Geography: The Philippines is an archipelago located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and North of Sabah and Borneo. It spans 1,900 kilometers from North to South, 110 kilometers from east to west

Climate: March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78ºF/32ºC; humidity: 77%

Environment: The Philippines is rich in biodiversity, with around 12,000 plant species, 1,100 land vertebrate species, and at least 500 species of coral. Its total forest area is around 18%, while its coastal ecosystem reaches almost 20,000 km

Land Area:  299,000 sq. km.

Population: 88 million

People: The vast majority of Filipinos are descendants of Malays, Chinese, and Muslim minorities. More than 100 cultural minority groups are scattered throughout the country

Language: Filipino and English, with other languages and 87 dialects

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic. Others: Protestant, Muslim, and Buddhist

Government:  Republic

Currency: Philippine peso (Php); Bank notes in P10, P20, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000 denominations. Coins in 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, and P10 denominations.

Time Zone: GMT plus 8 hours

Entry Points:
Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the International gateways. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world. The Mactan International Airport (MIA) in Cebu handles regular flights from Japan, Singapore and Australia as well as chartered flights from Hong Kong, the United States and other major travel capitals. Davao International Airport handles regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Subic airfield in Central Luzon service both chartered and cargo planes. Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services regular flights from Taiwan and Macau.

Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, links Manila to 14 cities in 8 countries. Major cruise liners call on the port of Manila.

Local Transport: Metered and fixed-rate taxis are 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-1 (Light Rail Transit-1) connects Monumento on the north to Baclaran on the south while LRT 2  connects Rizal Avenue in Manila to Santolan in Pasig City. MRT (Metro Rail Transit) traverses the length of EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.

Accomodation: In Metro Manila, key cities and towns throughout the country, a wide selection of de luxe, standard, economy, and pension-type accommodations are available. In island destinations, there is a variety of resorts ranging from de luxe to special interest category.

Dining Out: Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine.

Entertainment and Culture: Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, features world-class performances by local and international guest artists. Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer a glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the country’s leading and promising visual artists.

Manila’s nightlife  is one of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the Filipinos’ love for music. The hubs of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in Malate, Ayala Center and The Fort in Makati, Timog and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City, and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. Nightclubs, music lounges, pubs, and sing-along bars feature Filipino bands and singers who are known for their great musical talent. De luxe hotels offer a variety of live musical entertainment. Concerts and stage plays form part of the country’s entertainment scene.

Shopping: Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys in a country known for export-quality items at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, fashionable ready-to-wear and haute coutoure clothes, terra-cota, porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories. Artifacts, pineapple fiber shirts, prehistoric jars, native handicrafts, and footwear are interesting items, too. The Philippines also produces fine basketry, furniture, fresh and processed fruits, exquisitely crafted jewelry, and gift items made of shell, wood, and stone.

Big malls are located in Manila, Makati and EDSA, while handicraft, antique and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila.

Tipping: Tipping is expected for many services. The standard price is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.

What to Wear: Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and skimpy 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.