AIESEC Davao Reception Booklet 2012 by Ena Rosaroso

Welcome to...

AIESEC Davao Philippines 8000 aiesec.davao@gmail.com

â&#x20AC;Śthe blooming city of Davao!

Hey Exchange Participant! A warm welcome from AIESEC Davao of the Philippines! We deeply appreciate that you have chosen us to provide you the AIESEC Experience. We hope that this booklet will help you prepare for a life-changing experience that you are about to embark soon! We are looking forward to having you here with us. The adjustment that one has to make when living in

another country can be daunting, but the ever-present friendly and secure atmosphere in Davao City has made it an attractive option for a growing number of expatriates.

The traineeship will help you in discovering and developing further your potential. Let us savor the moments we are about to have. Together, let us become positive change agents of our world!

Table of Contents             

Getting Legal Who to contact About Davao City Map Going to Davao City Domestic and International Airlines Basic Transportations Festivities Shopping Malls and Plazas Restaurants Money Changers Communication Accommodation

Getting Legal VISA APPLICATION Philippine Visa is not required for citizens from the following countries (reference: http://tinyurl.com/phvisareq) if you are staying in the country for short visits up to twenty-one (21) days only, provided that you hold valid tickets for return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and your passport is valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the period of stay. For visits longer than twenty-one (21) days, a visa is required. NOTE: Holders of Brazil and Israel passports can stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days.

TOURIST VISA The following are the minimum requirements for applying a temporary visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visa: 1. Passport/Travel Document Valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines; 2. Duly Accomplished Visa application forms; 3. Passport Photos (2 pieces); 4. Proof of bona fide status as tourist or businessman; 5. Confirmed tickets for return or onward journey to the next port of destination; and 6. Payment of Visa Fees. NOTE: Holders of Certificates of Identity, Travel Documents, Documents of Identity, Taiwanese Passports and all stateless persons do require visas.

Getting Legal ASSISTANCE FROM AIESEC DAVAO AIESEC Davao is responsible for sending to you the following documents, if needed, to apply for Philippine visa: 1. Invitation Letter 2. Letter of Guarantee of Employment (TN) VISA PROCESSING DURING INTERNSHIP (as of November 5, 2011) TOURIST (NON-RESTRICTED) ADMITTED INITIALLY FOR 21 DAYS MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 38 DAYS PARTICULARS Visa Waiver

AMOUNTS (in PhP) 500.00

Visa Waiver Application Fee

1,000.00

Certification Fee

500.00

Express fee (Certification)

500.00

Express fee (For processing)

500.00

Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item

30.00

Total

3,030.00

REQUIREMENTS 1. Passport 2. Photocopy of passport (bio-page, latest arrival and latest extension) 3. Application form for extension of stay 4. Special Power of Attorney duly notarized if applied by a representative For updated visa extension fees, go to http://tinyurl.com/phvisafees For other immigration concerns, visit http://tinyurl.com/immigration-ph

Who to Contact ENA ROSAROSO Vice President for Incoming Exchange Email: enalo.rosaroso@aiesec.net enarosaroso@gmail.com Mobile: (+63) 923 244 8456 Skype ID: enarosaroso

THEA JOVER Director for Database Management Email: theajover@gmail.com Mobile: (+63) 922 845 6837 Skype ID: theiyajo

Keep on reading this booklet for more information about Davao. Everything you need to know about Davao is written here: transportation, how to be prepared, and everything else!

Got questions? Want to clarify something? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know what to do? Ready to go on exchange in Davao?! Send us an email and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make sure to get right back at you as soon as possible!

TOM JAN SALAVIA Vice President for Services and Reception Email: tomjansalavia@yahoo.com Mobile: (+63) 942 622 0985 Skype ID: tomjan.salavia

Davao City Davao City is the capital of the Southern Mindanao region of the Philippines and it is considered as one of the fastest growing regions in the Philippines. Davao is typhoon-free as the city enjoys fair weather, even rainfall, temperature and humidity all year round. The city government has invested millions of pesos to ensure the security of people living and working in Davao City. That’s why the city was named by the “ASIA NEWSWEEK” as one the 20 Most Livable cities in ASIA due to almost zero crime rate every day. A curfew is also observed in the city for minor citizens. Motorcycle drivers with no helmets and with defective lights are also not allowed to enter or drive in the city. Regular checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and at the city boundaries are conducted 24 hours to ensure the strict implementation of traffic rules.

As of 1995, the

Philippine Eagle is considered as the national bird of the Philippines. One of our TNs involves catering to their needs.

The use of fireworks and other similar pyrotechnics, as well as smoking in public, is strictly prohibited in the city. Violators are made to pay hefty fines, perform community service, serve jail time, or a combination of the three. Littering is also prohibited.

We hope that this small guide will help you in finding your way into the heart of Davao. Know our places, food, culture and more!

Davao City Map

Getting to Davao

Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport)

Domestic Flights The Davao International Airport serves daily flights from the major cities of the Philippines. From Manila, Davao is only about 1 hour and 35 minutes. From Cebu, Davao is a 55-minute flight. There are also flights from the nearby cities of Cagayan (35 minutes) and Zamboanga (1 hour and 20 minutes). Domestic Airline Companies fly to Davao City from the major cities of the Philippines.

International Flights Bi-weekly flights direct to and from Singapore and Manado, Indonesia are also available. From other countries, you can reach Davao via Cebu or Manila.

Domestic Airlines Zest Airways is an airline based in the Asian Aeronautics Hangar in the General Aviation Area. It operates scheduled domestic and international tourist services, mainly feeder services linking Manila and Cebu with 24 domestic destinations in support of the trunk route operations of other airlines. Visit: www.zestair.com.ph

Philippine Airlines is a flag carrier of the Philippines. It is the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia. Visit: www.philippineairlines.com

Cebu Pacific offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations. It is currently the country's leading domestic carrier, serving the most domestic destinations with the largest number flights and routes, and equipped with the youngest fleet. Visit: www.cebupacificair.com

Airphil Express is a low-cost airline operating both international and domestic schedule services from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga. Visit: www.airphilexpress.com

International Airlines Visit: www.silkair.com

Visit: www.tigerairways.com

Cost of Living Being the most livable city in the Philippines and one of its pride metropolises, some people would come to think that living in Davao City would cost a fortune. However, what other people seem to think could be far from reality. The fact is, you can live like a King (or Queen) in Davao! The cost of living in Davao City is far less than the two other major industrial and commercial points in the Philippines—Metro Manila and Cebu City. From housing, food and other conveniences, Davao City offers more for less, which is why it is an ideal place to stay. In spite of the troubled economy experienced worldwide and the increase in prices of many commodities nationwide, Davao City still ranks as one of the top major cities in the country with low cost of living.

THE PRICE OF FUN FOOD Low = 20 php/meal; Mid = 80 to 120 php/meal; High = 1,000 php (or higher)/meal Food prices are low in Davao City compared with other cities in the country, especially agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables. Pork and chicken may cause around 110–120 pesos per kilogram or less depending on the season.

Enjoying Davao City also costs less. Bar-hopping which is common among teenagers in the city could cost 300 – 3,000 pesos in a night including wines and spirits plus foods. Sneaking out of the noisy city and taking an escapade on the nearby Island Garden City of Samal or other places would cost from 500 to 10, 000 pesos depending on how thrifty or a spender you are!

There are also restaurants and fast food chains that offer a complete meal that ranges from 80 to as much as 200 to 1,000 pesos when dining in highend restaurants. Small scale food stalls along the road may charge 35-70 pesos for a complete meal with drinks.

Basic Transportations In itself, the Philippines has a very unique system of transportation. There are 2 main modes of transportation for highways and major roads, whereas there are 2 other vehicles for smaller roads and residential areas.

Jeepney

- the main vehicle used for transportation - travels to almost all places in Davao - minimum fare: PhP8.00 (0.19 USD) Taxi - flag down rate: PhP40.00 (0.95 USD); increases at Php3.50/km (0.09 USD)

The roads of Davao are always filled with these colorful jeepneys. To pay for the jeepney fare, you say “bayad”; and if you want to get off the jeepney, you say “para lang”. Riding a jeepney might come as a shock for first timers, but in time, you’ll get used to it.

Be wary of taxi drivers (those stationed at the airport) who ask for extra pay. These drivers take advantage of the fact that you’re from abroad, and they immediately think you’re a millionaire.

Tricycle & Trisikad - found in smaller streets; usually used in short distances - used in some streets in Davao where Jeepneys can’t enter access; minimum fare: PhpP5.00 (0.12 USD)

The trisikad is mostly stationed in residential areas, so as with the tricycle.

The tricycle and trisikad are like brothers—they differ only in speed. Tricycles are also used in residential areas and smaller roads, and some use it to journey through far flung areas with unfinished road constructions.

Festivities araw ng dabaw Araw ng Dabaw (Day of Davao) is the annual celebration of the founding of Davao City. It is celebrated every 16th of March. During this celebration, the entire city is abuzz with parties, events, and parades. The day kicks off with a colorful parade along the main streets of the city. The festivities also include the Mutya ng Dabaw pageant, a beauty pageant of the best and brightest women of Davao City.

kadayawan Kadayawan Festival, dubbed as the â&#x20AC;&#x2022;Festival of Festivals,â&#x20AC;&#x2013; is the annual thanksgiving celebration of Davao City. It is held during the second week of August but the festivities usually happen during the entire month. It began as a celebration of the bountiful blessings of Davao City and the peaceful coexistence of the Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous Peoples in the city. The highlights of the Kadayawan Festival include the Floral and Fruits Parade, the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan Street Dancing Competition, and the Hiyas ng Kadayawan pageant. The festival also plays venue to many other events such as trade fairs, exhibits, and concerts.

Restaurants Wanna grab a bite? Listed here are just some of the restaurants in Davao PENONG’S BARBECUE SEAFOODS &GRILL Sta. Ana Branch Sta. Ana Ave. In front of Davao Christian High School Contact: 221 9280 Quirino Branch Quirino Ave., Cor. Mabini St., Davao City DENCIO’S KAMAYAN, INC. Ground Floor, SM City, Ecoland Contact: 297-1868 Ground Floor, NCCC Mall, Ma-a Contact: 305-0449 Market Basket, Damosa Gateway, Angliongto St., Lanang Contact: 234-5573 Cor. Fortune Homes, Lanang Contact: 234-6378 ANTONIO’S BAR AND GRILL Ground floor SM City Davao, Ecoland Contact Number: 299-3904

AHFAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Chinese Restaurant Victoria Plaza Compound, J.P Laurel Avenue

SOMANG KIM CHI Korean Restaurant In front of Victoria Plaza, J.P. Laurel Avenue

RAIRAI KEN Japanese Restaurant Unit 213 2nd Level, SM City Davao, Ecoland

BIGBY’S CAFÉ & RESTAURANT ABREEZA MALL BRANCH 2nd Level, Abreeza Mall, Davao City Contact: 321 0947 SM CITY MALL BRANCH Ground Floor, SM City, Davao City Contact: 298 0111 PICOBELLO RESTORANTE ITALIANO 5th Floor, Gaisano South City Mall, Davao City Tel. No. (82) 221 1696

Malls and Plazas

Abreeza Mall

NCCC Mall of Davao

Chimes Specialty Store

Robinsons Cybergate

Malls and Plazas

SM City Davao

Damosa Gateway

Gaisano Mall of Davao

Victoria Plaza

Malls and Plazas

Matina Town Square

Winsons Shopping Center

Lachmi Shopping Mall

Gaisano South Mall

Money Changers ALDEVINCO SHOPPING MART Roxas Avenue, Davao City Landmark: In Front of Ateneo De Davao University

WESTERN UNION BRANCHES Locations: Gaisano Mall and Gaisano Mall (Ilustre branch) at C.M. Recto Avenue

GAISANO MALL Bajada St., Davao City Ground floor near the Gaisano Supermarket VICTORIA PLAZA MALL Ground Floor Near Victoria Supermarket

For updated exchange rate go to: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/statistics/sdds/exchrate.htm

Communication Connecting with your other EPs and AIESEC Davao Staff is very easy in Davao and all over the Philippines.

Prepaid sim cards are available for phones which has a sim card slot. For phones without this, you can buy cheap cell phones for as low as 899PhP, a sim card for 40Php and a prepaid card for 1 month with just 150PhP. Internet Cafes are also available almost in all corners of the street. Its usual price is 20PhP/hour. Dorms and hotels have wi-fi connection free for your convenience during your stay.

Emergency Phone Numbers 911

Emergency Hotline

Fire Station - 110 Fire Department

Filipino-Chinese Fire Fighters - 227-2122 Davao Volunteers Fire Brigade - 227-5433

166

Police

Davao Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital- 221-2101 Hospital

Davao Medical Center - 227-2731 San Pedro Hospital - 221-4950

Accommodation Due to changing arrangements, accommodation place and rates are not indicated in this booklet. Kindly ask for these details from your TN Manager in AIESEC Davao.