- Capital: Manila
- Time Zone: GMT +8
- Currency: Philippines Peso (PHP)
The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago in South East Asia composed of 7,107 islands. It is blessed with rich natural resources and miles of beautiful beaches.
Cities
Manila
Manila is the gateway to the 7,107 islands of the Philippines and widely known as Metro Manila. It is the center of entertainment, culture, government, business and finance. Manila is a delightful mix of the old and the new, from modern shopping malls, imposing high-rise buildings, pulsating nightlife to ancient Spanish churches.
Boracay
Boracay Island is best known all around the world for its white powdery sandy beaches and turquoise water. This little piece of paradise offers many activities such as hiking, island hopping, parasailing, surfboarding, snorkeling, and diving.
Cebu
Cebu City, also known as “Queen City of the South”, is the oldest city in the Philippines. Historically, this is where the initial battle between the Filipinos and Spaniards took place. The city was established immediately by the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s in 1565. Rich in culture and natural resources, the island of Cebu boasts of some of the Philippines’ oldest and treasured traditions, festivals, and famed tourist spots of pristine beaches that have been a constant favorite of tourists from all over the world.
Northern Luzon
The largest and highest mountain range in the Philippines is the Cordillera in northern Luzon. The scenery, culture and environment in the mountains are completely different from other destinations of the Philippines. Cordillera Mountains have stunning rice terraces, cool weather and alpine vegetation. The biggest and the most famous city in the Cordillera mountains is Baguio, summer capital of the country, gifted with historical and scenic attractions that makes it a favorite spot for both foreign and local tourists. Banaue, known for incredible ancient rice terraces, considered to be the 8th natural wonder of the world by many Filipinos. The terraces are inhabited mostly by hand from tribal people called Igorots, literally translated as “people from the mountains”. Sagada is small town with a great scenery and famous for hanging coffins and burial caves. Some of the quiet serenity and historical spots can only be found off the beaten path. Bontoc, the historical capital of the entire Cordillera region and home to an extensive collection of tribal artifacts in the museum of mountain culture.
Language
Filipino and English.
Electricity
The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required. 110V a/c is used especially in major hotels.
Entry requirements
Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Communication
International access code: 00 International dialing code: 63 Concerning national calls made in the Philippines, it is not necessary to dial the 63 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 63 and finally the local phone number in the Philippines.