The Marvel Around You

| Nicola Ampere De Guzman
Layout by Elijah Jardinez

The Earth holds countless wonders—soaring skies, lush lands, and the mysteries beneath the sea. Each country carries its own unique beauty, and among them, the Philippines shines with its 7,641 islands wrapped in natural splendor.

Knowing the country is a land full of wonders, why do so many of us still choose to explore other countries before even discovering our own? Is it the cost? The distance? Or have we simply forgotten what we already have? Why not take the time to witness the treasures in our land before setting off to the other side of the world?

Here, the warm breeze feels like an embrace from our ancestors, while the cool winds whisper like comfort. The weather rests in balance, just right—like nature itself chose this place to be its home.

Have you ever even stopped to wonder how we came to have such extraordinary sites in the first place—places we are lucky enough to see with our own eyes today?

The Wonders of Nature

The Philippines has gone through so much over time—from colonization, to natural disasters, and the intense heat and rain. Yet through it all, these wonders remain.

A beauty hidden within the mountain range of Saint Paul, there’s a river that flows with majestic teal water beneath a cave that once served as a natural cover to protect it.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located on the mid-western coast of Palawan, is not just an ordinary underground river—in fact, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.

The river is beautifully surrounded by limestone karst landscapes, intact old-growth forests, and unique wildlife, with its waters flowing directly into the sea. The site encompasses a complete mountain-to-sea ecosystem, providing homes to many species of plants and animals. Similarly, there is also an enchanting magnificence found beneath the sea.

At the center of the Sulu Sea lies an extraordinary splendor that is home to a great diversity of marine life, the Tubbataha Reefs National Park. National Geographic’s Michael Greshko mentioned that former President Corazon Aquino designated Tubbataha as the Philippines’ first national marine park in 1988.

Five years later, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its vital role in preserving marine biodiversity. But the Philippines’ national heritage goes beyond just these rivers and underwater marvels—there is still so much more that the Earth has gifted us to admire.

Carved by Time

There are even breathtaking sights across the Philippines that are man-made, like the historic city of Vigan and the Banaue Rice Terraces, which were carefully crafted by the Ifugao people more than 2,000 years ago, according to an article by Britannica written by Amy Tikkanen.

Yet, what is truly amazing is how many wonders came directly from the hands of the Earth itself, sculpted by nature and carved beautifully by time.

And come to think of it, cost and distance are rarely a problem, because wherever you are in the Philippines, a national heritage site is right before your eyes—in every city and province. The Philippines is rich in history and natural heritage, shaped by both nature and time.

Memoir in Every Corner

However, people often overlook what they have while chasing what they want. As Philip Carnell, a writer for the North Carolina Employment Security Commission (NCESC), explains, many prefer to travel abroad to experience different cultures and traditions.

Nevertheless, it is just as important to know and appreciate our own heritage, as emphasized by Heritage Films. We often ignore it because we are used to it. But if we take the time to slow down and look closely, we will realize that every heritage site has more than just outward beauty.

Each one tells a story—about our ancestors, their struggles, and how it all connects to who we are today. It is in our control to appreciate and treasure the heritage passed down to us, or let it fade into the background.

So, take a moment to admire the national heritage not just in Palawan or the heart of the Sulu Sea, but everywhere around you—perfectly crafted by time and etched with history—because every path, every horizon, and every breeze in this land carries a memory of the past—reminding us of how deep and rich our roots truly are.