The Land of The Banaue Rice Terraces,

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol & Mt. Pinatubo

Information on Relocating to the Philippines

• The capital city of the Philippines is Manila with about 9.9 million people. The political centre is also in Manila where the President resides. The Philippines is a Republic.

• Languages: The official national language is Pilipino. In addition, over 87 languages and dialects are spoken in various regions of the country. English is widely spoken within the business and social communities and is the median of instruction in all private schools. Local TV programs are generally in the Pilipino. Cable TV is available and offers more options as most of the programs are in English. Satellite TV is not locally available.

• Population: The population is about 91.1 million people - 91.5% are Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay, 1.5% Chinese and 3% other (including Spanish, Indians, Arabs, Americans, and various tribal groups).

• Expat areas: The primary Expat locations within Metro Manila are Makati City, Alabang and Ortigas.

• Housing: Expatriates live in high-rise condominiums and exclusive villages in the city where a wide selection of properties are available for rent. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs, like Alabang. International schools are located near all 3 locations mentioned above.

• Cost of housing: Housing in the Philippines can be very expensive and varies, based on type of residence, location, furnishings and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 500 for a very small apartment in the city to US$ 4000 for a large 300 square meter, 3 bedroom unit. Houses in exclusive villages would rent for US$ 1350 to US$ 8000, with a minimum lease period of one year and with the rentals paid in advance. Expat rentals are quoted in the local currency of the Philippine Peso.

• Schools: The International School of Manila and Brent School International offer education from Nursery to grade 12. The British International School offers an all grade levels based on the British school system and follows the British national curriculum. The Japanese and German schools are other options.

• Transportation: Public transport facilities are provided throughout the Metropolis. However, the system is poorly planned and chaotic. Public transportation relies mostly on buses and the local Philippine "jeepney" - a modified extended jeep which can hold anywhere from 12 to 25 passengers. Expatriates generally have a personal or company car and driver. It is not recommended for a foreigner to drive as the traffic is chaotic, though manageable and parking difficult. Manila has a fairly good Metro Rail System (MRT) for the adventurous, but it does not extend outside the city, where buses and trains are the options. Taxis are plentiful, but one must make sure the meter is working before taking a ride, or that one negotiates a reasonable rate for the trip. Avis or Basic Taxis are recommended.

• Bank: The banks are open from Monday-Friday from 9.00 am - 3.00 pm.

• Shopping: Monday-Saturday 10.00am - 8.00 pm, but these can vary. Most department stores and supermarkets are open Sunday and there are some 24-hour convenience stores.

• Climate: The Philippines has only two seasons, wet and dry. March to May is hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) - 32°C (90°F), and could even go as high as 38°C (100°F). June to October is the wet, rainy season. The most pleasant months are November to February when the weather is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) - 28°C (82°F).

• Culture: Manila offers many forms of entertainment. They have Casinos located in Metro Manila, as well as in the North, in the Ilocos Region and in the South, in the Visayas. There are many museums, local theater companies, both local and international concerts, and ballets. Movies are a favorite past time and theaters are located in all the large shopping malls. Mostly foreign movies are shown, such as American, British and other foreign films, as well as locally produced ones. Bowling and billiards are also popular.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; February 24th- Esda Revolution Day; Easter week (movable)-Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday & Easter Sunday; April 9th-Bataan Day(Araw Ng Kagitingan); May 4/5th -Labor Day; June 16th-Independence Day; August 31st-Ninoy Aquino Day (National Heroes’ Day); September/October Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies). November 1st-All Saints Day; November 30th-Bonifacio Day; December 25th-Christmas Day; December 30th-Rizal Day, December 31st New year’s Eve.