LocationNational Capital Region, Luzon Island (southwest), Philippines.
Dialling code63.
Population11 million.
Time zoneGMT + 8.
Electricity220 volts AC, 60Hz. 110 volts is available in most hotels. Flat and round two- and three-pin plugs are in use.
Average January temperatures25°C (77°F).
Average July temperatures28°C (82.5°F).
Annual rainfall2,030mm (80 inches).
Cost of Living:100 Philippine Peso (P100) = £1.42;
US$2.16; C$2.56; A$3.00; €1.58
Currency conversion rates as of January 2009Special Events:Feast of the Black Nazarene
9 January
The streets of old Manila are flooded by a sea of devotees who try to touch a revered religious statue. Better viewed from a safe distance.
Quiapo
Bamboo Organ Festival
February
The oldest and largest in Asia, this musical instrument was made during the Spanish period, entirely out of bamboo, and it still works.
Las Piñas
Crucifixion of Christ
Good Friday
Next to Christmas, this is the best venue to see how fanatic devotion to religious beliefs can be pushed to bloody consequences.
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Flores de Mayo
4 May
At first glance this seems to be a parade of beautiful Filipinas, but it is actually a religious procession commemorating Emperor Constantine’s quest for the cross in which Jesus was crucified.
Rizal Park
Pahiyas
15 May
Townsfolk commemorate the feast of the patron saint of workers by decking their houses with colorful, edible décor.
Lukban, Quezon
Independence Day
12 June
Rizal Park
Cinemanila International Film Festival
Mid October
Screenings of the best contemporary and classic films from all over the world.
Metro Manila
Giant Lantern Festival
Early December
A competition of bright, giant Christmas lanterns (3-4.5m/10-15ft in diameter) so huge they are mounted on trucks.
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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