Food and Delicacies:

FILIPINOS LOVE TO EAT! In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, people will have a snack at midmorning, as well as a merienda in the late afternoon. With the Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influence, no wonder Filipino dishes are unique.

The major ingredient of the Filipino diet is rice. A popular dish is Sinigang, which consists of shrimp, fish, or meat simmered in a sour soup. The Filipino national dish is Adobo, a dark stew of chicken and pork seasoned with vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.

Aside from the native feasts that you can find around the country, almost all the different foreign cuisines are also available in case you miss your country's native dishes. Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Mongolian are among the few you can choose from. These places can be found mainly in major malls and within the major business districts as well as secluded ones known only to a few lucky enough to chance upon them.

Shopping Paradise:

Even the most seasoned shopper and bargain-hunter would find shopping in the Philippines a delightful surprise. Anywhere a traveller might wander - from the northernmost tip of Luzon to the southern bottom of Mindanao quality items can be bought for a bargain.

Philippine products include handicraft items such as carved statues and religious icons; household items such as the Tiffany lamps made of capiz; jewelry made from gold, silver, brass and pearl; baskets, jars, vases. They include ready-to-wear dresses in the most modern fashions as well as knitwear and traditional clothes such as the Barong Tagalog, the national costume made cloth woven from banana fiber (jusi) or pineapple fiber (pina).

World-famous Philippine furniture made from bamboo, rattan or exquisitely carved wood can be great pieces. Other items include snake or crocodile skin leather products, antiques and shell products.

Department stores in all the major cities also carry an array imported goods such as, perfumery, clothes, and jewelry, toys and electronic items, often at cheaper prices than in other countries. Virtually everything in the Philippines can be bought in Metro Manila. Just along the Tourist Belt (on Mabini Street in Manila proper), a tourist can acquire a wide variety of items from rows of specialty shops. For incoming tourist wishing to go on a hassle-free-shopping expedition,there is the duty-free Fiesta Mall near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Safety and Security:

Contrary to what can be seen, read, or heard in the international media about the Philippines, travel in and around the country is pleasantly safe.

There are of course certain areas to avoid. It would be wise to consult your local travel agent about travel to certain areas.

Most Filipinos, especially those in government service, will willingly offer valuable assitance and advice and many take it upon themselves to look out for your welfare. Filipino hospitality is a wonderful thing indeed.

Of course, just as when travelling in any other country, it is always best to use one's common sense when travelling. Always keep an eye out for your valuables. By adhering to your common sense, your expriences in the Philippines are sure to be wonderful and trouble free.