Manila

[Member #4698]

The Moto G4 is an excellent cp for Philippines. It only uses a single sim but has great 4 g reception. I suggest you buy the tempered glass screen protector for it.

BTW, most all Moto cp work great in PH. Get the international models.

FWIW, I paid under US $100 for several new Moto G4 (on sale), pretty much a world phone with all the possible bands. I can confirm that it works well in North America, Europe, and Asia (including China). I have my other primary "world phones" with much better cameras and specs like the Google offers and others; all made in China but costing much more. The G4 does not have an eSIM but is a great travelling phone. No big deal if it goes missing as everything is backed up on the internet and can be remotely erased. You might see some ladies sporting one if they don't mind the so so pictures.

I have been mulling over the idea of buying a 2nd phone dedicated for travel & girls for a couple of months in anticipation of my next trip. On past trips I have just swapped out my USA sim card with a local sim card whenever I was out and about and not in my Wi-Fi hotel where an American sim card works just fine for Line, Viber, WeChat, and WhatsApp texts and conversations. The problem was outside of Wi-Fi range my American sim card is pretty useless, but I still needed my American sim card to deal with business back home, so I could not just leave a PI or Thai sim card in my phone until I returned home and the process of changing sim cards on an almost daily basis grows rather tiresome and annoying. So, I realized after my last trip I needed a 2nd phone. The only issue was what cell phone would be best for my needs and be the most cost productive.

My regular phone is a Samsung S8 which is the best smart phone I have ever owned. I realize the S9 is marginally better and the S10 is probably significantly better, but I have no interest in upgrading at this point. The S8 is great and will remain my primary cell phone for some time to come. So, I wanted to spend less for a 2nd phone, but I still wanted a quality phone that could take respectable pics of girls, had a decent battery life, and a workable operating system. So, I first looked at older model, yet still NEW Samsung models like the J6 or S6 which were considered top of the line phones at the time of their initial roll outs. In BKK the price for these older Samsungs was between 5,000 and 6,500 baht. Not bad, but then I took a look at the Motorola lineup particularly the Moto G phones which have always received the highest reviews in the "budget" phone category. I looked at the G5, G6 and the just issued G7. An unlocked G5 was under $185 and seemed to get better reviews all around than it's newer sibling the G6. Then I began reading up on the just released G7 which received much better reviews than either the G5 or G6 in terms of camera, battery life, and operating system which are the areas I am most concerned with. So in the end, I paid up for the G7. The price was $285 unlocked with no sim card direct from Motorola. The clincher for me was the zero interest rate offer from Moto which meant I will pay $13/ month for the G7 until it is paid off and in the meantime I have the best "budget" cell phone available.

My Moto G7 came last week. I bought a no contract / pay as you go plan with T Mobil for $3/ month so I could test the phone and set it up the way I want before my trip. The phone works great, battery is excellent, and software is running smoothly. It in now way looks or operates like a "budget" phone. I think Moto hit this one out of the ball park. I did upgrade for the Camera FV-5 app ($3. 95 at the Google store to improve the photography capabilities) and I am ready to go on my next trip phone wise. My Samsung S8 will be my American and Hotel Wi-Fi phone. My Moto G7 will be my out and about phone. I am sure I could have sufficed with the Moto G4 or G5, but what the hell, I plan to use my G7 for many years to come. It was a good buy especially at zero interest $13/month.

[Bushes]

US phones are mostly one SIM as were the ones I got. Asian variants are usually dual SIM. The Asian variant was US $30+ more and did not come with a free USB QC 2.0 power bank. I love US sales! LOL! In fact, I buy many Asian manufactured electronics for US delivery because it can be 10 to30% cheaper than having an Asian or local delivery (even if I am within spitting distance of the factory). Go figure.

The Moto G4 is an excellent cp for Philippines. It only uses a single sim but has great 4 g reception. I suggest you buy the tempered glass screen protector for it.

BTW, most all Moto cp work great in PH. Get the international models.

[Dg8787]

FWIW, I paid under US $100 for several new Moto G4 (on sale), pretty much a world phone with all the possible bands. I can confirm that it works well in North America, Europe, and Asia (including China). I have my other primary "world phones" with much better cameras and specs like the Google offers and others; all made in China but costing much more. The G4 does not have an eSIM but is a great travelling phone. No big deal if it goes missing as everything is backed up on the internet and can be remotely erased. You might see some ladies sporting one if they don't mind the so so pictures.

The Moto G4 is an excellent cp for Philippines. It only uses a single sim but has great 4 g reception. I suggest you buy the tempered glass screen protector for it.

BTW, most all Moto cp work great in PH. Get the international models.

[Mr Enternational]

Just a quick question: Google maps is showing Manila bay cafe as permanently closed. Can anyone confirm if that is right. I hope there is more places in the area than just LA Cafe. Anyone have any recent visits or report of other bars\spas\whatevers that is good for mongering?

You are talking about the same place. They just change the name back and forth. Still open.

[Bushes]

FWIW, I paid under US $100 for several new Moto G4 (on sale), pretty much a world phone with all the possible bands. I can confirm that it works well in North America, Europe, and Asia (including China). I have my other primary "world phones" with much better cameras and specs like the Google offers and others; all made in China but costing much more. The G4 does not have an eSIM but is a great travelling phone. No big deal if it goes missing as everything is backed up on the internet and can be remotely erased. You might see some ladies sporting one if they don't mind the so so pictures.

What kind of phone did you get for $150?

I paid US $ 150 on Ebay and its more than I need.

[Ogman]

Just a quick question: Google maps is showing Manila bay cafe as permanently closed. Can anyone confirm if that is right. I hope there is more places in the area than just LA Cafe. Anyone have any recent visits or report of other bars\spas\whatevers that is good for mongering?

[BrainDrain]

Had the itch to turn an overnight layover into a night in Manila.

On paper Tokyo flight landed at 12 am, morning after would resume 10 am to Singapore.

Legit opportunity to get 4-6 hours of the night. I think.

Thanks for the trip report. I've done a similar packed overnight in Singapore, arriving 2 am, just going directly to 4 Floors, hotel then takeoff again 9:30 am.

On my very first Surigao visit my return flight went you / S. Met an amazing girl that night in the airline's expense.

Serendipity rules.

BD.

[Goferring]

I am sweating by only reading your story! It seems like a lot of stress, but you probably had good reasons to get to Singapore. I go to LA Cafe frequently and normally will pay 1500-2000 peso. Never more. Sometimes I get sexy nice girls, some other times I have no luck. But I make it very clear what I want to pay. Normally no problem there. The young girls upstairs looking at the "Japanese / Korean" section inside does not interest me. They will ask for 5 K I am sure. LA Cafe is a hit and miss. But sometimes you can find a diamond in the ruff.

The girls frequently offer what they think the market will bear. The same girl might charge 5 k at one time and location and accept 1 k at another.

The OP was prepared to pay for convenience and had a good time. The girl was satisfied enough to leave her number, hoping for another similar meet up. In my eyes that's a win-win.

I'd agree that swapping numbers when everyone has had a good time is pretty normal.

Enjoy. G.

[BKKguru]

How is it not normal to exchange info? Many times I go to bars and clubs only to get chicks' info to build up my list, then call them when I want them to come. And after a session of a chick that I have taken on the spot, I have exchanged info more often than not I am sure.

He asked the following question: "And is that normal for them to exchange WhatsApp info afterwards?"

I cannot speak for you, but most of us do not exchange numbers with EVERY girl we session with.

I was not present in the room but my interpretation (after carefully reading the report) is the girl offered her number without he even asking.
This does happen, but cannot be called a "normal" occurrence.

~BKKguru

[Mr Enternational]

It is not "normal" to exchange WhatsApp info.

How is it not normal to exchange info? Many times I go to bars and clubs only to get chicks' info to build up my list, then call them when I want them to come. And after a session of a chick that I have taken on the spot, I have exchanged info more often than not I am sure.

[BKKguru]

<Big Snip>
If you've made it this far: In LA Caf is 5000 p the going rate or did she throw a high number only a noob would jump on? Chances of negotiating powers? And is that normal for them to exchange WhatsApp info afterwards?

Thanks for posting a detailed report. Murphy's first law states: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".
I feel your pain. Next time, try and fly the established Airlines (ANA, Cathay, Singapore or even SilkAir).

It has been a few years since I visited LA Cafe. My experience is that price is negotiable and you should negotiate.
Time of visit does matter. Since you reached at 4 am, you do have an advantage.

It is not "normal" to exchange WhatsApp info. It appears:
(a) This girl had a decent experience with you. She felt you were being honest (about the money).
(b) She feels you are a good prospect and wants to hook up when you visit again.

~BKKguru.

[Aviator12]

If you've made it this far: In LA Caf is 5000 p the going rate or did she throw a high number only a noob would jump on? Chances of negotiating powers? And is that normal for them to exchange WhatsApp info afterwards?

I am sweating by only reading your story! It seems like a lot of stress, but you probably had good reasons to get to Singapore. I go to LA Cafe frequently and normally will pay 1500-2000 peso. Never more. Sometimes I get sexy nice girls, some other times I have no luck. But I make it very clear what I want to pay. Normally no problem there. The young girls upstairs looking at the "Japanese / Korean" section inside does not interest me. They will ask for 5 K I am sure. LA Cafe is a hit and miss. But sometimes you can find a diamond in the ruff.

[VictorHugo99]

Hi MG,

Try Fusiondise Spa. Just next to NAIA.

Good massage and extra services.

Beautiful masseuse.

Manila Airport Hotel, NAIA Terminal 1 Complex, Parañaque.

Have fun, Vic.

I'm sure this has probably been brought up before, but I really like daytime action massage parlor type. I love Manila bay cafe but sometimes only have an hour or two to get away. What are the top 3 rub and tug places? Looking for better looking girls as the most important, price doesn't matter as long as they're hot or many to pick from.

[MadisonGuy]

I'm sure this has probably been brought up before, but I really like daytime action massage parlor type. I love Manila bay cafe but sometimes only have an hour or two to get away. What are the top 3 rub and tug places? Looking for better looking girls as the most important, price doesn't matter as long as they're hot or many to pick from.

[Transporter]

Had the itch to turn an overnight layover into a night in Manila.


If you've made it this far: In LA Caf is 5000 p the going rate or did she throw a high number only a noob would jump on? Chances of negotiating powers? And is that normal for them to exchange WhatsApp info afterwards?

Upstairs 5 K is about right, but there are factors involved in negotiations; supply and demand, how much competition is there upstairs; what time is it, as usually they will turn one trix and they are done, so if it is very late and they have not secured a customer for the outing, you may have the leverage; is she independant, there are mommies up there that take a cut; do you look like easy money, the girls will target the three threes, so if you look korean, japanese, or chinese you do have some leveraging power; was she there alone, or did she travel there with a bunch of other girls, packless girls are more liberal with the prices; where she lived, the farther away she traveled to work the night, the more desperate she will be to get a customer before returning home as the higher her investment was to make the trip. There are probably a lot more things, but since you did not do the initial interview, it would seem worthless. Social media exchange is absolutely normal, Whatsapp tho is not as popular as viber or fb mess, but I guess things are changing.