Some people may be reluctant to travel to the Philippine Islands because of what they perceive may be political instability in this South East Asian archipelago nation.

True, the Philippines Islands have had a history of military coups; bandits that kidnap foreigners for ransom; a minor communist insurgency problem and Islamic secessionists . But all these are far less dramatic than what news reports suggest. The Philippines is generally a peaceful place to visit and even an ideal place to live. The thousands of foreigners and expatriates who have found their second home in the Philippines are proof of that fact.

The Philippines is not just one island, but an archipelago of 7,107 islands, and one of the primary industries that supports the economy of the Philippines is tourism. The Philippines enjoys a constant flow of visitors from Europe, the US, and neighboring Asian countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, and recently a flood of Koreans, many of whom stay for good.

In addition to being a spectacular destination for adventure sports such as SCUBA and snorkeling, fishing, mountain biking and boating, the Philippines is also known as a popular place to have a romantic vacation. Many resorts go out of their way to hold spectacular wedding ceremonies, while most accommodations have facilities to accommodate honeymooners.

Filipino culture is a fusion of pre-Hispanic indigenous civilizations of the Philippines mixed with Hispanic, American, Chinese and Islamic cultures.

The Hispanic influences in Filipino culture are largely derived from the culture of Spain and Mexico as a result of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule, and particularly evident in literature, folk music and dance, language, food, art and most importantly religion. The Philippines is the seat of Christianity in Asia; the first Roman Catholic mass was in Cebu in 1521, courtesy of Ferdinand Magellan.

Despite foreign influences, many of the Philippines old myths and legends, customs, traditions and beliefs have been retained and practiced until this day by much of the indigenous folk.

Colorful native legends; warm and friendly people; immaculate sandy beaches and miles of clear blue ocean combine to make the Philippine Islands a highly recommended safe vacation destination.