Vigan, Philippines

Batad Rice Terraces, Philippines

Batad’s amphitheater-like terraces was carved by Ifugao’s indigenous people more than 2 000 years ago. It is tagged as one of the wonders of the modern world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to Agatha, check out her blog here.

More details on the UNESCO WHS list.

Mayon Volcano, Philippines

Mayon Volcano is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon. It is a national park and a protected landscape since 2000. It has an elevation of 2 462 meters. It is a classic stratovolcano capped by a small crater, it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has erupted over 48 times in the past 400 years, the first record of a major eruption in 1616 by Dutch explorer Joris van Spilbergen. However, the most destructive eruption took place on February 1, 1814. It buried the town of Cagsawa with volcanic material. The ruins of the church are still visible.

The endangered Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, is endemic to the forests in the Philippines. It is the national bird and it is critically endangered, due to massive loss of habitat due to deforestation. Initially it was thought that it fed on monkeys, however it was proven to be inaccurate. Their diet normally consists of squirrels, bats, rats and birds. Like most eagles, it is monogamous. The International Union for Conservation of Nature believes that between 180 and 500 Philippine Eagles survive in the country.