Once a family is matched by the Aloha House Director, and the family has accepted the child, they will prepare for our REQUIRED 3 DAY minimum visitation and bonding. This information will help you in your preparation.
Can we, the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) write the Children's Home where our prospective adoptive child (PAC) lives?
The Inter Country Adoption Bureau (I.C.A.B.) allows an adoption agency to forward e-mails from the PAPs to the child caring agency -Aloha House (AH).
Can we send a gift or toys?
Yes, a gift such as a book or a clothing piece is fine. You may send your PAC a washable toy that will not harbor mold, no stuffed toys or cloth toy items please.
Can we send pictures?
Yes, we recommend that you send one larger, high quality JPG format picture via the internet for your PAC to familiarize himself with you. It should be both parents together, a face shot, close up, with big smiles. He will have it posted on the wall and be trained to point at you, when asked, "Where's your mommy and Daddy?" You can also send up to 12 smaller jpgs (30K each). We will use them in a slideshow on our computer to familiarize your PAC with your family, house and friends.
Can we send a video?
In addition to a good picture, we highly recommend a 10 minute video narrating your PAC's future home, bed room, yard, pets, etc. The PAPs should be talking into the camera. "Hi, Jimmy, I am your daddy, this is your bed room. Jimmy, look over here, this is your truck..." A DVD in NTSC or PAL formats are allowed. You could also e-mail a Quick Time movie format.
If you are sending a toy (see above) you can "give" it to your PAC in your video. Then we will present it to him the first time he views the video, if it's not too much logistics for you it is a nice touch.
You should use DHL for shipping as a first choice, otherwise FEDEX. A big photo can also be included in the video if you want to go deluxe, we put parents pictures up on the wall where the child can touch it.
How long must we stay?
ICAB has it's own requirements. Aloha House requires 3 days in Palawan for successful bonding. More days are better, 3 is the minimum.
Where will we stay?
Our family room is available on the second floor if you want to be in the middle of the action! It sleeps six: a queen bed, one bunk for 2 and a pull out sofa bed that sleeps 2. We can always book rooms at a local hotel if people need more privacy. You have to book on line for our family room when you finalize your dates:
http://www.be3.com/en-us/asia/philippines/palawan/aloha_bed_and_breakfast.html?Cur=USD
When we have advance notice, we can access a corporate discounted booking for our PAPs at Legend Hotel, if you book through us. They even stock the same crib that our children sleep in and make it available in your room. They also have hotels in Manila if you like seamless accommodations. We can book both locations for you. Check out The Legend Hotels for tourist options also. If we decide to change his name, what would be your recommendation on how to start getting him familiar with his new name? What has been your experience with that process?
About half of our adoptive families change the name of their child. If you already know the name, we can start using both his old and new name till you come. Then, after you are home and settled to his normal routine, you can drop the old name. Too much change at once is hard to manage, young or old! Add punctuation to make sure we pronounce the new name properly, as the alphabet is different here.
Can we bring something for Aloha House?
Yes, our care package needs are as follows:
-*Care Package Current Needs*-
bibs w/pouch
cloth diapers
small shoes for toddlers
sandals for toddlers
training pants
plastic panties
washable development toys (no stuffed animals)
cough and cold meds for babies
diaper rash ointment
Batteries: Rechargable AA bateries and regular D, C and AAA
If you want to send items the best way is through a BALIKBAYAN box. It is the least expensive method to send items to the Philippines and is duty free. They are called LBC, ATLAS SHIPPERS, and DHL. Do not send through regular mail or shipping, as customs will not allow it's release without "special" fees. You can ask them for box dimensions. They sell you the first box, then each time you ship a box they give you a free box for the next shipment . There is no limit for weight as long as you have the right box dimensions.
When you send boxes thru a Balikbayan system, please use this address:
Keith and Narcy Mikkelson
C/O Aloha House Orphanage
Mitra Rd., Santa Monica
Puerto Princesa City
5300 Palawan
PHILIPPINES
(Tel. No. 048-434-6011)
Can we bring something for the staff?
Yes, but money is not appropriate for the staff. You can show your appreciation to the care givers, cooks, gardeners and social workers with simple thank you cards and a small token of appreciation. Chocolate is always welcome. If you are from Wisconsin, you can bring cheese.
Is there malaria danger to us?
This is the tropics, please consult your physician. The cities are considered low risk.
Are there other dangers we should consider?
Yes. Please heed your embassy's instructions and be alert when you travel. The founder, Mr. Mikkelson has lived in Palawan since 1998 and feels safe, but there are no guarantees, so be wise when you travel.
What is the climate there?
Tropical, warm and humid. You might want some casual travel wear when you come.
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