ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025/Venue/zh

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This year's ESEAP Strategy Summit will be held in Manila, the national capital of the Philippines. It is the heart of Metro Manila, the most populous area in the entire country which consists of 16 highly urbanized cities and one municipality.

The event will be held at the Sheraton Manila Bay Hotel, and attendees will be booked accommodation at the hotel itself. After the Summit (Sunday afternoon), there will be an optional cultural event at the National Museum of the Philippines, a short distance away from the venue.

Traveler's guide

Philippines
Timezone	UTC+8 (PHT) (convert 09:00 to your timezone)
Currency	Philippine peso (PHP / ₱) US$ 1.00 = 57.25 (as of 8 Mar, check latest rates)
Official languages	English, Filipino, Tagalog
Dominant religions	Roman Catholicism
Sunrise/sunset	05:00 / 18:00 (in May)
Driving orientation	Right
電源	230V, 60Hz (see notes) Type A (American)
Calling country code	+63
Emergency contact	911 Red Cross: 143 Fire: 117 Police: 117
Main mobile carriers	Globe, Smart, Dito
Ride hailing	Grab

A detailed traveler's guide to Manila and Metro Manila can be found on Wikivoyage. For more information about the city or the region itself, see Manila or Metro Manila on Wikipedia.

Money

The Philippines uses the Philippine peso, denoted by the Philippine peso sign (₱). The currency has 3 centavo (cent; rarely used) coins: 1¢, 5¢, 25¢; 4 piso coins: ₱1, ₱5, ₱10, ₱20; and 6 banknotes: ₱20, ₱50, ₱100, ₱200, ₱500, ₱1000. As of 2024, the Philippines has begun introducing polymer banknotes, though they remain in limited circulation. You will more commonly find the fabric-based banknotes which have been in circulation since 2010.

Cashless payments are common in the Philippines, and particularly in Metro Manila. Card payments are accepted in most stores, and adoption of EFT terminals have been increasing throughout most medium to large establishments in Manila. For stores without EFT terminals, many of them provide payment methods through mobile payment apps, namely GCash and Maya. These apps, however, are incredibly cumbersome to use for foreign nationals. It requires a Philippine mobile number, and many features are locked behind ID verification which can only be done with a valid Philippine government ID or an Alien Certificate of Registration (usually only provided to permanent residents). For this reason, carrying cash instead is recommended.

Currency exchange offices can be found in many places all over Manila, including the airport. These offices are usually found in malls, with many SM Supermalls malls within Manila providing the service. The most commonly accepted currencies are the US dollar, British pound, Euro, and Australian dollar. Not all offices support all currencies within the ESEAP region; your mileage may vary.

Climate

Manila has a tropical monsoon climate, with high temperatures almost year-round. Since humidity is usually also high year-round (around 72% for May), you will also feel hotter than the actual air temperature. According to forecasts by the national weather agency, Manila will be expected to have above average temperatures in May, with highs of 35.7–37.7 °C (92.3–99.9 °F) and lows of 23.0–25.8 °C (73.4–78.44 °F). May is also expected to have above average rainfall, with an expected rainfall of 173.3 mm (6.8 in) for the whole month. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to bring sunblock to avoid getting sunburnt.

Packing light clothing and an umbrella is recommended. Most facilities in Manila have air conditioning, which can mean that some areas—namely the indoors of malls and hotels—may feel cold. If you want, you may bring a light jacket or shawl to stay warm in some indoor places. Certain venues may have dress codes, with many hotel restaurants requiring smart clothing, even during breakfast.

Sunrise starts at around 05:00 during the month of May, and sunset starts at around 18:00. As the event is expected to take place closer to the summer solstice, daylight will be longer than usual. Sunset and sunrise happen relatively quickly; it will be dark around 19:30.

Transport

To get around Manila, you have many options at your disposal:

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transport in the Philippines, and are a cultural icon for the country. The route of a jeepney can be seen painted on its side, or on a card found on the jeepney's windshield. In a jeepney, seating is sideways, and you have to crawl in a relatively short entryway. They can also frequently get cramped, which may be unfavorable for some. The fare starts at ₱12 for the first four kilometers, and increases by ₱1.80 for each succeeding kilometer (rounded up). Jeepneys have the most coverage over Metro Manila, plying some routes that buses and minibuses aren't found in.
Buses can be found plying through major roads in Manila. These buses usually have a route number and the two terminal stops printed in large letters at the buses' windshield. For most city buses, the fare starts at ₱15 for the first five kilometers and increases by ₱2.65 for each succeeding kilometer (rounded up). Non-airconditioned buses are cheaper, though are rare to find and are not suggested given the hot climate. Buses are operated by many different franchised operators, but the fares are the same for all of them.
Modern jeepneys (also called minibuses) usually travel the same routes as jeepneys and buses. Their seating is a hybrid of both: there are seats facing towards the center of the vehicle, and standing spots at the center. The fare starts at ₱14 for the first four kilometers, and increases by ₱2.20 for each succeeding kilometer (rounded up). They are more uncommon than buses or jeepneys due to their recent adoption.
UV Express vans and MPVs are the local version of share taxis. They are airconditioned, though also usually cramped as most drivers will aim to fill all the seats in the vehicle. Unlike other road-based transport methods, the fares are somewhat variable and depends on the origin and destination, but are usually rounded to the nearest ₱5 or ₱10. On average, they cost more than a bus, but are somewhat faster due to a lesser number of stops.
Three train routes interconnect many cities in Manila. These are LRT 1, LRT 2, and MRT 3. Fares depend on the route taken. For trains, you are required to have either a Single Journey Ticket (SJT), purchased at that station's ticketing booth or Ticket Vending Machine (TVM), or a Stored Value Card, usually called "Beep cards". Beep cards can be purchased from Ticket Vending Machines in select stations (though usually only few stations offer them) or in few bus terminals (namely those for the BGC Bus). Unlike in many countries, there are no electronic boards in most stations which tell when the next train will be arriving, but the usual interval is around 4–10 minutes for all lines.
Taxis roam around Manila and can be flagged down at a starting rate of ₱50. This then increases at a rate of ₱13.5 for every kilometer and ₱2 for every minute. Manila taxis, however, have developed a reputation of being picky and abusive, with some particularly bad offenders tampering with their meters. For this reason, using a ride hailing app is usually recommended over flagging down a taxi.
Tricycles can be found in some parts of Metro Manila, and are usually cheaper than taxis. However, in the City of Manila specifically, tricycles are known to overcharge anyone, with fares reaching up to ₱60 at a minimum for a relatively short trip, even if the fare matrix indicates that it should only cost ₱20. For areas like these, it is best to avoid tricycles altogether.
Grab is the largest ride hailing app in the country, and the only significant one after the closure of Uber Philippines in 2018. You can choose between Standard vehicles, whose fare is determined by Grab, or Taxis, where you need to pay an additional booking fee taken by Grab on top of the taxi fare. Though this sounds more expensive, it is usually cheaper than Grab Standard, and also avoids the hassle of picky drivers that flagging down a taxi on your own entails.
Ride hailing apps for motorcycle taxis also exist, and are generally cheaper than normal taxis. Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide are the country's largest motorcycle ride hailing apps. Fares are determined by the operating app, and depends on distance. These are usually faster as they can weave through vehicles in heavy-traffic roads, but are riskier.

For road-based public transport, including buses, there are no call buttons. For some buses and jeepneys, the driver or conductor will call out the name of the stop, though this isn't guaranteed. When in doubt, ask the conductor or driver if they will pass by your stop (or a nearby landmark) before boarding. When your stop is close, say "Para po!" ("Stop, please!"), and the driver will pull over at the nearest opportunity. You can then exit the vehicle.

When on public transport, be aware of your belongings. Though pickpocketers are uncommon, they may show up particularly in dense and populous areas.

Telecommunications

SIM cards can be bought at the airport, in malls, or in some convenience stores in the Philippines. Registration is a requirement for SIM cards; stores at the airport might be able to do the registration for you, but if you're purchasing a SIM from outside the airport, registration is usually done online or via the carrier's mobile application. Registration will require your name, date of birth, and a live selfie photo or video for validation.

For foreign nationals, registration will require your passport, proof of an address (the booking confirmation for your hotel room), and a return ticket showing your date and time of departure (your flight itinerary). The SIM will be valid for up to 30 days, and will be deactivated once it expires.

You may also choose to use your carrier's roaming options for the Philippines. Consult with your carrier to see if there are low-cost roaming options for Philippine travellers. You will only ever need cellular data access, as most services in the Philippines are accessible through the internet, unless you are expecting to respond to calls and messages from abroad while your are in the country.

電源

Philippine electrical mains are 230V at 60 Hz, though a tolerance of ±5% is accepted, so you can expect to find 220V to 240V sockets in many places throughout the country. This is one of the only few countries which have near-220V voltages at 60 Hz, with the only other country sharing this characteristic in the ESEAP region being South Korea. Double check your electronics to ensure that they work with most voltages; in many cases they should. In particular, you're looking for a statement printed on your device (for phone or laptop chargers, this is usually on the charging "brick" or transformer) that says Input: 100V–240V, 50–60Hz. The first (minimum) voltage usually doesn't matter; any value below or equal to 220V will work just fine.

Bringing electronics rated for only up to 120V sockets (like many appliances from North America) and plugging them into the 220V sockets in the Philippines may damage your device, even if the plug holes match shape. This can also cause electrical fires, so it's best to be cautious!

Besides Type A sockets, you can also expect to find Type B (Type A sockets with a ground hole) and Type C (European) sockets in much of the country. Most sockets you can find in the country are a combined receptacle for Type A and C plugs. When in doubt, just bring a travel adapter with you.

Arriving at Manila

A map of the airport, with markers on Terminals 1 (blue), 2 (yellow), and 3 (red), respectively.

Most travelers will be arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL), the Philippines' main international gateway and the airport serving Metro Manila. Passengers will be arriving at Terminal 1 (for flights operated by Philippine Airlines), Terminal 3 (for other international flights), or Terminal 2 (for other domestic flights). Terminal 4 is for specific domestic flights, and is unlikely to be the arrival airport for any traveler.

Airport transfers will be provided by the organizers, so you shouldn't need to worry about handling your own transport.

Extended content

Taxis and cars are the most ideal way to get around after arriving at the airport. They come at a cost, but are generally a better experience for many travelers.

Coupon taxis have a fixed rate based on your destination. They can be found at the Arrivals area of all terminals: near Bay 11 for Terminal 2 and across Bay 6 for Terminal 3.
Yellow metered taxis (airport taxis) are charged similarly to regular metered taxis, but are much more expensive. The flag-down rate is ₱75 for the first 500 meters, and an additional ₱4 for every succeeding 300 meters. This adds up to the extra ₱2 for every two minutes of waiting time. They can be found at the Arrivals area of all terminals: near Bay 14 for Terminal 2 and across Bay 8 for Terminal 3.
Regular metered taxis work just as they do at the city center, though expect that some taxi drivers may try to negotiate a fixed rate with you instead of using their meter (which is illegal). They are also harder to find, as demand for these taxis are rather high. Dedicated taxi bays can be found at the Arrivals area of all terminals: near Bay 23 for Terminal 2 and across Bay 13 for Terminal 3.
You may also book a taxi or private car via Grab, and get an estimate of the fare right before you book. The Grab app will indicate which spots in the airport you can book from.
- Grab taxis are only allowed in certain parts of some terminals, so their location varies per terminal. For Terminals 1 and 2, expect to board at the Arrival curbside. For Terminal 3, expect to board at the Departure curbside.
- For Grab cars, they can be boarded at the arrival curbside for the three terminals.
- In all terminals, there is a dedicated Grab booth from which you can book and board. This can help in case you can't decide on a spot to book from.

Though not recommended, there are also buses that operate from the airport. These point-to-point buses are more expensive than the normal city buses, and only serve a few stops: most of which will require a transfer by either bus or train to get to the Summit venue.

For more information on transport, you can check the New NAIA website.

Immigration

The Philippines is a visa-free country for many states in the ESEAP region, which means getting a visa shouldn't be required for most attendees. However, attendees need to apply for a visa if they are from the following ESEAP countries:

China
Taiwan
Timor-Leste
Tonga

For Taiwanese citizens, an Electronic Travel Authorization is issued in lieu of a visa. This can be applied for via the Manila Economic and Cultural Office at a cost of 1500 NTD.

You can find more information about the visa policy of the Philippines (including information for countries outside of the ESEAP region) at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website and the eVisaPH website of the DFA. Note that the e-Visa website is only accepting e-Visa applications from India, and not from any of the countries in the aforementioned list.

For visa-free travelers, you must possess a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the period of stay and a valid return ticket. These will be required during immigration.

eTravel

The Philippines has a travel declaration system called eTravel, and must be answered by everyone entering the country, including Filipino nationals. The form can be answered 72 hours prior to arrival to the Philippines, and proof of registration (provided as a QR code) is required as part of the immigration process. Answering the form requires an internet connection, but you may print out the QR code if you would like to present it to immigration officials. Take a screenshot of your QR code prior to exiting the website to avoid hassle.

If you receive a green QR code, you may directly proceed to immigration inspection upon arrival. If you receive a red QR code, you must first pass through further inspection with the Bureau of Quarantine. You may approach immigration officials upon arrival (black uniforms) for assistance.

You can access the eTravel form here.

Medication

Over the counter medication is available in many pharmacies in the Philippines. If you insist on bringing your own medication, however, you may only bring medication (1) for personal use, (2) not exceeding limits set by the Bureau of Customs, and (3) carried in your own personal baggage, in a balikbayan box, or in parcel sent through mail.

You can find the quantity limits in this document from the Bureau of Customs. Exceeding these limits will require prior approval by the Bureau of Customs, Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Health.

For prescription medication, it must only be in sufficient quantities for the duration of stay. You should bring a letter from your physician stating the condition which you are receiving the medication for and the dosage. It must be translated into English if this letter is in another language.

Some prescription medication, such as Adderall, Alprazolam (Xanax), or Pseudophedrine (Sudafed/Sinutab), may be subject to regulations of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The Philippines has a very strong no-tolerance policy on controlled substances, and heavy criminal penalties can result from attempting to bring these into the country. If you are unsure of whether the medication you are taking is controlled, view the full list from the DDB website (substances are listed in chemical name, not trade names) or email the DDB at infoddb.gov.ph.