General Info

[Dashing Don]

Ok fellas this is my report from Manila.

First, I would say that the old timers here were right: it would be better to wait a few months until everything is back to normal before visiting.

I already described the arrival process. SW3's experience was the same as mine.

I arrived at the Peninsula hotel on Wed morning. It was mostly empty as were the streets in Makati which are normally bustling. The concierge was genuinely glad to see me and was waxing about things returning to normal. No buffet breakfast, per Alert level 2 and masks were ubiquitous in the hotel, except when dining or by the pool.

Jetlag is my biggest enemy coming from the East coast of the USA. A twelve hour time difference turns your body on its head. I've found no fast cure for this. If arriving during daylight hours I'll start working the dating apps to line up dates and this has worked for almost 20 years. But not this time!

Despite hundreds of tedious texts the responses were late, non commital etc. I managed to get a few girls over during the next few days to slake my thirst but the process was tedious. They didn't have money to come. They wanted me to send cash which I can't and won't anyway. Appointments broken etc. They're never punctual to begin with, however, this experience was unparalleled.

Slowly I came to the conclusion that just like the empty stores and streets in Makati, the average Filipina is tapped out; probably trying to survive; and dating apps aren't a high priority right now. Many don't even have load. They're shot. That's my impression.

I walked up Burgos during the daytime. Maybe there's one bar operating at night but I saw no evidence of even one operating! They all looked like they had been shut for a long while.

After 4 days I went up to Angeles and stayed at ABC. My first time there. It was empty. However the bars were open. I didn't enter any of them but I could see that there were plenty of girls and few customers.

At this point I got waylaid by a bug, a not infrequent occurrence in the phils. It knocked me out for several days. I arranged some online dates one of whom told me its likely that my illness was water borne, ie 'service water'. I resolved to only drink bottled water from hereon. BTW the rate for incall now is 2 k, established by trial and error. Before it was 1500 as I recall.

I'm back in Makati now. Another casualty of the pandemic is 'Day Game'. Its just impractical to approach a girl in the mall or on the street with the masks on. The mood here is improving and I think all the restrictions will be gone soon. The Phils is as good as ever but. I'd wait a bit before coming.

[Sammon]

Hello all!

I have a trip booked to the Philippines (specifically Angeles City) for the first two weeks of March. Along with my negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of my outbound flight from the US I of course have my vaccination card, will have the at least $35,000 in travel insurance and hopefully, it's approved, my Philippines One Health Pass. I filled out the One Health Pass application but they said they will process it on Feb 28th as my flight leaves March 1. My question that I wanted to verify is that I want to make sure there's no quarantine rule (as in you don't have to stay in a specific hotel for a specific amount of time) upon arrival to the Philippines correct? The reason I am wondering is because on the Philippines One Health Pass application it made me select one of the hotels on the drop down menu that I would be quarantined at. I could not move forward with the application until I chose a quarantine hotel. I thought that was strange as I had believed the quarantine rule had been lifted. I'm flying into Manila and then immediately taking a car to Angeles. Any input is much appreciated and please let me know if I missed anything on my checklist of requirements fulfilled in order to get into the Philippines and have some good times! It's been waaaaaay toooo long!

I am not sure if they are strict about it but rules say pre covid test less than 48 hours before leaving country not 72 hours.

[South By Sw 3]

OnePass emailed me the day before my flight to confirm occupation and purpose of the trip. I replied to the email and got my document a few hours later.

PAL had a temperature check line before check in. Show passport and One Health QR. Several people filled out the One Health from in line and got a QR right away. They gave me a stamped pass and a declaration form to fill out (packed own bag, no contraband, etc.). At check in they asked for passport, one pass, proof of insurance, and vax card (seems unnecessary with One Pass). They also made sure I had a return ticket for immigration. (Immigration never asked to see it, BTW).

At the NAIA arrival gate, before we could disembark, a coast guard representative talked about the process and documents. He mentioned a hotel confirmation. First I heard of that, but pulled up the confirmation email on my phone just in case.

At NAIA, they directed the fully vaccinated arrivals into the gate 2 departures waiting area. They sat us down in the order that we entered. Had to show One Pass, vax card, test result. Then on to immigration. Passport and arrival form. Asked my return flight date. Took my picture. Got my luggage and headed for the customs exit. Scanned my One Pass and gave me a tiny slip of paper to give to the guard at the door. Never even asked for the customs form.

Out the door to the happy humid hunting ground. Picked up a SIM. SIMs and liquor are the only things available outside the terminal. If you need a water or CR break get it before you go through customs.

Per GoodTimes4444 question below. One Health Pass didn't ask for a Q hotel two weeks ago when I filled out the form, so it must be new. It's odd though since they don't test you again on arrival and they won't let you on the plane with a positive test.

SbySW.

[WestCoast1]

The reason I am wondering is because on the Philippines One Health Pass application it made me select one of the hotels on the drop down menu that I would be quarantined at. I could not move forward with the application until I chose a quarantine hotel. I thought that was strange as I had believed the quarantine rule had been lifted. I'm flying into Manila and then immediately taking a car to Angeles. Any input is much appreciated and please let me know if I missed anything on my checklist of requirements fulfilled in order to get into the Philippines and have some good times!

Most likely, the app setup requires you to choose, in advance, a POSSIBLE quarantine hotel, just in case you test positive while in Philippines. There are some sh*tty isolation places that the government can stick you in, and it would be better if you chose a nicer hotel in advance for yourself.

[GoodTimes4444]

Hello all!

I have a trip booked to the Philippines (specifically Angeles City) for the first two weeks of March. Along with my negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of my outbound flight from the US I of course have my vaccination card, will have the at least $35,000 in travel insurance and hopefully, it's approved, my Philippines One Health Pass. I filled out the One Health Pass application but they said they will process it on Feb 28th as my flight leaves March 1. My question that I wanted to verify is that I want to make sure there's no quarantine rule (as in you don't have to stay in a specific hotel for a specific amount of time) upon arrival to the Philippines correct? The reason I am wondering is because on the Philippines One Health Pass application it made me select one of the hotels on the drop down menu that I would be quarantined at. I could not move forward with the application until I chose a quarantine hotel. I thought that was strange as I had believed the quarantine rule had been lifted. I'm flying into Manila and then immediately taking a car to Angeles. Any input is much appreciated and please let me know if I missed anything on my checklist of requirements fulfilled in order to get into the Philippines and have some good times! It's been waaaaaay toooo long!

[DogLife]

Bring your vaxxing tools with you when you head to Phils, seed your pinay, and tip your cabbie.

Phil is definitely on my list. Will consult you when I fly to make humanitarian visits there. Ala. Doctors san frontier.

Keep up the good work till backup arrives.

[WestCoast1]

LuvMexicanas and Westy, both of your witty humorous exchange never fails to crack me up.

You would make Patch Adams proud 👏.

Cheers!!

DL: Thanks for your kind words. I wonder what Adams was patching. . . One can only hope that Patch was vaxxing away like WC / LM. Bring your vaxxing tools with you when you head to Phils, seed your pinay, and tip your cabbie.

[DogLife]

LuvMexicanas and Westy, both of your witty humorous exchange never fails to crack me up.

You would make Patch Adams proud 👏.

Cheers!!

[WestCoast1]

Might I suggest doubling the vaccine concentration, placing the patients side by side, and injecting half a dose into each. Keep vaxing in the east and I will do the same in the west.

Not a bad idea, doctor. I'm wondering if my writings on ISG might be suitable for the JAMA archives. Next time this girl comes to my place I will see if she's eager to bring a friend / cousin for "Half-dosing".

[Mine First]

Might I suggest doubling the vaccine concentration, placing the patients side by side, and injecting half a dose into each. Keep vaxing in the east and I will do the same in the west.

Do not usually quote on pics. But you all rock in your demeanor.

[LuvMexicanas]

Good call, doctor, and thanks for the consult. Don't stop the good work.

3 good pics deserve another. I appreciate especially your second pic; doggy sends me to a special place. A doggy pic is always good, but even better when the woofer's cousin is hitachi-buzzing one out next to her on the bed.

Might I suggest doubling the vaccine concentration, placing the patients side by side, and injecting half a dose into each. Keep vaxing in the east and I will do the same in the west.

[WestCoast1]

Dr. Westy, I have applied your direct injection vaccination technique since you shared your medical advice with me a few months ago regarding the various administration methods. Although I still use the skin absorption technique in my practice, I have incorporated your direct injection delivery system. Just need to do a better job of photo documenting vaccine outflow. Having said that, some patients seem to prefer to raise their legs to retain every drop, which I suppose might improve efficacy. I will continue to test and retest vaccine delivery mechanisms on my patients including starting up a trial on anal delivery.

Good call, doctor, and thanks for the consult. Don't stop the good work.

3 good pics deserve another. I appreciate especially your second pic; doggy sends me to a special place. A doggy pic is always good, but even better when the woofer's cousin is hitachi-buzzing one out next to her on the bed.

[LuvMexicanas]

Dr. Westy, I have applied your direct injection vaccination technique since you shared your medical advice with me a few months ago regarding the various administration methods. Although I still use the skin absorption technique in my practice, I have incorporated your direct injection delivery system. Just need to do a better job of photo documenting vaccine outflow. Having said that, some patients seem to prefer to raise their legs to retain every drop, which I suppose might improve efficacy. I will continue to test and retest vaccine delivery mechanisms on my patients including starting up a trial on anal delivery.

[Bushes]

I agree with legit policy. I have heard and seen my foreigners run after racking up huge hospital bills. Many places, including the US, require payment up front. In the US it just looks different in terms of credit card holds or proof of current insurance. Even then, if it is a private hospital, they might still.

Transfer you.

Might as well as get a legit policy with legit coverage while you are at it.

[Pekkakoo]

I booked two AirBNBs for March. One in BGC and I was told that visitors are allowed until 7 PM and must pay P300 upon check in (need vaxx card and ID). Then from booking in another AirBNB in Makati I was told that one visitor is allowed and need to bring vaxx card. In this case I wasn't given any times (and might too afraid to ask before entering the condo).