General Info

[Sympalogy]

I just arrived to the Philippines, and I made a few distinctions that can be very useful to fellow hobbyists:

1. The Airport WiFi is not reliable. A great way to prepare for this is to buy a travel eSim before arriving from the Globe App, then as soon as you arrive to any Airport in the Philippines, you can activate it and have internet to access anything you need at the airport or outside for 30 days. You can later on get a different eSim if you plan to stay longer. This is a convenience that lasts for 30 days then expires.

Here is the link I used: https://www.globe.com.ph/international/traveler-sim.

2. As I am planning to stay longer than 30 days, you are required to have an exit ticket / an Onward Ticket. Usually, I buy a cheap Cebu Pacific ticket then since those cheaper ones are not refundable, just forfeit the money.

But a found a cheaper option here: https://onwardticket.com/.

You will find mixed reviews about it, but I confirm it worked for me, and I know the source of the confusion.

When you activate a ticket from that website, it lasts only 48 hours then it gets cancelled.

So the trick is:

1. Buy a ticket choosing the date as around day 29 or 30 AFTER you arrive to the Philippines.

2. Only activate that ticket within less than 48 hours from your arrival date, so if they check the database it will be active and working.

To do this, there are 2 options: (1) Buying the Onward temporary ticket the day before you arrive to Philippines, (2) but that is a bit too risky for me as I like to plan in advance, so there is the option to activate the ticket "later".

Then, when you arrive to the Philippines airport, you can activate your Globe eSim, and use the internet to click the Onward Ticket activation link they have emailed you to have a fresh active Onward Ticket to show if necessary.

These were 2 new discovered for me, happy to share and pay forward.

In my research, I also found it is possible to use this app to get eSims before arriving to a country, but I have not used it yet:

https://saily.com/esim-philippines/

[Goferring]

Thanks but I am just stocking up on stuff for future use, not hetr. Good point about the body flushing out stuff.

I'm not sure where you are from nor your local prices but I haven't found any medicines in the PI cheaper than home. Esp now that generics are so widely available.

PI benefits are that you can often find anything OTC or worst case after a quick and cheap doc's visit. Also, medical or cosmetic procedures and hospital stays can be a fraction of the cost back home but as usual, research the quality of the institution before going under the knife.

Enjoy. G.

P.S. I'd agree that diahorrea is typically from the water or ice rather than food. It may simply be travellers diahorrea too as your body gets use to the new spices and tastes. I tend to let it run its course for a few days, stay hydrated and then resort to immodium if it lasted any longer.

G.

[Jarango]

Imodium .

Thanks but I am just stocking up on stuff for future use, not hetr. Good point about the body flushing out stuff. I often get caught short when hiking etc, mixture of my high fibre diet and bad water. Once on a 5 star hotel, all I could eat was plain omelette; I reckon it was water stuffing me up. I am here for aittle over a week mire and have switched to Western fare as the local. Stuff I'd aimed at local gullets, not me.

[Mr Enternational]

Imodium will stop it, but you want to let it run for a day or 2, the body is trying to flush out something bad.

It is more likely some bad organisms eating all of the nutrients his body needs, which would mean they need to be destroyed immediately.

[Old And Ugly]

I have just bought 100 anti diarrhea tablets for future use. Is there any other OTC medicine folk buy? I am looking at ibrofen but not sure if I want such candy. I am often on long hikes and bad water etc has caught me out badly more than once (you don't want the details). As it is all pharmacies here, one must ask what is worth buying here. Korean my hotel are bonking like buck rabbits.

Imodium will stop it, but you want to let it run for a day or 2, the body is trying to flush out something bad. Other natural remedies are dark chocolate, the darkest you can find, aged cheese, parmesan type, or plain rice. Avoid anything else, especially no sugar, milk, coffee, or greasy stuff. Ibuprofen is anti-inflammatory, I don't think will do anything for the runs.

[Jarango]

I have just bought 100 anti diarrhea tablets for future use. Is there any other OTC medicine folk buy? I am looking at ibrofen but not sure if I want such candy. I am often on long hikes and bad water etc has caught me out badly more than once (you don't want the details). As it is all pharmacies here, one must ask what is worth buying here. Korean my hotel are bonking like buck rabbits.

[WestCoast1]

Had to go to Germany for some surgery, and for return I checked all 3 airports CRK, MNL, CEB. I got MUC-CEB one way for 500 $ on Eva Air.

SNIP

Back when I was on a schedule it was different, had to pay whatever it was, but the prices were much lower then. Once I flew to China from LAX for $99, many times to HK for $299. Also the oposite is true, once I paid almost $3000 for a one way MNL-LAX, or maybe was SFO, because I missed the flight due to bad weather in Surigao, and had to be back in the states, like the day before.

Airfare from MNL / LAX, 1-way. Cheapest flights March to June, and the last pic is cheapest flights for a random day of Mar 3. Cheapest flight is on China Airlines, under $400 USD.

[Old And Ugly]

I still find cheap ones, but I'm never tied up on some specific dates or routes.

Had to go to Germany for some surgery, and for return I checked all 3 airports CRK, MNL, CEB. I got MUC-CEB one way for 500 $ on Eva Air.

Didn't fly the other way east for 3 years now, but I'll have to do it soon. Again because I'm loose like a leaf in the wind, I may fly to Hawaii, Japan, HK, or China first and take a separate flight from there.

Back when I was on a schedule it was different, had to pay whatever it was, but the prices were much lower then. Once I flew to China from LAX for $99, many times to HK for $299. Also the oposite is true, once I paid almost $3000 for a one way MNL-LAX, or maybe was SFO, because I missed the flight due to bad weather in Surigao, and had to be back in the states, like the day before.

[PhilJoy]

Yes from East coast of US now lucky to stay under 2 k for ticket unless you buy far out. Mine United recently 2. 5 k but I bought 2 weeks out. Prior to COVID 1500 or less was common and that was for a good seat. Hotels and condo's seem about the same but yes airfare has increased and planes were full so doubt they will reduce anytime soon.

Jeez Loco, it sounds like you guys are really getting ripped off.

I travel 3 times a year from Australia and the average price is usually about $USD700 return with selected seats on PA.

I know it's probably a much shorter flight (8 Hrs) and our dollar is shit at the moment in comparison.

That's a lot of up-front money before accommodation and cash spent on having a great time with the girls.

Long gone are the days of a cheap around the world ticket I used to get via Asia, Europe and North America before returning home.

There was the Filipina on the way, the English girls which were easy to score from any pub (beers were expensive), the Moscow experiences where random hot blondes would knock on your hotel door and then the late night NYC bars where everyone got laid.

Those were the days_ Phil.

[Locamotive]

Those are good numbers considering how bad the world economy still is. Also it is more expensive now to fly to Asia than it was in 2019.

Yes from East coast of US now lucky to stay under 2 k for ticket unless you buy far out. Mine United recently 2. 5 k but I bought 2 weeks out. Prior to COVID 1500 or less was common and that was for a good seat. Hotels and condo's seem about the same but yes airfare has increased and planes were full so doubt they will reduce anytime soon.

[Dg8787]

Those are good numbers considering how bad the world economy still is. Also it is more expensive now to fly to Asia than it was in 2019.

Everything cost more money these past 5 years. But there are people who have money. More money than life! I have more money than life. I have money saved from the Covid lock down years. Well, I did until last year. I doubled up my mongering so much that my vitamin V couldn't keep up. LOL. But still a lot of fun. No regrets from 2024.

[AggieDad1]

From the BI website, crowing about its accomplishments over the past year:

https://immigration.gov.ph/bi-highli...g-immigration/

From the article:

"MANILA, PhilippinesThe Bureau of Immigration (BI) closed 2024 with record-breaking travel figures and notable advancements in modernization, paving the way for streamlined processes and stronger border security in the coming years.

The BI reported a total of 14,540,533 arrivals, comprising 7,922,052 Filipinos and 6,618,481 foreigners, alongside 15,050,136 departures, which included 8,348,283 Filipinos and 6,701,853 foreigners.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado attributed the robust numbers to the resurgence of international travel and the Philippines appeal as a premier destination, as a result of the Department of Tourisms aggressive campaign to re-invite foreign tourists back to the country."

I boldfaced those two numbers on purpose. 6. 6 million foreign arrivals, and 6. 7 million foreign departures for the year. Two thoughts:

1) 2019, the last full year prior to Covid, saw about 8. 5 million arrive. Phils is not quite back to past year's 'full capacity' levels (not quite a record).

2) Regarding the roughly 80,000 more foreigners who left than arrived. Some reasons. The expats die. The expats have given up, and dropped their SRRV or 13 A, and just got TF out. Also I read that there were about 11,000 mostly Chinese POGO deportations last year; given the country usually only deports about 1,500 person per year, that is a dramatic increase.

Those are good numbers considering how bad the world economy still is. Also it is more expensive now to fly to Asia than it was in 2019.

[WestCoast1]

From the BI website, crowing about its accomplishments over the past year:

https://immigration.gov.ph/bi-highli...g-immigration/

From the article:

"MANILA, PhilippinesThe Bureau of Immigration (BI) closed 2024 with record-breaking travel figures and notable advancements in modernization, paving the way for streamlined processes and stronger border security in the coming years.

The BI reported a total of 14,540,533 arrivals, comprising 7,922,052 Filipinos and 6,618,481 foreigners, alongside 15,050,136 departures, which included 8,348,283 Filipinos and 6,701,853 foreigners.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado attributed the robust numbers to the resurgence of international travel and the Philippines appeal as a premier destination, as a result of the Department of Tourisms aggressive campaign to re-invite foreign tourists back to the country."

I boldfaced those two numbers on purpose. 6. 6 million foreign arrivals, and 6. 7 million foreign departures for the year. Two thoughts:

1) 2019, the last full year prior to Covid, saw about 8. 5 million arrive. Phils is not quite back to past year's 'full capacity' levels (not quite a record).

2) Regarding the roughly 80,000 more foreigners who left than arrived. Some reasons. The expats die. The expats have given up, and dropped their SRRV or 13 A, and just got TF out. Also I read that there were about 11,000 mostly Chinese POGO deportations last year; given the country usually only deports about 1,500 person per year, that is a dramatic increase.

[WestCoast1]

Well its that time of year again. Time for the ACR, 1+ year fellas to report for a BI interview in January / February. I think you might be able to do it online now.

https://immigration.gov.ph/annual-re...ns-on-january/

Here is the entire txt from the BI web page:

The Bureau of Immigration is set to kick off the 2025 Annual Report for all registered foreign nationals starting on January.

Registered foreign nationals are required by law to personally report to the BI within the first 60 days of the year, presenting necessary documents for the Annual Report.

Registered foreign nationals include those working, residing, and studying in the country, with ACR I-Cards.

The service, according to BI alien registration division chief Atty. Jose Carlitos Licas, Jr., is available in the BIs online platform at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.

The physical Annual Report for the BIs head office in Manila will be conducted at the 4th Level Center Atrium, Robinsons Manila, and at the Government Service Express (GSE) Unit of SM Mall of Asia, from Mondays to Fridays, excluding holidays, between 9AM to 6PM.

Apart from the two malls, BI offices nationwide may also cater to the reporting. #

[Old And Ugly]

Haha. To be fair, my ex gave me most of these symptoms on a regular basis (and she never cured anything).

From https://www.drugs.com/sfx/ivermectin-side-effects.html:

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ivermectin:

More common side effects

Difficulty in moving.

Muscle pain or stiffness.

Pain in the joints.

Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the armpit.

Less common side effects

Black, tarry stools.

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet.

Chest pain.

Chills.

Cold sweats.

Cough.

Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position.

Eye or eyelid irritation, pain, redness, or swelling.

Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse.

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings.

Fever.

Painful or difficult urination.

Rapid weight gain.

Sensation of spinning.

Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet.

Sore throat.

Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth.

Swollen glands.

Tingling of the hands or feet.

Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet.

Trouble breathing.

Unusual bleeding or bruising.

Unusual sleepiness.

Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Unusual weight gain or loss.

Rare side effects.

Agitation.

Back pain.

Bloody eye.

Blurred vision.

Change in consciousness.

Confusion.

Decreased awareness or responsiveness.

Difficulty in standing or walking.

Hallucinations.

Headache.

Irritability.

Loss of bladder control.

Loss of bowel control.

Loss of consciousness.

Mood or mental changes.

Redness of the eye.

Seizures.

Stiff neck.

Unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness.

Vomiting.

There is a very simple solution to all these side effects: don't take it! Problem solved. I'll just do my vomiting, and loss of consciousness once a month.