August and September see monsoon rains. October to March is cooler, making it more pleasant to shoot. The country is composed of some 110 cultural and linguistic groups. Filipinos are basically of Malay-Polynesian origin, though there are evidences of Chinese, Spanish, Indian, Arab, European and North American influences. Most local newspapers are in English and international periodicals are available in major areas.
Television programs are a mix of American and local shows.
Light tropical clothing is suitable for most parts of the country most of the year, though in the highlands, a light sweater may be needed in the evenings. The national dress called barong , is a loose embroidered shirt worn outside the trousers. The barong often replaces the suit as business and formal attire. Doctors, dentists and hospitals, are taught in the American medical school of thought. Most hotels have a resident physician on call.