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BrainDrain
02-26-17, 11:14
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.
I got this ride for P1000 + P200 tolls this weekend. As I was approaching 5* I was approached with the offer as the driver was returning home to Pampanga.

SaltyPete
02-26-17, 15:52
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.As of January '17. Php1950-2000 for barfine. ST 2000-3000. LT 3500-4000.

BaddHabbit
02-26-17, 16:54
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-marchI'm flying through (to Cebu) on the 3rd, and back out on the 12th. Meant to be! Unless, of course, those are Filipino work dates, in which case I'm screwed on the way back out.

GoodEnough
02-26-17, 23:45
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-marchIt affects Cebu Pacific too. Both airlines have already announced the cancellation of several flights during that period. Since things here rarely occur on schedule, I'm guessing that the radar may be shut down for longer than the planned period.

GE.

BusyDiver
02-27-17, 04:36
Heading to Puerta Galera (Sabang) mid March for a week of diving. Any advice on the social scene and bars to check out. I know I cannot compare to AC but any advice previous tips will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Omega 3
02-28-17, 04:55
It affects Cebu Pacific too. Both airlines have already announced the cancellation of several flights during that period. Since things here rarely occur on schedule, I'm guessing that the radar may be shut down for longer than the planned period.

GE.This is truly "off the wall", but some locals are abuzz with the "prediction" of a major (7.2) earthquake hitting Metro Manila during the first half of March 2017, because of "planetary alignment. ".

In which case, NAIA radar may be shut down even longer!

OM.

KongKing
02-28-17, 10:53
Heading to Puerta Galera (Sabang) mid March for a week of diving. Any advice on the social scene and bars to check out. Thanks.Hi BusyDiver, you may have been too busy to check the forums but if you go to "Other Areas" you will find many comprehensive reports about Sabang in the last many months. I suggest you take a look at these posts:

Greenbud 12-21-16 #2348.

Jaytee3650 10-29-16 #2348.

EngineDriver 9-24-16 #2342 and #2341.

Tomash 9-16-16 #2340.

Sober1 7-25-16 #2338.

Achmmc 07-03-16 #2330.

Goferring 06-22-16 #2328.

Plus others.

If all that doesn't satisfy you then post your specific questions.

Then after you have visited Sabang we will look forward to your field report (in the Other Areas thread) extending the pool of knowedge and information.

Wicked Roger
02-28-17, 16:38
Hi BusyDiver, you may have been too busy to check the forums but if you go to "Other Areas" you will find many comprehensive reports about Sabang in the last many months. I suggest you take a look at these posts:

Then after you have visited Sabang we will look forward to your field report (in the Other Areas thread) extending the pool of knowedge and information.He was busy as he did 4 FRs in 2011 KK and now this one, he is another manager as all FRs are questions and nothing to contribute about anything despite all the questions.

NewImage
02-28-17, 22:46
Heading to Puerta Galera (Sabang) mid March for a week of diving. Any advice on the social scene and bars to check out. I know I cannot compare to AC but any advice previous tips will be appreciated.
Thanks.Mainly for divers, not much to do except dive, some bars, you prob will be disappointed as you said about 1/50th like AC. Unless you dive can't really see point in going when better options other places. But YVMD.

BusyDiver
03-02-17, 05:28
Thanks for the site info and I will post a report when I return the end of March.


Hi BusyDiver, you may have been too busy to check the forums but if you go to "Other Areas" you will find many comprehensive reports about Sabang in the last many months. I suggest you take a look at these posts:

Greenbud 12-21-16 #2348.

Jaytee3650 10-29-16 #2348.

EngineDriver 9-24-16 #2342 and #2341.

Tomash 9-16-16 #2340..

Eszpresszo
03-02-17, 07:23
My friends, please pardon me if this is a bit vague, but I am trying to get a handle on travel to, from and within the Philippines. I am planning an extensive trip through SE Asia and departing from the Southwest US. Apologies to mongers coming from Oz or Europe, but you have your own conveniences and inconveniences getting there, right? Anywhere else, you fly into the main international airport: FRA, BKK, KUL and you take it from there. Train, bus car and it's simple enough. Seems PI is not so simple. Like Indonesia, this archipelago of islands complicates travel by its layout. Unless you live on the west coast of the US, most Americans will not have a shot at a direct flight into MNL. Some of the connections to MNL are ridiculous. A plane change at HNL and then another in Guam, as you zigzag around the Pacific in the most indirect path.

It's not much better once in Asia. It has occurred to me that some of us will do better to fly into other major airport and other nations and fly onto the Philippines from there. However, my ideal journey is going to take me around SE Asia, not just in and out. I have found you cannot just fly between CRK and PNH, with the same ease and economy with which you could go to Chiang Mai from Kuala Lumpur. And from what I can discern, the infrastructure of PI doesn't make ground transport something to look forward to.

So, I would appreciate some ideas from members who have flown around, learned the logistics, and found the least path of resistance. Do any of you suggest any cities in Asia best used for hubs for international travel? Any particular airlines that I should look into, that will get me between the PI and other points in Asia economically? I am sure somebody else has dealt with this before. I suspect that a multitude of mongers have had that dilemma: how do I got from Angeles City to Pattaya?

Omega 3
03-02-17, 11:18
This is truly "off the wall", but some locals are abuzz with the "prediction" of a major (7.2) earthquake hitting Metro Manila during the first half of March 2017, because of "planetary alignment. ".

In which case, NAIA radar may be shut down even longer!

OM.Because of the "planetary alignment" of course!

OM.

BaboyDave
03-02-17, 22:11
My friends, please pardon me if this is a bit vague, but I am trying to get a handle on travel to, from and within the Philippines. I am planning an extensive trip through SE Asia and departing from the Southwest US. Apologies to mongers coming from Oz or Europe, but you have your own conveniences and inconveniences getting there, right? Anywhere else, you fly into the main international airport: FRA, BKK, KUL and you take it from there. Train, bus car and it's simple enough. Seems PI is not so simple. Like Indonesia, this archipelago of islands complicates travel by its layout. Unless you live on the west coast of the US, most Americans will not have a shot at a direct flight into MNL. Some of the connections to MNL are ridiculous. A plane change at HNL and then another in Guam, as you zigzag around the Pacific in the most indirect path.

It's not much better once in Asia. It has occurred to me that some of us will do better to fly into other major airport and other nations and fly onto the Philippines from there. However, my ideal journey is going to take me around SE Asia, not just in and out. I have found you cannot just fly between CRK and PNH, with the same ease and economy with which you could go to Chiang Mai from Kuala Lumpur. And from what I can discern, the infrastructure of PI doesn't make ground transport something to look forward to.

So, I would appreciate some ideas from members who have flown around, learned the logistics, and found the least path of resistance. Do any of you suggest any cities in Asia best used for hubs for international travel? Any particular airlines that I should look into, that will get me between the PI and other points in Asia economically? I am sure somebody else has dealt with this before. I suspect that a multitude of mongers have had that dilemma: how do I got from Angeles City to Pattaya?Hey Eszpresszo,

That is a really, really vague question.

Generally speaking, the lower cost airlines are AirAsia (HQ'd in KL), TigerAir (HQ'd in Singapore) and Cebu Pacific (HQ'd in Cebu, though flying very frequently from and to MNL and a little less frequently from and to CRK).

I've never visited Cambodia, so can't really say what's the best airline to use to get to PP.

All I can say is that I would try flying in and out of the Philippines through NAIA or Cebu. CRK's connections are very limited (mainly HKG & Seoul), due to this, I usually try to tuck my Angeles visits in the middle of the trip and have time in Manila / Cebu in the edges unless I know I'm trying to get to Hong Kong when leaving (which I frequently am).

In any case, I found www.momondo.com to have the most options as well as cheapest prices specifically for SEA.

I'd be happy to help if you had something a bit more focused.

Enjoy your trip.

Dave.

GoodEnough
03-02-17, 23:05
Like BD I'm not sure of the specifics for which yuou're searching. You don't, for example tell us where you're coming from to get here, but it's not that difficult. PAL now flies from San Fransisco, and Vancouver and New York direct to Manila. You can fly Korea Air through Seoul to Cebu. Getting to the Philippines from various points in the US just isn't that difficult or complicated. And while it's true that it's not easy to fly to Clark from international destinations, what's the big deal? Fly to Manila and arrange a car to take you to Clark. Once here, if you know where you want to go as an onward destination, you can figure out the flights fairly easily. It's a simple matter for example to get from Manila to Phnom Penh, to Bangkok, to Jakarta, to Kuala Lumpur, to Singapore or pretty much anywhere else in SE Asia.

Internal travel by air is also not all that complicated though you might not be able to fly direct. I'd suggest that you first figure out where you want to go and then ask more specific questions.

GE.

Eszpresszo
03-03-17, 06:27
what's the big deal? Fly to Manila and arrange a car to take you to Clark.


GE.I never said it was a big deal. I was just asking for some tips, that all. Is that such a bad thing?

Shining Wit
03-03-17, 13:57
I think that if you work out where you want to visit, then get out an atlas and work out a logical routing in SE Asia, then some of the questions become easier to research. Something like Philippines. Indonesia - Singapore- Malaysia. Thailand - Vietnam. Cambodia -Laos. Hong Kong.

The Philippines is a low-yield market, like much of SE Asia, and can't support expensive long-haul flights. Europe gets PAL to London (post removal of Philippines from EU blacklist) and KLM from Amsterdam, now operated as an extension of the Taipei flight instead of non-stop. The cheapest flights get the worst routing / timings. I could have recently booked London. Manila for £248 return (say US $ 320) with Air China and a 16 hour layover in Beijing. Have you expanded your horizons beyond PAL and the US major airlines? Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, possibly Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou stand out as possible transfer points to Manila and I would not think that the extra few hours would be a deal breaker in view of the overall length of your trip.

Geographically, Clark serves northern Luzon, and in travelling time is probably not a great deal better than Manila for even the northern parts of Metro Manila. It's like comparing Oakland to San Francisco for air service.

A point to remember in SE Asia is that you are travelling internationally. If you want to fly say, Jakarta to Phnom Penh, you will almost certainly be restricted to Indonesian or Cambodian airlines. If you want to hub somewhere, Kuala Lumpur (Air Asia) is probably as good a choice as any although Bangkok might be worth an investigation, as Thailand are relatively generous in allowing third nation carriers traffic rights (Fifth Freedom). As Dave suggested, TigerAir (Singapore) and Cebu Pacific are also reasonable choices. One word of warning on the LowCost Carriers (the preceding are all classified as that) check out any others for ownership. Some like Skoot are subsidiaries of major airlines. But some that operate in 'challenging conditions' EG Indonesia too often fail to meet them.

Angeles City to Pattaya? Much the same way you would get from Manila to Bangkok I would think.

This is probably as clear as the Pasig River, but may give you some ideas where to continue looking.

Golfinho
03-03-17, 14:40
I never said it was a big deal. I was just asking for some tips, that all. Is that such a bad thing?Sounded like you were asking for this:

Any particular airlines that I should look into, that will get me between the PI and other points in Asia economically?

A question maybe somebody on a backpacker forum could best answer for you.

Eszpresszo
03-03-17, 17:36
The Philippines is a low-yield market, like much of SE Asia, and can't support expensive long-haul flights. Europe gets PAL to London (post removal of Philippines from EU blacklist) and KLM from Amsterdam, now operated as an extension of the Taipei flight instead of non-stop. The cheapest flights get the worst routing / timings. I could have recently booked London. Manila for 248 return (say US $ 320) with Air China and a 16 hour layover in Beijing. Have you expanded your horizons beyond PAL and the US major airlines? Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, possibly Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou stand out as possible transfer points to Manila and I would not think that the extra few hours would be a deal breaker in view of the overall length of your trip.

Geographically, Clark serves northern Luzon, and in travelling time is probably not a great deal better than Manila for even the northern parts of Metro Manila..Thanks mate. That is exactly the kind of transparency I was trying to get at. The problem with internet portals like Momondo is they don't show all your options, or connections with regional and low-cost carriers. And you have a good point about the PI being a low-yield market. No, its not like flying into Frankfurt. AFAIK, all these Filipinos who live in the US like to take their whole family home regularly (if not annually) but they tend to be lower-income families, as well. That is likely to influence the cost / convenience ratio of travel from the US to the PI.

KUL as a hub sounds like a brilliant idea. And I am fortunate that I live in a city where three Gulf State airlines fly to Dubai, Doha and Abu Fucking Dhabi every day of the week, which all connect easily to KUL. (Interesting that I have great access to places where I would never think of visiting). Lost cost Asian air carriers? That's the ticket, mate. They just don't get exposure where I live. And I always wanted to check out the Malaysian cuisine and the scene at the notorious Richmond Hotel / Ace Electronik Building.

SaltyPete
03-03-17, 18:09
I wish I was in Manila this weekend. Apparently exam tuition is due next week and girls are scrambling to get some cash. It could be good fishing at the freelancer areas and social / dating sites. You all do your part for higher education, ok?

SaltyPete
03-03-17, 18:13
I never said it was a big deal. I was just asking for some tips, that all. Is that such a bad thing?Google " transportation Clark to Pattaya" and one site will give you three options. Look (below the line) here for a thread on transportation between Manila and AC.

BrainDrain
03-05-17, 05:14
I wish I was in Manila this weekend. Apparently exam tuition is due next week and girls are scrambling to get some cash. It could be good fishing at the freelancer areas and social / dating sites. You all do your part for higher education, ok?Yes, agree with this. Semester finishes in March. The schools want accounts to be in order for results to be released. So if the student graduates this year, they will not graduate unless they are paid up.

Happy days.

School returns after Easter.

BD.

WestCoast1
03-05-17, 06:26
Apparently exam tuition is due next week and girls are scrambling to get some cash. It could be good fishing at the freelancer areas and social / dating sites. You all do your part for higher education, ok?SP: Such a romantic.

Eszpresszo
03-05-17, 06:48
Google " transportation Clark to Pattaya" and one site will give you three options. Look (below the line) here for a thread on transportation between Manila and AC.Thanks, Salty Pete. I also did a bit of research on CRK. A lot of flights to CRK don't make it to the travel search engines, as it is serviced by many obscure carriers. So, I found out who services CRK and worked backwards from there. And of course, I came across a lot of regional airlines like Tiger and Cathay Dragon that service AC with low fares, from various points in Asia that could serve as hubs to different places. Meanwhile, I discovered that SIN is actually a pretty good hub with a lot of cheap fares to other points in Asia, and airfares to the US are competitive.

I am assuming that one of the best things about AC now, must be that it is not as accessible as some places. Once it does get accessible to the masses, it could ruin things. That said, I should look at these inconveniences as a blessing perhaps.

Wicked Roger
03-05-17, 12:28
Yes, agree with this. Semester finishes in March. The schools want accounts to be in order for results to be released. So if the student graduates this year, they will not graduate unless they are paid up.

Happy days.

School returns after Easter.

BD.And some need cash to pay for the exam!

Always wondered how crazy the system is where you pay fees and exams separately but it happens. I know some who were in that position and was asked by their honey / moneykos if this was true. I surprised them when said "yes some schools charge extra". That plus the countless mindless "projects" they are set where the professor gets the them / parent to pay for things the school should supply IMHO. I remember one where they had to have a camera so I said "ask teacher as he set the project so he supplies the camera" and recently the CHED (I think) has made mention about field trips not being compulsory as some folks can't afford these silly things yet fear the sibling will be failed if they can't go. So as many more experienced contributors know the system in the country is far from perfect.

So now is the time gents as am sure some of you are finding out.

SaltyPete
03-05-17, 15:26
SP: Such a romantic.I prefer to think of myself as a realist. Just trying to help out both the girls and guys. :)

Dg8787
03-05-17, 16:57
I prefer to think of myself as a realist. Just trying to help out both the girls and guys. :)Maybe a higher education supporter for pinays! I will try to schedule the timing of my trip next year for the Class of 2018 to do my part.

GoodEnough
03-05-17, 19:00
I am assuming that one of the best things about AC now, must be that it is not as accessible as some places. Once it does get accessible to the masses, it could ruin things. That said, I should look at these inconveniences as a blessing perhaps.I think you will find when you get to AC that it's readily accessible by the masses, as substantiated by the hordes of Koreans, and most recently Chinese who often flood the bars. It's only a 2 hour drive from Manila, and once out of Manila, the highway is good, so it's not a hassle for those guys to get there.

GE.

Lakeside
03-05-17, 21:24
I wish I was in Manila this weekend. Apparently exam tuition is due next week and girls are scrambling to get some cash. It could be good fishing at the freelancer areas and social / dating sites. You all do your part for higher education, ok?Yes spot on. Last week I met a nice student at Spicy Fingers in Greenbelt who was in desperate need for some exam fee support.

BrainDrain
03-06-17, 04:18
Thought I would post this one here for a more general discussion as I'm sure it could also be an activity in Manila and AC:


Nine Korean sex tourists have been arrested in Cebu under anti [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) laws.

The group was detained by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with women aged 19 to 21 who were employed by a Korea-based escort service company.

The tour was arranged by a group of three Koreans and a local Filipina, who sold 250,000 peso sex tour packages over the internet, which constitutes a [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) offence in the Philippines.

The arrested Koreans, all in their forties and fifties, were caught in bed with their escorts in a beachfront hotel in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, at about 1am on Friday.

Speaking to the Cebu Daily News, NBI special investigator Arnel Pura said: “The suspects are part of what we called sex tourism which prey on Cebuanas. We received an information about their operations so we hatched a plan to arrest them.”http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/03/05/korean-tourists-face-up-to-12-years-prison-for-sleeping-with-women/

New news or old news? Fact or fiction?

Member #4471
03-06-17, 04:37
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 area 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 newcomers and learn from my mistakes..Hello,

I'm here to follow up with a FR of my trip. Your advice was very helpful and this was my first time going the PI.

A few days before I arrived, I posted an ad on CL casual encounters M4W and stated that I was looking for mature ladies (what can I say, I like them). I received a lot of replies from both young and old. There were two ladies that looked interesting so I replied and told them I might contact them when I arrive.

Day 1: Day Time (Day 1 Evening FR will follow): Arrived at 1 am Thursday morning (2 March) and went to my hotel in Pasay. Later that morning, one of my friends that I was traveling with arranged to meet someone he found on backpage later that night (that report will come later) and it motivated me to contact one of the ladies on CL. I sent message to one of the women that I was interested in saying that I was going to be going to the Mall of Asia around 10:30 am. She quickly replied and asked if we could meet at 12:30 at Starbucks. My friends and I walked around the mall and I went to Starbucks at 12:30 and she was already there. I was surprised because I heard that they are usually late when you set an appointment. I saw her and she looked better in person than in the picture she sent me, but a little heavy on the makeup (later I saw her without makeup and I told her she looks better with less makeup, that made her very happy). We chatted a little while to get to know each other and she is 47 years old and I'll be 49 in a few months. She was very curious about why I picked her first because she assumed that I did get a lot of replies to my ad. I simply said that there was something about her photo that I liked and her message seemed gentle and not pushy or desperate. She also wanted to know why didn't I go for younger ladies that are so plentiful in the PI. I told her that IMHO, that mature ladies know what they want and most know how to give and receive pleasure (also, older women are happy to get the attention and show their appreciation in the sack, but I didn't tell her that). We talked for only about 10 minutes and she said, "well what do you think, are you ready to go back to your room?" I was very surprised and I thought I would have to hang out awhile and have coffee or something. My hotel is only about 10/15 walk from MOA, but we jumped into a taxi because it was raining. We went to my room and she liked the room because I booked a suite. We sat on the couch and I made her some coffee from the mini-bar. She is very elegant and later found out she is very passionate. She is well educated with a great vocabulary and travels a lot, we talked and she showed me pictures of her recent trips around southeast Asia. After about 15 minutes she leaned into me ask if wanted to kiss her. We went at it like two couples have makeup sex and it seemed that she has not had sex in a long time. She did tell me that she broke up with her BF about 9 months ago, and her friend told her about my ad on CL (not sure if that's true or not). We moved the bedroom and boy she was horny and had decent body for her age and was clean shaven and love watching me eat her out. She was very clean without odor or anything, she asked me if I want to use a condom or pull out because she was worried about getting pregnant, we used a condom. Over the next 2 ½ hours, we went at it 3 times. It was great, I told her that I'm meeting my friends for dinner and she was cool and she left at around 3 pm. As she was about to leave the room I gave her 2 K that was folded in my hand and said here's something for the taxi and to make up for the fact that I didn't buy coffee like my ad said. She didn't even look at it and put it in her pocket. As I was walking her out of the hotel, said that she would like to meet again before I go, and to contact her if I wanted.

This FR is getting longer than I thought. I'll post another report about the evening later.

Later, LM.

Omega 3
03-06-17, 06:20
Thought I would post this one here for a more general discussion as I'm sure it could also be an activity in Manila and AC:

http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/03/05/korean-tourists-face-up-to-12-years-prison-for-sleeping-with-women/

New news or old news? Fact or fiction?Yes, saw the same article in yesterday's Cebu Sunstar.

First guess is that this was the result of a confluence of atypical factors, including: (a) the NBI's efforts to verify the presence of "Korean Mafia in Cebu" as announced by Malacanang; and (b) this target was a high profile "syndicated" sex tour from Korea to Cebu, with website and internet advertising, in which the fee was reportedly US $5,000 per Korean customer.

It would be unlikely and surprising indeed if such attention were to be expanded to target individual, low-key activities, even though Cebu in my experience generally has been more prudish than Manila or certainly Angeles (but not as prudish as, say, Panay / Ilo Ilo). Plus, as RK might say, "ningas kugon".

Here are excerpts from a follow-up article in today's Cebu Sunstar:

"Korean mafia? The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 is still looking if the sex tourism syndicate uncovered in Lapu-Lapu City was part of a Korean mafia that President Rodrigo Duterte revealed.

"NBI 7 said the Koreans were enticed by the three major players of the syndicate who is still at large. The NBI 7 is also coordinating with the Korean consulate as they are having a hard time cracking the websites used to operate these sex tour packages. Nine Koreans were arrested by the NBI 7, in coordination with the Provincial Women's Commission, after they hired a syndicate that hires trafficked Filipino women for escorts and sexual partners in their vacation here in Cebu.

"Magpale, who heads the Provincial Women's Commission, said the bureau's operation success coincided with the National Women's Month. "I am happy that it was successful. We are sure that other foreigners are doing this to our women as it is a lucrative business but we will monitor them," she said.

"Radaza said the Lapu-Lapu City Government will put up measures to mitigate and consider all the aspects of the sex tour packages offered in Korea. He encouraged Korean hotel and beach owners to report any suspicious-looking foreigners. They will be put under monitoring following the rescue of seven Filipina women aged 19-21 from their Korean sexual partners in Marigondon early Saturday morning."

-- Of course, it is always prudent to be low-profile and discreet, especially if you are one of those "suspicious looking foreigners"!

YMMV.

OM.

Chocha Monger
03-06-17, 07:08
Thought I would post this one here for a more general discussion as I'm sure it could also be an activity in Manila and AC:

http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/03/05/korean-tourists-face-up-to-12-years-prison-for-sleeping-with-women/

New news or old news? Fact or fiction?It is fact, the original story can be found in local Cebu news. The amendment of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9208 made paying the girls illegal. It doesn't matter where the sex and payment takes place. So, it applies to dating site girls or girls at the mall. The girls are free from any penalty but if they admit to being paid or compensated for providing the monger sexual services, the monger can be arrested and charged under the law. Interestingly, they are not claiming that the girls were coerced. According to the news article they were enticed with payments of 2,000 pesos per day which is several times the daily wage for regular work in Cebu. The NBI released the girls because they cannot charge them. They are hoping the girls will voluntarily return to testify against their customers. I can't see any reason why they will do that unless they are being paid to do so.

The Koreans were paying big money for their tour packages and it was advertised online. The Filipino authorities smelled a chance to make some big money. The operation was Korean run for Korean clients only. They obviously did not pay their tea taxes.

SaltyPete
03-06-17, 15:35
Yes spot on. Last week I met a nice student at Spicy Fingers in Greenbelt who was in desperate need for some exam fee support.Love Spicey Fingers! I have always taken a date, but I usually spy a table of girls that seem to be wanting "company".

KongKing
03-06-17, 22:36
I'm here to follow up with a FR of my trip. Your advice was very helpful and this was my first time going the PI.
Snip
This FR is getting longer than I thought. I'll post another report about the evening later.
LM.A great first up report there Lunchmeat. You planned your visit well, you used ISG to good advantage, and, unlike some, you put in a field report giving something back to the ISG readers. You favor "mature ladies", a topic we don't hear too much about on this forum, and your first date experience with a 47 year old was pretty sexciting. Methinks there would be lots of opportunity for rewarding mature relationships in the Philippines, but I am not quite ready for that yet.

I look forward to your promised future report / reports.

GoodEnough
03-06-17, 23:29
A great first up report there Lunchmeat. You planned your visit well, you used ISG to good advantage, and, unlike some, you put in a field report giving something back to the ISG readers. You favor "mature ladies", a topic we don't hear too much about on this forum, and your first date experience with a 47 year old was pretty sexciting. Methinks there would be lots of opportunity for rewarding mature relationships in the Philippines, but I am not quite ready for that yet.

I look forward to your promised future report / reports.I agree. That was an excellent, enjoyable report. Thank you for giving back, and for raising a topic that's not often discussed here. Similar to KK, you've tempted me to try that route but I don't think I'm going the attempt it yet. I look forward to subsequent reports descrfivbing the balance of your trip.

GE.

BrainDrain
03-07-17, 11:48
You favor "mature ladies", a topic we don't hear too much about on this forum, and your first date experience with a 47 year old was pretty sexciting. Methinks there would be lots of opportunity for rewarding mature relationships in the Philippines, but I am not quite ready for that yet.On my Angeles visit in October last year I enjoyed the pleasure of a 47 year old female company executive. The most amazing BBBJ that kept me cuming and cuming.

Like the other poster, I didn't go back as the excitement of a 20 year old is just so much more enticing, for me.

Member #4471
03-07-17, 12:59
I agree. That was an excellent, enjoyable report. Thank you for giving back, and for raising a topic that's not often discussed here. Similar to KK, you've tempted me to try that route but I don't think I'm going the attempt it yet. I look forward to subsequent reports descrfivbing the balance of your trip.

GE.Day 1 Evening Report:

After my craigslist date left the room (I'll call her my CL date from now on) I rested a little and waited for one of my friends to come over to go out and get something to eat while the 3rd person in our party was waiting for his backpage date to show up. We ate a MOA and then the two of went to EDSA. I know this is not the best place but we were tired and didn't want to be out too late. We arrived at EDSA around 7:30 pm and it was almost what I pictured it would be. We hopped from bar to bar and there were a few nice ones there, but I was just way too tired. I worked all day before I left Korea, only got about 1 hour sleep on the 4 hour plane ride and maybe only about 2 hours of sleep when I arrived (3 hours sleep in 36 hours will do that). My friend was defiantly going to pick a girl for LT. While at EDSA our other friend sent us a message saying that his backpage date was on her period and there was blood everywhere. We were laughing our ass off. Later (next day) he told us that shortly after the girl left the room, there was a knock on his door. He opened it and there was a guy from the hotel wanting know if he need turn-down service. My friend call him in and showed him the mess asked if he could get someone to clean up, the guy call another person to come and they changed the sheets, blanks, pillows and towels (when he said it was everywhere, he was not joking). After everything was done, he was so embarrassed, he have them 500 P each. He said the backpage girl was a dead fish in sack and he paid 6000 P + 1000 P to clean up. I left EDSA at about 9 pm and went to sleep, my friend stayed behind. He did get a good little spinner (2000 P bar fine + 4000 P for all night). He said he had a great time and she was very energetic. He was also nice enough to share her with our other friend in the morning and the three of them went out for breakfast before he sent her on her way.

Side Note 1: I live in Seoul Korea but I'm an American with mostly German heritage.

Side Note 2: While at EDSA I saw, some Korean guys come in and the ladies treated them like rock stars. They flocked around waiting to be chosen.

Side Note 3: I don't like most Korean guys. (they are stuck up, rude and think they are a real power player in the world, but in fact they are not).

Day 2: Will be next.

LM.

NewImage
03-07-17, 14:01
Hello,
I'm here to follow up with a FR of my trip. Your advice was very helpful and this was my first time going the PI.
This FR is getting longer than I thought. I'll post another report about the evening later.
Later, LM.Another thumbs up. I've often wondered why people ask the age question so what if they are a certain age you are going to say no. Recently had a great experience with a horny 44 year old. I wasn't thinking gee I wish she was 19 when I was doing the deed.

Eszpresszo
03-07-17, 15:27
I think you will find when you get to AC that it's readily accessible by the masses, as substantiated by the hordes of Koreans, and most recently Chinese who often flood the bars. It's only a 2 hour drive from Manila, and once out of Manila, the highway is good, so it's not a hassle for those guys to get there.

GE.Well I did notice that PAL, Asiana and Jin Air offer service to CRK out of Seoul, and Cathay Dragon services CRK from HGK. So those guys might have that convenience of a direct flight. What I was referring to was an snippet in a article I read about expansion of CRK with a 3rd terminal "Once completed, it can accommodate 80 million passengers annually, thus becoming one of the largest airports in the world." That could probably have a very large impact on the immediate area, and probably not a good one.

Member #4471
03-10-17, 05:04
Another thumbs up. I've often wondered why people ask the age question so what if they are a certain age you are going to say no. Recently had a great experience with a horny 44 year old. I wasn't thinking gee I wish she was 19 when I was doing the deed.Day 2 Morning (Friday 3 March): I got some good sleep and had a nice breakfast at the hotel and was back in the room waiting for my other friends to do some touring around Manila. One of the guys in the group knew someone (a local) who lived in Manila, they worked together before in Korea and they were going show us around. I had some time to kill until our 1 PM meeting so I started looking at WeChat to see if I could get a quick one in before I head out. I saw one girl that looked good and I sent her a message. She asked me if I want a massage and I told her no. She then asked what I wanted and I said sex. She quoted me 3000 P and I agreed and told her where I was staying. She arrived about 40 minutes later (I met her outside the hotel). She was the same girl as in the pictures (I was a little surprised because that is rarely is the case in Korea). I was happy until is saw her teeth. I said to myself, I can got over that and move on. She seemed very excited by my blue eyes and nose. She said she mostly sees Korean and Chinese. We sat on the couch a little while and she asked me why I didn't want a massage, I said they are boring. We moved to the bedroom and I said okay, give me a little massage and I'll try it. She stared massaging me and it was awful. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a good massage when that's all I want, but when it's just something to do until we get to a HJ, BJ or more, then I find them boring. This girl didn't know what she was doing, so I asked her to stop and said maybe we can move on to some other things. She acted shy and got undressed. She got on the bed next to me and she was hugging me tightly and kissing me with a closed mouth. I tried to get her to give me a BJ and she said no and asked about sex and she said okay and I put on the condom. I tried to enter her about half way and she was saying that it hurt and I could tell this was not going to work. I tried very slowly but it was not going to happen. So I got up and went to the bathroom to throw away the condom and that's when I noticed that her love box was a stink box and it smelt awful. I went back to the room and told her to give me a HJ and she was even bad at doing that. I don't think she was being lazy about it, she just didn't know what she was doing. I fished and cleaned up. I said that it's time to go and she said she had to message her driver. I gave her 2000 P and walked her out of the hotel. I know 2000 P is probably way too much for shit service, but I wasn't sure if the driver was the pimp and would cause trouble if didn't giver here something, but I didn't pay the whole 3000 P.

More to follow.

LM.

Member #4471
03-11-17, 01:09
Day 2 Morning (Friday 3 March): I got some good sleep and had a nice breakfast
More to follow.

LM.Day 2 Evening (Friday 3 March): Started out by going to a few tour spots, Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, Cathedral of Manila, Pasay Cockpit (cock fighting) and ended with dinner in the BGC mall (way too much traffic). After dinner, the friend of my friend that showed us around headed back home and the three of headed to Makati. The first place we went to was High Heels. It was about 7:30 pm and the place was dead and the girls we unattractive and pushy. We had one drink and left. The next place we went to was Bottoms Up. The girls were much better looking and not too aggressive. We had a couple drinks and we asked the Mama how it works. She said it 3995 P for the fine and you work the rest out with the girl, she also said it's about 4000 5000 P for ST and if you need to get ST room it's another 1000 P. I thought that was a little steep. I had my eye on one girl but she kept disappearing in the back room and when she finally came out, some guy starting buying her drinks. We decided to check out another place and we went to CoCo Rock. This place was a little mellower. The Mama said it's a 2000 P fine and 3000 p for ST and 1000 P for ST room. I picked a cute little spinner and gave the Mama 2000 P. Mama said that the girl I pick has never been bar fined before and this is the first time she has gone out alone. I told her if she is not ready, it's fine for me to pick someone else. Then some guy takes me and her to the ST hotel down the street and we make our way to the room. Once inside she goes and takes a shower and then I shower next. When I come out she's waiting on the bed and she gives an okay BJ before I put on the cover. As I'm trying to enter her I can tell it's hurting her but she's not complaining. I stop and ask her if she's okay and says yes and pulls me in (I don't think I'm that big just average I guess). I start get it in and I can tell by the look on her face that she's in pain. I stop and she says -it's okay, keep trying, I'm okay. At that point I just couldn't do it, it felt like I forcing myself on someone and her being only 19 it crept me out a little (I've been with plenty of working girls in Korea and Germany and it doesn't bother if they are bored or not into it, I've never had one that was in pain). So I stopped and said maybe just give me a BBBJ instead. She said, please, please just do it, I'm okay really. I said that's okay, a BJ will be good. She kept saying sorry and apologizing, I told her to stop saying sorry, it's not your fault. I think she wanted me to just do it because she thought I was going to complain to her boss and she would get into trouble. She gave a good BBBJ and then we cleaned up. I have the 3000 P and we parted ways. My other friend did get the girl I wanted and bottoms up and he said he had a good time, but it was almost double what I paid, but he did have twice as much fun too. I jumped a taxi and headed back to the hotel. On the way back to the hotel, I really started to miss the time I had with the mature lady on day one.

Interesting note, the taxi driver said there is a brothel type house (not a KTV and not a bar) it just a house where you pick a girl and take her out with you. He said it's 3000 P and asked if I wanted to go there now. I said no but got his phone number, I was tired and I wasn't sure that I might get robbed or worse. Does anyone have any info about this?

Day 3 will follow soon.

Later,

LM.

Member #4566
03-11-17, 04:32
Interesting note, the taxi driver said there is a brothel type house (not a KTV and not a bar) it just a house where you pick a girl and take her out with you. He said it's 3000 P and asked if I wanted to go there now. I said no but got his phone number, I was tired and I wasn't sure that I might get robbed or worse. Does anyone have any info about this?
Day 3 will follow soon.

Later,

LM.You got an invitation to a casa. The taxi driver gets a kickback and I am not OK with that type of sales. I went twice and once I partook. The girl had a stinky urinary track infection and was a runner. There are better alternatives.

Mr Hawaii
03-11-17, 07:02
Day 2 Evening (Friday 3 March):.. As I'm trying to enter her I can tell it's hurting her but she's not complaining. I stop and ask her if she's okay and says yes and pulls me in (I don't think I'm that big just average I guess). I start get it in and I can tell by the look on her face that she's in pain. I stop and she says -it's okay, keep trying, I'm okay. At that point I just couldn't do it, it felt like I forcing myself on someone and her being only 19 it crept me out a little (I've been with plenty of working girls in Korea and Germany and it doesn't bother if they are bored or not into it, I've never had one that was in pain). So I stopped and said maybe just give me a BBBJ instead. She said, please, please just do it, I'm okay really. I said that's okay, a BJ will be good. She kept saying sorry and apologizing, I told her to stop saying sorry, it's not your fault. I think she wanted me to just do it because she thought I was going to complain to her boss and she would get into trouble. She gave a good BBBJ and then we cleaned up.
LM.Same happened to me with a girl from EDSA. Well, almost the same. The girl got anxious cause I did not come. Hey, a guy only has so much juice. She was afraid I would complain to the mamasan. I told her not to worry, etc. Anyway, I think you handled it rather well. Another plus for the cause.

BaboyDave
03-11-17, 08:12
Interesting note, the taxi driver said there is a brothel type house (not a KTV and not a bar) it just a house where you pick a girl and take her out with you. He said it's 3000 P and asked if I wanted to go there now. I said no but got his phone number, I was tired and I wasn't sure that I might get robbed or worse. Does anyone have any info about this?

Day 3 will follow soon.

Later,

LM.Yes,

You have been invited to a cass as mentioned before.

These are shady little places in a little scary neighbourhoods, which usually act as fishbowls.

I went twice with a mate and the same driver both times.

YMMV, but I had a really great experience with one of the 2 girls, which exchanged phones and became a frequent visitor to my hotel room in following visits (after she stopped working in the casa).

I do remember both times the girls were relaxed, sat for drinks in our hotel / condo, acted very playful, and remained for morning session be fore leaving by 9 am give or take.

I have also heard of bad experiences from friends, so I guess the level of service is very unstable.

Enjoy,

Dave.

Omega 3
03-11-17, 10:31
A large part of successful mongering or hunting is "mind-set" or mental attitude. Sending out the right "vibe" is quite helpful in this regard. This is what I have come to call "sexual sonar pinging".

Sexually aware women, even non P4P, will pick up on your sexual sonar pinging, and will be attracted. Especially true in the Philippines, but also true to varying degrees in other countries. Of course, YMMV.

Up periscope!

OM.

Crazy4Thai
03-12-17, 03:52
Day 2 Evening (Friday 3 March):
Day 3 will follow soon.

Later,

LM.Great reports LM and encouraging for me. I too had planned to post to CL and I'm happy that payed off for you. I also like that you post the good with the bad. That's the mongering life for sure. My own trip is now only about 3 weeks out so it's time to make some bookings.

C4 T.

Mbsl65
03-13-17, 13:27
Do I need to be a legal resident to buy a motorcycle in Philippines? Did any of you buy a vehicle in Philippines?

GoodEnough
03-13-17, 13:51
Do I need to be a legal resident to buy a motorcycle in Philippines? Did any of you buy a vehicle in Philippines?I've bought several vehicles here, including a motorcycle and all I needed was a driver's license and money. It's not at all difficult to purchase and legally register a vehicle. In theory, to drive a bike here requires a special license. In practice, no one seems to care.

GE.

Wicked Roger
03-13-17, 14:57
I've bought several vehicles here, including a motorcycle and all I needed was a driver's license and money. It's not at all difficult to purchase and legally register a vehicle. In theory, to drive a bike here requires a special license. In practice, no one seems to care.

GE.I agree as long as you have the cash they will find a way to part you from it LOL.

I have bought cars and had no issues, the dealer tends to want cash and does not like you to finance it though.

Many friends have bought (and rented) bikes without being residents either.

Mbsl65
03-13-17, 15:38
But you have a residency right? I am just a visitor. I want to buy a motorcycle instead of renting one. I will than sell it. I noticed that the places rent the bikes are not too reliable and their prices are too high to keep the bike for a long time. Can you give me some more input please?


I've bought several vehicles here, including a motorcycle and all I needed was a driver's license and money. It's not at all difficult to purchase and legally register a vehicle. In theory, to drive a bike here requires a special license. In practice, no one seems to care.

GE.

Sam 14
03-13-17, 17:07
Costs about 5-6K a month to rent in the places that do it, like Dumaguete and Bantayan. But most places don't have rentals so you shouldn't count on being able to rent. It's not like Vietnam or Thailand where it's cheap and everywhere. You can buy a beater for 30K on OXL or Sulit but unless you find a foreigner seller it will probably be hammered and not safe or fun to ride. Also it may be a pain in the ass to get it legal at the LTO. You can easily buy something new like a Wave 125 or XRM Honda for about 50-62K and easily sell it for 35, maybe 40 when you leave. (I don't remember if I needed a licence to buy, I think just passport). It takes about a month to get the temp plate and technically it's not legal to ride until you get the plate. But everyone does it anyway, I wouldn't worry about it. No one cares about residency. Bring your valid M1 licence from your country and easily get a Phil licence at the LTO. You won't get flogged for not having a local licence but it's easy enough to get so why not. You can do it in 1 day and it's not expensive. I wouldn't want to visit an LTO in Manila, Cebu or Davao, I'd try to pick a city with an LTO that's not a madhouse. Or else obtain an International DL in your place.

Remember, the up side to owning is you have the freedom to go places and see stuff that you never would otherwise. Also you meet girls in places that are off the track. The downside is you got that anchor around your neck. So if you want to transfer to another island it can be a big hassle with the ferry issues and having to haul your stuff over land. So if for example you're just going to be in the Visayas, for less than 4 months, you may be better off to just rent.

Bamboo Pete
03-13-17, 17:13
I've bought several vehicles here, including a motorcycle and all I needed was a driver's license and money. It's not at all difficult to purchase and legally register a vehicle. In theory, to drive a bike here requires a special license. In practice, no one seems to care.

GE.If you have a bike, you need to renew your LTO licence once a year. There are not many controls, but sometimes 3 times a week, and than no controls for some months. They want to see a valid driver's licence and this LTO paper.

GoodEnough
03-13-17, 22:33
But you have a residency right? I am just a visitor. I want to buy a motorcycle instead of renting one. I will than sell it. I noticed that the places rent the bikes are not too reliable and their prices are too high to keep the bike for a long time. Can you give me some more input please?I didn't have residency when I bought the bike. As Sam14 has said, you don't need much in the way of documentation to buy it. I don't even remember if I had to whole my passport.

GE.

Mbsl65
03-14-17, 06:30
I didn't have residency when I bought the bike. As Sam14 has said, you don't need much in the way of documentation to buy it. I don't even remember if I had to whole my passport.

GE.Thank you very much to you and other guys who answered my questions.

Wicked Roger
03-14-17, 06:58
I didn't have residency when I bought the bike. As Sam14 has said, you don't need much in the way of documentation to buy it. I don't even remember if I had to whole my passport.

GE.I did not show any passport etc, if you have the cash someone will be happy to take it from you LOL.

Seriously I used bank transfer and all the dealer wanted to see was proof of funds prior to purchase of the car.

Member #4471
03-15-17, 03:29
Day 2 Evening (Friday 3 March):
I jumped a taxi and headed back to the hotel. On the way back to the hotel, I really started to miss the time I had with the mature lady on day one.

Day 3 will follow soon.

Later,

LM.Day 3 Morning Report (4 March Saturday): I got a good night's sleep and woke up Saturday morning feeling good, but was disappointed about the two sessions I had the day before (see day 2 report). Before I headed out for breakfast in the hotel, I decided to send a message to the mature lady I meet on day 1. I asked her if she wanted to meet for lunch and about a half hour later she agreed, she suggested we meet at MOA Starbucks at 12:30. I ate a light breakfast and prepared for my meeting. I got to MOA and she arrived right on time and she looked just as good as I remembered. We were looking for a place that served pasta and settled on Italiano's. While walking there I held her hand and she was making various affectionate jokes about us as a couple. This is why I like to see more mature women, they know how to hold a conversation and just relax (for the most part). I liked being with her because she is smart, articulate and confident. She carries herself with a lot of class and sophistication. We had a nice lunch and walked around the mall a little. That's when I remembered that she said she likes chocolate, so I told her we need to find a place to buy some. We found a stand that had various chocolate bars, she was joking with the sales lady that I was her ex-husband and I was trying get back together with her. LOL. I told her that I'm always looking for a future ex-wife. We walked back to my room and we didn't waist much time with small talk and next few hours was very passionate as we satisfied each other's needs and cravings several times over. She asked to take a short nap and I let her sleep for about a half hour. I told her earlier that I was going to meet my friends around 5 pm. I woke her up and she took a shower with the door open and kept joking about how I couldn't take my eyes off of her (she was right). As she parted, I have her some money so she can maybe get something for herself next weekend for her birthday.

P.S. I think I was falling for her, if you haven't figured that out by now.

Day 3 Evening Report will come soon.

LM.

Dg8787
03-15-17, 04:30
Day 3 Morning Report (4 March Saturday): I got a good night's sleep and woke up Saturday morning feeling good, but was disappointed about the two sessions I had the day before (see day 2 report). Before I headed out for breakfast in the hotel, I decided to send a message to the mature lady I meet on day 1. I asked her if she wanted to meet for lunch and about a half hour later she agreed, she suggested we meet at MOA Starbucks at 12:30. I ate a light breakfast and prepared for my meeting. I got to MOA and she arrived right on time and she looked just as good as I remembered. We were looking for a place that served pasta and settled on Italiano's. While walking there I held her hand and she was making various affectionate jokes about us as a couple. This is why I like to see more mature women, they know how to hold a conversation and just relax (for the most part). I liked being with her because she is smart, articulate and confident. She carries herself with a lot of class and sophistication. We had a nice lunch and walked around the mall a little. That's when I remembered that she said she likes chocolate, so I told her we need to find a place to buy some. We found a stand that had various chocolate bars, she was joking with the sales lady that I was her ex-husband and I was trying get back together with her. LOL. I told her that I'm always looking for a future ex-wife. We walked back to my room and we didn't waist much time with small talk and next few hours was very passionate as we satisfied each other's needs and cravings several times over. She asked to take a short nap and I let her sleep for about a half hour. I told her earlier that I was going to meet my friends around 5 pm. I woke her up and she took a shower with the door open and kept joking about how I couldn't take my eyes off of her (she was right). As she parted, I have her some money so she can maybe get something for herself next weekend for her birthday.

P.S. I think I was falling for her, if you haven't figured that out by now.

Day 3 Evening Report will come soon.

LM.Nice report. Can't wait for the next one!

Omega 3
03-15-17, 06:09
*** While walking there I held her hand and she was making various affectionate jokes about us as a couple. I liked being with her because she is smart, articulate and confident. *** she was joking with the sales lady that I was her ex-husband and I was trying get back together with her. LOL. I told her that I'm always looking for a future ex-wife. We walked back to my room and next few hours was very passionate as we satisfied each other's needs and cravings several times over. She asked to take a short nap and I let her sleep for about a half hour. I woke her up and she took a shower with the door open and kept joking about how I couldn't take my eyes off of her (she was right).

P.S. I think I was falling for her, if you haven't figured that out by now.

LM.Caution. Dangerous curves ahead!

LOL,

OM.

Member #4471
03-16-17, 06:49
Caution. Dangerous curves ahead!

LOL,

OM.Day 3 Evening Report (4 March Saturday): Once my lovely Craigslist (CL) girl departed, had my first drink of the day and waited to meet up with my other friends. Our plan was to go to LA Café and get something to eat, drink and maybe someone to take home. Only one of my friends was going to LA Café, as the other one want to gamble (waste of time and money if you ask me). The two of us got an Uber taxi and it worked out just great. We arrived and it was different than what I pictured it would be (but what place doesn't look different than what you imagined when it's your first time in the PI). We got a seat at the bar and ordered some food and drinks. Our waitress was a short, plump sassy girl with a lot energy (cute in her own way). She quickly got us a table off to the side of the bar and we eat and drank. The place was packed with FL girls and we had to shoo a few of them way before my friend saw one he liked. She hung out at the table with us and she introduced us to a newbie girl and they were just hanging there. The new girl was not attractive at all, but my friend bought his cute girl a drink, so I but the new girl one too. When the new girl finished her dink, I ask he if she could go somewhere else and her friend said that she was with her. That's when I had to explain to them and my friend that I'm not in interested in her and if she keeps standing at our table, a lot of the other girls will not try to catch our attention. She got the point and she left and my friend was getting very cozy with the one he had. She was cute and had a lot of energy. My friend told his girl that he wanted to have her overnight, but he wanted to sample the goods. She said sure, and they went to a ST hotel nearby. I wasn't feeling it there and I sent a message to my CL girl and asked if she wanted to come back to meet me at the hotel and stay the night. She said it will take about an hour and a half and she will be there at around 11 pm. She arrived at about 11 pm and we talked and spent the night together. My biggest regret was that I drank a little too much because I think I could've enjoyed myself / each other better had I not. The next day we said our good byes and got ready to go to the airport. Since I've been back home, I still chat with her and I would like to go back and see her someday, but the likelihood of that happening is very slim to none. I was lucky to have been able to go the PI this time. My wife let me go to the PI as a onetime trip with the guys as a retirement gift from the Army. My GF here thinks I was on business trip in Hawaii (she would be more upset about me going to the PI than my wife).

I couldn't understand before how guys fall so hard for PI girls, but now I'm starting to get it. IMHO, I think one of the things that helps them get their hooks into you so fast, is it the fact that so many of them speak good English, more so than that in other Asian countries. I think that if my GF here Korea (5 years now) could speak better English, I might be tempted to take things to the next level and run away with her.

Well that sums up my trip and had a very nice time there. Note, Uber worked out very well and Globe Sim cards worked very well.

Maybe someday I'll be back. I will look at the PI forum form time to time just to reminisce.

Thanks all for the help.

I came, I saw and I mongered.

LM out.

Omega 3
03-17-17, 04:00
*** Since I've been back home, I still chat with her and I would like to go back and see her someday, but the likelihood of that happening is very slim to none. I was lucky to have been able to go the PI this time. My wife let me go to the PI as a onetime trip with the guys as a retirement gift. My GF here thinks I was on business trip in Hawaii (she would be more upset about me going to the PI than my wife).

I couldn't understand before how guys fall so hard for PI girls, but now I'm starting to get it. IMHO, I think one of the things that helps them get their hooks into you so fast, is it the fact that so many of them speak good English, more so than that in other Asian countries. I think that if my GF here Korea (5 years now) could speak better English, I might be tempted to take things to the next level and run away with her.

Well that sums up my trip and had a very nice time there. Maybe someday I'll be back. I will look at the PI forum form time to time just to reminisce.

I came, I saw and I mongered.

LM out.LM,

Life is a series of missed opportunities. We only go around once, brass ring, and so on. But, you are very talented, and it sounds like you are doing better than most. Kudos.

Have come to realize that "A bad day fishing (in the Phils) is better than a good day working (anywhere else)."

Smiles,

OM.

Dg8787
03-17-17, 05:16
Lunchmeat,

You are getting a picture about Pinays. I have found them to be very sweet and caring. I have noticed that when they are with me in the mall or grocery store, they will always insist on caring the bag, even if it is very heavy and hot outside. I am old but not frail so that isn't the reason why they carry the bags. They just feel like it is their duty to.

One time I had a beauty 8. 5 with me that I had been with at least 4-5 times. This was our first time out to the mall and I bought her something small and light weight. As we exited the store she hands me the bag to carry, I am like WTF as this was the first time this has every happen to me in pinay land. So about 100 meters later I decided to test her, I handed the bag to her and bent down to tie my shoes then got up and resumed walking with her. About 3 meters later she hands the bag back to me to carry. LOL. At that moment I decided she was never going to go beyond our sex tryst, which she was great at!

Member #4471
03-17-17, 13:54
LM,

Life is a series of missed opportunities. We only go around once, brass ring, and so on. But, you are very talented, and it sounds like you are doing better than most. Kudos.

Have come to realize that "A bad day fishing (in the Phils) is better than a good day working (anywhere else)."

Smiles,

OM.I just reread my post and wow, there was a lot of typos. I was using a tablet at work and the auto correct took over a little to much. OM, somehow I think I'll find a way to come back to see my Stella.

Thanks for the kind words. Also, to the new adventures, do your homework and don't be shy about what you want when talking to the girl or manager.

Watching from a far for now.

LM.

Gangles
03-17-17, 18:29
Few foreigner guys manage to understand what is so different about Filipino women. Or women from other ASEAN countries.

The big difference is that the feminist movement never got into Asia. The women here are real women.

For guys from Western countries, your women are feminists. The feminist perspective on men is that they are a toxic necessity.

The male person is one who the woman marries, has two kids, then divorces and cleans him out of his assets.

That is the entire function of the males of the species.

But in Asia, men and women are equal.

That is what makes them so different.

G.


LM,

Life is a series of missed opportunities. We only go around once, brass ring, and so on. But, you are very talented, and it sounds like you are doing better than most. Kudos.

Have come to realize that "A bad day fishing (in the Phils) is better than a good day working (anywhere else)."

Smiles,

OM.

D Cups
03-17-17, 21:41
Right on, G. Are you still in Subic, sir? If so, hope we can do some brews when I am there in October.


Few foreigner guys manage to understand what is so different about Filipino women. Or women from other ASEAN countries.

..

Mbsl65
03-17-17, 21:48
If you communicate with regular middle class and up Filipinas, you may see a much different picture. Very feminist, activist are all around. Many of the province girls are not articulated to understand the concepts, however as they move up in the class, everything changes.


Few foreigner guys manage to understand what is so different about Filipino women. Or women from other ASEAN countries.

The big difference is that the feminist movement never got into Asia. The women here are real women.

For guys from Western countries, your women are feminists. The feminist perspective on men is that they are a toxic necessity.

The male person is one who the woman marries, has two kids, then divorces and cleans him out of his assets.

That is the entire function of the males of the species.

But in Asia, men and women are equal.

That is what makes them so different.

G.

Lefeu
03-17-17, 23:57
...But in Asia, men and women are equal...Sorry, my friend but my experience is very different. I find that to be the case, to some extent, in Western countries but definitely not in Asian countries.

Mr Enternational
03-21-17, 00:08
I just ran into a buddy in terminal 3. He said he came in from AC and went to terminal 1 by mistake. The people there told him that he needed to take the bus over to terminal 3. He gets in the bus and the driver showed him some card that said it costs 900 pesos. Not knowing, he paid the money.

Dg8787
03-21-17, 00:46
I just ran into a buddy in terminal 3. He said he came in from AC and went to terminal 1 by mistake. The people there told him that he needed to take the bus over to terminal 3. He gets in the bus and the driver showed him some card that said it costs 900 pesos. Not knowing, he paid the money.Did he tip the driver too?

He has been in Philipppines for a little while and came from AC by car or bus and does not know the value of a peso? Possibly the card said 90 or 9.00 pesos and he misread it?

Ask him what he paid for short time in AC? 30,000?

Wicked Roger
03-21-17, 11:54
I just ran into a buddy in terminal 3. He said he came in from AC and went to terminal 1 by mistake. The people there told him that he needed to take the bus over to terminal 3. He gets in the bus and the driver showed him some card that said it costs 900 pesos. Not knowing, he paid the money.Last time (only time) I took the shuttle bus it was a scrum ending up with my suitcase on my head! Fortunately am a big man and just pushed myself through the melee on the overcrowded bus and vowed never again.

At PHP 900 I would got the taxi and paid PHP 440/500 - that is what I do now.

Buko Max
03-21-17, 12:16
I just ran into a buddy in terminal 3. He said he came in from AC and went to terminal 1 by mistake. The people there told him that he needed to take the bus over to terminal 3. He gets in the bus and the driver showed him some card that said it costs 900 pesos. Not knowing, he paid the money.They have launched a premium bus service that runs a few routes for 300 php. Had the unfortunate instance where I had to transit through NAIA recently and they were running a special fare for 150 php. There is a free shuttle bus that runs between terminals. http://www.ubeexpress.com/.

Sam 14
03-24-17, 20:41
So my friend rings me up with the news. He says it's been all over TV, something about the president says he's going after foreigners that pay money for young girls. (Whatever that means). Says he's tired of that shit. I don't watch TV so I have no idea if it's true. But has anyone heard about that? I have a GF that accepts me for who I am and it's not about money. So if it's true, it shouldn't affect me. Just wondering if this is anything for the average player to be concerned about? Or maybe my buddy missed something and it's just in regards to [CodeWord902] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord902) preditors. Thanks.

NewImage
03-24-17, 22:03
So my friend rings me up with the news. He says it's been all over TV, something about the president says he's going after foreigners that pay money for young girls..My reading is as above and he's after the "controllers " . Esp in Cebu. But?

Hopefully he realizes the economic advantage to PI but? Also too it won't happen over night but?

So many questions. One mad man. So much power. Obviously a stay tuned situation.

CallSign Papa
03-27-17, 11:15
You are getting a picture about Pinays. I have found them to be very sweet and caring. I would say I visited Manila 5 or 10 times before I really got it. Those initial visits I was just caught up in the frenzy of so much available talent, and most of the girls kinda blended into each other. But then you meet that one, who manages to cut through your well armoured veneer and that's where the problems start (jk). I've had a few romances, I've flown a few girls here and there, but I've never ever considered to take one as a serious commitment. That kinda thing is above my pay grade based on the stories you read here.

I don't really have any theories why pinays are more warm and agreeable than most other Asian girls (albeit at a fairly surface level). The lack of any real culture of their own, their babylike emotional engagement, the insistence that they're not "that sort of girl" (when they really are). To some degree trying to quantify it too hard will remove some of the magic.

But I will say this, it has all blended into a very addictive mix for chaps like us. Very addictive indeed.

BrainDrain
03-27-17, 12:07
But I will say this, it has all blended into a very addictive mix for chaps like us. Very addictive indeed.Absolutely, today has cost me USD300 in end of term fees and balances. I really need a new fake profile.

In a way it is pay in advance for another year of wonderful sex with 20-26 year old filipinas.

BD

Dg8787
03-28-17, 18:31
Absolutely, today has cost me USD300 in end of term fees and balances. I really need a new fake profile.

In a way it is pay in advance for another year of wonderful sex with 20-26 year old filipinas.

BDCost or investment?

Personally my investments have paid off very well.

BrainDrain
03-29-17, 02:25
Cost or investment?

Personally my investments have paid off very well.Thanks for clarifying. It felt like a cost. I'm sure the graduation photos will make it good.

Actually the little one that graduates tomorrow is a nice girl of course. I assume she does screw around a little bit but she's not hard core milking foreigners for money. What I do know is every time I screw her I cum. She is just so comfortably tight.

Happy days.

BD.

Omega 3
03-30-17, 11:46
Thought I would post this one here for a more general discussion as I'm sure it could also be an activity in Manila and AC:

Nine Korean sex tourists have been arrested in Cebu under anti trafficking laws.

The group was detained by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with women aged 19 to 21 who were employed by a Korea-based escort service company.

The tour was arranged by a group of three Koreans and a local Filipina, who sold 250,000 peso sex tour packages over the internet, which constitutes a criminal offense in the Philippines.

The arrested Koreans, all in their forties and fifties, were caught in bed with their escorts in a beachfront hotel in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, at about 1am on Friday.

Speaking to the Cebu Daily News, NBI special investigator Arnel Pura said: The suspects are part of what we called sex tourism which prey on Cebuanas. We received an information about their operations so we hatched a plan to arrest them. Just an interesting postscript.

Reportedly, the Koreans were "caught in bed with their escorts" and:

1. on March 3, arrested in Cebu (Lapu Lapu) for "using sex-trafficked persons".

2. then, on March 7, posted bail.

3. then, the following day, March 8, jumped bail and flew back back home to Korea.

Ah, it's sweet to have "juice"!

OM.

P. P. S. By the way, some sex-trafficking charges here are non-available.

Crazy4Thai
03-31-17, 01:43
Arrival Experience, 14 hours since my arrival, I'll post in General since I have yet to score. I landed with a fucking cold. I have meds from Mercury but they do not seem to do anything, even knock me out which I had hoped for. I can't go chasing with mucous dripping down my face. They might think I'm drooling. Landed 30 minutes early out of BKK on PAL, 17:45. Waited at Immigration, waited at luggage, waited at ATM, waited at Globe SIM concession, waited at Metered Taxi stand. So far so good except I'm running out of tissues. I get in the taxi and tell him "skyway" to Picasso Hotel in Makati. He does not know that hotel and launches into who is going to pay "skyway". I say I will pay, this is a metered taxi right, as I try to spot the meter in this fairly new ride. "Oh sorry, the meter is broken sir". This did set me off a bit after waiting for a GD meter and I voiced my displeasure. He paid the skyway. When we got there he told me 250 pesos. I cashed in my 20% senior discount displayed in the taxi, gave him 200 and told him to get his meter fixed. Petty perhaps but I was in no mood by then. By comparison I tipped my BKK taxi $2 on a $6 fare that morning at the airport.

I have run a CL ad since Monday. Most replies were scams wanting me to contact directly into their email acc't. Maybe so they could sell my address? I don't know. Only 3 replies seemed genuine. There was SO much back and forth with each of these that it was unbelievable. For example one seemed oblivious that I wanted a screening meeting first at Starfuck's. Kept hammering me for my hotel name and my phone number. Finally I laid it out tersely. All was quiet fro 20 minutes and then she came back agreeing. That was followed by asking for my phone number again. Anyway I am hoping these meds kick in and I can get in the groove.

Omega 3
03-31-17, 04:23
Arrival Experience, 14 hours since my arrival, I'll post in General since I have yet to score. I landed with a fucking cold. I can't go chasing with mucous dripping down my face. They might think I'm drooling.Sometimes, some quiet down time alone is preferable.

However, sometimes when sick, a warm body next to you to hug in bed can be comforting, with perhaps even a soothing peaceful BJ or two. Even if just around to help do things or run little errands for you, or even "just because you can".

It's really your call. If you are up for it, and have the pesos, you can be sure to find a willing and sympathetic companion or two here, even though you may be drooling, or even worse.

Been there too.

OM.

Member #4566
03-31-17, 06:40
I get in the taxi and tell him "skyway" to Picasso Hotel in Makati. He does not know that hotel and launches into who is going to pay "skyway". I say I will pay, this is a metered taxi right, as I try to spot the meter in this fairly new ride. "Oh sorry, the meter is broken sir". This did set me off a bit after waiting for a GD meter and I voiced my displeasure. He paid the skyway. When we got there he told me 250 pesos. I cashed in my 20% senior discount displayed in the taxi, gave him 200 and told him to get his meter fixed. Petty perhaps but I was in no mood by then. Yeah. Similar thing happens to me about a week ago. At terminal one I climb upstairs to get a taxi at the departure drop off. So many touts and one tells me he has a meter. I get in one and off we go to the Victory liner bus station. After a while I try to spot the meter but there is nothing that looks like one. I figured I was getting scammed and it is 4 am. But we are in a populated area so I feel safe. We get to the Victory liner and the driver quotes 650 pesos. Clearly outrageous. I make no protests. When everything is out of the taxi I hand him, I forget maybe 200 pesos, and tell him that he was not truthful about the meter and walked away. Hell of a way to have to start your funning and fucking.

Cbea20
03-31-17, 08:27
When I get in the taxi, I politely explain. "The meter is your protection, sir. It is your proof of fare. Without the meter, I owe you nothing. " I never have a problem. In any case, I would never estimate above the correct fare, as for example 200 by the skyway to Makati.

This kind of scam has mostly stopped with the proliferation of camera photos. Photograph his face, and the chauffer's license, and the taxi license. He will shape up and accept whatever you choose to pay.


Yeah. Similar thing happens to me about a week ago. At terminal one I climb upstairs to get a taxi at the departure drop off. So many touts and one tells me he has a meter. I get in one and off we go to the Victory liner bus station. After a while I try to spot the meter but there is nothing that looks like one. I figured I was getting scammed and it is 4 am. But we are in a populated area so I feel safe. We get to the Victory liner and the driver quotes 650 pesos. Clearly outrageous. I make no protests. When everything is out of the taxi I hand him, I forget maybe 200 pesos, and tell him that he was not truthful about the meter and walked away. Hell of a way to have to start your funning and fucking.

X Man
03-31-17, 09:32
The taxis and the congestion is probably one of the main reasons I often fly direct to Cebu. On my last trip I did Home / CEB / CRK / MNL / Home which worked out very well. CEB / CRK will cost more than CEB / MNL, but I learned (I'm a slow learner, BTW) that skipping MNL is actually much better value.

Someone mentioned Premium Airport Bus Service, aka UBE Express. http://www.ubeexpress.com.

I think a review would be better in the Manila thread. I'll go there now.


SNIP Hell of a way to have to start your funning and fucking.

Omega 3
03-31-17, 10:37
This kind of scam has mostly stopped with the proliferation of camera photos. Photograph his face, and the chauffer's license, and the taxi license. He will shape up and accept whatever you choose to pay.Either that, or he will deliver you to play poker with Jimmy Hoffa and Lewis Yakich.

OM.

BrainDrain
03-31-17, 23:46
Arrival Experience, 14 hours since my arrival, I'll post in General since I have yet to score. I landed with a fucking cold. I have meds from Mercury but they do not seem to do anything, even knock me out which I had hoped for. I can't go chasing with mucous dripping down my face.Last tear I did have a girl with me while I had a chest infection and fever. At the time of meeting her I was sensing something coming on. She came and spent a two days. It was lovely to have her there with me. She ended up getting a chest infection the following week so I was happy to pay for her meds too.

Crazy4Thai
04-01-17, 10:37
Last tear I did have a girl with me while I had a chest infection and fever. At the time of meeting her I was sensing something coming on. She came and spent a two days. It was lovely to have her there with me. She ended up getting a chest infection the following week so I was happy to pay for her meds too.Maybe if timing had been different and I hooked up right on the cusp as you did, that would work. But really this has almost stopped me completely. Day 3 I am mostly in my room and now I can tell the worst is over. I did venture out on Friday afternoon to Havana Cafe and 2 very experienced ladies suggested that they could "massage me back to health". The older one laughed out loud when I asked if she was a nurse. I thought she might whip her saggy tits out for a minute. They were not bothered by my contagious condition but I had to retreat to the room. I have hopes for Sunday.

Wicked Roger
04-01-17, 13:24
Arrival Experience, 14 hours since my arrival, I'll post in General since I have yet to score. I landed with a fucking cold. I have meds from Mercury but they do not seem to do anything, even knock me out which I had hoped for. .I tend to bring known meds with me on long trips for these occasions as if I get a cold / flu can be horrible and using a box of tissues a night is not the best way to impress a cutie (that and what you noted CrazyT).

So I usually carry Augmentin or Cipro with me as prescribed by my doctor and perhaps those can be found in smaller pharmas? Or the generics are good also. These are strong meds take fro 5 days and you will be fine normally. Or go to the A&E of a major hospital as it will prescribe something esp if you tell them you need to be better to shafg their cute friends LOL.

Self medication is not ideal as many have pointed out but those who know me well also know am always on planes and experience many different climates leading to the risk of cold / flu etc so my doctor is a good person who understands this and knows I am sensible also and don't use often (more have in the bag "just in case it gets bad".

WestCoast1
04-01-17, 15:16
Last tear I did have a girl with me while I had a chest infection and fever. At the time of meeting her I was sensing something coming on. She came and spent a two days. It was lovely to have her there with me. She ended up getting a chest infection the following week so I was happy to pay for her meds too.


Maybe if timing had been different and I hooked up right on the cusp as you did, that would work. But really this has almost stopped me completely. Day 3 I am mostly in my room and now I can tell the worst is over.I think I've written before about a cebuana who spends her nights with me (rarely daytime). Quiet girl, rarely speaks unless sloshed. About 2 years ago I got sick while in Cebu, and she spent 5 nights nursing me. I was nowhere near sexing desire, but she took care of me like a personal assistant / nurse. She got meds for me at the pharmacy, ran to fetch foods for us, massaged my back and forehead without being told, and rarely spoke. She has for years been a morning-blue-note-girl. Short of being in better health while on vacation, the situation could not have been much better. This is another example of pinay GFE, and I continue to recognize my good luck with pinay. You could not hire someone to care for you (and who looks forward to sleeping naked with you) for that amount of money.

SergeantRay
04-02-17, 04:53
I tend to bring known meds with me on long trips for these occasions as if I get a cold / flu can be horrible and using a box of tissues a night is not the best way to impress a cutie (that and what you noted CrazyT). .I once got so sick, feverish, diarrhea, that I was stuck in bed with the chills. So now I take a simple first aid kit with aspirin, immodium, and band aids. Chewable Pepto Bismol comes in handy too--upset stomach or diarrhea.

Wicked Roger
04-02-17, 13:57
I once got so sick, feverish, diarrhea, that I was stuck in bed with the chills. So now I take a simple first aid kit with aspirin, immodium, and band aids. Chewable Pepto Bismol comes in handy too--upset stomach or diarrhea.Without wishing to drag this thread into lots of chit chat on our medical conditions and how to help ourselves maximise the time we have I would say / suggest never try immodium first as this just keeps the nasty bugs at bay and when the meds wear off IMHO you still have the problems. I just go 24 hrs drinking warm water and flush the bugs out until basically you are farting water LOL Then toast and maybe a banana and you feel OK, you may not be hungry for food much but am sure the pecker is LOL.

Or I was told boil rice, throw the rice away and drink the rice water, great to calm and bind the stomach.

Old recipes sometimes work better than modern medicines.

GoodEnough
04-02-17, 21:05
Without wishing to drag this thread into lots of chit chat on our medical conditions and how to help ourselves maximise the time we have I would say / suggest never try immodium first as this just keeps the nasty bugs at bay and when the meds wear off IMHO you still have the problems. I just go 24 hrs drinking warm water and flush the bugs out until basically you are farting water LOL Then toast and maybe a banana and you feel OK, you may not be hungry for food much but am sure the pecker is LOL.

Or I was told boil rice, throw the rice away and drink the rice water, great to calm and bind the stomach.

Old recipes sometimes work better than modern medicines.I remember a discussion I once had with a Gastroenterologist immediately prior to beginning the first of many sojourns to Africa for work. He told me that periods of gastric distress would be inevitable, and suggested that I carry with me both Imodium and Cipro 500 MG pills, for which he promptly wrote me a prescription. His advice was to take the Imodium immediately after an outbreak of diarrhea, wait a couple of hours, and then if the Imodium proved ineffective, assume I had a form of dysentery and begin the Cipro regime: two 500 MG tablets to start, and then one every 6 hours thereafter for 5 days. It's a routine that's worked well for me over the years and I never travel without both medications. I find that Cipro effectively wipes out the diarrhea in a few hours.

GE.

Omega 3
04-03-17, 06:17
I remember a discussion I once had with a Gastroenterologist immediately prior to beginning the first of many sojourns to Africa for work. He told me that periods of gastric distress would be inevitable, and suggested that I carry with me both Imodium and Cipro 500 MG pills, for which he promptly wrote me a prescription. His advice was to take the Imodium immediately after an outbreak of diarrhea, wait a couple of hours, and then if the Imodium proved ineffective, assume I had a form of dysentery and begin the Cipro regime: two 500 MG tablets to start, and then one every 6 hours thereafter for 5 days. It's a routine that's worked well for me over the years and I never travel without both medications. I find that Cipro effectively wipes out the diarrhea in a few hours.

GE.Thanks for the useful information, will buy a small inventory to keep on hand.

Used to have stomach issues when traveling, but have found that daily supplements of digestive probiotics really help to maintain beneficial intestinal flora and minimize stomach issues. Plus, daily supplements of zinc to help support immune system.

Also after long flights used to come down with respiratory crud (docs called it sinusitis because they really didn't know what it was, kind of like a very bad cold or flu, but with abnormally low body temps which felt like fever). Have found a simple preventive of three drops of oil of oregano in a bottle of water to drink daily or as needed to be very helpful in preventing or controlling this crud.

Hope this may be of some help to fellow travelers.

YMMV.

OM.

Hutsori
04-03-17, 19:02
I just go 24 hrs drinking warm water and flush the bugs out until basically you are farting water LOL Toss a big handful of peeled fresh ginger in the pot of water, simmer for a few hours, and drink continuously. Ginger is quite good fighting stomach bugs. Activated charcoal too.

Buko Max
04-04-17, 01:10
Have found a simple preventive of three drops of oil of oregano in a bottle of water to drink daily or as needed to be very helpful in preventing or controlling this crud.Have to agree that oregano oil will not only help with crud but will kill most harmful bacteria anywhere in the body! Always carry it when I travel.

BrainDrain
04-04-17, 02:50
Used to have stomach issues when traveling, but have found that daily supplements of digestive probiotics really help to maintain beneficial intestinal flora and minimize stomach issues. Plus, daily supplements of zinc to help support immune system.
The bugs and infections you will be exposed to in AC & Philippines are likely to just laugh at natural solutions. The number of lost days of productivity in our local staff due to dysentery and water quality is significant. Travel often to here and it is only a matter of time until a good bug bites.

GoodEnough
04-04-17, 03:23
The bugs and infections you will be exposed to in AC & Philippines are likely to just laugh at natural solutions. The number of lost days of productivity in our local staff due to dysentery and water quality is significant. Travel often to here and it is only a matter of time until a good bug bites.I'm with Omega regarding the efficacy of Priobiotic pills. I've been taking them for about 6 months, every day, and they appear to have made a difference for me. True, you probably cannot escape nasty bacteria but the addition of several million "good" bacteria every day to the digestive tract surely can't hurt.

I've also assumed that, over the years, I've become somewhat acclimated to bacteria that might make others sick. Though I remain extremely careful, I don't seem to suffer from gastric-related afflictions nearly as often as I first did when I started working here. In Davao, I even use the tap water for my coffee, although it's boiled for a few seconds before I pour it over the grinds, and to my knowledge, I've never gotten sick from it.

GE.

Red Kilt
04-04-17, 03:26
The bugs and infections you will be exposed to in AC & Philippines are likely to just laugh at natural solutions. The number of lost days of productivity in our local staff due to dysentery and water quality is significant. Travel often to here and it is only a matter of time until a good bug bites.BD is correct.

The Philippines is a breeding ground for the next strain of superbugs because the locals, with the assistance of unscrupulous pharmacy assistants who allow locals to buy pissy little numbers of antibiotics, are merely building up the resistance within the bug populations. Most people cannot afford to buy the full regime of treatment so they get just 3 to 6 capsules of antibiotics and assume they wil work. Watsons are getting stricter now selling the full sealed box of required treatment to prescription holders only but just yesterday in Mercury I stood next to a woman buying 3 pieces of Amoxycillin (co-amoxyclav). That's one day's treatment, not 7.

The best solution is to live here for an extended period and build up your own resistance.

After my 20 years of residence I can count on one hand the number of times I have had diarrhoea or any stomach bug but I am also careful in what I eat etc even if I stay for extended periods in the provinces and also travel a lot. I guess I am flaunting with karma in saying this but it's true. Nevertheless, I carry an array of tabs for the day when I am inevitably stricken.

Slippery
04-04-17, 17:10
Twice in Manila I bought a 7 day regimen at a small local "pharmacy. " Both times they asked what it was for, and I told them that I just flew in and I get ear infections on long flights.

Wicked Roger
04-04-17, 18:07
The Philippines is a breeding ground for the next strain of superbugs because the locals, with the assistance of unscrupulous pharmacy assistants who allow locals to buy pissy little numbers of antibiotics, Watsons are getting stricter now selling the full sealed box of required treatment to prescription holders only but just yesterday in Mercury I stood next to a woman buying 3 pieces of Amoxycillin (co-amoxyclav). That's one day's treatment, not 7.

The best solution is to live here for an extended period and build up your own resistance..Good observations RK, I travel a lot sa you know and I can count on one hand the number of times I have had serious illnesses in the last 25-30 years (almost all occur in 'western' countries not the developed world oddly enough).

Many pinays I know and speak with are always advised by me to buy a full regimen but many don't and wonder why the UTI etc returns worse than before and take more tablets to remove the next time.

Cost is one reason (and a major one IMHO) and a lack of education and advice from the pharmacist / doctor at the time of purchase is another (some don't care as long as long as get the sale.

Perhaps).

UTI is a common problem with the amount of sugar they take each day via sodas and junk food and by changing their diet as advised by Dr WR (ie more water less junk) plus remembering to buy 7 days has helped a few cuties and the UTIs etc don't reappear 4 days after they think it has gone (as they only took 3 days medication).

But this is only a very few cuties who listen or can afford at times.

ImAGuy
04-05-17, 10:08
Is anyone here running a coffee shop here? I've been considering it.

Red Kilt
04-05-17, 11:22
Is anyone here running a coffee shop here? I've been considering it.I have discussed this proposition at length.

Never ever try to open a business on your own of any type, and a coffee shop fits that bill. You definitely need a filipino partner (wife, family member, good friend, lawyer etc) and you need to be able to trust them implicitly. The registration process (and all that is involved) is a minefield. Been there. Done that. Decided no thanks.

The biggest problem with a coffee shop is how to distinguish your business from the 100's of other "start-up" coffee shops or even those that are part of a franchise.

For a foreigner, if you find a niche, very quickly filipinos will follow you into the same niche. If you are successful, they will find all sorts of ways to pull you down.

Sorry to be so negative, but there are very few foreigners who succeed here (and I am discounting the Chinese taipans (Sy, Tan, Gokongkwei et al) because they don't count in this equation).

GoodEnough
04-05-17, 13:07
Is anyone here running a coffee shop here? I've been considering it.I'd go with RK's excellent advice. First, because you cannot open a business on your own. You don't know the system, have no idea how to get the myriad permits needed, and second because as a foreigner, you're not allowed to operate a business that isn't controlled by a Filipino. Even if you were somehow able to open a business under your control, you would find so many hurdles placed in your path that it simply would not be worth your while. I've had two businesses here, both of which were, at least on paper, controlled by Filipinos and it was they who took care of all of the endless paperwork and compliance issues. Believe me, you do not want to get involved with any of it.

As RK points out, there are hundreds of coffee shops in every major city here, and the first question you might want to ask yourself is what would distinguish your's from any of the others? There's Starbucks, there's Seattle's Best, and there are literally hundreds of other boutique operations all competing for the same customers willing to pay for "designer" coffee. Not sure what you could do to distinguish yourself from all the rest.

As strongly implied in RK's post, this is essentially a "closed" economy, and it doesn't welcome foreigners. So, unless you've got a wife / girlfriend / other friends whom you trust 100% with your investment capital, I'd advise you to invest elsewhere.

GE.

Dg8787
04-05-17, 17:22
Is anyone here running a coffee shop here? I've been considering it.Can you give more details of what you are considering? Does it include food? Sandwiches? Sit down hot plated menu?

Also where in Philippines?

ImAGuy
04-06-17, 02:11
RK / GE,

Thanks for the detailed responses and no worries -- I kinda figured as much. I pretty much don't trust anyone here, anymore, but was willing to take a risk since I have some spare cash lying around. But you guys probably told me what I needed to hear. I'd probably have better luck in the stock market.

So business here is the same as China then, huh? Possibly worse?

DG -- nothing special, a Starbucks clone with similar coffee, more seating, different food. In my area, pretty much every coffee shop is at max capacity at almost any given time / day. Not exaggerating. People practically fight for seats around here. I'm not even near Manila, either. Common to see 40 something ladies with LV bags dropping 2 k on trays for family / friends. (When did this stop being a third world country, exactly?

FreebieFan
04-06-17, 02:50
RK / GE,

Thanks for the detailed responses and no worries -- I kinda figured as much. I pretty much don't trust anyone here, anymore, but was willing to take a risk since I have some spare cash lying around. But you guys probably told me what I needed to hear. I'd probably have better luck in the stock market.

So business here is the same as China then, huh? Possibly worse?

Having been a partner in two business in Manila (garment company and restaurant in Salcedo) stay far away from trying to do business in Philippines. China is also a closed shop for the restaurant business (just FYI. Any restaurants in China owned by non chinese is restricted to 40 seats maximum).

I say trying because that's all you can do. Lots of laws and lots of red tape and lots and lots of people checking on your business, plus the moment its known a non filipino is running a place, everything attracts a premium.

Talk to Billy King who used to run LE Souffle in Global City. Stabbed in back by both his Filipino partners who he had known and worked with for 15 years. One day they decided he would no longer be a partner and with their lawyers they fixed it. Billy was happy and sad a year later when LE Souffle closed due to lack of business.

Many other stories like that abound. Moral of the stories. Stay away, far far far away.

Dg8787
04-06-17, 02:53
RK / GE,

Thanks for the detailed responses and no worries -- I kinda figured as much. I pretty much don't trust anyone here, anymore, but was willing to take a risk since I have some spare cash lying around. But you guys probably told me what I needed to hear. I'd probably have better luck in the stock market.

So business here is the same as China then, huh? Possibly worse?

DG -- nothing special, a Starbucks clone with similar coffee, more seating, different food. In my area, pretty much every coffee shop is at max capacity at almost any given time / day. Not exaggerating. People practically fight for seats around here. I'm not even near Manila, either. Common to see 40 something ladies with LV bags dropping 2 k on trays for family / friends. (When did this stop being a third world country, exactly?I am not sure if the stock market is any better. I do think it would be worse investing in China.

If you have spare cash to play with and the loss of it won't cause you to go to 2 meals a day instead of 3, then why not? Just remember you will have to be on top of it. You will be hard pressed to find talent and skilled workers like in first world countries. You will have employee theft like in any country. It may be more management intensive than you like.

Remember you will be making pesos and have to trust someone to hold title and money. Which I have had a few people holding cash and title for me and never had a problem. This was about 100 k plus, so there are trustworthy people in Philippines. Also the permits and licensing can be a pain but not really that bad. I had one girl that could handle that every year and she learned how quickly after the first time.

My problem was the staffing did not want to learn and got lazy. I had daily staff of 4-6 and averaged firing 1-2 a month. Your operation will require strict management and supervision. Not for an absentee owner for sure, in my opinion.

Dg8787
04-06-17, 03:07
RK / GE,

Thanks for the detailed responses and no worries -- I kinda figured as much. I pretty much don't trust anyone here, anymore, but was willing to take a risk since I have some spare cash lying around. But you guys probably told me what I needed to hear. I'd probably have better luck in the stock market.

So business here is the same as China then, huh? Possibly worse?

DG -- nothing special, a Starbucks clone with similar coffee, more seating, different food. In my area, pretty much every coffee shop is at max capacity at almost any given time / day. Not exaggerating. People practically fight for seats around here. I'm not even near Manila, either. Common to see 40 something ladies with LV bags dropping 2 k on trays for family / friends. (When did this stop being a third world country, exactly?Keep it mind, just because a business is full of customers does not mean it is making money. Only amateurs and non business owners would draw that conclusion. Sometimes a siomai cart makes more money than these businesses.

Like I said if you got money to play with and don't mind losing it then why not.

Omega 3
04-06-17, 04:10
*** Thanks for the detailed responses and no worries -- I kinda figured as much. I pretty much don't trust anyone here, anymore, but was willing to take a risk since I have some spare cash lying around.Question: What's the best way to leave the Philippines with US $1 million?

Answer: First come in to the Philippines with US $2 million.

An old joke, with more than a grain of truth. Have heard it applied to China as well.

Angeles in particular (and the Phils in general) is / are replete with chronicles of "porriners", especially newbies, who sought to start businesses with trusted Filipina wives or girlfriends, or trusted Filipino lawyers or other Filipino partners, only to be fleeced and disillusioned, and often impoverished and embittered.

Not surprisingly, the local game is rigged in favor of locals.

Having said that, there are a comparatively few expats who have started and manage successful ongoing businesses in the Phils. I reckon there might even be a few who are posting on ISG. In many cases, these are very savvy guys who have been around since God made corporal, and who often have accumulated scars of experience along the way.

Who needs the aggravation? I can p*ss away my money quickly enough just having fun.

OM.

P.S. Those Chinoy taipans of course are Filipinos of Chinese descent.

Golfinho
04-06-17, 13:49
Thanks for the detailed responses and no worries -- I kinda figured as much. I pretty much don't trust anyone here, anymore, but was willing to take a risk?Has anyone been anywhere in the provinces where you don't come across a hotel, or a restaurant, or a combination of both that isn't owned, run, and operated by a Filipina and foreigner situation? These places are everywhere. And like everywhere, you don't take a partner without love or leverage. Since last summer, we've seen tons of these places in Camiguin, Bantayan, Malapascua, Siargao- all nice islands where businesses can capture tourist money.

Hutsori
04-06-17, 18:36
Just a PSA to would-be investors: make sure you understand the Philippines' anti-dummy law, http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/comacts/ca_108_1936.html.

BrainDrain
04-06-17, 23:28
Has anyone been anywhere in the provinces where you don't come across a hotel, or a restaurant, or a combination of both that isn't owned, run, and operated by a Filipina and foreigner situation? These places are everywhere. And like everywhere, you don't take a partner without love or leverage. Since last summer, we've seen tons of these places in Camiguin, Bantayan, Malapascua, Siargao- all nice islands where businesses can capture tourist money.The other thing to notice is the amount of capital that was invested to return bugger all. So often we can sit in these places and see no one else. The money has been spent on the building, it cannot be recovered, it cannot leave the country. The business will survive because of the low cost of OJT labor. The country is also filled with poorly maintained resorts.

GoodEnough
04-06-17, 23:51
The other thing to notice is the amount of capital that was invested to return bugger all. So often we can sit in these places and see no one else. The money has been spent on the building, it cannot be recovered, it cannot leave the country. The business will survive because of the low cost of OJT labor. The country is also filled with poorly maintained resorts.I know several foreigners who have done very well here running a variety of businesses. What sets them apart from the rest of the crowd is their intimate knowledge of the country, their carefully cultivated and maintained connections, and the almost impenetrable webs of fronts they've managed to establish. Conversely, I know of not a single foreigner who arrives here fresh off the boat, so to speak, starts a business, and winds up successful. It's not only the law cited by Huts, which prevents event astute but naïve foreigners from generating significant investment returns, but a failure to understand how things really work and a concomitant knowledge of how to operate under the constraints. Virtually all aspects of business management here, from the initial securing of requisite licenses and permits, to the management of inventory, supply chains, credit, bank accounts, labor practices, Human Resources management, accounting and endless government reporting requirements requires a reasonably deep level of understanding, which is something that newly-arrived foreigners simply do not have.

My advice to those who, despite all of the caveats, are determined to create something here is to fly well below the radar, which means having a network of folks you absolutely trust, to take care of all of the aspects of the business that you cannot begin to manage.

GE.

Golfinho
04-07-17, 00:48
The other thing to notice is the amount of capital that was invested to return bugger all. So often we can sit in these places and see no one else. The money has been spent on the building, it cannot be recovered, it cannot leave the country. The business will survive because of the low cost of OJT labor. The country is also filled with poorly maintained resorts.These places exist to either provide an income for the Filipina's relations, or else as residence and income in instance where the foreigner is full-time expat, hence no need to recover money spent on the building. This is an end game strategy, although of course in can be sold off to another incoming foreigner.

Stykler
04-07-17, 03:16
My advice to those who, despite all of the caveats, are determined to create something here is to fly well below the radar, which means having a network of folks you absolutely trust, to take care of all of the aspects of the business that you cannot begin to manage.

GE.This is great advice, equally applicable across most S. E. A. Countries.

Member #4566
04-09-17, 14:22
BD is correct.

The Philippines is a breeding ground for the next strain of superbugs because the locals, with the assistance of unscrupulous pharmacy assistants who allow locals to buy pissy little numbers of antibiotics, are merely building up the resistance within the bug populations. Most people cannot afford to buy the full regime of treatment so they get just 3 to 6 capsules of antibiotics and assume they wil work. Watsons are getting stricter now selling the full sealed box of required treatment to prescription holders only but just yesterday in Mercury I stood next to a woman buying 3 pieces of Amoxycillin (co-amoxyclav). That's one day's treatment, not 7.A broader view of these issues needs taken.

(1) Credible authority has recommended that antibiotic therapy can be suspended 3 days after the patient is asymptomatic (10.1136/ bmj. D7955). Since the longer the antibiotic is used the greater the evolutionary pressure on the bug to evolve resistance. Thus using antibiotics for a shorter duration is better in terms of minimizing the evolutionary pressure on the bacteria to develop resistance.

(2) The greatest consumer of antibiotics in the US are farm animals which are fed antibiotics as a part of their daily diet. If we must limit the use of antibiotics, I would rather first limit its use for livestock.

(3) Each use of antibiotics puts evolutionary pressure on the bacterium to evolve resistance. Thus lessening the use of antibiotics is merely postponing the inevitable. Bacteria will in time develop resistance no matter what.

(4) A Filipina has a sick child that she must nurse at home and lose time away from her job. She wants antibiotics and we should be grateful that, unlike the USA where the doctors have a well-protected monopoly over the availability of drugs, this mother can obtain antibiotics without the needless expense of paying for an MD's approval. The mother should be advised that antibiotics are useless against viruses. However viral infections can weaken an individual's immune system allowing easy entry for a secondary bacterial infection which can be treated by antibiotics.

Soapy Smith
04-09-17, 17:48
The mother should be advised that antibiotics are useless against viruses. However viral infections can weaken an individual's immune system allowing easy entry for a secondary bacterial infection which can be treated by antibiotics.The key problematic is: "the mother should be advised. " The mother's lack of awareness of the inability to treat viruses with antibiotics is consistent with RK's fellow customer buying three amoxicillin pills. Even when "advising" does occur, it falls on a mass of people who generally lack reliable information and education and don't have confidence in their government to regulate and consistently provide them with correct information.

Soapy Smith
04-09-17, 18:06
I know several foreigners who have done very well here running a variety of businesses. What sets them apart from the rest of the crowd is their intimate knowledge of the country, their carefully cultivated and maintained connections, and the almost impenetrable webs of fronts they've managed to establish. GE.For what it's worth, I have observed that what is needed in many developing countries like the Philippines are personal networks with the right people. In more developed countries a person can count on walking into the small business administration, the local office of land use planning, or the loan office of a regional bank, and expect to get more or less the same treatment as the next guy (with the exception of a few discriminatory practices). But in the Philippines the discretion to make important decisions (and therefore "power") is held by the person rather than in the person's official position. So it truly matters "who you know," and the "carefully cultivated and maitained connections" that GE describes typically take a lot of time to develop, because you can't just assume to go to the official position where decision authority is supposed to reside. You have to first figure out who is "the man" (or occasionally the woman), and then figure out how to cultivate a relationship with that person. And there is never just one man you need to cultivate, you have to cultivate the entire "web of fronts they've managed to establish. ".

Omega 3
04-10-17, 07:05
For what it is worth, the USA Embassy in Manila on April 9 issued a travel warning, which in part reads:

"The USA Embassy has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces. USA Citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as you make your travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times."

The link of the full travel warning is at: https://ph.usembassy.gov/security-message-u-s-citizens-travel-advisory-central-visayas/.

Out of curiosity, does any seasoned traveler actually ever cancel or change travel plans because of travel warnings like this?

OM.

Dg8787
04-10-17, 19:13
For what it is worth, the USA Embassy in Manila on April 9 issued a travel warning, which in part reads:

"The USA Embassy has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces. USA Citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as you make your travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times."

The link of the full travel warning is at: https://ph.usembassy.gov/security-message-u-s-citizens-travel-advisory-central-visayas/.

Out of curiosity, does any seasoned traveler actually ever cancel or change travel plans because of travel warnings like this?

OM.I for one wouldn't change my travel plans to Philippines, nor would I change my plans to Cebu based on these warnings. Of course I am not going to the dangerous Mindanao areas either.

BTW, I have told my friends and family of my no ransom policy along with my DNR and pull the plug health directive.

Wicked Roger
04-10-17, 20:06
For what it is worth, the USA Embassy in Manila on April 9 issued a travel warning, which in part reads:

"The USA Embassy has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces. USA Citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as you make your travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times."

The link of the full travel warning is at: https://ph.usembassy.gov/security-message-u-s-citizens-travel-advisory-central-visayas/.

Out of curiosity, does any seasoned traveler actually ever cancel or change travel plans because of travel warnings like this?

OM.Same for Aussies OM and mentions Cebu and Bohol in its circular, but would not change my plans. Lived in and visited far more dangerous places than the Philippines and am generally aware of things / surrounding but that is not to say I am 'cocky' / overconfident about it either.

GoodEnough
04-10-17, 22:51
I for one wouldn't change my travel plans to Philippines, nor would I change my plans to Cebu based on these warnings. Of course I am not going to the dangerous Mindanao areas either.

BTW, I have told my friends and family of my no ransom policy along with my DNR and pull the plug health directive.The US Embassy issues similar warnings every couple of months, and more frequently if it receives credible intelligence of possible problems. I would encourage any American coming here to sign up for the travel warnings; the sign-up is free from the Embassy website, and it never hurts to have the information. I believe other Western Embassies issue similar alerts fairly regularly. I've never altered any travel plans due to information contained in these reports, but if I were planning a trip to Cebu in the near future the latest report might cause me to reconsider.

GE.

Red Kilt
04-11-17, 05:07
I've never altered any travel plans due to information contained in these reports, but if I were planning a trip to Cebu in the near future the latest report might cause me to reconsider. I agree with GE.

This advisory, together with the one I read on the Australia site, seems to be a bit more specific than usual; it's not vague, and it "seems" to be based on credible intel.

If I was scheduled to visit Cebu I would probably still go but I would stay in my usual hang-outs around Ayala Mall and Parklane Hotel and be more wary about wandering around Gen Maxilom (aka Mango) Ave on my own.

Wicked Roger
04-11-17, 07:39
I agree with GE.

This advisory, together with the one I read on the Australia site, seems to be a bit more specific than usual; it's not vague, and it "seems" to be based on credible intel.

If I was scheduled to visit Cebu I would probably still go but I would stay in my usual hang-outs around Ayala Mall and Parklane Hotel and be more wary about wandering around Gen Maxilom (aka Mango) Ave on my own.You said credible maybe this is what was meant.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/888311/police-military-team-10-armed-men-clash-in-bohol-report

Bohol would be a fairly easy target. Lots of resorts and tourists, am wondering what D30 will do about AS now given this news?

KrisMonger
04-11-17, 08:55
I agree with GE.

This advisory, together with the one I read on the Australia site, seems to be a bit more specific than usual; it's not vague, and it "seems" to be based on credible intel.

If I was scheduled to visit Cebu I would probably still go but I would stay in my usual hang-outs around Ayala Mall and Parklane Hotel and be more wary about wandering around Gen Maxilom (aka Mango) Ave on my own.Looks like the advisory was legit. Just popped up on my news monitor.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/04/11/five-dead-armed-men-attack-tourist-island-philippines

Omega 3
04-11-17, 10:21
There is now some inference here that the "unsubstantiated yet credible" source was actually a Facebook post on Saturday by a local cop in Asturias, something to the effect that ASY might be spotted here. That Saturday Facebook post preceded the travel warning by AmEmb the following day, Sunday.

Today, Tuesday, there is a plea by the head of Cebu police to the public not to spread unwarranted rumors on social media and, coincidentally, the Asturias police station head has been transferred from that post.

Cebu Province Vice Governor Agnes Magpale was quoted as saying something to the effect that if ever there are fewer American tourists, no big deal, because their numbers are far less than the Koreans anyway.

The show goes on.

OM.

Omega 3
04-11-17, 12:34
P. S. Tuesday, April 11, Bohol, Philippines. Breaking News.

Local social media are abuzz with reports of pitched battle in Inabanga, Bohol, between government forces (PNP and Army) and a heavily armed bandit group, possibly led by Abu Sayaf sub-leader Abu Rami, believed to be attempting to infiltrate by boat from Mindanao.

Per initial reports: 5 bandits, plus 1 policeman and 3 Army soldiers have been killed.

This appears to be legitimate, and not unsubstantiated rumor or fake news. If true, this will be bad news for the Philippines and ASEAN.

OM.

P.S. Inabanga is on the northern coast of Bohol, approximately 70 km north of Tagbilaran. The ASEAN Bohol Summit had been scheduled to start April 18-22 on Panglao Island, south of Tagbilaran.

WestCoast1
04-11-17, 14:46
This advisory, together with the one I read on the Australia site, seems to be a bit more specific than usual; it's not vague, and it "seems" to be based on credible intel.Interesting. I was reading Omega's website (US State Dept) about the warning. Was not aware of this:

The Bureau of Immigration may consider the participation of foreigners in demonstrations or political rallies in the Philippines to be a violation of the terms of admission. *Foreign nationals who participate in demonstrations or political rallies may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/philippines.html

By chance I have stumbled across several rallies / demonstrations where the locals were unhappy with their situation. By simply asking questions of the locals involved, I'm sure that it might appear to anyone watching the demonstration (ie LE) that I might be part of it. I like finding out what is so important to bring them out to the streets and talking about issues. From now on I should give these things a pass and walk away.

Red Kilt
04-12-17, 06:18
Interesting. I was reading Omega's website (US State Dept) about the warning. Was not aware of this:

The Bureau of Immigration may consider the participation of foreigners in demonstrations or political rallies in the Philippines to be a violation of the terms of admission. *Foreign nationals who participate in demonstrations or political rallies may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/philippines.html

By chance I have stumbled across several rallies / demonstrations where the locals were unhappy with their situation. By simply asking questions of the locals involved, I'm sure that it might appear to anyone watching the demonstration (ie LE) that I might be part of it. I like finding out what is so important to bring them out to the streets and talking about issues. From now on I should give these things a pass and walk away.I am surprised you didn't know about this WC.

Maybe you should RTFF a bit more (joke, joke joke as the local girls say).

All advisories stress this over and over.

One innocent but inquisitive foreigner bystander / observer was actually attacked by demonstrators near the EDSA shrine at the height of the anti-Erap protests. Take your own advice and hot-foot it back to the hotel and watch it unfold on ANC news.

Red Kilt
04-12-17, 06:30
<SNIP>

Cebu Province Vice Governor Agnes Magpale was quoted as saying something to the effect that if ever there are fewer American tourists, no big deal, because their numbers are far less than the Koreans anyway.

Not to de-value anything you say Om BUT you know as well as I do that you never take any notice of what locals say regarding how safe their places are.

I have numerous examples of girls telling me to come visit them in (insert place names) because it is safe and "I will look after you". This occurs when news reports describe torrid battles going on in the immediate vicinity. Of course it's safe for them. They live there.

The local government officials are also worried about scaring away potential tourists, especially locals, so they will sugar coat everything. I reported in a post 2 or 3 years ago about how a senior Department of Tourism official at a workshop that I attended said that more than 80% of tourism revenue came from local tourists. Foreign visitors make up only a small portion of the overall sum. It's the sheer volume of locals staying just a few nights all over the country that adds to the total budget, even if it's presumed that foreigners spend more during their short time in-country.

I had no reason to doubt him, and my experience of regularly staying at hotels all over the Philippines as part of my work reveals that most people at breakfast are locals and their families, even in the 5-star places. Check it out next time you are staying at a hotel.

GoodEnough
04-12-17, 07:14
P. S. Tuesday, April 11, Bohol, Philippines. Breaking News.

Local social media are abuzz with reports of pitched battle in Inabanga, Bohol, between government forces (PNP and Army) and a heavily armed bandit group, possibly led by Abu Sayaf sub-leader Abu Rami, believed to be attempting to infiltrate by boat from Mindanao.

Per initial reports: 5 bandits, plus 1 policeman and 3 Army soldiers have been killed.

This appears to be legitimate, and not unsubstantiated rumor or fake news. If true, this will be bad news for the Philippines and ASEAN.

OM.

P.S. Inabanga is on the northern coast of Bohol, approximately 70 km north of Tagbilaran. The ASEAN Bohol Summit had been scheduled to start April 18-22 on Panglao Island, south of Tagbilaran.I am somewhat surprised at this as I didn't know that the ASG was active in Bohol. However, skirmishes like this happen frequently here in Mindanao, with the AFP never capable of exactly winning and the ASG fading back into the Bush. I've heard / read two sets of analyses about the insurgency. A recently retired US Special Forces soldier who served in Mindanao told me that the AFP doesn't really want to win, as to do so would reduce the amount of military assistance (from which lots of people profit) provided by other countries. He also told me that the command structure here is so slerotic that field commanders must actually receive faxed approvals from their superiors before they're allowed to act. This guy gave me an example of such behavior that I won't repeat here, but did say that the "active" number of ASG troops is less than 300, and that any Western special forces group could wipe them out in a week. The alternative view, espoused by some Filipino academics is that though small in number, ASG fighters are sheltered by the poor Muslim communities from which they come, since the ASG distributes part of the bounty it receives from kidnapping within the communities, while the government provides them little to no assistance. If the latter view is true, there's no particular reason for the sheltering communities to cooperate with the government as they have nothing to gain by doing so.

I've also heard from US troops and security forces that have served here that the AFP is poorly equipped, poorly trained and poorly led, but again, I've got no basis for confirming if this is true. What I do know is that during the past four decades or so of conflict, the government has been unable to eradicate the group and shows no signs of being able to do so now.

The socio-economic reasons for the rise of ASG the NPA and similar groups of intransigeants were inherited by Duterte and the roots of the struggle of poor Muslims (ASG) and dirt-poor subsistence farms (NPA) are buried deep in the history of this place and unless and until those historical realities are dealt with on the ground, peace in Mindanao remains unlikely.

GE.

FreebieFan
04-12-17, 07:40
Interesting. I was reading Omega's website (US State Dept) about the warning. Was not aware of this:

The Bureau of Immigration may consider the participation of foreigners in demonstrations or political rallies in the Philippines to be a violation of the terms of admission. *Foreign nationals who participate in demonstrations or political rallies may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/philippines.html

By chance I have stumbled across several rallies / demonstrations where the locals were unhappy with their situation. By simply asking questions of the locals involved, I'm sure that it might appear to anyone watching the demonstration (ie LE) that I might be part of it. I like finding out what is so important to bring them out to the streets and talking about issues. From now on I should give these things a pass and walk away.Last time I arrived at Terminal 3 , a few weeks back, there are actually printed signs on the Immigration officers booths that actually said the same.

Boarer
04-12-17, 09:14
The local government officials are also worried about scaring away potential tourists, especially locals, so they will sugar coat everything. I reported in a post 2 or 3 years ago about how a senior Department of Tourism official at a workshop that I attended said that more than 80% of tourism revenue came from local tourists. Foreign visitors make up only a small portion of the overall sum. It's the sheer volume of locals staying just a few nights all over the country that adds to the total budget, even if it's presumed that foreigners spend more during their short time in-country.

I had no reason to doubt him, and my experience of regularly staying at hotels all over the Philippines as part of my work reveals that most people at breakfast are locals and their families, even in the 5-star places. Check it out next time you are staying at a hotel.I am a diver. I stopped going to Sipidan, Palawan, Cebu, and the Sulu seas. Used to do many trips to chill.

If you have the Philippines ID, I think you get really good rates; like half of what I normally pay.

Wicked Roger
04-12-17, 12:07
I've heard / read two sets of analyses about the insurgency. A recently retired US Special Forces soldier who served in Mindanao told me that the AFP doesn't really want to win, as to do so would reduce the amount of military assistance (from which lots of people profit) provided by other countries.

The alternative view, espoused by some Filipino academics is that though small in number, ASG fighters are sheltered by the poor Muslim communities from which they come, since the ASG distributes part of the bounty it receives from kidnapping within the communities, while the government provides them little to no assistance..A good friend today told that another reason is the politicians in the ASG areas are in cahoots with them sharing the bounty at times. He also mentioned that some of the high level corruption has provided the ASG with guns etc plus targets. None of this is provable IMHHO but is speculation from him and a number of others we mutually know.

He said "decades of corruption have caused this also" and blamed past administrations lack of action and ineptitude (but did say Erap was trying to "eradicate" ASG but then was impeached for various naughty things".

It is a mess GE as you and others know more than me and the comment about 'is only 300 and why can't the AFP etc get rid of the nuisance' is something that I have heard a lot. That plus "please ask the Americans or SAS to come".

And did you hear any news about ASG being spotted near Carcar also today? Anyone as I did and saw a police notice but nothing mentioned in the mainstream media so could be Facebook news.

Red Kilt
04-12-17, 13:02
I am a diver. I stopped going to Sipidan, Palawan, Cebu, and the Sulu seas. Used to do many trips to chill.

If you have the Philippines ID, I think you get really good rates; like half of what I normally pay.Yes I forgot to mention that Boarer.

FIlipinos avail of this option regularly. It's a tourism initiative to get locals to use hotels.

It can be anything from 30 to 40% off.

I got 50% off at Waterfront in Cebu one time using my Philippines driver's licence which is all that is needed as confirmation that you're a local resident.

It helped that there was no convention on at the time and there were lots of spare rooms.

Soapy Smith
04-12-17, 14:12
The socio-economic reasons for the rise of ASG the NPA and similar groups of intransigeants were inherited by Duterte and the roots of the struggle of poor Muslims (ASG) and dirt-poor subsistence farms (NPA) are buried deep in the history of this place and unless and until those historical realities are dealt with on the ground, peace in Mindanao remains unlikely.

GE.A recent squabble in the photo forum has drawn attention to that thread's superiority over forums from all the other countries in ISG. It seems to me that posts like this from very knowledgeable expats really put the Philippines forum head and shoulders above the other forums in terms of the quality, accuracy and depth of background information about the host country. Thanks to GE and several other gentlemen--you know who you are--for your informative posts.

GoodEnough
04-13-17, 00:32
A good friend today told that another reason is the politicians in the ASG areas are in cahoots with them sharing the bounty at times. He also mentioned that some of the high level corruption has provided the ASG with guns etc plus targets. None of this is provable IMHHO but is speculation from him and a number of others we mutually know.

He said "decades of corruption have caused this also" and blamed past administrations lack of action and ineptitude (but did say Erap was trying to "eradicate" ASG but then was impeached for various naughty things".

It is a mess GE as you and others know more than me and the comment about 'is only 300 and why can't the AFP etc get rid of the nuisance' is something that I have heard a lot. That plus "please ask the Americans or SAS to come".

And did you hear any news about ASG being spotted near Carcar also today? Anyone as I did and saw a police notice but nothing mentioned in the mainstream media so could be Facebook news.There was actually an article a few years ago, that made it through 2-3 news cycles, about a Filipino General who had been caught selling new automatic weapons intended for the AFP, to one rebel group or another. I'm guessing nothing ever happened to the General and I never saw any follow-up stories. I've also heard that the Islamic rebel groups get tons of money from Malaysia and other majority-Muslim countries, though I've no idea if that's true and have no corroboration. But I have heard speculation that the conflict is simply too profitable for those in charge on both sides, to want a true cessation of hostilities.

The roots of the conflicts however, and the persistent underlying causes have never been addressed. The fact is that Muslim communities in Mindanao have for decades been the poorest in the country. Residents of these communities are far less likely to complete school, fall consistently into the bottom quintile of health indices, are among the poorest in the country, and receive less development / social funding than other areas. It's also a fact that, from the time of Marcos, the GOP intentionally pushed Muslims, which had been the majority population of Mindanao, into tenuous minority status.

The roots of the NPA-related conflict run even deeper, as small holder farmers--despite repeated promises of land reform--became (and remain) virtual serfs to the large land owners whose "rights" to enormous stretches of fertile land were given to them by the Spanish in exchange for ensuring the peasants paid perpetual obeisance to Mother Spain. Americans, during their tenure here, continued the practice, granting land tenure rights to huge US agri-businesses. The family of former President Aquino has one of the largest land holdings in Luzon, and has refused repeatedly, and despite court orders, to break up the estate and redistribute it to smallholder farmers. Even those with small plots of land have little access to modern agricultural technology, no access to credit, and are perpetually in debt to brokers and seed merchants. No wonder these guys are angry, and their rage began during the Spanish colonial period which ended around 1900.

Duterte does not come from the Sino / Spanish historically rich class of large land owners and more recently large business owners, and I think he recognizes fully the historical antecedents of the problems here. Whether he'll be able to do anything about it is open to question, given the power of the big families.

Thanks Soapy for the kind words.

GE.

ElNice
04-14-17, 19:05
Hi guys, planning to go solo to the Philippines in June, and last time didn't hit the nightclubs, went only to the ones on makati ave. This time planning to go some of the well known clubs in manila / makati and wondering how much is usually reserving a table? Also is it worth it? I mean I'll be alone, so are some of the girls there might join or something, I know this seams a bit odd, but I'm just wondering.

CallSign Papa
04-16-17, 02:28
Hi guys, planning to go solo to the Philippines in June, and last time didn't hit the nightclubs, went only to the ones on makati ave. This time planning to go some of the well known clubs in manila / makati and wondering how much is usually reserving a table? Also is it worth it? I mean I'll be alone, so are some of the girls there might join or something, I know this seams a bit odd, but I'm just wondering.Depends which club, if you're at Revel or Valkyrie, a table can set you back anything from 15 k-25 k sometimes that'll include drinks, sometimes not. And that doesn't guarantee a bevy of girls is going to join you (but it certainly won't hurt your chances). A table at Royal or Penthouse will be less but they're smaller and potentially less busy depending on the evening.

Wicked Roger
04-16-17, 03:17
Hi guys, planning to go solo to the Philippines in June, and last time didn't hit the nightclubs, went only to the ones on makati ave. This time planning to go some of the well known clubs in manila / makati and wondering how much is usually reserving a table? Also is it worth it? I mean I'll be alone, so are some of the girls there might join or something, I know this seams a bit odd, but I'm just wondering.http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?1001-General-Info&p=2022996&viewfull=1#post2022996.

CSP did but would some girls join as you have a table. Maybe as you paid up to 25 k pesos for it and they see you as a guy with cash sitting alone so someone who can provide free drinks all night and not give back. All depends on what you say, how you act etc.

WestCoast1
04-16-17, 07:59
Can I get a nano SIM card for Globe or Smart once I get to Phils? My previous Samsung used the larger Micro SIM, but the new beastie uses a nano Sim.

WC.

GoodEnough
04-16-17, 08:25
Can I get a nano SIM card for Globe or Smart once I get to Phils? My previous Samsung used the larger Micro SIM, but the new beastie uses a nano Sim.

WC.Yes. Very easily.

Dg8787
04-16-17, 09:22
Can I get a nano SIM card for Globe or Smart once I get to Phils? My previous Samsung used the larger Micro SIM, but the new beastie uses a nano Sim.

WC.New SIM cards come in 3 pre cut sizes. If you want to use the old SIM card number then you can have it cut to nano size at any independent cell phone place. Costs between 40 to 50 pesos. I have had my SIM cut from micro to nano in the past.

Hutsori
04-16-17, 09:32
Hi guys, planning to go solo to the Philippines in June, and last time didn't hit the nightclubs, went only to the ones on makati ave. This time planning to go some of the well known clubs in manila / makati and wondering how much is usually reserving a table? Also is it worth it? I mean I'll be alone, so are some of the girls there might join or something, I know this seams a bit odd, but I'm just wondering.From p2000 to crazy money, like p50,000. This is consumable. Girls joining? Often yes, but no guarantees. At the very upscale clubs in BGC rules 1 and 2 apply. I think it's worth it because you don't need to keep finding a waiter to take your next drink orders and, of course, you have a table.

ElNice
04-16-17, 13:03
Depends which club, if you're at Revel or Valkyrie, a table can set you back anything from 15 k-25 k sometimes that'll include drinks, sometimes not. And that doesn't guarantee a bevy of girls is going to join you (but it certainly won't hurt your chances). A table at Royal or Penthouse will be less but they're smaller and potentially less busy depending on the evening.Yeah that's what I'm talking about, I would like to try something like that, I've heard a lot about valkyrie and I'm eager to visit it and trying to reserve a table in there. What about Royal and penthouse do non Wg go there or it's full of WG? I might go to these instead. Thanks man.


From p2000 to crazy money, like p50,000. This is consumable. Girls joining? Often yes, but no guarantees. At the very upscale clubs in BGC rules 1 and 2 apply. I think it's worth it because you don't need to keep finding a waiter to take your next drink orders and, of course, you have a table.True, I don't like looking for waiters to get my next drink, I like to sit and watch, as I'm not much of a dancer but I like the scene and like watching people drunk dancing. Thanks, I appreciate your answer.

Wicked Roger
04-16-17, 13:03
Can I get a nano SIM card for Globe or Smart once I get to Phils? My previous Samsung used the larger Micro SIM, but the new beastie uses a nano Sim.

WC.Want to borrow mine Westie? Easy as now they sell the SIMs so you can choose which size is needed.

I would say go to any Smart / Globe shop but that can be a painful waiting experience for something so basic so try the airport but I can guarantee the ladies there will have but ask.

CallSign Papa
04-16-17, 13:15
Yeah that's what I'm talking about, I would like to try something like that, I've heard a lot about valkyrie and I'm eager to visit it and trying to reserve a table in there. What about Royal and penthouse do non Wg go there or it's full of WG? I might go to these instead. Thanks man.Whether you go to Valk, Royal or Penthouse, you won't find overtly obvious WGs. However on a Friday or Saturday night it is virtually impossible to leave empty handed. You really don't need a table, if you spent a fraction of that money buying some girls drinks, you'll be very popular. Royal is smaller but definitely has a higher female to male ratio. Valkyrie is huge, but there's lots of bar space to hang by and after 1 am when the girls are getting a little bit merry, it's very easy to start up conversations.

As with all things, be friendly, generous and funny and you'll get what you need.

ElNice
04-16-17, 14:34
Whether you go to Valk, Royal or Penthouse, you won't find overtly obvious WGs. However on a Friday or Saturday night it is virtually impossible to leave empty handed. You really don't need a table, if you spent a fraction of that money buying some girls drinks, you'll be very popular. Royal is smaller but definitely has a higher female to male ratio. Valkyrie is huge, but there's lots of bar space to hang by and after 1 am when the girls are getting a little bit merry, it's very easy to start up conversations.

As with all things, be friendly, generous and funny and you'll get what you need.Thanks a lot papa. That's very helpful, I can't wait till June.

Soapy Smith
04-16-17, 20:18
Can I get a nano SIM card for Globe or Smart once I get to Phils? My previous Samsung used the larger Micro SIM, but the new beastie uses a nano Sim.

WC.A lot of the standard sim cards now have perforations that permit you to break them down to the two smaller sizes as well--micro sim and nano sim.

Robbaf
04-17-17, 01:18
Can I get a nano SIM card for Globe or Smart once I get to Phils? My previous Samsung used the larger Micro SIM, but the new beastie uses a nano Sim.

WC.Go to the first SMART booth you see at the airport and they will give you a free SIM of any size you need.

Golfinho
04-17-17, 02:10
Go to the first SMART booth you see at the airport and they will give you a free SIM of any size you need.Free, provided you buy some credits from them for your new SIM card.

Red Kilt
04-17-17, 12:57
Free, provided you buy some credits from them for your new SIM card.That's true, but a new SIM without credits purchased anywhere will cost you 35 pisos so it's close enough to free anyway you look at it.

I bought one in a mall an hour or so back to check the system.

Hutsori
04-18-17, 08:18
Thanks, I appreciate your answer.You're welcome. I posted a more in-depth report a while back here, http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?3646-Clubbing-in-Metro-Manila. Follow the link in the comment to get info on the latest clubs and also specific venue's table charges and door fees.

StevieW
04-18-17, 09:53
Not sure if this is the right place to ask this very general question.

I'm reading the forum on a mobile device and quite often I get this message:

Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

Please push the back button and reload the previous window.

I try going back and refreshing and I get the same thing. Anyone knows why I get this?

Cheers.

ElNice
04-18-17, 12:37
You're welcome. I posted a more in-depth report a while back here, http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?3646-Clubbing-in-Metro-Manila. Follow the link in the comment to get info on the latest clubs and also specific venue's table charges and door fees.I've read it, it's so informative, I can't wait to be there.

Thanks a lot.

X Man
04-18-17, 15:05
I did! The gal was busy texting and when she finally looked up I said, "sorry to bother you". No wait, I'm imagining things. She never bothered to look up. I bought a Globe card later since my older Smarty was still working.


Go to the first SMART booth you see at the airport and they will give you a free SIM of any size you need.

Cbear13
04-18-17, 20:15
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.

Do they have banks there I can go to and withdraw a large amount of money out or do I have to go to an ATM. I know in Dominican republic there are certain banks I can go to with my card and grab a large amount of money out.

StevieW
04-18-17, 23:03
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.

Do they have banks there I can go to and withdraw a large amount of money out or do I have to go to an ATM. I know in Dominican republic there are certain banks I can go to with my card and grab a large amount of money out.I recently came back from Philippines. Taxi from Manila airport to Malate was around 400 I think.

In Davao I was able to withdraw 10000 peso from ATM. I didn't try more as I had no need to. But I guess that depends on your withdrawal limit and the ATM you are using.

Maybe someone else can give you better info but that's all I can offer.

AussieGaigin
04-19-17, 00:01
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.

Do they have banks there I can go to and withdraw a large amount of money out or do I have to go to an ATM. I know in Dominican republic there are certain banks I can go to with my card and grab a large amount of money out.Most airports have web sites with details of facilities, and transportation links.

Crazy4Thai
04-19-17, 01:13
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.
SNIP.I recently returned from my first trip. I preferred using Grab Taxi over other options. I waited for 20 minutes in the metered taxi queue when I arrived then the driver claimed that the meter was broken in his new car. Even on trips across town with Grab I rarely spent over 200 pesos. When I would flag a passing meter taxi about 50% of the time they would not want to use the meter and would quote me 200 pesos. Most of those fares came in around 70. Not sure what 2900 from your hotel would get you. Perhaps an entertainer is included to drive you on your way to the room?

Zen415
04-19-17, 02:59
Hello all,

After spending a month in BKK I will be spending another month in the Philippines. I imagined Manila would be the best location for mongering and picking up girls. Is that so? (I'm mostly into freelancers / street scene). I read that other areas such as Angeles City and Quezon City are good but are they better in any way? How about any beach areas on Luzon with good action (Pattaya equivalent?

Thanks for the feedback!

Cbear13
04-19-17, 03:16
Sorry, I should have mention. That I am going to AC when I land there.


I recently returned from my first trip. I preferred using Grab Taxi over other options. I waited for 20 minutes in the metered taxi queue when I arrived then the driver claimed that the meter was broken in his new car. Even on trips across town with Grab I rarely spent over 200 pesos. When I would flag a passing meter taxi about 50% of the time they would not want to use the meter and would quote me 200 pesos. Most of those fares came in around 70. Not sure what 2900 from your hotel would get you. Perhaps an entertainer is included to drive you on your way to the room?

Wicked Roger
04-19-17, 03:57
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.

Do they have banks there I can go to and withdraw a large amount of money out or do I have to go to an ATM. I know in Dominican republic there are certain banks I can go to with my card and grab a large amount of money out.Lots of great information already posted by many including myself on both aspects of your FR so a RTFF would find especially using Advanced Search.

Why pay 2900 when taxis cost 400-500? Why would you want to take out huge wads of cash from an ATM machine unless you face fees each time. Much depends on the bank you have (mine is 40000 pesos max and no fees), each bank has a limit and each country is different.

Uber had been discussed widely here also. I don't use but others only use Uber as it is a personal choice but again a quick RTFF using the words "Uber", "ATM" and "taxi NAIA" would tell you all you need to know plus how long to wait and the costs.

Taxi queues depend on time and terminal but again all this is covered in the threads. I have spent less than 5 minutes to being forced to wait way too long for a taxi and now I know when the best time to arrive is at my terminal.

Dg8787
04-19-17, 04:02
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.

Do they have banks there I can go to and withdraw a large amount of money out or do I have to go to an ATM. I know in Dominican republic there are certain banks I can go to with my card and grab a large amount of money out.I imagine the 2900 pesos is for a hotel car pick up to go to Angeles. Taxi may be cheaper but I doubt if by much and uber may be a little more as they will charge you double for the two ways. The hotel pick up will be more reliable and fixed price with no hassle. Just follow instructions to the pick up point depending on which terminal you are at.

I don't know about banks to withdraw money out from. Most people use ATM which has been discussed here many times and which card is better than others.

I personally wire myself money from my bank account to Cebuana and pick it up in pesos as I need it.

WestCoast1
04-19-17, 04:10
Do they have banks there I can go to and withdraw a large amount of money out or do I have to go to an ATM. I know in Dominican republic there are certain banks I can go to with my card and grab a large amount of money out.Using an ATM will cost you about $8 each time ($3 for the ATM owner, and $5 for your bank's out-of-network ATM fee). If you bring your local dollars, you can do better at the money exchangers (this is my choice).

WC.

GoodEnough
04-19-17, 04:31
Using an ATM will cost you about $8 each time ($3 for the ATM owner, and $5 for your bank's out-of-network ATM fee). If you bring your local dollars, you can do better at the money exchangers (this is my choice).

WC.Westie, time to change banks. Mine charges nothing for out of network, and all of the ATMs I use charge Php200, or about $4 for the privilege of using the ATM. HSBC allows a maximum per-transaction withdrawal of Php40,000, while all of the others that I've used maximize the withdrawals at Php10,000. In other words at HSBC you can withdraw Php40 K for Php200, so it's the best deal.

GE.

Red Kilt
04-19-17, 04:34
So I been looking on here and I keep seeing different things on price of transportation. I land in Manila around 12 am. So I am not getting out till almost 1 am. So I need to take a taxi to my hotel. Is it cheaper to grab a taxi or and uber. OR should I just let my hotel send me a car that will cost me 2,900 pesos.
This conversation comes up time and again, about every 3 months on this forum.

I live here and pass through all 4 airports regularly and quite honestly I never have the hassles with taxis that other guys talk about.

If you arrive in Terminal 1 just turn left when you exit the terminal into the heat after getting your baggage and walk 30 meters to the yellow taxi stand. There is almost never any queue there and you will be on your way to hotel quickly. Taxi has a 70 php flagfall and it will cost around 250 php to your Makati hotel (maybe less at 1 am). If drivers ask if you want to use the Skyway say Yes and give him the 45 php. Money well spent. It will save you about 15 minutes off your trip.

If you arrive in Terminal 2 (PAL) or Terminal 3, just look for the yellow taxis lined up across from the terminal exit. If there is a line at the yellow taxis go to the "Coupon Taxis" which are white with big blue lettering on the side. Fixed price to Makati and rarely any hassles there either. I use them if there is a line at the yellow cabs and I rarely have to wait. Not sure what is the fixed cost to Makati but I pay almost 500 php to my condo in Ortigas which is about 200 more than regular taxis but I just want to get home hassle-free.

I use Uber and Grab to go to the airport but I have never needed to use them FROM the airport because there are cabs everywhere and you will not want to wait around for the Uber or Grab taxi to arrive.

GoodEnough
04-19-17, 04:36
I recently returned from my first trip. I preferred using Grab Taxi over other options. I waited for 20 minutes in the metered taxi queue when I arrived then the driver claimed that the meter was broken in his new car. Even on trips across town with Grab I rarely spent over 200 pesos. When I would flag a passing meter taxi about 50% of the time they would not want to use the meter and would quote me 200 pesos. Most of those fares came in around 70. Not sure what 2900 from your hotel would get you. Perhaps an entertainer is included to drive you on your way to the room?Hotel cars are ridiculously expensive for airport pick-ups, but they do offer the advantage of being there on time. From the airport, I always use the "coupon taxis," which are fixed price, with the price depending on the zone to which you're traveling. If you're going to a hotel in the Greenbelt area of Makati, the zone is Makati I, and the flat rate is Php330. You will have to pay the Skyway tolls if you want your driver to use the Skyway. That will add about Php65 ($1. 30) to the cost of the trip, but it's usually well worth it. I've also used Uber, and it's efficient from the airport, but sometimes the driver will hit a traffic-related delay on the way to pick you up so it can take a while. I've found the best way to use Uber at the airport is to reserve it while you're still in your seat on the plane, which gives you at least a chance that the driver will be there by the time you get outside.

GE.

Red Kilt
04-19-17, 04:38
Westie, time to change banks. Mine charges nothing for out of network, and all of the ATMs I use charge Php200, or about $4 for the privilege of using the ATM. HSBC allows a maximum per-transaction withdrawal of Php40,000, while all of the others that I've used maximize the withdrawals at Php10,000. In other words at HSBC you can withdraw Php40 K for Php200, so it's the best deal.Ditto Westie. You're definitely in the wrong bank. I agree with GE about HSBC, except that I pay zero for my withdrawals because I have a special arrangement with HSBC. My CC works everywhere I travel (in 2016, that was Australia, Laos, Cambodia, HK, Mongolia and Thailand) My statement always shows a withdrawal fee and then a credit of same amount if I use an ATM other than HSBC.
Carrying cash to change at money changer is so old-hat these days. I get much better forex rates through my bank.

Wicked Roger
04-19-17, 06:36
Ditto Westie. You're definitely in the wrong bank. I agree with GE about HSBC, except that I pay zero for my withdrawals because I have a special arrangement with HSBC. My CC works everywhere I travel (in 2016, that was Australia, Laos, Cambodia, HK, Mongolia and Thailand) My statement always shows a withdrawal fee and then a credit of same amount if I use an ATM other than HSBC.
Carrying cash to change at money changer is so old-hat these days. I get much better forex rates through my bank.I am the same RK only use HSBC, use my ATM all over the globe (and you know I travel to a lot more places) and all I get as a fee is the exchange and a small 'cash fee; as a foreign transaction but am questioning that one also. US banks are greedier Westie or you earn way too much salary to worry about the fees being that high LOL. If the latter please send some to my favorite charity. IE me!

WestCoast1
04-19-17, 07:20
Westie, time to change banks. Mine charges nothing for out of network, and all of the ATMs I use charge Php200, or about $4 for the privilege of using the ATM. HSBC allows a maximum per-transaction withdrawal of Php40,000, while all of the others that I've used maximize the withdrawals at Php10,000. In other words at HSBC you can withdraw Php40 K for Php200, so it's the best deal.


Ditto Westie. You're definitely in the wrong bank. I agree with GE about HSBC, except that I pay zero for my withdrawals because I have a special arrangement with HSBC. Its possible you have a relationship that weekend warriors don't.

Have rec'd similar info regarding Schwab, HSBC, and PNC bank regarding ATM fees being rebated and such. My current info:

HSBC, from their website: Note: Non-Premier customers requesting to open an international banking account outside the U.S. and requiring assistance in the completion of all necessary paperwork from the International Banking Center in the U.S. or an HSBC branch in the U.S. will be charged a one-time fee of $200 USD. This fee is waived for HSBC Premier and Corporate Partner clients. There goes the advantage of saving the ATM fees.

HSBC, regarding Premier services, from their website: To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship, you are required to: Open an HSBC Premier checking account and maintain $100,000 in combined U.S. personal deposit and investment2 balances.

PNC. I rec'd PM's from several gents about 3 years ago about opening a PNC checking account with ATM card that either rebates ATM fees or doesn't charge for them in the first place when overseas. I called PNC to inquire, and they could not confirm any such thing. I waltzed into a large branch one day to inquire, and their Accounts gal also had never heard of such. In fact she called a different branch in a different state, to no avail. I told her that my friends had such ATM cards. She asked me to ask my friends specifically what type of account they had and call her back. When I asked the two board members here in PM that question, they hemmed and hawed and could not seem to locate a statement (or look at their account online) to find out what kind of account they had (last I heard from either gent about it).

Schwab. Several gents here told me similar info about the Schwab ATM card. I checked the website, and sure enough one had to open a standard checking account ($200 balance), and also a trading account ($500 I believe). I opened both, thru the mail (one must download a 12-page document, print it out, answer many questions on the document, and mail it to Schwab with checks for $200 and $500 to open the accounts). A month later I got letters and an ATM card in the mail confirming the accounts were open. I added more to one of the accounts, which is linked to the ATM card. When overseas, the machine still charges the extra fees, but at the end of the month on my statement Schwab has rebated both the p200 ATM fee and the out-of-network fee (keep in mind, they are a bank, and are making money on the currency conversion, often giving as little as 3-5 pesos less per dollar when converting; so instead of getting 5000 pesos for my $100 at a money-exchanger, the ATM gives 5000 pesos and takes $106 dollars -- plus ATM fees -- from my account). I'm relatively happy with this in a pinch, but I still prefer the money exchangers (ie, Forex).

I don't recommend any of this for weekend warriors; just exchange your local currency for pesos at money exchanger in phils.

BTW, I was in my local bank branch last week transacting (large American bank). Off the cuff I asked what their exchange rate was on the Philippine peso (which they must order and have delivered from another city): 40.7 pesos to the dollar + $15 delivery fee (from the other bank to my branch, and I have to travel back to my branch to pick it up). That's a terrible exchange rate considering today's rate of 49.7 pesos to the dollar; they are making about a 20% profit on the exchange (that's what they take on an overseas ATM exchange also + the $5 out-of-network fee).

BaboyDave
04-19-17, 07:49
Westie, time to change banks. Mine charges nothing for out of network, and all of the ATMs I use charge Php200, or about $4 for the privilege of using the ATM. HSBC allows a maximum per-transaction withdrawal of Php40,000, while all of the others that I've used maximize the withdrawals at Php10,000. In other words at HSBC you can withdraw Php40 K for Php200, so it's the best deal.

GE.For the sake of visitors with no special arrangements with their bank, after trying pretty much every bank's ATM, the only ATM that consistently does not charge the additional 200 php is Metrobank.

Their blue logo ATMs are less common than some other banks and are sometimes concealed in back corners in some venues / malls, however they are the only ones I've noticed not to charge the fee regardless to which card I was using.

GoodEnough
04-19-17, 08:16
For the sake of visitors with no special arrangements with their bank, after trying pretty much every bank's ATM, the only ATM that consistently does not charge the additional 200 php is Metrobank.

Their blue logo ATMs are less common than some other banks and are sometimes concealed in back corners in some venues / malls, however they are the only ones I've noticed not to charge the fee regardless to which card I was using.Sorry, but yes it does. I've been using MetroBank for years and have two accounts with the bank. When you use a foreign ATM, the charge is Php200.

GE.

GoodEnough
04-19-17, 08:26
Its possible you have a relationship that weekend warriors don't.

Have rec'd similar info regarding Schwab, HSBC, and PNC bank regarding ATM fees being rebated and such. My current info:

HSBC, from their website: Note: Non-Premier customers requesting to open an international banking account outside the U.S. and requiring assistance in the completion of all necessary paperwork from the International Banking Center in the U.S. or an HSBC branch in the U.S. will be charged a one-time fee of $200 USD. This fee is waived for HSBC Premier and Corporate Partner clients. There goes the advantage of saving the ATM fees.

HSBC, regarding Premier services, from their website: To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship, you are required to: Open an HSBC Premier checking account and maintain $100,000 in combined U.S. personal deposit and investment2 balances.

PNC. I rec'd PM's from several gents about 3 years ago about opening a PNC checking account with ATM card that either rebates ATM fees or doesn't charge for them in the first place when overseas. I called PNC to inquire, and they could not confirm any such thing. I waltzed into a large branch one day to inquire, and their Accounts gal also had never heard of such. In fact she called a different branch in a different state, to no avail. I told her that my friends had such ATM cards. She asked me to ask my friends specifically what type of account they had and call her back. When I asked the two board members here in PM that question, they hemmed and hawed and could not seem to locate a statement (or look at their account online) to find out what kind of account they had (last I heard from either gent about it).

Schwab. Several gents here told me similar info about the Schwab ATM card. I checked the website, and sure enough one had to open a standard checking account ($200 balance), and also a trading account ($500 I believe). I opened both, thru the mail (one must download a 12-page document, print it out, answer many questions on the document, and mail it to Schwab with checks for $200 and $500 to open the accounts). A month later I got letters and an ATM card in the mail confirming the accounts were open. I added more to one of the accounts, which is linked to the ATM card. When overseas, the machine still charges the extra fees, but at the end of the month on my statement Schwab has rebated both the p200 ATM fee and the out-of-network fee (keep in mind, they are a bank, and are making money on the currency conversion, often giving as little as 3-5 pesos less per dollar when converting; so instead of getting 5000 pesos for my $100 at a money-exchanger, the ATM gives 5000 pesos and takes $106 dollars -- plus ATM fees -- from my account). I'm relatively happy with this in a pinch, but I still prefer the money exchangers (ie, Forex).

I don't recommend any of this for weekend warriors; just exchange your local currency for pesos at money exchanger in phils.

BTW, I was in my local bank branch last week transacting (large American bank). Off the cuff I asked what their exchange rate was on the Philippine peso (which they must order and have delivered from another city): 40.7 pesos to the dollar + $15 delivery fee (from the other bank to my branch, and I have to travel back to my branch to pick it up). That's a terrible exchange rate considering today's rate of 49.7 pesos to the dollar; they are making about a 20% profit on the exchange (that's what they take on an overseas ATM exchange also + the $5 out-of-network fee).I don't want to get into a protracted debate here, but I've had a PNC checking account for years, and I always get the ATM fees rebated so long as I maintain a minimum checking account balance of $1,500-$2,000; I forget which. It's not any sort of "special" account, and I've got no special detail with the bank. Years ago I was offered the rebate deal and I took it. My card appears to be a standard Visa / Debit card with nothing unusual written on it, so I assume that anyone could get a similar deal.

As to HSBC, I didn't contend that the bank didn't charge the standard Php200 rate; only that you can withdraw up to Php40,000 per transaction, thus making the cost of money a bit cheaper.

I'm with RK on this. I haven't used a money changer in years, get a much better exchange rate from my bank, and wouldn't recommend to any one, carrying around several hundred (or thousand) dollars or Euros or whatever. I also use either my Visa Debit or standard Visa or Master Cards for most purchases here, thus avoiding cash, and find that this works well for me too.

GE.

BaboyDave
04-19-17, 08:31
Sorry, but yes it does. I've been using MetroBank for years and have two accounts with the bank. When you use a foreign ATM, the charge is Php200.

GE.In that case, maybe it has to do with some arrangement with my card issuer?

I have checked this multiple times with 3 different cards issued by 2 separate banks and have not been charged most of the times.

At first they were the only ones not to prompt me with the question if I am willing to pay the fee, then I double checked my card statement later to make sure I have indeed not been charged.

I guess I've generalized my case if you have a different experience than mine, however I've saved a few thousand pesos in withdrawals through those ATMs for sure. I guess it's card / bank specific?

Red Kilt
04-19-17, 10:28
Its possible you have a relationship that weekend warriors don't.
HSBC, from their website: Note: Non-Premier customers requesting to open an international banking account outside the U.S. and requiring assistance in the completion of all necessary paperwork from the International Banking Center in the U.S. or an HSBC branch in the U.S. will be charged a one-time fee of $200 USD. This fee is waived for HSBC Premier and Corporate Partner clients. There goes the advantage of saving the ATM fees.

HSBC, regarding Premier services, from their website: To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship, you are required to: Open an HSBC Premier checking account and maintain $100,000 in combined U.S. personal deposit and investment2 balances.
Maybe you don't realize that HSBC, although multi-national, franchises each country operation, so you have HSBC (Philippines) and HSBC (Vietnam), for example, that operate under each country's laws.

Despite this, they operate an international database.

So, don't necessarily believe what is written on other country (US) websites WC.

Much better to go in to a branch and talk to someone who has some authority. A good example from my experience. The website rules preclude me from opening a new Mastercard account as well as my Visa account, but when I went to my local branch and sat down with the accounts manager the rules were abandoned and I walked out with a new account.

It's similar to my experience with hotel rates.

The website say XYZ; when you talk to the sales manager you discover all sorts of special deals. For any intra-Philippines travel that I must pay for, I always call up the hotel and speak to the sales manager and some of the deals I have struck (as a local resident) are remarkable.

SaltyPete
04-19-17, 14:29
Schwab. Several gents here told me similar info about the Schwab ATM card. I checked the website, and sure enough one had to open a standard checking account ($200 balance), and also a trading account ($500 I believe). I opened both, thru the mail (one must download a 12-page document, print it out, answer many questions on the document, and mail it to Schwab with checks for $200 and $500 to open the accounts). A month later I got letters and an ATM card in the mail confirming the accounts were open. I added more to one of the accounts, which is linked to the ATM card. When overseas, the machine still charges the extra fees, but at the end of the month on my statement Schwab has rebated both the p200 ATM fee and the out-of-network fee (keep in mind, they are a bank, and are making money on the currency conversion, often giving as little as 3-5 pesos less per dollar when converting; so instead of getting 5000 pesos for my $100 at a money-exchanger, the ATM gives 5000 pesos and takes $106 dollars -- plus ATM fees -- from my account). I'm relatively happy with this in a pinch, but I still prefer the money exchangers (ie, Forex).

First off, I am a US Citizen living in the US so maybe that is why my Schwab experience is different from Westies. Also, I opened my account a couple of years ago. They did do a full credit check since I was opening a brokerage account (a requirement for the High Interest Savings Account) which takes a few days, so plan early. Also, a bank-to-Schwab money transfer takes 3 business days to go through. There were no minimums; I still do not have any money in my brokerage account.

I made numerous ATM withdrawals two weeks ago in Manila from various ATMs with my Schwab debit card. Most ATMs had a php10,000 limit; this is a local ATM limit, not my bank's limit. Not a bid deal with Schwab since I could make consecutive withdrawals without incurring any charge. My exchange rate was 49.19 php / dollar, as accounted for on my statement. I can not quote the exact exchange rate that week, but it was 49 and change. Today the official exchange rate is 49.72. For this difference, I will gladly take the convenience of using a local ATM vs carrying cash and travelling to a money exchanger. After all, money exchangers have got to take their cut as well.

But to each his own.

Ms Account
04-19-17, 15:12
In the Western world most people would have drivers licence or proof of age card or passport. Can someone explain the ID system in the Philippines. Obviously most Filipinos won't have a passport or drivers licence. But what is the official formal ID? Is it unusual I get told by many girls they don't have ID? If they don't have it. How much does it cost for them to apply to get it (I would be prepared to fund it to remove any doubt)?

Dg8787
04-19-17, 19:43
In the Western world most people would have drivers licence or proof of age card or passport. Can someone explain the ID system in the Philippines. Obviously most Filipinos won't have a passport or drivers licence. But what is the official formal ID? Is it unusual I get told by many girls they don't have ID? If they don't have it. How much does it cost for them to apply to get it (I would be prepared to fund it to remove any doubt)?Yes in the western world it is easy and cheap to get an ID. It is hard for us westerners to comprehend another system, let alone to understand it.

In the Philippines as I understand there are many ID's like these but not limited to Postal, Barangay, School, Employer, Drivers license and birth certificate. Many are acceptable and many are not to some places, especially like Western Union, Cebuana and other money remittances businesses.

Most girls do not have ID because of the cost. Depending on the issuer the cost could be $3 or more. $3 may not sound like much to us lucky foreigners but $3 could feed the family for a few days. Thusly most will never afford the luxury to pay for an ID.

Some posters here think the girls are making a windfall at 1 k! 90% are always playing catch up with their money, paying on their credits and or 5/6 loans.

President Du30 said he would like to centralize one national ID system but I have not heard anything else about that.

Member #4558
04-19-17, 20:48
In the Western world most people would have drivers licence or proof of age card or passport. Can someone explain the ID system in the Philippines. Obviously most Filipinos won't have a passport or drivers licence. But what is the official formal ID? Is it unusual I get told by many girls they don't have ID? If they don't have it. How much does it cost for them to apply to get it (I would be prepared to fund it to remove any doubt)?What most pinays would have as a minimum is a postal ID (that's semi official, these days they talk about distributing an electronical one with biometrics as well), then you have various sorts of student visas, voters ID, drivers license SSS ID, NBI ID, PNP ID, etc etc. To get one ID you need to have this or that ID plus supporting documents (you have to read for each and one of them bcs its never the same for each ID). To get a passport you also need certain IDs and supporting documents. It is total chaos for me as an outsider so to stay sane I don't dive into this more.

GoodEnough
04-20-17, 07:47
What most pinays would have as a minimum is a postal ID (that's semi official, these days they talk about distributing an electronical one with biometrics as well), then you have various sorts of student visas, voters ID, drivers license SSS ID, NBI ID, PNP ID, etc etc. To get one ID you need to have this or that ID plus supporting documents (you have to read for each and one of them bcs its never the same for each ID). To get a passport you also need certain IDs and supporting documents. It is total chaos for me as an outsider so to stay sane I don't dive into this more.Remember, this is a country that "temporarily" ran out of photo, laminated driver's licenses about thee or four years ago, and still can't produce them; "temporarily" ran out of license plates about 5 years ago and still can't produce them; and "temporarily" ran out of automobile renewal stickers five years ago and can't replace them, though they still charge full price for all three. Given the aforementioned it should come as no surprise that the process for the issuance of any official document here is a lengthy, convoluted mess.

GE.

Sam 14
04-20-17, 09:08
GE, I applied for a duplicate DL and waited a year. Finally I told them I'm leaving the country and I really need it please. So with my magic ball pen I scratched out a note on a piece of paper and they printed my new licence right there. (100p tip). God works in mysterious ways.

Member #4558
04-20-17, 10:14
GE comments etc hold truth and I was this very morning talking about how easy it was to get IDs and official documents for whatever purpose they may serve back in my real world (most is fixed with your social security number, password, electronical keydevice and a computer). My pinoy co worker slammed his hand at the table and told us to listen (we did); he told about his daughter trying to get herself a SSS ID. She was told it would take 3 months. When 3 months were up she called for her missing ID and got this "sorry we can not find you in our system"crap. She had paid some money upfront ofcourse. She was told the receit was no longer valid. Then she had to apply again, pay and wait for another 3 months. I believe the story to be true, he was furious (her dad) so how long can people keep up with the mistreatment of its own people. Well I guess the elite get needed document fast without any hazzles. Its laughable for an outsider but I feel sorry for people stucked there.

Red Kilt
04-20-17, 11:58
GE, I applied for a duplicate DL and waited a year. Finally I told them I'm leaving the country and I really need it please. So with my magic ball pen I scratched out a note on a piece of paper and they printed my new licence right there. (100p tip). God works in mysterious ways.You wasted 100 p Sam.

It's not really magic.

All of us have been waiting for at least a year (me 14 months), but since mid-January you just need to rock up to the License agency (wherever LTO or an agency in a mall), show your "receipt" that verifies you've been waiting and then after around 30 minutes they will print your licence for you.

They have spare cards now; you just have to present yourself to collect it. You also need to be careful offering cash for services too. Be sure the agent you deal with is receptive. There are CCTVs everywhere now and some employees are very scared to get caught accepting bribes.

Ms Account
04-20-17, 16:03
Then she had to apply again, pay and wait for another 3 months. I believe the story to be true, he was furious (her dad) so how long can people keep up with the mistreatment of its own people. Well I guess the elite get needed document fast without any hazzles. Its laughable for an outsider but I feel sorry for people stucked there.Thanks for all the feedback. In essence the answer is that the ID system in the Philippines is in chaos and I should not be surprised that most girls don't have formal ID. Many will have a university ID or employer ID but a lot of those don't have birth date on it. Just makes the whole goal of validating age more difficult. The more time I spend here the more I do feel sorry for people here as the system is against them.

Wicked Roger
04-21-17, 02:48
Remember, this is a country that "temporarily" ran out of photo, laminated driver's licenses about thee or four years ago, and still can't produce them; "temporarily" ran out of license plates about 5 years ago and still can't produce them; and "temporarily" ran out of automobile renewal stickers five years ago and can't replace them, though they still charge full price for all three. Given the aforementioned it should come as no surprise that the process for the issuance of any official document here is a lengthy, convoluted mess.

GE.I managed to get my rego plates for my car in about 8 months and even the dealer was shocked.

My cuties get their DL depending on where they are, one has been waiting 18 months and is a cause of huge frustration, Cebu is a mess based on what I hear but then as GE careful payments can help if receptive.

Mbsl65
04-22-17, 12:18
I am in Cebu and I bought a motorcycle to travel around. I wanted to extend my visa from 30 days and I went to Cebu BI in J Mall in Mandaue. Very friendly stay issued me a 29 days extension and they suggested me to get a 6 months visa also to prevent problems in a case of an accident. But they have a rule one transaction per day. So, next day I went and they issued me a 6 month extension which now good until end of November.

Immigration office is very friendly and very little waiting period. It was a good service.

MrWoolyBooly
04-23-17, 19:30
Probably due to "contractulaztion"! The 4 year degreed employees are on 6 month contracts so employers don't have to pay them benefits. So the staff person is either coming or going at any given time.The good part about this for regular visitors is that if you get a hottie's number from a worker at any mall or fast food place, she'll probably be unemployed in a few months and more "openminded" about meeting. Some hustle and stay almost constantly employed, but many don't.

Member #4558
04-23-17, 23:50
Many will have a university ID or employer ID but a lot of those don't have birth date on it. Just makes the whole goal of validating age more difficult. The more time I spend here the more I do feel sorry for people here as the system is against them.Yeah and regarding validating age, if they can not show a proper ID aka SSS-, Voters ID and / or passport, if you are in doubt, don't be and let her sail away. Student and employer IDs are easy faked (can even be bought for a couple of 100's php). Don't go that route. I know I am probably paranoid but for the love of whoever I don't want to end in a Phil slammer.

Wicked Roger
04-24-17, 11:56
Yeah and regarding validating age, if they can not show a proper ID aka SSS-, Voters ID and / or passport, if you are in doubt, don't be and let her sail away. Student and employer IDs are easy faked (can even be bought for a couple of 100's php). Don't go that route. I know I am probably paranoid but for the love of whoever I don't want to end in a Phil slammer.Postal IDs are easily faked and have the age on it. A few shops in Manila (Greenhills) are known to do this.

Chocha Monger
04-25-17, 19:27
The other thing to notice is the amount of capital that was invested to return bugger all. So often we can sit in these places and see no one else. The money has been spent on the building, it cannot be recovered, it cannot leave the country. The business will survive because of the low cost of OJT labor. The country is also filled with poorly maintained resorts.There is gold in them there hills if you know where to look. The key is getting into a niche market that is not glamorous but provides steady returns. Tourism oriented industries which cater to foreigners are very risky and vulnerable to both internal sociopolitical developments and external economic shocks. Too many foreigners are looking for fun and fortune in dodgy business endeavors such as monger bars, rub-and-tug shops, cyber-sex dens, and a variety of other harebrained schemes.

Any business that involves hiring locals is risky and the risks increase with the number of locals employed. More than a few foreign businessmen have met their end at the hands of disgruntled local employees or ex-employees. Local businessmen use contracted labor both to avoid paying benefits and to avoid having to sack employees who then seek revenge by blowing the business owner's brains out. A six-month contract keeps things much more pleasant as all employees know that they must leave at the end of 6 months upon being hired. Many of them try to leave on good terms in the hopes that they can cycle through the following year after spending 6 months at another job or freelancing.

A growing business opportunity exists in retailing clothing for plus-sized pinays. The girls are getting bigger and bigger every year, while most of the clothes on sale at conventional retail outlets and ukay-ukay stores remain largely aimed at the spinner and average size categories.

Based on data from the World Health Organization, the prevalence of overweight in the Philippines as of 2014 was close to 20 percent of the population and that of obesity by about 5 percent.

"In a study done in the Philippines, increasing urbanization with association to increasing Westernized food habits such as high fat diets, processed foods and consumption of refined carbohydrates; trade liberalization making available a wide variety of processed and fast foods; increased frequency of eating away from home; influence of mass media and sedentary lifestyles have been implicated in the rise of overweight and obesity," the report said.

SaltyPete
04-26-17, 13:48
Based on data from the World Health Organization, the prevalence of overweight in the Philippines as of 2014 was close to 20 percent of the population and that of obesity by about 5 percent.The latest data in the US indicates over 71% overweight and 36% Obese. I know things have changed a lot in the Philippines (and Thailand!) over the last decade, but it is still worth it for me to fly half way around the world to escape a nation of fatties.

NewImage
04-26-17, 22:53
Postal IDs are easily faked and have the age on it. A few shops in Manila (Greenhills) are known to do this.Have heard of people saying things like "so you were born in 199? And then seeing reaction? Or actually asking birthdate or asking to name brother and sisters in family in order and checking this way.

I have even heard of people suggesting saying " Gee I wish you were 17" and then seeing reaction. Or pointing out that a certain anatomical part should be a certain length and trying to quiz / confuse the girl.

Some say stick to the bars rather than freelancers but this carries an additional cost and is not always guaranteed.

Would be interested to hear any Senior contributors and the methods they use.

Regards.

Dg8787
04-26-17, 23:23
Have heard of people saying things like "so you were born in 199? And then seeing reaction? Or actually asking birthdate or asking to name brother and sisters in family in order and checking this way.

I have even heard of people suggesting saying " Gee I wish you were 17" and then seeing reaction. Or pointing out that a certain anatomical part should be a certain length and trying to quiz / confuse the girl.

Some say stick to the bars rather than freelancers but this carries an additional cost and is not always guaranteed.

Would be interested to hear any Senior contributors and the methods they use.

Regards.In my opinion only a fool would think there is a fool proof way in any line of questioning. First the questionee would have to totally understand the questions. Second people fudge on the truth.

My experiences are bars in AC which girls do have to get permits. Not fool proof but maybe a small level of assurances. FL and non licensed bar girls have a higher risk factor.

Member #4558
04-27-17, 02:39
Have heard of people saying things like "so you were born in 199? And then seeing reaction? Or actually asking birthdate or asking to name brother and sisters in family in order and checking this way.

I have even heard of people suggesting saying " Gee I wish you were 17" and then seeing reaction. Or pointing out that a certain anatomical part should be a certain length and trying to quiz / confuse the girl.

Some say stick to the bars rather than freelancers but this carries an additional cost and is not always guaranteed.

Would be interested to hear any Senior contributors and the methods they use.

Regards.These question could be indicators but would not serve as any proof. Its damn hard in a 3 world country like phils, where everything from gvmnt and down are crooked, to be sure of anything. Best bet is gutfeeling and a critical one I might add. I have taken it up a notch, so only girls with SSS ID (or simular, biomethrical ones) or passports are given a green light from me. This is when I am in doubt. This will ofcourse limit the pool from which you can pick from as not many girls (percentagewice) in phils do have certified IDs in the first place. Even less so if you try bed some from the younger but legal brackets. But still there are enough, at least students in UNIs and simular who are borned in / grew up in furnitured homes in and around Makati, you can pick from who doesn't say now to some fun times. Just take a bit more time to hunt them down. But if you get the ball spinning in one UNI it will be passed on to friends / classmates and so on. This if you behave and treat them nice that is.

Not so long time ago I was almost taken for an unpleasent ride. This is what went down; Girl, looked quite youngish but with a great set of boobies, legs and an ass piece to die for, agreed to meet me in public (Glorietta). I saw in her pics and through c2 c activity she looked young so my doubts were passed on to her quickly. She calmed me down and told me she was 19. I asked her to bring certified ID and she did bring her passport. She went on my list of repeatgirls so I met her a few times over. In our 5th encounter she starts the normal pinay way to hint towards she wanted to find another subject to study. This would cost 37 k php per semester. I talked it off but she didn't want to let it go and I soon realised (surprise surprise, hehe) she wanted me to pay her tutionfee of mentioned ammount. I told her no way. Then she became moody and started to claim she was only 17 yo and she would go to the pulis and claim I did her even if she was a minor. She knew my hotel ofcourse but by far did she know my real name. If pulis involved they could ofcourse obtain my real details if this was something they would react upon. What the girl didn't know was that I took picture of her passport (personal detail page) the first time we met when she hit the loo. I was lucky I did otherwice this could have been a nasty sequence. When I showed her the pic she went all "ohhh fuck"(damn it).

Most likely just airy threats but who knows who she could be connected to. I am no sucker so I know this much as my words against her, dealing with authority, would be an all in win for her. I "threw" her out, waited a few hours and changed hotel just in case. If possible do take a pic of any ID shown to you it can save the day (even at a later stage). Sex was nice though so sad to let her go. Next.

Member #4643
04-30-17, 23:49
I love Makati / Manila! I don't contribute alot on this forum about Manila, but the ease with which one can hook up with a beautiful girl, P4P or non-pro, is unequaled in the world (except perhaps for the Dominican Republic).

I would like to go to Manila for a few days from the USA, but I cannot seem to find any non-stop flights from the USA to Manila.

From where do the non-stop fights to Manila leave from these days? I can only find a non stop from San Francisco. I travel a lot and it would not be hard for me to take a four day trip to Manila from a lot of places in the United States.

Thanks F.

Dg8787
04-30-17, 23:58
I love Makati / Manila! I don't contribute alot on this forum about Manila, but the ease with which one can hook up with a beautiful girl, P4 P or non-pro, is unequaled in the world (except perhaps for the Dominican Republic).

I would like to go to Manila for a few days from the USA, but I cannot seem to find any non-stop flights from the USA to Manila.

From where do the non-stop fights to Manila leave from these days? I can only find a non stop from San Francisco. I travel a lot and it would not be hard for me to take a four day trip to Manila from a lot of places in the United States.

Thanks F.I assume most non stops will have to be from the west coast as most plane do not have a longer range. Philippine Airlines have non stop flights from SFO that I know of. Possibly LAX and maybe Seattle.

WestCoast1
05-01-17, 01:14
I would like to go to Manila for a few days from the USA, but I cannot seem to find any non-stop flights from the USA to Manila.

From where do the non-stop fights to Manila leave from these days? I can only find a non stop from San Francisco. I travel a lot and it would not be hard for me to take a four day trip to Manila from a lot of places in the United States.

Thanks F.Below is a copy / paste from a Kayak search. You can click on "nonstop" in the upper-left after your first search. I chose dates in the May at random, and $1064 looks like a good price, but I found a 1-stop on China Airlines for under $600.

Philippine Airlines.

11:00 p.

LAX.

4:30 a.

MNL.

14 h 30 m.

Nonstop.

9:00 p.

MNL.

7:30 p.

LAX.

13 h 30 m.

Nonstop.

Show details.

$1064 book easily on KAYAK.

Chocha Monger
05-01-17, 06:08
Meanwhile, women wage workers are mostly employed in industries with lower wages such as in wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, agriculture and those who are employed in private households.

The manufacturing industry has a relatively high number of women wage workers at more than a million. The study said they can be found in computers and peripheral equipment and accessories (80 percent); consumer electronics (79 percent); measuring, testing, navigating and control equipment, watches and clocks (72 percent); wearing apparel, except fur apparel (72 percent); and electronic components (70 percent). Products of these industries are geared for exports. They are mostly operating in special economic zones especially electronics and garments that are located in the regions such as Calabarzon and Central Luzon. "Because of regional wage rationalization, most women in manufacturing receive low wages, on the average, P337 (less than $7). ".

Women workers in wholesale and retail trade or those working in malls and supermarkets receive the same low wage of P302 ($6) per day. At least 43 percent of the workers in the wholesale and retail trade are also non-regular workers. This despite the increasing profit for mall owners, like Henry Sy (SM Supermalls), the Ayalas (Ayala Malls) and the Gokongweis (Robinson Malls).

The study said SM Retail's profit has increased by seven percent with total revenue of P276.5 billion ($5. 5 billion). It also expanded to 2,110 stores by end-December 2016.

There is also what they call "other services activities" comprising 1. 8 million of women workers. At least 89 percent of them are employed in private households. They also receive low wages, for as low as P2,500 ($50) a month, as mandated by the Kasambahay Law of 2012 much lower than the mandated minimum wage in the country.

"They can also be subjected to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse due to the private nature of their work," the study read.

Full story here http://bulatlat.com/main/2017/05/01/no-decent-paying-jobs-working-women-philippines/.

BrainDrain
05-02-17, 02:07
As I make regular trips into Manila and AC I have a variety of places where I need to make a transit either KL, Singapore or HK. For me Singapore and HK have plenty of credibility for me to stay over.

On this most recent trip I stayed over in HK with the intention of enjoying some filipina company enroute (en-root).

If you enjoy the company of filipina and you are visiting HK, please have a read of this FR.

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?951-General-Reports&p=2030035&viewfull=1#post2030035.

Why? It does cost more for me to stayover than if I just spent the night in the Philippines. What I do like is that the surrounds are not money hungry, lower crime and the filipina are keen for sex.

D Cups
05-02-17, 14:19
Good research, as usual, CM. Thanks. My 22 yo Cebuana GF just got a job at Sun Gold. We'll see how long she lasts.


Meanwhile, women wage workers are mostly employed in industries with lower wages such as in wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, agriculture and those who are employed in private households.

There is also what they call "other services activities" comprising 1. 8 million of women workers. At least 89 percent of them are employed in private households. They also receive low wages, for as low as P2,500 ($50) a month, as mandated by the Kasambahay Law of 2012 much lower than the mandated minimum wage in the country.

"They can also be subjected to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse due to the private nature of their work," the study read.

Full story here http://bulatlat.com/main/2017/05/01/no-decent-paying-jobs-working-women-philippines/.

Buko Max
05-02-17, 18:38
I would like to go to Manila for a few days from the USA, but I cannot seem to find any non-stop flights from the USA to Manila.There are only three non stop flights at the present time and one from Canada, all on PAL:

LAX, SFO, HNL and YVR.

BrainDrain
05-03-17, 01:33
I would like to go to Manila for a few days from the USA, but I cannot seem to find any non-stop flights from the USA to Manila.

.Is four days worth it for poverty pussy?

My answer is YESSSSS.

WestCoast1
05-08-17, 01:27
Was browsing the PAL website looking at upcoming flights. Tickets are divided into 3 categories: Budget Economy, Regular Economy, and Premium Economy. Each gets more expensive usually, with increased luggage weight, nicer seats, priority checkin. However on some flights I noticed that the Premium seat (extra legroom, includes meal, increased luggage weight) was as much as p1000 less than the Regular Economy seat. Odd.

Red Kilt
05-08-17, 01:39
Was browsing the PAL website looking at upcoming flights. Tickets are divided into 3 categories: Budget Economy, Regular Economy, and Premium Economy. Each gets more expensive usually, with increased luggage weight, nicer seats, priority checkin. However on some flights I noticed that the Premium seat (extra legroom, includes meal, increased luggage weight) was as much as p1000 less than the Regular Economy seat. Odd.I just used PAL Regular Economy on a domestic trip yesterday.

I sat in the first row.

There was nobody in Premier economy (around 24 seas) and only 3 people in Business class. Regular Economy was packed.

I think that price differential was an anomaly for your flight.

They are usually different scales.

Omega 3
05-08-17, 03:46
Was browsing the PAL website looking at upcoming flights. Tickets are divided into 3 categories: Budget Economy, Regular Economy, and Premium Economy. Each gets more expensive usually, with increased luggage weight, nicer seats, priority checkin. However on some flights I noticed that the Premium seat (extra legroom, includes meal, increased luggage weight) was as much as p1000 less than the Regular Economy seat. Odd.I was 1 K (next step up from Platinum) on United a year ago, then started flying PAL after PAL inaugurated its much-publicized non-stop CEB-LAX flights 3-15-16. After reaching Premier Elite status on PAL, received the promised UTC (Upgrade Travel Certificates) from PAL. But what PAL doesn't tell you is that you can't use PAL UTC to upgrade to Business Class if you buy an economy ticket from default settings on the PAL website. You need to buy a special higher, more expensive "full" economy fare ticket on PAL in order to use the UTC to upgrade to business class. This basically makes the UTC worthless, and is a "deceptive business practice" in my humble opinion.

In my experience, PAL on international flights is almost always one or more hours late, often resulting in missed connections, and essentially sucks. Will probably go back to United. Maybe, if I am lucky, United will beat the crap out of me and I can settle out of court for millions. That would make my day.

YMMV.

OM.

WestCoast1
05-08-17, 04:42
I think that price differential was an anomaly for your flight.

They are usually different scales.You're probably right. But I found the Regular Economy priced higher than Premium Economy from province1-Cebu, Cebu-province2, and province2-Manila (all 1-way).

GoodEnough
05-08-17, 05:12
You're probably right. But I found the Regular Economy priced higher than Premium Economy from province1-Cebu, Cebu-province2, and province2-Manila (all 1-way).I found the same thing a couple of months ago on two round-trip flights between Davao and Cebu.

GE.

FreebieFan
05-08-17, 09:03
Was browsing the PAL website looking at upcoming flights. Tickets are divided into 3 categories: Budget Economy, Regular Economy, and Premium Economy. Each gets more expensive usually, with increased luggage weight, nicer seats, priority checkin. However on some flights I noticed that the Premium seat (extra legroom, includes meal, increased luggage weight) was as much as p1000 less than the Regular Economy seat. Odd.Encountered a similar oddity here in China recently just before the May 1st holiday weekend.
Cathay Pacific flight, Beijing HK Manila. Economy, Rmb 11,000 / US $ 1570. Business Class Rmb 6000 Us $ 850. No guesses for which one I booked! Perhaps this anomaly is more widespread on airlines than we think?

Omega 3
05-08-17, 17:31
I was 1 K (next step up from Platinum) on United a year ago, then started flying PAL after PAL inaugurated its much-publicized non-stop CEB-LAX flights 3-15-16. After reaching Premier Elite status on PAL, received the promised UTC (Upgrade Travel Certificates) from PAL. But what PAL doesn't tell you is that you can't use PAL UTC to upgrade to Business Class if you buy an economy ticket from default settings on the PAL website. You need to buy a special higher, more expensive "full" economy fare ticket on PAL in order to use the UTC to upgrade to business class. This basically makes the UTC worthless, and is a "deceptive business practice" in my humble opinion.

In my experience, PAL on international flights is almost always one or more hours late, often resulting in missed connections, and essentially sucks. Will probably go back to United. Maybe, if I am lucky, United will beat the crap out of me and I can settle out of court for millions. That would make my day.

YMMV.

OM.Last year was one of the passengers on the much ballyhooed inaugural PR 152 flight nonstop from Cebu to LAX, returning to Cebu a couple weeks later on the nonstop PR 153. Very convenient, though plane almost always hours late, especially on outbound leg to LAX. Since then, in the intervening 14 months, have flown nearly 10 times RT on this same route.

Now, while browsing the PAL website for my next such flight, I cannot find any PAL flights 152 or 153 after May 27,2017. It seems like Cebu-LAX-Cebu nonstop flights have quietly been cancelled by PAL, effective after May 27, without any notification to their flyers on this route or even to the world in general. Seemingly, no regard by PAL for customer service.

Thank you for flying PAL.

OM.

P.S. On domestic flights within the Philippines, PAL is probably still the most comfortable airline, especially if you can use their Mabuhay Lounge.

Mr Hawaii
05-09-17, 06:05
Plan on being in GenSan sometime in August. Does anyone want me to check out anything in particular in that city? Won't necessarily do it, but just asking.

WestCoast1
05-09-17, 06:11
Now, while browsing the PAL website for my next such flight, I cannot find any PAL flights 152 or 153 after May 27,2017. It seems like Cebu-LAX-Cebu nonstop flights have quietly been cancelled by PAL, effective after May 27, without any notification to their flyers on this route or even to the world in general. Seemingly, no regard by PAL for customer service.

I noticed that I couldn't find any US-Cebu nonstops when I did an Orbitz search last month.

GoodEnough
05-09-17, 09:41
I received the following message from the US Embassy in Manila about 10 minutes ago:

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines.

Security Message for USA Citizens: Travel Advisory for Palawan Province.

May 9, 2017.

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO USA CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL USA CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.

The USA Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of Palawan Province, Philippines, to include Puerto Princesa City, and the areas surrounding Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. You. S citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as they make their travel plans and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

The USA Embassy wishes to remind USA Citizens of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against USA Citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems–including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets. USA Citizens should be mindful of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines‎.

Goferring
05-09-17, 12:51
Guys,

Over time I've noticed a few posts and complaints on the lack of areas within the Philippines that offer both quality P4P and diving options.

I'm putting together a trip for late this year that will include reporting on the success or otherwise of combining both hobbies.

I'm likely to fly into Manila then to Dumaguete, do a loop through the Visayas (Moalboal, Malapascua, Cebu and Coron), then to Subic and possibly Puerto Galera. I'll be in country 6 - 8 weeks.

Before I commit to flights, does anyone have any comments or suggestions on my intended itinerary or requests for information on areas that have not been covered on the forum recently. If I can, I'm happy to travel a reasonable distance to report new information.

I will only be reporting new information on areas that have already been covered extensively within the forum. Eg. Cebu, Subic, Puerto Galera. There is no point on simply repeating old posts or threads. I will endeavour to provide extended reports on any areas that have had limited reports.

If it helps, I prefer wreck diving but will have a look at anything. On land I intend to make the most of FL, bar and personal internet / app options.

Fast Eddie 48
05-09-17, 16:10
Guys,

Over time I've noticed a few posts and complaints on the lack of areas within the Philippines that offer both quality P4P and diving options.

I'm putting together a trip for late this year that will include reporting on the success or otherwise of combining both hobbies.

I'm likely to fly into Manila then to Dumaguete, do a loop through the Visayas (Moalboal, Malapascua, Cebu and Coron), then to Subic and possibly Puerto Galera. I'll be in country 6 - 8 weeks.

Before I commit to flights, does anyone have any comments or suggestions on my intended itinerary or requests for information on areas that have not been covered on the forum recently. If I can, I'm happy to travel a reasonable distance to report new information..To Goferring.

I been diving on PI for long time best wreck dive is subic, the El capitan, uss NY.

Stay at Arizona resort they have dive shop there, I have dive at Bohol Pangla island.

Puerto galera is ok not great.

Palawan and coron is what I like go next so many island in PI w great diving and is one.

Cheapest place in the world.

Fast Eddie 48.

===========================================

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If you are adding these hard returns at the end of every line by using the ENTER key, then please stop. Instead, when typing simply allow the text to "wrap" automatically at the end of each line. The ENTER key is only needed to separate the paragraphs.

However, if the unnecessary hard returns were the result of you having pasted the text into the forum from another source (such as a news website), then your option is to either edit out the unnecessary hard returns or don't post the text.

Please do not post text with unnecessary hard returns in the Forum. Thanks!

Dazhiba
05-09-17, 21:07
I have a few lady friends in the General Santos area. Can anyone give me any info on what that area is like? Decent hotels? Nightspots? General action and also any saftey issues there vs Manilla?

Thanks, Daz.

BrainDrain
05-10-17, 04:47
I have a few lady friends in the General Santos area. Can anyone give me any info on what that area is like? Decent hotels? Nightspots? General action and also any saftey issues there vs Manilla?

Thanks, Daz.Hi Daz, this is the third time since last November that you have asked this question.

Do yourself a favour, get on a flight to Philippines, book a ticket to GS and report back.

If you are nervous about going there, then don't go. There are beautiful filipinas in every city and town in Philippines, no need to put yourself somewhere where you are not comfortable. Design your Philippines adventure for you not for the convenience of the girls.

BD.

Red Kilt
05-10-17, 05:26
Hi Daz, this is the third time since last November that you have asked this question.

Do yourself a favour, get on a flight to Philippines, book a ticket to GS and report back.

If you are nervous about going there, then don't go. There are beautiful filipinas in every city and town in Philippines, no need to put yourself somewhere where you are not comfortable. Design your Philippines adventure for you not for the convenience of the girls. BD gives good advice.

I would add the following: If you're "desperate" to meet these girls, travel to the Philippines and then go to Davao City. Tell the girls to come up to Davao by bus / van / whatever and meet you there.

GenSan is not guaranteed as a safe place. You are vulnerable to potential kidnapping etc. However, Davao is a safe place. It's relatively easy for the girls to reach and you can use the strategy to "weed out" those who are prepared to put in some work to meet you AND who will understand that you are presuming they will stay with you overnight. You can also offer to pay the fare of course which will turn out to be much cheaper than you travelling to meet them and removes all the stress and potential dangers.

The same advice about meeting in Davao goes for all guys chatting with friends in Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Drbombay
05-10-17, 10:31
Lurkers,

I will have an 8 hour layover in Manila on a business trip. What can I do in that short time frame? Will I be able to leave the airport and get a room and visitor for a short time in the vicinity of the airport?

Horntoad
05-10-17, 11:29
Lurkers,

I will have an 8 hour layover in Manila on a business trip. What can I do in that short time frame? Will I be able to leave the airport and get a room and visitor for a short time in the vicinity of the airport?You have plenty of time to leave the airport and get back in time. If I had an eight hour layover, I would probably go to LA Cafe have a drink and take a girl to the short time hotel next door. There's also plenty of time to go to Air Force One which is right next to the airport.

GoodEnough
05-10-17, 12:08
BD gives good advice.

I would add the following: If you're "desperate" to meet these girls, travel to the Philippines and then go to Davao City. Tell the girls to come up to Davao by bus / van / whatever and meet you there.

GenSan is not guaranteed as a safe place. You are vulnerable to potential kidnapping etc. However, Davao is a safe place. It's relatively easy for the girls to reach and you can use the strategy to "weed out" those who are prepared to put in some work to meet you AND who will understand that you are presuming they will stay with you overnight. You can also offer to pay the fare of course which will turn out to be much cheaper than you travelling to meet them and removes all the stress and potential dangers.

The same advice about meeting in Davao goes for all guys chatting with friends in Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.Excellent advice from RK. Gen San is not a guaranteed safety zone; plus from my recollection of several visits there a good while back, it's pretty much of a nothing place unless you're interested in seeing a large tuna port facility. I cannot remember any decent restaurants or hotels, and, to reiterate RK's caution, it may not be safe.

GE.

Wicked Roger
05-10-17, 15:40
I have a few lady friends in the General Santos area. Can anyone give me any info on what that area is like? Decent hotels? Nightspots? General action and also any saftey issues there vs Manilla?

Thanks, Daz.You are supposed to have visited Gen San earlier as in November 2011 ("soon visiting") so as BD said grab a ticket and read RK and GE advice but first come to the Philippines and stop being a keyboard warrior then FR as before this you FR history of 27 posts is in 2015/14/13 - so if you do manager you don't say much but you do much LOL.

Chocha Monger
05-10-17, 16:44
Terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners on a Philippine island popular with tourists, the US embassy has warned, a month after a foiled abduction attempt by Islamic militants at another tourism hotspot.

An advisory from the US embassy in Manila on Tuesday warned Americans to "carefully consider" going to Palawan, naming a World Heritage-listed underground river as one area of specific concern.

"The USA Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of Palawan," the advisory said. The Philippine military on Wednesday said in a statement it "shared the same concerns" as the US government, and that it had increased security at Palawan's tourism sites. The embassy identified two locations- the capital city of Puerto Princesa and the nearby underground river that attracts thousands of visitors daily- as areas the kidnappers were targeting. Puerto Princesa is about 400 kilometres (240 miles) northwest of southern islands that are strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf, militants who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and frequently kidnap foreigners.

The Abu Sayyaf last month attempted a kidnapping raid on Bohol island, a popular tourist destination in the central Philippines, but were foiled after security forces became aware of the plot. Security forces found the militants a day after they arrived on Bohol on speedboats, and engaged them in a gun battle. Nine militants, three soldiers and one policeman were killed in the clashes, according to authorities. They said another militant died in police custody. The Bohol raid occurred days after the US embassy issued a warning of potential kidnappings there.

The Abu Sayyaf has since its founding in the 1990's kidnapped dozens of foreigners and many more locals to extract ransoms. It typically raids coastal areas after sailing from its southern island strongholds on speedboats, although in recent years it has also attacked cargo and merchant ships. The militants beheaded two Canadians last year and an elderly German sailor in February after demands for millions of dollars were unmet.

The Abu Sayyaf raided a resort in Puerto Princesa's Honda Bay in 2001, abducting three Americans and 17 Filipinos. One of the Americans was beheaded, while one was killed in a military rescue attempt a year later. The third American was freed in the rescue effort. The Abu Sayyaf has also kidnapped people from Malaysian coastal resorts, which are a short speedboat ride from its southern Philippine bases.

Shark5
05-10-17, 18:49
I have a few lady friends in the General Santos area. Can anyone give me any info on what that area is like? Decent hotels? Nightspots? General action and also any saftey issues there vs Manilla?

Thanks, Daz.It's been several years since I visited Gensan but it was a nice place. I stayed at the East Asia Royale Hotel which was nice. There was a bar in the same complex, I can't remember the name but it had lots of girls and plus there was plenty of girls hanging out in front of the Hotel. I never had to venture outside that general area.

Dg8787
05-11-17, 02:26
Last week, one of my girls in Manila was sending some money to her family in Bohol. I asked her why as I thought fishing was good then. She replied that the abu sayyaf had taken their small fishing boat along with other local people's things and food.

Yesterday her Bohol cousin came to see me in Cebu and confirmed the story and that the abu sayyaf had been hiding "under the bridge", but the police and army had caught up to them but one had escaped and was still on the loose.

Possibly most of the threat is gone now. Best to wear a t-shirt with;.

WARNING!

"No Ransom Will Be Paid".

I am a broke monger and family
can't wait to collect on my life insurance.

Red Kilt
05-11-17, 02:50
It's been several years since I visited Gensan but it was a nice place. I stayed at the East Asia Royale Hotel which was nice. There was a bar in the same complex, I can't remember the name but it had lots of girls and plus there was plenty of girls hanging out in front of the Hotel. I never had to venture outside that general area.The key is in your statement "It's been several years since I visited Gensan. . ".

The whole thing has CHANGED Shark. I used to visit Zamboanga too for work and roam around the public market (but that was in 1998/1999)/. I cannot visit Zamboanga any more.

Same for GenSan. I used to go there many many times for work, and at that time it was safe.

The situation has changed guys. Do your due diligence before you visit there.

Wicked Roger
05-11-17, 05:19
The situation has changed guys. Do your due diligence before you visit there.This is what many don't do or throw out statements like Shark did which is confusing and wrong. I could say that walking and travelling around parts of Syria was great fun 10 years ago (and it was) but what does that add to the conversation?

While the forum is a great place to find answers. More so if you RTFF. Reading about the place and looking at travel site etc also helps.

I have never been to GenSan but girls from there and Mati have met me in Davao. There is no way I would ever go to those places even before RK and GE advised it is not safe as reading around the subject (ie diligence) tells me that it is likely not that interesting and / or not that safe.

And if you offer the lady a chance to come to a 'big city' like Davao they will as long as you pay the fare (which is peanuts in relative terms).

This is the same as some of those who think travelling to North Korea is a life time experience (especially if you are a US citizen).

Wicked Roger
05-11-17, 07:07
From the Inquirer today.

While this has happened before and the key is how it trickles down society so others / all benefit and GDP growth does not slow again, it sort of proves some of the doomsday posters such as Amavida (se mid 2016 - Nov 2016 FRs) wrong about the lack of FDI etc.

http://business.inquirer.net/229271/net-foreign-investments-11-1st-2-months

We can all interpret this how we like of course and am sure some will.

GoodEnough
05-11-17, 08:35
Amazing, RK has lived here for years, gives sound advice, and people want to argue the point. I've lived here for years, used to be a frequent visitor to Gen San, and people want to argue the point. Folks can do whatever they please, but I can re-affirm, as someone who actually lives in Mindanao that General Santos City is not necessarily safe. Abu Sayyaff camps have been sighted in the mountains that separate Gen San from Davao, and every Western intelligence service I can think of has warned its citizens about the potential danger of travel in Mindanao (particularly if you know no one and are unfamiliar with the territory) and still people want to argue. So be it. But one last time: IT IS NOT SAFE TO STAY IN GEN SAN.

GE.

Drbombay
05-11-17, 10:07
You have plenty of time to leave the airport and get back in time. If I had an eight hour layover, I would probably go to LA Cafe have a drink and take a girl to the short time hotel next door. There's also plenty of time to go to Air Force One which is right next to the airport.Thanks for the feedback. Not sure if you were allowed to go outside the gate once you landed if you were not staying. I will look at those establishments and hopefully give a full accounting when I return.

Mbsl65
05-11-17, 12:59
I was in Bohol yesterday. I did an Island trip with a motorcycle. They are looking for 3 suspects not one. I passed Inabanga and Clarin without even stopping on my way from Anda to Tibugon.


Last week, one of my girls in Manila was sending some money to her family in Bohol. I asked her why as I thought fishing was good then. She replied that the abu sayyaf had taken their small fishing boat along with other local people's things and food.

Yesterday her Bohol cousin came to see me in Cebu and confirmed the story and that the abu sayyaf had been hiding "under the bridge", but the police and army had caught up to them but one had escaped and was still on the loose.

Possibly most of the threat is gone now. Best to wear a t-shirt with;.

WARNING!

"No Ransom Will Be Paid".

I am a broke monger and family
can't wait to collect on my life insurance.

Dg8787
05-11-17, 13:14
I was in Bohol yesterday. I did an Island trip with a motorcycle. They are looking for 3 suspects not one. I passed Inabanga and Clarin without even stopping on my way from Anda to Tibugon.Could very well be 3 suspects they are looking for. This girl may have limited knowledge thru the grapevine and limited English ability to converse with me. I have to give credit to the barangay system, at least to this aspect, they do know who is new in the village and there is some communications.

Dg8787
05-11-17, 13:17
Thanks for the feedback. Not sure if you were allowed to go outside the gate once you landed if you were not staying. I will look at those establishments and hopefully give a full accounting when I return.I don't know why he can't go thru immigration and depart a few hours later. There is no required visa for stays under 30 days.

Mbsl65
05-11-17, 18:04
You and few others do have good knowledge of the Philippines and I learned and followed lots of stuff from you. You have a very correct perspective of the islands. Also If USA Government puts an alert, I follow all the way based on how accurate it is.


Amazing, RK has lived here for years, gives sound advice, and people want to argue the point. I've lived here for years, used to be a frequent visitor to Gen San, and people want to argue the point. Folks can do whatever they please, but I can re-affirm, as someone who actually lives in Mindanao that General Santos City is not necessarily safe. Abu Sayyaff camps have been sighted in the mountains that separate Gen San from Davao, and every Western intelligence service I can think of has warned its citizens about the potential danger of travel in Mindanao (particularly if you know no one and are unfamiliar with the territory) and still people want to argue. So be it. But one last time: IT IS NOT SAFE TO STAY IN GEN SAN.

GE.

D Cups
05-12-17, 12:18
The key is in your statement "It's been several years since I visited Gensan. . ".

The whole thing has CHANGED Shark. I used to visit Zamboanga too for work and roam around the public market (but that was in 1998/1999)/. I cannot visit Zamboanga any more.

Same for GenSan. I used to go there many many times for work, and at that time it was safe.

The situation has changed guys. Do your due diligence before you visit there.Thanks, Red. I was hot to trot on some Zambo chick a while back but decided not to go there based on your advice. For all I know you saved my life.

Slippery
05-12-17, 16:26
GE gets around a lot more than me, but the only way that I leave this city is through the airport.

Wazoo
05-13-17, 00:12
Thanks, Red. I was hot to trot on some Zambo chick a while back but decided not to go there based on your advice. For all I know you saved my life.My hunch based on a few encounters is that a large number of the Zamboanga profiles are fake in any case. Model quality pics are always a dead giveaway.

Ms Account
05-14-17, 17:12
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?

MrWoolyBooly
05-14-17, 19:29
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?I have experience with honest and dishonest landlords in the Philippines. In all cases, they gave off accurate honest or dishonest vibes, but that may not be reliable. The honest ones (two provincial cities and Malate) kept fairly to the letter of the contracts. The dishonest one (Taguig) paid out the deposit, but I'm convinced it was through fear. I'd have willingly spent twice the deposit for "help" in preventing the weasel from keeping it. At least in cities, 3 months is far too long for any power, water, or cable bill. I can't imagine it taking over 30 days. Insist on seeing the real bills before paying them. My experience was in urban areas. In the NPA or Abu Sayyaf infested jungles who knows.

BrainDrain
05-14-17, 22:25
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?Your last month's rent could be late much the same way that you are expecting the refund to be late.

AussieGaigin
05-14-17, 23:41
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?The rental tenancy boards might get the deposit money, but they don't release it after termination until they get clearance from the landlord. This process can take months if there are disputes about the condition of the premises. At least here, the tenant pays directly for utility bills rather than the landlord.

Chocha Monger
05-15-17, 02:17
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?Most Filipino landlords will try to keep some or all of your 2 months deposit. As a foreigner you should not sign any contract requiring you to wait longer than 3 weeks to recover your deposit. You should also insist on one month's rent for the deposit. If the landlord does not lower it, take your business elsewhere. The problem with trying to consume the last month's rent included in the 2 months deposit is that you must have the luxury of planning your departure months ahead of time. If unseen circumstances force you to move within a week after you have paid your rent in advance for that month, the landlord could end up with 2 months and 3 weeks of rent in his pocket. Trying to get a Filipino to return your deposit is not much different from trying to get him to repay money he "borrowed" from you. Expect the landlord to suddenly become elusive or to not have the cash on hand. I have had to get the Barangay captain involved and even retain the services of friendly policemen. These methods resulted in the prompt return of the money.

However, it is best to avoid the drama by limiting the deposit to one month of rent. As an expat you don't know when you'll have to move in a hurry and you will not have much time to play games with local landlords, especially if you must leave the country in a hurry when mongering goes wrong. Filipino neighbors are nosy and inconsiderate, if you have problems with a native neighbor, expect to be the one moving as your Filipino landlord will most likely side with his countrymen. A month to month rental contract with one month's rent as a deposit is the most flexible way to go. You don't want to find yourself in the situation of making an in-country move and having to come up with 3 months of rent to move into your new place while the previous landlord is holding on to 2 months of rent.

FreebieFan
05-15-17, 03:36
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?I would say yes it is. In my experience (rented 2 houses and 2 apartments) they will find any excuse to deduct some of the deposit from you. Had one idiot who asked why I hadn't cleaned the gutters that were attached to the roof, as he handed them to me in a clean condition. Had another one deduct the cost of changing two busted light bulbs in a maids room. I have found landlords to be petty and mean and totally recommend that you withhold the last months rental dependent on the return of your deposit.

One thing I learnt was to take a video of the place the day I arrived. Much the same way as I take videos of cars I rent. Later this can prevent the " but it was broken / damaged / discoloured before I moved in etc.

Shark5
05-15-17, 05:30
The key is in your statement "It's been several years since I visited Gensan. . ".

The whole thing has CHANGED Shark. I used to visit Zamboanga too for work and roam around the public market (but that was in 1998/1999)/. I cannot visit Zamboanga any more.

Same for GenSan. I used to go there many many times for work, and at that time it was safe.

The situation has changed guys. Do your due diligence before you visit there.I apologize if my post was misleading. It wasn't my intention. I agree totally with everyone who has posted things have changed and are not safe. As RK states, "the situation has changed, do your due diligence before visiting there"! Listen and stay away. No pussy is worth your life!

GoodEnough
05-15-17, 09:55
I would say yes it is. In my experience (rented 2 houses and 2 apartments) they will find any excuse to deduct some of the deposit from you. Had one idiot who asked why I hadn't cleaned the gutters that were attached to the roof, as he handed them to me in a clean condition. Had another one deduct the cost of changing two busted light bulbs in a maids room. I have found landlords to be petty and mean and totally recommend that you withhold the last months rental dependent on the return of your deposit.

One thing I learnt was to take a video of the place the day I arrived. Much the same way as I take videos of cars I rent. Later this can prevent the " but it was broken / damaged / discoloured before I moved in etc.My experience has been the opposite. I've rented several places, both commercial and residential, and have never had a single peso withheld. The landlords with whom I've dealt have been honest, forthright, and stayed to the terms of the leases I had signed. So I guess it's a question of paying your money and taking your choice.

GE.

Wicked Roger
05-16-17, 20:15
I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?In Cebu where I rent on a long term basis I have never had issues but as others say it depends where you are etc.

Landlords worldwide can be shifty not just the Philippines but FF has a good idea also re the video.

If you need advice for Cebu PM me Ms A.

Soapy Smith
05-18-17, 06:28
I'm sorry if this doesn't exactly fit here, but the U.S. Politics thread apparently no longer exists.

It seems reasonable that various agencies in the U.S. government might have done some economic impact analysis prior to Obama's announcing the Pacific Pivot, in which 60% of Naval assets were committed to the Pacific. I doubt this underworld of bribery involving Naval personnel--nor the extensive cost of investigating it--was part of the analysis. "Six figures" in expenditures for prostitutes? That's a lot of p4p and a boost to the economy.

And so maybe rather than blaming each other for driving up prices when somebody in our forum seems to have overpaid for his nightly recreation, we should give the U.S. Navy its due regard. It's those damn sailors driving up prices.

Hopefully this media source doesn't block you by trying to extort subscripton payments.

Another recent story from the WP, which won't let me back in until I pay the paper, noted that much of the prostitution bribery was delivered in Manila.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/navy-captain-enters-guilty-plea-in-massive-bribery-case/2015/01/15/b09688ba-9ced-11e4-a7ee-526210d665b4_story.html?utm_term=.bc13dae2ddb2

https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/former-admiral-sentenced-to-18-months-in-fat-leonard-case/2017/05/17/1a11869c-3b06-11e7-a058-ddbb23c75d82_story.html?utm_term=.4d63d559746c

Ms Account
05-18-17, 10:14
I have planned an overseas SE Asian trip with a long time regular of mine most likely HK or Singapore. I have not tried to take a Filipino girl out of the country before. A Manila bar girl I know (not the girl I have promised to take on a trip) was convinced by her friend to travel to work in a Japanese KTV in Singapore. , Bought a ticket (one way) but did not have a lot of spending money. Got blocked by immigration and refused exit. Told immigration visiting friend but they didn't believe her. Regularly I see girls corralled off for interviews by immigration. However I have met lots of girls who have travelled on local SE Asian trips funded by their foreign BF. What is the secret to getting past immigration. Do you have to travel with them? Is it a return ticket? Sorry another FR based upon a question. Hopefully my FR balance allows my recent multiple questions.

Ms Account
05-18-17, 10:27
Most Filipino landlords will try to keep some or all of your 2 months deposit. As a foreigner you should not sign any contract requiring you to wait longer than 3 weeks to recover your deposit. You should also insist on one month's rent for the deposit. If the landlord does not lower it, take your business elsewhere. The problem with trying to consume the last month's rent included in the 2 months deposit is that you must have the luxury of planning your departure months ahead of time. If unseen circumstances force you to move within a week after you have paid your rent in advance for that month, the landlord could end up with 2 months and 3 weeks of rent in his pocket. Trying to get a Filipino to return your deposit is not much different from trying to get him to repay money he "borrowed" from you. Expect the landlord to suddenly become elusive or to not have the cash on hand. I have had to get the Barangay captain involved and even retain the services of friendly policemen. These methods resulted in the prompt return of the money.

However, it is best to avoid the drama by limiting the deposit to one month of rent. As an expat you don't know when you'll have to move in a hurry and you will not have much time to play games with local landlords, especially if you must leave the country in a hurry when mongering goes wrong. Filipino neighbors are nosy and inconsiderate, if you have problems with a native neighbor, expect to be the one moving as your Filipino landlord will most likely side with his countrymen. A month to month rental contract with one month's rent as a deposit is the most flexible way to go. You don't want to find yourself in the situation of making an in-country move and having to come up with 3 months of rent to move into your new place while the previous landlord is holding on to 2 months of rent.Thanks for all the feedback regarding my rental bond fears. Unfortunately I have already signed for 2 months bond and 1 month advance as I was told this is the common practice. The land lady is a Filipino married to a foreigner so hopefully there will be no dramas.

Golfinho
05-18-17, 12:53
I have planned an overseas SE Asian trip with a long time regular of mine most likely HK or Singapore. I have not tried to take a Filipino girl out of the country before.Bought a ticket (one way) but did not have a lot of spending money. Got blocked by immigration and refused exit.Just did this several weeks ago: took a Filipino from Manila (from terminal 2 on Philippines Air) to Bangkok: 21 year-old, brand new passport, first trip abroad. Yes, they stopped her at immigration and took her into small room to speak with agent. Fortunately, I had stood near line (there was separate queue for foreigners and citizens) to observe her going thru. After I while, I was called over and learned that agent had examined her wallet (which had no cash), her phone and I-pad and all photos (we known each other 1+ year) to determine who she was travelling with and the nature of relationship. Verdict was: agent (who was a female about 30 year old) is empowered to make the call. They will assess you to make sure your intention and relationship, examine your passport, and make you sign a statement detailing every country you intend to visit, the travel dates, as well as accepting responsibility to cover all her expenses and well-being. And informing that you are criminally liability for failing to abide by the agreement. You must show confirmed tickets for both of you together on return flights. All-in-all, a rather straightforward procedure. Just get to airport in plenty of time. We know they do this to protect the girls, so nothing wrong with that.

D Cups
05-18-17, 15:22
This is good to know, CM. Thanks. I will try to find a non-Filipino landlord but am now aware of the risks.


Most Filipino landlords will try to keep some or all of your 2 months deposit. As a foreigner you should not sign any contract requiring you to wait longer than 3 weeks to recover your deposit. You should also insist on one month's rent for the deposit. If the landlord does not lower it, take your business elsewhere. The problem with trying to consume the last month's rent included in the 2 months deposit is that you must have the luxury of planning your departure months ahead of time. If unseen circumstances force you to move within a week after you have paid your rent in advance for that month, the landlord could end up with 2 months and 3 weeks of rent in his pocket. Trying to get a Filipino to return your deposit is not much different from trying to get him to repay money he "borrowed" from you. Expect the landlord to suddenly become elusive or to not have the cash on hand. I have had to get the Barangay captain involved and even retain the services of friendly policemen. These methods resulted in the prompt return of the money.

However, it is best to avoid the drama by limiting the deposit to one month of rent. As an expat you don't know when you'll have to move in a hurry and you will not have much time to play games with local landlords, especially if you must leave the country in a hurry when mongering goes wrong. Filipino neighbors are nosy and inconsiderate, if you have problems with a native neighbor, expect to be the one moving as your Filipino landlord will most likely side with his countrymen. A month to month rental contract with one month's rent as a deposit is the most flexible way to go. You don't want to find yourself in the situation of making an in-country move and having to come up with 3 months of rent to move into your new place while the previous landlord is holding on to 2 months of rent.

Wicked Roger
05-18-17, 15:50
I have planned an overseas SE Asian trip with a long time regular of mine most likely HK or Singapore. I have not tried to take a Filipino girl out of the country before. A Manila bar girl I know (not the girl I have promised to take on a trip) was convinced by her friend to travel to work in a Japanese KTV in Singapore. , Bought a ticket (one way) but did not have a lot of spending money. Got blocked by immigration and refused exit. Told immigration visiting friend but they didn't believe her. Regularly I see girls corralled off for interviews by immigration. However I have met lots of girls who have travelled on local SE Asian trips funded by their foreign BF. What is the secret to getting past immigration. Do you have to travel with them? Is it a return ticket? Sorry another FR based upon a question. Hopefully my FR balance allows my recent multiple questions.Best to PM me Ms A as there are many stupidities around this subject mainly the immigration officers themselves. Have done this many times and depending who you are with and if she is employed etc, many variants on the same theme.

Many have failed to get past this and is strange to some that a citizen is not allowed to leave for a holiday but this is the Philippines! Also the country visited is important IMHO as Singapore always harder than say other Asian places.

Affidavits from you, her parents, work / employer letters and certificates even stuff from her university can help but sometimes don't. Is a weird and wonderful world we live in LOL.

PM as I have had lots experience in this as well as taking 2 cuties with me around Asia.