Philippines - it is a multi-island state in Southeast Asia, part of the Malay archipelago, which includes more than 7,000 islands, of which only 2,000 are inhabited. In the east, numerous islands are washed by the Philippine Sea, in the west - the South China Sea, in the south - Sulawesi, and in the north, the Bashi Strait shares the republic with the island of Taiwan. The total area of the island complex is 300 thousand square meters. kilometers, the relief is mainly mountains, volcanoes and hills.
According to 2011 data, about 102 million people live on the lands of the Philippine archipelago. The ethnic composition is diverse and consists of several groups: tagals occupy 28% of the total population, sebuano - 13%, binisaya - 8%, bicol - 6%, etc. The official language in the Philippines is pilipino (tagalog), the majority of the population speaks English. The national currency is expressed in a unit called peso. Residents of the country profess Catholicism (81%), Protestantism (11%), Islam (5%) and other religions.
Philippines - the capital and major cities
The capital Manila is located on the island of Luzon. The metropolis is home to about 2 million people, with suburbs - more than 12 million. The Philippine capital is the largest city in the entire archipelago, it is the cultural, political, economic center of the state.
Throughout history, Manila has experienced many major wars in which many monuments and architectural values were destroyed. More than half of the buildings in the city are made of coconut tree.
Other major cities of the country include Davao, Quezon City (2nd place after the capital), Cebu, Iloilo, Bacalod.
Philippines - holidays and tours
The Philippines is a real tropical paradise, created by the hands of nature itself, this is the embodiment of the dream of any person. The country offers its guests a huge choice for recreation and entertainment: from snow-white beaches to night bars and discos.
Preferred resorts are located on the southern islands of the archipelago: Cebu, Palawan and Bohol. First of all, visitors leaving their luggage in the room go to the famous beaches, feel the white sand under their feet, swim in the turquoise sea waves, sunbathe and just have fun.
Daredevils and extremes, of course, will try to curb the rebellious waves. In addition to surfing, you can go diving to admire the deep sea beauty, dive into an unknown world for us, full of charm and life. For a change try snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing and yachting.
Holidays in the Philippines include visits to first-class spa centers, canoe trips, mountaineering and trekking, cycling and hiking, multifaceted flora and fauna. And for sports enthusiasts, there are special areas for volleyball, football, golf and tennis. The islands have a very vibrant nightlife. Discos, clubs, karaoke, outdoor beach parties will not let guests get bored.
Trekking to local attractions, museums, gardens, national parks, shopping, etc. - An integral part of a trip to an exotic country. The islands offer unlimited rest for travelers; almost all types of tourism are developed: beach, sports, extreme, educational and sightseeing.
Philippines - Attractions
As a result of World War II, many cultural and historical values in Manila were destroyed. Intensive construction helped restore some of the attractions. In the old metropolitan area, founded in 1571, the majestic fortress walls of the 16th century, with a length of about 5 km, deserve attention. In their thickness are concentrated many galleries, museums and a large aquarium, which will undoubtedly amaze you with the abundance of marine life.
Also located in the capital are: Fort Santiago of the 16th century, Manila Cathedral, San Luis Square, the Casa Manila Museum, Silahis - a large center of antiques, colonial buildings dating from the 16th century. It is interesting to visit the Risal Park with a planetarium, flower pavilions and concert venues. The chic Malate church, Harrison Plaza, Robinson Place, the lighthouse at Cape Boheador, national museums and many other attractions are concentrated in Manila.
Correchidor Island is known for its ruins, Malinta tunnels, hot sulfur springs and resorts based on them (Los Banos, Cuyab and Pansol). North of the capital you will find the Zambale region with curious Sagad caves. And south of Manila lies the picturesque Tagaytay Range, within which the Taal Volcano National Park flaunts.
Mindoro Island is famous for its underwater National Park with magnificent ichthyofauna; Mindanao is known for a large number of mosques, Pasonanka and Klimako-Freedom parks. The volcanic island of Sulu, Palawan, Visayan, Cebu - the famous objects of the archipelago, it is here that the main number of tourists is concentrated.
Philippines - weather (climate)
A significant role in the formation of climate is played by the fragmentation of the relief, however, monsoon, marine tropical and subequatorial climates predominate. In the summer, the temperature rises from +24 to +33 degrees. In general, summers are hot but humid.
The dry season begins from autumn to February, the temperature varies from +23 to +39 degrees. The coolest months are November, December - the average temperature during the day ... +26, at night - drops to +16 degrees. In mountainous areas, frosts and destructive typhoons are often observed.
Weather in the Philippines now:
Philippines - National Cuisine
Philippine cuisine is a successful interweaving of Malay, Spanish, Chinese culinary traditions. Therefore, rice is used as the main ingredient. It replaces the Filipinos bread, which is not very common here. Rice in all its variations (boiled, fried, with the addition of vegetables, fruits, meat, sauces, fish and other seafood) is always on the table.
Also, Filipino culinary specialists will surprise you with a wide range of meat dishes. Traditional delicacies - fried chicken “tinola”, paella with chicken, pork and seafood, meat rolls “Morkon”, meat casserole “pancitmolo” with mushrooms, fried chicken with vegetables with the addition of sauce “rytafel”, stuffed pig roasted on charcoal, adobo "- pickled pieces of meat, soup with vegetables and beef," relleno "- stuffed fish or chicken, kebabs from buffalo meat. As you can see, vegetables are also used in the preparation of most dishes.
Try also a huge amount of fish and seafood dishes: clam shiniganga, pinakbet shrimp, delicious pickled fish, fish balls and meatballs. Seafood is the country's calling card. There are an enormous amount of them, and each of them is unique in its taste.
Hospitable residents will not leave you without sweets. For dessert you will be offered a variety of confectionery. You should definitely try traditional sweets: sweet rice flour cakes, cheese buns with sugar, fried bananas with honey sauce, desserts based on coconut milk and fruits and the popular halo halo ice cream. Common drinks are lemonade, buko (coconut milk), natural fruit juices, and refreshing iced tea.
Philippines - interesting facts
1. The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking state.
2. The Philippines has concentrated more than 200 volcanoes, most of which are not active.
3. The capital of the country was named after a plant called manilad.
4. This is the only Asian state where Christianity is preached.
5. The republic is the birthplace of karaoke and erythromycin. It was here that Robert del Rosario came up with a system with a microphone, and Dr. Abelardo Aguilar - an antibiotic.
Philippines - visa
In the case of a trip for a period not exceeding 21 days, you do not need to apply for a visa. You can also apply for a visa at the immigration service upon arrival in the country: for 2 months - $ 50 + fee. In all other cases, you must contact the Russian Embassy.
Philippines - Embassy
Address: Moscow, per. Karmanitsky, 6
Phone: +7 (495) 241-26-30
Philippines Map
