Manila

[Soapy Smith]

I will be staying in and around the American embassy and need to know how far the L A cafe and Robinsons Mall is?

I hope you mean only that you'll be visiting the embassy. It's possible the military security people detailed there stay in the embassy, but most of the professional staff live in a separate compound a couple miles away. (If you're military and been assigned there, lucky you.) There are, however, a number of reasonable hotels within a couple blocks of the embassy.

To get to LA Cafe from the embassy, cross Roxas Blvd. near the main visitor entrance of the embassy, then go keep going another block to the Northeast (away from Manila bay) to M. H. del Pilar. There might be an alley or two between Roxas and del Pilar, but not with any traffic to speak of. Turn right on del Pilar and walk about 4 blocks to LA Cafe, which is on the right at the corner of Romero-Salas. There are a bunch of sleazy looking money changing places and a few small clubs (including a couple with p4p ladies) in this stretch of del Pilar and you may get harrassed by guys trying to sell you belts, "rare" coins, viagra and cialis, wallets, etc. Don't do business with them, and keep your money concealed and covered.

You can't miss LA Cafe; it's all lit up with advertising signs. About a block earlier on a corner on the left side you will go past Amazonia, also a freelancer pickup bar.

Another route from the embassy is to just go South on Roxas (turn right after coming out the visitor gate) about the euqivalent of 4 blocks until you see a hotel called Boulevard Mansion across the street on the backside of the little frontage street. Romero-Salas is the next street to the left after Boulevard Mansion. The street is real narrow here, but when it widens after the chain link fence LA Cafe will be on your left. Actually, there's a little alley that runs behind LA Cafe, and over to the right of Romero-Salas along this alley is a little open air restaurant where the LA freelancers often eat and get away from the smoke in the club.

To get from LA to Robinson's Mall, go out the front door of LA and keep going up Romero-Salas two blocks. It dead ends against a new highrise apartment building. Turn left, go about 100 yards, and Robinson Mall is on your right.

Enjoy!

[HornyGeorge]

Violent crime against foreigners is not common and the street punks will not want to mix it up with foreigners (especially if you are not alone). Most cops, especially in areas frequented by foreigners, have been told by their bosses to come down hard on those attacking foreigners (foreign image of PI is VERY important to the elites). Pickpocketing, burglary, petty theft, bag snatching and the like is very common against foreigner and Pinoy alike, but armed robbery or violent muggings of foreigners are much rarer.

I sure feel safer there than in most any major city in the Americas (save Canada). Sorry your friend lost her shopping money Skip; the thieves KNOW poor Pinays carry lots of cash in December so that type of theft spikes then, or so I am told.

[Billy Bud]

Will be doing my first visit to Manila since coming out of Viet Nam and would like to start the process of developing a "plan"!

If you like you may PM me with any pertinent information!

I will be staying in and around the American embassy and need to know how far the L A cafe and Robinsons Mall is?

I leave in the late evening from Los Angeles with a stop in Hong kong [Cathy Pacific]. I would imagine the first thing on my agenda is to crash and burn because of the jet lag? after that I'm open to suggestions!

As this is my first post I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have proceeded me and have donated there time on this site to make it easier for those who follow.

[Soapy Smith]

The girls always get nervous and clutch their stuff when walking from the LA Cafe past the money changers towards the church and 7-11. I saw some punks beat the living crap out of another pinoy. They continued stomping on his head ever after he was knocked out.

About this time last year there was a rash of purse snatching crimes in Ermita and in Pasay City. The MO seemed to be two guys on a loud, small motorcycle. The driver would drive very close to passersby, usually women but occasionally a man, and the passeger on the rear would snatch the pursestrap, camera strap, or whatever presented itself. The word was out among the girls at LA Cafe, and most were appropriately worried. One of my favorites lost her purse containing 10,000 pesos -- which she'd carried to do Christmas shopping at Robinson's Place -- this way. The police eventually caught a couple guys who were involved in a string of these robberies when some Pinoy who'd been victimized by them recognized them in a restaurant some where in Pasay City and called the police. The police gave chase and shot at them as they fled, catching them and wounding one or both with gunfire. The reports of this sort that had been showing up daily in the paper then died down. Problem is, poverty always breeds more crime like this eventually. I suspect this sort of thing and the usual gauntlet of beggars that hang out waiting for people with money to depart LA Cafe -- rather than the threat of violent attack on their bodies -- are what causes the girls to clutch their purses.

[BuleDaddy]

I think the earlier poster meant that Ermita / LA Cafe was "central" and Malate was an outlying area from there (esp. if you are on foot).

The most dangerous thing I've encountered in these areas are the fkd up drivers and a different kind of danger -- the billy boys / tranvestites. I'd also pay attention when the kids gather around you asking for money. Never had a problem,but I keep my hand on my wallet. If you want to be a nice guy, buy some food and give it to them. I never give kids money. I assume most of them are "employees".

There are some dark, quiet patches in between. Again, I've never been bothered but I tend to walk quickly and confidently in those areas. Obviously, if you are staggering around drunk you'll be a nice target.

Oh, and once in a while the money changers might try some tricks. Just use commons sense.

X

The girls always get nervous and clutch their stuff when walking from the LA Cafe past the money changers towards the church and 7-11. I saw some punks beat the living crap out of another pinoy. They continued stomping on his head ever after he was knocked out.

[Fast Eddie 48]

Makati restaurants tend to charge US prices, although one can eat very well in either place. Even Angeles has improved a lot for epicures (although Manila and Cebu remain WAY ahead of Angeles in terms of quality restaurants).

A particular favorite in Malate is the Teriyaki Dragon right near Robinson's Pedro Gil entrance. Other end of the block from BDO (formerly Equitable bank). They have the grill in your table where you can cook your own meat or seafood which is delicious. I suggest the Jrouse (imported lean beef, which costs about $10). Beware Japanese sized portions if you are a big eater though. Excellent Japanese style rice too, MUCH tastier than Filipino, Chinese or Thai style rice.

Horney George,

You are right Malate is a good all around locations to stay in Manila I always stay there Pan pacific is a good hotel near LA cafe and the Hyatt casinos and all the good Chinese, Korean and Japanese resturant food is so cheap here even with the small portion you can hit the mall food court if you still hungry and get a quick meal for $3 USD at Kenny Roger Roaster and pick up a short time at the mall at the same time for $ 20 usd.

Fast eddie 48

[HornyGeorge]

Makati restaurants tend to charge US prices, although one can eat very well in either place. Even Angeles has improved a lot for epicures (although Manila and Cebu remain WAY ahead of Angeles in terms of quality restaurants).

A particular favorite in Malate is the Teriyaki Dragon right near Robinson's Pedro Gil entrance. Other end of the block from BDO (formerly Equitable bank). They have the grill in your table where you can cook your own meat or seafood which is delicious. I suggest the Jrouse (imported lean beef, which costs about $10). Beware Japanese sized portions if you are a big eater though. Excellent Japanese style rice too, MUCH tastier than Filipino, Chinese or Thai style rice.

[El Fuego]

Thx again X, and Horny as well. I'm pretty experienced in traveling in sketchy areas, and follow all the rules (walk with confidence, look like a bad-ass, no flash, etc.). I just wanted to be sure someone with knowledge of this area didn't have a 'dude, there's a one block stretch where you'll be killed in a second' piece of advice for a newbie to the neighborhood.

[X Man]

I think the earlier poster meant that Ermita / LA Cafe was "central" and Malate was an outlying area from there (esp. if you are on foot).

The most dangerous thing I've encountered in these areas are the fkd up drivers and a different kind of danger -- the billy boys / tranvestites. I'd also pay attention when the kids gather around you asking for money. Never had a problem,but I keep my hand on my wallet. If you want to be a nice guy, buy some food and give it to them. I never give kids money. I assume most of them are "employees".

There are some dark, quiet patches in between. Again, I've never been bothered but I tend to walk quickly and confidently in those areas. Obviously, if you are staggering around drunk you'll be a nice target.

Oh, and once in a while the money changers might try some tricks. Just use commons sense.

X

Thanks X,

The post I read made it sound like the area being discussed was, as stated, 'outlying'. The area you've described is, in my opinion based on the map I'm looking at, Malate Centro! Appreciate the clarification.

Any safety issues to consider if walking from, say, G Point Bar to Remedios Circle at day or night?

[HornyGeorge]

Not a "dangerous" area to walk around but as ANYWHERE use big city common sense, do NOT change money or gamble with ANYBODY, and only carry what you can afford to lose. The street urchins, porn and Viagra sellers are annoying but harmless. Ignore them.

While Koreans and Japanese are the primary clientele in Malate, unlike in Japan or Korea (or even Soi Thaniya in BKK), non Asians will usually be entertained.

[El Fuego]

Thanks X,

The post I read made it sound like the area being discussed was, as stated, 'outlying'. The area you've described is, in my opinion based on the map I'm looking at, Malate Centro! Appreciate the clarification.

Any safety issues to consider if walking from, say, G Point Bar to Remedios Circle at day or night?

Adriatico which runs parallel to the bay runs north to Robinsons Mall in Ermita and then south passing through Remedios Circle which is the center of Malate.

You can easily find maps and even an "entertainment in Malate" web site by spending about two minutes in Google.

Most of the clubs cater to a young Filipino crowd. The streets are packed with cars and people on the weekend. There are some places that seem to offer adult entertainment -- but look like they cater to the East Asians.

X

[El Fuego]

Thx for the info Nota, and I appreciate the referral for Mr. Chois Cafe. I hadn't read about that restaurant on this forum. I enjoy good food second only to good sex, so this sounds like a win-win.

I had read your previous post about the CGS, but wasn't sure if 6AM is pushing it for an early check in. In most places I've traveled, they are fairly firm (in the nicer hotels) about not checking in before noon, or at least charging for the previous night if they do.

El Fuego, you need to read the Manila Hotels file (and you may indeed have already done so) but when I arrived at City Garden Suites at 0845 last November, my pre-booked weekly one bedroom suite (P19600 for the week, about A$70 then per night equivalent) was ready at that time. Obviously it depends on occupancy rates and the attitude of the manager at your hotel, but at City Gardens (Ermita) there was no hesitation. G Point bar is open at 0600 I think as is LA Cafe: I have not been to either at that time, but Amazonia near LA Cafe is probably also open then. Happy travelling, and don't forget to have the chicken and sweet corn soup at Mr Chois Cafe near the Adriatico St entrance to Robinsons Mall, Ermita.

[X Man]

Adriatico which runs parallel to the bay runs north to Robinsons Mall in Ermita and then south passing through Remedios Circle which is the center of Malate.

You can easily find maps and even an "entertainment in Malate" web site by spending about two minutes in Google.

Most of the clubs cater to a young Filipino crowd. The streets are packed with cars and people on the weekend. There are some places that seem to offer adult entertainment -- but look like they cater to the East Asians.

X

Can someone fill in the blanks as to where this area is located? I have the Metro Manila Street Guide so even an intersection would help.

[Blink157]

I just bought ticket with PAL to Cebu and was told on here that their flights to Manila go to their own terminal and domestic flights leave there also,When the e-tocket was issued it show Manila Int'l termianal for departure not PAL terminal???? Don

Hi,
PAL has his own terminal, its both, its for international flights and also for domestic flights. Its much better then the old NIA terminal and much faster in evrything, no hustlers on crs like in the international terminal, funny.....

I took PAL 2 weeks ago from Bangkok and I was very happy with their service, specially check in and imigration were superfast...I gues after 10 minutes wehn we land I was out of the terminal with imigration and my luggage.

Happy hunting

Blink

[Pumpkinko]

I arrive on the same flight. i check into my hotel near Bourgous and walk down the street. There are girls. some are getting off shift. Some have been up all night. Pick up a couple. If you pay more than 1000 you got ripped off. They have no other choice. it is 6 AM and it ain't lik ther are 50 other guys hanging around.

Just North of Matrix are your walkers. The corner of Burgous and Kallian are your pick up vans that take the girls to their boarding houses. A van full of fun to pick from.

I've RTFF for what seems like months now. The anticipation of my virgin trip to Manila in May is killing me. Still copying, pasting and resorting info currently, but need someone with local experience to comment on the following before I make firm hotel/travel plans:

I arrive into Manila on PAL at, of all times, 5AM on a Friday. I assume it will be almost 6AM before I'm in a taxi. What (or a better question is Who) is there to do at 6AM? Can I even check into a hotel this early? My first instinct is to go for a ST room at a Sogo or Victoria Court type of property (doesn't even need to be in Pasay City), but where / can I find a girl at this time in the morning? Sex, food and sleep. That's what I'll need after stepping off the plane.

Worst case, if I'm considering a trip to AC later in the following week, do I just buck up now and go from the airport to a bus to AC? Ugh, if this was Costa Rica I'd know exactly what, and who, to do!

Any suggestions you can offer are much appreciated guys. Patience is not my strong suit and waiting several hours to experience the heaven that is a filipina (see, I've been reading! ) won't go over well with my 'boys'.