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. 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
Salamat. (informal) - Thank you

Maraming salamat po. (formal/polite) - Thank you very much
Maraming salamat. (informal) - Thank you very much

Wala pong anuman. (formal/polite) - You are welcome
Walang anuman. (informal) - You are welcome

Opo/ oho. (formal/polite) - Yes
Oo (informal) - 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
umikot - turn around
(sa) harap - in front
(sa) likod/likuran - at the back/behind
hilaga - north
silangan - east
kanluran - west
timog - south

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.

   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)

    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

Wildlife in the Philippines

Rare & Exotic Fauna | Marine Life | Avian | Flora

Philippine Tourism Authority

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