Philippines The Pearl Of The Orient

The Republic of the Philippines has two international gateway cities Manila and Cebu. Manila is served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which handles more than 30 foreign airlines flying to different destinations in the world whereas Cebu, the Queen City of the South, handles regular flights from Japan, Australia, Singapore and Guam including charter flights to Hong Kong, the United States and other major travel destinations at the Mactan International Airport.ENTRY REGULATIONS
All visitors with valid passports can enter the Philippines without a visa and can stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey to other international destinations with the exception of stateless persons and those from countries with no diplomatic relations with the Philippines. Hong Kong and Taiwan passports holders require have special permits, which they can obtain from Philippine embassies and consulates.LANGUAGE
The Philippines national language is Filipino, however, English is also an official language and widely spoken and is extensively used in business and government. Major dialects are Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and PangasinanDOMESTIC TRANSPORT
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Pacific Airways and Asian Spirit provide daily services to and from most local destinations in the Philippines.Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places anywhere in the country. For a faster commute, there is the elevated Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit I and II systems.International direct dialing, telex, facsimile, worldwide express delivery, postal service and telegraph service services are available in most areas all over the country.They each have their own type of calling cards and phone cards available in the market ranging in value from Php100 to PhP1,000. PLDT recently launched their multi-use Pwede Card which can be used for fixed line calling and loading prepaid value in their cellular phones. The card is also reloadable in value at any PLDT or Smart business center and accredited agents.###

Several prepaid calling card and phone card companies are available to call both to and from PHILIPPINES.

Tips for taking the train when visiting the Philippines

The Light Rail Transit, also known as the LRT running from Caloocan to Paranaque Cities, Philippines, and its counterparts LRT 2 (Pasig to Manila) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) (Quezon City to Manila) are undoubtedly the fastest and safer, as well as cheaper, means to get around places in the Philippine metropolis. However, security issues and the multitude that struggles to get in each train car everyday are issues that remain to be solved. Here, tricks to ride like a pro and keep your sanity.

1. Express Lane. Girls taking the LRT Line 1 from Monumento station can avoid the nasty crowd by using the express lane at the Northmall entrance of the LRT – yes, the northbound exit. However, this entrance is only open on weekday mornings. Other times, it is only an exit for northbound passengers.

2. Stored Value Card. If taking the train is your daily thing, be it LRT 1, 2 or MRT, you can purchase a stored value card. This is a multiple ride ticket so that you would not have to fall in line each time you go to the station. Not only does this save time, it also saves money because even if the credit of your card is less than the train line’s minimum fare, you can still use the card for a last ride. If you happen to use more than one LRT line to get to your destination (e.g. LRT 1 to EDSA and then MRT), there is also the Flash Pass which is accepted in any of the LRT lines. For Php250, you can use any train, all you can and want, for two weeks.

3. Watch your step. In LRT 1, there is the constant reminder to not step on the red line. The red line is the edge of the platform and the warning aims to make passengers safe so listen: Do not step on the red line.

4. Avoid being flashy. Trains are really crowded especially in rush hours (mostly weekdays, 7 am to 9 am, 4 pm to 7 pm) so avoid wearing flashy jewelry, clothes or very tall shoes. If you must wear a tube, for example, put on a cardigan or a denim jacket to dress down your look. This makes you safe and comfortable.

5. Watch your bag. Keep your bag close to your body and watch the people around you, making sure that their hands are not in your bag.

6. Watch that phone. If your standing, it will be better to just concentrate on balancing yourself or holding on the handrail than fussing with your phone. Now even if your sitting, the train is a public place and you should treat your phone here as you would in any other public place. If you must take a call (or make one), keep your voice low. Otherwise, just keep your phone. It makes you safe from thieves and you avoid disturbing other commuters.

7. Move to the center. If you destination is more than 5 stations away from your origin station, move to the center or at least near the center. If you stay near the door, you will just be “sardined” between new and departing passengers, and you would not like it.

8. Be courteous. Say sorry, thank you, excuse me and other words of courtesy as needed. Take your space but respect others’ space too. Also sometimes, if you are courteous, seated passengers will offer you their place if they alight.

9. Trim your baggage. Avoid trains if you are bringing sealed packages, large baggage and items that put off scent. Security personnel will make you open each of the items and this takes a really long time.

10. Bring a book. Taking the train gets you to where you want to go fast but if the travel is still quite some time and you are alone, bring a book to make use of the time. Trains also get emergencies, especially the LRT 1, in which time you will have to wait.

There you go, ways to ride the train like a pro. In fact, these rules also apply to other means of transportation. Just remember that whatever you take, be alert and watch your back.