General Info

[Soapy Smith]

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.

[D Cups]

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

[Goferring]

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

[Harry2]

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!

[D Cups]

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.

[Bushes]

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.

[GoodEnough]

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.

[Firebird]

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.

[Red Kilt]

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.

[Questor55]

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.

[Bushes]

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!!

[Firebird]

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!!

[Revere]

nypost.com/2018/01/23/ man-gets-life-for-buying-filipino-children-to-use-for-sex-and-porn /.

Should get it!!

[Red Kilt]

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.

[BaboyDave]

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.