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With regards to the lovely dancing girls that feature in all these shows - I've heard that the casting couch gets a fair battering here in The Philippines with all those young girls looking for an TV opening. Casting manager for these shows must be the best job in The Philippines:D.Yea, only if that casting guy does not happen to be a gay, as I have observed, Philippine showbiz is predominantly run by very annoying gays.
FreebieFan
11-28-10, 13:39
Ok so here I was wandering what to do with my day off in Taipei.
Thought I'd see where all the Filipinas go on their day off and see what transpired.
Found all the stores offering balikbayan boxe, pasaload, Western Union etc then found lots of Filipino restaurants all serving the normal tasteless high quantity crap. Then found some bars with a few Filipinas in them and knew things were getting better.
A few smiles and a few nice friendly hellos (why do the gorgeous ones always hang around with an overweight dog of a friend that needs shooting?!) and I procured a few phone numbers which will be acted on next Sunday.
Interestingly a few other single white males were doing the very same thing. Great mongering minds thinking alike. LOL
If you get to HK on a Sunday check out Charter Street in Central: The city actually closes a block or two at a park so the huge mob of Philippinas can congregate. Hundreds of 'em. Bring a couple books for phone numbers.
Wicked Roger
11-29-10, 05:32
A few smiles and a few nice friendly hellos (why do the gorgeous ones always hang around with an overweight dog of a friend that needs shooting?!)
FF
To answer you question...because you need something to play with while your kinky twin is enjoying and raising the educational standards of the gorgeous ones :D
Good to see you are getting out and about in your new location, as we said, once you 'find your feet' life is easy Taipei...especially if gorgeous ladies are willing to play with kinky old men like us :p
Econo Tech
11-29-10, 07:03
A few smiles and a few nice friendly hellos (why do the gorgeous ones always hang around with an overweight dog of a friend that needs shooting?!) and I procured a few phone numbers which will be acted on next Sunday.And you have summed up my past hobby, in Singapore. Sundays, at Lucky PLaza which virtually is all of Philippines in 6 floors (plus 1 basement).
Yeah, when idling, that's a good hobby, as long as you don't plan an instant hit and run. Collect this week, meet up next week, and repeat.
FreebieFan
11-29-10, 12:10
FF
To answer you question. Because you need something to play with while your kinky twin is enjoying and raising the educational standards of the gorgeous ones
Good to see you are getting out and about in your new location, as we said, once you 'find your feet' life is easy Taipei. Especially if gorgeous ladies are willing to play with kinky old men like usThanks Twin. Thanks to some kind souls here I even found the places where all the motels are. Am sure not up to Sogo standards or even the Dusit but as they require no name no I'd only cash I'm fine with that. A cute Indonesian has been booked for Sunday, with a Filipina as Plan B. Lifes good and getting better!
Whatsgoingon
11-29-10, 20:32
Its been a while since I did a FR on the phils, here we go.
After expecting to be coming back for non mongering reasons (see advice section) this went a bit wayward during the week.
Rather than cancel my trip I decided to hook up with a couple of girls that I got to know in UAE, treated nicely and were happy to see me.
First was in Manila and we met up. I stayed in a well know 5* in Malate, which is a nice hotel but the surrounding area is a dump, not quite like Makati where I normally stay but I booked at short notice and the rates were much lower.
This girl has always been quite shy but went out for drinks, dinner and even asked to go to a bar in P Burgos as she wanted to see one. I obliged and we did some bar hopping. Bottoms was a great fun place, was busy and had a great buzz.
Eventually we returned to the hotel, I was happy for her to leave being tired after the flight and suggested she do so but she had better plans. We had a really nice session, nothing kinky but a good shag with someone I knew fairly well. In the morning I tried to give her money and put some in her bag. She really didnt want me to give her anything. She told me she wanted to welcome me to Phils and make me happy, she would get a jeepney. I offered her money for Taxi instead, she still refused.
Day 2 and i decided to go to Davao for the night. I like this place. After talking a while to a 65 yr old Brit in the Marco Polo who relocated from Cebu I met Ms A, a friend from UAE from 6 mths back. We went out and ate, hit the bars in Torres St which were fun. A pinoy suggested I dance with what looked like an 18 yr old at one bar, I suggested i was tood old. He said there is no such thing in the Philippines!!!
After a great night out drinking/dancing we went back to mine and had a great session followed by another one in the morning.
This time I tried to sneak the money into her bag but she saw and told me not to. She doesnt do it for money with me. She wanted to give me a good time in return for visiting her.......I finally managed to convince her to at least take taxi money.......
Strangly this girl has been internet dating Mr. A from the Middle East for some time and he recently visited. I asked her the night before if it was right we sleep together and she said she wasnt sure if it would work and he wouldnt know so no problem. So Mr. A, I'm sorry, I did try!
Back to Manila and I have to come home a day early due to an emergency.
Anyway, a weird trip just catching up with some girls i met before and was kind and pleasant to. They repaid me with their kindness by wanting to make me happy!!
Tally Wacker
11-30-10, 04:11
Great post glad you had fun and it shows to respect the filipinas unlike some others on this board that give themselves high fives and refer to them as stupid, ignorant, liars and then use them and throw them.
If your approach to meeting women is all about yourself then you will recieve the bottom of the barrel and deserve it.
Its been a while since I did a FR on the phils, here we go.
Soapy Smith
12-04-10, 07:04
Some of you know about the airport taxi monopoly. The set fare to Ermita or Malate is 530 pesos, even though a metered city taxi going the opposite direction is between 150 and 200. But the airport taxi service is reliable and still reasonable compared to other cities in the world. Thursday night I used the airport taxi to get me and my squeeze to Eurotel on Pedro Gil. The ticket agent and I loaded my bags, I tipped the ticket agent 50 pesos -- he looked surprised that I tipped him -- and away we went.
The driver stopped along the way to get something to eat. My squeeze and I waited about 5 minutes while he did this. When we arrived at Eurotel the doorman unloaded my bags and I asked for the receipt. I gave the driver 600 pesos. The 70 peso tip was a little more than 13%. It would have been a hefty tip for a city taxi going the same distance. But this driver didn’t think it was enough. He said so, loudly calling me “kuripot” (cheap) for all to hear – the doorman and security guard, my squeeze, and various others on the street nearby. Incidentally, he didn’t lift a finger on my bags, since other people, myself included, handled the luggage at both ends. I tipped the doorman 50 pesos.
So here’s my question: did I tip enough, or was the driver right to assail me as kuripot? How much are other mongers tipping for this distance? Filipino friends think I tip too much in taxis, so is this an expectation that applies only to foreign visitors? I promise no backchannel flames for anybody who calls me cheap. Have at it.
Skip
Key Master
12-04-10, 07:21
Some of you know about the airport taxi monopoly. The set fare to Ermita or Malate is 530 pesos, even though a metered city taxi going the opposite direction is between 150 and 200. But the airport taxi service is reliable and still reasonable compared to other cities in the world. Thursday night I used the airport taxi to get me and my squeeze to Eurotel on Pedro Gil. The ticket agent and I loaded my bags, I tipped the ticket agent 50 pesos -- he looked surprised that I tipped him -- and away we went.
The driver stopped along the way to get something to eat. My squeeze and I waited about 5 minutes while he did this. When we arrived at Eurotel the doorman unloaded my bags and I asked for the receipt. I gave the driver 600 pesos. The 70 peso tip was a little more than 13%. It would have been a hefty tip for a city taxi going the same distance. But this driver didn’t think it was enough. He said so, loudly calling me “kuripot” (cheap) for all to hear – the doorman and security guard, my squeeze, and various others on the street nearby. Incidentally, he didn’t lift a finger on my bags, since other people, myself included, handled the luggage at both ends. I tipped the doorman 50 pesos.
So here’s my question: did I tip enough, or was the driver right to assail me as kuripot? How much are other mongers tipping for this distance? Filipino friends think I tip too much in taxis, so is this an expectation that applies only to foreign visitors? I promise no backchannel flames for anybody who calls me cheap. Have at it.
Skip
I wouldn't know what the normal tip is for these guys. Most people don't use those private cars. I use only the metered taxis, the yellow airport ones or the metered ones dropping off passengers. Think most would be very happy for the 70 pesos. Maybe he saw you tip the ticket agent 50 pesos and figured he'd get more than 20 pesos more than him if he's driving you.
Some of you know about the airport taxi monopoly. The set fare to Ermita or Malate is 530 pesos, even though a metered city taxi going the opposite direction is between 150 and 200. But the airport taxi service is reliable and still reasonable compared to other cities in the world. Thursday night I used the airport taxi to get me and my squeeze to Eurotel on Pedro Gil. The ticket agent and I loaded my bags, I tipped the ticket agent 50 pesos -- he looked surprised that I tipped him -- and away we went.
The driver stopped along the way to get something to eat. My squeeze and I waited about 5 minutes while he did this. When we arrived at Eurotel the doorman unloaded my bags and I asked for the receipt. I gave the driver 600 pesos. The 70 peso tip was a little more than 13%. It would have been a hefty tip for a city taxi going the same distance. But this driver didn’t think it was enough. He said so, loudly calling me “kuripot” (cheap) for all to hear – the doorman and security guard, my squeeze, and various others on the street nearby. Incidentally, he didn’t lift a finger on my bags, since other people, myself included, handled the luggage at both ends. I tipped the doorman 50 pesos.
So here’s my question: did I tip enough, or was the driver right to assail me as kuripot? How much are other mongers tipping for this distance? Filipino friends think I tip too much in taxis, so is this an expectation that applies only to foreign visitors? I promise no backchannel flames for anybody who calls me cheap. Have at it.
SkipA 70 peso tip for a 530 fare is plenty. He called you kuripot because he's an ungrateful idiot who gets pleasure from name-calling. Next time this happens, get your wallet out as if you're gonna add more, get your money, then give him the exact fare. Make him think twice before he calls a customer "kuripot."
Fast Buck Artist
12-04-10, 12:11
The driver stopped along the way to get something to eat. My squeeze and I waited about 5 minutes while he did this. When we arrived at Eurotel the doorman unloaded my bags and I asked for the receipt. I gave the driver 600 pesos. The 70 peso tip was a little more than 13%. It would have been a hefty tip for a city taxi going the same distance. But this driver didn’t think it was enough. He said so, loudly calling me “kuripot” (cheap) for all to hear – the doorman and security guard, my squeeze, and various others on the street nearby. Incidentally, he didn’t lift a finger on my bags, since other people, myself included, handled the luggage at both ends. I tipped the doorman 50 pesos.
Filipinos usually dont tip cabbies at all, at best they might let him have the change (say the ride is 93.. they'll give him 100 and let keep the 7 peso change).. Malate cabbies are notorious for being dicks and pulling all kinds of stunts (tinkered meter, overcharge...). Bottom line is, you have to know what the fair costs are.. pay him the fair cost on arrival and ignore the protests.
Filipinos usually dont tip cabbies at all, at best they might let him have the change (say the ride is 93.. they'll give him 100 and let keep the 7 peso change).. Malate cabbies are notorious for being dicks and pulling all kinds of stunts (tinkered meter, overcharge...). Bottom line is, you have to know what the fair costs are.. pay him the fair cost on arrival and ignore the protests.Based on my observations, Filipinos are not a tipping culture.
WestCoast1
12-04-10, 16:07
Some of you know about the airport taxi monopoly. The set fare to Ermita or Malate is 530 pesos, even though a metered city taxi going the opposite direction is between 150 and 200. But the airport taxi service is reliable and still reasonable compared to other cities in the world. Thursday night I used the airport taxi to get me and my squeeze to Eurotel on Pedro Gil. The ticket agent and I loaded my bags, I tipped the ticket agent 50 pesos -- he looked surprised that I tipped him -- and away we went.
The driver stopped along the way to get something to eat. My squeeze and I waited about 5 minutes while he did this. When we arrived at Eurotel the doorman unloaded my bags and I asked for the receipt. I gave the driver 600 pesos. The 70 peso tip was a little more than 13%. It would have been a hefty tip for a city taxi going the same distance. But this driver didn’t think it was enough. He said so, loudly calling me “kuripot” (cheap) for all to hear – the doorman and security guard, my squeeze, and various others on the street nearby. Incidentally, he didn’t lift a finger on my bags, since other people, myself included, handled the luggage at both ends. I tipped the doorman 50 pesos.
So here’s my question: did I tip enough, or was the driver right to assail me as kuripot? How much are other mongers tipping for this distance? Filipino friends think I tip too much in taxis, so is this an expectation that applies only to foreign visitors? I promise no backchannel flames for anybody who calls me cheap. Have at it.
Skip
For the high-price of the rip-off fare (I've paid it myself, to not have to stand in the long taxi line) covers your tip. Tipping is not expected there like it is elsewhere. Give the next highest note amount if you can (say, p550) and let him keep the change. You weren't being cheap, in fact you may have over-tipped. Get that kano 15% rule out of your head. When the bill at the restraunt for you and your girl comes for, say, 480 pesos, put down 500 and walk. I'm not saying that you should not be generous (for good service), I'm saying that you don't have to tip unless you get GOOD SERVICE. If you find the service lacking (as you said, he never handled your bags), DONT TIP.
A normal fair to Malate would be p160-180 in the daytime, closer to p100 when traffic is lighter at night. I have yet to go from the airport to Malate (or vice versa) for more than 200 pisos in a regular taxi.
I just returned from 3 months of traveling around the Phillipines and passed thru Manila about 5 times. Manila Taxi Drivers are the worst low-lifes in the country. I always insist on "meter" taxis and even try to have the exact change and give them NO TIP.
I even learned a bad Filipino term used almost exclusively for manila taxi drivers. "Pudong ena mo" means son of a ***** and I follow it up with "Cocksucking bakla".
There are some good taxi drivers but even they will NEVER have change.
Enjoy "buang" (crazy) Manila. Cheapy "to the bone"
For the high-price of the rip-off fare (I've paid it myself, to not have to stand in the long taxi line) covers your tip. Tipping is not expected there like it is elsewhere. Give the next highest note amount if you can (say, p550) and let him keep the change. You weren't being cheap, in fact you may have over-tipped. Get that kano 15% rule out of your head. When the bill at the restraunt for you and your girl comes for, say, 480 pesos, put down 500 and walk. I'm not saying that you should not be generous (for good service), I'm saying that you don't have to tip unless you get GOOD SERVICE. If you find the service lacking (as you said, he never handled your bags), DONT TIP.
A normal fair to Malate would be p160-180 in the daytime, closer to p100 when traffic is lighter at night. I have yet to go from the airport to Malate (or vice versa) for more than 200 pisos in a regular taxi.
Soapy Smith
12-05-10, 02:23
[QUOTE=Key Master] Most people don't use those private cars. I use only the metered taxis, the yellow airport ones or the metered ones dropping off passengers. Think most would be very happy for the 70 pesos. Maybe he saw you tip the ticket agent 50 pesos and figured he'd get more than 20 pesos more than him if he's driving you. [/QUOTE
This is similar to the approach Westcoast describes taking. But I was under the impression these airport taxis have a monopoly contract for the arrival level at Terminal 1. I know there are metered city taxis dropping off departing passengers one level up, but the only way I've found to get up there is a very steep set of stairs at the North end of the lower level loading zone. Not worth the struggle if you have any amount of luggage. Is there some other way to get non-monopoly cabs down on the arrival level? Do you go out through the waiting mobs into the parking lot across the street to look for cabs?
Key Master
12-05-10, 07:21
[QUOTE=Key Master] Most people don't use those private cars. I use only the metered taxis, the yellow airport ones or the metered ones dropping off passengers. Think most would be very happy for the 70 pesos. Maybe he saw you tip the ticket agent 50 pesos and figured he'd get more than 20 pesos more than him if he's driving you. [/QUOTE
This is similar to the approach Westcoast describes taking. But I was under the impression these airport taxis have a monopoly contract for the arrival level at Terminal 1. I know there are metered city taxis dropping off departing passengers one level up, but the only way I've found to get up there is a very steep set of stairs at the North end of the lower level loading zone. Not worth the struggle if you have any amount of luggage. Is there some other way to get non-monopoly cabs down on the arrival level? Do you go out through the waiting mobs into the parking lot across the street to look for cabs?
Listen up ok. There are special airport taxis that are metered that only pick up passengers from the airports in Manila. Even Cebu has them now. They don't usually pick up passengers on the street because most people know it's more expensive with them. But they're still cheaper than those private taxis. The meter starts out at 70 instead of the 30-35 pesos the regular meter taxis start and they probably tick a little faster. The cars are pretty new and clean. It's kind of crap for the regular metered taxis to take someone to the airport and have little chance of getting passengers out of there thus I usually am more willing to pay a bit more than meter as they can be stuck in traffic there trying to get out of the area looking for passengers. I know some people will say screw them, but honestly I don't know about most of the complainers here about taxi drivers in Manila, I actually have good experiences with them over 95% of the time. So maybe some of you people who are getting screwed need to brush up on past advice or your attitudes and how you act when getting taxis.
Anyway, for all the airports in Manila if you leave like you are supposed to and depart the front doors of the airport there are signs that point you to metered taxis. Follow the damn signs! You'll see a booth with people sitting there asking where you are going and they'll fill a ticket out for you with number of cab written down for complaints and stuff. They get you in a yellow airport metered taxi that starts at 70 pesos. It's a little more expensive than the regular ones, but not like the ones that are asking 550 or whatever. It's not that bad. If you don't mind going up to arrivals with your stuff you can probably find a regular metered taxi dropping off passenger and get him and it'll most likely be cheaper. Rates being quoted can change depending upon time and traffic to a destination and of course if you are using a regular meter taxi or a yellow airport metered taxi (which is the only authorized metered taxis to take passengers out of airport).
Just want to comment on the people bashing metered taxis here. In my first 2 years or so of coming to PI I used to only go to Angeles. Part of the reason was because people on message boards were constantly bitching about getting scammed by taxis. That may have been the case a long time ago and I'm sure it still happens. But I don't get scammed but will run into someone who wants not to use the meter and sometimes for good reason like they may not get a fare where I'm going out of there or like the airport. I'm willing to bump up the fare when appropriate, which to me is just one of those things. When I finally made the move to try Manila I was so scared to get screwed by the taxi drivers because of all these angry reports. Well I was shocked when that wasn't the case. I now do more time in Manila and Makati on all my trips. If you have common sense and don't like an idiot, you should do fine.
WestCoast1
12-05-10, 07:26
Most people don't use those private cars. I use only the metered taxis, the yellow airport ones or the metered ones dropping off passengers. Think most would be very happy for the 70 pesos. Maybe he saw you tip the ticket agent 50 pesos and figured he'd get more than 20 pesos more than him if he's driving you.
This is similar to the approach Westcoast describes taking. But I was under the impression these airport taxis have a monopoly contract for the arrival level at Terminal 1. I know there are metered city taxis dropping off departing passengers one level up, but the only way I've found to get up there is a very steep set of stairs at the North end of the lower level loading zone. Not worth the struggle if you have any amount of luggage. Is there some other way to get non-monopoly cabs down on the arrival level? Do you go out through the waiting mobs into the parking lot across the street to look for cabs?
Skip, there are elevators that go up to the upper level. When you walk out the first set of doors (just past the customs desk) into what appears a lobby (before departing towards the street), ask any security where the elevator is. I turn right, walk about 40 feet to it (its along the wall to your right). Take the elevator up, and exit to the exterior drop-off (departure) zone. You won't have to wait for more than 2 minutes (often no wait) for a taxi to pull in. Unfortunately, these drivers sometimes want an up-front fee for the asking (p300 is typical to Malate, which is normally 90-150 depending the time of day). You can dicker and ask them to use the meter. I often just say 175, and they take it.
Downstairs, sometimes there is no line for the metered taxis. Sometimes its a longggg line. I then decide whether to lug my stuff upstairs or take the 500-peso rip-off taxi. If I'm tired, its the rip-off taxi (often a minivan, and I could care less the price).
GregLondon
12-05-10, 09:24
Flew BKK to Clark last night with Cebu Pacific. They are VERY STRICT re return /onward tickets and excess baggage.
The guy in the queue before me had a big bag weighing 27 kg and no return/onward ticket. They made him pay 12*350 Bhat = 4900 Bhat excess luggage - he also said they said only a mx of 20kg in the bad so he had to find a box for the other 7 kg- never heard that before. He also had to go away and pay 6000P for a return flight. ie a total of about 13,000P extra (I presume he wanted to keep his options open e the return.
Pretty scandalous. I didn't have a return ticket either but having been through it before knew that the minimum evidence they needed was a Valid Flight Number. I almost got caught out though as I had noted a Philipines Airlines flight no on my laptop. Sadly the battery was flat so they wre about to cal Phil Airlines and check my fictitious booking. I dashed away and eventually found an electric power point and got hold of the flight no which was sufficient to let me on. I put as much heavy stuff in my carry on backpack (which i wore to not give them a chance to weigh (supposed to be max 7 kg) and my laptop bag, so i got under 16kg (they insist on charging even if yiu are 1kg over.
SO IF YOU ARE FLYING IN WITHOUT AN ONWARD TICKET, look up and write down a valid Airline flight no and date/time and have it ready to confidently hand over to them. I suggest an airline not operating from the airport you are departing from to reduce the chance that they will phone around to verify. Don't choose the same airline as you are outbound asd they wil obviously just check their systems.
Econo Tech
12-05-10, 09:32
Based on my observations, Filipinos are not a tipping culture.Yah right. But instead taxi fares jack price by 100% if you are not careful and if challenged, it will be "sir, only few dollars for you."
Soapy Smith
12-05-10, 14:32
Thanks WC and KM. Lots of helpful information about NAIA taxis.
Wicked Roger
12-05-10, 15:19
The guy in the queue before me had a big bag weighing 27 kg and no return/onward ticket. They made him pay 12*350 Bhat = 4900 Bhat excess luggage - he also said they said only a mx of 20kg in the bad so he had to find a box for the other 7 kg- never heard that before. He also had to go away and pay 6000P for a return flight. ie a total of about 13,000P extra (I presume he wanted to keep his options open e the return.
Pretty scandalous. I didn't have a return ticket either but having been through it before knew that the minimum evidence they needed was a Valid Flight Number. I almost got caught out though as I had noted a Philipines Airlines flight no on my laptop. Sadly the battery was flat so they wre about to cal Phil Airlines and check my fictitious booking. I dashed away and eventually found an electric power point and got hold of the flight no which was sufficient to let me on. I put as much heavy stuff in my carry on backpack (which i wore to not give them a chance to weigh (supposed to be max 7 kg) and my laptop bag, so i got under 16kg (they insist on charging even if yiu are 1kg over.
GL
I use CP a lot and they can be very strict on kilos as this is how the airling makes its cash. I have never heard of the 20kg limit per bag (maybe for international routes?) as I have far more in my bags. I also pre-pay the excess if I know I have and that to a degree helps
I did once at Cebu question the scales used as when I checked in the Middle East I had 40kgs but when I checked the same bags into CP (a few hours after arriving and not opening the bags) I was 44kgs :p...After much discussion and some argument they waived the additional fees
Still a nice airline IMHO
I'm planning my next trip and would like to stay about 25 days or so which would take me over the 21 days so I would have to extend once I'm there. Doing so seems like a pretty straight forward process from what I've read. Can I assume that I won't have any issues from the airlines or from immigration if I book my ticket for longer than 21 days and just say that I will extend once I am in PI?
Can I assume that I won't have any issues from the airlines or from immigration if I book my ticket for longer than 21 days and just say that I will extend once I am in PI?
Yes you are correct. You can extend upon landing. Before you pass through immigration, go to the office on the left.
I have never heard of the 20kg limit per bag (maybe for international routes?) Still a nice airline IMHO
On principle airlines do not allow more than 30 kg (regasrdless of the individual allowance one has) for the simple reason it is a safety precaution for labour, ie not to lift too heavy bags.
Then each one has its own rules in terms of max allowance linked to unit weight of the bag.
I know of a case of couple flying on Ryan Air (allowance is 15kg each passenger), having 1 bag (only) of 19kg (so below the 15+15 allowance for the two of them.
Well the airline charged the 4 kg extra to the passenger with his 19kg bag... (and of course the comopanion did have zero kg checked in!).
If I decide to stay more then 21 days I always take a side trip to Thailand for few days then back to Phils for more time there. Instead of going thru the trouble of stopping at Immigration on entry and paying fee then.
Sorry for the silly question but are you saying that the visa upon entering the Phils is for 21 days only.
WestCoast1
12-05-10, 18:37
Sorry for the silly question but are you saying that the visa upon entering the Phils is for 21 days only.
Mackin, the VOA (Visa On Arrival) is good for 21 days only. If your itinerary shows you staying longer, you will need to get an extension (to 59 days) once you are in-country. Also, prior to your departure, you can apply for a longer visa thru the Filipine Embassy in your country.
Yes you are correct. You can extend upon landing. Before you pass through immigration, go to the office on the left.
Thanks for the info, I thought I had to go to an office in Manila. So this office is before I walk up to the officer who checks my passport?
Wicked Roger
12-05-10, 21:49
On principle airlines do not allow more than 30 kg (regasrdless of the individual allowance one has) for the simple reason it is a safety precaution for labour, ie not to lift too heavy bags.
Then each one has its own rules in terms of max allowance linked to unit weight of the bag.
I know of a case of couple flying on Ryan Air (allowance is 15kg each passenger), having 1 bag (only) of 19kg (so below the 15+15 allowance for the two of them.
Well the airline charged the 4 kg extra to the passenger with his 19kg bag... (and of course the comopanion did have zero kg checked in!).
Yes of course, but Ryan are Nazis when it comes to baggage etc as soon they may charge you for using the toilet on board.....cheap and OK as long as you play by their rules
32 kgs is the max but in USA it is 23 kgs..CPac seems to have odd rules at times but still I enjoy the airline
Flew BKK to Clark last night with Cebu Pacific. They are VERY STRICT re return /onward tickets and excess baggage.
The guy in the queue before me had a big bag weighing 27 kg and no return/onward ticket. They made him pay 12*350 Bhat = 4900 Bhat excess luggage - he also said they said only a mx of 20kg in the bad so he had to find a box for the other 7 kg- never heard that before. He also had to go away and pay 6000P for a return flight. ie a total of about 13,000P extra (I presume he wanted to keep his options open e the return.
Pretty scandalous. I didn't have a return ticket either but having been through it before knew that the minimum evidence they needed was a Valid Flight Number. I almost got caught out though as I had noted a Philipines Airlines flight no on my laptop. Sadly the battery was flat so they wre about to cal Phil Airlines and check my fictitious booking. I dashed away and eventually found an electric power point and got hold of the flight no which was sufficient to let me on. I put as much heavy stuff in my carry on backpack (which i wore to not give them a chance to weigh (supposed to be max 7 kg) and my laptop bag, so i got under 16kg (they insist on charging even if yiu are 1kg over.
SO IF YOU ARE FLYING IN WITHOUT AN ONWARD TICKET, look up and write down a valid Airline flight no and date/time and have it ready to confidently hand over to them. I suggest an airline not operating from the airport you are departing from to reduce the chance that they will phone around to verify. Don't choose the same airline as you are outbound asd they wil obviously just check their systems.
Nice tip GL.
Another tip for the frequent travelers that may have excess baggage: Most domestic airlines have lower limits than international carriers but the domestic airlines do switch over to international carrier regulations if you are connecting with an international carrier in the next 24 hours or just came off of an international carrier within 24 hrs. I go one step further than GL. I just have a fake itinerary emailed to myself (downloaded into my phone) that shows the connection. Make sure it is not too close of a connection on the outbound flight, otherwise the domestic carrier may want to check your bags through to the international destination. :-)
I was searching for info on Beaches and I thank all of you that advised me. I also found a link to this site that has nice overview and the authors idea of top beaches. I found it useful...
http://www.bugbog.com/beaches/philippines_beaches.html
I was searching for info on Beaches and I thank all of you that advised me. I also found a link to this site that has nice overview and the authors idea of top beaches. I found it useful...
http://www.bugbog.com/beaches/philippines_beaches.htmlI'm glad they did not identify my favorite spot.
Slippery f/k/a Puerto La Cruz
It seems the Bo I is serious about trying to stop the scams that go in with Immigration deals
Check this out
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20101205/tph-bi-employees-told-to-stay-off-nearby-d6cd5cf.html
Econo Tech
12-06-10, 04:35
Flew BKK to Clark last night with Cebu Pacific. They are VERY STRICT re return /onward tickets and excess baggage.If you are a regular traveller, you will know LCCs make money on ancilliary services - which includes on board food sales, excess luggage and all.. not fair blaming them for being stingy - and strict - after all, Low cost - and unless they keep a tight control, their costs will spiral.
Ever remember MOL (RyanAir)'s famous comments when somebody asked for the refund policy ? "Which part of the no fucking refund you don't get it ??? " or something to that extent .. and he went on to rant that if you want full service, then pay much much more and fly full-service carriers ..
And for the hand luggage- that is in a way cheating - well, no comments, but when I was handling ground, I have seen passengers who lamely check in 15 Kg (that was the baggage allowance for the class of ticket we allowed) and the hand luggage was 25 kg and we had to engage security to get the hand luggage ripped off and weighed .. firstly, it eats the 'lcc costs' as undeclared weight spirals to excess fuel burn - no sir, I know it is not much but when 100 passengers sneak in 10 kilo extra plus plus it is just over 1 metric tonne in undeclared weight - and secondly, as I said before - it also affects the staff pay as the pay is a variance of the revenue generated ..
Plus, for US flights, the weight limits are higher, but then again, airlines in US are bleeding whenever a ground handler claims his back was hurt by large bags ..
Cheers- fly safe, play safe - and if you are in the ramp side and if you see how people handle heavy luggage - you will have an eye opening experience.
Econo Tech
12-06-10, 04:43
Yes of course, but Ryan are Nazis when it comes to baggage etc as soon they may charge you for using the toilet on board.....cheap and OK as long as you play by their rules
32 kgs is the max but in USA it is 23 kgs..CPac seems to have odd rules at times but still I enjoy the airlineSome carriers, including PAL, have lowered the baggage allowance for lower cost fair - like 15 KG and skip the meals and you pay much much lesser.
It is a competitive market, and likewise Jetstar / Tiger out of Singapore to Phil, have a fair with 'no checked in luggage.
Flew BKK to Clark last night with Cebu Pacific. They are VERY STRICT re return /onward tickets
SO IF YOU ARE FLYING IN WITHOUT AN ONWARD TICKET, look up and write down a valid Airline flight no and date/time and have it ready to confidently hand over to them. Don't choose the same airline as you are outbound asd they wil obviously just check their systems.
Philippine is the only country around SE Asia in which the airline employee at the host country will ask for an itinerary on your return ticket. They said that immigration will demand a return ticket. This is probably false. I have never seen immigration ask anyone for a return ticket. But then I hardly ever see any Africans in the Phillipines.
You can used an old itinerary and modify it.
I never knew you can just jot down the flight number and times and show it to them. Hmm, it works? Never tried it.
GregLondon
12-06-10, 05:48
Philippine is the only country around SE Asia in which the airline employee at the host country will ask for an itinerary on your return ticket. They said that immigration will demand a return ticket. This is probably false. I have never seen immigration ask anyone for a return ticket. But then I hardly ever see any Africans in the Phillipines.
You can used an old itinerary and modify it.
I never knew you can just jot down the flight number and times and show it to them. Hmm, it works? Never tried it.
Yes it works, I've done it twice. But 1 Look up a real flight number, 2 use an airline not represented at the airport you are travelling from (or whose flights will have left by the time you check in). 3 Be confident, they will ask fro a print out, say you didnt have a print out but you noted the Flight number and time. All they need is the sinfgle fligt out of the Phils, though if you come up with a whole itinery Airline x manila to YY Airline y YY to hiome etc that just adds to your plausibility.
At the main ingoing airports they never ask about your return flights, however i once flew Guangzhou to Laoag where I was the only non Chinese on the flight and everyone else was ona two day jaunt to the Casino. Im migration interrogated me for an hour trying to intimidate me into buying a ticket or paying a bribe. My story was that my RTW ticket scheduled BKK to Lon was flexible and i could change it to manila- London. Eventually they said OK but by that stage all the taxis had left so the immigation guy put his gun away and drove me to town himself - refused any payment. The secret is always to maintain an affable cool.
Econo Tech
12-06-10, 06:57
Philippine is the only country around SE Asia in which the airline employee at the host country will ask for an itinerary on your return ticket. They said that immigration will demand a return ticket. This is probably false. I have never seen immigration ask anyone for a return ticket. But then I hardly ever see any Africans in the Phillipines.You got to get your facts right. Even to US/UK, or anywhere, any passenger arriving MUST PRODUCE PROOF OF RETURN, unless he or she is on a long term residency.
Maybe you haven't seen the world. In some countries, specific nationalities are the flavor of the day. Example: Malaysians pick on south asians and africans generally, Filipinos pick on pretty much everybody, Singapore picks on girls from ASEAN countries, Thais tend to pick on anybody African looking. Indonesia- pretty much anybody who seem to have a wad of money, and on and on.
Oh, most of the time the common response is 'such nationalities are known to not honoring the visa and tend to overstay. '
And do you know what happens when the immigration refuses entry to the passenger who is returned at the arriving airport? The carrier that brought the guy into the country has to fly the guy back FOC. If he doesn't have a return ticket. If he or she has a return, it is less of a headache for them.
That is international law mate.
Don't blame Philippines. It is the international law, and if a country is being extra careful just because of past experience. Unless you are God' Gift to Mankind or have been having your way all the time.
Cheers. No offence by the way.
Rubberyman
12-06-10, 07:11
Some carriers, including PAL, have lowered the baggage allowance for lower cost fair - like 15 KG and skip the meals and you pay much much lesser.
It is a competitive market, and likewise Jetstar / Tiger out of Singapore to Phil, have a fair with 'no checked in luggage.
When travelling on holiday I never ever have check in luggage, so I use Jetstar's 'Lite' option if I am travelling with them. The warning is that they almost always check the weight of the carry on luggage at check in to ensure it is 7kg or less.
Yes it works, I've done it twice. But 1 Look up a real flight number, 2 use an airline not represented at the airport you are travelling from (or whose flights will have left by the time you check in). 3 Be confident, they will ask fro a print out, say you didnt have a print out but you noted the Flight number and time. All they need is the sinfgle fligt out of the Phils, though if you come up with a whole itinery Airline x manila to YY Airline y YY to hiome etc that just adds to your plausibility.....
Unfortunately, the more that you guys talk here about making your own fraudulent tickets then the greater likelihood it is that someone is going to read about it and tip off the Phil authorities who are then going to start randomly (or otherwise) checking the tickets to see if they are real.
I cannot see why you don't just book an open return ticket when you make your in-bound booking. I wouldn't like to be caught as a fraudster and then have a red flag against your passport number for travel to anywhere else in the world.
Econo Tech
12-06-10, 08:38
Unfortunately, the more that you guys talk here about making your own fraudulent tickets then the greater likelihood it is that someone is going to read about it and tip off the Phil authorities who are then going to start randomly (or otherwise) checking the tickets to see if they are real.
I cannot see why you don't just book an open return ticket when you make your in-bound booking. I wouldn't like to be caught as a fraudster and then have a red flag against your passport number for travel to anywhere else in the world.As if the immigration guys don't know.
Try an asian country where the immigration has setup direct access to the 4 large GDS, and if they see any e-ticket that looks odd, while the guy is talking to you, in his keyboard he has messaged a colleague to look up the PNR, and if the PNR was a booked and voided PNR, the immigration will be more smiles and just stamp your passport with A-to-A (return to sender) or 7 Days and W6 (7 day stay, and 6 months no entry after that.) and you walk off smiling and when you go to renew the visa you are in for a hell of a shock.
As for Phil authority, yes, they are doing it with people leaving, especially those who make fake return iitins with 7 days, and then cancel the return segment, and keep the outgoing segment, so they can stay in Singapore / Malaysia for 90 days max, and PH Immigration will hold and call the airline and check the segments. And no, they are not out to take a bribe, but to keep the numbers on the anti-[CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) drive go good.
Me. I been repeating. Why risk it all over a hundred dollar throw-away ticket.
Unfortunately, the more that you guys talk here about making your own fraudulent tickets then the greater likelihood it is that someone is going to read about it and tip off the Phil authorities who are then going to start randomly (or otherwise) checking the tickets to see if they are real.
I cannot see why you don't just book an open return ticket when you make your in-bound booking. I wouldn't like to be caught as a fraudster and then have a red flag against your passport number for travel to anywhere else in the world.
Open return tickets are often more expensive than a fixed schedule.
Often a good price is for a max no. of days.
The 'open' ticket is most likely the most expensive fare or so.
Yes of course, but Ryan are Nazis when it comes to baggage etc as soon they may charge you for using the toilet on board.....cheap and OK as long as you play by their rules
32 kgs is the max but in USA it is 23 kgs..CPac seems to have odd rules at times but still I enjoy the airline
Ryan is out of my books!
I had to fly with them twice as sort of forced to and that was enough eye opener.
Not my cup of tea, but each one his own...of course
They said that immigration will demand a return ticket. This is probably false. I have never seen immigration ask anyone for a return ticket.
Happened to my in Macau last year: immigration officer asked for the proof of return I had the itinerary printed in my language (and of course he did not understand a word) so after some light discussion he let me go.
I mean, over there they are trying to attract tourists and visitors, see a westerner and think he wants to be an illegal immigrant?
Was wondering what was the agenda of that guy...
He should leave that procedure to U.S. "border protection".... :)
Open return tickets are often more expensive than a fixed schedule.
Often a good price is for a max no. of days.
The 'open' ticket is most likely the most expensive fare or so.
Deliberately flaunting the law might end up being way more expensive anyway.
I am just telling it how I read it - there are plenty of cowboys here who want to push all the limits as far as they can and when their stunt works they have to get on here and brag about it.
It is not the way I prefer to operate but I guess ISG is for sharing, whether the stunts are legal or otherwise.
Econo Tech
12-06-10, 10:05
Happened to my in Macau last year: immigration officer asked for the proof of return I had the itinerary printed in my language (and of course he did not understand a word) so after some light discussion he let me go.
I mean, over there they are trying to attract tourists and visitors, see a westerner and think he wants to be an illegal immigrant?
Was wondering what was the agenda of that guy.
He should leave that procedure to USA "border protection".It's not about illegal immigrants mate. There are enough europeans and americans who flaunt the law, and work illegally. In Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and Indonesia, on Social visit pass, doing visa runs every month or so. Until they get stopped and made persona-non-grata or warned to get a proper work visa + pay taxes..
Compared to those days of non-LCCs, LCCs have opened up a lot of options to get 'cheap tickets' and nobody questions you for not using a cheap ticket. In fact, that's another revenue stream for LCCs. They charge you 1$ for the ticket, and 50$ for the airport tax, which they never pay the airport unless you walk in and when you don't. Hey, they are more than happy, and release the 'chance' tickets to others who pay more to fly. Now everyone can Fly.
You can used an old itinerary and modify it.
Bingo. That is how I do it. It looks totally legit.
I never knew you can just jot down the flight number and times and show it to them. Hmm, it works? Never tried it.
Actually this is how it works in the west. For years I did this for legit connections in the west (where I buy two tickets on two different carriers if that is cheaper) and no one ever asked me for the itinerary. Agents in Asia are more skeptical. Once, A kid behind the counter in an asian country demanded to see one. It took me 5 minutes to make one on my phone. He was happy.
Someone on this forum said they are worried that Philippine agents are going to start checking. I guarantee you that no one will ever take the time to check. They have zero incentive to do that. If you come across under confident and look like you just committed a major crime, they may not buy your story and not accept it but they will not check. Even if they check, so what?
It is not the way I prefer to operate but I guess ISG is for sharing, whether the stunts are legal or otherwise.
Where is your sense of adventure!? If you want to be Mr. 'Legal Beagle' and conduct your life by the book that's fine and dandy but don't rain on peoples' parade! It's not like they are going to overstay their visas! :rolleyes:
GregLondon
12-06-10, 12:04
Deliberately flaunting the law might end up being way more expensive anyway.
I am just telling it how I read it - there are plenty of cowboys here who want to push all the limits as far as they can and when their stunt works they have to get on here and brag about it.
It is not the way I prefer to operate but I guess ISG is for sharing, whether the stunts are legal or otherwise.
RK this is one of those stupid technicalities. The PI immigration don't give a monkey's whether you have a return / open ticket or not which is why in the main entry airports they "never" ask about it. The problem has occured because someone has sent a note to the airlines saying that if someone is denied entry to the Phils and then sent back the airline will be fined i think 50,000 B therefore the airlines have to go through the motions of checking the return /onward ticket issue.
The return ticket legislation is there because someone was worried about economic migration - probably from the days that RP was relatively prosperous compared with the rest of SEA. It's not there to designed to hamper its tourist industry. A typical tourist spending say $100 a day is supporting at least 5 Philippine jobs during the time he spends here.
The very worst that is going to happen to you is that you are going to be forced to get on line and actually buy a return ticket.
Of course if you a businessman running a fixed itinerary or someone ona 2 week vacation its no problem as you almost certainly wil buy a return ticket in any case because on regular airlines RT is 80-90% of the one way price.
If you are flying around asia on budget airlines however its a major hassle. I have no idea how long I will stay in the Phils or where i will feel like flying to next so for me its a significant expense and would be a material deterrent from visiting Phils and not just overlanding through SEA to other countries.
You are probably right that i would be smart to shut up rather than pass useful tips to others, but I felt rather sorry for the guy in the queue before me having to shell out 6000B unnecessarily.
FreebieFan
12-06-10, 12:12
When travelling on holiday I never ever have check in luggage, so I use Jetstar's 'Lite' option if I am travelling with them. The warning is that they almost always check the weight of the carry on luggage at check in to ensure it is 7kg or less.7Kgs is all you get?. Damn I think my hand carry case is more than that LOL
During a recent flight (OK I was relocating and wanted to keep all my valuables with me,) I had 3 carry on bags and checked in 55kgs. OK I was on a superior Asian airline and am in their premium programme, and they just smiled and said have a nice flight. I liked THAT!
Econo Tech
12-06-10, 12:31
A typical tourist spending say $100 a day is supporting at least 5 Philippine jobs during the time he spends here.
The very worst that is going to happen to you is that you are going to be forced to get on line and actually buy a return ticket.Too bad to rain on your parade, but. Let me put it mildly. I lived and moved around Asia for the past 10 years plus, and most immigration guys don't give a rat's ass as to how much of your money is going into the economy.
They too have targets to catch suspects, and no sir, I am not kidding. They will more than go the extra mile to ensure they literally hang a few foreigners, and especially when they have 'suspected' they will loose face if they retreat.
And, no sir, the worst thing is not making you buy a ticket. But getting deported. Well, I know you have been lucky and always have the aura that permeates everything and get royal treatment. Go for it mate.
Nah, I almost got myself a new one ripped, for stepping into Malaysia. For a lesser crime. Namely not having enough RM in my pocket, and that day being a slow day, the immigration officer decided to pull out the rule book and point to me that "FOREIGNERS MUST PRODUCE SUFFICIENT TOURIST SPENDING MONEY" and despite my residency status in Singapore being generally assumed as sufficient, and all my credit cards, probably the last thing the Immigration Guy wanted is loosing face. So he said "About turn, go and withdraw more money and come back, and no- I am not asking for a bribe. " and with that he wrote a note saying he has refused entry for insufficient spending money.
I U-turned the car back to Singapore, crossed, took out 300 S$ and went back to JB and it was the same guy who attended to me looked at me, smiled and said "show me the money" and he just saw me counting and he smiled and said "There you go sir, next time, don't challenge Immigration staff, we don't give a rat's ass as to how much you are worth. But rules are rules" (he was not after bribe and he didn't even touch my money, he only asked me to produce proof. And only later did I find out from other Malaysian Immigration staff, during one of my contracts there, that such 'detection' goes into their performance for being diligent in their job.)
Ever since, I don't like to take the fast lane and see what comes.
I'd rather take a sedate road. And just being a humble joe.
And all that talk of "BE FIRM, DON"T GIVE IN" may work for some, but not all. I have seen guys in even Silky Clean Singapore challenging immigration officers and the officers just smile and say "step away sir, Our officer would like to interview you. " and more than once, while waiting for some friends arriving in Singapore, I saw guys being sent to the 'cool' room and they were let out with no excuse after 2 hours or so.
The most funniest was I was entering Singapore with a carton of Cigerettes, and Singapore doesn't allow even a single pack of duty unpaid cigeratte and in the random scan I was caught, and while the officer was about to launch into a lecture of being a resident and knowing the law, the guy behind me was checked by another officer and he had just a single pack of smokes, and when asked. He started to challenge the officer. The officer who was handling me turned to me and said "drop your carton into the rubbish and walk out, I have something more interesting to do. " and while I walked out. I saw the guy who challenged the officer being held while I was waiting for another friend arriving about the same time. And last I saw. A couple of Men in Blue turned up and escorted him off. I was told the fine for a single packet of duty unpaid cigerette is just upto 300$ plus plus. Or jail in lieu. The guy sounded Aussie, nah. The Singapore Customs didn't bother.
Cheers
Lushington
12-06-10, 20:16
interested if anyone has experience changing other currencies beside usd at manila airport.
i have indonesian rupiah, chinese yuan and indian rupees.
anyone changed these currencies into pesos at the airport?
i realise the rate will be a bit lower.
would it be better to chage these at angeles or even malate?
thanks in advance,
lush
Rubberyman
12-06-10, 21:48
As if the immigration guys don't know.
Me. I been repeating. Why risk it all over a hundred dollar throw-away ticket.
Yeah, and it does not have to be that expensive. All you need is a ticket out of the country to anywhere. A cheap as chips ticket to Sin or Kul on a low cost carrier will do it.
The other thing that has me scratching my head about this is how many people are really affected by this? Surely most of us would have a return ticket anyway? I am often amazed by people paying 500p (and over!) in tips for their barfines, which might add up to 3500P ($80) in a week. Presumably someone wanting to stay a week or less would have a return ticket anyway, and it is therefore those staying longer would spend multiples of that $80 in unnecessary tips - yet groan and grumble and risk a hassle at the airport for possibly much less.
Rubberyman
12-06-10, 21:55
7Kgs is all you get?. Damn I think my hand carry case is more than that LOL
!
I am sure that they figure people using the no checked luggage option will be sailing close to the weight limit for cabin baggage. So they check those bags carefully because even if you are only a bit over, they can make you check the bag, and then charge you the healthy extra (I think with Jetstar, it is even more than the original difference between the 'Light' fare and standard).
Whereas with someone with checked luggage, if they get all Nazi about the cabin bag, you can waste time at the check in by opening your to be checked luggage and putting something from the cabin bag into it. They don't want that sort of farting round which gains them no $$$$.
GregLondon
12-07-10, 01:06
i can't believe how much flak i've generated from what i foolishly imagined
would be taken as some very helpful advice for a few guys who are not flying on rt tickets.
the key facts are:
1 the airlines (at least cebu pacific) and i suspect all airlines are going to ask you for evidence of a rt/onward ticket before they let you board the plane.
2 in my experience the only rp airport where immigration also has a policy of asking to see such evidence is laoag (as of 9 years ago). i've flown into manilia, cebu and clark and have never been asked to show a ticket nor have i spoken to anyone else who has, nor has anyone on this forum come forward and said, "they asked me to show an onward ticket when i arrived at one of these airports." that's not to say that they would never ask anyone, i suspect that if you are travelling on an afghan or somali passport etc you may well get asked. moreover the immigration officer at laoag himself told me, yes they don't ask at the big airports, but things are different here.
how you want to deal with this is up to you. clearly for many it's not an issue as you will have bought a rt ticket in any case. for those of us without a fixed itinerary one option is to buy a eticket with an online airline and then tell them your flight number. this is likely to cost $200 but cebu pacific does have a change booking option (for a few thousand p) so that if you at least know that you will fly out on cp this money may not be completely wasted. a second option is to tell them that you have bought an eticket and tell them the flight number. this second option involves telling a lie, so if your moral scruples prevent you from telling a lie, you better pay up. (and i know what fine upstanding, never tell a porkie, pillars of the community we have in this forum)
what is the downside to option 2? if cp don't believe you they won't let you on the plane until you actually do go and buy the ticket, in which case you will be in the same position as option 1. they are not going to call the police, mark your passport etc etc, they will just give you the choice of missing your flight or really buying a rt/onward.
what's going to happen at the airport in rp? as i said the only airport where i have ever been asked for an onward ticket was laoag which at that time 9 years ago was only connected internationally by flights from china issuing paper tickets. at the other airports i've never been asked. has anyone else recently been asked?? this is probably because they get many flights in from eticket airlines so how can immigration check your story that you have an eticket on xyz? are they going to spend 30 minutes phoning up different airlines to ask about bookings for each of 200 arriving passengers arriving on a cp flight? no they are going to rely on cp to have done that work for them before departure because at least the check in staff have access to their reservation system and the vast majority of customers will be flying back on the same airline.
in the in my view extremely unlikely event that (a) they ask and (b) they try to verify your answer, my experience in laoag was that they would try to make you buy a rt flight.
i absolutely agree with econo tech that the majority of immigration staff take a rules is rules approach unlikely to be swayed by points re the national economic self interest. i have traveled extensively - around 80 countries - and had plenty of run ins with immigration over various issues, and again agree with et that it is disastrous in such circumstances to get at all confrontational or in any way disrespectful. in my experience it is best to maintain a disposition of cheerful, respectful absent mindedness. as et said these guys are generally highly officious and take themselves very seriously. i know of one guy who when stopped by kenyan immigration leaving the country was asked to hand over the approx $10 worth of kenyan currency he had on him (in the days where taking currency out of the country was not allowed.) after an increasingly hostile argument where the guy basically said words to the effect fuck you i know you are just going to pocket it took out his lighter and burned it in front of them. he was sentenced to 10 years in a kenyan jail for defacing the currency but never did get out, dieing of hiv/aids after being repeatedly gang raped. my gf at the time was responsible for monitoring east africa for an arm of the british government which is how i come to know about the story. being a "nobody" without connections to the media/journalists etc there was no campaign on his behalf to get him out and the uk government policy at the time was one of sucking up to arap moi for various reasons so they didn't want to apply any pressure.
I can't believe how much flak I've generated from what I foolishly imagined would be taken as some very helpful advice for a few guys who are not flying on RT tickets.
The key facts are:
............................................
You have too much free time GL. Why are you so defensive of a point of view that is pretty irrelevant to most of us?
All of your points are speculative and are purely your own opinion as to what might or might not happen.
For those of us who don't want to flaunt with breaking various travel requirements, we will do as we always have and buy return tickets.
If other guys want to follow your advice, then so be it.
BTW, to Mattrick and others: I have NEVER lectured anybody here, and I can't "rain on other guy's parades" unless they allow me. I always give my own opinion and leave it to others to decide whether it is good advice or otherwise. I am as adventurous as the next guy but not in things that have a possibility of coming back to bite me if it doesn't go according to plan. The world is already spooked enough without me adding unnecessarily to it all by drawing attention to myself in any immigration/customs activity.
GregLondon
12-07-10, 04:18
You have too much free time GL. Why are you so defensive of a point of view that is pretty irrelevant to most of us?
All of your points are speculative and are purely your own opinion as to what might or might not happen.
For those of us who don't want to flaunt with breaking various travel requirements, we will do as we always have and buy return tickets.
If other guys want to follow your advice, then so be it.
BTW, to Mattrick and others: I have NEVER lectured anybody here, and I can't "rain on other guy's parades" unless they allow me. I always give my own opinion and leave it to others to decide whether it is good advice or otherwise. I am as adventurous as the next guy but not in things that have a possibility of coming back to bite me if it doesn't go according to plan. The world is already spooked enough without me adding unnecessarily to it all by drawing attention to myself in any immigration/customs activity.
I am fully aware, as I have made clear several times over that this is not relevant for most people who live pretty organised lives where they know which country they will want to be in over the next few months and therefore can most sensibly and cheaply book return /onward flights. However not everyone lives that kind of lifestyle and some of us prefer to have the flexibility to go where we want, when we want according to who we meet and where we feel like going. That's my situation and why for me this rule is a completely unnecessary and pointless donation of $250 to an airline. Am I the only person in this situation? No - the bloke I was standing behind in the check in queue was in the same situation and he ended up shelling out $250 because he didn't know how the system works.
Since when has there been a rule on this forum that any tips /advice offered has to be relevant to the majority of readers? I suspect that our American cousins and indeed most non Aussies/Englishmen have little or no interest in the extraordinary events being played out at Adelaide but this has not stopped (nor would I want it to) you and others exchanging thoughts on the matter.
Yes all of my points are my point of view on the basis of my experience. I have made it unusually clear what that experience was so that anyone in this situation can make their own decision as to how to deal with the issue. How does this differ from 99% of other posts in this forum which are almost inevitably the writer's opinion/point of view based on his experience?
.....................
Since when has there been a rule on this forum that any tips /advice offered has to be relevant to the majority of readers? I suspect that our American cousins and indeed most non Aussies/Englishmen have little or no interest in the extraordinary events being played out at Adelaide but this has not stopped (nor would I want it to) you and others exchanging thoughts on the matter...........................
Hey Greg I didn't make any reference to any "rule". I agree - there isn't one. If I read something not relevant to me I just (usually) click on by.
I generally find much of what you contribute here to be relevant and worthwhile, and I hope I can buy you an espresso doppio or something weaker next time you pass through Manila.
I will shut up now and turn my attention to that one thing that interests 100% of guys on the board - guess what?
Tally Wacker
12-07-10, 05:41
I will shut up now and turn my attention to that one thing that interests 100% of guys on the board - guess what?I give up.
Is it Cebu Hotels or How to produce more rice?
Lushington
12-07-10, 11:10
money changers at manila airport
interested if anyone has experience changing other currencies beside usd at manila airport.
i have indonesian rupiah, chinese yuan and indian rupees.
anyone changed these currencies into pesos at the airport?
i realise the rate will be a bit lower.
would it be better to chage these at angeles or even malate?
thanks in advance,
lush
Wicked Roger
12-07-10, 12:37
I will shut up now and turn my attention to that one thing that interests 100% of guys on the board - guess what?
Cricket RK ?? :D:D...well there are long straight wooden things and balls...
Or a peach...I know what you would prefer most (and for Christmans ;))
Starchild2012
12-07-10, 14:00
interested if anyone has experience changing other currencies beside usd at manila airport.
i have indonesian rupiah, chinese yuan and indian rupees.
anyone changed these currencies into pesos at the airport?
i realise the rate will be a bit lower.
would it be better to chage these at angeles or even malate?
thanks in advance,
lush
well, i don't think you will get exchange for exotic currencies in manila...i have not seen indian rupees for sure..cos im from there...and tried to get some change...however, if you are going to hong kong...you will get all the above currencies.
also, contrary to what folks would think...the best exchange you will get is in manila airport...so get them there, rather than waiting to go to hkg or sin or bkk and thinking you will get better change there..i made the mistake and paid heavily for the mistake at hong kong airport..good luck
Starchild2012
12-07-10, 14:09
The most funniest was I was entering Singapore with a carton of Cigerettes, and Singapore doesn't allow even a single pack of duty unpaid cigeratte and in the random scan I was caught, and while the officer was about to launch into a lecture of being a resident and knowing the law, the guy behind me was checked by another officer and he had just a single pack of smokes, and when asked. He started to challenge the officer. The officer who was handling me turned to me and said "drop your carton into the rubbish and walk out, I have something more interesting to do. " and while I walked out. I saw the guy who challenged the officer being held while I was waiting for another friend arriving about the same time. And last I saw. A couple of Men in Blue turned up and escorted him off. I was told the fine for a single packet of duty unpaid cigerette is just upto 300$ plus plus. Or jail in lieu. The guy sounded Aussie, nah. The Singapore Customs didn't bother.
Cheers
I agree with the Singapore immigration thing...i had personal experience with it...never mess with these folks..they are very serious in what they do...they took away two bottles of chivas from me, just because it was not packed according to their standard..i was coming from Cebu....i told them that i will re-pack it...but they did not budge..i tried to argue a bit..as did not wanted to loose that much, but they started preparing some slips..sensing danger...i smiled and apologized for the mistake and let them have it.... got in flight on time...
As you can see, the mistake was not mine.. apparently..after researching online...they do not accept any duty free liquid items from Cebu airports as it is not recognized by Singapore customs for safety etc...not sure about the rules now...but be careful
FreebieFan
12-07-10, 15:06
I agree with the Singapore immigration thing. I had personal experience with it. Never mess with these folks. They are very serious in what they do. They took away two bottles of chivas from me, just because it was not packed according to their standard. I was coming from Cebu. I told them that I will re-pack it. But they did not budge. I tried to argue a bit. As did not wanted to loose that much, but they started preparing some slips. Sensing danger. I smiled and apologized for the mistake and let them have it. Got in flight on time.They are a case of officialdom gone mad.
At the entrance to the Singapore immigration departure a while ago my Indonesian gf and me had a long farewell smooch at the gate. Theres a sign that says " don't cross the yellow line" well we smooched and hugged and crossed the yellow line before the entrance doors to immigration and passport control.
So the officious idiotic rulecentric Singaporean Immigration jerk in his little spiffy uniform said " Stop now! If you cross the yellow line again you will be arrested" This is just a line painted on the floor, before the doors that go to Immigration. No one is violoting any inportant or high security space before or after the said yellow line.
Except this jerk who's job it was to "man" the yellow line"
Singaporeans have very little sense of humour, little sense of the outside world, and a cockeyed view of the world that says the centre of the world starts at Changi.
And after 5. 5 years in Malaysia and 50 trips to Singapore yes, I know my subject matter quite well. You Singaporeans in the wider world know exactly what I'm taking about. Especially all of you who have emigrated to more relaxed environments.
Tally Wacker
12-08-10, 06:05
regarding money exchange in manila airport.
i will fly into manila airport then fly right out 3 hours later to palawan.
should i exchange my money at the airport or wait til i get to puerto princessa?
tw
money changers at manila airport
interested if anyone has experience changing other currencies beside usd at manila airport.
i have indonesian rupiah, chinese yuan and indian rupees.
anyone changed these currencies into pesos at the airport?
i realise the rate will be a bit lower.
would it be better to chage these at angeles or even malate?
thanks in advance,
lush
Lushington
12-08-10, 06:38
well, i don't think you will get exchange for exotic currencies in manila. i have not seen indian rupees for sure. because i'm from there. and tried to get some change. however, if you are going to hong kong. you will get all the above currencies.
also, contrary to what folks would think. the best exchange you will get is in manila airport. so get them there, rather than waiting to go to hkg or sin or bkk and thinking you will get better change there. i made the mistake and paid heavily for the mistake at hong kong airport. good luckthanks for the heads up starchild! appreciate it!
Lushington
12-08-10, 06:41
Regarding money exchange in Manila airport.
I will fly into Manila airport then fly right out 3 hours later to Palawan.
Should I exchange my money at the airport or wait til I get to puerto Princessa?
TWI have been to PP but did'nt try changing any money there. But I would change your money at Manila airport considering you are going to a small city like PP.
I really enjoyed the food and sights at PP. Especially the Underground River.
Have fun TW!
Econo Tech
12-08-10, 06:54
i agree with the singapore immigration thing. i had personal experience with it. never mess with these folks. they are very serious in what they do. they took away two bottles of chivas from me, just because it was not packed according to their standard. i was coming from cebu. i told them that i will re-pack it. but they did not budge. i tried to argue a bit. as did not wanted to loose that much, but they started preparing some slips. sensing danger. i smiled and apologized for the mistake and let them have it. got in flight on time.
as you can see, the mistake was not mine. apparently. after researching online. they do not accept any duty free liquid items from cebu airports as it is not recognized by singapore customs for safety etc. not sure about the rules now. but be carefulmate, that's a bit odd, as living here for a long time, never had any stern immigration guy, and if you read my posting, they do have a fun way of life. like letting me off with a carton of cigs, and holding a guy with a pack just because he was trying to prove something.
as for chivas, no- it is not about packing. you can only carry 1 liter of liquor. end of story. nothing to do with how it is packed.
and safety is not the area of customs. that is the area of the airport aviation security force.
after all, while a lot complain about singapore, do we have the problems of drugs, robberies, murders, random hits, [CodeWord124] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord124)? and that is something that only singapore can offer
as comparing malaysia generally, it all depends on whom you have faced. i have had crackpot immigration guys in malaysia just pull me off the line just because they like it.
as for "do not cross the line" it is taken seriously, because of simply there is ample space in the airport to do your kissing, and bye byes, and add to it. singapore has the busiest airport in the region with a lot of transit pax. they had be in control, as when there is a rule. why break it?
damn. some people have fun only pushing their luck and then blaming that it is the fault of the security guy. .
cheers,
let's get back to the subject. now.
Econo Tech
12-08-10, 06:57
So the officious idiotic rulecentric Singaporean Immigration jerk in his little spiffy uniform said " Stop now! If you cross the yellow line again you will be arrested" This is just a line painted on the floor, before the doors that go to Immigration. No one is violoting any inportant or high security space before or after the said yellow line.PSSST. The guy who does that is not immigration. He is a private security police. Next time look at his badge. It will say CISCO Auxiliary police. No sir, not immigration.
Econo Tech
12-08-10, 12:08
Regarding money exchange in Manila airport.
I will fly into Manila airport then fly right out 3 hours later to Palawan.
Should I exchange my money at the airport or wait til I get to puerto Princessa?
TWBetter to change in PP, as, from my experience, the money changer at the mall there opens a bit late.
And if it is your first time to PP, you will know life there is on a pretty slow lane. Sloooww lane.
GregLondon
12-08-10, 18:12
Those of you familiar with the Phils cell phone system will be aware that most locals inc most of the girls sign up to various daily / weekly or monthly promos which give them either a fixed number of calls / texts for a certain charge or unlimited calls / texting for a higher charge. If you end up doing alot of texting / calling which is likely if you are dating girls from the dating sites these can save a few dollars a day compared with the normal charges.
Most of the plans are for intra network calls Smart / Talk and Text (smarts budget conscious brand) is the most popular network though a little more expensive. Sun is the up and coming network and is especially popular amongst young city girls as its the cheapest and most of their mates will probably be sun users. Globe / TM is now the third largest network. For newbies if you have a single SIM phone I would go for a talk N Text SIM, if you have dual SIM phone (Samsung and Nokia now offer budget dual sim models which the China phones have offered for some time, but China phones have notoriously bad build quality and battery life) , I would suggest TNT and SUN.
The promos work by texting various codes to specific network numbers. The because change their promos with monotonous regularity so keeping up with the latest deals can be tricky.
Help is at hand though from this site.
http://www.symbianize.com/showthread.php?t=185230
Which is well worth book marking.
It also explains what you need to do to passload, ie transfer some of your load to your honey so she has load to contact you.
Starchild2012
12-09-10, 13:42
As for Chivas, no- it is not about packing. You can only carry 1 Liter of Liquor. End of story. Nothing to do with how it is packed.
Yeah, It could be that. Thanks for the info.
FreebieFan
12-09-10, 15:26
PSSST. The guy who does that is not immigration. He is a private security police. Next time look at his badge. It will say CISCO Auxiliary police. No sir, not immigration.Wasn't particularly interested to look at his badge. He was an officious prat like character, regardless of whether he is actually Immigration or not. I couldn't imagine more nauseous obnoxious officious "I'm in charge and your not " want to be soldier type who represented his country in a very bad way. He probably wonders why the world laughs at Singaporeans.
Tally Wacker
12-09-10, 16:08
What commodities do you guys like to take back to your country from Phil either because its cheaper or you can't find it where you live. Other than sexy filipinas.
On my last trip to Phil I brought back a few bags of coffee but the prices seemed about the same as in the states for imported coffee.
When I used to travel to Venezuela I would bring back Coffee, Rum, Olive Oil and Cuban Cigars for a few friends.
Wicked Roger
12-09-10, 19:40
What commodities do you guys like to take back to your country from Phil either because its cheaper or you can't find it where you live. Other than sexy filipinas.
On my last trip to Phil I brought back a few bags of coffee but the prices seemed about the same as in the states for imported coffee.
When I used to travel to Venezuela I would bring back Coffee, Rum, Olive Oil and Cuban Cigars for a few friends. Dreid mangoes, but them in Cebu loats of apcks to last until my next trip.
One thing I would never bring back is danggit. Or any other form of dried smelly fish. GF of a mate took 3kgs on the plane at Cebu airport and Cebu Pacific made her buy a sealed container before she could carry it on board despite it being vacuum packed and well wrapped.
Also never want to bring back the clap and STDs either.
Econo Tech
12-10-10, 08:34
Wasn't particularly interested to look at his badge. He was an officious prat like character, regardless of whether he is actually Immigration or not. I couldn't imagine more nauseous obnoxious officious "I'm in charge and your not " want to be soldier type who represented his country in a very bad way. He probably wonders why the world laughs at Singaporeans.Am just curious. I am not a Singaporean, and just residing between Singapore and Malaysia. Why does the world laugh at Singapore? :confused: :confused:
Sorry if this sounds off-thread.
Then again, if you say anybody in the airport is an immigration officer. No comments sir.
GregLondon
12-10-10, 16:47
Am just curious. I am not a Singaporean, and just residing between Singapore and Malaysia. Why does the world laugh at Singapore? :confused: :confused:
Sorry if this sounds off-thread.
Then again, if you say anybody in the airport is an immigration officer. No comments sir. I wasn't aware that they did? Certainly they are fools if they do, given that Singapore blessed with zero natural resources has transformed itself from a strategic swamp to richer than all European countries (except maybe Lichtenstein)
Econo Tech
12-11-10, 06:44
I wasn't aware that they did? Certainly they are fools if they do, given that Singapore blessed with zero natural resources has transformed itself from a strategic swamp to richer than all European countries (except maybe Lichtenstein)Well, I was wondering about FF's comment that the world is laughing about Singapore. Was a bit confused as to why anybody would laugh at a country which is damn rich with no natural resouces, and has one of the lowest crime rates to boot.
If people are mad that you can riot and get drunk and beat up people in Singapore, and so and so.
No comments. I am still confused about FF :confused: :confused: :confused:
I first passed through Singapore in '73, on my way to the USA. Stayed there for a few days looking for a cheap flight.
It was the wild town Singapore of old.
Not long before, the last crocodile had been shot in the pool room in Raffles Hotel.
If a pickpocket got your wallet in the evening, you go to the thieves market the next day and buy it back, complete except for the money. It was dirty, dangerous, wild.
I next passed ther on my way back in '75. Lee Kwan Yew had been elected as prime minister.
The place was so clean that you could eat your breakfast off the street.
The people that I spoke to were so excited at the turn around. They love the it.
And it has never looked back.
For me, it has become a too clean, a bit strile, but the Indian quarter is still interesting, and the food is just stunning.
G
FreebieFan
12-12-10, 12:53
Well, I was wondering about FF's comment that the world is laughing about Singapore. Was a bit confused as to why anybody would laugh at a country which is damn rich with no natural resouces, and has one of the lowest crime rates to boot.
If people are mad that you can riot and get drunk and beat up people in Singapore, and so and so.
No comments. I am still confused about FF :confused: :confused: :confused:No need to be confused about the comment. To clarify, maybe you have never worked with Singaporeans and their endless " in Singapore we do this better that better everything better ". Try it, you will hate it.
Next, try talking to a Singaporean about his / her food. For them its the best in the entire world. Talk to the Chinese about Singaporean food (from which it mainly derived) and they will laugh in your face. They will tell you its overcooked and relies on unnatural flavours.
Go visit Singapore on Independance Day when you would be tempted to think Singapore is indeed the true centre of the World, such is the chest beating that goes on. Instead its a decent financial centre is all.
Then try and use your undoubted charms on the Singaporean princesses who roam the streets looking like slutty jailbait with a LV bag etc. They will laugh in your face for having the temerity to even dare to talk to them. They will take a bit of "white rough" now and again but will settle for Chinese as partner. Lew Kuan Yew told them to do that, their parents told them to do that and one thing Singaporeans are, is obedient.
Then finally talk to the Singaporeans who have emigrated. Theres plenty of them in Melbourne Sydney and most Aussie cities. They will tell you how hard it is for a non Chinese Singaporean to pass the bar exam. They will tell you how the system is set up on racial lines and that only Chinese can succeed. They will tell you one email offering the slightest of criticisms about the current government will result in your boss having to have a private word with you about not being a true Singaporean.
And of course talk to a Singaporean politician about the system of the courts actively bankrupting a member of the opposition who says anything slightly derogatory about the perfect ordered world of Singapore.
Oh and then talk to taxi drivers in Singapore. They will openly laugh about Singapore. They will even tell you that Orchard Towers is tolerated as it means all the hookers are in one place instead of roaming everywhere so that government ministers and their wives don't need to see them.
Yes its a successful place thats achieved success at the expense of freedom of press, freedom of individuality, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom of promotion, and maybe even freedom of thought. Personally I like my countries to believe in the freedoms they express. Lastly Singaporeans are laughed at because when they are in Singapore they behave as slaves of the government beating their chest for Singapore etc. But get them overseas and they whinge all night about lack of freedoms. They just darent oppose the government in their home.
Maybe that will provide some food for the confusions you are enduring.
Great Post / Rant FF.
They remnid me of the Swiss in Europe. Same mentality. And same lack of understanding of who bankrolls their cosy existence
TurdyCurdyOne
12-12-10, 23:43
I need to buy a cell phone in the USA for use in the Philippines.
This will be my first cell phone, so am rather ignorant in this subject.
I plan on using it mostly for calls within the Phil. , with occasional voice calls and rest either texting or email.
I need to keep costs down and I want something simple, so prepaid is preferred, if possible. I don't want to worry about monthly bill checking etc. My Filipna friends tell me Nokia is best?
I want have a cell in my hand the day I arrive, one less thing to go shopping for when I get there.
Main thing is to keep it simple, easy and something that WORKS all over the islands and low cost.
It does not have to have all the bells an whistles, but something that works well.
Can anyone advise? Thanks for any useful information. BTW, what is locked and unlocked and how do you unlock them?
I need to buy a cell phone in the USA for use in the Philippines.
This will be my first cell phone, so am rather ignorant in this subject.
I plan on using it mostly for calls within the Phil. , with occasional voice calls and rest either texting or email.
I need to keep costs down and I want something simple, so prepaid is preferred, if possible. I don't want to worry about monthly bill checking etc. My Filipna friends tell me Nokia is best?
I want have a cell in my hand the day I arrive, one less thing to go shopping for when I get there.
Main thing is to keep it simple, easy and something that WORKS all over the islands and low cost.
It does not have to have all the bells an whistles, but something that works well.
Can anyone advise? Thanks for any useful information. BTW, what is locked and unlocked and how do you unlock them? Locked simply refers to the phone will only work on the carrier that it is branded to
Unlocked means that the phone will work on ANY carrier as long as they have the same.
Network tech. That tech being either GSM or CDMA.
GSM carriers use a sims card and CDMA does not.
Most of Asia uses GSM.
Your own phone should work just fine if it is a quad band phone and is on the GSM.
Network. Just have your carrier unlock the phone before your trip so that all you have
To do is get a sims card from the local carrier (they should be readily available at the airport)
However buying your sim card there you are likely to pay a premium.
If you buy one make sure that it is quad band, on the GSM network (sim card) and is unlocked.
Quite frankly thou you can buy a phone complete with minutes and sims in Philippines very.
Inexpensively.
Irony Monger
12-13-10, 03:33
To do is get a sims card from the local carrier (they should be readily available at the airport)
However buying your sim card there you are likely to pay a premium.
Just by your SIM card at a 7-11. I did that last week (used SMART as the carrier) and it cost 40 pesos for the SIM, which you can then load according to your needs (I usually do a 500 peso load, which is probably overkill).
Mongrinastrlnd
12-13-10, 03:38
GSM carriers use a sims card and CDMA does not.
This is not true, the last 2 CDMA phones (-RTT and.EVDO era) I had, before I switched to a WCDMA carrier, both had SIM cards, and you could move the SIM to a GSM phone when you went overseas and roam on GSM too.
Irony Monger
12-13-10, 05:59
Just returned from PI today (will post details over the coming days) , and am already scheming on how to see my newest fav filipina again real soon. It hit me that, while I have more money than time, the opposite is true for most of these girls. Why should I be the one taking the 18 hour flight? I know getting US tourist visas can be almost impossible for them, but what about Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean? Anybody ever try this approach?
Econo Tech
12-13-10, 07:08
hey mate, thanks for that mouthful.
i forgot to add something. been living here for the past 10 years, and yah, i do get the odd whiners who complain about not being able to spray paint graffitti and not being able to vandalise public property or have street racing or indulge in rowdy behaviour. and [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) a few women for fun. or break some guys nose, or just burn a few busses. and beat up a few cops. and burn some rubber on the highway and spin out of control and kill a few bystanders. just for the fun of it. . .
now. yah, i do sympathise with you. when you haven't seen the other side of the coin. as for all you say, including women being stuck up. yeah, if you think they are all sluts waiting to be screwed by every foreigner, yes, you are right. i have enough chinese / local friends and my monthly social drinking dudes / dudettes make of a fair number of chinese. never had any such issue. and the girls get sloshed, and are not scared of taking a taxi alone.something they would never do in the countries where they have been to or lived. australia, us, uk.
and for the rest, including that non-chinese not being able to pass the bar exams : take a look at the lawyers in drew napier, harry elias, alan and gledhill, and lee and lee and i could go on. amore than half the top lawyers are non-chinese. and before you say anything, these are all home-grown law firms: and so are some of the top judges here. heck, even the cabinet has enough non-chinese.
as for whining. maybe you are mixing with the crowd that is 100% singaporean- even when the govt practically is ensuring the country is the most stablest, with one of the highest per-capita income.
over and out.
ps: before i am called in to wind my neck in. 10 years ago, i visited singapore for a mariah carey concert, and during the concert, we all were pumped up and a cop in civil walks closer and says quitly "guys, if you want to dance, head to the back of the floor or to the front. don't dance on the seats and break public property". it did feel a freaking statement and out of this world, but only later did i figure out that it is one of the reason singapore is where it is today. fast forward to 2010. i attended a concert recently at fort canning, and people were encouraged to throw confetti. and in 1997, i was in a bar, at on the dot at 12. 00 midnight, lights on and all were thrown out. and in 2010. you got bars that operate till 8 am, and even past 8 am. yah, in 10 years plus. singapore has become relaxed and open. and those who still think of the stuck up days. maybe they should do a nostalgia tour back home. . and no sir, i am not singaporean- just basing my work between the two asean neighbours and the difference between singapore and malaysia is quite revealing.
Econo Tech
12-13-10, 07:10
Just returned from PI today (will post details over the coming days) , and am already scheming on how to see my newest fav filipina again real soon. It hit me that, while I have more money than time, the opposite is true for most of these girls. Why should I be the one taking the 18 hour flight? I know getting US tourist visas can be almost impossible for them, but what about Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean? Anybody ever try this approach?Most asians have a tough time getting visa to anywhere. Except within ASEAN for ASEAN members, and SAARC for SAARC members.
And why would you play with one fish, when you can go into the fish pond and have it all.
I found the easiest way is to buy a cell phone in the PI and use it there. Leave your USA phone at home. Don't know how much a cheap Nokia is anymore, but use it just in PI and bring it back to USA (or Europe) with you. If the SIM card is not used in 6 months? It expires and you just buy another one when you go back to PI. Yes, you can use your PI cell to call USA or whatever country. Just ask the girl where you buy the phone to show you. Buy the phone and load a 500peso card into it (let her show you how to do that) and you are good to go. Let her explain the difference in cost between texting and talking. Have fun.
Mongrinastrlnd
12-13-10, 07:22
Just returned from PI today (will post details over the coming days) , and am already scheming on how to see my newest fav filipina again real soon. It hit me that, while I have more money than time, the opposite is true for most of these girls. Why should I be the one taking the 18 hour flight? I know getting US tourist visas can be almost impossible for them, but what about Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean? Anybody ever try this approach?Mexico is not visa-free for filipinos. Some Caribbean islands are.
Econo Tech
12-13-10, 07:22
I need to keep costs down and I want something simple, so prepaid is preferred, if possible. I don't want to worry about monthly bill checking etc. My Filipna friends tell me Nokia is best? Just get a cheap nokia. Less than 50US, and if you loose it. You don't have any heartaches.
Don't spend for expensive phones that are not quad-band, and are easy target for thieves.
My 2 cents.
Philosophery
12-13-10, 07:33
No need to be confused about the comment. To clarify, maybe you have never worked with Singaporeans and their endless " in Singapore we do this better that better everything better ". Try it, you will hate it.
Next, try talking to a Singaporean about his / her food. For them its the best in the entire world. Talk to the Chinese about Singaporean food (from which it mainly derived) and they will laugh in your face. They will tell you its overcooked and relies on unnatural flavours.
Go visit Singapore on Independance Day when you would be tempted to think Singapore is indeed the true centre of the World, such is the chest beating that goes on. Instead its a decent financial centre is all.
Then try and use your undoubted charms on the Singaporean princesses who roam the streets looking like slutty jailbait with a LV bag etc. They will laugh in your face for having the temerity to even dare to talk to them. They will take a bit of "white rough" now and again but will settle for Chinese as partner. Lew Kuan Yew told them to do that, their parents told them to do that and one thing Singaporeans are, is obedient.
Then finally talk to the Singaporeans who have emigrated. Theres plenty of them in Melbourne Sydney and most Aussie cities. They will tell you how hard it is for a non Chinese Singaporean to pass the bar exam. They will tell you how the system is set up on racial lines and that only Chinese can succeed. They will tell you one email offering the slightest of criticisms about the current government will result in your boss having to have a private word with you about not being a true Singaporean.
And of course talk to a Singaporean politician about the system of the courts actively bankrupting a member of the opposition who says anything slightly derogatory about the perfect ordered world of Singapore.
Oh and then talk to taxi drivers in Singapore. They will openly laugh about Singapore. They will even tell you that Orchard Towers is tolerated as it means all the hookers are in one place instead of roaming everywhere so that government ministers and their wives don't need to see them.
Yes its a successful place thats achieved success at the expense of freedom of press, freedom of individuality, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom of promotion, and maybe even freedom of thought. Personally I like my countries to believe in the freedoms they express. Lastly Singaporeans are laughed at because when they are in Singapore they behave as slaves of the government beating their chest for Singapore etc. But get them overseas and they whinge all night about lack of freedoms. They just darent oppose the government in their home.
Maybe that will provide some food for the confusions you are enduring. Who cares if they feel that way? Many countries feel that they are the center of the earth. The US comes to mind as one of them (I love the red, white and blue). So do the French. And the Argentinians. And the Spaniards!
I think it is honorable for a people to feel that proud of their own country. I am not Singaporean but the Singapore miracle is a pretty significant achievement for that crappy little island that the Malaysians didn't want. With very little resources, in 30 years, that country is now a 1st world country. The rest of the world should live in a place that is clean, crime free, drug free and full of opportunity.
FreebieFan
12-13-10, 12:26
hey mate, thanks for that mouthful.
i forgot to add something. been living here for the past 10 years, and yah, i do get the odd whiners who complain about not being able to spray paint graffitti and not being able to vandalise public property or have street racing or indulge in rowdy behaviour. and [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) a few women for fun. or break some guys nose, or just burn a few busses. and beat up a few cops. and burn some rubber on the highway and spin out of control and kill a few bystanders. just for the fun of it. . .
now. yah, i do sympathise with you. when you haven't seen the other side of the coin. as for all you say, including women being stuck up. yeah, if you think they are all sluts waiting to be screwed by every foreigner, yes, you are right. i have enough chinese / local friends and my monthly social drinking dudes / dudettes make of a fair number of chinese. never had any such issue. and the girls get sloshed, and are not scared of taking a taxi alone. something they would never do in the countries where they have been to or lived. australia, us, uk.
and for the rest, including that non-chinese not being able to pass the bar exams : take a look at the lawyers in drew napier, harry elias, alan and gledhill, and lee and lee and i could go on. amore than half the top lawyers are non-chinese. and before you say anything, these are all home-grown law firms: and so are some of the top judges here. heck, even the cabinet has enough non-chinese.
as for whining. maybe you are mixing with the crowd that is 100% singaporean- even when the govt practically is ensuring the country is the most stablest, with one of the highest per-capita income.
over and out.
ps: before i am called in to wind my neck in. 10 years ago, i visited singapore for a mariah carey concert, and during the concert, we all were pumped up and a cop in civil walks closer and says quitly "guys, if you want to dance, head to the back of the floor or to the front. don't dance on the seats and break public property". it did feel a freaking statement and out of this world, but only later did i figure out that it is one of the reason singapore is where it is today. fast forward to 2010. i attended a concert recently at fort canning, and people were encouraged to throw confetti. and in 1997, i was in a bar, at on the dot at 12. 00 midnight, lights on and all were thrown out. and in 2010. you got bars that operate till 8 am, and even past 8 am. yah, in 10 years plus. singapore has become relaxed and open. and those who still think of the stuck up days. maybe they should do a nostalgia tour back home. . and no sir, i am not singaporean- just basing my work between the two asean neighbours and the difference between singapore and malaysia is quite revealing. thankfully we don't all see the world with the same eyes, it would be boring if we did.
todays wikileaks cable release about singapores viewpoint of malaysia / india / thailand and japan really shows them at their insufferable best / worst. they are arrogant, they know it and the rest of the world knows it.
back to the mongering chit chat.
Member #4698
12-13-10, 14:22
The key issue is to make sure the phone is quad band and unlocked. Then you can insert any local sim card (Pi, Thai, Hong Kong, Brazil) and it will work perfectly. You can bring your domestic phone if you wish (I do) but you will probably have to unlock it before you leave. That is because most cell phones sold in the USA are sold locked to the specific carrier for a 2 year service contract. They are sold to the consumer locked at a discount or even free because the real money is in the service contract. This is similar to inkjet printers where the real profit is in the ink cartridges.
I recommend LG phones. For your purposes, I would not recommend smart phones like Apple or Galaxy. Keep it simple. If unlocking your phone sounds too complicated, then just buy a inexpensive phone in the malls when you get to PI. Try it out before you buy it.
Wicked Roger
12-13-10, 17:53
I found the easiest way is to buy a cell phone in the PI and use it there. Leave your USA phone at home. Don't know how much a cheap Nokia is anymore, but use it just in PI and bring it back to USA (or Europe) with you. If the SIM card is not used in 6 months? It expires and you just buy another one when you go back to PI. Yes, you can use your PI cell to call USA or whatever country. Just ask the girl where you buy the phone to show you. Buy the phone and load a 500peso card into it (let her show you how to do that) and you are good to go. Let her explain the difference in cost between texting and talking. Have fun.You can but a cheap second phone for around 500-800 pesos why buy new when you give it away is my philosophy. I have been using the same cheap nokia that cous me $25 for the alst 3 years, no one really wants it as no camera etc basic for texts and calls only.
There are some decent second places in Park Place opposite the Dusit and SM Department Store in Makati or try Geenhills.
SIM cards / numbers will expire but if you have a friendly girl she can top it up while you are overseas, so you keep the same number. For me it is important I have the same number
Irony Monger
12-13-10, 17:58
Mexico is not visa-free for filipinos. Some Caribbean islands are.Which ones?
And why would you play with one fish, when you can go into the fish pond and have it all.Well, that depends on the fish now doesn't it ;-) The main reason is that it is fairly easy for me to take a 4 day weekend somewhere in the western hemisphere, not so easy to take a full week off and head to PI. Anyway, just thinking of options.
Has anyone ever done sisters? Cousins, I know. Shoot everyone is a cousin over there. But sisters. Say like,"oh if you are on mens, then send your sister over to take care of me".
I can see lots of potential for jealousy, but, if they can get over the hope they may get married, maybe they could see taking care of 'daddy' as a mutual responsibility.
Ok and then, given that. Would it be sick to have a 3-way with sisters, and expect them to eat each other out?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Blackangst
12-13-10, 21:02
Which ones? Brazil,
Israel,
Sri Lanka,
Maldives,
Ethiopia,
Kenya,
Countries that are members of the Association of South East Asian Nations.
(ASEAN) including :
Thailand,
Malaysia,
Brunei,
Myanmar,
Laos,
Cambodia,
Vietnam and.
Singapore,
Hong Kong (SAR) and.
Macau (SAR ).
Answ
Philosophery
12-13-10, 21:15
Haiti.
Costa Rica.
Turks and Caicos.
Dominicana
Wicked Roger
12-13-10, 21:33
Has anyone ever done sisters? Cousins, I know. Shoot everyone is a cousin over there. But sisters. Say like,"oh if you are on mens, then send your sister over to take care of me".
I can see lots of potential for jealousy, but, if they can get over the hope they may get married, maybe they could see taking care of 'daddy' as a mutual responsibility.
Ok and then, given that. Would it be sick to have a 3-way with sisters, and expect them to eat each other out?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Yes Jambo I have on more than one occassion. :) Go to the UAE thread and you even see pictures. And yes they eat, they lick, they kiss, they wear sexy lingerie and heels. And the lovely bit is they had fun, really enjoyed it. But now back in Manila (both of them) :(
And for my birthday they came with 2 other bisexual filipinas courtesy of my good mate JSBach, nice hotel suite. And we all had fun for a very long time. Again some pics back in the UAE thread (try Oct 2009 plus lots others, look for Mandy and Chevvy)
And no it is not sick at all...perfcetly normal behaviour as far as I am concerned :p
perfcetly normal behaviour as far as I am concerned :pOh then it must be sick and filthy! I will put a little something extra in the offering box next Sunday.
Member #4351
12-13-10, 22:10
Also Peru.
Jambo, check out my mother / daughter posts.
check out my mother / daughter posts.Oh see, now you are getting into my "Nazi Colonel and Sophie's Choice" fantasy
Brazil, Israel, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Ethiopia, Kenya, Countries that are members of the Association of South East Asian Nations.
(ASEAN) including : Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR) and Macau (SAR ).
Answ
Add Mongolia to the list too
Add Mongolia to the list tooAnd Kosovo. Not that I can think why anyone would want to go there although it is convenient for Europeans!
Econo Tech
12-14-10, 06:47
Has anyone ever done sisters? Cousins, I know. Shoot everyone is a cousin over there. But sisters. Say like,"oh if you are on mens, then send your sister over to take care of me".Well, jumped a twin here, and they headed back to PH, and both were not shy to do anything I asked. Other than kissing each other.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/8507508/man-castrates-daughters-boyfriend/
MAN CASTRATES DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND
AAP
December 14, 2010, 12:56 pm
A German man castrated his daughter's boyfriend with a bread knife because he was angry about their relationship and the 40-year age difference between them.
Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper says Helmut Seifert will stand trial for attempted murder after severing the testicles of 57-year-old Phillip Genscher, who was dating Seifert's 17-year-old daughter.
Police say Genscher was attacked by Seifert and two other men and forced to remove his pants before the deed was done.
But Seifert has defended his action, saying it was his duty as a father.
Wicked Roger
12-14-10, 17:39
http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/8507508/man-castrates-daughters-boyfriend/
MAN CASTRATES DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND.
I saw that too, was passed to me a friend who told his wife that her friends are no good for me as they are not 35 years younger than me. Said I should be careful (he is just jealous) but then I told him his wife is German / Russsian and while not that great an age difference in them, she has some scary friends / relatives (especially Russians)
Be thankful that in PI they see the world more sensibly.
Well, jumped a twin here, and they headed back to PH, and both were not shy to do anything I asked. Other than kissing each other.Same here. Few months ago there were twins working in one of the bars on Burgos and once you put a bit of alcohol in them they were happy to bar fine together. I think it was Bottoms but did not see them last week when I was there.
Econo Tech
12-17-10, 03:11
And Kosovo. Not that I can think why anyone would want to go there although it is convenient for Europeans!But a little note: some of these countries that welcome "filipinos" are on the Filipino MFA no-go list, and upon return, the Filipino gets harassed and treated like crap. The main thing that they headed to those no-go zones to earn money gets lost, and a lot of bribes are needed to 'clear the record. '
OK I know this is not strictly linked to "mongering" but it is an interesting article about how filipinos are obsessed by foreign things, especially "mestizos" with the pretty face and / or the hunky body.
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ann/20101216/tph-a-tsunami-of-foreign-imports-fb8bb4f.html
Econo Tech
12-17-10, 09:45
OK I know this is not strictly linked to "mongering" but it is an interesting article about how filipinos are obsessed by foreign things, especially "mestizos" with the pretty face and / or the hunky body.
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ann/20101216/tph-a-tsunami-of-foreign-imports-fb8bb4f.html
Since today seems to be a slow day. One for the road.
http://antipinoy.com/filipinos-are-rude/
Wicked Roger
12-17-10, 12:15
OK I know this is not strictly linked to "mongering" but it is an interesting article about how filipinos are obsessed by foreign things, especially "mestizos" with the pretty face and / or the hunky body.
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ann/20101216/tph-a-tsunami-of-foreign-imports-fb8bb4f.html
RK.
Is probably why I am so popular with the girls when I am there. I always knew there was a sensible reason and not just the Brad Pitt pills I take LOL
RK.
Is probably why I am so popular with the girls when I am there. I always knew there was a sensible reason and not just the Brad Pitt pills I take LOLYou are right Roger.
In your case it is a triple whammy. You are white and you have the pretty face AND the hunky body too.
Just returned from PI today (will post details over the coming days) , and am already scheming on how to see my newest fav filipina again real soon. It hit me that, while I have more money than time, the opposite is true for most of these girls. Why should I be the one taking the 18 hour flight? I know getting US tourist visas can be almost impossible for them, but what about Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean? Anybody ever try this approach?This is why Western countries talking about free trade is a bogus sham. The US is putting pressure on countries like China to free up trade to allow more US exports to China. But will the US allow Chinese pussy in the US?
They will argue that selling pussy is illegal in the US. In that case China can make Windows software illegal in China.
FreebieFan
12-18-10, 03:35
RK.
Is probably why I am so popular with the girls when I am there. I always knew there was a sensible reason and not just the Brad Pitt pills I take LOLGee, I thought the WR that I met was more like George Clooney.
Gee, I thought the WR that I met was more like George Clooney.I have it on good authority that George Clooney is gay!
FreebieFan
12-18-10, 07:51
I have it on good authority that George Clooney is gay!Actually it was tongue in cheeking.
Wicked Roger
12-18-10, 15:25
I have it on good authority that George Clooney is gay!Am not sure about George, but I do know that RK's description is perfect. Well it would be as I live in a dream world :D
PolyOrchid
12-19-10, 04:02
Gee, I thought the WR that I met was more like George Clooney.I have it on good authority that George Clooney has learned some of his best tactics from WR.
Cool Traveler
12-19-10, 18:38
Ok. Maybe this is a stupid request, but.
Do you know where I can get Viagra or a knock off version in Manila. I want to try it.
WestCoast1
12-19-10, 18:50
Ok. Maybe this is a stupid request, but.
Do you know where I can get Viagra or a knock off version in Manila. I want to try it. Just walk up / down P Burgos, off the corner of Makati Ave. Walk around in front of Citadel hotel, and towards Makati Avenue. Just walk across Burgos street, from one side to the other. Try and look real 'white' if you can do that.
If you are in Malate, just walk up / down in front of MB Cafe.
Irony Monger
12-19-10, 18:55
Ok. Maybe this is a stupid request, but.
Do you know where I can get Viagra or a knock off version in Manila. I want to try it. Spend about 30 seconds on P. Burgos during any afternoon. Be sure to follow Dragon Slayer's advice; when someone offers you one 4-pack for 1000 pesos, just laugh in their face and tell them that 1000 pesos is the price you pay for six 4-packs. Within a few minutes someone will take you up on this price. It is a buyers market here.
Wicked Roger
12-19-10, 20:33
Spend about 30 seconds on P. Burgos during any afternoon. Be sure to follow Dragon Slayer's advice; when someone offers you one 4-pack for 1000 pesos, just laugh in their face and tell them that 1000 pesos is the price you pay for six 4-packs. Within a few minutes someone will take you up on this price. It is a buyers market here.
Try opposite Oxford Suites, plenty sellers there and the pricing mentioned is correct, try and push for 7 for 1000 pesos.
Also tell them you will open a random pack just to be sure that inside is the product.
Jackzonian
12-20-10, 14:59
There is a Korean travel agency buried under the Makati Palace Hotel. On Burgos actually, down the stairs faux marble stairs near the Korean Grocery. These guys were super helpful getting me a flight to Cebu. And honest. That is, the 10:30 flight to Cebu was $60. 00 and I was just about to buy it when I thought morning traffic will hurt me, so I said, no, give me the 1:30 pm.
The young guy says: Oh that's better, it's $40. 00 You save $20. 00.
Wow. How many small tourist travel agents might not update you once you had your $60 on the table? I don't know, but this group is honest. Fast, good English and smart. Use them if you have to change a flight or make a booking.
J
I have noted that WR and FF have been somewhat quiet after the 3rd Test despite being remarkably chirpy after the 2nd one.
I will hold my fire. I have never been one to kick a man (men) when he (they) are down LOL LOL LOL.
Sorry guys. As you were. Back to tales of mongering.
Econo Tech
12-21-10, 04:42
Wow. How many small tourist travel agents might not update you once you had your $60 on the table? I don't know, but this group is honest. Fast, good English and smart. Use them if you have to change a flight or make a booking.
JMaybe me is going to burst your bubble. But if you booked in 5J. Regardless of the cost of the flight, the agent gets the same 'agency fee'. So. No incentive for them to push for expensive flights. Unless you booked on PR.
FreebieFan
12-21-10, 11:36
I have noted that WR and FF have been somewhat quiet after the 3rd Test despite being remarkably chirpy after the 2nd one.
I will hold my fire. I have never been one to kick a man (men) when he (they) are down LOL LOL LOL.
Sorry guys. As you were. Back to tales of mongering. In a land where summer comes but briefly, people will sunbathe a lot.
Was waiting for a RK type rebbutal. And well deserved too!
Wicked Roger
12-21-10, 20:06
In a land where summer comes but briefly, people will sunbathe a lot.
Was waiting for a RK type rebbutal. And well deserved too! As RK knows, I am humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
And if continues with all the 'banter' will have a word with the peach. And she will make sure he realises the importance of being a good boy.
Jackzonian
12-21-10, 20:12
I was thinking a guy might stash the surplus cash in his pocket. That's all.
I will be in manillia in januery there is some one too
Any idea if pregnancy makes the girl get dry? I met this girl at AC, she is pregnant and gets dry after a while during intercourse. The last time I met her it was great, wet all the time including the bed sheet.
Andrewbaez
12-25-10, 22:57
I'm used butterfly, because freelancers are everywhere in Thailand as a small island like Kho Tao has its bars and massages.
I read that in the Philippines on many forums in English, it would be appropriate if I go to places like Palawan, Legaspi, Pandan Island (Mindoro) , bring a girl as a companion or "girlfriend."
I made my reservations in Manila and Angeles at Executive Plaza and Paific Breeze!
I will visit Pandan Island to see Apo Reef (Mindoro-Sablayan) then I'll be back in Manila and the day after, I will be at Donsol (Bicol region) to see the whale sharks!
What do you advise me to do, go there alone and see what I could find locally? I might make contact with some girls in the websites type DIA Filpino Heart!
Or barfine a girl whom I'll be fine when I will be in Angeles and take her with me?
Which girl you take with you? Freelancer, waitress, dancer?
I mean a girl reliable, that you do not use drugs, with real I'd cards, not an alcoholic, she should be with me 10 days, take 4 flights with me!
Where could I find a girl like that?
Perimeter area?
Santos Street? The "Doll House", where I've read in a blog that was in order after checks by the police in recent raids of last months?
Is it safer a freelancer in Manila at former La Cafe or lady bar in Angeles for that?
GregLondon
12-26-10, 00:56
I'm used butterfly, because freelancers are everywhere in Thailand as a small island like Kho Tao has its bars and massages.
I read that in the Philippines on many forums in English, it would be appropriate if I go to places like Palawan, Legaspi, Pandan Island (Mindoro) , bring a girl as a companion or "girlfriend."
I made my reservations in Manila and Angeles at Executive Plaza and Paific Breeze!
I will visit Pandan Island to see Apo Reef (Mindoro-Sablayan) then I'll be back in Manila and the day after, I will be at Donsol (Bicol region) to see the whale sharks!
What do you advise me to do, go there alone and see what I could find locally? I might make contact with some girls in the websites type DIA Filpino Heart!
Or barfine a girl whom I'll be fine when I will be in Angeles and take her with me?
Which girl you take with you? Freelancer, waitress, dancer?
I mean a girl reliable, that you do not use drugs, with real I'd cards, not an alcoholic, she should be with me 10 days, take 4 flights with me!
Where could I find a girl like that?
Perimeter area?
Santos Street? The "Doll House", where I've read in a blog that was in order after checks by the police in recent raids of last months?
Is it safer a freelancer in Manila at former La Cafe or lady bar in Angeles for that? 1 It's good to see a guy planning to see some of the real scenic highlights of the phils rather than just hanging out in the bars in AC or manila.
2 You are intending to pack an awful lot in for just 10 days. Personally I would consider a slower pace and seeing less places as other wise you will be spending much of your time on a plane / airport.
3 Taking a bar girl on such a trip is IMHO not a great idea. Firstly you will be paying a big Bar Fine for 10 days. Secondly you are going to get a girl with a bar girl type attitude and education level.
4 The type of small population touristy areas that you are planning to visit are definitely Bring Your Own babe type places. The local populations are small and conservative. Most of the naughty, open minded girls will have left home for the bigger cities. You can find suitable girls there but it takes time which it sounds you don't have or local leads.
5 Personally I would be targeting the "semi pro" scene rather than the "freelancer" scene. I would see a freelancer as a girl who hangs out in cafes / bars or clubs and hunts for guys every night. I think with these girls you may well run into the reliability / dugs / alcoholic type issues you mentioned (though of course you may get lucky).
I see a semi pro as a girl who spends time on the dating sites or smiles at guys in the mall in the hope of maybe getting 3 or 4 dates a month with some financial compensation either to help her studies or supplement her income. Most of these girls are very pleasant and fun to be with, really enjoy the sex rather than just pretend to enjoy it, much more likely to be genuinely interested in the type of trip you are contemplating, don't need to be bar fined and should not have the drugs / alcoholic type issues you are concerned about.
Most of the girls of this type are living in the big population centres such as Manila, Cebu or the bigger cities of Mindanao such as Davao and CDO.
If you hot dating sites such as DIA or tagged, you will find many sexy and attractive gilrs who would love such a holiday.
Darth Sushi
12-26-10, 06:48
I'm used butterfly, because freelancers are everywhere in Thailand as a small island like Kho Tao has its bars and massages.
I read that in the Philippines on many forums in English, it would be appropriate if I go to places like Palawan, Legaspi, Pandan Island (Mindoro) , bring a girl as a companion or "girlfriend."
I made my reservations in Manila and Angeles at Executive Plaza and Paific Breeze!
I will visit Pandan Island to see Apo Reef (Mindoro-Sablayan) then I'll be back in Manila and the day after, I will be at Donsol (Bicol region) to see the whale sharks!
What do you advise me to do, go there alone and see what I could find locally? I might make contact with some girls in the websites type DIA Filpino Heart!
Or barfine a girl whom I'll be fine when I will be in Angeles and take her with me?
Which girl you take with you? Freelancer, waitress, dancer?
I mean a girl reliable, that you do not use drugs, with real I'd cards, not an alcoholic, she should be with me 10 days, take 4 flights with me!
Where could I find a girl like that?
Perimeter area?
Santos Street? The "Doll House", where I've read in a blog that was in order after checks by the police in recent raids of last months?
Is it safer a freelancer in Manila at former La Cafe or lady bar in Angeles for that? Oh boy, that's a loaded post. I don't think there is a magic formula to find a reliable girl no matter what job title she holds. You really, never know until you take a test drive. Although the interview process is very important, it's not foolproof! Manila gals tend to be more cutthroat than Angeles but freelancers can make up their own rules. I've lived here almost six years now and it's been mostly good but the bad will always make an appearance from time to time. My only advice is not to reveal your 10 day plan to any girl until the test drive passes muster.
Any idea if pregnancy makes the girl get dry? Sounds somewhat logical to me. During an existing pregnancy sex is useless in the sense of reproduction.
And the body doesn't support it for the time being.
Cheers!
Any idea if pregnancy makes the girl get dry? I met this girl at AC, she is pregnant and gets dry after a while during intercourse. The last time I met her it was great, wet all the time including the bed sheet.. And in addition to EKSPAT's post you also have to consider from the medical point of view that the hormonal situation (Progesteron / Estradiol.ratio) is different from a normal menstrual cycle. The hormones say: No need to get lubricated!
Andrewbaez
12-26-10, 17:45
2 You are intending to pack an awful lot in for just 10 days. Personally I would consider a slower pace and seeing less places as other wise you will be spending much of your time on a plane / airport.
I am going to visit Phillipines 21 days, I stay ten days Manila-Angeles and try to choose a right girl and rest little bit Then I have 11 days to see the others two places and I have already booked my flight. So I think is not so hard like intinerary!
GregLondon
12-26-10, 20:01
I am going to visit Phillipines 21 days, I stay ten days Manila-Angeles and try to choose a right girl and rest little bit Then I have 11 days to see the others two places and I have already booked my flight. So I think is not so hard like intinerary!Ok that's much more feasible an itinerary. Sounds like a great plan. When are you planning your trip? You will find many girls on DIA / tagged in the Manila / Angeles area very interested to accompany you on your trip. For the reasons outlined before I would personally steer clear of the bar girl / La Cafe type freelancer scene for this part of your holiday and concentrate on regular girls / semi pros. You should find loads to choose from but if you get stuck feel free to PM me for a couple of suggestions of girls that I have found fun and reliable.
I have had good success with Pimsleur for Portuguese and Thai already. I did not like their Spanish program partly because it started out too slowly for someone that already spoke some Spanish and partly because it focused on overly formal European Spanish in which I had no interest.
Anyone use Pimsleur Tagalog, and if so, how useful was it in AC? By way of comparison, I was able to communicate quite effectlively in Rio after going through Pimsleur Portuguese levels 1-3. There is only 1 level for Thai (as Tagalog) so I was not able to converse in Thai in Pattaya but found that when people did not understand my English I could throw in a Thai word or two to help clarify things.
The problem is that it seems that I cannot get the Tagalog course as cheap as the Thai course and I assume that it would not be as useful because English is also a national language in the PI. Also I imagine that most of the girls will not be from Manila so they would they be more comfortable speaking Cebuano (or some other language) than Tagalog. If that is the case then I do not see much point in learning a langage that will be second for both of us.
How does the bar girls' comprehension of Tagalog compare to their comprehension of English? Does anyone sell cheap Pimsleur / Rosetta Stone on the street?
WestCoast1
12-26-10, 20:31
I am going to visit Phillipines 21 days, I stay ten days Manila-Angeles and try to choose a right girl and rest little bit Then I have 11 days to see the others two places and I have already booked my flight. So I think is not so hard like intinerary!Always have a backup plan Andrew. Be ready to substitute in a different girl if the current one craps out on you. Filipinas are famous for the bait-and-switch: "I mean we have the sex after you buy me a ring." Or, maybe you meet your girl in Manila, all is well for 2-3 days, then she gets bitchy while you are traveling in Angeles (or Cebu). Be prepared to send her home, and have other girls in that city in your phone address book who also would like to travel with you.
Samar has the best girls. Whenever I am in a bar be it Manila or AC and I pick to my mind the cutest girl there, she's always from Samar. This cannot be a co-incidence. Any action down in Samar?
Andrewbaez
12-26-10, 21:33
Always have a backup plan Andrew. Be ready to substitute in a different girl if the current one craps out on you. Filipinas are famous for the bait-and-switch: "I mean we have the sex after you buy me a ring." Or, maybe you meet your girl in Manila, all is well for 2-3 days, then she gets bitchy while you are traveling in Angeles (or Cebu). Be prepared to send her home, and have other girls in that city in your phone address book who also would like to travel with you.Yes I know that. I have been 6 times in Thailand. 1 Cambodia. 1 Laos. 1 Myanmar, then in Central America, Cuba e Mexico! I am not a newbie, but I never been in Phillipines. But Sopeni, Garotas, Jeneteras and G. R. O are always the same attiude!
Andrewbaez
12-26-10, 22:14
Ok that's much more feasible an itinerary. Sounds like a great plan. When are you planning your trip? You will find many girls on DIA / tagged in the Manila / Angeles area very interested to accompany you on your trip. For the reasons outlined before I would personally steer clear of the bar girl / La Cafe type freelancer scene for this part of your holiday and concentrate on regular girls / semi pros. You should find loads to choose from but if you get stuck feel free to PM me for a couple of suggestions of girls that I have found fun and reliable.I am going to visit Phillipines from 5 February 2011 until February 26!
I will be very grateful to receive some advice from you Pm or other forum members, I have little time to spend online, because my job is to make technical assistance for customers of the company I work for, I am online too late to chat, my time area is less than 7 hours the Phillipines! Except on Saturdays and Sundays, but I do not speak good English, though I am a very kind and respectful, but do not like to be fooled. .
The girls of Puerto Princesa I have already known, because it follows the long section, the Philippines, but I should have a month to meet them, too, will be for the next trip!
If you know girls instead Manila and Angeles area, I'd be very interested and pleased to receive information. I have already paid to see the photos and receive mail from other users, even if they are a senior menber, but I prefer not to participate actively in the forum because I do not have fluent English and do not want to embarrass!
Rubberyman
12-28-10, 06:56
I have had good success with Pimsleur for Portuguese and Thai already. I did not like their Spanish program partly because it started out too slowly for someone that already spoke some Spanish and partly because it focused on overly formal European Spanish in which I had no interest.
Anyone use Pimsleur Tagalog, and if so, how useful was it in AC? By way of comparison, I was able to communicate quite effectlively in Rio after going through Pimsleur Portuguese levels 1-3. There is only 1 level for Thai (as Tagalog) so I was not able to converse in Thai in Pattaya but found that when people did not understand my English I could throw in a Thai word or two to help clarify things.
The problem is that it seems that I cannot get the Tagalog course as cheap as the Thai course and I assume that it would not be as useful because English is also a national language in the PI. Also I imagine that most of the girls will not be from Manila so they would they be more comfortable speaking Cebuano (or some other language) than Tagalog. If that is the case then I do not see much point in learning a langage that will be second for both of us.
How does the bar girls' comprehension of Tagalog compare to their comprehension of English? Does anyone sell cheap Pimsleur / Rosetta Stone on the street? I have used Pimsleur for Thai and Tagalog. Level 1 only.
The Tag is a little easier because the pronunciation is harder for Thai.
As far as usefulness is concerned, I really consider both of them marginal for someone who is just going to be there for a week or two at a time. That just does not give you time to build some extra vocabulary or grammar, and in AC and Manila, there are so many english speakers, so you need to ask yourself what the point is.
Having said that, if you were going to live there or had an asawa, then you might find it handy, and especially if you start going to out of the way places. You are also right that there are other local languages. So learning Tagalog might not help you if you were living outside a Tag speaking area.
Some people like learning a language just for the heck of it.
In summary, if you like learning languages, or you have a pinay wife, or you are going to live there long time, it is worth it.
If you are just going for a couple of weeks or less, nah, don't bother.
I have not seen any Tag or RStone stuff on the streets in AC, maybe not much call for it, and that tells you something.
If you do decide to do the Pimsleur 1, you might AFTERWARDS use the site below to increase your vocabulary:
https://learningtagalog.com/course.html
It will not help in the least if you are a complete Tag Noob, but once you have the basics, it will give you some vocab and phrases for different situations. There is also a downloadable text book which has some useful stuff.
GregLondon
12-28-10, 07:27
I have used Pimsleur for Thai and Tagalog. Level 1 only.
The Tag is a little easier because the pronunciation is harder for Thai.
As far as usefulness is concerned, I really consider both of them marginal for someone who is just going to be there for a week or two at a time. That just does not give you time to build some extra vocabulary or grammar, and in AC and Manila, there are so many english speakers, so you need to ask yourself what the point is.
Having said that, if you were going to live there or had an asawa, then you might find it handy, and especially if you start going to out of the way places. You are also right that there are other local languages. So learning Tagalog might not help you if you were living outside a Tag speaking area.
Some people like learning a language just for the heck of it.
In summary, if you like learning languages, or you have a pinay wife, or you are going to live there long time, it is worth it.
If you are just going for a couple of weeks or less, nah, don't bother.
I have not seen any Tag or RStone stuff on the streets in AC, maybe not much call for it, and that tells you something.
If you do decide to do the Pimsleur 1, you might AFTERWARDS use the site below to increase your vocabulary:
https://learningtagalog.com/course.html
It will not help in the least if you are a complete Tag Noob, but once you have the basics, it will give you some vocab and phrases for different situations. There is also a downloadable text book which has some useful stuff. I agree that tagalog is only worth learning if you plan to stay along time or marry a Phil wife who is not strong in English. OR if you really just enjoy learning languages.
Assuming you have no moral aversion to pirate copies, you can download Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur for most languages for free through download sites such as Rapidshare. I've seen Tag for Rosetta Stone there but not Pimsleur.
For those not familiar with download sites, the best place to search for links is probably.
http://www.warez-bb.org/
Which is free to join and use.
The big download sites are rapidshare, hotfile, megaupload etc,
They allow you to download files one at a time at a slow rate for free or you can buy a subscription allowing a huge amount of downloading at a much faster rate. Rapidshare is the biggest and cheapest service, a sub will cost about $8 +
For those not familiar with such things most of the big files such as movies or Rosetta Stone ISOs are compressed and split with WiNRAR s you may want to download this program as a first step if you haven't got it (us are use a free alternative such as 7Zip). If you get into this stuff in a big way, I would also recommend Internet Download Manager (you can search for a pirate copy on Warez BB) which makes downloading multiple files much much easier.
Samar has the best girls. Whenever I am in a bar be it Manila or AC and I pick to my mind the cutest girl there, she's always from Samar. This cannot be a co-incidence. Any action down in Samar?Samar (Northern and Eastern) is almost the poorest area in the Philippines aprt from areas in ARMM, and consequently it is an area where there is a lot of New Peoples Army (NPA) activity (Communist rebels is the term that the government uses for them).
Just last week 10 soldiers were ambushed and killed in Catubig in Northern Samar.
Stick to the Samar girls that are in AC. If they are at home in Samar they are most likely sweet innocent and law-abiding girls living under the protection of a very large family group, and you don't want to go meddling in that.
The main towns of Catarman and Catbalogan are NOT mongering towns unless you are very experienced, speak the language, or you are travelling with a local who has a lot of prestige in the area. The hostelries are 2 star at best.
I don't know what to think here. It is a little bit odd that a US naval officer would be trying to smuggle fake cocaine but that is what the story says.
From http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_philippines_us_navy_death.
US man jumps to death in Manila after drug arrest.
AP.
– Tue Dec 28, 5:52 am ET.
MANILA, Philippines – A USA Navy officer jumped to his death at Manila's airport after he was arrested with what was thought to be cocaine, Philippine officials said Tuesday, but tests later showed the white powder wasn't an illegal drug.
Lt. Cmdr. Scintar Buenviaje Mejia died of head injuries after jumping from a second-floor staircase Monday while a security guard escorted him to the bathroom, aviation police chief Pedro Desuasido said.
The 35-year-old Mejia, a USA citizen of Filipino descent, was arrested a day earlier at an airport X-ray machine after security officials found a plastic packet containing what was suspected to be cocaine in his bag, Desuasido said. He was about to board a flight to Los Angeles.
Desuasido said Mejia shouted and threw the packet at security officials. He denied the packet was his and claimed he was set up.
Dionisio Santiago, head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, said chemical tests on the powder in Mejia's bag showed it did not contain drugs. The tests, however, didn't determine what the powder was.
Wossie Mazengia, a USA Embassy spokeswoman, said American officials were aware of what happened to Mejia. She said Philippine National Police officials were investigating.
In summary, if you like learning languages, or you have a pinay wife, or you are going to live there long time, it is worth it.
If you are just going for a couple of weeks or less, nah, don't bother. Thanks for the feedback. Since this will be my first trip I won't bother trying to learn any. I'll see how it goes when I get there and if I will even want to return. FWIW learning the local language has helped my a lot in Brazil and Mexico but those are not countries with English as a national language.
Econo Tech
12-29-10, 04:05
I don't know what to think here. It is a little bit odd that a US naval officer would be trying to smuggle fake cocaine but that is what the story says.Well, most Filipino news sites start as "FIL AM.". Whatever difference that means. Maybe somebody sold him some of the drugs that were cast away in the sea. Off Luzon.
Thanks for the feedback. Since this will be my first trip I won't bother trying to learn any. I'll see how it goes when I get there and if I will even want to return. FWIW learning the local language has helped my a lot in Brazil and Mexico but those are not countries with English as a national language.I speak Spanish and perhaps over 20% of the Tagalog language is Spanish or a derivative thereof. On occasion I might use a few Spanish words that are in their language and they are happy that I speak Tagalog. Don't waste your time trying to figure out their language or logic.
Here's a great example of their logic. I was at Harrison Mall last week wanting reading glasses that I but at any Dollar Store at home for a buck. After 4 stores, nobody knew what I was talking about and one saleswoman wanted me to go to National Book Store for a magnifying glass. We then stumble on a store that had reading glasses and sunglasses which I also wanted a new pair of. Sunglasses were 6 inches from the reading glasses. After finding the correct reading glasses, I kept them on so I could look at the sunglasses. Idiot clerk says oh no, you must pay for the reading glasses before you can look at the sunglasses (6 inches away). I gave him the reading glasses, told him to go [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off and left.
Don't waste your time on their language or or logic unless you are going to be here for a long long time.
Slippery f / k/a PLC
Rubberyman
12-30-10, 04:59
I speak Spanish and perhaps over 20% of the Tagalog language is Spanish or a derivative thereof. On occasion I might use a few Spanish words that are in their language and they are happy that I speak Tagalog. Don't waste your time trying to figure out their language or logic.
Here's a great example of their logic. I was at Harrison Mall last week wanting reading glasses that I but at any Dollar Store at home for a buck. After 4 stores, nobody knew what I was talking about and one saleswoman wanted me to go to National Book Store for a magnifying glass. We then stumble on a store that had reading glasses and sunglasses which I also wanted a new pair of. Sunglasses were 6 inches from the reading glasses. After finding the correct reading glasses, I kept them on so I could look at the sunglasses. Idiot clerk says oh no, you must pay for the reading glasses before you can look at the sunglasses (6 inches away). I gave him the reading glasses, told him to go [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off and left.
Don't waste your time on their language or or logic unless you are going to be here for a long long time.
Slippery f / k/a PLC
Yeah, there is always a price you pay when you are in a different culture.
Every culture does stuff that others think are crazy. Just ask the average Australian what he thinks about the US custom of tipping, and vice versa. (Always a fun discussion on boards like this from time to time).
I find it is easier to go with the flow culturally speaking. Sometimes the effort to insist on one's own cultural values when in another country is just not worth it. Except when it comes to eating balut, he mutters darkly.
No doubt the store clerk went home and had the pamilia rolling on the floor with laughter about the crazy Kano trying to buy glasses.
Econo Tech
12-30-10, 10:21
Yeah, there is always a price you pay when you are in a different culture.
Every culture does stuff that others think are crazy. Just ask the average Australian what he thinks about the US custom of tipping, and vice versa. (Always a fun discussion on boards like this from time to time).
I find it is easier to go with the flow culturally speaking. Sometimes the effort to insist on one's own cultural values when in another country is just not worth it. Except when it comes to eating balut, he mutters darkly.
No doubt the store clerk went home and had the pamilia rolling on the floor with laughter about the crazy Kano trying to buy glasses. Yah, as I mentioned elsewhere, when I was negotiating for a property, and when I kept pushing for a smaller unit, the property agent. A filipina, lost her mood and yelled at me telling me that I don't deserve to buy an apartment and what a cheapskate charlie I am. And few years later, she is all smiles and begging me to come and visit her properties. Nah. It is a given that while you thought that you gave the sales man a tough time, their pea brain would have been pretty amused by the silly kano.
Rubberyman
12-31-10, 00:57
Yah, as I mentioned elsewhere, when I was negotiating for a property, and when I kept pushing for a smaller unit, the property agent. A filipina, lost her mood and yelled at me telling me that I don't deserve to buy an apartment and what a cheapskate charlie I am. And few years later, she is all smiles and begging me to come and visit her properties. Nah. It is a given that while you thought that you gave the sales man a tough time, their pea brain would have been pretty amused by the silly kano.You know, I am willing to bet that she probably had you lined up as husband material, either for herself or for a 'friend' or at the very least for some lucky pinay thereabouts. So you NEEDED a bigger apartment.
Econo Tech
12-31-10, 04:56
You know, I am willing to bet that she probably had you lined up as husband material, either for herself or for a 'friend' or at the very least for some lucky pinay thereabouts. So you NEEDED a bigger apartment.Nah. She wasn't lining me up with any 'husband' material, I am 100% sure. She just wanted me to splurge beyond what I can afford.standard filipina thinking, and she even mentioned that some of her buyers are Caregivers in Canada.
I could also quote another situation: I had an incident, when we were trying to negotiate for Copra, and the seller, maybe new in the business, kept saying "sir, you can afford to pay a bit more. Every extra dollar you pay goes to making somebody's life better." etc etc. And my friend started explaining that business is business, and he is not running a charity business, and the sellers should be happy to be able to have a buyer. And all. I quitely pulled him aside and told him to 'cease and desist'. Nah. He didn't want to listen and started his lecture on economics and how his being there to purchase is itself a big boost, and his offering above market rate is a measure of his confidence etc. Etc. . And there was stunned silence from the Filipinos. A while later, almost all of the local sellers were like "we'd rather starve than to sell to this arrogant bastard."
Try explaining that. And for that matter, the main point of contact. The Filipina, was bought up in LA, and decided to venture into doing export promotion of Filipino produce, but her attitude and mentality never changed.
I could go on.
Fast Buck Artist
12-31-10, 06:41
sir, you can afford to pay a bit more. Every extra dollar you pay goes to making somebody's life better." etc etc.Thats what the preacher tells them every Sunday (as donation bag is being passed around the church). Son, every peso you share makes somebodys life better.
Very easy concept to embrace, especially when you are sharing someone elses pesos.
Econo Tech
12-31-10, 06:51
Thats what the preacher tells them every Sunday (as donation bag is being passed around the church). Son, every peso you share makes somebodys life better.
Very easy concept to embrace, especially when you are sharing someone elses pesos. Yah, and sometimes they loose focus on where to draw the line. Even when buying stuff, they expect more payment than market rate, because, after all, you paying more means, more poor people will apparently benefit. :confused:
I stopped trying to make sense out of such stuff. A long time ago. .
The dread, button-pushing HIV / barebacking topic, for some inexplicable reason, commenced recently in the Photo Galllery thread-which, I think we would all agree, is not exactly the most appropriate place for it. So I'll throw in here just a brief addenda that may be of interest.
There are probably a number of reasons why the HIV rate in the Philippines is relatively low, aside from the possibility of lax (or even deliberately misleading) government reporting. Among them: 1) Philippines sex workers, compared to sex workers in other SE Asian countries entertain relatively fewer clients; 2) There is relatively less intravenous drug use; and 3) Unlike in most other SE Asian countries, male circumcision is the norm in the Philippines.
An excellent, informative, sensible, highly readable book on the topic is 'The Wisdom of Wh***s' by Elizabeth Pisani. I recommend it.
*For some reason, when I input the full 'W' word (meaning paid sex worker) in the title above, it automatically gets edited out. Hmmmm...
Manta Ray
Tally Wacker
01-02-11, 04:57
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5y7FmuIds8
The dread, button-pushing HIV / barebacking topic
There are probably a number of reasons why the HIV rate in the Philippines is relatively low, aside from the possibility of lax (or even deliberately misleading) government reporting.
Manta RayThe number of HIV infections is NOT lower than in other asian coun tries (except maybe Thailand and India) but it is KEPT low by Phil. Government due to some very good sounding reason.
Think about this. The report of increase of HIV cases is nothing new, it is just as they cannot keep their false statistics anymore.
Ram
Rubberyman
01-02-11, 23:27
The number of HIV infections is NOT lower than in other asian coun tries (except maybe Thailand and India) but it is KEPT low by Phil. Government due to some very good sounding reason.
Think about this. The report of increase of HIV cases is nothing new, it is just as they cannot keep their false statistics anymore.
RamDo you have evidence for this assertion?
For example, if it were true, then there would be suspiciously high numbers of people coming home to other countries with HIV. The Phils Govt MIGHT be able to hide their own statistics, but if for example, holidaymakers coming back to countries like the US, Germany, Australia, UK etc etc etc had a noticeable rate of infection, then the health authorities in those countries would be on the alert, and blow the whistle on the Phils Government. I am not aware of any such statistics. Perhaps you are though, and it would be interesting to see.
Is that happening? Or are you just expressing an opinion (which you are entitled to do, of course)?
Do you have evidence for this assertion?
For example, if it were true, then there would be suspiciously high numbers of people coming home to other countries with HIV. The Phils Govt MIGHT be able to hide their own statistics, but if for example, holidaymakers coming back to countries like the US, Germany, Australia, UK etc etc etc had a noticeable rate of infection, then the health authorities in those countries would be on the alert, and blow the whistle on the Phils Government. I am not aware of any such statistics. Perhaps you are though, and it would be interesting to see.
Is that happening? Or are you just expressing an opinion (which you are entitled to do, of course)? It is important to recognise that there are many incentives for governments and NGOs to inflate figures such as HIV, trafficking etc, because it increases the likelihood of donor funding.
There is no benefit for you to assert that the numbers in one country are more / less than the numbers in another.
If you are going to make these claims, say where you got the information, total number of reported infections in the selected year, how many HIV cases arose from intravenous drug users, how many from homosexuals, and how many from heterosexual activity.
For example, figures for Australia are commonly reported as being about 1100 or 1200 reported infections for the year. These are the figures that the Australian government uses in its fear campaign to convince everybody to use condoms.
But if you dig a bit deeper, you find that after homosexuals are discarded, then intravenous drug users, there are only 5 actual cases arising from plain heterosexual sex. Only 5, in a population of about 20 milliion. That would equate to about 25 in the population of the Philippines.
And there are far more prostitutes per head of population in Australia than there are in the Philippines.
When you have the equivalent numbers of HIV infections from heterosexual sex for the Phils, then report them here.
Until then, your assertions, or gross numbers are worthless.
G
Westerners are notoriously bad at negotiation for a purchase price, for almost anything.
We are particularly bad at negotiating with asians. And there is a general expectation that we will always pay more, because we are rich foreigners. And we are very impatient, we want to do the deal on the spot, quick time.
However, if we negotiate asian style, we will eventually strike a fair price.
My Aussie mate, B lives in Cavite. He asked me to come with him one day to check out a house that he was thinking of buying. It was a very big place, I think 5 bedrooms, and came with a spare vacant lot next door. It needed quite a lot of maintenance.
The owner set the price at 8 million pesos. My mate's counter offer was 5 million. The owner threw his hands in the air, no way.
B waited, and 9 months later, the owner changed, and accepted the 5 million offer.
Deal done, everyone was happy. The key was to hold his ground and to not hurry.
G
Econo Tech
01-03-11, 17:43
It is important to recognise that there are many incentives for governments and NGOs to inflate figures such as HIV, trafficking etc, because it increases the likelihood of donor funding.I mentioned once before; not a made up story, but a true one: Some african countries get so much money for HIV prevention, and every HIV related death leads to more funding. So much so, it had become fashionable in some villages to declare the dead as HIV related death, as the familiy of the dead (who may have simply died of improper basic medical care or even a road accident) get enough money for their health and what not, and with the in-betweens skimming of atleast half, they have made it a point that almost 50% of the deaths in those villages must be HIV related. Dumb donors keep pumping more money.
In a similar vein, an asian country had apparently declared itself almost 100% liiterate (99. 7 = rounded to 100%) and suddenly the Finance minister had frantically called and told the education minister to bring down to 70% and blame the numbers of 'faulty intepretation of data'. Apparently, Japan funds this Asian country to the tune of about 100 Mil US per year purely for education and schooling assistance, and the finance minister realised that the country will be shooting itself out of this 'aid' money, if they declare themselves literate. No. This too is not a made up story.
Econo Tech
01-03-11, 17:46
And there is a general expectation that we will always pay more, because we are rich foreigners. I would correct this to trend being the most prevalent in Philippines, unlike any other asian country. You take Malaysia, Indonesia, or Singapore, or even Thailand, they expect more because they want a better deal, unlike filipinos who not just think that foreigners must pay more but also openly say it. That foreigners are rich and hence must be prepared to pay more.
It is important to recognise that there are many incentives for governments and NGOs to inflate figures such as HIV, trafficking etc, because it increases the likelihood of donor funding.
There is no benefit for you to assert that the numbers in one country are more / less than the numbers in another.
If you are going to make these claims, say where you got the information, total number of reported infections in the selected year, how many HIV cases arose from intravenous drug users, how many from homosexuals, and how many from heterosexual activity.
For example, figures for Australia are commonly reported as being about 1100 or 1200 reported infections for the year. These are the figures that the Australian government uses in its fear campaign to convince everybody to use condoms.
But if you dig a bit deeper, you find that after homosexuals are discarded, then intravenous drug users, there are only 5 actual cases arising from plain heterosexual sex. Only 5, in a population of about 20 milliion. That would equate to about 25 in the population of the Philippines.
And there are far more prostitutes per head of population in Australia than there are in the Philippines.
When you have the equivalent numbers of HIV infections from heterosexual sex for the Phils, then report them here.
Until then, your assertions, or gross numbers are worthless.
G
@Gangles.
If you really want to deepen this topic go to WHO-website and dig yourself for more statistics.
I am allowed to share my personal opinion. Period.
OKIE??????
Rubberyman
01-03-11, 23:24
@Gangles.
If you really want to deepen this topic go to WHO-website and dig yourself for more statistics.
I am allowed to share my personal opinion. Period.
OKIE? I think that you have misunderstood Gangles' use of the word 'you'. He was using it in the impersonal sense since he actually replied to my post about your comments. Hence the implication of impersonal use.
Ie Man kann etwas denken. Can be translated as "ONE can think something" or it can be translated as "YOU (impersonal) can think something". However, YOU (personal) is not the same as YOU (impersonal) , and you should not take offense. In the sentence "When you have the equivalent numbers... etc" the correct translation to German would start "Wenn man hat... usw" NOT "Wenn Sie haben... usw"
However, it would also be wise in future if you express an opinion, that you should state that it is your opinion rather than imply that it is a fact. (I say wise, not because you have to do it, rather that people will challenge you otherwise).
You made a serious accusation of falsification of figures by the Philippines Government. If it is an opinion, then that is fair enough. However you stated it as if it were a fact. That is something else.
Yes we could look up the WHO figures. But since you had made such a definite statement, it was reasonable to assume that you could quote the figures from which you arrived at that statement.
Now we know that it was just your opinion, and not necessarily backed up with any hard facts, that is quite ok. No problems as far as I am concerned.
Fast Buck Artist
01-04-11, 04:08
Westerners are notoriously bad at negotiation for a purchase price, for almost anything.
Its not that we are bad at negotiation, we just value our time and peace of mind more than our pocket change. For example the other day I was coming home from a new year celebration and hailed a taxi, the cabbie asked for a 50 peso on top of the meter tip cause he needs a new year present. Yea sure I could have argued for 20 minutes, or I could have slammed the door and waited 15 mins for another cab, but really is $1 worth fighting over? So I gave his 50 peso tip, said happy new year and got home, end of story.
For more expensive items, yea I bargain. If you are buying a car or house, know what the market value is, let the seller know what you are prepared to pay, and hold your ground. If he tries to jack up the price, hold your ground. Remember the power of bargain is with the person who cares less and is willing to walk away. A nice trick to use is to get a friend to send you a text message saying I can sell you house X and price Y. Then during negotiation you take out your phone and show the seller the text you got, tell him match this offer or I walk. Works quite well.
WestCoast1
01-14-11, 07:12
For July are under $1100 (Hawaiian Airlines, if you don't mind a 32-hour trip) , and under $1200 on several others. These are great prices for the US summertime.
Fast Eddie 48
01-16-11, 02:02
For July are under $1100 (Hawaiian Airlines, if you don't mind a 32-hour trip) , and under $1200 on several others. These are great prices for the US summertime.To west coast
What is the stop over in Hawaii 32 hr is too damn long, I think you should able to get a flight on Cathay pacific for around 1100 USD round trip inc tax in July and they have 3 flight a day to HKG and 7 flight a day to manila most stop over in HK is only 1 hr.
Fast Eddie 48
Cunning Stunt
01-16-11, 04:59
A friend just sent me this joke. As we have a few antipodean members, I thought I would pass it on:D.
Billy was at school this morning and the teacher asked all the children what their fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, fireman, policeman, salesman, chippy, captain of industry etc, but Billy was being uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked him about his father.
"My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes if the offer is really good, he'll go out with a man, rent a cheap hotel room and let them sleep with him."The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Billy aside to ask him if that was really true.
"No" said Billy,"He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say."
Hahahaha. Never mind, you finally won something (Twenty20 match in Melbourne).
<SNIP
"No" said Billy,"He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say."I thought I had an agreement with FF and WR that there would be a truce on cricket jokes between you Poms and us Aussies.
Now it seems like even CS has to get in on the act too.
Oh well, we had 20 years of world dominance so I guess we can't begrudge you your 3 months of fun (because that's all it will be)
Cunning Stunt
01-16-11, 09:10
I thought I had an agreement with FF and WR that there would be a truce on cricket jokes between you Poms and us Aussies.
Now it seems like even CS has to get in on the act too.
Oh well, we had 20 years of world dominance so I guess we can't begrudge you your 3 months of fun (because that's all it will be) Are you an Ozzie? I thought you was an extreme left wing Jock!
Hardly 20 years. Remember we RETAINED the Ashes and are the reigning Twenty20 world champions.
Are you an Ozzie? I thought you was an extreme left wing Jock!
Hardly 20 years. Remember we RETAINED the Ashes and are the reigning Twenty20 world champions. Can we agree on 15 years? You would have to agree that the 1990s and early 21st century was possibly Australia's most successful period, unbeaten in all Ashes series played bar the famous 2005 series and achieving a hat-trick of World Cups. I mean. Good teams win things. Great teams sustain that success.
We were awful though weren't we? If I mongered like we played cricket I'd be giving handjobs to trannies every time I left my house.
Hairy Wonder
01-17-11, 16:37
Hey guys!
It's been quite a while since I was able to travel to the Philippines, and the last time I did, it was from Korea. Now, I'm locked up in sex prison (A. K. A. The United States) , and desperately needing another trip to monger paradise. I know that some members here make multiple trips across the big pond, and wondered if anyone would like to share some recent information on where they buy their tickets. I have tried many searches on the internet, and most come up with prices near $1, 500 for a round trip economy class seat. That price level seems like it should be at least business class! I must serve out my sentence before I can take conjugal leave in June / July. I will be traveling from the area near Lexington, KY. If anyone knows of a travel agent with good prices, please let me know.
Thanks!
HW
Member #4698
01-17-11, 17:48
Hairy,
Try
http://www.onetravel.com/
To get a good idea of the possibilities and prices.
Like you I have found direct travel to Manila from a non hub American city to be expensive. Try booking to Hong Kong instead. Then buy a separate ticket a day or two later on Air Asia or Cebu Air to PI. I think it will save you a couple hundred dollars. Hong Kong is a good town to fool around in for a couple of days and work off your jet lag.
WestCoast1
01-17-11, 18:03
Hey guys!
It's been quite a while since I was able to travel to the Philippines, and the last time I did, it was from Korea. Now, I'm locked up in sex prison (A. K. A. The United States) , and desperately needing another trip to monger paradise. I know that some members here make multiple trips across the big pond, and wondered if anyone would like to share some recent information on where they buy their tickets. I have tried many searches on the internet, and most come up with prices near $1, 500 for a round trip economy class seat. That price level seems like it should be at least business class! I must serve out my sentence before I can take conjugal leave in June / July. I will be traveling from the area near Lexington, KY. If anyone knows of a travel agent with good prices, please let me know.
Thanks!
HWI found under $1200 on sidestep in June (from San Fran and Los Angeles to Manila), typically the higher time of year; often I see $1600 at that time of year. Also closer in time at Easter under $983. $928 in March.
Hairy Wonder
01-17-11, 19:03
NB and WC,
Thanks for the information! I will check out your suggestions. Unfortunately, I am limited to the summer months, as I have custody of my school age kids. Hopefully, I can work it out where they will spend the summer with their mother, and thus leaving me that time to have my fun.
I did stumble across this web site http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php. A search for flights from Lexington to Manila during the month of July, showed prices ranging from $600 to $1200. Has anybody had any experience with this site?
HW
I found under $1200 on sidestep in June (from San Fran and Los Angeles to Manila), typically the higher time of year; often I see $1600 at that time of year. Also closer in time at Easter under $983. $928 in March.I live in Anchorage so I am lucky enough to have a one stop flight to Manila on China Airlines. Its a little more expensive that from the west coast. When I booked my Feb trip last November I paid $1200. Its Anchorage- Taipei- Manila. I did find other cheaper fares via Seattle and Tokyo for around $1000 but I despise travelling for 22 hours versus 13.
One thing to note about China Airlines is that the flight I use to Taipei originates at JFK. So it might me worthwhile to check this itinerary out for those of you on the east coast.
Check their website frequently as they run web specials all the time. For example, they have a LA to manila special right now Feb 1- April 30 for $810 plus tax.
http://www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm
WestCoast1
01-17-11, 19:16
NB and WC,
Thanks for the information! I will check out your suggestions. Unfortunately, I am limited to the summer months, as I have custody of my school age kids. Hopefully, I can work it out where they will spend the summer with their mother, and thus leaving me that time to have my fun.
I did stumble across this web site.
http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php
A search for flights from Lexington to Manila during the month of July, showed prices ranging from $600 to $1200. Has anybody had any experience with this site?
HWHW: I have seen prices in the $600's before, but only in the low (off) seasons of Feb-March, and Sept-Oct. However, not seeing those rates for those times currently (to get those prices normally you have to purchase many months in advance). Anytime you are under $1000 its a good deal. Normally in June / July / early August its $1500-2000.
Gents,
Anyone can recommend a reliable site to send flowers / choclates in the Phils? I was staying this past weekend at a beach resort in Lapu Lapu and one of the girls at the reception working there was the most beautiful girl I've seen in my 3 weeks in the Phils and one of the top 3 most beautifuls in my current 3 months trip in Asia. Think tall, model figures and a baby doll perfect face. So I'd appreciate any suggestions for a good reliable site to send her a little gift.
Thanks.
Econo Tech
01-18-11, 09:26
Gents,
Anyone can recommend a reliable site to send flowers / choclates in the Phils? I was staying this past weekend at a beach resort in Lapu Lapu and one of the girls at the reception working there was the most beautiful girl I've seen in my 3 weeks in the Phils and one of the top 3 most beautifuls in my current 3 months trip in Asia. Think tall, model figures and a baby doll perfect face. So I'd appreciate any suggestions for a good reliable site to send her a little gift.
ThanksGo to www.pldtonline.com And register. Use them.
Bit expensive. For example, a 1000 peso Shopping voucher costs like 1, 500. But, they do door-step delivery, reliable, and owned by PLDT.
And alternate is http://www.myayala.com/. Also reliable and trusted, and tested. But delivery is not fast as PLDT.
I wouldn't want to trust others.
BTW, it is nicer to send an SM Shopping voucher. Sort of a pre-paid card which allows people to use when they buy and no condition to finish it in one go.unlike some other shopping cards. A 1000 peso card goes a long way.
Gents,
Anyone can recommend a reliable site to send flowers / choclates in the Phils? I was staying this past weekend at a beach resort in Lapu Lapu and one of the girls at the reception working there was the most beautiful girl I've seen in my 3 weeks in the Phils and one of the top 3 most beautifuls in my current 3 months trip in Asia. Think tall, model figures and a baby doll perfect face. So I'd appreciate any suggestions for a good reliable site to send her a little gift.
Thanks. I live in the Phils and use this site. My son used it from Australia to send flowers to his mother here too and it worked very efficiently.
http://www.islandrose.net/
Mongrinastrlnd
01-18-11, 12:11
Gents,
Anyone can recommend a reliable site to send flowers / choclates in the Phils? I was staying this past weekend at a beach resort in Lapu Lapu and one of the girls at the reception working there was the most beautiful girl I've seen in my 3 weeks in the Phils and one of the top 3 most beautifuls in my current 3 months trip in Asia. Think tall, model figures and a baby doll perfect face. So I'd appreciate any suggestions for a good reliable site to send her a little gift.
Thanks. Best to do things like this through a local florist, as the internet sites usually charge 3x as much. I've sent a dozen roses delivered for P500 earlier this month. Unfortunately not in Cebu. Hopefully another monger has some good contact information for Cebu florists.
Hey guys!
That price level seems like it should be at least business class! I must serve out my sentence before I can take conjugal leave in June / July.
Thanks!
HWHairy,
I was there last June / July. I found June to be a much better time for women and the monger scene in general. Can't really explain why, but it seemed all the regular places were very empty in July whereas they were teaming with women in June. Just my two cents.
Econo Tech
01-18-11, 17:52
Me thinks my post evoporated.
I use www.pldtonline.com And www.myayala.com. Both reliable, no scam, and on time delivery. Especially the PLDT deliveries. Use LBC.
Cheers
Fast Eddie 48
01-18-11, 23:40
HW: I have seen prices in the $600's before, but only in the low (off) seasons of Feb-March, and Sept-Oct. However, not seeing those rates for those times currently (to get those prices normally you have to purchase many months in advance). Anytime you are under $1000 its a good deal. Normally in June / July / early August its $1500-2000.To West coast
You are not going to see those fare again 600 USD fare round trip US to Manila day is over maybe 10 yr ago, high fuel cost how days even slow season the lowest you will get is around 920 USD with oil cost will go up this summer might be a good idea to book ahead.
Fast Eddie 48
Fluffy Bud
01-19-11, 09:12
Hey all, need some help from long timers in the Phils. Do the Philippines celebrate the Chinese New Year? Planning on visiting Philippines and Subic around early Feb time frame which is the Chinese New Years time. In other area of world where they do celebrate CNY the working chicks are usually off and back home. Would hate to go there and find the pickings slim because all the chicks went home. Just want to make sure I won't run into that problem visiting Philippines during that time frame.
Thank you very much gents for your very helpful suggestions. I'm going to check them out.
BTW, how would you rate http://philflora.com?
Econo Tech, very good suggestion for a SM shopping card!
Thanks a bunch again guys!
Cheers.
Hairy,
I was there last June / July. I found June to be a much better time for women and the monger scene in general. Can't really explain why, but it seemed all the regular places were very empty in July whereas they were teaming with women in June. Just my two cents. For what it's worth, July is the wettest month of the year, and, despite La Nina, it is predicted to be very wet this year.
If weather patterns remain as crazy as they are in Eastern Australia, Visayas and Northern Mindanao, then who knows what sort of weather will occur this year in the PI.
At least we can assume Mt Pinatubo won't erupt. Errrr can't we?
Econo Tech
01-20-11, 04:59
Do the Philippines celebrate the Chinese New Year?They will celebrate anything as long as you are footing the bill. .
In other area of world where they do celebrate CNY the working chicks are usually off and back home.I know what you mean, I live in such a country. Come CNY. You are totally dependant on the Filipinas, and nothing much. Even the Thai / Viet / Cambo disappear into the woodworks.
For Phil? No. There would be no noticeable drop in the 'chicks'.
I have had a fantasy about finding a pair of identical twin sisters to play with.
Has anyone run into any twins in their pooning experiences?
Cunning Stunt
01-20-11, 09:51
I have had a fantasy about finding a pair of identical twin sisters to play with.
Has anyone run into any twins in their pooning experiences? Lovely thought but I think a fantasy is all it will remain. Had genuine sisters here in the The Philippines, but they were not twins.
There are a pair of genuine twins work out of an escort agency in Manchester if you are ever in UK, but they are high end escorts and therefore pretty pricey.
For what it's worth, July is the wettest month of the year, and, despite La Nina, it is predicted to be very wet this year.
If weather patterns remain as crazy as they are in Eastern Australia, Visayas and Northern Mindanao, then who knows what sort of weather will occur this year in the PI.
At least we can assume Mt Pinatubo won't erupt. Errrr can't we? Just to add to my earlier post, check out this link on today's news.
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ann/20110120/tph-it-s-going-to-be-a-rainy-summer-no-d-fb8bb4f.html
It looks like it will be a wet summer too (March, April, May) for those contemplating visits
Cunning Stunt
01-20-11, 15:39
It looks like it will be a wet summer too (March, April, May) for those contemplating visitsWeather patterns are fucked everywhere so why should The Philippines escape. It pissed it down in Manila this afternoon. It very rarely rains in January which is the middle of the cool, dry season. It was also quite warm and humid (its been deliciously cool recently) so I wouldn't be surprised if the hot season didn't start early this year, maybe next month.
GoodEnough
01-20-11, 15:49
Weather patterns are fucked everywhere so why should The Philippines escape. It pissed it down in Manila this afternoon. It very rarely rains in January which is the middle of the cool, dry season. It was also quite warm and humid (its been deliciously cool recently) so I wouldn't be surprised if the hot season didn't start early this year, maybe next month.I've just spent a couple of freezing weeks on the East Coast of the US. It's been my first trip back in almost seven years, and I had forgotten the reality of winter, of the days when the higes reach. 2. I don't think I will ever again complain of heat or rain, if my alternative is freezing cold and acres of snow.
PolyOrchid
01-20-11, 17:11
I've just spent a couple of freezing weeks on the East Coast of the US.GE,
I was back in Wisconsin in November and it was similar.
Such weather reminds me of that great Tom Waits line about Wisconsin in his song The Heart of a Saturday Night when he describes it as "colder than a well-digger's ass".
Fast Eddie 48
01-20-11, 23:50
Hey all, need some help from long timers in the Phils. Do the Philippines celebrate the Chinese New Year? Planning on visiting Philippines and Subic around early Feb time frame which is the Chinese New Years time. In other area of world where they do celebrate CNY the working chicks are usually off and back home. Would hate to go there and find the pickings slim because all the chicks went home. Just want to make sure I won't run into that problem visiting Philippines during that time frame.To Fluffy
I was in Manila last CNY was in China for business alot of crack down there so I sent to PI for a week, they don't celebrate CNY much maybe in Manila chinatown they have lion dance, not many Chinese go to Manila now after the HK hostage killing last year, this time of year the weather is good and less tourist.
Fast Eddie 48
For July are under $1100 (Hawaiian Airlines, if you don't mind a 32-hour trip) , and under $1200 on several others. These are great prices for the US summertime.I took Hawaiian Airlines to the Phils in October of 2009 flying from Las Vegas to Manila. Actually, the flight was only 23 hours in total even with the 6 hour layover in Honolulu. Perhaps their flights from other cities take longer. Also, I got in a special fare ($600) for fall travel.
I was quite pleased with flight and process of moving through Honolulu International Airport. Everything went quite smoothly, but I will say the food served during the flights was basic at best. But, considering the low cost, I couldn't complain.
Starchild2012
01-22-11, 09:27
Just to add to my earlier post, check out this link on today's news.
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ann/20110120/tph-it-s-going-to-be-a-rainy-summer-no-d-fb8bb4f.html
It looks like it will be a wet summer too (March, April, May) for those contemplating visitsThe powers that be are not telling the complete picture. Its going to be an Ice Age in couple of years. No kidding or conspiracy. Proven fact now.
Check this out.
www.iceagenow.com
Also,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jEE1_0i_rY
Al Gore and cabel already knew a decade ago we are heading towards an ice age. The whole charade of global warming and debate is to throw us off the real issue so that we would not "PREPARE" for what is coming. If we had prepared for ice age 5 years back. Europe and America would not have to go though the misery that it went last month.
You have been warmed. No excuse. Americans and Europeans if they love their family and themselves should start preparing for the ice age or move towards the equator or be freezed for ever by 2012.
Good Luck
Cunning Stunt
01-22-11, 13:34
You have been warmed.....and now we will be chilled:).
Thought everybody was warning about global warming. I didn't realize that this was a subterfuge to get us all buying Hawaiian shirts when, in reality, we should have been getting thermals.
Tratnguyen1
01-23-11, 05:24
Gent;
I am planning a first trip to Angeles city and Manila. I hold a USA passport so I can travel to P. I. without Visa for a short time staying.
The Question is the immigrations in Manila Airport accept the E ticket travel schedule as proof of my departure out P. I.
Also, the security guard will let me go through the airport door on the return trip.
Thank you in advance,
Wicked Roger
01-23-11, 18:45
Gent;
I am planning a first trip to Angeles city and Manila. I hold a USA passport so I can travel to P. I. Without Visa for a short time staying.
The Question is the immigrations in Manila Airport accept the E ticket travel schedule as proof of my departure out P. I.
Also, the security guard will let me go through the airport door on the return trip.
Thank you in advance, Quick reply is Yes and Yes.
Rarely are you asked to show the return ticket by immigration (make sure you have a print out of the e ticket)
Gent;
I am planning a first trip to Angeles city and Manila. I hold a USA passport so I can travel to P. I. Without Visa for a short time staying.
The Question is the immigrations in Manila Airport accept the E ticket travel schedule as proof of my departure out P. I.
Also, the security guard will let me go through the airport door on the return trip.
Thank you in advance, There are no more paper tickets in the commercial airline industry so the its official receipt (even if coming from an Internet bought tkt) is a valid instrument.
Guys should note the following and print it out so you can have it for reference when some driver tries to scam you.
Beginning January 24 the LTFRB is calibrating and adjusting meters in Taxis for the new fares.
New Flag Down Fare is 40 PHP (up from of 30PHP)
New rate per 300 m is 3. 5 PHP (up from 2. 5 PHP)
First batch (until February 14th) of taxis will be only those with plate numbers ending in 1 and 6 on.
Note carefully that only taxis with meters that can issue receipts will be calibrated for the new fares.
All other Taxis (which have not been calibrated yet) are not allowed to charge the new fare and taxis with old meters that are not able to issue receipts will not be allowed to charge the new fares at all.
Taxis already calibrated will have a yellow LTFRB sticker on the left side of their windshields.
So those clapped.out taxis with the old meters will NEVER be able to charge the new rates. Don't believe them if they tell you they can.
NB. These rules may well be modified for taxis elsewhere in the Phils (Cebu and Davao)
Gent;
I am planning a first trip to Angeles city and Manila. I hold a USA passport so I can travel to P. I. Without Visa for a short time staying.
The Question is the immigrations in Manila Airport accept the E ticket travel schedule as proof of my departure out P. I.
Also, the security guard will let me go through the airport door on the return trip.
Thank you in advance, The airline clerk in the US will ask you to show proof (your itinerary/E-ticket) of your flight out of the Philippines.
Immigration in the Philippines should not ask you to show them anything (except your passport and arrival card).
When you leave, the security guard at the airport will ask to see your flight itinerary/E-ticket to enter the airport.
Last September was in manila headed back to USA Had to pay a exit fee at the airport. I can't remember how much it was. Can anybody help me? For some reason I remember 750 peso, but not sure. Thanks in advance.
Manila, Philippines (CNN). A powerful bomb exploded on a passenger bus Tuesday afternoon in Manila's financial district, killing four people and injuring 15 others, police said.
"It's a huge explosion; it's so huge that it created a hole at the side of bus where it is presumed that the bomb was placed," said Makati Police Chief Froilan Bonifacio.
Bonifacio said the explosion occurred around 2 pm.
The bus, owned by Newman Bus Lines, was approaching a Metro Rail Transit station on Buendia Avenue in Makati City, Manila's financial district, when it blew up.
The area has been placed on high alert, according to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr, who arrived on the scene a short time after the blast. He said most of the victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
"We are still trying to determine what kind of bomb was used," Bonifacio said.
An initial investigation showed the explosive device could have been placed under a seat on the bus, he said.
Last September was in manila headed back to USA Had to pay a exit fee at the airport. I can't remember how much it was. Can anybody help me? For some reason I remember 750 peso, but not sure. Thanks in advance.Mackin. You are correct 750p tax.
P
GoodEnough
01-25-11, 23:18
For whatever this is worth, all expats who work for us here are forbidden to take any form of mass public transit under any circumstances. This rule has been in effect, within my company, for more than 15 years. The fact is that violence can and does occur here anywhere, at any time given the large number of organized and semi-organized insurrectionist groups, whose actions are not always limited to remote, rural areas. As indicated by the prior poster, the violence can strike even in the heart of the country's richest enclave of wealth and power.
Avoiding mass transit, which is often the target of the fanatics who care nothing for human life is simply prudent.
GE.
Manila, Philippines (CNN). A powerful bomb exploded on a passenger bus Tuesday afternoon in Manila's financial district, killing four people and injuring 15 others, police said.
"It's a huge explosion; it's so huge that it created a hole at the side of bus where it is presumed that the bomb was placed," said Makati Police Chief Froilan Bonifacio.
Bonifacio said the explosion occurred around 2 pm.
The bus, owned by Newman Bus Lines, was approaching a Metro Rail Transit station on Buendia Avenue in Makati City, Manila's financial district, when it blew up.
The area has been placed on high alert, according to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr, who arrived on the scene a short time after the blast. He said most of the victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
"We are still trying to determine what kind of bomb was used," Bonifacio said.
An initial investigation showed the explosive device could have been placed under a seat on the bus, he said.
Econo Tech
01-26-11, 03:15
The airline clerk in the US will ask you to show proof (your itinerary/E-ticket) of your flight out of the Philippines.Correct:
Immigration in the Philippines should not ask you to show them anything (except your passport and arrival card).Slightly WRONG. You must show your confirmed e-ticket / itin- for your return flight, as you are coming in as a tourist and you must show proof of departure in terms of a valid ticket. It is not a case of "Should" but any immigration officer in any country. While doing a visa-on-arrival, are legally required to check return flight / departure travel info.
For whatever this is worth, all expats who work for us here are forbidden to take any form of mass public transit under any circumstances. This rule has been in effect, within my company, for more than 15 years. The fact is that violence can and does occur here anywhere, at any time given the large number of organized and semi-organized insurrectionist groups, whose actions are not always limited to remote, rural areas. As indicated by the prior poster, the violence can strike even in the heart of the country's richest enclave of wealth and power.
Avoiding mass transit, which is often the target of the fanatics who care nothing for human life is simply prudent.
GE. I agree with GE.
I have been watching this story on the news last night and again today.
The death toll is now 5.
One girl has both legs blown off.
Manila MRT and bus travellers are all very scared right now because there are tips of still more to come.
Slightly WRONG. You must show your confirmed e-ticket / itin- for your return flight, as you are coming in as a tourist and you must show proof of departure in terms of a valid ticket. It is not a case of "Should" but any immigration officer in any country. While doing a visa-on-arrival, are legally required to check return flight / departure travel info.I was talking about reality. That's why I wrote "should"; but technically they can demand proof; maybe if you look susupicious. Wondering how they treat the Africans.
In my numerous travels, I have never been asked to show a return ticket by Philippine immigration. Also never observed them asking anyone for a return ticket.
Econo Tech
01-26-11, 06:29
I was talking about reality. That's why I wrote "should"; but technically they can demand proof; maybe if you look susupicious. Wondering how they treat the Africans.On a bad-hari day, they do that to everybody. . .
In my numerous travels, I have never been asked to show a return ticket by Philippine immigration. Also never observed them asking anyone for a return ticket.Yes, but Better safe than sorry.
Cheers
Steve Dubai
01-26-11, 06:29
I was talking about reality. That's why I wrote "should"; but technically they can demand proof; maybe if you look susupicious. Wondering how they treat the Africans.
In my numerous travels, I have never been asked to show a return ticket by Philippine immigration. Also never observed them asking anyone for a return ticket. They asked me to show my return ticket when I went last December.
Good job I'd printed it, as I don; t normally do that.
They asked me to show my return ticket when I went last December.
Good job I'd printed it, as I don; t normally do that. I am a permanent resident here and in the past 12 months I have had 4 return flights back to the Philippines. At each departure (from Australia, from Incheon, from Bangkok and from Singapore back to Manila) I have been asked for my on-ticket out of Manila.
I can show my ICR Card to show that I have permission to stay and they are cool with that.
Maybe it is a bit arbitrary if some guys say they have never been asked, but by today's standards that is quite unusual. Just remember that the rules of international travel keep changing and I think it makes sense to have your return ticket with you. You might get a very rude (and expensive) surprise if you have to buy your ticket out of Manila at any international airport in order to catch your flight to Manila (or Cebu or Clark).
Soapy Smith
01-26-11, 07:15
I agree with GE.
Manila MRT and bus travellers are all very scared right now because there are tips of still more to come. I understand the fear that exists right now because intelligence reports are warning that there may be more attacks.
On the other hand, there's the logic of not allowing employees of GE's company to ride public transportation in the Philippines for the last 15 years?
Here is the apparent terrorism toll in Metro Manila since some time in 2002:
2002: a bomb goes off in a bus in Quezon City, killing 3 people.
2004: a bomb goes off on a ferry in Manila Bay, killing about 113.
2005: a bomb goes off in a bus in Makati, killing 3 people.
2007: a bomb goes off in Glorietta Mall (note: not public transit) , killing 11 people.
2011: a bomb goes off in a bus in Makati, killing 5 people.
In a single day in September 2001 two airplanes plow into and demolish the Twin Towers in New York City, killing approximately 2, 750 people. Current population of the metropolitan New York area is about 19. 7M. Population of Metro Manila is 16. 3M. So go ahead and do the math comparing the probabilities over the past ten years of being killed by terrorists on public transit in Manila as against being killed by terrorists in New York City.
Considering how few Filipino families own cars, there must be several million people who travel by bus, LRT, and jeepney in Metro Manila every day. So plug those numbers into the probabilities of being killed by terrorists on a mass transit vehicle in Metro Manila. And is there evidence of foreign nationals specifically being targeted by the Abu Sayyaf or other Philippine terrorists? In Zamboanga or the Sulu Archipelago, sure, because ransom rather than killing may be the goal. And, yes, about 12 years ago two American missionaries were abducted. But from an island resort near Puerto Princesa, and taken by boat to Western Mindanao. And one was killed -- during an assault by American and Philippine military forces.
Don't get me wrong. I'm upset about the bus bombing too. But I'm more pissed than frightened. I'm pissed because I was making arrangements to bring a group of young people to a safe area in Manila for a few weeks in 2012. But now I suspect my employer will give it the kibosh. Why? Because executives are risk-averse when it comes to decisions that hint of any kind of minimal liability. Do they have similar prohibitions against travel to New York City. Hell no. Why? Differences in perception. Because, after all, since 9/11 we've jacked up security and closed the opportunity gaps that terrorists have, right? BS! The underwear bomber was overtaken by other passengers, not because of airport security. And the would-be Times Square bomber was stopped, not because of heightened security capabilities, but because a streetside vendor told police he thought something looked suspicious. The police barely caught the guy before the international flight he'd gotten onto was about to take off.
So I understand GE's company's stance for avoiding any potential risk of liability, but as a logic for the average monger traveling in the Metro Manila area to need to avoid public transit? For the time being, sure, but in the longer term, I don't think so.
I am a permanent resident here and in the past 12 months I have had 4 return flights back to the Philippines. At each departure (from Australia, from Incheon, from Bangkok and from Singapore back to Manila) I have been asked for my on-ticket out of Manila.
I can show my ICR Card to show that I have permission to stay and they are cool with that.
Maybe it is a bit arbitrary if some guys say they have never been asked, but by today's standards that is quite unusual. Just remember that the rules of international travel keep changing and I think it makes sense to have your return ticket with you. You might get a very rude (and expensive) surprise if you have to buy your ticket out of Manila at any international airport in order to catch your flight to Manila (or Cebu or Clark).Cebu pacific air has given me the most grief about tickets. I understand they can be fined if they don't insure the.
Passenger has onward ticket.
I had the I card in Bangkok and they accepted that. But I always carry an onward out of Philippines ticket now.
Also if you travel with a filipina you need to show a return ticket for her.
Being from america I get spoiled that many times they just assume you will have the funds and the freedom to travel without restrictions.
Econo Tech
01-26-11, 11:38
They asked me to show my return ticket when I went last December.
Good job I'd printed it, as I don; t normally do that. Do you look African? . . (Nah- just taking a dig at the poster who said "should". "Maybe".
GoodEnough
01-26-11, 11:47
The logic follows from the fact that we've been doing business here for a very long time, since the time, in fact, when Manila was significantly more dangerous than it is now and we would rather operate on the basis of prudence than statistics. This is a third world country in which disagreements are often settled violently and with disastrous results for the innocents caught in the crossfire. Even if, in Manila, the violence is sporadic, that fact is that many terrorist attacks here target mass transit systems. So it makes sense, at least to me, to do you can to reduce the risk, however small.
GE
The logic follows from the fact that we've been doing business here for a very long time, since the time, in fact, when Manila was significantly more dangerous than it is now and we would rather operate on the basis of prudence than statistics. This is a third world country in which disagreements are often settled violently and with disastrous results for the innocents caught in the crossfire. Even if, in Manila, the violence is sporadic, that fact is that many terrorist attacks here target mass transit systems. So it makes sense, at least to me, to do you can to reduce the risk, however small.
GEThere is another logic to it as well.
My Government (Australian) also says do not use public transportation services anywhere as well as travel to most parts of Mindanao. My employers freak out if they learn that I have been on the MRT or a bus to anywhere or to Mindanao without having a platoon of security tracking me.
Their purpose is primarily to cover their backsides in the event that something happens to me.
They know full well that I will probably keep using buses and MRT (train) but at least they can say "we told him so" and they are immune to any subsequent charges of failure to ensure my safety.
I think there is a similar logic at play with GE and his company policy. It is also more easily understood in the case of Skip's dilemma too.
It is hard to get it right these days. You can roll the dice knowing that it is 95% likely that you WON'T be in a bomb blast, but the poor bastards on yesterday's bus were in the other 5%.
Econo Tech
01-26-11, 12:47
I understand the fear that exists right now because intelligence reports are warning that there may be more attacks.Not saying anything bad, but this logic follows the Sri Lankan case. When there was a Bomb in the Sri Lankan capital, and 3 people died, and the BBC reporter was hell bent on making it a big news, the Foreign minister calmly replied that compared to the number who died in the July 2005 bombing, and the Irish bombings, there have been far less casualties in total in Sri Lanka. Or something to that effect. And went on to add that the average death due to car / road accidents / accidental shooting / mistaken shooting in terms of Ratio is almost four times or more in US compared to Sri Lanka. And yah, it is different death, but overall. The chance of dying in Sri Lanka is less than 1/4th compared to living in US. .
Well, shock sells news, and if you don't' sensationalise anything, news will not sell.
But then again, there are those who say a long period of terror with less deaths is more terrifying (like say 10 people died over.
Yesterday I met up with Madelyn at SM Mall in Cebu. I met her from DIA about 4 years ago, she was then aged 34 and had three kids. Her husband had been murdered in Lapu Lapu several years before and she had been left to raise her three kids alone all of whom have turned out remarkably well considering. Life for Madelyn was a daily struggle, and she inspired me how she was able to raise three kids, hold down a poorly paid job and devote her life to her kids. Now Madelyn was not really my type at all and she was certainly not in my target age range. However back then I had designs on her eldest daughter who was then aged 18 and after literally months and months of on line conversations and heaps of persuasion, she finally agreed to allow me a mother and daughter threesome. She agreed to do this out of financial necessity and because she also really liked me (poor girl) and I guess I exploited these vulnerabilities for my own peverted desires
Anyway after trying out the mother and daughter combo, I lost interest in them both in a sexual way but I maintained regular contact with them and I occasionally would send her some money. I always bring her and her kids gifts and treat them to dinner every time I am in Cebu. I don't have any ulterior motives for doing this, I just admire the way she works 6 days a week in a shoe factory, working 10-12 hours a days for about 6 thousand pesos. She has raised her three kids to be decent, honest and polite.
Anyway we meet up at the Mall for lunch and Madelyn has her youngest daughter in tow, now aged 14 and 5 months pregnant. Turns out she had a Pinoy boyfriend last year, went off the rails a little bit and lo and behold she is pregnant. There were lots of tears over lunch, apparently the doctor has said that because her kid is so young she is not physically abe to give birth in the normal way and she must have a caesarian. There are also problems with the baby, the teenage mom is carrying too much water in her womb and the baby has a cleft palate that was picked up during a recent ultra sound.
Of course all this costs money and who does she turn to for help. Mortman of course. It is only one of millions of hard luck stories that you can hear everyday in the Philippines but it is much more difficult to walk away when you know the people personally as I do. I told mom I would send some money before the baby is born but that they should not rely on me to take care of all their medical expenses. I feel like a cold hearted bastard because I know that that the young mother to be and her baby could end up in a life threatening situation if she does not have the right medical care, but I am reluctant to pay the 30, 000 pesos that is needed. The teenage father is as usual nowhere to be seen and in any case is as poor as Madelyn and her family.
I am not posting here because I really need any advice although feel free to make your own observations if you wish. I just thought the story highlights how any degree of personal involvement with people can actually lead us mongers to have to make some extremely difficult and heart breaking decisions. I am still sat here trying to make my own decision.
Mortman
. How any degree of personal involvement with people can actually lead us mongers to have to make some extremely difficult and heart breaking decisions. I am still sat here trying to make my own decision.
Mortman. Use common sense, very difficult, I know, I would not like to be in your situation now.
You are too deeply involved into these family ties already.
Ram
Soapy Smith
01-26-11, 19:27
we would rather operate on the basis of prudence than statistics. this is a third world country in which disagreements are often settled violently and with disastrous results for the innocents caught in the crossfire. even if, in manila, the violence is sporadic, that fact is that many terrorist attacks here target mass transit systems. so it makes sense, at least to me, to do you can to reduce the risk, however small. geif it's about reducing risk, why wouldn't prudence be based on the odds of an event actually occurring? obviously i don't know the historical precedents nor the past and current thinking in those places in your company where these kinds of decisions get made. but for many people, including corporate executives, there are cognitive and emotional biases that sneak into judgments, which, once they've been committed to policy, take on a life of their own quite unrelated to the actual comparative risks. the odds of being killed in a private automobile in the united states are much greater than the odds of being killed by terrorists. in the philippines or the usa so why wouldn't it be prudent to discontinue riding in private automobiles in the usa?
i can't help thinking these disproportionate judgments are based on at least two factors. one is a faulty sense of control: when i drive my own car or ride with somebody i know well, i have the sense that everything is under control. terrorists, on the other hand, seem to be far beyond my immediate control. there are people who are terrified of flying, yet their odds of being killed in a plane crash are miniscule compared to the odds of being killed in their own private autos. but with the auto there's a sense of being under control (it's a faulty sense, of course, because we'e not in control of high speed blowouts or what others do behind the wheels of their cars) ; the plane, on the other hand, is not under the individual passenger's control.
a second factor that may enter the judgment processes is public contagion. it's called terrorism for a reason. it's not just conventional warfare in which we know the relative danger of moving into the enemy's rifle range. when terrorists engage in these activities, they are counting on innocent people creating their own distorted sense of fear. the fear becomes an effective weapon that far outstrips the actual capabilities of the terrorists themselves. and when a nation's leaders and cable news entertainers whip up the fear for political and commercial purposes, they effectively do the terrorists bidding for them. who can resist the contagion of fear then, when political leaders hype the "war on terror," which unfortunately has no clearly defined enemy and creates a potential for perpetual military action to advance the agenda of whoever controls the political microphone. is there any realistic alternative to a war on terror? well, yes: the british have defined terrorism as primarily a law enforcement problem to be engaged cooperatively with law enforcement officials in other countries.
i'm sorry for getting into my shrill soapbox behavior, but not sorry enough to delete what i just wrote. my point is, it's important to sort through judgment biases that end up masquerading as prudent logic.
Mort, I feel you. Am still involved with the x inlaws and my nieces and nephews there. Have a girl Alma with medical needs WR introduced me to. Am helping her some.
It is your money. Use it to make yourself feel good. Here, a suck and fuck is 160. 00 plus tip. So, say 200. 00. I ask myself if I would rather do good or get a nut. Then just jack off and send the money alot. Not always.
I like your info about walking in the sqautter areas. How the people will introduce you to their daughters. But then you and I know we can not care about them and then leave them living like that. Like you say 6kpeso raising 3 kids working 6 days a week. You have to admire that.
I thank you for posting your thoughts here. I support you. And respect you for doing so. RED
GoodEnough
01-26-11, 22:48
Skip makes some excellent points. Decisions are not in fact, based exclusively on the relative odds of something occurring. In our case, and in, I suspect the cases of lots of others working in the general area of development, there are political implications that must be considered. The fact is that a westerner getting killed in a random car accident is tragic for his family, but it's not big news and has no bilateral repercussions between the government here and a foreign aid donor government. A foreigner killed as a result of terrorism however does have, or could have major implications, all of them negative. Therefore, risk, even if not significant, must be minimized to the extent feasible. To carry Skip's analogy a step further, for us, riding in a car is unavoidable, but public transport system care avoidable. Therefore, we don't use them.
I'm truly sympathetic to Mortman's plight. The number of personal tragedies jere is overwheling, and if you live here, they're unavoidable. Reading about the statistics or even individual cases is one thing. Putting a face to a specific case however hits at the core of our humanity in a much more personal way. My response has been to focus any assistance I may be able to provide on a very few people whom I know and to recognize, in so doing, that I'm helpless to affect the great masses of people who are equally deserving. That is, you can male a difference in the lives of one or two people, but that's all you can do.
GE
I'm truly sympathetic to Mortman's plight. The number of personal tragedies jere is overwheling, and if you live here, they're unavoidable. Reading about the statistics or even individual cases is one thing. Putting a face to a specific case however hits at the core of our humanity in a much more personal way. My response has been to focus any assistance I may be able to provide on a very few people whom I know and to recognize, in so doing, that I'm helpless to affect the great masses of people who are equally deserving. That is, you can male a difference in the lives of one or two people, but that's all you can do.
GEI feel for Mortman too. As GE says, it's one thing to read about it or to hear others talk about it, but it's entirely different when it's someone you know well. I remember my first time in the Phils: I was invited several times by different girls to visit their families and I refused because I didn't want any impression of getting involved with the girl, let alone the family. But there was one time I relented and visited a girl's family home in Pasay City because I liked that girl a lot. That visit hit me hard seeing how they lived and yet were still cheerful. I went back to my hotel being very thankful for my own situation and have been doing my best to never complain about my circumstances because there are billions who have it much harder than I do. Like those I subsequently visited in the provinces. I have long since split from that girl, but I still send the family some money at Christmas. At least they have not come to me with dead uncle funeral requests. I too am not sure what I would do if they came to me with a Mortman-like story. Good luck Mortman, whatever you decide.
Cyber Whip
01-27-11, 01:54
Of course all this costs money and who does she turn to for help. Mortman of course. It is only one of millions of hard luck stories that you can hear everyday in the Philippines but it is much more difficult to walk away when you know the people personally as I do. I told mom I would send some money before the baby is born but that they should not rely on me to take care of all their medical expenses. I feel like a cold hearted bastard because I know that that the young mother to be and her baby could end up in a life threatening situation if she does not have the right medical care, but I am reluctant to pay the 30, 000 pesos that is needed. The teenage father is as usual nowhere to be seen and in any case is as poor as Madelyn and her family.
MortmanYes, been there done that, but, your case is a little different. She has a job that is paying fairly decent, all things considered. It's your decision alone to make, no one can fault which way you go. If you decide to help out, you truly are doing a good deed, but, also, you re continuing the plight of irresponsible people. The cycle will just continue. I have seen this many times. If you walk away, maybe giving a small amount, I think you can feel good that you tried to help but also, just maybe, you can break the cycle. If you give ANY amount, be prepared for the consequences, constant begging and lies, then other family members will come into play with begging and lies, etc. The more you try to help, the more lies and begging. As long as she is working, she can get a loan. Best of luck.
Tally Wacker
01-27-11, 02:53
I am not posting here because I really need any advice although feel free to make your own observations if you wish. I just thought the story highlights how any degree of personal involvement with people can actually lead us mongers to have to make some extremely difficult and heart breaking decisions. I am still sat here trying to make my own decision.
MortmanHi Mortman, been reading your post. Thanks!
30, 000P is like $600 right? Not sure of your financial situation and this is only my thoughts. I'm a pervert too so don't take this the wrong way.
First of all thats pretty kinky and perverted to talk a Mother and Daughter into fucking together and it sounds like it still has weight on your soul even though you have done many things to help them after. If I was in your shoes and I could afford it I would drop the $600 just beacuse I could. You obvious care about the family so how whould you feel if there were complications after the birth? Would you spend the rest of your life wishing you would have dropped the $600? I'm sure there are self obsorbed people that would say otherwise. Either way you sound like a cool guy and I enjoy reading your posts.
Guys
Thanks for your observations. I have decided to make a meaningful contribution, probably around 15, 000. 20, 000 pesos. I want to help but don't want to be seen as a free ride every time some family emergency occurs and I already have other financial commitments in the way of Daisy my regular gf and her two kids.
I haven't been able to add further posts to the Cebu thread as I have been extremely ill these past few days with pancreatitis and laid up in bed with pain killers. Daisy god bless her came straight up from the province as soon as she heard I was not well and stayed with me last night at the Waterfront. I have a flight back to the UK today via Qatar and I pray to god I am fit enough to travel later this afternoon, I don't really want to be holed up in a hospital here unless it is completely unavoidable. Food is out of the question and I should be on an IV rather than drinking fluids orally, but again that means a visit to the hospital here in Cebu. I feel better than I did yesterday, for those that have ever had pancreatitis you will know how painful and debilitating it can be.
Mortman
Hairy Wonder
01-27-11, 06:34
2007: a bomb goes off in Glorietta Mall (note: not public transit) , killing 11 people.I could swear the Philippine government ruled that the Glorietta explosion was not a bomb, but a diesel fuel truck parked in the basement parking garage. I was actually in the mall at the time of that explosion. :eek: Fortunately, I was in a different wing, with 2 cute little spinners to pull me outside. Once we stopped running one of them turned to me and asked "What are we going to do now?" Surprisingly, it didn't take more than a second for me to respond with "I think we should go back to my hotel." :D
Key Master
01-27-11, 07:25
Guys
Thanks for your observations. I have decided to make a meaningful contribution, probably around 15, 000. 20, 000 pesos. I want to help but don't want to be seen as a free ride every time some family emergency occurs and I already have other financial commitments in the way of Daisy my regular gf and her two kids.
I haven't been able to add further posts to the Cebu thread as I have been extremely ill these past few days with pancreatitis and laid up in bed with pain killers. Daisy god bless her came straight up from the province as soon as she heard I was not well and stayed with me last night at the Waterfront. I have a flight back to the UK today via Qatar and I pray to god I am fit enough to travel later this afternoon, I don't really want to be holed up in a hospital here unless it is completely unavoidable. Food is out of the question and I should be on an IV rather than drinking fluids orally, but again that means a visit to the hospital here in Cebu. I feel better than I did yesterday, for those that have ever had pancreatitis you will know how painful and debilitating it can be.
MortmanHey Mortman,
I hope you get better quick.
In regards to your topic, I hear you. It is tough to be involved with people in a more personal sense than just P4P. If you keep in touch with enough locals here, you will here sob stories. In your situation, it is tough and you really don't have anything to gain from your relationship it appears, but you've shown compassion for them. In this instance, for your own conscience, I think if you say as you said will give a portion of the costs, that you should tell them that there won't be anymore and you'll end your communications for your sake. I say this because it appears that after giving birth, that it won't end, as it is just the beginning. I myself have been trying to figure out what to do with someone I've been with many times and had a lot of feelings for, but realize there is no future who has problems just like pretty much the majority of people there and that it won't ever end. The weird thing is with this is there are others who you will keep in contact with and they don't ever ask or bring those things up. Some people just manage a little better. Anyway, hope all works out.
Whatsgoingon
01-27-11, 07:55
Good job I'd printed it, as I don; t normally do that.Me neither, I've always managed to get inside the terminal as well without any printed ticket to return home. Something to make sure I do in future.
Guys
Thanks for your observations. I have decided to make a meaningful contribution, probably around 15, 000. 20, 000 pesos.
MortmanThat sounds like another good option you made.
Just make sure that THIS IS IT! That you cannot handle furthermore.
I wish you the best for your helth.
Get well soon.
Ram
FreebieFan
01-27-11, 13:39
The teenage father is as usual nowhere to be seen and in any case is as poor as Madelyn and her family.
MortmanAnd The good old Church bless it, says there should be more and more children to make the world a happier place. Dumb irresponsible horny little Filipino boys with no more than a dick and some confidence swagger into untold number of girls panties, deposit their 60-80 years lasting greeting card then [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off.
These are the kids that the priests should claiming should rot in hell instead of all the other inanities that the priest rail against. Then again, what would a priest know. How many girls are on DIA because of a " mistake " and will Mr White boy marry me and look after Dumb Filipino boy's "mistake".
Mort, hope you feel better. Glad your girl came up to help. She is there for you allways. You lucky guy.
Get better soon. RED
Radical Guy
01-27-11, 21:28
And The good old Church bless it, says there should be more and more children to make the world a happier place. Dumb irresponsible horny little Filipino boys with no more than a dick and some confidence swagger into untold number of girls panties, deposit their 60-80 years lasting greeting card then [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off.
These are the kids that the priests should claiming should rot in hell instead of all the other inanities that the priest rail against. Then again, what would a priest know. How many girls are on DIA because of a " mistake " and will Mr White boy marry me and look after Dumb Filipino boy's "mistake". Well, in all fairness, most American teenage guys are equally irresponsible. Some of the blame should be on the mom for not watching her daughter's activities as closely as she should have.
Radical Guy
01-27-11, 21:30
I have decided to make a meaningful contribution, probably around 15, 000. 20, 000 pesos. I want to help but don't want to be seen as a free ride every time some family emergency occurs and I already have other financial commitments in the way of Daisy my regular gf and her two kids.Well, in the scheme of things, $400-$500 bucks is a small price to pay for a little peace of mind, as long as you make it clear that you cannot be a bottomless pit.
Cyber Whip
01-27-11, 23:10
I could swear the Philippine government ruled that the Glorietta explosion was not a bomb, but a diesel fuel truck parked in the basement parking garage. I was actually in the mall at the time of that explosion. :eek: Fortunately, I was in a different wing, with 2 cute little spinners to pull me outside. Once we stopped running one of them turned to me and asked "What are we going to do now?" Surprisingly, it didn't take more than a second for me to respond with "I think we should go back to my hotel." :DLOL. Now that's what I call real Homeland Security.
Mort, hope you get better and have a safe trip home. I would have done the same. At the end of the day you don't want to be taken for a ride but obviously the story was legit and sometimes we should all give a little back. I don't support any organized charities LOL, but when I can I like to make a difference here or there. To me what you did is exactly that. You made a difference in someones life.
Does anybody remember the airport tax that they charge when you are leaviing?
Chocha Monger
01-28-11, 21:00
Does anybody remember the airport tax that they charge when you are leaviing?It's 750 pesos for international destinations and 200 pesos for domestic. I believe they want the fee in pesos too. Just tuck away a 1, 000P bill from your trap money and you'll be fine.
Does anybody remember the airport tax that they charge when you are leaviing?In my last trip. 2010, the airport tax was 750 Php (international departures).
GoodEnough
01-29-11, 02:12
The departure tax remains at PhP750.
Soapy Smith
01-29-11, 04:32
It's 750 pesos for international destinations and 200 pesos for domestic. I believe they want the fee in pesos too. Just tuck away a 1, 000P bill from your trap money and you'll be fine.At least as of mid December when I last went through they would take USA currency as well. There's also a currency exchange a few meters to your rear when you stand in line to pay the tax.
FreebieFan
01-29-11, 05:10
At least as of mid December when I last went through they would take USA currency as well. There's also a currency exchange a few meters to your rear when you stand in line to pay the tax.I think on my last trip the cashier tried a scam with me. I paid my p1000 and she returned p50 and the stub.
I knew something wasnt correct so asked for the change and she said " Oh I thought you had paid in US dollars ". Stupid response for paying in pesos. Count your change!
If I am not mistaken the departure tax at Clark is more then at Manila.
If I am not mistaken the departure tax at Clark is more then at Manila.It is actually less at Clark. Just left a little over a week ago and it was only P600
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