General Info

[QUOTE=XMan;1656433]I think the Huts has given a better possible alternative. Take the free bus to some nearby airport casino / resort / whatever, and then get a taxi from there. I tried this once and I'm not sure I saved any time. I enjoyed the change of scenery though.[/QUOTE]That's a fine option as long as traffic is not gridlocked and the shuttle busses are able to get in / out of the airport. Due to persistent flooding whenever there's a rainstorm and now the road construction, gridlock seems to be the cause for a lot of the delay in getting transport out of the airport. Last time I went thru MNL airport the roads were flooded, which cause severe gridlock and the taxi's were simply not able to get into the terminal in a timely fashion. Be nice if they ran the LR into the airport, hop onto the train and at least get out of the terminal to an area where you could get a taxi more easily.

I have been investigating the best way to transfer funds to finance my expenditure during my next trip.

Historically I have tended to rely on UK debit cards using them at ATM machines as at least an ATM card should give you the commercial exchange rate. That has become increasingly expensive as.

Most Phils banks no apply a 200 P fixed ATM charge for international cards with a maximum of 10-20 k PHP withdrawals. The only exceptions that I know of are the Citibank ATMs in Manila and Cebu. In the UK most banks are now charging 2-3% fees on overseas ATM withdrawals or purchases so you can often end up losing 5% plus on bank fees. I have a Phils bank account but transferring funds from the UK by bank transfer tends to be quite costly for fees and at a bad exchange rate, the fees / poor exchange rate offered by Western Union, PayPal and Worldremit etc also tends to run to 5% ish.

There are a number of newer funds transfer companies that have emerged put not many support PHP. One I have found that does is Transferwise. This allows me to transfer funds for a 1% charge at the mid market commercial exchange rate from a UK debit card to a Phils bank account taking around 3 working days to arrive. (The fee rates for transfers between most more actively traded currencies are 0.5%) For those planning a long trip to the Phils, property purchase or sponsoring a student etc this sounds a pretty good deal. Transferwise is most efficient for European currencies such as GBP, EUR, CHF, SEK etc, I think transfers from USD, AUD may incur some extra charges as they have to be routed via SWIFT.

Anybody got any better ways to transfer funds let me know?

If anyone wants to try Transferwise they have a referral program so if you copy and paste the following link you can get your first transfer (up to GBP3000) for free. (They will also credit me a free transfer if someone opens up an account through the link and actually does a transfer).

[URL]https://transferwise.com/u/59c9[/URL]

From the way the article reads it sounds like the dog was cooked for personal consumption by the dog's owner and some of his family/friends, but it makes me wonder just what really is on those BBQ sticks the street vendors sell, LOL.

[QUOTE]TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines Twenty-two persons were hospitalized after eating the meat of a sick dog in Galimuyod town in Ilocos Sur Saturday.

The owner of the dog identified only as Anton admitted that his pet was sick. Anton said the victims demanded that the dog be slaughtered.

Town police chief Senior Inspector Napoleon Eleccion Jr. said the victims cooked the meat for pulutan (finger food).

Eleccion said the hospital where the victims were taken has yet to release its findings on the cause of the poisoning.

The victims remained under observation as of yesterday. Authorities are considering filing of charges against the owner of the dog and the victims.[/QUOTE][URL]http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/12/15/1402650/dog-meat-downs-22[/URL]

[QUOTE=Toronto;1656495]I took the airport bus once, I think it cost like 20 pesos. It was in the morning and sat at the terminal for a long time before going to the next terminal. There were few other foreign travellers on the bus but most got frustrated with the wait and got off to get a taxi. Most of the people on the bus look like those that work at the airport. I want to say it took at least 30 min between terminals including the wait time but can't remember now.[/QUOTE]I've taken that shuttle a few times and if you're not in a hurry it's fine. It hits all the terminals.

[QUOTE=XMan;1656433]I've walked out to the road a few times. In my younger backpacker days I walked from the airport to Ermita.

I think the Huts has given a better possible alternative. Take the free bus to some nearby airport casino / resort / whatever, and then get a taxi from there. I tried this once and I'm not sure I saved any time. I enjoyed the change of scenery though.

I try to be more patient, but I get tired of waiting![/QUOTE]That's the Resorts World shuttle. I recall it runs every hour. If you're not encumbered with luggage you could try your luck crossing the street by foot from NAIA 3 - if you make it across lady luck is on your side surely, so hit the casino before grabbing a taxi. Looking at RW from NAIA 3 the taxi queue is at the far right side of the casino. Look for the Remington Hotel.

[QUOTE=PipJaeger;1656638]From the way the article reads it sounds like the dog was cooked for personal consumption by the dog's owner and some of his family/friends, but it makes me wonder just what really is on those BBQ sticks the street vendors sell, LOL.

[URL]http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/12/15/1402650/dog-meat-downs-22[/URL][/QUOTE]I was eating my breakfast just now. I just lost my appetite. Grrrosss!

RG.

Gentlemen,

This is a repost from Mr. Harry's AC blog that's worth dissemination. It talks a lot about the violence toward foreigner's currently going on in Thailand. The article discusses a few topics that are much in parallel with the Philippines.

I've just returned from the Philippines myself, and I can relate to what the article says that the appearance of hospitality is a thin veneer. Just underneath that thin veneer is a feeling of contempt, especially from Filipino men.

Just for the record, though. I went for 11 days and had no problems at all. So I don't want to sound like "doom and gloom"....Just BE CAREFUL.

[URL]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2833369/Thailand-one-dangerous-tourist-destinations-Earth-Ex-pat-investigation-lifts-lid-dark-Land-Smiles.html[/URL]

This hot stuff sells, I'll say that. Haha, sells here!

[QUOTE=UncleVolodya;1656486]

I could not get the thought of hitting that sweet little pussy again bareback. But Jaycelyn was still asleep and I forced myself to get more sleep too. I woke up again an hour later and this time I was too horny to show restraint. I began to fondle Jaycelyn, starting with her neck and shoulder and then moving to her breasts and between her legs. She was receptive to my caresses, grabbing my raging hard stroking my raging hard on with her hands. We made out the whole time. I could not wait any longer. I spread her legs and entered her in mish. Her pussy was hot and moist and felt like heaven. We went through the whole gamut of positons. Mish, then her on top, then doggy, and finally back to mish. She was loving it. I lost all control and shot a huge load in her tight little pussy, staying inside her after I came to move in and out as we kissed tenderly. What a way to start the day!


Uncle-V.[/QUOTE]Especially this?

[QUOTE=UncleVolodya;1656486]

I lost all control and shot a huge load in her tight little pussy, staying inside her after I came to move in and out as we kissed tenderly. What a way to start the day!


Uncle-V.[/QUOTE]Might not be a good day for the bargirl, or maybe it could be her best day, gaining a sponsor for the next 18 years?

Is this to be encouraged? This is a ROD? Haha, not to me. Trashy romantic novella yes. A post with good intel for all to benefit from? I think not.

UV is a very wise and kind man who took the time to post a good TR w / pics. (Thank You) Good in a sense that he likes local people and treats people w / respect but there is not a lot of, "where, what, who, and how" ground intel.

For me the, "where, who and how" ground intel, written properly (not like me) constitutes RODs not TRs w / massive amounts of trivial bargirl small talk and cute observations about life. I'm glad it does it for so many here. "As the World Turns" I guess. Less is the new more, just like in the USA.

AND, no matter how much I want to I don't shoot sperm into a filipina's pussy, that's a mistake on many levels. A mistake we all make (from time to time) I assume, but should we glorify it?

So a little rain comes down on the crowd favorite. Haha, somebody's got to do it.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;1656511]Great FR; up for the ROD. The GFE thing -- great when it happens, ain't it?[/QUOTE]


Good warm hearted TR? Yes. ROD? No.

[QUOTE=Socker;1656928]UV is a very wise and kind man who took the time to post a good TR w / pics. (Thank You) Good in a sense that he likes local people and treats people w / respect but there is not a lot of, "where, what, who, and how" ground intel.[/QUOTE]I can live with that. I thought both of his posts were great. I can live without the intel if the story gives me a stiffie.

[QUOTE=Socker;1656928]AND, no matter how much I want to I don't shoot sperm into a filipina's pussy, that's a mistake on many levels. A mistake we all make (from time to time) I assume, but should we glorify it?[/QUOTE]One man's mistake, is another man's mission (mine).

[QUOTE=GregLondon;1656635]I have been investigating the best way to transfer funds to finance my expenditure during my next trip.

Historically I have tended to rely on UK debit cards using them at ATM machines as at least an ATM card should give you the commercial exchange rate. That has become increasingly expensive as.

Most Phils banks no apply a 200 P fixed ATM charge for international cards with a maximum of 10-20 k PHP withdrawals. The only exceptions that I know of are the Citibank ATMs in Manila and Cebu. In the UK most banks are now charging 2-3% fees on overseas ATM withdrawals or purchases so you can often end up losing 5% plus on bank fees. I have a Phils bank account but transferring funds from the UK by bank transfer tends to be quite costly for fees and at a bad exchange rate, the fees / poor exchange rate offered by Western Union, PayPal and Worldremit etc also tends to run to 5% ish.

There are a number of newer funds transfer companies that have emerged put not many support PHP. One I have found that does is Transferwise. This allows me to transfer funds for a 1% charge at the mid market commercial exchange rate from a UK debit card to a Phils bank account taking around 3 working days to arrive. (The fee rates for transfers between most more actively traded currencies are 0.5%) For those planning a long trip to the Phils, property purchase or sponsoring a student etc this sounds a pretty good deal. Transferwise is most efficient for European currencies such as GBP, EUR, CHF, SEK etc, I think transfers from USD, AUD may incur some extra charges as they have to be routed via SWIFT.

Anybody got any better ways to transfer funds let me know?

If anyone wants to try Transferwise they have a referral program so if you copy and paste the following link you can get your first transfer (up to GBP3000) for free. (They will also credit me a free transfer if someone opens up an account through the link and actually does a transfer).

[URL]https://transferwise.com/u/59c9[/URL][/QUOTE]All of these non bank services are a bit mickey mouse. For example, Transferwise claim on their website to support AUD but if you establish an account and try to send funds, AUD is no where to been seen. Xoom is (was?) a thing for Americans. You could try looking at Afex [URL]https://www.afex.com/[/URL] If you have a lot of money then banks give you a MUCH better deal, little people are screwed.

AV.

[QUOTE=WhatsUrName;1656833]Gentlemen,

This is a repost from Mr. Harry's AC blog that's worth dissemination. It talks a lot about the violence toward foreigner's currently going on in Thailand. The article discusses a few topics that are much in parallel with the Philippines.

I've just returned from the Philippines myself, and I can relate to what the article says that the appearance of hospitality is a thin veneer. Just underneath that thin veneer is a feeling of contempt, especially from Filipino men.

Just for the record, though. I went for 11 days and had no problems at all. So I don't want to sound like "doom and gloom"....Just BE CAREFUL.

[URL]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2833369/Thailand-one-dangerous-tourist-destinations-Earth-Ex-pat-investigation-lifts-lid-dark-Land-Smiles.html[/URL][/QUOTE]This 'article' is just an ad for a book. File under spam.

AV.

[QUOTE=GregLondon;1656635]I have been investigating the best way to transfer funds to finance my expenditure during my next trip. {S N I P}
Anybody got any better ways to transfer funds let me know?{S N I P}[/QUOTE]Open an HSBC Premier Account. Once you have one account you can very quickly open another Premier account at an HSBC branch in any other country.

Then, international transfers between HSBC accounts are instantaneous (via Global View on Internet Banking), totally free of any charges, and at the current exchange rate.

If you are concerned about commitments to maintain a certain balance in your initial Premier account, PM me and I will advise how to avoid this possible requirement.

Ikks.

[QUOTE=Ikksman;1657035]Open an HSBC Premier Account. Once you have one account you can very quickly open another Premier account at an HSBC branch in any other country.

Then, international transfers between HSBC accounts are instantaneous (via Global View on Internet Banking), totally free of any charges, and at the current exchange rate.

If you are concerned about commitments to maintain a certain balance in your initial Premier account, PM me and I will advise how to avoid this possible requirement.

Ikks.[/QUOTE]Need to be well funded to get one of those. Just sayin. He'll also need help on the Philippine end to establish an account there. They are pretty well useless with 'walk'ins' in the PI.

AV.

[QUOTE=Amavida;1657071]Need to be well funded to get one of those. Just sayin. He'll also need help on the Philippine end to establish an account there. They are pretty well useless with 'walk'ins' in the PI.
AV.[/QUOTE]You don't really need to have wads of cash to open an HSBC Premier Account. Ask if they have specials for new customers. Most branches do, and they typically offer 12 months before the minimum funding level needs to be achieved and maintained. If no specials are available, then say that your funds do not become available (from other investments) for say 3 or 6 months. They will always accept you as a Premier customer.

You can then open Premier accounts in other countries. You just need to give the details of your original HSBC account, and they will instantly open a new account for you. They will even give you your security device at the same time that you open your account (of course you need to be in-country to do this). You don't even need to wait for your plastic card as you can do all your banking via the internet.

If you do not achieve the minimum level of deposits in your original account by the due date, the bank will start charging a monthly fee (varies from country to country). Therefore you need to close your original account before this date. Your other accounts remain fully functional without the need to maintain any minimum level of deposits. I have even opened a new Premier account in a country after my original account was closed, simply by giving the details of my other accounts.

BTW I have found HSBC Premier staff in PI extremely well-trained and helpful (did you know the staff get unlimited sick leave on full pay?

Ikks.

[QUOTE=Ikksman;1657109]You don't really need to have wads of cash to open an HSBC Premier Account. They will always accept you as a Premier customer.

You can then open Premier accounts in other countries. You just need to give the details of your original HSBC account, and they will instantly open a new account for you. They will even give you your security device at the same time that you open your account (of course you need to be in-country to do this). You don't even need to wait for your plastic card as you can do all your banking via the internet.

If you do not achieve the minimum level of deposits in your original account by the due date, the bank will start charging a monthly fee (varies from country to country). Therefore you need to close your original account before this date. Your other accounts remain fully functional without the need to maintain any minimum level of deposits. I have even opened a new Premier account in a country after my original account was closed, simply by giving the details of my other accounts.

BTW I have found HSBC Premier staff in PI extremely well-trained and helpful (did you know the staff get unlimited sick leave on full pay?

Ikks.[/QUOTE]And they have quite nice restrooms for customers too, which is really helpful if you are in a jam in Singapore, or Jakarta, or Hong Kong.

All you got to do is flash that card.

Sick leave for Philippines is a bit of joke. All staff are entitled by law to something like 21-28 days sick leave depending on what the union negotiate. Not hard for staff to find a doctor on December 10th who will happily sign you a medical chit till year end. Happens every December in many countries. Just another employee headache to manage and one more reason its more fun in the phil etc.