MANILA INTERNATIONAL SELECTION PANEL PHILIPPINE TRAVEL GUIDE THE PHILIPPINES

A sprawling archipelago of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines nestles in the vast Pacific Ocean between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. The islands are divided into three main regions—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Encircled by boundless bodies of water, the Philippines is famed for its pristine, breathtaking beaches.

The Philippines’ rich history gave birth to a unique culture, mixed with Asian, European, and American roots. These manifest in an East-meets-West fusion of food, art, festivals, religions, heritage, and entertainment. Nonetheless, pre-colonial traditions continue to persist across the country, evident in the practices of indigenous communities in different regions and the Islamic culture dominant in the island of Mindanao.

Amidst widespread influences, a spirit distinct to Filipinos emerges—one of generous hospitality, fervent piety in both Christianity and Islam, and a pulsating passion radiating from all its forms of culture. THINGS TO REMEMBER

The Philippines It is is categorized as a advised to pack tropical country light clothing, sunblock, The with a very bug spray, sunglasses Philippines is warm climate and a cap for adequate a heavily cash protection based society

Electric ou tlets are 220V - use a transformer or converter if your device is not dual No voltage smoking in

public places Bottled or mineral water is 1 USD = advised 51.96 PHP for tourists *as of March 6, 2018 The country code is (+63) for mobile and (+632) for landline 29Oc average temperature in April For transportation outside Metro Manila, you may book When traveling flights online within Metro Manila, it is advised to download and use Grab or Uber

For customized tours with personal drivers and accommodations you may contact:

Sophie Metler Make a Difference Travel +63 926 651 8538 (Whatsapp, Viber and SMS) FILIPINO FOOD A FEW MUST TRY DISHES

GARLIC RICE ADOBO SINIGANG KARE-KARE Steamed rice a traditional meat tamarind stew meat and vegetables fried with garlic cooked in soy in peanut sauce paired and vinegar with fish paste

SIZZLING SISIG LONGGANISA BANGUS TORTANG TALONG sizzling pork seasoned sweet local pork fresh fried local eggplant omelette with Philippine lemon sausage milkfish and chili

LAING GISING-GISING LECHON HALO-HALO dried taro leaves in ground pork and green roasted suckling pig shaved ice mixed in coconut milk beans cooked in with sweet beans, fruit coconut milk and condensed milk

RESTAURANTS

Abe Sentro Manam Romulo Cafe CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

INTRAMUROS Built in 1571 by the Spaniards, Intramuros is known as the “Walled City”. Important historical sites still re- main in Intramuros, even after its partial destruction in the Battle of Manila in 1945.

Recommended tours: Bambike Ecoutours or renowned tour guide Carlos Celdran.

NATIONAL MUSEUM The National Museum is the prime place to visit to learn the fascinating history and traditions of the Philippines, through both its cultural and natural heritage. The museum is only a 5-10 minute drive from Intramuros.

AYALA MUSEUM

Ayala Museum lies in Makati City - Metro Manila’s business center. In one modern space, history and art converge. The museum contains a unique collection of pre-colonial artifacts, a series of handcrafted dioramas exhibiting Philippine history, and modern and contemporary art shows. NIGHTLIFE

BANK BAR Bank Bar is a speakeasy tucked away within the same building as RCBC Savings Bank. The only way to get into the actual bar is through a secret door inside the building’s 7-Eleven.

REVEL BY THE PALACE Revel is one of Manila’s top high end night clubs located in BGC. With options for the dancefloor or seated couches and booths for group gatherings.

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME (ABV) Carefully crafted out of sight, ABV is a speakeasy located behind the elevator shaft of a hot dog and burger joint called Lazy Bastard.

*ABV is also co-owned by Endeavor Entrepreneur Mario Berta.

BELLE & DRAGON; MANDALAY There is more than meets the eye at Belle &Dragon, a bar and gastropub. One turn in the right direction will lead you to a most peculiar entrance. The wardrobe, as inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, will lead you to to Mandalay - the perfect place to sip whisky and smoke a cigar. DAY TRIPS

ZAMBALES Home to the famous Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales is the second largest province of Central Luzon. Its topography consists of various beaches and volcanoes, making it a perfect combination for diving and hiking.

MT. PINATUBO LIWLIWA BEACH ANAWANGIN COVE

HOW TO GET THERE ACTIVITIES - Zambales is roughly a four-hour drive - Riding a 4x4 and trekking to north of Manila. It is advised that a driver Mt. Pinatubo and Crater Lake with a car is booked for a day. - Visiting Anawangin Cover for snorkeling - For special tours like the trek to and scuba diving Mt. Pinatubo, pickups can be arranged - Relaxing on the shores and swimming at with a tour group. Liwliwa beach ANILAO South of Manila, Anilao is home to over 50 different dive spots. The variety in marine wildlife allows for even first-time divers to have a try at exploring the deep blue. Snorkeling is also an option for those who would like to stay afloat.

SOMBRERO TWIN ROCKS ISLA VERDA

HOW TO GET THERE ACTIVITIES

-Anilao is three hour drive south of At the various beachfronts and islands, the Manila. It is advised that a driver with a following water activities are available: car is booked for a day. - Scuba Diving -Arrangements and jump off points for - Snorkeling dive trips and island hopping can be - Island Hopping made through Eagle Point Resort. STAY A WHILE

BOHOL Pride of the Visayas Region, the island of Bohol is both a natural and cultural haven. Virgin white-sand beaches, serene rivers, and mahogany forests are only some of the alluring sceneries in the island.

HOW TO GET THERE WHERE TO STAY

-Book a flight from Manila to Bohol Hennan Island Resort -The flight usually lasts an hour and a half Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa Bellevue Hotel

ACTIVITIES Not to miss would be a hike to the Chocolate Hills, a visit to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, sanctuary to the smallest primates in the world, dolphin watching by the Pamilacan Island. PALAWAN Named one of the world’s best islands, Palawan is surrounded by majestic waters filled with an equally diverse aquatic wildlife. It lies between the South China Sea in the northwest and Sulu Sea in the southeast. Palawan is considered to be the Philippines’ last ecological frontier.

HOW TO GET THERE WHERE TO STAY

-By booking a flight from Manila to El Nido or Puerto El Nido Resorts Princesa. Cauayan Island Resort and Spa -The flight usually lasts an hour and fifteen minutes.

ACTIVITIES El Nido is most known for its white-sand beaches and coral reefs. It is the jump off point to the Bacuit archipelago, a landscape renowned for its crystalline waters and limestone cliffs, best experienced on an island hopping tour. FILIPINO PHRASES

GOOD DAY - MAGANDANG ARAW! THANK YOU! - SALAMAT! HOW ARE YOU? - KUMUSTA KA? TAKE CARE - INGAT! GOODBYE - PAALAM! JUST A MOMENT - SANDALI LANG! LET’S GO! - TARA! HOW MUCH? - MAGKANO? CHEAP - MURA EXPENSIVE - MAHAL