The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a giant forest raptor endemic to the Philippines. It is considered one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the world’s rarest and certainly among its most critical endangered vertebrate species. The eagle is known to be geographically restricted to the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Philippine eagles are monogamous and they bond for life. But contrary to claims that they opt to remain unpaired in the death of their mate, evidences from natural pairing techniques and data from all other raptors indicate that they take in new mates as replacement. Females reach sexual maturity at around five years and males, at seven.source:Philippineeagle.org.

The Philippines being an archipelago of 7,107 islands, offers countless destinations to see, adventures to experience and activities to do. The country is blessed with a rich environment— lush forests, tropical islands, white sand beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains— and friendly, artistic and hardworking people who are always happy to welcome visitors and friends. When you come for a visit, be sure to stay for a long time so that you can enjoy the different exciting experiences that the country has in-store for you. Click on the links below for a description of some of the activities that are waiting for you to experience. Having your holiday in the Philippines will be a guaranteed unforgettable vacation!

Outdoor Activities

The Philippines offers a wide variety of sports adventures. Different locations cater to a specific activities: play a few rounds of golf in the different golf courses around the country designed by some of the most famous golf celebrities in the world; Snorkel and interact with the “gentle giants”— the whale sharks— in Donsol, Sorsogon; Surf in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Baler, Aurora, Daet, Camarines Sur and in Catanduanes province; climb the country’s highest peak at 9,689 feet- Mt. Apo- in Davao City, Davao, trek Mt. Pinatubo or explore the Callao caves in Tuguegarao, Cagayan province; go white river rafting in Chico River or in Cagayan de Oro River; go kayaking and canoeing at the Bacuit Archipelago and at the St. Paul Subterranean Cave both in Palawan; windsurf in Lake Caliraya or in Taal Lake, kitesurf in Boracay, wakeboard in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Dive Adventures

The Philippines is Asia’s Dive Capital. If you are a diving enthusiast—amateur or professional, or someone who is looking for an underwater experience of a lifetime, then you must go to the Philippines if only for the reason that the country has the highest density of coral species in the world. Philippine seas are some of the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters in the world and home to a diverse species of aquatic resources. Amateur divers can train and get their licenses at any of the diving training centers located in diving spots Anilao, Puerto Galera and Boracay, and once done with training, they can dive side-by-side with professional divers in the country’s other must-see diving spots: the UNESCO World

Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef and the location of some of the best wreck diving sites in the world, Coron both in Palawan; Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental; Apo Reef National Park in Mindoro Occidental, the largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines which includes 285 species of fish and 197 species of corals (featured in the SHEDD Aquarium permanent Philippine reef display in Chicago, Illinois, USA) ; the Apo Island Marine Reserve & Fish Sanctuary in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands in Bohol; and Malapascua and Moalboal/Pescador Islands in Cebu.

Beach Holidays

The Philippines is a tropical country with one of the longest coastlines in Asia at 36,289 kilometres. It has numerous beaches most with fine powdery white sand and clean, clear and cool blue waters. Be sure to bask in the warm tropical sun and get the perfect tan that will be the envy of your friends back home. Top Philippine beach locations: Boracay Island, Aklan; El Nido, Palawan; Camiguin Island; Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Mindoro; Nasugbu and Lian in Batangas; Ternate in Cavite.

Nature Activities

There are a lot to see in the Philippines. The country is blessed with a beautiful environment and skilful people whose talented hands created some of the most magnificent man-made structures in the world.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banaue Rice Terraces; The well-preserved Spanish-style architecture in the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; The Baroque-style Philippine World Heritage site churches: the San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

The smallest active volcano in the world Taal Volcano in Batangas; the volcano with the most perfect cone, Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay; the unique land formation that is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Marvel at the endemic Philippine fauna: Tamaraw, Tarsier, Phillipine Eagle.

Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world’s number one tropical beach. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

White Beach in Boracay island was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956. Formerly undiscovered, it wasn’t till the 1970s that tourism began to develop in Boracay and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s.

It was only in the 70s when, it is said, a foreign movie crew accidentally “discovered” this island paradise. Others maintain that it was the German traveler, ‘Jens Peters’ book, which included rave reviews of Boracay that changed the island’s pace from that of being a quiet secret to eventually being voted as having the best beach in the world.

Whichever story is true, it was around this time that Boracay Island slowly ceased to be a private travelers hangout and eventually became one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines

Boracay Island is located off the northwest corner of Panay Island, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region VI, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.

South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port

serves as Boracay’s main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.

Boracay’s two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island’s narrow central area. White Beach faces westward and Bulabog Beach faces eastward. The island also has several other beaches.

White Beach is the main tourism beach. It is about four kilometers long and is lined with resorts, hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. In the central portion, for about two kilometers, there is a footpath known as the Beachfront Path separating the beach itself from the establishments located along it. North and south of the Beachfront Path, beachfront establishments do literally front along the beach itself. Several roads and paths connect the Beachfront Path with Boracay’s Main Road, a vehicular road which runs the length of the island. At the extreme northern end of White Beach, a footpath runs around the headland there and connects White Beach with Diniwid Beach.

Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach, is a secondary tourism beach and Boracay’s main windsurfing and kite boarding area.

Daytime temperatures on Boracay generally range from 77-90°F (25-32°C) from the beginning of the Amihan season into February or March, and increase to the 82-100°F(28-38°C) range with the onset of the Habagat season.During Tropical Storm periods, temperatures can fall below 68°F (20°C). Tropical Storms can impact Boracay at any time of year, but are most likely to be seen during the Habagat season is characterized by moderate temperatures, little or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the east. The Habagat season is characterized by hot and humid weather, frequent heavy rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the west.

Of course, you’ll need some relaxation time after the efforts of the day, and Boracay offers a massive variety of entertainment: from quiet beach

bars with ambient chill out tunes, live music, busy bars and a couple of beach nightclubs. There is truly something for most on Boracay. Popular spots are the cocktail hours at Nigi’s for sundowners, after dinner Hey Judes serves up some ambient chill and house sounds and the ever popular Summer Place plays it’s own mix from midnight onwards. Cocomangas is an alternative spot with Hip Hop and R&B most nights. Near Angol Point go chill

out true Boracay style at the Red Pirates Bar, there is no more chilled on the island than this secluded hideaway.

Windsurfing

Before kitesurfing came to the island, Boracay was already famous for windsurfing. Again the flat water and shallow conditions make windsurfing a joy. We can arrange windsurfing rentals and tuition at around $12 per hour. Or for proficient windsurfers there’s a range of new boards and Gaastra sails.

Diving

If you are fed up of staying on top of the water why not try getting into it? Boracay is surrounded by many great dive sites and our partners Calypso Diving are the region’s leaders in offering

fun dives and courses for all standards. Fun dives start from around $24.

Wakeboarding / Waterski / Banana boats / Flying fish rides

Get in some practicing, with the wakeboard boats which operate from White Beach (it’ll help your kitesurfing too!). Or just enjoy the ride, holding

onto one of many types of craft behind a speedboat.

Mountain BikingThe island is a great place to explore, and the best way to do it is by mountain bike. Find deserted beaches, and see life carry on as it always has in the small fishing villages. Bikes can be rented by the hour from many places on White Beach Sailing

Sunsets here are beautiful, and what better way to really enjoy them, than by sailing ‘paraw’. A sunset cruise is a perfect way to end a perfect day.

You can contact Ocean Republic about any of the lesson packages please send an email to info@ocean–republic.com or visit the site at www.ocean-republic.com

Eat, Drink & Be MerryAfter you’ve finished with the day’s activities, go to one of these beach front restaurants–bars to watch the glorious sunset while having your dinner.

Afterwards, enjoy the entertainment. Go early and save on drinks with their happy hour specials.The nightlife scene in Boracay is limited only by your imagination. The clubs are very informal, so dress as you like.

Most of the nightspots require you to be dressed only in beachwear, but with others anything goes as long as you’re dressed decently!

Depending on your preference, you can choose from loud disco music to hip hop dancing or R&B (Rhythm and blues).

There’s live music in some nightspots, but most of the bars just play popular DVD selections.

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometers (280 mi) long, and 50 kilometers (31 mi) wide.

Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.

Palawan’s almost 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline are dotted with roughly 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet (1,100 m) in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 6,843 feet (2,086 m)[4] at Mount Mantalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.

When is the best time to go to Palawan?

The dry season is from October to May with temperatures above 30 degrees centigrade and rain is rare.

How do we get there?

Palawan is one of the most accessible destinations in the Philippines. From the capital Manila, various airlines offer daily domestic flights and shipping companies have regular boat trips of at least 3 times a week. It is also possible to set out from either Cebu or Iloilo, two of the major cities in the Visayas, the central part of the country.

A number of travel agencies and the hotels/resorts in Palawan also offer various tour packages that cover both the travel and lodging arrangements.

What activities and adventures does Palawan offer?

Name it and Palawan is most likely to have it–historical sights, cultural experiences, wonderful beaches, eco-tourism spots for diving, snorkeling, trekking or just simple nature-tripping.

What safety/security concerns should we consider when in Pala-wan?

Palawan has one of the lowest crime rates in the country and visitors can expect the warm hospitality that Filipinos are known for.

What health measures should we take before going and while in Pala-wan?

Unless you are going on a trek to some of the more remote mountains and forests in the province, the threat of diseases such as malaria are not widespread. Nonetheless, travelers are advised to take the necessary situations, the hospitals and health centers in Palawan are also prepared to extend assistance. Under the new generation of Hospitals and Clinics of Palawan Programme, the provincial government completed the Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital in Brooke’s Point and the construction of the North Provincial Hospital in Taytay is ongoing. The plan includes the establishment of a new medical center in Puerto Princesa City with provisions for medical tourism.

Experience the tabuanA feature shared by the southern municipalities of Palawan is the tabuan, or market day, which in Aborlan town falls on a Sunday. Agricultural produce, local rattan, bamboo, and batad flower handicrafts are brought into town from the outlying communities, and give an insight into local culture and economic life.

Nature Tripping

Palawan offers some of the best eco – tourism destinations in the country and there are plenty of choices on how you can enjoy nature, among these are snorkeling, trekking, bird watching, kayaking, mountain climbing and island hopping.

Santa Isabel FortBuilt in 1667 at the northern coastal tip of Taytay under the Augustinian Recollect Fathers and used a military station. The fort’s small chapel and cannon are still intact.

Cuyo FortFrom the sea, Cuyo Island’s first visible landmark is a lighthouse by the pier. Many of the streets leading to the town have already been cemented but the town has preserved the hispanic plaza-iglesia structures. Dominating the town center is Cuyo’s 1860 church, convent, and fort. Nearby stands a schoolhouse, and a monument of national hero Jose Rizal. The original complex of stone and mortar was a square with four bastions.

The present complex, which occupies 1 ha, is a solid rectangular edifice with walls 10 m high and 2 m thick. It has a tall belfry and watchtowers; its canons which face the sea are now fired only during town celebrations.

Tabon Caves ComplexThe Tabon Cave Complex in Lipuun Point, Quezon, tagged as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization, stands as an important archaeological evidence of prehistoric society in the Philippines. Artifacts found there, like the Manununggul jar, give a glimpse of the early inhabitants’ beliefs and way of life.

Cagayancillo IslandsThere is a fort built during the Spanish period just in front of the town proper, a lighthouse in Manukan Island, and the Catholic church, another Spanish contribution are just among the few spots to behold.

Port Miller & Light House TowerPort Miller is actually a huge water tank made of cement which serves as a source of potable water for the communities in Brooke’s Point and the original Light House Tower was constructed by Sir James Brooke.

Melville Light HouseLocated in the island municipality of Balabac, this century-old light house is still in use today.

Culion FortConstructed in 1740 by the Recollect

Augustinian. It is managed by the Jesuits Order of Culion.

Culion MuseumLocated at the building adjacent to the Culion Sanitarium General Hospital, the museum houses records, photos and hospital equipment used at the former Culion Sanitarium. Among the interesting items on exhibit are a big logbook containing the roster of patients of the Sanitarium and the currency that was in circulation when the place was still known as Culion Leper Colony Reservation.

3Calauit IslandThe Calauit Island in Busuanga, a declared game preserve and wildlife sanctuary, was set up in the late 1970s as the Philippine government’s response to the international community’s call to help save the diminishing African animal population, particularly in Kenya. Animals such as giraffes, zebras and impalas co-exist with endemic Philippine animals like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock pheasant. Thru Executive Order No. 722 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on December 12, 2008, the management of Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga was transferred from Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to the Provincial Government of Palawan on March 23, 2009 and its name was changed to Calauit Safari Park. El Nido From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches

with crystal clear water, many refer to it as paradise. There are over 50 beaches to discover, so many in fact that sometimes you feel as if you are on your own secluded private beach. You will also find enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River) and World Heritage Site Formerly St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, it is a deep cavern beneath the rugged limestone and marble cliffs of Mt. Saint Paul where an 8-kilometer underground river flows, the special feature of the park. It is known as one of the world’s wonders. Outside the river’s mouth is a beautiful lagoon that teems with fish. The park is inhabited by a variety of exotic animals like the macaque monkeys, monitor lizards (bayawak) and snakes.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Con-servation Center (formerly Croco-dile Farming Institute and Nature Park)A farming institute aimed at conserving endangered species of crocodile and developing a suitable crocodile farming technology. It also maintains a wildlife rescue center, an ecological park and a training center

For more information you can visit www..palawan.gov.ph

Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands.[1] Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of 4,117.3 square kilometers (1,589.7 sq mi) and a coastline 261 kilometers (162 mi) long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

The province is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts.The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is famous for its diving locations and routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Numerous tourist resorts dot the southern beaches and cater to divers from around the world. The Philippine Tarsier, considered the second smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.

Boholanos refer to their island homeland as the “Republic of Bohol” with both conviction and pride. A narrow strait separates the island of Cebu and Bohol and both share a common language, but the Boholanos retain a conscious distinction from the Cebuanos. Bohol’s climate is generally dry, with maximum rainfall between the months of June and October. The interior is cooler than the coast

Hills dominate the island of Bohol. Two ranges run roughly parallel on the northwest and the southeast. An interior plateau is dominated by limestone hills. In Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, these hills form near perfect cones in great numbers and are collectively referred to as the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol are considered one of Philippine’s natural wonders and Bohol is often referred to as the Jewel of the Philippines. They are hills made of limestone left over from coral reefs during the ice age when the island was submerged. They turn brown during the summer, hence their name.

White sandy beaches dot the coast of the island. The sand is often of such high quality that it is exported to other beaches in the world. The most well known of these beaches are in Panglao Island, and there, numerous islets have similar, yet untouched and pristine beaches.

There are four main rivers that run through Bohol with Loboc River being the most famous for its river cruises, running from the center of the island to the southeastern coast. The largest, Inabanga River, runs in the northwestern part of the province. The Abatan River in the southwest, and Ipil river in the north.

Numerous waterfalls and caves are scattered across the island, including the beautiful

Mag-Aso falls in Antequera. Mag-Aso means smoke in the native tongue. The water is cool and often creates a mist in humid mornings which can hide the falls.

The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is very peculiar small animal. In fact it is one of the smallest known primates, no larger than a adult men’s hand. Mostly active at night, it lives on a diet of insects. Folk traditions sometimes has it that tarsiers eat charcoal, but actually they retrieve the insects from (sometimes burned) wood. It can be found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the Philippines.

The Philippine tarsier is a tiny animal, measuring about 85 to 160 millimetres (3.35 to 6.30 in) in height makes this one of the smallest primates. The small size makes it difficult to spot. The mass for males is between 80 and 160 grams, usually lighter for females. The average adult is about the size of a human fist and will fit very comfortably in the human hand. Like all tarsiers, the Philippine tarsier’s eyes are fixed in its skull; they cannot turn in their sockets. Instead, a special adaptation in the neck allows its round head to be rotated 180 degrees. The large membranous ears are mobile, appearing to be almost constantly moving, allowing the tarsier to hear any movement. It has uniquely large eyes, the largest eyes on any mammal in proportion to its body size.

These huge eyes provide this nocturnal animal with excellent night vision.

“The world’s smallest monkey” is an often heard slogan. However, it is not a monkey. In truth, it’s classification is somewhat problematic. Some scientists consider tarsiers to be a taxonomic suborder among the primates. While, because they are closely related to lemurs, lorises and bushbabies, others classify them with the prosimians to which these animals belong. Monkeys and apes belong to the suborder of anthropoids.

One way or the other, it is incredibly cute little animal and for me it will always be animal incaration of Jedi Yoda from the Star Wars.

Medical Tourism Philippines (MTP) welcomes tourists from all over the world to visit the Philippines for their medical and leisure needs. The most common procedures are cosmetic and plastic surgery, dermatology, weight loss surgery, ophthalmology, and dentistry.

The Philippines has been growing as a tourist destination of choice for health and vacation because of our world class physicians, modern technology, and our uniquely Filipino brand of caring and compassion at great values for money at a fraction of the cost in developed countries. We are home to some of the best hospitals and stand alone Specialty clinics in the world, offering world-class expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and the distinct warmth of the Filipino hospitality. We also have some of the world’s best spa retreat resorts and tour destinations in this part of the earth. More information available at www.health-tourism.com/philippines

MEDICAL TOURISM

Healthcare System in the PhilippinesSince 2006, a bill was passed in the Philippine Congress creating the Medical Tourism Bureau prompting the nation to start promoting health tourism. The first few years proved successful catapulting the Philippines among the list of choice destinations in the industry. Health travelers to the country find this rightly so as they are services by highly competent, English speaking and Western trained medical staff in over 2,000 hospitals in the country.

Philippine health professionals are products of more than 313 health education institutions, and 60% to 80% of whom would eventually work or train abroad and get international medical diplomas. In fact, the Filipinos constitute the second largest group of foreign students that graduated in the medical field from US institutions. Several of these professionals who return home to practice their profession would bring back the latest in technologies, techniques, and expertise and build their own world-class medical practice.

In the Philippines, dentistry students need to undergo 4 years preparatory and 2 years dentistry proper. After passing the dentistry board, it would take them another one or two year’s specialization study. For physicians, a student would undergo 4 to 5 years pre-med study, another 4 years of medicine proper and 1 year internship before they can take the medical board exams administered by the Philippines Board of Medicine, which is a special branch of the PRC or the Professional Regulation Commission.

After passing, the physician can now be called General Practitioner, but it would take him more years of medical graduate study if he wants to pursue medical specialization – 4 years for most specialized fields and up to 8 years for surgical

related specializations like neurosurgery, cosmetic surgeries, etc. The Philippine Medical Association supervises and monitors the practice of medical doctors of all fields, although there are also separate medical associations that are grouped according to the area of specialization.

Hospitals in the Philippines undergo periodic accreditation from the Philippines Department of Health. Some of these medical institutions have international accreditation from the Joint Commissions International (JCI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Privately–owned hospitals located in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila offer the best in medical facilities and luxurious five star accommodations that are equal to western hospitals and are catering to medical tourists.

There is big disparity however between private or corporate health facilities as compared to the public health system, which usually does not offer the same quality that patients get from private institutions. For medical tourists, it is advisable to avail of the medical tourism packages offered by private hospitals and health facilities if they want to get the best health care services available.

Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in the Philippines

Philippine Heart Center– Quezon City • Established in 1975, the Philippine Heart Center is regarded as the one of the most active cardiac care, treatment and surgery center in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in 2.7 hectare facility with two hospital and medical arts building, the institution offers

various cardiac, cardio-pulmonary and cardiovascular procedures for both local and international patients.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center • Muntinlupa City. Established only in 2002, the Asian Hospital is the first major private health facility in the south of Metro Manila and was already awarded as the Most Outstanding Modern Hospital in 2005. It offers world – class treatments and facilities catering to both local and international patients seeking various health services including Cardiology, Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology, Executive Health Screening, Oncology, General Surgery and Urology among others.

St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City / • Fort Bonifacio Global City. The second JCI accredited health facility in the Philippines, St. Luke’s Medical Center is the premiere health center in the Philippines that offers 21st century medical facilities and services using the most advanced technologies. Established in 1903, the hospital has 9 institutes, 13 departments and a total of 19 health centers offering various medical treatments and procedures catering to both local and international clientele.

Manila Doctors Hospital – Ermita, Manila • Established in 1956, this ISO – certified health facility is a private tertiary hospital that offers various health and medical services catering to local and international patients including Industrial Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Special Diagnostics, Laborator.

Common Treatments Done by Medical Tourists in the Philippines

The following procedures are more common among non Filipino medical tourists:

Aesthetic procedures• Cosmetic surgery• Dentistry• Dermatology• Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology• Fertility Treatment• General Surgery•

Hair Transplantation• Rehabilitation• Weight Loss Surgery• Stem Cell Therapy•

Malpractice and Liabilities Laws in the Philippines

In the Philippines, there are adequate provisions in the Philippine Revised Penal Code for medical malpractice that would protect patients against medical negligence and incompetence from erring or criminal physicians. On top of this, the Republic Act #9173 or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 has also been passed by Congress to guarantee the delivery of basic health services through adequate and competent nursing personnel in the country.

Significant awards have been awarded to victims of confirmed medical malpractice cases as well as fines meted by the Department of Health on erring physicians. However, according to the Philippine Medical Association in a Medical Malpractice Workshop conducted in 2005, such medical malpractice incidence account only for a mere 0.00003% of the total number of attended patients.

Statistics for Medical Tourism in the Philippines

There were approximately 250,000 non – resident patients (foreign nationals and Filipino expats) who traveled to the Philippines for various medical services in 2006, and it has been approximated that at least 100,000 foreign patients visit the country each year for medical care. This has grown extensively each year and in the first quarter of 2009, approximately 200,000 medical tourists have been documented to visit the Philippines for medical care, with figures expected to reach 600,000 by the end of the year.

The vast Filipino Diaspora who settled overseas come back to the Philippines not only for family visits or vacations but also to undergo minor medical, dental and other health procedures not covered by their medical insurance in their countries of origin. In 2007 alone 180,000 Filipino expatriates visited the country for such purposes and this is expected to grow in the coming years.

Dental Tourismof setting appointments for treatments. Setting up dental appointment in Europe is sometimes hard to achieve. In the Philippines , most dentists provide contact numbers that are always manned by assistants. This casts out the impossibility of setting up a dental appointment in the country. Dental Tourism is also actively supported by the government thus foreigners can expect the best dental holiday on their visit here since local tourist guide are well trained to guide foreigners on their trips and are very familiar with the scenic places like Baguio, Boaracay, Cebu, Davao, Tagaytay and other beatiful tourist spots.

Dental Treatment in the Philippines

The dental treatments in the Philippines have been accepted worldwide because of its availability and affordability. In contrast to the cost of dental services abroad, Philippine Dentists is known to provide cost-efficient dental services without reducing the quality. Additionally, the lower cost of education made it possible for the country to produce several Filipino Dentists every year. The availability of many Philippine Dentist proves to be favorable to those who are having a hard time setting up appointments for dental treatments. Aside from dental treatments in the country, taking up Dentistry in the Philippines have been popular for quite some time. Many international students have been studying in the Philippines . Recently, Iran had been interested in investing in the country and Iranian students are now flocking to the country to study. There is an estimation of 1,000 Iranian students currently studying in the country and most of them are studying Dentistry. The reason for this sudden influx of international students is the ability of Filipinos to be proficient in English. This skill is very useful for Filipino Dentists and foreign customers alike.

The Philippines is probably one of the most exciting place to visit, not only because of its scenic and historical places but also the warmth of Filipino people whom you’ll be meeting in your visit. Usually, people from first-world countries travel to Asia, specifically to the Philippines in order to take advantage of the affordable if not cheap prices of service and tour packages including dental treatment. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for dental treatment, there are a variety of options now open that will provide more results and satisfaction at only a fraction of the cost as what they would be spending elsewhere. Dentists in the Philippines are generally of a world class standard with Filipino dentists undergoing years of training and often undergoing further dental education abroad. Many Filipino Dentists have been acknowledged by both foreign and local patients due to the combination of their expertise and hospitality in providing quality dental services. Dentists in the Philippines are becoming more adept in their profession with the availability of modern equipments and new techniques. They are continuously harnessing the ability to incorporate new dental techniques from outside the country and integrate them with their local practice.

Filipino Dentists in the Philippines

Dentists in the Philippines have been practicing Dental Tourism for several years. Foreigners are now seeking Pinoy Dentist colloquial term for Filipino dentist for their dental problems mainly because of Philippine Dentists’ high competency. Recently, there have been more dentists retiring than newly graduates in the United States . Medicine courses have been popular in the country and in turn produce several new dentists almost every year. Another reason why foreigners travel to the Philippines to look for dental services is the easiness

THE PHILIPPINES: A Heart A–Bloom with Healing and Wellness

Filipinos are nurturers of life, and their caring touch restores one’s hope and vitality. Health and Wellness in the Philippines is one of purity and unity of purpose among Filipino health and wellness providers. Medical travelers and all seekers of health and wellness have the option to come over to the Philippines and seek true well-being. The Philippines is the Center and Source. Health and Well-being begin right here, in the Philippines: The Heart of Asia.

The availability of evidence–based, customized, and optimized executive checkup packages that are designed for the unique health history, habits, and situations of every individual is what makes The Medical City’s Wellness Center more effective, less time-consuming and less expensive. Now patients no longer need to undergo every medical test regardless of their specific need.

Outside of hospitals, the surge for the provision of services to improve quality of life is found in upscale hotels and resorts. Calm, therapeutic and relaxing, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Manila offers personal spa journeys in the four treatment rooms designed for different character needs. Over at the Peninsula Spa, the setting is aligned for rejuvenation. A refreshing dip in the pool, an hour of relaxing Thai massage or a detoxifying sauna bath are all made available with special touches for the client.

Chi-Spa at EDSA Shangri–La Hotel allows one to enjoy the luxury of the largest spa suites in Manila complete with sunken spa tub, spacious relaxation area, herbal steam room and showers. With a lush tropical setting, Chi embraces a holistic philosophy for restoration of balance and harmony to mind and body.

Aside from breathtaking views and crystal blue waters, the Philippines’ top beach resorts also have exciting spa services to present. Cebu’s Plantation Bay rewards

healing & wellness

visitors with Moogambo Springs, a health and relaxation spa constructed with its own waterfalls, creek and fog-like mist, enough to send you off to sweet paradise

Nurture Spa in Tagaytay City is a destination spa set in a tropical garden amidst coffee tree orchards and pineapple plantations. It offers a range of Filipino and international standard spa treatments using primarily natural ingredients and botanicals. Also in Tagaytay City, tucked in the mountains with a view of Taal Volcano, is Le Petit Paradis, with worldclass accommodations, a relaxing spa and a team of professionals. With vitalizing spa experiences like these, the sense of having a more complete connection with inner selves now becomes more pronounced, giving visitors the much-deserved pampered and cared for feeling.

Another way of seeking renewed health includes a trip to The Farm at San Benito. Located in Lipa City, Batangas, The Farm at San Benito is a private sanctuary that offers everything from medical therapies

and spa treatments, to spiritual development activities. Also called the Hippocrates Health Resort of Asia, The Farm at San Benito is an excellent venue to begin the healthy lifestyle people aspire for.

The Farm at San Benito’s warm and welcoming staff is ready to assist visitors through the offering of optimum health supporting diet, and through a series of detoxifications: physical, mental and spiritual. Guided by their belief that true nutrition comes from “living” food, their Vegan Restaurant, headed by world-class chef Felix Schoener, serves food that are almost completely uncooked to maintain the enzymes in food that are necessary for every function of the body.

Professionals behind wellness services in the Philippines are continuing to raise the bar and visitors are finding amazing touches that not only delight the senses but reach their inner core that seeks to be nourished by essential care.

healing & wellness

The Philippines, specifically Manila , is known for some of the great shopping in all of Asia. In fact, it is known as Asia’s ‘mall capital.’ With a mall or shopping area on every two blocks or so, it’s no wonder that the Philippines has earned such a notable title when it comes to retail. Whether you’re shopping for native goods and souvenirs or local designer fare, Manila is definitely the place to shop ‘til you drop.

Mall of Asia

Located on Roxas Boulevard, one of the busiest streets in Manila, this mall attracts millions of visitors each year. It is the second largest mall in Manila and attracts roughly 200,000 people daily. The Philippines has tropical weather and locals tend to flock to the malls for air-conditioning more than the shopping itself so expect to find these places packed with foot traffic. This mall contains numerous local stores including the chain Shoe Mart (SM) department store where one can find almost anything from house wares to clothing. Also housed in this mall are Western designer stores such as The Gap and Banana Republic. Aside from the shopping itself, the Mall of Asia offers many other entertainment options such as several movie theaters, an ice skating rink, and even a science center.

Greenbelt 4 & 5

Found on Ayala Centre and Bonifacio High Street are two buildings known as Greenbelt 4 & 5. These buildings contain the well-known high-end designer shops such as Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Armani. Though the goods may be expensive, it is a gorgeous place to visit as it is most definitely a world-class mall from the inside out.

Divisoria

The opposite end of the Greenbelt buildings is known as Divisoria. No stop to Manila is complete without hitting up the streets to engage

in some haggling and bargain hunting in a typical Philippine outdoor market. Divisoria is the largest of these outdoor markets. Here you can find pretty much anything you may typically find a department store. Furthermore, you can buy in bulk and bargain with the vendors. Located close to Divisoria is ‘168 Mall.’ This offers the same kind of shopping experience with the luxury of being in an air-conditioned space. Beware of pickpockets in both places. With the spaces being so tight and a plethora of people, it’s bound to happen.

Greenhills Shopping Mall

This mall fuses together the idea of ‘Divisoria’ and upscale shops. Here you can find bargain items in bulk as well as local brand name items. A whole floor in this mall is dedicated to mobile phones while another to computer hardware.

Tiendesitas

Located at the edge of Ortigas, Tiendesitas has some of the country’s finest local handicrafts, souvenirs, and furniture. They also sell local agricultural products. They offer various items coming from all provinces of the Philippines.

Shangri La Plaza MallAn upscale shopping mall (the name says it all) that encompasses three shopping havens – Marks & Spencer, Ruston’s Tower and Crossings. Packed with world-class brands such as Armani and Cerruti, this is the place to head if you want to kit yourself out in the latest fashions. Featuring great eateries and entertainment options, the mall is easily accessed via MRT.

What to buy?The Philippines is an excellent destination for anyone interested in picking up elaborate handicrafts, home-furnishings, jewelry, embroidery and baskets. In buying traditional crafts such as silks and carvings, tourists are

invariably helping to support a still-growing and fragile economy. There is no doubt that Manila is the place to go for serious shopping. This is a shopping capital, with many air-conditioned, brand-heavy, ultra-modern malls. If you’re looking to buy something a bit more indigenous then the various markets around Manila and on the other islands are laden with handmade, high-quality goods.

Away from Luzon Island and Cebu there is more of a market culture. Although shopping malls can be found across the country, markets tend to draw bigger rural crowds. With any travel experience a trip to the local market should always be a priority if you hope to get better acquainted with the culture and pick up some bargains. You will also find that most traders have a good command of English so negotiating a cheaper price is always a possibility.

Basketry

These baskets are made from a range of natural fibers like bamboo, rattan, nipa and various palms. Demonstrating unique craftsmanship represented through their varying regional designs, the basket industry does well here and goods are widely exported.

Appreciated for both their aesthetic and functional appeal, these baskets also come in a whole range of sizes, making for great gifts and can be found around tourist sites and most markets.

Mats

Usually a colourful combination of woven pandan leaves, often used as adornment in hotels and

Filipino homes. The mats found in Luzon are mostly natural-colored pandan mats, while those from Leyte and Samar in the Visayas sport more elaborate designs.

The mats from Basilan and Sulu are geometrically designed, which make

for an interesting finished product. Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga are the places to visit for these inexpensive pieces of folk art.

Embroidery

The barong tagalog comes in many different versions, from the formal expensive type to the short-sleeved version often worn

by tourists. You can pick the translucent pineapple fibre called piqa as material

with the finest hand-embroidery or the cheaper ramie with machine embroidery. There is a wide selection of embroidered clothes for women such as the barong dress, shaped

like the barong tagalog but longer, the embroidered kaftans and jelabas

with scarves, bags, and handkerchiefs to match.

Jewelry in Philippines

The two most common types of jewelry found in the Philippines are shell and silver, which it has traded for centuries. Mother-of-pearl is probably the most popular, followed

by coral and tortoise shells that are increasing in popularity as well.In spite

of that, tourists are discouraged from buying items made from coral and tortoise

shells as this industry is slowly destroying the coral reefs and subsequently the surrounding habitats.

The best silver jewelry is found in Baguio, where training the from St. Louis University has

produced skilled students to preserve the fine craftsmanship of creating jewelry.

Woodcarving in Philippines

Woodcarving is another must–buy item when visiting the Philippines. High–quality woodcarving produced by the Ifugao people can be found in North Luzon’s Ifugao Province.

Religious carvings and the animal totems from Palawan are some of the woodcarving items that are available in Ermita’s tourist area.

Philippines Antiques

Since the Philippines were on the Chinese trading routes, it is hardly surprising that quite an amount of porcelain can be found in shops around Manila.

However, if you’re planning to purchase any antiques, do be careful with what you’re buying

and make sure items are certified.

Interesting santos (statues of saints) are also available in the antique shops at Ermita and Makati as well as other smaller shops in the older towns such as Vigan in Ilocos.

Brassware

Brassware is a specialty in Mindanao (Lanao Del Sur) as the first smiths of the Philippines were recorded here. Today, they continue to manufacture jewellery boxes, gongs, bed frames, betel nut boxes and canon replicas. Like antiques, tourists are advised to be careful when purchasing brassware. The shops selling these articles also sell ceremonial canopies embroidered and sequined for royal Muslim weddings and feasts.

Barong Tagalog

The Barong Tagalog exhibits the loose, long lines of its Chinese sources, the airy tropical appearance of Indo-Malay costume, the elongated effect of Hindu dressing, and the ornamental restraint of European men’s clothing.

The barong appears to have retained its essential look since it was first worn. Through the years, almost imperceptibly, the barong’s round neck, straight long sleeves and mid-thigh hemline were ingeniously modified with collar, cuffs and side slits.

Connoisseurs of historical details say that during the Spanish era, the rulers required that the baro of the indio be made of flimsy material so that he could not conceal weapons on his person.Supposedly, the indio was also prohibited from tucking in his shirt, to designate his low rank and to tell him apart from the mestizaje and insulares.

In a lighter vein, some speculate that the indio’s baro did not have pockets because he was poor and did not have money to put in them anyway.

Such details of costume history may well be apocryphal- if we consider that the fabric of the barong were traditionally either abaka, pina or jusi. And these fabrics were naturally sheer, flimsy and semi-transparent, with a stiffness that discourages tucking, and a fineness that would sag with sewn pockets.

However lowly or lofty its heritage may be, the barong Tagalog became the consummate Filipino costume for men, worn by statesmen, tycoons and artists in all events of importance. To seal its national stature, the barong Tagalog is the official wear of the President of the Philippines.

BUSINESS TOURISM

Keep it simple. How might this observation be applied to BPO? Perhaps, most plainly, by knowing that the single most critical aspect of successful BPO is people. People are the essence of BPO, not (essential though they may be) the computers and communications lines that help connect it all together – nor the myriad of acronyms that abound in the BPO industry these days. As a service provider, the people who work for you and for your clients will dictate your success as an organization. In a service business such as BPO, this is critical. BPO is fundamentally a “people business” – where geography and culture are the key – and technology is an enabler. But if you don’t get the “people” part right, the rest is academic. And it is this acute relevance of the “people Keep it simple. How might this observation be applied to BPO? Perhaps, most plainly, by knowing that the single most critical aspect of successful BPO is people. People are the essence of BPO, not (essential though they may be) the computers and communications lines that help connect it all together – nor the myriad of acronyms that abound in the BPO industry these days. As a service provider, the people who work for you and for your clients will dictate your success as an organization. In a service business such as BPO, this is critical. BPO is fundamentally a “people business” – where geography and culture are the key – and technology is an enabler. But if you don’t get the “people” part right, the rest is academic. And it is this acute relevance of the “people factor” that highlights the clear, current, and future leadership role of the Philippines in the global BPO sector – especially as the BPO sector grows and moves toward more complex outsourcing.

Says Jan Trevalyan, founder and president of the DDC Group, “Especially when working on more

complex BPO engagements, we have found there to be a much greater cultural disposition toward problem-solving and quality control in the Philippines – which translates to significantly better results for our clients.” Trevalyan has overseen the growth of the DDC organization from its inception to the present day. There are now over 3500 staff in the Philippines – heady growth since those early days in 1989.

India’s well-publicized economic rise and apparent disposition for BPO, combined with past political issues in the Philippines, have perhaps overshadowed the Philippines’ undeniable business potential as a global BPO center. However, its true potential is now fast-emerging – this being fueled by major government support and investment in infrastructure improvements such as the new airport and the so-called CyberCorridor. These are major investments with world-leading growth and success in mind. The vision for growth is attractive – and results are already in evidence. The strategic importance of this activity is clearly understood by none other than the Philippines’ president herself.

Reflecting on the sheer scale of the undertaking, President Gloria Arroyo noted, “Our cyber services corridor actually stretches 600 miles from Baguio in Northern Luzon to Zamboanga in Mindanao. It’s served by a $10 billion high-bond with Profiber backbone and digital network and it’s home to 75,000 call centers and BPO agents, who all speak English and many of whom speak Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, or Arabic. And all of whom provide cyber services at par with global standards.”

But technology aside, the key differentiator of the Philippines (most commentators would still say) lies in the people themselves and a cultural predisposition for service provision and customer

From 1989 to the Present: A Story of BPO in the Philippines

care that is now sorely lacking in many western markets. And this bodes well for the growth of the industry there in a way that will also benefit the population of the Philippines.

It is clear that our strategy, investment, and commitment to the Philippines have proven well-founded. And, the essence of our success lies in the caliber of our staff and management in the Philippines,” says Brett Trevalyan, DDC group financial director and head of the U.K. business.

Johnny Filart of Hanson Advisors, based in the Philippines, agrees. “The Philippines has the unique advantage of having Filipinos deeply embracing a ‘service–oriented culture,” he says. “This is evidenced by the fact that it has over ten million Filipinos working overseas as seamen, nurses, teachers, domestic workers, etc. Now comes BPO. Whether in voice process outsourcing such as inbound/outbound call centers or in non–voice services such as medical transcription, architecture and engineering, animation, accounting, data encoding and processing, etc. Inherent to the Filipino people is our ability to serve multiple types of culture in an excellent way. It is always our aim to please!”

Driven by business opportunity – and by increasing competition for decreasing margins for less complex volume work – providers in the BPO sector are moving quickly toward the transfer of more complex work offshore. Whereas much early offshoring was primarily data entry, the range of solutions now offered is far broader and deeper. First- and second-tier customer support functions have vast growth potential. But perhaps greatest yet is “knowledge processing” or “KPO.” Service providers that can organize, package, and deliver access to information itself are critical to consumer demand

in the West. In western consumer markets, there is a clear demand for “on tap” information. Just consider how much reliance the typical western consumer places on search engine technology now. This bodes well for the Philippines where there is a natural disposition for supporting complex services where thought, expertise, and experience are required versus purely rote processing.

“In complex or particularly data-sensitive BPO scenarios, we’ve focused on the Philippines, given [the] consistently high education standards and markedly lower rates of turnover among staff versus other locations. We place heavy emphasis on sound management and good employment practices to encourage staff well-being, long-term loyalty, and tenure,” says Peter Holland, North American operations director for DDC HRO – the human capital and human resource BPO business of the DDC Group. PhiliPPines Quick Facts Language: The two official languages are English and Filipino. Schools teach in English, based upon the U.S. education system. Literacy rate: 95.9 percent of the total population. The literacy rate is one of the highest in the world, certainly when compared to others in the Far East and other developing nations (e.g., India’s is 52 percent; Mexico’s is 89.8 percent). (Figures compiled by the World Bank 1998.) Sector Growth: According to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), ICT–related services have created around 41,000 new jobs in the Philippines in the first nine months of 2005. The figure is around 95 percent of the total employment opportunities generated in the ICT sector in 2005. it is this acute relevance of the “people factor” that highlights the clear, current and future leadership role of the Philippines in the global BPO sector.

It is the acute relevance of the ‘people factor’ that highlights the clear current and future leadership role of the Philippines in BPO sector

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