General Info

[QUOTE=Mbsl65;1781574]It is very unfortunate to see how tourism and tourist handled in Philippines by the government.

Malaysia: Population 30 M / 2014 Tourist: 28.5 M.

Thailand: Population 67 M / 2014 Tourist: 23 M.

Philippines: Population: 99 M / 2014 Tourist: 5 M.

They have no clue of bringing tourist money into the country and host them.[/QUOTE]Interesting statistics, but I don't think the reasons for this country's almost total failure to attract foreign tourists has much to do with the government having no clue. The fact is that the country's lack of adequate infrastructure, whether in air transport, public transport, road transport, rail transport, IT infrastructure, the lack of reliable electricity and the general inefficiency in the delivery of most services deters tourism. Couple that with the ongoing, intermittent wars in the South, the petty thievery and bureaucratic corruption, and the travel warnings from North A,epicanthic and European governments, and the place doesn't have much to attract most tourists. The government surely is aware of all this and simply doesn't care much. The reason? Because most politicians are only assured of their four years in office, and this means they're only guaranteed a short time during which to steal as much as possible. Rectifying the country's major inadequacies however, is a long-term prospect and politicians here are not interested in the long term. They're focused on stealing as much as possible during a reasonably concentrated period. There's no vision here, and no commitment to public service; there's only a sea of endless venality.

The lack of foreign tourist arrivals parallels the general lack of foreign investment--the lowest in ASEAN--and for many of the same reasons. Those, coupled with the fact that the oligarchs who own the company don't want competition from more efficient, higher quality foreign firms almost ensures that this country will creep ever further toward the bottom of the ASEAN heap.

GE.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1781589]The lack of foreign tourist arrivals parallels the general lack of foreign investment--the lowest in ASEAN--and for many of the same reasons. Those, coupled with the fact that the oligarchs who own the company don't want competition from more efficient, higher quality foreign firms almost ensures that this country will creep ever further toward the bottom of the ASEAN heap.

GE.[/QUOTE]The lack of investment as GE points out was one reason the Asian Basketball tournament was awarded to China despite the Philippines thinking it was a shoe in to host the next event. Only this country would not see it lack of basic infrastructure to host a major tournament as an obstacle.

Add to this news on the bullet scam at NAIA, more travel advisories against visiting especially since the recent kidnappings in the south plus a host of other stories on blogs about scams etc, I am not surprised that tourism (which should be good source of income and employment) is not booming.

Add to all this what GE noted about the politicians / family dynasties you get the picture.

ASEAN integration is something that will be very difficult (and possibly unwelcome for many of the dynasties). As a result, the country will suffer the consequences for a long time until someone / something is done and I would think it needs to be drastic before the country can rise from its inevitable position at the bottom of the pile.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1781544]Like RK and WR and other residents here, I (unfortunately) use NAIA frequently as I have no alternative. My only recourse, as I see it, is to buy a new carry-on bag with no outside pockets, and as always to make sure the bag is locked.

I spent one night this week in Angeles, at ABC as always. I was talking to the owner of the hotel and he told me that business is down somewhat from last year. He attributes the decline to the growing disgust with the airport and the hassles of coping with Manila traffic. He thinks that foreigners are simply fed up and don't want to deal with the horrors of NAIA or the traffic. As a case in point, the distance between the Fairmont in Makati and Angeles is about 92 kms. Yesterday, the trip took approximately 90 minutes, leaving the hotel at about 11 AM. Today, leaving the hotel at 8 AM, we were just in time to catch the paralyzing traffic on EDSA, and the final few kilometers took more than an hour, making the trip about two and a half hours. Who needs the hassle?

GE.[/QUOTE]My carry on never has outside pockets as it is a hard shell bag but I am more vigilant now. Although since the expose I am sure there will not be another incident (but it won't stop other scams happening and / or being devised).

Am surprised it only took 90 minutes /2+ hours as I had heard from friends recently where it took more like 4-6 hours as EDSA was a mess (he was staying overnight in Manila so was lucky as he could have easily missed his flight).

I remember coming from Baguio by bus once (yes I do use them once and a blue moon and I had no choice) - and after around 7 hours we ended up in Cubao. To get to Pasay was gong to take around 2 hours due to Friday night traffic, so I got off and found a taxi that was quicker by an hour (the bus had to stop en route hence slower) but it was trip I have never forgotten!

[QUOTE=ChochaMonger;1781308]The Philippine Government ..................................

In an uncharacteristic turn of events he has ordered an immediate investigation into the extortion of travelers at NAIA. Probably the latest kidnapping of foreigners and subsequent evasion of a Philippine naval blockade by local terrorists also added pressure on Malacaang to do something.

.............................. P30,000 "poriner departure tax" after they expended their last peso on Gretchin's grabber ........................................

.................[/QUOTE]Definitely a Gretchin Grabber, Report of Distinction. Mandatory reading folks.

On second reading of the other previous post, noted its Terminal 4 , an Outpost. Nice place for a smiley to try that stunt. No reports of it happening at T1 , 2 and 3 , it seems. Myself, I will avoid Manila airports until I can afford the P30,000 Departure Tax.

I couldn't have said it much better myself. You are spot on GE. I've been coming to the Phils for 5 years as we have operations in Manila and recently Cebu. It takes so much red tape and inefficient process to get up and running here (unless you are a large corporation and can bribe but we aren't) that it almost isn't worth it. If it wasn't for the eager to please inexpensive labor pool there would be little reason to set up business here. As for tourism, while many of the islands are beautiful and not as polluted as the cities they are a pain to get to compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1781589]Interesting statistics, but I don't think the reasons for this country's almost total failure to attract foreign tourists has much to do with the government having no clue. The fact is that the country's lack of adequate infrastructure, whether in air transport, public transport, road transport, rail transport, IT infrastructure, the lack of reliable electricity and the general inefficiency in the delivery of most services deters tourism. Couple that with the ongoing, intermittent wars in the South, the petty thievery and bureaucratic corruption, and the travel warnings from North A,epicanthic and European governments, and the place doesn't have much to attract most tourists. The government surely is aware of all this and simply doesn't care much. The reason? Because most politicians are only assured of their four years in office, and this means they're only guaranteed a short time during which to steal as much as possible. Rectifying the country's major inadequacies however, is a long-term prospect and politicians here are not interested in the long term. They're focused on stealing as much as possible during a reasonably concentrated period. There's no vision here, and no commitment to public service; there's only a sea of endless venality.

The lack of foreign tourist arrivals parallels the general lack of foreign investment--the lowest in ASEAN--and for many of the same reasons. Those, coupled with the fact that the oligarchs who own the company don't want competition from more efficient, higher quality foreign firms almost ensures that this country will creep ever further toward the bottom of the ASEAN heap.

GE.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Mogwai;1781414]Maybe those guys are still young too, mentally I mean....[/QUOTE]I try to think positive: They have a higher tolerance for mental torture.

There are many intelligent, competent, mature thinking Filipinas, but I think all of us have encountered the following scenario in the Philippines: 1) Meet hot, irresistible Pinay for first time. 2) Persuade hot, irresistible Pinay to have sex with words or whatever works. 3) The moment the volcano erupts, exciting new puki transforms instantly into boring not-new puki (puki is the Tagalog word for penis heaven). 4) Hornyfog clears in seconds and there's a sweaty Pinay lying there and no idea what to with her.

Wooly's practical tips to make the torture more bearable:

- Like cold drink after sweaty sex, and maybe some fresh fruit? "Honey, would you like to bring us some?

- going to take a shower anyway, might as well have her lather, rinse, dry, and deodorize me.

- Point her at the TV while getting some work or reading done. Depending on her intellectual pursuits, try in descending order Pinoy Big Brother, music video channel, Showtime / Eat Bulaga, or cartoons.

- Set her up on your laptop to check her FB and other sites. Even better if you have a logger installed, but either way she'll be busy a while. If you want to risk conversation, have her sit on your lap while checking her FB and ask her about her hot friends, cousins, etc. 3-somes? Open-minded to introducing you? Make mental notes in any case.

- Sometimes, though, you just got to exchange entire sentences with her. Stuck in a taxi, eating together, waiting for checkout, whatever. The snarky advice is to say "avoid this", but what to do if it's too late and there you are stuck with her? I personally start asking questions so simple that any girl can answer but may be useful to me in the future. Who was the prettiest girl (or biggest boobs, or whatever you like) of your classmates, besides you of course? (added for bola-bola, Tagalog word for flattery). (Make mental notes to try contacting in FB). So you have sisters? Cousins? Are they older or younger? Can I see their pictures? (Mental notes about details). What did you like the most that we did in bed? (To improve technique with her or in general). You get the idea. None of this is exciting, but it's possible to get useful info while stuck. A few I've given well-needed classes on every available form of birth control. They've been appreciative and often opened up a lot more about Pinay life they'd never otherwise admit.

Sorry to ramble. Good luck to all.

I really feel for you guys who live in the phils or are stuck there for periods of time, usually in the financial sector based in Manila specifically Makati. Its a totally different level of concern for all issues than those of us who travel there for strictly pleasure. The airport issue is of particular concern here lately. For those that don't know, there is one giant dysfunctional airfield surrounded by 4 terminals none of which have any formal way of connecting passengers to each other. Its a total free for all.

The bullet scam though widely discuseed here seems to be a scam which has run its course. There are tens of thousands of passengers who pass through the 3 main terminals of NAIA. I am most familiar lately with terminal 2 and 3 lately although I have been through them all over the years.

Terminal 1 was the old international airport and Terminal 2 is and was the exclusive Philipinnes Air airport. Terminal 3 is the new International Airport Plus the new Cebu Pacific Terminal and even has some Phil Air flights. Terminal 4 is the old what they called the Domestic Airport, its a very primitive operation. Its likely deteriorated even further since my last use of it 5 or 6 years ago. Since its purely a domestic airport, there are none of the international regulations associated with its operation.

Was the bullet scam isolated to this decrepit increasingly insignifigant barely used airport? The foriegner detained was in terminal 4. Its infinitesimally unlikely any potential first time or return monger will use Terminal 4 to begin with.

Of course there are random acts of extortion. All should be warned against that and told to brush them off. Native Filipinos are much more in danger of this than tourists.

The main takeaway is to be vigilant with your bags and that the locals, if left unchecked as in terminal 4 can take it to the extreme.

[QUOTE=WickedRoger;1781664]The lack of investment as GE points out was one reason the Asian Basketball tournament was awarded to China despite the Philippines thinking it was a shoe in to host the next event. Only this country would not see it lack of basic infrastructure to host a major tournament as an obstacle.

ASEAN integration is something that will be very difficult (and possibly unwelcome for many of the dynasties). As a result, the country will suffer the consequences for a long time until someone / something is done and I would think it needs to be drastic before the country can rise from its inevitable position at the bottom of the pile.[/QUOTE]I had forgotten to mention, now that WR has raised the topic of ASEAN integration, the indisputable fact that this country produces almost nothing needed or even wanted by the rest of the world, except bananas and some other fruits. There's virtually no large home-grown manufacturing, not even car assembly plants. There's no large, viable research sector, little in the way of international patents stemming from the country, and therefore little in the way of innovation. Much of the industry here pertains to assembling "stuff" made elsewhere and then transshipped out of here to onward destinations, largely in the West. There is a local cinema industry, but its products are limited to the local markets, and there's a vibrant music scene, but it's dependent on "imported" Western music.

I notice that the current president, contended yesterday or the day before that Filipinos seeking to leave the country do so because they want to see other places, and not because there's so little opportunity for them here. This proves that he's actually a stupid as he appears or is perhaps just delusional. OFWs, as has been well chronicled, live emotionally shattering lives, and leave--not because they want to--but because they chose to suffer the separation anxieties and often indignities as a means of supporting their families. Without the jobs provided by other countries, and the foreign exchange that "remittances" bring to the country, the economy would likely collapse.

GE.

[QUOTE=Pantot;1781775]Terminal 4 is the old what they called the Domestic Airport, its a very primitive operation. Its likely deteriorated even further since my last use of it 5 or 6 years ago. Since its purely a domestic airport, there are none of the international regulations associated with its operation.
[/QUOTE]About a year an half ago I flew internationally on AirAsia. I arrived at terminal 3, where I caught the same flight previously, couldn't find my flight, and after asking several people, learnt it was departing from terminal 4, the terminal of AirAsia's domestic flights. I mention this so your reader doesn't believe terminal 4 is exclusively domestic; it's the Philippines after all. Yes, terminal 4 is old and decrepit.

[QUOTE=Mbsl65;1781574]It is very unfortunate to see how tourism and tourist handled in Philippines by the government.

Philippines: Population: 99 M / 2014 Tourist: 5 M.

[/QUOTE]This brings tears to my eyes. Tears of hapenis that is. For a fella to come here the pay off is even better than elsewhere. No argument from me that the country would do better by attracting more tourists, but for purely selfish reasons this low figure doesn't bother me at all. Paradise is one that's unspoilt.

It would be interesting to find a breakdown by nationality of the tourists in the region. I suspect mainland Asia countries benefit because of the ease of overland travel (certainly better infrastructure), the desire of some tourists to see a several countries rather than one, and also many long-term foreign residents doing their visa runs. Moreover, the growth of tourism in the region is largely due to mainland Chinese holiday makers. Lovely people the Chinese, but I for one prefer to avoid any horde that overruns a place.

[QUOTE=MrWoolyBooly;1781754]I try to think positive: They have a higher tolerance for mental torture.

- Point her at the TV while getting some work or reading done. Depending on her intellectual pursuits, try in descending order Pinoy Big Brother, music video channel, Showtime / Eat Bulaga, or cartoons.

[/QUOTE]I usually introduce them to US & UK telly programmes and films to watch together. Because the dialogue can go a bit fast and some accents are tougher for them to understand I download those that include the closed captioning or I get the srt file for English subtitles.

These are series I've found they like a lot.
[quote]
Luther.
Peep Show.
Hannibal.
Banshee.
Mr Robot.
Vikings.
Walking Dead.
Orphan Black.

Film:
What About Bob? - every girl who has seen it loves this movie. I think I've now watched it a few hundred times. Physical comedy works better that satire, parody, and irony.
The Notebook. This must be the most loved movie here, but really I can't watch it too often because it's saccharine tripe.
Three Idiots. An Indian movie that's well liked.
Mesrine. Arty farty French film doesn't work, but action flicks with Vince Cassel are good.
The Pusher trilogy.
Any zombie movie.
Documentaries about rock bands.
[/quote]

If you're meeting girls aged 18-25 many of them have never seen the classics, like [I]The Godfather[/I], [I]The French Connection[/I] and [I]Rocky[/I]. The Nora Ephron rom-coms such as [I]When Harry Met Sally[/I] are unknown but well liked.

If you download here plan ahead because it will take many more hours.

[QUOTE=MrWoolyBooly;1781754]- Sometimes, though, you just got to exchange entire sentences with her. Stuck in a taxi, eating together, waiting for checkout, whatever. The snarky advice is to say "avoid this", but what to do if it's too late and there you are stuck with her? I personally start asking questions so simple that any girl can answer but may be useful to me in the future. Who was the prettiest girl (or biggest boobs, or whatever you like) of your classmates, besides you of course? (added for bola-bola, Tagalog word for flattery). (Make mental notes to try contacting in FB). So you have sisters? Cousins? Are they older or younger? Can I see their pictures? (Mental notes about details). What did you like the most that we did in bed? (To improve technique with her or in general). You get the idea. None of this is exciting, but it's possible to get useful info while stuck. A few I've given well-needed classes on every available form of birth control. They've been appreciative and often opened up a lot more about Pinay life they'd never otherwise admit.[/QUOTE]All good advice.

I am proud to claim this as the best of the Spanish heritage.

If WWII and the destruction it rained on the PI did not force change not even Pol Pot will shake this place, it is stuck in the 18th century I am afraid.

So much for the Yanks, now that I think of.

[QUOTE=WickedRoger;1781664]The lack of investment as GE points out was one reason the Asian Basketball tournament was awarded to China despite the Philippines thinking it was a shoe in to host the next event. Only this country would not see it lack of basic infrastructure to host a major tournament as an obstacle.

Add to this news on the bullet scam at NAIA, more travel advisories against visiting especially since the recent kidnappings in the south plus a host of other stories on blogs about scams etc, I am not surprised that tourism (which should be good source of income and employment) is not booming.

Add to all this what GE noted about the politicians / family dynasties you get the picture.

ASEAN integration is something that will be very difficult (and possibly unwelcome for many of the dynasties). As a result, the country will suffer the consequences for a long time until someone / something is done and I would think it needs to be drastic before the country can rise from its inevitable position at the bottom of the pile.[/QUOTE]

Isn't T4 considered the airports intl LCC terminal? Have past it on numerous occations and don't think I ever will feel the urge to go there. It looks not very inviting and from what I read here I have been right all along. So I continue my biz from mostly T3 without worry to much about beeing scammed. What should worry people more and airlines too are the sloppy securitychecks. Not that I am traveller with an evil mind but my last departure eve 29 of Sept I walked through security with my iphone in my pocket and belt still on. The x ray beeped but the officer just waived me through. In my carry on I did have a 0. 5 l btl of water and ipad (I forgot the btl of water) and no one raised an eyebrow when my bag popped out from the machine. I normaly not forget this as I prep myself long time before I am even close to security check. Maybe a state of hornyfog.

An interesting thread. I have not been back for a couple of years but was planning to come last March. Instead my daughter convinced me to meet her in Vietnam and travel with her for a month there. It was not my preferred destination, but she and her sibling bought me return tickets as a birthday present. We traveled by planes, trains, buses, and automobile from Hanoi to Saigon and into Cambodia. One of my main reasons for going to the Philippines has been that almost everyone is able to communicate in English and of course the plentiful supply of companionship.

The first couple of nights in Vietnam we stayed in a high end hotel and my fears of lack of service in English were magnified. We went to the tour desk and could not book a simple cruise due to their inability to speak English despite almost everyone at the front desk trying to add their idea of what we were looking for. We finally went to where the back packers congregate and booked the trip in minutes. From there on my daughter used trip adviser to book our hotels. She and I have different standards. To her more than $20.00 to $30.00 a night is a waste of money. She looked at reviews within a range of her price points and booked. If we didn't like it we only stayed a night, if we liked it, we extended. Her price point is where the backpackers stay. Almost all the hotel staff in these areas speak English and can help you with simple things like a SIM card that can become complicated if you wish to use an approved provider. The hotels were nicer than some of the three to four star hotels I have stayed at in the Philippines and all had room safes.

When we traveled what stuck me was the number of new highways being built, and older highways being repaired and twinned and the money being spent on infrastructure. Compare that to each island having it's own issues and either not having the money, will, or desire to upgrade they are going to fall further and further behind faster and faster. I am planning to come back towards the end of October but everything I have been reading here is convincing me to take a side trip to Vietnam. Unless it is pointed out to you. Which it sometimes was, you would not know you are in a communist country. Custom made quality suits in twenty four hours for $125.00 in some communities.

If there was a supply of ladies there as there is in the Philippines I would go directly there. Sadly DIA ladies are very specific on their preferences. Oldies like me are seldom responded to. LOL I managed to sneak out for one blow job in a MP but was quoted an outrageous amount for a BBBJ. I paid and it was average.

We had one dealing with a police officer. Helpful, and brief.

The current Philippine stories of plane delays, traffic, and now luggage tampering having me seriously questioning if it is worth the risk to come back at the end of October. Then again LOL. I have a lady I have seen on each trip for the last five trips who has a desire to add to her bucket list of where she can have sex. I have an affliction for thirty to forty year olds with degrees and good jobs who can carry on a conversation as I like longer term visits. Each to their own. But they are an untapped mine. There are many who are single, slim, tight, attractive, will screw you silly at the drop of a hat, go to a museum with you and explain their history, and drop their pants again as soon as they are back in the room. That is worth taking a chance on planted bullets for a couple weeks in Phils for me this month.

Nice post. I've had some fantastic mileage with an educated 30+ gal. I even saved money. She gave me Internet access, had her maid cook me breakfast after she had left for work, and her driver take me to the airport. I bought her some really nice lingerie, which she happily modeled for me. Like many of my favorites, she found her match in the developed world. Not sure how she has adjusted to no maid, no driver.

Unlike some of my past flames, I'm pretty sure the guy did well.

As for the my ancient past Davao girl, I recently found her on FB. SHe was a scammer / beggar, but had the most beautiful eyes. Loved those long eyelashes. I had to meet the whole extended family, but f'd her on the first date. Short petite girls usually don't look good after gaining weight and this gal is absolutely ghastly now. I always felt sorry for the guy who ended up with her, but he seems happy and they have a cute kid. Life is strange.

[QUOTE=Amanut;1781984] SNIP

Then again LOL. I have a lady I have seen on each trip for the last five trips who has a desire to add to her bucket list of where she can have sex. I have an affliction for thirty to forty year olds with degrees and good jobs who can carry on a conversation as I like longer term visits. Each to their own. But they are an untapped mine. There are many who are single, slim, tight, attractive, will screw you silly at the drop of a hat, go to a museum with you and explain their history, and drop their pants again as soon as they are back in the room. That is worth taking a chance on planted bullets for a couple weeks in Phils for me this month.[/QUOTE]