Hi,
I am headed to Manila and would love to have a wingman for Sunday 13 April evening.
I am armed with printout from the forum to guide me. Would love to hang out with a veteran to learn the ropes.
Respond here or send me a PM.
thanks,
-JM
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Hi,
I am headed to Manila and would love to have a wingman for Sunday 13 April evening.
I am armed with printout from the forum to guide me. Would love to hang out with a veteran to learn the ropes.
Respond here or send me a PM.
thanks,
-JM
Hi Guys,
WL's & Taxi's
Speaking as an expat who used to live in Manila & still visits frequently from elsewhere n the Phils I would advise if you're a tourist and going to be spending a significant amount of time on LA Cafe I would suggest avoid the whole taxi thing & get a hotel within walking distance. Yes I know all *****s world wide are born lame but thats their problem. There are _plenty_ of nice hotels nearby.
Emrita/Malate is pretty low rent. If you have your wits about you & a clear head its safe enough but don't walk long distances at night, ever.
It has been known for the cops to stand right outside the front door LA Cafe & accost guys leaving with chicks. You can try to bluff your way out of it but i suggest you don't try getting cute with the cops, they hold all the aces. If caught in a compromising situation like this, keep your mouth shut, smile & hope your girl will stick up for you / be quick on her feet with an explanation. Name dropping helps, sometimes when experiencing a 'problem' I mentioned that maybe I should ring my friend 'Judge L***' or somebody but if you're just in town for a short time as a tourist how likely is it that you're gonna remember a name under pressure?
I strongly recommend that you DO NOT carry important documents like passport around with you. Its probably better to pay a small amount with an apology for the 'misunderstanding' n your part than get dragged into a cell & face really big cost's. Better to avoid in the first place. Check the exit before your leave or arrange to leave separately & meet up. frankly I cant be bothered with all this but those with a lot of time on their hands must think its ok hang out in FL bars like this.. If you are gonna try different areas maybe move to a hotel near to EDSA bars spend time there & then move to a hotel near to Burgos & sample the delights there next. Nothing beats having a hotel within walking distance of a mongering area.
Driving in Manila
The only times my vehicle has been stopped was for a 'legitimate' offense by my driver. In this case I let the driver sort it out with the goons & stay out of it. For reasons of prestige my pinay wife insisted on owning a luxury car here which sat in a garage most of the time here except when we asked one of our staff to drive us to a nice restaurant or some important meeting. Its much easier to grab a cab. They (usually) are nice & very helpful.
Why any expat would bother self driving in Manila is completely beyond me. Traffic is horrendous & parking is practically non existent. A collision will require you to be fully insured & ready to stand your ground if its not your fault. Either way you will be in for significant delays as you get dragged back to the police station to wait for your insurance coverage to come to your rescue.
Taxi fares
I keep reading about these guys insisting on using the taxi meter.. It's like some crusade or something.. Guy's, you're in asia now, land of the haggling price, nobody uses the meter's here! You hail a cab stick your head in the door & tell them where you wish to go, sometimes they say 'no' which is fine, step back & hail another. Usually you get a 'ok', next you ask how much? If you know where you are going & have an even rough idea of the fare you will get a figure from them in the ball park. If not you can haggle a little usually with success or say 'no thanks' step back & hail another.
This is all done at the kerb side before you get in. Once in the cab its a good idea to chat the cabbie up a little. You find the majority are decent family men who will appreciate your kindness in chatting to them. In this cuture silence is very uncomfortable, people here feel much more comfortable to smile & chatter.
As an expat its easy to tell them enough so that they quickly know 'Hindi turista ako' (Im not a tourist). But even if you're a tourist being friendly & engaging goes a long way in this society. they get enough shit from snooty upper class pinoys. Often when I get to a destination I ask how much & get 'S'up to you'. I have an idea of the fare dont short change them, they have family's to feed.. So before you leave on journey ask somebody even hotel staff, how much should a cab fare be from a to b. You will quickly get the hang of it. Lastly remember, the fares are peanuts in our currency, don't ruin your day over a lousy couple of bucks.
Happy mongering
AV
[QUOTE=Amavida]Taxi fares
I keep reading about these guys insisting on using the taxi meter.. It's like some crusade or something.. Guy's, you're in asia now, land of the haggling price, nobody uses the meter's here! You hail a cab stick your head in the door & tell them where you wish to go, sometimes they say 'no' which is fine, step back & hail another. Usually you get a 'ok', next you ask how much? If you know where you are going & have an even rough idea of the fare you will get a figure from them in the ball park. If not you can haggle a little usually with success or say 'no thanks' step back & hail another.
This is all done at the kerb side before you get in. Once in the cab its a good idea to chat the cabbie up a little. You find the majority are decent family men who will appreciate your kindness in chatting to them. In this cuture silence is very uncomfortable, people here feel much more comfortable to smile & chatter.
As an expat its easy to tell them enough so that they quickly know 'Hindi turista ako' (Im not a tourist). But even if you're a tourist being friendly & engaging goes a long way in this society. they get enough shit from snooty upper class pinoys. Often when I get to a destination I ask how much & get 'S'up to you'. I have an idea of the fare dont short change them, they have family's to feed.. So before you leave on journey ask somebody even hotel staff, how much should a cab fare be from a to b. You will quickly get the hang of it. Lastly remember, the fares are peanuts in our currency, don't ruin your day over a lousy couple of bucks.[/QUOTE]AV,
I think you underestimate how much more you know about what's what and what's where in Manila as compared to average mongers, and you overestimate how much individual hotel staff members know about where things are and how much they should cost. Taxi meters appear to run on some combination of mileage and time. This makes it very difficult to estimate what the fare ought to be, not only because many mongers don't know how far it is from point a to point z, but they also have no idea whether heavy traffic is going to bring the cab to a standstill at particular times in the day and particular parts of the metro area.
I found that after a few months navigating about I knew more about getting around in some areas of metro Manila than did locals who have lived here all their lives. I happen to have a very good sense of direction, attention to detail, and a good Citiatlas map. But most Filipinos don't own cars. You know that as well as anybody. Their only experience in cars is when they occasionally ride in a taxi or an employer-owned car. So some hotel employees will tell you what a ride ought to cost and may occasionally be right. Others will tell you a price that's inaccurate because they don't know but want to please by giving some sort of answer.
Your experience, wisdom, and confidence in getting around in PI is commendable, but it doesn't transfer very well to newbie or occasional visitors. Taxi meters are useful for newbies. You've accused me of stinginess in the past; I don't need the sensation of you pissing in my pocket to know what's going on.
Skip
[QUOTE=Amavida] As an expat its easy to tell them enough so that they quickly know 'Hindi turista ako' (Im not a tourist). But even if you're a tourist being friendly & engaging goes a long way in this society. they get enough shit from snooty upper class pinoys. Often when I get to a destination I ask how much & get 'S'up to you'. I have an idea of the fare dont short change them, they have family's to feed.. So before you leave on journey ask somebody even hotel staff, how much should a cab fare be from a to b. You will quickly get the hang of it. Lastly remember, the fares are peanuts in our currency, don't ruin your day over a lousy couple of bucks.
Happy mongering
AV[/QUOTE]Good advice Amavida, I think that Manila taxi drivers are unfairly demonised and those assholes who sit outside bars etc probably deserve it but the average working joe taxi driver is, like you say, just trying to earn a crust and is basically honest and decent. They work incredibly long hour, something like 16-18 hour days and earn peanuts so don't be mean with your tips guys.
One thing that amuses me with taxi drivers is that you can 99% guarantee that the first words out of their mouths after you tell them your destination will be "Oooh traffic". Guaranteed every time. They will use their meters (it is after all the law, hahaha) but they will normally ask for 100-150 pesos over the meter price so it sometimes better to prearrange a fare before you get in.
Also remember that their knowledge of Manila is somewhat rudimentary at best (their is no 'knowledge' tests here) so it helps if you have some idea of how to get where your going, just in case your driver gets lost! Don't laugh, it happens a lot. I love driving in Manila, its a real adrenalin rush and you need eyes in the side as well as the back of your head. Indicators. What the fuck are they for. Hazard lights. Great at New Year or when your feeling happy. Carve me up. Please do. I love it. I'll do it to you first chance I get. And remember your horn is for getting the attention of that cute chick on the corner or any other reason except alerting other roadusers of your presence. Remember these simple rules and you'll have a ball. Oh I forgot, overtaking on tight bends is mandatory and all motorcycle riders are on a kamikaze mission.
I keep reading these posts and trying to relate to them, but I cannot. I've lived here now for five years and I get to Manila from Davao about twice a month on average. I've probably been to LA 100 times, and never once have I experienced any of the shake down hassles related by people herein. I've asked my expat friends, many of whom live in Manila (some for upwards of 20 years) and they've never experienced these hassles either. Maybe it's just good karma, or maybe we all just have the common sense to avoid confrontation. Whatever the case, I look at this whole debate as a massive over reaction to an unlikely occurance. My advice? Do not get up tight before the fact. If, by chance, you do get stopped, keep cool and do not get worried.
As to the taxis, I've not had much of a problem there either and I've taken hundreds of taxis in Manila. If one guy refuses to use the meter, as sometimes happens, and if this worries you, then get out of the taxi and get another. If the driver says "Up to you," then pay what you think is fair and don't back down.
Most Filipinos are pleasant people and they're not out to bust your balls. Lay back and enjoy what the country has to offer and don't come here assuming that everyone is out to rip you off.
GE
Hi,
So I got a profile on friendster and started to make friends. Two gave me their phone #'s even before me asking them and said they wanted to meet.
Is this for real? What are the chances of getting into their panties?
-JM (Manila Newbie)
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]One thing that amuses me with taxi drivers is that you can 99% guarantee that the first words out of their mouths after you tell them your destination will be "Oooh traffic". Guaranteed every time.[/QUOTE]Hehehe :) You're so right! To be fair many drivers will discuss with you the route to avoid traffic snarls & try honesty to achieve it.
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]They will use their meters (it is after all the law, hahaha) but they will normally ask for 100-150 pesos over the meter price so it sometimes better to prearrange a fare before you get in.[/QUOTE]
Exactly so. This is how locals go about it, they haggle the fare before the journey. The fare is always more than the meter. Getting into punch ups over a few bucks is crazy IMHO but to each his own....
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Also remember that their knowledge of Manila is somewhat rudimentary at best (their is no 'knowledge' tests here) so it helps if you have some idea of how to get where your going, just in case your driver gets lost! Don't laugh, it happens a lot.[/QUOTE]
Yep Skip Post made a great point about having a Citiatlas on hand. Invaluable!
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]I love driving in Manila, its a real adrenalin rush and you need eyes in the side as well as the back of your head. Indicators. What the fuck are they for. Hazard lights. Great at New Year or when your feeling happy. Carve me up. Please do. I love it. I'll do it to you first chance I get. And remember your horn is for getting the attention of that cute chick on the corner or any other reason except alerting other roadusers of your presence. Remember these simple rules and you'll have a ball. Oh I forgot, overtaking on tight bends is mandatory and all motorcycle riders are on a kamikaze mission.[/QUOTE]
Remind me never to hitch a ride with you in Manila! hehehehe :)
AV
[QUOTE=JoseMarti]I got a profile on friendster and started to make friends. Two gave me their phone #'s even before me asking them and said they wanted to meet. Is this for real? What are the chances of getting into their panties? -JM (Manila Newbie)[/QUOTE]
Im my experience, YES its for real BUT you have a choice to be REALLY upfront about your carnal intentions before meeting them at the risk of burning a prospect or you can go along with the dating scenario & charm your way into their pants. if you're gonna play coy & go with the dating scenario then how you conduct yourself when you meet them will be the make or break.
AV
[QUOTE=Skip Kost]Taxi meters appear to run on some combination of mileage and time. This makes it very difficult to estimate what the fare ought to be, not only because many mongers don't know how far it is from point a to point z, but they also have no idea whether heavy traffic is going to bring the cab to a standstill at particular times in the day and particular parts of the metro area.
Skip[/QUOTE]
Exactly, the same journey will never be the same exact price from one cab to the next, so why get all up tight about exact taxi fares?
Cheers
AV
While we are on the topic of taxis, I would agree that I never had any problem with any of the cab rides I took in Manila. I must have taken a hundred cab rides. Occasionally the cabbie would "forget" to turn on the meter but would always do so when reminded. If a cabbie was reluctant to go somewhere because traffic, too far, etc, we would just offer to pay 100 or 200 P above the meter, no problem. Or just grab a different cab. Cabs are cheap and convenient, they are definitely the way to go in Manila.
The only problem I would have is that in some of the cabs, the AC would not work. They would claim it works and crank the fan, but it had the effect of a hairdryer on high. So if heat ain't your thing, check the coolness of the interior before hopping in.
Sadly, my GF got scammed at the airport. We took a cab from Makati to the airport, cheap, only 200 pesos or less. We had our tearful good-bye. Some female tout in front of the terminal convinces her to get in her “airport taxi” for the ride back, which was just a private car. They give her a ride back to Makati and demand 1500 P!!! F#$K! She had no choice but to pay because her bag was in the trunk. I was surprised and saddened that she would get ripped off in this way. I had read in Lonely Planet to stay away from these touts, but even locals can get scammed.
Anyway, the regular cabs seem OK. The doorman at the good hotels will tell the cabbie where you are going and give you a slip of paper with the cab’s number on it in case of problems.
Regular cabs are not allowed in front of the airport terminal except to drop off passengers, so your best bet on arrival is the “coupon taxi”. Just find the office just to the left as you exit NAIA 2 terminal. You tell them your destination, they give you a paper which tells you how much it will cost, and you head to the airport taxis, you pay the cabbie on drop-off the pre-fixed cost, which as i recall is about 350 P or so to Makati/Manila.
Ignore the touts trying to sell you a ride in front of the terminal! Do not get into a private car!
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With regards to taxi fares, watch the driver when he starts the meter after you get in. Most of them are honest and will only hit the start button once which at that time was a p35 minimum. A couple of them thought I wasnt looking and hit it twice which started the meter at double rate of p70. I called them out on it and left the cab. I normally tip an honest one p100 so it wasnt as much a money issue with me as it was a matter of principle.
The most unappealing aspect of visiting Manila, I do so about every six months, is the cab drivers.
Maybe I have just had bad luck over the years but they seem to make it a challenge to get from one place to another. I actually plan my visits around avoiding/minimizing the use of cabs.
Last week I arrived a the airport with two large bags. I struggled mightily to put the bags in the cab - the driver never left his seat. As soon as I sat down he asked me how much of a tip I was going to give him. I politely explained a tip is given for good service and “as you did not even get up to help me with my bags none.”
The next day I had to hail five cabs before I could get one that would use the meter.
In front of the LA Café they wanted 300-400p for a 75p trip.
The day I was leaving the cabbie ran out of gas about 2 klicks from the airport. Can you imagine, a cab driver running out of gas. I told him he should consider another profession.
Yes, I have experienced the occasional nice guy who is just making a living, however, my experience is they are far and few between.
Thank god I love to walk.
[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Good advice Amavida, I think that Manila taxi drivers are unfairly demonised and those assholes who sit outside bars etc probably deserve it but the average working joe taxi driver is, like you say, just trying to earn a crust and is basically honest and decent. They work incredibly long hour, something like 16-18 hour days and earn peanuts so don't be mean with your tips guys.
One thing that amuses me with taxi drivers is that you can 99% guarantee that the first words out of their mouths after you tell them your destination will be "Oooh traffic". Guaranteed every time. They will use their meters (it is after all the law, hahaha) but they will normally ask for 100-150 pesos over the meter price so it sometimes better to prearrange a fare before you get in.
Also remember that their knowledge of Manila is somewhat rudimentary at best (their is no 'knowledge' tests here) so it helps if you have some idea of how to get where your going, just in case your driver gets lost! Don't laugh, it happens a lot. I love driving in Manila, its a real adrenalin rush and you need eyes in the side as well as the back of your head. Indicators. What the fuck are they for. Hazard lights. Great at New Year or when your feeling happy. Carve me up. Please do. I love it. I'll do it to you first chance I get. And remember your horn is for getting the attention of that cute chick on the corner or any other reason except alerting other roadusers of your presence. Remember these simple rules and you'll have a ball. Oh I forgot, overtaking on tight bends is mandatory and all motorcycle riders are on a kamikaze mission.[/QUOTE]
[quote=billpsu]the most unappealing aspect of visiting manila, i do so about every six months, is the cab drivers.[/quote]hi bill,
the places where you quoted as examples of your bad experiences with manila taxi drivers are the very places that the very worst sharks congregate to bottom feed i. e the airport and venues such as la cafe. the vast majority of the taxi drivers you flag down on the street are relatively straight. of course they will try it on but if you are firm with them (remaining good humoured), i find they are easy to deal with.
i'm not on a mission to defend taxi drivers. they annoy me as much as others, particularly the way they hike their fares when its pissing down or when they hum and harr as to whether to take you or not, particularly if you live somewhere out of their normal comfort zone of operation, like i do. but its a buyers market and if i don't like their attitude, i tell them to move on, knowing theres another one right behind.
i sometimes, when i'm feeling adventurous or not in the mood to dicker with taxi drivers and travelling alone, use the air con fx share taxi's that are as ubiquitous as jeepneys. they can be a bit of a squeeze (they carry a max of 10 pax) but are a great way of getting up close and personal with local folk and its a good way of meeting normal girls. when you have her leg draped over yours and one of her tits almost in your hand its easy to extend the intimacy. and for reason of security, it seems that you get a higher ratio of females to males using fx's. but of course you have to know where you are going and are able to understand the, sometimes esoteric, route signs.
[QUOTE=Babyg]Hi,
I'm female 28 from Manila look friends.[/QUOTE]Hi Babe,
You sure are looking in the right place to meet many new 'friends'. Are you for real? How about posting a photo?
Best regards GH
[QUOTE=IgoforAsian]Sadly, my GF got scammed at the airport. We took a cab from Makati to the airport, cheap, only 200 pesos or less. We had our tearful good-bye. Some female tout in front of the terminal convinces her to get in her “airport taxi” for the ride back, which was just a private car. They give her a ride back to Makati and demand 1500 P!!! F#$K! She had no choice but to pay because her bag was in the trunk. I was surprised and saddened that she would get ripped off in this way. I had read in Lonely Planet to stay away from these touts, but even locals can get scammed.
Regular cabs are not allowed in front of the airport terminal except to drop off passengers, so your best bet on arrival is the “coupon taxi”. Just find the office just to the left as you exit NAIA 2 terminal. You tell them your destination, they give you a paper which tells you how much it will cost, and you head to the airport taxis, you pay the cabbie on drop-off the pre-fixed cost, which as i recall is about 350 P or so to Makati/Manila.
Ignore the touts trying to sell you a ride in front of the terminal! Do not get into a private car![/QUOTE]Hi Igor,
Sorry to hear about your gf being ripped off at the airport. It just illustrates the point that it is not only tourists and foreigners that get ripped off by these sharks.
Unfortunately there appears to be a taxi cartel in operation at the airport and IMHO it is a national disgrace that tourists arriving in the Philippines get such poor first impression of the country. It used to be the same at the old Don Muang airport in Bangkok until the goverment cleaned up their act. Even the coupon taxi's are ridiculously overpriced. An even crazier scheme is that they actual charge admission to the arrival area for relatives/friends wishing to meet arriving passengers. Is there any other airport in the world what does that? I know of none. Its only 50 pesos or so but that is a lot for the average Filipino.
The only way to beat the taxi mafia only works if you travel light. This is to walk down the ramp 200 metres towards Sucat Road. Once you are beyond the security gate you can pick up an empty cab leaving departures who is usually only too pleased to have a fare and will use their meter. But is it worth the effort to save 5 bucks? Probably only if your highly principled, a backpacker or a Yorkshireman (like me).