General Info

[QUOTE=Blanquiceleste;1825710]Angeles City, Fields Avenue 31 Dec 2015 circa 10:00 pm. I had picked up my girl from Angelwitch and was taking the shuttle back to the Lewis Grand where I was staying. On the way I stopped at JJ Supermarket to pick up some booze and bites. So all I had was 1 cardboard coupon with a number on it (for the booze) and a couple of packets of chips. I went and stood in the "strictly 5 items only" line where there were just 2 people ahead of me. The lady ahead had nothing but 4 coupons in her hand, so I thought this would be a shoonze.

Well. For a minute I guess I forgot this is the Philippines. The lady ahead of me in queue gives her coupons and the total works out to 2340 P. And then the horror began. She pulled out a big wad of cash from her purse and started counting. ALL TWENTIES. So she counted once, twice and then thrice and handed it over to the cashier who repeated the counting 3 more times.

I almost exploded standing there. My girl was waiting in the shuttle and time was ticking away. I wanted to get at least a drink or two in before the clock struck midnight. MAybe make out a bit. It took them well over 25 minutes to complete the circus. Next up my total was 1280 P which I paid with 1 x1000,2 x100,4 x20 and smiled at the cashier. She smiled back and gave me the receipt.

GROSS IDIOTS! Thank God they did not bring the money in coins of fives and tens.

P.S. - For those who would wonder why I did not move queues, the place was teeming with people and most of the other queues were snaking back into the alleys of merchandise stored in racks.[/QUOTE]I never go to JJs, maybe I am a snob, but it feels like a squatters shop. I just pay a bit more and go to 7-Elevens.

[QUOTE=Fastpiston;1825788]I never go to JJs, maybe I am a snob, but it feels like a squatters shop. I just pay a bit more and go to 7-Elevens.[/QUOTE]In respect of Kisses chocs 7 Eleven has only one pack size / type, JJ's has many choices in respect of Kisses, and in effect cheaper. 7 Eleven near JJ's has a reputation for trying to rip off foreigners with change. JJ's is 24/7 too, I believe. For Kisses chocs, the great 'leg opener of the Phils' , its JJ's, when in Angeles. 7 Eleven has its uses, but not when it comes to Kisses chocs, LOL. Out of stock sometimes too. JJ's very big stock. OK guys, for the best leg openers in Phils, and Angeles in particular, its JJ's Kisses chocs.

Hey guys,

This will be my first time to Phil, just looking for a bit of advice.

Do you recommend not staying at same hotel for 2 weeks?

And I've read few posts on here to say on DIA and Tell the girls a BS story about wife and such LOL no luck! I get more replays with being sincere. Of course the Filipino all want marriage first so how do I skip that I've tried the girls under 25 still same thing.

I thought about flying around Phil as I was told to. And any city's you highly suggest? I know AC AND CEBU seem to be popular on here?? And Manila is a joke?

Best to get Canadian money exchanged over there? Or threw bank?

What do you guys say to the girls on the dating sites? I have like no game LOL bad with words!

Any places to really watch out for (I'll be by myself l).

I plan on going possibly in April? Is that a good time?

And that is all for now thanks for any help!! Feel free to PM me to please.

[QUOTE=Perchie15;1827537]Do you recommend not staying at same hotel for 2 weeks?

And I've read few posts on here to say on DIA and Tell the girls a BS story about wife and such LOL no luck! I get more replays with being sincere. Of course the Filipino all want marriage first so how do I skip that I've tried the girls under 25 still same thing.

I thought about flying around Phil as I was told to. And any city's you highly suggest? I know AC AND CEBU seem to be popular on here?? And Manila is a joke?

Best to get Canadian money exchanged over there? Or threw bank?

What do you guys say to the girls on the dating sites? I have like no game LOL bad with words!

Any places to really watch out for (I'll be by myself l).

I plan on going possibly in April? Is that a good time?
[/QUOTE]P15,

Newbies often get slammed ("RTFF") here for a first post that is all questions. I note that you cared enough to pay for a membership, and your questions suggest you have done at least some preliminary reading. I am responding because I remember how I felt before my first trip to the Phils 10 years ago.

The only reasons not to stay at one hotel for two weeks are: number one, that some pesty woman may show up unannounced after figuring out where you are encamped, and number two, that you end up not liking the location or service at your initial hotel. If you plan to take in different cities this will not be a problem, given the limited stay permitted under the usual visa entry. But if you are really worried about this, then make your initial reservation for one week, and on the second day of your stay, just go to agoda or one of the other travel websites and make additional arrangements for the balance of the stay. Most of us find that one hotel for two to three weeks is no problem.

Just tell the ladies up front you do not want to get attached. Remember that their first priority is to put food in the mouths and a roof over head for their children, extended families, and themselves. The marriage thing is down the list of priorities but maybe always lurking for some of the girls.

For a first trip flying around a lot means having to learn the lay of the land all over again in each new city. Depending on your length of stay, maybe restrict yourself to a couple cities.

In my view Manila is not a joke. Lots of variety between the online game, LA Cafe and other Ermita bars, working girls in the malls, EDSA entertainment complex, Burgos area in Makati, Havana Cafe and other places in the Greenbelt malls (also Makati), high end clubs along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, the casas, KTVs, escort businesses, and pickup bars that some of our guys with game discuss. And there is lots more to see and do in Manila than other cities: museums, parks, Corregidor Island, American military cemetery (biggest outside of North America), Intramuros (old walled Spanish city), musical and folk dance performances, and so on. Manila, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, is wonderfully dirty and friendly. Yes, lots of squalor and begging, but most people are among the friendliest you will meet anywhere. Most speak at least a little English, and many speak it well. You can't find another Third World city anywhere with this level of English proficiency. The grime, smell, squalor, and noise (honking horns, dogs, roosters, construction sites) will smack you in the face, but that's just part of the joy of being in a Third World country where English is spoken.

Recent posts suggest that money changers at the airport are open until early morning. The difference in exchange rate between them and city changers is minimal, and there is no guarantee in the city about their taking Canadian dollars. Don't know for sure as I am a Yank.

There are so many ways to score that you do not actually need the dating sites, but read back through the designated thread for advice.

The best advice for dodgy areas is to trust your gut. If it looks questionable, go around or get a taxi. Often not a good idea to take taxis waiting in front of monger establishments like EDSA complex or LA Cafe; some of them are there to exploit tourists. Walk a block away and flag down your taxi. Make sure the cab driver turns on the meter. It is mounted right beneath the radio area on the dash. Numbers are in red; if he doesn't turn it on, tell him to turn it on or get out. Some will offer a bottom line price for the destination, but as a newbie you have no idea if the price is right. Don't agree; just get out of the cab if he won't use the meter. The other prime piece of advice is that any stranger who wants to be your new best friend is trying to get your money. Tell them to get away.

April is an okay time to visit. April and May are the hottest months, and both typhoon and monsoon seasons start in late April and early May. Come prepared for rain. Bring two small portable umbrellas, because you may be caught getting from monger pickup joint to your hotel, and the little lady will appreciate her own umbrella too. Also pack some cheap extra toothbrushes, and cheap travel shower caps. Before the action invite them to brush their teeth and take a shower with you. Many have long dark hair and do not want to get it wet, but almost all these women, even those without running water at home, are extremely hygiene conscious and will welcome the shower.

Enjoy, and welcome to the Philippines.

Hi all,

I booked a hotel in Quezon city and after some search in Google found that this place is the highest crime rate in PH. Now I have decided to look for an hotel in Makati. Any info about the safety and any recommendations for girl friendly hotel would be highly appreciated. It looks like more kidnapping, theft and murder targeting tourist is happening in PH. Any valuable advice would be great help.

Further I have noticed that many countries External Ministry had issued some warning regarding the travel to PH like US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark as well. Below is a few list.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Since mongering trip is something we do by hiding the facts from family members it's better to have some suggestions from senior peoples. My travel includes Manila an Davao city.

[URL]https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/philippines[/URL]

[URL]http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/philippines-travel-warning.html[/URL]

[URL]https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines[/URL]

[URL]http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/philippines[/URL]#advisories.

[QUOTE=Perchie15;1827537]I thought about flying around Phil as I was told to. And any city's you highly suggest? I know AC AND CEBU seem to be popular on here?? And Manila is a joke?
[/QUOTE]Manila is no joke. It is my favorite punting destination in the PI loaded with great gals, great bars and various venues offering up a very healthy and entertaining nightlife. There are many decent restaurants and 1st class hotels in Manila too. Other punters prefer AC, mainly on a cost basis, although I will concede that AC does have a hell of a lot of bars, all on one street, and so it should definitely be experienced. The Manila / AC combo is roughly comparable to the BKK / Pattaya combo and should not be missed. Cebu City is ok, but actually no big deal, IMHO, because the Cebu City bar situation is just not as robust as the one in Manila or AC. Chat apps and mall pickups are the fall back position in Cebu City. Since I prefer to meet my girls in bars, I am not that gung ho on Cebu.

I wouldn't recommend more than 3 destinations for an introductory 2 week PI trip. If you are interested solely in shagging sexy Pinays then 2 destinations; Makati and AC would be optimal for 2 weeks and I guarantee that you will have a great time. If you are interested in relaxing on a beautiful beach too, then 3 destinations would work out fine. Read up on Boracay and Palawan (Sabang, Port Barton, & El Nido). These two islands offer two very different beach resort experiences and vibes. One is very touristy and has the possibility of meeting some girls and the other is more natural and less developed with virtually no opportunity to meet girls. It is all up to you.

[QUOTE=Perchie15;1827537]Hey guys,
Best to get Canadian money exchanged over there? Or threw bank?
[/QUOTE]CAD has been Free Falling, so wouldn't hurt to get PHP early, if you can. JMHO. Just be aware of the 10.000 PHP rule. Or stop at Norma's on Teodoro in Angeles City.

[QUOTE=SoapySmith;1827842]P15,

Newbies often get slammed ("RTFF") here for a first post that is all questions. I note that you cared enough to pay for a membership, and your questions suggest you have done at least some preliminary reading. I am responding because I remember how I felt before my first trip to the Phils 10 years ago.

The only reasons not to stay at one hotel for two weeks are: number one, that some pesty woman may show up unannounced after figuring out where you are encamped, and number two, that you end up not liking the location or service at your initial hotel. If you plan to take in different cities this will not be a problem, given the limited stay permitted under the usual visa entry. But if you are really worried about this, then make your initial reservation for one week, and on the second day of your stay, just go to agoda or one of the other travel websites and make additional arrangements for the balance of the stay. Most of us find that one hotel for two to three weeks is no problem.

Just tell the ladies up front you do not want to get attached. Remember that their first priority is to put food in the mouths and a roof over head for their children, extended families, and themselves. The marriage thing is down the list of priorities but maybe always lurking for some of the girls.

For a first trip flying around a lot means having to learn the lay of the land all over again in each new city. Depending on your length of stay, maybe restrict yourself to a couple cities.

In my view Manila is not a joke. Lots of variety between the online game, LA Cafe and other Ermita bars, working girls in the malls, EDSA entertainment complex, Burgos area in Makati, Havana Cafe and other places in the Greenbelt malls (also Makati), high end clubs along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, the casas, KTVs, escort businesses, and pickup bars that some of our guys with game discuss. And there is lots more to see and do in Manila than other cities: museums, parks, Corregidor Island, American military cemetery (biggest outside of North America), Intramuros (old walled Spanish city), musical and folk dance performances, and so on. Manila, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, is wonderfully dirty and friendly. Yes, lots of squalor and begging, but most people are among the friendliest you will meet anywhere. Most speak at least a little English, and many speak it well. You can't find another Third World city anywhere with this level of English proficiency. The grime, smell, squalor, and noise (honking horns, dogs, roosters, construction sites) will smack you in the face, but that's just part of the joy of being in a Third World country where English is spoken.

Recent posts suggest that money changers at the airport are open until early morning. The difference in exchange rate between them and city changers is minimal, and there is no guarantee in the city about their taking Canadian dollars. Don't know for sure as I am a Yank.

There are so many ways to score that you do not actually need the dating sites, but read back through the designated thread for advice.

The best advice for dodgy areas is to trust your gut. If it looks questionable, go around or get a taxi. Often not a good idea to take taxis waiting in front of monger establishments like EDSA complex or LA Cafe; some of them are there to exploit tourists. Walk a block away and flag down your taxi. Make sure the cab driver turns on the meter. It is mounted right beneath the radio area on the dash. Numbers are in red; if he doesn't turn it on, tell him to turn it on or get out. Some will offer a bottom line price for the destination, but as a newbie you have no idea if the price is right. Don't agree; just get out of the cab if he won't use the meter. The other prime piece of advice is that any stranger who wants to be your new best friend is trying to get your money. Tell them to get away.

April is an okay time to visit. April and May are the hottest months, and both typhoon and monsoon seasons start in late April and early May. Come prepared for rain. Bring two small portable umbrellas, because you may be caught getting from monger pickup joint to your hotel, and the little lady will appreciate her own umbrella too. Also pack some cheap extra toothbrushes, and cheap travel shower caps. Before the action invite them to brush their teeth and take a shower with you. Many have long dark hair and do not want to get it wet, but almost all these women, even those without running water at home, are extremely hygiene conscious and will welcome the shower.

Enjoy, and welcome to the Philippines.[/QUOTE]Soapy,

A well written and objective post.

Dg8787.

[QUOTE=WilBel;1827860]Hi all,

I booked a hotel in Quezon city and after some search in Google found that this place is the highest crime rate in PH. Now I have decided to look for an hotel in Makati. Any info about the safety and any recommendations for girl friendly hotel would be highly appreciated. It looks like more kidnapping, theft and murder targeting tourist is happening in PH. Any valuable advice would be great help.

Further I have noticed that many countries External Ministry had issued some warning regarding the travel to PH like US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark as well. Below is a few list.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Since mongering trip is something we do by hiding the facts from family members it's better to have some suggestions from senior peoples. My travel includes Manila an Davao city.

[URL]https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/philippines[/URL]

[URL]http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/philippines-travel-warning.html[/URL]

[URL]https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines[/URL]

[URL]http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/philippines[/URL]#advisories.[/QUOTE]You only live once! It's not like some pooreigner gets kidnapped or killed everyday in the Philippines. You can always tell family you are on a very secretive covert military intelligence gathering operation.

[QUOTE=Perchie15;1827537]

Do you recommend not staying at same hotel for 2 weeks?

I thought about flying around Phil as I was told to. And any city's you highly suggest? I know AC AND CEBU seem to be popular on here?? And Manila is a joke?

Best to get Canadian money exchanged over there? Or threw bank?

What do you guys say to the girls on the dating sites? I have like no game LOL bad with words!

Any places to really watch out for (I'll be by myself l).

I plan on going possibly in April? Is that a good time?

[/QUOTE]My First reaction was to say RTFF, but I see a bit of myself in you as I am Canuck and have always traveled alone to the Philippines. The first hotel I stayed in was the Dusit which is a high end hotel. Just walking out of the hotel and turning the wrong way the first time had me crapping my drawers. You don't have to go far to be overwhelmed by the sounds and smells, and seeing the poverty. If you have not traveled much you have never seen anything like this in Canada. I was lucky as a Canadian friend arranged a driver for me who picked me up at the airport, got me through immigration, and who I used sporadically throughout my first week. I also had a wealthy DIA lady lined up to show me around. It turned out she wasn't wealthy and cost me some pesos by way of two day loans that were never repaid. LOL. None the less she showed me some of the sites, and was great company day and night, so I have written it off to experience but we still keep in touch with each other from time to time. You don't need game on the dating sites, just be polite and they will guide you and let you know when to start talking about what they are looking for themselves.

I never give my viber or skype info as I don't want to be bothered constantly. I tell them I only have YM which almost all of them have. If you get into talk of sex, or sex for money move them to YM as DIA have filters that will detect that discussion and get you banned.

Bring an inexpensive unlocked phone. Buy your SIM card at the airport or almost anywhere and they will set it up for you so you are ready to go right away to enter your contacts. Be prepared to be bombarded with texts once you give anyone your number. Texts are cheap. Phone calls are expensive. I have never bought a data plan as almost every shopping center and many businesses have free wifi.

Bring USA Not Canadian cash. Do not bring travelers cheques. I found it almost impossible to cash them, even at the major banks. I was finally able to cash some at the American Express office but they charged an outrageous exchange rate. Buy some pesos in Canada. Likely you can only buy larger bills at a little higher conversion rate, but money changers at the airport will change them to smaller denominations for you before you get in a cab because the cabbie will likely not have change. Other than that just use ATMs. Of course, don't forget to tell your bank and credit card company you are traveling or you won't be able to use them in your travels.

Two cities for your first trip is lots. Take your ladies or just yourself and see the sites as well. Just remember that the ladies often will tell you they will be your guide but often they will never have been to the places such as forts or museums either. I don't monger so have not interest in AC. My recommendation is Manila, then Cebu. Cebu is an interesting city in itself, but is also a great jumping off spot to visit other nearby locations such as beaches, or day trips to other nearby islands. Keep in mind that just getting the lay of the land and getting comfortable in either of these cities will take at least a week each.

Lastly, buy an ISG membership. I suspect that many senior members here will be able to put you in touch with reputable drivers via PM, as well as guide you to reasonable hotels. Membership has it's privileges. In the last week I saw a picture of a lady and thought I recognized the interior of the condo in the background. He confirmed and also informed me that the price we had paid four years ago is now half through Airnb. I'm looking forward to your updates.

[QUOTE=WilBel;1827860]Hi all,

I booked a hotel in Quezon city and after some search in Google found that this place is the highest crime rate in PH. Now I have decided to look for an hotel in Makati. Any info about the safety and any recommendations for girl friendly hotel would be highly appreciated. It looks like more kidnapping, theft and murder targeting tourist is happening in PH. Any valuable advice would be great help.

Further I have noticed that many countries External Ministry had issued some warning regarding the travel to PH like US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark as well. Below is a few list.[/QUOTE]Does QC have the highest crime rate per capita, or merely the largest number of crimes? Both of these indicators may be related to the fact the QC is the most populous city in the Phils. Not all of QC is crime-ridden, and areas where many of the hotels are located are not necessarily dangerous areas. But few places in the Phils are free of poverty and people struggling to overcome their hunger in creative ways. QC mongering is not particularly well documented in the Phils forum, unfortunately, so moving to Makati or the City of Manila may be better in that regard. Others could let you know more specifically about QC crime potential based on which hotel you had selected--but would be more likely to do so if you spring for the $20 membership, which most of the rest of us have paid.

I think the threat warnings reflect kidnappings from Mindanao from last year. Neither Metro Manila nor Davao are usually considered risky areas.

[QUOTE=SoapySmith;1827993]

I think the threat warnings reflect kidnappings from Mindanao from last year. Neither Metro Manila nor Davao are usually considered risky areas.[/QUOTE]Can't comment on Quezon City since I travel there as little as possible. However, Davao is likely the safest large city in the country and presents very low risk. I'm pretty sure that crime statistics, that I've read but can't remember accurately, indicate that on balance, Davao is safer than Manila in terms of risk of exposure to crime. Conversely, for those interested in chasing SYTs, Manila and its environs are surely far superior to Davao.

GE.

[QUOTE=Dg8787;1827924]You only live once! It's not like some pooreigner gets kidnapped or killed everyday in the Philippines. You can always tell family you are on a very secretive covert military intelligence gathering operation.[/QUOTE]Agreed, foreigners get kidnapped or killed only like once a week, so statically, you are safe (joke. Pun intended.).

Reality is, 99.9% of foreigners who get kidnapped or killed set themselves in such situations the locals couldn't resist kidnapping or killing the fellow. Challenging the locals, drinking with the locals, showing off too much money, going off the beaten path just to experience it or confident in the believe that they survived Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere, and PH is nothing (and in reality, Filipinos in some parts have no qualms cutting heads off for no reason, including their own relatives and kith and kin. No, they aren't blood thirsty, but it's like. Ah, I been butchering pigs, so today let me do a human).

It's just the other 0.1% who are real victims of circumstances or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1828066] Davao is likely the safest large city in the country and presents very low risk. I'm pretty sure that crime statistics, that I've read but can't remember accurately, indicate that on balance, Davao is safer than Manila in terms of risk of exposure to crime. Conversely, for those interested in chasing SYTs, Manila and its environs are surely far superior to Davao.
[/QUOTE]Fully agree with GE's comment, but he is, of course, quoting general trends and average risks.

These trends and averages do not account for the risk of opportunistic crime everywhere in the Philippines, so be aware of your situation AT ALL TIMES.

Back in 2008 I had a gold chain removed from my wrist by 2 excellent "artful dodgers" as I walked in front of SM Megamall in Ortigas Center in the midst of quite a large crowd at 3 pm in the afternoon. One dodger distracted me on the left side while the 2nd guy snipped off the chain from my right hand using a small palm-sized cutter. The whole exercise took 3 or 4 seconds, and could not be foreseen nor avoided, even though I am tall, strong and was walking purposefully and rapidly. They disappeared within the next few seconds.

Lesson learned. I have never worn any jewellery again since that day and it stays in the safe at home. Nothing to tempt them any more.

A friend's wife had her bag + wallet taken from her shoulder in the center of Makati at 7 pm as she crossed the walkway over Makati Avenue from Landmark Department Store in Glorietta going towards Greenbelt.

Both examples were daring and opportunistic, and both occurred in places and at times that defied any prediction or expectation.

The stories I read here about drunk or even slightly tipsy guys traversing the streets of AC and Burgos etc at any time of day and night makes me think that there must be 1000's of examples of guys being rolled that never get reported on here or elsewhere lest the victims will lose face on the board.

On my first trip to Manila, a friend gave me a list of things for survivial:

Run is cheaper than coke, so any drink will be strong.

Do not wear jewellery or watch.

Do not make any conspicuous display of wealth.

Leave wallet, licence, passport etc in hotel safe. Carry only photocopies.

Carry only the cash needed for the immediate task.

Planning for my next trip in a few weeks, I select the oldest clothes from my wardrobe. I donate my clothes to when I leave. I get home with just the short & clothes that I am wearing.

BD.