MedicalTours International-Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands in Southeast Asia, grouped into 3 geographical areas – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It has 17 regions made up of provinces, which are divided by cities or municipalities, and further divided by barangays.

The Philippines is composed of different land and water forms. It has plains developed in to rice fields, forested mountain ranges teeming with flora and fauna, active and dormant volcanoes, and inhabited valleys. It has majestic waterfalls, rivers, and streams perfect for white water action; and some bays and lakes for yachting; and ponds, natural and man-made for catching fish. The Pacific Ocean on the east, the South China Sea on the west, and the Celebes Sea on the south surround the country, which contribute to its surfing spots, dive sites, and perfect beaches.

The Philippines is a democratic country. Its capital city, Manila, is the center of political and commercial power.

The Philippines has a tropical climate. The wet or rainy season starts in June and lasts until October. The cool, dry season occurs from November to February, while the hot, dry season from March to May.

A diamond in the rough, its public image of social unrests, extremist activities, and political issues do not give justice to its people’s compassion, friendliness, and hospitality.

Filipinos are fun-loving, laid back, and fatalistic – traits that give them a reason to smile in spite of any problems they go through.

88 million Filipinos, Chinese and Indian migrants, and some expat retirees, call the Philippines home. Its culture today is a mix of Asian, European, and American influences as a natural result of its rich history, having been colonized by Spain for 3 centuries, and occupied by Japan during World War II, and by the U.S.A during the post-war period. Catholicism – introduced by Spain – is prevalent in Luzon and Visayas, while people residing mostly in Mindanao follow Islam.

The Filipino language is spoken in different dialects, depending on which province one is in. But English is also used and understood almost everywhere in the country.

The Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP or P). It uses the metric and kilo systems for weights and measures. The Philippines lie at GMT/UTC +8 time zone.

The Philippines may be called Asia’s Beach Capital, having numerous beaches along its long coastline. Its most famous beach is Boracay in Aklan, known best for its white powdery sand and tropical party atmosphere all year round. Strong waves never die down in surfing capital Siargao. Under the seas are colorful reefs with diverse marine life great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Swim with sharks for a unique experience in Donsol, Sorsogon where schools of 50-foot whale sharks can be found.

Sight-seeing is also a main tourist activity in this country full of natural wonders like the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano, the world’s smallest active volcano – Taal Volcano, Banaue Rice Terraces carved in the Cordillera Mountain Range, a group of brown little hills dubbed Chocolate Hills, and the 8-kilometer Underground River, which is under UNESCO’s World Heritage List, among others.

Visitors can have a glimpse of the past with wonders like the “Walled City” of Intramuros, centuries-old stonewalled churches scattered in the provinces, and towns with preserved brick roads and old architecture, all of which was built 300 years ago during the Spanish colonization period.

Shopping is also a main activity in the Philippines, of foreigners and locals alike. Imported name brands can be bought in bargain prices in places like Divisoria in Manila.

Food and transportation are relatively cheaper in the Philippines. Visitors shouldn't miss the delicious delicacies of the country. Each province has its own specialty that they are proud of so try visiting several in one go, or better yet, keep coming back to make each visit an entirely new experience. But one thing would stay the same, visitors will be greeted with warm smiles and received with eager hospitality.

Visitors with valid passports who come from countries that have diplomatic relationship with the Philippines can stay up to 21 days in the country without having to obtain a visa, provided that they have a ticket for exiting the country. Special permits are needed for Hong Kong and Taiwan passport holders, which may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.