GoPhilippines Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa Notice

Philippine visas are divided into three categories: visas applied for under investment laws, corresponding visas under special legal provisions, and investor visas. The three major types of visas are further divided into several subcategories: according to the Investment Law, the types of visas that can be applied for include short-term visit or sightseeing visas, work authorization visas (pre entry employment visas, treaty merchant visas, and other work authorization visas); The corresponding visas stipulated by special laws include special multiple entry visas, special Subic work visas, and special Clark work visas; Investor visas include Special Investment Resident Visa, Tourism Project and Tourism Industry Investor Special Investment Resident Visa, Special Subic Investment Visa, Special Clark Investment Visa, and Special Resident Retirement Visa.

Temporary visitors holding Chinese diplomatic or official passports can enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay of 30 days. Holders of a Chinese ordinary passport and any valid visa from Schengen, Australia, the United States, Canada, or Japan can enter the Philippines for a 7-day visa free stay for tourism purposes.

To learn about the required documents and related requirements for various visas, please visit the official websites of the Philippine embassies and consulates in China for inquiries.

2、 Entry and Exit Notice

Entering and leaving the Philippines requires filling out an entry and exit registration card and customs declaration form. The registration card includes information such as name, gender, date of birth, country of birth, nationality, occupation, detailed domestic and international addresses, travel document details, travel purpose, number of visits to the Philippines, flight number, etc. In addition to name and travel document information, the customs registration card also includes information on carried items, currency, etc. Except for items prohibited by law, items of appropriate quantity and not intended for personal use are generally released tax-free.

3、 Special Reminder

Based on the recent situation encountered by my citizen entering and leaving the Philippines, and after verification and confirmation with the Philippine immigration management department, the following reminder is given to me as a citizen of the Philippines to handle entry and exit procedures at the airport:

1、 According to convention and the requirements of the Philippine side, passengers coming to the Philippines must book a connecting flight ticket to return to their place of origin or to the next destination, otherwise they will be refused entry.

2、 The validity period of travel documents for travelers coming to the Philippines should be at least six months, otherwise it will affect their entry.

3、 Self guided travelers (individual travelers) coming to the Philippines should obtain visas in advance and provide proof of travel in the Philippines, such as flight tickets to outer islands, hotel accommodation orders, etc. Otherwise, they will be considered as suspected of being stranded or illegally working and will be refused entry.

4、 Passengers coming to the Philippines should dress appropriately, have appropriate luggage, and the purpose of their visit should match the visa requirements, otherwise they may be denied entry.

5、 Passengers who have previously been denied entry to the Philippines should apply for a re examination of their eligibility under Philippine immigration laws or confirm with the Philippine Embassy in China before reapplying for a visa to the Philippines. Otherwise, even if they obtain a visa, they will still not be able to enter the country.

6、 Passengers with high similarity rates of names (including those with the same pinyin) may be affected in their entry into the Philippines due to individuals with the same name, surname, or pinyin being on the blacklist. Relevant passengers can check and confirm with the Philippine Embassy in China before coming to the Philippines.

7、 Tourists holding a tourist visa to stay in the Philippines for no more than 24 hours will be considered to have impure motives and will not be allowed to enter the country (the Philippine side refers to this type of ID card as RUN VISA).

8、 The Philippine government is focusing on strengthening and improving airport entry and exit management, shaping a clean image, and passengers should not provide tips to airport officials, otherwise they will be regarded as suspected of bribery and refused entry or even prosecuted.

9、 According to Philippine cultural traditions and religious customs, travelers coming to the Philippines should handle entry and exit procedures with a gentle attitude, rational restraint, and avoid speaking loudly or excessively. If there is friction or dispute with Philippine officials, it will be considered disrespectful to Philippine laws and regulations, offensive to Philippine government officials, and restricted from entering the country.

10、 In August 2017, the Philippine Immigration Department announced the implementation of visa on arrival for Chinese citizens holding regular passports, but specific measures are still being further improved, and relevant procedures still need to be completed before entry. For details, please consult the Philippine Immigration Department.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs regulations

When entering or leaving the Philippines, it is necessary to fill out an entry and exit registration card and customs declaration form. Tourists need to declare the total value of their carried items, including gifts received, samples of goods, etc. Truthfully fill out the customs declaration form. Any false declaration or failure to declare will be punished for violating Philippine customs laws once discovered. Personal use items during travel are not required to be declared. Illegal import of prohibited items (weapons, explosives, etc.), controlled items (wireless transceivers, CDs, videotapes, etc.), and controlled items (anesthetics, chemicals, prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription, etc.), regardless of quantity, violates Philippine customs laws. It is strictly prohibited to carry plants, plant products, meat, meat products, birds, snails, and other live animals and animal products.

Without the approval of the Central Bank of the Philippines, any inbound or outbound passenger who brings in or takes out banknotes, coins, checks, or other drafts exceeding 10000 pesos from Philippine banks is illegal and may be subject to confiscation, civil penalties, or criminal prosecution. Carrying foreign currency exceeding $10000 must be declared in the customs declaration form, otherwise a fine of no more than 200000 pesos and no more than 50000 pesos will be imposed, or imprisonment for no less than 2 years and no more than 10 years will be faced.

Generally, goods imported into the Philippines are subject to customs duties. Customs calculates the value of imported goods based on transaction prices and determines the tax rate for imported goods based on tariffs and the classification of goods in customs codes (usually 0-30%). The preferential tariff rates under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement are generally lower than ordinary tariffs.

2、 Animal and plant inspection and quarantine

Animals, plants, and animal and plant products entering the Philippine market must go through the following quarantine procedures: the exporter sends the invoice and packing list to the Philippine importer, who applies for an import license from the Plant Quarantine Division (BPI) of the Philippine Department of Agriculture's Crop Bureau with the invoice and packing list. The importer hands over the license to the exporter, who then requests the exporting country's quarantine department to conduct offshore quarantine on the products and issue a quarantine certificate. The exporter shall submit the quarantine certificate and other transportation documents to the importer together. After the goods arrive at the port in the Philippines, the importer provides the Philippine quarantine department with an import license and a quarantine certificate from the exporting country. The Philippine quarantine department conducts a re inspection based on the import license and quarantine certificate, and can only enter the country after passing the inspection.

3、 Financial regulatory regulations

The Philippine government's control over finance and foreign exchange has gone through a long process from strict to lenient. In the more than 40 years before 1995, only four foreign banks were allowed to establish branch offices. The General Banking Act passed in 2000 not only allowed foreign banks to freely enter the Philippine market, but also increased their shareholding ratio. It even stipulated that under certain conditions, foreign banks could own 100% of local banks, and the financial market was fully open. At present, more than 20 foreign banks have branches in the Philippines, and Bank of China has also opened a branch in the capital Manila.

4、 Special Reminder

Complete the entry visa and stay for the prescribed duration, do not bring any prohibited items into the country, and fill in the items or currency that should be declared according to the requirements of the customs declaration form.

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Nationality and Immigration Policy

According to the Philippine Dual Citizenship Act, the Philippines recognizes dual citizenship. Filipinos born in the Philippines but who have acquired other nationalities may retain or regain Philippine citizenship after taking an oath of allegiance.

According to the 1940 Philippine Immigration Act, the Philippines implemented quota management for immigrants. Quotas immigration visas are only issued to citizens of countries that have established diplomatic relations with the Philippines and provide the same reciprocal treatment to Filipino citizens. According to the new Philippine regulations, only foreign talents with special scientific, educational and technical knowledge and practical investment in the Philippines can apply for this visa. The immigration visa is issued by the Director General of Immigration, and the number of foreigners of each nationality is limited to 50 per year.

In order to attract Chinese citizens to invest in the Philippines, the Philippine Immigration Department decided in 2008 to issue permanent resident visas (PRVs) to Chinese citizens. By applying for investment immigration, retirement immigration, or marrying a Filipino, one can obtain a permanent residency visa (limited to 50 people per year).

2、 Special Reminder

Before coming to the Philippines, relevant residency procedures should be completed to obtain legal residency rights. Overdue residency, incomplete residency procedures, and engaging in activities that do not match the visa type all violate Philippine immigration laws and may result in arrest, fines, and deportation.

In recent years, the Philippine Customs Service, National Police Department, and National Bureau of Investigation have launched joint law enforcement operations against the "One Road One" small commodity market located near Chinatown, Manila, to investigate and deal with goods suspected of entering the Philippines through smuggling channels. Some Chinese vendors have had their goods confiscated and legal measures taken due to their inability to present customs clearance documents or purchase receipts. According to relevant Philippine laws and regulations, it is illegal for foreign citizens to engage in retail business in the Philippines. For this reason, the Chinese Embassy reminds Chinese citizens who are in the Philippines or planning to come to the Philippines to comply with relevant Philippine laws and regulations, conduct business in accordance with the law, and not engage in activities that are inconsistent with the purpose of their visa.

There is currently one yellow (medium risk) area in the Philippines, while all other areas are blue (low-risk). Specifically, as follows:

Yellow region: Mindanao Island. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens in Mindanao to closely monitor the local security situation, be vigilant, strengthen prevention, and pay attention to safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

The overall public security situation in the Philippines is poor, mainly presenting the following prominent problems: frequent criminal cases of public security, proliferation of firearms, frequent kidnapping and terrorist attacks, serious illegal detention related to gambling, and frequent theft of property by "trance parties" in the Manila Bay area. In recent years, local power struggles in the Philippines have been fierce, and social poverty has intensified. Cases of kidnapping, murder, theft, and robbery have shown a rapid upward trend, and malignant cases involving overseas Chinese have also remained high.

Metro Manila (NCR) in the Greater Manila area is characterized by dense personnel flow, complex composition, and rampant prostitution, gambling, and drug abuse, facing high levels of terrorist threats and security risks. The security situation in the southern Mindanao region is severe, with anti-government armed groups such as the "Maya Liberation Army", "People's Army", and "Abu Sayyaf" frequently present here. Violent crimes and terrorist attacks such as kidnapping, explosions, and murder occur from time to time. In December 2017, the Philippine Congress overwhelmingly voted to extend military control in the region until the end of 2018.

Special reminder to Chinese citizens and institutions in the Philippines and those planning to come to the Philippines to strengthen security measures and ensure the safety of personnel and property:

1、 Closely monitor the security situation in the Philippines and gain a comprehensive understanding of security risks. Do not go to the Mindanao region in southern Philippines, which poses the highest risk of terrorist threats. Strict security measures have been taken in the area and you should leave as soon as possible.

2、 Efforts should be made to enhance safety awareness and strengthen security protection. Be cautious when going to areas with high terrorist threat risks such as Metro Manila. Those who are already in the area should take effective security precautions, avoid going to dark alleys, urban fringe areas, or crowded and complex places, and avoid going out at night and becoming victims of crime.

3、 Adhere strictly to local laws, regulations, and customs, adopt legitimate and lawful means to resolve disputes, and avoid direct conflicts with others.

4、 Chinese funded institutions in the Philippines will further strengthen security measures, improve security plans, prevent violent attacks and kidnapping, and hire local qualified and powerful security companies to ensure the safety of enterprise personnel and property.

natural disaster

The Philippines is a country that is more affected by natural disasters, with earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions being the main natural disasters in the Philippines. Statistics show that the Philippines is hit by dozens of typhoons annually, and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions also occur from time to time, resulting in astonishing human and property losses every year. In addition, tropical diseases such as dengue fever are the main threats to local life and health.

Special reminder to Chinese citizens and institutions in the Philippines and those planning to come to the Philippines to enhance their awareness of disaster prevention and take effective measures to respond:

1、 Pay attention to disaster forecasts, listen to and check typhoon weather forecasts on radio, television, websites, etc. in a timely manner, and always be prepared for risk avoidance. Regarding disaster forecasting websites: www.typhoon2000.ph；https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/Wait.

2、 The selection of housing should prioritize disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as ensuring the safety of life and property. During the selection process, the first step should be to observe and understand the surrounding geographical environment and geological conditions, and avoid choosing houses to live in disaster prone areas.

3、 For those who are temporarily unable to move to a safe area, they should immediately familiarize themselves with the local evacuation route, emergency contact information, and understand the previous disaster situation in the area. They should purchase emergency equipment such as inflatable rafts, life ropes, strong flashlights, goggles, and respiratory masks for backup.

4、 Regularly conduct safety inspections on residential buildings, reinforce doors, windows, roofs, and electrical and gas pipelines, and promptly replace and bury old and exposed wiring. Clean the drainage pipes and vertical drainage shafts, ensure smooth drainage, and install check valves to prevent flood backflow.

5、 Make emergency reserves of daily necessities such as food, water, medicine, lighting facilities, etc.

6、 Pay attention to mosquito prevention and control, maintain hygiene, improve self resistance to diseases, and prevent tropical diseases such as dengue fever.

FDA

Due to the hot climate throughout the year in the Philippines, food is highly susceptible to spoilage and decay. Public places such as hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in the Philippines place great emphasis on food hygiene. The Philippine side has put a lot of effort into promoting food hygiene knowledge, educating practitioners, and implementing preservation and disinfection measures. Therefore, the food hygiene situation in public places in the Philippines is good, and there are few food hygiene incidents.

Urgent Help

Nationwide bandit police, fire alarm, first aid: 911

The emergency numbers for the Greater Manila area are as follows:

Road rescue: 320

Natural disasters: 9115061-5065

Electric power repair: 16211

Emergency water supply: 1627

For more emergency calls, please log inhttp://www.gov.ph/emergency-hotlines/

(Emergency hotspots | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines)

air traffic

1、 International flights. The Philippines has signed international air transport agreements with over 30 countries and regions, and has direct flights to multiple countries and regions in the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. It also has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taipei in China.

2、 Domestic flights. Domestic flights in the Philippines cover more than 40 cities, with flights between major islands throughout the country.

3、 Main airports. The aviation transportation industry in the Philippines is relatively developed, with 247 airports of various sizes throughout the country. The main airports include Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Mactan International Airport in Cebu, and Davao International Airport in Davao.

4、 Airline situation. There are mainly Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Airlines.

5、 The main mode of transportation to and from the airport. Taxis, jeeps, private vehicles, and airport buses are the main modes of transportation to and from the airport.

land transport

The total length of roads in the Philippines is about 200000 kilometers, forming a road network covering all islands in the country. However, the road conditions are of poor quality, with two-thirds being branch roads and rural paths, and only about 20% of roads paved with concrete and asphalt. The longest highway is the "Pan Philippine Highway" built with low interest loans from Japan, starting from Rao City on Luzon Island in the north and ending at Zamboanga City on Mindanao Island in the south, with a total length of 13000 kilometers. In recent years, the Philippine government has gradually promoted the construction of highways, with approximately 200 kilometers of highways throughout the country. There are about 60000 registered passenger motor vehicles in the Philippines, with road passenger transport accounting for 80% of the country's total transportation volume and cargo transport accounting for 55% of the country's total transportation volume.

The total length of railways is 1200 kilometers, mainly concentrated on Luzon Island, followed by Bane Island and Cebu Island, with few railways distributed on other islands. The railway network is centered around Manila, with the main railway line of Luzon Island running from San Fernando in the north to Legazpi in the south, with a total length of approximately 900 kilometers. Since 2005, the Philippine government has focused on investing in railway network construction, and a high-quality modern railway system is extending from Manila to the entire metropolitan area.

Vehicles in the Philippines drive on the right, and the traffic rules are similar to those in Chinese Mainland. For self driving drivers, they need to obtain a translated and notarized driver's license in China, obtain certification from the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and obtain certification from the Philippine Embassy in China before applying for a driver's license at the Philippine Transportation Management Department.

water communication

The Philippines has a coastline of 36289 kilometers and a total waterway of 3219 kilometers, with numerous natural harbors. At present, there are over 1500 operating ports and thousands of merchant ships in the Philippines. The main foreign trade ports include Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Yilang, Zamboanga, and Davao. These modern ports can accommodate both freight and passenger vessels, and the passenger flow between the main islands is stable. As of 2010, the Philippines had over 300000 ships with a total tonnage of over 300 million tons and a cargo volume of nearly 200 million tons.

Urban transportation

The urban transportation in the Philippines includes public buses, taxis, jeeps, horse drawn carriages, etc. There is also light rail in the capital region, and three wheeled motorcycles in other smaller cities. Among them, Jeepney is the most distinctive and important public transportation in the Philippines.

major city

1、 Quezon: A city named after Manuel L. Quezon, the early president of the Philippines, located in the northeast of Manila, with an area of 166 square kilometers and a population of approximately 2.8 million. It is the largest city in the Philippines and a cultural hub. In 1948, it was selected as the capital. In 1976, due to the establishment of the Greater Manila Area by the central government, Quezon's urban functions weakened, but administrative agencies such as Congress remained concentrated here. The city has the best Philippine University and the largest Aranita Sports Center in the country.Please click hereVisit the official website of the city.

2、 Cebu: Central Special City, the capital of Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines, and also the cultural, economic, and air and sea transportation hub of central and southern Philippines. Covering an area of 315 square kilometers and a population of over 900000, with developed industries in commerce, tourism, and services, it was the first stop of Magellan's landing in the Philippines in 1521. The scenery is beautiful, the climate is pleasant, the goods are abundant, and the prices are good and affordable. It is known as the "place closest to heaven".Please click hereVisit the official website of the city.

3、 Davao: Central Special City, the third largest city in the Philippines, with a population of over 1.6 million and an area of 2444 square kilometers, making it the largest city in the world in terms of area. Davao is a natural harbor in Mindanao, with a large international airport within the city and serving as the transportation hub for the Philippines. Davao has beautiful natural scenery and unique local customs, with the famous Apo volcano, making it an important tourist city.Please click hereVisit the official website of the city.

4、 Sanbaoyan: Located at the top of southwestern Mindanao Island, an important international transit port and commercial center in the southern Philippines, it was founded in 1635, covers an area of 1484 square kilometers, has a population of approximately 860000, with over 60% being Catholics and over 25% being Muslims. The main industries are cocoa butter production, marine fishing, and tuna processing.Please click hereVisit the official website of the city.

5、 Biyao: located in the western part of Luzon Island, 250 kilometers north of Manila, at an altitude of 1500 meters, it is the largest city in the Central Special City and Cordillera District, with an area of 49 square kilometers and a population of approximately 345000 (as of 2015). The climate is cool and it is known as the 'Summer Capital'. Due to the widespread planting of pine trees, it is also known as "Songdu". Also, due to the lush flowers and trees in the area, which are in full bloom, it is also known as the "Flower City". Clickwww.baguio.gov.phVisit the official website of the city.

6、 Yilang: Central Special City and Yilang Provincial Capital, with an area of 78 square kilometers and a population of about 450000, it is the commercial and shipping center of Bana Island. Since ancient times, it has been a famous producer of rice and sugarcane, a distribution center for sugar, tobacco, and cotton, and its local cloth is well-known throughout the country. Yilang is a historical ancient capital that became the capital in 1688. It was once a base during the Spanish colonial period, and there are many Spanish style ancient buildings in the city. The museum houses a large collection of Philippine classical art treasures and Chinese pottery.Please click hereVisit the official website of the city.

7、 Lavage: the capital of North Ilocoo Province, a political, cultural, and commercial center with an area of 127 square kilometers and a population of approximately 111000 (as of 2015). It is 488 kilometers away from Manila. The name of the city of Ravag comes from the Ilogon language, meaning 'light/brightness'. Ravag is located adjacent to the South China Sea, with agriculture, tourism, commerce, and handicrafts as its main economic sectors. The city has nearly 5600 commercial institutions and 33 banks, as well as higher education institutions such as Marcos National University and Northwestern University in the Philippines. Currently, there are only domestic flights from the Philippines to Manila at Ravag International Airport, with one to two flights per day. There are a small number of taxis in the city, and transportation is mainly provided by jeepney minibuses and three wheeled motorcycles. Clickwww.laoagcity.gov.phVisit the official website of the city.

Commodity prices

1、 Main products. Mineral products mainly include copper, nickel, gold, silver, chromium, iron, as well as limestone, marble, petroleum, coal, etc. The main agricultural products include rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, banana, tobacco, banana, pineapple, rubber, coffee, mango, etc. Marine products mainly include tuna, sardine, pomfret, grouper, shrimp, etc.

2、 Price situation. The overall price is higher than that of Chinese Mainland, among which the price of vegetables and temperate fruits (apples, pears, grapes, plums, etc.) is 3-4 times that of Chinese Mainland, the price of grain, oil, eggs, milk and daily necessities, water, electricity, liquefied gas, etc. is 2-3 times that of Chinese Mainland, the price of cars, commercial houses, clothes, shoes, etc. is equivalent to that of Chinese Mainland, and some seafood and tropical fruits are cheaper than China.

3、 Currency and exchange rates. The common currency in the Philippines is the peso (PESO). The Philippine Central Bank issues banknotes of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20 pesos, and coins of 10, 5, 1, and 0.25 pesos. At present, 1 US dollar is equivalent to 50 pesos, and 1 Chinese yuan is equivalent to 7.1 pesos (please refer to the actual exchange rate).

4、 Tax burden. The Philippine Constitution stipulates the implementation of a unified, fair, and progressive tax burden system nationwide. The current tax law is the Tax Reform Act, which was passed in 1997 and revised in 2005. The main tax categories and burdens include: corporate income tax (30% of net income, 5% of total income in special economic zones and free zones), additional welfare tax (32% of total benefits provided by companies to management personnel), personal income tax (5% to 32%), value-added tax (12%), consumption tax (such as tobacco, alcohol, motor vehicles, etc.), stamp duty, customs duty (0% to 30%), initial public offering tax (1% to 4%), and local taxes.

5、 Payment method. Credit card and cash payments.

6、 Banking and financial services. The banking industry in the Philippines is relatively developed, with a wide range of financial service products. As of February 2014, there are a total of 36 comprehensive commercial banks, 71 savings banks, 533 agricultural banks, 40 credit unions, and numerous quasi banking institutions in the Philippines, providing comprehensive commercial and financial services. Domestic banks mainly include Capital Bank, Central Bank, United Bank, and Philippine Trust Bank. Foreign banks mainly include Citibank, HSBC, ANZ Bank, Bank of Malaysia, etc. Internationally recognized Mastercard, Visa, etc. can be used, and China UnionPay card has also been activated for use.

Insurance Medical

1、 Medical conditions. In the past 30 years, the medical conditions in the Philippines have significantly improved, with significant improvements in healthcare facilities and the quality of medical staff, and a significant improvement in the health status of residents. As of January 31, 2019, the population of the Philippines reached 107.4 million, with an average life expectancy of 69.3 years (2018 WHO data), 44.4% living in cities, and an average age of 24.3 years. However, the distribution of medical resources is uneven, and the proportion of government expenditure on public healthcare to GDP is still relatively low.

2、 Medical insurance. The Philippines implements the National Health Insurance (NHIP) program for its citizens, which is managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC). All NHIP members shall pay insurance premiums to the National Health Insurance Fund in accordance with the reasonable, fair, and incremental plan formulated by PHIC, and provide corresponding medical services for members and their families.

3、 Common diseases and treatments. Local common diseases mainly include tumor, diabetes, etc.

4、 Main hospitals and pharmacies. There are two types of hospitals in the Philippines: public and private. Public hospitals generally have poor conditions and low fees, mainly catering to low-income groups for medical treatment. Private hospitals have better conditions but are expensive, mainly targeting high-income groups. The main pharmacy is the MECURRY DRUG chain store. The main hospitals in the Greater Manila area of the capital city are:

Makati Medical Center: 0063-2-888888999

St. Luke's Hospital: 0063-2-87897700 (BGC Branch) 0063-2-8723-0101 (Quezon City Branch)

Pasig Medical City: 0063-2-86356789

St. Thomas University Hospital: 0063-2-87313001

Zhonghua Chongren General Hospital: 0063-2-87113917

Customs taboos

1、 Holidays and Introduction

Constitution Day ": the third Sunday of January. Filipinos hold celebrations on this day to commemorate the implementation of the new Philippine Constitution.

Holy Week ": The seven days from the Sunday before Easter until Easter are called Holy Week. This is the most distinctive Catholic important holiday among religious festivals, apart from Christmas. In commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion, believers held seven consecutive days of religious activities, including a scripture reading parade on Monday, mass on Tuesday, commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion on Wednesday, repentance on Thursday, holy burial on Friday, Jesus' resurrection on Saturday, and a "meeting parade".

Badain Day: April 9th. On April 9, 1942, Bataan Island was occupied by Japan, and the local people rose up in rebellion. On Badain Day, people commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country in World War II through various activities.

Mayflower Festival ": the last Sunday of May. This is one of the most grand and lively festivals in the Philippines, named after being held in May when flowers are in full bloom. The characteristic of this festival is the selection of "flower empress" and the holding of a grand parade of the Virgin Mary statue.

Independence Day ": National Day, June 12th. On this day, the whole country commemorates the Philippines' declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, after overthrowing Spanish colonial rule. On this day, Manila, the capital city, held a grand commemorative event. In the morning, the President will preside over the flag raising ceremony and deliver a speech in front of the Rizal Monument. Churches across the country will ring their bells, radio and television stations will play the national anthem, and sports competitions and cultural performances will also be held.

National Heroes' Day: August 28th. On August 28, 1896, the Filipino people staged an uprising in Balintawak, marking the beginning of the revolutionary struggle against Spanish colonial rule. On National Heroes' Day, people commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country in history through various activities.

Halloween: November 1st. The children dressed in cloaks, with sickles and broomsticks in their hands, and carrying buckets, flocked to ask for candy Dim sum. Each entrance is decorated with huge "pumpkin faces" and fake skeletons, and the courtyard is lit with "ghost fires" to create a mysterious atmosphere. People rushed to tombs in various places, lighting red, yellow, and white candles, placing flowers and fruits, and paying tribute to their deceased loved ones.

Bernie Fasio Day: November 28th. It was established to commemorate Bonifacio, the father of the Philippine Revolution. Bonifacio founded the first secret revolutionary organization, Katipunan, in order to overthrow Spanish colonial rule and fight for Philippine independence, firing the first shot of armed resistance against Spanish colonizers.

Christmas ": December 25th. The most grand festival of the year starts with Mass on the morning of December 16th and ends on January 6th of the following year.

Li Cha Day ": December 30th. This day is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Jose Rizal, a famous national hero, writer, poet, and philosopher in the Philippines.

2、 Common Etiquette

Filipinos have an outgoing and friendly personality, and are very particular about etiquette and manners. In social situations, both men and women greet each other with a handshake. Introduce yourself to the other person when meeting for the first time. At home, younger generations kiss their elders' hands every morning to show respect. Talk to each other about topics such as marriage, family, occupation, and diet, avoiding political, religious, and other topics. We attach great importance to personal dignity and family honor, and avoid mocking politicians or families. Highly respect knowledgeable individuals, such as professors, doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc., and address them by their titles. My favorite flower is jasmine (the national flower), which symbolizes happiness, purity, sentiment, and friendship. If there are distinguished guests visiting or important events, young women will offer jasmine wreaths as a gesture of respect. The larger the wreath, the more respectful it is. Visiting a friend's house can be about fifteen minutes later than the agreed time. Visiting friends and bringing gifts or flowers is considered an elegant and polite gesture. Although Filipino society is centered around men, the trend of "ladies first" prevails.

3、 Clothing and Food

Filipinos have a wide variety of clothing styles, but due to the hot weather, most people's clothing is simple, and even in formal occasions, few people wear suits or evening gowns. The traditional dress for Filipino men is called "Baron Tagalog", which is a silk garment that is similar to a shirt, can reach the hips in length, has a collar like a shirt, has long and short sleeves, and has patterns of drawn silk and hollow patterns on both sides of the front, which is quite generous. It is a formal dress for men's social occasions and is known as the national dress of Filipino men. The national uniform for Filipino women is called "Terno", which was promoted by former Philippine President's wife Corazon Aquino. Terno "is a round neck short sleeved dress made of pineapple fiber fabric, which incorporates the characteristics of Spanish women's clothing. The dress has straight sleeves, high sleeves, a small waist, and a wide skirt, like a butterfly spreading its wings. Therefore, it is also called" butterfly dress "and is a formal dress for women attending social occasions.

The dietary habits of Filipinos are deeply influenced by those of Spain, the United States, and China. There are a wide variety of delicious foods, with 70% of people relying on rice as their staple food and 30% on corn as their staple food. The locals like to cook or cook with coconut juice, and the main side dishes are chicken and pork, which can be braised or fried, with little stir fry. Middle and upper class families often eat Western cuisine and use seasonings such as vinegar, sugar, and chili in cooking. The favorite dish among Filipinos is called "Adobo", which is made by mixing pork or chicken cooked with chili, vinegar, garlic, oil, and tomato sauce. Some "Adobo" dishes are also made by cooking squid and oysters. The Philippines is rich in seafood, which is a common delicacy and barbecue is the most popular method. Filipinos love to drink beer, and coffee and tea are also popular. Due to the influence of the Spanish lifestyle, drinking afternoon tea has become a popular habit among Filipinos.

4、 Main taboos

Filipinos avoid "13" and "Friday" as they are considered inauspicious. Hotel rooms, car seat numbers, building numbers, house numbers, etc. do not have "13". When shopping, do not buy "13". When treating guests, avoid "13". In short, try to avoid "13" whenever you encounter it. Muslims do not eat pork, drink strong alcohol or milk.

Communications Power

1、 Power supply voltage. The voltage in the Philippines is 220-240V, and all domestic electrical appliances can be safely used. The sockets are mostly two legged flat type, and both circular and triangular plugs require converters.

2、 Communication network. The development of communication networks in the Philippines is relatively backward, with unsatisfactory performance and reliability. The telecommunications industry has long been monopolized by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). Later, with the relaxation of regulations and the introduction of competition, companies such as GLOBE, SMART, and Philippine Digital Telecommunications gradually emerged. At present, fixed line telephone services and network services are mainly operated by PLDT company, while mobile communication services are mainly operated by GLOBE company and SMART company. The mobile phone is in GMS standard, and domestic phones of the same standard can be used by replacing the SIM card locally. There is no such thing as "roaming" for mobile phone calls in the Philippines. No matter how far away or whether it is in the same province or city, there will be no "roaming" fees charged domestically.

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