General Info

[WestCoast1]

Thanks for the intel WestCoast1. Traditionally I've stayed at hotels (whether in Palawan, Bohol, Manila, or Cebu), and have never had problems bringing anyone back. For my next trip (keeping fingers crossed the reopening is happening!) I was thinking about getting an Airbnb for more privacy to avoid the walk of shame at a hotel. Reading what you wrote is making me think it's better to just stick to a larger hotel as I'd hate to get blocked bringing anyone back.

Second question: I noticed a lot of people tend to go to a ST hotel for fun. I've never tried this as I've never had an issue staying at my regular hotel. Is there any particular reason why a number of you only use ST hotels? Is it for privacy, security? Just wondering so hopefully I can learn some new tricks. I guess I always feel more comfortable and cleaner being at my own hotel.

Thanks!

Simple: Hotels and airbnb / condos have stopped allowing multiple, serial guests. That all stopped in the first week of the pandemic. If you reserve an airbnb for 2 persons (yourself and 1 guest), you will probably have to provide for both of you (in advance) a copy of your eye dee and also some kind of health check (clear chest x-ray with doctor's note, or negative recent PCR test, before or upon arrival). This completely stops bringing in random girls you found on Tinder, the mall, or a bar, as there is little chance that she will have a current (and modern) eye dee, and there is little chance she will have a recent clear chest x-ray with her in her purse. Even if you register one of your girls (and only 1 is allowed on a 2-person rental), she can come / go as she pleases, but the other gals can't. Again, please check with your hotel or airbnb host in advance.

In a room full of blind people, a 1-eyed man is king. The ST hotel biz is booming (even among pinoy), and the ST hotel is now king.

Another re-iteration regarding eye dees. All of my regulars hadn't had a date during the entire pandemic. Later, when with me, they assumed that their old eye dee, which had always worked before, would still work. We got turned away at Sogos, VC's, and other less-desirable places because the girl produced non-valid eye dees. The hotel guards and clerks had been trained to make sure every guest had a valid government-issued eye dee. There are many government departments that issue eye dees, but they have all gone high-tech: Plastic cards, like your country's drivers license, or like a credit card, complete with magnetic stripe on the back and your girl's picture printed on the card itself. No more the old Phil Health card, that might have been hand-written on (a sure fake), and / or your girl's 1"x1" picture scotch-taped on the card (a sure fake). No more police clearance eye dee on a sheet of printer paper with the girl's picture on it (that's a legit police clearance, its just not a valid eye dee). I had to get eye dees for all my regulars. Postal eye dee is easiest, we did it online, and they offer 1-week or 1-day delivery to your home (to include the delivery price, all paid in cash to the delivery driver).

[Drbombay]

We are starting to see some form of confirmation of this opening on 10th of Feb, for example here https://parispe.dfa.gov.ph/.

And it is specified that french covid certificates are accepted, which is good too.

Regarding sim card from Phil, that's not a real issue, you just have to buy it on arrival, airport or anywhere else, that's what I do all the times I come there, then you can use local apps with a Phil number, no prob.

Isn't it amazing, just in time for Valentine's Day! I'm sure that the online game from all these apps will start to see a sudden decrease in fellas willing to give "gifts" to their "special someone" in the PI and other places and start to hold back cash for in person trips! I'm not going to lie, I'm doing just that same thing! Now it's time to see who's real and willing to put in a little face to face time in person or just another con artist who will not be able to play too many guys for easy money!

[Albert9989]

I did a search on Air France website for Paris-Manila.

I was laughing when I saw this result! Only the 1st flight.

I still have to find the way back. Hahahaha.

Hopefully, there are better prices elsewhere, but still 1000€ the whole round trip which is far above previous prices.

[Mr Hawaii]

Thanks for the intel WestCoast1. Traditionally I've stayed at hotels (whether in Palawan, Bohol, Manila, or Cebu), and have never had problems bringing anyone back. For my next trip (keeping fingers crossed the reopening is happening!) I was thinking about getting an Airbnb for more privacy to avoid the walk of shame at a hotel. Reading what you wrote is making me think it's better to just stick to a larger hotel as I'd hate to get blocked bringing anyone back.

Second question: I noticed a lot of people tend to go to a ST hotel for fun. I've never tried this as I've never had an issue staying at my regular hotel. Is there any particular reason why a number of you only use ST hotels? Is it for privacy, security? Just wondering so hopefully I can learn some new tricks. I guess I always feel more comfortable and cleaner being at my own hotel.

Thanks!

I never thought I would have the need to go to a short time hotel either. Then, one day, I was staying at a nice hotel in Makati, the girl I was with had to go to work, and I had to meet a girl at Mall of Asia. She wanted sex, and I did not have time to bring her back to my hotel in Makati and did not want her to be seen in the hotel, so I used the SOGO by the Heritage Hotel. The taxi driver knew what to do. So did the SOGO employees. You may also want a ST hotel if you are staying with one girl for a while in the same room. If you bring another girl back, girl #1 is guaranteed to find a single hair from the other girl. You can blame it on the housekeeper, but that is good for one time only. Happy Chinese New Year.

[SinfullyKorean]

We are starting to see some form of confirmation of this opening on 10th of Feb, for example here https://parispe.dfa.gov.ph/.

And it is specified that french covid certificates are accepted, which is good too.

Regarding sim card from Phil, that's not a real issue, you just have to buy it on arrival, airport or anywhere else, that's what I do all the times I come there, then you can use local apps with a Phil number, no prob.

Changing my travel plans from Thailand to Philippines. This is amazing news! Finally!!

[JohnIsFun]

We are starting to see some form of confirmation of this opening on 10th of Feb, for example here https://parispe.dfa.gov.ph/.

And it is specified that french covid certificates are accepted, which is good too.

Regarding sim card from Phil, that's not a real issue, you just have to buy it on arrival, airport or anywhere else, that's what I do all the times I come there, then you can use local apps with a Phil number, no prob.

You can buy SIM card locally at lot of places including the airport and many shops in the city. These are not expensive. What I found is the vendors selling at the airport will charge little extra. So only buy the sim card wit small credit that allows to get a Grab or taxi. You can top up in the city or online. You may there are more promotions online also.

[WestCoast1]

We are starting to see some form of confirmation of this opening on 10th of Feb, for example here https://parispe.dfa.gov.ph/.

That's the spirit! Mongers getting in the swing of things.

Its like old times. Making plans to meet far more girls than will be possible in a two week trip. Just caught up in the excitement. Juices beginning to flow again.

The fellas and the pinay are getting excited, and that's been my bailiwick (see pic). I expect at least one quality field report from every inbound BBB guy. Dr Westy is ready to turn over the reigns to the inbound foreign doctors. Let the vaxxing begin. . .

[RakSopheni]

Regarding sim card from Phil, that's not a real issue, you just have to buy it on arrival, airport or anywhere else, that's what I do all the times I come there, then you can use local apps with a Phil number, no prob.

Yeah, agreed. It's just a waste though because I use google fi which gets service in any country the minute you land and this would mean I need to bring a second unlocked phone just for that specific purpose. As you point out though, it might not be necessary for much longer.

[ThomasCasey]

More true words can not be spoken. BM is repeating what I said before, and it bears saying again: Do NOT trust what you read in airbnb descriptions of condo units. Few owners have bothered to update their description to tell you that the government has closed the ammenities (basketball court, pool, and gym). At times of different lockdown strictness, some residences will open one of those items, socially-distanced (example: only 1 family can use the pool at a time, to include no more than 4 persons in the water at once). The gym, if opened (I've noticed never at the same time as their pool), might allow no more than 3 or 4 persons inside. This usually last 2 or 3 weeks, then the residence closes everything again. Many residences have not opened any of their amenities during lockdown (so much cheaper to maintain a gym or pool that you don't have to maintain). None of this has stopped owners / hosts from continuing to advertise the lovely pool or gym at their place.

Same can be said for your guests. A general rule of thumb (during pandemic) is this: You can register (in advance) as many guests as the unit allows. If you are registering for 2 persons, then the host will want you to send your and your (1) guest's eye dee in advance. You (and guest) might be required to provide a health checkup from a doctor or a PCR negative result. If you are registering for 3 persons, you must send all of that (or show up with the 2 guests and everyone's health documents) in advance. This prevents you from bringing in girls serially, as we are used to pre-pandemic.

Thanks for the intel WestCoast1. Traditionally I've stayed at hotels (whether in Palawan, Bohol, Manila, or Cebu), and have never had problems bringing anyone back. For my next trip (keeping fingers crossed the reopening is happening!) I was thinking about getting an Airbnb for more privacy to avoid the walk of shame at a hotel. Reading what you wrote is making me think it's better to just stick to a larger hotel as I'd hate to get blocked bringing anyone back.

Second question: I noticed a lot of people tend to go to a ST hotel for fun. I've never tried this as I've never had an issue staying at my regular hotel. Is there any particular reason why a number of you only use ST hotels? Is it for privacy, security? Just wondering so hopefully I can learn some new tricks. I guess I always feel more comfortable and cleaner being at my own hotel.

Thanks!

[Albert9989]

We are starting to see some form of confirmation of this opening on 10th of Feb, for example here https://parispe.dfa.gov.ph/.

And it is specified that french covid certificates are accepted, which is good too.

I
These tasks are more difficult than even entering the country. The pre-booking and roundtrip tickets are a huge risk in the case of denial of entry. And the S-Pass registration and Travel Permit is not possible unless you have a PH sim card because there is no way to change the country code.

Regarding sim card from Phil, that's not a real issue, you just have to buy it on arrival, airport or anywhere else, that's what I do all the times I come there, then you can use local apps with a Phil number, no prob.

[Dashing Don]

You mean to say everyone needs a booster dose of viagra from the the time you wait for the slow elevator till you get inside your room LOL!

That's the spirit! Mongers getting in the swing of things.

Its like old times. Making plans to meet far more girls than will be possible in a two week trip. Just caught up in the excitement. Juices beginning to flow again.

The Filipina Pea over on Youtube was ecstatic about the news as has been every Filipina I've communicated with.

Meantime there's a snowstorm here in NYC. Can't wait to get on that plane.

[RakSopheni]

I think that anyone offering clear predictions is doing so on the basis of hunches. As you rightly pointed out, rules changes and "mandatory" checks may actually be true or may be ignored totally, and it is not possible to predict what will be the case once you arrive. I could, for example, as of today, hop a flight from Davao to Clark with no test requirements and on presentation of vaccination certificates. . In theory, I could return to Davao without any testing requirements as well. However, this could change overnight and it would be unsurprising. In theory, I could drive from Davao to CdO (about 300 km) with no worries. In practice, some barangay captain could decide to erect a roadblock somewhere along my route and decide to require a negative PCR test result which I could not provide. Likewise, I might find on my return that Davao has changed the rules and requires a negative PCR test prior to being allowed re-entry. The frequent, seemingly impulsive rule changesusually communicated quite poorlyare one of the reasons I've deferred all in-country travel..

It looks as if the desperate and dateless may be confined to Angeles were a lot more is allowed by locals, transport and accommodation options. Unfortunately, for those going to Manila, Cebu or the provincial centers it may be a while before AirBnB, condos, Grab and the like allow easy access to our hobby.

I found both these responses useful and thoughtful, thanks.

From what I gather here and elsewhere it sounds like at the very least an arrival in Manila and subsequent travel to Pampanga via the Dau Bus or private car is still a possible and a practical expectation. Newly arriving tourists at the very least will not be confined to shuffling around Makati. Encouraging as well that in Angeles the Airbnb's and hotels are not as restrictive to our hobby. Both of these are baseline expectations.

Additional excursions, say perhaps Clark to Coron, Coron to El Nido (ferry) or Manila to El Nido might be subject to unpredictable and constantly changing requirements. A little research turned up a big laundry list of tasks to require to enter El Nido for example:

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/art...ravel-covid-19

El Nido, Palawan Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

For tourists coming from outside Palawan:

Starting November 22, fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They must instead present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Pre-booking at DOT-accredited El Nido hotels and resorts

Roundtrip flight tickets

A QR-coded tourist ID from elnidotourism.ph or the El Nido Tourism mobile app which they can download from the App Store or Google Play

Registration and Travel Permit from s-pass.ph

These tasks are more difficult than even entering the country. The pre-booking and roundtrip tickets are a huge risk in the case of denial of entry. And the S-Pass registration and Travel Permit is not possible unless you have a PH sim card because there is no way to change the country code.

https://s-pass.ph/

It's encouraging as another poster has pointed out that the USA CDC Vax card will be accepted. Also I would add that it is still possible to turn this paper card into a digital pass even if the issuer was not a state with a registry. Walgreens, for example, provided me with a Smart Health QR code on their website which alone was unusable, but then I was then able to verify it with the CommonPass App which produced another certificate and QR code that are universally readable.

All in all, it sounds like tourist travel to PH is now moving into the realm of possibility, but expectations need to be tempered and one should not expect a quick return to the good old days.

[WestCoast1]

You mean to say everyone needs a booster dose of viagra from the the time you wait for the slow elevator till you get inside your room LOL!

Hahaha. If by 'everyone' you mean me, then: Yes! At my age. . .

And then please refresh your vax card. See if it says "August 9 2021, Viagra, Lot 206, J Alcalda (your hussie), Brgy 607 Malate, Manila".

[GoodEnough]

Yesterday, I posted a link to a news article quoting a government official that the country would open again for tourists on or about 10 February. Today, another newspaper claims that the decision relative to the admission of tourists is "on hold" because of the omicron spread. Given that nothing much has ostensibly changed over the past 24 hours, it's not clear what the policy is. Here's the link to the aforementioned article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/trav...from-february/.

I cannot offer any clarification as to which of the sources is accurate; the one I cited yesterday or that from today's link.

GE.

I should not have posted the link above without having first checked the date, which I failed to do. The date of the article was 14 January, which preceded the date of the announcement of a couple of days ago. Thus I assume that the 10 February date for the entry of tourists is still valid. Sorry for not having been more thorough.

[Sammon]

Elevators now hold a max of 4 persons, so you can plan on longer wait times. For those of you familiar with Birch Tower's long lines pre-pandemic when a dozen people can be squeezed in the elevators, imagine how long the waits are now.

strange.

You mean to say everyone needs a booster dose of viagra from the the time you wait for the slow elevator till you get inside your room LOL!