by Lincoln M. Baluyut
The Pain of Traveling to the Philippines
Was able to book my flight in August to see my family in Canada after two years of not being with them when COVID restricted travel to many parts of the world.
Flights were a little bit expensive than usual. Gathered the documents needed and downloaded the requirements that Canada wants before entering their country in one single application called ArriveCan. Had to do an RT-PCR test 72 hours before boarding the flight in October which went easy but a bit costly and added up as an extra expense to travel.
Arrived at the airport three hours before the scheduled flight making sure I will have enough time to fix anything, if there was any, before boarding. Presented my passport, the RT-PCR test result and showed my ArriveCan app with the QR code and everything went smoothly.
God that was a relief.
Plane took off to my first stop, which was Tokyo-Narita Japan. Arrived safely, went through the normal security check, showed immigration the paperwork all went well.
The point of entry to Canada was moved to Vancouver instead of having one in Toronto. No problem. Passed all security checkpoints but then was randomly picked for an antigen testing which was no biggie. Passed it also with flying colors.
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That was time well spent with my family in Toronto after two years of just FaceTiming. Didn’t really go places but spent quality time, especially with the grandkids.
Technology is always a big help when you’re continents away from your loved ones. But getting hugs from everybody was heavenly.
The sad part was again leaving them behind and having to go back to work away from them.
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Booked for RT-PCR testing, which is a requirement when flying back to the Philippines. Done. Registered with the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) One Health Pass and got my QR code, done. Registered with the Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga Program of Governor Delta, done. Booked our quarantine hotel with Royce Hotel, done. So we were ready to fly back.
On the day of departure, arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport 3 1/2 hours before our flight to make sure that all will be well.
WRONG.
We actually pre-booked our boarding passes the day before but we still had to line up as we had to pay for extra luggage we were bringing home. It was quick to get our turn. Approached the ticket agent, submitted what needs to be submitted, but then it took us MORE THAN TWO (2) hours before we were allowed to proceed to our designated gate. Why? Because of such stupid and unnecessary requirements from the Philippine government they say because of COVID.
I do understand the need to make sure that travelers visiting the country are COVID-free. But the extra requirements are making it difficult for all travelers.
Like we were asked to present a Philippine Visa, which was a first for us; PCR results; hotel booking; One Health Pass QR code; and so on.
Why can’t they just make it simpler like what Canada is doing with their ArriveCan where you can upload all your documents. One application for all.
The Philippine government should make it easier, especially this coming Christmas season when Filipinos living abroad would like to fly back home.
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The Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga Program of Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda should be emulated by other provinces to help returning non-OFWs flying back home.
It makes our lives, Capampangans, easier after going through the horrendous process of the national government.
We were like diplomats being ushered by staff of the program going through the arrival process.
The staff, although working on more than 12 hour shifts, are just so happy and smiley for the things they’re doing to help their Cabalens.
The three guys, Kingsley Dizon from Minalin, the driver; Jerome DC Dabu of Lubao, head of the team that night, and Reynaldo de Guidoy of San Simon, were all smiles while facilitating the process.
“OK pu, mabilis, malagwa para kareng Capampangan a mumuli. Makasaup maragul,” says Estrelita Punzalan of Arayat after getting help from one of the staff with her belongings.
Another Balik Pampanga balikbayan, Teresita Pascual of Mawaque, Mabalacat City, said: “OK na OK, maragul a saup lalu na kareng seniors a balikbayan.”
The two were part of the group, including me and my wife, that availed the program. Dacal Salamat Gov. Delta.
