Right in the heart of South East Asia

is the Philippines, a rambling chain of some 7,107 islands and islets. From north to south, this tropical archipelago stretches for more than 1,700 kilometers towards the equator. The South China Sea washes its western shores; a northern neighbor is Taiwan, as are Hongkong and China; further north is Japan. Westward lies other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. An arm of the archipelago points southwest towards the isle of Borneo; and at its feet, the island chain that is Indonesia. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out towards Micronesia and Polynesia.

The Philippines is readily accessible from the travel capital of the world. Traveling time to Manila from Hongkong is an hour and 50 minutes; Singapore 3 hours and 10 minutes; Bangkok, 3 hours and 50 minutes, Tokyo, 4 hours and 15 minutes; Sydney, 10 hours and 20 minutes; London, 20 hours and 45 minutes; Paris, 21 hours and 15 minutes; Frankfurt, 19 hours and 40 minutes; San Francisco, 20 hours and 15 minutes; Los Angeles, 15 hours ans 20 minutes; and New York, 20 hours and 20 minutes.

METRO MANILA

Metro Manila is home to roughly 20% of the country's 62 million Filipinos. The capital, Manila, is situated at the mouth of a natural harbor - the Manila Bay of world-famous sunsets. Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine President, stands regally on the banks of the Pasig River, which meanders through the length of the metropolis.

Within the city limits are located the medieval walled city of Intramuros, Spain's stronghold in Asia during its empire era; Escaolta and Sta. Cruz, two of the oldest commercial centers in the country; and historic Paco and Luneta Parks. Here, too, can be found enclaves as exotic and enduring as Chinatown, the Muslim quarters of Quiapo, and the noisy bargain mecca that is Divisoria. Along the sunset strip lining Manila Bay, luxury hotels vie for the tourist trade with the poshest accomodations and the best views, while a few blocks away along Ermita's bar-lined streets, more racy pursuits await the night owl.

The country's premier business distric, Makati, throbs with different life. Busy sidewalks and avenues lead to hushed office sanctums, sparkling malls, elegant shops, swank galleries and boutiques, and some of the most valuable residential real estates in the country. Evenings, this classy entertainment city pulsates with the thousand and one light of discos, pubs, bistros, restaurants, music lounges, jazz bars, karaoke bars and 24-hour diner.

Where to stay is never a problem in Metro Manila. The visitor can choose from any of the wide range of accomodations to suit every taste and budget - from the most prestigiuos hotel chains to deluxe motels to cozy pensions and family-run inns.

A wealth of diversions and attractions await the visitor. Museum tours offer glimpses of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the islands. At Ayala Museum in Makati, colorful dioramas depict scenes from Philippine history. The Cultural Center of the Philippines Museum showcases archaeologial and ehtnological finds, as well as contemporary artworks. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila mounts exhibits of classical and modern masters. There are also private galleries and specialized museums, like Casa Manila, the model turn-of-the-century Spanish house at Intramuros, the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago, the Ecclesiastical Art Collection of the San Agustin Church, and the Museo de Malacañang at the Presidential Palace.

Ballet companies, symphony orchestras, theater guilds and pop artists regularly take to the stage. Hotels and restaurants beckon nightly with band music, folk and jazz singers, and ethnic dance troupes. Open-air concerts and performances entertain weekends crowds at Paco Park, Puerta Real Gardens and Luneta Park.

Metro Manila has 13 greens, which offer some of the best golfing in Southeast Asia. Affordable rentals and green fees, coupled with the balmy weather and friendly, English-speaking caddies, make for a perfect golfing holiday.