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TRAVEL INFORMATION

 2nd Annual Congress of the Asia-Pacific Association of Pediatric Urologists
in conjunction with
The 43rd Annual Scientific Convention of the Philippine Urological Association

Y2K Annual Convention

Nov 30 - December 2, 2000

Venue: EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City

Facts about Manila

Manila is the largest city of the Philippines. It is the country's commercial, administrative, and cultural center.

LOCAL AREA INFORMATION 

�        Area
Metro Manila comprises of an area of 246 square miles (636 square kilometers)

�        Geographical Information
Manila is 589 miles (950 kilometers) from the northern most point, and 856 miles (1,380 kilometers) from the southern most point. In the heart of Metro Manila is the Ortigas Center, a 4.3-mile (7 kilometers) drive from the Makati business area and a mere 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the international airport.

�        Language
Tagalog is the national language and English is the most widely spoken 2nd language---all business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English.

�        Population
About 10 million people reside in Manila

�        Time Difference
+8 GMT

VISA
Visitors with passports valid at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside of the Philippines, are allowed entry without a visa for up to 21 days. For visits longer than 21 days, a temporary visitor's visa must be secured from the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the peso. 1 peso is equal to 100 centavos. Currency notes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000.

Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in major hotels and shops, though it may be difficult to cash traveler�s checks outside Manila.

SHOPPING
A visit to Manila isn't complete without a trip to at least one of its sprawling shopping malls. Shops deal only in Philippine Pesos, but most malls have foreign currency exchange counters that accept major currencies. Most shopping centers are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., extending to 10 p.m. or beyond during weekends and for payday sales. Major credit cards are accepted; be prepared to show your passport to the cashier as proof of identity.

TAX
Tax of 10.7% will be levied on services and purchases.

 TIPPING
10% service charge is usually added to the bill. If not, 10% of the bill is adequate for tipping.

BUSINESS HOURS

�        Banks and Government offices:
Banks are usually open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

�        Offices:
Government and private offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays; though some may open on Saturday, the weekend is generally considered day off.

�        Shops (Hours vary):
Most shops open at 10:30 a.m. and close at around 7 p.m. Lunch hour is usually from noon to 2 p.m.

DRESS
Light summer clothing is sufficient. Jackets may be expected for slightly more formal occasions. A light suit would be appropriate for business. Clothes for women are much like the West. However, if visiting a mosque or a church, anything too short or scanty will be disapproved of and cause offence.

WEATHER

Month	Average Temp oF(oC)	Humidity
Mar--Mid May	96.8oF (36oC)	71% to 85 %	Hot and dry
Mid May--Mid Sep	89.6oF (32oC)	71% to 85%	Rainy
Late Sep--Early Dec	73.4oF to 89.6oF (23oC to 32oC)	71% to 85%	Dry and cool
Dec--Feb	73.4oF (23oC)	71% to 85%	Dry and cool

HEALTH
Visitors are advised only to drink bottled or boiled water outside of Manila. Bottled drinking water is available in the hotel room, compliments of Shangri-La.

MEASURES
Metric

ELECTRICITY
220--250 volts, 60 cycles AC

MOBILE PHONE NETWORK
Analog, GSM, CDMA

[ US-Japan-Philippine Tripartite Meeting - Dec 1999 ] [ Y2K PUA Midyear Convention ] [ Y2K Info ]

Local Travel Information

Taxis
Taxis are a very cheap way to travel. The price should be negotiated beforehand if the driver is reluctant to put the meter on. Hotel taxis and limousine services are recommended.

Jeepneys
Former jeeps converted to minibuses that run along set routes. They can be hailed en-route.

Buses
The buses are generally efficient and plentiful around Manila and its suburbs.

Railways
The LRT (Light Railway Transit) provides transportation from the North (Caloocan City) up to the South (Baclaran) part of Metro Manila which only takes about thirty minutes instead of the 1.5 hour-drive. Stopovers are provided for key areas like Blumentritt, Quiapo, UN Avenue, Taft Avenue, etc. The LRT is open from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available at all the stations. However due to the large volume of commuters, the LRT is usually always crowded. The recently completed MRT (Metro Rail Transit) plies the whole stretch of EDSA.

Renting/Driving
Cars can be rented with or without the driver at varying costs depending on the vehicle. Traffic keeps to the right. An international driving license is required.

Travel Time from Airport to Hotel
45 minutes from international airport

Airport Tax
Php500 (cash)

Currency Accepted
US Dollars, Philippine Pesos

Hotel Information

            please note :

• Prices listed below are published prices and is subject to change

• Discounts are usually offered for early reservations or ON-LINE booking

1.      EDSA Shangri-La, Manila  (site of the APAPU congress )

1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center , Mandaluyong City
1650, Manila
Philippines

Tel: (632) 633.88.88
Fax: (632) 631.10.67
Email: [email protected]
WWW: http://www.shangri-la.com/eng/hotel/index.asp?h_location=manila

Room Rate: Superior (single/double)  $90++

       Edsa Shangri-La, set in lush tropical gardens, is situated in the Mandaluyong commercial district of Metro Manila. It is also within walking distance of Mega Mall and Shangri-La Mall two  of the biggest shopping centers in Manila. All of Edsa Shangri-La�s guestrooms are spacious and delightfully appointed, combining a distinct cosmopolitan flair with traditional Filipino style. For the business executive, there�s a fully-equipped business center, and for the sports-minded, a complete fitness center, tennis and outdoor swimming pool.

2.      Richmonde Hotel

21 San Miguel Avenue cor. Lourdes Street, Ortigas,
1600 Pasig City
Philippines

Tel:  (632) 638.77.77
Fax: (632) 638.85.67
Email: [email protected]
WWW: http://www.richmondehotel.com

Room rate:   (Deluxe) $ 90 ++

       Laid-back opulence is evident in the hotel's interior European d�cor that is both refined and sophisticated. This modern European-style ambience infused with an aristocratic Old World charm creates an interior of tranquil elegance. The guestrooms exude a character that is elegantly subdued, yet homey, comfortable and friendly. Built with the traveling executive in mind, the 230 guestrooms are a fusion of luxurious amenities and modern technology that ensure the executive's comfort and continued productivity.

3. Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center
Pasig City 1600 , Manila Philippines

Tel:  (632) 635.22.22
Fax : (632) 683.81.11
WWW: http://www.discoverysuites.com

Room Rate:  Junior Suite $ 75++
One Bedroom Suite: $ 90++

Above rates are subject to 10% service charge and applicable government taxes

       At Discovery Suites, guests can be assured that their comfort and convenience are of utmost priority. Our Suites were designed to match their individual needs. We have three different types of Suites for our guests to choose from: One Bedroom Suites, Two Bedroom Suites and Three Bedroom Suites. Each has a living, dining and kitchen area, apart from the usual bed and bath affair.

4. Manila Galleria Suites

1 Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City , 1600, Manila Philippines

Tel: (632) 633.71.11
Fax: (632) 633.28.24

Room Rate : $ 80++

       Being the first deluxe hotel suites in the country, Manila Galleria Suites is a most unique attraction of Philippine tourism. Rising 30 stories above the junction of the Asian Development Bank and the Ortigas Avenues, the Manila Galleria Suites offers international class accommodation and boast of 290 guestrooms with sophisticated interiors, which consist of 160 deluxe rooms and 130 suites of which 3 are split-level penthouse suites. The hotel is envisioned to radiate an unmistakable air of sophistication where unabashed pampering characterizes the service the moment a guest steps in. With this in mind, the hotel has assigned a special floor for lady executives travelers with rooms done in feminine shades complemented by additional amenities for women's use

5. Legend Garden Hotel

Pioneer corner Madison Streets
Mandaluyong City,1600,  Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (632) 633-1501 to 12
WWW: http://www.angelfire.com/id/legend1/welcome.html

Room Rate:  Deluxe room $75 ++

       Centrally located in the heart of Mandaluyong City, the country new business, shopping and entertainment capital. The Legend is just a five-minute drive away from Ortigas Center, site of the Asian Development Bank and the country's biggest and most modern shopping malls such as Mega Mall, Shangri-la Plaza, Pacific Mall and Robinson's Galleria. Makati's Ayala Avenue and Ayala Center are a breezy fifteen-minute drive along the historical EDSA. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Manila Domestic Airport are just seven kilometers away.

6.  Horizon Hotel , EDSA

778 Boni Avenue
Mandaluyong City 1600,Philippines

Tel:  (632) 532.30.21
Fax: (632) 532.30.26
Email: [email protected]
WWW: http://www.horizonedsahotel.com

Room Rate: $ 66++

       The Horizon EDSA Hotel brings a distinctive style of hospitality and hotel accommodation to Manila and the Philippines. As the first Boutique hotel in Metro Manila, the hotel combines personalized service with first class facilities. In addition, the premium choice of Food and Beverage available is greatly appreciated by our clientele. The Horizon EDSA Hotel is committed to providing excellent management and quality for the benefit of all customers and staff. Its prime objective is to become the market leader in the field of managing quality hospitality accommodation in Asia.