ResortsPhilippines.com is For Sale - Make an Offer Today!

Welcome to Philippines & Mabuhay! Finest Resorts Reservations & Resort Condominiums For Sale
World Class Travel and Tours, Resort Reservation, Health and Wellness

White Sand Beach Resorts, Island Beaches | Beach Hotels | Diving Resorts | Resort Hotels


Philippines Country Information
The Land - History - The People - Visas - Customs - Currency - Weather - Clothing - UtilitiesNewspapers & Media - Business Hours - Language - Getting Around - Modes of Transport - Weather Conditions - Things to Know - Sightseeing - Museums and Art - Further Information
Hotel and Resort Reservation

 

Map of the PhilippinesThe Land
The Philippines
is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines, including the capital city of Manila, are in Luzon, but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos.

The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues.

Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population.

With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours.

The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore.

Top


History
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. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture.

The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila.

Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade.

Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched.

The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Top


The People
Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international.

Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior.

This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitality—all part of the Filipino psyche—will make your stay a delight.

Top


Visas
If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration.

Customs
Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city.

You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency.

Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country.

Currency
The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos.

Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced.

Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted.

Top


Weather
The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets.

Clothing
People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in.

For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost about PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo.

Utilities
Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets.

Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores.

Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call.

Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline)
Police & Fire: 757 or 116
Emergence No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728
Directory Assistance: 114
National Operator: 109
International Operator: 108
Direct Dialing Assistance: 112

For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory.
NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you.

Top


Newspapers & Other Media
The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today.

Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world.

There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM.

Top


Business Hours
Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays.

Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification.

The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Local postage is PhP 4.00 for a standard letter and PhP 16.00 for letters to America and Europe. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail.

NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed.

Language
While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English.

Top


Getting Around
There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use.

Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel all the major routes in Metro Manila except Roxas Boulevard. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 8.00, adding PhP 2.00 for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 3.00, with an additional PhP1.00 for every succeeding kilometer. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment.

Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 3.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 50 centavos additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump.

The LRT : It's the fastest, cheapest way to go. The PhP 10.00-worth token takes you from Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) to Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked.

Taxis: Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP20.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 1.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters. to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected.

Top


Other Modes of Transport
Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license.

Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services 43 major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655).

Top


WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY
Climate: Tropical (two seasons)
Dry Season:

March -May (warm) 33-34 C
Wet Season:
June- October (monsoonal)
November -February (coolest) 29-31C
Coastline: 334,539 km.
Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs.

Top


THINGS TO KNOW
Population: 67,114,060
Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world.
Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c,
PhP 1, PhP 5.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos.
Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted.
Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services.
Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays).
Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays).
Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours.
Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards.

Top


SIGHTSEEING
Castle Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time.
Corner Real and General Lunar Streets,
Intramuros, Manila.
Luzon, Tel (02)-487 754
Chocolate Hills : Bohol’s most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer.
Carmen Town, Bohol.
Visayas*
Colo’n Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu.
Cebu.
Visayas*
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 (02) 599-031.
Magellan’s Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized.
Cebu.
Visayas*


Top


PARKS & WILDLIFE
Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao.
Camiguin.
Mindinao*
Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines.
Palawan.
Luzon*
Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available.
Alaminos, Laguna.
Luzon, Tel (02) 571 872
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue.
Quezon City.
Luzon.
Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday.
Ermita, Manila.
Luzon.

* For further information contact Department of Tourism on Tel: (02) 599 031

Top


MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City
Tel: (02) 998 721
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Tel: (02) 832 3645
National Museum Manila
Tel: (02) 494 450
Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698


Top


VISAS AND PASSPORTS
Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.
Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed.
Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport
(7 km from city centre)
Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Manila, Philippines: (02) 832 2938

Mactan International Airport
Cebu, Philippines: (02) 831 4006

(Most major airlines have flights to the country).

Top


FURTHER INFORMATION
Deptartment of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street
Rizal Park
Metro Manila
P.O. Box 3451
Tel: (02) 5267652, 5267653, 5267655
Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17
Legasi Towers
300 Roxas Boulevard
Metro Manila
P.O. Box EA-459
Tel: (02) 5256635, 5257268, 5257312
Department of Tourism : Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Tel: (02) 5510698

Top

 

 

 
 

Resorts Philippines
About Us
Advertising

Weather in Manila<BR> Philippines Forecast

Boracay - Boracay Island, with its sugary white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas.

Pagudpud - In the Northern part of the Philippines is a beach reputed to have the longest contiguous white sand with mighty waves and strong winds that can compare to Hawaii.

Mactan Island, Cebu - Tropical-island getaway endowed with a variety of colors – from its beach, hotels, resorts, nightlife, music, food, drinks – will guarantee to spice up every tourist.

Panglao Island, Bohol - Panglao is a perfect for a great dive and beach holiday. On the southern beach of Panglao there are several resorts that line up on the beach.

Camiguin - Camiguin, which rhymes with “come again,” has been regarded as the most beautiful island in the country.

Honda Bay, Palawan - Its blue cool waters are dotted with islets that assure one of a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkeling in its clear waters to the more adventurous island hopping within its enclaves to simply having a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas.

El Nido Palawan El Nido has also been called the island of the gods – heaven on earth, that is El Nido.

Pearl Farm Davao - The premier beach resort, which lies in the pristine island of Samal, used to be a pearl farm. Today, beach lovers all over the world visit this world-class beach resort for its white sand and panoramic landscape and seascape, bringing with them the memory of a lifetime – a relaxing private retreat in a tropical paradise.

Siargao - Besides surfing, the island of Siargao is well-known for its unspoiled beaches and its rural charm.

Puerto Galera

 


ResortsPhilippines.com is For Sale - Make an Offer Today!


Resorts Philippines - About Us - Advertising

Philippine Country Code: (63) GMT: + 8 hours



World Clock | Exchange Rate | Travel Tips and General Informations | Weather | News & Current Events
Worldwide Web Directory


World Class Philippine Resorts - Web Travel Agent Philippines
Maintained by: Dotnet Business Online Inc.