Florida to Manila via LAX

[Gator]

Before going into detail I want to thank Brett for his detailed report. With a few minor exceptions my experience upon arrival in Manila was about the same.

At Orlando airport the American Airlines gate agent was clueless about the procedure and about what documents were required. It took her about 10 minutes just to look it all up. She finally asked for the Covid test results, the one health pass QR code (only looked to see if I had it, she did not scan it), proof of vaccination and my passport. She checked the visa and didn't understand how the visa could expire before I my planned return in May. I explained that the dates on the visa are the for entry only and that I can get extensions once I'm there. She still didn't get it and that's when a supervisor showed up. He checked the paperwork, told her that all was in order and to issue me my boarding passes. 

They started boarding at LAX  an hour before the scheduled departure time (13:00 hrs). Several gate agents were roaming around and checking paperwork. I was first asked for my passport and proof of negative Covid test. Then after checking my visa he asked for my marriage certificate, OHP (One Health Pass) and proof of vaccination (I have both the simple vax card that's issued in the USA as well as a WHO International Certificate of Prophylaxis....the simple vax card was enough for him). Surprisingly the flight left on time and we arrived almost an hour ahead of schedule.

Upon arrival at NAIA a coast guard officer came on board and made an announcement about the procedure upon exiting the aircraft. Having flown in business class I was the third person off so going thru the various checkpoints was quick and easy. As Brett already mentioned, the first checkpoint was the BOQ.....they asked for my passport, OHP, proof of negative PCR test and proof of vaccination (they also accepted the USA issued vax card). The next checkpoint they only asked for the OHP and proof of hotel reservations at an accredited hotel.

At immigration I was asked for my passport, Apostilled copy of my marriage certificate, stamped ROM (Report of Marriage), arrival card (given to and filled out on the airplane shortly before arriving), OHP and proof of a return ticket (first time I was ever asked for it). 

Then onto baggage claim. Basically the time it took to clear all the checkpoints was about the same as you would normally wait for your baggage as it was starting to arrive as I walked up to the carousel. After getting my luggage there was yet another BOQ checkpoint where I was asked for my passport and OHP. I just walked past customs as the officer was busy playing on her phone; I don't think she even noticed me as she never looked up, lol. 

It was about 8: 25pm when I exited. To the right and left were kiosks with money changers, telecom agents and liquor sales. Just the opposite from Brett's experience, the Smart and Globe kiosks were closed, but the money changers were open (the rate was 50 pesos to 1 USD). After exchanging some money I headed to the coupon taxi stand.....past the kiosks go left and you'll see them about 20 meters off to the right. Fare was 530 pesos to the hotel in Malate (Tropicana Suites). Traffic was light and I was at the hotel in matter of minutes. From the time arrival at NAIA to the hotel was just over hour.

The hotel checked my temperature and put my luggage into plastic encased "cage" where they fogged it with an alcohol mist to disinfect it. Kinda odd since they didn't make me go in as well, lol.  Unlike Brett's hotel, this one does allow outside food deliveries. Perhaps because they only offer breakfast (included in the rate) and don't have a resto on site or offer room service. They also offer to do grocery shopping, but only on certain days......Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday. I decided to avail of this and decided to order some basic foodstuffs.  Once I got settled into my room (spacious one bedroom with a kitchenette) I made a grocery list. I used the Robinson's food store website for reference (to get brands, quantities, etc) and once completed called the front desk and they sent someone up to collect it.

In the interim I received both text messages and emails from the lab who'll do my day 5 test confirming the hotel and later another email confirming the date and room number.

One important tip I can pass along. Take screenshots of the documents that you'll need put them into an "album" for easy access. Knowing how unreliable the internet service is at NAIA I took screenshots of the OHP page with the QR code and lower part with the data, my negative PCR test results, my itinerary for my flights and hotel reservations (I also printed out hard copies as well) and as a backup, screenshots of the visa and data pages of my passport. I was glad I did as I was unable to log onto any of the free WiFi networks at NAIA. Without the screenshots I would not have been able to access the OHP website!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 22, 2022 by Gator

[Freebie]

37 minutes ago, Gator said:

One important tip I can pass along. Take screenshots of the documents that you'll need put them into an "album" for easy access. Knowing how unreliable the internet service is at NAIA I took screenshots of the OHP page with the QR code and lower part with the data, my negative PCR test results, my itinerary for my flights and hotel reservations (I also printed out hard copies as well) and as a backup, screenshots of the visa and data pages of my passport. I was glad I did as I was unable to log onto any of the free WiFi networks at NAIA. Without the screenshots I would not have been able to access the OHP website!

Smart idea for everyone whether arriving or already here. I have an album with Vax cards ( original and booster) BOQ yellow book and Vax Cert PH card. Its been very useful when having to enter various offices here.

Its also useful to flash a vax card screeenshot at guards to enable entry to malls too.

[Old55]

Great tips on the phone album folder guys!

 

[Talako]

They wanted a ROM and an apostatized marriage certificate?  Did they specifically asked for an apostatized copy?

Strange they they would ask for both, and for the MC to have an apostle. 

[hk blues]

2 hours ago, Freebie said:

Its also useful to flash a vax card screeenshot at guards to enable entry to malls too.

Funnily enough, I just took a screenshot of my vax card today for that very purpose.

[BrettGC]

I also downloaded all required files as well.  Didn't need them really but used them as I'd saved them to a place on my phone that was quick access.

[Dave Hounddriver]

On 1/21/2022 at 7:10 PM, Gator said:

I want to thank Brett for his detailed report. With a few minor exceptions my experience upon arrival in Manila was about the same

Thank you for your detailed report and a reminder to other members that this post does have a topic.

[OnMyWay]

On 1/22/2022 at 2:06 PM, hk blues said:

Funnily enough, I just took a screenshot of my vax card today for that very purpose.

Here is another technique.  Yesterday at the mall the guard asked for my vax card.  I moved aside and said "Just a minute" and started fumbling around on my phone looking for the picture of it.  When there were no other customers he finally said, "It's ok sir, just go ahead".

[Joey G]

12 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

Here is another technique.  Yesterday at the mall the guard asked for my vax card.  I moved aside and said "Just a minute" and started fumbling around on my phone looking for the picture of it.  When there were no other customers he finally said, "It's ok sir, just go ahead".

haha... it's not just at malls or fax cards.... PAL flight from Manila to Tacloban last trip... couldn't find my boarding pass (after showing it at least three times)... when I finally got to the top of the stairs to the plane door... I couldn't find the damn thing... was holding up the line behind me... the flight attendant says... "It's ok sir, just go ahead"