HANDICAPPED, BLIND OR DISABLED

ADVENTURERS and/or ADVENTURE SEEKERS*...

THINK PHILIPPINES!

 *(NOTE: (As much as I hate to use the words handicapped, disabled, physically challenged or limited, I must, for search purposes use these words throughout this page so that yourself and others on the internet can find this page.)

      Are you an adventurer  who just happens to have a so-called "disability or handicap" that requires visual  assistance, or a wheelchair, crutches, walker or prosthetic?  Or maybe you try to plan a real adventure, but every time you start to search on the internet you find that the words "wheelchair, crutches, prosthetic" etc., only return websites for  camps, resorts, hotels, restaurants that are "wheelchair or handicapped acceptable".  And the only "activity" available is fishing! Give me a break! I fish MORE than the average person (much of it while snorkeling or free-diving underwater in oceans or lakes.), but I require real adventure in my life!

    Five years ago I lost a foot due to an accident and diabetes and I now wear a prosthetic which is basically undetectable unless I am wearing short pants or a swim suit. I have always been active and I have not let the loss of my foot slow me down.  But right after the surgery I would sit at the computer, searching the internet for my next great adventure activity.

    Needless to say, I have continued to travel to the Philippines and to go diving, snorkeling, fishing, spear fishing and more!  I also enjoy bowling, volleyball and badminton.  (I have broken so many "toes" on my prosthetic feet that my prosthetic maker now also places a tough shoe-type leather or rubber pad to the bottom of my prosthetic! I have the greatest Christian prosthetic guy in the world! See below if you need to contact him in Fresno, California.***)  I even help others who travel with the use of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes or other mobility aids.  And guess what... I love and appreciate the ocean and lakes even more now than ever!  True "handicapped or disabled" adventurers  know that you will never appreciate the OUTDOORS and NATURE more than when you appear to be stuck INDOORS!

    So if you have the heart, spirit and attitude of an adventurer, and your doctor clears you and says "have a great trip"**, then there is no reason why you should not be planning a vacation trip to the Philippines! (Perhaps it is now time for you to meet one or more Filipina, Pinay ladies you have met on the internet.) 

    Should you meet your Filipina and her family and decide that you are compatible and that you would make a great couple, Another great investment for both you and your Filipina fiancée  due to your handicap or disability, would be to send her to a "Caretakers Course".  The great thing about this would be that the family (and you) will be happy because you have paid for her to learn how to become a Certified Caretaker; the Caretakers course is usually only 6 months long; and if timing is right, she can be taking this course while waiting for all the petition, medical, and interview time is passing away. Also note that graduating as a caretaker, with a Certificate, is a very honorable profession in the Philippines.  Many other countries, including and especially Canada, hire the bulk of their caretakers from the Philippines.  SPECIAL NOTE:  Filipina and their families are by nature, very sensitive people.  When speaking to your lady and her family it is very important that you merely mention that "if she would like" you would be willing to pay for her to take a caretaker course so that she would not be bored while waiting for the Petition process to finish.  If she agrees, then the two of you could speak to the parents about the idea.  Such an offer by you, if presented delicately and properly will make the parents very happy and will also tend to make them proud that their future son-in-law is a very loving and good man! (Mabait).

FILIPINA, PINAY ARE THE MOST ACCEPTING,

LOVING, CARING AND LOVING LADIES IN THE WORLD!

    We all know that no matter what hospital you go to there are always an abundance of Filipina nurses, caretakers, nurses aids, etc...

   That's because most Filipina, Pinay ladies are not only very accepting of men with a physical disability, but are also very supportive, attentive, loving, caring and even tend to spoil a good man who may be physically challenged. This is primarily because for the most part, Filipina, Pinay ladies are raised to appreciate a GOOD husband, regardless of his age or physical and financial situation.  To understand why Filipina, Pinay are so supportive to disabled or aged, you must first understand that in the Philippines, they do not discard or place the disabled or elderly into convalescent homes or hospitals as is done here in USA.  Instead, the entire family lovingly and warmly and without complaint,  comes together and takes care of the individual.  In fact, quite the opposite is true!

     Philippines is still basically a matriarchal society and its customs and culture do not consider an older or disabled person as less than whole. So by their very nature, Filipina are almost always loving, caring and perfect caretakers to their spouse or relatives.  In other words, should you meet a genuinely nice Filipina lady and her family, you need not have any worry's about rejection or pity.

     IMPORTANT: In the event you wish to marry a Filipina, Pinay lady, I strongly suggest and urge you to be smart and think ahead. The entire petition time will usually take between nine and twelve months or more, so why not take advantage of this "dead time"? Due to the number of CARETAKERS sought by employers in CANADA, AUSTRALIA and other countries, a Filipina, Pinay can take a SIX MONTH CARETAKERS COURSE.  For a so-called handicapped or disabled individual, it would be foolish not to pay for and send her to a six month college CARETAKERS COURSE while awaiting petition approval, medical clearance, embassy interviews, etc.. Not only will this help her to be prepared for a husband who may need a little special attention or assistance, but it will also help to alleviate the boredom she would otherwise suffer while waiting. THIS IS A WIN WIN SITUATION FOR BOTH OF YOU!

    Another benefit which can actually result in savings that exceed the cost of the trip is that if one carefully plans their trip ahead of time, the Philippines is an excellent place to have medical and/or dental matters done at only a fraction of the cost. And the quality of medical and dental care is excellent! However, just as in the states, you should check out your health care provider in advance. I have experienced both dental and medical attention in Philippines with HUGE savings and GREAT results! Most medications are much cheaper there also.

EVEN MOST HANDICAPPED CAN ENJOY SNORKELING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES**

    Everyone knows that there is no better exercise than swimming or even walking in the water. The active and/or passive exercise one gains from swimming and/or other ocean activities is second to none.

    As a result of my being an avid swimmer, free diving and snorkeling fanatic most of my life, more than half of those traveling with me become addicted to snorkeling in the waters, ocean/s or seas of the Philippines, which has some of the most beautiful and exciting fisheries, corals, underwater scenery and beaches in the world! In some places there are even sunken ships which you can explore by snorkeling, even without the use of scuba gear!

   The best description I can think of when asked by a non-snorkeler what snorkeling is like is that it reminds me of “flying”. As one glides gracefully across the water and views the ocean community, fish and other life, corals and plants below, the feeling of flying or gliding over it all is inescapable. Often times an enthusiastic snorkeler will be in the water for hours before coming ashore.

       For handicapped persons, the buoyancy of the salt water makes snorkeling almost effortless and allows those with a physical disability to enjoy a wonderful sporting experience, in addition to providing a non-exhausting form of exercise.    

    To those who cannot or do not like to swim, be advised that due to the abundance of ocean life, one can even enjoy snorkeling by just wearing the mask and snorkel while walking in knee deep or chest deep water wherein many fingerlings, sea urchins, starfish, coral, crabs and other sea life can be observed and photographed with your disposable camera hangs on your wrist.   In addition, foam-filled boogie boards or floating boards and/or other floatation devices can also be used under the snorkeler.

       Also be advised that the beautiful white sands beaches found throughout the Philippines are second to none, and are great for those who just want to lay in the sun, read a book and get a golden sun tan!

     Of course, just as with any sport, swimming should not be initiated without first consulting your physician. **

    A FEMALE SNORKELING INSTRUCTOR IS ALSO AVAILABLE:  In the event you have a female friend, fiancée or wife who has never snorkeled or cannot swim, be advised that we can arrange for a personal female snorkeling instructor in the Philippines for her. In addition, she speaks perfect English and can also serve as your ladies guide, assistant and/or translator.  Email us for more information on this service.

    Finally, I strongly advise that anyone taking vacation to the Philippines should bring at least one disposable underwater camera. More often than not, it is the underwater photography that provides some of the most exciting and best memories of the trip. Especially photographs taken of yourself by another from an underwater view.

     In addition, the waters of the Oceans, seas and lakes of the Philippines contain some of the best and most exciting fishing in the world. It would not hurt you to go to your local Wal-Mart (R), K-Mart (R), Sam's Club (R), Sports Authority (R) or other Mega-store and spend $50.00 for a snorkel, mask and fins, and another $50.00 for a medium or heavy fishing rod, reel and tackle package. Not only will this give you another great activity in the Philippines, but if you have a fiancée in Philippines, when you have to return home to USA, impress her father or brother by giving them your fishing equipment. (This small $50 gift will make BIG points with the family!).  You can always find a pier (pant-a-lon) to drop your line in, or to jig for squids. Also, in almost every area near the ocean, you can find a fisherman who will be more than willing to take you out in his little fishing boat (banka) if you will just pay for the gas.

    Filipino Fishing and Survival/Survivor Techniques.  For those who are physically able and interested, we can also teach you how to make simple fishing traps, how to use a primitive and simple Philippine "Pana" to spear fish underwater, and more!

       I can strongly suggest that even though one may already have a pen-pal or two prior to going to the Philippines, that they do not put all their eggs in one basket. Besides, more often than not, gentlemen I have traveled with will meet someone in person and do not marry or even meet their pen-pals. Of course, meeting in person is best, and as long as you have a guide or assistant who is familiar with the customs, culture, language, etc. of the Philippines, then of course, you should get the most out of your vacation and travel dollar!

       One of the best pieces of advise I can give is that you THINK OF YOUR TRIP AS A VACATION! If you do this, not only will you enjoy yourself and open yourself up to experiencing many cities, provinces and meeting many new friends, (including more single ladies than you would ever have imagined) but you also loose the “pressures” associated with instantly marrying someone you don’t really know anything about.

    Finally, you should also be aware that when flying to and within the Philippines, we can advise the airlines that you will be taking a wheel chair or that you require a "wheelchair assist".  There is no extra charge for taking your wheel chair, and once in the airport, the airlines will check in your wheel chair and assign an airport wheelchair and a "pusher" for you.  In addition, elderly and disabled people are always the first to board the planes! (TRAVEL TIP: I find it best to purchase a wheel chair for $20 at a garage sale for use on such trips. That way, if the chair is damaged, so what?  In fact, if you want, you can leave YOUR chair behind with her family.  They will love it as a comfortable piece of furniture, and it also shows to them that you shall return! (A famous quote made by General Douglas McArthur in the Philippines). Since your original tickets already state "Wheelchair Assist" on them, the airlines will still have their own chairs ready for you to use on the return trips.) (Example: Three months after my BK amputation, I had an angioplasty to my heart, and three months after that... I WAS SNORKELING & FREE DIVING In the Philippine Sea!! (With the very same doctor who amputated my leg!)

     If you are truly an Adventurer at heart, then let's go! Don't settle for "wheel chair acceptable", or "wheel chair accessible".  Adventure is a state of mind and a way of life!  The heart and soul of a true adventurer cannot be changed, and if you are a true adventurer, you know what I mean.  Those who are not, cannot possibly understand what I am saying.

TRIPS TO PHILIPPINES EVERY FOUR MONTHS

    Due to the number of requests we have received from those on fixed incomes, for regularly scheduled  trips to the Philippines which would also allow time to save for upcoming trips. We will soon begin scheduling trips at those times of year which are most important. Such as November, February and June or July. This way you can cover Christmas, Valentines Day and Fourth of July. Having chosen these months not only makes it possible for you to say, I will probably be there in November, February or June but also allows one to say they will be there for some special day.

    We don't make "tours" per se, but rather, we just take enjoyable trips to the Philippines and do a lot of snorkeling and other aquatic activities while there.  Likewise, if you have any suggestions or ideas for us, feel free to send us an email!

    Should you have any questions, feel free to email me today! Be sure to place the words HANDICAPPED TRAVELER - PHILIPPINES, in the subject line of your email so it is not deleted as possible SPAM.  Disabled, Handicapped* and Seniors are given priority treatment!

Philippine_traveler@yahoo.com

GOD BLESS AND MABUHAY!!

To My Home Page

Philippine Travelers Remind You:

Philippines - Know Before You Go!
The information on the website is FREE. Costs for personal services in the Philippines can vary greatly, depending services needed, and if other client/s require my services at the same time. The more clients attended to on any given trip, the CHEAPER the initial airline expense, since it is divided equally. (I never double- bill!) I have even had cases wherein the initial share of the airfare was only $100.00! (Also, if I happen to be in the Philippines at the time you write, services may be very inexpensive!) If you do not have an emergency and wish my services, simply E-MAIL ME TODAY, and explain your need and state you wish to be placed on my NOTIFICATION LIST. Then I will notify you of the next travel date and the expense involved. As a General Rule, I travel to RPI a few times each year. Finally, be advised that you are now reading the ORIGINAL PHILIPPINE TRAVELER WEBSITE, and others with similar names, (even former clients of mine), are in no way connected to me or this website! The information provided herein is provided as information only and is not in any way meant to replace the need for legal consultation.

Update Ver. 2-08

* We hate to use the word "handicapped", however we must do so for the search engines.

**Be sure to get medical clearance from your health care provider, and always carry sufficient medications, as well as a list or all medications as well as your doctors name and contact information.)

*** If you wish to contact my prosthetic specialist, just send me an email and in subject line, using capital letters type: PLEASE SEND PROSTHETIC INFORMATION. This will help assure your Email is not deleted as SPAM!

(R)  Registered Trade Marks.