Manila

[QUOTE=Pedro Chilli;1189835]arriving Angeles 3 sept. Have 3 weeks to spend. Thinking mid range hotels close to action in Angeles, Manila and anywhere else you experienced guys know of.[/QUOTE]In Angeles, I would stay at Royal Amsterdam.

Then I would go to Subic Bay on the Southern Cross Shuttle. Stay at Dreamland.

Then take the Southern Cross shuttle to either Angeles or Manila.

IMO, Manila is not worth it. More unsafe, more expensive with bad traffic.

In Manila, I have stayed at the Clipper Hotel in Makati; it's a small, decent hotel. There's a couple of good condotels in that area. For a moderate splurge, stay at the City Gardens. You will have to take the taxis to other girlie venues.

For one day stays in Manila required while using the shuttles, I have stayed at the City Tower Hotel; the neighborhood is dodgy. Extremely close to MBC; the Ski Kat shuttle departs from there. The hotel has decent prices, but it's somewhat dumpy. Next time, I plan to stay at that small hotel next door.

Then I would take the Ski Kat bus / ferry to Sabang, Puerto Galera. You can stay in Sabang next to girlie bars. But I've stayed at the Portofino in Small Laguna; decent studio, but getting old; 10 minute walk to girlie bars, but more "pleasant"; ask for a discount for $50 without breakfast.

Then go back via Ski Kat shuttle.

If you take just the shuttles, you do not have to stay in Manila overnight going from Sabang to Angeles. But you need to spend at least 1 nite going from Angeles to Sabang.

Of course, taking private a taxis is more pleasant, but more expensive.

[QUOTE=Pedro Chilli; 1189835]That would make ken loach movies look like a ben stiller comedy! Classic line. Still sniggering.

Ok. I have posted on various places in Africa and Asia over the past 10 years or so and have done a fair bit of trail-blazing in the past if you check my previous reports. But, have never been to Phillipines. Yes, I am rttf, but have booked my first trip, arriving Angeles 3 sept. Have 3 weeks to spend. Thinking mid range hotels close to action in Angeles, Manila and anywhere else you experienced guys know of.

Before abusing me for laziness, go way back to posts I did on Burma, Kenya and others, and help an old geezer out as a good deed.

Cheers Pedro[/QUOTE]City Garden Hotel in Malate (sister hotel Lotus Garden just up the street, and not to be confused with City Garden Makati) , and Tropicana Apartments in Malate, are both within 5 minutes taxi of MBC. Or you can walk to MBC in 10 minutes from either hotel. Each will run you about $60-65 (includes breakfast) per night.

[QUOTE=Escort Fan;1189336]I'm thinking, there must be something for let's say, the board of directors at BDO when they want to meet girls![/QUOTE]Many locals with expense accounts frequent East Asia Club on Roxas.

[QUOTE=Pedro Chilli; 1189835]Yes, I am rttf, but have booked my first trip, arriving Angeles 3 sept. Have 3 weeks to spend. Thinking mid range hotels close to action in Angeles, Manila and anywhere else you experienced guys know of.

Before abusing me for laziness, go way back to posts I did on Burma, Kenya and others, and help an old geezer out as a good deed.

Cheers Pedro[/QUOTE]For a AC virgin. Go to Pacific Breeze (easy to google) it's 50 meters from the action and has a pool.

Also you will easy find talkative people to discuss with. (be sure to ask to be in the MAIN building, they have another wing which IMHO SUCKS. But that's just on man's opinion).

Wild orchid is another option but it cost more.

For Manila, go to St Giles. It's close to Burgos.

In malate near MBC there aren't IMHO any descent by western standard mid range hotels.

There are only high end hotels such as Hyatt or Pan Pacific at 100 € per night or shit holes.

Some people go to do Executive Plaza or Las Palmas, but I wouldn't recommand for only a few more pesos, you're better at the St Giles.

Enjoy your stay.

I was in manila last month, lot of fun, but too busy to post reports and photos, will post few during coming days

I will be in Makati New World week of Sept 25. If anybody wants to get together, PM me. It will be fun.

[QUOTE=D Cups;1189938]Hi Freebie, great report, enjoyable reading. Maybe we can hook up for a beer sometime. I'll be in Makati Nov 1-2. Malate Nov 25-27 and Cebu Nov 28-30. Cheers, mate.[/QUOTE]Am trying to get back mid September and then thereafter would probably be early November so it may work.

On last trip I had one text from a girl I haven't seen for 2 years. She eventually ended up asking me for money. Why she still has my number when I haven't seen her for two years is strange.

During same trip got a text from an unknown number and it turns out was from a girl who I met also a few years back. Last time I met her was maybe 18 months back. And 18 months later she's still sending me texts. I don't live in Philippines so how often they both text me expecting a reply is strange, but common.

On same trip got a text in Tagalog from another unknown number. Asked her who she was and she said she's a 20 year old in Manila looking for company. How this girl knew I was in Manila was also baffling as I basically told no one I was going there.

I truly wonder how many texts people send even when they know someone in not " in country"

Wow. Thanks guys. Never expected such a positive response. Have just recently been in Pattaya and found the guality in beer bars appalingly low. Even gogos seemed to have the same girls I remembered from my last trip.

Generally I try not to expect too much before I arrive in a place for the first time so as not to be dissapointed. But I am looking forward to conversing with the girls of Angeles in my mother tongue and having a few beers with any of you gents I happen to meet in the bars.

Cheers Pedro

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1190181]On last trip I had one text from a girl I haven't seen for 2 years. She eventually ended up asking me for money. Why she still has my number when I haven't seen her for two years is strange.

During same trip got a text from an unknown number and it turns out was from a girl who I met also a few years back. Last time I met her was maybe 18 months back. And 18 months later she's still sending me texts. I don't live in Philippines so how often they both text me expecting a reply is strange, but common.

On same trip got a text in Tagalog from another unknown number. Asked her who she was and she said she's a 20 year old in Manila looking for company. How this girl knew I was in Manila was also baffling as I basically told no one I was going there.

I truly wonder how many texts people send even when they know someone in not " in country"[/QUOTE]I am just wondering if these girl maintain a SMS send-to list on their phone and they send generic SMS to the list hoping one or two would reply. I know some phone / provider support this feature.

Where the SMS specifically written to you oe was was it like "Hi baby, how are you? I miss you!" type?

APAC Man

[QUOTE=Apac Man; 1190233]I am just wondering if these girl maintain a SMS send-to list on their phone and they send generic SMS to the list hoping one or two would reply. I know some phone / provider support this feature.

Where the SMS specifically written to you oe was was it like "Hi baby, how are you? I miss you!" type?

APAC Man[/QUOTE]Mine were very much a "Hi how are you " type, which most certainly could have been an sms type blast to all contacts similar to edm's. Could explain it, but it always creeps me out when it happens. Especially sa its girls I've bonked and forgotten. As soon as I have replied replied then I get the endless " how are you" "remember me" "can we meet" "have you had lunch" etc, etc, etc.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1189774]Before leaving she has asked if I could give her money. I asked why she's asking. She replies " my sister said I should ask you for money ". This girl isn't a player but clearly big sis is teaching her LOL. Anyways she's definately worth a repeat! She also said " Freebie I donht know why I'm so horny with you.". Must be my athletic figure that turned her on. LOL.[/QUOTE]Hi Freebie, did you pay her any money in the end?

I have been scouring the threads for a good overall report of where to go in Manila and because there are so many reports I haven't been able to locate a comprehensive report. I am looking for a mid-range place to stay and also for a good place to find some girls. Have been to MBC a few times and have had mixed results. Weekend nights seem to be way to crowded. What are some other options? Also heading to Tacloban, any suggestions for there? Check the photos section as I have added a few from my last trip to cebu. Thanks

[QUOTE=Rob Raxcal;1190300]I have been scouring the threads for a good overall report of where to go in Manila and because there are so many reports I haven't been able to locate a comprehensive report. I am looking for a mid-range place to stay and also for a good place to find some girls. Have been to MBC a few times and have had mixed results. Weekend nights seem to be way to crowded. What are some other options? Also heading to Tacloban, any suggestions for there? Check the photos section as I have added a few from my last trip to cebu. Thanks[/QUOTE]For Tacloban best option in town is Hotel Alejandro on Paterno St. About P1500 for aircon matrimonial with hot shower. Reserve early if possible, they are often full. Other passable alternatives are Grand Royal Suite down the street from Alejandro P850 for matrimonial, or Rosenvil Pensione on Burgos, about halfway between Paterno and Real P950 matrimonial.

Do *NOT* get suckered into Leyte Park. Overpriced and run-down.

Tacloban has a tiny overpriced bar scene on Real St. Before you get to Bethany Hospital. 3 bars and P3000 barfines. Date-site girls are a better bet.

[QUOTE=Butter69;1190242]Hi Freebie, did you pay her any money in the end?[/QUOTE]Yes. Those that stay overnight with me usually get P1000 something like that."Honey why don't you buy a nice dress for yourself " etc. Keeps them sweet for repeats.