The second part of the 3 islands group that comprises the Republic of the Philippines, Visayas, is the smallest part of the country. It is composed mainly of 16 island provinces and divided into 3 regions namely Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. The Visayan Region also has many dialects but the most popular spoken are the Cebuano, Ilonggo, and Waray. Though many speak Tagalog, the national language, a bulk of the population is much more fluent in English. The local population is popularly called Bisaya, and from that, could be asked if someone is from a certain place and can be referred to as whether they are from Cebu as Cebuano, Waray if from Samar or Leyte and Ilonggo if from Iloilo or Negros Island as such. The present population of the whole Region combined as of now totals to more or less 20 million. Since the region is mostly surrounded by water, in recent years, it has gathered popularity through tourism because of its white sand beaches and clear waters.

There are more the Visayan Region has to offer as it provides a lot more than beaches such as the colorful fiestas, irresistible and mouth watering tasty native foods, hundreds of variety of tropical fruits, its heritage, historical places, and most of all the smiles of its beautiful population. Below are the individual provinces of the Visayan Region and their updated links to their local government.

1. Aklan
2. Antique
3. Bohol
4. Biliran
5. Capiz
6. Cebu
7. Eastern Samar
8. Guimaras
9. Iloilo
10. Leyte
11. Negros Occidental
12. Negros Oriental
13. Northern Samar
14. Samar
15. Southern Leyte
    

Note: As of this writing, the provinces that don’t have the link to their individual local government is either the page does not load properly or no website exists.

Luzon is the biggest island of the Philippine archipelago which is where the central seat of the government is located. The island of Luzon comprises 8 regions namely the Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Cordillera, Ilocos, MIMAROPA and the National Capital Region referred to as the most popular name as Metro Manila. Luzon Island of the Republic of the Philippines has a population of about 40 million people according to The National Statistics Office, and the bulk of the population is mostly concentrated in Luzon especially in Metro Manila. Dialects varies from province location such as Ilocano, Ibanag, Panggalatok, Kapangpangan, Bicolano and other sub dialects but the main language spoken and the medium of instructions are English and Tagalog.

The island of Luzon stretches from Aparri in the north and borders until the Bicol Region with the islands of Palawan, Masbate and Mindoro included.

Listed below are the provinces that comprises The Island of Luzon with an updated link to their corresponding local government website.

1. Aurora
2. Albay
3. Apayao
4. Bataan
5. Batanes
6. Batangas
7. Benguet
8. Bulacan
9. Cagayan
10. Camarines Norte
11. Camarines Sur
12. Catanduanes
13. Cavite
14. Ifugao
15. Ilocos Norte
16. Ilocos Sur
17. Isabela
18. Kalinga
19. La Union
20. Laguna
21. Marinduque
22. Masbate
23. Mountain Province
24. Metro Manila - National Capital Region
25. Nueva Ecija
26. Nueva Vizcaya
27. Occidental Mindoro
28. Oriental Mindoro
29. Palawan
30. Pampanga
31. Pangasinan
32. Quezon
33. Quirino
34. Rizal

Note: As of this writing, the provinces that don’t have the link to their individual local government is either the page does not load properly or no website exists.

It’s summer vacation. Schools are closed. The temperature is soaring high in that summer heat and the family needs some cool breeze air or a dip in the water or better just a simple relaxation viewing the nice scenery of Taal Volcano and the country side. Tagaytay City is a third class city in the province of Cavite, that is about 60 miles south of Metro Manila. A very popular tourist destination for its excellent cool breeze of air, mountainous treks of nature, green pastures of land that is perfect for horseback riding, and of course the view of the popular and historical Taal Volcano.

Tagaytay City with its local government and support of the friendly local people, successfully preserved the beauty of this favorite summer destination through various programs. The city boasts as one of the most highest popular attractions due to its proximity to Metro Manila, the preserved natural beauty through the years and its wonderful accommodations provided by nearby hotels.

You can enjoy yourself by riding these cable cars and view the excellent panoramic view or just relax with friends or barkadas in one of the native rest huts above.

So what are you waiting for. Get your gears ready and give yourself and your family of that much needed vacation.

Akyat na po sa Tagaytay.