Facts about Philippines
Just a basic information in philippine
B Posts: 8
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands covering a land area of 115,739 sq. m. (299,764 sq. km.). Main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Capital is Manila. Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
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 is 77%.
POPULATION
There are a total of 76.5 million Filipinos as of the latest national census in May, 2000. Population growth is estimated at 2.36 percent annually. Luzon, the largest island group, accounts for more than half of the entire population.
LANGUAGES
Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.
Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.
Filipino is that native language which is used nationally as the language of communication among ethnic groups. Like any living language, Filipino is in a process of development through loans from Philippine languages and non-native languages for various situations, among speakers of different social backgrounds, and for topics for conversation and scholarly discourse. There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.
RELIGIONS
Some 80% of Filipinos are Catholic. About 15% are Moslem. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.
UNIT OF MEASURE
The Metric System is used in most trade and legal transactions.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts a/c is the common standard. 110 volts a/c is also used, especially in major hotels.
CURRENCY
The Philippines' monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any hotels, most large department stores, banks, and authorized money changing shops accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Bank Americard, Master Card, and American Express are accepted in major establishments.
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 is 77%.
POPULATION
There are a total of 76.5 million Filipinos as of the latest national census in May, 2000. Population growth is estimated at 2.36 percent annually. Luzon, the largest island group, accounts for more than half of the entire population.
LANGUAGES
Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.
Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.
Filipino is that native language which is used nationally as the language of communication among ethnic groups. Like any living language, Filipino is in a process of development through loans from Philippine languages and non-native languages for various situations, among speakers of different social backgrounds, and for topics for conversation and scholarly discourse. There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.
RELIGIONS
Some 80% of Filipinos are Catholic. About 15% are Moslem. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.
UNIT OF MEASURE
The Metric System is used in most trade and legal transactions.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts a/c is the common standard. 110 volts a/c is also used, especially in major hotels.
CURRENCY
The Philippines' monetary unit is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any hotels, most large department stores, banks, and authorized money changing shops accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Bank Americard, Master Card, and American Express are accepted in major establishments.
[Edited: 02:21 - Ryan - how to put image here]
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N Posts: 23
Good Post. Another fact is that the Philippines and their body of islands is still underrated as a travel destination. With its numerous islands to explore, their fabulous beaches, their incredible multicultural mix, the friendly people, their historical significance, the genuine genorosity and wonderful foods makes the Philippines a repeat destination. The Koreans, the Japanese, have discovered it. Soon the mainland China investment and endorsed travel to their citizens will spark a major upsurge in Tourism all over the Philippines. North America has yet to catch on. Even Australia seems to find the Indonesia area their choice rather than the Philippines. Germans have discovered the islands but in their case most seem to be ex-pats escaping their homeland to retire in the sun. Watch the Philippines. They are getting aggressive and see Tourism as a major economic light. Their government is promoting the country hard. Results are that the Philippines will emerge as a playground for those seeking a new experience and where they are welcomed warmly.
Just an opinion. Reply to this
Just an opinion. Reply to this
B Posts: 4,685
from Philippine Geography
Will definetly visit the Philippines someday :)
One thing that I've always wanted to do is Island hop on yachts in that region - anyone know if thats possible? The seas in that region used to be considered dangerous due to pirates - is this still that case? Reply to this
B Posts: 8
yeah it is posible! there are a association of people who have yachts and some of them is for rent but i think it is expensive! most of people who island hop their mode of transportaion are cruiseship, bus, canoe, plane and also it is look like yacht but it is made of wood and it is huge (i dont know what its called in english) there's no moe pirates but there are restricted area for a tourist.
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