General Info

[MrWoolyBooly]

Traveling soon and don't see anything on the boards here for the area called General Santos? I found a few things online but mostly restaurant and hotel info. What is the area generally like and is there much opportunity for finding nice ladies?

Thanks, Daz.I agree with the recommendations not to go there. But if you're stuck with going there, I recommend working the online dating sites about a week or two in advance and double booking your prospects. Good luck.

[Sam 14]

As WC said, don't bother going there unless you are interested I seeing a large tuna fishing port.A large tuna port with not much tuna, incidentally. I hope that's changed by now.

[BrainDrain]

Traveling soon and don't see anything on the boards here for the area called General Santos? I found a few things online but mostly restaurant and hotel info. What is the area generally like and is there much opportunity for finding nice ladies?

Thanks, Daz.Don't confuse the main aim of travel in Philippines is to maximise YOUR excitement, adventure and womanising, not to be sweet to provincial girls. Any Philippines city or regional town has a plethora of punting and dating options.

A visit to GenSan or any town will require you to lose a day in transit, getting frustrated with taxi drivers, pilots, check-in staff etc etc. Let the girls be the ones to deal with this.

I myself do regularly visit provincial Philippines but it is for my purposes and the girls are secondary. There are millions of girls whom want to meet you.

BD.

[Dg8787]

A while back in the BKK forum a west coast American had posted it took him 2 weeks to adjust back to PST. Meanwhile there was no jet lag going to BKK.

I have the same problem. Going to PH requires no adjustment. First few nights in Ph I get a 2 hour in the room massages and sleep well. Prior to the massages I unload on a few girls. Maybe this routine helps a bit.

On the the return trip I find myself needling a mid afternoon 2-3 hour nap for a couple of weeks. Of course no massages and poon.

Does anyone have a routine that lessens the jet lag?

[Worf1972]

Traveling soon and don't see anything on the boards here for the area called General Santos? I found a few things online but mostly restaurant and hotel info. What is the area generally like and is there much opportunity for finding nice ladies?

Thanks, Daz. a guy on youtube goes to General Santos or gensan alot. His YouTube blog is called the Philippine experience. He has a lot of informative information.

[WestCoast1]

A while back in the BKK forum a west coast American had posted it took him 2 weeks to adjust back to PST. Meanwhile there was no jet lag going to BKK.

I have the same problem. Going to PH requires no adjustment. First few nights in Ph I get a 2 hour in the room massages and sleep well. Prior to the massages I unload on a few girls. Maybe this routine helps a bit.

On the the return trip I find myself needling a mid afternoon 2-3 hour nap for a couple of weeks. Of course no massages and poon.

Does anyone have a routine that lessens the jet lag?No routine. The older I get, the worse my jetlag is. When I travel from America to phils, it takes 2 full weeks to get off American time and onto Phils time. When I return, it takes 3 weeks to re-adjust. If I'm only in phils a few days, I just stay on American time, sleeping during the day and staying up all night (I awake about 10 pm and go back to sleep about 2 pm). That way I'm still on American time when I return home. However, when I'm there for a month or more, I fully adjust to Asian time, then re-adjust when I return home. I have tried everything when I return home, including trying to force myself to stay awake during the daytime, and ambien-ing myself in the night to sleep; however none of this works. It takes a full week upon my return before my sleep time starts to shift towards night time (after 1 week home, about 30 minutes per day my sleep time starts to shift, first from going to sleep around 2 pm, then the next day about 2:30 pm, and so on).

I have friends who have never experienced jetlag. Amazing.

[GoodEnough]

No routine. The older I get, the worse my jetlag is. When I travel from America to phils, it takes 2 full weeks to get off American time and onto Phils time. When I return, it takes 3 weeks to re-adjust. If I'm only in phils a few days, I just stay on American time, sleeping during the day and staying up all night (I awake about 10 pm and go back to sleep about 2 pm). That way I'm still on American time when I return home. However, when I'm there for a month or more, I fully adjust to Asian time, then re-adjust when I return home. I have tried everything when I return home, including trying to force myself to stay awake during the daytime, and ambien-ing myself in the night to sleep; however none of this works. It takes a full week upon my return before my sleep time starts to shift towards night time (after 1 week home, about 30 minutes per day my sleep time starts to shift, first from going to sleep around 2 pm, then the next day about 2:30 pm, and so on).

I have friends who have never experienced jetlag. Amazing.I read an article a few years ago on the bio-mechanics of Circadian Rhythms. It claimed that human bodies require approximately one day per time zone crossed to re-adjust completely. The time difference between here and the East Coast of the US is 13 hours now, which would mean a 13 day period of adjustment. I find, then when I do fly back to the States, it's much worse the older I become.

GE.

[Slippery]

Yet another reason why I have not been back there in over 2 years.

[Member #4698]

Jet lag is a medical condition. So I have my doctor in the USA prescribe 10 MG Ambien for my long transpacific flights to ensure I get 4 or 5 hours sleep en route before arrival in SEA. Once in Manila or BKK I pre schedule a nice little reunion with one of my favorite girls. After she leaves I try to stay up to 1 am. Then to avoid a night of tossing and turning and no sleep, I take another 10 MG Ambien. Result: I am out like a light and I wake up early in the morning the next day around 7 am feeling good, raring to go. NO JET LAG! I can then sleep normally without pharmaceutical aid the rest of the trip. I repeat the process on the return flight with the same level of success. By the way GE is correct, the effects of Jet Lag can be far worse on the return flight if not treated.

[WestCoast1]

Jet lag is a medical condition. So I have my doctor in the USA prescribe 10 MG Ambien for my long transpacific flights to ensure I get 4 or 5 hours sleep en route before arrival in SEA. Once in Manila or BKK I pre schedule a nice little reunion with one of my favorite girls. After she leaves I try to stay up to 1 am. Then to avoid a night of tossing and turning and no sleep, I take another 10 MG Ambien. Result: I am out like a light and I wake up early in the morning the next day around 7 am feeling good, raring to go. NO JET LAG! I can then sleep normally without pharmaceutical aid the rest of the trip. I repeat the process on the return flight with the same level of success. By the way GE is correct, the effects of Jet Lag can be far worse on the return flight if not treated.I have tried this method, of trying to ambien-ing myself to sleep around midnight (both when arriving in phils, and then arriving back again at home), for several nights running. It works per-se, in that in knocks me out for about 5-6 hours, and I awake relatively refreshed at 7 am. But by noon-2 pm I am wiped out, can't keep my eyes open, and I go right back to sleep. My sleep rhythm has been thrown off completely by adjusting to the previous time zone.

A decade ago, GE's suggested 1 day per time zone difference was about spot on. Hence a 15 (or 16, depending Daylight Savings Time) hours difference from phils to the US west coast, took me about 10 days to adjust when going to phils, and 14 or 15 days to adjust when going to the US. Older now, and that's now 14 or 15 days to adjust when arriving in phils, and 20 days to adjust when arriving back in the US. Regardless the direction (now), the first week of my arrival there is no movement on the daily schedule towards normalizing -- for about 6 days running, I will go to sleep around noon-2 pm, and awake fresh around 9-11 pm (wide awake at night, no relief without ambien). I always try to plan my arrival back in the States to allow me one extra week of vacation before returning for trabajo.

[Member #4698]

Regardless the direction (now), the first week of my arrival there is no movement on the daily schedule towards normalizing -- for about 6 days running, I will go to sleep around noon-2 pm, and awake fresh around 9-11 pm (wide awake at night, no relief without ambien). I always try to plan my arrival back in the States to allow me one extra week of vacation before returning for trabajo.The Jet Lag you describe is really uncomfortable. I hate those sleepless nights and being tired in the afternoons. I discovered a natural painless solution one trip to SEA when I arrived without my medication in Hong Kong. I transferred that afternoon to Macau. Later that same night I could not sleep. It was horrible. So after a couple of hours of tossing and turning, I put on my clothes and went out. It was after 3 am. First I hit my favorite Sauna and had a neck massage, then thigh massage (HJ), and later full service. I left the Sauna around 5 am tired, but feeling pretty good. Next, I wandered over to the Wynn Casino Hotel. The place was still busy with inveterate Chinese gamblers. I walked around the casino and eventually I went to the Wynn's Red 8 Restaurant where I ate a mouth watering BBQ Duck with spicy wonton soup. I left the Wynn around 6 am as the sun was coming up and took it relatively easy until I passed out in my hotel room around 2 pm. The next night it was the same thing. I couldn't fall asleep at an appropriate time, but rather than toss and turn I went out again at 3:30 am and hit a different Sauna. Later around 5 am I had an amazing noodle soup with spicy pork belly on the side at the Grand Lisboa noodle restaurant. I left the Grand Lisboa again as the sun was coming up. There is something about the sun that awakens one and I wandered around Macau until noon. This time I took a nap around 4 pm, woke up at 8 pm and repeated the 2 previous nights activities more or less.

My point is that slowly over time I noticed my body was acclimating to the new time zone and I could fall asleep naturally at an appropriate hour so I no longer felt tired and prone to falling asleep in the late afternoons. I believe the reason I felt no jet lag pain or discomfort on that trip was because I went with the flow and did not try to force a time change on my body. And significantly because I was in Macau, a city that does not sleep and where there is always something interesting to do at any hour so psychologically I didn't care if I was up at 4 or 5am and could not sleep. I spent 5 nights in Macau that trip. By the time I flew on to BKK, I was pretty much over the jet lag. When I arrived in BKK I was falling asleep without any medication at around 2:30 am and I was no longer walking around in the afternoon like a zombie. Getting over jet lag, naturally, takes time. Not trying to force myself to sleep when sleep was not possible and finding something worthwhile to do late at night and in the early predawn hours was very important and it made the jet lag tolerable and even a minor thing. I hope this helps.

[Wicked Roger]

No routine. The older I get, the worse my jetlag is. I have friends who have never experienced jetlag. Amazing.As some of you know I fly a lot sometimes more than 200000 miles a year in aircraft to which friends think I use them to commute to work LOL.

As Westie knows I don't suffer from jet lag (maybe am lucky) but my 'trick' (if it is one) is not use medicines but to 'force' my body clock into the time zone that I am to arrive in.

So say I am flying from Manila to NYC I know the time in NYC when I depart the Philippines. I then stay awake, sleep whatever as though am in NYC. I sleep when my watch tells me it is bed time in USA not wherever I am.

This can be awkward at times if transits are long and take practice but I find this work.

Recently did a 28 hour stretch on 3 planes arrived at 5 pm, went to bed 9. 30 pm and woke 6 am. Went for a swim, shops, played tennis for a few hours, dinner with friends and was feeling great and then was in bed 11 pm the next day. No jet lag. And I had a nice cutie with me also LOL.

Now as we all know in mongering YMMV and the same for this. Each person is different and some techniques work better than others as we all have different rhythms etc- for me this does and I have been doing this travel schedule over 20 years now.

[BrainDrain]

Anything to do in Manila when not jet lagged?

[Chocha Monger]

Phones made by Blu, a USA Company, were transmitting their owners' personal data to a computer server in China. It's not clear how the data was being used, though security experts say it could have been accessible by the Chinese government.

While the issue was discovered in phones sold by Blu, it could affect models from other manufacturers, and potentially millions of phones worldwide that all use software supplied by the same company, Shanghai Adups Technology Co.

The news story will evolve in the days ahead, but here's what you need to know now if you have or might have an affected phone.

Essentially, a researcher at a security firm called Kryptowire, located outside of Washington the. See, wanted an inexpensive work phone for an overseas trip, and purchased a Blu R1 HD. Without expecting to find a problem, he and his colleagues experimented with the phone, looking at what kind of data it was transmitting, and where that data was going.

The phone makes an encrypted copy of your text messages, including metadata such as the phone numbers you're communicating with. Then, every 72 hours it uploads the data to a server in China.

Kryptowire discovered that the firmware can be set to sift through text messages for specific phone numbers, names, or other key words, capturing and transmitting only that information. The researchers say their phone wasn't picking out specific text messages when they examined it.

Dan Guido, CEO of the cyber-security firm Trail of Bits, speculates that the some personal data could end up in government hands: "You might be in a rude awakening if you go through customs at a Chinese airport," he says. "From the Chinese censors' point of view, this is not a bug. It's a feature. "

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-phones-secretly-sending-data-to-china/ar-AAkm6Hr?li=BBnb4R7&ocid=mailsignout

[Golfinho]

..played tennis for a few hours... Hahaha, yeah. Otherwise, flying frequently enough will inure you to the worst of jet-lag.

[W20415]

Been to the Phils several times but not since Duturte new shoot any one laws went into effect. Is it safe to go there now? Keep hearing any one can walk up and shoot you. I really want to go but if it's that dangerous I'll just go to Thailand or Jakarta.

[MrWoolyBooly]

Been to the Phils several times but not since Duturte new shoot any one laws went into effect. Is it safe to go there now? Keep hearing any one can walk up and shoot you. I really want to go but if it's that dangerous I'll just go to Thailand or Jakarta.I was there for 2-3 weeks last month. Nobody walked up and shot me, same as previous trips. YMMV.

[Member #4698]

Anything to do in Manila when not jet lagged?BD, as I am sure you are well aware, there is lots to do in Manila when you are feeling good. The question relevant to the conversation is; what to do in Manila when one is jet lagged and can't sleep. Off the top of my head I can suggest Burgos Bars up until closing time (3 am), LA Cafe (all night), and City of Dreams gambling complex (all night) for food, and possible early morning FL pickup. I am sure there are other possibilities. Any suggestions?

[Member #4558]

Been to the Phils several times but not since Duturte new shoot any one laws went into effect. Is it safe to go there now? Keep hearing any one can walk up and shoot you. I really want to go but if it's that dangerous I'll just go to Thailand or Jakarta.Most of the shootings takes place in squatter areas of lets say Manilas barangays and shit. If you walked in those areas pre, during or post DU30 you would most likely end up in a box anyway. Foreigners aren't reported whacked to my knowledge so far. But since I presume you will stay in touristic / sextistic areas of pines you will (most likely) be fine as long as you don't use, store or sell drugs. Happy pooing.

[Wicked Roger]

Been to the Phils several times but not since Duturte new shoot any one laws went into effect. Is it safe to go there now? Keep hearing any one can walk up and shoot you. I really want to go but if it's that dangerous I'll just go to Thailand or Jakarta.If you think it is unsafe then it must be as nes't pas? Life as usual and people all happy that duggies are being killed it seems, so unless you wander around the bad areas don't.

And you ask a lot of questions in your 30 odd FRs even when you have visited here many times before as you have family here you said so surely they would know? Have a view? Just wondering as last time you were worried about being blacklisted etc.

Confusing me.

[SergeantRay]

Most of the shootings takes place in squatter areas of lets say Manilas barangays and shit. If you walked in those areas pre, during or post DU30 you would most likely end up in a box anyway. Foreigners aren't reported whacked to my knowledge so far. But since I presume you will stay in touristic / sextistic areas of pines you will (most likely) be fine as long as you don't use, store or sell drugs. Happy pooing.Agreed. These shootings are in lower class neighborhoods well away from tourists. An example would be Barangay Ermita, adjoining Carbon Market.

I have a Filipino martial arts teacher in a neighborhood where he works as a tanod (like a neighborhood watch). He told me of drug users coming into the area from elsewhere to do drugs. This was the same place where Jaguar, the notorious druglord lived and did business. This neighborhood, Duljo / Fatima, is definitely off the tourist track--you'd have to look for it to find it, and there's nothing there to interest tourists.

No drug pusher ever gets shot at Ayala or SM Mall, on the beaches of Mactan, at the Fuente, etc.

[SergeantRay]

Been to the Phils several times but not since Duturte new shoot any one laws went into effect. Is it safe to go there now? Keep hearing any one can walk up and shoot you. I really want to go but if it's that dangerous I'll just go to Thailand or Jakarta.Filipinos have always had a very tough attitude toward criminals, particularly [CodeWord127] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord127) and killers. There was the case of the heavily armed gang that was hitting up banks and armored cars. Philippine cops take this very seriously, and are not looking to make arrests in these circumstances. In an intense shootout, several members of the gang were killed--overkilled, actually. One of the crew was wounded in the leg. The cops weren't in a hurry to get him treatment, so the leg had to be amputated. When he was on trial they never provided him with a wheelchair--he had to be carried around in a wooden chair.

If anything, I feel safer now. If you're a drug dealer, your days are numbered. And if you were to kill a tourist, God hep you. President Duterte and his right hand man, "Bato," (alias, Rock), have sent a very clear message that crime will not be tolerated. DU30 ran and won on that very clear message, with the strong support of the country.

Criminals know to keep a low profile, and many have surrendered because they realize leadership at the top is dead serious.

[Wicked Roger]

If anything, I feel safer now. If you're a drug dealer, your days are numbered.

DU30 ran and won on that very clear message, with the strong support of the country.

Criminals know to keep a low profile, and many have surrendered because they realize leadership at the top is dead serious.What you said is what many say but for some (a small minority on the board) the view is 180 degrees different from you.

Yet for some who are scared silly maybe there is a more subtle issue at play as you sort of suggest.

[Random99]

I'm looking for a change of scenery and not looking to go to a beach type-place. Will be working 80% of the time via computer. Any suggestions?

[Ikksman]

{S N I P}If anything, I feel safer now. If you're a drug dealer, your days are numbered. And if you were to kill a tourist, God hep you. President Duterte and his right hand man, "Bato," (alias, Rock), have sent a very clear message that crime will not be tolerated.{S N I P}.I wonder what the likely outcome would be if you (unintentionally) seriously pissed off a girl and she decided to frame you.

There would a reasonable likelihood that someone in her or her friends' extended family being in LE. The girl tells the LE guy or close family member that you met her and repeatedly offered her drugs, and even produces a small amount of the drug as evidence.

Infinitesimally small odds? Or something to include in your risk assessment of mongering in the PI? In a similar vein, we do know that false under-age and [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) accusations have been made in the past and members take precautions to prevent these problems.

Ikks.

[Red Kilt]

I wonder what the likely outcome would be if you (unintentionally) seriously pissed off a girl and she decided to frame you.

There would a reasonable likelihood that someone in her or her friends' extended family being in LE. The girl tells the LE guy or close family member that you met her and repeatedly offered her drugs, and even produces a small amount of the drug as evidence.

Infinitesimally small odds? Or something to include in your risk assessment of mongering in the PI?Good point Ikks.

As someone who lives here, I have changed my MO completely now to take account of this very possibility. Definitely NOT infinitesimally small odds.

I know an example of a bar / g from Malabon who did just that very thing to a guy who short-changed her because she only delivered half of what she said she would.
She pointed him out as a drug-pusher.
He has never seen or used any drugs in his life. It freaked him out, and he actually left the country very quickly because the risks are no longer low and unsubstantial.

[Dg8787]

I'm looking for a change of scenery and not looking to go to a beach type-place. Will be working 80% of the time via computer. Any suggestions?If you just want to go exploring I would go to Cebu Pacific Airlines website and see which cities they fly to and pick out a few.

[Dazhiba]

I will be headed to General Santos area in a few months and would like to know about the place. Adult fun spots? Safety? Best deals for a reasonable hotel? Thanks, Daz.

[Ikksman]

I will be headed to General Santos area in a few months and would like to know about the place. Adult fun spots? Safety? Best deals for a reasonable hotel? Thanks, Daz.I have read your previous posts, and IMHO, GSC is way too dangerous a destination for a monger with non-existent or very limited Mindanao experience.

Ikks

[Red Kilt]

I will be headed to General Santos area in a few months and would like to know about the place. Adult fun spots? Safety? Best deals for a reasonable hotel? Thanks, Daz.You sent the same message (almost) on Post 10501 on this thread and got a heap of replies advising you not to go.

Didn't you see them or are you some sort of "adventure junkie who likes to live on the edge"?

[Wicked Roger]

You sent the same message (almost) on Post 10501 on this thread and got a heap of replies advising you not to go.

Didn't you see them or are you some sort of "adventure junkie who likes to live on the edge"?He is a manager RK as a look at the FR history shows little in way of giving back etc.

For some they never read theEr replies and just cherry pick what they want while living in a fantasy land of "it will be OK etc" or "is different as it is me not others".

I would let him go to GSC as he clearly he ignores sensible advice and with these type of people where reasoning and intellect are ignored, I tend to let them figure it out the hard way instead. He is a senior member after all (well 27 FRs of basically nothing qualifies you) and should be able to figure our life himself (we assume he is a grown up). Once he goes there, had trouble, maybe worse he can't blame anyone but himself can he?

[Chocha Monger]

I will be headed to General Santos area in a few months and would like to know about the place. Adult fun spots? Safety? Best deals for a reasonable hotel? Thanks, Daz.Mindanao Region and vicinity. Avoid all travel.

Global Affairs Canada advises against all travel to the Mindanao Region, excluding urban areas of Davao City due to the serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in this region is limited.

There is a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region. Bombs causing deaths and injuries have exploded in public areas of major centres, including the cities of Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Kidapawan, Zamboanga, General Santos, Jolo and Isabela. On September 2, 2016, an explosion at a street market outside the Marco Polo hotel in Davao left 14 people dead and dozens injured. Avoid the area, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Clashes occur between insurgent groups, and between armed groups and security forces. These incidents often result in deaths and property destruction, and innocent bystanders have occasionally been taken hostage.

Several foreigners have been kidnapped in this region.

[WestCoast1]

I will be headed to General Santos area in a few months1. Why?

2. Probably you shouldn't go there as a first-time Mindanao visitor (see other gent's responses).

[Dg8787]

1. Why?

2. Probably you shouldn't go there as a first-time Mindanao visitor (see other gent's responses).Now now now. Let's encourage all newbies to scout out new territories and to report back. Senior members should pool funds together to provide a small ransom policy (50,000 php).

[WestCoast1]

1. Why?The answer to the question guides my response to the OP's question. Is he going because he has to (ie, trabajo)? For a girl?

[Jack Burton]

I'm looking for a change of scenery and not looking to go to a beach type-place. Will be working 80% of the time via computer. Any suggestions?Davao, Cebu, or Makati if you need a great internet connection. Otherwise, many medium-size towns in Central Visayas.

[Treading Water]

I did RTFF but couldn't find much on this topic. Do Philippine girls speak much English? I like at least a little communication, especially for LT. I haven't been anywhere in Asia yet and I'm trying to decided between Thailand and the Philippines.

[Manfield04]

Filipinos speak enough English for you to take them to your hotel and do whatever you will want to do.


Do Philippine girls speak much English?

[BaboyDave]

I did RTFF but couldn't find much on this topic. Do Philippine girls speak much English? I like at least a little communication, especially for LT. I haven't been anywhere in Asia yet and I'm trying to decided between Thailand and the Philippines.You've seriously been through Google and the Forum and have not found an answer to this?

The Philippines has been American colony (as Commonwealth) in the past, English is an official second language, and most Filipinos speak at least some of it, many fluently. Filipinos also have several American-culture feats.

In Thailand this is much less common, but still okay.

Enjoy,

D

[Drukyul2000]

I did RTFF but couldn't find much on this topic. Do Philippine girls speak much English? I like at least a little communication, especially for LT. I haven't been anywhere in Asia yet and I'm trying to decided between Thailand and the Philippines.Compared to Thailand, Philippines has good no of people who speak English, the very fact that all majors US financial institutions have a call center / BPO based in Philippines states the level of English that is spoken in the country. If you choice is going to based on the language then go for Philippines.

[WestCoast1]

Last Updated Nov 28, 2016 3:54 AM EST

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila police detonated an improvised bomb found Monday in a trash bin near the U.S. Embassy, snarling morning traffic after authorities closed a portion of a major boulevard where the device was found. No one was reported hurt in the incident.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bomb-trashcan-us-embassy-manila-philippines-blamed-isis-linked-maute/?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

[Roadrunners]

Straight off the bat.

Gensan is "Yer Ole Blue Jeans" type Filipino City.

Country Blues and a hillbilly taint. In addition to Tuna!

"Smell that, son?"

I spent 1/14-3+/14 and 4/15-5+/15 in Gensan with (wife) family plus.

My home base was / shall be Greenleaf Hotel.

Next to "Mannys Gym". Come on, Pac-Man Pacquiao, across from SM General Santos.

Near KCC and Robinsons. ALL the women from Digos to Koronadal to all points navigable.

3 Malls covering countless sq km and countless poor, yet hopeful and upwardly fertile ladies from Puroks a plenty.

Within a sq km.

Well if that square mile or 1000 aren't the safest in the Phils. Including Davao City. It's as close as you get.

Remember, North, East and South and West only to Polomolok.

Nobody screws with Mannys Territory.

Which is all great. Davao to Gensan, Gensan west (Polomolok), Gensan south to Glan or Maasin.

No problem and it's some of the most beautiful scenery you can find.

The entire area is covered. Safe commerce trumps hate.

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't extend a railway all the way (from proposed CDO-Davao City Line) to Gensan.

It is as perfectly situated a municipality there is in the Phils.

Manny plus geography in aksyon!

Mongering is hit and miss, from my limited yet informed perspective.

Got rides from Calumpang (look it up) to Greenleaf twice a day. Saw all the sites (within the safe zone).

My shots, over 12 weeks; 25+. Total score, 2. One from SM (1200 plus lunch for 4 hrs, a gift from above) and a friend of the family at a b'day party for who knows who I paid for. (she was a throw in. ?

Unbelievably beautiful women.

Takeaway: Gensan is good, as safe as can be, up and coming, nobody messes around.

In any way, to any degree. It is very low key, yet a growing bounty of fine pineapples ripen daily at the malls.

You get what you find, one good bar (was 4 Sisters and is now 4 Sisters and One Brother!. Buzz kill).

No apparent word of mouth. All malling.

Magandang Gensan!

See you in March.

[Fast Eddie 48]

I have read your previous posts, and IMHO, GSC is way too dangerous a destination for a monger with non-existent or very limited Mindanao experience.

IkksTo IKKS.

GSO is a famous fishing port for long range tuna ship to the Indian ocean, maybe he is going there to fish for some big eye tuna not fishing for fish tacos.

Fast Eddie 48.

[Goferring]

Hi guys,

Just a post on a trip I am having to highlight some of the risks and rewards of taking a multi day / week trip with a BG.

During my last trip to Sabang I floated the idea to one of the BG's of coming with me on a two week trip to Coron and Alona Beach when I returned to PI. I wanted to know if she would be OK travelling at that time (ie now) or if she would want to stay in Sabang for the busy High Season. She said she was keen to have a holiday and would be fine with skipping work. Obviously I would be covering all expenses She was OK with 10 k peso per week with no additional bar fine payable.

Flights were booked and a couple of emails confirmed meeting points and times when I returned to NAIA.

We flew to Coron and the first few days were pretty uneventful. I went diving every second day and she remained back in the room and provided great service when ever I was back. Unfortunately as the days went by her attitude slowly dropped away. The lack of competition in town lead to her developing a Princess Complex and issuing demands on where we were eating and what we were doing during the day. Needless to say, this pissed me off no end. It got to the point that I actually paid her for the first week and told her to forget about the rest of the holiday. When she realized that she wasn't on a sure thing and that I was fully prepared cut my losses, her attitude immediately changed for the better and profuse excuses and apologies ensued.

I later realized that my choice of location and room had made the situation worse. There is nothing to do in Coron for non divers and our room didn't even have a TV. To make matters worse internet connections (both 3 G and WiFi) were horrendous. Basically she had absolutely nothing to do and no way to chat / message her friends or more importantly maintain business contacts with her boyfriends / other Johns.

When in Coron some other issues that I hadn't considered also popped up:

I should have reminded her not to bring sexy clothes. BG day wear of boob tubes and micro shorts definitely raise eyebrows around a small town.

Having her around killed any opportunity for general catching up or banter with civilians during the day. Other tourists I met and chatted with on the dive boats were very reluctant to sit around and talk with an obvious BG at the table.

The Service was great but after a few days some level of conversation would have been good. I'm not talking solving world hunger but general conversation was pretty much non existent.

We then transferred to Alona / Bohol. It was funny watching her do a junky trying to score impression during the walk / run through town looking to buy Load. She'd been 2 days without connection!! The room here is much better and the place has more facilities so things seem to have settled down and now we are both enjoying ourselves.

In summary, if you are going to take a BG for a holiday:

Pick the destination carefully. Its your cash and time but I've always found that a happier girl leads to better service and generally less stress all round.

Consider how much interaction you want / will have with normal civilians. The more obvious the commercial relationship, the more unlikely you are going to be able to meet or generally chat with other tourists.

How comfortable are you for her to maintain business relationships during the holiday? I'm very upfront with the girl about this not being a BF / GF relationship and am totally OK with her maintaining contacts. I actually find it amusing the various calls to boyfriends expressing undying love one after the other and the language changes as the various time zones come alive. I don't think it's realistic to expect her to drop all contacts for several weeks.

Have a bail out plan and make sure she is aware that you have options should she start to give you the $hits. The girl you know for a night or two in a crowded red light district where you can easily trade her out will not be the same girl after several days in a quiet town where it seems you have no other choice than her.

And most importantly. What do you want from the girl. Decide on this upfront and then choose appropriately. A full on party girl may not be the one to mix with normal tourists nor blend in around town.

Enjoy.

[Member #4566]

Hi guys,

Just a post on a trip I am having to highlight some of the risks and rewards of taking a multi day / week trip with a BG. I take 2 girls so they have company. Last time I did it with sisters. BTW when I can I target BG's who have been left alone by their "boyfriend" who went diving. They are happy to get a quick 1000 and nobody is any the wiser.

[Sam 14]

I have read your previous posts, and IMHO, GSC is way too dangerous a destination for a monger with non-existent or very limited Mindanao experience.

Ikks


To IKKS.

GSO is a famous fishing port for long range tuna ship to the Indian ocean, maybe he is going there to fish for some big eye tuna not fishing for fish tacos.

Fast Eddie 48.It's the home of something else too. ISIS has a branch in the Philippines called Ansarul Khilafah. They are based in South Cotabato province, Sarangani province and General Santos City. I've heard they have announced they will try to conduct kidnappings in GenSan and Davao, and Duterte is trying to address it.

[CallSign Papa]

BTW when I can I target BG's who have been left alone by their "boyfriend" who went diving. They are happy to get a quick 1000 and nobody is any the wiser.I like the cut of this guy's jib!

[WestCoast1]

Hi guys,

Just a post on a trip I am having to highlight some of the risks and rewards of taking a multi day / week trip with a BG.

During my last trip to Sabang I floated the idea to one of the BG's of coming with me on a two week trip to Coron and Alona Beach when I returned to PI. I wanted to know if she would be OK travelling at that time (ie now) or if she would want to stay in Sabang for the busy High Season. She said she was keen to have a holiday and would be fine with skipping work. Obviously I would be covering all expenses She was OK with 10 k peso per week with no additional bar fine payable.Also, when traveling with any girl (bar girl or regular girl) for the first time is something you want to limit to 2 or 3 nights (not more). Next time with that girl, a week. Taking a girl for longer on a first trip will either be sensational, or can turn bad (ala Gofer and similar). I would even hesitate to take one of my hotties on a 2-week anything, and I know several who I get along well with (for a few days at a time), but who knows what she's like away from home / friends for a week or two.

[SaltyPete]

For all of you Virgin Hunters, there is an 18 year old on Seeking Arrangement selling hers for the low low price of only 4,000,000 php (80,530 USD). I'd rate her a 6-7.

Some of these girls are really out of touch with reality. Or maybe I am?

[Goferring]

BTW when I can I target BG's who have been left alone by their "boyfriend" who went diving. They are happy to get a quick 1000 and nobody is any the wiser.This girl would never do that. She loves me and only me. Well maybe only me and the 100 other guys in her Contact list. LOL.

All's going well now but if I had known the local conditions before hand, yes I would have taken two to Coron and / or rotated teams for a week in Coron then a week in Alona.

Cheer.

[BrainDrain]

Hi guys,

Just a post on a trip I am having to highlight some of the risks and rewards of taking a multi day / week trip with a BG.There is good information in your post. Last year I took a girl from AC on a trip to Mindanao and had a wonderful time. I had met her on a previous trip before in AC.

A) She met me at NAIA and we overnighted at Victori Court, for a catchup session.

B) Prior to the trip I sent her some money so she could buy some clothes and cover her away from work expenses.

C) On the trip she had a friend to talk with.

D) By the end of a week, it was getting tiring.

I think as (visiting) foreigners we do enjoy the variety of filipina, so one girl does limit our fun threshold.

Yes, I would do this again, maybe less than one week though.

BD.

[Chocha Monger]

For all of you Virgin Hunters, there is an 18 year old on Seeking Arrangement selling hers for the low low price of only 4,000,000 php (80,530 USD). I'd rate her a 6-7.

Some of these girls are really out of touch with reality. Or maybe I am?Her price is not as outrageous as it seems. A lot of guys marry these so-called virgins and take them back to their homeland where community property laws allow the girl to get an automatic 50 percent of the virgin hunter's assets upon divorce. So, let's say the guy has a house and lot worth $300,000 USD, the formerly virgin ex-wife gets at least $150,000 or about 7,443,525 pesos.

[Canute]

There is good information in your post. Last year I took a girl from AC on a trip to Mindanao and had a wonderful time. I had met her on a previous trip before in AC.

A) She met me at NAIA and we overnighted at Victori Court, for a catchup session.

B) Prior to the trip I sent her some money so she could buy some clothes and cover her away from work expenses.

C) On the trip she had a friend to talk with.

D) By the end of a week, it was getting tiring.

I think as (visiting) foreigners we do enjoy the variety of filipina, so one girl does limit our fun threshold.

Yes, I would do this again, maybe less than one week though.

BD.I had one week with her in Angeles on a previous trip and had a wonderful time. This time one week in a condo in Manila and second week also in a condo in Boracuy. I don't dive so we went everywhere together and the latter part of week two she showed signs of becoming less cooperative. I was paying her 3 K salary per day and would not allow her to use the phone in my presence. So, no appointments with Johns or romantic conversations with them. She interacted well with other couples so we had no problems socially as I introduced as my girlfriend. In Emails I expressed annoyance at her lack of cooperation but she assured me that she had done that unknowingly and she will be better. In February 2017, I plan 3 weeks with her and I hope I am not pushing it. My thanks to the OP for making me aware of the pitfalls and I plan to be more assertive this time.

[Member #4558]

With interest reading BM Goferring's post. Interesting and educational to new BMs.

Bringing a girl on a trip is really a hit and miss. Even if you try screen the girl out prior to leaving together my strong point is "WTF are we going to talk about now"? These last words was exactly my thoughts bringing my first girl on a 4 days to Boracay a few years back. Even though she wasn't a bar girl or a FL (at least she didn't come forward as one) as she worked in perfumery I found out our world collided after a day or two. I am used to only 2-3 hrs encounters with Phil girls, then switch, because then one don't run out of common phrases or polite shit to cover the off session time. This problem really did arise after a day or two.

On my actual trip the girl was nice and very playful. No problem there. But as long as one can't do naughty biz 24/7 one need to do some general banter once in a while. One could of course choose to go the odd silent way, fine by me, but at least this girl seemed afraid from silence bla bla blaing all the time. Well after a while I was tired from discussing Korean soap stars, Phil got talent and how great phil food is (I hate that crap, my personal meaning). I found playing cards was a great timepasser (reversed dresspoker after session to make it interesting). I don't say I am the best educated guy out there and I don't need to debate world politics or environmental issues but some general knowledge of how things works outside Phils would be nice. Except from some moaning I was quite for the last 2 days, throwing in a "yes" here and a "no" there (even a "maybe" at times). I had my Ipad and she her phone / TV. Saved me (us).

All my mistake and I don't blame the girl at all. In fact I put all the blame on myself. She did her best and was a good bed performer and actually a nice girl. If I knew what I know today and could do it all over again, I would tell her to bring a friend and store them over in their own room. Aftermath; I did a couple of trips with better results bantering. I guess I am not a small talker after all. I am back doing the 2-3 hrs routine.

[GoldMembr]

Can someone please explain how to do this. I have a regular FB account, that I use for friends and family and when I try to make a fake (2nd) account FB LE voids it. Can't seem to find any instruction online or on ISG for that matter how to do this. I'd really appreciate it if someone has some tips. Or a link.

Thanks.

[Dg8787]

Her price is not as outrageous as it seems. A lot of guys marry these so-called virgins and take them back to their homeland where community property laws allow the girl to get an automatic 50 percent of the virgin hunter's assets upon divorce. So, let's say the guy has a house and lot worth $300,000 USD, the formerly virgin ex-wife gets at least $150,000 or about 7,443,525 pesos.Certainly not true in America. Wife is only entitled to half of earning and property acquired after the date of marriage. Only way that can happen is if dumb shit agrees to it in writing before or after marriage. People hear these bull shit ex-husband tales of woes and pass it along. Please check the laws first.

[WestCoast1]

Her price is not as outrageous as it seems. A lot of guys marry these so-called virgins and take them back to their homeland where community property laws allow the girl to get an automatic 50 percent of the virgin hunter's assets upon divorce. So, let's say the guy has a house and lot worth $300,000 USD, the formerly virgin ex-wife gets at least $150,000 or about 7,443,525 pesos.


Certainly not true in America. Wife is only entitled to half of earning and property acquired after the date of marriage. Only way that can happen is if dumb shit agrees to it in writing before or after marriage. People hear these bull shit ex-husband tales of woes and pass it along. Please check the laws first.Must agree with DG. Those stories of the ex taking everything are from 20+years ago. Marriage / divorce laws are set by each state (not the federal government), but I'm no longer aware of states that have any laws pertaining to everything one person owns. States use community property laws, which consider property acquired during the date of marriage to the "effective date of separation" (not the date of divorce, which might be years later). The 'property' can be many things (real estate, income, etc) and generally excludes some things in different states (gifts and bequeaths). Have had 2 friends get divorced (9 and 13 years together with wives) from their (Russian) wives in 2 different states here in the last 2 years, and the same community property laws applied (the 2 wives get a monthly spousal support check for a period of time, several years, then it stops).

The concept of your spouse being entitled to *everything* seems to be fairly engrained. He / she is entitled to half off any marital property (or the value of it) gained only during the time of marriage. One of my buddies who is currently married to a Russian gal was quietly planning to divorce her a few years back. He was convinced that her family's estate (in Russia) was fairly massive, and even though they had been married only 2 years, that he was somehow entitled to half of it. I asked him to contact an attorney (he did), and he was sorely disappointed to find that he was not going to get anything from her side (she never worked during the marriage, and provided nothing to the community) and he might have to give her a small monthly spousal support from his retirement and also one of their 2 older vehicles. This idea is SO engrained, that recently the same gent told me over coffee: "You know, if Tatiana were to die, I would get half of her parents estate". Really! Is that in her parents will (they are still alive) or Tatiana's will? "No. There is no will. I am her husband. Naturally it would come to me when she dies. Right?" Jesus guy, please see your lawyer again. Should the parents die (not his wife), their estate would go to their multiple children, and your wife would get a share. Any share your wife received is not considered 'community' in the community property (as it is a bequeath) of your state, unless she includes it to her husband in her trust / will upon her death. The attorney gave him the same information. Interestingly the Russian wife was his retirement plan (which I was not aware of when I was a groomsman at their wedding). Later he shared with me his unhappiness in the marriage, saying she was supposed to work and supplement his income, but she refused to work once she was here in the States. He was also counting on her family's estate. Now they are stuck on his $1500/ month retirement. She too contacted an attorney (I found out from one of her Russian friends) and was sorely disappointed in her divorce prospects.

[Manfield04]

You can use a different email address / username and phone number for verification.


I have a regular FB account, that I use for friends and family and when I try to make a fake (2nd) account FB LE voids it. Can't seem to find any instruction online or on ISG for that matter how to do this. I'd really appreciate it if someone has some tips.

[Nice Guy 99]

Pre-nup boys. If you are American and considering marriage please be sure to get a pre-nup. If she objects, it's a red flag. A pre-nup only comes into effect if the marriage fails. Is she going into marriage thinking it will fail? Educate yourself on the legal process. She must have her own lawyer. It's beneficial to video tape the signing, with both lawyers there and both parties indicating that they are signing willingly. Pre-nup boys.

[WestCoast1]

A pre-nup only comes into effect if the marriage fails. Is she going into marriage thinking it will fail?Is the man?

[Dg8787]

Pre-nup boys. If you are American and considering marriage please be sure to get a pre-nup. If she objects, it's a red flag. A pre-nup only comes into effect if the marriage fails. Is she going into marriage thinking it will fail? Educate yourself on the legal process. She must have her own lawyer. It's beneficial to video tape the signing, with both lawyers there and both parties indicating that they are signing willingly. Pre-nup boys.Good advice for those with a pot to pixx in. Otherwise save the money for her green card.

[Golfinho]

All my mistake and I don't blame the girl at all. In fact I put all the blame on myself. She did her best and was a good bed performer and actually a nice girl. If I knew what I know today and could do it all over again,.Exactly. Choose your travel pet carefully and with simple criteria: someone you can get along with. Just like you choose companions to befriend in ordinary situation. Unless, of course you only do short time hookers because you have nothing for personality, then trying to buy a girlfriend you only get what you deserve.

[Chocha Monger]

Must agree with DG. Those stories of the ex taking everything are from 20+years ago. Marriage / divorce laws are set by each state (not the federal government), but I'm no longer aware of states that have any laws pertaining to everything one person owns. States use community property laws, which consider property acquired during the date of marriage to the "effective date of separation" (not the date of divorce, which might be years later). The 'property' can be many things (real estate, income, etc) and generally excludes some things in different states (gifts and bequeaths). Have had 2 friends get divorced (9 and 13 years together with wives) from their (Russian) wives in 2 different states here in the last 2 years, and the same community property laws applied (the 2 wives get a monthly spousal support check for a period of time, several years, then it stops).

The concept of your spouse being entitled to *everything* seems to be fairly engrained. He / she is entitled to half off any marital property (or the value of it) gained only during the time of marriage. One of my buddies who is currently married to a Russian gal was quietly planning to divorce her a few years back. He was convinced that her family's estate (in Russia) was fairly massive, and even though they had been married only 2 years, that he was somehow entitled to half of it. I asked him to contact an attorney (he did), and he was sorely disappointed to find that he was not going to get anything from her side (she never worked during the marriage, and provided nothing to the community) and he might have to give her a small monthly spousal support from his retirement and also one of their 2 older vehicles. This idea is SO engrained, that recently the same gent told me over coffee...It is surprising that he was able to afford a Russian bride on his meager pension of $1500. That is not very far from the poverty line. Expecting his Russian bride to work and finance his retirement was a harebrained idea. It is not surprising that they both were unhappy in the marriage as both expected a free ride.

It seems like the men in your examples were poor and barely surviving even before marrying their Russian brides and not aspiring to improve their financial situations via other means than marriage. They had nothing to lose.

In cases where men actually have something to lose like a house and substantial assets and income, the odds of the woman getting the marital home are greatly increased if she is mail order bride who has children in the marriage. Divorce courts will put the interest of the children ahead of any rights and entitlements the man might think he has in the marital home. He also gets the benefit of paying child support in addition to alimony.

[Dg8787]

It is surprising that he was able to afford a Russian bride on his meager pension of $1500. That is not very far from the poverty line. Expecting his Russian bride to work and finance his retirement was a harebrained idea. It is not surprising that they both were unhappy in the marriage as both expected a free ride.

It seems like the men in your examples were poor and barely surviving even before marrying their Russian brides and not aspiring to improve their financial situations via other means than marriage. They had nothing to lose.

In cases where men actually have something to lose like a house and substantial assets and income, the odds of the woman getting the marital home are greatly increased if she is mail order bride who has children in the marriage. Divorce courts will put the interest of the children ahead of any rights and entitlements the man might think he has in the marital home. He also gets the benefit of paying child support in addition to alimony.I think the guy married the Russian bride before retirement and she would be an extra pension fund for him.

Mail order brides do not have any more or less rights, with or without children than any other divorcing person.

You are wrong that the courts will place children's interest over and above the pre-existing marriage right to property and assets. Prior assets will remain sole and separate property as long as it is not co-mingled with community funds or assets. Period. It would be wise to get an appraisal to establish the value of assets prior to marriage.

Best to consult with an attorney over real facts than to generalize and promote woeful ex-husbands tales.

[Member #4566]

Pre-nup boys. A pre-nup only comes into effect if the marriage fails. Pre-nup boys.Remember also that you cannot disinherit your wife. A will that tries to do it will not be enforced. Thus you may be worth more dead than you are alive. It won't take much encouragement for Cuja Renato to do away with you on a trip back to visit the inlaws knowing that he can hit up the newly minted widow for the cost of that expensive medical treatment he needs. I wouldn't marry a Filipina for love nor money.

[BrainDrain]

Remember also that you cannot disinherit your wife. A will that tries to do it will not be enforced. Thus you may be worth more dead than you are alive. It won't take much encouragement for Cuja Renato to do away with you on a trip back to visit the inlaws knowing that he can hit up the newly minted widow for the cost of that expensive medical treatment he needs. I wouldn't marry a Filipina for love nor money.The last quote I heard for doing away with a problematic wife or husband (or BF) on Mindanao was P5000. This included having the body sunk well offshore in the Pacific.

As Pompetus says, it's not too hard to do the mathematics, if your net work is greater than P5000 then you might be on their prospect list.

If it is any consolation I have satisfied myself that in the event I become a target I won't really care. They seem to be reasonably good at hired hits so I will be dead, not crippled.

BD.

[CallSign Papa]

If it is any consolation I have satisfied myself that in the event I become a target I won't really care. They seem to be reasonably good at hired hits so I will be dead, not crippled.

You really are a glass half-full kinda guy BD.

[Radical Guy]

Pre-nup boys. If you are American and considering marriage please be sure to get a pre-nup. If she objects, it's a red flag. A pre-nup only comes into effect if the marriage fails. Is she going into marriage thinking it will fail? Educate yourself on the legal process. She must have her own lawyer. It's beneficial to video tape the signing, with both lawyers there and both parties indicating that they are signing willingly. Pre-nup boys.Prenups still have their limitations. I'm a family law attorney, and there are other issues that can sidestep a prenup. For example, a prenup cannot limit child support if she gets pregnant, or any other child issues. Additionally, if she is especially vicious, she may allege that you assaulted her, even going to lengths to falsify injuries (like cutting herself), so she can make a claim for tort damages, which would not be covered by a prenup. Bottom line is that there is no substitute for being very careful before committing to any woman.

RG.

[BrainDrain]

You really are a glass half-full kinda guy BD.Thank you. The more I read the local press and see what happens at a local level in the news that we as visitors rarely see the more I realise it cam be a dangerous place. Rule 1, don't annoy the locals.

[Goferring]

Hi guys,

Just a post on a trip I am having to highlight some of the risks and rewards of taking a multi day / week trip with a..OK, so the trip above is now finished. Her attitude improved over the second week but still wasn't all that I had hoped for.

My previous comments on what to do and watch for remain unchanged. The only addition would be that having a BG around also limits access to regular pinays as none would be seen with someone obviously traveling with a BG. Something to remember if you want to build contacts with regular girls or do some preparation for repeat visits.

People have various reasons for extended holidays with a BG. I'll comment on how well my trip went to meeting those:

The primary reason anyone brings a BG is "I want unlimited access to sex with a known, skilled provider". Achieved with distinction! Regardless of attitudes of her or me at the time, Service was always available when required and the skill and enthusiasm never dropped. If anything, sessions during frosty moments was more heated and passionate.

"I want to save money and not pay repeated bar fines and / or inflated service charges at remote or tourist areas". I spent 10 k per week for her, 14 k on airfares to two destinations and probably 2 k per day on her trips, trinkets and food. Surprisingly, food in tourist destinations was not a trivial cost. It literally cost more to feed her than fuck her. Do the math over 14 days and the exercise cost 60 k. In hindsight, this could have paid a lot of tourist mark ups for local short timers, a hell of a catch up blow out upon return to civilization or even an extension to the holiday.

"I want to take someone for company or to talk to". Clearly an absolute failure after the third day. It also severely restricted access and contact to other tourists and locals both pinay and visitors.

"I want to take someone with local knowledge / language and who can help organize local requirements". She was absolutely useless at organizing anything with tour offices, taxis etc. It didn't help that she is from Manila and doesn't speak Visayan.

So, would I do it again?

The only way I would do an extended trip again would be with a couple of guys and a few girls so that everyone has something to do and someone to speak with. In hind sight, one on one is only workable for short periods. The Service provided was great and I have no doubt we will catch up again back in her bar but it will be in much shorter periods and in areas where she can be traded out when it's time for a change.

If I was to do another multi week trip I would probably rely on sourcing local providers or if I did want to take someone, it would be multiple people for shorter periods each.

One thing that several people have mentioned (and she has done in the past) is taking a girl to mongering destinations eg. AC, Subic, Cebu etc. To me this is totally counter productive and I would not recommend it. Just recruit locally even if there is an extra tourist tax. It will work out easier in the long run.

[Goferring]

What is it with guys falling in love with BGs who are obviously still at work and / or rooting around?

It appears the primary sponsor of the BG in my holiday post has put two and two together, come up with fifteen and figured out what his "girlfriend" has been doing for the last two weeks. The solution?? Get her a passport, ship her off to Japan and live happily ever after. Of course she will never see anyone else or return to the bar when she's back in town. Well maybe just on days ending in "why".

Not the first time I have returned from a holiday with a busy girl to find a jealous sponsor who decides he will be able to "save" her and thinks he will be able to make a honest women out of her.

Good luck with taking the Bar out of the girl!

[Jack Burton]

I did RTFF but couldn't find much on this topic. Do Philippine girls speak much English? I like at least a little communication, especially for LT. I haven't been anywhere in Asia yet and I'm trying to decided between Thailand and the Philippines.This is a far more interesting question than you may realize. Yes, most of the young ladies and gents speak English, of a sort. If you are hoping to discuss the virtues of Proust, pr pricing mechanisms in a free-market economy, don't. If you are attempting negotiations for time or services rendered, the general rule is YMMV (your mileage may vary). Conversations beyond this go:

Q What is a good restaurant? A. Jollibee's.

It isn't, at least if you are other than Filipino. I've never had any other restaurant specifically mentioned. Except once. Went to a decent pizza place with four young, yet appropriately aged, females. Otherwise, I tried hard to be the one choosing. Also, learn all the local words for rice. That way, you may get only one or two rice dishes with a meal. Of course, if you do, they will assume that you want more rice with that.

Q. What would you like to do? A. Karaoke / videoke. It helps a lot if you are also willing to sing.

[Jack Burton]

For all of you Virgin Hunters, there is an 18 year old on Seeking Arrangement selling hers for the low low price of only 4,000,000 php (80,530 USD). I'd rate her a 6-7.

Some of these girls are really out of touch with reality. Or maybe I am?Hey, I'm sure you could bargain her down to 3,8000,000 php. Or even 3,800 if you are a charmer. Practice your negotiation skills! Or pass. I'm more worried about PNP than php.

[SaltyPete]

Hey, I'm sure you could bargain her down to 3,8000,000 php. Or even 3,800 if you are a charmer. Practice your negotiation skills! Or pass. I'm more worried about PNP than php.The thing is, I'm not interested in virgin. Let someone else break her in, I say. I just posted it because it shows an extreme of what girls expect; and perhaps of what a guy will pay.

[CallSign Papa]

The thing is, I'm not interested in virgin. Let someone else break her in, I say. Totally agree, I've declined to meet a good number of girls who've insisted they're virgins (some as old as 20). Who needs that hassle, the experience is going to be awkward and weird.

Give me a cock-hungry morsel any day of the week.

[Member #4558]

I did RTFF but couldn't find much on this topic. Do Philippine girls speak much English? I like at least a little communication, especially for LT. I haven't been anywhere in Asia yet and I'm trying to decided between Thailand and the Philippines.If you choose Phils. Be sure you are prepared. The following will most likely occur: You arrange to meet a lovely pinay back at your place, lets say at 5 pm.

Here's how it will work out at 4:45 pm by text:

She, how are you?

You, I am great, I am in my hotel waiting you. What did you do today? Are you on your way anytime soon or even better are you close to my place now? We agreed 5 pm right?

She, did you eat your lunch?

You, eh, I asked you are you close? We agreed you come 5 pm right?

She, If I come will you meet me outside hotel?

You (feel your blood pressure rising, irritation rises), If you come. Didn't we have an agreement?

She, do you have food, can we eat?

You, what? Where are you?

She, I go shower now.

You (probably call her by now but no signal or the phone just stay unanswered).

She, 6 pm, I am on my way now.

You, where are you?

She, in taxi.

You, when will you be here?

She, dunno.

Etc etc etc. Take those pills. Excited to hear if this was far fetched.

[Red Kilt]

If you choose Phils. Be sure you are prepared. The following will most likely occur: You arrange to meet a lovely pinay back at your place, lets say at 5 pm.

<SNIP>

She, 6 pm, I am on my way now.

Excited to hear if this was far fetched.Just to balance your post VPlex, I think many girls have been totally burnt by assholes who spoil it for the rest of us by arranging meetings with girls and then not turning up.

Many girls have told me how they have turned up for planned meetings, often having borrowed the fare to get there, only to find the guy is either not there, never planned to be and, in one extreme case, was still at home in LA, Calif when he planned a meeting with her online.

Two girls have told me that they now wait until the guy confirms with them that he is actually at a planned meeting site before they leave home so they will not waste their money on fares. They do this because they have experienced being "stood up" by guys who get their kicks out of having girls follow their instructions. Somehow it makes the guys feel powerful at having women follow their instructiona. Weird stuff.

I agree that it is extremely frustrating for us but sometimes it helps to understand their thinking.

[Wicked Roger]

Just to balance your post VPlex, I think many girls have been totally burnt by assholes who spoil it for the rest of us by arranging meetings with girls and then not turning up.

Many girls have told me how they have turned up for planned meetings, often having borrowed the fare to get there, only to find the guy is either not there, never planned to be and, in one extreme case, was still at home in LA, Calif when he planned a meeting with her online..I agree RK.

I know of one ISG monger who screwed another purely because the former was / is an a**hole.

He was in Australia, the other guy USA but gave the Aussie a good contact. She chatted to the Aussie on cam, he said he was in Cebu, lots chat, said he would meet her Ayala that evening so she dressed up and took a taxi (which he said he would pay for) and went there to meet him.

But he was in Australia and did it deliberately to to screw up the other guy and the relationship he had with the girl (spiteful and nasty individual).

She was out of pocket (the USA guy sent the cash to cover the fare etc once he found out) and she never trusted the USA guy much again.

Some real trolls out there in our mongering world also.

[BrainDrain]

Just to balance your post VPlex, I think many girls have been totally burnt by assholes who spoil it for the rest of us by arranging meetings with girls and then not turning up.

Many girls have told me how they have turned up for planned meetings, often having borrowed the fare to get there, only to find the guy is either not there, never planned to be and, in one extreme case, was still at home in LA, Calif when he planned a meeting with her online.

Two girls have told me that they now wait until the guy confirms with them that he is actually at a planned meeting site before they leave home so they will not waste their money on fares. They do this because they have experienced being "stood up" by guys who get their kicks out of having girls follow their instructions. Somehow it makes the guys feel powerful at having women follow their instructiona. Weird stuff.

I agree that it is extremely frustrating for us but sometimes it helps to understand their thinking.I too have been burnt. Now I just tell them a time an hour before my expected time and I DO NOT plan around them. I won't wait at the hotel or the meeting place. I will say I am there but meanwhile I'll be close, I'll be going about my banking, the groceries, sending stuff at LBC, getting gas, etc etc etc. SO, I am close, I choose meeting places that suit me and let me do the above. If they miraculously are on time, I just switch the order of activity.

So, it's not so much that they are late? Did we expect them to be on time? So, plan the meet time with other activity and then the specific timing doesn't impact on us.

And, if you consider jeepney, trike, friends, scooters, the electricity supply, the internet...it's amazing there is anything ontime.

And then there are girls whom are always organised and on time. the keepers.

[Member #4558]

I was just preparing Treading Water for what to expect with one example (its all made up but I guess we all have encountered something similar). For reasons behind why things are they way they are I am in total agreement with RK and others. No wonder why girls want more or less solid proof you are actually in Phils at agreed location if they are to spend their own cash for travels.

I will admit I have sent a few fake MTCNs around but only to girls deserving it (different ballgame).

When you sit there with a hard on excited to meet a cute small one just be prepared or expect what I wrote could happen. When you get the hang of it your mental balance will be better. I vouch for BDs MO as I these days do it myself. In addition I try run a busy schedule and have lot of substitute girls who can step in if things do go belly up. Blue balls need urgent treatment.

[MrWoolyBooly]

If you choose Phils. Be sure you are prepared. The following will most likely occur: You arrange to meet a lovely pinay back at your place, lets say at 5 pm.

Here's how it will work out at 4:45 pm by text:

She, how are you?

You, I am great, I am in my hotel waiting you. What did you do today? Are you on your way anytime soon or even better are you close to my place now? We agreed 5 pm right?

She, did you eat your lunch?

You, eh, I asked you are you close? We agreed you come 5 pm right?

She, If I come will you meet me outside hotel?

You (feel your blood pressure rising, irritation rises), If you come. Didn't we have an agreement?

She, do you have food, can we eat?

You, what? Where are you?

She, I go shower now.

You (probably call her by now but no signal or the phone just stay unanswered).

She, 6 pm, I am on my way now.

You, where are you?

She, in taxi.

You, when will you be here?

She, dunno.

Etc etc etc. Take those pills. Excited to hear if this was far fetched.Have you been hacking my phone's text messages?

[MrWoolyBooly]

Just to balance your post VPlex, I think many girls have been totally burnt by assholes who spoil it for the rest of us by arranging meetings with girls and then not turning up.Very true. Even in the rare occasion when my double-booking results in double showing-up, I always make sure the less attractive one is very fairly compensated with a face-saving excuse down in the lobby. "My country's president has called and I need to prepare a major tax policy speech for him to give tomorrow morning. Sorry, babe. Here's to cover your fare (easily covers fare plus daily wage). ".

[MrWoolyBooly]

And then there are girls whom are always organised and on time. the keepers.Yes, indeed! They're the ones that stay on the contact list through thick and thin.

[WestCoast1]

Just to balance your post VPlex, I think many girls have been totally burnt by assholes who spoil it for the rest of us by arranging meetings with girls and then not turning up.

SNIP

I agree that it is extremely frustrating for us but sometimes it helps to understand their thinking.


I too have been burnt. Now I just tell them a time an hour before my expected time and I DO NOT plan around them.I'm a bit more ruthless. My MO involves telling the girl that its better to leave her home several hours early, and possibly be at the rendezvous point several hours early, than to be late (her *sin* to me). I promise them that I will depart 15 minutes after the scheduled meet time, and I stick to that. I started that 4-5 years ago, and it has drastically reduced tardiness. My MO is also to cam-2-cam with the girl a day prior, so she can see me in my hotel lobby, so she will know I'm in her town. I have not eliminated tardiness, but I can now go for 1-2-3 trips to phils without having an issue.

[Member #4558]

I'm a bit more ruthless. My MO involves telling the girl that its better to leave her home several hours early, and possibly be at the rendezvous point several hours early, than to be late (her *sin* to me). I promise them that I will depart 15 minutes after the scheduled meet time, and I stick to that. I started that 4-5 years ago, and it has drastically reduced tardiness. My MO is also to cam-2-cam with the girl a day prior, so she can see me in my hotel lobby, so she will know I'm in her town. I have not eliminated tardiness, but I can now go for 1-2-3 trips to phils without having an issue.Yeah that's just like me. My "initial" post here was directed to Treading Water as I assume he is a nube. When a text goes over board like the one in my example it would be a cut off long long time ago to me. I stress, stress and stress again the fact girls have to be on time. Its not a problem anymore. But for a nube it can be relative information to bag and keep a sharp look out for. It happened to me when I was a nube, it can still happen today but I don't meet them because I cut them off. I am cynical but unlike WB I normally don't double book (it happens though if things get chaotic). Then I just improvise.

[MrWoolyBooly]

I'm a bit more ruthless. Out of statistical curiosity, what percentage of potential new lady friends are eliminated for scheduling or navigational defects?

[WestCoast1]

Out of statistical curiosity, what percentage of potential new lady friends are eliminated for scheduling or navigational defects?I will PM you.

[Red Kilt]

My MO involves telling the girl that its better to leave her home several hours early, and possibly be at the rendezvous point several hours early, than to be late (her *sin* to me). I promise them that I will depart 15 minutes after the scheduled meet time, and I stick to that. I started that 4-5 years ago, and it has drastically reduced tardiness.I think you missed the main point I was making WC. I wasn't discussing the chronic late arrivals scenario. That has been flogged to death here and you have already told us how you deal with late-comers.

I was making the point that many girls actually wait until you "prove" that you are at the meeting site when you start texting them etc asking "where are you"? I was suggesting that many don't leave home until they know you are actually serious.

In your cases, if the girl knows you already through previous meetups or webcam, knows you are already in town and knows you are very "strick" about time she will be there as requested.

As shown by the various responses here, there is a group of guys (assholes) who deliberately plan to meet girls and then don't turn up (sometimes because they are not even in-country).

These experiences make girls wary about spending their cash on transport if there is a risk that it's a wild-goose-chase.

[Hutsori]

Just to balance your post VPlex, I think many girls have been totally burnt by assholes who spoil it for the rest of us by arranging meetings with girls and then not turning up.
I know for a fact some have. Now, this has worked out for me a few times because the girl travelled all the way from Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, etc. and the bastard isn't at the hotel. She's out-of-pocket on transport costs and has nowhere to go. I get a text or a message on the dating site where we exchanged messages before telling me that she's in Makati and is stuck. I take a look at her photos, "C'mon over," and I give her directions to convey to the taxi driver. The next day I take her to the bus depot and send her home.

I understand how some double bookers think that covering a girl's transport and a bit more absolves them, yet keep in mind the girl went through the hassle of getting ready, sat in traffic, and may have even been excited to meet you. She may have even declined a meeting with another fella. How would you feel if you extended the same effort only to get shot down at first glance and were handed the equivalent of a few dollars? Avoid needless cruelty, and double booking is a tactic that has a high likelihood to hurt people. Have a heart.

[WestCoast1]

I think you missed the main point I was making WC. I wasn't discussing the chronic late arrivals scenario. That has been flogged to death here and you have already told us how you deal with late-comers.

I was making the point that many girls actually wait until you "prove" that you are at the meeting site when you start texting them etc asking "where are you"? I was suggesting that many don't leave home until they know you are actually serious.You are correct.

Even after I adopted the more mercenary time-frame, a girl was late (very), and later confessed in YM chat that she had not left her home until I txt that I was sitting at Malate Robinson's Starbucks (our meeting place). Its not smart (its a David / Goliath situation, and she was without a sling), but these things happen.

[BrainDrain]

I know for a fact some have. Now, this has worked out for me a few times because the girl travelled all the way from Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, etc. and the bastard isn't at the hotel. She's out-of-pocket on transport costs and has nowhere to go. I get a text or a message on the dating site where we exchanged messages before telling me that she's in Makati and is stuck. I take a look at her photos, "C'mon over," and I give her directions to convey to the taxi driver. The next day I take her to the bus depot and send her home.Can just imagine the opportunities at NAIA Departures where the little honeys see off their departing foreigner BF to turn around to be greeted by one of us offering them a share taxi back to Makati.

Sounds a little like Wedding or Funeral crashers.

BD.

[X Man]

There are cultural differences in play here and there are various ways of dealing with it. I've found that it is important to confirm and reconfirm a meet up. It helps a lot to be in the country and make a phone call. Don't be surprised if Mom answers.

But there is no full proof strategy. After an "on my way" message from a gal and then waiting well beyond the meet up time, I've called. The sound of a television or a rooster cawing doesn't make me believe that she is actually on her way.


I think you missed the main point I was making WC. I wasn't discussing the chronic late arrivals scenario. That has been flogged to death here and you have already told us how you deal with late-comers.

I was making the point that many girls actually wait until you "prove" that you are at the meeting site when you start texting them etc asking "where are you"? I was suggesting that many don't leave home until they know you are actually serious.

In your cases, if the girl knows you already through previous meetups or webcam, knows you are already in town and knows you are very "strick" about time she will be there as requested.

As shown by the various responses here, there is a group of guys (assholes) who deliberately plan to meet girls and then don't turn up (sometimes because they are not even in-country).

These experiences make girls wary about spending their cash on transport if there is a risk that it's a wild-goose-chase.

[Wicked Roger]

I She may have even declined a meeting with another fella. How would you feel if you extended the same effort only to get shot down at first glance and were handed the equivalent of a few dollars? Avoid needless cruelty, and double booking is a tactic that has a high likelihood to hurt people. Have a heart.And she may have told the family about it or friends are aware she is meetings a foreigner, got dressed up and looked tasty for the meeting. Imagine she then returns home empty handed a few hours later and the "shame / ridicule" she may face. Plus owes someone pesos for the transportation. Pinays love to rub other pinays nose it in sometimes and this is a good example and reason to do so.

Unfortunately the a**holes cause the nice guys (such as myself LOL) to suffer and no wonder they are wary of us sometimes.

As for WC method I can be fairly strict on time also and I tend to give an earlier time than that intended and generally this works but is not fool proof as I have found out.

[Shining Wit]

Can just imagine the opportunities at NAIA Departures where the little honeys see off their departing foreigner BF to turn around to be greeted by one of us offering them a share taxi back to Makati.

Sounds a little like Wedding or Funeral crashers.

BD.Or you could be really creative and try outside the OFW office at Terminal 1.

[SrChivo]

Hey guys,

First off I would like to say I have read several reports and I would like to Thank you guys for keeping this PH forum relevant. Second, I need some straight advice. I know about RTFF, but I am a owner operator of a business and barely have time to wash clothes let alone read here. I don't even use fb. I am visiting Cebu and looking for a reasonable and clean place around Cebu and IT park or Mango area. Around 50 a night a little more if it has 2 bedrooms for approx 4 to 6 days. I am then going to AC for a week and back to Cebu and Palawan.

I appreciate the input, I do not use my laptop much but when I do its usually work related. I'm a small business owner coming to PH for February. I hope to fish in Palawan. I am talking to some normal women with jobs not working girls so I need it guest friendly and not a horror house. Again, Thanks for all the info WC and all you others.

[Wicked Roger]

Hey guys,

First off I would like to say I have read several reports and I would like to Thank you guys for keeping this PH forum relevant. Second, I need some straight advice. I know about RTFF, but I am a owner operator of a business and barely have time to wash clothes let alone read here. I don't even use fb. I am visiting Cebu and looking for a reasonable and clean place around Cebu and IT park or Mango area. Around 50 a night a little more if it has 2 bedrooms for approx 4 to 6 days. I am then going to AC for a week and back to Cebu and Palawan.

I appreciate the input, I do not use my laptop much but when I do its usually work related. I'm a small business owner coming to PH for February. I hope to fish in Palawan. I am talking to some normal women with jobs not working girls so I need it guest friendly and not a horror house. Again, Thanks for all the info WC and all you others.Like you I am a business owner and have no FB and I fly 100-150 miles a year and never in one place much apart from Cebu. So if you read the Cebu thread and find the time you will find lots of idea just like others have.

Me? I know the answers but am so busy on planes and working with clients, chasing payments and washing my clothes that I have no time to PM you (but I still find a way to read something and search before I ask if I have to as can be useful and a contribution) - try the Cebu thread as am sure your busy eyes must have missed as lots of info there on the price range? Try it as is fun finding out for yourself.

[Hutsori]

Hey guys,

First off I would like to say I have read several reports and I would like to Thank you guys for keeping this PH forum relevant. Second, I need some straight advice. I know about RTFF, but I am a owner operator of a business and barely have time to wash clothes let alone read here. I don't even use fb. I am visiting Cebu and looking for a reasonable and clean place around Cebu and IT park or Mango area. Around 50 a night a little more if it has 2 bedrooms for approx 4 to 6 days. I am then going to AC for a week and back to Cebu and Palawan.

I appreciate the input, I do not use my laptop much but when I do its usually work related. I'm a small business owner coming to PH for February. I hope to fish in Palawan. I am talking to some normal women with jobs not working girls so I need it guest friendly and not a horror house. Again, Thanks for all the info WC and all you others.I hear you, bruv. I'm so busy I don't even have the time to p00p. I've fixed that by no longer eating, which of course I didn't have time for. I also wear a nappy - just in case.

I think your best bet is checking out condos on airbnb. I don't know the reason for your prejudice against horror houses (who doesn't like a sex dungeon, right?), but with airbnb you'll see the photos of the actual unit and read guest reviews. With this you may find the level of horror acceptable to you. I think your budget of $50 for a 2 BR unit may be a bit low; looking at Cebu listings for 2 BR units I see many are about $100+.

Fair warning. This endeavour will require time to look through the listings and perhaps contact the owners.

[Soapy Smith]

I hope to fish in Palawan. Really? Where in or near Palawan, and for what kind of fish? The Philippines is not exactly known as a sportfishing paradise, largely because rural Filipinos are so focused on putting food in their mouths that they can't afford to leave many for sport. But maybe you have some inside information that you could share with others of us. Noting, as others have, that you have no spare time, where did you find time to research fishing possibilities?

[X Man]

Whine, whine, why don't you do all the work for me WR.


Like you I am a business owner and have no FB and I fly 100-150 miles a year and never in one place much apart from Cebu. So if you read the Cebu thread and find the time you will find lots of idea just like others have.

Me? I know the answers but am so busy on planes and working with clients, chasing payments and washing my clothes that I have no time to PM you (but I still find a way to read something and search before I ask if I have to as can be useful and a contribution) - try the Cebu thread as am sure your busy eyes must have missed as lots of info there on the price range? Try it as is fun finding out for yourself.

[Red Kilt]

I posted this on the Cebu forum thread but might be missed by guys who don't go to Cebu.

You should recheck the whole new line-up for Cebu Pacific flights.

The "new" badged airline as part of Cebu Pacific is called "CebGo" and will be departing from Terminal FOUR, the oldest of the 4 NAIA terminals.

Lots of new flight destinations scheduled along with additional flights to current destinations. Examples are Clark to Cebu; 2 extra daily flights to Cauayan in Nth Luzon (makes 3 instead of 1), and many others.

You will now need to be ULTRA cautious in checking your airport departure point because it might no longer be Terminal 3 for all Cebu Pacific flights.

[Member #4558]

Hey guys,

First off I would like to say I have read several reports and I would like to Thank you guys for keeping this PH forum relevant. Second, I need some straight advice. I know about RTFF, but I am a owner operator of a business and barely have time to wash clothes let alone read here. I don't even use fb. I am visiting Cebu and looking for a reasonable and clean place around Cebu and IT park or Mango area. Around 50 a night a little more if it has 2 bedrooms for approx 4 to 6 days. I am then going to AC for a week and back to Cebu and Palawan.

I appreciate the input, I do not use my laptop much but when I do its usually work related. I'm a small business owner coming to PH for February. I hope to fish in Palawan. I am talking to some normal women with jobs not working girls so I need it guest friendly and not a horror house. Again, Thanks for all the info WC and all you others.For you and other busy gents, here is what I did to get by, as I am always busy on my laptop and hardly have time to eat and sleep. You know, work work work. I stopped wiping my ass (sometimes I wear [CodeWord131] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord131) if I am really busy), I quit cooking (eat raw meat, fresh pukie is nice, if I have time that is), I quit park in my garage (it opens electronically but the wait for it to open can take a minute, a minute I use for extra work) and I go to bed 30 min later than I used to. This gives me around 40 min extra time each day (stop wiping my ass really made a difference since I go toilet often), time I can use to RTTF here if I had some questions. Just try.

[Manfield04]

You can try St Mark Hotel on Queens Road, Redemptorist Plaza near the Mango Square.


I am visiting Cebu and looking for a reasonable and clean place around Cebu and IT park or Mango area. Around 50 a night a little more if it has 2 bedrooms for approx 4 to 6 days.

[SrChivo]

Well I really appreciate all the input, after reading your reviews your pots made sense and I found time.

I now took the seat out of my semi and replaced a nice air bucket seat with a bench toilet with arm rails its the kind with a toilet seat so I can shit and drive at the same time. And now instead of parking this semi in truck parking I just park in the fuel island while I shower and fuel at same time. I can now eat and drive since its automatic and instead of sleeping I just squirt lemon juice and hot sauce in my eye! So thanks for all the info, I mean really. I didn't know there was a hotel thread on Cebu.

So now I'm driving down the road again with 80 k lbs of goat meat for Akbar and in-climate weather, but that's OK no worries for public safety or crashing. Thanks to the RTFF, I'm just going to put it on cruise control and wrap a coat hanger around the steering wheel and take a 30 minute break. Again, Thanks for all the advice, this is my first trip to Asia but have over 20 to central and south america. I plan to review on the plane in transit where I go.

Booked ABC for a few nights in Cebu, We shall see!

If you see any goat shit trails don't worry its just me, Chivo out!

[WestCoast1]

Sitting an a province fast food joint recently, 6:15 am-ish. Had breakfast there several days running. The wifi was much better than previous trips there, as on this trip I could actually connect to it. For several days, the download speeds at the fast food joint were running 15-20 mbps. I was pleasantly surprised. But on this particular day, I could not connect to it at all. I switched off the wifi to use my unli data, and was most pleasantly surprised to be hitting 60-65 mbps. In the province -- nice! Went back to the hotel, switched off the hotel wifi on my laptop, and hotspot-ed to the phone, running 50-ish mbps.

[WhatsUrName]

Heads up for you guys thinking about getting out of Ice Hell here in the NE United States. RT JFK to Manila $502 on China Airlines. Check Fareboom.

[Mr Hawaii]

Heads up for you guys thinking about getting out of Ice Hell here in the NE United States. RT JFK to Manila $502 on China Airlines. Check Fareboom.Note: that is cheaper than flying to the P. I. From Hawaii. Twice the distance, half the cost. Maybe I should move to New York. On second thought......no.

[WestCoast1]

Booked a PAL non-stop from the US west coast to Manila. Chose it because its non-stop, and the aircraft had all the goodies I wanted (in-seat electrical outlet being one of them). At the gate, they pulled an aircraft switch-a-roo. My 777 was replaced with an A-340. I never noticed the switch till I was onboard (there was no announcement at the gate). There was no AVOD system on the seatback, no wifi, and no electrical charging system. Dammit, don't I know better than to book any Philippine airline? Not so fast there Westy. The F / A brought me an individual charging unit (which kept my phone topped off the entire flight), and they brought iPads w / headphones for anyone wanting to watch movies (the iPad has all the movies, TV shows, and music from the AVOD system). The service was overall on par with any other airline I've flown.

The only other downside was that the A-340 could not fly non-stop to Manila, and had to layover for an hour in Guam for refueling.

Other than the switch (maybe not controllable by the airline), I take back all those rotten things I've said before about PAL (People Awfully Lazy and such).

In addition, I took a flight from Manila to the province the next day, also PAL. Booked a premium economy seat for some extra pesos. Wonderful choice, as the seat pitch is greater (plenty of legroom), I got to board the plane before economy. Does CP offer this? And there is a small meal included (sandwich, drinks).

[Mr Hawaii]

Booked a PAL non-stop from the US west coast to Manila. My 777 was replaced with an A-340. I never noticed the switch till I was onboard (there was no announcement at the gate). The F / A brought me an individual charging unit (which kept my phone topped off the entire flight), and they brought iPads w / headphones for anyone wanting to watch movies (the iPad has all the movies, TV shows, and music from the AVOD system). The service was overall on par with any other airline I've flown.The only other downside was that the A-340 could not fly non-stop to Manila, and had to layover for an hour in Guam for refueling.
In addition, I took a flight from Manila to the province the next day, also PAL. Booked a premium economy seat for some extra pesos. Wonderful choice, as the seat pitch is greater (plenty of legroom), I got to board the plane before economy. Does CP offer this? And there is a small meal included (sandwich, drinks).Were you business class? From HNL to MNL PAL uses the 320 aircraft, and I always fly business class. Yeah, spoiled now. But chose PAL because they fly nonstop, have their own terminal, and at the time, the business class price was only 2 x the coach price. Have used the miles on occasion for free upgrade. Anyway, I will be doing the same flight in March; one night in Manila and on to Cebu the next day, business class also. CP is way cheaper, but comfort rules. You don't want to be the richest man in the cemetery. Happy New Year to all.

[BaddHabbit]

Unfortunately the a**holes cause the nice guys (such as myself LOL) to suffer and no wonder they are wary of us sometimes.

As for WC method I can be fairly strict on time also and I tend to give an earlier time than that intended and generally this works but is not fool proof as I have found out.And sometimes the monger can screw up. Happened to me in Cebu just a couple weeks ago. WR was most kind to introduce me to a lovely young Pinay, who he insisted I 'must' meet. I managed to find a gap in my schedule where my long-stay girl was off at work for several hours and arranged to meet said vision over in SM Mall at 5 pm. I then checked into the new hotel (Pacific Sands. Way overpriced for the quality of facilities, though nice room and nice staff) for the second half of the stay then grabbed a taxi to go to a place where I was going to rent a scooter. Got there, no scooters left, rented me a 175 CC bike with a dodgy clutch (and I am not an experienced rider! And off I went. I went North, I went South, I went East, I may have even temporarily entered Singapore, I'm just not sure. I had 45 minutes to get from mid-Mactan to SM Mall by bike. Should have been fine. Sigh. No data on my phone (my repeat honey insisted I hadn't needed to get a local sim, hmmm.), and texts cost like $27 trillion a line. Texted the lady at several points while on my adventures, and she was very gracious, but I ended up being more than 1.5 hours late! I was pleased and somewhat shocked to find she was still there when I finally arrived.

Took her to dinner, had a nice conversation, walked around for a short time then slipped $1,000 into her purse and sent her on her way. Banking that one for a future visit. Lovely lady and I would have really loved to have taken her back to a hotel for some playtime, but it would have been less than an hour at that point, and I hate to rush these experiences (I'm a LT kinda guy). Jumped on my bike, dropped into the other girls work and then went dancing with her and another half dozen girls from her work for the next few hours. Ended up an OK night!

I must say, if I had not been late to meet someone I would have quite enjoyed being lost and on a motorbike, but instead it was just stressful! So if you aren't there on time, just communicate well and it will work out. Most of the time.

[SergeantRay]

Heads up for you guys thinking about getting out of Ice Hell here in the NE United States. RT JFK to Manila $502 on China Airlines. Check Fareboom.Thanks for the Fareboom tip. I got a Reno to Cebu ticket for $1,029 in May of next year. Almost $200 cheaper than last year, and probably my cheapest ticket ever.

[Omega 3]

Booked a PAL non-stop from the US west coast to Manila. Chose it because its non-stop, and the aircraft had all the goodies I wanted (in-seat electrical outlet being one of them). At the gate, they pulled an aircraft switch-a-roo. My 777 was replaced with an A-340. I never noticed the switch till I was onboard (there was no announcement at the gate). The service was overall on par with any other airline I've flown.

The only other downside was that the A-340 could not fly non-stop to Manila, and had to layover for an hour in Guam for refueling.

In addition, I took a flight from Manila to the province the next day, also PAL. Booked a premium economy seat for some extra pesos. Wonderful choice, as the seat pitch is greater (plenty of legroom), I got to board the plane before economy. Does CP offer this? And there is a small meal included (sandwich, drinks).I also flew PAL non-stop LAX-CEB. Departed LAX late night Dec. 22, arrived CEB at 8 am Dec. 24. My fifth such RT flight since non-stop CEB service was inaugurated last March 15. Three times a week, T-TH-Sat. The A340 Airbus flight was jam-packed, not an empty seat that I could see. Flight normally arrives CEB at 0430, but for the first time, stopped in Guam for refueling. Purser explained this was because of: (a) extra-heavy load (lots of pasalubong for each pax), and (b) stronger than usual headwinds.

PAL flight attendants are pleasant and easy on the eyes. Unlike US flag carriers United & Delta into Manila.

Happy New Year!

OM.

[WhatsUrName]

Thanks for the Fareboom tip. I got a Reno to Cebu ticket for $1,029 in May of next year. Almost $200 cheaper than last year, and probably my cheapest ticket ever.I tried it from LAS to Cebu and it was $751. Can you drive to Las Vegas? Or use some air or credit card points for Reno to LAS?

Also found $652, SFO to Cebu for May, 2017.

[Lanthano]

I did RTFF but couldn't find much on this topic. Do Philippine girls speak much English? I like at least a little communication, especially for LT. I haven't been anywhere in Asia yet and I'm trying to decided between Thailand and the Philippines.Yes, the Filipinas speak English to a scarily high standard. Some guys love it. I personally find it eery given the purpose behind the communication, and that bleeding hearts can much more easily become hooked.

Having said that, the Filipinas are great. I would be curious to live there and meet some nonpro girls where I can take the conversation more seriously.

My other opinion, in my two almost consecutive trips to Pattaya and Angeles, is that the Thai girls are great, but the Filipina girls are crazier by far. Try both if you can.

[Fast Eddie 48]

I tried it from LAS to Cebu and it was $751. Can you drive to Las Vegas? Or use some air or credit card points for Reno to LAS?

Also found $652, SFO to Cebu for May, 2017.To Whatsurname.

It depend on which part of May if after may 15 fare go up a lot is high summer season, it is better to fly out of LAX more option you can fly from Reno to LAX cheap if you only want PAL direct it cost more.

Fast Eddie 48.

[Red Kilt]

Cebu Pacific has now bought out Tigerair and has set up a "new" domestic offshoot called Cebgo.

Cebgo is operating out of Terminal 4 which is the old original domestic terminal. It has been upgraded thank goodness.

If your flight number begins with DG xxxx then it is a Cebgo flight and most likely will fly out of and into Terminal 4. I say "most likely" because my recent ticket one week ago said "arrival at Terminal 4" but it came to terminal 3.

If the flight number is 5 J xxxx then it is branded as a Cebu Pacific flight and will fly out of and into Terminal 3.

Knowing this detail is going to be crucial for those of you using Cebu Pacific and arriving on international flights and hoping to transfer to a domestic flight without a stopover. You might have to plan for the clusterf*k that is involved in changing terminals but then again you might not.

The days of simple thinking when PAL was always Terminal 2 and Cebu Pacific was always Terminal 3 are gone.

Buyer beware lest you end up in the wrong place.

[X Man]

Asian Air dropped me off at Term 4 a few nights ago. The taxi stand is very close to the road. The queue wasn't long so I waited patiently. I noticed two guys who walked out directly to the street and caught a cab and avoided the line. I think the trick is to walk down far enough away from the gate and the police so that the driver can avoid any hassles.

Only in the Philippines. Some taxis on the road were braking near the exit. Then they would go into reverse and back up to an area where they could then enter the taxi lineup. Just a reminder that you really are in a 3rd world country.


Cebu Pacific has now bought out Tigerair and has set up a "new" domestic offshoot called Cebgo.

Cebgo is operating out of Terminal 4 which is the old original domestic terminal. It has been upgraded thank goodness.

If your flight number begins with DG xxxx then it is a Cebgo flight and most likely will fly out of and into Terminal 4. I say "most likely" because my recent ticket one week ago said "arrival at Terminal 4" but it came to terminal 3.

If the flight number is 5 J xxxx then it is branded as a Cebu Pacific flight and will fly out of and into Terminal 3.

Knowing this detail is going to be crucial for those of you using Cebu Pacific and arriving on international flights and hoping to transfer to a domestic flight without a stopover. You might have to plan for the clusterf*k that is involved in changing terminals but then again you might not.

The days of simple thinking when PAL was always Terminal 2 and Cebu Pacific was always Terminal 3 are gone.

Buyer beware lest you end up in the wrong place.

[Omega 3]

[Message to Admin deleted]

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove a message directed to the Forum Admin.

The open Forum is not the appropriate venue to contact the Forum Administration regarding individual questions, complaints or comments about the administration of the Forum. Instead, please use the Contact Us link at the bottom of this page to send me an email voicing your complaints about the administration of the Forum, and I will respond as quickly as possible. Thanks!

[Omega 3]

Asian Air dropped me off at Term 4 a few nights ago. The taxi stand is very close to the road. The queue wasn't long so I waited patiently. I noticed two guys who walked out directly to the street and caught a cab and avoided the line. I think the trick is to walk down far enough away from the gate and the police so that the driver can avoid any hassles.

Only in the Philippines. Some taxis on the road were braking near the exit. Then they would go into reverse and back up to an area where they could then enter the taxi lineup. Just a reminder that you really are in a 3rd world country.Have been driving in Cebu City regularly (or irregularly?) during the past year, and it is a real adventure, to express things mildly. After nearly half a century of driving in various cities and countries, Cebu City traffic strikes me as being among the most interesting. Quickly come to realize that there is but one rule: "There are no rules."

Pedestrians and motorcycle riders here are the worst. Jeepneys and taxis are a close second. Large private SUVs (especially black ones) are also unpredictable. Not to mention the bicycles, trikes, cats, dogs, chickens, carabao, and other assorted creatures and things traversing the roads.

The prevailing mindset of pedestrians and drivers (assuming that they are conscious, which sometimes may be a stretch) apparently is that this is their country and their city, and so they are entitled to do anything, anywhere, at any time.

All streets, even major thoroughfares, are one big pedestrian walking area (not just for crossing, but even for aimless ambling down all areas of the streets at any time of day or night). Motorcycle riders regard all lanes as their private turf, zooming recklessly in and out of traffic, appropriating one or even two oncoming lanes, hilariously going the wrong way directly against traffic, unpredictably stopping anywhere and everywhere, making sudden you-turns, especially in front of "no you-turn" signs, and "economizing" by not turning on headlights or tail lights at night. Heisenberg (or Kafka?) would be at home here.

One comes to realize that there will be no improvement, and no point in becoming upset or letting blood pressure rise. Better just to regard it all as dispassionately as possible, and to expect the unexpected. After a certain point, it even becomes funny (ludicrous), with its own unique pulse or rhythm.

Traffic will be even more interesting here next week, with Sinulog (Pit Señor Sto Nino), parades, road closures, and even more mass congestion. Might be a good time to visit Dumaguete again?

If life is an adventure, then driving in Cebu City is for the more adventurous!

Peace,

OM.

[WestCoast1]

KK: Clean out your mailbox.

[Wicked Roger]

Have been driving in Cebu City regularly (or irregularly?) during the past year, and it is a real adventure, to express things mildly. After nearly half a century of driving in various cities and countries, Cebu City traffic strikes me as being among the most interesting. Quickly come to realize that there is but one rule: "There are no rules."

Pedestrians and motorcycle riders here are the worst. Jeepneys and taxis are a close second. Large private SUVs (especially black ones) are also unpredictable. Not to mention the bicycles, trikes, cats, dogs, chickens, carabao, and other assorted creatures and things traversing the roads.

The prevailing mindset of pedestrians and drivers (assuming that they are conscious, which sometimes may be a stretch) apparently is that this is their country and their city, and so they are entitled to do anything, anywhere, at any time...I live Cebu at times and the traffic there is fine, depends on the perception and frame of reference you use. Live / drive in Iran, Egypt, Saudi and few African places and Cebu traffic is benign and tame apart from the 20+ motorbikes in front of you at the lights. Cebu is growing so traffic jams are more especially around 5-7 pm around Ayala (very messy) but nothing like those countries I have mentioned and driven in. There you need a 6th sense and an ability to create an extra lane when there is noe LOL.

Sinulog is a time to avoid IMHO. What other place / city closes all educational establishments for a week because of a fiesta?

But Cebu traffic is boring IMHO, easy, simple and tame.

[GoodEnough]

I live Cebu at times and the traffic there is fine, depends on the perception and frame of reference you use. Live / drive in Iran, Egypt, Saudi and few African places and Cebu traffic is benign and tame apart from the 20+ motorbikes in front of you at the lights. Cebu is growing so traffic jams are more especially around 5-7 pm around Ayala (very messy) but nothing like those countries I have mentioned and driven in. There you need a 6th sense and an ability to create an extra lane when there is noe LOL.

Sinulog is a time to avoid IMHO. What other place / city closes all educational establishments for a week because of a fiesta?

But Cebu traffic is boring IMHO, easy, simple and tame.I think the difference in perception can be largely attributed to experience driving in the third world. For those accustomed to countries in which people usually obey traffic rules, driving in any big city here is likely a nightmare. For those of us who, for the past few decades have become inured to driving in the third world, where traffic rules are viewed more as suggestions, and are largely unenforced at any rate, driving here represents no particular challenge. True, the routine left turns from the right lane, the motorcycles with no lights, the use of lanes intended for traffic going in the opposite direction, the oblivious jeepney and trike drivers are nuisances, but over time one learns to anticipate the idiocy and it becomes more or less normal. Like WR, I've driven in places that were more anarchic (Vietnam, Thailand, Uganda, Mozambique and more) than here, but even in those countries, once you've internalized the patterns, you learn to anticipate and it all becomes normal. My major fear when driving here is pedestrians crossing largely unlit streets at night or bicycle riders, with no lights, no reflectors, and wearing dark clothes.

GE.

[Halifax2016]

Well I'm back after a successful first semester in college after exiting the military. I finally got myself a subscription in preparation for my first trip. Any advice is appreciated and I will heed it. I was originally shooting for two weeks in may, however it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it with school. So I was planning on going in late August and staying for about a month. My only experience with Filipina's where with the bar girls while I was stationed in Korea. They were wonderful. A little back story about me is I recently got out of the Army and after serving three deployments I have been dying for a trip like this. I really need to some down time to unwind. I have traveled before but only for the military, I have never been anywhere In the Far East or Pacific outside of Korea.

My main goal of the trip will be to relax and focus on having fun with the girls. I am not a big eater or drinker. I would say I could possibly average about two to three drinks a day on this trip which is a lot for me. I imagine most days I won't drink at all. So I am hoping to dedicate most of my budget to female entertainment. I would like to see a girl for LT everyday if possible, and on occasion take two or even three. But I can adjust my budget accordingly and I hope to add to it by the trip date.

My current budget is about 5,000 USD for the trip. This is after covering my hotels and plane ticket. I will be flying out of Raleigh North Carolina. Not sure if the info is relevant but I am a 29 year old 6'3 white guy.

I was planning on staying 13 days at Pacific Breeze in Angeles and about 17 days at The Pub Hotel in Subic Bay. This is based of previous advice you guys gave me and some research I have done. Subic Bay seems like my style as I really enjoy a low key environment.

I appreciate your time and any advice. I wanted to make sure I got fully prepared for my trip in advance as I'm not a seasoned traveler. Thanks.

[Omega 3]

I think the difference in perception can be largely attributed to experience driving in the third world. For those accustomed to countries in which people usually obey traffic rules, driving in any big city here is likely a nightmare. For those of us who, for the past few decades have become inured to driving in the third world, where traffic rules are viewed more as suggestions, and are largely unenforced at any rate, driving here represents no particular challenge. True, the routine left turns from the right lane, the motorcycles with no lights, the use of lanes intended for traffic going in the opposite direction, the oblivious jeepney and trike drivers are nuisances, but over time one learns to anticipate the idiocy and it becomes more or less normal. Like WR, I've driven in places that were more anarchic (Vietnam, Thailand, Uganda, Mozambique and more) than here, but even in those countries, once you've internalized the patterns, you learn to anticipate and it all becomes normal. My major fear when driving here is pedestrians crossing largely unlit streets at night or bicycle riders, with no lights, no reflectors, and wearing dark clothes.

GE.Thanks to WR and GE for their interesting and enlightening observations.

Thanks also to GE for noting that perceptions are intrinsically subjective. See, for example, Kurosawa's classic, Rashomon. With regard to local traffic, truly, your "mileage may vary."

Certainly, there are a few drivers who are exceptionally enlightened, who can surmount local traffic conditions with aplomb. I would suggest, however, with all due respect, that for the rest of us mere mortals, local traffic often can be shudder-inducing.

I do not espouse its methodology or findings, but the Waze Driver Satisfaction Index 2016 (which "analyzes the driving experiences of millions of monthly active Waze users in 38 countries and 235 metros") is interesting.

Of 186 global cities rated by Waze, Cebu was dead last, at #186, with a "miserable" index of 1. 15. Manila is rated at #170, with an index of 3.68, actually "better" than Cebu and certain cities in Indonesia, El Salvador, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, and Russia. Angeles was #147, with an index of 4. 55.

On a "per country" basis, Philippines was rated #37, and saved only by El Salvador from being dead last.

Having been enlightened by the posts of WR and GE, I note that the areas in Africa and the Middle East which they mention (which areas I have never visited, thank God) perhaps were not included in the Waze survey.

Locally, the 9-16-16 Cebu Sunstar (daily newspaper) reported, "Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena agreed with the survey result of Waze, tagging Cebu as the worst metro to drive in. " Of course, Mayor Tom's focus seems to have shifted this time around, and he seems to spend much time "bashing" his predecessor in office, who in turn had the temerity to supplant Mayor Tom a couple of terms ago.

As Georgie Best might have said, "Life is a big giggle."

OM.

[SaltyPete]

My main goal of the trip will be to relax and focus on having fun with the girls. I am not a big eater or drinker. I would say I could possibly average about two to three drinks a day on this trip which is a lot for me. I imagine most days I won't drink at all. So I am hoping to dedicate most of my budget to female entertainment. I would like to see a girl for LT everyday if possible, and on occasion take two or even three. But I can adjust my budget accordingly and I hope to add to it by the trip date.

My current budget is about 5,000 USD for the trip. This is after covering my hotels and plane ticket. I will be flying out of Raleigh North Carolina. Not sure if the info is relevant but I am a 29 year old 6'3 white guy.My advice will be not to get locked in to any long-term hotel reservations. I never make reservations until the day before, and then only make them for 2-3 days at a time so I can move on if I get bored, which I think you will in Subic. You can always find a hotel the night before you need one through hotel listing sights. Hotels.com lets you collect one night free for each 10 nights you book through them. But if you are committed to staying in one location for awhile, look at AirBNB since you can get better rates than a hotel.

Utilize all potential avenues for getting female dates. Dating sites like DateInAsia and FilipinoCupid, no more than 7-10 days before arrival (the girls have short attention spans); dating apps like Skout, Badoo, WeChat when on the ground. Of course, never send money in advance. A lot of girls' sole occupation is to collect money through dating sites. You can read more about dating sites at the bottom of the Philippines Forum page. Tip: if the girl immediately wants you to Skype her, she is going to ask for money. If her profile says she is in Manila, ask her where she is; if she replies "in province" then move on, don't send her money for airfare to Manila. No sense in bringing sand to the beach.

After date-site girls, you can add in the more expensive free lancer venues like High Society in AC, Havana Caf in Makati, LA Caf in Ermita, Manila. If your budget is still going strong, then up your game to gogo clubs in AC, on Burgos Street in Makati and EDSA in Pasay, Manila.

Beware of LadyBoys, they are everywhere. If 'it' is trying to hard to look / act like a girl, 'it' probably isn't; girls just don't need to try that hard. I believe gogos are ladyboy-free still, except for the occasional Mamasan. But they populate the dating sites.

Try to get a no-charge ATM card before you go as ATM transaction fees and international service fees can really add up over the course of a month. I suggest Schwab High-interest savings account but start the process early since they do a credit check. Same thing with your credit card. NFCU has a card with no international transaction fees; I'm sure your Service's Credit Union has one as well. Personally, I prefer periodical ATM withdrawals over exchanging cash. I just don't like having that much cash on hand.

Don't fall in love. Don't put the pussy on a pedestal. But treat everyone with respect. Most have had a hard life and lack the opportunities you've had. You won't know what "poor" really means until you visit some of these SE Asian countries; then you will realize that US poor is really middle class over there.

I got to spend some time in Osan in the early 00's when they had 'Russians' available at the gogo bars. I think that was my favorite mongering period, I found some really cute sweethearts.

[Member #4558]

So I was planning on going in late August and staying for about a month.Holy Moly. Use the time to RTFF. Watch airline campaigns for flight deals. Orelse no bookings until a few days prior to your travel (girls incl). Don't send any money if you hit up girls prior to your trip. Planning this long time ahead could mean Phil is already a Ruski republic so you may want to visit the real Disneyland instead. Joke lang.

[Shining Wit]

Well I'm back after a successful first semester in college after exiting the military. I finally got myself a subscription in preparation for my first trip. Any advice is appreciated and I will heed it. I was originally shooting for two weeks in may, however it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it with school. So I was planning on going in late August and staying for about a month. My only experience with Filipina's where with the bar girls while I was stationed in Korea. They were wonderful. A little back story about me is I recently got out of the Army and after serving three deployments I have been dying for a trip like this. I really need to some down time to unwind. I have traveled before but only for the military, I have never been anywhere In the Far East or Pacific outside of Korea.

My main goal of the trip will be to relax and focus on having fun with the girls. I am not a big eater or drinker. I would say I could possibly average about two to three drinks a day on this trip which is a lot for me. I imagine most days I won't drink at all. So I am hoping to dedicate most of my budget to female entertainment.,From Hell, Hull and Halifax, may the Good Lord preserve us! LOL.

Seriously though, a couple of observations that might be helpful, not just to you but anybody planning a trip.

Plane ticket. I imagine your route would be Raleigh to SanFrancisco or LA and either PAL direct or somebody else via Tokyo / Seoul / Taipei or somewhere else. Book it as a through ticket and not in segments. If a connection on a through ticket goes wrong, it is down to the airline to get you to your final destination. If you book Raleigh to LAX and LAX. Manila separately, if you miss your connection you are treated as a no-show and you have to make your own arrangements.

August is rainy season. Others can give a better idea about the weather, but when it rains, it rains, and the drainage frequently can't handle it, leading to flooding.

Your visa is issued on arrival (unless Pres Duterte follows through on his strop) but is for 29 or 30 days only. As you are looking at staying for a month, it might be worth adjusting your visit to stay within that. It's not that it will be a problem extending it but do you want the hassle and costs of renewing it for 1 or 2 days. Also, your airline might be difficult as you do not have an onward departure within the standard period.

Unless you are going to stay in Manila immediately you arrive, strongly consider booking a pick-up from your hotel. Although as ex-military, you can probably sleep anywhere, it will be a hell of a long flight and don't overlook something like 12 hours time difference.

I won't comment on AC as I have never been there, but I agree that Subic probably will bore you over 17 days. I would suggest 10 days would be enough, and the remaining 5 or 6 (see visa comments) in Manila. Yes, it's big, chaotic and dirty, but it does have a bit more to do during the day. It also has much more entertainment if you want a break from hobbying, or if funds are running low (they shouldn't on your budget). My regular Ermita hotel has 3 bar / resto / clubs within 5 minutes walk that have 3 different live bands (of varying quality) every night.

The Pub in Subic would not be my first choice. I only dropped in once, but the bar -as opposed to 'nightclub' - is almost claustrophobic as it is sandwiched between the walls of the flanking properties. My personal preference is the Arizona, but others no doubt have their own preferences.

More specific information will almost certainly be out-of-date by the time you go, but I hope these ramblings might help with stuff you might need this length of time in advance.

Good luck, and enjoy yourself and if you need more info PM me, although don't expect a reply by return!!

[CallSign Papa]

I appreciate your time and any advice. I wanted to make sure I got fully prepared for my trip in advance as I'm not a seasoned traveler. Thanks.To echo Salty Pete's sentiments, I would heartily suggest for the Manila portion of your trip you focus on Airbnb, you'll find the prices lower than most hotels and you'll have much more space, plus a fridge, cooking and laundry appliances which can greatly reduce your costs.

My specific advice would be don't plan on staying with anyone one girl more than a few days, no matter how amazing they may appear online, trust me, you'll get bored and in PH, variety is the spice of life. Sometimes it's even good to get the odd dud hookup to make you appreciate the good ones.

The apps mentioned by SP are certainly the ones to focus on, any of those that have location based information will make it easy for you to select who to meet (because you don't want a girl having to travel all the way across manila).

Other things to note, don't go wandering down dark back alleys, be aware of your surroundings and the potential threats, don't take too much cash with you at any one time, and most importantly, be friendly and polite at all times.

Finally, if budget allows, try to get to one of the beaches on other islands (Boracay, Palawan, El Nido etc), you really won't regret it and in most of these places you'll find fair game.

[Goferring]

Finally, if budget allows, try to get to one of the beaches on other islands (Boracay, Palawan, El Nido etc), you really won't regret it and in most of these places you'll find fair game.At 29 you will be fair game too at the beaches. Certainly don't rule out freebies from domestic or back packer tourists. If you have remained fit post-service and are polite and respectful you may even find working girls offering them selves up free of charge after work. It doesn't happen a lot (to me anyway. . . LOL) but when it does it's hard to beat a session with a knowledgeable working girl that actually wants to be there and is enjoying the session herself.

The stays you have mentioned in AC and Subic are quite long and you may find yourself getting bored and looking to move on. It would help if you post a Travel Announcement shortly before you leave as both places are much better with a wingman / experienced hand for a first timer. If you need a change the beaches are certainly a good option.

If you do find a BG that you do click with, remember it is no problem to do a "rolling" bar fine for a few days. The daily hunt can get a bit monotonous after a while and the girls will thank you for the ongoing income. If you do find a BG who is worth keeping for a few days I wouldn't plan on traveling with her. See my previous posts on traveling with a BG. There are many more options that will be available at the tourist centres.

Most importantly, don't forget to post here about your trip!

Enjoy.

[BaboyDave]

At 29 you will be fair game too at the beaches. Certainly don't rule out freebies from domestic or back packer tourists. If you have remained fit post-service and are polite and respectful you may even find working girls offering them selves up free of charge after work. It doesn't happen a lot (to me anyway. . . LOL) but when it does it's hard to beat a session with a knowledgeable working girl that actually wants to be there and is enjoying the session herself.

The stays you have mentioned in AC and Subic are quite long and you may find yourself getting bored and looking to move on. It would help if you post a Travel Announcement shortly before you leave as both places are much better with a wingman / experienced hand for a first timer. If you need a change the beaches are certainly a good option.

If you do find a BG that you do click with, remember it is no problem to do a "rolling" bar fine for a few days. The daily hunt can get a bit monotonous after a while and the girls will thank you for the ongoing income. If you do find a BG who is worth keeping for a few days I wouldn't plan on traveling with her. See my previous posts on traveling with a BG. There are many more options that will be available at the tourist centres.

Most importantly, don't forget to post here about your trip!

Enjoy.Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.

I will add my 2 cents by saying I totally agree with most that was said.

I would not spend as much time in Subic, nor in Angeles (though that place heaven.).

I would definitely spend some time in Manila, as there is tons to do there and the widest variety of ladies to chose from. When in Manila I would definitely spend some weekend nights visiting BGC nightclubs (Valkyrie, Prive) or even Gramercy69, many young Pinays are more than willing to hook up with a young foreigner.

In addition, I will add to goffering than being in my late 20's and early 30's most of my visits, I have had an average of more than 1 girl per trip in Burgos or EDSA complex that would take my number and ask to meet for free after they left. Some of them I never barfined, they took my phone in the bar and texted themselves so they have my number. And I am anything but a good looking guy, just be a nice happy guy and wear your smile on going out.

The amount of freebies you could potentially get in a month in Manila is pretty rediculous compared to anywhere else I've been.

I have a different experience than goffering, my friend and I both took 2 Atlantis girls from AC to Boracay for 4 days and it was great fun, though I guess having my mate around did contribute to it (we did split lots of the time, still was a great trip).

As people suggested don't fall in love to early, don't contribute any money, and stay put anywhere for too long. Much to explore around the Phil, though I would not spend less than week either Manila or AC.

Enjoy,

Dave.

[Goferring]

Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.

In addition, I will add to goffering than being in my late 20's and early 30's most of my visits, I have had an average of more than 1 girl per trip in Burgos or EDSA complex that would take my number and ask to meet for free after they left.I think this is precisely why Halifax is getting so much assistance. Many of us have very fond memories of arriving in Asia in our 20's. For me it was decades ago and thinking back nearly brought a tear to the eye. Aaaah them were the days!!

This reminds me of a story where we had a young guy arrive - 20 something, tall, blond, surfer dude. We took him out and needless to say the girls were very very receptive. When the old hands spread the story that he was a virgin as his fiancé had died of cancer before the wedding they were positively frothing at the mouth. The guy never know what was happening nor what hit him as the entire bar wanted to take him out back and solve his perceived problem. For some reason he was "sick" and never made it to work the next day. Lucky bastard.

[SaltyPete]

Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.

I imagine a lot of us want to help out a fellow former service member. Also, he spent some time writing up a post, not just asking for girls' digits, bro.

I think most if us are in agreement that H shouldn't commit to any long-term plan but rather, just go with the flow. If you will be in Manila, then I suggest spending 2-3 nights in Makati to check out Burgos Street, and another 2-3 in Pasay to explore EDSA. These venues are not in close proximity to each other and sitting in traffic between Pasay and Manila for 1-2 hours during rush hour is a waste of time, and quite painful if you have to take a leak. You can reach Ermita / LA Café easily enough from Pasay.

I forgot that you are relatively young; the clubs will definitely be a fertile hunting ground for someone your age with game. I believe the cheapest option there would be to buy a bottle and share with girls, rather than but individual drinks. But I have never been, being 50 without much game.

[BaboyDave]

I imagine a lot of us want to help out a fellow former service member. Also, he spent some time writing up a post, not just asking for girls' digits, bro.

I think most if us are in agreement that H shouldn't commit to any long-term plan but rather, just go with the flow. If you will be in Manila, then I suggest spending 2-3 nights in Makati to check out Burgos Street, and another 2-3 in Pasay to explore EDSA. These venues are not in close proximity to each other and sitting in traffic between Pasay and Manila for 1-2 hours during rush hour is a waste of time, and quite painful if you have to take a leak. You can reach Ermita / LA Caf easily enough from Pasay.

I forgot that you are relatively young; the clubs will definitely be a fertile hunting ground for someone your age with game. I believe the cheapest option there would be to buy a bottle and share with girls, rather than but individual drinks. But I have never been, being 50 without much game.Hey SP,

I didn't mean to come off as if it is a negative thing, I'm totally up for giving a helping hand to a fellow monger in need. Kudos to everyone willing to contribute.

I have always been a Makati guy myself, and never found any trouble travelling towards EDSA Complex or Roxas Blvd in general (It has several venues on it which are also pretty nice, though become very expensive when a foreigner sets his foot inside them). The worst traffic I got stuck in going west (towards EDSA Complex / Roxas Blvd / MOA / COD) from Makati took me 35-40 minutes around noon-time or in the evenings. I do agree leaving Makati anytime between 4-7 PM in any direction other than straight to skyway is totally insane.

I found that the best hotels, restaurants and overall activities are in Makati, and by using Waze one can reach pretty much anywhere when needed. The only really horrible traffic I met was when travelling to QC after 3 PM.

[WestCoast1]

Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.The Phils threads are a bit different (regarding helping newbs) than other threads, and for good reason. I'm torn every time a newb writes for help. Should I respond on the open forum? I choose not to, I ask him to contact me in PM. Especially if he is not yet a member; nothing is as low-life as going on a public forum, not joining, then asking "Hey bro's where can I find the hottest chicks in Manila? Its my first time there next month. Can anyone help me with digits, I'd like to seed your girl!" Alternately: Where can I find the best hotel? The reason: The vast majority of 'bro's get their information from the old guard, then never post a Field Report (no kidding, look thru the posts from the long history of this board). We call that "Taking without giving". Its a bit like showing up at a pot-luck meal without bringing food. Thanks! But NO THANKS! I'd rather not help someone who takes but does not give back. I'm sure Halifax will write us up at least one descriptive FR later.


I think this is precisely why Halifax is getting so much assistance. Many of us have very fond memories of arriving in Asia in our 20's. For me it was decades ago and thinking back nearly brought a tear to the eye. Aaaah them were the days!! Phils is a mystical (and sometimes dangerous), magical (and odd), and wonderful (and always changing) place filled with an eastern culture (read throwback / tribal) and extreme poverty that runs smack-dab (180 degrees counter) into your (our) Western thinking, where you see something new (and strange) every day. Mabuhay (Welcome)! Example: In the province, I saw a red firetruck (nothing unusual there). Back in Malate a few days later, walking down the street, I saw a purple firetruck on Adriatico, with flames painted on the sides. Who paints a firetruck purple? It seems so strange, yet: why not? The flames were small just behind the front axle, building to large near the rear of the vehicle (appearing to be blown backwards, making the truck appear to be moving fast), similar to a quarter-mile rail dragster. Now *that's* funny!


This reminds me of a story where we had a young guy arrive - 20 something, tall, blond, surfer dude. We took him out and needless to say the girls were very very receptive. When the old hands spread the story that he was a virgin as his fianc had died of cancer before the wedding they were positively frothing at the mouth. The guy never know what was happening nor what hit him as the entire bar wanted to take him out back and solve his perceived problem. For some reason he was "sick" and never made it to work the next day. Lucky bastard. *Great* story! ROD!


I imagine a lot of us want to help out a fellow former service member. Also, he spent some time writing up a post, not just asking for girls' digits, bro. Halifax was kind enough to also contact some of the old guard in PM. TYS.

[WestCoast1]

I have always been a Makati guy myself, and never found any trouble travelling towards EDSA Complex or Roxas Blvd in general (It has several venues on it which are also pretty nice, though become very expensive when a foreigner sets his foot inside them). The worst traffic I got stuck in going west (towards EDSA Complex / Roxas Blvd / MOA / COD) from Makati took me 35-40 minutes around noon-time or in the evenings. I do agree leaving Makati anytime between 4-7 PM in any direction other than straight to skyway is totally insane.

I found that the best hotels, restaurants and overall activities are in Makati, and by using Waze one can reach pretty much anywhere when needed. The only really horrible traffic I met was when travelling to QC after 3 PM.Taxi drivers have called the area of Makati Avenue (both directions) between Burgos and Greenbelt, approximately between 5-7 pm-ish, "The parking lot". Last June my girl and I taxi'd from A Venue to Greenbelt about 3 pm; the traffic was not too bad and the trip (how far is that gents? 1 or 1. 5 miles?) was about 10-15 minutes in the taxi. Past 5 pm, the return could easily be 30-40 minutes, and you might have great trouble:

1. Getting a taxi from the mall back to your hotel, as they cannot reach the mall because traffic is so bad, and.

2. Getting an Uber / Grab, for the same reason.

[Halifax2016]

I greatly appreciate all the help you guys have provided and the warm welcome. I definitely need this trip and I have felt for awhile that I needed to get away and relax. I am going through all the advice and keeping track of needed adjustments I should make. I'll make sure to stay well under the 30 day visa limit now. Maybe I could do 10 days in AC and 10 in Subic with and additional 5 in Manila. I am an easily excited guy and I tend to over think things. But I do enjoy moving on from place to place so I'll make sure not to get tied down at one hotel for too long and go with the flow more.

I should say I was planning on covering the cost of hotels with my credit card. I will make sure to look into Airbnb's as well and not get locked in to long term hotel bookings. I will be avoiding ladyboys like the plague and will heed the advice on how to spot them. I will definitely continue to RTFF and learn all the wisdom I can before departing.

I will check out the Arizona hotel in Subic. A rolling bar fine would be a great idea for me as I am pretty easy to please after I've had a few wild nights. And I would certainly enjoy the nicer beaches.

I will make sure to post here about my trip. Until then I will sit back and learn all I can.

You guys have been a huge help and I already feel more at ease about the trip. Thank you everyone.

[SaltyPete]

Hey SP,

I didn't mean to come off as if it is a negative thing, I'm totally up for giving a helping hand to a fellow monger in need.

I did not take offense. Also, the "digits, bro" comment was not aimed at you, but at folks from the sub-continent who just come on here looking for telephone numbers.

I once jetted from Heritage Hotel in Pasay to Greenbelt in Makati in about 35 minutes in rush hour, a couple of years ago, and 25 minutes back later in the night. Maybe it is just me, but traffic seems so much worse now and I just do not have the patience. But checking out from a hotel and checking in to a different one is a PITA as well. Thanks for adding your thoughts.

On my last visit, I left the Heritage at 6pm for a 7:30 date in SM Megamall, Oritigas (Waze showed it to be a 50 minute drive; my taxi driver was using it as well). I could have run there quicker. After 2.5 hours my date and I called it a day and I had the taxi turn around to take me back. Thank God for EDSA right across the street.

[WestCoast1]

A good guide to pinoy language and the cultural equivalents, such as "utang na loob", "bahala na", "tampo" etc. Probably good primer reading for anyone visiting the country.

http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3868.html

[Dg8787]

A good guide to pinoy language and the cultural equivalents, such as "utang na loob", "bahala na", "tampo" etc. Probably good primer reading for anyone visiting the country.

http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3868.htmlWestie,

Great informative and accurate site.

Thanks.

[Hutsori]

I'll make sure to stay well under the 30 day visa limit now. Maybe I could do 10 days in AC and 10 in Subic with and additional 5 in Manila. I don't know whether you actually want to stay longer than 30 days, but extending a tourist visa is easy to do. Here's the info, http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/extensionofstay and http://www.immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/extension-of-authorized-stay-beyond-59-days. As a Yank, you may stay up to 36 months without leaving the country provided you complete the extension applications. You can check the website for Immigration offices.

[ImAGuy]

Regarding traffic, it's definitely getting worse fast. Lately, the main road to Batangas has been jammed every weekend I've tried driving it, whereas it wasn't that bad this time last year.

Restaurants are also frequently packed these days, even the more expensive ones like Shakey's.

[GoodEnough]

A good guide to pinoy language and the cultural equivalents, such as "utang na loob", "bahala na", "tampo" etc. Probably good primer reading for anyone visiting the country.

http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3868.htmlThanks for the link; it provides an interesting overview of some key facets of the culture and society. I thought the explanation of "utang na loob" was especially good, and the "tampo" description, for anyone who has ever been on the receiving end, was funny and accurate.

GE.

[Red Kilt]

Thanks for the link; it provides an interesting overview of some key facets of the culture and society. I thought the explanation of "utang na loob" was especially good, and the "tampo" description, for anyone who has ever been on the receiving end, was funny and accurate. If anyone wants to explore a more "in-depth" analysis of the filipino mind, a series of books by Tomas D. Andres are worth reading (all available in National Book Store and Powerbooks).

I have them all. Two more general selected titles are:

Understanding the Filipino.

Understanding Filipino Values.

Another good insightful book is Working with Filipinos, by F. Landa Jocano.

A classic set of stories that are very easy to read are The Rosales novels, by the highly-esteemed Filipino National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose.

Frankie, as he is known by his friends, is now very old but until recently used to sit in front of La Solidaridad, his own bookshop in P. Faura Street not far from Robinson's in Malate. I had the pleasure of meeting him around 15 years ago.

The Rosales Saga is set in Ilokos in the 1880's and has 5 novels that should be read in the following order: Po-on; Tree; My Brother, My Executioner; The Pretenders and finally, Mass.

If you want to read just one book that covers WW2 and the Manila of the 40's and 50's through to the Marcos years and gives an insight into the bar industry, read one of my favorite novels called Ermita, again by F. Sionil Jose.

It's brilliant.

[FreebieFan]

On my last visit, I left the Heritage at 6pm for a 7:30 date in SM Megamall, Oritigas (Waze showed it to be a 50 minute drive; my taxi driver was using it as well). I could have run there quicker. After 2.5 hours my date and I called it a day and I had the taxi turn around to take me back. Thank God for EDSA right across the street.Average speed in EDSA according to a government survey that I read last years was 11 km per hour. During peak times went down to 8. 8 km per hour. The new government was / is claiming improvements because it had increased by 1 km pr hour.

[Omega 3]

If anyone wants to explore a more "in-depth" analysis of the filipino mind, a series of books by Tomas D. Andres are worth reading (all available in National Book Store and Powerbooks).

I have them all. Two more general selected titles are:

Understanding the Filipino.

Understanding Filipino Values.

Another good insightful book is Working with Filipinos, by F. Landa Jocano.

A classic set of stories that are very easy to read are The Rosales novels, by the highly-esteemed Filipino National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose.Thanks to Red Kilt for his suggested reading list, which sounds fascinating. I love to read, and am looking forward to buying and reading these books.

Last year, after enjoying a meal at Pia (y) Damaso restaurant in Greenbelt 5, was motivated to finally read the historical novel Noli me Tangere (which I understand also can be translated from the Latin as "Don't Tread on Me" - sound familiar?) by Jose Rizal.

Written toward the end of the 19th century, Noli provides fascinating historical background, especially regarding the latter period of Spanish colonization and the perceived role of the Church and its priests in the Philippines, and yields valuable insights from Rizal into the Filipino psyche.

Turns out that Pia and (Padre) Damaso were the biological parents of the pure but tragic heroine Maria Clara.

Also tried to read the sequel, El Filibusterismo, but still have not finished it. Fili is quite a bit darker than Noli, and reading Fili, for me, takes much more effort.

Happy reading to all!

OM.

[Hutsori]

IA classic set of stories that are very easy to read are The Rosales novels, by the highly-esteemed Filipino National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose.

Frankie, as he is known by his friends, is now very old but until recently used to sit in front of La Solidaridad, his own bookshop in P. Faura Street not far from Robinson's in Malate. I had the pleasure of meeting him around 15 years ago.

The Rosales Saga is set in Ilokos in the 1880's and has 5 novels that should be read in the following order: Po-on; Tree; My Brother, My Executioner; The Pretenders and finally, Mass.

If you want to read just one book that covers WW2 and the Manila of the 40's and 50's through to the Marcos years and gives an insight into the bar industry, read one of my favorite novels called Ermita, again by F. Sionil Jose.

It's brilliant.Terrific writer! I met him about 25 years ago when I was browsing La Solidaridad. Gagamba, about the clientele of an infamous restaurant-cum-casa, is my favorite of his novels, and I've turned on some of my girls to him. And yes, he still hangs out at his bookshop from time to time. His opinions about Tsinoys has sparked some controversy over the past few years, but having read Amy "Tiger Mom" Chua's book World on Fire: How Exporting Free Market Democracy Breeds Ethnic Hatred and Global Instability, I think there is some merit to his views. Chau's family is Tsinoy. For a taste of what she wrote, http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/amy-chua-philippines-chinese-minority-free-market-democracy-ethnic-hatred; and his article is here, http://opinion.inquirer.net/87045/to-tell-truth-about-chinoys-and-love-of-country-are-not-racist..

Another great writer is Nick Joaquin; The Woman Who Had Two Navels is a good start with his work.

[D Cups]

Thanks Huts. I 'm hoping to do a six month sabbatical there pre-retirement in a couple of years.


I don't know whether you actually want to stay longer than 30 days, but extending a tourist visa is easy to do. Here's the info, http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/extensionofstay and http://www.immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/extension-of-authorized-stay-beyond-59-days. As a Yank, you may stay up to 36 months without leaving the country provided you complete the extension applications. You can check the website for Immigration offices..

[D Cups]

Yes, thanks, Westie. Read this with great interest. I'm wondering if the Filipinas who scammed me (small amounts) feel any Utang na Loob. I've also experienced tampo first hand and it's a magnified version of wrong time of the month that can happen any time.


A good guide to pinoy language and the cultural equivalents, such as "utang na loob", "bahala na", "tampo" etc. Probably good primer reading for anyone visiting the country.

http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3868.html.

[WestCoast1]

Yes, thanks, Westie. Walang anuman.


I'm wondering if the Filipinas who scammed me (small amounts) feel any Utang na Loob. Abosultely not. She's never been indebted to you -- she will not see herself as owing you anything. Scammers put themselves above all else (they rarely consider others). Asians also put their family / neighbors / friends / boyfriend above you. Her proceeds might also go to them; hence no indebtedness or sorrow for you or your loss.

[Omega 3]

Terrific writer! I met him about 25 years ago when I was browsing La Solidaridad. Gagamba, about the clientele of an infamous restaurant-cum-casa, is my favorite of his novels, and I've turned on some of my girls to him. And yes, he still hangs out at his bookshop from time to time. His opinions about Tsinoys has sparked some controversy over the past few years, but having read Amy "Tiger Mom" Chua's book World on Fire: How Exporting Free Market Democracy Breeds Ethnic Hatred and Global Instability, I think there is some merit to his views. Chau's family is Tsinoy. For a taste of what she wrote, http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/amy-chua-philippines-chinese-minority-free-market-democracy-ethnic-hatred; and his article is here, http://opinion.inquirer.net/87045/to-tell-truth-about-chinoys-and-love-of-country-are-not-racist..

Another great writer is Nick Joaquin; The Woman Who Had Two Navels is a good start with his work.Thanks to Hutsori, for continuing RK's eye-opening post with recommendations of additional good books (and authors) to read.

Can't believe, after so many years here off and on, that I never before had heard of Nick Joaquin or F. Sionil Jose or La Solidarid bookstore on P. Faure St. Used to hang out quite a bit in Ermita, more so in the past (particularly in pre-Mayor Lim days) with many fond memories. Must travel to Ermita again soon and visit the bookstore. Maybe, if lucky, will have the chance to meet F. Sionil Jose in person, although reckon he is getting on in years. (Aren't we all?

Hutsori's links also were interesting. Jose's views, and Amy Chua's article, were on point. Will have to buy and read her book also.

Extrapolating (stretching?) in a more general vein, recently read Jean Bricmont's Humanitarian Imperialism. Fascinating reading.

Good on ya, mates!

OM.

[Member #4698]

Solidaridad Bookshop is now on my must do list. I have walked past the place on numerous occasions and never thought to go inside. I will rectify that ommission on my next trip. Thanks.

[Red Kilt]

Terrific writer! I met him about 25 years ago when I was browsing La Solidaridad.
Gagamba, about the clientele of an infamous restaurant-cum-casa, is my favorite of his novels, and I've turned on some of my girls to him. And yes, he still hangs out at his bookshop from time to time.He has just turned 93 in December and he rarely visits the bookstore any more.


Solidaridad Bookshop is now on my must do list. I have walked past the place on numerous occasions and never thought to go inside. I will rectify that ommission on my next trip. Thanks.Check out http://www.wheninmanila.com/solidaridad-a-gem-of-a-bookstore/ for a nice review.

La Solidaridad Bookstore has a FB site too.

[Halifax2016]

I don't know whether you actually want to stay longer than 30 days, but extending a tourist visa is easy to do. Here's the info, http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/extensionofstay and http://www.immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/extension-of-authorized-stay-beyond-59-days. As a Yank, you may stay up to 36 months without leaving the country provided you complete the extension applications. You can check the website for Immigration offices.Thank you for the link I'll look into it.

I haven't been this excited in years LOL.

[LifeIsABeach]

January 18 2016.

Philippine police kidnapped and murdered a South Korean businessman, then led his wife to believe he was alive for months to extort money from her, authorities said Wednesday.

The killing is the latest in a long series of criminal acts by the Philippine police force, regarded as one of the nation's most corrupt institutions, and has fuelled concerns about its role enforcing President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly crime war.

The man disappeared from his home in the northern city of Angeles in October last year, and his wife initially paid a ransom of five million pesos ($100,000), national police spokesman Dionardo Carlos told AFP.

- Fake drug raid -.

However, the man was strangled to death and burned to ashes in a crematorium on the day he was abducted, the South Korean foreign ministry said, citing a Philippine government report. The crematorium was owned by a former police officer, the foreign ministry said.

The South Korean government identified the man only by his surname of Ji and said he was in his 50's. Philippine media said he was a businessman who had been living in the Philippines since 2008 and had been working for a manpower company.

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se demanded answers after receiving a phone call from Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay to inform him of the murder.

"Minister Yun, expressing grave shock over the implication of Philippine police officers in the case, asked that the Philippine government get to the bottom of the case and bring those responsible to justice," a foreign ministry spokesman said.

Ricky Santa Isabel, one of the officers accused of going to Ji's house and abducting him, surrendered this week, according to Carlos, the police spokesman. He said another two officers who went with him to the house, as well as their superior, were under investigation. All four accused officers were from the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group based at national police headquarters in Manila, according to Carlos. He said a retired police officer was also believed to be involved but had fled to Canada, and that there were South Korean accomplices. Carlos did not elaborate on the identities or actions of the South Korean suspects. Santa Isabel and his two colleagues went to Ji's house on the pretext of a drug raid, according to Carlos. The abductors demanded from Ji's wife a ransom of eight million pesos on October 30,12 days after he was killed, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper, which first reported the news.

It said that she paid five million pesos ($100,000), but the kidnappers then demanded another 4. 5 million pesos and continued to say he was alive.

The case has drawn criticism from some lawmakers and media in the Philippines as an example of corrupt policemen expanding their illegal activities after being given freedoms by Duterte to prosecute his war on drugs. Duterte has encouraged police to kill drug traffickers and addicts, and vowed to shield them from prosecution.

Nearly 6,000 people have died in Duterte's drug war since he took office in the middle of last year.

Carlos insisted to AFP the abduction of Ji was not related to Duterte's drug war, saying the problem of kidnappings for ransom by corrupt police had existed for a long time. "It turned out it was an old modus operandi where bad cops claim there is a drug raid and turn it into a kidnap for ransom," Carlos said.

At least 167 policemen are under investigation for being involved in various money-making rackets, some of them under the cover of the drug war, Metro Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters.

The police force was among the most corrupt national agencies, according to a 2015 report from the national ombudsman.

A 2013 survey by anti-graft watchdog Transparency International also found that the police force was perceived by Filipinos to be the Philippines' most corrupt institution.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/korean-kidnapped-murdered-philippine-police-seoul-031707945.html

[SaltyPete]

I left home without any KY jelly or astrolube. 7-11 did not have any. Where can I get it here, any drugstore? Most girls I'm with don't seem to know what it is, so I gather it is not readily available.

[Soapy Smith]

I left home without any KY jelly or astrolube. 7-11 did not have any. Where can I get it here, any drugstore? Most girls I'm with don't seem to know what it is, so I gather it is not readily available.I have gotten KY jelly from Mercury and Watsons Drugs, but they did not have water soluble lubes like astroglide. YMMV. My experience has been that, once you introduce them to it, they appreciate it. Now somebody will suggest that needing it reflects a failure to get them properly aroused. I think that small-statured women, like most Pinays, if they are with a particular man for the first or second time, have reason to be a little nervous about Western men's equipment and technique.

[MrWoolyBooly]

I have gotten KY jelly from Mercury and Watsons Drugs, but they did not have water soluble lubes like astroglide. YMMV. My experience has been that, once you introduce them to it, they appreciate it. Now somebody will suggest that needing it reflects a failure to get them properly aroused. I think that small-statured women, like most Pinays, if they are with a particular man for the first or second time, have reason to be a little nervous about Western men's equipment and technique.It's been available at every Mercury Drugs I've tried. I've often had to ask as they size up the lady I came in with over at the drinks cooler. YMMV but I usually found it in some kind of tear-open mini-packs instead of a plastic bottle I'm used too. It seems like they use "KY" as a generic term for personal lubricant, water-soluble or not, but they've always understood my request by that name.

[Sam 14]

Hello guys,

Planning a vacation to Phili for having fun with some nice girls.

But would appreciate a place that looks nice and maybe has a few beaches.

Whats the place for both in Phili?

Thanks!In addition to WC's suggestions, you have Dumaguete. I would say that's the nicest looking place in the Philippines with good beaches and hot girls at the same place. The other poster was being sarcastic, Mindanao should be avoided due to safety concerns.

[WestCoast1]

The other poster was being sarcastic, Mindanao should be avoided due to safety concerns.So. . . The beaches of Zambo are out?

[MrWoolyBooly]

So. . . The beaches of Zambo are out?Patikul beach in Sulu just east of Jolo city limits is fantastically beautiful. The ladies on the island are indeed lovely.

[GoodEnough]

Patikul beach in Sulu just east of Jolo city limits is fantastically beautiful. The ladies on the island are indeed lovely.Indeed they are, and quite safe and free from other meddlesome foreigners.

[WestCoast1]

Patikul beach in Sulu just east of Jolo city limits is fantastically beautiful. The ladies on the island are indeed lovely.


Indeed they are, and quite safe and free from other meddlesome foreigners.You guys are baaaaaaaaaaaddddddddd. . .

[Red Kilt]

I left home without any KY jelly or astrolube. 7-11 did not have any. Where can I get it here, any drugstore? Most girls I'm with don't seem to know what it is, so I gather it is not readily available.All Watsons and Mercury Drug stores have all manner of varieties available as part of the condom display.

Robinsons Department stores also carries lube. Condoms are usually located in the "Men's Zone" along with shaving blades, shaving creams etc. Look for both tubes and sachets.

Check out WRs pics where his ladies insert the tube as a substitute for a vibrator (without vibrations).

KY Jelly is very expensive here and is usually not on display. You will need to ask for it, and IMHO it is unnecessary given the plethora of other water-soluble products.

[SaltyPete]

All Watsons and Mercury Drug stores have all manner of varieties available as part of the condom display.

Robinsons Department stores also carries lube. Condoms are usually located in the "Men's Zone" along with shaving blades, shaving creams etc. Look for both tubes and sachets.

Check out WRs pics where his ladies insert the tube as a substitute for a vibrator (without vibrations).

KY Jelly is very expensive here and is usually not on display. You will need to ask for it, and IMHO it is unnecessary given the plethora of other water-soluble products.Thanks, RK. I will go check them out now. I haven't needed lube yet but it is always best to have some on hand. I don't care too much which brand I get, although the girls have been pleased with the KY warming lube I've used in the past. I actually gave my last tube away which is why I am without.

[Reservoirdog68]

Hey guys,

I'm heading overseas next month and thinking of staying a few nights in AC. What's your general daily cost?

Thank you!

[Goferring]

Hey guys,

I'm heading overseas next month and thinking of staying a few nights in AC. What's your general daily cost?

Thank you!Option I:

500 p. Fan only room in a back street somewhere.

300 p. Street food for the day.

500 p. ST with a fugly street walker.

80 p. Happy hour beer for the day.

1380 p. Total for a Cheap Charlie.

Option II:

10 k. Nice room complete with stripper pole and 5 person spa at ABC.

3 k - 3 western meals per day.

5 k. Similar meals for your entourage (because that's how we roll!

15 k - 3 lookers who are happy to fulfill special requests.

10 k. Bar bill.

43 k. Total for a very memorable night.

Of course, you could spend less, more or in between depending on your taste so it's easiest to RTFF and just add up the line items that you think you will be trying.

[StevieW]

Is tipping normal practice in Philippines? I don't mean from the mongering aspect. More for like taxis, restaurants, hotel concierge service. That kind of thing.

[SaltyPete]

Apparently not limited to ISG.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/men-in-india-are-buying-lists-of-women%e2%80%99s-phone-numbers-in-order-to-sexually-harass-them/ar-AAmzQdx?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=MSIDHP

[Buko Max]

Is tipping normal practice in Philippines? I don't mean from the mongering aspect. More for like taxis, restaurants, hotel concierge service. That kind of thing.Tipping culture is generally a North American thing but of course if someone goes above and beyond the call of duty, I give an appropriate amount.

Usually tip the security guard upon check in and he looks out for me.

[X Man]

I tip the security guard if he goes beyond the call of duty with pulling a bag our of a taxi trunk or hailing a taxi. I don't know what kind of trouble BM get's himself into, but to each his own. There would be two or three shifts anyway.


Tipping culture is generally a North American thing but of course if someone goes above and beyond the call of duty, I give an appropriate amount.

Usually tip the security guard upon check in and he looks out for me.

[StevieW]

Tipping culture is generally a North American thing but of course if someone goes above and beyond the call of duty, I give an appropriate amount.

Usually tip the security guard upon check in and he looks out for me.What about at restaurants and to taxi drivers? What would be consisted an appropriate amount?

I've been to Philippines before but I don't think the thought ever cruised my mind.

Cheers.

[Omega 3]

I tip the security guard if he goes beyond the call of duty with pulling a bag our of a taxi trunk or hailing a taxi. I don't know what kind of trouble BM get's himself into, but to each his own. There would be two or three shifts anyway.Also, have often found it beneficial after check-in to give a (relatively) liberal tip to the head or senior bellman, especially in a smaller hotel. Bellmen will usually have been around for years, have "seniority" as a practical matter, and can help to smooth out difficulties and make your stay more pleasant.

It's really a gut-call, best made at the time, sensing who is the (sometimes not so apparent) hotel alpha on duty at the time. Even a relatively liberal tip by their standards is easy enough on our wallets, and is meant to express our appreciation and establish good will.

YMMV.

OM.

[WestCoast1]

What about at restaurants and to taxi drivers? What would be consisted an appropriate amount?

I've been to Philippines before but I don't think the thought ever cruised my mind.

Cheers.Stevie, can you send me a PM? I have some info for you regarding this tipping thing. There is no "appropriate amount".

[Chocha Monger]

Apparently not limited to ISG.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/men-in-india-are-buying-lists-of-women%e2%80%99s-phone-numbers-in-order-to-sexually-harass-them/ar-AAmzQdx?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=MSIDHPUnfortunately, the practice has now made it's way to the Philippines as load has largely replaced load cards. Attractive girls now have to be wary of where they purchase load as they may receive very disturbing messages after doing so. A lot of these pervs also prowl Facebook sending friend requests to girls, once accepted as a friend they proceed to send perverted messages and photos of their cocks. Once the digits bro guys get a girl's number they will harass her until she tosses the sim and disappears. Girls now rarely keep the same number beyond a couple of months.

[Hutsori]

Is tipping normal practice in Philippines? I don't mean from the mongering aspect. More for like taxis, restaurants, hotel concierge service. That kind of thing.Taxi rides of less than p200 I usually tip p20. Nice restaurants that don't include service charge I tip 10%. Nightclubs that I visit often and hook me up with a good table and are attentive I tip p500 on a p2000 - p3000 bill.

[Mbsl65]

Unfortunately, the practice has now made it's way to the Philippines as load has largely replaced load cards. Attractive girls now have to be wary of where they purchase load as they may receive very disturbing messages after doing so. A lot of these pervs also prowl Facebook sending friend requests to girls, once accepted as a friend they proceed to send perverted messages and photos of their cocks. Once the digits bro guys get a girl's number they will harass her until she tosses the sim and disappears. Girls now rarely keep the same number beyond a couple of months.They have the similar problems in Thailand from the delivery guys who deliver for Lazada. Seems like creeps are everywhere.

[GoodEnough]

Taxi rides of less than p200 I usually tip p20. Nice restaurants that don't include service charge I tip 10%. Nightclubs that I visit often and hook me up with a good table and are attentive I tip p500 on a p2000 - p3000 bill.Filipinos, in general, are not big tippers and tend to leave whatever loose change they may receive as a tip regardless of the size of the bill. For this reason, some of the Western restaurant owners I know have started to impose service charges of about 10% to more fairly compensate wait staff. Westerners tend to be more generous. My pattern it similar to that indicated by Huts, though I'm a bit more generous with Uber drivers and hotel drivers. I'll also usually tip room maids either daily or at the end of my stay, particularly at the Fairmont where I receive excellent service.

GE.

[Golfinho]

Filipinos, in general, are not b.I'll also usually tip room maids either daily or at the end of my stay, particularly at the Fairmont where I receive excellenGE.Leaving just a 20 or two twenties if there are two maids, or a 50 p on the pillow every day (or more if you had an especially messy date) is the one place where you get assured good value for tipping. Who knows what maids make, must be pretty bad wage scale. Also establishing some kind of rapport will help you learn best room (low noise, everything working) which front desk staff (believe it or not) don't know as they don't get up into the rooms.

[Roll Aides]

Apparently not limited to ISG.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/men-in-india-are-buying-lists-of-women%e2%80%99s-phone-numbers-in-order-to-sexually-harass-them/ar-AAmzQdx?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=MSIDHPSexual frustration will do unfortunate things to a person. Can't say I envy the guys in India that get laid so infrequently that that's an outlet for them.

Found the last paragraph interesting.

"But that's little solace for the women at the receiving end. Criminal lawyers such as Avninder Singh feel that more stringent action is needed. "It's a breach of trust. The woman has shared her phone number with the recharge person on the assumption of trust. If he sells her information, he is guilty of exchanging that privilege for economic advantage, a criminal offense punishable with as much as seven years in jail. He is also abetting phone stalking."

Sounds a lot like Facebook, Google, and pretty much everything else you could hit by swinging a dead cat in the general direction of the internet these days. The exchanging privileged information for economic advantage part. It's practically the backbone of the digital economy. Why should the little guys be left out?

On a practical note, I had to toss a Globe sim a month or so back after using a reloading shop in a local mall because the fucktard kept subscribing me to some gaming channel or something at 5 p per day. If your girl has a sister auntie or whatever who sells load (most all do) it's safer to get it that way. Plus hey, 3 p to the family, you're a hero.

[WestCoast1]

For this reason, some of the Western restaurant owners I know have started to impose service charges of about 10% to more fairly compensate wait staff. GE.Yes, when eating at a restaurant always look at the printed bill before paying. Often times they have tacked on a 10-15% 'service charge' (read: MANDATED TIP -- which also happens sometimes in my country). If you don't see it, you might accidentally leave your tip (a second tip). Also look at the fine print on the menu, often it states there is a service charge in addition to the food prices (unfortunately usually in small print).

[GoodEnough]

Yes, when eating at a restaurant always look at the printed bill before paying. Often times they have tacked on a 10-15% 'service charge' (read: MANDATED TIP -- which also happens sometimes in my country). If you don't see it, you might accidentally leave your tip (a second tip). Also look at the fine print on the menu, often it states there is a service charge in addition to the food prices (unfortunately usually in small print).In Davao and Makati, it appears to me that many of the more expensive establishments are incorporating service charges into their bills, usually at a rate of 10%, so I agree with Westie that it pays to check the bill. I don't find anything offensive about this practice, but it does affect my tipping behavior.

GE.

[Red Kilt]

I rarely use these operators because I can always get good taxis in front of my condo but for various reasons today I needed to use Uber (twice) and Grab (once).

The popularity of these services has obviously meant that they have recruited new drivers. It appears many of them have come from out of town or have a poor knowledge of the street system.

I had 3 instances today in travelling from Ortigas Center across to near Intramuros and then back to Pasay and again to QC where each driver had absolutely no idea about directions in Manila. They fiddled and fussed around with the mobile app that is supposed to give them directions getting from A to B.

Easier said than done. The app had them turning in all directions, and they were mindlessly following the maps because they had no local knowledge. In the end I bailed out of one Uber, grabbed a "normal" taxi, and we sped to my destination without fuss.

I am sure that those of you who are tooling around Makati between Burgos Street and / or EDSA are not having any problems. I am also sure that most of you using these services wonder what I am talking about.

Nevertheless, it happened to me today, and I have lived and been driving in Manila for 20 years. Maybe it was a bad-luck-day. However, it's a heads-up for those of you who use Uber or Grab to fetch or return companions from or to their home. The driver just might get lost.

[GoodEnough]

I rarely use these operators because I can always get good taxis in front of my condo but for various reasons today I needed to use Uber (twice) and Grab (once).

The popularity of these services has obviously meant that they have recruited new drivers. It appears many of them have come from out of town or have a poor knowledge of the street system.

I had 3 instances today in travelling from Ortigas Center across to near Intramuros and then back to Pasay and again to QC where each driver had absolutely no idea about directions in Manila. They fiddled and fussed around with the mobile app that is supposed to give them directions getting from A to B.

Easier said than done. The app had them turning in all directions, and they were mindlessly following the maps because they had no local knowledge. In the end I bailed out of one Uber, grabbed a "normal" taxi, and we sped to my destination without fuss.

I am sure that those of you who are tooling around Makati between Burgos Street and / or EDSA are not having any problems. I am also sure that most of you using these services wonder what I am talking about.

Nevertheless, it happened to me today, and I have lived and been driving in Manila for 20 years. Maybe it was a bad-luck-day. However, it's a heads-up for those of you who use Uber or Grab to fetch or return companions from or to their home. The driver just might get lost.I've had new Uber drivers who have no idea where they're going, which is why I use Waze on every trip and insist that the driver follow those directions. On Thursday, for example, I had to get to a slightly out of the way address in Marikina, a part of the metro area that I don't know at all. No sweat at all as I just had the driver follow Waze and he took me right to the door; no wrong turns and no wasted time. I did the same thing on the return trip. As I've stated before, I prefer Uber to taxis for a couple of reasons: first, the cars are new (ish) and invariably clean and odor free and second, because should I prove absent minded and leave something in the car, I can always contact the driver and get it returned, as I've had to do on one occasion.

I rarely use taxis anywhere in the metro area these days.

GE.

[Red Kilt]

I've had new Uber drivers who have no idea where they're going, which is why I use Waze on every trip and insist that the driver follow those directions. My warning is still current for those guys who don't know where they are going or who use Uber to fetch or deliver companions.

Very few girls will know anything about Waze to check whether Uber or Grab is working effectively.

It seems a bit odd to have to use a second app (Waze) to check on the accuracy of the Uber app. Maybe we need a 3rd app to ensure Waze is accurate.

[SaltyPete]

My warning is still current for those guys who don't know where they are going or who use Uber to fetch or deliver companions.

Very few girls will know anything about Waze to check whether Uber or Grab is working effectively.

It seems a bit odd to have to use a second app (Waze) to check on the accuracy of the Uber app. Maybe we need a 3rd app to ensure Waze is accurate.I don't have extensive Uber experience but on my last trip, 5 of 5 drivers were using Waze. One even remarked that thanks to Waze, he no longer ends up the wrong way on a one way street. I'm not aware of an Uber app for directions; at least, none of my drivers were using one. Maybe you happened to draw of the 1% that is oblivious? I see your point about drivers unfamiliar with Manila but that could happen in a regular taxi as well.

Some of the long shifts these guys (Uber / Taxis) pull would not be allowed in the US. Still, I am always amazed about the lack of accidents I see under those traffic conditions.

[Red Kilt]

Uber is now advertising extensively for drivers.

It seems many taxi franchisees are buying into Uber too and getting new cars but needing new drivers for them.

I chatted with a taxi owner-driver the other day who drives now and then to alleviate his "boredom" or fill in for sick drivers etc. He has 75 units. He told me some owners have 1000 plus taxi units, so it is easy to see that they will also switch to Uber, because they get much better returns.

Example: My condo to NAIA from Ortigas in a regular taxi when moderately busy is around 400 php.

Last week I used Uber (for no real reason other than to test it out) and it cost me 831 php (surge pricing).

While I was waiting for my ride at least 3 taxis stopped wanting to pick me up. I felt a bit silly.

I hope more people switch to Uber so that more regular taxis will be available for me. I don't have any hassles with regular taxis and certainly around my area they all seem to be clean and well-maintained.

I saw lots of very crappy units though when I was in Malate / Cubao yesterday.

[WestCoast1]

I hope more people switch to Uber so that more regular taxis will be available for me. I don't have any hassles with regular taxis and certainly around my area they all seem to be clean and well-maintained.

I saw lots of very crappy units though when I was in Malate / Cubao yesterday.You mean condos?

[Red Kilt]

You mean condos?Huh?

No mate.

Taxi Units. Vehicles. Cars. Kotse.

[Crazy4Thai]

Decisions Decisions.

I have spent perhaps too much time planning my first monger trip to the PI. I would like to present my somewhat meager plan for any and all comments. I'll wrap it up with a few questions but I've tried to do the work and keep those to a minimum. I think I'll wait until late March to arrive and stay about 2 weeks. I am flexible on that. As my handle suggests I have been Thai centric, and for more than 10 years mostly living in Thailand. I used to prefer Pattaya over Bangkok but now that preference is reversed. I thought about skipping AC because of this but upon further reading of the board have decided that might be a mistake. I need to pause here for a second and say THANKS to the great majority of you who run a friendly and informative board! Digging for the details has really helped me decide how to proceed. As a NooB the scene seems a bit complicated from over here in Thailand but I have found some good summaries to help me.

I've been torn between Makati and Ermita and I'm considering doing both then a wrap up with AC. Maybe 5 days in each location. I've seen EDSA summaries comparing it to Nana Plaza so have no curiosity about it. QUESTION. Do you think I should limit my plan to two stops in 14 days instead of three? In Thailand I'm not so big on gogos. I go sometimes but have not pulled from one in a very long time. I am, BTW, in my senior years and I'm sometimes met with indifference with the young and hot Thai women even though I'm polite and well groomed. I tend to do better with FLs (my favorite regular is 30 and looks 22) and in the PSE themed oilies of BKK where anything goes. Also I have good fun and some success in the beer bars with pool often being a focal point. So I'm thinking Ermita should be not too tough to feel at home while still enjoying a new scene. In Makati I plan to take it as it comes. I've never done any "pipelining" but maybe will dabble in that just a little and explore. I understand online arrangements take time and effort to setup so I plan to start maybe a week or so before I arrive. I'm also wondering if I even need to do this.

I have become more fussy about hotels and the last 10 years of hotel development have been very good for me in Thailand. I'm thinking this means I'm going to have to up my budget for Manila. I can find real comfort for $50 to $75 in Bangkok and $40 to $60 in Pattaya. I do not need luxury or breakfast included. Clean, comfortable, big enough, not worn out, good wifi, a refrigerator even if small, and reliable hot water. I'd sure like to replicate that value on this trip but after researching the hotel thread it looks like so many of the top recommended places are often followed up with a "well worn" review. After quite a bit of thrash time in the hotel thread and then checking Google reviews I was a bit discouraged. Following Hutsori's lead on the Clipper lead me to Hotels.com. That is because the website for the hotel would not show any available dates no matter what I entered. Going to Hotels.com cleared out all the barriers and showed a choice of properties of real promise and I'm no longer discouraged. Each listing also includes a little Trip Advisor review rating alongside.

I'm also eager to check out some live music as I do not often find satisfaction in Bangkok on that topic. I have high hopes for this considering the reputation of Filipino musicians. First on my list is "The Roadhouse Manila Bay. Best blues bar in town. Good finger food. Great acoustics. TH-FR-SAT-SUN. " I've also gleaned recommendations on the board for "12 Monkeys music hall in City Centre Mall (Poblacion, Makati) can be a rocking place on a Friday or Saturday. Not that difficult to pick up either although it does mostly tend to be groups. Royal also in Poblacion is pretty damn good, but is more of a club. BTB on Kalayaan also great on a weekend, small and not too pricey, Brazilian Bar".

QUESTIONS-.

I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.

What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.

Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.

SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".

BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.

B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.

C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".

TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.

FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.

I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.

Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.

C4 T (P?

[Member #4566]

We are alike you and I; the pleasure of the experience begins with its anticipation. You are in for a treat and you will I fear you will also experience disappointment. You have had a lot of experience but you may also, like me, develop some preconceived ideas before you begin. To begin with, Ermita is a shithole (but so is Manila more so than Bangkok) and I would not advise to make that a focus. I am not an aficionado of Makati because I don't think it is worth the expense and it is not as convenient as other places.

I would suggest that you concentrate your efforts on AC because it will be easy to make a soft landing there. You will want to compare it your experience in Pattaya although some might claim apples and oranges. After you have your sealegs you might want to make a short sojourn to the nearby community of Barrio Barretto on the coast which is alternately mistakenly called Subic or Olongapo. It is a smaller and toned down version of Angeles. I have enjoyed both of these places. By that time, you may want to experience the big city.

[GoodEnough]

Decisions Decisions.

I have spent perhaps too much time planning my first monger trip to the PI. I would like to present my somewhat meager plan for any and all comments. I'll wrap it up with a few questions but I've tried to do the work and keep those to a minimum. I think I'll wait until late March to arrive and stay about 2 weeks. I am flexible on that. As my handle suggests I have been Thai centric, and for more than 10 years mostly living in Thailand. I used to prefer Pattaya over Bangkok but now that preference is reversed. I thought about skipping AC because of this but upon further reading of the board have decided that might be a mistake. I need to pause here for a second and say THANKS to the great majority of you who run a friendly and informative board! Digging for the details has really helped me decide how to proceed. As a NooB the scene seems a bit complicated from over here in Thailand but I have found some good summaries to help me.

I've been torn between Makati and Ermita and I'm considering doing both then a wrap up with AC. Maybe 5 days in each location. I've seen EDSA summaries comparing it to Nana Plaza so have no curiosity about it. QUESTION. Do you think I should limit my plan to two stops in 14 days instead of three? In Thailand I'm not so big on gogos. I go sometimes but have not pulled from one in a very long time. I am, BTW, in my senior years and I'm sometimes met with indifference with the young and hot Thai women even though I'm polite and well groomed. I tend to do better with FLs (my favorite regular is 30 and looks 22) and in the PSE themed oilies of BKK where anything goes. Also I have good fun and some success in the beer bars with pool often being a focal point. So I'm thinking Ermita should be not too tough to feel at home while still enjoying a new scene. In Makati I plan to take it as it comes. I've never done any "pipelining" but maybe will dabble in that just a little and explore. I understand online arrangements take time and effort to setup so I plan to start maybe a week or so before I arrive. I'm also wondering if I even need to do this.

I have become more fussy about hotels and the last 10 years of hotel development have been very good for me in Thailand. I'm thinking this means I'm going to have to up my budget for Manila. I can find real comfort for $50 to $75 in Bangkok and $40 to $60 in Pattaya. I do not need luxury or breakfast included. Clean, comfortable, big enough, not worn out, good wifi, a refrigerator even if small, and reliable hot water. I'd sure like to replicate that value on this trip but after researching the hotel thread it looks like so many of the top recommended places are often followed up with a "well worn" review. After quite a bit of thrash time in the hotel thread and then checking Google reviews I was a bit discouraged. Following Hutsori's lead on the Clipper lead me to Hotels.com. That is because the website for the hotel would not show any available dates no matter what I entered. Going to Hotels.com cleared out all the barriers and showed a choice of properties of real promise and I'm no longer discouraged. Each listing also includes a little Trip Advisor review rating alongside.

I'm also eager to check out some live music as I do not often find satisfaction in Bangkok on that topic. I have high hopes for this considering the reputation of Filipino musicians. First on my list is "The Roadhouse Manila Bay. Best blues bar in town. Good finger food. Great acoustics. TH-FR-SAT-SUN. " I've also gleaned recommendations on the board for "12 Monkeys music hall in City Centre Mall (Poblacion, Makati) can be a rocking place on a Friday or Saturday. Not that difficult to pick up either although it does mostly tend to be groups. Royal also in Poblacion is pretty damn good, but is more of a club. BTB on Kalayaan also great on a weekend, small and not too pricey, Brazilian Bar".

QUESTIONS-.

I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.

What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.

Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.

SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".

BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.

B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.

C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".

TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.

FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.

I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.

Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.

C4 T (P?I've reproduced your entire post, because I'd like to respond to as many of your questions as I can. Like you, I'm very much a "senior," and since I have mirrors throughout my house and in the hotel rooms in which I stay, can no longer delude myself into thinking I'm other than a shadow of my former self. I think you will find that on balance, it won't matter much to your enjoyment, and I'm sure you'll be told, in standard bar girl banter, "age doesn't matter," or "age is just a number. ".

I agree with the prior poster who tried to dissuade you from hanging out excessively in Manila. It's a hole, not altogether safe on the streets, and the girls are, with some notable exceptions, pretty much the dregs. I'm speaking here of the well-known Ermita / Mabini haunts of LA Café and G-Point, though occasionally you can find some jewels amidst the dross of the freelancers who congregate there. In short, Ermita might be worth a night of your time, but probably no more. That said, I think all first-time visitors to Manila should go see LA Café at least once, just for the experience.

My preferred hunting grounds, aside from online chatting, is Makati for a few reasons. First, it's very safe. Second, there are good restaurants, cafés and other places to hang out during the day. You could, for example easily spend half a day at Greenbelt Mall, take in the Ayala Museum there, have lunch at any one of 3-4 dozen excellent places, and wind up at Café Havana, which is a free lancer hangout during the evenings, though again typically not staffed with the finest representatives that the city has to offer. Like everywhere else though, YMMV and ever now and again, there's a pearl in the oyster.

Much as been written about the pricing on Burgos St. , which is the primary bikini bar area. And while it's true that a first-time pick-up at the best bars--Kojax, Plan be, Coco Rock (my opinion only) --may cost you a Php3,000 ($60) bar fine and a Php2-3,000 "tip" (40-60), I think you'll find that many girls will be more than willing, once in your room, to provide their phone number and express a willingness to meet with you outside of the bar on subsequent visits. Girls also have no problem recommending friends who can recommend other friends, and so on, so one "expensive" Burgos visit can yield rich, less expensive future payoffs.

There's a lot that's been written herein about decent hotels on or near Burgos, including the Oxford Suites and St. Giles. I have friends who stay in both and seem satisfied with them. I stayed in Oxford several years ago and found it clean with acceptable amenities. My only problem was the scarcity of elevators, which made waits a bit long sometimes. However, I cannot comment on its present condition as it's been quite a while since I was there. Wicked Roger I believe stays often at the St. Giles and you may want to send him a PM to get his impressions.

Aside from rush hour, taxis are plentiful on and around the Burgos area and pretty much throughout Makati. You might want to download the "Grab Taxi" app, which is free and works quite well. Also, as I've described in prior posts, Uber works very well for me there, and if you don't already have the app you may want to consider downloading it as well.

I can't help much with the KTVs as I never go, and it's not my scene anymore. I prefer the initial Burgos troll and then using that as a basis for future adventures. I'm a Smart subscriber as Smart is marginally better in Davao where I live. I agree however, with those who state that Globe coverage is better in Manila, and if you're only going to buy one sim, I'd recommend Globe as well.

I stay well away from the MRT, which is known to break down frequently, and which is often crowded well beyond design capacity. It's nothing like the monorail system in Bangkok: not nearly as clean, fast or efficient and its route is more constructed. As a noob, I'd stay with taxis or Uber; both are fairly cheap and lots more comfortable.

The new expressway to Terminals 2 and 3 is now open, and I'm not sure it matters much anymore where you land. I was in Manila last week, landed at Terminal 2, and was at my hotel in the middle of Makati in less than 25 minutes. I think the return trip to the airport took about 15-20 minutes. This trip used to take me 45 minutes to an hour. I'm not sure where Thai Air lands, but PAL is likely Terminal 2, where you can easily get a "coupon" or fixed price taxi to take you anywhere you want to go.

Again, let me stress that Iv'e never seen a problem with age in Burgos bars. If you like, send me a PM and I'll give you the names of the mama sans in Kojax and Plan be, both of whom will doubtless prove very helpful in assisting you in finding what / whom you want.

In AC I only stay at the ABC Hotel which is, admittedly expensive. However, I find it convenient, quite congenial and completely safe. Others here have significantly more hotel experience in AC than do I. Despite what others have said however, about girls' preferences for younger (handsomer) guys, and / or Koreans and / or Japanese, I continue to have a great time there and there's no reason you should not as well. True, not every girls who appeals to you will want to go with you, but there are plenty who will and you should have an excellent time. The "tip" after the barfine really is up to you, and can range from nothing at all to Php3,000 which is routinely given by a friend of mine but by no one else I know. I' talking here about the bars on Walking Street, as I don't often go to the Perimiter bars. Unlike you, I prefer LT, through breakfast so my costs may be slightly higher. Again, I'd recommend investing in a drink for the mama San, explain to her exactly the type of chick you're looking for, and let he make some suggestions.

Hope some of what I've said helps, and please feel free to PM.

GE.

[Goferring]

You might want to download the "Grab Taxi" app, which is free and works quite well. Also, as I've described in prior posts, Uber works very well for me there, and if you don't already have the app you may want to consider downloading it as well.

GE.GE,

Can Grab be used effectively by an English only speaker in the Philippines? I used it with great success in Indonesia but the drivers did have a habit of calling shortly before arrival to confirm I was ready and any directions to less known locations. As 95% of their clientele are local this conversation was generally in Indonesian.

[Crazy4Thai]

Hope some of what I've said helps, and please feel free to PM.

GE.My sincere thanks to you GE and to Pompetus (and a couple of PMs already too). I'll take your input to heart and adjust accordingly. It seems my primary interest in this, aside from a change of scenery is the theme that continually surfaces here on this board about more of a GFE than from the Thai lovelies. THANKS!

[SaltyPete]

Decisions Decisions.

QUESTIONS-.

I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.

What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.

Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.

SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".

BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.

B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.

C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".

TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.

FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.

I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.

Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.

C4 T (P?For live music, consider Spicy Fingers if you are already in Greenbelt Mall (Makati). It is a very short walk from Havana Café and is popular with older "farangs" and their dates. You will find groups of single women here as well; some might be "available" but most are just out enjoying themselves. There are also a lot of other dining options at Greenbelt Mall but you pay more than eating "local". BTW, Filipino food is quite bad. When was the last time you saw a Filipino restaurant in your home country? Compare it to the number of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants you've seen. Enough said.

I've been to a couple of KTVs just to check them out; you can find some off Roxas street in the vicinity of EDSA. I did not stay long. You pay an hourly rate for the girls' company (and usually an entrance fee as well), and that is about all you get. The general consensus is that you have to be a long-time customer of the girl before she gives you benefits. The girls are a notch above what you will find in Makati or EDSA. The venue is tailored towards Asian clientele (Koreans and rich Filipinos) but you will be accepted.

In case you don't know, Grab Taxi is an app that uses regular taxis that sign up for it. You get the price on the app so you don't have to negotiate with someone who does not use the meter. It is very convenient during rain showers, or when you want to wait in the hotel lobby instead of playing the "Will you take me here" game trying to hail a cab. There are Grab stations at Malls and airport terminals where you can meet the taxi, or order one. But like Uber, you can just give your location via the app. Generally, Grab will get you a cab quicker then Uber.

Expect to pay a toll if you use the airport expressway (php30 if I recall, totally worth it). It pays to leave the airport with a collection of small denomination bills and coins, since taxi drivers may not have change for 1000/5000 peso bills.

Tip: most taxis that wait outside a venue will state a fix (too high) price over a taxi that is driving. They are there to rip of the tourists.

The MRT is a quick, cheap way to get from someplace like Pasay to Quezon City. But oh my God, the humanity! You will be pressed in and squeezed like you never have before, especially at rush hour. Pick pockets abound so take appropriate actions. Females have their own train cars. I did it once only.

If you go to EDSA Entertainment (and I recommend you try it for one evening, maybe before / after hitting a KTV in the area), the pricing structure is like Burgos St. You pay php1950-2000 to the bar and negotiate with the girl (2000-3000ST). They are age-flexible here as long as you look like you are fun and friendly. They still make a big deal about Japanese / Korean visitors for some reason, even though those clients seldom stay and spend money. Firehouse and Pitstop are my favorite clubs. I think there are a total of 7 or 8 indoors here.

Kojax is generally accepted as the best club on Burgos but they are not open every night so plan your Burgos visit accordingly (see the update in the Makati thread).

For dating apps, I say diversify you hunting grounds and use WeChat and Skout. Nothing lost. Just don't waste time meeting a girl that turns out to be a katoeey (included under the non-heterosexual term "bacla" here).

You may get bored quickly in AC since there are not many daytime activities. Inter-Philippines airfare is quite cheap and abundant. You can always book a flight to a beach resort on Cebu Pacific if you get bored in AC and Manila. The beach hotels are not anymore expensive than Manila hotels.

I used to solely visit Thailand for a run of 8 years or so, twice a year, but I can no longer pull the type of girl I want there, whether due to better economic conditions or me getting old, or perhaps a combination. I've been going to the Philippines for the last 4 years, 2-3 times a year and have had better experiences. I do not think the girls are as pretty (at least, not the girls available to us; but a top tier Pinay can hold her own against a top tier Thai, IMHO), but their warmth and enthusiasm will win you over. I have not been back to Thailand since.

Enjoy your trip and I'm looking forward to reading your FR.

[BaboyDave]

Decisions Decisions.

I have spent perhaps too much time planning my first monger trip to the PI. I would like to present my somewhat meager plan for any and all comments. I'll wrap it up with a few questions but I've tried to do the work and keep those to a minimum. I think I'll wait until late March to arrive and stay about 2 weeks. I am flexible on that. As my handle suggests I have been Thai centric, and for more than 10 years mostly living in Thailand. I used to prefer Pattaya over Bangkok but now that preference is reversed. I thought about skipping AC because of this but upon further reading of the board have decided that might be a mistake. I need to pause here for a second and say THANKS to the great majority of you who run a friendly and informative board! Digging for the details has really helped me decide how to proceed. As a NooB the scene seems a bit complicated from over here in Thailand but I have found some good summaries to help me.

I've been torn between Makati and Ermita and I'm considering doing both then a wrap up with AC. Maybe 5 days in each location. I've seen EDSA summaries comparing it to Nana Plaza so have no curiosity about it. QUESTION. Do you think I should limit my plan to two stops in 14 days instead of three? In Thailand I'm not so big on gogos. I go sometimes but have not pulled from one in a very long time. I am, BTW, in my senior years and I'm sometimes met with indifference with the young and hot Thai women even though I'm polite and well groomed. I tend to do better with FLs (my favorite regular is 30 and looks 22) and in the PSE themed oilies of BKK where anything goes. Also I have good fun and some success in the beer bars with pool often being a focal point. So I'm thinking Ermita should be not too tough to feel at home while still enjoying a new scene. In Makati I plan to take it as it comes. I've never done any "pipelining" but maybe will dabble in that just a little and explore. I understand online arrangements take time and effort to setup so I plan to start maybe a week or so before I arrive. I'm also wondering if I even need to do this.

I have become more fussy about hotels and the last 10 years of hotel development have been very good for me in Thailand. I'm thinking this means I'm going to have to up my budget for Manila. I can find real comfort for $50 to $75 in Bangkok and $40 to $60 in Pattaya. I do not need luxury or breakfast included. Clean, comfortable, big enough, not worn out, good wifi, a refrigerator even if small, and reliable hot water. I'd sure like to replicate that value on this trip but after researching the hotel thread it looks like so many of the top recommended places are often followed up with a "well worn" review. After quite a bit of thrash time in the hotel thread and then checking Google reviews I was a bit discouraged. Following Hutsori's lead on the Clipper lead me to Hotels.com. That is because the website for the hotel would not show any available dates no matter what I entered. Going to Hotels.com cleared out all the barriers and showed a choice of properties of real promise and I'm no longer discouraged. Each listing also includes a little Trip Advisor review rating alongside.

I'm also eager to check out some live music as I do not often find satisfaction in Bangkok on that topic. I have high hopes for this considering the reputation of Filipino musicians. First on my list is "The Roadhouse Manila Bay. Best blues bar in town. Good finger food. Great acoustics. TH-FR-SAT-SUN. " I've also gleaned recommendations on the board for "12 Monkeys music hall in City Centre Mall (Poblacion, Makati) can be a rocking place on a Friday or Saturday. Not that difficult to pick up either although it does mostly tend to be groups. Royal also in Poblacion is pretty damn good, but is more of a club. BTB on Kalayaan also great on a weekend, small and not too pricey, Brazilian Bar".

QUESTIONS-.

I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.

What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.

Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.

SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".

BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.

B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.

C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".

TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.

FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.

I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.

Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.

C4 T (P?Hey C4 T.

Seems to me like you've received plenty of very sound advice from GE, reading his response I found myself agreeing with the most of it, so I will try to only add my point of view where I can.

First, between Makati and Ermita I tend to agree with GE, Makati is much (much) more welcoming for a newcomer. I wouldn't necessarily stay directly on Burgos st. As in the daytime there is little to do around there and I wouldn't call it walking distance to the Greenbelt / Ayala Center area in Manila's humidity. There are plenty of high quality and reasonably priced hotels halfway between Burgos and Greenbelt in the neighborhoods of Salcedo Village or Legazpi village which are great, have plenty of dining options and are both a 5 minute taxi drive /10-15 minute walk to Burgos / Ayala Center. Every hotel I stayed in Makati was guest-friendly and I would recommend you widen your options by taking a look at some options in those areas (I personally like Salcedo, but to each his own).

I would also not look to shift hotels from Makati to the Pasay / Ermita area. By the time one would want to visit Pasay (EDSA Complex, KTVs on Roxas Blvd.) or Ermita (LAC, etc.) taxis after 8 PM are not too long a ride (well under 30 minutes in my experience using Waze).

So to sum it up, while in Manila, I would stick to Makati.

As for KTVs, there are 2 types of them to my best knowledge.

There are the ones with massage places attached to them (AF1, Classmates, Pegasus) and there are the ones which are pure KTV / hostess bars like on Roxas Blvd. (Dczar / Apeiro I believe was the name? Though it does change frequently).

My experience in these places is that the massage type places are the normal fishbowl type, you take a look at the offering, pick a number, and the lady of your choice meets you in your room for a steam bath and a FS session. This is one of the cheaper options in MNL in some cases, and I've had several girls give me their number and become regulars. YMMV. The KTVs where there is a massage place the girls are very pricey, and in my single experience FS on premises was not permitted. Bar fining was almost 3 times a Burgos BF, which is ridiculous.

In the KTV in I've visited on Roxas Blvd I was accompanied / referred by a Filipino friend, the girls on offering were good looking, and I think that for about 2. 5 K FS sessions were held in the private KTV rooms. These had no bed, but the staff were very cool about taking two leather sofas together to make them into a double bed. Drink costs and per-hour fees still make this a pricey option, but it's pretty fun for a change from time to time.

I also recommend having Uber installed, it's just very comfy and is getting bigger in Manila.

As for Cebu Pacific, I've flown with the several times to different destinations. They're a low cost provider, I found flights with them to be decent, safe, can't say why anyone should avoid them per se.

If they're the better option for your circumstances, I would fly with them.

I am also happy to take any additional questions on Manila or AC in PM if you wish.

Enjoy your trip (as well as the build-up for it).

Dave.

[Dg8787]

GE,

Can Grab be used effectively by an English only speaker in the Philippines? I used it with great success in Indonesia but the drivers did have a habit of calling shortly before arrival to confirm I was ready and any directions to less known locations. As 95% of their clientele are local this conversation was generally in Indonesian.I am not GE, but I have used Grab many times in Manila. All drivers spoke good conversational English. Enough to get where I was going. Also when you order on the app you have stated your pick up point and destination. Really not even a need for a conversation other than to confirm your destination.

This past week taxis were lined up at T1 and I used a yellow cab and he used the meter, did not even try to up charge me! I was a little shocked. In Makati all taxis I hailed just used the meter. They did not complain of the short ride from P. Burgos to Powerplant Mall, less than P55.

I believe the threat of death by President Dutere or alternative taxis such as Grab has changed the market.

[Crazy4Thai]

For Salty Pete and Babouy Dave. Thank you both for some great details. I am so glad I posted here to smooth out the wrinkles. I am getting just what I hoped for.

[Wimble]

I've had new Uber drivers who have no idea where they're going, which is why I use Waze on every trip and insist that the driver follow those directions. On Thursday, for example, I had to get to a slightly out of the way address in Marikina, a part of the metro area that I don't know at all. No sweat at all as I just had the driver follow Waze and he took me right to the door; no wrong turns and no wasted time. I did the same thing on the return trip. As I've stated before, I prefer Uber to taxis for a couple of reasons: first, the cars are new (ish) and invariably clean and odor free and second, because should I prove absent minded and leave something in the car, I can always contact the driver and get it returned, as I've had to do on one occasion.

I rarely use taxis anywhere in the metro area these days.

GE.GE,

I use Google maps almost everywhere. Would you happen to know how that compares with Waze in Manila? Maps does flake out in some areas (I assume a bug or virus) but generally good with traffic and routing.

[GoodEnough]

GE,

I use Google maps almost everywhere. Would you happen to know how that compares with Waze in Manila? Maps does flake out in some areas (I assume a bug or virus) but generally good with traffic and routing.Generally, I've had better luck with Waze, though it's been a while since I've used Google Maps here, so I may have missed out on the latest upgrades. Waze works extremely well for me and is quite popular with Filipinos, which means that the traffic information is updated quite frequently.

GE.

[Wimble]

Generally, I've had better luck with Waze, though it's been a while since I've used Google Maps here, so I may have missed out on the latest upgrades. Waze works extremely well for me and is quite popular with Filipinos, which means that the traffic information is updated quite frequently.

GE.GE, thanks for the quick reply. When in Makati, I usually don't need to arrange my own transport or stray far from the hotel. So far I have been quite lucky though I had taxis take routes through some really iffy neighborhoods, worse than the Third Ave bridge in NYC ala Bonfires of the Vanities. Stay safe.

[SaltyPete]

GE,

I use Google maps almost everywhere. Would you happen to know how that compares with Waze in Manila? Maps does flake out in some areas (I assume a bug or virus) but generally good with traffic and routing.Waze is more proactive about scanning for traffic delays and rerouting you. I believe the spottiness you refer to is due to a lack of Internet connectivity, which is required to download geographical data for any navigation app.

[Wimble]

Waze is more proactive about scanning for traffic delays and rerouting you. I believe the spottiness you refer to is due to a lack of Internet connectivity, which is required to download geographical data for any navigation app.In my experience, the traffic estimations (accidents and congestion) and rerouting in Maps have been quite good (and prompt in terms of 4-5 min after an accident slows traffic) in general in the US and parts of Asia and Europe. The only major problem I had was in outside SanFran in rush hour traffic going to a new unfamiliar location. In short, Maps routed me to take every exit, you turn, and get back on the highway over a 10 mile stretch. Only figured it out after pulling over and viewing the whole trip. I suspect google is silently tapping into all android based devices (as some cars are now so equipped) it can, generating the required metrics. Maybe Waze adds a user input layer on top of that. In either case, just curious which one works best in Manila when I need it. Had to sit in traffic too many times.

[Mr Enternational]

For dating apps, I say diversify you hunting grounds and use WeChat and Skout. Nothing lost. Just don't waste time meeting a girl that turns out to be a katoeey (included under the non-heterosexual term "bacla" here).Although I have used other dating apps this is my first time using WeChat even though I have had it on my phone forever. I always forget that I have the apps. It is so easy getting chicks on WeChat here in AC although it is looking like many of them are starting at a ridiculous 2500ST. One did go down to 1500ST yesterday, but seeing that I give that to FL that I meet in the disco for LT, I turned it down. To tell the truth they hunt you so all you have to do is respond to their messages. And skip the small talk. Be blunt about what you want. As far as ladyboys, they usually tell you (or me anyway) early on and ask if it is okay. Just be polite and turn them down same as my encounter this morning.

[GoodEnough]

Although I have used other dating apps this is my first time using WeChat even though I have had it on my phone forever. I always forget that I have the apps. It is so easy getting chicks on WeChat here in AC although it is looking like many of them are starting at a ridiculous 2500ST. One did go down to 1500ST yesterday, but seeing that I give that to FL that I meet in the disco for LT, I turned it down. To tell the truth they hunt you so all you have to do is respond to their messages. And skip the small talk. Be blunt about what you want. As far as ladyboys, they usually tell you (or me anyway) early on and ask if it is okay. Just be polite and turn them down same as my encounter this morning.Thanks for the report. I tried the app a couple of times in Manila, and the response was too overwhelming to deal with. Plus it was difficult to sort the "relationship seekers" from the pros and semi-pros. Glad to hear it works well in Angeles, where I guess the pool is shallower.

GE.

[Sam 14]

Talking to a friend today reminded me of something I meant to mention. He was all pissed off because he's got a gal he's real fond of but her breath is hideous. And the muff munching is great one day but the next time it's a fish market down there. Ever noticed a correlation with bad breath and smelly puss?


<Snip> Phi girls are clean and will always take a shower before and after sex. Also they expect you to do the same. They love bareback sex and consequentially may have any number of STD without knowing. Because it costs money to go to the Doctor and buy medication. Same money can be sent home to support family. Pussy smell is easily noticed and such girls should be avoided.. <Snip> True. But not necessarily to be avoided.


<Snip> So in summing up, a pussy used mainly as a sperm recepticle by many different guys daily = 1 very smelly pussy due to the sperm present and possible multiple diseases present. <Snip> May be true, but that's only one possible reason.


I've seen some girls who do not know how to wipe correctly. Going from back to front is a good way to introduce faeces into her vag and give herself a UTI. Some girls overdo it with the douches and this will mess up her pH; when that's out whack then the opportunistic bugs flourish. Likely culprit is bacterial vaginosis.Dr. Hut is correct. BV is very common in the Philippines. It can be transmitted through sex but in my experience, 0% of unpleasant odor had anything to do with STD. The Phils is the first place I've come across any pussy that I didn't love the smell. And it's happened more than once. But the ones I pick on have never been in a bar, much less worked in one. They are all low mileage. So it's got to be due to something else. They love to use this junk called PH Care. Horrible stuff, loaded with chemicals. But I think it's mostly this; Where else in the world has such a dead food, high sugar, high fat diet? Rice, rice, pasta, pork, colas. The exact opposite of probiotic, living food, good flora. So that bacteria imbalance must be coming out on the back of the tongue and elsewhere.

So I finally had the chance to conduct my experiment. Milton Friedman had Chili to use as his laboratory. I was lucky enough to have a beautiful young Filipina as my subject. I met this one hanging out in the local plaza with a couple friends. She was one of 4 sisters, up from the province, abandoned by their father. Even so, she wasn't easy to get. Only had one Filipino dick in her but the kid popped her, then dumped her the minute he got his pants back on. So it took a few months before she finally came around and we started shagging. So first time I got her pants down, it was. . . Gawd dammit. There's that fucking smell again. WTF? All the way through the panties. I was bummed out. This girl was really hot. But I was getting turned off because by the time she would get to my place she was sweaty already and then that damn smell. Even after a good shower I couldn't eat it, and I love eating pussy. I was starting to get a bad feeling like she was too much of a street girl for my liking. Then with the breath on top of that, I was fixin to dump her. So I grabbed a strip of Metronidazole at the Generic Pharmacy for a whopping 20 pesos. Here Baby, take this please. Stop if you have any bad side effects and balik in 5 days please. Well, I'm happy to report that in 5 days, the breath was sweet as candy, and I was eating that pussy like a rat eats cheese! I had myself a smokin hot little prize.

Just in closing, it is rather odd that any innocent province girl, even a virgin, can have worse vaginal health than her sisters or cousins who air that stuff out allot, even professionally.

[XXL]

They love to use this junk called PH Care. Horrible stuff, loaded with chemicals. But I think it's mostly this; Where else in the world has such a dead food, high sugar, high fat diet? Rice, rice, pasta, pork, colas. The exact opposite of probiotic, living food, good flora. So that bacteria imbalance must be coming out on the back of the tongue and elsewhere.Uhm, you have a point regarding the use of antiseptics that destroy the mouth or vagina flora. I'm not sure about the unhealthy diet though. Girls in Africa have pussies that smell more than OK (my reason for wanting to travel to Africa for sex). Yet the diet in Africa is awful (meat, rice, palm oil, hardly any fruit or vegetables). I wonder whether girls in the Phillipines do not contrive more often than not to work very close to their menstruation. The horrible taste / smell could come from decaying blood. Burk.

Note the more a girl insists on spending ages in the shower before sex, the likelier she has something to hide. Girls in Western Africa usually don't even shower at all before hopping into bed. Their taste and smell is generally a good mix of sweat and pussy juice with a bit of urea&uric acid for good measure.

[Wimble]

Talking to a friend today reminded me of something I meant to mention. He was all pissed off because he's got a gal he's real fond of but her breath is hideous. And the muff munching is great one day but the next time it's a fish market down there. Ever noticed a correlation with bad breath and smelly puss?

True. But not necessarily to be avoided.

May be true, but that's only one possible reason.

Dr. Hut is correct. BV is very common in the Philippines. It can be transmitted through sex but in my experience, 0% of unpleasant odor had anything to do with STD. The Phils is the first place I've come across any pussy that I didn't love the smell. And it's happened more than once. But the ones I pick on have never been in a bar, much less worked in one. They are all low mileage. So it's got to be due to something else. They love to use this junk called PH Care..Who recommended the Metronidazole? There are many possible causes a lab culture could rule out or in. If you keep her long term better to check for STDs. My 2 cents.

[Member #4566]

The Phils is the first place I've come across any pussy that I didn't love the smell. And it's happened more than once. I've come to recognize the smell of UTI. It is common and a couple of doses of antibiotics can usually clear it up. Do her a favor and spring for a visit to a nearby lady MD to confirm and some medicine afterwards.

[Kabul Guy]

I will be returning to the Philippines after a couple years away. This time I will be staying.

In 2014 there was a shortage of cialisis. Apparently there was so much counterfeit stuff around that there was a clamp down and none available.

Has it returned to the stores? I will not buy it on the street.

What does a 5 MG tab cost. I am OK with generic.

FWIW I can get it in the Domician Republic for $US0. 50 in lots of 96 at a time.

[Wicked Roger]

I've come to recognize the smell of UTI. It is common and a couple of doses of antibiotics can usually clear it up. Do her a favor and spring for a visit to a nearby lady MD to confirm and some medicine afterwards.And advise her to stop drinking copious amounts of soda full of sugar that casue many UTIs in pinays. I know one girl a virgin (at the time) who had a UTI and the doctors told her stop drinking 8-10 cans a day and the nasty iced 'tea' and another whose little daughter got it from being fed Coke a lot each day.

Their diet is also to blame in some also but Pomps advice about see a doctor, get fem wash etc is good.

[Wicked Roger]

Whether this is just PAL I am not sure but the many posters previously (myself included) who have noted the appalling systems etc at the main airport will know the radar maintenance is crucial hence the need to reduce inbound planes for a week. So avoid NAIA if you can that week.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/02/17/17/radar-shutdown-to-cause-flight-delays-cancellations-in-march

[Monty5235]

Gents,

Assistance, advice requested.

Have to go to business conference in Manila next week but its based at Novatel in QC.

Been PI many times and know well the score in more central Manila I. E Burgos / Ermita / EDSA / Green belt etc etc but are there bars and mongering joints in QC.

I was told years ago there is a stripping bars there. Any pointers welcomed and I will put up report afterwards.

Thanks.

[GoodEnough]

I will be returning to the Philippines after a couple years away. This time I will be staying.

In 2014 there was a shortage of cialisis. Apparently there was so much counterfeit stuff around that there was a clamp down and none available.

Has it returned to the stores? I will not buy it on the street.

What does a 5 MG tab cost. I am OK with generic.

FWIW I can get it in the Domician Republic for $US0. 50 in lots of 96 at a time.Cialis is available with prescription at any Mercury Drug, though I'm not sure about generic versions. The cost is about $1. 50 per pill as I recall. Generic Viagra is available without a prescription at Mercury as well.

GE.

[Chocha Monger]

Talking to a friend today reminded me of something I meant to mention. He was all pissed off because he's got a gal he's real fond of but her breath is hideous. And the muff munching is great one day but the next time it's a fish market down there. Ever noticed a correlation with bad breath and smelly puss?

Dr. Hut is correct. BV is very common in the Philippines. It can be transmitted through sex but in my experience, 0% of unpleasant odor had anything to do with STD. The Phils is the first place I've come across any pussy that I didn't love the smell. And it's happened more than once. But the ones I pick on have never been in a bar, much less worked in one. They are all low mileage. So it's got to be due to something else. They love to use this junk called PH Care. Horrible stuff, loaded with chemicals. But I think it's mostly this; Where else in the world has such a dead food, high sugar, high fat diet? Rice, rice, pasta, pork, colas. The exact opposite of probiotic, living food, good flora. So that bacteria imbalance must be coming out on the back of the tongue and elsewhere..Yes. There is a correlation between halitosis and stinky pussy due to STDs. Girls will often blowjob an infected dick before getting fucked in the pussy. This means that their throats are often infected along with their pussies in the same or consecutive sexual encounters with the infectious male host. Also, a girl who pays little attention to her oral cavity is likely to pay even less attention to her vaginal cavity. Many poor pinays have mouths full of rotten teeth and this can lead to gingivitis and tonsillitis, the result is foul hot breath.

As for bar girls, blowjob bar girls usually have dragon breath for obvious reasons. Sucking dozens of cocks daily while consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes does not make for a sweet breath. Most customers are too drunk to notice or care and routinely play tonsil hockey and suck on the girls' tongues like long lost lovers. Finally, there are the girls who like ass to mouth.

[Wicked Roger]

Gents,

Assistance, advice requested.

Have to go to business conference in Manila next week but its based at Novatel in QC.

Been PI many times and know well the score in more central Manila I. E Burgos / Ermita / EDSA / Green belt etc etc but are there bars and mongering joints in QC.

I was told years ago there is a stripping bars there. Any pointers welcomed and I will put up report afterwards.

Thanks.Not a bad record, first FR 15th a questions, 2nd FR on same day a question and now this one.

Best you RTFF as this was covered a while back as a few members have had same issues with hotels also.

Or PM.

[SaltyPete]

Cialis is available with prescription at any Mercury Drug, though I'm not sure about generic versions. The cost is about $1. 50 per pill as I recall. Generic Viagra is available without a prescription at Mercury as well.

GE.Does the 'Robust' that Mercury carries have any effect?

I've been getting branded Cialis at Mercury without a prescription, but at a much higher price - $60 for a packet of 14 5 MG pills ($4. 30 per pill). I wish I could get your price, GE; maybe you get a handsum man discount. It was a mall shop so perhaps they charge more. I'd prefer Apcalis, the generic name, to save some costs but Mercury said they did not carry it. Maybe something was lost in translation.

[WestCoast1]

Sucking dozens of cocks daily while consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes does not make for a sweet breath. Most customers are too drunk to notice or care and routinely play tonsil hockey and suck on the girls' tongues like long lost lovers. Finally, there are the girls who like ass to mouth.MISTER romance!

[Wimble]

As for bar girls, blowjob bar girls usually have dragon breath for obvious reasons. Sucking dozens of cocks daily while consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes does not make for a sweet breath. Most customers are too drunk to notice or care and routinely play tonsil hockey and suck on the girls' tongues like long lost lovers. Finally, there are the girls who like ass to mouth.And brushing actually increases the risk of infection.

[GoodEnough]

Does the 'Robust' that Mercury carries have any effect?

I've been getting branded Cialis at Mercury without a prescription, but at a much higher price - $60 for a packet of 14 5 MG pills ($4. 30 per pill). I wish I could get your price, GE; maybe you get a handsum man discount. It was a mall shop so perhaps they charge more. I'd prefer Apcalis, the generic name, to save some costs but Mercury said they did not carry it. Maybe something was lost in translation.I have a prescription, and I typically buy 30 at a time at a price of just about Php2,200. Been doing this for a couple of years and I do not think the price has increased, though I haven't bought any in a few weeks. I use one of two larger, free standing Mercury stores very close to my house in Davao, so I don't know if prices increase in the malls due to higher rents. Believe me, if I can get a "hansum man" discount, pretty much anyone can. Perhaps they feel sorry for me because I'm elderly and in obvious need of the help.

I did try the Robust a few years ago and don't remember that it did much for me.

GE.

[Cbear13]

OK so maybe this might be dumb questions, but I need to ask. So I normally use my own cellphone in central and south america and it works fine. But I don't know if it will work in the Philippines. Plus a little more afraid to walk around with my Iphone & plus out. So I been looking at maybe getting a cheap phone of ebay to take with. That I can possible get a sim card there for. Does this normally work out. Or is there other options that I can do.

Thanks for the help.

[Member #4558]

OK so maybe this might be dumb questions, but I need to ask. So I normally use my own cellphone in central and south america and it works fine. But I don't know if it will work in the Philippines. Plus a little more afraid to walk around with my Iphone & plus out. So I been looking at maybe getting a cheap phone of ebay to take with. That I can possible get a sim card there for. Does this normally work out. Or is there other options that I can do.

Thanks for the help.You bring your normal Iphone / Ipads whatever. Works like a charm even in phils. But while mongering or out in public you go to one of the trillion phoneoutlets (located all over the place in manila) buy yourself a secondhand shitphone and a few prepaid loadcards (globe or smart doesn't matter, equal good / bad), a sim and your good to go. Thats your mongerphone. Your Iphone etc you store back at your hotel. If you stay in the upscale areas of Makati you can bring iphone / ipads out as it is safe. But don't bling in squatter areas. Then you will get lifted.

[GoodEnough]

You bring your normal Iphone / Ipads whatever. Works like a charm even in phils. But while mongering or out in public you go to one of the trillion phoneoutlets (located all over the place in manila) buy yourself a secondhand shitphone and a few prepaid loadcards (globe or smart doesn't matter, equal good / bad), a sim and your good to go. Thats your mongerphone. Your Iphone etc you store back at your hotel. If you stay in the upscale areas of Makati you can bring iphone / ipads out as it is safe. But don't bling in squatter areas. Then you will get lifted.In general, this is sound advice, but the need for a second phone really depends on where you will be spending time. I carry my iPhone 7 Plus virtually all of the time, but my travels in the Manila area are generally limited to Makati, BGC and Ortigas, all of which are very safe areas. I live in Davao, all of which is a very safe area, so again I never worry. When I was in Cebu recently I was warned by hotel staff not to "flash" my phone around, so I kept it buried in a front pocket with my hand always on it, and was careful to take Uber cars to within a few meters of my destinations. Same precautions should (in my opinion) be taken in Angeles, where a friend of mine was robbed of this iPhone within 30 meters of the ABC Hotel. If you're going to be using what passes for public transportation here, such as jeepneys or, in Manila, the MRT, then I'd advise getting a cheap second phone as armed robbery and pick pocketing are recurrent possibilities. If you're going to take Uber, Grab Sedan or taxis, then you should experience little risk.

GE.

[Cbear13]

In general, this is sound advice, but the need for a second phone really depends on where you will be spending time. I carry my iPhone 7 Plus virtually all of the time, but my travels in the Manila area are generally limited to Makati, BGC and Ortigas, all of which are very safe areas. I live in Davao, all of which is a very safe area, so again I never worry. When I was in Cebu recently I was warned by hotel staff not to "flash" my phone around, so I kept it buried in a front pocket with my hand always on it, and was careful to take Uber cars to within a few meters of my destinations. Same precautions should (in my opinion) be taken in Angeles, where a friend of mine was robbed of this iPhone within 30 meters of the ABC Hotel. If you're going to be using what passes for public transportation here, such as jeepneys or, in Manila, the MRT, then I'd advise getting a cheap second phone as armed robbery and pick pocketing are recurrent possibilities. If you're going to take Uber, Grab Sedan or taxis, then you should experience little risk.

GE.Thanks for both of the advice. When I get there. I will try to find a little place to get a shit phone from that I can take with me. I plan the first day or two to be in Manila or Markati. But then will spend the rest of my time in AC. I just booked over at Score Birds. So I will at least take the shit phone out. When I hit the streets or the clubs. I just don't want to lose stuff like my phone, laptop or go pro.

[Dg8787]

OK so maybe this might be dumb questions, but I need to ask. So I normally use my own cellphone in central and south america and it works fine. But I don't know if it will work in the Philippines. Plus a little more afraid to walk around with my Iphone & plus out. So I been looking at maybe getting a cheap phone of ebay to take with. That I can possible get a sim card there for. Does this normally work out. Or is there other options that I can do.

Thanks for the help.You have gotten some good advice here. I will suggest the following for you as this is your virgin Phil trip.

Bring your iPhone and iPad but do not take out of your room. Keep it in the safe. Unless you are willing to risk losing all your info and contacts on them.

Download Magic Jack app on your iPhone and iPad for free. This will allow you to make free VOIP calls to USA and Canada.

You can buy an inexpensive unlocked cell phone on Amazon for less than $70. Amazon has a Blu R1 HD cp for $59 that works excellent. You will need a CP that works on GSM. GSM is used in most foreign countries. You can save this phone for future use or give it to you best performer when you leave. This phone is duo sim so you can have both Smart and Globe cell provider at the same time.

I personally have a separate iPhone for Phil purposes only. BTW, you can get used IP 4's or 5's relatively cheap if not free from friends who have upgraded and the old phones are just sitting in a drawer.

[Hutsori]

Does the 'Robust' that Mercury carries have any effect?

I've been getting branded Cialis at Mercury without a prescription, but at a much higher price - $60 for a packet of 14 5 MG pills ($4. 30 per pill). I wish I could get your price, GE; maybe you get a handsum man discount. It was a mall shop so perhaps they charge more. I'd prefer Apcalis, the generic name, to save some costs but Mercury said they did not carry it. Maybe something was lost in translation.Robust is not a medicine. It is a supplement. The ingredients are horny goat weed, epimedium, L-arginine, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. Cialis, viagra, and the like are medicines; the active ingredient is sildenafil or other drug of similar properties. In the Philippines these are to be dispensed with a doctor's prescription. This being the Philippines, drugs may be obtained w/o a prescription on a case-by-case basis; it's up to the whims of the person behind the counter. There are a few things one may do to increase one's chance of success.

You may want to read this http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?3632-The-Viagra-Dialogue-Buying-medicine-for-your-cock for more info of the generic names and where to buy.

[GoodEnough]

Thanks for both of the advice. When I get there. I will try to find a little place to get a shit phone from that I can take with me. I plan the first day or two to be in Manila or Markati. But then will spend the rest of my time in AC. I just booked over at Score Birds. So I will at least take the shit phone out. When I hit the streets or the clubs. I just don't want to lose stuff like my phone, laptop or go pro.You can buy cheap phones almost anywhere here. If you're in the Makati area, Glorietta has lots of stalls and stores that sell them. Stay away from the guys on Burgos Street who will want to sell you counterfeit Samsungs and iPhones.

GE.

[Wimble]

Thanks for both of the advice. When I get there. I will try to find a little place to get a shit phone from that I can take with me. I plan the first day or two to be in Manila or Markati..


In general, this is sound advice, but the need for a second phone really depends on where you will be spending time.


You have gotten some good advice here. I will suggest the following for you as this is your virgin Phil trip.I personally have a separate iPhone for Phil purposes only. BTW, you can get used IP 4's or 5's relatively cheap if not free from friends who have upgraded and the old phones are just sitting in a drawer.Cbear,

Your plan to buy on site is better if you are not familiar with the global wireless networks. In general, many countries are slowly phasing out 2 G. It is almost gone in the US. Some of phones use to go pretty much USA / Europe / Asia (ex Japan / Korea) cannot do so anymore. LTE and 3 G are the way to go. If you get a European phone, you are pretty safe. US phones are more problematic. 6 P, OP3, ZTE, and some old Nokias were as close as you can get to global. I have a couple cheap global for USD35-70 when they are on sale. I am for the LTE bands so I can tether locally when wired internet is spotty.

If your budget permits, get an LTE one. If it works in PI, it will most likely work in the other countries in Asian you might visit for your safaris.

[GoodEnough]

Just got blocked for the first time in the Philippines, when I tried to access Craigslist from here in Davao. Then I switched on my VPN and accessed the site with no problem. Guess the government is serious about blocking certain sites, lest videoing them lead to an upsurge in (GASP) promiscuity.

GE.

[Cbear13]

Cbear,

Your plan to buy on site is better if you are not familiar with the global wireless networks. In general, many countries are slowly phasing out 2 G. It is almost gone in the US. Some of phones use to go pretty much USA / Europe / Asia (ex Japan / Korea) cannot do so anymore. LTE and 3 G are the way to go. If you get a European phone, you are pretty safe. US phones are more problematic. 6 P, OP3, ZTE, and some old Nokias were as close as you can get to global. I have a couple cheap global for USD35-70 when they are on sale. I am for the LTE bands so I can tether locally when wired internet is spotty.

If your budget permits, get an LTE one. If it works in PI, it will most likely work in the other countries in Asian you might visit for your safaris.OK good to know. I was looking at the one on amazon for 59.00. Which seemed pretty good besides for their ads that would be on the phone. I am thinking of staying my first night in Markati. Since I keep hearing a lot about club royal. So I will try to get into the market and grab a phone. I am now trying to learn the dollar amount there. In central and South America it's a bit easy with the peso there. But here I don't know it yet. LOL. I sound so dam green going here.

[GoodEnough]

OK good to know. I was looking at the one on amazon for 59.00. Which seemed pretty good besides for their ads that would be on the phone. I am thinking of staying my first night in Markati. Since I keep hearing a lot about club royal. So I will try to get into the market and grab a phone. I am now trying to learn the dollar amount there. In central and South America it's a bit easy with the peso there. But here I don't know it yet. LOL. I sound so dam green going here.It's admirable to do some homework and to try to be prepared, but you may be overthinking this trip. Once you get on the ground, I think you'll find it's a lot easier and less confusing than you anticipate, and that just going with the flow will get you pretty much everything you need.

As far as I know, all SIM cards available here accept everything from 2 G to LTE, and once here you will experience the full spectrum depending on where you are at a given moment. Most hotels and many if not most restaurants and coffee shops have free wifi and staying connected doesn't present much of a problem in most urban areas. If you do plan to travel extensively, getting a phone that accepts 2 sims might be a good idea as the quality of service varies a lot between cities. In Davao, for example, I think Smart has FR better coverage than Globe, whereas in Cebu the converse is true. In Manila, it doesn't seem to matter much.

GE.

[Cbear13]

It's admirable to do some homework and to try to be prepared, but you may be overthinking this trip. Once you get on the ground, I think you'll find it's a lot easier and less confusing than you anticipate, and that just going with the flow will get you pretty much everything you need.

As far as I know, all SIM cards available here accept everything from 2 G to LTE, and once here you will experience the full spectrum depending on where you are at a given moment. Most hotels and many if not most restaurants and coffee shops have free wifi and staying connected doesn't present much of a problem in most urban areas. If you do plan to travel extensively, getting a phone that accepts 2 sims might be a good idea as the quality of service varies a lot between cities. In Davao, for example, I think Smart has FR better coverage than Globe, whereas in Cebu the converse is true. In Manila, it doesn't seem to matter much.

GE.You are probably right. I am more then likely over thinking things. I just never like to not be prepared. Or in a situation I can't figure out. I am now just excited to get there and experience everything. Most of my time will be in AC. So from there I think I should run into people who can always give me tips and pointers.

[BushRusher]

YSo from there I think I should run into people who can always give me tips and pointers.Part of the fun in traveling / hunting is exploring, making mistakes, and enjoying the unexpected.

[WestCoast1]

You are probably right. I am more then likely over thinking things. I just never like to not be prepared. Or in a situation I can't figure out. I am now just excited to get there and experience everything. Most of my time will be in AC. So from there I think I should run into people who can always give me tips and pointers.As a previous gent reported, AC runs by itself. Its almost designed to let the punter roam and learn the ropes. Walk in and out of many bars. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and the smells (so many). Relax the days away and get laid a bunch. You will make mistakes, none are terrible, learn from them. File some reports. Its a learning experience every time I go.

[Cbear13]

As a previous gent reported, AC runs by itself. Its almost designed to let the punter roam and learn the ropes. Walk in and out of many bars. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and the smells (so many). Relax the days away and get laid a bunch. You will make mistakes, none are terrible, learn from them. File some reports. Its a learning experience every time I go.Thanks. I have seen all your post of the years. I have been trying to learn from all the stuff you have gone through over the years.

[Omega 3]

As a previous gent reported, AC runs by itself. Its almost designed to let the punter roam and learn the ropes. Walk in and out of many bars. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and the smells (so many). Relax the days away and get laid a bunch. You will make mistakes, none are terrible, learn from them. File some reports. Its a learning experience every time I go.Well said, Westy.

P.S. CB, we know that you surely won't run amok while here, but just a little generic friendly advice for newbies (could apply anywhere for that matter). Be low key and amiable, and the world generally will smile with you and help you. Don't get "falling down drunk" and don't act "stupidly". Don't flash a lot of cash or bling, and don't walk down any dark alleys. Avoid belligerence. Politely avoid any potential confrontation, just not worth it. Don't try to bully or beat up anyone, especially not small skinny trike drivers. Remember that the Phils was a Spanish colony for 400 years, and that Latin hot blood can be inflamed by perceived insult or confrontation.

Join us all in relaxing and enjoying the adventure!

OM.

[BeachBoy46]

Yes. There is a correlation between halitosis and stinky pussy due to STDs. Girls will often blowjob an infected dick before getting fucked in the pussy. This means that their throats are often infected along with their pussies in the same or consecutive sexual encounters with the infectious male host. Also, a girl who pays little attention to her oral cavity is likely to pay even less attention to her vaginal cavity. Many poor pinays have mouths full of rotten teeth and this can lead to gingivitis and tonsillitis, the result is foul hot breath.

As for bar girls, blowjob bar girls usually have dragon breath for obvious reasons. Sucking dozens of cocks daily while consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes does not make for a sweet breath. Most customers are too drunk to notice or care and routinely play tonsil hockey and suck on the girls' tongues like long lost lovers. Finally, there are the girls who like ass to mouth.Procreating Filipno Style. Ahh, aint love grand.

[Ikksman]

Yes. There is a correlation between halitosis and stinky pussy due to STDs. Girls will often blowjob an infected dick before getting fucked in the pussy. This means that their throats are often infected along with their pussies in the same or consecutive sexual encounters with the infectious male host. Also, a girl who pays little attention to her oral cavity is likely to pay even less attention to her vaginal cavity. Many poor pinays have mouths full of rotten teeth and this can lead to gingivitis and tonsillitis, the result is foul hot breath.{S N I P}..There is a correlation between halitosis and stinky pussy but the most common fishy variety is unlikely to be caused by STDs. If the odour is of the fishy variety it could be caused be a genetic condition called TMAU. It can be mild or severe in its symptoms and is far too complicated to describe here (and I am not a doctor, so could not do the subject justice anyway).

Washing the vagina and using mouth washes etc will only temporarily reduce the odour a bit for a few hours. If you then engage in lusty, sweaty sex, the smell will return as bad as ever in minutes.

Why is this genetic condition (recessive gene?) more prevalent in the PI (and I have no idea whether or not this is true)? I don't know. There is a recessive gene that is more common in Chinese and Korean girls that results in little or no pubic hair (the girls are called white tigers). Now that's a subject I have done a lot of research on (read my many posts on the topic on the China forum)!

I had a Pinay GF (16 years ago) who would get fishy smell sometimes, and particularly during menstruation. A doctor that I knew (actually she was a radiologist) recommended restricting intake of milk, soy and lecithin products, taking B2 supplements, and using a soap with a Ph of 5.5 to 6.5. Worked like a charm.

If you're pinay SYT has a fishy odour, there are (female) doctors who can assist rid or reduce the odours, even if they are only present during their menstrual periods. There are also tests for TMAU, but there is no permanent cure for the condition.

Anyway, this reminds me of an old joke Adam and Eve joke where God see Adam sitting alone under the proverbial apple tree. When Adam tells God that he has just had sex with Eve and that she is down in the river washing herself, God goes berserk, throwing thunder and lightning everywhere. Eventually he calms down a bit and says "Now we will never get the smell out of the fish!

Ikks.

[GoodEnough]

You couldn't make this kind of stuff up if you tried: http://k2.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/20/17/cebu-pacific-philippine-airlines-announce-cancellations.

Trying to remember if I've ever heard of another country that had to shut down part of its antiquated radar network.

GE.

[Wimble]

OK good to know. I was looking at the one on amazon for 59.00. Which seemed pretty good besides for their ads that would be on the phone. I am thinking of staying my first night in Markati. Since I keep hearing a lot about club royal. So I will try to get into the market and grab a phone. I am now trying to learn the dollar amount there. In central and South America it's a bit easy with the peso there. But here I don't know it yet. LOL. I sound so dam green going here.If you really want a global phone working out of the box with little fuss, there is the Moto G4 Play for around 99 on sale. Reason is new model is coming out. It only has one SIM but it can do all of the US. The specs are good if you want to give to your yet-to-be-found-PI-GF.

[BrainDrain]

I was interested to here that in the streets of pinoy land that a gay guy (born a male, living as a woman) if they don't have a regular partner will pay a straight pinoy (male) P70 for them to have sex with them.

That's right, in regular Philippines those lady boys usually have to pay for the lads to fuck them.

Amazing.

[BushRusher]

You couldn't make this kind of stuff up if you tried: http://k2.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/20/17/cebu-pacific-philippine-airlines-announce-cancellations.

Trying to remember if I've ever heard of another country that had to shut down part of its antiquated radar network.

GE.No, they just turn off the landing beacon; as what SFO did for several months. Dooh. Actually think the traffic will be handled by two other radar systems. HKG just has planes disappearing off their monitors for a while. No big deal I head. But I am going OMG! Thank goodness there are collision avoidance systems and VFR. IMHO, ignorance is bliss.

[Omega 3]

I was interested to here that in the streets of pinoy land that a gay guy (born a male, living as a woman) if they don't have a regular partner will pay a straight pinoy (male) P70 for them to have sex with them.

That's right, in regular Philippines those lady boys usually have to pay for the lads to fuck them.

Amazing.Reminds me that, not too long ago (in the life of a giant Sequoia) the going rate in the cribs along the first set of railroad tracks outside of Osan AB reportedly was 50 cents for ST for ROK troops. Also, have never been there, but someone once told me that rates for ST in the "monkey cages" in Bombay (Mumbai) were unbelievably cheap. Refreshing to see or hear about true market prices for such a plentiful commodity.

Makes you wonder what the rates are for straight ST in squatter areas in the Phils?

Academic curiosity / research only.

OM.

P.S. The best agreed-upon rate I have found here in the Phils was P300, plus meals, for 24-hour GFE for attractive female companions in the provinces. Not counting, of course, the many "freebies" here and there along the way.

[Member #4471]

Hey C4 T.

Seems to me like you've received plenty of very sound advice from GE, reading his response I found myself agreeing with the most of it, so I will try to only add my point of view where I can.

Dave.Hello,

Thank you for the great Info!

Like Crazy4 Thai, I too have been planning my first trip the PI and for most of my planning I went back to September 2016 and read every post in the General, Makati, Manila and Manila Hotel threads to date (what I'm trying to say is that I have done my homework like a good form member). It's funny that C4 T's plan is very similar to mine. I arrive with a couple other guys on 1 March and leave 5 March, and this is our first time. The information C4 T received from SaltyPete, BaboyDave, GoodEnough and others answered nearly all my questions; however, I still have just a few more. I would like to post a couple here; however, I would like to know if it's okay to PM some of you guys or you can PM your answers to me. I will be staying in Passy at the Golden Phoenix Hotel and I'm not sure if it's guest friendly or not (if not, it's too late because if I cancel I will not get a refund, should have thought of that before). I know Passy is not the best are to stay to monger, but it just has to be that way. I can explain later in a PM because the reason might compromise my other two friends' ID. If I find a girl in Makati or another place away from Passy, would it be a real pain in the ass to commute back to my room in Passy or would it be better to just get a cheap room in that area for one night. I'm not sure about the whole overnight thing too, maybe just a lot of S / T action. We are planning a day / overnight trip to AC on Friday, not sure if it's worth spending the time to go, but this will most likely be my only time to come to the PI and it's just one of those "must see once things" people tell me. I was lucky to find a small window to break away from home (ball and chain) in Seoul Korea (I retired from the Army couple years ago here). Besides the advice you gave C4 T, any other tips you can give will be very much appreciated. I will give full FRs and I will also include FRs that did not go well so other new comers and learn from my mistakes.

I also would like to say thank you to the PI form seniors for running a fare site. In addition to the members I named above, Wicked Roger and WestCoast1 have helped with my research to (sorry if I left anyone else out). I say this because in Korea the information is very closely guarded sent via PM. It's hard for foreigners to monger here and when we find a foreigner friendly place and post it, it will get overrun and it will soon stop letting foreigners in or shut down. I know this is not the case here, so I will follow-up with FRs while there and when I return.

One last thing, I know you hear this a lot, but we would be cool to meet and have a beer (on us).

Thank you,

V / R.

LM.

[X Man]

Pasay isn't such a bad place. New establishments are constantly opening around the Mall of Asia (Golden phoenix for example). If you get tired of the mall, take a walk around. Also consider a visit to the nearby Baclaran Market. Very colourful place, but a bit crowded. And in the evening you are near EDSA Entertainment. Some great gals there and some will stay overnight. Warning. You can save a bit of money by walking down the street a bit from EDSA and avoid the taxi's that are directly in front of the front door.

Pasay is also roughly in between Ermita (LA Cafe) and Makati (Burgos).

I've never found a good money changer in Pasay.

AC? Well, you don't have much time. But if you decide to go, take a taxi. It will save you time and the cost is quite reasonable when split between three. I've paid 2 k plus tolls. Maybe the driver expects more because of the extra weight of three people, so you'll probably pay a bit more.

Have fun. X Man.



SNIP
I will be staying in Passy at the Golden Phoenix Hotel and I'm not sure if it's guest friendly or not (if not, it's too late because if I cancel I will not get a refund, should have thought of that before). I know Passy is not the best are to stay to monger, but it just has to be that way. I can explain later in a PM because the reason might compromise my other two friends' ID. If I find a girl in Makati or another place away from Passy, would it be a real pain in the ass to commute back to my room in Passy or would it be better to just get a cheap room in that area for one night.

SNIP

LM.

[GoodEnough]

Hello,

Thank you for the great Info!

Like Crazy4 Thai, I too have been planning my first trip the PI and for most of my planning I went back to September 2016 and read every post in the General, Makati, Manila and Manila Hotel threads to date (what I'm trying to say is that I have done my homework like a good form member). It's funny that C4 T's plan is very similar to mine. I arrive with a couple other guys on 1 March and leave 5 March, and this is our first time. The information C4 T received from SaltyPete, BaboyDave, GoodEnough and others answered nearly all my questions; however, I still have just a few more. I would like to post a couple here; however, I would like to know if it's okay to PM some of you guys or you can PM your answers to me. I will be staying in Passy at the Golden Phoenix Hotel and I'm not sure if it's guest friendly or not (if not, it's too late because if I cancel I will not get a refund, should have thought of that before). I know Passy is not the best are to stay to monger, but it just has to be that way. I can explain later in a PM because the reason might compromise my other two friends' ID. If I find a girl in Makati or another place away from Passy, would it be a real pain in the ass to commute back to my room in Passy or would it be better to just get a cheap room in that area for one night. I'm not sure about the whole overnight thing too, maybe just a lot of S / T action. We are planning a day / overnight trip to AC on Friday, not sure if it's worth spending the time to go, but this will most likely be my only time to come to the PI and it's just one of those "must see once things" people tell me. I was lucky to find a small window to break away from home (ball and chain) in Seoul Korea (I retired from the Army couple years ago here). Besides the advice you gave C4 T, any other tips you can give will be very much appreciated. I will give full FRs and I will also include FRs that did not go well so other new comers and learn from my mistakes.

I also would like to say thank you to the PI form seniors for running a fare site. In addition to the members I named above, Wicked Roger and WestCoast1 have helped with my research to (sorry if I left anyone else out). I say this because in Korea the information is very closely guarded sent via PM. It's hard for foreigners to monger here and when we find a foreigner friendly place and post it, it will get overrun and it will soon stop letting foreigners in or shut down. I know this is not the case here, so I will follow-up with FRs while there and when I return.

One last thing, I know you hear this a lot, but we would be cool to meet and have a beer (on us).

Thank you,

V / R.

LM.I think XMan has given you some sound advice. However, assuming you're going to move around chasing women mainly at night, I wouldn't worry too much about the distance between Pasay and Makati or Ermita. It's a quite doable trip starting usually about 7:30 or 8 PM via taxi, Uber, Grab Sedan or whatever. If this is your first trip, you will probably want to visit Burgos St. , Edsa Complex and perhaps LA Café. If you have time, and if your inclination runs more to freelancers, you might want to check out Havana Café in Greenbelt as well. You could start there with dinner or a beer or two, and then move on to Burgos (10-15 minutes away) if you found nothing to your liking at Havana. Havana is the central point of a fairly large square that's chock full of freelancers most evenings.

If you're only going to Angeles for one night, I don't think it's worth the trip. You will spend more on transportation than you will save in the costs of female company and the girls in Manila are probably better looking in any case. If you had at least two nights then, in my opinion, it might be worth it.

If you're going to be with two other guys, and you're all going to bar fine from the same bar on Burgos, you might be able to bargain a bit on the bar fine. I travel solo as a rule, so I've never tried that, but I'm guessing some bars--Kojax and Plan be particularly--might go for it.

No problems on this end with PMs, and given that you've done your homework, I doubt many other guys would mind either.

Have a great trip.

GE.

[Member #4471]

Pasay isn't such a bad place. New establishments are constantly opening around the Mall of Asia (Golden phoenix for example). If you get tired of the mall, take a walk around. Also consider a visit to the nearby Baclaran Market. Very colourful place, but a bit crowded. And in the evening you are near EDSA Entertainment. Some great gals there and some will stay overnight. Warning. You can save a bit of money by walking down the street a bit from EDSA and avoid the taxi's that are directly in front of the front door.

Pasay is also roughly in between Ermita (LA Cafe) and Makati (Burgos).

I've never found a good money changer in Pasay.

AC? Well, you don't have much time. But if you decide to go, take a taxi. It will save you time and the cost is quite reasonable when split between three. I've paid 2 k plus tolls. Maybe the driver expects more because of the extra weight of three people, so you'll probably pay a bit more.

Have fun. X Man.Xman,

That is good advise and I did find service to get us to AC in a van if we do go. Passy sounds more promising.

Thanks again,

LM.

[SaltyPete]

Hello,

I will be staying in Passy at the Golden Phoenix Hotel and I'm not sure if it's guest friendly or not (if not, it's too late because if I cancel I will not get a refund, should have thought of that before). I know Passy is not the best are to stay to monger, but it just has to be that way. I can explain later in a PM because the reason might compromise my other two friends' ID. If I find a girl in Makati or another place away from Passy, would it be a real pain in the ass to commute back to my room in Passy or would it be better to just get a cheap room in that area for one night. I'm not sure about the whole overnight thing too, maybe just a lot of S / T action.
LM.As a general rule, most hotels in the PI are girl friendly. You should book for two if you expect breakfast buffet company (apparently, you don't). To be sure, just call the hotel and ask what their over night guest policy is. I sometimes think the male staff is disappointed if I don't return with a different girl every night. Expect them to look or hold her ID which IMHO is not a bad thing; to play it safe, you may want to tip the security guy to scrutinize the ID. Conventional Wisdom says that girls who works in EDSA / Burgos Bars are age-checked. That is just not true, and IDs are easily faked / borrowed / stolen.

You location is convenient to both EDSA Entertainment (5-10 minutes away, expect the driver to ask for php100 but actually fare is closer to php50); and Makati if you travel after rush hour (20-60 minutes, LOL). LA Café is convenient as well. No need to get a short time hotel in Makati since rush hour will mostly be over by that time. Each venue is entertaining for 2-3 nights. The main drag about EDSA is that the bars are all under the same roof so it is awkward see the previous night's girl waving at you as you fish for another catch.

Include me in the consensus that travel to AC is not worth it for one night.

[Mua Tur]

Pasay isn't such a bad place.
....
I've never found a good money changer in Pasay.
...
Have fun. X Man.Are you sure about that?

Just opposite of Edsa Entertainment Complex there are a money changing booth provides rate as same as provided in airport. There some bars also exists catering to locals including girls.

In the Level 3 just right side building of Taft Ave Mrt there are some money changers provides good rate. I found better than airport rate or any other in Pasay. The pain on the ass is to reach the place we may find the path is complicated just a kind of harassment.

[BushRusher]

If I find a girl in Makati or another place away from Passy, would it be a real pain in the ass to commute back to my room in Passy or would it be better to just get a cheap room in that area for one night. I'm not sure about the whole overnight thing too,Obviously, traffic can be bad depending on the hours you will be travelling. If you plan to do different girls, it can get expensive and time consuming if you are not staying closer to where you plan to hunt. RTFF. Most that plan to meet multiple, book a place close to where they plan to hunt; if that is the primary purpose of their visit.

[NewImage]

As a general rule, most hotels in the PI are girl friendly. You should book for two if you expect breakfast buffet company (apparently, you don't). To be sure, just call the hotel and ask what their over night guest policy is. I sometimes think the male staff is disappointed if I don't return with a different girl every night. Expect them to look or hold her ID which IMHO is not a bad thing; to play it safe, you may want to tip the security guy to scrutinize the ID. Conventional Wisdom says that girls who works in EDSA / Burgos Bars are age-checked. That is just not true, and IDs are easily faked / borrowed / stolen.Include me in the consensus that travel to AC is not worth it for one night.Hi guys going in June / July. Mate wants to do manila before we push on to other places. EDSA will suffice for 1 night. Last time I was there I think 4000 was ST price. Would appreciate update.

[Member #4471]

Include me in the consensus that travel to AC is not worth it for one night.SP,

I agree, we are going to ditch the idea of going to AC for such a short visit.

Thank you,

LM.