- 93% of Filipinos can speak English

 

- An eyebrow raise after a question means “Yes.” but it can also mean “I don’t totally understand your question but I feel obligated to respond in some way.” So it can be confusing.

 

- Lodging is negotiable.

 

- SuperCat Ferries are newer, faster, and cheaper than the Ocean Jet competitors.

 

- Bring motion-sickness pills and take them before getting on a cargo boat. They rock. (pun intended)

 

- Be wary of checked-bag weight fee’s for Cebu-Pacific domestic flights.

 

- Filipino food isn’t all that great, but there are a lot of western options. Our favorites are kineelaw, pork adobo, and Rachel likes calamansi juice (like a Filipino lemonade).

 

- Calamansi is a locally grown mini lemon-lime.

 

- The Filipino “cure-all” is Colgate toothpaste. It’s like the American Robitussin.

 

- Stock up on tampons ladies. They are either unattainable or super expensive in most cities.

 

- Use “jeepneys” (like the locals do) to get around. These diesel hybrid “jeep/trucks” have a lot of flair, will introduce you to new people, and are really cheap.

 

- If a village gets a Jolibee’s (fast-food restaurant), it is considered a town. If the town gets an “SM Mall,” it has become a city.

What We Learned

 

- Beautiful people, land, and beaches. An awesome travel destination.

 

- One month isn’t enough to see everything you’ll want to see -Two isn’t either.

 

- ATM’s aren’t readily available so always be conscious of how much cash you have on you and stock up in medium sized cities.

 

- The beer and rum may be some of the best value/quality in the world.

 

- The Filipinos seem to have a strong sense of community. They are very social.