In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the blue skies kiss the turquoise sea, lies a tropical haven called the Philippines.
Spending a week there, I found myself immersed in the culture, the nature, everything.
There are more than 7,000 islands (many of them unnamed), and while I couldn’t explore every cove and island, the warmth of the people, and the vibrant tapestry of cultures across the island left me with memories that I will never forget.
The Philippines has a diverse and rich culinary tradition. Filipino cuisine is a mix of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American flavors.
The traditional Filipino diet includes a variety of ingredients and dishes like rice (a staple food), a variety of seafood such as shrimp, crab, and squid, and vegetables like ampalaya, which is bitter melon.
Shiara Naveen is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
