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About the Philippines Philippines is an archipelago comprised of over 7,107 islands covering a land area of 115,739 sq. m. (299,764 sq. km.). Main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Capital is Manila. Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours. Spread throughout the Philippines are stunning travel destinations with equally world-class hotels and resorts. Luzon is the largest of the Philippine island, with 55% of the country’s population residing there. It is home to the Cordillera, Sierra Madre, and Caraballo mountain ranges, volcanoes such as Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo and the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay. Luzon is where you will find the capital, Manila. Metro Manila is the seat of government and the premier international gateway. Embracing the capital of Manila and several cities and municipalities, it is the heart of the country’s social, economic and cultural life. The Visayas, is the middle cluster of islands are characterized by natural and cultural diversity. The beaches of Boracay are regarded as some of the world’s best. In Boracay you will find most of the exotic Philippine hotels and resorts. Cebu is the cradle of Christianity and Bohol has one of the world’s most intriguing geological formations. Mindanao is the southernmost group of islands and the second largest, is the seat of Muslim culture and homeland of colorful ethnic tribes. Davao is geographically the largest city in the world, while Mt. Apo is the country’s highest peak. Zamboanga along with the Sulu Archipelago is fabled for its seafaring communities. Philippines is known as a diverse and inexpensive destination with inexpensive food, hotels and transportation. The Philippines attractions are as many as they are diverse, with each island offering something different, something special to the most discerning visitor. White sand beaches, lush green forest, majestic mountain peaks, age-old structure, modern cities, rustic country-sides. From North to South wide array of activities awaits every visitors. Whatever your interest are our island have it and in most of it's destinations philippine hotels are also present. Climate The Philippines features three distinct seasons: the rainy season (June to September), cool and dry (October to February), and hot and mainly dry (March to May). Typhoons occasionally occur from June to September. Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout most of the year, with warmer clothes useful on cooler evenings. Rainwear or umbrellas are advisable for the rainy season. Languages Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education. Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense. Filipino is the native language which is used nationally as the language of communication among ethnic groups. Like any living language, Filipino is in a process of development through loans from Philippine languages and non-native languages for various situations, among speakers of different social backgrounds, and for topics for conversation and scholarly discourse. There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects. Brief History of the Philippines Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. Early trade with China and Japan can be traced on the archaeological relics left behind by traders in the banks of major hubs of the country. The West discovery of the Philippines in 1521 facilitated the growth of Christianity and emergence of new culture. However, Spanish colonization did not actually began until 1565 when voyager Miguel Lopez de Legaspi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila, the Philippines' Capital. In 1898, the Philippines won independence after 327 years under Spanish rule, but found themselves controlled by the Americans from 1900-1942 and the Japanese from 1942-1945. The Americans brought over their educational and legal systems and introduced their style of government. With the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946, the Philippines regained democracy as a Republic. True democracy was fully achieved by the Filipinos after the "People Power Revolution" in 1986 which led to the downfall of the reigning dictators. The rich history and culture of the Filipino people, the dramatic landscapes and thriving cities will fascinate the visitor. Events and Attractions Dozens of colourful festivals are celebrated in the Philippines each year. Filipinos put a lot of effort into having fun so festivals are joyous, exuberant affairs. A prime example can be seen on New Year's Day, which is celebrated with a lot of energy and zeal. Also in January is the Black Nazarene Procession, a procession of a life-size statue of Jesus through the streets of Quiapo. A sort of Asian Mardi Gras takes place for three days during the third week in January. Good Friday sees festivals throughout the country. Flores de Mayo comes in May to honour the Virgin Mary. June 12 is Independence Day which is celebrated with parades and fireworks. September features the festival of Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia in Naga City and Carmarines Sur. In October comes the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga City and in November All Saints' Day is celebrated nationwide. Click here for the Calendar of Events and Festivals. Asia's beach capital – the Philippines: Long, white sand beaches, an immense variety of marine life, rare and exotic sea flora and fauna, even the tropical party lifestyle are all in abundance more than a rarity in this country. Evidently, the Philippines can very well be Asia's Beach Capital, what with 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice the length of that of the United States. It is also home to Boracay, whose four-kilometer White Beach of fine-powdery sand has been hailed as the “finest beach in the world.” A paradise blessed with gorgeous waterscapes, the Philippines is never lacking in today’s liveliest water encounters. It has been described as the most exciting surfing destination in the world, with great waves like Cloud 9, Tuason Point, Majestic, and Cemento, all ranking among the world’s best. Action Asia Magazine says, "The Philippines is to scuba divers what Switzerland is to skiers, Hawaii to surfers, and Nepal to mountaineers." And for white water action, there are attractions a-plenty – lakes, waterfalls, and rivers that create excellent kayaking and white water runs. History's sunken glory in Subic Bay: Originally developed as a naval base by Spanish colonizers in 1885, Subic Bay became the largest US naval facility in the Far East. In 1991, it was transformed into a Freeport economic and tourism zone. Today Subic Bay hosts a formidable combination of wrecks, like the 19th century Spanish gunboat San Quintin, Japanese luxury liner Oryoku Maru, and the ex-USS New York. Complemented by a rain forest and white sand beach, Subic Bay has an international airport and tourism support facilities that include a marina, yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades, and food shops. A whale of an experience in Donsol, Sorsogon: In late 1997, the world discovered the huge schools of whale sharks (locals call them "butanding") that had been visiting the mouth of Donsol River for generations, oblivious to the small coastal community. Organized whale shark expeditions then transformed this sleepy, remote fishing village into a major eco-tourist destination almost overnight. Get ready to put on your gear, ease yourself quietly into the water, and swim alongside the world's largest fish, over 50 feet in length and 13 tons in weight, in the wondrous waters of Donsol. More and more people are discovering that the Philippines is Asia’s most inexpensive shopping destination where you can get the most value for your money. Here you can find imported name brands from the West, as well as products handcrafted in the Philippines, from weaves, baskets, and brassware to hand-embroidered piña cloth, wood figurines, and all sorts of custom-made furniture, clothes, wedding gowns, shoes, embroidery items, and many other accessories. The wedding setting of a lifetime: the islands of the Philippines, any of 7,107 divine destinations where traditional meets exotic, modern meets mythical, east meets west. The Philippines is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world. View the Philippine Eagle, the biggest eagle in the world, in the wilds of Davao, Samar, and Quezon. At night see the world's smallest mammal in existence, the Philippine Tarsier, which inhabits the mahogany forests of Bohol. Swim and interact with the whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon. Bow-ride with the dolphins in Bais, Dumaguete, and Bohol. And get acquainted with endangered Philippine and African animals in the uninhabited 3,700-hectare Calauit Island. Wander over the world heritage site, Banaue Rice Terraces, Eighth Wonder of the World, carved from the high Cordilleras over 2,000 years ago. Behold the 500-year old mummies in Kabayan. Follow the steps of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo trekking up Mt. Pinatubo. View Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world. Head for the 1,268 Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Top off your experience with an exhilirating ride on a canoe down an 8-kilometer Underground River in Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Spain’s colonization of the Philippines brought about the construction of Intamuros in 1571, a “Walled City” comprised of European buildings and churches. Today it is one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. Walk through this walled Spanish colonial “city within a city,” situated right in the heart of Manila, complete with centuries-old walls, dungeons, churches, bulwarks, and plazas. The world's longest underground river system accessible to man is located in the capital of Palawan. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which has been inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, is Palawan's most popular attraction and covers 5,349 hectares of lush forest, dark mountains, caves, and white beaches. Paddle through eight kilometers of a snaking, underground river leading to a clear lagoon. Walk on the Monkey Trail, a series of wooden paths that winds into the forest, lined with 40,000 tropical flora and fauna. Transportation • 112 airports, 50 in major cities, 6 international • 2 flag carriers, both flying internationally • Good-quality inter-island fast ferry and cruise ship service • Buses that ply inter-island • Exotic in-land transportation: the Philippine jeepney, tricycle and pedicab, and calesa The Philippine jeepney began as a post-war creation that had been inspired by the GI jeeps that the American soldiers brought with them to the country during the 1940s. Enterprising Filipinos salvaged the engines of surplus GI jeeps that were about to be disposed of, and used them to manufacture then much needed low-cost mass transportation vehicles. The engines were given an all-new body and design, and with an unsurprising touch of creativity and ingenuity, out came the uniquely Filipino jeepney. Today, the jeepney is the most popular mode of transport in the Philippines, owing to cheap fare and the convenience afforded to passengers to board and alight practically anywhere they want. It is said to be comparable to the jitney, the taxi/minibus that travels along a fixed route, found in many countries. However, every single Philippine jeepney is personalized – each one dressed up and given little touches that are often reflective of common-man sentiments of the time. Tricycle and Pedicab Short distance and feeder trips could not be more exciting than via quick modest transports that ply even the toughest and roughest roads in the Philippines. The tricycle is a motorcycle with a sidecar, and the pedicab is a bicycle with a sidecar. These vehicles, familiar sights traversing residential routes and arterial roads, have offered much relief to commuters – especially in areas in the provinces where there are insufficient bus and jeepney services. Tricycles and pedicabs go where the brave yet heavy transports dare not go, getting people around despite heavy floods, road construction, and extreme traffic conditions. Calesa The best way to go the scenic route when in the Philippines is on the calesa. A carriage being pulled by a horse, the calesa had been introduced to Filipinos during the period of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines. Looking nothing like the usual motorized vehicle, it is indeed a refreshing sight, often seen in downtown areas, especially in Manila, providing short distance passenger service. Due to its low speed, the calesa is a favored mode for sightseeing in selected tourist destinations. The People The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 76.5 million, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture. The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers. The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese. The piousness comes, from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient Oriental people today. Pilipino is the official national language, with English considered as the country's unofficial one. The Filipinos are divided geo-graphically and culturally into regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects-the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalog's of the central plains, the carefree Visayans from the central islands and the colorful tribes-men and religious Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities can be found scattered across the archipelago. All in all the Philippines has 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions of these basic regional and regional groups. Some 80 percent of the population is Catholic, Spain's lasting legacy. About 15 percent is Moslem and these people can be found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhists. Common Men of Uncommon Integrity • Herbert Ocampo, the waiter who returned around US$100,000 (at least PhP5 Million), which he found at the coffee shop of the Sulo Hotel, accepts a new job at Duty Free Philippines from Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon • UNUSUAL EMPLOYEE: Airport Security Guard Gilbert Tindungan, and Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Officer Paterno William Bell, returned a laptop computer worth around PhP125,000 and US$2,700 accidentally left by a balikbayan from the USA. • Florita Mondoyo, janitress at the Manila Domestic Airport, returned an envelope containing US$10,000, which she found at the passenger pre-boarding area while cleaning. • HONESTY PREVAILS: Batangas Country Club resort staff, Joseph Navarro, handed back more than US$1,000 bills unknowingly dropped by balikbayan Dorothy Requilman's sister-in-law. • Corporals Dominic Jimenez and Gerry Soriano returned a bag containing Php 30,000 cash, which they found at the NAIA Terminal-2 northwing arrival area, to owner, former Senator Victor Ziga. Religion Some 83% of Filipinos are Catholic. About 5% are Moslem. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist. Unit of Measure The Metric System is used in most trade and legal transactions. Electricity 220 volts a/c is the common standard. 110 volts a/c is also used, especially in major hotels. Currency The Philippines' monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any hotels, most large department stores, banks, and authorized money changing shops accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Bank Americard, Master Card, and American Express are accepted in major establishments. Visas Visitors must hold a valid passport. They can enter the country without visas and stay up to 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. For those who want to extend their stay, they can ask help from the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, or from their home country's embassy or consular office. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas may be obtained from Philippine embassies or consular offices abroad.
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This page was last modified on Monday, 12 May 2008
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