Frequently asked questions

Where is Los Baños?
It is about 39 miles south of Manila in an area popular with tourists because of its hot spring resorts. Los Baños is bounded on the south and southwest by Mount Makiling, elevation 3,576 feet; on the north by the Laguna de Bay; on the northwest by the Municipality of Calamba; and on the east by the town of Bay.

What will the weather be like in May?
It will be humid and hot -- in the 80s. Rain is likely.

Where is Lantapan?
It is on a plateau about 2,000 feet above sea level in Bukidnon province on the island of Mindanao. Situated between two mountain ranges, it is traversed by rivers, creeks and springs, and is relatively cool. The province comprises mostly forests and agricultural land.

What is the time zone for the Philippines?
The Philippines is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. That is, at noon in New York, it is midnight in Manila.

What is the international telephone dialing code? 63.

Does the hotel in Los Baños have shopping?
There is a shop offering T-shirts and swimwear only.

Will personal credit cards be accepted at the hotel?
Yes, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express

Does the hotel offer currency exchange?  
Yes, for U.S. dollars only.

What is the exchange rate?
It fluctuates, but one U.S. dollar equals about 40 Philippine pesos.

Is logistical support such as printing and audio-visual equipment available?
Yes, those services will be provided.

Does the hotel have a bar?
No, alcoholic beverages are not sold in the hotel. Beer and wine may be purchased elsewhere and brought in. The hotel charges a corkage fee of $1.25 a case for soft drinks, $1.30 a case for beer, and $1.75 a bottle for wine.

What about outlets for electrical equipment?
The electrical connections are 220 volts and 60 hertz. Outlets at the hotel will accept an American-style two-prong flat plug. Converters will be available for appliances with three-prong plugs.
 
How do I book my hotel accommodations for Los Baños?
Complete the SANREM CRSP annual meeting registration form, indicating your preference for a single or double room. SANREM will make your reservation based on that information.

How do I book my hotel accommodations for Mindanao?
The same way. Indicate on the registration form whether you plan to attend the Lantapan field trip. SANREM will make your reservation based on that.

What side trips are available?
The following websites have information about Philippines scenic, historic, and cultural tours, including the Crater Lake Resort area of Taal Volcano Island, Pagsanjan Falls, and Intramuros, the walled city built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and Manila’s oldest district:

http://www.pagsanjan.org/

http://www.aenet.org/pagsanjan/pfresort.htm

http://www.taalvolcano.net/

http://www.aenet.org/manila-expo/page12.htm

http://www.msc.edu.ph/liliw/index.html

http://www.paete.org/