The Philippines - The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands with a total land area of 301,000 square kilometers. Divided into three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao – the country is over 1,854 kilometers long from north (Batanes Island) to south (Tawi-Tawi Islands).
Climate - The Philippines has a tropical climate, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. It has two distinct seasons: the rainy season from June to October, and the dry season from November to May. The weather is hot and humid in the summer months from March to May and pleasantly warm from December to February. Temperatures range from 23 degrees to 36 degrees centigrade.
People and languages - Filipinos are basically Malay with Chinese and Spanish ancestries. Presently, they number about 80 million. Filipino is the national language but English is widely understood and spoken. English is the official language of business and the language used in most newspapers and magazines. Spanish and Chinese are spoken by a few.
Health and education - ADB is in close proximity to medical facilities and hospitals of international standards. International schools, comprising both denominational and non-denominational institutions, are also nearby the ADB. These include the International School Manila, The British School Manila, Brent International School, Chinese International School, Ecole Française de Manille, Deutsche Schule Manila, Manila Japanese School and European International School.
Recreation - Aside from the facilities provided by ADB, staff and their families may choose to enroll in private sports and social clubs during their stay in the Philippines. A good number of excellent golf courses are a short distance away. They may also opt to enroll for membership in major hotels in Metro Manila for use of their swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, gyms, and other facilities.
Tourism - Outside Metropolitan Manila but within comfortable driving distance away are many resorts and places of interest where people go to relax during weekends and holidays. Tagaytay, about an hour’s drive, is the nearest cool resort located on the mountain area overlooking the active and ancient Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. North of Manila is Baguio City, the Philippines’ summer capital, located 5,000 feet above sea level and with cool weather year-round. Near Baguio is the 2,000-year-old Rice Terraces of Banaue. Other attractions in Luzon include the scenic Hundred Islands, historical Corregidor island, Los Baños hot springs, Puerto Galera, Punta Baluarte, El Nido Beach, and famous Mayon Volcano. In the Visayas, they include the Chocolate Hills and Boracay Island. In Mindanao, they include Dakak Park and Beach resort. Many more interesting destinations offer a refreshing respite from the bustle of the metropolis.