PHILIPPINE Tourist Information PHILIPPINE Tourist Information
PHILIPPINE CULTURE
ACCOMMODATIONS
A wide selection of deluxe, standard, economy, and pension-type accommodations
are available in Metro Manila, key cities and towns throughout the country.
In island destinations, there is a variety of resorts ranging from deluxe to
special interest category.
The Department of Tourism has a Home stay Program in several destinations outside
Manila. The program offers visitors the comfort of modest homes and an insight
into Philippine life. For information, contact the Tourist Information Center
at Room 106, Department of Tourism Building, tel. nos. (632) 524-2384 / (632)
524-1703.
DINING OUT
Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American
culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delicious
fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino
cuisine and special Filipino recipes.
ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE
Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities.The Cultural
Center of the Philippines is the primary venue for the performing arts which
features world-class performances by local and international guest artists.
Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer a glance of
Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the country's
leading and promising visual artists.
There are casinos in Metro Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay,
Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Laoag for visitors who want to try their luck at the
gaming tables.
Manila's nightlife is one of the most vivacious in Asia, reflecting the Filipino's
love for music. The center of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in
Malate, Ayala Center and The Fort at Bonifacio Global City in Makati, Timog
and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City, and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City.
Nightclubs, music lounges, pubs, and sing-along bars feature Filipino bands
and singers who are known for their great musical talent. Deluxe hotels offer
a diversity of live musical entertainment. Concerts and stage plays form part
of the country's entertainment scene.
SHOPPING
Here in the Philippines, visitors can choose from an exhilarating selection
of great buys in a country known for export-quality items at reasonable prices:
South Sea pearls, hand-woven cloths, embroidered fineries, fashionable ready-to-wear
and haute couture clothes, terra-cota, porcelain, and home accessories. Artifacts,
pineapple fiber shirts, prehistoric jars, native handicrafts, and footwear are
interesting items, too. The Philippines also produces fine basketry, furniture,
fresh and processed fruits, exquisitely crafted jewelry, and gift items made
of wood and stone.
Located in Manila, Makati and EDSA are big malls, while at the Ermita District
in Manila handicraft, antique and curio shops abound.
BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS
There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores nationwide. However, private
and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some private companies hold office on Saturdays from 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets
are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating
24 hours.
CREDIT CARDS
Accepted in major establishments are international credit cards such as Visa,
Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express Card.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets.
WATER
Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts, supermarkets,
and convenience stores. However, water in Metro Manila and in key cities and
towns is filtered and safe for drinking.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
The postal system is well-organized. The country has international and national
direct dial phone and facsimile services, mobile phone sites, internet and e-mail
facilities, and worldwide express delivery service.
Most national dialects are in English. Foreign publications are sold at major
hotels, malls, and bookstores in Metro Manila and key cities. There are 7 national
television stations which broadcast mainly in Filipino. Cable TV is available
in many hotels in Manila and in many parts of the country.
CONVENTION FACILITIES
Manila, the pioneer convention city in Asia, has played host to a number of
major international events. The Philippine International Convention Center is
prepared with modern convention facilities and services. It can accommodate
4,000 delegates in its Plenary Hall and 5,700 persons in its Reception Hall.
The World Trade Center near the PICC can hold huge exhibitions and events. Smaller
meetings can be held in hotels and other establishments. Out-of-town hotels
and resorts are alternative convention sites.
MEDICAL SERVICES
In the Philippines, hospitals are operational with modern facilities to meet
any medical need. In several remote towns and cities, clinics and health centers
provide emergency medical attention. Nearly all hotels and resorts provide medical
assistance. Hospitals are listed in the "Yellow Pages" of the local
telephone directory.
TOURS AND SPECIAL INTEREST ACTIVITIES
Tour packages, from day trips to five-day programs, are special ways of discovering
the Philippines and its wealth of culture. Special interest activities include
golfing, game-fishing, diving, white-water rafting and other aqua sports, trekking,
spelunking, and safari trips.
Information on tour itineraries may be obtained from the Philippine Tour Operators
Association (Philtoa), tel. (632) 893-0284, or from the Tourist Information
Center located at the ground floor of the DOT Bldg. on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila,
tel. (632) 524-2384/(632)524-1703.
PHILIPPINE TRAVEL GUIDE
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1 - New Year's Day
February 24 - Edsa Revolution Day
April 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan
moveable - Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
May 1 - Labor Day
June 12 - Independence Day
last Sunday of August - National Heroes Day
November 1 - All Saints' Day
November 30 - Bonifacio Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 30 - Rizal Day
RELIGION
Predominantly Christian.
Catholics - 82.9%
Protestants - 5.4%
Islam - 4.6%
Philippine Independent Church - 2.6%
Iglesia ni Cristo - 2.3%
Traditionally, the Filipinos have accepted two of the great religions of the
world - Islam and Christianity. Islam was introduced during the 14th century
shortly after the expansion of Arab commercial ventures in Southeast Asia. Today,
it is limited to the southern region of the country.
Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century with the coming of
Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries
who arrived with the American soldiers in 1899.
Two Filipino independent churches were organized at the turn of the century
and are famous today. These are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church)
and the Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ) founded in 1902 and 1914, respectively.
Recently, the Aglipay signed a covenant with the Anglican Church. The Iglesia
ni Kristo has expanded its membership considerably. Its churches, with their
unique towering architecture are landmarks in almost all important towns, provincial
capitals and major cities.