PHILIPPINES

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Contents

General Information ........................................... 03
Weather Conditions .......................................... 06
People and Culture ........................................... 07
Local Customs ................................................. 10
Currency .......................................................... 12
Things to know ................................................. 13
Visas and Passport .......................................... 15
Customs Regulations ........................................ 16
Travel to the country .......................................... 18
Travel within the country ..................................... 20
Sightseeing ...................................................... 23
Dining and Drinking ........................................... 31
Entertainment ................................................... 34
Emergency Numbers ......................................... 37
Visitors Information ............................................ 39
Useful Phrases .................................................. 40

General Information

The Philippines were claimed in the name of Spain in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailiang for Spain, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain. They were then called Las Felipinas. The Americans took control of the Philippines upon defeating Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898. During World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese. Toward the end of the war, the Americans returned, and following the war, the Philippines were granted independence.

The country known today as the Republic of the Philippines lies right in the heart of Southeast Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. The Philippines has 7,107 islands extending more than 1,700 kilometers (1,056mi) in the direction of the Equator.
The islands are divided into three main areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the major northern island; it is there that you will find the capital, Manila. The Visayas, is the middle cluster of islands featuring tropical beaches scattered throughout warm seas. Mindanao is the southernmost group of islands and has a diverse topography. There are five major mountain systems and the same number of peninsulas as well as valleys, lakes and regions of dense forests and swamps.

A visit to the Philippines is a travel bargain. Your expenses are relatively low, and the offerings are varied with good facilities. Take your pick from the hectic city life of Manila or the unspoiled natural beauty of the countryside. The bonus is that, unlike many other destinations in Asia, the country is not overrun by tourism.

Square Miles
Land area: 119,268 square miles (298,170 sq. km)
Borders: South China Sea to the west and north, Pacific Ocean to the east and south.
Coastline: 207,749 miles (334,539km)

Terrain
Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands are many mountains, tropical rain forests, rich valleys and swamp regions. There are narrow to extensive coastal lowlands. The Philippines does still have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs.

Weather Conditions

The climate of the Philippines is tropical with an average year-round temperature of 32ºC (90ºF). Summer is from March to May and is always hot and dry. The average daily maximum in summer ranges from 92 to 94ºF (33 to 34ºC). June to October is the wet season with heavy monsoonal rains and typhoons in most parts of the country. The coolest weather in the Philippines is from November to February, when the daily maximum is around 84 to 88ºF (29 to 31ºC).

People and Culture

The country is marked by a true blend of cultures; truly in the Philippines, East meets West. The background of the people is Indonesian and Malay. There are Chinese and Spanish elements as well. The history of American rule and contact with merchants and traders culminated in a unique blend of East and West, both in the appearance and culture of the people of the Filipinos, or people of the Philippines.

Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their Western visitors. Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian.

The Spaniards introduced Christianity (the Roman Catholic faith) and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos. At least 80% of the total population belongs to the Roman Catholic faith.

The American occupation was responsible for teaching the Filipino people the English language. The Philippines is currently the third-largest English speaking country in the world.

Ethnic Groups: The majority is of Malay descent; 45% Javanese, 14% Sundanese, 7.5% Madurese, coastal Malays and other 26%.

Languages: The national language is Pilipino, which is based on the language of Tagalog, although there are at least one or two dialects spoken in every region. English is both spoken and understood throughout the country, especially in business negotiations and in the government. Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin are spoken by older members of the Filipino-Chinese community.

Religion: 83% Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 5% Muslim, 3% Buddhist and other.

Local Customs

General
Filipinos often use their eyes, lips, and hands to convey a wide range of messages. Raised eyebrows and a smile indicate a silent "hello" or a "yes" in answer to a question. Fixed eye contact between men is considered an aggressive gesture. The proper method to summon somebody is with a downward wave.

Filipinos place great emphasis on polite language and gentle conversation. Voice tone is always soft and gentle, and direct questions should be avoided.

Filipinos value their self-esteem, so never criticize or argue with them publicly. Most men, when so provoked, will fight for the preservation of their pride or self-esteem.

Avoid topics such as politics, religion, corruption and foreign aid. Filipinos enjoy conversations about their families.

Business
English is the language used to conduct business.

Punctuality is expected for meetings, it is better to arrive a little late for a dinner invitation.

Greet business people with a handshake.

Women feel comfortable conducting business here, as sexual equality is more widespread in the Philipines than in other Asian countries.

Make sure you have your business cards, as Filipinos like to know who they are dealing with.

Currency

The unit of currency in the Philippines is the peso (P). Notes are issued by the Central Bank in denominations of P5, P10, P20, P50, P100, P500 and P1,000. Coins are issued for 5c (centavos), 10c, 25c, 50c, P1, P2 and P5.

Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized foreign exchange dealers. Outside of Manila, the use of the Philippine pesos for payments is preferred.

Travelers checks issued by American Express, Bank of Tokyo, Bank of America, Barclays and Citibank are widely accepted. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club can be used to pay for most goods and services.

Things to know

Population: 67,114,060
Capital: Manila

Flag: Two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side. In the center of the triangle is a sun with eight primary rays, each containing three individual rays, and in each corner of the triangle is a small, yellow, five-pointed star.

Shop Hours: Most shops are open from 8am to 9pm, daily. Sunday is a public holiday, but some shops are open at least part of the day.

Bank Hours: The majority of the banks in Indonesia are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 noon.

Time: Local time is GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) plus 8 hours.

Tipping:
As in the U.S., tipping is expected for many services. When in doubt, do as you would at home.

Restaurants - Most upscale restaurants automatically add a 10% to 15% service charge to the total amount of the bill and a 4% to 10% sales tax for food and drinks. In restaurants, when no service charge has been added, at least 10% of the bill is expected as a tip. Porters - hotels, tip doormen and porters P10-P20. Taxis - 10% of the final fare.

Holidays:
- January 1 :: New Year's Day
- March/April :: Good Friday
- April 9 :: Day of Valor
- April 14 :: Good Friday
- May 1 :: Labor Day
- June 12 :: Independence Day
- June 23 :: Manila Day
- November 1 :: All Saint's Day
- November 30 :: Bonifacio Day
- December 25 :: Christmas Day
- December 30 :: Rizal Day

Visas and Passport

For most foreigners staying up to 21 days, visas are not required upon entering the country, provided visitors have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations. For visitors who are planning to stay up to 59 days, a temporary visitors visa is required, and registration with the Commission on Immigration and Deportation is necessary. Foreigners arriving from an area infected by plague, typhus or yellow fever are required to have valid vaccination and immunization certificates. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports need special entry permits. Visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Customs Regulations

Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before arrival to facilitate customs examination. For those with no currency or article to declare, BC Form 117, signed by the custom officer. serves as a gate pass.

Foreign currency more than US$3,000 must be declared at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated behind the customs examination area.

Departing passengers are not allowed to take out foreign currency more than the amount that was brought in and declared. Local currency not exceeding P1,000 can be taken out of the country. Imported items brought in, and not to be taken out again upon leaving, are taxable.

Duty-Free Items: Two bottles (1 liter each) of alcoholic beverages, two reams (400 sticks) of cigarettes and two tins of smoking tobacco are allowed to be brought duty-free into the country.

Travel to the country

Airports:
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
(Located 7km, or 4mi, from the city center)
Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Manila
Tel (021) 550-1764

Mactan International Airport
Cebu
Tel (032) 831-4006

Airlines:

- Air France: Tel (02)815-6970
- British Airways: Tel (02)817-0361
- Cathay Pacific: Tel (02) 815-9417
- China Airlines: Tel (02) 590-086
- Continental Air Micronesia: Tel (02) 818-8701
- Egypt Air: Tel (02) 815-8476
- Gulf Air: Tel (02) 817-6909
- Japan Airlines: Tel (02) 810-9776

- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Tel (02) 815-4790
- Korean Air: Tel (02) 815-9261
- Lufthansa German Airlines: Tel (02) 810-4596 or 810-5089
- Malaysian Airline System: Tel (02) 571-596
- Northwest Airlines: Tel (02) 819-7341 or (02) 819-7261
- Pakistan International Airlines: Tel (02) 818-0502
- Philippine Airlines (PAL): Tel (02) 816-6691 or (02) 819-1771
- Qantas Airways: Tel (02) 815-9491
- Royal Brunei: Tel (02) 817-1631
- Saudia Airlines: Tel (02) 818-4722
- Singapore Airlines: Tel (02) 810-4966
- Swiss Air: Tel (02) 818-8351
- Thai Airways: Tel (02) 815-8421
- United Airlines: Tel (02) 818-5421

Ship or Ferry
Sea travel is very slow but is considerably cheaper than flying. Touring the Philippines by boat is one of the pleasures of adventure travel in Southeast Asia. Your travel agent will have more details.

Travel within the country

Cars:
Traveling by car can provide a great view of the scenery, and the roads are generally in good condition. Driving in Manila can be a little tricky, though, and chauffeurs are available. There are major car rental agencies around the town.

Trains:
The elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) has a service from Baclaran Market in Pasay City to the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City and back. In between are 16 stations, with intervals at every kilometer (.621mi).
The state run Philippine National Railways (PNR) has a provincial line that runs north to San Fernando, La Unión and south to Legaspi City, Albay. The central station is in Tutuban along Claro M. Recto Avenue.

Buses:
There is a public bus service that links the north and south districts of Manila. The main route through which the buses run is Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Nearby provinces are serviced by smaller lines from the cities, but the major lines have extensive networks through Luzon.

Jeepneys:
The most popular method of transportation in Manila is the jeepney. The jeepney is a colorful and festive-looking jeep, designed after the American jeeps used in World War II. Jeepney travel is great for short trips. Jeepneys run through all major roads in Manila.

Destinations are displayed on the windshields and the sides of the jeepneys.

Ships and Ferries
There are many ferry services from island to island and quite a few companies offering regular services. Contact the tourist office for more details.

Sightseeing

Casa Manila
A replica of a mid-19th-century house, showcasing the Intramuros lifestyle among upperclass Filipinos at the turn of the century. (Intramuros was the Spanish walled settlement dating from the 16th century.)
Corner Real and General Luna Street
Intramuros, Manila, Luzon
Tel (02) 487754

Chocolate Hills
Bohol's most famous attraction is the area called Chocolate Hills because the rich green grass covering them turns brown in summer.
Carmen Town, Bohol
Visayas
Tel (02) 599031

Colón Street
The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu.
Cebu, Visayas
Tel (02) 599031

Crocodile Lake
Formed in the crater of an extinct volcanoe, this lake offers fine swimming (and has no crocodiles!).
Los Bãnos, Laguna
Luzon
Tel (02) 599031

Katibawasan Falls
The spectacular 250-foot falls (76m) cascades down to a pool surrounded by orchids and ferns.
Located 4 kilometers from Mambajao
Camiguin, Mindinao
Tel (02) 599031

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna.
Laguna, Luzon
Tel (014) 509952

Magellan's Cross
The most famous landmark (historically) in Cebu. The cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized.
Cebu, Visayas
Tel (02) 599031

Malacanang Palace
This colonial mansion was the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, until president Aquino opened it as a museum (as part of her 1986 campaign promise).
San Miguel
Manila, Luzon
Tel (02) 521-2307

Maquinit Hot Springs
One of the best hot spring sites in the Philippines, located on a scenic beach corner.
Palawan, Luzon
Tel (02) 599031

Nayong Pilipino
A 32-acre village with replicas of the country's popular attractions. There are groups of houses forming miniature villages whose architecture represents each ethnically and culturally distinctive region.
Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Pasay City (Metro Manila), Luzon
Tel (02) 832-3760

Pagsanjan Falls
Laguna, Luzon
Tel (02) 834-0404

Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine
This memorial commemorates the first battle for political emancipation of the Filipino people from Spain, he Battle of San Juan del Monte.
San Juan (Metro Manila), Luzon
Tel (02) 509952

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife
Quezon Avenue
Quezon City, Luzon

Villa Escudero
This old, 800-acre coconut plantation offers a look at three generations of the Escudero family. The late Don Arsenio Escudero was a collector of ornaments and artifacts. The Museum is said to have one of the largest collections of Spanish, Filipino and Chinese treasures.
San Pablo City
Quezon City, Luzon
Tel (02) 521-8698

Hidden Valley
Within this 300-foot-deep (91m) crater are lush jungle life, natural springs and pools, creating a popular retreat.
Alaminos, Laguna, Luzon
Tel (02) 571872

Rizal Memorial Park
A wide expanse of lawns and fountains. Within the park are monuments, a skating rink and a children's playground. Free concerts are held every Sunday.
Ermita, Manila
Luzon

Archdiocesan Museum of Manila
Established in 1987 by Cardinal Sin, this museum has as its theme the history of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.
121 Arzobispo Street
Intramuros, Manila, Luzon
Tel (02) 492161

Ateneo Art Gallery
Displays over 300 paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints by Filipino artists.
Rizal Library Building
Ateneo de Manila University
Katipunan Road
Loyola Heights
Quezon City, Luzon
Tel (02) 998721

Kalantiaw Shrine
Exhibits the pictorial history of the Philippines from the pre-Hispanic period to the contemporary era.
Batan, Aklan
Visayas
Tel (036) 509952

Central Bank Money Museum
Features banknotes and coins of many countries including Philippine money dating back to the pre-Spanish period up to the present.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila Building
Central Bank Complex
Roxas Blvd., Manila, Luzon
Tel (02)507551

Metropolitan Museum of Manila
This art museum is the venue for traveling international exhibitions. It houses three separate galleries.
Central Bank Complex
Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Luzon
Tel (02) 832-3645

National Museum
Displays items reflecting the cultural heritage and natural history of the Philippines
Padre Burgos St., Manila, Luzon
Tel (02) 494450

Philippine Museum of Ethnology
This complex is a mini Philippines. Several small museums display the different tourist attractions and tourism products in the country.
Nayong Pilipino Complex
Ninoy Aquino
International Airport Road
Pasay City (metro Manila)
Luzon
Tel (02) 832-0539

Dining and Drinking

A wide choice of food establishments awaits visitors, whether they will be dining in Metro Manila or in the various provinces in the country. When in the Philippines, it is worth seeking out kamayan (eating with your hands) restaurants for a true cultural experience. Because of its coastline, the Philippines boasts of seafood galore. In fact, most restaurants offer seafood cooked one way or another. The most popular form of cooking, though, is broiling.

Filipino food is an intriguing blend of Malaysian, Chinese, Spanish and American cuisines. For instance, the use of coconut milk as an ingredient is a gastronomic legacy from the Filipinos' Malay ancestors. Popular dishes such as lumpia (egg rolls) and pancit (noodles) are Chinese. Even the country's most famous dish lechon (roast pig), originated in China. Some traditional dishes are still called by their Spanish names such as mechado (beef with pork fat), menudo (diced meat and potatoes stewed in tomato sauce) and pochero (pork, green beans, cabbage and other selected vegetables).

Within each region, you will find specialized dishes. Baguio is famous for serving the best in fruit and vegetables from the Trinidad Valley. Pamanga is known for tocino (sweet preserved meats), Bicol, the coconut-growing region, uses gata (coconut milk) in cooking, along with many spices. Don't miss Zamboanga for its excellent prawns, crabs and lobsters.

Ordering in restaurants is easy since the menus are in English, although most of the dishes are simply

described by their method of cooking. Remember, you're not finished with your meal until you have had dessert. Choose from the wide variety of baked delights, Philippine-made ice-cream, or fresh fruits, since the Philippines offers one of Asia's largest selection of tropical fruits.

Beer in the country is probably the finest and the cheapest in the East. Locally brewed San Miguel Beer is very good; it is now being challenged by several new brews such as the lighter Carlsberg and less expensive Manila Beer. Five-year-old Tanduay and locally produced gins and vodkas are all classy spirits.

People who live outside the larger towns often drink tuba, a very strong coconut wine, rather than the more expensive beers or liquors. The alcohol content is not very high, but the effect is very similar to that of tequila. Lambanog is boiled tuba distilled in the true Kentucky monnshine manner. Tapey is an alcoholic beverage made from rice or corn, popular with the hill tribes of northern Luzon. Basi, a homemade wine from Ilocos Norte, is made from sugarcane juice to which barks and berries have been added.

Entertainment

Filipino musicians are among the best in Asia. Metro Manila bustles with nightlife and is often heralded as Asia's entertainment capital. There is a wide variety of music to choose from: pop, rock, jazz or Broadway, as well as a wide range of bistros, nightclubs, pubs, bars and cafes at which you can hear it. Traditional Filipino music and dance are offered at theaters or hotel restaurants where cultural dance troups perform regularly. For the culturally inspired, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is your best bet.

Sports
Basketball is the country's premier sport. Tournaments are held by the professional Philippine Basketball Association, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Amateur Basketball League. Major teams play 2 to 3 times a week and major courts are at the Ultra Center in Pasig and at the Rizal Coliseum in Malate. Tickets are inexpensive and can be bought at the coliseum in advance or at the day of the game. On championship games, reserve or buy your tickets ahead of time since they are

always sold out a day or two before the game.

One of the Filipino people's favorite pastime, especially in the provinces. is the cockfight. Cockfights are held every Sunday in several cockpits around Manila and are abundant in the provinces. The highly prized birds are fitted with sharpened blades and displayed to the highly emotional crowd before bets are verbally placed with the calador. This sport can get rather bloody and is offensive to many first time spectators.

The Philippine archipelago is reputed to have more sites for scuba diving than any other country in the world. With at least 28,000 square kilometers (10,808 sq.mi) of the best coral reefs, its undersea world has an incredible amount to offer a scuba diver. Warm, crystal-clear water in various shades of blue, with an amazing visibility to depths of up to 200 feet (61m). Beneath the waters are undiscovered reefs and mysterious shipwrecks waiting to be explored. There are many dive sites, diveshops, dive boat operators and dive tour operators; contact the tourist office for more detailed information.

Sportsfishing has become a very popular sport in the waters surrounding the Philippines. The country ranks 12th in the world for fish production, with almost two million square kilometers (770,000 sq.mi) of fishing grounds. Some 2,400 fish species inhabit these grounds, and many are perfect for sportsfishing. Big game fish such as the blue marlin and the giant tuna, as well as the smaller but very aggressive grouper, or lapu lapu, are also plentiful.

Imagine playing golf amid coconut palms, jungle foliage and deep gorges, or better yet, on a seaside golf course overlooking the South China Sea and Manila Bay. This is golf at its best - golf in the Philippines. Compared to other countries, green fees are unbelievably reasonable. In Metro Manila there are over 10 golf courses.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 116
Fire and Ambulance: 7575

24 Hour Tourist Assistance Hotline: 501728 or 501660

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 63

City Codes
Angeles: 0455
Bacolod: 034
Baguio: 074
Metro Cebu: 032
Davao: 082
Iloilo: 033
Manila: 02
San Pablo: 93
Tarlac: 0452

Using Public Phones: To make a call from a pay phone, lift the receiver and deposit three 25-centavo coins. Wait for the dial tone, which is normally delayed by a few seconds. You can then dial the number of the party you need to call. There is no time limit for a phone call. Be prepared for bad connections and crossed lines.

Only a few hotels have international direct dial. Where it exists, dial 10511, wait for an outside line and speak directly to an AT&T USA direct operator. For less expensive calls, use a credit card or call collect instead of going through a hotel operator.

National Direct Dialing service is provided for major cities in the Philippines. Dial 112 for direct dialing assistance, 108 for operator assisted international calls and 109 for local calls.

For directory assistance, dial 114. All operators speak English.

Visitors Information

Department of Tourism
T.M. Kalaw Street
Rizal Park
Metro Manila
P. O. Box 3451
Tel (02) 599031

199 Piccadilly
London W1V 9LE
United Kingdom
Tel (071) 439-3481

Useful Phrases

1. Please - Pah-kee
2. Thank you - Sahlah-mat
3. Hello - Kuh-moos-tah
4. Good bye - Paalam-na po
5. Today - Nga-yohn
6. Tomorrow - Boo-kaas
7. Yes - Ooh
8. No - Hin-dee
9. One - Ee-sah
10. Two - Dalawa
11. Three - Taht-loh
12. Do you speak English? - Mah-roo nohng ho kay-yong mahg-Ing-glehs?
13. How much is this? - Mag-kano eeto?

Thank You

We hope this travel guide will be helpful on your holiday

Lee's Travel