Find important informations about Philippines
Land of Smiling Faces!
The Philippines is a group of 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. Although not as popular with the tourists as its Asian neighbors, the country offers just as many wonders and shopping delights.
The Philippines is a very laidback and safe country. The people will treat the tourists well, with their friendly and helpful dispositions--you should feel welcomed into the country. The country is described as the land in Asia where everyone wears a smile. Warmth and kindness are in every Filipino’s blood. Everywhere you turn, you will hear “ma’am” and “sir”. Language is also not an issue because English is widely spoken.
The first inhabitants of the Philippines arrived from the land bridge from Asia over 150,000 years ago. Throughout the years, migrants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other parts of Asia made their way to the islands of this country. In the fourteenth century, the Arabs arrived and soon began a long tradition of Islam. Many Muslims are still living in the Philippines today.
In 1521, Magellan claimed the land for Spain, but was killed by local chiefs who did not want Spain’s inhabitance. However, Villalobos made a Spanish return in 1543 and named the land Filipinas after King Philip II. Spain soon after began their control. By 1571, the country had control over the entire archipelago, except for any Islamic areas.
The original inhabitants of the Philippines decided they wanted independence, and fought against the Spanish during the Spanish-American War. The Spanish succumbed to defeat and therefore, the Philippines declared itself independent of any power. However, the United States thought otherwise and purchased this land for $20 million from Spain.
In 1935, the US decided to give the Filipinos independence and so Manuel Quezon was sworn in as president, as the process for full independence began. The Japanese invaded the Philippines and ruled from 1942-1944 until the US invaded, which won the Philippines its independence completely in 1946.
Ferninand Marcos became president in 1965 and ruled until 1986. However, he was not well liked and accused of fraud, and an assassination of someone who opposed Marcos lead to protests. In 1986, an election saw Marcos and his opponent, Cory Aquino, the widow of the assassinated, both claim victory. The widow was powerful enough to spark enough civil unrest throughout the country to make Marcos flee.
Aquino established a democracy, but was lagged with economic problems. She was succeeded by Fidel Ramos in 1992. Ramos did try to help the slumping economy and clean the country from its corruption and difficulties.
In 1998, Ramos was replaced by movie star Joseph Estrada, more famous for his acting abilities than anything political. He promised the people a better economy, but ended up putting more money in his pocket than anywhere else. He was impeached and put on trial. He tried to block any access to his financial accounts, so the people staged demonstrations in Manila.
Arroyo, the vice-president, was sworn in as the new president. She has decided to let Estrada stand trial for his crimes. During her presidency, separatist groups have been linked to terrorism, the US has sent military assistance, and a military coup was staged.
Location - Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam
Climate - Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Terrain - Mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands
Population - 84,619,974
Nationality - Filipino
Ethnic groups - Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%
Religions - Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%
Languages - Two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense
Government Type - Republic
Capital - Manila
Currency - Philippine peso
Description of Flag - The Philippines flag has 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 yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star.
Philippines Flag - 
The Philippines is a diverse culture—a mixing of native and foreign influences. Over 60 different ethic groups are scattered throughout the country. With this range of backgrounds, a variety of languages and dialects exist (over 80 total). The national language is Pilipino (based on Tagalog), with many speaking other languages such as Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Llocano. English does remain the language for business.
Christianity is widely practiced—the only Asian country that practices Christian faiths. However, many Muslims also call the Philippines home.
Cuisine is also varied due to the diverse culture mix. You can find gastronomy with Chinese and Spanish flair. Barbecue is popular, so are dishes served with rice and vegetables cooked in vinegar and garlic. Tropical fruit is abundant and you will find in the cuisine and in desserts, along with crème caramel.
The northern part of the Philippines is cooler in the months of November to February. However, in April and May, northern portions often experience higher temperatures.
Outside the big cities, the temperatures are cooler as well. The high level of concrete and asphalt retain the heat in Manila and Cebu.
Throughout the Philippines, four types of tropical climates are found: dry and rainy, never dry, not very pronounced seasons, and even distribution of rain. The east gets the rain. The south near the equator has rains that may occur year round. In the country, rains occur in the afternoons.
December through February is the cooler weather, summer runs from March through May, and the rainy season lasts from June through November, which includes thunderstorms and typhoons. This rainy season has rainfall averaging 38 in to 1600 in.
The rainy season is a not a bad time to visit because you do not deal with scorching heat and sun. Unless a typhoon is occurring, rain falls only two to three hours a day.
Average temperature is 80 F year round.
Philippine education is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. Schools are classified into public (government) or private (non-government).
The general pattern of formal education follows four stages: Pre-primary level (nursery and kindergarten) offered in most private schools; six years of primary education, followed by four years of secondary education. College education usually takes four, sometimes five and in some cases as in medical and law schools, as long as eight years. Graduate schooling is an additional two or more years.
There are 162 private and public colleges and universities, such as the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University. The Asian Institute of Management, a graduate school of business, offers high-quality manage ment education specifically designed to meet Asian needs.
Metro Manila has a high literacy rate of 96 percent with student population of 2,351,944.
Classes in Philippine schools start in June and end in March. Colleges and universities follow the semestral calendar from June-October and November-March. There are a number of foreign schools with study programs similar to those of the mother country.
New Year's Day - 1 January
Edsa Revolution Day - 24 February
Araw ng Kagitingan - 9 April
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - Moveable
Labour Day - 1 May
Independence Day - 12 June
National Heroes Day - Last Sunday of August
All Saints Day - 1 November
Bonifacio Day - 30 November
Christmas Day - 25 December
Rizal Day - 30 December
Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided.
Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine barong tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women.
Filipino food has been influenced by Spanish and Chinese cuisine.
Rice is the staple food and eaten with most meals. Noodle dishes are also very popular.
Filipino cuisine is unusual as meat (pork and poultry) and seafood may be combined in a single dish. Recipes often use ingredients such as coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, tamarind and vinegar.
Desserts include rice cakes, leche flan and sweets dishes made from fresh fruit (guavas, mangoes, papayas and pineapples). Ice cream is used in desserts or eaten on its own.
Fruit juices are available and green lemons are used to make drinks. Beer and rum are produced locally.
Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, terra-cota, porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories, among others.
Big malls are located in Manila, Makati, and EDSA, while handicraft, antique, and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila. Duty-Free Philippines near the NAIA is the country's largest duty-free outlet.
Castle Manila : A replica mid 19th C house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Street. Intramuros. Manila Luzon , Tel (02) 487 754
Chocolate Hills: Bohol 's most famous attraction: the area is named because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol Visayas.
Colon 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 Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized, Cebu .
PARKS & WILDLIFE
Katibawasan Falls : These 250 feet falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindanao
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 90m 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 are on every Sunday. Ermita, Manila . Luzon . * For further information contact Department of Tourism on Tel: (02) 599 031