General Info

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1122402]. . . . . Larger shopping malls and even places like Burger King have free WiFi. I have business reasons for needing my computer on a daily basis when I'm in the Phils, so I take my laptop and use it regularly in the room. . . . . .[/QUOTE]Just be a bit wary about using these public spaces. There are many Filipino computer whizz kids who set each other challenges to break into other people's connections when they are in these "free WiFi" places.

Foreigners get more points than locals.

Most are innocent pranksters who won't do damage if they hack in but make sure you have a good security system on your laptop.

Those guys at the table next to you in Burger King might not be working on their Science assignment.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1122403]Those guys at the table next to you in Burger King might not be working on their Science assignment.[/QUOTE]But they will be the Philippines' call center workers of the future. So they're in training for the technical advice they'll be giving me when I call in to Dell for technical support. I will plan to let them get their OJT on somebody else's internet traffic.

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Is it cheaper to buy domestic flights in Phils? Or am I better offer buying once there? Need a domestic Flight on Feb 19th.

Thanks,

Herb

[QUOTE=Herbperv; 1122433]Long time lurker, first time poster.

Is it cheaper to buy domestic flights in Phils? Or am I better offer buying once there? Need a domestic Flight on Feb 19th.

Thanks,

Herb[/QUOTE]I found it cheaper to buy in the PI. All I could buy here in Hawaii was PAL, but when in PI you can buy Cebu Pacific, which is cheaper than PAL. Sometimes I would buy tickets for the next day, especially Manila to Cebu.

[QUOTE=Herbperv; 1122433]Long time lurker, first time poster.

Is it cheaper to buy domestic flights in Phils? Or am I better offer buying once there? Need a domestic Flight on Feb 19th.

Thanks,

Herb[/QUOTE]Things are changing in this internet world.

For Cebu Pacific Airline ([url]http://www.cebupacificair.com/[/url]) , it doesn't matter where you log on to the internet. Normally, the earlier you get it, the cheaper it will be.

Assuming it will be the same for Philippine Airline. Would a local travel agent be cheaper than the internet?

Never flew that other small airline where you can land on the water, but Cebu should go close to most places you want to go to.

I also recommend the Pacsafe option. I bought a Pacsafe backpack which has the removable pouch / safe similar to what Skip Kost has but big enough to fit a laptop (well assuming it's not one of those 17" widescreen types). The backpack itself also has the wire mesh and other security features. You can remove the safe and leave in the room if you want to use the backpack or just leave the safe in the backpack and secure it.

[QUOTE=GreenBud; 1122477]Things are changing in this internet world.

For Cebu Pacific Airline (

[url]http://www.cebupacificair.com/[/url]

) , it doesn't matter where you log on to the internet. Normally, the earlier you get it, the cheaper it will be.

Assuming it will be the same for Philippine Airline. Would a local travel agent be cheaper than the internet?

Never flew that other small airline where you can land on the water, but Cebu should go close to most places you want to go to. [/QUOTE]My girlfriend booked and (I) paid for a Boracay package (air fares, accomodation, some dinner meals (hotel restaurant) and some tours) for less than I could do the air content on the net. She did it through a travel agent in Mega Mall Manila and paid cash. I was amazed at the savings and was sceptical right up until the hotel showed us to our room.

I think the difference was that as a local, she was getting the local price yet we are always getting the advertised price. Yes the dinners thrown in were terrible and we only used one but the tours were great. If you do have your travel companion lined up, possibly ask her to investigate. I know that when I have gone into an agent for any travel, I have always managed much better on the internet. Also same GF has recently got a tourist visa to my home, Australia. I booked her PAL flight much cheaper on the internet than same travel agent was telling her. Also they were telling her the flight they were offering was a direct flight, yet according to the PAL site, the flt they were offering (only flt of the day) had a 2 hour stop over in Melbourne. I live in Sydney about 600 miles away. So check out both.

P

Thanks Pompolino. 4/20 and Mr. 808,

I checked Cebu Pac online and it jumped $20 RT (procrastinated) from last week. Last time I paid day of travel in Harrison Plaza but can't remember if it was cheaper there than online. I guess I'll wait and try to get the kamaaina rate once there.

[QUOTE=Pompolino; 1122557]My girlfriend booked and (I) paid for a Boracay package (air fares, accomodation, some dinner meals (hotel restaurant) and some tours) for less than I could do the air content on the net. She did it through a travel agent in Mega Mall Manila and paid cash. I was amazed at the savings and was sceptical right up until the hotel showed us to our room.

I think the difference was that as a local, she was getting the local price yet we are always getting the advertised price. Yes the dinners thrown in were terrible and we only used one but the tours were great. If you do have your travel companion lined up, possibly ask her to investigate. I know that when I have gone into an agent for any travel, I have always managed much better on the internet. Also same GF has recently got a tourist visa to my home, Australia. I booked her PAL flight much cheaper on the internet than same travel agent was telling her. Also they were telling her the flight they were offering was a direct flight, yet according to the PAL site, the flt they were offering (only flt of the day) had a 2 hour stop over in Melbourne. I live in Sydney about 600 miles away. So check out both.

P[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Pompolino; 1122557]My girlfriend booked and (I) paid for a Boracay package (air fares, accomodation, some dinner meals (hotel restaurant) and some tours) for less than I could do the air content on the net. She did it through a travel agent in Mega Mall Manila and paid cash. I was amazed at the savings and was sceptical right up until the hotel showed us to our room.

P[/QUOTE]You could probably call direct to a trusted travel agent in Phil and have them quote prices over the phone then pay with a credit card. Might be worth the effort if there is a substantial savings.

Anyone planning on going to El Nido? I was in Palawan recently but did not make it all the way to El Nido. I have (2) nights credit at the 5 star resort Miniloc Island that I would like to sell. The credit is PHP9, 430 x 2 nights. I will sell it for PHP10, 000. The credit is good until Dec 2011. PM me if your interested.

Seair flys direct from either Manila, Cebu or Angeles City to El Nido for about 6200P. The Resort will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the Island.

[url]http://www.flyseair.com/[/url]

[url]http://www.elnidoresorts.com/[/url]

Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

Skeet

[QUOTE=Skeetm; 1122805]Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

Skeet[/QUOTE][url]Http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Asia/Philippines/Naga_City/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Naga_City-TG-C-1.html[/url]

I don't know much about the area, but a simple Google search for Naga City hotels yielded the link above, and several others. The link above does not link to the hotels, but it gives other travelers' reviews on the hotels available.

[QUOTE=Skeetm;1122805]Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]CamSur has various accommodations available on site, check their website.

This is my first trip to the Philippines, but not my first trip traveling alone. Anything beyond the normal "don't walk down a dark alley at night" kind of recommendations?

What is the best way to prevent a runner?

Do you lock up your personal items in your hotel room when you are there with a girl?

How to best avoid street crime, like being mugged or assaulted?

What is the best way to deal with an encounter with LE?

What is the best way to prevent a runner?

Look the girl in the hotel room.

Do you lock up your personal items in your hotel room when you are there with a girl?

Leave the valuables in the hallway where she cannot reach them.

How to best avoid street crime, like being mugged or assaulted?

Hit people in the street before they can hit you.

What is the best way to deal with an encounter with LE?

Arrest them.