Philippines proved to be a very friendly and easy to travel country. First of all, surprising that English is the common in use by children and the elderly.

I arrived in Manila, the capital of the country. It was nice and very pleasant, on the airport played a folklore band, and the border officials didn't ask me a single question. During the whole day I didn't meet any "white" man. That was much easier to contact with friendly local residents. I used the tricycle (motorbike with extension to the passenger side) to get to the Chinese cemetery. On the way I have seen two small street fights. Cemetery did a great impression on me, something similar like this I've never seen before. People here build the apartments with the active toilet, kitchen, fridge, a pond for fish, house with a balcony, or even with air conditioning. Of course, not to be used by deceased, but by visiting family. The buildings vary depending on religion and wealth of owners and for the poorer one is open a crematorium and the wall for urn. I took the local guide, which provided me a lot of interesting information.

I went to the central part of the Luzon. Famous Banaue rice terraces witch are cultivated for over 2,000 years (they are on the UNESCO list). They do an impression. I chose to walk around the neighbouring villages and had a lot of lookouts, incredible! Someone has calculated that if combine the walls terrace (high for 1-2 meters) from this region, this would be longer then equator.

Another interesting place to visit is Sagada. The main attraction of this quiet mountain town is hanging coffins. Years ago locals buried the dead body in coffins on a rock, high above the ground. I admired it standing alone in a deep valley, looking up at the old wooden "boxes" hanging on the vertical cliff slope. Here the trail is unmarked, so it wasn't easy to find further on a way to underground river in the cave. Rain accompanied me every day, so the water level rose. I had to take a backpack on my head, keep the torch high and walk through the river among flying bats. The end of the cave was too deep and I had to climb on the rocks.

Entrance to another cave is covered with dozens of old coffins, where you could see skeletons. This cemetery has already over 500 years. Being here alone at dusk you can be feared a bit.

Another interesting attraction is the "Great Cave". It is advisable to use the guide, because there is easily to be lost or fall from the rocks. Abseiling on the ropes, descent on the rock in stream, walking in water among stalactites, or swimming in underground lakes.

Going back to Manila I stop to visit Baguio. Unfortunately the heavy rain turned my plans into city tour. I spent my time in the indoor bazaar in search of souvenirs and use an excellent relaxing massage performed by the blind person.

In conclusion, many people have tried to withdraw some money from me, as it usually takes place in poorer countries, but general Philippines are interesting, friendly, easy and cheap travel destination.

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