In plain English: the older way to make a US document usable in the Philippines: notarizing the document at the Philippine Consulate in the US.
Why we mention it: for many documents the apostille path works — but certain matters (land/property transactions being a common example) may still want the consular route, or specific institutions may ask for it. Both are available; choose with a professional so you not come back rejected from Manila.
How it works: you appear at the consulate with ID, sign before a consular officer, and they notarize/acknowledge the document. In some cases this is what a particular Philippine office will accept without question.
Watch out for: consular appointments can be limited and location-dependent (you go to the nearest consulate general). For most routine Philippine-bound documents the apostille is faster and cheaper — but if the receiving office specifically demands consular notarization, follow their requirement.