attractions/boracay-butterfly-garden-in-philippines.html

http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/philippines/philippines-tourist-attractions/index.html=boracay butterfly garden

http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/philippines/philippines-tourist-attractions/bat-caves-in-philippines.html = bat caves

http://www.puerto-galera-resorts.com/Brief_History_of_Puerto_Galera.php = puerto galera

http://www.bohol.ph/article17.html= Punta Cruz Watch Tower

http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/sumilon-island.php -Sumilon

http://www.heritagetraveller.com/asia-world-heritage-site/philippines/puerto-princesa-subterranean-river-national-park/- Subterranean River National Park

http://ding-explore.blogspot.com/2010/04/pilgrimage-in-monasterio-de-tarlac.html -Monesterio De Tarlac

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080113-112109/17000-birds-sighted-in-Candaba-swamp - Scenic Candaba Swamps

http://www.camperspoint.com/spip.php?article244 –Vigan

http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl013324.htm, http://judydumaran.blogspot.com/ bolinao

http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=ktbwsn = Katibawasan Falls

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Philippine Tourist Attraction-term Paper

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