When you first arrive in the Philippines. Your senses will be overloaded by the culture. Sight, sound, and Smell is the first three to get overwhelmed. There are a lot of people in the large cities that you will be arriving at. The fact that you are arriving at an International airport only increases the number of people around you. On the streets there are open air barbeque stands everywhere. Their coconut charcoal smoke adds to the charm and the pollution. Colorful Jeepneys, Trikes and Pedicabs scurry every where. Beggars are common, and you may be approached often. Public urination is common and a site that you will see every where.

As you continue to move through the country, you will enjoy the friendliness of those that you meet along the way. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance as you travel. However, the common reply to any question about direction is, “Over There” followed by a wave of the arm. It is futile to try to get additional information. The best you can hope for is a landmark which will put you near your destination.

After arriving you will fly to Dumaguete, a smaller size city of 100,000. Located in Negroes Oriental. You will notice that unlike the larger cities. There are NO traffic rules here. Except for the smaller vehicle moves out of the way of a larger one. And everyone moves out of the way of a Ceres Bus! You will be met at the small terminal by a representative from Monarch Sands to take you to the resort. Our expert drivers will deliver you safely, do not fear. Sit back and observe the country and the cities that you pass through. We will pass Bamboo, Nipa plants , Coconut trees, Banana trees, Mango trees and Papaya trees. Cows, Horses, Chickens and Caribou.

The Resort is located approximately 1.5 hours south of Dumaguete. The country side will change rapidly from bustle of people and traffic to small villages, banana tress, mountain ranges and rice paddies. Just before you get to the Resort you will pass a breath taking view of mountains and rice paddies on your right. Around Kilometer marker 42. Ask the driver to stop at take some pictures and stretch your legs . But if not we can always return another day.

The Philippines is a very religious country and you will notice hundreds of small open air churches along the countryside. If you would like to attend a Sunday service, please request upon your arrival and we will arrange it. If you visit any of the large shopping malls in the Philippines, you will notice that at 3:00pm and 6:00pm everyday. Everyone will stop and pray. Hail Mary will be broadcast over the loudspeakers. Please be respectful and pause.

You will be greeted along the way by hundreds of children along the roads that will wave and call out greetings.

The Malapalay Market is a bustle of activity every Wednesday morning. Barter for hand made souvenirs and taste local cuisine Monarch Sands offers a tour of Markets weekly. Ask at the front desk about time schedule.

Cock fighting is the favorite past time of the Filipino male. Large arenas are built in almost ever city. Betting is done by hand signs between members of the crowd. Fingers indicate the number of pesos bet, pointing up, side ways, or down ads zeros to the number. Just as when you go to an auction, caution should be used with your hand gestures. Tours of local Cock fights and training is available at the Front desk.

Dogs are every where. Most are very sickly looking scraggly dogs. If approached treat with caution. Most will beat a hasty retreat if you hiss at them or raise a threatening hand.

When interacting with the local population, men are called, DONG, women are called DI. All will speak a degree of English. Smiles and hand gestures are common. A Filipino goes out of their way to be friendly, and a negative answer to any question will be avoided. Another common phrase when you request a price or the cost of a service. Is; “UP TO YOU.”… You will know if you paid too much if they start to smile and their eyes get wide. Conversely, a sad face and a frown and you know you are paying way to small amount.

There is with all this friendliness what is called a LONG NOSE TAX. This is the fact that you will pay as much as double what a local will pay for the same item. The perception is that you HAVE more money, so, the price is higher just because YOU can afford it. If you think the price is higher then what you want to pay, offer a lower amount. This may work, but, not all the time. There is a ingrained pricing system. If an item cost 3 pesos to buy. It will be sold for 5 pesos in every little store. No store will sell at a discount. Even if the product will spoil tomorrow. It is hopeless to try and explain that half price today is better then none tomorrow. The price is the price.

Service, tipping and billing; Service in general is horrid. Urgency is never a factor. There is ALWAYS tomorrow here in the Philippines. Any Tip that you give will be greatly appreciated, but not required. Make sure you check your bills for accuracy. When ordering meals, make sure that your order is repeated back to you. Do not expect that all the items on the menu will be available. Living on Islands has advantages and disadvantages. Restaurants try hard to keep high quality fresh products on hand. But, storms, shipping and wholesalers often run out of key ingredients cause problems. If our menu lacks an item, our excellent staff will offer you a specialty item that they will design just for the occasion. Their talent at cooking always amazes me.

Monarch Sands Resort (http://www.monarchsands.com) is situated on a secluded cove, located North of the sleepy town of Siaton. Native style cottages made of Nipa, Bamboo and local materials face the blue waters of the Bohol sea. Each cottage has a large porch to watch the local fishermen sail their small Bangka boats out for the nightly catch. The string of a hundred lights fill the horizon as they cast their nets.