Just in case you are not familiar with Philippine history and geography, The Philippine archipelago is comprise of around 7,100 islands, of which only about 2,000 are inhabited. They are clustered into the three major island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Recently, three of these small islands were international news. The first of these island in the news was:
1. Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur:
This is the island where the 2012 CBS TV Show Survivor, Philippines was filmed. The next TV show titled Survivor Philippines, Caramoan, Fans vs Favorites will also be filmed in the same location. I have never been to Caramoan Islands , But I heard that it is a beautiful island and if you have been watching the TV Show Survivor, you know it is true. The 25th season of the American version of Survivor has finished filming at Caramoan and the 26th season started filming on May 21st and finished in late June. Season 25 aired from September 19, 2012-December 16, 2012, then the 26th season will premiere in February 2013. For details visit, www.caramoan.com
The 8th season of Koh-Lanta (French edition of Survivor), was also shot entirely in Caramoan. TV director Corinne Vaillant, stated that "the powdery sand, the coconuts on Gota beach and the neighboring islets are a 'dream' for the French people. We chose Caramoan because it’s really wild. It’s necessary that contestants don’t see anything other than nature for them to believe that they’re really lost in the wilds.”
2. Boracay Island, Aklan:
Boracay is a small island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak municipality of Malay, province of Aklan. The island is administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority and the provincial government of Aklan.
In 2012, Boracay has been named the Best Island in the World by an international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. Here's one of the many videos of a typical Boracay vacation.
Note: I have been to Boracay once, but have no desire to go back. It is just too commercialized for my taste. Too many tourists, night clubs, noise and mayhem. But if night life, white beach and shopping is your desire, Boracay is the place for you.
Last but not least is:
3. Maniwaya Island, Marinduque:
There was a recent article by Gerald Querubin of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Maniwaya Island. An excerpt of his article is as follows:
Maniwaya, which resembles a dolphin when seen from above, is being hyped as one of the must-see summer destinations comparable with Boracay and Puerto Galera. It is one of the few islets closest to Metro Manila, which offers powdery, white sand beaches accessible by land and sea.
With its friendly people, serene surroundings and pristine waters, guests can roam around or swim without the raucous crowd and gaudy commercialized setting found in the more established beaches in the country.
The one-hectare Palad sandbar of fine sand at the northeastern end of the island can be reached only during low tide. Its shape changes, depending on the prevailing winds and flow of seawater.
Local divers say an underwater rock wall teeming with corals is found at the sea bottom near the sandbar. Divers can marvel at similar rock pillars off nearby Mongpong Island.
Note: If you want peace, solitude and white beach for relaxation, this is the place for you. For details about other tourist spots in Marinduque visit http://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com
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