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MORE FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the
world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American
influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had
a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese.
Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Intamuros in
1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and
churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898,
after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like
Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.
In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United
States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought
widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans
during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and
Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They
then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945.
The Philippines regained its independence in 1946. The new Philippine
Constitution was ratified in early 1987, signaling the country’s
return to democracy. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice President
Noli de Castro head the government with the help of the Cabinet, the
Legislative and Judicial Branch
The Philippines is made up of 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.
TRAVEL TIPS
CLIMATE
Philippines is blessed with a tropical climate that has relatively
generous amount of rainfall and gentle winds. Basically, there are
three noticeable seasons namely the wet and rainy season (June-October),
the cool but dry season (November-February) and the hot and dry season
(March-May).
LANGUAGES
Filipino (formerly Pilipino) is based on Tagalog and is the official
language of the Philippines. In spite of being the national language,
only about 55 percent of Filipinos speak the language. In addition
to Filipino are about 111 distinct indigenous languages and dialects,
of which only about 10 are important regionally. English is generally
used for educational, governmental and commercial purposes and is
widely understood since it is the medium of instruction in schools.
The Philippines are the third largest group of English speaking people
in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Eight
(8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano,
Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.
RELIGIONS
The dominant religion in the Philippines is Catholicism, though a
significant number are Protestants and Moslems
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 Charge and American Express
are accepted in major establishments
Ethnic Groups:
91.5% Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay ,1.5% Chinese, and 3% other.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
Valid passport. Except for stateless persons and those from countries
with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors
may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided
they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan
passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits may
be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.
AIRPORT FACILITIES
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is 7 kms. from
the city center while the Manila Domestic Airport is one km. from
the NAIA. The international airports have adequate traveler facilities:
duty-free and souvenir shops, tourist information and assistance counters,
hotel and travel 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.
AIRPORT FEES
P550 for international departure and P100 for local departure (paid
in Philippine pesos only). Departing passengers for international
destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist information
counters (Tel. Nos. 524-1703; 832-2964) the departure fees which may
change without notice.
CUSTOMS
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before
disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. Visitors carrying
more than US$ 3,000 are to declare the amount at the Central Bank
of the Philippines counter situated at the Customs area. Foreign currency
taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Departing
passengers are not allowed to bring out more than PhP 1,000 in local
currency.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide.
Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places.
In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system.
LRT connects Monumento on the north to Baclaran on the south. MRT
traverses the length of EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.
TIPS ON 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
WHAT TO WEAR
Like its wonderfully varied culture, the country also has enough climatic
changes that would require a wide variety of clothing. It is advisable
to bring light and loose clothing that are suitable for tropical temperatures
when visiting the cities of Philippines.
Buy a book on travel to the Philippines
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