From Halal Food & Travel
The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas) is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
The combined length of all its beaches make for one of the world's longest coastlines, and the many islands and many waves of immigration make for considerable cultural diversity. More than a hundred distinct ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences — the country was a Spanish colony from the late 1500s to 1898, then American until 1946 — and a fusion of culture and arts enhance the wonder that is the Philippines. It would take decades to visit and experience everything.
The country has fantastic beaches and landscapes, and a vibrant and diverse culture. Many locals speak English well and most of others have at least some English. Food and accommodations are cheap, many destinations have excellent infrastructure, and the people are cheerful and friendly; perhaps the easiest way to recognize a Filipino abroad is to see who has the broadest smile.
All that said, the Philippines received only 8,000,000 visitors in 2018, just a fifth of Thailand's draw (though twice that of Laos), despite a population 40% larger, and Westerners form a minority of visitors. Insurgencies, crimes, and corruption are to blame, but the country is striving to be recognized again on the tourist trail.
An Introduction to the regions of Philippines
Wikivoyage divides the country into four island groupings:
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| Luzon (Metro Manila, Bicol, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa) is an administrative region centered on the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. Luzon Island is ranked 15th largest in the world by land area. Located in the northern region of the archipelago, it is the economic and political center of the nation, being home to the country's capital city, Manila, as well as Quezon City, the country's most populous city. |
| Visayas (Leyte, Samar, Cebu Province, Bohol, Negros, Panay, and the small island provinces Biliran, Siquijor and Guimaras) is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, located between the other two (Luzon and Mindanao). It consists of many islands and has its own ethnic groups and languages, closely related to other Filipino groups and languages. |
| Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga Region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is the second largest island in the Philippines. Mindanao and the smaller islands surrounding it make up the island group of the same name. This area has many of the country's Muslims, some are quite radical, and much of the area is considered unsafe for travel; see warnings in Mindanao and lower-level articles for details. |
| Palawan (Palawan Island, Calamian Islands, Cuyo Islands) is an archipelagic province to the west of the rest of the country. It is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. Its capital is the city of Puerto Princesa. |
The Philippine government's administrative system uses three top-level regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They treat Palawan as part of the Mimaropa region, administered under Luzon. Below that are 18 lower-level regions, 80 provinces, 120 cities and many rural municipalities. The lowest administrative level is the baran — a rural district or an urban neighborhood — and addresses or directions in the Philippines often include the baran name.
Reference ##5ea470 Luzon Reference ##4f93c0 Visayas Reference ##b383b3 Mindanao Reference ##ffff00 Palawan }}
Other Muslim friendly Cities in Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands and a population around 100 million, the Philippine archipelago has many cities. Listed below are some of the most important cities for visitors, some of which are provincial capitals and centers of commerce and finance, as well as culture and history.
- Metro Manila - the national capital, is one of the largest cities in the world and a place of huge contrasts, from ultra-modern and pleasant business and affluent districts to slums plagued with garbage and crime. While the pollution and traffic jams, as well as the scarcity of traditional historical sights, may discourage a visit to Manila, the smiling, stoical and resourceful people themselves, as well as the staggering number of choices of culture and entertainment, are its saving grace.
- Bacolod - known as the "City of Smiles" because of the MassKara Festival (Máscara in Spanish) held annually on 19 October, it is one of the gateways to Negros Island and the home of the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
- Baguio - Luzon's summer capital because of its cool weather, it boasts well-maintained parks and scenic areas, as well as being the home of the "Igorot", the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras.
- Cagayan de Oro - known as the "City of Golden Friendship", it is popular for white water rafting and is the gateway to Northern Mindanao.
- Cebu - the "Queen City of the South" was the first Spanish base in the Philippines and is a major center for commerce, industry, culture and tourism. Metro Cebu is the country's second largest urban area, after Metro Manila. Consider flying into its graft free and under-used airport as a more central and pleasant alternative to Manila - regularly nominated as one of the world's nastiest major airports - if your object is tourism.
- Davao - the largest city in the world in terms of land area, is known for its Durian fruit and for being the home of Mount Apo, the Philippines' tallest mountain.
- Tagbilaran - known as the site of the Sandugo (blood compact) between Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna representing the people of Bohol.
- Vigan - the capital of Ilocos Sur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its city center is the finest example of Spanish colonial architecture in the Philippines. Visit between 03:00 and 05:15 to savour some of its well-preserved, cobbled streets rather than the stench and noise of two-stroke engines.
- Zamboanga - known as "La Ciudad Latina de Asia" (Asia's Latin City), it is the melting pot between the Philippines' Christian and Muslim cultures, boasting old mosques, grand churches and historic colonial structures.
Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Philippines
- Banaue has 2,000-year-old rice terraces and called by Filipinos the eighth wonder of the world, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People are fascinated at the immense work of the Igorots in making this.
- Batangas is the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines with world class dive sites and beaches. Its accessibility by road about 2 hours from Manila Airport makes it a popular destination. It is home to Taal Volcano and the Taal heritage town.
- Boracay is a 10 km island featuring white sands.
- El Nido contains dozens of limestone islands forming a stunningly beautiful karst topography permeated by crystal-clear bays and lagoons, still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism
- Camarines Sur has beautiful coral reefs, and shorelines of Black and white sands. Visit the Camarines Sur Watersport complex and go water skiing.
- Donsol is the Whale Shark Capital of the world, dive and see whale sharks.
- Malapascua Island just like other islands in the Philippines, the island features a beautiful white sand shoreline and coral gardens.
- Puerto Galera on Mindoro, a favorite getaway for people during Holy Week because of its white sand shorelines and its amazing flora.
- Tagaytay , tired of the old scene of the noisy metropolis of Manila? or missing the cool weather? Head to Tagaytay, it provides a view of Taal Volcano, the weather is cool and often a getaway for Filipinos tired of warm tropical weather during the Holy Week.
- Panglao Island in Bohol Province, as resort island with fine beaches. The rest of the province has other attractions including the Chocolate Hills and wild tarsiers (tiny primates).
Philippines Halal Explorer
With over 7,659 islands and 300,000 km2|sp=us of territory, the Philippines is the second largest archipelago, after nearby Indonesia. The islands are mostly volcanic in origin, covered with tropical rainforest and fertile soil, but much of the rainforest has been cut down. The terrain varies considerably, but many of the coasts have a lot of bays and headlands and many of the larger islands have mountainous interiors.
The climate is tropical, with constantly high humidity and high, stable temperatures, so prepare to change clothes frequently under the sweltering heat. Mountainous areas are the exception to the norm, rather temperate with mildly cool temperatures during the cool dry season from November to March.
The Philippines has over 100 million people since 2015, making the country the second largest in Southeast Asia, ahead of Indonesia, and the eighth largest in Asia, ahead of Japan. The population is not balanced throughout the archipelago, with the majority concentrated in Luzon, around Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON, and Cebu. Most tourists come via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA Code: MNL) in Metro Manila, but other opt to arrive via Clark International Airport (IATA Code: CRK) or Mactan–Cebu International Airport (IATA Code: CEB).
The Philippines has a diverse culture; you will find a unique blend of local customs, Chinese traditions of saving face, superstition and respect to elders, Hispanic religiosity, machismo and romance, and Western ideals and popular culture. The country is one of the few Christian-majority nations in Asia, the other being East Timor.
The country remains plagued by its share of contemporary issues like crime, corruption, poverty, and internal conflicts. Western nations have been discouraging travel to the country out of overgeneralized safety and security threats, affecting the Philippine tourism industry greatly, and the Philippine government rebukes those governments in return, asking them to renew their advisories to be less discouraging. There is also ongoing conflict between the Philippine government and Islamic separatists in Mindanao as well as communist rebels elsewhere, which are fortunately confined in some areas, though spillover of hostilities into large cities has occurred. Crimes and illegal drugs are commonplace, but you are more likely to encounter them if you venture into rough areas.
Despite the first impressions of the Philippines as relatively economically developed, it remains a developing country struggling with income inequality and poverty. Most Filipinos struggle to live with at least ₱400 a day, whether it be a farmer or a salesperson or fast food crew, while the sosyal or rich people will be seen cruising in their luxury cars, owning guarded mansions, and sending their children to prestigious private schools. Stereotypes circulated in popular media have increased the gap between the rich and poor. Some people finding it hard to find work might resort to racketeering or committing crime to earn a living. The capital, Metro Manila is suffering from its notorious traffic jams, and slums can be sighted in many places, sometimes in contrast to towering skyscrapers in its business districts like Makati. Economic and political centralization, often called "Imperial Manila" by critics, remains the cause of the economic plight in many provinces and increased calls for regional self-determination.As with the rest of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is also blighted with uncontrolled development causing urban sprawl, lack of pedestrian- and wheelchair-friendly facilities in many locations, and uncollected garbage.
History of Philippines
The oldest human remains so far found in the Philippines are over 700,000 years old. The first settlers crossed shallow seas and land bridges from mainland Asia to arrive in this archipelago. These people were probably the Negritos or Aetas and are thought to be genetically related to Melanesians (e.g., Aboriginal Australians and Papuans). Direct descendants of these people can still be found in Negros Oriental, northern Luzon and other areas. Today they mostly live in the mountains, having been driven out of the prime coastal areas by later immigrants.
Several thousand years later, they were followed by Austronesian settlers travelling the same route as the Negritos but this time over sea in their impressive Balangay boats. This word is where the basic form of political institution, the barangay, came from. The Austronesian ethnolinguistic group includes Malays, Indonesians and Polynesians, and is spread as far as Hawaii, Easter Island, New Zealand and Madagascar. The majority of Filipinos are of Austronesian descent.
The origins of the Austronesian group are a matter of scholarly controversy. One widely held theory has them coming from Taiwan, and travelling south to the Philippines. Other theories put their origins in mainland Southeast Asia or even in China's Liangzhu Culture.
Having been a trading nation for thousands of years, a colony for several hundred and a destination for tourists and retirees for decades, the country includes descendants of many other ethnic groups. The largest minority group are the Chinese, mainly Hokkien speakers whose family origins are in Fujian province.
Pre-Spanish era
The early Austronesians of the Philippines traded with each other, and with the Chinese, Japanese, Okinawans, Indians, Thais, Arabs and other Austronesians from the Malay Peninsula and Nusantara (today's Malaysia and Indonesia) and Micronesia. An interesting mix of cultures developed in the islands, and a writing system called baybayin or alibata, as well as a social structure developed quickly, some of the traders stayed and married the natives. Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced by traders from India, Sumatra and Java. These two religions syncretized with the various indigenous animistic beliefs. Later, Arab, Malay and Javanese traders converted the natives in the island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago to Islam. The archipelago became a mix of the indigenous Austronesian and Melanesian people with some foreign influence from Arabia, the Malay lands and India.
Under Spanish rule
- See also: Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation
Memorial to Magellan further away, chief Lapu-Lapu in the front When the explorer Ferdinand Magellan set foot on the island of Homonhon in 1521, the Philippines was predominantly animist, with some Muslim and Hindu-Buddhist based cultures situated in the southern and western parts of the country. Famished, Magellan's crew were treated to a feast by the welcoming islanders who wore elaborate tattoos. Magellan was Portuguese, but it was a Spanish Expedition which he led to the islands. Lapu-Lapu, a native chief of Mactan Island, was against the Christianization of the natives; he then fought a battle with Magellan that Lapu-Lapu won, and Magellan was killed.
In 1565 an expedition under Miguel López de Legazpi arrived to claim the country as a Spanish colony. The colony was named for Crown Prince Philip II of Spain and most of the natives converted to Catholicism. Some Muslims in the south and various animistic mountain tribes, however, resisted Spanish conquest and Catholic conversion. In the period of Spanish rule galleons brought large amounts of silver from Acapulco to Manila, and this had a large effect on trade across much of Asia. Even today one can find plenty of 18th- and 19th-century coins, apparently silver and mostly American or Mexican, in China; at least in tourist areas, though, these will more-or-less all be counterfeit.
The longest revolt against Spanish colonization was led by Francisco Dagohoy in Bohol and this lasted for 85 years covering the period of 1744-1829. As a cabeza de barangay or baran captain, Dagohoy opposed the Spanish colonizers who were represented by priests and civil leaders and required payment of excessive taxes and tributes. They also oppressed the Philippines' natives by enslaving them and sending them to prison for disobeying rules. The Manila Galleon trade made contact between the Philippines and Mexico as well as the whole of the Americas. Mayans and Aztecs settled in the Philippines and introduced their cultures which were then embraced by the Filipinos. The Philippines received heavy influence from Mexico and Spain and the archipelago became "hispanicized". Other Asians used the Manila Galleon trade to migrate to the West. During Spanish rule, European powers such as the Dutch, Portuguese and British also tried to colonize the country; none succeeded though the British did control Manila for two years.
The Philippines remained a Spanish colony for over 300 years until 1899 when it was ceded by Spain to the United States following the Spanish-American War.
American and Japanese occupation
The Filipinos declared independence on 12 June 1898 and resisted the American occupation for seven long, brutal years until surrender completed the colonization of the Philippines.
The war was quite controversial in the US, and famous writers weighed in on both sides of the controversy. Rudyard Kipling, an Englishman born in India and very much in favour of Empire, urged America to "Take up the White Man's Burden" while Mark Twain wrote "the United States paid poor decrepit old Spain $20,000,000 for the Philippines. It was just a case of this country buying its way into good society ... like an American heiress buying a Duke or an Earl. Sounds well, but that's all."
The American presence remained until World War II when Japan invaded the Philippines. The retreating American General Douglas McArthur (son of a former Governor of the colony) famously promised "I shall return", and did so later in the war. There is a monument on Leyte Island where he landed and various other wartime ruins or monuments around the country; Coron is famous for wreck diving because the US Navy sank a number of Japanese ships there in 1944.
On 4 July 1946, the Philippines was granted independence by the US, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence from a colonial power, although the US continued to maintain a significant military presence, especially in the Subic Naval Base in Zambales and Clark Air Base in Angeles City. It was not until the early 1990s that the US bases were returned to the Philippines.
Post-independence era
Up until the 1960s, the Philippines was widely considered to be the second most developed country in Asia after Japan. Several decades of misrule by the corrupt dictator Ferdinand Marcos then plunged the country into deep debt. Poverty became widespread and infrastructure for development was severely lacking. In 1986, the People Power uprising finally overthrew the Marcos government. (This was called the EDSA Revolution since the majority of the demonstrations took place on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.) He was replaced by Corazon Aquino, widow of murdered opposition leader, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.
Before the 21st century, corruption became one of the main problems of the country. The country suffered slightly in the 1997 Asian financial crisis that led to a second EDSA revolt which overthrew President Joseph Estrada; the vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (daughter of one of the former presidents), took his place. After her term ended in 2010, Benigno Aquino III (nicknamed "Noynoy" and "Pnoy"), son of Corazon and Benigno Aquino, Jr., was elected President.
In mid-2016, a new president was elected, Rodrigo Duterte. He had previously been mayor of Davao, and earned the nickname "the punisher" by cleaning up the gang warfare that plagued that city in the 90s. Critics claim he did that largely by encouraging police and vigilantes to execute gang members without trial. In the presidential campaign, he vowed to clean up corruption and the drug trade (especially shabu, the local term for crystal methamphetamine, which is a serious problem in the country) and critics now accuse him of using similar tactics nationwide. Western media sources put the death toll around 1,000 a month since he became president, though the numbers are neither precise nor undisputed. On September 30, 2016, Duterte stated that he would like to emulate Hitler's Holocaust by exterminating 3 million drug users and dealers in the country, so it is safe to assume the killings will continue as long as he is in office. Despite much condemnation from the West, Duterte remains popular among Filipinos themselves, many of whom are weary of having to deal with drug pushers and high violent crime rates on a daily basis, and appreciate Duterte's efforts to deal with those problems.
Things have been improving slowly on the economic front but the Philippines is still largely a poor country. An IMF report showed, as of 2009, 45% of the population was living on under US$2 a day. Growth in the Philippines is slow, but the country is hopeful about catching up with its neighbors. One of the major exports is labor; around 10% of Filipinos live abroad, either as immigrants or as contract workers, and remittances from those people account for around 10% of the nation's GDP.
The People of Philippines
As of 2023, the Philippines has a population of approximately 103 million, making it the twelfth-largest nation on earth. Since the Philippines population is still growing rapidly, while that of Japan is declining, it will probably shortly overtake its northern neighbors to join the top ten.
From its long history of Western occupation (300 years by Spain and 40 years by the US), Filipino culture has evolved into a unique blend of East and West. The Filipino people are largely Austronesian (more specifically Malayo-Polynesian) in ethnic origin. However, many inhabitants, especially in the cities of Luzon and the Visayas, have Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and American mixtures. Those living in the provinces are mostly of Austronesian origin (known as "native"). Many Muslims in the Sulu archipelago near Borneo have Arab, Indian and Chinese mixtures. The four largest foreign minorities in the country are: Chinese, Koreans, Indians and the Japanese. Also of significance are Americans, Indonesians and Arabs. Spaniards and other Europeans form a very small proportion of the country's population. There are no official government statistics for foreign minorities and mestizos based on censuses, but embassies and consulates do keep a number of their nationals living in the country.
Filipino traits are a confluence of many cultures. Filipinos are famous for the bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie taken from Austronesian forefathers. They observe very close family ties. Roman Catholicism comes from the Spaniards who were responsible for spreading the Christian faith across the archipelago. The Spaniards introduced Christianity and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos; at least 80% are Catholic today. The Philippines is one of only two countries in Asia with a majority Roman Catholic population (the other being East Timor).
The genuine and pure expression of hospitality is an inherent trait in Filipinos, especially those who reside in the countryside who may appear very shy at first, but have a generous spirit, as seen in their smiles. Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Guests will often be treated like royalty in Philippine households. This is most evident during fiestas when even virtual strangers are welcomed and allowed to partake of the feast that most, if not all, households have for the occasion. At times, this hospitality is taken to a fault. Some households spend their entire savings on their fiesta offerings and sometimes even run into debt just to have lavish food on their table. They spend the next year paying for these debts and preparing for the next fiesta. At any rate, seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their visitors. Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian.
Filipinos lead the bunch of English-proficient Asian people today and English is considered as a second language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the Filipino people the English language. While the official language is Filipino (which is basically a version of Tagalog) and whereas 76-78 languages and 170 dialects exist in this archipelago, still English is the second most widely spoken language in the country to varying degrees of comprehension but is a learnt language. Around 3 million still speak Spanish, including Creole Spanish, Chavacano plus Spanish has been reintroduced as a language of instruction at school level.
The geographical and cultural grouping of Filipinos is defined by region, where each group has a set of distinct traits and languages or dialects - the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalogs of the central plains, the loving and sweet Visayans from the central islands, and the colorful tribesmen and religious Muslims of Mindanao. Tribal communities or minorities are likewise scattered across the archipelago.
It may seem peculiar for tourists to notice the Latin flair in Filipino culture. Mainstream Philippine culture compared to the rest of Asia is quite Hispanic and westernized on the surface. But still, Filipinos are essentially Austronesian and many indigenous and pre-Hispanic attitudes and ways of thinking are still noticeable underneath a seemingly westernized veneer. Indigenous groups, who have retained a fully Malayo-Polynesian culture unaffected by Spanish-influence, are also visible in cities like Manila, Baguio, Davao or Cebu, and can remind a visitor of the amazing diversity and multiculturalism present in the country.
Potentially jarring behaviors
Filipinos share most of their shocking behaviors with the Chinese, except for running amok and "Filipino time" (tardiness). So a foreigner who has travelled to China can easily cope, but most foreigners unfamiliar with the culture and customs might find local behavior rather jarring. Also take note that Filipinos can be friendly without being polite, the way Britons can be polite without being friendly.
- Aggressive drivers - This is a common problem in the roads, hence the viral dashcam videos (see #Get around: By car). Find someone driving against the flow, speed above the posted limit, use horns at most times, and drive without headlights. Road rage is commonplace, and simple disagreements between drivers might easily turn to heated arguments or violence.
- Crowds - Filipino culture sees the concept of personal space as less important, and expect to get bumped in many crowded locations, whether it be on boarding a jeepney or walking through tiangges. Streets in the Philippines tend to be narrow and crowded with parked cars and roadside obstructions.
- Cutting in line - Filipino culture respect the concept of lines (pila), but you might find it hard how to deal with locals cutting in line and pushing and bumping while everyone is waiting.
- Drinking (see more at #Alcohol) - Perhaps with exceptions of Muslims, you will find many Filipinos practically drinking anytime and anywhere, though local ordinance have regulated where one may drink alcohol. Customs also differ, and you cannot pour your own drink (someone will do it for you). Drunk driving is an unfortunate sight, especially at night.
- Ignoring rules - Here, the pasaway ("disobedient") attitude comes to play. Local ordinances, or sometimes, national laws, are generally disregarded. The same also goes with many house rules. This include dangerous and aggressive driving, jaywalking, and smoking in non-smoking areas.
- Noise - People lean on blowing horns and loud music, whether it be on the radio or karaoke. Conversations tend to be loud, and heard by everyone around. Loudspeakers are widespread, from storefronts to churches, just to send their message.
- Nose picking - It is socially acceptable to pick one's nose, and there are also crude humor surrounding this.
- Reactions on foreigners - Locals will practically stare at any foreigner they see, also turning them to magnets for beggars and corrupt cops. Also, don't get surprised when someone talks about your race or country of origin, or someone may just take out a camera phone and ask you to take pictures, especially selfies, with you.
- Running amok - Often described as similar to berserk, it is common for some people to run amok, especially to the point of killing someone, especially when drunk, high, or extremely angered. Of note is the case of pagdidilim ng paningin, an idiom meaning psychologically disturbing rage with murderous intent. Most commonly, running amok commonly happens on heavy drinkers or drug addicts, where there is a tendency to turn paranoid. Despite being treated as a mental illness nowadays, there remains a more lenient attitude on running amok, as some see as a way to save face, especially on men, so it is an obvious risk if you get into a fight with drunks.
- Smoking (see more at #Smoking) Though the smoking rate is 25% as of 2022, smoking remains common anywhere. Enforcement of smoking bans in public locations differs by location: Metro Manila bans smoking, as well as sale of tobacco within the 50|m|sp=us|adj=on radius of no-smoking areas, while Dumaguete bans smoking on the streets. Yet, enforcement varies. You might also encounter a jeepney or tricycle driver smoking even within sight of a posted no smoking sign.
- Staring - This is very common, but this shows they are curious. Do not get surprised when someone just stares while walking. Rubbernecks or bystanders in accident or crime scenes are common.
- Tardiness (see more at #Punctuality) - Filipino less value punctuality, like their Hispanic counterparts, and it is socially acceptable to come late.
Most visitors will get used to these situations and see the good side of the people, but the best advice is do not take them seriously.
Politics in Philippines
The government of the Philippines is largely based on the political system of the United States. The President of the Philippines is directly elected by the people, and serves as both the Head of State and Head of Government. The President is elected every six years, and can only run one term.
The political system follows a multi-party system, which is divided into three groups: major parties, minor parties ("partylists") and regional parties. The national political arena is dominated by nine political parties, with the center-left, federalist PDP-Laban (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan), the neoliberal Liberal Party, and the center-right United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) being the dominating ones since 2016. There are also numbers of minor parties running for representation in Congress and regional parties of less importance in the provinces. Most positions in the local government are also dominated by the major parties.
The legislature is a bicameral congress, which consists of a lower house known as the Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan (House of Representatives), and an upper house known as the Senado (Senate). Both houses are elected directly by the people, though the country is divided into constituencies for the election of the lower house, while the upper house is elected by the country as a whole based on proportional representation.
Politics, until today, is dominated by large, powerful families, where positions are passed from one family member to another. Corruption remains rampant, especially through the Padrino system, which is an open secret in the Philippine political arena. Padrino is often translated as "Godfather", and the system involves extensive patronage and nepotism. Political demonstrations are widespread, as in most democracies, and political violence is also a concern, especially during election periods when rival families clash, sometimes even to the point of killing each other.
Religion
Neal Stepheson's novel Cryptonomicon describes the Philippines as being as permeated by religion as India, except that it is all Catholic; this is reasonably accurate but slightly oversimplified. Certainly the Spanish made Catholicism almost ubiquitous, the Church is still very influential, and the Philippines has been Asia's largest predominantly Christian and Catholic country for centuries. However, there has also been a substantial Muslim population for centuries, Protestant missionaries have been active and several Protestant denominations are now well established in the country, and there are a few followers of other Asian religions as well.
The Philippines is not only the largest Christian country in Asia but also the world's third largest Roman Catholic nation. The Roman Catholic faith remains the single biggest legacy of three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule. Catholicism is still taken quite seriously in the Philippines. Masses still draw crowds, from the biggest cathedrals in the metropolis to the smallest parish chapels in the countryside. During Holy Week, most broadcast TV stations close down or operate only on limited hours and those that do operate broadcast religious programs.
The Catholic Church also still exerts quite a bit of influence even on non-religious affairs such as affairs of state. Mores are changing slowly, however; Filipinos are now slowly accepting what were previously taboo issues in so far as Roman Catholic doctrine is concerned, such as artificial birth control, premarital sex, and the dissolution of marriage vows.
The biggest religious minority are Muslim Filipinos (Moros) who primarily live in Mindanao but also increasingly in cities such as Manila, Baguio or Cebu in the north and central parts of the country. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gives partial self-government to some of them. They account for around 5% of the population. Islam is the oldest continually practiced organized religion in the Philippines, with the first conversions made in the 12th century AD. Islam became such an important force that Manila at the time of the Spanish arrival in the 16th century was a Muslim city. Many aspects of this Islamic past are seen in certain cultural traits many mainstream Christian Filipinos still exhibit (such as eating and hygiene etiquette) and has added to the melting pot of Filipino culture. Sadly, terrorist attacks and violent confrontations between the Filipino army and splinter militant Islamic organizations such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have strained relations between Muslim and the non-Muslim Filipinos in the southern rural parts of the country. However, the Muslim Filipinos are much more liberal in their interpretations of Islam, and like the Muslims of Indonesia, are generally more relaxed regarding such issues as gender-segregation or the hijab (veil) than Muslims outside of Southeast Asia.
Indian Filipinos, Chinese Filipinos and Japanese Filipinos, who collectively account for 3% of the population, are mostly Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist. These populations have been in the country for centuries preceding Spanish rule, and many aspects of Buddhist and Hindu belief and culture permeate in the mainstream culture of Christian or Muslim Filipinos as well. As with many things in the Philippines, religion is not as clear-cut and defined as official statistics suggest, and many Christians and Muslims also practice and believe in indigenous spiritual aspects (such as honoring natural deities and ancestor-worship, as well as the existence of magic and healers) that may in some cases contradict the orthodox rules of their religions.
How is the Climate in Philippines
The climate is tropical, and average temperatures range from 25°C (78°F) to 32°C (90°F), and humidity is around 77 percent. While locations within 11 degrees from the equator may have just two seasons and most books tell you of just two seasons, wet and dry, locals speak of three seasons:
- The hot dry season (summer) are the hottest months. The country becomes muggy, with temperatures soaring as high as 40|C, and heat indices of 50-60|C not uncommon, especially in inland locations in Luzon like Cabanatuan and Tuguegarao. The temperatures are very desirable for beach bumming and resort hopping, but not for visiting heritage locations, unless you bear the heat and high humidity. Prices for flights, ferries, buses or accommodations skyrocket during this season, especially on Holy Week, and booking is difficult due to high demand.
- The rainy season starts in June and extends through October with strong typhoons possible.
- The cool dry season runs from November to February, with mid-January to end of February the coolest times. Temperatures are cooler in the mountains, but even lowland areas can experience temperatures below 20|C when the northeast monsoon from Siberia is at full blast, so bring a sweater or light jacket at these times, especially when walking at night. This season is the best time to visit, with drier weather, but flights, boat and ferry trips, buses and accommodations tend to be expensive and difficult, especially during the Christmas and New Year season.
Locations exposed directly to the Pacific Ocean have frequent rainfall all year. This includes the popular Pagsanjan Falls south-east of Manila (though the falls will get you wet regardless). Baguio, branded as the summer capital of the Philippines, tends to be cooler due to its being located in mountainous regions with temperatures at night going below 20°C (68°F) . During summer, the country experiences droughts, sometimes with extreme conditions, from March (sometimes as early as February) to May (sometimes extending to June).
Public Holidays in Philippines
{{infobox|Christmas: The Filipino Way|
Most Filipinos are very Catholic; Christmas is celebrated from September till Epiphany. Go and have Nochebuena with a Filipino family; Filipinos don't mind strangers eating with them in their dining table as this is customary during Fiestas. Try out Hamon (ham) and Queso de Bola. Caroling is widely practiced by the youth around the Philippines, they'll appreciate if you give them at least ₱5-10. Don't miss the Misa Del Gallo and the nine-day Simbang Gabi (Tagalog meaning Night Mass). This tradition was passed down from the Spanish; the Masses are usually held either at Midnight or before dawn. After these Masses, Filipinos eat Kakanin (rice cakes) and Bibingka, sold outside churches, and drink Tsokolate (hot chocolate), or eat Champurado (hot chocolate porridge). Parols (Star of Bethlehem lanterns) are hanged in front of houses, commercial establishments and streets. A Giant Lantern Festival is held in Pampanga. Belens or Nativities are displayed in city halls and/or commercial establishments. This is an experience one shouldn't miss if one is travelling in the Philippines. See Christmas in the Philippines for details.
The Philippines is a multicultural country having Christian, Muslim and Buddhist holidays in addition to secular holidays. The year is welcomed by New Year's Day on 1 January. Being a predominantly Catholic country means observing the traditional Catholic holidays of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Lent or months around March or April, Araw ng pagkabuhay or Easter Sunday is celebrated 3 days after Good Friday. Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, Boy scouts re-enact the march every 2 years in honor of this day that is also known as Bataan Day, they march as long as 10 km, the Bataan Death March was part of the Bataan Battle which was also part of the Battle of the Philippines. The Bataan Death March was a 60 km march and the people who participated in this march were captured, tortured and murdered. All Saints Day is on 1 Nov and All Souls Day on 2 Nov. In recognition of the Muslim Filipino community, the Islamic feast of Eid-Al-Fitr (known in the Philippines as Hari Raya Puasa) held after the holy fasting month of Ramadan, is also a national holiday. This day changes year by year, as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is also celebrated by the Chinese Community but dates vary according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Secular holidays include Labor Day (1 May) and Independence Day (12 Jun). 30 Aug is declared National Heroes Day. Some holidays also commemorate national heroes such as Jose Rizal (30 Dec) and Andres Bonifacio (30 Nov) as well as Ninoy Aquino (21 Aug). Metro Manila is less congested during Holy Week as people tend to go to their hometowns to spend the holidays there. Holy week is also considered part of the super peak season for most beach resorts such as Boracay and the most popular ones tend to get overcrowded at this time. Due to its cool mountain weather, Baguio is also where a lot of people spend the Holy Week break. Christmas is ubiquitously celebrated on 25 Dec.
Dates
- New Year's Day: 1 January
- Chinese New Year: varies (based on the Chinese lunar calendar)
- Maundy Thursday: varies
- Good Friday: varies
- Easter Sunday: varies
- Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor): 9 April
- Labor Day: 1 May
- Independence Day: 12 June
- Ninoy Aquino Day: 21 August
- National Heroes Day: Last Monday of August
- All Saints Day: 1 November
- All Souls Day: 2 November
- Eid Ul Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa): varies according to lunar calendar
- Eid Ul Adha: varies according to lunar calendar
- Bonifacio Day: 30 November
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception: 8 December
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Rizal Day: 30 December
- Last Day of the Year: 31 December
Festivals
Culture & Tradition of Philippines
The culture of the Philippines is very diverse. There is the native Melanesian and Austronesian culture, which is most evident in language, ethnicity, native architecture, food and dances. There is also some influence from Arabia, China, India and Borneo. On top of that there is heavy colonial Hispanic influence from Mexico and Spain, such as in Religion, food, dance, language, festivals, architecture and ethnicity. Later influence from the US can also be seen in the culture.
Books
Filipino literature is a mix of Indian sagas, folk tales, and traces of Western influence. Classical books are written in Spanish as well as in Tagalog, but to this day most of Filipino literature is written in English. The Philippines, thus, is a multi-cultural country with its roots stretching from Asia to Europe and to the Americas.
History, documentary
- Red Revolution by Gregg R. Jones (ISBN 0813306442Lua error: Cannot create process: proc_open(/dev/null): failed to open stream: Operation not permitted) - Documentary about the guerrilla movement; New People's Army (NPA), in the Philippines.
- In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines by Stanley Karnow (ISBN 0345328167Lua error: Cannot create process: proc_open(/dev/null): failed to open stream: Operation not permitted) - Shares the story of European and American colonization in the archipelago as well as the restoration of democracy after the overthrew of Marcos.
Literature
- Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal
- El Filibusterismo by José Rizal
- Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista (ISBN 9711790238Lua error: Cannot create process: proc_open(/dev/null): failed to open stream: Operation not permitted) - A story about a middle class Filipino family that struggled to fight with other Filipinos during the martial law during the time of Marcos.
- The Day the Dancers Came by Bienvenido Santos
- Amazing Archipelago by John-Eric Taburada
Film
The Filipino film industry is suffering because of its main rival, the Western film industry. In this 21st century only 40 films are produced each year; down from 200-300 films a year in the 1990s.
- Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Festival
- Cinemanila International Film Festival
- Metro Manila Film Festival — held annually during the Christmas season, showcasing local films released during the festival month.
Music
Western culture has also permeated the music industry in the Philippines; many songs written by Filipinos are in English, but Filipino-language songs are slowly gaining popularity. American rock-n-roll as well, rap and hip-hop are heard and performed. Traditional Filipino songs such as kundiman (nostalgic/poetic songs) are still held dearly by the population but are slowly losing influence among the younger generations.
- Freddie Aguilar - Aguilar's "Anak" had been translated to many languages and topped the Billboard charts because of its popularity in both the Philippines and elsewhere. The song is about a boy who was loved by his parents so much who, as he grows old, later disrespects them. As the song ends the boy comes back to his parents' arms after realizing all his mistakes. Most listeners could relate to the song, with some emotionally breaking down simply by relating to the song. The song has an English version. It also tells us about Filipino parents, that even though children commit grave mistakes the parents are always there to forgive and help them.
- Hotdog - The group's "Manila" was a popular song in the 1980s; it is about a man living abroad missing the bustling streets of Manila, its food, people and noise.
- Check out other pop and rock groups such as The Eraserheads, Spongecola, Parokya ni Edgar, Gary Valenciano, Side A and Apo Hiking Society. Journey frontman Arnel Pineda is a native of Manila (and a former street kid).
{{topicsin|the Philippines|0
Travel as a Muslim to Philippines
Nationals from most countries, including all ASEAN countries, can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days, or obtain a visa on arrival for up to 59 days, as long as they have a return or onward ticket as well as passports valid for a period of at least six months beyond the period of stay. Exceptions to this rule are as listed below:
- Nationals of Brazil and Israel may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days.
- Nationals of Hong Kong and Macau - including permanent residents of Macau who hold Portuguese passports - may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days.
- Nationals of the People's Republic of China travelling as tourists and holding a valid visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States or a Schengen Area state may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 7 days.
- Nationals of Taiwan holding passports with National ID numbers or Resident Certificate may apply for the eVisa.
- Nationals of India holding a valid tourist, business or resident visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or a Schengen Area state may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days.
- Nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China (PRC), Cuba, East Timor, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Nauru, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tonga, Ukraine and Yemen need to apply for a visa at a Filipino diplomatic mission prior to departure.
If intending to stay beyond the duration of the 30-day visa, you may apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which have offices in most main cities and at Manila and Cebu airports . Extensions are granted up to a maximum of six months per time. You can keep getting visa extensions up to a stay of 3 years, after which foreign nationals wishing to stay longer must go out of the Philippines and then come back to start anew, or apply for permanent resident status at home. At Cebu airport it costs ₱3000 to get a 29 day visa extension and takes less than 5 minutes.
The 1st visa extension got within the Philippines at a BOI office is from 30 days up to 59 days and cost ₱3130. The cost of a 29 day visa extension at Cebu airport is ₱3000. You could also get a 59-day tourist visa from any Philippines Embassy around the world for US$30/40, but you must go to the embassy twice as the visa take 2-3 working days to get.
If you overstay, you must pay on departure a fine of ₱1,000 per month of overstay plus a ₱2,020 processing fee.
Airlines may refuse to let you check in if you only have a one-way ticket to the Philippines due to immigration requirements. Cebu Pacific Air will require a printed copy of an onwards "itinerary receipt" at check in. If you want to risk not having an onwards ticket, try to check in early to allow yourself time to buy a ticket at an Internet cafe or ticket desk in the airport if the airline refuses to check you in.
All visitors are given arrival and departure cards presented to immigration.
Travellers intending to stay in the Philippines for the long term (i.e. applying for residence) must register for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) card. ACR applicants will go through fingerprinting, photo identification, and submission of police clearance (not required for tourist visa holders). Foreign Muslims retiring in the Philippines can apply for a retiree visa, but those planning to stay longer must apply for an immigrant visa and permanent residence, which requires at least $10,000 (₱600,000) deposited in a local bank and no criminal record. The Philippines regulates the number of immigrants to 50 persons per country, with exceptions outlined in local immigration legislation. In addition, you must go through additional paperwork at the baran of residence by applying for a Baran Certificate of Residence within 24 hours of your arrival.
Under the "Balikbayan Program", former Filipino citizens who have been naturalized in a foreign country may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to one year. If eligible, you must prove your previous Philippine citizenship by presenting an old Philippine passport, birth certificate, or foreign naturalization documents. However, you may not have to present these documents to the immigration officer, as usually it is sufficient to speak a Filipino language, appear Filipino, and/or show the foreign passport if it indicates that you were born in the Philippines. If your Balikbayan status is granted, the immigration officer will annotate your passport for a one-year stay. Your spouse and children may also avail themselves of the Balikbayan privilege, as long as they enter and leave the Philippines together with you. If you choose to reside permanently, you can reacquire Filipino citizenship by taking the Philippine oath of allegiance, and your children (under 18), including illegitimate or adopted children, will automatically acquire Filipino citizenship.
Buy a Flight ticket to and from Philippines
Although the Philippines is an archipelago, most visitors arrive by plane. International airports are located in Manila, Angeles, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa.
{{infobox|What to pay when leaving the Philippines?|When leaving the Philippines, departing passengers have to pay a passenger service charge, more commonly known as the terminal fee. With the notable exceptions of the airports in Clark and Cebu, this is included at the cost of the ticket. At Clark and Cebu, this is collected at the airport before entering immigration, payable in Philippine pesos or U.S. dollars. A stub is then attached to your boarding pass to indicate that this has been paid.
In addition, most resident aliens and any one who have been in the Philippines more than one year leaving the country are required to pay a travel tax of either ₱2,700 if flying first class or ₱1620 for business or economy class. This tax is collected at a designated counter before check-in if the ticket was purchased outside the Philippines or, in most cases, on-line. If the ticket was purchased at an airline ticket office or travel agency in the Philippines, the travel tax is most likely included in the ticket price; check first and ask before paying. Foreign nationals and balikbayans (former Filipino citizens) who are staying in the Philippines for less than one year are exempt from paying the travel tax, as are overseas Filipino workers (OFW), Filipino students studying abroad, infants and employees of government or international agencies on official business. Reduced rates are available for minors (under 12 years), dependents of OFWs (under 21 years) and journalists on assignment.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia, are the three main airlines that operate international flights to the Philippines.
If you plan to travel around the various islands, it is best to get an open jaw ticket. This can save much time back-tracking. Most common open-jaw ticket combinations fly into Manila and out of Cebu or vice versa. Local airlines also have regular "seat sales", advertising affordable fares for flights to domestic destinations. However, be aware of travel dates: some tickets booked during a seat sale may only be used on dates well after the duration of the sale (sometimes up to a year after the sale) and advertised fares usually exclude government taxes and fuel surcharges.
If you live in an area with a large Filipino population (such as London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei or Tokyo), check out travel agencies catering to overseas Filipinos which often have fares keener than those generally advertised.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Most visitors entering the Philippines will fly in through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (IATA Code: MNL). The airport is divided into four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 (formerly called the Domestic Terminal).
Most international flights depart from Terminal 1 with a few exceptions:
- Philippine Airlines international depart from Terminal 2,
- All Cebu Pacific flights (international and domestic), international flights on AirAsia, and flights on Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Delta Air Lines depart from Terminal 3.
Other airports
Some visitors who enter the Philippines choose to avoid flying through Manila, instead using other airports throughout the Philippines which have international flights.
- Diosdado Macapagal Clark International Airport (IATA Code: CRK) in Angeles City, Pampanga 85 km north of Manila is a popular hub for low-cost carriers serving Manila, although a few full-service carriers serve the airport as well.
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (IATA Code: CEB) in Metro Cebu is the Philippines' second-busiest airport and a major hub for visitors headed to points in the Visayas and Mindanao, with service on both full-service and low-cost carriers.
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport (IATA Code: DVO) in Davao is served by Silk air (part of Singapore airlines) with flights to and from Singapore. and Cathay Pacific with flights to and from Hong Kong.
- Kalibo International Airport (IATA Code: KLO) in Kalibo, Aklan (near Boracay) Air Asia, has flights to Seoul & Busan South Korea. Scoot Air fly to Singapore. Cebu Pacific fly from Kalibo to Hong Kong and Seoul. Other airlines also have scheduled flights to Kalibo from points in South Korea, China and Taiwan.
- Iloilo International Airport (IATA Code: ILO) in Iloilo is served by Cebu Pacific, with flights to Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Puerto Princesa International Airport (IATA Code: PPS) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan has direct flights to Taipei on Philippine Airlines.
Passengers departing on international flights from Clark airport, pay a terminal fee of ₱650. And from Cebu Airport a terminal fee of 850.
Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Philippines
- Weesam Express operates a regular ferry service which connects Zamboanga City, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi with Sandakan, Malaysia.
- Aleson Shipping Lines also has a ferry from Zamboanga to Sandakan. Schedule departs Zamboanga every Monday and Thursday 12 noon. Economy class ₱2700 per way. Cabin ₱3100 per way.
How to get around in Philippines
Addresses
One microcosm of Filipino addresses is the barangay (abbreviated as Brgy.), the lowest government unit of administration. Although some think the word came from the word Balangay (term used to refer to a boatload of settlers in the old days in Mindanao), the term linguistically originated from the Spanish term Barrio commonly used in the Visayas, which refers to a cluster of settlements in villages, until the term was legally adopted in local government law in the late 1970s.
A barangay contains usually more than 100 families. Barangays are then further divided into sitios, a term used to refer to a community (sub-village) especially in rural areas where settlements are scattered in far flung communities. In urban cities, most barangays no longer have sitios but contiguous residential subdivisions or communities. Basically, every street address in the Philippines belongs to a baran or two or more opposite barangays where boundaries are delineated by streets cutting across. By comparison, a barangay in urban cities is somewhat different from barangays in rural towns. A barangay in urban cities such as capital Manila and neighboring Quezon City, could differ in terms of population density and territorial size when compared to barangays in Paracelis, which is a rural town. Imagine Manila with a population of 1,660,714 living in 38.55 km² distributed in 897 barangays compared to Quezon City with a population of 2,679,450 distributed in 142 barangays in 166.20 km² as compared to Paracelis with a population of 24,705 living in just 9 barangays over a land area of 553.25 km². The biggest baran in Paracelis is even bigger than the entire Manila.
If you take a taxi, jeepney or tricycle, ask for directions in advance. Street names do exist, but they tend to be rare outside major cities. Philippine addresses often include details of nearby landmarks (e.g. opposite the high school, near the church/police station/baran hall, etc.) or the intersecting street (e.g. Rizal Ave. cor. Mabini St.). The usual address is very complicated to the uninitiated, and you will find thr floor number, suite number, building name (if there is one), house number, street or road name, landmark details (in parentheses), sitio or purok (more common in the countryside), baran (or district, in some very large cities), city or town, and province (ignored in Metro Manila, very large independent cities like Cebu, Davao, etc., and cities or towns sharing the name of the province where they are located, e.g. Surigao City, Batangas City). If you are visiting someone in a private subdivision, know the subdivision name, sometimes coterminous with the barangay, and in newer subdivisions, the block and lot number over a street number. Filipinos will ask fellow locals, drivers, shop owners, or cops for the nearest landmark or building characteristics; doing the same will help you get around better. The same goes in rural areas, but you may give the name of the sitio/purok. Using online maps like Google Maps works well in large cities and even rural areas, but coverage can be very messy for multiples reasons, including the tendency to add landmark details to the address.
Buy a Flight ticket to and from Philippines
{{infobox|Flight delays|Flight delays can occur due to technical problems at major airports around the Philippines. If bad weather or smog accumulates throughout the day, so does the backlog of flights and this can cause a 2–3-hour delay in your domestic flight.
If you have a separately ticketed flight on a continuing journey, or plan to fly out the next day, then you might want to consider flying earlier rather than later, that way you have plenty of time to relax, transit or make your hotel reservation for the night.
Since the Philippines is an archipelago, the easiest way to move between islands is by plane. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia have significant domestic operations, linking many major towns and cities. There are also several smaller carriers which serve resort destinations (such as Amanpulo in Palawan), as well as more remote destinations. While most cities are served by jet aircraft, some destinations are served by propeller-driven planes.
The route networks of most local airlines are heavily centered around Manila and Cebu: flying between domestic points usually entails having to transit one of those cities (sometimes both), although direct flights between other major cities are slowly being introduced. Reaching Sulu and Tawi-Tawi by air is a special case: travelers must fly through Zamboanga City.
A significant majority of domestic flights in the Philippines are operated by low-cost carriers and are consequently economy-only: PAL is the only airline to offer business class on domestic flights. This does not mean however that fares are affordable: domestic seat sales are a common feature throughout the year, and all major airlines regularly offer promo fares on their websites. However, fares increase significantly during major peak travel seasons (particularly during Christmas, Holy Week and the last two weeks of October), and in places served by only one airline (such as Calbayog, Camiguin or Siargao), fares also increase during major provincial or town fiestas. Flights are frequently full during peak travel season, so it is advisable to book well in advance.
Passengers departing on domestic flights must pay a terminal fee before entering the pre-departure area, although the fee is integrated into the ticket price as of August 1, 2012 for flights departing from Manila and Cebu. Fees vary, with most major cities charging ₱200, and smaller cities charging between ₱30 and ₱100. Fees are only payable in Philippine pesos.
Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Philippines
- See also: sleeper trains
{{disclaimerbox|Long-distance train services operated by the Philippine National Railways have been suspended for track rehabilitation works on several portions of the South Main Line, with no timetable for when service will be restored. Follow the PNR website or Facebook for the latest announcements. PNR commuter services within Metro Manila, and service to Biñan and Laguna, are unaffected.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) operates two overnight intercity services: the Bicol Express between Manila and Naga, Camarines Sur, which resumed on June 29, 2011 after a five-year absence, and the Mayon Limited between Manila and Ligao in Albay.Additional services are expected in the future as the rehabilitation of the PNR network progresses. Train service is comparable to (or slower than, due to delays) buses in terms of speed, but is more comfortable owing to the use of donated Japanese coaches for the service.
The Bicol Express and Mayon Limited are not non-stop services: from Tutuban, Manila's main train station, the train calls at several points in Metro Manila, Laguna, Quezon and Camarines Sur before arriving in Naga (and Albay before arriving in Ligao for the Mayon Limited). It is possible to travel between any two points served by the services, and fares are distance-based. Children under three feet may travel for free.
There are four classes of service on the Bicol Express:
- Executive sleeper class features individual air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin has a bed, pull-down armrests so that a portion of the bed can be used as a chair, and a small table. Washrooms are available inside the coach.
- Family sleeper class features four-bed air-conditioned cabins: two beds on each side, with one stacked on top of the other.Access to the top bunk is via a foldable ladder between both sides of the cabin, and cabins are separated from the aisle with a curtain. The PNR promotes this class for the use of families traveling together, although it is possible to book an individual bed.
- Reclining air-conditioned economy class (or deluxe class) features air-conditioned reclining chairs, two on each side of the cabin. On some coaches, it is possible to rotate the chairs so that passengers may face each other.
- Economy class (or ordinary class) is the cheapest class of service, featuring upholstered benches on each side which can sit up to three people. Ventilation is provided via overhead ceiling fans.
On the Mayon Limited, only reclining air-conditioned economy class ("deluxe") and regular economy class are offered. However, unlike the Bicol Express, the Mayon Limited provides service using two different trains: the "deluxe" service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while the "economy" service operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Passengers on PNR intercity services are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20 kg.
It is possible to book seats on intercity trains by calling the PNR at +63 2 319-0044. Booking seats is recommended during peak travel seasons (especially during Holy Week and in September, during the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga), where trains can be full. However, the PNR does send a second, all-economy supplementary overnight train on certain days during peak season if traffic demand warrants it. Timetables and fares for all services, including supplementary services, are announced on the PNR's website and also on its official Facebook page.
The PNR also operates the Commuter Express in Metro Manila, a once-daily commuter service between Manila and Biñan, Laguna (which is also part of the Commuter Express, but uses different trains), and the Bicol Commuter between Naga and towns in Camarines Sur and Albay.
By car
The Philippines' road network is centered on Manila. Outside Luzon, larger islands' road networks converge on the largest city or cities (for example, Cebu City for Cebu Province, Iloilo City for Panay and Puerto Princesa for Palawan), while smaller islands (such as Marinduque, Catanduanes and Camiguin) usually have a road circling the entire island. The Philippines has one highway which is part of the Asian Highway Network: the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26), also known locally as the Maharlika Highway. The highway begins in Laoag and ends in Zamboanga City, traversing through Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. However, it is also the only highway in the Asian Highway Network which is not connected to any other highway: it is not possible to enter the Philippines by car.
{{multiple image
| Month | Festival | Place | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ati-Atihan | Kalibo, Aklan | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sinulog | Cebu | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dinagyang | Iloilo | |||||||||||||||||||
| February | Panagbenga | Baguio City | ||||||||||||||||||
| Kaamulan | Bukidnon | |||||||||||||||||||
| March | Paraw Regatta | Iloilo City and Guimaras | ||||||||||||||||||
| Pintados de Passi | Passi City, Iloilo | |||||||||||||||||||
| Araw ng Dabaw | Davao | |||||||||||||||||||
| April | Moriones | Marinduque | ||||||||||||||||||
| May | Magayon | Albay | ||||||||||||||||||
| Pahiyas | Lucban, Quezon | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sanduguan | Calapan, Oriental Mindoro | |||||||||||||||||||
| June | Pintados-Kasadyaan & Sangyaw | Tacloban City, Leyte | ||||||||||||||||||
| July | T'nalak | Koronadal City, South Cotabato | ||||||||||||||||||
| August | Kadayawan | Davao | ||||||||||||||||||
| September | Peñafrancia | Naga, Bicol | ||||||||||||||||||
| October | MassKara | Bacolod | ||||||||||||||||||
| October | Zamboanga Hermosa (Fiesta Pilar) | Ciudad de Zamboanga (Ciudad Latina de Asia) | ||||||||||||||||||
| December | Binirayan | San Jose, Antique | ||||||||||||||||||
| width=75 1=N54 (Philippines).svg | alt1=Primary national road route number sign 2=N645 (Philippines).svg | alt2=Secondary national road route number sign 3=E1 (Philippines).svg | alt3=Expressway number sign. Note the use of a number with "E" prefixed and background color | footer=Route number signs, introduced since 2016.
Roads in the Philippines vary greatly in quality from the paved multi-lane expressways of Luzon to the narrow dirt roads of remote mountain areas, which may complicate travel by car. Most major roads have two lanes and are normally paved with asphalt or concrete, although multi-lane roads are common near major cities. Road atlases and maps are available at bookstores throughout the country, and are very helpful when driving, especially when driving alone. Route numbers are now being introduced on all expressways and national highways, that they can be used when planning trips, but as this is still very new, as signs are only introduced in 2016, not all maps, especially app-based navigation apps (other than Waze, which has included them even before the signs are erected), include them for navigation purposes. National roads can now be referred by number, but the current practice is to refer them by their name (if known) or with the generic "National Road/Highway" (signed or unsigned), especially when asking for directions. Major international car rental companies such as Hertz [1] and Budget [2] have offices in Metro Manila, notably at the airport.Avis [3] and Europcar [4] are among the largest international car rental companies, with offices in several cities throughout the Philippines. There are also local car rental companies, such as Nissan Rent-a-Car [5]. Regardless of the company, prices are bound to be reasonable. Car rental companies usually allow either self-drive or chauffeur-driven rentals: some types of cars however (like vans) may only be rented out with a chauffeur.Also, some rental companies (mostly local ones) may only allow rentals to be driven within the island where the city of rental is located: for example, it may be possible to drive with a rental from Manila to Legazpi (both on Luzon), but not from Manila (Luzon) to Tacloban (Leyte) because it would entail the use of roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferries. If you intend to drive out of Luzon and into the outlying islands, the Visayas or Mindanao (and/or vice-versa), be sure that the rental company's terms and conditions allow it. Road networks
Luzon has an expressway network dominated by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). These are tollways with good paved roads, are privately-maintained, and the farthest tolls will not cost more than a few dollars from Metro Manila. Other expressways include the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (a 94-kilometer 4-lane freeway connecting Subic Bay and Tarlac) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway. Expressways are connected to the network of national highways and provincial roads which connect to major cities and provinces. The Strong Republic Nautical Highway system is a three-route network of national and provincial roads, bridges and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferries which facilitates the connection of major islands of the Philippines together by road, bringing down the cost of driving (and, ultimately, lowering the cost of shipping goods between islands). The SRNH system begins in Luzon, runs in a north-south direction through the Visayas, and ultimately ends in Mindanao. The SRNH is useful for driving to tourist destinations outside Manila: for example, it is possible to drive to both Puerto Galera and Boracay from Manila via the Western Nautical Highway. SRNH routes are signposted and a map of the network and RO/RO schedules are available from the Department of Tourism [6]. DrivingForeign driver's licenses are legally valid in the Philippines for up to 90 days after arrival, after which a Philippine driver's license is required. It may also be a good idea to carry your passport showing that your last entry into the Philippines was less than 91 days ago. Vehicular traffic in the Philippines moves on the right, and the vast majority of road signs are in English, with a few in Filipino. Road signs are based on a mix of American and GCC standards. Road marking are usually white, the same as in most of Europe, save for the no-overtaking lines, that always uses yellow, like in most of the Americas. While most major highways have good signage and markings, it is less common in inner city and minor roads. Road sign theft is also a common problem even in the highways, and stolen signs can cause a fatal crash, especially at night.
Gasoline stations are common in highly populated areas, but becomes rare out in the countryside. They are not self-service, and expect a gasoline boy to provide service and payment. Toilets tend to have poor sanitation, except in larger ones. Most gas stations have convenience stores and car repair shops, but smaller ones have only pumps and toilets. Fuel prices tend to fluctuate weekly, so gas up as early as possible. Speed limits are set on 100 kilometers/h on expressways, 80 kilometers/h on national highways outside populated areas, and 20 kilometers/h to 40 kilometers/h elsewhere (residential areas, school zones, city roads). Speed limits are not well signed in most roads and enforcement is lax, and speeding is a common problem on rural highways. Distracted driving is now illegal under a new law signed on May 2017. Even texting, calling, or playing games while your vehicle is stopped on a traffic light or a traffic jam can be fined. Navigation apps, like Waze and Google Maps, which are being popular with drivers trying to avoid jams, are permitted, but must be hands-free, that you cannot use the device while driving, unless you pull over to set navigation to an alternate route. Exceptions only apply when using a cell phone in emergency, like reporting an accident. Due to heavy traffic congestion, Metro Manila and Baguio have laws that restrict certain vehicles based on the day of the week and the ending number of your vehicle's license plate: this is officially called the Uniform Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), but it is simply known as "number coding" or, previously "color coding" (although it has nothing to do with the color of your vehicle). The UVVRP works as follows:
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