Manila

Scuba

My case, I never bring more than 500 to the PI. There are ATMs, banks (though I don't know why but many won't take visa) that will take a few percents off your withdraws. It's worth it because you'll never know what will happen to cash. As for girls take a bus or cheap fly to Angeles City, 50 miles away, where everything concentrated in one place, no need for taxi (go to the AC forum and ask more detail questions if you need). From there, after all the fun, you can either go alone or bring your favorite bar girl to the Island of Boracay, where there are good beach, reef, food and hotels. As Mookman has mentioned, everyone speak English, easy to talk to and courteous, all you have to do is be the same in return but don't walk around looking like Bambi or flashy, just keep a low profile. Good luck bud.

I may be new to the board, here, but not to the PI as I've traveled there on several occasions to enjoy all the pleasures that the Manila Filipinas have to offer.

However, I'm going to be in Manila in 2 weeks, mid-day (noon-5pm), and for numerous reasons (mostly being with significant other), I'm going to be pinched for time. I'm staying at City Garden Hotel which is just a few blocks from Robinsons Mall (Glorietta?)

What I'm wondering is where can I go to find a selection of willing girls who, once one is chosen, will understand that I want to go immediately to a short-time hotel and get right to business? Is there someplace in the mall that cuties hang out, making themselves available?

Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

I wish I would have known about this board before my first visit to the PI. I would have saved a lot of time and cash.

Nile QP

As previously suggested, the Heritage is the best choice if you're visiting the EDSA. It's right across the street. I've also stayed at the Hyatt on Roxas, which is right around. Heritage hands down. The other advantage to the Heritage is you won't need a taxi except to and from the airport.

I've heard the pros and cons of a tour guide. On my first visit I found the taxi drivers to be very frustrating to deal with. While they all speak English, many won't admit it. They are not always upfront with the cost. They also don't always take you where you want to go. Many get a cut to take you where they want you to go, so beware. I eventually found a tour guide at the EDSA who was more than willing to introduce me to her friends at the LA Cafe and in Makati. She didn't even mind if I did her friends infront of her. I love the PI.

Early

Si Kat now leaves earlier, I got to the city tower at 9am last week but it now leaves 8 am, 500 pesos inc ferry. I got a taxi to take me to Batangas 1500 pesos then ferry 120pesos straight to Sabang beach, ferry left around 11.30 am. Can recommend highly, lots of freelancers not too many punters, 4 go go bars, girl 1000pesos a night 500 bar fine. No trafffic, no scooters, great diving. I stayed in the Big Apple, air con room 1200pesos/night, no problem with having a friend. What a place Sabang is, relaxed, friendly, no hassle, get out of Manila and go there.

I lived in Asia for years and have been to dozens of countries, and Manila was the ONLY place I ever felt unsafe. It seemed like everyone was out to screw you.

I was also robbed by a taxi driver that worked for the damn hotel I was staying at. i reported him of course, but I bet he's still there anyway. After it happened to me, I started talking to people and it seems that it's not all that uncommon. I don't know about getting a "guide" but I sure wouldn't trust anyone there.

Angeles city was fine, and I didn't feel unsafe there. There were the occasional crooks that try to say they recognize you, or they were your driver on your last trip or something. Also, don't get a shoe shine there. They will take a razor to your shoe and try to charge you to repair it!

It appears to me the mood of the thread here is indirectly leaning toward a new-cummer to have a guide in Manila. So where and how do I go about finding one and how much appreciate any info fellas I will probably be ther in about a month.

TP

Joe B.

Thanks for the update on Si-kat.

To all,

Big Apple isn't bad, but try to get a room way in back, behind the pool. The front rooms can be noisy at all hours.

FD

Castle Rock

Where are you?

FS

T Poet:

In my opinion, if you read through these posts, you should not need a guide as everything you need to know is in here. If you still feel you need one, get the number of JR, who is the person that a lot of guys in this forum have used before. His number has been posted here severral times, some of them fairly recently. I have never used him, or anyone else, and I have never had a problem having a good time in Manila, but I do listen to what the guys here have to say and I usually follow the advice. I have never been sorry and it's not often been wrong.

Happy hunting!

GE

GoodEnough, you have written a post strongly advertising someone who you never used!!! Very Strange & Suspicious.

I have seen posts here that say that JR is just like any other taxi driver taking the foreigner on rounds and taking fat commissions.

I would suggest board readers should read the posts and make their own way. That way they would not get ripped off.

Fast piston

I first used JR after recommendation from this board and like many members have used his services and been VERY happy.!!

I have heard someone moaning about him (once) and he seemed like a total d**khead.!! I have also heard that JR was ripped off by some guys from this board who had used his services and then promised to meet him later and didnt show up.

At the end of the day this board is for information and advice but everyone should make up their own mind. Dont deride other peoples opinions because at the end of the day thats all they are - opinions.

Sure, JR takes his cut - do you expect a charity service ? This advice is for newbies who dont know their way around from a safety aspect because whaterver you believe, Manila after dark is not exactly a safe place, just like most capital cities in the world today.

Everyone to their own - happy mongering guys. Im back in Phils next week and although no stranger to Manila I will be using JR because he is useful to have around and knows how to find exactly what I want.

The Flying Scotsman

PS Fast Piston,

GoodEnough can make the recommendation because he is one of the most experienced guys on this board and he knows who to listen to. His opinions are highly regarded on this board as someone who knows what he is talking about.

FS

Fastpiston:

I believe I started my post by making the same point as you made, that anyone reading this board really doesn't need a guide. Also, I hardly "advertised" JR and said that I had never used him but that others had recommended him. I hardly think that was overselling the guy. That said, I completely agree with you that guides are not necessary, I am going to Manila this afternoon, and tonight I will probably go back, as usual to the LA Cafe to see what type of ladies are there this evening.

GE

Alright guys,
Let's kill the topic of the guides, both sides expressed their opinions, how about some post a review of JR then, someone who has actually used his services and how it is different from every other scam artist guide out there in the PI.

I'll put my money where my mouth is as the saying goes. I'll be in the PI around July 3-11 or so, if you need a guide of the PI, I'll do it for you but I'll charge you a can of SMB for my troubles, we can go to LA Cafe and see how ugly the girls are (disclaimer: for the most part at LA Cafe, same arguement as before). Check out the casas and things like that. Just drop me a PM.

Mook

I actually used JR 2 years ago and was not impressed with the quality. I tried his service just tot see if I'm missing anything.

I mentioned him to a buddy of mine and he tried him as well but could not get rid of him after that. Although, he was able to find a gem thru one of the casas that JR took him to.

Once you know the places to go to and comfortable with taking taxis, you don't really need a guide. Always make sure that the driver turn on his meter, if not get out and take another taxi. The doorman at my hotel always takes the license plate down for there record.

Also, just ask the hotel staff how long it will take by taxi to such place (trafiic included) the best route to take and again turn that meter on.

Just my two cents.

IB