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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Philippines

55 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in the Philippines

Updated November 24, 2023

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Stories About the Philippines

An overlooked character on the Victoria ship possibly got to his homeland before the Europeans arrived in theirs.

Did an Enslaved Man Beat Magellan to Circling the World?

The unsung hero may have also been instrumental in defeating the colonizers.
by Kate McMahon
Before joining the Central Luzon Huks as Commander Liwayway, Remedios Gomez-Paraiso was known in her rural town for her poise and beauty.

Commander Liwayway and Other Filipino Women Who Fought During World War II

The “Huk Amazons” were military commanders, leaders, soldiers, spies, and more.
by Sarah Durn
Biko's toppings vary depending on the region, but toasted coconut and coconut-cream curds are favorites.

The Disappearing Philippine Tradition of 'Souling' for Rice Cakes

Pangangaluluwa means singing, costumes, and treats.
by Barbara Woolsey
"It takes years to perfect Kalinga tattooing," says Oggay.

A 105-Year-Old Tattoo Artist Is Teaching Girls to Ink for Independence

Filipino tribal tattooist Fang-od Oggay has built an economy on the back of skin art.
by Lynzy Billing
An artist's rendering of one of the three new giant cloud rat species.

Giant Cloud Rats Hint at a Prehistoric Biodiversity Paradise

Oversized, fluffy rodents in the Philippines may have been hunted by our evolutionary cousins. 
by Gemma Tarlach
The purple hue traditionally comes from pirurutong rice, but cooks often use ube flavoring for color.

Why Filipino Christians Greet the December Dawn With Purple Rice

Puto bumbong is a sweet, post-mass breakfast during Simbang Gabi.
by Pam Casis
The penanggalan detaches from her body to approach mothers, pregnant women, and infants.

The Malaysian Penanggalan Haunts Pregnant Women and Newborns

These provincial specters are as gruesome as they are hungry.
by Josh Levine
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly stuck in a bubbly drink at a picnic?

At 'Soda Springs' in the Philippines, the Seafloor Bubbles Like Champagne

The bubbles are mostly carbon dioxide, and gurgle up from the ground in streamers or curtains.
by Jessica Leigh Hester

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