In preparation to my trip to Bicol region, I took the free COVID-19 RT-PCR test at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center located at Quezon Avenue, Corner Agham Road in Quezon City. This free swab test is part of the Department of Tourism/ Tourism Promotions Board (DOT/TBP)’s extensive efforts to promote the country as a safe tourism destination as well as to pave the way to a more robust recovery of the tourism industry.
To get the swab test schedule, what I did first was fill out the registration form for the free swab testing on the TBP Website.
Click the blue button (Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in the middle
How to fill out the FREE SWAB TEST registration form
Once you click the blue button in the middle, you will be redirected to the application form where you need to input necessary information about yourself and your travel.
So, you have to choose where your destination is and if you are fully or partially vaccinated or a minor or unvaccinated.
Depending on what you tick, the page tells you whether you need a swab test or not. For example, if I choose Bohol and I am fully vaccinated, the page will be like this:
The page says “Your destination does not require negative RT PCR Test result for fully vaccinated tourists”
If your destination requires the test, you will see a prompt like this and you need to scroll down further and fill out the fields:
DOT/TBP swab test application form website
You need to input your name, date of birth, age, mobile number, email address, if you are traveling with someone else, your purpose of travel… and then you need to upload images/ screenshots of these:
Two valid IDs (any two (2) of the following government-issued IDs: Driver’s License, Passport, PRC License, PhilPost ID, UMID, SSS, Voter’s ID, TIN ID, PhilHealth ID, PWD ID, Senior Citizen ID. In the absence of the above, any of the following secondary IDs (police clearance, NBI clearance, Pag-ibig ID and the like; For Minors (1- 17 years old), any copy of the following: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of Birth, Passport or School ID.)
Remember to tick the terms and conditions radio button at the top of the page. Onve you are done, click submit and then you will see this if you’ve successfully filled out all the information required:
“Your submission has been received. Please check your Inbox, All Mail or Spam Box for any notifications from us.”
You have to wait for PCMC to respond to your application. Once approved, they will send you a CASE INVESTIGATION form that you will again fill out and bring to the swab testing facility.
Print out this 3-page file and then fill out with the required information
Getting the actual swab test on your scheduled date at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Print out the 3-page CASE INVESTIGATION FORM and then fill them out using a black pen. Once done, bring the form with you to the swab testing facility (that’s to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center) on the date of your schedule.
Here are some photos to show you where to go. I cannot take photos inside because it is strictly prohibited to photograph or video record in the swab testing facility.
The facility over there is where you will submit the form
You just need to follow the yellow tarpaulin to get to the swab testing area
The swab testing area is on the far end to the left
It’s easy to find the facility because it is just on the right side of the PCMC entrance.
As I mentioned earlier, you will submit the form at the waiting area. When it’s your turn, the staff will give you a small sticker with your name and birth date written on it. You have to confirm if the info is correct and then off you go to the actual swab testing area.
Just follow the yellow tarpaulin and you will get to the small nook where you’ll get your nasopharyngeal (nasal) and oropharyngeal (through the mouth) swab.
Does the COVID19 swab test hurt?
No it doesn’t. Just uncomfortable. But no need to worry because it’s super quick! The entire process took me just less than 20 minutes. I came to the facility at 12:45 PM, I finished at 1:09 PM lol!!! There were only two people ahead of me when I arrived. Like I said, it’s pretty fast. I think it took longer to buy a face shield and rip the inner plastics of the face shield at the PCMC entrance than the actual “swabbing”…
When can you get the swab test result?
The result will be sent directly by the PCMC COVID-19 Testing Laboratory to the applicant via email.
For tourists swabbed in the morning – results will be released on the next day between 4:00 and 6:00 pm.
For tourists swabbed in the afternoon – results will be released on the next day between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.
PCMC COVID-19 Testing Laboratory shall immediately inform the tourist of the invalid result due to specimen quality and undetermined mark.
Tourists are encouraged to follow up a SARS CoV2 RT-PCR result at PCMC COVID-19 Testing Laboratory through telephone number 02-85889900 local 426 between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
TBP website
Got my result at 2PM the following day: NEGATIVE!
Anyway, just a few reminders:
Reminders for your scheduled swab test
Bring your face shield
Do not take photos/ videos inside the testing facility
Bring printed copy of the CASE INVESTIGATION form
Bring a valid ID
Do the online registration at least five (5) days before or earlier than the intended travel date. I think it is safe to do it a week ahead. REMEMBER the application is first-come, first-served basis.
There you have it! I hope this post helps and if you know anyone who’d also benefit from this article, remember to share! Sharing is caring! Safe travels everyone and thank you for your time!
Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat
With more than 137 thousand active followers on Facebook, and at least 22 guests per tour operating daily 30 days a month, Gigantes Island Tours and Services is undeniably a giant in island tours business in Carles. I had the chance to join its day tours and it occurred to me why it is well-received.
Gigantes Island Tours and Services is among the tour agencies that provide package tours to Gigantes group of islands in Carles. The municipality of Carles has the most number of tourist arrivals as per the record of Iloilo Provincial Tourism: 36, 229 visitors in 2015. I imagine this number to have increased in the subsequent years.
If you key in gigantes tours on Facebook search box, the top find would be the Gigantes Island Tours and Services page. And if you visit this travel agency’s page, you’d find excellent responses from its clients (also a fair engagement with its followers).
Here are the reasons why Gigantes Island Tours and Services is well-reviewed and recommended:
1. It is legit.
Gigantes Island Tours and Services is a legitimate business. Guests who have availed its tours have already proven this, no one has ever reported he or she got scammed.
Most importantly this travel agency is registered under its owner Mr. Rhett Paul and has a sanitary permit to operate. Its office address is in BGC Taguig. As of 8th March, another office in Carles is in the works.
L-R: Gigantes Island Tours and Services business permit, sanitary permit, bgc office, carles office (c) Rhett Paul
2. Its ad contents are complete and concise.
All the information a traveler needs about a package tour is clearly stated on Gigantes Island Tours and Services post. The ad is open, honest and (usually) witty. It is very transparent, tourists would know what to expect in the tour and what not. With this format, the agency is opening doors for authentic relationship with its client.
The contents in its package tour ad are as follows:
Package cost
Package inclusions
Schedule
Detailed itinerary
Accommodation type and description
Menu choices
Terms and conditions
Reservation and payment
Discounts
Freebies
3. Its package tours are affordable (and competitive).
You can avail of a day tour at Php 999 per person or a 2D/1N package for Php 1699 per pax.
The price of the tours across tour agencies in Carles doesn’t make much difference so an agency’s edge would be its promos. In the case of Gigantes island Tours and Services, it offers birthday discount promos that’s 10%, freebies such as underwater smartphone case, unlimited drinks or even unlimited scallops, and lower package price for those traveling in groups.
4. It has no hidden charges.
Gigantes Island Tours and Services employs transparency in their marketing. Having this said, you can expect to know everything: how much in total you are paying and what you are paying for. There are no hidden costs and never any unwanted surprises.
5. It sticks to its mission.
Indeed, customer satisfaction is among the main goals of any hospitality business. Gigantes Island Tours and Services achieves this by staying true to its guiding principle: “Our best promo is our service.” Client testimonials back this up. I experienced it first-hand too.
I am very pleased to say that most of the staff who assisted us during the entire trip have managed to make a genuine connection with us: the boat men who helped us carrying our stuff or whenever we got on and off the boat; the island locals who prepared our food and made sure we ate well; the boat crew who threw in punch lines to keep us all amused; the captain who highly valued the safety of everyone; and another boat crew who took our photos cheerfully (and skillfully).
More photos were below taken by a boat crew:
Shout out to kuya manong who willingly took our videos and photos.
Too bad I could only tip him Php 100. I wanted to give him more but I didn’t have extra cash with me. But I hope more people would tip him especially when he’s the type who never gives any hint of interest in gratuity.
The following is a sample of what you can find on Gigantes Island Tours and Services package tour post. Note that this is for joiners and not for those traveling in groups.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
– BEACH FRONT ACCOMMODATION
-PRIVATE ROOM (in Resort and guesthouses)
-MORE AIR-CONDITIONS ROOM W/ TOILET INSIDE AVAILABLE (additional charge may apply when you upgrade)
-Shared bathroom for fan rooms (plenty of toilets)
-fan room/ first come first serve basis
-nothing fancy in Gigantes
-superb beauty of nature
-8 ISLANDS TO VISIT (depends on the sea condition)
-shared bathroom
-PRIVATE SERVICE FROM PORT of Carles to Gigantes and PRIVATE BOAT FOR ISLAND HOPPING
-FREE UNLIMITED COFFEE all the time (drink all you want for coffee lovers out there)
-FREE PURIFIED DRINKING WATER
-FREE WATER PROOF POUCH FOR YOUR CELLPHONE
-We do have a stable voice coverage both Globe and Smart- smart phones may access the web at times.
-Our boats are certified and MARINA registered, so guaranteed that it’s sea worthy.
-travel insurance
-joiners are most welcome
-travel Insurance (when you’re in the boat only)
-FULL BOARD MEALS (4 meals not 3 meals)
-GENEROUS SERVING and you can ask more for free!
*Lunch with soda
*Coffee time or milo, served at the beach
*Dinner with soda
*Breakfast with coffee or milo
*Lunch with soda
TOUR DATE SCHEDULES:
April 1-2, 2018-Overnight
April 1, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 2-3, 2018- Overnight
April 2, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 3-4, 2018- Overnight
April 4-5, 2018- Overnight
April 4, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 5-6, 2018- Overnight
April 6-7, 2018- Overnight
April 6, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 7, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 8-9, 2018- Overnight
April 8, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 9-10, 2018-Overnight
April 9, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 10-11, 2018- Overnight
April 10, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 11- 12, 2018- Overnight
April 11, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 12-13, 2018- Overnight
April 13-14, 2018- Overnight
April 14-15, 2018- Overnight
April 14, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 15-16, 2018- Overnight
April 15, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 16-17, 2018- Overnight
April 16, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 17-18,2018 – Overnight
April 17, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 18-19, 2018- Overnight
April 18, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 19-20, 2018- Overnight
April 20, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 21-22, 2018- Overnight
April 22-23, 2018- Overnight
April 22, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 23-24, 2018- Overnight
April 24-25, 2018- Overnight
April 25-26, 2018- Overnight
April 25, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 26-27, 2018- Overnight
April 27-28, 2018- Overnight
April 27, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 28-29, 2018- Overnight
April 28, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 29-30, 2018- Overnight
April 29, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 30, 2018- DAYTOUR (999)
April 30 – May 1, 2018- Overnight
Their Menu (3 choices per meal)
-Fresh steamed scallops
-Buttered Shrimp
-Chicken Binakol (special menu)
-Pork Lauya(a native cuisine)
-Grilled squids
-Grilled fish
-Adobo scallops
-Squid rings
-Fried fish
-Barbecue Scallops
-Squid Adobo
-Grilled Liempo
-Squid Calamares
-Wasay wasay also known as saltwater oyster
-And many more- for special request kindly let us know ahead of time prior to your tour schedule
Tour Highlight and Itinerary:
SUGGESTED READ: Island-hopping adventure in Gigantes group of islands with Gigantes island Tours and Services
DAY 1
8:30am to 9:00am: Meet up at Bancal Port Carles, Iloilo
9:15am: Registration at Tourism office
9:30am: Island hopping begins
10:00am: Balbagon Island
10:45am: Pulupandan Island
on a boulder in Pulupandan Island
Gaket Gaket islet during Amihan season. (This is optional)
11:30am: Cabugao Gamay
I’m glad I made it here!!!!
12:30pm: Lunch
1:30PM: Antonia Beach
Posing before I snorkel here in Antonia Beach
2:30PM: Puting Baybay Gamay
3:30pm: Bantigue Sandbar
So happy I met these travelers. Doing our last jump shot in Bantigue Sandbar
4:00pm: Tanke (Enchanted Lagoon)
Lofty rock formation in Tangke Hidden Lagoon
7:00pm Dinner
8:00pm Free time
Activities:
1. Videoke- at your own expense
2. Drinking session
3. Star gazing
DAY 2
7AM Coffee time
7:30AM breakfast
8AM Start of island hopping
8:30am to 11am: Pawikan Cave
12NN Lunch
12:45PM Freshen up
1:30PM Boat leaves back to Bancal port
3:00PM End of tour
Guests should note that the sequence of the islands to visit may not be followed chronologically depending on the sea condition.
Terms and conditions:
1. 30% Deposit thru bank and please do send us a copy of the deposit slip on our page for records and for booking confirmation.
2. Please be advised that since it is a joiner tours everyone should be expected to arrive on time.
3. 100% refund on your deposit if in case the tour gets cancelled due to a bad weather condition.
4. 50% refund on your deposit if you missed out your flight to Roxas or Iloilo and that way you can’t join the tour.
5.In line with the itinerary, it may change from time to time depending on the weather condition and there are some islands that cant be visited if the sea condition is bad so expect that chances are; we will not able to follow the itinerary.
6.The captain of the boat and the tour operator has the right to cancel or terminate the contract even though you are already in the island if there’s any unusual behavior including too much complain that can cause a delay to our tour.
7. Always respect the locals.
8. The most important rule: be friendly and enjoy the tour.
(SOURCE: Gigantes island Tours and Services Facebook Page)
Our feedback
We had the best time!
Thank you so much Mr. Rhett Paul, Ms. Sandy, manong bangkeros, everyone who assisted us on our trip… you did give us all a memorable adventure in Gigantes group of islands!
I would be happy to go back to Carles in the near future and book Gigantes Island Tours and Services in a heart beat!
(L) with fellow travelers, (R) with Mr. Rhett Paul’s parents
Client feedback
We are not the only ones who are happy about experiencing Carles with Gigantes Island Tours and Services.
BGC office address: 24th flr. BGC corporate center, 30th st., cor. 11th ave., Global city Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Parting words
Gigantes Island Tours and Services gains customer loyalty because it values them highly. This is seen in the travel agency’s commitment to providing reliable package tours as well as excellent customer service. Try to experience a Gigantes group of islands adventure with Gigantes Island tours and Services, you’d be convinced!
Ever heard of this travel and tours agency in Iloilo? How was your experience with them? Would you like to avail of their tours? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you for dropping by!
How much pocket money do you need for a decent travel to Japan?
A lot of my friends have been asking me about the cost of my
Japan trip and about how much money they need to prepare to visit Japan, and I’ve always replied: it depends.
The travel cost can be sky-high or on a shoestring depending on where you want to go, what activities you want to try, how long you wish to stay, where you’ll stay and the kind of food you prefer to eat.
But to give you an estimate, I’m sharing a table of expenses and suggested itinerary below. So ready your pens in case you plan to tick Japan off your bucket list real soon!
So you got your VISA approved (congratulations!), booked your plane ticket, the next thing to do is finalize your itinerary—Where is the best place to visit? What activities should you try?
Usually, first time travelers in Japan want to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, the current and old capital of Japan, respectively. If you ask me which place is better, I’d say both can offer unique travel experience. Aside from these two historical sightseeing spots, however, it’s important to note that there are nearby places that are equally worth visiting.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto – Nara
You can arrive at Narita airport and dedicate the next full day in Tokyo Disneyland/ Tokyo Disneysea. Take a train to Tokyo the following day and spend a photo walk around the city. Take pictures in Akihabara, visit Ueno park, observe the cityscape from the SkyTree observatory, eat and shop at Tsukiji Market or Ginza, visit the Imperial Palace, drop by the historical Tokyo Station… At night, you can board on a Yakatabune or Japanese Houseboat, drink and dine with your friends while cruising in Tokyo bay. If night photography is your thing (or you don’t want to go on a cruise) you can opt to watch romantic night views from the top of some prominent buildings in Tokyo.
I’m telling you the first 3 days in Tokyo can be real packed but fun, you better ready your feet and foot wear!
You can also try other popular tourist spots in this map
photo from JR EAST website
On the fourth day of your trip, you can take a Shinkansen to go to Osaka or if
you are feeling frugal and you want to take things slow, take a night bus. You can stay in Osaka and
travel by train to visit neighboring prefectures like Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, Shiga, etc.
See the cute school kids on the left? This is in Otsu City in Shiga
Trains in Japan are very convenient because they’re always on time. In fact, you can depend on the arrival time to know when to get off. I found this life-saving especially when I couldn’t read the map or understand the train announcement/ electronic prompter. But basically everything is translated to English so you need not worry.
Upon arrival to Osaka you can visit the Dotonbori, take a picture with Glico man, eat soba (in a bowl that’s as big as your head) and then go to Osaka Castle.
I still feel I could drown in this bowl in case. . .
On the fifth day, you can begin very early and take a train to Nara. Visit
the Todaiji Temple with the biggest Daibotsu, feed the deer, check out Nara Museum, trek Mt. Wakakusayama till dusk and spend some time in the summit. The view from Mt. Wakakusayama summit at night is spectacular because of the bright city lights.
You can also spend a day in Kyoto. Visit (a friend in) Kyoto
University. Dine at a famous tonkatsu restaurant nearby the university. Take the bus to Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. Visit
Fushimi Inari in the afternoon and try to finish hiking the 1000 toriis before midnight. Have dinner at the busy big Kyoto
Station then head back to your hotel in Osaka.
If you still have another day to spare, you can go
to USJ or spend a day walking in some parks, visiting manga cafes, shopping
in Namba or Shin-saibashi.
Kobe Port Tower
Try to squeeze in a visit to Kobe and Shiga in your itinerary. You can go to these beautiful places within a day too.
On the 9th day you can check out of your hotel, go to the airport and travel back to Manila.
Kinkaku-ji
ANOTHER ITINERARY
OSAKA – MIE – NAGOYA – YAMANASHI – TOKYO
You can also choose KIX (Kansai International Airport in Osaka) as your point of entry. You can spend a day or three in Osaka before heading to Mie.
In Mie, you can visit the Nagashima Spaland or Nabana No Sato in Kuwana. You can spend two days in Mie. Visit unique theme parks – try the Steel dragon 2000! You can also take a lift to Mt. Gozaisho.
Lake Kawaguchi
On the 6th day you can take a train to Nagoya. Attend a Christian Church near Sakae Station.Visit
Nagoya Castle. Take a night bus to Yamanashi and go to Kawaguchi Lake or Fuji Q
highlands.
After that you can head to Tokyo and spend 2 or 3 days there. On the 9th or 10th day you can take your flight back to Manila.
Dinner with Japanese firends
ESTIMATED BUDGET
Here is a table of expenses (in Philippine Peso) to help you finalize your itinerary.
I included the converted cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and activities I tried in Japan. Check the items that you wish to include in your travel list and do the math.
Exchange rate is JPY 1.00 = PHP 0.35
(AGAIN, YOU CAN USE THIS TABLE AS REFERENCE. PLEASE DO THE MATH FOR YOUR TOTAL EXPENSES.THIS IS JUST A ROUGH ESTIMATE)
Cheap
Average
High
Accommodation (per night):
Dorm-type (/pax)
750
900
1000
Hotel
1000
3500
20000
Plane Ticket:
(RT) Manila – Osaka/ Tokyo
3500
8500
20000
(ONE-WAY)
Tokyo – Osaka
1000
5000
7000
(ONE-WAY)
Tokyo – Sapporo
1500
3000
10000
Food:
Meal
100
350
1000
Snacks
35
100
200
Milk Tea
35
100
200
Unlimited buffet dinner
700
700
1000
Green Tea (Pack)
70
250
800
Kitkat Chocolate
74
100
350
Coke in can
46
46
46
Beer in can
60
70
120
Ramen bowl
135
350
500
Sushi (2 pcs)
70
120
300
Mcdonalds value meal
35
100
350
Takoyaki
125
175
203
Bus Fare:
Osaka to Tokyo
1200
1200
1200
Unlimited day pass around Kyoto
175
175
175
KIX to Umeda
550
550
550
Train Fare:
Subway
65
65
350
Normal Train
50
50
312
JR Osaka station to JR Kyoto
Station
196
196
196
Shinkansen:
Tokyo to Osaka
4200
4200
4200
Aomori – Tokyo
7700
7700
7700
Activities:
Tokyo Disneyland
2500
2500
2500
Temple Entrance Fee
245
500
500
Zoo Entrance Fee
300
500
500
Universal Studios
2600
2600
2600
Karaoke
175
500
1000
Souvenirs:
Ref Magnet
250
300
500
Shoes
250
500
1000
Clothes
350
500
1000
Capsule Toys
35
70
150
Bag
350
700
1000
Cosmetics
100
350
1000
Perfume
750
1000
3000
Locker
35
145
250
Coin Laundry:
Washer (/4.5kg)
105
105
105
Dryer (/30min)
100
100
100
You see, with proper budgeting, your trip to Japan can be economical, fun and productive. In fact, based on the table above, you can enjoy 10 days in Japan with less than 20,000.00 pesos.
Thanks to the current foreign exchange rate, you can do a lot with your Peso!
You can shop durable and fashionable shoes in Namba in Osaka~
I bought a pair of boots from this shop! It was 750 JPY
You can eat plates of sushi in revolving sushi restaurant~
Sushi per plate is JPY 100 in Sushiro Kaiten Sushi Restaurant
Or dine at a local restaurant and try authentic Japanese food~
…if you wonder about what to eat~
You can also shop for clothes~
End of season sales are the best… I got a pair of pants with 90% discount
…again if you wonder about the cost, here are the tags! Most shops in Japan conduct clearance sale so you can purchase items with about 40-90% discount!
You can also survive laundry~
After a full meal breakfast in your hotel~
Yo can buy some flowers~
and take the flowers to some shrines~
You can enjoy Japan (and any trip) to the fullest without breaking the bank. It’s just a matter of proper budgeting.
SEND ME A MESSAGE IF YOU NEED HELP ON FINALIZING YOUR ITINERARY!
I hope this article helps. If you have questions, I am always glad to help. Just leave a message on the comments section below. Thank you for your time!
