Previously, the Philippines was believed to be made up of 7,107 islands, but just recently the country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources revealed that the archipelagic nation is actually constituted by 7,641 islands. These islands are known for their tropical climate and beautiful beaches, but there are more to discover about the Philippines and this month, CNN explores what else this stunning South-East Asian archipelago has to offer on Destination Philippines.
Highlights of the 30-minute special include:
Geological Wonder
Vulcan Point is an island, within a lake, on an island, within a lake, on an island. Make sense? It will when you see it. This geological wonder is a result of Taal Volcano, which was last active in 1977. It is the second most active volcano in the Philippines with 33 historical eruptions.
Flying High!
Every year, enthusiasts from all over the world gather for one of the most visual experiences in South East Asia, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. With more than 100 pilots operating hot air balloons, the fiesta includes synchronized flights, night-time performances, aerobatic exhibitions, formation flying, radio-controlled aircrafts, paragliding, skydiving, and more.
Philippines’ First Female-Run Craft Brewery
The tropical island of Palawan is home to the Philippines’ first female-run craft beer brewery. The microbrewery hand-produces around 300 cases a month, and is experimenting with the plentiful local crop of coconuts to make an affordable product for the local market.
Conservation King
Tarsiers are small creatures with giant eyes and are an endangered species native to the Philippines. The Philippine Tarsier Foundation dedicates itself to creating a sanctuary for these furry animals in a forest on the island of Bohol to ensure future generations have the opportunity to meet one of the world’s smallest primates.
Heaven on Earth
The limestone cliffs of Sagada are home to hundreds of hanging wooden coffins. Two nearby burial caves also serve as the resting place for coffins hand-carved from tree-trunks and nailed to the walls. It’s an ancient ritual which the indigenous Igorot tribe has followed for around 2,000 years.
The 30-minute special airs on May 19 (5:30 p.m.), May 20 (8 p.m.), May 21 (3:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.), May 22 (11:30 a.m.), May 23 (5:30 p.m.), and May 24 (11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
CNN is available on SKYCable Channel 28, SKYCable HD Channel 181, Cignal Channel 40, Cignal HD Channel 128, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 28, Destiny Cable (Analog) Channel 20 and Cable Link Channel 19.
