PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

BASIC FACTS & STATISTICS

Official Name: Republic of the Philippines
Local Official Name: Pilipinas
Capital: Manila
Time Zone: GMT plus 8 hours

When it is midday, 12:00, in Manila, it is…..

23:00 in New York City, the night before.

20:00 in Los Angeles, the night before.

04:00 in London.

14:00 in Sydney.

13:00 in Tokyo.

The same time in Beijing.

11:00 in Bangkok

LanguagesTwo official languages - Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used in business, government, schools, legal transactions and everyday communication.

Major Dialects

Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Pampango, Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray and Pangasinense

Independence: 1898 July 12 (from Spain)

Total Land Area: 300,000 sq km

Comparative Area of Philippines: slightly larger than Arizon

Population: 92,681,453 (2008 estimate)

Population Density

311 persons per sq km (2008 estimate)

805 persons per sq mi (2008 estimate)

Total number of islands: 7,107

Islands with names: 3,144

Coastline

With its numerous islands, the Philippines has a total coastline of about 36,289 km (22,549 mi). The coastline is irregular, with numerous bays, gulfs, and inlets. Manila Bay, with its superb naturally sheltered harbor, is the most commercially important. Also significant is the wide, unsheltered Davao Gulf of southeastern Mindanao.

Largest cities, with population

Quezon City 2,390,688 (2005 estimate)

Manila 1,673,000 (2000) Caloocan 1,499,069 (2008 estimate)

Davao 1,400,000 (2007 estimate)

Cebu 662,000 (2000)

Principal cities

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the country’s chief port, main commercial and cultural center, and largest city. Other important cities include Quezon City, which is part of the Manila metropolitan area, and served as the country’s capital from 1948 to 1976; Davao, a provincial capital and a seaport; Cebu, a seaport and the trade center for a farming and coal-mining region; and Zamboanga, also a seaport.

Port and Harbors

Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iligan, Iloilo, Manila, Surigao, Zamboanga

Ethnic Groups

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3%

Primary Religion: Roman Catholic

Other Religions: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1%

Education

Philippine education is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. Schools are classified into public (government) or private (non-government).

Classes in Philippine schools start in June and end in March. Colleges and universities follow the semestral calendar from June-October and November-March.

Life Expectancy

Female 73.8 years (2008 estimate)

Male 67.9 years (2008 estimate)

Literacy Rate

Total: 96.3 percent (2005 estimates)

Female 96.2 percent (2005 estimate)

Male 96.3 percent (2005 estimate)

Form of Government

The Philippines is a republic with a presidential form of government, which has three co-equal branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The Executive branch headed by the President and elected by direct popular votes and serve for a term of six years. The President appoints his Cabinet to help him administer the functions of the government. The Cabinet is made up of various departments with specific functions and headed by secretaries. The Legislative branch, which has the primary responsibility for enacting laws, consists of the Upper House (the Senate) and the Lower House (the House of Representatives). The Senate President is the head of the Upper House; while the Lower House is led by the Speaker. The Judiciary branch consists of the systems of courts, with the Supreme Court as the highest and headed by the Chief Justice.

Characteristics of the Philippine Government

The Philippines has a democratic form of government. This means that the people’s will is sovereign. Officials are elected by the people to run the government.

Head of State: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (2001- present)

Administrative Division

79 provinces

117 cities

1530 municipalities

41,945 barangays

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL FLAG

Description:
The flag of the Philippines consists of two horizontal stripes and a white horizontal triangle on the left side of the flag facing the middle. The top stripe is blue and the bottom is red. In each corner of the triangle is a five pointed gold/yellow star. In the center of the triangle there is a large gold/yellow sun.

Philippine Flag Meaning:
The blue stripe symbolizes patriotism and justice. The red represents valor and the blood spilt for freedom and independence and the white stands for peace and purity. The white triangle represents equality and the Katipunan nationalist organization. The three stars represent the three main geographical regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The sun represents independence and its eight rays represent the eight provinces that led the Philippine uprising against Spanish rule.

Philippine Flag History:
The flag was originally adopted in 1898 after the Philippines gained independence from Spain but it was banned in 1907 after the USA took control of the country. Public pressure saw the ban lifted in 1920. Japan invaded the Philippines in 1942 and the flag was again banned until 1943. The USA regained control of the islands in 1945 and granted the Philippines independence on July 4, 1946. The flag underwent minor alterations in 1997. The Philippine flag was first designed by General Aguinaldo in 1897 during his exile in Hong Kong.

Interesting Philippine Flag Facts:
The national flag of the Philippines is also the country's war ensign, when the Philippines are at war it is flown upside down, with the red stripe on top of the blue.

Economy

GDP Gross Domestic Product - 126 billion U.S. dollars (2008)

GDP per capita - 1380 U.S. dollars (2008)

Agricultural Products

Corn, mangoes, tobacco, rubber, coffee, abaca (Manila Hemp) coconuts and copra, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples and livestocks. Coconuts are the most important export crop, accounting for 23% of world production. Copra production, in which the Philippines leads the world, produced 2.3 million metric tons in 2007.

Forestry

Forestry industries remain viable because their products are based on more easily renewable sources than hardwood, such as bamboo, rattan, and the ceiba (kapok) tree. Bamboo and rattan are used in making furniture, baskets, floor mats, and other household goods. The ceiba tree, also known as the silk-cotton tree, is cultivated and harvested for its fiber, which is used in the manufacture of finished goods such as insulation and upholstery.

Fishing

Fishing is an important industry in the Philippines. The average annual fish catch exceeds 2 million metric tons. The surrounding and inland seas of the Philippines yield crab, sardines, anchovies, tuna, scad, and mackerel. Shrimp, milkfish, and tilapia are raised in artificially created fishponds, in the fish-farming industry known as aquaculture.

Natural Resources

The Philippines has extensive deposits of valuable metallic and mineral ores, including copper, gold, silver, chromium, lead, cobalt and nickel. Timber and petroleum are also on the list. Copper is the country’s leading mineral product. In 2004 the Philippines produced 6,000 metric tons of copper. The country has resources of

Manufacturing

Nondurable goods such as processed food, textiles, and tobacco products make up the largest percentage of manufacturing output. Other major products include refined petroleum, chemicals, construction materials, and clothing. The Philippines has increased its production of durable items, especially electrical and electronic equipment and components, nonelectrical machinery, transport equipment, and furniture. The manufacture of electronic items, especially computer components such as microchips and circuit boards, increased substantially in the 1990s.

Foreign Trade

The leading imports are petroleum, machinery, transportation equipment, metals, chemicals, foodstuffs, and textiles.

The principal exports electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, coconut products, fish.

Import Partners

US 19.2%, Japan 17%, Singapore 7.9%, Taiwan 7.5%, China 6.3%, South Korea 4.8%, Saudi Arabia 4.6%, Hong Kong 4.1%

Export Partners

US 18%, Japan 17.5%, China 9.9%, Netherlands 9.8%, Hong Kong 8.1%, Singapore 6.6%, Malaysia 6%, Taiwan 4.6%

HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE

Prehistoric Times

It was believed that the early Filipinos came from “waves of migration”- Negritos, Indonesians and Malay. The Negritos or Aeta are believed to have migrated to the Philippines some 25,000 years ago from Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaya during the last glacial period. They are Australo-Melanesian people with dark skin and tight, curly brown hair. They are also distinctively small and short stature. They were once widespread throughout the Philippines but are now found only in the remote highland areas of Luzon, Palawan, Panay, Negros and Mindanao. Indonesians were the first immigrants to come by sea to the Philippines some 5,000 years ago. Today the Indonesian minority tribes are found in some interior parts of the country. They are the Apayaos, Ibanags,andf Kalingas of Northern Luzon; The Tagbanuas of Palawan; and the Bagobos, Manobos and Subanuns of Mindanao.

The Malayans followed in successive waves after the Indonesians about 2,000 years ago. This people belonged to a primitive epoch of Malayan culture, which has apparently survived to this day among certain groups such as the Igorots. The Malayan tribes that came later had more highly developed material cultures.

The migration of some Indonesians and Malay settlers to the Philippines contributed greatly to the development of Filipino Culture. The Malays who arrived in the country in ancient boats called balangays. The Malays brought with them a social life based on family and kinship. The basic unit of settlement was the barangay and ruled by a Datu.

EARLY TRADE RELATIONS

Early Relations with India

Hindus from Asian mainland and nearby islands came to the Philippines as early as 900 A.D. Even though Hindus came to the Philippines, they never conquered the country, this is because the Hindu visitor to the Philippines came peacefully, and they were traders or foreign immigrants. Traces of Hindu culture are found in our religion, jobs, writing, language, custom and race.

Early Relations with China

The trading between China and the Philippines have started during the early T’ang period (A.D. 618-906).The system of trade between the Chinese and Filipinos is called barter. Like the Hindus, the early Chinese came to the Philippines to buy and sell only. In the 10^th century A.D. more and more Chinese began settling in the country. Soon intermarriages took place between the early Filipinos and the Chinese traders. Among Asians, the Chinese exerted the widest influence over the Filipinos, influencing not only our economic activities but also our language, food, manner of dressing and values.

Early Relations with Arabia

Through trading, the Arabs brought the spread of Islam in Sulu Archipelago. In 1380, the first Arab visitor named Mukdum came to Sulu from Mecca, Saudia Arabia. He spread Islam, the Muslim religion and built the first mosque at Simunul, Sulu. In 1450, another Arab missionary named Abu Bakr went to Jolo, married the princess of Jolo and founded the sultanate of Sulu. In 1475, an Arab trader named Kabungsuwan landed at Cotabato and conquered that valley. He also married the local princess and founded the sultanate of Maguindanao. From Mindanao, the religion of Islam spread to other places in the Visayas and Luzon. If the Spaniards had not come and spread Christianity, the Philippines would have become a Muslim country. However, the Spaniards did not succeed in completely removing the sultanates in Sulu, Cotabato and Lanao. The Muslim communities fought the Spaniards.

Early Relations with Japanese

In the 13^th century, there was already a flourishing trade between the Filipinos and Japanese. This resulted in the Japanese making some important contributions to Filipino culture, particularly on the economic aspects. Duck and fish breeding are now considered as the most important Japanese influence on Filipinos.

THE COLONIAL ERA

“The age of exploration and Colonization began in the 15^th century when the Europeans began to explore and conquer new lands. European believed that the power of any country depended on how much wealth it had gathered and how many colonies it had conquered. The European monarchs thought that the fastest way to acquire power and wealth was through trade and colonization.”

SPANISH COLONIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The west “discovered” the Philippines on March 16, 1521, when the Portuguese navigator and explorer Ferdinand Magellan headed the first Spanish expedition to the Philippines. They sighted the island of Homonhon, part of what is now Samar. He was welcomed by two Rajahs, Kolambu and Siagu. He named the islands the Archipelago of San Lazaro, erected a cross and claimed the lands for Spain. Friendship developed between the Rajas and a blood compact was entered into by Magellan and Rajah Kolambu. On March 31, 1521, the first Christian mass on Philippine soil was conducted at Limasawa.

A short time later he met an untimely death on the nearby island of Mactan. In a battle between Spanish soldiers and Lapu-Lapu's (Datu of Mactan Island) warriors, Magellan was killed on April 27, 1521.

Four more expeditions followed between 1525 and 1542. The commander of the fourth expedition, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, named the islands “Felipinas” in honor of Prince Philip heir to the Spanish throne (Philip II 1556-1598).

The Philippines was not formally organized as a Spanish colony until 1565 when King Philip II appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Governor-General. Legazpi, who established the first permanent Spanish settlement, in Cebu, in 1565 and later selected Manila for the capital of the colony in 1571 because of its fine natural harbour and the rich lands surrounding the city.

Spanish colonization moves were in full swing at the end of the 16^th century. Captain Juan de Salcedo conquered the province in the island of Luzon one by one, from Manila then northward to Ilocos and down to Bicol. He also led the forces that stopped the invasion of Manila by a Chinese pirate Lim ah Hong.

For over 333 years, the Philippines was a crown colony of Spain. The foremost aim of Spanish colonization was to spread Christianity. This was attested by the last will and testament of Queen Isabella, by the Catholic spirit of the laws of the Indies, by the apostolic labors and achievements of missionaries and by the actual result of Spain's more than 300 years of colonial work. Thus, Christianity was the greatest legacy of Spain.

The second aim of the Spanish colonizers was economic wealth. This aim rose from the keen struggle among European nations to control the right spice trade in the orient. Magellan and other navigators blazed their ways across the pacific to secure spices and oriental wares for the Spanish crown.

The third aim of Spanish colonization was political grandeur, by acquiring the Philippines, Spain emerged as a mighty empire whose frontier comprised both hemisphere.

The colonizing of the Philippines for Spain is carried out as much by Roman Catholic friars as by any state administration. Spanish rule has a lasting effects on Philippine society; the near universal conversion of the population to Roman Catholicism. Although under the direct order of Philip II that the conversion of the Philippines to Christianity was not to be accomplished by force, the monastic orders of the Augustinians, Dominicans, Franciscans, Recollects and Jesuits set to their missionary duties with purpose. Unable to extirpate the indigenous pagan beliefs by coercion and fear, Philippine Catholicism incorporates a deep substrate of native customs and ritual. But the Muslims of Mindanao and Sulu, whom the Spanish called Moros, were never completely subdued by Spain.

The Spanish hold on the Philippines first began to weaken in 1762 when the British briefly captured Manila during the Seven Years' War. In support of the British invasion, the long persecuted Chinese merchant community rose in revolt against the Spanish authority. The Treaty of Paris returned Manila to Spain at the end of the War but with increasing diversion of the China trade to Britain and, even more importantly, with an irretrievable loss of prestige and respect in the eyes of its Filipino subjects.

The Struggle of Filipinos for Independence

“The Philippine Revolution began in 1896 and ended in 1901. At first, it was a war of independence against Spain. Later, it turned into war of independence against the United States, because the American imperialist replaced the Spaniards.”

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cut travel time to Spain. Traveling to other countries exposed Filipinos of modern ideas of liberty. This prompted the rise of the ilustrados, an enlightened Filipino upper class, since many young Filipinos were able to study in Europe.

Enlightened by the Propaganda Movement to the injustices of the Spanish colonial government and the "frailocracy", the ilustrados originally clamored for adequate representation to the Spanish Cortes and later for independence. José Rizal, the most celebrated intellectual and radical illustrado of the era, wrote the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which greatly inspired the movement for independence.

It became clear to the Filipinos that the peaceful campaign for reforms would not materialize. Although some reforms had been granted they were minor one. The abuses and injustices of the colonial leaders left the Filipinos with no alternative but to stage a different campaign - armed revolution and finally political separation from Spain. This campaign began when Bonifacio left La Liga Filipina and activated his secret revolutionary organizatio, the Kapitunan, a secret society whose primary purpose was that of overthrowing Spanish rule in the Philippines, was founded by Andrés Bonifacio who became its Supremo (leader).

The Philippine Revolution began in 1896. Rizal was arrested and imprisoned; he was implicated in the outbreak of the revolution and executed for treason in 1896. With the news of the discovery of the Katipunan, Bonifacio, Jacinto and the other top katipunan leaders escaped to the hills of Balintawak, north of Manila. A mass meeting of Katipuneros was conducted at the vicinity of the house of the son Melchora Aquino in Pugad Lawin in Balintawak. The final plan for revolution was discussed.

After heated arguments the Katipuneros who were in the meeting decided to begin the revolution. Bonifacio and the Katipuneros took out their cedula (certificates) as the symbol of the Filipino vassalage to Spain, and tore them to pieces at the same time shouting " Long Live the Philippines ! Long Live Katipunan ! “this event recorded in history as the Cry of Pugaw Lawin or the Cry of Balinatawak.

Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo, but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched.

THE PHILIPPINES UNDER AMERICAN REGIME

“Freedom was almost achieved by the Filipinos at the end of the 19^th century. Success was almost at hand in breaking up the long chain of colonization. However, it was never expected that the Philippines would be placed yet again under another foreign rule. Before the dawn of the 20^th century, The United states proved to be a strong force that would continue colonialism in the country.”

The Spanish-American war which started in Cuba, changed the history of the Philippines. On May 1, 1898, the Americans led by U.S. Navy Admiral George Dewey, attacked the Spanish Navy in Manila Bay, in participation of Emilio Aguinaldo who was urged by Admiral Dewey to return to the Philippines and once more lead the Filipinos in their fight for independence from the Spaniards, this time with the help of the United States. The Spaniards faced with defeat, the Philippines was ceded to the United States by Spain in 1898 after a payment of US$ 20 million to Spain in accordance with the "Treaty of Paris" ending the Spanish-American War.

Philippine- American War

“Many Filipinos expected that the United States will help in the fight for freedom. Unfortunately, the United States had a different aim. They also occupied the Philippines.”

On June 12, 1898, Filipinos led by Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence. This declaration was opposed by the U.S. who had plans of taking over the colony. In defiance of the United States, Aguinaldo established the First Philippine republic in 1899.

Armed confrontation between Filipino and American troops started on the night of February 4, 1899, after an American sentry on patrol shot and killed a Filipino soldier crossing the San Juan Bridge, in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Despite Aguinaldo’s attempt to evade a full-scale war, the Americans went ahead with the hostilities. Aguinaldo had no other recourse but to declare war against the Americans. Defeated on the battlefield, the Filipinos turned to guerrilla warfare. On March 23, 1901, Aguinaldo was captured at Palanan, Isabela and declared allegiance to the United States.

The American Colonial Government

Civil government was established by the Americans in 1901, with William Howard Taft as the first American Governor-General of the Philippines. English was declared the official language, The Americans brought over their educational system. Public education was established. Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas. Some measures of Filipino self-rule were allowed. Democracy is American’s claim as its greatest legacy to the Filipino people.

The U.S. passed the Jones Law in 1916 establishing an elected Filipino legislature with a House of representatives & Senate. In 1934, the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed by the U.S. Congress, In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country and promised Philippine independence by 1946.The law also provided for the position of President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. On the May 14, 1935 elections, Manuel L. Quezon won the position of President of the Philippine Commonwealth. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation.

WORLD WAR II AND THE JAPANESE INVASION

War came unexpectedly to the Philippines, on December 8, 1941, Japan made a sneak attack on the Philippines, a few hours after attacking the Pearl harbor, the air and naval base of the United States in the Pacific. Japanese troops attacked the islands in many places and launched a pincer drive on Manila. Aerial bombardment was followed by landings of ground troops in Luzon. The defending Philippine and United States troops were under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.

While the forces of Gen. Douglas MacArthur retreated to Bataan, the Commonwealth government of President Quezon moved to Corregidor Island. Manila was declared an open city to prevent further destruction. After the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 and Corregidor, In March 1942, MacArthur & Quezon fled the country and by invitation of President Roosevelt, the Commonwealth government went into exile to Washington D.C. American and Filipino forces surrendered in May 6, 1942.

Japan’s efforts to win Filipino loyalty found expression in the establishment (Oct. 14, 1943) of a “Philippine Republic,” with José P. Laurel, former Supreme Court justice, as president. But the people suffered greatly from Japanese brutality, and the puppet government added little support. Meanwhile, President Quezon, who had escaped with other high officials before the country fell, set up a government-in-exile in Washington. When he died (Aug., 1944),

In October 1944, Gen. MacArthur with President Sergio Osmeña (who assumed the presidency after Quezon died on August 1, 1944 in exile in Saranac Lake, New York) returned and liberated the Philippines from the Japanese.

Independent Philippines and the Third Republic

In April 1946, elections were held. Despite the fact that the Democratic Alliance won the election, they were not allowed to take their seats under the pretext that force had been used to manipulate the elections. The United States withdrew its sovereignty over the Philippines on July 4, 1946, as scheduled.

Manuel Roxas (Liberal Party), having been inaugurated as President as scheduled, on July 4, 1946 before the granting of independence, strengthened political and economic ties with the United States in the controversial Philippine-US Trade Act, In Mar., 1947, the Philippines and the United States signed a military assistance pact (since renewed) which allowed the US to participate equally in the exploitation of the country's natural resources—and rented sites for 23 military bases to the US for 99 years (a later agreement reduced the period to 25 years beginning 1967). These bases would later be used to launch operations in the areas of Korea, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE MODERN PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

In 1965, Diosdado Macapagal ran for reelection but was defeated by former party-mate, Senate President Ferdinand E. Marcos

In 1972 Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law in response to an alleged 'Communist rebellion' and assumes near-dictatorial powers. (September 21).

In 1978, The first formal elections since 1969 for an interim Batasang Pambansa (National Assembly) were held in order to settle the Catholic Church before the visit of Pope John Paul II.

In 1981, Marcos officially lifted the Martial Law after 8 years, However, he retained much of the government's power for arrest and detention.

In 1983 Former Philippine senator & opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr., was assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon his return to the Philippines after a long period of exile, by an unknown gunman who is himself immediately shot dead.

In 1982-85, assassination of “Ninoy Aquino” encouraged a new and more powerful wave of anti-Marcos dissent. This amalgamated popular dissatisfaction with Marcos and began a succession of events, including pressure from the United States that ended in a snap presidential election

In 1986,( February) snap presidential election was held, both Marcos and his opponent, Corazon Aquino (the widow of Benigno), declared themselves the winner, and charges of massive fraud and violence were leveled against the Marcos faction.

People Power was held, Marcos’s domestic and international support battered and he fled the country on Feb. 25, 1986, finally obtaining refuge in the United States.

A peaceful civilian-military uprising forced Marcos into exile and installed Corazon Aquino as president on 25 February 1986.

1986-1992 Corazon Aquino's statement into power marked the restoration of democracy in the country. She immediately formed a government to normalize the situation, and provided for a transitional constitution.

In 1991, The Philippine Senate discarded a treaty that would have allowed a 10-yearxtension of the U.S. military bases in the country. The United States turned over Clark Air Base in Pampanga to the government in November, and Subic Bay Naval Base in Zambales in December 1992, ending almost a century of U.S. military presence in the Philippines.

Mount Pinatubo on Luzon in the Philippines erupts in beginning of June, caking fields, roads, and vehicles with talc-like gray ash, closing airports, and forcing evacuation of 20,000 Americans from Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Station.

In the 1992 elections, Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos (Lakas-NUCD), authorized by Aquino, won the presidency with just 23.6% of the vote in a field of seven candidates. He immediately launched an economic revitalization plan premised on three policies: government deregulation, increased private investment, and political solutions to the continuing insurgencies within the country. His political program was somewhat successful, opening dialogues with the Marxist and Muslim guerillas.

In 1998 election, Vice President Joseph Estrada, a former movie actor, was elected to the presidency with a landslide victory. Pledging to help the poor and develop the agricultural sector. Under the cloud of the Asian financial crisis which began in 1997, Estrada's wayward governance took a heavy toll on the economy. Unemployment worsened, the budget deficit grew, the currency fell. Eventually, the economy recovered but at a much slower pace than its Asian neighbors.

In 2000, Estrada Legislature impeaches Estrada on corruption charges. Public outrage over corruption allegations forces Estrada to step down.

In 2001 January, the Supreme Court declared the presidency vacant and swore in Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the country's fourteenth President.

In 2004, Arroyo was elected to a full six-year term

PHILIPPINE GENERAL INFORMATION

Location

Geographically, the Philippines is a part of Southeast Asia. It is situated between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. The country is bounded on the north by the Bashi Channel, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Celebes Sea and on the west by the South China Sea.

Vicinally speaking, the Philippines is located 965 kilometers from the southeast coast of mainland Asia. Countries north of the Philippines are Taiwan, China and Japan. In the west, its neighboring countries are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. In the south, its nearest neighbors are Brunei and Indonesia.

Climate

The Philippines, being a tropical destination, has two pronounced season—dry and wet. Therefore, Filipinos generally have no concept of spring or autumn.

March, April and May are the hottest months. It is always humid, but reduces with altitude.

December, January and February are the coolest months. It can get quite cold at night in the mountains - under 10 degrees in January - so pack a light jacket.

The typhoon season is June to November, but occasionally typhoons occur outside of the typhoon season.

Near sea level, the temperature is somewhere between warm and very hot, 365 days a year, day and night.

Climate Map of the Philippines

It is dry from November to April and rainy in October in the provinces of Negros, Palawan and Mindoro. This is also the climate of the provinces in the western part of Luzon.

No dry season and with the heaviest rainfalls from November to January in the provinces of Catanduanes and Sorsogon.

The provinces of Cebu, Negros and Romblon do not experience very hot to very rainy seasons in such places the changing of season is not regular although, most of the time the weather is dry from November to April.

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in places like Batanes and Marinduque.

Electricity

Most residents and business centers in the Philippines are using 220 volts a/c. However, a number of major hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets.

Communication Facilities

Philippine communications are highly advanced with fixed landline telephone service with high-speed DSL internet access packaged into the service, 3G mobile phone service of SMS text messaging, internet access, streaming video and TV. Wireless communication and mobile phone companies are growing at high rates with the new technologies.

All cities and most towns are equipped to handle communication requirements of travelers from postal office to newspapers, cable TV’s down to WI FI internet cafes. Travelers would find themselves knowing every details of global news even away from home.

Telephone: country code 63

Mobile Phone

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. If you are visiting the Philippines, it is wise to check your mobile carrier to see if they offer international roaming for your plan. But why would you use your roaming services when it will cost you too much when you can avail inexpensive services while you are in the Philippines. All you need is a GSM unlocked 900/1800 mobile phone and buy a Pre-paid SIM cards of these networks- GLOBE or SMART. Pre-paid SIM cards are easy to acquire and cost as low as P50 (approximately US $1) and provide a cheap alternative to (usually) expensive roaming charges on home networks.

If your unit is locked to your home service provider, cell phone repair shops in various malls have ways of unlocking. If you don't have a phone to begin with, Nokia the most popular cell phone in the country offers lots of affordable cell phones. The cheapest unit cost 3,000 pesos (around US $60)

SMS Simple Text Messaging

Philippines is usually tagged as the "SMS capital of the world". This is because ever since the advent of SMS, it has been a vital part of the Filipino lifestyle. Text messages sent locally cost as low as 1.00 peso (around 1 US cent) but sending SMS overseas cost 10-15 pesos per SMS, is way too affordable for foreigners alike.

Inexpensive Mobile Calls

Mobile call and messaging rates are very low compared with other countries, The usual cost of an international long-distance call to the United States, Europe, Australia and other major countries is 40 US cents per minute (approximately 20 pesos). National calls range from 6.50-8.00 pesos (approximately 13-16 US cents) per minute. Both Globe Telecom and Smart Communication often have promotions with discounted call rates to selected countries. You just need to ask the dealers.

Reloading pre-paid SIMs

Reloading pre-paid SIMs is a breeze. Electronic Load (E-Load) stations are sprouting like mushrooms, they 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. You can purchase pre-paid cards which are available in denominations of 300 and 500 pesos (approximately US$7 and 12 respectively).

Mobile E-mail

There is also a better way how to send email using your mobile phone just have it activated (make sure your phone is capable) Mobile email can cost from 10-15 pesos. Mobile internet browsing rate is 5.00 pesos (around 10 US cents) for 15 minutes for Globe Telecom and 10 pesos (around 20 US cents) for 30 minutes for Smart telecom.

Internet Service

Accessing internet service poses no problem in the Philippines, Internet Cafes are scattered and growing at a rapid pace within the entire Philippine Archipelago due to good telephone system within the three areas, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. Internet cafes are plentiful especially in the cities and around the tourist belt. Quality and cost varies tremendously. Services are also available at Philippine hotels. Internet services offered by hotels and shopping malls are little expensive but neighborhood cafes can be as cheap as P15/hour (approximately US$0.35).

Wifi Internet Access

Paid and Free Wifi or wireless internet access is now becoming widely available in coffee shops, resturants, hotels, and shopping malls in the metro areas. Many estalishments offer free Wifi service in exchange for your patronage. Wireless internet access where there are no wifi hotspots is available from Globe Telecom or Smart Communications service consisting of a USB connected adapter connected to your notebook laptop computer with either post-paid or pre-paid plans.

Telex and Fax

Most hotels in the Philippines will offer complete telex, telegraph and facsimile ("fax") services as well as numerous private businesses.

Mail & Package Services

Postal services

Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) is the ultimate agency handling the mailing system of the Philippines. It caters to both local and international mail and other special service. Postal Service in the Philippines is reliable and efficient. We have more than 2,000 Post Offices, Distribution Centers and Mailing Outlets located all over the country.

The Manila Central Office in Liwasang Bonifacio in Lawton Manila opens from 9am-5pm. For sending goods and other merchandize through the mail within the Philippines and to other countries, you can use our Philpost-Pak packaging materials. Philpost-Pak packaging materials are guaranteed to protect your items from bumps while in transit, and available at the following sizes at very affordable prices.

International Courier Services

There are several reputable international couriers in the Philippines like FED-EX, DHL, JRS Express, Johnny Air Cargo, UPS and Air 21. These couriers are always nearby, providing convenient drop-off locations that will save your time and money. You can find drop-offs of any of these couriers around Manila and in the provinces, you can even spot them inside the big shopping malls in Metro Manila. Here are some of the addresses of these couriers on some tourist areas

DHL Worldwide Express

Customer Service Hotline:

(+63 2)-811-7000

Website: www.dhl.com.ph/

MAKATI CITY

Makati Service Centre (MKT)
DHL House,
2306 Chino Roces
Avenue,(Pasong Tamo Extension),
Kayamanan C, Makati City, 1231

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 05:00-22:00
Sat 08:00-15:00, Sun Closed
Holidays 08:00-15:00

MANILA

Manila Old Town Service Centre(MOT)

DHL Express
2009 Quirino Avenue
Pandacan, Manila, 1011

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 05:00-18:00
Sat 06:00-15:00, Sun Closed
Holidays 06:00-15:00

PASAY CITY

South Service Centre (STH)
R-5 Maintenance Base Complex
Andrews Ave., NAIA Complex
Pasay City
1300

Opening hours
Mon-Fri 05:00-20:00
Sat 06:00-15:00, Sun Closed
Holidays 06:00-15:00

CEBU CITY

Cebu-Mactan Service Centre
G/F CHI/Rapid Air Freight Bldg.,
Airport Road, MCIAA Complex,
Mactan
Cebu City
6015

Tel: 1-800-1888 0345
Tel: 63-32-341 7400 / 4927900 - International

Opening hours

Mon-Fri 07:30-20:00

Sat 09:00-16:00, Sun Closed

Holidays 09:00-16:00

JRS EXPRESS

Head office:

#19 Brixton St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Trunk line: 631-7351 to 56 / Fax No.: 631-7356

Website: http://www.jrs-express.com/

MABINI, MANILA

#1578 A. Mabini St., corner R. Salas St., Ermita, Manila

Tel # 524-8562 / 4501547

STAR MALL

G/F Starmall Bldg. EDSA corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City

Tel # 725-15-53

ROBINSON'S GALLERIA – EDSA ORTIGAS

Park Avenue, 106 Robinsons Galleria

EDSA Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City

Tel # 636-10-90/638-42-35/ 634-40-14

SALCEDO, MAKATI CITY

G/F Kalayaan Bldg.

Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

Tel # 817-77-14/819-51-95/ 893-9748

UPS (UNITED PARCEL SERVICE)

Head Office: 888 Delbros Avenue
Pascor Drive, Barrio Sto. Nino
Paranaque City,Metro Manila 1704
Tel.: 63-2-512-1355

Chino Roces, Makati City

1182 Chino Roces Avenue corner Bagtikan St.

San Antonio Village

Makati City 1203

Tel.: (+63 2) 890-7485

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 18:00 hour

Ermita, Manila

476 U.N. Avenue, Ermita,

Manila 1000

Tel.: (+63 2) 521-9543

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00 hour

Salcedo, Makati City

Ground Floor, Island Plaza Building

105 Leviste St., Salcedo Village

Makati City 1203

Tel.:(+ 63 2) 893-6655

Monday - Saturday: 08:30 - 18:00 hour

Customer Service Hotline
Tel.: (+63 2) 853-3333 / (+63 2)-512-1350
Fax: (+63 2) 512-1369 / (63 2) 512-1354
Domestic Toll-free Number: 1-800-10-742-5877
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00

UPS CEBU
G/F, Grand Arcade Building
A.C. Cortes Avenue
Mandaue City, Cebu 6014

Tel.: (+63 32) 345-3508
Fax:: (63 32) 345-3501
Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00

AIR 21

Metro Manila Office
Cargohaus Building
Old MIA Road, Barangay Vitalez
Parañaque City 1700

Cebu Office
U-Freight Building
Mactan International Airport Cargo Complex
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu 6000

Customer Service Hotline
Metro Manila: (+63 2)854.2100
Clark: (+63 45) 599-2800
Subic: (+63 47) 252-7575
Cebu: (+63 32) 341-2121

Website: http://www.air21.com.ph/

FEDERAL EXPRESS ( FED EX)

http://www.fedex.com/ph/
phone: (63-2) 855-84-84 (Manila)
(63-32) 495-84-84 (Cebu)
Fax: (63-2) 854-02-36

Manila

858 San andres St.

Malate Estrella Condominium cor.

Quirino Ave., Manila

Manila - Robinson's Place Manila

Level 3, Robinsons Place Adriatico St.

Ermita Manila 100

Subic

Bldg., 8131 Palm St.

Argonaut Highway CUBI Point

SubicBay Freeport Zone

Olongapo

Clark

7550 A Bonifacio

Cargohaus Bldg., CSEZ

Clarkfield Pampanga

Cebu

2nd Floor

U-Freight Building

Mactan International Airport, Cargo Complex

Lapu-lapu City 6016

To find more FED EX Location visit:

http://fedex.com/ph/dropoff/

Press and Media Publication

THE NEWSPAPER

The Philippines have Freedom of the Press, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide range of magazines printed in English including Newsweek, Asiaweek, Time, and Reader’s Digest. The International Herald Tribune, USA Today and, Asian Wall Street Journal is also available in Metro Manila and some highly urbanized cities along with fashion and other hobby magazines. The newspapers printed in English-language include the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, the Philippine Star, the Manila Times and the Daily Tribune.

TELEVISION

In the Philippines, Cable/ Satellite TV with 100 channels or more is becoming a necessity. So you’ll never miss your favorite news channels like CNN, BBC, Fox and Bloomberg. Local stations also have wide varieties of programming you can choose from. You can see global news at your fingertips.

RADIO

BBC World Service and the Voice of America can be heard. There are FM radio broadcasting around the country with the latest music being aired

Currency

Philippine Peso ( PHP / P ) = 100 centavos.

Notes are in denominations of P1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20

Coins are in denominations of P10, 5, 1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

PHILIPPINE NOTES

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\1000 copy.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\bill_peso_500.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\P200.jpg$

P 1000 P 500 P 200

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\P100.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\P50double.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\20double.jpg$

P 100 P 50 P 20

PHILIPPINE COINS

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\P5.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\P1 fnt.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\25c.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\10c.jpg$ $C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\5c fnt.jpg$

P 10 P 5 P 1 25c 10c 5c

Foreign Exchange

Always use authorized money-changers or banks in Manila. Banks like the Philippine National Bank (PNB) buy and sell foreign currencies against the Philippine Peso, or against some other foreign currency. PNB enjoys good relationships with other banks, which allows them to buy or sell large volumes of currencies at market prices, and provide you top rates for your money. You can do foreign exchange transactions at any PNB branch. Banking hours are from 9.00am to 3.00pm on weekdays.

Currencies Available for Exchange:

Philippine Peso, US Dollar, Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Saudi Riyal, Bahraini Dinar, Danish Krone, Swedish Krona, Brunei Dollar, Indonesian Rupiah, Thailand Baht, Taiwan Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, Chinese Yuan and Korean Won. Rates for converting foreign currency to Philippine Peso or US Dollar and vice versa is readily available. Upon request, we provide rates for converting non-US dollar foreign currency to another non-US dollar foreign currency.

Foreign currency may also be exchanged at your hotel (but charge higher commissions, most large department stores in Metro Manila and money changing shops accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines which normally opens 9am to 6pm. In malls up to 9pm.

Currency Regulations

BRINGING FOREIGN CURRENCY IN OR OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES

Pursuant to BSP Circular No. 308 dated 15 November 2001 as amended by Circular No. 507 dated 19 January 2006 (on foreign currency notes/coins/other monetary instruments) and Section 4 of Central Bank Circular No. 1389 dated 13 April 1993, as amended by BSP Circular No. 98 dated 11 December 1995:

The following shall be strictly observed:

"Any person bringing foreign currency and other foreign exchange-denominated bearer negotiable monetary instruments (including traveler's checks) in or out of the Philippine in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent, must accomplish a Declaration Form which may be obtained from, and after accomplishment submitted to, the Customs Desk in the Arrival or Departure areas. Failure to do so is subject to sanctions."

"Also, bringing in or out of the country of legal tender Philippine notes and coins, check, money order and other bills of exchange drawn in pesos in an amount exceeding PhP10,000 without authorization by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is prohibited."

Credit & Debit Cards and ATMs

Most large malls, restaurants, hotels and Beach Resorts accept major credit cards including, Visa Card, American Express and MasterCard. Traveler’s checks preferably American Express is accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted.

Accessing automated teller machines(ATM)anytime of the day poses no problem as they are ideally sites and most towns nationwide.

Traveler’s Cheques

All banks, major hotels and some authorized money changers accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines accept traveler’s cheques. It is advisable to take travelers cheques in US Dollars to avoid extra exchange rate charges. Make sure you keep the receipt of purchase in order to avoid difficulties.

Business and Banking Hours

Most banks opens from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm without lunch break Monday to Friday. Banco de Oro conducts business till 5:30pm.

Shopping malls and department stores are open from 10am to 9pm, except during midnight sales and some promotional blitz when stores can go past midnight.

There are lots of 24-hour restaurant, fast food chains and convenience stores in the cities, but not much in the provinces.

Government offices opens from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Monday to Friday

Private companies from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Monday to Friday and 8:00 am to 12:00 nn on Saturdays

Commercial establishments from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Sunday.

PHILIPPINE VISA AND FORMALITIES

Passport

All visitors to the country must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period they plan to stay.

VISA

A Philippine Visa is a seal of approval to enter the Philippines. It will be issued by a consular office or at a Philippine Embassy Consulate abroad. Visa serves as request permission from the Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entry.

Tourist or nationals from other countries who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay.

The privilege to be allowed to the Philippines without a visa for 21 days does not apply to those who intend to work, study or engage in business activities, to nationals of countries with which the Philippines maintains no diplomatic ties; to stateless persons; and to nationals of countries which do not extend reciprocal privileges to citizens of the Philippines.

Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay.

Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of twenty-one (21) days or less:

§ Andorra

§ Angola

§ Antigua and Barbuda

§ Argentina

§ Australia

§ Austria

§ Bahamas

§ Bahrain

§ Barbados

§ Belgium

§ Benin

§ Bhutan

§ Bolivia

§ Botswana

§ Brazil*

§ Brunei Darussalam

§ Bulgaria

§ Burkina Faso

§ Burundi

§ Cambodia

§ Cameroon

§ Canada

§ Cape Verde

§ Central African Republic

§ Chad

§ Chile

§ Colombia

§ Comoros

§ Congo

§ Costa Rica

§ Cote d’Ivoire

§ Cyprus

§ Czech Republic

§ Democratic Republic of the Congo

§ Denmark

§ Djibouti

§ Dominica

§ Dominican Republic

§ Ecuador

§ El Salvador

§ Equatorial Guinea

§ Eritrea

§ Estonia

§ Ethiopia

§ Fiji

§ Finland

§ France

§ Gabon

§ Gambia

§ Germany

§ Ghana

§ Gibraltar

§ Greece

§ Grenada

§ Guatemala

§ Guinea

§ Guinea Bissau

§ Guyana

§ Haiti

§ Honduras

§ Hungary

§ Iceland

§ Indonesia

§ Ireland

§ Israel*

§ Italy

§ Jamaica

§ Japan

§ Kenya

§ Kiribati

§ Kuwait

§ Lao People’s Democratic Republic

§ Latvia

§ Lesotho

§ Liberia

§ Liechtenstein

§ Lithuania

§ Luxembourg

§ Madagascar

§ Malawi

§ Malaysia

§ Maldives

§ Mali

§ Malta

§ Marshall Islands

§ Mauritania

§ Mauritius

§ Mexico

§ Micronesia

§ Monaco

§ Mongolia

§ Morocco

§ Mozambique

§ Myanmar

§ Namibia

§ Nepal

§ Netherlands

§ New Zealand

§ Nicaragua

§ Niger

§ Norway

§ Oman

§ Palau

§ Panama

§ Papua New Guinea

§ Paraguay

§ Peru

§ Poland

§ Portugal

§ Qatar

§ Republic of Korea

§ Romania

§ Russia

§ Rwanda

§ Saint Kitts and Nevis

§ Saint Lucia

§ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

§ Samoa

§ San Marino

§ Sao Tome and Principe

§ Saudi Arabia

§ Senegal

§ Seychelles

§ Singapore

§ Slovakia

§ Slovenia

§ Solomon Islands

§ Somalia

§ South Africa

§ Spain

§ Suriname

§ Swaziland

§ Sweden

§ Switzerland

§ Thailand

§ Togo

§ Trinidad and Tobago

§ Tunisia

§ Turkey

§ Tuvalu

§ Uganda

§ United Arab Emirates

§ United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

§ United Republic of Tanzania

§ United States of America

§ Uruguay

§ Venezuela

§ Vietnam

§ Zambia

§ Zimbabwe

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:

Holders of Brazil passports;

Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days:

Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports

Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports

Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao

Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

Foreign Nationals on Board Privately-Owned Yachts or Sailboats

A temporary visitor’s visa is required for foreign nationals who are traveling to the Philippines on board privately-owned yachts and sailboats. When applying the visa, the applicants will be required to provide the following particulars of the yacht/sailboat and its crewmembers:

1. Crewlist;

2. Nationality/Citizenship;

3. Passport details of the crew;

4. Vessel to be used for entry: type, name, registration, call sign, and other

particulars;

5. Estimated date of entry into the Philippine territory;

6. Port/Area of entry (Philippine waters);

7. Estimated period of stay in the Philippines;

8. Character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any); and

9. Purpose of visit

Note:

Upon entry into the Philippines, the crew of the yacht and sailboats are required to register immediately with the nearest Coast Guard Station and submit the yacht/sailboats to Customs, Immigration and Quarantine inspections.

Extension of stay for tourist visa

Tourists, who arrive without a visa and wish to stay longer than the authorized initial period of 21 days, may extend their visa to up to 59 days with the Commission on Immigration. Visas for 59 days may be obtained from any Philippine embassy or consulate. The extension is called a visa waiver.

VISA EXTENSION FEES

TOURIST (NON-RESTRICTED) ADMITTED INITIALLY FOR 21 DAYS MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 38 DAYS

Visa Waiver P 500.00

Visa Waiver Application Fee 1,000.00

Certification Fee 500.00

Express fee (Certification) 500.00

Express fee (For processing) 500.00

Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P 10.00

AFTER 59 DAYS OF STAY (INITIAL 21 DAYS + 38 DAYS EXTENSION)

Every month of extension P 500.00

Fine for overstaying
- for every month or a portion thereof 500.00
Application Fee (every two months for non-restricted) 300.00

(every month for restricted)

Alien Certificate of Registration Fee

Adult - 14 years above 1,000.00
Minor - 14 years below 500.00

Re-issuance of ACR for
(2nd entry of every entry after 59 days)
Adult - 14 years above 250.00

Minor - 14 years below (Re-acert) 150.00

Head tax (over 16 years old)                               250.00
Certification Fee                                        500.00
Express fee (Certification)                                   500.00
Express fee (For processing)                               500.00
Immigration Clearance Certificate Fee                 700.00

Certificate of Exemption Fee (below 14 yearsold) 200.00

Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P 10.00

AFTER 6 MONTHS OF STAY

Every Month of Extension P 500.00

Certificate of Residence (Temporary Visitor) 1,400.00
Application Fee
(After 6 mos. to secure regular Emigration Clearance

Certificate at the Alien Registration Division) 700.00

Certification Fee 500.00

Express Fee (Certification) 500.00

Express Fee (For processing) 500.00

Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P 10.00

ANNUAL REPORT FEE

Arrival on or before November 2 P 300.00

of the proceeding year

Legal Research Fee (LRF) 10.00

Monthly fine for delayed Annual Report P 200.00

HOLDERS OF MACAU-PORTUGUESE AND HONGKONG-BRITISH (SAR) PASSPORT ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PHILIPPINES WITHOUT VISA FOR SEVEN (7) DAYS

First Extension - 14 days P 500.00

Application Fee 300.00

Certification Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00

Express fee (For processing) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P 10.00

SECOND EXTENSION

Visa Waiver Application Fee P 1,000.00

Visa Waiver Fee 500.00

Certification Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00

Express fee (For processing) 500.00

Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P 10.00

NOTE:

Effective February 15,2008 all applicants for extension (tourist visa) under the VIMS (VISA ISSUANCE MADE SIMPLE) are required to pay in addition to immigration fees, Certification fee of P500, Express fee of P500 plus Legal Research Fee of P10 for every transaction.

All applicants for extension are required to dress properly. Applicants wearing shorts, sandos, and slippers will not be allowed entry to Immigration Office.

More Information
For more information contact your country’s Philippine Embassy. The Comprehensive details of visa requirements is provided by Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs

Website: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/

Health Regulation

A yellow fever or typhus vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas. A certificate is also required by those arriving from small pox or plague infected areas.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Philippine customs regulation is enforced strictly. Violation of Philippine Customs Laws may subject you to criminal prosecutions and / or fines and penalties and even death.

To ensure smooth Customs clearance, please read these visitors guidelines thoroughly.

All persons and baggage are subject to a search at any time.

All articles, when imported from any foreign country into the Philippines, shall be subject to duty and tax upon each importation, even though previously exported from the Philippines, except as otherwise specifically provided in the Customs Code or in other laws.

Temporary visitors are allowed to bring household goods, personal effects and vehicles provided they file a re-export bond good for six months or pay the levied Customs duties/taxes.

For immigrant/permanent resident, all used household goods and personal effects are allowed full tax and duty-free entry on one shipment (air or sea)

Non-resident/retiree (first time to settle), all used household goods and personal effects not exceeding U.S. $7,800 are allowed entry tax and duty-free

Personal effects:

Cosmetics, perfumes, clothing, jewelry, shoes etc. for personal or professional use are all exempt of duty.

Exemptions / Duty-Free Concessions

For import

400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250gm of tobacco for passengers of 18 or over.

2 bottles of not more than 1 litre each for passengers of 18 or over.

For export

200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500gm of tobacco for passengers over 18.

1 quart of alcoholic beverages for passengers over 18.

Dutiable/Restricted Items

Animals, fish, and plants

Films, video tapes, and disks

Medicines

Telecommunication equipment

Color reproduction machine

Motor vehicle parts

Prohibited Items

The unlawful importation of prohibited articles like;

Marijuana, poppy, coca leaves, heroin, opium or any other prohibited drugs; opium pipes and parts thereof;

Firearms and firearm parts, replicas, explosives and ammunition;

Printed subversive, Pornographic, Obscene or immoral articles

Adulterated and misbranded articles of food or drugs

Counterfeit, altered, or imitated coins, paper money, banknotes, and securities

Gambling machines and articles, jackpot or pinball machines, lottery sweepstakes tickets, coin operated video machines

Drugs intended for abortion

Gold/silver and precious metal bullion

Commercial quantities of foodstuffs, used clothing, and rags

Pets:

All animals must be accompanied by:

Dogs, cats and birds are not restricted for importation. It is highly recommended that an "exotic pet" could be restricted

Race horses and game fowl are subject to duties and taxes

Documents required:

Owner's Passport

Import Permit (from Bureau of Animal Industry)

Identification card of the pet

Pedigree Certificate

Original Vaccination and Health Certificate from origin (Issued within 10 days of the importation. Must show proof that vaccination was administered between 60 to 180 days prior to the flight)

No quarantine required

Agriculture and Quarantine Regulations

Agriculture quarantine restricts the entry of animals, fish and plant produts or their by-products (such as meat, eggs, birds, fruits, etc.). Transport of endangered species and their by-products is also restricted / prohibited by CITES / DENR regulations. Likewise, export of such products / by-products must be referred to quarantine officers to ensure compliance with Philippine regulations and requirements of country of destination. Failure to obtain prior import and / or export permit from the Philippine Department of Agriculture together with corresponding health sanitary or phytosanitary certificate from country of origin and to declare the same may result to seizure, fines and / or penalties.

Regulated Articles That Require Import Permit / Clearances:

Articles that need import / export permits and / or clearances and government agencies that issues them:

Live Animals and Meat Bureau of Animal Industry

Fruits and Plants Bureau of Plant Industry

Marine and Aquatic Products Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Firearms, Parts, Ammunition, etc. PNP Firearms and Explosives Office

VHS, Tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc. Optical Media Board

TV, Movie, Film Print & Negatives, etc. Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)

Transceivers, Communication National Telecommunications Commission Equipments, etc.

Endangered Species Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Medicines and the like Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD)

Non-Resident Foreigners

Passengers who intend to bring back to their place of residence abroad any dutiable article must inform the inspecting Customs Officer of said intention. In this case, the passenger may be required to accomplish a re-exportation commitment form duly secured by a cash bond deposit equal to the ascertained duty and tax on the article, refundable upon departure of the passenger with the article, for which a corresponding Official Receipt will be issued.

Your Customs Declaration

All arriving passengers are required to accomplish a Customs Declaration from (BC Form 117) given on board the carrying aircraft. If traveling as one family, one declaration is sufficient.

Arriving passengers are required to declare all articles purchased or acquired abroad, indicating the quantity and its total acquisition price. If unsure of what to declare, please consult any Customs Officer on duty

NOTE

Ø Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. Always double check

with your local embassy or consulate..

WARNING: DEATH TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS UNDER PHILIPPINE LAW

(R.A. 7659)

Ø Keeping Official Receipts

Keep all Official Receipts for payments to everyone, especially the Bureau of Immigration. They may see a required stamp so you assume they will understand you paid the bill. But the only way they know you paid for sure and that the payment is in the government coffers is if you have an Official Receipt to show you paid. All transactions, certainly with any branch of Philippine Government at any level, make sure to keep you official receipt. If they don't give you one, demand one.

TRANSPORTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines,” Pearl of the Orient Seas” being strategically located in Southeast Asia, surrounded by aquamarine blue seas reflecting the sky, stretches of world class beaches, coral reefs, exciting nature & water sports and verdant rainforest. Exploring the entire country makes a point of concern specifically, TRANSPORTATION. The Philippines, being an archipelago and therefore not connected by land to any of its neighboring countries is the usual reason why this undiscovered paradise destination is skipped by many uninformed travelers.

The country has an adequate transportation system which makes any island or inter-island as well as international tour possible. Philippines has a good public transport system with domestic and international airports, roads and rail networks between major cities and towns of Philippines, as the saying goes for Filipinos “mula Aparri, hanggang Jolo” (From Aparri-northern tip of the country to Jolo-the southern most end of the country). The same thing for the Philippines transportation, whenever, and wherever you go, there will always choices of affordable transportations for every traveler.

Land transportation provides for an impeccable view of the sprawling countryside. Air-conditioned and regular buses are aplenty and interconnected. With the dawning of the so-called nautical highway, one can even go around the entire archipelago by bus.

Reaching the Philippines is possible by air or sea. But sea travel is mostly for cargoes only. The experience of riding the different modes of transportation on your Philippine flight and TRAVELING here will surely be a unique experienced worth remembering.

GATEWAY TO THE PHILIPPINES

By Air

The Philippines being an archipelago of more than 7.100 islands, tourists mostly fly to get to the Philippines. Getting to Philippines is accessible as the country is well linked to the rest of the world. The Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the premier gateway to the Philippines. But tourists have other options depending on their itinerary, may opt to land on airports in other parts of the Philippines. If visitors intend to stay in Manila then NAIA is it. If they plan to tour Northern & Central Luzon they can fly to Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). If in Visayas, they may opt for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. They can also fly direct to Davao International Airport Andif they opt to see Mindanao. These airports cater domestic flights too.

It is wise to reserve seats well in advance for any travel you may wish to do, flights are often fully book especially around Christmas, Chinese New Year and Holy Week.

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the primary gateway to the Philippines. It is situated along the boundary of Pasay City and Parañaque City in Metro Manila, about 7 kilometers south of the country's capital Manila.

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has 4 passenger terminals and with more than 30 airlines serving NAIA, International flights arriving at NAIA may use one of three terminal buildings with international arrivals handling capability while domestic flights may use one of two domestic services terminals. NAIA handles nearly 22 million passengers in 2008.

Philippine Airlines is the country’s flag carrier and links Manila to more than 26 cities and 19 countries worldwide. Philippine Air also provides service to and from 43 local destinations.

Airport facilities include restaurants, coffee shops and bars, shops for souvenir items, ATM’s banks with foreign exchange, post office, and telephones. Duty free shopping is available, however it is located several kilometres from Terminal 1. Of all the terminals, only in Centennial Airport terminal where you can find a Laptop Station.

Terminal fee

All departing passengers need to pay a terminal fee. Only cash is accepted, so be sure to have some on hand. For international departures, the fee is P750, and for domestic P200.

The Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has 4 passenger terminals:

Terminal 1 - The 67,000 square meter terminal is the original terminal and has a

capacity of 6 million passengers per year. This terminal handles all

International flights except those operated by Cebu Pacific and

Philippine Airlines.

Terminal 2: This terminal is popularly called the “Centennial Terminal” , was

finished in 1998 and that same year the country was celebrating the centennial year of the declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain. The terminal is located at the center of the complex and

exclusive for the country’s flag carrier- the Philippine Airlines. The

75,000 square meter terminal has a capacity of 9 million passengers

per year.

Terminal 3: The ultra modern facility terminal is the newest of all the terminals It has a capacity of 13 to 15 million passengers per year. Terminal 3 is built on a 63.5-hectare lot that sits on Villamor Air Base.

The terminal building has a total floor area of 182,500 m², having a

total length of 1.2 kilometres. A four-level shopping mall connects the terminal and parking buildings. The terminal is capable of servicing 33,000 passengers daily at peak or 6,000 passengers per hour. Its apron area has a size of 147,400 m², Its apron area has a size of 147,400 m², 34 air bridges, 20 contact gates with the ability of servicing 28 planes at any given time.

International flights of Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and PAL Express is

provided in this terminal.

Domestic Airport: A short distance from NAIA on Domestic Road. This is the older terminal, caters to all domestic flights like Zest Air,

SEAir and other domestic carriers.

Airport Map

Ground Transport at NAIA

TAXI is the most accessible and plentiful to provide service to the visitors arriving in the country. It is wise to book one before leaving the airport at one of the Taxi Desk just outside the airport. Just tell your destination and you will pay a flat rate according to the distance, then an attendant will organize an official metered taxi.

Taxi is by far the most convenient in NAIA with the rate of dollars to the Philippine pesos; the fare is still a bargain. Take only official, metered or pre-booked taxis. Do not accept rides from people that approach you in the terminal. Many of the major hotels run cars which you can book in advance or You can walk to the adjacent departure area, where you can get a cab that just dropped off a departing passenger-they charge they way it is supposed to be: by the meter.

The airport is also connected to the Light Rail Transit line 1 (LRT-1) by a two kilometer taxi ride to Baclaran Station. In the future, another LRT line is to be

constructed to connect LRT-1’s Baclaran Station directly to the airport’s 3 terminals.

CAR RENTAL could be availed at the airport. Avis, Hertz and National have desks

at the airport.

BUSES AND JEEPNEYS are also available BUT, you have to walk from the terminal to the main road outside (quite a long walk -- not practical) and wait for a cab or jeep to take you to the nearest MRT or LRT station.

For more details contact:

General Information Tel: 833-1180.

International Flights: Tel 832-1961.

Domestic Flights: Tel 818-6757 or 831-1395

MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CEB)

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the main gateway to the historical and exotic beaches in the Visayas Region of the Philippines. Located in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island, province of Cebu, it is 20 km away from Cebu City, the province Capital through the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge.

The airport is about 600 kilometers of the Ninoy Aquino (Manila) International Airport (NAIA) and the 2^nd busiest airport in the country Mactan-Cebu International Airport is ideally and strategically located that travel time is only 3 to 4 hours to 14 cities in Asia Pacific Region.

Its terminal building which incorporates both the domestic and international wings has four aero-bridges (jetways). Its traffic is continually increasing and is now serving 668 commercial flights weekly transporting around 11,000 passengers daily. The airport operates 24 hours.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is easily reached through direct flights from Tokyo, Hongkong, Doha, Seoul, Singapore, Busan, Taipei, Incheon, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, and cities in the Philippines like Manila, Bacolod, Davao, Iloilo and Zamboanga.

Tourists can go around the island by taxi, jeepney, multicabs or tricycles. Most of the hotels and resorts in the island also provide shuttle buses for their guests.

Amenities in the airport include a shopping center, restaurants, wide varieties of souvenir shops, cafés, business centers, food shops, car rentals, banking facilities, communication facilities, hotel and resort reservations, and beauty & health services.

Duty Free is located at the International Pre-Departure Area, customers should present a valid passport to make any purchase. In Mactan Airport, a freebie like free-internet access through wifi supported by SmartBro is available for visitors.

The airlines serving Mactan-Cebu International Airport

The international airlines

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

CEBU PACIFIC AIR

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

QATAR AIRWAYS

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

SILK AIR

KOREAN AIR

CHINA EASTERN

ASIANA AIRLINES

CHINA AIRLINES

The domestic airlines:

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

AIR PHILIPPINES

ZEST AIR

CEBU PACIFIC

PAL EXPRESS

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CRK)

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), also called Clark International Airport or Manila Clark Airport is located in the former United States Air Base, the Clark Field, in Angeles City in the province of Pampanga.

The Clark Aviation Complex covers an area of approximately 2,500 hectares with a 3,200-meter long runway and associated taxiways, aircraft parking apron, a passenger terminal building and other related facilities. The entire Clark Field, which used to be the biggest American military base outside the United States, is a sprawling 33,653-hectare site.

From an initial design capacity of 500,000 passengers per year, the new Clark Airport terminal can now handle more than 2 million passengers annually, looking very futuristic, clean and technologically advanced which are being catered by Low Cost Carrier airlines like the AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Asiana Airlines, SEAir, Tiger Airways and among others. DMIA average at least 35 flights per week since operations started in October 2003. The airport operates 24 hours.

Clark Airport is connected to Metro Manila (about 76 km southeast of Manila City and around 92 northwest of Makati City) through the Clark Zone South Interchange and the North Luzon Expressway. It would take around 2 hours in a good day

Comfort and convenience are guaranteed to all passengers coming through the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport with their easy and well-coordinated processing flow for arrivals, departures and transits/transfers. There is also a sufficient variety of dining and shopping choices.

Getting to and from DMIA is easy and convenient. From the airport, there are taxis that could get you to the front gate of Clark Airport or all the way to Dau Bus Station for around 300 pesos, it would be wise to wait some lone travelers and you can split the taxi fare. From Dau Bus Station you have ample choices of buses plying north bound like Baguio City, Dagupan City, Laoag and among others. And Manila (Pasay or Cubao Station) for south bound buses. The buses are either air-conditioned or non air-conditioned buses.

If coming from NAIA, take a taxi to either Five-Star or Victory Liner bus terminal in Pasay City. It is very close, if you got an honest taxi cab the fare is about 100 pesos only. Taxi drivers try to charge a big flat fare so make sure they use their meter. So don’t forget to haggle with them. In the terminal, look for a bus to Dau. The sign on the bus will probably say Dagupan because that is the final destination for that route or Baguio City. Get off at Dau Bus Station and find a jeepney that goes to Clark Main Gate or SM Clark. Tricycle cab could also bring you to the main gate, from there get a taxi that will bring you inside DMIA. The jeepney ride cost 7 pesos tricycle charge 50 pesos and the car taxi charges 300 pesos (flat rate and not subject to negotiation).

Clark International Airport is operated and managed by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DVO)

The Davao International Airport is officially known as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. It is the busiest and the only international airport in Mindanao Region in Southern Philippines. The airport has a single 3,000 meter precision runway that can handle wide-bodied aircraft such as Airbus A330, Airbus A340 , Boeing 747 and even Airbus A380. With a capacity to accommodate more than one million passengers yearly,

Davao International Airport accepts international flights from countries like Hong Kong, Indonesia,Singapore, and as well as major Philippine cities such as Cebu, Zamboanga, and Manila. The airport is served by Philippine Airlines, Zest Air, Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Merpati Nusantara Airlines (Manado), SilkAir (Singapore), Sriwijaya Air (Gorontalo, Manado)

Passenger Facilities include Restaurants, Cafeterias, VIP Lounge, Post Office, souvenir shops, tourist information center Travel Agent, Car Rental, Taxi Service, Disabled Access/Facilities.

Davao International Airport is 15 minutes from the city center. Like most cities in the Philippines, there is an abundance of taxicab available from the airport. Hotel Car- Hotel transport can be arranged with hotel representatives at designated counters at the arrival lobby. Car Rental - A trip to the city proper by hired car can be arranged with representatives at the airport.

KALIBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KLO)

The Kalibo International Airport in Aklan province is one of the gateways to world famous Boracay Island, the country’s top beach destination. Kalibo airport receives direct flights from Seoul in South Korea, Shanghai in China and Taipei in Taiwan. The airlines serving the airport includes Philippine Airline, Cebu Pacific, PAL express, Mandarin Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and among others.

The Air Transportation Office of the Department of Transportation and Communications has classified this airport as secondary airport. The airport is located at a distance of about ten minutes from the center of Kalibo, Aklan. Kalibo Airport, although a small airport, has 34 flights departing per week.

There are buses, vans and jeepneys available outside Kalibo Airport. If your destination is Boracay Island, take an AC van or bus for the 1½-hour ride to Caticlan Jetty Port. Pump boats from this jetty port will take you to Boracay in 15-20 minutes.

SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SFS)

The Subic Bay International Airport in Subic in the province of Zambales serves as a secondary airport and a main diversion airport of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.. Subic Bay Airport has a 10,000 sq.m International Passenger Terminal and two Steam airbridges that can easily accommodate sudden influxes of passengers. This airport used to be the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy. The airport receives direct flights from Taipei in Taiwan, Pacific Pearl Airways, a Charter Airline currently offers flights to Kalibo, Cebu, Puerto Princesa and parts of South Korea.

Comfort and convenience are guaranteed to all our passengers coming through the Subic Bay International Airport with their easy and well-coordinated processing flow for arrivals, departures and transits/transfers. There is also a sufficient variety of dining and shopping choices.

LAOAG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAO)

The Laoag International Airport is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines, located in Laoag City in the province of Ilocos Norte. The airport receives direct flights from Guangzhou in China. It has one 2,420-meter runway and is designated as a secondary international airport. The airlines that fly to Laoag International airport are Cebu Pacific, China Southern Airlines.Chartered flights are available via small air companies such as Airspan Corporation (helicopters), A. Soriano Aviation, and Aerolift Philippines. (small-to-medium-sized planes)

Getting Around

DOMESTIC TRAVELS in the Philippines is serviced by all conceivable modes of transportation. Tourists can pick from the most modern aircraft to bullying jeepneys and shrieking tricycles, traveling around the Philippines can only be so comfortable and adventurous. Either way, it is guaranteed to be one of the most inexpensive transport systems in Asia.

With the opening of the Nautical Highway-the governments program to link the entire country by sea travel. There is an easy way to find your way from Manila to Mindanao using the adventurous Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and ferry system. Travel with ease through the major port cities of Batangas, Calapan, Caticlan, Roxas, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Dapitan. Regional and provincial bus operations usually day and night on an hourly or more frequent basis especially during the country’s most important holidays. Ferry boats small and huge depending on distance are convenient and safe. Tourist with international driving license wishing to explore the country on their own, there are many available car rental companies, such as Avis and Hertz, located in major tourist destinations throughout the country.

Transportation around the Philippines normally starts and ends in the country's capital, Manila. After the hustle and bustle of getting out of the airport, next leg will be your decision on what mode of transportation you will need to be able to move forward to your much awaited exploration to the island paradise- the Philippines! A journey of discovery and adventure into the less accessible corners of the Philippine archipelago can be as rewarding as any planned holiday destination.

The following are the modes of transportation around the Philippines.

Plane Bus Water transport Metro Rail Transit (MRT & LRT)

Taxi Jeepney Nautical Highway Car rental Tricycle

Flying in the Philippines

Even within the country, traveling by air is popular because it is fast, convenient and inexpensive, it will save you a lot of your precious time. The Philippines currently has seven domestic airlines, with aircraft capable of bringing you to the most amazing and breathtaking holiday destination, at a very cheap price. Most domestic flights in the Philippines cost between U$30 to U$50 one way or sometimes back & forth. Yes! Because every now and then, these airlines give promos and in some airlines like Cebu Pacific you can even reserve a seat 1 year in advance.

Philippine Airlines, the country’s major carrier runs a regular service to and from 43 domestic points. The small aircraft, used for island hopping, necessarily have very precise payloads and you may be asked to weigh-in with your baggage before departure.

Domestic air services are provided by Philippine Airline, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Zest Air (former Asian Spirit) PAL Express and SEAir.

Taxis in the Philippines

Taxis provide the best means of transportation around the city, with a flag-down rate of P40, taking a taxi is comfortable- you get shielded from the dust, heat or rain. Metered taxis are plentiful in Manila, finding one at any time is never a problem. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. All taxis in the major cities are metered and the driver is required to turn the meter on; if the driver does not turn the meter on, find another taxi. Taxis in provincial cities and towns closer to beach resort holiday destinations are frequently not metered and you must negotiate and agree what you feel is a reasonable fare. Taxis are available in major cities like Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao.

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\Jeepney-Philippines.jpg$ Jeepneys in the Philippines

The Jeepney, it is said, offers an immortal example of Filipino ingenuity. The Jeepney is still the undisputed “King of the Philippine Roads.” The modern-day Jeepneys are embellished with multicolored designs that differentiate them from one another.

Jeepney is the most common public transportation all over the Philippines for goods and persons. Like moving works of art, the colorful Jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even some major thoroughfares almost day and night. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. You’ll have to sit sideways with your back to the window for the trip, rubbing elbows with the rest of the passengers. Since there are no conductors, passengers sit down and call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) before passing the fare forward via the other passengers all the way to the driver. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump.

Jeepneys are the cheapest form of transportation in the city aside from the buses, and the average fare is 7.50 pesos (or about a quarter USD) for a short distance.

You’ll probably have to opt for a Jeepney ride if you want to reach places which aren’t accessible. Jeepneys are the preferred mode of transportation in the islands.

Jeepneys are unique to the Philippines so you shouldn't leave the Philippines without using them. The Jeepney gives us a realistic feel of the air, sights, and sounds of the country- the Philippines!

Buses in the Philippines

The Bus Services in the Philippines are well structured and well organized. All the terminals are located in Manila from where the departures take place to various provinces. A vast majority of city buses travel via Epifanio delos Santo Avenue (EDSA) carrying passengers around metro Manila and beyond.

When starting in a larger city like Manila, most bus lines have their own individual bus terminal - ask a taxi driver and tell him where you plan to go by bus. Same Bus Company may have different terminals depending on destination.

For tourist, buses within Metro Manila may be quiet complicated with hundreds of bus lines across this multi million city – for this reason, as a new arrival you may single out taxi for city transportation. On the other hand, moving out of town into regional areas or remote provinces - bus is the transportation of your choice.

Travel by bus in the Philippines is an inexpensive option for a long journey, from two to ten hours or even more. Basically, there are large buses with or without air-conditioned (those without air-conditioned are known as 'ordinary' or 'regular') and the famous minibuses, also called 'baby buses'. Go for air-conditioned buses for obvious reasons – temperatures can get fickle especially during the monsoon season, and the summer heat can be quite uncomfortable.

For those traveling outside Metro Manila, the Victory Liner, Five Star, and Fariňas are some of the major bus companies that serve Northern Luzon, like Baguio City - the summer Capital of the Philippines, Pangasinan- we’re Hundred Islands is located and Laoag City, a few hours from Pagudpud home for magnicent beaches in the northern tip of Luzon. For the Southern Region, one major bus company is the Philippine Transport Company (Philtranco). This bus company also offers Boracay trip. (w/ RO-RO included) These are large, well maintained and comfortable buses, You can find their terminals in Pasay and Cubao.

Bus transport is the life blood of the Philippines. They are fun to ride in and the best mode for exploring the true colors of Philippines.

Major Provincial Bus Companies:

Victory Liner -- Ilocos Region, Baguio and Zambales (Northern Luzon)

Five Star -- Ilocos Region (Northern Luzon)

Partas -- Ilocos Region (Northern Luzon)

Farinas -- Ilocos Region (Northern Luzon)

Dagupan Bus Co. -- Ilocos Region (Northern Luzon)

Saulog Transit -- Baguio, Olongapo, Cavite

ALPS The Bus, Inc. -- Southern Tagalog Region.

JAM Bus Co -- Southern Tagalog Region

Philtranco -- Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Northern, Eastern, and Southern Mindanao

Rural Transit -- Mindanao

Rural Tours -- Mindanao

Bachelor Tours -- Northern Mindanao

Super-5 -- Northern Mindanao

Click here for Bus directory and destinations

Train System in the Philippines

The development of a light metro system (Mass Rail Transit - MRT) in Manila-

Capital of the Philippines is the goal of the national government to provide public with an alternative means of transportation and reducing acute road congestion on the city's busiest corridors

The modern form of public transport- the commuter trains is a network of elevated light railway systems that connect various portions of Metro Manila. The very busy Mass Rail Transit system in Manila is comprised of three lines. The Metro Railway Transit (MRT) connects North Avenue in Quezon to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, travelling down Epifanio delos Santo Avenue (EDSA). The Light Railway Transit Line 1 (LRT 1), runs from Caloocan terminal in the north to Baclaran terminal in the south. Finally, the MRT Line 2 (Megatren) stretches west to east from Santolan to Recto Avenue. These train lines cover almost all places in the capital with stations conspicuously located to connect the traveler to places of interest, business centers and transport terminals.

The trips are fast and efficient, and the fare is a little higher by a few pesos than Jeepneys but you won’t have to deal with the notorious traffic on all of the major roads and highways. Aside from the fact that the railway is air conditioned, roving guards and policemen can be seen at every corner of the different terminals, thus pickpockets and other small time crooks tend to stay away from this area.

There are women-only carriages on almost all trains to enhance the travel experience for the fairer sex. This is by far the safest way to go, but be prepared for a tight squeeze during rush hours and noon lunch breaks

The Mass Rail Transit in Metro Manila

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\LRT 1b.jpg$ The LRT Line 1 - The Yellow Line

LRT Line 1 is a fully elevated north-south route, consists of the 15 km elevated railway system servicing the Taft Avenue - Rizal Avenue route between Baclaran, Pasay City and the Bonifacio Monument in the City of Caloocan. The Light Rail Transit Authority is recognized as the premiere rail transit in the country providing reliable, efficient, dependable, and environment-friendly mass rail services to all residents of Metro Manila. It is considered to be the first LRT system in Southeast Asia.

Passengers using single journey tickets will be charged Php 12.00 for the first four (4) stations and Php15.00 ( around 3 cents USD)for the rest of the route. The LRTA, in cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, offers free newspapers to its patrons daily from 6:00am (until supply lasts) at the following LRT Line 1 stations.

An Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) using plastic magnetic tickets as fare medium is being utilized in both the LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 2 Systems .

Train Schedule

Weekdays:

5:00AM ►First train leaves the Baclaran Station bound for Monumento.

10:30PM ►Last northbound commercial train leaves Baclaran Station for Monumento

11:00PM ►Last southbound commercial train leaves Monumento Station for Baclaran.

Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays

5:00AM ►First train leaves the Baclaran Station bound for Monumento.

9:00PM ►Last northbound commercial train leaves Baclaran Station for Monumento.

9:30PM ►Last southbound commercial train leaves Monumento Station for Baclaran.

Passenger Guide

Single Journey Ticket Fare

Php 12.00 1 to 4 stations

Php 15.00 5 to 17 stations

LRT Line 1 Tickets

► Single Journey A Ticket [SJ2]

Sold at Php12.00 each.

Can only be used for the first four (4) stations in each direction.

Can only be used once.

Valid only on the date of purchase.

► Single Journey B Ticket [SJ3]

Sold at Php15.00 each.

Accepted at all LRT Line 1 Stations.

Can only be used once.

Valid only on the date of purchase.

► Stored Value 1 Ticket [SV1]

Sold in Php100.00 valued tickets.

Accepted at all LRT Line 1 Stations.

Multiple rides.

With Last Ride Bonus (i.e. ticket is still valid for one more ride even if stored value is less than the regular fare)

Valid for six (6) months from date of first use.

With designated special lane.

► Stored Value 2 Ticket [SV2]

Sold in Php60.00 valued tickets.

Accepted at all LRT Line 1 Stations.

Multiple rides.

With Last Ride Bonus (i.e. ticket is still valid for one more ride even if stored value is less than the regular fare)

Valid for six (6) months from date of first use.

With designated special lane.

► Stored Value 3 Ticket [SV3]

Sold for Php96.00

Accepted at all LRT Line 1 Stations.

Available only to senior citizens or disabled passengers upon presentation of discount coupons at the ticket booth.

Multiple rides.

With Last Ride Bonus (i.e. ticket is still valid for one more ride even if stored value is less than regular fare)

Valid for six (6) months from date of first use.

With designated special lane.

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\LRT2.jpg$ The MRT Line 2 - The Purple Line

LRT/MRT Line 2 - Megatren is a 13.8 km mass transit line that traverses five cities in Metro Manila namely Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila along the major thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto Avenue. The line is elevated except for Katipunan station, which is underground.

The Megatren, more popularly known by its generic name Line 2, is the latest of its kind in the world today. It is a fully automatic (i.e., driver-less) system which is at par in terms of facilities and technology with those in other parts of the world. It is equipped with a CCTV system that enables the railway operator to monitor activities of passengers and employees at the stations and inside the trains. Moreover with this size, the Purple Line trains can accommodate up to 1,628 passengers.

The Megatren, the LRT 2 is commuter friendly and has facilities especially designed for the elderly and the differently-abled. It has Braille tactiles along the lanes and elevators which enable blind passengers to be guided on their way to the trains. Even if there were elderly and physically disabled on board who are provided with space for their own wheelchairs and mobility tools, alongside the fiberglass reinforced plastic benches. Another key feature of the Megatren is its automatic vending machines which enable the passengers to buy their tickets without queuing at the ticket booths. This allows for faster mobility of people and added convenience to commuters.

The Purple Line has 11 stations with a footbridge linking the Purple Line to the Yellow Line at the Recto station and Doroteo Jose station. Although called LRT, this line uses heavy rail metro vehicles.

The Free newspaper (Inquirer) is also available at the following MRT Line 2 stations, Santolan and Katipunan.

Train Schedule

Weekdays: 5:00AM ►Start of operation.

11:00PM ►End of operation.

Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays:

5:00AM ►Start of operation.

9:30PM ►End of operation.

Passenger Guide

Single Journey and Stored Value Ticket Fare LRT 2

Php 12.00 1 to 3 stations

Php 13.00 4 to 6 stations

Php 14.00 7 to 9 stations

Php 15.00 10 stations

MRT Line 2 Ticket

► Single Journey Ticket

Sold at Php12.00 each.

Accepted at all MRT Line 2 Stations.

Can only be used once.

Valid only on the date of purchase

► Stored Value Ticket

Sold in Php120.00 valued tickets.

Accepted at all MRT Line 2 Stations.

Multiple rides.

With Last Ride Bonus (i.e. ticket is still valid for one more ride even if stored value is less than the regular fare)

Valid for six (6) months from date of first use.

With designated special lane.

► Discounted Ticket

Sold for Php96.00

Accepted at all MRT Line 2 Stations.

Available only to senior citizens or disabled passengers upon presentation of discount coupons at the ticket booth.

Multiple rides.

With Last Ride Bonus (i.e. ticket is still valid for one more ride even if stored value is less than regular fare)

Valid for six (6) months from date of first use.

With designated special lane.

► Single Journey Ticket

Available only to LRTA employees.

Ticket Problems

Expired Tickets

Tickets will expire if:

Single Journey tickets which are valid only on the day of purchase is used after day of purchase.

Stored Value tickets which are valid for six (6) months from the date of first use at the gate is used after the said six month period.

If ticket is used to exit in the same station after thirty (30) minutes from entry.

If ticket is used to exit the system after one hundred twenty (120) minutes from entry.

What to do:

Passenger is required to buy another ticket.

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\blue line.jpg$ The Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-The Blue Line

MRT 3 known as Metrostar is another offering of the government for fast, inexpensive and relatively hassle free travel along major city arteries. Metrostar 16.8 km train that runs elevated along EDSA ring road, except Buendia station which is underground.

The MRT 3 runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay city. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, well maintained coach and stations with the spectacular view of Metro Manila’s skyline.

The MRT 3 operates from 06:00 - 22:00, every 3 minutes during peak hours, every 5-7 minutes at other times.

PASSENGER GUIDELINES

The MRT only uses one fare structure for both single-journey and stored-value ticket holders.

MRT Fare

Php 10.00 1 to 3 stations

Php 11.00 4 to 5 stations

Php 12.00 6 to 8 stations

Php 14.00 9 to 11 stations

Php 15.00 12 stations or the entire line

For the guidance of all passengers of the MRT3 Metrostar Express, please be advised that the following shall not be allowed to be brought inside the MRT3 Stations and Trains:

Opened cans of beverages, beers and juices;
Gift-wapped or closed packages (however, passengers may opt to open the package for inspection by guard to be allowed entry);
Inflated balloons;
Bulky objects or luggage

MANILA MRT ROUTE MAP

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\MRT LRT map cp.gif$

Legend: LRT 1

LRT 2

MRT 3

Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH)

The Strong Republic Nautical Highway offers an efficient and shorter way to travel to the Visayas and Mindanao regions plying the western seaboard. For tourists and travelers, this route allows you to hop from one island to another and enjoy the scenery in the comfort of your car.

SRNH is opened under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Administration since April 12, 2003, a 919 km of integrated set of roads and ports that connects the three primary regions of the Philippines, which are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The RO-RO (Roll-On-Roll Off) Program is a government initiative to enhance public access to selected tourism areas throughout the country. It traverses the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.(SRNH) The Roll-On-Roll-Off (RO-RO) route started only recently is another means of traveling to Boracay, the number one top destination in the country—by bus and ferry, with RO-RO, the bus and ferry fares are combined into one fee. You can also bring your car all the way to the last port of call. It may be a simple sounding term, but for first-timers, it can involve complicated procedures before loading. It is also often the most unwelcome undertaking since it is perceived to be synonymous with tedious bureaucratic red tape and corruption among government agencies in the port areas.

But going further south using bus & RO-RO is less complicated. But this is not for the faint-hearted; the journey to Boracay in Caticlan for example will take 14 hours. The experience can also be nerve wrecking. But, if you have the luxury of time and

wanted to explore the scenery and historic avenues of the country across seven islands -Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Panay, and Boracay RO-RO adventure is for you!

Strong Republic Nautical Highway Route Map

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\SRNH_Map.gif$

Click here for Bus & Ro-RO Schedules

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\disaster2004.super5.GIF$ Water Transport in the Philippines

The Philippines being an archipelago of 7,107 islands and islets, traveling inter-island, the sea plays a vital part for travel. Transportation around the Philippines is not a problem. A range of seafarers are available, from huge cargo ships to small ferry boats.

Ferry boats are operated by reputable shipping companies; these fast ferries are actually air-conditioned ships, mostly hydrofoil and catamaran that are fitted with aircraft seats, a small bar and video screens. It is the most suitable medium to enjoy the charms of an island country and the call of the sea.

The Philippines is served by a network of commercial ferries like WG&A Lines, Negros Navigation and among others linking Philippine holiday destination and are generally cheaper than traveling by air. Major ferry companies have vessels that will carry thousands of passengers, offer a wide variety of on-board accommodations, from bunk rooms to private cabins and are well maintained.

Most of the time, smaller, short-distance, inter-island ferry services frequently use local “banka” outrigger boats or pumpboats, generally used for transporting the tourists to the most popular beach resort holiday destinations.

Ferries ply regular routes between Luzon and the principal islands in Visayas and Mindanao regions. Wherever you go, there's always a boat waiting to take you to the next island.

Click here for Shipping Lines Directory and Port of Call

Tricycle in the Philippines

Philippines’ staple transportation for short and sometimes not-so-short journeys is the durable and versatile tricycles. Tricycle is a common sight (and sound). Its motorcycle attached to a sidecar, normally good for 3 adults (2 inside and 1 at the back) but in the Philippines -like the Jeepney there is always a room for everyone!

Tricycle is a Philippine transportation vehicle that has power over secondary roads and alleys, it even rules highways at times. The tricycle is much like a taxi; it picks and drops you off to your destination "door-to-door."

Thousands of tricycle drives around the country day and night with goods and persons. Fees are regulated –but not followed sometimes, the usual fare must be 8.00 pesos per person for short distance but drivers will charge you 10 pesos, so for obvious reasons, it is wise to make arrangement in advance – and the rules of thumb NEGOTIATE!

$C:\Documents and Settings\XP\My Documents\My Pictures\corolla2.jpg$ Car Rental

Driving can be extremely hazardous activity in the Philippines and sometimes not recommended. Nevertheless, hiring a car with a driver sometimes is a better option; just an additional driver’s fee and you’re much safer and convenient. There are many trusted car companies in the Philippines like Hertz Rent-A-Car, Budget Rent-A-Car, Avis Rent-A-Car, Hannan Rent-A-Car and Avalon Rent a Car.

Vehicles include the newest models of sedans, AUVs, and Vans at the lowest possible rates, with a choice of quality cars such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Chevy, etc., ranging from 2003 models to 2005.

A valid international driving license and a map in hand, you are set for an interesting trip.

INTERESTING FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, Filipinos were introduced to the English language in 1762 by British invaders, not Americans.

What is the world's 3rd largest English-speaking nation, next to the USA and the UK? The Philippines.

The Philippines has 7,107 islands.

The Philippines has the world’s longest discontinuous coastline (36,000 km.)

There are 61 bays and harbors and 20 straits.

Manila Bay is the largest bay in the Philippines and the finest harbor in Asia.

San Juanico Strait is the world’s narrowest strait. It lies between Samar and Leyte.

On the islands of Philippines, there are more than 200 volcanoes, though only a few are active.

The Philippine flag is the only flag in the world which is hoisted upside-down when the country is in war.

Mt. Mayon in Bicol has the world’s most perfect cone.

Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer, was the first European to visit the Philippines.

Mount Apo, at an altitude of 2,954 m, in the island of Mindanao is the highest point in the Philippines.

The people of the Philippines are from different ethnic origins such as Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, etc.

This nation was baptized the Philippines, after King Philip II of Spain.

The Philippines remain the colony of Spain from 1521 to 1898. Subsequently, it went into the hands of the USA.

There are 132 main rivers, 59 lakes and 7 major mountain ranges in the Philippines.

Taal Volcano in Batangas is the world’s smallest volcano.

It was the first Southeast Asian country to gain independence in 1946, following World War II.

With more than 11 million Filipinos overseas, the Philippines has the largest diaspora networks in the world.

World’s deepest spot, The Philippine Trench, runs down at the Pacific side of the islands to depths of over 10,000 meters, exceeding the altitude of Mt. Everest.

The Philippines is regarded the “text capital of the world”. About 350 to 400 million SMS (Short Message Service) or text messages are sent daily by 35 million cell phone subscribers in the country, which is more than the total daily text messages sent in the U.S. and Europe, together.

The “Conus Gloriamaris”, which the rarest and most expensive seashell in the world, is one of the 12,000 species of seashells found in the Philippines. And about 488 coral species, out of the 500 coral species known worldwide, are found in the archipelago.

Who invented the fluorescent lamp? Thomas Edison discovered the electric light bulb and the fluorescent lighting was thought up by Nikola Tesla. But the flu! orescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores a Filipino scientist. Americans helped then-Philippine leader Ramon Magsaysay to develop it for worldwide commerce.

PHILIPPINES PUBLIC HOLIDAY

	2009	2010
New Year's Day	January 1	January 1
People Power Day	February 22	February 22
Araw ng Kagitingan	April 9	April 9
Holy Thursday	April 9	April 1
Good Friday	April 10	April 2
Labor Day	May 1	May 1
Independence Day	June 12	June 12
Ninoy Aquino Day	August 21	August 21
* National Heroes Day	August 31	August 30
All Saints Day	November 1	November 1
Bonifacio Day	November 30	November 30
Christmas Day	December 25	December 25
Rizal Day	December 30	December 30

Special Non Working Holiday

All Souls Day November 2

Pre Christmas December 24

Last Day of the Year December 31

* Celebrated every last Monday of August