THE PHILIPPINES
Geographically part of Southeast Asia, however, centuries of Spanish and American colonization and economic influence give the island nation a distinct feel that differs from it's mainland counterparts. Citizens speak English well, practice Roman Catholicism with an island flair, and enjoy clan gatherings. They seem to move on "island time" with a jovial, it can wait until tomorrow, attitude more consistent with Puerto Rico than Malaysia. The approximately 100 million citizens are scattered across over 7,000 islands in three main clusters: Luzon (north), Visayas (central), and Mindanao (south). The country's position along the Pacific ring of fire has created a unique landscape but unfortunately also leads to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
PHILIPPINES DESTINATIONS
For an individual with a one-week vacation the Philippines is sadly a difficult sell. Your arrival and departure funnels you through Manila where you’ll spend at least 1-2 nights. From there you can head north to rice fields or fly/ferry south to Boracay or Cebu - that seems to be the standard script which would allow you to see 2-3 of the 7,000+ islands.
For an individual with a one-month vacation the Philippines becomes a must go destination. What the Philippines lacks in a single, must see attraction like Angkor Wat it makes up for in quantity and diversity. Unique geographical landscapes, animals, history, and food will have you trying to reach all of the 7,000+ islands.
***Do NOT Visit the Philippines During Easter or Christmas!!! (unless of course you have family here)***
For an individual with a one-month vacation the Philippines becomes a must go destination. What the Philippines lacks in a single, must see attraction like Angkor Wat it makes up for in quantity and diversity. Unique geographical landscapes, animals, history, and food will have you trying to reach all of the 7,000+ islands.
***Do NOT Visit the Philippines During Easter or Christmas!!! (unless of course you have family here)***
During the holidays the Filipinos will travel around the country to either gather with family or go on vacation. Hotel and transportation costs sky rocket three times the standard price - that's if you can purchase a plane or ferry ticket at all. Certain aspects of the Philippines such as the beaches or diving with whale sharks become unbearable with too many people present.
COUNTRY BACKGROUND
HISTORY
Pre 1500s: Various city states with Arab, Malay, and Java influence
1521-1898: Magellan arrival and period of Spanish colonization - unified islands; repressed indigenous revolts; spread Catholicism
1898-1946: American period: “Acquired” from Spain following Spanish American War
1946: US Sovereignty - June 12 independence day (from Spain)
1972-1986: Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship
GOVERNMENT
Democracy - Three Branches:
1) Executive: President (Benigno Aquino III through June 2016) popular vote - six year term
2) Legislative: Senate (direct election) and House of Representatives (elected by district and through sectoral representation)
3) Judicial: Chief Justice w/ 14 associates; appointed by pres
ECONOMY
Newly industrialized country often included on the list of next emerging markets - Goldman Sachs “Next 11”
Heavily reliant on remittances from abroad ~ 10% of GDP
English speaking workforce with call center, back office, and pre-fab construction potential
EDUCATION
Literacy Rate: 94% - relatively equal male/female
Public education 2.5% of GDP but also heavy private/Catholic school presence
HEALTHCARE
3.8% of GDP - 67% private / 33% government
Skilled practitioner retention problems - 70% of nurses leave for work
Pre 1500s: Various city states with Arab, Malay, and Java influence
1521-1898: Magellan arrival and period of Spanish colonization - unified islands; repressed indigenous revolts; spread Catholicism
1898-1946: American period: “Acquired” from Spain following Spanish American War
1946: US Sovereignty - June 12 independence day (from Spain)
1972-1986: Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship
GOVERNMENT
Democracy - Three Branches:
1) Executive: President (Benigno Aquino III through June 2016) popular vote - six year term
2) Legislative: Senate (direct election) and House of Representatives (elected by district and through sectoral representation)
3) Judicial: Chief Justice w/ 14 associates; appointed by pres
ECONOMY
Newly industrialized country often included on the list of next emerging markets - Goldman Sachs “Next 11”
Heavily reliant on remittances from abroad ~ 10% of GDP
English speaking workforce with call center, back office, and pre-fab construction potential
EDUCATION
Literacy Rate: 94% - relatively equal male/female
Public education 2.5% of GDP but also heavy private/Catholic school presence
HEALTHCARE
3.8% of GDP - 67% private / 33% government
Skilled practitioner retention problems - 70% of nurses leave for work
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
From beach side hostels to one of the most exclusive resorts in the world (Amanpulo) Philippines has options for all travel budgets.
FOOD
Chicken, pork, and rice. Repeat. Mix it up with seafood - fish, shrimp, and octopus.
SITES, ATTRACTIONS, ADVENTURES
IN COUNTRY TRAVEL
From beach side hostels to one of the most exclusive resorts in the world (Amanpulo) Philippines has options for all travel budgets.
- Tune Hotels - high quality but spartan budget hotel options from the founder of Air Asia. It’s possible to find rooms in the same price range as a single room at a hostel - just be aware that wifi, tv access, and even towels incur extra charges. If you book through an online travel site, those options will be included in the total cost; if you book directly through Tune Hotel you’ll have the option to add on before checkout.
- In Manila I stayed at Pink Manila Hostel - it was a bit of a “party” hostel - lots of younger people travelling through between Bali and Boracay but it’s centrally located and nearby a metro stop. Taxi fares are very cheap but the Manila traffic is brutal so the closer you are to a destination the less time you’ll spend in traffic.
- Finding Value at a Philippine Beach Resort - the Philippines has 1,000s of beaches and while Boracay receives the most attention there are many options available. I think the best location is El Nido which is on the northern tip of Palawan, however, the prices may be higher - but if prices are not significantly higher this would be the route to go. All meals are inclusive and the additional activities such as island hopping are reasonable. The El Nido resorts will also have snorkeling gear (and an impressive house reef), wind surfboards, and other options included in the price.
FOOD
Chicken, pork, and rice. Repeat. Mix it up with seafood - fish, shrimp, and octopus.
- Sisig (chopped up pig’s head) and Adobo (cooking style) are considered the two MUST haves when dining in the Philippines. Crispy pata (deep fried hind pig’s leg), sticky rice, pork belly, seaweed salad, crabs, etc. - there’s a lot more out there.
- Lechon is another must have, but since this is the whole pig it may be difficult to find and eat this on your own. There are restaurants throughout the major cities that cook whole pigs and serve small portions to individual customers - CnT Lechon in Cebu is a good example.
- Western style restaurants with Philippines slant - go to any mall in the Philippines and you will find similar Filipino Chains: Max’s, Gerry’s, Bixby’s, Army Navy, etc. Meals typically cost under $5. The mall options are frequented by a high volume of Filipinos, but if these chain options don’t appeal to you more upscale restaurants are available and costs will rarely exceed $10 per meal.
- Jollibee is a national institution and another must have meal when in the Philippines - you can find them everywhere.
- Bo’s Coffee, Coffeeworks, etc. are a handful of the local alternative Starbucks coffee options.
SITES, ATTRACTIONS, ADVENTURES
- Manila: Intramuros, Corregidor Island
- Donsol: (Whale Sharks)
- Cebu: Magellan's Cross, Basilica de Santa Nino
- Palawan: Resorts
- Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers
IN COUNTRY TRAVEL
- Ferry: some ferries are 1-2 hour rides but in other cases they could be 6-10 hour overnight rides depending upon the distance between islands. The longer ferries primary function is to transport freight and the passenger areas are on the upper decks. On the longer ferries you’ll be assigned a bed and it’s worth upgrading to the “tourist” section which will be enclosed and have air conditioning.
- Plane: Cebu Pacific covers the Philippines quite well at a reasonable cost per flight. Air Asia has limited routes. A few airlines specialize in flights to El Nido. The Manila airport is consistently ranked as one of the worst in the world.
- Taxis: Taxis are all metered and very reasonable. The only time you may incur a fixed rate taxi is to and from the airports.
- Metro: Manila has a metro which if you are staying near the line is convenient to reach Intramuros and a few other areas of the city.