Local Services in Philippines

The metropolitan cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao are the heart of major services in the Philippines. If a new service or product is tested before distributing to the public market, it is initially launched in one of these key areas.

As of 2007, 3 out of the 10 largest shopping malls in the world are located in Metro Manila. Shopping malls are very popular amongst the Filipinos. Business tycoon Henry Sy reportedly envisions having an SM shopping mall for every 15-minute travel around Metro Manila.

There are 3 international airports in Metro Manila and several others in some provincial key cities such as in Clark, Cebu and Davao. A domestic airport also in Metro Manila links the rest of the provinces. The Philippine Airline (PAL), Asia’s first airline, is the country’s national flag carrier. Other major airlines that offer international and domestic flights are Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit.

Luzon, the biggest island in the Philippines connects Metro Manila with the rest of the cities of the island by 2 major expressways: the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is the gateway to Northern provinces such as Bulacan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, etc. While the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is the entry point for Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Bicol region, etc.

A system of railways also connects major thoroughfares of the Metro Manila. The Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) consists of the Yellow Line (LRT-1) and Purple Line (LRT-2) with 29 stations. The Metro Rail Transit System (MRT) includes the Blue Line (MRT-3) and another proposed line.

Formerly dubbed as the “Texting Capital of the World”, the Philippines is updated with the latest technologies in communication, entertainment, and music. There are 3 major telecommunications offering services for various wireless applications – Globe, Smart and Sun Cellular. Cable TV’s are also popular in local households especially for those who prefer foreign programs.