Visiting the Philippines

Visiting the Philippines

Visa

Americans are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to their port of origin or next port of destination. Regulations require that passports are valid for a period of not less than six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, Immigration Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty(60) days beyond the intended period of stay.

Flights

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the flag carrier of the Philippines, which operates both local and international routes. PAL is the oldest airline in the Far East. It has daily flights from Manila to Los Angeles and San Francisco with an estimated airfare of $966 one way and round trip of $1894 with a 1 year validity of ticket.

Other major carriers such as Northwest Airlines have international routes from Manila to the US and vice versa.

Entertainment and Recreation

Theaters in the Philippines generally refer to venues for viewing commercial films and live performances. Several first-class movie houses present international films. The Cultural Center of the Philippines houses national ballet, orchestra, and theater companies, while smaller groups produce a variety of live entertainment fare ranging from torch songs in nightclubs to Broadway musical.

Metro Manila restaurants offer a wide range of Asian and Western cuisine.

The Philippines has facilities and trainers for most popular sports such as basketball, soccer, boxing, tennis, golf, bowling, track and field, cycling, mountain climbing, horseback riding, scuba diving, swimming, martial arts, archery, target shooting, and bodybuilding. First-class country clubs, open to members and guests, offer a convenient combination of sports, dining, and other recreational facilities. They may be used by visitors through special arrangements with members or club management.

Government and private resorts are established at many significant tourist venues. Lakeside resorts, remote island resorts, and various other facilities also allow local and foreign visitors to directly experience the vast range of natural phenomena and settings throughout the Philippine archipelago.

American Restaurants Located in the Philippines

Here are just some of the American restaurants that have expanded in the Philippines.

• Starbucks – 54 branches
• California Pizza Kitchen – 4 branches
• TGI Fridays – 6 branches

Accommodations

The Philippines can provide a wide range of accommodations to prospective investors. There are several first-class hotels as well as small luxury apartments in Metro Manila and in major urban or tourist sites. Standard hotels, pension houses, and regular apartments are also available. For long term stays, houses, townhouses, and condominiums may be bought, leased, or rented at various rates.

Top five-star hotels

• Hotel Inter-Continental Manila

  No. 1 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Manila Hotel Inter-Continental Manila is the longest running international hotel in the Philippines, and it continues to be a favorite among travelers to Metro Manila.

• The Peninsula Manila

  1226 Makati City, Philippines
  Five Star Deluxe Rating – Philippine Department of Tourism
  Top 2 Hotels in Manila – Euromoney Magazine 1994
  Top 75 Hotels in the World-Institutional Investor 1992

• Dusit Hotel Nikko

  Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines
  The first deluxe Makati hotel from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, approximately 25 to 40 minutes by car.

• Mandarin Oriental Manila

  Makati Ave., Makati City, Philippines
  Multi awarded for its exceptional service and cuisine, Mandarin Oriental Manila is a haven in the heart of Makati, the business and shopping district of Manila.