A briefing for the travelers

So after going to P-Grad and a couple of graduation parties, I gather that there are quite a few TP actives/alums that are heading to the Philippines as early as tomorrow.

So this post is directed to you guys. You probably know a lot of this already, but perhaps you will find some of it useful.

Weather

If you’re leaving Tuesday night, you’ll probably get there on Thursday morning Manila time if you’re going straight. Based on this site, expect a high of 32 and a low of 24 with the usual scattered thunderstorms. (Yes, you’re gonna want to brush up on the metric system.) It’s going to be like that for a while. One of my co-workers just got back from the Philippines and she was complaining to me all day about how hot and humid it was over there, so prepare yourself.

Looking at this radar it looks like a storm recently passed by, but I don’t see any typhoons headed your way, so I think you’ll be ok on that front. If, God forbid, one hits during your stay, I hope you’re not in a low-lying area if it happens….

Money!

According to this site the Peso-Dollar rate is 42.8 PHP = 1.0 USD. A little higher than what I recall it being a couple of months ago, but far below the 50-55 range that it used to be.

Food and gas is getting more expensive in the Philippines, like everywhere else.

Travel warnings?!

The US Department of State still has this travel warning in effect for the Philippines, specifically southern Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Watch yourself out there no matter where you are.

Current events?

Things are relatively calm right now. As you’ll see, every news program in the Philippines usually leads with a political story about some alleged act of corruption by the government, unless something big like a storm, a Pacquiao fight, etc. happens. But things are stable there, for now. Come 2010, that won’t be the case, but anyways….

Transportation

Hahaha….

They just raised the fares again for jeepneys and buses (they had to due to gas). If you haven’t ridden on a jeepney or tricycle, you really should. There’s nothing like riding shotgun on a tricycle through the provinical roads.

In Manila, well good luck. Traffic sucked when I was over there 4 years ago, and I can’t see it improving.

Recommendations?

Around Manila, there’s always the malls. Robinsons, Power Plant, Glorietta, Greenhills, Greenbelt, Megamall, Mall of Asia…they’re pretty much self-explanatory.

There’s also the Global City near Fort Bonifacio….4 years ago there were a couple of high-rises and a whole lot of nothing on that space….it must be totally different now.

Go to Bulacan if you have the chance. I’m a bit biased since that’s my home province, but it’s pretty much right next to Manila and it’s home to towns/cities of different characters. A couple of them include….

• Meycauayan - Home of the Sta. Cruz Family (my mom’s side). Tons of jewelry can be found here. I wonder if the river’s still black.
• Bocaue - The Fireworks Capital of the Philippines. You should see this place around New Year’s.
• San Miguel - In my opinion the best Pastillas de Leche comes from this town.
• Malolos - the capital of the 1st Philippine Republic. If you’re going here, you should go to Barasoain Church (where it all began).
• Hagonoy - Last, but not least. Home of the Ople Family (my dad’s side). To me it’s an ideal place. Not too far away from the craziness that is Manila, but far enough. Lots and lots of fish around here.

Other than that…Tagaytay’s pretty nice when I was last there. Go see the Taal Volcano while you’re at it. Baguio’s nice too if you’re OK with a long ride. Then, of course, Boracay. You’re all pretty much going there so there’s no need to describe it here.

In conclusion, have fun, and stay safe. If you feel the need to blog about your experience, let me know. - R