The Philippines has a tropical climate with relatively high humidity, mild temperature, abundant rainfall and gentle winds. Light clothing is recommended for the outdoors. For conference sessions, business casual is the norm.

Filipinos are of Indo-Malay, Chinese and Spanish ancestry. Predominantly Catholic.

Approximately 111 languages and dialects are spoken in the country. Most Filipinos can speak at least one other language or dialect aside from Filipino, the national language, and English, which is the basic language for business, government, schools and everyday communications.

In general, foreigners traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding 21 days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond the contemplated period of stay. There are exceptions, however (i.e., nationals who are required to obtain a visa, or who are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free for periods longer or shorter than 21 days).

Please consult the Department of Foreign Affairs website for these exceptions:

There are direct flights to the Philippines from the US West Coast and major Asian hubs such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo. Among the international carriers serving the Philippines are: Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, Continental Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines andThai Airways International.