Lastly, we have Paoay Church or St Augustine Church located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The Philippines is a country rich in history and culture, with ancient wonders that continue to captivate the imagination of locals and tourists alike. From majestic temples to mysterious ruins, these resonant remnants serve as reminders of the country’s fascinating past. One such wonder is the Banaue Rice Terraces, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Carved into the mountainside by indigenous tribes over 2,000 years ago, these terraces are a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness.
The intricate irrigation system used by these tribes still functions today, allowing rice cultivation on steep slopes that seem almost impossible to farm. The sight of these emerald-green terraces cascading down the mountainside is truly awe-inspiring. Another remarkable ancient wonder can be found in Bohol – the Chocolate Hills. During dry seasons, when grass covering them turns brown, they resemble chocolate kisses hence their name. Legend has it that these hills were formed from two giants throwing rocks at each other during a battle. Moving further south towards Mindanao island lies another enigmatic site – Mount Apo.
Standing at over 9,692 feet above sea level (2nd highest peak in Southeast Asia), this dormant volcano holds great significance for indigenous communities who consider it sacred ground. It is home to diverse flora and fauna species found nowhere else on earth due to its high altitude and isolation. In Palawan province lies one of nature’s most breathtaking creations – Puerto Princesa Underground River the ruins or also known as St Paul Subterranean River National Park which was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 199The river winds through limestone caves before flowing directly into the South China Sea creating an underground paradise filled with stunning rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites along with various wildlife species.
