Finally planning trip!

[CyberGlitch]

Ok


So might also be a good idea to go ahead and get my new phone now and use local sim. Then root and unlock my current droid to give to her when we I get down there.




Oh, we changed our minds on flying to Davao. We're going to take the 10-12 hours by boat and buses. Get to see more of the country side and stuff. She's already said she's paying for that trip as well. Love that she doesn't like me spending a lot of money just for her. Think I hit the gold mine here.




LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY NOW!! Getting excited

[thekfc]

If you haven't done so now is a good time to start collecting the "pasalubong" you will be giving. Two months will go fast and you don't want to be going crazy last minute trying to find/buy stuff.

A few ideas (try not to go overboard):
Chocolate (#1 on the most list) 
Victoria's Secret lotion/cream (#1 on my list) 
Body Shop/Bath & Body Work Lotion/cream
Alcohol - you are allowed 2 liters (or 2 bottles 1 liter each) duty free
T-shirts/cami - Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister, Disney, etc,. XS & S would be the ideal sizes.
Note: American Eagle Outfitters recently open their first store in the Philippines (in Taguig City where my wife's family lives), so AE would be a "hot" item.
Basketball related items - t-shirst, balls, keychains, etc,.
Souvenirs from your area/state.

Stuff like perfume/fragrance try to limit it/them to just her are they may be considered "personal".

Try to find out who the "go to" person(s) is in the family and bring something different/"special" for them. It may not always be a male or the oldest. For my wife's family it is the 3rd sister (4th oldest sibling) - she is considered the "head" of the family.

The list goes on & on and chatting with her I am sure you already have ideas. 

Don't forget stuff for you:
Pepto chewable tablets
Imodium ID
Iodine/water treatment tablets
Water filter/filteration bottle - Not a necessity but it would be a good idea to carry one (or more to give as gifts). They are small & range in sizes (12 - 20oz) & are also very light.
Your fav OTC medication.
Sunscreen lotion
Repellent w/Deets
You may not need all the above stuffs but carry just in case. 

Also:
Camera w/extra SD card.
Plenty change of clothing & light weight.

Note: The PI is 220v so bring an adapter if any of your electronics is not dual voltage.

Make sure the cash you bring is  new & crisp - Most changers will not change worn out bills.

Also don't forget to call your CC to inform them of your travel plans- it may be on people's list but with the excitement, sometimes they forget to call.

[CyberGlitch]

Obviously I've been ready these forums too much. 



Chocolate - Already looking at different kinds and bags of the miniature candy bars for example and hand out pieces. 
Victoria's Secret lotion/cream - Already on my list as well
Body Shop/Bath & Body Work Lotion/cream Already on my list as well
Alcohol - you are allowed 2 liters (or 2 bottles 1 liter each) duty free Anything in particular that they can't get there?


T-shirts/cami - Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister, Disney, etc,. XS & S would be the ideal sizes.
Note: American Eagle Outfitters recently open their first store in the Philippines (in Taguig City where my wife's family lives), so AE would be a "hot" item. Good to know!
Basketball related items - t-shirst, balls, keychains, etc,. Knew this already.
Souvenirs from your area/state. Knew this already.

"go to" person(s) Gotta ask about that one and great idea as well. I do feel she seems to be the go to girl in the family.

forgotten stuff. All marked down on my list.

Others:
Already purchased a few good tank tops and sleeveless shirts.
Rangers hat with evaporation cooling, work fairly well!
Got the power adapter.


Didn't think about calling CC. Which is better to use there or would it make difference, Visa Debit or regular Visa? I'm guessing just better to go with normal CC for the protection though.


Thanks!!

[Jhengsman]

For basketball related items unless things have changed in five years they do not wear over sized basketball gear as is the American social norm of the past generation

[thekfc]

Chocolate - Already looking at different kinds and bags of the miniature candy bars for example and hand out pieces. 

It is best to get the big assorted bags as they have different variety in them. And with Easter coming up there should be plenty of varieties on the shelves.

Alcohol - you are allowed 2 liters (or 2 bottles 1 liter each) duty free Anything in particular that they can't get there?

American......Jack Daniels is #1 on most list. I gave a bottle of Godiva Liquer that is still sitting in the cabinet as a decoration piece. Everybody want to drink it but I think my wife's brother-in-law will beat the crap out of anyone who touches it.
Remember if you buy it there then it isn't pasabulong.

"go to" person(s) Gotta ask about that one and great idea as well. I do feel she seems to be the go to girl in the family.

There should be a "go to" person/persons in the family other than her - mother, father, brother / sister, aunt,uncle, etc,.

Didn't think about calling CC. Which is better to use there or would it make difference, Visa Debit or regular Visa? I'm guessing just better to go with normal CC for the protection though.

For purchases/hotel: regular Visa. Use the debit as a back-up for cash - watch out for fees. Also make sure that you carry the their International # should you need it.

[thekfc]

For basketball related items unless things have changed in five years they do not wear over sized basketball gear as is the American social norm of the past generation

Most don't but some do......American imitation. 

Also not just the guy who wear them but also the female too.

[CyberGlitch]

hmmm, wonder if I can get away with putting some of my own homemade moonshine in another bottle. 


See, Jack Daniels is good for everything! lol

[Bob_S]

I'm going to pass on to you some advice I gave a co-worker some weeks back:
As a semi-seasoned traveler, I learned long ago: always pack your own TP, along with some Cottonelle wipes, Clorox Wipes, and some hand sanitizer.  You never know when Montezuma's Revenge will strike when you're on the road and there's either no TP or the local TP quality is like brown paper bag material and the sink (if there is one) has no soap. 
 

[robert angel]

In the Philippines, toilets and related amenties, are if you will--a 'crap shoot' at best, so prepare. Moonshine from your locale will likely be a huge hit--they love anything (almost anything) from the USA.
 
That said, chances are that even if the Adidas, Nike, Converse etc. are labled "Made in China" or are from elsewhere in Asia, they will somehow have gained magical improvements in quality and are oh so much more desirable if they were purchased and brought from the USA. I think a Timex watch made in Cebu as many are, but destined for the USA market would be seen as better for some reason.
 
Not to foster tobacco usage, but if they are (and a lot of the guys are) smokers, a lot of them buy Chinese fake Marlboro cigarettes a single one at a time for ridiculous prices. Not sure how many cases/packs you can bring, but they will love them for sure if you whip out some packs. Jack Daniels and Marlboros are a gold standard. Johnnie Walker Black's not American, but it's prized--aged 12 years.  Few have the resources for the even pricier Asian market, aged 18 years  Johnnie Walker 'Platinum', never mind the even pricier --(they don't even give an age) Johnnie Walker 'Blue'--which is about $200 and up a bottle.
 
Weigh your luggage before  hand, be aware that if you switch from international to domestic your limit will go down. Any extra weight allowance left should be filled with chocolate and Victorias Secret items, the latter, stay away from fruity scents. Maybe bring a decent sized bag for carry on purposes, although they may check the weight on that too. I typically carry my camera and audio gear on me, to gain a few extra pounds allowance.

[CyberGlitch]

LOL, after reading culture shock already had a fun chat with her about the TP. Bringing my own thank you very much!


"international to domestic your limit will go down"


Meaning I have to fly back home with equal or less than I brought with me flying down there?

[thekfc]

Not sure how many cases/packs you can bring, but they will love them for sure if you whip out some packs.

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams/8.82 oz (roll) tobacco.
 

be aware that if you switch from international to domestic your limit will go down.

You usually keep the same luggage allowance if you travel on the same airline from start to finish - allowance usually change when you switch carriers.

Your free baggage allowance on most of the Asian airlines would be 2 check bags & 1 carry-on (weight limit varies per carrier & also cabin class). Some Asian carriers also let you carry an extra bag free - laptop, small handbag, briefcase, backpack, etc,.

[Jhengsman]

 
That said, chances are that even if the Adidas, Nike, Converse etc. are labled "Made in China" or are from elsewhere in Asia, they will somehow have gained magical improvements in quality and are oh so much more desirable if they were purchased and brought from the USA. I think a Timex watch made in Cebu as many are, but destined for the USA market would be seen as better for some reason.
 

Its that cultural history of corruption, they expect local products to be bootlegs. In the states she likes to see "Made in the Philippines" on the label.

[robert angel]

That's true--to a large extent. Sadly even in the stores that 'anchor' the major malls, the stores and the malls themselves all typically owned by a very small percentage of the population that's already filthy rich, they put things like the fake Oakley sunglasses and bogus designer polos right up front--no shame, no worry. It seems they have the latest designer sneakers out the same day the 'real deal' shoes come out. I have seen bootleg, major hollywood studio movies sold on the streets before they were even released in USA theaters.
 
Every once in a while the media will put on a show and show them crushing or otherwise destroying things like bogus spark plugs or fake watches, but it's just for show--otherwise it's 'business as usual'. I went to a place in Manila once--I think it was called Greenhills, that was basically a mall that blatantly sold almost anything you could think of that was a designer name brand--but everyone knew it was all counterfeit, Some vendors even had several levels of quality offerings for the same products.
 
I don't think much evades the counterfeiters--drugs and foods are even included.

[dewey4350]

Good luck with Davao. its been a while sense I piped in, Pearl farm is very romantic and equally exspensive. I haven't been to Davao as much as Robert or Ray. But I can tell you there is several things to do locally. I sprent time in Bohol and Cebu and Manilla. Davao - will have everything unless you just want to travel and see the sights. I am a little bit of a whiner. See my older post " Transfers ". OMG! Just be patient and like Robert, I like Paradise Island. More layed back and peacefull. Jazz resort is next to it and if you don't want to sleep much go for it,,,,,Dam jungle drums LOL. She knows where to go and sounds like she may even be concerned about you saving money... I am really not sure thats a trait  in some of those wemon LOL. Either way you like it, just be patient and thank people and smile. And a handshake will work with most of the men and holding a hand of older lady worked for me. Especially my mother in law to be. Good luck looking forward to your trip report.......

[CyberGlitch]

Getting closure and excited. Corner of my bedroom is being pilled with things to bring, pack and getting everything ready. Anne mentioned earlier in the week we have 7 weeks left and I'll be there for 7 weeks!


Quick question an thought. Layover at JFK is 6 hours. I'm sure they would have a place to lock-up my carry-on. Never seen times square and looks to be 30 min taxi drive away. Any real issues if I take 2-3 hours to drive out there? Since would land there around lunch was thinking taxi out there, take a good look around, walk around and find a good place to eat and then taxi back in under 3 hours. Mostly just to say been there and seen it.

[thekfc]

Quick question an thought. Layover at JFK is 6 hours. I'm sure they would have a place to lock-up my carry-on.

There are  baggage storage facilities in Terminal 1 but they are on the arrival level however, they are pre-security so you should be able to store your luggage there.

You can store your luggage there then just go pick-up and head to the departure level when you are ready.

Never seen times square and looks to be 30 min taxi drive away.

Looks can be deceiving & in this case it is deceiving.
Mid-day rush hour is a nightmare driving into the city - you can easily spend 1/2 hour or more just going through the tunnel alone (not counting driving to or from it).

Folks usually take the Airtrain and then the subway (A train) to Manhattan (and back), about 3/4 - 1 hour each way if there is no train trouble.
http://www.mta.info/mta/airtrain.htm

I live in NYC and fly out of JFK. I always book an early flight so I can beat the morning rush hour traffic; I am usually in the airport by 6 - 6:30am or I jut take a late (overnight) flight.

Rush hour drive in NYC is horrible.

Any real issues if I take 2-3 hours to drive out there? Since would land there around lunch was thinking taxi out there, take a good look around, walk around and find a good place to eat and then taxi back in under 3 hours. Mostly just to say been there and seen it.

The big issue I see (other than traffic) is going through security. You will not have any bags to check but  since it will be the late afternoon/early evening there may (or may not) be a few flights leaving around that time so the lines could be long. All you need is one person to hold up the line. 

So lets see:
1/2 hour to deplane and head to terminal 1 to store your carry-on.
1 hour on the Airtrain/Subway to head to the city*.
1 hour heading back via Airtrain/Subway*.
*Or 2-3 hours via taxi - if little traffic.
1-2 hours walking around/lunch.
1 hour getting your carry-on & going through security

It can be done but that is cutting it too close.

[CyberGlitch]

That's about what I was thinking as well. I'm using normal time and not NY everything take 3 times as long.    I figured even with 6 hours or so it would probably still be tight.


Will just be good time for a nap somewhere and chatting with my girl before the long leg of the trip.

[thekfc]

There are some good places in both Brooklyn and Queens to eat - you don't have to go to Manhattan (I would go there just for the sights). You can even get something there to bring to the PI or a sandwich or such to eat on the plane.

Korean Airline have a lounge in Terminal 1 (KAL Business class lounge) you may be able to buy a day pass so check with them to see if that is possible.

[dewey4350]

I thought I posted a couple days ago but it did not take. I don't know Davao as well as Robert or Ray. But I have spent like 5 weeks there in the past year and a half. I liked Paradise Island and it very close like a cab ride  and a water taxi ride. Blue Jazz was just too dam loud they play them jungle drums all night and day. Pearl Farm will be very high for any budget. The food was not that impressive for the money. However if you want alone-ness and romantic then go there. I like Paradise Island more laied back and the rooms where air conditioned very clean and the food was above average. Robert knows the way there more than I do. As far as Davao goes several Clubs/ Bars. Just about every eating franchise can be found there. I have been to disco bars beaches and parks. Several things to do just around Davao. I also like Jacks Ridge its a good place to eat and there is entertainment some nights. I also like fat bobby's down town alot of filapino music and talent. Taboan at the MTS grounds was good also. You will not run out of things to do, but it seems they like to get away for some travel. Thats when ray and the rest can help you more. Good luck with your Davao girl ....just smile alot and look at them while you speak you'lle do fine with english. They will get a good laugh of you trying to speak their language. By the way most of the people that were born in Davao have their own dialect. Looking forward to the trip report....

[Ray]

And a handshake will work with most of the men and holding a hand of older lady worked for me. Especially my mother in law to be.
 

If you offer your hand to an older lady, as if to shake her hand, she probably expects that you will do the "Mano Po".
 
This is used mostly by children or young adults to greet mostly older family members or relatives. The younger person takes the elder's right hand in theirs and lowers his/her head to touch the back of the elders hand to the forehead.
 
Have you tried this? Just watch how the children greet their elders. You have probably experienced small children greeting you this way(?)
 
You can try it with obviously older ladies, but it isn't required or expected of foreigners. If you do, once is enough for the first time meeting.
 
For the men, a handshake is fine.
 
BTW, I have never been as far south as Davao...
 
 
Ray
 
 

[SkyNorth]

Not really finding much help on the Net...is there a tourists visa that would let me stay for 3-6 months in Phil?   Without a lot of flying to another country in between or every 3 weeks???

[CyberGlitch]

Extended Visa will give you 59 days and i think it can be renewed once or twice with fees if I recall.


Thanks for everything everybody. Lots of good info and help!


BTW, I have never been as far south as Davao...

[size=78%]I don't know if I should be worried with this coming from you Ray![/size]

[robert angel]

Not really finding much help on the Net...is there a tourists visa that would let me stay for 3-6 months in Phil?   Without a lot of flying to another country in between or every 3 weeks???

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=207&Itemid=37
 
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294245-i3256-k4317754-Cost_of_Visa_Extension-Philippines.html

[SkyNorth]

Robert...Thanks for the sites.  That was a lot more useful than other places I had been on the net.




I hear you can use a "BURN" airline ticket for use in the 3-6 month (because a traveler must show that they are leaving) time if a traveler wants more flexibility on when to leave at the end of the trip. Do you know the cheapest place to fly out of the country of Phil?

[CyberGlitch]

Can finally say next month now I'll be in the Philippines!! No jokes here on this day either.