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Good point.
Do you think the ferries will be affected. I might have to go from Cebu to Tagbilaran.Thats pretty far from the Papal activities no worry there. No plans for Francis to have a photo op with a Tarsier.
I have taken that Fast Cat from Cebu to Bohol a few times and Cebu to Siquijor once. Its was always a pleasant experience. Aircon and comfortable seats and pretty cheap too I think like $12?
Alona beach is nice in the evenings. I always brought a girl so not sure about the PUA there.
.....Pope Francis is visiting the Philippines and the country will shut down between those dates.Yes the country is building up to go crazy for and during the Papal visit. It will make the Black Nazarene like a walk in the park.
I have just read that there will no special bullet-proof vehicles or Popemobiles for his visit. Instead one of the Archbishops has called on his flock to "storm heaven with safety prayers". Mmmmm, I hope that this is sufficient to protect the Pope's welfare. But if not, if there is some Papal catastrophe, I wonder if the Archbishop will say "oh well, that was God's will".
Wicked Roger
01-06-15, 10:17
Yes the country is building up to go crazy for and during the Papal visit. It will make the Black Nazarene like a walk in the park.
I have just read that there will no special bullet-proof vehicles or Popemobiles for his visit. Instead one of the Archbishops has called on his flock to "storm heaven with safety prayers". Mmmmm, I hope that this is sufficient to protect the Pope's welfare. But if not, if there is some Papal catastrophe, I wonder if the Archbishop will say "oh well, that was God's will".The church did the same when Yolanda was coming, asking all to pray so there would be no damage and death etc. And look how that turned out.
But am sure the Pope will be safe and the church will then say "look at the power of prayer" conveniently ignoring the Yolanda failure (cherry pick the news like others do in the Philippines).
Apart from saying nothing after the event the church to my knowledge did bugger all to help any of the victims, preferring to keeps the nuns and priests with cash for food to fill their bellies LOL (well I for one have never seen a fat priest / nun in this country, seen some with IPhone 6, Samsung and IPads though).
Econo Tech
01-06-15, 16:54
Yes the country is building up to go crazy for and during the Papal visit. It will make the Black Nazarene like a walk in the park.
I have just read that there will no special bullet-proof vehicles or Popemobiles for his visit. Instead one of the Archbishops has called on his flock to "storm heaven with safety prayers". Mmmmm, I hope that this is sufficient to protect the Pope's welfare. But if not, if there is some Papal catastrophe, I wonder if the Archbishop will say "oh well, that was God's will".Luckily nobody decided to build a Pope-mobile from a Jeepney template! Jeepney, the pride of Philippines, and most unsafe, crappy vehicle, but it does serve a purpose = poor man's public transport!
Wicked Roger: I thought the church claimed that prayers reduced the deaths. Trust me, that kind of wordings evoke strong religious emotions. In Pinas!
As a visitor of the RP as most or all of us are and with some respect the posters, I don't understand how some can compare or judge the customs, beliefs, faiths or even holidays in the RP. RP is what it is. As us Mericans would say "love it or leave it".
Luckily nobody decided to build a Pope-mobile from a Jeepney template! Jeepney, the pride of Philippines, and most unsafe, crappy vehicle, but it does serve a purpose = poor man's public transport!
Wicked Roger: I thought the church claimed that prayers reduced the deaths. Trust me, that kind of wordings evoke strong religious emotions. In Pinas!I think a Pope-mobile would work nicely from a jeepney. Jeepney has a flatbed and just add a pop top on it! Jeepneys are indeed public transportation. I wouldn't say it is a poor man's transport, I ride them and I am not poor.
WestCoast1
01-07-15, 15:36
As us Mericans would say "love it or leave it".That's what cano did with the British mothership. Once we moved to 'merca' we found a better motto: "Change it for the better".
I am always pleased when I can say that something happened to me for the first time. Today, I went to Terminal 4 of the Manila airport, which services some of the more remote provinces. When I went into the bathroom to use the toilet, I was at first bummed out to realize that it had no TP only to be further amazed to discover that the toilet included a functioning bidet attached to the toilet. I wonder how that decision came about?
I am pretty sure there are very few bidets in public bathrooms at airports anywhere in the world.
Member #4351
01-07-15, 20:30
I am pretty sure there are very few bidets in public bathrooms at airports anywhere in the world.Also in Jakarta.
FreebieFan
01-08-15, 01:40
As a visitor of the RP as most or all of us are and with some respect the posters, I don't understand how some can compare or judge the customs, beliefs, faiths or even holidays in the RP. RP is what it is. As us Mericans would say "love it or leave it".Perhaps a less strident, less opinionated, board might suit you?
RP is what it is, and those of us who live there, invest there, spend time and money there have a fully free right to express an opinion about it.
Or should free speech go out the window, the way the good allah uh akbaristas would like it?
A country that has 5 days of holidays in December plus a few more days in January because of a high profile visitor obviously creates comments because of the nature of it.
Read the comments from the educated Filipinos in the comments section of The Inquirer who for weeks have been wondering why the country has to shut down for 3 days because of a high profile visitor. They freely express an opinion, so why shouldn't the board members here. Every board on ISG has members who makes judgements and comparisons. Nothing different here. Love the board or leave it?
Perhaps a less strident, less opinionated, board might suit you?
RP is what it is, and those of us who live there, invest there, spend time and money there have a fully free right to express an opinion about it.
Or should free speech go out the window, the way the good allah uh akbaristas would like it?
A country that has 5 days of holidays in December plus a few more days in January because of a high profile visitor obviously creates comments because of the nature of it.
Read the comments from the educated Filipinos in the comments section of The Inquirer who for weeks have been wondering why the country has to shut down for 3 days because of a high profile visitor. They freely express an opinion, so why shouldn't the board members here. Every board on ISG has members who makes judgements and comparisons. Nothing different here. Love the board or leave it?I truly welcome free expression here. Even at $19.95 a year. I was merely asking for an understanding. I can't understand why a first world educated person (s) would expect or compare a first world education in a third world country. If someone makes a judgement or comparison I imagine I have the right to ask about it. On the the other hand if they are just ranting (granted free speech) just say so and I won't ask any questions. Fair enough?
FreebieFan
01-08-15, 04:34
I truly welcome free expression here. Even at $19.95 a year. I was merely asking for an understanding. I can't understand why a first world educated person (s) would expect or compare a first world education in a third world country. If someone makes a judgement or comparison I imagine I have the right to ask about it. On the the other hand if they are just ranting (granted free speech) just say so and I won't ask any questions. Fair enough?I think we both make fair comments.
The education level and the comments about it have come up several times in past several years. Some of us were blessed to be born in countries where a reasonable standard of education is the norm.
Others arent so lucky and are also deprived an education because of various governmental inefficiencies and population that is breeding itself into mass overcrowding, ably assisted by.
(free speech about to start) a church that neither cares nor thinks beyond its own selfish backwards, antiquated values that were last relevant many centuries previously.
There is also the addition of those that have a natural curiosity about the world doing some self learning. They become the smart ones.
The board works well within certain parameters. The challenge is, all our in built parameters are not exactly in synch.
Econo Tech
01-09-15, 04:39
I think a Pope-mobile would work nicely from a jeepney. Jeepney has a flatbed and just add a pop top on it! Jeepneys are indeed public transportation. I wouldn't say it is a poor man's transport, I ride them and I am not poor.I think I was not far off. Somebody has made a Pope Mobile, made in a Jeepney format.
P.S, about the poor-mans' transport, I meant, with nearly no bus transport in certain areas, those who don't have a car have only Jeepneys to resort to, including Baguio!
As a visitor of the RP as most or all of us are and with some respect the posters, I don't understand how some can compare or judge the customs, beliefs, faiths or even holidays in the RP. RP is what it is. As us Mericans would say "love it or leave it".I guess the board allowed some tongue in cheek comments about locals and their customs, which is humurous at times, but also has saved a few skins, when you understand how the locals react, in certain situation.
Plus. Some of us here are more than "Visitors" . To RP!
I think I was not far off. Somebody has made a Pope Mobile, made in a Jeepney format.
P.S, about the poor-mans' transport, I meant, with nearly no bus transport in certain areas, those who don't have a car have only Jeepneys to resort to, including Baguio!
I guess the board allowed some tongue in cheek comments about locals and their customs, which is humurous at times, but also has saved a few skins, when you understand how the locals react, in certain situation.
Plus. Some of us here are more than "Visitors" . To RP!I think you misse the point. The jeepney is the bus transportation. You might not recognize it as The one we all drew with crayons in school. But it is a bus. Yes we are either short term or longer term visitors residing here.
I have a trip coming up and was curious what the general consensus was on the scene's in Manila and Angeles City. How many days out of 6 should be spent in each location? Instead of a ton of comments, I'd try a poll to see which options would be the best choice.
Poll: http://goo.gl/fKyLXh.
I have a trip coming up and was curious what the general consensus was on the scene's in Manila and Angeles City. How many days out of 6 should be spent in each location? Instead of a ton of comments, I'd try a poll to see which options would be the best choice.
Poll: http://goo.gl/fKyLXh.2 days in Manila, 3rd day travel to AC and the balance in AC.
BrainDrain
01-12-15, 04:32
I have a trip coming up and was curious what the general consensus was on the scene's in Manila and Angeles City. How many days out of 6 should be spent in each location? Instead of a ton of comments, I'd try a poll to see which options would be the best choice.
Poll: http://goo.gl/fKyLXh.My suggestion is initially in AC to get a feel for the place. Having just spent a few days there last week the problem I had was trying to fit too much into a short time. Find some girls, yes take a different one each hour, but do take the time at some stage to stop and just have a couple of the nicer girls that you get along with stick around.
Also, if you are transiting the cities, you can also take a lady with you for the journey.
Enjoy your travels.
I have a trip coming up and was curious what the general consensus was on the scene's in Manila and Angeles City. How many days out of 6 should be spent in each location? Instead of a ton of comments, I'd try a poll to see which options would be the best choice.
Poll: http://goo.gl/fKyLXh.There are only a few of reasons to go to Manila.
1) You have a love for crazy, hectic, megalopolis (I do, personally, but that's me).
2) You are extremely, extremely picky about looks (9's and 10's only) - in which case EDSA and Burgos have better looking women in general (much more expensive).
3) Interested in "normal" entertainment / higher end eating for this trip.
For six days, I would personally stay in AC unless you meet one or all criteria above. There are some very ggood restaurants in Makati, and some cool "regular" discos and clubs all around.
I will arrive in Manila Sunday night in about 4 weeks for only 3 days. Monger Kings, what would be my best move for maximum fun? I thought to just go to AC right from the airport, but then I guess I will be only dealing with pros.
I don't want to waste my time as I don't know when and if I can do it again. I also thought to try and pull some young non pro stuff in the Mall of Asia. I would like to do this 2, maybe 3 times a day. Is this realistic?
I have been anticipating this trip for some time now. It will be at the end of a more serious trip in another Please help and advise. I wanted to go to Bangkok, but this is now not possible due to finances and time.
BrainDrain
01-12-15, 08:22
I will arrive in Manila Sunday night in about 4 weeks for only 3 days. Monger Kings, what would be my best move for maximum fun? I thought to just go to AC right from the airport, but then I guess I will be only dealing with pros.
Organise Action Travel to pick you up and ferry you directly to AC. Walk out of your hotel and enjoy yourself for three days of great fun.
Book your return airport transfer so that you don't forget it in your sex infused haze. I always do. Yes the transfers with whomever are more expensive that taxi / bus / trike but it is convenience and you get met at the airport.
Your three days can consist of pros, semi pros and general hookups. Chat to a few other guys in the bars and they will make some recommendations.
I don't think you have time for the Mall scene. It takes a little patience and you only have three days. In this situation, the service economy of Angeles is wired to treat you to a good time.
What's your daily budget and hotel?
BF in the bars I was in last week were P1500 - P2500.
I want to go back.
Wicked Roger
01-12-15, 10:42
Because Pope Francis is visiting the Philippines and the country will shut down between those dates.
There are national holidays declared for Jan 15,16 and 19. I can't believe that Monday is a holiday; he leaves on that day to go home.
Unbelievable.Just to update RK and others FRs, the link is a list of roads closed because the Pope is in town.
Not knowing Manila as well as others it still seems a lot and some main routes also. It will be gridlock I am sure so am glad am out of Manila this week and am sure many would take the same option if they could (even the Catholics LOL).
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/12/1412134/list-metro-manila-roads-closed-pope-visit
Radical Guy
01-12-15, 11:43
Has anyone tried using Uber to get from the Manila airport to AC?
IllusionHeart
01-12-15, 14:56
I have a trip coming up and was curious what the general consensus was on the scene's in Manila and Angeles City. How many days out of 6 should be spent in each location? Instead of a ton of comments, I'd try a poll to see which options would be the best choice.
Poll: http://goo.gl/fKyLXh.Breadman, I also have a maiden trip lined up in April and I voted on your poll and got the same split that I have been planning for myself.
4 days in AC, 2 days in Manila. Though I will be spending 5 nights in AC and will be booking ABC for my stay shortly. I gather that staying in Makati would be better for the 2 nights reasons being.
1. I am into young girls especially lookers and it seems that Burgos street and EDSA would be my best options. I am ok to pay a slight premium I. E. 3 k to 5 k pesos for LT. I am not to keen on MBC and might take a peek though on second day.
2. I would be landing at 8. 30 pm from Singapore hence would want to stay close to action areas of my choice hence makati.
Would welcome suggestions on area to stay considering my preference for girls and the options I should explore. My budget for hotel would be between 50 to 80 USD per night.
TIA.
Has anyone tried using Uber to get from the Manila airport to AC?Uber can't pick up at the airport. They can only drop off there. I asked.
GoodEnough
01-12-15, 23:10
Uber can't pick up at the airport. They can only drop off there. I asked.News to me. I get picked up by an Uber car at the airport frequently. The last time was last week.
GE.
I've been in the country continuously for a year now on a tourist visa so it's time to start thinking about making a visa run. I'm fully aware of the exit clearance requirement. Has anybody made a visa run lately? If so, where to and how long were you gone for? Best case scenario for me would be to leave from Clark, go someplace cheap and close and turn around and come back ASAP. Anybody done this lately?
GoodEnough
01-13-15, 10:49
For those who may have read the report about Uber's alleged inability to pick up at the airport, it's not true. I've just been picked up for the third consecutive week at Terminal 3 with no problems. I activated the Uber app as I was walking off the plane and the driver was in the airport by the time I got outside. The cost of the ride to Makati was Php193, and I paid the Php20 Skyway toll.
GE.
I've been in the country continuously for a year now on a tourist visa so it's time to start thinking about making a visa run. I'm fully aware of the exit clearance requirement. Has anybody made a visa run lately? If so, where to and how long were you gone for? Best case scenario for me would be to leave from Clark, go someplace cheap and close and turn around and come back ASAP. Anybody done this lately?This doesn't answer your question (sorry) but the cheapest AirAsia and Cebu Pacific fares are often to Malaysia, and the best fares are a couple of months before departure.
Before you book a flight and board an aeroplane let me ask you this: Why are you leaving after 12 months? I don't know your nationality but those from several countries that are granted visa on arrival, i.e. non-visa required, are allowed to stay up to 36 months without having to depart to do a visa run.
From the immigration bureau's website, http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/extensionofstay.
Under Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2013-003, a non-visa required national may extend their stay up to thirty-six (36) months while visa required national may extend their stay up to twenty-four (24) months. You may apply for one (1) month, two (2) months or six (6) months extensions at least one week prior to the expiration of your valid stay.
Often I've applied on the final day of my visa and on one occasion applied 2 days after my visa expired. No problems. I've always used Makati office.
For those who may have read the report about Uber's alleged inability to pick up at the airport, it's not true.
I am happy to stand corrected. Like many Pinoys the driver was probably trying to give me the answer he thought I expected.
I like to end my trip with a couple of days in Makati (after a week or so in AC) - the accommodation, food and infrastructure are better. And it's a much shorter ride to the airport in the morning. My preference is always the Dusit Thani.
If you're willing to pay the premium associated with staying in a 4 star hotel, this is probably the best one (club rooms are especially great as they come with an awesome breakfast buffet and cocktail hour at the Penthouse lounge). Also, the restaurant on the ground floor (buffet) has some of the best food I've had in the PI (OK. I know that's a low bar, but really. It's top notch. Carving stations. Sushi, deserts, etc.) Man can't live on punani alone! Of course. The hotel is super girl-friendly and. Literally - across the street from the mall. The New World Makati is a solid alternative. It's located across the street from the Havana Cafe (and a Starbucks), so the convenience factor is there as well. I stayed at the Diamond several years ago, but this is not in Makati. And the neighborhood leaves a bit to be desired. The hotel was amazing, but I'm a bit of a snob (sorry) - I like the "better" neighborhood. Hope this information is helpful. I do not own stock in any of the hotels listed above.
I put my stomach issues here as I don't think it is proper in AC tread. May God or the papal forgive me.
Anyway I have experienced some bad stomach issues the last couple of months. I can track it back to some seafood I ate in Soi 11 as my stomach suddenly where achin of pain. At first I did not think of it to much as I thought it was some sort of instant food poisining. I bought some meds at the pharmacia to ease my pain doing the Imodium routine and adding in some tabs caring the stomach cramps. After this experience I have not, until yesterday, had a proper shit and on and off with achin pains in the abdominal region.
After reading with great interest in the AC tread about the Ciprofloxacin I consulted my inhouse doc (close friend which happens to be touring the great Canadian outback at the moment). Got the hold of him through a rather shitty satelite phone and he told me that the meds at stake here had a wide range of taking care of various sorts of bacterial stomach issues. He underlined this was not a proper examination and a stool sample would be of great interest to direct me to the actual cause of my pains. But as he knows me I don't need it perfect so He recomended me to atleast try the Ciprofloxacin as in try it one or two times dont make me resistant permanently in case it did not work out as i wished for.
So yesterday arriving in BKK I bought 20 tabs(500mg) of drug mentioned. I popped 2 tabs and after 2-3 hours I popped another 3. Shortly after i had the first proper shit (firm in its holdings with the genuine colour) in months. Could almost feel my stomach recalibrated into its old fashion. I have got myself a new lovestory dealing with drugs and now feel I am in heaven. I look so forward to my next toilet moment. Thank you forum and its contributors to guide me into the heaven of Ciprofloxacin.It is amazing to me that you put up with your stomach discomfort as long as you did, but perhaps the worst thing you did other than not seeking medical advice was taking loperamide or Imodium for these obvious stomach aliments. The only reason to take Imodium is if you absolutely don't want to have a bowel movement, like when traveling. If you think you can overcome a stomach issue like you described, you want the rid the bowel of as many of the contaminants as possible; so, eating high fiber foods and drinking lots of water is the best. Then, the issue might pass.
Wicked Roger
01-15-15, 10:45
It is amazing to me that you put up with your stomach discomfort as long as you did, but perhaps the worst thing you did other than not seeking medical advice was taking loperamide or Imodium for these obvious stomach aliments. The only reason to take Imodium is if you absolutely don't want to have a bowel movement, like when traveling. If you think you can overcome a stomach issue like you described, you want the rid the bowel of as many of the contaminants as possible; so, eating high fiber foods and drinking lots of water is the best. Then, the issue might pass.I always enjoy Skogis FRs even it is about toiletry matters LOL.
But my simple advice if you get a bad stomach is to drink lots of water (not ice cold!) for 24 hours and flush the nasty bugs away. Then a slice of dry toast, maybe a banana and a flat warmish soda. And see f you keep it down.
Someone recommended to boil rice and drink the rice water (not eat the rice). This has also helped me in the past.
If after that it persists see a doctor etc. I never take Imodium etc. That just keeps the bugs in the stomach.
But I agree why suffer in silence for so long (well at least made a interesting read for me from the normal FR on this thread LOL).
Cunning Stunt
01-15-15, 15:42
I am happy to stand corrected. Like many Pinoys the driver was probably trying to give me the answer he thought I expected.Maybe he meant using the GrabTaxi app. That would be difficult as I don't think empty meter taxi's are allowed past the security gate. Works fine elsewhere though, particularly in areas with poor Uber coverage.
Coke with salt and then a banana to get back potassium.
I always enjoy Skogis FRs even it is about toiletry matters LOL.
But my simple advice if you get a bad stomach is to drink lots of water (not ice cold!) for 24 hours and flush the nasty bugs away. Then a slice of dry toast, maybe a banana and a flat warmish soda. And see f you keep it down.
Someone recommended to boil rice and drink the rice water (not eat the rice). This has also helped me in the past.
If after that it persists see a doctor etc. I never take Imodium etc. That just keeps the bugs in the stomach.
But I agree why suffer in silence for so long (well at least made a interesting read for me from the normal FR on this thread LOL).
Member #4387
01-15-15, 17:21
I always enjoy Skogis FRs even it is about toiletry matters LOL.Hehe thanks WR. For those who followed my self medication attempt I am now all fine. Toiletmoments are once again a blessing. And thanks to you guys PM me and advicing against it. To you I will say, yes, I know we should not do like I did. To my defence I consulted my in house doc (he is a real doc with papers and long experience, he is not a shaman). He did a swift telephone excamination where I did described my symptoms, color and firmness (or lack of it) of my shit and last but not least the timeline (when I first noticed something was wrong). I say next whiskey bottle is on me for us to share when he returns from his wilderness experience. As he is my friend he only wants his payment in drinks and maby an occational meal.
Due to the Pope's visit the government has directed the mobile service providers disrupt service intermittently. I was without service for a couple of hours yesterday and again this morning.
"We apologize for the temporary interruption of mobile phone services last night which was ordered by government authorities in the interest of public safety. Please bear with us if similar situations occur in the next few days during the Papal visit. ".
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/01/16/15/no-signal-smart-globe-apologize-service-disruption
I was just out for lunch in Robinsons Ermita, still no mobile network, it sucks.
Wicked Roger
01-16-15, 10:44
Due to the Pope's visit the government has directed the mobile service providers disrupt service intermittently. I was without service for a couple of hours yesterday and again this morning.
"We apologize for the temporary interruption of mobile phone services last night which was ordered by government authorities in the interest of public safety. Please bear with us if similar situations occur in the next few days during the Papal visit. ".
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/01/16/15/no-signal-smart-globe-apologize-service-disruptionBizarrely I received a text message from Globe saying it was adding cell sites to make sure the speed and coverage for the visit would be improved as so many would be using the network.
Now if they can do that for the Pope's visit why not always (? Oh yes means investment which some don't want to do unless the consumer foots the bill for it plus extras or someone can't get the 'bung' big enough maybe LOL).
Member #4643
01-21-15, 16:04
Can one buy the morning after pill. Often called Plan B in the USA, in the Philippines? Just in case of an accident?
Is a prescription necessary?
Thanks!
Member #4351
01-21-15, 16:13
Forest, I got this off a webpage sometime ago and stuck it in my Dropbox:
It is surprising that many Filipinos still don't know much about the morning-after pill. There are several regular contraceptive pills you can use for this purpose: Lady, Microgynon 30, Nordette, Rigevidon 21+7, Trinordiol, Tri-Regol, Nordiol 21, Femenal, Logynon. Those pills either have a combination of Levonorgestrel / Estradiol or Norgestrel / Estradiol. The amounts of hormones also vary among brands thus there are different dosages for these pills. For example:
*Lady, Microgynon, Nordette - 4 tabs taken as soon as possible after coitus (not more than 72 hrs) then 4 more tabs taken 12 hrs later.
*Femenal - 2 tabs within 72 hrs then another 2 tabs 12 hrs later.
The most common reactions are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps. The nausea can be very severe but they subside after a day. There are more serious side effects like stroke (usually among smokers) but the incidence is rare.
2 tabs of Bonamine one hour before taking the pills can lessen the nausea and vomiting which are common side-effects.
Can one buy the morning after pill. Often called Plan B in the USA, in the Philippines? Just in case of an accident?
Is a prescription necessary?
Thanks!I use to carry that with me in my bag of tricks before my vasectomy luckily I never had to use it. I brought it from the US. Having it in your hands is the simple part. Getting the girl to take is is the real challange. Be prepared for some fireworks. Giving her that is basically saying 'take these * so we can kill pur / your baby!" that's what she will hear. Most Pinay would refuse to take those, especially if they are young and childless. I'd say 90% of the them I have been with over there. Evens ones you just met. Older ladies with kids, hardened pros and more educated ones may be more flexible but I don't have as much experience with them.
It is surprising that many Filipinos still don't know much about the morning-after pill.Actually its surprising when Pinays know anything about any form of birth control or even understand their fertility cycle. Their mindset is more like the post WWII generation here in the US in my parents time.
What is best, to show up with US dollars or use the ATM's in the Airport for initial pesos?
What is best, to show up with US dollars or use the ATM's in the Airport for initial pesos?Cash. Why? You'll have an ATM fee of p200 charged by the ATM's bank. Your bank will also charge you a fee. Or two. Then you have the exchange rate, which in my experience is not as good as what the money changer will give you. Contact your bank to inform them you'll be using your credit / debit card overseas and to ask about the fee(s).
Note: there has been a lot written in ISG's Philippine threads about ATM fees so dig back and you may find relevant recommendations about which bank(s) to use.
Cash. Why? You'll have an ATM fee of p200 charged by the ATM's bank. Your bank will also charge you a fee. Or two. Then you have the exchange rate, which in my experience is not as good as what the money changer will give you. Contact your bank to inform them you'll be using your credit / debit card overseas and to ask about the fee(s). I work for various short assignments in all of the ASEAN countries plus Mongolia, and I have a contrary view to Hutsori's (except for his important advice to make sure your bnk knows that you are using your card in X countries).
In all of my travels over the past 21 years, I ALWAYS use ATMs, because I am not charged bank fees and the forex from my bank for ATM withdrawals and credit purchases is always as good as the money changers. I carry $200 usd in cash (some in small bills) in case the ATM (s) at the airport is (are) not working and I need some form of cash currency.
I use HSBC (account based in Philippines).
I work for various short assignments in all of the ASEAN countries plus Mongolia, and I have a contrary view to Hutsori's (except for his important advice to make sure your bnk knows that you are using your card in X countries).
In all of my travels over the past 21 years, I ALWAYS use ATMs, because I am not charged bank fees and the forex from my bank for ATM withdrawals and credit purchases is always as good as the money changers. I carry $200 usd in cash (some in small bills) in case the ATM (s) at the airport is (are) not working and I need some form of cash currency.
I use HSBC (account based in Philippines).Red is correct because (I assume) he did his due diligence and choose his bank wisely. I suspect for many here their homeland banks don't offer such desirably advantageous-to-the-traveler terms. I was getting screwed on fees and the exchange rate using the ATMs before I used my noggin, jumped ship, opened a local account, and transfer large sums from overseas periodically. This is why I mentioned one ought to contact one's bank to find out what fees will be levied.
Transporter
01-22-15, 07:16
What is best, to show up with US dollars or use the ATM's in the Airport for initial pesos?Its always good practice to have and use all available.
Have cash available as credit cards and ATMs go down every now and then.
Use ATMs (bank cards that don't charge a fee I use a debit card) as needed keeping a good stash of cash in case of emergency.
Storms roll in and out of there at will. You need to make sure you have enough cash on hand to survive if you get stuck.
Cash. Why? You'll have an ATM fee of p200 charged by the ATM's bank. Your bank will also charge you a fee. Or two. Then you have the exchange rate, which in my experience is not as good as what the money changer will give you. Contact your bank to inform them you'll be using your credit / debit card overseas and to ask about the fee(s).
Note: there has been a lot written in ISG's Philippine threads about ATM fees so dig back and you may find relevant recommendations about which bank(s) to use.Thanks for the Info. I did read back in the forum on this regarding fees, so opened both a Captitolone360 and a Charlesswab account, but I find the Captiol360 charge some fees. So I opened a CS account. It should be active today. I will test it out to see how long the transfer takes and stuff. I will also, bring cash.
Its always good practice to have and use all available.
Have cash available as credit cards and ATMs go down every now and then.
Use ATMs (bank cards that don't charge a fee I use a debit card) as needed keeping a good stash of cash in case of emergency.
Storms roll in and out of there at will. You need to make sure you have enough cash on hand to survive if you get stuck.Awesome and insightful advice my man. I will keep it close!!
Awesome and insightful advice my man. I will keep it close!!Less than a month, my loins are aching.
Thanks for the Info. I did read back in the forum on this regarding fees, so opened both a Captitolone360 and a Charlesswab account, but I find the Captiol360 charge some fees. So I opened a CS account. It should be active today. I will test it out to see how long the transfer takes and stuff. I will also, bring cash.Glad I checked, when I opened the account. It take 3 days when making a deposit. So I will have to consider when I transfer to checking from brokerage, it takes 3 days to clear to checking account. But it is free in the Charles Swaub, FYI.
Glad I checked, when I opened the account. It take 3 days when making a deposit. So I will have to consider when I transfer to checking from brokerage, it takes 3 days to clear to checking account. But it is free in the Charles Swaub, FYI.Just FYI, I will verify FYI in a day or 2.
BrainDrain
01-22-15, 21:38
What is best, to show up with US dollars or use the ATM's in the Airport for initial pesos?Don't over estimate the amount of cash that you need to have on hand though.
US $200 cash is the most I ever keep or carry into the country.
Accom charges go to credit card which is the major expense.
I am out of the country now, but not in the Phils. I opened up a Schwab account just for the forex benefits. Both my E-Trade account and Schwab refund "foreign ATM fees" but E-Trade seems to think that a 1%"foreign currency transaction" charge is appropriate. So Schwab is better for cash withdrawals. I used both cards at the same machine one after another to check this. Now, I think Schwab does charge if you use the debit feature for a purchase. However, I never make purchases with a debit card. I use Capital One if I need or choose to use a credit card and they have never charged me squat. Also, I am constantly comparing the rate I get from the ATM to what I can get on the street and in my experience, the less liquid or popular the currency, the better it is to change money, and the more liquid, the better it is to use the ATM.
I use Capital One if I need or choose to use a credit card and they have never charged me squat. Also, I am constantly comparing the rate I get from the ATM to what I can get on the street and in my experience, the less liquid or popular the currency, the better it is to change money, and the more liquid, the better it is to use the ATM.Nice information. I will keep money in both Capitolone, to use for a debit or credit card and CS for ATM withdrawals.
Member #4387
01-27-15, 14:09
Not so much better in the Norwegian protest antic environment:
http://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/2015/01/27/216576/prest-brukte-over-15-millioner-pa-prostituerte-i-spania
You probably want to translate it.
If she is "God Fearing" to do the procedure in PH, quickly get her to Singapore, and if it is early stage, you can get it over fast.
Avoid the likes of Cytotech, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
That's my 2 cents of Gynae knowledge I know.Only issue as far as I know Singapore doesn't allow abortion procedures for tourist visa holders from what I saw in there laws and what some of the clinics say on there websites.
Econo Tech
02-06-15, 05:29
Only issue as far as I know Singapore doesn't allow abortion procedures for tourist visa holders from what I saw in there laws and what some of the clinics say on there websites.Since when?
I know enough who have flown in just for the abortion.
Govt clinics are bound to not do the procedure on tourist visa holders, but not private. They are not breaking any laws as well.
Wicked Roger
02-06-15, 13:57
Now this was / has been posted in Cebu as it is based in Cebu but delivers all over the country.
Now some on the board will not like this FR as it links to a shop that IMHO gives the girls pleasure when we are away etc or when we with them as part of the fun LOL.
This is a good place based in Cebu and prices are OK IMHO, seen a few in the Philippines and really over priced.
So if any monger needs a toy or 10 (try this. Collars etc also can be found at various pet stores in BTC and Ayala LOL (if Manila just change the shops name and location!
http://sex-toys-philippines.com/
Was married to a Filipina for 21 years from Iloilo, been about 10 years since I was back to the PI.
Want to go back in May for a milestone birthday. Going to spend about a week in AC. But would love to sample the real girls too for about 10 days.
In fact, would love to lay groundwork for living there and keeping a couple girls who are friendly with each other on a weekly allowance.
Don't really like the traffic and noise of Manila.
Private messages are fine, don't worry. Won't give away your secret city / town.
Thanks for your time.
Was married to a Filipina for 21 years from Iloilo, been about 10 years since I was back to the PI.
Want to go back in May for a milestone birthday. Going to spend about a week in AC. But would love to sample the real girls too for about 10 days.
In fact, would love to lay groundwork for living there and keeping a couple girls who are friendly with each other on a weekly allowance.
Don't really like the traffic and noise of Manila.Cebu City is the place to check out for real GFE. Girls congregate there from all over the Visayas for work and school. Start lining up a few from the dating websites. You can fly there direct from Clark!
Wicked Roger
02-07-15, 10:47
Want to go back in May for a milestone birthday. Going to spend about a week in AC. But would love to sample the real girls too for about 10 days.
In fact, would love to lay groundwork for living there and keeping a couple girls who are friendly with each other on a weekly allowance...I would agree with BM that Cebu is a good place. If you have a milestone birthday then AC is also a place purely for a nasty party but it an be arranged in Cebu with college girls as well LOL.
Friend had his 60th in AC and his pinay wife arranged a good sex arty with friends plus a few girls she picked up the bar (she was bisexual so she chose well).
Come to Cebu as I really like the place and lots of cute Cebuanas will look after you.
PM me if you want more information.
Cebu City is the place to check out for real GFE. Girls congregate there from all over the Visayas for work and school. Start lining up a few from the dating websites. You can fly there direct from Clark!Yes, this has been my exact modus operandi for the past several trips. The Cebuanas are superb! Find a special one and take her to a resort in South Cebu. You will both enjoy it!
Thanks guys!
I had been leaning to Cebu. Now you guys definitely sealed the deal for me. That I need yahoo check it out for myself. Turning 50 may not be so bad after all. LOL.
Radical Guy
02-09-15, 08:52
Is it just me, or do Philippine restaurants use something funky to fry foods in? Without fail, whenever I get fries or anything else fried, there is always this gross aftertaste that seems unique to the Philippines. I can usually smell it when walking by any place that fries stuff. Even the pricey hotels that serve French fries has that weird aftertaste.
RG.
Member #4643
02-09-15, 09:13
Was married to a Filipina for 21 years from Iloilo, been about 10 years since I was back to the PI.
Want to go back in May for a milestone birthday. Going to spend about a week in AC. But would love to sample the real girls too for about 10 days.
In fact, would love to lay groundwork for living there and keeping a couple girls who are friendly with each other on a weekly allowance.
Don't really like the traffic and noise of Manila.
Private messages are fine, don't worry. Won't give away your secret city / town.
Thanks for your time.I have been to Manila three times and Cebu once. Lots of regular girl fun in either location. Its hard to go wrong in the Philippines, I think, if you want regular girl fun. I have even had girls from Palawan ask to shack up for me for a week of scuba diving and sex.
P4 P is different. Manila is definitely much better than Cebu and (I have been told and I have also read on this site) most other places except for AC / Subic have lousy P4 P. But if you don't mind an occasional date that does not end up in bed, who needs P4 P in the Phils?
Obviously, I have limited experience in the Phils, but I think that anyone who lives in the country full time will have his choice of beautiful and willing women.
LuvAsianTang
02-09-15, 17:15
Is it just me, or do Philippine restaurants use something funky to fry foods in? Without fail, whenever I get fries or anything else fried, there is always this gross aftertaste that seems unique to the Philippines. I can usually smell it when walking by any place that fries stuff. Even the pricey hotels that serve French fries has that weird aftertaste.
RG.That would be the smell and taste of over used fry oil. That stuff needs to be replaced when it's been used a certain amount of times and that also depends on what they are frying in it. If it's not replaced then you get the taste and smell of the rancid fry oil. One of my many jobs as a teenager was fry cook at mc d's and another smaller chain who's name now eludes me (to many hits of acid as a teenager I guess LOL) and it was one of my more distasteful duties to change the oil in the fryers.
L A T.
That would be the smell and taste of over used fry oil. That stuff needs to be replaced when it's been used a certain amount of times and that also depends on what they are frying in it. If it's not replaced then you get the taste and smell of the rancid fry oil. One of my many jobs as a teenager was fry cook at mc d's and another smaller chain who's name now eludes me (to many hits of acid as a teenager I guess LOL) and it was one of my more distasteful duties to change the oil in the fryers.
L A T.Thank you guys for the info. I was wondering the same thing and I thought I was too sensitive. Do you also think that they use coconut oil to fry?
Thank you guys for the info. I was wondering the same thing and I thought I was too sensitive. Do you also think that they use coconut oil to fry?Yes, and palm oil. But to what extent for each I don't know. All I know is that my (Asian) doctor when I got back home rolled her eyes and added cholesterol tests to some blood work I was getting done anyway when she found out I'd been to the Philippines. She thinks I'm borderline high but I'm not really. They have few qualms about mixing whatever previously went into the fryer as well. Vegetarians beware!
Thank you guys for the info. I was wondering the same thing and I thought I was too sensitive. Do you also think that they use coconut oil to fry?I doubt most places use coconut oil. Coconut oil cost more than generic vegtable oil. The problem with taste maybe that they fry fish / seafood with everything else in the same fryer.
Member #4566
02-11-15, 05:44
I doubt most places use coconut oil. Coconut oil cost more than generic vegtable oil. The problem with taste maybe that they fry fish / seafood with everything else in the same fryer.Coconut oil is pretty cheap in the PI.
Coconut oil is pretty cheap in the PI.No it's not Pomp.
See DG's earlier post.
Coconut oil is expensive compared to the crap cheap oils that they use for frying.
Forget about canola or any other "healthy" oils. They go for the saturated stuff because it's a lot cheaper.
I can barely walk through or near any of the mall food courts nowadays because of the awful smell of the rancid cooking oil (as well as other mixed odors).
I have lived here for 18 years but it gets worse each day for me.
Forget about canola or any other "healthy" oils. They go for the saturated stuff because it's a lot cheaper.Ignoring most of the myths and suspicions about canola oil, one thing not in doubt is that the vast majority is genetically modified (GMO). One to avoid *if* GMO puts you off. Maybe some others are too.
Gentleman, I'm planning my first trip to Philippines and would like some advice. I tend to always go to Brazil (I love that country) but want to try a new location. Any suggestions on a location in the Philippines where I'd be next to beautiful beaches, good place for swimming, hiking, diving, and other outdoor adventure in a very pretty area. However, in the evening I like to chase non pros, and also there also needs to be a decent pro scene with some night life. I'd like to be in an area with at least 50 working women. If I just wanted to just party I'd go to Angels or Manila -- but like I stated, I also wanted time for chlling at the beach. It can be a small town or much larger. Any of you experts have any suggestions? With over 7000 islands, its a bit overwheming to find what I'm looking for. Anything similar to Bali or Phuket? Its ok if its a much smaller town.
Fast Eddie 48
02-12-15, 01:10
Gentleman, I'm planning my first trip to Philippines and would like some advice. I tend to always go to Brazil (I love that country) but want to try a new location. Any suggestions on a location in the Philippines where I'd be next to beautiful beaches, good place for swimming, hiking, diving, and other outdoor adventure in a very pretty area. However, in the evening I like to chase non pros, and also there also needs to be a decent pro scene with some night life. I'd like to be in an area with at least 50 working women. If I just wanted to just party I'd go to Angels or Manila -- but like I stated, I also wanted time for chlling at the beach. It can be a small town or much larger. Any of you experts have any suggestions? With over 7000 islands, its a bit overwheming to find what I'm looking for. Anything similar to Bali or Phuket? Its ok if its a much smaller town.To New Bound.
If you like Scuba Diving Bohol Panglao island is great and it is very cheap to dive here also some nice beach here also, Cebu and Boracay also have some good beach but it is a lot of tourist and expensive, I never been to Palawan I heard El Nino under water garden have great scuba diving too, I also dive Bali and Thailand before I think PI is better and better value,
Fast eddie 48.
Pip Jaeger
02-12-15, 04:23
To New Bound. If you like Scuba Diving Bohol Panglao island is great and it is very cheap to dive here also some nice beach here also, Cebu and Boracay also have some good beach but it is a lot of tourist and expensive, I never been to Palawan I heard El Nino under water garden have great scuba diving too,.At FE, yes, the places you mention (along with many others) offer great diving, but there's no real P4 P scene at them, which is what the OP requested. Only places I can think of for any thing close to one stop shopping would be Subic and Puerto Galera. Though each place has it's own limitations.
Erasmus B Dragin
02-12-15, 04:26
FE is probably referring to Alona Beach, Panglao. The beach is nice, diving is excellent in season (when turbulence is low and visibility is high; whale sharks feed daily just off the coast), and there's a bit of night life but no obvious p4 p. When I was there I brought my own girl from Manila so was not really looking. Tourism there is maybe 50/50 mix of pinoys and foreigners, mostly westerners.
Palawan offers more in the way of p4 p (esp Puerta Princessa), as well as good diving, fair to excellent beaches and other activities (eco park, underground river, etc). Unfortunatley these things are not located in one area, but spread out. Beaches near PP, for example, are just fair, and you have to take day trips for decent diving. The best beaches are far from nightlife and developed areas and offer no convenient p4 p options. Of course, in PI, there are always options for meeting willing lasses, but it's far from a sure thing if you're staying at some beach resort on a small island near El Nido.
If finding ladies is your first priority, you should consider Barrio Barreto, Olongapo (AKA Subic). There are a few diving services available, but the main attraction is ship wrecks. If that's your thing, Subic has them in abundance. Along with the availability of 100's of cuties in the bars, this should be your first choice if your priorites are weighted towards girls & wreck diving. The beach is just so-so in Subic, but OK for swimming and just hanging out. Also, there are 3 floating bars (on pontoon boats) that are great fun during the day. IMHO Subic is a much better place to spend time than nearby AC, not only for the w a t e r s p o r t s, but also the girls tend to be much less seasoned and down-to-earth. Compared to Brazil, you'll find pricing for everything (hotels, food, women) very reasonable.
To New Bound.
If you like Scuba Diving Bohol Panglao island is great and it is very cheap to dive here also some nice beach here also, Cebu and Boracay also have some good beach but it is a lot of tourist and expensive, I never been to Palawan I heard El Nino under water garden have great scuba diving too, I also dive Bali and Thailand before I think PI is better and better value,
Fast eddie 48.
Fast Eddie 48
02-12-15, 23:32
FE is probably referring to Alona Beach, Panglao. The beach is nice, diving is excellent in season (when turbulence is low and visibility is high; whale sharks feed daily just off the coast), and there's a bit of night life but no obvious p4 p. When I was there I brought my own girl from Manila so was not really looking. Tourism there is maybe 50/50 mix of pinoys and foreigners, mostly westerners.
Palawan offers more in the way of p4 p (esp Puerta Princessa), as well as good diving, fair to excellent beaches and other activities (eco park, underground river, etc). Unfortunatley these things are not located in one area, but spread out. Beaches near PP, for example, are just fair, and you have to take day trips for decent diving. The best beaches are far from nightlife and developed areas and offer no convenient p4 p options. Of course, in PI, there are always options for meeting willing lasses, but it's far from a sure thing if you're staying at some beach resort on a small island near El Nido.
If finding ladies is your first priority, you should consider Barrio Barreto, Olongapo (AKA Subic). There are a few diving services available, but the main attraction is ship wrecks. If that's your thing, Subic has them in abundance. Along with the availability of 100's of cuties in the bars, this should be your first choice if your priorites are weighted towards girls & wreck diving. The beach is just so-so in Subic, but OK for swimming and just hanging out. Also, there are 3 floating bars (on pontoon boats) that are great fun during the day. IMHO Subic is a much better place to spend time than nearby AC, not only for the w a t e r s p o r t s, but also the girls tend to be much less seasoned and down-to-earth. Compared to Brazil, you'll find pricing for everything (hotels, food, women) very reasonable.To Erasmus.
Yes is Alona Beach is very nice beach with few tourist not good for mongering I just spend a few days in Cebu for mongering before taking the ferry to Bohol, I also dive Subic bay last yr good for wreck dive Arizona resort have a dive shop dive the USS New York wreck but the reef suck all sea life and fish is gone over fish, if you want to dive near Manila go to Bangtagas and White beach only 2 HR bus offer decent dive and cheap.
Fast eddie 48.
Gentleman, I'm planning my first trip to Philippines and would like some advice. I tend to always go to Brazil (I love that country) but want to try a new location. Any suggestions on a location in the Philippines where I'd be next to beautiful beaches, good place for swimming, hiking, diving, and other outdoor adventure in a very pretty area. However, in the evening I like to chase non pros, and also there also needs to be a decent pro scene with some night life. I'd like to be in an area with at least 50 working women. If I just wanted to just party I'd go to Angels or Manila -- but like I stated, I also wanted time for chlling at the beach. It can be a small town or much larger. Any of you experts have any suggestions? With over 7000 islands, its a bit overwheming to find what I'm looking for. Anything similar to Bali or Phuket? Its ok if its a much smaller town.Hey guys, thanks for the replies. It helps confirm that I wasn't missing anything obvious. Its ironic that in a country with thousands of beautiful beaches, and many working girls, its not easy to find both in the same place. I have several more months before taking off, so it gives me more time to plan the trip. I may party with ladies in Cebu, then relax and dive in Bohol. However, I'm sort of leaning towards going to Puerta Princessa finding a women I like, then traveling the island with them which has a lot of the outdoor adventure I'm looking for. I won't have the variety of meeting different women doing that, but you can't always find everything in the same location. Another option, as mentioned, Puerto Galera may be pretty close to what I'm looking for. I wish Subic had nicer beaches, but I just don't think they are quite nice enough for what I'm looking for. One question -- those of you you have been to Puerto Galera, did you have a good time? Did you find plenty of women, and nice places to swim, dive, and relax? It looks pretty nice, close to what I'm looking for.
I'm always amazed how helpful these boards are, thanks guys, we have a lot of very smart travelers here. I'll do be best to give a trip report when I come back. Thanks.
Puerto Galera isn't a bad place at all for 3-4 nights. Don't know if I'd want to be there for too long though. You'll probably encounter more ladyboys than available women. I've always brought my own (girl) from Manila. For swimming, diving and relaxing it's a great place. You'll find the dive shops in Sabang though, but no beaches.
City State Tower Hotel in Ermita has a bus that leaves for Batangas daily. From there you can take a boat to either Sabang or PG. You might want to think about leaving on a Sunday morning for traffic reasons. City State is also within very short distances of some decent bars. Robinsons Mall is a 7 minute walk.
This is the dirtiest, most garbage polluted beach I have ever seen in my life. I have seen garbage in bodies of water that were worse, but not in a "beach".
Last Sunday I bought a Smart Bro Flexitime package: 60 hours internet browsing valid for 30 days for 400 P.
To my surprise I got a message this morning that there are only 15 minutes left. Now I've done a fair amount of surfing since last Sunday but certainly not 10 hours a day on average!
How exactly do they measure your consumed time? I guess you can better not leave applications open that use the internet but I cannot recall I did that so much.
How exactly do they measure your consumed time? I guess you can better not leave applications open that use the internet but I cannot recall I did that so much.Sorry, can't answer your first question. You could go to the Smart office and ask them to verify use; you also can call them at *888 toll free . One possible gotcha is a fair-use policy; both Smart and Globe are sticklers, and I believe Globe is more so. You think you have 60 hours of unlimited use but there may be a fair-use policy in the small text that defines data use too. Moving on, the cause? Likely apps, auto updates, location services (GPS and smart phone anti theft, for instance), or email auto sync. How to check? Look at battery usage monitor. Smart thing to do is always turn off both wifi and mobile (cellular) data / packet data after you finish browsing.
Sorry, can't answer your first question. You could go to the Smart office and ask them to verify use; you also can call them at *888 toll free . One possible gotcha is a fair-use policy; both Smart and Globe are sticklers, and I believe Globe is more so. You think you have 60 hours of unlimited use but there may be a fair-use policy in the small text that defines data use too. Moving on, the cause? Likely apps, auto updates, location services (GPS and smart phone anti theft, for instance), or email auto sync. How to check? Look at battery usage monitor. Smart thing to do is always turn off both wifi and mobile (cellular) data / packet data after you finish browsing.Now that you mention it, I have updated quite some apps so that might be the cause if they have a fair-use policy (can't find it but I don't want to spend a lot of time on it).
What exactly do you mean by turn off mobile (cellular) data / packet data?
Mongerer69
02-14-15, 15:12
One question -- those of you you have been to Puerto Galera, did you have a good time? Did you find plenty of women, and nice places to swim, dive, and relax? It looks pretty nice, close to what I'm looking for.
Thanks.Just got back 3rd year in a row. I bring my lady from Manila with my friend and his GF. There are lotsa WG running around. We stay at Out of The Blue in a Poolside Jacuzzi Suite for around $115 per night. We also get a Private Van from Manila to Batangas and Private Banka from Batangas direct to the Resort. Plenty to do Diving, Island Hopping even Shooting Range which we do every year. Good Luck.
What exactly do you mean by turn off mobile (cellular) data / packet data?Oh boy :P
How to completely turn off your data connection (3 G / LTE) on Android:
Swipe down from the top of the screen, select Settings, press Data usage and then flick the Mobile data switch from ON to OFF. This will completely turn off your mobile data connection. Note: you will still be able to connect to the internet and use apps as normal if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. You can also turn off Wi-Fi.
How to limit the amount of data used on Android:
If you want to set a limit for how much data your Android smartphone uses over the course of a month (or any time period), plus a warning that tells you when you are approaching that limit, once again visit Settings, Data usage. Make sure the monthly usage cycle matches that of your phone contract (don't assume it refreshes from the 1st of each month).
In Settings you can also turn off app auto update.
How to completely turn off your data connection on iPhone:
To turn off cellular data, tap Settings Cellular on your iPhone. You can also turn off Wi-Fi in Settings.
You won't see the cellular data icons in the status bar (for example, LTE or 3 G). You won't be able to send or receive MMS messages. You can still send and receive SMS and iMessages (text or multimedia) when connected to a Wi-Fi network. You won't be able to retrieve or listen to new Visual Voicemail messages. You won't be able to use Personal Hotspot.
Disable Background App Refresh (this will also help you save battery life). Simply tap Settings General Background App Refresh.
Disable cellular data for automatic downloads. Simply tap Settings iTunes & App Store and tap the Use Cellular Data switch to turn off.
View and adjust data usage:
Some apps from the App Store use the Apple Push Notifications to alert you of new data. Apps that use push notifications (such as instant messaging or social media apps) will use cellular data. To turn off push notifications, go to Settings Notifications.
To view the cellular data usage for your apps, tap Settings Cellular. You can turn cellular data on or off for each app. Contact your carrier if you have questions about your cellular data usage.
Exchange ActiveSync accounts are handled separately from other Mail and Calendar accounts. Exchange ActiveSync accounts will continue to use cellular data even if you turn off cellular data for Mail and Calendar. To view your Exchange ActiveSync cellular data usage, tap Settings Cellular System Services.
Oh boy :P
How to completely turn off your data connection (3 G / LTE) on Android:
SNIP
Thanks a lot for this extensive answer Hutsori! I really appreciate it. Although you could have saved yourself some time by asking me first what kind of phone I have. I have an Android but of course your explanation for iPhone can be useful to other board members. Kudos to you my friend.
This is the dirtiest, most garbage polluted beach I have ever seen in my life. I have seen garbage in bodies of water that were worse, but not in a "beach".Wow, I was there on Friday. Clean as could be all of Alona beach.
I've been in the Phils for a few days now. Got the runs. I was good, no water unless in a bottle. No Ice. Tried Pepto, for a day, so far no good. I may go to the Doctor, this sucks, can go far from the hotel because of it.
I've been in the Phils for a few days now. Got the runs. I was good, no water unless in a bottle. No Ice. Tried Pepto, for a day, so far no good. I may go to the Doctor, this sucks, can go far from the hotel because of it.I am not a MD so take this fwiw, maybe a clear liquid diet for 24 hours will do it. Be sure to use the CR bidet hose.
Not to worry, I am sure you will get some meaningful advice here.
I've been in the Phils for a few days now. Got the runs. I was good, no water unless in a bottle. No Ice. Tried Pepto, for a day, so far no good. I may go to the Doctor, this sucks, can go far from the hotel because of it.The first time I ever stayed overnight in any hospital anywhere in the world was the Philippines. Acute gastroenteritis. Even my GP when I got home was a bit shocked at the lab results the hospital provided, and the strength of the antibiotics I was given to cure it. Rare but certainly possible. Most cases are mild though.
I'd use Loperamide rather than Pepto Bismol. The latter affects your doo-doos so spotting any blood is impossible. Get lots of liquids, bottled water mostly but oral rehydration if you can get it. Buy some hand sanitizer and use it before touching any food (even if using fork / spoon) - maybe even after touching money if you're OCD. Use a straw to drink out of a can (eg coke / sprite / SM). While you're ill, avoid fried food and alcohol. Probably should avoid sodas too.
Good luck!
Member #4351
02-16-15, 23:31
RumBuddy, go back to around this post: http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?1001-General-Info&p=1662325&viewfull=1#post1662325 where the topic was discussed previously.
Gentlemen,
I have a number of people coming together in Manila from different countries and Phils provinces at different times on the same day.
I am trying to think of a suitable place where the early arrivals can sit in comfort for several hours waiting for others to come and meet up.
I was thinking of the Heritage hotel, on the EDSA.
Some advice please:
Does the Heritage have an open coffee shop on the ground floor where we can wait in comfort?
Are there any other suitable alternative meeting places that are closer to the airport?
Thanks in anticipation.
Gangles
RumBuddy, go back to around this post: http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?1001-General-Info&p=1662325&viewfull=1#post1662325 where the topic was discussed previously.2 immodium's, followed by 1/ bowel movement (up to 6 max / day) works every time for me. After 1-2 hours it is like a cork is in your butt for the next 24 hours.
Erasmus B Dragin
02-17-15, 03:37
I suspect Free2 arrived following a storm, after which it can take some time to clean the beach from all the debris. We were there for 5 days and found the beach quite clean. Visibility for diving was excellent in the surrounding waters.
For those interested, here are a few pics from my visit (Belle de jour obscured).
Wow, I was there on Friday. Clean as could be all of Alona beach.
Does the Heritage have an open coffee shop on the ground floor where we can wait in comfort?
Are there any other suitable alternative meeting places that are closer to the airport?
Yes. The Heritage has a rather small area near reception that serves coffee and spills around the corner towards the restaurant, but I wouldn't want to wait there for any more than 30 minutes. Sometimes there are no seats available if a tour bus is waiting to leave or at a busy time.
I suggest they go to Mall of Asia and arrange to meet at Starbucks Coffee shop at some designated time near the main entrance that faces up towards EDSA.
More scenery there and things to do. Plenty of places to roam around to kill time if any people are much earlier than others.
Be sure to specify Starbucks at the front entrance (looking towards the large metallic world globe), as there are others around MOA. It is easy to find. If you suggest any other places in MOA first-time visitors are sure to get "lost".
Can I go here to get a visa extension:
Ground Floor, Metro Supermarket, MarQuee Mall, Pulung Maragul, Angeles City?
Or do I have to go to the office in Clark which is much further away?
Yes, I went there in January for an extension. Took a large part of the day as they have a confusing and convoluted process and it was also the end of the holiday season (New Years) and the immigration office was closed for various reasons.
Hey, it's the Philippines!
Can I go here to get a visa extension:
Ground Floor, Metro Supermarket, MarQuee Mall, Pulung Maragul, Angeles City?
Or do I have to go to the office in Clark which is much further away?
Can I go here to get a visa extension:
Ground Floor, Metro Supermarket, MarQuee Mall, Pulung Maragul, Angeles City?
Or do I have to go to the office in Clark which is much further away?I think the Clark office has moved to MarQuee Mall. I had posted that I used the travel service located on the second floor of Tune Hotel. I brought in 2 pictures and they had it for me the next day. They even provided the 2 witnesses. I think all in cost was 3800 more or less. Some people like to do it themselves to save a few pesos. But I doubt if you save much by the time you add in transportation cost.
Yes, I went there in January for an extension. Took a large part of the day as they have a confusing and convoluted process and it was also the end of the holiday season (New Years) and the immigration office was closed for various reasons.
Hey, it's the Philippines!OK thanks! I will bring along sufficient supplies of drinks and food, LOL.
2 immodium's, followed by 1/ bowel movement (up to 6 max / day) works every time for me. After 1-2 hours it is like a cork is in your butt for the next 24 hours.I ended up taking the max allowed Pepto Pills in a Day (8). So within 20 hours, everything was back to normal. I feel great now. I was reluctant to eat at breakfast yesterday, but it was fine. I'm back on my game.
Just putting fluids back and I slept alot yesterday and tonight, at least more than I normally do. I just wonder how I got sick.
Pip Jaeger
02-17-15, 22:50
OK thanks! I will bring along sufficient supplies of drinks and food, LOL.To save time I suggest you stop past their office and pick up the form ahead of time or, if possible, print it out yourself from the BOI / Phils Embassy website (your hotel might be able to do it for you or recommend a local shop to print it out; save it to a memory stick / SD card first). That way you can have it pre-filled and ready to go. Most people simply go there and waste time filling out the form in their office. Get there about 20-30 minutes before they open (double check, but shud be at 8 am) and you'll most likely be near the top of the list for getting it done. If you get there early as I said, then under the usually abnormal circumstances (at any gov office, LOL) the process typically takes about an hour.
Note: If this is your second 59 day visa then you will also be required to register for the ARP / SSRN (Alien Registration Program / Special Security Registration Number) and an ACR card (Alien Certificate of Registry). Once done they'll give you a small slip of paper with a long number on it (I wrote mine directly into my passport so as not to loose it). The ACR card typically takes about 21-30 days to process and you'll have to return to their office to pick it up. Read more about it on the BOI website. The cost for all three (59 day extension, ARP & ACR) is about 7,700 pesos.
If you're simply extending a 30 day visa to a 59 day one (gaining the extra 29 days) then you're not required to register for the ARP or get an ACR card. For future reference, if you know in advance that you'll be staying more then 30 days, and you enter the Phils via either MNL or CEB, then its far easier and faster to get your first 59 day visa at the airport (currently not possible at CRK).
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/
Also note that they request you file the form at least 7 days prior to your visa's expiration; but some people have done it the day of expiration or even after it's expired without experiencing any serious issues (if expired you will have to pay a small fine). The NBI clearance is done by them at their office, so no need to get it in advance; they should give you a copy of it when they return your passport to you. Keep the receipt they give you too for the money you paid; although it's highly unlikely, you could be asked to produce it the next time you renew or upon exiting the country.
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS/VariousApplicationsForms/CGAF%20for%20Tourist%20Visa%20Extension.pdf
To save time I suggest you stop past their office and pick up the form ahead of time or, if possible, print it out yourself from the BOI / Phils Embassy website (your hotel might be able to do it for you or recommend a local shop to print it out; save it to a memory stick / SD card first). That way you can have it pre-filled and ready to go. Most people simply go there and waste time filling out the form in their office. Get there about 20-30 minutes before they open (double check, but shud be at 8 am) and you'll most likely be near the top of the list for getting it done. If you get there early as I said, then under the usually abnormal circumstances (at any gov office, LOL) the process typically takes about an hour.
Note: If this is your second 59 day visa then you will also be required to register for the ARP / SSRN (Alien Registration Program / Special Security Registration Number) and an ACR card (Alien Certificate of Registry). Once done they'll give you a small slip of paper with a long number on it (I wrote mine directly into my passport so as not to loose it). The ACR card typically takes about 21-30 days to process and you'll have to return to their office to pick it up. Read more about it on the BOI website. The cost for all three (59 day extension, ARP & ACR) is about 7,700 pesos.
If you're simply extending a 30 day visa to a 59 day one (gaining the extra 29 days) then you're not required to register for the ARP or get an ACR card. For future reference, if you know in advance that you'll be staying more then 30 days, and you enter the Phils via either MNL or CEB, then its far easier and faster to get your first 59 day visa at the airport (currently not possible at CRK).
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/
Also note that they request you file the form at least 7 days prior to your visa's expiration; but some people have done it the day of expiration or even after it's expired without experiencing any serious issues (if expired you will have to pay a small fine). The NBI clearance is done by them at their office, so no need to get it in advance; they should give you a copy of it when they return your passport to you. Keep the receipt they give you too for the money you paid; although it's highly unlikely, you could be asked to produce it the next time you renew or upon exiting the country.
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS/VariousApplicationsForms/CGAF%20for%20Tourist%20Visa%20Extension.pdfThanks Pip for your comprehensive reply. In my case I'm simply extending a 30 day visa to 59 days and I've already downloaded the form from the web site.
I found this to be the most helpfull page on their site: http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/extensionofstay.
It's under FAQs ---> Extension of Stay.
No need to look under 'Visas' and the shit load of information there if you're simply extending 30 days to 59.
It's possible that you only see the button 'Home' at the top of the page under the logo. But next to the Home button there are more buttons. If you don't see them (could be an Internet Explorer problem) then just hover your mouse over that area and they will pop up.
Hello RK,
Thanks for that.
I should have been a bit more specific.
Some of these people have not been to Phils before, and one has not been to Asia before.
So I am looking for one specific place which can not be misunderstood.
Also, I will arrange for a van to pick us all up to take us to AC. So again, a specific address would be needed for that.
Can you think of any other hotel where we can meet. Some of us will be there waiting for several hours.
Thanks in anticipation.
G
Yes. The Heritage has a rather small area near reception that serves coffee and spills around the corner towards the restaurant, but I wouldn't want to wait there for any more than 30 minutes. Sometimes there are no seats available if a tour bus is waiting to leave or at a busy time.
I suggest they go to Mall of Asia and arrange to meet at Starbucks Coffee shop at some designated time near the main entrance that faces up towards EDSA.
More scenery there and things to do. Plenty of places to roam around to kill time if any people are much earlier than others.
Be sure to specify Starbucks at the front entrance (looking towards the large metallic world globe), as there are others around MOA. It is easy to find. If you suggest any other places in MOA first-time visitors are sure to get "lost".
I've never gotten very sick in Philippines, but was seriously knocked off my feet twice in Thailand, once in Pattaya and once in Koh Samui (shortly after arriving from BKK). I'm not sure what it was, but both times I had enjoyed a salad at a location off of the usual tourist track. Subsequent research suggests that "night soil" used as fertilizer for the veggies could obviously be a problem in the 3rd world.
Glad you're feeling better. Where in Philippines did you get sick and what were you eating the day before?
Oh, just remembered that I got a nasty eye infection after swimming at Kawasan falls, Cebu. X.
I ended up taking the max allowed Pepto Pills in a Day (8). So within 20 hours, everything was back to normal. I feel great now. I was reluctant to eat at breakfast yesterday, but it was fine. I'm back on my game.
Just putting fluids back and I slept alot yesterday and tonight, at least more than I normally do. I just wonder how I got sick.
Thanks Pip for your comprehensive reply. In my case I'm simply extending a 30 day visa to 59 days and I've already downloaded the form from the web site.
I found this to be the most helpfull page on their site: http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/extensionofstay.
It's under FAQs ---> Extension of Stay.
No need to look under 'Visas' and the shit load of information there if you're simply extending 30 days to 59.
It's possible that you only see the button 'Home' at the top of the page under the logo. But next to the Home button there are more buttons. If you don't see them (could be an Internet Explorer problem) then just hover your mouse over that area and they will pop up.I went to the Immigration Bureau today and it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. They need a photo copy of your passport as well. Didn't know that but luckily I could make a copy at the nearby National Book Store.
Furthermore you need to fill in the names and addresses of two Filippino friends. I thought that was not necessary for a 'simple' 29 days extension. So I texted two of my regulars and asked for their full names and addresses. But well, you know how these girls are. After a lot of messages back and forth I still didn't have their details complete. House number? 'Only street baby, no number house'. ZIP code? 'What baby?' Uhm, postal code? I think she gave me her bank account number because it didn't look like a postal code to me.
Oh well. I see them tonight and will fill in the form together with them.
Pip Jaeger
02-18-15, 23:33
Eat Shit and ........ Get Healthy?
I ended up taking the max allowed Pepto Pills in a Day (8). So within 20 hours, everything was back to normal.Hope it doesn't return as it sounds like you treated the symptoms and not the cause.
You can take a "puhp pill" as suggested in this article. Frosted over or not it's still a bit hard to swallow IMHO, LOL:
http://www.newser.com/story/197151/new-intestinal-treatment-pills-made-of-[CodeWord116] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord116).html
Note: Puhp intentionaly misspelled as the regular word is appently offensive to the internet police and is a "[CodeWord116] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord116)" item; a load of crappola IMHO, yet the past tense of it (pooped) is allowed, which I'm sure is how RB felt after running to the CR so often.
Hopefully your pooped out, that it ran it's course and your completely well again. If it returns I suggest you get a test at clinic to determine the cause and treat it accordingly with the respective medicine; perhaps even the one above, hahaha.
AusMonger100
02-19-15, 12:51
So after reading hundreds of pages in the forum, I have a much better idea of how to plan my first solo mongering trip and I'm looking forward to going to AC!
A big thank you to all posters, I love reading your exploits, seeing the pics of your special ladies and learning from your experiences. I look forward to becoming a contributor rather than just a "stalker", although it has been a great journey through you all so far.
Despite much reading (yes, I did RTFF) I am still a little unsure of the layout of the PI. I am coming from Australia so will be flying into Manila. I have read the reports on transportation, but I am looking more for maps on the areas, specifically AC as I plan to spend all my time in AC mongering, not looking for a tourist trip this time.
I'm also seeking advice on what people use for gifts for the girls, I've seen some use clothing, toys etc. I just want to be a nice guy and give respect without causing offence.
Thanks in advance.
Despite much reading (yes, I did RTFF) I am still a little unsure of the layout of the PI. I am coming from Australia so will be flying into Manila. I have read the reports on transportation, but I am looking more for maps on the areas, specifically AC as I plan to spend all my time in AC mongering, not looking for a tourist trip this time.
Not sure what you're looking for. AC is pretty straightforward when it comes to mongering. Look up Fields Ave on Google Maps and you're there. The part of Fields Ave between Raymond Street and MacArthur Hwy is closed for traffic at night and is called Walking Street. That's where you can find the majority of the bars.
Between Raymond Street and Teodoro Street there are a couple of more bars and further down the road, where Fields Ave turns into 21st Street and after that Don Juico Ave, is the so called 'Perimeter Road' area with even more bars.
In some side streets you can find massage parlors and there are a couple of ST bars in Raymond Street and A Santos Rd. But that's about all there is.
This map seems to be pretty much up to date:
http://www.acmap.com/fields.aspx
Mongerer69
02-19-15, 15:12
If you are only staying in AC I wouldn't go crazy looking at maps. There are a few good AC Bar location maps on Philippine Addicts. As for gifts, I always go on AliExpress and buy about 10 cute Dildos for about $3 each with free shipping and surprisingly good quality (always a BIG hit and never offended anybody but brought a lot of smiles) and on Ebay you can find some great Lingerie deals from 99 cents to $7. Just make sure you allow 30 Days shipping because most come China Post.
So after reading hundreds of pages in the forum, I have a much better idea of how to plan my first solo mongering trip and I'm looking forward to going to AC!
A big thank you to all posters, I love reading your exploits, seeing the pics of your special ladies and learning from your experiences. I look forward to becoming a contributor rather than just a "stalker", although it has been a great journey through you all so far.
Despite much reading (yes, I did RTFF) I am still a little unsure of the layout of the PI. I am coming from Australia so will be flying into Manila. I have read the reports on transportation, but I am looking more for maps on the areas, specifically AC as I plan to spend all my time in AC mongering, not looking for a tourist trip this time.
I'm also seeking advice on what people use for gifts for the girls, I've seen some use clothing, toys etc. I just want to be a nice guy and give respect without causing offence.
Thanks in advance.
So after reading hundreds of pages in the forum, I have a much better idea of how to plan my first solo mongering trip and I'm looking forward to going to AC!
A big thank you to all posters, I love reading your exploits, seeing the pics of your special ladies and learning from your experiences. I look forward to becoming a contributor rather than just a "stalker", although it has been a great journey through you all so far.
Despite much reading (yes, I did RTFF) I am still a little unsure of the layout of the PI. I am coming from Australia so will be flying into Manila. I have read the reports on transportation, but I am looking more for maps on the areas, specifically AC as I plan to spend all my time in AC mongering, not looking for a tourist trip this time.
I'm also seeking advice on what people use for gifts for the girls, I've seen some use clothing, toys etc. I just want to be a nice guy and give respect without causing offence.
Thanks in advance.No need to give gifts. I never do. Pain to carry around.
The best map ever of AC is called Waynes something or other. Can be beat. http://www.acmap.com/.
edited - (just saw it was already posted)
So after reading hundreds of pages in the forum, I have a much better idea of how to plan my first solo mongering trip and I'm looking forward to going to AC!
A big thank you to all posters, I love reading your exploits, seeing the pics of your special ladies and learning from your experiences. I look forward to becoming a contributor rather than just a "stalker", although it has been a great journey through you all so far.
Despite much reading (yes, I did RTFF) I am still a little unsure of the layout of the PI. I am coming from Australia so will be flying into Manila. I have read the reports on transportation, but I am looking more for maps on the areas, specifically AC as I plan to spend all my time in AC mongering, not looking for a tourist trip this time.
I'm also seeking advice on what people use for gifts for the girls, I've seen some use clothing, toys etc. I just want to be a nice guy and give respect without causing offence.
Thanks in advance.1. You are not looking for a girlfriend in AC I hope. It is strictly business. You pay for sex. Do you need to bring gifts? IMHO-NO. If some girl makes you happy take her shopping and buy cheap clothes there.
Sex toys are liked by some but for me personally my tool beats everything. Many girls there come from provinces and are not willing for you to experiment.
2. Whichever way you look at it is one long street with many side streets where all the bars and girls are there. There are expensive as well as comparatively cheap bars. If you need help ask other mongers there.
3. As to special ladies do not look at pics or stories. Your experience and the lady of your liking will be entirely different. Looks can be good as arm candy (who are you going to impress. All the people there have seen and done everything) but you need to look at service, GFE girls and ofcourse compatibility.
4. Why don't you go to dateinasia.com and try to hook up with non prostitutes. Yeas, they would love gifts. Do not bring expensive phones, laptops or tablets as well as expensive perfumes. All the do is moment you leave pawn it or sell it to somebody.
Give money donation which is appreciated by all.
Pip Jaeger
02-19-15, 21:45
So after reading hundreds of pages in the forum, SNIP
Despite much reading (yes, I did RTFF) I am still a little unsure of the layout of the PI. I am coming from Australia so will be flying into Manila. I have read the reports on transportation, but I am looking more for maps on the areas, specifically AC as I plan to spend all my time in AC mongering, not looking for a tourist trip this time.
I'm also seeking advice on what people use for gifts for the girls, SNIP Thanks in advance.Welcome to the board, hope you have a good trip and we'll be looking forward to your FR's.
In conjunction to "Wayne's map" here's another interactive and fairly up to date map: http://www.angelescitymap.com/index.php.
For bar girls and FL's forget the "gifts from my homeland", it's a waste of time shopping for them and a waste of space in your suitcase. If anything, when you arrive in AC head to the SM supermarket and pick up a dozen or so small Cadbury Dairy Milk bars of chocolate (about 25-30 pesos each). Give the girls one of them and some cash as a tip (if the service was good); the cash will be more appreciated or, as others have said, if you find a "special bar girl" (big LOL) then take her shopping at SM or let her pick out a few things from one of the many street vendors' stalls.
Eat Shit and ........ Get Healthy?
Hope it doesn't return as it sounds like you treated the symptoms and not the cause.
I think you are right, I still have the runs, I just don't feel sick like at first. I think I will go to the doctor today. I will be in AC soon and don't want to waste time on the toilet.
I went to the Immigration Bureau today and it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. They need a photo copy of your passport as well. Didn't know that but luckily I could make a copy at the nearby National Book Store.For future reference: If you know you are going to stay over thirty days, save yourself a lot of time and trouble and get an extension upon arrival. You have to wait for your luggage anyway!
BrainDrain
02-20-15, 02:48
I'm also seeking advice on what people use for gifts for the girls, I've seen some use clothing, toys etc. I just want to be a nice guy and give respect without causing offence.
Thanks in advance.I'm a gift giver. There are a few girls I've seen over and over on various visits. Not every girl gets something. I grab some low costs bottles of perfume from the local shop, I bought some bling type of low cost jewelry. I chuck in some chocolates. What is leftover goes to the hotel door staff and front office staff.
For the "dating" website girls whom I have said I will bring 'chocolate', I will meet them out for a drink, then invite them back to the room for their gift. It's a nice segway.
Don't take too much though. You can over promise as it's amazing how many dating girls will back out.
GoodEnough
02-20-15, 03:10
I've not yet seen any comments here about the recent botched operation by Police Special Forces in Mindanao that led to the slaughter of 44 police by the MILF. I'm not going to recount the details or the pathetic attempts on the part of politicians to deflect blame. It's sufficient to note that the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which was wending its way--albeit somewhat tortuously--through Congress has been put on indefinite hold. According to some information I received yesterday, the chances of the law being passed by this Congress are nil. According to Rody Duterte, the Mayor of Davao, who was quoted in today's "Inquirer,"the death of the law, which would have established a semi-autonomous Moro statelet in Mindanao, will greatly exacerbate tensions and thus increase the chances of "civil war. " Duterte also cautioned that the MILF and other belligerents have weapons that are at least as deadly as those in the possession of the army.
I believe the Mayor and fear an imminent increase in the threat scenarios throughout the island region. I was in Marawi and Zamboanga last week, and the level of fear in both places was almost palpable. The version (second hand) of the "inside story" that I heard yesterday lends additional credibility for me to Duterte's analysis. The botched and fatal raid, coupled with the varied politically inspired cover-ups, and the elections in May, 2016 are creating a potentially explosive cauldron of feelings of betrayal by much of the Muslim population, and some real hostility toward Muslims on the part of some of the Christian population. None of this, I think, bodes well for the immediate future of the region.
For those contemplating trips to Mindanao, I urge you to be cautious and very careful in your planning. Anyone with no knowledge of the region and with no connections to the local populations should not, in my opinion, even think of going anywhere but Davao or Cagayan de Oro.
GE.
For future reference: If you know you are going to stay over thirty days, save yourself a lot of time and trouble and get an extension upon arrival. You have to wait for your luggage anyway!Thanks, I'll keep that in mind for next time. This time I wasn't sure how long I wanted to stay.
I went to the Immigration Bureau today, this time with a completely filled in form. It was a walk in the park, I got my extension in half an hour.
No need to go there very early in the morning. I was there around 12:45 and was done at 13:15.
The bureau is next to Metro supermarket (don't enter the supermarket). There's a small desk at the entrance of the bureau with one or two staff members. Hand over your form, they check it and if everything's fine you get a number. They are very friendly and helpful.
Wait in front of counter 2 until your number's up. Hand over the form, your passport and the copy of your passport. Then wait again.
When the clerk at counter 2 is finished you have to pay 3030 PhP at counter 3.
After that you have to wait in front of counter 5 to get your passport with the extension back. According to some other people who were waiting there this can take from 2 minutes up to an hour, depending on how busy they are. In my case it took only about 15 minutes.
GoodEnough
02-20-15, 10:13
According to the national media, a system of national brownouts will begin tomorrow. These will occur on a rotating basis, and are further evidence of the total incompetence and indifference of the national government. Doubtless this will again prompt outrage on the part of the editorialists, frenzied promises from indolent politicians and, as always, a lack of coordinated response. There's simply no hope at all for this place.
GE.
According to the national media, a system of national brownouts will begin tomorrow. These will occur on a rotating basis, and are further evidence of the total incompetence and indifference of the national government. Doubtless this will again prompt outrage on the part of the editorialists, frenzied promises from indolent politicians and, as always, a lack of coordinated response. There's simply no hope at all for this place.
GE.Does this mean we can better withdraw some money from an ATM tonight to be able to 'survive' for some time?
I have lost track, every month it seems like a new mess, post typhoon corruption, pork barrel, police chief, vp binay, etc. There is a grass roots call for the mayor of Davao to run for president in 2016, but even he must realize how hopeless things are.
Wicked Roger
02-20-15, 14:08
According to the national media, a system of national brownouts will begin tomorrow. These will occur on a rotating basis, and are further evidence of the total incompetence and indifference of the national government. Doubtless this will again prompt outrage on the part of the editorialists, frenzied promises from indolent politicians and, as always, a lack of coordinated response. There's simply no hope at all for this place.
GEIt will only improve in 2016 as that is the election year. As a cutie told me, "we never get brownouts when it is an election".
As GE and others (myself included) have pointed out before, this problem / crisis is well known and as GE says, nothing ahs been done or may the fund syphoned off by those in power? I think this problem was highlighted in 2010 when the current President took over. I was reading an article that claimed the Energy Secretary had no clue of the sector how it works, he being a friend and lackey of the President. That an the articles on corruption in the Electricity Commission (in league with the generating companies) really gives the basis of GE's comments above.
Am sure Davao / Mindanao will be worse hit but I have noticed that Cebu is getting more brownouts. Even Ayala Mall suffers at times. Was reading that people in Mindanao have little respect for a government that barely acknowledges their existence (ie government funds help Manila NCR not the provinces as mush so the chismis goes. Others may have a better, more informed view on that).
But brownouts are here so I hope wherever you are there is some generator or it will be very sweaty otherwise.
Econo Tech
02-20-15, 16:18
I've not yet seen any comments here about the recent botched operation by Police Special Forces in Mindanao that led to the slaughter of 44 police by the MILF.For all his Screw ups, PNoy was on the right track for Mindanao, on his plan to give more autonomy / BBL etc. Etc.
Historically, Mindanao / Bongsamoro people never considered themselves part of Philippines, nor where they controlled by the Spanish, and to a little extent, the US, that's what my history says.
Alas, a lot of thieving movers and shakers, as only happens in Philippines, are against it, lest they loose the large swaths of land and the enormous profits they are making in mining and large scale farming, and fear the loss of revenue.
The same movers and shakers who convince enough filipinos that it's time Philippines Claim back Sabah, and boy, the whole MNLF saga started with Marcos misadventure in the Jabidah massacre.
A lot of history, and the likes of BBM, JV etc demanding justice all is in a way, ensuring that PNoy fails, and should that fail, it's going to be another all out war, and a war Philippines will not win.
The folks of Mindanao have been head hunting and chopping heads for 400 or so years, and the poorly equipped AFP will only lose, says my opinion, vs the ruthless MILF / BIFF.
Let's see.
While the issue is painted as a Muslim seperation, truth be told, the reason for Duterte to step in is, he too know the history to his credit. Autonomy will lessen the hundred year vengeance.
Alas, the war mongers in Luzon may see their wish come true.
Cool Traveler
02-20-15, 23:48
The funny thing is, you have Mindanao, which is predominantly Muslim, claimed by predominantly Christian Phillipines. Then you have Sabah, a predominantly Roman Catholic state, claimed by a fake Muslim Sultan. I grew up in Sabah (don't live there anymore). They are waiting for the Sultan to get there. They ware waiting so that they can slit his bloody throat. These guys have connection to Sabah in claim only, bit not in terms of its people or culture. Malaysia for long has been trying very hard to Islamasize (is there such a word) Sabah. And the MLF are supported by both Malaysia and Sultanate of Brunei.
For all his Screw ups, PNoy was on the right track for Mindanao, on his plan to give more autonomy / BBL etc. Etc.
Historically, Mindanao / Bongsamoro people never considered themselves part of Philippines, nor where they controlled by the Spanish, and to a little extent, the US, that's what my history says.
Alas, a lot of thieving movers and shakers, as only happens in Philippines, are against it, lest they loose the large swaths of land and the enormous profits they are making in mining and large scale farming, and fear the loss of revenue.
The same movers and shakers who convince enough filipinos that it's time Philippines Claim back Sabah, and boy, the whole MNLF saga started with Marcos misadventure in the Jabidah massacre.
A lot of history, and the likes of BBM, JV etc demanding justice all is in a way, ensuring that PNoy fails, and should that fail, it's going to be another all out war, and a war Philippines will not win...
Dark Knight1
02-21-15, 02:09
Cebu city—A German was killed while a Frenchman and an Indian were wounded early Friday after they were shot by two Filipinos following an argument inside a fast food restaurant in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, about 12 km south of here.
The German, Henry Haffner, 31 and a temporary resident of Barangay Tisa in Cebu City, suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach and died a few minutes after he was brought to a private hospital.
Wounded were Frenchman Julian Millard, 31 and Cheten Saparaiya, 32, Indian national – both married and residents of Barangay Pooc in Talisay City.
Both were in stable condition at a government hospital in Cebu City.
Wicked Roger
02-21-15, 06:02
I've not yet seen any comments here about the recent botched operation by Police Special Forces in Mindanao that led to the slaughter of 44 police by the MILF. I'm not going to recount the details or the pathetic attempts on the part of politicians to deflect blame.
For those contemplating trips to Mindanao, I urge you to be cautious and very careful in your planning. Anyone with no knowledge of the region and with no connections to the local populations should not, in my opinion, even think of going anywhere but Davao or Cagayan de Oro.
GE.There is plenty of press coverage of this tragedy with all the players blaming each other and showing the level of distrust between the PNP and AF. The latter being accused in some newspapers of tipping off the terrorists regularly.
Lots of chatter as to whether Pnoy should resign be forced to resign, EDSA people power again and many I speak to say he should own up but why resign when Binay is the next in the line (that an the fact that the uncles (Cojuangco) who are stirring it in the press linking themselves and Binay to a some council type government while saying their nephew should stand down).
For me and many pinays I speak with it is a sad day when the military can't help their brothers in trouble and the politicians try to gain out of it for election purposes. Am sure Rody the is right and how will anyone agree to pass a law when so many were killed and apparently mutilated after death, their families called to say it also on their mobile phones (press reports today say the MILF cannibalized the returned weapons).
As GE has said on other issues there is complete incompetence in the government (maybe they are good at being corrupt) with no real desire to put things right. The status quo mean they remain rich and in power so why change something that needs fixing?
The tragic deaths of the SAF 44 are a good example as there are so many commissions and inquiries on this trying to deflect the blame away. As I mentioned to a cutie who was asking me about this. How can a suspended PHP chief (Purisma) be anyway near a military operation when he is suspended for 6 months. Who 'unsuspended' him and why? Simple questions and there is only one answer to that IMHO.
The commission will likely take a long time and never deliver. Look at the inquiry in the MT bribe scandal etc as that report seems to have disappeared according to press articles yesterday (allegedly as the main people are PNoy part supporters it said), so am not sure anyone should hold out much hope for a logical explanation for this tragedy except it could happen again.
And for the newbs who want to visit Mindanao. Listen and read GE's advice about travelling in Mindanao. It is sensible based on his years of experience.
Wicked Roger
02-21-15, 06:08
Cebu cityA German was killed while a Frenchman and an Indian were wounded early Friday after they were shot by two Filipinos following an argument inside a fast food restaurant in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, about 12 km south of here.
The German, Henry Haffner, 31 and a temporary resident of Barangay Tisa in Cebu City, suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach and died a few minutes after he was brought to a private hospital.
Wounded were Frenchman Julian Millard, 31 and Cheten Saparaiya, 32, Indian national both married and residents of Barangay Pooc in Talisay City.
Both were in stable condition at a government hospital in Cebu City.Was at the local McDo that I have visited. Though I never eat there. But with a cutie who was hungry. Lots of commotion, roads closed and what I hear perhaps some jealous crap involved. Never trust a jealous pinoy with gun IMHO. Seems some were shot at randomly as well I was told (wrong place wrong time).
Soapy Smith
02-21-15, 09:14
I think you are right, I still have the runs, I just don't feel sick like at first. I think I will go to the doctor today. I will be in AC soon and don't want to waste time on the toilet.By now you may already have seen a doctor. If you haven't, here is an approach that has worked for me on several occasions. (yes, I somehow repeat the same mistake, probably from eating some bit of lettuce or other raw vegetable that has been washed under tap water, if at all.).
Go to Generic or Star Drugs and hand them a note on which you have neatly written "ciprofloxacin 500 Mg. Generic * 14 tablets. " They will probably not question whether the prescription is from a doctor, and the price will be very reasonable. Cost should be between 200 and 250 pesos. Take the cipro twice a day for seven days; symptoms will start to disappear within a couple days. Somebody will flame me for giving out medical advice that's beyond my pay grade, but this is what was prescribed for me by a Phils MD, and I have repeated it successfully a couple other times.
The funny thing is, you have Mindanao, which is predominantly Muslim, claimed by predominantly Christian Phillipines. Then you have Sabah, a predominantly Roman Catholic state, claimed by a fake Muslim Sultan. {S N I P}Actually, Mindanao is predominantly Christian (70% and even Zamboanga City is 70% Christian. However, the dangers facing non-Muslim visitors to Zamboanga City in particular, are vey real.
Ikksman.
GoodEnough
02-21-15, 16:53
The funny thing is, you have Mindanao, which is predominantly Muslim, claimed by predominantly Christian Phillipines. Then you have Sabah, a predominantly Roman Catholic state, claimed by a fake Muslim Sultan. I grew up in Sabah (don't live there anymore). They are waiting for the Sultan to get there. They ware waiting so that they can slit his bloody throat. These guys have connection to Sabah in claim only, bit not in terms of its people or culture. Malaysia for long has been trying very hard to Islamasize (is there such a word) Sabah. And the MLF are supported by both Malaysia and Sultanate of Brunei.Actually Mindanao is predominantly Christian, and has been so for several decades.
GE.
Was at the local McDo that I have visited. Though I never eat there. But with a cutie who was hungry. Lots of commotion, roads closed and what I hear perhaps some jealous crap involved. Never trust a jealous pinoy with gun IMHO. Seems some were shot at randomly as well I was told (wrong place wrong time).WR,
Wasn't a relationship drama. The reason was money. The french and the Indian were the basic target. It was a moneylender-story. The German guy was in the wrong place at wrong place. I heard he was an aid official who helped after the earthquake in Bohol and also in Leyte after the hurricane. Poor guy with a bad karma.
Roll Aides
02-22-15, 07:10
WR
Wasn't a relationship drama. The reason was money. The french and the Indian were the basic target. It was a moneylender-story. The German guy was in the wrong place at wrong place. I heard he was an aid official who helped after the earthquake in Bohol and also in Leyte after the hurricane. Poor guy with a bad karma.The only reason that this sort of news doesn't crop up on a daily basis, but rather only once a month or two, is that firearms are beyond the financial reach of the median Pinoy. Highly emotional with poor to non-existent impulse control and a tendency to brood, is not really the personality type that you want to be carrying a deadly weapon; but, it describes the (vast) majority of the populace. If guns cost a tenth of what they do, there wouldn't be room in the cemeteries for what would happen here.
Don't pick an argument with a Filipino. In fact, if you see one who is upset about anything, just get as far away as possible. An entire country of troubled juveniles in adult bodies, potentially with concealed weapons, is not really a safe place to get into a personality conflict. Did I mention holding a grudge, an inflated sense of pride, easily "hurt," and an inferiority-superiority complex that verges on the pathological? Now add guns and / or knives. Just play it safe. Imagine that you are in a mental asylum, only the inhabitants are armed. It's impossible to be too polite.
The only reason that this sort of news doesn't crop up on a daily basis, but rather only once a month or two, is that firearms are beyond the financial reach of the median Pinoy. Highly emotional with poor to non-existent impulse control and a tendency to brood, is not really the personality type that you want to be carrying a deadly weapon; but, it describes the (vast) majority of the populace. If guns cost a tenth of what they do, there wouldn't be room in the cemeteries for what would happen here.I would like to add a few comments to RA's post.
Firstly, I wonder if there has been any change to the personality and temperament of the pinoy over the years. I say this because up until the 1970's, handguns were quite common in the Philippines. But I don't have any statistics for homicide rates, etc.
I remember on my first visits to PI in 1974/5, there were still prominent signs at the entrance to many bars and clubs requesting patrons to check in their firearms.
And I was warned not to smile at girls who were with guys. I was regaled with stories of westerners getting shot because they started chatting to girls who were seemingly alone, but suddenly a pinoy returned from the CR or wherever.
But, as always, if one was sensible, tolerant and respectful, then trouble was unlikely - just like today, and just like many other countries when we are visitors to those places. Too many tourists and businessmen seem to forget that they are guests in the country.
Ikksman.
Cebu cityA German was killed while a Frenchman and an Indian were wounded early Friday after they were shot by two Filipinos following an argument inside a fast food restaurant in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, about 12 km south of here.
The German, Henry Haffner, 31 and a temporary resident of Barangay Tisa in Cebu City, suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach and died a few minutes after he was brought to a private hospital.
Wounded were Frenchman Julian Millard, 31 and Cheten Saparaiya, 32, Indian national both married and residents of Barangay Pooc in Talisay City.
Both were in stable condition at a government hospital in Cebu City.One newspaper I read yesterday, it was a free one at Jolibee, gave the statement of the GF of Millard, stating the Filipinos were making fun of the foreigners and the girlfriend of Millard verbally abused the Filipinos for their amusement. The German was an innocent bystander, going whale watching. The Filipinos returned and started shooting.
SergeantRay
02-24-15, 05:51
The only reason that this sort of news doesn't crop up on a daily basis, but rather only once a month or two, is that firearms are beyond the financial reach of the median Pinoy. Highly emotional with poor to non-existent impulse control and a tendency to brood, is not really the personality type that you want to be carrying a deadly weapon; but, it describes the (vast) majority of the populace. If guns cost a tenth of what they do, there wouldn't be room in the cemeteries for what would happen here.
Don't pick an argument with a Filipino. In fact, if you see one who is upset about anything, just get as far away as possible. An entire country of troubled juveniles in adult bodies, potentially with concealed weapons, is not really a safe place to get into a personality conflict. Did I mention holding a grudge, an inflated sense of pride, easily "hurt," and an inferiority-superiority complex that verges on the pathological? Now add guns and / or knives. Just play it safe. Imagine that you are in a mental asylum, only the inhabitants are armed. It's impossible to be too polite.I met a guy living in a squatter settlement who had a small. 22 revolver made illegally, a paltik. This guy had next to nothing (they stole their power for electric lines), and lived in a place on stilts over muck.
I met a guy in Cotcot who was a paltik maker.
There may be more guns out there than you realize.
Roll Aides
02-24-15, 09:07
I met a guy living in a squatter settlement who had a small. 22 revolver made illegally, a paltik. This guy had next to nothing (they stole their power for electric lines), and lived in a place on stilts over muck.
I met a guy in Cotcot who was a paltik maker.
There may be more guns out there than you realize.
Yup. I wasn't really meaning to make a statement about gun ownership stats, just telling people to be careful. Violence can happen fairly casually here, it's not like anything you're used to, so just stay extra-safe.
Peace out.
AusMonger100
02-24-15, 09:12
Just wanting to find peoples opinions on the worst months to visit PI, interested in the weather issues but also anything cultural that might interfere with my mongering in AC.
Dark Knight1
02-25-15, 03:00
This place will never advance when the local populace thinks like this.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/philippine-team-sacks-us-import-pacquiao-insult-111420453.html
"Everyone is angry at him. It is like he went to the United States and insulted the name of Martin Luther King," the ABS-CBN news website quoted Pardo as saying.
Just wanting to find peoples opinions on the worst months to visit PI, interested in the weather issues but also anything cultural that might interfere with my mongering in AC.Every month.
Yup. I wasn't really meaning to make a statement about gun ownership stats, just telling people to be careful. Violence can happen fairly casually here, it's not like anything you're used to, so just stay extra-safe.
Peace out.Most people get killed from their own stupidity. Guns just happen to be one of the methods!
This place will never advance when the local populace thinks like this.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/philippine-team-sacks-us-import-pacquiao-insult-111420453.html
"Everyone is angry at him. It is like he went to the United States and insulted the name of Martin Luther King," the ABS-CBN news website quoted Pardo as saying.Just another dumb american running his mouth in a foriegn country in IMHO.
Wicked Roger
02-25-15, 15:43
Just another dumb american running his mouth in a foriegn country in IMHO.Dg,
He has a point and is a joke (very much like the PBA really IMHO) that Pacman now plays basketball. Was done for marketing and the guy should be patted on the back for what many pinoys say in private.
He has been criticized also for his no show record in the Senate etc, he never appears and is always boxing / basketball but he is still voted in because he is a boxing legend. Is why the government in the Philippines is somewhat stuffed as people vote in sports stars, actors etc such as Erap and the Bong Revilla. You get what you vote for IMHO.
If he does owe the tax he is alleged then his fight with Mayweather may pay some of it back but some senators were trying to him exempted as he is a boxing star LOL.
But he is good for crime prevention as on the day / during the hours he fights there is little or no crime LOL.
I am planning for my first visit to AC during Easter holidays. Since the religion of PI is Catholic Christian, would the Easter adversely effect availability of ladies for mongering?
Thanks
Fast Eddie 48
02-26-15, 02:47
I am planning for my first visit to AC during Easter holidays. Since the religion of PI is Catholic Christian, would the Easter adversely effect availability of ladies for mongering?
ThanksTo Funlvguy.
I been to AC and Manila during Christmas and Easter there are plenty of girls avalible, Christmas is a major holiday most working girl have money will go back home to their parents.
Fast eddie 48.
Just wanting to find peoples opinions on the worst months to visit PI, interested in the weather issues but also anything cultural that might interfere with my mongering in AC.Easter and Christmas weeks are not the best time to visit and also when there is a typhoon. Storms can form anytime during the year but July and August are the peak months for typhoon activity.
Dg,
He has a point and is a joke (very much like the PBA really IMHO) that Pacman now plays basketball. Was done for marketing and the guy should be patted on the back for what many pinoys say in private.
He has been criticized also for his no show record in the Senate etc, he never appears and is always boxing / basketball but he is still voted in because he is a boxing legend. Is why the government in the Philippines is somewhat stuffed as people vote in sports stars, actors etc such as Erap and the Bong Revilla. You get what you vote for IMHO.
If he does owe the tax he is alleged then his fight with Mayweather may pay some of it back but some senators were trying to him exempted as he is a boxing star LOL.
But he is good for crime prevention as on the day / during the hours he fights there is little or no crime LOL.WR,
Granted he has a point. But I still stand by my post. It is kind of like, I know my loved one isn't what I think she is but please don't tell me so in my own home.
DG8787.
I am planning for my first visit to AC during Easter holidays. Since the religion of PI is Catholic Christian, would the Easter adversely effect availability of ladies for mongering?
ThanksHoly Week (as it is called) is a BIG DEAL for most filipinos, so don't expect the most popular girls (that is, the ones with most money) to be around during Holy Week (from around Wednesday through to Easter Monday).
Sure, as FE says, there will be girls around but they will be sad not to be home like most others at that time.
If you plan to travel outside of Manila (other than to AC), expect planes and buses to be super crowded.
Soapy Smith
02-26-15, 07:36
He has been criticized also for his no show record in the Senate etc, he never appears and is always boxing / basketball but he is still voted in because he is a boxing legend. Is why the government in the Philippines is somewhat stuffed as people vote in sports stars, actors etc such as Erap and the Bong Revilla. You get what you vote for IMHO.
If he does owe the tax he is alleged then his fight with Mayweather may pay some of it back but some senators were trying to him exempted as he is a boxing star LOL.I believe he has a good reason for poor attendance in the Senate. He is not a member. His attendance in the House of Representative may be an issue, however. All humor aside, the cult of personality, as WR suggests, dominates the political scene in the Philippines. This is a common pattern in developing countries. Since institutions are created and perpetuated to reinforce the elites' hold on power, authority is vested in individuals rather than in their nominal offices.
Capt Munch
02-26-15, 08:19
Holy Week (as it is called) is a BIG DEAL for most filipinos, so don't expect the most popular girls (that is, the ones with most money) to be around during Holy Week (from around Wednesday through to Easter Monday).
Sure, as FE says, there will be girls around but they will be sad not to be home like most others at that time.
If you plan to travel outside of Manila (other than to AC), expect planes and buses to be super crowded.We just went through some sort of Holy Week here in Angeles. . . Maybe it was the start of Lent or something like that.
BUT for 3 days the "church's" loudspeakers blasted some sort of combination of sermons / music / hymnals from approx. 7 AM through 6 PM.
I don't know how many or where all these loudspeakers were located but they covered a vast area.
Just as annoying as the Videoke / Karaoke parties that signify a "party" at your neighbors. They are happy to blast the music and sing out of tune all day / all night.
The Tourism slogan is " More Fun in the Philippines " but when you live here, you realize mostly it is "More NOISE in the Philippines".
I asked at the store the other day where the "sales agents" were blasting away at the music to the point where it was impossible to talk to them or to ask them a question. . . . they explained to me that the noise (oops. . . Music) signifies "happiness".
SO more NOISE must mean more HAPPINESS (LOL).
Also during Holy Week before Easter you will see the processions of the guys with the crosses and those whipping themselves. . . . . Usually only messes up traffic for. . . . a while.
Munch.
GoodEnough
02-26-15, 10:55
I believe he has a good reason for poor attendance in the Senate. He is not a member. His attendance in the House of Representative may be an issue, however. All humor aside, the cult of personality, as WR suggests, dominates the political scene in the Philippines. This is a common pattern in developing countries. Since institutions are created and perpetuated to reinforce the elites' hold on power, authority is vested in individuals rather than in their nominal offices.Not only that, but in a country that boasts very few internationally known figures or institutions, the very few that emerge are sources of enormous national pride. With the exception of knowing who! Annu is I doubt that most of the world's population could cite any significant facts about the country which is, on the world stage, an irrelevance.
GE.
I have several people flying in to Manila airport on the same day, at different times and from different points of departure.
Traffic outside the airport area is a shambles because of construction of the overpass.
Does anyone know if there is a shuttle service between terminals which operates inside the airport area, hence avoiding the general road system?
Thanks in anticipation.
G
Roll Aides
02-26-15, 16:17
Not only that, but in a country that boasts very few internationally known figures or institutions, the very few that emerge are sources of enormous national pride. With the exception of knowing who! Annu is I doubt that most of the world's population could cite any significant facts about the country which is, on the world stage, an irrelevance.
GE.Something I've found tricky in dealing with Filipinos is they have a LOT of pride, unfortunately this clashes with their reality of having basically nothing to be proud of. Touchiness and a desperate need for recognition can ensue. I usually just smile and nod, but sometimes it can be challenging.
One of the things I get asked all the time, after, "Are you married," and, "Do you have a relative / friend who I can introduce to my relative / friend who wants to get married to a Poriegner?" is, "How do you like it here in the Philippines?" Pinoys are nice and try to make conversation.
Since I can't really say "Well, it's a squalid shithole of poverty and nothing, but the climate is mostly enjoyable and the pay for play is very enthusiastic and inexpensive," I usually just reply with, "It's nice, it's so warm here. " At least I can say it with a straight face. Usually.
I suppose that I should come up with something better, but just what continues to elude me. Suggestions are welcome.
Since I can't really say "Well, it's a squalid shithole of poverty and nothing, but the climate is mostly enjoyable and the pay for play is very enthusiastic and inexpensive," I usually just reply with, "It's nice, it's so warm here. " At least I can say it with a straight face. Usually I suppose that I should come up with something better, but just what continues to elude me. Suggestions are welcome.If you come from some crap home town in flyover country USA, a place where high school graduates (and GED) best option is go sign up to join US military, just reply that you come from the American equivalent. You can't come up with something better than the truth, don't let it elude you.
Member #4387
02-26-15, 23:20
Something I've found tricky in dealing with Filipinos is they have a LOT of pride, unfortunately this clashes with their reality of having basically nothing to be proud of. Touchiness and a desperate need for recognition can ensue. I usually just smile and nod, but sometimes it can be challenging.
One of the things I get asked all the time, after, "Are you married," and, "Do you have a relative / friend who I can introduce to my relative / friend who wants to get married to a Poriegner?" is, "How do you like it here in the Philippines?" Pinoys are nice and try to make conversation.
Since I can't really say "Well, it's a squalid shithole of poverty and nothing, but the climate is mostly enjoyable and the pay for play is very enthusiastic and inexpensive," I usually just reply with, "It's nice, it's so warm here. " At least I can say it with a straight face. Usually.
I suppose that I should come up with something better, but just what continues to elude me. Suggestions are welcome.Cracked me up man. Get ready for some attention. Anyway, can't wait to get back in a couple of days. It is all about the girls and girls only. To me that is my only interest in phils (and daughter ofcourse). I respect that others may have different opinions so I hope it is a two way street.
FreebieFan
02-27-15, 01:51
The Tourism slogan is " More Fun in the Philippines " but when you live here, you realize mostly it is "More NOISE in the Philippines".
I asked at the store the other day where the "sales agents" were blasting away at the music to the point where it was impossible to talk to them or to ask them a question. . . . they explained to me that the noise (oops. . . Music) signifies "happiness".
SO more NOISE must mean more HAPPINESS (LOL).
Also during Holy Week before Easter you will see the processions of the guys with the crosses and those whipping themselves. . . . . Usually only messes up traffic for. . . . a while.
Munch.Every mall, every Saturday and Sunday will have the same plastic seating with people on stage roaring into a mike. No half measures, its full on shouting into that mike, speakers turned to full. Cutesy cvutesy games for kids, all intended to sell more milk powder or feminine wash or whatever.
Chaos and madness. Malls are totally to be avoided at weekends. Unless you like that sort of eardrum killing scene.
WestCoast1
02-27-15, 02:22
Since I can't really say "Well, it's a squalid shithole of poverty and nothing, but the climate is mostly enjoyable and the pay for play is very enthusiastic and inexpensive," I usually just reply with, "It's nice, it's so warm here. " At least I can say it with a straight face. Usually.
I suppose that I should come up with something better, but just what continues to elude me. Suggestions are welcome.Sir, what do you like about Filipines? "The women and the weather are both HOT".
Something I've found tricky in dealing with Filipinos is they have a LOT of pride, unfortunately this clashes with their reality of having basically nothing to be proud of. Touchiness and a desperate need for recognition can ensue. I usually just smile and nod, but sometimes it can be challenging.
One of the things I get asked all the time, after, "Are you married," and, "Do you have a relative / friend who I can introduce to my relative / friend who wants to get married to a Poriegner?" is, "How do you like it here in the Philippines?" Pinoys are nice and try to make conversation.
Since I can't really say "Well, it's a squalid shithole of poverty and nothing, but the climate is mostly enjoyable and the pay for play is very enthusiastic and inexpensive," I usually just reply with, "It's nice, it's so warm here. " At least I can say it with a straight face. Usually.
I suppose that I should come up with something better, but just what continues to elude me. Suggestions are welcome.Here is a suggestion, try Have you eaten today or kumain kana. Or take your breakfast sir.
I am sure the fine people of the shithole of poverty with nothing have kindly and graciously kept theirs mouths shut about the prideful drunken, Viagra assisted limp dicks, broken family Americans rich with what? That comes to the Shithole.
Take your breakfast sir.
Capt Munch
02-27-15, 02:36
Every mall, every Saturday and Sunday will have the same plastic seating with people on stage roaring into a mike. No half measures, its full on shouting into that mike, speakers turned to full. Cutesy cvutesy games for kids, all intended to sell more milk powder or feminine wash or whatever.
Chaos and madness. Malls are totally to be avoided at weekends. Unless you like that sort of eardrum killing scene.True. . . . . I didn't include that on my list (maybe because I do try to avoid the Malls on the weekends).
Usually there will be an event where all the HAPPINESS (NOISE) involves the "National Sport of the Philippines" . . . . Synchronized Dancing.
Munch.
I've been trying to upload pics, but it keeps saying upload failed. What am I doing wrong?
WestCoast1
02-27-15, 07:40
I've been trying to upload pics, but it keeps saying upload failed. What am I doing wrong?The board will not allow you to upload pics directly out of your camera or phone. They must be shrunk in DPI (resized) down to no more than 648 DPI on the long side. There are various photo-editors (software) that you can find for free on the internet that will shrink them to this size automatically with a mouse click. Two that come to mind are PhotoScape and Irfanview. Google and go get one and learn how to play with it.
Roll Aides
02-27-15, 07:56
Sir, what do you like about Filipines? "The women and the weather are both HOT".Thanks Westy, good one! I'll definitely try that next time.
Cracked me up man. Get ready for some attention. Anyway, can't wait to get back in a couple of days. It is all about the girls and girls only. To me that is my only interest in phils (and daughter ofcourse). I respect that others may have different opinions so I hope it is a two way street.Yeah, I hear you. It's okay, that's what the ignore list is for. Comes in handy. Welcome back, "in advance" as they say here.
Something I've found tricky in dealing with Filipinos is they have a LOT of pride, unfortunately this clashes with their reality of having basically nothing to be proud of. Touchiness and a desperate need for recognition can ensue. I usually just smile and nod, but sometimes it can be challenging.
One of the things I get asked all the time, after, "Are you married," and, "Do you have a relative / friend who I can introduce to my relative / friend who wants to get married to a Poriegner?" is, "How do you like it here in the Philippines?" Pinoys are nice and try to make conversation.
Since I can't really say "Well, it's a squalid shithole of poverty and nothing, but the climate is mostly enjoyable and the pay for play is very enthusiastic and inexpensive," I usually just reply with, "It's nice, it's so warm here. " At least I can say it with a straight face. Usually.
I suppose that I should come up with something better, but just what continues to elude me. Suggestions are welcome.Yes, Filipinos have pride, but I rarely come across one who has a chip on his / her shoulder when talking to me. What I've experienced more often is Filipinos putting down their country, which can be depressing to listen to.
I get that being asked the same few questions repeatedly can get tiresome. It sucks when people take an interest in you; being ignored is better, naturally. (Fear not. My father assures me that once you pass 60 you become invisible. So you've got that to look forward to.) Fortunately there is a very simple and effective solution for those who are so conversationally burdened: Stop talking to people. Or steal a page from the Big Korean Book Of Repellant Charm. Merely point and grunt.
If shunning humans and pointing and grunting aren't for you then try this, and I offer this sincerely: be silly and absurd. Concoct. Imagine. Appropriate. Tell them about your six wives. Tonto, the Eskimo gal you share an igloo with but it's melted because it's summer. Rapunzel, the German gal with the flowing blonde hair who lives in a tower filled with disco dancers and penguins. Gunga Din, your loyal valet, needs a wife in the afterworld, and a Pinay would be perfect. Oh, she's a racist necrophobe? Your befuddled pal, Navin Johnson, possessor of a TV remote, a chair, and a paddle game, might be more suitable. He has a special purpose too.
I've been trying to upload pics, but it keeps saying upload failed. What am I doing wrong?
The board will not allow you to upload pics directly out of your camera or phone. They must be shrunk in DPI (resized) down to no more than 648 DPI on the long side. There are various photo-editors (software) that you can find for free on the internet that will shrink them to this size automatically with a mouse click. Two that come to mind are PhotoScape and Irfanview. Google and go get one and learn how to play with it.Actually you do not necessarily have to resize them. But if you don't do that the forum software will resize them very drastically (to something like 20 kb).
Rumbuddy,
There have been more reports from people who had problems uploading pics. There can be a lot of reasons for that. You might try to do it from a different location or another computer.
Econo Tech
02-28-15, 05:00
The board will not allow you to upload pics directly out of your camera or phone. They must be shrunk in DPI (resized) down to no more than 648 DPI on the long side. There are various photo-editors (software) that you can find for free on the internet that will shrink them to this size automatically with a mouse click. Two that come to mind are PhotoScape and Irfanview. Google and go get one and learn how to play with it.Or use a different browser on mobile. Like chrome.
I had issues with default browser but OK with chrome.
Soapy Smith
02-28-15, 17:57
Every mall, every Saturday and Sunday will have the same plastic seating with people on stage roaring into a mike. No half measures, its full on shouting into that mike, speakers turned to full.I believe they have been conditioned to this by karaoke machines. In the Phils it seems the points scored on Karaoke machines are linked, not to being tonally correct at various points in the song, but to the volume the singer projects at various points of emphasis in the music.
Soapy Smith
02-28-15, 18:07
Yes, Filipinos have pride, but I rarely come across one who has a chip on his / her shoulder when talking to me. What I've experienced more often is Filipinos putting down their country, which can be depressing to listen to.I see this especially among better educated Filipinos. My unvoiced reaction to these depressing sentiments is, "so what are you and your friends doing about it"? The sense of fatalism is really overpowering.
On the other hand, given that the country's such a shithole, isn't that part of the basis for a number of us making part of our living from our connection to the Phils?
Sorry, I just don't get it. I am from America. If someone calls me Americaman I don't get all bent out of shape. That's where I'm from.Americanman, LOL,
The chinese dude doesn't like being called a Chinaman, lots of Chinese people don't like it so that's enough of a reason.
Frenchman, German, Englishman, Irishman, they have the same innoculous sound, not so w/ Chinaman. Why? Just because. I'm not an english language expert, the problem is in the sound of it in the english language.
Don't question the chinese bro? Respect all, even those dirty arabs lol. (JK) LOL
The Chinese are an awesome race, (not to even mention chinese pussy), if they don't like the term then it's settled, don't freaking call them that.
Capisce????
Econo Tech
03-02-15, 04:33
The Chinese are an awesome race, (not to even mention chinese pussy), if they don't like the term then it's settled, don't freaking call them that.
Capisce?Alas many don't know Chinese especially those not from China (I. E Malaysia, Singapore and all.) will use their Chinese genes of loss of face if you call them Chinaman.
It's the most offensive thing you can do.
http://www.careeraddict.com/16695/avoid-these-20-english-words-when-in-other-countries?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=promoted_post
I am sure there are others too.
Americanman, LOL,
The chinese dude doesn't like being called a Chinaman, lots of Chinese people don't like it so that's enough of a reason.
Frenchman, German, Englishman, Irishman, they have the same innoculous sound, not so w/ Chinaman. Why? Just because. I'm not an english language expert, the problem is in the sound of it in the english language.
Don't question the chinese bro? Respect all, even those dirty arabs lol. (JK) LOL
The Chinese are an awesome race, (not to even mention chinese pussy), if they don't like the term then it's settled, don't freaking call them that.
Capisce????Totally agree, so much pussy out there and wasting time trying when dude said it is an insult. Now I know, I won't ever say that again. I remember in 6th grade, I was the biggest guy in the school, not a bully at all but I could hurt people, but I called Raymond Chen a slur (no need to repeat it here). Not because I wanted to, it was just a word I heard and I repeated it to him and he punched me in my stomach and bent me over. I could have wiped the floor up with him, he knew, I knew it. But I realized I insulted him, so I did nothing. Never used that word again. Let's move on. I.
http://www.careeraddict.com/16695/avoid-these-20-english-words-when-in-other-countries?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=promoted_post
I am sure there are others too.'Lager' does not mean 'storage' in Dutch. It means 'lower'. And since it's not pronounced the same as in English it won't raise any eyebrows if you use it.
'Lager' can mean 'storage' or 'stock' in German.
Member #4387
03-03-15, 12:29
Under no circumstanses will I give out my provider (pimpettes) of studentgirls contactdetails and by far not if you are not a regular provider into this section of the forum. There have been quite a few requests for her details in the PM's, so instead of answering you all privately I do it here in general. It is not like I don't want to share or contribute into the world of mongering but these girls are fresh from the "farm" and have a humble / naive view on life. I guess the reason they come fuck in great numbers is that they simply don't know this is a bit out of line, hehe. I treat them very nice and can not treat any with their details unless some might have good report here and I can trust the girls are treated nicely (and I speak not only about money but I am probably on the generous side also here).
Skoggy.
Radical Guy
03-03-15, 13:39
Under no circumstanses will I give out my provider (pimpettes) of studentgirls contactdetails and by far not if you are not a regular provider into this section of the forum. There have been quite a few requests for her details in the PM's, so instead of answering you all privately I do it here in general. It is not like I don't want to share or contribute into the world of mongering but these girls are fresh from the "farm" and have a humble / naive view on life. I guess the reason they come fuck in great numbers is that they simply don't know this is a bit out of line, hehe. I treat them very nice and can not treat any with their details unless some might have good report here and I can trust the girls are treated nicely (and I speak not only about money but I am probably on the generous side also here).
Skoggy.I never undrstand why people on ISG find it necessary to ask for contact details for Filipinas. This country is so chock full of available pussy, only a total moron would have difficulty getting laid in this country with only a tiny amount of effort. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. LOL. Besides, isn't the hunt part of the fun?
RG.
I never undrstand why people on ISG find it necessary to ask for contact details for Filipinas.Have you not ever (inadvertently, of course) beheld the ISG page for anywhere India?
WestCoast1
03-03-15, 15:16
Under no circumstanses will I give out my provider (pimpettes) of studentgirls contactdetails and by far not if you are not a regular provider into this section of the forum.
Skoggy.I too have been getting request for digits (my two previous scrawn, booby and preggy). Sorry gents, we've never met before.
only a total moron would have difficulty getting laid in this country with only a tiny amount of effort. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. LOL. Besides, isn't the hunt part of the fun?
RG.Agree with the first part, but respectfully, not with the last. I detest the hunt. Oddly, no matter how business-like I am in dealing with snatch, there is a percentage of girls in phils who don't seem to care, they just want to hang out (my main reason for loving pinay).
I never undrstand why people on ISG find it necessary to ask for contact details for Filipinas. This country is so chock full of available pussy, only a total moron would have difficulty getting laid in this country with only a tiny amount of effort. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. LOL. Besides, isn't the hunt part of the fun?
RG.I concur. Lately I have posted some pics and have been getting requests for contact numbers. I won't be replying guys, sorry. I have never asked for a girls number and honestly have never even THOUGHT of doing it because the pussy is so abundant.
FreebieFan
03-04-15, 01:44
I never undrstand why people on ISG find it necessary to ask for contact details for Filipinas. This country is so chock full of available pussy, only a total moron would have difficulty getting laid in this country with only a tiny amount of effort. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. LOL. Besides, isn't the hunt part of the fun?
RG.It was totally the same in Singapore and Malaysia. Would post a report and the next day, 20 or so chaps would be " care to share the digits " type messages.
I had a cut and paste standard reply, stating that I had gone to the time and effort in chatting, getting to know said lady and taking it from there, and maybe they could also chat to girls if they wanted a result.
Would add that " so I give you the number and then what? You tell the girl that you saw she bonked a guy, by reading about it on a sex site and could she please bonk you too ".
Thankfully they never replied.
Econo Tech
03-04-15, 02:02
It was totally the same in Singapore and Malaysia. Would post a report and the next day, 20 or so chaps would be " care to share the digits " type messages.
I had a cut and paste standard reply, stating that I had gone to the time and effort in chatting, getting to know said lady and taking it from there, and maybe they could also chat to girls if they wanted a result.
Would add that " so I give you the number and then what? You tell the girl that you saw she bonked a guy, by reading about it on a sex site and could she please bonk you too ".
Thankfully they never replied.Maybe I am bit guilty on the asking part, but only when some specific girl piqued my interest.
Then again, when anybody did give me a contact, not one did I follow up as I got distracted with the choices on offer. : LOL.
And living in SG, PH is much cheaper to spend, than pay SG prices to pinays (ah, I am partial to pinays anyway.).
You are true on the part of telling the girl how you got her contact, 9 out of 10 times, it goes titty up, and am talking of maids and such. In SG!
No girl wants to know she is being shared, except full time pros!
FWIW to you. I may be the last one to have figured this out. My health ins is so expensive that I have taken a high deductible policy. My monthly meds cost over $300. Recently I checked the prices out at Manson and Watson Drugs for the identical meds. Both stores were within one peso per pill of each other. But my monthly savings was over $200!
Capt Munch
03-04-15, 08:17
99.99% are on the Catholic Church approved birth control plan. Love the analogy!
BC pills are available in pharmacies without prescriptions. I have known a few girls buying them and taking them. Month supply cost P600. I had an ex-GF on pills for the better part of the last 2 years. . . . they were supposed to be medium to high end pills since she said she could not tolerate some of the other brands.
The cost of these started around 320 php with a more recent price increase to approx. 350 php. I think Manson Drug was a bit more expensive but not much.
In the usual Phils business model. . . Every so often we got to hear " Sorry, out of stock" but. . . . they are generally readily available. On a couple of occasions, I went and got them for her and NO QUESTIONS ASKED or script needed.
I thought that someone told me the "Diane" pills that the LB's use were only 40 php. . . I don't really need to go to the pharmacy to confirm that.
Munch.
I concur. Lately I have posted some pics and have been getting requests for contact numbers. I won't be replying guys, sorry. I have never asked for a girls number and honestly have never even THOUGHT of doing it because the pussy is so abundant.I totally agree, finding them is half the fun. Sure you miss some, but when you find a gem. It is the greatest feeling. I only did it once, so I need to return to try my luck again.
I think you are right, I still have the runs, I just don't feel sick like at first. I think I will go to the doctor today. I will be in AC soon and don't want to waste time on the toilet.Returned to the States late last week and the Runs returned with a vengeance. it seemed to have gone away. This time I felt sicker and weaker the first day than the first time, then just a lot of loose stools. No appetite. My doctor gave me a prescription for Cipro. I have taken 3 pills so far and it seemed to have wiped it out as no BM's since I took the 1 pill. He said take it for 5 days. He said It sounded like I had travelers Diahreaa... I only drank bottled water, but I ordered a salad once and I think that is where it happened. I also went to the hospital in Phils, but the took stool sample and said I was ok gave me some meds for reflux which I didn't have... a waste of time.
Some on this forum suggested cipro... hopefully this problem doesnt come up again... but cipro seemed to fix the problem with the 1st pill... I will keep taking the meds like the Doc said to not give the germ a chance to come back and get resistant in my body
, but I ordered a salad once and I think that is where it happened. That's very well possible. Raw food like salads can be dangerous.
In the past three weeks here in Angeles I had a salad two times, one time in Margarita Station and one time in Kokomo's, and both times I had to run for the toilet a couple of hours later.
I have the impression that the food quality in Margarita Station has gone down compared to a year or longer ago. I don't like it so much anymore.
The food in Kokomo's has always been a bit crappy IMO. I had a pizza there that tasted like plastic. I won't eat there anymore.
Love the analogy!
I had an ex-GF on pills for the better part of the last 2 years. . . . they were supposed to be medium to high end pills since she said she could not tolerate some of the other brands.
The cost of these started around 320 php with a more recent price increase to approx. 350 php. I think Manson Drug was a bit more expensive but not much.
In the usual Phils business model. . . Every so often we got to hear " Sorry, out of stock" but. . . . they are generally readily available. On a couple of occasions, I went and got them for her and NO QUESTIONS ASKED or script needed.
I thought that someone told me the "Diane" pills that the LB's use were only 40 php. . . I don't really need to go to the pharmacy to confirm that.
Munch.There are Depo shots available which are good for 3 months. My girls will get it couple of weeks before I arrive.
Soapy Smith
03-05-15, 16:04
Returned to the States late last week and the Runs returned with a vengeance. it seemed to have gone away. This time I felt sicker and weaker the first day than the first time, then just a lot of loose stools. No appetite. My doctor gave me a prescription for Cipro. I have taken 3 pills so far and it seemed to have wiped it out as no BM's since I took the 1 pill. He said take it for 5 days. He said It sounded like I had travelers Diahreaa... I only drank bottled water, but I ordered a salad once and I think that is where it happened. I also went to the hospital in Phils, but the took stool sample and said I was ok gave me some meds for reflux which I didn't have... a waste of time.
Also known as "turista. " Often domestic lab tests (American, European) will not be positive because these bacteria are particular to the Phils or other countries, but are not in the array of typical bacteria that domestic labs test for. You were lucky that your doctor knew about your travels and thought outside the box. Where Filipinos are concerned, these bacteria may not be considered a problem, because many Filipinos carry the bacteria but have also built up immunities. Hence lab results that say you are okay. I presume the bacteria are carried in uncooked vegetables which have been washed under unfiltered water. Others have suggested that some vegetables are fertilized with manure (from whatever source) that carry bacteria which do not get washed off prior to consumption. If I cannot resist getting a salad, I always ask how the vegetables have been washed, but even that is tenuous because servers often have no clue about the underlying science regarding bacteria that make foreigners sick.
AussieGaigin
03-05-15, 19:51
Also known as "turista. " Often domestic lab tests (American, European) will not be positive because these bacteria are particular to the Phils or other countries, but are not in the array of typical bacteria that domestic labs test for. You were lucky that your doctor knew about your travels and thought outside the box. Where Filipinos are concerned, these bacteria may not be considered a problem, because many Filipinos carry the bacteria but have also built up immunities. Hence lab results that say you are okay. I presume the bacteria are carried in uncooked vegetables which have been washed under unfiltered water. Others have suggested that some vegetables are fertilized with manure (from whatever source) that carry bacteria which do not get washed off prior to consumption. If I cannot resist getting a salad, I always ask how the vegetables have been washed, but even that is tenuous because servers often have no clue about the underlying science regarding bacteria that make foreigners sick.We've had a few cases reported recently in Australia of people coming down with Hep A from eating frozen packaged berries from China, believed grown in similar unhygienic conditions.
FreebieFan
03-06-15, 01:54
We've had a few cases reported recently in Australia of people coming down with Hep A ."Coming down? ". Bit of an understatement. Something like 15 people died due to this.
We've had a few cases reported recently in Australia of people coming down with Hep A from eating frozen packaged berries from China, believed grown in similar unhygienic conditions.Personally I wouldn't eat or drink anything from China. Also be very careful of other products produced there. Seems like consumer health and safety has disappeared as inspectors pockets are filling up.
BrainDrain
03-06-15, 05:09
"Coming down? ". Bit of an understatement. Something like 15 people died due to this.Actually no person has died.
15 people have been infected yes, deaths no. According to the health officials in the media, Hep A people recover over 12 weeks after which time the liver is back to normal.
BD.
FreebieFan
03-06-15, 07:14
Actually no person has died.
15 people have been infected yes, deaths no. According to the health officials in the media, Hep A people recover over 12 weeks after which time the liver is back to normal.
BD.Thanks. I stand corrected. Was sure I had read in The Australian that people had died.
Also known as "turista. " Often domestic lab tests (American, European) will not be positive because these bacteria are particular to the Phils or other countries, but are not in the array of typical bacteria that domestic labs test for. You were lucky that your doctor knew about your travels and thought outside the box. Where Filipinos are concerned, these bacteria may not be considered a problem, because many Filipinos carry the bacteria but have also built up immunities. Hence lab results that say you are okay.I think most doctors would just prescribe an antibiotic based on the stories their patients tell: where they've been and how they felt. Three times I've seen a doctor in two different countries with travellers' diarrhea and been prescribed something immediately with labs just as a precaution for anything more nasty. Especially as labs seem to take days rather than the hours many lab tests take (yes I know some take days but they're less common).
I always ask how the vegetables have been washed, but even that is tenuous because servers often have no clue about the underlying science regarding bacteria that make foreigners sick.I find that Filipinos like to have an answer for any question asked. Even if they don't have a clue what the answer is. Classic case just last week: searching for a gas station having just come off the freeway. I had a rough idea in my head where there were likely to be some as I'd been in the area before, but we come up to traffic lights and the wife says "I think there might be one to the right". "Have you been here before?" I ask. "No, maybe there is one though". "Do you know or are you just guessing? "Guessing". Doesn't help that she points left and says "right" either, but that seems to be her rather than a Filipino trait generally.
Soapy Smith
03-06-15, 15:19
I think most doctors would just prescribe an antibiotic based on the stories their patients tell: where they've been and how they felt. We would hope this is true, but I had a different experience. A few years ago I returned from the Phils with turista symptoms. I called my primary care physician to describe the situation and indicated I had just returned from the Phils and suspected something parasitic from my travels; "Okay, we'll ask the doctor. " Two days later I get a call from the intake nurse who says the doctor wants me to run fecal lab tests, so come by and get specimen tubes. I returned with samples one day later but didn't hear back for four days. Frustrated, I called the doctor's office. "Oh, I'm not sure if the doctor has seen the lab results. " A day later I get a call saying, "the lab results were all negative, and the doctor says drink lots of water and take immodium if the symptoms get really bad. " I asked what they had tested for; "giardia and all the other parasites we usually test for. " At that point I was angry. I made plans to visit my HMO's walk-in clinic the next day and called the doctor's office to get a copy of lab results. "We can't release the lab results until the doctor has signed off on them. " I countered that the doctor had seen them because I had gotten doctor's instructions the previous day. "I'm sorry sir, she hasn't signed off on them. " An hour later I get a call saying, "our mistake, you can pick up a copy at our front desk. " I did so and carried them straight to the walk-in clinic. Doctor there said, "those are exactly the tests I would have ordered, but out typical tests often do not pick up the odd parasites from other countries. He gave me a very strong injection of sulfa, which cleared up the turista within 24 hours.
Moral of the story: doctors make mistakes, and communications from patients through nurses to doctors and return sometimes lose details along the way.
Moral of the story: doctors make mistakes, and communications from patients through nurses to doctors and return sometimes lose details along the way.I would certainly agree with that. Our disjointed US health insurance means dealing with doctors, doctors' offices, the doctor's office's billing department, the insurance billing department, and the pharmacy. The left hand doesn't even know there IS a right hand. Two weeks to get a prescription approved and dispensed. I received a stupidly large bill yesterday from the same incompetent doctor's office which is entirely wrong as it's "in network". Yet more time to waste sorting that mess out today. Give me the NHS any day.
GregLondon
03-07-15, 07:40
Anyone an expert on Canadian citizenship rules for the babies of Canadian guys with Filipinas?
One of my pinay friends had a baby about a year ago to a young Canadian father. Right now he doesn't seem interested in marrying her. Assuming that he will be cooperative can she apply for dual Canadian citizenship for the baby and if so how long will that take? Once the baby gets dual citizenship will she be able to get some sort of visa to visit Canada with the baby so he can see his grandparents etc?
Thanks for any advice.
WestCoast1
03-07-15, 14:41
Anyone an expert on Canadian citizenship rules for the babies of Canadian guys with Filipinas?
One of my pinay friends had a baby about a year ago to a young Canadian father. Right now he doesn't seem interested in marrying her. Assuming that he will be cooperative can she apply for dual Canadian citizenship for the baby and if so how long will that take? Once the baby gets dual citizenship will she be able to get some sort of visa to visit Canada with the baby so he can see his grandparents etc?
Thanks for any advice.Where was the baby born?
WestCoast1
03-07-15, 14:46
I would certainly agree with that. Our disjointed US health insurance means dealing with doctors, doctors' offices, the doctor's office's billing department, the insurance billing department, and the pharmacy. The left hand doesn't even know there IS a right hand. Two weeks to get a prescription approved and dispensed. I received a stupidly large bill yesterday from the same incompetent doctor's office which is entirely wrong as it's "in network". Yet more time to waste sorting that mess out today. Give me the NHS any day.Six of one. Half dozen of the other.
Wicked Roger
03-07-15, 17:16
Anyone an expert on Canadian citizenship rules for the babies of Canadian guys with Filipinas?
Thanks for any advice.Apart from Westie comment is he named as the father on the birth certificate as this would be very important.
Anyone an expert on Canadian citizenship rules for the babies of Canadian guys with Filipinas?
One of my pinay friends had a baby about a year ago to a young Canadian father. Right now he doesn't seem interested in marrying her. Assuming that he will be cooperative can she apply for dual Canadian citizenship for the baby and if so how long will that take? Once the baby gets dual citizenship will she be able to get some sort of visa to visit Canada with the baby so he can see his grandparents etc?
Thanks for any advice.You need to assume lots of things. I live in USA but I guess process is the same for Canada.
1. The guy must make sure the baby belongs to him by doing tests.
2. Guy should be willing to have the girl and the baby to be part of his life, not just the baby.
3. Guy must be willing to be responsible financially at least till the child is 18 years of age. This means possibly bearing financial responsibility for the mother as well because she is bringing up the baby.
This financial thing is very big even if the child lives in Phi. This includes nice place to live, food, clothes etc. School expenses, travel, healthcare. Mother can be demanding as well.
4. Grandparents should be willing to accept the baby.
Once everything above is agreed he can go to Canadian Embassy or Government and start the process.
Pip Jaeger
03-09-15, 00:32
Effective today, March 9, is a new nation wide "flag down" rate of 30 pesos (no mention in the article if it's applicable to yellow cabs, which have a higher flag down rate). The taxi's are not required to re-calibrate their meters, so I can see as soon as you hop into a taxi the driver informing you of the new rate, LOL. If they don't I would just pay the meter (that's of course if you can find a driver who will even use the meter, lol) and tell the driver that the p10 rate reduction is his tip, LOL.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2015/03/08/violators-face-p5t-p15t-fine-396423
Has anyone had a suit made in Cebu city lately? Location, cost? I'd appreciate it if someone can send any relevant info. X man.
Econo Tech
03-10-15, 02:43
Only in Philippines.
With witnesses vanishing one by one. One of the accused in the Muguindanao massacre has been granted bail for 11 million peso.
Let's bet how long before the case collapsed due to lack of witnesses.
Anyone an expert on Canadian citizenship rules for the babies of Canadian guys with Filipinas?
One of my pinay friends had a baby about a year ago to a young Canadian father. Right now he doesn't seem interested in marrying her. Assuming that he will be cooperative can she apply for dual Canadian citizenship for the baby and if so how long will that take? Once the baby gets dual citizenship will she be able to get some sort of visa to visit Canada with the baby so he can see his grandparents etc?
Thanks for any advice.http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/birth-abroad
90% sure that I'll head to Manila at the end of March for at least a year. Have visited Manila many times in the past 2 years on shorter trips.
Anyone else have experience in moving to Makati? No real limits on the housing budget, but I'll probably try to stay around $2,500-$3,500 USD / month. Feel free to PM me if that's easier for you.
(Wasn't sure to post here in General Info or in the Makati section.).
Has anyone tried Arginine L or Maca root or Zinc to enhance your libido. I use Levitra meds, but I have been told that the former enhances the experience and produce a larger output. Any feedback on the subject? I will touchdown again in AC within 60 days.
Has anyone tried Arginine L or Maca root or Zinc to enhance your libido. I use Levitra meds, but I have been told that the former enhances the experience and produce a larger output. Any feedback on the subject? I will touchdown again in AC within 60 days.I've always heard that drinking a lot of water and pineapple juice was good for copious amounts of love lotion.
Member #4351
03-10-15, 21:54
Has anyone tried Arginine L or Maca root or Zinc to enhance your libido. Maca comes from Peru where I am living. Works for me. I take two tablets of Macandina twice a day with breakfast and lunch.
Has anyone tried Arginine L or Maca root or Zinc to enhance your libido. I use Levitra meds, but I have been told that the former enhances the experience and produce a larger output. Any feedback on the subject? I will touchdown again in AC within 60 days.They're often in herbal "sex medicines". I tried some Robust Extreme from SM Hypermarket, a little pricey, but was more like Cialis in the length of time it lasted.
90% sure that I'll head to Manila at the end of March for at least a year. Have visited Manila many times in the past 2 years on shorter trips.
Anyone else have experience in moving to Makati? No real limits on the housing budget, but I'll probably try to stay around $2,500-$3,500 USD / month. Feel free to PM me if that's easier for you.Good luck with finding accommodation in Makati for $3500 usd / month. Especially if you require a good standard of living.
Prices in Makati are in general 20% higher than anywhere else in the metro. Barangay (Municipal) rates (payable monthly) are much higher in Makati than elsewhere.
If you wish to stay in Makati to be close to an office, then that's a good reason.
If you want to stay in Makati because you like its vibe and ambience, then be prepared to pay for it.
Do you want to stay in a condo or a house? That's an important consideration. The cost variation in terms of overheads is considerable.
I checked out all relevant areas in Metro Manila before I bought a condo in Ortigas Centre. Ortigas is also expensive relative to Makati but 20% cheaper in most sectors (although there are some condos at the high end that are as expensive as in Makati).
As your budget is not really limited then you should find something to suit but it might not be in the places you visit when you have stayed here previously on short trips.
Let us know how you get on; many people are interested in the costs of living in Manila (if PMs to me are a guide).
Cunning Stunt
03-11-15, 02:35
Good luck with finding accommodation in Makati for $3500 usd / month. Especially if you require a good standard of living.
Prices in Makati are in general 20% higher than anywhere else in the metro. Barangay (Municipal) rates (payable monthly) are much higher in Makati than elsewhere.
Taguig is much cheaper and close to Makati.
Monthly rental on a decent 2 bed condo in a nice development would be in the region of 25-40 k plus utilities.
On TripAdvisor the Gramercy is at US915 per week, and another place as low as US350 per week. I thought the Gramercy looked pretty nice from the pictures I've seen. RK, you and I may have different definitions of "good standard of living".
Good luck with finding accommodation in Makati for $3500 usd / month. Especially if you require a good standard of living.
SNIP
Let us know how you get on; many people are interested in the costs of living in Manila (if PMs to me are a guide).
Taguig is much cheaper and close to Makati.
Monthly rental on a decent 2 bed condo in a nice development would be in the region of 25-40 k plus utilities.Sorry if my post #8976 appeared as though I was telling Random99 he wouldn't find anything in Makati.
I simply indicated that it was the most expensive place because of the name.
Wasn't going to go through all the options around Metro Manila; I just used Ortigas as an example because I know about it from personal experience.
I agree with CS that Taguig is cheaper but remember; there are parts of Taguig that are squatter camps, and of course BGC is there too, although it's ownership is still disputed between Taguig and Makati.
A quick bit of research tells me that you will be looking at the bottom of the available range at 25-40 k / month for a condo, and not all of them are "fully-furnished". There are also condo association monthly dues to be paid so be sure to check if the monthly rental rate quoted includes them. As CS said, electric and water (utilities) are also added costs, and not all condos come with a parking space either if you have a car.
Anyway, as I said, I hope he tells us what he ends up doing re accommodation as economics here changes all the time. Given the plethora of condo dwellings going up all over the metro I am sure there must be some owners desperate to get some turnover and cash flow going.
XMan. I think my "good standard" is higher than yours (smiley here) but for sure I agree with you that the Gramercy is a very nice option at that price. Personally I doubt I could live in a hotel suite for a year but I guess others could.
Good luck with finding accommodation in Makati for $3500 usd / month. Especially if you require a good standard of living.
I was living in a 35 sqm furnished 1 BR condo near the corner of Buendia and Pasong Tamo in Makati for p25,000 inclusive of association dues, cable TV and Internet. Building has a nice pool (actually 3 of them), a so-so gym, and very good security. Obviously "good standard of living" is subjective, but I'd say that place was comparable to any recently built middle-class residence in the West. The fittings, fixtures, and furnishings weren't the best, but for a single guy they were completely acceptable; I would have bought nicer stuff if it was my money. I'm in a place now near the airport that's approx 50 sqm and it's nice to have more space, especially in the kitchen, and a balcony.
90% sure that I'll head to Manila at the end of March for at least a year. Have visited Manila many times in the past 2 years on shorter trips.
Anyone else have experience in moving to Makati? No real limits on the housing budget, but I'll probably try to stay around $2,500-$3,500 USD / month. Feel free to PM me if that's easier for you.
(Wasn't sure to post here in General Info or in the Makati section.).I found my first place, in Makati, on Craigslist and the second place, in Pasay, on OLX (used to be Sulit). I loved my first place because of its central location and many methods of public transport, making it easy for the girls to travel to and find. Moreover I was close to Cash & Carry supermarket, Santis and Earle's delis, and wine shops; it's nice to be able to pick up the foreign goodies. Plenty of good quality dining options in Makati. If your budget is just for housing and utilities you'll have no problem finding plenty of furnished places. However, sometimes the furnishings aren't the nicest; if you intend to be a very long-term visitor it may be best to rent unfurnished and then decorate to your taste. You say a year so perhaps furnished is best. If you are kind of particular and money isn't an object then furnish to your taste and sell them at the end of your stay. An often overlooked item for hapenis is a laundry machine. I've had one in both my places and it makes life a lot easier.
On TripAdvisor the Gramercy is at US915 per week, and another place as low as US350 per week. I thought the Gramercy looked pretty nice from the pictures I've seen. RK, you and I may have different definitions of "good standard of living".Tripadvisor, like airbnb, aims at the short-term visitors and thus the prices are quite high. I'd say daily rents are 2x-3x more than a long term rental, though that high rent includes all utilities such a pricey electricity. Here's a furnished 2 BR Gramercy place for p55,000, http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/69291915/For+Rent+2BR+Condo+in+Gramercy+in+Makati+Avenue%2C+Buendia+and+Ayala?ReferralKeywords=gramercy+apartment&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-1,1#advertisementDetails, and a furnished 1 BR loft there is p40,000. These places are looking for a 1-year tenant, but I do know some landlords are willing to shorten the lease for a slight upcharge.
Huts mentioned the Mega 250. But that don't include enough call minutes or Internet to last me a month. If you're using a Smart prepaid SIM, you can text LAKAS30 and send to 2644. You get 2 days unli texts to all networks, 60 minutes calls to Smart, and about 100 mb net. That's more than enough to run my Google Maps, and whatever else I need to do. So any other Internet plan isn't needed. Also it seems to be accumulating. Because even when the promo expires, and even with zero load, the net still works. And the unused mb is added to balance next time I register.
And here's the bonus. With an iPhone at least, you can turn on Personal Hotspot and run your laptop off it. So when the WiFi in your hotel don't work, or every time your Sky Cable or PLDT in your apartment goes down, you're set.
Huts mentioned the Mega 250. But that don't include enough call minutes or Internet to last me a month. If you're using a Smart prepaid SIM, you can text LAKAS30 and send to 2644. You get 2 days unli texts to all networks, 60 minutes calls to Smart, and about 100 mb net. That's more than enough to run my Google Maps, and whatever else I need to do. So any other Internet plan isn't needed. Also it seems to be accumulating. Because even when the promo expires, and even with zero load, the net still works. And the unused mb is added to balance next time I register.
At p30 per 2-day period (p450 per month) that's a good deal. I just don't use voice all that much mainly because I find voice calls drop frequently and the sound quality is poor. "What??? Say again. I can't hear you. What? What???" (Use that to your advantage by telling the girl to come over to your place to continue the conversation face-to-face.) But 45 MB of data is nice and that the unused bytes carry over to the next period represents a good value. BTW, Smart is adding on an additional 30MB per day for free: "Smart Prepaid is giving you ADDITIONAL 30 MB per day when you load your favorite Smart Prepaid promos! Just register to any participating Smart promos and automatically get 30 MB per day on top of your Smart Prepaid promo." Smart's website says, "Text LAKAS30 to 9999", so if 2644 doesn't work try 9999.
If you don't need that much voice and data and want to save a whopping p150 per month use the Sakto20 promo.
Unli SMS to All Networks
40 mins of calls to Smart/ Sun/ Talk 'N Text
20MB Data (plus free extra 30MB per day, for a total of 80MB)
Valid for 2 days
Text SAKTO20 to 9999
I see only one catch for both those plans: "*only available in select areas." And does Smart define what those "select areas" are on its website? Of course not. :P
Fear not. Though not as generous as lakas20 and sakto20 there are a few other promos that appear unrestricted to "select areas", see here http://smart.com.ph/prepaid/freeinternet#close
Thanks for the heads up, Sam.
This might affect several of the longer-staying people in the Philippines.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/86662-bureau-immigration-foreigners-clearance?utm_content=buffer7ad73&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
In summary, you need an ECC if you are:
Holders of temporary visitor visas (tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for 6 months or more.
Holders of expired or downgraded immigrant or non-immigrant visas.
Holders of valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas who are leaving for good.
Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart the Philippines for the first time.
Holders of tourist visas with order to leave.
Seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or more.
Thanks for the responses. I was in Manila for 3-4 weeks last January and started look at some of the various classified sites. It looked like there were plenty of apartments in my price range and I decided to stop looking since my move was 50-50 and a few months out.
I'm open to other areas outside of Makati, but most likely will put an emphasis on safety of the neighborhood, some shops (coffee, grocery) within reasonable walking distance and the amenities of the building.
Will give an update if I decide to take the plunge.
Sorry if >>>SNIP<<<<
Anyway, as I said, I hope he tells us what he ends up doing re accommodation as economics here changes all the time. Given the plethora of condo dwellings going up all over the metro I am sure there must be some owners desperate to get some turnover and cash flow going.
XMan. I think my "good standard" is higher than yours (smiley here) but for sure I agree with you that the Gramercy is a very nice option at that price. Personally I doubt I could live in a hotel suite for a year but I guess others could.If I could stay for one year in the Philippines, I'd cut off a left arm. RK, that would be your left arm, sorry. X.
I'm open to other areas outside of Makati, but most likely will put an emphasis on safety of the neighborhood, some shops (coffee, grocery) within reasonable walking distance and the amenities of the building.
It's a bit of a balance between neighbourhood security and convenience. In Makati you can live in one of the many the secured walled gardens such as the villages of Bel Air, Magallanes, Dasmarinas or Palm Village near Rockwell, but it's kind of cut off and isolated. If you're lazy like me and prefer to have a girl come directly to your place rather than meeting in a mall then being behind the wall is less convenient for her. And, more importantly, you.
In Makati I lived in Baragay Pio Del Pilar, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pio+del+Pilar,+Makati,+1230+Metro+Manila,+Philippines/at14.5537061,121.0105551,16z/data=!3m1!4 b1!4 m2!3 m1!1s0x3397c90d4b58d64f:0xaa203a2a94965d64. This is a mixed area that's roughly lower middle class in houses and apartments and middle class in condos. The squatters camp across the street from Makati Med is long gone. For someone who's accustomed to more conspicuous and assuring affluence in the West this barangay would appear to be a bit rough and off putting, yet it is quite safe. A great thing about Makati is the large number of call centres; I recall reading there are almost 200 here. My very first Craigslist "casual encounters" fubu worked next door to my condo. Convenient. She'd finish her night shift and come over for a romp. There are many Mickey Mouse colleges in the area, and of course there are the malls that pull in the girls to do little else but wander around. Since there are so many hotels I've met girls who came into town to meet some other guy, it went wrong, and they were looking for a meeting. Okie dokie, c'mon over.
By my being close to Buendia (Gil Puyat Ave on the map) allowed a girl in Manila, Pasay, Novatas, and Caloocan to take the LRT to Gil Puyat station, exit, hop a bus or jeep, and arrive near my place quite easily. If she lived in BGC she could just cross EDSA and come down Buendia. By my being close to Pasong Tamo (Chino Roces Ave on the map) allowed a girl in QC, Mandaluyong, Pasay, or Pasig to take the MRT to Magallanes Station, exit, and hop a jeep to arrive right in front of my place. By being near Osmena Highway girls from Taguig, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Alabang and further south could conveniently reach my place. And by being near the Skyway I was minutes away from NAIA terminal 3. I've had girls fly in and taxi easily to my place. I was close enough to Greenbelt that I could walk it when traffic was heavy. I could hop a jeep to go to Burgos. Two major bus depots, one serving northern Luzon and the other the south, are close if you want to bring in girls from further afield or travel yourself.
I mention this because I'm the president of the Barangay Pio Del Pilar rah-rah booster club. ;) I actually mention this because the biggest hassle in Metro Manila is transportation. This cannot be emphasised enough. The more of it you can offload on a girl (hahahaha) the higher your quality of life and hapenis will be.
There are certainly much nicer areas in Makati, but I found being west of Ayala Ave to be the ideal location. BGC is a much nicer, much posher place, but public transportation there sucks. To me that's a huge demerit. Another very nice area is Alabang, but it's so far away from everything else. Same is true for Eastwood. That being said, a guy could reside there and be busy enough with the women who live or work in those areas that he would never need to look to Makati or Manila. Though I haven't lived there I think another acceptable area is Ortigas, near SM Mega Mall. Good transportation links and many call centres nearby. There are a lot of places for rent near Mall of Asia in Pasay, but it's a bit far from the LRT and MRT. Personally I wouldn't want to live in Ermita or Malate.
WestCoast1
03-18-15, 04:57
And its a short trip.
For the previous 2 days, I was trying to book a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to the province. Getting to the screen where I enter my personal info, there was a red error message which stopped me in my tracks (please try later or contact the airline blah blah).
Today, after entering flight cities and dates on the home page, I get this (see pic): a blank page (no flights listed). Does not matter what dates I enter, or what cities.
Attempting to call the phone numbers listed on the website for both Manila and Cebu results in: dropped calls, calls that don't go through at all, or one of several recordings (long hold time sorry po, or worse the dreaded: "For Cebu Pacific press 1, for Tiger Air press 2" where pressing either 1 or 2 does absolutely nothing).
Did they just up and go out of biz? How do they stay in biz? Anyone else having a joyous time with CP right now?
WestCoast1
03-18-15, 06:06
I reached them on the phone. Five minutes on hold (not too bad maybe), and the nice lady (stupid me, didn't catch her name) informed me that the website has been going thru some changes. She agreed to book my flight over the phone and she did so, boringly confirming most things I said to her by spelling them out military style: "Your first name is Bravo Lima Alpha blah blah". I was convinced she was simply going as slow as she could to keep me on an overseas phone call as long as she could. "Your credit card number is blah blah". Correct hun. "Let me repeat that sir its blah blah". Correct again, hun.
Then, 28 minutes into the phone call, she asked if my Visa was issued from a Phils bank. No hun, do I sound pinoy? Its the same card I purchased a ticket on your website just a few weeks ago. "Oh. No sir. That cannot be. We do not accept credit cards from outside philippines. " Really. "Yes sir". You could have mentioned that before you spent 20+ minutes with me selling me an airline ticket where you cannot accept my credit card.
"So?" Did you just say SO to me? "Yes. How am I to know you don't have credit card from philippine bank? Our computers are not accepting credit cards from outside philippines just now. You try back later maybe?" Wow. Can I speak to your supervisor? "Why?" Because this is an overseas phone call, and it will run me 1000-2000 pesos just for the phone call. How do I get my money back from your company for that?
CLICK. She disconnected the call. I showed her! I tried calling back, only to run into (again) the recordings and calls that won't go thru.
I reached them on the phone. Five minutes on hold (not too bad maybe), and the nice lady (stupid me, didn't catch her name) informed me that the website has been going thru some changes. She agreed to book my flight over the phone and she did so, boringly confirming most things I said to her by spelling them out military style: "Your first name is Bravo Lima Alpha blah blah". I was convinced she was simply going as slow as she could to keep me on an overseas phone call as long as she could. "Your credit card number is blah blah". Correct hun. "Let me repeat that sir its blah blah". Correct again, hun.
Then, 28 minutes into the phone call, she asked if my Visa was issued from a Phils bank. No hun, do I sound pinoy? Its the same card I purchased a ticket on your website just a few weeks ago. "Oh. No sir. That cannot be. We do not accept credit cards from outside philippines. " Really. "Yes sir". You could have mentioned that before you spent 20+ minutes with me selling me an airline ticket where you cannot accept my credit card.
"So?" Did you just say SO to me? "Yes. How am I to know you don't have credit card from philippine bank? Our computers are not accepting credit cards from outside philippines just now. You try back later maybe?" Wow. Can I speak to your supervisor? "Why?" Because this is an overseas phone call, and it will run me 1000-2000 pesos just for the phone call. How do I get my money back from your company for that?
CLICK. She disconnected the call. I showed her! I tried calling back, only to run into (again) the recordings and calls that won't go thru.Not sure if this will help you. But over a year ago I had the same problems with CP using overseas CC. I joined as a member and have my CC on file. Since then I have not had a problem with them. I automaticly hit CC on file.
Sometimes my Chase CC will not allow the charge to go thru unless I notify them that I will be out of the country in Philippines.
FreebieFan
03-18-15, 07:09
I reached them on the phone. Five minutes on hold (not too bad maybe), and the nice lady (stupid me, didn't catch her name) informed me that the website has been going thru some changes. She agreed to book my flight over the phone and she did so, boringly confirming most things I said to her by spelling them out military style: "Your first name is Bravo Lima Alpha blah blah". I was convinced she was simply going as slow as she could to keep me on an overseas phone call as long as she could. "Your credit card number is blah blah". Correct hun. "Let me repeat that sir its blah blah". Correct again, hun.
Then, 28 minutes into the phone call, she asked if my Visa was issued from a Phils bank. No hun, do I sound pinoy? Its the same card I purchased a ticket on your website just a few weeks ago. "Oh. No sir. That cannot be. We do not accept credit cards from outside philippines. " Really. "Yes sir". You could have mentioned that before you spent 20+ minutes with me selling me an airline ticket where you cannot accept my credit card.
"So?" Did you just say SO to me? "Yes. How am I to know you don't have credit card from philippine bank? Our computers are not accepting credit cards from outside philippines just now. You try back later maybe?" Wow. Can I speak to your supervisor? "Why?" Because this is an overseas phone call, and it will run me 1000-2000 pesos just for the phone call. How do I get my money back from your company for that?
CLICK. She disconnected the call. I showed her! I tried calling back, only to run into (again) the recordings and calls that won't go thru.Been there and gone through their inefficiencies. The airline run by children.
My only solution once or twice previously was to wait till I got to Manila then booked a flight on CP using one of the small travel agent counters in a mall and paying cash. Seemed like the 19th century method topped their non functioning version of the 21st century. Had a ticket in 3 minutes both times especially as I knew the flight number etc.
I reached them on the phone. Had some issues on their website last week. Not as bad though as I had with Cathay Pacific.
A day later I was able to book everything online AND pay by overseas see / see.
I guess the trick was that I registered last year or so as a 'member' and now I just log in before I select the flights with all the subsequent details.
Good luck.
GoodEnough
03-18-15, 10:38
Had some issues on their website last week. Not as bad though as I had with Cathay Pacific.
A day later I was able to book everything online AND pay by overseas see / see.
I guess the trick was that I registered last year or so as a 'member' and now I just log in before I select the flights with all the subsequent details.
Good luck.I typically fly CP twice a week and, having switched about 6-8 months ago from PAL, am fairly happy with the service. The site is usually efficient, and I can buy a ticket, check in for the flight and print a boarding pass all within less than 10 minutes. It's not been any problem using US credit cards. The air transport infrastructure in the country is primitive and deteriorating which leads to interminable delays at times. The frustration associated with the lousy facilities however isn't attributable of course to the airlines, but to the indifference and general incompetence of the national government.
GE.
And its a short trip.
For the previous 2 days, I was trying to book a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to the province. Getting to the screen where I enter my personal info, there was a red error message which stopped me in my tracks (please try later or contact the airline blah blah).You can try it with another browser. It looks like you are using Internet Explorer. I have switched to Opera because IE gave me way too much problems, in particular the latest version IE11.
Then, 28 minutes into the phone call, she asked if my Visa was issued from a Phils bank. No hun, do I sound pinoy? Its the same card I purchased a ticket on your website just a few weeks ago. "Oh. No sir. That cannot be. We do not accept credit cards from outside philippines. " Really. "Yes sir". You could have mentioned that before you spent 20+ minutes with me selling me an airline ticket where you cannot accept my credit card.It's bullshit that they don't accept credit cards from outside Philippines. I never had problems with my mastercard issued in Holland.
Soapy Smith
03-18-15, 14:02
The air transport infrastructure in the country is primitive and deteriorating which leads to interminable delays at times. The frustration associated with the lousy facilities however isn't attributable of course to the airlines, but to the indifference and general incompetence of the national government.
GE.But if real power in the country rests with a handful of families, then government is in a sense a puppet of these elite interests. I don't know which family controls CP, but doesn't accountability ultimately come back to these families? Viewed in this way, government incompetence is a sidebar in the power relations that matter most. Government incompetence harms the economic posture of the country, and by extension even the interests of elites, but only the elites are able to change these things. Sadly, they have few clear incentives to do so, especially when conversations among them reinforce how much they like things the way they are.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2015/03/17/one-stubborn-problem-the-rising-star-philippine-economy-cant-yet-fix/
(So I did all the usual steps to make this a hotlink: hard carriage return after the end of the url, but alas no hotlink. Any suggestions what I did wrong? In the meantime, sorry, you'll have to copy and paste into your browser.)
We used to have problems booking Cebu Pacific online, more specifically using a foreign credit or debit card. This happened several times over the years and I *think* we just happened on one particular debit card that the website DID accept. However, we haven't used them for a while because we tended to book either PAL international+domestic or interline to PAL domestic.
Wicked Roger
03-18-15, 18:06
I typically fly CP twice a week and, having switched about 6-8 months ago from PAL, am fairly happy with the service. The site is usually efficient, and I can buy a ticket, check in for the flight and print a boarding pass all within less than 10 minutes. It's not been any problem using US credit cards. The air transport infrastructure in the country is primitive and deteriorating which leads to interminable delays at times. The frustration associated with the lousy facilities however isn't attributable of course to the airlines, but to the indifference and general incompetence of the national government.
GE.I also use CP all the time as gave up using PAL a long time a go.
The online booking website was not working recently when I booked a ticket and I had to call CP customer service that Westie described is long winded, slow and useless. I had the same frustration. I used Skype and when I finally purchased the ticket using the same overseas card I have used many time before online it nearly 50 minutes. This is because they repeat everything 3 times over and then do it again before you pay.
Emirates Airlines that I use as frequently can do it all online in 5 minutes if the web site is down. Now I know there is a big difference but this is how far things have to change to be international standards IMHO.
The Gokongwei family own the airline for those interested.
As GE said the infrastructure is useless. T3 is better but the AC / aircon still horribly under powered but at least the coffee shops seems cleaner. But the terminals are run by PNoys family friends and relatives with no experience of airline / terminal management. And it shows.
I now take extremely early morning flights to Manila from Cebu as then there is less chance of congestion at NAIA causing a huge delay to departure etc. A friend's girlfriend left on the 2 pm flight to Mania from Cebu recently and arrived at 11 pm. Despite this and an average online arrival of 75% as advertised on the web site I still prefer CP to PAL any day.
GoodEnough
03-19-15, 00:19
But if real power in the country rests with a handful of families, then government is in a sense a puppet of these elite interests. I don't know which family controls CP, but doesn't accountability ultimately come back to these families? Viewed in this way, government incompetence is a sidebar in the power relations that matter most. Government incompetence harms the economic posture of the country, and by extension even the interests of elites, but only the elites are able to change these things. Sadly, they have few clear incentives to do so, especially when conversations among them reinforce how much they like things the way they are.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2015/03/17/one-stubborn-problem-the-rising-star-philippine-economy-cant-yet-fix/
(So I did all the usual steps to make this a hotlink: hard carriage return after the end of the url, but alas no hotlink. Any suggestions what I did wrong? In the meantime, sorry, you'll have to copy and paste into your browser.)In theory what Skip says is true: if the oligarchs thought it would be in their interest to construct a decent air transport system, it would get done. In practice however, I'm not sure that the causal link is so strong. I say this because several months ago, San Miguel, a charter member of the oligarch club, proposed to build a new airport that it would finance. The company submitted a proposal to the government, complete with a proposed location and, I believe, a preliminary design. The proposal has disappeared into the abyss of government incompetence, to allow the former adequate time to "study" the proposal. In similar fashion, at least two consortia of large private sector interests proposed, about three years ago, to build a subway system and submitted preliminary designs and financing proposals: again, these proposals sank without a trace. I cannot explain why, if the control of the oligarchs is so absolute, both of these attempts to improve and construct much needed infrastructure would be dismissed.
Given that ASEAN economic integration is going to become a reality on the last day of 2015, and given thAT this country is woefully unprepared to compete with Thailand and Malaysia, let alone Singapore, one would think that it would be in the interests of the oligarchs to help this place become more competitive. As things currently stand, it makes nothing that the rest of the world wants, reflects the highest shipping costs in Asia and (depending on which analysis you read) has the highest or second highest power costs in Asia. No one however, seems to care.
GE.
These things are getting buried because the oligarchs are afraid of upstart competition. The unknown scares them. They'd rather manage what's known for their own best interests.
WestCoast1
03-19-15, 01:17
Been there and gone through their inefficiencies. The airline run by children.
My only solution once or twice previously was to wait till I got to Manila then booked a flight on CP using one of the small travel agent counters in a mall and paying cash. Had a ticket in 3 minutes both times especially as I knew the flight number etc."Airline run by children (who don't know we are children)" should be their motto. Unfortunately, I cannot travel they way you do (approaching a CP ticketing office once in-country); my itinerary (s) must be complete (including hotels) before departing my home country.
Not sure if this will help you. But over a year ago I had the same problems with CP using overseas CC. I joined as a member and have my CC on file. Since then I have not had a problem with them. I automaticly hit CC on file.
Sometimes my Chase CC will not allow the charge to go thru unless I notify them that I will be out of the country in Philippines.The CC problem that I encountered is not the same, DG. I too have faced in the past a CC denial. Those denials came from my bank (security precaution to protect the customer), not from CP. The trick is to contact the bank before making the purchase on CP, which I had already done. The rub came from CP refusing (on the phone only) to accept out-of-phils CC.
Had some issues on their website last week. Not as bad though as I had with Cathay Pacific.
A day later I was able to book everything online AND pay by overseas see / see.
I guess the trick was that I registered last year or so as a 'member' and now I just log in before I select the flights with all the subsequent details.
Good luck.The website is up / running today. I can pay with my american CC.
The further rub comes as follows (prequel to the original story). I purchased and paid for a domestic CP flight a few weeks ago, using my american CC. A few days ago I cancelled the flight on the website. There was a 'credit' of several thousand pesos, placed into a "Fund" for me. Upon trying to book a new flight on the website a few days ago, I did not get the 'credit'. Once on the phone yesterday with the CP agent, she explained that the credit is only usable by walking into their 'organic' office, or by calling reservations, but not online. Hence, I had her reserve the new ticket on the phone, which took 20+ minutes, only to be told that they would not accept my non-phils CC. At the start of the phone call, I introduced myself with: "Hi this is Xxxxxx, greetings from the United States of America, its a beautiful evening here". There could be little doubt that the agent didn't know where I was calling from. When I asked to reserve a flight, she could have mentioned right then that I could not use my american CC. Company run by children: she hung up when I asked to speak to her supervisor.
You can try it with another browser. It looks like you are using Internet Explorer. I have switched to Opera because IE gave me way too much problems, in particular the latest version IE11.
It's bullshit that they don't accept credit cards from outside Philippines. I never had problems with my mastercard issued in Holland.I tried both IE and Firefox.
GoodEnough
03-19-15, 02:38
These things are getting buried because the oligarchs are afraid of upstart competition. The unknown scares them. They'd rather manage what's known for their own best interests.Maybe my prior post wasn't clear. It was a group of oligarchs who proposed the airport and subway projects only to see them buried by the government. So clearly the oligarchs, who are not stupid people, saw the construction of the new infrastructure as being in their best interests.
GE.
Sounds weird. But my GF has this weird fear that she is just my hidden secret. Which is not true. I have asked her to come to US many times so that I can introduce. But to alley her fear in time-being, I want to have someone here who I can say is my friend and can meet up with my GF. I'll treat with drinks and indeed will appreciate him for his time and you can earn a reliable friend. I am staying in Makati this week. I'll appreciate if you are free for sometime today or tomorrow, as I am here for this week only. Please PM me.
Thanks
Given that ASEAN economic integration is going to become a reality on the last day of 2015, and given thAT this country is woefully unprepared to compete
GE.As a Filipino, I hope ASEAN integration comes swinging hard to the country. The status quo is impeding the potential of the country and its people. I currently see two consequences with integration:
1. Lots of people will lose their jobs, especially in manufacturing. Its hard to beat cheaper labor in Vietnam and Thailand.
2. The oligarchs will balk at integration and force the politicos to do something about it.
-If there is any bidding for a large project, they will rig it. (Which is SOP by the way).
-The government will not comply with arbitration proceedings that does not favor them (MWSS vs Maynilad).
-The regulatory bodies would impose onerous rules for foreign players.
I think it is plausible for the country get kicked out of the ASEAN integration zone if it continues in being hard headed (makulit). I advise any long-term visiting or residing foreigner to hedge and have contingency plans when crap hits the fan. The specter of chaos because of integration is not far-fetched.
At the end of the day, we will just keep exporting more people.
Soapy Smith
03-19-15, 08:11
In practice however, I'm not sure that the causal link is so strong. I say this because several months ago, San Miguel, a charter member of the oligarch club, proposed to build a new airport that it would finance. The company submitted a proposal to the government, complete with a proposed location and, I believe, a preliminary design. The proposal has disappeared into the abyss of government incompetence, to allow the former adequate time to "study" the proposal. In similar fashion, at least two consortia of large private sector interests proposed, about three years ago, to build a subway system and submitted preliminary designs and financing proposals: again, these proposals sank without a trace. I cannot explain why, if the control of the oligarchs is so absolute, both of these attempts to improve and construct much needed infrastructure would be dismissed.
GE.Perhaps the oligarchs are not a united front. And perhaps they feud. An example. LRT 1 was supposed to have been completed all the way to North Avenue and EDSA by some time in 2012. Various sources suggested that the Sy family had promised to underwrite a new station in front of SM North EDSA, and the station was to serve both LRT 1 and the MRT. In fact, plans called for a multi-level station that would also be the terminus for a new line going out North Avenue and Commonwealth to Fairview, and eventually to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan Province. Another new line was projected to go from the same station in to either the Recto Station of LRT 2 or Doroteo Jose station on LRT 1, thus connecting the North Avenue and EDSA intersection with Quiapo. But the LRT 1 line has never progressed beyond Roosevelt. The rails are all in from Roosevelt to the MRT terminus at Trinoma Mall, but the tracks are used only to turn trains around after dropping off passengers at Roosevelt.
What happened, according to sources I have talked to, is that the Ayalas, who own Trinoma, put up some resources to help extend LRT 1 at the Baclaran end (in Pasay) in exchange for a concession from somebody that the new North Avenue / EDSA station would remain at Trinoma. Having found this out, the Sy Family took the whole crowd to court, and the new station--whether at SM North or Trinoma--is stalemated from the Ayala-Sy feud.
So one possible interpretation of government inaction is that a power vacuum exists in government, since government operatives anticipate, or may sometimes even receive contradictory signals (read "marching orders") from different familial power brokers.
So that's my story, and I'm sticking to it: a governmental power vacuum that results from shifting power-balancing struggles among the oligarchs.
GoodEnough
03-19-15, 08:54
Perhaps the oligarchs are not a united front. And perhaps they feud.
So one possible interpretation of government inaction is that a power vacuum exists in government, since government operatives anticipate, or may sometimes even receive contradictory signals (read "marching orders") from different familial power brokers.
So that's my story, and I'm sticking to it: a governmental power vacuum that results from shifting power-balancing struggles among the oligarchs.I agree that your's is the most viable explanation, and in fact the feud over LRT stations has been recounted often in the national press. It also seems likely that various political factions are allied with / controlled by different oligarchical groups which would explain the almost total lack of national progress on much of any front. What continues to amaze me however, even after a long time in country is that there's no transcendent vision that would benefit the entire sorry place including the oligarchs. Look for example at Thailand which, despite decades of "red" and "yellow" warfare had nonetheless managed to transform the infrastructure of its most important city, card in so doing benefit the entire economy. The same is true, albeit in a slightly different context in Malaysia. The Philippines continues to attract less DFI than any other country in ASEAN except Brunei, so foreign investors too must know something.
A few days ago, Cielto Habito, arguably the most well known Economist in the country, a former NEDA Director (or Depty Director) published a judiciously scathing column in the "Inquirer" lamenting the fact that national economic policies are designed to benefit a select few to the detriment of the many, similar I guess to the so-called economic policies of the Republican Party in the US. Habito's conclusion was that such I'll-informed policies undermine the country's likelihood of benefitting from ASEAN economic integration.
GE.
We have heard many stories about the handful of rich families wanting to make more money and bigger deals. Has anyone heard of just one story where they have helped or donated some relief goods or money for any calamity victims?
Wicked Roger
03-19-15, 15:21
We have heard many stories about the handful of rich families wanting to make more money and bigger deals. Has anyone heard of just one story where they have helped or donated some relief goods or money for any calamity victims?Well if they do they emblazon the aid with their names. I was speaking with a Red Cross guy at Cebu airport after one disaster and he bemoaned the fact that politicians from well known families wanted to unbundle the aid and rebrand it if they gave it to the victims. Swiss guy could not get his around this at all. I think the RC pulled out of that area.
Binay the VP gave cash to the families of the SAF victims but has been roundly hammered by 'netziens' saying he just gave cash that he allegedly plundered so was out from the pocket of that person etc.
The Swiss guy said there was no hope for the country where politicians tried to make personal gain from tragedies.
Lastly a friend of mine who lost most of her house etc in the Yolanda tragedy is still waiting for some form of government assistance. She needs help and no one will provide the basic grants to rebuild her house she said so she worked hard to do it bit by bit. Now I have now way to check this but it would not surprise me given what I read in the press and what friends tell me.
Econo Tech
03-19-15, 18:10
Well if they do they emblazon the aid with their names. I was speaking with a Red Cross guy at Cebu airport after one disaster and he bemoaned the fact that politicians from well known families wanted to unbundle the aid and rebrand it if they gave it to the victims. Swiss guy could not get his around this at all. I think the RC pulled out of that area.
Binay the VP gave cash to the families of the SAF victims but has been roundly hammered by 'netziens' saying he just gave cash that he allegedly plundered so was out from the pocket of that person etc.
The Swiss guy said there was no hope for the country where politicians tried to make personal gain from tragedies.
Lastly a friend of mine who lost most of her house etc in the Yolanda tragedy is still waiting for some form of government assistance. She needs help and no one will provide the basic grants to rebuild her house she said so she worked hard to do it bit by bit. Now I have now way to check this but it would not surprise me given what I read in the press and what friends tell me.The Head of Red Cross in PH has had his little stunts too. Though it didn't go too far. And comparatively he is considered clean. And probably is busy fending off allegations than doing something good as the head!
Soapy Smith
03-19-15, 18:34
Well if they do they emblazon the aid with their names. I was speaking with a Red Cross guy at Cebu airport after one disaster and he bemoaned the fact that politicians from well known families wanted to unbundle the aid and rebrand it if they gave it to the victims. Swiss guy could not get his around this at all. I think the RC pulled out of that area.
The Swiss guy said there was no hope for the country where politicians tried to make personal gain from tragedies.
Lastly a friend of mine who lost most of her house etc in the Yolanda tragedy is still waiting for some form of government assistance. She needs help and no one will provide the basic grants to rebuild her house she said so she worked hard to do it bit by bit. Now I have now way to check this but it would not surprise me given what I read in the press and what friends tell me.Sorry to leave most of WR's post intact in my reply, but he has several points here, and all deserve attention. Emblazoning aid with names is not unique to the Philippines, although perhaps individual political leaders do it more extensively here. Binay, for example, got caught repacking relief materials intended for Bohol earthquake victims into plastic bags that bore his name. But, of course, Western donors also emblazon their names on aid packages. Tacloban is ablaze with Blue plastic tarps emblazoned with "Samaritan's Purse. " Samaritan's Purse is Franklin Graham's missionary outreach. Sure, a blue tarpaulin often provides some modest immediate relief from rain, but a quick look at their website gives a pretty good sense that Samaritan's Purse is concerned mostly with saving souls for Christ. And USAID passes out little aid that doesn't have their acronym printed in bold. Ironically, in areas where the United States is least popular, as in Northwest Pakistan, local NGOs end up spray painting over the "USAID. ".
Exploitation of disasters is hardly unique to the Philippines and involves not just politicians. Refer your Swiss friend to Naomi Klein's **Shock Therapy** for various examples from the Indian Ocean to post-Katrina New Orleans. Michael Lewis coined the term "Disaster Industrial Complex" to refer to all the activities of corporations, media, government, and NGOs to capitalize on the media viewers' extreme reaction of horror to the immediate traumatic scene from disasters. Until I saw Lewis' label I had always referred to it as the Anderson Cooper effect: fly into Tacloban in chartered helicopters that are desperately needed for disaster response (when most victims would have been happy just to get a jeepney out), walk around posing in videos in front of scores of dead bodies, catch a quick interview with Arnel Pineda at NAIA (Of course, Arnel is an expert on these things, and besides, Manny wasn't available), and then jet out to your next gig wrestling with crocodiles, swimming with sharks, or perhaps having sex with wild chimps.
Yes, lots of questions about where all the foreign disaster relief money went. The untold story is that most disaster recovery in developing countries occurs from the initiative of the victims. I heard secondhand in Tacloban the common line about "just get us a hammer and some nails and we will scrounge the other things we need to rebuild and do the work ourselves. ".
Wow. Really wow.
So you compare the donor (USAID) emblazoning the aid they sent, to a local politician grabbing the aid from that donor and repackaging it.
Amazing. Your sense of morality is truly amazing. Are you an Investment Wanker or a Consultant by any chance?
Sorry to leave most of WR's post intact in my reply, but he has several points here, and all deserve attention. Emblazoning aid with names is not unique to the Philippines, although perhaps individual political leaders do it more extensively here. Binay, for example, got caught repacking relief materials intended for Bohol earthquake victims into plastic bags that bore his name. But, of course, Western donors also emblazon their names on aid packages. Tacloban is ablaze with Blue plastic tarps emblazoned with "Samaritan's Purse. " Samaritan's Purse is Franklin Graham's missionary outreach. Sure, a blue tarpaulin often provides some modest immediate relief from rain, but a quick look at their website gives a pretty good sense that Samaritan's Purse is concerned mostly with saving souls for Christ. And USAID passes out little aid that doesn't have their acronym printed in bold. Ironically, in areas where the United States is least popular, as in Northwest Pakistan, local NGOs end up spray painting over the "USAID. ".
Wicked Roger
03-19-15, 20:56
Wow. Really wow.
So you compare the donor (USAID) emblazoning the aid they sent, to a local politician grabbing the aid from that donor and repackaging it.
Amazing. Your sense of morality is truly amazing. Are you an Investment Wanker or a Consultant by any chance?Cons,
I see your gentle and humourous approach is evident again.
Skip. There is nothing wrong to emblazon aid from the donor itself. For me, and I think others, the blatant politicizing of aid by local politicians (Binay in Bohol is one) is disgraceful. While it may happen the world over, I believe it is more endemic in this country and knowing people from Tacloban and the surrounding areas who still need assistance to rebuild a house that the government promised it would pay for is another example of what GE points as the hopelessness of government to do anything to help anyone apart from themselves and family members.
I was in Bohol recently and saw the damage that has et to be rebuilt etc as there is no cash to help despite aid being received. So the Swiss guy was speaking from his first hand knowledge of helping at various disasters over the world, and am sure he has seen it all but felt the Philippines was the worse case he had seen.
Others may differ and that is cool.
And no one will ever give scorecard as to where all the Yolanda aid went as it would likely mean banks breaking client secrecy to reveal the deposits LOL.
GoodEnough
03-20-15, 04:35
For many, if not for most large bilateral donors, aid is viewed as a concrete expression of foreign policy. While motivations may be largely philanthropic, they are also made with a view toward pragmatism; that is toward influencing policies within the host countries. For the US, the Philippines is seen as a strategic ally in the "war on terror," and the US finds the stationing of troops here advantageous. The US is also a huge donor to the country, primarily through USAID, whose physical donations (schools, market centers, bridges, roads) are always prominently marked with signs indicating that the infrastructure is "a gift from the American people. " The same is true of much of the infrastructure provided by Australian Aid (DFAD), which is another huge donor to the country. I find nothing wrong with this and don't find it remotely comparable to the "repackaging" undertaken by sleazy politicians wanting to maximize their own political capital through the use of donations provided by others. In my view, bilateral donors have the right to "label" their donations and the signs likely play well back home. Such packaging is also an effective means perhaps, of reminding ordinary citizens that their local politicians had nothing to do with the provision of the infrastructure.
It's true that the Nordic countries--which are not big donors here--tend to be more strictly philanthropic in their donations and tend not to label much. Then again, those donors don't provide much I the way of infrastructure. Likewise, projects funded by the ADB and the World Bank--most of which are based on loans that the country must repay over 20 or 25 years--don't utilize labeling much, which is appropriate since the aid flowing from those programs are from loan funds and are thus not donations.
For anyone who lives here, and appreciates the basic (inherent) dignity of Filipinos, it's continually depressing to witness--on a day-to-day basis--the total indifference of the national government to improving the lives of the citizenry or to providing much of anything except empty rhetoric in the case of natural calamities. For years, I've tried to understand the root causes of governmental indifference and incompetence and to date I've failed utterly to identify its etiology. Filipino social scientists don't seem to understand it either, though dozens have commented quite publicly on its existence. The transcendent indifference is particularly poignant in light of an "Inquirer" article today, which cites government statistics to show that the incidence of poverty in the Visayan regions most affected by Typhoon Yolanda has grown significantly since the disaster, and is now in excess of fifty percent.
GE.
I can remember a few years ago after the earthquake in Haiti that I would watch the news intently during the recovery stage. I had made a donation to a Christian NGO and it was nice to see their logo on their relief boxes, at least I knew where the money was going. I was wondering did they have to emblazon the whole box or bag of rice with their logo and name? Later on a friend of mine came back from a missions trip there and explained to me the need to emblazon their name on everything. Relief supplies would get stolen or hijacked and then resold. If the printed name or logo was small then the thieves would just slap a new label over it and sell it. With names emblazon on it the thieves would have to repackage it. Of course this only slowed them down a bit.
About a year ago some restaurant, I believe in Manila was caught with a ton of rice in 50 kilo bags emblazon with the NGO name on them. The owner claimed she had no idea the rice was stolen! She bought if at half the market price. If I remember the story correctly, she was turned in by a passerbyer who saw the NGO name on the rice bags.
Wicked Roger
03-20-15, 12:03
The transcendent indifference is particularly poignant in light of an "Inquirer" article today, which cites government statistics to show that the incidence of poverty in the Visayan regions most affected by Typhoon Yolanda has grown significantly since the disaster, and is now in excess of fifty percent.
GE.I read that and was interesting but the government will say that it increased because of Yolanda so that is not a fair comparison and / or blame Arroyo or another opposition politician. If I remember the local politicians there are aligned to Arroyo and were accused of not helping to deliberately cause the government grief.
Whatever, the 50% figure is no surprise and am sure the general level of poverty in the country remains unchanged or is growing because this is factored into the averages. A president voted in because of his mom and dad is IMHO never a good one but this is Philippines (a good Indian friend said the country was just like his, families, corruption, poverty etc).
We have heard many stories about the handful of rich families wanting to make more money and bigger deals. Has anyone heard of just one story where they have helped or donated some relief goods or money for any calamity victims?After Typhoon Yolanda I did volunteer work (OPLAN HATID) at Villamor Air Base in Pasay for many days, so I saw their activities firsthand. Survivors were flown in by the Philippines and US Air Forces. After being received by gov't DSWD officials and briefed the survivors were released to the volunteers. Smart and Globe set up free call booths. Several food and beverage companies were handing out their stuff. SM had a mobile health clinic truck there, and it had the only x-ray device onsite. My friend who works for SM told me that the Sy family donated money and materials. Other than flying in survivors, flying out relief supplies, and maintaining the site's hygiene and traffic the military did not much else. Being on an air force base (the PAF HQ) I expected to see all kinds of military involvement from medics to canteens to ground transport; this was certainly not the case as it was done by civilian and corporate volunteers.
http://philnews.ph/2013/11/17/henry-sy-lucio-tan-leads-richest-filipinos-donation-yolanda-victims/
More may have been donated. I recall reading land was donated and homes built by philanthropists.
The point of this post is to neither praise nor condemn but simply state that yes, the oligarchs did donate. Whether it was sufficient or not is up to you to judge.
After Typhoon Yolanda I did volunteer work (OPLAN HATID) at Villamor Air Base in Pasay for many days, so I saw their activities firsthand. Survivors were flown in by the Philippines and US Air Forces. After being received by gov't DSWD officials and briefed the survivors were released to the volunteers. Smart and Globe set up free call booths. Several food and beverage companies were handing out their stuff. SM had a mobile health clinic truck there, and it had the only x-ray device onsite. My friend who works for SM told me that the Sy family donated money and materials. Other than flying in survivors, flying out relief supplies, and maintaining the site's hygiene and traffic the military did not much else. Being on an air force base (the PAF HQ) I expected to see all kinds of military involvement from medics to canteens to ground transport; this was certainly not the case as it was done by civilian and corporate volunteers.
http://philnews.ph/2013/11/17/henry-sy-lucio-tan-leads-richest-filipinos-donation-yolanda-victims/
More may have been donated. I recall reading land was donated and homes built by philanthropists.
The point of this post is to neither praise nor condemn but simply state that yes, the oligarchs did donate. Whether it was sufficient or not is up to you to judge.Thanks for your report. It sheds some light on this. I will keep my judgement to myself.
Econo Tech
03-21-15, 01:47
I read that and was interesting but the government will say that it increased because of Yolanda so that is not a fair comparison and / or blame Arroyo or another opposition politician. If I remember the local politicians there are aligned to Arroyo and were accused of not helping to deliberately cause the government grief.
Whatever, the 50% figure is no surprise and am sure the general level of poverty in the country remains unchanged or is growing because this is factored into the averages. A president voted in because of his mom and dad is IMHO never a good one but this is Philippines (a good Indian friend said the country was just like his, families, corruption, poverty etc).That Cory was any better is debatable.
And. This personal blog of Aquino Sr will put in place, how detached they were, from the common man.
https://anywhereiwander.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/memoir-blog-24-ninoy-aquino-the-boy-wonder-of-tarlac/
P.S. after his exile, Ninoy wrote that the incarceration made his believe in God. Etc. Etc. More selling points. Though the family is fervently sticking on to their Hacienda with no plan to let go of it.
Plus, during Cory's time how much of Marcos cronies were simply replaced by Cory's. Beggars belief!
Wicked Roger
03-29-15, 16:37
Article from the Inquirer made for a good read but not sure what is more alarming. The number od confirmed cases each day, the government's inaction and / or some of the comments which could be deemed Neanderthal by many.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/83707/life-and-death-issue-2
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