9th Biennial Meeting of the
Asia Pacific Society for Sexuality and Impotence Research
Theme: "Trends in Sexual Dysfunction Management"
October 1 - 4,2003
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Cebu, Philippines.

Important Dates to Remember Deadline for Submission of Abstracts May 31, 2003 Deadline for Submission of Registration at Reduced Fee May 31, 2003 Deadline for Submission of Accommodation Booking Form and Hotel Deposit August 01, 2003 Last Day for Cancellation of Registration with 50% Refund August 30, 2003 Note: Parts of the Program may be subject to change. The Official and Final Program will be handed out at the Registration Counter during the Conference.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Overall Chairman Message from the President of the Philippine Urological Association Conference Information Organizing Committee Registration Information Hotel Information Hotel Location Map Program-at-a-Glance Preliminary Program Topics for Scientific Program Invited Speakers Exhibit Information Social Program Golf Tournament Accompanying Person's Program Pre and Post Conference Tours General Information INSERTS Abstract Form Registration & Hotel Booking Form

Message from the Overall Chairman

DEAR COLLEAGUES,

As we continue preparing for the coming of APSSIR Biennial Meeting in October 2003, the Organizing Committee and APSSIR Secretariat are overwhelmed by the generous response given by the invited speakers, exhibitors and guests.

Because sexuality and dysfunction are multidisciplinary problems, we have been enjoining the other specialties with their involvement. We are thus going to go over the concerns of Gynecologists, Family Practitioners, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Psychiatrists and Psychologists to be able to encompass the gamut. We have been asking our research colleagues to share with us the current trends in sexual dysfunction.

With the help of the Department of Tourism, we are expected to give all delegates a very grand time.

See you all in Cebu!

Sincerely

Jesus Benjamin L. Mendoza, MD
Overall Chairman
9th APSSIR Organizing Committee

Message from the President of the Philippine Urological Association

I wish to convey my warmest greetings to the officers and members of the Asia Pacific Society for Sexuality and Impotence Research on the occasion of its 9th International Congress.

In so short a time, the increase in concern for sexual dysfunction has been overwhelming. Understanding of its physiology, diagnosis and treatment has changed dramatically over the past few years. Advances in the basic and clincal science on the problem of sexual activity have led to a better approach in management. This momentous scientific event organized by APSSIR is timely therefore in order to address these concerns and offer us updates to standardized management of this disorder. 

We are proud to be part of this prestigious scientific event and on behalf of the Philippine Urological Association, it is our pleasure to welcome you to the Philippines and the beautiful island of Cebu.

Lester A. Garcia, MD
President 
Philippine Urological Association, Inc.

Conference Information

Organizing Committee

OFFICERS

WORKING COMMITTEES

Registration Information

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2003
Registrations will only be accepted on receipt of the official registration form (attached) and if accompanied by bankdraft payment or with credit card details. Registrations should be made to the 9th APSSIR Secretariat with registration fees payable to the Philippine Urological Association, Inc.

Registration Form
Please return completed registration form to the 9th APSSIR Secretariat with appropriate fees as early as possible. Please use a typewriter or print in block letters when completing the form. Photocopies of the form may be used. 

Registration Fee

	EARLY	LATE	ON-SITE
	On or before May 31, 2003	After May 31, 2003
DELEGATE	US$ 400.00	US$ 450.00	US$ 550.00
RESIDENT	US$ 250.00	US$ 300.00	US$ 350.00
ACCOMPANYING PERSON	US$ 100.00	US$ 150.00	US$ 250.00

 

Included in registration for Delegates: Scientific Sessions Opening & Closing Ceremonies Welcome Cocktails Farewell Dinner Coffee/Tea Breaks Access to Hospitality Suites & Exhibits

Included in registration for Accompanying Persons: Opening & Losing Ceremonies Welcome Cocktails Farewell Dinner City Tour and Arts & Crafts Tour Access to Hospitality Suites & Exhibits

Cancellation and Refund Policy
The 9th APSSIR Secretariat must be notified in writing of all cancellations. Refunds will be made after the conference, according to the following schedule:

• Cancellation on or before August 30, 2003 - 50% refund.

• Cancellation after August 30, 2003 - NO refund.

Payment

• Payment by bank draft must be payable to Philippine Urological Association, Inc.

• All registration and hotel fees in US dollar currency only.

• Payment by credit card should be made by completing the attached registration form. (For Visa and Mastercard ONLY: Please add 5% surcharge to the total amount. Please attach photocopies, FRONT & BACK, of your credit card.) Credit card payments will not be accepted for onsite registrants. CASH ONLY.

Acknowledgement
All registrations will be acknowledged in writing. Please check your confirmation letter carefully and notify the 9th APSSIR Secretariat immediately for any errors or changes required before September 1, 2003. 

Hotel Information

Hotel Cut-off Date: August 01, 2003

Hotel Accommodations
The World Unlimited Convenors Corporation (WUCC) has been appointed as the official Housing Bureau for the 9th APSSIR. All correspondence regarding accommodations should be made directly with them.

Hotel accommodations should be booked within the Conference hotel block through the Housing Bureau. HOTELS WILL NOT ACCEPT DIRECT RESERVATIONS.

With the tight hotel situation throughout the city, participants are advised to make hotel reservations as early as possible. Acceptance of booking is on a first-come, first- served basis and subject to availability. 

Rooms have been reserved at the Conference venue. Alternative accommodations in various hotel categories are also available some distances from the Conference site.

Below are the room rates for each hotel and the room types available:

Please complete the attached hotel booking form and return it to the Housing Bureau. A separate form must be completed for each room reserved. Photocopies of the form may be used. You may mail or fax the form to the Housing Bureau. Forms and deposits must be received on/before August 1, 2003 to secure the above rates.

When completing the hotel booking form, please indicate your top 3 hotel choices. You must include a one-night room deposit equivalent to the applicable net rate of your first choice hotel to guarantee your room.

Accommodation requests will only be considered if the booking form is accompanied with the required deposit for your first choice.

Confirmation of receipt of room reservations will be sent within 15 days of receipt of registration. No confirmations will be sent after September 21,2003. Final confirmation may take up to three weeks.

All cheques/payments for the 9th APSSIR should be paid to the Philippine Urological Association, Inc.

HOTEL CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to the Housing Bureau and must be received by September 15, 2003. An administration fee of US$50 will be charged against the hotel deposit for cancellations received on/before September 15, 2003. There will be no refunds after this date. Cancellation refunds will be made after the Conference.

Hotel Location Map

LEGEND:

CEBU CITY HOTELS

1. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel

2. Cebu City Marriott Hotel

3. Cebu Midtown Hotel

LAPU-LAPU CITY RESORTS

1. Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort

2. Plantation Bay Resort

Program-at-a-Glance

Preliminary Program

Wednesday, October 1, 2003

0800-0830	Opening Ceremonies
0830-0900	Opening of Exhibits
0900-0930 0930-1000 1000-1030	Plenary I Lecture "EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ATTITUDES IN SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION" Dr. Jacques Buvac Plenary II Lecture "ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION & QUALITY OF LIFE" Dr. Li Man Kay Plenary 111- State of the Art Lecture "OVERVIEW OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MANAGEMENT" Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan
1030-1100	Coffee Break
1100-1230	Podium I Basic Science Research I	Podium II Basic Science Research II
1230-0200	Lunch Symposium (Industry Sponsored)
0200-0330	Podium III Clinical Science Research I	Podium IV Clinical Science Research II
0330-0400	Coffee Break
0400-0530	Poster Session
0530	Pharma Evening Symposium SEXUALITY & BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BHP)

Thursday, October 2, 2003

0800-0830	Highlights
0830-0900 0900-0930 0900-1000	Plenary IV - State of the Art Lecture "ORAL PHARMACOTREATMENT IN MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION" Dr. Gerald Brock Plenary V Lecture "ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AS SIGNAL OF OTHER DISEASES" Dr. Anthony Leachon Plenary VI - Master Lecture "MANAGEMENT OF PSYCHOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN THE ERA OF EFFECTIVE ORAL THERAPY" Dr. Ray Rosen
1000-1030	Coffee Break
1030-1200	Podium V CV Disease & Erectile Dysfunction • DM	Podium VI Endo & ED • Hyperlipidemia
1200-0130	FREE TIME

Friday, October 3, 2003

0800-0830	Highlights
0830-0900 0900-0930 0930-1000	Plenary VII - State-of-the-Art "INSIGHTS ON FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION" A New View of Female Dissatisfaction & Dysfunction Dr. Beverly Whipple Plenary VIII - State-of-the-Art  "RESURGENCE OF PENILE PROSTHESIS" Dr. Steve Wilson or Dr. John Mulcahy Plenary IX - State-of-the-Art "NEW INSIGHTS & TREATMENT OF PREMATURE EJACULATION" Dr. Luis Torres
1000-1030	Coffee Break
1030-1200	Podium VII • Erectile Dysfunction in Prostatic   Disease • Erectile Dysfunction Radical   Prostatic • Post Brachytherapy • Post EBRT • Post Androgen Deprivation	Podium VIII • Assessment of FSD • Nonpharma Treatment of FSD •  • Pharmatreatment of FSD
1200-0130	Lunch Symposium
0130-0300	Podium IX • Identify the right symptoms    & the right prosthesis • Surgical Options • Complications & its Management • Gingko Biloba	Podium X • Aphrodisiac • Ginseng • Tong Kat Ali • Swiss Oats
0400-0600	APSSIR General Meeting

Saturday, October 4, 2003

0800-0830	Highlights
0830-0930	Plenary X "HIGH DROP OUT RATES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION"
0930-1000	Plenary XI "AGING & SEXUAL HEALTH"
1000-1030	Coffee Break
1030-1200	Podium XI • Testosterone • Deficiency & Malae Sexuality • TRT-Options • Other Hormones    • Estrogen    • DHEA    • GH	Podium XII • Sexuality in the Aging • Couple • Uro Perspective • Sexologist • Internist • Gynecologist
1200-0130	Lunch Symposium
0130-0300	Plenary XII "NEW DEVELOPMENTS & INDUSTRY NEWS"
0300-0330	Coffee Break
0330-0400	Take Home Message
0400-0500	Closing Ceremonies
0700	Farewell Dinner

Topics for Scientific Program

• Oral Pharmacotherapy in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction
• Epidemiology and Attitudes in Sexual Dysfunction: Why are There Drop-outs in Treatment?
• Resurgence of Penile Prosthesis
• Sexual Dysfunction: Signal of Other Diseases
• New Insights on Female Sexual Dysfunction
• New Insights and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
• The Future in Sexual Dysfunction Therapy

Invited Speakers

• DR. GERALD BROCK (USA)
• DR. JACQUES BUVAC (FRANCE)
• DR. JOHN MULCAHY (USA)
• DR. FRANCESCO MONTORSI (ITALY)
• DR. STEPHEN ALTHOF (USA)
• DR. RAY ROSEN (USA)
• DR. TOM LUE (USA)
• DR. GANESAN ADAIKEN (SINGAPORE)
• DR. TAN HUI MENG (MALAYSIA)
• DR. CHEN KUONG KUO (TAIWAN)
• DR. YOSUO KIMOTO (JAPAN)
• DR. APICHAT KONGKANAN (THAILAND)
• DR. SUDHAKAR KRISHNAMURTI (INDIA)
• DR. HK CHOI (KOREA)
• DR. LI MAN KAY (SINGAPORE)
• DR. TAY AHN (KOREA)

Exhibit Information

Venue	Arctic Room, Second Level Cebu International Convention Center
Move-in / Ingress	Booth contractors: September 29 (Monday),09.00h-16.00h Exhibitors: September 30 (Tuesday) 09.00h-16.00h
Opening of Exhibits	October 1 (Wednesday) 0830h-0900h
Exhibit Hours	October 1 (Wednesday) 0900h-1700h October 2 (Thursday) 0900h-1200h October 3 (Friday) 0900h-1700h  October 4 (Saturday) 0900h-1700h
Move-out / Egress	October 4 (Saturday) 1800h-2100h
Type of Booth	Standard shell scheme: 9 (3m x 3m) square meters
Booth Fee	Standard Shell - 9 (3m x 3m) square meters: US$ 2,500.00 per booth
Booth Payment	Check payment should be payable to: Account Name: Philippine Urological Association, Inc. Account Number: FX 262-706971-8 Name of Bank: Philippine National Bank Address: Q.C. Circle Branch,Elliptical Road cor. Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman Quezon City, Philippines Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Deadline for submission of contract is on/before May 31, 2003. Full payment is due on/before August 30, 2003. Cancellation of Trade Exhibit Payment may be refunded upon written request to the Secretariat. Cancellation received on/before January 30, 2003 will be refunded with 50% deduction. No Refund will be made for any cancellation request received after January 30, 2003.

Social Program

Golf Tournament

Alta Vista Golf and Country Club
An exclusive membership club located on the mountain ranges of Pardo, Cebu City, 40-60 minutes drive from Mactan and City Hotel, with a breathtaking view of the islands of Mactan and Bohol. It's golf course is an 18-hole par 72 course covering 5,670 meters designated by Gary Player, world renowned golf course designer and only one of four players who have won the Grand Slam.

Accompanying Person's Program

Pre and Post Conference Tours

Half-day Tours

Cebu City Sightseeing Tour

Net Rate:

US$ 70/pax (min. 2 pax; lunch included) US$ 49/pax (min. 5 pax; lunch included)

Description:
Rediscover Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines and sample its rich culture reminiscent of Spanish and Chinese influence. Drive through the scenic Beverly Hills where the impressive Taoist Temple lords over the whole mountainside. Then visit Fort San Pedro, the smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. Rediscover Magellan's Cross and the site where the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, planted a cross in 1521, on the very spot where the first Filipinos were baptized. Relive the religious fervor of the early Christian Filipinos at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino which houses the image of Sto. Nino, the oldest Spanish religious relic in the Philippines and Cebu's patron saint. Then, experience Cebu's past colonial lifestyle through the splendor of Casa Gorordo Museum, once the residence of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu.


Arts & Crafts Tour

Net Rate:

US$ 49/pax (min. 2 pax) US$ 37/pax (min. 5 pax)

Description:
This tour showcases the Cebuano ingenuity with the use of skillful hand and artistic eye. See them make the best guitars in the Philippines and create wonders in crafts like wood and porcelain carving, jewelry, fashion accessories from the sea and coco shells, coral stones and offer indigenous materials. Take home the experience with you as you go shopping for souvenir items.


Cebu South Countryside Tour

Net Rate:

US$ 59/pax (min. 2 pax) US$ 38/pax (min. 5 pax)

Description:
Southern Cebu's highlight is the town of Carcar, a beautiful town rich in Spanish influence in its church square, ancestral houses, and school buildings. Visit the town's market known for its "chicharon" and "lechon de Carcar". There are also various cottage industries present in the town, such as shoemaking, basket weaving, and bolo making. A must-see is the Shrine of the Virgin of Perelos on top of a hill overlooking the countryside. 


Wholeday Tours

Island Hopping Tour

Net Rate:

US$ 96/pax (min. 2 pax; lunch included) US$ 62/pax (min. 5 pax; lunch included)

Description:
The adventure begins at 9:00 am, when your tour guide escorts you to board the outrigger canoe from a designated jetty. Cruise along the waters of the Mactan Channel and swing around Nalusuan, Sulpa and Hilutungan Island. Drop anchor at Hilutungan Island for swimming, snorkeling and enjoy Cebu's underwater attractions before moving on for a delicious picnic at Nalusuan Island. 


Bohol Day Tour

Net Rate:

US$ 104/pax (min. 2 pax) US$ 93/pax (min. 5 pax)

Description:
A full day tour to the scenic countryside of Bohol - a beautiful showcase of history, culture, and nature in one destination. This tour brings you to the historic Blood Compact Shrine, a historical landmark commemorating the first Treaty of Friendship between the east and the west, before visiting the centuries-old Baclayon Church & Museum. Enroute to the Cholocate Hills, you drive through the lush Mahogany Man-Made Forest and the green farmland in Bilar and Batuau. See the 1 ,268 awesome cone-shaped formations known as the Chocolate Hills from a viewing deck on top of one of these hills. Drive back to Loboc for a 50-minute river cruise along a nipa-lined river on board a native catamaran. A sumptuous barbecue lunch is served on board. The river cruise will surely relax both your body and mind as you view nature's beauty of rolling hills, graceful coconut trees, and green nipa-palms lining the riverbanks. After the cruise, the tour then brings you back to Tagbilaran, home of the world's smallest monkey, the Tarsier. The size of a fist, the Tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran. Next will be a brief stop to see the backyard industries in Loay River (nipa weaving and knife making).

Note: Above tour rates are inclusive of airconditioned transport, motorized boat for island hopping, guide service, entrance fees and meals as stated. Bohol day tour rate is inclusive of roundtrip pier transfers - Cebu, roundtrip ferryboat fares - Bohol, fullday private tour with lunch and cruise of Loboc river, and services of a local English-speaking guide.


Cebu Beach Holidays

Alegre Beach Resort
3 days / 2 nights

Net Rate Per Person:	US$ 264.00 (twin-sharing)  US$ 244.00 (single supplement)
Inclusions:	2 nights room accommodation Daily breakfast  Roundtrip hotel transfers

Description:
A 1996 Kalakbay Resort of the Year, Alegre Beach Resort is located in the seaside town of Sogod, 90 minutes north of Cebu City. Set amidst 27 hectares of lush tropical gardens, Alegre has 20 luxurious cabanas with two spacious bedrooms or a total of 40 rooms with elegant, oversized bathrooms and verandas overlooking the deep blue sea. The resort has restaurant that serves international cuisine, Bar & Lounge, a library, game room, tennis court, one 47-meter swimming pool and two children pools. The aquarium has a whole range of water sports activities: jetskiing, snorkelling and diving. Whale- and dolphin-watching is an exciting treat for nature lovers, complimentary for in-house guests. The adventurous can go mountain-trekking. Mountain bikes are also available. 


Pulchra Beach Resort 
3 days /2 nights

Net Rate Per Person:	US$ 306.50 (twin-sharing) US$ 247.50 (single supplement)
Inclusions:	2 nights room accommodation Daily breakfast Roundtrip hotel transfers

Description:
Pulchra is located in the island of Cebu, about an hour's drive south of Cebu City. This resort has 21 suites, 17 swimming pools, 4 jacuzzis, 5 food & beverage outlets, tennis court and a CD and book library all spawning an 8.3 hectare beachfront property in the quite barrio of San Isidro, town of San Fernando in Cebu Province. Pulchra, a latin word for beautiful, welcomes each guest with a way of life... peace, beauty and tranquility. 


Beyond Cebu

Fridays Beach Resort (Boracay)
3 days/ 2 nights

Net Rate:	US$ 186.50 (twin-sharing) US$ 169.00 (single supplement)
Inclusions:	2 nights room accommodation Daily breakfast Roundtrip hotel transfers (Caticlan Airport)

Description:
Often referred to as the Paradise Island, Boracay boasts of its own powder fine beach crystal- clear water teeming with colorful tropical marine life. It is accessible by plane via Kalibo or Caticlan for 60 minutes and short trip by motorized banca.


Panglao Nature Beach Resort (Bohol)
3 days / 2 nights

Net Rate Per Person:	US$ 130.00 (twin-sharing) US$ 120.00 (single supplement)
Inclusions:	2 nights room accommodation Daily breakfast Roundtrip pier transfers

Description:
The perfect getaway from the clutter of urban jungle. Extended vacations, weekend stays and day-long sunbathing at the beach are just few of the activities best spent in the beauty of Panglao Island Beach Resort. Superb service and exquisite cuisine are natural complements to the paradise of Panglao Island. Starting with a pristine white sand beach, we built around the natural contour of the premises and dotted the resort with high-ceiling, thatched roof huts.


Diving: "Two Great Places to Dive"

Oasis Resort (Balicasag Island)

Net Rate Per Person:	US$ 175.00 (twin-sharing) US$ 237.50 (single occupancy)
Inclusions:	2 nights room accommodation Daily breakfast 4 dives in Balicasag Island Roundtrip hotel transfers Diving equipment and boat Diving guide

Description:
Balicasag Island in Bohol is known to be one of the best dive spots in the world, it's truly paradise rediscovered. Only 1 hour and 30 minutes by fast ferry and 30 minutes by car from Tagbilaran City. The island is fringed by a narrow reef shelf covered with hard corals while the lower levels are covered with sponges and gorgonians. A thriving fish community is found around the cliff face including jacks, barracudas and mackerels.


Maribago Beach Resort (Mactan Island)

Net Rate Per Person:	US$ 271 .50 (twin-sharing) US$ 106.50 (single supplement)
Inclusions:	2 nights room accommodation Daily breakfast Roundtrip hotel transfers 4 dives in Mactan Island Diving equipment and boat Diving guide

Description:
Macton Island is rich with aqua marine life. Experience spectacular exotic fish and coral formations. Only 30 mins drive from the City Hotel and 15 mins from Macton Resort.

General Information

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE SITE

WATERFRONT CEBU CITY HOTEL
1 Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City 6000 Philippines 
Tel. No. (63-32) 232-6888, Fax No. (63-32) 232-6880
E-mail: wcch@waterfronthotel.com
Website: www.waterfronthotels.net

DISTANCE/LOCATION
One of the majestic landmarks in Cebu - Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino offers distinctive convention and business facilities that cater foremost to the needs of the corporate sector as well as the leisure community. Strategically located in the heart of the Cebu metropolis, it is accessible from the financial district, shopping malls, golf courses, and the pristine white beaches of Cebu.

CEBU INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
The six-storey, 50,587-sqm center is the largest convention facility outside of Metro Manila. It boasts of a 2,200-sqm ballroom and 9 function rooms. Aside from these outstanding amenities, CICC enjoys the benefits of being located in Cebu - centrally located within the archipelago, abound with beautiful sights and destinations, and rich with history. 

During the past year, CICC has enjoyed full bookings and was a venue to a number of major local and international events and concerts such as the Philippine International Furniture Show, the 52nd Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Convention, the 50th JCP National Convention, Rotary Club District Conference and the 7th Philippine International Cable Show. This year, CICC again plays host to more land- mark events such as The 16th Philippine Advertising Congress and the McDonalds International Conference in December.


Fast Facts on Cebu

HOW TO GET THERE
Cebu, the second gateway to the Philippines, is accessible from the travel capitals of the world. On a weekly basis, Mactan-Cebu International Airport serves 28 direct flights from countries like Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia.

There are chartered flights arriving from Taipei and Kaoshiung. For those passing by Manila, one may take a domestic flight to Cebu which is available almost every hour from 5:00 A.M. till 8:00 PM. with a travel time of approximately one (1) hour.

Traveling time to Cebu is as follows:

WHAT TO DO
Adventure Sports. Aqua sports top the list of what to do in Cebu. For scuba diving, the best dives are found in the islands of Mactan, Moalboal and Camotes. The calm waters surrounding Argao, Badian and Malapascua Islands are ideal for kayaking.

Cebu's hilly terrain is ideal for mountain sports. Rock climbing is excellent in Cantabaco and Malubog.

For trekkers, the 908 meter high Mount Manunggal is a steady climb in the heat. Mountainbike your way up and down scenic Talamban. It takes less than a full day on the road, with plenty of stops along the way. The ecotourist will find Olango an ideal place for commuting with nature. A wildlife sanctuary, the island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country.

Golf. For the golfer, the Cebu Country Club and the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club are conveniently located in the metro, in Banilad and Pardo. There is also the Club Filipino Golf Course in Danao City, some 33 kilometers drive from Cebu City. 

Shopping. Shop 'till you drop! Cebu is known as the "Milan" of Asia for its high quality furniture products. It is likewise famous for its guitar and mango exports (fresh or dried). Other best buys are fashion accessories, furniture and gift ware. 


WHERE TO DINE
Cosmopolitan Cebu is noted for its inexpensive cuisine. Island flavors are fairly simple with meat and seafood cooked in three ways - marinated in vinegar, charbroiled or boiled - and then seasoned with condiments of your choice. Chinese and Spanish influences dominate the local cuisine.


NIGHT LIFE
Evenings are hot in cool Cebu. From downtown to uptown, Metropolitan Cebu comes even more alive as dusk sets in, with queues leading to music bars, discos and the casinos. Cebu is a premier entertainment center.

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands in the South China Sea. Known as the "Pearl of the Orient," it belongs to the tropics. The temperature in October ranges from 22° C to 28° C, with mostly fair weather, though rains have occasionally been seen during this time of the year.

As an archipelago, the islands are divided into three main groups, namely, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. A large variety of sightseeing opportunities ranging from tropical beaches, breathtaking falls, scenic mountains, historical and cultural sites with the added flair of a festive gathering will be yours to experience as you visit any of these island groups. English and Filipino are widely spoken. Furthermore, most hotels have business centers to attend to the busy traveller's needs. The local currency is the Philippine Peso, which is approximately P53.00 to US$1.00.

In general, ASEAN member-countries do not require a visa for a two-week stay. Nevertheless, for further inquiries, check with the Philippine Embassy in your country for any specific requirement.


TIME ZONE
GMT plus 8 hours.


GETTING THERE
Manila, Cebu, Davao, Subic, Clark and Laoag are the international gateways.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premiere gateway. It is served by more than 30 international airlines. Manila is also served by the Centennial Airport- Terminal II which is 0.5 km. from the NAIA. Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MIA) in Cebu services both regular and chartered flights from Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. Davao International Airport in Davao handles regular flights from Indonesia ~nd Singapore. Subic and and Clark Airfields in Central Luzon service both chartered and cargo planes. Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services regular flights from Taiwan. Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, links Manila to 14 cities in eight countries.

The seaports bustle with the comings and goings of major cruise liners.


ENTRY REGULATIONS
Visitors with valid passports may enter the country and stay for a maximum of 21 days without visas provided they have tickets for their onward journey. However, stateless persons, nationals of the People's Republic of China, Cambodia, India, North Korea, Tonga, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, Palestinians, and holders of Belize passports need to secure appropriate visas. 

Likewise, Chinese nationals who are holders of Hongkong certificates of identity, and holders of Taiwan passports need special entry permits. Travellers to the Philippines may check with the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate for more information.


AIRPORT FACILITIES
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is 7 km. from the city center. Manila is also served by the Centennial Airport- Terminal II which is 0.5 km. from the NAIA. The Mactan- Cebu International Airport in Cebu, on the other hand, is located 45 minutes from the city center.

Both international airports have adequate traveller facilities: duty-free shopping centers, souvenir shops, tourist information counter, hotel and travel agency representative, and car rental services. The NAIA has banks, postal services, a medical clinic and a baggage deposit area.


CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Visitors to the country may bring in the following items free of duty: 400 sticks of cigarettes or 2 tins of tobacco and two bottles of alcoholic beverages of not more than 1 liter each.


FOREIGN EXCHANGE CURRENCY REGULATIONS
There is no limit to the amount of foreign exchange that can be brought by travellers into the country. Travellers leaving the country can change their pesos into foreign currency - in all authorized banks.


LOCAL TRANSPORT
By air, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific provide daily services to major towns and cities. Asian Spirit services the missionary routes. There are also scheduled chartered flights to major domestic destinations serviced by smaller commuter airplanes. 

By sea, interisland ships connect Manila to major ports. Ferry services connect the smaller islands. Jeepneys and buses offer an inexpensive way to get around most places. Metered taxis generally cruise for hire. In hotel vicinities, they are on call.

In Metro Manila, the fastest way of commuting is via the elevated railway system. LAT connects northern district of Monumento to the southern district of Baclaran. MAT connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City. The popular means of transport in the suburbs is the tricycle (motorcycle with sidecar).

Car hires and airconditioned tourist buses are also available from licensed tour operators in major cities. Most hotels have limousine services.


WHAT TO WEAR
Light casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for trips to the mountain regions. On formal occasions, a dinner jacket and tie may be worn, or perhaps the Philippine Barong Tagalog, the country's national costume.


LANGUAGE
Filipino is the national language. The Philippines is also the third largest English- speaking country in the world. Thus, English is widely spoken and is extensively used in business and government.


BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS
Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some private companies are open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping centers, department stores, and supermarkets are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.


CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Philippine peso, divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in P1000s, P500s, P100s, P50s, P20s and P10s. The coins are in 5c, 10c, 25c, P1.00 and P5.00. Most foreign currencies can be easily exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized foreign exchange dealers. Outside of Manila, the use of Philippine pesos for payments is preferred. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants.


CREDIT CARDS
International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard and American Express, are accepted in major establishments in and outside of Manila.


ELECTRICITY
I Electricity is 220 volts, 60 cycles. Most hotels in Metro Manila have 110 and 220 voltage outlets.

For further information, please contact:

Jesus Benjamin L. Mendoza, M.D.
Overall Chairman
APSSIR Organizing Committee
c/o Philippine Urological Association, Inc.
3F, Philippine College of Surgeons Bldg.
992 EDSA, Quezon City, Philippines 1105
Tel. No.: 632-925 6740
Fax: 632-454 4439
Email: info@puanet.org
Website: www.puanet.org

Congress Secretariat
Marketing and Operations
World Unlimited Convenor's Corporation
Suite 804, West Tower
Philippine Stock Exchange Building
P.O. Box 12234 Ortigas Center
Pasig City, Philippines 1605
Telefax: 632-637 2231
Email: wucc@operamail.co