Local Insights
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Manila is proud of its rich history as a melting pot of different races, including early influences of the Spaniards in the 16th century and the American and Japanese during the Second World War. The city today is an endearing blend of the old and new. Beaming with the famously warm Filipino hospitality, it offers many attractive places that appeal to both national and international visitors alike.
Getting There
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the main gateway to Manila and the rest of the country, boasts 3 major terminals with frequent links to Asia and the rest of the world. Some economy carriers use the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, located at the former US air base in Angeles, Pampanga, about an hour's drive north of Manila. The Mactan International Airport in Cebu also serves as a gateway to other countries and is an hour away by air from the NAIA. Direct flights from Hong Kong and other Asian Cities are also offered by this airport.
The Philippine capital is also a busy ferry port, with regular services to major international destinations. The RORO (Roll-On Roll-Off) offers an efficient way to travel to the rest of the archipelago via land routes.
Weather
Manila is generally hot and dry from March to June while the rainy season usually starts in July and lasts until October. The months of November to February are pleasantly cool. Light casual clothing is recommended for daily wear and a Barong Tagalog or coat and tie for business and formal functions.
Important Numbers
| Ambulance | 16911 or (63) 2 727 9999 |
| Fire | 757 or 116 |
| Police | 117; (63) 2 723 0401-20 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | (63) 2 524 1660 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Jeepney |
Bus |
LRT | |
| Hotlines | Taxis are air-conditioned. Cabs cluster round mainstream hotels and malls. There are taxi companies you can call to fetch you and take you anywhere in Luzon, the main island. Fares for this service can be negotiated. Address any complaints to the government hotline: (63) 2 426 2515 |
Manila's signature get-about-open-air jeeps seating up to 14 passengers -fill in the gaps between other transportation systems. There are now air-conditioned jeepneys in Makati plying the Ayala Commercial and Business route. |
Buses cover much of the city and are the best mode of transportion to nearby provinces within the outskirts of Manila. Most buses servicing the city are air-conditioned. |
The Light Rail Transit has two lines: Yellow 1 - (63) 2 854 0984 - running from Baclaran to Monumento, and Purple 2 - (63) 2 647 3452 - which runs from Santolan to Doroteo Jose. www.lrta.gov.ph |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Flagfall is Php30; however, drivers may suggest a flat rate for longer journeys. |
Minimum fare Php7.50. Air-conditioned jeepneys charge a minimum of Php10. |
Fares for travel within the city start at Php8 and are collected on board by conductors. |
Fares start at Php12. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours, though less frequently at night. |
Generally 5.00 am - 11.30 pm |
Line 1: Mon - Sun 5.30 am - 9.30 pm Line 2: Mon - Fri 5.00 am - 8.00 pm |
| MRT |
FX Minivan |
Calesa |
||
| Hotlines | The Metrostar Express runs along the major EDSA thoroughfare, between stations starting at Taft Avenue in Pasay and ending at North Avenue in Quezon City. (63) 2 929 5347 www.dotcmrt3.gov.ph |
Smaller than Jeepneys, but air-conditioned, FX minivans seat ten passengers, and cover much of Metro Manila and beyond. |
Calesa - ornate horse-drawn carriages - were once Manila's principal mode of public transportion. They are now only to be found in tourist areas like Intramuros. |
|
| Fare range/ destinations |
Minimum fare is Php10. |
Fares start at Php12. |
Php300 for 30 minutes. Drivers tend to inflate prices, so bargaining is essential. |
|
| Operating hours | 5.30 am - 10.36 pm daily. |
24 hours, though less frequently at night. |
9.00 am - 6.00 pm |
*Remarks: The local currency is Philippine peso "Php".
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Kamusta? |
| Goodbye | Paalam |
| Thank you very much | Maraming salamat po! |
| I do not understand | Hindi ko po naiintindihan |
| Do you speak English? | Marunong po ba kayong mag-Ingles? |
| What is your name? | Anong pangalan ninyo? |
| Help! | Saklolo! |
| Fire! | Sunog! |
| You are welcome | Wala pong anuman |
| Excuse me | Mawalang-galang na po |
| Yes | Oo/Opo |
| No | Hindi |
| Sorry | Patawad/Paumanhin |
| How much is this? | Magkano po ito? |
| Can you lower the price? | Tawad po |
| I'm just looking | Tumitingin lang po ako |
| What time is it? | Anong oras na po? |
| Today | Ngayon |
| Tomorrow | Bukas |
| Go away! | Umalis ka! |
| My name is (name)… | Ako si (name) |
Business and Finance
Manila is home to central business districts where major local and multinational organisations are headquartered. In addition, retail establishments are seen to be developing in every area of the metropolis.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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