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Destination : PHILIPPINES
The Republic of the Philippines is located in Southeast Asia and is made up of 7107 islands. The northernmost island is 241 kilometers south of Taiwan, the southernmost island is only 48 kilometers east of Malaysian Borneo, while about 1,000 kilometers to the west across the China Sea lies the cost of China.
The islands are divided into three main areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the major northern island; it is there that you will find the capital, Manila. The Visayas, is the middle cluster of islands featuring tropical beaches scattered throughout warm seas. Mindanao is the southernmost group of islands and has a diverse topography. There are five major mountain systems and the same number of peninsulas as well as valleys, lakes and regions of dense forests and swamps.
The Philippines were claimed in the name of Spain in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailiang for Spain, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain. They were then called Las Felipinas. The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained their independence in 1946 after being occupied by the Japanese in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed down its last military bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential transitions since Marcos' removal by "people power." In January 2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies in the south.
The Philippines is an interesting blend of East and West, combining timeless natural atrractions with modern facilities. Its gracious culture and fine standards of service will help you organize an exciting program that provides delegates a pleasurable convention destination and tourists a great visiting experience. Aptly described as "the combination of Malay warmth and hospitality, the blend of Latin American passion, the mixture of American vitality and Asian grace" the Philippines--comprising 7,107 islands---is the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia. With its mixed ancestry, its easy to see why 111 dialects are spoken throughout the achipelago, with Pilipino as the national language and English widely spoken.
Located at the heart of Southeast Asia between the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea, its islands and climate are as hospitable as its people. Its majestic mountains and graceful plains, sunny white sand beaches and vivid underwater marine life, also provide an astonishing variety of choices offer pre and post convention tours. Over 7,100 exotic islands, some the size of Switzerland, others no bigger that toehold in the archipelago's bright blue waters provide everything from the excitement of its major cities to the leisurely pace of its remote beaches.The warm waters offer the attractions of sunbathing, swimming and divingthrough a dramatic display of coral gardens and spectacular marine life.
Luzon is the largest and most northerly of the main islands. The spectacular landscape is made up of the mountainous north, the flat vistas of the central plain and lakes and volcanoes in the southern pensinsula. Manila, capital and hub of the nation has been a port for hundreds of years. Places of interest include San Augustin Church and Manila Cathedral, which offers an excellent view of the harbour.
Hundred Islands, lying off the coast of Pangasinan, are made up of 400 islets surrounded by coral gardens and white sand beaches. This area is ideal for swimming and fishing.
Mindanao, the most southerly island, has a very different feel from the rest of the country. In the southwestern tip is Zamboanga City, considered by some as the most romantic place in the Philippines and a favourite resort amongst tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled tropical scenery and magnificent flowers.
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