“Research Activity #1”

Micro Perspective of Tourism and Hospitality (TOU 042)

Name: Samuelle Elcana Ana C. Largoza

Course and Section: BSHM 1-1 (Room 503)
Advisor Name: Lailanie Lintag
 “Five Cultural Destinations in the Philippines”

1. Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan is considered one of the cultural
destinations in the Philippines due to its rich
history and well-preserved Spanish colonial
and Asian architectural fusion. Established in
the 16th century, Vigan served as a major
trading post between China and Mexico
during the Spanish colonial era. Its
architecture reflects a blend of Asian,
European, and Mexican influences, earning it
recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The city's brick streets, ancestral houses, and historical landmarks provide a glimpse
into its colonial past, making it a living testament to the country's cultural heritage and a
popular destination for visitors seeking to experience its unique ambiance and historical
significance.

2. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is considered a
cultural destination due to its rich marine
biodiversity and its significance as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park's
ecological importance and unique marine life
contribute to the cultural heritage of the
Philippines. It serves as a vital habitat for
diverse marine species and plays a crucial role
in the conservation of the country's natural
resources.
 3. Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte
Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte is considered
one of the cultural destinations due to its
historical and architectural significance.
Completed in 1710, it is a prime example of
Spanish colonial earthquake baroque
architecture. The church's massive buttresses
and distinct architectural style reflect the
ingenuity of the artisans and builders of that
era. Recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Paoay Church stands as a
testament to the enduring cultural and
historical legacy of the Philippines, drawing visitors and scholars alike to admire its
architectural grandeur and historical importance.

4. Heritage Hill and Nature

Park Garden(Formerly
called Diplomat Hotel)
Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden,
formerly the Diplomat Hotel, is a
cultural destination due to its
multifaceted history. Originally built in
1915 as a Dominican friar retreat, it
served as a Japanese prisoner of war
camp during World War II. Surviving
through subsequent transformations, including its time as the Diplomat Hotel and enduring the
1987 earthquake, the site reflects the resilience of its past. Renamed and revitalized, it now
preserves this historical narrative, offering visitors a glimpse into wartime struggles, architectural
heritage, and the evolving cultural significance of the property. The park's serene surroundings
contribute to its allure as a space for cultural reflection and appreciation.
 5. Rice Terraces of the
Philippine Cordilleras
The Rice Terraces of the
Philippine Cordilleras are
respected as cultural destinations
due to their historical and
engineering significance. Carved
into the mountains of Ifugao by
the indigenous people over 2,000
years ago, these terraces showcase
the sustainable agricultural
practices and ingenuity of the
Ifugao communities. Often
referred to as the "Eighth Wonder
of the World," the rice terraces
reflect the harmonious coexistence between nature and human innovation. The Ifugao people's
traditional knowledge in water management, using an elaborate irrigation system known as the
"hudhud," enabled them to cultivate rice in the challenging mountainous terrain. Recognized as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras stand as a
testament to the cultural heritage, resourcefulness, and sustainable agricultural practices of the
Ifugao people, attracting visitors seeking to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of
this awe-inspiring landscape.
 “Five Local Festivals in the Philippines”

1. Tuna Festival
● Location: General Santos City
● History: The Tuna Festival
originated in General Santos City,
Philippines, as a celebration of the
city's thriving tuna industry, which
has played a pivotal role in its
economic and cultural
development. Established in 1999,
the festival has since become a
symbol of the city's identity,
showcasing its rich maritime
heritage and the importance of tuna fishing to the local community. The event features
vibrant parades, culinary competitions, street dancing, cultural performances, and various
activities that highlight the significance of tuna in the region, making it a beloved and
enduring local festival.

2. Higantes Festival
● Location: Angono, Rizal
● History: Higantes festival
also
Also known for its giant paper-mâché
effigies. It has its roots in a local tradition of
creating these figures to mock Spanish
landlords during colonial times.
3. Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival
● Location: Tacloban City,
Leyte
● History:
Pintados-Kasadyaan
Festival is considered a
cultural destination as it
uniquely combines two
festivals in Tacloban City,
Leyte, showcasing the rich
history and cultural
diversity of the region.
Pintados Festival, with its
vibrant body-painting traditions, pays homage to the tattooed warriors of Leyte's
pre-colonial past, while Kasadyaan Festival adds color and festivity through lively
street dances and elaborate floats, collectively offering visitors an immersive
experience into the cultural tapestry of Leyte's heritage.

4. Hermosa Festival
● Location: Zamboanga City
● History: The Hermosa
Festival is celebrated in
Zamboanga City to honor the
miraculous image of Our Lady
of the Pillar. Considered a
cultural destination, the festival
intertwines religious devotion
and vibrant cultural events,
including a grand procession,
traditional dances, and a
regatta, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the
rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.
5. Sandugo Festival
● Location:
Tagbilaran City,
Bohol
● History: The
Sandugo Festival
holds significance as
one of Bohol's
cultural destinations
due to its historical
roots. The festival
commemorates the
Sandugo, a blood
compact between
Datu Sikatuna, a local
chieftain, and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, symbolizing
friendship and cooperation. The event, considered one of the earliest treaties
between the Filipinos and the Spanish, is celebrated annually in Tagbilaran City.
The Sandugo Festival has evolved into a cultural spectacle, featuring colorful
street dances, vibrant costumes, and lively performances that showcase the fusion
of local traditions with the historical narrative of unity and camaraderie between
two cultures. It serves as both a reminder of Bohol's rich history and a vibrant
celebration of cultural diversity.