Overview

Although composed of over 7,000 islands, with a coastline longer than that of the USA, most of the population of the Philippines lives on 11 islands. The country has warm tropical waters, coral gardens with amazing marine life and dramatic drop-offs to the sea bed.

Inland, the history and culture of the Filipino people, the spectacular landscapes and flourishing cities enthrall the visitor. Manila, the capital, is also its heart and soul. It sets the pace of life in this archipelago and is an energetic hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the established with the modern, the mundane with extraordinary.

The Japanese occupied the Philippines between 1942 and 1945, during World War II, and independence was achieved in 1946. Frequent natural disasters have occurred, and it has pockets of violent rebellion. Poverty and the national debt are also very high, which explains the large number of Filipinos residing abroad.

Massive improvements to the infrastructure, involving airports, expressways, shipping and railway system are part of a 10-point development plan until 2010. Travel and tourism will certainly benefit, as airports nationwide are being renovated to handle larger planes and more visitors.

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the UK

6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG
Tel: (020) 7451 1800
Website: www.philemb.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (visa applications); Mon-Fri 1500-1530 (visa collection).

Philippine Cultural and Tourism Office in the UK

146 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4EF, UK
Tel: (020) 7835 1100.
Website: www.wowphilippines.co.uk

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the USA

1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 467 9300.
Website: www.philippineembassy-usa.org

Key Facts

Location

South-East Asia.

Time

GMT + 8.

Area

300,000 sq km (115,831 sq miles).

Population

91.1 million (CIA estimate 2007).

Population Density

303.6 per sq km.

Capital

Manila. Population: 9.9 million (2005 metropolitan area).

Geography

Situated in the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea off the southeast coast of Asia between Taiwan and Borneo. Composed of over 7,000 islands, 2,773 of which are named. The two biggest islands, Luzon and Mindanao, account for 65% of the total land area and contain 60% of the country’s population.  The Visayas Islands are situated between Luzon in the north and Mindanao in the south.

Government

Became a Republic in 1935. Gained independence from the USA in 1946.

Head of State

Maria Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been the president since 2001.

Recent History

Gloria Arroyo became president in 2001 after the ousting of her predecessor, Joseph Estrada. She has survived attempts to unseat her: by military mutineers in 2003; allegations of vote-rigging and corruption in 2004 and 2005 elections; attempts at impeachment in September 2005 and August 2006. She declared a state of emergency in February 2006 when the army claimed to have stopped a planned coup. The May 2007 elections were marked by violence.

Arroyo faces the challenge of delivering on her pledges to create jobs and to improve living standards. Social and economic reforms that were introduced during her first term have done little to ease poverty and the country's debt.

The last few years have also been blemished by clashes between government troops and rebels, particularly the militant Islamic group Abu Sayaf, which beheaded seven hostages in 2007.

Language

Filipino, based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is spoken by many people, Spanish less so. There are over 111 cultural and racial groups that have their own language or dialect; up to 988 languages have been documented.

Religion

Roman Catholics account for 80.9%; the rest consists mostly of Muslims, other Christian denominations, Buddhists and Taoists.

Electricity

220 volts (110 volts in Baguio) AC, 60Hz. 110 volts is available in most hotels. Flat and round two- and three-pin plugs are in use.

Social Conventions

Government officials are addressed by their titles such as senator, congressman or director. Otherwise, usual civility is expected. Casual dress can be worn in most places, but in Muslim areas the visitor should cover up. Filipino men may wear an embroidered long-sleeved shirt or a plain white barong tagalog with black trousers for formal occasions, women wear cocktail dresses or long gowns. The Philippines are, in lots of ways, more westernized than any other Asian country, but the Malay culture is still in evidence.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Passports that are valid for a minimum of six months beyond the intended length of stay by the visitor are required by all nationals shown in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by nationals shown in the chart above provided that they are:
(a) 1. bona fide foreign tourists (including business travelers) for stays of less than 21 days and who hold passports that are valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of stay, and return or onward tickets (except nationals of 2. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia who do require a visa even if they are staying less than seven days);
(b) transit passengers who are continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours provided that they hold onward or return documentation (some nationals are required to leave by the same or first connecting flight. Enquire at embassy for details).

Visa Note

(a) All tourists who wish to stay longer than 21 days need a visa. (b) Nationals not shown in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist and Business: £22 (single-entry, three months); £43 (multiple-entry, six months); £63 (multiple-entry, one year).

Validity

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia nationals are allowed a maximum stay of 30 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

2 to 3 working days.

Money

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP; symbol Php) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Php1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Php10, 5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

Currency Exchange

Cash in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars can be exchanged in banks, hotels and some retail outlets. It’s best to use authorized money-changers or banks in Manila. Outside of the capital there is a shortage of facilities for changing foreign currency and rates may progressively worsen further away from the city. It is prudent to carry a sufficient amount of Philippine pesos when traveling to other provinces.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are extensively accepted in major establishments throughout big cities in the Philippines. ATMs are available.

Traveler’s Checks

Major foreign currency and traveler’s checks may be cashed at most commercial banks and Central Bank dealers. Traveler’s checks are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid problems, travelers are advised to carry their receipt of purchase with them and to avoid additional exchange rate charges, it’s advisable to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

These vary throughout the Philippines. Some banks open as early as 8am in big cities. Some banks close later than normal in some shopping malls. Some banks are now open on Saturday.

Exchange Rate Indicators

The current exchange rate for any currency can be checked here.

Philippines Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations details (Taken directly from IATA website)

Customs Rules

Import regulations:

Free import:
1. all passengers (18 years of age and over) (duty free allowance only once per year per passenger):
 a. 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams pipe tobacco;
 b. 2 bottles alcoholic beverages of not more than 1 liter each;
2. once a year the following categories of passengers may bring in goods as specified below duty free:
 a. returning residents who have stayed abroad more than 6 months:
   used electronic or electrical appliances and personal effects up to the value of PHP 10,000.-;
 b. contract workers:
   used personal effects up to value of PHP 10,000.- and
   used home appliances, limited to 1 of each kind, up to the value of PHP 10,000.-.
Prohibited:
1. firearms and firearm parts, replicas, explosives and ammunition;
2. printed subversive, obscene and pornographic materials;
3. drugs or substances for abortion;
4. gambling machines and articles, jackpot or pinball machines, lottery sweepstakes tickets, coin operated video machines;
5. articles of gold, silver and precious metals without indications of actual fineness of quality;
6. misbranded and/or adulterated drugs or foodstuffs;
7. marijuana, poppy, coca leaves, heroin, opium or any other prohibited drugs; opium pipes and parts thereof;
8. to transport to the Philippines all plants, planting materials, fruits and vegetables, irregardless of quantity, if not accompanied by a valid quarantine documents (Import Permit/Authority to Import).

Export regulations:

Free export by passengers (18 years and over):
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco;
- 1 quart of alcoholic beverages.

Pets:

All animals must be accompanied by:
 - veterinarian good health certificate issued at the point of origin stating that animals have not been exposed to communicable disease; and
 - prior import permit obtained from Bureau of Animal Industry.
Cats and dogs must also have a certificate of inoculation against rabies (issued at point of origin). The Station Manager of the transporting airline at point of disembarkation must notify the Quarantine Inspector in Manila at least 24 hours before arrival of animals. Pets may enter as passenger's checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.

Baggage Clearance regulations:

Baggage is cleared at the first port of entry in the Philippines. Crew members should clear their luggage at the Customs Crew Counter.

Exempt: transit passengers with a destination outside of the Philippines.

Airport Embarkation Tax

Passenger Terminal Fee is levied on all passengers embarking for:
1. International travel (including Security Fee): PHP 750.-.
2. Domestic travel: PHP 200.-.
Place of payment: Airport of departure.
Exempt:
1. Children under 2 years of age.
2. Transit passengers remaining in the transit area and not leaving the airport.
3. Crew members.

Currency rules

Currency Import regulations:

Residents and Non-residents: local currency (Philippine Peso-PHP): up to PHP 10,000.-. Exceeding amounts require an authorization from the Central Bank of the Philippines. Foreign currencies: up to USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent. Amounts exceeding USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent must be declared. 

Information must be furnished on the source and purpose of the transport of such amount. Violation will be subject to sanctions under Philippine customs law and regulations.
Note: Only banknotes and coins, which are legal tender must be declared (travelers checks, credit cards etc. are exempt from declaration requirement).

Currency Export regulations:

Residents and Non-residents: local currency (Philippine Peso-PHP): up to PHP 10,000.-. Exceeding amounts require authorization from the Central Bank of the Philippines. Foreign currencies: up to USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent. Amounts exceeding USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent must be declared. 

Information must be furnished on the source and purpose of the transport of such amount. Violation will be subject to sanctions under Philippine customs law and regulations.
Note: Only banknotes and coins, which are legal tender must be declared (travelers checks, credit cards etc. are exempt from declaration requirement).

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
24 Feb EDSA Revolution Day.
9 Apr Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan)/Maundy Thursday.
10 Apr Good Friday.
4May Labor Day.
12 Jun Independence Day.
30 Aug National Heroes' Day.
21Sep Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
30 Nov Bonifacio Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
30 Dec Rizal Day.
31 Dec New Year's Eve.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
24 Feb EDSA Revolution Day.
9 Apr Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan).
1 Apr Maundy Thursday.
2 Apr Good Friday.
3May Labor Day.
14 Jun Independence Day.
29 Aug National Heroes' Day.
11 Sep Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
30 Nov Bonifacio Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
30 Dec Rizal Day.
31 Dec New Year's Eve.

Note

Travel may be disrupted during Easter as it’s a major holiday in the Philippines.

Health

Vaccinations

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Food and Drink

It’s advisable to firstly boil or otherwise sterilize water to be used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Milk should be boiled because it’s unpasteurised.  It’s advisable to use powdered or tinned milk. Avoid dairy products that are liable to have been made form milk that has not been boiled. Ensure that only well cooked meat and fish is eaten. Cook vegetables and peel fruit.

Other Risks

Swimming and paddling in rivers and stagnant water should be avoided. Properly maintained and well chlorinated swimming pools are safe. Dengue fever occurs. Tuberculosis and hepatitis B vaccinations are sometimes recommended.

Health Care

Health insurance is necessary. Roughly 75% of the hospitals are private.

Accommodation

Hotels

There are over 11,000 first-class hotel rooms in Manila, together with numerous smaller hotels, inns, hostels and pensions. Prices are frequently quoted both in Philippine Pesos and US Dollars. The Department of Tourism has a complete directory of hotels. Most establishments belong to the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP). Additionally, most regions have their own associations.

Grading: The following categories are used to grade hotels, based on standards set by the Office of Tourism Services, Department of Tourism, Manila: Economy, Standard, First Class and Deluxe.

Self Catering

Apartels are available for stays of at least one week, and some islands have palm nipa huts that can be rented.

Camping/Caravanning

Only a very limited number of places offer this facility.

Home stay Accommodation

Selected tour operators can arrange this accommodation, which offers visitors the chance to sample life in a real Filipino home.

Accommodation Information

Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP)
Unit 701, Golden Rock Building, 168 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Philippines
Tel: (2) 816 2405/21/22.
 

Going Out

Food and Drink

Filipino cuisine uses spices in moderation. It has American, Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Spanish influences, which combine to give a subtle blend of cultures and flavors. Manila’s excellent restaurants serve all the regional dishes, which offer a varied cuisine, like restaurants in all the main towns. European style restaurants and fast food can be found. Restaurants are usually informal, with table service. Rice is a staple or the Filipino cuisine. Fruit is in plentiful supply, with bananas, chicos, guavas, lanzones, mangoes, papayas, pineapples and rambutans. Philippine preserves and numerous native desserts can be purchased in local markets.

Things to know: Waiter service is widespread in bars and there are no strict regulations concerning the sale of alcohol.

National specialties:
• Lechon (roasted whole pig).
• Kare-kare (oxtail stew in peanut sauce served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)).
• Sinigang (fish or meat in a pleasantly sour broth).
• Adobo (chicken and braised pork in a tangy soy sauce with garlic and vinegar).
• Seafood such as bangus, crabs, lobsters, prawns, oysters, tuna, freshwater fish and the sweet maliputo, that is found in deep-water lakes. It is freshly harvested and frequently simply boiled, fried, grilled or steamed and served with kalamansi (the local lemon), bagoong (fish paste) or vinegar with labuyo (native pepper).

National drinks:
• Locally brewed beer, like San Miguel.
• Philippine rum.

Tipping: It’s customary to tip 10% of the bill, unless a service charge is included.

Nightlife

The choice of entertainment in Manila shows the Filipino's liking for music. Top hotels offer a choice of everything from high-tech discos to cultural songs and dances, as well as pop singers and performers, trios, show bands and classical string ensembles. Most evenings have cultural performances by local artists or foreign groups at many other venues for the performing arts. Free concerts occur in several parks every week, and occasionally banks and other corporations sponsor concerts. The Philippines also has some unusual musical groups like the Pangkat Kawayan bamboo orchestra, which uses bamboo musical instruments, and the Rondalla group, which uses tiny guitars. Casinos are to be found in Cebu, Davao, Ilocos Norte, Iloilo, Manila, Pampanga and Zamboanga.

Shopping

The Philippines is a haven for shoppers. Numerous bargains for the handicrafts of the different regions are to be found in the abundant shopping complexes, which range from modern air-conditioned department stores and malls to open-air bazaars. Duty Free Philippines near NAIA is the biggest in the country. The chain stores have everything from barong tagalog (hand-embroidered dress shirts for men) to Tiffany lamps made with capiz shells.

For local atmosphere, there is nothing like the flea markets where visitors can buy all kinds of cloth weaves, brassware, woodcarvings and other local crafts and souvenirs, like painted papier-mâché horses of Laguna. Some very good buys are south-sea pearls, the silver jewelry from Baguio, coral trinket boxes, coral and pearl accessories, rattan furniture, baskets, woven grass mats, antique wooden saints figurines, clothes, garments embroidered using the traditional callado technique, Filipino dresses for women (that are usually made from banana and pineapple fibers), cigars, terracotta, porcelain and abaca placemats. Handicraft stores can be found all over the country, especially in cities. Large department stores sell local and foreign manufactured goods.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 1000-2000, but these times can vary. Nearly all department stores and supermarkets are open on Sunday and there are some 24-hour convenience stores.

Business

• GDP: US$116.9 billion (2006).
• Main imports: Electronic products, fuels, machinery and transport equipment, and raw materials.
• Main exports: Copper products, electrical equipment, garments, petroleum products and transport equipment.
• Main trade partners: China (PR), Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, Singapore and USA.

Economy

The agricultural sector produces bananas, coconuts, copra, corn, rice and sugar cane as the main crops. Production of timber, which was formerly a major export earner, has been suspended due to deforestation. There is a small mining industry and offshore oil. Nearly all recent economic development has been industrial.

The creation of export processing zones and financial incentives to attract foreign capital prompted strong growth during the early and mid 1990s. However, it also produced a skewed economy in which the Manila area accounts for one-third of GDP, but only hosts 15% of the population.

The economy has recovered following a substantial slump in 1997. Growth was 5.4% and inflation slipped to 6.2% during 2006. Unemployment was at 7.9%. Industrial production has risen and considerable foreign aid has helped the country's finances. The peso was East Asia's best performing currency in 2005-06.

The Philippines is a member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations and the Asian Development Bank.

Business Etiquette

The weather is nearly always warm and humid, and so a shirt with a tie can be worn for business visits. Filipinos have adopted an American business style and English is extensively spoken. The best months for business visits are October to November and January to May. It’s best to avoid business visits around Christmas and Easter unless you have urgent business matters to attend to, as delays tend to be unavoidable.

Office hours: Usually Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Some private sector offices are open Sat 0900-1200.

Conferences & Conventions

Numerous establishments are members of the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC). Popular locations for conferences and conventions are the Philippine International Convention Centre and the World Trade Centre. For additional general information, contact the PCVC (see Business Contacts below).

Business Contacts

Philippine Trade and Investment Promotion Centre in the UK
1A Cumberland House, Kensington Court, London W8 5NX, UK
Tel: (020) 7937 1898.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
3rd Floor, ECC Building, 355 Gil Payat Avenue, Makati City, the Philippines
Tel: (2) 896 4549.
Website: www.philippinechamber.com

Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC)
4F Legaspi Towers, 300 Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila, the Philippines
Tel: (2) 525 9318.
Website: www.dotpcvc.gov.ph

Top Things to Do

•Dive among World War II wrecks on the islands of Batangas, Bohol, Mindoro and Palawan. Scuba-divers also travel to Sicogon Island, which has mountains and virgin forests that are ripe for exploration. Another such island paradise is Boracay Island.

•Dive, snorkel, surf, swim and windsurf off Santa Cruz Island, which has a sandy beach that becomes pink when the corals from the sea are washed ashore. Traditional canoes (bancas) can also be hired.

•Go on a fishing trip. The warm waters that surround the Philippines are inhabited by over 2,400 fish species, including many game fish such as giant tuna, great barracuda, king mackerel, marlin, swordfish and tanguingue. Game fishing is best done from December to August.

•Take an adventure tour with an ecological slant that includes activities such as canopy walking in the canopy of the Philippine rainforest near Cagayan de Oro.

•Go trekking or mountaineering in the vicinity of Matulid River, Mount Pulog and Mount Halcon as well as the renowned UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces situated in the Cordillera mountain range in northern Luzon.

•Be a spectator at a traditional game of Sipa, which is played with a small wicker ball, at the Rizal Court in Manila.

•Walk around the flea market in Zamboanga City on Mindanao island, which sells Muslim pottery, clothes and brassware.

•Take a trip to Villa Escudero, a working coconut plantation in Quezon Province on Luzon island. Just under two hours from Manila, it yields rare glimpses into rural life. Visitors tour a typical village on a cart hauled by a carabao, or water buffalo.

•Visit Hundred Islands, which is the second-largest marine reservation in the world that is teeming with over 2,000 species of aquatic life. Explore the caves and domes of Marcos Island and the Devil's Kitchen.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things to See

Getting To The Philippines

Getting To the Philippines by Air

The national airline is Philippine Airlines (PR) (website: www.philippineairlines.com).

Note: The Easter period, from Good Friday until the following Bank holiday (and sometimes beyond), is a major holiday in the Philippines, as are Christmas and New Year. It may be difficult to book flights during these periods.

Approximate Flight Times

From London to Manila is 18 hours, and from New York is 22 hours.

Main Airports

Davao International Airport (DVO) (Mindanao Island) is 8km (5 miles) from the city center. To/from airport: Taxis or hotels and tour operators provide their own coaches.

Departure Tax

PHP750 for international departures. Children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.

Getting to The Philippines by Water

Main ports: Manila. The port is a trade crossroad in the Asia-Pacific region.

Shipping lines which call at Manila include Evergreen Lines (website: www.evergreen-shipping.us), Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO) and Italia Marittima (website: www.italiamarittima.it). Schedules and rates can be found in the shipping pages of daily newspapers. For more information, contact the Philippines Ports Authority.

Getting Around

Getting Around by Air

In addition to Philippine Airlines (PR) (website: www.philippineairlines.com), there are several other airlines, including Air Philippines (website: www.airphils.com), Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific Air (website: www.cebupacificair.com) and Laoag International Airlines.

Departure Tax

Php200 for internal flights from Manila. Children under two years and passengers in transit remaining in the airport are exempt.

Getting Around by Water

Inter-island ships that are equipped with first-class accommodation connect the major island ports. Local shipping lines include SuperFerry (tel: (2) 528 7979 or 7171 or7000; website: www.superferry.com.ph).

Getting Around by Rail

The Metrotren is suggested for long journeys. The railway is on Luzon Island and goes to Carmona and Cavite in the south, and to Meycauayan in the north.

Getting Around by Road

Vehicles drive on the right. Roads spread throughout the islands, with highways on the Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas island groups. Further roads are currently under construction. It is dangerous to drive off the main highway at night and should be avoided.

Bus: Bus services operate between towns and jeepneys are frequently used. These are jeep-derived vehicles equipped to carry up to 14 passengers on bench seats. Fares are similar to buses.

Taxi: Taxis are available in cities and in numerous towns. Ensure that meters are used, as some taxi drivers will set an excessive and arbitrary rate.

Car hire: This is available in Manila and in major cities.

Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. Seat belts are compulsory.

Emergency breakdown service: Automobile Association Philippines (tel: (02) 723 0808).

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, together with a national driving license.

Getting Around in Towns and Cities

Metro Manila Transport operates a number of bus routes using conventional vehicles, including double-deckers. However, most journeys are made by jeepneys, of which there are an estimated 30,000 in Manila alone. The Metro Railway Transit (MRT) connects North Avenue in Quezon to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, traveling the length of Epifanio delos Santo Avenue (EDSA). The Light Railway Transit (LRT), a light rail transit link, runs from Baclaran in the south to Caloocan in the north. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) and pedicabs (bicycles with sidecars) are a cheaper alternative for shorter distance travel around towns. Calseas (horse-drawn carriages) are popular with tourists and are a regular sight in downtown Manila.

Journey Times

The chart below gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Manila to other major cities/towns in the Philippines.

Communications    

Telephone

Country code: 63. International calls to the smaller towns must be booked through the operator.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with International mobile phone companies that have roaming agreements with Philippine Telecommunication companies. Coverage is mostly limited to Manila and other main urban areas, but this is improving.

Internet

Numerous Internet cafes are available all over the country.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes at least five days.

Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700.

Media

Commercial interests are a powerful influence in the media. The free-to-air networks ABS-CBN and GMA dominate the busy TV scene. TV broadcasters also run many radio networks. Freedom of the press is guaranteed under the 1987 constitution.

Press

• There are approximately 17 daily newspapers.
• Some examples of English-language daily newspapers are the Daily Tribune, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times and the Philippine Star.

Check the Philippines daily news here. 

TV

• IBC is a government-owned network.
• The big two commercial networks are ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

Radio

• Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) is a government-owned network that operates stations throughout the Philippines.
• ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Manila Broadcasting Company and Radio Mindanao Network have stations that operate nationwide.

Climate

Tropical climate tempered by constant sea breezes. There are three distinct seasons: June to September is the rainy season, October to February is cooler and drier, and March to May is hot and mostly dry. Evenings are cooler, although they tend to be more humid. Typhoons occasionally occur from June to September. Mindanao is primarily typhoon-free. The last typhoon to come near Davao City was in October 1970, missing Davao City itself by making landfall 48km to the south of the city.

Check the current weather conditions for Davao, Cebu and Manila here.

Required Clothing