Palace Pool Club
http://poolclub.thepalacemanila.com/
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Jun 10, 2020 12:02 am
Jun 20, 2020 4:40 pm
Are there any Latinos or Dominicans travelling in the Philippines?
I heard that there is an Island there that speak Spanish?
Jun 21, 2020 4:48 pm
Chavacano is a creole language spoken in Zamboanga in Mindanao Island. The language is mainly Spanish in origin. There are over 2 million fluent speakers.
I'm sure there are Latinos in the Philippines whether they are vacationers or expats.
Jun 27, 2020 5:06 pm
Jul 06, 2020 1:42 am
The Manila Galleon Trade was between 1565 to 1815. The trade was between Manila, Philippines to Acapulco, Mexico and likely some Mexicans have remained there ever since.
Jul 18, 2020 5:14 pm
Jun 24, 2020 7:12 pm
I hope you enjoyed the Philippines and hope that you will have a good time 
If there's anything that we can help you with just let us know
Jul 05, 2020 7:08 pm
Jul 06, 2020 11:14 pm
what to bring at all times or whenever necessary?
1. water bottles - constantly hydrating yourself
2. toilet papers - restrooms or CR's (comfort rooms in Filipino) are usually out of toilet papers.
3. cell phone - there are no public telephones
4. currency - they only accept cash in pesos
5. snacks - tasty treats that are worth having alongside with you on long trips in the bus/ shuttle van/ boat rides
6. medical first aid kit - It comes in handy
7. foldable fans - its' hot and humid
8. sunglasses - especially at the beach
9. umbrella and raincoats - rains a lot and typhoons
10. towels and spare clothes - you'll sweat a lot due to the humidity
11. sandals - several people wear flip-flops sandals instead of shoes at the beaches
12. flashlights - Gets dark after dusk and there's not enough city lights in some areas
Jul 07, 2020 1:28 am
Computers and other devices in America uses 120V. In Philippines they use 220V or 240V. You need to purchase a converter or transformer at the hardware store for your computer located at the malls in Philippines. Check if you're laptop is compatible to both 120V and 220v.
The US uses 120V 60Hz. So while your US plugs (Type A & B) will physically fit into the sockets in the Philippines, you need to be sure your devices are electronically compatible with 220V. Some older electronics will have a switch you can toggle between 120V and 220V.
Jul 18, 2020 5:18 pm
I will just buy an electrical transformer in eBay. I almost forgot about the voltage differences.
Jul 19, 2020 12:58 am
I forgot to buy mine actually. I had to buy one at the hardware store in a mall in Philippines. Most countries actually use 220V or higher.
Hopefully the weight of the transformer doesn't go over the weight limit of your luggage. Depending on which airline you take, the weight limit varies. Plus, the weight limit also varies on domestic flights especially from Manila to Boracay via Caticlan.
The metric system is also different in Philippines.
They use kilometers instead of miles.
They use meters instead of feet.
They use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.
They use liters of gasoline at a gas station instead of gallons of gasoline.
The large water bottles are measured in liters instead of gallons also.
Metric Conversion
https://www.metric-conversions.org/length/kilometers-to-miles.htm
examples:
1 kilometers = .6 miles
or
1 mile = 1.6 kilometers
1 meter = 3.2 feet
or
1 feet = .3 meter
98 degree Fahrenheit (normal body temperature) = 36.6 degree Celsius
1 gallon of water or gasoline = 3.8 liter of water or gasoline.
or
1 liter of water or gasoline = .26 gallon of water or gasoline.
Jul 19, 2020 4:13 am
They actually use kilograms instead of pounds. When you take the domestic flight or take the ferry boat ride, they weigh your luggage in kilograms.
1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
Jul 19, 2020 7:42 pm
If the transformer has a 3-prong plug, then you might want to ask the hotels if it fits their outlets especially if their outlets only allows 2-prong plug. If so, then you may have to purchase a 3-prong to 2-prong grounded plug adapter in order to fit it in their outlets properly.
Jul 07, 2020 1:32 am
Backpacks are the way to go in the Philippines. You will be able to bring them in malls, shopping stores, beaches, venues, restaurants and plus more.
Jul 18, 2020 5:19 pm
Jul 18, 2020 9:13 pm
One other thing - when people enter malls, grocery stores, or public boat transportations, the security guard checks their backpacks/purses briefly. In some instances such as grocery stores, customers have to hand their belongings to them which will be stored in an open cabinet. They will be able to retrieve their backpacks after the customers are done shopping.
Jul 19, 2020 1:44 am
One reason why there are several people wearing backpacks also is because the average age in Philippines is 24 yrs old while the average age in America is somewhere in the late 30's. There are lots of young Filipinos wearing school uniforms since it's a requirement.
Jul 18, 2020 5:16 pm
Thanks, we are well prepared. but thanks for the list. I will probably use this information as a reminder list.
Jul 19, 2020 4:06 am
In Philippines, unfortunately most cities don't have cross lights or signs or crosswalks. Pedestrians have to make a quick walk across the road in order to arrive at the other side of the sidewalk. If the traffic is slow or near halt, then you cross the road but be careful to look at both sides of the road. In this part of the world, Pedestrians usually don't have the right of way. Expect to be honked at by passing vehicles. The drivers are signaling to you that they are nearby you or they want to pass you by safely. They honk at pedestrians quite regularly even from afar.
Honking is common on the streets because they don't use signal lights on their car to show the drivers on the other vehicles that they are changing lanes.
Some times they honk to say "hello" to their friends and family members also.
Basically there are stray dogs walking around the streets, but don't be too afraid because they don't bite usually.
Jul 20, 2020 5:10 pm
The statement below is important but several Filipinos do have several pet dogs, cats and animals.
Note: The World Health Organization has reported counterfeit versions of rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin (antirabies serum) in the Philippines. See additional information on specific counterfeit products.
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If you received rabies vaccine or immune globulin in the Philippines, consult with a health care provider to see if revaccination is necessary.
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Be aware of the risk of rabies. Do not approach or try to pet dogs, cats, or other animals in the Philippines. Animals can spread rabies before showing signs of being sick. Animals of any age (including puppies and kittens) can have the disease.
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If bitten or scratched, wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately.
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Consider buying a travel insurance policy that will allow you to return to the United States early to get medical care, if needed.
Jul 20, 2020 5:40 pm
International tourist will find out when they arrived in Philippines is that the local Filipinos wear mask quite regularly.
Social distancing is impossible still in certain areas such as stores and restaurants but they have limited the number of customers to enter them which resulted to having long lines outside.
Ninety-one percent of Filipinos always wear masks whenever they go out, according to a survey conducted by YouGov in partnership with Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.
Among the 29 countries the London-based data analysis group surveyed between June 22 and June 28, the Philippines is the second country with the highest percentage of citizens who always wear masks when they go out of their homes.
The country with the highest percentage is Singapore, with over 94% of its population always wearing a mask outdoors.
According to the survey, only 1% of Filipinos do not wear masks outside of their homes, 2% sometimes wear masks, and 5% frequently wears masks outside.
The survey, which provides behavioral analysis on how different populations are responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), also showed that Denmark, Sweden, and Finland only has 2% of their population wear a mask outside at all times.
Jul 20, 2020 6:11 pm
Please read this for all those who are traveling to the Philippines.
https://rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/flying-to-manila-covid-19-what-to-prepare-expect
Here are some tips on what you should do before, during, and after your trip
Pack a lot of patience and strength when traveling to Manila during the pandemic. It is, after all, the new normal.After 3 attempts and two canceled flights from Philippine Airlines, I was finally able to land in Manila on July 17.
Here are some tips on what you should do before, during, and after your trip.
Before the trip
1. Make sure to regularly check flight updates from the airline’s website and social media accounts. I experienced a last-minute cancelation, or a cancelation less than 24 hours before the flight. Some flights are also rerouted to other airports like Cebu.
2. A day before your departure, fill out this crucial electronic Red Cross form and save the QR code on your mobile phone. You will need to show this code upon arrival in Manila. It is best to accomplish the form online to avoid unnecessary hassle and delay in the airport.
Please be reminded that non-OFWs, students, exchange visa participants, and returning residents must shoulder all expenses for quarantine.
4. Do your research.
5. Bring your own pen. You will be signing and filling out many documents.
Travelers bound for the Philippines are required to sign a number of government forms.
Day of trip
1. Be early at the airport.
2. Make sure your luggage, including carry-on, are not oversized and overweight. This will help you save time. There are usually long lines in the airport because many Filipinos also want to go home.
3. Bring Philippine pesos. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 where I landed, there were also money changers and ATMs.
4. Eat well. If you can, bring some snacks because most stores and restaurants in airports are closed.
5. Bring a mask, alcohol, sanitizer, and, if possible, a face shield.
NAIA arrival
This only applies to Manila arrival because other airports, such as Cebu and Clark, have their own arrival rules and processes.
1. Make sure you have accomplished all forms distributed during the flight. These include immigration arrival form, customs form, and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) declaration form, among others.
2. Upon disembarkation, you will be briefed by the Philippine Coast Guard on the arrival process. They will ask you to prepare your QR code or accomplish the Red Cross form if you haven’t.
3. You will then undergo a verification process, where you will present your QR code and Philippine passport. In exchange, they will give you 6 sets of barcode stickers – one of which will be placed on the back of your passport. The barcode will serve as your identity for the swab tests.4. Next is the testing. For Manila arrivals, all tests are free. In Cebu, as of posting, there is a fee amounting to around P5,000.
5. You will be asked to sit in front of a booth. Nurses in full personal protective equipment (PPE) will do both throat and nasal swab tests. The throat test will make you gag a bit but it’s tolerable. The nasal test is uncomfortable but just breathe deeply to make the process as quick and painless as possible.
6. You will then line up for immigration. As of posting, only Filipino passport holders, dual citizens, and foreigners who have Filipino spouses (documentary evidence needed) are allowed to enter the country.
7. Checking of quarantine hotel. Depending on your status – OFW, seafarer, returning resident – you will go to a specific help desk to verify your quarantine facility.
I am a US J-1 visa holder and was assigned to the Department of Tourism help desk. DOT ensures that the hotel you booked is government-approved. There is also a separate line for those who have not yet booked their hotels. Again, if you are not an OFW, you will shoulder all quarantine costs.
8. Next, line up for the transportation booking. No private vehicles are allowed to pick up passengers. Only airport metered and coupon taxis can take passengers to their hotels. There are also government shuttles but it will take time to wait for these. I chose to book a coupon taxi (white).
A coupon taxi from the airport has a plastic barrier to prevent contact between driver and passengers.
9. Get luggage
10. You are now ready to exit the airport. Before you can leave, PCG will check your signed affidavit of undertaking – allowing the government to check on your status in your quarantine facility – and transportation paper, which indicates your hotel and the type of transportation booked.
11. You are now ready to go to your hotel. I gave my transportation paper to the person manning the booth and to the taxi driver. You have to pay the driver in cash.
Quarantine
I chose to stay at a hotel in Alabang, near my place of residence so I can easily go home after quarantine.
Guests are strictly prohibited from leaving their rooms during quarantine. The hotel staff will leave food and drinks outside the door.
Food deliveries are allowed but you have to make sure these are already paid. The hotel staff would just have to bring the items outside your door.
How did this story make you feel?
SEE THE RESULTS
While in quarantine, wait for Red Cross to email the results of the swab tests. Some said they got they got their results after 3 days while others said they had to wait for 5 to 7 days. You may also check the website and type your barcode and passport numbers to check your result.
https://www.redcross.com.ph/verify
If negative, you can ask the hotel to print the certificate and then check out.
If positive, somebody from the government will contact you and bring you to another facility.
Good luck and stay safe!– Rappler.com
Jul 19, 2020 3:37 am
The temporary loss of lights at night in Philippines is called blackouts which occurs often during rainy days and typhoons. This occurs when the lightning bolt makes the thunderous sound which short circuits the power station or transformer. The lights either turn on immediately or they turn on a few hours later depending on where you are. Some houses and hotels are equipped with a power generator that turns their home lights on while others rely on candles and flashlights. This is another reason why tourist should bring with them a strong flashlights because the flashlight on their cellphone won't be strong enough.
Jul 19, 2020 4:44 am
other things to be concerned at.
Earthquakes are common also since Philippines is part of the Ring of Fire or earthquake belt.
Swim at your own risk at the beaches because they don't have lifeguards around but it's usually safe to swim when there are a lot of people swimming also and when there are people walking around the beaches.
Jul 06, 2020 11:48 pm
Siesta does happen in some places in Philippines. People closed their stores and restaurants between 2pm to 5pm for a nap. It's recommended to shop and dine before or after these hours. Siesta was more common in the past than it is today. Today, several stores and restaurants are open to the public throughout the day.
Jul 18, 2020 5:20 pm
Jul 18, 2020 9:25 pm
It happens in some places especially in rural areas.
In some stores and restaurants, they opened a little later or closed a little earlier than what's stated on the hour of operation.
Nov 04, 2020 12:53 am
Thanks for everything, unfortunately me and my gals decided to skip the Philippines trip and decided to fly to Mexico instead. My gals will just go to the Philippines next year when the corona virus restriction is over.
Thank you @pau123 @rambonio for all these important information.
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