Unsurprisingly, more than six million tourists visit the archipelagic Philippines each year. With such a promising business climate, an increase in serviced accommodation and complimentary tourist attractions, the Philippines is fast becoming a popular choice for business travel.
The Philippines is the twelfth largest country in the world, encompassing over seven thousand islands, over eighty different languages, and a one hundred million populous. Despite so many islands, the largest eleven equate to 95% of the total 115,000 square mile landmass. This is encircled by a twenty-thousand-mile coastline, surrounded by South China, Sulu, Celebes and Philippine Seas. These seas separate the Philippine islands from southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Indonesia. Central of the northernmost island is the coastal capital Manila, the most densely populated city in the world. Here is where the highest concentration of serviced apartments lives, assisting prosperous business lifestyle.
Beyond ancient Filipino history, groups of people such as the Negritos or Igorots continued to control the islands up until the sixteenth-century colonial period. Proceeding to the islands with the sole intention of colonising and catholicising, the Spanish claimed the country. Up until the late nineteenth-century Spanish-Filipino conflicts and tensions were constant, leaving martyrs and plenty of bloodshed. It was not until the US intervention, that the previously exiled General Aguinaldo oversaw the final Philippine Revolution, confirming independence, and became the first Filipino President in 1898. How misled the Filipino’s were though, with almost instant US colonialism casting a shadow for over thirty years. Despite allowing independence in 1935, the US still managed to contribute to the famous Manila destruction during WWII. In the post-war era, Filipino politics won no awards for stability, but recent times have seen a sense of reassurance and economic thrive.
The Filipino economy is one of the fastest growing in Asia. With increasing urbanisation and proud dynamicity, the economic climate is inviting for both business travel and serviced apartment living. Its integration into ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) has been fundamental for prosperity. Trade simplicity is enabled, whilst foreign tensions have been minimalised. In fact, trade represents 65% of the national GDP, excelling mainly in electrical, nuclear, medical exports. Attention has also been paid on supporting both the country as a whole and on a social level. The Philippine Development Plan (PDP), targeting 2017-2022, is a leading exemplar of this attitude. Its poised to achieve a sense of inclusiveness through sustainable measures.
Investment into the Philippines has been on the ascendency in the twenty-first century, hitting an all-time high in 2018. The incentives are numerous. Tax deductions and exemptions are on offer, as well as permanent residency status for investors and their family. Internal domestic consumption and a vast consumer population are also both the primary driving forces behind new-found economic success and foreign investment. Aims to increase ease of business are still underway though. The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 plans to cut red tape, lessen start-up periods and eliminate remaining corruption. Equally supportive of business investment is the range of serviced apartments serving the Philippines.
Visa policy is variable by the number of days eligible to stay. Whilst Brazilian and Israeli residents can stay visa-free in the Philippines for fifty-nine days, residents of all EU countries, the US, Australian, Canada and many more are visa exempt for thirty days. Requirements are extensive, so it is worth checking how your nationality applies to your national Filipino embassy.
With such a diverse population encompassing many different dialects and cultures, staying in the Philippines feels incomparable to anywhere else in Asia. This exclusivity is partially expressed through the climate, which can be erratic and unpredictable. Therefore, this is worth preparing for, as well as navigating a potentially hazardous or extreme terrain. Security measures are also worth being aware of in some areas. With current global tensions, security is often high in the busiest locations, so it’s best to make sure you always have identification on you.
It’s an understatement to say Filipino driving conditions are diverse. The best advice we can give is just to prepare your routes, avoid anywhere outside your comfort level, and enjoy the special benefits that driving offers! Belongs as you have your national driving license, that is deemed translatable, and other usual documentation, you can drive in the Philippines freely for ninety days. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the relatively cheap, and often negotiable, taxi travel fares. Trusting you keep your wits about you, taxi travel is a handy way to travel across the archipelagic nation. Although other major currencies are generally accepted, it is worth having plenty of the national currency to hand whilst travelling. The Philippine Peso (PHP) is as stable as ever, and for the current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.
In terms of attractions, the Philippines has so much to offer its foreign visitors. In terms of doing business in style though, the capital Manila ranks as a must go to the location. The Robinsons Place Mall is the ideal shopping experience. On offer is a diverse range of traditional clothing, food and many major international brands. Alternatively, you could visit the Divisoria Market. The bustling bazaar is home to bargains, bargains and more bargains, with a touch of Filipino flavour. Our serviced apartments grant you easy access to these destinations and other popular destinations such as the National Museum, Ocean Park, and the sixteenth century Fort Santiago fortress.
Outside the capital the attractions are endless. For amazing picturesque views and stunning greenery, the Chocolate Hills and the Batad Rice Terraces should be prioritised. The Chocolate Hills is truly a natural geological wonder, whereas the Terraces are an incredible expression of national agriculture. Exclusive to the Philippines is also the must-see Mayon Volcano. Nature walks are available for volcano-climbing amateurs, whilst the extreme enthusiasts can take on the mighty trail up near the peak. Either way, the views are extraordinary and the natural presence it possesses is a sight to behold.
Again, it should be reiterated that the Philippines has an unexplainable amount to offer. However, what you can be sure of is that our corporate accommodation makes it easier than ever to conveniently mix the benefits of business and travel.
With so many separated islands, all individually distinctive as tourist destinations, the Philippines requires a great variety of airports. However, the largest and busiest is Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), serving the country’s capital.
Handling around forty million passengers a year, with thirty functioning airlines, four terminals and two terminals, this airport is the most significant national provider of international and domestic flights. Running through the airport are several bus and taxi services, as well as a metro station, enabling travel to your serviced apartment in the Philippines.
The only running (famous) train in the Philippines runs southwards from Manila to Naga along the Luzon island. The Express is part of the only rapid transport system in the country.
This metro network is the busiest in the country, enabling easy travel across the capital. Although only having one line (MRT Line 3), the metro ideally connects passengers to other modes of public transport for relatively cheap fares.
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