Philippines
Where East Meets West
The Philippines, the second-largest archipelago after Indonesia, enjoy a healthful tropical climate. Rain forests provide a huge assortment of tropical fruits, including bananas, pineapples, papayas, durian and mangoes, to name a few. Filipino culture is as mixed as can be, with influences from the native peoples as well as the various colonial periods. Their foods reflect the tastes of India, China, Japan, as well as Spain, Portugal and the U.S. Needless to say, a Filipino menu can be most eclectic! Sample their traditions — a true meeting of East and West — with us as we explore the islands of the Philippines.
The following sections are excerpted in part from Peter Harper & Laurie Fullerton's "Philippines Handbook," by Moon Publications, Inc. ($17.95).
For more information on Moon Publications, visit their website at http://www.moon.com |
