Message from the Tourism Attaché

Discover the fascinating variety of the 7,107 Philippine islands. Gorgeous bays, dazzling white beaches, azure seas, towering mountain ranges, cool cloud forests and a vast underwater cosmos will enchant you. Welcome to the country of extraordinary nature, adventure and culture. One step into the Philippines and immediately you will find yourself in an experience beyond the usual. It is an archipelago of unique and delightful discoveries. Every island has the ability to transform ordinary perceptions into sheer wonder. The country is an open secret waiting to be discovered. Seven thousand one hundred seven is a big number, start with one and find yourself smiling to the fact that indeed, there is more where that came from.

For more information, visit the Department of Tourism – London’s website http://www.wowphilippines.co.uk

Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio III

DOT London Tourism Attaché

Profile of the Philippines

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Official Name

Republic of the Philippines (RP)

Capital

Manila

National Day

12 June

Total land Area

300,000 sq. km (archipelago of 7,107 islands)

No. of Regions and Provinces

17 regions and 79 provinces

Population

84.6 million

Ethnic Profile

Christian Malay (91.5%), Muslim Malay (4%), Chinese (1.5%), others (3%)

Literacy Rate

94.6% of total population (among the highest in the world)

Religion

Roman Catholic (82%), Protestant (9%), Muslims (5%), others (5%)

Official Languages

Filipino, English, Spanish

Currency

Philippine Peso

Country Dialing Code

63

Time Zone

GMT +8 hours

Climate

tropical with temperatures ranging from 15-36 degrees Celsius; with two pronounced seasons - dry and wet

Business hours

Government and private offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Some private companies hold Saturday office from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The Standard lunch hour is 12 nn to 1 p.m.

: Automated teller machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours a day

: Most shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, but usually extend closing time to 10 p.m. during yuletide season.

: Several convenience stores and drug stores operate 24 hours daily

Electricity

220V 60HzHz

 

Philippine Regular Holidays/Special Non-Working and Working Holidays for 2009

New Year's Day

1 Jan

EDSA Revolution Day.

24 Feb

Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan)/Maundy Thursday. 

9 Apr

Good Friday

10 Apr

Labour day

4 May

Independence Day

15 Jun

National Heroes' Day.

30 Aug

Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies).

21 Sep

All Saint's Day

1 Nov

Special (non-working) Day

2 Nov

Bonifacio Day

30 Nov

Christmas Day

25 Dec

National Mourning in honour of Dr. Jose Rizal And other victims of the Philippine Revolution

31 Dec

 





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