Experience: Shopping and Shipping from Tokyo Otaku Mode to the Philippines

Like everyone else in the Philippines, I've read and heard the horror stories about shipping to the country due to the taxes to be paid when it gets held up in the Bureau of Customs. But aside from that there are lucky people out there who got their parcels without much hassle so I decided to gamble and make my first online purchase out side the country using the intangible money on my PayPal(I currently don't have a card) that I pretty much consider non-existent and will be a treat for myself on my birthday.

On August 24, 2015 - 2:55am (lol) I ordered books from Tokyo Otaku Mode, all details and procedures were stated on their site so it only took a bit of time to read. As for the transaction, it went smoothly! They have a shipping status meter(?) on the user's order page and once it ships, it's ready for tracking - just click on the tracking number to be directed to the tracking site.

I waited patiently while my package status updated everyday and having the thought of the goods getting held up at customs can be expected, still-shock-inducing and disappointing... because how do you expect a poor git in Mindanao to travel all the way to Pasay. :v taga Bukidnon btw

On the 28th of August the status updated to "Philippines, PHZONE, retention" and according to EMS Philippines post on facebook it means that the package will be delivered as soon as possible. unexpected! ye~ now all that's left is to cross fingers if I get taxed or not.. (My total is $53.27 and because of a coupon code it's now below $50 but I'm not sure which one will be placed if ever it catches the Bureau's eyes.)

August 29-30 was the weekend. August 31 was a holiday. So I went to the local post office on September 1 and, sadly, was greeted with padlocks. ew. It was actually a non-working holiday in Bukidnon! September 2, the post office was open... and they told me my item wasn't there yet so they said they'll just send me a text message once it arrives.

September 7, I finally received a notification, went to the post office, got charged/paid 100php and went home with the goods. :D

Woohoo! The box is intact sealed with TOM tape

Quality gift wrapping! They even included freebies, I'm really happy~!!!

Each item is skillfully wrapped in plastic (excluding clear file.)

SUCCESS!

Invitation link to join and shop in TokyoOtakumode >>> https://otakumode.com/invite/3ac1a8
If you join you'll get $10. What's in it for me is when you make a purchase with a total of $5 or more in their shop, I will also get $10 in return. So join if you're interested in what they're selling~

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Guide: Claiming items sent from other countries to the Philippines via EMS

As stated in the Florence Agreement, books are exempted from custom duties and tax as long as it's for personal use and not considered as merchandise or to be sold for profit in the country.  In the Philippines it is said that it'll still go through the process of declaration of goods for bringing it into the country.

Sources:

Imported books exempted from customs duties, VAT—DoF (Daily Inquirer)

DOF clarifies tax and duty exemptions on imported books (Phil Gov't)

Philippines signed to the agreement on August 7, 1979 - source

While the PhilPost tracker isn't working here are other tracking sites to use::

http://www.17track.net/en/ | http://www.track-trace.com/post