Philippines Re - Con

Pack your bags—we’re heading to the Philippines! Rick joins Terry and Jackie Rae live from beautiful Palawan to explore what makes the Philippines such an unforgettable destination. Local tour guides Jed and Anthea share an insider’s look at Filipino culture, history, food and the legendary hospitality that makes visitors feel at home.

From the bustling history of Manila to the spectacular beaches and islands of Palawan, we talk snorkeling, scuba diving, whale sharks, island hopping, incredible seafood and even a heart-pounding zip line adventure. You’ll also discover why English-speaking travellers will find the Philippines surprisingly easy to navigate and why March may be the perfect time to visit.
Plus, Rick previews Network Travel’s nine-day Philippines Island Escape in March 2027. If the Philippines hasn’t been on your travel bucket list before, there’s a very good chance it will be after this episode.
Key Topics
Philippine tourism and recent trip highlights
Cultural and historical insights of the Philippines
Adventure activities like zip lining, snorkeling, and whale shark encounters
The importance of Filipino hospitality and language proficiency for travelers
Environmental conservation efforts and eco-tourism in Palawan
Takeaways
The Philippines has over 7,000 islands offering diverse experiences.
English is widely spoken, making communication easy for travelers.
Palawan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Filipino hospitality is rooted in family and community culture.
There are numerous adventure activities suitable for all levels, including zip lining and diving.
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction to the Philippines trip and key highlights
(02:05) - Rick's experience at the FTEx travel mission in the Philippines
(04:17) - Exploring Palawan's natural beauty and top island destinations
(08:46) - Language and communication in the Philippines for travelers
(11:03) - Best time to visit Palawan and local weather in March
(12:24) - Unique flora: Palawan cherry blossoms and local biodiversity
(17:30) - Historical background of the Philippines and ancient civilizations
(22:01) - Filipino hospitality and cultural values
(24:42) - Local cuisine and seafood delicacies in the Philippines
(30:55) - Marine life and eco-tourism: whale sharks and coral reefs
(34:28) - Adventure activities: zip lining and cave exploration
(38:12) - Cultural diversity and what travelers can expect in the Philippines
(39:37) - Closing remarks and upcoming travel opportunities in 2024