Much has been said of other countries most especially the most popular tourist destinations in Asia like China, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Korea but only a few heard of the priceless and timeless beauty of the Philippines which was also one of the less promoted destinations around the world.
A lot of people are saying that the country is always marred by violence, terrorism, crimes, rampant corruption and gives them the impression that the country is dirty and untidy, very hot and humid with lots of social, political and environmental problems as sensationalized and exaggerated by the news let alone few campaigns and marketing discouraging the tourist arrivals although what is really within the country belies all of those and quite the exact opposite for the most part.
These 81 provinces of this country proves to anyone that this country is really an underrated gem of the Orient.
These pictures taken by Instagram users both amateurs and professionals best represent each of the 81 provinces of the Philippines. To view the rest of their photos, you can click their highlighted Instagram accounts and for additional info and details. Get ready to pack your bag as we show you a series of images from broad north to the deep south and from the vastness of the Pacific coasts to the magnificent side on the west.
This is the eight part of eight series.
Southern Leyte
The wonderful shades of blue as portrayed in this photo by @shankyren shows us the stunning effects of the aquatic side of Southern Leyte.
The ever sentimental @bbhebakukang is emotional over things she posted in her 98 images and doing so in this rocked edges of Hinundayan shores smartly captured the sentimentality of Southern Leyte.
Sultan Kudarat
With the Marquez Hot and Cold springs of the Esperanza town perfectly shot by @paopy09 shows us the best of both worlds in this province.
The official account of @atirehiyondose shows us the bounty of both green thumbs and farm produce in this region as well as their busy lifestyle in their arable land but also highlights the breezy heights of this province with their Sitio Little Baguio in Bagumbayan.
Sulu
Wanderlust @aljonjuljani tells about his life and travel in 97 images in different places and situation but he still has fond memories and vivid picture of his native Sulu which he captured full of emotions.
The symbol of royalty and regal beauty of this province which is perfectly represented by this majestic mosque by the Jolo coast taken by @ravin716 .
Surigao del Norte
The amiable atmosphere of this Club Tara in Sohoton Cove of Bucas Grande Island greeted @tomfidelino on his visit warmly welcomes everyone to this lovely province.
@harumscarum21 travels to the surfing mecca of the country to enjoy these huge waves of Siargao as it builds up through the rough coast of this province.
Surigao del Sur
The great outdoors of Mindanao never runs out of splendid, alluring natural wonders and the astounding photos by @igreposter_xx of beautiful places on Earth which includes this Tinuy-an Falls of this province touted as the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines" gives us an understanding of the overwhelming grace and elegance of Surigao del Sur.
This province is truly bewitching as it is bewildering as @sonhotropic pictures this enchanted river of Tinuy-an. It's 34 beautiful images on his site but this one puzzled him because of its underlying mystery such as the undertone of this province.
Tarlac
This defining image of @xavierzb captures the pulsating colors of this farming province with vast tracts of lands for various plantations.
@supermanuel03 never forgot to look back in the past in his photo of the Capas National Shrine commemorating the infamous Death March which started in Bataan and ended in this province resulting to thousands of casualties and hapless surviving soldier recalls us the dark past of the province we should learn from and whose resilience despite the challenges of the present and future we should be inspired from.
Tawi-Tawi
The skillful hands of @djandee12 made sure that this aeriel view of the island and Bongao peak never skip his collection of 482 images and counting and a living testament that there's an endless story even in the farthest and southernmost remote province of Tawi-Tawi.
With the floating village houses on stilts, @ginggayhontiveros features this southernmost province with utmost reverence to the simple serene ambiance evokes the quiet laidback lifestyle of the Badjaos.
Zambales
This province of beautiful peace-loving people of hardwork, resilience and creativity is reflected in this photo of @goldwinsixteen capturing the jaw dropping scenery and beauty of this dormant Mount Pinatubo volcano crater lake. This volcano last erupted in 1991 which took the lives of hundreds of people is sacred among the Aetas, the ethnic group of people who were the original inhabitants of the area.
This province has a stunning panorama of picturesque landscape and blessed with bounties of nature is perfect location for pleasure seekers and make Subic the perfect spot for both business and leisure and on one of his vacation, @uyedelros took this shot of this eye candy Subic Yacht Club showcasing us the richness and fortune of this city and province.
Zamboanga del Norte
This Rizal Shrine in Dapitan posted on Instagram by @klccrisostomo is the replica of the original house of the national hero who was exiled in this lonely but idyllic town tells us the rich past of this former Spanish colony. A trace of Spanish influence is manifested in their language Chavacano, Spanish-based creole language spoken by most residents making them the only Spanish speaking creole in Asia.
Another side of this historically rich province posted by @langyawtravel is this Situbo Falls in Barangay Galingon, Tampilisan ostentatiously cascading the rich natural wonders in Zamboanga peninsula.
Zamboanga del Sur
By giving us these vintas sailing through the coast on a sunset, @eiamhere gave us a colorful spectrum of Zamboanga del Sur on a never ending horizon.
@OfficialPagadianon is the official account of Pagadian City community with just a few images of its people and places that tells a lot of their beloved hometown features this winding road sloping towards the stunning Illana Bay vividly displaying the people's creativity and ingenuity in this part of Zamboanga. I say check out more photos of Pagadian City's avenue on Instagram and Google search.
Zamboanga Sibugay
The rejuvenating tranquility of this island province is best captured by @eazytraveler of Buluan Islands telling everyone to get to know this interesting province of the region. He has amassed 1428 collection of images from his visit of all 81 provinces of the Philippines and all 11 Southeast Asian countries.
One of the provinces that amazes @yolynne who captured this imposing obelisk standing on Ipil rotunda is the very symbol of this province with the engraving in front about ancient Filipino alphabet with a clock below it and on the side is the engraving of how people lived before is something deep and meaningful for the people here who inherit and inspired by the virtues of the people of the past. By giving us this obelisk, you gave us Zamboanga Sibugay.
