General Info

[Buko Max]

Oh I see-- so is there anyway whatsoever to get into the arrivals section?

Hello ST,

Welcome to the board! Yes there is a way to appear that you walked off a plane. This has worked for me a few times in the past. Here is what you do:

Get dropped off at the airport early (departure level) with your luggage of course. Staying outside, walk down to the end of the terminal building (left side as you face the building). Go down the stairs toward the arrival area. There may or may not be a policeman there. Tell him you are meeting someone who is flying in (if you are a westerner, there should be no problem) and if he refuses to let you pass, give him 100 pesos.

They will not let you in the terminal building but there is an area outside where ground transportation picks passengers up. This is before the fenced in area where the locals wait (parking lot). Have a seat at one of the benches there and set a spell. Then at the appropriate time, walk through the gate and your home free! Please report back and let us know how things worked out.

As far as CB goes, I have met about two dozen women from there and 90% have been very sweet and sincere. Although some of the women tend to stretch the truth in their profiles, this can work to your advantage.

[Aussiec]

When you get to airport departure which is on the upper level you will need to head along side walkgoing left facing the terminal where peaple actually are checked first before actually going into the building. Just head down sidewalk until you hit stairs going down. Go down the stairs and you will then be in arrivals! Someone will ask you if you need help (airport security) Just tell them you made wrong turn and they will tell you that your in arrivals. If you been in airport there you will know where your at and where to go once you go down stairs. The bottom of Stairs are about 50 feet away beyond where you would meet the taxi stand where you meet your party that will be on other side of rode. Make sure you get to airport before she gets there though. I have done this 3 times and worked everytime. If you have question further ask!

[Saphire Tonic]

Sorry, mistyped - the coffee shop is inside the airport building, on extreme left side entrance of NAIA as you look at it, on DEPARTURES upper level. There is no coffee shop on arrivals level inside airport building. Just take a taxi to NAIA departures level. The coffee shop is open to non-flyers.

Oh I see-- so is there anyway whatsoever to get into the arrivals section?

[Saphire Tonic]

I think your plan is an excellent one, and you'll have a great time at LA Cafe. While you're there, don't forget to check out GPoint as well. It's about a ten minute walk from LA and sometimes it can be an excellent pick up spot.

I suggest that you don't bother with the whole airport subterfuge. It gets too complicated. Instead of doing that, when it's time to meet the CB lady, change hotels first. That way, there's no chance of an offhand remark that would suggest that you arrived earlier. Second, tell the girl to meet you at your new hotel, and just explain that the hotel offered you transportation from the airport and you, being new to Manila, didn't want to cope with the crowds and confusion at the airport. Or tell her you met a really nice guy on the plane who had a car and offered you a ride to the hotel.

As to your other questions, you don't need converters for the lap top or the cell phone as they will work on the current here. Most of the plugs are American style, but some are British, so you may want to bring some plug adapters to be safe.

Do not think about renting a car in Manila. For one thing, you won't have any idea of where you're going. For another, the driving behavior is much different here, and for still another, there's no place to park, ever. Just take taxis which are plentiful and cheap or, if you want to take a day trip, hire a car and driver, which any hotel can arrange for you.

During the day, try the Starbucks at Greenbelt 2. There's Wifi, and it's a terrific place to pick up ladies. Also, Starbucks is next door to Cafe Havana, which is a magnet for the hip crowd in the evening, and for ladies looking to find some new friends.

Have a great time.

GE

Gents,

Thanks a lot for the feedback. This helps alot. Though I appreciate the candor, I'm willing to take the risk of doing the whole airport facade. I hear there is a 'greeters area' outside the airport where they all hang out. This is true right? I should be all set if that is the case. She already asked me a while back for flight details and such, so I've sent this to her already, and she's already got all her arrangements to get up to manila with her mom to meet me a the airport. So I'm screwed. Luckily the confirmation I sent her has my 'new' dates!

To be continued.

PS- Sounds like you guys have experience with CB? Tell me more about what you think goes on. And if you have had any experiences with these girls. Good / Bad?

[Blunderer]

People,

I'm planning on taking an extended trip to the Phils next year and am currently engaged in heavy research.

I am wondering if anybody knows of anywhere with hang gliding instruction in The Philippines, any websites, companies, phone numbers etc? I've found some references to the fact that it can be done in Cebu, but can't find anything specific.

Many thanks,

Blunderer

[Blink157]

Hello,

Where do I begin?

I'm 24, I've been speaking with a girl from Cavite city for over a year that I met from cherry blossom. I'm finally going to meet her, but the thing is I need to make sure she doesn't know about me geeting some pinoytang.

So the first several days she doesn't know I'm going to be there. I need a tip from a pro of how to arrive back at MNL and appear to be coming off a flight meeting a beauty from the 'greeters area'? This would be greatly appreciated.

So I've booked a hotel at the Century Citadel, which I hear is very close to LA CAFE, which seems to be the spot to hang for a few nights.

Questions;

Do I need to bring a power outlet converter. I am coming from North America for. Cell phone charges, laptop charger, etc?

What are the requirements to rent a car? And what company do you suggest? I saw someone mention going up into the mountains and driving taking picturees, and I concur; this sounds excellent.

Where do you suggest a Western mid twenties to hang out during the day about Makati? Cool, hip places? Starbucks with internet?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi,
GE is right dont drive for urself and forget the airport bola2, meet your honey at ur hotel, change hotel if you want. If you got to know her from CB Im sure she also have somebody else meeting before or after you, no offense but I have my experiance and those gurls used to get bola or get dumped, they know the game also. Besides after one week in Manila you might see things different, many many many gurls there. I suggest you to visit also Angeles city, belive me in your age you will have a lot more fun, despite its cheaper there, better air, not that noisy like in a big city (even ermita is ok) and hotels are cheaper. You should go there. Im there the whole august, PM me and I can help you out with what I know.


Enjoy

Happy hunting!

Blink

[GoodEnough]

I think your plan is an excellent one, and you'll have a great time at LA Cafe. While you're there, don't forget to check out GPoint as well. It's about a ten minute walk from LA and sometimes it can be an excellent pick up spot.

I suggest that you don't bother with the whole airport subterfuge. It gets too complicated. Instead of doing that, when it's time to meet the CB lady, change hotels first. That way, there's no chance of an offhand remark that would suggest that you arrived earlier. Second, tell the girl to meet you at your new hotel, and just explain that the hotel offered you transportation from the airport and you, being new to Manila, didn't want to cope with the crowds and confusion at the airport. Or tell her you met a really nice guy on the plane who had a car and offered you a ride to the hotel.

As to your other questions, you don't need converters for the lap top or the cell phone as they will work on the current here. Most of the plugs are American style, but some are British, so you may want to bring some plug adapters to be safe.

Do not think about renting a car in Manila. For one thing, you won't have any idea of where you're going. For another, the driving behavior is much different here, and for still another, there's no place to park, ever. Just take taxis which are plentiful and cheap or, if you want to take a day trip, hire a car and driver, which any hotel can arrange for you.

During the day, try the Starbucks at Greenbelt 2. There's Wifi, and it's a terrific place to pick up ladies. Also, Starbucks is next door to Cafe Havana, which is a magnet for the hip crowd in the evening, and for ladies looking to find some new friends.

Have a great time.

GE

[FireWalker]

Hello,

Where do I begin?

I'm 24, I've been speaking with a girl from Cavite city for over a year that I met from cherry blossom. I'm finally going to meet her, but the thing is I need to make sure she doesn't know about me geeting some pinoytang.

So the first several days she doesn't know I'm going to be there. I need a tip from a pro of how to arrive back at MNL and appear to be coming off a flight meeting a beauty from the 'greeters area'? This would be greatly appreciated.

So I've booked a hotel at the Century Citadel, which I hear is very close to LA CAFE, which seems to be the spot to hang for a few nights.

Questions;

Do I need to bring a power outlet converter. I am coming from North America for. Cell phone charges, laptop charger, etc?

What are the requirements to rent a car? And what company do you suggest? I saw someone mention going up into the mountains and driving taking picturees, and I concur; this sounds excellent.

Where do you suggest a Western mid twenties to hang out during the day about Makati? Cool, hip places? Starbucks with internet?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Number One: Do not even consider renting a car and driving yourself.

Number Two: Make sure you keep all your travel docs and passport at front desk. Filipinas are little detectives.

Number 3: Why aren't you coming up to Angeles City?

[Fastpiston]

If you want to appear as a new arrival in Manila, I suggest you arrange to meet at the coffee shop in the NAIA airport (at left side of airport, arrivals area. Just say that it is a more civilized place to meet as one can sit down and relax there while waiting - just in case your flight is late.

Sorry, mistyped - the coffee shop is inside the airport building, on extreme left side entrance of NAIA as you look at it, on DEPARTURES upper level. There is no coffee shop on arrivals level inside airport building. Just take a taxi to NAIA departures level. The coffee shop is open to non-flyers.

[Fastpiston]

Hello,

Where do I begin?

I'm 24, I've been speaking with a girl from Cavite city for over a year that I met from cherry blossom. I'm finally going to meet her, but the thing is I need to make sure she doesn't know about me geeting some pinoytang.

So the first several days she doesn't know I'm going to be there. I need a tip from a pro of how to arrive back at MNL and appear to be coming off a flight meeting a beauty from the 'greeters area'? This would be greatly appreciated.

So I've booked a hotel at the Century Citadel, which I hear is very close to LA CAFE, which seems to be the spot to hang for a few nights.

Questions;

Do I need to bring a power outlet converter. I am coming from North America for. Cell phone charges, laptop charger, etc?

What are the requirements to rent a car? And what company do you suggest? I saw someone mention going up into the mountains and driving taking picturees, and I concur; this sounds excellent.

Where do you suggest a Western mid twenties to hang out during the day about Makati? Cool, hip places? Starbucks with internet?

Thanks a lot in advance!

If you want to appear as a new arrival in Manila, I suggest you arrange to meet at the coffee shop in the NAIA airport (at left side of airport, arrivals area. Just say that it is a more civilized place to meet as one can sit down and relax there while waiting - just in case your flight is late.

[Saphire Tonic]

Hello,

Where do I begin?

I'm 24, I've been speaking with a girl from Cavite city for over a year that I met from cherry blossom. I'm finally going to meet her, but the thing is I need to make sure she doesn't know about me geeting some pinoytang.

So the first several days she doesn't know I'm going to be there. I need a tip from a pro of how to arrive back at MNL and appear to be coming off a flight meeting a beauty from the 'greeters area'? This would be greatly appreciated.

So I've booked a hotel at the Century Citadel, which I hear is very close to LA CAFE, which seems to be the spot to hang for a few nights.

Questions;

Do I need to bring a power outlet converter. I am coming from North America for. Cell phone charges, laptop charger, etc?

What are the requirements to rent a car? And what company do you suggest? I saw someone mention going up into the mountains and driving taking picturees, and I concur; this sounds excellent.

Where do you suggest a Western mid twenties to hang out during the day about Makati? Cool, hip places? Starbucks with internet?

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Nightrider1]

Yes, I think that you are correct; they are profiling. I was singled out from a full plane on a trip back from Singapore/Sumatra. Generally I'm not a very clued-in individual, and at first I was surprised that the woman agent was only interested in my digital camera. She wasn't interested in my luggage -only if I was carrying any more chips. I let her go through 250 snaps, mostly of repetitive jungle and beach scenery. When she asked if I travel alone, I growled back, "I always travel alone!" I wanted to add *****. Her only comment after she was through was "You took a lot of pictures." Pretty inane comment, but one can't afford to challenge these guys.

Of maybe 50 countries whose borders I've crossed over the years, only four have even looked in my luggage: Canada, New Zealand, Israel and the States.

What you really have to watch out for nowadays is that you declare all your cash upon entry. A fellow worker had his seized when he inadvertently forgot to declare an amount in travellers cheques just over $10,000. It took a visit to his MP and several months to get some, not all, of the money back. This guy is a meek working stiff, totally legitimate, returning from a family visit to SEA. They grilled him for three hours. He said they were "very rude."

Right now I'm searching for a friendlier police state in which to retire. Wish me luck.

Yes I do believe they are profiling. I have never been stopped coming back from 8 trips to the Phil until my last one. I think the red flag was when I was asked how many times i have been there and do i have famlily there. I said no family in Phil and then the next question was why I have gone so many times do I have business there. After I answered no I just go for vacation I was told to go to the inspection area and wait. Soon 2 guys start going through my luggage but mostly interested in my digital camera pics. I had taken about 180 pics and they looked at all of them on the memory card. I asked them why I was picked for " special inspection" and they said it was all just random.. YA RIGHT..lol..

[Aussiec]

I several months ago I e mailed Steven Yang who has published several books on his travels and "play" in Southeast Asia. He has a book that can be bought at Amazon called "Butterfly". It is great reading and really helped me alot when I first got started mongering. He did tell me he is writing a book about his travels and adventures in Philippines and some "tricks" of the trade as they say. The Book "Butterfly talks about how he had just finish his mongering in manila and heading to Cambodia and Thialand and ends with him back in Manila again. Stenen Yang is well knowledgeable and writes a column regularly in one of the Asian Adult magazine. Can not remember which one but his column title is Always noted on the cover of the magazine as Ying and Yang. Reports of travel in southeast asia.

[Luper Calia]

Changing the subject slightly, in the past we have discussed outsourcing programming work on here before and setting up an outsourcing office in a PEZA. This got me thinking about how I could wangle myself a holiday to the Philippines and I have come up with ingenious idea of travelling there on the pretense of doing some computer training. Ideally I would like to attend a bootcamp where I can master advanced object oriented techniques and PHP frameworks but failing that, a shorter holiday with just a 4 or 5 day UML course would suffice.

Therefore has anyone ever travelled to the Philippines and been on this type of training course? The alternative is India but I am not really fan of that type of lady.

My 2 cents. Do not even think about India. You could find a course but will not find any extra curricular activities unless you are very lucky indeed. Going to the Phillipines is the right idea but I've no idea about courses. However, I'm off to set up my own training school as soon as I can raise the funds!

[FireWalker]

Changing the subject slightly, in the past we have discussed outsourcing programming work on here before and setting up an outsourcing office in a PEZA. This got me thinking about how I could wangle myself a holiday to the Philippines and I have come up with ingenious idea of travelling there on the pretense of doing some computer training. Ideally I would like to attend a bootcamp where I can master advanced object oriented techniques and PHP frameworks but failing that, a shorter holiday with just a 4 or 5 day UML course would suffice.

Therefore has anyone ever travelled to the Philippines and been on this type of training course? The alternative is India but I am not really fan of that type of lady.

Why not do the opposite and set up a training seminar in programming. You could offer "scholarships" to exceptionallly skilled young ladies there. If you found some talented undividuals you could set up that outsourcing company you talked about.