Philippines travel ban lifted May 1st.....

[NoMansLand2020 298]

Dang joke. Let people quarantine at home or their final destinations. Not some super expensive 200 sq ft hotel. 

[Joe Kano 327]

4 hours ago, NoMansLand2020 said:

Dang joke. Let people quarantine at home or their final destinations. Not some super expensive 200 sq ft hotel. 

Got to make that money on the quarantine, so you need to get tested inside Philippines and stay inside an approved hotel by the Bureau of Quarantine.

 

I have a friend there, last month she got bit by a dog. Started her rabies shots, after a few of them they found out one the nurse which gave her a shot had COVID so she had to go to some isolation ward in Bantangas.  She was there about 5 days and they did COVID test which took like 4 more days to get back results and she was positive.  This was in early April around 5th.  She has been locked/detained in some kinds of isolation center like a jail and two days ago she got her results back from her 2nd Covid test and she is negative.  She has to stay 5 more days at the quarantine lockup center, for what I don't know yet waiting to hear back why she couldn't leave after a negative test results.

[Joe Kano 327]

13 hours ago, RO_AH said:

I believe if I want to go there I will need to obtain a visa (my wife and 2 children are there) and book an approved hotel for the first 7 days, take a covid test on the 6th day. Then go on to my destination. Can anyone confirm this?

Yes, That is my understanding as well, not sure when they give you the COVID test.

 

I have contacted Philippine Bureau of Immigration on Facebook a couple times with questions, and they have been very quick to respond with clear and concise answers to both my questions. 

Edited May 2, 2021 by Joe Kano

[flicks1998 1,044]

15 hours ago, NoMansLand2020 said:

Dang joke. Let people quarantine at home or their final destinations. Not some super expensive 200 sq ft hotel. 

Actually a lot of countries have this still. Australia and New Zealand are extremely expensive. If you want to go to Ireland, coming from the US you will need to quarantine for 12 days in a quarantine designated hotel for $187 a night. So over $2k for 12 days. The problem with the PI is nothing is consistent.  So it’s confusing and wastes a ton of time. 

[top_secret 2,759]

20 hours ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

That's because in the beginning they were primarily using the invasive ventilators that had the tube down the throat. That leads to increased chances of a infection in the lungs.

Not to mention the act of intubating an infected patient tends to stir up and make airborne large amounts of fluids bearing the virus.  Which probably was a major factor contributing to serious infections among health care workers who were exposed to high viral loads while performing intubation procedures.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

19 hours ago, NoMansLand2020 said:

Dang joke. Let people quarantine at home or their final destinations. Not some super expensive 200 sq ft hotel. 

Some places are still making you quarantine at your final destination even if you just quarantined in Manila

[seekingthetruth 1,257]

8 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

The problem with the PI is nothing is consistent.  So it’s confusing and wastes a ton of time. 

Tell me about it.  The LGUs can have rules that are stricter than the IATF minimum standards, and many do.

 

I live in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  We have been looking for a beach resort where we can take the kids for a few nights.

 

Here in the Freeport, kids aged 3-15 and 65 and over are not allow out except for essentials.  They are allowed to go beaches, and exercise.  However, they are not allowed to be in an adjacent hotel.  Kids under 3, forget it.  They spread covid like rabid dogs so they are not allowed anywhere.  Tourists from other areas (except from NCR MECQ bubble) can come to the Freeport for 3 nights without a test.  If you want to stay 4 nights, you need a test.  Because we all know that if you are Covid positive, you can't contaminate anyone until the 4 day after your arrive.

 

The freeport is strange.  Geographically, part is in Morong province and most is in Zambales.  Yesterday I inquired at an AirBnB at Anvaya in Morong.  He told me they have to abide by the Morong mayors rules, which are:

Requirements of LGU to members/guests entering anvaya .
1. I.D.
2. QR code registration
3. Negative RT-PCR test results with medical cert dated at least 2 days prior to arrival
4. Confirmed reservation voucher (will come from the Club)
15 yrs old and below and 65 yrs above not allowed.

That is for any length of stay and from anywhere.  So I guess Mr. Mayor wants 0 visitors.

Then the AirBnb owner added:

if your from binictican no need for rt pcr . But if your from kalayaan rt pcr is needed. That's how wierd the mayor is

I live in Kalayaan, so I need a test.  My neighbors in Binictican (part of Morong) don't need a test.  I think that is because the prevailing winds blow from Manila to Kalayaan, bypassing Binictican.

Then the owner added:

If ever, kids are only allowed at the condo pool where the unit is located. But for the beachclub, not allowed.

Indicating, somehow kids do get in, and they can use the pool, but not the beach.  This must be because covid spreads very fast in the salt water in Morong.  Unlike the freeport, where the special salt water mix kills Covid dead!

 

My wife has been chatting with some Zambales beach resorts and one said they allow kids.  We decided to do an ocular tour of one yesterday just to get out of the house.  About 1 hour 15 minutes drive to San Antonio.  There were two checkpoints to go into Zambales.  They just ask where we are from and when we say freeport, they let us go.  We tell the kids to hide in the back, just in case.  I always get stopped because my plate says NCR.  The Northbound trip was at 3:30 pm.  Southbound, after 6:30 pm, the checkpoints are not manned.  That is because Covid does not move after dark.

 

The Zambales resort was fairly nice, and deserted.  We had a hard time getting in because they only open for scheduled guests.  The guy that walked us around said some guests with kids left Saturday.  Later, on the way home, they send my wife the official policy for their area (which they don't really follow) and it says kids are not allowed.  You don't need a test, but you need a medical certificate from a doctor saying you don't have Covid.  I think we have given up on the "Mother's Day at a resort" idea.  The only room we liked was over 11,000 a night.  The one they had recommended to my wife for 8000 was a tiny little thing with tiny beds.

 

I don't understand the pricing on AirBnb and other resorts.  You would think they would lower the prices to lure in some customers.  It seems they raise the prices.   There is a 2 BR apartment near us at "Holiday Villas".  They have it on AirBnb for USD 250 a night + fees.  It is comical!

 

Sarcastic rant over.  Needed to blow off some steam.  Looks like Mothers Day will be here at home.  Kids have not been to a resto for 14 months.

[Joe Kano 327]

This is why I am headed to Cancun early next month.  Book a ticket and fly there and enjoy. None of this insane Philippines rules that vary by day and mayor and province.

 

Philippines can pack sand as far as I am concerned

[flicks1998 1,044]

13 hours ago, seekingthetruth said:

 

 

Sarcastic rant over.  Needed to blow off some steam.  Looks like Mothers Day will be here at home.  Kids have not been to a resto for 14 months.

Perfect example why things are so messed up and will always be. Everyone is paralyzed with all of their requirements and that seems to be the point. 

 

Not just with the pandemic, but with everyday life.  Want to register the birth of a child? That will be 7 different windows to visit, 4 different fees, and 3 hours of time, or they could just make it one window to pay the fee and get the document.  There is a reason why unemployment is so low (pre-pandemic) but under-employment is so high.  Speaking about getting a job, that whole process is a nightmare in itself.  20 different clearances, a medical, photos, and on and on and on.

 

Just recently, a friend was going to have his girlfriend travel from Manila to Samar.  A health clearance was required.  What is she asked at the health exam?  When is your menstrual cycle?  I gave up hope on the place many years ago.  Sometimes you see similar things going on in other regional countries, but you dont see it to the extent that you see in the Philippines.

[Joe Kano 327]

16 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

Perfect example why things are so messed up and will always be. Everyone is paralyzed with all of their requirements and that seems to be the point. 

 

Not just with the pandemic, but with everyday life.  Want to register the birth of a child? That will be 7 different windows to visit, 4 different fees, and 3 hours of time, or they could just make it one window to pay the fee and get the document.  There is a reason why unemployment is so low (pre-pandemic) but under-employment is so high.  Speaking about getting a job, that whole process is a nightmare in itself.  20 different clearances, a medical, photos, and on and on and on.

 

Just recently, a friend was going to have his girlfriend travel from Manila to Samar.  A health clearance was required.  What is she asked at the health exam?  When is your menstrual cycle?  I gave up hope on the place many years ago.  Sometimes you see similar things going on in other regional countries, but you dont see it to the extent that you see in the Philippines.

It's Bizarro World in the Philippines.

 

Some of the most idiotic and silly requirements I have seen.   Years ago I used to get mad/angry about the lots of the stuff I see over there.  Now of day I just sit back and laugh about, and Thank God I never had to grow up or be forced to live in the Philippines.

 

 

[seekingthetruth 1,257]

22 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

Perfect example why things are so messed up and will always be. Everyone is paralyzed with all of their requirements and that seems to be the point. 

More craziness to add to my story.......

 

Here in Subic Bay Freeport, the residential areas are old U.S. Navy base neighborhoods.  They are quiet, with wide streets, and isolated from the rest of the local population.  The Navy had a lot of small kiddy parks in the neighborhoods, and since the U.S. pulled out in 92, they have been almost completely neglected.  A few have been fixed up by residents with their own money, but most are in complete neglect.

 

We have one near our house and I was surprised when it got cleaned up and painted last week.  Still a lot of safety issues but at least the kids could play on some of the old equipment.  The Navy built some monkey bars and exercise bars that may last forever!  So I took a few pictures and posted them on our neighborhood Facebook group.

 

Yesterday, a prominent neighbor posted a question.  Why did the police tell the kids they can't play in the park?   (A different park and neighborhood).  And why did they tell my wife she can't walk on the street pushing our baby in the stroller?

 

So that started a long discussion with the PR person from SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority).  At first, she said they were wrong and she would talk to the police chief about it.  Then a few hours later she came back and reversed that.  She said this IATF rule prohibits ALL playgrounds from being used.  

 

 

We all argued that rule says "kiddy amusement industries", meaning all of those play places in the malls and other commercial outdoor amusement parks, etc.  Nope.  Chairwoman made her mind up.  Can't change it now or should she would lose face.  Outdoor public parks are now off limits to kids after being used ever since kids were let out to exercise last year.  Even the newly painted one.  Even the ones that residents fixed up.  Too risky.  I asked what science this is based on.  Silence.  They also confirmed that you can't walk a baby in a stroller.

 

So then today, the PR lady posts this friendly reminder link in our neighborhood group:

https://ptvnews.ph/bi-warns-aliens-disregarding-laws-during-quarantine-period-may-be-deported/?fbclid=IwAR3ynA_XA_DEp9G83IPeQN5tFjCVrCavAOcmkLwiGEN4AOKXUtnZlbA5c8Y

 

Covid has really brought out the worst of the Philippines.  If it were not for Covid, we probably would not have looked to move.  After 9+ years, I'm done with this place.  I wish we could leave sooner, but June 2022 is our departure.

 

 

[Trompie 9]

On 5/1/2021 at 9:22 AM, flicks1998 said:

Looking at the details, it appears they have reverted back to the same requirements that were in place for March, although they did add some categories for people with work visas that could return.  If you have a current 9a, you can use it as long as you travel to the Philippines with your spouse or child.  The requirements between October and end of February 2021, which was the timeframe I had applied, was you had to prove that your spouse or child was already in the Philippines and that was how I spent Nov-February there.  

 

However since every time they make an announcement its as clear as fatberg, try writing to the Consulate for your area and get clarification.  Dont call.  You want the details in writing.

I'm boarding that plane to Cebu next Wednesday come hell or high water.

[Adventine 3,226]

18 minutes ago, Trompie said:

I'm boarding that plane to Cebu next Wednesday come hell or high water.

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Adventine 3,226]

2 hours ago, seekingthetruth said:

Covid has really brought out the worst of the Philippines.  If it were not for Covid, we probably would not have looked to move.  After 9+ years, I'm done with this place.  I wish we could leave sooner, but June 2022 is our departure.

 

 

 

I feel for you and your family. I was born and lived my entire life in the Philippines. I found the last year intolerable. I miss my family but I do not regret one bit my choice to stay in the US.

[NoMansLand2020 298]

Blasted F Philippines. This process is a dang joke. I filed in 2019 and we have been stuck at NVC for almost one year. Just comparing to Thailand, my coworker filed in August of 2020 for spouse visa for his wife and step daughter. They were just approved for their visas after interview today. Meanwhile, loser Duterte keeping anything from moving in the Philippines.