Page 118 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Philippines —

The Philippines also produces fine furniture, basketry, In Metro Manila there are nightly show bands, cultural/folk
exquisitely crafted jewellery, and gift items made of shell, wood, dance presentations, and in some places bands of local singers
and stone. play original Filipino music.
Getting around Currency
It is possible to travel by air-conditioned bus from Manila The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
to nearly all major destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Foreign currency may be exchanged at most hotels, and in most
Mindanao. The variety of bus services running are generally of the large department stores, banks and authorised money
very economical, and departures are frequent, although buses changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and
sometimes leave early if they’re full. Making a reservation is the laws are strictly enforced.
recommended. There are more buses in the morning, as people
try to beat the heat. A tip of 10% of the total bill is the usual practice. Check to see if
the bill already includes the 10% service charge as in these cases,
Roads often have potholes and it takes a while to get anywhere tipping is optional.
but hire cars, taxis and the colourful and individually decorated
jeepneys are easily found. Although jeepneys are the cheapest Climate
way to negotiate the traffic, they do tend to be driven at an The best time to plan your trip is between November to May
alarming and erratic speed and are not air-conditioned. when it will be hot and dry.
The elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, also known as The rainy season runs from June to October, but a good traveller
Metrorail provides the best and most efficient way to travel knows that off-peak season means lower rates in airfares, hotels
from Baclaran in the south to Caloocan City in the north. The with the monsoon season between July and September which
Metro Railway Transit (MRT) traverses the length of Edsa and brings strong winds and heavy rain.
connects Quezon City to Pasay City, passing through the major Some parts of the country such as Cebu and Davao, are warm
arteries of Makati’s financial district. and comfortable in all seasons with an average temperature of
The roll-on-roll-off (RORO) ships between Manila and the 26 °C.
country’s major ports. To and from smaller islands, take fast sea
crafts and other ferry services. Resorts also offer island hopping
by banca (small, local boat), or fishermen and other locals offer
their boats for hire.
The Visayas region in particular, has a robust network of
inter-island boats. For commercial options, tickets are available
through ticketing and travel agents.
There are also car rental and motorbike services available in
major cities.
Food and entertainment
Filipino cuisine has Chinese, Malay and Spanish influences,
making dining quite an adventure. Rice is the staple, usually
served with meat and vegetables that are fried or sautéed.

Soups of every kind are popular, as is the delicacy, crispy pata
(deep fried pork knuckle).
Adobo, stewed chicken, pork or squid pieces in vinegar, is a
national dish, and inihaw (grilled fish or meat), fresh or fried
lumpia (spring rolls), siopao (Chinese-style pork or chicken bun)
and pancit (noodles) are widely eaten. Gata (coconut milk) is
used in just about everything!
While most dishes are heavier on the meat than vegetables, the
country’s vast coastlines ensure Filipino restaurants also offer an
abundance of seafood: shrimp, rock lobster, crab, oysters, squid
and fish.
A wide range of international food is available from fast food
outlets and fine dining restaurants. For dessert, halo-halo
is made from crushed ice mixed with sweets and fruits, and
smothered in evaporated milk and topped with ice cream.
For something less indulgent try fresh fruits such as mango,
pineapple and papaya.
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