The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine Archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean with a total land area of approximately 300,000 kilometers (116,000 sq mi). It generally lies between 116o 41’ and 126o 34’ E longitude, and 4o 41’ and 21o 10’ N latitude, and borders the Philippine Sea on the south. The island of Borneo lies a few hundred kilometers southwest and Taiwan directly north. The Moluccas and Sulawesi are to the south, and Palau is to the east beyond the Philippine Sea. There is only one time zone for the entire country, which is 120o East Meridian Time and eight hours in advance of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8). The Philippines is divided into three (3) island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These are divided into 17 regions, 81 provinces, 136 cities, 1,494 municipalities, and 41,995 barangays. The Philippines became a Spanish colony in the 16th century, and then a U.S. territory and commonwealth after the Spanish-American War. The Philippines gained its independence from the United States on 04 July 1946. Today, the Philippines has many affinities with the Western world, derived mainly from the cultures of Spain, Latin America, and the United States. The two (2) official languages of the Philippines are Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, and English. The local climate is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5oC (79.7oF). There are three (3) recognized seasons: hot season or summer from March to May, rainy season from June to November, and cold season from December to February. The Philippines is home to many of the world's best beaches, diving spots, flora and fauna, and World Heritage sites.
Filipino culture is a fusion of pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian civilizations of the Philippines mixed with Hispanic and Indian culture. It has also been influenced by American Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures. As with many cultures, music (which includes traditional music) and leisure activities are an important aspect of the Filipino society. Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.
The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations. SOME SELECTED PLACES WITH CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Intramuros Located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, Intramuros was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Its name, in Latin, intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself. On June 24, 1571, Legazpi founded the city of Manila on the site of the old settlement. The city became the capital and seat of Spanish sovereignty in the Orient for over three hundred years. Threats of invasion by Chinese and Japanese pirates prompted the construction of defenses consisting of high stone walls, bulwarks and moats. The walls stretched to 4.5 kilometers in length, enclosing a pentagonal area of approximately 64 hectares. The area consisted of residences, churches, palaces, schools and government buildings. Entry was made possible through gates with drawbridges which were closed before midnight and opened at the break of dawn. It was in this manner that the city earned the name Intramuros, meaning "within the walls". Honored by King Philip II with the title Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad (Distinguished and Ever Loyal City) it served as the political, cultural, educational, religious and commercial center of Spain's empire in the East. The riches of Asia were gathered in the Ciudad Murada or Walled City (as Intramuros was later known), and loaded on galleons for transport to Acapulco, Mexico). The Spanish-American War in 1898 brought the Americans to the Philippines. Intramuros was surrendered to them after a mock battle. The Filipinos began a different lifestyle with their new colonial master. Major portions of the walls including two gates were destroyed to make way for roads in Intramuros. After surviving a number of earthquakes, typhoons, fires and wars through the centuries, Intramuros took the death blow when the Americans liberated the Philippines from the Japanese in 1945. Artillery shells reduced the walls and buildings to ashes. Thousand died during the eight-day siege. When it was over, Intramuros was a dead city. In 1946, the United States recognized Philippine independence but the city did not spring back to life. Today, efforts to preserve the Walled City and revive its illustrious past are stronger than ever. The present generation of Filipinos has come to realize its historical value. As in the days of our forefathers, Intramuros is a priceless treasure to be shared with the world. For further information about tours and packages, please contact: INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION
Travel Tips and other Important Information Airport Information Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is 7 kms. from the city center while the Manila Domestic Airport is 1 km. from the NAIA. The international airports have adequate traveler facilities: duty-free and souvenir shops, tourist information and assistance counters, hotel and agency representatives, car rental services, banks and automated teller machines, postal service, national and international direct dial telephone booths, medical clinics and baggage deposit areas. The airports are handicapped-friendly. Wheelchairs are available on request from the airline ground staff. Customs Visitors are advised to fill out the Customs Declaration Form (BC Form 117) before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. Arriving passengers are required to declare all articles purchased or acquired abroad, indicating the quantity and its total acquisition price. If unsure of what to declare, please consult any Customs officer on duty. The following are allowed inside the duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes, jewelry, and toiletries; 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco; two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one liter each. The unlawful importation of prohibited articles (i.e., marijuana, cocaine or any other narcotics or synthetic drugs, firearms and explosives and parts thereof, gun replicas, obscene or immoral articles, adulterated or misbranded articles of food or drugs, gambling outfits and paraphernalia, used clothing and rags, elephant/ivory tusk products) or those which violate the Intellectual Property Rights Code (i.e., DVDs, VCDs, other imitation products) and regulated items (transceivers, controlled chemicals/substances/precursors) regardless of quantity constitute a violation of Philippine Customs Laws and may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or fines and penalties. Agriculture and Quarantine Regulations Agriculture quarantine restricts the entry of animal, fish and plant products or their by-products (such as meat, eggs, birds, fruits, etc.). Transport of endangered species and their by-products is also restricted/prohibited. Likewise, export of such products/by-products must be referred to quarantine officers to ensure compliance with Philippine regulations and requirements of country of destination. Failure to obtain prior import and/or export permit from the Philippine Department of Agriculture together with the corresponding health, sanitary, or phytosanitary certificate from country of origin and to declare the same may result to seizure, fines and/or penalties. Regulated Articles that Require Import Permit/Clearance Porter Services Baggage carts are available for free. Porter services are also free. Tipping is traditional. Airport Transfers Visitors are advised to avail of accredited fixed rate or metered taxis at the NAIA’s Arrival Area. At the Manila Domestic Airport, accredited transfer services are available on pre-paid coupon basis. Other airports are served by metered taxis. All airports have counters for hotel transport and car rental services. Airport Fees Departure fee for international travel is Php750 or US $ 16.00 Departing passengers for international destinations are advised to check with airport of tourist information counters (Tel. Nos. 52401703; 8322964) regarding departure fees. These fees are subject to change without prior notice. Currency and Currency Regulations Unit of currency: Philippine Peso (PhP) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: PhP10, PhP20, PhP50, PhP100, PhP200, PhP500, PhP1,000. Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, PhP1, PhP5, PhP10. It is illegal for any incoming or outgoing passenger to bring in or out Philippine Pesos in excess of PhP10,000.00 without prior authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). Any violation of this rule may lead to its seizure and civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution. The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of USD10,000.00 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared to a Customs Officer or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Violation of this rule may lead to seizure and sanctions, fines and/or penalties. For currency conversion, please visit http://www.iccfx.com. For security reasons, the Philippine Secretariat recommends that the delegates exchange their currencies from the airport and at their hotels only. Climate and Clothing The local climate is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.50C (79.70F) with humidity of about 77%. There are three (3) recognized seasons: hot season or summer from March to May, rainy season from June to November, and cold season from December to February. Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine Barong Tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women. Tipping Tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge. Local Transport Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways to getting around most places. In Metro Manila, the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. LRT connects the northern district of Monumento to the southern district of Baclaran with stations situated at major intersections. MRT traverses the length of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passing through major arteries of Makati’s financial district. Dining Out Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European and American culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine. Culture and Entertainment Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, features world-class performances by local and international guest artists. Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer a glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the country’s leading and promising visual artists. Manila’s nightlife is one of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the Filipinos’ love for music. The hubs of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in Malate, Ayala Center and The Fort at Fort Bonifacio Global City in Makati, Timog and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City, and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. Nightclubs, music lounges, pubs and sing-along bars feature Filipino bands and singers who are known for their great musical talent. Deluxe hotels also offer a variety of live musical entertainment. Concert and stage plays form part of the country’s entertainment scene. For visitors who want to try their luck at the gaming tables, there are casinos in Metro Manila and the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod and Laoag. Shopping Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys in a country known for export-quality items at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, fashionable ready-to-wear and haute couture clothes, terra-cotta, porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories. Artifacts, pineapple fiber “jusi” shirts, prehistoric jars, native handicrafts and footwear are interesting items, too. The Philippines also produces fine basketry, furniture, fresh and processed fruits, exquisitely crafted jewelry and gift items made of shell, wood and stone. Big malls are located in Manila, Makati, Pasay and EDSA.Business and Banking Hours Private and government offices are open from 0800H to 1700H or from 0900H to 1800H. Some private companies hold office on Saturdays from 0900H to 1200H. Most shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets are open from 1000H to 1800H daily. There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores. Banks are open from 0900H to 1500H, Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATMs) that operate for 24 hours. Credit Cards International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and American Express Card are accepted in major establishments. Electricity The Philippines uses 220 volts of electricity, 60 cycles. Most hotels also have 110-volt outlets. Water While water in Metro Manila and in key cities and towns is potable and safe, delegates are advised to drink bottled water which is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts, supermarkets and convenience stores. Communications Facilities The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations. The country has international and national direct dial phone and facsimile service, mobile phone sites, internet and e-mail facilities and worldwide express delivery service. The postal system is efficient, too. Most national dailies are in English. Foreign publications are sold at major hotels, malls and bookstores in Metro Manila and key cities. Convention Facilities Manila, the pioneer convention city in Asia, has played host to a number of prestigious international events. The PICC and the World Trade Center can hold huge conventions, exhibitions and events. Smaller meetings can be held in hotels and other establishments. Out-of-town hotels and resorts are alternative convention sites. Medical Services Hospitals in the country are equipped with modern facilities to meet any medical need. In some remote towns and cities, clinics and health centers provide emergency medical attention. Most hotels and resorts provide medical assistance. Hospitals are listed in the “Yellow Pages” of the local telephone directory. Tours and Special Interest Activities Tour packages, from day trips to five-day programs, are special ways of discovering the Philippines and its wealth of culture. Special interest activities include golfing, game-fishing, diving, white-water rafting and other aquasports, trekking, spelunking, and safari trips. Information on tour itineraries may be obtained from the: Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Tel. +63 2 8930284 or from the Tourist Information Center located at the ground floor of the Department of Tourism Building, T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, tels. +63 2 5242384, +63 2 5252000, and +63 2 5241703. |
Boracay
Cagayan de Oro
Chocolate Hills
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Mayon Volcano
Old Church
Pagsanjan Falls
Banaue Rice Terraces
Palawan Underwater Cave
Tubbataha Reef
Vigan Old Houses
Mactan, Cebu
Rafflesia Flower
Luneta Park
Fort Santiago
Coron, Palawan
Camarines Sur
Manila Bay Sunset
Taal Volcano
Panagbenga Festival in Baguio
Ati-Atihan Festival
