SPECIAL SERVICES AND/OR NEEDS

Although PHILIPPINE TRAVELER makes frequent trips to the Philippines, there are some cases in which time is of the essence and a client requires PHILIPPINE TRAVELER to accompany him to the Philippines, arrange the airline tickets at affordable or even discount prices, arrange housing in Philippines even prior to departure, and more.

Special services requiring PHILIPPINE TRAVELER to accompany the client are available, depending on PHILIPPINE TRAVELER'S normal work schedule and case load. One such example is accompanying a senior citizen (such as a Lola or Lolo) from Philippines to USA when the petitioner cannot take off of work themselves.

In addition to assisting in obtaining passport visas and locating affordable airline tickets (often with the assistance of a consolidator), PHILIPPINE TRAVELER is often called on to arrange trips to other cities, provinces or islands. In such cases, although there are many hotels throughout the Philippines (some not so safe), BIG SAVINGS are often made by staying at the residence of friends of the PHILIPPINE TRAVELER. In many cases, this alone will save the client MORE money than the cost of PHILIPPINE TRAVELER'S air ticket!! Most of the time, for the cost of one or two days in a single hotel, PHILIPPINE TRAVELER can secure a room in a private residence. This includes the meals, a labendera to wash your clothes (usually by hand), most houses have a maid and/or driver, and most importantly, the much needed SECURITY for the client and his things which comes with staying at a private residence. (Clients can bring their own padlock if they wish, for the door to their room.)

In many cases, after making the first trip with PHILIPPINE TRAVELER to the residence of his friends, the client will also make friends with the family, and will often return at a later date, alone, and again stay at the same residence. This is because (1) The client now has become friends with the family; (2) The client now feels both "safe" and "familiar" with the people and area; (3) In most cases there is a telephone or cellular at the residence, allowing for convenient contact to the states if necessary (remember that Philippines is NOT like USA, and telephones are still quite rare!); (4) The client saves BIG MONEY by staying at the private residence over staying at a hotel or pension house. Usually, (basically the cost of staying at a regular home is the same for ONE MONTH to the private home owner, as it would be for one or two days at a hotel!!) For more information, ask PHILIPPINE TRAVELER. Also, in many areas there are no hotels, or the hotels are NOT what an American would want to stay in or feel comfortable sleeping or leaving their belongings in while they journey out; (5) During the first trip with PHILIPPINE TRAVELER, the friends who own the private residence and/or their maid or cook, are already familiar with the clients palette and the types of foods enjoyed by the client. This is often a major concern for Americans traveling to the Philippines. (6) Many of these private residence have installed a regular "shower" for the American visitors. (Most places in Philippines use a "tabo bath", similar to what we call a sponge bath, a bucket, face towel and soap).

Usually, the owners of the private residence are for the most part, well to do by local standards so that when the client resides there, (it greatly adds to the clients credibility when he meets or entertains a lady), and the host family almost ALWAYS know so many of the single ladies in the area, as well as knowing the families for so long that if the client wishes information on a lady they may wish to court, the owner of the private residence usually already knows everything about the lady and/or her family, or with minimum efforts can learn all the client wishes to know about her! Be advised that in MANY cases wherein PHILIPPINE TRAVELER has accompanied a client to meet a pen-pal, the client instead has met and married a local girl whom he meets in person living near the residence! You may have been writing to a pen pal for a long time, but when you are there in person and happen to see a beautiful lady in the market place, an office, working in a store, or even a maid, you are following your heart and not your pen or keyboard! Such introductions are easily arranged if you find someone you are interested in but don’t know the customs, culture or language.

Most of the host families have one or more members who speak very good English, most having college degrees and even family members or relatives who reside in the states.

Probably one of the most important facets of PHILIPPINE TRAVELER'S special services, is having someone with you not only to act as a guide (and even photographer and videographer for you, ha ha), but to have someone who understands the customs, language, sensitivities, dating rules, expectations and procedures, as well as someone who knows what documents must be obtained and how and where to obtain those documents needed for the filing of a fiance’ or spousal petition. PHILIPPINE TRAVELER also takes most of the required blank forms with him at all times.

It is important to note that Filipina, Pinay, Asian ladies are VERY sensitive, and there are many customs, words and phrases that we use here in USA, which would actually be controversial, insulting and in some cases even dirty (called "bastos"). Many an American or Canadian has lost the love of his life due to his ignorance of such mistakes. Even simple finger and/or facial signals or expressions have special meanings there, some of which are the worst possible insults of all, which we use every day here. (For more information on such interpretations, contact PHILIPPINE TRAVELER by e-mail.) It is therefore very wise to have someone present who can help not only with introductions to local ladies during vacation, or even their pen-pals, but also to help communicate with the parents and family of the fiancée - lady. It is also VERY IMPORTANT to know that in most cases, when you marry a Filipina, Pinay girl or lady (babae), YOU ARE MARRYING THE FAMILY, not just the lady! Be prepared to "court" her family, and this involves an entirely new set of rules, expectations, problems and even gifts (called “pasalubong”). If you marry a Filipina, Pinay, You should also be prepared to allow her to send a small amount (even $100.00) home to her family each month to assist her family. By Philippine culture, it is expected that if God has blessed the daughter with the opportunity to meet a good husband and go abroad, then it is her "duty" to help her family. Many Americano men are not ready for this caveat or expectation. In most cases, if the American husband does not allow the Filipina, Pinay wife to send money home, she will be considered a bad and ungrateful daughter, and her failure to do so could also serve as an embarrassment to her family in the Philippines. One simple way to handle this is to allow the Filipina, Pinay, asawa (wife) to work a simple job in states, and to allow her to send money home from her own income. This usually works quite well. (NOTE: By the way, when you bring your new wife or fiancée to the states, be sure to apply for permission for her to work if she wishes to).  We are aware of cases where the American man refuses to allow her to send money home to her family, resulting in a wife who is not happy, pouting, and bad attitude.

Long and the short of it is..... at the very least, you can expect to have one of the greatest vacations of your life!!

*** BE SURE TO BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AS A FAVORITE NOW!!

OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE AND FREQUENTLY SOUGHT INCLUDE (but are not limited to) THE FOLLOWING:

In many cases we are contacted to provide other services in the Philippines for Americans and/or their Filipina, Pinay pen-pals, fiancée's or spouses.

Some of these services include, but are not limited to, running errands, making videos or photographs, gathering official documents (especially for immigration related petitions), verification or confirmation of certain facts, claims or situations, purchasing of food, and purchasing and delivering flowers or floral arrangements for birthdays, holidays, funerals, etc., as well as other emergency services.

In some cases, our people in the Philippines can also accompany the Filipina to locations and/or governmental agencies for appointments and/or to assist in gathering or obtaining necessary documents. This is especially helpful in cases wherein the Filipina, Pinay are simple people from the province, or in cases where the American simply wants to see that things are done right and at true costs or expense. (Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous ladies who try to take advantage of American generosity and gullabilities. Example, falsely claiming they need hundreds or even thousands of dollars for passports, visas and other documents, etc.)

We have also provided services wherein we have confirmed, verified and/or disproved amounts and needs regarding claimed needs for school, college, hospitals, medical, dental, death, funeral, travel and other expenses.

In some cases we have even been asked to purchase large amounts of food and deliver it to the family of a loved one as a surprise from the American client. Since so many Filipina, Pinay claim extreme poverty (in many cases honestly), the American wants to know that his money is being spent EXACTLY on what he intends it, as well as in many cases to make it a pleasant surprise for the fiancé and her family. One must understand that in the Philippines, rice and food are most important and are the one thing that no family can have to much of. Flowers and floral bouquets are ok for special occasions such as graduations, funerals, birthdays and the like, but food and groceries will last much longer and will benefit the entire family for a much longer period of time. (It will also serve to have the family declare the person sending it as “Mabait”, or a good and generous man.)

One example of a food delivery is a case in Mindinao where our people were retained and delivered what amounts to a two-month food supply to his pen-pals family. The elderly mother was home when they arrived. Our smiling ladies delivered a written message from the American client, along with all the foods and groceries. She was so happy she cried, and later, when the American traveled to the Philippines , he had already won over the parents and family by his generosity in that one surprise. The family always proclaiming that he was so “mabait” (good and generous). Through this act the parents also knew that their daughter would never go hungry and that he would always think of her and her family after they married.

BE ADVISED that one of the most frequently reported problems we hear of is where the guy buys his lady a CD-Player, stereo, cellular phone, jewelry, etc., only to have the Filipina later take it to a pawn shop. Lesson, just be careful and logical in what you send or buy. The exception to this is usually the engagement ring (we have actually delivered many engagement rings to fiancé's for clients, wherein at the time of delivery we call the client from the Filipina’s house or location and let the client speak to and/or propose to her on the phone at the same time we deliver the ring… VERY ROMANTIC and a real winner!)

In almost all cases, in the Philippines , when you want to win the approval of the family for marriage, you court the parents as much (or more) than the Filipina, Pinay herself. This is also a major part of Filipino culture and custom. You must also be aware that most parents are really worried that their daughter and husband may forget them once she gets to United States. When marrying a Filipina you should be ready to send her family a monthly “baon” or allowance. Be prepared to send them at least $100.00 per month if possible, for this is the duty of a good daughter and son-in-law. (This will also insure that both you and your wife will always be special and treated like royalty whenever you return to visit the in-laws in the Philippines. Similarly, it would be considered a “shame” on the daughter to not help her family.)

Should you require such services, just e-mail us and we will tell you if we have someone in the city or province in which you are seeking the assistance. We have people in most provinces or cities.

In some cases your timing might even be just prior to our departure to Philippines, which could substantially reduce the cost.

IF YOU NEED A TRAVEL COMPANION OR GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES

Although we have been accompanying travelers to the Philippines for many years, recent political and rebel problems in the Philippines has greatly increased the number of requests we receive from American men who wish to have a guide or companion accompany them to the Philippines. (Recent kidnappings and killings of foreigners has prompted this increase, and has even resulted in the US State Department issuing a travel warning for travel to and within the Philippines .)

(NOTE: We highly suggest you be sure to check online for current travel warnings issued by US State Department at: http://travel.state.gov/ to obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines. See also: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2190.html. You may also wish to use one or more of the leading search engines to check for recent news articles on possible problems in the area/s you are considering travel to.) In addition, in most cases, when a Filipina wants you to visit her area, they will almost always claim that their area is safe, even if you find it listed in the State Departments warning! (When traveling abroad, you have to remember that YOU will stick out in the crowd, usually having different color eyes, skin and physical features, unlike the young lady.)

The reasons for this increase in requests are varied. Primarily because many men realize the importance of having someone with them who (1) knows the geographical area and travel routes and resources (such as airplanes, buses, ferry boats, hydrofoils, jeepneys, even taxi’s, banka’s, etc.); (2) understands the customs and cultures; (3) speaks the language; (4) who knows what documents and evidences are needed for the petition and how and where to get them; (5) assist with petition preparation; and (6)   provides additional security when traveling or associating within the Philippines, especially in provincial areas and/or enjoying the vibrant night life in the cities*.

Individuals who choose to utilize this service will often have a choice of staying at hotels or staying at the residences of family or friends of ours in the Philippines . (This can result in BIG SAVINGS! In most cases, saving more than the cost of our ticket!) In addition, we know many romantic and safe spots, resorts, islands and activities where we can guide and accompany you and your Filipina, Pinay pen-pal, fiancée or wife.

FIANCÉ OR SPOUSAL PETITIONS

   One of the most often needed and most important services we provide is assistance in preparation of the fiancé or spousal petition. When filing such immigration petitions, it is very important that you obtain and prepare all the required official documents, passport, affidavits, photos and other evidences required by the government, otherwise your petition and/or her visa will be denied, (and your funds are not refundable). We pride ourselves on being able to gather these documents, no matter what the city or province, in a quick and efficient manner, due to extensive experience in this field. This enables our clients and their fiancé to have more QUALITY time together, while we obtain, gather and assist the fiancée in collecting the necessary and required documentation for the petition and/or the U.S. Embassy.

   When traveling to Philippines , for your convenience we always carry complete sets of most immigration petitions and forms, saving much time and expediting the petition preparation process.

 IN ADDITION: For clients who have traveled with us, and who’s petitions we have assisted with, we are also available to travel to Philippines, obtain the ladies airline tickets, and accompany her embassy and subsequently to USA . This is a very important and often requested service, since most of our clients have a regular job and have usually used their vacation time during their first trip to the Philippines to meet their Filipina, Pinay pen-pal or fiancée. Therefore they cannot get away from their job again to accompany her to the U.S. Embassy, St. Luke’s Hospital, or to accompany her to USA.

We have also carried those very private and necessary documents needed at the time of the interview and required for the affidavit of support. For more on this, see the  SCAMS, WARNINGS & UPDATES PAGE, Under the section "THE SCAM    BEWARE - A WELL PLANNED DIVORCE!" which deals with your very private documents.

Most Filipina are very nervous or scared at the thought of traveling to US, usually this is not only their first time to travel out of their country, but also to travel away from their family! Even going through immigration upon arrival in the states can be a very scary and traumatic experience to most Filipina, not to mention the huge international airports they must travel through.

We can also provide snorkel and other sports gear. With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has some of the world’s most beautiful and bountiful beaches, as well as some of the worlds best scuba diving and snorkeling sites! Many of the best sites which are NOT frequented by western travelers or even found on most maps. (Wanna play “Survivor” for real? We can take you there! Ha, Ha!) There are also many smaller, exotic and romantic islands with little or no electricity, no cars, and where the only access is by small pump boats (called “banka”).

We love swimming with giant whale sharks, sea turtles, etc. with the most romantic sunsets, night skies, and morning (this is when we love to go swimming, at first light!) In addition, don’t forget that the Philippines also has some of the world’s biggest and most active volcano’s such as Pinatubo and Mayan Volcano (both currently active). Let’s not forget Tagaytay which is now a lake resort. Discount airline tickets from any city can be purchased from our consolidator. In addition, in most cases, instead of sitting in the uncomfortable airports with the masses, we will enjoy the comforts of the private lounges, which also include free foods and drinks. This is possible due to our high frequent flyer status. Because we have family and friends in Philippines , our services for guide and companion is only cost of the ticket plus $500.00. Cost is dependant upon dates traveled, as well as whether or not we already have another trip already scheduled. Why are our services so inexpensive? Simple, it’s because whenever we travel there, we also get to see our friends or family at some point! That’s it! (And if you happen to wish to travel at a time when we are already scheduled to go, you won’t even have to pay full price of the ticket!) .

Average trip is usually one to three weeks, but may vary according to your schedule.

Well, there you have it! Be sure to read the rest of the website, there’s lots of educational and great stuff in these pages!    Should you require any of our services, just e-mail us today! References are readily available upon request.

*    Such as Manila, Makati, Angeles City, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, Dumaguette, Legaspi, Loag, Dagupan, San Fernando, and more.

Philippine_traveler@yahoo.com