Manila

[Prov1]

Cebu Local is the most trusted and helpful person on the Philippine thread. He has assisted hundreds if not thousands of people traveling to the P.I. In addition, he was the voice of reason during the Dannah Mae controversy while others were attacking her for no reason. I think it's disgraceful Surfer has attacked the reputation of this kind person.
The Philippine section has been peaceful for quite a while until Surfer drifted into town. It would be nice if he would go back to the Colombia section where he is continuing his attack on others.

[Cebu Local]

I understand that some people get embarassed when the the truth comes out and perhaps that is Why the Surfer could not accept that there were no multiple ID s.But I was clearly having Coffee with one guy at Ziggurat,The other was tapping away at 88 Internet Cafe and Another was in the Peninsula registered as Senator Real Name.Anyway I will continue to provide advice and Information and Validate Stuff as needed.GE See you soon Cheers

[GoodEnough]

Guiness:

CL is also a friend of mine, and I'll be seeing him next week. You know and I know that he's one of the nicest people on this planet and he needs no defending from me or from anyone else. His friends know who he is, and why should he care whatever those who may not be his friends think?

[Cebu Local]

Does anyone have the phone number of the Firehouse in EDSA Entertainment Complex? Need to contact a girl there.

Thanks

Beep Thank you for calling Directory Assistance,The number is 632-834-2813 or 8343812 Thank you for calling Monger International Directory Assistance Now you owe me a beer.

[Visi001]

Does anyone have the phone number of the Firehouse in EDSA Entertainment Complex? Need to contact a girl there.

Thanks

[Dinghy]

Years ago in Korea they used to say slicky boy was so good he could take the radio and leave the music behind (PI had about the same rap)

[Bill Buxton]

Gumby, I'm no expert, but I have been to the PI many times. I've tried to answer a few of your questions, hope it helps you out. Others will have different ideas, this is just mine. Really sounds like you enjoyed your trip, time to start planning the next one.

RaZZoR




-Next time you make flight arrangements check with NWA they have specials where tickets can be as cheap as $650.00 around twice a year during off season.
-The domestic tickets run about the same most of the time, but sometimes they have fair specials and they could be as low as $50.00 round trip where you are going. You can get the tickets almost anywhere, but I would recommend you get them in the mall at the official Philippine Airline office. More or less if you just wait to get them in the PI you will pay the same as you did, but you may save and you would have less trouble changing the ticket if you wanted to stay somewhere longer.





-It’s best to use the official transportation at the airport unless the hotel will pick you up without jamming you like you got. I used to go upstairs to the departures and jump a taxi that just dropped someone off, this doesn’t work as well anymore because the police and security will stop them and make you get out because they are not the official taxi. Plus this is high risk doing that. When you do take a taxi and you feel the driver is fucken insane, act like your calling someone on your cell and tell them your driver’s name and what taxi you’re in and you’ll be there in a few minutes. I have taken more than 100 taxi rides in Manila, most are no problem, always remember to tell them to turn the meter on or you don’t ride. You can remind them of the php3000 fine for a defective meter or not using it. I know my way around Manila so I know if the driver is taken me the wrong way or somewhere I shouldn’t be around and this is a factor not knowing your way around. Just remember if the area looks like you shouldn’t be there ask the driver to take you to the area around the US Embassy Now. I have had a driver take me through Tondo in the day time; you wouldn’t want to be in this area at night. If a driver is taken you through a area like that he know he shouldn’t best to look for a place to bale and fine another taxi. Most Filipinas you will meet don’t really know the taxi stuff very well because they take Jeeps and buses around Manila most of the time so don’t expect great advice from a bar girl on taxi’s.





-Most of the time I stay at the Cherry Blossom next to Robinson Mall in Ermita and a 5 minute walk to the LA Café. Not the best hotel in Manila, it’s clean, large rooms, girl friendly, 1 minute walk to the mall and for less than $30.00 a night. I have stayed at the Pan Pacific in Ermita for less than $100 with on line reservation and that is top notch place to stay. There are many places in the Ermita area that are decent for less than $50 a night. For myself I find Ermita to be the best place to stay and get around.





-No need to make arrangements with taxi drivers like that. Only if you pay them say php500 for 3 or 4 hours flat rate. Later in your report you discuss the taxi driver taking you where he wants to take you and not really where you want to go. He gets a fee when he took you to one of these places and you bar fine, but this is reflected in the price you pay. Best to tell the driver to take you to X spot and then they should go, sometimes they hang around and wait for you act like they are taking care of you. They are only trying to see if you leave and take you somewhere else they may collect a fee. This is why I like Erimta so much, I don’t have to take Taxi at night, so many bars and places to hang out I don’t get wrapped up with the taxi problems at night.





-LA Café, been there so many times…. Sounds like your friend is what I refer to as one of the “Sharks”. When you walk in the door to your left it’s the Shark Pit, when Jackie brought you in you didn’t have a chance in the Pit, unless you picked up and walked around. Best to stay away from the ones who are in that area, they are there all the time. I know a lady who is in the Pit every time I go to the LA Café, she was the first girl I stuffed in the PI in Sep 1995 in Angeles City.





-Because I stay in this area all the time I know the streets to not walk on, you’re from NY so you know what doesn’t look right. Most of the well lit street here are just fine, I’ve been out there by myself many times all hours of the night. Just remember never get in a argument with a Filipino, if someone offers you something just say you’re in a hurry to meet someone and keep moving, don’t start a dialog with anyone you don’t know out on the street late at night. Don’t hook up with girls in this area on the street at night, mainly because it may not be a lady. Plus if someone is trying to get you to exchange money here or there, just say I have enough pesos and keep moving don’t stop. If someone offers you “young” lady, don’t except, this will only lead to a setup bust that will cost you out the ass. Meet a lady at the club, talk to her and see what her demeanor is, your instincts will normally always be right.




-If you don’t have a safe in the room, most hotels offer safety deposit boxes, I use these at the Cherry Blossom. If they don’t or you just don’t feel comfortable using the box at the desk, you should have a good lock for your suit case. When I’m in this situation the first thing I do in the room is get all valuables in the suit case and lock it up. Only have enough money for the evening. I have a friend that had this girl he met at LA Café take his cell phone, she left him the cell body cover and SIM, a thief with a heart I suppose. If you do this when you get to the room and the girl is in the shower, open your locked suit case put all things not in it already in it and lock it back up, use a combo lock to because she will look for the key maybe. Only keep out enough to pay her or the tip if she has already been paid. LA Café ladies, you should pay around php1500-2000 only, you only fuck up the market when you pay them more.




-Best to have your plan where you want to go, when he said “too many undesirables here”, that means they won’t pay him or he’s fucked up his welcome at those places. Sometimes it’s best to have the guy take you to the mall or the some restaurant then tell him to get lost you will find your way home.



-You’re right the driver gets kickbacks for bringing you there




-I’ve never tried a casa sounds interesting, maybe on my next trip.




-I find it easy to hook up most places in the PI, some takes some planning. In Manila not much planning will get you hooked up at the Mall, in a club and just about anywhere you go.




-I’ve been here many times at night; it’s a short walk from LA Café if you just need to get out for a few minutes. I’ve never had any problems at the Bay Walk, but common sense I’ve discussed before is the rule of thumb.




-Yes, you are right Grass Hopper. (old kung fu thing). You will develop, the problem is action can be had all over and you start working on one and a better one comes along. I think the thing to work on in the PI is the tactful way to dismiss yourself from one lady and engaging yourself with another one in what appears to be a better catch. Yes that’s what takes work.




-You are very right here. Don’t ever make a Filipino lose “face” in front of others, if you do you will pay later.




-I have a Motorola Raz from Cingular, I got it unlocked in the mall for php400, I think that was too high too. The guy started at php3000.00.




In the morning, have breakfast with her, thank her for the great time, if she gave excellent service a tip would be in order and tell her you have some business to tend to and will have to get ready to go. Tell her it’s time for her to go so you can get moving and on your way. Get her number, don’t give her yours and send her on her way. Then after she leaves go back to sleep or call one of the honeys’ you met and got a cell number from and have them come over for some morning fun.

*****************************************************

The below was written by a guy on another board over 4 years ago, if I have a friend going to the PI for the first time I let them read this:

This was written by the "Corpsman" on the AC2 Board

Dealing with Philippino Men

I would like to offer my own suggestions and opinions on what I have gathered over the years being here in the P.I. dealing with the males here. My experience ranges from knock down drag out fights a couple of times with them to having 5 of them as employees.

There are distinct social classes here in the P.I. and it ranges from the educated upper class philippinos with money who have nothing to do with the lower class philippinos. They don't mix except maybe at family gathering if they are related and there is still anger and animosity towards those with money and those who don't have even if they are related to each other.
The tourists here on fields ave A.C.mostly deal with the low end of the philippino male class and when they leave the P.I. they have an extremely negative view of philippinos in general.
When dealing with the lower class philippino it is best not to get involved with them. They are very very easily offended at any slight that they may percieve is being directed towards them and will react in violence. This is a macho hispanic culture for the most part.
Stay away from philippinos who are drinking and politely refuse and just smile if they offer you a drink. Sooner or later you will be the one who will end up paying the bill and it will be very hard to extricate yourself from this position one you have started it without offending them. Philippinos have been known time and time again to kill close friends and relatives over just one insult during drinking sprees and hundreds of stabbings occur in drinking establishments over stares and mispercieved threats or insults.
You may be the biggest man in the world and huge, but you will not win in a fight with 20 philippinos and you will lose and end up stabbed before it is over.
Keeping away from drunk philippinos, and not engaging in hardcore staring at them and walking away from insults being hurled at you is not being a pussy in the P.I. it is called being smart and surviving to be able to get the hell out of here alive.
I have seen instances when the forienger has done nothing whatsoever to warrant a jumping by 5 philippinos or getting sucker punched at night time and robbed. This is just anger spilling over and being directed towards the forienger who is percieved to have an edge economically and with philippinas who want to leave this country and will go with any foreigner to achieve this.
Remember you are here as well as I am, with our dollars and we are fucking their woman night and day, hundreds of times. This has been going on for hundreds of years through the spanish times and american bases and so on. This tends to build up a hatred and hostile attitude towards foriengn males in general.
There are some of you who will say bullshit I fucked their sister or aunt or daughter and they don't care or they are happy that I'm fucking their sister, aunt, daughter or Whatever and have never said nothing to me about it. In their minds they hate you. You are a source of money for them and that is the only way they would ever tolerate you being with their woman and fucking them. And if you step out of line and hurt one of theirs or don't pay up they will kill you or at least beat your ass or try to find you and pay revenge on you.

A forienger will never be a close friend to a philippino as would another philippino to a philippino. You are a forienger period. There are also those on this board who have tricked themselves or are in the delusion that they have close philippino male friends. If you go to most expat locations outside of fields like La union, subic, baguio, etc. the retirees stay amongst themselves and away from philippinos for good reason and you should ask them why, I did and I do not want to repeat what they told me because I would be flamed to hell and back. Just to suffice it to say that they do it to stay alive and well in the P.I. and when they need a philippino to do some job for them or whatever they have them do it and that is it. It ends there. No trying to be friends or best buddys because they know after years and years of living here the truth and how to relate to them.
Some of you may say, Wait a minute I was invited to party with my girlfriends family and I encounted no hostile attitudes and they were nice to me. Yes of course they would not, that would kill the deal and money flow.
To sum up:
Be friendly and smile to them. Nothing wrong with just shooting the shit and saying hi how are you and so on. Shaking hands goes along way also and buying a beer now and then, but not staying to join is a good idea.
Don't engage in serious eye to eye contact as this is a serious threat to them and means war. Sometimes you may get away with it but sooner or later it will catch up.
If you bump into one while walking best to say your sorry and smile and walk away. Its not the right time to argue and shout as this will escalate the situation and the philippino will lose face in front of his country men and will have to get it back by violence and others will help him get it back against you.
Don't hit or shout loudly or call philippinas sluts and bitches in front of a group of trike drivers or males on the corner. Not a smart thing to do. You should get your ass kicked if your doing this anyway.
Don't push or shove people in the street. This is inviting trouble. Keep your hands to yourself. I did this to a vendor once who was a little to aggressive and was surrounded by 20 of them in a new york minute and then I apoligized and offered to buy him a beer and it was forgotten and settled. I could have been mister big man and taken on the vendor assoc, but i would have lost.
The fights that I mentioned that I was in earlier in my post was just plain survival and their was only two and it was at night and no other philippinos were around to help them not get their asses kicked. In that situation I used pepper spray and rocks. I'm in good shape and in my late 20's. I don't know if I would have done it again as one of them could have had a gun. Most males who are of the street class carry something as a weapon, whether a ice pick, knife, homemade gun. You never know.

Yes they will side with the person from there own country before letting the foreigner have a deal As for the cell phone the 4oo p is a good price at the mall beat them down.

The people around are always looking to get over on us so never leave the cell camera or anything unattended anywhere.They have you look in one direction and when you turn back your shit is GONE.Just that fast.

A drink will go a long distance when it comes time for a quick exit so be nice and try and shake hands and say hi to any door men and others that could get you out of a jam.

Respect is easy and to eat crow is a wise thing to remember here.Save the last word for back home...

DR,BUXTON...

[Razzor]

Gumby, I'm no expert, but I have been to the PI many times. I've tried to answer a few of your questions, hope it helps you out. Others will have different ideas, this is just mine. Really sounds like you enjoyed your trip, time to start planning the next one.

RaZZoR

Okay guys,

This is my first post, so be gentle. I’ll start by confessing that I’ve been a lurker for a quite a while. Prior to the following events, I had never set foot outside of the US. I had always dreamed of a vacation described on these pages, but the problem was that I didn’t have the balls to travel alone so damned far away from home. On New Year’s Day 2006, I finally decided that life is too short. Soon thereafter, I got a passport, tickets, and told my boss I’d be out for two and a half weeks. With intel gathered from this board and from Filipino friends here in the States, I set out to plan and execute my first international mongering adventure. Before I hit PI for my next, yet more wisely planned adventure this fall, I have a few questions for the experts out there. Since this is my first post, I’ll include my questions in a trip report, to properly show appreciation for what I’ve learned here.

In April, I purchased my round-trip ticket through Travelocity, from New York to Manila for two weeks in June (1,450usd). To ensure that I’d have a well-rounded experience, I also purchased two round-trip tickets from Manila to Tacloban and Dumguete Cities (200 usd total. Not Travelocity, the Phil Air web-site). My itinerary was to check out Manila for a few days, then hop back and forth to Tac and Dum to meet two ladies I had met on FFF, then finish off with a bang in Manila. When I arrived in Manila 20 hours later (stop in HK), it was 11:30pm and my first reaction was exactly as you guys described: Damn, it’s HOT! I was sweating profusely before I even got into my transport.[/blue]

-Next time you make flight arrangements check with NWA they have specials where tickets can be as cheap as $650.00 around twice a year during off season.
-The domestic tickets run about the same most of the time, but sometimes they have fair specials and they could be as low as $50.00 round trip where you are going. You can get the tickets almost anywhere, but I would recommend you get them in the mall at the official Philippine Airline office. More or less if you just wait to get them in the PI you will pay the same as you did, but you may save and you would have less trouble changing the ticket if you wanted to stay somewhere longer.

I had made arrangements with the New World Hotel in Makati to have a driver meet me at the airport for about 40usd slapped to your hotel bill. (I later discovered that you can get a cab at the airport taxi queue for the same fifteen-minute trip for about 300p, or 5.50usd!) .[/blue]

-It’s best to use the official transportation at the airport unless the hotel will pick you up without jamming you like you got. I used to go upstairs to the departures and jump a taxi that just dropped someone off, this doesn’t work as well anymore because the police and security will stop them and make you get out because they are not the official taxi. Plus this is high risk doing that. When you do take a taxi and you feel the driver is fucken insane, act like your calling someone on your cell and tell them your driver’s name and what taxi you’re in and you’ll be there in a few minutes. I have taken more than 100 taxi rides in Manila, most are no problem, always remember to tell them to turn the meter on or you don’t ride. You can remind them of the php3000 fine for a defective meter or not using it. I know my way around Manila so I know if the driver is taken me the wrong way or somewhere I shouldn’t be around and this is a factor not knowing your way around. Just remember if the area looks like you shouldn’t be there ask the driver to take you to the area around the US Embassy Now. I have had a driver take me through Tondo in the day time; you wouldn’t want to be in this area at night. If a driver is taken you through a area like that he know he shouldn’t best to look for a place to bale and fine another taxi. Most Filipinas you will meet don’t really know the taxi stuff very well because they take Jeeps and buses around Manila most of the time so don’t expect great advice from a bar girl on taxi’s.

I was pleased with New World. The room was a bit pricey at just over 100usd per night (Travelocity) but as it was my first time traveling abroad, and with safety being a prime concern, I accepted it as a necessary part of the learning curve. By the time I unpacked, I was so excited there was no way I could get to sleep. So I showered, changed, and returned to the streets on a reconnaissance mission. I had no real plans of getting laid that first night, I just wanted to find the Makati Starbucks to take in the scene and strike up conversation with anyone who showed interest. I figured that I’d have plenty of time to do the EDSA - P. Burgos - LA Café round after a good slumber. [/blue]

-Most of the time I stay at the Cherry Blossom next to Robinson Mall in Ermita and a 5 minute walk to the LA Café. Not the best hotel in Manila, it’s clean, large rooms, girl friendly, 1 minute walk to the mall and for less than $30.00 a night. I have stayed at the Pan Pacific in Ermita for less than $100 with on line reservation and that is top notch place to stay. There are many places in the Ermita area that are decent for less than $50 a night. For myself I find Ermita to be the best place to stay and get around.

My Starbucks-Forty Winks plan was derailed when a 20-something honey got into the elevator as I was going down. Instincts told me she was leaving after a session with a client. I launched the ‘dumb tourist’ routine and politely asked if she knew of a place where one could get something to eat at this hour. “I’m going to a place called LA Café, Sir. Would you like to join me, Sir? I’ll introduce you to my friends”, she replies, with all the courteousness that I’ve come to love about the Philippines. In less than five minutes we were in a cab. And in another fifteen, we were inside the infamous LA Café, where I was in a trance-like state for the next four hours. (I had made arrangements with the driver to pick me up when I was ready to leave.) [/blue]

-No need to make arrangements with taxi drivers like that. Only if you pay them say php500 for 3 or 4 hours flat rate. Later in your report you discuss the taxi driver taking you where he wants to take you and not really where you want to go. He gets a fee when he took you to one of these places and you bar fine, but this is reflected in the price you pay. Best to tell the driver to take you to X spot and then they should go, sometimes they hang around and wait for you act like they are taking care of you. They are only trying to see if you leave and take you somewhere else they may collect a fee. This is why I like Erimta so much, I don’t have to take Taxi at night, so many bars and places to hang out I don’t get wrapped up with the taxi problems at night.

As a newbie to LA Café, I was impressed. I’d describe the atmosphere as ‘cutesy’, totally devoid of the rough, urban gangsta air I had expected - a pleasant alternative to the nonsense at some New York clubs that tire me. My new friend Jackie ushers me to a table where a few of her ‘friends’ are waiting, giggling, and so ‘very pleased to meet you, Sir.’ It’s obvious that Jackie and her girls are working me, but I don’t mind. It’s packed (2am Friday) and I’m thinking this is a perfect venue to pick someone’s pocket. Stares come from everywhere, but I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a foreigner, I’m the only brother around, or because everyone can tell I’m new. Ladies achieved scores from 6-10 on my hotness meter. I spotted several 10s simultaneously trying to get my attention, which was a first for me anywhere. One of Jackie’s friends succeeds with me because she carries herself like a native New Yorker, which helps me feel a little at home. Sheen is her name. She’d rank higher than the 8 I gave her, but she was drinking way too much, which is a turn off for me. Despite her silliness, we hit it off and later we were back in my room where she delivered a 7 performance. Although not the greatest in bed, she had great attitude and provided valuable introductory tips on LA Café. She stayed until 11am when I gave her 2,500p (please guys, it was my first time). She splits with promises to text after I get a sim, which she does constantly over the next two weeks to the point of being downright irritating.[/blue]

-LA Café, been there so many times…. Sounds like your friend is what I refer to as one of the “Sharks”. When you walk in the door to your left it’s the Shark Pit, when Jackie brought you in you didn’t have a chance in the Pit, unless you picked up and walked around. Best to stay away from the ones who are in that area, they are there all the time. I know a lady who is in the Pit every time I go to the LA Café, she was the first girl I stuffed in the PI in Sep 1995 in Angeles City.

Although I was at LA Cafe several times over the next two weeks, I found it hard to make an accurate safety assessment of the surrounding neighborhood. How safe is it to walk this area at night? Oh, upon leaving the club, hustlers work you hard. On one occasion, someone insisted that the driver and I owed parking. I ignored the demand, but the driver forked over 20p without hesitation. Did I miss something? Is it customary to pay the hustlers for parking in this area? Anyone have comments in general on dealing with the hustlers just outside of LA Cafe? [/blue]

-Because I stay in this area all the time I know the streets to not walk on, you’re from NY so you know what doesn’t look right. Most of the well lit street here are just fine, I’ve been out there by myself many times all hours of the night. Just remember never get in a argument with a Filipino, if someone offers you something just say you’re in a hurry to meet someone and keep moving, don’t start a dialog with anyone you don’t know out on the street late at night. Don’t hook up with girls in this area on the street at night, mainly because it may not be a lady. Plus if someone is trying to get you to exchange money here or there, just say I have enough pesos and keep moving don’t stop. If someone offers you “young” lady, don’t except, this will only lead to a setup bust that will cost you out the ass. Meet a lady at the club, talk to her and see what her demeanor is, your instincts will normally always be right.

After another visit to LA Cafe, I brought someone to my room I later caught red handed stealing money hidden in my suitcase. (And I really thought I hid it well.) Needless to say, she went out on her ass. Anyone have suggestions on securing valuables? I later hired a hotel driver to tour the city.[/blue]

-If you don’t have a safe in the room, most hotels offer safety deposit boxes, I use these at the Cherry Blossom. If they don’t or you just don’t feel comfortable using the box at the desk, you should have a good lock for your suit case. When I’m in this situation the first thing I do in the room is get all valuables in the suit case and lock it up. Only have enough money for the evening. I have a friend that had this girl he met at LA Café take his cell phone, she left him the cell body cover and SIM, a thief with a heart I suppose. If you do this when you get to the room and the girl is in the shower, open your locked suit case put all things not in it already in it and lock it back up, use a combo lock to because she will look for the key maybe. Only keep out enough to pay her or the tip if she has already been paid. LA Café ladies, you should pay around php1500-2000 only, you only fuck up the market when you pay them more.

After a boring thirty minutes of showing me the ‘Great Sites of Manila’ (at 1am) the driver asks if I’m interested in meeting women. “Of course”, I say, and off we go. We first travel along a street close to Makati that had a lot of adult establishments. I ask if we’re stopping, and he curtly responds, “No. There are too many undesirables here. It would be very unsafe for you.” (During my stay, I heard this line repeated by so many guides that I was terrified of going anywhere unescorted. With retrospection, I realize that it’s probably Lesson #1 in the Hustler’s Playbook: Keep the sucker’s wallet within reach. After returning home and reviewing this board, I’m absolutely sure that street was P. Burgos. If I see this driver the next time I’m in Manila, he’s getting a beat down.) [/blue]

-Best to have your plan where you want to go, when he said “too many undesirables here”, that means they won’t pay him or he’s fucked up his welcome at those places. Sometimes it’s best to have the guy take you to the mall or the some restaurant then tell him to get lost you will find your way home.

Our first stop was a strip joint called Athena on Roxas Blvd (in Pasay?) The driver accompanies me inside and introduces me to the proprietress as a newbie. The games resume. I politely avoid any price negotiation as I refuse to allow the driver to enjoy any kickbacks due to this obvious setup. Besides, I really want to just check out the place, chilling with a drink, and seeing where a conversation with a random honey may lead. The dancing was decent and the music surprisingly current. I had a drink with a 9 who offered to meet me at my room after her shift. I was content with learning that you can arrange to meet ladies on the DL and I summarily filed this tip. After a while, I conclude that club Athena too much resembles a tourist trap, so I pay the bill and tell the driver we’re leaving. .[/blue]

-You’re right the driver gets kickbacks for bringing you there

The next spot, Casino Royale, is not really a casino, it’s a casa (the card says Makati). About twenty ladies were available at the time I arrived (3am). I thought it a nice touch that a few called out, “Pick me Sir”, with enthusiastic smiles. It didn’t take long to pick out a 10, whose name I completely forget. We went back to my room (negotiated to 50usd) where she delivered a knockout performance. I had revisited Casino Royale and another casa during my time in Manila, picking up a total of three honeys. All three had consistently delivered better service than anyone I had picked up at LA Café. Is this the norm? Or luck of the draw? .[/blue]

-I’ve never tried a casa sounds interesting, maybe on my next trip.

Because I was too busy jetting to Dumaguete and Tacloban, I didn’t get an opportunity to explore Manila to the extent I had planned. I completely missed out on P. Burgos and EDSA. I’d go over my experiences in Dumaguete and Tacloban here, but I guess that’s other threads. But I will mention that I found it easier and cheaper hooking up with honeys in these cities than in the capital city. Would you guys say this is consistent with your experiences? To finish, I’ll just list some general observations about Manila: .[/blue]

-I find it easy to hook up most places in the PI, some takes some planning. In Manila not much planning will get you hooked up at the Mall, in a club and just about anywhere you go.

Along Roxas Blvd, there seems to be a waterfront with a lot of festival-like activity. Is it safe for foreigners to take a stroll alone here? How likely is it to score here? [/blue]

-I’ve been here many times at night; it’s a short walk from LA Café if you just need to get out for a few minutes. I’ve never had any problems at the Bay Walk, but common sense I’ve discussed before is the rule of thumb.

It seemed that action could be had anywhere, providing that you have the eye for identifying opportunities and your game is tight enough. Due to culture differences, it will take some time for the Western newbie to fully develop the ‘eye’. [/blue]

-Yes, you are right Grass Hopper. (old kung fu thing). You will develop, the problem is action can be had all over and you start working on one and a better one comes along. I think the thing to work on in the PI is the tactful way to dismiss yourself from one lady and engaging yourself with another one in what appears to be a better catch. Yes that’s what takes work.

Respect. Respect. Respect. I’ve always believed that respect and courtesy can turn around more delicate situations than we give them credit for. In the Philippines, this theory was put to the test and proven several times. In dealings with people, on any level, a display of courtesy and respect will take you a long way. [/blue]

-You are very right here. Don’t ever make a Filipino lose “face” in front of others, if you do you will pay later.

I had my quad-band phone unlocked in one of the Malls in Makati (2,500pesos). After that, all you do is buy a sim for 150pesos and you’re ready to go. I had a hard time finding someone to unlock my particular phone in NYC, so I was surprised when the first place I visited in Makati had it done in thirty minutes. [/blue]

-I have a Motorola Raz from Cingular, I got it unlocked in the mall for php400, I think that was too high too. The guy started at php3000.00.

It seemed that every honey I hooked up with had difficulty when it was time to part. Some even cried. I need to work on the art of the ‘graceful disconnect.’ Any advice? [/blue]

In the morning, have breakfast with her, thank her for the great time, if she gave excellent service a tip would be in order and tell her you have some business to tend to and will have to get ready to go. Tell her it’s time for her to go so you can get moving and on your way. Get her number, don’t give her yours and send her on her way. Then after she leaves go back to sleep or call one of the honeys’ you met and got a cell number from and have them come over for some morning fun.

*****************************************************

The below was written by a guy on another board over 4 years ago, if I have a friend going to the PI for the first time I let them read this:

This was written by the "Corpsman" on the AC2 Board

Dealing with Philippino Men

I would like to offer my own suggestions and opinions on what I have gathered over the years being here in the P.I. dealing with the males here. My experience ranges from knock down drag out fights a couple of times with them to having 5 of them as employees.

There are distinct social classes here in the P.I. and it ranges from the educated upper class philippinos with money who have nothing to do with the lower class philippinos. They don't mix except maybe at family gathering if they are related and there is still anger and animosity towards those with money and those who don't have even if they are related to each other.
The tourists here on fields ave A.C.mostly deal with the low end of the philippino male class and when they leave the P.I. they have an extremely negative view of philippinos in general.
When dealing with the lower class philippino it is best not to get involved with them. They are very very easily offended at any slight that they may percieve is being directed towards them and will react in violence. This is a macho hispanic culture for the most part.
Stay away from philippinos who are drinking and politely refuse and just smile if they offer you a drink. Sooner or later you will be the one who will end up paying the bill and it will be very hard to extricate yourself from this position one you have started it without offending them. Philippinos have been known time and time again to kill close friends and relatives over just one insult during drinking sprees and hundreds of stabbings occur in drinking establishments over stares and mispercieved threats or insults.
You may be the biggest man in the world and huge, but you will not win in a fight with 20 philippinos and you will lose and end up stabbed before it is over.
Keeping away from drunk philippinos, and not engaging in hardcore staring at them and walking away from insults being hurled at you is not being a pussy in the P.I. it is called being smart and surviving to be able to get the hell out of here alive.
I have seen instances when the forienger has done nothing whatsoever to warrant a jumping by 5 philippinos or getting sucker punched at night time and robbed. This is just anger spilling over and being directed towards the forienger who is percieved to have an edge economically and with philippinas who want to leave this country and will go with any foreigner to achieve this.
Remember you are here as well as I am, with our dollars and we are fucking their woman night and day, hundreds of times. This has been going on for hundreds of years through the spanish times and american bases and so on. This tends to build up a hatred and hostile attitude towards foriengn males in general.
There are some of you who will say bullshit I fucked their sister or aunt or daughter and they don't care or they are happy that I'm fucking their sister, aunt, daughter or Whatever and have never said nothing to me about it. In their minds they hate you. You are a source of money for them and that is the only way they would ever tolerate you being with their woman and fucking them. And if you step out of line and hurt one of theirs or don't pay up they will kill you or at least beat your ass or try to find you and pay revenge on you.

A forienger will never be a close friend to a philippino as would another philippino to a philippino. You are a forienger period. There are also those on this board who have tricked themselves or are in the delusion that they have close philippino male friends. If you go to most expat locations outside of fields like La union, subic, baguio, etc. the retirees stay amongst themselves and away from philippinos for good reason and you should ask them why, I did and I do not want to repeat what they told me because I would be flamed to hell and back. Just to suffice it to say that they do it to stay alive and well in the P.I. and when they need a philippino to do some job for them or whatever they have them do it and that is it. It ends there. No trying to be friends or best buddys because they know after years and years of living here the truth and how to relate to them.
Some of you may say, Wait a minute I was invited to party with my girlfriends family and I encounted no hostile attitudes and they were nice to me. Yes of course they would not, that would kill the deal and money flow.
To sum up:
Be friendly and smile to them. Nothing wrong with just shooting the shit and saying hi how are you and so on. Shaking hands goes along way also and buying a beer now and then, but not staying to join is a good idea.
Don't engage in serious eye to eye contact as this is a serious threat to them and means war. Sometimes you may get away with it but sooner or later it will catch up.
If you bump into one while walking best to say your sorry and smile and walk away. Its not the right time to argue and shout as this will escalate the situation and the philippino will lose face in front of his country men and will have to get it back by violence and others will help him get it back against you.
Don't hit or shout loudly or call philippinas sluts and bitches in front of a group of trike drivers or males on the corner. Not a smart thing to do. You should get your ass kicked if your doing this anyway.
Don't push or shove people in the street. This is inviting trouble. Keep your hands to yourself. I did this to a vendor once who was a little to aggressive and was surrounded by 20 of them in a new york minute and then I apoligized and offered to buy him a beer and it was forgotten and settled. I could have been mister big man and taken on the vendor assoc, but i would have lost.
The fights that I mentioned that I was in earlier in my post was just plain survival and their was only two and it was at night and no other philippinos were around to help them not get their asses kicked. In that situation I used pepper spray and rocks. I'm in good shape and in my late 20's. I don't know if I would have done it again as one of them could have had a gun. Most males who are of the street class carry something as a weapon, whether a ice pick, knife, homemade gun. You never know.

[GoodEnough]

Gumby:

A great post and very insightful. I think the only mistakes you made, and they were few, were slightly overpaying and perhaps, by accepting first offers. You can actually get a phone unlocked, for example, for about PhP300, but that's no big deal. You comported yourself well. You used common sense, and you had a good time.

I would suggest that, next time, perhaps on your way to LA Cafe, you stop at EDSA, which I actually like a lot more than Burgos because there's less hassle and the bar fines are cheaper while the quality is (to me) about the same.

You are correct in your conclusion that opportunities are abundant and fairly easy to spot, in malls, restaurants, bars, the street, internet cafes and shops. Too bad you didn't get a chance to check out the Starbucks/Cafe Havana scene in Greenbelt. You might also want to consider that for next time.

The P20 "parking fee" is fairly routine. These are basically street guys trying to direct drivers to parking places they have located. It's their way of surviving and I usually pay them. On the other hand, and as you probably noticed, booking a car for the evening is a fairly expensive way to go. Taxis are ubiquitous and you can always find one. I typically stay in Makati and, if I want to go to G Point, or LA Cafe, take a taxi and then find another to go on to the next destination. It's never been a problem.

Most hotels throughout the country offer in-room safes, and it's a good idea, either prior to going out or when the companion for the evening asks to use your bathroom, as she will inevitably do, to put everything of value in the safe.

My only other suggestion is that next time you think about visiting another large city--Davao and/or Cebu come to mind--as the scenes are much different. though you certainly will not lack for opportunities in either case.

Again, great job. Your post is a valuable object lesson on how to act and what to do both for those who are contemplating their first trip here and for those who have been here many times.

I hope you continue to contribute to these pages.

:D

GE

[Hesekiels]

Okay guys,

This is my first post, so be gentle. I’ll start by confessing that I’ve been a lurker for a quite a while. Prior to the following events, I had never set foot outside of the US. I had always dreamed of a vacation described on these pages, but the problem was that I didn’t have the balls to travel alone so damned far away from home. On New Year’s Day 2006, I finally decided that life is too short. Soon thereafter, I got a passport, tickets, and told my boss I’d be out for two and a half weeks. With intel gathered from this board and from Filipino friends here in the States, I set out to plan and execute my first international mongering adventure. Before I hit PI for my next, yet more wisely planned adventure this fall, I have a few questions for the experts out there. Since this is my first post, I’ll include my questions in a trip report, to properly show appreciation for what I’ve learned here.


EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread.

Gumby2004:

No doubt, you deserve highest respect! To travel to the Philippines without having gathered experience from other foreign countries proves a hell of courage!

My tiny little advice would only be, simply don't make too many pre-arrangements next time (e.g. airport pick-up for 40 USD, driver who picks you up at LA Cafe etc). It is really not necessary in Manila and you can even save some money.

By the way, I will be coming to Manila/Angeles City next December and if you are also there it would be my pleasure to invite you for some ice-cold San Miguel! :)


Cheers - Hesekiels

[Darth Sushi]

That's a very fine bit of reporting, Gumby2004! Sorry, to hear about the attempted robbery. Casino Royale, is now on my radar lock next trip. I hope you'll also post your experience with Dumaguete and Tacloban.

Cheers

[Xtorted Decay]

As for the safety of the area, all I can tell you is when the guy I went to manila with (he grew up there) and his cousins saw the area LA Cafe was in, they were horrified that I had gone there alone. I don't know if they were just being over protective or if its really that bad of an area...But most of the filipinos I talk to seem to think its pretty dangerous. However I have been wanting to ask the board's perspective on this also. How bad of an area is it? I havn't seen any posts like "I got beat down/robbed at LA Cafe" so I have to assume its alright.

However I was there a number of times and never had a problem. I even walked down the street to Amazonia (about a block) and had no problem at all, but it was full day light and I had a lady with me. I have a feeling that with all of the westerners that frequent both places, measures are kept to keep them safe. I think the last thing any filipino business owner would want is something discouraging western money from coming to his or her place.

Although I was at LA Cafe several times over the next two weeks, I found it hard to make an accurate safety assessment of the surrounding neighborhood. How safe is it to walk this area at night? Oh, upon leaving the club, hustlers work you hard. On one occasion, someone insisted that the driver and I owed parking. I ignored the demand, but the driver forked over 20p without hesitation. Did I miss something? Is it customary to pay the hustlers for parking in this area? Anyone have comments in general on dealing with the hustlers just outside of LA Cafe?

After another visit to LA Cafe, I brought someone to my room I later caught red handed stealing money hidden in my suitcase. (And I really thought I hid it well.) Needless to say, she went out on her ass. Anyone have suggestions on securing valuables?

[Gumby2004]

Okay guys,

This is my first post, so be gentle. I’ll start by confessing that I’ve been a lurker for a quite a while. Prior to the following events, I had never set foot outside of the US. I had always dreamed of a vacation described on these pages, but the problem was that I didn’t have the balls to travel alone so damned far away from home. On New Year’s Day 2006, I finally decided that life is too short. Soon thereafter, I got a passport, tickets, and told my boss I’d be out for two and a half weeks. With intel gathered from this board and from Filipino friends here in the States, I set out to plan and execute my first international mongering adventure. Before I hit PI for my next, yet more wisely planned adventure this fall, I have a few questions for the experts out there. Since this is my first post, I’ll include my questions in a trip report, to properly show appreciation for what I’ve learned here.

In April, I purchased my round-trip ticket through Travelocity, from New York to Manila for two weeks in June (1,450usd). To ensure that I’d have a well-rounded experience, I also purchased two round-trip tickets from Manila to Tacloban and Dumguete Cities (200 usd total. Not Travelocity, the Phil Air web-site). My itinerary was to check out Manila for a few days, then hop back and forth to Tac and Dum to meet two ladies I had met on FFF, then finish off with a bang in Manila. When I arrived in Manila 20 hours later (stop in HK), it was 11:30pm and my first reaction was exactly as you guys described: Damn, it’s HOT! I was sweating profusely before I even got into my transport.

I had made arrangements with the New World Hotel in Makati to have a driver meet me at the airport for about 40usd slapped to your hotel bill. (I later discovered that you can get a cab at the airport taxi queue for the same fifteen-minute trip for about 300p, or 5.50usd!).

I was pleased with New World. The room was a bit pricey at just over 100usd per night (Travelocity) but as it was my first time traveling abroad, and with safety being a prime concern, I accepted it as a necessary part of the learning curve. By the time I unpacked, I was so excited there was no way I could get to sleep. So I showered, changed, and returned to the streets on a reconnaissance mission. I had no real plans of getting laid that first night, I just wanted to find the Makati Starbucks to take in the scene and strike up conversation with anyone who showed interest. I figured that I’d have plenty of time to do the EDSA - P. Burgos - LA Café round after a good slumber.

My Starbucks-Forty Winks plan was derailed when a 20-something honey got into the elevator as I was going down. Instincts told me she was leaving after a session with a client. I launched the ‘dumb tourist’ routine and politely asked if she knew of a place where one could get something to eat at this hour. “I’m going to a place called LA Café, Sir. Would you like to join me, Sir? I’ll introduce you to my friends”, she replies, with all the courteousness that I’ve come to love about the Philippines. In less than five minutes we were in a cab. And in another fifteen, we were inside the infamous LA Café, where I was in a trance-like state for the next four hours. (I had made arrangements with the driver to pick me up when I was ready to leave.)

As a newbie to LA Café, I was impressed. I’d describe the atmosphere as ‘cutesy’, totally devoid of the rough, urban gangsta air I had expected - a pleasant alternative to the nonsense at some New York clubs that tire me. My new friend Jackie ushers me to a table where a few of her ‘friends’ are waiting, giggling, and so ‘very pleased to meet you, Sir.’ It’s obvious that Jackie and her girls are working me, but I don’t mind. It’s packed (2am Friday) and I’m thinking this is a perfect venue to pick someone’s pocket. Stares come from everywhere, but I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a foreigner, I’m the only brother around, or because everyone can tell I’m new. Ladies achieved scores from 6-10 on my hotness meter. I spotted several 10s simultaneously trying to get my attention, which was a first for me anywhere. One of Jackie’s friends succeeds with me because she carries herself like a native New Yorker, which helps me feel a little at home. Sheen is her name. She’d rank higher than the 8 I gave her, but she was drinking way too much, which is a turn off for me. Despite her silliness, we hit it off and later we were back in my room where she delivered a 7 performance. Although not the greatest in bed, she had great attitude and provided valuable introductory tips on LA Café. She stayed until 11am when I gave her 2,500p (please guys, it was my first time). She splits with promises to text after I get a sim, which she does constantly over the next two weeks to the point of being downright irritating.

Although I was at LA Cafe several times over the next two weeks, I found it hard to make an accurate safety assessment of the surrounding neighborhood. How safe is it to walk this area at night? Oh, upon leaving the club, hustlers work you hard. On one occasion, someone insisted that the driver and I owed parking. I ignored the demand, but the driver forked over 20p without hesitation. Did I miss something? Is it customary to pay the hustlers for parking in this area? Anyone have comments in general on dealing with the hustlers just outside of LA Cafe?

After another visit to LA Cafe, I brought someone to my room I later caught red handed stealing money hidden in my suitcase. (And I really thought I hid it well.) Needless to say, she went out on her ass. Anyone have suggestions on securing valuables? I later hired a hotel driver to tour the city.

After a boring thirty minutes of showing me the ‘Great Sites of Manila’ (at 1am) the driver asks if I’m interested in meeting women. “Of course”, I say, and off we go. We first travel along a street close to Makati that had a lot of adult establishments. I ask if we’re stopping, and he curtly responds, “No. There are too many undesirables here. It would be very unsafe for you.” (During my stay, I heard this line repeated by so many guides that I was terrified of going anywhere unescorted. With retrospection, I realize that it’s probably Lesson #1 in the Hustler’s Playbook: Keep the sucker’s wallet within reach. After returning home and reviewing this board, I’m absolutely sure that street was P. Burgos. If I see this driver the next time I’m in Manila, he’s getting a beat down.)

Our first stop was a strip joint called Athena on Roxas Blvd (in Pasay?) The driver accompanies me inside and introduces me to the proprietress as a newbie. The games resume. I politely avoid any price negotiation as I refuse to allow the driver to enjoy any kickbacks due to this obvious setup. Besides, I really want to just check out the place, chilling with a drink, and seeing where a conversation with a random honey may lead. The dancing was decent and the music surprisingly current. I had a drink with a 9 who offered to meet me at my room after her shift. I was content with learning that you can arrange to meet ladies on the DL and I summarily filed this tip. After a while, I conclude that club Athena too much resembles a tourist trap, so I pay the bill and tell the driver we’re leaving.

The next spot, Casino Royale, is not really a casino, it’s a casa (the card says Makati). About twenty ladies were available at the time I arrived (3am). I thought it a nice touch that a few called out, “Pick me Sir”, with enthusiastic smiles. It didn’t take long to pick out a 10, whose name I completely forget. We went back to my room (negotiated to 50usd) where she delivered a knockout performance. I had revisited Casino Royale and another casa during my time in Manila, picking up a total of three honeys. All three had consistently delivered better service than anyone I had picked up at LA Café. Is this the norm? Or luck of the draw?

Because I was too busy jetting to Dumaguete and Tacloban, I didn’t get an opportunity to explore Manila to the extent I had planned. I completely missed out on P. Burgos and EDSA. I’d go over my experiences in Dumaguete and Tacloban here, but I guess that’s other threads. But I will mention that I found it easier and cheaper hooking up with honeys in these cities than in the capital city. Would you guys say this is consistent with your experiences? To finish, I’ll just list some general observations about Manila:

The New World Hotel is girl friendly, even the security guards are open to sending someone to your room, for a tip, of course. However, she will be required to show photo ID before going anywhere near the elevators. They’re pretty adamant about this, as I twice witnessed poor fellows with dates who were refused entry. Although I didn’t partake, I also observed that the lobby offers a few possibilities. In the evenings, honeys seem to be hanging around the lounge areas, discreetly trying to initiate contact with any single guy who passes by.

I wandered around Makati for a few hours to see what a random walk would yield… Nothing, except for women past their prime handing out business cards offering massages, and a few dudes dressed like chicks at the Starbucks adjacent to the Shangri La Hotel.

Along Roxas Blvd, there seems to be a waterfront with a lot of festival-like activity. Is it safe for foreigners to take a stroll alone here? How likely is it to score here?

It seemed that action could be had anywhere, providing that you have the eye for identifying opportunities and your game is tight enough. Due to culture differences, it will take some time for the Western newbie to fully develop the ‘eye’.

Respect. Respect. Respect. I’ve always believed that respect and courtesy can turn around more delicate situations than we give them credit for. In the Philippines, this theory was put to the test and proven several times. In dealings with people, on any level, a display of courtesy and respect will take you a long way.

After the theft I thwarted, I got into the habit of working the question of photo ID into conversations with potential scores. If she didn’t have one, she’d be tossed back into the sea, no excuses. I find not having a photo ID very suspicious, and there are enough great scores waiting out there to make risks unnecessary.

I had my quad-band phone unlocked in one of the Malls in Makati (2,500pesos). After that, all you do is buy a sim for 150pesos and you’re ready to go. I had a hard time finding someone to unlock my particular phone in NYC, so I was surprised when the first place I visited in Makati had it done in thirty minutes.

It seemed that every honey I hooked up with had difficulty when it was time to part. Some even cried. I need to work on the art of the ‘graceful disconnect.’ Any advice?

Thanks

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread.

[Prov1]

Viewed the website as provided by razzor (many thanks), contacted Kathy on the number provided. bad english resulted in Kathy hanging up 3 times before finally putting a male on. discussed options as per the website, gave me choice, not availabel, gave 2nd choice...not available...and so it went. Finally agreed that one of the girls was there and could come for 1500 more than advertised price. after discussion, agreed on advertised price, girl despatched with gorilla in tow. Girl and gorilla arrive, nothing like the girl on the website. 'old photo' insist gorilla and funds dispute starts again. py 4000 as per agreed, bloke calls girl outside, pays her. next she's into me about only getting 1000 and wants more money. Don't mind saying the romance has just about worn off by then.

Anyway, no extra money, a dud root, no enthusiasm, gave half arsed bbbj but not to finish, had no condom with her and wanted me to order via hotel housekeeping.

I am certain that though the number was the same, I did not actually talk to the proper organiser, but someone acting on Kathys behalf. The set up is a bit to good to indicate that my experience is the way they normally do business. Anyone else be able to provide info on this service?

Thanks for all those who assisted.

Fieldmouse

Fieldmouse, next time you want room service just walk down to the lobby and tell the doorman what you want. He will have a lady up to your room within minutes at a fraction of the cost.

[FieldMouse]

Fieldmouse, let us know how it goes if you bag one. I would like to see a report on the service they provide you. Enjoy.

RaZZoR

Viewed the website as provided by razzor (many thanks), contacted Kathy on the number provided. bad english resulted in Kathy hanging up 3 times before finally putting a male on. discussed options as per the website, gave me choice, not availabel, gave 2nd choice...not available...and so it went. Finally agreed that one of the girls was there and could come for 1500 more than advertised price. after discussion, agreed on advertised price, girl despatched with gorilla in tow. Girl and gorilla arrive, nothing like the girl on the website. 'old photo' insist gorilla and funds dispute starts again. py 4000 as per agreed, bloke calls girl outside, pays her. next she's into me about only getting 1000 and wants more money. Don't mind saying the romance has just about worn off by then.

Anyway, no extra money, a dud root, no enthusiasm, gave half arsed bbbj but not to finish, had no condom with her and wanted me to order via hotel housekeeping.

I am certain that though the number was the same, I did not actually talk to the proper organiser, but someone acting on Kathys behalf. The set up is a bit to good to indicate that my experience is the way they normally do business. Anyone else be able to provide info on this service?

Thanks for all those who assisted.

Fieldmouse