Logistics

The Build Peace conference will be held at the First Pacific Leadership Academy, located at Km.27 Sumulong Hwy in Antipolo City, the Philippines (see map here). Below you will find information about accommodation in Antipolo, visas to the Philippines and other important logistical matters.

Visas to the Philippines

A 9A visa or Temporary visitor’s visa to the Philippines is required for some nationalities. To determine whether and what type of visa you require, please visit: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/visa/visa-general-info. Visa processing may take up to four weeks, so please schedule your visa appointments accordingly. 

All  foreign nationals to the Philippines need to fill out the e-travel form before arriving in the Philippines: e-travel website. You may be required to  present the generated QR code, which you will receive after filling out the information. For your convenience, register within 72 hours of your flight to the Philippines.

Regardless if you need a visa or not, you must have a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay.

For additional information on the visa process and navigating information, you can refer to the visa logistics note.

For those that require a 9A visa, please email buildpeace@howtobuildup.org if you require a letter indicating you are registered for the conference to support your application. Please note that we cannot provide individual invitation letters. 

Accommodation in Antipolo

Build Up and CCAA are offering free accommodation at FPLA upon registration to the conference. We strongly encourage you to stay with us on campus, as conference activities will be held here. Only triple-sharing rooms are available, but it offers a great opportunity to connect and build new friendships! 

If you would like to stay outside of the venue, below are a couple of hotels within 15 minutes (via car ride) of FPLA, or you can also check available Airbnbs near FPLA.

LeBlanc Hotel and Resort – 5 minutes from FLPA by car, accomodation rates starting at 120USD for a Twin Deluxe up to 3pax.

The Citywalk Suites – 15 minutes from FLPA by car, accommodation rates starting at 54USD for a deluxe room up to 4pax, with breakfast. 

Getting around Antipolo / Metro Manila

Transportation

The best way to move around Metro Manila and Antipolo is by car or public transport. The most widely used car-ride app is Grab, a ride-hailing transportation service. You can download it here. 

Grab has various services like food and grocery delivery, so make sure to choose the “Car” option when booking a ride. Once you choose “Car,” enter your desired destination in the search engine. You will be given rates depending on the type of vehicle you choose. You may pay via cash or link your credit card. Don’t worry, Grab is a secure app for your credit card! You can get to the conference venue, First Pacific Leadership Academy, from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport using Grab.

Data and Communications

Wi-fi is available in malls, cafes, and restaurants. However, if you feel that you will need to use mobile data during your stay, we recommend you purchase a local sim card at the airport before proceeding to FPLA.  Most locals use either Globe or Smart sim cards. You may avail of mobile data promotions once you load your prepaid sim card.  The seller can also assist you with loading your sim and availing the promotions. You may top up your sim card by purchasing “load” from a 7-Eleven convenience store.

Currency and Payment Methods

The currency of the Philippines is Philippine Peso (PHP). We strongly recommend that you exchange your currency at the airport, but if you are unable to do so upon arrival, you may go to Core Pacific Money Exchange. You may check currency exchange rates at oanda.com

Cash is the most preferred payment method in the Philippines, although Credit and Debit cards are also widely accepted in commercial establishments. G-cash, a local digital payment platform, may also be used. However, you would need a registered Globe sim card. Loading this app with money might get difficult as well, as you would need to find a convenience store that offers a “cash in” service.

For recommendations on where to eat, what to do and further information on the venue, medical services, appropriate attire for the Philippines in November & more, please refer to our complete logistics note.