Other Areas

[Steve Nash]

You've got valid reasons to go at that time of the year but generally I regard the Christmas / NY period as one of the worst times: the weather sucks, many girls return home for the Christmas period and some areas get shut down by rogue typhoons. I've been trapped, unable to travel, in Mindoro or the Visayas many times.

Enjoy your trip but keep these in mind.

G.

Thanks Goferring, I will keep that in mind, during December only the first week of my trip I will be single, Christmas and New Years I have plans with my girlfriend, specially New Year's in her hometown.

That sucks that most of them go back to her hometown, reminds me of holy week or the month of April, where they leave the city to their hometown too. Do you know around what week in December they leave to their hometowns?

My guess is after the 20th right? I hope so.

Anyways, did you ended up going to Philippines this year?

I know you were planning to go this year.

[Goferring]

My plan is to spend Christmas and New Year's in Philippines that's why I want to go on December

You've got valid reasons to go at that time of the year but generally I regard the Christmas / NY period as one of the worst times: the weather sucks, many girls return home for the Christmas period and some areas get shut down by rogue typhoons. I've been trapped, unable to travel, in Mindoro or the Visayas many times.

Enjoy your trip but keep these in mind.

G.

[Steve Nash]

My mention before to one of the gents was to not be the tip of the spear. SN, I am not sure when you made your December travel plans, but if the Phils is open for tourists at that time, you will be the tip of the spear. There is an initial time with all endeavors when cutting edge = bleeding edge. The rest of us will watch with baited breath to see how the initial wave of foreigners report here their experiences.

Also, those are just my fictional government's requirements for foreigners. You also must contend with regional and local Covid-related issues: masks / shields, curfews, alcohol bans, senior citizen (age 60+) and other age-movement restrictions (is your girl under 21? That 19 yo sweet-meat piece you were chatting with might not be able to depart her Brgy for this or that reason during your limited-stay timeframe). And don't forget superstitions. Welcome to the tip of the spear.

In the picture, you will see the current 'CQ' designation for each region in the entire country. Most strict = MECQ (Extended is always the most locked down), then GCQ (General), the MGCQ (Modified General) is the least strict (more freedoms). With that in mind, next check the dates at the top of the chart: June 16-30. The thing will change again on July 1. For example, in the chart, currently the city of Butuan (falls in the several regions of Caraga) falls under MECQ, very strict. On July 1 Butuan might become less strict and fall into GCQ (leaving the rest of the Surigao region in MECQ), while the current GCQ city of iligan might move into MECQ.

Yeah I experienced that last year when I was in Philippines for 8 months, back then it wasn't that strict, only on April and May they were very strict (ECQ the most strict that time) where you were only allow to go out with a pass to buy groceries (every other day), I remember one time going to a birthday party, being asked to go back to my condo with the motorbike (30 minutes ride) when they stopped me because my pass was for the next day and not for that day, I remember my friend teasing me in videocall (privately in her room) what I was missing for not going to her birthday. Next day I ended up going to her place and her bed pay the price, LOL.

It was funny because her dad and brothers were there drinking so she said let's buy them 2 big bottles of red horse and after that they will go to sleep because they are drunk already and they all have to work the next day, it was her mom idea actually she was rooting for me to fuck her daughter, LOL. She had foreigner boyfriends before, so I guess they were that family type hoping that her daughter gets lucky and meets a foreigner. Anyways after that day I never show up there anymore, I met my friend in a short hotel a couple of times. She was hoping to get pregnant but I forgot to tell her that I had vasectomy.

The (IATF), federal government, its regions (governors), and cities (mayors) are constantly re-assessing, each 2 weeks (and for some, each 30 days). In addition, the many Brgy within each city often make their own sets of even more strict edicts (announced or not announced). If a country is re-assessing its lockdown situation each 2 weeks, right down to thousands of Brgy assessing their own rules on a whim, its impossible to advise anyone on when to come. This constant re-assessment system has been happening for 15 months now. December? Who knows? Steve, I wish I had a crystal ball (ya, I also didn't buy much Microsoft stock way back when, dammit).

When I was in Manila for 2 weeks (in Pasay) back on September, it wasn't like that and I was staying in a house in the middle of the Barangay, some nights I had to walk my friends between barangays so they can safely take a taxi, like 7 or 8 blocks because the taxis won't come inside the barangays late at night, I guess drivers were scare at night. I hate it when my friends had to go back home even at 1 am (the ones they do had kids back home so I understand).

My guess is that it is worse now than how it was back on September.

My humble suggestion: Wait for 3 months after the opening of the tourist floodgates. Watch the news and this Board. THEN make a decision on whether (and when) to come here. Thailand is also a good choice (but you risk leaving your pinay to other unsavory types, like that Dr Westy guy).

My Pinay is picky, she only likes guys 28 to 45, I'm the oldest she ever dated and I wasn't even 40 when I met her. And she is not that type to be bought with money, she has a good pay job (in Filipino standards), and she is independent since she was 19 when she moved out from her hometown, she even beat me in different jobs she ever had, my count is 12 hers is 15, she had to prove it of course with uniform pictures, certificates and employee cards. That's why I like her, how independent she is and also educated, she studied for 2 years and payed her education herself.

My plan is to spend Christmas and New Year's in Philippines that's why I want to go on December, I don't think I will have any problems going there on December (specially since I'm fully vacinated and Canada cases are very low right now, knock on wood). The only problem I will have is moving around, my trip duration is for 4 -5 months so I should be able to wait there in one province for afew months, but by summer I'm hoping I can do the Island hopping I been planning since last year.

[Soapy Smith]

My humble suggestion: Wait for 3 months after the opening of the tourist floodgates. Watch the news and this Board. THEN make a decision on whether (and when) to come here. Thailand is also a good choice (but you risk leaving your pinay to other unsavory types, like that Dr Westy guy).

Not just humble, methinks, but thoughtful. Given the story Westie posted about lack of coordination between and within barangays over the specifics of lockdown and quarantine, it will take several months after re-opening for local officials to work out the misinformation and administrative wrinkles. Remember, this is the Philippines, and anything can happen. Secondly, it may take three months for prices to stabilize among the airlines that serve the Philippines.

[WestCoast1]

You have posed questions that neither WC not anyone else can possibly answer accurately. As WC has pointed out, and as continues to be true, the "rules" here change so frequently that it's impossible to keep up, and few people even try at this point. There's simply no way to foresee what this place will be like next month, much less in December. GE.

Shit, is getting worse! SNIP Now I'm getting worry about my trip on December. Westie do you think on December would this get better?

Concur with GE.

Fictional example. I am the benevolent, autocratic, 1-man leader of a fictional country called ANYCOUNTRY, similar to Philippines. The pandemic is in effect in ANYCOUNTRY the same way it is in Philippines. The rest of the fictional world is the same as our current real world. ANYCOUNTRY has many reasons why tourists visit, and I am considering re-opening the country to tourism (mildly at first). Knowing what we know about the virus, and vaccines (they all prevent symptoms, but not necessarily transmission), it will probably be conservatively wise to initially limit the daily numbers of inbound travelers for 3-6-ish months (to monitor the situation), and also to require all of them to: 1) Swab test; 2) Quarantine for whatever time my medical community says might be a reasonable time-frame for possible infectious-ness (say, 10-ish days); 3) Limit their movement while in-country; 4) Initially limit their time in-country (say, 1 or 2 months maximum); 5) Require a swab test prior to their departure home (protects the other country and will almost certainly be required by the other country anyway).

ANYCOUNTRY will re-visit each of these items as time goes on and there is less need for these things. A realistic leader will want to err on the side of caution; hence the conservative nature of my 5 requirements.

My mention before to one of the gents was to not be the tip of the spear. SN, I am not sure when you made your December travel plans, but if the Phils is open for tourists at that time, you will be the tip of the spear. There is an initial time with all endeavors when cutting edge = bleeding edge. The rest of us will watch with baited breath to see how the initial wave of foreigners report here their experiences.

Also, those are just my fictional government's requirements for foreigners. You also must contend with regional and local Covid-related issues: masks / shields, curfews, alcohol bans, senior citizen (age 60+) and other age-movement restrictions (is your girl under 21? That 19 yo sweet-meat piece you were chatting with might not be able to depart her Brgy for this or that reason during your limited-stay timeframe). And don't forget superstitions. Welcome to the tip of the spear.

In the picture, you will see the current 'CQ' designation for each region in the entire country. Most strict = MECQ (Extended is always the most locked down), then GCQ (General), the MGCQ (Modified General) is the least strict (more freedoms). With that in mind, next check the dates at the top of the chart: June 16-30. The thing will change again on July 1. For example, in the chart, currently the city of Butuan (falls in the several regions of Caraga) falls under MECQ, very strict. On July 1 Butuan might become less strict and fall into GCQ (leaving the rest of the Surigao region in MECQ), while the current GCQ city of iligan might move into MECQ.

The (IATF), federal government, its regions (governors), and cities (mayors) are constantly re-assessing, each 2 weeks (and for some, each 30 days). In addition, the many Brgy within each city often make their own sets of even more strict edicts (announced or not announced). If a country is re-assessing its lockdown situation each 2 weeks, right down to thousands of Brgy assessing their own rules on a whim, its impossible to advise anyone on when to come. This constant re-assessment system has been happening for 15 months now. December? Who knows? Steve, I wish I had a crystal ball (ya, I also didn't buy much Microsoft stock way back when, dammit).

My humble suggestion: Wait for 3 months after the opening of the tourist floodgates. Watch the news and this Board. THEN make a decision on whether (and when) to come here. Thailand is also a good choice (but you risk leaving your pinay to other unsavory types, like that Dr Westy guy).

[GoodEnough]

Shit, is getting worse!
Now I'm getting worry about my trip on December. Westie do you think on December would this get better?

I'm planning to travel to different islands in Philippines, would I have any problem traveling from province to province, like need to quarentine or get a travel pass?

You have posed questions that neither WC not anyone else can possibly answer accurately. As WC has pointed out, and as continues to be true, the "rules" here change so frequently that it's impossible to keep up, and few people even try at this point. There's simply no way to foresee what this place will be like next month, much less in December. My best guess (and that's all it is) is that the Philippines will start to open during the fall, to tourists who can provide full vaccination status, and from countries that appear to have the pandemic more or less under control. As to whether or not you will have to quarantine, it's impossible to say.

GE.

[Steve Nash]

I should title this piece: Don't! Get! Me! Started! (on those pesky Brgy rules). But I won't. Key word: Confusing.

This couldn't *possibly* happen, right? Our good friend GENTLEMAN. GENT is about to get into trouble twice, in just a few minutes.....

Shit, is getting worse!

I was in Manila on September of last year and it wasn't like that.

Now I'm getting worry about my trip on December. Westie do you think on December would this get better?

I'm planning to travel to different islands in Philippines, would I have any problem traveling from province to province, like need to quarentine or get a travel pass?

I'm fully vacinated with Pfizer, maybe that could help during the process, BUT I'm still worry about travelling around Philippines, I know there is still 6 months to December, but if it doesn't change in the next 3 months when I start booking my flights / airbnb etc, I would need to know if traveling between provinces without much hastle will be possible or else I will have to plan to stay in one province until it gets better.

BTW, here in Canada is almost back to normal, last weekend bars were open (outdoors) until 3 am some even until 5 am when I went home, and it was very lively the downtown area.

[WestCoast1]

Some towns / bgys are super strict and are acting as an ECQ others more relaxed. Infuriating, confusing, maddening etc.

I should title this piece: Don't! Get! Me! Started! (on those pesky Brgy rules). But I won't. Key word: Confusing.

This couldn't *possibly* happen, right? Our good friend GENTLEMAN. GENT is about to get into trouble twice, in just a few minutes, unaware both times of what is happening (because well-intentioned & strict Brgy policies are not announced). GENT lives on the periphery of Brgy 15. Just across the street is Brgy 13. The city curfew is 10 pm. One evening around 9:30 GENT decides to walk up the street to a convenience store for a beer, which is across the street and 2 blocks up in Brgy 13. Unknown to GENT (and also some locals in Brgy 13), the Brgy 13 Captain has set his Brgy curfew to 9 pm. GENT steps across the street and walks to the convenience store. Departing the store with his prize (unfortunately in a clear, translucent plastic bag), GENT is approached by two Brgy 13 employees, whom GENT has waved to before. "Sir do you know its curfew?" Um, 10 pm? Twenty minutes from now? "No sir, 9 pm. Can't be outside your home". Oh, that's news to GENT. GENT promises to forgo his wicked curfew ways and to go directly home. "Yes please do that sir". At least they didn't call the police. Upon first thought, this question might come to mind: Why is the convenience store open after curfew?

GENT crosses the street back into his own Brgy, and unfortunately before he reaches his entrance, he runs into several Brgy 15 bantayan. "Good evening sir GENT. How are you?" Fine, says GENT. "GENT what do you have there?" GENT confesses, some brew, and invites the chaps to stop by his place sometime to share one. "Oh, no sir. We have alcohol ban in this Brgy. You can't have it". Wait, what? GENT is confused (again). A ban? Since when? "Last week. Can't buy it here, can't bring it into here". GENT asks: Now what? "Just you take it home. Don't bring it again sir". Whew! GENT asks: What time does curfew start? "10 pm sir". GENT mentions the 9 pm curfew across the street, and the Brgy 15 fellas are also confused by that. "Not aware sir". Great! There might be a need for the Brgy 15 leaders to know that, so they can tell their own residents not to be visiting neighbors, fam, or friends across the street in Brgy 13 after 9 pm.

GENT walks on. Just at his entrance, GENT asks two locals if there is an alcohol ban. "No. Here? No". GENT then asks the door security guard and also his residence manager if they are aware of the alcohol ban: "No sir. Nothing is said to us". Check. The next morning, with a spring in his step, GENT waltzes into the Brgy 15 office and asks a nice man there if there is an alcohol ban. The man chatting to GENT introduces himself as the Brgy Captain, Alfred. "Yes GENT we have alcohol ban here". GENT asks questions. Good Captain, sir, when did the ban start? "Last week. I make the ban because our guys like to play cards and get drunk into the night at the house of neighbors. Easy way to spread Covid". Did you announce this? "I tell 3 saris not to sell anymore". How many saris are there in the Brgy? "Haha I see it. We have many. I didn't tell all". Did you put up posters or signs at the saris or Brgy entrances? "No". Did you post that on the Brgy FB page? "We don't have FB page. I see what you are saying to me. Its not known. I can have some signs made and posted. I will inform the hotels in the Brgy". Thanks!

An interesting side note. Later, GENT saw signs up at multiple sari stores: NO ALCOHOL SALES. ALCOHOL BAN BRGY 15. GENT does not like the ban, but he understands the perceived need. A few weeks later, the signs were all gone from the saris. The liquor ban was over, as several people told GENT so (side-side note: it was also easy to sneak alcohol in from outside; nobody with a brown paper bag gets checked). But astonishingly, other saris did not know the ban was over (in the same way they didn't know when it began). "No sir we have liquor ban till now". GENT informed them the sign / notice outside their sari was gone, unknown to them, and other saris were informed that they could start selling again. Should be maddening for the sari owners and for customers who want the product.

GENT walks over to Brgy 13, towards the Brgy office. In a compound are 4 guys playing cards, drinking Empirador. He asks the guys when the curfew starts at night. "10 pm". He moves towards the brgy office and asks two more locals what time the curfew is. One says 10 pm, one says 9 pm. At the Brgy office GENT chats the intake lady and asks curfew time: "10 pm sir". A guy walks over and corrects her: "9 pm. We changed it". A Kagawad introduces himself to GENT and they fist-bump. GENT asks when the change was made. "Two weeks". GENT says he asked several locals and they were not aware of any change. How did the Brgy apprise the locals? "We decide it at a meeting. Its the job of the Kagawad and barangay people to tell others. Some of us did and it will appear that some did not". GENT mentions that its easy to put up a few flyers around the brgy. "Good idea we will do that". GENT mentioned that he had unkowingly been out after curfew the night prior and being rousted by bantayan. Kagawad: "Ya you shouldn't do that". As if to say it was GENT's fault for not knowing about the poorly announced curfew, in a Brgy where GENT does not live. If you don't post an announcement at the Brgy entrances, how do outsiders know to stay out of your Brgy after 9 pm?

Should be maddening. Un-announced rule changes that effect your life. Whether its a mask, a curfew, or now you-can't-have-this-or-that-thing. Its quite possible that the new rule makes sense and are well-intentioned. The suddenness and lack of announcing it, should be maddening. But lack of information (and its acceptance) is a way of life here. At the higher levels: national, regional, and governors, and mayors often make proclamations, which are publicized at least on FB, on official letterhead. But at the Brgy level, its a wild potpourris of rules, and stepping across the street literally puts you in a different jurisdiction with different rules. In addition, publication of those rules might be done well, done poorly, or not at all. You go out for a 10 minute walk to the mall, you might pass thru more than 2 Brgy, each with its own rules which you are unaware of (and possibly the brgy residents might be unaware of).

It couldn't happen, right?

[LuvAsianTang]

I'm planning a trip to east Samar to meet family for the first time and I have a lot of questions. I'm getting the covid vaccine soon, so that shouldn't be an issue in November. I'm also going to get a few other vaccines like hepatitis, typhoid, malaria, etc. Is there anything other precautions I should take for my first trip? Coming from the US, is there anything that I could bring as a gift that's hard to get in PI? I'm going to bring cash as I hear the ATMs are always empty. I've seen pictures of checkpoints; do I have anything to worry about? I'm planning to fly into Manila, then fly to Tacloban. I'd like to find a girl in Tacloban, where's a good place to look? I'm going to Llorente; should I rent a car, or bike? Where might I pick a fun province girl along the way? Are there motels around there, or do I have to bring a tent? I'm really feeling clueless, mongering in PI for the first time.

Get an international drivers license. It's easy and cheap 20 usd. You will need one if you get stopped by a savvy cop in manila. They're good all over se asia. I think you can get one at western union.

[WestCoast1]

The bad (well, not earth-ending bad):

It's not all wonderful all the time. A while ago, several of my girls got their blood / period at the same time, for about a week. Crap. What are the odds of THAT? On a Saturday, I txt girl #1: How is your blood? "Will finish tonight I think. Now so small even". Great, can you come tomorrow afternoon? "No. I want no blood. Wala. Wait one day more. Monday its good". Crap.

On Sunday I txt girl #2: How is your blood? "Finish yesterday". Jesus, you should have txt me. Can you come now, Sunday afternoon? "Not so. My tito die. We having a vigil at my tita". During lockdown? "Yes we having a vigil". I see, but when can you come here? "Later. In the week later. Can not leave now". Great.

On Monday, I txt #1 again: Are you coming today? "Not so. I'm having LBM". LBM, what's that? "Yes sh*t diariah". F*ck!

Txt to girl #3: How is your blood? Can you come tonight? "Blood finish. No. I go in market with my brother. We forget to bring a exit pass. Police bring us in the truck and to police stashun. We get a sitashun". A citation? "Yes like that. Then police take us to our house in barangy. Big trouble to my mom angry to me and brother. My momma angry to me I can not go out". Jesus, you are north of 30 years old, you are grounded? "Yes like that". Great!

Anyone can live without sex for a week, but three separate (adult) girls can't come because of: Blood, diarrhea, multi-day funeral vigil, or being grounded. F*CK ME (or don't) and welcome to Filippines, where everyone's mileage varies from time to time.

The good and the superstitious. This is from a communication that I sent to a friend a while back:

One of my regulars here is short, bubbly. No great looker, but she's a ton of horny. Have met the fam (all adults) several times, boodled with them. Good folk.

This evening while out for a walk with her, it started to rain. We ducked into a Jolliebee for dinner. It started raining really hard. Over her spaghetti and my burger meals, in chat, she looked out at the rain, then said: "Hard raining. In the Bible its saying of the end of all time. There is floods and plagues. Now we having a Covid and then now we have a new Covid variant. And in the Bible there is locusts. Westy its bugs. They eat the foods at the farm. All the foods. So bad. The Father (priest, I think) say it yesterday in Mass. Can we have the sex tonight"?

What? Did she just drop / dead / serious mention the apocalypse and sex in the same thought?

"If end of the time then I want a sex tonight. Tomorrow in the morning also. Can we?" In Jolliebee!

Its currently 9:48 pm, and she is slumbering next to me. Back at my place I gave her a shot of tequila and a Westy injection. Out like a light next to me now. Hope to make her wish come true in the morning.

[Wicked Roger]

I was in Samar / leyte December 2019, I planned to travel in these locations for 2 weeks, but I left after 7 days due to the following reasons.

I would suggest many guys commenting have never been to Samar / Leyte, or haven't been unaccompanied by a lady friend, because the situation is much more dire unless you happy to slum it with a 50 yr old weighing 70 kgs, who has grown up children and is desperate enough to risk going to your hotel.

I have been to both and know a MILF who is very slim and kinky and loves anal, toys BDSM etc. But you need to be very choosy (which I am) and be clear on menu etc.

[GDreams]

I'm planning a trip to east Samar to meet family for the first time and I have a lot of questions. I'm getting the covid vaccine soon, so that shouldn't be an issue in November. I'm also going to get a few other vaccines like hepatitis, typhoid, malaria, etc. Is there anything other precautions I should take for my first trip? Coming from the US, is there anything that I could bring as a gift that's hard to get in PI? I'm going to bring cash as I hear the ATMs are always empty. I've seen pictures of checkpoints; do I have anything to worry about? I'm planning to fly into Manila, then fly to Tacloban. I'd like to find a girl in Tacloban, where's a good place to look? I'm going to Llorente; should I rent a car, or bike? Where might I pick a fun province girl along the way? Are there motels around there, or do I have to bring a tent? I'm really feeling clueless, mongering in PI for the first time.

You can't get vaccinated for malaria, doxycyline is the cheapest and most commonly available prophylaxis and also provides protection against some other infections. Check what diseases are prevalent and target those. Always have a travel kit of imodium, your favourite pain killers, cold and flu tablets etc. Don't forget to pack the sunscreen. Avoid holding large sums of cash. As someone else wrote have a money transfer backup if you are desperate as there are usually agents every few blocks in even small towns.

[MutantChicken]

Lots of Samar girls online so you shouldn't struggle there. Just be aware many provincial areas are not point and shoot so you may need some time in town before doing the deed. Many girls will be reluctant to be seen in an old foreigner's hotel room in their home town. Lots are happy to travel a surprising distance to meet away from prying eyes..

I was in Samar / leyte December 2019, I planned to travel in these locations for 2 weeks, but I left after 7 days due to the following reasons.

1. Tinder options were generally women in their 40's or looked like they were and were 30 kgs overweight.

2. DIA and FC options were sketchy either slow to reply or were living 50 km from the closest large city.

3. Calbayog / catbalogan / ormoc / Tacloban are about the size of Angeles, with less hotels and given the scarcity of foreigners, everyone knows your business, so forget about slipping a internet date into your hotel as the chances this will be broadcast on the bamboo telegraph is high and the girls know it, so they won't be visiting your hotel if they live in the city.

I would suggest many guys commenting have never been to Samar / Leyte, or haven't been unaccompanied by a lady friend, because the situation is much more dire unless you happy to slum it with a 50 yr old weighing 70 kgs, who has grown up children and is desperate enough to risk going to your hotel.

[Goferring]

I'm planning a trip to east Samar to meet family for the first time and I have a lot of questions. I'm getting the covid vaccine soon, so that shouldn't be an issue in November. I'm also going to get a few other vaccines like hepatitis, typhoid, malaria, etc. Is there anything other precautions I should take for my first trip? Coming from the US, is there anything that I could bring as a gift that's hard to get in PI? I'm going to bring cash as I hear the ATMs are always empty. I've seen pictures of checkpoints; do I have anything to worry about? I'm planning to fly into Manila, then fly to Tacloban. I'd like to find a girl in Tacloban, where's a good place to look? I'm going to Llorente; should I rent a car, or bike? Where might I pick a fun province girl along the way? Are there motels around there, or do I have to bring a tent? I'm really feeling clueless, mongering in PI for the first time.

What family? Wife? Grown kids? How protective do you need to be of your / their image?

Lots of Samar girls online so you shouldn't struggle there. Just be aware many provincial areas are not point and shoot so you may need some time in town before doing the deed. Many girls will be reluctant to be seen in an old foreigner's hotel room in their home town. Lots are happy to travel a surprising distance to meet away from prying eyes.

Costs will be cheap so no need to travel with a bucket load of cash. That's risky and why put temptation in people's way. Locals have access to cash through ATMs so so will you. ATMs normally go offline for only a day or two so have that much cash in reserve just in case.

Drop into a dollar store before leaving and get some trinkets from home. Chocolates are good as are hometown touristy stuff that they can show off to friends.

Provinces can be relaxing and great fun. Just don't expect military precision, time keeping nor all promises to be kept. Stay flexible and you will have a good time.

ID agree that Nov is way to far away to start booking things, especially in the current circumstances.

[Dg8787]

I'm planning a trip to east Samar to meet family for the first time and I have a lot of questions. I'm getting the covid vaccine soon, so that shouldn't be an issue in November. I'm also going to get a few other vaccines like hepatitis, typhoid, malaria, etc. Is there anything other precautions I should take for my first trip? Coming from the US, is there anything that I could bring as a gift that's hard to get in PI? I'm going to bring cash as I hear the ATMs are always empty. I've seen pictures of checkpoints; do I have anything to worry about? I'm planning to fly into Manila, then fly to Tacloban. I'd like to find a girl in Tacloban, where's a good place to look? I'm going to Llorente; should I rent a car, or bike? Where might I pick a fun province girl along the way? Are there motels around there, or do I have to bring a tent? I'm really feeling clueless, mongering in PI for the first time.

Need a lot more info to answer your general questions.

Is it your family or a girl's family you will be visiting? Either family you may have to watch your manners and saving face with them. Are they located near the water? Are they fishing people for a living? Do they live in nipa huts?

I don't know of any freelancer areas in Tacloban. You might have to find them online. Tac isn't well known for mongering.

Only practical flights now are to Manila and onward to Tacloban. From Tacloban to Llorente is by private car / van, shuttle van or possibly bus. I would not recommend renting a vehicle and driving yourself. Especially the first time. Private car transport will cost 3 k-5 k pesos. I believe by it is 3 hours from tacloban.

You can bring chocolates. I would buy sweet pastries from Angels bakery in Tac. I doubt there are any money exchange places in the province. Bring plenty of pesos, the family will be able to spend it plus some. Prior to leaving I would set up a money sending account like Remitly capable of sending to Cebuana and or Palawan. Use yourself as receiver and get pesos in Tac or Llorente.

Be aware many province people have gossiping friends and relatives in Tacloban.