George Arun A

21-03-2023.

Official name: Republic of the Philippines

Population: 110,818,325

Area: 300,000 sq km

Capital city: Manila

Major languages: Filipino (Tagalog), English

Major religions: Roman Catholic 80.6%, Protestant 8.2%

Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)

– Source: CIA World Fact Book

When traveling to any other country, may it be the Philippines or Holland or Zimbabwe, you’re sure to come across all kinds of hassles and obstacles that could give you a pressing headache and make you wish that you’re back at home sweet home. But it’s really not necessary to go all through that with the right amount of preparation and research. When traveling to another country, you should always expect the unexpected and make sure you have a contingency plan for each situation you might find yourself in. And in your trip to the Philippines, here are a few suggestions you could take to make your trip to the Philippines hassle free.

Philippine Travel Tip #1 – Weather This or That

When you’re in Dubai, you’re sure to expect extreme heat during the day and extreme cold during the night. In the Philippines, however, there are no extremities in temperature to watch out for. If you’re going to travel to the Philippines between the months of March till May, be sure to bring lots of light clothes because it’s the hot and dry season. During the months of June till October, it’s the rainy season that would greet you on your Philippine travel. Lastly, the months of November till February are possibly the best times of the year to travel in the Philippines because it’s cool but dry. But to be more specific, if you want your trip to the Philippines unmarred by the occasional typhoon, set your travel date between the middle of December till mid-May.

Philippine Travel Tip #2 – Everything’s Within A Call Away?

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is also dubbed as the texting capital of the world because everyone, and I do mean everyone, has got a cellphone – or two! – in their name. That’s why if you’re lost, you need not worry about looking for the nearest public phone because cellphones are able to work in almost all places in the Philippines. Quite a convenient thing for anyone traveling, isn’t it?

Philippine Travel Tip #3 – Party Time!

One of the most unique and enjoyable experiences you could have when you travel to the Philippines is being part of the fiesta season. The whole town or city usually participates in a fiesta and each and every house is open to all, natives and foreigners alike. Filipino delicacies are prepared in each household and colorful banners are hung everywhere so that you’d know when there’s a fiesta going on. You could also try participating in one of the native games that’s usually played like climbing a tree slick with oil or being blindfolded and try hitting the “palayok” or pot filled with candies and coins for children.