Languages:
Pilipino (Tagalog) and English plus numerous
widely spoken indigenous languages, some Spanish
Time
Zone: UTC plus eight hours
Currency:
peso
Landscape:
mostly mountains with narrow to extensive
coastal lowlands
Climate:
tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November
to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Entry
Requirements: For most foreign visitors
visas are not needed for stays of less than
21 days. Three-month visas can be obtained in
advance and cost around US$35.
Airlines:
Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Northwest
Airlines, EVA Airways, Korean Air, Air France,
Asiana Airlines, Philippines Airlines, Singapore
Airlines, Cathay Pacific
Travel
Time from LAX: 20 hrs
Travel
Time from JFK: 22 hrs
Getting
Around: There are several airlines
offering internal flights between Philippine
cities. There is only one operating railway
line, from Manila to Naga in southern Luzon,
so long-distance buses are the main overland
alternative. There are plenty of ferries and
boats operating between islands, though the
safety and quality of services vary. Car rental
is also available, and international agencies
have offices in most major cities. Local transport
includes jeepneys (originally reconstructed
jeeps), metered taxis, PU-Cabs (small taxis
without meters), tricycles (motorbikes with
sidecars) and trishaws.
Personal
Technology: 220V, 60 Hz
Nearby
Destinations: Malaysia, Singapore,
Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Brunei
The
7000 islands that comprise the Philippines are the forgotten
islands of South-East Asia. Only 2,000 of them are inhabited.
Pristine, powder fine white sandy beaches, lush green
forest and deep blue water define the Philippines. The
locals are friendly and helpful. And the Filipino cuisine
has Malay, Spanish and Chinese influences, which provides
for a unique and wonderful taste sensation.
Culture
Over time the blending of foreign influences with
native elements has given the Philippines a mixed
culture. There are only a few tribes that still maintain
their original culture values and standards, while
the rest of the population has been influenced by
Muslim, Spanish, and American incursions. Unfortunately
due to Western influences visitors are more likely
to see beauty contests, and soap operas, instead of
traditional theater, literature, and kundimans (love
songs).
About
60 different ethnic groups can be found in the Philippines
ranging from the Badjao of the Sulu archipelago, who
are sea gypsies, to the headhunting Kalinga in the
north of Bontoc. Despite the massive number of different
ethnic groups only 10% still retain their true culture.
As
for religion, the Philippines is the only Christian
country in Asia, with over 90% of the population following
Christian faiths. Although there is a portion of the
population that consider themselves to be Muslims,
and there's a small following of Buddhism as well.
Due to the larger number of ethnic groups and the
geography of the Philippines there are some 80 dialects
used throughout the country. Yet in 1936, Tagalog
was declared the national language of the Philippines.
History
The Philippines were named after King Philip. The
first attempt to claim the islands was by Magellan,
who was then killed by a local chief. There wasn't
a second attempt until 1565, when the Spanish conquered
the strategically located islands. The Spanish-American
War resulted by placing America in control in 1898.
The Japanese used the island for military tactics
in WWII. After WWII, America liberated the islands
on July 4, 1946. Since liberation the Philippines
have struggled to find a president. They have suffered
poverty and unrest due to a corrupt government. In
1992, the US closed its last military bases on the
islands. The country is now in the hands of President
Gloria Arroyo, hoping to find civil justice. The government
continues to struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies
in the south.
Attractions
Manila
Manila is a modern-looking city - a result of virtual
destruction during WWII - but the sprawling city boasts
its fair share of colonial ruins, enough to keep those
historically inclined amused for a while, anyway.
If you're just looking for a good time, Manila could
be just the ticket: bars and entertainment venues
could keep you well fed, well greased and in the party
mood for months on end.
Banaue
The spectacular rice terraces around Banaue, in north
Luzon, have been described (like a lot of other places)
as the eighth wonder of the world. Carved out of the
hillside by Ifugao tribes people 2000 to 3000 years
ago, these remarkable terraces stretch like stepping
stones to the sky - some reaching an altitude of 1500m
(4920ft).
Beaches
The island of Boracay, off the northwestern tip of
Panay, regularly appears in those 'Best Beaches of
the World' lists that travel rags are so fond of compiling.
Puerto Galera, on the island of Mindoro is now destined
to be the place to laze around in the sun. Puraran,
on Catanduanes, off Luzon, has a beautiful beach,
reef and surf, but currents can be dangerous.
Other
Attractions
There are countless spectacular sights scattered throughout
the archipelago, including the strange Chocolate Hills
of Bohol in the Visayas; the volcanic crater Lake
Taal, south of Manila; the burial caves of Sagada,
18km (11mi) from Bontoc; the easygoing port city of
Cebu, where Magellan marked the beginning of Christianity
in the Philippines by erecting a cross; and 5,000
uninhabited islands to explore.
Adventures: Remote Islands
For real Robinson Crusoe fare, try the islands
north of Bohol. Around Gutob Bay, between Culion
and Busuanga islands, try Dibutonay, Maltatayoc
and Horse islands. The Batanes Islands in the
north are surprisingly unspoilt and differ from
other Philippines islands because of their isolation.
They offer the chance to visit remote villages,
where you may even get to stay with the mayor.
Vigan
In north Luzon, Vigan displays precious remnants
of the splendid architectural legacy of the
Spaniards. The well-preserved colonial structures
create a unique 17th century European atmosphere.
The town has several museums, thanks to it being
the birthplace of several national heroes.
Viriato
On the island of Samar, in the Visayas, Viriato
lies along one of the most scenic coastal roads
in the country. The road runs past mountains,
steep cliffs, distant islands and scenic boat-filled
bays. The town also boasts a large waterfall
and good hiking opportunities.
Lake Sebu
A beautiful inland sea on the island of Mindanao,
the lake is nested into the southern Tiruray
Highlands at an altitude of almost 300m (984ft).
The chance to delve into traditional lifestyles
and culture, rather than modern attractions,
is the highlight in this remote area. The local
tribes people, the T'boli, live in almost total
seclusion and are known for the quality of their
brassware and weaving. Their Saturday market
is especially colorful.
For
Families: The mountainous terrain found on most
islands in the Philippines lends to create
the opportunity for hiking, trekking, and
taking jeep rides up the mountainsides. Several
of these mountains are still active volcanoes,
including Mayon, in southern Luzon, that has
erupted four times since 1968. The wildlife
enthusiasts can find everything from giraffes
to zebras, and gazelles, at the wildlife sanctuary,
on Calauit Island. And due to the occupation
of 7000 islands, the Philippines offer an
unhindered amount of scuba diving and snorkeling.
Other activities that are easily accessible
include cave exploration, photo safaris, and
canoeing the rapids.
Shopping: Handicraft items can be found from Luzon
to Mindanao and include everything from carved
statues and religious icons, to Tiffany lamps
made of capiz, to basket ware, pearls, furniture,
shells, and gold jewelry. Other unique buys
include the clothing for sale, which ranges
from leather footwear and knitwear, to traditional
clothes such as barong tagalog, traditional
embroidered shirts.
Culinary: Filipino cuisine has Chinese, Malay and
Spanish influences. Popular morning and afternoon
snacks are called merienda, and pulutan (small
morsels) are served with alcoholic drinks.
Barbecued sticks of meat or seafood are popular
evening snacks. Standard dishes, always served
with rice, include meat and vegetables cooked
with vinegar and garlic, grilled grouper,
meat stews and a huge variety of soups - rice,
noodle, beef, chicken, liver, kneecap, offal
and sour vegetable. Side dishes include strips
of un-ripened papaya, fermented fish or shrimp
paste and bite-sized pieces of crispy pigskin.
Halo-halo is a dessert made from crushed ice
mixed with sweets and fruits and smothered
in evaporated milk.
Sports: Water sports are very popular at the
resorts along the beaches, as well as canoeing
the rapids in Pagsanjan. And the sport that
is growing most rapidly is golf, with some
of the finest courses in all the world.
Nightlife: In the "metropolis" of Manila
one can find nightly show bands ranging from
pop to jazz, even Broadway-style musicals
can be found, and in some places bands of
local singers play original Filipino music.
As
for religion, the Philippines is the only Christian
country in Asia, with over 90% of the population following
Christian faiths. Although there is a portion of the
population that consider themselves to be Muslims,
and there's a small following of Buddhism as well.
Due to the larger number of ethnic groups and the
geography of the Philippines there are some 80 dialects
used throughout the country. Yet in 1936, Tagalog
was declared the national language of the Philippines.
Banaue
