Philippines Overview
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of the Philippines.
Capital
Manila.
Geography
According to businesscarriers, the Philippines are located off the Southeast Asian coast between Taiwan and Borneo in the Pacific. They consist of 7107 islands and islets (7108 at low tide), of which 2773 are named. The two largest islands, Luzón in the north and Mindanao in the south, make up 65% of the land mass; 60% of the population live here. The Visayas archipelago lies between Luzón and Mindanao.
Government
Presidential republic since 1987. Constitution from 1987. Two-chamber parliament: House of Representatives with 212 members and Senate with 24 members. Independent since 1946 (former American Dominion), Spanish colony until 1898.
Head of state
Rodgrigo Duterte, since May 2016.
Head of government
Rodgrigo Duterte, since May 2016.
Electricity
220 V (110 V in Baguio), 60 Hz. 110 V connections are available in most hotels. Flat and round two and three pole plugs are used.
Time zone
Philippine Time: CET +9
LANGUAGE
Overview
The first official language is Filipino, derived from Tagalog. The second official language is English. Spanish and Chinese are also common, but less so than English. There are over 100 cultural and ethnic groups, each with its own language. In total, over 988 languages and dialects are registered, including Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon and Bicol.
Filipino, colloquially known as Pinoy, is a vowel-rich language spoken and understood by about 80% of the population. Tagalog, which is the source language for Filipino, belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian languages and as such is related to the Indonesian, Malay, Fijian and Hawaiian languages. Numerous Spanish loan words are used in the Tagalog. About 28% of the Filipino population speak Tagalog, and the language is particularly widespread on the island of Luzon.
Idioms
- Eight = Waló
- Eighty = walumpû
- Exit = Palabas
- Goodbye = Adyos
- Beer = Serbesa
- Please = Walang anuman
- Thank you = salamat
- Tuesday = Martés
- Doctor = Doctor
- Thursday = Huwebes
- Three = Tatlo
- Thirty = Tatlumpû
- Entrance = Pasok
- One hundred = isang daan
- One = Isá
- One thousand = Isáng líbo
- Friday = Biyérnes
- Five = Limá
- Fifty = Limampû
- Danger = pangánib
- Closed = Serado
- Hello = Hello
- Today = Ngayón
- Hotel = Otél
- I don’t understand Filipino. = Hindi ako nagsasalita ng Filipino.
- Yes = Oo
- Wednesday = Miyerkules
- Monday = Lunes
- Tomorrow = Umága
- No = Hindi
- Nine = Siyám
- Ninety = Siyamnapû
- Open = Bukás, Nganga
- Restaurant = restauran
- Saturday = Sabado
- Six = Anim
- Sixty = animnapû
- Seven = Pito
- Seventy = Pitumpû
- Sunday = Linggo
- Toilets = toilet
- Four = apat
- Forty = apatnapû
- Wine = Bino
- How much is it? = Magkaano ba ito?
- Where is??? = Saan ay?
- Ten = Sampu
- Twenty = Dalawampu
- Two = Dalawa
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Filipino cover bands play regularly in hotels and bars across Asia, and this affinity for music is reflected in the nightlife of the capital, Manila – as is the general popularity of karaoke (known as videoke in the Philippines).
Manila’s nightly entertainment program is varied; Everything is possible, from visiting the VIP area of an upscale luxury nightclub to a table in a dark bar with a band playing pinoy (Filipino) rock or folk. Manila’s transvestite revues, some of which are very glamorous, are popular with many tourists. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (Internet: culturalcenter.gov.ph), on the other hand, offers a more intellectual program with ballet and opera performances as well as classical music concerts. Performances by local and international artists take place in the city’s many other theaters and concert halls.
On the islands, which are well developed for tourism, the large 5-star hotels offer not only the most modern discos, but also folkloric performances and dances, performances by first-class pop stars and artists, as well as entertainment bands and classical string ensembles.
In most other cities, the evening entertainment is rather sedate. In many towns, when the annual festivities are not taking place, with a little luck you will only find a bar with a cover band playing folk, country or reggae. The university cities such as Baguio, in which live music is played in many places, are an exception. In addition to Manila, Cebu also has a lively clubber scene.
CULINARY
Regional specialities
Delicious specialties are kare-kare (oxtail goulash with peanut sauce and bagoong), sinigang (meat or fish in a sour sauce) and adobo (braised pork or chicken in a spicy soy sauce with vinegar and garlic). Regional dishes include pinakbet (pan-fried vegetables with pork and bagoong) from the Iloilo region, relleno (stuffed chicken or fish fillets) from the island of Luzón and Kinilaw (raw fish in a spicy vinegar marinade) from the Visayas.
useful information
The mangoes harvested in the Philippines are among the best in the world; There are various types that can be served as a starter or dessert, depending on your taste.
Tip
Often the service fee is already included in the invoice; if not, 10% of the invoice amount is appropriate.
Regional drinks
The local San Miguel beer tastes great, and Filipino rum is also worth a try. Most bars serve at the table.
Minimum age for consuming alcoholic beverages
In the Philippines you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
CULTURE
Religion
83% Catholics, 9% other Christians, 5% Muslims, 3% Buddhists and followers of the Independent Philippine Church and followers of natural religions.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: The usual forms of courtesy are expected. In many ways the Philippines is more western oriented than other Asian countries, but the influence of Malay culture is obvious. As in many Asian countries, Filipinos fear losing their face (amor propia), which is why direct confrontation is a social taboo. Government officials are addressed by their title, such as senators (senator), representatives (congressman) or directors (director). If you are invited into a private house, the hosts look forward to a small gift, such as fruit or alcohol.
Clothing: Casual clothing is widely used, but in Muslim areas you should dress more cautiously. Filipino men often wear an embroidered long-sleeved shirt or a plain white Barong Tagalog shirt and black trousers on festive occasions ; Women wear a cocktail or long evening dress on appropriate occasions. Swimwear belongs on the beach.
Photographing: People should be asked before photographing them. Many locals like to be photographed, but some sections of the population cannot be photographed for religious reasons. For your own safety you should be careful not to continuously present an expensive camera to everyone.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings and at many airports.
Tipping: 15% service charge is usual in hotels.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate, tempered by a constant sea breeze. There are three seasons: The rainy season lasts from June to September, from October to February it is cool and dry and from March to May it is hot and largely dry. The evenings are cooler. Typhoons occasionally occur between July and September.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +63 Area (square km) 300,000 Population 107 668 231 Population density (per square km) 359 Population in 2014 Member of the EU No main emergency number 117
