Table of Contents Chapter 1 Philippine Regions ...................................................................................................................................... Chapter 2 Philippine Visa............................................................................................................................................. Chapter 3 Philippine Culture........................................................................................................................................ Chapter 4 Safety in the Philippines.............................................................................................................................. Chapter 5 Health & Wellness in the Philippines........................................................................................................... Chapter 6 Philippines Transportation........................................................................................................................... Chapter 7 Philippines Dating – Marriage..................................................................................................................... Chapter 8 Making a Living (Working & Investing) .................................................................................................... Chapter 9 Philippine Real Estate.................................................................................................................................. Chapter 10 Retiring in the Philippines............................................................................................................................ © 2015 by Cebu-Philippines.Net. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Cebu-Philippines.Net. Chapter 1 Philippine Regions The Philippines is composed of 7, 107 islands and islets which offer different kinds of experience depending on their geographical location. Visiting the country for the first time needs more than just research to ensure a pleasant and worthwhile experience. Depending on your ideal type of vacation, the country has a lot to offer to meet your expectations. We're going to give you a preview of the things to expect when visiting the country and you will know why it is - more fun in the Philippines! The entire country is divided into 17 regions based on the geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics of the areas within each region. When visiting the country, it's important to know the pros and cons of the places that you want to spend your time alone or with your family. You don't have to do any research as we've done the dirty job already. We'll sum up all the features of each region of the country and objectively present what the region can offer. From North to South, we'll feature the 17 administrative regions of the Philippines while giving you a heads up of what's in store for you when visiting these areas of the country. Since this is a country guide, we'll also include areas that aren't ideal for travelers especially for first-timers. In a matter of time, you'll be able to choose the region or the city to visit or retire. Main Islands The country is divided into 3 major islands namely Luzon (North), Visayas (Central) and Mindanao (South). Luzon is the economic and political center of the Philippines, being home to the country's capital city, Manila. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago. Out of the 17 administrative regions of the Philippines, Luzon is the home of 8. Situated in the central part of the entire archipelago, Visayas is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines. There are three administrative Regions of the Philippines in the Visayas: Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. Located in the southern part of the country, Mindanao is the only area of the Philippines with a significant Muslim presence. Due to religious differences, widespread poverty and political instability, some areas of this island remain in conflict against the government, which is unsafe for those who have not been there. Don't worry, the majority of the island is peaceful and besides, the tourist spots have enough security to protect the visitors. Your safety remains an important concern of the government. One of the interesting facts in the country is the number of different local dialects. Each region has its own native dialects. But don't worry as most of the people can speak and understand the English language. So let us help you choose which part of the country you want to be in. Administrative Regions of the Philippines Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Let's start with the northern part of the country. If you want to break loose from the hustle and bustle of the city and you value the beauty of natural landscapes and virgin forests, the first featured region is a good place to go. Located on Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is the only land-locked region in the country. It is a mountainous area with natural scenery. It is rich in history as one of the key areas penetrated by the Spaniards during the Spanish colonization. It's in CAR also where the famous indigenous tribe locally known as "Igorots" reside. It consists of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Baguio City. The towering mountain ranges and extensive grassland of this region will put you in awe. Of all these provinces, Ifugao, Mountain Province and Baguio City are the most frequented. So, what's waiting for you there? Let's start with Ifugao province. Ifugao The province of Ifugao is located in a mountainous region characterized by rugged terrain, river valleys, and massive forests. If you've heard of the famous Banaue rice terraces, it's where you can see the work of art through the efforts of the natives. The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and Banaue Rice Terraces are the main tourist attractions in the province. These 2000-year-old terraces were carved into the mountains, without the aid of machinery, to provide level steps where the natives can plant rice. In 1995, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a must-see attraction. Banaue Rice Terraces Mountain Province We all want a once in a lifetime experience. Something to remember for years. Have you seen mummies in the flesh? How close were you? Get up-close and personal with the mummies and know the story behind the preservation of these bodies only in the Mountain province. This province is known for its mummy caves which contain naturally mummified bodies which probably became so due to the humid atmosphere. The hanging coffins are also found in the province, these are literally coffins hanging on the branches of trees, many tourists claim there is no foul odor, the bodies were probably mummified by the atmosphere according to theory. Mountain province will give you that kind of experience. The naturally mummified bodies are well preserved and protected. Aside from that, the Mountain province boasts a lot of rice terraces that will keep your camera busy. Baguio City Known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, this city is one of the favorite destinations not only by tourists but even to other visitors from different provinces. Tourism is one of Baguio's main industries due to its weather and history. During the year- end holidays some people from the lowlands prefer spending their vacation in Baguio, to experience cold temperatures they rarely have in their home provinces. Also, during summer, especially during Holy Week, tourists from all over the country flock to the city. During this time, the total number of people in the city doubles. To accommodate all these people there are more than 80 hotels and inns available. Panagbenga Festival Local festivities such as the Panagbenga Festival also attract both local and foreign tourists. Baguio is the lone Philippine destination in the 2011 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Destinations Awards, Asia category, with the city being among the top 25 destinations in Asia. If you want a vacation away from the metropolis and densely populated cities, then Cordillera Administrative Region is a good choice and Baguio City should be the place to be. The cold temperature will give you a different experience than the rest of the country. When you speak of Baguio Philippines, you think of the cool weather that clips to a cooler but still bearable 14 degrees Celsius, although sometimes it comes down to a shivering 10 degrees Celsius; a zigzag drive up on its main access route -- Kennon Road, rugged mountain shrouded in fog; a clump of pine trees here and there; an early morning mist; the pleasure of taking a leisurely walk without sweating, and a chance to wear clothes like sweaters and jackets. It means walking down Session Road, hiking through forest trails, hiking up 202 steps to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, pony riding at Wright Park, golf and steak barbecue at Camp John Hay (CJH), sitting by the fireplace, waking up to the sound of birds chirping, listening to the buzz and silence, buying “pasalubongs” from the public market, the Good Shepherd or Mines View Park, or just going to SM mall, Baguio Philippines to relax and stroll. During the latter part of 1899, American forces in search of Filipino forces found their way up to these mountains of Benguet.