General Info

[Sam 14]

I suppose Filipinas will be changing SIM's even faster now than before. They only cost about 50 pesos at about every sari sari store. Probably just a matter of time before it's like most countries where you have to bring your document into the store and register before you can even get one.

[BroScientist]

Can anyone recommend some good escort agencies in Cebu with decent selection of girls?

[WestCoast1]

The law goes into effect today I believe, and SIM card holders have until the end of June to register. For post-paid accounts with Smart, the process was easy. We got text messages from Smart, and responded thus becoming registered automatically. For those with pre-paid SIMs, the process will required filling out some paperwork and providing identification. I've read or been told that all unregistered SIM cards will be dis-activated effective sometime toward the end of June.

My understanding is that when you use a pre-paid SIM starting yesterday, it will stop working after a period of time (such as 30 days) if you don't register it.

Like GE, on my post-paid plan, I got a txt msg from my provider saying that they would register it for me. Makes sense, they have all the needed documentation from me from the initial point of purchase: ID, address, and so on.

[GoodEnough]

The law goes into effect today I believe, and SIM card holders have until the end of June to register. For post-paid accounts with Smart, the process was easy. We got text messages from Smart, and responded thus becoming registered automatically. For those with pre-paid SIMs, the process will required filling out some paperwork and providing identification. I've read or been told that all unregistered SIM cards will be dis-activated effective sometime toward the end of June. My guess is that the government's doing this to cut down on the flood of scam texts that we receive weekly from prepaid SIMs that are likely bought in bulk.

GE.

From the Globe website, a FAQ page:

https://www.globe.com.ph/help/sim-registration-act.html

Who is covered by the SIM Registration Act?

The law covers all individuals, both local and foreign, and corporate entities using SIMs purchased in the Philippines for use in devices such as mobile and modems.

How long do SIM users have to register their SIMs?

All existing mobile phone and broadband subscribers are given until April 26,2023 to register their SIMs with their respective telco. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) may extend the registration period for 120 days, though this has yet to be confirmed.

What information is required to register SIMs?

When you are about to register your SIM, please prepare the following information:

Full name.

Date of Birth*.

Sex.

Address.

Type of government ID presented + ID number.

Government ID with photo.

Declaration that the information presented are true and correct.

What kinds of identification cards will be accepted to register SIMs?

The following are the official ID cards that will be accepted in registering SIMs:

Passport;.

Philippine Identification System ID, or the Philippine Identification Card;.

Social Security Service ID;.

Government Service Insurance System e-Card;.

Driver's License;.

National Bureau of Investigation clearance;.

Police clearance;.

Firearms' License to Own and Possess ID;.

Professional Regulation Commission ID;.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID;.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID;.

Bureau of Internal Revenue ID;.

Voter's ID;.

Senior Citizen's card;.

Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card;.

Person with Disabilities card; or.

Other government-issued ID with photo.

How long do SIM users have to register their SIMs?

All existing mobile phone and broadband subscribers are given until April 26,2023 to register their SIMs with their respective telco. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) may extend the registration period for 120 days, though this has yet to be confirmed.

What information is required to register SIMs?

When you are about to register your SIM, please prepare the following information:

Full name.

Date of Birth*.

Sex.

Address.

Type of government ID presented + ID number.

Government ID with photo.

Declaration that the information presented are true and correct.

I'm a foreigner in the Philippines. Am I required to register my Philippine SIM?

Yes.

If you are a foreigner visiting as a tourist, your registered SIM shall only be valid for 30 days, and shall automatically be deactivated upon expiration of the SIM. In order to register, please ensure you have these requirements:

Passport (I. E. , copy of the bio-page and pages where the current visa is stamped or shown).

Proof of address in the Philippines (booking in a hotel or other type of accommodation, or in the absence thereof, an affidavit / letter from the owner of the house or residence where such foreign national will stay).

Return ticket to country of origin or to another country indicating date and time of departure from the Philippines.

If you are a foreign national with another type of visa, please present:

Passport (I. E. , copy of the bio-page and pages where the current visa is stamped or shown) indicating passport number, full name and nationality.

Proof of address in the Philippines (booking in a hotel or other type of accommodation, or in the absence thereof, an affidavit / letter from the owner of the house or residence where such foreign national will stay).

Other pertinent document, whichever is applicable:

Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACRI-Card) from the Bureau of Immigration or other types of official ID issued by any other visa-issuing agency.

Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment or School registration and ID for students.

For Persons of Concern or POCs, the type of travel or admission document validly issued by the Philippine Department of Justice.

[WestCoast1]

Do we know anything about the de facto implementation of this? Effective dates are usually a recommendation, at best, in PH. I have a couple PH sims roamed here in SFZ, one of which is a burner that will serve as a lithmus sim. Will soon be back in PH anyway, so no stress, I guess.

From the Globe website, a FAQ page:

https://www.globe.com.ph/help/sim-registration-act.html

Who is covered by the SIM Registration Act?

The law covers all individuals, both local and foreign, and corporate entities using SIMs purchased in the Philippines for use in devices such as mobile and modems.

How long do SIM users have to register their SIMs?

All existing mobile phone and broadband subscribers are given until April 26,2023 to register their SIMs with their respective telco. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) may extend the registration period for 120 days, though this has yet to be confirmed.

What information is required to register SIMs?

When you are about to register your SIM, please prepare the following information:

Full name.

Date of Birth*.

Sex.

Address.

Type of government ID presented + ID number.

Government ID with photo.

Declaration that the information presented are true and correct.

What kinds of identification cards will be accepted to register SIMs?

The following are the official ID cards that will be accepted in registering SIMs:

Passport;.

Philippine Identification System ID, or the Philippine Identification Card;.

Social Security Service ID;.

Government Service Insurance System e-Card;.

Driver's License;.

National Bureau of Investigation clearance;.

Police clearance;.

Firearms' License to Own and Possess ID;.

Professional Regulation Commission ID;.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID;.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID;.

Bureau of Internal Revenue ID;.

Voter's ID;.

Senior Citizen's card;.

Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card;.

Person with Disabilities card; or.

Other government-issued ID with photo.

How long do SIM users have to register their SIMs?

All existing mobile phone and broadband subscribers are given until April 26,2023 to register their SIMs with their respective telco. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) may extend the registration period for 120 days, though this has yet to be confirmed.

What information is required to register SIMs?

When you are about to register your SIM, please prepare the following information:

Full name.

Date of Birth*.

Sex.

Address.

Type of government ID presented + ID number.

Government ID with photo.

Declaration that the information presented are true and correct.

I'm a foreigner in the Philippines. Am I required to register my Philippine SIM?

Yes.

If you are a foreigner visiting as a tourist, your registered SIM shall only be valid for 30 days, and shall automatically be deactivated upon expiration of the SIM. In order to register, please ensure you have these requirements:

Passport (I. E. , copy of the bio-page and pages where the current visa is stamped or shown).

Proof of address in the Philippines (booking in a hotel or other type of accommodation, or in the absence thereof, an affidavit / letter from the owner of the house or residence where such foreign national will stay).

Return ticket to country of origin or to another country indicating date and time of departure from the Philippines.

If you are a foreign national with another type of visa, please present:

Passport (I. E. , copy of the bio-page and pages where the current visa is stamped or shown) indicating passport number, full name and nationality.

Proof of address in the Philippines (booking in a hotel or other type of accommodation, or in the absence thereof, an affidavit / letter from the owner of the house or residence where such foreign national will stay).

Other pertinent document, whichever is applicable:

Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACRI-Card) from the Bureau of Immigration or other types of official ID issued by any other visa-issuing agency.

Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment or School registration and ID for students.

For Persons of Concern or POCs, the type of travel or admission document validly issued by the Philippine Department of Justice.

[MrHappyKat]

Do we know anything about the de facto implementation of this? Effective dates are usually a recommendation, at best, in PH. I have a couple PH sims roamed here in SFZ, one of which is a burner that will serve as a lithmus sim. Will soon be back in PH anyway, so no stress, I guess.

My understanding of the new SIM registration rules is that if you bring your US phone (mine is on Verizon) and use it in PH, your SIM card is already registered with your US carrier. So no need to register it with the PH government. If I add a new e-SIM (still considering this option), that will need to be registered and the registration will be a seamless part of the e-SIM activation.

But I guess I won't really know until I land at MNL.

[AussieGaigin]

Today, December 27, a new law goes into effect: The SIM Card Registration Act. It will require everyone to register their SIM card with their TelCo to include your name, SIM card number and address. Supposedly its to cut down on scams (or for the conspiracy minded, its so the DEEP STATE can keep an eye on you). From the article:
.

WE've had a similar law in Australia for years. Valid ID is also required as proof. Banks, insurance and other agencies often require it.

[Pute Nut]

Today, December 27, a new law goes into effect: The SIM Card Registration Act. It will require everyone to register their SIM card with their TelCo to include your name, SIM card number and address. Supposedly its to cut down on scams (or for the conspiracy minded, its so the DEEP STATE can keep an eye on you).

Do we know anything about the de facto implementation of this? Effective dates are usually a recommendation, at best, in PH. I have a couple PH sims roamed here in SFZ, one of which is a burner that will serve as a lithmus sim. Will soon be back in PH anyway, so no stress, I guess.

[Dg8787]

The above is the correct email site for the new epass.

I searched to for it and was directed to a paid site. I believe I was ripped for $79. I wasn't paying any attention and entered a CC number. I realized I was scammed a minute later. The real site does not ask for any payment.

I feel dumb. That was the price of a barfine.

[Pute Nut]

You come.

You pay.

You fuck.

Simple system here in PH. Nothing else comparable to the experience.

No need to get all complicated about the system, service and availability.

I usually do it fuck-come-pay but to each their own.

[Dg8787]

You come.

You pay.

You fuck.

Simple system here in PH. Nothing else comparable to the experience.

No need to get all complicated about the system, service and availability.

[WestCoast1]

What is about the same:

1. Dealing with SIM cards / local phone service.

Today, December 27, a new law goes into effect: The SIM Card Registration Act. It will require everyone to register their SIM card with their TelCo to include your name, SIM card number and address. Supposedly its to cut down on scams (or for the conspiracy minded, its so the DEEP STATE can keep an eye on you). From the article:

"The SIM Card Registration Act, or*Republic Act*11934, will require all SIM card users*to register their personal information with*telecommunications companies*or telcos, details which can be made available upon the request of a court or other law enforcement agencies. ".

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/g...-pros-and-cons

I'm still interested in getting accurate and comprehensive intel on bar fines, girl tips, and FL rates for ST and LT. Sadly, many FR's do not specify if a rate is ST or LT, if they include any amounts at all.

The long / short of it seems to be this: Prices are up for point-and-shoot gals (think in terms of all other product price increases during the covid era) sought after by two-week warriors. Prices have dropped for expats or long-term tourists because the rest of the girls had no safety net during covid.

[AsianPursuits]

So there it is. I'm still interested in getting accurate and comprehensive intel on bar fines, girl tips, and FL rates for ST and LT. Sadly, many FR's do not specify if a rate is ST or LT, if they include any amounts at all.

Thanks again for all the assists and advice. I plan on submitting detailed FR's along the way.

You simply won't get the level of detail on BF & LD that you require in your planning. Does it matter before you arrive if a barfine was P3,000 or P5000? USD50 or USD85? In our home countries, we pay that much just to park our car for a few hours.

What you will know is that filipina will be their loving, caring, fuck-hungry selves for significantly less than your home country.

BTW my budget for girls was P3 K per day for the duration of my visit. I was always using freelances or dating sites.

[MrHappyKat]

With much help gleaned from posts here and from insightful replies to my questions, my originally planned trip last June never happened. A rather ill-timed health issue forced me to cancel. Fortunately, my total cash losses were limited to about $350 from airfare cancelation fees.

Now I'm back on track and have booked 16 days, split between Manila and Angeles, in mid-March. It's been interesting to see (from ongoing posts here) how things have changed over the last 6-8 months:

The Good:

1. COVID bureaucracy (tests, forms, etc.) have faded away. And wearing masks seems to me a remaining "requirement" that is easily ignored with little consequence.

2. More hotels are open for leisure booking (no longer exclusively quarantine) and guest polices are generally favorable.

3. More bars are open, or reopened, or newly opened. So if you believe that ample supply drives a wider number of choices, it's a good time to go shopping for whatever niche tickles your fancy.

4. FX rates are more favorable right now. Around PHP55 to $1 USD. Hoping they will stay at or over 55 until I arrive in March.

The not as Good:

1. None of the hotels I booked last time required a deposit or payment in full at time of booking. No so today. Both hotels in Manila (Manila Lotus Hotel, Makati Palace) required full payment, non-refundable, at booking. Fortunately, the ABC Hotel in Angeles did not require payment in advance. This is one of the most expensive (for a reason!) hotels to book, so being able to keep my cash for now, and possibly getting a cash discount when I arrive make the pre-pay mode in Manila more bearable.

2. More clubs open. But. Less top-shelf talent available in any given location. Lots of speculation here about causes: Korean buyer dominance, girls learning how to hustle online cash, or fewer new / fresh arrivals from other regions. Who knows? Again, from reports here it seems that even with diminished supply and / or quality, there are still gems to be found. Or maybe it's easy to rationalize that the best pussy available is still better than no pussy at all.

3. On top of supply issues, prices are up. Way up. ST and LT Bar fines climbing. ST rates are sometimes over PHP5,000 (plus mandatory tips up to PHP5,000 in Manila). FL rates also up past the PHP3,000-5,000 level or more. And escort services like Smooci up to PHP6,000-12,000 for 2 hours. These are still considerably lower than typical P-4-P rates in the US (including pros, sugar babies, and take-home strippers), so I can still anticipate getting what I want for what I can easily afford. But when you add in airfare costs, you get a lot closer to a break-even point in local costs for P-4-P vs. Philippines costs for P-4-P.

What is about the same:

1. Dealing with SIM cards / local phone service.

2. Local and inter-city transportation (trikes, Grab. Taxis, busses, private car).

3. Food / restaurant scene.

4. Weather. Mother Nature does not give one fuck if you like heat or cold, or rain or shine. You get what you get: Hot and humid.

5. Non-COVID travel stuff: Visa's, immigration, etc.

So there it is. I'm still interested in getting accurate and comprehensive intel on bar fines, girl tips, and FL rates for ST and LT. Sadly, many FR's do not specify if a rate is ST or LT, if they include any amounts at all.

Thanks again for all the assists and advice. I plan on submitting detailed FR's along the way.

[AsianPursuits]

I've paid plenty of Domestic airport charges over the years. Never more than a coupe of hundred pesos.

Yes, I was referring to the Domestic departure charges that had previously been getting charged. The in person collection method has disappeared at some point.

For once, it is a positive change as it always caught me out not having the right money.