Chat Rooms & Pen Pals

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1372184]Having lived in Paris for a verylong time, I can understand exactly what Rick means. To a certain extent, the pap that passes for popular culture in the US isn't new; it's just assumed new forms. This is after all, the country that invented the sit com and the soap opera. For me however, it's all in the company you keep, and the fact is that in the US or the UK it's extremely easy to find multiple sub cultures that are engaging, inhabited by thoughtful, interesting people, and perhaps that's the major difference. Here in the Philippines, there simply aren't any equuivalents, or if there are I haven't found them. Maybe it's because in the West, and in Japan and China, there's a huge corpus of aesthetic culture that includes art, music, literature and philosophy and that's passed on and added to from generation to generation. There's no parallel here, nor are there anu viable indigenous cultural outlets for expressing them. Try finding a good jazz club for example, in Manila, or a major art museum, or decent theatrical performances. Try finding equivalents to the Louvre, or the Met, or the Tate Gallery.

Perhaps the difference is one of degree. That is, despite the agreed vacuity of American popular culture, plentiful alternatives exist for the large minority that seeks alternatives. To me, the "whys" of the situation don't matter. I don't care if the absence of cultural alternatives was caused by colonialism, a poor educational system, corruption or other factors; it's the absence that bothers me.

GE[/QUOTE]But the "why" is the answer.

The same reason there is no national culture worth much is the same reason Filipina women are poor and desperate enough to sleep with fat disgusting elderly western men for a few dollars.

Doubt it?

Tell me another place in the world with a vibrant living culture and educated populace where you can bone beautiful young women for $20.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1372184]There's no parallel here, nor are there anu viable indigenous cultural outlets for expressing them. GE[/QUOTE]Next time you're in Metro Manila, make a point to check out Club Conspiracy on Visayas Avenue in Quezon Avenue. Some acts may not be your cup of tea, but one of their principles is to invite only performers who write their own materials. Joey Ayala is an example. He writes materials in English and Tagalog, and, at least when I've seen him perform, he brings a number of indigenous instruments and musicians into the performance. I have seen occasional jazz performers there. Also check out Skydog, a jazz-celtic fusion. The club started a few years ago as a co-op of folks dissatisfied with performance venues in the city. Your buddy Conrado de Quiros and his wife were central players in organizing it. He's often sitting around the place at night.

While everyone is entitled to their opinions, I am amazed that people would come to a forum that is meant to be a means of reporting on where to find good pussy and, instead post crap up about the lack of culture that they prefer in their home countries. If you want to see a Broadway show, why would you go to Philippines? It's kind of like going to any foreign country and expecting the local natives to speak your native language perfectly. After reading through all of this dribble about culture, I can understand why people jump right to asking questions rather than RTFF. How about getting back to what this forum is supposed to be about?

My rant is now finished. Flame away.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1372184]Try finding a good jazz club for example, in Manila, or a major art museum, or decent theatrical performances. Try finding equivalents to the Louvre, or the Met, or the Tate Gallery. Perhaps the difference is one of degree. That is, despite the agreed vacuity of American popular culture, plentiful alternatives exist for the large minority that seeks alternatives. To me, the "whys" of the situation don't matter. I don't care if the absence of cultural alternatives was caused by colonialism, a poor educational system, corruption or other factors; it's the absence that bothers me.[/QUOTE]There was a major art museum in the Philippines, but it was always displayed behind closed doors. Priceless paintings from Picasso, Van Gogh and other masters like Renoir, Rembrandt and Cézanne. Over 300 paintings in the collection. There is also a major jewelry collection being held in Manila that was also seized back in the 80's, but a master list of contents was only ordered a few years ago. Alot of the jewelry in the collection 'disappeared' over time.

[url]http://www.filipinoreporter.us/home/filipino-abroad/2208-146-marcos-paintings-missing-says-pcgg.html[/url]

[url]http://en.wikicollecting.org/imelda-marcos-jewellery-collection[/url]

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1372184]Maybe it's because in the West, and in Japan and China, there's a huge corpus of aesthetic culture that includes art, music, literature and philosophy and that's passed on and added to from generation to generation.[/QUOTE]It seems to me that in China, Japan and the West there were established "institutions" that supported and carried the arts over time. In Europe it was the Catholic Church, royalty, and, at a few points in time, governments, that supported gifted artists. At many points in history the arts might have perished had it not been for the Catholic Church (think Gregorian Chant through the Dark Ages, and the preservation of written history by Catholic clerics, or the churches that supported organists and choirmasters like Bach) or royalty that employed the most talented as court musicians. In China and Japan I presume it was mostly royalty as an institution that patronized and sustained the arts.

The Philippines was never a nation until the Spanish imposed boundaries on a set of 7, 000 islands and multiple language and ethnic groups. And for their three hundred years the only "institutions" that the Spanish were interested in creating were those that imposed control and extracted resources. The island country's identity was given to it from the name of the Spanish King, and even then the name was applied only to Spanish-born and those of Spanish blood born in the Philippines. Not until the late 19th Century was the name Filipino extended to a few well-educated natives (the ilustrado) and mercantile Chinoys. Americans, for all their faults, did attempt to build educational and government institutions. It's perhaps no accident that government, sports (boxing, basketball, baseball) , and much of what exists for art, was mimicked from Americans. What little jazz exists was brought to the Philippines in the early 20th Century by Americans. Classical music, again, from the Americans. In short, the social institutions that might otherwise have passed the arts along were intentionally eviscerated by the Spanish.

One exception might be traditional dances, but these tend to reflect particular local origins. Dances passed down by Moros from Mindanao are unique; likewise dances from Western Mindanao that seem to reveal a strong Spanish influence. The well-known tinikling where they dance in and out of bamboo poles being beat to the floor originates in the Visayas (Leyte, I think). The Igorots, Ilocanos and Bicolanos have their own dances as well. And some Filipinos are working hard to preserve the heritages of the dances. Perhaps the dances were preserved because they were communal activities that even peasants could sustain without institutional support.

BTW, there are some pieces of art, musical instruments, and the like on display at the Cultural Center of the Philippines near Roxas and Pablo Ocampo, and there are artistic performances there in the auditorium, although I admit I've never attended them. I sometimes wonder how many erstwhile Filipino musicians are stuck as lounge acts on cruise ships and in East Asian hotels? It seems the arts don't thrive without financial support. I think questions about the failure to sustain indigenous art forms is the relevant question. After all, why should we expect them to have cultivated Western art forms?

[QUOTE=Hairy Wonder; 1372289]While everyone is entitled to their opinions, I am amazed that people would come to a forum that is meant to be a means of reporting on where to find good pussy and, instead post crap up about the lack of culture that they prefer in their home countries. How about getting back to what this forum is supposed to be about?

My rant is now finished. Flame away.[/QUOTE]Happy ranting. Long time members of this forum are well aware there are a vast variety of subjects here. Were all here for the pussy, but our discussions digrees now and again. Its a big wide world and theres room enuogh for all. So allow those of us who inhabit this board and have inhabited this board some leeway. Talking about pussy endlessly has its limits and would soon bore us. As this subject clearly has done for you.

Some interesting diversions, but can we get back on Topic. Chat rooms / pen pals. Girls we meet online.

I had my sights on one last month that is too good looking. I should know better. She'd been to Germany and I could only assume it was on someone elses dime. Well, when I get to Philippines I text and she is unavailable. Apparently spending the holidays with "auntie" in Olongapo.

LOL, her most recent FB pictures seem to indicate a nice holiday at Wild Orchid in Subic. Who's the lucky guy. Anyone here? I'll keep trying. X

Interesting that the pattern is not obvious by now for everyone here. When my dear friend Mr GE, or anyone else living in the Philippines, get overwhelmed by the dysfunctional practices in society or by the lack of ambitions and "fine culture", it is in fact a signal that us monger friends needs to step in and create distraction and entertainment for our brother. We need to fly in and save that friend, by suggesting alternative distractions. GE, I have heard Bangkok has a vibrant cultural scene. And I just booked a ticket there. I will swing by and pick you up in Davao.

Since this is not a wiki but a forum for DISCUSSIONS it is futile to claim some sort of strict rules with regards to the topics of discussions. You will spend just as much time writing about upholding these "rules", as discussing the so called topic. What for? We are here for entertainment, and not because we can not score or need advice on how to chat with a female. The lame f*cks who can not score p*ssy without getting advice on how to do it, will not be helped from ISG, no matter how hard a strict topic moderation is implemented. Let it flow and let the subjects vary a bit. It is entertaining and it makes the reading more versatile. And anyone who is not happy with a certain poster, block him and you will soon be able to stop crying about it.

B.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1372350]Happy ranting. Long time members of this forum are well aware there are a vast variety of subjects here. Were all here for the pussy, but our discussions digrees now and again. Its a big wide world and theres room enuogh for all. So allow those of us who inhabit this board and have inhabited this board some leeway. Talking about pussy endlessly has its limits and would soon bore us. As this subject clearly has done for you.[/QUOTE]I have to agree with FF. Guys on the forum who live in the Philippines or spend alot of time here comment on various topics. Often threads get off track but within a page or two find the way back. The ISG members who spend a couple of weeks a year in the RP, they always want to hear about pussy.

During my recent manila trip I tried out an app that I have on my android phone.

It has a " look around " function that lets you search for women etc. Its very popular in China too. I looked around and got chatting with some ladies that were near. No 3 hour trips from Fairview QC required etc, as the app tells you that they re within 100 200 500 metres etc. Met two this way and of course, porked them.

Wise players will know what this app is or be able to source it easily. Don't ask me for the name.

Next trip will activate it as soon as wheels are down. Way better than the geographical hit or miss of DIA etc. And its easier to chat on phone than search via a pc.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1372184]Try finding a good jazz club for example, in Manila.

GE[/QUOTE]In Makati have a look at the Strumms on Jupiter St near burgos. They have few bends play every night and I can't remember which night but one is Jazz and its not bad.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1372738]During my recent manila trip I tried out an app that I have on my android phone.

It has a " look around " function that lets you search for women etc. Its very popular in China too. I looked around and got chatting with some ladies that were near. No 3 hour trips from Fairview QC required etc, as the app tells you that they re within 100 200 500 metres etc. Met two this way and of course, porked them.[/QUOTE]Sounds like W H! Popular in Thailand as well.

[QUOTE=Stroker Ace88;1365790]The word you are inquiring about is a derogatory word and as such has no place on ISG. Forum software corrects your improper use of the word into "working girl". Using alternative ways to get the word in question (as well as other offending words and terms) inserted into the text of your post is an easy way to get placed on moderated status. Openly criticizing forum management practices or moderator actions will result in your profile potentially being banned.[/QUOTE]Thanks for your answer, I was just being curious. I would never dream to circumvent your rules nor of of criticizing the management!

Now I hope you will forgive me but along the same vein I was thinking to change the title of a well known play (highly controversial to say the least) of the classical english theatre repertory from "'Tis a Pity She 's a (whatever)" to "Tis a Pity She's a Working Girl".

The author John Ford (1586-1639) was known for his melancholy disposition, maybe this might have relieved his depression for a while.

Barba, you disappoint me. This thread is called "chat rooms and pen pals" and is one of the most popular threads for the Philippines. Asking esteemed members like yourself to move some of the recent discussions to more appropriate threads is not "strict topic moderation". Yes, we all stray off topic for a while, but when people start objecting, it's time to consider the situation rather than getting huffy.

I also strongy disagree with your "lame fk" comment. Such creatures certainly exist, but most of the members here are just getting and (hopefully) sharing information about how to make their journey more pleasant.

"strict rules" "lame fk" "stop crying" "this is not Wiki". Who are you directing this to? If you have a sane, sober and intelligent response, please post. If you want to get hostile, send pm.

X Man (six years at ISG and still benefiting from the shared wisdom. And I like the photos)

[QUOTE=Barba; 1372486]. SNIP.

Since this is not a wiki but a forum for DISCUSSIONS it is futile to claim some sort of strict rules with regards to the topics of discussions. You will spend just as much time writing about upholding these "rules", as discussing the so called topic. What for? We are here for entertainment, and not because we can not score or need advice on how to chat with a female. The lame f*cks who can not score p*ssy without getting advice on how to do it, will not be helped from ISG, no matter how hard a strict topic moderation is implemented. Let it flow and let the subjects vary a bit. It is entertaining and it makes the reading more versatile. And anyone who is not happy with a certain poster, block him and you will soon be able to stop crying about it.

B.[/QUOTE]

X Man, I am glad I invoke at least some reaction every now and then. You are probably right. Just my outburst provoked by the fact that wherever I go, I seem to read a lot about people telling others what to do and "to follow the rules", at every cost. Too few people actually share anything of themselves in my opinion. Groups of people often tend to start to moderate each-other heavily for various reason. Inhibiting and controlling any behavior that is considered extreme or even eccentric in the context. An atmosphere of moderation nivelates humans, and I just find it less interesting. It is a fundamental semi automatic cognitive pattern for coexistence, but not so exciting. Evolution comes through testing new sample space, and why not adopt this exciting practice a bit more, also here on ISG? One up for some slack, and then we can browse or block if a user is annoying and verbose about things that does not make any sense or is off topic. I will not get sad if anyone blocks me. In fact I would block myself if I could. Now this was a cooperative post, right? (Barba is being a good community member now.)

In any case, I don't mind some colorful and associative ventures in the threads, but I probably expressed it in a non constructive manner. In the previous post. Thank you for stepping up X. At the end of the day I must ask myself "even if I am bored, who am I to disrespect the rules that someone invented for this excellent forum?"

Time to go east to meet some Caucasian beauties so I am checking out for some time.

All the best.

B