December through May is the off-season for typhoons in the Philippines and as such is one of the best times to visit.
The Republic of the Philippines declared independence six times between 1895 and 1946 due to various foreign occupations and internal strife.
Even if traveling during the hot season, it is advisable to pack some warm clothes for the cooler mountain regions.
Tipping at a rate of about 10 percent is customary and expected.
The Philippines is the third most English-speaking country in the world after the United States and the United Kingdom, so you should have no trouble finding someone who can speak English.
Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines consist of 7.107 individual islands with a combined land are of 115,600 square miles.
The Philippine islands are home to more than 90 million people and boast the 46th largest population in the world.
