Angeles City

[GoodEnough]

I'm just now recovering from a case of Amoebic Dysentery, it's something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Due to the up to 72 hour incubation period I can't pin down the exact source, but strongly suspect I picked it up at a well known Dim Sum resto on Mango Ave, Cebu City (fixed location, not street food vendor). Initially thought it was just a simple case of "bad food" or "Montezuma's Revenge", but when Imodium AD (loperamide) didn't work I switched to E-Mycin. It knocked it back, but didn't clear it up. Based on the advice of WR (who's also had it before) and that of a nurse I'm banging (who I won't let near WR) I then switched to Flagyl (metronidazole) and within 2 days I was feeling better, but as WR can testify I still looked like "death warmed over", LOL. About the only good thing was that I lost a fair amount of weight, but not eating more then a banana or a cup of broth in day for 2 plus weeks will do that to ya.

Food safety is not a priority here at any resto or retailer, I'm not even certain any food health laws exist. Even if they do, I doubt they're enforced or, as is typical here, they're corrupt and are paid off for any violations.

I remember a time, two decades or so ago, when I was speaking to a cousin who was a Gastroenterilogist. I was just about to embark on what would become a decade or so traveling around Africa. He advised me never to be without several treatments of Ciiproflaxicen, and it's advice I never forgot. I've now been in the Pjilippines for about 11 years and have suspected amoebic dysentery only 3-4 times, but at the very first sign I start popping 500 MG tablets of Cipro, and the symptoms disappear withing a few hours. However, I suspect I'm more careful here than many. I never eat in Filipino restaurants, and always take my trade to those owned by expats, I never eat off the street; not so much as a soda. This is not a great sacrifice for me as I don't like the local food and would rather be hungry than eat it.

GE.

[Pip Jaeger]

And if you ever see what ameobic dysentery can do to you. . and stay alive in the gut more than 5 years after having first got it, from street food. Well you know to stay far away. Ok. Uncle Volds bad pizza has taken on a life of its own. As many of these threads do.

I'm just now recovering from a case of Amoebic Dysentery, it's something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Due to the up to 72 hour incubation period I can't pin down the exact source, but strongly suspect I picked it up at a well known Dim Sum resto on Mango Ave, Cebu City (fixed location, not street food vendor). Initially thought it was just a simple case of "bad food" or "Montezuma's Revenge", but when Imodium AD (loperamide) didn't work I switched to E-Mycin. It knocked it back, but didn't clear it up. Based on the advice of WR (who's also had it before) and that of a nurse I'm banging (who I won't let near WR) I then switched to Flagyl (metronidazole) and within 2 days I was feeling better, but as WR can testify I still looked like "death warmed over", LOL. About the only good thing was that I lost a fair amount of weight, but not eating more then a banana or a cup of broth in day for 2 plus weeks will do that to ya.

Food safety is not a priority here at any resto or retailer, I'm not even certain any food health laws exist. Even if they do, I doubt they're enforced or, as is typical here, they're corrupt and are paid off for any violations. Business as usual. Cross contamination I think is quite common and if they didn't typically over cook / deep fry the majority their food, I think you'd see more people getting sick. Take a trip to a grocery store, like an SM or Metro, go to the fresh meat / poultry / fish section and you'll see that it's all displayed in open cases / bins; people use metal tongs to select their own cuts of meat, place them into thin plastic baggies and then hand them to the counter help for weighing / pricing. Customers often use the same tongs to select chicken, pork and / or beef and the same scales / butcher blocks are also commonly used for weighing / chopping the meats.

I've taken to using one of the plastic baggies to handle the tongs (I do occasionally see other people doing the same) and to carrying one of those small bottles of alcohol based hand disinfectant, which I use both before and after shopping / eating. Naturally I thoroughly wash all of the meat / fish I purchase (as well as any fresh produce) and cook my own food to recommend temps.

Despite the apparent lack of food safety regulation (s) / enforcement, this is the first time that I've gotten seriously ill from food here and I routinely eat at both street vendors. The last 10 years when I was working in the USA I used travel across the country extensively and I got "traveler's diarrhea" more often there then I did here; even got a few severe cases of E-Coli / Salmonella. My point is, it doesn't really matter where you eat, you always take a chance on picking up something and you can only really rely on the integrity of the resto and their desire to stay in business to maintain even a semblance of safe food handling practices. I wouldn't classify street vendors as being the sole culprit and I for one will continue to eat from them regardless of the country I'm in.

[X Man]

Just a few notes to get us back onto a more relevant topic.

Pony Tails continues to be an excellent afternoon choice. It has a nice setup, early hours, good looking and friendly women. I had a nice chat with the Scorpion girl the other day.

As usual, some guys throwing money from the upper levels at Crystal Palace. Oh wait, yesterday it was not only bills, but packages of hair care and other such things. One ended up in my drink.

On the same street is Tropix which I keep going back to because of some wonderful memories. LOL. It's seems pretty dead these days. Some old guy went up to the stage and placed a pile of coins in a row on the stage for all seven gals on the stage. Most walked up and took a pile. A few hung back with a "wtf" look on their faces, but eventually stepped forward and took their pile. The gals all made eye contact with the old gent and said thank you. I'm wondering if he thought this was more respectful and organized than the wild free for all when bills start falling from the rafters. Both might be somehow demeaning, but the free for all seems a bit less awkward than what I saw at Tropix.

The old Genesis, which became the oddly named Nemesis when Koreans took over, remains one of my favorites. A virtual army of young ladies who rotate on the stage quite regularly allowing you to get a good look at the entire lineup.

On thing I noticed is that Crystal Palace tends to employ the full bodied gals, while Nemesis has quite a few who are extremely petite.

Brass Knob. The stage is a bit high in this place. If you sit in the stools at the stage you'll be facing the dancer's knees. I'm afraid you'd end up with a stiff neck if you actually tried to make eye contact.

I don't know when it happened, but the street salesmen now start their sales pitch with "Cialis" rather than "viagra".

[Pantot]

It's always funner to sit down for a meal with the locals and experience culture first hand. One of the things that bummed me out about the food poisoning is that it really killed my appetite for the rest of the trip and I couldn't really enjoy the Filipino food on offer.

Uncle-V.

You really aren't missing much as far as filipino food goes. Most everything is stir fried. A dry baking oven does not exist in a traditional kitchen. There is no known recipe they haven't learned to kill with a half kilo of sugar. The best cuisine is served in the simplest of households of fresh fish and vegetables and of course rice. The eateries, street vendors and restaurants always specialize in the meat based dishes which are of the lowest grade flesh meat and organs possible. The traditional cuts of loin etc seem to have have disappeared from the markets and restaurants and they serve the more gristly food to the masses and even typical eateries.

The one places I will vouch for taste wise is the Andok Litson roasted chicken places. The whole chicken is greasy as hell but at least its tender. Its very un Filipino like in its overall meatiness. I am sure its loaded with US Perdue style hormones to make it so. If I lived there I probably wouldn't touch it but its a good alternative to the mystery meats stewing in the steam plates. Also of the fast food places Mang Inasal specializing in Barbecued chicken is the only one I let the girls take me where I actually eat.

I end up at Jollibee a couple of times each trip because I learned that's the place they most want to go and its cheap so I get off lightly feeding the kids especially --its a treat for them. I don't order anything but they enjoy it. Usually they eat only 2/3 of the food they order.

[Mua Tur]

You are a braver man than me Gunga Din.

I never eat street food in China. The food is not what you think it is.

Lamb or mutton kebabs? It is either chemically treated beef or rat.
Fried food? It will have been cooked in poisonous gutter oil.
Pork? Its "glow in the dark" characteristics will enable you to see your way home on a moonless night.
Take-away foam food containers? They release toxins (when hot food is placed in them).
Soft shell crabs? Haha! 90% of soft shell crabs sold are other types of crabs plus chemicals.
Rice? The locals buy rice from Thailand if they can afford it as more than 30% of the local stuff is contaminated with cadmium.

Even the bottled water you buy from vendors is polluted (and from the largest suppliers)!

Most foods have various harmful chemicals added to enhance the flavour, hide the fact that the food is rotten or to change its characteristics. And the street vendors buy the cheapest ingredients, which of course, contain by far the most pollutants, and then add their own flavours.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Ikksman.

Gunga Din? It sounds familiar of a handle name here.

Sure it's your own way not to eat any from street vendors. Food sensitivity could be different man to man. We will not push in someone what they cannot do.

So far you had seen in the cities in China, after dark what happening in open air eatery places. The food vendors appearing one by one; the foot covers with portable chairs and tables. The night darker and darker and the places get more crowded by the peoples for drinking and eating.

Since they are living alive and doing all the things what we do, then why not me?

If once I can get my own time, sure I love to join with them, sitting in a corner of the crowd with couple of drinks and some bites. I love to watch of the locals, the way of their talking, the moving and what they prefer to eat. I had taken a risk but in return I got a lot what I love.

[Buko Max]

Have to agree that street food from reputable vendors is the freshest, tastiest and most convenient. Never got sick from street food in all my years in RP. But I have gotten sick in well known restos with Hep A via seafood (squid). Avoid seafood (shellfish and squid) unless you know it is fresh!

[FreebieFan]

You are a braver man than me Gunga Din.

I never eat street food in China. The food is not what you think it is.

Lamb or mutton kebabs? It is either chemically treated beef or rat.
Fried food? It will have been cooked in poisonous gutter oil.
Pork? Its "glow in the dark" characteristics will enable you to see your way home on a moonless night.
Take-away foam food containers? They release toxins (when hot food is placed in them).
Soft shell crabs? Haha! 90% of soft shell crabs sold are other types of crabs plus chemicals.
Rice? The locals buy rice from Thailand if they can afford it as more than 30% of the local stuff is contaminated with cadmium.

Even the bottled water you buy from vendors is polluted (and from the largest suppliers)!

Most foods have various harmful chemicals added to enhance the flavour, hide the fact that the food is rotten or to change its characteristics. And the street vendors buy the cheapest ingredients, which of course, contain by far the most pollutants, and then add their own flavours.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Ikksman.

And if you ever see what ameobic dysentery can do to you. . and stay alive in the gut more than 5 years after having first got it, from street food. Well you know to stay far away. Ok. Uncle Volds bad pizza has taken on a life of its own. As many of these threads do.

[Sammon]

You are a braver man than me Gunga Din.

I never eat street food in China. The food is not what you think it is.

Lamb or mutton kebabs? It is either chemically treated beef or rat.
Fried food? It will have been cooked in poisonous gutter oil.
Pork? Its "glow in the dark" characteristics will enable you to see your way home on a moonless night.
Take-away foam food containers? They release toxins (when hot food is placed in them).
Soft shell crabs? Haha! 90% of soft shell crabs sold are other types of crabs plus chemicals.
Rice? The locals buy rice from Thailand if they can afford it as more than 30% of the local stuff is contaminated with cadmium.

Even the bottled water you buy from vendors is polluted (and from the largest suppliers)!

Most foods have various harmful chemicals added to enhance the flavour, hide the fact that the food is rotten or to change its characteristics. And the street vendors buy the cheapest ingredients, which of course, contain by far the most pollutants, and then add their own flavours.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Ikksman.

I concur. Only food safe to eat are fresh live shrimps, swimming fish, oysters. I love their street oysters which they barbecue with garlic paste. Once I had three dozen of them along with some friends eating on the street with beer. Any kind of meat is not what they it is. They buy the cheapest available. Barbecued chicken, pork, beef maybe cat, dog meat etc.

[Ikksman]

{S N I P} Whatever the country I had visited The Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, SEA or China, I always prefer to stay with street vendors for food. Never been poisoned in any kind, even m in my early 50's. Just once I had in China when I was in a conference, just taking by some dry snacks, since the foods were came from high end.

You are a braver man than me Gunga Din.

I never eat street food in China. The food is not what you think it is.

Lamb or mutton kebabs? It is either chemically treated beef or rat.
Fried food? It will have been cooked in poisonous gutter oil.
Pork? Its "glow in the dark" characteristics will enable you to see your way home on a moonless night.
Take-away foam food containers? They release toxins (when hot food is placed in them).
Soft shell crabs? Haha! 90% of soft shell crabs sold are other types of crabs plus chemicals.
Rice? The locals buy rice from Thailand if they can afford it as more than 30% of the local stuff is contaminated with cadmium.

Even the bottled water you buy from vendors is polluted (and from the largest suppliers)!

Most foods have various harmful chemicals added to enhance the flavour, hide the fact that the food is rotten or to change its characteristics. And the street vendors buy the cheapest ingredients, which of course, contain by far the most pollutants, and then add their own flavours.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Ikksman.

[Uncle Volodya]

Well said UV. Sometimes we some peoples use rude words might be for not knowing the correct use of the words; Even a native English speaker.

For me, I prefer to enjoy the food from street vendors whatever places I visit either inland or abroad. Sitting with locals and waiting for foods, it gives me the opportunity to be the part of local vibe. The essence of culture of the general peoples, who cannot afford high end joints. The fact is, they are the majority part of the country. The ingredients of foods are same all over the world (the veg, the meat, the fish etc). But the way of preparation of food gives us the taste behavior of the general peoples. Any one will agree, that the food habit represents the culture of the society.

Whatever the country I had visited The Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, SEA or China, I always prefer to stay with street vendors for food. Never been poisoned in any kind, even m in my early 50's. Just once I had in China when I was in a conference, just taking by some dry snacks, since the foods were came from high end.

You are a man of my own tastes! - culinary and women.

It's always funner to sit down for a meal with the locals and experience culture first hand. One of the things that bummed me out about the food poisoning is that it really killed my appetite for the rest of the trip and I couldn't really enjoy the Filipino food on offer.

Haha good excuse to go back. Though My next trip will be to Pattaya (next week!

Stay horny my friend.

Uncle-V.

[Mua Tur]

I was not looking for any pity. Just stating the facts so that others could avoid making the same mistake.

I would not describe GC as an "ambulant eatery". Use a dictionary next time if you are not 100% sure of the meaning of a word.

And BTW I have never gotten sick from eating at ambulant eateries (street food in Thailand or Tacos in Mexico). Only times I have gotten food poisoning was from relatively safe establishments: a very well known restaurant in Central Europe and at the breakfast buffet at one of the better hotels in Chiangmai.

Uncle-V.

Well said UV. Sometimes we some peoples use rude words might be for not knowing the correct use of the words; Even a native English speaker.

For me, I prefer to enjoy the food from street vendors whatever places I visit either inland or abroad. Sitting with locals and waiting for foods, it gives me the opportunity to be the part of local vibe. The essence of culture of the general peoples, who cannot afford high end joints. The fact is, they are the majority part of the country. The ingredients of foods are same all over the world (the veg, the meat, the fish etc). But the way of preparation of food gives us the taste behavior of the general peoples. Any one will agree, that the food habit represents the culture of the society.

Whatever the country I had visited The Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, SEA or China, I always prefer to stay with street vendors for food. Never been poisoned in any kind, even m in my early 50's. Just once I had in China when I was in a conference, just taking by some dry snacks, since the foods were came from high end.

[JusRide]

Never been to PI, but been reading this thread as it is now on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing.

R

Last day in AC.

I walked up to her and I was holding her in my arms even before I had a chance to introduce myself. She said her name was Glendale and she beckoned me into her club, LA Bar, to check out her ladies. I told her I was interested in her and only her. LOL. She said that she was a "floor manager" and that the bar fine would be 3 K. I told her I had to go grab my laundry and get changed for the evening but that I'the be back later so that we could talk about it. She gave me a quick kiss on the lips and told me that she really hoped that I would come back.

I suggested we go have a drink and talk about a BF and she was happy to lead me into the club. Again another minimalist setup, stage facing a coupled of seats only a few feet away. She introduced me to her two girls who were gyrating onstage. She said that she was their "manager" and took care of all their needs. I told her that it sounded like she was their pimp and she laughed. To get the party started I ordered a round of beers for all of us and a couple of shots of Tequila for me and Glendale. I turned on the charm and she really seem to like me. Soon we were kissing and I was fondling her nice body, though she kept covering the side of her mouth with her hand so that the girls on stage could not see (there wasn't a lot of privacy in this place)...

[FreebieFan]

Food poisoning comes from eating cheap garbage at ambulant eateries. I have no pity.

I think you know "jack " about food poisoning. Firstly what 99% people of have is food "sensitivity" that we all call food poisoning because its an easier word to handle.

Food sensitivity can come from ice that's not made from pure water nor stored properly, from poorly prepared, poorly stored, poorly heated or re-heated food. Food handlers can equally create food sensitivity situations due to poor hygiene and touching prepared foods with bare, unwashed hands etc.

The symptoms generally are manifest very quickly and result in diarrhea and other LBM type situations. That can apply in all restaurants from the ambulant, to the high end.

Food poisoning comes from things such as cross contamination (a decent kitchen will have separate storage and preparation and separate chopping boards for meats, and fish and vegetables for instance).

Poisoning however can take up to 72 hours to manifest and can be identified by stool samples. The liver is actually in danger when theres real food poisoning because poison is toxic in nature.

[X Man]

Excellent post R99. This is a good summary of cross-cultural differences that cause misunderstandings. One caveat is that there are some dodgy characters in AC regardless of nationality.

I'm Korean, but grew up in the states and 100% Americanized. I have spent some time in Korea and will give a little background.

In Korea, there aren't many "western" style bars where you go in and socialize with other people. You go with a group of friends, get a table and drink within your group. Other bars include: KTV bars (again with friends / co-workers) and business bars. Business bars may semi-look like a western bar, but no other girls other than the waitresses / bartenders and the men don't interact with each. (There are clubs for the younger crowd as well.).

I've been to a few KTV bars in Seoul with a relative and the lineups were a pretty overwhelming experience. 3 groups of 10 girls came through for us to pick for someone to sit with us. Was pretty expensive though as I think it ran $200/2 hours (per girl) in the room and another $200 to go upstairs for ST (from what I recall). My guess is they don't have message boards in wide use like this to share information on pricing etc for traveling to the Philippines.

Since this is their only background, I guess they assume the same goes in PI. While Koreans tend to be standoff-ish, I think it's lack of confidence in English speaking skills. I can relate being in Korea with 3rd rate speaking skills. At the casinos in PI, I've found most of the Koreans to be somewhat friendly with minimal conversation, but a similar goal to try to win money.

[ConquerorVal]

As always Uncle Volodya, I greatly enjoyed your frank, detailed and helpful report. Can't wait for my maiden AC journey in February.