Finally planning trip!

[robert angel]

For those of you who want to get a feel for the country and travel a bit, travel by boat (jet cat ferry, etc) between Cebu City, Bohol, Dumaguete and Davao City is pretty managable in a few weeks time.
 
If I were single wanted to date and perhaps enjoy some wonderful beaches, scuba or snorkle dive and hit some malls that are so lively that they make ours look like funeral parlors, those would be my picks.
 
There's a lot of other nice places, including some sizable cities and great resorts outside those four areas (on different islands) I just think that the above would be fun for almost anyone and unless you're looking for 4 or 5 star accomodations, the prices are very reasonable compared to what we're used to in the USA.
 
There's a good amount of colleges thereabouts and while there's always students and staff around, right now, a lot of graduations are commencing and things really pick up again in June, with coeds and lady professors coming in from all over to attend/teach. The school years are different there calendar wise than ours.
 
But--if you're going and are pretty intent on ONE lady, such a wide itinerary might mess that up, so weigh your intent and options. You've probably made friends already and have their yahoo, facebook contact info already so if your #1 doesn't pan out, you could probably arrange some hastily scheduled 'meet and eats' and perhaps get a friendly tour guide.  That said, I think most guys who are clean shaven, well groomed and decently dressed would end up meeting some nice ladies just by chance over there.

[CyberGlitch]

First thing after the sleep and jet lag is within on PADI Open Water. Then can do a few boat tours at great dive shops. Always wanted to try that and it's better then practicing in a swimming pool here. lol


Prescriptions
As long as they are in properly marked vials with my name shouldn't an issue would it? Even if it's a 60 day suppler?


Just now starting to pack up some back and then need to go out and get some lotions for my girl and a few back of chocolates.


Would it be smart to just sleep the last 14 flight out to South Korea and helping adjusting my internal close.

[robert angel]

While legally you're supposed to have any Rx's in their original containers, I've never had an issue with putting my few prescriptions into one bottle to save space--they're not opiates or anything like that. Everyone's different, but on that 14 hour or so leg of the flight, I usually try and take something to help me get a good 6 or 7 hours of sleep enroute and then I don't worry too much about catching up on sleep and don't feel fatigued once I get there.
 
Especially on the first couple of trips, you're so geeked up with excitement that jet lag's not a big deal, but coming back it can nail you worse--most experienced travelers leave at least a day or so open for when they come back. My wife's leaving next week, from the US east coast, to Japan, to Manila then on to Mindanao and she's leaving a couple days off for her return, as she'll be pretty tired most likely.
 
If you're the least bit prone to sea sickness, you might want to pack some dramamine too--better safe than sorry and it's only a few bucks. Even if you're not already scuba certified, it's pretty easy to get set up for scuba over there--almost too easy sometimes, so use caution.

[dewey4350]

You might want some modeum? I think I am spelling it right. Eating different foods and liquids will sometimes attack you,,, to put it softly. Another thing that I over done was, pack to much stuff. Most of the chocolates and liquids you can find there for a reasonable price ( less stuff to pack - less stuff to carry). You will be fine seems like your girl will watch over you. If you need a friend or advice don't hesitate to message me...Relax have fun Davao is great place. I am returning in a couple months for my 4th time. I don't know everything about Davao but I have a very large family there....

[thekfc]

 

You might want some modeum? I think I am spelling it right. Eating different foods and liquids will sometimes attack you,,, to put it softly.

Imodium.

It is always wise to carry some medication with you whenever you travel; it doesn't matter whether it's 1st World, 2nd world or 3rd world country - if the condition is there for you to get sick, then you will get sick.
 
 Question: Why do you get sick and the "local' don't?


 Answer: Because you are not use to the bacteria, minerals and other stuff in the water/food from that region.


 Remember, if the water is not safe to drink, then the same can be said for the water being not safe to swim in, to shower in, brush your teeth with, use ice made from it, etc,.
 
 
 I have made myself a medical travel pack & these are some of the contents – they are all travel sizes:
 Brita portable water filter bottle
Water purification tablets
Imodium easy chew
 Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets
Ibubrofin
 Benadryl
Dramamine chewable tablets
Melatonin
Vicks Sinex
Sudafed
Alka Seltzer
Claritin
Aveeno 1% hydrocortisone
Aloe Vera Gel
Aveeno Calamine & Pramoxine
Antibacterial Ointment
Phillips Milk of Magnesia chewable tablets
Oragel
Picaridin
Antiseptic wipes
Peroxide wipes
Bandages
 
 
 Most I have never use while traveling but it is good to have them on hand.
 
   

Another thing that I over done was, pack to much stuff. Most of the chocolates and liquids you can find there for a reasonable price ( less stuff to pack - less stuff to carry).

If you bought it there then it isn't Pasabulong.
 
Buying stuff over there does not hold that much (sentimental) value than buying it in your home country and bring it over. You can buy/get the stuff in their home country but the real value is you buying it in YOUR home country, taking it on the plane and presenting it to them.
 
If you do not have the space/have too much stuff to bring then ship/sent some stuff ahead of time and time it to arrive within a few days of your arrival.
 

[CyberGlitch]

8 days to lift off! Getting so excited, it's finally here. Yea, my girls been great and will take good care of me.

Yep, got a lot of different meds and got newly refilled bottles of my prescriptions. Have gone through everything posted here and other stuff I read and think I'm as ready as I'm going to be. Will have a few of the meds and spare change of clothes in my laptop bag carry on as well.


In Davao anyone been to DECA wake boarding? looks like fun!

[thekfc]

Just a little warning, you may be called upon to play this wonderful game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tocWbFA6Rqw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjVc2J4gl9g

 Have lots of fun. 

[robert angel]

That DECA resort is about an hour outside the city and is big, with a lot of fun things to do. We're in a DECA developed subdivision that's real close into the city, hospital, financial centers, to the nicer malls and it's a short, 10 minute ferry ride to the nicest beaches, but w/o all the lagoons, the lake or athletic fields. Unless you're pretty wealthy and don't mind a long commute to and fro, it's hard to buy a home around their big resort. We wanted a place on high land, set back from the main road, so it's quiet, but still close enough to walk to public transportation or to pick up some groceries, the newspaper, etc.  I wish it was on more land, but if you want a great location, land is super expensive and anyhow the house itself is big enough for the inevitable relatives we invite--you can't have it all.

If we're entertianing family or friends, our style is more to rent a nearby beach house on Island Garden of Samal (That's where the Pearl Farm and other nice resorts are) where there are plenty of  activities for young and old alike, but we'll probably rent a jeepney, pack the family in and check that DECA resort out eventually. My wife's heading back there next week for a while and is psyched to check out the new Lanang Mall, which is the mall closest to us and said to be really nice.

We like to catch the nearby ferry to Paradise Beach on Island Garden of Samal, often bringing family along. It has a lot of things for people of all ages to do, snorkling, ping pong, billiards, live music in the middle of the resort's beach--some folks dance, there's pretty good food, a few souvineer shops, even a small zoo. The showers, toilets, beach sand and water are clean, with plenty of cushy recliners in the shade or sun and the prices are reasonable. If you want, you can bring your own food, (we do!) but there are restrictions on bringing your own drinks.To me the best thing is it's almost all Filipinos and not too many tourists.
 
Another 'must see' is Jack's Ridge--a group of restuarants up on a hill, with lovely views of the city below. They have almost Christmas like lighting year round, things for young and old alike to enjoy--just a nice, medium priced 'treat' for your group--do it at night if you can, but anytime is nice. In town, next to People's Park (nice in its own right) we like to eat at Banoks, which had pretty good native food done right and even though it's a small chain of resturants, it still has a family run feeling. Try and get an open air table/s upstairs at night, as the view of the city just below is nice. Dencio's by south mall is nice too--a little fancy. A nice 'countrified' day trip is renting for all day a taxi or van and checking out Eden Gardens nature preserve.
 
My wife doesn't like it because it's hot and a bit run down in spots, but I like to walk St Pedro Street, which has a lot of shops with low price goods--like a bazaar--all kinds of stuff. There are usually guys who set up on corners selling things too--I have some great old coins I've bought there--silver Philippine currency they no longer mint that I have sometimes bought for less money than the value of the silver in them.  Bargain with them. The larger coins make nice necklace medallions too. You can also get great deals on pearls to bring back--your girlfriend should know how to tell the real from the fake, although they're not so expensive to the point where they often fake the one's that aren't really 'high end' priced. I'd be a lot more careful on buying anything gold, gemstones or brand name watches.
PS--Watched that DECA resort video, saw that Filipina wearing a bikini--my wife'd never be seen there wearing that (South Beach Miami, Key West maybe), never mind be seen playing that 'balloon game'... She totally rocks a bikini, but will only occasioanally hit the pool with me here in the states AFTER the sun's gone down and when almost no one's there.  At the beach, she wears a wrap and/or over sized shirt of mine over her swimsuit. I'd guess Kfc and Pigletts wife are probably the same way.  Speaking of Piglett--he's doing great--his wife will have been here a year next month already, she passed the first part of the NYCLEX and they sound really happy.

[Jhengsman]

On the bikini issue there seems to have been a lot of cultural drift since I was last there seven years ago if TV and Facebook are real indicators. Just as I have occaisionally bumped the tattoo thread up because of what I see from those two sources. It is been a while since I have seen their independent movies which was my source for the real Luzon before I started traveling.

[michaelb]

Glad to hear that the Pig and his wife are doing well. Ya' know, he could post something himself, hint hint.

[thekfc]

 My wife prefers to wear shorts than a wrap. Some of the family members do wear bikinis when they go to the beach – nieces, cousins, friends, classmates and even the older ones.
 
I saw what they were wearing and we decided to send them some. We asked them what style they wanted and not one person wanted the “basic” one piece suit – they mostly wanted either a monokini, tankini or the 2-pc w/bandeau top. We bought a few designer ones for next to nothing.
 
I am not sure about the southern part but for what I have seen (Luzon) wearing a bikini is becoming pretty common.
 
I was watching “Bubble Gang” yesterday and the show was filmed on the beach. The entire female cast were wearing bikinis – Maureen, Ellen, Jackie and the rest of the ladies all look good…..as usual. 
 
Maureen was rocking that two piece bikini – at times it looks like the bandeau top wanted to fall off.   
 
Here is a partial video of that episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xFvLBrBWd9I#!
 
And as you can see a few of the cast members (including the ladies) do have tattooes.

[Jhengsman]

Normally I am trying to sleep while the wife has on the Bubble Gang, funny something caught my eye Saturday night.

I would imagine that if there was an internet when I was a kid men would be asking where did the skirts go as the women were all in jeans.

[robert angel]

Glad to hear that the Pig and his wife are doing well. Ya' know, he could post something himself, hint hint.

You can send him a letter and I wouldn't say he'd never reply or post again, but I think he's had enough of the shenanigans here, from what I gather. The folks he asks about, like Dave H., for the most part haven't been seen here for over a year.
 
Anybody hear from Dave H?
 
Jeff S has been pretty low profile for a while too, haven't heard from Capstone--there's a lot more folks who used to be regulars post marriage that just aren't around anymore.

[robert angel]

My wife prefers to wear shorts than a wrap. Some of the family members do wear bikinis when they go to the beach – nieces, cousins, friends, classmates and even the older ones.
 
I saw what they were wearing and we decided to send them some. We asked them what style they wanted and not one person wanted the “basic” one piece suit – they mostly wanted either a monokini, tankini or the 2-pc w/bandeau top. We bought a few designer ones for next to nothing.
 
I am not sure about the southern part but for what I have seen (Luzon) wearing a bikini is becoming pretty common.

While I think the southern areas (Mindanao) tend to be more conservative fashion wise, bathing suits are becoming more revealing there too. It's more the case at resorts that attract a lot of westerners, who bring Filipinas for company. But even at the beaches that the locals tend to favor, you can see how things are changing all around.
 
Tattoos are more common than before too, along with navel piercings, but I think that tattoos will probably become less common soon--just a hunch. More people are seeing things on-line, more have access to TV and movies and that causes change in people's taste. But as is probably typical in most cultures, the older generation often cringes at the changes. My in laws were probably as happy that I don't have tattoos as they are that I'm Catholic.

[Jhengsman]

[size=78%] [/size]
Tattoos are more common than before too, along with navel piercings, but I think that tattoos will probably become less common soon--just a hunch. More people are seeing things on-line, more have access to TV and movies and that causes change in people's taste. But as is probably typical in most cultures, the older generation often cringes at the changes. My in laws were probably as happy that I don't have tattoos as they are that I'm Catholic.

I know I put this in the dedicated tattoo thread years ago but I remember 20 years ago in a Star Trek  DS9 episode where the characters time  traveled to 2013 they made a reference to the tattoo "fad" of the 90s, The tattoo ship has sailed probably to the point of no return. Islam didn't have the power to stop it when they arrived and the global trend setters no longer say its bad and pagan like Spain and European influenced priest did when the took over but rather its a good thing and what the cool people do.

[CyberGlitch]

Ok, officially starting to freak out now. Tuesday is coming up quickly. I'm still fairly young at 32 and have never done some thing like this before and go live in another country for 2 months! Gone through my bags and luggage yesterday and again today to make sure I've got everything ready. I've been out of the country before but either with family or a group of friends. Little different doing it alone and for an extended period of time.




My girl went and reserved and paid for the room we'll be staying in yesterday. Her sister that is coming to visit in Cebu before we go to Davao is now trying to talk us into flying to Davao from Cebu. She's worried about my safety. Is there any real concern taking boats and buses through the back country for that trip? Should we just go ahead and fly? I know by boat and bus it'll be nearly 12 hours and in very remote areas but I've got plenty of time and that doesn't bother me.

[Ray]

Hi Glitch,
 
How exactly were you planning to get from Cebu to Davao by boat and bus?
 
The inter island ferries are safe (unless they sink LOL). If you are going to take a ferry from Cebu City to Davao, where does the "very remote areas" part come in?
 
It is much more scenic taking the inter island ferries and buses, but there are a few unsafe areas for bus travel, mostly in the Western Mindanao areas.
 
The air-conditioned express buses are very comfortable and you get to see a lot of the countryside that you'll miss if you fly.
 
 
Ray
 
 
 

[CyberGlitch]

I haven't looked a lot into the boat/bus details. I was assuming something like ferry to Cagayan de Oro or some other city in the northern part of the island and then bus down to Davao

[robert angel]

I wouldn't sweat going the boat & bus route. If you plan on bringing a good amount of baggage, it becomes even more attractive, as the domestic air carriers actually are worse than what we're used to in charging for any checked in luggage and then they have ridiculous weight restrictions on top of that to ensure they make even more money. My wife lands in Manila tomorrow and dreads the change in weight restrictions switching international flights from there to domestic to Davao. She even bought a very large purse, which I am pretty sure she'll get at least 20 pounds of  chocolate into to avoid being over charged even more for overweight baggage.
 
The bus rides are scenic and from what I gather from where you say you're traveling, the scariest part will be rounding those mountain bends and passing slower vehicles on turns. I find it a little less scary if I sit in the rear third of the bus, but at times my heart wants to leap out of my mouth. Have the camera ready as there's some nice sights. Pack some snacks, some cotton bandanas to swipe your brow and stay hydrated.
 
If you spend some time in rural areas, try and get a picture of you riding on a big ole carabao. When you're an old man and look back at that picture and/or show others, they will definitely look and think "Now there's a MAN!" They're actually pretty tame, gentle giants and as poor as the natives are, out of reverence mostly, (besides, the meat's as tough as leather) they never eat the old ones.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabao

[Ray]

...they never eat the old ones.
 

 

 
 
I guess you never heard of "cara-beef".
 
 
Today's old dead water buffalo is tomorrow's hamburger down in the marketplace...   
 
 
Ray
 
 

[CyberGlitch]

Since I'm still going to be doing some work down there. Can anyone recommend a nice place to lounge, preferably on beach or with a great view. Lapu-Lapu or Cebu, don't mind taking a 20-30 min taxi to get there. All I need is electric plug and Internet. Don't want Starbucks or something like that, don't drink coffee anyways.


Sunday and Monday left before I'm out of here. Think I've got 90% packed and ready to rock!

[dewey4350]

Hey Ray, you have never had a Mc Buffalo? I laugh at Zel all the time she loves quarter pounders YUK!!!!! They will bring the smallest parts back and eat the next day out of the fridge.....The last time I was there they opened a back yards burger just across the street from the big new mall..I guess Hooters will be next....

[thekfc]

.....I guess Hooters will be next....

There is already one in the Mall of Asia - it been there for about 5 years now. I saw it on my visits to the MOA.

Makati will be getting one soon.

[robert angel]

If there's a Hooters coming to Makati, next time a wealthy politician there gets convicted on corruption charges and is as usual, is sentenced to "house arrest" THAT'S where they'll probably declare their 'house' is. (and get away with it too)

[thekfc]

CG, you can make a last minute checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.

When you land in Incheon, you can text/email/FB/Skype her to let her know that you are "in the vicinity". 

If you do not have/cannot get internet service where you are then you can try one of the  Globe "sticks". Your lady friend can give you all the details about it.

Don't forget to call your CC & bank to inform them of your travel plans.

CG enjoy your stay.