The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands, of which only 2,000 are inhabited. Only about 500 of the islands are larger than a square kilometer and 2,500 of them are not even named. The total area of the Philippines is 299,404 square kilometers. The highest mountain is Mt. Apo, near Davao in Mindanao, at 2,953 metres.

The islands of the Philippines can be conveniently divided into three groups. First, there is Luzon, the largest and northernmost island and the site of the capital, Manila. The nearby islands of Mindoro and Marinduque are generally included with Luzon. At the other end of the archipelago is the second largest island, Mindanao. Third, there is the tightly-packed island group known as the Visayas. There are seven major islands in this group - Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Masbate. Cebu is the central island of the group and Cebu City is a major tourist destination.

There are over 30 volcanoes in the Philippines, 10 of which are classified as being active. The longest rivers are the Cagayan River, the Rio Grande de Pampanga and the Agno in Luzon; the Rio Grande de Mindanao and the Agusan River in Mindanao.

Today, there are about 67 million Filipinos; approximately 8 million of whom live in Metro Manila. Filipinos are basically of Malay stock with Chinese and Spanish ancestries. Although an ever growing number of Filipinos are becoming urbanized, a great majority of Filipinos still till the land and live off it comfortably. Known for their hospitality, Filipinos are a warm and friendly people. Visitors are welcomed like members of the family and it is no surprise to find house guests being offered the best room in a Filipino home. Smiles are abundant in the islands.

LAND TRANSPORTATION

On the  first  120 days upon  arrival to the country, a non Philippine resident may operate  a  vehicle  using  a valid unexpired  license issued by the any  state  of    the  U.S.A.  or  any   foreign  country  who  reciprocate  the  same requirements  as in  The  Philippines.   If  you  stay  longer   (more  than 120 days)  then you will be required to obtain a Philippine Drivers License.  You can go to any local Land Transportation Commission  office (LTC) to get  a license. The applicant must be a   least 16 years  old.  International  Drivers License is also acceptable

Driving in the Philippines is just driving in the  United  States.  Drivers are  on   the Left hand side. All the road signs are in English just like in the U.S.   Distances markers are   in kilometers   and are posted every kilometer.  Gas are sold in liters. If you follow the U.S.  driving rules and regulations you'll be okay.

BANKING HOURS

Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

TELEPHONE

The international dialing code for the Philippines is 63. When making international telephone calls from the Philippines first dial 00 +country code + area code + telephone number.

WATER

Water from the tap is not safe to drink and ice cubes should be avoided. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available.

ELECTRICITY

Most residents and business centers in the Philippines are using 220 volts a/c. However, a number of major hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets.

PHILIPPINE HOLIDAYS

• January 1 - New Years Day
• February 24 - EDSA Revolution Day,
• March/April (Movable) - Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter
• April 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan
• May 1 - Labor Day
• June 12 - Independence Day from Spain
• July 4  - Philippine US Friendship Day
• Last Saturday of August - National Heroes' Day
• November 1 - All Saints' Day
• November 30 - Andres Bonifacio Day
• December 25 - Christmas Day
• December 30 - Rizal Day

Map of the Philippines

Information about Philippine Provinces:

Metro Manila | Abra | Agusan del Norte | Agusan del Sur | Aklan | Albay
Antique | Apayao | Aurora | Basilan | Bataan | Batanes | Batangas | Benguet
Biliran | Bohol | Bukidnon | Bulacan | Cagayan | Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur | Camiguin | Capiz | Catanduanes | Cavite | Cebu
Compostela Valley | Cotabato | Davao del Norte | Davao del Sur
Davao Occidental | Davao Oriental | Dinagat Islands | Guimaras | Ifugao
Ilocos Norte | Ilocos Sur | Iloilo | Kalinga | Isabela | La Union | Laguna
Lanao del Norte | Lanao del Sur | Leyte | Maguindanao | Marinduque | Masbate
Misamis Occidental | Misamis Oriental | Mountain Province | Negros Occidental
Negros Oriental | Nueva Ecija | Nueva Vizcaya | Occidental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro | Palawan | Pampanga | Pangasinan | Quezon | Quirino | Rizal
Romblon | Samar | Samar (Eastern) | Samar (Northern) | Sarangani | Siquijor
Sorsogon | South Cotabato | Southern Leyte | Sultan Kudarat | Sulu
Surigao del Norte | Surigao del Sur | Tarlac | Tawi-Tawi | Zambales
Zamboanga del Norte | Zamboanga del Sur | Zamboanga Sibugay