Etiquette in Philippines

Proper Social Behavior in the Philippines

Etiquette in The Philippines

Never call anyone over to you by saying "Psst."

Never beckon someone by using your index finger in a raised 'come to me' fashion.

From "Top 10 Hand Gestures You'd Better Get Right."

The “Dog Call”

"Curling your index finger towards you in a summoning motion is a gesture generally linked with seductive temptresses in Hollywood movies, beckoning for their targeted men to follow them into another room.

Calling a dog.

Beware, however, of using this gesture. 

In the Philippines – it’s a method of communication considered worthy only to use on dogs and is actually punishable by arrest. Worst of all, they’ll break your index finger in order to prevent you from committing the same crime again!"

Emma, the author of the article about hand gestures concludes the article with "So, there you have it – ten of the most popular (and most globally misunderstood) hand gestures, in all their glory.  .... the best idea when travelling abroad is probably to keep both hands pinned to your sides. Permanently."

Filipinos are very gracious people, but never insult Anyone!

"Never Insult a Filipino – It may be the last thing you do.  Insults are taken very seriously and if you cause a Filipino to lose face, expect to be shunned by them and their family. Losing face is taken very seriously here and sometimes, if the offense is bad, the knives will come out. It’s best to be respectful and complimentary to anyone you talk to."

Business Etiquette in the Philippines (an article in USA Today.)

Manners while riding in jeepneys.

Manners when riding in tricycles.

Commuter etiquette Jeepney, Bus, Train

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Tricycles Philippines. Trikes.

Tricycles in the Philippines

Tricycles in the Philippines

On the island of Luzon, most tricycles (or trikes) consist of a motorcycle with a sidecar of sorts attached on its right side. The motorcycle can be used independently by simply removing 3 or 4 bolts.
A ride can cost from 8 pesos and up. For a short trip of maybe 1/2 kilometer it may cost 8 pesos.
A ride from out apartment to Angeles Hospital Foundation (AUF) may cost about 200 pesos each way.
At time of this writing the exchange rate is about 42 pesos to a US dollar.

Riding in a Tricycle

My wife and me riding in a tricycle. She narrates our trip.

I am 5' 8" tall and getting into a sidecar is a process of bending, ducking, and contorting oneself into it and onto the bench seat. The seat holds 2 passengers. Some sidecars are roomier than others. Sometimes the two passenger are squished together and in others there is ample room to sit fairly comfortably.

A neighbor of ours, another US citizen, said that he could not fit into tricycle sidecars or jeepneys. He was about 6'2" and probably weighed about 200 pounds. Eventually he purchased a new tricycle to transport his family of four. He rides on the motorcycle and the family rides in the sidecar.

If a sidecar is just too small one may opt to sit sidesaddle behind the driver. There is a roof over the driver and the passengers behind him. Be sure that your head will not hit the roof when you are seated. If the roof is too low, when the trike hits a bump, your head will hit one of the steel bars supporting the roof. If three is not about 4 or 5 inches clearance over your head you are in for trouble when the driver hits bumps too fast. Often two people will sit behind the driver.

Some tricycles have sidecars which feature a forward facing bench and a rear facing bench. These can carry up to 7 adults at one time, 4 in the sidecar and 3 behind the driver.

If you are taking a tricycle from a "tricycle station" and you want to pay the lowest fare, you will need to board it and wait until more passengers come and fill it up.
If you want the tricycle exclusively for you and yours just tell the driver you want a "special". He will charge a little extra and depart promptly for your destination.

The advantage of tricycles is that they are almost everywhere. If the area has no taxi service there will always be tricycles. They sure beat walking in the hot sun.

Often one may ride a trike a few blocks to where one may then climb aboard a passing jeepney. Just raise your hand and they will stop like a taxi (if they are not already full).

While living in Manila we often used trikes to go several blocks to the nearest grocery store. On several occasions we rode them to go much farther. Biggest disadvantage of riding trikes is the proximity to vehicle exhaust. See my article about air pollution in the Philippines. I do not know how anyone survives driving these trikes for very many years. Many trike drivers will follow directly behind and close to smoke belching vehicles.

I purchased motorcycle type masks to wear when riding on tricycles. They are cloth with straps featuring a velcro closure behind 

Manners when riding tricycles

Wait patiently in line if you are boarding at a tricycle station. If you don't know which line to get in just ask anyone; most people will be pleased to assist you.

Always make room for others, slide over. Prepare to be squished if you are a large person. If you sit behind the driver only sit side-saddle with your feet extending to the left of the driver and hang on.

Don't complain if you must wait up to 15 minutes for the tricycle to fill up. If you don't want to wait ask for a "special" and pay the slightly higher fare.

Tricycles are Dangerous

The most dangerous ride we ever took was to Angeles University Foundation Hospital (AUF.) Our daughter was ill, and we felt we needed to take her to the emergency that night. It was dark and raining. We called our "driver" who was usually on call for us.
He is a safe driver, but, on a rain slick two lane rural road in the country with no street lights it is dangerous no matter who is driving. Well, not long after we entered the road a large tractor trailer passed us. It was traveling a lot faster than us. I was sitting sidesaddle (as is the custom) behind the driver. My wife and child were sitting inside the side car. When the truck passed us I figured it missed my legs by 3 or 4 feet.
If you will be living here for any length of time, try to find someone who will be willing to drive you in a car or van if you call them in an emergency.

Tricycles on Luzon. Motorelas on Mindanao.

Tricycles come in many varieties. There are different configurations in different parts of the country. For example, some tricycles in Cagayan de Oro (CDO,) on the Southern island of Mindanao, look like the one in the image below. The motorcycle is inside and the driver sits in the center of the trike and shares the same roof as the passengers.

Typical motorela in Cagayan de Oro, on Mindanao.

The ones I rode in CDO had a bench on each side and would seat about 6 adults. I prefer this type of trike. More headroom and better protection from the elements.

Used tricycles can be purchased for about 20,000 Pesos. New ones may cost up to about 60,000 Pesos.

Compare riding in tricycles to riding in jeepneys.

Riding in trains in the Philippines.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.


Share your experiences while riding in tricycles or motorelas in the Philippines by commenting below.

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Please check back for more information about tricycles and motorelas in the Philippines. This article last updated June 4 2022.

Buses Philippines

Travel by bus in the Philippines

Buses in the Philippines

A couple of Filipino businessmen, I met at an auto repair shop in Angeles City, told me that when they travel to and from Manila they always take the bus to avoid the hassle of heavy traffic. I don't know if they travel at night or in the daytime.

But, I advise you to travel by bus only in the daytime. Victory Lines is the oldest and largest bus line in the Philippines and has the reputation of being one of the best. They have some of the most modern and cleanest buses and they advertise, "We inspect our buses everyday."

However, on one night trip, on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX.) where the posted speed limit is 80 kph (or about 50 mph), I noticed that the driver was doing a lot to try to stay awake. We were traveling on a Victory Lines bus from the bus station at Mabalacat to Manila. He was stretching his legs, stretching his arms, rubbing his head and generally moving around a lot. Tired drivers are totally unacceptable, especially considering they are carrying full loads of passengers. I was genuinely worried that he might crash the bus. I was seriously considering requesting that we be let off the bus at the next rest area (where fast food and gas are sold). Well, we took our chances and stayed on the bus. Fortunately, the driver stayed awake and we arrived safely in Manila.

From then on, we have traveled by bus only during daylight hours.

Night bus trips on Victory Lines, via the NLEX, usually take only two hours to travel the 80 plus kilometers (approx. 50 miles), whereas day trips may take up to 3 hours due to heavier daytime traffic. Traffic in the cities is very congested. So, many people elect to travel at night to save time. As I see it now, that is probably not a good decision. Be forewarned.

It seems that every time I have ridden a bus on this route the bus passes a lot of other vehicles. Is the driver speeding? I think so but I have never seen the speedometer. I understand that drivers are paid according to how many passengers they carry each day. That probably explains their rush. On the expressway they pass cars all the time. I have been on Victory Lines buses when, after exiting the expressway, the drivers have driven in the city like they are driving a sports car. Weaving in and out of traffic recklessly and tailgating. So much for the "best" bus line in the Philippines. As a friend in the US used to say, "You pays your money, you takes your chances."

Victory Lines and Five Star bus lines are owned by the same company. The coaches of both lines are air conditioned and very cool inside. Sometimes downright cold. Take a sweater if traveling at night. I have traveled on both. Both have well appointed interiors and are clean and well kept inside and out. Both have TV screens suspended front and center, near the driver. They usually show English language DVD movies. Have never heard squeaking brakes like I have heard on some other bus lines?

---------------------

WARNING

 Be especially alert in bus stations. Carry your own bags. Wear your backpack on your front. Keep your wallet on a chain and in a front pocket.

Sit near the front of the bus so that you can make a hasty exit if robbers get on the bus (advice from a police officer.)

Use only trusted taxicabs to go to your final destination.

---------------------

On the route from Baguio to Manila, during my time in the Philippines, there were two bus crashes, on the mountainous route, resulting in deaths of passengers. These were not Victory or Five Star buses.

An open air bus entering the Mabalacat bus terminal. Also referred to as the Dau bus terminal.
Note the "tricycles" in left foreground of picture.
These motorcycles with "sidecars" attached can carry up to 5 adult passengers. You may ride to and from bus stations in tricycles or jeepneys.

In the Metro Manila area we have ridden in some open air buses. The fares are lower than on air conditioned buses. I have a warning, don't rest your arm on the window sill. The windows push up from the bottom and may not have good latches to hold them up in place. On one occasion. on a bumpy road, the window beside me fell down in its track. That would have hurt had my arm been there then.

If you ride in an open air bus don't sit in the first few rows behind the central side door. The doors are left open and there is a constant blast of air in your face.

There are times when the buses have had a full load of passenger and then the conductor crams more people in until the center isle is full of people standing, including men and women holding babies in their arms. Talk about having a difficult time getting off the bus if you are seated anyplace but in the very front rows of seats. Imagine what would happen to those standing and those standing and holding babies if the bus were involved in a wreck. If all the seats are full on a bus it's probably best to wait for another bus.

Here is an article, written by another author, and featured at another web site, about riding city buses in Manila. In my experience the bus drivers seem to make exception for foreigners and always come to a full stop for them to board. There have been times in Manila when we had to board moving jeepneys. It was either wait another 1/2 or more or get in anyway we could.

Please share your experiences riding buses in the Philippines by commenting below!

Compare riding in buses to driving in the Philippines and riding in tricycles.

Riding in trains in the Philippines.


If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

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This post will be expanded. Check back for more information about traveling in buses in the Philippines. Last updated June 4, 2022.

Driving in the Philippines

Driving in The Philippines

The first time I was at the main immigration office in Manila I was advised not to drive in the Philippines. The man told me "driving here is very different than driving in the USA."

Well, I took his advise and did not drive during my first 3 years in the Philippines. I, in fact, actually enjoyed not driving. Taxis were not expensive and I liked being driven around in air conditioned luxury. But, there are many times that a taxi is not readily available. So, the mode of transport choices then are to ride a bus a tricycle or a jeepney. Seems that the most frequent and the cheapest mode of travel is a jeepney. There are very few air conditioned jeepneys in the Philippines. Most have open air rear passenger compartments. There is usually roll down clear plastic sheeting to put down in event of rain. If rain is coming in, the driver will stop and lower the plastic coverings.

When one is staying a long time in country it seems more feasible to travel like the locals. And, most of the locals ride in jeepneys.

Buses cost a little more but usually take longer to reach one's destination because they stop for longer periods of time at their bus stops in order to take on the most passengers possible. Jeepneys seat only about 20 passengers so they tend to fill up faster. Advantages of buses are that one sits higher and thus above the thickest vehicle pollution. But, bus routes are usually only on the most heavily trafficked roadways. Jeepneys can be found on almost all roads. In Metro Manila there are more buses. Between provinces buses usually only ply the major highways linking the provinces.

I talked with a doctor who has clinics in Manila. She told me that she and her husband drove one time from Manila to Baguio. They drove the same road the buses use. When they got to the mountainous part of the trip they had to slow down. She was quite scared because they could barely see the road due to the heavy fog on the way to Baguio. It took them a very long time to travel the "snake road" (called that due to the many curves on the route up through the mountains).
Land around the Metro Manila area is mostly flat.

If you are a foreigner it will be much easier and faster to take a taxi to wherever you want to go. Taxi drivers know the shortcuts. There have been many times, while we were in taxis, that the drivers took routes that we never would have thought of.

A restored 1986 Mitsubishi Lancer

Well, we finally decided on buying a car in the Philippines. We bought an old Mitsubishi Lancer with a stick shift and no air conditioner for 40,000 pesos (or about $950 US). Not shiny and in much worse condition than the one pictured above.

Want to sell a car? Find out about advertising at this site.

Here is my description of a typical trip while driving our car:
By now it was almost 5:30 pm so we headed home from the Diosado Macapagal Intl. Airport at Clark Freeport Zone, near Angeles City.
We like to get home before dark. One reason is because there are so many cars whose headlights are not aimed correctly (about 1 in 10) and blind us as we are driving at night. Making it necessary to slow to a crawl in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian, motorcycle or carabao which may cross the street. It is about 8 kilometers (or 5 miles) back to our apartment in a rural area.

After leaving the airport we pass SM Clark Mall then turn left onto MacArthur Highway, in the Balibago area. It is always congested with cars, trucks, jeepneys, buses, "tricycles and pedicabs and jeepneys, buses, "tricycles" and pedicabs. pedestrians who cross anywhere and anytime. Those wanting to cross the 6 lanes just hold up a palm of a hand as a stop sign and walk in front of moving vehicles. Traffic usually moves at a crawl on the way to the bus station. But as a driver in the Philippines you must constantly be on the alert for the unexpected.

Mabalacat Bus Terminal (also called the Dau Bus Terminal).

We reached the road that leads past the Mabalacat Bus Terminal (also referred to as the Dau Bus Terminal) and turned right. Traffic here is thick with cars, trucks, buses, and many pedestrians crossing to and from the terminal and roadside vendors. This road leads to the entrance to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). At the toll booths we took a toll ticket from the automatic machine and proceeded to drive to our exit just a short distance away. Stopped and paid the 19 pesos (about 40 cents US) and exited the NLEX. Then it was our turn to enter the "rotunda" (a circular roundabout). This rotunda is near the Angeles City Marquee Mall. Five streets enter it. No traffic lights. Drivers usually try their best not to let another car to get in front of them. But there are some who are courteous and will let one enter the roundabout. Often, though, one must just "inch in" in front of vehicles.

Then we exited the roundabout onto the two lane road leading home. At rush hour, morning and night the traffic there is horrendous. For the next kilometer or two traffic barely moves. We have a stick shift car and it is on and off the clutch a hundred times before we are finally out of the heaviest traffic. If we leave any space between our car and the next one a motorcycle or a tricycle will cut in front of us. Often it is 2, 3, 4 or more motorcycles and tricycles that will take advantage of any slight opportunity to cut in front of a car. Which of course, means it will take us longer to get home. But, we need to be very cautious not to injure anyone. Everyday there are drivers who pass on the right as though it is legal (which it is not). To say nothing of the drivers of cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and tricycles who will "double pass". Many times while we are passing a vehicle another vehicle will pass us! We have even seen vehicles "double passing" on curves.

At night, after dark, there are always bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, and even jeepneys driving with no lights on the road from the rotunda to our apartment. Pedestrians, dressed in dark clothes, cross the road in front of moving traffic. One time we barely saw a shadow, then realized there was a black Carabao (bull) being led across a desolate stretch of the road. Therefore we try not to drive at night.

We lived in the Metro Manila area for a couple of years. The traffic there is so much more orderly and one can get from place to place with hardly any hastle (except at rush hour). Having said that, I must admit, the traffic there is much denser than almost anyplace in the Tampa Bay area, where I live in the USA.

Finally, at 6:30 pm, after about an hour (to go about 5 or so miles) we arrive at our apartment. Phew, that was another nerve-racking trip.

Sign pointing to the North Luzon Expressway  (NLEX) which goes from Quezon City to points North including San Fernando, Angeles City, Tarlac and Baguio.

There is a toll road "super" highway between Manila and Angeles City, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). It continues on North past Angeles and then meets up with the highway to Baguio. The posted speed limit between Manila and Angeles City is 80 kilometers per hour (or about 49 miles per hour). The super highway is very well maintained and resembles US interstate highways. I have seen very few smoke belching vehicles on this highway. There are large rest areas similar to rest areas on interstate highways in the US. One may eat at any of a number of fast food restaurants, buy gas for the car, rest, etc.

Mt. Arayat as seen to the East from the super highway (the NLEX).

Typical trip while we were driving in the Philippines

The cause of a traffic jam. We had driven very slowly in a long line of traffic on the way to the mall in Angeles City. We were driving from Magalang (a rural town) where we lived, to Marquee Mall.

A slow moving Carabao cart. A guy on a motorcycle passing us on the right side. As the travel section of the US Department of State web site notes, Due to lax traffic regulation enforcement many Filipino drivers are downright reckless. In my experience, I would say that most, not all, are undisciplined. I am sure they save time and gasoline money by arriving at their destination faster than we do. If they were to drive in the US like they do here they would be paying a lot of traffic fines. Read what the US State Department has to say about traffic safety and road conditions.

They seem to driving recklessly but they must be expert at it because I have seldom seen a really bad accident. Have seen only a few minor fender benders.

On the last portion of the drive from Magalang to Marquee Mall jeepneys on the right side, small shops on the left, the toll booths at the NLEX near the mall and the walkover bridge from the mall to the bus station and jeepney terminal across the street. Many, many people ride jeepneys to and from the mall.

I removed the door panels from our car so that new vinyl covers could be put on them. See my post about auto restoration in the Philippines. If you are thinking about renting a vehicle in the Philippines consider this; as far as I have found there is no insurance available to cover you in the event the vehicle gets damaged while you are renting it. You will pay for any and all damages. There is a site that offers international car insurance, maybe you can buy some for your car, if you buy one, in the Philippines.

A problem about driving as a foreigner in the Philippines is that you may be seen by some as a target. You are perceived as being "rich" here. Pedestrians and other drivers may see you as an opportunity to make money. If you are involved in an "accident" it is very possible that you will end up paying much more than would a Filipino. Many foreigners hire a driver or, if married, will let their Filipino spouse drive.

Another solution is to ride in taxis, jeepneys, buses, "tricycles" or pedicabs.
But in jeepneys, "tricycles" and pedicabs you will be subject to more air pollution from "smoke belching" vehicles.

Update Feb. 6, 2024, Metro Manila Traffic:

‘Not a czar’: Pinoys give suggestions to resolve Metro Manila traffic woes.

MSN Story by Jeline Malasig •

"Last month, TomTom noted in its 2023 Traffic Index that Metro Manila was the worst place in the world to experience metro traffic.

The TomTom Traffic Index assesses the traffic conditions in metropolitan areas across the globe, analyzing factors like road infrastructure, speed limits and vehicle flow.

The traffic index said that Metro Manila drivers spent an average of 25 minutes and 30 seconds just to travel 10 kilometers in 2023. This is the slowest, compared to 387 areas mentioned in the study.

The data translates to 117 hours lost in traffic last year for those in the NCR, a time equivalent to almost five days.

TomTom said that the worst day and time to travel in Metro Manila is Friday, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. It added that a 10-kilometer drive took an average of 35 minutes and 30 seconds."

Cheapest cars to maintain in the Philippines. 

Are you considering buying real estate in the PH

or living in the Philippines.

Or are you considering Buying or Selling real estate in the USA or Internationally?

Do you have a car to sell? Advertise it on this site. Hundreds of buyers will see it. click here.

If you are a foreigner and have driven in the Philippines please share your personal experiences with other readers by commenting below.

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This post will be expanded. Check back for more information about driving in the Philippines. Last updated February 6, 2024.

Flying To USA From Philippines

 

Flying to the USA

                  Flying to USA from Manila

This is the 5th time I have flown from Manila, in the Philippine Islands to Tampa, Florida USA. The first time was in 2008 after I had spent a year there. I had flown there to meet some chat mates. One of those is now my wife. We married and are now the parents of a little princess.

We first met via a website called FilipinaHeart.com which is now FilipinoCupid. I consider it the best site for meeting people. The search parameters incorporated are probably the best in the online meeting industry. It is easy to find many people who meet your search criteria and see their pictures all at once.

Visit my dating page for advice and warnings about dating Filipinos and other foreigners.

Me and my 3 year old daughter were flying to her grandma's house in the USA.

I have booked several previous trips on Cheapoair.com and have always experienced good service and low fares so I booked this trip at Cheapoair.com also.

In 2011 I had flown over to the Philippines after purchasing round trip tickets on United Airlines. Included in the round trip fare was $900 for the return portion. Well I did not fly back on the scheduled date. So, I called and was told that I could change the return date for a "change fee" of $250 and that there would be an additional charge of $650 because the fare had increased. What a way to treat a longtime customer! So, I decided to book on Japan Airlines and American Airlines to save money. Even though I lost the $900 I had paid for the United Airlines return ticket the trip cost me $500 less than it would have cost if I had gone along with the United Airlines ripoff. I flew back to the US via Narita Airport on Japan Airlines and American Airlines. Needless to say, I shall avoid United Airlines as much as possible in the future.

Japan Air Lines 777

Our flight on Japan Airlines (JAL) was scheduled to depart Manila at 9 a.m. on the 11th of June, 2012.

The JAL counter opens at 7 a.m. We arrived at the airport in Manila at 6 a.m. from our hotel near the US Embassy in Manila. This trip from Manila to Florida, USA would take about 23 hours.

We said our goodbyes on the sidewalk outside the terminal. Friends and family are not permitted inside the terminal. Only travelers with tickets are permitted inside. There is a small restaurant attached to the terminal, with an outside entrance, where friends and relatives can wait if they want to be there when your plane takes off. Cell phone use is permitted inside the terminal, restaurant and inside the planes until the cabin doors are closed.

We paid an airport departure fee of 550 pesos each (about $12.80 US as of June 2012). Always be sure to bring extra pesos or dollars to the airport. There are exit fees and if you are new to traveling in the Philippines you may encounter some other unexpected fees. If you don't want to carry a lot of pesos into the terminal you could call your friend who is waiting at the restaurant outside to bring some to the passenger entrance. Or, just bring a few thousand pesos and visit the money changer in the terminal to convert it back to your home country's currency if you don't need it.

Our daughter was born in the Philippines and just recently received her U.S. passport.

Wanting to be sure there would be no problems leaving the Philippines or entering the USA we asked an attorney to prepare a "Consent to Travel" letter which her mother signed and we had notarized by the attorney. We had done our research on the Internet and discovered that only if a child travels with a guardian do they need a "Consent To Travel" letter. But, now we had the letter just in case some immigration employee might ask for it. After all the trip cost over $1,600 US. Can you imagine being prevented from leaving because you needed some paperwork or did not have enough money with you and did not have a credit card to pay unexpected fees?

A couple of weeks before booking our one way trip to the USA I had asked an immigration officer at Diosado Macapagal International Airport near Angeles City if there would be extra fees for my daughter. He told me that there would be a fee of 8,000 pesos if she flew out on her new U.S. passport ("if she is using it for the first time" he said) Then he made a disclaimer, "It would be best if you will go to the main immigration office in Manila to ask about it."

Well, we did not do that. We felt comfortable about our plan after having studied the subject online.

Boarding time was 8:30 a.m. and our plane departed at 9 a.m.
The JAL flight from Manila to Narita Airport (NRT) took 4 hours. I told our daughter that pretty soon you will be in America! I really enjoy flying on JAL. This was my second flight on JAL. The flight crews and ground crews are very pleasant and helpful. We were served lunch en route. A fine meal served with shiny stainless steel knife, fork and spoon (I have only seen plastic utensils on American planes). Funny, where is all the fear of terrorism? I was surprised at how they serve hot green tea; the stewardess holds a tray in one hand. On the tray is a tall clear Japanese pitcher (about 6" diameter and about 14" tall). She holds the tray with one hand and pours the tea with the other. When we pressed the service button the stewards responded quickly.

As we approached Narita my daughter asked "Is this were Grandma is?" and I replied, "No, we have farther to go, we need to fly half way around the world." As the plane turned onto final approach it banked steeply to the right. My daughter exclaimed loudly "the plane is turning over." I corrected her by saying "no, it is not turning over, it is just turning toward the airport." I said it fairly loud in case some other inexperienced passenger might get worried. We arrived in Japan at 2:30 p.m. local time.

There was a 4 hour layover at Narita before our American Airlines flight was to depart. At the gate area of American Airlines (AA) there are 2 fast food shops where one may purchase reasonably priced food and drinks.

We boarded our AA flight and it departed at 6:20 p.m. It was a Boeing 777 passenger jet.

Note: I recommend that you do not fly into or out of airports in Japan. 

After studying the ongoing Fukushima nuclear disaster I will not be flying into or out of Japan again. In fact there are people recommending not flying across the Pacific Ocean due to radiation being released by the Fukushima nuclear reactors. Radiation is even found in the drinking water in Tokyo. (Update: in September 2014 a Japanese doctor recommended that Tokyo be evacuated!)

American Airlines Boeing 777

At one point I glanced at the flight information screen and noticed that we were flying at a speed of 637 miles per hour. I was amazed at the speed. We must have been in a jet stream. Usually the fastest I have seen planes fly was around 500 mph.

This flight to Dallas, Texas would be an 11 hour and 35 minute flight. We were served meals on the flight. Good food. But poor call button service. After we had pressed the service button 3 or 4 times a steward finally responded. Each time we had waited about 10 minutes before pressing it again.

As we were flying over Texas and approaching the airport I told my daughter that "We are in America now." She wanted to look out the window and said "I want to see America." We saw a patchwork of farmland. I said, "that is America down there!" She asked, "Daddy, can I get one of those boxes to put on my back so I can jump out of the plane and go down to the ground with one of those things over my head?" I told her they don't have one of those on this plane.

We arrived at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas, USA at 3:55 p.m. When we touched down I told her "Welcome to America!" hugged and kissed her. An excited little girl...and an excited and very happy Daddy.

American Airlines MD 83

After traveling for about 24 hours I guess I was too tired and too excited. Leaving our seats I failed to check around my neck for the passport and ticket holder I had worn all they way. Somehow I dropped it on the floor near my seat. It contained her new US Passport and my passport also, along with our connecting flight tickets.

I did not miss it until I was asked for our passports when we were almost at the Immigration Desk. Reached inside my sweater to get the holder and discovered it was not there! Talk about worried. I asked an American Airlines service person if he could assist us. He offered to go back and look for it on the plane. Whew, in about 10 minutes he reappeared with the packet, passports and tickets. I thanked him profusely and gave him a $10 tip.

After about a 1 and 1/2 hour layover we departed on another AA flight, a McDonnell Douglas MD 83.

This plane seemed to be brand new. With it's rear mounted engines it was the quietest flight of the 3. It was a short 2 hour flight from Dallas to Tampa, Florida.

Approaching Tampa International Airport we flew over our county and I was able point out approximately where Grandma's house was, to my daughter. It was after 9 p.m. The lights of the city and causeways below were beautiful, not a cloud in the sky over Tampa but there was some lightening off to the Southeast of Tampa.

After 24 hours of travel we were finally in Tampa. The plane touched down and taxied to the gate. We were the last to leave the plane. I asked a stewardess I had flown with before to snap a photo of us near our seats. She was happy to oblige. Another memorable moment and photo to share with my wife and family.

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According to the World Health Organization, before flying to the Philippines it may be necessary to get a Yellow Fever shot if you will be arriving from certain countries (verify this with your doctor or local health department).

Here is a page about this shot:

National Travel Health Network and Centre

Philippines:

"YELLOW FEVER

Yellow fever is a systemic viral disease.

Risk assessment

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, there is a certificate requirement.

Certificate requirements

• Under International Health Regulations (2005), a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and from travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• For this country, the yellow fever vaccination certificate is assumed to be valid for 10 years until further notice.
• View the WHO list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission."

Safest seats are the seats in the rear of a plane.

See Foods Not To Eat Before Flying.

Read about flying in the Philippines.

Read about flying to Singapore.

If you are flying to meet ladies of the Philippines consider that you may have jet leg when you arrive. The farther you must travel the more you will affected by jet lag. When you arrive in the Philippines from the U.S.A. expect to want to sleep days and stay up nights for 1 or 2 weeks!

The CDC provides a list of items to pack for your trip to the Philippines in it's Healthy Travel Packing List.

There are many American fast food restaurants all over the Philippines.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

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This article will be expanded. Please check back for more information about flying to and from Manila, Philippines and USA. This page last updated June 6, 2022.