Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 130,028 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/653

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park covers a pristine atoll reef ecosystem with a very high diversity of marine life. The park consists of three reef areas: North and South Atoll, divided by 8km, and Jessie Beazley Reef 20km to the north. It is located within the Coral Triangle, a global focus for coral biological diversity.

The Tubbataha Reefs are the largest concentration of coral reefs in the Philippines. Hundreds of different species of vivid corals cover more than two-thirds of the area. This intact and remote ecosystem rivals the Great Barrier Reef - having 300 coral species and 400 fish species. Animal species that inhabit the reefs include whales, manta rays, lionfish, turtle, clownfish, spotted dolphin and sharks.

Aside from being a marine sanctuary, Tubbataha is also renowned for being a bird sanctuary. It holds nesting sites for seabirds.

The site was extended in 2009 to include Jessie Beazley Reef.

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/tubbatahareef.html

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/722

The Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras (on the island of Luzon) ar a cultural landscape developed 2000 years ago by the Ifugao people. These terraces are still in use, and are under continuous maintenance by the current Ifugao farmeers.

There are many more rice terraces in Asia (f.e. on Bali_, but these in the Philippine Cordilleras are outstanding because of their altutude (up to 1500 meters) and steep slopes (maximum of 70 degrees). A complex system of dams, sluizes, channels and bamboo pipes keeps whole groups of terraces adequately flooded.

The WHS consists of four clusters of well-preserved rice terraces:

1. Banaue: Batad and Bangaan

2. Mayoyao: Mayoyao Central

3. Klangan: Nagacadan

4. Hungduan

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/riceterracescordilleras.html

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest.

The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/puertoprincesa.html

Historic Town of Vigan

Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502

The Historic Town of Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia, including the historical checkerboard street plan.

Vigan is located in the northeastern part of Luzon. It was founded as a trading town in 1572 by the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo

Vigan differs from Spanish colonial towns in Latin America because its Latin tradition is tempered by strong Chinese, Ilocano and Filipino influences. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/vigan.html

Baroque Churches of the Philippines

These four churches, the first of which was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677

The Baroque Churches of the Phillipines represent a fusion of European church design (baroque) and local construction techniques and decorations. Their specific characteristics include a separate bell-tower and strong buttresses to withstand the powers of earthquakes common in the region.

Four churches were selected to make up this WHS, as samples of the development of this Phillipine-Hispanic style over a period of more than 150 years (16th-18th century). These four are:

- San Agustin (Manila)

- La Asuncion (Santa Maria)

- San Agustin (Paoay)

- Santo Tomas (Miag-ao) (on the postcard)

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/baroquechurches.html