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The Glossary

Balut - "It's not an omelette neither a duck, it's something in between. Considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia, Balut is a nearly developed embryo that is boiled and then eaten in its shell. Tastes best with a pinch of salt and dunked in spicy vinegar."

From Philippines Glossary

Photograph by:
chinxlexy - Puerto Galera, Philippines

The largest region in the Philippine archipelago and the location of the capital of Manila, Luzon is a portrait of topographical variations: from the towering mountain ranges that descend into vast fields and the seemingly infinite slivers of fine sand and rushing waters to the sprawling collection of rustic towns and bustling cities. The locals are just as diverse as the terrain, ranging from the simple and laid-back probinsyanos in the rural areas to the fast-walking corporate urbanites in the business districts. Regardless of where one is in Luzon, the wandering traveler is sure to find a reason to stay a bit longer.

Majority of tourists arrive via the country's prime international gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). From there, the numerous bus terminals that spread out across the island are a mere taxi ride away. An ideal place to start is the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ifugao Rice Terraces, particularly those in Banaue and Batad. Considered by some as the "Eighth World Wonder," these gigantic green steps of rice and vegetable paddies line the rugged mountains of the province. After a tiring walk through the rugged pathways to the terraces, tourists can settle in for a rustic retreat in the Philippines' summer capital Baguio or head to Vigan, Asia's sample of a Spanish colonial town. Backpackers can take their pick on their island-destination in Pangasinan's Hundred Islands, a mini-archipelago just off Lingayen's gulf coast.

Sunset signals the end of the day, but in the Philippines, the real party begins at nightfall. In Pampanga, Angeles City is the bad boys' club with the lines of taverns that serve trays of ice-cold beer and a showcase of some of the local beauties. Those who are after the more refined nightlife can head out to Makati and the nearby Bonifacio Global City, whose daytime corporate atmosphere melts away after office hours when people retreat to the neon-lighted bars and music-banging restaurants. Young professionals get together with friends and colleagues for a few rounds of high-end cocktails or just straight-up alcohol to flush away the stress and fatigue of work.

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