For most Filipinos living abroad, nothing comes close to the excitement of going back home to the Philippines, either for a short visit or an extended stay. Days, even weeks before the actual trip, sweet dreams are made of these: fun-filled reunions with long-missed family members and friends, eating sumptuous servings of Pinoy delicacies, endless shopping expeditions, and exciting out-of-town holidays.
If you haven’t been to the homeland for quite a while, we’ve gathered some tips to ensure you have a great, hassle-free Balikbayan trip ahead.
Before that trip
1. Baggage Allowance
Since last year, most airlines traveling from North America to the Philippines have decreased their free baggage allowance for economy class from 2 pieces of 32 kg (70 lbs.) to 23 kg (50 lbs.) each. This includes that balikbayan box.
2. Restricted Items
The new rules ban almost all liquids, creams and gels from being carried aboard flights. That means you should not pack sunscreen, liquid make-up foundation, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gel or beverages in your hand-carried bag. Those items must be put in your checked-in bags. If you are in doubt about an item, pack it in a checked bag or leave it home. If you forget to remove liquids or gels from your bags before you get to the security checkpoint, they will be confiscated. A few exceptions—you can still bring baby formula, breast milk or juice if you’re traveling with a child; prescription drugs if your name is on the bottle; and insulin or other essential non-prescription medications.
3. Packing
If you’re planning to visit the Philippines within the next three months, pack loose, lightweight clothing to beat the heat. Few locals wear shorts or sleeveless shirts in the city, but tourists can bend the rules somewhat. To blend in better, dress like the locals: in jeans and T-shirts. Umbrellas are useful against sun and rain. If heading to the mountains, pack a fleece jacket.
Travel light; in other words, don’t over-pack. Easier said than done—especially when so many kababayans ask you if they can send a package or two to their relatives thru you. What many balikbayans do is pack only a couple of casual clothes and a pair or two of more formal clothes. That then leaves room for them to shop for new clothes, shoes,bags and accessories in Manila where bargains abound.
4. Learn the Language, Understand the Culture
If you were born or raised in the States and don’t know how to speak the language, it would be good to study a few phrases to get by. It is of great pleasure for Filipinos to hear a foreigner trying to speak at least a word in Filipino or in local dialect. You may see them giggle at your foreign accent or pronunciation but don’t take it as an insult. They are simply surprised and impressed hearing a stranger like you, speaking Filipino or local dialect in your own way. It makes them feel proud of their history and culture. In return, you will gain their respect.
Most Filipinos have a very strong sense of nationalism and religiosity. Try not to criticize the country and the people, nor ask critical questions that will provoke them, unless you are talking to your friend or relative whom you know will not get offended or the person you want to ask is open-minded.
5. Important Documents
A passport must be valid for at least six months to enter the Philippines. However, it is best that you renew your passport prior to entering the country if you only have seven months left to save you from any hassles.
Leave details of your travel itinerary and details, passport, and your credit cards with friends or relatives at home. Make sure you photocopy your passport and then never leave home without this copy on you; separate from your actual passport, in case of lost/stolen passport. It is smart to also store vital information of your passport in your email for easy retrieval when needed.
Do not overstay beyond the limit of your visa. If you overstay, you will automatically be fined for each day you remain the Philippines beyond the date stamped in your passport. If you cannot pay, you may be arrested, detained over a period of many months and then deported. If you wish to extend your visa, you should apply seven (7) days before the expiration of your approved stay. For more information, you may visit www.immigration.gov.ph.
Insurance is essential for traveling in the Philippines; do not forget to leave home without it. Make sure that your insurance covers both medical treatment and unexpected losses/expenses (e.g. missed flight, lost passport, stolen credit card/cash).
Keep a separate copy of your credit card numbers and telephone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen.
Remember to bring your prescription from your doctor or hospital if you are using prescribed medicine.
Ensure that you have enough funds for your stay and return flight. Bank transfers can take time and if you miss your flight or your ticket becomes invalid, you may have to purchase another ticket to get home and cover other emergencies, including overstaying your visa.
6. Customs Declaration
Visitors carrying more than US$ 3000 are to declare this at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter at customs. Forbidden items are: firearms, explosives, pornographic material, seditious or subversive material, narcotics and other internationally prohibited drugs (unless accompanied by a medical prescription), gambling articles and machines and misbranded and adulterated foodstuffs.
Enjoying the Islands
Once you land in the Philippines, you will see why they say Filipinos are one of the friendliest races in the world with a great sense of hospitality. They will try their best to please you and make your trip most memorable.
Balikbayans should make it a point to visit all the popular places of the country like the following:
Boracay—Found in Aklan, Boracay is said to possess one of the best beaches in the whole world.
Mayon Volcano—Travel to the Bicol region of the Philippines so you’ll be able to see for yourself the perfect cone shape of Mayon Volcano.
Banaue Rice Terraces—described as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Surigao—A province of the Philippines that is starting to make wavse in the tourist world, literally and figuratively as it’s known to be a good site for surfing.
Aside from the above, so many other beautiful places to visit are: Puerto Princesa, Coron, Palawan, Panglao Island, Bohol, Puerto Galera, Siargao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Camiguin Island, Davao City, Dumaguete, Siquijor Island, Batangas, Subic Bay, Batanes Islands, Pagudpud, Laoag and Vigan, Guimaras Island. Adventure tour packages include scuba diving, kite boarding/ kite surfing,windsurfing, surfing, skydiving, game fishing/ sports fishing, white water rafting, mountain hiking, ultra light flying, airplane flying and sailing.
1. On Getting Around
Commuting is quite difficult to master in the Philippines, if you’re not familiar with the place. It is best if you have a relative or friend with you as you go around. Do consider renting a car and hiring a driver to drive you all over the city. Traffic is heavy and slow in most parts of Manila, and it would be better and easier for you to kill time in the comfort of your own car.
Roads spread among the islands, with highways on the Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon island groups. Driving off the main highway at night is dangerous and should be avoided. There are bus services between the towns and also widely available jeepneys. Taxis are available in the cities and in many towns. Make sure meters are used, as some taxi drivers will set an exorbitant and arbitrary rate. Car rentals are available in Manila and in major cities. Documentation required for you to drive the car rentals are: at least 18 years of age, with an International Driving Permit, together with a national driving license.
In Metro Manila, a number of bus routes are operated by Metro Manila Transport using conventional vehicles, including double-deckers. Most journeys, however, are made by jeepneys, of which there are an estimated 30,000 in Manila alone. The Metro Railway Transit (MTR) connects North Avenue in Quezon to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, traveling the length of Epifanio delos Santo Avenue (EDSA). The Light Railway Transit (LRT), a light rail transit link, runs from Baclaran terminal in the south to Caloocan terminal in the north. The LRT 2 runs from Marikina to Recto, passing thru the University Belt.
Plan your route in advance. Bring a road map if necessary. Make advanced reservations in accommodations. This lessens the burden of looking for a place to stay upon your arrival. It saves you time as well.
Don’t hesitate to ask people for directions or any other form of help when you’re troubled about anything. Filipinos are known for being warm, hospitable, approachable and friendly to tourists so there’s no need to feel shy.
2. On Safety
Hygiene standards may be lower than you are used to. Be cautious about consuming unpurified water and street foods unless your tummy can handle it, otherwise you may get sick.
Be mindful of your valuables at all times. Protect your valuables especially shoulder bags and cameras. Keep your shoulder bag in front of you where you can see it all the time. When sitting, keep your arm through a strap. Avoid losing sight or leaving your documents unattended. Avail of a hotel’s safety deposit box facility if available.
Just bring money enough to buy what you need. As much as possible, keep that money inside a buttoned pocket.
Do not get isolated in remote areas, especially after dark.
Be alert and do be on guard against robbers, pickpockets and bag-snatchers especially in shopping malls.
When you reach your destination, lock your cars and keep valuable things out of sight before leaving.
Be confident. Act as if you are a resident of the place. Don’t show signs of being lost and vulnerable.
3. On Money Matters
Do make sure that you exchange your currency with that of the Philippines (Php) as there are only a few shops and establishments which accept foreign currency as payment. There are a lot of money exchange establishments all over the city so no need to worry that you’d have a hard time exchanging currencies.
People usually leave 10 percent for tips. The relatively low cost of eating out in the Philippines makes it easier for foreign visitors to be generous.
Many Filipinos plan on buying a property in the homeland where they plan to retire.
Many Fil-Ams who have spent long years away from the homeland admit that they developed their patience when they visited the Philippines. Those who are used to the hectic pace of life in America find it difficult adjusting to the slower lifestyle pace in the country. Punctuality is not one of the Filipinos’ virtues so if you are meeting someone, be prepared and take some newspapers, magazines, your favorite book or your laptop to keep you busy while waiting. Some may show up on time, others 15-30 minutes late but very few will arrive 15 minutes early. If you are filing documents with a government agency or extending your visa, take someone to talk with or something to read if the procedure will take only several minutes, else set a next day appointment for pick up, if you’re busy. And if you’re going somewhere, always allot time for traffic.
As you plan for that memorable Balikbayan trip, it’s good to have an agenda of what you want to see and do everyday, but leave yourself some room for pleasant surprises. If you are unexpectedly invited to a mouth-watering fiesta out-of-town, or you fall in love with a beach holiday and spend two more days there, don’t be afraid to modify your plans. After all, it’s not often that you get to enjoy being a Balikbayan! If you find something you’d love to do, but didn’t plan on--do it! Who knows, it may end up being the most wonderful part of your trip. (www.asianjournal.com)
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