One time zone. 120° East Meridian Time, which is eight hours in advance of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world. The Mactan International Airport (MIA) in Cebu handles regular flights from Japan, Singapore and Australia as well as chartered flights from Hong Kong, the United States and other major travel capitals. Davao International Airport handles regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Subic airfield in Central Luzon service both chartered and cargo planes. Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services regular flights from Taiwan and Macau.

Valid passport. Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from an infected areas.

Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. The following are allowed duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes, jewelry, and toiletries; 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco; two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one liter each. Porterage: Baggage carts are available for free. Porter services are also free. Tipping is traditional.

March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78oF/25oC to 90oF/32oC; humidity: 77%.

Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine barong tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women.

Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.

Tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.

Filipino is the national language. English is the business language and spoken widely.

In Metro Manila, key cities and towns throughout the country, a wide selection of de luxe, standard, economy and pension-type accommodations is available. In island destinations, there is a variety of resorts ranging from de luxe to special interest category.

The Department of Tourism has a Homestay Program in several destinations outside Manila. The program offers visitors the comfort of modest homes and an insight into Philippine life. For information, contact the Tourist Information Center at Room 106, Department of Tourism Building, Tel. nos. 524-2384 / 524-1703.

Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine.

Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, features world-class performances by local and international guest artists. Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer a glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the country's leading and promising visual artists.

For visitors who want to try their luck at the gaming tables there are casinos in Metro Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Laoag.

Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys in a country known for export-quality items at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, fashionable ready-to-wear and haute couture clothes, terra-cota, porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories. Artifacts, pineapple fiber shirts, prehistoric jars, native handicrafts, and footwear are interesting items, too. The Philippines also produces fine basketry, furniture, fresh and processed fruits, exquisitely crafted jewelry, and gift items made of shell, wood, and stone.

Big malls are located in Manila, Makati and EDSA, while handicraft, antique and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila.

Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some private companies hold office on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores.

Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, and American Express Card are accepted in major establishments.

220 volts, A.C. 60 cyles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets

Water in Metro Manila and in key cities and towns is potable and safe for drinking. Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

The country has international and national direct dial phone and facsimile service, mobile phone sites, internet and e-mail facilities, and worldwide express delivery service. The postal system is efficient. Country code for the Philippines is +63 and Area Code for Metro Manila is 2

For Directory Assistance on any local land line, one may dial 187 (its a paid directory information service.) For Emergency police or fire assistance, one may dial 117.

Hospitals in the country are equipped with modern facilities to meet any medical need. In some remote towns and cities, clinics and health centers provide emergency medical attention. Most hotels and resorts provide medical assistance. Hospitals are listed in the "Yellow Pages" of the local telephone directory.

New Year's Day - January 1; Edsa People Power Revolution Day - February 24; Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9; Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - moveable (Check Catholic Calendar for the year); Labor Day - May 1; Independence Day - June 12; National Heroes Day - last Sunday of August; All Saints Day - November 1; Bonifacio Day - November 30; Christmas Day - December 25; Rizal Day - December 30.