Upcoming Phils trip update

[Zkribbler]

At least you've been where it's warm. It's been rainy and cold here for weeks.

[Lancer]

The warmth of the islands and joy of the people will wipe away those cobwebs.

[snoopy369]

Good lord, why would you use 'packets' to make a marinara? Just buy McCormick's (or similar) Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Bay Leaves, and Garlic in bulk packages from Costco or Sam's, if you don't have the ability to get fresher/better/cheaper spices. That's all that is in those anyway, and usually at a fraction of the price ... then you can make your own combination

[Zkribbler]

Dolores makes DEEEEEE-licious spaghetti. Anything she wants to make it, she gets. FACT!

[Lancer]

Snoopy is correct, but we didn't bring our spice rack. I brought some oregano seed packets but...

Zkrib will bring the essential stuff.

[Zkribbler]

I'm wrestling with opening a BPI account.

It asks what branch I want in the Phils. Two of my choices are Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran BQ Mall. I guessed the mall. Right??

[Lancer]

Yup! At least that's where ours is. There's a third brand spanking new option that you might find appealing which is Island Mall. When you grab a bus heading for Tag it will take you directly to Island Mall, or the big Dory bus will drop you at the bus station right next to Island Mall. It's easier to get to from out of town than BQ. That said, I'd make a wild guess and assume you can switch or whatever once you get here and can peruse the situation.

We still currently use BQ because Dolores has a tricky way to get there and the shopping is slightly cheaper.

[Aeson]

BQ Mall is where we opened our accounts. The other branch is in another mall (ICM) I think. At least there is one in the ICM.

[Lancer]

You gotta be quicker than that Bud.

[Zkribbler]

Hrumph. I still haven't received the confirmation form I need to take into the bank to open the account. These guys really don't want new customers.

[Lancer]

Filipinos and efficiency. Don't think they've ever appeared on the same page before. Still, nice folks.

You're opening a dollar account, right? That means you get your money in dollars and can take them where you will to change them. I've several times gotten a better rate at the bank itself because I had my dollars in hand and was heading out the door. On past trips I've had the black market guy come to the bank, arrainged by the banker and give me the best rate, but not this trip yet.

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Lancer
Snoopy is correct, but we didn't bring our spice rack. I brought some oregano seed packets but...

Zkrib will bring the essential stuff.

I don't think the sort of seeds you're thinking about go into marinara, Lancer...

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by Lancer

You're opening a dollar account, right? That means you get your money in dollars and can take them where you will to change them.

I don't know what the heck I'm getting. It's some kind of savings account with an ATM card, but I have to pick the ATM card up in the Phils. ...And still, no confirmation form from them (although I did get a confirmation number).

What do you think of the idea of me bringing my check book to the Phils, and we open the account there?

[Lancer]

That's what Dolores and I did. Bring your ID, two pieces with picture, at least 100 in USD dedicated to this purpose and we'll supply the electric bill. Funny but it worked for Aeson.

What we do is have our funds deposited to our bank in the US and write checks to deposit to our dollar account here. Process takes a few weeks but it works with no charge. Just have to bring enough checks.

[Zkribbler]

According to the instruction sheet I got from them, I also need two 2x2-inch photos of myself.