General Info

[Sxxxx]

Just a reminder: Sometimes your luggage is opened (security purposes) after you check in for your flight. They usually leave a calling-card.

Fellow ISG guy,

PM'd me that he received an email to call back at Manila Airport and pick up a baggage left behind.

He did not answer email or return to airport cause he did not leave any bag behind at the airport.

He suspected it might be a new airport scam, wherein you return, and Airport personnel put the heat on you re "contents of bag" , sort of thing.

Possibility. Take care.

[FreebieFan]

I am disappointed that you perceive the issue in terms of contrariness for its own sake. Allow me to give greater scope to the problem. A few ISG members who are frequent posters on the Philippine forum are harassing newcomers. Here are some of the methods they employ:

(1) Investigating newcomers to adjudge if their posts merit reply.

(2) Promulgating rules which a newcomer needs to follow in order to be worthy of a response.

(3) Insisting that a newcomer pay $20 so that he can receive a PM response to an inquiry even when that inquiry does not involve information of a confidential nature.

(4) Directing other members not respond to an inquiry made by a newcomer.

(5) Not making allowances for a newcomer's cultural differences and shortcomings in English proficiency.

(6) Ridiculing newcomers and making ISG hostile to newcomers.

A couple of these ISG members have upwards of 5,000 posts. Because of this, perhaps they are deluded into believing that they should be accorded an elevated status or that they have earned proprietary rights. I am not here to dispel their delusions but merely to ask that they stop persecuting newcomers.

Why do some people bully those that they can? Who knows? But deep down in some dark recess of personality there is fear and insecurity where Mommy's love was unable illuminate.

You mentioned that you expect something in return for help. I don't believe that is true about you. When a person stops you in the street and asks you for directions or say for a recommendation for a favorite restaurant in your neighborhood, you don't ask them for something in return. You don't refuse them and tell them to get a smartphone with GPS. (In fact I write reviews for Yelp and Trip Advisor without any expectation that those reading my reviews will ever make a review of their own.) Of course not. You want to be helpful and I think that is the kind of spirit we should have here on the ISG.

And of course some of us, perhaps those with posts in the 1,000's could of course say is it anyones business (yours or mine or otherwise) how we treat each other here. Seniority has its privileges. ? Sorry mate, but your post, whilst eloquent and polite seems to me to be a waste of time and bandwidth.

[Wimble]

Just a reminder: Sometimes your luggage is opened (security purposes) after you check in for your flight. They usually leave a calling-card.

In the past, depending on the airport, I would be informed by gate staff if anything was to be removed for security reasons, like a brand new tube of marine sealant for scuba or a can of Lysol. Sometimes, small expensive items will just go missing. A spare iPhone disappeared once. I now pack more carefully and hand carry the small expensive stuff if I can. The funny thing is most of the rummaging is on the US domestic connections when inbound. I know because I pick up my suitcase before customs and I can see they were untouched.

[MrWoolyBooly]

As for the $20 geez if they can't afford $20 how they afford to travel?

True, and if $20 is a stretch maybe they should be posting in a page "Bargains found under bridges over the Pasig River". Disclaimer: I have no idea where the cheapest services are offered. No disrespect intended to residents under said bridges.

[D Cups]

Pompetus,

Concur. The number of posts is not necessarily related to one's travel experience. However, some newcomers could read more first and then ask intelligent questions. As for the $20 geez if they can't afford $20 how they afford to travel? It is worth the annual subscription just for the PMs with other members. Just my .02.

[MrWoolyBooly]

I am disappointed that you perceive the issue in terms of contrariness for its own sake. Allow me to give greater scope to the problem. A few ISG members who are frequent posters on the Philippine forum are harassing newcomers. Here are some of the methods they employ:

(1) Investigating newcomers to adjudge if their posts merit reply.

(3) Insisting that a newcomer pay $20 so that he can receive a PM response to an inquiry even when that inquiry does not involve information of a confidential nature.

Greetings Mr. Pompetus,

May I point out objections to the above two points? Nobody is obligated to reply, with or without reason, or whether the reason is persuasive to others or not. Similarly, anyone can chose whether they prefer to respond publicly or via PM, with or without a reason that any others find persuasive. If both parties agree on method, communication occurs. Otherwise, no harm no foul.

I do agree with your general idea that civility, in particular to the vast majority of people whose first language is not English, would benefit all.

Regards,

WB.

[Member #4566]

Dude, seriously. You're entitled to your opinion but just being a contrarian for the sake of it is dull.

Going forward I'll reserve the right to call out anyone if I feel they're abusing other people's generosity with no intention of reciprocity. I do that in my day to day life, does that mean I'm too involved there too?

I am disappointed that you perceive the issue in terms of contrariness for its own sake. Allow me to give greater scope to the problem. A few ISG members who are frequent posters on the Philippine forum are harassing newcomers. Here are some of the methods they employ:

(1) Investigating newcomers to adjudge if their posts merit reply.

(2) Promulgating rules which a newcomer needs to follow in order to be worthy of a response.

(3) Insisting that a newcomer pay $20 so that he can receive a PM response to an inquiry even when that inquiry does not involve information of a confidential nature.

(4) Directing other members not respond to an inquiry made by a newcomer.

(5) Not making allowances for a newcomer's cultural differences and shortcomings in English proficiency.

(6) Ridiculing newcomers and making ISG hostile to newcomers.

A couple of these ISG members have upwards of 5,000 posts. Because of this, perhaps they are deluded into believing that they should be accorded an elevated status or that they have earned proprietary rights. I am not here to dispel their delusions but merely to ask that they stop persecuting newcomers.

Why do some people bully those that they can? Who knows? But deep down in some dark recess of personality there is fear and insecurity where Mommy's love was unable illuminate.

You mentioned that you expect something in return for help. I don't believe that is true about you. When a person stops you in the street and asks you for directions or say for a recommendation for a favorite restaurant in your neighborhood, you don't ask them for something in return. You don't refuse them and tell them to get a smartphone with GPS. (In fact I write reviews for Yelp and Trip Advisor without any expectation that those reading my reviews will ever make a review of their own.) Of course not. You want to be helpful and I think that is the kind of spirit we should have here on the ISG.

[BrainDrain]

Last weekend < I did a CSI type check of my condo. The girl who was visiting had previously found evidence of my playing, courtesy of the security guard with a big mouth, and made a big deal for 15 minutes then got into bed and we had the best night ever.
.

I know your pain. Firstly it is so convenient and relaxing for us to entertain our multiple guess in the convenience of our apartment. When my GF returns thought I am just so nervous.

Last few times I have been going to a short time hotel. For the p500 investment it is just so good later. The girl that comes to the short time doesn't seem to be too interested as it seems to be a normal thing.

I did read in another thread about saying that I had an in-room massage. Might explore that idea.

BD.

[MrWoolyBooly]

I had a visitor today and insisted she clean most of her own hair up from the bed, the bathroom and swept the floor.

Brilliant!

[FreebieFan]

Mr Hutsori, you are truly the master of evidence removals. I salute you! I guess I'm too lazy. For any girl that reaches that level of importance, I'd probably rent a nearby condo for her alone, as well as a refuge from the main pleasure palace.

Last weekend < I did a CSI type check of my condo. The girl who was visiting had previously found evidence of my playing, courtesy of the security guard with a big mouth, and made a big deal for 15 minutes then got into bed and we had the best night ever.

So this time I cleaned every hair, removed everything I could (only because I like this girl). We go out drinking, get back to the apartment, clothes fall off and we get to the darkened bedroom. She says " can I turn the light on" and I said sure confident in my cleaning actions. Her eyes were like laser beams, they shot to the pillow and she triumphantly holds up two hairs and says " these arent mine ".

How she saw them is beyond me as I had shakedn those pillows for minutes.

She pouted at the door for 20 minute semi undressed, threatening to go home. ID already met one girl that day so I was calm. Eventually she got back into bed and we both enjoyed.

I had a visitor today and insisted she clean most of her own hair up from the bed, the bathroom and swept the floor. She was happy to comply. No idea whos hair she swept up but there was lots. LOL.

[WestCoast1]

Just a reminder: Sometimes your luggage is opened (security purposes) after you check in for your flight. They usually leave a calling-card.

[Boarer]

Not at all. Crabtree and Evelyn had a very nice sandalwood cologne, but now it's just soaps and balms, so I switched to George Trumper. There are a few Crabtree and Evelyn shops in Manila such as Greenbelt 1 - there was one in Glorietta too but no longer. There's also a scent shop / perfumer near the corner Paseo de Roxas and Buendia near the immigration office. Rather than douse myself I carry a small vial of essential oil and reapply it as needed. Oils don't evaporate as quickly as cologne so just a dab here and there. You want to get the essential oils because those are natural. One of my fubus started her own scent business as a side job but later she relocated to Singapore. She mixed some lovely scents.

Perfume versus Eau de Toilet versus Cologne. Correct. If you are looking for essential oils, the Internet prices are much better if you can get to a place with cheaper or free shipping. A big bottle lasts a long time when used in a diffuser or vaporizer. I am not sure the differences but the ones I get appears to work at fraction of the retail store prices.

FWIW, still working of getting cheap massage oils through one of my massage places. Oil is not bad at US10 for like 20 FL oz. Just add essential oil to make it an expensive oil or takes one back to another place and time.

Good post of your Crime Scene Sanitizing advice! ;-D

[Hutsori]

LOL. I think you are pulling my leg now!! I fortunately have several friends / colleagues who douse themselves with expensive perfume so it stays on you the whole day after a greeting. The floral scents are harder to explain if a lady friend does not use scented products. Regardless of the source, suspicions can be a real mood killer.

Not at all. Crabtree and Evelyn had a very nice sandalwood cologne, but now it's just soaps and balms, so I switched to George Trumper. There are a few Crabtree and Evelyn shops in Manila such as Greenbelt 1 - there was one in Glorietta too but no longer. There's also a scent shop / perfumer near the corner Paseo de Roxas and Buendia near the immigration office. Rather than douse myself I carry a small vial of essential oil and reapply it as needed. Oils don't evaporate as quickly as cologne so just a dab here and there. You want to get the essential oils because those are natural. One of my fubus started her own scent business as a side job but later she relocated to Singapore. She mixed some lovely scents.

[Boarer]

You're right. I forgot to mention that. I spray sandalwood scent

LOL. I think you are pulling my leg now!! I fortunately have several friends / colleagues who douse themselves with expensive perfume so it stays on you the whole day after a greeting. The floral scents are harder to explain if a lady friend does not use scented products. Regardless of the source, suspicions can be a real mood killer.

[MrWoolyBooly]

You're right. I forgot to mention that. I spray sandalwood scent on my clothes and the pillows; it conceals the floral and citrus scents women wear. You want something with a good amount of essential oils because that doesn't evaporate quickly or just use essential oils themselves. I also use incense sticks for my condo.

Mr Hutsori, you are truly the master of evidence removals. I salute you! I guess I'm too lazy. For any girl that reaches that level of importance, I'd probably rent a nearby condo for her alone, as well as a refuge from the main pleasure palace.