Geographically and politically Metro Manila, the National Capital Region of the Philippines is made up of 16 cities and one municipality. Metro Manila is the main hub of the Philippines.

One of the strong links that bond Filipinos together is the characteristic adventure-some spirit in the approach to food. Here are a few trivia on some Filipino food as well as a few tips on how to deal with them if offered to you – especially the ones you may consider as exotic delicacies.

Tubbataha Reef is the Philippines’ biggest protected marine area. It is home to about 500 species of fish, other marine life like sea turtles, cetaceans, corals some of which are endangered. Tubbataha Reef is a World Heritage Site, and one of the 8 best diving sites in the world according to CNN.

Lumpia is the Pinoy version of the spring roll. There are as many ways of preparing lumpia as there are many kinds of fillings one can put in. A healthy version is ubud lumpia or heart of palm spring roll.

The Tamaraw or Timaraw is similar to water buffalo. Tamaraw is endemic in the island Province of Mindoro hence its scientific name, bubalus Mindorensis.

After more than 500 years of Catholicism, the Philippines is blessed with not one, but two saints. These are Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila and Saint Pedro Calungsod of Cebu.

The nearest provinces in the north of Manila City that are worth for a quick visit are Bulacan and Pampanga. These provinces are very accessible through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

Every third Sunday of January, Cebu City and Maasin City, Southern Leyte celebrate the Feast of the Santo Niño popularly known as Sinulog. How did this yearly festival began and what was its inspiration?

Here is a list of regular holidays and special non-working days that are observed in the Philippines. The events on these days are either historical in nature, religious or cultural.

East of Metro Manila is Rizal, the province named after the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It is very accessible and near Metro Manila. There are many fun things to do when visiting the Province of Rizal.