TIME ZONE
- One time zone. 120° East Meridian Time, which is eight hours in advance of the
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
GETTING THERE
Congress info (how to reach Manila)
Manila, Cebu, Davao,
Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways. The Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served by
more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world. The Mactan
International Airport (MIA) in Cebu handles regular flights from Japan,
Singapore and Australia as well as chartered flights from Hong Kong, the United States and
other major travel capitals. Davao
International Airport handles regular flights from Indonesia
and Singapore. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Subic airfield
in Central Luzon service both chartered and cargo planes. Laoag International
Airport in Ilocos Norte services regular flights from Taiwan and Macau.
Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, links Manila to 14 cities in 8
countries. Major cruise liners call on the port of Manila.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
Valid passport / VISA. Except for stateless
persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic
relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21
days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong
and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits may be
obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.
(Manila information: visa)
HEALTH REGULATIONS
A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers
coming from infected areas.
AIRPORT
INFORMATION
Airport
and Facilities:
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is 7 kms. from the city
center, while the Manila Domestic Airport is one kilometer from the NAIA. The
international airports have adequate traveler facilities: duty-free and souvenir
shops, tourist information and assistance counters, hotel and travel agency
representatives, car rental services, banks and automated teller machines,
postal service, national and international direct dial telephone booths, medical
clinics, and baggage deposit areas.
Facilities for the Physically-Handicapped: The airports are handicapped-friendly.
Wheelchairs are available on request from the airline ground staff.
CUSTOMS Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage
Declaration Form before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. The
following are allowed duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes, jewelry, and
toiletries; 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco; two bottles of wine
or spirits of not more than one liter each. Porterage: Baggage carts are
available for free. Porter services are also free. Tipping is traditional.
(Manila information: customs)
Airport
Transfers:
Visitors are advised to avail of accredited fixed rate or metered taxis at the
NAIA's Arrival Area. At the Manila Domestic Airport, accredited transfer
services are available on pre-paid coupon basis. Other airports are served by
metered taxis. All airports have counters for hotel transport and car rental
service. Airport Fees: P550 for international departure and P100 for local
departure (paid in Philippine pesos only). Departing passengers for
international destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist
information counters (Tel. Nos 524-1703; 832-2964) The departure fees may change
without further notice.
Duty-Free Shopping:
Duty-Free Philippines
near the NAIA is the country's largest duty-free outlet carrying quality
imported items and selected Philippine export products.
CLIMATE
March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is
cool. Average temperatures: 78°F/25°C to 90°F/32°C; humidity: 77%.
WHAT TO WEAR
Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain
regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and
scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or
the Philippine barong tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for
women.
CURRENCY
Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100,
P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.
(Manila Information: currency)
TIPPING
Tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total
bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.
(Manila information: tipping)
LOCAL TRANSPORT
By air, Philippine Airlines (Tel. No. 855-9999), Air Philippines
(855-9000), Cebu Pacific (636-4938) provide daily services to major cities and
towns. Asian Spirit (851-8888), Laoag International Airlines (551-9729), and
Seair (891-8708) service the missionary routes. There are also scheduled
chartered flights to major domestic destinations serviced by smaller commuter
planes.
By sea,
inter-island ships connect Manila
to major ports. Ferry services connect the smaller islands.
By land,
Philtranco connects Manila
to Bicol in Southern Luzon, to Samar and Leyte in the Visayas, and Davao in
Mindanao.
Metered and
fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and
buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places. In Metro Manila, the
fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. LRT connects the northern
district of Monumento to the southern district of Baclaran with stations
situated at major intersections. MRT1 traverses the length of EDSA and connects
North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passing through the
major arteries of Makati
LANGUAGE
Filipino is the national language. English, considered as the "second language"
of the country, is the business language and spoken widely.
ACCOMMODATIONS
In Metro Manila, key cities, and towns throughout the country a wide selection
of de luxe, standard, economy, and pension-type accommodations are available. In
island destinations, there is a variety of resorts ranging from de luxe to
special interest categories.
The Department of Tourism has a Homestay 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. 524-2384 / 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 delectable
fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino
cuisine. (Manila information: dining out)
ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE
Metro Manila
is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for
the performing arts, the
Cultural Center of the Philippines, (10-15 minute walk from the Century Park
Hotel) features world-class performances by local and international guest
artists. Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer a
glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of
the country's leading and promising visual artists.
(Manila information: entertainment)
Manila's NIGHTLIFE
is one of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the Filipino's love for music. The
hubs 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. De luxe hotels offer a
variety of live musical entertainment. Concerts and stage plays form part of the
country's entertainment scene. (Manila information:
nightlife)
For visitors who want to try their luck at the GAMING tables there are casinos
in Metro Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao,
Bacolod, and Laoag. (Manila
information: entertainment gaming, and night life)
SHOPPING
Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys in a country known
for export-quality items at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, handwoven
cloths, embroidered fineries, fashionable ready-to-wear and haute couture
clothes, terra-cota, porcelain, and mother-of-pearl 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. (Manila
information: shops)
Big malls
are located in Manila,
Makati and EDSA, while handicraft, antique and curio shops abound at the Ermita
District in Manila.
BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS
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.
There are also 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores nationwide. (Manila information: business and banking
hours)
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
International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, and American
Express Card are accepted in major establishments. (Manila information:
credit cards)
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, A.C. 60 cyles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets.
WATER
Water in Metro Manila and in key cities and towns is potable and safe for
drinking. Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts,
supermarkets, and convenience stores.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
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. The postal system is efficient.
Most
national dailies 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.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Hospitals in the country are equipped with modern facilities to meet any
medical need. In some remote towns and cities, clinics and health centers
provide emergency medical attention. Most 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 aquasports, trekking,
spelunking, and safari trips. (Manila information: tours)
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) 524-2384/524-1703.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day, January 1; Edsa Revolution Day, February 24; Araw ng Kagitingan,
April 9; Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, moveable; Labor Day, May 1;
Independence Day, June 12; National Heroes Day, last Sunday of August; All
Saints' Day, November 1; Bonifacio Day, November 30; Christmas Day, December 25;
Rizal Day, December 30.
