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Sinulog FestivalA tropical archipelago of more than 7,000 islands splashed between China and Indonesia, the Philippines is known as one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hot spots, hosting endemic plants and animals and coral reefs teeming with life. With a history of colonization by Spain and the United States, the heavily Roman Catholic nation has retained a unique blend of cultures and traditions. On Cebu Island, bright colors and ritual dances distinguish the popular Sinulog festival, a celebration of the child Jesus, patron of Cebu City.
Photograph by Harel Gur, My Shot

The Philippines

See photos of the Philippines (including Cebu Island, Manila, Banaue rice terraces, and more) in this travel photo gallery from National Geographic.

Published May 4, 2010