Philippines. Not only the largest Christian country in Asia, but also good place to relax .
15:18 Philippines. Not only the largest Christian country in Asia, but also good place to relax . | |
 The biggest religious minority are Muslim Filipinos who primarily live in Mindanao and ARMM, but also increasingly in cities such as Manila, Baguio or Cebu in the north and central parts of the country. They account for around 5% of the population. Islam is the oldest continually practiced organized religion in the Philippines, with the first conversions made in the 12th century AD. Islam became such an important force that Manila at the time of the Spanish arrival in the 16th century was a Muslim city. Many aspects of this Islamic past are seen in certain cultural traits many mainstream Christian Filipinos still exhibit (such as eating and hygiene etiquette) and has added to the melting pot of Filipino culture in general. Sadly, Terrorist attacks and violent confrontations between the Filipino army and splinter militant Islamic organizations such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have strained relations between Muslim and the non-Muslim Filipinos in rural areas in the south. Yet, the Muslim Filipinos are much more liberal in their interpretations of Islam, and like the Muslims of Indonesia, are generally more relaxed regarding such topics as gender-segregation or the hijab (veil) than South Asians or Middle Eastern Muslims. The Philippines is a multicultural country having Christian, Muslim and Chinese holidays aside from secular holidays. The year is welcomed by New Year's Day on January 1, being a predominantly Catholic country means observing the traditional Catholic holidays of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Lent or months around April or May, Araw ng pagkabuhay or Easter Sunday is celebrated 3 days after Good Friday. Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, Boy scouts re-enact the march every 2 years in honor of this day that is also known as Bataan Day. The Bataan Death March was a 60 km march and the people who participated in this march were captured, tortured and murdered. All Saints Day is on 1 November and All Souls Day on 2 November. In recognition of the Muslim Filipinos, the Islamic feast of Eid-Al-Fitr (known in the Philippines as Hari Raya Puasa), held after Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, is also a national holiday. This day changes year by year, as it follows the Lunar Calendar. Chinese New Year is also celebrated by the Chinese Community but dates vary according to the lunar calendar. Secular holidays include Labor Day (May 1) and Independence Day (June 12). August 30 is declared National Heroes Day. Some holidays also commemorate national heroes such as Jose Rizal (Dec. 30) and Andres Bonifacio (Nov. 30) as well as Ninoy Aquino (August 21). Under Philippine law, any foreigner working must have an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor. The paperwork is in general handled by the prospective employer and the employee picks up the relevant visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Working without a permit is not allowed and does not give you any labor protections. Furthermore, visas are checked upon departing the Philippines. Those who have overstayed without permission are subject to fines and, in certain cases, even jail. It is possible for foreigners to earn casual money while staying in the Philippines, especially in Manila and other bigger cities in provinces. These may include temporary teaching in schools, colleges and other institutions; and working in bars and clubs. Temporary work may also be available as an "extra" on the set of a film or television series. Fluency in English is very important in jobs while knowledge of Filipino or Tagalog is considerably low. Recently as of late 2010, the Philippines has overtaken India in the call center industry, and many international companies hire English fluent workers. Climate: The climate is tropical, with March to May (summer) being the hottest months. The rainy season starts in June and extends through October with strong typhoons possible. The coolest months are from November to February, with mid-January to end of February considered the best for cooler and dryer weather. Locations exposed directly to the Pacific Ocean have frequent rainfall all year. This includes the popular Pagsanjan Falls southeast of Manila (though the falls will get you wet regardless). The average temperatures range from 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C, and humidity is around 77 percent. Baguio, which is branded as the summer capital of the Philippines, tends to be cooler due to its being located in mountainous regions with temperatures at night going below 20°C (68°F). During summer, the country experience droughts, sometimes at extreme conditions, from March(sometimes early as February) to May(sometime extending to June) water supply drops with most of the power plants being hydro electric meaning during summer, you'll be experiencing regular black-outs (locally known as brown-outs), so it isn't much suggested to travel during the months of March to May. Besides, Philippines have an very interesting "kitchen"(because of Spanish , English and Chinese influence). Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history. As such, it is a melange of Chinese, Malay, Spanish, European and American influences. Though its cuisine is not as renowned as many of its neighbours, such as that of Thailand and Vietnam, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Filipino food is bland, though. It is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and when done properly is often what brings out the flavor of the food as, opposed to a healthy dose of spices. Kamayan, literally means Eating with Hands. Some Filipinos who were born and raised in rural provinces still eat with their hands, mostly at their homes during mealtimes. They would often say that Kamayan makes food taste better. Wash your hands clean before attempting this to avoid illnesses. Almost all Filipinos in the urban areas though use spoons, forks and knives. Eating with hands in public is not uncommon however if you're eating in a mid-range and splurge restaurant this may be considered rude. So ! As a result Philippines is developed country. And one of country's advantages is his interesting travel guide. Most people all over the world come to eat Philippines's dishes, see places of interest and others. So there are many hotels there. Look ! 1. Mandarin Oriental - Manila We offer guests an excellent location in Makati, the business district, yet in a quiet address away from this racing city’s traffic. Within our hotel you can find calm in the pool and spa or entertainment in our range of bars and renowned restaurants. Mandarin Oriental, Manila is a luxury hotel with a high reputation for exceptional service in the centre of the city. Whether you choose a room, a suite, or The Mandarin Oriental Club, you’ll find everything at your fingertips to make your stay effortlessly luxurious – from the fastest high bandwidth Internet service in Manila, to soft-touch mood lighting you can control without even getting out of bed. Relax, stay in shape while you’re staying with us. At the hotel you will find a full range of fitness options. Our Health Club contains a pool and well-equipped gym and locally, alternative leisure options abound – all of which can be arranged through the Concierge. Prices $100-$480. 2. InterContinental - Manila InterContinental Manila holds the distinction of being the longest operating international chain hotel in the country today. Its central location in Makati City, the Philippines’ premier financial, commercial and entertainment hub, and its proximity to the international and domestic airports make it a convenient gateway to the country’s tourist attractions. All of its 332 guest rooms and suites are modern in design and amenities having undergone refurbishment end of 2006. Prices $100-$380. 3. The Peninsula - Manila Located in the heart of Makati, Manila's business and financial district, The Peninsula Manila is the ideal business address and a favorite hotel for visitors to Manila for over 25 years. Strategically placed on the corners of Ayala and Makati Avenues, The Peninsula Manila is close to premier shopping facilities and within easy access of Manila's numerous attractions. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and just 20 minutes from Manila's Domestic Airport. Elegantly furnished in classic style, The Peninsula Manila's 498 rooms and suites provide modern, technologically advanced conveniences, including complimentary broadband Internet access for all hotel guests. The Club Floor has been designed with the needs of business travelers in mind and offers an exclusive Club Lounge, serving complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails, as well as a boardroom, Business Center, and Butler service. Featuring some of Manila's top restaurants, The Peninsula Manila offers a wide choice of fine dining options that includes modern European, Italian, and a diversity of Asian cuisines in the hotel's numerous renowned restaurants and bars. Designed for the comfort and convenience of the modern business and leisure traveler, The Peninsula Manila offers a range of hotel facilities including The Peninsula Spa and Fitness Center, a luxurious oasis within the hotel with gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and massage treatments. Emphasis at The Peninsula is the hotel's hair salon, with a range of hairstyling and beauty services. The hotel's exceptional facilities and high standard of service, combined with the traditional Peninsula hospitality, create a unique sense of comfort that will suit the needs of the most discerning visitor to Manila. Prices $110-$490. 4. Amanpulo - Pamalican Islands The resort's 183 guestrooms and 36 villas, with average floor spaces of 60 and 220 square meters including outdoor living areas, feature ocean views from spacious balconies and porches. Several villas include outdoor plunge pool, shower, whirlpool, pergola for al fresco dining and day bed for relaxation and massage, while the tree house villas command panoramic views of the ocean and island. Prices $90-$350.  5. Pan Pacific - Manila Pan Pacific Manila Hotel is the first and finest five-star hotel in the Philippines. This luxury hotel actually delivers on its promise of royal treatment by providing all guests with impeccable 'Butler Service' - a unique concept of consolidated services associated with the utmost personalised care. A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business travelers with its excellent facilities and service, it has 236 all-executive rooms and 7 spacious function rooms that cater to the accurate needs of the most demanding clientele. Prices $80-$490. | |
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