Essential items for visiting the Philippines,just for fun .

[jeffro]

Sod CK boxers........

Get the Matalan ones, hell of a lot cheaper, do exactly the same job, last much longer and the colours don't fade in the wash.

ha ha,mine arent the real thing !!!,i know because they were a birthday gift from my daughter,and yes Matlans a very good place to shop too!!!! CK =cheap knickers for my gf ,kust kiddin !!!!!
Thanks for all your kind help here and on other posts ,its a truly great help ,and everyone elses advice too!!!

[KeithD]

....and everyone elses advice too!!!

I never gave any but thanks for the thanks anyway........I thank you

[Alan]

Hi Jeffro,

I agree with most things people have said in this thread.
Just one or two personal observations though...................

My GP said that I didn't need any injections for Manila, Cebu or Cebu Province. He had an (up-to-date) list of low to high risk areas.
He STRONGLY advised against taking anti-malaria tablets. He said the side effects were worse than getting malaria itself (jokingly.)
I have a brill doctor and so I took his advice and just took 'Jungle Formula' anti-mossie spray (smells bloody horrible - but it works) - and some gel for the (inevitable) bites.

Hanna will not get into a taxi until she has seen the driver's ID - most of the time it is displayed in the cab. We always travel 'on the meter' and NEVER take a fixed price ride.

Yes - change - plenty of 20 and 50 peso notes - a MUST!!!

I take pound notes with me and change them at SM - better than ATMs.

Take a few small towels - to wipe yourself down with - ESSENTIAL. Oh - and plenty of t-shirts or vests - I used to go through 3 or 4 a day - whereas here in England I can wear the same t-shirt for up to 8 weeks before it starts to smell.

The money belt thing is a great idea - leave your important docs in the hotel safe or at the house - plus, a money belt can be handy for carrying plenty of peso coins (for jeepnies and tricycles.)

I reckon on 10% for tips - they seem happy with that.

I might be wrong on some things I've said here - and I know I've repeated most things - but - I hope it helps my friend.

Al

[jeffro]

in England I can wear the same t-shirt for up to 8 weeks before it starts to smell.
ha ha Alan,im sure its 10 weeks!!!!,just kiddin,like you !!!
Do you know the cost of the injections?? The anti-malaria tablets sound risky,but i have to travel south after Cebu,and then theres rabies??,still ,im hoping to return !!!!
thanks Alan and everyone!!! ,keith as well

[aromulus]

in England I can wear the same t-shirt for up to 8 weeks before it starts to smell.
ha ha Alan,im sure its 10 weeks!!!!,just kiddin,like you !!!
Do you know the cost of the injections?? The anti-malaria tablets sound risky,but i have to travel south after Cebu,and then theres rabies??,still ,im hoping to return !!!!
thanks Alan and everyone!!! ,keith as well

I strongly recommend anti-malaria tablets.
I never had any side effects from taking them.

The one to avoid is LARIAM, this one is full of side effects.

The one I suggest, and it works is

CHLOROQUININE & PROGUANIL ...

£ 16 / 17 from Boots the Chemists.
I also had the full course of shots.
Having spent many years working in the merchant navy, visiting beautiful countries with extremely exotic diseases, I couldn't stress any stronger the foresight of having such injections.
I did see some unfortunate people falling victim to cholera, hepatitis A, and dengue fever... But read on...

PHILIPPINES

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands in the South Pacific, of which 880 are inhabited. The Philippine climate is mostly hot and humid. Three seasons are defined: the hot, dry season, from March through May; the rainy season from June into November, with daily rains during July, August and September; and the cool, dry season from November to February.
The Philippines is a developing nation in the lower half of the world's economies. Tourist facilities are available within the population centers and main tourist sites. Adequate private medical care is available in Manila and major cities but is not up to the standards of industrialized countries. Medical care is substandard in the rest of the country. Adequate evacuation coverage for all travelers is a high priority. In the event of serious medical conditions every effort should be made to go to Singapore or Hong Kong.
Visa applicants may need to meet specific requirements. Review the application and contact the Philippine's embassy if you have questions. According to the U.S. Department of State, HIV testing is required for applicants for permanent resident visas as part of a general medical exam. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. VACCINES AND MALARIA

• Yellow fever: Although yellow fever does not occur in Philippines, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.
  • Requirement: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over 1 year of age coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Other vaccines: Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, or typhoid. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
• Malaria:
  
  • Risk exists throughout the year in all rural regions and islands below 2,000 feet (600 meters), except no risk is reported to exist in metropolitan Manila or the provinces of Aklan, Benguet, Biliran, Bohol, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Masbate, Northern Samar, and Siquijor. Risk is largely confined to rural areas not usually visited by short-term travelers and tourists. Risk is highest on the islands of Mindanao, Mindoro, Palawan, and the northern half of Luzon. No risk exists in the Borocay resort area or on the plains of Negros Island.
  • Take evening and nighttime insect precautions in risk areas. Medicines that protect against malaria in this area include mefloquine (Lariam), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone). Primaquine may be used in special circumstances (G6PD testing is required). The best drug for you depends on your itinerary and on a number of personal factors that should be discussed between you and your health care provider.
  • Because no preventive measure is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.

OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

• Insect-borne diseases: Mosquitoes transmit a variety of diseases in this country, including malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Personal protective measures are extremely important since insects cannot be avoided.
• Food- and water-borne diseases: Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs (loperamide and/or a quinolone antibiotic) may be prescribed by your provider.
• Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries. However, this country has a prevalence of over 100 cases per 100,000 population, the highest WHO risk category. Travelers planning to stay more than 1 month should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Travelers should avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible. Domestic help should be screened for TB.
• Schistosomiasis is present in freshwater lakes and rivers throughout the country and is transmitted by larvae that penetrate intact skin. Avoid freshwater exposure.
• Select inter-island sea ferries carefully if traveling between islands. Poor maintenance, poor safety standards, and overcrowding have resulted in fatalities.
• Monkey bites are not uncommon in tourists. A number of diseases including rabies and herpes B can be transmitted. Avoid feeding monkeys, and if bitten, immediate wound cleaning by soaking and scrubbing of the bite for at least 15 minutes is recommended followed by urgent medical consultation.
• Multi-drug resistant strains of gonorrhea are active among sex workers in Manila and Cebu City.
• The blood type of the general Asian populace is Rh positive; Rh negative blood may be difficult to obtain.
• Marine hazards include corals, jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins, and sea snakes. Heed posted warnings at organized beaches, and do not bathe at unmarked, unpatrolled beaches.

Sorry to burst your bubble

Regards
Dom

[jeffro]

I never gave any but thanks for the thanks anyway........I thank you

its in advanceand thanks for the thanks too