General Facts of Philippines

Known as Pearl of the Orient within the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines is a democratic country composed of more than 7,100 islands having three major areas Luzon to the north Visayas in the center, Mindanao down south. Manila is its capital. Filipino is the official language while English is widely spoken all over the country.

Philippines is a tropical country. March to May is hot and dry season, June to October is rainy while November to February are the coolest months of the year. Temperature ranges from 78oF(25oC) to 90oF(32oC). In the recent years, the country experienced El nino and El nina phenomena, where prolonged rainy season and drought have had happened.

Filpinos are the inhabitants of the Republic of the Philippines. Colloquially Filipinos refer themselves as Pinoy (male Filipino) or Pinay (female Filipino). Filipinos are known for their hospitality, patience and talent as well as having a rich culture and tradition due to foreign influences of Spanish and Americans.

One has to ensure he/she gets all the necessary vaccinations before arriving in Philippines. Philippines is one country you cannot count much on health and safety. Health services are scarce, medical facilities competitive yet lacking and crime at a noticeable level. So, always be careful.

Transportation is convenient in Philippines. There are jeepneys which are built from ingenuity and scrap metal. Motorcycle cabs, sometimes called Hondas regardless of brand or make, are an efficient mode of transportation in the Philippines. The Pedicab is a three wheeled bicycle with a covered rear seat for customers. Like a bicycle rickshaw, this form of transportation is powered by human pedal power.

Currently, the country has an adequate telecommunication system to suffice the need of telecommunication service in the entire archipelago. Internet technology is prevalent and with a vast telecommunication system within the entire archipelago, internet have been made available in almost all capital, urban and metropolitan cities all over the archipelago. Internet Cafes are scattered within the entire Philippine Archipelago due to good telephone system within the three areas, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. At the most, internet cafes in the Philippines have dial up, and dsl connection.

Major credit cards and debit cards are accepted especially in the major cities of the Philippines. ATM machines are available 24 hours Monday to Sunday. ATM machines are also available in malls. However, in some cities, travellers cheques are accepted by banks. It is encouraged to always bring enough Philippine peso whenever you are travelling in the Philippines.

In Philippines, you will never be short of choices while eating out. The key is to be a little adventurous and go beyond the ‘Fish n' Chips' and ‘Spaghetti Napolitaine' orders and revel in the local flavours and customs. Nevertheless, there are many cuisine types available in Philippines.