Today’s generation is engrossed in technology so much that the latter has become a part of their lives, which they cannot seem to extricate themselves from. Look at the people around you and you will see people with multiple gadgets attached to them. From tablets to iPhones, to laptops plugged into power outlets and even digital watches, each person that you meet is a millennial in all senses of the word: modern, techie, and a gadget junkie.

However, these gadgets and apps may be detrimental to your relationships and could hamper your work. With social media alone, you can be distracted away from a conversation with a friend. You can also get stressed with the number of notifications and emails that you receive in your inbox every day. When the benefits of technology become too much for you to handle, you need to undergo a digital detox.

Digital detox enables you to spend a weekend or some time off from your gadgets. You can unwind and relax in an environment where there are no appliances. Hence, it’s like going back to your roots, when all people had were themselves and nature. Nature is a great healer, and you can feel refreshed and rejuvenated with lush greeneries, while enjoying your “me time” without Facebook, Twitter, and a pile of text messages.

In the Philippines, there are top five places where you can undergo digital detox. The country is one of the best destinations to choose whenever tourists want to have an exotic place to relax in. The beautiful places that made it to this list are the following:

1. 7Stones Boracay Suites, Boracay

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An exciting and secluded spot in Boracay, 7Stones Boracay Suites will excite your senses, in a good way. This is the perfect place for workaholics who want to take a break from all those gadgets and work. With thrilling water sports, soothing massages, and soul food overflowing, you will enjoy your vacation in Boracay and feel refreshed at the end of your getaway.

2. The Farm at San Benito, Lipa City, Batangas

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Just a three-hour drive from Manila, the venue is a real treat for any tired traveler or tourist. You can opt to have detox and cleansing, where you will also learn meditative breathing techniques and stress management from their resident health and lifestyle coaches. There are yoga sessions, too. Should you become hungry, you can have a feast of vegan food. The Farm provides real cleansing from the inside and out.

3. El Nido Resort, Palawan

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Less crowded than Boracay, Palawan is the next tropical paradise in your list. The villas are full of tranquil vibe as you take in all the stone and wood, and the overlooking scenery. Calm your weary senses with the view of the ocean or the verdant hills.

4. Batanes

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What could be more relaxing and refreshing than the chilly province of Batanes, a less than two-hour flight from Manila. Situated in the north, the Batanes group of islands prides in their rolling hills and wooden structures that choose to stay traditional (think of stone houses and straw roofs). A weekend with the Ivatan locals will surely take your mind off your troubles at home.

5. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Enjoy the white sand up north while basking in tales of history from the locals in Laoag. There is no nightlife, too, so you can relax and feel the calm of the evening. The picturesque beach and historical landmarks will take you across time and space sans your smartphones. It is not only a digital detox but also a time to learn more of the place’s cultural heritage.

The Philippines is a site of natural wonders and eye-catching scenery. The archipelago is not without verdant hills and mountains, lush forestry, exotic animals, and rolling waves. More importantly, the Filipinos make the Philippines fun to visit, thanks to their unique traits and laudable talents and crafts.

What tourist could even forget the jeepney, the only vehicle of its kind in the world? Or the Filipinos’ habit of kissing the hands of their elders and adding the words “po” and “opo” to their sentences, a language feature that is not evident in other cultures? Truly, the Philippines is also a melting pot of various traditions cultivated within centuries of colonial rule and shaped by indigenous practices handed down from generation to generation.

For tourists, it is a marvel to see the unique traits of Filipinos. These characteristics give them their own identity and eventually attract tourists to visit the country more often. These unique traits are the following:

1. Hospitality

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Filipinos are known for being hospitable, especially to tourists and wanderers who do not have a place to stay. In some tourist spots such as Baguio City, locals even offer the comforts of their own homes for tourists who need a place to stay for a night or two.

2. Optimism

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Despite being a path for typhoons, Filipinos remain positive about their situation. Whatever problems come their way, they always greet visitors with a smile on their faces and say “It’s okay”.

3. Resourcefulness

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Filipinos are talented and highly creative. They can fashion instruments out of kitchen utensils, and could solve problems at a snap of a finger, thanks to their resourcefulness.

4. Respect for elders

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They have a habit of kissing the hands of elders, an act that means they are asking for their elder’s blessing. (They call it – “Mano”)

5. Strong family ties

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Only in the Philippines will you see families that bond together like no other. In a typical household, you’ll see extended families like the grandparents and the couple’s siblings, all co-existing harmoniously with the nuclear family.

6. Collective pride

Filipinos are mighty proud of their cultural heritage and are doubly proud when they hear of Filipinos making it big in other countries. For them, there is no “half-Filipino”. A person born with Filipino blood, no matter how small the percentage is, is regarded with respect and pride.

7. Strong work ethic

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Filipinos are also committed individuals, especially in the workforce. Tourists admire Filipino valets and bellboys who always extend a helping hand to them, despite calling on their service in the wee hours. There is no snobbish attitude among the Filipinos.

8. Industriousness

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Once berated by national hero Jose Rizal for following after the colonizers’ siesta rule and indolence, the typical Filipino is hard working and has no qualms about working beyond their schedule.

9. Helpfulness

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Filipinos are generally liked by tourists because they do not choose whom to help. When someone needs assistance, they readily come to their aid.

10. Gratefulness

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Filipinos are known for saying “thank you” whenever they are helped in return. Locals also give presents to tourists to thank them for taking time to visit their region.

11. Honesty

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Have you heard of the Honesty store in Batanes, where no one guards the store, thus letting residents and tourists purchase goods and pay whatever amount they want? How about the cab drivers who return wallets and other belongings to their passengers? These show how honest Filipinos can be, and this is also the reason why tourists trust them completely.

12. Courtesy

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Aside from saying “po” and “opo”, Filipinos are known worldwide to be very polite. They make sure that they give their visitors a warm welcome.

13. Bravery

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The Filipino spirit is marked with courage, especially in times of distress and other problems.

14. Unity

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Also referred to as the “Bayanihan”, Filipinos help one another when their fellowmen need them.

15. Faith

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The Philippines is predominantly a Catholic country, and wherever the Filipinos go, they always make it a point to honor God Almighty. Tourists can attest to the many churches, old and new, erected in the country.