General Info

[QUOTE=MrHawaii;1585080]If you are flying PAL into terminal 2, do not take just any taxi. My usual practice is to go out the door, up the stairs to the departure area, and take a metered taxi that just dropped off passengers. This time the stairway was barricaded, and security was standing there. WTF?? While looking for metered taxi, some guy approached me and offered his services. I followed him to a stand where he showed me the "official" price of P1600 to Makati. I said no thanks, and found the yellow metered taxi stand. Instead of "flagdrop" price of P40, the yellow airport taxis start at P70. Not bad.[/QUOTE]Last week my arrival was at 2 am, I booked a airport pickup for 1,000 from T2 to Pasay victory.

As expected when arrived all yellow taxis were MIA and Touts were offering 2500 .

I still felt happy to tip the Blue Horizon Travel pickup 1000 plus 200 tip.

World class airport? Noooo.

On another weekday arrival at 6 pm, the yellow taxis were MIA and since I wasn't in a rush I queue'd and waited till 8 pm to get a yellow taxi, though the luxury taxis were too many.

Meter 200 vs Touts 2000 .

Mafia operation in work.

[QUOTE=Skogis;1584667]On my last arrival into T3 with Cebu Air Pacific the arrival hall was loaded with people tagged "us embassy". They went around scoping for something and with first eye contact they "how are you sir". Felt kind of creepy as I was amongst the first into the rather empty baggaclaim area (except from 20 or so US Embassy tagged persons). While waiting for luggage on the belt these gauy and girls mixed in with the crowd and just kept eyebowling their "victims". What was all this about, I am not a US citizen, but still felt kreeped up by all the looks. Do the US have authority on phil soil as well? I was lucky to get my bag rather early and no questions were beeing asked but they were also present infront of the custom booths. They were on the look for something. I got the hell out of there as I don't feel connected to the US (great country and everything) and I atleast not feel I have to answer to the US gvmnt in anyway as I carry a diff citizenship.[/QUOTE]That's downright creepy.

I'm moving this over from the Angeles thread.

[QUOTE=WickedRoger;1585604]Sammon,

Some additional information for you to show you that she was being scammed etc is from the Gulf News in the UAE that ran a half page article about Filipina maids and visas, as the minimum wage is $400, with a day off each week plus protection. The is a 'dispute' between the 2 countries on the contracts and many bemoan the fact that Filipina maids are not available because "less the least trouble and have the best grasp of English".

The fact that other nations are banning maids to the Middle East tells you a lot about why the girls want to work for western not Arab or Indian families in the region.

So if you are in contact with the person let her know, as DH work in the Middle East for a local family especially is not recommended.

Seems IJM not really care about those people even though many reports of bad treatment (ILO did a report a few years ago for example).

Here is the link.

[URL]http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/employment/hiring-filipino-maids-in-uae-just-got-tougher-1.1351275[/URL][/QUOTE]There are lots of similar reports about recruiters sending workers to Canada. A copy of a contract that meets government requirements is presented to immigration at the time the worker applies for a visa. The worker is only given a second contract with a lower wage that the employer tries to commit the worker to on arrival in Canada.

On that note, if you are aware of workers in the midst of applying for visas to work in Canada they should be very cautious. Last week the government imposed changes on the foreign worker program that make the restrictions of some middle east countries seem almost humanitarian. Many of the applications submitted by employers before the changes are being returned to the applicant business owners unprocessed.

OFWs should be checking with the Canadian Consulate directly to make sure there really is a legitimate offer of employment. I'm sure with the latest restrictions the recruiters will be working overtime to continue generating income.

[URL]http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/kenney-defends-top-to-bottom-overhaul-of-temporary-foreign-worker-program-1.1880699[/URL]

The US embassies worldwide employ a lot of local people to do varieties of work for them, usually indirectly through local employment agencies, to process visas, investigate backgrounds, maids, cooks, gardeners, janitors etc.

There are no reasons to be afraid of employees fo the US Embassies. On contrary you can hire lawyers to sue for large money anyone in employment with the US government for criminal or civil liabilities if they mistreat you in any ways. The US government would rather pay for settlements rather than paying their expensive lawyers or risk exposing personal or official info about embassy's personnel during litigation, like how many pinays the ambassador was screwing on the side etc.

In this specific case, not knowing more details, I suspect these people were low-paid, clerical workers who were assigned to meet and transport a group of inbound passengers to their living quarters.

US security personnel. Like the Secret Service, usually wear dark suits, eye shades, with earphones in their ears. If they inconvenience or damage you in anyway, yuo can have your lawyers send your claims to Mr. Barrack Obama, the Whitehouse, Pennsylvania Ave. , Washington DC.

I heard the Venzuelan prostitute in Cartagena got a very good offer from someone to hush up from babbling how the US Secret Service guys were a bunch of bumbling amateurs with tiny limp dicks. Hehe.

[QUOTE=Skogis;1584667]On my last arrival into T3 with Cebu Air Pacific the arrival hall was loaded with people tagged "us embassy". They went around scoping for something and with first eye contact they "how are you sir". Felt kind of creepy as I was amongst the first into the rather empty baggaclaim area (except from 20 or so US Embassy tagged persons). While waiting for luggage on the belt these gauy and girls mixed in with the crowd and just kept eyebowling their "victims". What was all this about, I am not a US citizen, but still felt kreeped up by all the looks. Do the US have authority on phil soil as well? I was lucky to get my bag rather early and no questions were beeing asked but they were also present infront of the custom booths. They were on the look for something. I got the hell out of there as I don't feel connected to the US (great country and everything) and I atleast not feel I have to answer to the US gvmnt in anyway as I carry a diff citizenship.[/QUOTE]

Below is a good example how Devyani_Khobragade, an Indian diplomat, used fake employment contract and making false statements on visa application to underpay foreign workers in her employment:

[URL]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devyani_Khobragade_incident[/URL]

I suspect Canada would view the exploitation of foreign workers in similar light.

[QUOTE=Amanut;1585849]I'm moving this over from the Angeles thread.

There are lots of similar reports about recruiters sending workers to Canada. A copy of a contract that meets government requirements is presented to immigration at the time the worker applies for a visa. The worker is only given a second contract with a lower wage that the employer tries to commit the worker to on arrival in Canada.

On that note, if you are aware of workers in the midst of applying for visas to work in Canada they should be very cautious. Last week the government imposed changes on the foreign worker program that make the restrictions of some middle east countries seem almost humanitarian. Many of the applications submitted by employers before the changes are being returned to the applicant business owners unprocessed.

OFWs should be checking with the Canadian Consulate directly to make sure there really is a legitimate offer of employment. I'm sure with the latest restrictions the recruiters will be working overtime to continue generating income.

[URL]http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/kenney-defends-top-to-bottom-overhaul-of-temporary-foreign-worker-program-1.1880699[/URL][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker;1585869]The US embassies worldwide employ a lot of local people to do varieties of work for them, usually indirectly through local employment agencies, to process visas, investigate backgrounds, maids, cooks, gardeners, janitors etc.

There are no reasons to be afraid of employees fo the US Embassies. On contrary you can hire lawyers to sue for large money anyone in employment with the US government for criminal or civil liabilities if they mistreat you in any ways. The US government would rather pay for settlements rather than paying their expensive lawyers or risk exposing personal or official info about embassy's personnel during litigation, like how many pinays the ambassador was screwing on the side etc.

In this specific case, not knowing more details, I suspect these people were low-paid, clerical workers who were assigned to meet and transport a group of inbound passengers to their living quarters.

US security personnel. Like the Secret Service, usually wear dark suits, eye shades, with earphones in their ears. If they inconvenience or damage you in anyway, yuo can have your lawyers send your claims to Mr. Barrack Obama, the Whitehouse, Pennsylvania Ave. , Washington DC.

I heard the Venzuelan prostitute in Cartagena got a very good offer from someone to hush up from babbling how the US Secret Service guys were a bunch of bumbling amateurs with tiny limp dicks. Hehe.[/QUOTE]What uttter basura this is.

[QUOTE=EconoTech;1585529]Last week my arrival was at 2 am, I booked a airport pickup for 1,000 from T2 to Pasay victory.

As expected when arrived all yellow taxis were MIA and Touts were offering 2500 .

I still felt happy to tip the Blue Horizon Travel pickup 1000 plus 200 tip.

World class airport? Noooo.

On another weekday arrival at 6 pm, the yellow taxis were MIA and since I wasn't in a rush I queue'd and waited till 8 pm to get a yellow taxi, though the luxury taxis were too many.

Meter 200 vs Touts 2000 .

Mafia operation in work.[/QUOTE]Those prices you're quoting are shocking. I agree the yellows are rarely around. I've used a private driver or family for a long time. To hear these prices it seems things are deteriorating at NAIA. Its always been the case that a savy traveler could save a lot of money by RTFF but this seems out of control.

AV.

I don't mind telling this story because I have only met one of you. Was staying at Pan Pacific Hotel last week, and I needed a few items laundered. Too cheap to send to hotel laundry, so I walked my few items next door. Go out the lobby, turn left. The first shop is a money changer (whose rates are not good), and the second shop is Fa'eza Wash Stop. That is where I left my laundry. Cost me 120 pesos.

Was happy to finish that chore. Go back to my room, take a nice bath, put on the hotel robe, take short nap. Wake up, time to get ready to go out. I look for wallet. Look in safe for wallet. No wallet. WTF? Then it dawned on me. I left my wallet in the back pocket of the shorts I took to the cleaners. I seldom carry my wallet with me, usually leaving it in the safe. Of course your mind races. Inside my wallet were 2 credit cards, and a photocopy of my driver's license, and $30 USD.

I threw on shorts, sandals, shirt, and walked rather briskly to the cleaners. I tried to show no concern as I entered the store. The girl at the front desk smiled and asked me, "Would you like your wallet, sir?" I checked it out, everything was intact, and I gave them enough to buy dinner that night.

Now, if you leave your wallet in a taxi, . Different story. Be careful, be safe.

[QUOTE=Skogis;1584667]On my last arrival into T3 with Cebu Air Pacific the arrival hall was loaded with people tagged "us embassy". They went around scoping for something and with first eye contact they "how are you sir". Felt kind of creepy as I was amongst the first into the rather empty baggaclaim area (except from 20 or so US Embassy tagged persons). While waiting for luggage on the belt these gauy and girls mixed in with the crowd and just kept eyebowling their "victims". What was all this about, I am not a US citizen, but still felt kreeped up by all the looks. Do the US have authority on phil soil as well? I was lucky to get my bag rather early and no questions were beeing asked but they were also present infront of the custom booths. They were on the look for something. I got the hell out of there as I don't feel connected to the US (great country and everything) and I atleast not feel I have to answer to the US gvmnt in anyway as I carry a diff citizenship.[/QUOTE]Today, I heard DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson say that Homeland Security was going to give foreign airports that have direct flights to the US extra scrutiny because of what's been happening in Syria and Iraq. Although he was a little vague, it has something to do with the foreign fighters entering Syria and Iraq with either US or European passports.

This was in our local travel news today in Australia:

The United States said on Wednesday it would increase security at overseas airports with nonstop flights to the country and US officials cited concerns al Qaeda operatives in Syria and Yemen were developing bombs that could be smuggled onto planes.

The new security measures would be required at airports in Europe, Africa and the Middle East that have direct flights, the US officials said on condition of anonymity.

The Department of Homeland Security said "enhanced security measures" would be implemented in the next few days at "certain overseas airports with direct flights into the United States".

It did not specify which airports or what countries would be affected, nor did it say what triggered the extra precautions.

"We are sharing recent and relevant information with our foreign allies and are consulting the aviation industry," DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson said he directed the Transportation Security Administration to implement the measures in the coming days. The move comes during the summer travel season and days before the July 4 holiday.

A US official said some of the new measures would involve additional inspections of passengers' shoes and property.

The official said Washington had legal authority to enforce new security requirements on foreign governments or airports because the flights go directly to the United States.

Earlier, law enforcement and security officials said the United States and European authorities were discussing measures that could include installation of additional bomb-detection machines.

Bombmakers from the Nusra Front, al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, and Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, are believed to be working together to try to develop explosives that could avoid detection by current airport screening systems, US national security sources said.

The main concern is that militant groups could try to blow up US- or Europe-bound planes by concealing bombs on foreign fighters carrying Western passports who spent time with Islamist rebel factions in the region, the sources said.

AQAP has a track record of plotting such attacks. It was behind a 2009 attempt by a militant with a bomb hidden in his underwear to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner.

There was no immediate indication US intelligence had detected a specific plot or time frame for carrying out an attack.

US officials believe Nusra and AQAP operatives have carried out operational testing of new bomb designs in Syria, where Nusra is one of the main Islamist groups fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, a national security source said.

The "stealth" explosives the bombmakers are trying to design include non-metallic bombs, ABC News in US reported.

But officials are especially worried that the recent battlefield successes of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, an al Qaeda splinter group, have drawn a growing number of militants from America and Europe to the jihadist cause and they would have easy access to flights headed for American cities.

Reuters.

Read more: [URL]http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-planning/travel-news/us-increases-security-measures-at-overseas-airports-amid-bomb-concerns-20140703-3b9kj.html[/URL]#ixzz36 ObKAPAH.

Hello friends.

Any one having luck with the DIA website? Please let me know.

Cheers.

A158.

[QUOTE=A158;1590174]Hello friends.

Any one having luck with the DIA website? Please let me know.

Cheers.

A158.[/QUOTE]Over the last 10 years or so I have no exact numbers on how many Dia contacts I have shagged but we are talking in hundreds. Recent years I have moved my business elsewhere but have allways kept half an eye to Dia as well to scope for decent to stunning Makatibased spinners. Now you know.

[QUOTE=Skogis;1590180]Over the last 10 years or so I have no exact numbers on how many Dia contacts I have shagged but we are talking in hundreds. Recent years I have moved my business elsewhere but have allways kept half an eye to Dia as well to scope for decent to stunning Makatibased spinners. Now you know.[/QUOTE]So just for my information, most of the ones you shagged are really looking for a BF or a sugar daddy? Right? I think I am approaching it wrong. I'm asking too many questions and also asking for photos etc. Any hints with these Asian women will be appreciated.

Cheers.

A158.

[QUOTE=A158;1590174]Hello friends.

Any one having luck with the DIA website? Please let me know.

Cheers.

A158.[/QUOTE]After being on there for approx 1.5 years and meeting many girls I was booted. After making a new account and posting my profile, which was exactly the same as the one I used for that 1.5 years, I was booted again in less than 2 minutes. This suggests to me that they implemented new keyword filters to scrutinise the profiles and perhaps the messages. Take care with the words you use in your profile; I was crystal clear describing what I was looking for and I surmise this was my undoing. Anyway, no great tragedy as I was using other sites more.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1590301]After being on there for approx 1.5 years and meeting many girls I was booted. After making a new account and posting my profile, which was exactly the same as the one I used for that 1.5 years, I was booted again in less than 2 minutes. This suggests to me that they implemented new keyword filters to scrutinise the profiles and perhaps the messages. Take care with the words you use in your profile; I was crystal clear describing what I was looking for and I surmise this was my undoing. Anyway, no great tragedy as I was using other sites more.[/QUOTE]Even if you use a VPN, clear your cookies and even flash cookies, you are still able to be identified (or more accurately, the computer and software that you are using). COTS software can readily be purchased that can uniquely identify you.

Perhaps, DIA is using this type of software.

Cheers.

P.S. Even more sophisticated software exists that builds profiles that are able to identify you even when using multiple computers. In China, authorities are integrating these software capabilities with CCTV imaging technologies to create even more powerful identification and tracking capabilities. This and related technologies are not commercially available except to government departments in China and selected 'friendly' countries.