Btw, this is only an exhaust that I shipped. It's a two brothers Slip on exhaust, not sure on the exact dimensions of the package but I would guess 3ftx1ftx1ft. Value of the item upon purchase was 390 USD (16k pesos). Add 6.5k and you come up with 22.5k. The same exhaust bought at big bike shops here will run you 35k at the minimum. Savings of 13k going the Johnny Air route. Could be cheaper with USPS or another company, but from what I hear here it is worth the little bit extra for a 7 day shipping time. Seems I saved a lot on duties as well.
The method used really only differ in how it's sent from US to Philippines. Then, it seems, regardless of method, the mail got stuck in Manila for 4-5 weeks. So, it it take 3 days, or 10, or whatever to get from US to Manila doesn't make a big difference in total time to Dumaguete. But, it's nice to send it with tracking, so you can see it being held in Manila.
Well the package was picked up in great condition. No customs bill. 6.5k and a 7 day delivery/duty. I'll be using them again.
Let me make certain I understand you correctly? You are saying that priority international mail, that supposedly has a delivery time of a few days is held up in Manila routinely due to no room on the plane and NOT because of custom delays? Do I have it right? Thanks for the clarification.
Yes. I was waiting for a starter for my bike that was held in Manila for 5 weeks. I went to the post office in Dumaguete several times and they told me that PhilPost has an agreement with one of the airline (not sure if it was PhilAir or Cebu Pacific) and they only load PhilPost stuff when they have available space/weight, which isn't often, as they prioritise passenger and luggage. When I called PhilPost in Manila about this I got the response "Ok, I will go ahead and release it" and in a few days it arrived. So, it seems like they have control of the packages, and will release it if you complain and it has been held for a while. I also asked if it would be better for me to order it to my address in Santander, Cebu, which he confirmed, as to Cebu there is no problem.
On a side note my multicab made a complete round trip to Bacolod and back without breaking down.......sort of. The exhaust rattled loose and is now backfiring but........it didn't stop moving. I'm proud of it. Was also having fun in populated areas with the backfire. Scared the p*ss out of the locals. I made it all the way there and ALMOST all the way back without an accident. 500 meters before my house was making a right turn, signaled, and started to turn right. Out of no where some stupid @ss filipino clipped my mirror trying to pass on the right. No damage and no fall. He stopped and looked at me like I was the *sshole. Asked him if he was alright, he said ok then I pissed off down the road. What an idiot.
Did you take the Mabinay-Kabankalan route or the more or less coastal route (Bayawan) that goes in the opposite direction? What condition are the roads/highway?
the mabinay Kabankalan route is getting much better, I travel that way almost every month to Bacolod, there is a detour on the Bacolod side of kabankalan, so when the highway is reopened then the trip will be very fast, there is less and less dirt now
