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MauiDude
01-29-11, 07:36
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.

MortmanWow I hear that is one of the most painful things to have/

And hope you are doing better.

There are good hospitals and doctors to be found in Philippines. Especially in manila.

But I might go back USA for treatment of something serious/

Good luck. I did not yet read the story of the charity but sometimes we try to help out if we can.

Means you got a good heart.

Thaifun
01-29-11, 08:02
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.

MortmanI know you're looking advice but maybe this is an idea that could work. It might be possible that the family can still get health insurance (for all the kids and the mom) for 1200 peso a year from PhilHealth. The coverage is not perfect but they do reimburse up to 15. 000 peso.

Thus, if you're able to have them check the situation and get the coverage. 1.200 Peso might bridge the gap they still need to cover and lower your contribution at the same. Plus extending some protection to the whole family.

Amjeck
01-29-11, 19:31
I usually bring cash and exchange, but my next trip I want to use my ATM card. What is better rate, atm withdrawl or cash exchange? Also, are there certain atm machines to avoid? Any atm scams?

GoodEnough
01-30-11, 04:22
I usually bring cash and exchange, but my next trip I want to use my ATM card. What is better rate, atm withdrawl or cash exchange? Also, are there certain atm machines to avoid? Any atm scams?The situation is different for me I suppose, since I live here, but I use ATMs exclusively when I need to replenish cash. This can get expensive, since most of the ATMs here charge a fee-Metro Bank P150, and I think HSBC now P 200-in addition to whatever fee your home bank may charge. In my case, my bank reimburses me monthly for all fees so it's not a concern. I don't know what the money changers charge as a fee.

The problem with bringing a substantial amount of foreign cash is that it's just one more thing to worry about, and it's something I would never do, and don't do when I need to travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore or anywhere else in the region. I'd rather risk losing my ATM card, which can be replaced within 24 hours, than losing cash that can never be replaced.

I've not heard of any ATM scams here, but you do want to be prudent when you withdraw cash. That is, try to do it during the day, when there are lots of people around and lots of daylight. I don't think you're in any more danger of a robbery than you would be in the US or Europe, but it always pays to be cautious.

GE

JPF
01-30-11, 04:39
I usually bring cash and exchange, but my next trip I want to use my ATM card. What is better rate, atm withdrawl or cash exchange? Also, are there certain atm machines to avoid? Any atm scams?It partly depends on your bank and how much they charge you in hidden (I. E. Part of the exchange rate) and open (extra fee charged for using an ATM machine that is not owned by them) fees. Also, I have used 3 ATM machines so far (1 in the airport and 2 at banks) and each has added on their own 200p fee.

Red Kilt
01-30-11, 05:12
I usually bring cash and exchange, but my next trip I want to use my ATM card. What is better rate, atm withdrawl or cash exchange? Also, are there certain atm machines to avoid? Any atm scams?Definitely ATM card. Make sure it is a VISA.based card as most machines in the Phils are linked to VISA.

Hide away a few extra USD in your baggage just in case you get stuck but I have never needed to go to the stash anywhere around SE Asia (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia) as I have always found an ATM to use.

You will get a better forex rate on the ATM card which will usually make up for the few extra dollars you lose in fees.

I don't pay any fees on my HSBC card.

As GE says. Just be careful who is hanging around when you go to the ATM.

All crooks know that foreigners going to an ATM after 6pm at night are withdrawing cash so once you pull the notes get away quickly back into the stream of people.

FreebieFan
01-30-11, 05:22
I've not heard of any ATM scams here, but you do want to be prudent when you withdraw cash. That is, try to do it during the day, when there are lots of people around and lots of daylight. I don't think you're in any more danger of a robbery than you would be in the US or Europe, but it always pays to be cautious.

GEAnd don be suprised when you find you have to literally "step up" to sue the ATM. For some strange reason in Phils they generally put the ATM at about 6foot off the ground, meaning most little 5ft girls can't reach it, unless the bank supplies a step up box. Never seen that in any other country. Check out the ATMS at Landmark.

Soapy Smith
01-30-11, 06:03
Getting money as you need it from an ATM is much safer than carrying enough cash to get you through your entire stay. You can often get cash after dark from ATMs inside a mall. Most malls are open until 9 pm, and sometimes later. But also plan ahead. A lot of the ATMs will limit you to 10, 000 pesos in a single transaction, a few are a little more, but a few give as little as 2000 at one time. And many of the banks that issued your ATM card may limit you to $300 or so in any one day, unless you get the limit lifted before you leave home.

Although the malls are generally safer, because they're well lit, they have security guards, and you can quickly move into the crowd after you take your money, the ATMs in the malls also tend to get long lines of clients waiting to use them, especially the ones with higher limits.

Soapy Smith
01-30-11, 06:28
Hide away a few extra USD in your baggage just in case you get stuck but I have never needed to go to the stash anywhere around SE Asia (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia) as I have always found an ATM to use.

It's helpful to have at least 1,000 pesos when you hit the ground -- for taxi, a drink or two, and maybe buy a few snacks from a 7-11 before you turn in for the night. If you plan to monger you will obviously need more. Some of the money changers are open at night, and some hotels have ATMs in the lobby. At NAIA Manila Terminal One (all the foreign airlines come in there) you will find a currency exchange just after you go through customs and before you break to the outside for a taxi. The rate is just a little worse than you'll pay at money changers in the city. But they're usually closed by the time Delta, Korean Air and other flights come in after 10 pm.

You can do a limited exchange at Seoul / Inchon, Tokyo, or Nagoya, but the exchange rate will be bad. Like maybe 35 pesos for $1US as opposed to 44/45 in Manila. That's a reason to limit your purchase to 1000 pesos. Exchanges in Atlanta, Detroit, and the West Coast USA hubs often do not have pesos, and when they do, the rates are similar to Seoul and Tokyo.

Mc Don
01-30-11, 14:25
Exchange is much better when using ATM. All up with the charges form your local bank + ATM charge it will be around even +. Dollar or two on a 10 000 peso transaction. The risk to carry cash is not worth it. The only hasle is iin AC EFTPOS ATM's that I trust are at SM but ABC provides free car service so no probs.

Which ATM's let you withdraw more then 10K peso? I haven't seen any in the last 2 yrs or so.

GreenBud
01-30-11, 19:28
I usually bring cash and exchange, but my next trip I want to use my ATM card. What is better rate, atm withdrawl or cash exchange? Also, are there certain atm machines to avoid? Any atm scams?Philippine ATMs changed recently (it's now like the Thai ATMs).

Previously, the ATMs would give you the cash buy rate without an ATM charge.

Now, the ATMs give you the "Visa" rate which is between the buy and sell rate. But now the ATMs (at least PS and Allied Banks) charges you 200 pesos per transaction. PS and Allied's max withdrawl amount is 10, 000. I believe HSBC gives you 20, 000.

Some US banks will charge you a foreign transaction fee which will be between 1% to 3%. Some other rip-off banks will charge you extra fees (need to read your fine print).

The best way is to get an ATM (such as Charles Schwab Bank) which will refund you the foreign ATM charges, plus not charge you a foreign transaction fee.

Hence if you use a good ATM card, that is the best exchange rate. But if your banks doesn't refund you the ATM charge or charges you the foreign transaction fee, then your best rate will be to use cash.

I believe all the ATMs should be the same. Does any ATM in the Philippine waive the 200 peso charge?

Haven't heard of any ATM scams.

Blade1
01-30-11, 20:13
Exchange is much better when using ATM. All up with the charges form your local bank + ATM charge it will be around even +. Dollar or two on a 10 000 peso transaction. The risk to carry cash is not worth it. The only hasle is iin AC EFTPOS ATM's that I trust are at SM but ABC provides free car service so no probs.

Which ATM's let you withdraw more then 10K peso? I haven't seen any in the last 2 yrs or so. Haven't been to phils since 2009 but In metro manila there were several Atms that allows you to witdraw 10k+.

HSBC at rockwell powerplant, makati is atleast 30. 000PHP but I've been told the limit was 40. 000php.

Also there are a lot of big banks with atms in makati financial district and I know atleast in 2 of them I withdrew 20. 000php. Also I like the fact that some of them the atm is inside the bank where there are guards it feels safer. In citibank you can withdraw 15. 000php.

I'm going to phils soon so it would be good to know which atms that doesn't charge you extra fee?

This info is from 2010 and I don't know if something has changed since its 2011 now but I was told that Citibank and HSBC atms doesn't charge a fee can somebody confirm?

GoodEnough
01-30-11, 22:55
HSBC charges a fee. I think it's P200. I'm fairly sure that Citi does as well, but it's been a while since I've used a Citi ATM, so I'm not sure.


Haven't been to phils since 2009 but In metro manila there were several Atms that allows you to witdraw 10k+.

HSBC at rockwell powerplant, makati is atleast 30. 000PHP but I've been told the limit was 40. 000php.

Also there are a lot of big banks with atms in makati financial district and I know atleast in 2 of them I withdrew 20. 000php. Also I like the fact that some of them the atm is inside the bank where there are guards it feels safer. In citibank you can withdraw 15. 000php.

I'm going to phils soon so it would be good to know which atms that doesn't charge you extra fee?

This info is from 2010 and I don't know if something has changed since its 2011 now but I was told that Citibank and HSBC atms doesn't charge a fee can somebody confirm?

Mc Don
01-31-11, 02:06
I think I use the Bank of Philippine Islands or something like that and it charges me 150 peso. Max is 10K. Never came across anything that allows more then 10K in the last year or so but that may be because I use an EFTPOS card. I have had trouble withdrawing money from certain banks as their ATMs only except VISA / Mastercard. Is there any ATM near Burgos that will allow you to draw down more then 10K? Both the ATM in Makati Palace and the one near the McDonalds are 10K only.

Key Master
01-31-11, 02:11
I think I use the Bank of Philippine Islands or something like that and it charges me 150 peso. Max is 10K. Never came across anything that allows more then 10K in the last year or so but that may be because I use an EFTPOS card. I have had trouble withdrawing money from certain banks as their ATMs only except VISA / Mastercard. Is there any ATM near Burgos that will allow you to draw down more then 10K? Both the ATM in Makati Palace and the one near the McDonalds are 10K only.There are different set of networks that the ATM's use. They are usually listed on the back of your ATM card and also somewhere on the ATM like the top area. For example, mine lists like Cirrus and a couple others on my card. I learn the big banks that accept my card and pretty much make it easy for myself and head to those normally.

Cunning Stunt
01-31-11, 04:15
HSBC charges a fee. I think it's P200. I'm fairly sure that Citi does as well, but it's been a while since I've used a Citi ATM, so I'm not sure.I often use a prepaid FX Card at HSBC ATMs and I can confirm that they do not charge a commission on their use. These FX cards are excellent also in that the rate you receive is very close to the days official exchange rate.

Mine comes in 3 flavors, euro, dollar and sterling, of which I have all 3, and are easily topped up online using a debit card.

GoodEnough
01-31-11, 12:34
CS could you perhaps explain to the unenlightened, such as myself, what an FX card is? It sounds like it may be something I would like to try.

Thanks,

GE

Amjeck
01-31-11, 13:42
I believe HSBC gives you 20, 000.Where are the HSBC atm machines in AC?

Blade1
01-31-11, 14:05
Where are the HSBC atm machines in AC?According to HSBC hompage they have no atm in AC the closest is San Fernando

Here is a link of HSBC atm locator.

http://www.apps.asiapacific.hsbc.com/1/2/mnl2/absl/absl-en?locale=en&country=PH&location=Manila

But there is a citibank atm Marlim Mansions, MacArthur Highway. You can withdraw 15. 000php and there is no extra fee (in 2010). Please post here if you use the atm to confirm if its without extra fee.

FreebieFan
01-31-11, 14:10
I think I use the Bank of Philippine Islands or something like that and it charges me 150 peso. Max is 10K. Never came across anything that allows more then 10K in the last year or so but that may be because I use an EFTPOS card. I have had trouble withdrawing money from certain banks as their ATMs only except VISA / Mastercard. Is there any ATM near Burgos that will allow you to draw down more then 10K? Both the ATM in Makati Palace and the one near the McDonalds are 10K only.I'm failryl sure my BPI atm gets me 15K per withdrawal. I hardly ever pay attention as on the first withdrawal (in fort bonifacio) theres usually a hot chica awaiting. On the second withdrawal 48 hours later I'm usually kind of bleary in the am on my way to breakfast, havign just dropped some chica ff. LOL. But I think I get 15k

Cunning Stunt
01-31-11, 16:52
CS could you perhaps explain to the unenlightened, such as myself, what an FX card is? It sounds like it may be something I would like to try.Its a prepaid Master Card that can be topped up online using a registered debit card. The advantage is that there is no commission, no ATM charges and the conversion exchange rate is better than that you would get using a ordinary debit / credit card. You can also lock in your rate of your desired currency of dollars / sterling / euros in advance of travel, which I did to my advantage a few weeks back when the euro was weak.

They are becoming increasingly popular in UK. I don't know whether they exist in the States but I see no reason why not.

One of the more popular cards is Caxton FX. More details at http://www.caxtonfxcard.com/.

GreenBud
01-31-11, 17:35
Where are the HSBC atm machines in AC?As the previous post stated, there are no HSBC ATMs in Angeles. Can't remember the withdrawal limit, but it definitely is over 10, 000 pesos.

There is a new PS Bank ATM next to Walk-About Hotel on Fields. There is a new PS Bank branch with ATMs under the new condo complex next to McDonalds on MacArthur Highway. There are ATMs on MacArthur across the casino. There are ATMs on SM mall.

Your ATM cards will work with most of them if your ATM bank system is Plus or Cirrus.

Iron Duke
01-31-11, 21:47
But there is a citibank atm Marlim Mansions, MacArthur Highway. You can withdraw 15. 000php and there is no extra fee (in 2010). Please post here if you use the atm to confirm if its without extra fee.I was in Cebu in November 2010. The Citibank ATM's allowed a withdrawal of P15 000 against P10 000 at all other bank ATM's. Citibank charged no fees whereas all other banks I tried charged P200 per withdrawal.

Sugoi
01-31-11, 22:08
I have neer tried to use a foreign ATM card but with my local one, when a bank limits 10, 000 pesos, I just do another transaction or 2 and withdraw 10, 000 more. I don't think there is a tracking system like in the USA where you may be limited to $300 or $500 per day.

I don't know what the limit is but I think I have withdrawn 50, 000 at once-10, 000 five times with no problem.

Blade1
01-31-11, 22:48
I have neer tried to use a foreign ATM card but with my local one, when a bank limits 10, 000 pesos, I just do another transaction or 2 and withdraw 10, 000 more. I don't think there is a tracking system like in the USA where you may be limited to $300 or $500 per day.

I don't know what the limit is but I think I have withdrawn 50, 000 at once-10, 000 five times with no problem. You are correct but what I meant before was the max limit for each withdrawal. The issue we have is because we have international cards the banks charge us 200php fee for each withdrawal so I prefer to withdraw a larger ammount each time.

Thanks Iron duke for the update. If anyone else used HSBC or Citibank recentley feel free to post here if it was still without a fee or not.

GoodEnough
01-31-11, 23:36
Its a prepaid Master Card that can be topped up online using a registered debit card. The advantage is that there is no commission, no ATM charges and the conversion exchange rate is better than that you would get using a ordinary debit / credit card. You can also lock in your rate of your desired currency of dollars / sterling / euros in advance of travel, which I did to my advantage a few weeks back when the euro was weak.

They are becoming increasingly popular in UK. I don't know whether they exist in the States but I see no reason why not.

One of the more popular cards is Caxton FX. More details at.

http://www.caxtonfxcard.com/.Thanks very much. Sound like something you probably have to purchase in Europe or maybe the states. I will try from here, and if I can't do it, I will wait till I'm back in the states in the spring.

GE

Cunning Stunt
02-01-11, 03:21
Thanks very much. Sound like something you probably have to purchase in Europe or maybe the states. I will try from here, and if I can't do it, I will wait till I'm back in the states in the spring.They are free, GE (sounds like the first line of a poem:)). Far as I recall, you have to make an initial deposit of 10 pounds sterling on each card, but this can then be used for purchases or ATM use.

Don't guess that you will be able to obtain from here. I think that they require an address in the country of issue.

Must admit that they are a godsend for people who travel a lot (like me) and are much more cost effective than credit/debit cards (which can work out quite expensive to use) or those hoary old standbys, travelers cheques (which are next to useless in The Philippines anyway). I've only had one problem with them and that was in Kenya where I couldn't find an ATM that accepted them.

Hairy Wonder
02-01-11, 03:41
Its a prepaid Master Card that can be topped up online using a registered debit card. The advantage is that there is no commission, no ATM charges and the conversion exchange rate is better than that you would get using a ordinary debit / credit card. You can also lock in your rate of your desired currency of dollars / sterling / euros in advance of travel, which I did to my advantage a few weeks back when the euro was weak.

They are becoming increasingly popular in UK. I don't know whether they exist in the States but I see no reason why not.

One of the more popular cards is Caxton FX. More details at.

http://www.caxtonfxcard.com/.I just did a quick Google search for these cards. Every link that came up was from the UK. American banks wouldn't offer these unless there is some way they could earn a large profit from them. :mad:

Bob Bowie
02-01-11, 09:06
You are correct but what I meant before was the max limit for each withdrawal. The issue we have is because we have international cards the banks charge us 200php fee for each withdrawal so I prefer to withdraw a larger ammount each time.

Thanks Iron duke for the update. If anyone else used HSBC or Citibank recentley feel free to post here if it was still without a fee or not. I used the Citi bank ATM whenever possible in Davao. Max was 15k-20k peso with no charge last October. But my wellsfargo back charged $5 and a 1% currency fee.

Cunning Stunt
02-01-11, 12:22
I just did a quick Google search for these cards. Every link that came up was from the UK. American banks wouldn't offer these unless there is some way they could earn a large profit from them. :mad:Amazing, a financial concept that we didn't import from across the water! Must admit they must work on such very slender margins, that it is hard to see where their profit comes from? I guess volume and being a purely online business.

GoodEnough
02-01-11, 12:34
I always take P20, 000 per transaction at HSBC, but I'm not sure that's the maximum. I rarely need more cash than that.

Buko Max
02-04-11, 10:56
At NAIA Manila Terminal One (all the foreign airlines come in there) you will find a currency exchange just after you go through customs and before you break to the outside for a taxi. The rate is just a little worse than you'll pay at money changers in the city. But they're usually closed by the time Delta, Korean Air and other flights come in after 10 pm.The last bank / money changer closes at midnight. If there is a pressing need to exchange currency at that hour, you can still do it on site. Head straight out the door, cross the street and down the tunnel like ramps either left or right to where the locals wait for arriving passengers. There is a money changer as well as a kiosk operated by Smart.

Fast Eddie 48
02-04-11, 23:49
The last bank / money changer closes at midnight. If there is a pressing need to exchange currency at that hour, you can still do it on site. Head straight out the door, cross the street and down the tunnel like ramps either left or right to where the locals wait for arriving passengers. There is a money changer as well as a kiosk operated by Smart.To Mattick

I arrive late on my last trip only way to exchange USD is from the your hotel or go to a 24 hr ATM machine, I should of got some peso from a money changer in Hong kong before my flight.

Fast Eddie 48

Soapy Smith
02-05-11, 08:01
The last bank / money changer closes at midnight. If there is a pressing need to exchange currency at that hour, you can still do it on site. Head straight out the door, cross the street and down the tunnel like ramps either left or right to where the locals wait for arriving passengers. There is a money changer as well as a kiosk operated by Smart.Thanks M, I hadn't noticed these guys before, since at that point I'm just looking for a taxi. Are they on the side where passengers wait for taxis, or over where the locals wait, like in with the refreshment stands behind the ugly waiting room with monitors?

FreebieFan
02-05-11, 11:21
Thanks M, I hadn't noticed these guys before, since at that point I'm just looking for a taxi. Are they on the side where passengers wait for taxis, or over where the locals wait, like in with the refreshment stands behind the ugly waiting room with monitors?And if you over in that area don't buy your smart / globe card from the vendor there. The bastard charges p350 for a p300 card. Yeah its small money I know. Just hate that whitey gets ripped. Theres a machine inside the terminal just after Immigration that sells p300 cards for. P300!

Mongrinastrlnd
02-05-11, 16:18
On the subject of late night arrivals, if I'm coming in on Delta and flying out on Philippine Air at 5:45 and I just want to grab a couple hours sleep and a shower only what good options are there? I was thinking of just heading to one of the two Pasay Sogos.

(First night arrival in MNL for me ever, always flew PR or JAL in the past but the price was too good to pass up this time)

Soapy Smith
02-06-11, 07:51
On the subject of late night arrivals, if I'm coming in on Delta and flying out on Philippine Air at 5:45 and I just want to grab a couple hours sleep and a shower only what good options are there? I was thinking of just heading to one of the two Pasay Sogos.

(First night arrival in MNL for me ever, always flew PR or JAL in the past but the price was too good to pass up this time) Check out posts on Manila Airport Hotel in the Manila hotels thread. Do a search for their website and do your reservation through their website. Last time I used them price was about 2600 pesos for the night. Decent rooms, nearby convenience store, KFC attached to the lobby. They are within walking distance. Less than 200 meters. From Terminal One. Go across the covered drive-through, when you get to the ramps, take the right ramp (even if your name isn't between M and Z) , and when you get to the taxi area just keep walking off to the right. Eventually you will have to cross another crosswalk, but by then you'll see the hotel and KFC in front of you.

PAL leaves from Terminal Two. It is about 500 meters to the North. You can ask for walking directions at the hotel, at which point they will propose their overpriced shuttle which probably takes longer than walking, because it has to follow one-way airport access roads all the way around Robin Hood's barn.

Jon von Neumann
02-11-11, 08:12
I have a question. How safe are 4 or 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and major cities? Is it safe to bring a laptop? How do you secure a laptop and other valuable in a hotel while out mongering? Do you recommend I bring my laptop or leave it at home in the states?

Thanks much!

BL2010

Sinning Desi
02-11-11, 10:16
I can't speak to Cebu, but the 5* hotels in Manila are extremely professional and safe. There are multiple layers of security, both to ensure the safety of guest and well-heeled locals, but also to project the image of safety and keep a good reputation for the hotels. I have never had any problems with my laptop, but if you are unsure, you can buy a laptop lock at any major electronics store in the and use it to secure the unit to the desk. As an alternative, you can check with the hotel you plan to stay at to see if the in-room safes are laptop sized or not. Just be sure to measure laptop, as my 15" Macbook doesn't fit all the safes.


I have a question. How safe are 4 or 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and major cities? Is it safe to bring a laptop? How do you secure a laptop and other valuable in a hotel while out mongering? Do you recommend I bring my laptop or leave it at home in the states?

Thanks much!

BL2010

Buko Max
02-11-11, 13:14
On the subject of late night arrivals, if I'm coming in on Delta and flying out on Philippine Air at 5:45 and I just want to grab a couple hours sleep and a shower only what good options are there? I was thinking of just heading to one of the two Pasay Sogos.)Alternatively, why not go to Air Force One and have a girl give you a shower and massage then crash out for a few hours. You don't have much time so the Airport Hotel is a good option but not sure if they have a short stay rate. If you want a step up from Sogo, there is a Grand Prix within a couple of kilometers of NAIA.


Thanks M, I hadn't noticed these guys before, since at that point I'm just looking for a taxi. Are they on the side where passengers wait for taxis, or over where the locals wait, like in with the refreshment stands behind the ugly waiting room with monitors?Yes they are on the airport side away from the crowds at ground level on the way out to the parking lot.

Buko Max
02-11-11, 13:30
I have a question. How safe are 4 or 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and major cities? Is it safe to bring a laptop? How do you secure a laptop and other valuable in a hotel while out mongering? Do you recommend I bring my laptop or leave it at home in the states?Should not have any problems in Cebu either. The real problem is having your laptop and all of it's contents possibly scrutinized by Homeland Security upon reentry to the USA!

Key Master
02-11-11, 19:22
I have a question. How safe are 4 or 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and major cities? Is it safe to bring a laptop? How do you secure a laptop and other valuable in a hotel while out mongering? Do you recommend I bring my laptop or leave it at home in the states?

BL2010Most hotels in Manila and Cebu will charge you for internet access at pretty high rates compared to an internet cafe. You can always bring your laptop to the internet cafes to hook up through a wire if you'd like. It depends on what you need to do. I would never access financial accounts on one of their computers. Is it safe? How safe are you willing to make it? I hear a lot of people leave their laptops out on the desks in their rooms when they go out for the day. Personally for me, that's gambling. If not taken with me, I lock it in my luggage or I may put it in my room safe if provided one and it fits. But mostly locked luggage for me is the way I go. It's not worth it for me to be lazy and leave it out and then bemoan the fact I could have saved myself some heartache if I had just done so later. Don't even give people the temptation to steal it.

Brymor
02-11-11, 20:29
I have a question. How safe are 4 or 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and major cities? Is it safe to bring a laptop? How do you secure a laptop and other valuable in a hotel while out mongering? Do you recommend I bring my laptop or leave it at home in the states?

Thanks much!

BL2010I have travelled everywhere with my lap top staying in a variety of hotels from 5 star luxury hotels right down to pension houses. I have always left my laptop unsecured in my room and I have never ever had a problem. Maybe I have been lucky, my laptop is more of a notebook and it could fit underneath someones shirt or jacket and be easily concealed. If it was cash lying around I doubt whether I would have been so lucky, but a potential thief will think twice about taking a laptop since it cannot be as easily disposed of as cash and it is a more high risk crime for them

Bonker04
02-12-11, 02:54
You are correct but what I meant before was the max limit for each withdrawal. The issue we have is because we have international cards the banks charge us 200php fee for each withdrawal so I prefer to withdraw a larger ammount each time.

Thanks Iron duke for the update. If anyone else used HSBC or Citibank recentley feel free to post here if it was still without a fee or not. I use the citibank ATM's in Makati (near Mandarin Oriental) and Cebu (next to Ayala Mall near the Terraces) and they let me take 15000 with no 200 php fee. Maybe they will also let you take more but as there is no 200 php I don't need to take anymore. The worst seems to be BDO they charge 200php on a maximum withdrawal of 5000 pesos.

Soapy Smith
02-12-11, 04:57
I have a question. How safe are 4 or 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and major cities? Is it safe to bring a laptop? How do you secure a laptop and other valuable in a hotel while out mongering? Do you recommend I bring my laptop or leave it at home in the states?

Thanks much! BL2010Like Mortman, I've left my laptop in the room and never had a problem. Other options: leave it at the front desk and ask for a claim ticket, or get a travel safe. I have a small pacsafe that I take to the Phils. It rolls up in my luggage to a small tube about 9 inches long and 4 inches in diameter. Lock and cable roll up inside it. It has slashproof wire mesh built into the two layers of canvas, and the lock and cable cinches it up too tight for a person to get into it. I use it if I have cash in the room, jewelry, and so on. The one I have (about $40) is not quite big enough for a netbook, but they make them big enough to accommodate a full-sized laptop. There are several competing manufacturers. Do a google search for portable travel safes. I usually lock mine to plumbing in the bathroom. A person with a strong bolt cutter could probably cut through the cable or the lock, or, equipped with a pipe wrench, could dismantle the plumbing to take it. But I suspect it's generally enough of a deterrent that there's little to worry about.

I intentionally look into internet service before booking a hotel. Numerous hotels in the Philippines have WiFi either in the rooms or in the lobby. Larger shopping malls and even places like Burger King have free WiFi. I have business reasons for needing my computer on a daily basis when I'm in the Phils, so I take my laptop and use it regularly in the room. But it is also true that internet cafes are everywhere and very cheap. A common problem at internet cafes is that, since average Filipinos do not own computers, the internet cafes sometimes have a waiting list to get onto a computer. They are handy for getting printing done, but print quality is often poor.

Red Kilt
02-12-11, 05:08
. . . . . Larger shopping malls and even places like Burger King have free WiFi. I have business reasons for needing my computer on a daily basis when I'm in the Phils, so I take my laptop and use it regularly in the room. . . . . .Just be a bit wary about using these public spaces. There are many Filipino computer whizz kids who set each other challenges to break into other people's connections when they are in these "free WiFi" places.

Foreigners get more points than locals.

Most are innocent pranksters who won't do damage if they hack in but make sure you have a good security system on your laptop.

Those guys at the table next to you in Burger King might not be working on their Science assignment.

Soapy Smith
02-12-11, 06:40
Those guys at the table next to you in Burger King might not be working on their Science assignment.But they will be the Philippines' call center workers of the future. So they're in training for the technical advice they'll be giving me when I call in to Dell for technical support. I will plan to let them get their OJT on somebody else's internet traffic.

Herbperv
02-12-11, 08:01
Long time lurker, first time poster.

Is it cheaper to buy domestic flights in Phils? Or am I better offer buying once there? Need a domestic Flight on Feb 19th.

Thanks,

Herb

Mr Hawaii
02-12-11, 08:28
Long time lurker, first time poster.

Is it cheaper to buy domestic flights in Phils? Or am I better offer buying once there? Need a domestic Flight on Feb 19th.

Thanks,

HerbI found it cheaper to buy in the PI. All I could buy here in Hawaii was PAL, but when in PI you can buy Cebu Pacific, which is cheaper than PAL. Sometimes I would buy tickets for the next day, especially Manila to Cebu.

GreenBud
02-12-11, 10:56
Long time lurker, first time poster.

Is it cheaper to buy domestic flights in Phils? Or am I better offer buying once there? Need a domestic Flight on Feb 19th.

Thanks,

HerbThings are changing in this internet world.

For Cebu Pacific Airline (http://www.cebupacificair.com/) , it doesn't matter where you log on to the internet. Normally, the earlier you get it, the cheaper it will be.

Assuming it will be the same for Philippine Airline. Would a local travel agent be cheaper than the internet?

Never flew that other small airline where you can land on the water, but Cebu should go close to most places you want to go to.

Toronto
02-12-11, 15:04
I also recommend the Pacsafe option. I bought a Pacsafe backpack which has the removable pouch / safe similar to what Skip Kost has but big enough to fit a laptop (well assuming it's not one of those 17" widescreen types). The backpack itself also has the wire mesh and other security features. You can remove the safe and leave in the room if you want to use the backpack or just leave the safe in the backpack and secure it.

Pompolino
02-12-11, 17:28
Things are changing in this internet world.

For Cebu Pacific Airline (

http://www.cebupacificair.com/

) , it doesn't matter where you log on to the internet. Normally, the earlier you get it, the cheaper it will be.

Assuming it will be the same for Philippine Airline. Would a local travel agent be cheaper than the internet?

Never flew that other small airline where you can land on the water, but Cebu should go close to most places you want to go to. My girlfriend booked and (I) paid for a Boracay package (air fares, accomodation, some dinner meals (hotel restaurant) and some tours) for less than I could do the air content on the net. She did it through a travel agent in Mega Mall Manila and paid cash. I was amazed at the savings and was sceptical right up until the hotel showed us to our room.

I think the difference was that as a local, she was getting the local price yet we are always getting the advertised price. Yes the dinners thrown in were terrible and we only used one but the tours were great. If you do have your travel companion lined up, possibly ask her to investigate. I know that when I have gone into an agent for any travel, I have always managed much better on the internet. Also same GF has recently got a tourist visa to my home, Australia. I booked her PAL flight much cheaper on the internet than same travel agent was telling her. Also they were telling her the flight they were offering was a direct flight, yet according to the PAL site, the flt they were offering (only flt of the day) had a 2 hour stop over in Melbourne. I live in Sydney about 600 miles away. So check out both.

P

Herbperv
02-12-11, 18:25
Thanks Pompolino. 4/20 and Mr. 808,

I checked Cebu Pac online and it jumped $20 RT (procrastinated) from last week. Last time I paid day of travel in Harrison Plaza but can't remember if it was cheaper there than online. I guess I'll wait and try to get the kamaaina rate once there.


My girlfriend booked and (I) paid for a Boracay package (air fares, accomodation, some dinner meals (hotel restaurant) and some tours) for less than I could do the air content on the net. She did it through a travel agent in Mega Mall Manila and paid cash. I was amazed at the savings and was sceptical right up until the hotel showed us to our room.

I think the difference was that as a local, she was getting the local price yet we are always getting the advertised price. Yes the dinners thrown in were terrible and we only used one but the tours were great. If you do have your travel companion lined up, possibly ask her to investigate. I know that when I have gone into an agent for any travel, I have always managed much better on the internet. Also same GF has recently got a tourist visa to my home, Australia. I booked her PAL flight much cheaper on the internet than same travel agent was telling her. Also they were telling her the flight they were offering was a direct flight, yet according to the PAL site, the flt they were offering (only flt of the day) had a 2 hour stop over in Melbourne. I live in Sydney about 600 miles away. So check out both.

P

Tally Wacker
02-12-11, 20:00
My girlfriend booked and (I) paid for a Boracay package (air fares, accomodation, some dinner meals (hotel restaurant) and some tours) for less than I could do the air content on the net. She did it through a travel agent in Mega Mall Manila and paid cash. I was amazed at the savings and was sceptical right up until the hotel showed us to our room.

PYou could probably call direct to a trusted travel agent in Phil and have them quote prices over the phone then pay with a credit card. Might be worth the effort if there is a substantial savings.

Tally Wacker
02-12-11, 20:32
Anyone planning on going to El Nido? I was in Palawan recently but did not make it all the way to El Nido. I have (2) nights credit at the 5 star resort Miniloc Island that I would like to sell. The credit is PHP9, 430 x 2 nights. I will sell it for PHP10, 000. The credit is good until Dec 2011. PM me if your interested.

Seair flys direct from either Manila, Cebu or Angeles City to El Nido for about 6200P. The Resort will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the Island.

http://www.flyseair.com/

http://www.elnidoresorts.com/

Skeetm
02-13-11, 12:48
Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

Skeet

Hairy Wonder
02-13-11, 16:57
Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

SkeetHttp://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Asia/Philippines/Naga_City/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Naga_City-TG-C-1.html

I don't know much about the area, but a simple Google search for Naga City hotels yielded the link above, and several others. The link above does not link to the hotels, but it gives other travelers' reviews on the hotels available.

Buko Max
02-15-11, 15:37
Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.CamSur has various accommodations available on site, check their website.

Hank Moody
02-18-11, 02:56
This is my first trip to the Philippines, but not my first trip traveling alone. Anything beyond the normal "don't walk down a dark alley at night" kind of recommendations?

What is the best way to prevent a runner?

Do you lock up your personal items in your hotel room when you are there with a girl?

How to best avoid street crime, like being mugged or assaulted?

What is the best way to deal with an encounter with LE?

Cuba Tourist
02-18-11, 03:07
What is the best way to prevent a runner?

Look the girl in the hotel room.

Do you lock up your personal items in your hotel room when you are there with a girl?

Leave the valuables in the hallway where she cannot reach them.

How to best avoid street crime, like being mugged or assaulted?

Hit people in the street before they can hit you.

What is the best way to deal with an encounter with LE?

Arrest them.

Hairy Wonder
02-18-11, 03:28
Cute answers CT, but I think they are not quite what HM was looking for.

General traveler's safety is the first suggestion. Don't flash a lot of cash, and don't carry a lot with you. There are pick pockets around the area, and maybe worse.

My first trip to the Philippines, I was freaked out when my gf and several family members went out to a local club (I was the only non-Filipino there). One of her male family members would follow me in to the bathroom whenever I went to take a leak. I asked her what the guy's problem was, and she said "I asked him to go with you to make sure nobody would attack you and take your money." Needless to say, I didn't go back there after that.

I would lock up valuables anytime someone other than yourself is in the room. That includes girls, hotel staff, and anyone else.

I don't think there is any guaranteed method for preventing runners. It's a chance you take.

As for LE, stay out of trouble! If that doesn't work, don't be confrontational with them. It will only make things worse.

My two centavos worth of advice.

HW

Econo Tech
02-18-11, 05:27
This is my first trip to the Philippines, but not my first trip traveling alone. Anything beyond the normal "don't walk down a dark alley at night" kind of recommendations?

What is the best way to prevent a runner?

Do you lock up your personal items in your hotel room when you are there with a girl?

How to best avoid street crime, like being mugged or assaulted?

What is the best way to deal with an encounter with LE? Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfBzNrviIjM

As for the rest. Play safe. Though I never had any girl stealing from me. I practice basic safety. Lock my expensive phone and carry a cheap phone, carry a wallet. Slim and small enough to stick into my shirt pocket and only my real essential card / little money. And a 1000 peso hidden in a small envelope. Folded till it is like a small scrap paper. In my other pocket.

Shit never happened, but I like to be safe. The closest I came to being waylaid was when a few teenagers started to surround me- they just forgot that the girl next to me was my unofficial body guard (it was in Malate. Walking back from LAC)

WestCoast1
02-18-11, 06:51
What is the best way to prevent a runner?Put her cell phone in the safe.

Member #1453
02-18-11, 06:51
Making my first trip to the PI in August. Competing in 70. 3 Ironman at Naga City / CamSur but can not find Hotel info. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

SkeetVilla Caceres is reasonably priced and safe.

Nolz7
02-18-11, 13:47
This is my first trip to the Philippines, but not my first trip traveling alone. Anything beyond the normal "don't walk down a dark alley at night" kind of recommendations?

What is the best way to prevent a runner?

- negotiate well, ask questions, pay after the deed.

Do you lock up your personal items in your hotel room when you are there with a girl?

- it's always safe to locked important valuables. But don't leave them in the hotel vault as staff have access. Buy a secure pouched on ebay.

How to best avoid street crime, like being mugged or assaulted?

- stay in well lit areas, don't entertain people. If someone on the street approach you, ignore and go the other way. Filipinos are friendly people, but it's never rude to play safe. Never talk to strangers specially on the street at night. Be careful in riding a taxi, be sure the doors are locked. Carry just enough money.

What is the best way to deal with an encounter with LE? What is LE? Sorry.

Marconista
02-18-11, 14:07
Ha ha ha. Best solution ever to avoid a runner. Nicely put WC.


Put her cell phone in the safe.

WestCoast1
02-18-11, 16:20
What is LE? Sorry.Law Enforcement.

DriveAllNight
02-18-11, 18:19
Law Enforcement.Talaga? I thought he was worried about having a "Ladyboy Experience."

My bad.

Hank Moody
02-18-11, 21:04
The "10 questions to ask" video was great. Cherry Boy, I guess that's me.

Let me give you a little more back story. I was supposed to go to the Philippines with a girlfriend, but she can't make it at this time and I have to use the time off so I booked the trip anyway.

Now she thinks something bad is going to happen to me traveling alone and is arranging for relatives to be my escort. I have a feeling this is going to get expensive. Although It's nice to have some contacts in the country, I am not The Bank Of America and I am resisting.

Mc Don
02-18-11, 21:20
Off course something "bad" is going to happen. You may upgrade your girlfriend and she knows it. Get ride of the relos, just tell her you will be fine and you are more comfortable on your own.


The "10 questions to ask" video was great. Cherry Boy, I guess that's me.

Let me give you a little more back story. I was supposed to go to the Philippines with a girlfriend, but she can't make it at this time and I have to use the time off so I booked the trip anyway.

Now she thinks something bad is going to happen to me traveling alone and is arranging for relatives to be my escort. I have a feeling this is going to get expensive. Although It's nice to have some contacts in the country, I am not The Bank Of America and I am resisting.

WestCoast1
02-19-11, 04:17
Now she thinks something bad is going to happen to me traveling alone and is arranging for relatives to be my escort. I have a feeling this is going to get expensive. Although It's nice to have some contacts in the country, I am not The Bank Of America and I am resisting.In the "you're kidding, right?" category. Don't let her relatives get near you. They will bleed your wallet dry, and they are there to see that you aren't fucking around.

Tally Wacker
02-19-11, 05:35
The "10 questions to ask" video was great. Cherry Boy, I guess that's me.

Let me give you a little more back story. I was supposed to go to the Philippines with a girlfriend, but she can't make it at this time and I have to use the time off so I booked the trip anyway.

Now she thinks something bad is going to happen to me traveling alone and is arranging for relatives to be my escort. I have a feeling this is going to get expensive. Although It's nice to have some contacts in the country, I am not The Bank Of America and I am resisting.Just call and email your gf back home regularly and she will get over it. If you let her family tag along they will report back your every move to her and you won't have a chance to worry about a "runner".

Have fun!

Hairy Wonder
02-19-11, 06:47
In the "you're kidding, right?" category. Don't let her relatives get near you. They will bleed your wallet dry, and they are there to see that you aren't fucking around.Another possibility is that they will be setting you up, to see if you take the bait and do fuck around. I had the god father of a gf try this on me during a visit. He convinced the gf to let me go out with him and other male family members. They took me to a local strip club, brought a girl to the table, and told her that I wanted to take her to the hotel across the street. She was all over me at that point. And the next morning the gf was questioning me about the details, many of which the god father was the only one that knew.

Best advice, stay away from the family!

Soapy Smith
02-19-11, 07:57
My first trip to the Philippines, I was freaked out when my gf and several family members went out to a local club (I was the only non-Filipino there). One of her male family members would follow me in to the bathroom whenever I went to take a leak. I asked her what the guy's problem was, and she said "I asked him to go with you to make sure nobody would attack you and take your money." Needless to say, I didn't go back there after that.I was in a small town in one of the rural provinces with my squeeze, visiting her relatives. Every night when we'd go from a relative's home or a local bar to our hotel the women insisted on walking us to the hotel. Yes, the women. On at least two occasions it was an attractive 19 year old female cousin who accompanied us. She'd get close to our hotel and then turn around and walk home alone. They insisted they were afraid I'd be mugged and so keeping me company made everything safer. It didn't make sense to me: if there's danger out there for a foreign man and one local woman, isn't a young, attractive woman at greater risk on the last leg walking home alone? This 19 year old woman wasn't very big and couldn't have offered much if it had come down to a fight, and I tried politely to point this out. But they insisted. I kept after my squeeze about it and she explained that even in rural areas, foreigners are susceptible. Locals go after them because 1) they assume the foreigner has lots of money to have been able to travel to their town in the first place, 2) foreigners don't know their way around, and 3) foreigners don't know how to get help (LE) if they need it.

So maybe the escort to the CR is in the same vein. Either that or he'd heard rumors about the size of Westerners' equipment, was dying of curiosity and just wanted to get a look at what you were going to be using on their sister / daughter. Or your gf wanted to show off what you were working with. Brings a whole new meaning to the idea of penis envy.

Wicked Roger
02-19-11, 18:18
The "10 questions to ask" video was great. Cherry Boy, I guess that's me.

Let me give you a little more back story. I was supposed to go to the Philippines with a girlfriend, but she can't make it at this time and I have to use the time off so I booked the trip anyway.

Now she thinks something bad is going to happen to me traveling alone and is arranging for relatives to be my escort. I have a feeling this is going to get expensive. Although It's nice to have some contacts in the country, I am not The Bank Of America and I am resisting. Just ask her if she has a cute and sexy cousin and / or sister and say you would more comfortable if they accompanied you LOL.

Sometimes the sister will take over the duties. If only to make sure you don't stray outside. But this can be a non too frequent occurence (twice for me only) so more likely the relatives are there for cash, to make sure are a good boy or both (and they could be fuglies).

Why don't you tell her you won't go as she is not there and then go all the same. How will she know if you are there?

But then I always have kinky motives so maybe am not the best person to advise you :D

SergeantRay
02-19-11, 23:42
A foreign woman decides to go to the Philippines and buy shells to resell in her home country. What could go wrong?

From here:

http://www.escapeartist.com/Tanja_Bulatovic/Living_On_A_Philippine_Island/

I love everything about the Philippines. The humidity, the food, the people, the hustle, the sweat and the stink of it. I feel at home in the tropics. Not for everyone, I know. One person's idea of paradise in another's idea of hell.

But here's where the plot thickens. After a couple of days, I started to feel like a walking ATM machine. Everyone wanted a piece of me and I wasn't equipped to handle it. Not mentally. Not financially. Apart from the output for the shells, I paid Joe and Jays' wages, paid for their accommodation, food, beer, cigarettes, the cook's fee, tips, you name it, I paid for it and just when I thought I'd supported everyone on the entire island, they'd hit me with something else, like the 'car rental fee' for the shiny new 4-wheel-drive which actually belonged to the family.

Don't get me wrong; I'm a generous person by nature. Often too generous, but there is a limit and the situation was beginning to wear me down. Not just the fact that I was getting ripped-off. There was something else. Each afternoon, the locals and their gorgeous children continued to bring their 'show and tell' shells. They would fetch them in cane baskets, and display them on a big wooden table, which was our makeshift market place. Every so often, I'd play about with a shell in admiration of its beauty, when on one particular day, I'd noticed that a number of shells where heavier than the rest. Why? They where still alive. The whole thing didn't sit well with me any more. Immediately, I closed up shop for the day and retreated so I could think.

Needless to say, I offloaded on poor Marisol about my current misadventure. She seemed perplexed to say the least and concerned that I was on my own. Throughout the evening she proceeded to educate me about the routine local mechanisms often applied to unsuspecting foreigners, confirming once and for all that my instincts where spot on. I'd been fleeced. Majorly. When Marisol and her friends left the next morning, I decided to accompany them back to the mainland.

My 2 guides had milked me dry. I had run out of cash and I needed more. 'No problem' they said, there's an ATM machine on the mainland; true there was, but for some reason the machines didn't take my cards. Never mind, I thought. Luckily, I'd packed my bags and brought all my belongings under the pretense that I needed to get back to Manila for a visa extension. My escape was imminent.

It goes without saying that by this stage, the whole experience had left a bitter taste and all I wanted was to get off the island. I simply told my guides that I'd be back in a few days and fortunately they believed me. All was in place but after we boarded the boat to Mauban, there was a slight delay as we watched a mighty carabao (water buffalo) being loaded onto the tiny wooden boat that was already overflowing with people.

Econo Tech
02-20-11, 12:34
Or your gf wanted to show off what you were working with. Brings a whole new meaning to the idea of penis envy.My take is 'protecting the investment and showing off.

Hank Moody
02-25-11, 01:35
In the "you're kidding, right?" category. Don't let her relatives get near you. They will bleed your wallet dry, and they are there to see that you aren't fucking around.I informed the relatives that there was no more room at the hotel, which eliminated all the relatives except the one Niece who quickly volunteered to stay in the room with me. I told her it was a single bed. She replied "no problem".

We are still together and in Boracay Island right now. Going helmet diving this afternoon.

As far as meeting the relatives, we did that one afternoon. It cost me 3000 pesos in food, gifts, and Red Horse but has given me a whole new insight. They are very simple but kind people, and there are a lot of them. They came out of the woodwork to meet me and where all waiting for my arrival. Probably the best 3000 I have spent so far, but I don't plan on meeting them again this trip."Walking ATM", Yes that is what it feels like sometimes.

Azmodeus Fl
02-25-11, 04:00
Hope you are using a helmet.


I informed the relatives that there was no more room at the hotel, which eliminated all the relatives except the one Niece who quickly volunteered to stay in the room with me. I told her it was a single bed. She replied "no problem".

We are still together and in Boracay Island right now. Going helmet diving this afternoon.

As far as meeting the relatives, we did that one afternoon. It cost me 3000 pesos in food, gifts, and Red Horse but has given me a whole new insight. They are very simple but kind people, and there are a lot of them. They came out of the woodwork to meet me and where all waiting for my arrival. Probably the best 3000 I have spent so far, but I don't plan on meeting them again this trip."Walking ATM", Yes that is what it feels like sometimes.

FreebieFan
02-25-11, 08:37
A foreign woman decides to go to the Philippines and buy shells to resell in her home country. What could go wrong?

From here:

http://www.escapeartist.com/Tanja_Bulatovic/Living_On_A_Philippine_Island/

But here's where the plot thickens. After a couple of days, I started to feel like a walking ATM machine. Everyone wanted a piece of me and I wasn't equipped to handle it. Not mentally. Not financially. Apart from the output for the shells, I paid Joe and Jays' wages, paid for their accommodation, food, beer, cigarettes, the cook's fee, tips, you name it, I paid for it and just when I thought I'd supported everyone on the entire island, they'd hit me with something else, like the 'car rental fee' for the shiny new 4-wheel-drive which actually belonged to the family.

Needless to say, I offloaded on poor Marisol about my current misadventure. She seemed perplexed to say the least and concerned that I was on my own. Throughout the evening she proceeded to educate me about the routine local mechanisms often applied to unsuspecting foreigners, confirming once and for all that my instincts where spot on. I'd been fleeced. Majorly. When Marisol and her friends left the next morning, I decided to accompany them back to the mainland.

My 2 guides had milked me dry. I had run out of cash and I needed more. 'No problem' they said, there's an ATM machine on the mainland; true there was, but for some reason the machines didn't take my cards. Never mind, I thought. Luckily, I'd packed my bags and brought all my belongings under the pretense that I needed to get back to Manila for a visa extension. My escape was imminent.

Le.My very first beach trip in Phils saw me in Mactan in 1985 in some resort there (way before Shang days). Walking along the beach two or three guys latch onto to me and offer to show me around. We met up and they showed me the city and in particular all the bars. I guess I bought beers for them and they pimped some ladies. They got me two cute companions to go snorkelling with but then presented me with a larg-ish bill for their services. I told them I would pay half and they were very happy.

I then made a separate deal with the younger one of the two and every night he took me to more bars, and made sure I didn't go home alone. I paid him what was due. Went to a casa and found two nice girls who I wanted to spend next few days with. Were relaxing on beach by the resort when a security guard tells me theres 5 guys who say I owe them money. Seems the guy saw his "cashcow " leaving and decided to try to get more.

I told the security guard I owed them nothing and not to let them on the property.

They called everyday, and worked many angles with hotel staff to try to get more out of me. I left the place to return home, and even when I got home, I got a handwritten note (pre email days LOL) saying how much I owed and why etcetc. Yeah, were all walking ATMS.

Nolz7
02-25-11, 13:39
Hope you are using a helmet.Sorry I can't help asking. Why did Kamikaze Pilots wore helmets. Joke time!

Hairy Wonder
02-27-11, 15:44
I just found this website offering discount flight tickets online. It is called Wholesale Flights http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php. I did a search for flights from the nearest airport to me (Lexington, KY) to Manila, and received quotes as low as $619 (travel dates 6/11/11 to 6/25/11). I was wondering if anyone has used this service. The price seems to good to be true. But if it is true, it would be a great savings for a fun trip to paradise!

Devils 1
02-27-11, 18:40
I just found this website offering discount flight tickets online. It is called Wholesale Flights.

http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php

I did a search for flights from the nearest airport to me (Lexington, KY) to Manila, and received quotes as low as $619 (travel dates 6/11/11 to 6/25/11). I was wondering if anyone has used this service. The price seems to good to be true. But if it is true, it would be a great savings for a fun trip to paradise!That is a great rate. Did it give you any detail about the number of connections and the total flight time. Often these cheap flights have 4-6 stops and take more than 36 hours with long layovers between connections.

Devils 1
02-27-11, 19:14
So here is a story I think many of you would appreciate. I recently took my 25 yr old nephew on his cherry trip to the PI. I guess I should say his cherry trip anywhere. Like most Americans he has never ventured beyond Canada or Mexico. While he has heard lots of stories and formed his own opinion of what the trip would be like, as most of us can attest, you don't know what to expect until you get there.

The point of my taking him was to let him experience something new and see a different type of woman than the selfish bitches we have in the US. Of course I worried that by taking someone so young and inexperienced that I might screw him up for good rather than opening his eyes to another way of life. I think overall I wanted him to find the joy and excitement of travelling and mongering that I think all of us share.

In short I think the trip was a great success. Maybe even too successful as now he is considering throwing his whole life away in the US and moving to Manila with no job, money or education to support him.

The trip started off on a bang. We arrived in Manila and went right to Burgos St for a warm up. After sitting in some of those bars for a couple of hours with several beautiful women rubbing his weiner he seemed to get the idea this would be two weeks to remember. Next we went to Havana Café and hooked up with a couple of lookers for an all nighter. He didn't even seem to bat an eye as I took a pair of petite 20 yr olds for my first night. The next day we did an afternoon at one of the massage parlors followed by another night at Burgos and Havana Café. He hooked up with a very pretty light skinned girl who claims she is a model. While she is pretty and her very light skin makes it likely that she could do some modeling I really doubt that she is making her living as a full time model.

The next day we headed off to Boracay for several days, but first we stopped by Air Force 1 for a pre flight pipe cleaning. The best thing about taking a first timer to AF1 is the look on their face when they stand in the window and look at that vast array of beautiful women. All of them there for your selection!

Boracay turned out to be a let down because the weather was so bad and the selection of women was very small and unimpressive. Nontheless, he was smitten by the "model" at this point so he flew her to Boracay. For the rest of the trip I hardly saw him as he spent every waking hour with this girl. Even when we returned to Manila, she filled his day with trips to some of the local sights and great restaurants. And a lot of sex!

So in the end he had the best two weeks of his young life. Which is what I was hoping for all along. He isn't much of a sport-fucker like me but he gets why I and everyone else are so in love with life in the PI.

Of course as we all know, it does not always end well. Within two weeks of our return to the US I got a call from my brothers wife,"will you call your nephew right now and talk him out of quitting his job and abandoning everything here to move to the PI."

I just laughed and said I know what he is feeling. As we have all done it every time we return to our boring lives in sex-prison!

As it stands right now he is trying to get a couple of friends his age to make the trip with him this summer. He still talks to the "model" on a regular basis and is trying to figure a way to get her to visit the US also. He did not quit his job as I explained the only job he would be able to get in the PI might pay $2-300 per month if he was lucky.

Frode
02-27-11, 19:53
I just found this website offering discount flight tickets online. It is called Wholesale Flights.

http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php

I did a search for flights from the nearest airport to me (Lexington, KY) to Manila, and received quotes as low as $619 (travel dates 6/11/11 to 6/25/11). I was wondering if anyone has used this service. The price seems to good to be true. But if it is true, it would be a great savings for a fun trip to paradise! After a quick google-search words like scam and fraud pops up describing this service. If something seems to good to be true, it usualy is.

Finrod
02-27-11, 21:55
I just found this website offering discount flight tickets online. It is called Wholesale Flights.

http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php

I did a search for flights from the nearest airport to me (Lexington, KY) to Manila, and received quotes as low as $619 (travel dates 6/11/11 to 6/25/11). I was wondering if anyone has used this service. The price seems to good to be true. But if it is true, it would be a great savings for a fun trip to paradise! That $619 won't include the taxes.

BionicMan
02-27-11, 23:36
...They called everyday, and worked many angles with hotel staff to try to get more out of me. I left the place to return home, and even when I got home, I got a handwritten note (pre email days LOL) saying how much I owed and why etcetc. Yeah, were all walking ATMS.Does this mean they had you rreal home address?

Irony Monger
02-28-11, 00:54
I just found this website offering discount flight tickets online. It is called Wholesale Flights.

http://www.wholesale-flights.com/index.php

I did a search for flights from the nearest airport to me (Lexington, KY) to Manila, and received quotes as low as $619 (travel dates 6/11/11 to 6/25/11). I was wondering if anyone has used this service. The price seems to good to be true. But if it is true, it would be a great savings for a fun trip to paradise! Try it out! I just booked a flight for twice what they are advertising and thought it was a pretty good deal, but that price came without an asterisk stating "some restrictions may apply." ;-). I am guessing that these prices do not include taxes, fees, etc. and come with date restrictions, multiple connections, etc. However, it would be nice to hear if these prices are legit, as the savings seem significant.

Tally Wacker
02-28-11, 07:07
Maybe even too successful as now he is considering throwing his whole life away in the US and moving to Manila with no job, money or education to support him.I wish I would have went to the Philippines when I was 25 and jobless. At least nobody will be able to extort money from him and whatever girl he ends up with it won't be for his money. Good read thanks Devils.

Key Master
02-28-11, 08:45
As it stands right now he is trying to get a couple of friends his age to make the trip with him this summer. He still talks to the "model" on a regular basis and is trying to figure a way to get her to visit the US also. He did not quit his job as I explained the only job he would be able to get in the PI might pay $2-300 per month if he was lucky.I hope you advised him about getting too hooked to any particular woman there. Good story though.

Jimmy Boy 99
03-05-11, 12:13
A while back someone posted that when flying to the the Philippines you could just say you had an E-ticket out and they would let you board without having any documentation. This does not work on Cebu Pacific from Macao. I tried to check-in and told the agent that I had a flight out the next day on Continental. She would not check me in and I had to go to the airport hotel to print out my E-ticket forward itinerary. The hotel's Internet must be dial-up, because it was excruciatingly slow, especially when your plane is departing, and it also cost me 5 bucks to print it out. When I got back to the counter, the agents were gone. The Cebu Pacific personnel there told me I was too late to check in. I argued that I had been there in plenty of time and I had been forced by their agent to go and print out my itinerary so I could get on the flight. They finally checked me in and I was able to make the flight. Perhaps I had a hard ass agent and maybe it is only in Macao, but I suggest that you have your onward itinerary printed out if flying to the Philippines from Macao.

Mc Don
03-05-11, 13:48
A while back someone posted that when flying to the the Philippines you could just say you had an E-ticket out and they would let you board without having any documentation. This does not work on Cebu Pacific from Macao. I tried to check-in and told the agent that I had a flight out the next day on Continental. She would not check me in and I had to go to the airport hotel to print out my E-ticket forward itinerary. The hotel's Internet must be dial-up, because it was excruciatingly slow, especially when your plane is departing, and it also cost me 5 bucks to print it out. When I got back to the counter, the agents were gone. The Cebu Pacific personnel there told me I was too late to check in. I argued that I had been there in plenty of time and I had been forced by their agent to go and print out my itinerary so I could get on the flight. They finally checked me in and I was able to make the flight. Perhaps I had a hard ass agent and maybe it is only in Macao, but I suggest that you have your onward itinerary printed out if flying to the Philippines from Macao.Cebu has ALWAYS asked me for my ticket out of Phil no meter where I board the plane Bangkok, Singapore, KL, KK. It is standard operating procedures for them as far as I know.

FreebieFan
03-05-11, 14:24
Does this mean they had you rreal home address?They had a work address, but as they were in some little barangay in Mactan and I was in deepest darkest Saudi Arabia not much chance of them finding me. LOL

Mr Enternational
03-05-11, 16:15
Just got to Manila. Went outside and got a Yellow Taxi to Ermita. I forgot what the going rate is supposed to be. But when we pulled up at the City State he clicked the meter and it said 498 pesos. I bitched at him and told him that I have never paid that much. I told him that I usually pay no more than 350 (keep in mind I really didn't remember) and 200 (which I remember) going back to the airport. He talked about traffic and gas prices and told me okay 350. I gave him a 500 and he gave me 150 back. I'm sure the price was supposed to be much less if I recall correctly.

Rampana
03-05-11, 17:34
Just got to Manila. Went outside and got a Yellow Taxi to Ermita. I forgot what the going rate is supposed to be. But when we pulled up at the City State he clicked the meter and it said 498 pesos. I bitched at him and told him that I have never paid that much. I told him that I usually pay no more than 350 (keep in mind I really didn't remember) and 200 (which I remember) going back to the airport. He talked about traffic and gas prices and told me okay 350. I gave him a 500 and he gave me 150 back. I'm sure the price was supposed to be much less if I recall correctly.It suppose to be between 190 and 250 php (metered).

So he still had a surplus of 100 php.

Chocha Monger
03-05-11, 19:09
In short I think the trip was a great success. Maybe even too successful as now he is considering throwing his whole life away in the US and moving to Manila with no job, money or education to support him.Your nephew certainly wouldn't be the first sex tourist to abandon his life in a relatively wealthy country to live in poverty solely to enjoy the abundant supply of cheap pussy in the Third World. Guys of all ages fuck their lives away literally. A few days ago a pinay was telling me about a Brit who left his homeland to live in the Philippines. He made a living by driving around a trike piled with accessories which he hawked to passers-by. He was asked what was his plan when he fell on hard times. He said that he would simply go to the British Embassy, state that he was down and out on his luck and request to be repatriated on the government's expense.

I said that he probably did it because he fell in love with some pinay. She said if that was the reason then the Brit was a very stupid man. She pointed out that the appeal of a foreigner is based mainly on his assumed wealth and status. A foreigner hawking accessories to locals would not attract the cheap pussy that inspired him to move to the Philippines in the first place. A lot of guys new to the game often forget that fact. They start thinking that the girls would love them just as much even if they lived in a nipa hut. It would be best if they read some of the stories written by expats who decided to leave pussy paradise.

Wally Bwoy
03-05-11, 19:09
Just got to Manila. Went outside and got a Yellow Taxi to Ermita. I forgot what the going rate is supposed to be. But when we pulled up at the City State he clicked the meter and it said 498 pesos. I bitched at him and told him that I have never paid that much. I told him that I usually pay no more than 350 (keep in mind I really didn't remember) and 200 (which I remember) going back to the airport. He talked about traffic and gas prices and told me okay 350. I gave him a 500 and he gave me 150 back. I'm sure the price was supposed to be much less if I recall correctly.Yeah those yellow taxis are a scam. Better to walk to hotel near airport and get a regular taxi. Much cheaper.

Red Kilt
03-06-11, 05:23
Just got to Manila. Went outside and got a Yellow Taxi to Ermita. I forgot what the going rate is supposed to be. But when we pulled up at the City State he clicked the meter and it said 498 pesos. I bitched at him and told him that I have never paid that much. I told him that I usually pay no more than 350 (keep in mind I really didn't remember) and 200 (which I remember) going back to the airport. He talked about traffic and gas prices and told me okay 350. I gave him a 500 and he gave me 150 back. I'm sure the price was supposed to be much less if I recall correctly.I believe this is an unusual case, as the Yellow / Orange Airport Metered Taxis were established to improve the level of service. I travel frequently through each airport (at least 50 times each year. Last week I made 4 trips) and I have never been scammed by these guys. You should have reported him for this.

In addition, just a heads-up to those guys who missed it in previous posts. This is not related to the previous post.

Taxis in Manila are currently undergoing re-calibration of their meters to reflect the new 40-peso flag-down rate AND a new 3. 50 peso click for each distance travelled.

However, the recalibration is being done in stages according to the last digit of the taxi registration plate number. They have just done plates 1 and 7 at present. 2 and 8 will be April etc etc.

The only taxis that will be re-calibrated are those that have NEW meters that issue receipts. I had my first ride in one of the newly-calibrated cabs yesterday and it was a 30% increase in the price from home to airport and came as a bit of a shock.

Be wary of any driver trying to tell you that the flag down rate is now 40 php UNLESS his meter has been re-calibrated. He cannot do that.

The LTRFB plan is to get rid of the clapped-out rust bucket taxis since in many cases the cost of the new meter will exceed the worth of the taxi itself so owners will not bother to replace the meters.

So, if you grab a taxi in Manila and find that your usual rate seems to have gone much higher than before don't assume the driver is scamming you. He might have one of the new meters and be charging you the new rate.

Punter 127
03-06-11, 05:31
I believe this is an unusual case, as the Yellow / Orange Airport Metered Taxis were established to improve the level of service. I travel frequently through each airport (at least 50 times each year. Last week I made 4 trips) and I have never been scammed by these guys. You should have reported him for this.

In addition, just a heads-up to those guys who missed it in previous posts. This is not related to the previous post.

Taxis in Manila are currently undergoing re-calibration of their meters to reflect the new 40-peso flag-down rate AND a new 3. 50 peso click for each distance travelled.

However, the recalibration is being done in stages according to the last digit of the taxi registration plate number. They have just done plates 1 and 7 at present. 2 and 8 will be April etc etc.

The only taxis that will be re-calibrated are those that have NEW meters that issue receipts. I had my first ride in one of the newly-calibrated cabs yesterday and it was a 30% increase in the price from home to airport and came as a bit of a shock.

Be wary of any driver trying to tell you that the flag down rate is now 40 php UNLESS his meter has been re-calibrated. He cannot do that.

The LTRFB plan is to get rid of the clapped-out rust bucket taxis since in many cases the cost of the new meter will exceed the worth of the taxi itself so owners will not bother to replace the meters.

So, if you grab a taxi in Manila and find that your usual rate seems to have gone much higher than before don't assume the driver is scamming you. He might have one of the new meters and be charging you the new rate. Hi Red Kilt,
Thanks for the update, we are seeing the same taxi increases in Cebu as well.

Big Johnson2
03-06-11, 10:26
Over the years I've met quite a few bar girls and P4P girls. And almost all are screwed up in some way or the other. Many have bad tempers, bad dispositions, inferiority complexes, drinking problems, or are just weird. I'm finding out that many of them were screwed up before they got into to that profession. I am beginning to think that it is not just poverty that gets these girls there. I believe many poor girls would starve rather than do it. I'm thinking that many if not most of the girls that go into this profession are in a screwed up before they started. What are your thoughts? Have any of you met well adjusted bar girls or ex-bar girls?

FreebieFan
03-06-11, 11:43
I believe this is an unusual case, as the Yellow / Orange Airport Metered Taxis were established to improve the level of service. I travel frequently through each airport (at least 50 times each year. Last week I made 4 trips) and I have never been scammed by these guys. You should have reported him for this.I also foten use the airport taxis except when landing at cebu pacific terminal. There they have some strange pricing, thats differnt to landing at old NAIA.

For a an airport taxi (yellow toyota) to Fort Bonifacio its something like P400. For a decent new metred (yellow toyota) taxi 50 metres further down the road its P120-140. Small money but strange pricing!

Mc Don
03-06-11, 14:17
There are some cool bar girls. Few and far between thought. You will find some are in the business because they need to feed their family, one I know has a brother with a down syndrome (mom died at birth, father split) so she is it. Having said that for every normal one you meet be prepared to meet 30-40 crazy once.


Over the years I've met quite a few bar girls and P4P girls. And almost all are screwed up in some way or the other. Many have bad tempers, bad dispositions, inferiority complexes, drinking problems, or are just weird. I'm finding out that many of them were screwed up before they got into to that profession. I am beginning to think that it is not just poverty that gets these girls there. I believe many poor girls would starve rather than do it. I'm thinking that many if not most of the girls that go into this profession are in a screwed up before they started. What are your thoughts? Have any of you met well adjusted bar girls or ex-bar girls?

Rampana
03-06-11, 14:37
i am beginning to think that it is not just poverty that gets these girls there. i believe many poor girls would starve rather than do it. i'm thinking that many if not most of the girls that go into this profession are in a screwed up before they started. what are your thoughts? have any of you met well adjusted bar girls or ex-bar girls?i completely agree with you.

almost every girl i met thru the last decade (not only bg or p4p girls, also the socalled "normal girls" from internet) had a serious case (or even cases) of [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) or other sexual assoults by relatives or pinoy in their past or childhood.

these experiences made them crazy and somehow weired.

the socioeconomical background of these girls is just about the same as in prostitutes in our "rich" western countries.

just my humble opinion.

ram

Key Master
03-06-11, 18:40
A while back someone posted that when flying to the the Philippines you could just say you had an E-ticket out and they would let you board without having any documentation. This does not work on Cebu Pacific from Macao. I tried to check-in and told the agent that I had a flight out the next day on Continental. She would not check me in and I had to go to the airport hotel to print out my E-ticket forward itinerary. The hotel's Internet must be dial-up, because it was excruciatingly slow, especially when your plane is departing, and it also cost me 5 bucks to print it out. When I got back to the counter, the agents were gone. The Cebu Pacific personnel there told me I was too late to check in. I argued that I had been there in plenty of time and I had been forced by their agent to go and print out my itinerary so I could get on the flight. They finally checked me in and I was able to make the flight. Perhaps I had a hard ass agent and maybe it is only in Macao, but I suggest that you have your onward itinerary printed out if flying to the Philippines from Macao.I guess maybe you learned a lesson here. Don't listen to people like that who try to talk their way out of things. If you have a ticket out of there, bring a copy with you. You're lucky you had a ticket to print out. My friend didn't get stopped in the states when he left and we connected in Hong Kong. They wouldn't let him connect to Manila if he didn't have a ticket out of the Philippines. He was expecting to buy a ticket when he got there. They made him pay for a full price ticket to make the connection.

Chocha Monger
03-06-11, 19:34
Over the years I've met quite a few bar girls and P4P girls. And almost all are screwed up in some way or the other. Many have bad tempers, bad dispositions, inferiority complexes, drinking problems, or are just weird. I'm finding out that many of them were screwed up before they got into to that profession. I am beginning to think that it is not just poverty that gets these girls there. I believe many poor girls would starve rather than do it. I'm thinking that many if not most of the girls that go into this profession are in a screwed up before they started. What are your thoughts? Have any of you met well adjusted bar girls or ex-bar girls?Hell no! All women see their pussy as a money making apparatus. However, in bargirls and other professional pussy vendors this is taken to the extreme. These women grow up hearing that their holes are special and access should be restricted yet they go in a totally different direction. There is always something in their past or present to account for that. It's usually some need they have to feed like drug addition, grinding poverty, or the psychological trauma brought on by previous sexual exploitation. Internet chicks tend to be wacko too because the web is their last stop after being declared damaged goods by the local guys. They know foreigners will marry anything. I've met girls with newborns husband hunting for a foreigner online after Baboy Pacana knocked them up and fled the barangay. Beautiful sane women from good families do not need to go online to find men. Even if you find the occasional gem online these women are primarily seeking a foreigner with the hopes of getting a visa and a ticket to his country of origin. Even on US dating sites most of the women are nuts or have some type of baggage.

Redman69
03-06-11, 20:29
I have to agree. There is something differnet about them. I do not know what it is.

My problem is I feel much more comfortable with them. They are honest in a way most women are not. They do understand what drives a man. [ and are not mad about it. ] Some will not steal from you.

But yes 40 to 50 crazy ones for every half sane one.

I use to read louie LaMor westerns and they would marry working girls. But as an adult it has been rare to see one work out long term. And I agree with the drinking and smoking.

Internet girls I do not think are the same. Yet I will conceed they have crossed over and are looking for something different. This desirer I think will cause them to do things they would not otherwise. Or as most other girls would do.

Raverboy
03-07-11, 07:57
I believe this is an unusual case, as the Yellow / Orange Airport Metered Taxis were established to improve the level of service. I travel frequently through each airport (at least 50 times each year. Last week I made 4 trips) and I have never been scammed by these guys. You should have reported him for this.

In addition, just a heads-up to those guys who missed it in previous posts. This is not related to the previous post.

Taxis in Manila are currently undergoing re-calibration of their meters to reflect the new 40-peso flag-down rate AND a new 3. 50 peso click for each distance travelled.

However, the recalibration is being done in stages according to the last digit of the taxi registration plate number. They have just done plates 1 and 7 at present. 2 and 8 will be April etc etc.

The only taxis that will be re-calibrated are those that have NEW meters that issue receipts. I had my first ride in one of the newly-calibrated cabs yesterday and it was a 30% increase in the price from home to airport and came as a bit of a shock.

Be wary of any driver trying to tell you that the flag down rate is now 40 php UNLESS his meter has been re-calibrated. He cannot do that.

The LTRFB plan is to get rid of the clapped-out rust bucket taxis since in many cases the cost of the new meter will exceed the worth of the taxi itself so owners will not bother to replace the meters.

So, if you grab a taxi in Manila and find that your usual rate seems to have gone much higher than before don't assume the driver is scamming you. He might have one of the new meters and be charging you the new rate. Whilst I don't disagree with what you've said, here is my scoop on those damn Manila taxis.

1) I've now taken the Terminal 3 airport taxis (yellow, new + clean sedans. Not the MPVs) twice. Once from T3 to Makati in the afternoon. Fare was under PHP 200 on the meter. Once from T3 to Malate / Ermita in the middle of the night, fare was PHP 460 on the meter. Go figure. I believe the first was legit, the 2nd had his meter rigged. I don't bother with the airport taxis anymore.

2) At T3, what I usually do now is go upstairs to the departures level and exit the building. There will be a line of taxi touts / drivers clamouring for your business. I usually head to the first waiting cab (with driver waiting in his vehicle, not hanging around outside his vehicle) and ask him to lower his window. I offer PHP 250 to Malate / Ermita, take it or leave it. 95% of the time they will bite. If you ask the fare, most will ask for PHP 300 or more. I once had a driver, after having agreed on the PHP 250, (taking a cab as I described from the departures level of T3) pull out a laminated card with 'fares' printed. It said PHP 750 from NAIA to Malate / Ermita,"but for you sir, only PHP 500"! This is when travelling light has it advantages. I told him to stop the car and I will take another cab, or take me to my destination for the agreed fare.

Note that the fare from Malate / Ermita to T3 is only about PHP 130-150 on the meter, so to me my offer of PHP 250 is fair. Offering hopefully enough above the metered rate (about USD 2) to stop any further negotiations / monkey business, thereby getting me where I want to go effortlessly.

3) In MNL now, only the newer cabs have meters that reflect the new PHP 40 flag down fare. I generally don't care about the state of the vehicle, rust bucket or not, just so long as he turns on the meter.

4) IMO the best way to grab a cab to the airport is taking one from the official taxi stand at any of the malls (Greenbelt, Glorietta, Robinsons, SM Mall of Asia, etc.) Again, this is where travelling light has it advantages. The driver is not likely to price gouge you. In Cebu, for example, there is an attendant at the taxi rank at SM Ayala Mall who gives you a slip of paper for any complaints about the driver.

Happy travels!

Cunning Stunt
03-07-11, 08:28
I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause....us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers/grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course:D.

Key Master
03-07-11, 10:35
I honestly don't think that it's just the bar girls here that are somewhat odd in their behavior. I've been with quite a few non p4p women there, and you'll find they're odd too in the way they handle things, so to me it doesn't even matter where I've met them. The thinking here is odd period.

Red Kilt
03-07-11, 11:51
I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause. Us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers / grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course. Love your comment Stunning. You got it exactly right. You're not just a pretty face are you? Your brain is ok no doubt about that LOL.

X Man
03-07-11, 12:42
After reading your post, I have to wonder why I'm not completely bonkers. BTW, you brit Wanker, bonkers. Probably means "bonk her". What a nice expression. So, are you deformed? Just wondering? X.


I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause. Us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers / grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course.

Mc Don
03-07-11, 14:06
I think we just add on to the damage rather then cause it. The 18-19 year old newbies seem at times just as fucked up as their older colleagues.


I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause. Us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers / grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course.

FreebieFan
03-07-11, 14:33
i completely agree with you.

almost every girl i met thru the last decade (not only bg or p4p girls, also the socalled "normal girls" from internet) had a serious case (or even cases) of [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) or other sexual assoults by relatives or pinoy in their past or childhood.

these experiences made them crazy and somehow weired.

the socioeconomical background of these girls is just about the same as in prostitutes in our "rich" western countries.

just my humble opinion.

rami know a cute girl in baguio, whos on cam quite often (some of you might know her?) and without hesitation when she's got a guy or two on cam her clothes come off. this is has been going on for a about 6th months. i asked her if she was always horny. she said she was raped by her "dark" neighbour when she was 6 or 7. life isn't always a bowl of roses.

Big Johnson2
03-07-11, 17:39
I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause. Us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers / grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course. I agree 100% that fucking loser guys daily would screw up any girl. It's kind of sad and funny that many of the girls think that all foreigners are fat, ugly, losers. I have told them that places like AC get the losers from their respective countries, not the typical guy. They don't believe me!

-

It's the old chicken and the egg question. What I'm starting to wonder is which came first: the screwed up girl or the bar screwing up the girl? What I am starting to conclude is that the screwed up girl came before working in the bar screwed up the girl. I used to believe that the bar was responsible for these girls emotional problems. But I've known girls that have only worked in bars for a month, but when you get to know them they had all these problems already: emotional, anger, horrible disposition, big inferiority complexes, drinking or drug problems, etc. I know some poor girls have to go support their families, but most normal poor girls avoid working as a bar girl like the plague.

Chicochulo
03-07-11, 18:42
Granted, most of my mongering, to this point, has been in Cuba where there are not gogo bars at all. And most of the girls I have shagged have been from out in the countryside. Like a good friend said to me once,"Don't let them disappoint you because they will." They all have their issues and weirdness. Something. We think we can fit them. Or at least we think there is a formula. High maintenance comes with the territory. However, like a new car, it will break down sooner or later. That's why renting is always the best option. I see it this way. 'We are all dogs chasing tail. And nothing makes the tail wag faster than burying the bone. '

Chicochulo
03-08-11, 02:20
A question about college tuition. Is there a specific month or due date for these fees? Anyone who's chatted with online Pinay has been given the pitch about schooling costs. It can be annoying but like most negatives, we must turn it into a positive and take advantage when we can. I for one, don't mind pitching in for the girls education. If everything is legit. Just as long as she good to the naughty professor.

CC

Cunning Stunt
03-08-11, 03:57
I know a cute girl in Baguio, whos on cam quite often (some of you might know her?) and without hesitation when she's got a guy or two on cam her clothes come off.Not Rosanna, is it? She is a sweet Baguio rose and is very active on the cam scene. Her and a bunch of her mates have quite a cottage industry going up there:).

Python75
03-08-11, 04:14
A question about college tuition. Is there a specific month or due date for these fees? Anyone who's chatted with online Pinay has been given the pitch about schooling costs. It can be annoying but like most negatives, we must turn it into a positive and take advantage when we can. I for one, don't mind pitching in for the girls education. If everything is legit. Just as long as she good to the naughty professor.

CCThe academic year in the Philippines usually runs from the beginning of June through to the end of March. The semester break for all universities and colleges is frequently between the second week of October to the first week of November.

College fees would be due just before the semester starts.

Chocha Monger
03-08-11, 05:42
I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause. Us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers / grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course. CS,

You make a good point there. If the girls are not fucked up before they get into the bar they certainly will be after serving as human pin cushions for the old, stinky, fat, lame, toothless, and mentally deranged. It's bad enough as a monger when you start losing track of who you ran through with your pork sword a few months ago. I can imagine that the girls stop having any real human interaction with mongers after getting poked in their holes by the first hundred random anonymous sex tourists. So, basically you get girls with pre-existing issues and then you run the train on them with bunch of even more fucked up sex tourists and at the other end pops out your well seasoned bargirl.

WestCoast1
03-08-11, 07:41
A question about college tuition. Is there a specific month or due date for these fees? Anyone who's chatted with online Pinay has been given the pitch about schooling costs. It can be annoying but like most negatives, we must turn it into a positive and take advantage when we can. I for one, don't mind pitching in for the girls education. If everything is legit. Just as long as she good to the naughty professor.

CCThere is an up-front fee for the semester, then they pay by exam (4 / semester) to finish it off.

Cunning Stunt
03-08-11, 07:58
...So, basically you get girls with pre-existing issues and then you run the train on them with bunch of even more fucked up sex tourists and at the other end pops out your well seasoned bargirl.I think that Stephen Leather in Private Dancer gives the most authentic and vivid description of the pondlife that work in the bars and the cockroaches that prey on them. In one descriptive passage, Joy (the bargirl) thinks she has got one up on one of her more loathsome customers.

'I should have known better than to trust a farang. I'm not the first girl to be conned and I won't be the last, but I learned my lesson, that's for sure. He was from Switzerland, an old guy, big and fat like they all are, and he smelled like he hadn't showered for a week. He had a thick gold chain around his wrist and the big one around his neck, the one that he gave me, so I figured he had money. He bought me five colas and when I put my hand on his crotch I could feel that he was hard already so I knew he'd want to pay bar for me. I figured Pete wouldn't be around until ten and it was only eight so I gave him a couple of rubs and asked if he wanted to go short-time.

We went to Uncle Rey's Guest House, it's only a five-minute walk from Nana Plaza. He wouldn't shower or anything, just stripped off and lay down on his back like a huge beached whale. He was covered with hair, grey and curly, and he lay there playing with himself while I undressed. His prick was huge, and thick, and it seemed to get bigger and bigger as he played with it. I wanted to shower but he said he didn't want me to. He said he wanted me to suck him. I shook my head and said I didn't do that and I tried to get on top of him. He pushed me down and tried to force me, but I kept turning my head away. It stank, like old fish. He kept trying to force me, but I wasn't having any of it. Eventually he sat up and took off the gold chain. He told me that he wanted to sell it, and that if I sold it for him I could keep half. It looked real enough, and it felt real, so I put the chain around my neck. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I kept my eyes closed and concentrated on not being sick. He started to thrust himself in and out and I almost choked. I could feel him start to come so I tried to pull my head away but he put his hands on the back of my head. I actually didn't resist too hard because I figured I was getting five thousand baht. Anyway, he came in my mouth and then held me there until I swallowed.

I dressed and rushed out of the room while he was still on the bed because I didn't want him to change his mind and ask for his gold back. '

Of course the gold chain is fake and Joy gets shit kicked out of her by herThai 'boyfriend'.

Rubberyman
03-08-11, 08:03
I've been ROFLFAO at the recent discussion about why so many bar girls are maybe a little bit strange. For nobody mentioned the most obvious cause. Us! Surely being fucked by a succession of strangers, often old enough to be their fathers / grandfathers, is not conducive to good mental health. Added to which, some of these guys are a little odd themselves (hence their need to use providers) and are often fat, physically deformed, unattractive or in other ways marginalized by society, it is surprising that the girls who service them are not more bonkers than they are.

Present company excepted, of course. Geez, it's just a job. Of course they only like being bonked by Pinoys. Go look at the romance section of any Filipino bookstore and see if you can see any hero other than a Pinoy. So they are obviously just doing it for the money for those who are not Pinoys. Present company excepted, of course.

However, there are plenty of crap jobs in the world, from gutting chickens to cleaning out sewage sludge, the list of shit jobs is endless. Some of them are paid far less than working in a bar too.

If working in a crap job was the reason for weirdness, then there would be a whole lot more of it out there. Maybe they are not that weird, but just not interested in the sort of stuff that we are. Just as long as we don't get carried away and imagine that they like us because we are hansum men or because we are intelligent or some such crap. LOL! Of course, ours are different, right? Yeah, right.

Cunning Stunt
03-08-11, 08:16
However, there are plenty of crap jobs in the world, from gutting chickens to cleaning out sewage sludge, the list of shit jobs is endless. Some of them are paid far less than working in a bar too.Yeah, but do these jobs involve having your 3 holes, digitally, lingually and genitally penetrated by a stinky breathed stranger?

Chocha Monger
03-08-11, 15:47
yeah, but do these jobs involve having your 3 holes, digitally, lingually and genitally penetrated by a stinky breathed stranger?and digital, lingual and penile penetrations of the vaginal, anal and oral cavities are only the tip of the iceberg. we have not even considered the mongers who tie them up and fuck them in all holes; [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) on them; [CodeWord116] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord116) on them; spank them; gag them; feed them cum on toast; put them on a leash; cheat and deceive them, etc. toss in regular alcohol consumption, beat downs from abusive boyfriends / pimps plus constant monetary demands from the family and it's a recipe for a real monster. i wonder what the suicide rate is for bar girls.

Mc Don
03-08-11, 16:02
\Toss in regular alcohol consumption, beat downs from abusive boyfriends / pimps plus constant monetary demands from the family and it's a recipe for a real monster. I wonder what the suicide rate is for bar girls.That is the real killer. The bars that force them to earn a ridiculous amount of drinks to get paid. Just imagine how you would be if you have to drink that much for a year or two. Toss in the expectations of the family, as soon as you start contributing one of your bros or old man gives up his job, then the boyfriend that takes his cut. Viscous circus that you just can't get out of. And then there is the greed and the poverty. Anyway fuck them, we do anyway

Rubberyman
03-09-11, 00:18
Yeah, but do these jobs involve having your 3 holes, digitally, lingually and genitally penetrated by a stinky breathed stranger?Um, well, afaik it is not compulsory for girls to be three holers, and some are not. If they choose to do that and that is their business plan, why not?

You might ask some guys presently working in the sewers in Manila whether or not they would like to dance in their underpants and fuck ugly fat white cows for three times the pay, or stay there sifting through shit and used condoms with a squillion cockroaches for company. (Me, I prefer the cockroaches to the fat white cows, but that's just me). . I would also point out that if you are working waist deep in flowing crap, your orifices are probably being invaded by all sorts of interesting flora and fauna. Also, there are plenty of women who enjoy sex. Sure they would prefer an 18 yo Pinoy, but if their alternative is to stay at home in the probince, act as an unpaid servant with the excitement for the week being the trip to church where they get to accompany their grandmother, maybe some of them do not think it such a bad thing to be getting three times what a shop girl in SM gets (not to mention that you won't have a hope of getting that if you just have graduated high school, let alone if you didn't graduate high school).

So if someone who would struggle to get a six month job at SM Mall (where they fire you after six months so they don't have to pay benefits) , gets paid three or more times that amount (and you don't get fired after six months) , jeez, cry me a river.

You make it sound like they are forced to do all the non-conventional things. That is just crap, have you actually been to AC? Yes, it can happen very occasionally, but saying they are being forced to do it is just bola bola. If someone does try to force the issue, those helpful guys in the PNP station 4 will (for a fee) help the girl extract some punitive damages. In fact they have been known to extract the damages even without that guy having done anything.

If the girl makes a decision as an adult to go three hole, or any of the other stuff, then that is her business decision. I would certainly hope she negotiated a good fee, but that is her business, and nobody else's.

Also, they might prefer an older guy that only gets it up once a night, to some younger guy who is a little harder on the equipment. Most people renting stuff out prefer older clients for that reason. .

Fast Buck Artist
03-09-11, 02:28
That is the real killer. The bars that force them to earn a ridiculous amount of drinks to get paid. Just imagine how you would be if you have to drink that much for a year or two.A typical barfine is roughly equal to 10 ladydrinks. Thats how much a popular girl is worth to the bar for the night. I can imagine what 10 glasses of liquor a day does to a 40kg girl's liver. When I buy a ladydrink I insist on no alcohol in it, sober women are hornier too (medical fact)

But lets clear something up. Nobody forces the girls to work in the bar, its their choice and thats the lifestyle they picked to live.

Jambo
03-09-11, 04:13
When I buy a ladydrink I insist on no alcohol in itHonestly, I didn't thing they even put alcohol in a ladies drink. Do they?

Econo Tech
03-09-11, 04:22
A question about college tuition. Is there a specific month or due date for these fees? Anyone who's chatted with online Pinay has been given the pitch about schooling costs. It can be annoying but like most negatives, we must turn it into a positive and take advantage when we can. I for one, don't mind pitching in for the girls education. If everything is legit. Just as long as she good to the naughty professor.

CCWell, my 2 cents and being late to the party would say. To the girls looking for a fast buck, anytime you have money is the time for college fees to be paid.

Econo Tech
03-09-11, 04:26
Honestly, I didn't thing they even put alcohol in a ladies drink. Do they?It's a tough question. I have had more fun with girls who were a bit tipsy and so did I hate myself when some of the barfine were sloshed.

Well, while working in bars in Singapore, LD = 1/4 measure of normal shot (or for better clarity, we use the bottom of the measure cup. Where the measure cup has a little edge and that equates to a 1/4th of a measure.)

Because we used to have cases of USN guys who get into fight for being cheated when they insist the girl mus have enough liquor. The poor sods forget that the whole idea of the LD is to take money out of the guy, and not to get the girl drunk.

Radoboy
03-09-11, 06:07
'Nobody forces a girl to work in a bar' is not quite right. When you dig deeper it seems that in some (maybe many) cases the lazy greedy family send the girl out to make money . And they 'sacrifice for the family.

Thats also what a lot of the marriages to foreigners is all about. To by cynical marriage to an old fart is just a variation on the bar girl deal.

I once thought the Pinoy concept of family was admirable. But when you see it in action it is in reality the greedy / lazy older generation controlling the younger generation. I guess that's what happens in a country with no social security.

Sorry for the lecture!

Questor55
03-09-11, 06:38
It's a sad fact that Pinays usually assume the responsibility for being the family breadwinners.

Older brothers don't seem to feel any such compunction. If the Pinay either snares a decent.

Job overseas, or much better, a "poreigner", then, too often, the family reacts as if THEY have.

Won the lottery. So many guys much prefer to just hang out, drink Red Horse, shoot pool,

Impregnate gullible girls, and be happy shiftless bastards. (Hmmmn, sounds like most of us.)

Meanwhile the girls bear the burden of being the family providers.

That is until the innocent foreigner gets co-opted!

Econo Tech
03-09-11, 07:24
it's a sad fact that pinays usually assume the responsibility for being the family breadwinners.initially, when i used to hear that the girl has taken on the family burden, i used to feel that the girls is strong and needs all the support. only when i hear that she has become the breadwinner, the rest of the family has decided to go on vacation as the girl has started working did my respect for the girl too disapeeared. and i dare not touch such girls even with a ten foot barge pole.

and unfortunately, not only they are proud that the dirty money is making daddy and mommy and brother and sister have a good vacation, they think that is perfectly normal.

i gave up analysing that mindset.[/quote]that is until the innocent foreigner gets co-opted! [/quote]i like that statement and the way you think. . co-opted. haha

FreebieFan
03-09-11, 09:00
Honestly, I didn't thing they even put alcohol in a ladies drink. Do they?In most bars that we frequent theres almost nothing in the drinks. However in the bars that locals go, many girls will have bottle after bottle of beer. This though is nothing compared with Bangkok Look in the bars there and theres a large water container at the side of the bar, that a mix of soft drink and Mekong whisky. Girls will always have a few glasses before starting work. By nights end most Thai girls have had quite a few.

Cunning Stunt
03-09-11, 12:08
Also, they might prefer an older guy that only gets it up once a night, to some younger guy who is a little harder on the equipment. Most people renting stuff out prefer older clients for that reason. .Yeah, but imagine the permanent mental scarring and trauma damage that might be caused by being fucked by John McCririck.

Slippery
03-09-11, 12:35
Yeah, but imagine the permanent mental scarring and trauma damage that might be caused by being fucked by John McCririck.I, as an "older" guy, find your remarks to be profoundly ignorant.

GoonerMan
03-09-11, 14:57
I, as an "older" guy, find your remarks to be profoundly ignorant.You're obviously not familiar with John McCririck.

Cunning Stunt
03-09-11, 16:36
I, as an "older" guy, find your remarks to be profoundly ignorant.ROFLMFAO, squawked the 'spring chicken';).

A158
03-10-11, 00:46
You're obviously not familiar with John McCririck.John McCririck (born 17 April 1940) is an English television horse racing pundit. He is notable not only for his racing opinions, but his old-fashioned style of dress and mannerisms. With his trademark deerstalker hat, tweed jacket and large sideburns, which he calls his wackers, he affects the part of either Sherlock Holmes or a well-dressed gamekeeper, and he happily acts the role of a country gentleman. He also uses the traditional tic-tac signals when commenting on odds before a horse race. His public comments have often been surrounded in controversy, and have occasionally been interpreted to be derogatory and offensive, particularly towards women.

Cheers.

A158

Cbea20
03-10-11, 01:28
A question about college tuition. Is there a specific month or due date for these fees? Anyone who's chatted with online Pinay has been given the pitch about schooling costs. It can be annoying but like most negatives, we must turn it into a positive and take advantage when we can. I for one, don't mind pitching in for the girls education. If everything is legit. Just as long as she good to the naughty professor.

CCOthers have given you the college schedule. At many schools, there's a down payment at the beginning of the semester and monthly payments after. They must be paid in full to sit for the final exam. So there is no special time. You can confirm enrollment by asking for a photo of current student I. The.

Mr Enternational
03-10-11, 03:29
Um, well, afaik it is not compulsory for girls to be three holers, and some are not. If they choose to do that and that is their business plan, why not?

If the girl makes a decision as an adult to go three hole, or any of the other stuff, then that is her business decision. I would certainly hope she negotiated a good fee, but that is her business, and nobody else's. The first girl I was with in AC we had a mini drinking party in my wingman's room. Out of nowhere she asked me,"You want a three holer?" I was shocked but said don't mind if I do. She started sucking my dick in my wingman's room, but when we got back to my room she actually forced me to put my dick in her ass. I asked her where she learned that. She said an Arab guy was there 3 months and all he liked to do was anal. He paid her 10, 000 pesos for her chocolate cherry and now she actually likes it. I'm hoping I can find her when I get there tomorrow. She does one of the best BJs on the face of this planet.

Cunning Stunt
03-10-11, 04:57
Also a misogynist, anti-feminist and lecherous old goat who calls his wife 'the booby' and his woman assistant 'female', all on mainstream TV, and gets away with it. Looks like the archetypal 'dirty old man' and any bargirls worst nightmare.

Wicked Roger
03-10-11, 05:49
The first girl I was with in AC we had a mini drinking party in my wingman's room. Out of nowhere she asked me,"You want a three holer?" I was shocked but said don't mind if I do. She started sucking my dick in my wingman's room, but when we got back to my room she actually forced me to put my dick in her ass. I asked her where she learned that. She said an Arab guy was there 3 months and all he liked to do was anal. He paid her 10, 000 pesos for her chocolate cherry and now she actually likes it. I'm hoping I can find her when I get there tomorrow. She does one of the best BJs on the face of this planet.Sound like an enterprising girl Mr E. Always knew the Arabs had a penchant for classics and are known for their educational prowess LOL.

Forced you....Mr E you need to come of out of your 'shell'. She is a lovely and educated lady clearly ;)

And why would you be shocked, in fact I would have asked before she asked me :D

Enjoy AC

Econo Tech
03-11-11, 05:16
Sound like an enterprising girl Mr E. Always knew the Arabs had a penchant for classics and are known for their educational prowess LOL.Not to be offensive, but talking of Arabs remind me of the case, in Saudi, when a worker from an asian country was charged for having sex with a camel. The guy was given caning, and his poor lover was put to death. No kidding.

Uzbekia
03-12-11, 06:21
They wouldn't let him connect to Manila if he didn't have a ticket out of the Philippines. He was expecting to buy a ticket when he got there. They made him pay for a full price ticket to make the connection.Flying out of Clark a few months ago, I came across one hell of a commotion I was passing through immigration. One of the immigration officials was going absolutely bananas on some young backpacker. Chismoso that I am, I asked one of the other agents what was going on and they mentioned that the poor guy had arrived without a return ticket and was now being deported (apparently, the backpacker had also questioned the official, which precipitated the scene). Sure enough, when checking in for the CP flight to go back, I was asked to produce a print-out of the return ticket. I had it, but the agent told me they don't let people board without an actual print-out (but was not asked for it at immigration). From various travel boards, it's seems like it's fairly standard practice for CP flights. If the airline doesn't ask you, immigration does, and you don't have it, it seems that deportation is a possibility (they may let you buy a ticket there at the airport, but not a nice situation to be in either way).

Wicked Roger
03-12-11, 20:03
Not to be offensive, but talking of Arabs remind me of the case, in Saudi, when a worker from an asian country was charged for having sex with a camel. The guy was given caning, and his poor lover was put to death. No kidding.Well the camel is good meat, and its lover probably had an interesting time in jail LOL.

Only reported in Saudi if expats as deemed that only the infidels engage in such barbaric and disgraceful perversions

Econo Tech
03-12-11, 20:21
Well the camel is good meat, and its lover probably had an interesting time in jail LOL.

Only reported in Saudi if expats as deemed that only the infidels engage in such barbaric and disgraceful perversionsOf course, if the camel made love to a native, it would not be considered blasphemy right? . . (that was in serious jest.)

Hairy Wonder
03-15-11, 10:23
Here's an amusing read for those guys (and girls) that think a big belly on a guy gets in the way of good sex. :D

http://www.yourtango.com/201085004/why-men-big-bellies-might-make-better-lovers

Cherry2000
03-16-11, 08:55
Can someone guide me to place's to stay [including hotel prices] and things to do at Palawan.

Also the best way to gt here from angeles.

Cheerrrrs.

C2k

Econo Tech
03-16-11, 09:08
Can someone guide me to place's to stay [including hotel prices] and things to do at Palawan.

Also the best way to gt here from angeles.

Cheerrrrs.

C2kHttp://www.palawaninfo.com/

As for getting there. Cebu Pac has low rates, and check PR as well.

If you are heading to El Nido et al. You may need to go on ITI air.

Prices. There are some good 3 star and 4 star hotels, plus a sky high 6 star resort. Just do some search.

One man's meat is another's poison.

Me. Was there twice, stayed in Starlight apartel (1, 800 per night) and visited Dos Palmas, Underground River and some stuff, and then did some diving. Over and out.

Andrewbaez
03-16-11, 20:42
I would like to know if anyone know a pharmacy where I can buy Cialis or Kamagra and Viagra in Manila and Angeles!

I saw many street vendors with boxes, but I do not trust them. Where to go? There are pharmacies in Robison mall? Need doctor's prescription?

DriveAllNight
03-16-11, 20:48
I would like to know if anyone know a pharmacy where I can buy Cialis or Kamagra and Viagra in Manila and Angeles!

I saw many street vendors with boxes, but I do not trust them. Where to go? There are pharmacies in Robison mall? Need doctor's prescription? Use the search function and RTFF.

Chicochulo
03-17-11, 05:19
Ok, some time ago, I read a report about where to buy a cellphone. I've been searching the old posts but, for the life of me, I can't find it again. Can one of you direct me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

CC

Sky Ryder
03-17-11, 05:25
Ok, some time ago, I read a report about where to buy a cellphone. I've been searching the old posts but, for the life of me, I can't find it again. Can one of you direct me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

CCIn any mall you can get a cheap phone, and a sim card. I use smart buddy, and it works fine. I even have it set up to international roam for sms only if you want to keep in touch while you are out of the country. It is easy to reload in the Phiils at any place either using load cards or pasaload. Also any unlocked GSM phone will work if you have an old one from another country, and just buy the sim card.

Econo Tech
03-17-11, 06:55
In any mall you can get a cheap phone, and a sim card. I use smart buddy, and it works fine. I even have it set up to international roam for sms only if you want to keep in touch while you are out of the country. It is easy to reload in the Phiils at any place either using load cards or pasaload. Also any unlocked GSM phone will work if you have an old one from another country, and just buy the sim card.And Smart can be loaded from pldt. Com. Ph site and http://pa-load.com/. It works flawlessly. .

And the http://pa-load.com/ Site can be used to load Globe as well.

Mongrinastrlnd
03-17-11, 11:04
In any mall you can get a cheap phone, and a sim card. I use smart buddy, and it works fine. I even have it set up to international roam for sms only if you want to keep in touch while you are out of the country. It is easy to reload in the Phiils at any place either using load cards or pasaload. Also any unlocked GSM phone will work if you have an old one from another country, and just buy the sim card.A couple months ago I did a lot of research on phones to get rid of all the old info on promos / validity / etc. (lost cause on validity because the carriers' own websites have contradictory information).

I couldn't really post it here because vbulletin mangles the tables all up so I dumped it onto a free hosting.

http://pimobile.x10.mx/

Andrewbaez
03-17-11, 13:27
Use the search function and RTFF.I tried but could not find anything, can anyone help me?

FreebieFan
03-17-11, 14:06
I would like to know if anyone know a pharmacy where I can buy Cialis or Kamagra and Viagra in Manila and Angeles!

I saw many street vendors with boxes, but I do not trust them. Where to go? There are pharmacies in Robison mall? Need doctor's prescription?All the info is posted here. Do more than a search. I recall several discussions about exactly this subject.

Andrewbaez
03-17-11, 20:39
The girl that I met on February, who has spent ten days with me long my travel when I'm back home, says he has a fever for 15 days and not have the money to go for a medical examination!

I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination?

Redman69
03-17-11, 20:53
That is a tough one. Say 4K should get a good exam. Beware though there is a good chance they find something. Then how much will that cost? There is a good chance that this is the start of long monye relationship. Beware is all I am saying. I send money too. Mortman just help an old girlfriend. So, it is from past experince. Good luck

Key Master
03-17-11, 22:38
The girl that I met on February, who has spent ten days with me long my travel when I'm back home, says he has a fever for 15 days and not have the money to go for a medical examination!

I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination? As Redman said, it may be the start of trying to get you to send her money, but it's hard to really tell. The majority of the people there live on what they have, and nothing extra. Is this a bargirl or someone who has a regular job? I believe they have to pay for all their medical services. They can go the cheaper route and go to a public hospital or the more expensive route to private hospital. I am guessing 2000 pesos will cover the exam, tests and meds, but it's a guess. I know a lot of people will tell you to not ever send money, but it's hard especially for someone you spent so much time with. A deciding factor may be is whether you plan on seeing her again. If you want to, then I may send some pesos her way to help out, but make it clear, it's hard financially for you to do this and not to expect you to do so again.

Chocha Monger
03-17-11, 23:39
The girl that I met on February, who has spent ten days with me long my travel when I'm back home, says he has a fever for 15 days and not have the money to go for a medical examination!

I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination? A 15 day fever, huh? Some of them tend to get that when you leave the airport taking your wallet full of cash with you. Let her sweat it out. You'll be doing more harm than good by sending her money. Most poor Filipinas cannot handle easy free money. It's like heroin. Once you start shooting her up with those cash injections she'll become an addict. It's just too easy for other illnesses and emergencies to pop up. She was fine before you fucked her and she will be fine after. If you compensated her for services rendered then your obligations ended there. Don't get fleeced by Western Union!

Jambo
03-18-11, 01:23
She was fine before you fucked her and she will be fine after.What he said. Remember the Three F's of Mongering: Findem, F* 'them, and Forget 'them!

Or as Chopper Read would say: Harden the F* Up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkIVvjZc9Y

Its St Patricks Day. Go find a pub and get a good on one.

Whatsgoingon
03-18-11, 04:36
The girl that I met on February, who has spent ten days with me long my travel when I'm back home, says he has a fever for 15 days and not have the money to go for a medical examination!

I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination? I just got hit with one for 4k pesos from my gf's brother. For a kidney problem.

Econo Tech
03-18-11, 07:52
The girl that I met on February, who has spent ten days with me long my travel when I'm back home, says he has a fever for 15 days and not have the money to go for a medical examination!

I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination? Philippines has a fairly decent healthcare system, but the Filipino way is. If I can find somebody to pay or afford it- I better go and splurge. Including going to private clinics.

Govt hospitals. Delivery is charged at 1,000 peso or so, private 10, 000. And I know enough girls who would prefer to get to private hospitals, as long as a sponsor can pay. And the places I am talking of. The govt hospitals are super clean and efficient.

Or it could be a straight out effort to test the waters.

GoodEnough
03-18-11, 13:09
How about providing a decent tip just because you can? Because the money means nothing to you and a great deal to them? How about relaxing the sneering contempt a bit and showing a little compassion, which might even make you feel good? How about trying to stop taking advantage of poor, uneducated people just because it makes you feel good, which says more about you than about them? Or how about just treating "them" with some respect and civility just because "they" are human beings, just like you? Isn't it ironic that some, perhaps many guys think nothing of spending thousands of Euros or pounds or dollars to get here and begrudge poor people a few cents?

GE

PolyOrchid
03-18-11, 16:07
Or how about just treating "them" with some respect and civility just because "they" are human beings, just like you? Isn't it ironic that some, perhaps many guys think nothing of spending thousands of Euros or pounds or dollars to get here and begrudge poor people a few cents?GEHear, hear, GE! Brilliantly and compassionately spoken.

Mr Enternational
03-18-11, 16:37
Last week the Philippine Airlines agent in Bangkok would not check me in for the Manila flight until I showed proof of a ticket out of the Philippines.

Sammon
03-18-11, 17:24
Last week the Philippine Airlines agent in Bangkok would not check me in for the Manila flight until I showed proof of a ticket out of the Philippines.All of them ask for the return ticket before letting you to board. One time they wanted me to show them the copy of another airline booking out of Phi.

Considering you can always cancel the return trip it is a stupid law.

I do not how experienced people here do it who have stayed in Phi long periods of time extending their visas.

Andrewbaez
03-18-11, 19:39
A 15 day fever, huh? Some of them tend to get that when you leave the airport taking your wallet full of cash with you. Let her sweat it out. You'll be doing more harm than good by sending her money. Most poor Filipinas cannot handle easy free money. It's like heroin. Once you start shooting her up with those cash injections she'll become an addict. It's just too easy for other illnesses and emergencies to pop up. She was fine before you fucked her and she will be fine after. If you compensated her for services rendered then your obligations ended there. Don't get fleeced by Western Union!I left her at 10000 PHP for his company, and I paid two domestic flights, transportation, lodging, meals, she told me to have them given to her mother, and finished them to buy food and medicine for her I understand that it is a large family. And I did not think that life in the Philippines would cost so much! She has twenty years unemployed, two sisters and a brother, both minors, and a sister who works at 'foreign!

She says she sold the web cam, to buy medicine, but it is always online at the various sites and DIA FH, honestly do not believe her!

Member #4351
03-18-11, 19:52
Andrewbaez, it seems that a lot of the time its not the girl's fault. The entire cultural "utang" situation, plus the whole family descending on her with their hands out probably ensured that the money you gave her was gone within 24 hours.

Chocha Monger
03-18-11, 22:12
I left her at 10000 PHP for his company, and I paid two domestic flights, transportation, lodging, meals, she told me to have them given to her mother, and finished them to buy food and medicine for her I understand that it is a large family. And I did not think that life in the Philippines would cost so much! She has twenty years unemployed, two sisters and a brother, both minors, and a sister who works at 'foreign!

She says she sold the web cam, to buy medicine, but it is always online at the various sites and DIA FH, honestly do not believe her! If you think with your heart and your dick in the Republic of the Philippines you will be quickly separated from your money. Most of these girls who meet foreigners specialize in separating suckers from their hard earned cash. Making 'kwento' or telling lies to foreigners via the internet in order to extract cash is a national past time. It is a means of turning the tables on you and pimping you long distance. You already know she is lying to you. They will say that they have to sell their web cam or computer as an indirect threat to cut off communication with you. The aim is to get you to volunteer to send money to prevent the supposed sale of the computer or web cam. Cut off all contact with her. Block and delete her messenger I'd and cell number. There is a lot more pussy in them tin shacks out in the province waiting for a good root. In some countries they are content to fleece the sheep. In the Philippines they not only fleece the sheep they go a step further and fuck the sheep. I'm not saying that you have to be callous but definitely be cold and calculating with these women. I used to be the kind compassionate foreigner until a well off Filipina friend asked me if I was running a charity. I have to thank my Filipina friend because she took my game to a whole new level. Now when I bust a nut in a girl's guts I simultaneously ejaculate her name and contact information from my brain. If it were not for photos I'd never remember all of the little scamming gold diggers I've fucked. I don't even bother to ask their names anymore. It would be like asking the meat I cooked last night the name of the cow it came from.

Sammon
03-18-11, 22:39
Andrewbaez, it seems that a lot of the time its not the girl's fault. The entire cultural "utang" situation, plus the whole family descending on her with their hands out probably ensured that the money you gave her was gone within 24 hours.Many a times it is the poverty that drives them to start conning you. The more you show that you care the more the demand. Problem is if the girl is a good bed partner and will do anything for you it is hard to say goodbye to her. I used to send money before to help girls. But now I tell them I give money only when I see them.

There is not much of a option for the girl to make a living. No job to speak of.

My take on this is if you really like the girl support her. This way you have her to be with whenever you go to Phi. Take it as a donation. Costwise it does work cheaper to be with a non-pro rather than barfining or taking a girl from no barfine bars. Besides you get a fresh pussy rather than one used multiple times.

Although I like to butterfly I like to spend majority of the time with non-pros or girlfriends.

Is it worth the extra money I give them. Ofcourse it is. Amount of money needed to take care of them per month is cheap compared to other expenditures.

Rampana
03-19-11, 18:50
Block and delete her messenger I'd and cell number. There is a lot more pussy in them tin shacks out in the province waiting for a good root.......... Now when I bust a nut in a girl's guts I simultaneously ejaculate her name and contact information from my brain. If it were not for photos I'd never remember all of the little scamming gold diggers I've fucked. I don't even bother to ask their names anymore. It would be like asking the meat I cooked last night the name of the cow it came from.Well said.

Today I chatted with a new girl in Cebu City to meet her. She told me that she wants to meet me BUT she has to go home in school vacation because hder parents would not pay the rent for her boarding house anymore.

She would like to meet me but NO MONEY for rent.

DID YOU GET IT?

I GOT IT what she is trying to bring across to me.

I told her frankly that I am NOT her sucker.

This fucking little golddiger b...t..h. 19 yrs old only.

I just deleted her and move on.

Ram

Andrewbaez
03-19-11, 19:10
If you think with your heart and your dick in the Republic of the Philippines you will be quickly separated from your money. Most of these girls who meet foreigners specialize in separating suckers from their hard earned cash. Making 'kwento' or telling lies to foreigners via the internet in order to extract cash is a national past time. It is a means of turning the tables on you and pimping you long distance. You already know she is lying to you. They will say that they have to sell their web cam or computer as an indirect threat to cut off communication with you. The aim is to get you to volunteer to send money to prevent the supposed sale of the computer or web cam. Cut off all contact with her. Block and delete her messenger I'd and cell number. There is a lot more pussy in them tin shacks out in the province waiting for a good root. In some countries they are content to fleece the sheep. In the Philippines they not only fleece the sheep they go a step further and fuck the sheep. I'm not saying that you have to be callous but definitely be cold and calculating with these women. I used to be the kind compassionate foreigner until a well off Filipina friend asked me if I was running a charity. I have to thank my Filipina friend because she took my game to a whole new level. Now when I bust a nut in a girl's guts I simultaneously ejaculate her name and contact information from my brain. If it were not for photos I'd never remember all of the little scamming gold diggers I've fucked. I don't even bother to ask their names anymore. It would be like asking the meat I cooked last night the name of the cow it came from.Thanks!

Thank you for your assistance, however I was happy to visit the Philippines, I used to spend my vacation in Thailand.

I spent 21 days, ten in the company of the girl in the islands and eleven days of singles between Manila and Angeles and I must say that I was fine, and I think I'll be back!

Hotel prices are not so expensive, with 2000 of php are good rooms, I found the food good, the Philippines has more curvaceous bodies of Thai!

I always follow the forum on the Philippines, I read it only because I haven't a good englis. HAnyway if I have questions I will do it to get your advices!

Bye

Chicochulo
03-20-11, 05:20
Isn't it ironic that some, perhaps many guys think nothing of spending thousands of Euros or pounds or dollars to get here and begrudge poor people a few cents?

I can never understand the way some guys behave. In all my years of travelling and entertaining girls, I have always gotten better results by treating the ladies with respect. Mind you, I make it clear that I am nobodies fool. Most of the time, I get respect for being up front about not being a Gilligan. As for giving a little more when it is appropriate. I can't agree more. In the end, it costs you very little but means so much to a girl that has been generous with her body. I love women, and I think more of the selfish mongers should try to attach a bit of kindness to there approach. 'What goes around, comes around. '

Cc

WestCoast1
03-20-11, 06:50
Isn't it ironic that some, perhaps many guys think nothing of spending thousands of Euros or pounds or dollars to get here and begrudge poor people a few cents?

I can never understand the way some guys behave. In all my years of travelling and entertaining girls, I have always gotten better results by treating the ladies with respect. Mind you, I make it clear that I am nobodies fool. Most of the time, I get respect for being up front about not being a Gilligan. As for giving a little more when it is appropriate. I can't agree more. In the end, it costs you very little but means so much to a girl that has been generous with her body. I love women, and I think more of the selfish mongers should try to attach a bit of kindness to there approach. 'What goes around, comes around. 'Treating her with respect won't involve money (equating respect with giving money is like equating love with the giving of money). Treating her with respect can take many forms obviously: just be nice is the easiest way to do that. On the other hand there is money. Yes I spend thousands to travel (my choice). But think about what you are doing by giving her extra money, a tip. Its not something she's used to. If you do it, it makes her think others of your kind should behave the same way.

A cebuana comes to my hotel for a while and leaves with p500. It might be easy (for me) to tip her another 500, but that's not a good idea. Treating her to a Jollibee might be a better idea. Or walking her to the taxi and slipping the driver some pesos to get her home. My giving her double the income she's earned (its small for me, not for her) , would be like tipping a waitress here $30 for bringing me a $30 meal (still think its a good idea?). Or giving my yard guy a $1500 tip at Christmas (that would be nuts. He earns $1500 per year from me). But giving those things creates an expectation. He'll want it again next time. And he'll expect others like me to give it up.

Imaging the same cebuana does the same work for a local guy, where she gets p300. He won't tip her anything, she knows there's no tip, and she will be glad to have the 300. She's getting more from you, and she's real glad to have it. Yet, you are creating for all of us the expectation in her mind that she should get something extra. Just because its easy for me to give her an extra p500 (or 1000) doesn't mean its a good idea. Your idea of giving is from your culture, not hers.

YMMV

Chicochulo
03-20-11, 07:42
Good post Westcoast.

I can't agree with you more. I was referring more to the mistreatment of the girls. The little extras like walking her to the taxi. A simple gift (I carry cheap ones for just that reason) is always a better tip than doubling up on your agreed upon payment.

Cc

Cbea20
03-20-11, 13:17
Last week the Philippine Airlines agent in Bangkok would not check me in for the Manila flight until I showed proof of a ticket out of the Philippines.You should not be surprised. It's the same for any country if you enter as a tourist. Without a ticket out, there's a question-Are you a legitimate tourist? If you have a return ticket with the same airline, they don't need to ask you to show anything-they see it on the computer.

Imagemakers
03-20-11, 16:10
I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination? [/QUOTE]I just want to give you an example of some of the healthcare costs in the Philippines. I saw two doctors (one was an orthopedic surgeon) at a reputable, modern hospital in Manila (Makati Med) and each doctor's examination or consultation cost 700 pesos ($16). The x-ray cost 500 pesos ($11). This is without any health insurance.

Sammon
03-20-11, 17:03
I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination?I just want to give you an example of some of the healthcare costs in the Philippines. I saw two doctors (one was an orthopedic surgeon) at a reputable, modern hospital in Manila (Makati Med) and each doctor's examination or consultation cost 700 pesos ($16). The x-ray cost 500 pesos ($11). This is without any health insurance.[/QUOTE]I believe consulation and check up are cheap. Only the procedures like surgery is expensive. Stay in hospital is not that expensive. Once again all of these will be much cheaper than in Europe and America without insurance.

Fast Eddie 48
03-21-11, 00:44
I am European and we have public health! Filipinos have to pay for medical care? Even in a public hospital? How much does a medical examination?I just want to give you an example of some of the healthcare costs in the Philippines. I saw two doctors (one was an orthopedic surgeon) at a reputable, modern hospital in Manila (Makati Med) and each doctor's examination or consultation cost 700 pesos ($16). The x-ray cost 500 pesos ($11). This is without any health insurance.[/QUOTE]To Image maker

I don't think you want to go to a public hosipital in Manila, I have health insurance and travel insurance if I get sick go to a private doctor or hospital don't save a few peso is your own health.

Fast Eddie 48

Econo Tech
03-21-11, 07:00
You should not be surprised. It's the same for any country if you enter as a tourist. Without a ticket out, there's a question-Are you a legitimate tourist? If you have a return ticket with the same airline, they don't need to ask you to show anything-they see it on the computer.And when I told this, a lot of wild animals jumped on me. . : Screaming murder.

Well, you don't need a return ticket unless you can charm the staff, or you are a resident in the destination country / working. In which case, you can be asked to produce proof.

Red Kilt
03-21-11, 11:24
[QUOTE]I don't think you want to go to a public hosipital in Manila, I have health insurance and travel insurance if I get sick go to a private doctor or hospital don't save a few peso is your own health.

Fast Eddie 48[QUOTE]


Don't be too quick to dismiss the health system in Manila Eddie. I have lived here for 14 years and I have a lot of confidence in the health care that I have received, including 2 stints in hospital for surgery for 2 injuries self-inflicted in the gym.

I am not so confident or sure about major internal-type surgery but for medical examinations and GP work I am very impressed by the level of care.

All of my doctors have had post-grad training in Australia, France and USA.

JMHO

Fast Eddie 48
03-21-11, 21:34
[QUOTE]I don't think you want to go to a public hosipital in Manila, I have health insurance and travel insurance if I get sick go to a private doctor or hospital don't save a few peso is your own health.

Fast Eddie 48.

[QUOTE]Don't be too quick to dismiss the health system in Manila Eddie. I have lived here for 14 years and I have a lot of confidence in the health care that I have received, including 2 stints in hospital for surgery for 2 injuries self-inflicted in the gym.

I am not so confident or sure about major internal-type surgery but for medical examinations and GP work I am very impressed by the level of care.

All of my doctors have had post-grad training in Australia, France and USA.

JMHOTo Red kilt

I am sure the doctor in Manila good training but if you have insurance coverage and have a choice you will pick a private hospital too, I am sure the doctor is better there and better medical equaiment, I have a dental service in a private hospital a few yr ago and I have the dental redone in the US just the same service.

Fast Eddie 48

Redman69
03-22-11, 17:50
Well, I have done the dance with a DIA gal. Meet her on November trip. We had a good dinner with WR and his Fab.

Well, I have tried the milk. Now I am going to buy the cow.

I am 55 and she is 21. I got kicked out of high school, she finished college.

I was hitting the crack when she called. Told me we should get married and I agreed. Damm if she did not record it and now is going to hold me to my word.

I am happy, Wish this old sucker some luck. Hell I could use some prayers also.

Member #4351
03-22-11, 17:55
Why not? The question is where will she live after you are married? Will you relocate to the Philippines or will you bring her to the USA?

DriveAllNight
03-22-11, 18:11
Will you bring her to the USA?Yep, that's the Money Question here, isn't it?

Don't do it! A few days with "Oprah" and the other professors of Feminist Entitlement 101 will usually ruin them.

Streetlooker
03-22-11, 18:30
Well, I have done the dance with a DIA gal. Meet her on November trip. We had a good dinner with WR and his Fab.

Well, I have tried the milk. Now I am going to buy the cow.

I am 55 and she is 21. I got kicked out of high school, she finished college.

I was hitting the crack when she called. Told me we should get married and I agreed. Damm if she did not record it and now is going to hold me to my word.

I am happy, Wish this old sucker some luck. Hell I could use some prayers also. Good luck is not what you need You need a miracle. Hope you have a good bank roll to support this marriage for longer then 2 yrs if it lasts that long. I frankly think if you stay in the Philippines it will work out longer then taking her back to your own country. But either way once the money drys up your going to be out the door faster then you can say WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING? You would not by chance be a CRAPS players would you>>?? Roll them bones

Radical Guy
03-22-11, 19:02
Well, I have done the dance with a DIA gal. Meet her on November trip. We had a good dinner with WR and his Fab.

Well, I have tried the milk. Now I am going to buy the cow.

I am 55 and she is 21. I got kicked out of high school, she finished college.

I was hitting the crack when she called. Told me we should get married and I agreed. Damm if she did not record it and now is going to hold me to my word.

I am happy, Wish this old sucker some luck. Hell I could use some prayers also. Good luck to you. I also married a filipina, and after 5 years everything is better than ever! She still has an incredible sex drive, so much that I often have to tell her I don't have the energy for sex 2-3 times a day. Guys hit on her all the time and she always tells me about it, but remains ever faithful.

RG

Nolz7
03-22-11, 19:30
Why not? The question is where will she live after you are married? Will you relocate to the Philippines or will you bring her to the USA?Bring her to the states and make her work. Thats additional income.

Redman69
03-22-11, 20:33
I intend to bring her to the US for a few more years and then retire back to PI.

Yea I know the odds are against me. But I want to do it. Got the Erie hard headed thing.

RG thanks for the sucess story.

Now I know WR will be laughing, but I hope to stay faithfull. HeHe

Red Kilt
03-23-11, 02:59
I intend to bring her to the US for a few more years and then retire back to PI.

Yea I know the odds are against me. But I want to do it. Got the Erie hard headed thing.

RG thanks for the sucess story.

Now I know WR will be laughing, but I hope to stay faithfull. HeHeI cannot believe you fell for this Red after all the mentoring that you have had from WR and me as well as the re-education from those Cebuanas.

As said earlier, if you stay in the Phils you have some chance to make it work. Once she gets papers to the US and she sees all those 30. 40 year old hunks eyeing her off you will be history.

Do some forward thinking.

In 5 years you will be 60 and in decline; she will be 26 and in her prime.

Anyway, why am I wasting my time typing this stuff?

Go for it. Good luck (but I am covering my ears waiting for the sound of the crash)

GoodEnough
03-23-11, 11:02
I intend to bring her to the US for a few more years and then retire back to PI.

Yea I know the odds are against me. But I want to do it. Got the Erie hard headed thing.

RG thanks for the sucess story.

Now I know WR will be laughing, but I hope to stay faithfull. HeHeSeems to me you've weighed the pros and cons and have decided to take the existential leap of faith. I say go for it! There are countless instances, similar to yours that have worked, and here's hoping your relationship does the same.

GE

Chocha Monger
03-23-11, 14:03
I intend to bring her to the US for a few more years and then retire back to PI.

Yea I know the odds are against me. But I want to do it. Got the Erie hard headed thing.

RG thanks for the sucess story.

Now I know WR will be laughing, but I hope to stay faithfull. HeHeWell, I sure hope you keep your sense of humor when the young studs in the US start tearing up her coochie. She probably has a trailer load of them on Facebook and other social networking sites champing at the bit to ram some young hard pole in her. Just ask Jambo how these girls do it. He's been there and got the t-shirt. You know the facts but seem hell-bent on throwing yourself into the flames. The bright side is that a lot of sex starved young men in the US will appreciate you taking one for the team by importing some exotic foreign poon to become community property.

Redman69
03-23-11, 15:01
RK and CM you guys are killing me. The truth will set you free.

I can see my nephews thanking the lord now.

Thanks for the good wishes GE.

Just so you guys know ole WR has a soft spot to.

Take care all. Thanks for all the help and training.

Streetlooker
03-23-11, 20:59
The thing that got me most about your situation is the fact she recorded your answer has to be some sort of blackmail if you are not good for on your word. This has red flags all over it has far has trust which imo is the most important thing 2 people can have for each other

Hairy Wonder
03-24-11, 05:54
RM69,

Before you decide to marry and bring that sweet young foreigner into the US for a few years, look into the costs of immigration. 25 years ago, when I married a Korean, I felt like the government was ripping me off, because I had to pay an application fee for almost every damn piece of paper they required. And then I was told that there was no guarantee that they would be accepted. Prices have dramatically increased since then, especially after 911. If you are dead set on marrying this girl, go for it. Best of luck to you (and thanks for leaving more pussy available for the rest of us in PI)! :D But you might want to set the wedding date for sometime after your planned retirement.

IMHO.

HW

Jambo
03-24-11, 13:08
Prices have dramatically increased since then, especially after 911.Yes I understand that fees have been added to visa applications, in part to pay for additional medical coverage for 911 "first responders" in New York.

I didn't get it. New York fire and police? They have medical and I suspect its very good. I could have been killed / hurt in the Pentagon attack, and my coverage would have been just the same as it is now. If I didn't retire I guess I could get VA coverage. And a medal perhaps.

Ah, yes, unions.

Slippery
03-30-11, 17:37
RM69,

Before you decide to marry and bring that sweet young foreigner into the US for a few years, look into the costs of immigration. 25 years ago, when I married a Korean, I felt like the government was ripping me off, because I had to pay an application fee for almost every damn piece of paper they required. And then I was told that there was no guarantee that they would be accepted. Prices have dramatically increased since then, especially after 911. If you are dead set on marrying this girl, go for it. Best of luck to you (and thanks for leaving more pussy available for the rest of us in PI)! . But you might want to set the wedding date for sometime after your planned retirement.

IMHO.

HWApplication fee is $455. 00. Then there are other incidental fees such as medical exam, visa issuance fee, etc. All in all cost is well under $1, 000. 00.

Radical Guy
03-30-11, 20:00
Application fee is $455. 00. Then there are other incidental fees such as medical exam, visa issuance fee, etc. All in all cost is well under $1, 000. 00.Don't forget the adjustment of status fee, which is about $1000.

Towelboy2010
03-31-11, 01:29
RM69,

Before you decide to marry and bring that sweet young foreigner into the US for a few years, look into the costs of immigration. The new I-129F visa fee has actually been lowered to $340. 00.

Medical is about $220 (If she doesn't live near Manila or Cebu, travel & hotels can add up)

Adj of Status is $1070.

Cathay Pacific offers a 1-time lower rate in this instance as a promotion, but you have to call to book it; can't get the reduced rate online. They are presumably hoping for years and years of your travel business.

I am 55 and Greg London introduced me to a very nice 26 yr old. But as others have pointed out, & in my case, I just couldn't get past the age difference. Even tho I felt she would be faithful.

Good Luck, Bob

Slippery
04-01-11, 01:20
[QUOTE=Towelboy2010; 1139751]The new I-129F visa fee has actually been lowered to $340. 00.

Medical is about $220 (If she doesn't live near Manila or Cebu, travel & hotels can add up)

Adj of Status is $1070.

Cathay Pacific offers a 1-time lower rate in this instance as a promotion, but you have to call to book it; can't get the reduced rate online. They are presumably hoping for years and years of your travel business.

I am 55 and Greg London introduced me to a very nice 26 yr old. But as others have pointed out, & in my case, I just couldn't get past the age difference. Even tho I felt she would be faithful.

Perhaps I was not clear. I spoke about USA fiancee K-1 fees to get her into USA. Of course other fees are payable during the citizenship process. Its all a step by step and more money and more money process.

Good Luck, Bob[/QUOT

Towelboy2010
04-02-11, 00:53
The United States.


WHAT COUNTRY?

The new I-129F visa fee has actually been lowered to $340. 00.

Medical is about $220 (If she doesn't live near Manila or Cebu, travel & hotels can add up)

Adj of Status is $1070.

Hank Moody
04-05-11, 23:13
I am just reconciling some of my accounts and adding up all the ATM charges.

Every time I withdraw 10, 000 (max allowable) pesos, it ended up costing: 200 pesos at ATM, $5 out of bank network fee and 1% foreign transaction fee. This adds up to over 500 pesos for each transaction!

No wonder the ATM limits the withdraw to 10, 000 pesos per transaction. Those fees really add up.

Any advice for getting money for a lower transaction fee?

GoodEnough
04-05-11, 23:24
Not sure you can limit the fees, but you could look for Citibank or JSBC ATMs that let you withdraw more than P20, 000 each transaction. That way you can get more money for the same fee. I use HSBC here in Davao and Citibank when I'm in Manila for exactly that reason.

GE.


I am just reconciling some of my accounts and adding up all the ATM charges.

Every time I withdraw 10, 000 (max allowable) pesos, it ended up costing: 200 pesos at ATM, $5 out of bank network fee and 1% foreign transaction fee. This adds up to over 500 pesos for each transaction!

No wonder the ATM limits the withdraw to 10, 000 pesos per transaction. Those fees really add up.

Any advice for getting money for a lower transaction fee?

X Man
04-07-11, 07:00
Not advised by most, but I go cash heavy.


I am just reconciling some of my accounts and adding up all the ATM charges.

Every time I withdraw 10, 000 (max allowable) pesos, it ended up costing: 200 pesos at ATM, $5 out of bank network fee and 1% foreign transaction fee. This adds up to over 500 pesos for each transaction!

No wonder the ATM limits the withdraw to 10, 000 pesos per transaction. Those fees really add up.

Any advice for getting money for a lower transaction fee?

Econo Tech
04-07-11, 16:21
Not advised by most, but I go cash heavy.Much as possible, I stick to cards, as, I don't swipe cards everywhere and limit cash to those seedy places. And the girls.

Bottom line, in Philippines, everybody is fucked. Even the locals withdrawing from ATM have a service fee, I am told.

Cheque clearence costs. And foreigners? Oh. How can the foreigners be left alone from the money sucking schemes?

You can run but you can't hide.

Hank Moody
04-07-11, 19:58
Not advised by most, but I go cash heavy.I did bring $500 US cash, but that didn't last long and it seemed like the only bank I could find when I needed money was BPI with a 10, 000 peso limit.

Next time I will bring more cash and look for a bank with a higher withdrawal limit.

One time at a money changer, a middle eastern man walked in with $10, 000 US to change. I thought that was way too much cash to walk around with. Kind of like going to Vegas, I only carry what I am willing to lose.

Mookman
04-07-11, 20:26
I am just reconciling some of my accounts and adding up all the ATM charges.

Every time I withdraw 10, 000 (max allowable) pesos, it ended up costing: 200 pesos at ATM, $5 out of bank network fee and 1% foreign transaction fee. This adds up to over 500 pesos for each transaction!

No wonder the ATM limits the withdraw to 10, 000 pesos per transaction. Those fees really add up.

Any advice for getting money for a lower transaction fee? PM me if you want to discuss some options for free ATM withdrawls, there are a couple of banks in the US that do that but that's a topic for another board, so I'll keep it off here.

Vandaddio
04-07-11, 23:53
I read somewhere and was also told that immigration wants to see your return ticket.

My travel agent does not ever give me a real ticket anymore and most north amercian airlines do not,

All I get now is a typed, print out, electronic ticket with number and intienarary, it that sufficient?

Key Master
04-08-11, 06:06
I read somewhere and was also told that immigration wants to see your return ticket.

My travel agent does not ever give me a real ticket anymore and most north amercian airlines do not,

All I get now is a typed, print out, electronic ticket with number and intienarary, it that sufficient? The E ticket is fine and it's not necessarily immigration that will ask but the airline if you don't have a ticket with them leaving there. If you don't have proof of a ticket or don't buy one out of there, they won't let you board most likely.

Mr Hawaii
04-08-11, 06:49
I am just reconciling some of my accounts and adding up all the ATM charges.

Every time I withdraw 10, 000 (max allowable) pesos, it ended up costing: 200 pesos at ATM, $5 out of bank network fee and 1% foreign transaction fee. This adds up to over 500 pesos for each transaction!

No wonder the ATM limits the withdraw to 10, 000 pesos per transaction. Those fees really add up.

Any advice for getting money for a lower transaction fee? Been to PI over 30 times and I found the best way for me was this: about $200 USD cash per day. I would change at local Manila money changer near Robinson's Ermita. That was all spending money. My hotel bill went on my credit card. I think the most cash I ever took was $2000 USD. Never had problems. Usually did 5 days Manila. 5 days Cebu city. PAL plane ticket bought in PI with credit card, no problem. Use your credit card as backup if you lose your cash.

Sammon
04-08-11, 17:58
I read somewhere and was also told that immigration wants to see your return ticket.

My travel agent does not ever give me a real ticket anymore and most north amercian airlines do not,

All I get now is a typed, print out, electronic ticket with number and intienarary, it that sufficient? Immigration never asks. The airline always ask and will not let you board without proof. Once I flew cebu pacific round trip from manila to Hong kong because I had flown in by korean airlines round trip to manila.

I did not have copy of the ticket leaving from Manila. I had to go all the way to Korean airlines desk and ask the manager there for a printed copy.

Just make sure you have a copy of printed e ticket out of Phi.

Bloke
04-10-11, 18:16
I hope someone out there can advise. I have a week in PI in May and want to dive. I'm not that bothered about the nightlife just so long as there is at least a minimum action so I don't sleep alone.

I went to Sabang / Puerto Galera in December, diving was good and nice little compact nightlife scene which was perfect. I would like to venbture some place else next time however. Lots of great dive possibilities (Coron in Palawan for example) but worried no action.

Thanks in advance.

Bloke

Manta Ray
04-11-11, 02:10
I hope someone out there can advise. I have a week in PI in May and want to dive. I'm not that bothered about the nightlife just so long as there is at least a minimum action so I don't sleep alone.

I went to Sabang / Puerto Galera in December, diving was good and nice little compact nightlife scene which was perfect. I would like to venbture some place else next time however. Lots of great dive possibilities (Coron in Palawan for example) but worried no action.

Thanks in advance.

BlokeThe other place to try for the combination of scuba and girls is subic. The diving there is all wreck diving, with some excellent, accessible wreck dives for recreational (non-tech) divers using air or nitrox. However, the visibility is not great (though certianly adequate) as it is a semi-enclosed bay, and there is not much other mariine life to see other than the wrecks.

As for the girls, Barrio Barretto (BB) is a bit like Angeles (except with the sea nearby). Lots of affordable bars with available gals in BB and very nearby Baloy Beach. Also ample choice of comfortable, affordable accommodation (eg, Blue Rock, Arizona, etc.).

Cebu also offers some good diving / gal combos, particularly if you stay on Mactan and the first night go into the city to find a gal to stay with you for a few days.

Another possibility is Davao (from what I have read and heard-not been there yet). Whichever place you end up trying, give us a report!

Happy diving (sea and muff!)

Manta Ray

Econo Tech
04-11-11, 03:45
Immigration never asks.Ah come on. Just because you were not asked doesn't mean Immigration will not ask. If you arrive in any country and expect a on-arrival-visa, you are expected and required to show proof of departure, either by sea or air, and if there is an option of departing via land, like in Singapore / Malaysia, then you may be exempted.

And even you enter a country, with visa issued in advance, Immigration has the right to ask for a return ticket.

Just because you were not asked, doesn't mean immigration will not ask.

(PS, this gets hacked repeatedly. But the airlines as for the return ticket, because, if the immigration decided to refuse entry to the pax, for various reasons, and one of them being not having a valid return ticket, the carrier that flew him / her into the country has to fly him / her out of the country- hence the airline insisitng on seeing the return ticket.. If you don't' believe it, ask any asian who goes to US / Europe, whether they can get in without a return ticket.)

DriveAllNight
04-11-11, 05:17
Manta Ray is giving you solid advice, Bloke. In fact, I'm doing a little diving in Subic right now.

PS: Just for reference? For daytime action, Bluerock's floating bar in Baloy treats me very well, and the cuties at Wet Spot bar over in Barrio Barretto give me all I can handle during the evenings.


I hope someone out there can advise. I have a week in PI in May and want to dive. I'm not that bothered about the nightlife just so long as there is at least a minimum action so I don't sleep alone.

I went to Sabang / Puerto Galera in December, diving was good and nice little compact nightlife scene which was perfect. I would like to venbture some place else next time however. Lots of great dive possibilities (Coron in Palawan for example) but worried no action.

Thanks in advance.

Bloke

Transporter
04-11-11, 06:06
When I fly Cebu Airlines I book online so it's an eticket.

The only time they will check is when you check in at the airport to PI. They have to make sure you have a return ticket within 21 days or a visa.

I usually grab my mobile pull up the email which shows my eticket and show them that. Never any problem.

Porter.


I read somewhere and was also told that immigration wants to see your return ticket.

My travel agent does not ever give me a real ticket anymore and most north amercian airlines do not,

All I get now is a typed, print out, electronic ticket with number and intienarary, it that sufficient?

Buko Max
04-12-11, 04:38
I hope someone out there can advise. I have a week in PI in May and want to dive. I'm not that bothered about the nightlife just so long as there is at least a minimum action so I don't sleep alone.Would suggest that you stop off to either AC, Manila or Cebu and find yourself a suitable companion to accompany you to your dive sight. Especially if you are inclined to dive in a remote area, your fellow divers will drool over your babe and wish they had "brought their own babe'!

Wild Rover
04-12-11, 09:36
Ah come on. Just because you were not asked doesn't mean Immigration will not ask. If you arrive in any country and expect a on-arrival-visa, you are expected and required to show proof of departure, either by sea or air, and if there is an option of departing via land, like in Singapore / Malaysia, then you may be exempted.

And even you enter a country, with visa issued in advance, Immigration has the right to ask for a return ticket.

Just because you were not asked, doesn't mean immigration will not ask.

(PS, this gets hacked repeatedly. But the airlines as for the return ticket, because, if the immigration decided to refuse entry to the pax, for various reasons, and one of them being not having a valid return ticket, the carrier that flew him / her into the country has to fly him / her out of the country- hence the airline insisitng on seeing the return ticket. If you don't' believe it, ask any asian who goes to US / Europe, whether they can get in without a return ticket.) Immigration in Philippines do ask for return or onward ticket, in 20 visists to Phils over 12 years I was asked once for

Return ticket, its not worth the risk, as you may be refused entry, or have to pay big bribe.

Dirkdiggler69
04-12-11, 10:48
Just wondering if anybody knows where I can get short term furnished house / apartment rentals near to fields. I am getting a little sick of camping I'and hotels and want somewhere I can relax and cook etc.

Econo Tech
04-12-11, 18:29
Immigration in Philippines do ask for return or onward ticket, in 20 visists to Phils over 12 years I was asked once for

Return ticket, its not worth the risk, as you may be refused entry, or have to pay big bribe.Yes, and worse is having a stamp on your passport and trying to explain at every other country what it means, and filling in YES for 'have you been refused entry in any country'

But some people like to live in the fast lane. Not me.

Good luck. .

Red Kilt
04-26-11, 16:54
there was an interesting on-line article today about how the philippines department of tourism (dot) plans to double tourism in the coming year.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-aims-double-tourist-arrivals-081529122.html

what was more interesting were the comments that poured in about what needs to be done to improve the country if the target is to be achieved and if tourists will want to come.

the usual suspects were trotted out like "naia terminal 1 is a shit-hole as a gateway to the country"; pick-pockets; trash, corrupt policemen, scammer taxi drivers; everyone wanting tips etc. but the interesting one was the number of respondents who mentioned sex-crazed filipinas who chase after foreigners and try to scam them and lure them into immoral acts etc.

check it out, although if your tagalog is not up to speed then you may struggle with some of the commentary.

GoodEnough
04-26-11, 23:33
The objective of increasing tourism is not new; it's been an objective of the government at least since I've been here and probably longer. The major challenge as I see it is that there's so little here-other than decent beaches which are hardly unique to the Philippines-to attract tourists. The lack of anything particularly interesting in the culture, coupled with some of the worst physical infrastructure in Asia and the embassy advisories about instability in the country don't bode well for meeting this objective any time in the near future in my opinion.

Mc Don
04-27-11, 01:14
Biggest problem is not having a proper airline. Thai, Malaysian, Singapore are way way ahead and bring in the tourists. They need to invest in Phil Airlines making Manila a hub if possible.


The objective of increasing tourism is not new; it's been an objective of the government at least since I've been here and probably longer. The major challenge as I see it is that there's so little here-other than decent beaches which are hardly unique to the Philippines-to attract tourists. The lack of anything particularly interesting in the culture, coupled with some of the worst physical infrastructure in Asia and the embassy advisories about instability in the country don't bode well for meeting this objective any time in the near future in my opinion.

GoodEnough
04-27-11, 03:40
Biggest problem is not having a proper airline. Thai, Malaysian, Singapore are way way ahead and bring in the tourists. They need to invest in Phil Airlines making Manila a hub if possible.As I read the above, I'm in the airport in Davao, where I've just learned that the next PAL flight to Manila is delayed four hours, thus lending credibility to McDon's point. The fact remains though, even if PAL could be "fixed," the rest of the shoddy infrastructure would remain as would the lack of any compelling reason to come.

GE

FreebieFan
04-27-11, 03:40
The objective of increasing tourism is not new; it's been an objective of the government at least since I've been here and probably longer. The major challenge as I see it is that there's so little here-other than decent beaches which are hardly unique to the Philippines-to attract tourists. The lack of anything particularly interesting in the culture, coupled with some of the worst physical infrastructure in Asia and the embassy advisories about instability in the country don't bode well for meeting this objective any time in the near future in my opinion.Every new Tourism minister has a go at this. Best Tourism minister I can remember was Gemma Araneta Cruz (I think was her name. Back in late 90's) ex model tall and could drink a lot of red wine as I recall from an official dinner or two that I attended.

Well put GE. No infrastructure, people preying on innocent tourists in every corner, Phils will always attract the tourists who want to rough it, but the families in Phuket who are happily paying US$500 per day will never be attracted by Toursism Philipplines except El Nido and Nido wannabees.

Econo Tech
04-27-11, 04:19
as i read the above, i'm in the airport in davao, where i've just learned that the next pal flight to manila is delayed four hours, thus lending credibility to mcdon's point. the fact remains though, even if pal could be "fixed," the rest of the shoddy infrastructure would remain as would the lack of any compelling reason to come.

gei don't think that pal is the issue, with cebu pac almost overtaking pal, in terms of pax

come to singapore to see how phil tourism promotes their country. they don't promote destinations: they promote specific hotels and such.

i asked an official as to why they are all out to promote amanpulo, and why not promote the whole country. you know the answer? well, we don't need ****s. as if. those high spenders are the clean ones.

add to it. i could list a lot of instant scammers. and unlike in some touristy countries, the tourists are never insulated from scammers / donation boxes.

heck, even the ocean park has a 'donation' box. what the heck do i pay entrance, and then i am still expected to 'donate'? .

nothing's going to fix their country, as of now. and that' my lord, is my humble opinion.

GoodEnough
04-27-11, 07:32
To continue with why the Tourism Sector is as pathetic as most other sectors of the economy here, I want to recount an experience of this morning that concluded less than 10 minutes ago:

I had an uneventful, quick trip to CDO via Air Philippines from Davao. It left early and arrived early and the entire flight took about 30 minutes. So far so good. My driver was there to meet me, and again, very good so far.

The problems started on arrival at the Mallberry, where I always stay when I'm in CDO. I was greeted warmly by the manager as I walked in and was told that, as I hotel is full (would you believe an Ob / Gyn convention?) and as I had arrived prior to check out time, I would have to wait an hour for my room. Fair enough. Two hours later, after doing a bit of work in the coffee area at the back of the lobby I approached the desk to ask for my key, and the personnel looked at me as if they had never seen me before, had no idea what the hell I was talking about and then stared resolutely at the floor. Staring at the floor is a sure sign that they had forgotten completely about what they were supposed to do, could not admit it, and couldn't think of a credible lie. They were simply paralyzed. The manager, conveniently, was nowhere to be seen.

After another 15-20 minutes, subsequent to a quiet but vitriolic outburst from me, I went back to the desk and was told "It's completely ready sir. Except for the towels." I asked if I was supposed to air dry myself or use kleenex, whereupon someone ran upstairs to put towels in the room. By now. 2 and a half hours have passed.

Earlier, when I first arrived, I jokingly asked the manager of this, one of the most expensive hotels in town, if they were able by now to afford plastic laundry bags as this is the only hotel in which I've ever stayed that doesn't provide them. She told me that laundry bags are available "on special request. ' I can understand why. After all, they must cost at least a peso. So I requested one, which of course wasn't in my room when I finally got into it. So I asked, politely again. Sure enough, about 2 minutes later someone appeared at my door with the comment 'your laundry bags sir." I looked down to see three or four small trash bags (the kind that come off a roll, each large enough to accommodate maybe a pair of pants and a shirt.

Now if this is the best that a reasonably expensive "tourist" hotel can do in this city, there's clearly no hope at all for the general tourism sector. And remember, this is a hotel where I'm well known and to which my company gives a lot of business during any given year.

I think the lousy service, and even worse food, is attributable to a point of view which says "we don't need foreigners." And it's true. The place is so popular with locals, and locals are so used to mediocre service that it's become the standard, they it doesn't need my business, or that of any "picky" foreigner.

I know that as soon as the new Limkatkai Hotel opens I'll leave here and try that, but I have no expectation that the service or the attitude will be any better than it is here: pleasant, friendly, incompetent, inefficient and indifferent.

GE

FreebieFan
04-27-11, 11:27
to continue with why the tourism sector is as pathetic as most other sectors of the economy here, i want to recount an experience of this morning that concluded less than 10 minutes ago:

i had an uneventful, quick trip to cdo via air philippines from davao. it left early and arrived early and the entire flight took about 30 minutes. so far so good. my driver was there to meet me, and again, very good so far.

the problems started on arrival at the mallberry, where i always stay when i'm in cdo. i was greeted warmly by the manager as i walked in and was told that, as i hotel is full (would you believe an ob / gyn convention?) and as i had arrived prior to check out time, i would have to wait an hour for my room. fair enough. two hours later, after doing a bit of work in the coffee area at the back of the lobby i approached the desk to ask for my key, and the personnel looked at me as if they had never seen me before, had no idea what the hell i was talking about and then stared resolutely at the floor. staring at the floor is a sure sign that they had forgotten completely about what they were supposed to do, could not admit it, and couldn't think of a credible lie. they were simply paralyzed. the manager, conveniently, was nowhere to be seen.

after another 15-20 minutes, subsequent to a quiet but vitriolic outburst from me, i went back to the desk and was told "it's completely ready sir. except for the towels." i asked if i was supposed to air dry myself or use kleenex, whereupon someone ran upstairs to put towels in the room. by now. 2 and a half hours have passed.

earlier, when i first arrived, i jokingly asked the manager of this, one of the most expensive hotels in town, if they were able by now to afford plastic laundry bags as this is the only hotel in which i've ever stayed that doesn't provide them. she told me that laundry bags are available "on special request. ' i can understand why. after all, they must cost at least a peso. so i requested one, which of course wasn't in my room when i finally got into it. so i asked, politely again. sure enough, about 2 minutes later someone appeared at my door with the comment 'your laundry bags sir." i looked down to see three or four small trash bags (the kind that come off a roll, each large enough to accommodate maybe a pair of pants and a shirt.

now if this is the best that a reasonably expensive "tourist" hotel can do in this city, there's clearly no hope at all for the general tourism sector. and remember, this is a hotel where i'm well known and to which my company gives a lot of business during any given year.

i think the lousy service, and even worse food, is attributable to a point of view which says "we don't need foreigners." and it's true. the place is so popular with locals, and locals are so used to mediocre service that it's become the standard, they it doesn't need my business, or that of any "picky" foreigner.

i know that as soon as the new limkatkai hotel opens i'll leave here and try that, but i have no expectation that the service or the attitude will be any better than it is here: pleasant, friendly, incompetent, inefficient and indifferent.

gei think theres probably 1, 000 guys out there that know exactly what you are saying.

interestingly tho a lot of the local tourism stems from the us balikbayans (people who are filipino americans or is it american filipinos lol ). you should hear them complain about " its not like that in oklahoma or oakland or wherever etc.". but as we all know, it won't change at all.

the definition of speed. its the rate at which a hotel opens with great service, good food and people who know what they are doing, to a hotel with lousy service, no one knows what they are doing and the paint starts peeling on newly painted walls.

Red Kilt
04-27-11, 12:04
Everything GE, FF and McDon has said is true.

I am sure that everyone has some sort of horror anecdote to share even if this is a monger's site.

Nobody has picked up on the point I made in my earlier post with the news cutting that many filipinos are ashamed that so many women here are willing to trade themselves in return for the unique pleasure of meeting a foreign tourist and helping him to spend his cash.

I heard a talkback session on tourism today on radio whilst in a taxi that was disparaging about Cafe Havana as being a place (quote) infested by foreigners and filipina prostitutes in the midst of the high class tourist area of Makati (unquote). I am not sure that Larry J Cruz whose group owns Cafe Havana and other high-class restaurants around Manila would have liked to hear this.

I am interested in the fact that there seems to be a few filipinos who feel that the image of willing filipinas roaming around soliciting sex from foreigners is not a good look to improve tourism in the country. I wouldn't start gnashing my teeth that the good ol' days are over though and that suddenly filipinas will disappear from sight hehe. Nothing much changes in the Phils and if change ever happens then it happens at a snail's pace.

Toronto
04-27-11, 12:46
Besides all the items mentioned such as lack of infrastructure, etc, isn't one of the big reasons for low tourism the fact that you don't feel like you are in Asia when you are in PI? As someone else mentioned PI has some beaches but you can ge that many other places. What you get are old churches that look just like the ones in Latin America for example rather than temples and such and medicore food which is not "exotic" or "Asian" like you would get in Thailand or Korea or so forth.

GoodEnough
04-27-11, 12:47
There you go RK, you've raised the issue of the economic impact of prostitution again when I thought we had agreed it was now a closed subject! Seriously, trying to stamp out commercial sex services here is as fruitless as trying to hold back the tides. Mayor Lim tried it by stamping out the bars in Ermita, only to find them regerminating in EDSA Entertainment Complex, the infamous LA Cafe, and others. Unless and until this country manages to make inroads into poverty by providing legitimate economic opportunities for its young people, I doubt that availability will diminish. Since that isn't about to happen within my lifetime or yours, I'd say that there's no reason to be concerned.

GE

Red Kilt
04-27-11, 13:29
There you go RK, you've raised the issue of the economic impact of prostitution again when I thought we had agreed it was now a closed subject! . . . . <SNIP . . . Unless and until this country manages to make inroads into poverty by providing legitimate economic opportunities for its young people, I doubt that availability will diminish. Since that isn't about to happen within my lifetime or yours, I'd say that there's no reason to be concerned.

GEYou know me well enough GE to know that I have virtually zero knowledge about the economic impact of anything! My interest is in the sciences. With a splash of home-spun psychology.

You're absolutely correct about not being concerned that much will happen to impinge on prostitution much in the short-term or our lifetimes (whichever come first LOL)

Econo Tech
04-27-11, 14:09
nobody has picked up on the point i made in my earlier post with the news cutting that many filipinos are ashamed that so many women here are willing to trade themselves in return for the unique pleasure of meeting a foreign tourist and helping him to spend his cash.that is 100% true, and, when it comes to more intelligent and a bit capable class, they frown on those who do this. but, then again, if it is done foc, it is ok. .


i am interested in the fact that there seems to be a few filipinos who feel that the image of willing filipinas roaming around soliciting sex from foreigners is not a good look to improve tourism in the country. i wouldn't start gnashing my teeth that the good ol' days are over though and that suddenly filipinas will disappear from sight hehe. nothing much changes in the phils and if change ever happens then it happens at a snail's pace.i had the same arguement, when i was asking. some filipinos here as to their tourism drive being dead. and as i mentioned elsewhere, the answer was 'we don't want ****s'. of course, they forget the thousands of navy boys were praying and doing volunteer work in the phils, during the base days.

and to be honest, their terming hookers as gro, is sort of glorifying the trade.

the funny thing is, every filipino who goes overseas, and meets fellow country-women hookers, have no qualms in screwing their brains off, and still defend their country's honour if a non-filipino calls the filipina hookers as such. to the extent, they end up in jail and all sorts of nonsense, because 'the foreigner degraded the filipina by calling her a hooker. '

i gave up trying to reason with filipinos.

FreebieFan
04-27-11, 14:54
Everything GE, FF and McDon has said is true.

I heard a talkback session on tourism today on radio whilst in a taxi that was disparaging about Cafe Havana as being a place (quote) infested by foreigners and filipina prostitutes in the midst of the high class tourist area of Makati (unquote). I am not sure that Larry J Cruz whose group owns Cafe Havana and other high-class restaurants around Manila would have liked to hear this.Hi RK. Somewhat sadly Larry passed away a few years back. I'm not sure who is now the head of the company he started. Larry was an absolutely fine fellow, a man who could mix equally well in both Filipino and Western cultures. He was also an extremely shrewd restaurateur, who started with the original Havana in Malate, along with a small club in Malate where a young singer called Gary Valenciano used to do the late night show.

Gary Valenciano became the mega selling OPM star Gary V, and Larry got rich and richer.

Incidently, another Larry Cruz restaurant in Bonifacio High Street is dedicated to Larry's father and features many old photos of him.

Ok local history lesson over.

Member #4351
04-27-11, 19:39
Econo Tech, what does FOC mean? The closest I could find in the abbreviations thread was : FOV Finger Outside Vagina.

SahinAga
04-27-11, 20:57
Econo Tech, what does FOC mean? The closest I could find in the abbreviations thread was : FOV Finger Outside Vagina.Free of charge?

FreebieFan
04-28-11, 04:18
Econo Tech, what does FOC mean? The closest I could find in the abbreviations thread was : FOV Finger Outside Vagina.Common abbreviation in use worldwide. FOC = Free of Charge. The kind of sex I like LOL. And Quite different to FOB, which is in use for when you have a chubby gal on top LOL.

Red Kilt
04-28-11, 04:53
Hi RK. Somewhat sadly Larry passed away a few years back. I'm not sure who is now the head of the company he started. Larry was an absolutely fine fellow, a man who could mix equally well in both Filipino and Western cultures. He was also an extremely shrewd restaurateur, who started with the original Havana in Malate, along with a small club in Malate where a young singer called Gary Valenciano used to do the late night show.

Gary Valenciano became the mega selling OPM star Gary V, and Larry got rich and richer.

Incidently, another Larry Cruz restaurant in Bonifacio High Street is dedicated to Larry's father and features many old photos of him.

Ok local history lesson over. Ahhh thanks for that heads-up FF.

I thought it was Abe, the father, who died but you're right. LJC died in 2008.

Well maybe he might roll over in the grave if he knew that the emphasis on his flagship resto Cafe Havan these days was not food and beverage but something else.

BTW. I am not complaining. As fellow ISG guys can testify, many a pleasant evening has been had at Havana in Greenbelt.

FurryFriend
04-28-11, 05:32
Besides all the items mentioned such as lack of infrastructure, etc, isn't one of the big reasons for low tourism the fact that you don't feel like you are in Asia when you are in PI? As someone else mentioned PI has some beaches but you can ge that many other places. What you get are old churches that look just like the ones in Latin America for example rather than temples and such and medicore food which is not "exotic" or "Asian" like you would get in Thailand or Korea or so forth.Then why do so many people go to Hong Kong? It's pretty much one concrete jungle, with few of the exotic temples you'd expect in a locale like China or rural China.

Besides, there's nothing unexotic about the Philippines. They have a unique hybrid culture that I'd bet many people would like to experience.

PI lacks tourism because it's tourist infrastruture sucks and there is widespread perception it's unsafe to go there. Pure and simple. Do you know how hard it was to buy a Lonely Planet's guide to the Philippines? I went to several bookstores here in California but was unsuccessful. I had to buy it online. People simply don't perceive PI as a place for R&R.

Toronto
04-28-11, 12:53
Then why do so many people go to Hong Kong? It's pretty much one concrete jungle, with few of the exotic temples you'd expect in a locale like China or rural China.

Besides, there's nothing unexotic about the Philippines. They have a unique hybrid culture that I'd bet many people would like to experience.

PI lacks tourism because it's tourist infrastruture sucks and there is widespread perception it's unsafe to go there. Pure and simple. Do you know how hard it was to buy a Lonely Planet's guide to the Philippines? I went to several bookstores here in California but was unsuccessful. I had to buy it online. People simply don't perceive PI as a place for R&R. First of all, if read my post I was simply suggesting another reason and not discounting the other items mentioned. As far as Hong Kong is concerned, people go there for the same reason people go to any big metropolis in Asia or anywhere. Besides, most North Americans or Europeans will feel like they are in Asia in cites like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul or Singapore even if you if you feel they are nothing but concrete jungles.

I never said PI was not exotic, places can be exotic without having to be Asian. I'm not disagreeing with the lack of infrastructure or the preceived dangers. But just remember, many of the people I know for example felt Thailand was dangerous because of what was happening with the demonstrations or what not but that doesn't stop people from going just as what happened in Egypt won't stop people from going there (temporailiy yes but not long term). And the limited availability of guide books is the result of low demand, not the cause of the low demand itself.

Redon
04-29-11, 17:24
I went to visit the Philippines a few months ago. I visited with a nice girl there. A few weeks later, she send me an email that she was pregnant by me, and she wanted me to give her 15, 000 peso for abortion. I did not answer her and now she is threatening me with the Philippine government. She knows the hotel I stayed in and she said she can track me down by hotel registration or my Smart cell phone number. Is this possible?

GregLondon
04-30-11, 02:06
I went to visit the Philippines a few months ago. I visited with a nice girl there. A few weeks later, she send me an email that she was pregnant by me, and she wanted me to give her 15, 000 peso for abortion. I did not answer her and now she is threatening me with the Philippine government. She knows the hotel I stayed in and she said she can track me down by hotel registration or my Smart cell phone number. Is this possible?If she is under say 3 months preg she could take Cytotic tablets costing about 1500P for a 3 months dosage. I think a suction abortion would cost around 10-12 k Peso in Cebu. Very unlikely that the Phil gment would get involved in tracking down fathers of unmarried mums here. If you did have unprotected sex then you have something of a dilemma as she maybe scamming she may be telling the truth. Which is one reason I always use condoms.

GoodEnough
04-30-11, 10:47
I went to visit the Philippines a few months ago. I visited with a nice girl there. A few weeks later, she send me an email that she was pregnant by me, and she wanted me to give her 15, 000 peso for abortion. I did not answer her and now she is threatening me with the Philippine government. She knows the hotel I stayed in and she said she can track me down by hotel registration or my Smart cell phone number. Is this possible?It is probably within the realm of possibility, but then so is the possibility that when you flip a coin it might land on its edge. The odds are so overwhelmingly against her being able to do anything to you that they're minuscule. First, unless you have Smart post-paid and used a foreign address for your account, she can't track you that way. Second, it's highly doubtful the hotel would share information with her. If she's from a "connected" family with lots of money, and knows your correct full name there's a vague possibility that she might be able to prevent your re-entry into the country, but that's dubious as well.

GE

Nvslim
04-30-11, 11:13
Looking for the SMS gateways for Smart and Global.

I do not text but want to send SMS messages to phones in the P. I. With my email program.

Can do it stateside via AT&T and other carriers.

Thanks,

Slim

Marconista
04-30-11, 13:23
You can try www.chikka.com


Looking for the SMS gateways for Smart and Global.

I do not text but want to send SMS messages to phones in the P. I. With my email program.

Can do it stateside via AT&T and other carriers.

Thanks,

Slim

Poolmover
04-30-11, 23:07
All,

Whats the best way to communicate with target mongering flesh met on DIA or at bars, etc? Sometimes chat is not quick enough.

Are personal major brand smart phones from USA recommended? I can't find the SIM card there, which seem to be everywhere. Don't know about that option.

Thanks.

Ekspat
05-01-11, 09:52
Just to share.

I ride a big bike in Malaysia and once I bought a liquid called Rain Move. It's to put it on the visor of the helmet during rain, so that the drops don't stick to the visor. Better and clearer sight.

I had it in my backpack, forgot to take it out and used that backpack for my trip to AC. Neither in KL nor in Clark they detected it (250ml!) and the stuff is declared on the bottle as flammable!

Welcome to flight safety, hehe. On the other hand they make a huge noise because of a bottle of water.

Cheers!