Philippines: World's second largest archipelago
Blessed with a tropical climate that lures visitors all year-round, the Philippines is resplendent with natural and cultural wonders, truly a unique destination both exotic and international. The Philippines with its 7,107 islands, gives you a wide array of destinations within the destination, affordable topflight facilities with Filipino hospitality as legendary and incomparable that always comes with the warmest smiles.
Boundaries: Bashi Chanel to the North
South China Sea to the West
Celebes Sea to the South
Pacific Ocean to the East
Islands: 7,107
Inhabited: 2,000
Land Area: 298,170 sq.km
Water Area: 1,830 sq.km
Coastline: 36,289 km
Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April), southwest monsoon (May to October)
Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands
People: Malayo-Indonesian stock with infusions of Chinese, Spanish, American, other European , South American and Asian blood.
Language: Pilipino(Tagalog) and English
Religion: Roman Catholics, 85%
Muslims, 5%
Other Christian denominations, 10%
Geography and Topography
The world's second largest archipelago of 7,107 islands and islets stretches over 1,850 km from north to south and 1,107 km from east to west, characterized by coastal plains, rich interior valleys, rolling hills, high mountains mostly volcanic.
Timeline
5000 B.C. land bridges connecting the Philippines to the Asian continent sank into the ocean.
1500-500 B.C. immigration from Indo-China; building of the Rice Terraces
500 B.C - 1500 AD immigration of Malayan peoples
800-1377 Indian influences from Srivijaya empire in Sumatra
1293 - 1478 Indian influences from Majapahit empire in Java
960 - 1280 Influences from the Sung Dynasty; commerce with China
1380 propagation of Islam in Sulu and Tapul Islands
1521 arrival of Spanish colonizers; Introduction of Christianity
1898 declaration of Independence from Spain
1946 full Independence from the United States
Climate
Temperature: 26.6 C - mean annual temperature
25.5 C - mean temperature in the coolest month of January
28.3 C - mean temperature in the warmest month of May
18.3 C - mean annual temperature of Baguio (elev. 1,500 m)
Humidity: 71 - 85% - average related humidity between March and September
Rainfall: 965 to 4,064 mm - mean annual rainfall
Seasons: based on temperature and rainfall
Rainy season - June to November
Dry season - December to May
a.) cool dry season - December to February
b.) hot dry season - March to May
Climate Map of the Philippines based on the Modified Coronas Classification:
Type I two pronounced season, dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Maximum rain period is from June to September.
Type II no dry season with a very pronounced maximum rain period from December to February. There is no single dry month. Minimum monthly rainfall occurs during the period from March to May.
Type III no very pronounced maximum rain period with a dry season lasting only from one to three months , either during the period from December to February or from March to May. This type resembles type I since it has a short dry season.
Type IV rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. This type resembles type 2 since it has no dry season.
Flora and Fauna
over 8,000 species of flowering plants (1,000 species of orchids - 84% endemic)
over 6,490 species of non-flowering plants
total 14,490 species (30% to 40% endemic to the Philippines)
Over 200 species of mammals Over 500 species of hard and soft coral
Over 580 species of birds Over 21,000 species of shells
Over 200 species of reptiles
Over 16,000 species of insects A number of them endemic to the Philippines
Over 850 species of butterflies and many more are being discovered.
Over 100 species of amphibious animals
Over 2,170 species of fish
Culture, Customs and Traditions
The Philippine Culture is rich in customs and traditions reflecting the complexity of the history through combination of cultures and foreign influences. Pre-Hispanic and non-Christian Philippine cultures come from indigenous tradition of the Malayo-Polynesian tribes.
Hispanic influences are visible in traditional Philippine folk music, dance, language, contemporary pop culture, fast food, music film and sports. The popularity of mahjong, jueteng, martial arts and other Asian cuisine come from Chinese, Japanese and other ethnic Asian influences.
Filipino families are closely knit that it is not unusual to have 3 generations living under one roof.
Filipino hospitality is legendary and the attitude towards foreigners is said to be exceptional that even the humblest home can serve as a shelter for a tired and hungry stranger. This is the Filipino way of interacting offering true friendship.
Music and Dances
Dedication and intense love of music makes the Filipinos great musicians. A number of musical talents have established themselves in the international scene. From ethnic rhythm to contemporary pop, Filipino musicians thrive; danceable tunes, melodious folk songs and romantic ballads have their listeners.
Filipinos express themselves not only in music but also in dancing. European influences during the Spanish era are seen in the traditional dances of the Philippines and ethnic created ones are popular and can be appreciated in events with cultural presentations.
Philippine Cuisine, Eating Out, Nightlife and Entertainment
Influences from foreign cultures created an interesting blend flavored by a rich variety of herbs and spices found all over the islands. Tropical fruits and vegetables grown in the mountains and plains, fish, meat and poultry are major part of Filipino diet and rice is a staple.
No visitor need ever go hungry. The diversity in eating establishments from specialty restaurants to hotel and resort dining rooms, food courts in shopping malls, fast food outlets and outdoor barbecue stand are everywhere. Aside from Filipino cuisine, the visitor have the choice of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Spanish and other European cuisines.
With the Filipinos' love of singing and dancing, there is a varied choice of music and entertainment. Live Band music can be danced to in clubs, bars and disco or a piano playing and singing soloist to accompany your evening meal. Then, there is the ever popular Karaoke singing to be enjoyed with a group of friends. Or culturally themed entertainment featuring Filipino songs and dances. Name the kind of music you want to enjoy, you will surely get it.
Ten Things to do in the Philippines
The Philippines being an archipelago, offers countless of destinations to see, adventures to experience and activities to do. The country is blessed with a rich environment - lush forests, tropical islands, white sand beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains - and friendly, artistic and hardworking people who are always happy to welcome visitors and friends.
When you come for a visit, be sure to stay for a long time so that you can enjoy the different exciting experiences that the country has in store for you. Here is a list of ten things to do in the Philippines to help you plan and maximize your stay. Do all for a unique and complete travel experience - a guaranteed unforgettable vacation.
No. 1: See some sights
There are a lot to see in the Philippines. The country is blessed with a beautiful environment and skillful people whose talented hands created some of the most magnificent man-made structures in the world.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banaue Rice Terraces; The well-preserved Spanish-style architecture in the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; The Baroque-style Philippine World Heritage site churches: the San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Churchin Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.
The smallest active volcano in the world Taal Volcano in Batangas; the volcano with the most perfect cone, Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay; the unique land formation that is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Marvel at the endemic Philippine fauna: Tamaraw, Tarsier, Philippine Eagle.
No. 2: Go on a beach holiday
The Philippines is a tropical country with one of the longest coastlines in Asia at 36,289 kilometres. It has numerous beaches most with fine powdery white sand and clean, clear and cool blue waters. Be sure to bask in the warm tropical sun and get the perfect tan that will be the envy of your friends back home. Top Philippine beach locations:
- Boracay Island, Aklan
- El Nido, Palawan
-Camiguin Island
-Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
-Puerto Galera, Mindoro
-Nasugbu and Lian in Batangas
-Ternate in Cavite
No.3: Dive
The Philippines is Asia's Dive Capital. If you are a diving enthusiast - amateur or professional, or someone who is looking for an underwater experience of a lifetime, then you must go to the Philippines if only for the reason that the country has the highest density of coral species in the world. Philippine seas are some of the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters in the world and home to a diverse species of aquatic resources.
Amateur divers can train and get their licenses at any of the diving training centers located in diving spots Anilao, Puerto Galera and Boracay, and once done with training, they can dive side-by-side with professional divers in the country's other must-see diving spots: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef and the location of some of the best wreck diving sites in the world, Coron both in Palawan;
Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental; Apo Reef National Park in Mindoro Occidental, the largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines which includes 285 species of fish and 197 species of corals (featured in the SHEDD Aquarium permanent Philippine reef display in Chicago, Illinois, USA); the Apo Island Marine Reserve & Fish Sanctuary in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands in Bohol; and Malapascua and Moalboal/ Pescador Islands in Cebu.
No. 4: ENGAGE in your favorite outdoor sport or activity
The Philippines offers a wide variety of sports adventures. Different locations cater to a specific activities:
- Play a few rounds of golf in the different golf courses around the country designed by some of the most famous golf celebrities in the world.
- Snorkel and interact with the "gentle giants" - the whale sharks - in Donsol, Sorsogon.
- Surf in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Baler, Aurora, Daet, Camarines Sur and in Catanduanes province
- Climb the country's highest peak at 9,689 feet - Mt. Apo - in Davao City, Davao
-Trek Mt. Pinatubo or explore the Callao caves in Tuguegarao, Cagayan province
-Go white river rafting in Chico River or in Cagayan de Oro River
-Go kayaking and canoeing at the Bacuit Archipelago and the St. Paul Subterranean Cave both in Palawan.
-Windsurf in Lake Caliraya or in Taal Lake, kitesurf in Boracay, wakeboard in Pili Camarines Sur.
No.5: Relax in a spa
There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying the traditional Filipino "healing" massage or touch therapy called Hilot. The soothing touch of this massage relaxes and heals tired muscles and aching points.
Try this and other spa treatments at:
-Nurture Spa in Tagaytay
-Mandala Spa in Boracay
-Sanctuario Spa in Manila
-Chi Spa Village in Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu
-The Farm at San Benito in Batangas
No.6: FEAST
Be ready to put a few extra pounds as you satisfy your cravings by indulging in a Filipino feast. Dishes to try:
-Lechon, spit-roast whole pig served with liver sauce
-Adobo, pork, chicken or a combination of both, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic and stewed until tender.
-Kare-kare, meat and vegetables cooked with peanut sauce served with shrimp paste
-Sinigang, pork, or seafood in tamarind soup
-Or the freshest seafoods - fish, squid, shrimp, lobsters - grilled to perfection.
The more adventurous should try Balut or boiled duck eggs containing a partially formed embryo, and Dinuguan, the pork blood stew eaten with steamed rice or Puto, rice cakes.
All around the country, there are restaurants offering different cuisines from American to Chinese, from Indian to Greek, from Japanese to French.
No.7: Shop
Shopping in the Philippines is an experience both in bargain and variety. Most shopping places or Malls in Manila, Makati, Cebu and Davao virtually have everything that you will need - from designer western brands to items specifically in city centers, Tiangges or the Filipino version of flea markets abound offering quality items at bargain prices.
In Makati and its surrounding areas, shop at Greenbelt, Glorietta, Landmark Department Store, Greenhills Shopping Center, Megamall, Shangri-La Mall and at Tiendecitas. In Cebu, check out the Ayala Center, the Gaisano Malls, Robinson's Place, SM City, and for native delicacies, fresh produce and fresh and dried seafood, go to the Carbon and Tabo-an Markets.
In Davao, shop at Aldevinco Shopping Center (for fabrics, batik, carvings) Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall and at the New City Commercial Center department store.
An experience not to be missed in flea market-shopping in the Philippines is the "bargaining" where shoppers can buy items with big discount, depending on charm and good bargaining skills.
No.8: WATCH a performance of Worldclass Filipino artists
The Philippines is home to a number of world-class artists. Occasionally, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, show performances by the Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Bayanihan Dance Troupe. World-renowned artists Lea Salonga and Cecile Licad, from time to time, give performances in big concert halls in Manila.
The Center of Arts in San Antonio (CASA) in San Miguel, Zambales features violinist Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata and his Pundaquit talents. Other groups that showcase the Filipino performing talents are repertory philippines, the Loboc Children's Choir, and the Amazing Philippines Theatre.
In the Visual Arts, works of world-class Filipino masters Juan Luna, Felix Resurection Hidalgo and Fabian de la Rosa, National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos Francisco, Victor Edades, Vicente Manansala, other Philippine painting greats and contemporary visual artists can be viewed at the Philippine National Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Ayala Museum and in some galleries and University museums around Metro Manila.
Colleges and Universities in the Philippines are home to award-winning performance groups that have been recognized internationally for their artistry and excellence in the performing arts: Dulaang UP (student theatre group), the UP Concert Chorus, UP Singing Ambassadors of the University of the Philippines; Ateneo College Glee Club and the Ateneo Chamber Singers of the Ateneo de Manila University; the UST Chorale and the Salinggawi Dance Troupe of the University of Santo Tomas.
No.9: Experience Philippine Culture
Philippine culture is best experienced in events and activities that highlight what Filipinos are passionate about- faith, love for country, family, beautiful women, and celebrations. Filipinos love to celebrate, and there is no better way of celebrating than by having festivals: Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan, January, the best and biggest in the country, it commemorates the feast of the Sto. Nino with a week -long street party.
Groups of dancers dressed as the aboriginal Atis, representing different communities from the city participate in the festive weeklong street party that highlights during the feast of the patron saint; Pahiyas in Lucban, Quezon.
May 15, the annual harvest festival and feast of San Isidro Labrador. Witness the colourful display of kiping and other thanksgiving offerings hung in the houses that line the street where the procession of the image of the patron saint will pass. Giant paper mache effigies join the parade to add to the spectacle of a celebration; Maskara Festival in Bacolod City, October, coinciding with city's charter day celebration, the festival features carnivals, fairs and a mardi gras-style parade by costumed and masked street dancers.
There are as many festivals as there are towns in the Philippines and when you attend and enjoy a Filipino celebration, you come closer to understanding the culture of the people.
No. 10: Nightlife
There is an abundance of places to go to and enjoy a night out in the Philippines. Every major city of the country has a number of nightlife activity hubs with restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and karaoke bars all promising a good time of fun and entertainment. In the country's financial district Makati, there is the Greenbelt, Glorietta, The Fort, Jupiter St, and Makati Avenue.
In the city's capital, Manila, nightlife is diverse. There is something for everybody in Malate, and in the newly revitalized Roxas Boulevard and its Baywalk. Quezon City is a popular destination of locals as the club prices are a little lower than those in Makati. Try the establishments along Timog & Tomas Morato Avenues and Quezon Boulevar, and in Eastwood city in Libis.
Outside of Metro Manila, there are number of popular places to go to. The nightlife of Subic in the province of Zambales, is known all over the world because of its history as a former rest and recreation center of the US Navy. The city is still teeming with nightlife activities as the Subic Free Trade Portis home to a lot of expatriates from other foreign countries as well and it is now a major Tourist hub. Foreign Navies still use the port as a rest and recreation spot every now and then.
Check out Subic International Hotel and the Magsaysay Blvd. Angeles city in Pampanga, formerly the home of the US Air force in the Pacific, is also known for its Angeles city nightlife stayed almost the same as a lot of retired US and Australian citizens decided to make Angeles city their second home. Establishments in Balibago are still popular.
The central Philippine city of Cebu is a popular destination among tourists because its nightlife is at par if not better than in Metro Manila. Big development companies have opened up operations in the city as well as major club chain operators have set up their presence. Be sure to go to Ayala Mall and in the different establishments that abound Osmena Blvd. The ultimate island-nightlife location in the Philippines is Boracay Island in the province of Aklan.
"Legend says that when the gods created the first Philippine island they had "so much fun" that they decided to create 7,000 more!"
Metro Manila
An exciting, colorful and complex metropolis made up of 14 cities and 3 municipalities, It is the political, economic, social, educational, cultural hub of the Philippines. Manila is a lively metropolis commanding a magnificent view of the world famous and its golden sunset. Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, Metro Manila is a blend of cultures and flavors that offers endless servings of places to see, sights to behold and experiences to never forget.
Right in the heart of Manila is Intramuros - the walled city constructed in 1571 during the colonization by Spain, comprising European building, churches and a fort. There is the grand Manila Cathedra, seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila; the baroque church of San Agustin inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Along the northern bank of the historic Pasig River is Chinatown, a symbol of the long history of Chinese presence in the Philippines long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Today, it is an important trader and business center and a primary bargain shopping destination.
The nightlife offers everything from dazzling cultural shows to futuristic discotheques, lively casinos,, sensational entertainment lounges and fashionable cafes. The popular districts of Malate and Ermita showcase a variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops - truly, the ultimate cosmopolitan paradise.
Experience Manila
- Visit Fort Santiago, San Augustine church and Casa Manila in the ancient Intramuros, the walled city of Manila during the Spanish era.
- Stroll along Roxas Boulevard and catch the famous Manila Bay sunset
- Visit the National Museum if only to see Juan Luna's monumental Spoliarium, a national treasure.
- Hang loose at Remedios Circle in Malate, the bohemian hub.
- Catch a ride in a jeepney, flamboyant folk arts on wheels
- Go bar-hopping in Malate, Ayala centre, Rockwell or Fort Bonifacio
- Shop til you drop in the mega malls of Makati, Pasay, Ortigas and Quezon city
- Eat kamayan style (with bare hands) in town fiesta themed restaurants
- Take awalking or calesa (horse drawn carriage) tour of Binondo, Manila's Chinatown
- Pick up handicraft bargains in the market under the Quiapo Bridge
- Visit Marikina, the country's shoe capital boasting 600 registered shoemakers
- Take a day trip to Villa Escudero, Tagaytay, Pagsanjan Falls or historic Corregidor Island
- See Ferdinand Magellan's cross planted on 1521 by the famous explorer
- Visit Fort San Pedro, the nucleus of Spanish settlement in the Philippines
- Find out how the gentle Filipinos lived at the Casa Gorordo Museum
- Light joss sticks and have your fortune told at the Taoist temple
- Spot amazing bird life at the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
- Scuba dive in the coral islands of Moalboal, Pescador and Badian
- Soak up sun and fun in the outlying isles of Bantayan and Malapascua
- Shop for exotic finds in the markets of Carbon, Gulla or Taboan
- Check out great furniture at the shops in Mandaue
- Pick up a guitar, ukulele or mandolin made by craftsmen in Mactan
- Don't leave Cebu without trying a fresh mango juice or shake
- Marvel at the unique panorama 1,268 Chocolate Hills
- Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River
- See the rare tarsier, considered the smallest primate in the world
- Visit the stone church of Baclayon
- Bask in the sun on the white sand beaches of Bungan, Mantatao or Panglao
- Go on a dolphin watching expedition from Balicasag island
- Scuba dive in Pamilacan island, one of the country's richest dive sites
- Swim with a passing school of dolphins in Cabilao
- Catch a performance of the world famous Loboc Children's choir
- For taste adventure, sample the grilled bananas and the popular sweet peanut, kisses.
- Find out why the 4 kilometer White Beach is often found in the list of top beaches of the world
- Take a sunset cruise is a paraw, Boracay's signature sailboat
- Enjoy a hilot, the traditional Filipino massage under a shade of the coconut tree on the beach
- Rent an outrigger or yacht and island hop
- Take diving, sailing, parasailing and windsurfing lessons
- Ask for Mambo number 5 - a little bit of boating, diving, trekking, biking, golf
- Trek or mountain bike to the quaint interior villages
- Sample the local favorites - chori burger, charbroiled chicken and halo-halo sandwich
- Witness the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race featuring native outriggers
- Swing golf irons at the Fairways & Bluewater Country Club
- Catch the Mardi-Gras-style Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo in January
- See the astonishing seascapes of El Nido Island, one of the country's premier destination.
- Watch the birds' next gatherers at work, scaling cliffs for prized finds.
- Take an unforgettable subterranean river tour at the Puerto Princesa National Park, a World Heritage listed site
- Swim, snorkel or dive in one of the islets of Honda Bay.
- Fall under the spell of the seven enchanting lakes of Coron Reefs.
- Be transported to Stone Age at the Tabon Caves
- Spot the giraffes, zebras and gazelles at the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary
- Catch a glimpse of the Philippine Eagle, the world's largest, in Malagos
- Discover the Bataks, a mountain tribe living in accessible settlements.
- Have a historic encounter at the Cuyo Fort, built in the 1600s.
- Catch a tribal festival - the Pagdiwata, Tarek of Lambay
- Tee off at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Camp John Hay Golf Club in Baguio city
- Visit the Easter Weaving School and watch tribal women weave rainbow-colored threads into exquisite cloth
- Meet the local artists at Tam-Awan village where traditional huts have been carefully transplanted from the tribal villages
- Jostle with the locals at the lively Baguio market where the best indigenous craft and souvenirs are
- Be mesmerized by the awesome World-Heritage listed Banaue Rice Terraces, layered rice paddies that form a giant stairway to the sky
- Discover the picturesque town of Sagada, one of the bohemian crowd's best kept secret in the 1970s.
- Be mystified by the centuries-old mummies of Bontoc, some still in their ancient log caskets.
- For unique souvenir photos, catch the Ifugao men in tribal G-string astride their woodcarved scooters.
- Watch the jaw-dropping sunrise over the rice terraces and enjoy a lunch picnic and bracing dip at the Tappiya Falls in Batad.
- Visit Vigan's Calle Crisologo with its well-preserved ancestral homes
- Watch local artisans keep the ancient crafts of abel weaving, damili(terracotta), and burnay (earthenware) alive.
- Sample the mouth-watering rice cake and other delicacies of San Jose in Vigan
- Be fascinated by the antique churches of St.Paul and Sinait
- Go off-roading on the sand dunes of La Paz while enjoying a spectacular vista of the South China Sea
- Add St. William the Hermit to your list of saints after exploring the cathedral built in his honor in 1612
- Catch one of the most breathtaking panoramic view of mountains and sea from Patapat Cliff
- In Laoag, make sure you sample longganisa (local sausage), empanada (savory pies) and pinakbet (mixed vegetable in anchovy sauce)
- Tee-off at the Fort Ilocandia Country Club, famous for its sprawling Gary Player-designed golf course
- Visit the Museo Ilocos Norte, a unique heritage museum housed in a restored tobacco factory
- Discover exotic tribes - the Manobos, B'laan, Bagobos
- See the deft mat weavers of Sinawilan
- Marvel the intricate work of the T'boli handloomers
- Head out to sea in a colorful vinta at Hondo or Taluksangay
- Catch the week-long Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival in August
- Climb Mt. Apo, the country's tallest mountain
- Visit a fruit plantation or an orchid farm
- Sample the local delicacy - grilled tuna in native sauce
- Splurge on brassware, ethnic trinkets and shellcraft
- Play golf in a lush fruit estate or a coconut plantation
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