Do you want build a snow man? Said no one who hasn't left Cebu, Philippines. We recently adventured to the Philippine Islands to visit my brother who lived there for a couple years. I had previously come to the Philippines a decade ago and went to Davao, another Philippine island that is more south so arriving in Cebu was a completely new experience.

Cebu is a harbor city that faces the coast. The tropical climate boasts the largest Coconuts, Mangoes, Avocados and the list goes on of abundant, juicy tropic delicacies. The resort areas boast dream like views with clear blue water, golden beaches, untouched forestry and warmth for days. The resorts have built huts on the water to provide tourists with the ideal island experience. With the palm tree, island life embedded in your mind, your wallets and bank accounts can stay padded when you return home because the currency conversion is 1 US Dollar for 50 Philippine Peso. In other words, dinners on you and it wouldn't matter because the fancy dining would cost a fraction of the cost. A fancy spa package costing over 800 dollars would be the equivalent of 50 dollars. 

Cebu has some pricey hotels but book when it isn't tourist season (during summer months) and get a booking deal if you can book with the Philippine prices. The Shangri-La Hotel is by far my favorite Asian hotel with all the amenities of American hotels with island views and at a fraction of the cost. Another thing is tipping is customary in the Philippines so it's not expected but 50 pesos go a long way and that's equivalent to $1!!! So tip what you please but a generous tip won't make you question your monthly expenses. 

We also traveled to Boracay another island that is 45 minutes and 40 dollars of a plane ride away. Boracay is deemed the "party island" of the Philippines so expect to see Generation X and Millennials running around town like they're Snooki. One perk of the younger population are the boutique hotels that follow the bling bling and tattoo combination. Many Middle Eastern, European and American youth travel to Boracay to let loose without filing for bankruptcy and/or loosing their jobs. Bars, restaurants and hotels  line the Boracay beaches playing up beat music to go along with the drinks served all day. A Pina Colada at 9 am sounded amazing but don't forget the activities that would cost hundreds of dollars but only $50-$200 dollars from body boarding, sailing, island hopping, parasailing, fishing the possibilities are endless!

Although the benefits out weigh the cons, the economic disparity is a struggle for me when traveling in third world countries. In order to get to the picturesque aqua blue water and white sand beaches with no pollution, you have to travel the road and water less traveled. At the airport your hotel can make arrangements to take you to the resort as you will need to take 5 minute boat ride or ferry (just take the boat it's quicker) to the island. After reaching the island coast, its another 5-10 minute van ride to the resort. You will see the huts, street vendors on your way so if this bothers you, you may want to go to the Philippines in 2050 when its forecasted to be one of the top 10 economies in the world by Goldman-Sachs but if it doesn't carry on! The street vendors also line the beaches to ask if you would like to do any activities or buy what they're selling which can be annoying but if you like to barter, take a look! There are vendors selling REAL PEARLS! for 1/50th of the price as they dive into the ocean and harvest it themselves by trade. Taking the pearls and getting them set the way you like will even be cheaper than buying the necklace the online. 

The Philippines is a newly industrialized from a previous agriculture economy. Due to its transforming state its infrastructure is poor leaving a large economic disparity between the rich and poor. This is seen when traveling the country with numerous slums and severe need for basic necessities such as clean water, food, housing, healthcare and education. Many of the businesses are owned by foreign investors and the local economy does not benefit from the businesses and tourism. In addition to the economic disparity, the terror attacks and increasing crime triggered Martial Law in the southern islands. The souther region is struggling to maintain government control and ensure safety for its citizens and visitors.

UNICEF is an organization that has provided a significant amount of aid to the Philippines and focuses on aiding children and families with everyday needs. Click on UNICEF to donate to help the children of the Philippines. 

I'll be posting Part 2 with some awesome destinations and yummy places to eat!