Well, I flew from Manila to Dipolog via CEBU PACIFIC AIRLINES.

First, I must give THUMBS UP to CEBU PACIFIC AIRLINES. They treated me with utmost respect and care. In fact, when returning from Dipolog to manila, I had to decline the assistance of 4 gentlemen who seemed insistent to assist me up the stairs to the plane. I told them, if I can grab the rail, I can get myself to the top, which I did. Due to my disability, they had a wheelchair pusher/attendant push my wheelchair anywhere I wanted to go, even to the airplane. Staff on the ground and on the plane were all cheerful, attentive and helpful. Also, people with disabilities are usually boarded first onto the plane and last to get off. In Dipolog I chose to board last, so the rest of passengers could get on first. They appreciated my suggestion and I boarded last. They also assined me to the first row, so I would be closest to the restroom (CR) and not have to walk the entire distance of the plane to sit down. One criticism though is that during the two hour flight, they SELL you whatever snacks you wish. (Whatever happened to the free soft drink and cookies, crackers or peanuts?)  It should also be noted that basically, Cebu Pacific Airlines is the cheapest airlines in the Philippines. However, to take advantage of their cheap fares, you must have hand-carry baggage only! They charge for your check-in bags. You can save up to 70% by paying for the check-in baggage online, and/or in advance. They also offer affordable flights to Hong Kong, Bangkok and other destinations. Check their website at: http://www.cebupacificair.com .

Further, I found the DIPOLOG AIRPORT  (DPL) and its staff to bve VERY helpful and hospitable, both upon my arrival and departure. I used my wheelchair while in the airport and had all the assistance I could have ever needed! The airport staff and porters were both helpful and friendly. (Note: For those of you traveling to smaller airports in the Philippines, such as Dipolog, be forewarned to expect a flood of porters to ask to help you. Choose ONE and remember his number! He will be the one to locate and fetch your baggage from the trailer they are stacked on. If you have only hand-carry luggage, then you wont need a porter.) Many Americans and westerners are not used to this system, and often get angry at the porters. Just be ready for it when you get off the plane, upon landing, or when you arrive at the airport for your departure.

Anyway, while in Dipolog I chose to stay at the Camila2 Hotel. I sent them an email advising of my arrival and situation, and they gladly accommodated me. I was picked up at the airport. Upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised to see a wheelchair ram at the front of the hotel. As I entered, I asked if they had an elevator, to which they showed me they do, however, they provided me with a first floor room for 1,2000 PHP per night. (Breakfast is not included in the room rate). The room was very clean and air conditioned, contained two queen size beds, clean bathroom with a large shower, in which I was able to place a plastic chair to shower with. (I am a BK Amputee in wheel chair) The room also had a big screen flat television with cable.

The Camila2 Hotel also has a great little restaurant, called the Turnpike Resto. The food was excellent and the prices were very reasonable. American or Filipino Breakfast (2 eggs, toast, choice of sausage, ham, bacon) was only 120 PHP.  Room service was also great. They had Equal for the coffee or drink. However, they did not have any diet soda. (I found diet soda at a nearby sari sari store) . Each room has a refrigerator.  Also, on my first breakfast, my eggs were VERY salted (maasin). But once I told the staff I do not eat salt, as many Americans don’t, they took note and never served me salted eggs again. Also, the sweet and sour fish was perfect! The next day I ordered fish and chips, which was good, but they did not include calamansi (Philippine version of lemon) to squeeze upon the fish.

Whenever I wanted to go somewhere, I just called the front desk, and they had the guard or houseboy get a car or tricycle for me. This was a big help, as well as a time-saver!

The Turnpike Resto also has live music on various days.

Across the street was a little Lechon Manoke stand (broiled chicken), at which I purchased an entire roasted chicken, with sauce, for only 120 PHP.

The Hotel is supposed to have Wifi, however, my tablet PC could not pick up a signal. I was treated exceptionally! In fact, I dare to say that although Dipolog did not have much action, except for a ner by Zip-Line adventure, which I did not choose to visit due to the weather,  the Camila2 Hotel is probably my favorite of the many hotels I have stayed at in the Philippines! (Of course, that means TWO THUMBS UP to CAMILA2 HOTEL, DIPOLOG, ZAMBOANGA Del NORTE, PHILIPPINES).

In Dipolog I checked many hotels, etc, and found that only two had elevators. The Camila2 and the Top Plaza Hotel, which is owned by the Mayor, Ms. Evelyn Uy.

NOTE TO MAYOR EVELYN UY:

When I was in your fair city, TWICE I had tricycle drivers charge me for carrying my walker. I usually use my wheelchair, but when leaving the hotel I usually took my walker. I VERY STRONGLY suggest you make a decree that advises the tricycle drivers that it is against Philippine law to CHARGE someone to carry their walking aid or wheelchair!  I promise to return within the next 6 months, and I will definitely update this matter, right here.

I always carry fishing and snorkeling gear on every trip, and while in Dipolog I enjoyed fishing off the pantalon (wharf or dock). The ocean water was dirty due to many days of hard rain, so live bait was the only thing that worked, i.e., shrimps, hipon) that I caught myself. Caught a few fish and a couple squid (using squid jigs), and gave them to a couple of children to eat.

My trip to Dipolog was very restful and much needed.  The people everywhere were gracious, helpful and welcoming. I look forward to returning there in the future.

From Dipolog, I was to take a bus to Surigao, where I had planned to go to make video of Lolong, the largest crocodile ever caught alive in the world, however, just my luck that a Typhoon hit Cagayan De Oro (CDO) and Iligan City, both of which I would have traveled through. Tropical storm Sendong (international codename Washi) slammed into the southern region of Mindanao Friday, leaving hundreds of people dead and missing. Luckily, I had advance notice of the storm and chose to fly back to Manila. Lolong will have to wait till next trip.

Photos and video of the above will be posted in February.

NOTE: A complete list of all hotels and resorts in Dipolog and many/most Philippine cities will soon be available in our soon to be released travel guide.

Be sure to heck out our informative website at:

http://www.philippine-travelers.com/page_3.php

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