Beaches in the Philippines are as diverse as its people. While some are deserted island getaways and some have loud and noisy beachfronts, each beach has its own character. The list we compiled below is not confined to a specific set of criteria, such as the availability of modern amenities, accessibility, etc. Instead, by their own uniqueness.

1. White Beach, Boracay. The grand dame of the Philippine beaches and the unofficial summer capital of the Philippines.

2. Maira-ira Beach, Pagudpud. A great getaway up north complemented by Ilocano dishes.

3. Alona Beach, Panglao island. Has a status of playing second fiddle to Boracay.

4. Malapascua, Cebu. Great getaway for those seeking peace and tranquility.

5. Bantayan, Cebu. Another great beach in the premier province of the Visayas.

6. Siargao Island. A surfer’s paradise in the South.

7. Camiguin Island. Great beaches accompanied by extreme activities inland.

8. Miniloc Island, Palawan. Lime stone formations that rival those in Thailand and Vietnam.

9. Sogod Beach, Cebu. Nice beach with a well-serviced resort.

10. Potipot Island, Zambales. Easily gets crowded in the peak summer months. But a very good substitute to white sand beaches of the South without flying by plane.

The Santo Niño de Cebu is a celebrated image of the child Jesus in the Philippines. It is older than its counterpart in Europe, the Infant Jesus of Prague, and is the oldest Catholic relic in the Philippines. It is housed in a minor basilica in Cebu City.

The story of the Santo Niño de Cebu began when Ferdinand Magellan set sail to the east in 1521 AD. Arriving in Cebu, he persuaded the local chieftain and his wife, Rajah Humabon, to be baptized to as Catholic Christians. As a symbol of the alliance, an image of the child Jesus was presented to the couple. For almost five centuries, the image has survived, battles, earthquakes, fires, wars and several other man-made and natural calamities.

The feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu starts on third Thursday of January, after the feast of the Epiphany. A procession, which involves images of the Virgin Mary, is done and afterwards a fluvial parade is conducted on the Mactan Channel.

A festival by the lay people, called the Sinulog Festival is done with so much fanfare and pageantry during this time of the year. Here, people dressed in native costumes bearing the image of the Santo Niño dance on the streets with a level of energy reminiscent of the Mardi Gras festival.

A family-run resort that has nice simple rooms with native d?r. The rooms have great views and the restaurant has good food. The resort’s dive center offers diving lessons to newbies.

Telephone: 0917 744 7603

Stands on the best spot in the Camotes. Lots of locals congregate here for the entertainment and music. Rooms overlook the white sand beach.

Telephone: 345 8599

Located in a small private cove. The rooms here have the best views. The waters are excellent for snorkelling.

Telephone: 420 3385, 032 345 8599

Excellent views of Lake Danao, inland of Pacijan Island. The people and staff here are very friendly and warm.

Simple and spartan rooms near the Poro Pier. Rooms share a bathroom.

Telephone: 0926 973 8189

A fenced-off property that includes a subterranean cave with a freshwater pool. Has its own restaurant.

Telephone: 438 0165

Located atop of a hill, away from the beach. The location may not be a prime spot but the views make up for it somehow. Rooms are cavernous and the resort offers free use of motorbikes to the beach.

Telephone: 0919 612 8459

Situated in a beachside cliff overlooking a private cove. Views are spectacular especially during sunset. This is a very good choice for romantic getaways.

Telephone: 0920 553 9847