Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world.

The Mactan International Airport (MIA) in Cebu handles regular flights from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Busan, Doha, Seoul, and Australia as well as chartered flights from the United States and other major travel capitals.

Davao International Airport handles regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore. Seasonal flights are also available to Macau.

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (also known as Clark International Airport) in Pampanga handles regular flights from Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Subic International Airport handles regular flights from Taiwan and different cargo flights.

Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services regular flights from China.

Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has 32 international and 20 domestic points. .

Major cruise liners call on the port of Manila.

TIME ZONE

There is only one time zone for the entire country, which is 120° East Meridian Time and eight hours in advance of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

ENTRY REGULATIONS

A valid passport is required.

Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from infected areas.

CLIMATE

March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78°F/25°C to 90°F/32°C; humidity: 77%.

WHAT TO WEAR

Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine barong tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women.

CURRENCY

Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos.

Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.

TIPPING

Tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. It stretches from the south of China to the northern tip of Borneo. The country has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture.

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War.

In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition.

In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control.

On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence.

The 20-year rule of Ferdinand Marcos ended in 1986, when a “people power” movement in Manila (”EDSA 1″) forced him into exile and installed Corazon Aquino as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development.

Fidel Ramos was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands.

Joseph Estrada was elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo, in January 2001 after Estrada’s stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another “people power” movement (”EDSA 2″) demanded his resignation.

Macapagal-Arroyo was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004.

Can’t think of where to spend your much deserved weekend break? If you’re looking for a trip but on a shoestring budget, the town of Iba in Zambales is the perfect destination for you.

A few kilometers away from the metro but certainly far from its hustle and bustle, Iba is the beach capital of Region III. This town capital of Zambales stretches up to eight kilometers of gray sand beach that is popular to both local and foreign tourists. The beach is lined up with several resorts that offer everything from island hopping services to surfing lessons. If you want to relax and enjoy a bottle of beer while watching the sunset, there are also resorts that offer affordable day trip and overnight rooms and cottages facing the beach, a perfect spot for that magnificent sunset.

Best for snorkeling during the hot summertime, Iba boasts of a marine life that is abundant with corals and various species of marine animals. During the post-summer months of May and June, Iba is flocked by surfers and skim boarders for its subtle and surf-friendly waves.