PHILIPPINE II SHORT TERM MISSION
TENTATIVE ITINERARY – UPDATED JANUARY 17, 2016
INCLUDES: FUND RAISING, BUDGET AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING IS A TENTATIVE ITINERARY FOR THE APRIL 7 – APRIL 21 PHILIPPINE TEAM.
I CANNOT DETERMINE OUR EXACT ACTIVITIES AND SCHEDULE UNTIL I KNOW EXACTLY WHO
WILL BE ON THE TEAM AND ARE FULLY COMMITTED.
FOR NOW, if you are really planning to be a part of the team, you should let me
know your commitment and be doing some things already:
 Get a passport or renew an old one that will expire in 2016.
 Start getting immunizations: tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis.
WHEN I GET BACK FROM THE PHILIPPINES ON FEBRUARY 15, I WILL NEED
TO BOOK OUR FLIGHTS THAT WEEK (OR EARLIER IF I KNOW THE EXACT
TEAM). I WILL NEED A SCAN OF THE PICTURE AND INFORMATION PAGE OF
YOUR PASSPORTS BY THAT TIME.
Here is an updated list of what it seems our team will be doing. These are not yet final,
but I want you to know the direction of my thinking and planning are going.
 Depart on April 7 and arrive night of April 8 in the Philippines.
 April 9 will be for orientation and meeting the neighborhood. In the evening you
will be part of our regular Saturday night Youth Fellowship, usually attended by
50-70 youth (high school and college)
 April 10 you will be involved in some Sunday services in Navotas and Malabon.
Malabon is close to Navotas, where we will be staying.
 April 11-15 is Vacation Bible School time in Navotas in afternoons. We will
participate in this on some days, but we will be doing some other things during
the week such as some shopping, visit some tourist spots and some other
ministries.
o In the morning, those that are interested can work with our VBS teachers
preparing for afternoon activities.
o Those talented in music can practice with our music team, getting ready
for the Youth Retreat and the Youth Praise & Worship Night on the 16th.
o Also, if we have those interested, we can schedule morning leadership
seminars for our leaders and from the church in Malabon.
 On one day, probably Wednesday, we will be tourist to the island of Corregidor
and visit a souvenir shop and shopping mall.
 On the 16th and 17th you will be involved in some church ministries in Navotas.
o On Saturday 16th we will have a Youth Praise and Worship Night in
Navotas.
o The main music will be our Youth Band, but you will have the opportunity
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to participate, according to your skill level. Don’t worry. I will not put you
into a situation that you are not ready for. Our main focus is to glorify God
and enjoy His presence through worship and fellowship with our youth
here.
After church on the 17th, we together with 50 to 60 youth from our church in
Navotas, will go to a place called Tagaytay where we will have a Youth Camp /
Retreat April 17 – 20. We will return to Navotas by the afternoon of 20th.
o The focus here is to minister to the Filipino youth, but we will learn also.
o I have some Filipino ministry friends coming in to handle the main
teaching and activities on Monday and Tuesday during the mornings and
afternoons. We will be there to participate, learn and encourage the
Filipino youth. There will be teaching, games, and other activities. The
teaching will be mostly in Tagalog, but they will inject enough English for
you to know the main ideas.
o Our team, along with some musicians from Navotas, will be in charge of
worship nights on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, along with a message
from the Word of God. We will also handle music at other times and
devotions in the mornings. The exact schedule is still being worked on.
Again, don’t worry. . I will not put you into a situation that you are not
ready for. Our main focus is to glorify God and enjoy His presence through
worship and fellowship with our youth here.
o By the time of our preparation meetings in March, you will know exactly
what to plan for.
Afternoon and evening of the 20th will be for team debriefing, packing and
probably a special parting meal.
We will leave for the airport early on the 21st and be on our way back to the US.
FUND RAISING:
 We will meet soon after I get back in February to plan our fund raising which will
include:
o What you and your family can contribute personally.
o Fund raising activities at the church during March and April 3.
o Letters that you will each send out to build a Prayer Support Team and some
who will contribute financially.
o We will raise money as a team, meaning that if anyone raises more than their
amount, the excess will go to help others and for team expenses.
o At this time it looks like the cost per person will be less than $1,600 (based on
current airfare quotes, but the next step is about $200 more).
o Since I will need to pay for your airfare when flights are booked, initial team
money coming in will be used to reimburse that.
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ESTIMATED BUDGET AND COST PER PERSON:
The final cost of the trip will be:
AIRFARE + $350
Airfare will range from $1200 - $1400 depending on when we are able to book the
tickets and lock in prices. The $350 per person covers everything from the time we get
on the plane in Great Falls until you step off the plane in Great Falls at the end, except
your personal expenses for souvenirs, extra food, etc. The $350 is broken down as
follows:
FOOD $15/day based on 13 days
$195
(Even when we eat at peoples houses, I will subsidize
them from our food budget so as not to be a burden)
GROUND TRANSPORTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
$80
(This includes airport pickup, airport drop off, Malabon
Trip, Tagaytay Trip, etc.)
CLOTHES WASHING
$15
(This is for supplies and some assistance for those
who will do the work.)
Corregidor and tourist day
$60
------------$350
[As soon as we have an exact budget, we will review it with the Mission Committee and
send out TEAM SUPPORT LETTERS as needed. Be thinking of those you can approach to
help us.]
PRAYER SUPPORT:
Each of us individually and the group need to arrange those who will cover us in prayer
throughout our trip. Be thinking of those you can depend upon.
THE FOLLOWING PRE-TRIP PLANNING AND PACKING INFORMATION
WILL BE FOCUSSED ON IN MARCH MEETINGS, BUT IT MIGHT BE
HELPFUL FOR YOU TO REVIEW IT NOW.
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CHECKED BAGGAGE:
Our likely airlines are ALASKA/HORIZON, DELTA, and/or KOREAN AIR.
DELTA:
You are allowed one 50 pound bag for check-in. Pack lightly and leave room for items
you might want to bring back. Your bag will be checked all the way to Manila (all the
way to Great Falls coming back). You will not see it until you get there. So do not put
items you need, like medicine in your checked bag.
If you have ever used your bags for ammunition, be sure to find some new luggage.
Airport security often swab the inside of luggage testing for explosives. Any little trace
could cause some major delays.
ALASKA AIRLINES normally charges for checked baggage, but this does not apply when
connecting to Delta Airlines international flights. Here is what it says on their website:
Customers making international connections on a separate ticket to other airlines within twelve (12) hours of
arriving in the connection city, may follow the baggage allowance and weight restrictions of the international airline provided a ticketing and baggage agreement is in place between Alaska Airlines and the other carrier.
KOREAN AIR:
Each Economy Class passenger is allowed two pieces of luggage as long as each piece does
not weigh more than 23 kg/50 lbs and the sum of the dimensions of both bags does not
exceed 107 in/273 cm.
If travel includes Alaska/Horizon airline partner(s), additional checked baggage restrictions or
charges may apply. 2. Baggage charge Exceptions: (a) Alaska Airline passenger with
international connections on other airline(s) within 12 hrs of arrival at connecting city, may follow
baggage allowance & weight restrictions of the international airline, if a ticketing & baggage
agreement is in place between. Alaska AL/Horizon Air & the other carrier. Contact Alaska or
Horizon Reservations for more information. 3. Santa Rosa travelers can check one box of wine,
properly packaged, at no add'l fee. 4. Baggage can only be checked within four hours prior to
scheduled departure at the Airport..
CARRY ON:
Don’t carry knives, scissors or any other suspicious type item in your carry on.
Here is the standard carry-on size rule from Alaska Airlines and is similar to Delta Airlines
and others. : You're allowed one carry-on bag, which including wheels and handles can measure up to
10" H x 17" W x 24" L (25 x 43 x 61 cm), plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop
computer. At least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you.
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MEDICINE:
Make sure that you have enough medicine for the entire trip. We can buy medicine in
the Philippines, but it can be complicated. Carry prescription information with you just
in case.
Make sure you have all medicine you might need during the flight with you in your carry
on baggage.
I will have things like antihistamines, anti-diarrhea tablets and stuff like that available as
needed.
SOAP / SHAMPOO /TOOTHPASTE / DEODERANT / ETC:
Bring all needed personal hygiene items with you, but avoid large sizes. Large sizes add a
lot of weight to your baggage and can raise questions for security. Maximum liquid
volumes in carry on baggage is usually limited to 3.4 oz. (100 ml). Put larger liquid
containers in your checked bag.
PASSPORTS:
During air travel, keep your passport with you and safe at all times. It is often required
at boarding time, will be required at a security check in Tokyo, and, of course, will be
required when immigration officials check you in Manila. In Manila, a 1 month visa will
be stamped in your passport.
VERIFICATION OF ONWARD TRAVEL:
Immigration officials in the Philippines have the right to ask you to verify that you have
an onward ticket out of the country. If they do, just show them a copy of your return
ticket, which I will give to you.
CELL PHONES:
Most likely your cell phone will not work outside the US, unless your plan allows it. Be
careful about charges. If your cell phone is open line, you can buy an inexpensive SIM
card in the Philippines, but probably you will be better off to just use email or Facebook
for communications, since international calls or texting is expensive. I will give a contact
information sheet that your family can use to contact you for emergency. In any case,
try to limit non-essential communications so that we can focus on our mission.
COMPUTERS / WIFI:
There is a computer that you can use at the church in the Philippines. Also, secure WIFI
is available at the church in Navotas. You will have the ability to communicate with
home, but keep it to a minimum so that our main focus is on what God called us to do.
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MONEY:
In the Philippines we can exchange your dollars for you and buy back any excess pesos
you have at the end. Exchange rates will be around 46 Philippine Pesos per dollar.
Do not expect to use ATM’s and don’t bring travelers checks. It is best to bring new
condition $100 or $50 bills. Smaller bills get a lower exchange rate. Old bills or those
with even a slight damage are often not accepted. Ask your bank for new bills.
All your airport fees, transportation and regular meals have been included in your team
budget. $15 per day was included for meals. If we go to something extra along the way,
like McDonalds or Starbucks, that probably will be at your own expense.
ELECTRICITY:
Electricity is 220 Volts and 60 Cycle everywhere we go in the Philippines. Most chargers
or other electronic equipment will work either for 110 or 220. Check carefully to be
sure. Usually it will say something like “Input 110 -220 Volts” or “Auto-volt.” If it says
110 Volts only, we have a transformer for that at the church in Navotas.
WATER PRECAUTIONS:
Be careful with drinking water everywhere. For the most part, we will be using bottled
water. Keep your mouth shut when showering. Don’t use tap water when brushing your
teeth. Remember that ice might have been made with contaminated water. Always
check. Always be cautious. If you are not sure, check with me. Generally, carbonated
beverages are safe.
FOOD AND PRECAUTIONS:
Read the above precautions about water. Do not set out on your own adventure with
food. We will eat our meals in safe places, but there will be lots of delicious looking
things available on the street. Be Careful and check with me when in doubt.
GENERAL SANITATION:
Be extra cautious with hand washing, toilet procedures, etc. Avoid keeping sweets and
snacks in your bag. Ants, cockroaches and other bugs will find them. If you have things,
keep them in very tight containers.
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CULTURAL SENSITIVITY:
Be sensitive to the poverty and traditions of the people. Don’t joke about strange
customs and practices that you observe. Even if our church members do not practice
many of the traditions, some of their close family members do and might be offended
by jokes.
Also, keep in mind that people will be watching us for signs of American excesses and
may even ask about it. Don’t flaunt fancy gadgets and things in front of them. Don’t do
things that attract attention, like unusual clothing, gadgets, jewelry, or hair styles.
Where ever we go, we will be the center of attention. Be friendly, but cautious with
people outside of the church. Avoid joking and slang. Drug use, drug dealing and many
vices are common on the streets around our church in Navotas. Do not set out on your
own, especially at night.
Regarding gadgets and things, just be sensitive to the poverty of the people. We want
them to follow Christ in us and not our relative wealth. You can bring some things, but
keep in mind that having too much might put a barrier between you and the people that
might have a lasting negative impact upon the church. You will be there only for a short
time, so you don’t have time to overcome barriers.
In general you should eat all that is set before you in safe venues, unless you have
allergies. If you are allergic to sea food or other things, let Dale know in advance. You
will not be forced to eat balut or other extreme foods, but it will probably be offered to
you, especially on your last night. If you don’t want it, just politely turn it down, but
avoid joking about it.
SECURITY:
Keep your passport handy, but not too handy that a thief might distract you and grab it.
Try to keep valuables out of sight. Even when we stay in the church, the people around
are Christians, but don’t leave something that would tempt them unattended. In
airports and other crowded places be even more cautious. Beware that anything
expensive on you makes you an automatic target for thieves.
If you are concerned about keeping your passport, money or other items, give them to
Dale for safe keeping. While in the Philippines, we will lock up our passports in Dale’s
room. When we are traveling, Frank or I will carry copies of all our passports.
The places we are going are not safe for walking around alone, especially at night.
Please do not go anywhere with anyone without clearance from Dale. These are
dangerous places, even in the neighborhood of our church in Navotas, Metro Manila.
Almost always, we should be together as a team.
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CLOTHING & FOOT WEAR:
Bring at least 5 days worth of clothes. You can wear long shorts for non-church related
activities, but please wear long pants for all church functions. Beware of offensive
messages or slogans that might be on shirts. I think I don’t need to give long
descriptions of modest and respectful clothing. Let’s just go out of our way in all things
to give glory to God.
We will set a date for our clothes to be washed for us in the Philippines. Don’t be
surprised if even you undergarments come back ironed. Casual dress (like we wear to
church in Havre) is acceptable for all occasions in the Philippines. Bring one pair of
church type shoes. Slip-on shoes are convenient for airport security checks. One pair of
sandals, running shoes or flip-flops(Filipinos call them slippers) is good for walking
around and even travel.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
You will sleep on the floor of the church or somewhere nearby. We probably don’t have
enough foam pads and pillows for all of you, so maybe think about bringing an air
mattresses for Navotas. Do bring your own light weight towel and a light sheet. At the
Youth Retreat, you will have a bed or soft sleeping pad for the floor.
BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS:
We don’t have hot water in the Navotas church, but there is a regular shower. There will
be showers at the Youth Retreat. Toilets in the Philippines are called the C-R, which
stands for Comfort Room.
LEGAL:
Remember, you will no longer be bound or protected by the laws of the United States of
America. Showing respect for the other country’s laws and customs will insure a safe
and uninterrupted trip.
SHOPPING:
We plan to make a quick stop at a shopping mall or shops where you can buy some
souvenirs. Souvenirs are also available at the airport when we leave, but more
expensive. There are also souvenir shops on the Corregidor trip.
REMINDERS:
 Don’t forget to make sure you have a VALID PASSPORT
 Don’t forget your vaccinations.
 If you are under 18 years old, I will need parental permission letters.
ASK ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS BY CONTACTING DALE BY EMAIL OR FACEBOOK MESSAGE
OR CELL PHONE
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