| The Philippines is a wondrous, magical place. With over | | | | trip can be time consumer and perhaps a worrisome |
| 7,000 islands, you could spend a lifetime there and | | | | ordeal. If you're traveling a far distance, to some exotic |
| never begin to see it all. With that in mind, here are | | | | land, the pressure really cranks up. |
| three places to visit when you embark on your | | | | But, fear not. Today, I'll give you a list of items you |
| Philippines adventure. | | | | should think about packing for your next excursion to |
| Metropolitan Manila | | | | the Philippines. The last thing anyone wants is to being |
| The Philippines capital, Manila, is a center of all things in | | | | a vacation on a bad note. One pre-visit tip is to check |
| the country. Many call it a city by the bay. Sure, it's | | | | the climate for the area(s) you'll be visiting. The |
| humid and congested, but you can find whatever you | | | | Philippines is a tropical paradise, but the climate |
| seek here. It's a shopper's paradise. | | | | changes from region to region. |
| And if you want to get close to a loved one, spend | | | | Here's a quick list of some good items to bring on your |
| some time soaking up the sunset at Manila Bay. | | | | Philippines vacation: |
| Corregidor Island | | | | 1. Lightweight cotton shirts (to be comfortable). |
| It's a tadpole-shaped island where heavy fighting took | | | | 2. Tank tops (again, comfort is key). |
| place during WWII. If you love history, take some time | | | | 3. Shorts & jeans (mixture for climate and activity |
| to visit this jewel of a place. It's where Gen. MacArthur | | | | changes). |
| said, "I shall return." | | | | 4. Camera with extra memory cards (capture |
| You can still see the remains of the war-battle | | | | everything). |
| barracks and canyons used to fight. | | | | 5. Power adapter |
| Rizal Park | | | | 6. Insect repellant (especially if you require a specific |
| If you find yourself in Metro Manila, take a journey to | | | | type/brand). |
| it's heart. There you'll find beautiful Rizal Park, which is | | | | 7. Sunglasses |
| 148 acres. It's named after Dr. Jose Rizal, who was a | | | | 8. Tagalog phrase book or cheat sheet. |
| national hero in the Philippines. | | | | I'd also recommend brining an extra suitcase, so you |
| Everyone, from families to lovers, enjoy the park. I'd | | | | have plenty of room for souvenirs. You'll definitely |
| recommend taking a ride on the calesa, which a | | | | want to bring stuff home with you. In the Philippines, |
| horse-drawn carrage made of wood. This park has | | | | they call gift items "pasalubongs." |
| playgrounds, fountains, concert area and gardens. It's | | | | While most Filipinos speak English (less in the more |
| worth checking out. | | | | remote parts), knowing just a handful of key phrases |
| No matter where you go in the Philippines, beauty and | | | | in Tagalog (their language) will help you blend in more |
| fun are at your fingertips. These three places are just | | | | (they'll appreciate it) and you'll be able to navigate |
| a small sampling of what makes the Philippines such a | | | | better. There's no need to learn the whole language, |
| great place to visit. | | | | but bring at least a sheet with 15-20 phrases/words on |
| Packing Tips | | | | it. |
| If you've traveled at all, you know that packing for a | | | | |