VA Manila - Any tips for my 1st trip?

[AlwaysRt]

It took 2 months and an email to the VA supervisor for Atlanta to verify my eligibility. I now have an appointment scheduled next month for an exam, lab work, and review of service connected issues in order to start receiving VA meds. 

I will be flying up from Dumaguete, any recommendations, tips, lessons learned, etc concerning ground transportation, hotel recomendation, restaurants, things to do or not do (Manila specific) at the VA. 

I also plan on scheduling my wife for her GPC class at the CFO while we are there so we can get her name updated on her passport. Tips for getting there is appreciated also.

[Dave Hounddriver]

Just now, AlwaysRt said:

concerning ground transportation

If you are over 60, bring a cane, don't dye your hair, shuffle to the front of the yellow taxi line and tell them you want the senior's privilege of getting a taxi ahead of everyone else.  The line of people will hate you but its better than standing in the line for over an hour.

[chris49]

Waste of time. You are going to spend more on the run around than you would save on the meds.

Disclaimer: my life story is somewhat unbelievable and most people don't believe most of it or the story of my kids. As you know me I'm an Aussie. I spent 7 years as a USAF Officer Nurse Corps, rank of Captain. My daughter is active duty US Navy about 8 years service time. She's currently in school, on reserve status while in school, still on full benefits.

I went to VA Manila for something similar to what you are claiming. The first thing they did was request my old medical records and asked me to come back in 4 months, the first available appointment. Waste of time unless you have documented Agent Orange exposure. Or you have some very expensive meds which you might get free.

In case you do not believe me, join this FB group and ask your question there.

 

Edited October 25, 2016 by Jollygoodfellow
rules rule rules

[chris49]

What's CFO?

I have tips for getting to VA.

I would have tips for getting to CFO if I knew what it was?

[Gator]

Chief Financial Officer; otherwise known as your wife (at least when it come to the spending part of your finances). Lol

Edited August 26, 2016 by Gator

[AlwaysRt]

5 hours ago, chris49 said:

What's CFO?

Commission on Filipinos Overseas is where the Guidance and Counseling Program Seminar is held. (The place where my wife has to go to get the Financial Seminar Certificate to submit with name change on her passport)

Hotel recommendations and travel (taxi/bus...) would help.

At least one of my pain meds is restricted here so I haven't tried or priced a local pharmacy for them. Also helps prevent any future BS if I at least show up every once in awhile letting them document continued problems.

 

Edited August 27, 2016 by AlwaysRt

[AlwaysRt]

19 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

If you are over 60

Still have a few years and not enough gray to fake it.

[earthdome]

On 8/26/2016 at 7:13 PM, AlwaysRt said:

Commission on Filipinos Overseas is where the Guidance and Counseling Program Seminar is held. (The place where my wife has to go to get the Financial Seminar Certificate to submit with name change on her passport)

Hotel recommendations and travel (taxi/bus...) would help.

At least one of my pain meds is restricted here so I haven't tried or priced a local pharmacy for them. Also helps prevent any future BS if I at least show up every once in awhile letting them document continued problems.

 

As I recall it is on Quirno Ave. When we did that 2 years ago it was on a first come first serve basis. We arrived early and got in line around 5AM. There is a Jollibee close by and Jollibee staff will take orders from the long line which is waiting for hours. They may allow appointments now so check the CFO website for the latest information. A hotel on Roxas Blvd in the general area of Quirno Ave should be ok.

[chris49]

Sogo Hotel, Malate. It's probably 100 meters from Quirino Ave. 1300-1400 per 24 hours which is a big advantage. If you checked in at 2100, 9 PM, your check out is 9 PM the next day.

Go back to Roxas Blvd and stand so the embassy is at your back. Taxi now going south until you reach a major overpass, drop to the right and drive along until you see a U Turn. Turn back, now going back north look for VA on your right.

[AlwaysRt]

OK, update time...

I ended up reserving a room at the Atrium Hotel. p1,740/night and in between the CFO and the VA. It is across the street from a bus station and attached to the train station so traffic noise was an issue even though we were on the 17th floor. Clean large room with balcony, not sure if I would stay there again because of the noise.

Flew Cebu Pacific both ways, both flights were a little (less than an hour) late which didn't bother me as I didn't give myself a tight schedule. Parked my bike at Duma airport, they have a secure, fenced area, next to the arrivals area to park. 3 nights cost p450. Arrived at terminal 3 in Manila, taxi stand said p600+, a driver said p900, I never slowed down walking and laughed when he said it, then he said p650. I shook my head and we continued the 2 minute walk to the McDonalds across the street from the airport terminal. Took 1 minute to wave a metered taxi, paid p165.

The VA was pretty simple as I am already rated and transferred my records before my appointment, had an appointment so getting in was no problem. Was early and was seen early. First time there so they do lots of tests for a baseline and overview of your rated issues. Was there a couple hours, filed my travel pay and was done by 2pm. Got a call at 4pm saying my bloodwork was back and I had high liver numbers, In the US I would have went back to the VA, here since I am not rated for a liver issue they recommended I go to a specialist when I get back to Duma. My appointment was 22 September and my travel pay was in my account 22 October (I used to get cash and set up direct deposit when they started that so direct travel pay was already set up).

The CFO was easy, took a cab, I waited downstairs in a waiting room which played movies while my wife went upstairs and sat through the seminar which we had scheduled on the website. You have to make an appointment on the website and bring confirmation or they won't let you in. When the seminar was over, paid the p400 and received the certificate. Boring but not difficult, no problems.