Work And Live In The Philippines

Philippine Popular Foods and Favorite Desserts

2010-11-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

Philippine cuisine is an intriguing blend of Malay, Spanish and Chinese influences. Most Filipinos eat rice three times a day. A foreign visitor may sample fried rice and longaniza (native sausage) with an egg done sunny-side up for breakfast. The meal usually includes salted and dried fish, accompanied by tomatoes and patis (fish sauce). During mealtimes and before the food is served, sauce dishes are brought to the table. Filipinos automatically reach for the vinegar bottle with hot chili, or the soy sauce, which is mixed with calamansi (small native limes, which also make a refreshing juice.) Ihaw-ihaw (grilled items) are good with crushed garlic, vinegar and chili. Meals are often prefaced by sinigang, a clear broth slightly soured with green tamarind and prepared with bangus (milkfish) or shrimp.
Some typical Philippine dishes worth trying are chicken tinola and pancit molo, dumplings of pork, chicken and mushrooms cooked in a broth. Adobo is pork or chicken in small pieces, simmered in a light vinegar with garlic and spices. Kinilaw is fish marinated in a garlic and chili vinaigrette with raw onions. Lechon, a typical fiesta dish, is suckling pig stuffed with tamarind leaves and roasted in an open pit over heated coals until the skin is crackling and the meat tender; it is generally served with liver sauce. Sinanglay, another festive dish, is fish or crab with hot pepper wrapped in chinese cabbage, and cooked in coconut milk.
Other Filipino favorites include eggroll-like lumpia, a salad of heart-of-palm, pork and shrimp wrapped in a tissue paper-thin crepe and served with garlic and soy sauce, and kare-kare, a rich mixture of oxtail, knuckles and tripe, stewed with vegetables in peanut sauce and served with bagoong, a fish-based sauce.
Dessert puddings are generally made with coconut milk. Bibingka consists of ground rice, sugar and coconut milk, baked in a clay oven and topped with fresh and salted duck egg. Guinatan is a coco-pudding served with lashings of coconut creme. Ice cream comes in a variety of exotic flavors such as nangka (jackfruit), ube, macapuno or buko (coconut), mango and even queso (cheese), in addition to vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.

Tips for women travelers

2010-11-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Philippines is much friendlier to female foreigners and tourists and less crime than how it's portrayed. For starters, just about everyone speaks english, almost all the signs are in english as well, and that helps a lot just getting around. The main tourist areas are safe, but like any other big city, there are places to avoid. If you're a woman travelling alone from the airport you may want to hire accredited airport taxis to give you peace of mind. For the rest of your transportation while staying in Manila or other major cities in the Philippines, you can rent a car with driver from reputable car rental companies like Dollar Taxi. Travelling by bus, by sea or by plane is by far generally safe in the Philippines. First-class airconditioned bus is a safe bet to travel comfortably as compared to a regular bus. Watch out for overcrowded ship, ferry boat or banca when travelling by sea because driver/operators of these types of transport usually take more passengers than they can safely carry. Same goes with public jeepneys and tricycles. It is very smart to know the local currency conversion to avoid paying too much and avoid ripoffs from unscrupulous drivers.
Foreign women using some common sense should experience little trouble traveling alone in the Philippines. Most Filipinos will be surprised to see a female, especially a foreigner, travel by herself because theirs is a culture that travels in groups. However, your independence will only increase their admiration. Filipinos are generally friendly and helpful.
Local men enjoy whistling and giving out catcalls. No disrepect is meant most of the time. Any response on the woman's part may be seen as an invitation or, more likely, would embarass the perpetrator. Philippine women are wary of traveling alone and may invite themselves to sit next to you on the bus or in the lobby to ward off unwelcome male attention.
Tampons are not easily available so bring your own. The same goes for birth control pills.

Telecommunications In The Philippines

2010-10-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Telecommunications in the Philippines has improved a lot in recent years. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company/PLDT operates most international and domestic telephone services. Bayantel Phone Company also operate international and domestic telephone services in the Philippines. Globe Telecom and Smart Communications dominate the major cellular phone services, but both networks are sometimes overloaded to capacity due to massive text messaging of their local customers.
Public payphones are rampant in Manila and in major cities but be prepared for crossed lines and background noise. Prepaid telephone cards are available for use in payphones. Some small shops and business establishments also provide informal phone services. Just be forewarned that using the telephone in the Philippines may prove frustrating to anyone used to Western communication efficiency and technology.
Most large Philippine hotels have IDD, telex and fax facilities available to guests at a small charge. Telephone codes to call in the Philippines are the following:

International access code - 00
International operator - 108
Domestic operator - 109
Directory assistance - 114
Philippines country code - 63

Major city codes in the Philippines are the following:

Manila - 02
Angeles - 045, 0455
Bacolod - 034
Baguio - 074
Batangas - 043
Boracay - 036
Cagayan de Oro - 088
Cebu - 032
Clark - 045
Davao - 082
General Santos - 083
Iloilo - 033
Subic - 047

Security And Crime In The Philippines

2010-10-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Philippines is generally safe for tourists and travelers. In many cases, traveling in the provinces is safer than it is in Manila. Theft is the major concern in major cities. Make every effort to keep your valuables safe. It is advisable to always lock the car and taxi doors once you're inside. Wear a money belt under clothing and use safety deposit boxes if there's any available.
There have been occurences of kidnapping in the Philippines, but note that these have been mostly limited to local, wealthy Filipino and Chinese business tycoons. Taxi drivers can pose as a scam artist, so beware. It is best to pretend to know the city better than you do and be wary of anyone who seems overly friendly; some of these people may catch you offguard and slip a sedative into your drink in order to rob you, a very common scam in Manila.
Travelers and tourists should be aware of sporadic problems with the communist groups New People's Army/NPA and Muslim separatists. The Philippine government has made some significant dialogues with both groups and the national security situation has somewhat improved in recent years. However, parts of Mindanao remain unfriendly for foreign travelers and tourists, including the remote islands of Sulu and Basilan provinces, where many foreigners have been subjected to abductions and extortions. Before traveling to the remote countryside, be sure to check the security situation in places you want to go at your local foreign embassy in Manila.

Religion In The Philippines

2010-10-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

The Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation on account of 300 years of Spanish rule.
It has two major religions: Islam and Catholicism. The former is mostly confined to the south while the latter has followers all over the country. Aglipay and Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ) are also prominent independent churches. Iglesia Ni Kristo has a considerable membership and its towering churches are a distinct feature in big towns, provincial capitals and major cities. A new Catholic-inspired church called "El Shaddai," has emerge not too long ago claiming a following of 15 percent of Philippine church-goers. Its mix music, local celebrity appearances combined with modern worship celebrations has attract thousands of devoted fanatics. This concept of modern worship to God is being broadcast on radio and television nationwide.
Most Christian church services are held on Sunday morning and evening, while Friday is the Muslim day of worship in the Philippines.
Missionaries of the Jehovah's Witnesses arrived in the Philippines during the American colonial rule. There are now more than 150,000 members in the country. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have approximately 600,000 Mormon members in the Philippines.
Animism or folk religion encompassing indigenous spiritual traditions from pre-colonial times still exists even among baptized members of formal churches. Superstitious beliefs are widespread in the country.

Money In The Philippines

2010-10-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

The peso is the monetary unit in the Philippines and there are 100 centavos to one peso. The Central Bank there issues different bank notes from 5 cents up to 1,000 pesos. The U.S. dollar, pound sterling, Swiss franc, French franc, Deutsche mark, Canadian dollar, Italian lira, Australian dollar and Japanese yen are easily convertible - though the U.S. dollar is more widely accepted.
Especially outside Metro Manila and Cebu, the Philippines is a cash economy. Even travelers' checks can present something of a challenge even in Manila. It is advisable to bring your purchase receipt and passport to a bank and be prepared for a queue.
Most ATM machines are open 24 hours and easily found in major cities. Maximum daily withdrawal is about 15,000 pesos. During holidays, withdraw cash early, before ATM's run out of cash.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Manila and major big cities, although service charges prevail. In rural areas, only major establishments accept credit cards. Be prepared to have cash. Many travelers cut short of their trips in the provinces due to lack of cash money. Licensed moneychangers on Mabini Street in Ermita, Manila and major shopping malls accross the country like Shoemart/SM offer safe money-changing and reasonable currency conversion rates.
When shopping, taxes are included in the listed price. Major restaurants and hotels add a 10 percent service charge; hotels tack on an additional 10 percent Value Added Tax/VAT.

Health Safety

2010-10-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Philippines, being a developing country, carry some disease that is unique to any Asian countries. Yellow fever vaccination is necessary for tourists and visitors arriving from another country. There is a risk of malaria year-round. Anti-malarial drugs are suggested for travel in remote areas. Mosquito-borne dengue fever has seen a resurgence in recent years in the Philippines. It is advisable to wear insect repellant and cover exposed skin to prevent insect bites.
Rabies is present. If bitten by an animal, seek medical treatment immediately. Since schistosomiasis may be present in fresh water, do weigh the risks of swimming in lakes or rivers.
Although pharmacies such as Mercury Drug and Merced Drug are found almost everywhere, visitors or tourists may be unable to find the selection of medications available from the country you came from. It is for your protection to carry a first aid kit with necessary prescription drugs, plus aspirin, anti-inflammatory tablets, anti-diarrhea pills, and antibiotics.
It is best to avoid drinking tap water. Just stick to drinking bottled water to be safe.
Cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Sea snakes can be highly venomous; travellers should be cautious in remote coastal waters, rivers and lakes, as anti-venom may not be readily available. In general, medical care is good in major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in very remote areas. Philippine visitors and tourists are advised to carry a comprehensive medical insurance.

Visas And Passport Requirements For Visitors and Tourists

2010-10-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone entering the Philippines from abroad must hold a valid passport. Visitors from nations with diplomatic ties are granted a 21-day visa upon arrival. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets.
Visitors who wish to extend their stay from 21 to 59 days should contact the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, which is located in Intramuros, Manila. Avoid the cumbersome process by hiring a travel agent, or obtaining a 59-day visa before arrival.

Documents Required For Philippine Tourist Visa Applicants

Duly-accomplished visa application
Valid Tourist Passport
One 2'x2" size recent photograph
A photocopy of the applicant's airline ticket or confirmed travel itinerary
Proof of financial capacity
Visa Application fee

Tourist Visas Are Issued Under Three Main Classifications

Pleasure. For tourists and other visitors to the Philippines. It cannot be used to engage in gainful employment or business, or to take up educational courses in the Philippines.
Business. The purpose of the temporary stay is to search for areas of investment. It does not allow you to engage in any activity which may be considered a form of gainful employment.
Health. This is granted to those whose intention is to convalesce from a serious injury or illness. The illness, however, should not be contagious or dangerous.

Important Note:

Nationals who are subject to deportation /blacklist orders of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Bureau of Investigation shall not be admitted to the Philippines.

Further inquiries may be addressed to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Visa Division or to any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Philippines Overview

2010-10-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Philippines has a lot going for it as a retirement haven for foreign retirees: tropical weather, lush scenery, and great affordability for the cost of living. It has notably a certain familiarity particularly to Americans. It was once colonized by the U.S. and it had the largest U.S. Military Base overseas until its closure over two decades ago. As a result of these military connections, a good number of foreign servicemen have made the Philippines their home in retirement. English is widely spoken. Some of its hospitals are very highly regarded, and visitors from elsewhere in Asia and around the world come to Manila for complex medical procedures. Buying property is officially restricted to those who apply for, and are granted, a special retirement visa, which includes among its requirements an investment of at least $50,000. These type of visa are otherwise not hard to obtain, and include just a proof of income and a clean police record. The people are remarkably friendly to foreigners especially to Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, and Spanish. Even former U.S. General Douglas MacArthur said, "I shall return," during World War Two. So, too, are more and more Americans, particularly former military types, who return to make a home in this wonderful and exotic Southeast Asian tropical paradise called, the Philippines.

Work And Live In the Philippines

2010-10-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how you could make a comfortable living as a foreigner in a tropical paradise like the Philippines? Working and living in the Philippines has lots of advantages for foreigners than you can imagine. Thousands of people from the USA, Europe, Canada and Australia travel to the Philippines every year and dream about relocating to the Philippines where life is full of sunshine, cheap real estate, inexpensive business ideas and beautiful Filipinas. But how can you make a living in a foreign country like the Philippines? Unless you have a pension or other secure retirement income to fall back on, dreaming of living in the Philippines full time will be a hassle if you don't have the right knowledge and the right tools to arm yourself with. Food, accomodation, transportation, entertainment and medical expenses all adds up even when the cost of living might be half what you face in the country where you're gonna be coming from. Is getting a job in the Philippines possible? Filipinos are the most literate people in the world. Majority of its people speak English very well. Education is excellent and patterned to that of the United States. Medical facilities are also top notch. No wonder that other countries are importing their talents from the Philippines. The country export thousands of jobs around the world every year to bring home remittances that keep their economy afloat. In fact, the economy in the Philippines is better today than most of the other countries including the USA. Jobs in the Philippines are protected for its own citizens by law. You cannot run your own business there and doing just anything you choose because there are laws and limits on what you can and can't do. Unless you are very rich and well connected, working and living in the Philippines is not automatic or easy, but it can be done. You can run a sucessful business in the Philippines and make a great living here but there are some businesses that do better than the others. You can also own cheap real estate properties there if you know where to find them. You can read different books and ebooks pertaining to working, investing and owning a business in the Philippines. You have to know what types of business you can engage in, the right procedures for jumping through the hoops and cutting the red tape both in the public and private sectors if you really want to survive, compete and end up as the victor in this country. Knowing the Philippine culture is a must for foreigners wanting to live there as well as getting to know how the Filipinos conduct their everyday lives. You may also want to check how to invest in the Philippine Stock Exchange if you have the knowledge of the right companies and organizations. Offshore investing in the Philippines is great for foreigners all around the world. The Philippine currency is one of the lowest currencies in the world and that translate to little investing capital needed to invest in the Philippines, thus more money for foreign investors. Living and working in the Philippines is a bargain for foreigners who have found this secret paradise.