Exploring the Philippines: My Travel Experience to Iloilo City

Photo: In front of Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Iloilo, by Zaw Zaw

In this blog post, I will share all about the Philippines, fascinating facts about the country, visa information, Filipino culture and general knowledge, official currency, official spoken languages, public transportation, and photographs of the famous places in Iloilo City based on my experience. I’ve decided to go to Iloilo City because I think it’s one of the most affordable cities in the Philippines for working remotely. On April 27, 2024, I’ve arrived in Iloilo City, Philippines. I’ve just visited the famous places in Iloilo City, and currently, I’m working remotely from the Philippines.

Introduction to the Philippines

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. The Philippines takes its name from Philip II, who was king of Spain. The country was under Spanish rule for 333 years and under American colonialization for another 48 years. Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, but Quezon City is the country’s most populous city. The Philippines is an archipelago, also known as an island group, that comprises 7,641 islands. It’s the fifth-largest island country in the world.

Photo Credit to: ASEAN Briefing

The Philippines is generally divided into three island groups:

• Luzon The northernmost region, Luzon, is the largest group of islands in the Philippines, which includes Manila as well as Quezon City and Makati. Luzon is the most populous region of the three island groups.

• Visayas The central region, Visayas, is a complex group of islands that includes the most well-known islands like Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Panay. Iloilo City is located in Western Visayas, Panay island.

• Mindanao The southernmost region, Mindanao, is the second largest group of islands in the Philippines, which includes Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Sulu.

Fascinating Facts about the Philippines

These interesting facts are based on both my experience and articles on the internet that I’ve read recently.

• The Philippines is an archipelago that comprises 7,641 islands.

• The Philippines is the fifth-largest archipelago country in the world.

• Jeepneys are the usual public transportation. It’s colorful, a symbol of Filipino culture and a unique public transportation system in the Philippines.

• Boxing is one of the most popular sports in the Philippines.

• Karaoke is a popular national activity in the Philippines. Filipinos are good singers.

• The people of the Philippines are very friendly and the most polite in the world.

• Christmas in the Philippines starts in September. Christmas is the longest holiday in the Philippines. They start celebrating three months early and have the longest Christmas season in the world, beginning in September and lasting until January.

• Most of the people in the Philippines speak English. Both Filipino and English are the official languages in the Philippines.

• The largest and most expensive pearl in the world was found in the Philippines.

Visa for Myanmar Nationals

For the Visa information, I’ve asked Shwaid, a Filipino who is currently working as General Counsel at Frontiir, how to get and extend the 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa in the Philippines. Here is the information based on an email about the 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa in the Philippines that Shwaid sent to me.

Myanmar (MM) citizens may enter the Philippines (PH) without a visa since MM is a member of the ASEAN. They will be considered on 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa. They are allowed to enter the PH and can stay:

• (a) For an initial period of 30 days from the date of arrival under the Visa-Free Stay Program (Executive Order No. 408);
• (b) Extend his/her stay before the expiration of the visa-free stay by filing a visa-waiver application (with the PH Bureau of Immigration), which effectively extends the valid stay by a maximum of 2 months from the expiration of the 30-day visa-free stay;
• (c) Further extend his/her valid stay prior to the expiration of the extend visa-waiver period by filing a tourist visa extension application (with the PH Bureau of Immigration). The extension can be from 2 to 6 six months; and
• (d) Further extend by up to 6 months by filing a subsequent tourist visa extension application with the PH Bureau of Immigration.

Please note that a foreign national is only allowed a maximum valid stay of 2 continuous years counted from the date of arrival. Of course, a refresh period of two years kicks in upon his re-entry into the PH.

During his/her entire stay in the Philippines, the foreign national cannot seek gainful employment in a company that is doing business in the country.

Read more on the official website:

• https://immigration.gov.ph/visas
• https://immigration.gov.ph/visa-waiver

The following Visa extension fees are based on my experience and recently extended Visa fees. To extend 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa, need to go to the main Bureau of Immigration (BI) office or any Bureau of Immigration branch office. Make sure you bring your passport and then, fill out the application form and submit it. Please, also note that they only accept cash payments.

Flights

Photo: Iloilo International Airport by Zaw Zaw

Routes: Yangon (MM) –> Bangkok (THI) –> Manila (PH) –> Iloilo (PH)

As I talked in the introduction section, I’ve decided to go to Iloilo City because I think it’s one of the most affordable cities in the Philippines. For the flight ticket, I’ve booked it through Myanmar Signature Travels & Tours. It costs around 180,0000 MMK.

Here is detailed information on flights, routes, departures and arrival times.

On April 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM, I departed from Yangon International Airport and arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 9:00 PM.

Then, I continued to do the airport process, find the target terminal and get a boarding pass. And, around 11:00 PM, I departed from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport, on April 27, 2024 at 3:00 AM.

Then, I continued to do the same airport process to get a boarding pass. At 8:30 AM, I departed from Manila International Airport, and I arrived at Iloilo International Airport on April 27, 2024, at 9:30 AM. Then, I go to the rental place by taxi from Iloilo International Airport.

Renting House

For renting a house, I’ve used the Airbnb website. It’s like an agent and very helpful for tourists. Before I went to Iloilo City, I booked a shared room through the Airbnb website.

Firstly, you need to sign up an account on the Airbnb website.

Website: https://www.airbnb.com

Then, go to the home page and search for your destination, for example, Iloilo, Western Visayas. Then, select check-in and check-out dates, and add the number of guests. Then, select the rental place you want.

Then, you can book, make an online payment using a Credit or Visa card, and then contact and communicate with your host via message on the Airbnb website.

SIM Card Registration

https://smart.com.ph

I’ve decided to buy the Smart prepaid eSIM because it’s easy to buy and my Google Pixel 4a phone has supported eSIM feature and currently, I’m using it. Basically, Smart prepaid eSIM is a digital version of a physical SIM embedded inside an eSIM-capable phone. Simply scan the eSIM QR sent to your email and register at https://simreg.smart.com.ph to activate.

How to Get Smart eSIM

Buy Smart Prepaid eSIM at https://store1.smart.com.ph/view/2661.

Firstly, I’ve bought this Smart prepaid eSIM via the official website with AYA Visa card that costs only PHP ₱99, and then I’ve received the eSIM QR code via email from Smart. Secondly, I scanned this Smart eSIM QR code and downloaded it on my Android phone, Google Pixel 4a. It worked properly.

Please note that it depends on Android device manufacturers and Android version. For example, on the Google Pixel 4a Android phone,

Settings –> Network & internet –> SIMs –> Add eSIM –> Scan the QR code –> Download the Smart eSIM

Then, you will see the downloaded Smart eSIM in SIMs settings.

Register SIM in Simple 3 Steps

Then, I’ve registered the Smart eSIM via the Smart SIM registration website https://simreg.smart.com.ph and followed the instructions to register the Smart eSIM in simple 3 steps.

The official website of Smart SIM registration: https://simreg.smart.com.ph

Steps that are described on the Smart SIM registration official website:

Step (1): Get Your PIN –> Have your phone ready. You will receive an OTP when you enter your mobile phone number.

Step (2): Input Your Information –> Complete your profile. Enter your OTP and information, and attach a copy of your valid government ID.

Step (3): Wait for SMS Confirmation –> Don’t forget to save your Control Number. We may need to further validate your details or notify you of your successful registration via SMS or call.

Then, I’ve received a confirmation message via SMS from Smart.

Load and Subscribe Plans

Unlike traditional mobile operators, Smart has supported online payment options such as Maya, GCash and Credit or Debit cards to load or top up using the Smart mobile app. Usually, I use my Visa card to load or subscribe to an internet data package.

Generally, Smart has many internet data, and call & text plans. But, I usually use the following main two internet plans:

• All Data: Data all sites as long as 90 days.
• Magic Data: Data that never expires as big as 60 GB.

All Data Packages

Magic Data Packages

Official Currency

The Philippine Peso (PHP)

Photo Credit to: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

The Philippine Peso, PHP, as symbol ₱, is official currency in the Philippines. It’s also called Piso in Filipino.

Philippine Peso (PHP) Profile

The official website of Central Bank Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: https://www.bsp.gov.ph

In the Philippines, both Coins and Banknotes are used. I’ve noticed that PHP ₱1, ₱5, ₱10, and ₱20 are available as coins and PHP ₱20, ₱50, ₱100, ₱200, ₱500, and ₱1000 are available as banknotes. PHP ₱20 is available in both coins and banknotes.

Foreign Exchange Rate

The following foreign exchange rate as of August 30, 2024. This may change and please, see up-to-date information on the official website of Central Bank of the Philippines, https://www.bsp.gov.ph/SitePages/Statistics/exchangerate.aspx and the official website of Metrobank, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/articles/forex

For Myanmar Kyat (MMK), the Central Bank of the Philippines has not described the official exchange rate on the website. The following exchange rate is based on my experience and AYA Bank’s transaction logs.

Please, also note that this MMK exchange rate as of August 25, 2024 and this may change depending on the MMK value.

Using an AYA Visa Prepaid Card

https://www.ayabank.com/digital-services/card-services/prepaid-card

I’ve applied for an AYA Visa prepaid card at AYA Bank before I went to Iloilo City, Philippines. Currently, I’m using this Visa card for cash withdrawals and making online payments.

Here is the detailed information on fees and charges. Please, see up-to-date information on https://www.ayabank.com/digital-services/card-services/prepaid-card.

I’ve mentioned above that I’m currently using this Visa card for cash withdrawals. But, I was faced with the issue that AYA Bank only allowed foreign currency equivalent to MMK 500,000 per month to withdraw cash at the ATM machine. Please, also note that you need to pay 10% + oversea bank charges PHP 250 for cash withdrawals.

For example,

I’ve withdrew cash of MMK 400,000 at the ATM machine, and then I paid around MMK 800,00 for AYA Bank’s charges of 10% + oversea bank charges.

I also noticed that international transaction fees are around 18% to 30%.

For example,

I bought an umbrella at the SM store in Iloilo City that costs PHP 499, and I paid for it with my AYA Visa prepaid card. Then, I calculated and checked the balance and it actually costs around PHP 599.

To check the balance of an AYA Visa prepaid card, you can use the AYA mobile banking app or the AYA Pay app. You can also request your card balance and statement by sending an email to support.card@ayabank.com.

Using PayPal Service

PayPal Service is another payment service or option. It is officially available in the Philippines. I’m now using it as a payment option. But, currently the Add Money from a Bank account and Debit or Credit card service is not available in the Philippines.

I tried to link my AYA and YOMA bank accounts in PayPal. It did not work. It only worked with Philippine Banks and U.S. Banks. But, I linked my AYA Visa Prepaid card and sending payments with this Visa card worked properly.

Here is PayPal’s service fee based on my experience. I sent money of PHP ₱3,000.00 to my host via PayPal using the Visa card payment option and the service fee is around PHP ₱117.00.

Official Languages

Photo Credit to: Wikipedia

In the Philippines, both Filipino and English are official languages. Actually, the Philippines has 135 to 195 spoken languages. But, it depends on regions and islands. For example, In Cebu and the southern Philippines, most people speak the Cebuano language. Please, see the above photo. But, as main languages, people of the Philippines speak Filipino or Tagalog, and English.

In Iloilo City, most of the people speak Filipino, a national language, and a standardized variety of Tagalog and English as a second language. I met most Filipinos in Iloilo City. Based on my experience, 90% of Filipinos speak English. But, mostly locals speak Tagalog or Filipino to communicate with each other.

Filipino: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_language

Tagalog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagalog_language

Public Transportation

Photo: A Jeepney by Zaw Zaw

In Iloilo City, Philippines, Jeepneys and Minibuses are mainly used as public transportation. But, as I mentioned in the “Fascinating facts about the Philippines” section, Jeepneys are popular and the usual public transportation. It’s colorful, a symbol of Filipino culture and a unique public transportation system in the Philippines.

Photo: In front of Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral by Zaw Zaw

Another popular mode of public transportation in the Philippines is motorized tricycles, especially common in small urban and rural areas.

You can read more about Jeepneys at https://temboelv.com/from-surplus-to-symbol-comprehensive-exploration-iconic-jeepney-philippines

A Collection of Photos: Visited Places

Here is a photo collection about famous places in Iloilo City that I’ve visited previously. All photographs are taken on the Google Pixel 4a phone. Please, also see all photos on my Google Photos Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SJ9NYCk8so8oJRQz7.

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sBnVKL1vhWbYCVPz6

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral Night View: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mKp6bq81WfEqyjEN6

Jaro Plaza Night View: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PLaDU7X18YGXrNiVA

Evening View of Jaro Plaza: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9C3nvZHLN28hoMgs7

Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art - ILOMOCA: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nxBVtnUSSvK4HKux7

K-Town Iloilo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/onymnoUAJFeVswFf9

K-Town Iloilo Part II: https://photos.app.goo.gl/o13fpyVhLMhb65Sm7

Molo Church: https://photos.app.goo.gl/upbP4UkhAoTZdQhs6

Iloilo River: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XrtP99nNwpjpWhco9

Festive Walk Iloilo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/RbWHuk9F2sxos8TXA

Welcome to Jaro: https://photos.app.goo.gl/36YbHjeJb5fWiBGA7

Colourful Buildings at Festive Walk Clock Tower: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wg4Jbud13dmjCSNdA

A Rainy Day at Festive Walk: https://photos.app.goo.gl/B4uRPUj34RprpKTX7

Fully Booked Book Store at SM City https://photos.app.goo.gl/7ayJ8dUUYESugMwdA

Agatona 1927 Museum Cafe Night View: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SJCYfZyfvNbeJt6G8

Festive Walk Night View: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DbPj2VE7VHzkhZzE8