Television Stations in the Philippines

A Filipino family can be gathered together during eating time and “television” time. They are so fond of watching those melodrama telenovelas flicks. It has become their daily habit.

The following are the major television channels / stations in the Philippines:

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation the Alto Broadcasting System – Chronicle Broadcasting Network is the Philippines largest entertainment company. It is involve in radio and television broadcasting as well as producing quality programs for its audiences worldwide. It features variety of shows from kiddy shows, exciting game shows to reality shows. Founded last 13th of June 1946 and became the first ever commercial television broadcaster in whole Asia. ABS-CBN broadcast its content worldwide through The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Global Media Arts (GMA) Network, Incorporated is a television network. It provides entertainment and news programs through its 34 radio stations, 47 television relay stations and 4 affiliate stations all through out the country. It airs informative documentaries and talks to exciting TV games and mind boggling late night trivia shows. GMA offers its shows to audiences around the globe through GMA Pinoy TV.


Studio 23 is owned by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. This is a sister network of ABS-CBN main network which airs programs that focuses to the young adults of the country. It deals more on building on to the young citizens of the country a sense of responsibility and in appreciating the true value of discipline as well.


DZKB-TV (RPN Channel 9) Philippines Network. During the days of Pres. Marcos, this is the dominant TV network. It was, is a Philippine television network. It is a flagship of Radio responsible for bringing shows like MacGyver, Airwolf and Voltes V that was aired in the country. It produced legendary sitcoms like Flordeluna and John En Marsha. The station is the official carriers of major Philippine awards shows like the prestigious Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences’ Awards (FAMAS Awards), the Star Awards for Movies and the Gawad Urian Awards. In 1996, Marimar, a Mexican soap opera was aired to the airways of the country which became a national craze amongst the Filipino people.


Most of the shows featured on Philippine channels showcase the remarkable moral characteristics of the Filipino culture, the stunning scenic views of the land and the lavishing beauty of the Filipino/Filipina – its lovely people.

Surround yourself with those adoring Philippine TV shows and get to know the land and the people in the comfort of watching your TV!

Philippines Telecommunications

Communication has been the greatest significant role in the development of human civilization – its culture and society. A lot of improvements had happened from science to technology - medical breakthrough to transportation, communication and etc. All these were possible because of the advancement and the continual research of telecommunication. People need to communicate in order to live, and telecommunication is a vital tool for human beings. Filipino, for that matter, solely depends on technology to survive in the society. Through it, life is a little more pleasant to live.

Telecommunications make it easier to relay messages from one place to another – from one Filipino to another. The Filipino people have adapted to the high-end technology that the world offers. They are now living their lives hassle-free because of the impact of the telecommunications industry in the society.

Filipinos can’t afford to leave their homes without their mobile phones for the fear that they might miss a single call or a text message from a loved one, they cant have a good night sleep without saying good night to a pal across the globe without using the internet.

The following are the major telecommunication businesses in the Philippines:

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, better known as PLDT, is the Philippines largest telecommunications company. Its products are Cellular Telephony, Fixed-line Telephony, Information Technology Services and Satellite Communications. These products are widely used inside the country.

Globe Telecom, known simply as Globe, is the 2nd largest telecommunications company in the country. Their products supply a diversified set of broadband services, cellular telephony and fixed-line telephony.

Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (BayanTel) is a telecommunications company that serves the areas in Metro Manila, Bicol, and other local exchange service areas in the Mindanao and the Visayas regions. It caters nearly about 33% of the population of the whole country. It services include: Wireless Landline (Bayan Wireless Landline), Telephone Service (Phone Plus, International Long Distance, SkyInternet VoIP, and Domestic Long Distance), Value Added Services (Caller ID), Phone Cards (AffordaCall), Internet Services (SkyDSL, Bayan DSL), Prepaid Internet Services (Bl@st), Others – Businesses (Voice Services, Local Exchange, Data Connectivity Services, Domestic Leased Lines), Others – Internet Services (IP Transit).

All broadcast facilities, services and telecommunications in the country is controlled and supervised by the National Telecommunication Commission or simply known as NTC. They are the ones responsible for promulgating regulations, rules and guidelines in the country.

Philippine Regions

The Philippines is composed of seventeen official regions. An official region as defined by the government is “a sub-national administrative unit comprising of several provinces having more/less homogeneous characteristics, such as ethnic origin of inhabitants, agricultural produce, and dialect spoken, etc”.
(www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/articles/con_lgu.asp)

These regions are as follows:

1. Region I – Is called the Ilocos Region. It has 4 provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan and La Union. The Ilocanos composed majority of the region about 66%. The tribal group of Isneg and Tingguian resides in the Cordillera Mountains. It mostly speaks the Ilocano dialect. It is rich in crafts – pottery and blanket-weaving. The burnay pottery which is exclusive of Ilocanos is popularly known for its dark colored clay.

2. Region II – Cagayan Valley. With 5 provinces, namely: Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela. The region is defined by the largest River in the country – Cagayan River. Agta or atta, were its first inhabitants of the region, they roam around the forest to gather food without a fixed abode. Tobacco industry is the major factor in the economy of the region. The region is recently called as the Tilapia capital of the country.


3. Region III – Central Luzon. The region is the administrative region of the country which organized the 7 provinces for a convenient administration. Since it contains the largest plain, it produces the majority of the country’s rice supply. Is it called as the “Rice Bowl” of the Philippines. It is provinces are: Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bulacan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga.


4. Region IV-A – CALABARZON. 5 provinces composed the region, namely: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. On June 12, 1898, Philippines gained its independence in Kawit, Cavite held by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. People from Cavite, Batangas and Laguna were part of those who revolted for freedom against the Spaniards. Dr. Jose Rizal, was born in Laguna, the country’s national hero.


5. Region IV-B – MIMAROPA. The name of the region is an acronym that stands for its 5 provinces: Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marindoque, Romblon, Palawan. Its major economic sector consists of the following: agriculture, industry and the service sectors. Tagalog is used in the province of Marinduque and the northeastern and southwestern part of Mindoro while various languages such as Tawbuid, Buhid, Iraya, Ratagnon, Alangan, Hanunoo. Romblom has its own dialects as well such as Asi, Romblomanon, and Onhan.


6. Region V – Bicol region. It has 6 provinces: Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camrines Norte and Sur, and Catanduanes. Naga and Legazpi Cities are the hub of its economic activity. Its people are called Bicolanos and speak several varieties of Bikol which include: Bikol Partido and Bikol Catanduanes, Albay dialects ( Daraga, Oas), Bikol Riconada ( iriga-Buhi area) and Bikol Sorsogon (Sorsogon). Standard Bikol is the regional language. The economy of the region is on fishing and agriculture mostly. The manufacturing business of jewelries and gold-mining has been distinguished in the province.


7. Region VI – Western Visayas. With 6 provinces: Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Antique. Rattan furniture and cottage weaving is manufactured in the region. The main dialect in Antique is Kinaray-a. Agriculture is important in the region. In Negros Occidental, mostly speak Illongo and Cebuano as its second dialect.


8. Region VII – Central Visayas. With 4 provinces: Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor. Cebuano is the dialect spoken by mostly all the people of the region. Boholano in Bohol. Porohanon is a dialect with a mix of Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Masbateño, and it is spoken in the town of Poro.


9. Region VIII – Eastern Visayas. Consists of 6 provinces: Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern and Northern Samar, and Biliran. The region is inhabited mostly by Waray-waray. Storms usually visit the eastern part of the region. The region is primarily agricultural. Abaknon is spoken in the island of Capul.


10. Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula. Has 3 provinces: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Was previously known as Wastern Mindanao. The region has a massive forest resource used for plywood, lumber, export logs, and veneer. In Mindanao, it’s the first export-processing zone. The economic activities of the region involve mostly of fishing and farming.


11. Region X – Northern Mindanao. It has 5 provinces: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental and Oriental. Majority of the inhabitants from the region are migrants from Iloilo and Cebu. There are also waray-waray, tagalog and maranaos. Its natural resources are classified as forestland mostly. Its economy is plainly agricultural.


12. Region XI – Davao Region. 4 provinces: Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Sur. It was previously named as Southern Mindanao. The region has a mixture of immigrants with Cebuanos as the bulk of it, there’s Illongos and Ilocanos. Ethnic groups: Muslims, Bagobos, T’boli, Manobos, Maiisakas, and Tirurays.


13. Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN. It has North and South Cotabato, Saranggani, Sultan Kudarat and General Santos City. The region is called the catch basin of Mindanao because of its river system. The culture of Maguindanaon revolves around the kulintang music – a gong music.


14. Region XIII – Caraga. Composed of 5 provinces: Agusan del Norte and Sur, Surigao del Norte and Sur and Dinagat Islands. The region was called as “The Land of the Brave and Fierce people” by the chroniclers because its inhabitants weren’t scared of anything at all that would befall them. Most people in the region speak Cebuano, other dialects are Hiligaynon, Boholanon, Kamayo, Manobo and Butuanon. The dominant religion is Roman Catholic.


15. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-tawi. Its culture revolves around kulintang music – a type of gong music. With Maguindanao as the 2nd poorest province in the country.


16. Nation Capital Region (NCR) – Metro Manila. Inhabitants speak in Tagalog. It doesn’t have its own province like the other regions. The City of Manila is the nation’s capital. It has a lot of shopping centers, business establishments, it offers a lot of recreation activities, and has a variety of transportation. People from all over the country would come to Manila to look for work and life their own dreams.


17. Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Maountain province, Benguet, Kalinga. This region is the home of the Igurot tribe. Mineral reserves are abundant in the region. It has attractions like the Banaue Rice Terraces which was deemed by the country as the 8th wonder, mummy caves of Mt. Province and Benguet, and Sumaguin Cave in Sagada, its national parks.

Philippine Flowers

Philippines have an ideal climate for the production of cut flowers. It has the ability to grow both the subtropical and the tropical flower varieties like Chrysanthemum, Gladioli, Heliconias, Sampaguita, Aster, Anthurium, and more than 900 beautiful species of orchids are the major flower varieties that are commercially grown in the country. Philippines floriculture industry has marked its glorious existence in the field. The country also is a major exporter of flowers to other countries like: Hongkong, Brunei, Korea, Japan and to Italy. They also offer numerous varieties of flowers for domestic trades.

Filipinos are known globally for being romantic and conventional. One of the romantic Filipino traits is the giving of flowers to their loved ones like mothers, sisters, and someone special. The most impressive thing about giving flowers is that it is always suitable to any given occasion in conveying sentiments from congratulations, love and appreciation. The Filipino style in trying to seek the affection of someone is through the seduction of flowers – those passionate red roses would always do the trick!

The magnificent blossom of a flower is a bright light that could heal the longing soul and the aching heart of humans. A garden with all those colors and beauty of a flower-filled paradise means that the owner has an overwhelming love to offer for others while a house empty of a flower presence has no affection for others.

A sure fire way to know a person for their real self is to look at the other people’s garden, through that you can vividly see their true heart. A good tip in selecting your partner before all those stresses and frustrations starts.

Why Retire in the Philippines?

Philippines is the largest English speaking country in the whole Asia. The culture is widely known for its beautiful beaches, the hospitality of its people, and the warm and friendly smiles that is readily given to friends, family and even to strangers around town. It offers a wide variety of entertainment from the exciting social night life to the serene beautiful golf courses, the international yet affordable fine restaurants around town to the stunning and overwhelming resorts and spas truly beyond compare.


Tropical Weather

Retirement means only one thing – relaxing and enjoying life that has been long overdue. Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas, can surely give you the ultimate retirement experience that you truly deserve. The Philippines has a warm and humid weather 24/7 all year round. Its weather would start getting cooler with frequent rain showers from the month of September to around December. Then on January to April there’ll be good sea breezes and lower humidity – a perfect time for beach parties. Since Philippines is compose of thousands on beautiful exotic tropical islands, you can choose which island to stay and enjoy the cool sea air breeze onto your face or you can always buy yourself an air conditioning at home and relax on the comfortable view of the paradise.

Well, not everyone would enjoy the beautiful tropical weather, don’t you loss hope because Philippines has more to offer, it has other majestic places that has a cool fresh mountain air like for example the City of Baguio, which is known as the City of Pines and the Summer Capital of the Philippines. There’s nothing like it elsewhere in the country with its clean environment, scenic mountain views, cool weather, pine-scented air and the friendly residents. The City isn’t only the best place to visit but certainly it is the most suitable city to reside or retire on. It is a unique and magical city with its godsend people just a smile away.


Cost of Living

This is the ultimate PRO in living and retiring in the Philippines. You can experience first hand a superior quality standard of living for a very cheap cost. Your hard earned money will go a long way even further than you can ever imagine. That means having an inexpensive, loyal and trustworthy live-in maids/helpers at home that will make you live your life like a KING that would only cost about $30 a month (because of the cheap labor in the country), a quality and safe neighborhoods with nice rental and already furnished homes that are awesomely very affordable that you will give you a hard time believing – a rental of about $180 a month an average, and its transportation is extremely cheap. Having your own car is not a MUST have. Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJ) are widely used in the country. They are extremely numerous with different routes for different destinations. You can go anywhere with its cheap fares. The taxis and buses are air-conditioned so you will have a comfortable time traveling either alone or with someone else. In some places of the country, a $1,000 a month could make you feel like Brad Pitt and be treated as a millionaire already.


Filipino people

It is only in the Philippines where foreigners are welcomed, respected and admired. The people make you experience that you are wanted and appreciated. That is just what the Filipino people are. They are globally known for their hospitality with their guests. They are the friendliest and the nicest people all around the globe and they are very proud of that title! They are very relaxed and generous especially with their smiles and their services. They would gladly extend their very able hands to help if called upon. Living in the Philippines could make you feel like a royalty because of the kindness of its people. They all respect their older people which are valued, appreciated and honored for their knowledge and their experiences. Filipinos appreciate more the importance of family, relationship with others and total respect of self rather than money and material things that claimed to give happiness. It is a joy to be with a true Filipino or Filipina for that matter. An innate part of a spirit of a Filipino is the joy of life. Their great zeal in celebrating their blessings, observing solemn religious rites, and in commemorating their glorious past is truly without compare.


Things to do

There’s so much that you can do, from playing golf to just sitting on parks and malls, watching lovely and beautiful people go by with their enchanting smiles. You can also travel to other islands and experience the culture, taste the exotic and tasteful foods, meet different people of different background and dialects. You can either use buses, ferries or fly to other destinations within the country. The country – Philippines - is an archipelago of more than a thousand of islands which continually invite for exploration and offers a great sense of adventure. The wealth of its marine fauna and the coral reef would surely excite the snorkel or scuba diver; its underground rivers, rainforest, volcanic peaks, nature reserves, caves, and the wealth of its flora would undoubtedly charm the botanist, mountain climber, trekker, and the nature lover. Other activities that you can do in the Philippines are the following: scuba diving, join some martial arts discipline, boating and sailing, water sports, snorkeling and diving, fishing, sightseeing, hiking, biking/cycling, karting, golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, go to bars and restaurants, dancing, disco, play darts/billiards/pool, chess, bowling, play lotto, see a cockfight or even bet on one, casinos, join and enjoy those fiesta/festivals, and the list of to do’s in the country is unending.

Traveling, retiring and living in the tropical island – the Philippines, would be a dream come true. Like living the unimaginable! With its white sand beaches, incomparable mountain scenic views and the richness of its ocean all are at the doorstep, always inviting for the excitement and the adventure it would share for a just a minimum cost. You will surely be addicted to the laughter, the joy, the sunshine, the smile, and the wonder of residing in the Philippines.

Retirement in the Philippines would truly mean living life for less in the exotic paradise! Now, are you up to experience the grandest adventure of your life!

Cebuanas Romance Tour Services

*Beautiful Ladies, Picturesque Sceneries--Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime!

If you are looking to get away from your hustle and bustle lifestyle for an incredible sweet escape, consider Cebuanas Romance Tour.

It is difficult to organize an arrangement of meeting a person from another country and traveling alone in the unknown part of the world. Instead of enjoying the trip you will be concerned with many things -- tickets, airport transfers, hotel accommodations, knowledge of the language, etc. etc. You are not alone! We are here for you to take the burden off your shoulders, we will help you in any ways to make your trip more comfortable, more exciting and travel free headache.

More often than not when people meet each other personally for the very first time, it is the final judgment: if are you still fascinated to the real person, as you were mesmerized to her virtual image? That thing alone is very stressful. How much more if you will be struck with the person that you do not like for the rest of trip! What a big DISAPPOINTMENT. It can give you a trauma and can have a negative effect in your relationship with your potential mate.

On the other hand, with our assistance, your only concern is to make good first impression on your special girl -- the rest? Leave it to us we will handle everything.

This is what we can do for you:

If you will be meeting your fiancée…

● We will help you organize your meeting with your special lady in a pleasant, safe and sound environment.

●If your fiancée is living outside Cebu, we will take care of her travel arrangements e.g. tickets and book her accommodation. You do not need to send money for travel expenses so that you will not expose yourself in scamming activities.

*Tour participants (men members) will pay the cost of transportation fare and hotel accommodation.

●Do not worry if you don’t like your fiancée. If this happens, we assist you to arrange meetings for extra dates with any other Filipina singles from our website.

●In case your fiancée does not like you, she can tell us right away so that both of you will not waste time. If you meet in our Romance Tour, you can utilize the extra time in a better way—meet other singles and perhaps find the right one for you.

●We will take you & your dream girl to a sight-seeing tour in Cebu City’s frequented places and historical landmarks. You are not only spending quality time with your girl but as well as broadening your cultural horizon.

●We will provide you with recreational activities and entertainment programs—list of breathtaking places and list of awesome recreational ideas to make your Tour splendid and memorable.

●You can get limitless consultations on any issues- communication, customs or visa (see VISA page at Travel Info section). It is always good to have someone at your side that has a local knowledge, which you can definitely trust. In this way, we will be able to warn you for a possible occurrence of problems.

●You can book your tour when it is right time for you. We do not force you to avail the Romance Tour just for the sake of earning money. Take your time and avail when you are ready.

●Accommodate any request you have regarding hotels, length of stay or recreational activities you want help for scheduling.

●If you wish to visit other neighboring islands, we can help with the arrangements.

●Assist you with any arrangements during your stay.

●If you need help our Live Help staff are standing by 24-7, let your fingers do the talking and immediately they will assist you!

As you can see, traveling alone in unknown place hold different problems and vulnerability. Say, without your knowing you already exposed yourself to scammers or frauds in travel money. With our Tour, we will take good care of everything and give utmost service. You do not have to rely on your special lady to sort things out for you. Be the one to take care of your special girl. In this way, your personal relationship will continue to grow further and both of you will enjoy this sweet escapade. Do not worry about being the host and entertain the other person, we are here to help you.

If meeting several Filipina singles is what you have in mind and to see if there will be a mutual chemistry,, then read on the services that we can do for you…

●Personally arrange a schedule in meeting your ideal girl. We suggest you add 50-100 girls in your List of Favorites because your schedule may change based on girls you meet here.

●We will help you in organizing a meeting with your dream girl in a pleasant, safe and sound environment.

●If your ideal girl is living outside Cebu, we will take care of her travel arrangements e.g. tickets and book her accommodation. You do not need to send money for travel expenses so that you will not be exposed in scamming activities.

*Tour participants (men members) will pay the cost of transportation fare and hotel accommodation.

●Do not worry if you don’t like your preferred girl. If this happens, we assist you to arrange meetings for extra dates with any other Filipina singles from our website.

●In case your fiancée does not like you, she can tell us right away so that both of you will not waste time. If you meet in our Romance Tour, you can utilize the extra time in a better way—meet other singles and perhaps find the right one for you.

●We will take you & your dream girl to a sight-seeing tour in Cebu City’s frequented places and historical landmarks. You are not only spending quality time with your girl but as well as broadening your cultural horizon.

●We will provide you with recreational activities and entertainment programs—list of breathtaking places and list of awesome recreational ideas to make your Tour splendid and memorable.

●You can get limitless consultations on any issues- communication, customs or visa (see VISA page). It is always good to have someone with local knowledge that you can definitely trust. In this way, we will be able to warn you for a possible occurrence of problems.

●You can book your tour when it is right time for you. We do not force you to avail the Romance Tour just for the sake of earning money. Take your time and avail when you are ready.

●Accommodate any request you have regarding hotels, length of stay or recreational activities you want help for scheduling.

●If you wish to visit other neighboring islands, we can help with the arrangements.

●Assist you with any arrangements during your stay.

●We provide you with an unlimited access in our database to select interesting Filipina singles that are available to meet you.

●If you need help our Live Help staff are standing by 24-7, let your fingers do the talking and immediately they will assist you!

Why Our Tour?

Our Tour creates an opportunity for you to meet numerous beautiful and fascinating Ladies through a series of fun & exciting events. With this one of a kind escapade, you will have a chance to get much closer and intimate with the girl of your dreams. Spend quality time with the girl you fancy the most and embrace the opportunity of sparking a brand new relationship in your solitude life. Chances are boundless, you will never know that the next lady you bump into is the woman that would make your life complete.

On our Tours, we guarantee that you will meet the woman you want before you leave your home. Numbers mean nothing if you cannot meet the woman that you are looking for. We suggest you select 50-100 girls in your list of Favorites because your schedule may change based on girls you meet here.

Our approach is unique: on our Romance Tours, we invite the woman that you WANT to meet and confirm the schedules before you fly here in the Philippines. We know that you are not joining the Romance Tour just for the sake of having fun. You avail the Romance Tour because you aim to meet the woman that will fulfill your dreams of having a happy life. And we are here to be of assistance in reaching your goals.

How It Works?

To avail the Romance Tour, you must be a Cebuanas.com members.

Join the hundreds of satisfied clients who found happiness and true love through Cebuanas.com Romance Tour.

Here are the Romance Tour packages we offer:

Individual Romance Tour

Package A (4 days) Includes:

1. Meeting at the airport

2. Transportation from airport to hotel for check-in

3. Own Personal Attractive Filipina Tour Guide (for any assistance you need).

4. Assistance in meeting the ladies you have corresponded with.

5. One day—sight-seeing tours in Cebu City’s most frequented places:

-Taoist Temple

-Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño

-Fort San Pedro

6. Free usage of cellular phone—to communicate with your love ones.

7. 1 FREE romantic dinner with your special lady in one of Cebu City’s splendid restaurants.


PACKAGE B (2 days) Includes:

1. Meeting at the airport

2. Transportation from airport to hotel for check-in

3. Own Personal Attractive Filipina Tour Guide (for any assistance you need).

4. City Tour

5. 1 FREE romantic dinner with your special lady in one Cebu City’s splendid restaurants.


Want to enjoy more of your Romance Tour? Check out our additional services that you can avail to have a memorable romantic escapade.

Option #1- Beach Escapade…If you love sun, white sand and tranquil blue waters, then have fun in the sun at Maribago Bluewaters.

Option #2- Recreational Activities…Have a break and occupy yourself and your ladylove in an enjoyable recreational activity.

Suggested recreational activities

●Island Hopping
●Scuba Diving
●Bowling
●Snorkeling
●Table Tennis
●Badminton
●Outrigger boat cruise and picnics to neighboring reefs

Option #3- City Tour…Broaden your cultural horizons as you wander around Cebu City by riding in a traditional yet splendid “kalesa ride” (it is a round-top two wheeled horse-drawn carriage).

*All tour participants who purchase Package A or B can avail the additional services.

Furthermore, if you want to meet other Filipina singles and make your stay longer than the standard 4 or 2 days we can arrange it for you. If this is your first trip to the Philippines, check out our Travel Information to know more about the country.

Unearth the beauty of Cebu and the Philippines with Cebuanas’ Romance Tour!

Any questions?

Please email us contactus@cebuanas.com or chat with our Live Help. We will be very glad to give you the additional information you needed.

Discover Philippines

Mabuhay! is the common expression that you will hear when you land in the tropical paradise of Southeast Asia. It is a Tagalog word which means: hello, welcome, greeting. It is also one way of saying “long live” that can be compared to Roman language expression “viva, vive”.

GEOGRAPHY
LOCATION: An archipelago that lies on the Western Pacific Ocean and an island country in the Southeast Asia. It is between the Philippine Sea and South China Sea with Taiwan and Borneo on north and south respectively as neighboring countries.

LAND AREA: 122,121 sq mi (316,294 sq km)

CLIMATE: Tropical. There are three accepted seasons: Cold (December- February), summer (March- May) and rainy (June- November). Habagat is also known as southwest monsoon starts from May to October. Amihan or northeast monsoon begins on November to April.

• The Philippines is divided into three major islands: Luzon (in the north), Visayas (center) and Mindanao (south). The highest mountain point in the archipelago is Mount Apo with a scale of 2,954 meters (9,692 ft). The natural resources can be found in this country are timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, and copper. It also constitutes of 7, 107 islands aside from these Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, wherein it is frequently hit by earthquakes and volcanic activities. Moreover, it is usually affected with typhoons because it is located on the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific.

HISTORY
Before the Spaniards/ Americans/ Japanese came in Philippines. The barangay, the smallest political unit, was ruled by a datu. The people were classified into classes: noble (rich), freemen (middle class), alipin (slaves). Slaves are divided into two: the aliping saguiguilid in which they can’t own a land and can’t marry the person they like whilst the aliping namamahay is the opposite of aliping saguiguilid. It was in the middle of Islamic proselytism that Spaniards came to the country. Philippines is named after King Philip II, the ruler of Spain. The archipelago was discovered by a Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, on March 21, 1521. Spanish government occupied Philippines for almost 333 years. After the Spanish occupation came the Americans, wherein a Spanish- American war begun. Treaty of Paris terminated the war between the two countries. It was signed on December 10, 1898. Then it was followed by Japanese occupation wherein a group of Filipinos formed an organization called HUKBALAHAP (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon). It aims to fight against the atrocities of Japanese government. The country achieved its true independence on June 12, 1898. It was done on the house of the first Republican president, Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. The unfurling of the Philippine flag was made in Hong Kong by Marcella Agoncillo, Delfina Herbosa and Lorenza Agoncillo was witnessed by a huge crowd. The national anthem which is Lupang Hinirang was sung by thousands of Filipinos.

CURRENCY
Philippine peso (Php) is the currency used. It is equivalent to 100 centavos in English.

LANGUAGES
There are more than 180 languages spoken in the archipelago. Filipino which is based on Tagalog is the official language in the country. English is also considered as the official language since most of the books, television shows, newspapers, etc. is used as the medium of communication. The eight major dialects in the countries are Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano, Waray, Ilonggo, Pangasinense, Pampango and Bicol.

CULTURE
Philippines is of mixed culture It was also tagged as one of the happiest people in the world. Most of the music, dance, language, folk, etc. are strongly of American, Western and Hispanic influence. The Filipinos are known for its being hospitable and close family ties. Their first concern is their families. Nuclear family is very common in the Philippines. Divorce is illegal in the country; if you want to file for a separation you can do this either annulment or legal separation. The most common played sports are basketball and billiards. When it comes to courtship, parents strongly disapprove of having girls visit boy’s house. It should be the boy who will visit the girl to earn the parents’ approval. Long time ago, if the boy wants to ask for the hand of the girl. He will give a dowry to the girl’s family in exchange of marriage. Now, it is seldom practiced. The use of “po” or “opo” is a sign of respecting people who are much older than you. There are terms used when a young person would like to make a request/ call to the much older than him e.g. Ate (little child wants to call an older woman). American culture has also a wide influence to Filipinos for example, the cravings in eating at a fast food restaurants such as Mc Donalds, KFC and the like & also the love to watch Hollywood movies. Though most of the modern youths love to listen to foreign songs, nonetheless OPM (Original Pilipino Music) is widely appreciated. In regards with the foods, Filipino foods are also influenced by Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, American, etc. Before the arrival of foreign men in the country, some Filipinos are firm believers of superstition. An example for this is, when you sing while cooking you will not get married and will stay single for the rest of your life. A great sign of respect to elders are also shown by kissing their hand.

ECONOMY
Nowadays, the Philippine government is facing political crisis, but this doesn’t stop the blooming of Philippine Stock Exchange. So far, the highest exchange of dollars to peso had been down to around Php41- $1. This is due to OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) dollar remittances. There are inflations of prices with the common commodities needed by Filipino people. Consumer sectors are protesting about this situation. Agriculture and industry like food processing, textiles and garments play an important part in economy. Most commercial and financial industries are concentrated in Manila, the capital of Philippines. But Cebu is getting an attention among local and foreign businessman or investors. Unemployment rate is 10.4% (2003), and was lessen to 7.9% (2007). Lots of foreign based companies are established in the country. Call center companies are growing in the archipelago. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for purchasing power parity is $508.1 billion (2006 est.) and the GDP for real growth rate: 6.9 % (2007 est.) There is a wide increase of labor force from 35.79 million (2006) to 41.93 million (2007).

RELIGION
There are number of religions existed in Philippines. Most of the Filipinos are Christian it comprises of 90.3 % of the population. Where it is subdivided into different categories such as Roman Catholic, Protestants, Evangelical and Aglipayan. A part of Mindanao is mostly Muslims and only few are Christians.

See more about the Philippines in this website: Cebuanas Travel Information