Philippines

[yitzyul]

I've been there for work as well so can probably answer a couple of questions if needed

Booked tickets during the glitch and was wondering if I should keep or cancel. Cant find much on DDF.

[ponash123]

TY! I thought Chabad was the only kosher food place?
Do you know if there is any kosher food outside of Manilla?
Was hoping someone can recommend activities etc.

The food is coming from the shul/chabad. It's all one place.

Regarding activities: I didn't do much so there's a lot more but options:

You can drive out to see Tal Volcano which is beautiful. But it's a couple of hours from Manila.
There's a bamboo bike tour of Manila which is a nice way to get around and get the history of the city (it was deathly hot when I did it, so beware).
And then of course there are the islands, which are beautiful.

I also stayed in the Peninsula and had a great experience.

[zevi]

The food is coming from the shul/chabad. It's all one place.

Regarding activities: I didn't do much so there's a lot more but options:

You can drive out to see Tal Volcano which is beautiful. But it's a couple of hours from Manila.
There's a bamboo bike tour of Manila which is a nice way to get around and get the history of the city (it was deathly hot when I did it, so beware).
And then of course there are the islands, which are beautiful.

I also stayed in the Peninsula and had a great experience.

It is 2 separate places for the food, and minyan

Chabad and the Jewish center.

[efi]

Any body have any updates or TR on Philippines?

I was there a few months ago right when they opened up for travel
Short TR

Bohol: Stayed in South Palms Resort Panglao
Chocolate Hills
ATV
Loboc river boating

Cebu: Stayed in The Blue Orchid Resort Moalboal
Whale Shark Encounter
Swimming with Sardines
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

El nido: Stayed in Karuna El Nido Villas
Tour A
Tour c

[yitzyul]

Any reason to "see" Manilla for a day, or just skip?

[ual902]

Any reason to "see" Manilla for a day, or just skip?

Skip unless you like noise and traffic

[yitzyul]

Skip unless you like noise and traffic

Lol
Have you been to Cebu & Elnido? is there enough wahat to do in Cebu for 4 days (not just waterfall to waterfall....)

[ual902]

Lol
Have you been to Cebu & Elnido? is there enough wahat to do in Cebu for 4 days (not just waterfall to waterfall....)

Cebu is whale sharks and water falls they are a few hours driving, so yes 4 days is good

El Nido you need to fly there from either MNL or CEB and also you will need at least 3 to 4 days to enjoy El Nido and all the beautiful Islands

[ponash123]

Hi,

I will IH be going to the Philippines for work in a couple of weeks. After work (Manila), I want a spend a few days, Thursday to Monday in a nice location.
I need Chabad for Shabbos, so my options are the below. Any thoughts? They all look really beautiful. I'm leaning towards El Nido or Cebu.

Clark
Cebu
El Nido
Boracay
Siargao

[ual902]

Hi,

I will IH be going to the Philippines for work in a couple of weeks. After work (Manila), I want a spend a few days, Thursday to Monday in a nice location.
I need Chabad for Shabbos, so my options are the below. Any thoughts? They all look really beautiful. I'm leaning towards El Nido or Cebu.

Clark
Cebu
El Nido
Boracay
Siargao

El Nido

Chabad Cebu is not on the water

[ponash123]

Appreciate it
Really want something a bit more than beaches. Is there anything else to do there? Really would love to see craft villages, markets etc

[ponash123]

Appreciate it
Really want something a bit more than beaches. Is there anything else to do there? Really would love to see craft villages, markets etc

Anyone know if any of the other locations I listed have this kind of thing?

[Something Fishy]

Can swim with whale sharks in Cebu if that's your thing

[ponash123]

Can swim with whale sharks in Cebu if that's your thing

Not really. Really loving the look of Baguio but it doesn't make sense with our time and with Shabbos
Will probably just end up doing El Nido and laying low

[ponash123]

Well turns out there are no flights to El Nido on the dates I need (and I'm not willing to fly to PPS and drive 5 hours).
I think my next option is Cebu. Anyone been and have more details on it? (I see swimming with whales)
I'm not seeing much on Boracay or Siargao so I think it's a no brainer

[Dan]

Well turns out there are no flights to El Nido on the dates I need

AirSwift availability changes daily, keep an eye out for it.

[ponash123]

AirSwift availability changes daily, keep an eye out for it.

Thanks! Going next week so don't have much time but will keep that in mind for the next day or two

[Dan]

Thanks! Going next week so don't have much time but will keep that in mind for the next day or two

Definitely changes close-in as pretty much all their fares are refundable and people don't cancel until the last minute.

[ponash123]

Definitely changes close-in as pretty much all their fares are refundable and people don't cancel until the last minute.

Good to know. Any opinion on Cebu over El Nido?

[Dan]

Good to know. Any opinion on Cebu over El Nido?

I haven't been, but El Nido has long been on my radar.