General Info

[QUOTE=Slippery;1628143]Walk down any street in Ermita or Malate. Its the same stuff you'll get from an Indian online pharmacy. In the alternative, depending on what country you're in, you can get an online consultation from a physician, pay the premium price and have the real stuff delivered to your door in 24 hours. Some have remarked that they've just walked into drug stores here and bought it. I never tried that.[/QUOTE]As mentioned recently, Cialis has a supply problem in the Phils. Street Cialis is currently fake. Street Viagra is not fake.
Mercury drug stores are likely to ask a prescription but a smile & promise to bring it next time can often get you off the hook. Watson's is far less strict but you can be asked. Prices in drug stores are way above street prices. You will be asked P1000 on the street but P300 for a box of V is appropriate.

AV.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1628147]It's 11:06 am My GF has been on the phone for 5 hours and 6 minutes waiting to speak to a Smart customer service representative. This entire country is beyond consumer fraud. Any state AG's office in the United States would shut Smart down in a heartbeat if they did business like that there..[/QUOTE]But in Philippines telcos own the politicians who own all the laws.

Or a dozen injunctions will be filed, a-la Marcos family and nobody will remember anything after a while.

How can they enforce anything?

P.S. Strangely recently Generics Pharmacy claimed I needed a prescription for TigerFil.

I'm coming to Manila from the US next month. Everything I need will fit into a small overheard bag, which leaves me an empty suitcase to bring things in. Is there anything that I can bring that I can easily sell in the Philippines? I bought an unlocked iPhone 6 from the Apple Store. I still have lots of space. Anything suggestions? I have a friend who financed an entire trip to Africa with Apple products. I'd love to make some cash while I'm traveling. (No drugs, of course.).

[QUOTE=Commonglass;1629387]I'm coming to Manila from the US next month. Everything I need will fit into a small overheard bag, which leaves me an empty suitcase to bring things in. Is there anything that I can bring that I can easily sell in the Philippines? I bought an unlocked iPhone 6 from the Apple Store. I still have lots of space. Anything suggestions? I have a friend who financed an entire trip to Africa with Apple products. I'd love to make some cash while I'm traveling. (No drugs, of course.).[/QUOTE]I've got an iPhone 6 and, because it's not yet available here, it attracts lots of attention from people who notice it. I'm guessing that on a 64 or 128 GB model you could likely make $400-500 but I'm only guessing. The premium will of course disappear once the phones start selling here, which I'm told by the staff of my local PowerMac center will likely be in December. You could advertise the phone before you come to see if there's any interest. There's a local service here called Lozada that's offering phones, doubtless brought in from elsewhere on a COD basis. Other than the iPhone 6, Apple product are readily available.

GE.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1629392]I've got an iPhone 6 and, because it's not yet available here, it attracts lots of attention from people who notice it. I'm guessing that on a 64 or 128 GB model you could likely make $400-500 but I'm only guessing. The premium will of course disappear once the phones start selling here, which I'm told by the staff of my local PowerMac center will likely be in December. You could advertise the phone before you come to see if there's any interest. There's a local service here called Lozada that's offering phones, doubtless brought in from elsewhere on a COD basis. Other than the iPhone 6, Apple product are readily available.

GE.[/QUOTE]Some of the online coupon sites were offering very limited quantities the other day.

6.
[URL]http://www.ensogo.com.ph/products/apple-iphone-6-in-3-variants-09232014.html?utm_source=BestSellerNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Electronics&popup=false&sc_src=email_1099140&sc_eh=27fce4de8f9919a21&sc_customer=[/URL]

Valid for one of these Apple iPhone 6.
Apple iPhone 6 16 GB for P47399 (valued at P83000).
Apple iPhone 6 64 GB for P51999 (valued at P89000).
Apple iPhone 6 128 GB for P54399 (valued at P96000).

6 plus.
[URL]http://www.ensogo.com.ph/products/apple-iphone-6-plus-09232014.html?utm_source=BestSellerNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Electronics&popup=false&sc_src=email_1099140&sc_eh=27fce4de8f9919a21&sc_customer=[/URL]

Valid for one of these Apple iPhone 6 Plus.
Apple iPhone 6 Plus 16 GB for P69999 (valued at P120000).
Apple iPhone 6 Plus 64 GB for P76999 (valued at P140000).
Apple iPhone 6 Plus 128 GB for P83399 (valued at P168000).

Is a 128 GB 6 plus really "valued" at approx. $4000?

Just saw a short post on Dragon Slayer's forum repeating a news story from yesterday regarding the murder of two older Swiss tourists at a beach resort in Misamis Oriental. Both guys were older, one 67 and the other 70 something, and both were with (presumably younger) Filipinas. The two ken were killed in broad daylight in the parking lot of a resort, and, surprise, the gunmen escaped.

Misamis is not one of the areas known for excessive violence and as an older foreigner, this story causes me sooe concern. I've just checked so, e of the published articles, which are sparse on any details, but they do confirm that this happened.

GE.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1629661]Just saw a short post on Dragon Slayer's forum repeating a news story from yesterday regarding the murder of two older Swiss tourists at a beach resort in Misamis Oriental. Both guys were older, one 67 and the other 70 something, and both were with (presumably younger) Filipinas. The two ken were killed in broad daylight in the parking lot of a resort, and, surprise, the gunmen escaped.

Misamis is not one of the areas known for excessive violence and as an older foreigner, this story causes me sooe concern. I've just checked so, e of the published articles, which are sparse on any details, but they do confirm that this happened.

GE.[/QUOTE][URL]http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/10/05/2-swiss-nationals-gunned-down-in-opol-misamis-oriental/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2-swiss-nationals-gunned-down-in-opol-misamis-oriental[/URL]

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1629661]Both guys were older, one 67 and the other 70 something, and both were with (presumably younger) Filipinas. The two ken were killed in broad daylight in the parking lot of a resort, and, surprise, the gunmen escaped.
Misamis is not one of the areas known for excessive violence and as an older foreigner, this story causes me some concern.GE.[/QUOTE]Yes, they were younger Filipina partners, and from the vibes I have heard a love triangle was involved. Looks like a targeted killing. A similar foreigner (Michael Turner) killing occurred in the same Opol CdO locality two years ago, unsolved, and again the hallmarks of a targeted killing. The killers were unmasked, used high power weapons, with silencer. No robbery was involved and the gunmen apparently fled in a taxi. I wonder if they paid the meter.

The local Vice Governor Joey Pelaez posted: "We condemn the shooting of foreign guests in the province of Misamis Oriental. We call on the Philippine National Police to immediately work on the apprehension of the perpetrators of this dastardly act. " Let's hope so. Judging from some of the recent Philippines crimes the PNP could well start by looking within its own ranks.

It can be a dangerous region. In July last year, militants from a little-known al-Qaida-inspired group called Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao are the ones suspected of detonating a bomb in Cagayan de Oro that killed eight people and wounded dozens of others in a crowded downtown bar.

Be alert and aware.

Kongking's report is probably pretty accurate, regarding these two murders. Interesting how there is very little mention in the national press! Don't want to upset the tourists, do we? Obviously a targeted hit and no robbery associated with the crime. That the getaway vehicle was a taxi is bizarre. Suggests that someone 'untouchable' and therefore not concerned about police inquiries could be involved. This one strikes close to home, as I've spent quite a bit of time in CDO, dating a number of young Filipinas. The reality is that this is a dangerous country and so-called 'law enforcement' is not going to protect us. "Pay your money and take your chance"!

[QUOTE=Questor55;1630035]The reality is that this is a dangerous country and so-called 'law enforcement' is not going to protect us. "Pay your money and take your chance"![/QUOTE]A P100,000 reward has been posted today for information that leads to the arrest of the slayers.

See: [URL]http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/10/08/guv-offers-p100000-reward-info-swiss-killers-369836[/URL].

More information is given on the background to the slaying of the two Swiss foreigners.

But the process of crime investigation and justice is slow in the Philippines. It is now 4 days since the killings and it seems the police are still to do the basic initial crime investigations. To quote from this press article:

-"aside from the cooperation of the beach resort owners to provide authorities with copies of the CCTV footage that could help in identifying the killers, the task group is also making attempts at getting vital information from the Swiss victims' Filipino female partners. ".

-"the task group has yet to obtain affidavits from them (the partners)".

-"SOCO has yet to determine the exact number of bullets fired by the gunmen".

-"the police are still composing an artist's sketch of the suspects based on the accounts of the witnesses".

Justice moves slowly, if at all, in the Philippines; vis the Michael Turner murder at the same spot 3 years ago and the Maguindanao massacre of 58 people.

[QUOTE=Questor55;1630035]Kongking's report is probably pretty accurate, regarding these two murders. Interesting how there is very little mention in the national press! Don't want to upset the tourists, do we? Obviously a targeted hit and no robbery associated with the crime. That the getaway vehicle was a taxi is bizarre. Suggests that someone 'untouchable' and therefore not concerned about police inquiries could be involved. This one strikes close to home, as I've spent quite a bit of time in CDO, dating a number of young Filipinas. The reality is that this is a dangerous country and so-called 'law enforcement' is not going to protect us. "Pay your money and take your chance"![/QUOTE]Happens everyday in every country. Love triangle killing.

[QUOTE=KongKing;1629717]Yes, they were younger Filipina partners, and from the vibes I have heard a love triangle was involved. Looks like a targeted killing. A similar foreigner (Michael Turner) killing occurred in the same Opol CdO locality two years ago, unsolved, and again the hallmarks of a targeted killing. The killers were unmasked, used high power weapons, with silencer. No robbery was involved and the gunmen apparently fled in a taxi. I wonder if they paid the meter.

The local Vice Governor Joey Pelaez posted: "We condemn the shooting of foreign guests in the province of Misamis Oriental. We call on the Philippine National Police to immediately work on the apprehension of the perpetrators of this dastardly act. " Let's hope so. Judging from some of the recent Philippines crimes the PNP could well start by looking within its own ranks.

It can be a dangerous region. In July last year, militants from a little-known al-Qaida-inspired group called Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao are the ones suspected of detonating a bomb in Cagayan de Oro that killed eight people and wounded dozens of others in a crowded downtown bar.

Be alert and aware.[/QUOTE]The fact is, there's no real criminal justice system here and everyone knows it. This is why the residents of Davao applaud the Mayor's approach to self-administered justice. That is, HE finds the crooks and then kills them. Works for me.

GE.

Yesterday, I showed up at the Davao airport for my weekly trip to my least favorite city, Manila. As is usual for me, the Cebu Pacifc flight boarded and left on time, and about 90 minutes later we were over Manila, which is when the fun began. Remember that the Manila airport can only use one runway at a time, and has ground equipment that's so old replacement parts are no longer available, so under the best of circumstances, it can't manage more than a single take-off or landing in less than about 10 minutes--as compared to a take-off or landing every 15 seconds or so common in modern airports. So, as usual, we began to circle. After about 10 minutes, the Captain announced that we were number 20 for landing and he had no idea how long it would take to get on the ground. About 10 minutes later, he got back on the PA and announced , in the interest of passenger safety, he would divert to Clark, refuel there, and then try again for Manila.

So we landed at Clark about two and a half hours after taking off from Davao, and were then told by the crew that severe thunderstorms over Manila had turned airline schedules into a shambles. I asked approximately how long the Captain thought it would take us to refuel, fly to Manila and then actually land. He had no idea, though was quite pleasant about it. I then asked if we could debark at Clark and make our own way to Manila. He responded that so long as we had no checked bags he had no problem with it, and so about 23 of us to decided to take that option. However, we were held on the plane for another 30 minutes or so, while CP arranged for a bus to take us to the terminal. Getting onto the bus was when the real fun started as evidently the crew thought there should be one more person on the bus than actually showed up. They spent another 30 minutes trying to find the person.

Eventually, we were taken to the terminal and left to our own devices. I wound up getting the last apartment at Fields Plaza, which is owned by ABC, and all of the hotel rooms were taken. This morning I had to hire a car and driver to take me to Makati, where I arrived approximately 24 hours after having left Davao. More fun in the Philippines.

GE.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1630128]Yesterday, I showed up at the Davao airport for my weekly trip to my least favorite city, Manila. As is usual for me, the Cebu Pacifc flight boarded and left on time, and about 90 minutes later we were over Manila, which is when the fun began. Remember that the Manila airport can only use one runway at a time, and has ground equipment that's so old replacement parts are no longer available, so under the best of circumstances, it can't manage more than a single take-off or landing in less than about 10 minutes--as compared to a take-off or landing every 15 seconds or so common in modern airports. So, as usual, we began to circle. After about 10 minutes, the Captain announced that we were number 20 for landing and he had no idea how long it would take to get on the ground. About 10 minutes later, he got back on the PA and announced , in the interest of passenger safety, he would divert to Clark, refuel there, and then try again for Manila.

So we landed at Clark about two and a half hours after taking off from Davao, and were then told by the crew that severe thunderstorms over Manila had turned airline schedules into a shambles. I asked approximately how long the Captain thought it would take us to refuel, fly to Manila and then actually land. He had no idea, though was quite pleasant about it. I then asked if we could debark at Clark and make our own way to Manila. He responded that so long as we had no checked bags he had no problem with it, and so about 23 of us to decided to take that option. However, we were held on the plane for another 30 minutes or so, while CP arranged for a bus to take us to the terminal. Getting onto the bus was when the real fun started as evidently the crew thought there should be one more person on the bus than actually showed up. They spent another 30 minutes trying to find the person.

Eventually, we were taken to the terminal and left to our own devices. I wound up getting the last apartment at Fields Plaza, which is owned by ABC, and all of the hotel rooms were taken. This morning I had to hire a car and driver to take me to Makati, where I arrived approximately 24 hours after having left Davao. More fun in the Philippines.

GE.[/QUOTE]With all due respect I am trying to understand the point of your story.

If you changed Manila to Houston; Clark to Austin; Cebu Pacific to United Airlines, then I have been on the same flight.

[QUOTE=KongKing;1630116]But the process of crime investigation and justice is slow in the Philippines.[/QUOTE]What ever happened to those four wealthy lads charged with murdering the husband, a USMC officer I recall, of a US embassy employee in Bel Air, Makati about 2 years ago? The entire murder was captured on CCTV and broadcast to the nation. They still walking free?