Travel Announcements Only (No questions or comments please)

I used Swiss Chalet's service. I think it was p2500 or 2700. I had the driver stop shortly after the airport at a convenience store for a drink on the trip (and offered to buy him one), then later before getting out of Manila at Jolibee, then at an ATM in AC. He was nice, we talked for a bit. I stretched out in the back seat (good sized sedan) and slept for an hour on the freeway, and asked him to knock off the music for me. He helped with my luggage on both ends. Tipped him p300. He is, practically, your chauffer from your pickup to dropoff. I dont do this each time, but it can be nice sometime after a long flight, to be able to rest and get right to my intended destination. Otherwise you are spending an extra night in Manila, and catching the fly-the-bus up (advantage, only p550 about).

Help -- all you mongers who also golf. If you can, give me an outline of how you would combine a mongering trip with golf. Do I go to Cebu? Naturally, I like beaches,too. I'm thinking about next Nov/Dec. Somebody out there must have the skinny on good public courses in proximity to mongering gogo clubs.

My knowledge base is Thailand but I want to try the PI. I appreciate any guidance from mongers in the know.

thanks j

Gentlemen, I have done my bookings (flights and accommodation) and I have done my research through ISG. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the generous guys here who have assisted me by giving advise for me to plan my Cherry Trip. I am ready to go.

As a final preparation, may I check with the experts in AC on the political situation there (given the pending election).

I am so glad that I decided to choose AC for my mid-year break instead of Pattaya/Bangkok, and I look forward to having a great time without the need to worry about political tension.

Hope to hear some feedback. Thanks in advance.

Cheers
normad2020

There are a lot of posters everywhere and most people seem to be looking forward to a new government. Don't worry about it, esp in AC.

Just remember that the average income per head in Phils is about $3500 compared with $8500 in Thailand so prepare yourself for more run down infrastructure. It can be a shock for first timers used to BKK/Pattaya. The bars are not as racy as Pattaya, the food not as good, but the girls are much nicer/more friendly/less fake - especially ifyou venture away from AC and start hiting the semi pro scene.

[QUOTE=Normad2020]Gentlemen, I have done my bookings (flights and accommodation) and I have done my research through ISG. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the generous guys here who have assisted me by giving advise for me to plan my Cherry Trip. I am ready to go.

As a final preparation, may I check with the experts in AC on the political situation there (given the pending election).

I am so glad that I decided to choose AC for my mid-year break instead of Pattaya/Bangkok, and I look forward to having a great time without the need to worry about political tension.

Hope to hear some feedback. Thanks in advance.

Cheers
normad2020[/QUOTE]

Thanks Mate for the information.

I am not too worry about poor infrastructure as I have seen my fair share of "rundown" places in Jakarta and Surabaya. I was informed by another expert here that the condition in AC is comparable to some parts of Jakarta and that to me is acceptable.

I have made up my mind to go there and have as much fun as possible whilst at the same time being mindful of my safety and show the appropriate respect to everyone.

Will post my report.....

Cheers
normad2020




[QUOTE=GregLondon]There are a lot of posters everywhere and most people seem to be looking forward to a new government. Don't worry about it, esp in AC.

Just remember that the average income per head in Phils is about $3500 compared with $8500 in Thailand so prepare yourself for more run down infrastructure. It can be a shock for first timers used to BKK/Pattaya. The bars are not as racy as Pattaya, the food not as good, but the girls are much nicer/more friendly/less fake - especially ifyou venture away from AC and start hiting the semi pro scene.[/QUOTE]

I am in AC for 8 nights from 16th May. I have been there about 10 times and thus know my way around most of the AC scene. Any members in town at the time want to catch up for a beer or need a wingman PM me.

Happy mongering,

Rosco

I will be in AC for my second trip from 22. May - June 4 if anyone would like to meet up for a drink or go barhopping send me a PM!

BD

Anyone on this flight?

Shoot me PM and we can share ride to AC.

I am also looking to share a ride with someone to AC. I will be in AC 17-31 maybe I will see you there Rosco.

I forgot, I am kind of a WWII buff, if anyone is there May17. 31, I would love to take Corrigidor Island trip, I am thinking about getting a lady friend to go with me, I think it is cheaper with the more people you take. I am also thinking of going to a beach or 2 when I am there, Boracay, Bohol, Subic. Maybe some snorkeling, never done that before.

[QUOTE=Fast Eddie 48]Benzedrine

You can get airfare RT from Cathay pacific or PAL for around 925 USD from LA or SFO to Manila fly before may23, airfare go up after that by 95 USD until after end of sep.

Fast Eddie 48[/QUOTE]
Just booked a middle of sept trip for 801 on Korean Air

Guys
A mix up with my booking means that when I return home in a weeks time, I will have overstayed my 21 days visa by a couple of days. I am leaving via Mactan and wondered do any of you regular travellers know what the cost will be when I leave.

Cathay Pacific cannot accomodate me on alternative flights to bring me under the 21 day threshold without cutting significantly into my stay here.

I spoke to an immigration official on arrival and he just told me not to worry and that I can sort it out easily when leaving the country. I don't want to get caught up in a load of red tape as I am leaving......any reliable feedback appreciated?

Mortman

[QUOTE=Mortman]Guys
A mix up with my booking means that when I return home in a weeks time, I will have overstayed my 21 days visa by a couple of days. I am leaving via Mactan and wondered do any of you regular travellers know what the cost will be when I leave.[/QUOTE]
No worries as I overstayed my visa by a few days on my last trip exiting through Clark. You will have to pay for an extension (just under 3000 php) plus a fine (1000 php). The longer you overstay the bigger the fine.

If they question you just act like it is a big surprise! Have slid through immigration a few times myself being a couple days late and they didn't even blink (by the way what ever happened to Blink?)

OK thanks for that advice. Handy to know I will need to keep some currency in reserve as I am leaving the country

[QUOTE=SixteenVolt182]I forgot, I am kind of a WWII buff, if anyone is there May17. 31, I would love to take Corrigidor Island trip, I am thinking about getting a lady friend to go with me, I think it is cheaper with the more people you take. I am also thinking of going to a beach or 2 when I am there, Boracay, Bohol, Subic. Maybe some snorkeling, never done that before.[/QUOTE]Corregidor is a great trip and highly recommended. I took all my staff there when I worked in Manila and 90% had never been there and many didn't know its history. Theres a funny old hotel on the isalnd too in case you want to stay overnight.

Its got lots of history of WW2 and is totally preserved. No cars allowed on island.

Many Japanese visitors go there too as as many Japanese dies there as Americans/Filipinos and other Allied troops. And of course you can go to spot where MaCarthur is supposed to have said " I'll be back " LOL