Flying to Tuguegarao
Last month, I needed to go up to Abulug in order to pick up Rebecca and Juanito. We are back and forth to the province about every month, depending on what needs to be done up there. Over the course of this year, with Juanito’s adoption in progress and several land transactions (along with a squatter problem), we have had to go to Abulug more often than normal… And it usually involves things that Rebecca must do, rather than my being the helpful Kano husband. Abulug is 120 km away from the closest airport, in Tuguegarao. To get up there, there are three ways to go: Drive, bus, or Fly and drive. Each way of travelling has its’ own advantages and disadvantages, and we tend to use whichever method suits our needs for a particular trip. Of the three travelling methods, we use the bus the most, followed by me driving, and flying the least often.
Here’s how we travel, with the approximate costs, time, advantages, and disadvantages. I hope this is helpful to expats when deciding how to travel within the country… The relative advantages, disadvantages, and costs are roughly comparable throughout most of the country, regardless of your destination. Note that we normally rent a car up North when I travel (Rebecca never learned how to drive)… At the end, I’ll detail how to do that in the province (No Avis or Hertz in most small provincial towns).
By bus:
Juanito asleep on seat of the Florida Lines Deluxe bus
Cost: Florida Lines, Cubao or Sampaloc to Tuguegarao, Aparri, or Ballesteros.
400 pesos each way, per person for Ordinary (Small seats, no aircon, many stops)… 12 hours to Tuguegarao, 16 to Aparri or Ballesteros.
650 pesos each way, per person for Deluxe (Same as Ordinary, but with padded seats, aircon, and video… Planned stops every 2-3 hours)… Same time as Ordinary.
850 pesos each way, per person, for Super Deluxe (Wide seats, aircon, videon, one stop or nonstop)… 9 hours to Tuguegarao. No Service to Aparri or Ballesteros. (FX, Jeepney, or drive from there, about 3 hours).
950 pesos each way, per person, for Sleeper (very comfortable Lie-flat seats, nonstop, only one bus per day to each origin station). 8-9 hours to Tuguegarao. No service to Aparri or Ballesteros. (FX, Jeepney, or drive from there, about 3 hours).
Rebecca has been taking the bus back and forth to Abulug from the time she was an infant. Note that there is normally no central bus station in Philippine towns (There used to be a Central terminal in Cubao during the Marcos years, but that has long since disappeared)… Each bus company operates its’own stations along their allotted routes. The locations of the station you depart from depend on where you are going and which bus company owns the route. For Tuguegarao, it is Florida Lines and Victory Lines, primarily, with a few smaller bus companies also. Once you ride a route, you learn where the stops are located for meals, though I must caution tender Western stomachs to be really careful when eating along bus routes. We always take the busses that leave in the early evening, travelling overnight, and arriving very early AM in Tuguegarao (or late AM in Ballesteros).
Advantages:
1. Virtually unlimited amounts of baggage (Generally, for two people, 3 bags / boxes per person… Over that, you buy a “seat” for your cargo, either officially, or unofficially by making a deal with the driver or conductor.) This is an advantage for us since there are times we may be carrying several hundred kg of “stuff” with us to the province.
2. Very cheap way to travel.
3. Ironically, very relaxing. The stops break up the trip, and, if travelling in daytime, a beautiful route with nice scenery.
Disadvantages:
1. It is a bloody long ride, and very hard day… Lose a day up and a day back. Except the sleeper bus, it can be difficult to get much sleep.
2. The bus drivers tend to set the aircon cold enough to hang meat in the bus (or freeze all testicular function).
3. We have had things stolen from baggage on the bus (While we were asleep… an Ipod and Cell Phone)… Keep valuables close at hand.
Driving:
Becky's Sister in Law, Emma, by the Sentra. She's easily car sick. After cleaning up barf five or six times, I've told her "Bonamine, or you clean the mess!"
Cost: I pay 2,000 pesos per day, plus petrol (one tank up and one tank back) for a Nissan Sentra (Private owner… Hertz and Avis average 3,500, but you are insured and not responsible for any damage… an issue. Read my earlier article about driving at night). (Average 10,000 pesos for short, up and back, trips… 3 days minimum).
Time: 14 hours minimum, each way (I made it once 13.5 hours, but in bad traffic, it also took 19 hours once.)
Advantages:
1. No need to rent a vehicle up North.
2. Lots of room for baggage and cargo.
3. Ability to stop whenever we want.
4. No problem on Juanito’s car seat.
Disadvantages:
1. Long, hard, drive, with few hotels along the way to sleep over. After going up and back, I need time to recover.
2. Dangerous at night.
3. More expensive.
Flying:
Arrival at Tuguegarao
Tuguegarao Airport
Very limited flight schedules
Trying to get some work done during the inevitable 3-hour delay
Cost: Despite the low fares advertised, it averages out at 5,000 pesos per person each way after taxes, departure fees, and taxi to the airport.
Time: 2 hours screwing around at the airport, 45 minutes flight time. Tuguegarao flights are ALWAYS late(Every time I’ve flown there, sometimes by up to 3 hours. Still need to get to Abulug after landing, so + 3 hours). Minimum time 6 hours.
Advantages:
1. Despite delays, quick and less stressful. Still have 1/2 day in Abulug on travel days.
2. Relatively comfortable.
3. Flights depart from NAIA Terminal 3… New and stress free.
Disadvantages:
1. Tight baggage weight / pc restrictions (This is a BIG issue with us). Restrictions are more strict on domestic flights.
2. Limited number of flights (One each daily, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific). The return flight turns around immediately, and each airline departs near the same time, so impossible to fly up and back the same day (You need minimum of one night overnight in Tuguegarao).
3. Most expensive way to travel.
4. Still need to get from Tuguegarao. (Going by FX averages 500 pesos for Filipinos each way, 1,000 pesos for Kanos each way…Unless you are a highly skilled negotiator… The drivers are all in Kahoots, so the rates are fairly standard, including Kano pricing).
Car Rental in Tuguegarao or Aparri:
As I mentioned above, I tend to rent a car when I go up to Abulug. There are a number of reasons behind this, not least of which is that since Rebecca’s mother does not own a car, there is usually some hauling and other tasks that need to be done up on the farm. Additionally, we tend to go to Tuguegarao and then shop, do other chores, before heading up to Abulug. A vehicle makes these tasks much, much easier. As I mentioned, there aren’t many car rental options outside of Manila, Cebu, Davao, and GenSan, so how do we rent a vehicle? Well, the answer is that we rent from Becky’s large, extended family. In Tuguegarao, we rent a Mitsubishi Pajero from an in-law at 2,500 pesos per day, plus petrol. In Aparri, we rent an FX from Rebecca’s uncle for 2,000 pesos per day, plus petrol. Filling the tank on each of these vehicles usually costs between 2,500 and 3,000 pesos for diesel. We are 100% responsible for any damage, regardless of fault (Even a flat tire… I had to get one fixed… You don’t just call Avis!)… Something to keep in mind before making these types of arrangements. Also, when you rent from Hertz or a company, the daily rate clock is 24 hours from when you pick up the car… Expect in these types of arrangements to pay an extra day over the time you rent, because they always count sun-up to sundown as a full “day” . Most Jeepneys and FXs can also be rented by the day, with driver, averaging 2,000 pesos for an FX or 1,000 pesos for a jeepney… The drivers wait for the busses and flights to arrive and congregate there at those times. You just need to ask around at the airport or bus depot… SOMEONE will rent to you there.
Hopefully, you found this article helpful before heading out into the sticks… Again, costs and times are relative, but having travelled in all three regions of the Philippines, they are relatively consistent in my experience.
Hi, John, as for me, I prefer riding the Victory Liner to get to barrio Salaza in Palauig, Zambales, and back to Manila, strictly for the fun whenever I visit the Philippines, which is like once every 5 years or so. This way, I get to enjoy the scenery and watch Philippine life through the bus window. I also enjoy buying snacks from the vendors who sell their stuff inside the bus when the bus stops at places like Olongapo and Iba. A favorite is the patupat. The bus fare, I remember, is real cheap, the equivalent of only a few dollars. I could not relate well to peso amounts, so when I’m in the Philippines, I always had to mentally convert the dollar equivalent of the peso amounts BEFORE purchasing anything. Round peso amounts is easier to convert in my mind, but if a store clerk tells me that a gusot mayaman costs, say, Php3760, I pull out my ever-present calculator to see if I can afford it within the dollar framework before I buy it.
My wife and I went to Baguio on a Victory Liner, then changed to a private bus line in Santa Cruz, Zambales, for the rest of the trip to Baguio. That, too, cost less than $10, and the added value of enjoying the scenery. Again, the patupat.
The only time I rode in a car while in the Philippines was when Mom was still alive, and that had some advantages. You get to stop whenever and wherever you want for bathroom breaks, and lunch at this favorite roadside eatery at the zigzag road in Dinalupihan, Bataan, near where Paul T lives. The last time we had lunch at this place was during my last visit to the Philippines in 2002 the year after Mom passed away for the first anniversary of her passing. I will always remember the smiling face of this lady who owned the eatery whenever our van pulls up. I didn’t have to place my order; she already knew what I wanted: kalderetang kambing and nilagang baka and lots of rice!
John: Nice memory of your Mom! Actually, the busses are fairly comfortable, except for the aircon temperature, particularly the higher priced ones.
Hi John,
I certainly don’t envy your travels there.
The 4.5hr executive bus(super deluxe) journey from Davao to Bukidnon is more than enough for me.
regards Chas.
Chas: 4.5 hours? Piece of cake!
Wow John – This is a real keeper! Thanks so much for all the info. That is a lot of note taking you did. I don’t know, I have thought of renting a car once there next spring but…I don’t enjoy driving as I once did. Bus or the tricycle is what I will do. Fly? Well not on SSA. I guess I am a member of the “Over the Hill Gang” now. Well I really am a charter member of that group. Ham radio…back in Kansas. But that is another story. You drive John, I will let the bus driver take the stress.
Edward: Driving is not so bad, but it takes some adjustment. If you decide to drive, take it slow and get used to it. Better yet, hire a driver with the car… Could be money well spent. Having your own wheels simply makes getting to some places far easier.
Actually Edward, one of the things I love most about the Philippines is that domestic flying is very cheap .. in many cases cheaper than a bus.
John os correct that when you have to fly now, it can add up, but for leisure travel? Example .. a few months ago my wife and I flew Manuila to Davao, round-trip. (just under 2 hours each way).
The sale price was so cheap I just decided on the spot to take along my sister-in-law and her two little boys … wanted to see the boy’s reaction to being on a plane first time. Total, after taxes, this fee, that fee and the other fee … n sale of course, under PhP 8,000 (children’s fare turned out to be same as the adult fare, go figure) .
Can you imagine sitting down to book a flight in the US and then adding three or people spur of the moment? Not without checking your credit card limit LoL.
One other observation … if you are drawing a “normal” Social Security retirement annuity, you will have an income up in the Philippine mid-level corporate exec level … like we all do, you have to watch your budget, but you don’t have to ride in the back of the bus becuase you are living on Social Security … I understand the humor and comradeship of groups like the “Over the Hill gang”, but one of the reasons I live in the Philippines is that I am not over the hill or a second class citizen becuase I live on a retirement annuity.
Again, I live fairly frugally, and I am sure you will likely do the same, but the beauty is, I live cheap by choice, not necessity. I can just drive to the airport and fly domestically pretty much at will, without going into debt. It’s an empowering feeling.
Dave: the too old thing always puzzled me… There is no substitute for life experience
Thanks John. I know I am in danger of letting my thin skin (oops, onion skin) show here, but although I recognize the ‘over the hill’ humor I refuse to be a part of it.
Although my mind was firmly enough that we were going to move here, had there been any doubt my decision was made totally firm the last week Mita and I were in the US. She wanted me to get a flu shot .. smart enough idea with all the traveling we would be doing. And there were inoculations available in Colorado Springs at several locations for those over 60 … so we took an afternoon of from packing and went to the closest clinic.
Talk about a bastion of gloom, doom. negative thinking, continual tales of who has cancer, who got a bypass, what the price of gas had climbed to and what that raving racist Rush had been saying that week. God but I got depressed as I saw myself in just ike that in a couple years time.
I decided then and there that the only solution was a trip to the Philippines or a .44 Glock and one round to the temple, and the gun was just too expensive (noisy and smoky too) … so here I am. No antidepressants needed … and you know? Most of the things those folks were worrying about are just media-manufactured fear mongering that will never happen anyway.
My poor country has become a land of fear, worry, pessimism and political paranoia. It’s a lot like the McCarthy era but with no entrtaining bomblast from Joe himself and Dick Nixon to provide comic relief.
In some material senses the Philippines has so little, in the smiles of it’s people and its outlook on life it has a richness the US can only dream of.
Great information John! We went to Baguio in Feb. 2009 for their Flower Festival and we took the Air-con Victory Liner bus. It was surprisingly comfortable and it was a nice, relaxed way of traveling and we used taxis when we got there to get around town.
Miss August: Baguio is on my “to do” list… no time as of yet. Around 6 hours from Manila, if I’m correct (I think you can fly there also)
Hi John – So similar and so different, comparing Tuguegurao travel to that of Laoag City.
Buses: Florida line, Maria de Leon line, Farinas line. Prices and services most similar with our preferences in the overnight runs. Additional benefits of stops for longanisa purchasing in Pampanga and bibinka purchasing in Ilocos Sur.
Driving: Have an SUV but don’t fancy the thought of taking it to Manila. Would rather make my way to Mariveles, Bataan and Olongapo/Subic in Zambales if heading south. Unlimited cargo and passenger capacity is both a benefit and a disadvantage! Expenses dependent on service station pricing, number of food and/or comfort stops, number of non-paying passengers, etc.
Air: Daily flights (Cebu Pacific, PAL), plus a couple of round-trip to Manila opportunities on Tuesdays & Thursdays (PAL via NAIA Centenial Terminal (#2). Also trips to Macau & Taiwan (I think) available during the week (Air Macau, Mandarin Airlines)- northernmost international airport in the Phils.
Personally, because I tend to stay in the provinces, I prefer taking a PAL flight up from Manila – a connecting flight when arriving from or departing for the USA. Have spent my fair share of time on the buses over the years – enjoying the wonderful scenery outside the window during daylight (or Pasko lights at night this time of year) from the “comfort” of a multi-hour seat is the only thing that keeps me from screaming and running along side by myself!
BTW: For the right arrangements, I know of an SUV that could be rented with puti driver for not that much!
Paul: We’ve seriously taken a look at moving up to Ilocos Norte. Laoag is 4-5 hours by bus or car from Abulug… Much closer. I need to be close to an airport in order to do my job, and the Tuguegarao flights are simply not frequent enough nor reliable enough for me to risk overseas connections without wasting a lot of time going a day earlier… That leaves it out of serious consideration until we retire. Are the Laoag flights more reliable? Problem is, with one flight a day, you become at the mercy of PAL!
Other issue is Juanito… The provincial schools are simply not normally up to Manila or “big city” standards (At least in Cagayan). We’re still looking into it, but appears that in the near term, we stay in Manila.
I may take you up on your rental offer if I go to Kaohsiung (Though that flight is bloody expensive… Nearly $1,000).
Hi John – Flight schedules have been pretty reliable in my limited observation. The only “problem” I’ve ever experienced was a little stepping aside for some VIP movements – turned into a blessing as there’s nothing that makes ticket takers and baggage handlers more efficient that perceiving the watchful eye of a VIP.
As far as schools for Juanito go, there are plenty of private schools in Laoag from which to select. Of course, they won’t look like their “Maynila” counterparts, but their “productive output” can match up to any down there. Unfortunately, here in the Phils there are the elements of “name-dropping,” “having the right credentials,” and “knowing someone important” when it comes to obtaining entrance to the better secondary and post-secondary schools. Being an “all-A” student at XYZ school in Laoag doesn’t carry the weight of being an average “C” student at ABC school in “Maynila”!
Do you detect a “little sarcasm” there? Ilocanos have never liked Tagalogs (or Kapampangans)!
Paul:
That is my main concern… The name dropping just does not carry the same weight. That assumes that he wants to stay in the Philippines. In the States, it doesn’t matter (As an alum from Marquette, he is guaranteed a slot, as long as his grades are good).
His welfare must come first though… We’ll look up there, but his school will be our priority (Becky really wants to go where she can get her hands dirty, planting things.
Hey, if Juanito want a truly outstanding business education, I can guarantee him a slot at my Alma Mater – John Carroll University (Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Sigma Nu, Beta Gamma Sigma) – if he really keeps his grades up.
Had an additional thought, John:
If Juanito wants to remain here, you and I could “pool our pull” and have him seated at Ateneo de Manila.
Paul: John Carroll is a really good school… The choice will be his, though. He’s still a bit young now. Becky and I would like to send him to Ateneo starting in kindergarten, if we are still in Manila.
Brings up an important point that I probably don’t understand all the aspects of, John. Why not your own car? Next to a refrigerator, and some aircons. a car was my first purchase. I have owned acar for pretty much 50 years now and I can’t see myself without one, even if someday I have to give up driving. Also, driving here (particularly insurance, repair labor, washing/waxing, etc.) is cheap enough.
I was shocked at those bus fares too … I’m only familiar with ones from MM to Pangasinan or Zambales and they are a lot cheaper.
I drive myself or hire a driver as needed. May have something that requires a lot of attendance in Metro Manila in my future, my wife and I may hire a full-time driver soon … already have a couple likely prospects but he would have to ‘live out’, our house is too small for live-in help.
But sakes a live … for a man with your global responsibilities, pace of work, and need to be in different locations so wide spread in the Philippines to sit in a bus? We sure have differing viewpoints, that’s for sure. Or so Dave opines.
Dave: Car is on the “to do” list… Several issues:
1. I’m in and out of the country so much, that the car would largely sit there. Additionally, our secure parking spot is small… anything bigger than a Sentra won’t fit. On the farm, we will need 4X4.
2. I’m here on a tourist visa. PR is planned, but I have to sit still for three weeks… That has happened only one time in 19 months, over last Christmas. ACR will be needed to finance a vehicle (Though, Toyota offered us without one at a really high rate… 22%… Cheaper on my credit card!)
As to the bus, when I have to go up north, I only have 2-3 days, up and back. The drive is very stressful, and I normally have to fly out when I get home. 28-30 hours driving over 3 days is rough, any way you look at it. I prefer flying, and if going up to meet Rebecca, that’s how I normally go. (I normally am not carrying 150 kg of pasalubong when I go alone).
The real limitation is that Abulug is so remote and the infrastructure so poor. There’s just no easy way to get there. As to flying to other places, we are in agreement. Cebu, Davao, or Boracay have dozens of daily flights and far surpass the ferry or bus or other options… but to small routes like Tuguegarao or Laoag???? Not many more choices.
Hi, John, I don’t know who you work for but for a company that sends its employee all over the world frequently, I would think only fair that that company provides that employee a company-owned or rented vehicle waiting for him at the airport for his use until he leaves that country. My son used to travel overseas from time to time, though not as frequent as you, but as I recall, either with Bechtel or Microsoft, he used to be chauffered to the airport on overseas trips. With Northrop Grumann today, his travels are only within the continental U.S. and Hawaii and no more limos, unfortunately.
John: My company is small, about 35 employees. I had company cars when I was based in Los Angeles (Lexus) and in Abu Dhabi (Camry and a big, ugly Chevy Caprice). It was offered to me when we moved to Manila, but at the time, I wasn’t certain I wanted to drive here, so I took some additional housing benefits instead. If I really pushed the issue, I could probably score a vehicle for Manila, but I’m not really pushing the issue. When I travel, all vehicles are paid by the company, and I usually rent cars in Europe (except Greece… NEVER again!), the States, Middle East, Malaysia, and Australia. In India and Pakistan, I use hotel limos. Japan and Korea are busses or trains. China, HKG, Taiwan, and Thailand, normally hotel cars or taxis. Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, taxis or my local agents provide a car and driver. For to and from the airport in Manila, I have a couple of very reliable taxi drivers I use who seem to know every shortcut in Manila (quite a valuable skill, I might add!). At NAIA, long-term secure parking is available in private lots outside the airport, but there aren’t too many and the security is questionable.
I’ll probably just buy a car some time in the next year, but probably would still use taxis for the airport.
Hi John – You really should go for a 13(a) instead of a SRRV! Since you are married to a Philippine Citizen, you qualify!
Bob: I did that at the BOI in Manila (Went for 13A). They told me I needed to stay in country for 3 weeks to schedule an interview (no advanced notice). Were they giving me incorrect info?
As I say many times, YMMV, but I have no idea where the permanent visa came from regarding a car. I financed one (with my wife’s sponsorship/signature of course) a few weeks after I came here, been here three years plus now and still haven’t had the need of a permanent visa … of course, I don’t go in and out of the country that often.
My seven plus (in the case of family gatherings, the plus figure can be quite a few .. the capacity of any Philippine vehicle is specific .. “one more”) Mitsubishi Adventure will fit where ever a Sentra will fit and get mileage on the highway like one also. Won’t run much over 120 kph, but then how many roads can you do that on, anyway.
I had to go to New Manila (San Juan) this afternoon, it was cold, it was raining and even though there was traffic I couldn’t help but think how much nicer it felt to have my own car.
And with all your airport trips too, it would really be a good investment with an on-call driver. Anyway, whatever works … I just can’t be without mine. Mitsubishi makes essentially the same size car in 4WD as well, might be worth looking into when the time is right. For my money stay away from the LandRovers and Pajeros, Fortuners and Ford Everests, they are wider, (harder in traffic) cost three times as much and don’t to anything my little car can’t do … Bob has a gas-powered Adventure, also an excellent car, the gas version has more ‘zip’ than the diesel, the diesel, especially in Manila traffic, gets significantly better mileage … either one is a great choice.
Hi John – thanks for the great info. I knew you could sleep, but did not realize they had such things as fully reclining seats. That would be a cool way to travel. Also, I am probably going to regret the answer, but what is an FX?
John: The sleeper busses are extremely comfortable, but only a few companies have them on limited routes (Usually the longer ones, between bigger cities). They are like a big RV with bunk beds inside. You get top or bottom berth, left, center, or right. Around 30 seats. I think Victory also has a few on a couple of routes.
FX is a small van that carries 5-8 npassengers normally on a fixed route (Think Toyota van-sized). Sort of like an airconditioned jeepney. Named that because the common vehicle is the Tamaraw FX.
travellling in pinas sucks. wat a crazy backward place. sick man of asia. run by crooksssssssssssssssssssss.
Rey: It is a country of short distances and long travel times. Geography makes developing and maintaining infrastructure very difficult. It gets easier every year, though… Big improvement over the 1970’s when Becky’s trips took 2 days+, before the National Road was paved. In the 1960’s, the same trip took 4 days. I travel in Indonesia and Malaysian Borneo very frequently, and the same problems exist in those places too.
Or more to the point, living in Pinas sucks esp if you are stuck there. Well, that doesn’t have to be like that. Leave the country.
well , john, this explain why 12 milllions visits thailand yearly, while a measly white tourist maybe 500000 visit phil. as a pnioy chinese who has live and travel extensively aboroad, i never mentioned that am from the phil., cause thrers nothing to be proud of. they look down on u. as from the phil. i lie and telll them am from taiwan , hk or china.wen to bicol few months ago. willl never go back. no signs, no lights, no facilities. wat a crappy place to travel. run by idiots. and monkeys.
Rey: I disagree… There is much to be proud of here. Every place I have ever been has both good and bad things and the Philippines is no different. I think I understand how you feel as best as a Kano can… Rebecca sometimes gets really irritated about the perceptions of the Philippines. No denying that there are big problems here. BUT, there are many good things about these islands, too (Natural beauty, nice people, unique culture). Also, I’m not certain that mass tourism has helped the average Thai citizen much in regards to their lot in life. Yes, it brings in money, but a whole host of problems accompany that money. There are still many slums around Bangkok out of sight and away from the tourist areas, their own islamic insurgency in the South, drug running of opium from Myanmar and China, a booming sex tourism business and human trafficking problem, and millions of people wanting to leave to look for work. There is also a huge problem with corruption and cronyism there too. All mass tourism has done is help certain areas like Phuket (Boracay), old Bangkok (Makati)… see my point? The problems are still there, and, realistically, Western eyes are distracted away from those problems by slick advertising and insulated resorts (How many average Thais could afford to stay at one of those resorts in Phuket?…Not too many).
john, agree with ur analysis. welll done. but i stilll admire the thais compared with pinoys who are hipocrite ignorant catoliks. pinas is hopelesss country now and forever. no shAME AT ALLL. WHY DO U THINK USA HELPED JAPAN A LOT AFTER WW2 COMPARED TO PINAS WHO WAS A STRONG ALLLY?
FOR THAT MATTTER, LOOOK AT THE WAY THE USA TRETED THE PINOY VETS. WAT A SHAME. NO RESPECT. TO UR OWN COMDRADES IN ARMS. SAME WITH KOREANS. WITHOUT USA , KOREA IS NOTHING.
Not a fair statement, Rey.
One has to remember that after WWII The Philippines were given independence from the USA. This included independence in the administration of veterans’ affairs.
At the time, Filipino military members were provided a choice of whether to continue serving in the US Armed Forces or to serve in the newly established Armed Forces of The Philippines. Those who continued serving with the US military received the same benefits as those received by US citizen members. Those who chose to change were no longer part of the US military and came under AFP benefits programs. Guerilla fighters and those warriors who were not formal (registered or listed) members of a “recognized” US military unit were considered part of the AFP after independence. These folks still receive VA benefits/pensions from The Philippines Government.
If the ball was dropped anywhere, it was dropped in Manila by the fledgling, newly-independent country. The price of independence, I guess, is found in the lessons learned.
Similarly, the US aided Japan much more than The Philippines because after the war, Japan was a temporary US military-governed territory of the USA. (The last parts of Japan reverted back from this status were Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands in 1973.) Aid similar to that provided to Japan was provided to the Marianas Islands, and other Pacific possessions of the time. One has a tendency to take care of one’s own, first; then others.
There were no ill-feelings toward or abandonments of Filipino allies after the war. Benefits, functions, administration, etc. enjoyed by Japan and others were not provided at the same levels to The Philippines at the fledgling, independent country’s request/demand.
Modern analogy: Blaming the US for current poverty in areas around former US military bases because those areas don’t receive the benefits they once had prior to The Philippine Government “kicking the Kanos” out.
For impersonating any one else but a Filipino, thank you! We owe you that big favor! Mabuhay ka!
roy, theres nothing to be proud as a pinoy. corrupt,murders,you name it. they loook down on pinoys as dh and croooks. period.
Just wondering why do you still call yourself as Pinoy Chinese. If you hate the Philippines so much and Pinoy in general, why not just call yourself Chinese? And btw, it’s “Catholic” not “CATOLIC”. Try looking this up “PINHEAD” in the Webster Dictionary.
Jun – We really don’t need spelling police here on the site. I know that I’ve made spelling errors, and I could probably find some in your previous comments. Hey, Rey said some things I disagree with too, and I have no problem arguing those disagreements, but let’s leave spelling out, OK?
hey john, telll ur sis in law try white flower oil. used it alll time for nausea, headaches tummmy ache and toootache. it works. i know i have them alll over the places. mercury drug has it.
Rey: Will do. She can’t take Bonamine now due to pregnancy, so that may work. Thank you.
ALSO EFFFECTIVE IS LUYA OR GINGER. JUST LET IT MELT IN UR MOUTH OR SMELLL IT AFTER U POUND IT .
u can buy a ear patch callled transderm scopolamine in usa. works well. have truied it on boats and airplane.
HEY, JOHN, TEN MOST LIVABLE PLACES IN THE WORLD ARE ALLL WESTERN WHITE DOMINATED COUNTRIES. THEY ARE MOSTLY PROTESTANTS. NONE IS A CATOLIK.
Rey, I think you did not hear about how corrupt Thais are. Have you heard how in turmoil there political system there recently? Thailand is investing so much in tourism because they don’t have the skills of Filipino overseas workers who send dollars to the Philippines. They caused the currency crisis in the 1990’s because they borrowed so much money from abroad to spend on tourism and saturated there hotel industry and tourism did not turn out to be what they expected. So they had to lower the value of their money to attract tourists and it dragged down other Asian currencies too. They are dependent on tourism for dollar income and like John mentioned, it brought a lot of problems with it too especially prostitution, illegal drugs and phedophiles and child molesters from all over the world to mention just a few, because they just would do almost anything to attract tourists. The Philippines has its own problems and Filipinos should help her not put her down like what you did (Oh I’m sorry you’re no longer Filipino). I might lost my Filipino citizenship but I still want to help the Philippines because my friends and my families are still there. I think,in my opinion, people like you make the Philippines a sick man of Asia. It is funny though that The sick man of Asia is one of the very few asian country that posted possitive growth in the midths of global recession.
And Rey, I don’t know if you are here in the States, but here, if you are a Filipino, they think it is either you are smart or you are rich.
Yes, Rey, it was long overdue, but better late than never.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1654
john, wats ur email. want sent u article
lorenzoweyler@yahoo.com It better be good, Rey.
“At the time, Filipino military members were provided a choice of whether to continue serving in the US Armed Forces or to serve in the newly established Armed Forces of The Philippines.” – Paul Keating
It was at that time when a certain Robert Reyes, who fought with the Americans and participated in the Bataan Death March, chose to continue serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and received automatic U.S. citizenship as well.
I.R.M.C.
(I Rest My Case!)
I should have returned here sooner. Sorry! I was in my 30’s when I was a member of the “Over the Hill Gang.” As for driving? I risk my life everytime I get behind the wheel. I have diabetes and if my blood sugar goes high or low I can pass out. A couple of months ago I had to make a trip to Greenville Michigan. 50 km down there and 50 back home. 4 times I passed out on that trip and 4 times the car went into the oncoming lane. Only the rubble strips woke me and I was able to gain control of the car. I scared me to say the least. I look forward to the time I can jump into a tricycle and have the driver take me to the mall or where ever I wish. I is my hope that I can get my diabetes under control. The heat and diet should help a lot. I plan on getting a drivers license and maybe rent a car for the trips that would make sense to do so. There is so much to see and do in the Philippines. No time to sit at home. Get out and live life. That is what I want.
Edward: Sorry for late response. The idea of driving here is usually more un-nerving than actually driving. Just take it slow and easy and prepare to accept responsibility, no matter who is at fault if there is an accident… baby steps.
roy, i purposely mispellled catholic as catolik as an insult to catoliks. am a well- educated man, with 2 degrees in 2 of best universities in east coast, one of them is johs hopkins univ. where i finished my master in mba. thats where i realized how pinoys are not welll respected by white professors once they know your from the philipppines. rest my case. look at the headline today. philipppines stilll very corrupt.
Rey: I purposely stayed away from your last comment, because this has gone way off topic from travelling in the Philippines… Comments are welcome, as always, but people do read these articles for specific information.
John,
I am back in Kuwait now from my vacation in Bulala! Wish I had this information and more before doing all my planning. I have many stories to tell you, if only I had the time. But one about air travel is this:
We had no problems with our flight on PAL Air, but my friend that was scheduled to meet us in Bulala was delayed at the Manila Airport due to weather. He had to spend 2 nights in Manila before getting a flight to Tuguegarao. He almost missed the big party we had planned for him. When it got close for us to return to Manila there was a typhoon approaching the PI. We decided to leave a day early. When reaching the airport in Tuguegarao we were told the days flight was cancelled. We did not wait! Knowing the weather was going to be worse the next day, we rode a bus down to Manila that day. It took us 13 hours to get back to Manila. Luckly we did this because the flight the next day was cancelled also due to weather. That is a big problem flying the “puddle jumper” planes up through the valley it seems.
You are very right on the weight restrictions also. They are very strict on those for the flight going up there. They do allow 15 kilos per person now though, not the 10 we were told.
All in all it was a great trip! Wish we could have seen each other for a San Miguel!
Steve: Glad you had a good trip! I was in Bulala a couple of weeks ago, but was so rushed over one day, I had zero time. Perhaps next time (I’m actually going to Kuwait next month, but it is a fly in the AM, out in the PM same day type trip.)
Hi john
Your comment is very informative to me who is is just about to go to philippines.What time does the sleeper bus leave manila for tuguegarao. And how do i applied for permanent visa in the philippines.
Thanks and may god bless you with good health
Micky: The sleeper busses leave around 21:00 and arrive between 5:00 and 6:00, each direction. You generally need to reserve at least several days ahead, since the seats are very popular, up to 2 weeks ahead during Christmas or Holy Week (Call Florida lines… OK if they bother answering the phone (Usually do not), or have a friend or relative go buy the ticket on your behalf).
As to permanent visa, in general, if you are married to a Filipino, you are entitled to PR… Apply at the BOI in Manila or the nearest Philippine consulate in your country. There are also numerous retirement, investment and other visa types. It is also very, very easy to live here on a tourist visa and extend up to 2 years before needing a visa run. Bob has written numerous very detailed articles on this site…More than I can give in a quick answer. However, he also offers consulting for visas at very reasonable rates that may be well worth the small amount of money… In particular if you have a difficult situation. I stronly suggest you e-mail him at the “contact” link at the top of the page.
I am sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you said you were going for a retirement visa! I’m sorry, I got my 13 (g) visa in the States, and had my interview over the telephone, so I don’t know the whole procedure in doing it here.
Hi Bob,
Re ur reply to my comment. Point taken. My bad. Won’t happen again. Regards
Because actually, he spelled catholic as “CATOLIK” and not “CATOLIC” as you pointed out. That means you actually misspelled his already- misspelled catholic.
Hay. I don’t know about you Rey. I think you have bigger problems if you are ashamed of your nationality than worry about other nationalities who think of the Filipinos as “crooks, murders and DHs”. And BTW, there’s nothing wrong with being a “DH.” Why lump it with criminals? It’s a job that puts food in the table, sends children to schools so hopefully they learn how to spell, among other things.
hit the submit button too fast before I realized my error.
Hi Roy – Take care here, you are dealing with a “well-educated” man who purposefully insults Catholics.
His selection and articulate use of words mirror his outstanding educational prowress. Two degrees from two of the best universities on the east coast — a “master in mba” => would that qualify as a dual master’s degree in Business Administration (i.e., master in Master of Business Administration?)
(btw, an MBA from John Hopkins University is like a plumbing certificate from a school of dentistry!
)
Sorry, Roy – couldn’t help myself!
Hello Mng Paul, I pretended not to have read that. How can a supposedly holder of 2 MBAs reveal in a forum such as this (where we just have to the “word” of commenters & even writers) w/o him realizing that not many people would take him seriously with his claim? This guy is seriously flawed. He says his white teachers looked down on him all because he’s Fil-Chinese (what is that anyway?). I think he must have presented his teachers the very same logic he maintains here. I looked down at him too, merely for wasting his education, if it’s really true that he had an education . I think an educational attainment should speak for itself. The moment you announce your educational background is the moment that you lose credibility–and you need your diploma to back you up. There is absolutely no need to point it out especially in online forum like this. But let’s just stipulate that he is as educated as he claims it to be, I still think that he has poor view of what makes an educated person. Or he got duped by those purported East Coast universities. Consciously misspelling words because one thinks it insults the concerned is beyond lame to me. If at all, it is a reflection of the kind of education–or the lack thereof– one has.
Well, Ading Roy, what can I say? “I’m not really a psychiatrist, but I can play one on the internet”?
To me, the comments reflect a very bitter person’s outlook on (what appears to him/her to be) a very unfair world that targets him/her because of who and what he/she is. (Notice that I cannot truly detect sex from the posts – I’ve read similar rants by “victims” of either sex.
In them are many attempts to prove his/ner points by baiting readers & commenters. Maybe he/she wants to read someone, who has picked up on the Fil/Chinese thing, make pejorative statements referring to Sangleys or Inchiks. I don’t know.
Perhaps providing justification to the e-world that others continuously place him/her on the receiving end of raw deals via a comment made here is the goal? I don’t know.
Does this person have my pity? I’d say yes. I pity this person for having such low self-esteem. I pity this person for trying to “make things right” by trying to impress me in one way or another. I pity this person for hating himself/herself so much that he/she wants to drag others into that personal “hate party.”
“East Coast” (and other US) universities require a written essay by applicants seeking admission. I can’t see such grandiloquent trashing of grammar and vocabulary scoring positive points in that regard. (Of course, each of the comments here could have been well thought out quips, intended to stand out and incite conversation such as ours and that of others. I seriously doubt that.)
I’ll pray for this person and his/her illness.
For now, however, I can only offer this person the following quotation as advice: “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain
P.S. I seriously doubt that this person is Kababayan – just a sick wannabe or a hate-mongerer. Even the colloquialisms employed aren’t from the Phils, just something thought up while enjoying halo-halo at a stateside Chow King.
(I definitely have to have baket ko (asawa ko) [my wife] do a better job at hiding my soapbox. This is about the third time I’ve found it and got on it this week!