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Quote:

Originally Posted by mkenwayx (Post 9704752)

Thanks for reading so closely! We will be doing the visa thing...it's an organized clinical elective, and the Dr. taking us has been many times before. I think I was going to try to stay in the Philippines...

Sorry I didn't catch that one too. Yes, the 21 day thing is in fact accurate, but is fairly easy (and inexpensive) to get a visa extension. Even more so if you strategically throw a few pesos around to the folks in immigration.

"Fixers" are quite common in any government office in the Philippines. You don't have to look for them, they will usually find you if you look well to do. If you are prepared to spend a few hundred to a thousand (pesos) extra you can accomplish more in two hours than you will all day of going it alone. The fixing angle also provides the added security of having your documents hand carried, as opposed to handing them to someone and hoping they will not be "lost." :rolleyes:

Be sure to dress nicely before going to immigration. They actually have a dress code, although a business suit might be overdress and impractical due to the climate.

It's a good thing that you are traveling with someone who is a veteran of Phils. It can be a mind numbing experience for a new comer and there are quite a few opportunistic locals who would be more than happy to take advantage of a foreigner.

Ponderosa Golf Course

Quote:

Originally Posted by KosraeTV (Post 9653867)

Boracay I know. it is nice but I was thinking Puerto Galera maybe....

Make sure you take a peek at the Private 9 hole Golf Course up in the mountains of Puerto Galera called Ponderosa Golf Course <http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/ponderosa-golf-club-puerto-galera.html>. You can have a coke while up 1800 ft above sea level with a stunning view of Batangas. Say hi to Tony Taylor, the 84 yo owner who you should try to beat in a round of golf. Tell him his kids in Tokyo sent you !

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmttokyo (Post 9741697)

Thanks, I am pretty sure we will go Puerto Galera after all.... So if have a chance will run up there. Any other suggestions on the place... I decided to stay away from some of the other places and try this one out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by viking407rob (Post 9707553)

Be sure to dress nicely before going to immigration. They actually have a dress code, although a business suit might be overdress and impractical due to the climate.

When I was last in Manila (2006), Immigration (and maybe all government offices) had a no-shorts policy. I had a lovely drive from Intramuros back to Alabang back to Intramuros to get some pants.

And I second everything viking407rob said about using fixers. What they cost you in money they will more than save you in time.