Travel destinations: The Philippines

The Philippines is probably one of the must see places in the world. With its exotic beauty that boasts of rich natural resources and the people popular for their hospitality, kindness and respect for tourists, Philippines is frequented by millions of tourists every year. There are many reasons why Philippines is visited by tourists from all over the world. Aside from the wonderful places, the Philippines offers lots of good things to visitors such as convenient hotels, good food, beautifully handcrafted materials, clothes and others at very low and affordable prices. Philippines is one of the tourists destinations that offers cheap prices for accommodations and food.

There are lots of places to see and enjoy in the Philippines. There are lots of resorts that waters lovers could go to and enjoy a refreshing dive and at the same time relax with the good weather. Climate in the Philippines is one of the best in the world and one of the good things that attract tourists every year in the country. The Philippines is located in a tropical place where one could enjoy too much sun without fear of heat stroke. The temperature is not too hot nor too cold. Visitors who want to enjoy the sun could always visit the Philippines anytime of the year especially during summer.

The Banaue Rice Terraces which is located in Banaue, Ifigao is one of the pride of the Philippines. It is built with the sweat of the Ifugaos and with only crude tools. The rice terraces is one of the wonders of the world. It is beautifully carved around the mountains. One could just wonder how these rice terraces that could almost reach up to heaven was built by man. These rice terraces are considered treasure to the Ifugaos and it is gaining the place recognition throughout the world.

Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines is a cold place with plenty of fresh vegetables to satisfy those who love vegetables straight from the garden. In the month of February a celebration called “Penagbenga”, is celebrated in this city. Flowers of all kinds are paraded around the city in floats. Baguio City, because of its very good weather is home to all kinds of lovely flowers. In fact, most flowers sold in the Philippines come from Baguio City.

Another pride of the Philippines is the Mayon Volcano which is located in Albay, Bicol. This volcano is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world with its perfect cone. Mayon Volcano is still active to this day. Below the volcano stands the Cagsawa ruins, a reminder of the worst eruptions that happened in 1814.

Chocolate Hills could be best viewed during summer when the grasses turn brown which make the hills more like chocolates than land forms. They are beautiful to view because they look like chocolates that are too delicious to eat.

To those who love the waters, Boracay which is located in Aklan boasts of its white sand and clear, fresh water. Countless swimmers and water lovers come to this place to enjoy the cool. clear waters and see the white sand.

The Philippines doesn’t only offer wonderful places to visit but offers other things like crafts, clothes and food which are all affordable and of good quality.

The Good Life is Now Within Reach at Subic Holiday Villas

Experience the zenith of urban living within a modern provincial area like that of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City. Located in the heart of Olongapo City is Subic Bay, which sits on the west coast of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is formerly a United States naval base and is now a booming industrial and commercial area. This prime location is where Subic Holiday Villas is situated.

Free from the irksome ills of city life like noise and air pollution, Subic Holiday Villas promises a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan living. It is a master planned four-hectare leisure development facility that is primarily a residential community comprised of clusters of three-storey bedroom units. It offers a wide variety of fully furnished rooms—from studio units to one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. These suites boast of complete amenities expected from premiere hotels. The kitchens already have a refrigerator, stove, microwave/toaster oven, glassware, cutlery and crockery. Aside from being equipped with an individually controlled air-conditioning system, the units already have cable network television and a water cooling and heating system. The suites also extend to balconies, making your stay here extra special and refreshing. Truly, the Subic Holiday Villas has been created to cater to the needs of both business traveler and leisure-seeker.

The Subic Holiday Villas was developed due to these reasons: to provide top-notch accommodations to investors and businessmen while in Subic Bay Freeport, to give adventure-seekers an option to prolong their stay in Subic at a convenient address that is accessible to any destination they choose and to offer retirees a safe, laid back environment conducive for relaxation and close to hospitals and other healthcare centers. Ultimately, the Subic Bay Villas puts the welfare of their guests on top. The goal is to make people realize that the good life is not necessarily hard to reach nor is it fussy to achieve. Great living is rooted in a great, positive environment that propels you to grow and discover. The Subic Bay Villas realizes that need and answers it.

If it’s the vibe of a Class A village you’re looking for, the facilities of a world-class hotel and a location that is guaranteed to set you in the hub of activity, Subic Holiday Villas is a state-of-the-art haven that you’ll unmistakably soon call your second home.

For inquiries and reservations, visit their website at http://www.subicholidayvillas-sbma.com/.

Real Estate Buying And Leasing In The Philippines

Real estate, as said time and again, has been slowly picking up from where it left off in 1996, that is, aggressive buying by local bred people who are now residing in various parts of the world, particularly the United States of America and Canada regions. Filipinos who have opted to take their talents for better paying jobs abroad have allowed them to consider making investments in local properties, known to be among the affordable and feasible manners of investing for their future and their dependents. There is of course the difference between high-end and low-end sectors, but regardless, the bottom line is one of our basic hierarchy of needs according to Maslow’s hierarchy, that of which is shelter.

But wait, it is not all about security but more on studying the opportunities of being able to establish a medium of investment and income from outside the usual profession that most people practice everyday. Visitors, with emphasis on foreigners from other countries look for the cheapest means of lodging, especially when they want to make the most out of their trips. The Philippines is known to be among the top spots for foreigners to go to, especially once vacation time comes for them. Cost is definitely competitive, and compared to their normal neighboring countries of tourist attraction spots, people want something different. The belief that the world offers a lot is usually one of the reasons why foreigners immediately look towards the Philippine tourist spots, especially the beaches and resorts like Boracay and Palawan areas, have been the forefront of the aggressive investment of the country towards tourism. Come the summer time, even the local inhabitants crowd these places, and despite the inconveniences, they will go at nothing to be able to satisfy their hunger for a well-deserved break from reality.

With this in mind, foreigners see it as an opportunity to be able to make advanced bookings by being situated here locally before the expected boom and overcrowding of reservations and accommodations set in during the second quarter of the year. Finding alternative places to live in outside hotels which cost as high as $50.00 per day, depending on the type of hotel they are looking at, can be saved if they can find locally available condominium units for rent. Places that are usually the landing spot for most temporarily staying foreigner include the high class Rockwell Power Plant in Makati, Eastwood Condominiums in Quezon City, and The Fort at the Fort Bonifactio Area. Condominiums are being strategically constructed here, and there are also units that are being rented or sold at a fair price.

Among the offerings is located at the Rizal Condominiums, located beside the Professional Graduate School of Ateneo. Rizal Condominium is largely dominated in terms of occupancy by foreigners.

Current Properties for Sale

There is one unit being offered at the moment for sale at P30,000,000.00 and fully furnished. What surprises me the most is that this same price is close to the actual offering before the entire property was built and is certainly a good buy. I have yet to get the details from my sister-in-law who works in a bank, and I know the sale is really needed as soon as possible.

Just recently, another unit located in the classy area of Anapolis, Greenhills is being offered as well. A small pad worth P10,0000,000.00 is up for grabs at the One Beverly Place, one of the posh condominium units that can be seen along the busy streets of Anapolis Street, Greenhills. It is a good place to stay, especially for visitors who are in search of cheap goods and a relaxing place to stay since local folks come in droves to be able to kill their time and get good buys of consumer items such as designer clothes, electronic devices, cellular phones and computer peripherals.

Hence the investment for these type of properties is aimed at high-end markets. But considering the appraisal of land value, for sure, this is the interest gained from initial investments, something that money in the bank cannot even match as far as long term investments are concerned.

Living in London on a budget

One of the most difficult aspects of living in London is the accommodation. If you’re not prepared to spend at least 400.000 buying a property, you better look for the right rental.

London is the second most expensive city in the world, just losing for Moscow. Believe me, finding a flat, or a room in London is a tough job, and expensive. With what I pay here for a single room, without living room and a tiny kitchen I could have a 3 bedrooms flat in Brazil.

London is divided in zones, if you get a tube map, you’re going to see that there’re 6 zones, the first is the area for all London top attractions. Town centres, museums, Thames, best parks, and usually where the best companies are settled. To live in zone one having a flat for yourself, one bedroom, you’re going to pay an estimate price of 300 a week. To live in Covent Garden, one of the most charming areas of London, you’re going to spend an average of 1400 per month. If these prices are too much for your budget, you can live in London for cheaper, sharing a flat with someone else, a bunch of people from all over the world, or choosing for zones 2, 3, 4 It gets cheaper as far as you’re from the centre.

I moved 9 times in 2 years here. I lived with all kind of nationalities, people from Australia, Malaysia, Spain, Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, Philippines, Portugal, Italy, Africa, France, Lithuania, Switzerland. I lived in Fitzrovia, paying 240 per month and living with 20 people, and in zone 2, having my own room and living with another 2 girls for 500 per month. The options are infinite, and it all depends on the kind of life you want to have.

Here are some tips you’re going to need when deciding where to put your suitcases.

1rst: Live in the reality that your money can pay.

Realize! You’re not going to find a miracle flat, central location, brand new with huge spaces for cheap. The furniture usually is not very new, carpets are all over the place, the colour of the wall is probably not your favorite, flats here are not as bright as in a beach. If it’s a house, the garden is probably very small, and you can easily see your neighbor’s garden (it means: no privacy!). You’re going to find carpet in kitchens, bathrooms without window, bedrooms with very small ones, and the storage area is usually shared with more people than it can support.

2nd: Where to look for:

If you are looking on the Internet you can easily find web sites that provide lists of houses for rent, one of the most famous

Medical Tourism 101, A Complete Guide

Why does it seem like Starbucks has a store on every corner where you live? Because the company knows most of us won’t go even one block out of our way to get a cup o’ cappuccino. Why then, are tens of thousands of people choosing to travel half-way around the world for surgical procedures? It’s called “medical tourism,” and you might find yourself considering it soon as well.

What is medical tourism?

Rapidly becoming a multi-billion dollar industry, medical tourism is the catch-all phrase describing travel to other countries primarily for medical or dental care. Along with elective plastic surgery procedures like face-lifts and implants, medical tourists also travel for highly specialized operations like heart surgery, cancer treatment and hip replacement. Some medical tours include pre-operation sightseeing, luxury accommodations and extensive post-op care.

Why would I consider it?

Your reasons for choosing to travel for medical care depend on where you live. In the US, medical costs are skyrocketing, and many elective procedures aren’t covered by insurance. Procedures abroad may be a fourth or even a tenth of what they might be at home.

In countries with nationalized health such as Canada or Great Britain, the waiting times for treatment may simply be too long, and the cost to see a physician in private practice too high.

You may also become a medical tourist if you’d like to combine an exotic vacation with a tummy tuck or, on a more serious note, if you’re seeking alternative treatments for cancer or other diseases.

How much money can I save?

The short answer is, potentially lots. For example, a heart valve replacement that would normally cost $200,000 in the US would be $10,000 in India – including round-trip airfare, and a quick vacation package. Looking for a face-lift? This will raise your eyebrows instantly: the price tag is $15,000 in the US, but only $2,600 in Bolivia (And lest you think the Bolivians are amateurs at this, more than 70% of middle and upper-class women in Bolivian have had at least one cosmetic procedure).

According to a CBS News: 60 Minutes report, one patient who received coronary artery bypass surgery in Thailand said the operation cost him $12,000, as opposed to the $100,000 he estimated the operation would have cost him at home in the US.

How do I choose a country for my procedure?

It depends on what type of procedure you’re seeking. Some destinations specialize in medical procedures while others are best known for cosmetic surgery. If the procedure you’re seeking is elective and non-critical, you may be most interested in a country with beautiful antiquities or beaches.

Countries actively promoting medical tourism for medical procedures include India, Singapore, Thailand, Cuba, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

For plastic surgery, the hotspots are Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Turkey. South Africa specializes not just in medical tourism, but “medical safaris” – lions, elephants AND a nose job. However, the country with the most expertise in plastic surgery may be Brazil, as more plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in this country annually than in the whole of the European Union.

India, Thailand and Singapore have been most aggressive in building their medical tourism business to date:

INDIA
The sub-continent is so committed to generating revenue from medical tourists, the country’s National Health Policy actually declares that treatment of foreign patients is legally an “export” and deemed “eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings.” It’s estimated that medical tourism to India is growing by 30% a year.

India boasts 5 hospitals accredited by US-based Joint Commission International, and a global reputation for superior hip resurfacing and heart surgery. It may be somewhat anecdotal, one Indian hospital, Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centers located in Delhi and Faridabad, claims to perform nearly 15,000 heart operations every year with a post-surgery mortality rate of only 0.8 percent – less than half of most major hospitals in the United States. Most medical treatment costs start at about a tenth of the price of comparable treatment in the US. However, for US travelers, extremely long travel times can be a deterrent.

SINGAPORE
As Asia’s leading medical hub, Singapore has a reputation for excellent quality, safety and trustworthiness, along with advanced research and technology. In 2006, Singapore hosted the first international Medical Travel Conference with participants from 21 countries coming together to discuss the issues and challenges facing the medical travel industry. Nine hospitals in this small country are accredited by JCI.

THAILAND
With its beautiful terrain, intoxicating culture and stunning beaches, Thailand has been a popular destination for American medical tourists. English is widely spoken, and a high number of physicians are trained in the West. Bangkok’s Bumrundgrad hospital alone has more than 200 surgeons who are board-certified in the United States. Hospitals in the country offer services specifically for the international med-tourist. For example, the International Medical Centre in Bangkok offers services in 26 languages, recognizes cultural and religious dietary restrictions and has a special wing for Japanese patients. Although Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok claims JCI accreditation, it’s not currently listed on the JCI website.

What’s the downside?

If you do travel abroad for medical care, you may have to pay cash for it. Government and basic medical insurance, and sometimes extended medical insurance, often does not pay for the medical procedure. Of course if it’s an elective procedure (as most cosmetic procedures are), you’re on your own anyway.

Should complications arise, you may not be covered by insurance, or be able to seek adequate compensation through malpractice lawsuits. Most of the countries offering medical tourism have weak malpractice laws, so you’ll have little recourse to local courts or medical boards if something goes wrong. Of course, that’s part of the reason why the costs abroad are so low – physicians don’t have to pay exorbitant malpractice insurance premiums.

Little follow-up care may be provided, and travel or vacation activities soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications. For example, your post-op scars may darken or become more noticeable if you get a sunburn on the beach after your surgery. Long flights home can be uncomfortable at best, and downright dangerous for thrombosis or breathing-related problems. Treating side-effects and any post-operative care will become your responsibility once you get home.

Are there other health risks?

Exotic destinations are also home to exotic infectious diseases for which Westerners often have no immunity – particularly in a weakened, post-op state. Gastrointestinal diseases can slow the recovery process and more serious diseases such as malaria, influenza, or TB, can be life-threatening. Having said that, because these diseases are more common in other countries, doctors are more likely to recognize the symptoms early and get you appropriate treatment.

How do I check out a hospital’s credentials?

Although it may seem daunting to research surgical treatment thousands of miles away, it’s absolutely necessary for your peace of mind and quality assurance.

The Joint Commission is a US-based non-profit organization formed in 1951 with a mission to maintain and elevate the standards of healthcare delivery through evaluation and accreditation of healthcare organizations. These standards define the performance expectations, structures, or processes that must be in place and cover nearly every aspect of care from admissions and data collection, to daily patent assessments. Since 1999, JCI has also been accrediting hospitals internationally and to date has awarded 81 accreditations. JCI lists accredited hospitals by country.

How do I plan a trip?

So far the Roaming Gnome doesn’t offer suggestions for medical tourism, but there are plenty of websites that can assist you with your plans. Google “medical tourism” and you’ll find about 15 million entries. Some companies are foreign-based, with offices and representatives in the US or Canada, while others are US or Canadian companies working with representatives abroad. Not all companies organize travel to all destinations – you’ll need to do a bit of research to find the best fit.

In any case, once you find a company to help you plan your trip, the process could go something like this:

1. Fill out an application with your details and medical needs.
2. Talk with a US-based case manager to select the hospital, doctor(s) and get a cost estimate.
3. Pay a deposit – avoid companies that want to charge you 100% upfront.
4. Have a phone conference with your chosen doctor and on-site case manager.
5. Fly to your destination for your procedure, where you’ll be met by your on-site case manager.
6. Meet with your physician for a pre-op consultation.
7. Have your surgery and recover sufficiently for your post-op vacation or return journey (for some procedures, it may be more practical to have the “tourist” part of your trip first.

How does insurance figure in?

For the most part in the US, health insurance companies will not cover non-elective procedures overseas – and certainly not elective. In other words, you would be responsible for 100% of your own medical costs.

In the future however, employers may offer overseas medical treatment as an option to their covered employees, according to Dr. Arnold Milstein, of Mercer Human Resource Consulting, who has been retained by five Fortune 500 companies to determine whether outsourcing healthcare can be a viable option.

It’s also possible to obtain medical insurance while traveling, but it will only cover you in the event of an emergency occurring on that trip. Whether or not you would be covered during an emergency that occurs as a consequence of other medical treatment you were receiving is another question. I would suspect the answer is no.

So should I do it?

If you’re seeking a relatively common elective cosmetic procedure, certainly shopping abroad should figure into your decision process. If you have no or limited medical coverage, and need some serious treatment, traveling abroad may be the only option you can afford. In any case, make certain you’ve spoken in depth with your home physician, fully understand the medical risk, and thoroughly research the physician and facility you intend to visit.

Enjoy the Only Boutique Hotel in the Hilton Arsenal of Properties

I wanted to see the Hilton Auckland after their suite refurbishment, and it was well worth the visit. The popular Bow Suites, so named because they are shaped like the bow of a ship, overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, have had quite the face lift.

The interior, designed by Catherine Stormont of HBO&EMTD, is contemporary in feel, blending in with the overall design of the hotel which has been dubbed the “New Hilton” in its embrace of sleek lines and minimalist decor, interspersed with traditional Mauri artistic accents. There is a sense of being in the Presidential cabin of a luxury international cruise liner, and its proximity in the harbor, with cruise ships arriving and departing below your terrace, adds to that feeling.

Furnishings and fabrics are muted tones, “decked” out with Italian leather furniture. The Presidential suite has two plasma televisions, dining for four, a work desk and credenza, a chaise and side table over looking the wrap around deck, wrap around couch with chaise angle, an outdoor lounge area and eating area, huge bathroom with separate bath, rain shower, and toilet, floor to ceiling glass doors with water views from every single angle, electronic shades, and wispy white transparent curtains to mute the suns raise, but allow in the reflections of the sea.

The artists’ glass sculpture and vases that graced my room, included locals Simon Kaan, Graham Fletcher, and Heather Straka. Part of the upgrade included the concept that every space should have a touch of authenticity. Amenities have also been upgraded to the Crabtree & Evelyn “la Source” range, an improvement over past choices.

Hilton Auckland stands 300 meters from the city center adjacent to the Viaduct Harbor. It was officially opened by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, in June 2001 and is situated on the northeast corner of Princes Wharf. There are 160 deluxe rooms and six suites. Not a “small” hotel, but it does have the feel of a boutique hotel. In 2005 it was named the Top New Zealand CBD Hotel of the Year.

White Restaurant, and Bellini, the lobby lounge bar, have been created by Dan Kwan of Tribeca, the design firm based in Singapore. His intent was to provide an environment that would be a white canvas for Executive Chef Bernard Bernabe to paint his culinary palate, and to be a minimalist setting for the hues of blue and green of the bay reflecting through the floor to ceiling windows.

Bernard Bernabe, even the name is a mouthful, was born in the Philippines. His family immigrated to New Zealand when he was nine years old. Now, at the ripe age of 28, he was the driving force behind the award winning team when white was honored with the Restaurant of the Year award in 2004.

General Manager, John Ingram is a soft-spoken gentle man with a lot to say. He treated me to details about the local cultural community and life in Auckland, as well as his the importance for the global hospitality community to see this Hilton in its rightful light, a “new Hilton” as he called it. With 160 deluxe rooms and six suites, one can hardly call this a boutique hotel, yet I agree with him that it has that feel. Staff is very professional and ingratiating, food is superb, and the atmosphere modern and light.

My favorite feature of the hotel is a glass-fronted swimming pool that juts out in such a way that with goggles under water, you have the illusion of swimming out to sea.

A Haven of Privacy in Boracay

Boracay, Philippines – Late vacationers seeking some peace and privacy during their summer getaway will want to check out the Grand Vista Boracay Resort & Spa in Boracay Philippines. For an unspecified period of time, the Grand Vista will be offering holiday season packages of affordable rates for their various suites, depending on their guests’ room preference.

The Grand Vista Resort & Spa boasts of having a private swimming pool in each of their 41 Suites aside from having the biggest common swimming pool in the island. Guests can pamper themselves at the Vista Grande Spa by getting world-class massages and other relaxing wellness treatments, or avail of the wide Array of delectable international dishes at the two restaurants within the resort. Those who still need to attend to their business affairs during their stay need not worry, as the Grande Business Center has flat screen computers and Internet access that are ready to be used by their guests. The efficient staff is also always on hand to address whatever concerns their guests might have to ensure they get the luxurious privacy they seek.

For more information on the resort’s holiday package promotion, guests are invited to visit the hotel’s website at http://www.egrandvista.com, where they can also make direct online reservations of their room of choice from the comfort of their own home or office. They can also modify any booking arrangements on the site without any extra cost.

About the Grand Vista Boracay Resort & Spa

The Grand Vista Boracay Resort & Spa is the first and only resort in Boracay that offers a private pool in each of their 41 suites to their guests, aside from having the biggest common swimming pool in the island. They specifically offer guests peace and privacy during their stay at the resort, which is a welcome feature for those wishing to escape the buzzing party scene that commonly happens at the island.

A visitors guide to Boracay, Philippines – Part 1

Destination: Boracay. http://www.wowphilippines.com. ph/explore_phil/place_details. asp?content=famousefor&provinc e=98#Bora

Located in the southern part of Manila, province of Aklan, Western Visayas region. Famous for its white beach, Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

I have had the privilege of visiting Boracay twice already. First one was back in 2003 with my siblings, all remaining singles. We took a domestic flight from Manila to Kalibo via Cebu Pacific Airlines. From there, at the Kalibo airport, we took a road trip in a van to Caticlan Jetty port. We enjoyed a fun, refreshing boat ride to the island itself, Boracay. There is a breath-taking view while cruising in the boat ride. There were three stations in the island, depending on where your hotel/cottage is that you’re staying at, or if you want to take a leisure walk along the cool sand of the Boracay beach, that is where you get off and start your adventure in Boracay. Second time we went there was in 2005 with our loving parents. It also depends on what season you visit Boracay where the wind blows or is coming at. The crowd usually packs in heavily during the summertime in the Philippines, from March to May. There is also a bit of a difference in the cottage/hotel rates if it is peak season or not.

There are many cool activities to engage in while vacationing at Boracay. Some of which includes island hopping, Paraw ride (like sailing), beach volleyball, disco dancing, shopping for souvenirs, even bike riding along its sand walkway, among many others. http://www.boracay.com/

There has been an issue going on with regards to the ownership of the island between the government and the resort owners, the inhabitans of Boracay. Hopefully, this matter would be settled for the common good on what will be best for Boracay. Every Filipino has the best interests at heart of every part in our country. We would not like to see the selfish interests of politicians, if ever it may be, just filling in their pockets. We were able to witness the Boracay locals holding a public rally, an outcry for their rights. Let Boracay continue living up to what it’s made for, a great place for a vacation get-away for everyone, and good tourism, successful entrepreneurship for its businessmen and joy to the locals.

If you are in the Southeast Asia visiting, make Boracay one of your destinations in the Philippines. Enjoy! I, myself, look forward to vacationing in Boracay sometime again soon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B oracay

A Rich Insight in to the Culture and History of the Philippines

Traveling From The Philippines To The U.S. Made Easier For First Time Immigrants (including K-Visa Holders)

With the advent of 911 and bombings in other cities around the world, security in most international airports has never been tighter. This does not exclude the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines, with the tightest of these flights bound for the United States of America. Every traveler wants an enjoyable trip…hassle-free, smooth and blissful. With the meticulous security checks, lines are expected to be long. This would mean a period of time waiting before you have your turn and this doesn’t translate as delightful. Just don’t see yourself cleared through these security checks and then remember you forgot something. Well, this would surely scare you especially if your flight departure is in less than an hour.

Careful planning is very vital. You should prepare all your documents and things you need to bring. You have to check if everything is alright before you leave your home or hotel to the airport.

YOUR DEPARTURE CHECKLIST (courtesy of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas):

1. PASSPORT

2. VISA (don’t forget to hand-carry the embassy envelope; it will be presented at the Port of Entry)

3. PLANE TICKET (check if you have paid for the travel tax; if not, you can pay it at the airport: PHP1,620.00 for Economy, PHP2,700.00 for First/Business Class; Children below 2 years old are travel tax exempted; 50% travel tax discount for children 2-11 years old)

4. TERMINAL FEE (for 2 years old and above) of PHP550.00

5. BAGGAGE – You are allowed to have a Carry-On Bag [7 kilos; 45 inches in dimension (L+W+H)]; Check-In Baggage [2 pieces at 32 kg/pc; 62 inches in dimension (L+W+H) per piece]

6. EXIT CLEARANCE for retired, resigned, and on-leave employees and officials from the government sector stating they are cleared of accountabilities from the government offices they were recently connected with.

7. OTHER DOCUMENTS:

a. Health record and X-ray film

b. School records (transcript of records, diplomas, etc.)

c. Training/employment certificates

d. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) travel clearance (if applicable). A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a minor who is below 18 years of age traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his/her parents.

e. Other pertinent documents (marriage/birth/baptismal certificates)

DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING! :

1. Firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition

2. Narcotics, other than prescription drugs

3. Meat, dairy and poultry products, fresh fruits and vegetables

4. Plants, flowers and soil

5. Cultural property except for family heirlooms

6. More than 200 sticks of cigarettes

7. More than 1.5 liters of commercial alcohol

8. Records, computer software, apparel, and reading materials produced in violation of copyright laws

9. Endangered species, and the like

A traveler is allowed to bring money out of the Philippines not exceeding PHP10,000.00. The amount can be in dollar bills or traveler’s cheques as well as Philippine currency.

If you desire to bring into or out of the Philippines foreign currencies amounting to US$10,000 or more, you are required to declare that amount in writing and furnish information on the source and purpose of the transport of such currency. Persons traveling together cannot divide the amount in order to avoid the restriction. A BSP foreign currency declaration form for travel fund is available at the Bureau of Customs or at its NAIA counter. Bring documents that will show the sources of your funds.

With your checklist complete, you are now just waiting for your departure date. Relax and don’t panic. After all, you are well-prepared. Everything is in order. Everything you need to bring is there. Double-check again the day before departure. Get plenty of rest before you leave for the airport.

DAY OF DEPARTURE:

1. You should be at the airport at least four (4) hours before your scheduled flight (allot enough time for security checks)

2. You and your baggage will be submitted for security check

3. Go to your airline counter and check-in. Don’t lose your boarding pass and baggage claim stubs.

4. Go to the terminal fee counter and pay.

5. Present your travel documents at the Philippine Immigration Counter.

6. Proceed to the waiting lounge/gate.

7. Board your plane when your boarding call is made.

Some airlines have direct flights to the U.S. Others have stop-over and connecting flights. Don’t be ashamed in asking questions and assistance from your flight attendant and from airport personnel. You don’t want to miss your flight! A flight attendant will give you some forms to fill out during the flight (arrival/departure record or I-94, etc., whatever is applicable)

WHAT TO DO AT THE PORT OF ENTRY:

1. Present your travel/entry documents (passport, visa, embassy envelope, medical records, customs declaration form) at the U.S. Immigration counter

2. Claim your baggage from your airline’s designated carousel.

3. Proceed to the customs area for final security check. (For those with domestic flights, transfer your baggage).

After this, you may exit the airport and look for your welcome party. Or you may still have to take a domestic flight to reach your destination. If so, proceed to the waiting lounge/gate of your domestic flight and then board your plane when your boarding call is made. Then claim your baggage at the carousel and look for your loved ones.

Have a safe and happy trip!

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