We recognize that many of our family and friends will not be able to attend due to distance. We would first like to say that we completely understand. We certainly don't want anyone to feel obligated to make such a long journey for this celebration. Our decision to select the Philippines as our location was based on a variety of factors and once selected, we knew that the distance would make it impossible for many of those closest to us to attend.

For those that are considering making the journey, here are few things to know:

Air Travel: The Philippines is located on the exact opposite side of the world as the United States. A direct flight from NYC takes 17 hours, from San Francisco it takes 15 hours along the Western Route. During that time of year, they are exactly 12 hours ahead of us, meaning you will lose more than a day in travel alone.

Visa's: If you are a US citizen, you do NOT need a Visa to visit the Philippines. You can stay for up to 30 days but will need a valid US passport with at least six months remaining on the expiration date from the time you enter the country. You will need to provide proof of return travel and there is an Etravel registration that must be completed 72 hours before arrival.

Weather: June is the start of the rainy season in the Philippines. The likelihood of rain on our wedding day is high but not certain. June is not the hottest month there, but it may feel like it to those used to cooler climates. The average temperature during that time of year will see highs of 93 with significant humidity.

Safety: The Philippines is known for its hospitality and the people are generally warm and inviting. With that said, Metro Manilla is large city in a foreign country and you should always be aware of your surroundings. Theft in particular is high in certain regions. Keeping valuables close, in theft proof bags and not in your back pocket will help keep you from falling victim to pick pocketing.

Language Barrier: The Philippines is the 5th largest English speaking country in the world. While Tagalog, in all of it's many dialects, is the official language, you will find no issue communicating our getting around the country.

Driving while there: You do not need an international drivers license if you have a US drivers license and have been driving for at least two years. With that said, driving in the Philippines is nothing like driving in the US. Metro Manilla has traffic congestion that makes LA look like the open road. If you elect to drive while there, we would highly recommend getting the full insurance option offered by the rental company and doing your research on the local rules. If you are wondering about logistics of getting around without a vehicle, please reach out to us directly.