More interesting facts about the Philippines

An island with more volcanoes than towns

 

Camiguin

 

Camiguin maybe only fourteen miles long and 8.5 miles wide, but it’s the only island in the world with actually more volcanoes than towns.

 

It boasts more volcanoes per square mile than any island on earth too.

 

It is still a beautiful place to visit, and you don’t need to be concerned, as the volcanoes have been dormant since the 1950s.

 

Enjoy its bubbling hot springs, white-sand beaches and the cheerful locals make it a popular spot for tourists.

 

 It’s the home of Asia’s first Basketball League

 

Basketball is a national obsession in the Philippines.

 

It’s thought that the love affair began under American Colonial rule during the early twentieth century, when it was first introduced into the public school system as a women’s game.

 

Today it’s everywhere, from makeshift hoops on street corners to dedicated sports centres.

 

The Philippines professional league is Asia’s first and one of the oldest in the world — second only to the NBA.

 

Betting is extremely popular as well.

 

Jeepneys are still the most popular mode of transport

 

 

Jeepneys go hand in hand with the image of the Philippines.

 

After World War II, American troops left behind thousands of surplus Jeeps.

 

So, the ever-resourceful Filipinos cobbled these redundant jeeps and converted them into transport vehicles that can hold up to twenty people at one time.

 

They’re easy to spot, usually painted in vibrant colours with slogans emblazoned across them. 

 

Unfortunately, Jeepneys are slowly being phased out to ease congestion in the city, in favour of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

 

But there is still plenty ploughing through the streets so you should have time to hop on an iconic piece of history.

 

The national bird is the Monkey-Eating Eagle

 

Philippine Eagle

 

The Philippine Eagle is also, quite unfairly, known as the monkey-eating eagle. It doesn’t eat monkeys, but its prey isn’t exactly immodest in size — pigs, snakes, and bats.

 

With a wingspan of around two metres, it isn’t difficult to see how it manages this.

 

It is also considered one of the rarest and most powerful birds in the world and killing one comes at a hefty price — 12 years imprisonment.

 

So now you know!

 

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