National Enhanced Community Quarantine Unintended Consequences

I had 3 packages from Amazon sitting up there also, they got to Manila about the same time as yours, and all 3 were delivered yesterday. Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

The (UPS) driver said they had chartered a plane to bring a bunch of cargo down, probably included your shipment also...

 

Yes, directly to our home (in Dumaguete). I *think* it's always UPS. They do tend to deliver all items from a particular order together, which I like.

The cost of delivery + any customs / import fees are NOT inexpensive - broadly speaking you will just about double the cost of the item(s). This varies of course, including your choice of how quickly you want it delivered. You will see estimated delivery dates when checking out. I can't really recall the last time I used expedited delivery, standard delivery times have always been within a couple of weeks I think.

I'm pretty sure that Johnny Air is a cheaper alternative, but maybe not as efficient in some ways. I know that Amazon is going to refund my money if something does not arrive or is damaged on arrival. And I get good visibility into where things are up until they get to the shipper (UPS I guess) in Manila. With Johnny Air I think that you own it as soon as they sign for it at their US facility.

 

often amazon / UPS has been surprisingly quick (about a week). good thing is that there are no customs surprises at the local post office (and you dont actually have to go to the post office). it's all calculated (estimated?) upfront and you know what you pay all in all, before you actually pay. I'd say it is not always double the item price in the end, weight / volume plays a big role for the shipping cost part, and product class can have an influence on the custom fees.

I consider ordering there a luxury and only do it after exhausting all other options.

 

Getting back to the thread topic: unintended consequences. Now that Degamo has extended the ECQ order until the end of April, it is obvious that his office has not considered the health consequences for seniors who are deprived of even mild cardiovascular exercise. Will the Province cover the costs of those who develop deep vein thromboses, or other lethargy-induced illness? Even prisoners get to go out to the courtyard an get their bodies moving. I'm a senior and, though I will never be accused of being a gym rat, I always managed to at least get some walking in everyday in the pursuit of daily activities. They should have an hour everyday where seniors can just go take a walk without worrying about getting jammed into the local jail.

 

unintended consequences - Cebu police is preparing for riots
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2020/04/16/2007613/cops-prepare-worst-case

 

I'd personally be happy if they left the shotguns at home in such a case. It only takes one trigger happy cop to turn civil disobedience aka people ignoring the curfew into a real riot that ends with a blood bath.