#1 - Sumilon Island. This is a manmade sandbar on the island of Sumilon, which is just off the coast of Cebu. The water is pure blue and and the sand, although manmade, is extremely fine and soft. They rent snorkels right by the stairs that lead to the sandbar, so definitely grab one if you want to go for a dip and see the fish in the ocean! (Getting a lifejacket is a good idea too...constantly treading is seriously exhausting.)
#2 - Kawasan Falls. My friends and I went canyoneering for the day, and it was hands-down one of the funnest things I have ever done in my entire life. Amongst fighting currents, slipping through narrow rocks, and cliff jumping, Kawasan Falls was also one of the most beautiful pieces of nature I have ever seen. A must-do for adventurists out there!
#3 - If you look up pictures of the "Philippines," you'll see a lot of ocean, nature, and mountain pictures. This was a picture I took on a ferry ride going from Cebu to Dumaguete (was around a 4 hour trip one-way). Though it was a fairly somber day, in the skies, I love this shot because it captures the truth of the country and how it lives up to its tropical reputation (it rained earlier on)!