General Info

[QUOTE=X Man] I can't imagine flying into clark from MNL, but Cebu to Clark makes sense.

Domestic flights are cheap and usually convenient. Any travel agent will be happy to make arrangements. I've usually been able to arrange a flight withing a day or two...sometimes same day.

Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Air, SEAIR, ???Spirit


X[/QUOTE]

Zest air charge about 300P to fly from MNL to CRK - takes half an hour. Mind you, with the airport waiting, security and general hassles, the total time and trouble might not save all that much.

Zest is formerly Asian Spirit.

And Zest have only had two accidents this year where they over- or under-shot the runway. Only a few injuries. And only one total writeoff where every passenger died in the last ten years.

I normally only use CRK and have done so for the past few years. However, this year I have slightly changed travel plans, hence my research on the alternative options to get to MNL which led me to think about Zest.

Have had a quick search for a post I saw months ago re a shopping mall where one may sometimes find freelance ladies. Can someone give an update on which mall and the basic tactics for hunting there.

[QUOTE=Berty109]Have had a quick search for a post I saw months ago re a shopping mall where one may sometimes find freelance ladies. Can someone give an update on which mall and the basic tactics for hunting there.[/QUOTE]

Every mall in the Phils is great for picking up freelancers. Core hunting tactics are the same where ever you go: smile at the girls you like and initiate small talk. Invite them for a drink, or on a date. It is that simple.

Now if you want colorful stories re: different mongers' specific experiences well, you are just going to have to spend more time searching/reading the boards my friend.

[QUOTE=Berty109]Have had a quick search for a post I saw months ago re a shopping mall where one may sometimes find freelance ladies. Can someone give an update on which mall and the basic tactics for hunting there.[/QUOTE]

Had quite a bit of success mall hunting. It requires a bit of patience, a little game and can be quite hit and miss so is best for those with a little time on their hands and a back-up plan (mine is invariably LA Café unless I have arranged to meet a GF).

Harrison Plaza is number 1 for mall trawling, I find, closely followed by Robinsons, Ermita.

Incidentally, I visited Harrison Plaza yesterday and it was closed. Weird. Anyone know why?

You may have been referring to my report at [url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=832260&postcount=3806[/url]

Well, I learned something! Thanks RubberyM.

I remember hearing bad things about A. Spirit, but they are apparently under new ownership. Maybe things have changed. The two things I remember about flying these smaller airlines (I used SEAir to Borocay) is that they fly lower so you get some better views, and the baggage weight limits are lower (15kg?), therefore extra charges.

Zest:
[url]http://www.zestair.com.ph/[/url]

X



[QUOTE=Rubberyman]

Zest is formerly Asian Spirit.

[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=X Man] I remember about flying these smaller airlines (I used SEAir to Borocay) is that they fly lower so you get some better views, [/QUOTE]
True. These propeller planes fly between 18,000 and 21,000 feet.
Above that the air is too thin.
(Sorry for OT) :D

Cheers!

Zest Air flight seems to be afternoon, too early for my arriving flight. So my options seem to be taxi or flybus unless I stay over in Manila. Some of the forum posts caution against travelling at night. Is this on account of hold-ups (robberies), such as occur occasionally from Rio in Brasil? Or other scams? Or just a general preference?

Rio?

We've all heard about Rio, so you must have balls of steel.

I suggest a walk from the airport to Ermita.Only a 40 min walk. Find a hotel. Go to La cafe and have some fun....with someone.

Go to AC the next day.

Zest is a soft drink, btw!

[QUOTE=Christopherd]Zest Air flight seems to be afternoon, too early for my arriving flight. So my options seem to be taxi or flybus unless I stay over in Manila. Some of the forum posts caution against travelling at night. Is this on account of hold-ups (robberies), such as occur occasionally from Rio in Brasil? Or other scams? Or just a general preference?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=X Man]Rio?

We've all heard about Rio, so you must have balls of steel.

I suggest a walk from the airport to Ermita.Only a 40 min walk. Find a hotel. Go to La cafe and have some fun....with someone.

Go to AC the next day.

Zest is a soft drink, btw![/QUOTE]

cheers, X Man. Don't know about the balls if steel, but they always come in handy. It's always good to know about local dangers and scams (Rio has it's own laws haha). No typhoons there though. I am sincerely hoping Manila has recovered somewhat from its terrible tragedies by the time I get there - travelling overland through waterlogged areas sounds hairy.

My flight arrives early evening (January) which should be a bit drier. But one night in Manila then the overland bus or taxi is maybe better than setting off in an unfamiliar country in the evening.

Thanks again for the information. Any other recent local knowledge all appreciated.

[QUOTE=Berty109]Have had a quick search for a post I saw months ago re a shopping mall where one may sometimes find freelance ladies. Can someone give an update on which mall and the basic tactics for hunting there.[/QUOTE]


Any mall, any time, any lady. Just smile, and if she smiles back, ask her if you may buy her lunch/dinner, whatever. She has a friend with her?? No problem. Buy for both, see which seems to be the better choice. Now, the really "easy" mall is Robinson's Ermita, across from Palm Plaza Hotel. Another is Harrison's, a short taxi ride away from Robinson's.

I have had older ladies pimping gorgeous "college" girls, girls in groups, in couples, etc. Just DO IT!! You will be surprised how handsome you are.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt]Had quite a bit of success mall hunting. It requires a bit of patience, a little game and can be quite hit and miss so is best for those with a little time on their hands and a back-up plan (mine is invariably LA Café unless I have arranged to meet a GF).

Harrison Plaza is number 1 for mall trawling, I find, closely followed by Robinsons, Ermita.

Incidentally, I visited Harrison Plaza yesterday and it was closed. Weird. Anyone know why?

You may have been referring to my report at [url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=832260&postcount=3806[/url][/QUOTE]Thanks Cunning Stunt . Yes you were spot on. The link was to the original and very helpful report that I had read!

Excellent repot by the way. That is the game I want to try between the nights out.
Thanks also to Mr. Hawaii re the mall info and I will give them both a try on my next visit and will have a report of my own experiance with some luck.

I wonder if I could trouble any forum members for any experience/tips on getting reliably to Singapore, where I have an onward flight booked?

I don't mind spending a day or two in Singapore. But my concern is that the regular airlines are quite prohibitively expensive and the smaller carriers like Cebu Air have a reputation (reading this and other forums) for cancelling international flights without notice.

Credit cards are reported as problemmatic - this mirrors my own experience. I tried to book a flight on Cebu's (admittedly shoddy) website, only for it to gi from 'pending' to 'card rejected'. I tried twice, same result. Checking with my card company, both payments were authorised and debited, though it may be that Cebu's system will reimburse them automatically. I phoned Cebu long distance and they claimed they had not received payment. The flights cost peanuts, but how to get a ticket, and then how to know it's degree of reliability for actually taking off.

My guess is that CRK will be an easier airport to hang out from. If I leave myself enough notice, a cancelled flight might just mean popping back into town and going back the next day (there's one flight a day, and they don't show up on my travel agent's system, just like many super-low-cost bucket/budget flights).

Haven't been to Philippines before so thought I'd ask. Thanks.

[QUOTE=Christopherd]I wonder if I could trouble any forum members for any experience/tips on getting reliably to Singapore, where I have an onward flight booked?

I don't mind spending a day or two in Singapore. But my concern is that the regular airlines are quite prohibitively expensive and the smaller carriers like Cebu Air have a reputation (reading this and other forums) for cancelling international flights without notice.

Credit cards are reported as problemmatic - this mirrors my own experience. I tried to book a flight on Cebu's (admittedly shoddy) website, only for it to gi from 'pending' to 'card rejected'. I tried twice, same result. Checking with my card company, both payments were authorised and debited, though it may be that Cebu's system will reimburse them automatically. I phoned Cebu long distance and they claimed they had not received payment. The flights cost peanuts, but how to get a ticket, and then how to know it's degree of reliability for actually taking off.

My guess is that CRK will be an easier airport to hang out from. If I leave myself enough notice, a cancelled flight might just mean popping back into town and going back the next day (there's one flight a day, and they don't show up on my travel agent's system, just like many super-low-cost bucket/budget flights).

Haven't been to Philippines before so thought I'd ask. Thanks.[/QUOTE]Christopherd

Try tiger air they have one flight a day out of clark to Singapore, cost is cheap if you book online, it is better if you go to manila for a few days more flight option there.

Fast Eddie 48

[QUOTE=Christopherd]I wonder if I could trouble any forum members for any experience/tips on getting reliably to Singapore, where I have an onward flight booked?
[/QUOTE]

No need to fly Cebu Pacific, Chris. Tiger Air has a daily flight out of Clark, which is both cheap and reliable. If you wish to travel to/from Manila, Jetstar has a daily service.

Actually, I think CP has improved their website and their international credit card acceptance seems to be much better, The last 2 flight that I booked with them were problem free. Did you enter the full name of the issuing bank and their contact number. I think little details such as these can be the difference between success and failure. Also helps if you are enrolled in the cards security verification scheme (i.e verified by visa).

The thing that I have against CP is the godawful timing of most of their international flights. They must be the preferred airline for vampires:).

[QUOTE=Christopherd]The flights cost peanuts, but how to get a ticket, and then how to know it's degree of reliability for actually taking off. [/QUOTE]

As you state, reliability is the worry. I had no problems getting a ticket online recently, Cebu Pacific,£133 Bangkok - Manila return. Just hope we get off the ground.