Manila

[Fifty Fifty]

Interesting (but too long) debate on Taxis guys, but if you ask me, its the same all over the world, and believe me I have been there in over 30 years working away from home !!

Talking of being there, I actually was a Taxi Driver from 1987 - 1997 when times were hard and the kids were young etc etc. I had a full time job and had to drive a Taxi in my off time to make ends meet due to rising prices, big mortgage et al.

I know all the tricks, all about long hours, traffic, fiddling meters, blah blah blah... and apart from picking up drunken scantily clad young ladies from night clubs, believe me, the job is no fun at all.

I respect Taxi Drivers, tip them well and have never knowingly been ripped off, but maybe that is just the luck of the draw.

It does bring into new light the expression YMMV though ;)

Your Meter May Vary ???

Cheers, F/Fifty

[Amavida]

.. the taxi drivers just drive me crazy...

Yeah we get that.

you may say it's only a $1. But it's not that. I have plenty of money. It's the principle.

Yeah, yeah we get it already..
AV

[Rbaajl]

Would be visiting manila over the weekend and staying or 3 days at the Makati Shangrila.

Have been visiting manila once every quarter and usual hangouts are Dynasty, Pacific Blue and Asian Entertainment. Have been charged upto 7k as the bar fine. Is this normal or just ripping off a foreigner? I am allowed to bring in my own bottle at the first two named places. So I save a little money on that. Girls have always been top grade at all Pacific and Dynasty. Asian has a much more commercial approach with girls being thrust on you.

Another issue, I usually visit these places with the same taxi driver and feel the rip off is linked to this.

[Tulip777]

Why do you have to stay near the airport? I recommend you get a hotel in Malate, near LA Cafe and just walk there. I think you can be in your hotel in an hour and a half easy after landing at that time. Go to LA Cafe and get something nice to stay with you overnight for your 2000 pesos, maybe 2500. Upstairs usually has the better talent, some only go with Korean and Japanese, but not all. There might be some new yellow metered taxis at the airport now when you leave arrivals which wasn't the case before.

Some only go with Korean or Japanese? Sounds like BKK shit which happens more and more. I got tired of Thai scene on my last trip 2 months ago and want to check out PI in 3 weeks. Angeles was OK a couple of years back. Should I skip Manila and just go to Angeles or stay in Manila? I will have about 5 days in PI, in the middle of my HK/China trip. If in Manila, should I stay close to Burgos, EDSA or La Cafe area nowadays? I'm not counting pennies but not overpaying is important to me. And not having to deal with hardened pros is a definite plus. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm in my 40's, good shape, full head of hair, fairly good looking for my age. Do I just stick to freelancers? There seems to be a lot of changes in the Philippines.

[JasonKramer]

First of all, let me start off by saying I think Filipinos are one of the nicest people, definitely most friendliest in Asia. I grew up with Filipinos all through my life. The people here are amazing...so oppressed, living in poverty and yet, they can smile and still keep their spirits up. I always tell my friends that the people in the provinces are some of the nicest folks in the world. They have so little, yet, they will give you so much.

I'm Korean, but was adopted and grew up and educated in the US. The expat community here is pretty tight-knit group. One of my closest American friends that has been living here for 15 years said, "People think you are Korean so you will get hassled more from the taxi drivers". First, I didn't believe him but it's true. When they see me, they assume 3 things - (1) I don't speak English (2) I'm a tourist or student (3) I have loads of money and I don't know any places. So I become the "perfect" target to ripoff. I love it when I tell them I'm an American and start to speak English and they have this look on their face.

Let me tell you what happened just today. My local friends and I did some karaoke at Avenue, very close to Burgos. As we were walking back to Burgos, I notice a taxi driver throwing in some luggage for a young, attractive Korean lady. She asked him how much and he said "only 300 pesos to The Citadel". The Citadel is RIGHT DOWN THE BLOCK, ONLY 2 MINUTES WALKING DISTANCE!!!" So I grabbed her luggage and we both walked together. I told the that tool that we didn't need his "help".

I really love it here. I have a company in the US and just opened up an office here last year. I'm having a great time but the taxi drivers just drive me crazy. Now, I just say "meter please". If they haggle, I just walk out. They'll say "200" and I say, "why 200 if the meter is only "60"? Again, I make plenty of money. It's not that. I just hate feeling taking advantage of. Just because I'm a foreigner and Korean looking does not mean I'm a walking ATM machine. If I walk into Jolibees, I don't get charged more because I'm a foreigner. It's the principle. Yes, these scabs bug the shit out of me. They give their own people a bad name. Because most are good, honest people. I have to put up with this crap every day. Some days, I'm just not in the mood. What other country, espeically in Asia do we have to put up with this? Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia....all are safe places. Even Thailand, a third world country has decent drivers. When I tell people I'm in the Philippines, they all ask, "Is it safe?!"

I give a ton of money to charity organizations here. I love it. Giving is definitely one of the greatest gifts of life. I want to give my money to honest people. If the drivers take me to point A to point B, I'm happy and I tip well. Every time, I say, "Thank you for your professionalism".

I had two friends from the US that had visited me and after a week, they both said, "Man, I need to get the fuck out of this country. These people are just maggotts!" It made me feel so sad to hear that. Because most of the Filipinos are great people. But they were in Manila most of the time and they had some bad experiences with taxi drivers and the local police officers. ( for another posting ) Some of us that are here for a short time and majority of the time is with taxi drivers. So yeah, I understand how they feel.

Having said all this, something funny happen to me last week. I was at the Market Market mall in Fort Bonifacio and grabbed a cab to take me to Greenbelt Three. It was an old driver and I said, "Greenbelt 3". He said, "Duty Pree?" I said, "No, Greenbelt Three!" He said again, "Okay, Duty Free!". I didn't want him to take me to the airport so I said, "Never mind, just take me to Burgos". He said, "Pure Gold?" ( Pure Gold is all the way in Malate ) So I just started to give him directions. While he was driving, he asked me what I was doing here in the Phils. I said I owned a "call center". He said, "Oh, you're a carpenter?! " I started laughing so hard. I wish I could of taped our conversation. It was like a Seinfeld episode.

A few tips - before you go in the cab, check the gas tank. Many times, they are running on empty. Tell them you live here and not a tourist. Always text your friend their license number. ( written on the door ) Just in case something happens, you have their information. Let them see you do it. And before you walk out, look back on the seat. One time, my big, bulky Blackberry phone slipped through the cushion. ( I can't tell you how many friends have told me they lost their phone in the taxi )

I got a Benz in the US and I can't ship it and driver here. Second, I'm thinking of just getting a motorcyle. My friend loves it and thinks it's the best decision he's ever made. I would say most of my experiences are good. But I think these drivers are just killing this country. Yes, you may say it's only a $1. But it's not that. I have plenty of money. It's the principle.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[Proudpinoy]

I'm staying at the Makati Shangrila. I'm from Daly City, CA and we all have our horror stories. Being a Filipino, we all have our own drivers pick us up at the airport. When the embassy warns you about the drivers here, you know it's bad. Most flights arrive late in the evenings, that's when most of the problems will arise. Last weekend, we had about 12 people wanting to go the SM MegaMall. You'd think that since the taxi was from a nicest hotel here in the Philippines, they would be honest. We took three cabs and all followed each other. Our meter was 110 from the Shangrila to the mall. The other two was 190 and 230. I asked both of the drivers why the fare was so much. Both said it was heavy traffic. Then one of my friends went up to both of the drivers and told him in tagalog that we all left at the same time and our taxi was following them. Both of them just put their head down and took 100 and walked away.

Try not to take a cab alone, especially if you're a female. A girl I used to date told me she had too much to drink at the Embassy and took a cab to San Juan. The driver pulled over and told her that she didn't have to pay him anything, just let him touch her in a few places. She freaked out and got out of the car.

Just use common sense. If they say no meter, just get out of the car and hail down another ride. And obviously, don't carry valuables with you.

[Ilongo_boy]

After 5 years of travelling to Manila for business, I've had my share of both bad and good experience with the cab drivers...mostly good. But the bad ones just want to make me shoot someone.

My last one was a good one, checking out...bell boy loaded the cab and meter was down when I got in, about 4 blocks away we had to turn back coz I forgot something. Not much small talk, got to the airport, he tells me to wait while he gets me a cart. First time ever!

He loaded up the bags on the cart, meter was 140 Pesos. I gave him 500 Pesos and said thank you for the great service.

[Warbucks]

I just read the posts about the cab drivers here in Manila and I have to put in my two cents. I've lived all over the world and the taxi drivers here are the absolutely the worse. I truly mean that. When I first got here, I didn't give a shit. For a short ride, I would give them 300-500 pesos. I was new, so I didn't know where anything was. They covered the meters, took me the long way, told me they didn't have change, charge me another 100pesos for a bag in the trunk. Since I don't drive, I have been taking cabs every day, about 4-5 times a day for the last year. I know where everything is. I have an internal clock that tells me how much the fare would cost around Manila.

These guys are bad. About half of them have fast meters. From Burgos to Greenbelt mall, it should be about 50-60 pesos, with traffic. When it gets around 100, you know they're messing with you. One guy said taxis never run on meter. That's bullshit. If they don't want to set the meter, I walk out. And if the meter is fast, I let them drop me off at the ministop on Burgos ( there is a police stand ) and we go and file a report. Only takes 5 minutes. Most of the time, they shit in their pants and just drop me off and drive off. I tell them, "I'm not a tourist and I've lived here for a year. I know the meters. Most of them say "Sorry, I don't have money", etc., etc. The irony is that they all have Jesus and the cross on their taxi cabs but they try to rip you off.

I had friends driven to remote places and robbed at gunpoint and knives. It's a very common story. Initially, for safety sake, I always accompanied my friends to the cab and took down their license number. ( I made sure they see me ) When they try to play their stupid games, I call LTFRB and file a complaint. When their license gets suspended, it's a 5000 pesos fine and a 6 month suspension. You made think I'm being petty but it's the principle that bothers me. If they just take me to my destination without saying "Too much traffic", "100 over meter", "500" or some other bullshit, I will tip them generously ( about a 100 over the fare ). But when they play their games, I will give them the EXACT change.

Its a third world country....

That being said my experiences have been that they are pretty decent guys except for the erratic driving and false advertisement "I have aircon sign" :)

[Amavida]

I just read the posts about the cab drivers here in Manila and I have to put in my two cents. I've lived all over the world and the taxi drivers here are the absolutely the worse. I truly mean that. When I first got here, I didn't give a shit. For a short ride, I would give them 300-500 pesos. I was new, so I didn't know where anything was. They covered the meters, took me the long way, told me they didn't have change, charge me another 100pesos for a bag in the trunk. Since I don't drive, I have been taking cabs every day, about 4-5 times a day for the last year. I know where everything is. I have an internal clock that tells me how much the fare would cost around Manila.

These guys are bad. About half of them have fast meters. From Burgos to Greenbelt mall, it should be about 50-60 pesos, with traffic. When it gets around 100, you know they're messing with you. One guy said taxis never run on meter. That's bullshit. If they don't want to set the meter, I walk out. And if the meter is fast, I let them drop me off at the ministop on Burgos ( there is a police stand ) and we go and file a report. Only takes 5 minutes. Most of the time, they shit in their pants and just drop me off and drive off. I tell them, "I'm not a tourist and I've lived here for a year. I know the meters. Most of them say "Sorry, I don't have money", etc., etc. The irony is that they all have Jesus and the cross on their taxi cabs but they try to rip you off.

I had friends driven to remote places and robbed at gunpoint and knives. It's a very common story. Initially, for safety sake, I always accompanied my friends to the cab and took down their license number. ( I made sure they see me ) When they try to play their stupid games, I call LTFRB and file a complaint. When their license gets suspended, it's a 5000 pesos fine and a 6 month suspension. You made think I'm being petty but it's the principle that bothers me. If they just take me to my destination without saying "Too much traffic", "100 over meter", "500" or some other bullshit, I will tip them generously ( about a 100 over the fare ). But when they play their games, I will give them the EXACT change.

My wife & family use cabs here on a daily basis. Your post is so far from our experience its unbelievable. You say you lived here for a year, man it must have been one miserable, miserable year if you spent your time screaming at cabbies over $1 difference in fares.. We are friendly & chatty with our cabbies & more often than not they leave it to us to nominate the fare at the end. I have many cards of trusted cabbies we have used many times. These guys are just a txt or call away to pick us up & take us happily like chauffeurs to most anywhere we want. Sure we get the odd dodgy one off the street but where in the world don't you.
I hope wherever you are now you are happy Jason.
AV
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The foregoing post is merely my personal opinion.
It is not intended to offend any person either living or dead.
It is for entertainment/discussion purposes only.
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[Notanocker]

Gamahucher and Robbaf, it is not worth having a long debate because you both have made intelligent contributions.

However may I point out that the new 70 peso flagfall yellow taxi service from Manila's airport international airport terminals 1 and 2 (I have not checked out from the domestic terminal) is a vast improvement on the higher priced, white 'coupon' taxis. I travelled to my Ermita hotel for P160: yes, on the return to the airport a standard metered taxi would do it for P130 on a good day with not too much traffic but let's not quibble over less than A$1!

The yellow taxi drivers even seem professional. As for metered taxis, I have not had a problem in my last three trips to Manila. Unless the meters are set a bit fast - as an outsider, that's harder to know.

Food? Yes, can be dodgy but try Mr Choi Kitchen at Robinsons Place Mall or the Hyatt Ermita's buffet dinner, the latter for about P1400 but you get free unlimited San Mig beer or soft drink. Superb food at both, and that's hardly an exhaustive list. Manila's food scene has vastly improved from 15 years ago, although Mayor Lim's ill-advised decision to shut down the successful Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard as usual was shortsighted and didn't help the development of an al fresco dining culture.

[Robbaf]

So there you have it. In Thailand the commercial sex scene is ubiquitous and actually a lot of fun, but its strictly commercial. In the Philippines, it's more amateurish, for the most part, and somehow more genuine (or at least it feels more genuine. GE

Very well said GE. Only one thing that I would add. My last trip to BKK (Mar 08) I met way to many girls in the bars and after talking to them, found out that they are LB's. So be careful.

Robb

[Robbaf]

$1000 Roundtrip airfare to Manila

$350 7 day hotel stay

$150 a day mongering

Complaining about $10 taxi rides Priceless:D

I have taken over 150 taxi's in the Philippines in the last year and I have had only one problem. One time a driver got lost and it cost me 150P. I always act like I know where I am going and I have the hotel flag down a metered taxi, or I walk away from LA Cafe and go to 7-11 and flag a cab there.

At the airport I have the hotel pick me up. It cost me 800P and they take care of my bags and deliver them to my room. They are always at the arrival gate with a sign and I don't have to wait. I go to the Philippines to have fun, if I can't afford it, I keep saving until I can and then I book my trip. I want to enjoy my time, not get upset because I feel like I am getting scammed.

30 days until wheels up:D
Just my 2 cents.

Robb

[JasonKramer]

I just read the posts about the cab drivers here in Manila and I have to put in my two cents. I've lived all over the world and the taxi drivers here are the absolutely the worse. I truly mean that. When I first got here, I didn't give a shit. For a short ride, I would give them 300-500 pesos. I was new, so I didn't know where anything was. They covered the meters, took me the long way, told me they didn't have change, charge me another 100pesos for a bag in the trunk. Since I don't drive, I have been taking cabs every day, about 4-5 times a day for the last year. I know where everything is. I have an internal clock that tells me how much the fare would cost around Manila.

These guys are bad. About half of them have fast meters. From Burgos to Greenbelt mall, it should be about 50-60 pesos, with traffic. When it gets around 100, you know they're messing with you. One guy said taxis never run on meter. That's bullshit. If they don't want to set the meter, I walk out. And if the meter is fast, I let them drop me off at the ministop on Burgos ( there is a police stand ) and we go and file a report. Only takes 5 minutes. Most of the time, they shit in their pants and just drop me off and drive off. I tell them, "I'm not a tourist and I've lived here for a year. I know the meters. Most of them say "Sorry, I don't have money", etc., etc. The irony is that they all have Jesus and the cross on their taxi cabs but they try to rip you off.

I had friends driven to remote places and robbed at gunpoint and knives. It's a very common story. Initially, for safety sake, I always accompanied my friends to the cab and took down their license number. ( I made sure they see me ) When they try to play their stupid games, I call LTFRB and file a complaint. When their license gets suspended, it's a 5000 pesos fine and a 6 month suspension. You made think I'm being petty but it's the principle that bothers me. If they just take me to my destination without saying "Too much traffic", "100 over meter", "500" or some other bullshit, I will tip them generously ( about a 100 over the fare ). But when they play their games, I will give them the EXACT change.

[Cunning Stunt]

Funny how the p4p roles of Manila and Bangkok seems to have reversed in the past twenty years. Anyone who remembers Ermita in its glorious pre-Lim heyday in the early eighties will remember that it was a lot of fun but of the raunchy, no holes barred variety whereas in Bangkok the girls were sweeter and less pushy and provided a better GFE. However this had its drawbacks as the sex was less exciting (how hard was it to get a decent BJ from an average Thai BG in those days. You had to visit the specialists at Patpongs Kangaroo Club for that).

These days any and every sexual perversion can be satisfied in Bangkok but its all hard, mechanised and highly comercialised (I am referring solely to the p4p scene) whereas its the girls in Manila that seem to provide the better GFE but often are not as skilled practitioners of their trade (but are always amenable to training). It all depends on what sort of experience you are after.

In other ways their is no contest. Thailand is tourist friendly with an extremely well developed tourism infrastructure. Travel in the LOS is a constant delight as is the hotels and particularly the food. And all at relatively cheap prices. As for poor old Manila and the Philippines what can be said what hasn't already, lets face it the place is a dysfunctional shit hole, but remember the girls. Ahh the girls.

[Pinay Payer]

Hi,

I will be heading to Manila in a few months and was wondering if there is anything like the tailor shops I have read of in Bangkok where a tailored suit could be made in a few days.

I have read the forums but can't find any mention of such any info would be a help.

Thanks in advance