Philippines

PARENT VISION TRIP INFO

AIRPORT

You will be flying into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines, and coming alongside our ministry partner in Manilla, Philippines. DO NOT PURCHASE your plane ticket until the trip has been green lighted. Once it is green lighted, you will receive the arrival and departure windows from your Admissions Advisor to know when to book your flight, as well as where you will be meeting the other participants.

TRANSPORTATION

The ministry has arranged your pickup and drop off from the airport.

Taxis are not the most reliable, cheapest, or lowest risk transportation in the Philippines. You will want to download the "Grab" App. This app uses wifi to enable you to request a trusted Grab driver to pick you up and take you to your destination. Confirm that your credit card is your primary method of payment so that you don't have to pay with cash. This will help daily transportation greatly. Make sure you are signed in and the account is active BEFORE you leave the States.

MEETING LOCATION

You will be picked up at the airport.  Details related to timing are in your greenlight email.

MINISTRY

You will be serving with one of Adventure's long-term ministry partners, Kids International Ministries (KIM). 

KIM exists to break the cycle of poverty, under-education, and neglect by breaking the cycle when they are young. They desire to help the Filipino children they serve to honor God in their everyday lives, creating an environment that cares for their spiritual, educational, physical, and emotional needs. 

During your PVT, you will be involved in the following ministry activities:

Children's Home - Interacting and playing with the kids, helping the caregivers.

Community Feeding - These are feedings in the poor communities around their ministry center. The key here is building relationships with people. You can plan on playing games, singing songs, and getting to know the families in the area.

Pregnancy Clinic - KIM does checkups for around 50 pregnant moms each week and you will help with blood pressure, fetal heart monitor (with training) and can help give out eggs and vitamins.

High School Construction Project - KIM is just at the beginning of building a high school and your presence there will bring a huge lift towards completing this project.

Grade School Party - This will be planned and organized by you and your Racers for after class finishes on Friday evening. Previous teams have done karaoke, BBQ, movie, swim, etc.

PACKING - CLOTHING 

• MEN:

  • • • Shorts  are acceptable but will need to be knee-length

      • Tank tops or sleeveless shirts are not acceptable

      • You should wear a shirt at all times unless sleeping. (Even when doing manual labor, working out, etc.)

      • We recommend you wear closed-toe shoes when in public

• WOMEN:

• • • Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be at least knee length. Loose fitting pants are acceptable

    • Sleeveless shirts are not acceptable

    • Leggings may only be worn for warmth or under shorts or skirts that would meet the requirements without the leggings. No yoga pants.

    • Sheer or see through clothing is not appropriate at any time.

    • Be cautious of loose, flowy clothing that hangs off shoulders, shows bra straps or falls down when you bend over.

    • We recommend you wear closed-toe shoes when in public

Please be sure to check out the general packing guidelines found in the Personal Preparation section of the Trip Preparation tab.

It is important to remember that when you are on the field ministering, you are representing God, Adventures in Missions, and local missionaries. Modesty is the key to all clothing you decide to bring with you. We call parents to a higher standard than Racers. If you are questioning whether or not you should bring it, then leave it at home. 

LODGING

You will be staying on-site at KIM's bunk-style volunteer housing. Sheets, pillows, and towels are provided.

FOOD / WATER / COFFEE

All meals will be provided by KIM. There will also be coffee and tea available.

WIFI / INTERNET

There is WiFi available at the volunteer house.

NON-MINISTRY DAY

You will have the majority of your final full day on the PVT to spend with your Racer exploring Manilla and the surrounding areas.  Some people go off on their own with their Racer, while others plan excursions or tours with other families. Please do not plan anything until you talk to your Racer. All free day expenses will need to be paid with personal money (with the exception of breakfast). There is a possibility for a final worship session this evening. The schedule is still being worked on. We will let you know upon arrival when the final worship session will take place so you can plan accordingly. 

Here are some options below:

• • Green Hills Shopping District, Massage Parlors (safe and legitimate ones), Nail Salons, Movie Theaters, Boardwalk, Ice Skating, Bowling, Shark & Sting Ray Encounter, Fort Santiago, National Museum of the Philippines, Historical Art Museum, Art in Island Interactive Museum, Marikini Shoe Museum, etc.

MORE CULTURE INFO

LANGUAGE

Tagalog is the official language of the Philippines, however English is widely spoken and understood through many parts.  Here are a few words/phrases that will be helpful for your visit:

• • Hello po: Hello 

  • Kumastka: How are you?

  • Mabuti: I am fine

  • Ano ang pangalan mo: What is your name?

  • Ako: I am….

  • Maganda…Beautiful

  • Ignat: Take care! 

  • Paalam: Goodbye!

  • Masarap ang ipis: The cockroach is delicious!

GREETINGS

• • Men greeting men-handshakes are the norm.

  • Women greeting women- a light tapping of the cheeks or “air kiss” (known as the “Beso-Beso”) is common but not expected when meeting for the first time.

  • Handshakes work in all settings both formal and informal (and when one is unsure) “Eyebrow flash" -- a quick lifting of eyebrows is a Filipino greeting

THE PEOPLE

• • Filipinos are an extremely friendly, hospitable and approachable people who truly live by the country's motto that “everything is more fun in the Philippines.” 

  • There is deep appreciation for Americans, as the country helped bring them to liberation. Knowing that one is American might create a strong sense of excitement and friendliness.

  • Filipinos enjoy sharing experiences together and often travel in pairs or groups.  

RELIGIONS

• • More than 90 percent of the population is Catholic. 

  • Other religions include Islam, Mormonism, Church of Iglesia Ni Cristo, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

  • A small percentage identify as Protestant and non-denominational Christian. 

FOOD

• • Filipinos are extremely proud of their food and use it as an opportunity to gather, socialize, and celebrate. 

  • Popular dishes include adbo, sinigang, pancit, lumpia, and halo-halo.  

  • Balut (chicken embryo) is a common treat and one often eaten for celebration (and to shock foreigners). 

CULTURE

• • A combination of both Eastern and Western cultures, the Filipino culture has a strong emphasis on family and community. 

  • In the Filipino culture being late is normal and totally acceptable. Being half hour late is very common when meeting a friend or even in business meetings. 

  • Speech and body language is very important in the Philippines.  If Filipinos don't understand a question, they open their mouths. Raised eyebrows signify recognition and agreement.

  • Laughter may convey pleasure or embarrassment; it is commonly used to relieve tension.

TABOOS

• • Body language is very important in the Philippines. 

  • Standing with your hands on your hips means you are angry or boastful. 

  • It’s offensive to curl to beckon by curling your index finger back and forth.  Instead, to beckon, extend arm, palm down, moving fingers in scratching motion. 

  • Never directly criticize anyone, especially in public. Never offer insincere comments or compliments.

TIPPING

• • The Philippines is traditionally a non-tipping culture.  If there is no service charge a tip is not necessary, but welcome.

  • If you are tipping, generally 20-50 pesos is an acceptable amount in restaurants.

  • When traveling in a taxi, rounding up is common, so if the fare is 88 pesos, they will give the driver 100.  Additional tips for longer distances are common and range from 20-50 pesos.

CLIMATE

• • The Philippines is a hot, humid, and tropical climate with three main seasons: hot dry season (March to May), rainy season (June to November) and the cool dry season (December to February.

  • Average temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

HOLIDAYS

• • The Day of Valor April 9, 2016

  • Labor Day May 1, 2016

  • Independence Day June 12, 2016

  • Manila Day June 24, 2016