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Philippines

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Info Discover its history and setting

The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas) is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands in South-East Asia located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

The combined length of all its beaches make for one of the world's longest coastlines, and the many islands and many waves of immigration make for considerable cultural diversity. More than a hundred distinct ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences — the country was a Spanish colony from the late 1500s to 1898, then American until 1946 — and a fusion of culture and arts enhance the wonder that is the Philippines. It would take decades to visit and experience everything.

The Philippines is possibly the most underrated destination in Southeast Asia. It receives less than 1/5th of the number of visitors to Thailand, despite having a population 40% bigger. While part of it is due to the country being an archipelago, the Philippines receives relatively few visitors from outside Southeast Asia as well. This is rather surprising given the country's fantastic beaches and landscapes, its vibrant and diverse culture, the ease of using English to communicate with the locals, the affordability of food and accommodation, the excellent infrastructure in many places, and finally, the cheerfulness and friendliness of people; perhaps the easiest way to recognise a Filipino abroad is to see who has the broadest smile.

One possible explanation is the exaggeration, often by media but sometimes by overseas Filipinos, of problems such as urban violence and activities of militant groups. While these problems certainly exist, they are confined to certain areas and can be avoided with basic planning and precautions.

Regions

Wikivoyage divides the country into four island groupings:

The Philippine government's administrative system uses three top-level regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They treat Palawan as part of the Mimaropa region, administered under Luzon. Below that are 18 lower-level regions, 80 provinces, 120 cities and many rural municipalities. The lowest administrative level is the barangay — a rural district or an urban neighborhood — and addresses or directions in the Philippines often include the barangay name.

Cities

With more than 7,000 islands and a population around 100 million, the Philippine archipelago has many cities. Listed below are some of the most important cities for visitors, some of which are provincial capitals and centers of commerce and finance, as well as culture and history.

1 Metro Manila - the national capital, is one of the largest cities in the world and a place of huge contrasts, from ultra-modern and pleasant business and affluent districts to slums plagued with garbage and crime. While the pollution and traffic jams, as well as the scarcity of traditional historical sights, may discourage a visit to Manila, the smiling, stoical and resourceful people themselves, as well as the staggering amount of choices of culture and entertainment, are its saving grace.

2 Bacolod - known as the "City of Smiles" because of the MassKara Festival (Máscara in Spanish) held annually on 19 October, it is one of the gateways to Negros Island and the home of the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.

3 Baguio - Luzon's summer capital because of its cool weather, it boasts well-maintained parks and scenic areas, as well as being the home of the "Igorot", the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras.

4 Cagayan de Oro - known as the "City of Golden Friendship", it is popular for white water rafting and is the gateway to Northern Mindanao.

5 Cebu - the "Queen City of the South" was the first Spanish base in the Philippines and is a major center for commerce, industry, culture and tourism. Metro Cebu is the country's second largest urban area, after Metro Manila. Consider flying into its graft free and under-used airport as a more central and pleasant alternative to Manila - regularly nominated as one of the world's nastiest major airports - if your object is tourism.

6 Davao - the largest city in the world in terms of land area, is known for its Durian fruit and for being the home of Mount Apo, the Philippines' tallest mountain.

7 Tagbilaran - known as the site of the Sandugo (blood compact) between Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna representing the people of Bohol.

8 Vigan - the capital of Ilocos Sur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its city center is the finest example of Spanish colonial architecture in the Philippines. Visit between 03:00 and 05:15 to savour some of its well-preserved, cobbled streets rather than the stench and noise of two-stroke engines.

9 Zamboanga - known as "La Ciudad Latina de Asia" (Asia's Latin City), it is the melting pot between the Philippines' Christian and Muslim cultures, boasting old mosques, grand churches and historic colonial structures.

Other destinations

1 Banaue has 2,000-year-old rice terraces and called by Filipinos the eighth wonder of the world, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People are fascinated at the immense work of the Igorots in making this.
2 Batangas is the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines with world class dive sites and beaches. Its accessibility by road about 2 hours from Manila Airport makes it a popular destination. It is home to Taal Volcano and the Taal heritage town.
3 Boracay is a 10 km island featuring white sands.
4 El Nido contains dozens of limestone islands forming a stunningly beautiful karst topography permeated by crystal-clear bays and lagoons, still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism
5 Camarines Sur has beautiful coral reefs, and shorelines of Black and white sands. Visit the Camarines Sur Watersport complex and go water skiing.
6 Donsol is the Whale Shark Capital of the world, dive and see whale sharks.
7 Malapascua Island just like other islands in the Philippines, the island features a beautiful white sand shoreline and coral gardens.
8 Puerto Galera on Mindoro, a favorite getaway for people during Holy Week because of its white sand shorelines and its amazing flora.
9 Tagaytay , tired of the old scene of the noisy metropolis of Manila? or missing the cool weather? Head to Tagaytay, it provides a view of Taal Volcano, the weather is cool and often a getaway for Filipinos tired of warm tropical weather during the Holy Week.
10 Panglao Island in Bohol Province, as resort island with fine beaches. The rest of the province has other attractions including the Chocolate Hills and wild tarsiers (tiny primates).

Understand

With over 7,659 islands and 300,000 square kilometers (120,000 sq mi) of territory, the Philippines is the second largest archipelago, after nearby Indonesia, but not as vast as the latter. The islands are mostly volcanic in origin, covered with tropical rainforest and fertile soil, but much of the rainforest has been cut down. The climate is tropical, with constantly high humidity and high, stable temperatures, so prepare to change clothes frequently under the sweltering heat. Mountainous areas are the exception to the norm, rather temperate with mildly cool temperatures during the cool dry season from November to March.

The Philippines has over 100 million people since 2015, making the country the second largest in Southeast Asia, ahead of Indonesia, and the eighth largest in Asia, ahead of Japan. The population is not balanced throughout the archipelago, with the majority concentrated in Luzon, around Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON, and Cebu. Most tourists come via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL IATA) in Metro Manila, but other opt to arrive via Clark International Airport (CRK IATA) or Mactan–Cebu International Aiport (CEB IATA).

The Philippines has a diverse culture, mixing local customs with Chinese traditions of saving face, superstition and respect to elders, Hispanic religiosity, machismo and romance, and Western ideals and popular culture. The country is one of the few Christian-majority nations in Asia, the other being East Timor.

The country remains plagued by its share of contemporary issues like crime, corruption, poverty, and internal conflicts. Most Filipinos struggle to live with at least ?400 a day, whether it be a farmer or a salesperson or fast food crew, while the sosyal or rich people will be seen cruising in their luxury cars, owning guarded mansions, and sending their children to prestigious private schools, all have been common stereotypes perpetuated by the media. Some people finding it hard to find work might resort to racketeering or committing crime to earn a living. The capital, Metro Manila is suffering from its notorious traffic jams, and slums can be sighted in many places, sometimes in contrast to towering skyscrapers in its business districts like Makati. Economic and political centralization, often called "Imperial Manila" by critics, remains the cause of the economic plight in many provinces and increased calls for regional self-determination. There are also ongoing conflict between the Philippine government and Islamic separatists in Mindanao as well as communist rebels elsewhere, which remains as another pressing issue. As with the rest of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is also plighted with uncontrolled developments causing urban sprawl, lack of pedestrian and wheelchair-friendly facilities in many locations, and uncollected garbage.

History

The oldest human remains so far found in the Philippines are over 700,000 years old. The first settlers crossed shallow seas and land bridges from mainland Asia to arrive in this archipelago. These people were probably the Negritos or Aetas and are thought to be genetically related to Melanesians (e.g., Aboriginal Australians and Papuans). Direct descendants of these people can still be found in Negros Oriental, northern Luzon and other areas. Today they mostly live in the mountains, having been driven out of the prime coastal areas by later immigrants.

Several thousand years later, they were followed by Austronesian settlers travelling the same route as the Negritos but this time over sea in their impressive Balangay boats. This word is where the basic form of political institution, the barangay, came from. The Austronesian ethnolinguistic group includes Malays, Indonesians and Polynesians, and is spread as far as Hawaii, Easter Island, New Zealand and Madagascar. The majority of Filipinos are of Austronesian descent.

The origins of the Austronesian group are a matter of scholarly controversy. One widely held theory has them coming from Taiwan, and travelling south to the Philippines. Other theories put their origins in mainland Southeast Asia or even in China's Liangzhu Culture.

Having been a trading nation for thousands of years, a colony for several hundred and a destination for tourists and retirees for decades, the country includes descendants of many other ethnic groups. The largest group are the Chinese, mainly Hokkien speakers whose family origins are in Fujian province.

Pre-Spanish era

The early Austronesians of the Philippines traded with each other, and with the Chinese, Japanese, Okinawans, Indians, Thais, Arabs and other Austronesians from the Malay Peninsula and Nusantara (today's Malaysia and Indonesia) and Micronesia. An interesting mix of cultures developed in the islands, and a writing system called baybayin or alibata, as well as a social structure developed quickly, some of the traders stayed and married the natives. Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced by traders from India, Sumatra and Java. These two religions syncretized with the various indigenous animistic beliefs. Later, Arab, Malay and Javanese traders converted the natives in the island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago to Islam. The archipelago became a mix of the indigenous Austronesian and Melanesian people with some foreign influence from Arabia, the Malay lands and India.

Under Spanish rule

See also: Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation

When the explorer Ferdinand Magellan set foot on the island of Homonhon in 1521, the Philippines was predominantly animist, with some Muslim and Hindu-Buddhist based cultures situated in the southern and western parts of the country. Famished, Magellan's crew were treated to a feast by the welcoming islanders who wore elaborate tattoos. Magellan was Portuguese, but it was a Spanish Expedition which he led to the islands. Lapu-Lapu, a native chief of Mactan Island, was against the Christianization of the natives; he then fought a battle with Magellan where Lapu-Lapu won and Magellan was killed.

In 1565 an expedition under Miguel López de Legazpi arrived to claim the country as a Spanish colony. The colony was named for Crown Prince Philip II of Spain and most of the natives converted to Catholicism. Some Muslims in the south and various animistic mountain tribes, however, resisted Spanish conquest and Catholic conversion. In the period of Spanish rule galleons brought large amounts of silver from Acapulco to Manila, and this had a large effect on trade across much of Asia. Even today one can find plenty of 18th and 19th century coins, apparently silver and mostly American or Mexican, in China; at least in tourist areas, though, these will more-or-less all be counterfeit.

The longest revolt against Spanish colonization was led by Francisco Dagohoy in Bohol and this lasted for 85 years covering the period of 1744-1829. As a cabeza de barangay or barangay captain, Dagohoy opposed the Spanish colonizers which were represented by priests and civil leaders and required payment of excessive taxes and tributes. They also oppressed the Philippines' natives by subjecting them as slaves and sending them to prison for disobeying rules. The Manila Galleon trade made contact between the Philippines and Mexico as well as the whole of the Americas. Mayans and Aztecs settled in the Philippines and introduced their cultures which were then embraced by the Filipinos. The Philippines received heavy influence from Mexico and Spain and the archipelago became "hispanicized". Other Asians used the Manila Galleon trade to migrate to the West. During Spanish rule, European powers such as the Dutch, Portuguese and British also tried to colonize the country; none succeeded though the British did control Manila for two years.

The Philippines remained a Spanish colony for over 300 years until 1899 when it was ceded by Spain to the United States following the Spanish-American War.

American and Japanese occupation

The Filipinos declared independence on 12 June 1898 and resisted the American occupation for seven long, brutal years until surrender completed the colonization of the Philippines.

The war was quite controversial in the US, and famous writers weighed in on both sides of the controversy. Rudyard Kipling, an Englishman born in India and very much in favour of Empire, urged America to "Take up the White Man's Burden" while Mark Twain wrote "the United States paid poor decrepit old Spain $20,000,000 for the Philippines. It was just a case of this country buying its way into good society ... like an American heiress buying a Duke or an Earl. Sounds well, but that's all."

The American presence remained until World War II when Japan invaded the Philippines. The retreating American General Douglas McArthur (son of a former Governor of the colony) famously promised "I shall return", and did so later in the war. There is a monument on Leyte Island where he landed and various other wartime ruins or monuments around the country; Coron is famous for wreck diving because the US Navy sank a number of Japanese ships there in 1944.

On 4 July 1946, the Philippines was granted independence by the US, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence from a colonial power, although the US continued to maintain a significant military presence, especially in the Subic Naval Base in Zambales and Clark Air Base in Angeles City. It was not until the early 1990s that the US bases were returned to the Philippines.

Post-independence era

Up until the 1960s, the Philippines was widely considered to be the second most developed country in Asia after Japan. Several decades of misrule by the corrupt dictator Ferdinand Marcos then plunged the country into deep debt. Poverty became widespread and infrastructure for development was severely lacking. In 1986, the People Power uprising finally overthrew the Marcos government. (This was called the EDSA Revolution since the majority of the demonstrations took place on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.) He was replaced by Corazon Aquino, widow of murdered opposition leader, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.

Before the 21st century, corruption became one of the main problems of the country. The country suffered slightly in the 1997 Asian financial crisis that led to a second EDSA revolt which overthrew President Joseph Estrada; the vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (daughter of one of the former presidents), took his place. After her term ended in 2010, Benigno Aquino III (nicknamed "Noynoy" and "Pnoy"), son of Corazon and Benigno Aquino, Jr., was elected President.

In mid-2016, a new president was elected, Rodrigo Duterte. He had previously been mayor of Davao, and earned the nickname "the punisher" by cleaning up the gang warfare that plagued that city in the 90s. Critics claim he did that largely by encouraging police and vigilantes to execute gang members without trial. In the presidential campaign, he vowed to clean up corruption and the drug trade (especially shabu, the local term for crystal methamphetamine, which is a serious problem in the country) and critics now accuse him of using similar tactics nationwide. Western media sources put the death toll around 1,000 a month since he became president, though the numbers are neither precise nor undisputed. On September 30, 2016, Duterte stated that he would like to emulate Hitler's Holocaust by exterminating 3 million drug users and dealers in the country, so it is safe to assume the killings will continue as long as he is in office. Despite much condemnation from the West, Duterte remains popular among Filipinos themselves, many of whom are weary of having to deal with drug pushers and high violent crime rates on a daily basis, and appreciate Duterte's efforts to deal with those problems.

Things have been improving slowly on the economic front but the Philippines is still largely a poor country. An IMF report showed, as of 2009, 45% of the population was living on under US$2 a day. Growth in the Philippines is slow, but the country is hopeful about catching up with its neighbors. One of the major exports is labor; around 10% of Filipinos live abroad, either as immigrants or as contract workers, and remittances from those people account for around 10% of the nation's GDP.

People

As of 2017, the Philippines has a population of approximately 103 million, making it the twelfth-largest nation on earth. Since the Philippines population is still growing rapidly, while that of Japan is declining, it will probably shortly overtake its northern neighbors to join the top ten.

From its long history of Western occupation (300 years by Spain and 40 years by the US), Filipino culture has evolved into a unique blend of East and West. The Filipino people are largely Austronesian (more specifically Malayo-Polynesian) in ethnic origin. However, many inhabitants, especially in the cities of Luzon and the Visayas, have Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and American mixtures. Those living in the provinces are mostly of Austronesian origin (known as "native"). Many Muslims in the Sulu archipelago near Borneo have Arab, Indian and Chinese mixtures. The four largest foreign minorities in the country are: Chinese, Koreans, Indians and the Japanese. Also of significance are Americans, Indonesians and Arabs. Spaniards and other Europeans form a very small proportion of the country's population. There are no official government statistics for foreign minorities and mestizos based on censuses, but embassies and consulates do keep a number of their nationals living in the country.

Filipino traits are a confluence of many cultures. Filipinos are famous for the bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie taken from Austronesian forefathers. They observe very close family ties. Roman Catholicism comes from the Spaniards who were responsible for spreading the Christian faith across the archipelago. The Spaniards introduced Christianity and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos; at least 80% are Catholic today. The Philippines is one of only two countries in Asia with a majority Roman Catholic population (the other being East Timor).

The genuine and pure expression of hospitality is an inherent trait in Filipinos, especially those who reside in the countryside who may appear very shy at first, but have a generous spirit, as seen in their smiles. Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Guests will often be treated like royalty in Philippine households. This is most evident during fiestas when even virtual strangers are welcomed and allowed to partake of the feast that most, if not all, households have for the occasion. At times, this hospitality is taken to a fault. Some households spend their entire savings on their fiesta offerings and sometimes even run into debt just to have lavish food on their table. They spend the next year paying for these debts and preparing for the next fiesta. At any rate, seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their visitors. Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian.

Filipinos lead the bunch of English-proficient Asian people today and English is considered as a second language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the Filipino people the English language. While the official language is Filipino (which is basically a version of Tagalog) and whereas 76-78 languages and 170 dialects exist in this archipelago, still English is the second most widely spoken language in the country to varying degrees of comprehension but is a learnt language. Around 3 million still speak Spanish, including Creole Spanish, Chavacano plus Spanish has been reintroduced as a language of instruction at school level.

The geographical and cultural grouping of Filipinos is defined by region, where each group has a set of distinct traits and languages or dialects - the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalogs of the central plains, the loving and sweet Visayans from the central islands, and the colorful tribesmen and religious Muslims of Mindanao. Tribal communities or minorities are likewise scattered across the archipelago.

It may seem peculiar for tourists to notice the Latin flair in Filipino culture. Mainstream Philippine culture compared to the rest of Asia is quite Hispanic and westernized on the surface. But still, Filipinos are essentially Austronesian and many indigenous and pre-Hispanic attitudes and ways of thinking are still noticeable underneath a seemingly westernized veneer. Indigenous groups, who have retained a fully Malayo-Polynesian culture unaffected by Spanish-influence, are also visible in cities like Manila, Baguio, Davao or Cebu, and can remind a visitor of the amazing diversity and multiculturalism present in the country.

Potentially jarring behaviors

Filipinos share most of their shocking behaviors with the Chinese, except for running amok and "Filipino time" (tardiness). So a foreigner who has travelled to China can easily cope, but most foreigners unfamiliar with the culture and customs might find local behavior rather jarring. Also take note that Filipinos can be friendly without being polite, the way Britons can be polite without being friendly.

Aggressive drivers - This is a common problem in the roads, hence the viral dashcam videos (see #Get around: By car). Find someone driving against the flow, speed above the posted limit, use horns at most times, and drive without headlights. Road rage is commonplace, and simple disagreements between drivers might easily turn to heated arguments or violence.
Crowds - Filipino culture sees the concept of personal space as less important, and expect to get bumped in many crowded locations, whether it be on boarding a jeepney or walking through tiangges. Streets in the Philippines tend to be narrow and crowded with parked cars and roadside obstructions.
Cutting in line - Filipino culture respect the concept of lines (pila), but you might find it hard how to deal with locals cutting in line and pushing and bumping while everyone is waiting.
Drinking (see more at #Alcohol) - Perhaps with exceptions of Muslims, you will find many Filipinos practically drinking anytime and anywhere, though local ordinance have regulated where one may drink alcohol. Customs also differ, and you cannot pour your own drink (someone will do it for you). Drunk driving is an unfortunate sight, especially at night.
Ignoring rules - Here, the pasaway ("disobedient") attitude comes to play. Local ordinances, or sometimes, national laws, are generally disregarded. The same also goes with many house rules. This include dangerous and aggressive driving, jaywalking, and smoking in non-smoking areas.
Noise - People lean on blowing horns and loud music, whether it be on the radio or karaoke. Conversations tend to be loud, and heard by everyone around. Loudspeakers are widespread, from storefronts to churches, just to send their message.
Nose picking - It is socially acceptable to pick one's nose, and there are also crude humor surrounding this.
Reactions on foreigners - Locals will practically stare at any foreigner they see, also turning them to magnets for beggars and corrupt cops. Also, don't get surprised when someone talks about your race or country of origin, or someone may just take out a camera phone and ask you to take pictures, especially selfies, with you.
Running amok - It is common for some people to run amok, especially to the point of killing someone, especially when drunk, high, or extremely angered. Of note is the case of pagdidilim ng paningin, an idiom meaning psychologically disturbing rage with murderous intent. You are unlikely to be targeted by an amok, but you are likely to be one if you venture into run-down areas where people who are likely to run amok, such as drunkards or drug addicts, are present.
Smoking (see more at #Smoking) Though the smoking rate is 25% as of 2018, smoking remains common anywhere. Enforcement of smoking bans in public locations differs by location: Metro Manila bans smoking, as well as sale of tobacco within the 50-meter (160 ft) radius of no-smoking areas, while Dumaguete bans smoking on the streets. Yet, enforcement varies. You might also encounter a jeepney or tricycle driver smoking even within sight of a posted no smoking sign.
Staring - This is very common, but this shows they are curious. Do not get surprised when someone just stares while walking. Rubbernecks or bystanders in accident or crime scenes are common.
Tardiness (see more at #Punctuality) - Filipino less value punctuality, like their Hispanic counterparts, and it is socially acceptable to come late.

Most visitors will get used to these situations and see the good side of the people, but the best advice is do not take them seriously.

Politics

The government of the Philippines is largely based on the political system of the United States. The President of the Philippines is directly elected by the people, and serves as both the Head of State and Head of Government. The President is elected every six years, and can only run one term.

The political system follows a multi-party system, which is divided into three groups: major parties, minor parties ("partylists") and regional parties. The national political arena is dominated by nine political parties, with the center-left, federalist PDP-Laban (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan), the neoliberal Liberal Party, and the center-right United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) being the dominating ones since 2016. There are also numbers of minor parties running for representation in Congress and regional parties of less importance in the provinces. Most positions in the local government are also dominated by the major parties.

The legislature is a bicameral congress, which consists of a lower house known as the Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan (House of Representatives), and an upper house known as the Senado (Senate). Both houses are elected directly by the people, though the country is divided into constituencies for the election of the lower house, while the upper house is elected by the country as a whole based on proportional representation.

Politics, until today, is dominated by large, powerful families, where positions are passed from one family member to another. Corruption remains rampant, especially through the Padrino system, which is an open secret in the Philippine political arena. Padrino is often translated as "Godfather", and the system involves extensive patronage and nepotism. Political demonstrations are widespread, as in most democracies, and political violence is also a concern, especially during election periods, where rivaling families clash, even to the point of killing each other.

Religion

Neal Stepheson's novel Cryptonomicon describes the Philippines as being as permeated by religion as India, except that it is all Catholic; this is reasonably accurate but slightly oversimplified. Certainly the Spanish made Catholicism almost ubiquitous, the Church is still very influential, and the Philippines has been Asia's largest predominantly Christian and Catholic country for centuries. However, there has also been a substantial Muslim population for centuries, Protestant missionaries have been active and several Protestant denominations are now well established in the country, and there are a few followers of other Asian religions as well.

The Philippines is not only the largest Christian country in Asia but also the world's third largest Roman Catholic nation. The Roman Catholic faith remains the single biggest legacy of three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule. Catholicism is still taken quite seriously in the Philippines. Masses still draw crowds, from the biggest cathedrals in the metropolis to the smallest parish chapels in the countryside. During Holy Week, most broadcast TV stations close down or operate only on limited hours and those that do operate broadcast religious programs.

The Catholic Church also still exerts quite a bit of influence even on non-religious affairs such as affairs of state. Mores are changing slowly, however; Filipinos are now slowly accepting what were previously taboo issues in so far as Roman Catholic doctrine is concerned, such as artificial birth control, premarital sex, and the dissolution of marriage vows.

The biggest religious minority are Muslim Filipinos (Moros) who primarily live in Mindanao but also increasingly in cities such as Manila, Baguio or Cebu in the north and central parts of the country. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gives partial self-government to some of them. They account for around 5% of the population. Islam is the oldest continually practiced organized religion in the Philippines, with the first conversions made in the 12th century AD. Islam became such an important force that Manila at the time of the Spanish arrival in the 16th century was a Muslim city. Many aspects of this Islamic past are seen in certain cultural traits many mainstream Christian Filipinos still exhibit (such as eating and hygiene etiquette) and has added to the melting pot of Filipino culture. Sadly, terrorist attacks and violent confrontations between the Filipino army and splinter militant Islamic organizations such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have strained relations between Muslim and the non-Muslim Filipinos in the southern rural parts of the country. However, the Muslim Filipinos are much more liberal in their interpretations of Islam, and like the Muslims of Indonesia, are generally more relaxed regarding such issues as gender-segregation or the hijab (veil) than Muslims outside of Southeast Asia.

Indian Filipinos, Chinese Filipinos and Japanese Filipinos, who collectively account for 3% of the population, are mostly Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist. These populations have been in the country for centuries preceding Spanish rule, and many aspects of Buddhist and Hindu belief and culture permeate in the mainstream culture of Christian or Muslim Filipinos as well. As with many things in the Philippines, religion is not as clear-cut and defined as official statistics suggest, and many Christians and Muslims also practice and believe in indigenous spiritual aspects (such as honoring natural deities and ancestor-worship, as well as the existence of magic and healers) that may in some cases contradict the orthodox rules of their religions.

Climate

The climate is tropical, with March to May (summer) being the hottest months. The rainy season starts in June and extends through October with strong typhoons possible. The coolest months are from November to February, with mid-January to end of February considered the best for cooler and dryer weather. Locations exposed directly to the Pacific Ocean have frequent rainfall all year. This includes the popular Pagsanjan Falls south-east of Manila (though the falls will get you wet regardless). The average temperatures range from 25°C (78°F) to 32°C (90°F), and humidity is around 77 percent. Baguio, branded as the summer capital of the Philippines, tends to be cooler due to its being located in mountainous regions with temperatures at night going below 20°C (68°F). During summer, the country experiences droughts, sometimes with extreme conditions, from March (sometimes as early as February) to May (sometimes extending to June).

Holidays

The Philippines is a multicultural country having Christian, Muslim and Buddhist holidays in addition to secular holidays. The year is welcomed by New Year's Day on 1 January. Being a predominantly Catholic country means observing the traditional Catholic holidays of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Lent or months around March or April, Araw ng pagkabuhay or Easter Sunday is celebrated 3 days after Good Friday. Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, Boy scouts re-enact the march every 2 years in honor of this day that is also known as Bataan Day, they march as long as 10 km, the Bataan Death March was part of the Bataan Battle which was also part of the Battle of the Philippines. The Bataan Death March was a 60 km march and the people who participated in this march were captured, tortured and murdered. All Saints Day is on 1 Nov and All Souls Day on 2 Nov. In recognition of the Muslim Filipino community, the Islamic feast of Eid-Al-Fitr (known in the Philippines as Hari Raya Puasa) held after the holy fasting month of Ramadan, is also a national holiday. This day changes year by year, as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is also celebrated by the Chinese Community but dates vary according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Secular holidays include Labor Day (1 May) and Independence Day (12 Jun). 30 Aug is declared National Heroes Day. Some holidays also commemorate national heroes such as Jose Rizal (30 Dec) and Andres Bonifacio (30 Nov) as well as Ninoy Aquino (21 Aug). Metro Manila is less congested during Holy Week as people tend to go to their hometowns to spend the holidays there. Holy week is also considered part of the super peak season for most beach resorts such as Boracay and the most popular ones tend to get overcrowded at this time. Due to its cool mountain weather, Baguio is also where a lot of people spend the Holy Week break. Christmas is ubiquitously celebrated on 25 Dec.

Dates

New Year's Day: 1 January
Maundy Thursday: varies
Good Friday: varies
Easter Sunday: varies
Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor): 9 April
Labor Day: 1 May
Independence Day: 12 June
Ninoy Aquino Day: 21 August
National Heroes Day: Last Monday of August
All Saints Day: 1 November
All Souls Day: 2 November
Eid Ul Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa): varies according to lunar calendar
Eid Ul Adha: varies according to lunar calendar
Bonifacio Day: 30 November
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: 8 December
Christmas Day: 25 December
Rizal Day: 30 December
Last Day of the Year: 31 December

Festivals

Culture

The culture of the Philippines is very diverse. There is the native Melanesian and Austronesian culture, which is most evident in language, ethnicity, native architecture, food and dances. There is also some influence from Arabia, China, India and Borneo. On top of that there is heavy colonial Hispanic influence from Mexico and Spain, such as in Religion, food, dance, language, festivals, architecture and ethnicity. Later influence from the US can also be seen in the culture.

Books

Filipino literature is a mix of Indian sagas, folk tales, and traces of Western influence. Classical books are written in Spanish as well as in Tagalog, but to this day most of Filipino literature is written in English. The Philippines, thus, is a multi-cultural country with its roots stretching from Asia to Europe and to the Americas.

History, documentary

Red Revolution by Gregg R. Jones (ISBN 0813306442) - Documentary about the guerrilla movement; New People's Army (NPA), in the Philippines.

In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines by Stanley Karnow (ISBN 0345328167) - Shares the story of European and American colonization in the archipelago as well as the restoration of democracy after the overthrew of Marcos.

Literature

Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal

El Filibusterismo by José Rizal

Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista (ISBN 9711790238) - A story about a middle class Filipino family that struggled to fight with other Filipinos during the martial law during the time of Marcos.
The Day the Dancers Came by Bienvenido Santos
Amazing Archipelago by John-Eric Taburada

Film

The Filipino film industry is suffering because of its main rival, the Western film industry. In this 21st century only 40 films are produced each year; down from 200-300 films a year in the 1990s.

Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Festival
Cinemanila International Film Festival
Metro Manila Film Festival — held annually during the Christmas season, showcasing local films released during the festival month.

Music

Western culture has also permeated the music industry in the Philippines; many songs written by Filipinos are in English, but Filipino-language songs are slowly gaining popularity. American rock-n-roll as well, rap and hip-hop are heard and performed. Traditional Filipino songs such as kundiman (nostalgic/poetic songs) are still held dearly by the population but are slowly losing influence among the younger generations.

Freddie Aguilar - Aguilar's "Anak" had been translated to many languages and topped the Billboard charts because of its popularity in both the Philippines and elsewhere. The song is about a boy who was loved by his parents so much who, as he grows old, later disrespects them. As the song ends the boy comes back to his parents' arms after realizing all his mistakes. Most listeners could relate to the song, with some emotionally breaking down simply by relating to the song. The song has an English version. It also tells us about Filipino parents, that even though children commit grave mistakes the parents are always there to forgive and help them.

Hotdog - The group's "Manila" was a popular song in the 1980s; it is about a man living abroad missing the bustling streets of Manila, its food, people and noise.

Check out other pop and rock groups such as The Eraserheads, Spongecola, Parokya ni Edgar, Gary Valenciano, Side A and Apo Hiking Society. Journey frontman Arnel Pineda is a native of Manila (and a former street kid).

Addresses

Barangays (abbreviated as Brgy.) are the lowest government unit of administration. Although some think the word came from the word Balangay (term used to refer to a boatload of settlers in the old days in Mindanao), the term linguistically originated from the Spanish term Barrio commonly used in the Visayas, which refers to a cluster of settlements in villages, until the term was legally adopted in local government law in the late 1970s.

A Barangay contains usually more than 100 families. Barangays are then further divided into sitios, a term used to refer to a community (sub-village) especially in rural areas where settlements are scattered in far flung communities. In urban cities, most barangays no longer have sitios but contiguous residential subdivisions or communities. Basically, every street address in the Philippines belongs to a barangay or two or more opposite barangays where boundaries are delineated by streets cutting across. By comparison, a barangay in urban cities is somewhat different from barangays in rural towns. A barangay in urban cities such as capital Manila and neighboring Quezon City, could differ in terms of population density and territorial size when compared to barangays in Paracelis, which is a rural town. Imagine Manila with a population of 1,660,714 living in 38.55 km² distributed in 897 barangays compared to Quezon City with a population of 2,679,450 distributed in 142 barangays in 166.20 km² as compared to Paracelis with a population of 24,705 living in just 9 barangays over a land area of 553.25 km². The biggest barangay in Paracelis is even bigger than the entire Manila.

While getting a taxi or jeepney, Filipinos don't give the street's name; they give the address of a popular landmark near their destination instead; so when you get a taxi or jeepney, just give the popular landmark near your destination. In rural areas, it is not much harder to get to destinations since everybody knows almost everybody and you get to your destination just by knowing the name of the barangay and then the sitio.

Get in

Nationals from most countries, including all ASEAN countries, can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days, or obtain a visa on arrival for up to 59 days, as long as they have a return or onward ticket as well as passports valid for a period of at least six months beyond the period of stay. Exceptions to this rule are as listed below:

Nationals of Brazil and Israel may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days.
Nationals of Hong Kong and Macau - including permanent residents of Macau who hold Portuguese passports - may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days.
Nationals of the People's Republic of China travelling as tourists and holding a valid visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States or a Schengen Area state may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 7 days.
Nationals of Taiwan holding passports with National ID numbers or Resident Certificate may apply for the eVisa.
Nationals of India holding a valid tourist, business or resident visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or a Schengen Area state may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China (PRC), Cuba, East Timor, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Nauru, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tonga, Ukraine and Yemen need to apply for a visa at a Filipino diplomatic mission prior to departure.

If intending to stay beyond the duration of the 30-day visa, you may apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which have offices in most main cities and at Manila and Cebu airports. Extensions are granted up to a maximum of six months per time. Only the (BI) offices in Manila, Cebu and Davao, can give give a 6-month visa extension. most BOI offices only give two months visa extensions. You can keep getting visa extensions up to a stay of 3 years, after which foreign nationals wishing to stay longer must go out of the Philippines and then come back to start anew.

The 1st visa extension got within the Philippines at a BOI office is from 30 days up to 59 days and cost ?3130. You could also get a 59-day tourist visa from any Philippines Embassy around the world for US$30/40, but you must go to the embassy twice as the visa take 2-3 working days to get.

If you overstay, you must pay on departure a fine of ?1,000 per month of overstay plus a ?2,020 processing fee.

Airlines may refuse to let you check in if you only have a one-way ticket to the Philippines due to immigration requirements. Cebu Pacific Air will require a printed copy of an onwards "itinerary receipt" at check in. If you want to risk not having an onwards ticket, try to check in early to allow yourself time to buy a ticket at an Internet cafe or ticket desk in the airport if the airline refuses to check you in.

Under the "Balikbayan Program", former Filipino citizens who have been naturalized in a foreign country may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to one year. If eligible, you must prove your previous Philippine citizenship by presenting an old Philippine passport, birth certificate, or foreign naturalization documents. However, you may not have to present these documents to the immigration officer, as usually it is sufficient to speak a Filipino language, appear Filipino, and/or show the foreign passport if it indicates that you were born in the Philippines. If your Balikbayan status is granted, the immigration officer will annotate your passport for a one-year stay. Your spouse and children may also avail themselves of the Balikbayan privilege, as long as they enter and leave the Philippines together with you.

By plane

Although the Philippines is an archipelago, most visitors arrive by plane. International airports are located in Manila, Angeles, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia, are the three main airlines that operate international flights to the Philippines.

If you plan to travel around the various islands, it is best to get an open jaw ticket. This can save much time back-tracking. Most common open-jaw ticket combinations fly into Manila and out of Cebu or vice versa. Local airlines also have regular "seat sales", advertising cheap fares for flights to domestic destinations. However, be aware of travel dates: some tickets booked during a seat sale may only be used on dates well after the duration of the sale (sometimes up to a year after the sale) and advertised fares usually exclude government taxes and fuel surcharges.

If you live in an area with a large Filipino population (such as London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei or Tokyo), check out travel agencies catering to overseas Filipinos which often have fares keener than those generally advertised.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Most visitors entering the Philippines will fly in through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (MNL IATA). The airport is divided into four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 (formerly called the Domestic Terminal).

Most international flights depart from Terminal 1 with a few exceptions:

Philippine Airlines international depart from Terminal 2,
All Cebu Pacific flights (international and domestic), international flights on AirAsia, and flights on Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Delta Air Lines depart from Terminal 3.

Other airports

Some visitors who enter the Philippines choose to avoid flying through Manila, instead using other airports throughout the Philippines which have international flights.

Diosdado Macapagal Clark International Airport (CRK IATA) in Angeles City, Pampanga 85 km north of Manila is a popular hub for low-cost carriers serving Manila. Air Asia, Scoot Air and Jin Air are now the three foreign low-cost carriers serving Clark, flying from KL, Singapore and Seoul respectively. Cebu Pacific has flights to Hong Kong, Macau. Qatar airways also has flights from Clark airport to Doha.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB IATA) in Metro Cebu is the Philippines' second-busiest airport and a major hub for visitors headed to points in the Visayas and Mindanao. Several of the airlines which serve Manila also serve Cebu. Air Asia fly to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Scoot Air fly to Singapore. Cathay Pacific fly to Hong Kong. Emirates fly to Dubai. Asiana Airlines fly to Seoul. Silk Air (part of Singapore airlines) fly to Singapore.
Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO IATA) in Davao is served by SilkAir and Cebu Pacific with flights to and from Singapore. and KL Malaysia is served by Air Asia'
Kalibo International Airport (KLO IATA) in Kalibo, Aklan (near Boracay) Air Asia, has flights to KL Malaysia and Seoul & Busan South Korea. Scoot Air fly to Singapore. Cebu Pacific fly from Kalibo to Hong Kong and Seoul. Other airlines also have scheduled flights to Kalibo from points in South Korea, China and Taiwan.
Iloilo International Airport (ILO IATA) in Iloilo is served by Cebu Pacific, with flights to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS IATA) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan has direct flights to Taipei on Philippine Airlines.

Passengers departing on international flights from Davao or Iloilo or Kalibo airports have to pay a terminal fee of ?700. For Clark airport, the fee is ?650 in addition to the Philippine travel tax.

By boat

Weesam Express operates a regular ferry service which connects Zamboanga City, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi with Sandakan, Malaysia.

Aleson Shipping Lines also has a ferry from Zamboanga to Sandakan. Schedule departs Zamboanga every Monday and Thursday 12 noon. Economy class ?2700 per way. Cabin ?3100 per way.

Get around

By plane

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, the easiest way to move between islands is by plane. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia have significant domestic operations, linking many major towns and cities. There are also several smaller carriers which serve resort destinations (such as Amanpulo in Palawan), as well as more remote destinations. While most cities are served by jet aircraft, some destinations are served by propeller-driven planes.

The route networks of most local airlines are heavily centered around Manila and Cebu: flying between domestic points usually entails having to transit one of those cities (sometimes both), although direct flights between other major cities are slowly being introduced. Reaching Sulu and Tawi-Tawi by air is a special case: travelers must fly through Zamboanga City.

A significant majority of domestic flights in the Philippines are operated by low-cost carriers and are consequently economy-only: PAL is the only airline to offer business class on domestic flights. This does not mean however that fares are affordable: domestic seat sales are a common feature throughout the year, and all major airlines regularly offer promo fares on their websites. However, fares increase significantly during major peak travel seasons (particularly during Christmas, Holy Week and the last two weeks of October), and in places served by only one airline (such as Calbayog, Camiguin or Siargao), fares also increase during major provincial or town fiestas. Flights are frequently full during peak travel season, so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Passengers departing on domestic flights must pay a terminal fee before entering the pre-departure area, although the fee is integrated into the ticket price as of August 1, 2012 for flights departing from Manila and Cebu. Fees vary, with most major cities charging ?200, and smaller cities charging between ?30 and ?100. Fees are only payable in Philippine pesos.

By train

By car

The Philippines' road network is centered on Manila. Outside Luzon, larger islands' road networks converge on the largest city or cities (for example, Cebu City for Cebu Province, Iloilo City for Panay and Puerto Princesa for Palawan), while smaller islands (such as Marinduque, Catanduanes and Camiguin) usually have a road circling the entire island. The Philippines has one highway which is part of the Asian Highway Network: the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26), also known locally as the Maharlika Highway. The highway begins in Laoag and ends in Zamboanga City, traversing through Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. However, it is also the only highway in the Asian Highway Network which is not connected to any other highway: it is not possible to enter the Philippines by car.

Roads in the Philippines vary greatly in quality from the paved multi-lane expressways of Luzon to the narrow dirt roads of remote mountain areas, which may complicate travel by car. Most major roads have two lanes and are normally paved with asphalt or concrete, although multi-lane roads are common near major cities. Road atlases and maps are available at bookstores throughout the country, and are very helpful when driving, especially when driving alone. Route numbers are now being introduced on all expressways and national highways, that they can be used when planning trips, but as this is still very new, as signs are only introduced in 2016, not all maps, especially app-based navigation apps (other than Waze, which has included them even before the signs are erected), include them for navigation purposes. National roads can now be referred by number, but the current practice is to refer them by their name (if known) or with the generic "National Road/Highway" (signed or unsigned), especially when asking for directions.

Major international car rental companies such as Hertz [1] and Budget [2] have offices in Metro Manila, notably at the airport. Avis [3] and Europcar [4] are among the largest international car rental companies, with offices in several cities throughout the Philippines. There are also local car rental companies, such as Nissan Rent-a-Car [5]. Regardless of the company, prices are bound to be reasonable.

Car rental companies usually allow either self-drive or chauffeur-driven rentals: some types of cars however (like vans) may only be rented out with a chauffeur. Also, some rental companies (mostly local ones) may only allow rentals to be driven within the island where the city of rental is located: for example, it may be possible to drive with a rental from Manila to Legazpi (both on Luzon), but not from Manila (Luzon) to Tacloban (Leyte) because it would entail the use of roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferries. If you intend to drive out of Luzon and into the outlying islands, the Visayas or Mindanao (and/or vice-versa), be sure that the rental company's terms and conditions allow it.

Road networks

In addition to the existing network of national and local roads, the Philippines has two additional road networks: an expressway network and the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) system.

Luzon has an expressway network dominated by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). These are tollways with good paved roads, are privately-maintained, and the farthest tolls will not cost more than a few dollars from Metro Manila. Other expressways include the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (a 94-kilometer 4-lane freeway connecting Subic Bay and Tarlac) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway. Expressways are connected to the network of national highways and provincial roads which connect to major cities and provinces.

The Strong Republic Nautical Highway system is a three-route network of national and provincial roads, bridges and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferries which facilitates the connection of major islands of the Philippines together by road, bringing down the cost of driving (and, ultimately, lowering the cost of shipping goods between islands). The SRNH system begins in Luzon, runs in a north-south direction through the Visayas, and ultimately ends in Mindanao. The SRNH is useful for driving to tourist destinations outside Manila: for example, it is possible to drive to both Puerto Galera and Boracay from Manila via the Western Nautical Highway. SRNH routes are signposted and a map of the network and RO/RO schedules are available from the Department of Tourism [6].

Driving

Foreign driver's licenses are legally valid in the Philippines for up to 90 days after arrival, after which a Philippine driver's license is required. It may also be a good idea to carry your passport showing that your last entry into the Philippines was less than 91 days ago.

Vehicular traffic in the Philippines moves on the right, and the vast majority of road signs are in English, with a few in Filipino. Road signs are based on a mix of American and European standards. Road marking are usually white, the same as in most of Europe, save for the no-overtaking lines, that always uses yellow, like in most of the Americas. While most major highways have good signage and markings, it is less common in inner city and minor roads. Road sign theft is also a common problem even in the highways, and stolen signs can cause a fatal crash, especially at night.

Filipinos are famous for their driving habits (or lack thereof). Traffic often grinds to a screeching halt, especially in major cities (Metro Manila in particular), and the honking of horns is a very common occurrence. When there is no traffic, speeding, swerving and reckless passing happen on a regular basis, especially on desolate rural roads. Car traffic competes with bus and jeepney traffic, which jostle sidewalk curbs to get more passengers, especially in areas without designated bus stops: the fact that bus and jeepney drivers' salaries are determined based on passenger load does not help the traffic situation in many cities. Motorcycles frequently weave through traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. However, traffic lights, while frequently ignored in the past, are more strictly adhered to now. Seatbelts are mandatory only for persons in the front seat.

Gasoline stations are common in highly populated areas, but becomes rare out in the countryside. They are not self-service, and expect a gasoline boy to provide service and payment. Toilets tend to have poor sanitation, except in larger ones. Most gas stations have convenience stores and car repair shops, but smaller ones have only pumps and toilets. Fuel prices tend to fluctuate weekly, so gas up as early as possible.

Speed limits are set on 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways, 80 km/h (50 mph) on national highways outside populated areas, and 20 km/h (12 mph) to 40 km/h (25 mph) elsewhere (residential areas, school zones, city roads). Speed limits are not well signed in most roads and enforcement is lax, and speeding is a common problem on rural highways.

Distracted driving is now illegal under a new law signed on May 2017. Even texting, calling, or playing games while your vehicle is stopped on a traffic light or a traffic jam can be fined. Navigation apps, like Waze and Google Maps, which are being popular with drivers trying to avoid jams, are permitted, but must be hands-free, that you cannot use the device while driving, unless you pull over to set navigation to an alternate route. Exceptions only apply when using a cell phone in emergency, like reporting an accident.

Due to heavy traffic congestion, Metro Manila and Baguio have laws that restrict certain vehicles based on the day of the week and the ending number of your vehicle's license plate: this is officially called the Uniform Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), but it is simply known as "number coding" or, previously "color coding" (although it has nothing to do with the color of your vehicle). The UVVRP works as follows:

Cities that enforce the UVVRP prohibit cars from being driven between 7AM and 7PM on a certain weekday on most national (primary) and secondary roads, although the implementation varies: in Metro Manila (excluding Makati and Pasay), a "window" exists between 10AM and 3PM where the scheme is not enforced, while in Baguio, the UVVRP is only enforced in the city center, and the scheme does not apply to the rest of the city. In general however, the UVVRP does not apply to minor streets (mostly in residential areas), and those roads remain open to coded cars the whole day. Be sure to check with a local contact or the car rental agency/hotel concierge about whether these rules will apply to your vehicle, especially as foreigners driving can become targets for less scrupulous traffic aides.

By taxi

Taxis are generally available within the major cities but are usually not used for travel across the various provinces and regions. UV Express (shared taxis using white vans) usually ply provincial routes. You can also call reputable taxi companies that can arrange pickups and transfers as well as airport runs.

When hailing a taxi in the cities, ensure the meter is on and pay the metered fare. A tip of ?10 is acceptable. Also, make sure you have small denomination banknotes, as the drivers often claim not to have change in an effort to obtain a larger tip! Please do have coins ready with you. Moreover, don't be surprised if drivers want to bypass the meter during rush hour. Most taxis have the flag down rate of ?40 with each 300 meters cost ?3.50 while Yellow cab taxis are more expensive with a flag-down rate of ?70 with each 300 meters cost ?4 (April 2011).

You may book a taxi using GPS enabled mobile apps such as "Grab Taxi" and "Easy Taxi" for a small fee. This is better than hailing a cab because you can see the number of available taxis and their location via GPS. Once you have a confirmed taxi booking, the name, photo, plate number and telephone number will appear on your mobile device and you can communicate with your driver to let him know exactly where you are. This is available in Metro Manila and Cebu.

By bus

Apart from flying, buses are usually the way to go when it comes to traveling across the Philippines, at least from within the major islands. It is the cheapest mode of transport when getting around, fares are as low as ?300-500. Provincial bus companies have scheduled trips from Manila to provinces to the north and south. Major provincial bus companies such as ALPS The Bus, Inc., Victory Liner, Philtranco operate in the country.

By boat

Although mariners from the Philippines are employed worldwide and have a good reputation as skillful and committed crew, it is a sad fact that shipowners in the Philippines put profit before lives and the Philippines has the sad distinction of having had some of the world's worst maritime disasters in peacetime. (On 20 Dec 1987, the passenger ferry Doña Paz collided with the oil tanker Vector in the Tablas Strait, near Marinduque. The tanker had more than 8,800 barrels of gasoline on board and the resulting conflagration quickly spread to the Doña Paz so that passengers had to leap into burning waters. Subsequently, there were reports that the life jackets aboard the Doña Paz were locked away to prevent pilfering. This one incident left an estimated 4,341 dead which included all but 24 of the Doña Paz's passengers, and all but two of the Vector's 13-man crew.)

Metro Manila

Get around Manila with Pasig's Pasig Ferry Service, waterbuses are available in stations around the historical river of Pasig. Fares ranges from ?25, ?35 and ?45. For students and youth fares range ?20 regardless of distance.

Inter-island trips

Next to buses and some times low cost airlines, ships are the cheapest mode of transport when getting around the country as fares are as low as ?1,000 if it's a trip lasting a day or two and ?200 if it's only a one hour trip. 2Go Travel and a number of other companies operate interisland ferries. There is a convenient Friday overnight ferry trip to Coron, Palawan. This allows divers to spend the weekend in Coron and take the Sunday night ferry trip back to Manila, arriving around noon. You can also stay on a Cruise Ship that's exploring around the Coron area. The 7,107 Island Cruise Ship takes passengers around Coron and some of its private islands.

Ferry trips to other islands can take over 24 hours, depending on distance. Other major ferry companies include: 2Go Travel, Trans Asia Shipping Lines.

Oceanjet is a reliable company offering fast ferries throughout the Visayas at affordable prices. Schedule Information is difficult to obtain - newspapers often contain pages with ads on certain days, but, believe it or not, most people rely on word of mouth.

While travelling by ferry is cheap, and relatively care-free compared to air travel, boat services can be unreliable. Ferries can sometimes be delayed anywhere between 24 to 48 hours because all the cargo and passengers has not yet boarded, or because of weather. If you need to make a deadline (such as an international flight), then fly instead of travelling by ferry.

Cruises

7107 Islands Cruise offers a cruises from Boracay to Puerto Galera to Boracay, prices range from ?2,000 - ?10,000, children below than 3 years old are free to travel who is accompanied by 2 adults, children from 5 to 12 years old are given a 50% discount, who are accompanied also by 2 adults while senior citizens can avail a 20% discount. The cruise will tour around the Philippines in islands such as Boracay and Coron Island.

Hans Christian Andersen Cruise will take you on a voyage through the Philippines. They take you to empty beaches, local fishing villages, diving and snorkeling to explore the picturesque archipelagos of the Philippines. They offer a relaxed holiday atmosphere and you won’t have to worry about dress code.

Sun Cruises has tour packages to Corregidor Island in Manila Bay. Prices range from ?2,000 for a day tour with a buffet lunch, to ?3,000 for an overnight stay at the island. The tour guides are very informative, and the island is steeped in history, particularly about the battles that raged there during World War II. They also offer cruises around Manila Bay.

By jeepney

Jeepneys are common throughout the country and are by far the most affordable way to get around most major urban areas. They generally run on fixed routes, have fixed fares depending on distance (often about ?8 for up to 4 km and an additional ?1 per km), and will stop if you wave at them. Usually there are signs on the side of the vehicle indicating the route. Within Manila and other major cities, you will find multiple jeepneys per route so you rarely need to wait long to catch one.

Jeepneys are often quite crowded and generally not very comfortable (especially if you are tall), there is usually little space inside for luggage (though most have a roof rack), and sometimes there are pickpockets, but every visitor should try them at least once since they are definitely part of a "Philippines experience". For a budget traveller, they will likely be one of the most used transport options. Also, be prepared to cope with potentially jarring behaviors by locals, such as loud conversations or smoking drivers.

The original Jeepneys were based on jeeps left behind by the Americans after World War II; Filipinos lengthened the body and added benches along the sides to seat more people. Today most new jeepneys are based on imported used vehicles — anything from SUV to heavy truck, and mostly from Japan — but many older ones are still running. Jeepneys typically have seating for about 20 people, but they often carry 30 or more with people in the aisle or on the running boards. A few passengers can sit up front with the driver; these are the best seats, more comfortable and with a better view.

Some jeepneys have a conductor to collect the fares, but on others you pay the driver. It is fairly common for people sitting at the back to get other passengers to relay their money to the driver; this is easier if you have exact change. It is also common for passengers to clink coins against metal parts of the roof when they want off; the sound carries forward to the driver.

In some areas there are vehicles much like a jeepney, but built on a smaller chassis so they can carry only about a dozen passengers. Locals will usually call these multicabs, but travellers may use songthaew, the usual term for similar vehicles in some other parts of Southeast Asia.

In the provinces, jeepneys also connect towns and cities. For these longer trips there are often discounts for seniors or students, though not usually on trips within a city. For a trip of a few km from a city to a suburb or a few dozen km to a nearby town jeepneys are often the best way to travel. For longer journeys, however, buses are more comfortable.

By tricycle

Traysikels are tricycles, motorcycle-and-sidecar rigs, usually with seating for four in the sidecar. The motorcycles are typically Japanese machines in the 125-200cc range.

In some of the smaller cities, these are the main means of transport within the town, and jeepneys are used only for journeys between towns. In a few areas tricycles are used for out-of-town journeys of up to about 25 km (15 miles) as well; one example is the trip from the port in Tagbilaran out to the resorts on Panglao Island.

These may not be to the liking of most foreigners, as they are cramped and quite open to noise and weather. In most places they are shared vehicles; expect to ride along with other people going approximately the same way and to take the odd detour as the driver diverts to deliver a passenger at his or her destination.

In towns the fares range from ?3 per person up; most fares in any town are ?8 to ?20, depending mainly on the distance. In some places the fare is legally regulated, for example in Dumaguete, it is ?9 anywhere within the town. In more rural areas, rates are different; for example on Olango Island almost any journey costs ?120 per tricycle, however many people and however much luggage you have, and the run from Tagbilaran to Alona Beach on Panglao is ?250-300. Sometimes, especially for longer runs, you will need to bargain over the fare, and some drivers will try to overcharge foreigners.

In general, most journeys are reasonably safe and pleasant, and quite cheap by foreign standards, but there can be problems. Some drivers may smoke while driving (despite smoking bans on public utility vehicles, including tricycles) or overcharge, and quite a few drive rather adventurously, frequently violating traffic rules, like illegal overtaking or ignoring tricycle prohibitions (primarily on heavily travelled highways). Some of the motorcycles are quite noisy, belch smoke or have inadequate headlights.

There is usually a luggage rack on the back. If you use it, make sure the driver ties your things down; otherwise they might be stolen or fly out when you hit a bump. Large or valuable luggage should ride in the passenger area; on most tricycles the front seat can be folded up to make room. You will usually have to pay extra for this, which is fair since the luggage prevents the driver taking more passengers.

In many areas, pedicab refers to a pedal-powered vehicle, either a bicycle-and-sidecar rig or a cycle rickshaw with two seats in back and the rider pedaling up front. In other areas, "pedicab" is used for motorized sidecar rigs as well.

Talk

See also: Filipino phrasebook, Cebuano phrasebook

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino; both are used in education and most Filipinos speak at least some of both, though the levels in either vary quite widely. Filipino is a standardized version of the Tagalog language. Tagalog is the language spoken in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila, and across much of southern and central Luzon.

In the northern provinces, Ilocano is the most common language used, while Kapampangan and Pangasinan are spoken in the Central Luzon plains. South of Metro Manila lies the Bicol Region, where Bicolano is the main local language.

The Visayas, forming the central section of the country, have their own language subgroup called the Visayan languages, which differ depending on the region. Cebuano is the most common Visayan language, and is mainly spoken in the islands of Cebu, Bohol and Negros (eastern part), and used to have more native speakers than Tagalog. The second most-common one is Hiligaynon (also known as Ilonggo), which is widely spoken in the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros (western part). Waray-Waray is the third most-common and is widely spoken in the Leyte-Samar islands.

On Mindanao, the main island of the south, the main local language is Cebuano, but a Spanish-based creole called Chavacano has a few million speakers in the region around Zamboanga.

All the Filipino languages are related to each other, and all are part of the Austronesian language group which also includes Malay, Indonesian, Javanese and various languages of the Pacific islands. A speaker of any of those will recognize some cognate words in any of the others, and some of the grammar is similar, but they are not mutually intelligible.

Most Filipino languages have been heavily influenced by other languages, most notably Spanish during the Spanish colonial period; there are many Spanish loanwords and the writing system uses Spanish spelling conventions (e.g. Tanjay is pronounced about like English 'tan high'). Hence, many Filipinos can understand a little Spanish. English has also had an influence and has contributed many loanwords.

English is an official language of the Philippines and is a compulsory subject in all schools, so it is widely spoken in the larger cities and main tourist areas. However, it is usually not the first language for most locals. The use of English isn't as widespread anymore on radio and free-to-air TV as it once was with only three TV channels using it on a full-time basis. However almost all broadsheet newspapers still use English. Tourists won't have problems using English when making inquiries at commercial and government establishments. A few simple phrases in Tagalog or any widespread regional language will come in handy when travelling to rural places as English proficiency is limited there. Taglish is spoken nowadays by the urban youth but its use is discouraged by language educators due to its improper form. It is a mix of Tagalog and English, and an example is shown below:

Taglish: How are you na? Ok naman ako.
Tagalog: Kumusta ka na? Mabuti naman ako
English: How are you? I'm ok.

Spanish is no longer widely spoken, though many Spanish words survive in the local languages. A Spanish based Creole language known as Chavacano is spoken in Cavite and in Zamboanga. The government is trying to revive Spanish by providing Spanish in public schools as an optional language. Younger Spanish-Filipinos tend to speak Filipino languages and/or English as their primary language; however there are around half a million people who speak Spanish.

Other ethnic groups have brought new languages to the country, particularly in more urbanized areas like Manila. There are Chinese groups who migrated largely from Fujian province some time ago and typically can speak Hokkien rather than Mandarin or Cantonese. They also use 'Lan-ang'; a localized variant of Hokkien with influences from the native Philippine languages, particularly Tagalog and any Visayan language.

Many Filipinos speak multiple languages. You should not be surprised, for example, to meet someone who speaks one or more regional Philippine languages (perhaps Ilocano or Cebuano) plus English, Tagalog and one or two picked up during stints as an overseas contract worker.

See

The Philippines can give you the tropical island experience of your life. Its beautiful sandy beaches, warm climate, century old churches, magnificent mountain ranges, dense rain forests, rich culture and smiling people are some of the attractions that you can see and experience on this archipelago composed of 7,107 islands. You can experience the country's rich and unique culture in different ways like touring old Spanish churches, joining colorful fiestas (festivals) and by enjoying exotic and tasty cuisine. But perhaps the greatest way to experience Filipino culture is by riding a jeepney.

Historical and cultural attractions

The historic town of Vigan, in the Ilocos Region, resembles a Spanish colonial town. Its Spanish colonial influence in architecture will make you feel like you are somewhere in colonial Spain or maybe somewhere in Europe. Vigan's unique colonial structures and cultural elements from Europe have combined to produce this World Heritage Site that you may not find elsewhere in the country and in Southeast Asia.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines; it was established during the Spanish colonial era. Despite being a city with modern skyscrapers, Manila still has its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its old churches, colonial structures, neo-classical buildings and historical landmarks give this city its unique charm.

Intramuros (Spanish for 'within the walls') would be the perfect place for those who are interested in history; it is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. Intramuros is popular for being home to Manila's finest and oldest structures such as the Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, Intramuros still has its Spanish colonial character.

Cebu City is dubbed the "Queen City of the South". Being the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines, it has some of the country’s most important historical and heritage spots. The city's Sinulog Festival attracts thousands of tourists, it is one of the country's most popular festivals.

Since the country was a Spanish colony for 300 years, Baroque churches can easily be found around the Philippines. These churches will look almost like those which you might see in Spain or elsewhere in Europe. Some of the most iconic in the country are:

San Agustin Church in Manila
Miag-ao Church in Iloilo
Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte
Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur

These churches were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Beaches and islands

Beaches and diving are among the best-known tourist attractions of the country; with 7,107 islands there is certainly enough choice. Many beaches have bright white sand, but beige, gray, black or even pink sand are also found. Most of the diving is around coral reefs; many are reachable by just walking into the water, or on a day trip by boat from one of the resorts. A few such as Coron feature wreck diving and some such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park involve longer trips on live-aboard boats.

Boracay is the country's best-known beach resort area, has been rated one of the best islands in the world by several magazines, and attracts thousands of international and local travelers every year. It has powdery white sand beaches and azure waters, and is a highly-developed area offering a range of activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, cliff diving and parasailing. After all of these activities, you can indulge in a relaxing massage right on the white sand beach or at one of the spas

If you want to avoid crowded beaches, head to Palawan. The beaches in the province are less developed, uncrowded and are well-preserved. The coastal town of El Nido is one of the best destinations that Palawan and the Philippines can offer. Its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, steep limestone cliffs, stunning islets and diving spots can compete with any of the best in the world.

Coron Island boasts hundreds of limestone formations topped with dense rainforests. It is also popular for its exquisite beaches and World War II shipwrecks. Rent a kayak to paddle around the islands to see the beautiful and well-preserved seascape of Coron.

Aside from Palawan, you can also try Bohol, an island province which is also home to majestic sandy beaches. One of Bohol's top beach destinations is Panglao Island, which is being promoted as an alternative destination to Boracay. The island offers a wide selection of both luxury and affordable resorts.

Mactan Island in Cebu; Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga; Pagudpud in Ilocos; Laiya Beach in Batangas and White Island in Camiguin are other popular beach destinations in the Philippines that are really worth visiting.

Landscapes

Sick of beaches? The Philippines has other offer stunning landscapes; aside from beautiful beaches, there are mountain ranges, dense jungles, majestic rice terraces, scenic lakes, picturesque waterfalls and hidden caves.

If we think of the Philippines, the usual things that goes into our mind are just group of islands with warm sunny days. The Cordillera Region is not the usual Philippine destination that we see on postcards and travel magazines. If you visit this mountainous region, take jackets and sweaters rather than just t-shirts, because this region is located in the cool highlands of the northern part of the country. Rice terraces are one of the most visited tourist attractions in the region, the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces and Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras can be found here. These rice terraces were built almost 2000 years ago by ancient Filipinos and still maintain their beauty. Nearby is the town of Sagada in the Mountain Province. Known for its hanging coffins and limestone caves, this town is an ideal destination for backpackers.

Being a mountainous country, the Philippines offers countless choices of mountains for hikers and adventure seekers. The best mountain climbing destination in the country is the scenic Mount Apo in the Southern Philippines. Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines, and one of the most diverse areas; it is home to over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. The mountain also has four major lakes, these lakes are famous mountaineers camping site and a stopover towards the peak. Another popular mountain climbing destination is Mount Pinatubo in Tarlac. This mountain made global headlines as the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. Today, it is one of the country's top climbing destination due to it's canyons, 4x4 terrain and its scenic caldera lake.

Head to the island of Bohol to see the famous Chocolate Hills, and no they are not made out of chocolate, they are grass-covered limestone domes that turn brown during the dry season, hence their name. There are more than 1,268 hills scattered in the area. The Chocolate Hills are one of the most iconic and popular tourist spots in the country. Another destination which is popular in Bohol is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, it is a 7.4-hectare forest sanctuary where over 100 tarsiers roam freely, here you can have a chance to get up close to the Philippine Tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world.

Learn

Martial arts

Eskrima or Kali is a Filipino martial art that emphasizes using swords and sticks; it has been showcased in films such as Equilibrium. Training centers and schools that teach Eskrima are mostly found around Metro Manila.

Tertiary education

Many foreigners such as Europeans, Chinese, Americans and Koreans choose to study and finish university in the Philippines because compared to other countries, Universities here are cheaper and offer the same system the Americans apply (K-12 from 2016, but some remain on the old K-10 system), major schools such as University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University and Adamson University are just some of the major universities with many provincial branches in the country. Of these, the University of the Philippines is considered the most prestigious in the country.

There are many former members of the US military studying in the Philippines. The Veterans Administration will pay for this provided the university is on their approved list.

Other international schools in the Philippines are also found and usually operated by British and other European diplomats, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and American immigrants and diplomats.

Learning English

The country is also a hub for people seeking to learn English, mostly Chinese, Japanese and Koreans. Transport from those countries, living costs and tuition are all much lower than for the major English-speaking countries and, with some exceptions like Hawaii or Queensland, the climate is much more pleasant as well. The Philippines is one of the largest centers for learning ESL in Asia.

There are many English learning centers around the country; many are in Metro Manila (especially Taguig City), Bacolod, and Cebu, but there are some in all the major cities and in some of the resort areas.

There are some jobs for foreign teachers in these places, though they mostly use Filipino teachers and generally will not offer high salaries to foreigners. See Teaching English.

Do

Aerial Sports - An annual Hot Air Balloon festival is held in Clark, Angeles in Pampanga, other than Hot Air balloons on display, people gather in this event to do sky diving, many activities are also held other than sky diving and hot air balloons. The Festival is held between January and February.

Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, don't miss the PBA and UAAP basketball tournaments.

Bentosa and Hilot are Filipino alternative ways of healing, Bentosa is a method where a cup cover a tea light candle then it flames out and it drains out all the pain on the certain part of the body, Hilot is just the Filipino way of massaging.

Board sailing - Waves and winds work together making the country a haven for board sailors. Boracay, Subic Bay and Anilao in Batangas are the main destinations.

Casinos: Metro Manila has a wide collection of casinos and entertainment destinations. Explore the Resorts World Manila, the country's first luxurious casino integrated resort, and the newly opened Solaire Resorts and Casino. The Entertainment City will be home to four integrated casino resorts. This development is expected to attract millions of rich Asian tourists and rival Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore.

Caving - The Archipelago has some unique cave systems. Sagada is one popular destination for caving.

Festivals - Each municipality, town, city and province has their own festival, either religious or in honor of the city or a historical reason.

See also: Festivals in the Philippines for more information.

Golf - Almost every province has a golf course, it is a popular sport among the elite, rich and famous.

Medical tourism - The Philippines supplies the world with many medical professionals with large numbers leaving the country every year for a better future abroad. This is indicative of the quality of medical education and medical tourism is on the rise too. Most come from America and Europe as compared to their home countries, healthcare here is much cheaper; as much as 80% less than the average price abroad. Most of the hospitals suggested for medical tourism are in Metro Manila. Alternative medicine is also popular with spas, faith healing and other fringe therapies widespread throughout the archipelago.

National parks - National parks number around 60-70, they include mountains and coral reefs.

Mountain biking - The archipelago has dozens of mountains and is ideal for mountain bikers. Bikes are the best mode of transportation in getting around remote areas. Some options include Baguio, Davao, Iloilo, Banaue, Mount Apo and Guimaras.

Rock climbing - Apo Island, Atimonan, El Nido, Putting Bato, Wawa Gorge have the best sites in the archipelago for rock climbing.

Sea kayaking - Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, Palawan, Samar and Siargao are popular.

Spas are popular, with many options, spas are found near beaches, financial capitals, etc.

Trekking - Mountain ranges and peaks offer cool weather for trekking and it might give you a sight of the beautiful exotic flora and fauna of the country. Mt. Kanlaon and Mount Pulag are good trekking spots.

Visita iglesia - (Visita is Spanish for Visit, Iglesia is Spanish for Church = Visit Churches) done by mostly Filipino Roman Catholics to Churches, holy sites, shrines, basilicas etc. If you are religious try this, if you love art and architecture, churches are the best way to define what Filipino architecture.

Whitewater rafting - There is good whitewater rafting in Mindanao, both in the north around Cagayan de Oro and in the south near Davao.

Scuba diving

See Scuba diving and Snorkeling for more information

Scuba diving is spectacular in the Philippines. While there are many fine dive sites, including some in nearly every region of the country, two stand out as among the world's best:

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a Philippines National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a large area of coral reef, mostly shallow water with a few small islets and a sensational range of marine life. It is generally reached on live-aboard boats operating from Puerto Princesa on Palawan.
Coron has excellent wreck diving because the US Navy sank about ten Japanese ships in shallow water there in 1944.

There is a great variety of dive sites and many have PADI-accredited diving schools where you can obtain your license. Costs (of both lessons and equipment) are likely to be cheaper here compared to places like Australia, the Caribbean or even in nearby Thailand and Malaysia.

Work

Under Philippine law, any foreigner working must have an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor. The paperwork is in general handled by the prospective employer and the employee picks up the relevant visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Working without a permit is not allowed and does not give you any labor protections. Furthermore, visas are checked upon departing the Philippines. Those who have overstayed without permission are subject to fines and, in certain cases, even jail.

It is possible for foreigners to earn casual money while staying in the Philippines, especially in Manila and other bigger cities in provinces. These may include temporary teaching in schools, colleges and other institutions; and working in bars and clubs. Temporary work may also be available as an "extra" on the set of a film or television series. Fluency in English is very important in jobs while knowledge of Filipino or Tagalog is considerably low. As of late 2010, the Philippines has overtaken India in the call center industry, and many international companies hire English fluent workers.

Most establishments pay monthly but informal jobs pay out variably either cash on hand or weekly.

Buy

Money

The Philippine peso, denoted by the symbol "?" (ISO code: PHP) is the official currency and in almost all cases the only currency used for normal transactions. US dollars and euros may be accepted in some circumstances, but don't count on it.

Peso bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. One peso is equivalent to 100 centavos and coins come in 1, 5, 10 and 25 centavo variants in addition to the 1, 5 and 10 peso coins. The current notes have similar colors to their old counterparts, have the same people at the front (except for the 500-peso note which also features former President Aquino) but rather than historical sites at the back, these newer notes feature Filipino natural wonders and species unique to the country. Older versions of each note have been demonetized since December 2016.

Money changers are common in malls and tourist areas, but less so elsewhere. A rule of thumb is that the more currency you wish to exchange, the more favorable the rates can be. Banks on the other hand are widely available to exchange currency but usually impose a minimum amount (usually around US$100), generally have worse rates than money changers, and have limited hours of operation, usually from 9:00 to 15:00 (sometimes 16:30) on weekdays. However, you can enjoy their air conditioning during a long wait. The notable exceptions are Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Banco de Oro (BDO) which may have longer operating hours (sometimes as late as 19:00) in some locations.

Don't exchange money in stalls along the streets as some of them might be exchanging your money for counterfeit money, contact Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines or BSP) if you suspect the money you've been given is counterfeit. Money changers do exist at department stores, supermarkets and hotels but needless to say the rates are highly unfavorable to customers and some will only exchange into pesos.

It is illegal to enter or leave the Philippines carrying more than ?10,000 of coins and banknotes without prior authorization by the BSP. Those without prior authorization will have to declare the excess money at the customs desk. Importing any amount of foreign currency is legal, but anything in excess of US$10,000 (or its equivalent) must be declared.

ATMs and credit cards

Visitors can also use the 6,000 ATMs nationwide to withdraw funds or ask for cash advances. The three major local ATM consortia are BancNet, MegaLink and Expressnet. International networks, like Plus and Cirrus, are accessible with many ATMs, however Cirrus is more predominant than Plus; however, withdrawals are often limited to ?10,000. HSBC ATMs in Metro Manila , Cebu City and Davao let you take out ?40,000 per transaction with no fee. Citi Bank ATMs in Manila and Cebu let you take out up to ?15,000 per transaction, but Citi Bank has a ?200 fee per use on overseas cards. BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) lets you take out only ?10,000 from any of their ATMs for a ?200 (2%) fee. Visitors who have a MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus cards can withdraw funds or ask for cash advances at ATMs that display their logos. The most prominent MasterCard ATMs are the Express Tellers by BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and the Smartellers by Banco de Oro. Plus ATMs are not available locally, but instead they are available along with Cirrus. Prominent examples include the Fasteller by BDO Bank and the Electronic Teller (ET) by Metrobank. Most MegaLink ATMs are linked to Plus and Cirrus.

Credit card holders can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB cards in many commercial locations in the Philippines but merchants would usually require a minimum purchase amount before you can use your card. Cardholders of China UnionPay credit cards can get cash advances at many BancNet ATMs (particularly of Metrobank) but cannot use their cards in point-of-sale transactions. Credit cards are generally not accepted for government-related transactions.

Philippine banks charge ?200 per transaction for using foreign cards in their ATM machines, in addition to cash withdrawal and exchange fees already imposed by your bank. Considering small transaction limits, this adds at least 2-4% to the amount withdrawn.

Try to use HSBC Bank ATMs as they are the only ones without a fee for overseas cards. You find HSBC Bank ATMs in Metro Manila, Cebu City. and Davao.

Place close attention when using ATMs, even where it can be guaranteed to be safe, and beware of card skimming on ATMs. There are obvious signs of an ATM having a skimming device: the keypad moves when you press, and report this as soon as possible. But people involve in ATM skimming now resort to planting hidden cameras on the card slots, that any unsuspecting ATM user can have his/her card data, especially the PIN number, are being tracked, then copied to fake cards.

Tipping

Tipping is not required in the Philippines, except when the customer wants to show appreciation for services rendered. However, tipping is becoming more common especially in service-oriented places (spa, salon). In some restaurants and hotels, "Service Charge" (8%-12%) is included in the bill when issued; thus, a customer has the option to give an additional tip or not. In taxis, it is common to add ?20-50 on top of the fare.

Costs

Travelling in Philippines is cheap (one of the least expensive places to visit in Asia and in the world.) For example a stay in a pension house, tourist inn or lodge can cost as low as ?300 a night for a fan room or ?500 a night for a air-conditioned room. A flight to Cebu from Manila and vice-versa will cost as low as ?999. A flight from Manila to Davao can cost as low as ?1595. Transportation is low as ?7 for the first 4 km in a Jeepney. Bus fares are around ?1.5 per km for an air-conditioned bus and 20% less for a non air-con bus.

Using the internet for an hour in an internet cafe ranges from ?10 to ?20 depending on the Internet Cafe's location, a can of coke costs as low as ?20 while a copy of the International Herald Tribune costs ?70 and Economist as little as ?160. In most restaurants, there is 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) usually included in the unit price but the service charge is often excluded and computed separately.

Shopping

It isn't hard to find shopping malls in the Philippines: The country is home to a large number of shopping malls, from large to small and from modern to traditional, you can find it all here in the Philippines. It's a fact consumerism has been part of a Filipino's life, even things they don't need but are in sale and discount they'll buy it. The reason why the country hasn't been affected much by financial crisis is because of the circulation of money, even if Filipinos are broke they'll find a way to buy something at least in a week for themselves.

As stated above, living in the Philippines is cheap and shopping in the country is also cheap compared to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei. Sales tend to happen during pay day and lasts for 3 days and also during the Christmas season (in the Philippines Christmas season extends from September to the first week of January) in Department stores like The SM Store.

In the Philippines, Metro Manila is a great place for shopping. It is the main shopping hub of the country and is home to an extensive range of shopping centers. Metro Manila offers different types of shopping centers which are scattered around the metropolis, from modern and glittery shopping malls to traditional and busy markets, its all in Metro Manila. The Philippines is one of the ideal destinations for bargain shopping. Here you can find cheaper items that are sold at flea markets and open markets like Divisoria, Market! Market! and Greenhills, these markets are definitely the right place for a shopper who seeks bargains and cheap buys. But if you prefer buying luxurious and expensive clothes, bags, watches and jewelery, then the Ayala Center would be the right place for you, here you can find a variety of high-end shopping centers. The place is often compared to Singapore's Orchard Rd and Bangkok's Siam Square. From entertainment to shopping, they have it all there. Not far from Makati is the Bonifacio Global City, it is one of the growing business and shopping districts of the metropolis. It is home to several shopping malls, including Serendra, it is a piazza that offers lifestyle and luxury shops and often called the luxury lifestyle center of Metro Manila. The piazza features modern architecture that will make you think you're somewhere near the world of Star Wars. Stare, drool and be amazed at the public art displayed there. Coffee shops and tea shops are found around this area, as well as furniture and clothing stores. The 4 largest mall operators in the country are SM, Robinson's, Ayala and Gaisano with branches around the archipelago.

Antiques: Antique porcelain plates are found around Manila after the Filipino-Chinese trade however be careful when you buy antiques. Antique Santos or statues of saints including Jesus and the Virgin Mary are also sold. Streets of Makati, Ermita and Vigan (in Ilocos) mostly sell antiques

Brass ware: Muslim gongs, jewel boxes, brass beds are other brass ware products. Just like antiques, tourists are advised to be careful in purchasing brass ware.

Books and stationery: Filipino literature is amusing to read, English versions of Filipino novels are available in National Bookstore[8] and Power Books [9], books tend to be much cheaper in the country compared to other countries. Stationary items are sold at a very low price as low as ?10, however be careful as some items may contain high lead content.

Clothes: Bargain clothes as low as are available in flea markets and ukay-ukays. Ukay-ukays sell second-hand clothes from other countries at a cheap price. If you prefer branded clothes, Metro Manila has a lot of foreign brand shops scattered around the city predominantly in the business district of Makati.

Comics: Komiks or comics in English is one of the most popular forms of literature in the Philippines and can be bought as cheap as P10. It is so popular that TV and Film adaptations are often found. Carlo J. Caparas and Mars Ravelo are two famous comic authors. They're available in newsstands and most of them are unfortunately in Tagalog, you might be lucky if you find an English version of it.

Embroidery: Embroidery is a best buy because the most of the national dresses are embroidered from piña (pineapple) leaves and other raw material. Handmade ones tend to be more expensive than machine-made ones.

Food: Buy dried mangoes, Goldilocks and Red Ribbon has pastries and sweets such as polvoron are also good to purchase. Native specialties are sold at pasalubong centers. Aside from pastries and sweets, buy condiments such as banana ketchup, shrimp paste (bagoong) as they are hard to find outside Asia. Don't miss the chocolates of the Philippines; Choc-nut and tablea, Choc-nut is like a powdered chocolate with a sweet taste and often sticky once it sticks to your gums, Tablea are chocolate tablets used for making hot chocolate.

Jewelry: Silver necklaces and pearls are popular in the Philippines, however it is discouraged if you buy jewelry made out from endangered animals and corals, as they are slowly disappearing. Handmade jewelry made by indigenous tribes of the Philippines are available, as well as jewelry made from wood.

Mats: Pandan leaves are weaved and made into a mat, mats tend to be different in each region in the Philippines, Mats in Luzon tend to be simple, while in Visayas, they're multi-colored, and in Mindanao, tribes weave complex and difficult designs that often have meaning I need their culture.

Movies and music - You can purchase cheap movies and music, both local and foreign, but the majority are outright pirated copies, either copied in the Philippines or smuggled from China. Expect to find bogus copies when buying at the tiangges, and stick on reputable stores in large malls despite their higher prices, especially when you want to take some home as souvenirs.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets in the Philippines are dominated by these large chains, generally owned by Filipino-Chinese companies:

SM Markets & Walter Mart - Owned by Filipino-Chinese tycoon Henry Sy, they are the biggest supermarket group in the Philippines with over 300 stores, with the SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore being its flagship stores. It purchased the Philippine stores of Makro in the early 2010s. SM and Walter Mart are in partnership since the 2010s.
Pure Gold and S & R Also Filipino-Chinese owned, it is the 2nd biggest supermarket chain with over 250 stores. It also bought the regional BudgetLane chain based in Antipolo. Its warehouse club store, S & R, is the Filipino answer to Costco and also the now-defunct Philippine operations of Makro.
Robinsons - the 3rd biggest supermarket chain with over 200 stores. Is has since bought the Philippine operations of the Hong Kong-based Wellcome.
Metro Gaisano - the 4th biggest supermarket chain with over 100 stores.
Shopwise and Rustan's - Owned by the Rustan's Group, with a few stores scattered in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

Local grocery stores exist in town centers, but they are prone to future closures as the larger chains open one or more stores. In less developed areas, local supermarkets or grocery stores remain strong.

Convenience stores

Chain convenience stores are common in urban areas, and it is not unusual to see two stores of the same chain near each other. Major chains include 7-Eleven, with over 3000 stores and Ministop, with over 700 stores. There are also locally founded chains, like All Day with over 150 stores, and San Mig Food Ave, most of whose stores are rebrands of the Treats stores in Petron stations. Imported brands like Alfamart from Indonesia, and FamilyMart and Lawson from Japan have stores in the Philippines, and are expanding.

Many convenience are operated by a franchisee, if not directly by the larger managing company. Convenience stores in the Philippines generally have a wide variety of products, usually a subset of products sold in a grocery store, and fast food, that can be eaten at-store or outside store, as well as services like cell phone load, money transfer, courier service and bill payment. They mostly operate round the clock, but some, like some Alfamart stores or stores inside malls for example, only operate in specific hours of the day. Some stores may be found in a gas station, but they are mostly of a different brand, as stores with a brand tied with the oil company (e.g. Shell Select, Petron Treats) are dwindling in number.

Aside from those, traditional, sari-sari stores (small corner stores) are common, especially in the rural areas and the barangays, and they outnumber convenience stores outside urban areas. These are mostly family-owned stores usually found beside a road, and sell items that can be bought in grocery stores or general merchandise stores, but lacks the lavishness of ordinary convenience stores. They mostly have large advertisements, usually of cell phone "load", soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes, along with the store name below. Sari-sari stores also provide cell phone "loading" in addition to selling products.

Eat

Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history; it is like Southeast Asian cuisine but with Spanish influences. Though its cuisine is not as renowned as many of its neighbours, such as that of Thailand and Vietnam, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Filipino food is bland, though. It is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and when done properly is often what brings out the flavor of the food, as opposed to a healthy dose of spices.

Kamayan literally means Eating with Hands. Some Filipinos who were born and raised in rural provinces still eat with their hands, mostly at their homes during mealtimes. They would often say that Kamayan makes food taste better. Wash your hands clean before attempting this to avoid illnesses. Almost all Filipinos in the urban areas though use spoons, forks and knives. Eating with hands in public is not uncommon however if you're eating in a mid-range and splurge restaurant this may be considered rude.

To experience how the Filipinos eat in a budget way, Carenderias (food stalls) and Turo-turo (meaning Point-point, which actually means you point at the food you want to eat in the buffet table) are some of the options. Mains cost less than $1. Carenderias serve food cooked earlier and it may not always be the safest of options.

As with the rest of Southeast Asia, rice is the staple food of the Philippines. Some areas in the Visayas prefer corn but elsewhere Filipinos would generally have rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Uncooked rice usually comes in 50kg sacks but can be bought by the kilogram at the wet market or at neighborhood rice dealers. Single servings of rice are readily available at fastfood restaurants or eateries.

Filipino diet

The word diet is non-existent in the vocabulary of Filipinos or has never existed, as mentioned before they are laid-back people, they love to eat as much as they can as if there is no tomorrow. They spend most of their money on food, and a Filipino teenager might at least enter a fastfood chain two or three times a week, during fiestas in a city, town, barangay, purok or subdivision Filipinos would have big parties and it would last from noon to midnight when some of the people would end up being drunk, you can ask if you can join a fiesta in a home and some might welcome you as this is a tradition.

If you're visiting the Philippines, it is the best time to cut your so called diet and eat to your heart's content. The Filipino diet is sometimes a lot more similar to the west than the east, with Filipinos eating less fruits and vegetables, more oil, meat and sugar than people in neighboring nations; many Filipinos aren't health conscious. Cancer and heart-related diseases are the leading causes of death here. However if you visit rural areas, they use more fresh produce (i.e. vegetables, fruits, grains, etc.) and less meat and practice old Filipino medicine. In coastal areas, fish and many sorts of seafood are usually served and eaten.

Etiquette

Some Filipinos strictly use the serving spoon rule, sharing the belief with Indians that offering utensils or food that had come contact with someone's saliva is rude, disgusting, and will cause food to get stale quickly. Singing or having an argument while eating is considered rude, as they believe food is grasya/gracia or grace in English; food won't come to you if you keep disrespecting it. Singing while cooking is considered taboo because it will cause you to forever be a bachelor or a widow for life, another belief shared with the Indians. Conservative Filipinos share another belief with the Chinese that not finishing your food on your plate is taboo and rude, you'll often see Filipino parents scolding their children to finish their food or they'll never achieve good academic performance. Filipinos usually say a prayer before food is served, furthermore wait till the host invites you to start eating. Also, it is rude to refuse food that the host offers or leave the dining table while someone is still eating. While eating in front of Chinese/Japanese/Korean-Filipinos don't stick your chopsticks vertically upright into a bowl of food (refer to China, Japan, South Korea eat sections for more information).

Kanin at kakanin (rice and rice cakes)

Kanin means rice in Tagalog while kakanin means rice cakes.

Sinangag is fried garlic rice, often mixed with vegetables, dried shrimps, dried fish strips, hotdogs or chorizos.
Bibingka - rice cake with cheese and salted egg, it originates from Indian cuisine.
Puto - Soft white rice muffins.

Other kinds include biko, kutsinta, pichi-pichi, sapin-sapin, etc. The towns of Calasiao in Pangasinan and Biñan, Laguna are famous for their puto.

Pansit/pancit (noodles)

Pancit/pancit or noodles, an influence from Chinese cuisine and believed to give long life because of its length, often eaten in celebrations such as Birthdays and New Year. Below listed are some popular Filipino noodle dishes

Pancit Batchoy/La Paz Batchoy is a noodle soup usually made from pork organs, crushed crunchy fried pork rind, shrimp, vegetable, chicken stock, chicken, beef and especially noodles.
Pancit Bihon, sautéed noodles along with vegetables, pork and shrimp.
Pancit Molo is a Filipino wanton soup however it doesn't have noodles in it.
Pancit Palabok' noodles boiled then topped with atchuete also known as annatto seeds, shrimp, crushed crunchy fried pork.
Pancit Hab-hab' Stir fried Rice noodles, served in a banana leaf. Eaten without utensils by placing directly to the mouth. The signature noodle dish of Lucban Quezon.

Silog and pankaplog

Usually eaten at breakfast, this is the Filipino version of a typical American breakfast of egg, bacon and pancakes. Silog is an contraction of the words Sinangag(fried rice) and Itlog(egg). They are not only sold in Filipino eateries and stalls but also in restaurants and fastfood chains such as McDonald's.

Adosilog has Adobo
Longsilog has longganisa or local pork sausage
Tapsilog has tapa or cured beef
Tocilog has tocino or cured pork
Pankaplog A slang term for a breakfast that mainly consists of Pande Sal(bread), kape(coffee) and itlog

Ulam (main dishes)

Ulam means Mains in Tagalog.

Adobo - chicken, pork or both served in a garlicky stew with vinegar and soy sauce as a base. It is arguably the national dish of the Philippines.
Bopis - pork innards, usually served spicy.
Burong Talangka - Filipino caviar, it is taken from Talangkas or Crabs.
Calamares - fried shrimp/squid wrapped in breading.
Camaron Rebusado - the Filipino version of tempura.
Chicken Curry - A lot different from other curries because it isn't spicy unlike other curries. Aside from chicken, Crab curry and other varieties are also available.
Dinuguan - a dark stew of pig's blood mixed with its innards. Usually served with a big green chili and best eaten with puto.
Daing na bangus - fried dried milkfish, usually served for breakfast with garlic fried rice and fried egg.
Kare-kare - peanuty stew of vegetables and meat simmered for hours on end, usually beef with tripe and tail and eaten with a side of shrimp paste (bagoong). There is also a seafood version of kare-kare with crabs, squid and shrimp instead of beef.
Lechon de leche - slow-roasted baby pork, usually served during larger occasions. The crispy skin is delicious and is often the first part that is consumed.
Lengua - roasted beef tongue marinated in savory sauce.
Nilaga - literally means "boiled", can be beef which in certain places is served with its marrow (bulalo), pork or chicken.
Pakbet - a traditional meal of mixed vegetables usually containing cut tomatoes, minced pork, lady finger, eggplant, etc.
Paksiw - fish or vegetables cooked with vinegar, ginger, garlic and chilli picante.
Sinigang - soup soured usually with tamarind (but can also be by guavas or kamias), can be served with pork, beef, chicken, fish or shrimp.
Tinola - chicken in ginger soup.

Western cuisine

Spanish, Portuguese, Mexicans, Americans and other European and Mediterranean people introduced their cuisine to the locals and just like they did to the Chinese, they embraced it. While the Spanish occupied the Philippines, connections of the Mexicans and the Aztecs with the Filipinos started in the Manila-Acapulco trade, the people introduced to each other their native cuisine. American influence came during the American colonization.

Arroz Caldo - Rice porridge, topped with egg, chicken liver and grind chicharon.
Arroz de Valenciana - Paella; Filipino style.
Biscocho - Sweet biscuit.
Caldereta - Pork or Beef tomato soup with sausages and vegetables.
Champorado - Introduced by the Mexicans but eventually in years the recipe changed by adding rice, sweet chocolate rice porridge. It is kind of like hot chocolate but with rice on it.
Empanada - Stuffed pastry.
Ensaymada - Sweet bread topped with cheese and butter.
Leche Flan - Creme brulee (Custard Pudding).
Menudo - Pork Stew.
Spaghetti - Possibly brought to the Philippines by the American-Italians during the American colonization, this is a must try for pasta lovers not because they love it, but because it is so different from the Italian spaghetti. Unlike the Italian version, Filipino spaghetti is sweet, its ingredients include sugar and condensed milk. The Filipinos are meat lovers who obsessively add meat to their spaghetti, including hotdog, Spam (this is what ham is called in the Philippines as Spam is so popular) and corned beef/pork or minced beef/pork.

Filipino-Chinese cuisine

The Filipinos and Chinese traded with each other in the early times, then the Chinese finally began settling in the Philippines and introduced their cuisine and culture, the Filipinos embraced the Chinese heritage and started adapting it in their lives including food. Most of the dishes found below are served in Manila Chinatown and Filipino-Chinese fast food chains and eateries.

Pansit Bihon' (??) - Stir Fried noodles with either prawns or pork in it.
Hopia (??) - Mooncake; a sweet pastry dough with a filling inside it either yam, mung beans etc.
Kiampong (??) - Fried Rice.
Tikoy (??/??) - Sticky rice cake, often eaten in New Year's Eve, believed that it would keep family ties strong.
Lumpia (??) - Spring Rolls.
Taho (??) - Fresh tofu with brown sugar and vanilla syrup and pearl sago (pearl tapioca)
Siomai (??) - Dim Sum.
Siopao (??) - Steamed buns with meat filling inside it.
Mami (??) - Noodle Soup.
Lugaw (?) - Congee made from Coconut milk and glutinous rice.

Fast food chains

America's influence is palpable in the Philippines, and you'll be hard pressed to find a mall without the requisite McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, and even Taco Bell. Filipino fast food chains that capture the essence of Filipino food compete strongly for Filipino taste buds however, and they may be a safe place for the tourist to try the local fare. The following are a list of local fast food chains that have branches all around the Metropolis, and in many cases around the country.

Jollibee. Jollibee is McDonald's rival in fast food in the country, it has over 1500 stores around the world. Yum Burger, Chicken Joy, Spaghetti, and Palabok. US$1-2 per serving.

Greenwich Pizza. The second of Jollibee's trio fast food chains, Greenwich Pizzas are your typical fare, but once again with the slightly sweeter than usual tomato sauce. Some seasonal offerings may be on offer though, like the sisig pizza, so check the menu. US$2-3 per serving.

Chowking. The Filipino version of Chinese food, also owned by Jollibee. For good sampling of their food, try the Lauriats, which feature a viand (beef, pork, chicken), rice, pancit (fried noodles with meat and veggies), siomai (dumplings), and buchi (a sweet rice ball covered with a sesame based coating. US$2-3 per serving.

Tapa King. Tapaking is where you get the ubiquitous tapsilog (fried beef strips, fried garlic rice, and egg), along with other local delicacies. US$2-3 per serving.

GotoKing. This is where you go to get the localized version of congee called goto and lugaw, with different kinds of toppings like chicken, roasted garlic, egg, etc.

Mang Inasal. A relative newcomer, Mang Inasal actually brings a variety of barbecue called "inasal" into Metro Manila from the city of Iloilo. They offer other grilled meats, as well as soups like sinigang (a sour, tamarind based soup). US$1-2 per serving.

Goldilocks. The place to go for your baked treats and sweets like mamon (a spongy round cake), polvoron (a tightly packed powdery treat) ensaymada (bread baked with cheese and sugar), and a host of other delicacies for those with a sweet tooth.

Red Ribbon. This is where you will find different varieties of cakes, rolls, pastries, and even different pastas like spaghetti, carbonara, and palabok.

Street food

Arguably Filipino streetfood is one of the best however it may not be as clean as the ones you find in Singapore. Streetfood vendors have been criticized because of their unhygienic practices as well as unhealthy options but praised by many especially the youth because of its affordability and taste, nowadays streetfood is also found in malls but the traditional way of street vending still hasn't died out. Items are sold for as low as P5. Street food is usually enjoyed with beer, soda, juice or even Gulaman (Pearl Shakes) and is usually eaten during the afternoon till night.

Adidas - More edible than the popular shoe, adidas is actually a slang used by the locals to refer to barbecued chicken feet. It is called adidas as feet is associated with shoes.
Adobong mani - Salted roasted peanuts, usually sold in small paperbags by vendors.
Betamax - Again people don't cook betamax and eat them -- it's another slang for pigs blood that has been barbecued. It is called betamax because its shape is cube-like and resembles a Betamax player.
Barbecue - Either pork or chicken, barbecue remains one of the favorites. It isn't only eaten as street food, but sometimes with rice as a main during dinner.
Balut - is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, baluts are mostly sold by street vendors at night in the regions where they are available. Boiled and usually eaten with a sprinkle of salt and vinegar. Also served at festive occasions. A challenge for most Westerners, even adventurous eaters, but you will impress Filipinos if you eat balut.
Banana cue - a popular street food made of saba (Plantain) bananas fried in very hot oil with caramelized sugar coating. The saba bananas can also be boiled instead of fried.
Chickenballs - Chicken version of fishballs.
Fishball - Something smells fishy? As the name suggests it is the fish version of meatballs, just like meatballs it is also deep fried.
Ice candy - Ice candy is like a popsicle stick, it comes in different flavours such as mango which is actually the most common and popular. Sold in tiangges (flea markets) and sari-sari stores (small convenience stores in barangays) as well as in the streets. It is the common refreshment for locals during the summer.
Inasal - The best inasal would be found in Bacolod, it is usually like grilled chicken but the sweet juicy version.
Isaw - Chicken intestines barbecue.
Kikiam - From the Chinese, it is pork meat with vegetables which is wrapped in bean curd sheets.
Kwek-kwek - Quail eggs and chicken that had been battered in egg then fried, it is orange in colour.
Penoy - same as balut, but without the embryo, just the yolk.
Squidballs - Squid version of fishballs.
Sorbetes - The Pinoy version of sorbet/ice Cream. Sold in different flavours notably; ube, vanilla, chocolate, mango, coconut, cheese and sometimes durian. Filipinos like to play with their food-- you'll see people dipping french fries in ice cream floats or people eating ice cream with bread. Don't leave the Philippines without trying some of the more unusual flavors. They are kind of exotic and perhaps weird, but tasty.
Tenga - Tenga is Filipino for ear, it is pig's ear that has been barbecued.

Snack and baked goods

Pandesal - Spanish for "salt bread", they are small buns usually made fresh in the morning, an alternative to rice for breakfast. They are usually eaten with a cup of coffee. Some people prefer to dip their pandesal in coffee.
Chicharon - Pork rinds, crunchy snacks made from deep-fried pig skin. If you don't eat pork or have dietary restrictions there is chicken chicharon and sometimes fish chicharon.

Fruits & desserts

Tropical fruits abound in the Philippines. Most of the countryside produce finds its way to the metro areas and can be easily bought in supermarkets, such as:

Fruits

Coconut - Although it's familiar, you should try the coconut of the Philippines, the country is the largest exporter of coconuts in the world.
Durian - smells like hell but supposedly tastes of heaven, most common in Davao but can usually also be bought in some supermarkets in Manila.
Green mangoes, ripe mangoes', dried mangoes - Don't leave Philippines without trying green Indian mangoes with bagoong(shrimp paste), tasting ripe mangoes and buying dried mangoes as a pasalubong.

Sweet treats

Banana chips - Unlike the ones eaten in India, the Filipino version is a lot thicker and sweeter, try dipping it in ice cream.
Buko pie - Pie with scraped coconut as filling.
Cassava cake
Egg pie - Pie with sweet, flan like filling
Halo-halo - Halo-Halo means mix-mix in Filipino, is another refreshing dessert which is a mix of sweetened beans and fruits, such as sweetened bananas, red and white beans, sago, crushed ice and milk and topped off with leche flan and ube jam and/or ice cream.
Ice scramble - Crushed ice with condensed milk.
Mais con hielo/yelo - A dessert of fresh sweet corn served in a glass mixed with crushed ice and milk.
Sampaloc candy - salted and sweetened tamarind fruit.
Turon' - Saba(Plantain) bananas in wrappers and fried and then topped with condensed milk or sugar.
Turron - From Europe, a bar of cashew nuts with a white wafer.

Condiments and salads

Achara - Pickled Papaya salad, it actually originates from South Indian cuisine.
Banana Ketchup - During World War II, stocks of tomato ketchup ran out and people started complaining. So due to the high production of bananas, Filipinos thought of using banana instead of tomato. Don't worry: it doesn't taste like banana at all; it is kind of like sweet and sour ketchup. Try it with chicken, pork chops or spaghetti.
Bagoong (shrimp paste) - Shrimp paste is popular throughout Southeast Asia. Some people get allergies from shrimp paste, but they still consume it despite the itchy skin problems it causes. Fish is used instead sometimes.
Patis - Fish sauce.
Radish salad - Salad based on radish, onion and sugar, enjoyed with fish.

Dietary restrictions

Muslims will find it hard to find Halal food outside predominantly Muslim areas in the Philippines even though the country is one of the fastest emerging markets in exporting certified halal products. Ask if there is pork in the dish before eating it. Seventh Day Adventists would possibly find some vegetarian restaurants in the Philippines, mostly lurking in the commercial, financial and provincial capitals, and most of them use tofu instead of meat, Sanitarium products may be found in Seventh Day Adventists or Sanitarium hospitals. Hindus will find Indian restaurants which serve some vegetarian options around Metro Manila. Vegetarians and vegans will find it difficult to find a Filipino dish which is wholly vegetarian as most of the Filipinos love to add meat in every single dish they eat. Jews will also find it hard to find Kosher meals. However rabbis in the Philippines suggest some stores which sell Kosher food; visit Kosher Philippines for advice.

Drink

Chilled drinks and juice

Due to the tropical climate of the Philippines, chilled drinks are popular. Stands selling chilled drinks and shakes are common especially in shopping malls. Fruit Shakes are served with ice, evaporated or condensed milk, and fruits such as mango, watermelon, pineapple, strawberry and even durians. Various tropical fruit drinks that can be found in the Philippines are dalandan (green mandarin), suha (pomelo), pinya (pineapple), calamansi (small lime), buko (young coconut), durian, guyabano (soursop) mango, banana, watermelon and strawberry, these are available at stands along streets, as well as at commercial establishments such as food carts inside malls. They are often served chilled with ice. Buko juice (young coconut) is a popular drink in the country, the juice is consumed via an inserted straw on the top of the buko or young coconut.

Sago't Gulaman a sweet drink made of molasses, sago pearls and seaweed gelatin is also a popular drink among Filipinos. Zagu is a shake with flavors such as strawberry and chocolate, with sago pearls.

Tea, coffee and chocolate

Salabat, sometimes called ginger tea, is an iced or hot tea made from lemon grass and pandan leaves or brewed from ginger root. Kapeng barako is a famous kind of coffee in the Philippines, found in Batangas, made from coffee beans found in the cool mountains. Try the Filipino hot chocolate drink, tsokolate, made from chocolate tablets called tableas, a tradition that dates back the Spanish colonial times. Champorado [10] isn't considered a drink by Filipinos, but it is another version of tsokolate with the difference of added rice. Records say that chocolate was introduced by the Aztecs to the Filipinos during the Manila-Acapulco trade.

Alcoholic drinks

Filipinos (except for observant Muslims) love to drink (and get drunk).

Metro Manila is home to many bars, watering holes, and karaoke sites. Popular places include Makati (particularly the Glorietta and Greenbelt areas), Ortigas Metrowalk, and Eastwood in Libis. Other big cities such as Cebu City and Davao also have areas where the nightlife is centered. Establishments serve the usual hard and soft drinks typical of bars elsewhere.

Filipinos rarely consume alcohol by itself. They would normally have what is called as "pulutan" or bar chow alongside their drinks which is like the equivalent of tapas. At the least, this would consist of mixed nuts but selections of grilled meats and seafood are not uncommon food alongside the customary drinks. When having a party, Filipinos enjoy drinking round-robin style using a common glass. One is supposed to drink bottoms-up before passing the glass to the next person. This custom is known as "tagayan" and one person usually volunteers to pour the drink.

Beer is perhaps the most common form of alcohol consumed in bars. San Miguel Beer is the dominant local brand with several variants such as Light, Dry, Strong Ice and their flagship variant Pale Pilsen. Budweiser, Heineken and Corona can also be found in upscale bars. Rum and ginebra which is the local form of gin are commonly available forms of hard liquor. Indigenous forms of liquor are lambanog and tuba which are both derived from coconut sap. Tuba is fermented from the coconut sap and though tuba itself can be drunk, it is also distilled to take the form of lambanog. Lambanog is now being marketed widely both locally and internationally in its base form as well as in several flavored variants such as mango, bubble gum and blueberry.

Alcohol is extremely cheap in the Philippines, and one of the cheapest in the whole of Asia. A bottle of San Miguel bought at a 7-Eleven or Mini-Stop costs about ?35-?50. Regular bars will offer it for ?50-60, and even in top-end bars and clubs, a bottle would cost about ?100-200. A bottle of 750ml Absolut Vodka at the supermarket will cost about ?750.

The most popular local rum, for both Filipinos and expats, is Tanduay. Their most popular rum is about ?70 for a 750 ml (26 oz) bottle in a supermarket. When ordering rum and coke in a bar a double is often cheaper than a single because the rum is actually cheaper than the mixer. Tanduay also make several other rums, up to about ?250 for Tanduay Premium, plus brandy, gin, vodka, whiskey and some flavored spirits. They have several competitors in about the same price range.

Rum fanciers may want to try Don Papa, from a company started by a former Remy-Cointreau employee and located in Negros Occidental, a province which produces much sugar. This is a premium product in a whole other price class, ?1500 and up, but some aficionados consider it well worth it. It can be found in some of the larger supermarkets and in duty-free stores at major airports.

Sleep

Housing options for tourists include hotels, resorts, condotels, apartelles, motels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and pension houses.

Hotels and resorts are usually for the higher-end traveller, although rates--even for four-star establishments-- are not very high compared to other international destinations. Condotels are furnished condominium units rented out for long or short term stays, apartelles are set up for both short and long term stays, and a pension house is usually more basic and economical.

There is considerable variation in facilities offered. Cheaper places often have only fans instead of air conditioning, and no private toilet or shower. Even if you get a private shower, it may not have hot water, but this is not a big problem in a hot country. As elsewhere in Asia, bathtubs are rare both in private homes and in any but top-end hotels.

Motels, inns, and lodges also serve lodging purposes but have a reputation as meeting places for illicit sex, a unit being usually a small room with a connected carport, hidden behind a high wall which provides for secret comings and goings. You can distinguish these by their hourly rates, while more reputable institutions usually have daily rates.

Stay safe

Use common sense when traveling to and around the Philippines, as with traveling to other developing nations. Although the people of these islands are generally friendly and accommodating, one must be aware of the prevalence of poverty (especially in big cities) and the things that, unfortunately, come with it.

Crime

Petty crimes, like pickpocketing or bag snatching, are common, especially in crowded areas. You should not flash your valuables (especially Apple iPods and iPhones) because that risks theft. Carry small change and don't flash large bills. Pickpockets are common in the big cities. Manila is not a place for violent robbery, but the dreadedbudol-budol style of robbery, where the victim is deceived and often hypnotized, to steal money or electronic gadgets, is a common practice. Beware also of similar modi operandi, especially the salisi style of robbery, where thieves will take your valuables on the sly, usually when you are not watchful of yours. Don't expect any reprisal from the police and must also sometimes be wary of them as they can be easily bribed and might be entangled in their own scams. Women are advised to travel in large groups and must use caution when out at night. Do not enter alleyways and remote areas at night.

In the cities, smash and grab (locally basag-kotse) theft are also widespread, so do not leave any valuables inside the car, especially not on the dashboard.

Driving

Please be cautious when driving, especially in rural areas, as local drivers tend to be reckless, and many traffic rules are often ignored. Road accidents are commonplace, and is always a staple of daily news, usually sensationalized. Deadly road accidents, usually pileups and head-on collisions with larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks, are common also. Roads vary in maintenance, and may be well paved to rutted or completely unsealed, especially in the underdeveloped provinces. Simple altercations in the road may even result in road rage or viral social media videos (and bashing and trolling), another unfortunate phenomenon.

Caution must be exercised when driving on rural roads, as drivers can be careless and aggressive, increasing the chance of accidents. Locals driving while drunk or sleep-deprived are another risk in the highways, especially in the night. The same still applies to driving in the urban areas (notably Metro Manila, despite routine crackdowns by local authorities), as they still have the share of locals ignoring the rules, such as swerving, jaywalking (usually in spots where a marked crossing or overpass is already placed nearby), speeding, and illegal overtaking (usually by motorcycles and tricycles, to pass through a traffic jam). Traffic obstructions, especially vehicles illegally parked on the sidewalk, may invite an accident with pedestrians. Better resort to public transport when getting around the largest cities if possible, as reckless drivers, in addition to traffic jams and lack of convenient parking areas in city centers, can make driving a nightmare.

When preparing for long trips by car, always check the condition of the brakes (along with the lights, oil, water, air, gas, engine, and tires), as brake failure is one frequent cause of accidents, especially on roads in mountainous or hilly areas. Ensure that you are not sleepy or drunk before driving, and always have a fellow driver to substitute you if you feel sleepy on a long drive.

The toll expressways are relatively safe, but remain cautious, as speedsters may be sighted in some areas, and swerving is commonplace. Some sections of expressways may become accident hotspots, such as portions of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) of Bulacan and Pampanga, where smoke from grassfires in the dry season may cause a deadly pileup. Illegal pedestrian traffic may pose a danger in some sections of expressways, such as in the section of STAR Tollway (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road) in the rural part of San Jose, Batangas, and the South Luzon Expressway between Canlubang and Calamba exits in Laguna.

Corruption

The Philippines is also notorious for prevalence of corruption, and has been long-standing in the government, especially the bureaucracy. Corruption in the streets, law enforcement, local government, or even the national government, are commonplace, and are frequently reported in the news. Corruption is more prevalent in the Philippines over its two neighbors in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia, according to the Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index as of 2016. Corruption is still common on most sectors of the government, from law enforcement to the bureaucracy, despite current government efforts to reduce it.

Police officers and traffic enforcers on some areas are known sometimes for their reputation on pulling over vehicles to ask for bribes or to extort money, and foreigners can be frequent targets. Those engaged in bribery mostly threaten the violator to extort money. Such scheme is called kotong or lagay, and beware of officers involved in such activity, even where a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera is in place. When caught by any law enforcement and they ask you for money as a bribe, never attempt to give them; just say no. Usually, the money extorted are spent for snacks (especially for merienda), drinks (usually coffee, for those who work on night shifts), or cigarettes, to sustain their meager salaries. Some law enforcers (including fake ones) may extort money to buy drugs. When your driver is pulled over, it is best not to be involved. Beware also of fake law enforcement using fake IDs and uniforms.

Aside from "kotong", foreigners, especially those living in the Philippines, and expats must be also beware of corruption when dealing with the government bureaucracy, usually involving "fixers" or government employees themselves. Such activity is known as "red tape", and are usually not reported. Avoid seeking assistance with fixers at all. If you notice corrupt activity or complaint with any transaction/service with any government agency, you may report it by dialing the civil service hotline 8888 (see the "Connect" section below).

Gays and lesbians

Gays and lesbians will be fine in the Philippines as some of the younger tolerant generation are very accepting, but you should not be too indiscreet – a pair kissing in public may get stares or even verbal profanity. Also, in the countryside and with the 60 year old and older generation chances are they will condemn it. But nevertheless, Filipinos have their warm hospitality. Violence against gays and lesbians is rare.

Sex and prostitution

Many Filipinas eagerly seek out well-off men, both Filipino and foreign, as boyfriends or husbands. Foreign men are nearly all rich by local standards and will usually find themselves much more in demand than they would be at home.

Prostitution is illegal in the Philippines, but it is a thriving business. Published estimates suggest the country has several hundred thousand prostitutes. By no means all of those are professionals; a girl in a typical low-paid job can roughly double her income by sleeping with one guy a week, and some do just that on most weekends.

There are periodic crackdowns on prostitution, and penalties are harsh for those who are arrested—large fines, possibly prison, and likely deportation with a ban on returning to the country. Corrupt cops may target foreigners in order to extract large bribes, and prostitutes have been known for helping set up their customers for such schemes or scamming their customers in other ways. Also, as anywhere, sexually transmitted diseases are a large risk.

The commonest form of prostitution establishment is usually called a girlie bar or bikini bar in the Philippines, but similar places in Thailand are called go-go bars and some travellers use that term here. It is also fairly common to visit these clubs just to enjoy the show, a lot of scantily-clad dancers who compete to catch customers' eyes.

Enforcement of laws against sexual abuse of children (Republic Act No. 7610), including child pornography, and against human trafficking is much more vigorous than enforcement of prostitution laws, and the penalties are harsher. For people arrested on those charges bail is rarely granted, and it is almost certain to be denied for foreigners, so even someone who eventually beats the charge will usually spend months in jail. As in any prison, child molesters can expect to get a hard time from other inmates and little help from guards.

The age of consent was only 12 as of late 2017, but there was a motion before Congress to raise it to 16. Anyone caught with someone younger than that (not necessarily caught having sex, just caught with them in a hotel room or other private place) will be charged with rape and should expect a stiff prison sentence, followed by deportation. Having sex with someone who is both under 18 and 10 years younger than you is also illegal and likely to bring jail and deportation.

Apart from Philippine law, there is another quite serious legal risk. Most Western countries have laws that prohibit child sex even outside the country; a child molester could be prosecuted at home for actions in the Philippines. In these cases, it is the rules of the prosecuting country that apply; for example, a tourist under 23 having sex with a 13-year-old might be legal under Philippine law, but a court back home is extremely unlikely to see it as acceptable.

For human trafficking, penalties range up to life imprisonment.

Drugs

Marijuana and shabu (crystal methamphetamine) are widely used in the country. However, they are also illegal and penalties are very harsh: you might well get a long prison sentence, followed by deportation. Even possession of drug paraphernalia, such as the small glass or steel tubes ("tooters") used to administer shabu, could get you arrested. Bail is rarely granted for drug offenses, almost never for trafficking or for possession of shabu, so even people who eventually beat the charge are likely to spend months in jail.

Authorities routinely raid drug dens and laboratories, especially those who produce or sell shabu. Under new (2016) President Duterte, shabu dealers (and sometimes users) are being shot in the streets without trial or even arrest; it's not clear to what extent other people involved in drugs may be at risk.

Methamphetamine (shabu) is a powerful stimulant and a remarkably nasty substance, best avoided for many reasons. An overdose kills instantly and over-stimulation tends to burn out the body, especially the heart, so prolonged use can kill even without overdose. As the song says, "Speed kills!" Moreover the stuff is highly addictive. Also, the drug changes the personality of heavy users, giving them a pronounced tendency toward paranoia and aggressiveness.

Natural disasters

The Philippines has its fair share of natural disasters and has the largest total number of natural disaster-related deaths in the world, with China coming in second place. Being in a geographical location prone to natural disasters, the Philippines is always frequented by typhoons, monsoon rains, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Typhoons can occur any month, but the usual season is June to December, and can cause severe damage and deaths, like what happened in 2013, when typhoon Haiyan ("Yolanda") struck Visayas. Monsoons, whether it is the northeast monsoon (amihan) in January to March or the southwest monsoon (habagat), cause torrential rains at the months when they occur and can even cause floods, that can even reach depths that can drown, especially if worsened by a typhoon or other weather condition.

Severe weather

Monsoon rains and floods

Heavy rainfall, either caused by local thunderstorms or the monsoon winds influenced by typhoons, are considered part of the Philippine climate, and be prepared at times one of these strikes. The densely populated cities are not safe from the effects of rainfall and strong winds, so always be prepared for them at all times, even when these are not really expected.

The southwest monsoon between late May and early October primarily cause most heavy rainfall during the wet season, and floods are common on times, especially when a typhoon strengthens its. High-profile floods have occurred on the past years, from 2011, 2012, and 2015. Many vehicles may become stuck in floods worsened by high tide and clogged drainage. Classes are suspended usually as early as the previous day or in the midnight in expectation of heavy rainfall, but sometimes, they come late, when students has already left for school or already in class, resulting to public backlash. Even on times the southwest monsoon is affecting the Philippines, the sun may still shine on most times, but be prepared to bring an umbrella especially when cumulonimbus clouds are seen to form.

In some flood-prone areas, local governments have placed flood detection systems to help in evacuation of areas in case a flood is expected to come. For example, in Marikina, which experienced the floods cause by Typhoon Ketsana ("Ondoy"), the city government in that city placed flood monitoring systems on areas along the Marikina River to aid residents in evacuation in case the river overflows, such as in heavy rainfall caused by thunderstorms, monsoon rains, or typhoons. Yet, common sense comes first, and better avoid flood-prone areas when it is expected to flood.

Typhoons

Typhoons are always to be expected to come, as the Philippines is part of the typhoon belt, and their effects may vary, but the worse is the damages they can cause, especially when one is classified as a "severe tropical storm", "typhoon" and "super typhoon" (the last was an informal classification given by local media that was made official in 2014 by the local weather agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, or PAGASA, at the wake of Typhoon Haiyan). Typhoons may cover a wide area, and may completely cover an island. Many destructive and deadly typhoons has passed over the Philippines, the strongest recorded to make landfall is Typhoon Haiyan, or locally, "Yolanda", in 2013, also the most destructive tropical storm in recent history.

Heavy rain and strong winds, usually mixing with each other on stronger storms, are associated with damage it can cause when a typhoon hits land, but the worst effects are on the coastal and mountainous areas, where storm surges and landslides can occur.

Typhoons are typically a threat when on land, but its biggest risks are at the open sea, where it can be capable of capsizing a ship (like the case of MV Princess of the Stars, which capsized in 2008 after Typhoon Fengshen ("Frank") passed.). Ships and interisland roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferries are not safe from the effects of typhoons, so does small watercraft, like boats. Ships and ferries are not allowed to sail once Typhoon Warning Signal No. 2 is raised. Cancel any trip by sea when a typhoon is expected, even if it will never hit ground.

Tornadoes

The Philippines is also prone to tornadoes (ipo-ipo or buhawi), and one may form without early warning, especially out of a simple thunderstorm. There have been frequent cases of tornadoes in the Philippines, including waterspouts. In 2015, a tornado of unknown intensity hit parts of Manila, causing property damage as well as localized blackouts from downed power lines. Though tornadoes in the Philippines are not as frequent as in the United States, most of the basic safety advice applies, especially when outdoors. Most houses and buildings in the Philippines are made from concrete, so, severe damage is rather limited to peeled-off roofs, broken windows, and small debris, and makeshift structures are the most prone to the damage, much like how they are very susceptible to typhoons.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The Philippines lies in a geologically unstable area between the continental Eurasian Plate and the subducting Philippine Sea Plate, and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. There is a high chance for any part of the Philippines to be struck by earthquakes.

Earthquakes are frequent, but most of them are weak and rarely perceptible. In case an earthquake, especially those rated at magnitude 6.0 and above hits, follow the basic advice: duck, cover, and hold. Hide and hold on any sturdy object while the shaking has not stopped. Follow posted evacuation plans when leaving buildings after the shaking stops, and never use the elevator or escalator. When an earthquake struck while you are outside, avoid standing near buildings, trees, electricity or telephone posts, or anything that may collapse or topple. If driving when an earthquake struck, pull over, but not under/near a bridge, flyover, overpass, tree, power/telephone post, or anything tall that may collapse/topple. In case the earthquake occurs under the sea, move to higher ground immediately, even when no tsunami advisory is present, as a tsunami may form especially if the quake has a magnitude that can form such waves that can cause severe damage and deaths if it strikes the shore.

Earthquakes may occur anywhere in the Philippines, but the area with the highest risk is Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, where the Valley Fault System are present. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) have determined that one of the faults that form that mentioned system, the West Valley Fault, may move anytime and cause a magnitude 7.2 earthquake (called the "Big One") that can cause about 100,000 deaths and injuries and millions of pesos in damage. Routine earthquake drills are being performed in the areas surrounding the fault to ensure people in those areas are prepared in case disaster strikes.

Earthquakes causing large scale of damage, deaths and casualties in the past proves that the Philippines are prone to earthquakes, as seen in the 1990 Central Luzon earthquake and the 2013 Bohol earthquake. The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so, earthquakes are inevitable and may strike anytime and anywhere, without early warning.

Aside from earthquakes, tsunamis are a major risk in coastal areas, if not typhoons causing storm surges. Though rare, be prepared to evacuate coastal areas once a tsunami is about to strike, even when it is not a large one, as they can still cause damage. Most coastal areas are tsunami-prone areas, especially those found near undersea trenches that can trigger such.

Volcanoes

Volcanoes can be a danger in the Philippines, owing to its location in the Ring of Fire, and most areas are prone to volcanic eruptions. There are 50 volcanoes in the Philippines to date, with half of them classified as active. The last high-profile eruption is of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, that spewed out ash and lahar that affected millions in the surrounding provinces and caused a global drop in temperature. Mayon, in Albay, noted for its perfect cone, is one of several active volcanoes that pose a danger with its frequent eruption. Taal Volcano in Batangas, noted as the smallest volcano in the world, is also dangerous when signs of impending eruption shows on its caldera lake.

The most active volcanoes are tourist destinations themselves, and volcano safety rules apply when hiking of climbing those. When volcano warnings are raised, pay close attention to any scheduled trail closures and never attempt to go inside designated exclusion zones.

Civil conflict, political violence, demonstrations, and terrorism

The Philippines has been struggling with insurgent groups such as Islamic separatists in Mindanao and communists, under the New People's Army (NPA), throughout its history. Mindanao, until today, is still facing issues with separatist insurgents, and traveling there poses safety concerns, with martial law in force since the siege of Marawi. In particular, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao remains unsafe for travel, and all non-essential travel is discouraged. While most major cities in Mindanao (Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City) are relatively safe, you must travel at your own risk, as travel insurance is not accepted even in those places in case you get arrested, mugged or hospitalized there anytime.

The political situation in the Philippines may become volatile in election periods, and protests and political violence can occur. Foreign tourists in such periods are strongly discouraged from joining political demonstrations, especially in those periods, and avoid areas where they occur.

Demonstrations and riots are another common occurrence. The Legarda-Mendiola intersection (commonly referred to as Mendiola Bridge) in Manila is noted as common site of most demonstrations, both historical and recent, for its proximity to the Malacañang, but other locations in the provinces are not safe from them. While police may tolerate peaceful demonstrations, in many cases, many end as violent clashes with authorities and there are some cases of brutality from anti-riot police. Avoid going to most demonstrations and get away from sites where they occur. There is a high chance of being hurt or arrested in most demonstrations when protesters and police face each other with force.

Terrorism is not very common but several high-profile terror attacks, usually bombings, have occurred in the past, like the 2000 Rizal Day bombings, the 2004 SuperFerry bombing, the 2005 Valentine's Day bombings, and the 2016 Davao City night market bombing. Take caution when travelling where terror threats are raised, and best avoid travelling in such situations, especially in heavily-populated cities. Security measures, even when tightened, may still be breached by terrorists.

Bomb jokes are not tolerated, and it is an easy way to get into legal trouble in public, especially in public transport facilities. Making bomb jokes can end you up into 6 months imprisonment, and deportation. Avoid any of these jokes, and you'll be fine.

Firearms

As an American colonial legacy, the Philippines has a strong gun culture, but that does not mean you can carry any gun freely into the country for any purpose. The Philippines has strict gun laws, that you must obtain a license to possess one, and the process involves background checks, such as criminal history and mental capacity. A Permit to Carry is also required when bringing a handgun or pistol. All firearms must be declared to customs upon entry and exit.

Stay healthy

Eating and drinking

Drink the readily available bottled water. Buko (young coconut) juice is also safe if they have not added local ice to it. Be wary of Buko juice vendors; some usually just add sugar to water. Buy and eat fruit that has not already been cut up. Cooked food from a karenderia (outdoor canteen) is okay if there is a fire under the pots and the food has been kept hot.

If you must drink tap water (it is usually served/contained in a small to medium plastic bag), water in Manila, Cebu City and other major cities is usually OK, but it is recommended that you boil tap water for at least 5 minutes just to be safe. Elsewhere drink bottled water. There is always the risk of contracting amoebiasis when drinking tap water in the countryside. Also, this applies to ice that is usually put in beverages.

Bottled water is best purchased from within stores and sheltered eateries. Bottled water sold outside (by the roads) are more than likely used bottles filled with tap water, sealed then cooled.

Be careful of drinking pampalamig (cold drinks like Sago't Gulaman) as some vendors might be using Magic Sugar (Sodium Cyclamate), an artificial sweetener, which has been banned by the Philippine Government because of its adverse effects on health such as higher risk of getting cancer. It has been used as an alternative to ordinary sugar as it is much cheaper; call 911 if you encounter such a situation.

Street food isn't so safe to consume in the Philippines; hygienic standards aren't enforced much. It is better to eat street food as well as pampalamig inside malls and shopping centers than in streets as stalls in malls and shopping centers have better enforcement of cleanliness.

Diseases

CDC advises that a risk of malaria exists only in non-urban areas below 600 meters on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro and Palawan. The Visayas are free of Malaria. Chloroquine is no longer a recommended malaria preventative for anywhere in the Philippines due to strains resistant to this drug. In general malaria is not common in the Philippines compared to Africa and the rest of Southeast Asia, and around half of the c. 40,000 annual cases are in a couple of discrete locations.

Dengue fever is common in the Philippines and cases increase every year, so it is advisable to apply mosquito repellents and wear long sleeved clothes whenever possible. A vaccine is now available, three shots six months apart. Watsons are a pharmacy chain with stores all over the country; most of their location offer dengue vaccine at ?4000 per shot.

Rabies is also common among street animals in the Philippines, so get a vaccination for rabies if you haven't already, and if you're traveling with children, vaccinate them as soon as possible as they are of high risk of getting rabies because they tend to play more with animals.

Hepatitis A and B and C are a high risk in the country. There are vaccines for A and B, recommended for all travellers; there is not yet (mid-2015) a vaccine against C. Avoid contact with other people's blood — shared needles or even personal care items like razors or toothbrushes — since that is the main means of transmission for both B and C.

Japanese encephalitis is common, and vaccination is recommended. Avoid swimming in fresh water areas where you will have high risks of getting schistosomiasis (unless they are chlorinated). Leptospirosis is often contracted from recreational water activities, such as kayaking, in contaminated water.

Tuberculosis is very common in the countryside, so try to avoid individuals who cough or look weak and be careful about staying too long in villages that may be high in contagious people.

Bring anti-diarrheal drugs with you, as unsanitary conditions present a high risk for traveler's diarrhea. Gatorade or other "sport drinks" might relieve you from fluid loss. Drink bottled liquids if you are unsure of the water, and always wash your hands.

Healthcare

The quality of healthcare in the Philippines varies widely. While modern hospitals and clinics with well-trained doctors are certainly available in the major cities, the quality of healthcare often leaves much to be desired in smaller cities and rural areas. While Filipino citizens are covered by a universal government-funded health insurance scheme, this scheme is not available to foreigners, and hospitals will often require you to make payment upfront before they will commence treatment. The vast majority of Filipino doctors and nurses are able to speak English, with many having received their training in the US, so communication is generally not an issue for English-speaking foreigners.

Public hospitals in the major cities are usually of a decent standard, though they may not be as comfortable as what Western expatriates are used to back home. Private hospitals, on the other hand, provide excellent standards of care, though you will be paying a steep premium for their services. Nevertheless, they are still reasonably priced by Western standards, so most expatriates opt for private healthcare whenever possible.

HIV

Over the last seven years the rate of new HIV cases in the Philippines has been going up by around 20% per year. Through to the end of March, 2018, there were 53,192 known cases of HIV in the Philippines, the Philippines Department of Health has said they could be 142,000 people in the Philippines living with HIV by 2022. The Philippines has a low rate of people going for HIV tests and a low rate of condom use. There are now over 60 HIV treatment hubs around the Philippines, which provide free antiretroviral drugs.

Other sexually transmitted diseases are more common than HIV. There are social hygiene clinics (STD clinics) in most City Health ofices all over the Philippines.

Cope

Electricity

Television and video

Television and video in the Philippines uses NTSC, and an ongoing transition to digital television broadcasting will bring the end of NTSC broadcasting as the Japanese ISDB standard is being introduced. Region-coded DVDs are Region 3 (Southeast Asia), though virtually all Filipino movies are region free. DVDs sold can be found in major shopping malls, but counterfeit DVDs with no region coding remains common, despite routine raids by anti-piracy agencies.

Major networks that operate are ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5, all operate in Filipino, which all compete for ratings making network wars part of Filipino culture from the corner of the street to your hotel reservations desk there would always be an argument which stations airs the best telenovelas (TV drama series). The three major stations air TV series to newscasts. ABS-CBN and GMA have regional stations who operate in their own major regional languages. There are also English-language TV channels, which are mostly available in cable TV, with a handful in free TV, such as CNN Philippines, ETC, Net25, and 2nd Avenue.

Most local broadcasters typically air only from 6 AM to 12 PM, but many cable channels, especially international stations, air for 24 hours. During Holy Week, local broadcasting differs drastically between Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday, with different program schedules, which usually include religious programs, and some stations do not broadcast at all. Cable channels typically continues to air in regular programming in Holy Week.

Smoking

Filipinos like to smoke as a pastime, and also as a social activity (especially along with drinking alcohol or gambling), though smoking is heavily regulated or completely banned in some areas. Smoking is more common for men, but some women can be seen smoking. Menthol cigarettes, including those using a menthol capsule hidden on the filter end (like Marlboro Ice Blast, Pall Mall or Fortune Tribal Mint Splash), are available, and are popular with women smokers.

Cigarettes (sigarilyo, or colloquially, yosi) in the Philippines are mostly cheap. For example, Marlboro are about ?80 for a pack of twenty in a supermarket, ?100 in a bar or a convenience store as of early 2018. Local brands are cheaper (often ?50-60) and cigars are available as well. However, higher taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products are gradually making them more expensive. Many sari-sari stores also sell cigarettes by the stick, usually for ?4.

On the streets, people walking or standing with a lighted cigarette and groups of men, especially drivers, smoking while talking, are common sights. Despite laws regulating tobacco use, smoking is still common, especially outdoors. Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, public transport, restaurants, gas stations, and even in bars, except for smoking areas. Smoking in places where smoking is prohibited or in a non-smoking area may bring a fine of up to ?5000. No smoking signs are often ignored, and no smoking ordinances are not usually strictly enforced.

The smoking and purchase age is 18, and law prohibits sale of tobacco products to minors. Convenience stores strictly implement the smoking age, by requiring customers to present a photo ID for age verification, but sari-sari stores usually allow children and youth to buy cigarettes, usually as an errand by their smoking parents or even a pastime by students. In some places, such as in Metro Manila, authorities may prohibit a store (including convenience stores) from selling cigarettes because of nearness to a no-smoking zone, and such stores have posters pasted in the storefront, usually saying Ang tindahang ito at bawal magtinda ng sigarilyo ("This store is prohibited from selling cigarettes.").

Streets are commonly littered with cigarette butts. Many garbage cans do not have ashtrays or butt trays, so you may be tempted to throw them anywhere, on the sidewalk, the street, or even on grass, which may present a fire hazard. It is advisable to find a trash can marked to allow cigarette butts or bring a portable ashtray when smoking outside, though most locals will tend to throw butts anywhere.

Smoking bans are imposed on several cities and municipalities, like in Davao City, where it is completely banned. Yet, enforcement of smoking bans are mostly not overseen. A nationwide smoking ban came into effect in May 2017, further restricting where people are able to smoke. Even smoking in sidewalks are being banned, and designated smoking areas are required to be a enclosed, ventilated, area. Despite the new regulation, open-air smoking areas and smoking on sidewalks are still prevalent. But on some areas, smoking in public has being decreasing as smokers start to fear that they will be fined.

Electronic cigarettes are becoming popular as well, but they are started to be regulated just like any tobacco product. The vaping age is also placed at 18 (though minors vaping in violation can be sighted as well), and e-cigarette stores are now required to provide photo ID verification, and vaping is also prohibited along with smoking.

Embassies and consulates

Many nations have embassies in Metro Manila and some have consulates in Metro Cebu or Davao as well.

Plastics

Numerous municipalities, most notably the city of Muntinlupa, passed ordinances banning use of plastics and polystyrene (Styrofoam) for packaging, and it is encouraged to bring a reusable bag when shopping. Using plastics for packaging is punishable by a fine, but enforcement remains relaxed. The same goes with food packaging and utensils, but regulations for those vary by locality.

Respect

Filipinos are a very friendly and hospitable people, sometimes even to a fault. Filipinos are very open to talk about current issues, especially politics corruption, crime, and income inequality, but they also use a lot of self-deprecating humor (they tend to exaggerate their issues). They are also tolerant to foreign behavior, but they still encourage you to follow the local cultural sensitivities.

Basic etiquette

Take the time to smile and say "thank you", and you'll receive much better responses. You will receive an even better response if you throw in a little Tagalog, such as "salamat", which means "thank you".
When talking in Filipino to people who are old enough to be your parents or grandparents, it is greatly appreciated to include po in your sentences; e.g.: salamat po.
You can also use Tito (Uncle), Tita (Aunt), Manong (Mr.) or Manang (Mrs./Ms.), Ate (older sister) or Kuya (older brother) for people older than yourself but not old enough to be an aunt or uncle. Older speakers will tend to use "manong" and "manang" instead) with their name, it is mean to call older people with their names.
Saving face, while rather a Chinese cultural import, is also important when dealing with Filipinos. If you are having a conflict, stay relaxed, make a joke and smile. Getting angry or standing on your stripes will not bring you far, and you will lose respect. Unless you are a superior, pointing out mistakes are likely to cause embarrassment offense, even within family circles, and it is best to discuss issues in private. Also avoid bragging any of your achievements or wealth in front of your not well-to-do peers.

Honorifics

Second-person pronouns

If conversing in the local languages, be aware that most Philippine languages use two forms of "you" depending on social distance in the same way French has (the T-V or tu-vous distinction). For example, Tagalog has ikaw as second-person plural, and kayo as second-person plural. Non-native speakers, as well as some local youth, will have difficulty whether to use the general second-person singular or the formal form.

The second-person singular (e.g. Tagalog and Cebuano ikaw) is used only in informal situations where the persons are familiar with each other, such as close friends, or the addressee is younger, such as between parents and children and teachers and student.

The second-person plural (e.g. Tagalog kayo, Cebuano kamo) is used in formal situations where the persons are unfamiliar with each other or in cases where respect is needed. For example, an office worker will use the second-person singular with co-workers, but he or she will use the second-person plural when addressing a superior.

To make matters worse, the Tagalog dialect in Batangas uses the third-person plural as a honorific second-person pronoun in very formal contexts, similar to the way Italian uses the pronoun lei in formal situations.

Foreigners must deal with this problem by using the plural form until the other person tells you to use the singular, or if you addresses you with the first name. Err on the side of caution in most cases if you do not want to be called rude.

Titles

Filipinos also love using many titles, whether within the family or in professional circles. It is common practice to address respected people with formal titles, including occupational titles, whether it be Dr. (or its feminine equivalent, Dra.), Engineer, Architect, Attorney, President, and the like. Common use of occupations as honorific titles might be something to be aware of, but it is objected by international English authorities.

Punctuality

Filipinos are also known for a relaxed view on punctuality, mostly known as Filipino time, a term originally used by Americans as an ethnic stereotype on Filipinos just as how African time is used on African Americans in the United States. This view on time is a product of Hispanic cultural influence, and tardiness is generally tolerated, just as in many Hispanic cultures, for example, in Mexico and in Spain itself.

Most people allow a grace period of at least 15 minutes or at most 1 hour, but it is not acceptable in business meetings. If you are to get late in a meeting. (e.g. getting stuck in traffic), warn them as soon as possible.

Clothing

The tropical climate also plays a factor in clothing choices. When temperatures hit the 30s, locals wear light to keep themselves cool, even under air conditioning indoors. When temperatures are under the 20s (e.g. in highland Baguio or Tagaytay), locals will wear warm, generally light jackets alongside their ordinary clothes.

As in the rest of Southeast Asia, Filipinos still maintain a conservative dress code, and modest clothing is viewed as a sign of respect. While scantily clothed foreigners or locals (e.g. men in tank tops or women in skimpy shorts) are given leeway, especially in cities and tourist spots, locals will respect you more if you wear modestly.

Filipinos are generally modest and conservative in clothing, with the exceptions of locals raised in the major cities. Foreigners are most likely to be noticeable among locals, no matter how they dress, especially if you are walking along throngs of office workers or school children in uniform. Filipino clothing are fairly casual, and they like to follow common fashion trends, whether it be cheap clothes from either ukay-ukay stores or cheap department stores, or brand-name clothes from major stores, but they still reserve sets of clothes for various situations.

It remains best to dress modestly, with clothing at least covering most skin and the knees. Pants are preferred over shorts, as do T-shirts over tank-tops. Women at best may wear jeans (along with a blouse covering the shoulders and the armpit) or a long skirt and dress. While shorts (sometimes pejoratively called "pekpek shorts") or miniskirts/minidresses are becoming acceptable, especially among girls and younger women, those can still call unwanted sexual attention from men, especially through stares and wolf whistles. For men, a T-shirt or a polo shirt is a better choice over a tank top.

In the countryside and in some urban homes, footwear is removed when entering a home, though they may make an exception for foreigners. The key is to look around before entering any home. If you see footwear just outside the door, more than likely the family's practice is to remove footwear before entering. If you wear socks, you don't have to remove them.

Places such as churches and government offices requires you to follow a dress code, which mostly requires you to wear modest clothing. Churches usually prohibit clothing items that are exposing, such as sleeveless tops (e.g. jerseys, sleeveless shirts/sando, spaghetti straps/tank tops), backless dresses, skimpy shorts, and miniskirts, where violating it usually causes you to be refused to receive the Holy Communion. In many government offices, wearing caps, hats, and sunglasses, as well as slippers, are usually prohibited, and you may be refused entry.

Public nudity is frowned upon (exceptions are perhaps some children in the slums or the men on the Oblation Run in the University of the Philippines Diliman campus), and nude sunbathing is unheard of of and is prohibited. In beaches, always expect to be dressed when swimming or sunbathing. Swimming trunks (for men), and a swimsuit or a bikini (for women), is general etiquette.

Work

When working with people in the Philippines, it's important to remember that they often bring cultural influences into the workplace that don't always match well with your business culture. When you first meet another business person, it's important that you address them with both their title and both their first and last name. Businesses in the Philippines are often structured as a hierarchy, and most decisions are made from the top down. Additionally, the Filipino value of "social harmony" doesn't always allow for directness when approaching sensitive issues. [11]

Street children

In many of the larger cities extreme poverty is prevalent. In most cities, it is discouraged to give money to beggars or the street children who run around at all hours. If you really want to give something, food is the better alternative. At times, when children go up to foreigners they won't go away until you give something. To counter this, avoid swearing and just ignore them. They can understand swear words and might call on their friends to bug you even more.

National symbols

Pay attention to national symbols, such as the Philippine flag and the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang. Remember to stand up with your right hand in your left chest when the national anthem is played, otherwise, you might be arrested and fined. Remember that the national anthem is to be sung only in Filipino, and it is another offense to sing it in another language. Mocking the national anthem is also punishable with a fine. Also pay respect to the Philippine flag, and do not desecrate it: it is also a punishable offence under the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 8491).

Touchy subjects

Filipinos generally like discussions, but watch out for topics considered inflammatory, that you should tread carefully with.

Politics
- Ferdinand Marcos: The Marcos regime is a heavily polarized topic, and it remains a source of internal division among Filipinos and disputes in Philippine historiography, especially in history textbooks. Ilocanos take Marcos as a symbol of growth in Ilocos Norte, while people in Metro Manila are proud of ending the 21-year period of dictatorship. Tread carefully when a local brings it up, and it's best to remain neutral.
- Rodrigo Duterte and his war on drugs: Be careful when bringing up Rodrigo Duterte and the ongoing drug war, especially supposed human rights violations, such as the series of extrajudicial killings that occurred between 2016 and 2017 and the deaths of minors Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, and Reynaldo de Guzman in police antidrug operations in 2017. Foreigners are frequently criticized by locals for meddling in those cases. Duterte's supposed involvement in the Davao Death Squad can be a controversial topic, especially in Davao, where locals praise him for making the city safe.
- Territorial disputes: Avoid discussing the territorial dispute on the Spratly Islands; it is a sensitive issue to locals (despite the Philippines winning its arbitration case against China), especially if you are of Chinese background.
- World War II: It is also another touchy and emotional topic, especially on the elderly. Discussing "comfort women" can call negative reactions from war crime victims.
- Regional politics: Filipinos both show loyalty to the Philippines, their region or province, and their ethnicity, and regionalism is strong in many provinces and regions, and also a bitter issue in some areas. The Muslim-majority region of Mindanao is still seeing ongoing insurgency led by Islamist separatist groups, and taking sides on the conflict can be at the cost of personal safety (though a peace process is ongoing in the region). Cebu Province is seeing a rise in regionalism, since a period of economic growth in the 1990s, and it is not unheard of Cebuanos criticizing the national government for prioritizing Metro Manila and its suburbs and the Tagalogs, and see the Filipino language as a form of "Tagalog imperialism" and tool for cultural assimilation. If you are a Filipino expat raised in Tagalog areas or Metro Manila, locals might drag you into these arguments. Elsewhere, regionalism is less of a sensitive topic, though it is almost present in provincial politics anywhere outside Metro Manila, and it is better to not to take sides.
- Americans: Although a majority of Filipinos support the United States, some topics like American military presence remain sensitive topics for a few. Also avoid bringing in the American atrocities in the Philippine–American War, especially incidents where civilians are murdered, most notably the Battle of Bud Dajo; it is also an emotional issue because of its anti-American tinge by nationalists.
Social issues
- Reproductive health and sexuality: These two remain sensitive topics, and discussions about them must be done discretely. The Catholic Church still exerts pressure on the Filipino view on them, but city-dwellers are now open to discuss them without offense. For country-dwellers, these topics remain a taboo, and you might be considered insensitive if you try to discuss them.
- Mental health: It should be discussed with caution as there is persistent social stigma of persons suffering from mental illnesses, and many Filipino, especially in the countryside, still lack medical understanding of their cause. Referring to mentally-ill people using tanga, bobo, sira-ulo ("wrecked head"), abno/abnoy (abnormal), maluwag ang turnilyo ("loose screw") and other local profane terms (some also used in slang), are likely to cause offense, and should be best avoided.
Urban/rural differences: Do not get into the common mistake to condense the Philippines within Metro Manila and its suburbs that form Mega Manila. Country-dwellers express dissatisfaction when the Philippines is associated with Metro Manila, and it has been source of regionalist sentiments (see above).

Ethnicity and race

While Filipinos have grown tolerance to people of other cultures, there still remain discrimination and stereotypes, commonly backed by negative jokes. Ethnicity and race is also touchy, so know the right word to describe someone by ethnic background or race.

Filipinos also have its negative character of disobedience to laws, and it is not uncommon for many Filipinos, especially those of overseas worker background, to criticize fellow locals as pasaway. Don't call most locals a pasaway, as they are offended being called like that. Many Filipinos reclaimed pasaway as a symbol of pride, and they view its use as a pejorative as offending.
If you are of European heritage, do not get surprised if locals talk around you, or even take pictures with you or ask you questions. A white American might get called Kano or Kana (from a short form of the local words for "American"), which is generally an ethnic slur. Many locals stereotype white people as rich, as well as having blonde hair and aquiline noses.
- A Filipino woman and a foreign (usually, a white or an American) man could call negative attention in some areas, and women with an American husband are stereotyped as prostitutes. While this prejudice against interracial couples has lessened, this remain present in areas where American bases were once present. A child of a Filipino and white couple might be derided as a son of a guardian spirit (anak ng engkanto), especially if it shows characteristics of the white husband.
Chinese people are generally accepted in Filipino society, but there remains anti-Chinese prejudice. Chinese people are formally called Tsino, though some informal terms like Intsik (or Insik in Cebuano) and Tsekwa (from Intsek kwakang, an ethnic slur) also exist, and are further common in speech. The stereotype of the Chinese being yellow-skinned and slant-eyed also exists, but the stereotype of the "Chinese businessman" is further more prevalent.
Filipinos use various words related to black-skinned people, and Negro is still in common use to refer to the black race, whether it be sub-Saharan African or Negrito (e.g. the Aetas). The word remains in use with no offensive connotations, even though it is also used as a racial slur.
In Cebu, be careful when calling the Cebuano language Bisaya (Visayan), as there is some political overtone regarding its usage to refer to the language. Hardline regionalist Cebuano speakers refuse calling their language Bisaya as a sign of belonging to Cebu, while others consider it a symbol of cultural pride, as part of the larger Visayan nation including the rest of the Visayas and parts of Mindanao.

Others

Always treat women and the elderly with respect. Always provide seats to women and the elderly, especially in public transport. In buses, jeepneys, and trains, there are spaces allocated for the disabled and the elderly.
Blowing the nose is generally taboo, but not the case of picking the nose, as everyone does it anytime (exception are in more formal situations).
Flatulence is also embarrassing, through there is some degree of crude humor behind these. If you join a group of locals and you fart, whether it be quiet or noisy, expect one to ask who did it.
Chewing gum in public is also disgusting and rude, and throwing gum anywhere can be punishable with a fine in several locations, but locals tend to ignore this rule. Stepping and sticking into a used chewing gum remains common, and is also exploited by criminals to do stealthy ways of theft.
Filipinos remain conservative in contrast to Westerners, and displays of affection are still frowned upon in public (even in the cities). Locals do tolerate such actions by foreign couples, but expect blank stares and swear words from them. Don't make out in public. Holding hands is however, acceptable, and it is very common to see a local couple holding hands in public.
Kissing is generally reserved for family and close friends, and it is generally rude to kiss anyone you do not know intimately.
Opening one's mouth wide in public is considered embarrassing.
Public breastfeeding is permitted de facto, but expect unwanted stares from passers-by.
Urinating in public is considered unsanitary, and many localities prohibit this, though enforcement is lax. In the rural areas, it remains allowable because of lack of good toilets, but must be done discreetly.

Religion

Religion is still valued by Filipinos, and remains integral on everyday life, even in politics, where religious affairs still prevail despite the formal policy of separation of church and state. The majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, and church attendance remains high, though recent statistics show a decline in church attendance. Many Catholic churches from the Spanish era are tourist attraction in their own right. Filipinos are generally tolerant of other religions, and symbols from other religions, particularly the hijab worn by Muslim women, are accepted without comment. While Filipinos are still generally religious, local superstitions and folk beliefs still persist, especially in the countryside. Ancestor worship and faith healers (albularyo) remain common in both Christian and Muslim areas, but do not be offended with those practices.

Homosexuality

The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, although home to a large gay and lesbian community. Discretion is advised, as it is considered immoral by some to show public displays of affection between members of the same sex.

In the Visayas, "bayots" (or "bayuts" – the Tagalog/Filipino equivalent is "bakla") are flamboyant male homosexuals and are often very much in demand in occupations such as hairdressing, interior design and beauty therapy.

Connect

Phone

Fire, Medical and Police Emergencies: 911 (formerly 117) by voice or text message.

The national Emergency Network Philippines (ENP) is 911, formerly called Patrol 117, and routes emergency calls originating anywhere in the Philippines' archipelago to the appropriate one of sixteen emergency call centers located in various cities throughout the nation. The 911 system is first used in Davao City, and soon became the national emergency number from August 2016 by Rodrigo Duterte, replacing "Patrol 117".

When a 911 call is made from a mobile phone, that call is automatically routed to the nearest emergency call center. However, calling 911 from a mobile phone or cell phone has additional credit depending on the mobile network subscribed, and 911 is plagued also by dropped calls or prank calls, that disrupt response to emergency calls.

Philippine Coast Guard Action Center: +63 2 527-3880
National Poison Control: +63 2 524-1078
Motorist Assistance': 136 (Metro Manila only)
Tourist hotline: +63 2 524-1728 and 524-1660
Immigration hotline: 527
Directory assistance: 187 or 114 (fee applies)
Civil service complaint hotline: 8888

The country code for the Philippines is 63.
The International dialling prefix to make an overseas call from the Philippines is 00.
The area code for Metro Manila is 2.

Phone numbers in the Philippines have the format +63 35 539-0605 where "63" is the country code, the next one, two or three digits are the area code and the remaining 7 digits are the "local" part of the subscriber number that can be called from within that particular area code using abbreviated dialing.

Mobile numbers in the Philippines must always be dialed with all 11 digits (including a "0" prefixing the "8nn" or "9nn" within the Philippines), no matter where they are being called from. The 8nn or 9nn is a mobile prefix, not an "area code", as such and the second and third digits (the nn part) denotes the original mobile network assigned. As is the case with most mobile numbers, they can also be called within or outside the Philippines using the international format: +63 996-202-4961.

Most toll-free numbers can not be called from outside Philippines but can be dialed using the format 1800-1855-0165 domestically.

You need to dial "0" in front of the geographic area code from outside that particular area code (but when still within the Philippines).

The cheapest way to call to and from the Philippines is by using Internet telephony (VoIP). There are several licensed VoIP providers in the Philippines. One of the most popular is Vodini Telecom [12].

Most Philippines toll-free numbers can not be called from outside the Philippines, so they are not listed in international format. eg: 1800 1855 0165

Mobile phones

There are two major companies operating GSM 900/1800 networks: Globeand Smart. Your home provider at home should have agreements with one of these providers so check with them before leaving home. Roaming may be quite expensive just as elsewhere however, pre-paid SIM cards of these networks are easy to acquire and cost as little as ?30 and provide a cheaper alternative. If your unit is locked to your home service provider, cellphone repair shops in various malls have ways of unlocking (the typical fee to unlock is ?300 but can go as high as ?2,000 for certain units like a Blackberry). If you don't have a phone to begin with, a complete pre-paid kit with phone and SIM can be purchased for as little as ?500. Phones that come with these sot of deals are usually locked to a local network provider, and you would need to have it unlocked before leaving if you plan on using it back home.

GSM mobile phones are in wide use all over the country. 3G technology is available through Globe and Smart, but is poorly implemented and often not properly operational especially outside urban areas. In most urban locations and many resorts, cell phone service will be available.The usual cost of an international long-distance call to the United States, Europe or other major countries is $0.40 per minute. Local calls range from ? 6.50 per minute for prepaid calls (a new law was passed that will eventually require per pulse, i.e. rates per 6-seconds charging) but unlike other countries, you won't be charged for incoming calls. Text messages typically cost as low as ?1 and the Philippines is usually tagged as the "texting capital of the world". International SMS is charged at a higher rate of between ?15-25. Plans for unlimited call and SMS are offered by the networks are but unlimited calls are usually restricted to those made to parties within the same network.

Reloading (known in other countries as recharge/recharging or top-up/topping-up) pre-paid SIMs is a breeze. Electronic Load (E-Load) stations are everywhere from small corner stores to the large malls where you just give your mobile phone number and the amount you wish to load (Globe, Smart and Sun each have their load denominations to choose from for E-loading). If you have a friend using the same mobile operator as you, you can load as little as a few pesos by letting him/her pass on some of his/her load to you and if you need hundreds of pesos worth of load, you can purchase pre-paid cards which are available in denominations of ?100, ?300 and ?500.

Due to the wide use of mobile phones, pay phones are increasingly becoming obsolete and very hard to find. Phone cards are usually sold by shops which sell cellphone pre-paid loads and cards. Phone cards of one company can not be used with the other company's card operated phones.

Internet

Mail

In order to send items via post, you will need to physically visit a post office and present your items to a teller as there are no postage boxes. Check out the Philippine Postal Corporation's (PHLPOST) website to find the post office(s) that serve your destination. Alternatively, you may be able to ask your hotel's staff to send your posts together with theirs, and in some provinces, some stationery stores also offer to sell postage stamps and receive posts.

Apart from the Philippine postal service, FedEx, UPS, and DHL courier services are also available. Local couriers such as LBC and Aboitiz are also available. Postal mail from abroad is often "lost", so don't send anything valuable.

Newspapers

English newspapers are available throughout the Philippines and there are also some Japanese and Chinese language options. The Daily Tribune, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Bulletin, Business World, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Visayan Daily Star are some of the English language newspapers, mostly broadsheets.

Tabloid newspapers are mostly local-language ones, usually Tagalog/Filipino (but may be another local language in regional tabloids), but a few are published in English, such as People's Journal and People's Journal Tonight (the latter, however, has some news written in Tagalog).

Some restaurants offer newspapers for free reading, but only within their premises. Most newspapers are mostly sold by street vendors, but on several places, like malls, those are sold on newsstands. On public markets, newspapers are typically sold in general merchandise stores along with common groceries.

Advisory Learn what you need to know about travel here

Exercise a high degree of caution; see also regional advisories.

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and vicinity (see Advisory)

There is a serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region. Since September 9, 2013, clashes have been occurring in parts of Zamboanga City between Philippine Armed Forces and the Moro National Liberation Front.

On August 24, 2013, the Government of the United Kingdom advised its citizens of a credible and imminent threat of abduction of foreigners in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. On August 31, the Embassy of the United States in Manila informed its citizens of an increased threat of violence toward and abduction of foreigners in the Zamboanga Peninsula. In early July, the United States embassy halted all staff travel to Davao City, Cotabato City and Zamboanga City until further notice.

Dozens of people have been killed or injured by bombings in (but not limited to) Cotabato, Kidapawan, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, Iligan City, Jolo, Isabela City and Davao City. On September 12, 2013, and October 10, 2013, the Embassy of the United States in Manila informed its citizens of a credible threat against foreigners in southern Mindanao. Public shopping malls and western-based cafés in the region are thought to have been monitored, as potential targets of interest, by individuals affiliated with extremist groups. On September 16, two bombs exploded in Davao City, one at SM City Davao Cinema and the other at Gaisano Mall Cinema. On August 5, a bomb exploded in Cotabato City, killing eight people and injuring more than 30 others. On July 26, a bomb attack in Cagayan de Oro City killed eight people and wounded 45. The threat of terrorist attacks remains high in major centres in the region.

A state of emergency was declared in Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat in November 2009 due to election-related violence. The state of emergency remains in effect.

Review your security situation and take appropriate precautions if you are visiting or living in this region, particularly when visiting places frequented by foreigners.

Terrorism

The threat of terrorist activities exists, particularly in Mindanao. Westerners and Western interests could be targeted. Bomb attacks could occur at any time in Manila and other key cities, and could target places frequented by foreigners. Bombs have exploded on public transportation, at airports and port facilities, and in shopping malls, convention centres, places of worship and other public areas. Further explosions are possible anywhere in the country. Expect to be subject to frequent security checks at public and private facilities, including shopping malls and public transportation stations.

Bombings and crime-related shootings have occurred in Mindanao, Manila and other parts of the country. Explosive devices continue to be discovered by security authorities. Be vigilant and comply with all security procedures.

Kidnapping

Be alert to the danger of kidnap-for-ransom in the Philippines, particularly in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and surrounding areas (see Advisory). Kidnappings have occurred throughout the country, and some cases have resulted in the death of the victim.

Crime

Both petty crime and violent crime, sometimes involving guns, are a serious concern, especially in urban areas. Avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money, and keep valuables in safekeeping facilities. Criminal gangs are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and have drugged and robbed unsuspecting tourists. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Do not accept transportation from strangers. Bystanders have been hit by stray gunfire during armed robberies and subsequent pursuit of the perpetrators by authorities. Avoid disturbances. Violent incidents may increase around election periods.

Demonstrations

Avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and large gatherings. These events can turn violent without notice. You could face detention and deportation if you attend a demonstration, even as an observer.

Transportation

Avoid travel outside urban areas and tourist centres after dark.

Driving conditions are poor. Roads are crowded and many drivers do not follow safe driving practices. Stay on national highways and paved roads.

Exercise caution when using public transportation, including buses and the light rail system, due to safety and security concerns. Incidents of taxi drivers using threats to extort money from passengers have been reported. Arrange to be met at airports, use hotel transportation or use the taxi booking services in arrival halls. Use officially marked taxis only and do not share them with strangers.

Ferry accidents are not uncommon due to overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Emergency services

Dial 117.

Health

Related Travel Health Notices

Dengue Fever: Global Update - February 5, 2014 15:35
Measles: Global Update - January 28, 2014 19:56
Typhoon Haiyan (“Yolanda”) in the Philippines - January 28, 2014 19:56

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending time outdoors in rural areas) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.

Measles

Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.

Rabies

Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Risk	There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement^*	Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation	Vaccination is not recommended. Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care provider.

Food/Water

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Southeast Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southeast Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes (tiny worms) spread to humans through contaminated water. The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in contaminated water. There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insects

Insects and Illness

In Southeastern Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue bite during the daytime. They breed in standing water and are often found in urban areas.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for dengue fever.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.
Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened, air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in Southeastern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good medical care is available in major cities. Care is limited in rural and more remote areas and islands. Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees at the time of admission and may require that progress payments be made during hospitalization.

Decompression chambers are located in Manila, Cebu, Batangas, Subic and Palawan.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention page for more information.

Laws

Attending any protest, demonstration or political rally may lead to detention and deportation.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can face life imprisonment for certain drug-related crimes.

A lifetime sentence is also often imposed for rape.

Conviction for "swindling" or "bad debts" can result in sentences of up to 20 years.

Penalties for pedophile activity are strict. Under Philippine law, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18. Locals with children may befriend single male tourists and then accuse them of child abuse in order to extort money from them.

Foreigners are required to carry identification. A photocopy of the identification page of your passport is acceptable.

An International Driving Permit is recommended. However, apply for a local driving permit if you wish to remain in the Philippines for a lengthy period.

You may travel with over-the-counter medicines, but only in quantities sufficient for the duration of your stay. Bring a letter from your physician if you are carrying prescription drugs, stating the dosage and the condition for which you are receiving treatment. If you are travelling onward to another country, a separate quantity of prescription drugs should be sealed and declared again before departing the Philippines.

Money

The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in major establishments. Credit card and bank card fraud is common. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques can sometimes be exchanged in certain banks and hotels. Verify with the issuing authority in Canada before purchasing them for use in the Philippines. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are available in larger cities.

Climate

Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Super Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) hit the central Philippines on November 8, 2013, causing severe damage in Leyte Province, Eastern Samar Province, Northern Samar Province, Samar Province, the northern portion of Cebu Province, and parts of Panay Island (including Northern Iloilo and Capiz). Transportation routes, medical services, electricity, telecommunications and sanitation systems, as well as water, food and fuel supplies have been heavily impacted in some areas.

A state of national calamity has been declared by Philippine authorities, as the storm caused thousands of deaths and injuries, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Damage to infrastructure is widespread and some regions remain inaccessible.

Although power and telecommunications have been re-established in many areas, it may take considerable time to be restored in all affected regions. You can obtain situational reports and other useful information from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

All commercial airports in the affected regions are operational; however Tacloban airport operations remain limited. If you choose to remain in or travel to affected areas, you should prepare to be self-sufficient and follow the advice of local authorities.

Typhoon and monsoon season

The typhoon and monsoon season extends from May to December, but storms can occur throughout the year. The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons per year, usually between June and November. These storms can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and can hamper the provision of essential services. Heavy winds and rains make flash-flooding and landslides a significant threat. Telecommunications and transportation (air, sea and land) can also be affected. Avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Flooding is frequent following heavy rains, even in central Manila. Be careful when moving around cities during extreme weather conditions as roads can quickly become flooded and impassable.

For local weather forecasts, consult the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH). Consult our Typhoons and monsoons page for more information.

Seismic and volcanic activity

The Philippines is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

An earthquake of 7.2 on the Richter scale struck near Carmen, Bohol (Central Visayas) on October 15, 2013, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life. The provinces of Cebu and Bohol have been declared ‘states of calamity’. Transportation routes and telecommunications services may be affected. Monitor local news, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in public and private buildings, and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an earthquake. The Government of Canada provides helpful tips on what to do during an earthquake.

There are a number of active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued, avoid restricted areas and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an eruption. Consult the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for current information on earthquakes and volcanoes.

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Philippines

Hotels Find a place to stay here

The Heritage Hotel Manila

Remington Hotel

Quest Hotel & Conference Center - Cebu

Red Planet Ermita

Dusit Thani Manila

Red Planet Makati

Mandarin Plaza Hotel

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

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