Top 5 Tourist Spots in the Philippines (for me, again)

DISCLAIMER: Don't take this as an objective rating of the tourist spots in the Philippines, it's very much based on my own opinion and experience. There might be tourist spots that I missed because I haven't visited them, or tourist spots you don't quite agree ARE tourist spots, but sit down, relax and give my top 5 a read.

5. White sand beaches of Boracay

This should be an obvious. Boracay always comes up as the number one tourist spot in the Philippines both for foreigners and locals alike. Why is it at the fifth you ask? Simple. Being number one is hard to maintain. The last time I visited Boracay, it was chock full of people. I just couldn't enjoy it anymore. I'm not saying cross Boracay off your list, there are some advantages to having tons of people in one place. More girls in bikinis!

4. Intramuros, Manila

I love this place. Seriously. Intramuros boasts buildings from the last century and older. It's not just the scenic pictures that helps make this place to the list. The very Philippine feel of the street vendors and rich history surrounding the area makes this place an amazing visit.

3. Makati City

Hey! That's not even a tourist spot! That's just a city! Well, don't call my ultra modern home city just a city. I've been to many places, and I can certainly say Makati City is a sight to behold. The tall buildings and modernity of the city will wow many tourists. I may be just a little bit biased because it is my home city, but disregarding that, Makati is a great place to spend your weekends in.

2. Plantation Bay, Cebu City

Great food, great place for kids. To give a little background without spoiling too much, it has man made salt water pools, large slides and a variety of non salt water swimming pools. Variety is an understatement, the swimming pools are all themed differently, placed in also differently themed mini villages in which you can check in and are usually right beside a restaurant.

1. El Nido, Palawan

In all my life I have never felt so pampered and alive as when I visited El Nido. I did some scuba diving, kayaking in a beautiful stone enclosed lake and much much more. Your visit to the Philippines is never complete without visiting Palawan.

Top Three Food Chains in the Philippines for Me

I've got to say first that I love food chains in the Philippines a lot more than in the States. Although there's more variety in the US of A, nothing, nothing, beats 24 hour delivery services. So for the third of my top three food chains available in the Philippines let me present McDonalds.

3. McDonalds

Available in almost every country I can think off the top of my head, McDonalds is known worldwide for its signature fries and burgers. When you think fast food, think McDonalds. See the logo on manong's little delivery box? McDonalds in the Philippines offers the heavenly 24 hour delivery service.  Hungry at 2am in the morning? No problem, here's chicken.

2. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
Noticing a trend? Almost all fast food chains in the Philippines offer fried chicken. Yes, even Burger King. KFC's original recipe chicken stands at the top of my list for fried chicken. The breading is not too thick, not too thin, the gravy tastes like it was actually made for the chicken.

just look at the swag on his face

1. Papa John's Pizza

Fairly new in the Philippines, Papa John's, well, pizza, is made perfect with fresh, top quality ingredients just like they advertised. One bite and you'll know. What really differentiates them from other pizza places is the chili pepper and garlic butter sauce they offer together with the pizza. No more messy pouring of fake, ketchup-y hot sauce. Take a small bite of the juicy chili pepper, dip your pizza in the sauce and bite, you now have the perfect combination of sweet, salty and spicy (not to mention garlic-y and buttery).

I've put my top three food chains in order of their taste, not their service. Although all of them offer delivery service, McDonalds stands top for its 24 hour delivery service. No, I'm not forgetting about Jollibee, it just didn't quite make it to my list. I hope you enjoyed reading my list and try them out if you haven't already. They're top three for a reason!