This general information is mostly for our foreign missionaries - i.e. The following suggestions, observations and recommendations are a result of our accumulated experience here. POWER:
The power source here is 220. So be aware if you are coming from a country that has 110, then any small appliances, such as hair dryers, curling wands, electric shavers etc will most likely not work. Best option i
s to purchase a converter OR wait to purchase them here. Just be aware that often even a converter will not protect hair dryers. For some reason they still burn out. The outlet plugs are the same as the US and can accommodate most other types of plugs. But to be safe, I would recommend bringing an adapter if you bring personal appliances from other parts of the world. LUGGAGE:
Our strongest recommendation to every missionary preparing is to try and keep their luggage as minimal as possible. If you are able to fit everything into one large suitcase, then you will be doing yourself a great service. We find a lot of foreign missionaries discard whole suitcases of clothes and other items before they even leave the MTC - one trip from the airport to the campus helps them realize they have brought too much. Transportation here is mostly on jeepney, trike and pedicab (google them to get an idea of their size). Missionaries will need to transport their own luggage at transfer times, as mission cars are only used for office business. Roads are often in disrepair and sidewalks are almost non-existent. If there are sidewalks, then they are usually in disrepair and difficult to navigate even without luggage. Transportation will charge for, not only the individual, but also for every other item of luggage carried. SHOES:
The above description of the walking and road surfaces suggest that shoes can take a real beating. In addition, it rains a lot here and often results in water backing up on the streets. It's not unusual to walk thru several inches of water every day. So, shoes that soak up water are not the best here. It can take days for them to dry out. There are some great options on the market, but make sure they are not too casual and still reflect a professional appearance. However, if you are a size 11 or smaller, you might want to wait till you get here to purchase the rubber shoes - that's for both male and female. They are a fraction of the price of rubber shoes overseas. They also come in designs that reflect a professional appearance. PERSONAL GROOMING ITEMS & MEDICATIONS:
Many missionaries bring two years supply of such things as shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellant, sunscreen etc with the mistaken belief that you can't get them here. Be assured that all these items and many others are readily available. Bring only what you need for the time you are in the MTC and purchase more once you are in the field. This is helpful to know so you can keep luggage to a minimum. Over the counter medications are also readily available here, but as per your packing list, I would recommend you bring a small First Aid Kit which could include some pain killers, a thermometer (A MUST!), anti-diarrhea medication, anti-itch cream, antiseptic cream, Band-Aids and an antihistamine. Of course, if you are on any other prescription medications then bring those and inform the MTC on arrival so we can insure you can get updated prescriptions as needed.
*A note for sisters: Feminine products here are limited to pads. No tampons are available. So, if you use tampons then you will need to bring a full 18-month supply. BEDDING AND OTHER ITEMS:
The packing list often recommends you bring a set of single sheets and pillowcase. We recommend you check with your mission office before bringing them. Often the mission will sell them to you on arrival in the field. You can also purchase them here quite easily. Another item you can eliminate from your packing list. A light blanket would be a good thing to bring in case you end up in a cooler part of the mission. These can be bought here as well. Coat hangers are also on the list to bring, but generally most mission apartments have an excess of hangers - usually left behind by returning missionaries. But if not, then they are also available for purchase here. MTC OVERVIEW:
Here are some things related to the MTC.
1. All bedding, bath towels, hangers, pillows and soap are provided in the MTC.
2. There is a Distribution store on site. Missionaries have the opportunity to visit it on their P-day. Garments are quite inexpensive here, so you may consider purchasing here. However, there is not a lot of choice. Most fabric available is stretch cotton.
3. The Manila Temple is also on site, so if you have any family file work to be done then bring it along with you. You will have an opportunity to attend the temple at least twice while in the MTC.
4. Most international missionaries will have the opportunity to exchange currency upon arrival in the Manila airport. However, sometimes this is just not possible. So, if you can bring a small amount of Filipino pesos with you (1,000-2,000 pesos) then that should be enough to get you through your MTC training. If you have a bankcard, then there is an ATM next door where you can withdraw money. Don't expect to be able to use foreign currency, or have foreign currency exchanged while in the MTC.
5. There is a small MTC store onsite that is open on P-days, that has a variety of personal items, mission souvenirs and other mission related items.
6. Preparations days in the MTC are on either Wednesday or Thursday.
7. We endeavor to have you contact your family as close to your arrival as possible. But sometimes, particularly with growing numbers of international missionaries arriving, it can be several hours before you get the opportunity to contact them. So let them know we will do everything possible to facilitate this, but not to worry if the contact doesn't come when hoped.
8. PACKAGES - We cannot receive any hand delivered packages at the MTC. So please don't have friends or family deliver anything to you while in training. We do receive packages if they are sent thru official delivery services such as LBC, Fed Ex, etc. HOWEVER, we don't recommend sending any packages from overseas locations as we cannot guarantee you will get them before you depart the MTC. Delivery services here are unreliable and often come with expensive pick-up fees. It is best to send direct to the mission. If we receive any packages for a missionary after they depart, we cannot forward it on. It will sit in storage for a short time and then be destroyed in case there is food in it, as we don't wish to attract vermin. For any deliveries to the Philippines, we highly recommend using Julie Hess, who has had years of experience in sending packages to all the missions in the Philippines from the US. Information for this can be obtained through her page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinesmissionarypkgs/?ref=share_group_link
9. Your missionary will receive their missionary name tag when they arrive in the MTC.
10. The address for the Philippines MTC is: 13 Temple Drive, Greenmeadows Subdivision, Ugong Norte, Quezon City 1110.
11. SHOES & SOCKS - Please note that Crocs and other casual type shoes are not permitted to be worn in the MTC - except inside the resident rooms. While some missions allow them to be worn outside in wet weather, there is no need for them here as we have all covered walkways and sealed surfaces. As per the church website Elders must wear dark colored socks with their shoes - including with appropriate sandals - black, brown or dark blue. Also, socks MUST be worn, and they must be long enough to reach the top of the trouser leg.
