Eddie1

He wouldn't risk it Kev, up to now she is surely assuming he has good taste and is knowledgeable in all matters! Lol.

Great news Brett. Many congratulations to you both. Will be good to see you back in town.

Surely not? That means a 4 pack of beers from Tesco or even one of the cheaper supermarkets are selling at 4 x 15 piso = 60 piso. That works out at about 85 pence for a 4 pack. Don't think so but if it is as you say, wow incredibly cheap.

Hi Fox, welcome to the forum, you made a good choice. As you can see from your many replies people here are keen to help but you need to give them more information, that way your answers will be more specific to your needs. # Where does your fiancee live in Mindanao, what area? # Have you been to the Phils yet yourself and if so, where? # Is there any reason other than your plane landing in Manila to get married there? If you have family or friends in Manila then that will be a big bonus, on that small amount of money you are going to need all the help you can get. If the only reason you are suggesting Manila is because the plane you are coming on is landing there I strongly suggest taking a flight from either London Heathrow or London Gatwick and fly to Singapore, from there you can hop on a plane to Cebu. I have an American friend here in Dumaguete who is off to Mindanao next week for 3 weeks to get married, he has guests coming from the States so it can be done, it depends where your missus is from. However, if you dont want to risk Mindanao that's your choice, i think everybody would understand your concerns. Why is Cebu preferable to Manila, its closer and depending on where she is from, maybe much closer. Your travel options for your guests would change, easier for them to travel by ferry, much kinder on your pocket also. You mention 20,000 piso as your budget, i just calculated that to be 287 GBP at a rate of 70 piso to the pound, unless you intend to feed them boiled egg sandwiches or jam on toast, it aint gonna happen, you need to up your budget. If you can get your head around going to Mindanao, depending on the area of course, you can get help from her family and friends, maybe somebody has a nice garden or is living by the beach etc, they can get the baboy and food/drink provided at a better rate for sure and you will be appreciated by having married her in her own location, I dont think many will be doing handstands at the thought of travelling all the way to Manila. Also, unless you manage to get 20 or so promo tickets its gonna get pricey. Flights aren't always that cheap here, particularly if you are having to provide or subsidize them. Anyway, that's my two bobs worth, good luck with your plans.

A great choice of dog Jack, a top top breed for sure. I have no doubt he will be a great asset to the family.

It seems that the problems that tourists were experiencing a while back in obtaining a Philippine Driving License have gone away now, well at least in Dumaguete and Cebu they have so i assume that is probably ok most other places now also. I am on a tourist visa and got my Philippine License just a month or so ago and all they requested was my ACR card, UK License and my Passport. I am also certain that 'JGF' mentioned a while back that there are no probs any longer in Cebu getting a license on a tourist visa.

There are 2 separate BPI ATM locations in Dumaguete. Both locations will give 20,000 peso per withdrawal at a charge of 250 peso. As mentioned by Rooster, you have to type it in the 'other amount' box. If you choose not to do this then the most you can withdraw is the 10,000 peso option, this will still cost you 250 peso.

Great post Queenie, thanks for sharing.

The 'Howzat Sports Bar' in Makati, Manila is a great bar to visit. As JGF mentions, the English breakfast is readily available there, I always eat there whenever I am in Manila. Its only about 300 metres from Burgos Street which is a fun place to visit particularly for 'newbies'.

OMG, heaven! Perhaps we could have the next forum meeting at your place, maybe about 10am?

3 weeks ago I went to the LTO here in Dumaguete to ask what was required to convert my UK Driving License to a 5 year Philippine Driving License, was told come back with your Passport, ACR card and UK Driving License. I went back the next day with all the requirements but expecting all the hurdles/bullshit once they realised that I am on a renewable tourist visa (think its called a 9A), but no, nothing was mentioned, I was just told to go next door for a medical and a drug test, well an hour later it was all done, paid my money, given what I thought was a receipt and was told to come back in 20 days time which was today. About 2 weeks later I found the receipt in my wallet and after actually putting on my glasses and reading it thoroughly I realised it wasn't a receipt, it was actually a temporary paper copy of a 5 year license. Wow, was that it? Where was all the questions about length of stay, rental contract, tourist visa etc.? AND why did I have an appointment this afternoon at the LTO? The answer to that is that just 20 minutes after my appointment time I walked out of the LTO with a PLASTIC 5 year Philippine Driving License!! Yep, I am a very happy chappy this evening. All in all a really well organised experience, nice one Dumaguete LTO.

Please excuse my bluntness Steve but just tell them to F**k Off.

Thanks for the post JGF, in my opinion Mash is one of the best shows ever on tv, I never get tired of watching it. Once he settled in Winchester was a class act, a great addition to the programme.

Now now Dave, remember that waistband, small portions, lol.

Just because you can, why should you? I agree with Lou49, if they are expecting you to foot the bill then it should be at Jollibee. Also I would set a limit on the number in advance, ok they might still turn up in numbers anyway but at least its best to try and control the situation. Jollibee for the hangers on and an exotic restaurant for you and the new missus. Good luck and enjoy your visit. Stay safe!!