General Info

[Pantot]

I really feel for you guys who live in the phils or are stuck there for periods of time, usually in the financial sector based in Manila specifically Makati. Its a totally different level of concern for all issues than those of us who travel there for strictly pleasure. The airport issue is of particular concern here lately. For those that don't know, there is one giant dysfunctional airfield surrounded by 4 terminals none of which have any formal way of connecting passengers to each other. Its a total free for all.

The bullet scam though widely discuseed here seems to be a scam which has run its course. There are tens of thousands of passengers who pass through the 3 main terminals of NAIA. I am most familiar lately with terminal 2 and 3 lately although I have been through them all over the years.

Terminal 1 was the old international airport and Terminal 2 is and was the exclusive Philipinnes Air airport. Terminal 3 is the new International Airport Plus the new Cebu Pacific Terminal and even has some Phil Air flights. Terminal 4 is the old what they called the Domestic Airport, its a very primitive operation. Its likely deteriorated even further since my last use of it 5 or 6 years ago. Since its purely a domestic airport, there are none of the international regulations associated with its operation.

Was the bullet scam isolated to this decrepit increasingly insignifigant barely used airport? The foriegner detained was in terminal 4. Its infinitesimally unlikely any potential first time or return monger will use Terminal 4 to begin with.

Of course there are random acts of extortion. All should be warned against that and told to brush them off. Native Filipinos are much more in danger of this than tourists.

The main takeaway is to be vigilant with your bags and that the locals, if left unchecked as in terminal 4 can take it to the extreme.

[MrWoolyBooly]

Maybe those guys are still young too, mentally I mean....

I try to think positive: They have a higher tolerance for mental torture.

There are many intelligent, competent, mature thinking Filipinas, but I think all of us have encountered the following scenario in the Philippines: 1) Meet hot, irresistible Pinay for first time. 2) Persuade hot, irresistible Pinay to have sex with words or whatever works. 3) The moment the volcano erupts, exciting new puki transforms instantly into boring not-new puki (puki is the Tagalog word for penis heaven). 4) Hornyfog clears in seconds and there's a sweaty Pinay lying there and no idea what to with her.

Wooly's practical tips to make the torture more bearable:

- Like cold drink after sweaty sex, and maybe some fresh fruit? "Honey, would you like to bring us some?

- going to take a shower anyway, might as well have her lather, rinse, dry, and deodorize me.

- Point her at the TV while getting some work or reading done. Depending on her intellectual pursuits, try in descending order Pinoy Big Brother, music video channel, Showtime / Eat Bulaga, or cartoons.

- Set her up on your laptop to check her FB and other sites. Even better if you have a logger installed, but either way she'll be busy a while. If you want to risk conversation, have her sit on your lap while checking her FB and ask her about her hot friends, cousins, etc. 3-somes? Open-minded to introducing you? Make mental notes in any case.

- Sometimes, though, you just got to exchange entire sentences with her. Stuck in a taxi, eating together, waiting for checkout, whatever. The snarky advice is to say "avoid this", but what to do if it's too late and there you are stuck with her? I personally start asking questions so simple that any girl can answer but may be useful to me in the future. Who was the prettiest girl (or biggest boobs, or whatever you like) of your classmates, besides you of course? (added for bola-bola, Tagalog word for flattery). (Make mental notes to try contacting in FB). So you have sisters? Cousins? Are they older or younger? Can I see their pictures? (Mental notes about details). What did you like the most that we did in bed? (To improve technique with her or in general). You get the idea. None of this is exciting, but it's possible to get useful info while stuck. A few I've given well-needed classes on every available form of birth control. They've been appreciative and often opened up a lot more about Pinay life they'd never otherwise admit.

Sorry to ramble. Good luck to all.

[Cjetset]

I couldn't have said it much better myself. You are spot on GE. I've been coming to the Phils for 5 years as we have operations in Manila and recently Cebu. It takes so much red tape and inefficient process to get up and running here (unless you are a large corporation and can bribe but we aren't) that it almost isn't worth it. If it wasn't for the eager to please inexpensive labor pool there would be little reason to set up business here. As for tourism, while many of the islands are beautiful and not as polluted as the cities they are a pain to get to compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia.

Interesting statistics, but I don't think the reasons for this country's almost total failure to attract foreign tourists has much to do with the government having no clue. The fact is that the country's lack of adequate infrastructure, whether in air transport, public transport, road transport, rail transport, IT infrastructure, the lack of reliable electricity and the general inefficiency in the delivery of most services deters tourism. Couple that with the ongoing, intermittent wars in the South, the petty thievery and bureaucratic corruption, and the travel warnings from North A,epicanthic and European governments, and the place doesn't have much to attract most tourists. The government surely is aware of all this and simply doesn't care much. The reason? Because most politicians are only assured of their four years in office, and this means they're only guaranteed a short time during which to steal as much as possible. Rectifying the country's major inadequacies however, is a long-term prospect and politicians here are not interested in the long term. They're focused on stealing as much as possible during a reasonably concentrated period. There's no vision here, and no commitment to public service; there's only a sea of endless venality.

The lack of foreign tourist arrivals parallels the general lack of foreign investment--the lowest in ASEAN--and for many of the same reasons. Those, coupled with the fact that the oligarchs who own the company don't want competition from more efficient, higher quality foreign firms almost ensures that this country will creep ever further toward the bottom of the ASEAN heap.

GE.

[Sxxxx]

The Philippine Government ..................................

In an uncharacteristic turn of events he has ordered an immediate investigation into the extortion of travelers at NAIA. Probably the latest kidnapping of foreigners and subsequent evasion of a Philippine naval blockade by local terrorists also added pressure on Malacaang to do something.

.............................. P30,000 "poriner departure tax" after they expended their last peso on Gretchin's grabber ........................................

.................

Definitely a Gretchin Grabber, Report of Distinction. Mandatory reading folks.

On second reading of the other previous post, noted its Terminal 4 , an Outpost. Nice place for a smiley to try that stunt. No reports of it happening at T1 , 2 and 3 , it seems. Myself, I will avoid Manila airports until I can afford the P30,000 Departure Tax.

[Wicked Roger]

Like RK and WR and other residents here, I (unfortunately) use NAIA frequently as I have no alternative. My only recourse, as I see it, is to buy a new carry-on bag with no outside pockets, and as always to make sure the bag is locked.

I spent one night this week in Angeles, at ABC as always. I was talking to the owner of the hotel and he told me that business is down somewhat from last year. He attributes the decline to the growing disgust with the airport and the hassles of coping with Manila traffic. He thinks that foreigners are simply fed up and don't want to deal with the horrors of NAIA or the traffic. As a case in point, the distance between the Fairmont in Makati and Angeles is about 92 kms. Yesterday, the trip took approximately 90 minutes, leaving the hotel at about 11 AM. Today, leaving the hotel at 8 AM, we were just in time to catch the paralyzing traffic on EDSA, and the final few kilometers took more than an hour, making the trip about two and a half hours. Who needs the hassle?

GE.

My carry on never has outside pockets as it is a hard shell bag but I am more vigilant now. Although since the expose I am sure there will not be another incident (but it won't stop other scams happening and / or being devised).

Am surprised it only took 90 minutes /2+ hours as I had heard from friends recently where it took more like 4-6 hours as EDSA was a mess (he was staying overnight in Manila so was lucky as he could have easily missed his flight).

I remember coming from Baguio by bus once (yes I do use them once and a blue moon and I had no choice) - and after around 7 hours we ended up in Cubao. To get to Pasay was gong to take around 2 hours due to Friday night traffic, so I got off and found a taxi that was quicker by an hour (the bus had to stop en route hence slower) but it was trip I have never forgotten!

[Wicked Roger]

The lack of foreign tourist arrivals parallels the general lack of foreign investment--the lowest in ASEAN--and for many of the same reasons. Those, coupled with the fact that the oligarchs who own the company don't want competition from more efficient, higher quality foreign firms almost ensures that this country will creep ever further toward the bottom of the ASEAN heap.

GE.

The lack of investment as GE points out was one reason the Asian Basketball tournament was awarded to China despite the Philippines thinking it was a shoe in to host the next event. Only this country would not see it lack of basic infrastructure to host a major tournament as an obstacle.

Add to this news on the bullet scam at NAIA, more travel advisories against visiting especially since the recent kidnappings in the south plus a host of other stories on blogs about scams etc, I am not surprised that tourism (which should be good source of income and employment) is not booming.

Add to all this what GE noted about the politicians / family dynasties you get the picture.

ASEAN integration is something that will be very difficult (and possibly unwelcome for many of the dynasties). As a result, the country will suffer the consequences for a long time until someone / something is done and I would think it needs to be drastic before the country can rise from its inevitable position at the bottom of the pile.

[GoodEnough]

It is very unfortunate to see how tourism and tourist handled in Philippines by the government.

Malaysia: Population 30 M / 2014 Tourist: 28.5 M.

Thailand: Population 67 M / 2014 Tourist: 23 M.

Philippines: Population: 99 M / 2014 Tourist: 5 M.

They have no clue of bringing tourist money into the country and host them.

Interesting statistics, but I don't think the reasons for this country's almost total failure to attract foreign tourists has much to do with the government having no clue. The fact is that the country's lack of adequate infrastructure, whether in air transport, public transport, road transport, rail transport, IT infrastructure, the lack of reliable electricity and the general inefficiency in the delivery of most services deters tourism. Couple that with the ongoing, intermittent wars in the South, the petty thievery and bureaucratic corruption, and the travel warnings from North A,epicanthic and European governments, and the place doesn't have much to attract most tourists. The government surely is aware of all this and simply doesn't care much. The reason? Because most politicians are only assured of their four years in office, and this means they're only guaranteed a short time during which to steal as much as possible. Rectifying the country's major inadequacies however, is a long-term prospect and politicians here are not interested in the long term. They're focused on stealing as much as possible during a reasonably concentrated period. There's no vision here, and no commitment to public service; there's only a sea of endless venality.

The lack of foreign tourist arrivals parallels the general lack of foreign investment--the lowest in ASEAN--and for many of the same reasons. Those, coupled with the fact that the oligarchs who own the company don't want competition from more efficient, higher quality foreign firms almost ensures that this country will creep ever further toward the bottom of the ASEAN heap.

GE.

[Mbsl65]

The Philippine Government spent P1. 2-billion in advertising trying to convince foreigners that "It's More Fun in the Philippines" and reported that international tourists spent $12 billion visiting the Philippines last year. However, as usual Filipinos always find a way to kill the Golden Goose. The scam where airport security plant bullets in the luggage of unsuspecting travelers then offer them the choice of paying P30,000 extortion money on the spot for their fre
Of course, regulars and entrenched expats will continue to monger on as they have in the past in spite of ever growing dangers. That, however, will not grow tourism or fill the ever expanding inventory of condos and hotel rooms built in anticipation of more foreign tourist dollars. OFWs may be in a poor position to pick up the slack as remittances have recently sagged in tandem with slowing economies abroad.

It is very unfortunate to see how tourism and tourist handled in Philippines by the government.

Malaysia: Population 30 M / 2014 Tourist: 28.5 M.

Thailand: Population 67 M / 2014 Tourist: 23 M.

Philippines: Population: 99 M / 2014 Tourist: 5 M.

They have no clue of bringing tourist money into the country and host them.

[X Man]

Another intriguing report from CM, which somehow touches on politics, tourism, money, expat, sex, advertising, monger, aging sex tourist (ouch), crime, drugs, Lucifer, danger, corruption, religion, missionaries, taxes, airport security, police, Thailand, crocodiles, sex toys, naval blockades and remittances. Oh, don't forget fun!

What is a "Gretchin's grabber"?

The Philippine Government spent P1. 2-billion in advertising trying to convince foreigners that "It's More Fun in the Philippines" and reported that international tourists spent $12 billion visiting the Philippines last year. However, as usual Filipinos always find a way to kill the Golden Goose. The scam where airport security plant bullets in the luggage of unsuspecting travelers then offer them the choice of paying P30,000 extortion money on the spot for their freedom or refuse and pay P80,000 bail after a few nights in a Third World jail has gone viral on social media. The fact that one of their victims is an American Christian missionary and do-gooder unafraid of being martyred to prove his innocence is really causing the news to spread faster and further than it would have had they framed the average aging sex tourist on his way home with a bag full of dildos, dog collars and other perverted sexual knickknacks.

President Aquino is a shrewd politician. He realizes that while Filipinos are generally unsympathetic to the misfortune of foreign tourists, they would rather not be known as the country that persecutes Christian missionaries who refuse to cooperate in extortion attempts by security personnel supposedly there to protect the welfare of citizen and foreign travelers. In an uncharacteristic turn of events he has ordered an immediate investigation into the extortion of travelers at NAIA. Probably the latest kidnapping of foreigners and subsequent evasion of a Philippine naval blockade by local terrorists also added pressure on Malacaang to do something.

It certainly is not more fun in the Philippines for tourists in 2015, so the slogan "Visit the Philippines Again" in 2016 seems like dark twisted humor. Sex tourists are no strangers to extortion schemes like a sweet innocent Filipina planting crystal meth in their room after nice shag followed by a surprise visit from friendly Filipino policemen who seem to be more adept at homing in on the hidden narcotics than most drug canines. Sex tourists are also hardly surprised when they're frantically pumping away at Lucifer's cradle only to be interrupted by a quick knock, the opening of the door by the hotel manager, and the swift entry of friendly policemen who declare that the Filipina entertaining the foreigner is uncertain of her age. These tourists consider such misfortunes par for the course when hunting the gaping dragon in the Philippines.

What they don't expect is being accosted by security personnel at the airport for a P30,000 "poriner departure tax" after they expended their last peso on Gretchin's grabber in Angeles, Cebu, Malate, or Makati for the more well-heeled sex tourist. This surprise P30,000 exit tax may be enough for some mongers to consider Thailand a cheaper and safer alternative. The prospect of some Filipino security official grinning like Lolong the crocodile saying, "Visit the Philippines again!" after extorting P30,000 is enough to make already skittish aspiring visitors consider alternative tourist destinations.

Of course, regulars and entrenched expats will continue to monger on as they have in the past in spite of ever growing dangers. That, however, will not grow tourism or fill the ever expanding inventory of condos and hotel rooms built in anticipation of more foreign tourist dollars. OFWs may be in a poor position to pick up the slack as remittances have recently sagged in tandem with slowing economies abroad.

[GoodEnough]

Bullet scam:

Thanks for that important info. Only suggestion I can make is land at Cebu or Clark airports to avoid the Manila scam. Taking pic. You would have to be close up to his hand, they could say taking pics inside airport not allowed etc. We need some response from smart travellers, there might be a way around it. Paying legal fees, being held at Airport for five days, is not an option. Thanks pal.

Like RK and WR and other residents here, I (unfortunately) use NAIA frequently as I have no alternative. My only recourse, as I see it, is to buy a new carry-on bag with no outside pockets, and as always to make sure the bag is locked. Of course, as always, keep a vigilant eye in your bag from the moment it leaves your hand, and, in the case of being asked to step over for a quiet conversation, respond by saying:"Sure, just let me get my bag. " Things do appear to be getting worse here for locals and expats alike. If I were a newbie, or even an experienced traveler looking to spend some quality time with nubile young things with as few hassles as possible, I'd sure as hell choose Thailand.

I spent one night this week in Angeles, at ABC as always. I was talking to the owner of the hotel and he told me that business is down somewhat from last year. He attributes the decline to the growing disgust with the airport and the hassles of coping with Manila traffic. He thinks that foreigners are simply fed up and don't want to deal with the horrors of NAIA or the traffic. As a case in point, the distance between the Fairmont in Makati and Angeles is about 92 kms. Yesterday, the trip took approximately 90 minutes, leaving the hotel at about 11 AM. Today, leaving the hotel at 8 AM, we were just in time to catch the paralyzing traffic on EDSA, and the final few kilometers took more than an hour, making the trip about two and a half hours. Who needs the hassle?

GE.

[Dg8787]

CM well written post. I think the way to counter this, is for all of us to place a dozen or more rubber play bullets in our bags packed so tight that when they open it, the rubber bullets fly out and scatter all over the place. Better yet place confetti in there. Then we would all be in a position to demand a payment! Let's have some fun at it.

If we all did this I could see an end to the P30 k departure tax pretty quickly.

[Chocha Monger]

The Philippine Government spent P1. 2-billion in advertising trying to convince foreigners that "It's More Fun in the Philippines" and reported that international tourists spent $12 billion visiting the Philippines last year. However, as usual Filipinos always find a way to kill the Golden Goose. The scam where airport security plant bullets in the luggage of unsuspecting travelers then offer them the choice of paying P30,000 extortion money on the spot for their freedom or refuse and pay P80,000 bail after a few nights in a Third World jail has gone viral on social media. The fact that one of their victims is an American Christian missionary and do-gooder unafraid of being martyred to prove his innocence is really causing the news to spread faster and further than it would have had they framed the average aging sex tourist on his way home with a bag full of dildos, dog collars and other perverted sexual knickknacks.

President Aquino is a shrewd politician. He realizes that while Filipinos are generally unsympathetic to the misfortune of foreign tourists, they would rather not be known as the country that persecutes Christian missionaries who refuse to cooperate in extortion attempts by security personnel supposedly there to protect the welfare of citizen and foreign travelers. In an uncharacteristic turn of events he has ordered an immediate investigation into the extortion of travelers at NAIA. Probably the latest kidnapping of foreigners and subsequent evasion of a Philippine naval blockade by local terrorists also added pressure on Malacañang to do something.

It certainly is not more fun in the Philippines for tourists in 2015, so the slogan "Visit the Philippines Again" in 2016 seems like dark twisted humor. Sex tourists are no strangers to extortion schemes like a sweet innocent Filipina planting crystal meth in their room after nice shag followed by a surprise visit from friendly Filipino policemen who seem to be more adept at homing in on the hidden narcotics than most drug canines. Sex tourists are also hardly surprised when they're frantically pumping away at Lucifer's cradle only to be interrupted by a quick knock, the opening of the door by the hotel manager, and the swift entry of friendly policemen who declare that the Filipina entertaining the foreigner is uncertain of her age. These tourists consider such misfortunes par for the course when hunting the gaping dragon in the Philippines.

What they don't expect is being accosted by security personnel at the airport for a P30,000 "poriner departure tax" after they expended their last peso on Gretchin's grabber in Angeles, Cebu, Malate, or Makati for the more well-heeled sex tourist. This surprise P30,000 exit tax may be enough for some mongers to consider Thailand a cheaper and safer alternative. The prospect of some Filipino security official grinning like Lolong the crocodile saying, "Visit the Philippines again!" after extorting P30,000 is enough to make already skittish aspiring visitors consider alternative tourist destinations.

Of course, regulars and entrenched expats will continue to monger on as they have in the past in spite of ever growing dangers. That, however, will not grow tourism or fill the ever expanding inventory of condos and hotel rooms built in anticipation of more foreign tourist dollars. OFWs may be in a poor position to pick up the slack as remittances have recently sagged in tandem with slowing economies abroad.

[Sxxxx]

..............................Be cautioned during security check.

Sep 24,2015.

Earlier this year in 2015, this kind of tricks at Manila Airport has been reported by a few travellers. At the security check control if your not the lucky one you will be confronted with this horrible situation. ..................................................

Bullet scam:

Thanks for that important info. Only suggestion I can make is land at Cebu or Clark airports to avoid the Manila scam. Taking pic. You would have to be close up to his hand, they could say taking pics inside airport not allowed etc. We need some response from smart travellers, there might be a way around it. Paying legal fees, being held at Airport for five days, is not an option. Thanks pal.

[Ebauche]

This post should be a sticky.

Here's my best serious answer to the problem:

With Pinays who are just hot with no intellectual interests. I take them to movies, zip lines, bowling, swimming, Enchanted Kingdom, lazer tag, cart racing or sporting events. All of these things entertain me without intellectual demands.

For finding hot Pinays who can offer both sex and adult intellectual conversation, I've only found success with students and grads of the better colleges. Below are my experiences by college. My advice is to gradually shift your FB contacts in the direction of better colleges. IMHO your biggest challenge is keeping your world-class schedule efficiency. Your posts describe staying mostly in a small area of Makati. Most of the best colleges and college girls are elsewhere.

Most of my experience with the smarter girls required at least one or two non-sex meetings outside the hotel. Typical date stuff: food, drinks, whatever. They also react better to good, intelligent conversations online. That takes more time too, but if you're always working on 5-10 new ones the sex schedule fills up easily. At least for me and normal guys who can survive on only 2 or 3 pops per day. Note: I have no idea if my experiences are typical. My generalizations may be worthless. I'm curious how other experienced members would describe. Anybody who disagrees with me can ignore.

My observations in Metro Manila:

UP Diliman (Quezon City) - Very smart. Public university so lots of needy girls, but can be proud. If you're nerdy or your politics are leftist or you can pretend, you can get what you want by keeping communication over time. Eventually many apples drop from the tree. Good place for long-term friends who will be available over the years for occasional fun if that's what you want. Not a high percentage of hotties, but there are some.

FEU (Manila) - Very large number of sexy girls from humble families trying to live more glamorous lifestyles and find a sugar daddy or two. They get addicted to spending more than they have. Happiest hunting grounds for a guy who likes to sponsor a girl while getting connections to more college girls than he'll ever be able to bang. Except of course Mr Skogis. Not intellectual, but at least know current events.

JRU (Mandaluyong) - Earnest intelligent girls, but lots from the local Mandaluyong area. They'll often see people they know at the nearby malls (Marketplace Kalentong, Robinson Forum, etc) and be very conservative in public there, but if you persuade them to cross the river into Makati most should be ready to play on the second or third date. One I knew was conservative but persuadable if she thinks you're "serious" and you spend time and pretend it's only her. Another was very smart and after establishing a real acquaintanceship will admit she needs a sponsor. She was not good looking but one of the best cowgirls I've ever met.

UMak (Makati) - Dirt-cheap education for girls with no money. I've never met a girl from UMak who didn't want a sugar daddy, and most could be talked into sex. For your preferred hotel location I recommend starting here, although it's closer to the Fort. Lots of needy hotties, but not geniuses. They try to postpone sex until after the first date. Depends how much brain effort you want to spend persuading.

University of Perpetual Help System (Las Pinas) - Lots of beautiful girls, but higher rate of virgins. I detect a peer pressure of shame against especially foreigner BF and sex in general. Definitely recommend protecting her privacy to have a chance. Much better chance to succeed after they graduate and go into the real world. They're horny, are unemployed or working entry-level jobs, and don't have their college buddies hanging around to be embarrassed. They just need lots of nonsense words and time to pass before play.

University of Caloocan City. Similar to UMak cheap education but even poorer. When they start they are conservative and terrified of "chismis" (rumors), but by the time they graduate they are desperate for "a stable guy" and will play whatever you want if you protect them from "chismis". Last year students and recent grads are most ready.

My experiences outside of Metro Manila are restricted to a couple cities, but PM if interested. Hope this helps, and good luck!

[SaltyPete]

SaltyPete. Not sure why you said getting to Boracay is an adventure. It looks like there are lots of Cebu Pacific flights from Cebu to Catlican and I can fly direct from Kalibo to Taipei to catch a flight back home to the States. I thought the main problem with air travel in the Phils was Manila airport. Are these airports also a mess or is the problem in getting to and from the airports?
Thanks

The air travel was fine. I've had 4 flights on Cebu Pacific and each time I've checked in, I've been told that my flight is delayed 2 hours, but the previous delayed flight still has open seats, and departs at my flights departure time. Would I like a seat on it? So it pays to get to the airport a bit early if you want to arrive at your destination on time. Cebu Pacific has a partnership with Southwest, a company that provides transportation from Catlican to Boracay via bus, ferry, then bus, and they sell passes on the flight. My original plan was to just trike it to the dock, catch a public ferry, then a trike to the hotel but the Southwest pass seemed a lot less stressful so I bought a couple for my girl and me. Unfortunately, once we landed, Southwest required a printout of my Cebu Pacific listing which I did not have (boarding passes were not acceptable). But the passengers that did have their printouts had to stand in a line to get their docs checked, stand in another line to get a ticket, wait for the next private bus to the docks, wait for the next private ferry, then wait for the next private bus to take them to their hotel, which stopped at multiple other hotels en route.

I was eventually able to get a printout of the listing from the airline's office at the airport, then did the line-up-and-wait routine myself. All in all, it would have been cheaper and much faster for me to stick with my original plan. Since I arrived with jet lag, I was not in a good mood to deal with this non-sense so I started the trip in a bad mood. I should have done better research on ground transportation but it was a spontaneous trip.