Philippines – General info

Area
300,000 sq km.
Population
85.000.000
Capital
Manila (with about 12,000,000 inhabitants).
Geography
The Philippines is located off the Southeast Asian coast between Taiwan and Borneo in the Pacific Ocean. They consist of 7107 islands and islets. Of these, 2773 have a name, only about 900 are inhabited, and around 500 islands are larger than 1 sq km. The two largest islands, Luzón in the north and Mindanao in the south, make up 65% of the landmass. 60% of the population also lives here. Between Luzón and Mindanao lies the Visayas archipelago.
Form of government
Presidential republic since 1987. Constitution was introduced in 1987. Parliament consists of two chambers: House of Representatives = 260 members and Senate = 24 members. Head of State and Government: Maria Gloria Macaray Macapagal-Arroyo, since 2001. Independent since 1946, a Spanish colony until 1898.
Language
The official language is Filipino. English is also widely spoken, as well as a little Spanish and Chinese. There are over 100 cultural and ethnic groups, each of which has its own language. A total of 990 languages are registered.
Health
Before a trip, you should take precautionary measures in good time so that the holiday becomes the holiday you imagine. A reasonably equipped first-aid kit (at least medication for diarrhea, fever, pain as well as bandages, plasters, wound disinfection) and first aid knowledge are definitely recommended. Vaccinations against corresponding diseases in the holiday country, for example vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A or hepatitis B, must be clarified by a specialist. Not to be forgotten are the vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Malaria incidence
all year round, different risk in the individual parts of the country
medium risk
in rural areas below 600 m of the following regions/islands: East Luzon, parts of Mindanao, Palawan, Samar, Sulu Archipelago, Mindoro Occidental
Low risk
in the other parts of the country or islands as well as at altitudes above 600 m
Malaria-free
are the urban areas as well as the islands of Bohol, Catanduanes and Cebu.
Religion
84% Catholics. Buddhists, Muslims, followers of the Independent Church of the Philippines and followers of natural religions.
Local time
220 V (110 V in Baguio), 60 Hz. 110 V connections are available in most hotels. Flat and round two- and three-pin plugs are used.
Phone
The use of digital mobile phones is possible. International country code for the Philippines: 0063 area code from Phil. to Germany 0049, to Austria 0043, to Switzerland 0041.
Currency
1 Filipino Peso (P) = 100 Centavos
Clothing
When visiting churches or mosques, shorts and overly revealing clothing are offensive.
Embassy
The German Embassy is located: 6th floor Solid Bank Building, 777 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, Metro Manila.
Entry
Nationals of countries with which the Philippines has diplomatic relations do not need a visa for the first 21 days of stay. For a longer stay, a tourist visa is required.
Trade in endangered species
Set priorities for life. Avoid buying any animal species such as giant clams. They are subject to a strict export ban according to Philippine law and you also avoid inconveniences when entering your home country.
Security
The crime rate is quite high in the big cities. Therefore, never walk alone through lonely streets at night, leave jewelry and expensive watches in the safe. Always take only as much money with you as is to be spent on the corresponding occasion.
Economy
Agriculture employs a third of the workforce and generates about a quarter of the gross domestic product. It accounts for around 25% of the export business. Around 90% of the land area is used for agriculture and forestry. Rice is the most important crop, ahead of maize and the coconut palm.

The Philippines was less affected by the Asian crisis than other countries in the region. Consistent deregulation and liberalization of the economy, as well as the privatization campaign of the state-owned monopolies initiated by the then Ramos government, had strengthened economic growth until the outbreak of the regional crisis. Nevertheless, a sustainable revival of the growth forces has so far failed to materialize.

A stable and growing economy is the main goal of Philippine economic policy. In 2001, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.8% (2000: 3.9%). Above all, the service sector and investments in the privileged export and special economic zones have contributed to this. Agriculture, which is the main pillar of GDP at 20% of the working population and about 40% of the working population, recovered in the course of 2001. Production increased by 9%. This led, among other things, to a decline in imports of basic foodstuffs (rice) and contributed to the stabilization of inflation despite the fall in the price of the peso against the USD. This was 6.7% most recently (6.9% in 2000).

Rising unemployment (approx. 12%) with approx. 25% underemployment and the unequal distribution of income increases continue to be problematic. The external debt of the Philippines currently amounts to a total of US$ 51 billion with a slight upward trend.

In terms of export products, the electronic industry (semiconductors) and the textile sector dominate. Both branches generated 70% of export revenues. The most important target markets for Philippine exports were the USA (34%), Europe (15%), Japan (17%), and ASEAN countries (19%). Due to the one-sided nature of the export share from the economic zones, there is a strong dependence on world market prices.

The Philippines is subject to two seasons: rainy season from June to October, dry season from November to May, which is also the best time to travel.

They offer the full range of tropical and subtropical climate characteristics.

It is generally warm, sometimes oppressively hot with high humidity. In Manila, for example, the average temperatures vary from 25°C during the cooler dry season (November to February) to over 35°C in the second half of the dry season (March to May).

On the coasts, the maritime climate provides refreshment through the alternation of land and sea wind.

In the mountains, it can cool down to below 10°C at night.

In general, there are significant regional deviations. This is especially true for precipitation, which sometimes falls outside the rainy season.

Between July and November, typhoons cross the east and north of the country. Its foothills also reach the Visayas from time to time and very rarely Palawan.

The Philippines is home to hundreds of different species of birds and mammals, as well as 200 different repilia.

Philippine animal species that are exclusive to Palawan include the ant-eating armadillo pangolin, the pygmy deer Pilandok – the smallest red deer species in the world – and the Palawan bear cat, a species of marten.

Also abundant are freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes and other reptiles, as well as parrots, hornbills and colourful butterflies.

Unfortunately, the less rare animal species also include the Nik-Niks, pinhead-sized bloodsuckers that populate some beaches in myriads, mostly box jellyfish that occur between December and February, whose strong venom secretes stinging cells can cause painful burns to the skin.

In addition, there are the Anopheles mosquitoes, a malaria-transmitting mosquito species.

The flora of the Philippines is considered one of the most diverse in the world, with around 10,000 species of trees, shrubs, flowers and ferns.

Despite the large-scale deforestation, the share of forests in the total area is still estimated at 30 to 50%.

Extensive mangroves dominate large areas on the coasts of the islands.

The rainforests in the Philippines, which were particularly widespread in the east, have been cut down except for a few remains.

A comparatively species-poor secondary forest or grassland has taken its place.

In the central and western island regions, there are still large monsoon forests, which at higher altitudes turn into mixed oak forests or cloud forests.

250000 years
ancient finds prove the existence of hominids in the Philippines
For about 30000
Homosapiens has been living on Palawan for years.
13000 – 10000 BC
Aeta, small-statured, dark-skinned gatherers and hunters immigrate from the Asian mainland.
From about 4000 BC
seafaring protomalaia from Inner Asia displace the Aeta from the island coasts into the hinterland.
From about 300 BC
Deutereo or Young Malays immigrate and introduce a higher culture.
7th – 9th century AD
The southern Philippines comes under the influence of the powerful Buddhist empire Sri Vijaya, founded on Sumatra.
10th – 11th century
Chinese seafarers establish trading bases in the Philippines
14th century
The Javanese empire of Majapahit extends its power to the Philippines.
1380
The first Arab scholar, Makdum, reaches the Sulu Islands. Islam is spreading in the south.
1521
Ferdinand Magellan lands on Samar and Cebu.
1543
the islands are named after King Philip II Las Isla Felipinas.
1565
Miguel López de Legazpi takes possession of the Visayas. This marks the beginning of 333 years of colonial rule by the Spaniards.
1762
During the Seven Years’ War, the British succeeded in occupying Manila for two years.
1821
Mexico, from which the Philippines were administered, becomes independent; the colony is now directly subordinated to Madrid.
1892
the physician and writer Dr. Josè Rizal founds the Liga Filipina, a reform movement that is directed more against the supremacy of the church than against Spanish rule. He is exiled to Mindanao.
1896
the Katipunan uprising breaks out. Rizal, although not involved, is arrested and executed in Manila. The uprising fails.
June 12, 1898
After Admiral Dewey takes Manila in the Spanish-American War, Aquinaldo returns and proclaims the independence of the Philippines.
1901
After a cruel war by the Americans, William Taft becomes the first civilian governor. As a result, the Americans reform the school system and gradually grant the Filipinos political self-government at the regional level.
1935
President Roosevelt recognizes the new Philippine constitution, Manuel L. Quezon becomes the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth.
1944
General MacArther returns and conquers the islands occupied by the Japanese since 1941.
On July 4, 1946
the independent Republic of the Philippines is proclaimed.
1965
Ferdinand E. Marcos becomes the sixth president of the Philippines. As a clever tactician, he achieved his re-election in 1969, which according to the constitution was also to be his last.
1972
Marcos imposed martial law. His “New Society” also makes him prime minister.
1981
martial law is lifted, Marcos is re-elected president.
1983
Opposition leader Benigno Aquino returns from exile and is shot while leaving the plane.
1986
Aquino’s widow Corazon is running against Marcos in the presidential elections in February. When Marcos announces his election victory, the people stand united behind Corazon. The peaceful People’s Power movement finally drove the dictator into exile in Hawaii, where he died in 1989.
1987
Cory Aquino, as President of the Philippines, adopts a new constitution.
1992
Fidel Ramos, Minister of Defense under Aquino, is elected as the eighth president.
1993
Ramos announces his catalogue of measures “Philippines 2000”, which is intended to bring political and social stability to the country.
1996
After 26 years of civil war between the Muslim rebels and the government, Ramos and rebel leader Misuari signed a peace agreement in September.
1998
Joseph Estrada emerges from the presidential elections.
2000
In February, the volcano “Mayon” erupts again after 7 years of dormancy.
January 20, 2001
Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is sworn in as President of the Philippines following the impeachment of President Estrada.
June 30, 2004
After 7 weeks of counting, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is sworn in again as president. In her first speech, she appeals for unity and reconciliation.

By default, there is only one side dish in the Philippines: rice – morning, noon and evening. Filipino food is often served lukewarm, especially in the simple restaurants. In contrast to many other Asian countries, Philippine cuisine is generally not spicy.

An exception are the dishes of the Bicol region, or in the style of Bicol. All prices below are per serving without side dishes. As of May 2004. A portion of rice costs 5 pesos (8 cents) in the eatery, 20 pesos (32 cents) in the restaurant.
Fish, mussels, snails, crabs
There is a wide range of freshwater and saltwater fish, mussels and snails, shrimp and crabs on the markets almost everywhere. Lobsters and lobsters are rare, except directly on the coast. Unfortunately, outside of Manila, you can only find a small part of this offer in the restaurants.

The carp-like tilapia and the bangus, both common and farmed freshwater fish, are inexpensive. Catfish (Hito), a type of catfish that can survive out of the water for a long time, and can even move across meadows, are also often offered, and finally the Dalag (mudfish). Popular and somewhat more expensive sea fish such as the Lapu-Lapu, fresh tuna, as well as Blue Marlin, the swordfish, are almost only available in the better restaurants or on the coast. The same applies to shrimp, snails, mussels and crabs.

Fish is offered grilled, fried and boiled, crabs and shrimps are usually served in their shells. Sinigang na isda is sour boiled fish with tamarinds or tomatoes in broth and vegetables. Paksiw (pronounced: “Packsiu”) boiled fish with onions, ginger and vinegar.
Sweet and sour Fish
(fish in sweet and sour sauce) is not only available in Chinese restaurants.
Rellino Bangus
is a delicately stuffed bangus.

Prices: in the Eatery from 50 pesos (80 cents) per serving, in the restaurant from 100 pesos. Sea fish is slightly more expensive than freshwater fish.
Pork, beef, water buffalo
Apart from the coast, pork dishes have unfortunately replaced fish as the standard meal. Whoever can afford it eats pork: the fatter, the better. Pork is available grilled or cooked through. A specialty of the country is Lechon, the Filipino suckling pig.

By the way, Filipinos like to eat intestines – liver is more expensive than fillet here! Beef and water buffalo do not play a major role; they are often tough because usually only slightly older animals are slaughtered and processed without long hanging. Therefore, beef and buffalo are mainly found in the form of braised thin strips as “finger food” – small side snack, e.g. during extensive drinking.

Adobo: braised pork with lots of garlic and soy sauce.

Igado: Pork strips (fillet, liver, kidneys, heart) with peas in tomato soy sauce.

Minudo: minced meat cooked in broth with potatoes as vegetables. Eaten, like everything else, with rice as a side dish!

Estafado: pieces of bone-in pork with tomato soy sauce and fried potatoes as vegetables.

Mechado: Pork, potato and carrot cubes and peas in ketchup sauce.

Milaga: boiled meat with various vegetables, in sour broth.

Meatballs: meatballs

Papaitan: Meat goulash made from beef and water buffalo offal. Tastes bitter, as the bile is partly processed.
Poultry
Practically only occurs as a chicken. There are plenty of ducks, but unfortunately only as egg suppliers, especially of the notorious balut: hatched, boiled duck eggs with embryos, which are sold everywhere on the streets. The dishes listed above: Adobo, Igado, Minudo, Estafado and Mechado are all also available in a version with chicken instead of pork. The name is simply preceded by “Chicken”, i.e. Chicken-Adobo, Chicken-Estafado, etc.

Chicken curry: one of our favorites, chicken in a delicious coconut curry sauce

Pinola: Chicken stew with mixed vegetables and ginger
Vegetable dishes
Pinakbet: Mixed vegetables (eggplant, ampalaya, okra, peppers, pumpkin) with bagoong. Bagoong is fermented, salted fish or small shrimp as a spice. The smell is much worse than the taste, but Europeans rarely love the strong taste.

Amapalaya with egg: Bitter melon in pieces mixed with eggs and fried. Often with bacon strips. The taste of bitter melon takes some getting used to, but I, for example, like it quite a bit.

Kaari: White beans and bacon strips in tomato sauce. Delicious.

Talong: Eggplant, boiled or grilled with eggs.
Pasta dishes
They are often found in special, small Pansiterias. Cheap, large portions, filling, therefore popular with pupils and students. Noodles with sauce and some vegetables, as a luxury version also with eggs or a little meat or liver in soy sauce.Pansit Canton – Filipino wheat noodles.

Pansit Bihon – Filipino rice noodles.
Miscellaneous
Lumpia Shanghai: Small spring rolls with minced meat filling

Lumpia Sariwa: Small spring rolls with vegetable fillingAso is fried dog, Abalin are fried and salted beetles of a certain species and their larvae. Grasshoppers and frogs are also eaten. With the exception of Aso, practically not available in restaurants.
Desserts
Halo-Halo: Peculiar mixture of canned fruit, crushed ice, sugar and sweet condensed milk. In summer at every street corner for 10 pesos, in the restaurant 40 pesos. Definitely refreshing.

Leche Flan: Egg Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Snacks
Often offered on buses and in street sales, they cost a few cents. Bibingka: Small rubbery cakes made from coconut milk and sticky rice. Not for people with teeth.

Fishballs: Fish balls made of fish and flour. Probably made from leftovers, so not particularly tasty.

Turon: banana pieces fried in batter. Tasty, sweet and cheap.

Empanadas: differently filled dumplingsBalut: the notorious incubated boiled duck eggs with embryo.
Drinks
Not all restaurants offer alcohol because a separate license is required. Beer is usually available, wine only in more upscale restaurants. Spirits are often not offered even in the restaurants of hotels. Local beer is of very good quality and costs 40 (65 cents) pesos per 0.3 liters in the restaurant and about 15 pesos in the store. A glass of cola costs 20 to 35 pesos in the restaurant.

Juices are often not available, and if so, expensive: at least 30 pesos. Local gin is dirt cheap and good – 0.7 liters of Ginebra San Miguel are available in the store for only 50 pesos (80 cents).

Cognac and rum from domestic production are only marginally more expensive. Good Spanish cognac (Fundador) is also much cheaper than in Germany. In return, wine is subject to its own luxury tax, which means that a bottle of wine is often more expensive here than in Germany.

As a rule, there are hardly any problems getting a suitable place to stay, even in regions of the Philippines that are less developed for tourism. In the high season from December to April, however, the cheaper hotels and guesthouses are heavily frequented by local tourists, so early reservations are advisable. Early booking should be made especially during the Christmas and Easter period.

In the resorts, there are two or three tariff categories, which can differ by up to 150-200%. The most expensive rooms are at Christmas and Easter. High discounts are available in the low season from June to October. It is also common to negotiate room rates in all hotels (even in the top hotels), especially if you want to book a longer stay. For accommodation in the upper categories, it is recommended to book through a travel agency from Europe or on site, as the price reductions are serious.
Hotels
As a rule, the hotels of the upper categories have Western standard. All multi-star hotels have air-conditioned rooms with bathroom, toilet, telephone and television. The top hotels often include various restaurants, bars, shops and exchange offices. They are also often equipped with swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centres.

In the seaside resorts, there are hotel complexes in the typical style of the country, which usually leave nothing to be desired. The grounds are often stylishly laid out and built up with lush parks. The sports offer is rich and includes diving, snorkeling, tennis, golf, horseback riding, parasailing, water skiing and windsurfing. In all upscale hotels, there is a surcharge of 10% each for VAT and service.
Guesthouses – Hostels
Even the simpler hotels and guesthouses have good facilities. Some small accommodations hardly differ in quality from hotels in the star category, usually they offer a more pleasant atmosphere, which is often missing in the large tourist hotels. The guesthouses, which are usually run as a family business, often have clean, air-conditioned rooms, almost always with private bathroom and toilet.

If you can do without an air conditioning system and make do with a fan, you will find a wide range of low-budget accommodations everywhere. Shower and toilet are all communal facilities in such hostels. Since bed linen is usually not provided there, you should take a linen sleeping bag with you.