Working in the Philippines from Late Nov to Christmas
My travel filled year is ending on a biggie.
The day after I get back from Admin2008,
I will be heading to the Philippines until Christmas working on a customer
site. The project looks interesting, and I have never been to that
region before. Compared to some of the guys in the bubble, I don’t
travel globally much, so will be happy to take advice on the region if
you have been there. Feel free to comment or drop me a line.
This leads to another offer. Since
I will be there full time (its not like I can pop home!), I will be available
to meet up if any readers are based in the area. Is there a user
group? Any Notes houses want to meet up? If you are interested,
let me know and I’m sure we could sort something as soon as I get settled
in.
Ed Brill Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
I was only in Manila for 24 hours so I don’t have much advice to offer. Two things that surprised me:
1) Apparently concealed weapons are pretty common, as many of the buildings we entered had pat-down and metal detector scans with signs indicating that you had to declare your gun
2) English is a default language and is spoken with an American accent… while I know the Phils were an American colony a long time ago, I found this quite a contrast compared to other parts of SE Asia.
I would strongly suggest that you consider some weekend trips in the area if you are going to be down there for a few weeks…some wonderful resorts and amazing destinations within two hours flight (Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Bali, Borneo, etc.)
Finn Knudsen Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
Go snorkeling or diving (take a PADI if you don’t have it) – swimming with Whale Sharks is an life time experience.
Coatsie Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
concealed weapons ? You’ll be needing a bodyguard then mate
I can carry your bags too if you like.
Coatsie
Eric Mack Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
Paul, get in touch with me. I may have an opportunity for you to check in on a client in Manilla. Eric
John Mill Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
For a laugh (!) google for Philippines and hostage . .
Paul Mooney Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
Thanks guys… all comments welcome.
Eric – I dropped you a line. Was going to mail you anyway as everyone says you are the Philippines expert!
Coatsie…. pack yer bags
Stephan H. Wissel Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
Ping me on Sametime or drop me a note. I’ll introduce you to the Lotus Philippines team.
stw
Brian Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 10:54 pm
Hey Paul,
I was two weeks in the The Philippines last year on the grand travels and loved it. One of the places in Asia I want to go back to. The people are lovely. Except for Taxi Drives who are universally scamming b@stards right across Asia.
Manilia is not much of a city to spend time in. A few museums but that’s about it. We still had fun tho and felt safe enough.
Get out of the city. North to Luzon and the famous Rice terraces near Banaue and do some trekking around there. You can also stop at the famous “Charlie don’t surf!” beach from Apocalypse Now if you like the film.
Had South then down to Dunsol to go swimming with Whale Sharks. Absolutely awesome. Cebu and around is nice too go to Moaboal and there is some excellent snorkelling to be had right off the beach and a nice wee town with some fun nightlife and good eateries. Plenty of partying around Bohol.
An absolute must do is Palawan. There are some cool caves and an underground river to cruise along and at the very North of the island is El Nido. A great wee port town. From here you can do several boat trips around limestone islands. The diving and snorkelling is fantastic. Or just chill on your own paradise beach. You really should see about getting your PADI or SSI sorted before you go out there.
In terms of getting around the buses and boats are a trial. Spend the money and fly as close to where you want to go.
Best places for info are hostels and the backpacker\ex-pat bars. Just ask around what’s good to see and find out what’s crap or a rip off.
Beware of various scams, that’s a whole mail in itself. You may be uncomfortable with women approaching you. There is a lot of 50 year old western men out there with 20 year old Philippino ‘girlfriends’.
Enjoy and good luck. It’s a great place. Hope you are not going during rainy season mind!
Brian
Pierre Said,
November 4, 2008 @ 7:55 am
Anonymous comments removed by the blog editor… leave a real email address and they usually stay
Andy Said,
November 4, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
@8 Brian – Dunsol? Are you sure you got the right place – Dunsol is in Malaysia?
Paul, I am in Manila regularly. Try some Balut { Link } while you are there. Its said to be nice…
Pierre Said,
November 5, 2008 @ 12:20 am
Paul, the team here is excited to see you coming, we will take good care of you. Yes Manila is not really exciting unless you are excited by loud malls. if you are single, please bring the necessary paperwork to get married.
Brian Said,
November 6, 2008 @ 8:03 am
@ Andy there is one in the Philippines too. { Link } and { Link }
Brian