Spanish Strings in Filipino Hearts

• Because the Philippines is a large archipelago, its musical styles vary from island to island and are a mixture of different sounds (such as European, American, indigenous, etc.). However, as the country was colonized by Spain for more than 300 years (1500s to 1800s), its music has an evident Spanish influence (an effect noticeable all over the country).
• One perfect example would be the rondalla, an ensemble of stringed instruments played with plectrum, which was brought by the Spaniards to the Philippines in 1800s; it usually provides accompaniment to folk songs and dances.

Finding Nemo in Apo Island

• Apo Island in Dauin Negros Oriental, Philippines is a beautiful marine sanctuary which is known for its famous Clownfish City where hundreds of “nemos” abound.
• Being a community-organized marine sanctuary, Apo Island has a large diving site which could allow you to get a view of beautiful underwater scenes, unite with different sea creatures, enjoy the colorful sea corals of more than 400 species, and of course, you can also get to swim and play with the adorable clownfish, which is just one of more than 700 species of fish found in the island’s marine reserve.