The people of Philippines are the real highlight

I've been to a lot of countries and the thing I'll remember most about Philippines isn't Mayon Volcano or even the extraordinary adobo — it's the people. In Vigan and out in the countryside, I encountered a warmth and generosity that felt completely genuine.

One local family essentially adopted me for an afternoon after I got lost trying to find Mayon Volcano. world-class island beaches and diving became a shared experience I couldn't have planned. That human connection is something travel can give you and Philippines delivers it more than most places.