Standing at the crossroads of the developed western world and the orient, the Philippines archipelago provides a great variety of natural wonders - ancient rice terraces, dramatic waterfalls, beautiful beaches, reefs teaming with aquatic life - but the real wonder is in its warm and welcoming people.

A diverse blend of ethnic and linguistic groups, the Philippines national identity has been realized as the indigenous people became increasingly conscious of a national unity.

Yet individual tribal identities and cultures still exist, seen in differences in dress, housing, rituals, and traditions. But I was surprised not so much by the dissimilarities as I was by what they call Bayanihan, a communal spirit that holds them all together.

And it was this dominating characteristic that made my travel through their homeland so delightful and agreeable.