| General Information | ||
Place Climate People Government The Economy Public Holidays Business Hours |
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| Planning a Tour | ||
Visas & Passports Customs Health & Insurance Money Matters Tipping Time Zone Electricity Weights/Measurement What to Wear Tourist Offices Getting There At the Airport |
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| Where to Eat | ||
What to Eat Restaurant Listing |
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| Where to Stay | ||
Hotels |
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| Culture | ||
Buying Tickets |
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| Practical Tips | ||
Media Postal Services Telecommunications Telephone Codes Local Tourist Offices Consulates Women Travellers Traveling with Kids Disabled Travellers Religious Services Medical Services Diving Emergencies Security & Crime |
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| Nightlife | ||
General |
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| Festivals | ||
General January,February,March,April, May,June,July,August,September, October,November,December |
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| Sport | ||
Spectator Sports Participant Sports |
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| Getting Around | ||
General By Air Water Transport By Bus Traveling Distance & Time By Train Public Transport Private Car Tour Operators |
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| Shopping | ||
What to Buy Where to Buy Shopping Malls |
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| Language | ||
General |
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| General Information | ||
| Place | ||
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| Climate | ||
A tropical country, much of the Philippines has a hot and dry climate from March to May. Generally, the southwest monsoon - and the typhoons it brings - predominates from June to October. The dry cooler season during the northeast monsoon period lasts from November to February. Year round temperatures range from 78F (25C) to 90F (32C); mean annual humidity is at 83%. Rainfall varies with the region: Type 1 has two seasons, dry November-May and wet June-October. Type 1 areas are found mainly in the western half of Luzon (including Manila), Palawan, Coron, Cuyo and the lower part of Antique, Iloilo and Negros. Type 2 lacks a distinct dry seasonbut has a pronounced maximum rain period December-February. Areas include eastern Bicol, eastern Mindanao, northern and eastern Samar and southern Leyte. Type 3 areas, which do not have a pronounced maximum rain period but a short dry season of 1-3 (November-January) months include central Luzon, Visayas and western Mindanao. Type 4 sees even rainfall troughout the year and is found in the eastern coast of Luzon, Leyte and Bohol, and in central Mindanao. Sitting in the typhoon belt, the Philippines has about 23 typhoons each year. High season is June-October, with the peak in July-September, coinciding with the height of the southwest monsoon. (see GNP Weather) [back to TOP] |
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| People | ||
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The pirmary religion is Christianity; 83% is Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant; 5% Muslims; and 3% Buddhist or other religions. Life expectancy averages 67 years and the functional literacy rate is 90%. Pilipino and English are official languages. At least 70 other dialects or languages are spoken. |
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| Government | ||
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For administrative purposes, the republic is divided into 72 provinces, 61 chartered cities, 1540 municipalities and 41935 barangays. Provinces consist of several municipalities centered on a provincial capital. Municipalities are sub-divided into barangay, the smallest socio-political unit, headed by a barangay captain. The legal system is based on Spanish and Anglo-American law. |
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| The Economy | ||
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While the rest of the region slowly started to climb back from the Asian economic crisis, the Philippine economy was once again, and still is dragged by domestic politics. As of this writing, the implementation of the Extended Value Added Tax (EVAT) is microscopically rebounding the Philippine economy. |
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| Public Holidays | ||
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| Business Hours | ||
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Government and business hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and workers break for lunch at 12 noon-1:30pm. Some businesses are open on Saturday 8am-noon. Banks are open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. |
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| Planning a Tour | ||
| Visas & Passports | ||
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Visitors who wish to extend their stay from 21 to 59 days should contact the Bureauof Immigration, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros. Avoid the cumbersome process by hiring a licensed travel agent, or obtaining a 59-day visa before arrival. |
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| Customs | ||
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In general, customs regulations are not strictly enforced but officials will sometimes use the rule of law on a selective basis, particularly when it comes to bringing electronics into the country. Porter services |
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| Health & Insurance | ||
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Rabies is present. If bitten by any mammal (disregarding humans :)) seek medical treatment immediately. Since bilharza (Schistosomiasis) maybe present in freshwater, do weigh the risk of swimming in lakes or rivers. Although pharmacies are found everywhere, visitors may be unable to find the selection of medications available at home. Carry a first aid kit with necessary prescription drugs, plus aspirin, anti-inflammatory tablets, water purifying tablets, anti-diarrhea pills and anti biotics. When in the beach or islands, it is best to bring along ammonia for cure with spine stings and if available, sea snake anti venoms. |
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| Money Matters | ||
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The Philippines is a cash economy. Even traveler's checks can present something of a challenge in Manila; bring your purchase receipt and passport to a bank and be prepared for queue. ATMs are open 24 hours and easily found in major cities. Maximum daily withrawal is about P15000. During holidays, withraw cash early, before ATMs run out of cash. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Manila, although service charges prevail. In more rural areas, only major establishments accept credit cards. Be prepared with cash. Many a traveler has cut short a trip in the provinces for lack of money. |
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| Tipping | ||
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| Weights/Measures | ||
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| What to Wear | ||
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Umbrellas are useful against sun and rain. If heading to the mountains, pack a fleece jacket. |
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| Tourist Offices | ||
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UNITED STATES ASIA-PACIFIC |
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| Getting Here | ||
BY AIR More than 300 International flights arrive in Manila weekly. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Domestic Terminal are located 7 km (4miles) from the city center. International flights also arrive at airports in Cebu, Davao, Laoag and Subic. Cathay Pacific flies to Hong Kong several times a day. 24/F Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.V. de la Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, tel: (62 02)848 2701. In Cebu, (63 32)254 0746, website: www.cathaypacific.com Emirates Airlines flies directly to Dubai six times a week. 18/F Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Ave. corner Gil Puyat (Buendia), tel: (63 02) 811 5278, fax: 811 5293, website: www.emirates.com Japan Airlines connects to Narita and Nagoya several times weekly. 2/F Sky Plaza, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati, tel: (63 02) 810 9352, 886 6868, fax: 886 7000, website: www.jal.co.jp KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flies to Amsterdam via Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. G/F La Paz Center, Salcedo and Herrera St., Legazpi Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 815 4790 to 92 fax: 819 5680, website: www.klm.nl Lufthansa flies daily to Frankfurt, continuing onward to other European destinations. Legaspi Park View Condominium, 134 Legaspi St, Legaspi Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 810 4596, fax: 812 9463, website: www.lufthansa.com Northwest Airlines links to the US through Osaka, Tokyo and Nagoya. E-ticketing services available. 9/F Athenaeum Bldg., 160 Alfaro St., Salcedo Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 817 0616, fax: 814 0539. Also G/F La Paz Center, Salcedo and Herrera St., Legaspi Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 810 4716, website: www.nwa.com Qantas Airways flies to Sydney daily except Monday, with flights onward to Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand. Filipino Merchants Bldg., de la Rosa and Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 812 0607. In Cebu: (63 32) 232 0004; in Davao: (63 82) 222 4623, fax: 812 9926, website: www.qantas.com Singapore Airlines provides a direct service from Manila to Singapore. 138 H.V. de la Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 810 4951, website: www.singaporeair.com Swissair connects direct to Zurich three times a week. G/F Zuellig Bldg., Malugay St., Makati, tel: (63 02) 818 8351 to 54, fax: 815 3350, website: www.swissair.com Thai International Airways flies daily to Bangkok and Osaka. G/F Country Space 1 Bldg., H.V. de la Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati, tel: (63 02) 815 8421 to 27, website: www.thaiair.com BY SEA Freighters and cruise ships stops in Manila Bay, even though most travelers arrive by air. There is a RORO (Roll On/Roll Off)
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| Media | ||
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NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES The myriad daily newspapers include the Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Manila Times and Sun Star, most of which are available online. The Fookien Times is published in English and Chinese. Local free weekly newspapers published in English include What's On & Expat, and Foreign Post. A large selection of foreign publications is available: Newsweek, Time, Far Eastern Economic Review, Asian Business, The Economist, Reader's Digest, Vogue, Yazhou Zhoukan, Asian Wall Street Journal and International Herald Tribune. These are sold in major hotels, bookstores, supermarkets and at newsstands. TELEVISION Other independent stations include: Radio Philippines Network (RPN) channel 9; GMA channel 7; International Broadcasting Network (IBC) channel 13; ABS-CBN channel 2, ABC channel 5, and Sarimanok channel 23. Most hotels have cable or satellite tv, offering a cosmopolitan range of international news and programming. A tourism channel called Lakbay TV promotes Philippine tourism. RADIO |
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| Postal Services | ||
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| Telecommunications | ||
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| Local Tourism Offices | ||
Metro Manila Department of Tourism (DOT), DOT Bldg., Room 207, T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, tel: (63 02) 524 2345, 525 6114, fax: 524 8321, email: ncr@tourism.gov.ph DOT, Ninoy Aquino International Airport branch, tel: (63 02) 832 2964, fax: 832 1687 Southern Luzon DOT, DOT Bldg., Room 208, T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila, tel: (63 02) 524 1969, fax: 526 7656, email: lcjurilla@tourism.gov.ph Central Luzon DOT, Paskuhan Village, San Fernando, Pampanga, tel: (63 045) 961 2665, fax: 961 2512 Ilocos Region DOT, Oasis Country Resort, National Highway, Brgy. Sevilla San Fernando, La Union, tel: (63 072) 888 2411, fax: 888 2098 DOT, Ilocano Heroes Memorial Hall, Laoag City, tel: (63 077) 772 0467 Northeastern Luzon DOT, 2/F, Tuguegarao Supermarket, Tuguegarao, Cagayan, tel: (63 078) 844 5364, fax: 844 1621 Central Cordillera Department of Tourism, DOT Complex, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City, tel: (63 074) 442 6708, fax: 442 8848, email: dotcar@mozcom.com Bicol DOT, Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi, tel: (63 052) 482 0712, fax: 820 5066, email: dotr5@globalink.net.ph Eastern Visayas DOT, Children's Park, Sen. Engage St., Tacloban, tel: (63 053) 321 2048, fax: 325 5279, email: dotr8@mozcom.com Central Visayas DOT, Ground Floor, LDM Bldg., Lapu-lapu St., Cebu, tel: (63 032) 254 2811, fax: 254 2711 Airport Office, tel: (63 032) 340 8229, email: dotr7@cvis.net.ph Western Visayas DOT, Western Visayas Tourism Center, capitol Ground, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo, tel: (63 033) 337 5411, fax: 335 0245, email: deptour6@iloilo.net Bacolod Field Office, DOT, Bacolod Plaza, Bacolod, tel: (63 034) 434 7472, fax: 433 2853 Southern Mindanao DOT, Door No. 7, Magsaysay Park Complex, Sta. Ana District, Davao, tel: (63 082) 221 6955, fax: 221 0070, email: dotr11@philwebinc.com Northern Mindanao DOT, A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro, tel: (63 08822) 726 394, fax: (08822) 723 696, email: dot10@cdo.weblinq.com DOT, D&V Plaza II Bldg., J.C. Aquino Ave., Butuan, tel: (085) 225 5712, fax: 341 8413 Zamboanga DOT , Lantaka Hotel By the Sea, Valderosa St., Zamboanga City, tel: (63 062) 991 0218, fax: 993 0030, email: dotr9@jetlink.com.ph [back to TOP] |
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| Consulate | ||
Australia Dona Salustiana D. Ty Bldg., Paseo de Roxas corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 754 6223, fax: 754 6268 Canada 9/F, Allied Bank Center, 6754 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 867 0001, fax: 840 3547 China 4896 Pasay Rd., Dasmarinas Village, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 843 7715, fax: 845 2465 France 16/F, Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) corner Makati Ave., Makati City, tel: (63 02) 810 1981 to 88, fax: 813 1908 Germany 6/F, Solidbank Bldg., 777 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 892 4906, fax: 810 4703 Italy 6/F Zeta Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 892 4531, fax: 817 1436 Japan 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, tel: (63 02) 551 5710, fax: 551 5780 Malaysia 107 Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 817 4581, fax: 816 3158 New Zealand 23/F, Far East Bank Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia), Makati City, tel: (63 02) 891 5358, fax: 891 5357 Singapore 35th Floor, Tower One, Enterprise Center, Ayala Ave., Makati, tel: (63 02) 751 2345, fax: 751 2346 Taiwan 2/F Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Ave. corner Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia), Makati City, tel: (63 02) 893 2222, fax: 817 4853 Thailand 107 Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, tel: (63 02) 894 0403, fax: 816 0698 United Kingdom 17/F, L.V. Locsin Bldg., 6752 Ayala Ave. corner Makati Ave., Makati City, tel: (63 02) 816 7116, fax: 819 7206 United States 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, tel: (63 02) 523 1001, fax: 522 4361 [back to TOP] |
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| Women Travelers | ||
Foreign women with any modicum of common sense should experience little trouble traveling independently here. Most Filipinos will be surprised at lone female travelers as most Filipinas usually travel in groups. However, your independence will only increase their admiration. Filipinos are genrally friendly and helpful. Local men enjoy whistling and giving out catcalls. No disrespect is meant. Any response on the woman's part may be seen as an invitation or, more likely, would embarass the perpetrator. Life is different here: even seventy year-old girls describe themselves as "sexy" before family and friends - a term synonymous with "beautiful" and just as harmless. At times, a woman may be inclined to invent a boyfriend she is going to meet. Filipina women are wary of traveling alone and may invite themselves to sit next to you on the bus or in the lobby to ward off unwelcoming male attention. Tampons are not easily available so bring your own. The same goes for birth control pills. [back to TOP] |
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| Traveling with Kids | ||
Filipinos love children and will be more than happy to accomodate yours. Talking about your family is a good icebreaker in conversation. A family with young ones can make a day trip to the top of Taal Volcano by either riding or hiking. For indoor entertainment, Megamall has a bowling alley and ice rink in the basement. Here are some other suggestions for Manila: Enchanted Kingdom San Lorenzo South, Sta Rosa, Laguna, tel: (63 02) 843 6073/74. Friday-Sunday, 10am-10pm. An amusement park 30km south of Makati, off the South Superhighway, Admission Fee. Manila Aquarium Puerta Real, Intramuros, tel: (63 02) 742 8074. Daily, 8am-6pm. Sharks, eels and fishes, plus films and illustrations of marine life. Admission fee. Manila Zoological and Botanical Gardens Adriatico corner Quirino Ave., Malate, tel: (63 02) 525 8157. Daily, 7am-6pm. Visit at 9am or 3pm to watch zookeepers feed the animals. Admission fee. Museo Pambata (Children's Museum) Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila (beside US Embassy), tel: (63 02) 523 1797/98, 400 7558. Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. Hands on displays. Admission fee. National Museum of the Filipino People Finance Bldg., Burgos St., Rizal Park, tel: (63 02) 527 1215. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Hands on displays - guests can virtually "play" a variety of musical instruments in the ethnographic section. Admission fee (but free tours are offered on Sundays) Ocean Adventure Camayan Wharf, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, tel: (63 047) 252 9000, fax: 252 5883, email: info@oceanadventure.com.ph, website: www.oceanadventure.com.ph. Open daily 9am-6pm. Shows featuring celebrity performing dolphins, sea lions, and whales (including US$50 photo opportunities with the whales). Admission fee. SeaFood Wharf Restaurant Army-Navy Club Compound, South Drive, Luneta Park, tel: (63 02) 536 3522. Has outdoor swimming pool adjacent to dining area; watch your kids swim while you eat. Splash Island Southwoods Ecocentrum, Binan, Laguna, tel: (63 02) 633 5265. Friday-Sunday, 9am-6pm. Admission fee. [back to TOP] |
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| Disabled Travelers | ||
Despite its every effort, the Philippines remains a Developing country. As a result, wheelchair ramps are rare. Sidewalks are often crumbling and streets usually pockmarked with potholes. However, owing to Filipino hospitality and genuine willingness to help, disabled travelers with a noble amount of patience (and keen sense of adventure) can navigate the cities with little difficulty. [back to TOP] |
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| Religious Services | ||
Historically, the Filipinos have embraced two of the world's great religions: Islam and Christianity. The former is mostly confined to the south while the latter has followers all over the country. Two Filipino independent churches are prominent: Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and Iglesia ni Kristo (Church of Christ), founded in 1902 and 1914 respectively. Iglesia ni Kristo has a considerable membership and its towring churches are a distinct feature in important towns, provincial capitals and major cities. It is, however, eclipsed by El Shaddai, a catholic offshoot led by charismatic developer-turned-preacher, Mariano Velarde, better known as Brother Mike. El Shaddai, claiming a following 10% of Filipinos, mixes music and celebrity appearances in its modern Christian celebrations. Brother Mike's services at Manila's Quirino Grandstand on Saturday evenings attract thousands. The event is broadcast on radio and television nationwide. Most christian church services are held on Sunday morning and evening, while Friday is the Muslim day of worship. Details of services are available at hotel desks and tourist information centers. [back to TOP] |
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| Medical Services | ||
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| Security & Crime | ||
The Philippines is generally safe for travellers. In many cases, traveling in the provinces is safer than Manila, with petty theft in the capital the main concern. Keep valuables safe. Always lock car and taxi doors once inside. Wear a money belt under clothing or just use plastic if in Manila; use safety deposit boxes. Ther have been occurences of kidnappings both in Manila and Mindanao although tourists are not the usual targets in Manila. Taxi drivers can be scam artists; if a driver refuses to start his meter, list its plate number, report it to the local news radio station (media people are most active with these issues) and find a new cab. Pretend to know the city better than you do and be wary of anyone who seems overly friendly - lest they catch you offguard and slip a sedative into your drink in order to rob you, a common scam in Manila. To be sure, consult first with your embassy travel advisor when traveling, just to be sure. [back to TOP] |
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| Getting Around | ||
| General | ||
Getting out of Manila by car can be a problem. Traffic is usually a tremendous snarl - this cannot be emphasized enough. It is often easier to fly out or to take a ferry. If you have to travel by road to the countryside, a bus is a perfectly good option, or private cars (or hired taxis). Be prepared for heavy traffic. Bring along somthing to read and drinking water. You won't be going anywhere fast. Aside from MRT (Metro Rail Transport) and LRT (Light Rail Transport) in Manila, the trains are not recommended for they are painfully slow and somewhat outdated. [back to TOP] |
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| By Air | ||
Transportation around the archipelago normally originates in the country's hub, Manila. Cebu City is coming into its own as a regional hub for flights going around the Visayas and into Mindanao. Flying is quick and cheap, with domestic airlines spanning much of the archipelago. Domestic flight schedules are in constant flux; contact the airlines directly for the latest update. [back to TOP] |
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| Water Transport | ||
Manila and Cebu are the two centers of shipping but Iloilo has the most effective and naturally endowed port. Though inter-island boats and ROROs travel will only suit those prepared to rough it. The effort is rewarding. Seemingly half the local populace greets arriving boats at the wharf. Tickets on major sectors (e.g. Manila-Cebu) can be booked through travel agencies. WG&A offers professional service and better safety standards. [back to TOP] |
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| By Bus | ||
The areas surrounding Manila and provincial capitals are relatively well serviced by a reasonably good network of roads. Potholes are a feature and traffic moves at a snail's pace - especially through cities. Dozens of bus companies operate services to the main tourist centers and fares are low. Aircons on countryside bound buses tend to be very low; it is best to take a light jacket along. Baliwag Transit goes to Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Cagayan Valley and Pampanga, tel: (63 02) 912 3343 Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Co. (BLTB) goes to Alaminos, batangas, Calamba, Iriga, Legaspi, Lipa, Los Banos, Lucena, Naga, Nasuga, San Pablo, Tagaytay, and Sta Cruz, tel: (63 02) 833 5508 Jell Transport, Victory Liner, Ceres Liner ferry people around the archipelago with RORO. [back to TOP] |
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| Tour Operators | ||
| Where to Stay | ||
| Hotels | ||
| Where to Eat | ||
| What to Eat | ||
Filipino cuisine is an intriguing blend of Malay, Spanish and Chinese influences. Many visitors are surprised by its mildess after having experienced other more feiry Southeast Asian food such as Thailand's tongue-lashing curries. Most Filipinos eat rice three times a day. At McDonald's, a visitor may sample a Filipino breakfast of fried rice and tapalongganiza (native sausage) with an egg done sunny-side up. The meal usually includes salted and dried fish, accompanied by toamtoes and patis During mealtimes, watch the locals. Before the food arrives, sauce dishes are brought to the table. Filipinos automatically reach for the vinegar bottle with hot chili or soy sauce, which is mixed with calamansi (small native limes). Grilled items (ihaw-ihaw) are good with crushed garlic, vinegar and chili. Meals are often prefaced by sinigang, a stew of pork, shrimp or fish soured with tamarind with vegetables. Some typical Philippine dishes worth trying are chicken tinola and pancit molo, sutokil (sugba-grilled food, tola-stew, kilaw-native sushi combination), and adobo. A typical fiesta dish, lechon is suckling pig stuffed with tamarind leaves and roasted on an open spit over heated coals until the skin is crackling and the meat tender; it is generally served with liver sauce. Other Filipino favorites include lumpia, a salad of heart-of-palm, pork and shrimp wrapped in a paper-thin crepe and served with garlic and soy sauce, and kare-kare, a rich mixture of oxtail, knuckles and tripe, stewed with vegetable and peanut sauce and served with bagoong, a chunky fish sauce. Dessert puddings are generally made with coconut milk. Bibingka consists of ground rice, sugar and coconut milk, baked in a clay oven and topped with fresh and salted duck egg. Guinataan is a coco-pudding, served with lashings of coconut cream. Ice cream comes in a variety of flavors such as langka (jackfruit), ube, macapuno or buko (coconut), mango and cheese. [back to TOP] (sort of sauteed steak) and (fish sauce). |
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| Shows & Presentations (Cultural, etc.) | ||
| Buying Tickets | ||
For inquiries or tickets, call Ticketworld, tel: (63 02) 891 5610. Or visit Ticketworld counters at select National Bookstores: Quad and Greenbelt in Makati; Megamal, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Galleria and Greenhills in Pasay; Araneta Center in Cubao; Quezon Ave. and SM City, North EDSA in Quezon City; SM South Mall and Alabang Town Center south of Manila. Aside from concerts and plays at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ticketworld handles Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games at Ultra in Pasig City and Pasay Cuneta Astrodome. [back to TOP] |
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| Nightlife | ||
| General | ||
Manila by night is a swinging town with distinctive color, flavor and style, from discos and ballroom to movies, bars and casinos. Though Makati and Quezon City are good for their nightlife, Malate now shines brightest under the moonlght of Manila. Filipinos do not entirely embrace casual dress for the evening. Check beforehand when planning a night out in the more elegant places. [back to TOP] |
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| Festivals | ||
| January | ||
January 1 New Year's Day. Nationwide First Sunday Three Kings' Pageant. Santa Cruz and Gasan, Marinduque January 9 Feast of the Black Nazarene. Quiapo, Manila Third weekend Ati-atihan. Kalibo, Aklan Fiesta de Santo Nino (Feast of the Child Christ). Nationwide Sinulog Festival. Cebu City January 25 Feast of St Paul Vigan Fourth weekend Dinagyang Festival - wild dancing and colorful costumes worn by different contesting tribes of Iloilo. Iloilo City Variable Appey (planting festival). Bontoc, Mt. Province [back to TOP] |
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| February | ||
February 2 Feast of Our Lady of Candles. Jaro Fiesta, the biggest Fiesta in the Philippines. Iloilo City February 11 Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Quezon City Second Week Bamboo Organ Festival. Las Pinas February 22-25 People Power at EDSA. Metro Manila Last weekend Panagbenga Flower Festival, Baguio Variable Hari Raya Hadji. Muslims mark pilgrimage to Mecca. Lunar New Year. Chinese celebrate the start of the lunar year [back to TOP] |
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| March | ||
First weekend Paraw Regatta, race of motley sailboats. Iloilo City [back to TOP] |
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| April | ||
April 9 Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). Commemorate the Death March. Natiowide Lenten Week Moriones Festival. Boac, Marinduque Pagtaltal (depiction of Christ's way of the cross). Guimaras Island, Iloilo Variable Good Friday and Easter. Nationwide [back to TOP] |
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| May: Fiesta Month | ||
Entire Month Santacruzan (procession of Sta Helena of Constantinople). Flores de Mayo (floral processions). Bohol Fiesta: Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Antipolo, Rizal May 1 Labor Day. Nationwide First week Viva Vigan! Town Fiesta May 14-15 Carabao Festival. Pulilan, Bulacan and Angono, Rizal May 15 Pahiyas Festival. Colorful decorations. Sariaya and Lucban, Quezon May 15-17 Kailonawan (fertility rites). Obando, Bulacan [back to TOP] |
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| June | ||
June 12 Philippine Independence Day. Nationwide June 24 Feast of St John the Baptist (water dousing festival). San Juan, Metro Manila Parada ng mga Lechon (parade of roast pigs). Balayan, Batangas June 27 Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Baclaran, Metro Manila June 29 Apung Iru Fluvial Parade. Honors St Peter. Apalit, Pampanga June 28-30 Pintados Festival. Tacloban, Leyte Last Friday Feast of the Sacred Heart (Gigantes Festival). Lucban, Quezon Variable Maolod En Nabi. Muslims celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed [back to TOP] |
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| July | ||
First Sunday Pagoda sa Wawa (Fluvial Procession). Bocaue, Bulacan July 29 Fluvial Festival for St Martha. Pateros, Manila Fourth Sunday Abayan Festival for St Anne. Butuan, Agusan del Norte. Variable Apuy and Pisit (harvest rituals). Ifugao and Mountain Provinces [back to TOP] |
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| August | ||
August 19 Gigantes Festival. Town fiesta in Lucban, Quezon. August 18-31 Kadayawan sa Davao (Fruit and Flowers Festival), Davao City August 27-28 Cagayan de Oro Fiesta. Cagayan de Oro Variable Lesles and Fagfagto (planting rites). Sumbali (Aeta Festival) Bayombong, Nueva Ecija [back to TOP] |
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| September | ||
Third weekend Penafrancia Festival (fluvial procession). Naga City, Camarines Sur T'boli Festival. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato September 29 Senor San Miguel. Iligan, Lanao del Norte Variable Sunduan. Procession of marriageable lads and ladies. Paranaque, Metro Manila [back to TOP] |
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| October | ||
October 7-8 Halaran Festival. Roxas City, Capiz October 7-12 Zamboanga Hermosa. Fiesta with regatta, Zamboanga City Second Sunday La Naval de Manila. Quezon City Fourth weekend Masskara Festival (Festival of Smiling Masks). Bacolod City Lanzones Festival. Mambajao, Camiguin Last Sunday Feast of Christ the King. Nationwide [back to TOP] |
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| November | ||
November 1 All Saint's Day. Nationwide November 23 Gigantes Festival (Feast of San Clemente). Angono, Rizal November 30 Bonifacio Day. Nationawide Binabayani. Zambales [back to TOP] |
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| December | ||
December 1-14 Fiesta Intramuros. Manila December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Nationwide December 8-9 Feast of Our Lady of Caysaysay. Fluvial Parade. Taal, Batangas between December 12-15 University of the Philippines' Alpha Phi Omega Frasority Annual Oblation Run December 16 Misa de Gallo. Start of nine pre-Christmas dawn masses in Catholic regions. December 16-24 Simbang Gabi. Midnight masses. Weekend before Christmas Giant Lantern Festival. San Fernando, Pampanga December 25 Christmas Day December 30 Rizal Day. Nationwide [back to TOP] |
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| Sport | ||
| Spectator Sports | ||
Cockfighting Two roosters enter the ring (rueda); only one emerges victorious. Watching their battles is a favorite national pastime, as the audience takes bets. Not for the faint of heart. Major places you can catch this: Roligon Mega Cockpit Tambo, Paranaque, tel: (63 02) 833 2275, 833 1638 Araneta Coliseum Cubao, tel: (63 02) 913 2525 Jaro Coliseum Jaro, Iloilo City No self-respecting small is without a cockpit; fights usually take place Sunday afternoon. Basketball Basketball is a well loved national sport. Metro Manila has three semi-professional leagues, with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) sometimes travelling across the country in an outreach program. tel: (63 02) 636 5320 or call Ticketworld Horse Racing Horse races generally take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at San Lazaro Hippodrome and Sta Ana Race Track in Manila. Betting on horses is a big time operation. Major races include the Gran Copa, National Grand Derby, the Founder's Cup and the Presidential Cup. [back to TOP] |
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| Participant Sports | ||
Golf For many visitors, golf is a big attraction, as the country has some of the finest courses in the world - including championship ones. The attraction includes teeing off amid lush tropical vegetation and water-laced inland resorts. Perhaps Manila's most accessible course is Club Intramuros, which winds around the stone walls of the old Spanish fort. Its 18 holes are open to the public daily; night time golf is highly recommended. (Bonifacio Drive corner Aduana St., Intramuros, tel: (63 02) 527 9594, 527 6613). To date, there are more than 60 golf courses in the archipelago; golf features in locations such as Boracay, Angeles City and Subic Bay. From its low-key start of a few thousand golfers in the 1920s, golf has grown with the advent of international golf tournaments and well-appointed country clubs. Former president Fidel Ramos is a fixture on Manila courses. Many golf courses purport to be "members only", although visiting tourists can often make a case for themselves. Caddies, carts, clubs and "umbrella girls" are available for hire. Diving The Philippines is reputed to have more than 28,000 sq.km. (10,808 sq.miles) of coral reefs, making it a perfect site for diving and underwater exploration - despite destructive practices in some areas. Diving promotes ecological awareness of underwater life and in many cases - Anilao being the perfect example - diving has helped bring damaged reefs back from the brink of absolute destruction. Many divers rent their equipment on site. Although this is generally safe, be sure to check the equipment first, and use cautions at all times. For a list of certified organizations, contact the Philippine Commision on Sports Scuba Diving at the Department of Tourism in Manila, tel: (63 02) 524 4413. Dive operators in Manila include Aquaventure (tel: (63 02) 899 2831) and Scuba World (Makati, Paranaque and San Juan, tel: (63 02) 890 8982, 807 8134, 726 0115). Windsurfing Windsurfing, is alive and well in the Philippines. Wind and wave conditions are ideal, plus there is ample rental equipment available, in Boracay, for instance. The island hosts the Boracay Funboard Cup every January or February, which is open to windsurfers of all ages and abilities. [back to TOP] |
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| Shopping | ||