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I have found my dream destination. At forty years of age, I finally discovered the tropical paradise I have long dreamed of. Balmy climes. Picturesque scenery. Unmolested nature. Majestic mountains. Stunning beaches. Wonderful resorts. Some of the most beautiful people on earth and certainly the most hospitable and friendly. And all at fifty pesos to the dollar.

I am referring to the beautiful islands of the Philippines. My wife, daughter, and I travelled there from Florida ten months ago and spent six of the most relaxing weeks of our lives.

If you are looking for value, then you can stop looking. You will not beat the Philippines for stretching out the American dollar. We stayed at a luxury resort in a huge suite literally twenty yards from the ocean. We were there for two and a half days and we paid about forty dollars, including all meals. And the meals were delectable. That was on Mindanao Island.

We later spent three days on Camiguin Island at the Paras resort with my wife's entire family - eleven people in all. Never in my life have I enjoyed such scenery. Palm trees, gorgeous ocean as far as the eye can see when we walk out the door of our bungalow and mountains when we look behind. There was a beautiful pool fed by a mini waterfall right outside our door. A huge gazebo - elevated about thirty feet in the air - was to the right. Beyond the gazebo was a rock walkway that hung over the ocean. To the left was a stunning open air bar and cafe area complete with pool tables, hammocks, a second raised gazebo and a second rock walkway that offered a majestic view of the sunset on one side and the tour boats on the other.

From Camiguin, we took a motorboat ride over to one of the famous white islands. I have never seen water so blue or sand so white. The white islands are small but stunning. We frolicked in the perfect water and ate fresh clams, bought from a local fisherman right there on the beach.

Then we headed back to Camiguin Island and went to the Kahulogan falls. From there, we went to the Ardent natural hot springs. There are three levels of pools and the lower you go, the hotter the water. It was exhilarating soaking in those natural hot waters as a cool rain fell on us and my brother-in-law cooked a meal of chicken, fish and rice on one of the outdoor grills provided at the facility. We then enjoyed the meal in one of the open cottages.

As an American, the heat of the Philippines took getting used to. Fortunately, I found sweet relief in the beautiful

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