G

enerally, Filipinos are an easy lot to please, and as most are big on first impressions, you only need to make one first good move — and a smile — to seal the deal. On the other hand, most locals, not only (but especially) the ones working in the tourism sector, are more than eager to please travelers and visitors, and are earnest to a fault in making the best experience for their guests. With this generalization in mind, it pays to take heed of the following Philippine holiday planning checklist and travel pointers, as well:

1

Anxiety Factor

The Philippines has an undeserved reputation for being a hazard zone — a misconception fanned by European/US embassy advisories and (believe it or not) some fidgety Filipino expats themselves. Stories of visitors being robbed blind, kidnapped, or worse, are either remote or overblown. The country is as safe as anywhere in Southeast Asia, and though violence has been reported in a few far-flung provinces, it very rarely impacts other areas of the country. Do check the latest travel warnings, and since health and safety measures are not as comprehensive as in the West, you need to be alert and watch out for yourself while enjoying your travels. Like anywhere else these days, however, never be complacent and assume a place or activity is safe just because it's for tourists.

2

Gastronomic Gaffes

Unless you're staying at world-class hotels and dining at high-end restaurants, you're bound to find something unusual with your gastronomic experience. No worries though, most are just peculiarities that first-time visitors can easily get around, like some of the following:

• Dairy produce may be hard to find; supermarkets may have some imported cheese and milk, but at a hefty price.
• Local burgers are ubiquitous and inexpensive, but you may need a couple or more for a filling meal.
• The equally ubiquitous ube (subtle, starchy, sweet purple yam) can be found in many breads, ice cream, pastries, and the much-loved halo-halo.
• Pretty much all food items are sweet, for that matter: breads, coffee, drinks, sauces, sausages, spaghetti — you name it.

• As for coffee, it comes mostly in 3-in-1 sachets — and very sweet. Brewed coffee may be available, but creamer, not milk, is often offered.
• Forks and spoons (no knives) are used at the table; for some locals, especially rural folk, just hands.
• Paper napkins are tiny, if available. Always carry a packet of tissues with you.
• Street food is especially tasty and not at all expensive.
• Local beer is cheap. San Miguel pale pilsen is a must for beer lovers.
• Bring your own food and water if spending a long time on the beach, as tourist concessions are pricey.
• Watch out, vegans and vegetarians: even vegetable dishes can have fish sauce or meat stock. Stick to plain rice and fresh fruits.
• Some food establishments are not accommodating even in relatively easy situations, like preparing eggs for breakfast only a certain way, and refusing to exchange one side for another.

3

Home or Hotel?

Unless you're familiar with the city you're visiting, a hotel is still your best bet. Why pay US$50 for an AirBnB accommodation in the suburbs of Manila and Cebu, for example, when with $50 or $100 more you'll be smack in the city center where all the action is. Besides, you'd still need an organized tour to visit the beaches and other natural wonders in outskirts anyway. (Roughly US$30 to $50 gets you decent midrange accommodation in Cebu, higher to around double that in Manila.) Concierge services do sound more appealing than being left to your own devices in a private den miles and miles outside the city. Electricity out there is sporadic, Internet access, awful, and data coverage, often poor. Ever heard of intermittent power cuts called brownouts? They happen nationwide, from rare to often in different places, so you're better off staying in a hotel with a functioning generator set.

4

Karaoke Craze

People sing along to karaoke (videoke in the Philippines) almost everywhere all the time. If you're averse to this, avoid any accommodation with or close to karaoke bars. But if at some point you find yourself with a microphone in hand, don't worry about sounding like Chewbacca. Locals are a good sport and will appreciate your effort. Karaoke is a serious matter here for sure, so however bad you or they sound, have a laugh with it — not disrespect it.

5

Learning the Language (a Little)

English is widely spoken here — no need to learn Tagalog or any of the hundred other dialects, thankfully — so using an appropriate Filipino phrase or two is more for scoring friend points than anything. When you say "salamat" to say thanks or "ang galing" to applaud a product or service, a cheerful demeanor is almost always a response. You do need to know that a restroom is referred to here as comfort room (often marked as CR), and a bathroom is actually where one showers or takes a bath. Also, puto is local term for rice cake, so don't take offense at knowing it means something nasty in Spanish.

6

Out and About

Renting your own scooter is often the most economical way to move around on the islands. To access some of the beaches, an entrance fee may be charged. Typically, tricycle drivers take you to a resort entrance where you will need to pay the fee. There is usually an entrance for locals just a few meters away from the resort where access to the same beach can be up to 5 times cheaper. Snorkeling gear can be rented from PHP 100 to 200 PHP (less than $5), but are not guaranteed to be clean and well-maintained. In big cities like Cebu and Manila, use Grab, Lyft, Uber, or other similar services. Cheaper than regular taxis, they are convenient as you get to avoid having to put on the meter. In some cases, it is quicker to walk if distances are manageable, although the heat (and soot) can be a big deterrent.

7

Preparedness

An archipelago of over 7,100 islands (that's the Philippines) cannot possibly have the same weather at any given time. Always check the regional forecasts, study the best time to go, and select your destination appropriately. For example, while Manila has a particularly severe wet season (beginning May, peaking in July to September), many other regions are dry during this time. Typhoons, on the other hand, affect huge areas of the country and can occur outside the typhoon season (roughly June to December).

8

Tips on Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in the Philippines — unlike the unwritten mandatory 20% in Manhattan, or from 10-18% elsewhere in the US — so what's PHP 50-100 (that's just $1-2) to reward your bartender, driver or waiter for good service? Don't sweat it: a few pesos won't hurt your budget.

W

e're prone to say the Philippines is an easy and pleasant holiday destination by any measure. English is spoken everywhere, your money can go a long way, and locals have an infectious worry-not-smile-a-lot air about them. So that just leaves you with a list of over 7,000 islands to choose from on your itinerary. Just take it easy. We're almost sure that you won't want to leave once you've had a taste of the country. Be safe and well, good luck, and have fun! ⁴