Manila

So there I was..... I arrived in Manila from the US last Sunday (tired).
The Swagman hotel had their people pick me up at the airport for free... too bad I did not see the person (I can't tell if it's a he or a she) the first time, I walked around for awhile and finally saw.... that person, and they gave me a ride to the Swagman Hotel. No, it's not a great place to stay, but it's cheap, decent, has a decent location for what I want to do and has free airport pick-ups and drop-offs.

BTW, arriving on Sunday has an advantage.... much less traffic on the roads.... I'm also guessing less people can afford to pay for gas these days anyways, it's about 59 pesos per liter of gas.

After I checked-in and relaxed for awhile; I began to walk to Robinson's mall even though it was raining. A guy on a trike asks if I wanted a ride... then I thought it would probably be worth it since it was raining. I asked how much and he said 30 pesos, I said OK. I had only been in the Philippines a couple hours and didn't have any change.. so yes when I got there and gave him a 50 peso bill... he didn't have any change.. Yeah sure! He emptied his pockets and said look.. You are the first customer today. I wasn't going to argue, especially in the rain over 20 pesos. If he did have change, I'd probably give him an extra 10 pesos anyways. So I spent a couple hours in the mall window shopping, eating and seeing if I saw any suspicious activities. Well I didn't see anything apparent.

I went back to my room and took a nap, then headed off to LA Cafe about... 11Pm ( I think).. yes.. it was raining still.

So I'm walking to the LA Cafe keeping my eyes open for beggars and bums, then a car comes by and follows me, right beside me... I took a really quick glance and thought it was a taxi, so I ignored what they said.. I didn't really understand... then they keep following me, and I looked again, I still thought it was a taxi... they blurted something... and I said "Fuck-Off leave me alone".... then I looked and damn!!! It was a police car with two policemen. I think they didn't hear me though.. So I stopped and went to the car because I figured I didn’t have much of a choice to talk to them. They asked where I was going and I said LA cafe.... the driver said hop in we will give you a ride... then I thought... SHIT!! What should I do? Well, I didn't want to seem afraid so I got in. He said it’s raining and I could get sick and they are here to protect tourists.... yeah.. OK.

So on the way I'm wondering what's really going to happen. He starts talking about how they are hungry, car is almost out of gas, underpaid ect ect... and he said all of the above three times before we got to LA Cafe... well it was obvious he wanted some money... so I said here's 100 Pesos.. is that OK? I know it's a lot for a short ride, but I don't want to be messing with the cops. Then the cop than made it seem like I really didn't have to give them any money at all, like it was 100% voluntary... I guess maybe it was, but I wasn't prepared for that to happen. They were happy with the 100 pesos and said I should use condoms. He said do I want condoms... I said no, I have some thank you. I'm guessing he was going to sell me some.

OK, so the car stops and the door guy at LA Cafe opens the back of the police car to let me out as if this happens all the time ( yes, I guess it does). With several people standing outside, I figured someone would think it was odd that I walked out of the back of a police car into the bar, but no... Nobody thought it was out of the ordinary.

I guess one good thing about the Philippines compared to the US, is in the US I can’t tell the cops yes I am going to pick-up hookers, and they tell me to have fun and ask if I want condoms.

I spend a couple hours there and took a girl back to my room. I noticed the starting prices where about 500 pesos higher than it was a few months ago. Anyways she was cute, and she actually looked like she was a Thai from North Thailand, it was 1500 pesos well spent; it seemed like she wanted more sex than I did.

Well after that I caught the Fly by bus to AC, and found out they raised the fare to 600 pesos. On to AC….

[QUOTE=Gagoo]So I'm walking to the LA Cafe keeping my eyes open for beggars and bums, then a car comes by and follows me, right beside me... I took a really quick glance and thought it was a taxi, so I ignored what they said.. I didn't really understand... then they keep following me, and I looked again, I still thought it was a taxi... they blurted something... and I said "Fuck-Off leave me alone".... then I looked and damn!!! It was a police car with two policemen. I think they didn't hear me though.. So I stopped and went to the car because I figured I didn’t have much of a choice to talk to them. They asked where I was going and I said LA cafe.... the driver said hop in we will give you a ride... then I thought... SHIT!! What should I do? Well, I didn't want to seem afraid so I got in. He said it’s raining and I could get sick and they are here to protect tourists.... yeah.. OK.

So on the way I'm wondering what's really going to happen. He starts talking about how they are hungry, car is almost out of gas, underpaid ect ect... and he said all of the above three times before we got to LA Cafe... well it was obvious he wanted some money... so I said here's 100 Pesos.. is that OK? I know it's a lot for a short ride, but I don't want to be messing with the cops. Then the cop than made it seem like I really didn't have to give them any money at all, like it was 100% voluntary... I guess maybe it was, but I wasn't prepared for that to happen. They were happy with the 100 pesos and said I should use condoms. He said do I want condoms... I said no, I have some thank you. I'm guessing he was going to sell me some.

OK, so the car stops and the door guy at LA Cafe opens the back of the police car to let me out as if this happens all the time ( yes, I guess it does). With several people standing outside, I figured someone would think it was odd that I walked out of the back of a police car into the bar, but no... Nobody thought it was out of the ordinary.

I guess one good thing about the Philippines compared to the US, is in the US I can’t tell the cops yes I am going to pick-up hookers, and they tell me to have fun and ask if I want condoms.

I spend a couple hours there and took a girl back to my room. I noticed the starting prices where about 500 pesos higher than it was a few months ago. Anyways she was cute, and she actually looked like she was a Thai from North Thailand, it was 1500 pesos well spent; it seemed like she wanted more sex than I did.

Well after that I caught the Fly by bus to AC, and found out they raised the fare to 600 pesos. On to AC….[/QUOTE]

I am glad things worked out for you. I don't trust Filipino security forces. That includes security guards, cops and the military. Most of the scams and crimes in the country are perpetuated or manipulated by these guys....I have learned the hard way in PI if a local approaches offering assistance its best to in a friendly way tell them to fuck off.

I would not get into a cop car or any other car anywhere.
You can politely refuse saying you need to check on something around the block only. Not necessary to tell them where exactly you are going.
PHI police are notoriously corrupt and will not hesitate to planting drugs on you and demanding extortion money. Once you are in their car they are in control, not you.
You are lucky. Manila police are not known for giving good samaritan service.

ST/LT....well, if you ask, that is what they will tell you. No offense to Malibu, but he is probably quoting ceiling prices.

I paid a bit less last week, but maybe it was my charm (which is well known here at ISG).

You can save money at LA cafe. Of course you'll have to endure a crowded, smoky bar with poor service. In two hours i was approached by p4p girls five times, pimps two times, snack girls two times (well they walk by all the time), waitress 0 times.

LA cafe, in my honest opinion, is best in afternoons for the chance of a diamond in the rough, or late when the band is playing upstairs.

X



[QUOTE=Malibu21]Just come back from Manila EDSA

The price list

Ladies Drink ~200peso
Barfine ~1400peso
ST ~2500pesos
LT ~4000peso[/QUOTE]

Manila, I am arriving!

Arriving. If I will be able to reserve with Cebu Pacific. The system is the only one didn't accepting my visa credit card: Really I don't know why. Had anybody the same problem in past? LA Cafè is waiting for me.

Pliz, answer me asap!

[QUOTE=X Man]ST/LT....well, if you ask, that is what they will tell you. No offense to Malibu, but he is probably quoting ceiling prices.

I paid a bit less last week, but maybe it was my charm (which is well known here at ISG).

You can save money at LA cafe. Of course you'll have to endure a crowded, smoky bar with poor service. In two hours i was approached by p4p girls five times, pimps two times, snack girls two times (well they walk by all the time), waitress 0 times.

LA cafe, in my honest opinion, is best in afternoons for the chance of a diamond in the rough, or late when the band is playing upstairs.

X[/QUOTE]

I agree, there are plenty of decent looking girls in LA Cafe, and the price is lower than the other places in Manila; and I love it when a lot of girls try to get your attention or try their best to sell themselves to you.

[QUOTE=X Man]LA cafe, in my honest opinion, is best in afternoons for the chance of a diamond in the rough, or late when the band is playing upstairs.[/QUOTE]I've really come around on LA Cafe. For years I hated the place, mainly because it wasn't like, well, whatever the name of the place on that corner was back in the Ermita heyday. Rosie's Cafe? Rosie's Diner? (I obviously lost enough brain cells there that I can't remember) But it's pretty entertaining in its own way, even if you don't end up taking a girl. Not the "best bar on the planet" as their logo says, but maybe in the top couple dozen.

I have the same problem. They don't accept CC issued outside Philippines any more. You have to go via Telephon booking or go to an agency. I wrote and complained at the management of Cebu Pacifc


[QUOTE=Buds66]Manila, I am arriving!

Arriving. If I will be able to reserve with Cebu Pacific. The system is the only one didn't accepting my visa credit card: Really I don't know why. Had anybody the same problem in past? LA Cafè is waiting for me.

Pliz, answer me asap![/QUOTE]

Avoid this airline at all costs.

They cancelled my flight and rebooked it via Manila without telling me.

When I claimed a refund they disappeared.

Try Kuwait, all other Philis do.

They have a promotion on until mid Sept.

[QUOTE=Betong]I've really come around on LA Cafe. For years I hated the place, mainly because it wasn't like, well, whatever the name of the place on that corner was back in the Ermita heyday. Rosie's Cafe? Rosie's Diner? (I obviously lost enough brain cells there that I can't remember) But it's pretty entertaining in its own way, even if you don't end up taking a girl. Not the "best bar on the planet" as their logo says, but maybe in the top couple dozen.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, its not exactly like the infamous Bangkok Thermae in its heyday, but on a rocking night it sure is a characterful joint. Just wish they would improve the ventilation as a couple of hours in there and I passive smoke at least 10 fags and leave the place smelling like an ashtray. Same as X, I have taken to frequenting the place in the mid-afternoon-early evening as it is quieter and you do tend to find the occasional gold nugget amongst the dross. Nothing, though, beat the place late on a Weekend night when its full to overflowing with odd and dodgy characters of both sexes and some in-between:)

[QUOTE=Sumart]I have the same problem. They don't accept CC issued outside Philippines any more. You have to go via Telephon booking or go to an agency. I wrote and complained at the management of Cebu Pacifc[/QUOTE]

Does that not just sum up the Philippines for you. Its almost as if they are adverse to doing business. They must lose so much trade with these ridiculous policies. I once tried to book flights online and being unsuccessful, visited one of their sales outlets. The queue was enormous and so I approached the assistance counter where I was told that my anticipated wait was 1-2 hours and that I would need travel tax waivers for all the pax (despite the fact that none of the party was travelling on Philippine passports!). I quickly admitted defeat, went home and booked a less convenient route online with a rival budget airline. Their attitude is the typically Pinoy way of you either put up with the discomfort, inconvenience and silly requirements of our business or you are free to fuck off elsewhere. And I imagine so many potential customers do just that.

Cheers GH

[QUOTE=Betong]I've really come around on LA Cafe. For years I hated the place, mainly because it wasn't like, well, whatever the name of the place on that corner was back in the Ermita heyday. Rosie's Cafe? Rosie's Diner? (I obviously lost enough brain cells there that I can't remember) But it's pretty entertaining in its own way, even if you don't end up taking a girl. Not the "best bar on the planet" as their logo says, but maybe in the top couple dozen.[/QUOTE]

A world away from Blue Marlin Bar in SJ Costa Rica. I fly 8,500 to get away from that place and its worth it too. LA Cafe is much better and much more down scale.


PLC f/k/a Slippery

[QUOTE=Gamahucher]Does that not just sum up the Philippines for you. Its almost as if they are adverse to doing business. They must lose so much trade with these ridiculous policies. I once tried to book flights online and being unsuccessful, visited one of their sales outlets. The queue was enormous and so I approached the assistance counter where I was told that my anticipated wait was 1-2 hours and that I would need travel tax waivers for all the pax (despite the fact that none of the party was travelling on Philippine passports!). I quickly admitted defeat, went home and booked a less convenient route online with a rival budget airline. Their attitude is the typically Pinoy way of you either put up with the discomfort, inconvenience and silly requirements of our business or you are free to fuck off elsewhere. And I imagine so many potential customers do just that.

Cheers GH[/QUOTE]

Welcome to the unique business model of the Philippines. After living here for five years and marveling at the inefficiency, lack of concern for profitability and general inanity I've concluded that the "model" is based on doing business exclusively with Filipinos who: (1) do not have credit cards, (2) see little value in time at any rate so do not mind wasting it and (3) are so inured to stupidity that to them it all seems normal. Someone told me the other day that the only reason the Philippines remains a third world country is that there's no "fourth world" category. I think it's true.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough]Welcome to the unique business model of the Philippines. After living here for five years and marveling at the inefficiency, lack of concern for profitability and general inanity I've concluded that the "model" is based on doing business exclusively with Filipinos who: (1) do not have credit cards, (2) see little value in time at any rate so do not mind wasting it and (3) are so inured to stupidity that to them it all seems normal. Someone told me the other day that the only reason the Philippines remains a third world country is that there's no "fourth world" category. I think it's true.[/QUOTE]

Know it well GE. Went to the LTA yesterday to renew my Pinoy driving license (why oh why are they valid for only 2 years). Thought right I'm going to disappear into a Philippine bureaucratic muddle for several hours and so wrote off half the day. You could have knocked me over with a feather when the whole business went quite smoothly. They even had a 4 point flow chart plastered large all over the walls and believe it or not, they actually stuck to it despite the usual large crowd of applicants. I was out in not much more than an hour and a half, clutching my new license and with a happy and bemused smile on my face. Shame they had to spoil it by putting me down as a female on the license!! But it shows the state of the place when you are actually suprised when something goes right. You just don't expect it. GH

Dealing with the LTO or any other bureaucracy is the upside of living here, since there's very little that Php1,000 won't do to expedite everything. When it comes time for me to renew the license, I give a couple of thousand pesos to the lady who "fixes" everything in our office and then I get a call a few hours later to come get my picture taken. I'm escorted to the head of the line, and handed my new license in about 15 minutes. I have no idea how the whole thing is really supposed to work, but that's the way I've done it since I arrive. Flawless!

[QUOTE=Sumart]I have the same problem. They don't accept CC issued outside Philippines any more. You have to go via Telephon booking or go to an agency. I wrote and complained at the management of Cebu Pacifc[/QUOTE]


I had this problem too. I think it is only a problem with VISA. I saw it on thier site last year. I asked my bank to also give me a Mastercard just for this purpose.

So last month I tried my VISA and no luck. I tried my new Mastercard with the same bank and it works!!! I bought 3 tickets from them in the last few weeks. But, you have to use a Mastercard.