100 Reasons to visit The Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago in South-East Asia of more than seven thousand islands. Many wonderful beaches are just part of one of the world's longest coastlines and it takes about 20 years to spend a day on every island. Here are 100 reasons to visit The Philippines.
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1
Filipino Hospitality is Second to None
Source: ask.comPhilippines has some of the friendliest people in the world. Filipinos aren’t just welcoming, they have a genuine curiosity about other cultures. They are super sociable. They always seem happy and smiling, and they love to sing and to dance whenever there is an occasion to celebrate. You will always be greeted with a "Hello Sir" or "Hello Maam"
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2
The Philippines is Eco-Friendly
Source: www.macaronmagazine.comMany islands in the Philippines are leading the charge in South-East Asian conservation efforts, the Palawan Province in particular. As an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, every effort is made to create a seamless balance between the communities and their natural surroundings.
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3
You’re Almost Guaranteed to Find a Deserted Beach
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4
You can try exotic food like balut – boiled fertilized duck egg
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5
Value Spending
Source: wikipedia.orgHere in the Philippines, your money will go a long, long way! Export-quality products like furniture, jewelry, accessories, and food are much cheaper here
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6
Cheap Liquor
Source: www.justonewayticket.comBesides being blessed with an astonishing natural beauty, the Philippines also have very cheap liquor. A bottle of the local beer San Miguel won’t cost you more then 50 cents.
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7
The average yearly temperature is around 26.6°C
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Get lost in one of the biggest shopping malls in the world
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9
Philippines is one of the largest island groups in the world with 7,107 islands
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10
Mount Mayon, The World's "Most Perfectly Formed Volcano"
Source: theepochtimes.comMayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
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11
Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Source: www.flickr.comThe Chocolate Hills or Tsokolateng burol in filipino are a geological formation in Bohol Province, Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres.
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12
Banaue Rice Terraces
Source: www.walloza.comThe Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
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13
Malapascua Island
Source: www.everythingcebu.comIt is situated in the Visayan Sea, 6.8 kilometres across a shallow strait from the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.
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14
Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake
Source: tripadvisor.comTravel to Mount Pinatubo and relax at the Crater Lake with incredible views of the blue volcanic water.
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15
A museum in the middle of the mountains
Source: lastgirl.netBenCab Museum, Baguio
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16
The Philippines has a great culture
Most visitors will find Philippines to be an intriguing and enchanting place. Considering that Philippines has such a colorful history, one can expect to experience a blend of richly unique culture of foreign influences and native elements. Be it museums, dances or beauty pageants, Philippines is one great cultural center that is bound to capture the heart of any visitor.
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17
Swimming with whale sharks
Source: www.lonelyplanet.comSwimming with whale sharks is an activity that draws a lot of people to the Philippines and it’s something I can personally recommend. This was one of the best experiences of my life and it’s so inexpensive. Just one of the many reasons to visit the Philippines.
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18
The people of the Philippines are gorgeous
With their dark hair, constant tan, and warm smiles the Filipino people are beautiful. No wonder they’ve managed to win Miss Universe and Miss World and Miss international (several times). If you’re single you’ll probably end up falling in love with everyone you meet.
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19
It has not been destroyed by tourism
In comparison to other parts of Asia it is relatively untouched. It feels more authentic.
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20
Kayangan Lake in Coron
Source: www.amphibi-koresort.comLake Kayangan is one of Coron's primary attractions.
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21
Snorkel with the turtles in Apo Island
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You don’t get scammed or hustled
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23
Watch street boxing in Cebu
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24
Jollibee
Source: www.officiallyphilippines.come Philippine's main fastfood chain. They serve fastfood with a Filipino twist. In fact, they are more popular than McDonalds in the Philippines
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25
The Night Life
Source: manilaclubbing.comIf you like to party, the Philippines is going to be a good place for you. Boracay and Manila are obvious hot spots for night clubs.
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26
Feast on mouth-watering Filipino delicacies.
Source: huffpost.comIn the Philippines you cannot escape the temptations of food; you are literally surrounded by it.
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27
Street food like no other
Source: playbuzz.comStreet food is a huge part of the Filipino lifestyle.
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28
The endless forests of Puerto Galera
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Sea of clouds over Sagada Mountains
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The dazzling Milky Way overhead at El Nido.
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The lush flora of Cebu
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Pagsanjan River
Source: panoramio.comAnother very popular day trip out of Manila heads to the Pagsanjan River. The canoe rides through the rapids from the Magdapio Falls.
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33
Corregidor
Source: tropicalvacationspotsblog.com
This island guarding the entrance to Manila Bay is best known for its World War II history. This was the last hold-out of US troops in 1942 and General MacArthur's headquarters is among the most popular sights. -
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The Karaoke
Source: bbc.co.ukWhether it’s something you would normally enjoy or not, when visiting the Philippines, a trip to a karaoke bar is an absolute must! Karaoke bars are very popular, and it is definitely a common national pastime.
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Go Island hopping in a bamboo boat
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Something For Everyone
And with that abundance of islands comes a variety of locations, activities and styles to suit every type of traveller.
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The windy glory of Visayas
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Balloon festival at Pampanga
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The deep green waters of the Loboc River
Source: www.flickr.comThe Loboc River is a river in the Bohol province of the Philippines. It is one of the major tourist destinations of Bohol. A River Cruise and Floating Restaurant is the most exciting activity that the Loboc River can offer.
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The pristine white beaches of Boracay
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Dako Island
Source: projectmagellan.netFor the first timers in Siargao Island particularly in Dako Island, the cleanliness of the place will surely be etched in your memory. No plastics or any form of waste materials are scattered on the beaches. It’s unbelievable how the locals managed to maintain the cleanliness.
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42
Pulangbato Falls
Source: www.lakadpilipinas.comPulangbato Falls, a beautifully unique waterfalls is located in Ocoy Valley in Valencia, a municipality that is just 9.4 kilometers away from Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.
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The surreal shores of Batangas.
Source: www.flickr.comBatangas or Bataŋgas, is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region.
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44
Art galleries
Source: www.arndtberlin.comArt lovers will adore Manila's beautiful galleries, which exhibit everything from Filipino masters to modern art.
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45
Hilot Massage
Source: isledreams.comThe traditional Filipino form of massage has spread around the world in recent years but it's best experienced in the homeland.
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46
There is no shortage of outdoor thrills in the Philippines
The Philippines is truly a paradise for thrill seekers who are looking for an extra heavy dose of outdoor fun and adventure.
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47
Thriller (Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center style)
This famous performance is actually monthly and open to the public. Any youtube regulars have seen the Filipino prisoners perform Thriller on their computer screen but not many have actually witnessed the performance live.
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48
Rizal Boulevard: This is one of the oldest historical landmarks of Central Visayas
Source: tommyschultz.comTake and walk and watch the nice view of the ocean
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49
Silliman University
Source: choosephilippines.tumblr.comFounded in 1901 by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, Silliman University is the first American University in the Philippines and the whole of Asia.
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50
Ayala Museum
Source: tripadvisor.comInside the Ayala Centre is easily the best museum in the Philippines. The Ayala Museum's 60 dioramas that tell the story of the country's convoluted history is amazing.
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51
Beautifulwaterfall at Ambon Ambon
Source: www.flickr.comAmbon-Ambon Falls at the Panguil River Eco Park
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52
Hotel H2O
Source: tripadvisor.comIf you prefer your hotels on the quirky side, the H2O is one great oddity. The Ocean Park complex's inward-facing rooms have aquariums instead of windows.
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53
San Agustin Church
Source: trekearth.comOne of the few buildings to survive World War II's destruction of Intramuros, this is the oldest church in the Philippines.
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54
Hobbit House
Source: thrillist.comA Tolkien-themed bar and restaurant staffed and managed by "little people".
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55
This magical cove at Palawan
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The picturesque crater of Taal Volcano
Source: www.flickr.comTaal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world. You will find it about 70km south of Manila on "volcano island" inside a lake called Taal Lake.
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57
Hinagdanan Cave
Source: thousandwonders.netHinagdanan Cave is a cave on Panglao Island, in Bohol Province, in the Philippines. It is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites.
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58
Swim in a Waterfall
Source: insights.looloo.comYou have plenty of options.
Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor
Kawasan Falls, Moalboal/Cebu
Aliwagang Falls, Davao
Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin
Tinagu Falls, Iligan -
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Carabao Races
Source: wikimedia.orgCarabao are much like water buffalo. Races are held for entertainment. Anyone who wants to ride, can.
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Mt. Pinatubo
Source: wp.comMount Pinatubo is an active volcano in the Cabusilan Mountains on the island of Luzon, near the tripoint of the Philippine provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga.
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61
Metro Manila and Makati at sunset
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Trek Mt Apo
Source: www.etours.phHead to Davao for a volcano that has never blown its top. Standing at 2954ft, Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines.
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63
The Serenity
Source: chokti.comGet away from the buzzing tourist spots like Boracay and Manila, and it’s not hard at all to find a quiet little corner of the populous country to call your own.
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Tricycles
Source: 3wheeledcheese.wordpress.comTricycles are the local form of transport. It’s essentially a motorbike with a large side car for passengers. So much fun.
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Kayangan Lake in Corn
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The peaceful drop of the Kawasan Falls
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A South America feeling in Asia
Forget about temples and Buddhism! Forget about tuk-tuks! The Philippines is fully packed with churches, people are Roman Catholic and the local form of transport is a Jeepney.
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No Language Barrier
Over 90% of the population speaks English. Almost everybody speaks English in the Philippines, from a 3 year old kid to the 90 year old granny. English is the language of the government, and the preference for written communication, be it in school or business. There are also plenty of English version newspapers and magazines.
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The super colorful Jeepney
Source: www.1stwebdesigner.comIt's cheap and it's windy, no need of an air conditioner! An average jeepney can carry 16 - 20 passengers, two up front next to the driver and 14 - 18 seated in the back facing each other on two benches.
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The hypnotic blue coast at El Nido
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71
Philippine Fiestas
Source: tourism-philippines.comFilipinos never forget to be thankful for their own patron saints and bountiful harvest by celebrating their town’s festival. With countless towns and cities, the country has a veritable land of fiestas and festivals anytime of the year.
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72
Vigan, the third oldest Spanish settlement
Source: bealichpickit.blogspot.comVigan, the third oldest Spanish settlement in the Philippines, and the best preserved. Established in 1574 by the conquistador Juan de Salcedo, it lies on the West Coast of Luzon about 400 kilometers north of Manila and only a few hours north of Bali Hai. Its architecture reflects a mixture of cultures without parallel anywhere else in Asia.
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73
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Source: vigattintourism.comThe Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located about 80 kilometres north of the city centre of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
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El Nido Marine Reserve
Source: www.ourlovefortravel.comEl Nido Marine Reserve occupies 96,000 hectares and boasts diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destination.
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The unparalleled reefs at Padre Burgos
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Tapiutan Island
Source: outoftownblog.comTapiutan Island is the most remote island in the Bacuit Archipelago of El Nido.
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The serene beauty of the Cagayan Valley at dawn
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Batanes - A Slice of Heaven
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Pamper your body with a good massage
Source: thebeachfrontclub.comIt may not ave been the cheapest in Asia, but it was definitely one of the best. How about a massage by the beach at sunset?
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A Scuba Diver's Paradise
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81
Cheap Flights
Source: www.cebupacificair.comWith the nation's low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific serving most major cities in Asia, it's very easy and affordable to get to the Philippines. The airline also has an extensive domestic network in place.
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This Philippine Mouse-Deer
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83
The Tarsier
Source: guim.co.ukIf you visit the Philippines you can encounter one of the smallest primates in the world. This little animal is called a Tarsier and it is one of the cutest animals.
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84
This escape from reality at Badian
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Whimsical rapids at Cotabato
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Tumalog
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Sunset over Cadlao Island
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The endless hilltops of Pulag
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Bacuit Archipelago
Source: travelblog.orgThis archipelago will thrill island lovers with imposing limestone escarpments, palm-tree-lined white sand beaches and coral beaches.
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The awesome Busay Mountains
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Jungle Disco
Source: www.rabbitholeparadigm.comDeep in the heart of tropical paradise, Siargao, you will find the local openair nightclub. It’s cheap, fun and always wild.
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The Hanging Coffins in Sagada
Source: tropicalvacationspotsblog.comHanging coffins can be found in Sagada, Mountain Province, Luzon Island.
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93
The Seafood
Red snapper, squid, lobster, crab – you name it, you can have it. Fresh and cooked to order for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.
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94
Fruits
Source: www.filipiknow.netIf you are into juicy mangoes and pineapples, the Philippines is the place for you.
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95
The Atmosphere
Source: prezi.comEverybody is so relaxed and chilled out, you cannot help but feel that way too.
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96
Pahiyas Festival among others
Source: trekearth.comOther popular festivals:-
Ati-Atihan, Kalibo (January)
Feast of the black Nazarene, Manila (January)
Sinulog, Cebu City (January)
Dinagyang, Iloilo (January)
Panagbenga, Baguio (February)
Moriones, Marinduque (March/April)
World Costume, Vigan (April)
Sandugo, Bohol (July)
Kadayawan, Davao (August)
Masskara, Bacolod (October) -
97
Tubbataha Reef
Source: www.thecoraltriangle.comThe Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the middle of Sulu Sea. The marine and bird sanctuary consists of two huge atolls and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef covering a total area of 97,030 hectares
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98
Coron Rock Formations
Source: pinimg.comCoron Island is the third-largest island in the Calamian Islands in northern Palawan in the Philippines. The island is part of the larger municipality of the same name. It is about 170 nautical miles (310 km) southwest of Manila and is known for several Japanese shipwrecks of World War II vintage. The island is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanwa people. Known as Calis among the Tagbanwas and Coronians, its tribal chieftain is Rodolfo Aguilar I.
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99
Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines Sur
Source: www.rextouristinn.comCaramoan Peninsula is a hilly peninsula in north-east Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines with deep gorges and a rough, rocky terrain. It contains the Caramoan National Park and is also an Important Bird Area with habitat for the green racket-tail.
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And finally, It's More Fun in the Philippines
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