Ownership Issues

Any person or corporation of any nationality can hold the title to individual condominium units in the Philippines. The Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT's) that defines each unit can be sold, given away or bequeathed through your will. A CCT provides perpetual and complete ownership, subject only to the terms and conditions of the Condominium Corporation.

The Climate

The Philippine summer has an average 30-33 degrees C. temperature and runs from March to June. October to February is the coolest time of year, after the rainy season . . . but it is still warmer than the average northern hemisphere summer!

The coolest time is Christmas (which is well celebrated in the Philippines!) but even so you could still be found walking along the beach front or discoursing with friends on your patio in short sleeves, with a glass of wine perhaps, at midnight.

The Philippines rainy season is from July to October. During this time there are frequent rainstorms, but still plenty of sun between the showers. Monsoon rains are an occasional occurrence where it may rain for one or two days. It is, of course, inadvisable to be out in the sun for too long, but most buildings, cars and shopping malls are air-conditioned, so you only need to be in the sun when you choose to.

The best times of the day to exercise outdoors are the early morning and the evening. It is cooler then and to some this is the best time of the day to sit on the balcony overlooking the beach,watching the fishermen catch their breakfast or, later, watching the sun slide inevitably into the vast expanse of indigo while listening to the waves ripple across the coral rocks and sand. There is a spectacular red sunset in the Philippines at dusk, which should not be missed.

The People

Despite being on average extremely poor the people of the Philippines are immensely warm and friendly. They are very generous in their hospitality and they love to eat. All meals contain generous portions of rice and countless varieties of fresh fish, crabs and prawns are abundant.

The Philippines has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia and most Filipinos speak good English. English is taught in all schools and is the primary medium of instruction in private schools and in higher education.

Mobile phone and texting costs are very low and the Philippines is the texting capital of the world! The Philippines is also the 2nd happiest country in the world according to the global happiness index (yes there
really is one).

The Politics

The Philippines has been a stable democracy for many years. Unfortunately bribery and corruption are endemic as in most developing countries, but the current Philippines Government has improved the country's rating in international circles and the Philippine Peso is considered a stable currency compared to its regional neighbors. The Philippine Government is getting to grips with the economy in general, with controls on overspending and international debt. Elections are held every six years and the Government is expected to further underpin the country's long-term stability by reforming the current constitution to provide for a parliamentary rather than a presidential style of government.

International Travel

Most major international airlines fly into Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Manila has a second International Airport at Clark Field, Pampanga, (about two hours closer to the resort) although at the moment this airport only serves international flights from within the Asia Region.

The peak vacation periods in the Philippines are around Christmas and Easter, when flights and accommodations are booked well in advance and at premium rates.

Once in Manila an overnight stay at one of the city's many luxury hotels is recommended - to freshen up. This will cost circa US$120/£60 per night, per couple, (more modest but equally clean accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, cable tv and air conditioning can be obtained for about US$40/£20 per night, per couple, if you search the Internet and book in advance). The very best 5-star hotels will cost about US$200/£100 per night, per couple, including breakfast.

The journey to the resort is about 7-9 hours by coach or car. There are interesting places to visit along the way. There is no national rail network in the Philippines so travel is by car, coach or plane (ferries too to the outlying islands). Coach travel is inexpensive (at less than Php2 per kilometer) and comfortable, with air-conditioning and onboard entertainment.

Laoag International Airport, just three hours from The Oriental Terraces Spa & Resort, receives flights from some Asian capitals but not from Europe or North America at this time.

Starting in November, 2007, the domestic airline Asian Spirit have scheduled domestic flights from Manila's Domestic Airport direct to the city of Vigan -- Vigan's airport is only 40 minutes from The Oriental Terraces Spa & Resort -- and, if you telephone us before you depart Manila, we will be there to meet you when your flight arrives.

Inspection Visits

Visits to the resort are encouraged and we are happy to assist with any arrangements to enable you to come to see for yourself.

We can arrange flights, travel and accommodation and you will be met at Manila, Clark Laoag or Vigan airports.

If you have not seen the delights of Manila we can assist you with that also, so it would be best to plan to spend at least a week in the country if you are travelling from overseas.

Residency and Visa

A 21-day visitor visa is issued upon arrival for most nationalities; check out the Bureau of Immigration website for specific details because there are a few surprising exceptions. Visa extensions in 59-day increments are relatively easy to arrange and we can assist you with this process. Long term residency is also relatively easy to organize, especially if you are investing in condominium property at The Oriental Terraces Spa & Resort.

Furnishing Packages
We can completely furnish and equip your home economically and with high-quality local and imported products; if you are participating in the income generating aspects of the resort then it is essential that you avail of the Terrace Packages for furniture and appliances.

The contents of a Terrace Package is available on request, with values equivalent to between 5% & 7% of the list price of each unit, which includes installation and testing of all appliances.