Stupid Shit in the Philippines

[Mr Enternational]

My pro mask stance for the unvaccinated is mostly punitive because I like punishing people. But as I said, you do you. Faking a vax card and committing international crimes is between you and your higher power.

Makes sense to punish people for not having covid because you feel they should undergo a medical process that you thought was in your best interest.

I do not subscribe to a higher power, but if I did I would thank it for living in a world filled with loop holes and gray areas, enabling me not to be a follower, but to broaden my search for swallowers.

[FuriousGeorge]

I have no interest in a Covid debate. An anecdotal statement about someone vaccinated getting covid is nonsensical and confusing, because we've known for a long time that being vaccinated does not keep you from getting it, particularly not with the current variant. My best friend is an ER doctor and has treated literally thousands of covid patients in her hospital, and not one was vaccinated. And yes that's anecdotal evidence but let your logical brain do with that what you will. There are lots of laws I would prefer not to follow. Hell I pay too much in taxes. But I pay them because I would prefer not to be a felon and go to prison, but also there's an ethical element where I realize I need to do it to be a contributing member of society. Plus it builds some roads I drive on. It's pretty clear that masks have little effect when we're talking in a practical sense in a day-to-day general population. My pro mask stance for the unvaccinated is mostly punitive because I like punishing people. But as I said, you do you. Faking a vax card and committing international crimes is between you and your higher power.

[Soapy Smith]

Sadly PI part of the forum about as dumb as Pat addicts. What a shame.

What are the odds that having been stung too many times by bees contributes to stupid shit in the Philippines, and, more specifically, this thread?

[AsianPursuits]

So. Maybe its specific for Europe, but first check if you are not already covered by your credit or debit card.

Covid, it's included in my credit card insurance which I will rely on. I think it is unlimited medical coverage BTW, certainly more than the coverage Ph entry is requesting.

Saying that though I am still likely to take out a standalone travel insurance policy for the $100. The credit card insurance doesn't cover private hire of drivers. I felt the description would exclude my various cover when being driven by Grab and other drivers IE the guy I text to drive me from NAIA to AC.

[Bienenstich]

Oh man is it too late to join the NA cocklord bashing? Pedromorales hating americans I don't see anything wrong in that.

Most of the times I meet someone mentally disabled either irl or online it is in 60+ percent of the cases an American am afraid. Tbf tho there are some nice Americans for sure, I met them, but again I can't stress enough that the purest of retards, the supporters of white knight faggotry, the gender and feminism supporters I met were more commonly Americans than Europeans or what have you. That.

Gay shit didn't start in Europe guess where this pure af form of insanity started. Am assuming one tends to get a retard very quickly when not being able to travel few hundred km for some nice cheap shags or not having any even borderline acceptable options for prosies in America. Couple hundred usd for a sweet Korean student is best over there from what I read.

Look at all the active PI BMs with ridiculous amounts of posts failing to use the stupid shit in the Philippines thread and thinking they contribute any value to the board by posting useless doggy in not only general info but the whole board. Those Biden lovers taking moral high ground on PC topics on a forum related to 95 ish percent shagging prosies. [Deleted by Admin]

The boomer meme poster who enjoys wearing pampers in his face for 2 yrs telling other people to stand around like a prosy taking it up the ass with failed government politics, sorry man imperative should only be used if you're in position to do so. Dumbass.

WC being so offended by someone making use of freedom of speech while bashing others its just hypocritical or proof me wrong. 5 k+ posts and can't handle some slurs on the internet lmao. Goes crying to admin too saying please ban thinking it will change anything in the slightest, absolute pussy man. Who needs watermarked and censored reposting of images like common the creampies are nice but everything else just cringe af. I went through 20 k plus pictures on this board and it was true pain bc of that shit man.

Saw some stupid ass boomer emojis too like who uses that shit. Probably gets his information on facebook or boulevard newspapers at best.

PI excellent travel destination but with a mask mandate its just such a pain to get around that. Being vaccinated is enough I can't believe it takes the world so long to understand. Every supporter of covid policy deserves Guantanamo getting smoked like a witch 200 yrs ago or worse, no trial no nothing like the terrorists they are. We all know where that prison is and which president promised to close it and didn't, instead he gets a Nobel peace price for bombing Libya and doing other stupid shit lmao.

Sadly PI part of the forum about as dumb as Pat addicts. What a shame.

[Albert9989]

One thing surprising me is that in most post I read here about the medical insurance I see that quite everybody take a special one for some weeks or more and pay for that a specific amount, sometimes more than 100 $.

Maybe I miss something or maybe in some countries it doesn't exist but I saw that the insurance linked with my credit card, Mastercard but Visa do the same, is already covering me for all medical expenses during travel including hospital with a maximum of 1000000 euros.

I called them to get confirmation, and they confirm, covid is included in the coverage.

They can also send a proof letter for this coverage if we show them the flight ticket.

So. Maybe its specific for Europe, but first check if you are not already covered by your credit or debit card.

[WestCoast1]

Philippines airlines mentions only these things required to enter Philippines. No mention of Traze or any other apps.

1. PCR test 48 hours before leaving country of origin.

2. Medical coverage in the amount of 35000 dollars minimum. I am quoted 92 dollars for three weeks.

3. Passport valid for six months.

4. Return ticket out of Philippines.

Makes sense. I'd still cover all bases and be all about Beavis' list. As a reminder, PAL's website is not responsible for what they put on there. If you get all 4 of those things, the list might change before your flight, and there is little chance PAL will make the website change (nor notify you of the change). The good news is that PAL is responsible at the point of your longbow check-in (ie, SFO) of any requirements. They really do want you to get on the flight, and they will hand you any needed new documents to fill out right there.

90 clams for 3 weeks seems reasonable.

[Sammon]

All my info in this post are opinions, and from my own BOTG observations. Different fellas in different locations will have different observations (based both on location, and level of ECQ / Alert status from time to time; remember, everything changes).

Yes, they will be strict as to when the sample was drawn. I assume that you mean PCR tests done in your country in order to come to Phils. They typically run in the $50 range. I have had several friends and fam in the home country get PCR tests. Back during the beginning of testing, results took up to 5 days. In the last six months, results are back within 24 hours. I had a PCR (and RAT), PCR results were emailed back in 8 hours.

A friend in the aviation industry says that the tests were difficult to obtain (long lines) during the omicron crunch during the holidays, but before and after that, things are back to normal. He also said at the time that you could bypass the long lines by paying more money at various places. Six months ago I read that some airports were offering the test right there in the airport, so google that up. Obviously you pay extra for convenience. You will have to be PCR tested again in order to fly back to your country from Phils. Several thoughts:

1) In Manila, there are dozens of testing labs that give fast turn-around results, $50-ish USD. Phils Airlines has a testing site next door to their ticketing office, right next to Robinson's Malate (Padre Faura corner Adriatico, just steps from G-Point! They guarantee results in 24 hours or less. Walk-ins or advance appointment welcome. There is an app you must have on your phone, if you don't have it then the guard will show you how to download it. Your airline reservation will have a QR code, the app scans the QR code to verify that you are you, and that your PCR test is for you only.

2) As I reported before, and provided pics, there are bunches of labs that send a nurse to your door to collect a sample. Results guaranteed usually in 24 hours or less (faster for more pesos). $65 USD is typical.

$100-$200 for what length of time? Is that per month?

Yes, all airlines are responsible for checking all flight's inbound documentation requirements. Its often done ahead of time, electronically as much as possible. However, to make it easy on the check-in clerk, when you arrive to check your luggage, on his / her screen, a list of requirements pops up: Passport, PCR test result, tracing app completion, and so on. He / she will verify that you have all of them, and you can not proceed to the security checkpoint without them.

Beavis' list in Stupid Shit seems a good start.

We are all hoping that. But remember who is running the show (not you or me). And the folks running the show might not share your sense of logic.

Depends. There are two categories of fellas coming: Those who are here for 1-2-3 weeks (weekend warriors), and others who stay longer. Number of guests allowed changes with Alert level in hotels. As reported by Steve Nash, he had success bringing girls in. My residences rarely allowed it (for long periods, no guests). The ST hotels never mentioned any medical requirement, but they were often stiff on the girl having a newer, valid ID. When Alert level gets worse, expect to use ST hotels. DO take the time to locate several in your area.

Philippines airlines mentions only these things required to enter Philippines. No mention of Traze or any other apps.

1. PCR test 48 hours before leaving country of origin.

2. Medical coverage in the amount of 35000 dollars minimum. I am quoted 92 dollars for three weeks.

3. Passport valid for six months.

4. Return ticket out of Philippines.

[WestCoast1]

All my info in this post are opinions, and from my own BOTG observations. Different fellas in different locations will have different observations (based both on location, and level of ECQ / Alert status from time to time; remember, everything changes).

1. Covid PCR test. Most cheaper labs take minimum 48 hours for results. Are they strict about when the sample was drawn? Or will accept date of the results which should be 48 hours before leaving own country. There are some labs which charges $250 for fast pcr test in two hours more or less.

Yes, they will be strict as to when the sample was drawn. I assume that you mean PCR tests done in your country in order to come to Phils. They typically run in the $50 range. I have had several friends and fam in the home country get PCR tests. Back during the beginning of testing, results took up to 5 days. In the last six months, results are back within 24 hours. I had a PCR (and RAT), PCR results were emailed back in 8 hours.

A friend in the aviation industry says that the tests were difficult to obtain (long lines) during the omicron crunch during the holidays, but before and after that, things are back to normal. He also said at the time that you could bypass the long lines by paying more money at various places. Six months ago I read that some airports were offering the test right there in the airport, so google that up. Obviously you pay extra for convenience. You will have to be PCR tested again in order to fly back to your country from Phils. Several thoughts:

1) In Manila, there are dozens of testing labs that give fast turn-around results, $50-ish USD. Phils Airlines has a testing site next door to their ticketing office, right next to Robinson's Malate (Padre Faura corner Adriatico, just steps from G-Point! They guarantee results in 24 hours or less. Walk-ins or advance appointment welcome. There is an app you must have on your phone, if you don't have it then the guard will show you how to download it. Your airline reservation will have a QR code, the app scans the QR code to verify that you are you, and that your PCR test is for you only.

2) As I reported before, and provided pics, there are bunches of labs that send a nurse to your door to collect a sample. Results guaranteed usually in 24 hours or less (faster for more pesos). $65 USD is typical.

2. Travel insurance with min $35000 medical coverage. Easy to get. There are a bunch of companies charging 100 to 200 dollars.

$100-$200 for what length of time? Is that per month?

Now the caveat is does the immigration or the airline has time to check and make sure you are allowed in.

Yes, all airlines are responsible for checking all flight's inbound documentation requirements. Its often done ahead of time, electronically as much as possible. However, to make it easy on the check-in clerk, when you arrive to check your luggage, on his / her screen, a list of requirements pops up: Passport, PCR test result, tracing app completion, and so on. He / she will verify that you have all of them, and you can not proceed to the security checkpoint without them.

Beavis' list in Stupid Shit seems a good start.

I am hoping by April process will be simplified and just need to know one verified certificate to enter.

We are all hoping that. But remember who is running the show (not you or me). And the folks running the show might not share your sense of logic.

Some of the girls say they have not had vaccine. Will the hotel check? How easy to get them vaccinated? Or will end up in hourly motels to have fun?

Depends. There are two categories of fellas coming: Those who are here for 1-2-3 weeks (weekend warriors), and others who stay longer. Number of guests allowed changes with Alert level in hotels. As reported by Steve Nash, he had success bringing girls in. My residences rarely allowed it (for long periods, no guests). The ST hotels never mentioned any medical requirement, but they were often stiff on the girl having a newer, valid ID. When Alert level gets worse, expect to use ST hotels. DO take the time to locate several in your area.

[WestCoast1]

The App Thailand developed 'morchana' has so many bugs its laughable. They want you to scan QR codes wherever you go so if someone comes up positive for Covid when you were there or just after they can contact you (somehow). When I hit my 'scan qr' button I get a blank screen. And a new article in the Bangkok post says the gov't wants to track you better for future tourists. How do you track tourists if you don't provide them with sim cards? And what I found out was that I can 'pause' the app so it doesn't eat up the battery trying to track my visits. This is Thailand, they love their Apps. And I can't imagine the Philippines running anything flawlessly whatsoever.

My experience in Phils is different. The apps (Traze is common, but some biz and government offices use others, you don't have a choice if you want to enter) have all worked fine at the biz door. Your thought that they want to contact you in case someone in that location around that time of day that you were there, so they can test or isolate you, is exactly the point. Phils DOH is sometimes crazy about contact tracing.

I had a neighbor in my residence (only 3 foreign men live in my residence) who got a call from the Brgy health clerk. The clerk told him that an infected person was in a business when the neighbor was there. She asked him to come to the Brgy hall for a test. This is exactly what those tracing forms (or apps) are for. He went and his RAT was negative. They did not ask him to return for another test, even though it was possible that his possible infection acquisition was recent and it was too soon to tell if he had a viral load. Can one say 'possible' twice in the same sentence? Contact tracing: Good job! Wrong time to test: Fail.

Also for those on the outside who have not seen the massive number of biz contact tracing forms filled out at the door each day, a biz like jolliebee will easily fill a cardboard box full of those daily. A Jolliebee manager in the province told me that she is not allowed to throw them away. "Sometimes the government comes and takes a box. Or they don't come by for months. They tell me not to throw them out. What do I do with all the boxes of forms?" Its a hassle for the businesses also.

[Sammon]

Booked to go and try my luck getting into Philippines in April. Got a reasonably priced Air ticket from JFK to Manila paying $870 round trip on Turkish airlines website. I had planned to visit Istanbul last trip which was cancelled. This one gave me a layover in Istanbul approx 24 hours to get out and do one day sightseeing. Ofcourse turkey needs visa which can be done online.

Now to navigate list of complicated things to be done to get into Philippines.

1. Covid PCR test. Most cheaper labs take minimum 48 hours for results. Are they strict about when the sample was drawn? Or will accept date of the results which should be 48 hours before leaving own country. There are some labs which charges $250 for fast pcr test in two hours more or less.

2. Travel insurance with min $35000 medical coverage. Easy to get. There are a bunch of companies charging 100 to 200 dollars.

3. I have not tried but All the required apps can be downloaded and info can be uploaded.

Now the caveat is does the immigration or the airline has time to check and make sure you are allowed in. I am hoping by April process will be simplified and just need to know one verified certificate to enter.

Some of the girls say they have not had vaccine. Will the hotel check? How easy to get them vaccinated? Or will end up in hourly motels to have fun?

I guess those mongers on the board will post reports of their experience before I go.

[Mahku]

You have posted some sensible advice, and others contemplating coming here would do well to heed it. I don't know the extent to which my comments about Davao, where I live, are generalizable to the rest of the country, but here at least restrictions are still in place: everyone is masked at all times outside of the house; bars and restaurants may not sell alcohol; public indoor venues may only accommodate a fraction of their full capacity, and people here comply with the rules. Any foreigner coming here thinking that the rules will not apply to him is in for an unpleasant surprise. My advice to anyone considering coming here is to wait for another 4-6 weeks during which time the rules may be relaxed slightly and recreational facilities may start to open again. Right now, this city is not a lot of fun.

GE.

The more I hear the more I'll have to give a big no thank you to this supposed grand opening. From the sound of it there's just too much annoying nonsense still being forced on people: Have to get 'crop dusted' to enter certain places, have to wear silly face diapers even outdoors in the 95 degree heat, have to fill out 'health forms' all the time, still lots of interference in the freedom of travel between provinces and islands, lots of places still closed or on reduced operations, many hotels as well as condos and AirBnBs not allowing guests unless they get a PCR test. In all this euphoria over finally opening up lots of people are neglecting to research what they will actually find when they get there.

For my 6 weeks off in April / May Mexico is looking better and better. They've implemented little of this silliness and surprise, surprise. They're no worse off than most places. I'm also hearing good things about El Salvador. Perhaps Costa Rica from March onward, though they may still have the insurance requirement, which might be a good idea in any case. Possible Dominican Republic although I'm reading there could be a curfew. Philippines? Hopefully later in the year but even then I'm not counting on it.

Thanks to GE and others who tell it like it is on the ground.

[Breadman]

It is a tracking app. It is used for contact tracing. You make an account in the app. Then, at many biz / gov offices, to enter you can either fill out the contact tracing form (your name, address, phone number, age), or alternately you can open your app and show it to the door guard. I believe that reports your location and time of day to the government (probably the DOH) for tracing purposes. At least one airport required showing the app, and the Intramuros BI uses Traze or an alternate similar app. You must log into it and show it to the outside guard in order to go inside.

The App Thailand developed 'morchana' has so many bugs its laughable. They want you to scan QR codes wherever you go so if someone comes up positive for Covid when you were there or just after they can contact you (somehow). When I hit my 'scan qr' button I get a blank screen. And a new article in the Bangkok post says the gov't wants to track you better for future tourists. How do you track tourists if you don't provide them with sim cards? And what I found out was that I can 'pause' the app so it doesn't eat up the battery trying to track my visits. This is Thailand, they love their Apps. And I can't imagine the Philippines running anything flawlessly whatsoever.

[Beavis]

Hi Beavis,

What is this traze app? And for covid insurance I signed up with safetywing.com which lists covid coverage but no "certificate". Do you think I will get hassled? Arriving Feb. 17. Thanks.

If you can show them proof of insurance it should get you in fine. There will probably be more apps required by the 17th. Be glad when all of this nonsense is over.

[Steve Nash]

It is a tracking app. It is used for contact tracing. You make an account in the app. Then, at many biz / gov offices, to enter you can either fill out the contact tracing form (your name, address, phone number, age), or alternately you can open your app and show it to the door guard. I believe that reports your location and time of day to the government (probably the DOH) for tracing purposes. At least one airport required showing the app, and the Intramuros BI uses Traze or an alternate similar app. You must log into it and show it to the outside guard in order to go inside.

Yes, some guards might ask you some others don't.

I was asked by the Manila airport guard last weekend.

BTW going to Royal Club (a popular disco in Makati), I was asked last Saturday for a Makati traze certificate only, they didn't accept my Traze certificate, because the bar code won't approved, it only approved a Makati Traze certificate.

I guess now Makati has their own trazing certificate, but I went to other bars and they didn't ask for it. Only Royal Club asked me. It was funny seeing everyone (with no exceptions) filling up the form on their phone at the club entrance, it was easy to fill up and it didn't take 5 minutes to do it.