General Info

[QUOTE=Amjeck;1312294]I'm going to be visiting the PI for 6 months and I wish to open a bank account. My plan is to travel to some remote places and I don't wish to carry large amounts of cash on me. Which banks have the most vast networks of branches? I'd also like to get an atm card if possible that I can use throughout the country. Is it possible to open an account with a cashiers check?[/QUOTE]Welcome the world of intitials. Top of yourl ist should be BPI (bank phil islands) BNP, UCPB, ABC (allied bank) RCBC, BDO etcetc. All have good coverage but I think BPI works best and easiest. As for opening an acount, go into a branch and see what they want.

[QUOTE=Amjeck;1312294]I'm going to be visiting the PI for 6 months and I wish to open a bank account. My plan is to travel to some remote places and I don't wish to carry large amounts of cash on me. Which banks have the most vast networks of branches? I'd also like to get an atm card if possible that I can use throughout the country. Is it possible to open an account with a cashiers check?[/QUOTE]BPI has quite stringent rules to open an account.

One thing they might need is a proof of mailing address which means they need to see that you have a "permanent address", and you need to provide a receipt from Meralco or a phone company addressed to your residence.

I said "might" because many of the branches are actually "franchised" and so different branches will require different things.

Some banks require a minimum deposit too. And they may say "7 days to clear your cashier's check" too.

I know one visitor who was refused an account because he was only visiting as a tourist so he went to another branch of the same bank and was given an account.

Be prepared to wait a week or so to get your ATM card if your application is approved.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1312506]Be prepared to wait a week or so to get your ATM card if your application is approved.[/QUOTE]What about opening a po box to have the atm card mailed to then picking it up later in my travels?

[QUOTE=Amjeck;1312513]What about opening a po box to have the atm card mailed to then picking it up later in my travels?[/QUOTE]NEVER EVER have anything sent by Philippines mail.

Always use a courier service. Banks will not send ATM cards by regular mail any more.

I had many things go astray (even normal regular documents) sent by mail until I learned my lesson. If I need to send anything anywhere now I use LBC or JP Express or FedEX (depending on where I am and where I am sending it).

Most banks will insist that you personally pick up the card. Yet another quirky thing about the Phils.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1312239]Check out this link.

Very very funny.

"Philippines Bishops declare support for ejaculation"[/QUOTE]The first giveaway about this hoax is the nifty acronym: "CBCP, or the Censorious Bishops Collegium of the Philippines." Right.

But the highpoint for me was the satirist's self-deprecating conclusion:

"Meanwhile, Fr. Tomasito Torquemada, CBCP director of information, sternly announced that a news website reporter will face excommunication for 'blasphemy, heresy and spreading satirical interpretations' of church affairs.

'We're already reserving a bunk in Hell for him, very close to the boilers, ' Torquemada warned.

Manila's newsgathering circles are buzzing with speculation about the identity of the condemned reporter-CNN"

Actually, I applaud the Inquirer management for condoning such colorful and apropos satire.

But in the world of real Catholic leaders, one of them addressing the lambs at the EDSA Shrine protest had the gall to refer to the proposed legislation as "corruption." Now asshole, let's talk about real corruption: Corruption is when the CBCP repeatedly extended its blessing to the corrupt previous president, GMA. Corruption is also the name for centuries of Catholic clergy impregnating young God-fearing Filipinas and swearing them to silence lest they incur God's wrath. And corruption is the name for centuries of harvesting collections from poor Filipinos--for the purpose of building up wealth on earth for the Church--while promising redemption in a fictional hereafter for those who could least afford to be making these contributions. Does this sound a little like atheist cynicism? Nah.

[QUOTE=Amjeck;1312294]I'm going to be visiting the PI for 6 months and I wish to open a bank account. My plan is to travel to some remote places and I don't wish to carry large amounts of cash on me. Which banks have the most vast networks of branches? I'd also like to get an atm card if possible that I can use throughout the country. Is it possible to open an account with a cashiers check?[/QUOTE]I opened a bpi account in Cebu sm, only had 21 day visa no probs, picked up the card same day but at the other branch had to put 1000 pso in account, the only prob is they do not have debit cards yet only atm card

The metro bank near Robinson seems to be ok as well. This is in cebu, just walk bank to bank and ask is the best thing.

[QUOTE=Paulr1950; 1312527]I opened a bpi account in cebu sm, only had 21 day visa no probs, picked up the card same day but at the other branch had to put 1000 pso in account, the only prob is they do not have debit cards yet only atm card

The metro bank near Robinson seems to be ok as well. This is in cebu, just walk bank to bank and ask is the best thing[/QUOTE]So it seems like each branch has different criteria?

I plan to open this account in AC. Anybody have experience opening up an account there?

Thanks to all of you who have responded to my questions so far.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1312470]Is anyone else getting sick of this atrocious wet weather that we have endured for days and days. It is disrupting my mongering schedule.[/QUOTE]RK has got it right in the other threads. I had an urgent mongering call on Sunday night and nearly got stranded in the road rivers of Malate. Learned that lesson and stayed home today. Don't have any high expectations that girls are going to trek in from Cavite for a shag. I had a 19yo student girl offer to come to Malate from Muntinlupa today. Told the sweet thing to stay home and stay dry. Even with the weather, it's still more fun in the Philippines. Enjoy, AsianRain

Think horny teenage boy 15. Think nun with a vow of celibacy.

She tells the class that sex before marriage is a sin and one would will go to hell. Then she tells the whopper,"Even thinking about sex before marriage is a sin and you will go to hell."

That's when it became crystal clear to the 15-yr-old virginal X, these religious nuts don't know what they are talking about.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1312239]Check out this link.

Very very funny.

"Philippines Bishops declare support for ejaculation"

[url]http://globalnation.inquirer.net/46487/bishops-declare-support-for-ejaculation[/url]

They also don't like premarital sex, sex for pleasure, kinky sex, sex video sex, imaginary sex, phone sex, Internet sex, sex for hire, and same-sex sex.

WR. Sorry but you will be going straight to hell[/QUOTE]

In case you are interested in eye candy, take a look at the 30 candidates for Mutya Ng Pilipinas:

[url]http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/2012/07/19/introducing-the-30-candidates-of-mutya-ng-pilipinas-2012/[/url]

#17 gets my vote!

Greetings all!

I know I'm probably in the wrong place for this so I apologize in advance if I am. Four of us are traveling to makati in September and we were looking to rent 2 two bedroom condos in the fort area. It averages to about $40 dollars per person each night. Has anyone here rented a condo? We are only staying for 5 or 6 nights. The place is pearl lettings.

Man, I've been on here for hours trying to figure out the lingo, the do's and don't's but its not going to fully make sense until I'm there. LOL also, I hear a lot about AC vs. Manila. Whats the distance I have to travel from makati to AC? By cab.

Thanks all.

[QUOTE=Mrjamel; 1312921]Greetings all!

I know I'm probably in the wrong place for this so I apologize in advance if I am. Four of us are traveling to makati in September and we were looking to rent 2 two bedroom condos in the fort area. It averages to about $40 dollars per person each night. Has anyone here rented a condo? We are only staying for 5 or 6 nights. The place is pearl lettings.

Man, I've been on here for hours trying to figure out the lingo, the do's and don't's but its not going to fully make sense until I'm there. LOL also, I hear a lot about AC vs. Manila. Whats the distance I have to travel from makati to AC? By cab.

Thanks all.[/QUOTE]I stay alot longer than 5-6 nights but for me, a condo is by far the best alternative of the two. Never dealt with Pearl's though. Make sure you get accurate reads on the electric meters upon checking in and out because Pearl's charges for electricity. Sure, a taxi can take you from Makati to AC but its going to cost you. If 4 guys are sharing the expense though, it will be next to nothing. Arrange for the taxi ahead of time.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1313024]Sure, a taxi can take you from Makati to AC but its going to cost you. If 4 guys are sharing the expense though, it will be next to nothing. Arrange for the taxi ahead of time.[/QUOTE]I live here so I am not an authority on the rental issue other than to say that the hassles with renting an apartment for 5 or 6 days will be many (including advance deposits for electricity usage, phones, internet, rental bonds against damage and loss of contents etc and trying to get the advances back again).

However, regarding getting to AC:

Four guys will not easily fit into a regular Philippines cab, especially if one or two of you are not slim. Add in baggage and you will be a tight squeeze.

I suggest you decide which AC hotel you will stay at and arrange for the hotel van to fetch you, either from your accommodation in Manila or from airport.

Cost will be reasonable when split 4 ways.

Check the AC Hotel thread for advice on which places have vans for hire. My guess is that MOST of the bigger ones do.

[QUOTE=Mrjamel; 1312921]Greetings all!

I know I'm probably in the wrong place for this so I apologize in advance if I am. Four of us are traveling to makati in September and we were looking to rent 2 two bedroom condos in the fort area. It averages to about $40 dollars per person each night. Has anyone here rented a condo? We are only staying for 5 or 6 nights. The place is pearl lettings.

Thanks all.[/QUOTE]On the recommendation of another member, I stayed at 'Shaw Residenza' on Shaw Blvd on my last trip. A nice two bedroom place fully furnished with a safe in the room. I believe it was 60. 00 US a night with a 50. 00 damage deposit.

I went to Cebu for a week and just left my damage deposit with them. When I returned I stayed there again and had no problem getting my deposit back. The only problem is that they seem to only deal with US dollars so that can be a challenge getting pesos converted.

They wanted to know names of who was going to stay there with me, but of course I did not have names. The guards just tipped their hats every time I came or left with someone.

[QUOTE=Wazoo; 1312711]In case you are interested in eye candy, take a look at the 30 candidates for Mutya Ng Pilipinas:

[url]http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/2012/07/19/introducing-the-30-candidates-of-mutya-ng-pilipinas-2012/[/url]

#17 gets my vote![/QUOTE]#22 as I saw the heats for this at the Lewis Grand. Was great fun but lots of mothers watching and protecting their daughters- as thought hey would fall prey to ongers and dirty old me (shock!). She (#22) was cute but I felt there was better (well my eyes at least)

I think I would be a good judge at these types of shows. Would certainly ask more insightful questions LOL