| Official Language | The official language of the conference is English. |
|---|---|
| Time | The Philippines operates on UTC+08:00 (GMT+8), officially known as Philippine Standard Time (PHT or PhST). It is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and does not observe daylight saving time. |
| Money | The official currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Visa and Mastercard are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and large stores, particularly in big cities. ATMs are common throughout the country, and several international banks operate in Manila. |
| Internet Access | Internet and Wi-Fi are widely available throughout the Philippines. Most hotels, restaurants and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. |
| Weather | January is one of the coolest and most comfortable months to visit. It falls within the cool, generally drier season, when the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) brings cooler, less humid conditions to Luzon and Metro Manila. Expect warm, pleasant days and cooler evenings, typically from the low 20s °C to around 30 °C. Occasional showers may still occur. |
| Electricity | Voltage 230 V, frequency 60 Hz. Electrical specifications are governed by the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) and typically feature a 230 V, 60 Hz single-phase supply. |
Fabrics, scarves, bags and accessories made by Filipino weavers showcase traditional patterns and craftsmanship — souvenirs with cultural meaning.
Locally made bags, pouches and handcrafted items reflect Filipino artistry and are perfect for everyday use or gifts.
Jewellery featuring natural South Sea pearls or shell-inlaid designs captures the essence of Philippine coastal artistry.
Coasters, ornaments and décor pieces crafted from capiz or seashells are distinctive reminders of the archipelago.
| Major Malls | Greenbelt, Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia — reliable places for quality souvenirs and food gifts. |
|---|---|
| Museum & Boutique Shops | Often offer curated artisanal items. |
| Weekend Markets | Salcedo and Legazpi markets — great for local crafts and designer finds. |
Extend your stay and experience the islands — from historic Manila to world-famous beaches and natural wonders.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Intramuros by Ralff Nestor Nacor (CC BY-SA 4.0) · El Nido by Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0) · Taal Volcano by LMP 2001 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Boracay by Angelo Juan Ramos (CC BY 2.0)
