Davao

[Sxxxx]

Anyway, I don't know if he is worth it lads.

He can pay for air ticket to Phils, expensive hotel, restaurants, purchases for her family and friends (all 300 of them, LOL) , but can NOT pay for ISG membership, it seems.

Personal security is number one. He would have no idea about that, other than accessing a website like ISG and the views on it here.

No such extreme violence (murder) as Soapy states has ever happened in Cebu City, thus a better town to romance her, methinks.

As CM says, flip friends do not understand the "attention" foreigners attract. Girls drawn to foreigners and criminals too.

They are all infatuated with our ability to access an ATM apparently, LOL.

There was another poster who said he accessed the ATM in the Phils, incl. Possibly a receipt indicating the withdrawal, but NO money popped out. That would be the end of your romance, if your 'squeeze' was standing next to you, at the time, LOL!

P.S. : don't let them see your numbers. I had an email from a dearly departed friend, called Ol' Joe (some of you might remember him) who, in Davao, unknowingly let his squeeze see the card numbers he punched in at the ATM. He was a sick man in final months of Parkinsons (after 30 yrs of it). Whilst he was asleep she was busy running around Davao City, emptying out his credit card.

And saying that nothing will happen in Davao is ok, but what if it does happen (again) ?. Way back, folks were blown up by a terrorist bomb outside the Davao Airport. Yeh, ancient history, but these things do happen in Muslim inhabited Mindinao. And folks should know about these things so THEY can make up their mind if they still want to visit the place. Myself, I did not give up because of danger, I stopped visiting Davao cause it was not a "sexy city". Too slow a pace, too slow everything. Suits some, but does not suit a fossil like me.

Forum is for expressing views. Nothing wrong with that, so long as newbies have access to all of them (views / opinions), LOL.

Have fun, wherever you are.

[Dg8787]

How true. Imagine the surprise of gay people partying at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, or the country and western concert goers in the open air in Las Vegas when gun-toting crazies cut loose. There have been so many such unexpected incidents in recent years in the states, that it sort of begs credulity to hold up Davao as an example of hidden threats. Perhaps it's safest just to stay in a mother's basement in Detroit or Newark, clacking away on a keyboard and searching the internet all day as your exclusive window on the world.

Totally agree with your insights SS. CM don't forget to stock up on JO lotion. Best to get amazon delivery than to venture out to the local store. It's dangerous out there.

[Soapy Smith]

Davao is not what it seems on the surface. It may look and feel like Sleepy Hollow. However, acts of terror like the Davao night market bombing punctuate the peaceful dreamy ambiance without warning, much like the visits of the Headless Horseman to Sleepy Hollow. Feeling safe and secure is just an emotional state that does not indicate actual security conditions. That feeling can come from being unaware of existing hidden threats or overconfidence in the ability to survive them once they present themselves. http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2...del-Norte.html

How true. Imagine the surprise of gay people partying at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, or the country and western concert goers in the open air in Las Vegas when gun-toting crazies cut loose. There have been so many such unexpected incidents in recent years in the states, that it sort of begs credulity to hold up Davao as an example of hidden threats. Perhaps it's safest just to stay in a mother's basement in Detroit or Newark, clacking away on a keyboard and searching the internet all day as your exclusive window on the world.

[GoodEnough]

Good advice, especially for a newbie, who has yet to consider the 'dark side' of the Philippines, and Mindinao in particular. He would unknowingly be walking around Davao with "Soft Target" written all over him.

Like you, I have visited Davao many times, but don't go there anymore, these days.

If she is a 'must have item' , I'd send her an air ticket to Cebu, and fraternise with her there.

Ain't love grand!

Strange, the differences of opinion. I've now lived here for about 18 years, think it's likely the safest place I've ever lived and in many respects, feel it's the best place to live in the country. Given that the expat population here continues to explode exponentially, it appears that there are more than a few who agree with me. The only problem for me here is that the city is growing economically so fast that the traffic is becoming much worse year on year, and though major roadworks have been initiated, the infra improvements cannot keep pace with the city's rapid growth.

GE.

[Chocha Monger]

I left the Taxi with all my possessions while I found a money changer, as my flight was diverted en-route from KL and I got to Davao 3 hours late. He was still waiting for us on my return to pay a 500 p bill! Honesty was much appreciated.

Spent the night with jet lag being taken around by my GF, and introduced to the family, and witnessed first hand the living conditions she has. At no point did I ever feel unsafe. We went to a restaurant and a bar until quite late, great fun.

Spent 4 days and 3 Nights at Pearl Farm Beach Resort on Samal Island, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.

On the last day, hung out with the GF's family, and did the grocery shopping, by motorcycle trike and bicycle trike. As it was my first time in the Philippines, my GF wanted me to experience all it had to offer.

Davao is not what it seems on the surface. It may look and feel like Sleepy Hollow. However, acts of terror like the Davao night market bombing punctuate the peaceful dreamy ambiance without warning, much like the visits of the Headless Horseman to Sleepy Hollow. Feeling safe and secure is just an emotional state that does not indicate actual security conditions. That feeling can come from being unaware of existing hidden threats or overconfidence in the ability to survive them once they present themselves. No one feels unsafe until the first bomb blast tears through a crowded public place or heavily armed terrorists reveal themselves and snatch hostages. This is the reason terrorism is a potent weapon that has psychological effects that extend far beyond the immediate space and time of the overwhelming violence involved. Terrorists choose targets where people feel safe and secure to catch them unawares and prove them wrong, which destroys their illusions that the state can protect them.

Samal Island looks like a little paradise. However, almost three years ago, 11 terrorists swarmed over the security guard at Holiday Oceanview Samal Resort in a night attack kidnapping three foreigners and a Filipina. The terrorists hustled their captives into two motorized bancas and sped off by sea. Approximately, 30 foreigners were staying at the resort at the time of the raid. The significant presence of Westerners is not an indication of safety, to the contrary, it presents a very tempting target-rich environment for terrorists looking for hostages or simply looking to inflict as much foreign casualties as possible to make an international statement in the media.

Filipinas may want their foreigner boyfriend to have the full Philippine experience, but the foreigner must know that his Filipina's risk is not anywhere as high as his risk. She is very likely to survive his kidnapping or assassination unharmed and return to her family safely. Filipino terrorist kidnappers and robbers do not place the same value on the foreigner's life although one would think so because his family and friends are much more likely to be capable of raising at least several tens of thousands of dollars for ransom than the Filipina's family. These criminals tend to avoid killing or harming their womenfolk when going after their foreign target, partly because of cultural and political reasons. Hence, when she says it is safe, it provides no assurance to her foreign companion. If a monger would not entrust his life savings to a Filipina for safekeeping, he should think very carefully about doing so with his life, especially in Mindanao and the Sulu Sea provinces.

http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2...del-Norte.html

[Chocha Monger]

Thinking of surprising my GF by visiting Davao for a significant birthday for her.

What is there that would be nice to do on her birthday? She says she never really celebrates it. So I would like some ideas if you can provide any.

Get a posh hotel room, liquor, and a box of chocolates. Then celebrate her birthday filling her up with as much cream pie as you can deliver. Try to serve her 10 or more cream pies. She will love it, and always remember that particular birthday. The way to a Pinay's heart is cream pie first, followed with cash rewards. Make sure you stock up enough crme filling well in advance for her birthday cream pie surprise.

Get a posh hotel room, liquor, and a box of chocolates. Then celebrate her birthday filling her up with as much cream pie as you can deliver. Try to serve her 10 or more cream pies. She will love it, and always remember that particular birthday. The way to a Pinay's heart is cream pie first, followed with cash rewards. Make sure you stock up enough crme filling well in advance for her birthday cream pie surprise.

[GoodEnough]

Eagle sanctuary was pleasant, though it's probably 10 years since I went there. We're unlikely to go back to Davao anytime soon as I have no desire to tempt any kidnappers. Don't tell me I'm paranoid or there is nothing to worry about. The risk is small but has increased in recent years, and there are plenty of other places in the Philippines to go. I know a few Filipinos who chose to move north than stay in the region.

Eagle Sanctuary is a good place, as is Eden Park, Crocodile Park, various zip line rides, and, on Samal Island (20 minute boat ride) various beach resorts. There's also now a huge variety of restaurants and clubs.

GE.

[Sxxxx]

Eagle sanctuary was pleasant, though it's probably 10 years since I went there. We're unlikely to go back to Davao anytime soon as I have no desire to tempt any kidnappers. Don't tell me I'm paranoid or there is nothing to worry about. The risk is small but has increased in recent years, and there are plenty of other places in the Philippines to go. I know a few Filipinos who chose to move north than stay in the region.

Good advice, especially for a newbie, who has yet to consider the 'dark side' of the Philippines, and Mindinao in particular. He would unknowingly be walking around Davao with "Soft Target" written all over him.

Like you, I have visited Davao many times, but don't go there anymore, these days.

If she is a 'must have item' , I'd send her an air ticket to Cebu, and fraternise with her there.

Ain't love grand!

[Simmer]

Thinking of surprising my GF by visiting Davao for a significant birthday for her.

What is there that would be nice to do on her birthday? She says she never really celebrates it. So I would like some ideas if you can provide any.

Eagle sanctuary was pleasant, though it's probably 10 years since I went there. We're unlikely to go back to Davao anytime soon as I have no desire to tempt any kidnappers. Don't tell me I'm paranoid or there is nothing to worry about. The risk is small but has increased in recent years, and there are plenty of other places in the Philippines to go. I know a few Filipinos who chose to move north than stay in the region.

[Sxxxx]

Thinking of surprising my GF by visiting Davao for a significant birthday for her.

What is there that would be nice to do on her birthday? She says she never really celebrates it. So I would like some ideas if you can provide any.

Money is something they have never got, and rarely get their hands on. Instead of spending money on birthday cakes, drinks for relations etc, give something that will impress.

Such as a nice birthday card with some blue notes inside. Then she can buy stuff to make her day. Give her freedom to mix with parents, relations. Keep well clear, let her have fun spending that money you gave her (inside nice birthday card) with relations and friends. Following day, she will give you a fuck to remember.

[Dg8787]

Thinking of surprising my GF by visiting Davao for a significant birthday for her.

What is there that would be nice to do on her birthday? She says she never really celebrates it. So I would like some ideas if you can provide any.

Depends on how extravagant and expensive you want to be. Also is the celebration to be in Davao or elsewhere? Out of the country?

How romantic do you want to be?

Who is on the invite list? Her family? How many people?

What's your budget?

If all else fails, fall back to Jollibee, make sure you have Chicken and spaghetti on the menu.

[PBtoCobra]

Thinking of surprising my GF by visiting Davao for a significant birthday for her.

What is there that would be nice to do on her birthday? She says she never really celebrates it. So I would like some ideas if you can provide any.

[PBtoCobra]

Recently returned from 4 days in Davao, stayed the first night at The Marco Polo, gave a toast to the departed Dragon Slayer, for without his forum and posts, I would have a lot less info on the city.

I left the Taxi with all my possessions while I found a money changer, as my flight was diverted en-route from KL and I got to Davao 3 hours late. He was still waiting for us on my return to pay a 500 p bill! Honesty was much appreciated.

Spent the night with jet lag being taken around by my GF, and introduced to the family, and witnessed first hand the living conditions she has. At no point did I ever feel unsafe. We went to a restaurant and a bar until quite late, great fun.

Spent 4 days and 3 Nights at Pearl Farm Beach Resort on Samal Island, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.

On the last day, hung out with the GF's family, and did the grocery shopping, by motorcycle trike and bicycle trike. As it was my first time in the Philippines, my GF wanted me to experience all it had to offer.

I would have announced my trip, but the forum move meant the lost password recovery Capture image was not working, so I was unable to post for many weeks until now.

In Davao, outside of the MP hotel, I did not see any other Western guys until I got to Pearl Farm.

I would have no issue in returning to Davao, and now I know the complexity of leaving the country I will be more relaxed and have more time.

For those of you who know the procedure, skip the next bit, it's for those of us who have never experienced leaving before.

We were flying Air Asia to JHB via KL. With Premium Tickets, so we skipped the main line and straight to the Premium Desk. Security Guard tells us we need to Pay Tourist Tax, and directed us to a counter, so we left the queue.

Went to a scrum of bodies where passports were checked, the tourist tax, apparently does not apply to Foreigners, or at least I did not have to pay it, and neither did my GF. So a waste of time.

Back to the Premium Queue, where we joined the short queue, they were not really managing it effectively, so we had to push our way in after a few others pushed in. So it was done in a slowly slowly, nice way.

Had some Seniors complain behind me, saying why is he in the line? Note the Senior and Premium Line is the same. The Security Guard pushed the Seniors back into the main line and told them to wait.

All checked in manually as the computers were down, hand written baggage tags were not a good sign, and the bags were directed to JHB which was our final destination. No need to pick them up in KL which was good.

Food choices were limited, so we had to go in the domestic side, leaving our passports with security in order to grab some food. Our passports were returned without them even checking the pictures, so I made a point of showing my picture and giving them a smile.

Now, this is where it got really interesting. My GF forgot to tell me we needed to pay an exit Tax of 700 php each, and they only accept cash. So I then had to leave the airport, find an ATM and get some cash, re-enter the airport and pay the money.

Then we got to Exit Immigration checks, where I got through easily, but my GF did not, and had to have an interview and fill out some paperwork. It was getting closer and closer to departure time.

I stood next to the Interview Desk and had to help with some of the answers and show her return ticket to Davao, how long we knew each other and where we met etc Perhaps because I had the boarding passes and passports that they felt she was being trafficked?

Or that she has no job, but is traveling.

We had given at least 2 and a half hours to get to the gate area, and had we not been able to bypass the Air Asia bag drop, we probably would not have made it.

So my advice, get to the airport around 3 hours before, on the afternoon flight out of Davao (2 pm) Make sure you have all the cash you need. Let your GF have her own papers. And most importantly, pay the extra for Premium, it's not a lot of money in the overall scheme of things.

Love the friendly people in Davao, looking forward to visiting it again soon.

[Goferring]

LOL! Take that up with the owner. Actually, at my advanced age that's not necessarily a bad use of time.

Just to clarify that I meant it in a positive way.

He loves a chat and is a wealth of knowledge about the area. Before you know it you have been talking for hours.

[Soapy Smith]

+1. Be prepared to loose a day just chatting with the owner.

LOL! Take that up with the owner. Actually, at my advanced age that's not necessarily a bad use of time.