AIESEC Ateneo de Manila University
Service and Recep!on Booklet
Hello Exchange Participants!
Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines! AIESEC Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) is very pleased that you have chosen our entity. We have numerous activities in store for you and we’re excited to meet you! Hopefully, this couple of weeks will open your eyes to the realities of different social issues. Some experiences may be new to you. That’s why we ask of you to be as open-minded as possible and take every situation as a learning experience. Value your independence and make the best of the relationships you’ll have. Drive your own experience! And AIESEC AdMU will do its best to guide you there. Your TN managers will stay in touch. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them. See you around!
Sincerely,
Ariza T. Francisco Local Committee President 1415 AIESEC Ateneo de Manila University
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Reminders ………………………………………………………3 Geography and Climate ………………………………….……4 Language ………………………………………………………5 Coins……………………………………………………………5 Bills. . ……………………………………………………………6 How much is (a)?……. …………………………………………7 Exchange Rates . ………………………………………………8 Useful Phrases .…………………………………………………9 Getting Around . ………………………………………………11 Housing Information……………………………………………13 Let’s Eat . . . ……………………………………………………19 About the Area . ………………………………………………22 Holidays. ………………………………………………………26 Where to Go? …………………………………………………28 Visa Matters……………………………………………………31 Coping. . ………………………………………………………35 Final Reminders. . ………………………………………………37 Who to Contact?………………………………………………40
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Remember to be mindful of weather conditions, even before arriving in the country. Bring appropriate clothes and other materials, such as raincoats during the rainy season, and mosquito repellents during the warm season. Keep in mind as well that weather conditions might affect your internship. During and after storms, for example, most schools cancel classes. Your OC will brief you on contingency plans for your project. Rest assured that the LCs and the OCs are prepared for such situations. If you have questions and concerns, feel free to bring them up with your host entity or the MC. Also keep in mind of the following: • Local time is GMT +8 • Beware that certain areas in the country strictly forbid smoking in public • Prepare terminal fees, estimated at around Php650-Php750 • Keep an umbrella with you. You’ll find it handy! • Keep an insect repellant handy as well! • Check your appliances! Electrical outlets are 220 V. Adaptors for the prongs are available in the country for Php50.
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The Philippines has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 26.6°C
The Philippines is comprised of 7,017 islands located in Southeast Asia in the Western The coolest month is January, Pacific Ocean. The with an average temperature of archipelago is divided into 25.5°C three major regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The warmest month is May, with an average temperature of 28.3°C
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The Philippines has over 100 local languages, but it has two official languages: FILIPINO This is the native language. It is a mixture of languages found in the Philippines, mostly coming from Tagalog with English, Spanish, and Chinese loan words. ENGLISH The language was adopted when the Philippines was colonized by the United States. Most Filipinos are native speakers of the language. Other languages spoken in the Philippines are Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese.
25 Centavos
5 Philippine Pesos
1 Philippine Peso
10 Philippine Pesos
5Â
OLD
NEW
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HOW MUCH IS (A)…? Taxi Ride: Php40 for the first 500 meters, and additional Php3.50 for every 300 meters or two minutes waiting time. Movie: Php150-200 depending on cinema type and location. Lunch or Dinner: Depending on where you eat, you can spend as much as Php50 to Php200 per meal. Most meals have one rice and one viand. SIM Card: Local SIM cards are usually Php60-90. Those sold in the airport are more expensive. Check with your host LC which network provider they prefer you to have. Mobile credit (Load/Top up): You can buy from a sari-sari and convenience stores. They range from Php10 to Php500. They can be directly sent to your phone or you can buy them as cards. Restaurant tip: Tipping is not required, but it is highly appreciated. Some restaurants charge a service charge. You can tip from Php20Php100, depending on the restaurant and their service.
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As of March 2, 2014 1 US Dollar
44.66 Philippine Peso (PHP)
1 Euro
61.25 PHP
1 Japan Yen
0.44 PHP
1 Great BriNsh Pound
74.54 PHP
1 Hong Kong Dollar
5.75 PHP
1 Canadian Dollar
40.13 PHP
1 Singapore Dollar
35.34 PHP
1 Australian Dollar
40.02 PHP
1 Indonesia Rupiah
0.004 PHP
1 Thailand Baht
1.37 PHP
1 China Yuan
7.29 PHP
Check this site for the updated rates: hWp://www.bsp.gov.ph/staNsNcs/sdds/ExchRate.htm
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USEFUL PHRASES English
Filipino
Good morning/afternoon/ evening!
Magandang umaga/hapon/ gabi!
How are you?
Kamusta ka?
Thank you (so much)!
(Maraming) salamat!
Yes
Oo (Polite form: Opo)
No
Hindi
My name is _____.
Ako ay si _____.
I am from _____.
Ako ay galing sa _____.
Let’s eat!
Kain na!
How do I get to (place)?
Paano pumunta sa (place)?
(literally, “here’s the fare.” Used when riding a jeepney)
Bayad po!
(“Stop,” used when riding a jeepney or tricycle)
Para po!
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USEFUL PHRASES English
Filipino
One
Isa
Two/Twenty
Dalawa/Dalawampu
Three/Thirty
Tatlo/Tatlumpu
Four/Fourty
Apat/Apatnapu
Five/Fifty
Lima/Limampu
Six/Sixty
Anim/Animnapu
Seven /Seventy
Pito/Pitumpu
Eight/Eighty
Walo/Walumpu
Nine/Ninety
Siyam/Siyamnapu
Ten
Sampu
One hundred
Isang daan
One thousand
Isang libo
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TRICYCLE A tricycle is a motorcycle with a sidecar, while a pedicab is a bicycle with a sidecar. These forms of public transportation are usually for shorter distances in the Metro. However, the are also a more convenient choice for passing through routes too narrow for cars or jeepneys. They can have up to 4 passengers, and can cost from Php20-40 depending on the distance of the destination
JEEPNEY
FERRY
These colorful and iconic jeepneys can be found everywhere! A jeepney can usually hold 14-20 passengers facing each other, and two more beside the driver. Passengers are expected to pass the fares to the driver. Just say “Bayad po!” And say “Para po!” to signal your stop! Base fair is Php8, but prices go higher the farther the destination is.
The Philippines is an archipelago, so you can expect to travel by boat when you’re travelling. Try the roll-on-roll-off (RORO) ships between Manila and other major ports. Here are the two major shipping lines: http://www.2go.com.ph/ or http://www.montenegrolines.com.ph/. And a helpful blog: http://cebuboattrips.com/
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GETTING AROUND AIRPLANE Most of our local airlines fly to nearby countries. Watch out for their promo fares! Note that there are fees and taxes at the airport, so bring extra Philippine pesos. Cebu Pacific - http://www.cebupacificair.com Interisland Airlines - http://www.interislandairlines.com Philippine Airlines (PAL) - http://www.philippineairlines.com TigerAir - http://www.tigerair.com/ph/en AirAsia Zest- http://www.airasia.com/ph/
TRAINS (IN METRO MANILA ONLY) The trains are one of the quickest ways around Metro Manila. They are cheap and convenient, with prices ranging from Php10 to Php14. However, avoid them during the morning and late afternoon rush hours as they are almost always packed with people. Make sure to secure your belongings with you, and never leave them unattended. All three lines are interconnected. The yellow line is LRT-1, purple is LRT-2, and the blue is MRT. All the LCs in Metro Manila are accessible through these trains.
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Outside
ADDRESS: 10 Melissa Drive, Xavierville I, Loyola Heights, Quezon City 13Â
14Â
Downstairs
15Â
Downstairs
16Â
Upstairs
Some Information • Living room • 4 bedrooms with capacity of 14 people: – – – –
1 room can accommodate 6 people max 1 room can accommodate 4 people max 2 rooms can accommodate 2 people max All rooms are air conditioned
• 2 bathrooms – 1 upstairs – 1 downstairs
• No hot water • Kitchen – Rice cooker – Refrigerator
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House Rules 1. Wash the dishes
5. Clean the
after use
kitchen after meals
2. Make sure that
6. Don’t smoke in
you put things back where they belong
the house; dispose cigarette butts properly
3. Clean the dining table after meals
4. Keep the living
7. Wash the bathroom after use
room neat and clean It’s better to clean a little bit at a time everyday than to wait and end up with a huge mess at the end of the week!
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Philippine cuisine is a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences, so our plates are a delightful combination of east and west! Our staple food is rice, and a meal isn’t a meal without rice! We usually eat rice with an “ulam,” or viands. These can have pork, beef, fish, or vegetables.
Our choice of cutlery is spoon and fork. (Tip: Use the fork to push food into the spoon.) We don’t usually use our hands to eat, but some restaurants, like Kamayan, do offer that. Don’t worry, hand washing is a common practice as well. Filipinos have a sweet tooth, so every meal must have a sweet ending! Choose from a wide range of desserts an sugary pastries.
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LET’S EAT Here are some dishes your host AIESECers recommend to every EP visiting our country. Make sure you try to try everything at least once!
SINIGANG
Sinigang is a sour soup native to the Philippines. It has leafy vegetables combined with a main ingredient. This can be pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, or fish.
ADOBO One of the signature dishes from the Philippines! It can be pork or chicken with the basic ingredients: vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, and dried bay leaves.
SISIG A popular appetizer from Pampanga! Sisig can be made of either parts of the pig or even with healthier seafood.
Here are some famous desserts you should try!
HALO-HALO This dessert is composed of several ingredients, including sugar palm, flat rice crisps, coconut gel, ripe jackfruit, colored gelatin, tapioca pearls, sweetened plantains, and macapuno, all mixed together with shaved ice and evaporated milk.
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LET’S EAT Here are some famous desserts you should try!
BUKO PANDAN “Buko” means coconut, while “pandan” are Screwpine leaves. This dessert is mixed with green gelatin, and sometimes topped with vanilla ice cream.
FRESH FRUITS Did you know that the sweetest mangoes are from the Philippines? Enjoy these and more tropical fruits on our shores! (For fairly low prices too!)
We also recommend our street food! Try them first then we’ll tell you what they’re called ;) (Don’t worry, they’re good and safe. We eat these too.)
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Katipunan Area
Google it! Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines
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Food Delivery Hotlines Note *Please note that stoves are not allowed in any of the housing options. As a result, cooking options are very limited.
Delivery Address: Unit 10 (48 B) Melissa Drive, Xavierville Phase 1, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Color of Gate: Brown
Nearest Landmark: Amorito’s Cob and Corn along Xavierville Avenue
TwoAnyOne Special Delivery Menu: http://menus.deliverycheckout.com/RDSCustomFiles/1153/ menus/MenuBook_Dec2013_Z462.pdf
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Food Delivery Hotlines RESTAURANT DELIVERY HOTLINES CUISINE
NAME
NUMBER
INFORMATION
Fast food
Jollibee
8-7000
Minimum Php200 purchase, 24/7
Fast food
McDonald’s
8-6236
Php25-50 delivery charge, 24/7
Fast food
KFC
887-8888
Minimum Php250 purchase
Burgers
Wham!
912-9426
Minimum Php300 purchase, closes 8pm
Filipino
Ken Afford
433-3575
Filipino
Chicken Bacolod
433-3419
Filipino
Tapa King
433-2724/5
Rice Meals
Box O’ Rice
928-6355
Minimum Php150 purchase, closes at 9:30pm 24
Food Delivery Hotlines RESTAURANT DELIVERY HOTLINES CUISINE
NAME
NUMBER
INFORMATION
Pasta
The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH)
426-8674
Closes at 9pm
Fast food
KFC
887-8888
Minimum Php250 purchase
Pizza
Greenwich
819-4000
Pizza
Pizza Hut
911-1111
Pizza
Shakey’s
533-8000
Pizza
Sbarro
709-2442
Pizza
Yellow Cab
926-2222
Pizza
Angel’s Pizza
922-2222
Minimum Php300 purchase
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January 1, 2014, Wednesday – New Year’s Day January 31, 2014, Friday – Chinese New Year February 25, 2014, Tuesday – EDSA Revolution anniversary April 9, 2014, Wednesday – The Day of Valor April 17, 2014 – Maundy Thursday April 18, 2014 – Good Friday April 19, 2014 – Black Saturday May 1, 2014, Thursday – Labor Day June 12, 2014, Thursday – Independence Day August 21, 2014, Thursday – Ninoy Aquino Day August 25, 2014, Monday – National Heroes Day November 1, 2014, Saturday – All Saints Day November 30, 2014, Sunday – Bonifacio Day December 24, 2014, Wednesday – Christmas Eve December 25, 2014, Thursday – Christmas Day December 26, 2014, Friday – Additional special nonworking day December 30, 2014, Tuesday – Rizal Day December 31, 2014, Wednesday – New Years Eve 26
January 1, 2015, Thursday – New Year’s Day February 19, 2015, Thursday – Chinese New Year February 25, 2015, Wednesday – EDSA Revolution anniversary April 2, 2015 – Maundy Thursday April 3, 2015 – Good Friday April 4, 2015 – Black Saturday April 9, 2015, Thursday – The Day of Valor May 1, 2015, Friday – Labor Day June 12, 2015, Friday – Independence Day August 21, 2015, Friday – Ninoy Aquino Day August 31, 2015, Monday – National Heroes Day November 1, 2015, Sunday – All Saints Day November 30, 2015, Monday – Bonifacio Day December 24, 2015, Thursday – Christmas Eve December 25, 2015, Friday – Christmas Day December 30, 2015, Wednesday – Rizal Day December 31, 2015, Thursday – New Years Eve
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With its historical sights, commercial centers, and lively night life, you’ll always have something to do in Metro Manila
INTRAMUROS
Intramuros, or the walled city, was the seat of the Spanish government during the colonial era. Now, you can see structures and memorials from the Spanish to the contemporary times. The Bureau of Immigration is also located here.
MANILA BAY
One of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. Indeed, watching the sunset here is breathtaking.
CHINATOWN
The Manila Chinatown was founded in 1594 after the Spaniards settled in the Philippines. Now, Chinatown is famous for its retail stores, restaurants, traditional Chinese institutions, and festivals.
THE FORT The Fort in Taguig City is famous for its clubs and thriving nightlife. It also houses several tea and coffee shops for your after-party or early morning lounging
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There are hundreds of places to visit in the Philippines, but here are some to get you started.
MANILA
The city capital of the Philippines! Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It is a cosmopolitan and complicated city, influenced by its cross-cultural heritage and modern commercial centers.
VIGAN
Vigan was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site. You can see how the Philippines looked like during the Spanish era. Also try the Vigan longganisa!
BORACAY
Famous for its very fine white sands and gleaming white puka shells, Boracay was declared the 2012 world’s best island. The quickest way to get there is by air.
CAMARINES SUR Camarines Sur is the Bicol region in Luzon. This province is becoming more famous for the CamSur Water Complex. You can get there by land.
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There are hundreds of places to visit in the Philippines, but here are some to get you started.
PALAWAN
Palawan is considered the Philippines’ last ecological frontier. It is home to two UNESCO Heritage Sites: the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and the Puerto Prinsesa Subterranean River. You can fly directly to Palawan.
SIARGAO
Siargao is well-known as the “Surfing Capital,” and holds its annual Siargao Cup competition in “Cloud 9” every September. You can visit this island in Mindanao by either taking a flight to Surigao then riding a boat, or fly directly to Siargao Island.
CEBU Located in the Visayas group of islands, Cebu is the Seat of Christianity and the oldest city in the country. You can find also the cross from the King of Spain given by the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu. Drop by the AIESEC LC in Cebu!
DAVAO
Davao is a center of commerce in the Mindanao group of islands. Davao is famous for the exotic fruit Durian, the tallest peak in the country, Mt. Apo, and the national animal, Philippine Eagle. Visit the AIESEC LC here as well!
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Here are ways to obtain a visa for your stay in the Philippines:
A.) Apply for a visa partially or fully covering your stay in the Philippine embassy in your home country. Refer to http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/embassies_phil-dir.htm for a directory of the PH embassies.
B.) Have your visa extended here in the Philippines. Passport holders from certain countries are granted a 21-day visa upon arriving. Check if your country is one of them: https://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/list-of-countries-for-21-day-visa. Holders of Brazil and Israel passports are granted a 59-day visa upon arriving.
We advise our EPs to avail of either 9a or 47a2 visa.
9a For temporary visitors coming for business, pleasure, or reasons of health.
47a2 Special non-immigrant visa granted to, but not limited to, locally and internationally recognized organizations and institutions (including AIESEC).
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9a Fees Tourists given a 21-day visa can extend for another 38 days (free 21 days + 38 day waiver = 59-day visa)
Php3030
Tourist visa extension after first 59 days:
Php4300 for one month Php4800 for two months
At this point, you will also be required to get an i-Card worth US$50 + express fee of Php500
US$50 + express fee of Php500
You can extend your visa every two months for total stay of 16 months.. After regular extension of 2 months:
Php1830 + Php500 for every month of extension
Extension fee after 6 months of stay (to be charged on the 7th month of stay)
Php3240 + Php500 for every month of extension
47a2 Fees Upon filing in the Department of Justice Upon implementation of visa One year Two years + Express Lane Fee You may apply for a 47a2 from your country. Consult with the nearest Philippine embassy for more information.
Php3020
Php4600 Php6620 Php500
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I-Card
The Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card Project is an accreditation card issued by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration for foreigners to stay in the Philippines. This is required for a foreigner to open an bank account in the country. Other benefits include online payment of immigration fees, faster processing time at the ports of entry and exit, among others. This is also the government’s way of eliminating illegal middlemen and “fixers”. You are required to get this upon extending after the first 59 days.
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Visa FAQ 1. Which visa should I avail?
4. What if I’ll stay in the
Philippines for more than 59 days but less than a month after that? The Bureau of Immigration doesn’t give partial visas, so you would have to pay for the whole month. Alternatively, some EPs choose to fly to a neighboring country. Upon arriving back to the Philippines, they are issued another 21-day What if the last day of my visa visa. falls on a holiday or a weekend? You must extend on or before the What if I get employed by the last business/working day TN after my internship? immediately preceding the expiry date. Otherwise, penalties and You will no longer be an AIESEC motions will apply. Exchange Participant once an organization hires you as an employee. Therefore, you would . I need to visit another have to avail of the 9g working country’s embassy while I’m in the visa. More details from the Bureau Philippines. How can I get in touch of Immigration website: with them? http://immigration.gov.ph/ You can find them here: index.php/faqs/visa-inquiry/prehttp://embassy.goabroad.com/ arranged-employee-visa embassies-in/Philippines You can decide based on duration and overall cost. EPs staying for 6-8 weeks usually extend using the 9a visa. The 47a2 might seem more practical than the 9a, but consider that processing can take 2-3 days.
2.
5.
3
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Body Language • While calling out someone, one should refrain from pointing the finger. One should also be knowledgeable of the non verbal expressions practiced in the Philippines. • If Filipinos don’t understand a question, they open their mouths. Raised eyebrows signify recognition and agreement. • Laughter may convey pleasure or embarrassment; it is commonly used to relieve tension. • Staring is considered rude and could be misinterpreted as a challenge, but Filipinos may stare or even touch foreigners, especially in areas where foreigners are rarely seen. • To Filipinos, standing with your hands on your hips means you are angry. • Never curl your index finger back and forth (to beckon). This is an insult. • To indicate two of something, raise your ring and pinkie fingers. • To beckon, extend an arm, palm down, moving fingers in scratching motion. Touch someone’s elbow lightly to attract attention. Do not tap on the shoulder. • “Eyebrow flash” – a quick lifting of eyebrows – is a Filipino greeting.
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Meeting Etiquette • Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first. • A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard greeting. • Men and women shake hands with everyone present at a business meeting or social occasion and when saying “goodbye.” Handshakes should be friendly and informal, but firm. Men should wait for women to extend their hand. • Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet. • Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person’s surname until you are invited to use their first name, or even more frequently, their nickname. • Dress well for most occasions. • Men should wear a coat and tie for initial meetings. • Women should wear western dresses, skirts and blouses. • Don’t be offended by personal questions. These are asked to show interest. Feel free to ask the same questions in return, especially about family. • Speak softly and control your emotions in public. Make requests, not demands. • Never bring shame to a person. This reflects on his family. Personal goals are sacrificed for the good of the family. • Never directly criticize anyone, especially not in public. Never offer insincere comments or compliments.
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Safety First Please be careful when walking at night! Travel in large groups. Stay where it is bright and have a lot of people. [Also applies to the Philippines in general]
Wise Spender Beware of people trying to scam you. For example, tricycle drivers. Tricycle fares around Katipunan range from PHP 17.00 to PHP 30.00 only. Ask fellow AIESECers or refer to other answers for a more detailed list of normal prices. Normal fares for: Xavierville to Ateneo campus - PHP 25 Xavierville to LRT station - should be less than PHP 20 since it's quite near Katipunan stretch to LRT station - PHP 17-20 depending on how far along Katipunan you are UP Town Center (restaurant area) to Katipunan - PHP 35 Also, in Katipunan, they DO NOT charge per person, they charge per trip. So if you are more than one riding the tricycle, each of you does not have to pay the driver. Some areas in Manila charge per person.
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Tricycle Discrimination In Katipunan there are Green tricycles and White tricycles. The White tricycles are allowed enter Xavierville all the way to the AIESEC House. The Green tricycles can take you up to the gate only. Only some tricycles are allowed to enter Ateneo de Manila University campus so make sure you ask the driver before entering the sidecar.
Metro Manila (in general) Download the GrabTaxi app on your smartphone for easier access to taxi services. All you need is internet connection for it! It might cost you a bit more but it comes in handy esp when you can't afford to wait long for a ride.
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Sent your EP AN and received your TN AN? Signed the indemnity form and EP agreement form? Been officially matched in myaiesec.net? Gotten the contact details of who will pick you up at the airport and the guidelines for the pick-up itself? Gotten your travel insurance? Had expectation setting with your host LC? Settled internship-related matters, such as accommodation, housing, and costs involved?
Copies of AIESEC documents TN Acceptance Note EP Agreement Indemnity form Valid passport, photocopies of your passport and other documents Visa (unless you’re going to have it extended in the Philippines) Pocket money (international ATM card if you have one) Travel insurance Clothes appropriate to the weather (shorts and slippers are okay for summer, jackets and hoodies are okay for the rainy season) Toiletries Medicines Cultural materials – food, flag, costume, souvenirs, whatever you want to showcase to Filipinos! Gadgets such as camera, laptop, chargers, mobile phone (make sure your phone can accept foreign/Philippine SIM cards) Other internship-specific materials
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We highly recommend the Department of Tourism’s website: itsmorefuninthephilippines.com. This website is aimed at tourists, so you will find a lot of useful information there about going around the country. If you want to know how to get around without riding a cab or private vehicles, then you might find ph-commute.com useful as well. If you want to learn how to cook Filipino food, some good recipes are in panglasangpinoy.com. For more general information, philippinestravelwiki.com is a good site for foreigners in the country as well.
In case of emergency: METRO MANILA: 117 DAVAO: 911
LCVP iGCDP – PROJ Theresa Savillo Cellphone: +639278778812 Email: theresa.savillo@aiesec.net
LCVP iGCDP – TN Hannah Chua Cellphone: +639173009507 Email: hannah.chua@aiesec.net
LCVP iGIP Elise Apilado Cellphone: +639209733790 Email: elise.apilado@aiesec.net
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Sources: AIESEC Philippines recepNon booklet (2012‐2013), myaiesec.net, itsmorefuninthephilippines.com, philippinestravelwiki.com, panlasangpinoy.com, foreignerinthephilippines.com, davaotourism.com, cebutourism.com. Images from the internet. None belong to the authors of this booklet. © Hannah Chua, Theresa Savillo. March 2014