No, they are not really chocolates. They just look like it during summer months.This unique geologic formation found in the island of Bohol is composed of eroded limestone.  During summer, the covering vegetation turns brown, making the mounds look like chocolate lumps – hence, the name.

Manila is the capital and largest city of the Philippines. Metropolitan Manila now encompasses cities and towns including Makati City, Pasay City, Quezon City, Mandaluyong City and others. It is the political seat of the government and is a virtual cultural center. In the city are located the presidential palace, Malacañang, the National Museum System Complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines. You can also find here the restored Fort Santiago and the walled city of Intramuros, which are the remains of the Spanish colonial legacy in the country.

The Mayon Volcano, found in Legaspi, Albay province has one of the most perfect cones in the world. It is still active and erupts periodically. Near the volcano are the ruins of the half buried church of Cagsawa.

It is said that Palawan has the best white sand shores especially in the beach resorts of El Nido, an area of marble-like limestone cliffs. On the west central side is Lipuun Point where the world-famous Tabon Caves’ archaeological sites are found. Visit the main Tabon Cave because it is where the Tabon Man skull cap, dated to 16,000 years, has been found.

Located in Ilocos Norte, this church is a classical example of what is known as “earthquake baroque.” It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built with wide buttress that support the building walls to withstand the force of earthquake since the Philippines is on the “ring of fire” of the western Pacific. The tower is a separate structure from the church building.

One of the engineering and hydraulics wonders of the  world, the terraced fields now planted with rice have been declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Perfect examples of these are the terraces found in Banaue, Hungduan, Mayoyao and Kiangan. It was built entirely by hand, and is as old as 2,000 years. Can you do that with your hands?

Taal Lake, in Batangas, is the crater of a volcano created by a devastating eruption. The lake contains an island that has a volcanic crater, which is also a lake, with a small island again containing another volcanic crater. The volcano is still very active. The lake contains two unique species of fish: the “maliputo,” a delicacy,  and the “tawilis,” both of which are endangered.