Trip to Negros Occ. for training with Grandmaster Nene Tortal Sr.

[Kali Cowboy]

Big time fun and adventure are being planed and looked forward to, here in Hollister, Florida. I just finalized my plans with Grandmaster for training with him in March of 09. I know a lot of you are either from the Philippines or have been there many times, but it is a big deal for me! I have never been out of the country except to go surfing in Mexico or sight seeing in Canada (once).

My wife is sooooo jealous, she cannot make the trip, though she is a world traveler. I have my passport, shot records, plane flights and am working on the hotel accomidations. I hope to be spending some time at the Grandmasters house so I need to get with him before I book my room.

Please you guys, I am not bragging or rubbing things in, it is just a MAJOR event in my life. I am a midwestern farm boy, who spent some time in LA (pure hell) and now reside back in the country. My friends on FMA talk that have been to my place will tell you.....Steve lives a long place from nowhere.

Any help with planning, places to go, things I have not thought of or just words of encouragment are welcome here.

Please tell me of your first trip to the Philippines, or if you are from there, tell me about your first trip to the states!

God Bless,

Stephen Shy
DTD Florida

[medic]

I for one am jealous, and when you come down to visit I am not going to let you forget.

[Kali Cowboy]

I will see you soon, we will have lots of fun training!

[Brian R. VanCise]

Hey Stephen,

Lucky you what a treat! http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

The first time I really left the UK was to do 6 months training in the States. My Sifu's gym was in West Hollywood. That really was a culture shock coming from the UK!

I vividly remember one seminar we were practising hook defense out in the parking lot due to the numbers. On the other side of the fence was gay pride and about 4000 guys bopping along to techno! They were sure having a good time in the afternoon whilst I was getting kicked and punched!

I had a great time in the US and met some great people. That trip really swayed my thinking into not wanting to return to an office somewhere and I was lucky enough to egt a world travel ticket the following year. I have now lived 6 years in Asia. The first 3.5 being in Taiwan and I am now "Settled" here in the Philippines.

When I first arrived here I was surprised by how many western outlets they had (resturants, stores, etc), that the majority of people spoke English or could understand English (and not be shy about it like in Taiwan) so I could read a menu again!

I'm sure you'll have a great trip and feel free to give me a shout if you're passing through Manila.

Simon.

[Kali Cowboy]

Simon,
Thanks for the reply. I am landing in Manila and Grandmaster is talking about picking me up there and taking the boat back to Negros. He say we will do a little sight seeing befor we begin our training. May be we can hook up while I am there. We will keep in touch via PM, OK?

Thanks for the story about your trip, it must have been very different with "The Guys" next door! LOL

Stephen

[KMAA]

Guro Shy,

It was a pleasure to chat with you at the tournament. By the way, I sent you an e-mail. Did you receive it?

Patrick

[silat1]

Stephen,
Keep me informed as to the dates and times of the camp. My wife's family is having a family reunion in March, so I can get away from Pampanga and make the run to Negros for the seminar.. I was meaning to go this month, but stuff happened as usual with the job, so I had to cancel it.. But in March, I can combine this trip with the family reunion and kill two birds with one stick

[Kali Cowboy]

As soon as I get the schedule from Grandmaster I will let you know.

Stephen

[Kali Cowboy]

Patrick,
I did get your email and I sent you a reply. You have a beautiful family. See if you can arrange to go to Negros in March, I will be a great time! I got some good prices online, I will point you in that direction.
Stephen

[KMAA]

Patrick,
I did get your email and I sent you a reply. You have a beautiful family. See if you can arrange to go to Negros in March, I will be a great time! I got some good prices online, I will point you in that direction.
Stephen

Guro Shy,

Thanks so much. I checked my e-mail, but have not received your reply. Please re-send it to my e-mail.

Thanks,
Patrick

[Brian R. VanCise]

Stephen is there a Dekiti Camp going on at the same time?

[Kali Cowboy]

Yes, though I have not gotten specifics from Grandmaster, he told me when to be there and that there will be extensive training going on. I will post the schedule when he tells it to me. You might want to ask him when you see him for your seminar. The more the better for the trip to the PI.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Yes, though I have not gotten specifics from Grandmaster, he told me when to be there and that there will be extensive training going on. I will post the schedule when he tells it to me. You might want to ask him when you see him for your seminar. The more the better for the trip to the PI.

You know Stephen I will certainly do that next weekend. If things work out I would love to be there with you and the Grand Tuhon next year! http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Tunnel_Rat]

My first trip to the Philippines was with Gurus Mike and May Williams in '03, and I've been hooked ever since. Some basic advice I would give is everything you buy thats not in a mall can be bartered down by at least 1/3 the price...they hike it up for Foreigners. The roadside barbque's they have are to die for, but just make sure to ask what your eating. Driving there is like being in a Mad Max movie, but without guns, so be aware. Most houses and other small buildings are built for shorter people so always watch your head when you go through a door or stand up. A pint of rum is about 40 cents. Dont touch dogs (obvious). Watch out for dog/goat/carabao poop. Everyone will stare at you. Carry a small umbrella even in the dry season. And if your walking be prepared to hear "hey Joe" about every 20 feet.....oh, and carry a blade. Foreigners rarely get searched at most places. And be prepared to see more beautiful women per square meter than the stage of the Miss Universe contest. Good luck.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

"Hey Joe, what's you name Joe?"

Ha! Still makes me laugh after 2 years here :(

[el maldito de cebu]

an Island resort near San carlos city. with white sand beaches and cristal clear water if I'am not mistaken you can ask GMtortal aout it if I'am not mistaken it is called Sipadan Island. Ask GM tortal about it, but if you would be travelling on a bout then you will ride the Negros Navigation from Manila. Thats the only bout to Negros Island.

[Tunnel_Rat]

Does anyone know if the new international airport they build in Silay, North of Bacolod is operational yet? It would be alot easier than going through manilla to get to Negros.

[kuntawguro]

I too would like to be part of the group. GM invited me there while I was at Brrian Van Cise's Gathering. The significant other thinks it would be "fun".
Due to my muscle disorder, extensive training is out of the picture, but, I think the exposure to the culture, the sights, sounds , smells would be an experiance for her. I trained in the Philippines from 1970 to 1973 and I still have good memories of it. Even the balute thing.

[Kali Cowboy]

Guro Buzz,
You are more then welcome. Mike Snow will be posting a flier here with all of the information about the camp, prices, dates, where to stay. We will be close to GM's house, shopping, food etc. and with work out space available at the Resort. Mike should have this information up on Monday.
God Bless,
Stephen

[kuntawguro]

Very cool

[silat1]

I'll be scheduling my leave to go to this camp also.. Again, work depending as this is the time of year when we have a lot of people transferring from the military side of the house.. I will be heading to the Philippines in January also, this time for personal reasons and fact finding mission..

[Brian R. VanCise]

Hey Stephen,

Excellent news that Mike will be posting the information up soon. That way we can all try to plan and make it. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

[dekiti]

Yes, the Bacolod-Silay Airport is operational. I regularly fly between NAIA 3 airport (Manila) and Bacolod-Silay Airport.


Does anyone know if the new international airport they build in Silay, North of Bacolod is operational yet? It would be alot easier than going through manilla to get to Negros.

[Carol]

Ooooh what a wonderful trip. I bet you'll have a GREAT time Guro Stephen!! I can't even imagine how much you are going to be learning.

[Kali Cowboy]

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/shyst_01/negros_training_camp001001.gif

Here is the Flier for the DTS Camp in Negros!

[Bahad Zubu-Florida]

Hello Guro Stephen,
I have been to the Philippines several times. Below are some things I have done to make the travel a little easier...

1. I wear loose comfortable clothing during the flight.

2. I wear sandals (that don't separate the toes) with socks so that I do not have to take off shoes during the airport security checks (socks so that my feet don't get cold during in-flight).

3. I don't wear a belt (I usually put it in my carry-on). No shoes/belt means less to take off during security checks.

4. I have a passport holder hanging around my neck underneath a jacket or shirt (for easy access). Passport holder should be big enough for airline tickets and a little bit of cash. Don't forget to bring a couple of pens (one for backup). You will need them at immigration.

5. I try not to stash all my money in one spot. I'll have some in the passport holder, some in a money belt tucked inside my pants and some in my pants pocket.

6. If you carry a wallet. Try wrapping a few rubberbands around it. This will give more friction when in your pants pocket. Harder for pickpockets.

7. I give a copy of my itinerary to someone here in the States.

8. I also make several copies of my passport. This is for renting mopeds/hotel rooms. I never give them my passport--I give them a copy and may show them my real passport but I usually tell them I'm not carrying it. If they insist on a picture ID, I'll give them my drivers license.. I'd rather them steal that than my passport... Also, handy in case you lose your passport...

9. If I can help it, I travel light. Meaning just a carry-on. So that I don't have to wait on my luggage when I get to the Philippines... It's different when I come back though--with all the goodies I get...

10. Do not throw away your ticket stubs! You'll need them to re-board for re-fueling... If you're taking Northwest (Jacksonville-Detroit-Japan-Manila) you'll need your ticket stub in Japan to re-board (re-fueling)...

11. I email myself my passport number, credit card #'s, exp. dates and anything else that I don't trust my memory one... with the credit card #'s, I usually "code" them to where I'm the only one that can decipher them in case someone else was able to access the info..

12. I put a contact name/number/address in the Philippines inside my carry-on in case I lose it... and reverse on the way back...

13. Sign up for frequent flyer mileage... that's 20,000 miles...

Anyways.. hope this helps and happy trip!


Sam.

[Kali Cowboy]

Sam,
Thank you so much for the helpful information. There are many things here I have not thought about. I will use this information wisely.
God Bless and thanks,
Stephen

[Bahad Zubu-Florida]

Glad I could help...

Also FWIW.....
If your cell phone has a sim card (ex. AT&T/Cingular). I would ask your cell phone company to unlock your cell. By doing this, you can switch out your US sim card with a philippine sim card and save you $$$$... it's a good/inexpensive way for locals (your filipino buddies) and for you to reach each other when needed.. You can also have your phone unlocked when you get to PI for a cost of $10 and up depending on the model...

Avoid giving money to the streetkids. I know sometimes it's hard but if you do be ready to be swarmed by 20 other kids/adults in a matter of seconds... Also, from what I understand sometimes kids would use the money for drugs or they are working for an adult who will take the money from them. What I've done in the past is give them food.

Try to get a seat assignment as soon as possible. I think you can do it 90 days in advance (but not sure).. Emergency seats give more leg room. Sitting more towards the front may be less noisy. Try not to sit at the back of the plane--it's probably the noisiest part.

Ask the flight attendents if its a full flight. If not, ask if you can move to an empty section (if your seat assignment has you sitting next to another person) when they close the doors. Being able to stretch out when you want is...... priceless...

Last but not least....
Take some Dramamine (sp?) before takeoff if you do not do much flying to prevent air sickness...

Anyways, the Philippines is a beautiful country. It's very laid back so you may have to "down-shift" a couple of gears to fit in... I love going there. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif I just hate the process of getting there (and getting back)...http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon13.gif


Sam.

[Mangtas]

And whatever you do, never drink the tap water in Manila. Bottled mineral water sold in every corner store or boiled water is the better option. I was born and raised in Mindanao and thought I had a pretty strong stomach but I actually had to drink softdrinks for a year during every meal just to avoid getting diarrhea while working in Manila back in the 90s, bottled water wasn't so cheap back then :)

[Karl]

What I do also when I go to Jolibee if ever or other places is to drink coke or whatever without ice.....
Since you swet a lot Steve, take the kind of shirts that dont absorv much liquid....I use to change my shirt there 3 to 4 times a day while training....I take Vitamins with me and add it to the water Im drinking...because you will really swet there.....
Dont forget to take gloves, the one without the fingers, they might help in your training....

[Bahad Zubu-Florida]

Just remembered some terminology:

When out in restaurants ask for tissue instead of napkins. I had made the mistake of asking a waiter for some napkins to wipe my hands and I ended getting a puzzled look. Later I found out "napkin" is usually a term for a product women use for their monthly cycle... (imagine wiping your hands with one of those, eh... lol)

Bathrooms are called CR. It's short for Comfort Room.

Bottled water is usually called "Mineral". I make sure that the cap is still sealed when I get it to be on the safe side.

If you do get diarrhea. I do not recommend taking immodium AD (or the like). Reason is--I did that one time and my stomach felt sooo stopped up it wasn't funny. I'm not a doctor but am thinking the "waste" had nowhere to go so it was just building up in my system... this was one of those times when the saying is true... "Man, your full of S***!)

[Navadisha]

Something new I tried this year was Pepto Bismol. Either the tablets or the chewables. Take two before every meal consistently.
Having been sick for months afterwards last trip I was very careful this time (Yeah I was last time too...).
I can't say it worked for sure, All I can say is my son and I were really the only ones in our party who never got the least bit sick. It was worth it. Something to do with coating the intestines and not giving anything a place to set up home.
If you do get sick "Emergen-C" is a good thing to bring along. It's good to get you elctolytes back up.
As far as ice, always specify your drinks when you order, never assume. And if you order fresh fruit, make sure they don't put it "on ice" for you.
And wipe your can tops.
Pick up a pamaypay (fan) at the local souveneir stand. You'll use it.
If you're staying in one place for long, save any empty water bottles and as soon as you are able, get to a grocery/dept store and buy a few gallon jugs of drinking water. (you'd be surprised how much you go through). Just keep filling the bottles and always have one with you. And use them to brush your teeth.
But do try the sticky rice sold in bannana leaves made over fires. Even in Manila any driver can get it for you.
Now, all the foods you must try, I could go on and on. Man up and try the Jackfruit, Durian and Balut.
Sisig, Ube, Mangosteen, Kini Lao, Mangos (oh, the mangos), Kalamansi and buko juice, sugpo, Santol, lechon, I'd better stop now.
I think we fit in some training at some point.

[silat1]

Steve,
Quit talking about the Philippines, hell I just might see you over there this time.. I am going next month to clean house and get rid of relatives who are freeloading in my house over there currently in preparation for remodeling the whole thing.. I am going to expand the main house so we can have a place to train when you go back and come to train with me in Pampanga...

That's what I am looking to do, setting up training packages for people who want to get away from Manila and enjoy the clear and clean air around mount pinatubo.. Roughly about a 4-6 hr hike up a mountain where there is a spa and you can get a massage after training..

Nothing like nice clean mountain air to clear your lungs and build your cardio.. Also a lot of history in the Angeles City and Clark area..




Something new I tried this year was Pepto Bismol. Either the tablets or the chewables. Take two before every meal consistently.
Having been sick for months afterwards last trip I was very careful this time (Yeah I was last time too...).
I can't say it worked for sure, All I can say is my son and I were really the only ones in our party who never got the least bit sick. It was worth it. Something to do with coating the intestines and not giving anything a place to set up home.
If you do get sick "Emergen-C" is a good thing to bring along. It's good to get you elctolytes back up.
As far as ice, always specify your drinks when you order, never assume. And if you order fresh fruit, make sure they don't put it "on ice" for you.
And wipe your can tops.
Pick up a pamaypay (fan) at the local souveneir stand. You'll use it.
If you're staying in one place for long, save any empty water bottles and as soon as you are able, get to a grocery/dept store and buy a few gallon jugs of drinking water. (you'd be surprised how much you go through). Just keep filling the bottles and always have one with you. And use them to brush your teeth.
But do try the sticky rice sold in bannana leaves made over fires. Even in Manila any driver can get it for you.
Now, all the foods you must try, I could go on and on. Man up and try the Jackfruit, Durian and Balut.
Sisig, Ube, Mangosteen, Kini Lao, Mangos (oh, the mangos), Kalamansi and buko juice, sugpo, Santol, lechon, I'd better stop now.
I think we fit in some training at some point.

[arnisador]

How long does it take a person's system to adjust to what's in the water there? If I spent three months there and did drink the water, would I be fine after than?

[Navadisha]

Steve,
Quit talking about the Philippines, hell I just might see you over there this time.. I am going next month to clean house and get rid of relatives who are freeloading in my house over there currently in preparation for remodeling the whole thing.. I am going to expand the main house so we can have a place to train when you go back and come to train with me in Pampanga...

That's what I am looking to do, setting up training packages for people who want to get away from Manila and enjoy the clear and clean air around mount pinatubo.. Roughly about a 4-6 hr hike up a mountain where there is a spa and you can get a massage after training..

Nothing like nice clean mountain air to clear your lungs and build your cardio.. Also a lot of history in the Angeles City and Clark area..


Pot..kettle..black.....
You tell me to quit and there YOU go. Maaaaannnnnnnn!
Bill, it's a deal. Let me know. I had hoped the last trip I could arrange a detour on the way back through Manila.
I am so there.

[silat1]

Hey Steve,
Once I get things settled with the remodeling and other aspects of the situation, I'll drop you an email and tell you what I have planned... This program has been in my plans for the last 3 yrs, ever since I bought the property in the Philippines.. I'm just joking about quit talking about the Philippines, I will be up in the area checking out the stuff with pinatubo and the hump up there...



Pot..kettle..black.....
You tell me to quit and there YOU go. Maaaaannnnnnnn!
Bill, it's a deal. Let me know. I had hoped the last trip I could arrange a detour on the way back through Manila.
I am so there.

[R. Mike Snow]

Wow, sounds like a plan Bill! May I help you evict them? Having your place, Steve's pepto, Jeff's photographic memory, Karl's extra shirts and Stephen's bottled water, it will be a total blast. I can wire the place for ya for zilch and it'll comply with the new 2008 N.E.C. Code. Hell, I'll even cook..............and Stephen has just the blade to take care of the chickens for us.

Oh, the water sometimes has microbes in it. Maybe not so much in the higher elevations though. GT has even fought a couple of times suffering from an amoeba.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

How long does it take a person's system to adjust to what's in the water there? If I spent three months there and did drink the water, would I be fine after than?

Why do you want to???!!!

I've been living in Aisa for 6 years and never drink tap water. I probably wouldn't drink it if I was back home in the UK either. Mineral water from a 7-11 is extremely cheap compared to western prices. A big 4 gallon tub (or whatever the measure is - like in most gyms anyway) is like $1 from a water franchise so you won't go thirsty.

I do however use tap water to brush my teeth and have ice with my drinks but don't know how long that would take to get used to...

[silat1]

I can tell you that some times the little critters called bacteria can get ya.. I was laid up in the hospital for a week, lost 40lbs by a little critter that I got from drinking water.. Not my idea of an ideal way of losing weight.. I still have trouble from this little parasite now and then depending on what I eat or drink...

Think about it before doing it

[Brian R. VanCise]

When in a foreign country I always drink bottled water and pop. It just is the smart thing to do.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Well I am not going to make it. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Unfortunately to many things conflict. So to make up for it I am going to have the Grand Tuhon over to teach here in Alma, Michigan and get some one on one time as well. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[tjp]

Speaking of critters, make sure to check out what shots you may need before going to PI, including malaria meds. Hope this helps.

Tony

[R. Mike Snow]

Yep,

You have a good point, I haven't head anyone talk about going to the CDC website where they have a list of must have vaccines for each country. When I fist started working for miltary contractors, we had to show proof before we could even get on the jobsite.

[Carol]

Check 6-8 weeks before departing on an international trip. Many vaccines need a few weeks to become active, and some vaccines need to be given in series.

[silat1]

One thing I can recommend before you go and can afford it, get the hepitatis shots just to be safe and also make sure your tetanus shot is up to date also.. Tetanus is good for 10 yrs, but if you are like most people I know, they haven't gotten or had a tetanus shot since they were kids.. You can get good medical care in the Philippines, but when you are out in the islands and away from the bigger cities, your medical care is limited somewhat.. I also recommend that you take a bug out bag with any extra meds you need, plus toss in a first aid kit just to be safe..

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Was funny...about 1 year and a half ago I got sick here. Didn't think nothing of it until a rash came up and I suffered a fever and a shortness of breath. My wife dragged me to the hospital where I remained for a week. Turns out that I had contracted German Measles of all things! I was sure I had the shot when I was a kid but evidently not...!

[R. Mike Snow]

Guess international travel has it's negative effects on everyone, even those who don't travel. I would actually not want to travel without the vaccines and other meds that are out today. Being on a plane with 200 strangers from all over the world, packed together like sardines, breathing all over each other is a great way to pick up anything. That has to be far worse than spending time in a low trafic town or village.

[Navadisha]

BTW Stephen, they now have an oral vaccine for Typhoid. 4 live culture pills over 8 days and you're covered for 5 years (sounds like justification for a repeat visit) vs. only 2 yrs for the shot.

[Bahad Zubu-Florida]

For those who get a bad case of heat rash (which i got bad on my chest, arms and thighs--it was ugly...)--try using a baby diaper rash ointment (I used "Buttpaste". It was recommended to me when I returned to the states... it cleared my rash in 2 days (the itchiness disappeared in 1 day)... I had the heat rash for 2 weeks (i think).. the ointment and medication I was given in PI helped but did not clear it.

[still lurking]

Rubber. Don't "trust" the local ones. :frowntobi

[silat1]

In my bug out bag/aka medical kit that I travel with, I carry a tube of bactricin, which is an ointment that can be used as an antibiotic, pack of anti diarrahea meds, bottle of aleve, bandaids, cravats which can also be used as part of a sling for arm injuries, chemical ice packs, aspirin or aleve, toothache meds, and if you are prone to reactions to shots or bug bites, would also include an epi pen to combat the analyphalactic shock.. also recommend that you take some ace wraps and cling or gauze rolls for the cuts and bruises, one more thing that I put in my jump kit is a pack of mole skin or superglue to take care of blisters.. This is on top of any of your normal day to day meds.