Enchanting Coron: The Jewel of the Philippines

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-moo-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-a-lam]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomePaki
  [pa-kee]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pa-sen-sya]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-moo-sta ka]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [ma-boo-tee. ee-kaw]
• Do you speak English?Marunong ka ba mag-English?
  [ma-roo-nong ka ba mag-english]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee ko main-tin-di-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [gus-to ko ma-ki-ta ang me-nu, pa-ki-oo-sap]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee a-ko koo-ma-ka-in ng kar-ne]
• Cheers!Tagay!
  [ta-gai]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko magbayad, pakiusap
  [gus-to ko mag-ba-ya-ad, pa-ki-oo-sap]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-long]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [lu-ma-yo ka]
• Call the Police!Tumawag ng Pulis!
  [too-ma-wag ng pu-lis]
• Call a doctor!Tumawag ng doktor!
  [too-ma-wag ng dok-tor]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [na-wa-wa-la a-ko]
• I'm illSakit ako
  [sa-kit a-ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [gus-to ko bu-mi-li ng]
• I'm just lookingNagmamasid lang ako
  [nag-ma-ma-sid lang a-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-ka-no ee-to]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal
  [ma-sya-dong ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pwe-de bang ba-ban ang pre-syo]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [a-nong o-ras na]
• It's one o'clockAlas-una na
  [a-las-oo-na na]
• Half past (10)Alas-diyes y medya
  [a-las-dyess e med-ya]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-ma-ga]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabi
  [ga-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [ka-ha-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [nga-yon]
• TomorrowBukas
  [boo-kas]
• 1Isa
  [ee-sa]
• 2Dalawa
  [da-la-wa]
• 3Tatlo
  [tat-lo]
• 4Apat
  [a-pat]
• 5Lima
  [lee-ma]
• 6Anim
  [a-nim]
• 7Pito
  [pee-to]
• 8Walo
  [wa-lo]
• 9Siyam
  [see-yam]
• 10Sampu
  [sam-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang/isang...
  [na-saan ang/ee-sang]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [a-no ang address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pwe-de mo ba a-kong ee-pa-kee-ta sa ma-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [ka-i-lan ang su-su-nod na bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papunta sa ....)
  [ee-sang ti-ket pa-pun-ta sa]

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Coron was home to the indigenous Tagbanwa people. The Tagbanwa have a rich culture that includes animistic religious practices and a deep connection to the natural world. They lived in harmony with the land, relying on fishing, hunting, and small-scale farming.

During the 16th century, the Spanish arrived in the Philippines, including Coron. Spanish missionaries attempted to convert the Tagbanwa people to Christianity, and the area was placed under Spanish rule. Despite this, many Tagbanwa retained their traditional beliefs and ways of life.

During World War II, Coron became a strategic location. The Japanese occupied the area and used the natural harbors for their naval operations. In 1944, the U.S. Navy launched a significant airstrike against the Japanese fleet anchored in Coron Bay, resulting in the sinking of several Japanese warships. These sunken ships have since become popular dive sites.

After World War II, Coron underwent a period of rebuilding and recovery. The Tagbanwa people reclaimed some of their ancestral lands, and the area began to develop slowly. Fishing and agriculture remained the primary livelihoods for the local population.

In recent decades, Coron has emerged as a major tourist destination known for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity. The local government and communities are focused on sustainable tourism to protect the natural environment and preserve the cultural heritage of the Tagbanwa people.

Coron is accessed primarily via Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), which is located on Busuanga Island. The airport has flights connecting from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport), with a flight time of about one hour. From the airport, you can take a van or taxi to Coron town, which is approximately a 30-40 minute drive. Alternatively, you can reach Coron by ferry from Manila, Puerto Princesa, or El Nido; the ferry rides, while longer, offer scenic views.

Within Coron, transportation options include tricycles, which are the local equivalent of tuk-tuks and are the most common mode of transport. They are affordable and can be hailed on the street or booked for a specific journey. For more comfort, you can hire a van or motorbike. Boats are also extensively used for island hopping tours and can be chartered for private trips. Car rentals are available but less common due to the island's small size and the convenience of other transport modes.

The official currency in Coron is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and some restaurants, but cash is preferred, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Coron town, but it's advisable to carry enough cash, especially if planning to visit more remote areas or islands.

Coron is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as markets and tourist hotspots. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police assistance, 117 for fire emergencies, and 112 for medical emergencies. Coron District Hospital is available for medical emergencies, located in Coron town. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Coron like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Coron Public Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with the locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss out on island hopping tours to see the beautiful lagoons, lakes, and coral reefs. For a unique experience, visit Maquinit Hot Springs and take a dip in the natural hot spring pools.