Philippine Facts and Travel Basics

image from: Definitely Filipino

Capital: City of Manila

People: The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, Spanish, American and Arab blood

Language: Filipino is the national language. English is the business language and widely spoken.

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

Geography: The Philippines is an archipelago located between the Philippine Sea ad South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and north of Sabah and Borneo.

Time: GMT + 8 hours

What to Wear: Because Philippines offers a tropical climate, light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions.

Transportation: In Metro Manila, the fastest and most economical way of commuting is via the elevated trains called the Light Railway Transit popularly known as the LRT. LRT Line 1 connects the northern district of Monumento to Baclaran in the south with stations situated at major intersections. MRT Line 2 runs from Recto Avenue to Santolan in the eastern part of the metropolis. Meanwhile, MRT Line 3 traverses EDSA, Manila’s main circumferential road.

Buses and taxis are recommended for short distances where the LRT trains do not pass. Metered taxis are available in Manila and major cities, while the public utility jeepney is the most common mode of transportation for intra-city or short distance travel. In the absence of jeepneys, tricycles are the alternative.

Food: Filipino food is an exotic and tasteful blend of Asian, European and American culinary influences with a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. These influences have been adapted to local ingredients and the Filipino palate to create distinctively Filipino dishes.

Currency: Philippine Peso (Php)

Credit Cards: International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard and American Express Card are acceptable in major establishments.

map of the Philippines