Late last month, we got an email from Jaleh Donaldson asking to interview us for an article to appear in associatedcontent.com. We are reposting here the Q & A feature so that romance travelers may know what this tropical country has to offer.

Q. What cultural factors make the Philippines unique?

A. Filipinos are gracious hosts and we take it to heart in going the extra mile to please our guests. Foreign travelers would be pleased to be feted with the unique Filipino hospitality. As English is widely spoken in this part of Asia, tourists will have a breeze understanding the culture and the street signs.

Q. Why would the Philippines be a great wedding destination?

A. For couples planning a destination wedding, the Philippines is an option worth considering. The country has been under the radar in terms of top locations for Destination Weddings, so there lies its beauty. This off-the-beaten-track tropical location is understandably more affordable than its more mainstream/popular counterparts elsewhere in the world.

Add the fact that the Filipino wedding vendors are actually professional artisans. Labor is cheap but the artistry is topnotch. Local gown designers do not mass produce their wedding dresses and sell them of-the-rack simply because weddings here are highly personalize while it stays reasonably affordable. Our local wedding photographers and videographers are also world class. It is not unheard of in these parts when couples based abroad fly them out just to cover their big day. Even with the airfare plus the service fee, they say hiring a Filipino wedding professional turns out more affordable. Our highly professional event planners can handle the necessary paperwork and are able to customize a service to particular requirements of each couple for a hassle-free wedding holiday.

It also helps that the Philippine government is also pushing to promote the country as a top wedding destination. On a familiarization trip hosted recently by the Philippine tourism department for members of the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AFWPI), it’s association president, Richard Markel was quoted as quoted as saying: “A basic wedding in the US costs around $50,000 while in the Philippines you can hold weddings for less than half of that, with a honeymoon holiday thrown in the package.”

Q. Why would the Philippines be a great honeymoon destination?

A. With the 7,107 islands in and around this archipelago, the Philippines offer 7,107 options for honeymooners. The country boasts of its fine white sand beaches from north to south. Accommodations range from swanky island resorts and boutique hotels for sophisticated honeymooners, to home-stays for the laid-back & adventurous backpackers.

There is the sand, sea, and sunset. How’s that for an exotic and romantic honeymoon getaway?

Q. What are some fun things to do in the Philippines?

A. The Philippines is renowned for its breathtaking dive spots and eco-adventure tours. Plus it’s a shopping paradise for tourists looking for the best bargains. From giant malls, to open-air bazaars and flea markets, the country has it all. Travelers are sure to benefit from the USD-to-peso exchange rate, so visitors are sure to find value for money.

For the ultimate spa experience, couples visiting the Philippines must try “hilot” - the ancient Filipino art of healing massage which is both relaxing and therapeutic.

The Filipino cuisine is attuned to both Western and Eastern palettes. Seafood and tropical fruits abound. Our mangoes are the best in the world. The more adventurous could simply flag down a street vendor shouting “balut” to get a sampling of this exotic aphrodisiac, and prove its “powers” come honeymoon night.

From big adventurous to simple pleasures, couples would never run out of things to do in this tropical paradise.

Q. What advice would you like to leave for a couple that is considering having a wedding and/or honeymoon in the Philippines?

A. For couples dreaming of a tropical wedding & honeymoon getaway in one, I would say: Come to the Philippines! Experience our culture and feel the world-class service our travel and wedding industry has to offer.

As a jump-off point, you may visit the Phillippine tourism website: www.experiencephilippines.ph.

You may also check out this article: “Seven Reasons to Say “I Do” in the Philippines”