I just got back from a local travel agency after finishing up with the Olongapo City Bureau of Immigration office. At the immigration office, I had to pay an annual fee of 310 pesos (about $7.75 USD) and I was told I would have to pay a travel clearance fee at the airport of 2,170 pesos (about $54.25 USD) in addition to the travel tax (that would be included in the ticket price). Non-Filipinos have to pay the travel tax, while citizens do not.

At the travel agency, I had the agent looking for the best rate prior to the 19th of February. She found a round-trip flight with Continental Airlines for $1198 USD, including all applicable taxes. She could find nothing for Philippine Airlines (PAL) or Northwest Airlines. Both of their rates would be cheaper. She can't make the reservations until tomorrow because I can't pay until Friday (my payday) and all reservations have to be paid within 3 days. I left my name and telephone number so that she could see if she could find me a better deal before Friday.

I don't have a problem flying with most airlines, but all except PAL have multiple stops before reaching the United States, whereas PAL is a direct flight from Manila to LAX or San Francisco. Anyway, my wife's surgery is on February 19th and I have to arrive in Phoenix at least a day prior. It's going to be a tight squeeze.