PHILRESORTS WEB

Philresorts FOREX

US $1 = Php 41.2000

As of 2013-04-11

The Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands. Strategically located east of the Asian mainland and blessed with abundant natural resources, the country has attracted traders, explorers and adventurers for centuries. It has three main group of islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The islands are known for their pristine sandy beaches, volcanoes, coastlines, coral reefs, thick forests and ancient rice terraces. The clear water and abundant sea-life make it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. In addition to the scenery, a trip to the Philippines is made more memorable by the fun-loving Filipinos, whose hospitality is legendary.

• BoholWith a land area of 4117.3 square kilometers, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines, and lies in the middle of the Visayas. Bohol is surrounded by other islands on all sides, and is thus shielded from the typhoons that often occur in the region, as well as from the heaviest rains.
• Cagayan de OroA veritable goldmine for those in search of new tourist and investment destination. The soundness of the Cagayan de Oro business climate as well as its metropolitan flavor combined with the warm and easy nature of the local people gives it a self-contained setting that motivated an increasing number expatriate business to stay in the city for good.
• PalawanKnown as the last frontier, Palawan is home of world famous resorts like Club Paradise (Northern), El Nido Resort, Club Noah Isabelle and Amanpulo. Enjoy its wide sand beaches spectacular coral reefs and shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts.
• Cebu An elongated island some 250 kilometers from North to South and 45 kilometers across at its widest point. It is central to the Philippine archipelago and around 600 kilometers south of Manila. This location combined with a sheltered deep water harbour has made Cebu the base for most of the countrys domestic shipping and the gateway to the central and southern Philippines.
• BoracayRated among the best beaches in the world. Its main attraction is the four kilometer sugar fine white sand, crystal clear water, food and activities.
• BacolodBacolod is a major seaport and has daily ferry trips to Iloilo City. By boat, Bacolod is 18 hours from Manila and 7 hours from Cebu City. Bacolod City Domestic Airport is 4 kilometers away from the city's downtown area. Bacolod is 45 minutes from Manila by plane and 30 minutes from Cebu City by plane. The city serves as the gateway to the sugar-rich cities and towns of the province. Visitors' facilities abound; modern means of in-land transport can take guests for business or leisure to any point in Negros Island.
• IloiloThe third-largest province in Western Visayas after Palawan and Negros Occidental. The province is divided into two distinct geographic regions; the highlands of the Madia-as on the western border and the lowland plains which account for a larger portion of the province. Small islands east of its northernmost tip also dot the Visayan Sea - of these, Pan de Azucar and Sicogon are well-known.
• Metro ManilaThe total urban area that is composed of different cities and the surrounding urban fringe. The proper city Manila is only one of the big cities of this urban agglomeration. Metro Manila, or the 'National Capital Region' as they say in the Philippines, is a real metropolitan area. On 636 square kilometer live more than 10 million inhabitants.
• SubicThe complex boasts of Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta four world-class buildings with a total of 304 deluxe airconditioned rooms where guests settle back at the end of the day in style.
• Puerto GaleraEndowed with many attractions: rainforest-clad mountains where the rare endangered tamaraw dwells, the mangyan tribes and the spectacular diving and snorkeling sites around the area.
• ViganThe capital of Ilocos Sur. It was established in the 16th century. It is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the past.
• BaguioKnown as the summer capital of the Philippines is a popular destination during summer for both local and foreign tourist because of its cold climate.
• CamiguinSaid to be "born of fire", pertaining to the seven volcanoes located on this 238 sq. km. patch of land that sits across the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro.
• DavaoProbably derived its name from the ancient Bagobo word "daba-daba" or fire, which the tribe used for its rituals.

Entry Formalities. A valid passport is required for all visitors. Check with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate for Visa requirements. As a rule, visitors may stay without a visa up to 21 days, provided they possess an onward or return journey ticket.

Health. Yellow fever vaccination is required upon arrival of visitors coming from infected areas, except children under one year of age who are, however, subject to isolation when necessary.

Customs Tourists may import the following items free of duty:

Tobacco. 400 cigarettes or two tins of smoking tobacco.

Alcoholic Beverages. Two (2) regular-size bottles not exceeding one liter each.

A reasonable amount of perfume, for personal use. A reasonable amount of personal effects necessary and appropriate for their personal use, comfort and convenience.

It is strictly forbidden to bring in dynamite, gun powder, ammunition, firearms, weapons of war and narcotics in any form.

Currency Philippine Peso (Piso) made up one hundred centavos (sentimos). Coins in 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos and one and five pesos (P). Paper denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 and 1,000 pesos. As a general rule, money changers and banks offer a better exchange rate for foreign currency than hotels. Always demand an exchange receipt, to enable you to reconvert your unspent local currency, upon departure.

Climate. Two distinct seasons: Dry summer months from November to May, and rainy months from June to October. Coolest months from November to February (average temperature 26° C). and warmest April and May (average temperature 30° C). Wear light clothing, with some warmer clothes for visits to cooler mountain regions. When formal attire is required, a coat and tie will do, or better still, the Filipino "Barong Tagalog"—a light material shirt worn untucked, over dark pants.

Business Hours. Private companies from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Monday to Friday and 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN on Saturdays. Government offices same hours, except Saturdays. Banks from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM without lunch break Monday to Friday. Commercial establishments from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday to Sunday.

Electric Current. 220V, 60 cycles. Major hotels in Manila and Cebu, however, also have 110V. Electric sockets are for flat prongs.

Language. 110 dialects are spoken in the various regions and islands. However, most Filipinos speak the national language, Pilipino, and a majority speak English, which is the basic language for business, government, schools and everyday communications. Spanish is still spoken by a few, among the affluent in particular.

Transportation. In urban center by taxi, bus, light railway system and jeepneys. By jeepney and tricycle in rural areas.

Tipping. The standard tip is ten (10%) percent of the total amount of the bill. Hotels and restaurants, however, automatically add this amount as service charge, plus any applicable tax. Additional tip is optional. Five to ten pesos per bag for hotel porters/bellboys is expected, depending on the amount of your luggage. Taxi drivers are usually tipped depending on the figure in the taxi meter.