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About the Philippines
The Philippines is the third
largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history
 combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish
colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were
trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization
brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled
City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in
different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300
rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio
Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their
independence
Scattered like beads of pearls across the vast emerald waters of the
Western Pacific and South China Sea, the Philippine archipelago is a
collage of 7,107 exotic islands. The people are of a mixed Malay
culture enriched by centuries of Spanish influence and traces of
American affluence. The Filipinos are known throughout the world for
their smiles and warm hospitality
CURRENCY
The Philippine Peso, is denoted as P or Php.
Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
with no lunch breaks.
Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are
generally accepted in all major establishments.
Traveler's checks can be changed at Banks and money changers or in
large hotels and resorts.
ELECTRICITY
220 Volt AC, 60Hz. You will need an adapter for European appliances.
Luxury hotels and resorts provide 110 volt ac outlets.
GOVERNMENT
The Republic of the Philippines follows a democratic form of
government that has three branches; the Executive, the Legislature
and the Judiciary that acts to counterbalance the decision of one
branch from the other. The Chief Executive or the President acts as
the head of state, which is currently held by her Excellency
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
IMMIGRATION
Foreigners visiting the Philippines, within 21 days must have a
valid passport valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry and
must have a valid return or onward ticket. Tourist visas from 21 to
58 days are available at Philippine consulates and embassies in your
country. Visas can be extended at the Commission on Immigration
located in Manila.
 Visitors may import the following items duty-free:
Two tins of pipe tobacco or 400 sticks of cigarette
Two 1 liter bottles of alcoholic beverages
A reasonable amount of personal effects
On departure, international departure tax is currently at Php 550.00
(approximately US$ 15.00). Domestic airport departure tax on major
cities is at Php 100.00.
LANGUAGE
The Philippines national language is Filipino. There are also more
than 60 dialects spoken by different cultural groups. English is
widely spoken in the Philippines and it is the medium of instruction
in schools and often used in business transactions. Marsman Tours
and Travel Corp. also provides professional and accredited tour
guides who speak French, German, Italian and Spanish.
LOCATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippine Archipelago is located above the equator in Southeast
Asia, between latitude 4 degrees 23" and 21 degrees 25" north and
longitude 116 degrees and 127 degrees east.
The Philippines has 7,100 islands with a total land area of 300,00
square kilometers. The largest island is Luzon where the capital
city, Manila, is located.
The Philippines is a rugged land of mountains, plains, rivers,
valleys, waterfalls and volcanoes. The highest mountain is Mount Apo
at 2,954 meters in height. The Philippines deepest point is the
Philippine Deep at 10,057 meters below sea level.
FILIPINO PEOPLE
Filipinos belong to the Malay race with mixtures of Chinese, Arab,
Spanish, and American mixed in. The current Filipino population is
estimated at 78 million.
POSTAGE
Postal mail and other multi-national couriers such as FedEx, UPS and
DHL are flourishing in the Philippines. Manila, and most other
cities in the Philippines, has many cyber cafes where you can send
e-mail and surf the Internet.
RELIGION
The majority of the country's population are Christian with Roman
Catholicism having the bigger share, followed by the Protestant
groups. Islam is being practiced mainly on the regions of Mindanao
islands. Other different religious sect also co-exist.
SHOPPING
Shopping malls are very popular in the Philippines, they are open
from 10:00 a.m until 8:00p.m. They can be found in all major cities
throughout the country.
Small stores, popularly known as "sari-sari stores", are family run
and are commonly located in almost every corner of the streets.
WEATHER
The Philippines has three distinct seasons: warm and humid from
March to May, wet from June to October, and cool and dry from
November to February.
PHILIPPINE FIESTAS
The fiesta is part and parcel of
Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must
go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local festival of its
own, usually on the feast of its patron saint, so that there is
always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country. But the biggest
and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season celebrated
with all the pomp and pageantry the fun-loving Filipino can manage.
ATI-ATIHAN
Kalibo, Aklan
13-19 January
The Ati-Atihan Festival commemorates the 13th century land deal
between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King
Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Niño.
The ceaseless, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you
know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your
head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked,
gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless merriment.
A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all this
confusion you remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto.
Niño!"
The Ati-Atihan celebration is echoed in many parts of the country.
SINULOG FESTIVAL
Cebu City
18-19 January
Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Characterized by its peculiar
two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle, thus simulating the
Holy Child of the shores, the Sinulog is a century-old tradition
observed in the part of Visayas region. The prayer-dance is
synchronized to the beat of drums and shouts of "Pit Señor! Viva Sto.
Niño!" Feel free to dance with the best of them, grooving all the
way to the grand final presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center.
DINAGYANG
Iloilo City
25-26 January
Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this weekend, when
Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year.
All inhibitions are dropped: boring everyday clothes are exchanged
for "Ati" warrior costumes and black body paint. Shields and
"weapons" are held amidst the pounding rhythm of drums, the costumed
Ilonggos put their best feet forward in celebration of…..Dinagyang!
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
Baguio Flower Festival
23 February - 3 March
It's flower season in the city of Pines - perfect timing for an
all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio folk take a break on these
days to revel in the cool climate and the unique culture of the
city. Multi-hued costumes are worn, mimicking the various blooms of
the highland region (or any of its 11 ethnic tribes). These are
flowerbeds - disguised, of course, as the Panagbenga parade floats.
KAAMULAN FESTIVAL
Malaybalay, Bukidnon
28 February - 1 March
Expect the Bukidnon to go tribal from the first to the second week
of March, when the streets of Malaybalay take on that familiar
fiesta theme. Banners, banderitas, and beer will be norm, as well as
the sweet, haunting sound of native music. An early morning pamuhat
ritual kicks off the festivities, to be followed by an ethnic food
fest, trade fairs, and a lot of native dancing.
MORIONES FESTIVAL
Marinduque
13-20 February
The island of Marinduque prides itself in being the "Lenten Capital
of the Philippines", and it is easy to understand why. Come the
seven days of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in the
age-old ritual of the "Moriones". Colorful warrior costumes are
worn, topped with finely carved masks depicting the fierce Roman
soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to depict the story of
the conversion of Longuinus, the centurion who pierced Jesus' side -
and his subsequent beheading.
CUTUD LENTEN RITES
San Fernando, Pampanga
16-18 April
Prayer of a different meaning during the Lenten season, when
villagers of San Pedro, Cutud, engage in the act of
self-flagellation. This ancient ritual is performed in the morning
of Good Friday during the Holy Week. Backs, arms, and legs are cut
and then struck with burillo whips. The climax to this occasion
happens at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to their
waiting crosses.
PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN
Quezon
11-15 May
Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only things flaunted
during this merry month. Down south in the town of Lucban, Quezon,
there's also the kiping - a colorful, translucent rice tortilla that
serves as an edible ornament of sorts. You will see lots of these at
the Pahiyas Festival, an annual celebration held to usher in a
bountiful harvest, and smashing good times.
It's a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with suman-sweet,
sticky native rice cakes-as the center of contention. It is also the
grand prize, so feel free to join the fray. Rest assured, whether
you get handfuls or just a mere mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas
will leave you wanting for more - suman, of course!
Sariaya's own version of the San Isidro festival showcases the
creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in their craft and
culinary tradition.
FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN
Nationwide
May
A parade of the town's loveliest ladies, depicting the search and
discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine.
MUDPACK FESTIVAL
Murcia, Negros Occidental
24 June
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind Murcia's annual
mud-moving spectacle. Check on its murky highlight - a lively street
dancing parade with the participant wearing nothing but mudpacks
(well, almost...). It's a surefire way to mix our ecological
concerns with good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower
afterwards!
PINYAHAN SA DAET
Daet, Camarines Norte
15-24 June
Sweet, succulent pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of
Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact, they loved it so much that they made
a festival in its honor. Join the locals as they celebrate the
Pineapple Festival featuring a colorful street presentation
complemented by art exhibits, trade fair, cultural dances, and sport
events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines,
and be acquainted with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban
and Lucban.
PARADA NG LECHON
Balayan, Batangas
24 June
A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival
in Balayan, Batangas, popularly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon".
These succulent roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion,
decked out in their platforms with all kinds of décor. Since the
festival coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist, be
prepared to get wet as people observe the feast by repeating the
ritual of baptism - pouring water.
TACLOBAN PINTADOS FESTIVAL
Tacloban City
29 June
Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos signified courage among the
natives of Tacloban. These days they symbolize a cultural revival,
and a wild, wacky fiesta called the Pintados. Join the town
residents as they deck themselves out in body paint, mimicking the
warriors of old while dancing to the frenetic beat of drums.
SANDUGO FESTIVAL
Tagbilaran City
1-2 July
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with a
blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of Bohol. This historic
event is remembered today with an all-out fiesta at the island's
capital city. Check out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring
ten colorfully-dressed groups dancing to the beat of drums. There's
also a traditional Filipino carnival, a martial arts festival, and
Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant, among the dozen of other exciting
activities.
KINABAYO FESTIVAL
Dapitan City
25 July
An exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars,
particularly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under
General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were
able to reverse the tide through the miraculous apparition of St.
James. The addition of local color and innovation has made this
annual revelry a popular attraction which brings thousands of
visitors to the city.
KADAYAWAN SA DABAW
Davao City
20-24 August
Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dadaw promises another weekend
of fanfare and fun - tribal style. Watch as the festivities reach a
glorious climax on Saturday morning: that's when the Kadayawan
parade is held, featuring colorful, orchid-bedecked floats and more
than a dozen "ethnic" groups dancing to the beat of wooden drums.
BONOK-BONOK FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE
Surigao City
9 September
Behind Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its original tribal
background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as
they celebrate their heritage with a loud, rowdy street dancing
parade.
PEÑAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN
Naga City
20 September
Bicol Region's biggest celebration is an annual affair that combines
religion with culture and tradition, packing it all in a 9-day
fiesta of biblical proportions. Stay until sundown for stirring
climax: the fluvial parade as it makes its way down the river,
surrounded by a sea of glowing candles - a fitting end of this truly
spiritual occasion.
ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL
Zamboanga City
10-12 October
All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City of Flowers"
celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival. The vintas, those
colorful native sea boats, once again make their appearance in a
fast-paced, race-till-you-drop regatta. There's also a wealth of
cultural and flower shows, art exhibits, and trade fairs. It's an
all-out celebration of life - Chavacano style!
MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Bacolod City
14-21 October
The festival that made Bacolod famous began as an event to inspire
the locals to face the hard times with a smiling face, thus masks
with smiling faces are worn by revelers who join the parade. Street
dancing, drum beating, drinking, eating and just being merry - all
this show the resiliency of Negrenses and their zest for life.
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