Manila

[OldAsiaHand]

Spent a few days in Manila this week. Here is my report:

Entertainment Center across the street from the domestic airport is still dead. I was talking to the Belgian manager and he said they tried everything to get people out there, but until now no result. The 7-8 bars there are filled with talent and very, very few customers. At 10:00pm, I saw only one white guy and three Japanese guys in all of the bars. Anyway, I pulled one out of My Fair Lady who claimed to be "new on the game" and never been with a customer. How many of you hear the same story? Does anybody believe this? To cut a long story short, service was just average and the damage was 1,000 bar fine + 1,500 ST for the girl.

Next night, I came back from a business function rather late so called for room service to the hotel from a freebie girl I've known for a couple of years. She brought a friend and they gave me a very nice massage followed by a joint BBBJ. I straddled the friend and did her Russian while the other girl rimmed me from behind. I could not take this for too long and blew CIF on the friend. Very nice finish. Damage was only 1,000 for the friend.

At the recommendation of Cebu Local, I tried the Skyline. Frankly, I was disappointed with the experience. Cebu Local explained that it was 1,000 for the house, 1,000 for the girl. When we got there, they said it was 1,400 for the house, but they would settle for 1,200. I insisted that I was told 1,000 so she made a call and agreed. We picked our girls from one room since we were told the fish tank was under renovation. The girl gave me a shower, but kept her clothes on. When I asked why, she told me that customers took advantage and did not take the "extra service" available. As she was giving me the massage (still fully clothed), she started discussing the price of 1,500 pesos. I told her my friend said 1,000. She stopped the massage (back only) after about 20 minutes total and told me I could take a nap until the time was up since I did not want the "extra service". She started to cry about my offer for 1,000. What bullshit is this? I finally agreed to the 1,500 since I had already invested 1,000 in a worthless massage. I asked for BBBJ and she said covered only and started to cry again. I could see this was going downhill, showered and left, 1,000 poorer and still horny.

After dinner, I went to the LA Cafe. The place was packed. I pulled a half black girl (JoAnna). Again, service was just average. Too many teeth in the BBBJ and she appeared to be in pain with the FS, even missionary. Either being fooled and not sadistic, I stopped and finished with a BBBJCIM. Damage for ST was 1,000 + 100 taxi fare. I am curious about pricing out of LA Cafe for the veterans. One Brit I met there claimed he never pays more than 800 LT, plus breakfast. The girl told me that some of the "older" ladies may go for 500 ST, but not the younger, better looking ones. And, I've read about different prices on this thread. What is the going rate?

OAH

P.S. It seems to me that the P4P service level in Manila is getting worse. At least, I've noticed this on my last few trips this year. Is it just my perception, pure bad luck, or a real trend?

[Sugoi]

I just noticed that was the one built in 1967 but it is a "5" star according to the website...

[Sugoi]

Fast Eddie,

How would you suggest I go about getting a room at the new Hyatt for $65.00 a night? I won't be able to walk up to the front desk and haggle with them over prices. The problem is after my 17 hour flight the earliest I arrive in Manila is 11:00 p.m. after immigration and customs it is around midnight. I usually stay for 10-14 days and have 2-3 suitcases, therefore I need my accomodations lined up before I arrive.

Any suggestions how to attain this fantastic rate prior to arrival?

Thanks for the input.

Hi OTG,

Haven't heard from you for a while... Good to hear you are going back to the Philippines. Try this site:

http://www.asiarooms.com/philippines...t_regency.html

It is showing $59 or $65 for a room depending on the date.

Shoot me an e-mail if you have a chance.

Sugoi

[On The Go]

Fast Eddie,

How would you suggest I go about getting a room at the new Hyatt for $65.00 a night? I won't be able to walk up to the front desk and haggle with them over prices. The problem is after my 17 hour flight the earliest I arrive in Manila is 11:00 p.m. after immigration and customs it is around midnight. I usually stay for 10-14 days and have 2-3 suitcases, therefore I need my accomodations lined up before I arrive.

Any suggestions how to attain this fantastic rate prior to arrival?

Thanks for the input.

[Fast Eddie 48]

Fast Eddie 48:

Where did you find your hotel prices? I have been to the Manila area 5 times in the last two years and plan on going again in October. I have never seen the Pan Pacific for less than $80.00 a night. I would book this hotel in a second for 2600 pesos, it is head and shoulders above the other two you mentioned.

I also stayed at the Gr. Blvd and was not impressed. The staff was very friendly, Skyline was a nice convenience. I was in one of the so called "newly rennovated rooms" they were somewhat run down with a musty smell and not the best AC., without IDD telephones and room safes. Room service was over priced and cold.
Still a good value at $45.00 a night.

Hey on the go,

I stay there back on 2002 for 2 night. It is around 2600 peso for a single std room with no view. You need to shop around for price on hotel, internet doesn't alway get you the best rate. Check with travel agent in Malate area or just show up if they have room you will get a good deal, $ 80.00 USD a night is too much. You can stay at the new Hyatt for $ 65.00 new hotel they have alot of empty room now is slow season. Grand Bivd is a little rundown need renovation but skyline is great.

You need to know how to bargin in manila same way with the girl

[On The Go]

Fast Eddie 48:

Where did you find your hotel prices? I have been to the Manila area 5 times in the last two years and plan on going again in October. I have never seen the Pan Pacific for less than $80.00 a night. I would book this hotel in a second for 2600 pesos, it is head and shoulders above the other two you mentioned.

I also stayed at the Gr. Blvd and was not impressed. The staff was very friendly, Skyline was a nice convenience. I was in one of the so called "newly rennovated rooms" they were somewhat run down with a musty smell and not the best AC., without IDD telephones and room safes. Room service was over priced and cold.
Still a good value at $45.00 a night.

[The Cat]

Bubba,

Trust me you dont want to stay in Swagman Hotel. Place is a dump, no working ac, bugs all over the place. Try Lotus Garden Hotel around same area.

Need more info pm me,

The Cat

[Fast Eddie 48]

I'm planning a trip (my second) to the PI and would like to know if anyone has stayed at the Swagman Hotel in Manila and what they thought of it?

Is it convenient to good mongering areas? Any good info would be appreciated, I'm kind of thinking about a Manila, Angeles, Subic and Bagiuo loop.

One more, I have not been able to find if there are flights from Manila to Phnom Phen, anyone know about this?

Thanks, and hope to repay with some travel reports.
Bubbagoes

To bubbagoes,

Swagman is a dump, very old motel with smelly room, there is many hotel around emirta area $ 20-25.00 usd cheaper and better. They do have a bus service to Angeles City, but is twice as much than Phililpine Rabbit bus line.

Manila to Phnom Phen, you need to go to bangkok first Thai Airway or Malay
Asia Air line thur KL, or Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and Dragon Air to PP.

Fast Eddie 48

[Marconista]

As far as I can recall, there are plenty posts about Swagman in the forum, and none very positive.

I'm planning a trip (my second) to the PI and would like to know if anyone has stayed at the Swagman Hotel in Manila and what they thought of it?Bubbagoes

[Bubbagoes100]

Brothers, I must apologise, I had previously asked about flights from Manila to Phnom Phen and you had responded. Once I start thinking about heading over yonder I get CRS.
Thanks for the info about the flights.
Bubbagoes

[Bubbagoes100]

I'm planning a trip (my second) to the PI and would like to know if anyone has stayed at the Swagman Hotel in Manila and what they thought of it?
Is it convenient to good mongering areas? Any good info would be appreciated, I'm kind of thinking about a Manila, Angeles, Subic and Bagiuo loop.
One more, I have not been able to find if there are flights from Manila to Phnom Phen, anyone know about this?
Thanks, and hope to repay with some travel reports.
Bubbagoes

[Stinky Squid]

Don't know why my post isn't showing up in the Makati section, but what the heck, this is Manila also:

It seems like you can easily pick up girls many public places. For example the Makati area around the Landmark mall. They hang out at the Starbuck's on Dela Rosa and Rizal Drive and will wave at you or approach you, it's a sure bet. It's interesting that you can't ever get one approaching you in the mall or openly in the parks, but rather on certain side-walks, particularly where those abundant security people won't see.

On one of the pedestrian overpasses over Makati Ave to Greenbelt Park, a girl got into my way asking me "can I go with you?". But I didn't know how to react and just went on. Then around that small park on Rizal and North Drive I saw two really pretty girls there, and it was very, very tempting. So, I had a cigaret close by hoping they might approach me and I could at least chat a bit to find out what's in store and how I could get them into my hotel room without hassles. But they didn't come to me. However, as I walked by them they "hello"-ed me as I expected.

But I'm not a real monger, have business associates staying with me in the same hotel and didn't want to run into them with the girls. I'm kind of shy and wasn't up to it tonight because I have to get up early tomorrow. So I just passed by. Perhaps a shame from a monger's viewpoint, the one was really pretty as far as I could see. Darn, I feel like going right back and see if they are still there (suspect not.) If I was less inhibited, I should have availed of this offer. Perhaps next time when I am here alone.

Anyway, to me this seems far more straight-forward than these bars, simply cutting out overpriced drinks and barfine, and instead get right down to it. The cozy part of the night is longer that way also, as it is only 10 pm.

The hotel makes a big deal about being careful with "people" who approach you. So I don't know if some of those are scams, particularly because there were also a lot of local guys hanging out. What's the risk?

[Sugoi]

I heard the 5000 quote second hand, although it was from an expat businessman who probably doesn't care about paying that much. I should stick to quoting things I've personally experienced. Thanks.

I am assuming you are talking about Miss Universal. I can confirm that it is 2500 consumable for a VIP room or 3500 for a larger VIP room or the upstairs VIP rooms with Karaoke.

My advice is to talk to the Floor Manager (I recommend Vangie) and tip her a couple hundred and ask her who is game. Then, take the 2500 VIP room because if you get a Karaoke room the girl might want to waste your time and sing. It costs 460 pesos/hour for a girl which includes one drink for her. If it is just you, buy 3 or 4 drinks for the girl up front and then the waitress won't bother you for 3 or 4 hours. In that time you should be able to get a good GFE.

[Mahku]

They mush charge foreigners more, I only paid 2500 for the VIP room, enough drinks to get the girl tipsy and horny, I eventually fucked her in the VIP room, we blocked the door with the coffee table, total damage including the tips was close to 5k.

I heard the 5000 quote second hand, although it was from an expat businessman who probably doesn't care about paying that much. I should stick to quoting things I've personally experienced. Thanks.

[Wastrel]

...Besides that it didn't take me long to get fed up with these Manila taxi guys. There's always trying to scam you somehow. This never seems to happen in Cebu or Davao. Just be firm and they'll switch on the meter...

Thanks, I've always wondered whether the taxi scoundrels are just a Manila thing, or whether they are also that bad in other PI cities that I'm not familiar with. Anyone else have any comparisons they can offer on whether to expect the same thing elsewhere in the RP? I quite agree that Manila taxi drivers are not to be trusted, and I stay on guard with them every moment.