The capital, Manila, is situated at the mouth of a natural harbor - the Manila Bay of world-famous sunsets. Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine President, stands regally on the banks of the Pasig River, which meanders through the length of the metropolis.
Within the city limits are located the medieval walled city of Intramuros, Spain's stronghold in Asia during its empire era; Escaolta and Sta. Cruz, two of the oldest commercial centers in the country; and historic Paco and Luneta Parks. Here, too, can be found enclaves as exotic and enduring as Chinatown, the Muslim quarters of Quiapo, and the noisy bargain mecca that is Divisoria.

Language in the Philippines has many dialects but English is spoken very well by most of the people. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the Filipino people the English language.

(Miss spellings = filippines - filipines - Filippinos- Philipenes)

The Philippines is currently the third-largest English speaking country

in the world. The weather in the main tourist areas is around 23/33°C

Here are some Philippine courtesy words and useful phrases:

Salamat po. (formal/polite) - Thank you 
Opo/ oho. (formal/polite) - Yes

DIRECTIONS:
Tagalog words and phrases used in giving or asking for directions.

deretso - straight ahead
(sa) kanan - on the right
(sa) kaliwa - on the left
hilaga - north silangan - east kanluran - west timog - south

PHILIPPINE 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.
Canadians must have a valid passport.

No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days & Easy to extend.
Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Irish citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.

United States citizens must have a valid passport.

No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.

Philippines holidays for Philippine islandsperfect for dive holidays
diving is begining to get very popular in the Philippines. Cheap flights from Manila can wisk you to all the islands most within less than 40 minutes. Or around 1. 5 hour flight to General Santos in Mindinao the South tip of the Philippines You can fly direct to the Philippines from most places in the world and flight links are often faster than coach transfer! Compare FLIGHTS Here
Philippine information on tourism to Philippine weddings!

Weddings in beautiful Philippines - with philippinewedding.co.uk

Many people are now looking abroad for weddings on a beach. Travel to the Philippines is much easier and bargain flight links are very good. A good tourist book will guide you to all the wonders of the Philippines from large cities - even in Cebu to tranquil "Foot steps" beaches all around the secon largest archipeligo in the world! Cheap bargain flights can be found even in the "high" season

(The weather is perfect most of the year - just the occassional cloud burst to clear the dust! More frequent in some months than others)

A Philippines holiday is for singles couples and families, Holiday resorts tours or "away from it all" islands and mountains...

In the philippine islands there are exellent scuba diving schools for a PADI course of scuba lessons for a great scuba diving holiday package trip in the many diving resorts or you can bring your own diving kit - book a hotel and get onward low cost flights all over the islands. Check out the cheapest flights to Manila above.
 

The Friendly PHILIPPINE PEOPLE -The Filipino is basically Malay

with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arabian!

The Philippines has a population of over 77 million, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks.

    From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with

the visits of merchants, pirates! and other traders, evolved a people

of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.

    The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers.

The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese! Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Safety in the Philippines

   Seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their Western visitors but be aware of over-zealous agents and a few taxi drivers, who will you charge you the rate they would like, rather than the actual rate... (Always get at least two quotes for everything)

And as with China - if you walk away the price is lowered vey quickly!

The Philippines is a very poor country and needs toursim so the vast majority of Philippines welcome you and some see tourism as a saviour

There is some remote village flare ups in the very South West but this is also exellent scuba diving and snorkelling area. Diving areas and holiday packages are all over the Philippines.

    Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian but on the whole most are friendly and given the basic rates of pay relatively trustworthy. Any city in the Philippines is basically like any "civilised" city in the world...with the added morality of the Catholic and Muslim faiths. 

 Nigel@TLC Tell me what you think?

Tourist visitors enjoy a wide array of excellent accommodations, fine restaurants, huge shopping malls, reliable communication services

and conference and exhibition organizers. Those wishing to get away from the busy cities can discover tours promoting relaxation and recreation around the country. From pristine, white-sand beaches to cool mountain escapes, there is always something interesting for the avid traveler to enjoy in the Philippines From Manila to a paradise  Philippine island of your own?. Philippine travel guide

Boracay is the perfect island getaway, with its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand, and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach. The islands facilities and amenities make it a tropical paradise and scuba haven. Boracay is a melting pot for beach lovers.

Wildlife in the Philippines links. Tourist information ...

Rare & Exotic Fauna | Marine Life | Avian | Flora

Philippine Tourism Authority

Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation  www.dotpcvc.gov.ph

Super Cat Fast Ferry +63 (0) 32 232 4511 to 16
www.supercat.com.ph
Weesam Express FastCraft +63 (0) 32 412 9562
www.weesamexpress.com
Sulpicio Lines +63 (0) 32 232 5361 to 80
www.sulpiciolines.com
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines +63 (0) 2 325 4773
+63 (0) 32 254 6491 to 95
www.transasiashipping.com
Cokaliong Shipping Lines +63 (0) 2 232 7211
+63 (0) 38 411 3874 / 411 5242
www.cokaliongshipping.com
Ocean Jet Fast Ferry +63 (0) 255 7560
www.oceanjet.net

WE FLY with: Cebu Pacific 0063 (0) 2 702 0888
www.cebupacificair.com
ceb.reservation@cebupacificair.com

ADVERTISE HERE FREE!