Upon Arrival In Manila
Boarding Party. A boarding party meets
the transport immediately following clearance by the quarantine officials. Formal orders,
messages, and first class mail are distributed by a representative from the department
adjutant general's office. Officers from department headquarters and one officer each from
Port McKinley, Port Mills, and Camp Stotsenburg, are present to offer such assistance as
may be needed.
Uniform. Standing orders, Philippine
Department, require all officers to land at Manila in uniform. The service cap is
not worn in the Philippines at any time. Hongkong khaki is the prescribed uniform material
for officers and warrant officers. If purchased in the Philippines uniformity in color is
assured.
Customs Inspection: Baggage. The
customs officials are on the wharf near the main entrance under a large sign
"CUSTOMS." Baggage must he inspected and passed before it can he released. It is recommnded that hand baggage be cleared first, and then return a few hours later to clear
trunks, thus reducing congestion on the pier. Baggage when unloaded is placed in
alphabetical order as indicated by large signs.
Firearms. All passengers for the
Philippines having privately owned firearms in their possession must register them by
number, make and caliber, with the Insular customs officials on the pier.
Transportation: Baggage. On the wharf
near the customs will be found a noncommisioned officer of the Quartermaster Corps
detailed to handle baggage. His position is indicated by a sign "BAGGAGE." After
your baggage has been inspected and passed by the customs officials, it should be turned
over to this noncommissioned officer for delivery. Baggage checks should be obtained from
him and care should be exercised that each piece of baggage is properly tagged and that
name and destination are properly and plainly written on each tag.
Passengers for Points in Manila. Motor
transportation is available under the charge of the motor transport officer to convey
passengers and their baggage to hotels or other places in the City of Manila. Passengers
have only to signify to the motor transport officer in charge their destination and the
proper bus will be indicated.
Passengers for Points Onside of Manila.
Meeting Officers. Large signs indicating the various posts in the Philippine
Department are placed at conspicuous points on the pier; An officer from each post will be present on the dock in the immediate vicinity of his sign to
assist incoming officers who should locate him immediately after leaving the transport.
Living Conditions
Food. Food should be eaten only where
it is known to be of good quality and properly prepared. All are advised not to eat
uncooked vegetables, as due to the manner of raising at some places they may carry such
diseases as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Exceptions may he made of cucumbers and
tomatoes, provided they are properly scalded and peeled. Many of the native fruits are
good and should be eaten; however, green or over-ripe fruits should be avoided. It is
advisable to scald the native fruits before peeling and if the end of the banana peeling
is broken, that end of the fruit should be discarded.
Water. Only artesian, distilled, or
boiled water should be used for drinking or cleansing the teeth. Drinking water, either
artesian or distilled, is furnished to the Army and Navy Club and to officers' quarters in
Manila upon request made to the utilities officer, Manila. There is artesian water at Fort
Wm. McKinley, Rizal, and Sternberg General Hospital, Manila, also at the Manila Hotel and
probably other places. No drinking water should be used unless its quality is known to
be satisfactory. There are such bottled waters as Isuan, Tansan, Red Rock, Royal, etc.,
which are good.
Mosquito Bars. All persons sleeping,
either during the day or at night, should have the mosquito bar down and tucked under the
mattress. The anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria. is a night flier and bites after
sundown; however, the mosquito which transmits dengue bites during the day as well as at
night, and especially in the afternoon. Persons living in unscreened houses will find
mosquito punk useful.
Personal Hygiene. Upon exertion
perspiration is excessive during most of the year. For this reason extreme care must be
taken to prevent chilling.
A sweater or other heavy garment should be
worn after exercise until one has bathed. Whenever possible, the bath and rubdown should
he taken immediately after exercise. Iced drinks should be avoided until the body has
cooled. Never sleep in the blast of an electric fan. During sleep the abdomen
should be covered at all times - either with a special flannel belt or by insuring against
the ordinary garments being open.
Children should be examined by an Army
surgeon soon after arrival for possible physical ailments as well as for suggestions as to
diet, etc.
Solicit advice from older army residents as
to method of making purchases from native stores.
Clothing and Uniform. The usual prices for
clothing in Manila averages as follows:
Pesos |
White
uniforms..................................................................................................16.00 |
Khaki
uniforms..................................................................................................16.00 |
Mess jacket and
vest.........................................................................................16.00 |
White duck civilan
suit.......................................................................................16.00 |
Palm beach civilian
suit...............................................................................30.00
- 40.00 |
Pongee silk civilian
suit...............................................................................45.00
- 65.00 |
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Black trousers are authorized and generally
worn with the white mess jacket. Civilian clothing may be worn under the same conditions
as in the United States. Newly arrived officers are advised to secure two khaki uniforms,
two of white and one mess jacket with vest, immediately upon arrival. Several alterations
may be necessary to secure a correct fit of uniform and this should be insisted upon, as
no extra charge is entailed thereby. Very satisfactory boots and shoes are made by native
bootmakers at a price approximately one-half the price charged in the States. It is
advisable, however, to furnish the bootmaker with a model or sample of your wants, as they
are not proficient in making to measurement. The same applies to women's footwear. However
standard makes of shoes may be purchased at the shops. at usual prices. Standard makes of
officers' equipment are available at the quartermaster general sales store, the various
regimental exchanges and at shops on the Escolta in Manila. In addition to being worn as
authorized by Army Regulations, the white dress uniform is prescribed for wear before
retreat, for social functions, and on Sundays and holidays. It may be worn for informal
occasions in the evening. The mess jacket and black trousers are worn for formal evening
functions. Sweaters and heavyweight clothing are needed at Camp John Hay, Baguio, inasmuch
as this resort is over 5000 feet above sea level. Lightweight raincoats for all members of
the family should be brought from the States for use during the rainy season. Oilskins are
not recommended, due to climatic conditions.
Ladies in the Philippines usually wear very
lightweight clothing; light also as regards color. All articles of ladies' apparel can be
secured in Manila. Paris gowns and embroideries are much cheaper than in the United
States.
Electric Current. All government public
quarters in the City of Manila are equipped with 110 volt current. All current in the city
of Manila other than government is 220 volt. Various hardware and electric companies are
prepared to change electrical appliances to carry either 110 or 220 volts.
Mail. The Director of Posts, Manila,
P.I., should be furnished with your address upon arrival, in order that mail may not be
delayed. Until correspondents are advised as to your new address, mail may be addressed
you at Manila, using care that your grade and branch of service appears.
Hospitals. Excellent hospital
facilities are provided in Manila at the Sternberg General Hospital, as well as at other
posts in the Islands.
Banking and Currency. It is advisable
to institute a banking account in Manila, inasmuch as checks drawn on U.S. Banks are very
difficult to cash. The par value of the Philippine currency bears a ratio to that of
American money of two to one; i.e., one Filipino peso equals 50 cents in American
currency. The peso contains 100 centavos, each worth one half of the U.S. cent.
Clubs. In addition to strictly military
clubs maintained at the various posts, the following are principal clubs of Manila and
environs of interest to the Service.
Army and Navy Club, facing the Luneta,
Manila. Initiation fee ranges from 50 to 10 pesos, and monthly dues from 8 to 1.50 pesos,
depending on station to which assigned. During most of the season, hops are given weekly,
though dancing may be enjoyed every night during the dinner hour. This is the social
center of the Army and Navy. All officers are given two weeks guest cards upon arrival.
Manila Polo Club, situated on the Bay about
3 miles south of the center of Manila and accessible to Fort Wm. McKinley and Camp
Nichols. A salt water pool, polo, tennis and golf are the activities supported by the dub.
Army members pay no initiation fee but have monthly dues of 10 pesos.
Caloocan Golf Club, about 5 miles north a
Manila. An excellent eighteen-hole course is maintained. Army members pay no initiation
fee, but have monthly dues of 10 pesos. This is probably the "sportiest" course
in the Islands.
Manila Tennis Club, adjacent to the Luneta.
Monthly dues 6 pesos, with no initiation fee to army officers. Eight excellent courts are
available.
Hotels. About seventy-two hours before
arrival of a transport, a radiogram is sent to the commanding officer of troops,
containing an itemized list, by hotels, of all available rooms in Manila. This list is
then posted and passengers are given the opportunity of making selections. Reservations
desired are then radioed to headquarters, which advises the hotels concerned.
Entertainment. A golf course is
available between the Army and Navy Club and the Manila Hotel. Native caddies are
obtainable at a nominal fee. There are several first class rnoving picture houses in
Manila.
Filipino Goods. Goods of Filipino
manufacture are admitted free of duty in the States. In mailing same to the U. S., it is
recommended that a certificate of origin be secured at the post office, in order to
obviate delay in passing customs in the States.
Postage. Postage rates to the United
States are 6 centavos for each ounce of first class mail. Mail from the States is 3 cents.
First-class rates to most foreign countries are 16 centavos per ounce.
Cable and Radio Messages. Commercial
cable and radio companies make the same charge for words in the address and signature of
message as for words in the message itself. Parties expecting to use this service will,
therefore, find it to the advantage of their correspondents to register with the Manila
Office of these companies code addresses for themselves and notify their correspondents in
the United States accordingly. The day rates per word for cable and radiograms are about:
to San Francisco, 1.20 pesos; to Chicago, 1.42 pesos; to New York, 1.49 pesos. Rates for
deferred messages and week-end letters are much lower.
The Signal Corps telegraph stations in the
Philippines accept unofficial messages from military personnel for transmission by radio
to San Francisco at a nominal charge of 20 centavos each to cover direct costs. Such
messages are mailed at San Francisco to the addresses. If faster service by air-mail or
telegraph from San Francisco is desired, it may be arranged if the additional cost of that
service is paid by the sender. This radio service is not as fast or reliable as commercial
service, but although delays of a day or two some-times occur, the service is generally
sufficient for all personal messages except those of the most urgent character. The
following restrictions are necessary on such messages: not more than one message can he
accepted the same day from any person; messages must be limited to 25 words exclusive of
address; messages of a financial or business nature, particularly those naming amounts of
money, cannot be accepted.
To facilitate handling the large volume of
radio messages to the U. S. following closely upon arrival of each transport arrangements
have been made whereby form messages can be transmitted by form number only, with the
address and signature desired. These messages may be filed with the transport
quartermaster subject to the restrictions and conditions outlined in the preceding
paragraph for delivery to the radio station at Port Santiago upon arrival. Messages in
this form will also be accepted directly from transport passengers at the telegraph office
at Fort Santiago or Signal Corps telegraph stations at other posts after arrival. Other
forms of messages reporting arrival cannot be accepted within six days of arrival of a
transport.
Libraries. An up-to-date library is
maintained at Fort Santiago, Manila, having over 25,000 volumes, together with American
magazines and newspapers. Libraries are also maintained at other posts.
Transportation Rates in Manila. Vehicle
rates are very low, the following being standard:
5-passenger motor cars, 1.50 to 2.00 pesos an hour.
7-passenger motor can, 2.50 to 5.00 pesos an hour
Calesa (1-horse carriage), 15 mm., 20c; 30 min., 30c; 1 hour, 60c.
Special motor rates are given to members of
the Army and Navy Club, or those holding guest cards, provided the car is secured through
the club.
Servants. The prevailing wages in
Manila are:
Filipino cook 30 to 40 pesos a month.
Filipino houseboy 10 to 20 pesos a month.
Filipino combination cook-houseboy 30 to 50 pesos a month.
Filipina lavandera (washwoman) 15 to 20 pesos a month.
Filipina amah (nurse) 15 to 20 pesos a month.
Filipina combination, lavandera-amah, 20 to 30 pesos a month.
Before employing servants, it is
recommended that they be taken to the provost marshal to ascertain whether or not they
have a criminal record. In event recommendations are submitted by applicants, if possible,
check up with the previous employer, so as to obviate chance of forged letters of
recommendation. Cooks and amahs should undergo a physical examination of army surgeons
before acceptance.
Automobile License. Automobile licenses
must be secured from the Bureau of Public Works within seven days of arrival of
automobile, at 2 pesos per year. No one is allowed to operate a motor vehicle without a
driver's license. These cost 2 pesos each in addition to the auto license.
Rental of Houses and Apartments.
Unfurnished houses and apartments may be rented for 75 pesos to 150 pesos per month. Most
of these are piped for gas stoves which may be rented for 2.50 pesos per month. Officers
who are to be stationed in Manila and vicinity and who are not furnished with government
quarters, may obtain a list of the most desirable quarters available for rent, with
address, rental, number of rooms and other pertinent data, by calling at the Office of the
Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, Headquarters Philippine Department, Fort Santiago, where an
up-to-date list is maintained. Real estate agencies in Manila maintain rental service.
Quarters. There are only forty-eight
sets of government quarters for officers in Manila, divided as follows: Military Plaza (C.
G. and staff)-l1 sets; Gral Luna (Dept. staff, Q. M., M.D. and Inf.)-20 sets; Cuartel de
España (Inf.) - 4 sets; Fort Santiago (Q. M., M.D., and Inf.)-13 sets. As there are
always more officers assigned to duty in Manila than there are available quarters, it is
necessary for many to rent quarters. All officers at Corregidor and Camp Stotsenburg, and
all but a few at Fort Wm. McKinley, occupy government quarters. Most officers assigned to
Manila and Camp Nichols are on a rental allowance status.
Foodstuffs. Groceries may be obtained
directly from the quartermaster general sales store or commissary. This includes meats,
staples and oranges, grapefruit and lemons. A personal call is necessary in order to
arrange credit. Vegetables are imported from the States, though many are now grown
locally, particularly in the highlands near Baguio, which compare favorably with the
similar varieties of the States.
Ice. In Manila ice is usually purchased
from the Insular Government Supply Division of Cold Storage at special government prices
of 1¼ centavos per kilo (2.21 pounds). Personal call there is necessary to the initial
transaction.
Glassware. Glassware and mirrors, etc.,
are obtainable at slightly higher prices than those prevailing in the United States.
Schools. There is a central public
school for children in Manila for which no tuition is charged. Americans and the higher
class of mestizos attend. The American school is exclusively for Americans and is taught
by American teachers. A tuition is charged. Both of these schools teach through the high
school grades. There are several preparatory schools for boys, and many girls attend the
local convents. Schools are maintained at several of the posts.
Automobiles. Automobiles will be found
exceedingly useful in the Philippines. Closed cars will be found more satisfactory than
open ones The bringing of a new car is not recommended, inasmuch as the heat and rain
rapidly deteriorate the upholstery and body. Gasoline is expensive unless purchased
through the quartermaster. Repairs and spare parts cost about the same as in the United
States, but quality of work is, on the average, not as high. Tires are usually cheaper
than in the United States.
Leaves, Detached Service and Travel.
Officers stationed in the Philippines enjoy exceptional opportunities for sightseeing. The
policy encourages officers to visit all parts of the Philippines. All officers, warrant
officers and nurses are entitled to one month of detached service for each year of service
in the Philippines. This enables one to travel within the archipelago without being on
leave status. Many use this time for visit to Camp John Hay (Baguio), which is situated in
northern Luzon in the mountains, at an altitude of 5000 feet. This resort is open
throughout the year. Public quarters are available and a central mess maintained at an
average cost of 3.50 pesos per day for adults. The southern islands also offer detached
service attractions, such as Zamboanga, Jolo, and the Sulu Islands with their pearl
fisheries and interesting native life. In normal times trips may be taken to China, Japan,
Borneo, etc., on a regular leave status. Full information as to routes, cost, etc., may be
obtained at the office of 0-2, Department Headquarters, Fort Santiago, Manila.
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