As a regular traveller and frequenter to the Philippines, Angeles is almost my second home. So I thought I might share a few tips on getting the most out of your tour, and the region:
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It's a cash town. Credit cards are usable in some urban areas (e.g. city centres, big malls, restaurants) but 75% of the country relies on good old green stuff. Fortunately ATMs are everywhere, so go there daily. The usual max dispensary amout per transaction is PHP10,000 (about AU$275). ABC Hotel has an ATM inside next to reception where you can gtet 30 000p. Money is called PERA there.
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It's a different culture! Filipinos are a loving, friendly and humble people. They are not used to aggression and some of the more western arrogant ways, so please consider that in your communication, Be good ambassadors please, be humble, patient and courteous. Security staff and males you don't know can be referred to as KUYA and older females as ATE (pronounced ARTAY)
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Language English is not the first language, although it is widely taught and spoken. Speak S L O W L Y and avoid slang or sarcasm. It's just not a part of their culture, and they will usually take you literally. They are used to Americans English, so feel free to roll your "R"'s. It's a Carrr Parrrrk, not a caaah paaak. :) SALAMAT (pronounced like Salami) means Thankyou, and they'll usually reply with "you're welcome".
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Pace and Flexibility. Business is slow! It's not a fast-paced, express-checkout society. Expect some over-handling and "tediousness" in all transactions, especially at the shop counter. Again, patience is a virtue. They are not always good at deviating from the menu either, so if you ask for Pepperone Pizza but want Pinapple added, don't be amazed if they simply can't do it.
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Money. There are currently around 36 "Pesos" to the Aussie dollar, or 58 to the "Greenback". Most daily commodities are cheaper than the West, except perhaps some of the larger shopping malls.. There are accounts you can open with various local providers (e.g. Wise, GCash, etc) so just ask me and I'll steer you in the recommended direction. Download a currency converter on your phone, so you always know what something costs.
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Tipping - Just do it. Be polite and generous. Always work on a "keep the change" basis, especially with coins. At larger restaurants, generally 10% tipping is a fair guide, although they sometimes have surcharges already built in to take care of it. Check the bill for 'service charge'. This is a staff tip so you don't need to add more unless you want to reward super service.
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Transport. Most of our fun is within walking distance from "Home Base". However for the "less mobile", 100-150 Pesos is good for a 5 minute (1-2km) tricycle trip. Most drivers have expert knowledge of their city. Once you get out, just hand over 100 peso and you should be ok. There is also "Grab" for longer trips (akin to our Uber) and is very reliable. I recommend setting up a Grab account on your phone before leaving Australia. You can set it as 'post pay'. Drivers expect this or you can set with credit card (pre-pay) for simplicity. Taxi's are also common, but as with any other country, it's "buyer beware". Make sure you are on the meter. Blue taxi is best. Grab is actually cheaper than Trike usually and more comfy.
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Security - I always feel very safe in Angeles. Common sense prevails though, so avoid dark alleys at midnight, and other obvious risks! Bum-bags and secure wallet pockets are the go, just like anywhere. And most hotel rooms have security safes, so please use them. There has actually been an increase in street crime just lately in Angeles city so take special care where you carry your phone or wallet. Young kids can be very tricky so if some are hanging around you asking for money, just be extra careful.
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Power: The electricity is shockingly unreliable (pun intended!) temporary outages ("brownouts") are common, although not so bad in commercialised cities such as Angeles. The sockets used are normally the US 2 and 3 prongers, thus:
A B C Most accommodation will have universal sockets like C above, and interestingly these will usually accommodate an Aussie diagonal 2-prong! I've tried it with the laptop at several cafes.
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Pricing Don't haggle! These people are poor! Don't sweat the small stuff. You never know who you might offend, and they take embarassment or intimdation seriously. Yes there is somtimes a "foreigner tax" where some might "see you coming" but by and large you are RICH in comparison to all of them! Just put life in perspective, leave your ego at the airport and enjoy your privlieged holiday!
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Directions: Most locals are only too happy to help when you are lost or confused! Sometimes too helpful. Just be polite and thankful if the instructions seem confusing / conflictiong / contradictory. Most would give you the shirt off their back, even if it's the only shirt they own. Left is Kaliwa, Right is Kanan and straight is Direcho.
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Incidents & Accidents. Nomatter what happens, stay calm and polite. Police are usually summoned to any altercation, and are mostly very friendly. Always assume you were in the wrong, then let things play out and contact Gary or myself if you get into a pickle. A PHP jail is NOT where you want to spend the evening!! Best avoid ANY conflict. Leave your ego in the departure lounge.
- Passport: Guard it with your life! Make copies, take photos, never damage it even slightly. Never give it over as part of a transaction (e.g car hire), use your drivers license as ID. Its easier to replace.
This is just a brief guide. Hope you ahve found it helpful. We will do our best to keep updating this page as future tournaments roll by