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| Philippines Travel Guide |
"With a reputation for being chaotic and corrupt, the Philippines have something of an image problem. But most who make the journey to the 7000-odd islands that comprise the Philippines are pleasantly surprised by their beauty and by the friendliness of the people.
Most of the Philippines is laidback, stable and relatively safe. The locals are an exceptionally helpful bunch and there are fantastic reefs and fish." |
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Feast of Three Kings
"For Centuries, the magical bearers of gifts for Filipino children were the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Shoes were brightly polished and left on the window sills together with the cleanest socks, fresh from the laundry. The children knew that the Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, would pass by their homes to fill their shoes and socks with gifts. Some would thoughtfully leave some straw or dry grass for the camels; if these were gone in the morning, surely the camel must have been terribly hungry.
The Feast of the Three Kings (Araw ng Tatlong Hari) is celebrated on the First Sunday of January. It is also known as the Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), the day specially honors senior citizens. The feast is also called ""The Epiphany"" which commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi."
Kalibongan Festival
August 14 marks the celebration of the Kalibongan Festival. Kalibongan is a manobo term for a Grand Festival which is celebrated yearly in Kidapawan, Cotabato. The Manobos, Bagobos, and other highland tribes from the different parts of the province go down to Kidapawan to show off and proudly display their tradition and cultural heritage. The natives display thier own version of "party" with a traditional horsefight, a "blood compact" peace ceremony, etc.
Lem-lunay
Celebrated every third week of September. This thanksgiving festival stems from the belief of the Tboli in a golden age which they call Lem-lunay, a sort of Camelot or paradise which they would like to rebuild for themselves. Each festival is a venue to reenergize the people and renew their vow to work for this coveted state of life. Features the convergence of the 6 major tribes of South Cotabato (Tboli, Ubo, Manobo, Kalagan, Maguindanao, Tasaday) together with representatives from the different tribes in Davao (Tirurays, Mandaya, Surigao tribes, Langilan, Bilaan, Bagog, Mansaka). The festival was originally just a small town fiesta celebrating the feast day of Sta Cruz.
Independence Day
June 12 is the national holiday that commemorates the begining of the First Philippine Republic (1895) and is celebrated throughout the nation with parades, firework displays, concerts and ringing of church bells. A civilian-military parade is staged through the Grand Stand of Rizal Park in Manila. |
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Manila
As the capital of the Philippines, Manila will be most's first glimpse of the country, and doesn't usually impress. Once the 'pearl of the orient', this urban sprawl, a conglomeration of 17 towns and village joint together during the Marcos reign, Manilla is now crowded and polluted the city bursts at the seams and hugs the outlines of Manila Bay. There are not many sights to see here although the city boasts an array of colonial architecture and an entertainment industry left over from the days of R & R trips for American soldiers during the Vietnam war. It's a hugely multicultural city, but trapped in the 3rd world.
Baguio
Tucked into the northern mountains, Baguio is a hill station that has been a popular escape from the heat of Manila, and was once Marcos territory. The famous rice terraces of Banaue are nearby. Baguio's main attraction is The Mansion, summer residence of the Philippine president; Bell Church, Baguio Cathedral and the Crystal Caves, an ancient burial site.
Cebu
One of the fastest growing island economies, the capital is a mini Manila clogged with increasing amounts of traffic. The island has a lot of beaches and even some water sports like scuba diving, but it is the jumping off point for a lot of islands nearby so you may find it useful for catching ferries. There is also a 16th century fort here, 'san Pedro', the oldest of its kind in the country.
Boracay
A small island, Boracay boasts one of the worlds prettiest beaches with white sand and good water sports available, like scuba diving. It is extremely popular so it may be wise if you're looking for solitude to give it a miss in the high season of November to January when the place fills up.
Leyte
An island east of the Visayas, Leyte is one of the poorest provinces in the country. It's famous for being the spot where General Macarthur landed in the early 1940's, where he declared, "I shall return.' He and the US army did in 1944 and retook the Philippines from Japanese control during World War II.
Negros
"Home of the Philippine sugarcane industry, the island is named for the Negrito ethnic minorities that lived here; wealthy barons built huge estates on the island as fortunes grew during the American colonisation period. It is now considered to be the centre of the cockfight breeding industry."
Bohol
The island is famous for the Chocolate Hills, which are best seen in the dry season. There little 100ft high hills are made of limestone, so called because they look like giant chocolate drops.
Davao
The island of Mindanao is the second largest in the country, and it is mainly Muslim. It's the calls to prayer in the mosques that will be most remembered and will contrast sharply with the presence of churches throughout the rest of the country. The Philippine Eagle makes its home in the forests around the town. |
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Time Zone
GMT +8 Hours
Language Spoken
Filipino, English
Passport/ VISA
British citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days, unless passport is endorsed British National (Overseas), in which case no visa is required for a maximum stay of seven days.
Climate
The Climate of the Philippines is tropical and maritime. It is characterized by relatively high temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. It is similar in many respects to the climate of the countries of Central America. Temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which are discussed hereunder, are the most important elements of the country's weather and climate. |
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