Philippines

Quick Facts

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Capital

Manila

Population

84,620,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Islam

Languages

Filipino, English

Calling Code

+63

Nationality

Filipino

Local name

Pilipinas

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Introduction

Rest In Peace

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Not quite an Asian country, but also not quite a Pacific island nation, the Philippines has had a hard time attracting tourists. Dodgy politicians keep the country in a state of political unrest, which is highly problematic when trying to draw overseas visitors.

Fortunately, however, the Philippines has enough islands (7107) and beautiful beaches to make you forget about all its troubles. On Boracay are some of the finest beaches you're ever likely to find. Pristine waters and picturesque tropical scenery highlight the Philippines' rich potential to be a major tourist destination. Impressive but climbable peaks protrude from the country's landscape; many of these are active volcanoes, including the violently dangerous but scenic Taal Volcano. The experience of climbing these peaks is enthralling and rewarding. And at the end of the day you can unwind on the beach to the sight of a beautiful sunset.

Brief History

European discovery and colonization:
On March 17, 1521, an expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese man sworn in under the Spanish crown, discovered a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean while searching for spices. Magellan's fleet of five galleons reached the island of Homonhon in the island group of Samar. They then proceeded to Cebu, where they found a thriving settlement. Local warriors led by Lapu Lapu fought with Magellan and his men, killing all but 18 of the Europeans, including Magellan.

In 1565, 44 years later, a second voyage led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi set sailed back to the island groups and to start a colony. He named the group of islands Las Islas Filipinas in honor of the king of Spain, Philip II. This was the beginning of the 333 years of Spanish colonization.

During the years of colonization, the Filipinos suffered under the hands of the gobernadorcillo and even from its religious friars. In the last few years of the 19th century, a masonic group called the Katipunan or KKK arose who, led by Andres Bonifacio, raised insurgencies against Spanish rule. At the same time, a league of Filipino intellectuals published the newspaper La Solidaridad, which aimed for representation of Filipinos in the Spanish tribunals. One of these intellectuals was Jose Rizal, who is now a national hero. He wrote two of the most controversial novels of the period: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Both novels depicted the inequality and the abuses of the Spanish friars and politicians, and became an inspiration for the Katipunan in their search for freedom. Jose Rizal was shot in Bagumbayan (presently Luneta) in December 1896 after being imprisoned at Fort Santiago in Intramuros. His death started the Philippine Revolution led by Bonifacio then later by Emilio Aguinaldo.

Independence and the 20th century:
In June 12, 1898, with the help of the American fleet, Philippine independence was declared, but the Philippines became an American colony under the Treaty of Paris. A Commonwealth Government was finally inaugurated in 1935. But during the WWII, Manila was almost fully destroyed and the whole archipelago was held under the control of the Japanese empire.

After the war, Japan ceded the Philippines to the USA, who granted the country its sovereignty on July 4, 1946. Since then, the Philippines has moved to become one of the leaders in Asia. But on September 21, 1972, then president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law which lasted for 21 years. Those were trying years for Filipinos, suffering under a dictatorial regime that lasted until August of 1983, when Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Marcos' rival, was shot dead at the tarmac of the old Manila International Airport after 3 years of exile. This started uprisings against the regime and then on February 25, 1986, Ferdinand Marcos and his family were moved out of Malacañang Palace and exiled to Hawaii by the peaceful EDSA People Power revolution. Aquino's wife, Corazon Aquino was put to power and became the first Lady President.

After this, the Philippines became more industrialized and saw improvements in infrastructure. Even with the current political climate, the Philippines has tried to develop its economy and regain an influential position in the global market.

Geography

The Philippines is an archipelago that is composed of 7,107 islands that are grouped into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It lies in the Southeast Asia bounded by the Philippine Sea at the east, South China Sea by the west and by the Celebes Sea in the south.

The archipelago lies in the region called the Ring of Fire, which characterized by a number of active volcanoes may be found all over the country. Some of these notable volcanoes are Taal Volcano which is situated in the middle of Taal Lake, Mayon Volcano in Legaspi City which is considered to have the most perfect cone shape, and the dormant Mount Apo in Davao, the highest peak in the Philippines.

Regions

The islands of Philippines are divided into three groups.

• Luzon is a group of islands in the north of Philippines. It includes the island of Luzon, the Batanes and Babuyan groups and the main and outlying islands of Catanduanes, Marinduque, Masbate, Romblon, and Mindoro in the south. The nation's capital, Manila, is located on the island of Luzon.
• Visayas includes the major islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. The main city is Cebu.
• Mindanao is an island group in the south, taking in the large island of Mindanao itself and several smaller outlying islands.

Major Cities

• Manila - the nation's capital city
• Cebu - dubbed as the Queen City of the South
• Davao - largest city in the country in terms of land size.
• Angeles
• Bacolod - known as the City of Smiles
• Baguio - the summer capital of the Philippines, dubbed as the city of Pines.
• Batangas
• Cagayan De Oro
• Iloilo
• Laoag
• Makati - main financial capital.
• Naga
• Olongapo
• Puerto Princesa
• Quezon City
• Tagaytay
• Zamboanga

Metro Areas

• Metro Manila
• Metro Cebu

Sights and Activities

Historic Sites

• Intramuros. The Walled City of Manila. It was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and became the center of Spanish government during its colonial years.
• Fort Santiago. Part of the walls of Intramuros, this battle fortress guarded the mouth of Pasig River.
• Corregidor. A tadpole shaped island near the mouth of Manila Bay. This served as the first line of defense from invading ships or galleons going into Manila Bay since the Spanish period. This has been a site of several battles during WWII.
• Rizal Park. A large park named after the country's national hero, Jose Rizal. Rizal's monument marks the actual site where he was executed.
  

  Banaue Rice Terraces

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• Vigan's Calle Crisologo. Vigan is considered to have the oldest and most preserved Spanish colonial town in the country. This street at the center of the city is lined with 16th century ancestral houses and cobbled stones roads.
• Magellan's Cross. Along with the city of Cebu, this cross was erected by the explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan upon their arrival in the island of Cebu in the 16th Century.
• Banaue Rice Terraces. 2000-year old terraces of rice paddies carved on whole mountains in the province of Ifugao by the Ifugao people.
• Baroque Churches. Spanish era churches that are considered as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These are San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Nature

Chocolate Hills

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• Mayon Volcano. The iconic volcano of Bicol region near the southeast end of the Luzon island. It is also considered to have the most perfect cone.
• Taal Volcano. A low lying active volcano that has a unique land formation. It has a lake within the volcano, while the volcano is within a larger lake in the island of Luzon. Tagaytay city offers the most scenic view of this beautiful volcano.
• Chocolate Hills. More than 1200 perfectly-coned hills clustered in the central part of the island of Bohol.
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. This is the longest underground river situated at the western shores of the city of Puerto Princesa in the island of Palawan.
• Tubbataha Reef. Situated in south of Palawan in the Sulu Sea, this large marine sanctuary is one of the best dive sites in the country.

Themed Parks

• Enchanted Kingdom. The first year-round themed park in the country that features different rides and thrill activities.
• Zoobic Safari. A theme park inside the Subic Freeport that features encounters with Bengal tigers in secured enclosure.
• Ocean Adventure. A water theme park in Subic that features dolphin and whale performances in the open sea.
• Manila Ocean Park. Manila's first oceanarium which features marine creatures that are endemic to Philippine waters.

Other Activities

• Beaches. In Boracay, Puerto Galera, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Pagudpod, Camiguin, Bohol.
• Scuba Diving. In Anilao, Bohol, Boracay, Busuanga, Coron, Cebu, Malapascua, Puerto Galera, Tubbataha.
• Surfing. In Siargao, La Union.
• White Water Rafting. In Cagayan De Oro, Pagsanjan, Kalinga.

Events and Festivals

• Sinulog Festival. Held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City. Distinguished by signature shuffling dance performed along the streets of the city as they celebrate in honor of the image of the Holy Child, the Sto. Niño.
• Moriones Festival. Held during the Holy Week which normally fall on the month of April. This is one of the most famous festival in the country held in Boac, Marinduque where locals dressed in Roman warriors reenact the life of Longuinus, the centurion who stabbed Jesus' side.
• Flores De Mayo or the Santacruzan. Held nationwide within the festive month of May. It's a parade of a town's beautiful ladies on procession to commemorate St. Helena's search for Christ's cross.
• Pintados Festival. Every June 29th in the city of Tacloban, this wild fiesta centers on the imitating pre-Hispanic tattooed warriors. Reveller join in the celebration in painting their bodies.
• Masskara Festival. The biggest annual event in the city of Bacolod happening every third week of October. It is a carnival themed festival featuring masked participants in colorful costumes dancing in the streets.

Other major Philippine festivals are listed in the Events and Festivals in the Philippines section.

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

The primary international airport serving travellers to the Philippines is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila. Clark International Airport (CRK) servicing nearby Angeles City currently services low-budget airlines, but is set to overtake Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the near future as the country's primary international gateway.

There are also major international airports in Subic and Cebu. Smaller airports servicing international flights are in Davao, General Santos, Laoag, Zamboanga, Bacolod and Iloilo.

Philippine Airlines is the national airline of the Philippines and is one of Asia's oldest airlines. It has flights to and from destinations in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States. Cebu Pacific Air is the country's second flag carrier with flights to major cities in Southeast Asia and East Asia.

Getting Around

By Plane

Here are some domestic airlines that serves the different islands. Most use Manila and Cebu as their hub of operation.

• Philippine Airlines
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Asian Spirit
• Air Philippines
• South East Asian Airlines

By Train

Currently the Philippine National Railways (PNR) line is the only operational railway system servicing the island of Luzon. This runs from the Manila to Legaspi City.

Within Metro Manila, 3 light rail transits service the metro.

• LRT1 (yellow line)
• LRT2 (purple line)
• MRT3 (blue line)

By Jeepney

Manila Jeepney

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The jeepney is the most popular public transportation around the country. They were originally built from US military jeeps that were left during the war that were extended and adorned with different colors. Jeepneys run different routes in every city of the country.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Being an archipelago, ports for commuter ships, ferries and jetties are available on all over the country. An organized network of highways and vehicular ferry routes, called the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, is in place that interconnects each island from Luzon, to the smaller islands of Visayas up to the island of Mindanao.

Here are some of the major sea carriers that ferry passengers from island to island:

• Negros Navigation
• Sulpicio Lines
• Super Ferry

Red Tape

Citizens from 145 countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay of up to 21 days. This includes all citizens of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries.

Brazil and Israel passport holders are allowed to stay without a visa for up to 59 days.

Holders of British National Overseas, Hong Kong (SAR) and Macau (SAR) passports may enter the country without a visa for a stay of no more than seven days.

For individuals interested in retiring in the Philippines, one can apply for a Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) which entitles foreigners and former Filipinos to hold multiple-entry privileges with rights to attain permanent residence in the country.

Money

The local currency is called the Philippine Peso (PHP). Peso is spelled as Piso in Filipino language. One Peso is divided into 100 centavos (Filipino: sentimo).

Philippines banknotes are in denominations of P1000, P500, P200, P100, P50, P20. Philippine coins are in P10, P5, P1, 25 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos and 1 centavo.

As of 13 February 2008, the exchange rates against world's major currencies are approximately USD1 = PHP41.00, EUR1 = PHP60.00, GBP1 = 80.35, JPY100 = PHP37.80, AUD1 = PHP36.60.

Work

Study

University of Santo Tomas

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A number of good quality colleges and universities may be found all over the country. Here are a few:

• University of the Philippines. Philippines' prime state university.
• Ateneo de Manila.
• De La Salle University.
• University of Santo Tomas. Oldest university in the country which was established since 1611.
• Siliman University. Oldest American university in Asia established since 1901 in Dumaguete City.

Language

Filipino is the national language of the Philippines. This is basically comprised of the Tagalog dialect and words hailed from its influences in Spanish, English, Chinese, and other local dialects. There are about 170 different dialects that are spoken within the archipelago. Some of the major dialects include Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Tboli, Tausog, Ivatan, Ilonggo, Ibanag.

English is considered a second language.

Eat

Common Dishes

• Adobo. Commonly cooked using pork meat, simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper, Adobo is one of the most common Filipino dishes. Some of its varieties use chicken, squid or kangkong leaves as its main meat.

• Sinigang. A soup dish that contains meat and a variety of vegetables and is generally simmered in tamarind broth. Sour but tasteful, this is cooked using different meats, including pork, beef, chicken, fish, and shrimp. Some varieties use broths of guava, miso, or kamias which gives a different sour taste.

• Lechon. Roasted pig on bamboo, gently roasted over low fire. Usually served in fiestas and parties.

Exotic Food

• Balut Egg. A common partner for beer, this delicacy is boiled duck egg with a still unfertilized chick inside was featured as one of the freakiest food in the world.

Fast Food

• Jollibee Philippines' most famous hamburger food chain. Its menu includes its famous Chickenjoy, hamburgers, local pasta, and rice meals.

Fruits

• Mangoes. The Philippines produces some of the best, if not the best, mangoes in the world. Philippine mangoes come in different varieties.

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

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