Depending on your Hotel, you can arrange an airport pickup. I definitely recommend using the hotel as it's safe and legitimate. Grab Taxi might be another option as the prices and pickups are predetermined (download the Grab Taxi app on your phone). If you want to take a taxi, there are lines outside airport. Ask for staff to direct you to the lines. Ask to use the meter for the fare or ask for a flat rate. Fares to Makati (Shangri-La or Ascott Hotel) should cost about $3-10, about 150-500 PHP. As a precaution, avoid anyone asking if you need a taxi outside of the terminals. They have been know to scam people so use common sense. Outside of the airport, the taxi's are more reliable around other parts of Manila.
When flying to the Philippines from the US, you’ll lose a day in flying there but will gain a day coming back. For example, if you fly out on a Friday evening, you arrive in Manila Sunday morning. For your arrival, you will want to arrive no later than Nov. 10th.
Make to sure you're all up to date with your vaccines. Consult your doctor for regarding travel vaccinations. Here is the latest recommendations from the CDC. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/clinician/none/philippines
No we don't have an official color theme. Our theme is "Tropical Chic". The ceremony is an outdoor garden ceremony so feel free to wear lighter colors as it can be warm in Manila.
Grab Taxi is the Uber of Asia. I have used them and they are safe and reliable. In my own experience, supply is limited which can mean wait times are longer. Recommend downloading the app before you leave the States as it's a good option to get to your hotel from the airport or just getting around Manila. https://www.grab.com/sg/
Generally tipping 10% is adequate but you may tip extra if you feel you received excellent service. Most establishments already include a 10% service fee in your bill so additional tipping may be not necessary.
I recommend going to local banks and ATMs instead of getting currency exchanged at the airport. May also consider getting some PHP at your bank before arriving to the Philippines to have on hand for easier transactions and tipping.
There are Smart or Globe stores at a majority of the malls. If you have an unlocked phone you can get a prepaid SIM for unlocked phones with text and data for around $10-20.
Public transportation is available such as jeepneys, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus shuttles. Locals use it and it tends to be crowded. Would not recommend it if you are not familiar with the area as it can be busy and unpredictable.
We recommend checking out the islands as they have beautiful beaches, landscapes and water activities. Here are some islands we recommend: 1. Palawan 2. Boracay 3. Puerto Princesa 4. Siargao 5. Bohol