Dear 36th ACRS 2015 Participants, Good day! First of all, the organizers wish to thank…
The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what were perceived as corrupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations.*
Also called the National Capital Region, Metro Manila is a megacity with a huge appetite for fun. From its historic neighborhoods to the outrageous housing developments, Metro Manila is a maze of vibrant energy with bits of calm in between. Weave your way through this mighty megalopolis, made up of 16 cities, one town and eleven million people.*
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Quezon City is the most populous and largest city in Metro Manila. It was once the capital of the Philippines for 28 years. Situated here are several government offices, prestigious universities, major commercial and business centers, and historical landmarks. Ortigas Center is one of the most important business districts in Quezon City. It is home to several fab shopping malls, skyscraping condominiums and office buildings, premiere hotels, high-end bars, classy restaurants and private corporations.
Notable historic sites worth visiting include Intramuros (Manila’s Walled City built by the Spaniards in the late 16th century), Manila Cathedral (a premier cathedral in Manila and venue for papal Masses), Quezon Memorial Circle (President Quezon’s burial ground), Binondo (the oldest Chinatown on the world), Malacañang Palace (the Presidential Palace) and two of the country’s most notable churches (such as San Sebastian Church and San Augustine Church) are just a short drive away from Ortigas Center.
Philippines is a tropical country with two pronounced seasons: wet (June to November) and dry (December to May). High humidity and warm temperature should be expected. October is essentially characterized by constant daily high temperatures and periodic light to heavy rain showers. Daily mean temperature is 27oC and may peak to 32oC and drop to 24oC. 2 to 3 tropical cyclones are expected during this month. Staying indoors in recommended during announcement of storm signals. Throughout the month, clear weather is still existent until before late afternoon providing ample time for visitors to explore and enjoy Quezon City and nearby attractions. Forecasts and advisories issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Society (PAGASA), the country’s weather bureau, are accessible and should be referred to when planning for travel or tours.
The Philippine Standard Time (PST) is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8). Sunrise and set expected at 5:47 AM and 5:32 PM during the period of the conference.
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PhP). Most retailers in the Philippines do not accept other currencies. Thus, it is necessary for visitors with foreign currency to change currencies into Philippine Pesos to be able to make cash payments. Participants are advised to change their currencies once landed at NAIA airport to avoid inconvenience. Money changers are also common in big shopping malls. Bank companies facilitate foreign exchange transactions but at a much longer and complicated process. Hotels may provide foreign currency exchange but at higher commissions. The expected exchange rate is USD 1 = PhP 46.59. Currencies are usually exchanged without any transaction fee. For safety reasons, it is recommended that authorized money changers be used at all times. The list of accredited foreign exchange dealers can be found here: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/banking/fxdmcra_registry.pdf
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at most establishments. Traveler’s cheque are accepted in all banks, major hotels, large department stores and few authorized money changers. Traveler’s cheque in USD and those issued by American Express are preferred. However, only cash payments in Philippine Pesos are accepted in public transportation, small shops, and small restaurants. ATMs are situated everywhere especially in business and commercial districts. Malls also provide variety of ATMs. However, local banks may charge fees when connecting to international banks.
In the Philippines, tipping is not a mandatory practice. Tipping practices have been instituted with the influx of Westerners. However, if one is satisfied with services from hotels, restaurants, taxis, tours, etc., an additional 10% on top of the total bill may be made. Restaurants that incorporate service charge in the total bill require no tips.
The standard voltage in the Philippines is 220 volts at 60 hertz. Outlets are mainly of Type A and made for two flat pronged plugs. It is advisable that voltage requirements of your appliance be checked first before using the wall sockets.
The tap water in the Philippines is not advisable for drinking. Sealed bottled water which can be purchased at hotels, groceries, convenience stores, restaurants and food shops are advised for consumption.
Information on restaurants and nearby attractions are available on front desks of hotels.
The conference venue will provide internet access throughout the duration of the conference. Hotels and department stores provide free internet access while other establishments such as coffee shops, and restaurants may charge fees.
Several printing shops are walking distance away from the conference venue. Printing services can also be located in malls.
When riding taxis, make sure that it is metered, its plate number is legibly printed, the driver’s ID is displayed in front of the passenger’s seat and that you have smaller bills in Philippine Peso to pay your taxi bill. It is advisable that you keep record of the taxi details (plate no. and driver’s name) and make sure that someone else has taken note of these details. You may ask assistance from your hotel’s front desk or security personnel to get you a taxi. When you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to get off the taxi. Taking public transportation alone especially at night is risky. If you plan to take public transportation, make sure you have completely understood directions to places you plan to visit. Crowded public transportation are avenues for pickpockets. Be extra careful when riding public transportation during rush hours.
Business districts like Ortigas Center and most of Metro Manila experience heavy traffic especially during rush hours. Thus, when going to nearby destinations, walking is recommended. Always consult vicinity map or ask hotel’s front desk for directions. Follow traffic rules and make use of pedestrian lanes at all times.
For safety purposes, never reveal your room number or any personal information to strangers. Better yet, do not entertain strangers especially those you will meet in public places. It is recommended that participants carry photocopies of their passport, visa, IDs and tickets and keep originals in hotel room’s safety deposit box.
Cases of pickpockets and petty crimes are reported in Metro Manila. When planning to visit crowded places, be extra careful of your bags, wallets and backpacks. Always be mindful of your belongings and never leave valuables unattended. Flashing out expensive items and wearing lavish jewelries should be avoided to prevent theft. It is advisable not to entertain beggars as they tend to swarm around you when given money. Alertness and caution should be duly exercised in the streets at all times.
Sale, trade, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, transport, and possession of any illegal drugs including all species of opium poppy, drug paraphernalia and precursor chemicals is punishable by law.
[*] Sources of text and graphics: visitmyphilippines.com, itsmorefuninthephilippines.com, visitph2015.com