Shopping
Overview
Popular souvenirs include Barong Tagalog (hand-embroidered men’s shirts made from fine Jusi fabric), Tiffany lamps made from Capiz shells, weavings, southern island brassware, wood carvings, wickerwork and rare shells, rattan furniture, baskets, grass mats (banig), antiques Wooden figures, garments embroidered with the traditional callado, women’s Filipino dresses (made of banana or pineapple leaf fibers), cigars and abaca placemats. All cities have air-conditioned shopping malls. However, the more original shopping experience is offered by the traditional markets, which can be found in all major towns. In Manila, one should visit the Makati district for a shopping spree, where several modern shopping centers offer a diverse range of products. The Tiendesitas shopping area in Pasig has 12 pavilions selling everything from antiques to fashion to furniture. The numerous flea markets in and around Manila, on the other hand, promise a rather chaotic shopping experience, the most famous being the Divisoria Market in Tondo. While there is a wide range of handicrafts to be found in Manila, more authentic pieces can be found outside of the capital. The Baguio region is known for its silver jewelery and handicrafts, while Cebu City’s Carbon Market, one of the largest and oldest weekly markets, is a real tourist magnet.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Philippines. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
Opening hours
Different; generally Mon-Sun 10am-8pm. Most department stores and supermarkets are also open on Sundays. Some grocery stores are open 24 hours a day.
Culinary
Overview
Seafood plays a big part in Filipino cuisine, grilled, boiled, fried or steamed and served with kalamansi (native lemon), bagoong (fish paste) or vinegar with labuyo (the fiery native pepper). Many restaurants specialize in seafood, offering crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, tuna, freshwater fish, bangus (a boney but very tasty fish) and the sweet maliputo (a deep-lake-dwelling fish). Lechon (suckling pig) is prepared for festivals or family celebrations. Rice is served with almost all dishes.
Regional specialities
Delicious specialties include kare-kare (oxtail goulash with peanut sauce and bagoong), sinigang (meat or fish in sour sauce) and adobo (pork or chicken stewed in spicy soy sauce with vinegar and garlic). Local dishes include pinakbet (pork and bagoong stir-fry) from the Iloilo region, relleno (stuffed chicken or fish fillets) from the island of Luzón, and kinilaw (raw fish marinated in spicy vinegar) from the Visayas.
Useful information
The mangoes harvested in the Philippines are among the best in the world; there are various varieties that are served as a starter or dessert, depending on taste. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol on the street is prohibited.
Tip
The service fee is often already included in the bill; if not, 10% of the invoice amount is reasonable.
Regional drinks
The local San Miguel beer is excellent, and Filipino rum is also worth trying. Most bars have table service.
Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages
In the Philippines, you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are over 11,000 first class hotel rooms in Manila. Smaller hotels, inns, hostels and guesthouses are also available. Prices are often quoted in both pesos and US dollars. The majority of the hotels are members of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), 4th Floor, Golden Rock Building, 168 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, PH-Makati City 1229. Tel: (02) 816 24 21. (Internet: http://www.hrap.org.ph/) Many regions also have their own hotel associations. The Tourist Office of the Philippines provides more information. You have to reckon with power outages from time to time. The big hotels have their own independent generators. Categories: Economy, Standard, First and Deluxe; 18% of the hotels belong to the 1st class and deluxe class; sometimes the star system is also used to classify the hotels.
Camping
Only possible in a few selected places.
Culture
Religion
83% Catholic, 9% other Christian, 5% Muslim, 3% Buddhist and followers of the Independent Philippine Church and followers of indigenous religions.
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: The usual forms of politeness are expected. In many ways, the Philippines is more Western than other Asian countries, but the influence of Malay culture is unmistakable. As in many Asian countries, Filipinos fear losing their face (amor propia), which is why direct confrontation is a social taboo. Government officials are addressed by their titles, including senators, congressman, and directors. If you are invited to a private home, the hosts will be happy to receive a small gift, such as fruit or alcohol. Clothing: casual wear is largely common, in Muslim areas one should dress more modestly. On festive occasions, Filipino men often wear an embroidered long-sleeved shirt or a simple white Barong Tagalog shirt and black trousers; Women wear a cocktail dress or a long evening dress on appropriate occasions. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Photographing: People should be asked before being photographed. Many locals like to be photographed, but some population groups do not allow themselves to be photographed for religious reasons. For your own safety, you should be careful not to continuously present an expensive camera to everyone. Smoking: In all public places, especially where children and young people are, such as in schools, hospitals, kindergartens, universities, public kitchens, There is a nationwide smoking ban in youth hostels. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. Tipping: A 15% service charge is customary in hotels.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical climate tempered by a constant sea breeze. There are three seasons: the rainy season lasts from June to September, October to February is cool and dry, and March to May is hot and mostly dry. The evenings are cooler. Typhoons occasionally occur between July and September.
Country data
Phone prefix
+63
Area (sq km)
300000
Population
109,581,078 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
359
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
117
