Yes, the Philippines is a tropical paradise and yes, it has some of the best beaches you can swing a hammock on, but there is plenty more to this country than just a pretty face. It has unique wildlife and dramatic scenery, and chances are you won’t be sharing the experience with hordes of tourists.

So forget about the beaches for a moment. Here are four other reasons to visit the Philippines.

Rice Terraces

The Philippines’ rice terraces are quite rightly touted as one of the eight wonders of the world. They were carved out of the mountainsides in North Luzon 2000 years ago, and it’s said that if they were laid end to end they’d stretch halfway round the globe. A couple of the best places to see them are around Banaue and Batad, which are a nine-hour bus ride north of Manila – so most travellers to the country don’t venture there. Their loss! Head here to see the rice terraces’ dramatic landscape, to experience the serene atmosphere of the mountains, to hike on paths where you won’t see another soul for days and to witness the traditional way of life which still exists here.

Tarsiers

Tarsiers are tiny primates (so small in fact that they can sit in the palm of your hand), which are endemic to a few islands in Southeast Asia. They have enormous eyes, soft velvety fur and long fingers. Still can’t picture it? Think of the cute one from the gremlins and you’re not far off. The species is endangered but some efforts are being made to help them on the island of Bohol, which has a sanctuary called the Tarsier Research and Development Center, where you can go and see the little fellas.

Coffins

Now bear with me on this. They may not be a typical tourist attraction but the hanging coffins in Sagada are a fascinating insight into the region’s culture. Found on the cliffsides of a valley nestled in the mountain province, which lies 275mk north of Manila, this traditional way of burying people (which is no longer used) is only found in a handful of places in the world. To get there requires some dedication. The journey involves a 12-hour bus ride from the capital, the last few hours through dramatic winding mountains passes and unsealed roads. Ladies, a sports bra is definitely recommended. The area around Sagada also has great trekking, along with waterfalls and caves to explore – some of which are burial caves so if you’re not coffin-ed out here’s a chance to see a few more.

Smiles

Aah – the famous Filippino smile. It may not sound like something that’s worth visiting a country for but the old adage it true, it is the people that make the place. Throughout the archipelago you’ll find people are friendly and curious, wanting to know where you’re from – often shouting out their guess at where you’re from – and where you’re heading. At times when you’re not feeling in the best mood yourself, for example when you and 25 others are squashed in the back of a jeepney built for 10, if you glance around you’ll always find lots of smiles and laughter that will instantly lighten your mood.

Visa Free for Pinoys

No Visa Required for Filipinos in the Following Countries…

Asia

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

It’s the third year the designer has hosted his fashion show competition at the New Bilibid maximum security prison in Muntinlupa City, a city in southern Metro Manila.

Since 2007 he has been teaching male prisoners convicted of rape, murder and kidnap how to create gowns and accessories to be worn on the runway by professional models; his contribution to National Correctional Consciousness Week.

This year cash prizes of P10,000 (USD$227) and sewing machines have been put up for each category winner.

But for some, his presence inside a correctional facility is more than a little apt.

While the designer is working to give these inmates — with sentences of 20 years and up — a second chance, Quiñones himself is awaiting the rest of the Philippines to give him his second chance.

February 14, 2011, Quiñones was implicated in a “re-tagging” scandal.

A suit commissioned from him by then soon-to-be-newlyweds Jhon Maala and Shea Gamboa had been delivered with a Dansen care tag (a consigned brand at SM department store) tucked in one of the inside pockets, just above the suit’s label: “BOBON by Puey Quinones.”

The couple was charged P30,000 (USD $668) for it, while the Dansen suit retails for P3,000 (USD $67).

“Makukulong ka sa ginawa mo… Ibalik mo pera namin! Isa kang manggugulang! (You are going to jail for what you did… Give us back our money! You are a cheat!)” the bride angrily tweeted.

The Puey Quiñones name suffered. Clients withdrew orders and the designer went into hiding — he did not leave his home for two months.

Since then, Quiñones has issued a public apology on live TV, detailing how his concern with delivering the suit on time led to the unfortunate mistake.

CNNGo: Why should we still buy your clothes?

Quiñones: What happened was a moment of my weakness. Everyone makes mistakes, and I think everyone deserves a second chance. I still want to show people that I’m still here and I still have a lot of ideas and talent to share, and this [talent] won’t run out.

CNNGo: You lost a lot of clients. How do you plan to win their trust back?

Quiñones: By showing my sincerity. It’s true — it’s hard to please and convince people again. I’ll just be quiet and do work and show them that people do change, and I deserve a second chance. I don’t do hard sell. If people like me and still believe in me, they will come. And to those who lost their trust, I can’t do anything about it.

CNNGo: So how is the new Puey Quiñones collection going to be different from the past?

Quiñones: My next collection is going to be very tailored, clean and flawless. This is also another chance for me to show I am evolving, from the deconstructed, huge silhouettes to a collection that symbolizes peace and fluidity. I used to love using wool, heavy satin, brocade and tweed, now I want to use chiffon, power knits and very light materials. I want to show a very transformed Puey Quiñones.

CNNGo: What made you decide to work with the prisoners?

Quiñones: My uncle has friends who were missionaries, and they were looking for a volunteer — a tailor or dressmaker to give a talk inside the prison. The prisoners were so curious about fashion. I went home and I had the realization that I need to go back and share what I’ve learned outside. I couldn’t afford to buy sewing machines for each of them so we did textile painting.

[Note: Some of the prisoners’ hand-painted works for Quiñones are sold at L Manila, 2/F, Greenbelt 5, Makati City. +632 882 5305. The prisoners are paid for every piece of work produced.]

Every year, the Bureau of Corrections holds a National Correctional Consciousness Week. Three years ago, the director asked me to hold a fashion show inside the prison but I told him it’s better to also involve my students and have them create pieces to be worn by professional models. I decided to bring glamour inside the prison to let them experience what fashion is all about.

CNNGo: What lessons have you learned working with the prisoners?

Quiñones: I learned not to be judgmental. Life is not all about glamour. There is a reality that a lot of people are suffering. There are a lot of people who are prisoners. Like me, I was also prisoner of my own. The most important thing I have learned is to be real — like these people. It balances me, and makes me more grounded.

CNNGo: Would you ever hire any of these prisoners to work for you?

Quiñones: Oh yes. I’ve always wished that and talked to them about that. This is the perfect example of giving people second chances.

We, Oliver and Joel of Sizzling Fillo Restaurant would like to invite you to please watch our very first production, a Comedy Concert on Saturday, 26 November at 6:30 pm at Blacktown RSL Club, 2nd Avenue, Blacktown.

This is a not-to-be-missed show as it surely is an entertaining and quality show as we feature top comedians all the way from our country, the Philippines! Featuring Ms Kakai Bautista and the impersonators of the Divas, Ms Regine Velasquez, Ms Kuh Ledesma, Ms Szasza Padilla and Ms Pops Fernandez!

Thank you very much for your patronage and see you there!

PS

They will also be dining in at Sizzling Fillo Restaurant on Friday 25 Nov at 7pm. Tickets are at $55 inclusive of a silver ticket to the show and a 3 course menu here in the restaurant.

Its time someone did something about the worst airport in the world. So we made this design because we believe that no matter how beautiful our country is, our airports give the first and last impressions. This plan is relatively inexpensive and simple to adapt. The plan also involves renovating the interiors to allow faster flow of travelers between security, immigration and departure.

The first step has been done. Lets hope our government moves on this proposal quickly.