...the most beautiful island countries in the world

7 Most Beautiful Island Countries in the World

Diana White
Womanitely.com

 

 

There are a few gorgeous island countries in the world that are definitely worth vising. Summer is fast approaching and that means it’s time to start planning your vacation. While there are many fascinating countries in the world to visit, I think there is something more adventurous, exotic and romantic about visiting an island country. Take a look at the list of 7 breathtakingly beautiful island countries in the world, which everyone should certainly visit at least once in lifetime.

1. Malta

 

 

Malta is a beautiful southern European country in the Mediterranean Sea, which has a rich history and culture. There are amazing sky-high cliffs to climb, fabulous temples to explore, mysterious hidden coves, and lots of wonderful places to go scuba diving. In fact, there are plenty of interesting things to see and to do in Malta and this island country has something for everyone. The historic part of Malta has incredible architecture, great walled cities, and many underground tunnels to explore.

2. The Philippines

 

 

One of the most beautiful and best island countries in the world is the Philippines. It’s actually a geographically gorgeous place worth vising any time of the year. The Philippines contain over 7,000 islands, and all of them are beautiful and unique in their own way. There are many wonderful tourist attractions including the Tubbataha Reef, Mayon Volcano, Banaue Rice Terraces, Puerto Galera, Donsol, the Chocolate Hills and many more. The country also offers plenty of interesting activities for you to experience, such as diving, climbing, camping, hiking, bird watching and many others.

3. Australia

Australia is an amazing island country, which everyone should visit at least once in life. It’s often identified as mega diverse country as it boasts a rich culture, fantastic wildlife, nice people, and a plethora of fun and interesting things to see and to do. Australia has literally everything, from the spectacular beaches, canyons, to breathtaking green forests to explore.

4. The Maldives

Not only is the Maldives one of the most beautiful island countries, it is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of an entire series of incredible ancient coral reefs that grew up along the sides of ancient volcanoes. There is a magnificent ocean, with fascinating beaches and luxury resorts. If you are looking for the best honeymoon destination, the Maldives will be perfect for you.

5. Cuba

Unfortunately, many people don’t even think of visiting Cuba these days. However, Cuba is a charming island country that boasts the clear blue waters, the white sandy beaches, the best coral reefs in the world, the small shops and numerous attractions. This country has a rich culture and history to explore. And if you like to scuba dive or snorkel, Cuba should be number one on your travel bucket list. Cuba is the closest island to North America, so why not visit it this year?

6. Fiji

Fiji is a fabulous island that has plenty of surprises for any adventurous traveler. There is one of the world’s best surf scenes, and many surfing enthusiasts travel to Fiji yearly to ride the great waves. Well, if surfing is not for you and you love sitting on the beach and relaxing or hiking, seeing breathtaking waterfalls, Fiji is certainly the best island country to visit.

7. Japan

I’m sure there’s no other place on the planet like Japan. It’s an island country where East meets West, the cultures do not clash, and where you will never feel bored. You will fill up on ramen, sushi, experience different culture, go hiking in the spectacular hills, and don’t forget to visit Tokyo.

Tokyo’s bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs are busy each night of the week. If you are a true
shopaholic, Japan is a must visit place for you.

These island countries are not to be missed, and we can’t just describe them. You really do have to visit them in person. I know these countries seem to be luxury, but I strongly believe that every person can visit at least one of these beautiful island countries. The difference is that some people can afford to do it now while others have to save money the whole year or two. Do you want to visit any of the countries mentioned above?

 

...the PH IMO seat

Philippines re-elected to IMO

By John Carlo Cahinhinan
Sun Star

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

MANILA (Updated) -- The Philippines once again bagged a seat in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during its 28th Annual Assembly in London, United Kingdom.

The IMO is the United Nations' specialized agency responsible for ensuring maritime safety, security and protection of marine environment, while its assembly serves as the executive organ of the agency that is responsible for overseeing the work of the entire organization.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator Maximo Mejia said the country was placed under "Category C," which includes countries with "special interests in maritime transport or navigation."

The Marina administrator explained that a "Category C" nation has special interest in maritime transport or navigation and whose election into the council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

Those member states that belonged to the same category include Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey.

Around one-third of the world's seafarers' population comes from the Philippines.

Mejia noted that the country, as a maritime nation, is deeply committed to the goals of the IMO in a very concrete manner, particularly on the benefits from the operation of safe and secure ships on clean oceans.

"We rely on the seas to connect our thousands of islands and on its bounty for our food and our economy," Mejia said.

He also reassured the international maritime community of the Philippines' adherence to the conventions, rules and regulations set by the IMO and other international regulatory bodies.

"Being the source of more than a quarter of all seafarers on-board ships in the international trade is a position of great responsibility, and the Philippines reassures the international maritime community of its commitment to the letter and intent of the STCW Convention and to ensuring that the world’s ships are manned by able, competent, and qualified seafarers," Mejia said. (Sunnex)

 

...the Philippine All-Star

Philippine Allstars finishes 1st place at dance competition in Switzerland

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

June 13, 2011

Manila Bulletin

The Allstars performing at the Dance2Dance competition in Zurich (Screen grab from YouTube)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Allstars did it again!

The premiere hip-hop dance group bagged first place at the annual Dance2Dance: The World Streetdance Showcase Competition held last June 11 at the Theater 11 in Zurich, Switzerland.

They outdid nine other groups from USA, Sweden, Poland Italy, and even Switzerland. It was no measly feat, as the jury who evaluated the performances consisted of dance experts such as Burim Jusufi (Rihanna’s dancer), Tiziana Cocca (Black Eyed Peas’ dancer), Kristin Lorello (from “America’s Best Dance Crew”) and Laushaun Price (from the Debbie Reynolds Studio).

Allstars' triumph came with a 5,000 CHF cash prize, or roughly over P250,000. But more than the money,  they are grateful for snagging yet another achievement.

“Thank you Lord for the blessings! Thank you Lord for our family! Thank you Lord for everything!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

PHILIPPINE ALLSTARS, 1ST PLACE in Dance2Dance Competition in Zurich, Switzerland. Thank YOU! :)” read one of their Facebook shoutouts on June 12.

They also thanked their fans for their support.

“[T]hank you ALL for the Prayers =) GOD has given Philippines and ASIA another GOLD =) To GOD be the GLORY!!! WOOOHHHOOOO!! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL!” the Allstars also wrote.
 
As seen in the Dance2Dance official website, the competition featured “pre-selected professional dance teams from all over the world to see who’s got what it takes to stand alone, as the best of the best.”

Since their formation in 2005, the Allstars has already won in various prestigious dance contests outside the country. They were the first Asian group to strike back-to-back golds in the International Hip-Hop Open d’Italia (Turin, Italy) and World Hip-Hop Dance Championships (Los Angeles, California) in 2006.

The Allstars enjoyed a winning streak at the V.Ent’s First Annual Dance Awards (as Team of the Year) in 2007, as well as at the World Hip-Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2008 and the Malta Guiness Streetdance Africa in Kenya in 2009 (where they both received Gold).

...the English speaking finalist

Pinay pays tribute to 'a mother's love' in int'l. public speaking tilt

by Rose Eclarinal

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

06/11/2011

LONDON, UK - Germaine Chuabio, a student of De La Salle University (DLSU), represented the Philippines in the annual International Public Speaking Competition of the English Speaking Union (ESU) held at the HSBC headquarters in Canary Wharf.

Chuabio competed against 81 national winners from 49 countries in a 2-day grueling competition.

The 82 competitors who were divided in 8 heats delivered their speeches on topics such as climate change, political oppression and overpopulation. This year’s theme was ‘Words are not enough.’

Chuabio chose to write about the subject closest to her heart. In her speech ‘A Mother’s Love,’ she talked about her twin sister Gillian and her mother’s love for a daughter who has special needs.

"I decided to write about this piece because I felt I wanted to write about my mother and my sister. By sharing the story, I wanted to inspire other families and other mothers with special children. And of course, I felt that the condition of my sister is in line with the theme--words are not enough," Chuabio told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.

She added: "I dedicate this piece to all the mothers with special children because I know that having a special child could be a challenge. But I admire them for their strength, for their love, courage and the faith they put in their child. [That] is really admirable."

Germaine Chuabio rehearsing her speech at the Philippine Embassy in London.

 The 82 contestants were whittled down to 24 semi-finalists, and then down to 6 finalists.

They were given 4 minutes to impress the judges and the audience on a range of topics.
The finalists were Jeon Kang from Korea, Germaine Chuabio from the Philippines, Luisa Cassar Pullicino from Malta, Sahil Sanjay Bhattad from India, Caleb Yaw Kudah from Ghana, and Xu Jiru from China.

After careful consideration by no less than 30 judges including 3 in the grand finals, they named Jeon Kang (Korea) the winner for his speech "Umm... I can’t teach?!" and Sahil Sanjay Bhattad (India) as the runner-up.

An all-expense paid trip to Buckingham Palace in November awaits the winner who will also receive the IPSC award from HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Philippines has been named champion twice in the IPSC with Patricia Evangelista and Gian Karlo Dapul representing the Philippines.

"I think the best part about representing the Philippines is that I get to show how Filipinos are, what the Filipino culture is, that we are a group of people that is very accommodating and very hospitable. A big part of this contest is also socializing (with other contestants). It is about really showing them what a Filipino is," Chuabio said.

Below is the speech delivered by Chuabio in the 30th IPSC held in London during the last week of May.

Mother’s Love
By Germaine Chuabio

When I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. So my mom bought me the first "Harry Potter" book and every single book after that. She told me that if I could read them all and learn a lot of words, then I might just be the next best selling author in the making. Well, 7 books later, I learned things like Wingardium Leviosa, but I'm still no J.K. Rowling. But at least, I won a free trip to London. And I think that's the closest I can get to a Man Booker Prize in my lifetime.

Truth is, whether you’re a writer or not, the number of words a person knows is important.

Psychologists say that an average educated adult should possess 20,000 words and a 3-year-old -- 50 words. For most people, achieving these milestones is as natural as breathing. But you know, I have a twin sister who cannot talk much. Her name is Gillian. And for her, learning enough words has always been a big, big problem. Mom learned from a doctor, when Gillian was 4, that she is mentally handicapped. She is a special child.

My mom cried for Gillian. It was the most painful time in her life. But she got up, wiped her tears, and sought the help of a speech therapist. Eventually, Mom studied special education to personally teach Gillian. Still, it was not good enough. At 7, Gillian couldn't read and count. This time, Mom took a huge leap of faith. She took out all of Dad's savings, with his permission of course, and put up a special school so Gillian could be assured of a place to learn.

Gillian is still the lucky one. She has access to therapy and school. In my country, it is heartbreaking to note that there are more than 5 million children with developmental disabilities but only about 4% receive appropriate educational services. The rest still live in poverty. Marginalized children will not think of school when their basic needs such as food are not met. It does not help that state special schools are concentrated in the city of Manila far from the children’s homes. Moreover, these schools do not provide necessary services like speech therapy. Worse, one teacher handles a class that reminds me of a bag of assorted biscuits. You see autistic children mixed together with dyslexic children when in fact these two conditions have totally different educational needs.

This picture is not exclusive to the Philippines. It is the same story in many Third World nations even as special children are growing in significant numbers.

But is there hope for special children in developing countries? One solution that can be done is mother empowerment. Programs can be set up that instruct mothers to teach their children. For example, the Autism Society of the Philippines is a charity organization founded by 11 mothers with autistic children. They train even more mothers, teachers, and health workers in far flung areas of the country where special education services are nonexistent. Teacher Mom is a practical solution to a pressing need. In some cases, it can even transform mothers to become advocates and leaders who make a difference in our world.

To this day, my mom continues to teach my sister. But she has accepted her for what she is and for what she cannot be. At the end of the day, Teacher Mom is not just about teaching words. It is also about showing love.

Many special children may never be a J.K. Rowling. They may never learn enough words. But not everything that counts in life can be counted with words. A mother's hug, kiss, smile, laugh can mean so much more to a special child. Words are important, yes. But they are not enough without something as powerful and as unconditional as a mother’s love.