Davao

[GoodEnough]

My perception is that, with the appropriate mind-set, sexual opportunity in the Philippines in general, and in Davao City in particular, is not exactly rocket science, and is actually probably somewhat closer to "rolling off a log", but may take a little time and effort.

Of course, the recently imposed martial law in Mindanao will or may put all of the above into a whole different context. Other, more "traditional" venues most likely will be more productive if you are looking for sexual opportunity. It may not your best use of time to visit Davao, unless you have other business or other interests, or unless you are truly an "old hand".

Just one man's views.

OM.

Well done O3. I don't think I've seen the word "grok" used since I was an undergraduate; your use of it sparked a host of pleasant memories of that long-ago era.

I'm not sure there's enough general interest in Davao to support multi-dimensional threads, which is a bit unfortunate since (one man's opinion only) the city is a hell of a lot more interesting than Cebu. As to the imposition of martial law having changed the context; it hasn't. There are no obvious road blocks, no ubiquitous police prescence, no dramatic changes to daily routines. However, martial law has essentially killed most tourism here. Prior to the imposition of martial law, many if not most of the planes arriving from Manila were full, as were many hotels and restaurants. This is no longer the case. I was told last week, for example, that the Marco Polo, the premiere hotel in the city, was running at about 20% occupancy. As far as the local women go, the dramatic reduction in the influx of tourists may have created significant opportunities for those interested in coming here for the purpose of chasing women. I have no direct evidence of this as I'm not a searcher while here, but I imagine it's true.

A couple of nights ago, I was talking to a close friend who has lived here for about 18 years, and we were reminiscing about places we used to go; some still open and others closed. The conversation eventually drifted to the discussion of a place called Plaza Roman, on Cabaguio St. , which featured a bar / pool hall with hostesses, a karaoke with hostesses, a massage shop and a larger bar / bistro with hostesses, and attractive, clean short-term rooms in a separate building in the rear. I had some great times there back in the day and was somewhat surprised to find out that it's still operating much the same as it did before. I don't think it's been mentioned in this forum, and I had forgotten about it completely, but anyone contemplating coming here might want to check it out. As I remember the place, it was both "dine-in" in the short-term rooms as well as "take-out" if that was your wish.

While Davao has no areas quite as in-your-face as Manila or even Cebu, there's an ample number of bars, karaoke places, pick-up venues and FL street walkers to keep an avid tourist busy. Because Davao is by far the largest city in the country in terms of geography, it's still easy to head out into the countryside while remaining within city limits, and there's some interesting stuff to do and see while doing so. This may also be the only city in the country in which taxi drivers routinely use meters without being asked.

GE.

[Wicked Roger]

I read them all. Very nice but there wasn't a word of advice on how a man might arrange sex with a woman. That is strange because this is the stated purpose of the ISG.


Many thanks! F.

You have 660 posts and you ask this question? On ISG? Thought I had seen it all.

Omega responded eloquently but really you need to ask how to arrange sex with women? But then you have also asked about airbnb, Backpage and DIA recently (so you know how to find ladies), you have asked about hotels, broken condoms, LA dating sites, massage places in HK. So many questions. So you know where to find and arrange? Yes?

It is your game that makes the difference, how you look, act, talk, smell etc. Unless you expect advice on that also?

[Omega 3]

I read them all. Very nice but there wasn't a word of advice on how a man might arrange sex with a woman. That is strange because this is the stated purpose of the ISG. ***

Just returned from a hectic trip to USA and HK. Am now catching up this forum and on other matters.

Forest, thanks for reading the three food and travel posts from my recent visit to Davao. I had tried made it clear that these were "general travel & food reports, for any who might be interested".

It seems that we differ fundamentally on our perceptions of this forum, and perhaps on our respective mongering lifestyles. No problem, "Live and let live". Peace, brother.

After having mongered in a number of countries around Asia over the span of half a century, I have come to appreciate the "flavor of women". Not just the flavors of their lips, tongues, throats, breasts, nipples, bellies, buttocks, vaginas, clits, thighs, and various and sundry other body parts, but also the "flavors" of their minds, hearts, and souls. Of course, some women are simple and one-dimensional, but others offer unexpected nuances, complexities and poignancy.

As Robert Heinlein might have asked, Do you "grok"?

Similarly, I have come to appreciate the "flavors" of various cities and countries and believe that some, but not all, mongers might also appreciate field reports on diverse subjects pertaining to international travel in these cities and countries. Some other posters have asked what there is to do in particular areas besides boozing and fucking.

There are various popular "multi-dimensional" threads in this forum, pertaining to Philippine politics and economics, and hotels, restaurants, and so on, related to metro Manila, Angeles, or Cebu. I personally think that Davao, as the third most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines, similarly deserves more than just a monochromatic thread. My disclaimers, at the beginnings of each of the three reports, were an effort to alert readers that these reports pertained to food and travel generally, so that any readers not interested in food and travel would not waste their time in reading further.

O3: might I request a final report dedicated to this topic? I have read the Davao trip reports over the last few years, and it seems that the choices are regular dating (or perhaps DIA encounters with an understanding of the need for patience) or a small number of bars with very hardcore ladies. I am certain one could do better with the proper advice.

Please help us Phil lovers!

Many thanks! F.

To borrow a neatly-turned phrase from X-Man (in a different context in a different thread): "Since you've been around the block a few times, I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, or why. So, I'll just throw a few things out there".

My perception is that, with the appropriate mind-set, sexual opportunity in the Philippines in general, and in Davao City in particular, is not exactly rocket science, and is actually probably somewhat closer to "rolling off a log", but may take a little time and effort.

By no means am I an expert on Davao City but, based on RTFF, I would not spend too much time in searching for sexual opportunity in "hard core" bars in Davao. Instead, would look at a number of non-exclusive approaches:

1. Social media and "dating sites". This has become a preferred choice of many savvy mongers. There have been many excellent posts on this forum by others far more knowledgeable and experienced than I on this topic.

2. Personal networking. Usually productive. Including, but not necessarily limited to, PMs to other posters on this forum who have far more expertise, contacts and suggestions for Davao City.

3. "Open field" sources. The "old fashioned hands-on" approach. If you are attuned, you will pick up on saucy eye contact and sexual vibes from certain potentially interested women virtually anywhere. Restaurants, coffee shops, malls (both shop girls and pedestrians), hotels, offices, churches, clinics, and so on. Of course, not every woman, and not all the time, and not always resulting in instant gratification, but usually enough to keep a monger happily occupied if so inclined.

4. "Bring your own".

Of course, the recently imposed martial law in Mindanao will or may put all of the above into a whole different context. Other, more "traditional" venues most likely will be more productive if you are looking for sexual opportunity. It may not your best use of time to visit Davao, unless you have other business or other interests, or unless you are truly an "old hand".

Just one man's views.

OM.

[Member #4643]

I read them all. Very nice but there wasn't a word of advice on how a man might arrange sex with a woman. That is strange because this is the stated purpose of the ISG.

O3: might I request a final report dedicated to this topic? I have read the Davao trip reports over the last few years, and it seems that the choices are regular dating (or perhaps DIA encounters with an understanding of the need for patience) or a small number of bars with very hardcore ladies. I am certain one could do better with th e proper advice.

Please help us Phil lovers!

Many thanks! F.

[X Man]

Excellent info Omega. It's been about eight years since I've been to Davao, but been thinking about a return visit. I visited the eagle sanctuary, but never made it to Eden or the crocodile park.

This is the third and final part of a general Davao travel & food report, which was written before ML, but not posted until just now, after ML. Intervening events in Marawi in particular and in Mindanao in general may have made this report a bit trite, but, perhaps, at the very least: remembrances of lost times? (with apologies to M. Proust).

Day 3.

SNIP

OM.

[StevieW]

For the pricing can you let us know the size of the tab ie 50 MG & 100 MG and the box size. Maybe 4 pieces per box?

Yeah. Sorry. They were 100 MG.

Packaged as described by RK.

[Red Kilt]

For the pricing can you let us know the size of the tab ie 50 MG & 100 MG and the box size. Maybe 4 pieces per box?

Generic Sildenifil is sold in boxes of 5 pcs. Very much over-packaged with each in its own blister packs and in its own cardboard sealed card.

I get mine from Mercury. Watsons doesn't always have in stock.

Thy will ask if you want the 50 MG or 100 MG tabs but it's a no-brainer: always buy the 100 MG tabs and break in half along the groove in the tab for virtually the same price. I only ever need 50 MG at a time.

[BrainDrain]

I went to a mercury in Davao and the price of Viagra was 1000 Php.

The generic sidenafil was about 400 Php I think.
After reading some posts on quantity to take, I took half a pill. Didn't really do much for me and haven't had the chance to experiment any further.
.

For the pricing can you let us know the size of the tab ie 50 MG & 100 MG and the box size. Maybe 4 pieces per box?

[StevieW]

Anybody know where I can get the little blue pill in Davao? Will I need to make a doctor's appointment or can it be bought on the street like in Manila?

I went to a mercury in Davao and the price of Viagra was 1000 Php.

The generic sidenafil was about 400 Php I think.

No prescriptions asked for.

After reading some posts on quantity to take, I took half a pill. Didn't really do much for me and haven't had the chance to experiment any further.

There's also a thread on this forum for Viagra if you want more info.

[GoodEnough]

Can't respond about Davao either. The small pharmacies are a good idea.

Last month I took a girl to see her solo practioner doctor. While I was there it dawn on me to ask the doctor for a scrip for the blue pill. I asked and the doc asked me why would I need one? Then the good doc said he has a supply of kamagra and generic cialis. The prices were a tiny bit less than the pharmacies. And no charge for the visit.

I stocked up and bought some for a friend back home. You might ask a doctor to buy some.

At Mercury and the other large chain pharmacies, you will need a prescription for Viagra, however generic sildenifil is available without prescription and at least some of the Mercury Drugs outlets.

GE.

[Dg8787]

Anybody know where I can get the little blue pill in Davao? Will I need to make a doctor's appointment or can it be bought on the street like in Manila?

Can't respond about Davao either. The small pharmacies are a good idea.

Last month I took a girl to see her solo practioner doctor. While I was there it dawn on me to ask the doctor for a scrip for the blue pill. I asked and the doc asked me why would I need one? Then the good doc said he has a supply of kamagra and generic cialis. The prices were a tiny bit less than the pharmacies. And no charge for the visit.

I stocked up and bought some for a friend back home. You might ask a doctor to buy some.

[Hutsori]

Anybody know where I can get the little blue pill in Davao? Will I need to make a doctor's appointment or can it be bought on the street like in Manila?

I'm not a Davao resident, so take it for what it's worth. The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) has several branches in Davao, http://tgp.com.ph/branches/?city_id=50, and its brand name of sildenafil is Tigerfil. My experience w / a few TGP branches in Manila is it employs non-pharmacists to dispense medication, which contravenes the law. I've never been asked for a prescription at a TGP. A fubu's sister is a pharmacist, and she told me her sister was 'employed' on paper to be the onsite pharmacist, which is required by law, but she never worked onsite. Another option is independent pharmacies; again, never asked for a prescription at one. It's only been big chains like Mercury and Watsons, and usually at the larger malls, that a prescription has been asked for; this hasn't been uniform, and often a bit of social engineering overcame it. I've found complete success by bringing in the drug's packaging and giving it to the person behind the counter. If they say "we don't have that brand" just ask for an equivalent.

[Slippery]

Anybody know where I can get the little blue pill in Davao? Will I need to make a doctor's appointment or can it be bought on the street like in Manila?

[Omega 3]

This is the third and final part of a general Davao travel & food report, which was written before ML, but not posted until just now, after ML. Intervening events in Marawi in particular and in Mindanao in general may have made this report a bit trite, but, perhaps, at the very least: remembrances of lost times? (with apologies to M. Proust).

Day 3.

A few colleagues of Asawako had chartered a large taxi for the day, and we joined their informal Sunday expedition.

Eden Nature Park & Resort.

An interesting hour-long ride to Eden, up in the mountains in the general direction of Mt Apo. Sunday at this popular venue was quite crowded. Eden entrance fee was P280 each, which included a light snack. We arrived shortly after 10 am, and were told that the shuttle bus tours around the premises were already booked until 4 pm. We just walked around a bit. Still hot in the sun, refreshingly cooler in the shade, but by no means chilly enough for a jacket or sweater.

Walked up a slight hill past a small aviary area, to the butterfly park. Highlight is a couple of huge netted areas, each big enough for a dozen people to comfortably walk around, populated with hundreds or even thousands of butterflies. A young male employee caught a few dozen butterflies, somehow folded them all like origami, and then placed them in the hands of Asawako. He told her to open her hands, and the butterflies fluttered out and up toward the sky. She was delighted. Captured this "opening of butterflies" on IPad video. Lovely.

Eden Nature Park Zipline Area.

We got back in the taxi and drove across the main road to an Eden restaurant on the other side, where we enjoyed a light snack, included in the admission fee. Enjoyed a tuna sandwich on toasted bun, while others had spaghetti. Not bad, actually. Maybe we worked up an appetite walking around earlier? After the snack, Asawako's colleagues tried the "kiddy" low zipline on the adjacent hill area, while we watched. Periodically, there would be screams from the nearby bungee-type high swing. None of us tried this ride. After a bit, we got back in the taxi and headed on to our next stop.

Crocodile Park.

We drove back toward Davao City, to the Crocodile Park and small zoo (with a tiger, snakes, monkeys, birds, and various small animals). Entrance fee was P250, but increases to P300 closer to feeding time. We were originally told that feeding time was at 3 pm, but later told 4 pm, and did not wait after walking around. Saw one huge crocodile in a separate pen, but it was unmoving, so was not convinced it was actually alive. Numerous smaller and baby crocodiles in ponds or other pens. Walked to a nearby crocodile restaurant where one of our group tried the croc burger (P130). When served, we could see that it was charred. He reported that it tasted a bit like fish, but less oily. Didn't really look too appetizing.

Jack's Ridge.

Back in the taxi and back to Jack's Ridge, with a grand view of majestic Mt Apo dead ahead along the way. Up and across to an area of Jack's Ridge which was a bit like Topps above Cebu. Small entry fee. Lovely view of Davao City down below. The more energetic members of our small group walked down a long flight of stairs to a field below. Asawako and I just enjoyed a cup of coffee and cheesecake in the air conditioned coffee shop above. We strolled around a bit, and spotted a vintage WWII Japanese aircraft on the nearby hillside, above a swimming pool area. Apparently, Jack's Ridge was a Japanese large gun emplacement site and figured prominently in the WW II Battle of Davao between Japanese forces resisting US and Filipino forces. Reminded me a bit of Mt Tapochau in Saipan, where Lee Marvin, then a US marine, was injured in WWII fierce fighting between Japanese and US forces.

Informal Davao City Tour.

Back in the taxi, over the ridge and down to the other side, which was Matina, and back to Davao City, passing Swiss Deli Matina (also with a baka or cow statue in front). Did not stop. Arrived at our destination restaurant early, at 4:30, but it did not open for dinner until 5:30, so spent the next hour in a delightful impromptu city tour. Along the way, passed by Victoria Mall and was told that Loyola Street (with Bon Appetit) was not far away. Was tempted to just "jump ship" and go there, but could not. Passed by People's Park, and saw Casa Leticia, which was one of the places where I had stayed during my prior visit a decade earlier, adjacent to Tsuru Japanese Restaurant, where I had enjoyed a pleasant lunch once. Passed by Gaesano South Mall, where I had seen a move a decade ago. Think the theater was bombed not long afterward?

Red House Shabu Shabu Restaurant.

Arrived at our restaurant at 5:30 pm. On F. Torres Street, adjacent to Davao City Convention Center, in the same new retail area as Nonki Japanese restaurant, which fronts F. Torres. This is a new branch of the original Red House in Cebu on Apitong Street, adjacent to MJ Suites and close by Parklane Hotel on Escario. There is a second Cebu branch on AS Fortuna and apparently relatively new branches now in Bacolod and in Tacloban. The Davao branch does not yet have a sign containing the words "Red House" but simply reads "Taiwan Shabu Shabu".

As reported in an earlier Cebu Restaurants post, I am a fan of shabu shabu restaurants, and wanted to introduce Asawako's colleagues to this type of dining, and so hosted the dinner. The menu was almost identical to the Cebu menu, and we ordered Set (B), plus a number of extra dishes a la carte. Asawako's colleagues seemed to enjoy the new dining experience. Food was almost the same as in Cebu, except that the tofu in the Davao branch was not as fresh or tasty, and the fish balls also not quite as good. The Davao branch also is quite popular. By 6:30 pm, every table in the restaurant was occupied with happy diners, although no other westerner visible.

After a pleasant dinner, we called it a day. We all wanted to go back to our respective hotels early, because of flights back to Cebu the following morning.

End of Day 3 and end of this series of Davao reports. Hope it was interesting reading?

OM.

[StevieW]

Stay safe you guys.

Doubt it will, but hippie this blows over soon.