7,107 islands of all sizes and shapes make up the archipelago, the Philippines. According to various cartographers throughout the ages, some of these disappear and re-appear with each tide of the western Pacific Ocean. It is another country situated on the Pacific Rim of Fire and together with a tropical climate, this makes a country which is rich in natural resources. Mount Apo, the highest mountain at 9,692ft, is to be found on the island of Mindanao. At the other extreme, is the third deepest trench, the Galathea Depth at 34,580ft which is found in the Philippine Trench.
Staying with the seas, divers will be drawn to the fabulous waters of the Philippines, which are full of a positive abundance of wrecks and fish species to cater for all levels of dive enthusiast.
For those among you who wish for a slower pace, the beaches are waiting for you in their crisp soft whiteness at locations such as Boracay and Cebu.
Shopping is not forgotten for those who cannot live without a bit of retail therapy – anything on the islands from glitzy malls with all the usual high class shops, to loud and colourful open air markets selling anything from livestock to materials. The jewellery shops sell many shades of the South Sea pearls, surely the most beautiful being the Golden Pearls with their rich gold tones. These pearls are entirely natural and not enhanced in any way, and so are worth more.
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is one of the world-renowned conference centres, and boasts many locations with superb facilities and also has luxury hotels to accommodate all the attending delegates.