Exploring the Homeland of Miss Bulgaria: The Philippines’ Bestie of the Year
James Aquino After visiting more than thirty international cities in three continents (and still counting), James is on a quest to visit at least two new countries each year. A registered nurse, a stage father, and a grumpy husband, he has always believed that travelling offers something that you will never learn from school. His best advice is to always take pictures along your way, but never forget the stories behind them.
Image credit: Miss Universe
The country of Bulgaria shared a portion of the limelight in the recently concluded 64th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, when its delegate, Radostina (or Joy) Todorova, enthusiastically cheered and guided the mystified winner of the crown, Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Through her kind gesture, she instantly captured the hearts of Filipinos all over the world. She became the subject of online memes that promote positive reinforcement, showing that we all need someone like her in our lives.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/FUAtrpUYe7A
Image credit: Ron Cruz
#MissBulgaria Radostina Todorova welcomes Filipinos to her country. From Southeast Asia to Southeast Europe, it is time to check out her nation which is definitely worth visiting.
Also read: 12 Amazingly Affordable European Countries That Don’t Use The Euro
About Bulgaria
Yantra River | Image credit: Andrey
Located in the south-eastern part of Europe, Bulgaria is bordered by the countries Greece, Turkey, Romania, Macedonia, and Serbia. It is the 16th largest country in Europe, following Greece in terms of land area. It has a rich history, with Roman, Persian, and Greek influences, and it has been a witness to several significant wars and political conflicts.
Vacha Lake | Image credit: Zaprin Geguskov
But despite all of these horrific past events, Bulgaria today is one of the most preferred destinations for travellers coming from nearby countries and Asia as well. This is due to its location, which is near other tourist destinations like Turkey and Greece. It thus makes for a worthwhile stopover for several days.
Bulgaria is well-known for its winter resorts, a wide array of historical landmarks that include churches, and nature tripping adventures, such as hiking, skiing, and trekking.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia | Image credit: Graeme Churchard
Belogradchik Fortress | Image credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis
The cultural heritage of Bulgaria is showcased by a lot of museums, archaeological reserves, monuments, galleries, and even festivals. It offers a lot of photographic points of interest, thanks to the condensed cultural influences that moulded the country to what it is today.
The Party House, Largo, Sofia | Image credit: Pudelek
The major cities of Sofia, Varna, and Ruse offer a great Bulgarian city stroll experience. These cities are uncrowded and have numerous interesting spots. There is a dolphinarium in Varna to add up to your list as well.
If you have a desire to experience rural and provincial life, Bulgaria has a lot of old buildings that highlight the craftsmanship of the people and the country’s traditions as part of the promotion for rural tourism. Be sure to check out the peaceful villages of Melnik, Arbanasi, and Leshten.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from Manila to Bulgaria. However, there are two airlines that offer the least amount of connecting flights, Turkish Airlines (Manila-Istanbul-Sofia) and Qatar Airways (Manila-Doha-Sofia). You can also start your journey from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Filipino passport holder visa requirements for Bulgaria
A visa is required for Filipinos to visit Bulgaria, and as of the time of this writing, below are the basic requirements if you are planning to visit the country soon. The visa requirements for the country are quite similar to those needed to obtain a visa for most other countries in Europe.
Valid Passport
Photocopy of pages of the valid passport with applicant’s personal information
Photocopy of Residence Permits (if any)
1 Coloured Passport-sized Photo
Proof of Financial Capacity (bank statements, credit card statements)
Proof of Available Funds for accommodation in Bulgaria, with a minimum amount of €50 for each day (hotel reservations or an invitation from a Bulgarian citizen can be included)
Original and photocopy of a valid insurance policy granted by an insurance company licensed for operation within the European Union, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for any repatriation, emergency medical aid, and emergency treatment costs for the length of stay.
Note: If you are holding a valid Schengen visa, you can visit the Bulgaria under the same terms and conditions of your visa.
Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria, Philippines
Address: #6 Lippay Street, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: (632) 812-1173 / 817-5449
Fax: (632) 812-8895
Also read: 10 Countries Filipinos Probably Didn’t Know They Can Travel To Without Visa
As part of our drive to make this year your most travelled year ever, we highlight Bulgaria as a country that is definitely worth your time and consideration.