English Blog (6) Part Two

Traffic & Transportation

Getting to the Philippines

Because the Philippines is an archipelago, it is more convenient for visitors to arrive here by plane. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the main hub for air travel to the Philippines.

And other international airports are located in Cebu, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles, Davao, Kalibo, Laoag and Zamboanga. More than 30 airlines frequently connect to Asian, European, Middle East and North American countries.

Besides, Philippine Airlines, Cabu Pacific, PAL Express, Air Asia and Tiger Airways are among the national carriers.

Getting around the Philippines

Within the country, flying is also popular, as it is fast, convenient and inexpensive. But it is important to note that some airports, which only have small aircrafts, will have high requirements for carry-on luggage. So we suggest you travel as much light as you can.

Other transportation, such as taxi, ferries, trains and buses can be seen here and there. It is quiet convenient for you to travel around the whole country. Besides, there are some characteristic local transportations will attract your attention. For example, jeepney is the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They are known for their crowded seating and flamboyant decorations, which have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture and art. Banca is also famous in the Philippines. It is a boat, shaped like a crab, which looks very funny, but strong enough to against big waves. These boats are floating all along the waterfront. And they are used for cargo, fishing and passenger transportation.

Shopping

In the Philippines, you will never miss the opportunities of shopping. As the country has everything from farmers markets, street markets and other kinds of markets, you will find whatever you want to buy, such as luxury designer goods, traditional crafts, art, electronics … Everything is here.

There are several recommended shopping malls of the Philippines:

Manila

Greenbelt

Greenbelt is one of the large shopping malls in Manila, which is divided into Greenbelt 1 to Greenbelt 5. It gathers nearly all the world and domestic well-known brands. The quality goods plus inviting price will let you marvel at Manilas shopping paradise.

Ayala Center

It is a shopping and cultural district, which is second to none in Manila. It is known for its vast choices of shopping, entertainment and cultural products.

Cebu City

SM City Cebu

SM City Cebu is a large shopping mall located in Cebu City, which is the 4th shopping mall owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings. It has wide range of shops, and FREE WIFI! You will have great shopping fun.

Boracay

D-Mall

D-Mall is not only the most famous shopping mall in Boracay, but also a paradise for entertainment and delicacy.

Pasay

SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is in Pasay. In the early period of building this mall, it was once claimed to be the biggest shopping mall of Asia. And now, it has entered a large amount of international brands and local brands.

Quezon City

SM City North EDSA

SM City North EDSA is located in Quezon City. It is the first large shopping mall of SM Prime Holdings, and now, it becomes the largest shopping mall in the Philippines. It owns department stores, supermarkets, DIY stores, outdoor theaters, cinemas and other facilities.

In addition to the above shopping malls, there are other goodplaces for shopping, such as Island City Mall in Bohol, Bohol Quality Mall in Tagbilaran City, Robinsons Place Palawan and NCCC Mall in Puerto Princesa.

Besides, some local markets are also attractive for many tourists. You can find a lot of things to buy for a very moderate price. And bargaining is acceptable in these markets. Here are some popular local markets recommended to you.

Manila

Quiapo Market

Quiapo is a district in Manila which is known for its market. When you visit the Quiapo Market, you may find lots of fruits you never tasted before, delicious but peculiar food you may never seen before … Furthermore, if you haggle there is always a discount. Theprices are really cheaper compared to the price of malls and supermarkets.

Salcedo Market

Salcedo Market is located in the Makati City of Manila. It is a market with many selections, from casual snacks, organic produce to beautiful arts and handmade crafts, which is full of talent and creativity. You will find a lot of fun and surprises here. It is one of the most frequented markets in the metro, always flocked by a crowd people.

Greenfield Weekend Market

The Greenfield Weekend Marketis at Greenfield District in Mandaluyong, Manila. You can stock up on organic product, have a picnic with your families or friends, shop for arts, watch musical performances, hunt for bargains and so on. It is really a lively market!

Quezon City

Sidcor Sunday Market

Sidcor Sunday Market sells meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, poultry, clothing, furniture, plants andother retail goods. You will never get hungry or bored here. Even if you just hang out and dont want to buy anything, it is still a fine place for a leisure walk around this area.

Most malls, department stores, supermarkets and local markets are open from Monday to Sunday, and there are also some 24-hour convenience stores.

Travel Tips

Time

The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of GMT. On your first arriving day, we suggest you spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby streets, or resting and recovering from your jetlag.

Electricity

Note that the Philippines uses electricity at 220V/60Hz with type A, B or C plug sockets. If you are planning to bring some electronic gadgets that use different voltage, you will need a transformer or an adaptor.

Clothing and etiquette for special occasions

It is worthwhile to note that restaurants and hotels do not have adress code, but shorts would be regarded as improper and youd feel really out of place. Moreover, dress conservatively and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered – especially women, when entering places of worship.

Another point worth noting is that dont call Muslims Moros. Its considered rude.

Besides, when you have a conversation with Filipinos, try to avoid Philippine domestic politics and religions. They are sensitive topics.

And Muslims generally all think the left hand is dirty that they abstain from transmitting the goods with the left hand to the person, especially food.

Packing

Light casual clothes in natural fibers, such as linen, silk, cotton, will make you feel comfortable in the heat and humidity. If you plan to travel around the islands, packing light weight shoes is your best choice.

If you travel to the Philippines in rainy season, i.e. June, July, August, September and October, please be sure to pack an umbrella and a light raincoat.

A small bag or soft-sided rucksack is a practical option when traveling around the country, which can help you to keep your personal necessities tidy and safe.

Tipping

It is customary to give tips to the person who serves you. For example, in restaurants, a 10% tip based on the total bill is recommended, unless there is already a service charge on your bill, and then a tip becomes optional. Bar attendants, bellboys, taxis drivers and other people who offer you service, all expect to be tipped. Generally, a P10 to P50 tip will be appropriate. But the most important thing is that youd better not pay coins,because it can be considered as a handout.

P.S.

History & Culture

Before the 14th century, the Philippines was not aunified island nation like it is today. It mostly existed in the form of various native tribes. In 1521, the explorer Magellan leaded a Spanish expedition team to the Philippines islands, made their first contact with the people there. By1565, several Spanish expeditions took the dominion of most Philippines islands, and governed these islands for nearly 400 years. In 1898, the Philippines declared independence, establishing the first republic of the Philippines. But in the same year, the United States occupied the Philippines,after signing the Treaty of Paris. When World War II broke out, the Empire of Japan invaded and occupied the second republic of the Philippines (puppet regime) from 1942 until they were defeated by the Allied Forces in 1945, then,the Philippines was ruled by the United States again, and became its colony. After one year』s struggling, the Philippines finally became fully independent, and established the third republic of the Philippines.

The Philippines is a multi-nationality country, which means the colorful and various culture is its unique charm. Besides, the colonial experience has contributed significantly to the systems and institutions of the Philippines, including finance, government, judiciary, education and other fields. One of their most notable influences to the Philippine culture is Roman Catholicism, which is still the dominant religion in the country.

Geography & Environment

The Philippines has a territory of about 300,000 square kilometers. It is situated in the Western Pacific Ocean. As an archipelagic country, the Philippiness coastline is 36,289 kilometers long, which makes it the 5th longest coastline in the world.

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, which is usually hot and humid. Most of the mountainous islands are covered with tropical rainforest. The suitable environment attracts lots of biologic species settled down.

On the other hand, the Philippines sits on the circum-Pacificseismic belt, which means the whole country is often affected by earthquakes and typhoons. However, this type of geographic environment also brings some favorable objective factors, such as abundant natural resources and some of the worlds greatest biodiversity.