View Full Version : General Info
AussieGaigin
10-14-17, 13:37
To my mind, the fail-safe system is for security to always call you to check if you are expecting X, Y or Z. I have a masseuse who comes to my condo on call at least once each week. Same woman each time.
Security still always calls me up and asks if I have ordered massage.
I prefer it that way. I never have unexpected knocks on my door. JMHO.That was my first reaction to the comment as well. Without knowing the full circumstances of your relationship or your building security, I would not be too impressed with the girl having unfettered access to the building without some pre-check. Perhaps there is the option to contact the security guy in advance, tell him you are expecting Ms X and that it is OK to let her in?
WestCoast1
10-14-17, 15:18
And on the subject of airbnb, recently there was a news story of a young couple who rented a condo, and while there they discovered hidden spy cams (in the bedroom) installed by the owner. The owner has been banned by airbnb, but the damage is done, including airbnb's reputation (never very good to begin with, as like Uber and other third-party intermediary companies they like to take little responsibility for problems that arise).
Soapy Smith
10-15-17, 09:37
Of course, if you had "kicked her to the kerb" after her previous visit, and told her not to come back, then you would have been grateful to security for keeping her out. Alternatively, in this scenario, if security had let her in without calling you, then you would also have been angry with them.Yes, and perhaps I have been lucky or taken much for granted, because I have never had security, in a condo building or a hotel in Manila, let anybody up to my room without checking with me. In this case, every indication was that she was my partner, not a one time shag, and "unfettered access" was implied in the way we initially arrived together and our ID information was entered in their log. There may of course be times when even a partner gets kicked to the curb and it becomes incumbent on us to tell security to block their re-entry.
Fastpiston
10-29-17, 21:32
And on the subject of airbnb, recently there was a news story of a young couple who rented a condo, and while there they discovered hidden spy cams (in the bedroom) installed by the owner. The owner has been banned by airbnb, but the damage is done, including airbnb's reputation (never very good to begin with, as like Uber and other third-party intermediary companies they like to take little responsibility for problems that arise).To me it is common sense that Airbnb cannot do Shirlock Holmes type study and reserach on every property they advertise. If they did, their fees wohld have to be prohibitive.
Fastpiston
10-29-17, 22:31
To me, too, but at that pay seems like there should be a very large supply of potential cleaning ladies.
Dg, it is about supply and demand. The supply of young women willing to sell their bodies is a function of other available jobs that pay as well. There are few well-paying jobs under reasonable work conditions available for uneducated Filipinas, thus there is a solid supply of willing women for p4p in countries where daily wages are low. In the immediate marketplace of exchange that takes place face-to-face between mongers and freelancers or bargirls, it is as simple as supply and demand of women and mongers. But the supply of women available as freelancers or bargirls is a function of alternative forms of employment.
For several decades the operating model for NGOs that focus on human traff__g was to go after the bad guys, the traff___ers, and send the rescued women back home, under the ignorant assumption that they really want to go back to living in poverty. In recent years a few of them have wised up and figured out that it's the unavailability of alternative employent that pays a living wage that makes the women susceptible to traff___ing in the first place. They now recognize it's about poverty, and that even if you take some bad guys out of circulation, the market will bring in others to take their place at the blink of an eye--and the women will often return to their prior positions in the trade. A few NGOs have even gone so far as to change their tune about s-x wor-ers, now almost romanticizing the free will of women to work in the trade, referring to them as entrepreneurs, and pushing instead to protect their rights against governments that prosecute them and let mongers skate--and try to create laws to protect them from abuse from their handlers.A very good analysis. Too many make judgements on pay by looking at all countries as equivalent to the US. That shows ignorance. Ten USD goes much further for everything in Philippines compared with the US. In Thailand, prices used to be about same as Philippines for girls. Then mass tourism came to Thailand as well as greater demand for women by industry. Prices for girls roared up and quality women went to up market "clubs". Philippines is still like Thailand was years ago, but I fear that with increased tourist demand and some excess heavy tipping, the market will deteriorate like it did in Thailand.
Fastpiston
10-29-17, 22:35
Sabang = good accomodation, quiet, everything in walking distance, good food, very good diving and cheap compared to Aust, about 7 bars. One bar Quantum. About 20/30 girls in school uniform 3000 perso total. Have I convinced you yet.
If you need more PM me.3000 total for LT or ST??
3000 total for LT or ST??In theory, it is for LT (1. 5 K barfine, 1. 5 K tip). Sometimes the mamasan will ask for the total amount before you leave. You can say I will pay the tip afterwards.
But it is similar to Angeles. Some girls will want to leave early. From my limited observations, it seems that a higher percentage of girls in Sabang are willing to stay later and / or stay overnight.
IMO, Sabang (Puerto Galera) has the best combo of diving and mongering in the Philippines. Not the best diving or mongering, but the best combo. Subic Bay is second. Never been to Borocay, but people write that diving and mongering is not that good, but it is available.
The only place I can think of that has a better combo of diving and mongering than Sabang is Patong, Phuket. Patong has better mongering, but more expensive. But it is a 2 hour trip (each way) to your diving destination while Sabang is only about 15 minutes. Diving beauty is better in Phuket than Sabang.
Samui might have a better combo than Sabang, but I haven't really dived in Samui since the diving conditions aren't good in Samui between Nov to Jan.
Pattaya has marginal diving. Bali has marginal mongering (i.e. A pain in the rear).
And on the subject of airbnb, recently there was a news story of a young couple who rented a condo, and while there they discovered hidden spy cams (in the bedroom) installed by the owner. The owner has been banned by airbnb, but the damage is done, including airbnb's reputation (never very good to begin with, as like Uber and other third-party intermediary companies they like to take little responsibility for problems that arise).I've seen stories like these pop up over the years about love hotels in Korea and even the famous novelist Gay Talese researched and wrote The Voyeur's Motel last year, a story that included alleged murders.
AirBnb and Uber are being subjected to a relentless attack by the MSM and activists which have taken the position recently that Silicon Valley and especially "the sharing economy" will be the end of us all. Oh no! How often does a report of a crime in a regular old taxi make the international news? Almost never. Heck, it's usually not even a front page event for a major city's local newspaper unless it's an almost crime-free place like Tokyo. But when a crime (or even a minor dispute) involves an Uber driver it's whipped up and blown out of proportion. It seems a large segment of the population demands perfection from particular businesses and certain groups of people, so any deviance from it, which is an outlier event, is taken to be the default and proof of a systemic problem.
How many Airbnb flats are rented daily in Manila, in the Philippines, and worldwide? A bet hundreds, thousands, and many tens of thousands respectively.
People need to get a grip.
WestCoast1
10-30-17, 13:27
AirBnb and Uber are being subjected to a relentless attack by the MSM and activists which have taken the position recently that Silicon Valley and especially "the sharing economy" will be the end of us all. Oh no! How often does a report of a crime in a regular old taxi make the international news? Almost never. Heck, it's usually not even a front page event for a major city's local newspaper unless it's an almost crime-free place like Tokyo. But when a crime (or even a minor dispute) involves an Uber driver it's whipped up and blown out of proportion. It seems a large segment of the population demands perfection from particular businesses and certain groups of people, so any deviance from it, which is an outlier event, is taken to be the default and proof of a systemic problem.
How many Airbnb flats are rented daily in Manila, in the Philippines, and worldwide? A bet hundreds, thousands, and many tens of thousands respectively.
People need to get a grip.Concur, and at the same time, respectfully disagree (somewhat). Cameras hidden within an airbnb residence is considerably more serious than cabbie disputes. Also, if it happened and was reported, then while its probably a rare occurrence its also happening more often than we would like to believe. The problem is fundamental in third-party hookup systems such as Uber or Airbnb: each company wants to disavow any responsibility of any issues between you and the host. Issues with rented hotels are resolvable thru the hotel, but many issues with a hookup system such as Airbnb are only solvable thru the host (just ask airbnb). What if the host is not of the opinion to resolve your issue? What if the host doesn't show up to let you into your condo, and doesn't return any contacts? Will Airbnb step in to help you find another condo? No. Do you believe that the host is the only one responsible? Does saying that these situations are rare absolve Airbnb of responsibility? Even if the host later returns your money, that does not resolve the conflict (it would be niaive to say that you paid nothing and got nothing, therefor the situation is resolved; but I think you know that is not the case: you are due more in reparation for your inconvenience of having to ride around in a taxi to find new digs, or possibly even more if you cannot find new digs in the same low price range as your airbnb unit).
Concur, and at the same time, respectfully disagree (somewhat). Cameras hidden within an airbnb residence is considerably more serious than cabbie disputes. Also, if it happened and was reported, then while its probably a rare occurrence its also happening more often than we would like to believe. The problem is fundamental in third-party hookup systems such as Uber or Airbnb: each company wants to disavow any responsibility of any issues between you and the host. Issues with rented hotels are resolvable thru the hotel, but many issues with a hookup system such as Airbnb are only solvable thru the host (just ask airbnb). What if the host is not of the opinion to resolve your issue? What if the host doesn't show up to let you into your condo, and doesn't return any contacts? Will Airbnb step in to help you find another condo? No. Do you believe that the host is the only one responsible? Does saying that these situations are rare absolve Airbnb of responsibility? Even if the host later returns your money, that does not resolve the conflict (it would be niaive to say that you paid nothing and got nothing, therefor the situation is resolved; but I think you know that is not the case: you are due more in reparation for your inconvenience of having to ride around in a taxi to find new digs, or possibly even more if you cannot find new digs in the same low price range as your airbnb unit).I had an airbnb host not show up for 90 minutes in vegas while it was 115 f outside. I tried to cancel with airbnb that takes 30 minutes then I have to wait 1 HR before they can cancel so this is 2.5 hrs. Well last second they call me grrr. All sorry of course. Then they don't run ac during day and only down to 90 f at night unreal. After 2 months airbnb gave me a gift certificate. Never again. If I do only with 5 star super hosts and plenty of reviews or flexible cancellations.
CallSign Papa
10-31-17, 01:08
AirBnb and Uber are being subjected to a relentless attack by the MSM and activists which have taken the position recently that Silicon Valley and especially "the sharing economy" will be the end of us all. Oh no! I've used Airbnb pretty much since I first started coming to Manila 3-4 years ago. Never once had a problem, only once had to wait more than 10 minutes for check-in. Always found the owners to be conscientious, reasonable and (pardon the pun) accommodating.
Not sure I agree with Huts on the the MSM bias. I think a more likely suggestion is that Airbnb (being newer to the market, as with Uber) is more open to unscrupulous operators (landlords) who may well take advantage, whereas the more established hotel industry is well aware of litigious liability should cameras or monitoring devices be found by a guest.
Another thing to bear in mind is that when staying in an Airbnb and using the inhouse wifi, any data you're transferring is potentially open to misuse should the landlord know a thing or two about network security. However this is pretty much true of any public wifi network.
Blanquiceleste
10-31-17, 01:22
Diving beauty is better in Phuket than Sabang.When was the last time you were out diving in Phuket? The corals are totally bleached and the place is shot to hell now. I was there last year and found it terrible.
IMHO the best diving spots are now in Indonesia.
Gentleman Travel
10-31-17, 03:52
Sabang = good accomodation, quiet, everything in walking distance, good food, very good diving and cheap compared to Aust, about 7 bars. One bar Quantum. About 20/30 girls in school uniform 3000 perso total. Have I convinced you yet.
If you need more PM me.Oh God, it sounds like heaven! Diving by day and cheap schoolgirls by night!
I don't think I have allowed enough time to go as far as Sabang this trip, but when I go next time I will plan on it for sure!!
When was the last time you were out diving in Phuket? The corals are totally bleached and the place is shot to hell now. I was there last year and found it terrible.I haven't been there for many years.
As I get older, I don't hardly ever snow ski or scuba dive.
Also, the prices for the Phuket go-gos girls are getting relatively expensive. Very expensive to barfine 2 or 3 at a time.
The problem is fundamental in third-party hookup systems such as Uber or Airbnb: each company wants to disavow any responsibility of any issues between you and the host. Issues with rented hotels are resolvable thru the hotel, but many issues with a hookup system such as Airbnb are only solvable thru the host (just ask airbnb).I see the issue differently here. I find airbnb to be little different than the yellow pages or newspapers that print adverts. I accept the risk of not using a hotel (higher risk) to accept the reward (higher reward), such as a lower tariff and better amenities. The problem is some consumers want the same protections offered by a hotel (lower risk) and still to maximise their own reward (higher reward). If a person has a low tolerance for risk they ought to use hotels; they haven't ceased existing and no one compels them to use airbnb. Airbnb endeavours to remove some of the risk (for example when I notify them within 24 hours the flat wasn't as advertised I'll get a different one), but it doesn't have the same control as hotel management. It never claims this, and I'm not paying for the hotel experience.
Airbnb doesn't disavow all responsibility, but it can't accept it to the extent the hotel does either. They're not the same. Let's keep in mind there are times when hotels screw up and don't have vacant rooms to relocate you. What then? A hotel may aid you in finding another place, but perhaps it's left up to you. You still have the hassles of packing, transport, re-check in, etc. Heaven help you if there's a major convention in town.
Airbnb is an alternative, but since hotels continue to exist Airbnb is not the replacement. People haven't lost anything, i.e. hotels, but they gained another option that falls on the spectrum of couch surfing, camping, and hotels. Yet some choose to see this as a loss of some sort.
As for hotels spying on guests, http://time.com/4914689/hotels-hidden-cameras-spy/ and https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/crime_courts/2017/05/09/hidden-camera-hotel-bathroom/314480001/. I'm certain no hotel management advocates or tolerates spying (though there have been incidents of hotels allowing state intelligence agencies to do so, and not part of a criminal investigation), yet it doesn't exercise full control over its employees because it doesn't assign each one a minder, and then a minder to mind the minder to thwart connivance. Allow suspicion to cascade and we'd be soon be at the levels of surveillance to rival Stasi.
WestCoast1
11-12-17, 18:15
An article I found online regarding Trump's visit.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/duterte-to-ask-trump-to-return-historic-spoils-of-war-seized-in-1901/
Regarding some artifacts (church bells) taken from Phils by the US after a skirmish about 100 years ago.
I'm certain no hotel management advocates or tolerates spying (though there have been incidents of hotels allowing state intelligence agencies to do so, and not part of a criminal investigation), yet it doesn't exercise full control over its employees because it doesn't assign each one a minder, and then a minder to mind the minder to thwart connivance. Allow suspicion to cascade and we'd be soon be at the levels of surveillance to rival Stasi.
And on the subject of airbnb, recently there was a news story of a young couple who rented a condo, and while there they discovered hidden spy cams (in the bedroom) installed by the owner. The owner has been banned by airbnb, but the damage is done, including airbnb's reputation (never very good to begin with, as like Uber and other third-party intermediary companies they like to take little responsibility for problems that arise).IMHO, the share apps have greater risks because the vendors are smaller entities. Had an AirBnB serve questionable stuff for breakfast. Have also gotten sick from room service at major luxury hotels.
I am moving some stuff to setup in the Philippines and want to find out if a newer flat panel TV from the US will work in the Philippines. Dual voltage so that is not the problem. I think the Philippines is NTSC like the US. The question is how many channels are analog NTSC and how many are going digital? I heard the digital is different from the US. I assume a digital box could handle that if there is enough on the digital spectrum.
I also think you can get a satellite dish still as it has been many years ago that I had one from the Philippines.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Chocha Monger
11-16-17, 00:51
I am moving some stuff to setup in the Philippines and want to find out if a newer flat panel TV from the US will work in the Philippines. Dual voltage so that is not the problem. I think the Philippines is NTSC like the US. The question is how many channels are analog NTSC and how many are going digital? I heard the digital is different from the US. I assume a digital box could handle that if there is enough on the digital spectrum.
I also think you can get a satellite dish still as it has been many years ago that I had one from the Philippines.
Thanks in advance for any advice.I get four digital channels using an indoor antenna. Strong signals deliver cable TV picture quality. Signal strength can vary from room to room without an externally mounted antenna. The number of channels will depend on your location and any obstacles in the way of the broadcasting transmitter. You are unlikely to find local programming interesting beyond news reports. Here are the digital stations in different areas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_digital_television_stations_in_the_Philippines.
I get four digital channels using an indoor antenna. Strong signals deliver cable TV picture quality. Signal strength can vary from room to room without an externally mounted antenna. The number of channels will depend on your location and any obstacles in the way of the broadcasting transmitter. You are unlikely to find local programming interesting beyond news reports. Here are the digital stations in different areas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_digital_television_stations_in_the_Philippines.Thanks Chocha Monger. How many analog stations can you get? Can a US TV receive those analog stations are they are NTSC?
Chocha Monger
11-16-17, 20:04
Thanks Chocha Monger. How many analog stations can you get? Can a US TV receive those analog stations are they are NTSC?My TV is digital only so I cannot receive analog signals. However, the Philippines uses the American NTSC standard for analog TV. Therefore, an American analog capable TV set would have no problem picking up analog Filipino channels. The Philippines intends to discontinue analog TV broadcasting in 2020 or not later than April 30, 2023.
My TV is digital only so I cannot receive analog signals. However, the Philippines uses the American NTSC standard for analog TV. Therefore, an American analog capable TV set would have no problem picking up analog Filipino channels. The Philippines intends to discontinue analog TV broadcasting in 2020 or not later than April 30, 2023.Thanks Chocha Monger. It appears to be moving faster than I expected given the price hurdle for a new TV in the Philippines. Just an FYI, I believe your TV does do analog; next time you scroll through the Input Source, there should be something like ATV for Analog TV, versus DTV for Digital TV. It should list your HDMI and other inputs too.
I don't think I've ever been in a vehicle in this country that has an automatic transmission. Why all of the stick shifts here? Just because they're cheaper to buy?
Nightrider1
11-25-17, 10:52
I don't think I've ever been in a vehicle in this country that has an automatic transmission. Why all of the stick shifts here? Just because they're cheaper to buy?Taxie drivers tell me it's because they get better fuel economy than automatics. I really feel sorry for the jeepney drivers. Can you imagine how tired that left leg must be after a day of pushing that clutch in and out.
Taxie drivers tell me it's because they get better fuel economy than automatics. I really feel sorry for the jeepney drivers. Can you imagine how tired that left leg must be after a day of pushing that clutch in and out.Fuel economy mustn't be too big a concern given that every pinoy driver pumps the accelerator (throttle) pedal every 5 seconds or so resulting in a jerk jerk jerk ride. This is using liters of additional fuel. They have obviously not heard of Electronic Fuel Injection and they all seem to do it.
Next time you're in a taxi watch how he pumps the accelerator in and out all the time. It drives me crazy (excuse the pun)
I asked my first driver why he did it and he explained it was to keep the fuel up to the engine or it would cut out. This was on the expressway where we were doing upwards of 60 kph. When I suggested to him to try driving with his foot steady and not pumping he was reluctant but then dumbfounded when not only did the engine not stop but we settled into a nice smooth ride. It took me around a month of reminding him but he now drives smoothly.
I think it originates with the jeepney which needs to be revved continuously because of the crap engine, and so everyone thinks that's how you have to drive.
WestCoast1
11-25-17, 14:54
I don't think I've ever been in a vehicle in this country that has an automatic transmission. Why all of the stick shifts here? Just because they're cheaper to buy?An automatic transmission adds about $800 to the cost of the vehicle initially. It also adds larger repair expenses later. In addition, the manual transmission will get better fuel economy by several miles per gallon of fuel.
If you are the purchaser of rental vehicles (many taxi's in phils are not owned by the driver, they are rented by the shift daily or several times daily) and are buying a fleet, cost of purchase, operation, and maintenance are large considerations.
Fuel economy mustn't be too big a concern given that every pinoy driver pumps the accelerator (throttle) pedal every 5 seconds or so resulting in a jerk jerk jerk ride. This is using liters of additional fuel. They have obviously not heard of Electronic Fuel Injection and they all seem to do it.
Next time you're in a taxi watch how he pumps the accelerator in and out all the time. It drives me crazy (excuse the pun)
I asked my first driver why he did it and he explained it was to keep the fuel up to the engine or it would cut out. This was on the expressway where we were doing upwards of 60 kph. When I suggested to him to try driving with his foot steady and not pumping he was reluctant but then dumbfounded when not only did the engine not stop but we settled into a nice smooth ride. It took me around a month of reminding him but he now drives smoothly.
I think it originates with the jeepney which needs to be revved continuously because of the crap engine, and so everyone thinks that's how you have to drive.Still drives me crazy when they do this and I haven't found any that don't pump the accelerator. Last time I was there about 5 months ago I got a Uber and it was a brand new car with an automatic transmission. Very nice!
Couple reasons for the need of pumping. 1. Fuel filter is clogged. 2. Need to reset the idle. Reminds me of my first set of cars decades ago.
Just make sure they don't need to pump the brakes!
In theory the automatic costs more to buy and the gas mileage is less. After you factor in the cost of replacing the clutch a few times especially in city driving the cost evens out long term.
The way most drivers lugged the gears and shift too early I don't think the gas mileage is any better, maybe even worse than with an automatic.
The other thing that drives me crazy is that they use the parking brake when sitting at a red light! Even on a level street.
Flyboy 2000
11-26-17, 04:45
Still drives me crazy when they do this and I haven't found any that don't pump the accelerator.Had a mini-bus driver in Seoul doing this, for hours on end on the freeway. Would plant the foot and the vehicle would surge forward, then he'd let it coast until speed dropped back to whatever, then he'd pump it again. Was with some colleagues from overseas and Seoul and we were truly getting motion-sickness from the constant surge-coast-surge-coast! Was told that the drivers reckon this saves fuel compared to keeping their foot on the throttle at a lower speed, Seoul colleague tried to reason with the driver but no, the driver insisted that the petrol companies spread the 'keep foot on pedal' idea as being more efficient just so they can sell more fuel!
Indy Hundred
11-26-17, 07:24
It's a legacy method of driving.
Post world war II, a lot of these developing countries started building roads and more and more people started having cars. As well, the petrol they used would have dirt, water and all sorts of fun things so, pre Fuel Injection, this nasty petrol would easily disrupt the carburetor and points. Hence, this archaic method of driving where you are constantly revving to push a lot of fuel into your engine in the event a small piece of dirt or water would come into the carburetor and stalls the engine. Even today, if you rent a new motorbike in PI, the person renting to you will tell you to keep revving the engine to avoid it from cutting out. Philippines petrol just doesn't seem to have high quality.
You can see this style of driving in other parts of the world as well. Hong Kong comes to mind quickly.
I understand why they do it around town, but for the life of me, I simply can't comprehend the need for this style on the highway.
Fuel economy mustn't be too big a concern given that every pinoy driver pumps the accelerator (throttle) pedal every 5 seconds or so resulting in a jerk jerk jerk ride. This is using liters of additional fuel. They have obviously not heard of Electronic Fuel Injection and they all seem to do it.
Next time you're in a taxi watch how he pumps the accelerator in and out all the time. It drives me crazy (excuse the pun)
I asked my first driver why he did it and he explained it was to keep the fuel up to the engine or it would cut out. This was on the expressway where we were doing upwards of 60 kph. When I suggested to him to try driving with his foot steady and not pumping he was reluctant but then dumbfounded when not only did the engine not stop but we settled into a nice smooth ride. It took me around a month of reminding him but he now drives smoothly.
I think it originates with the jeepney which needs to be revved continuously because of the crap engine, and so everyone thinks that's how you have to drive.
Gentleman Travel
11-26-17, 17:12
Just wondering if anyone can provide a quick idea of "normal" wages girls might be earning in jobs like retail clerk, housekeeping, nanny, etc.
And how that varies between Manila / big city and smaller provincial towns?
I have a number of prospects working in these kinds of jobs and wonder what my "gift" to them will mean in terms of daily wages?
Thanks for any info.
GT.
Wicked Roger
11-26-17, 22:23
Just wondering if anyone can provide a quick idea of "normal" wages girls might be earning in jobs like retail clerk, housekeeping, nanny, etc.
And how that varies between Manila / big city and smaller provincial towns?
I have a number of prospects working in these kinds of jobs and wonder what my "gift" to them will mean in terms of daily wages?
Thanks for any info.
GT.Depends in the job but my experience (and this will likely differ from others).
Call centre agents in training (with Telstra) get PHP7-10 k a month, later raising to PHP 20 k a month maybe more if stay the course after a long time.
Now retail ladies I know earn 3#PHP300-400 a day (yes less than US $10) and are on 'endo' contracts so after 5 months are terminated before they are entitled to full time benefits and then recontracted again. This helps the employers.
Hotel workers I know are on PHP 10-15 k a month but can rise with experience and if they get a full time contract.
I know some qualified CPAs are being paid PHP15 k maybe PHP20 k a month (qualified!
All in all regardless of cities (mine mainly Cebu) they are poorly paid and over worked and those who think paying PHP500 with a cheap bottle of perfume is a real 'gift' are just cheap charlies IMHO but they are out there I know LOL. Some pay lots of cash to come to the country then are cheap. Never makes sense to me LOL.
Am sure others will have other views but this is based on what I am told and suggest you read all the replies and make your own judgement.
BrainDrain
11-26-17, 23:13
Just wondering if anyone can provide a quick idea of "normal" wages girls might be earning in jobs like retail clerk, housekeeping, nanny, etc.
Uneducated labor, nanny, general work P300-P350 per day plus food / accom if relocating.
Degree qualified entry level call center work with good english P800 per day.
So work your range in that for your basic worker. Manila residents may expect more to go to work.
On the GFE front the girls whom can get a "direct" engagement with a punter for the same price as the punter pays via a barfine, these girls are winners.
Remember that the P300 worker is going to be dressed in simple street cloths. If you want girls to dress up, look nice, heels etc then you need to pay for that ie an AC freelancer expecting P2k-P3k need to dress like a bargirl too.
When I took an AC (trusted) girl away for a few weeks, I sent her money upfront to buy clothes and cover her transport. She did the right thing and was a great performer. Not all girls will be like her.
And as has been said in the forum many times, do not send money to girls you have not met. do no send money to girls you will not meet again.
BD
BD.
Uneducated labor, nanny, general work P300-P350 per day plus food / accom if relocating.
I think your figures are a bit inflated BD and I am not sure where you're getting them from.
I pay my maid 6000 k per month; all food / coffee etc provided (she eats what I eat); she has her own room with bathroom and cable TV. One day per week off. This is better than the "award rates", and her fellow maids are envious of her. In return I get a dedicated and loyal helper. She has been my helper for almost 4 years now.
Local employers in my condo (in central Manila) pay around only 2500 - 3000 k per month and many don't even provide food for them.
GoodEnough
11-27-17, 02:40
I think your figures are a bit inflated BD and I am not sure where you're getting them from.
I pay my maid 6000 k per month; all food / coffee etc provided (she eats what I eat); she has her own room with bathroom and cable TV. One day per week off. This is better than the "award rates", and her fellow maids are envious of her. In return I get a dedicated and loyal helper. She has been my helper for almost 4 years now.
Local employers in my condo (in central Manila) pay around only 2500 - 3000 k per month and many don't even provide food for them.Think there's a difference between live-in help and casual, day labor. We pay live-in helper the same as RK with the same benefits; room, bath, food, TV, etc. However, we also have a lady who comes once, sometimes twice a week to help with ironing and some other chores. She gets Php350 a day with no other benefits. That's a fairly generous, but not really unusual rate for casual, daily labor in Davao. We too overpay slightly for the live-in help.
GE.
Member #4566
11-27-17, 02:56
An article in the NY Times, "Another Foothold for Philippine Cuisine," extols the marvels of Philippine cooking. I don't see it. To me Pinoy food has Chinese, Spanish, and US fast food influences. Indigenous fare like balut is disgusting. The only redeeming dish is sinigang, a hearty yet thin soup which would work better in a colder clime.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/24/dining/tito-rads-grill-review-queens.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ffood&action=click&contentCollection=dining®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
OlderAndWiser
11-27-17, 03:29
An article in the NY Times, "Another Foothold for Philippine Cuisine," extols the marvels of Philippine cooking. I don't see it. To me Pinoy food has Chinese, Spanish, and US fast food influences. Indigenous fare like balut is disgusting. The only redeeming dish is sinigang, a hearty yet thin soup which would work better in a colder clime.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/24/dining/tito-rads-grill-review-queens.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ffood&action=click&contentCollection=dining®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0No one can claim Phils is a world class cuisine, but it may not be quite as bad as most foreign visitors experience. In the cities the food is dominated by fast food often of poor quality. There are a few chains where you can get pretty decent traditional Phils food such as Cafe Laguna and Lighthouse in Cebu. If you ever get a chance to experience authentic peasant cooking you may also be pleasantly surprised by some of the dishes.
OlderAndWiser
11-27-17, 03:38
Just wondering if anyone can provide a quick idea of "normal" wages girls might be earning in jobs like retail clerk, housekeeping, nanny, etc.
And how that varies between Manila / big city and smaller provincial towns?
I have a number of prospects working in these kinds of jobs and wonder what my "gift" to them will mean in terms of daily wages?
Thanks for any info.
GT.Workers in official positions with large employers will generally be on minimum wage varying from around 500 P a day in Manila to around 270 P in the provinces.
https://www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph/pages/statistics/stat_current_regional.html
Many people earn considerably below the minimum wage. For example most of the Chinese owned stores such as Unitop pay way under. Maybe 100-150 P.
People employed as EG nannies or helpers will generally get pocket money (2-5 k per month) if they are also live in / free food.
...Indigenous fare like balut is disgusting...
No so fast, maybe disgusting to you, but pretty pleasurable delicacy to a number of other people, who appreciate food.
Wicked Roger
11-27-17, 08:28
No so fast, maybe disgusting to you, but pretty pleasurable delicacy to a number of other people, who appreciate food.Taste is in the mind of the eater and I go with Pc and others on this forum who consider pinoy food inedible, full of fat, disgusting (have you ever eaten dangiitt? And loaded with salt and other bad stuff. Go to any mall in Cebu and try and find a healthy meal from a non resto (even some restos can't do that LOL) and you struggle. What about low fat / skimmed milks options? "No sir just milk" (so I bring my own and leave in my favourite coffee shop).
As we say 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and the same is for pinoy food. That I avoid like the plague.
GoodEnough
11-27-17, 10:45
No so fast, maybe disgusting to you, but pretty pleasurable delicacy to a number of other people, who appreciate food.Funny, how situational food appreciation is. I spent much of my adult life in France, where I became a devotee of steak tartare served with raw egg. My wife can barely tolerate looking at me when I eat it, yet I find it delicious when prepared by my favorite Bistro Français here. I love escargots swimming in butter and garlic. My Filipino friends find it disgusting. Chacun à son goût.
GE.
BrainDrain
11-27-17, 22:43
I think your figures are a bit inflated BD and I am not sure where you're getting them from.My figures are what we are paying. Seems I'm overpaying he domestic help.
Funny, how situational food appreciation is. I spent much of my adult life in France, where I became a devotee of steak tartare served with raw egg. My wife can barely tolerate looking at me when I eat it, yet I find it delicious when prepared by my favorite Bistro Franais here. I love escargots swimming in butter and garlic. My Filipino friends find it disgusting. Chacun son got.
GE.You may like the Korean variation of it called yukhoe (pronounced 'yook-hway'). Raw beef mixed with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and topped with a quail's egg. Sometimes served on julienned Asian pear, and also available in bibimbab, a rice and vegetable dish. Often a Korean restaurant's English menu will call it sashimi because hoe is what they call that dish. There's a place called KP2 near Remedios Circle in Malate and a few blocks away on Orosa St is Shin Sun. You may also like whelk, which is a sea snail like a smaller conch. I pick up a can from a Korean grocer from time to time, it's called gol-bang-ee. They're more like clam than escargot, less earthy and bit more chewy. Cook them in a broth of white wine, lemon, shallots or garlic, and parsley; have a garlic and butter dipping sauce, and serve with sliced toasted baguette.
BaddHabbit
11-28-17, 07:59
Taste is in the mind of the eater and I go with Pc and others on this forum who consider pinoy food inedible, full of fat, disgusting (have you ever eaten dangiitt? And loaded with salt and other bad stuff. Go to any mall in Cebu and try and find a healthy meal from a non resto (even some restos can't do that LOL) and you struggle. What about low fat / skimmed milks options? "No sir just milk" (so I bring my own and leave in my favourite coffee shop).
As we say 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and the same is for pinoy food. That I avoid like the plague.Guess I can't argue with the nutritional aspect but I love both Pork Adobo and Beef Sisig. After that I start looking for Japanese or Thai places. I have had Balut a couple of times. Taste is fine if you can get out of your head what it is you are eating.
GoodEnough
11-28-17, 09:06
You may like the Korean variation of it called yukhoe (pronounced 'yook-hway'). Raw beef mixed with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and topped with a quail's egg. Sometimes served on julienned Asian pear, and also available in bibimbab, a rice and vegetable dish. Often a Korean restaurant's English menu will call it sashimi because hoe is what they call that dish. There's a place called KP2 near Remedios Circle in Malate and a few blocks away on Orosa St is Shin Sun. You may also like whelk, which is a sea snail like a smaller conch. I pick up a can from a Korean grocer from time to time, it's called gol-bang-ee. They're more like clam than escargot, less earthy and bit more chewy. Cook them in a broth of white wine, lemon, shallots or garlic, and parsley; have a garlic and butter dipping sauce, and serve with sliced toasted baguette.Thanks for this. I think I might have tasted the Korean version, but that was years ago, and in my senescence I'm not really sure. I've never tried the whelk, but sounds pretty good.
GE.
Funny, how situational food appreciation is. I spent much of my adult life in France, where I became a devotee of steak tartare served with raw egg. My wife can barely tolerate looking at me when I eat it, yet I find it delicious when prepared by my favorite Bistro Franais here. I love escargots swimming in butter and garlic. My Filipino friends find it disgusting. Chacun son got.
GE.Well if the escargots are really swimming (and thus alive) I can understand your Filipino friends find it disgusting, LOL.
But raw egg? Are you not afraid of salmonella?
GoodEnough
11-29-17, 14:07
Well if the escargots are really swimming (and thus alive) I can understand your Filipino friends find it disgusting, LOL.
But raw egg? Are you not afraid of salmonella?There are only 2 restaurants in town at which I eat tartare and the chefs at both are European, very professional, and know what they're doing, so no I do not worry about it. I do however take a pass on eating locally-sourced fresh oysters.
GE.
I was enjoying the FRs also SS and when he thanked them for the information then that was proof for me that he was clearly smoking something 24/7 LOL.
Had something similar on the UAE board with the managers who asked 'where are the best clubs / girls / cheapest pussy / wild Arabs' etc.
Was a good chuckle.I remember when we were giving no-brains the number of the Dubai police as the number for a place that offered pick up service.
Often wondered if any of the no-brains ever called and asked for a ride to get some anal. LOL.
Wicked Roger
12-05-17, 17:03
I remember when we were giving no-brains the number of the Dubai police as the number for a place that offered pick up service.
Often wondered if any of the no-brains ever called and asked for a ride to get some anal. LOL.Sadly a Muppet dobbed us in and mentioned what was happening as Cons68 also gave google map coordinates as well and am sure some did follow.
Remember Fanstasia what a great hotel that was.
PM me as I maybe there Manila soon be good to catch up and reminisce.
OlderAndWiser
12-06-17, 06:10
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/12/05/american-national-hangs-self-inside-nbi-restroom-57829
A little while I posted a warning re the dangers of arrest in the Phils re sex offences.
Yesterday an American guy hung himself in the NBI cell in Cebu. I have no idea whether the allegations re this guy are true or not. As far as revealed so far the evidence seems to be flimsy. The NBI are highly likely to plant incriminating photos onto his laptop if there is nothing there already so we may never know the real truth.
What I do know is that this sort of thing can happen to guys who are totally innocent.
The problem is that the frenzy re [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) in the West has spilled over to the Philippines and means that prosecutors, NBI etc are incentive to put people behind bars on this charge. (they have to report trafficking statistics separately and are monitored as to their progress. The real criminals who are behind what people would regard as genuine trafficking are hardened professionals who are difficult to catch. Therefore the NBI just make up the numbers by arresting 1 Ladyboys who are de facto pimping girls to foreigners and 2 Hapless foreigners who seem to be doing something that can vaguely be classified as trafficking. Unfortunately the definition of trafficking is so insanely all encompassing that things that you may not have dreamt might be considered trafficking.
Such as taking a girl who it turns out has lied about her age and is in fact under 18 to the beach, hanging out with 3 or more girls or being part of a group of 3 or more guys swapping details on girls can be construed as qualified trafficking, uploading pictures of girls to websites / forums (once the NBI has fabricated a little bit more evidence) . The significance of the "qualified" is that you will go straight to jail and have to fight your case from there which is extraordinarily difficult. Given the snails pace at which the court procedures are carried out this is likely to take at least a year, even if the case against you is entirely spurious.
I mentioned before its imperative if ever you find yourself in this situation to find yourself a competent and honest (v difficult to find) Atty ASAP. The system doesn't allow me to give phone numbers but one such lawyer in Cebu is a young Atty Perr Ferrolin. I strongly suspect that the American mentioned in the article was not able to speak to an Atty in time. For many people an arrest such as this will be the worst experience of your life and suicide is all too common.
Anyone have a cheap solution to the above question, As paypal want me to talk to me so that they then can un lock my account or a workaround if Known.
Anyone have a cheap solution to the above question, As paypal want me to talk to me so that they then can un lock my account or a workaround if Known.Skype call.
WestCoast1
12-06-17, 14:53
Anyone have a cheap solution to the above question, As paypal want me to talk to me so that they then can un lock my account or a workaround if Known.Did not understand. What is the 'above question'?
Chocha Monger
12-06-17, 20:52
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/12/05/american-national-hangs-self-inside-nbi-restroom-57829
A little while I posted a warning re the dangers of arrest in the Phils re sex offences.
Yesterday an American guy hung himself in the NBI cell in Cebu. I have no idea whether the allegations re this guy are true or not. As far as revealed so far the evidence seems to be flimsy. The NBI are highly likely to plant incriminating photos onto his laptop if there is nothing there already so we may never know the real truth..No lawyer could help that fella. The law is very clear about not allowing minors to enter your residence unless they are your blood relatives. His lawyer may have argued that the film equipment, kiddie costumes and toys were circumstantial evidence. However, that would have been beside the point even if the NBI did not find incriminating photos on his devices. The dead fella was responsible for knowing the laws and obeying them. Once he breached the laws, it was too late. He faced languishing in jail for as much as a decade before going to trial. Meanwhile, he would have been prey for the hundreds of inmates infected with tuberculosis and HIV. The only way out of his predicament was the one he took. In doing so, he cheated the lawyers and NBI agents out of a considerable amount of money.
The NBI observes foreigners over a period, documenting their activities on video before accumulating enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant. His neighbors also gave statements against him and the vice governor who chairs the Provincial Women's Commission wrote a letter to the NBI concerning the fella's suspicious activities. That was enough for them to lock him up without bail. He was clearly attracting attention. Many foreigners think that the Filipino community is grateful when they hand out toys and other giveaways in their neighborhood. Filipinos do not think like that. Instead, they start thinking that the foreigner must be getting much more in return for the gifts. Therefore, what followed was inevitable.
Lawyers in the Philippines are most helpful when one uses them for consultation to stay on the right side of the law not after one is accused of being on the wrong side of the law. Staying out of jail is much easier than getting out of jail. Keeping the neighbors and their kids out of your home goes a long way to avoiding legal entanglements. A house surrounded with a nice tall wall topped with barbed wire and strong steel gate with a speakeasy viewer makes for good neighbors. If you need a domestic helper, get one from several islands away sourced through an agency that conducts all the required background checks and clearances. Make sure she understands that gossiping with the neighbors is grounds for termination. Pay her well and give her enough vacation time to return to her province a few times per year. If she gets a local boyfriend, get rid of her. Understand that you must keep a professional work relationship with her. Girlfriends from other islands work nicely too. Meet them at the docks and when they are ready to leave, put them on the ferry. It will prevent the neighbors from interrogating her and offering her unsolicited advice on how to handle the foreigner.
Anyone have a cheap solution to the above question, As paypal want me to talk to me so that they then can un lock my account or a workaround if Known.Sorry, but I don't see an above question. I scrolled down a bit and didn't see anything about paypal. I'll deduce you tried to do a paypal transaction from the Philippines. When I did so my account was immediately locked when attempting the second transaction; the first one done days earlier processed fine. This happened to me a few years ago and I wrote about it here. I called, spoke to the CSR, and was told it's paypal's policy to lock non-Philippine paypal accounts when a transaction from the Philippines was detected. It's to prevent fraud. They would not unlock my account even with my offer of emailing a copy of passport and other ID. They also acknowledged my first transaction processed fine, they didn't receive a fraud complaint, but they wouldn't accept this an evidence of legitimate use. I was told I could enroll for a paypal Philippines account, one that's separate from my other account. I'm not reliant on paypal for anything and decided just to say fuck it. I reckon for someone running an online or ebay business reliant on paypal payments this is a major hassle. BTW, before I moved to the Philippines I notified my bank to make sure my debit and credit cards could be used. I didn't do this paypal because I was an infrequent user and kind of forgot about it. I asked paypal if it allowed its customers to provide pre-move notification to prevent the account being locked; CSR said this was not an option.
The key thing is paypal is not a bank, so it's not subject to the same laws such as deposit insurance, etc. Has paypal improved the customer service? I don't know. Burn me once and I'm done with you when I have alternatives.
Anyone have a cheap solution to the above question, As paypal want me to talk to me so that they then can un lock my account or a workaround if Known.Download an internet calling service. VoIP.
BrainDrain
12-07-17, 23:07
The key thing is paypal is not a bank, so it's not subject to the same laws such as deposit insurance, etc. Has paypal improved the customer service? I don't know. Burn me once and I'm done with you when I have alternatives.I have a home country account which I transact when in Phils. It has never been locked just because I operate it from a Philippines IP address.
BD.
I have had online banking accounts lock me out when I transact from Philippines. Then I have to answer the security questions to log back on.
Also I have credit cards blocked when the charge is made in the Philippines and requires a phone call to reactivate. This happens even when I give them a travel notification.
Since this happens so often that I quit complaining about it and just deal with it. I have a VoIP to make calls to retify all this.
Member #4698
12-08-17, 00:06
I have had online banking accounts lock me out when I transact from Philippines. Then I have to answer the security questions to log back on.
Also I have credit cards blocked when the charge is made in the Philippines and requires a phone call to reactivate. This happens even when I give them a travel notification.
Since this happens so often that I quit complaining about it and just deal with it. I have a VoIP to make calls to retify all this.DG87, unlike your experience, I have never had a problem using my credit cards anywhere in SE Asia including the PI after I began providing my credit card companies with travel notifications. I once had a major problem using my Charles Schwab debit ATM card in Jakarta despite a travel notification. BUT after free 20 minute long-distance Skype call to Schwab, actually 2 were required as the first call did not take; the situation was rectified and I have never had another problem withdrawing cash with that card again. So, a little perseverance and patience usually gets the job under control.
To the OP on using PayPal in the PI: I have never used PayPal in a foreign country. They might have a different policy than what I am used to, but have you tried linking a checking account in your home country to your PayPal account? That might solve your credit problem.
DG87, unlike your experience, I have never had a problem using my credit cards anywhere in SE Asia including the PI after I began providing my credit card companies with travel notifications. It's a no-brainer.
Always advise your banks where you are travelling to, and when.
I move all around SE Asia for work and I always advise my bank because I expect they will query any off-shore transactions. I like the security they provide.
It's a no-brainer.
Always advise your banks where you are travelling to, and when.
I move all around SE Asia for work and I always advise my bank because I expect they will query any off-shore transactions. I like the security they provide.I have accounts with 3 different Canadian banks and they all have dropped the requirement for travel notice. In fact, they no longer have the facility to file travel notices.
When I am doing anything financial I always use my VPN and it looks like I am in Canada. I use my VPN on any system other than my own for all activity but if I am doing anything financial I use it always.
Wicked Roger
12-08-17, 05:33
It's a no-brainer.
Always advise your banks where you are travelling to, and when.
I move all around SE Asia for work and I always advise my bank because I expect they will query any off-shore transactions. I like the security they provide.Me too RK. I use HSBC everywhere and I always tell them as I move around globally as you know. Mostly this works but there is the random security check hat will block a transaction and that can be annoying especially when if locked a $1 payment for WiFi on an aircraft (a carrier I use all of the time) but best be safe than sorry.
GoodEnough
12-08-17, 06:02
I have accounts with 3 different Canadian banks and they all have dropped the requirement for travel notice. In fact, they no longer have the facility to file travel notices.
When I am doing anything financial I always use my VPN and it looks like I am in Canada. I use my VPN on any system other than my own for all activity but if I am doing anything financial I use it always.I do the same, except for the fact that I use a VPN all of the time now.
GE.
GoodEnough
12-08-17, 06:34
For those who may be amused. This is from today's "Economist. ".
http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21732126-jeepney-treasure-or-menace-philippine-government-declares-war-beloved-vehicle?frsc=dg%7Ce
OlderAndWiser
12-08-17, 09:20
No lawyer could help that fella. The law is very clear about not allowing minors to enter your residence unless they are your blood relatives. His lawyer may have argued that the film equipment, kiddie costumes and toys were circumstantial evidence. However, that would have been beside the point even if the NBI did not find incriminating photos on his devices. The dead fella was responsible for knowing the laws and obeying them. Once he breached the laws, it was too late. He faced languishing in jail for as much as a decade before going to trial. Meanwhile, he would have been prey for the hundreds of inmates infected with tuberculosis and HIV. The only way out of his predicament was the one he took. In doing so, he cheated the lawyers and NBI agents out of a considerable amount of money..CM gives some excellent advice re dealing with neighbours kids etc but his overall conclusion: the guy's situation was so hopeless that suicide was a sensible option is IMHO fundamentally incorrect.
I do urge everyone frequenting Philippines even and perhaps especially the old timers who think they know all there is to know about life here to familiarise themselves with the law in this area in case they end up in a similar predicament.
Where CM is correct is that even having a minor in your accommodation even doing something entirely innocuous like watching TV and eating popcorn is a criminal offense. Worse still, its not just in your private accommodation, taking her on a bus ride or to a nightclub etc would also be an offense. Not knowing her age or believing her story that she is 18 will not help if it turns out she's under 18 (and the age gap between you is over 10 years). This offence is bailable but if caught you can expect the NBI to try to pin another charge that is non bailable as well such as qualified [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) which would send you directly to jail. Before the charges are filed with the fiscal prosecutor it is at the NBIs discretion what charges to file so it is crucial that you have a good Atty to try to negotiate the best deal possible. In this particular case, the NBI are now backtracking on the Qualified [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) charge and claiming that they were only going to charge him with a bailable offense.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, please note that they need a specific search warrant to enter private accommodation without you inviting them inside and to legally open laptops etc so please make sure your equipment is password protected, never divulge passwords to the NBI no matter how much they intimidate you and ideally don't have potentially dodgy material in the first place.
In these cases the story released by the media is often only part of the story as the media themselves are often corrupt / incompetent / working in cahoots with the NBI.
In this particular case the apparently suspicious fact that his luggage contained high end camera / lighting equipment is not so suspicious once you learn that he was a well respected documentary film cameraman / producer with a long stream of credits on mainstream Hollywood productions.
It should also be noted that "suicides" that take place in custody in the Phils are not always "voluntary" and credible information that this may be the case here is beginning to emerge. This is another important reason why if ever you find yourself in this type of situation its essential to get a decent Atty to see you ASAP.
Finally if you ever do find yourself in this dreadful situation, its not quite as desperate as CM describes, so don't top yourself! Even if you have been charged with a non bailable offence you can always file a motion for bail. The prosecutor will have to demonstrate that the evidence against you is strong for this to be denied, so if there is really nothing against you, you have a good chance to get out within a year or so. You will not get raped or physically harmed and unless you engage in dangerous behaviour such as unprotected anal sex or needle sharing you are unlikely to get HIV. Trials are averaging around 5-10 years to complete, so if there is evidence against you and you can't bail, you must be prepared for a long haul. (The Phils has a crazy system of distributing a trial over "hearings" lasting say 10-15 minutes at 1 to 6 month intervals which is why they take such an insane time to complete.) Relatively few people are ever actually convicted as generally complainants lose interest / fail to turn up so cases are often eventually dismissed. However sentences if found guilty can be draconian. For example an Australian citizen was found guilty (apparently correctly) a couple of months ago of 3 counts of date [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) with the same girl. The trial took 7 years to complete and he has been sentenced to 120 years. His only real chance of getting out is to take the case to the Appeal Court which is expensive and time consuming.
Chocha Monger
12-08-17, 21:49
Finally if you ever do find yourself in this dreadful situation, its not quite as desperate as CM describes, so don't top yourself! Even if you have been charged with a non bailable offence you can always file a motion for bail. The prosecutor will have to demonstrate that the evidence against you is strong for this to be denied, so if there is really nothing against you, you have a good chance to get out within a year or so. You will not get raped or physically harmed and unless you engage in dangerous behaviour such as unprotected anal sex or needle sharing you are unlikely to get HIV. Trials are averaging around 5-10 years to complete, so if there is evidence against you and you can't bail, you must be prepared for a long haul. (The Phils has a crazy system of distributing a trial over "hearings" lasting say 10-15 minutes at 1 to 6 month intervals which is why they take such an insane time to complete.) Relatively few people are ever actually convicted as generally complainants lose interest / fail to turn up so cases are often eventually dismissed. However sentences if found guilty can be draconian. For example an Australian citizen was found guilty (apparently correctly) a couple of months ago of 3 counts of date grape with the same girl. The trial took 7 years to complete and he has been sentenced to 120 years. His only real chance of getting out is to take the case to the Appeal Court which is expensive and time consuming.Desperate is an understatement of life in a Filipino prison. Former inmates describe it as living in the deepest darkest bowels of Hell with all manner of fell creatures. A few months of incarceration in a one of those overcrowded sardine can dungeons in the sweltering tropical heat and humidity intensified with the body heat and stench of human flesh over-packed tightly together is enough to break most Westerners. There is one toilet for as many as 150 prisoners to share, many of whom suffer from diarrheal illnesses due to the horrible unsanitary conditions and poor quality food.
An American would find his immune system challenged like never before by all manner of tropical communicable diseases and intestinal parasites. All morbidly obese Westerners turn into stick figures after a year or two of rapid weight loss due to malnutrition and frequent bouts of the squirts. Drug resistant TB is a prevalent in Filipino prisons where cramped conditions favor rapid spread of respiratory diseases among the inmates.
HIV is extremely common because many of the prisoners are intravenous-drug addicts who contracted the infection from sharing needles, or engaging homosexual anal sex to finance their addiction. While not every foreigner who ends up in a local prison is going to end up contracting HIV, none should expect to leave an anal virgin. Unfortunately, Filipinos find Western men very exotic and sexually appealing, and this is not limited to the women. Furthermore, they do not consider the practice of homosexuality out of convenience the same as identifying as a gay. Filipinos stick together and value tribalism. The foreigner is always the outsider, and Filipinos expect their compatriots to take their side and come to their aid whenever there is a dispute with a foreigner. This makes a Philippine prison an extremely dangerous and inhospitable environment for a foreign inmate.
As a foreigner, avoid anything that may possibly land you in a one of those filthy human cesspools. Forget about getting out, the system will keep you locked up until it drains every penny out of you. If you get out and do not have the money to pay off the years of visa fees and overstay penalties that accrue over the course of incarceration, the Bureau of Immigration will re-arrest and detain you in Bicutan Prison until you find a way to come up with the money. After paying up and convincing them that you are now a pauper, they will happily deport and blacklist you. A decade or two may have gone by before getting to that point. Friends and family may have passed away over the years, or simply forgotten about you and moved on. The government at home probably seized your home for unpaid taxes and auctioned it off. Your job skills will no longer be relevant. It is almost impossible to start over as an elderly man with nothing in America.
So, you get out of jail only to go home and wish you had offed yourself a decade or two back in the Philippines because you are penniless, homeless, and unemployable. Meanwhile, your Filipino lawyer is now a peso-millionaire from charging you American prices for legal services. The judge and the court clerks are doing well from all the fees you paid for filing numerous documents and requirements. BI made bank on all those accrued visa fees and overstay penalties. If you were found guilty of something or plead guilty to something, your accuser (s) are probably peso-millionaires too. That sure does not look like winning, for you! After considering the whole thing, the fella who knocked himself off and left the Filipinos to figure out what to do with his corpse seems like a very smart guy. If he was innocent and a victim of extortion, his action was even more rational because he did not reward corruption. He may have even discouraged future extortion attempts on Americans, as he was not a very profitable detainee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HVI1Ek_EnY
RengadeMaster
12-09-17, 03:19
Hello peeps,
Need a little info on what is expected financially for my chica if I take her with me on a short break (holiday).
So I met a beautiful Cebuano who has shown some interest in joining me on a short excursion, she's a freelancer working the club scene in "duma".
Obviously me being a "Phils virgin" I would like to gather some useful knowledge in what is expected of me to her in monetary terms.
I will be paying for the trip, everything from travel to accommodation and food etc.
Any info, as always would be much appreciated.
TIA.
RM.
Desperate is an understatement of life in a Filipino prison...Sober thoughts like this make me question a return visit, LOL. It has been stressed before by other gentlemen to always take a bribe offer (whether from the girl or the "police") if offered, before being arrested, especially if you are a newbie and / or travelling alone / under the radar. Of course, the best thing is to avoid "gray" situations altogether. Which usually go hand-in-hand with drunkenness.
Hello peeps,
Need a little info on what is expected financially for my chica if I take her with me on a short break (holiday).
So I met a beautiful Cebuano who has shown some interest in joining me on a short excursion, she's a freelancer working the club scene in "duma".
Obviously me being a "Phils virgin" I would like to gather some useful knowledge in what is expected of me to her in monetary terms.
I will be paying for the trip, everything from travel to accommodation and food etc.
Any info, as always would be much appreciated.
TIA.
RM.Don't send her travel money unless you are willing to lose it. Her expectations are for you to take care of her "wants and needs", buy her the latest iPhone, pay for the next semester of school, etc.
This is the Philippines and she is a freelancer. It is customary to negotiate payment ahead of time. If you can't meet her expectations after she is already with you, then you will not have a good time. Per diem spending money requests run from P4000-20000 in my experience. I'm sure veterans here can refine that range. Just remember, this is purely a financial transaction so don't confuse it with romance.
And demand proof of age!
P.S. If she knows this is your first trip, you are going to get screwed. And not in the good sense.
Don't send her travel money unless you are willing to lose it. Her expectations are for you to take care of her "wants and needs", buy her the latest iPhone, pay for the next semester of school, etc.
This is the Philippines and she is a freelancer. It is customary to negotiate payment ahead of time. If you can't meet her expectations after she is already with you, then you will not have a good time. Per diem spending money requests run from P4000-20000 in my experience. I'm sure veterans here can refine that range. Just remember, this is purely a financial transaction so don't confuse it with romance.
And demand proof of age!
P.S. If she knows this is your first trip, you are going to get screwed. And not in the good sense.I hope you have talked to her cam to cam and seen each other.
If you liked her do not make any concrete plans till you both stay together at least one night. Sex bonds people. Good sex bonds better. You can get an idea about how much she is into you imagined or otherwise. If the vibe is not good ditch her.
If everything is good make plans and talk to her about what she likes. You will never have a good time if you decide on your own although money changes hands. Taking a girl on a trip is not what it is cracked up to be unless you bond first. Even then it is not a guarantee. If all goes well discuss money transactions. Usually how much per day. No up to you bullshit.
Gone are the days when phi girls follow you meekly around.
Good luck.
Hello peeps,
Need a little info on what is expected financially for my chica if I take her with me on a short break (holiday).
So I met a beautiful Cebuano who has shown some interest in joining me on a short excursion, she's a freelancer working the club scene in "duma".
Obviously me being a "Phils virgin" I would like to gather some useful knowledge in what is expected of me to her in monetary terms.
I will be paying for the trip, everything from travel to accommodation and food etc.
Any info, as always would be much appreciated.
TIA.
RM.I will be quick to the points.
Paying for everything doesn't mean crap other than you want company and and you pay for the travel and food and everything else. The girl needs money for life expenses. She may come home with a full belly but it doesn't feed her family nor does it pay the bills. If the girl (s) doesn't need money they would never be hooking up with you or doing this.
Negotiate a daily rate and pay her. Don't do a minimum wage comparison as it has nothing to do with the daily rate. Remember she has the economic disadvantage so be gentle. In other words don’t be an A hole. No one can establish value other than you.
Have a great time.
Hello peeps,
Need a little info on what is expected financially for my chica if I take her with me on a short break (holiday).RM,
Check your PMs and:
Hi guys,
Just a post on a trip I am having to highlight some of the risks and rewards of taking a multi day / week trip with a BG.
OK, so the trip above is now finished. Her attitude improved over the second week but still wasn't all that I had hoped for.
In summary:
I paid 10 k per week for great sex on tour but everything else was a mind fuck.
The girl surrounded by hundreds of other competitors in a bar will not be the same girl out in the Provinces when she works out she is the only show in town.
While I was having fun with PinaLove, I received a PM from Wicked Rodger.
I've never met the guy but on line and on email he SEEMED like a nice guy, offering ideas on where to go in Cebu. He also casually suggested a local lass who could spice up my stay. This was the start of his vicious plan. However, it seemed innocent enough so I made contact with her and organised for her to drop around the following evening.
She showed up, 4'11" of bubbly cuteness and we headed up to the room. After chatting for a while, she ran of to the shower and when she returned the entertainment began. Her oversized hand bag held a ToysRUs sized collection of party enhancers which she proceeded to apply to various orifices, appendages and tickle points on both of us. At this point I was totally exhausted so she lay me on my back and proceeded to suck the bed sheets, three pillows and various pieces of small furniture through my arsehole. She certainly proved the irony in term blow job. After impaling herself on my man-sword repeatedly, she sprang off at just the right time, gobbled away again until I exploded well past her tonsils and straight into her digestive system. At this point I blacked out, coming out of my coma the next morning. THEN SHE DID IT AGAIN!!
So the moral of the story is: beware of Wicked Rodger's little friends. Once they have seduced you and you have let your guard down, they will fuck you up until it's impossible to think straight and the world becomes a blur.
Enjoy.
*The above story was edited and exaggerated to protect the guilty. All the very best to Roger and his wicked little friends. It will be great to catch up in person when our paths cross.
WestCoast1
12-10-17, 03:36
At this point I blacked out, coming out of my coma the next morning. THEN SHE DID IT AGAIN!!
So the moral of the story is: beware of Wicked Rodger's little friends. Once they have seduced you and you have let your guard down, they will fuck you up until it's impossible to think straight and the world becomes a blur.
*The above story was edited and exaggerated to protect the guilty. All the very best to Roger and his wicked little friends. It will be great to catch up in person when our paths cross.Hahaha the man has many friends. Great story.
A full on party girl may not be the one to mix with normal tourists nor blend in around town.Needless to say, some are not the most mentally stable nor educated so it is sometimes hard to for them to fit in even at a resort. Well same could be said about some of the other guests significant others! I do dive trips but rarely get to go for a week as many gals are not that into marine biology or wrecks and cannot survive without Internet. Case and point, one lady sitting next to me on an under 3 hour flight paid for Internet to check on her social media.
BrainDrain
12-10-17, 08:15
So the moral of the story is: beware of Wicked Rodger's little friends. Once they have seduced you and you have let your guard down, they will fuck you up until it's impossible to think straight and the world becomes a blur.
Enjoy.
*The above story was edited and exaggerated to protect the guilty. All the very best to Roger and his wicked little friends. It will be great to catch up in person when our paths cross.This is freaky. The same thing happened to me a few years ago. I innocently met WR in a coffee shop, he later introduced me to not one TWO of his contacts. Happy days in Cebu.
Wicked Roger
12-10-17, 10:14
While I was having fun with PinaLove, I received a PM from Wicked Rodger.
So the moral of the story is: beware of Wicked Rodger's little friends. Once they have seduced you and you have let your guard down, they will fuck you up until it's impossible to think straight and the world becomes a blur.
Enjoy.
*The above story was edited and exaggerated to protect the guilty. All the very best to Roger and his wicked little friends. It will be great to catch up in person when our paths cross.This is why I can't be bothered with PL etc unless am bored as plenty of friends and they have friends and like Kabul Guy he sifts and sorts etc. PL and DIA etc I have done and been caught out also, been disappointed and also found gems.
Your friend who nearly killed you is very kinky and quite demanding when she has not has a shag in a while so you 'caught' her at the perfect time G and am glad you were exhausted as she is very horny and cute.
Respected Seniors,
I have gone through this topic repeatedly in order to familiarize myself.
A newcomer to mongering.
My apprehensions are if we just stick to regular Mongering, I mean P4P getting contacts from dating sites meeting the babe in person and agreeing on a price before banging, like all we do and without picturing them or without indulging in banned things, age usually above 20 years.
Is it still risky to monger so that L. E. Will deliberately and intentionally book you just for their vested interests.
Is it much safer to stay at reputed hotel even if the tariff is high in comparison to low end hotels for Mongering.
Does high end hotel gives us any advantage if at all the P4P person indulges in drama.
And overall from Mongers safety perspective which is better Philippines.
Or Thailand or Dominican Republic.
Thanking you all.
I do urge everyone frequenting Philippines even and perhaps especially the old timers who think they know all there is to know about life here to familiarise themselves with the law in this area in case they end up in a similar predicament.
WestCoast1
12-10-17, 17:33
From the US State Dept website, travel warning to / inside Phils:
The Department of State warns USA Citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago including the southern Sulu Sea, and to exercise extreme caution when traveling to other regions of Mindanao, due to terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings. Similar threats also occurred throughout the Philippines in 2017. This replaces the Travel Warning dated December 20,2016.
There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom of foreigners, including USA Citizens, from terrorist and insurgent groups based in the Sulu Archipelago and in the southern Sulu Sea area. This area stretches from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of eastern Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao. The USA Embassy requires USA Government personnel to obtain special authorization before traveling to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
Separatist and terrorist groups continue to attack and kidnap civilians, foreigners, political leaders, and Philippine security forces in Mindanao. On May 23,2017, the Philippine government declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region. Review the following information:
In September 2016, a terrorist group detonated a bomb in Davao City, killing 14 and wounding at least 70 people. Following the attack, the Philippine government declared a "State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao. ".
In May 2017, an ongoing conflict erupted between terrorist groups and Philippine security forces in Marawi City, Mindanao, resulting in multiple dead and injured.
In central Mindanao, extremist groups aligned with the Islamic State, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed groups have carried out attacks on local government institutions, civilians, and security forces in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, where the government maintains a state of emergency and a greater police presence.
In Mindanao, terrorists, insurgents, and criminal gangs regularly conduct kidnappings for ransom. Since January 2017, at least six separate kidnappings have been reported.
In western Mindanao, terrorists, insurgents, and criminal gangs regularly conduct kidnappings for ransom.
The USA Embassy has restricted USA Government personnel travel to Mindanao.
There have been no reports of USA Citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality; however, general threats to USA Citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern.
Recent terrorist threats, kidnappings, and bombings have occurred throughout the Philippines. USA Embassy Manila received credible information that terrorists planned to conduct kidnappings in Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol provinces in 2017. In November 2016, a terrorist group planted an Improvised Explosive Device near the USA Embassy in Metro Manila. In April and May 2017, bombings in Quiapo, Manila killed two and injured twenty.
For further information:
See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Contact the USA Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 301-2000, from 7:30 am To 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for USA Citizens is +(63) (2) 301-2000.
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 am To 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except USA Federal holidays).
And:
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines 1000
Telephone +(63) (2) 301-2000 x2246 and x2567
Emergency +(63) (2) 301-2000 x0
Fax +(63) (2) 301-2017
Email acsinfomanila@state.gov
Website U.S. Embassy Manila
BrainDrain
12-10-17, 22:37
A newcomer to mongering.
My apprehensions are if we just stick to regular Mongering, I mean P4P getting contacts from dating sites meeting the babe in person and agreeing on a price before banging, like all we do and without picturing them or without indulging in banned things, age usually above 20 years.
In my personal experience I have not had any problems over 7 years of being an active monger in Philippines. I talk with consenting adult females. If I sense a handler or anything unsettling I just terminate that conversation and move onto the next. I do not live "on the edge" by pushing boundaries. I pay my way with the girls. Even I live in AC I have never ad a former flame cause any problems with a current flame.
Happy days.
BD.
CallSign Papa
12-11-17, 00:17
This is freaky. The same thing happened to me a few years ago. I innocently met WR in a coffee shop, he later introduced me to not one TWO of his contacts. Happy days in Cebu.Add me to the list of people who've nearly been "rogered" to death by one of WR's delightful little friends. Glory, glory what a hell of a way to die.
Add me to the list of people who've nearly been "rogered" to death by one of WR's delightful little friends. Glory, glory what a hell of a way to die.Pray for me. She's coming around again tonight to wish me safe travels for tomorrow!!
There have been no reports of USA Citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality; however, general threats to USA Citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern.
Hey Westcoast thanks for the bulletin warning. I have traveled to Mindanao several times during 2017. Never felt threatened. L.
Luckily my last trip to Iligan city, only one hour ride to Marawi, occurred couple of weeks before the attack by the Maute brothers. Real sad situation what they did to the local Filipinos.
Up until now, martial law was in effect in that area, recently being lifted and normal travel seems to have resumed.
One does have to be careful, although it helps to always have family around you and not travel alone.
Safe travels to everyone!
In my personal experience I have not had any problems over 7 years of being an active monger in Philippines. I talk with consenting adult females. If I sense a handler or anything unsettling I just terminate that conversation and move onto the next. I do not live "on the edge" by pushing boundaries. I pay my way with the girls. Even I live in AC I have never ad a former flame cause any problems with a current flame.
Happy days.
BD.In 20 years all over Asia:
Releived of my mobile and about $100 in cash (twice).
Pulled over by police and "fined" $10.
One girl threatened to call her Army friends on me.
Plus thousands of great nights, wild girls and shady places.
Both phones went when I got waaaay too drunk, picked the wrong girl and stayed at hotels that did not vet girls on the way in and out. I put those down to a IQ tax.
The fine was at 4 am when I had my legit girlfriend and several of her friends in the taxi heading back from a nightclub. All hot girls, tits spilling out everywhere and maybe 2 oz of clothing combined struggling to cover everything up. Must have looked like a mobile strip club. The "fine" was officially for not handing over my passport and ID.
The Army threat was when I refused to pay for promised services that were not delivered. I gave her my phone, said "Fine call any General in my Contacts" and that ended right there.
I get drunk, chase dirty girls, stay out way too late but I avoid doing all three at the same time. I'm polite and respectful of everyone regardless of where they stand in society. This means I have never felt unsafe nor have I ever been physically threatened.
Wicked Roger
12-11-17, 08:02
I get drunk, chase dirty girls, stay out way too late but I avoid doing all three at the same time. I'm polite and respectful of everyone regardless of where they stand in society. This means I have never felt unsafe nor have I ever been physically threatened.I do at most one (maybe one and half) of that and I never drink. But your FR has a good pint. Don't drink and monger as this can mean trouble. One guy bemoaned he could never pull in the Philippines then one FR admitted he was waster every night by 10 pm seriously wasted and he wondered if that was a problem.
Pros like a drunk as means better chance to increase income etc. Ladies don't. Some monger are very angry and 'demanding' when full of booze also and make them total a**holes and the girls find out once and try to avoid and tell friends. Drink is not something I think should go with mongering and dirty girls. Now if the dirty girl is drunk well LOL (I know one who will happily tell when she is drunk she is a 'very dirty *****' - and she proves it every time LOL).
So don't get drunk tonight as you will need all your energy Gof LOL.
There have been no reports of USA Citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality; however, general threats to USA Citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern.
Hey Westcoast thanks for the bulletin warning. I have traveled to Mindanao several times during 2017. Never felt threatened. <SNIP>
The travel advisory is virtually the same one that has been issued for the past 5 or so years.
It is very similar to the "Smart Traveller" warning issued by the Australian Government each week.
Those of us who live here generally find these reports rather exaggerated but they are issued primarily to cover their backsides in the somewhat unlikely event that a national gets into trouble.
They can point to the website and say "told you so".
OlderAndWiser
12-11-17, 09:23
Desperate is an understatement of life in a Filipino prison. Former inmates describe it as living in the deepest darkest bowels of Hell with all manner of fell creatures. A few months of incarceration in a one of those overcrowded sardine can dungeons in the sweltering tropical heat and humidity intensified with the body heat and stench of human flesh over-packed tightly together is enough to break most Westerners. There is one toilet for as many as 150 prisoners to share, many of whom suffer from diarrheal illnesses due to the horrible unsanitary conditions and poor quality food.
An American would find his immune system challenged like never before by all manner of tropical communicable diseases and intestinal parasites. All morbidly obese Westerners turn into stick figures after a year or two of rapid weight loss due to malnutrition and frequent bouts of the squirts. Drug resistant TB is a prevalent in Filipino prisons where cramped conditions favor rapid spread of respiratory diseases among the inmates.
HIV is extremely common because many of the prisoners are intravenous-drug addicts who contracted the infection from sharing needles, or engaging homosexual anal sex to finance their addiction. While not every foreigner who ends up in a local prison is going to end up contracting HIV, none should expect to leave an anal virgin. Unfortunately, Filipinos find Western men very exotic and sexually appealing, and this is not limited to the women.Some of what CM is saying is certainly true. If you do wind up in jail its going to be tough to get out. Even if you have a bailable offence and just need to arrange people from home to send through funds you maybe there a couple of weeks. If your family disown you as with an American guy who could not pay his (fake) far bill you might be there for a year even if your case is a minor bailable offence. The guy I am referring to has already been in Cebu City jail around a year I believe and is just waiting for two hearings (rescheduled for next April. Because the Judge did not show up at his hearing last month. ! The overcrowding in Phils jails is currently insane. Worse even than various CNN videos you can see on your tube as these were taken last year before the inmate population doubled. Fortunately anal sex is limited to those who want it or who are willing to sell it. That means that most hetero Foreigners can rest easy on that score at least, whereas gay foreign prisoners will have an almost unlimited supply of targets. Astonishingly communicable diseases are relatively rare IF you are sure never to indulge in risky behavior. Still more astonishingly the limited diet may mean that if you can afford to supplement the prison diet a little, and limit your stay to a year or two, you may come out more healthy than when you entered if like most foreigners you are overweight to begin with. Those who can't afford to supplement the prison diet however which is designed to be enough to sustain a 60 kg Asian are going to suffer. There is no reason to think you will be ganged up or exploited. If you treat people with respect and understanding, you will be treated as a minor VIP. That said the general sclerosis of the system leads to a horribly high suicide rate amongst foreign prisoners. Maybe 10% per annum would be a realistic guess.
I originally wrote the post to encourage people not to give up if caught up in that situation.
More and more information is emerging to think that this is not the suicide it was dressed up to be but something much more sinister.
http://philippineslifestyle.com/friend-doubts-jesse-phinney-suicide/
The travel advisory is virtually the same one that has been issued for the past 5 or so years.
It is very similar to the "Smart Traveller" warning issued by the Australian Government each week.
Those of us who live here generally find these reports rather exaggerated but they are issued primarily to cover their backsides in the somewhat unlikely event that a national gets into trouble.
They can point to the website and say "told you so".Red Kilt, totally agree with what you wrote!
I do at most one (maybe one and half) of that and I never drink. But your FR has a good pint. Don't drink and monger as this can mean trouble. One guy bemoaned he could never pull in the Philippines then one FR admitted he was waster every night by 10 pm seriously wasted and he wondered if that was a problem.
Pros like a drunk as means better chance to increase income etc. Ladies don't. Some monger are very angry and 'demanding' when full of booze also and make them total a**holes and the girls find out once and try to avoid and tell friends. Drink is not something I think should go with mongering and dirty girls. Now if the dirty girl is drunk well LOL (I know one who will happily tell when she is drunk she is a 'very dirty *****' - and she proves it every time LOL).
So don't get drunk tonight as you will need all your energy Gof LOL.Roger,
Point by point:
1/ I'm lucky in that I'm a very quiet drunk. I'm far more likely to fall asleep rather than get aggressive after too many Rums. Yes, I've seen guys berate girls and even forcefully grab them in the bar. This is sheer stupidity and they quickly find that no other girl will touch them.
2/ I too sponsored a girl who was very quiet until the 3rd Rum and Coke. Then all hell broke loose any idea in any location was fair game.
3/ I love finding the boundaries of skilled providers. Last night was spectacular in the privacy of the room. Previously I was amused to find that she was very shy to engage in public places or where there was a risk of getting caught. The lift was certainly off limits and she reacted in amazement when I suggested areas outside the room where fun could be had. Hotel lobbies, business centres, ATM booths, discos, pool etc. Perhaps we should keep those as future training options when we return. LOL.
All the best, G.
BaddHabbit
12-12-17, 05:01
... and I never drink. But your FR has a good pint. Don't drink and monger as this can mean trouble ...The FR has a good PINT? What a perfectly placed typo! Love it. Thanks for a big smile on a tough day mate. Catch you soon!
WestCoast1
12-16-17, 01:54
Called my bank last month to inquire on PH pesos per dollar exchange. Was quoted p45.95 per dollar. I know its a 8% haircut. Some years ago when the then-current rate was p46-47 per dollar range, they were offering p37 on the dollar (a 20% haircut).
OlderAndWiser
12-16-17, 04:31
Called my bank last month to inquire on PH pesos per dollar exchange. Was quoted p45.95 per dollar. I know its a 8% haircut. Some years ago when the then-current rate was p46-47 per dollar range, they were offering p37 on the dollar (a 20% haircut).The banks are a serious rip off when it comes to transferring funds to the Philippines.
PayPal is OK for small amounts as they don't have fized fee, but they have a poor exchange rate.
Usually by far the most economc was is through one of the new generation of FX because such as Transferwise or Azimo for most of the world and remitly for the US.
WestCoast1
12-16-17, 16:02
The banks are a serious rip off when it comes to transferring funds to the Philippines.Well-known. However on this trip I was not prepared with any of my own pesos, and needed a small boost for taxi's and such when entering the country.
Well-known. However on this trip I was not prepared with any of my own pesos, and needed a small boost for taxi's and such when entering the country.I travel all around SE Asia and the best value for me is my ATM card (HSBC).
It seems to work in virtually every ATM everywhere, and it gives me the best forex rate too. I pay no transfer fees.
For daily forex official rates as used by Philippines Government, see http://www.bsp.gov.ph/statistics/keystat/day99.htm.
What is the best time of the year to visit? Weather should be mild and girls should be plenty.
This is my first trip ever, what would you recommend AC or some other city?
BrainDrain
12-17-17, 23:22
What is the best time of the year to visit? Weather should be mild and girls should be plenty.
This is my first trip ever, what would you recommend AC or some other city?If you have a half decent job, book yourself into a higher end hotel and live the life in AC.
When I'm back in my home country, I go out, 45-50 year old spinners are not even interested in me. The beers at home cost me P550.
Here in AC 25 yo is the maximum and the beers cost p30 at wholesale or P100 served cold in a bar.
The weather is only outside the bars, ie weather is of no consequence to me.
You should go to AC as soon as you possibly can. The weather and girls will always be better than in your place (wherever that might be.).
BD.
What is the best time of the year to visit? Weather should be mild and girls should be plenty.
This is my first trip ever, what would you recommend AC or some other city?The best time to go is, as soon as you can. If you are going for a month then the best months are the months with 31 days.
Weather is really not a consideration unless you are going to fuxk outside. Then use sunblock on your ass on sunny days. Rain or shine girls are a plenty.
Rtff for favorable cities.
Weather is really not a consideration unless you are going to fuxk outside. Then use sunblock on your ass on sunny days. Rain or shine girls are a plenty.I would use sunblock on my dick as well. I'd rather have my ass burned than my dick. When my ass is burned I can still fuck, when my dick is burned I cannot.
As for the weather: better to avoid the peak of the rainy season (August, September) because it can really kill the mood a little bit when it rains for several hours almost every day. Especially when it's raining in the evening when you go out, which is quite often the case.
I would use sunblock on my dick as well. I'd rather have my ass burned than my dick. When my ass is burned I can still fuck, when my dick is burned I cannot.
As for the weather: better to avoid the peak of the rainy season (August, September) because it can really kill the mood a little bit when it rains for several hours almost every day. Especially when it's raining in the evening when you go out, which is quite often the case.Personally I keep my dick buried in that wet dark spot with short deep strokes free of any sunlight. I love heavy rain as I just wash my dick outside when I am finished. The girls love the outside rain as I don't need to use their long lucious hair to wipe my dick clean afterwards.
Personally I keep my dick buried in that wet dark spot with short deep strokes free of any sunlight.Be very careful with this. These dark holes have been proven to be highly toxic and addictive. After 30 to 60 minutes you may find your once proud member has shriveled to a fraction of it's former size and you will be forced to seek out another.
What is the best time of the year to visit? Weather should be mild and girls should be plenty.
This is my first trip ever, what would you recommend AC or some other city?Now is the time. It will be hot again in April. I suggest AC for starters. Personally I'd stay 10 days or so max then go to Bangkok, then Pattaya. Book taxis from airport via hotel, except Bangkok type skytrain if you like. I believe booking taxi thru hotel is best / safest option for newbie especially AC because you won't do something dumb if jet-lagged. Pattaya is just south of Bangkok. Tons of info these places in youtube and using google.
Soapy Smith
12-22-17, 23:02
She responded in "it's better to be safe than to be sorry" mode, contending that the Embassy had to be able to issue warnings that covered several contingencies so that, just in case something untoward did happen, the US Government could not be accused of failing to warn its citizens. GE.So CYA implies liability.
The warnings will not deter knowledgeable and / or determined travelers, GE.But they do. My employer is governmental, and they have travel policies that are tightly coupled to State Department warnings. The State Department understands threat distinctions for disparate parts of the country, and even allows it workers to go to Mindanao, as you point out, "with permission. " But from the outside looking in, the State Department warning does not appear to distinguish among Sulu Archipelago, rural Mindanao, and Metro Manila. Because of this none of my efforts to "educate" officials about conditions in disparate areas of the Philippines make a difference. Formal organizations have various non-rational elements, and fear of legal liability is one of them. It can overwhelm any "rational" calculation of actual risk. I will PM you an example.
Because of the nature of their work, some NGOs are unable to deflect these situations with simple policies that avoid all risk of liability. Much foreign aid from Western countries has shifted since 9/11 from areas of greatest need (poverty, disease, etc.) to areas that pose the greatest security threats. So the NGO has to go into risky areas or forego money and their own commitment to humanitarian crises. NGO workers have sometimes paid for the dilemma with their lives.
I'd be interested to know how private sector employers deal with the travel warnings for the Philippines.
OlderAndWiser
12-29-17, 06:04
I travel all around SE Asia and the best value for me is my ATM card (HSBC).
It seems to work in virtually every ATM everywhere, and it gives me the best forex rate too. I pay no transfer fees.
For daily forex official rates as used by Philippines Government, see http://www.bsp.gov.ph/statistics/keystat/day99.htm.Using overseas ATM cards used to be the best way to go but unless you have a particular privileged account you are likely to face several layers of fees.
1 Your own banks international fees. Only a few foreign banks have a no international fees policy. Many will levy quite steep fees per transaction.
2 Visa / Mastercard will usuially take 1% which is charged via the exchange rate and therefore is not noticed via most people.
3 Domestic ATM fees. Most ATMs in Phils run by local banks charge a 200-300 P fee per wihdrawal from foreign issued bank cards. A few foreign bank branches such as Citibank offer no fee ATM withdrawals.
4 Exchange rate. ATM transactions are usually settled at the wholesale FX rate which usually has a very tight spread between bid and offer.
All of this can add up to a 5-6 % cost in many cases.
If you are staying in the Phils long term and funding yourself from overseas, it will almost certainly be more cost effective to open a domestic phils bank account Nowadays I thin you will generally be asked afor an ACR cardto do this.
Transfers through the new online FX service such as Remitly, Transferwis and Azimo will generally be made at close to the Wholesale exchange rate (compared with the individual exchange rate, probably 2-5% lower used in bank transfers or Western Union or Paypal etc. Transaction costs will typically run to around 1%. Once you have your money in a domestic bank account ATM fees are usually free for the same bank or 11 p for interbank withdrawals.
.......
If you are staying in the Phils long term and funding yourself from overseas, it will almost certainly be more cost effective to open a domestic phils bank account Nowadays I thin you will generally be asked afor an ACR cardto do this.
Transfers through the new online FX service such as Remitly, Transferwis and Azimo will generally be made at close to the Wholesale exchange rate (compared with the individual exchange rate, probably 2-5% lower used in bank transfers or Western Union or Paypal etc. Transaction costs will typically run to around 1%. Once you have your money in a domestic bank account ATM fees are usually free for the same bank or 11 p for interbank withdrawals.I opened a local bank account while on my tourist visa, no issues at all, no request for an ACR card or other documentation other than the photocopy of my passport and entry visa. PRA had original for processing SRRV.).
Online remittance services are also good rates. I have used worldremit.com but there are others out there. I can direct transfer from my Canadian bank account to a cash pick up here for not much fee and a not too bad exchange rate. I make the transfer online and leave to the pickup point and all is done by the time I get there.
I opened a local bank account while on my tourist visa, no issues at all, no request for an ACR card or other documentation other than the photocopy of my passport and entry visa. PRA had original for processing SRRV.).
Online remittance services are also good rates. I have used worldremit.com but there are others out there. I can direct transfer from my Canadian bank account to a cash pick up here for not much fee and a not too bad exchange rate. I make the transfer online and leave to the pickup point and all is done by the time I get there.Can you send moneys to yourself while in the Philippines using your Canadian Bank? Would Scotia Bank or World Remit call your Canadian phone to confirm the transaction?
JamesBlack007
12-30-17, 22:24
Sorry if this has its own thread but I'll admit too lazy to search haha.
What are your recommendations out here in the Philippines?
Sorry if this has its own thread but I'll admit too lazy to search haha.
What are your recommendations out here in the Philippines?The hard facts are in its own thread.
JamesBlack007
12-31-17, 17:44
Used the search bar at the top "dick pills Philippines" nothing up to date.
The hard facts are in its own thread.
Used the search bar at the top "dick pills Philippines" nothing up to date.Then you are shit outa luck. Only one search! Too lazy for any more search?
Can you send moneys to yourself while in the Philippines using your Canadian Bank? Would Scotia Bank or World Remit call your Canadian phone to confirm the transaction?I send money to myself in PH from American bank to Cebuana online without any problems or calls to my bank. I just bring my passport for ID to pick up the money.
WestCoast1
12-31-17, 21:57
Sorry if this has its own thread but I'll admit too lazy to search haha.
What are your recommendations out here in the Philippines?Recommendations for what?
I recommend: You use the search function better, and also that you try Google.
Can you send moneys to yourself while in the Philippines using your Canadian Bank? Would Scotia Bank or World Remit call your Canadian phone to confirm the transaction?I am now using HSBC and can transfer between my Cdn account and my Phil account all within the same website or smartphone app.
Using world remit I have sent money to myself no problem. They accepted the online verification process and no phone calls to prove myself. I have done this in several countries when I needed more cash than the ATM would disburse at a time.
JamesBlack007
01-01-18, 07:36
Is there another fee that one can pay to ask questions?
Used the search bar at the top "dick pills Philippines" nothing up to date.
I did some searching and it is not clear to me if you can arrange an UBER ride from Aquino Intl to hotels in Manila. Some report said it was not permitted (posted in 2015) but other posts in 2016 seem to support UBER is permitted. Two questions. Appreciate any confirmation if UBER is available and any for those that have used it any tips on using the service.
Thank you.
CallSign Papa
01-02-18, 06:58
Sure, send me $50 and I'll answer your questions with a pretty little smile.
Is there another fee that one can pay to ask questions?
Sure, send me $50 and I'll answer your questions with a pretty little smile.I will answer questions for:
With a smile $49.50.
Without smile $49.00.
I will answer questions for:
With a smile $49.50.
Without smile $49.00.So a simple smile is 50 cents these days? Outrageous! Back in the good ol' days a smile was only 10 cents. And they were great smiles, they don't make them like that anymore.
The scene has detoriated. Prices have gone up, service has gone down.
CallSign Papa
01-02-18, 10:49
The scene has detoriated. Twas ever thus Mogwai.
On a slightly more serious note, and without meaning to be deliberately condescending, I find it funny that many of us spend money booking flights and hotels and making long (or in my case) short journeys all the way to Manila and then bear the costs associated with wining, dining and (if we do our homework) pounding away for hours (or in my case, minutes), AND THEN, we sit here and write up detailed reports discussing everything from a pinay's kinkiness, the types of bars to find them in, where to eat, etc, all with little reward beyond the gratitude of our fellow deviants and the satisfaction that sometimes we can help others avoid the mistakes we have made, and poor little JB007 is too lazy even to run a few searches.
I mostly find that attitude in the girls lying under me, not in the guys looking to follow me in. Good luck in Manila, you're going to need it.
Eszpresszo
01-02-18, 15:31
Used the search bar at the top "dick pills Philippines" nothing up to date.That's because no monger on this forum ever used such an absurd term as "dick pills". Maybe use more common phrases in your searches instead of sophomoric phrases and you will get better results. HINT: Pharmaceuticals will have a International Non-proprietary Name and usually a Trade Name.
Extra hint: Mongers are particular about what pills they take and specify them by one or another of in conversations on these boards, and in conversations with physicians, street touts and pharmacy staff. No monger ever walked into a pharmacy and said "I need a bottle of some dick pills". No peddler on Sukhumvit ever shouted, "Hey Farang, I got you some dick pills here". If you don't know what those "dick pills" are called, you probably don't know enough about them to correctly use them.
Final Free Hint: You probably need to see a doctor and let him determine if you actually need those "dick pills". He will tell you what they are called and give you a prescription so you can get them from your local pharmacist instead of some dubious Third World street vendor. If you can't afford that, you won't be able to afford a ticket to the Philippines.
I did some searching and it is not clear to me if you can arrange an UBER ride from Aquino Intl to hotels in Manila. Some report said it was not permitted (posted in 2015) but other posts in 2016 seem to support UBER is permitted. Two questions. Appreciate any confirmation if UBER is available and any for those that have used it any tips on using the service.
Thank you.I used UBER once in 2016 from Terminal 2 to Makati. I was told that they usually drive around the airport waiting for a call. Be warry about the canopy outside the doors as it may block the satellite signals.
I used UBER once in 2016 from Terminal 2 to Makati. I was told that they usually drive around the airport waiting for a call. Be warry about the canopy outside the doors as it may block the satellite signals.Much of the time you don't need to worry about Uber or Grab Taxi at the airports as there are often plenty of taxis waiting.
The last 4 times I have arrived (all in December 2017 with 2 x in Terminal 2; once in Terminal 1; once in Terminal 3) there have been plenty of taxis waiting.
The last time I arrived in T3 a friend who lives near my condo was standing waiting for his Grab to arrive and invited me to join him. He had been waiting 10 minutes and was dismayed when I said "no need" and watched me walk across the road and climb into a taxi and away we went. It turned out that he never got home for another 30 minutes after me.
I have both Uber and Grab on my phone but I always wait until I have checked out the lines BEFORE I call either of them. If the delays are substantial then I call Uber or Grab. As I said, I haven't needed them on the last 4 occasions.
WestCoast1
01-03-18, 11:35
Much of the time you don't need to worry about Uber or Grab Taxi at the airports as there are often plenty of taxis waiting.I landed 1 pm recently at T3 (domestic flight arrival), grabbed luggage from the carousel, walked outside across the street and saw 50-60 white taxi's queued up, and not a single passenger in line! I was the only one. Never happens that way! Took the skyway to Makati and was in my condo less than 20 minutes after hopping into the taxi.
I landed 1 pm recently at T3 (domestic flight arrival), grabbed luggage from the carousel, walked outside across the street and saw 50-60 white taxi's queued up, and not a single passenger in line! I was the only one. Never happens that way! Took the skyway to Makati and was in my condo less than 20 minutes after hopping into the taxi.Never happens that way?
I think you just contradicted yourself mate.
We just provided examples (2 out of 2 cases) where it HAS happened.
- I arrived at Manila International Airport around 3 PM. Long wait at the Yellow taxi line. Approx 40 minutes extra. Same experience a few years ago when I arrived during the nighttime. Assuming the White taxis had a longer wait. Should have paid the extra pesos to take the coupon taxi, or called Grab taxi, or tried the zoo upstairs. There was a new VIP bus service. It was advertising "door to door". Does anyone know how that service is?
- Uber sucked on this trip. It had surge pricing the entire day (between 12 PM to 11 PM).
- Most meter taxis asked for flat fees. One asked for meter plus 50. But the flat fees were similar to the Uber surge prices. But in their defense, traffic was bad the entire day. It took about 45 minutes to go from Ermita to Makati.
- One Uber driver said business sucked for Uber. He said most were using Grab taxi now.
- I normally have my hotel taxi from Angeles pick me up, since I don't like Manila. This past trip confirmed that Manila is not my cup of tea. I prefer Angeles or Puerto Galera over Manila.
WestCoast1
01-04-18, 02:52
Never happens that way?
I think you just contradicted yourself mate.
We just provided examples (2 out of 2 cases) where it HAS happened.Correct and I'm happy to contradict myself. It *rarely* happens that way for me. Possibly it was holiday time as the cause.
2 weeks prior, landed T1 at 7:30 pm, and ran into a similar experience (waited about 2 minutes for white taxi, was at hotel 25 minutes after grabbing luggage). Happy days are here again.
WestCoast1
01-08-18, 06:21
As seen recently in Century Mall (Makati), at the ForEx downstairs.
Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
The Philippine Congress has voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2018. Measures imposed under martial law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
The Philippine Congress has voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2018. Measures imposed under martial law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.I think after Marawi a lot of the terrorist are in hiding. But then again that may make them more desperate to come out of the woodwork and do surprise attacks.
As seen recently in Century Mall (Makati), at the ForEx downstairs.I usually use ATM or credit cards without FX fees. I think the rates are better. Have not figured out which bank will give better TT rates for US to PI transfers. In some countries, I have been able to find 2 banks whereby I can get very close to the rates I get with my cards, net the fees.
I did some searching and it is not clear to me if you can arrange an UBER ride from Aquino Intl to hotels in Manila. Some report said it was not permitted (posted in 2015) but other posts in 2016 seem to support UBER is permitted. Two questions. Appreciate any confirmation if UBER is available and any for those that have used it any tips on using the service.
Thank you.I can't confirm any information regarding Uber, but the Asian ride-share company, Grab, does have a podium and pick-up area outside Terminal 1 at NAIA. After exiting the terminal, turn right and walk maybe 75 meters and you'll see it on the median. It is not necessary to have an Internet connection on your cell phone: the attendant will call a Grab driver for you. From NAIA to Ermita it cost me p193.
https://app.box.com/s/oh4k2s02uufxu708yqi6nn1tbclzhh99
I did some searching and it is not clear to me if you can arrange an UBER ride from Aquino Intl to hotels in Manila. Some report said it was not permitted (posted in 2015) but other posts in 2016 seem to support UBER is permitted. Two questions. Appreciate any confirmation if UBER is available and any for those that have used it any tips on using the service.
Uber and Grab are both available.
However, as you will see from some recent posts here, sometimes the white and yellow taxis have few people waiting in line so it's worth checking them first before you rush to book a Uber or Grab.
The other problem when traffic is really crowded is that the Uber or Grab cars will take a long time before they can get to your pick-up point.
You need to consider all options.
GoodEnough
01-11-18, 14:33
Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
The Philippine Congress has voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2018. Measures imposed under martial law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.Strictly from the perspective of one who lives in Davao, martial law here appears to be pretty much of a non-issue. I've never, since martial law was declared, been through a check point anywhere in the city, though I pretty much stick to the central parts. If there's an increased police or military presence, it's not visible and there's no curfew, other than that which applies to minors.
I'm driving to and from CDO in about 10 days, and the last time I made that drive, about 10 weeks ago, I think I went through two cursory checkpoints. So the enhanced security apparatus must be deployed around the usual trouble spots.
GE.
So, avoid Eastern, Central and Western Mindanao. I suspect Northern and Southern Mindanao are safe? I have just avoided Mindanao over the years except for a trip to Davao city center.
Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
BrainDrain
01-13-18, 08:24
I can't confirm any information regarding Uber, but the Asian ride-share company, Grab, does have a podium and pick-up area outside Terminal 1 at NAIA. After exiting the terminal, turn right and walk maybe 75 meters and you'll see it on the median. It is not necessary to have an Internet connection on your cell phone: the attendant will call a Grab driver for you. From NAIA to Ermita it cost me p193.
https://app.box.com/s/oh4k2s02uufxu708yqi6nn1tbclzhh99From my observation, the Grab booths that I have used at Megamall & NAIA T3 are just run by people using the app on your behalf and they add a margin for this service. Using the app directly myself has been 20% cheaper and faster without the filipino manual handling logic.
BD.
I have had problems with Uber and Grab because GPS gets flaky and I am not familiar with a new city so cannot pin point my location. So the designated airport and other pick up points are great. With the Pinoy handling, the ride does not show up on my credit card. It is also cheaper than a hotel car.
From my observation, the Grab booths that I have used at Megamall & NAIA T3 are just run by people using the app on your behalf and they add a margin for this service. Using the app directly myself has been 20% cheaper and faster without the filipino manual handling logic.
BD.
There is a lot of negativity in ISG about levels of service in the Philippines and I have also chimed in on occasion, so I feel it is right and proper to acknowledge a significant upturn in 2 recent experiences here in Manila (note that I am in my 21st year of permanent residence so I have a wide range of experiences as benchmarks over the years).
Number 1: I just returned from the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros where I paid my "Annual Report fee", the princely sum of 310 php. The Annual Report is a requirement for all those resident in the Phils on ACRs and permanent visas and must be paid in the first 60 days of each year.
It took me 7 minutes start to finish (last year it was 1 hour plus).
Number 2: Yesterday I visited LTO to renew my Driver's Licence. It took 20 minutes start to finish including the cursory medical and the printing of a new licence with photo and fingerprints. Last time it took me around half the day.
So that's 2 examples of things moving into the 21st century regarding levels of service.
There is a lot of negativity in ISG about levels of service in the Philippines and I have also chimed in on occasion, so I feel it is right and proper to acknowledge a significant upturn in 2 recent experiences here in Manila (note that I am in my 21st year of permanent residence so I have a wide range of experiences as benchmarks over the years).
Number 1: I just returned from the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros where I paid my "Annual Report fee", the princely sum of 310 php. The Annual Report is a requirement for all those resident in the Phils on ACRs and permanent visas and must be paid in the first 60 days of each year.
It took me 7 minutes start to finish (last year it was 1 hour plus).
Number 2: Yesterday I visited LTO to renew my Driver's Licence. It took 20 minutes start to finish including the cursory medical and the printing of a new licence with photo and fingerprints. Last time it took me around half the day.
So that's 2 examples of things moving into the 21st century regarding levels of service.Thanks for the update RK.
When I went to get my ACR I-card about 4 months ago, took me around 2 hours in SM Aura in BGC. I guess YMMV, however there were multiple steps each with a different line, not such a straightforward process.
Thanks for the update RK.
When I went to get my ACR I-card about 4 months ago, took me around 2 hours in SM Aura in BGC. I guess YMMV, however there were multiple steps each with a different line, not such a straightforward process.Two hours to obtain an ACR-I card is ok BDave. I wouldn't worry too much about that, especially with the clusterfuck occurring around most of the government service offices in the malls.
I agree that the multiple steps passing from window to window and line to line is often a bit frustrating but at least you got your card so that's a good output.
nypost.com/2018/01/23/ man-gets-life-for-buying-filipino-children-to-use-for-sex-and-porn /.
Should get it!!
So, avoid Eastern, Central and Western Mindanao. I suspect Northern and Southern Mindanao are safe? I have just avoided Mindanao over the years except for a trip to Davao city center.I am right now in Northern Mindanao and all appears to be quite safe. Local public moving about with ease although there is large concentration of military staff everywhere.
The evening curfew is still maintained.
Last week I landed in Laquindigan airport and was extremely pleased to see more than dozen "Westerner" arriving on the same flight.
Walking about I also see many "Westerner" in malls. So take it from there.
Very nice country and nice people. Except for few "bad apples", which exist in every society.
Stay safe and be careful!!
I was just joking with the diplomatic speak from the Aussie. I don't think Northern and Southern will be any safer than Western, Central, and Eastern. It is also hard to divide Mindanao that way. Just my 2 cents.
I am right now in Northern Mindanao and all appears to be quite safe. Local public moving about with ease although there is large concentration of military staff everywhere.
The evening curfew is still maintained.
Last week I landed in Laquindigan airport and was extremely pleased to see more than dozen "Westerner" arriving on the same flight.
Walking about I also see many "Westerner" in malls. So take it from there.
Very nice country and nice people. Except for few "bad apples", which exist in every society.
Stay safe and be careful!!
I was just joking with the diplomatic speak from the Aussie. I don't think Northern and Southern will be any safer than Western, Central, and Eastern. It is also hard to divide Mindanao that way. Just my 2 cents.I've never heard anyone refer to Southern Mindanao. Better to refer to areas as Benign, Dodgy and Dangerous.
I don't think Northern and Southern will be any safer than Western, Central, and Eastern. It is also hard to divide Mindanao that way. Just my 2 cents.I disagree Bushes.
Most of us who live here or visit Mindanao regularly can distinguish between N, S,E,W Mindanao.
I also suggest that Northern Mindanao (centered on Cagayan de Oro City) is reasonably safe although I am wary about travelling too far towards Bukidnon or even Manolo Fortich.
Southern Mindanao (centered on Davao City), is also quite safe.
I would be wary about travelling too far outside of these 2 cities. Western Mindanao has Muslim-based insurgency, and Central and Eastern Mindanao has pockets of National Peoples' Army (NPA) activity. It's possible you could tool around in Central and Eastern Mindanao and have no incidents but there is also the possibility that you will encounter rogue or opportunistic cadres of bad guys and for me that's not worth the risk.
I disagree Bushes.
Most of us who live here or visit Mindanao regularly can distinguish between N, S,E,W Mindanao.
I also suggest that Northern Mindanao (centered on Cagayan de Oro City) is reasonably safe although I am wary about travelling too far towards Bukidnon or even Manolo Fortich.
Southern Mindanao (centered on Davao City), is also quite safe.
I would be wary about travelling too far outside of these 2 cities. Western Mindanao has Muslim-based insurgency, and Central and Eastern Mindanao has pockets of National Peoples' Army (NPA) activity. It's possible you could tool around in Central and Eastern Mindanao and have no incidents but there is also the possibility that you will encounter rogue or opportunistic cadres of bad guys and for me that's not worth the risk.Definitely agree with you Red Kilt.
GoodEnough
01-25-18, 10:49
I disagree Bushes.
Most of us who live here or visit Mindanao regularly can distinguish between N, S,E,W Mindanao.
I also suggest that Northern Mindanao (centered on Cagayan de Oro City) is reasonably safe although I am wary about travelling too far towards Bukidnon or even Manolo Fortich.
Southern Mindanao (centered on Davao City), is also quite safe.
I would be wary about travelling too far outside of these 2 cities. Western Mindanao has Muslim-based insurgency, and Central and Eastern Mindanao has pockets of National Peoples' Army (NPA) activity. It's possible you could tool around in Central and Eastern Mindanao and have no incidents but there is also the possibility that you will encounter rogue or opportunistic cadres of bad guys and for me that's not worth the risk.I'm with RK here. For those of us who live where and for those who travel here frequently, it's fairly easy to distinguish among the compass points.
About 4 days ago I traveled to CDO from Davao for one night and came back the next day. All in all a journey of about 630 km. Though there were three alleged checkpoints, we were only asked to stop at one, and even there were not required to show ID. At the other two, soldiers were merely sitting around, but the cars barely slowed, nor were they required to do so. The good news is that there's lots of road construction improvement activity underway, and the road was noticeably better than the last time I made the trip about four months ago. For those who've never made this journey, it's a beautiful drive, that with the improved road should take 6-6. 5 hours each way.
The bottom line for me is that Davao, CDO and I believe General Santos City are safe and there should be little or no concerns about visiting. As to areas in and around Cotabato, Marawi, and Zamboanga, it's best to stay away.
GE.
I stand corrected. I don't live there. I avoid Mindanao though many have suggested to me that it is safe to visit them because their place in safe. LOL. IMHO, GE's specific city designation is safer.
As with Q55, given the shape of the region, Northern and Southern is hard to designate and maybe why he hasn't heard of Southern. Or only RK has. Then given Western, Central, and Eastern are no go zones, what else is left? Peace for you guys living there if my broad strokes ruffled some feathers. I prefer the numerous non conflict zone destinations. Even when SY sirens sing and try to draw me there.
The bottom line for me is that Davao, CDO and I believe General Santos City are safe and there should be little or no concerns about visiting. As to areas in and around Cotabato, Marawi, and Zamboanga, it's best to stay away.
GE.
I disagree Bushes.
Most of us who live here or visit Mindanao regularly can distinguish between N, S,E,W Mindanao.
I also suggest that Northern Mindanao (centered on Cagayan de Oro City) is reasonably safe although I am wary about travelling too far towards Bukidnon or even Manolo Fortich.
Southern Mindanao (centered on Davao City), is also quite safe.
I would be wary about travelling too far outside of these 2 cities. Western Mindanao has Muslim-based insurgency, and Central and Eastern Mindanao has pockets of National Peoples' Army (NPA) activity. It's possible you could tool around in Central and Eastern Mindanao and have no incidents but there is also the possibility that you will encounter rogue or opportunistic cadres of bad guys and for me that's not worth the risk.
I've never heard anyone refer to Southern Mindanao. Better to refer to areas as Benign, Dodgy and Dangerous.
Hi guys,
Please respond only and PM me please if you have traveled these routes recently and know about the smaller regional airlines. I am looking for Philippines Airasia (subsidiary of Airasia formerly Zest) or any value-priced REGIONAL airline (not PAL) for DIRECT (non-stop) flights to / from these locations. I know that Cebupacificair has direct flight Manila to Bali but the times suck. Experienced replies appreciated.
Hey there,
I'm thinking about heading to the Philippines.
I'm wondering how Philippine girls are with BDSM stuff, like if I wanted to pay a girl to act like my slave for the evening. Is this pretty taboo there like some countries? Or can you get it if you find someone online, or pay the right girl enough?
Any info would be helpful!
Hi guys,
Please respond only and PM me please if you have traveled these routes recently and know about the smaller regional airlines. I am looking for Philippines Airasia (subsidiarys of Airasia formerly Zest) or any value-priced REGIONAL airline (not PAL) for DIRECT (non-stop) flights to / from these locations. I know that Cebupacificair has direct flight Manila to Bali but the times suck. Experienced replies appreciated.
DCups. I've replied to your question in the Indonesia thread but in case others have he same enquiry, I'll repeat that the easiest way to get regional airline options is to check the departure airport's wikipaedia page and it will show all departing airlines and their destinations. An easy and quick way to find all options to fly from X to Z
Good to know. Thanks, G.
DCups. I've replied to your question in the Indonesia thread but in case others have he same enquiry, I'll repeat that the easiest way to get regional airline options is to check the departure airport's wikipaedia page and it will show all departing airlines and their destinations. An easy and quick way to find all options to fly from X to Z
Soapy Smith
01-28-18, 20:53
I arrived last night from Angeles City for a 3-night stay in Makati. The drive from AC took almost 4 hours, most of it stuck in Manila traffic, for a 90 km ride. Mind boggling! My taxi driver seemed resigned to it, as it is his job. But I could not help but wonder if I can handle a job like that. You can label me spoiled but that's a brutal way to live one's life.You would handle it. If you had grown up and lived your entire life in Manila, you wouldn't know anything different. In fact, Manilenos have built up many cultural and linguistic practices around these traffic delays. Meetings often start late--sometimes because of participants' late arrival due to traffic delays. The locals have learned to exploit the situation to justify arriving late. Even some expats and frequent foreign visitors join in this exploitation. I am one of them.
The conventional justification upon arriving late is, "the troppick was very heavy today. " Some shorten it to "it was very troppick today," or even "very troppick today"; the adjective "heavy" is not essential to convey the argument. A close reading would suggest that "today" is also part of the manipulation; since the traffic is slow and heavy almost every day, it should be possible to plan for delay and leave earlier for your destination. So the reference to "today" is sort of a lie that everybody buys into, and since not causing others to lose face is an important Filipino cultural practice, people are beholden not to challenge those who use the traffic excuse.
Another related linguistic convention is the question, "will the meeting push through"? Since, for any given meeting there are late arrivers--because of "troppick," those who host meetings are often pressed to determine whether to continue with the meeting, given the late start time. Hence the question, "should we push though with the meeting"? Perhaps Brits and Aussies have a different experience with this, but in the states I have never heard this combination "push through" used in this way. So, since Filipinos got their English primarily from Americans, it appears they invented this expression. Is this too a product of Manila's heavy traffic?
Meetings starting late and a set of linguistic and cultural practices built around traffic delays obviously are consistent with the much slower pace of activity referred to as "Filipino time." Here then is the upside to heavy traffic and late meetings: life runs more slowly and all the locals are content with it. I have learned to cherish this slower pace of life, and I experience a bit of remorse every time I leave it behind when I return to the states. How can this possibly be worse than the rat race that most of us accept in our Western lives? So, perhaps the frustration Lefeu describes about Manila traffic is as much a product of his own embeddedness in the Western rat race as it is a result of Manila traffic conditions. Next time Lefeu, just take a nap in the taxi; it'll get you recharged that much more quickly for the next round of horizontal recreation.
Within a few years the cross-city elevated skyway may become a reality, connecting the Northern Expressway in Balintawak with the Osmena Highway and EDSA in the south. This may cut down travel time between AC and Makati and get Manila a little closer to the Western rat race.
BrainDrain
01-28-18, 23:03
Hi guys,
Please respond only and PM me please if you have traveled these routes recently and know about the smaller regional airlines. I am looking for Philippines Airasia (subsidiary of Airasia formerly Zest) or any value-priced REGIONAL airline (not PAL) for DIRECT (non-stop) flights to / from these locations. I know that Cebupacificair has direct flight Manila to Bali but the times suck. Experienced replies appreciated.Twice over the last year I have wanted to travel MNL. DPS - MNL. I looked at the direct carrier options which were only PAL & Cebu Pacific. The times all sucked. The options I have used have been.
Singapore Airlines MNL-SIN, overnight a airport hotel then SIN-DPS.
I also did a combination of SQ & Tiger to CRK.
Basically it's not happy connection as you may have already discovered.
BD.
BaddHabbit
01-30-18, 10:29
nypost.com/2018/01/23/ man-gets-life-for-buying-filipino-children-to-use-for-sex-and-porn /.
Should get it!!Good riddance. Shithead deserves a hell of a lot more than just life in jail.
WestCoast1
01-30-18, 11:23
Good riddance. Shithead deserves a hell of a lot more than just life in jail.Afraid I couldn't follow the link. An error message pops up: Page not found.
BaddHabbit
01-31-18, 08:19
Afraid I couldn't follow the link. An error message pops up: Page not found.Yep, I had the same problem. Just go to nypost.com and type the article title into the search field: "man-gets-life-for-buying-filipino-children-to-use-for-sex-and-porn".
This type of stuff has been reported in several news outlets and in some documentaries. Pretty sad but they are trying to stop it. As for the URL, you might need to add "https: in front, though maybe not necessary and remove the blank spaces in front of "man" and after "porn".
Afraid I couldn't follow the link. An error message pops up: Page not found.
Soapy Smith
01-31-18, 18:33
I think the problem is the period at the end of Revere's url. I cut and pasted the address into another browser, deleted the period, and it worked fine.
AussieGaigin
01-31-18, 20:17
Yep, I had the same problem. Just go to nypost.com and type the article title into the search field: "man-gets-life-for-buying-filipino-children-to-use-for-sex-and-porn".Or put that title into Google and it comes up in a number of newspapers.
Member #4566
02-09-18, 04:20
About a year ago I asked one of our esteemed and most prolific ISG contributors for his advice on tipping. He sent me a PM on the matter and I am republishing here. I don't believe that it contains any privileged or confidential information that cannot be shared with our general audience. I pray that this ISG member is not offended but rather feels praised. It is a great piece of analysis and writing and I completely agree with the views he has expressed. In fact it probably should be placed in the Reports of Distinction. So here it is . . . .
"I have been traveling phils for well over a decade, and locals tend not too tip. Its a western culture thing, a holdover to the days when service personell (taxi drivers, waitresses, bellhops, etc) didn't get paid any hourly wage (or alternately very little, which still exists in about half a dozen US states, where the minimum wage for waiting tables is $2-3/ hour while for all other jobs its $7-10/ hour).
Tipping is required in a small handful of places in phils. For example, the Burgos / EDSA gogo bars require both an up-front barfine paid directly to the bar (she will get half of that on her payday) before departing with the girl, and also you negotiate a tip direcly with the girl (typically 1000-3000) to be given in the morning (she will not leave the bar until she has negotiated her morning tip and departure time).
Outside of those places, tipping is neither required nor expected. I can spend a month in phils, moving from Manila to AC to Cebu to Butuan, and never tip once (assuming that I don't barfine in Burgos / EDSA). Nobody will bat an eye or think bad of me. My normal tip for AC or Cebu gogo bar girls, freelance girls, regular girls, province girls, etcetera is p50 (jeep / tryke money). That also includes restaurants, taxi / tryke drivers, the guy who carries my luggage up the stairs at a cheap hotel with no elevator, and anyone else.
Many of us, due to our upbringing (sometimes myself also) cannot stop the urge to tip. We watched our parents do it, and we have been doing it for decades. However I'm appalled by the amounts mentioned both on this board, and in talking to gents in phils at places like Kokomo's in AC. Sometimes they tip even more than the barfine. "She did great with me last night so I sent her off with an extra 2000 this morning". Really. How much was the barfine? "1800". Really! They give odd reasons for the 'need' for tips also: "If you don't tip her, the next time you walk into her bar she will turn her nose up at you. I want her to go with me again if she was good in the sack". News flash fella: She will go with you again just to be able to get another barfine; no tip is required. Proof: I rarely tip more than p50, yet the girls keep returning (not only bargirls, but regular girls -- and I tend to give them about half what other gents pay).
As an example, several of the recent Photogallery girls are from Mindanao (all 22 and under). They are (and have been for years) very happy with p500 overnight, + p14 tip for tryke fare (p7 each way to / from the hotel). Two of the PG regulars of mine are Cebu girls. They know of each other's existence. One comes to me Monday / Wednesday / Friday nights, the other Tues / Thurs / Saturday. Each goes home in the morning with p1000 + p50 for to / from jeep fare. Going on 5 and 7 years with them, mid-20's girls with flat tummies and great asses. Two more in the PG are Manila regulars, going on 4 years with one (age 25 or 26 now) and 12 years with another (age 32). Another pair of lovely figures. They also rotate nights. Morning departure is p1500 + p100 for to / from jeep fare.
If these prices seem too low, or the tip seems too low, ask yourself this question: Why do they keep coming back? Why has none ever complained about the price? Why do they leave messages for me online looking forward to my next visit?
Regarding taxis. I tend to pay the metered fare up to the nearest p10. For example, if the fair is p66, I give the driver p100 bill and ask for 30 in return, leaving him 70 total. That might seem a small tip, however they don't expect tips. Proof? If the fare is 66 and I tell him I only have 60, he will take it and not bat an eye. Reason: the flag-fall was changed by law in all of phils 2 years ago, from 40 to 30. Yet the meters in the taxis were never adjusted. When you step into the cab, the meter sets to 40. If the driver takes you exactly 5 meters and drops you off, you will hand him p40 (the metered amount, which hasn't had a chance to change yet), when in fact you owe him p30. He won't mention your change. He's getting an extra p10 for every fare (a 'tip' from every customer), and most folk don't know that.
Hope this helps. "
Mr Enternational
02-09-18, 04:41
If these prices seem too low, or the tip seems too low, ask yourself this question: Why do they keep coming back? Why has none ever complained about the price? Why do they leave messages for me online looking forward to my next visit?That was my same answer when people would say well they expect you to give them money, they are just too shy to ask. If they haven't overcome their shyness in all these years that they keep coming back, then they need their head examined.
A lot of restaurants that you go to will already have the service charge on the bills so there is no need to add to that.
WestCoast1
02-09-18, 05:09
Regarding taxis. I tend to pay the metered fare up to the nearest p10. For example, if the fair is p66, I give the driver p100 bill and ask for 30 in return, leaving him 70 total. That might seem a small tip, however they don't expect tips. Proof? If the fare is 66 and I tell him I only have 60, he will take it and not bat an eye. Reason: the flag-fall was changed by law in all of phils 2 years ago, from 40 to 30. Yet the meters in the taxis were never adjusted. When you step into the cab, the meter sets to 40. If the driver takes you exactly 5 meters and drops you off, you will hand him p40 (the metered amount, which hasn't had a chance to change yet), when in fact you owe him p30. He won't mention your change. He's getting an extra p10 for every fare (a 'tip' from every customer), and most folk don't know that.Wasn't the flagfall changed back a few months ago? RK?
Member #4566
02-09-18, 07:24
Wasn't the flagfall changed back a few months ago? RK?RK? Flagfall? Please amend and update this as you see fit. Thank you Mr. West Coast.
RK? Flagfall? Please amend and update this as you see fit. Thank you Mr. West Coast.I guess WC was asking me for an update Mr Pomp.
Sorry to say that you are incorrect.
The flagfall for Manila meter taxis is 40 php.
It was 30 php for a very short time only.
http://www.manilatimes.net/ltfrb-approves-taxi-fare-hike/354504/
RK? Flagfall? Please amend and update this as you see fit. Thank you Mr. West Coast.I guess WC was asking me for an update Mr Pomp.
Sorry to say that you are incorrect.
The flagfall for Manila meter taxis is 40 php.
It was 30 php for a relatively short time only. I never got too excited about the 10 php differential anyway
http://www.manilatimes.net/ltfrb-approves-taxi-fare-hike/354504/
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/628266/ltfrb-oks-petition-taxi-flagdown-rate-springs-back-to-p40/story/
I pray that this ISG member is not offended but rather feels praised. Why didn't you just ask him if he would be offended or not, instead of praying. I think that's a bit odd.
Maybe you don't believe that it contains any privileged or confidential information but he might have a different opinion himself. And for regular readers of this forum his identity is pretty clear.
A lot of restaurants that you go to will already have the service charge on the bills so there is no need to add to that.The question is however if the service charge ends up in the owner's pockets or the staff's pockets.
Mr Enternational
02-09-18, 10:51
The question is however if the service charge ends up in the owner's pockets or the staff's pockets.Why would that be the customer's concern? The tip could just as well be going into the owner's pocket. Funny that even in buffet restaurants in the USA you are expected to leave a tip. Bich I just served my damn self!
Why would that be the customer's concern? It's not your concern but you might want to take it into consideration. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big tipper but I cannot change the system and therefore I always help the staff a little bit to improve their low income.
Just a reminder to visitors who are accustomed to paying a credit charge in their home country that there is no credit card surcharge in the Philippines by law.
There is a specific Republic Act 7394, Article 81 called the "Price Tag Requirement," for the Dept of Trade and industry (DTI) that specifically rules against a CC surcharge.
I was reminded about this when a restaurant in Boracay tried to hit me with a surcharge. I challenged it, and the waitress went to get the owner (who turned out to be a belligerent German).
I quoted RA 7394 (stored in my cellphone) and told him that I wanted the surcharge to appear on my official receipt and that I would be reporting him to the DTI.
Almost immediately my bill was fixed WITHOUT a surcharge.
I have learned that a number of AC hotels add on a surcharge for CC payments and get away with it because guys are unaware that it is illegal.
They all know it's illegal, so if they try it on just remind them that you know about RA 7394.
They will back down. Be careful when you book online through Agoda etc because they often have a surcharge. See if there is an option to pay the hotel direct and avoid that price gouging practice.
Mr Enternational
02-09-18, 12:22
A lot of restaurants that you go to will already have the service charge on the bills so there is no need to add to that.Mothafucka. I just had to laugh at myself. After talking all that shit I went to a restaurant here in Pattaya. When I finished and asked for the bill, I also asked them how much it was without looking at it. I handed over that amount plus a tip (what can I say; I am American). As soon as I released the money I see this sign on the counter.
If there is a service charge automatically added on, most places do not include it for take out. If you use a food delivery service, there are a lot more extra charges and the delivery guy expects a tip. It has been that way in many countries including the PI.
Mothafucka. I just had to laugh at myself. After talking all that shit I went to a restaurant here in Pattaya. When I finished and asked for the bill, I also asked them how much it was without looking at it. I handed over that amount plus a tip (what can I say; I am American). As soon as I released the money I see this sign on the counter.Good to hear there is a law. It is also against the rules with the two major credit card companies. To avoid people paying for certain things with a credit card, separate entities are sometimes setup under the same roof so a credit card cannot be used for things sold under a particular entity.
Just a reminder to visitors who are accustomed to paying a credit charge in their home country that there is no credit card surcharge in the Philippines by law.
There is a specific Republic Act 7394, Article 81 called the "Price Tag Requirement," for the Dept of Trade and industry (DTI) that specifically rules against a CC surcharge.
I was reminded about this when a restaurant in Boracay tried to hit me with a surcharge. I challenged it, and the waitress went to get the owner (who turned out to be a belligerent German).
I quoted RA 7394 (stored in my cellphone) and told him that I wanted the surcharge to appear on my official receipt and that I would be reporting him to the DTI..
Transporter
02-10-18, 03:51
Good to know.
I usually pay in cash as there is always a 10% discount if settled in cash.
Sometimes it's 15 or 20% (multiple days).
Just a reminder to visitors who are accustomed to paying a credit charge in their home country that there is no credit card surcharge in the Philippines by law.
There is a specific Republic Act 7394, Article 81 called the "Price Tag Requirement," for the Dept of Trade and industry (DTI) that specifically rules against a CC surcharge.
I was reminded about this when a restaurant in Boracay tried to hit me with a surcharge. I challenged it, and the waitress went to get the owner (who turned out to be a belligerent German).
I quoted RA 7394 (stored in my cellphone) and told him that I wanted the surcharge to appear on my official receipt and that I would be reporting him to the DTI.
Almost immediately my bill was fixed WITHOUT a surcharge.
I have learned that a number of AC hotels add on a surcharge for CC payments and get away with it because guys are unaware that it is illegal.
They all know it's illegal, so if they try it on just remind them that you know about RA 7394.
They will back down. Be careful when you book online through Agoda etc because they often have a surcharge. See if there is an option to pay the hotel direct and avoid that price gouging practice.
There is a specific Republic Act 7394, Article 81 called the "Price Tag Requirement," for the Dept of Trade and industry (DTI) that specifically rules against a CC surcharge.
I was reminded about this when a restaurant in Boracay tried to hit me with a surcharge. I challenged it, and the waitress went to get the owner (who turned out to be a belligerent German).
I quoted RA 7394 (stored in my cellphone) and told him that I wanted the surcharge to appear on my official receipt and that I would be reporting him to the DTI.
I have learned that a number of AC hotels add on a surcharge for CC payments and get away with it because guys are unaware that it is illegal.
They all know it's illegal, so if they try it on just remind them that you know about RA 7394.Hi Red Kilt. I know of a couple of Mindanao hotels that offer payments another way. They accept a credit card at the standard promoted rate but accept cash payment at a significant discount. Legal?
Hi Red Kilt. I know of a couple of Mindanao hotels that offer payments another way. They accept a credit card at the standard promoted rate but accept cash payment at a significant discount. Legal?It's still illegal KK.
Viz.
https://www.pinoymoneytalk.com/cash-credit-card-prices/
http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/17/10/credit-card-surcharges-are-unlawful-says-dti
Most of the big electrical stores (like SM Appliances, Abenson's etc) try it though. I was offered a different (lower) charge for a cash payment over a card payment for a TV recently. I told the guy that card was the same as cash so I should get the cheaper price, and he consulted his boss and agreed to give me the so-called cash price using my CC.
I think the manager decided I was a consumer who knew my rights. Note that all of these transactions are done with a smile and a friendly demeanor. It is not wise to be surly and angry and belligerent. Taking the smooth way and quoting the facts usually results in a successful outcome.
PedroMorales
02-11-18, 08:23
Using a credit card in Clone Central? OK.
It's heavy raining in Cebu from yesterday. Signal # 2. Storm is approaching to south Philippine.
Member #4566
02-13-18, 11:26
So I am thinking of taking a Filipina to a foreign destination just to give her a thrill. Saigon comes to mind but I am open to anything that is workable. I am budget minded. Has anybody done anything like this before and what are the issues I need to consider and troubleshoot?
PedroMorales
02-13-18, 12:56
So I am thinking of taking a Filipina to a foreign destination just to give her a thrill. Saigon comes to mind but I am open to anything that is workable. I am budget minded. Has anybody done anything like this before and what are the issues I need to consider and troubleshoot?Lots of Filipinos working there. Saigon is no more. Ho Chi Minh City is the name. Not so much English and more expensive.
Wicked Roger
02-13-18, 14:03
So I am thinking of taking a Filipina to a foreign destination just to give her a thrill. Saigon comes to mind but I am open to anything that is workable. I am budget minded. Has anybody done anything like this before and what are the issues I need to consider and troubleshoot?Done this many times but best PM for details as easier Pomp.
However be forewarned that getting her out of the country is likely the hardest task of the process. I have been OK / lucky but I was well planned even when I took 2 pinays to Thailand but others have found their aswa offloaded. Most recently one of my favs was despite having return tickets and hotel booking etc (4 days in Singapore) bit she had been to Vietnam earlier.
Friends of mine at Cebu Pac speak of the happening all the time.
PM is easier.
Using a credit card in Clone Central? OK.Of course. No bravery required.
It is best with credit cards that offer or claim protection against unauthorized uses. AE used to be the best but they have slid in the past couple decades to the same level as the other cards. It is just a PIA to sort things out.
Using a credit card in Clone Central? OK..
FYI.
I have been in Manila, Angeles, Samar and Cebu recently and am surprised with 4 g and lte service in 80% plus of the time. Wasn't like this a short time ago. I have been able to have pretty fast internet on my cell phone.
WestCoast1
02-14-18, 06:51
I have been in Manila, Angeles, Samar and Cebu recently and am surprised with 4 g and lte service in 80% plus of the time. Wasn't like this a short time ago. I have been able to have pretty fast internet on my cell phone.I've been experiencing fast 4 g / LTE service in the least likely of places (and sometimes slow service in places I'd expect it to be fast) about 1 year now. I think I reported a year ago sitting in a McDonalds in the province one morning having a coffee. I was pulling 3 and 4 bars (out of 5), and I ran several speed tests, typically running 40-60 mbps down, and 15-ish up. I no longer depend on hotel / condo wifi (unless they literally are advertising or getting 50 down), it can be faster hotspotting off my phone than using the hotel / condo wifi. One place that oddly has slow hotel wifi city-wide is Cebu city. While I might only be hotspotting at 5 mbps (ok for browsing), the hotel wifi is often running < 1 download (often webpages timing out on the wifi). Its easier to just load my SIM card with a month's unlimited data and hotspot to web browse. There is a 'fair-use' policy with Globe and Smart that limits you to 800 mb use every 24 hours running midnight to midnight, but as I don't use the Internet to stream vids, I rarely have a problem with that.
Mr Enternational
02-14-18, 07:09
FYI.
I have been in Manila, Angeles, Samar and Cebu recently and am surprised with 4 g and lte service in 80% plus of the time. Wasn't like this a short time ago. I have been able to have pretty fast internet on my cell phone.Well I can't get shit on Fields, especially at Kokomos.
Well I can't get shit on Fields, especially at Kokomos.You might need the updated LTE sim. I have a friend who could not get 4 g service until she updated her SIM card to a LTE sim.
2 ways to update.
1. Buy new LTE sim with new cp number.
2. To keep your old number, go to your provider store and they will update it with new LTE sim and transfer your old number. Please note, provider store only.
There is another way to do it online but I don't know anything about it nor would I take the risk.
WC1,
Very true. I am sitting a Cebu hotel at the moment and using my 4 g cp service to post. The hotel WiFi is so slow!
I think on my future trips I will just bring an iPhone 6 Plus and leave the tablet home.
DNA testing is really expensive in Philippines. 13-15 k and the swabs are sent out to approved labs in 1st world countries. Also very few locations.
I just did one to shut the mother up. I knew I wasn't the father. In USA and other countries you can order online kit from easydna dot com for $119. I ordered one when I was in US and it was overnighted to me. 3 sets of swabs with good directions on use and return envelope.
I brought the swabs with me to PH and swabbed the baby, mother and myself all in her sight. Put the swabs in separate envelopes and into the main return envelope. Had the choice to either drop the envelope in to the US mail upon my return or to FedEx it. I chose to FedEx it and it was there in 2 days at the cost of P1809. Within a week you will get the results by email. I got mine within 2 days of their receipt of the samples.
This is not court approved testing as it does not have approved legal chain of custody evidence. But it is enough proof for most people for determination of paternity.
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?
Member #4566
02-15-18, 16:20
Lots of Filipinos working there. Saigon is no more. Ho Chi Minh City is the name. Not so much English and more expensive.The locals still call it Saigon and it will always be called that. Some Filipinos work there as English teachers. Expensive? That's going to depend on what's on your shopping list. But the question I was asking was about encountering problems taking Filipinas out of the country. If you have info then share it but if you don't. . . . .
PedroMorales
02-15-18, 16:41
The locals still call it Saigon and it will always be called that. Some Filipinos work there as English teachers. Expensive? That's going to depend on what's on your shopping list. But the question I was asking was about encountering problems taking Filipinas out of the country. If you have info then share it but if you don't.Is what locals it. They sometimes refer to the old part as Saigon. HCM City is much bigger than Saigon was at the time of the Vietnam War. As Vietnam is an ASEAN country, Pinoays don't need visas. As your knowledge on Vietnam is almost non-existent, you should probably skip it.
BrainDrain
02-15-18, 23:50
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?My only experience is going to Phil and taking the girl out with me.
Will depend on her confidence level etc. If she knows her rights then she will be fine. If she gets intimidated then they will ask her lots of questions and encourage her not to go. She will need to have available funds to prove she can support herself.
Do you know her well? Have you had experiences with her before?
BD.
Wicked Roger
02-16-18, 00:18
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?PM me as BD is correct but then it depends on where she goes, is she with you, can you prove you know her and the immigration officer who can den her but will let rich person accused of murder etc with an HDO or a look out bulletin posted leave LOL.
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true?It could be a dicey situation depending on many factors including age, socioeconomic status, traveling experience, current employment, etc. Many pinays are denied boarding depending on the immigration officers attitude. Better if you accompany her.
Member #4566
02-16-18, 04:37
As your knowledge on Vietnam is almost non-existent, you should probably skip it.There's no reason to be insulting, Mr. Morales. I lived as a resident in Saigon in the years before Dien Bien Phu. This was probably before you were born. I was fluent in Vietnamese. That faculty has waned but nevertheless much is still retained. However the question on the table is transporting a lovely Filipina out of the country which you have not addressed in two posts on this subject. Using your own words, "As your knowledge on (this subject) is almost non-existent, you should probably skip it.
PedroMorales
02-16-18, 04:54
[Deleted by Admin]
EDITOR'S NOTE: This report was redacted or deleted to remove sections of the report that were largely argumentative. Please read the Forum FAQ and the Forum's Posting Guidelines for more information. Thank You!
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?I agree with Buko Max, below, that it could be a dicey situation, and it is better that you accompany her through Philippines departure procedures. For a first time overseas trip she will likely be interrogated thoroughly specially if she is travelling on her own. Get to immigration early, not just 2 hours before the flight. She will need to provide evidence that she can sustain herself for the period overseas.
I took a Filipina to Singapore for her first time overseas trip a year or two ago. Mactan Immigration required her to fill in a questionnaire then she was questioned by two separate officers. The Filipina before her was rejected to a stream of tears. After half an hour there still was some doubt and an immigration official then came over to me to independently check the facts, and in particular how long I had known the lady in question. When I showed them that I had purchased six months previously the return ticket for two this appeared to be the deciding factor. We were the last to board the plane.
Filipinos / Filipina do not require a visa for Malaysia if staying for less than 30 days. Take a look at this for more information:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/travel-req
KongKing.
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I've done this 4 times with 3 different girls. All had virgin passports and had never traveled outside the country. The first was 11 years ago. We had just met in Manila when I was there on business and decided to take her with me to Hong Kong for a few days before traveling home. She already had a passport and I never even thought of issues, and there wern't any. She sailed through immigration.
The second was 6 years ago again to Hong Kong. She had a passport with a German visa from some other guy, but hadn't ever left the country. I had heard of problems leaving the Philippines so had prepared her with all our travel documents and reservations including her school ID. Gave her several hundred dollars to carry as show money. We had previously traveled to Boracay together and had pictures of us together there on her phone and my laptop. I also modified the hotel reservation to show her name in addition to mine on the reservation. After her first questioning, she was pulled into an office just behind the emigration booths. I was standing a few meters away not knowing exactly what to do when another officer saw me and asked If I were with her. That officer then suggested I go inside with her. They questioned both of us about how we met and how long we knew each other. Both of us had to sign some documents that we would return to the Philippines. They let me change the document saying that I was returning directly to my country. We were questioned about 20 minutes.
The third time was three years ago. Again a virgin passport and we were going to Hong Kong. We had known each other a couple of years and had seen her 4 times including trips to Bohol and Palawan. Made sure she had all our pictures on her phone along with travel documents and several hundred dollars and her student ID. The female officer questioned her nicely and asked me to come over and asked me how long we knew each other etc. She then wanted to see pictures from Palawan. The girl was looking for them on her tablet, and not finding them right way, and I pulled them up on my laptop about the same time as she found them. The officer then just smiled and stamped her passport and let us go.
The last time was about a year ago with the same girl. We were going to Malaysia and Cambodia. Made all the same preparations. The female officer questioning her was not friendly. I was a few meters away and the officer turned to look at me once, but never called me over. She looked at several pictures on her phone of us together at different places. After about 5 minutes she stamped her passport and let her through.
One other precaution was to have the girls dress conservatively tending towards a professional business look.
I would be very hesitant of having someone with a virgin passport trying to go it alone from Manila. I haven't seen any hard statistics on how many are refused exit, but I wouldn't take the chance.
Good luck!
WilBel. You have received info from other posters. The main point you will see is that in most successful cases, the Pinay is traveling with her sponsor. This, IMHO, is the most important point. I would pick her up in the Philippines and travel with her. It will only help and protect what you have spent on your long trip. If need be, just pick up a Malaysia Philippines round trip for yourself. You can then get some pictures together to show.
The second point is her age. It is better if she is over, let us say, 25. I am not sure the exact cutoff or if it currently makes any difference.
The documentation is important but easy. The show money does not have to be that much if she is travelling with you.
Years ago, I used to get two signature travellers checks and just have her sign on some of them. I could easily cancel or report them as lost if she bolts. The institution where I got the TC did not require the second signatory to be present during purchase.
Hong Kong and Singapore are, IMHO, tougher ports. Also, it is best to approach the counter together and present your travel documents together. To show that you are travelling together. And be present if there is additional screening. Many young girls are not used to being questioned and are already very nervous and excited about the trip. She might stumble and get mixed up and panic. I have actually accompanied Pinays doing visa runs and I know and have been told, my documentations make it easier for the Pinay to enter some countries. I also helps that I am much older and can stare down people! LOL
PM me as BD is correct but then it depends on where she goes, is she with you, can you prove you know her and the immigration officer who can den her but will let rich person accused of murder etc with an HDO or a look out bulletin posted leave LOL.
My only experience is going to Phil and taking the girl out with me.
Will depend on her confidence level etc. If she knows her rights then she will be fine. If she gets intimidated then they will ask her lots of questions and encourage her not to go. She will need to have available funds to prove she can support herself.
Do you know her well? Have you had experiences with her before?
BD.
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?
And happy Vietnamese New Year. Over and out.
Battle of Dien Bien Phu began on 13 March 1954 and ended on 7 May 1954, 64 years ago, making anyone living in Saigon then over 80 years of age.Wouldn't that make them at least 63 years old or 64 come March 13th? Not really a question. Just a statement. Unless they aged quicker in Saigon.
Mr Enternational
02-16-18, 16:35
Wouldn't that make them at least 63 years old or 64 come March 13th? Not really a question. Just a statement. Unless they aged quicker in Saigon.Yeah. But then he would have been speaking fluent Vietnamese at birth. Plus he said he lived there the years before that.
Wicked Roger
02-17-18, 01:14
The first was 11 years ago. We had just met in Manila when I was there on business and decided to take her with me to Hong Kong for a few days before traveling home. She already had a passport and I never even thought of issues, and there wern't any. She sailed through immigration.
One other precaution was to have the girls dress conservatively tending towards a professional business look.
I would be very hesitant of having someone with a virgin passport trying to go it alone from Manila. I haven't seen any hard statistics on how many are refused exit, but I wouldn't take the chance.
Good luck!11 years ago IMHO it was much easier than now. 15 years was even easier, no questions even to Dubai. Now the immigration people are nastier, more jealous and like to create issues. Dressing nicely not like a tart is a give me and my fav wear longer dress and jacket with limited make up (sorry Pomp forget to add that to the PM).
EBoardbuilder
02-17-18, 07:22
Hey guys I'll be heading over there in a few days I have one thing I need clarification on. Is it true that the Philippines is pretty honest when it comes to renting motorcycles and scooters and you will not get scammed like you would let say in Thailand or is it pretty much the same throughout Southeast Asia. If it is more honest does anybody have any recommendations to a place to rent a scooter or motorcycle in Manila.
You must be nuts to want to ride a scooter or motorcycle in Manila.
Hey guys I'll be heading over there in a few days I have one thing I need clarification on. Is it true that the Philippines is pretty honest when it comes to renting motorcycles and scooters and you will not get scammed like you would let say in Thailand or is it pretty much the same throughout Southeast Asia. If it is more honest does anybody have any recommendations to a place to rent a scooter or motorcycle in Manila.
Nightrider1
02-17-18, 15:16
Hey guys I'll be heading over there in a few days I have one thing I need clarification on. Is it true that the Philippines is pretty honest when it comes to renting motorcycles and scooters and you will not get scammed like you would let say in Thailand or is it pretty much the same throughout Southeast Asia. If it is more honest does anybody have any recommendations to a place to rent a scooter or motorcycle in Manila.I would'nt drive in manila if they gave me a free motorbike. Its insane there. Your life is worth some taxie fares.
Thanks for everyone who gave their honest opinion, feedback and suggestions. I'm really overwhelmed with the response.
My lady was successful with a new passport, traveling alone, Cebu to Tokyo. She was well prepared (money, photos, etc.) and kept her cool with a lot of questions from a female immigration officer.
Your situation may be different. Japan requires a visa approval in advance. I'm guessing Malaysia does not. Good luck.
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?
EBoardbuilder
02-18-18, 02:10
You must be nuts to want to ride a scooter or motorcycle in Manila.I was thinking of getting one in manila and explore the rural area. Is the driving in the Philippines worse then Thailand?
Hey guys I'll be heading over there in a few days I have one thing I need clarification on. Is it true that the Philippines is pretty honest when it comes to renting motorcycles and scooters and you will not get scammed like you would let say in Thailand or is it pretty much the same throughout Southeast Asia. If it is more honest does anybody have any recommendations to a place to rent a scooter or motorcycle in Manila.Renting scooters is easy and no scams (that I know of) except some charge a lot more than others so shop around and weekly rates are better. Never drove Manila but it looks easier than Thailand just drive semi aggressive and you'll fit right in. You will need a international license which you can get at AAA.
Go for it.
GoodEnough
02-18-18, 02:34
I was thinking of getting one in manila and explore the rural area. Is the driving in the Philippines worse then Thailand?No. I'the say it's about the same. No enforcement of traffic rules. Drivers ruled by pure impulse with no prior thought. Traffic lanes fairly meaningless. Riders who have never had to pass a driving test. Other drivers indifferent to the presence of bikes on the road.
The biggest difference between the Philippines and Thailand in this regard is the quality of the road infrastructure. Thailand's roads, even in many rural areas, are far superior, so dodging potholes, lousy drainage, rough pavement and road debris is a bit more challenging here than it is there. The flip side of that is that the roads are of such poor quality and so badly maintained that maintaining any sort of real speed isn't possible for any vehicles, so the likelihood of high speed accidents is reduced. After years of using a road bike here, I finally gave it up one night when a large truck going in the opposite direction from me, decided he'the really rather have my lane, and I had about 5 seconds to find a place to lay the bike down on a badly lit road with no shoulder. The truck driver could see me clearly. He just didn't give a damn. I finally decided that enough was enough, sold the bike and took to using my car full time.
GE.
EBoardbuilder
02-18-18, 12:37
No. I'the say it's about the same. No enforcement of traffic rules. Drivers ruled by pure impulse with no prior thought. Traffic lanes fairly meaningless. Riders who have never had to pass a driving test. Other drivers indifferent to the presence of bikes on the road.
The biggest difference between the Philippines and Thailand in this regard is the quality of the road infrastructure. Thailand's roads, even in many rural areas, are far superior, so dodging potholes, lousy drainage, rough pavement and road debris is a bit more challenging here than it is there. The flip side of that is that the roads are of such poor quality and so badly maintained that maintaining any sort of real speed isn't possible for any vehicles, so the likelihood of high speed accidents is reduced. After years of using a road bike here, I finally gave it up one night when a large truck going in the opposite direction from me, decided he'the really rather have my lane, and I had about 5 seconds to find a place to lay the bike down on a badly lit road with no shoulder. The truck driver could see me clearly. He just didn't give a damn. I finally decided that enough was enough, sold the bike and took to using my car full time.
GE.Sounds like a death trap and a fun time, feels like my style. Thanks for the info in scams and the roads compared to Thailand. If I survived Vietnam Thailand hopefully Philippines should be easy.
BrainDrain
02-18-18, 23:37
You will need a international license which you can get at AAA.
Go for it.Why do you need an international drivers licence?
I know that road agencies in our home country make them available, mainly as a translation service for non-english speaking countries. What legal standing would an AAA document have that is superior to a government issued licence?
I always have just used my home country licence when renting and driving in UK, USA, Z & Philippines.
BD.
Transporter
02-19-18, 00:04
In the PI you can get anything you want.
Cost vary a lot but to make sure you get it right the first time and of high quality I would just buy a drivers license in the PI it's about 1500 pesos.
Your choices are to purchase a high quality fake or go down to the office with your info and pay one of those guys in front to stand in line and get an authentic one for you.
EBoardbuilder
02-19-18, 10:31
Why do you need an international drivers licence?
I know that road agencies in our home country make them available, mainly as a translation service for non-english speaking countries. What legal standing would an AAA document have that is superior to a government issued licence?
I always have just used my home country licence when renting and driving in UK, USA, Z & Philippines.
BD.An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).
Mr Enternational
02-19-18, 12:11
An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).So it is better to get cited for what they pulled you over for AND not having a license?
I'm planning to take a Pinay girl for a trip to Malaysia. She will be traveling from Manila to Malaysia and I'll be traveling from Ireland to Malaysia. When I told this she told that she may need to provide proper explanation and / or documentation to the Immigration Officer in the airport else they may deny the trip. Is that true? I'll be booking the round trip ticket and hotel for her in Kuala Lumpur. Some senior members kindly guide me how to handle this?I did this last year, traveling from the UK, meeting in KL. The first challenge was actually getting out of the Phils, as she did not have a copy of my Credit card, so they would not allow her to leave. So I had to buy her a same day ticket at a much larger cost. Sending her a copy of my passport and my credit card. Note, I have known her for 6+ years and trust her with my paperwork. Don't send things to people you don't know so well.
Also, she had a copy of the hotel reservation in my name, and I arranged for the hotel to pick her up in the hotel car. As well as some show money.
She had NO problems getting into Malaysia.
We'll possibly be doing it again later this year.
Good luck.
EBoardbuilder
02-19-18, 14:05
So it is better to get cited for what they pulled you over for AND not having a license?So in short when you get a international driver's license you're always told to carry the IDP and carry your driver's license from your home country it is also recommended to carry your passport or at least a copy of it. It is not recommended not carrying your license you'll probably get in too deep sh*t depending what country you are in. Some countries hold international driver's permit or license whatever you like to call it like gold example I'm in Japan for a month currently and they need an international driver's license. When I was in Thailand last month they didn't care can gave my the motorcycle. It always recommended to have all your papers in order to even if you are not held to the normal standards.
Mr Enternational
02-19-18, 18:02
When I was in Thailand last month they didn't care can gave my the motorcycle.They will rent you the bike with no problem, but if the police stop you then you will get a ticket if you do not have the proper documents. Another board member who is a friend of mine was over here in Pattaya a few months ago. The cops pulled him over and gave him a ticket. He had an international license, but did not have the motorcycle endorsement.
EBoardbuilder
02-20-18, 01:09
They will rent you the bike with no problem, but if the police stop you then you will get a ticket if you do not have the proper documents. Another board member who is a friend of mine was over here in Pattaya a few months ago. The cops pulled him over and gave him a ticket. He had an international license, but did not have the motorcycle endorsement."It always recommended to have all your papers in order to even if you are not held to the normal standards. " That means from the people renting it to the police to any federal police etc. If you don't have a motorcycle endorsement or an A type of license you not legally allowed to ride in your country and I think, please do not quote me but it translates to their country. So not terribly shocking that he got a ticket if he doesn't have a motorcycle endorsement or the proper papers on him. Thailand's and extremely dangerous place to learn how to ride even if you're riding a scooter with an automatic clutch he should be pretty happy he survived riding over there. I have 10 years experience riding a motorcycle in even over there it was a little bit challenging.
"It always recommended to have all your papers in order to even if you are not held to the normal standards. " That means from the people renting it to the police to any federal police etc. If you don't have a motorcycle endorsement or an A type of license you not legally allowed to ride in your country and I think, please do not quote me but it translates to their country. So not terribly shocking that he got a ticket if he doesn't have a motorcycle endorsement or the proper papers on him. Thailand's and extremely dangerous place to learn how to ride even if you're riding a scooter with an automatic clutch he should be pretty happy he survived riding over there. I have 10 years experience riding a motorcycle in even over there it was a little bit challenging.An Australian woman was hit with $50,000 of medical bills in Thailand after she was involved in an accident. Her insurer refused to pay due to her not having a motorcycle licence.
BrainDrain
02-20-18, 20:25
Make sure you have a Pinay Permit for fucking the sweet young things as well. Don't want to get a violation for being a sex tourist either.
BD.
Member #4566
02-21-18, 16:06
Battle of Dien Bien Phu began on 13 March 1954 and ended on 7 May 1954, 64 years ago, making anyone living in Saigon then over 80 years of age.You need some math help. Yeah, I remember the disheartened French soldiers marching past my house on what was then La Rue de Massige. So let's not have a pissin' contest about who knows what about Saigon, Vietnam.
So I been on this site for years and have done my traveling all over. Last year I did the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and Colombia (which I do at least two to three times a year). So I have a friend who is having a rough time. Found out his girl was cheating on him a month before their wedding and has been lost over since. It will be three years this year since he has even had sex with a girl. He is my best friends and knows about all the stuff I do when I go out of country, I even show him my videos and pictures.
So he just told me today he want's to go out of country for new years eve and experience life like me. So I am looking to take him between Thailand and the Philippines. This is the plan, if it's the Philippines that we choose the plan would be to get there on Dec 26th. Hit the spots in there and AC for the first few days, find a few girls that we want to party with on New Years Eve. Then the day after maybe take those girls and go hit a island somewhere at a villa. For the rest of the trip.
I have a good list of girls from when I was there last year who are already asking to see me. But I don't know what islands are good to go to. Or if this is a good plan to take a first timer on. Any help from members would be amazing. All the things I have learned from this site has helped me over my last 9 years of doing this.
Engine Driver
02-22-18, 08:46
So I been on this site for years and have done my traveling all over. Last year I did the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and Colombia (which I do at least two to three times a year). So I have a friend who is having a rough time. Found out his girl was cheating on him a month before their wedding and has been lost over since. It will be three years this year since he has even had sex with a girl. He is my best friends and knows about all the stuff I do when I go out of country, I even show him my videos and pictures.
So he just told me today he want's to go out of country for new years eve and experience life like me. So I am looking to take him between Thailand and the Philippines. This is the plan, if it's the Philippines that we choose the plan would be to get there on Dec 26th. Hit the spots in there and AC for the first few days, find a few girls that we want to party with on New Years Eve. Then the day after maybe take those girls and go hit a island somewhere at a villa. For the rest of the trip.
I have a good list of girls from when I was there last year who are already asking to see me. But I don't know what islands are good to go to. Or if this is a good plan to take a first timer on. Any help from members would be amazing. All the things I have learned from this site has helped me over my last 9 years of doing this.The Philippines is a catholic country and many of the bar girls go home to their provinces to be with their families for Christmas. Not saying you can't have a good time in AC at that time, but just something to consider.
Thailand might be better option at Christmas time and the girls are prettier, if less affectionate than filipinas.
Not sure where you are from, but DR and Colombia appears lot closer to you and cheaper. And if you have been there before multiple times and other places, you know the ropes already. Less of an adventure and not a steep a learning curve.
As mentioned, many will go home during Christmas in the Philippines.
And, you appear to have a lot of questions and light on the field reports and details, FWIW.
Last year I did the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and Colombia (which I do at least two to three times a year).
So I am looking to take him between Thailand and the Philippines. This is the plan, if it's the Philippines that we choose the plan would be to get there on Dec 26th. Hit the spots in there and AC for the first few days, find a few girls that we want to party with on New Years Eve. Then the day after maybe take those girls and go hit a island somewhere at a villa. For the rest of the trip.
As mentioned, many will go home during Christmas in the Philippines.
The Philippines is a catholic country and many of the bar girls go home to their provinces to be with their families for Christmas. Not saying you can't have a good time in AC at that time, but just something to consider. I realize the OP was discussing Christmas in the Philippines and he received good advice (see above), but FWIW Christmas is 10 months away so it's more important for other tourists to be concerned about the up-coming Easter aka Holy Week in the Philippines, particularly in the big cities.
My experience is that filipinos treat Holy Week (as it is called here) with far more religious seriousness than Christmas.
You can expect everything to gradually start shutting down from Monday onwards. Most businesses will have skeleton staff on Wednesday; everyone skedaddles to the probins on Thursday and Friday most cities are ghost towns. The airports are clogged during Holy Week and for the first 2 days of the following week after Easter Sunday.
Anyone planning a vacation in Philippines at that time should be warned, and reconsider.
Anyone planning a vacation in Philippines at that time should be warned, and reconsider.Thanks for the heads-up, I forgot all about Holy Week and will plan next month's visit accordingly.
Anyone have any luck getting numbers from Starbucks baristas and so on?
I recommend you print up some of your own cards and then slip one to the object of your attraction. It's worked well for me in the past.
Anyone have any luck getting numbers from Starbucks baristas and so on?
Mr Enternational
02-27-18, 03:44
Anyone have any luck getting numbers from Starbucks baristas and so on?Women are women and people too. Why would you need luck getting their numbers based on their jobs? You act like chicks working at Starbucks are movie stars or something.
Member #4566
02-27-18, 04:26
My experience is that filipinos treat Holy Week (as it is called here) with far more religious seriousness than Christmas. Anyone planning a vacation in Philippines at that time should be warned, and reconsider.Many times during Holy Week have I witnessed a young Filipino carrying a heavy cross emulating Jesus, mile after mile flagellating himself with a metal chain such that his back was raw and bloody. When he reached his destination he would be nailed to the cross and crucified though this I have never seen; only heard about.
Hi there,
I'm wondering and would like to ask you guys. I support several girls a bit. Small money make them already happy. Have a student now (20 yo) who I also support a bit. Met her already and know her for some months now. She isn't fake but she is of course happy to get a bit support from me.
My question now. How much do such a student need or have normally from her parents? She lives in a dead-end City (Bislig City which is 5th income class). She not really ask for big money but I'm just wondering what you guys are thinking about it or what experiences you got already?
Thanks for any reply.
Anyone have any luck getting numbers from Starbucks baristas and so on?Such a strategy as described by XMan (such as handing out your card or contact details) may have worked in the past but it is risky these days if you are not extremely careful about who you target.
You need to have some interaction of a positive nature from any girl / woman before you indiscriminately hand out your details just because you like the look of someone. Many women today are much more savvy about harassment and it could backfire on you.
I know 2 examples: one in SM Manila where a girl reported a guy to security who tried this on and the security guy merely told him to stop doing it so it was not a big deal. A more serious example occurred in Ayala Mall in Cebu 4 or 5 years ago where the target girl told her parents about this creepy guy who had chatted her up in the mall and shared his card, and they reported him to the police who set up a sting using his number to teach him a lesson (and no doubt gather some additional remuneration).
In theory it sounds good but you need to use your common sense and good judgement. As has been said many times here before by me and others, a very large percentage of the 50 million filipinas living here (including baristas) would be highly insulted by such a stunt if it came out of the blue.
Engine Driver
02-27-18, 14:14
Such a strategy as described by XMan (such as handing out your card or contact details) may have worked in the past but it is risky these days if you are not extremely careful about who you target.
You need to have some interaction of a positive nature from any girl / woman before you indiscriminately hand out your details just because you like the look of someone. Many women today are much more savvy about harassment and it could backfire on you.
I know 2 examples: one in SM Manila where a girl reported a guy to security who tried this on and the security guy merely told him to stop doing it so it was not a big deal. A more serious example occurred in Ayala Mall in Cebu 4 or 5 years ago where the target girl told her parents about this creepy guy who had chatted her up in the mall and shared his card, and they reported him to the police who set up a sting using his number to teach him a lesson (and no doubt gather some additional remuneration).
In theory it sounds good but you need to use your common sense and good judgement. As has been said many times here before by me and others, a very large percentage of the 50 million filipinas living here (including baristas) would be highly insulted by such a stunt if it came out of the blue.RK, you, GE and Mr E are the voices of reason. The problem is that the one week millionaires on a mongering trip start to confuse reality with fantasy. After banging 20 chicks in a week, and having never come into contact with people not in the business, all Filipinas start to look like prostitutes.
Hi there,
I'm wondering and would like to ask you guys. I support several girls a bit. Small money make them already happy. Have a student now (20 yo) who I also support a bit. Met her already and know her for some months now. She isn't fake but she is of course happy to get a bit support from me.
My question now. How much do such a student need or have normally from her parents? She lives in a dead-end City (Bislig City which is 5th income class). She not really ask for big money but I'm just wondering what you guys are thinking about it or what experiences you got already?
Thanks for any reply.I can't directly answer your questions.
Most family unit will need 12-20 k a month to survive. It takes 3 or more family members working to pay the bills and to buy food. It is a crock when people say a family can survive on minimum wages of 8 k a month. In a poor area most workers will not make minimum wages, some will be paid 100-150 pesos a day.
Add on tuition, daily transportation to and from school, books, uniforms, lunch and any other costs to the monthly budget. In some cases there might be a loss of income if she quits her job to go to school.
I known of a few girls who would commute from Tarlac to work in Angeles everyday. Their daily salary was around 300 pesos but to and from transport was 200 a day. They netted 100 pesos a day! In my questioning of the logic in this, they all replied that the 100 pesos a day made a huge difference for the family.
Possibly ask her what is the cost of the family budget to get an idea.
Btw, what is big money? To some here it is $100!
Chocha Monger
02-27-18, 22:26
Hi there,
I'm wondering and would like to ask you guys. I support several girls a bit. Small money make them already happy. Have a student now (20 yo) who I also support a bit. Met her already and know her for some months now. She isn't fake but she is of course happy to get a bit support from me.
My question now. How much do such a student need or have normally from her parents? She lives in a dead-end City (Bislig City which is 5th income class). She not really ask for big money but I'm just wondering what you guys are thinking about it or what experiences you got already?
Thanks for any reply.Normally, such a student gets no allowance from her parents. Any amount of money you give her will not be enough, and it will increase weekly, fortnightly, monthly or however often. Why? Once her friends and family discover that she has a foreign cash cow with free "unlimited" money, they will advise her to grow her income with requests for a bit more each time. Not long after, she will need additional cash injections from your accounts for this and that emergency. You will be amazed at how accident prone and unhealthy she and her family will become once you open the free cash pipeline.
The best policy is to give her nothing when you are not physically spending time with her. Almost everyone in this country is a foreign cash remittance addict. This addiction is worse than the methamphetamine addiction epidemic that death squads are working feverishly every night to snuff out. The girl is not asking for big money, so do not give it to her.
Spare her the unhealthy addiction to free money from abroad, as she is likely to drop out of school once she decides that an education is not necessary for a well-paid career as an internet girlfriend to several charitable old foreigners. In the end, your money will ruin her by setting her on a path to dependence on charitable mongers.
If you really want to help her, pay the tuition directly to the school. That will more likely to create an incentive for her to continue her studies. Any money you send directly to her will likely end up paying for a room in a short-time hotel and a couple of liters of Red Horse for the trike driver boyfriend who can finally impregnate her thanks to your generous financial support.
Wicked Roger
02-28-18, 04:07
If you really want to help her, pay the tuition directly to the school. That will more likely to create an incentive for her to continue her studies. Any money you send directly to her will likely end up paying for a room in a short-time hotel and a couple of liters of Red Horse for the trike driver boyfriend who can finally impregnate her thanks to your generous financial support.I agree with CM Sid and paid my ladies fees direct to the school and saw the 'assessment' to show me how much is owed and what for. I emailed the Registrar also so all was clear and no disputes over the amount.
As for 'allowance'? Up to you but PM or use other applications and I can give you some idea but should not be much and also tie the support to grade performance (not bed performance LOL) as this means they generally do well. Friends have done this and the girl does well, is focused and got good grades.
I thought the target was a gal employed at Starbucks. Nevertheless, point taken. As for the creepy guy, don't be creepy.
Such a strategy as described by XMan (such as handing out your card or contact details) may have worked in the past but it is risky these days if you are not extremely careful about who you target.
You need to have some interaction of a positive nature from any girl / woman before you indiscriminately hand out your details just because you like the look of someone. Many women today are much more savvy about harassment and it could backfire on you.
I know 2 examples: one in SM Manila where a girl reported a guy to security who tried this on and the security guy merely told him to stop doing it so it was not a big deal. A more serious example occurred in Ayala Mall in Cebu 4 or 5 years ago where the target girl told her parents about this creepy guy who had chatted her up in the mall and shared his card, and they reported him to the police who set up a sting using his number to teach him a lesson (and no doubt gather some additional remuneration).
In theory it sounds good but you need to use your common sense and good judgement. As has been said many times here before by me and others, a very large percentage of the 50 million filipinas living here (including baristas) would be highly insulted by such a stunt if it came out of the blue.
Transporter
02-28-18, 11:57
Normally, such a student gets no allowance from her parents. Any amount of money you give her will not be enough, and it will increase weekly, fortnightly, monthly or however often. Why? Once her friends and family discover that she has a foreign cash cow with free "unlimited" money, they will advise her to grow her income with requests for a bit more each time. Not long after, she will need additional cash injections from your accounts for this and that emergency. You will be amazed at how accident prone and unhealthy she and her family will become once you open the free cash pipeline.
The best policy is to give her nothing when you are not physically spending time with her. Almost everyone in this country is a foreign cash remittance addict. This addiction is worse than the methamphetamine addiction epidemic that death squads are working feverishly every night to snuff out. The girl is not asking for big money, so do not give it to her.
Spare her the unhealthy addiction to free money from abroad, as she is likely to drop out of school once she decides that an education is not necessary for a well-paid career as an internet girlfriend to several charitable old foreigners. In the end, your money will ruin her by setting her on a path to dependence on charitable mongers.
If you really want to help her, pay the tuition directly to the school. That will more likely to create an incentive for her to continue her studies. Any money you send directly to her will likely end up paying for a room in a short-time hotel and a couple of liters of Red Horse for the trike driver boyfriend who can finally impregnate her thanks to your generous financial support.So So spot on, too bad the only way to learn this is to go ahead and drag yourself through it.
Transporter
02-28-18, 12:05
Chances are you will not head the advise given so to answer your question about 15,000 pesos monthly is what the starter support is at for someone gifted enough to be sponsored.
Some parameters.
Low education or non career job make 150-300 pesos per day.
College graduate starter (girl like BPO or call center) depends on location outskirts city 9000 per month same job say makati 21000 per month so depends where she lives.
Has anyone noticed a significant uptick in the availability and quality of deep-thoating locally? Full reports to follow but every encounter I've had since arriving in Cebu has included deep-thoating. And not just the suck a bit, gag a bit variety but often full face fucking.
Am I just on a lucky streak or this become the new standard practice in the Philippines?
You really come up with some great stuff. You ought to write a book.
SNIP
Any money you send directly to her will likely end up paying for a room in a short-time hotel and a couple of liters of Red Horse for the trike driver boyfriend who can finally impregnate her thanks to your generous financial support.
Engine Driver
03-13-18, 10:39
Has anyone noticed a significant uptick in the availability and quality of deep-thoating locally? Full reports to follow but every encounter I've had since arriving in Cebu has included deep-thoating. And not just the suck a bit, gag a bit variety but often full face fucking.
Am I just on a lucky streak or this become the new standard practice in the Philippines?Nope. I haven't seen it. Maybe the Pinays you've been banging have been watching too much porn!
Nope. I haven't seen it. Maybe the Pinays you've been banging have been watching too much porn!Maybe I need to stop hanging around dirty women and get back to the good side of town.
Then again, maybe not. . . .
Chocha Monger
03-15-18, 03:03
So So spot on, too bad the only way to learn this is to go ahead and drag yourself through it.The sad part is sometimes you drag yourself through it but the educational value is nil because the mistake you were supposed to learn from turned out to be fatal.
https://nltimes.nl/2016/06/30/dutchman-gunned-philippine-island
Mogwai. IMHO, some of the generalizations apply to most women I know. For example
- It is true that the Filipinas are always insisting on the foreign boyfriend or husband being honest and loyal, while they themselves are untrustworthy cheaters and liars.
Populist politicians are doing the same thing and maybe that's why I don't like him because I hate populism.The reason that especially US women are not animalistic is because they think their pussy is not golden but made of diamonds.
Mogwai. IMHO, some of the generalizations apply to most women I know. For example
The reason that especially US women are not animalistic is because they think their pussy is not golden but made of diamonds.Well at least you say 'most women' and not 'all women'.
I cannot judge US women because I'm not American and I've never been to the US, but are there really no normal nice women to be found there without an attitude? I think that's hard to believe.
Mr Enternational
03-16-18, 11:30
Well at least you say 'most women' and not 'all women'.
I cannot judge US women because I'm not American and I've never been to the US, but are there really no normal nice women to be found there without an attitude? I think that's hard to believe.And to add to that, most guys on this board say that all the American women are ugly, overweight, etc. Funny thing that when I go to places like Colombia, Brazil, Philippines, the women in those countries talk about how beautiful American women are. Same when guys say if you get divorced she is going to take everything from you. Well I got divorced and didn't have a lawyer. My wife had a lawyer and I still ended up getting almost everything. So my experience is different from that of most here. There are plenty of normal nice women to be found in the USA, but maybe they are out of some guys' league or either they are intimidated by them.
A buddy of mine was in Thailand last week and he said you know man, the chicks here are just like the chicks back home. I said of course they are. But most guys have not been in contact with the bullshit put out by women in other countries long so they are able to deal with it more for the time being. The bullshit from the chicks back home they have dealt with all their lives and are fed up with it. But stick around any place long enough and you will realize that the chicks in one place are the same as the chicks back home. You just have comparably more money here which makes it easier to switch from girl to girl and tolerate the BS more.
WestCoast1
03-16-18, 15:05
I cannot judge US women because I'm not American and I've never been to the US, but are there really no normal nice women to be found there without an attitude? You mean in my 19-25 year-old cutie preferred group who are willing to bang me on first sight after coffee just to try and make a baby with my eyes? Not so much. Ladies in the US who are outside that age range can be nice (there are plenty), but several things begin to happen:
1) Weight gain.
2) Sense of entitlement.
For these reasons, there are large groups of women (the majority in any country) that I am *completely* uninterested in. RK and others here have written that the larger part of pinay society (a group I am *completely* uninterested in) does not share in some of the rotten qualities of our targeted ladies in phils. While this might be statistically correct (hope to address that in detail later), it leaves large numbers of those ladies who have those qualities to make me a "target-rich environment".
Mogs your thought is well-intended. Of course there are plenty of nice ladies in the US (and elsewhere). However regardless of their temperament, there are few (read: almost none) who are my age, attractive (just look thru the dating websites here for ladies who are 40+, and good luck finding a looker -- she doesn't need a dating website), single, and not snotty. Attractive single women don't stay attractive as they age (very few), and those that stay attractive begin quickly to understand her commodity: she's in huge demand, and the sense of entitlement comes with that.
Soapy Smith
03-16-18, 19:49
Funny thing that when I go to places like Colombia, Brazil, Philippines, the women in those countries talk about how beautiful American women are Perhaps because their exposure is to Hollywood movies (women chosen for their looks and then heavily made-up) and photo-brushed fashion and glamour magazine covers. Women are no less immune from the stereotype of light-skinned beauty than are men. Interesting that some of us, after experiences in the Third World, end up turning that stereotype on its head.
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