GENERAL INFORMATION
The Philippines were claimed in the name of Spain in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain. They were then called Las Felipinas. The Americans took control of the Philippines upon defeating Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898. During World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese. Toward the end of the war, the Americans returned, and following the war, the Philippines were granted independence. The country known today as the Republic of the Philippines lies right in the heart of Southeast Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. The Philippines has 7,107 islands extending more than 1,700 kilometers (1,056mi) in the direction of the Equator. The islands are divided into three main areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the major northern island; it is there that you will find the capital, Manila. The Visayas, is the middle cluster of islands featuring tropical beaches scattered throughout warm seas. Mindanao is the southernmost group of islands and has a diverse topography-Here is where most Muslims reside. There are five major mountain systems and the same number of peninsulas as well as valleys, lakes and regions of dense forests and swamps. A visit to the Philippines is a travel bargain. Your expenses are relatively low, and the offerings are varied with good facilities. Take your pick from the hectic city life of Manila or Cebu or the unspoiled natural beauty of the countryside. The bonus is that, unlike many other destinations in Asia, the country is not overrun by tourism.

WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY
The climate of the Philippines is tropical with an average year-round temperature of 90ºF (32ºC). Summer is from March to May and is always hot and dry. The average daily maximum in summer ranges from 92 to 94ºF (33 to 34ºC). June to October is the wet season with heavy monsoonal rains and typhoons in most parts of the country. The coolest weather in the Philippines is from November to February, when the daily maximum is around 84 to 88ºF (29 to 31ºC). Square Miles: Land area: 119,268 square miles (298,170 sq. km) Borders: South China Sea to the west and north, Pacific Ocean to the east and south. Coastline: 207,749 miles (334,539km) Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands are many mountains, tropical rain forests, rich valleys and swamp regions. There are narrow to extensive coastal lowlands. The Philippines does still have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The country is marked by a true blend of cultures; truly in the Philippines, East meets West. The background of the people is Indonesian and Malay. There are Chinese and Spanish elements as well. The history of American rule and contact with merchants and traders culminated in a unique blend of East and West, both in the appearance and culture of the people of the Filipinos. Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their Western 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. The Spaniards introduced the Roman Catholic faith and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos. At least 80% of the total population belongs to the Roman Catholic faith. The American occupation was responsible for the conversion of other Filipinos to Protestant and for teaching them the English language. The Philippines is currently the third-largest English speaking country in the world. Ethnic Groups: 91.5% Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay ,1.5% Chinese and 3% other. Languages: The national language is Pilipino, which is based on the language of Tagalog, although there are at least one or two dialects spoken in every region. English is both spoken and understood throughout the country, especially in business negotiations and in the government. Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin are spoken by older members of the Filipino-Chinese community. Religion: 83% Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 5% Muslim, 3% Buddhist and other.

LOCAL CUSTOMS
General: Filipinos often use their eyes, lips, and hands to convey a wide range of messages. Raised eyebrows and a smile indicate a silent "hello" or a "yes" in answer to a question. Fixed eye contact between men is considered an aggressive gesture. The proper method to summon somebody is with a downward wave. Filipinos place great emphasis on polite language and gentle conversation. Voice tone is always soft and gentle, and direct questions should be avoided. Respect to elders are shown by using "Po" in the end of a conversation and "Opo" for a yes. Filipinos, because of their hospitality, sometimes do not know how to say no to a request especially to foreigners. Always make sure that he gets your point or you may get a "yes" that may not actually be a "yes" or a "no" that may not be a "no". Filipinos are very conservative because of the influence of the Spanish, who stayed here for a long time. Wearing of decent clothing is very much advised because most Filipinos are very observant about these things, especially for females. Here are some clothes advised not to be worn in public: - Very short short-pants - Sandos (especially females) - Tank tops - Tight blouses (for females) - Mini-skirts - Bathing suits, bikinis. Although you might see other Filipinos wearing these clothes, they do receive the same criticism especially in the outskirts or towns. Filipinos value their self-esteem, so never criticize or argue with them publicly. Most men, when so provoked, will fight for the preservation of their pride or self-esteem. Avoid topics such as politics, corruption and foreign aid. Filipinos enjoy conversations about their families. Business: English is the language used to conduct business. Punctuality is expected for meetings, it is better to arrive a little late for a dinner invitation. Greet business people with a handshake. Women feel comfortable conducting business here, as sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries.

TRAVEL WITHIN THE COUNTRY
CARS Traveling by car can provide a great view of the scenery, and the roads are generally in good condition. Driving in the city can be a little tricky, though, and chauffeurs are available. There are major car rental agencies around the town. Taxicabs are also available within the cities around the country with a flagdown of P20.00 and P1.00 succeeding, although in some places taxicabs are negotiable.
TRAINS are not available in most places in the country except in Luzon where it is highly operated. The elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) has a service from Baclaran Market in Pasay City to the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City and back. In between are 16 stations, with intervals at every kilometer (.621mi). The state run Philippine National Railways (PNR) has a provincial line that runs north to San Fernando, La Unión and south to Legaspi City, Albay. The central station is in Tutuban along Claro M. Recto Avenue.

BUSES There is a public bus service that links town-to-town throughout the country. Major lines have extensive networks throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

JEEPNEYS The most popular method of transportation in the country is the jeepney. The jeepney is a colorful and festive-looking jeep, designed after the American jeeps used in World War II. Jeepney travel is great for short trips. Jeepneys run through all major roads throughout the country. The destinations are displayed on the windshields and the sides of the jeepneys.

Tri-cycles In most parts of the country where jeepneys are not the major transportation, tricycles are used. You can see different styles, designs and use of this transportation in different parts of the country. A tricycle is a motorcycle with an extension for 8-10 passengers.

SHIPS AND FERRIES There are many ferry services from island to island and quite a few companies offering regular services