HISTORY/GEOGRAPHIC

The republic of the Philippines is called “Republica ng Pilipinas” in Tagalog. Spanish seaman named this Island state when they landed in 1521. The name honored their king Philipp II. The first inhabitants were the Aetas. They belong to the oldest tribes in the world. Later settler from surrounding countries immigrated in to the Philippines. Traders from China, India, Indonesia and the Arabian countries came and stayed here. 1521 the Spanish conquered the island. Over 300 years later the Americans occupied the Philippines. Since 1946 the Philippines are independent.
The republic of the Philippines is located in the western pacific and belongs to Southeast Asia. The South Chinese Sea divides the islands from Vietnam in the west, the Celeb Sea from Indonesia in the south. The archipelago which is located 5° to 21° northern breadth and 117° to 126° eastern length is the 5th biggest island state in the world.
There are approximately 20 active volcanoes, of which the Pinatubo and the Mayon, both on Luzon, were most active during the last decades. The highest elevation on the Philippines is the Mount Apo. Eastwards of the islands runs the Philippine rift, with a depth of up to 10540 meters (34580 feet). It is one of the deepest sea rifts in the world. PHOTO GALLERY

THE PEOPLE

Since 200 B.C. Malayan people immigrated to the islands. The Filipinos of today, mainly the offspring of Malayan immigrants, are different in language and religion. The numeral strongest groups are the Visaya who live on the Visayan Islands in the center of the Philippines and the Tagalog who live in the center of Luzon. The third biggest group is the Ilocano who mainly live in the Cagayan valley on Luzon. The populations with non Malayan derivation are predominantly people with Spanish and Chinese ancestors. In the southern part, especially in the west of Mindanao, the Sulu islands and the south of Palawan two Muslim population groups are living, the Moro and the Samal. PHOTO GALLERY

THE CUISINE

The Philippine cuisine with it Chinese, Malaysian and Spanish influences is an exotic mixture from the orient and the occident. A typical meal exists of rice with fish, seafood, chicken or pig. Favorite side dishes are sourly soups (Sinigang) and vegetables prepared with garlic, coconut vinegar and soy sauce. Filipinos usually eat three bigger meals a day. Between these meals they eat light snacks the so-called Meriendas. In the province the family eats usually all meals together while the families in the cities only eat together on the weekends. During the week the collective meals are limited to breakfast and dinner. When guests are invited they will be placed next to the family leader. Guests will be served first and nobody starts to eat until they had one or two bites. As a sign of being full you’ll have to leave a little bit on your plate.

CLIMATE

In the Philippines you find a tropical climate, especially in the deeper located areas. The temperatures in the Philippines do not drop below 20° C (68° F) all over the year. Especially in April and May it is very warm and in Manila the temperatures sometimes reach 40° C (104° F). The best time to travel to Romblon is from November to May. But the island is worth a visit every month of the year.

CURRENCY

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (In the Philippines it is called Piso), abbreviation: PHP, PP or just P. 1 Peso = 100 Centavos. Exchange rate, December 2009, 1 Dollar = about 45 Pesos, 1 Euro = about 68 Pesos (subject to slight changes in exchange rate).

Foreign currencies can be changed in banks in Metro Manila or other big cities. The exchange rate in the province is not as good as in Metro Manila. In some hotels you can change money at the counter. Credit cards are usually accepted in big cities. Some hotels and resorts, like the Three P Holiday & Dive Resort, accept foreign currencies to a certain extent. During travel it may be prudent to carry your money in a secure place on your body such as a special made pocket out of sight.

MEDICAL CARE

A travel health insurance is advisable. For closer information please ask your health department or your travel agency.

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