Archive for the ‘About the Philippines’ Category

The climate of the Philippines is a tropical wet maritime climate dominated by a rainy season, dry season and a cool season that dominates on November to mid-February.
The summer monsoon in the Philippines brings heavy rains from May to October. The so-called winter monsoons bring cooler and drier air from December to February.

Certain places like Manila and most lowland areas are hot and dusty from March to May. Monsoon rains although hard and drenching are not normally associated with high waves and strong winds. The reason why the Philippines have a slightly bizarre climate is because it is geographically located at the typhoon belt and the country suffers an annual onslaught and dangerous storms from July to October.
An average of 6 to 7 tropical cyclones hit the Philippines per year. Some are very strong causing vast devastations some are not.

There are 4 categorizations of typhoons in the Philippines according to PAGASA.
1.    Tropical Depressions
2.    Tropical Storms
3.    Typhoons
4.    Super Typhoons

In 1991 tropical storm Thelma, killed thousands of people from itís resultant flooding, in 2006 tropical storm Milenyo did the same and recently last September of 2009 typhoon Ondoy did the very same.

The Philippines has abundant source of natural resources in areas such as agriculture, natural beauty and minerals.
The Philippines has fertile lands, diverse flora and fauna, extensive coastlines and rich mineral deposits. Thereís a wide variety of vegetation, different varieties of fruit bearing trees and fishes and seafood. Filipinos living in rural areas rely on mostly natural resources. They eat and cultivate their own plants and vegetables because it is easy to do so with fertile lands.

Endemic species in the Philippines includes the Tamaraw (Bubalus Mindorensis) or also known as Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo which is classified as critically endangered. And the Tarsier (Haplorrhine Primates), which are local sensations, that tourists from all over the world are very much interested with.

The Philippines lack of predators with the exception of snakes. Because lions, tigers and the likes are can only be found in zoos. Snakes such as pythons, cobras and birds of prey such as the national bird known as the Philippine Eagle, are found in some parts of the Philippines. Other native animals include the Palm Civet Cat, the Mouse Deer, the Visayan Warty Pig and several species of bats.

Philippine rainforests boasts an array of flora including several types of orchids and rafflesia as (giant flowers).
Among the trees in the Philippines, the Narra tree is considered to be the most important type of hardwood while the Banyan Trees or ìBaleteî are situated in most areas.

The Philippines major crops includes rice, corn, sugarcane, abaca (kind of hemp), and tobacco. Among all these rice is the most important source of food along with corn.
Coconuts, mangoes, watermelons and other native fruits are important contributors to the nation’s income.

Due to the volcanic nature of the islandsí, mineral deposits are abundant and rich and it also allows the Philippines to become a powerhouse with regards to geothermal energy. The Philippine territorial waters encompass as much as 1.67 million KM. Producing unique and diverse marine life. The Philippines marine products include pearls, corals, crabs and seaweeds.

There are 2 specifications of holidays in the Philippines. The holidays that are observed nationwide and the holidays that are only observed locally or per place or region.
When thereís a nationwide holiday, there are no classes for students of all levels, banks and government offices are all closed. If a nationwide holiday falls on a weekend, the president of the Philippines have powers to move the date closer to a weekend to make it a long weekend.

Here’s a complete list of Nationwide Holidays in the Philippines:
1.    January 1 – New Yearís Day
2.    Varies – Chinese New Year
3.    February 25 – People Power Revolution Day
4.    Varies – Maundy Thursday
5.    Varies – Good Friday
6.    Sunday – Easter Sunday
7.    April 9 – Bataan and Corregidor Day (Day of Valor)
8.    May 1 – Labor Day
9.    June 12 – Independence Day
10.    July 27 – Iglesia ni Cristo Day (New Holiday)
11.    August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day
12.    Last Monday of August – National Heroesí Day
13.    October 31 – Day of the Dead
14.    November 1 – All Saintsí Day
15.    November 2 – All Soulsí Day
16.    Varies – Eidul Fitr (end of Ramadan)
17.    November 30 – Bonifacio Day
18.    December 25 – Christmas Day
19.    December 30 – Rizal Day
20.    December 31 – Last Day of the Year

Local holidays, are only observed at the specific place where the holiday is coined. Most of these local holidays are dates when a city or town is liberated or founded or made into a city. Like Foundation days, local festivities and festivals, also included are birthdays of saints and some former presidents of the Philippines, which the holiday is only observed in their respective home towns.

Religion in the Philippines is spiritual beliefs practiced by Philippine citizens. Religion holds a central place in the life of the majority of Filipinos.
Religion in the Philippines includes Jewish, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, Protestants and animists.

Christianity and Islam have been super imposed on ancient traditions and acculturated. Animism in the other hand lacks better terminology can be used to describe the indigenous spiritual traditions practiced by people in the Philippines during pre-colonial times. Judaism as of 2005 the number of Jews at the very most is 500.
Buddhism in the Philippines is largely confined to the Filipino-Chinese, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Korean and Vietnamese communities.
Several Schools of Buddhism in the Philippines:
ï    Mahayana
ï    Vajrayana
ï    Theravada Buddhist

Christianity arrived in the Philippines with the landing of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Roman Catholicism in the Philippines is the predominant religion and the largest Christian denomination estimately to have 81-85% of the population.

Orthodox Church
Orthodoxy has been continuously in the Philippines for more than 200 years. Protestantism arrived in the Philippines with the coming of the Americans at the turn of 20th century.
Islam reached the Philippines in the 14th century with the arrival of the Malaysí and Javanese merchants and Arab merchants from Malaysia and Indonesia although the spreading of Islam in the Philippines is due to the strength of Muslim India. Hinduism also existed in the Philippines for centuries. Atheism and Agnosticism also has small percentages in the population.

The Philippines has a very colorful culture and history. IT was invaded by other countries quite a few times. The Philippines being an archipelago is also rich in natural resources.

Being invaded by different countries, the Philippines don’t have an identity of its own. But once the country got it’s independence it is able to have its own identity and have changed the country’s national symbols accordingly. The national symbols are mainly composed and consist of things that represent Philippine traditions and ideals and convey the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

The official national symbols of the Philippines are as follows:
•The flag of the Philippines, the flag’s colors, design and structure are cannot be changed.

•The coat of arms of the Philippines also can’t be re-designed or changed.

•Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem cannot be re-arranged in any way.

•Sampaguita (Jasminum Sambac) is the national flower of the Philippines. It’s a small, white, fragrant flower. It symbolizes simplicity and purity.

•Narra (Pterocarpus), the national tree of the Philippines. It is chosen to be a national symbol, because of the tree’s durability, strength and sturdiness.

•Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), is the country’s national bird. It is considered to be critically endangered. Species of this kind in the Philippines are tagged with a micro chip to protect them. People who are caught or traced to hunt and eat them will be put in jail as a punishment.

There are also some unofficial symbols of the Philippines but nevertheless they are recognized by the Philippine government.
They are as follows:

•Cariñosa or Tinikling as the national dance. Symbolizes being graceful.

•Carabao (water buffalo) is the national animal. Because it, being a hardworking animal. It symbolizes industriousness and hardworking.

•Bangus (milk fish), is considered to be the Philippines’ national fish. It symbolizes versatileness. Because this fish can be cooked in many ways.

•Mango is the national fruit. Because it is said that the mango variety in the Philippines is the sweetest variety in the whole world.

•Barong and Baro’t Saya- the Philippine national costume or garb for male and female.

•“Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” are the national songs.

•Arnis and Sipa, as the national sports (games).

•Anahaw (Livistona rotundifolia), the national plant. Because of its usefulness, can be used as a fan, hat or umbrella. Symbolizes the Filipino’s being resourceful.

Official or unofficial, these symbols can tell a story or describe or give preview on how Filipino people are and like.

The national flag of the Philippines is composed of 4 colors; red, blue, white and yellow. It has equal bands of blue and red, with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side.

In the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with 8 primary rays, each containing 3 individual rays and at each corner of the triangle is a 5-pointed yellow star.

The flag is displayed with the blue field on top, in times of peace and at times the red field on top in times of war.

The 2 fundamental colors of the Philippine flag are royal blue and scarlet red.

The meanings of the colors of the Philippine national flag are as follows:
The white triangle stands for equality and fraternity, the blue field for peace, trust and justice, and the red field for patriotism and valor.

The 8 primary rays of the sun represent the 8 provinces which declared themselves in state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated. The 8 provinces are Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas.
The 3 stars represent the 3 major geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

There are also a few flag protocols in the Philippines. The flag must be flown at half mast as a sign of mourning. Like a death of a president or a former president, historical figures and anyone that is recognized and declared by the Philippine government.

The Philippines has many languages. The Philippines has a total of 171 native languages that are still spoken and used in the country. Such a small country but has so many dialects/languages.

Filipinos, refer to languages as dialects.

Believe it or not, Spanish was the original official language of the Philippines. Because for such a long time the Philippines was invaded by the Spaniards. And learning Spanish is mandatory at schools and universities during that time.

But after the independence of the Philippines, the national language of the Philippines has become Filipino or popularly known as Tagalog.

English, is also widely used in the Philippines. Since it’s a mandatory subject at schools and universities, up to now.

There are 13 indigenous languages in the Philippines with at least 1 million native speakers. They are:

1. Tagalog which is mainly spoken and used nationwide.
2. Cebuano, used in the Visayas area particularly in Cebu.
3. Ilokano, used in the Ilocos region (Ilocos Norte, Ilocus Sur, Abra etc.)
4. Hilgaynon, used and spoken in the western part of Visayas.
5. Waray-Waray, used and spoken in the provinces of Samar.
6. Kapampangan (Pampango), used and spoken in Pampanga located in Luzon.
7. Bikol (Bicolano), used and spoken in the provinces of Bicol.
8. Albay Bikol (Albay Bicolano), used and spoken in Albay, a province in Bicol.
9. Pangasinan, used and spoken in the Pangasinan area. It’s also known as “Pangalatok” to it’s native people.
10. Maranao, used and spoken in the provinces of Lanao (Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, etc.)
11. Maguindano, used and spoken in different parts of Mindanao.
12. Kinaray-a, used and spoken in Antique.
13. Tausug, used and spoken in Sulu.

There’s evidently a huge amount of dialectal variation among the languages of the Philippines. A good example of this variation are between Tagalog and Kapampangan. Because they are known to have very moderate dialectal variation.

But if you’re a tourist or someone who wants to settle and live in the Philippines, the best dialect to study and learn is Tagalog. Because it’s mainly spoken nationwide and is the national language of the Philippines. It’s easy to learn too, which is a plus.

This very expensive Palace in the Philippines, which is of course made of coconut materials from the exterior into the interior of it, was somehow wasted for its prime purpose why it was created, that is this palace was made originally for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1981 which the Pope himself decline to stay in it due to he was burden by his own conscience through the poverty he has seen in the Philippines at that time. However, the Coconut Palace was somehow serves as a guesthouse for a handful of personalities who visit the Philippines during the early times, like the Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Hollywood actress Brooke Shields and George Hamilton, as well as the Amazing race team.

But that was then because now the Coconut Palace is just a mere Museum in the heart of Metro Manila Philippines between the Folk Arts Theatre and Sofitel Philippine Plaza at the Cultural Center of the Philippines or at Eduardo A. Makabenta Street.

This palace was originally a project of former first lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II but the Pope has not acknowledged its worth, which of course disappoint Imelda Marcos and the Philippines then. However, it was justified in the public that Imelda Marcos has already this luxurious project in mind long before the Pope plan to visit the Philippines. The Coconut Palace was originally conceptualized and created, as their justification says, to promote the wonders of the coconut to be the “tree of life”. Every bit of the coconut tree can be useful or can be use for house infrastructure. For the coconut materials of the Palace from coconut’s roots to its flowers and fruits has craftily engineered to make it a coconut palace itself. Yes, with a $10 million in budget, surely you can make a very beautiful palace out of coconut materials. What a luxurious project is not it?

The Coconut Palace has seven suites which were named after the different regions in the Philippines. And each suite has in display the handicrafts of a specific region in the Philippines. Moreover, the palace has hundred and one coconut shell chandeliers and forty thousand tiny inlaid coconut shells. Its roof was shaped in a traditional salakot shape hat, of course to represent Filipinos. The shape of the entire palace as well as its courts is pentagon –like shape. I do not know it is pentagon in size, whereas a coconut fruit is not pentagon in size.

Although, it is now a museum, still anyone who can afford to lodge at its beautiful suites can be accommodated to check-in to it. The Coconut Palace can also be a best reception venue for weddings or rather a venue for garden-like wedding. It is perfect venue! Yes, it can be rent for this purpose. You can contact the Coconut Palace customer service for reservations.

Furthermore, The Coconut Palace is alternatively known as the Tahanang Pilipino or the Filipino Home. However, today it is widely known as The Coconut Palace. You can take a peak of it for free at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The current national Philippine flag today is just a mere derivative flag from the Philippine flags that precedes it. Long before it was wave on General Emilio Aguinaldo’s balcony on 1898, its predecessors already made a mark to some Filipinos who love their countries.

The very first Flag of the Philippines that has been created is said to be the flag of Andres Bonifacio. It is the flag of their Secret Society named Katipunan, which has an acronym of three Ks or KKK. These three Ks stands for Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or in English word Highest and Most Honorable Society of the Sons of the Nation.

This very first Philippine flag is in full red color with the three Ks on white color on the center of the red flag. You can google the image of this flag to see for yourself what it looks like. This KKK flag was made by Andres Bonifacio’s wife Gregoria De Jesus and Benita Rodriguez.

This Flag of the Philippines have variations that is some put the three Ks in a horizontal position, some in triangular form and some one large K only.

Another distinct variation of this flag is the flag of General Mariano Llanera. His version is of black background with one K on the left side and a skull above a two cross bones on the right.

This first Philippine flag has gone many revisions, variations and versions until it reach the present day flag of the Philippines.

There are variations with the three Ks but with an image of a sun above them but with red as background; there is a version with a white triangle lying down horizontally on the left corner or an equilateral triangle and within this white triangle are the three Ks spread on the three corners of the triangle, while on its center is the image of a rising sun behind a mountain, this version was said to be created by General Pio del Pilar; some version of the Philippine flag is the one called the Sun of Liberty of the Naic Assembly whose only image on the red flag is the image of a sun with a face on it without the three Ks.

Another variation is the Magdalo flag. This flag has only an image of the sun on the center which one letter K at the center of the sun. The letter K here is written on the ancient Filipino alphabet.

However, on the Battle of Tirad Pass and Pasong Balite, General Gregorio Del Pilar introduce a new flag with a striking resemblance of a Cuban flag. But this flag of General Gregorio Del Pilar was not at all sensationalized by Filipinos because of it resemblance to a Cuban flag.

But on 1898, while on exile at Hong Kong, Emilio Aguinaldo made another banner flag. This time the flag have a freemasonry triangle symbol with three stars on the corners and a sun with a face or a mythical sun on the center, Which according to him, the eight rays of the sun represents the eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish ruling, namely Manila Philippines, Pampanga Philippines, Cavite Philippines, Bulacan Philippines, Nueva Ecija Philippines, Bataan Philippines, Laguna Philippines, and Batangas Philippines. While the three stars represents: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

And this flag was wave at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s balcony, and also this flag of the Philippines was revised by former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon by removing the face on the sun. Thus revised version has now become the current flag of the Philippines. It is now the accepted Philippine flag.

This a continued article from “Flights to Philippines Part 1”, in that we discuss flights to particular Philippine destinations, if one is planning to have a Philippine vacation and Philippine travels and if one is coming from Manila Philippines. In that article we have discuss flights to Philippines most tourist destination, namely, Boracay Beach Island Resort Philippines, Baguio City Philippines, and the cultural Vigan City Philippines. In it also we discuss bus travel if one prefers it in their Philippine travels. And now for a continuation of our discussions, let’s begin with top number four most visited tourist Philippine vacation destination.

The second most tourist visited Beach resort in the Philippines following Boracay Philippines is the Pagudpud Beach Island Resort at Ilocos Norte Philippines. Some tourist loves to visit this Island Beach because according to them, Pagudpud is a resemblance of Hawaii or it is like Hawaii due to its long shores and secludedness.

Therefore, if you happen to be at Manila Philippines or Metro Manila Philippines, if you prefer flights to Philippines’ Pagudpud, chances are you will buy a ticket for Laog city Philippines. As I know so far, this is still the well means to get To Pagudpud if you prefer flight travel. This is quite similar if you want to go to Vigan City Philippines. You can ride the Philippine Airlines (PAL) or Cebu Pacific Airline that travels to Laog City. You could check their flight package at their respective websites.

However, if you prefer bus ride or land transportation, you can ride at this terminal if you happen to be at Manila Philippines. Go to Partas Bus Company which is located at Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City in the Philippines which caters travels to Laog City. It is approximated to have 10 hours of travel. Then, if you are already at Laog city, you could ride another bus going to Pagudpud.

Another favorite tourist Philippine vacation destination is Palawan Philippines. If you are from Manila Philippines and wanted or prefer to buy an air ticket going to Palawan Philippines, you could ride the Philippine Airlines or Air Philippines that will took you directly into the heart capital of Palawan Philippines which is Puerto Princesa city, which is only a one hour and five minutes trip. However, if you wanted to go directly to a specific location at Palawan, like El Nido, Cuyo Palawan, Busuanga, or your desired specific destinations at Palawan Philippines, there are flights you can choose to ride depending which location in Palawan you would like to visit. Examples of these alternative flights to different locations in Palawan are the Asian Spirit Airlines, SEAIR Lines, Pacific Air Lines, and the Soriano Airlines. You can inquire about their flight package in their respective websites or hotlines.

However, there is also transportation by sea going to Palawan from Manila Philippines. But it is a twenty hours trip. If you prefer this, you could buy a ticket at WG&A Shipping Company.

There is no by land transportation means going to Palawan if you happen to be at Manila Philippines because Palawan Philippines is an island far away from Metro Manila Philippines.