Thread: The Philippines FAQ
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01-04-06 10:38 #21
Posts: 207REPOST: A Naive Guide to Punting in Makati City, version 0.5
a naive guide to punting in makati city, version 0.5
this is a repost of an article i wrote october 2004, and it has not been updated since then (since i have not been to makati). it may well be out of date. the reason for posting here is by request of a fellow makati poster, who thought it belonged in the new faq thread.
disclaimers: i am a newbie in makati, having visited twice for 7 days total. this posting is my notes from my own experiences and from reading the board (some quoted), and is intended to be a quick start for you. the postings on this board are the definitive source of information, use forum search to read more reports.
many report lower prices than i paid; ymmv. i don't have a lot of time to shop, i shop early, and i don't care if i get rock-bottom (price, i mean ;-)), i mainly care about a satisfying experience. pm corrections or comments to me and i may update this posting.
thanks to all that who posted useful reports and sent pms to me.
suggestions:- if the girl looks young ask to see an id to avoid an **** legal problem. (i don't know the minimum legal age.)
- if you plan to take her back to your hotel, put your valuables (laptop, passport, tickets, money, keys) in safe or out of sight before you go out. tip: short filipinas can’t see into high places, high closet shelves are good if the safe is too small for laptop.
- close minibars (expensive), consider buying alternatives in case she’s peckish.
- be safe: use a condom (duh?), examine and smell before daty/dfk.
- you can’t cross at the intersection of ayala ave and makati ave (fences). use crossover bridges and ped crossings with buttons for walk light, or go when locals go.
- online map: http://www.onthemap.com.ph
- quick orientation: see attached map of makati mall area. get a better map free at your hotel.
- atms can be found in glorietta mall (and probably greenbelt mall). tip: it costs me $5 to my bank for international atm, so i get more than i think i need to save fees, and use excess to pay hotel bill, balance on credit card, to avoid converting back.
- quick conversion (u$a, oct 2004): double the peso price, subtract 10%, divide by 100, so pp2000 is about us$36. pp1 is about us$0.18 (http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic for current rates).
- if you’re going to be there more than a few days, it’s worth getting a local sim for your mobile, about pp199 for the sim and pp500 for reloads. sms is a cheap way to communicate with girls once you have their number, they prefer it. “smart” and “globe” are two sim providers; “smart” is said to be easier to find. prices/info for smart here: http://www.smart.com.ph/smart/catalog/sim+pack/
- “pok pok girls” – local term for prostitutes
- “untried” means by me.
- floor numbers are usa style (ground floor = first floor, second floor is one flight up).
- prices listed are philippine pesos.
you may require a visa to enter philippines. i was told that i needed one as an american doing business, but also that business less than 21 days does not require one, so check for yourself. taxi from airport to hotels around glorietta mall and greenbelt mall takes about 20-30 minutes in my experience. i called my hotel in advance and had them send a driver to meet me. otherwise be sure they use the meter, not flat rate, unless you know prices.
reserve pp550 or us$10 for the terminal (departure) fee.
major hotels: glorietta/greenbelt malls
the hotels that businessmen may find themselves at are shangri-la or peninsula hotels (both near glorietta mall), or new world renaissance (greenbelt mall); all are high international quality. i liked shangri-la much more than peninsula, location especially. my experience with the first two was that they were both girl-friendly (have not stayed at nwr). there are many affordable alternative hotels but i have not used them; look for reports in this forum.
the hotels themselves offer a massage service for a price that seems small if you’re used to usa prices for therapeutic massage. unlike therapeutic masseuses in usa, extra services are almost certainly available. they may offer subtle hints (such as “advertantly” brushing your genitals with their fingers during the massage) or less subtle, such as offering you a happy ending. while this is not a cheap way of having fun, the massage is usually very good, and you can’t beat the convenience if you’re looking for extra services – when they leave, you can cruise off into a nice sleep.
you’ll find many nearby options to shop for ladies. the hotel may have a club or lobby with girls hanging around (e.g. second floor club @ shangri-la). the girls around the glorietta and greenbelt malls, in the outdoor cafes and in our around the clubs, are a convenient option. the ladies on some street corners (e.g. near peninsula hotel) look older and worn out, but unlike the mall girls they are very straightforward in what they offer and the price. there is also the expensive p. burgos bar street, and the middle-range edsa complex, and many other options in other parts of manila; take a taxi, not long except during rush hour.
glorietta and greenbelt girls
Originally Posted by anonymous
i would rate the ones i saw from 3-7. they range from professional service providers to girls looking for a boyfriend; in my four experiences they were professionals behaving as girls looking for a boyfriend. they come on with the usual eye contact, but the conversation is indirect in terms of price and services arrangements. the girlfriend may offer better gfe, and may expect bfe (gifts, shopping, loan, money for mother who needs medication etc).
the subject of money may not come up before you take them unless you ask, in which case they will reply with “up to you,” “from your heart,” “talk about that later,” or “let’s not talk about that here,” and avoid discussing it. since they are not presenting themselves as professional you may be led to defer the discussion to avoid insulting a potential girlfriend. after the deed has been done, you may hear some sad story about why they need money, and some of it might even be true. you give them what you want to give, and unless you gave them way too much they will ask for more. in my experience they expect 2000-2500 st to 3000 overnight, when i was shopping around 9pm. st is often a friendly and leisurely 2+ hours if you want it. some forum reports say you can bargain for as little as 1000 to 1500 st, especially later in the evening, but one lady told me 1500 would only get me a bj (pass).
i think they use the strategy of discussing money after the deed because it’s a buyers’ market, and negotiating price up front makes them a commodity – if you don’t like the price, you look for another girl. better for them to hook you first and discuss the price later.
i don’t like this game; i prefer to have things clear up front. one poster suggests that if they don’t negotiate a price with you before the act, you can pay them whatever you want. “up to you” on this point.
there are also some pimps walking around. why bother? what-you-see is generally better than what-you-got, and the pimp gets a fee from you. they are persistent, just tell them to leave you alone and deal with the ladies directly. if the ladies the pimps have were good, wouldn’t they be out showing themselves to get the best price and to get all the money? also, note recent posting saying that going with a pimp can lead to a gambling scam.
coffee shops / clubs around glorietta/greenbelt malls
- any starbucks or gloria jeans, sitting at tables outside, alone or with another girl (ask the one you want, or take two, they're small!). watch for eye contact.
- shangri-la hotel, club on second floor - on a friday evening i found many girls here looking at me as i entered the bar. read my report from august 2003 to see just how naive steve can be.
- hard rock café - untried. in glorietta mall, third floor.
- dream bar - reported on forum, but nobody was there when i looked (9pm weekday). maybe it's better later or on weekends. near starbucks in glorietta mall.
- café havana or havana café – ground floor, greenbelt 3, near starbucks. a club with live music, and ladies waiting to be picked up in the evening. i found some just outside, took one back to my hotel, she fit the usual gray area between professional and girlfriend discussed above. two reports mention that there are also ladyboys at havana.
- p. burgos street a quick taxi ride from makati cbd. you could walk it, but it’s hot, taxis are cheap, and you should save your energy for your entertainment. there are many clubs on this street, go-go and cabaret-style. i visited jools (bar fine 2000) and the one i liked (about an 8) could have been had for 1500 st plus bar fine, though her opening price was 3000. bar fines in other clubs ran 2000 to 3000 according to my doorman survey. Originally Posted by firedickOriginally Posted by golazo
- palacio don pedro – untried. near p. burgos, don pedro st @ kayalan ave. ask for viewing room, 2000 (room) + 2000 (girl).
for the price of a longer taxi ride, you might get better prices, more variety, or a very classy experience (at air force one). during rush hour it can take an hour or more to get from glorietta/greenbelt to places in manila. in later evening and night it takes 15-30 minutes depending on the place. see also the more extensive reports in the manila thread. the sampling here is places i learned about in this forum; there’s a lot more in the manila forum. ermita is a neighborhood of manila.- la café, bar & grill, – untried. 1429 m.h.del pilar, ermita, manila; corner of salas street. search tip: some postings spell it “l.a. cafe” and most use shortened form “la cafe” (without bar & grill). to say that opinions vary, or that la café is controversial, would put it mildly. many forum reports think highly of this place for price and quality; others say quality is not as good as others, one feels unsafe by appearance of the neighborhood, another assures us it is ok. in the quotes below, remember opinions vary; i’m trying to present a balanced range of opinion here. i suggest you skim a few pages in the manila thread, starting with juniour’s posting on 3-16-04, and make up your own mind. Originally Posted by juniourOriginally Posted by goodenoughOriginally Posted by marc25
- jurassic park – untried, across the street from la café. search tip: some posters may use “jurrasic park” instead of “jurassic park”, search for both. Originally Posted by goodenough
- amazonia – untried. Originally Posted by goodenoughOriginally Posted by anzacOriginally Posted by member #2718
- air force one – untried. flight 168 health spa, 888 ninoy aquino avenue, paraòaque city tel: 820 7249 / 820 7250 / 820 7244 / 512 9705 e-mail: airforce1_ktv@hotmail.com. open 12pm-3am. located about ½ mile from casino philipino, cabs may not know it. for a really complete report, visit manila forum, article posted by juniour on 3-20-04. high class massage parlor, soapy girl experience, full service. Originally Posted by juniour
- edsa complex – untried. along roxas blvd at ne corner of edsa, pasay city. long taxi ride during rush hour, 20 minutes in later evening. for a very complete report, see juniour’s posting in manila thread, 3-16-04. Originally Posted by firedickOriginally Posted by stevenOriginally Posted by goodenough
Originally Posted by gropapaLast edited by Steve Naive; 01-04-06 at 10:43. Reason: add map attachment
- if the girl looks young ask to see an id to avoid an **** legal problem. (i don't know the minimum legal age.)
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12-29-05 16:56 #20
Posts: 102Immigration in Cebu
In Cebu, the concierge at the Marriott will handle an extension (through a travel agent) for guests or you can go to Ayala and have it done directly by the travel agent (3rd flr, if I remember correctly). They take your passport and send someone to Immigration, so no waiting in line.
In Davao, I think the field office is near Victoria Plaza, but I had to go in person. You need to wear slacks, shoes, socks and a collar shirt or they won't admit you.
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12-27-05 05:51 #19
Posts: 4050Visa Extensions
There are Immigration field offices throughout the Philippines and they're located in most of the major cities. For the most part, there's little or no hassle in getting the extensions and you can usually pay an "extra" fee to one of the gofers at the gate to expedite the whole thing.
:D
GE
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12-27-05 03:07 #18
Posts: 695Originally Posted by Johan007
Yes, Immigration is independent from national police (PNP).
There is a very nice Immigration field office in Angeles...on 7th street on MacArthur Hwy going in direction Dau / Mabalacat. I would recommend that you use that one.
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12-27-05 02:41 #17
Posts: 823Originally Posted by Pute Nut
Thanks Pute Nut!!
So this immigration office is Only in manila?? or it has branches in all larger towns? Is it a special dept. from the police or an independant department?
I am planning a stay in Angeles, Legazpi area and probably Cebu city and surroundings. Maybe if there is still time (and money left...lol) i also try out Davao.
As I am not very found of large smoggy,traffic jammed cities i will try to get out Manila as soon as I can...;-)
thanks!!
Johan
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12-27-05 00:18 #16
Posts: 695Johan007,
You can get an extension for +38 days at Immigration, cost is P 1520 regular and P 2020 express lane. You just need to fill up a simple form, no need for photos etc. If you choose express lane you will get your passport stamped with the visa the same time, if you choose regular you need to come back to get your visa stamp. To qualify for regular you need apply pretty early in your stay, if memory serves w/in the first week or so.
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12-26-05 22:25 #15
Posts: 823Filipina visa?? more then 21 days? what to do??
Hi guys,Spam Hog
thanks for your info given to this newbie on the filipinas.
I read that my nationality (Dutch) doesn't need a visa for a stay under 21 days in the filipinas. I only need to fill in some paper at the airport in manila.
Thing is i want to stay about 27 days. Is there a possibility to get my turist visa lengthened in the Filipinas???
If not I have to go PERSONALY to the Filipino embassy here in my country...fill in some papers...and pay up € 39,-....:-( I don't mind the money, BUT the thing is the embassy is 3 hours drive from me! besides that I would have to take a free day to arrange this!
Any of you experts got any info on this??? How do you guys arrange this if you stay longer then 21 days???
TIA
Johan
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12-24-05 08:57 #14
Posts: 522Cebu et al
Just a few thoughts as Ive monger in a variety of places. Philippines is cheaper than Thailand IMHO, I would recommend you avoid Manila, it sucks, like bangkok only more traffic
Also Angles may be a bit of a disappointment it is not quite Nanplaza but better than Pattaya.
I recommend cebu for variety, it is possible to pick up a Tuition girl, a secretary a girl working in a dept store, a hooker or meet a freelancer dancing in a bar who will rock your world.
Then go enjoy yourslef with her in Bohol or Boracay with their crystal beaches, super cheap.
Avoid Western Mindanao and anywhere near Zamboanga and you will not get a visit from your local MILF chieftan who thinks all white guys are CIA plants and may shoot you as a precaution.
Also avoid any NPA held area, if you have been in SA that is the Filipino equivilant of the FARC, not quite as bad but avoid certain interior areas in Samar, Leyte, NOrthern Luzon and of course Central and eastern Mindano (surigao) plenty of mongering in those places with rarities in Surigao city Bislig, Cagayan De Oro Butuan and good old Davao. It is possible to partake of brown skinned lovelies who have never seen a white man up close and are eager for action. (I wonder how big his dick is? will he eat my pussy? etc etc)
Read some of the threads in Cebu, Dumagette and "other areas" ....enjoy.
Also the best money changers are Chinese that you find in small strip malls
best price if you have large bills. AVoid banks and the rip off SM Dept store.
Spamhog
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12-23-05 19:35 #13
Posts: 823First timer Filipinas
Hi guys,
I am thinking about a trip to the Filipinas in somewere in March/April next year for 3 weeks. After reading some good reports and wanting to change the destination i thought this country could be fun to go to. I mean after 4-5 years of mongering in South-America/carribic i think it's only fair to give Asia a try.
as I am a first timer to Filipinas...and in fact to any Asian country i would like to ask some questions.
The plan is to land in manila...and then go to Angeles...after that maybe Cebu and/or Albay region. (because i have some contacts there)
1)Availebility of ATM machines?? I mean i know there are many in the capital...but what about smaller places...or further away islands??
2) I read about 'money-changers"who can gave a better rate then any banc or ATM. How safe is this?? Were to find them.... Are their false bancnotes in the filipinas?
3) I allready met many stunning young Filipinas online (mainly in Angeles) and some of them were quite frank about their business. Would you guys NOT recommend Angeles as a place also for looking for a wife...or is Cebu..manila...or any other Island better suited??
I was allready surprised by their very good sense of humor and their very good english skills!! (try to find that in any latin country....NOT!)
4)I allready read about the fact Filipians is not realy very easy to start a business or own property....so if any of you have experience with this please PM me or email me. because wihtin 1-2 years i would like to try this in a nice and warm tropical country.....
my private email: johandevri donotaddthis AT gmail.com
5)How would the experts rate Filipinas regarding prices etc.. with other asian countries like fe Thailand or Indonesia?
cheaper?? more expensdive?? same level???
6) what about terrorist attacks...and/or rebels that i know off are at present in Filipinas...are they a serious threat for the monger or not?
I would like to thank you IA for your answers.
Johan
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11-26-05 23:34 #12
Posts: 32Has anybody that married a Filipina and brought her to the states found a decent price on airfare? So far the lowest price I've been quoted was around $650 plus tax.
Wulfe
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10-24-05 19:10 #11
Posts: 6Price increases seems to be the order of the day now.
The ride from Main Gate to the Terminal is no longer 7 but 9.5 pesos.
Originally Posted by Phenomsg
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10-24-05 07:52 #10
Posts: 310Originally Posted by Phenomsg
A good friend of mine, who lives in Hong Kong, just flew direct to Clark Field from Hong Kong with CR airways. He came with his girlfriend as he was visiting some children from a previous relationship. I know, I know, why bring the girlfriend. To the point. He paid HK$1,800.00 each for him and his girlfriend for a total of HK$3,600 and this included 3 night hotel stay at the Holiday Inn. Two people one room.
Approximately $465.00 US Dollars.
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10-23-05 11:35 #9
Posts: 6I just got back home from Clark's DMIA a couple of hours ago after nine days in AC and Manila.
I had asked a few of the counter staff and they seemed to be unsure of the actual number of international routes in and out of Clark. However, I did notice a banner proclaiming a CR Airways serving Hong Kong 3 times a week; on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Another new destination coming up is Macau. TigerAir which already flies to and from Singapore daily will be doing run on the former Portugese colony daily too from October 30.
Originally Posted by Phenomsg
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10-08-05 05:07 #8
Posts: 6<<Allow me to contribute a little update.>>
Originally Posted by Juniour
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09-24-05 08:03 #7
Posts: 20Invest in the PI?
I am looking to make a wise investment in the PI, just wondering if any of you have or would invest in the PI. I am not quite sure what area I would invest in (clubs, cell phones, security) but it seems like they are trying very hard to attract more tourist into AC and from what I have seen it may be a good investment move.
What do all of you with wisdom of the PI think?