The Philippines travel guide

Then, of course, there are the Filipinos themselves. It has become hackneyed to describe the Philippines as the land where Asia wears a smile, but there's no denying it's true. Filipinos are a gregarious and accommodating lot.

Graciousness and warmth seem to be built into their genes. English is widely spoken, even in the provinces, and everywhere you go you will be greeted with the honorific "ma'am" or "sir".

Filipinos are also passionate, sometimes hot-headedly so. They love food, they love life and they love romance. The Philippines is a passion play writ large and nowhere is this more evident than in the hundreds of fiestas and religious ceremonies that are held every year.

Some are flamboyant and theatrical, like the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo and the Parade of Pigs in Batangas. Others have their origins in the Scriptures and are solemn. One of the most famous religious events, and one of the most controversial, is the crucifixion of flagellants held every Easter at San Fernando in Pampanga.

Holy Week is a sacred holiday for Filipinos and tens of thousands head north from Manila to hill stations like Baguio.

There are two distinct seasons in the Philippines, the wet (southwest monsoon) and the dry (northeast monsoon). The wet season runs from May to October and the dry from November to April.

The wet season is best avoided, as the country is hit by an average of seven typhoons and affected by fifteen. These cyclonic storms are more of an inconvenience than an outright threat, with flights cancelled and roads made impassable by floodwaters, even in the capital.

November and December are the coolest months, with daytime temperatures of around 28°C, while March, April and May are very hot: expect temperatures to peak at 35°C.

Watch out for Christmas and Easter when the whole of the Philippines hits the road and getting a seat on a bus or plane can be difficult.

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