Ask an expert: Philippines

Last updated 10:29, April 3 2018

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Palawan often makes "world's most beautiful island" lists.

Q. I'd like to visit the Philippines but, with so many islands to choose from, am not sure where to start with planning a trip. Can you help? 

A. You're quite right – with more than 7000 islands in the Philippine archipelago it can be very confusing to know which ones are the more interesting and accessible islands to visit. The following are islands proving very popular with visitors, each with their own unique charms:

Boracay is well-known among tourists and is not to be missed. Boracay has stunning white, sandy beaches, great hotels and restaurants and a wide variety of water sports for the more active. 

Palawan is often in the running for the "most beautiful island in the world" title so I'm sure you can picture the scenery already. Palawan is the ultimate tropical escape with crystal clear waters, dense jungles, mountains and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a must-see. 

Mindoro is within easy reach of Manila and one of the top diving spots in the Philippines, which is saying something given the multitude of excellent diving locations in the country.

Bohol is famous for its "Chocolate Hills" which are actually huge conical mounds that turn brown during the summer and look like giant chocolate buttons. For the best view of this amazing landscape visit Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.  

Lastly, Cebu is as energetic as Manila if you are seeking a good dose of city fever with lively bars and eateries. There are also plenty of picturesque beaches to escape to and snorkelling spots to explore after you've been on the go. 

With Philippine Airlines now flying direct to Manila from Auckland it makes it even easier to access this increasingly popular country in Southeast Asia.  

 - Craig Hopley, Owner Operator, House of Travel St Heliers 

War against innocents

No need to explain headlines and daily news! Killing in every part of the world is unceasing! Warriors go and fight prepared to kill and to be killed with no fear. In the forests, in the streets, a lot of them are found dead bodies spread-eagled. In the rivers and oceans, a lot of them are found floating if not eaten by the hungry sharkes.

But what about those innocent lives who are just victims of war atrocities? Are they prepared to die in such a horrible state? It is sickening to realize that those people are killed within just a flick of a finger by those war-oriented people. Moreoften, we can learn through media about numbers of people dead and injured caused by building and streets bombings, chemical poisonongs (!), and nuclear power testings.

Killings - yes, there will be always killings! Because the Super Powers are in a race to put as many weapons as possible into their allies' hands. The Arm producers are urged and more encouraged to make more weapons and explosives. As the Great Powers never stop intervening in these small countries' affairs, there will be more casualties. Wouldn't it much  better for them to help the Third World countries economically than supplying them with weapons?

How many more innocent lives shall we find scattered in the streets? How  many more of them will be seen floatingin the open seas with shattered bodies? And how many more young and old people will be buried innocently at the bottom of the sea leaving their loved-ones to suffer pain and extreme grief?

War is hell and the world has had enough! When will stability prevail in this world? In one of my previous columns in this corner, several years ago, I asked "Cold War - Hot War?". It was the time, the Ukraine crisis began. Today, let's ask ourselves the same question. And? Homo sapiens - quo vadis?