Well dear viewers, I would like to share this opportunity to talk about the Philippine Currency, Philippine Peso Bill, Philippine Money, Philippine Peso, Pera ng Pilipinas, Pananalapi ng Pilipinas or in its simpler term Pesos or PHP. Most expatriates who have been away for quite a while have not seen the present Philippine Banknotes or inbound travelers to the Philippines such as Tourist or Businessmen. The Central Bank of the Philippines has issued advises for all travelers to change their foreign currencies on legitimate money exchange firms preferably banking institutions. This is to avoid getting scammed, fraud and acquiring local counterfeits. Familiarizing the local Philippine currency is also a must and their local values. When changing your foreign currency exchange rates varies from different exchange centers and local banks. It is a smart thing to look or compare rates before changing your foreign currencies. Below are photos of the present currency notes of the Republic of the Philippines. While the 5 pesos and 10 pesos denomination still exists and are still considered legal tender, the local population uses the coin and are much more visible than the legal tender notes.

5 Pesos - Limang Piso

10 Pesos - Sampung Piso

20 Pesos - Dalawangpung Piso

50 Pesos - Limangpung Piso

100 Hundred Pesos - Isandaang Piso

200 Hundred Pesos - Dalawandaang Piso

500 Pesos - Limandaang Piso

1000 Pesos - IsangLibong Piso

That’s it folks and we hope you enjoy your stay in the beautiful country of the Philippines. In the next issue we would talk about the different banking institutions so foreign travelers would have an idea where to go.
Mabuhay and Welcome !!!

Tags: money, pananalapi, pera, peso

In commemoration of the Holy Week in the Philippines we would like to share to our viewers some information about the Holy Week “Mahal na Araw” and the popular Senakulo “Cenacle” the traditional play of Jesus Christ’s passion and death. In the Philippines, it is the time of the year when Christians celebrate the Holy Week with friends and families while on fasting. (Not eating meat.) The Senakulo is a very popular view among locals especially tourist visitors as it depicts the passion and death of Christ in the streets. Some Senakulo even goes to an extent that the character of Christ played by local Filipinos, is nailed on the cross literally and live. These are even shown on live television documentaries and news channels worldwide. Devotion to this week long commemoration has also having some devotees whipping themselves while walking in the streets. It is a repentance for the sins committed and a devotion/promise to God and called in local language called as “Penitensya“.

These are some of the photos of the popular Senakulo in th Philippines during the Holy Week or Lenten Season.

Tags: cenacle, holy week, lent, senakulo

Mindanao is the second biggest island that composes the Philippine territory’s 3 major parts. Rich in natural resources, culture and history, Mindanao is home to both our Filipino Muslim and Christian brothers. The island of Mindanao has a total area of approximately 94,000 square kilometers with a total population of about 19 million people. The island is divided into 6 regions which are the Caraga Region, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula Region, SOCCSKARGEN and the ARMM or Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The local popular dialects are Tagalog, English, Tiabacano, Visaya, Tausug, Maranaw, Maguindanao and more.

Map of the Island of Mindanao

Typical Fruits Grown in Mindanao

Pearl Farm Beach

Below are the list of individual provinces of the Mindanao Island with a link to their respective local government website.

1. Agusan del Norte
2. Agusan Del Sur
3. Basilan
4. Bukidnon
5. Camiguin
6. Compostela Valley
7. Davao del Norte
8. Davao del Sur
9. Davao Oriental
10. Lanao del Norte
11. Lanao Del Sur
12. Maguindanao
13. Misamis Occidental
14. Misamis Oriental
15. North Cotabato
16. Sarangani
17. South Cotabato
18. Sultan Kudarat
19. Sulu
20. Surigao del Norte
21. Surigao Del Sur
22. Tawi-Tawi
23. Zamboanga del Norte
24. Zamboanga del Sur
25. Zamboanga Sibugay

Note: As of this writing, the provinces that don’t have the link to their individual local government is either the page does not load properly or no website exists.

Tags: mindanao

Lets get away with some good news scoop in the world of Philippine Sports. I just saw in the news at the Kapamilya Channel (TFC) that the “Pacman” Manny Pacquiao had won the World Boxing Council Super-Featherweight Title, beating his opponent Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico by a split unanimous decision last Saturday March 15 at Las Vegas, Nevada. I did not saw the whole 12 rounds but just bit and pieces, but the Mexican almost got away with win. Medyo nakita natin na may mga rounds na dehado si Pacman but overall he took control most of the rounds especially in the early stages of the fight when he knocked down the opponent for a few counts. At the later stages of the bout Manny threw a punch that cut the Mexican fighters eye and the next round we saw the Mexican cutting Manny’s eyebrow. Overall it was the aggresiveness and genius fighting of Manny that took him to be the champion. That being, said panibagong karangalan na naman sa Pilipinas and more salapi na naman for Manny and staff. Mabuhay ka Manny Pacquiao and more power to you.

By the way, in commemoration of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s win, the Filipino people wanted to honor you and give you their best wishes by printing this memorable and unforgettable five (5) Peso with your face on it.

Manny Pacquiao’s Fistful of Peso

Biro lang po.

Our well wishes to you Manny and may you harvest more international gold and glory for our country. Mabuhay Ka.

Tags: Manny Pacquiao, Pacman, Philippine Boxing

At this certain point we would like to share topics about the Philippine Government and its individual departments. Not much in the web has explained or have pointed out the different departments of the Republic of the Philippines. Besides the local population, visitors or foreign business or dignitaries as well should have an idea of the structure. Who knows, it might come handy in the future. Nevertheless we could start and introduce the different department levels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

The government is divided into 3 branches, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislative level. The Office of the President falls into this category and note that the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government, though under the Executive branch reports directly and is also under the Office of the President. The sites listed below are the different branches of government in the Executive Level.

1. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
2. Department of Education
   
3. Department of Finance
4. Department of Foreign Affairs
5. Department of Energy
6. Department of Health
7. Department of Interior and Local Government
   
8. Department of Labor and Employment
9. Department of National Defense
   
10. Department of Tourism
11. Department of Trade and Industry
12. Department of Transportation
    

The next branch is the Judiciary. In this branch level of the government only one exist as a department branch which is the Department of Justice. Underneath the DOJ comes the sub branches headed by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and other lower courts that precedes it.

The Legislative level has 2 branches namely the Philippine House of Representatives or the Philippine Congress, which are made up of elected Congressmen of different districts of the provinces and the National Capital Region. Next is the Philippine Senate, which represents 24 elected Senators of the country.

Note: As of this writing, the listings that don’t have the link to their individual departmental government is either the page does not load properly or no website exists.

Tags: Philippines, Pilipinas, Republic of the Philippines, Republika ng Pilipinas