Philippines – Wangechi Gitahi Travels

Asia

Bitter, Sweet experience in Bohol

By Wangechi Gitahi

Bohol is the largest island in Philipines and is located in Central Visayas region. It is indeed a beautiful Island everything from white sandy beaches to amazing scenery. The locals speak English and Bisaya and are very friendly. As we were about to land, my window allowed me to be enticed by the aerial view of Bohol and its environs, indeed it would be a great visit. This is what I experienced: 1.Experienced the effects of the Bohol Earthquake: The area experienced a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 on October 15, 2013. As I planned to travel to Philippines in November 2013, I was filled with fear when I heard about the earthquake. I however decided to go ahead with my plans and I am happy I did. This was my first experience with the aftermath of an earthquake and it is heartbreaking, the death toll disheartening and…

Asia

The Mysterious Baguio Exposed

By Wangechi Gitahi

I really really loved Baguio, its scenery, its people, richness in culture and great weather. This area is known as the Cordillera Administrative Region and it is in the mountain area thus is much cooler than most of Philippines. The native tribes of this place are called Igorots which means Mountain people and includes the Ifugao, Sagada, Banguet ,Apayao and the Kalinga. One way to identify the men is that they either have long hair or have a strip of long hair at the back of their heads. Below are my highlights from Baguio City. 1)Botanical Garden: This place should definitely be on your to visit list. The area shares several elements of the Igorot culture from their dressing, history, occupataion as well as a beautiful garden to visit and relax. I came to learn that some of them were farmers, hunters and gatherers as well as some of them…

Asia

Vibrant Manila

By Wangechi Gitahi

Manila is the capital City of the Republic of Philippines. It is the economic hub and thus has developed greatly in various sectors like infrustructure, education, financials and general lifestyle of the people. I however was overwelmed and happily so, with the history and culture that they appreciate and continue to maintain to date. I enjoyed the following activities and highly recommend the same: 1. Walk around Intramuros: Intramuros is Spanish for “Within the Walls” as this town is fortified by high walls. The walls were built to protect the residents from invasions and still stand strong. As I walked through the town, I felt like I had been teleported into the Spanish colonial times or what I think they may have looked like. On the walls, cannons stand ready to fight off any threat, the infrastructure is dominantly Spanish inspired with brightly coloured buildings and narrow streets. The soldiers…

Asia

Philippines 101

By Wangechi Gitahi

1.The country is officially known as the Republic of Philippines. 2. It is located in South East Asia and is made up of 7641islands. It is divided into three regions, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and its capital city is Manila. 3. The formal languages spoken are Tagalog and English. However, as one travels to different regions, the residents will prefer to speak the dominant language of the areae.g if you visit the Visayas Region, they speak Bisaya 4. They are the largest Christian nation in Asia and the worlds forth largest Christian country with the majority being Catholic. 5.It was colonized by three countries, Spain, Japan and America. 6.The airport charges tax-cash.Therefore, make sure you always carry cash, in Pesos- that you will pay as tax at all the airport whenever you are departing. This is regardless of whether its a local or international flight. 7.They have traditional mens clothing…