I'm at the point of planing my trip to the Phillapines

[dewey4350]

OK I am starting to plan my first trip to the Phila-'s. I am going to Bacolod City. Any help are advice is much appreciative.

[robert angel]

Are you planning on meeting a certain someone and think that you'll probably be with her for a while getting to know her--her family? How long will you be there?

Or are you 'freelancing'?' Bacolod's not that small a city--about half a million people all told,  but I don't hear of a lot of folks going there--I don't think there's much in terms of resorts and clean, well groomed beaches--there are some 'resorts' and beaches, but mostly an hour or two from the city.

There are a couple airports and if you've the time and inclination, ferries that can get you to some really nice beaches and scenic areas not too far off. Once you're actually there, the 'local' prices of airfare make flying 300 or 400 miles or so, here or there pretty cheap, compared to here, or if you booked from here for flights there.

Most first time fliers to the RP tend to over worry about it being dangerous and overly exotic to the point where you think you won't be able to handle it well. Just use the same common sense you'd use traveling to a new city in the USA or where ever you're from, be nice to people and you'll be fine. Don't drink the water and bring some immodium 'just in case'.

It's been unusually rainy there lately, but typically the 'dry season' extends to at least the end of April and often into May-June--so they're overdue for some drier weather I presume...

If your post was more than two short sentences you put up, we might be able to give you more helpful information. Why don't you introduce yourself and explain what you're looking for?

Good luck!

[Ray]

Hi 43,

Welcome aboard!

I haven’t been to Bacolod, but I have been to Iloilo and they speak the same lingo… Ilonggo  (or Hiligaynon). I love that language. Out of the 170 something languages in the Philippines, I think Ilonggo has the sweetest sound.

Agreeing to spend 2 days with the family is a good choice. Don’t commit for your whole trip to stay with her just in case things get weird. I think you will enjoy the Filipino hospitality and the adventure you are in for. Just be prepared for anything that happens and have a good time.

What branch of the service were you in? I’m retired Navy myself.

Ray

[dewey4350]

Thanks for the reply fellas, I can tell you have been in my shoes and I am over thinking alot of stuff. But it is normal for a male to over think things.I have seen some of the foods and I think some of that is a little scary. I know to stay away from the street vendors and not to drink the water (ice). I have also learned to carry my own TP. I was in the army for 4 years and the TP in K rations you can be creative. I live near DFW and I was thinking of terms like airfair,what to expect at customs. Your opinions on which air lines which airports? I was also thinking of planing A June trip. How much money to take how to handle my monies why I am there. Thanks guys for the replies dewey4350

[thekfc]

Hi D,
   
Welcome to the Planet.

The food is scarier than it look. 
 
Try to sample a few of everything and remember your likes & dislikes and that being said when you travel (be it NYC, Florida, Canada, Mexico, LA) there are places/things that you will eat/not eat......the same goes.
 
On my two trips I did sample some of the street vendor's food but I stayed away from the water or anything that was made with the "regular" water. I bought a large container of filtered bottle water which I used for brushing teeth, cooking, etc,

Here are a few pic of the menus I took - they are for Manila & was taken in February 2010 but it will give you an idea of what to expect.

[thekfc]

More menu pics

[Jeff S]

So... You ate at a place called KKK?

[thekfc]

As for airlines, it is your choice & what you are comfortable with.
Personally, flying to Asia...I would fly on an Asian Airlines. I am in NYC and I have all the major Asian airlines (except PAL) flying out of NYC to The Philippines. I am not sure what airlines fly directly (if any) out of DFW to The Philippines. Also keep in mind transit/connections & where you want to make them. I made my connections in HKG and got to use CX lounge & shower before heading to Manila & NYC.

Also be aware that there is a new interline baggage allowance rule that is going into effect. It is a little complicated  but I will make a new thread to explain it.

Since you are flying to The City of Bacolod, it is adviceable to fly direct into Cebu and then continue to Bacolod.....skip Manila if possible.  June is peak season so airfares will be a little higher. 

As for customs, whatever yo are carrying...declare it.

Before you leave for The Philippines, advice your Bank/credit card companies where?date of your travel so you can use your card overseas. There are "western" banks there (Citibank, Bank Of America, HSBC, etc.).

[thekfc]

So... You ate at a place called KKK?

Not quite, I ate at the other "K" next to it...KFC 

[dewey4350]

KFC and Robert you two have answered so many good questions I was kinda sweating out. I have had other members refer me to KFC's posts. Maybe you should take up a travel / guide service. I have talked to a couple of my Filipino Friends and most of them transfer through LAX, some went through Korea and some through Japan. Is there a travel service that you use??? My Friends use mango travel service? If anyone has a opinion on that I would love to hear it. I can possibly rearrange my trip top July if any of you think that would help. I just want to have my ducks in line as much as possible on my first trip. tnx everyone

[thekfc]

I am on the East Coast (NYC) therefore I have a lot of options & my flight would be direct/non-stop to Asia. The guys on the West Coast/Midwest can help you better with your location.

Personally, I do my search first & then I call the airline to inquire about the unpublished fares for that flight & then decide if it is worth it for me to book a lower class fare & when everything is set & done I book directly with the airlines. It works for me but it may not work for others.

Also, sometimes I do a comparison with "partner" airlines (by calling).  There are times, although not often, you will get a better rate by booking with a partner airline to travel on another -  for my travel in June 2010, I booked via American Airlines to travel on Cathay Pacific . AA gave me a slightly cheaper rate (not by much) but I got 100% miles for both Cathay & AA, so that was a bonus. 
I also like staying within one Alliance (OneWorld) because of elite status (I get to use the lounges).

[Woody]

There are times, although not often, you will get a better rate by booking with a partner airline to travel on another -  for my travel in June 2010, I booked via American Airlines to travel on Cathay Pacific . AA gave me a slightly cheaper rate (not by much) but I got 100% miles for both Cathay & AA, so that was a bonus. 
I also like staying within one Alliance (OneWorld) because of elite status (I get to use the lounges).

Thanks for the tip. I was pricing on the CX site and it was not very flexible on flights and price. The AA site is great for booking, you can choose from a large selection of departure dates with easy to see impact on price for both ways. As a bonus, booking from the AA site is going to cost me $300 less than CX. I am now looking at less than $1600 for the flights.

[robert angel]

Yea Woody--Kfc's the MAN when it comes to flight deals--hell--if he'll let you pick his mind--the guy's just a heckuva a savvy shopper on a lot of good stuff and he picks 'choice' stuff too, not middling quality.

I was going to ask him to help me find a good laptop with an I5 or I7 Intel Sandy Bridge chip set up, decent features including at least a GB on a good video card, for below $650, (Asus?) but I think he and I comb the same sites for tech deals--I think I'm one of few who picked up an I-Pad2 (for the wife) at a discount!--She loves that bugger--Korean soap operas and movies dubbed into Tagalog on the fly--with a ten hour battery!

When in Cebu, you might want to check out "Mr. A's"--a nice, romantic restaurant up on a mountainside, that at night, offers a great view of the city below. If it's still the same, they serve, among other things, prawns (shrimp) bigger than my hands--and I can hold a basketball with one hand--they're bigguns. I throw a pretty good cast net and will go to great distances to fill my boat with white and brown shrimp--even some tiger shrimp, but I've never seen anyones like the ones there. Thank God they devein the things--that black line running down a big shrimp's back is it's 'poop shute'...

Anyways--if you don't like the local food, there's almost always a western franchise selling basically the same thing as here, but over there instead (obviously), and the stores ought to have staples, like oreos and nilla wafers, etc.-- stuff that'll get you by. I think I could live for a week or so on Cheeto's alone, but the contrast of the fuzzy looking orange sweaters the Cheetos leave on my teeth, against the backdrop of my milky white skin, might scare the children unduly.

Still--it'd be a shame to go all that way and not try some of the food--there's sure to be something almost anyone would like. Along with the cassava cakes (my fav.) try the halo halo dessert! Even Mikey likes it, I've been told! (old school, inside joke)

I was going to mention the bring your own TP and the micro two thirds size toilets/stalls, with no fold down toilets seats (quite often) but hey, I figured you guys already had that one figured and besides, I don't want there to be NO surprises for you!

[dewey4350]

Trust me people I grew up in southern Indiana we butcherd our own hogs. I eat all kinds of liver. I have lived in Texas sense I got out of thye service. I have eaten things from Mexico I do not want to repeat. But come on the squid is just not the most appealing visual thing I have seen. And I do not think I can choke down a two day old chick that is deep freid are boiled. As far as staying full that probably will not happen. But I can survive on rice and fruit. Will some one tell me about the coffee and beer!!!!! tnx again

[robert angel]

Great coffee, decent beer and pretty good rum. I am all but sure that if you go into a mall food court there, you'll come out full, healthy and happy--they have hundreds of choices, typically.

Plus, I think every place on earth has some version of "Chinese food joints" Maybe open the fortune cookie first, if you're really worried!

[Ray]

Great coffee, decent beer and pretty good rum. I am all but sure that if you go into a mall food court there, you'll come out full, healthy and happy--they have hundreds of choices, typically.

Plus, I think every place on earth has some version of "Chinese food joints" Maybe open the fortune cookie first, if you're really worried!

OK, I’m going to disagree with Robert here. The coffee sucks, the beer (San Miguel) is excellent, and the rum (Tanduay) is one of the best in the world.

Unless you are in a large city, you may have difficulty finding any kind of decent coffee. Most Filipinos drink Nescafe instant (Yuck), which you will find in the typical home or local restaurants. Yes, you can find a Starbucks in the city now, but not out in the province.

And don’t count on those mall food courts with MacDonalds, Shakey’s Pizza, and KFC wherever you go.

Do you like Tabasco Sauce? I always try to carry a small bottle with me when visiting Filipino homes. You never know what kind of tasty (?) delights they may serve you and someone is always offering you food. The squid and fish will be staring back up at you, lots of dried and salted stuff, pig’s blood stew, and weird tasting fish sauce and pastes. Always try to eat at least a little of what is offered, but that bottle of Tabasco has saved my life on many occasions.   

Ray

[thekfc]

Sometimes CX (and some other airlines) block out  seats/tickets on their own site but these same tickets are "open" on a partner airline. The same goes for premium seats - they block them out for "loyal/elite" customers or upgrades and if not "sold" they open them up at the last minute. 
When my wife flew from Manila to NYC she had an economy class ticket but she was upgraded to business class at check-in. She is not a elite member & this was her first time flying on CX but she is "attached" to my account & I had other info in my account. They had business class seats open & they went down their list & gave it to her.

I would say sample the local food....you will not know until you try.
In all the malls there are food courts, just walk around and check them out. I saw those big prawns when we went to a supermarket in Bohol...I never got to try them.

My wife have been watching Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. For the past 2 weeks they have been repeating his Asian trips/shows. So yesterday I surprised her - I went to Chinatown & bought some baby octopus, small & big squids. I handed her the bag & told her "this is for you". She open it & you should have seen the look on her face. She immediately told me that we were out of tomatoes, so I went to the supermarket around the corner & bought some. On my return, although she had already cooked adobo chicken for dinner, she was there cooking the squid. 

I cannot comment on the coffee & beer - I am not a coffee drinker & occasionally drink beer. I did get to drink San Miguel Light and it was better than most of the stuff I have tasted here. 

I still have 2 bottles of Coconut Wine that was given to me.

[thekfc]

Thanks for the tip. I was pricing on the CX site and it was not very flexible on flights and price. The AA site is great for booking, you can choose from a large selection of departure dates with easy to see impact on price for both ways. As a bonus, booking from the AA site is going to cost me $300 less than CX. I am now looking at less than $1600 for the flights.

If you haven't done so yet, join AAdvantage (AA) & Asia Miles (CX) so you can start earning point - they will later come in handy.

CX also have a "Deal of the Month" Supersaver fare but I have not seen it being offered for the past 2 months.

I was on the phone yesterday with CX office (free call to their office in HK) to inquire about redemption for an item, I also asked about the fare for a Jan/Feb 2012 travel date (JFK-MNL) and it was about $2000 for 2 (it is $2300 for the published Economy Core fare also the cheapest class is not "available" yet).
I also inquire about the "All Asia Pass" and the agent told me that the All Asia Pass have so far NOT been offered for this year but there is a possibility that they may do it later in the year.

This is a link to tell the difference between the fare classes.
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_US/manageyourtrip/onlinebooking/faretypessummary?market=USWW

[dewey4350]

I was just thinking to my self. if it wrong are unhealthy to drink the water how am going to drink coffee. I only have a couple of vices and that would be the main one. I would not want to represent the US with out coffee. I am patient and caring and understanding with coffee. With out I am kinda like the Filipino postal service. I sent a small package at Valentines it just arrived yesterday. Good thing I sent it priority mail LOL. Oh by the way my fortune cookie would read "you worry to much".

[thekfc]

Good question about the coffee.
I am not a coffee drinker so I cannot comment about that however I did noticed that a few places had a filter connected to the juice/beverage machine. Some places also use bottle water.

You can also buy a 5 gallon bottle of water and make your own. You can also use the water to brush your teeth and stuff like that.

The first time I use the postal service it took forever, after that I started sending everything Express Mail and they arrived within a week.

Oh by the way my fortune cookie would read "you worry to much".

That is jm's line 

[Jeff S]

You don't drink the water in third world countries because of living organisms in it. As soon as you boil it (to make coffee or tea) you kill anything in it that might hurt you.

Unlike what many people think will get them sick, for instance eating street food, the real things that will get you sick are things that are fresh, or are washed with water, like fruits that you don't peel and eat the skin, salads that are washed with water, unpasteurized dairy products, and so on. Meats and fish that are cooked and served immediately are of no concern. Pickled (fermented) things, like kim-chee, ceviche and so on, are also not a problem as the process kills any harmful bacteria.

It is unimaginable to me to see people travel then only eat at recognizable fast food joints. You miss out on the entire experience. The last time I flew through Kansai airport in Japan, I had a three hour layover, and went to their very extensive restaurant row. The place has over two dozen excellent places, but all the Americans were lined up in front of the McDonalds. I couldn't believe it. Why would anyone have a big mac when next door you can get tonkatsu, yakisakana, soba, or a huge variety of other delicious dishes for the same price or less. It boggles the mind.

I've never been squeamish about most foods, like organ meats and oddball seafood, but do draw the line at some things. I've been traveling extensively since the mid-60s and have never once gotten sick on food overseas. I have right here in the USA though. My recommendation is to rely on the locals to pick out the good places for you to try. I've usually found people direct me to the more mundane things and I usually have to coax them into taking me to places that THEY like, not places they imagine I might like.

[dewey4350]

I will go to the sights and sign up today, as far as the airlines go. Trust me my lady sells the food she cooks and her parents sell fruits and vegtables. So there is no way I will not try the foods. It was just that KFC's picture of the young squid looked more like bait. If he can eat so can I! The part a bout his wife enjoying the skid from the market is priceless. My fellow coffee drinkers have piped in and I got more tips about the raw food and water. Thanks it s been a good day Thanks everyone

[thekfc]

My bad about the squid 
This is for you & the Pigster (who is also planning a trip):

Banana Fritters


Milkfish


Halo-halo


Kare-Kare


Chicken (on Binalot)


Pinakek


Tinapa


Adobo Chicken Pizza


Crab Maritess


Crispy Shrimps


Green Tea Ice Cream (the other ice cream that I tasted sucked)


Spinach in coconut milk with prawns and palutik


Who can resist this? 

[Researcher]

                                                           KFC knows Filipino cuisine .....


                                                        


     Researcher

[thekfc]

Guys don't deny it.....you some of these before

ISAW


Taho


Quail Eggs