Interesting Facts about Philippines You should Know

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Facts about Philippines: Things to consider

First of all foreigners need to know the facts about Philippines when they consider to travel, live and retire in that beautiful country. Mainly it is the warm weather the whole year round. The two common reasons why foreigners prefer this paradise island is because of the low cost of living and the people specifically the Filipinas.

One of the most interesting facts about Philippines is, that everything there is much cheaper. Especially with houses as well as food. That makes Philippines a great place to retire. The basic necessities in life cost less. In fact that makes it a very good place to stay. You just need to know the right places to shop around. Then you can buy items cheap and save quite a lot of dollars. Compare the cost of living with that in the West countries. You sure will see big difference. The average life you lead in your country is equivalent to live in Philippines a good life like royalty.

Living in the Philippines is like extending a vacation. You get to explore plenty of beautiful islands. Enjoy getting tanned in the white sand beaches and experience the best in life. And if you are lucky enough you might just find romance in Philippines even meet the love of your life.

Facts about Philippines: How to Retire in Paradise on a 30$ a day

Retirement is one thing that one prepares for a long time. Others might imagine themselves buying a beachfront property where they can enjoy the ocean view everyday. Or maybe you prefer retreating in the mountains where you live among the snow-capped peaks. But have you ever thought of spending the rest of your life in a tropical island. Maybe a place where the sun shines the whole year through. You might dismiss the idea so fast. But wait, because there are beautiful places where you can definitely live a good life for just $30 a day.

Do proper Research about the Facts

If you care to take time to research all the facts about Philippines. You will find out that there are lots of countries around the globe that provides lots of benefits to retirees than those your own place offers to you. If you look further you will discover that you can even live comfortably with just $900 a month. That means approximately just around $30 a day for comfort living in the Philippines. Cost of retirement in Philippines is really affordable. The $30 a day pays your rent, utility bills, cable, groceries, taxis and miscellaneous expense like insurance and visa.

It is indeed recommended to explore all the places and see which is the best place to retire to Philippines. Planning your retirement well ahead is good. Setting your priorities and the things you want to do with your retirement days. It can help you decide which place to spend your evening of life.

Facts About Philippines: Short Overview

The country has a rich history and is influenced greatly by American, Asian and European. Before the colonization of 1521 from Spain, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Japanese and Chinese. The Intramuros is a living proof of the Spanish influence in the country. After 350 years, Philippines finally succeeded in winning their independence.

Philippines become the first colony of the United States in the year 1898 and Filipinos have fought with Americans during World War II specifically in the famous battle in Corregidor and Bataan. They also fought against the Japanese year 1941 to 1945. By 1946, the country regained its independence.

By nature, Filipinos are warm hearted people and freedom loving. In fact Filipinos have fought two bloodless revolutions against what they believed to be corrupt regime. This event has been witnessed by all the people around the world.

Geography

Philippines is situated at the heart of Southeast Asia which stretch over 1,143 miles. It is composed of 7,107 islands and the country is accessible to different capitals of the world. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are three major islands of the country.

Its neighboring countries Hong Kong, China and Taiwan as well as Japan in the north. In the west you’ll find the Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. One side of the archipelago gears towards Borneo and just south is the chain of Indonesian Island.

Climate

Talking about weather, November to February is the coolest month of the year and it is the best time to visit the Philippines. Summer months are from March to May and in general they are hot and dry. Rainy months are from June to October where the months between July and September where heavy rains or typhoons often comes.

The average temperature in the country is 86 degree Fahrenheit with 77% average humidity. Some parts of Visayas region experiences warm season the whole year through. Thus you can travel to there anytime of the year. Especially to Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Panay island.

The People

Filipino is basically of Malay descend with a mix of Spanish, Arab, Chinese and American blood. Filipino is a one of a kind blend of the west and east. And this is clearly seen in their culture as well as their physical appearance. Its character is also a mixture of all the cultures. Their spirit of kindship is said to be from their Malay forefathers while their close family relationship is inherited from the Chinese. The religiosity is from the Spaniards. Filipinos are famous for its hospitality which makes them unique from the others.

Filipinos belong to more than seven ethnic groups namely Tagalog which comprise about 28.1% of the population. Next to Tagalog is Cebuano which is 13.1%, Bisaya which is 7.6%, Ilonggo or Hiligaynon which is 7.5%, Bikol which is 6%, and Waray 3.4%. Other ethnic groups which comprise about 25.3% of the population. This figure is base from the 2000 census.

It is pre-dominantly a Roman Catholic country. You can clearly see it in the records. According to 2000 census 80.9% of the population are Roman Catholic. The rest of the percentage is distributed to other denominations. The Muslim is 5%, Christian 4.5%, Evangelical 2.8% and some other unspecified denomination.

The Language

One of the lesser known facts about Philippines is that it is the third largest English Speaking country of the world. Filipino is its official language although English is also widely used. It is the medium of instruction in its primary until higher level of education. There are a over 500 different dialects. But the eight major dialects spoken by most Filipinos are Tagalog, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Pangasinense, Pampango, Waray and Bicol.

The Philippine Currency

Philippine currency is Peso or piso in the local dialect. A peso is composed of 100 centavos. Banknote denominations are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. Coins are in 10 cents, 25 cents, one peso, five peso and ten peso.

When you travel to the Philippines do not carry big amount of cash with you. It is better to bring your debit card or credit card. You can use to get cash or make advances in thousands of ATM’s in the major destinations. But make sure to have some cash when you travel in rural areas. Mostly you cannot find an ATM machine in this area.

Money Exchange – ATMs and Cash

You are able to use debit or credit card to get cash in ATM all throughout the country. Most ATMs in the country accept cards with popular Plus and Cirrus sign. For cash advances MasterCard is the most widely use followed by Visa. Of course cash advances in ATMs are in local currency. But you may have a daily withdrawal limit depending on the bank. Metrobank may have withdrawal limit of P4000 and P5000 for Equitable Bank. However HSBC ATMs have no limits at all.

Carrying cash is no problem as long as it is a small amount just in case if you cannot find an ATM. If you carry cash make sure to carry in small denominations since change is always a problem you often encounter.

Major Destinations in the Philippines

Facts about Philippines; Tourism industry is rapidly growing since year 2000. One reason for this is because of the solid support from the government to provinces in improving their natural attractions and treasures. Aside from that, local residents also support all plans of the government to improve tourism in their localities. There are eight major destinations in the Philippines namely Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Palawan, Baguio, Boracay and Vigan.

Philippine Festivals

Filipinos are fun loving people thus they are famous for its festive and colorful occasions. They celebrate grandios festivals every year. Indeed in various provinces people celebrate over hundreds of festivals. But the major Philippine festivals include the following – Santa Cruzan, Flores de Mayo, Town Fiestas, Ati-Atihan Festivals, Obando Festival and Metro Manila Film Festival.

Filipino People and Foreigners

One of the many interesting facts about Philippines why tourism is rapidly growing in the country is because of its people. In other words the hospitality of Filipino people is what attracts tourist from all over the world to keep on coming back in this place. In fact most foreigners even decide to retire or do business in the Philippines.

All in all foreigners find Filipinos very hospitable. This is the common trait you find in every Filipino. It is quite incredible how Filipinos treat foreigners. Not to mention Filipinos helps and welcomes foreigners in their homes. And every Filipino home is always ready and has always special facility intended for guests.

Getting around

It is probably one of the countries around the world offering various kinds of transportations with inexpensive charges. You can either use buses, ferries or fly to other islands within the country. For local transport you can use tricycles, Jeepneys, taxis or buses as well. To clarify the minimum charge is very cheap, in Manila. You have to pay only 8 Pesos for Jeepney ride in the province even less. Read more about the options you have to getting around.

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