Skip the traffic, see the Philippines with Google Street View

With the persistent traffic problem in the country, the idea of exploring the Philippines might be intimidating or discouraging for some. Google has found a way to let people explore the Philippines without going through EDSA or air-traffic-congested airports.

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With the support of the Department of Tourism, Google announced last September 16 that the Street View imagery of the Philippines is now live on Google Maps.

Street View imagery offers 360-degree panoramas of over 30 major metropolitan areas in the Philippines, such as Greater Manila and Baguio, over 30 historic locations like Vigan, and nature-rich destinations like Mount Pulag or Bantigui Island. Through Street View, people can explore landscapes, research driving routes, arrange meeting points, and see towns closely.

“This new Street View imagery showcases how countries are embracing online tools such as Google Maps as mediums for preserving their heritage and landscapes. With these images, Filipinos and visitors alike can now explore the beauty of the Philippines and share these with their friends and family at home and abroad,” said Ken Lingan, country manager of Google Philippines.

Street View also allows people to get a glimpse of the hometowns or favorite spots of celebrities. World-class athlete and Sarangani Congressional Representative Manny Pacquiao said, “I’m happy that I can share the beauty of my hometown and province to the world through Street View… Through this, people can also virtually tour my farm, my beach resorts, or take a glimpse of the Wildcard Gym, where I have fond memories as a boxer.”

Travelers take note—Street View is not just for people who want to stay indoors. It’s a useful tool for people who want to physically travel and explore.

“Not many people know that we have a lot of eco-tourism wonders in Sarangani and one of the biggest fish ports in the country in General Santos City. Now, they can take a look and plan their next visit,” Pacquiao suggested during the launch of Street View.

“By allowing users to see a glimpse of the Philippines from wherever they are, we hope that Google Street View will inspire new visits from people who have not yet experienced the beauty of the country for themselves. And for those who have already been to the Philippines, we hope that this will give them new reasons to

explore areas they may not have considered before, encouraging them to visit the Philippines again,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

For more information about Street View visit: www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/.