General Info

[Surfer]

My take on Cherryblossoms:

1) nobody asked me for $ yet and I have corresponded with a fair number

2) girls with sexy piuctures or suggestive profiles are more likely to be scammers I think, as are girls from Manila or Angeles area

3) I would not rely on it exclusively, but it is nice to have a couple regular girls lined up in each city you plan to visit to supplement the p4p girls

4)I find MANY good girls that are not wild at all; I have not found almost any that look like date for pisos girls, though it may be because I avoid the Manila/Angleles ones

[Harvey WB]

I met 40+ CB Chatters in Davao and more elsewhere and only found maybe 2 that (if I had to) that I might classify as scammers. One was already engaged and was trying to cut me out from the pack for her sister, then when that failed, a friend of hers. She really wasn't probably a scammer, just a really good looking chick with an attitude and I did not need that.

The other girls (we went to Jack's Ridge for dinner, 32+ of us, LOL) were making jokes about her "high faluttin" attitude, but she soon dropped from sight.

I know there are some on there (scammers), just use your head (on your shoulders) and you will detect 99% of them; the other 1% can be dealt with in person.

[GoodEnough]

Titmouse:

For a Filipina, living with an expat in the PI is as good as being in the United States, given the standard of living at which many, if not most expatriates live here. They get to live in a nice house. They get to go on vacations and to dine often in restaurants, and they don't have to worry about money.

If you think the choice is staggering in the virtual world, wait until you venture into the real world of the Philippines, where the choices multiply geometrically. In virtual reality, you're only "meeting" a self-selected sample, whereas once you get here and establish contact with the whole universe of possiblities it's really overwhelming.

This is not to denigrate the motivation of these ladies, most of whom have never known freedom from want. From a certain perspective, living here, but at a reasonably high standard is even better for them as they don't have to try to fit in to an alien culture. For us it's better too, since we don't have to try to explain how we were lucky enough to wind up with beautiful women half (or less) our age. It's a win-win situation for all concerned.

:D

GE

[Titmouse]

When Pete said the choice is staggering, he wasn't exaggerating. Just on Cherry Blossoms, just Filipinas, just age 21-35, just non-smokers, just without children -- I matched with more than 2000 members. Well more than half of them say they don't care about age. It's more than I can get a handle on. I pick one in a hundred to send a note to. And my hands are so full at present that I've quit doing that. I MAY respond to a good first contact note.

This wealth of opportunity is in addition, of course, to all those in the business (which may overlap somewhat with CB) and the many, many, many who are neither in the business nor on CB. Truly staggering.

Maybe I'll be proved wrong, but I don't think the majority of the girls on CB are scammers. Several have made it clear in various ways that they're in tight circumstances, but only two have made direct pitches for money. Most have made a point not to ask for anything. In one case, when I began to hint to one girl that it might be worth it to send her some money to cover online costs, she changed the subject. She was just saying that she could only be on for so long because that's what she could afford.

And I think I can tell the difference. Some of these girls are just so sweet it's hard to explain. Yes, they're all pretty well interested in serious relationships and most would probably jump at an opportunity to go to the US. I don't think I blame them for that. But I'm frank in saying I'm not looking for a wife to bring back to the States. It's more likely I will live there. And that hasn't chased the more interesting (and interested) ones away.

'Mouse

[Titmouse]

J Boy - Thanks. You may be right, but I won't know unless I try it. I've been to Angeles City and will go back this trip to meet a repeater from the last trip whom I expect to take very good care of me. So I won't exactly be dying of lust by the time I head out to other places.

And these girls aren't ugly, not the ones I've talked to online. Not 10s, to be sure, but all are at least solid 8s. The two I haven't chatted might be a surprise, but I will be in cities where I can drop them and go monger, so.

'Mouse

[J Boy]

Titmouse
I did the same stuff you are doing before my first trip. I found it to be a waste of time. It is too much hassel to get the girls this way. The scheduling, the pretending they aren't screwing you for money. Also they are generally not as good looking as the bar girls - there is a reason they are not working in the bars - too old usually but it could be STDs. Just go to AC and enjoy the barhopping. You get to choose in person from 100s of girls.

Anyway that's my $ .02 worth.

[Pete The Beat]

Titmouse let me echo your thoughts and report. Last year i followed the same routine, meeting a lot of good looking girls in Filipina Heart and talking and viewing them via the webcam and Yahoo Messenger. same experience with me - lots hit you for money on the first chat, some take longer, say the second or third chat - but the request usually comes sooner or later.

When I travelled to Manila last December I had intentions of hooking up with a couple of them but found it was so easy at LA cafe and just generally picking up at the malls etc that it was easier not to get tied down to one girl cos I was only there for about 9 days.

What has happened since my return has been that I have continued in contact with several of them and when i return again this december i intend to try hooking up with the one girl for a few days, just to see how it goes.

All of my contacts on FH and now also on Cherry Blossoms give their cell no. readily so contact when I get back will be easy.

But you are spot on with your analysis of them having different pics and different names. My advice to all newcomers is take your time - don't go for the first girl who smiles at you - you can't miss out and the choice is staggering! really its only once you've experienced it that you really appreciate it. Good luck!

[Titmouse]

On the advice of someone from one of the boards I monitor, I joined Cherry Blossoms near the start of July. I regret I can’t remember who it was or on what board, but the poster’s idea was that he tended to join the board in the months before a visit to SE Asia in order to “qualify” some women to meet when he was there. I thought this sounded like a good way to meet some women who weren’t likely to be hanging around the bars, so I followed the advice. I’m hoping to make a trip to the Philippines in September. I thought readers might find my experiences interesting.

Cherry Blossoms (www.blossoms.com), for those who don’t know, is an e-mail self-introduction service focusing on the Philippines, Thailand and other countries to a much lesser extent. China is pretty well represented, too. Because of the way it works – members contact other members by email or to chat – it is apparently not covered by recent ‘mail-order bride’ legislation. There is no charge except for membership.

In the slightly more than four weeks since I joined, I have been contacted with no effort on my part by 2-6 women per day. In addition, I have contacted quite a few myself, identifying them either by using the site’s search utility or by scanning those who are chatting when I’m online. There are so many riches that it took me a week to begin to evolve a system. I have sent nearly 250 e-mails and received nearly 500. Many of the latter have been “smiles,” which are basically winks from a potentially interested female. I’ve sent a few of them myself but lately I’ve send a brief introductory email instead. I think it’s more likely to receive serious attention.

Now I should mention that I’m nearing 62 years old and about 30 pounds overweight. I’m not ugly, but the years are beginning to show on my face. If I were younger, thinner or better looking, I think I would be deluged with mail. As it is, there are plenty of younger women, especially Filipinas, who don’t seem to give a damn. (I think they really want to get out of there, or at least move up.)

I should also say that I have been pretty honest. My goal in going to the Philippines is not to find a bride but to scout out potential places for retirement. I say in my profile that I’m recovering from a bad relationship and not entirely sure I’m ready for another. That just makes some of them want to mother me.

What I’m trying to say is that I’m not trying to lay a line on the ones I’ve talked to. I’m a good writer and a pretty fair conversationalist, so I come off well, but I don’t lie (much) or pretend (much). If they ask if I’m talking to others, I tell them I am, although I don’t say how many. Frankly, it would be too complicated to maintain lies with so many women. The only way through the maze is to have a simple story and stick to it.

At this point, I wish I’d waited another month or even more before joining. I now have a group of six to twelve good prospects. While I don’t get into talking dirty with them, several had volunteered to be my “guide” when I come and three have been pretty clear what they mean. For example, here’s part of a chat from Sunday morning:

Her: yes ido anything 4 my love
Me: Oh really
Her: yes
Me: I may make you prove that
Her: yes
Me: So you like to make love?
Her: yes y not
Me: Good answer. Why not, indeed
Her: im reallly realy want make love wth u
Me: I'm thinking of things I'd like to do with you
Her: really
Her: love u
Me: You might even like it
Her: yes

Or this, from an email:

“One of my dreams is to see the whole part of my country, and to travel around the world. If you need a tour guide and a companion I am willingly go with you. Please…”

This is my most recent contact:

Me: But you'd guide me, right?
Her: yes
Her: open arms
Me: Just in case I couldn't figure out what to do with a pretty woman?
Her: lol
Me: I'm not THAT old
Her: ok
Her: u mean ur sexually active yet?
Her: excuse for that
Her: ok
Her: just asking.?
Me: There is no excuse for that
Me: except...
Her: ?
Me: Active
Her: o ic
Me: And you, my dear?
Me: Are you old enough?
Her: matured enough
Her: lol

My biggest problem at this point is how to schedule them all. In fact, I can’t. As the date gets closer, I’m going to have to drop a few. These are all in addition to my longtime friend in Angeles City whom I met more than two years ago. She’s pretty much in love with me. I would be in serious trouble if I went to the Philippines and didn’t visit her. I won’t quote her, since she’s not a CB girl, but there is no question what we’ll be doing when I go there.

Many of the women, by the way, prefer to shift out of CB and continue in Yahoo. While there is a webcam utility in CB, I haven’t tested it. Most of those who use webcams seem to prefer Yahoo. I bought one two weeks ago at the insistence of one of the girls and it has been a lot of fun. As a USB device, setup was a no-brainer and it has worked flawlessly. Being able to see the girls and watch their expressions adds a great deal to the experience. On more than one occasion it has also helped me spot that a girl was talking to at least two guys at the same time. I don’t do that and I don’t allow it.

The women who have contacted me can be categorized several ways. First, there are the obvious nos – women who are over 40, overweight, sometimes both. For the purposes of this trip, I’ve also ruled out women who are not in the Philippines, although I occasionally chat with two women from Thailand. I’ve been contacted by several very attractive Chinese women, some in Hong Kong but most from the mainland.

Some of the girls are scammers who want money. One has pictures of two different women in her profile (CB has room for three). In one bad stretch, three out of five new contacts hit me up for money in the first chat. My usual response is that I’m old but not stupid. Some are apologetic and keep talking. Others go away. Either way is fine with me. One girl claimed to be an orphan who lives in a church sanctuary and bathes in the restrooms. It might be true, but her picture is awfully pretty. It’s hard to believe she hasn’t found an alternate way to get money.

Another girl – the first quoted above – has persisted, politely but definitely wanting me to buy her a webcam for home. Since she’s also one of my “volunteers,” I may give in, but I’ll send her the webcam, not the money to buy one. She went to an Internet café (dressed up for me) and it’s the same girl as her Yahoo Messenger picture. She also moved the camera around to make sure I got a good look at her. {Late news: Yesterday she announced that she was relocating to Cebu. I’m glad I didn’t buy a camera for her sister’s computer.)

To reduce the correspondence workload, I’ve generally ignored anyone who doesn’t have a picture and anyone who sends me a “smile” instead of a letter. If they have a hot profile picture and there are no turn-offs in their self-description (“Want God-fearing man to support me and two children”), I sometimes violate my own rules. Some of them are so dang pretty.

Oddly enough, it’s the 18-year-old girls who most often say that age doesn’t matter. I always tell them that it actually does, but that I’m willing to trade a little of my experience for some of their youth. So far, I’m not seriously contemplating hooking up with any of the younger ones. My preferred age is around 25 -- old enough to have some experience. The last thing I want is a “vergen” as one girl described herself.

The hardest part is keeping it all straight. I save copies of both emails and chats, naming them with the girl’s first name, the date, and either “To” or “From.” This works pretty well except that some of the girls have several names and it can get confusing. For example, one girl is Marian but her Yahoo chat name is Marina plus a last name and on CB she has two other names. Sometimes, when I launch a chat, I have to scramble to remember who I’m talking with and what I know about them.

I’ll have an update before I leave. Things have already changed since I started writing this. And, of course, there will be lots more to say after I come back from my September trip. It could be a lot of fun or a real letdown. Since I’ll be traveling to parts of the Philippines that I haven’t seen, it will be interesting scenery even if the girls don’t live up to expectations. I’m pretty sure at least some of them will.

Titmouse

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for directions for posting a link to a specific report.

[Surfer]

The surfing season is fast approaching and the place will soon be crawling with drunken Aussie surfers.

This is the "progress" that I had feared. As Indo got more crowded, more ozzie surfies startinmg coming to the PI (and Siargao in particular) and I am sure the Sari Club bombing and tsunami have only accelerated that. ):

[Spam Hog]

Whats the deal with this place?? I have never been there and the Mrs, wants me to go stay there with her.I would like some input on where to stay and what to do in Baguio.My feeling is she wants to keep me away from the bar gals so take the asshole "ME" to the hills.

I am gonna hit the area 4-5 days before she knows I am in town so I can let off some steam with the party gals in Makati.I will then move to another hotel the day before she gets into town.YES PLEASE REMEMBER THEY ALL TALK AND SHE WOULD SURELY FIND OUT I ARRIVED 4-5 DAYS EARLEY.

Also what about CEBU,what about the waterfront in this area.Is this a good choice or can you guys recommend a clean quiet place not to far off the beaten path.

THANKS, PLAY SAFE,

B.B...

Just a few suggestions for B.B. You refer to the "waterfront" and staying near there. I dont know if you mean the waterfront hotel (which is no where near the water) which is IMHO the best place in Cebu the Marriot not withstanding, or if you are asking about a hotel closer to the real waterfront.
I would suggest you disregard the later as the waterfront (wharf) area
in Cebu is a kind of lousy, you might find a short time hotel there but nothing like what you are looking for. I would suggest if you do not wish to stay at the waterfront hotel you look into Regal park business hotel which is DIRECTLY across from Ayala Mall, you can walk to it,not a bad place it runs about P1400 a night for a basic room probably higher for a delux. Also check out the Richmond hotel, prices a bit cheaper, both are within walking distance of Ayala Mall and everything is within a few block of Waterfront hotel and its casino Filipino.

Now if you are interested in Sarigao, you can take the overnight ferry from Cebu to Surigao city, from there you get a jet boat to Dapa Isl/ Sarigao this is the prime sufing area. No taxi's on the island so you have to hire a guy with a motorcycle, he can take you to the "resort" area. Most of these places (two years ago) were owned by foreigners and their local wives. I recall an aussie and an Englishman who had small places with cottages or A/C rooms, wasn't much like P1000 a night.

There was a more sumptious hotel nearby, owned by a Filipino congressman
and something like you'd find in Bohol, but the whole place is VERY isolated and very low key. The surfing season is fast approaching and the place will soon be crawling with drunken Aussie surfers.

Good luck


Spamhog

[Surfer]

BB: As it has been several years since I have been out there, I am not the best guy to ask about Hotels situation. Costs are VERY reasonable, you can count on that. But it is VERY difficult to get out there requiring a long trip on a banca from Surigao city. Maybe there is a flight by now to General Luna (there was an airstrip up island but no commercial flights)

Most the foreigners going out there are surfers, but the Frenchman who owns (or OWNED back then) Lajanosa is not just for surfers.

[Bill Buxton]

SURFER,

I have been told SIARGAO is great and also beautiful.What is the area sporting In the way of hotels?? What is the average price as you remember and Yes I need aircon.Clean air-con and quiet is what I want this trip me and the wife only no monkey business this trip.Arive Saturday depart for home Sept 28.
Thanks again,

B.B...

[Surfer]

IMHO Baguio is WAY overrated. The main appeal is the chance to escape the oppressive heat and humidity on the coast (and as the passageway to the awesome Halsema highway to Bontoc, Banaue etc.). Their season is more February-May ("hot" season) and it is VERY rainy in Northern Luzon during the other months.

Bohol has superlative SCUBADIVING, but not superlative beaches. Yes Boracay's World Famous White Beach (ranked #1 in the World by many travel magazines) is spectacular, but the PI has LOADS of good beaches. Very few are anywhere near Luzon however (#1 exception is Pagudpud in the VERY far far north of Illocos Norte). Palawan and Mindanao are both LOADED with fine beaches, but they are far from the World of neon lit gogo bars. I have been to several upscale beach resorts in El Nido and Dakak (Dipolog area). ShangriLa beach on Mactan is damn nice if you need to be close to gogo bars (they import the sand, as do Costabella, Maribago and some of the others!)

But great beach resorts also exist for those who do not spend like the Japanese (main customers at Dakak & El Nido), but they are less fancy.
Pururan on Catanduanes (Bicol region) and Lajaonsa (in the Siargao Islands off Surigao City) are two of my favorites. Great places to BRING a girl, not so great for FINDING one (though I did have a half Black, half Filipina (father was US solider) local girl come to my bungalow at night and provide great bb service several times. I will try and scan the pictures as it has been long enough I would not feel funny about posting them here.

[Bill Buxton]

Whats the deal with this place?? I have never been there and the Mrs, wants me to go stay there with her.I would like some input on where to stay and what to do in Baguio.My feeling is she wants to keep me away from the bar gals so take the asshole "ME" to the hills.

I am gonna hit the area 4-5 days before she knows I am in town so I can let off some steam with the party gals in Makati.I will then move to another hotel the day before she gets into town.YES PLEASE REMEMBER THEY ALL TALK AND SHE WOULD SURELY FIND OUT I ARRIVED 4-5 DAYS EARLEY.

Also what about CEBU,what about the waterfront in this area.Is this a good choice or can you guys recommend a clean quiet place not to far off the beaten path.

THANKS, PLAY SAFE,

B.B...

[Fastpiston]

Two hundred dollars a night is a little expensive but extra activities like jet skiing etc always cost more, in any resort anywhere. I've never seen a place that includes this stuff in the nightly rate.

I've often wondered why there is little tourism in PI and have reserved judgment because as yet, I haven't been to Boracay which supposedly has great beaches. Within 4 hours of NYC we have fabulous beaches in the Caribbean and truth be told, the beaches that I saw in Bohol (Alona and the other one by the Bohol Beach Resort) had sand that was difficult to walk on. It wasn't grainy as much as 'pebbly'. Balicansig island had sand that was very difficult to walk on because of the pebbles. Pearl Farm's beach was of the same subpar quality that I had seen in Bohol and Sabang, but I put it down to the PI. By now, I assume that the PI doesn't have the same quality of beaches that other places have and that is one of the reasons that there is less tourism there than other places.

Don

Agreed about beaches in Phils. A warning about Boracay beach, I lay on it for 30 minutes and was bitten to hell by sandflies. Had to take medication and had a miserable subsequent 7 days. My doc in Hong Kong even gave me antibiotics to prevent secondary infections...