Pleasant Philippines in Ten Words Quiz

Answer: rice terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces, located in Ifugao province, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Carved into the mountains by the indigenous Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago, they are still used for rice and vegetable farming.

The terraces are an ingenious irrigation system that harnesses water from the mountain peaks and channels it through a complex network of canals and bamboo pipes.

Answer: island province

Palawan is a province in the Philippines known for its rich biodiversity, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. It is home to remarkable natural sites such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the El Nido Marine Reserve, with limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and rich marine life. Palawan is an important wildlife sanctuary, home to a variety of endangered species and an important site for ecological research and tourism.

Answer: colonial town

Vigan was an important trading post during the Spanish colonial period, serving as a hub for Chinese and Spanish merchants. The city is located in Ilocos Sur and known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan's historic core includes 16th-century buildings with cobblestone streets, traditional horse-drawn carriages (kalesas) and bahay na bato houses that blend Filipino, Asian and Spanish styles.

Answer: cultural festival

Sinulog is an annual cultural and religious festival in Cebu City commemorating the conversion of the Filipino people to Christianity. The festival, which honours the Santo Niño (Holy Child), features a grand parade with participants in traditional costumes dancing to rhythmic drum beats and music.

The dance is a ritual reenactment of the Cebuano people's acceptance of Christianity, symbolised by the movement of the water current. The festival has become one of the largest in the Philippines and attracts millions of local and international visitors.

Answer: active volcano

Taal is an active stratovolcano located on the island of Luzon in the province of Batangas. It is one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world, but also one of the most dangerous due to its proximity to densely populated areas. Taal volcano is located within Lake Taal, which itself occupies a large volcanic caldera formed by prehistoric eruptions.

The volcano has erupted more than 30 times in the last five centuries, with significant eruptions in 1754, 1911 and 2020. Taal's volcanic activity is closely monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Answer: public transport

The jeepney is a popular form of public transport in the Philippines, originally repurposed from surplus military jeeps left behind by the United States after World War II. These vehicles have been extensively modified and are known for their colourful and artistic designs, often reflecting local culture and popular trends. Jeepneys typically have open-air seating and operate on fixed routes within cities and rural areas.

Despite their cultural significance and utility, jeepneys have been criticised for contributing to traffic congestion and pollution, leading to ongoing discussions about their modernisation and regulation.

Answer: vegetable dish

Pinakbet is a traditional Filipino vegetable dish that originated in the northern regions of the Philippines, particularly in Ilocos. The dish is made by sautéing a variety of locally grown vegetables such as eggplant, bitter melon, pumpkin and okra with bagoong, a fermented fish or shrimp paste that adds a salty flavour. Pinakbet is often cooked in a clay pot to enhance its earthy taste and is a staple in Filipino households.

Answer: folk dance

Cariñosa is a traditional folk dance in the Philippines that originated during the Spanish colonial period. The dance, whose name means "affectionate" or "loving" in Spanish, is characterised by gentle, graceful movements and the use of a fan and handkerchief, which are integral to the dance's narrative of courtship and flirtation. Cariñosa is often performed at cultural festivals and national celebrations.

The dance is considered an essential part of the country's cultural heritage.

Answer: gesture of respect

Mano Po is a traditional Filipino gesture used to show respect, especially to elders. The practice involves taking an elder's hand and gently pressing it to the forehead, accompanied by the phrase "Mano Po", which translates to "Your hand, please". This gesture is deeply rooted in Filipino family values and is a common practice in both urban and rural areas. Mano Po is often performed when greeting elders and during family gatherings, symbolising the younger generation's respect and reverence for the wisdom and authority of their elders.

Answer: tribal festival

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a historical and cultural festival held annually in Kalibo in honour of the Santo Niño. The name of the festival, "Ati-Atihan", means "to be like the Atis", referring to the indigenous Ati people who originally inhabited the island of Panay. Participants in the festival paint their faces with black soot, wear tribal costumes and engage in street dancing to lively drum beats.

The festival's origins are believed to date back to a celebration of the Ati people's victory over invaders, and it has since evolved into a major religious and cultural event in the Philippines.