Manila

[FreebieFan]

Always keep your distance from any group of male Filpinos.

They are often a sad group who have lots in common with the gangs that roam the streets of England. They hate anyone who is different and they carry knives and arent shy to show how macho they.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/578...lomats-husband

And no reason exists to create problems with these fellows. Keep your distance!

[Gangles]

In my opinion, the USA is the most corrupt country on the planet. Americans make corruption in other countries look like childs play.

This is the country where an industry, or a large corporation, sends teams of lobbyists to Congress with well lined pockets to buy the votes of members of congress to change law, make new law, or have existing laws repealed for the benefit of the industry, or the corporation.

Now that is corruption on a grand scale. And the American people see it a just being the way that business is done. Normal.

Wow,

G

I'm aware of your long running frustration, and many others of us share the same concerns. But you said nobody had been "tried, convicted, penalized or jailed." I believe impeachment is a trial.

You believe conditions are qualitatively different in the states. I'm not so sure. Check out a new literature beginning to appear under the name "State Crimes Against Democracy," with studies set in both the states and Australia. Or check out Glenn Greenwald's recent book, *Liberty and Justice for Some. You can check out the basics at Amazon without having to buy the book.

[Soapy Smith]

FYI, the clan you named currently holds a seat in the congress and continues to have alot of friends in very high places.

This may actually be an understatement. Imelda, yes, the widow, and she of many shoes, has a seat in the House of Representatives, a son, Ferdinand Jr, is in the Senate, and a daughter, Imee, is Governor of Ilocos Norte province.

[Member #4387]

I think we've had this friendly argument before, and I doubt that either of us will convince the other. I'm not a corruption virgin, and I acknowledge that the problem exists universally as soon as more than 2 politicians are elected anywhere. The difference here, I would argue, is one of both degree and kind. As far as degree, a conversation I had with a friend a couple of days ago is illustrative of what I mean. Both of us have worked in several countries, on several continents throughout the world; we've "done" several countries in Africa and SE Asia and we've seen corruption operating up close and personal in all of these countries. The major difference here is the overwhelming venality to an extent that precludes any real progress. It's one thing to tack 15-20% onto the cost of infrastructure, providing the infrastructure, though overpriced, gets built, as, for example, in Indonesia. It's quite another to steal 100, and to remain completely indifferent to improving the lives of the common citizens, which is pretty much what happens here.

I've probably said enough on the subject.

GE

I would hardly get into your dispute but I can not find the article but beeing read it stated that Philippines wealth are devided amongst 2-3% of the population meaning there are a few influencial families out there owning the hole damn country. They could easily find themself a new country and buy it but will not move until reality arrives and the corrupted has to stand down from their throwns facing jailtime etc. There will come times in the future where countries ex North Korea have to fight corruption atleast its populations will eventually say: enough is enough and riots and rebelment will take place. For some reasons good but have the avarage phil person enough ballast to know what is good for him / her as we speak? Much as in Thailand people seem not very interested in politics. They don't watch much documenteries from abroad to see how other countries work out. Norway (my country) stand out as a country free for corruption even if we have wealth in big time. But people here are well educated and can see through if someone is trying to make shortcuts and media (not run by government. But free press) will take down anyone trying to make a bribe small or big. I have no clue how phils are working but do they consider they have a free press or are all media houses run by a couple of the wealthy families?

Eventualy, maby not in my lifetime, North Korea as well will have their battles. But as long as China and Russia dont do anything about this retarded governmental leadership(as they want stability in their neighbourhood - china in particular) hardly US would follow up on South Korean retaliations when NK have shot at yet another marine wessel from SK..

[GoodEnough]

I'm aware of your long running frustration, and many others of us share the same concerns. But you said nobody had been "tried, convicted, penalized or jailed." I believe impeachment is a trial.

You believe conditions are qualitatively different in the states. I'm not so sure. Check out a new literature beginning to appear under the name "State Crimes Against Democracy," with studies set in both the states and Australia. Or check out Glenn Greenwald's recent book, *Liberty and Justice for Some. You can check out the basics at Amazon without having to buy the book.

I think we've had this friendly argument before, and I doubt that either of us will convince the other. I'm not a corruption virgin, and I acknowledge that the problem exists universally as soon as more than 2 politicians are elected anywhere. The difference here, I would argue, is one of both degree and kind. As far as degree, a conversation I had with a friend a couple of days ago is illustrative of what I mean. Both of us have worked in several countries, on several continents throughout the world; we've "done" several countries in Africa and SE Asia and we've seen corruption operating up close and personal in all of these countries. The major difference here is the overwhelming venality to an extent that precludes any real progress. It's one thing to tack 15-20% onto the cost of infrastructure, providing the infrastructure, though overpriced, gets built, as, for example, in Indonesia. It's quite another to steal 100, and to remain completely indifferent to improving the lives of the common citizens, which is pretty much what happens here.

I've probably said enough on the subject.

GE

[Member #4387]

Done a lot of work lately as in arriving in Manila tomorrow and building myself a fleet of regulars in this city as well. I was earlier talking about building myself a harem with girls living in an apt bought / rented by me. As for some fellow ISG`s members and their statements regarding this matter I feel I leave the idea for now as you guys and the professional real estate manager (whome I talked to a great deal) told me not to commence with my idea. As it would attract to much attention and the most joy I would get from it was to pay off cops a redicilous high ammount of bribes. Neighbours would go crazy and report 5-6 girls living together in a new apt building with me occationaly visit them. Would look to much as a pimp / girls on a payrole situation.

But as I have contacted a lot of girls upfront my trip from BKK to MNL tomorrow I will sure take advantage of this and meet quite a few of them. I got nearly 100 interests and mails from girls through various dating sites for wanting them to stay in my apartment (as stated above). They are all in age range from 19. 27 and without kids (atleast so they state).

I have made doublebookings for my days in MNL and I will go hard when it comes to fucking. All the girls claims not beeing professionals and they have not asked for anything. Yes, I know probably 50. 70% will not show even if they told me so. Thats why I have made doublebookings for the girls paying me a visit. I have told them about this as I am honest and girls coming will get compensated for time and effort. As we did not speak about money what would be the appropriated rate for girl showing up without me take them in room? Ofcourse transportation expenses but should I add 1-2000PHP?

As I stay 4 days and 3 bookings a day (6girls can be had per day if everyone shows up. But that want happen I hope) I will expect atleast 4 or 5 out of 24 will show. That I am satisfied with. I will according to one girl be met by her at the airport tomorrow. She claims she have car so no hazzle with taxi at the airport this time:-)

I have talked to everyone both in phone, webcam (to verify if pics and girls are the same) and through skype so they all seems interested. In my early communication I have put out in the open, as I want to find myself a GF (partly true except I allready have half pinay back home in Norway) , we have to have adultaction so I can see if we are compatible and take it from there relationshipwice. Most girls are fine with this (atleast they claim over datingsites at first and later in phone, skype etc). I have been open I want to meet many girls. 15 girls or so have denied thinking I am a pig. Doing this in a norwegian datingsite would create a lot of hazzle and I would probably get killed. But in phills they seem quite open and willing to meet themself a caucasian guy.

I don't know what I am diving into here but we will see. The girl I meet at the airport I feel has great potential as she is stunning beautiful. If everything works out smoothly I will find my gem in her. She is according to herself half american. Wow I can not wait. Only a few hours left.

[Simian]

What about the subway / metro? Does it run at night?

Seems my plan of going to all these places is not to optimal due to logistical issues.

Tell me I can get from Makati to Quezon City in 120 minutes atleast? I can't even hardly justify spending 4 hours of a day / night in a fucking cab. I can live with a 1 hour cab ride.

Also beings it takes so long, does that make cabs expensive?

I guess I need to hammer down a concrete plan for my time here. Ie Go ahead and plan which clubs I want to hit on each night I will be in Manila. Then figure out where to stay based on my itinerary.

The trick to making Manila bearable to get around is to pick your time for travel. Never travel by any form of transport between 6am and 9. 30am and between 4pm and 7pm, except perhaps the Skyway from Makati to NAIA (Manila airport). Don't even think about getting on the LRT / MRT / PNR (local rail, skytrain) at these times. In fact, it is not generally a good idea for foreigners to travel on public transport at all. Take a cab. And don't travel around lunch times.

Stay away from the Manila roads on the week before Christmas. Also, avoid travel during the Friday of a pay day week (15th and 30th of every month) as people head for the provinces on those Fridays.

Otherwise, during the day a cab from Makati to Malate / Ermita will take up to an hour, less during weekend / night. Quezon City is always a pain. But I have made it in about 1 hour, perhaps 90 minutes if you are really unlucky.

Cabs are not expensive, even when you get one in Ermita / Malate who wants to travel without a meter and hit you up for a higher price. All cabs appreciate a tip and tips become mandatory during bad weather. I never pay more than about 150 pesos for a trip from Makati to Ermita / Malate. I always give the guy a tip as it has got to be a tough way to make a living.

[MrHombre]

I strongly advise you or anyone else not to specifically mention or call out any political person, clan or member of the economic elite if you live in the Philippines or you plan on visiting again. Doing so will bring your identity to the attention of the person you are slandering. A simple call to the NBI cyber crimes unit will place your name on a list of potential problems and that will get you at the very least a rubber love-glove inspection at BOI. If you continue to be outspoken you can be blacklisted from entry to the Philippines.

FYI, the clan you named currently holds a seat in the congress and continues to have alot of friends in very high places. Keep up your public tirade and you might end up dancing in an orange jumpsuit.

We are guests in that country, after all. Their system is what it is. We ought to be polite guests, and also avoid the personal problems you describe from attracting attention.

[Stroker Ace88]

Just making the transition from a dicktatorship to a corrupt democracy is a slight reduction in corruption since at least the thieves in power have a time limit on their time to steal from the gov't purse / abuse their power to extort bribes. It also reduces the fear of people exposing the corruption. Journalists are still killed but perhaps not as bad as when dictators were in power.

I strongly advise you or anyone else not to specifically mention or call out any political person, clan or member of the economic elite if you live in the Philippines or you plan on visiting again. Doing so will bring your identity to the attention of the person you are slandering. A simple call to the NBI cyber crimes unit will place your name on a list of potential problems and that will get you at the very least a rubber love-glove inspection at BOI. If you continue to be outspoken you can be blacklisted from entry to the Philippines.

FYI, the clan you named currently holds a seat in the congress and continues to have alot of friends in very high places. Keep up your public tirade and you might end up dancing in an orange jumpsuit.

[Soapy Smith]

In my experience, Filipinos have the most unhealthy eating habits that I have ever encountered in any nationality except perhaps the Scottish (it's sadly true about the deep fried Mars bars).

Please remind me how it is that fish and chips are prepared. And when you're done eating them, what's that stuff coating the paper towel or napkin placed under them?

[Soapy Smith]

Just like Chicago only more open and obvious corruption.

I agree. The difference is that the corruption is better concealed in Chicago. So which version is more dangerous?

[Soapy Smith]

Yes, he lost his office, forfeited nothing and was not criminally charged with anything.

I'm aware of your long running frustration, and many others of us share the same concerns. But you said nobody had been "tried, convicted, penalized or jailed." I believe impeachment is a trial.

You believe conditions are qualitatively different in the states. I'm not so sure. Check out a new literature beginning to appear under the name "State Crimes Against Democracy," with studies set in both the states and Australia. Or check out Glenn Greenwald's recent book, *Liberty and Justice for Some*. You can check out the basics at Amazon without having to buy the book.

[Slippery]

Yes, he lost his office, forfeited nothing and was not criminally charged with anything.

Didn't he just walk out a day early? He was dizzy or something? Absolutely no consequences for that man and he will probably still collect his pension for life. No consequences for GMA either. And Joe? Hahahahahaha. He might be the next president. Ummmm, what about Villar? It just goes on and on and on and on all the way down to the barangay level. Aren't there sub-barangay levels of politics too? Just like Chicago only more open and obvious corruption.

[GoodEnough]

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was impeached.

Yes, he lost his office, forfeited nothing and was not criminally charged with anything.

[Member #4379]

Just making the transition from a dicktatorship to a corrupt democracy is a slight reduction in corruption since at least the thieves in power have a time limit on their time to steal from the gov't purse / abuse their power to extort bribes. It also reduces the fear of people exposing the corruption. Journalists are still killed but perhaps not as bad as when dictators were in power.