General Info

[QUOTE=Halifax2016;1985043]Well I'm back after a successful first semester in college after exiting the military. I finally got myself a subscription in preparation for my first trip. Any advice is appreciated and I will heed it. I was originally shooting for two weeks in may, however it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it with school. So I was planning on going in late August and staying for about a month. My only experience with Filipina's where with the bar girls while I was stationed in Korea. They were wonderful. A little back story about me is I recently got out of the Army and after serving three deployments I have been dying for a trip like this. I really need to some down time to unwind. I have traveled before but only for the military, I have never been anywhere In the Far East or Pacific outside of Korea.

My main goal of the trip will be to relax and focus on having fun with the girls. I am not a big eater or drinker. I would say I could possibly average about two to three drinks a day on this trip which is a lot for me. I imagine most days I won't drink at all. So I am hoping to dedicate most of my budget to female entertainment.,[/QUOTE]From Hell, Hull and Halifax, may the Good Lord preserve us! LOL.

Seriously though, a couple of observations that might be helpful, not just to you but anybody planning a trip.

Plane ticket. I imagine your route would be Raleigh to SanFrancisco or LA and either PAL direct or somebody else via Tokyo / Seoul / Taipei or somewhere else. Book it as a through ticket and not in segments. If a connection on a through ticket goes wrong, it is down to the airline to get you to your final destination. If you book Raleigh to LAX and LAX. Manila separately, if you miss your connection you are treated as a no-show and you have to make your own arrangements.

August is rainy season. Others can give a better idea about the weather, but when it rains, it rains, and the drainage frequently can't handle it, leading to flooding.

Your visa is issued on arrival (unless Pres Duterte follows through on his strop) but is for 29 or 30 days only. As you are looking at staying for a month, it might be worth adjusting your visit to stay within that. It's not that it will be a problem extending it but do you want the hassle and costs of renewing it for 1 or 2 days. Also, your airline might be difficult as you do not have an onward departure within the standard period.

Unless you are going to stay in Manila immediately you arrive, strongly consider booking a pick-up from your hotel. Although as ex-military, you can probably sleep anywhere, it will be a hell of a long flight and don't overlook something like 12 hours time difference.

I won't comment on AC as I have never been there, but I agree that Subic probably will bore you over 17 days. I would suggest 10 days would be enough, and the remaining 5 or 6 (see visa comments) in Manila. Yes, it's big, chaotic and dirty, but it does have a bit more to do during the day. It also has much more entertainment if you want a break from hobbying, or if funds are running low (they shouldn't on your budget). My regular Ermita hotel has 3 bar / resto / clubs within 5 minutes walk that have 3 different live bands (of varying quality) every night.

The Pub in Subic would not be my first choice. I only dropped in once, but the bar -as opposed to 'nightclub' - is almost claustrophobic as it is sandwiched between the walls of the flanking properties. My personal preference is the Arizona, but others no doubt have their own preferences.

More specific information will almost certainly be out-of-date by the time you go, but I hope these ramblings might help with stuff you might need this length of time in advance.

Good luck, and enjoy yourself and if you need more info PM me, although don't expect a reply by return!!

[QUOTE=Halifax2016;1985043]

I appreciate your time and any advice. I wanted to make sure I got fully prepared for my trip in advance as I'm not a seasoned traveler. Thanks.[/QUOTE]To echo Salty Pete's sentiments, I would heartily suggest for the Manila portion of your trip you focus on Airbnb, you'll find the prices lower than most hotels and you'll have much more space, plus a fridge, cooking and laundry appliances which can greatly reduce your costs.

My specific advice would be don't plan on staying with anyone one girl more than a few days, no matter how amazing they may appear online, trust me, you'll get bored and in PH, variety is the spice of life. Sometimes it's even good to get the odd dud hookup to make you appreciate the good ones.

The apps mentioned by SP are certainly the ones to focus on, any of those that have location based information will make it easy for you to select who to meet (because you don't want a girl having to travel all the way across manila).

Other things to note, don't go wandering down dark back alleys, be aware of your surroundings and the potential threats, don't take too much cash with you at any one time, and most importantly, be friendly and polite at all times.

Finally, if budget allows, try to get to one of the beaches on other islands (Boracay, Palawan, El Nido etc), you really won't regret it and in most of these places you'll find fair game.

[QUOTE=CallSignPapa;1985350]Finally, if budget allows, try to get to one of the beaches on other islands (Boracay, Palawan, El Nido etc), you really won't regret it and in most of these places you'll find fair game.[/QUOTE]At 29 you will be fair game too at the beaches. Certainly don't rule out freebies from domestic or back packer tourists. If you have remained fit post-service and are polite and respectful you may even find working girls offering them selves up free of charge after work. It doesn't happen a lot (to me anyway. . . LOL) but when it does it's hard to beat a session with a knowledgeable working girl that actually wants to be there and is enjoying the session herself.

The stays you have mentioned in AC and Subic are quite long and you may find yourself getting bored and looking to move on. It would help if you post a Travel Announcement shortly before you leave as both places are much better with a wingman / experienced hand for a first timer. If you need a change the beaches are certainly a good option.

If you do find a BG that you do click with, remember it is no problem to do a "rolling" bar fine for a few days. The daily hunt can get a bit monotonous after a while and the girls will thank you for the ongoing income. If you do find a BG who is worth keeping for a few days I wouldn't plan on traveling with her. See my previous posts on traveling with a BG. There are many more options that will be available at the tourist centres.

Most importantly, don't forget to post here about your trip!

Enjoy.

[QUOTE=Goferring;1985368]At 29 you will be fair game too at the beaches. Certainly don't rule out freebies from domestic or back packer tourists. If you have remained fit post-service and are polite and respectful you may even find working girls offering them selves up free of charge after work. It doesn't happen a lot (to me anyway. . . LOL) but when it does it's hard to beat a session with a knowledgeable working girl that actually wants to be there and is enjoying the session herself.

The stays you have mentioned in AC and Subic are quite long and you may find yourself getting bored and looking to move on. It would help if you post a Travel Announcement shortly before you leave as both places are much better with a wingman / experienced hand for a first timer. If you need a change the beaches are certainly a good option.

If you do find a BG that you do click with, remember it is no problem to do a "rolling" bar fine for a few days. The daily hunt can get a bit monotonous after a while and the girls will thank you for the ongoing income. If you do find a BG who is worth keeping for a few days I wouldn't plan on traveling with her. See my previous posts on traveling with a BG. There are many more options that will be available at the tourist centres.

Most importantly, don't forget to post here about your trip!

Enjoy.[/QUOTE]Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.

I will add my 2 cents by saying I totally agree with most that was said.

I would not spend as much time in Subic, nor in Angeles (though that place heaven.).

I would definitely spend some time in Manila, as there is tons to do there and the widest variety of ladies to chose from. When in Manila I would definitely spend some weekend nights visiting BGC nightclubs (Valkyrie, Prive) or even Gramercy69, many young Pinays are more than willing to hook up with a young foreigner.

In addition, I will add to goffering than being in my late 20's and early 30's most of my visits, I have had an average of more than 1 girl per trip in Burgos or EDSA complex that would take my number and ask to meet for free after they left. Some of them I never barfined, they took my phone in the bar and texted themselves so they have my number. And I am anything but a good looking guy, just be a nice happy guy and wear your smile on going out.

The amount of freebies you could potentially get in a month in Manila is pretty rediculous compared to anywhere else I've been.

I have a different experience than goffering, my friend and I both took 2 Atlantis girls from AC to Boracay for 4 days and it was great fun, though I guess having my mate around did contribute to it (we did split lots of the time, still was a great trip).

As people suggested don't fall in love to early, don't contribute any money, and stay put anywhere for too long. Much to explore around the Phil, though I would not spend less than week either Manila or AC.

Enjoy,

Dave.

[QUOTE=BaboyDave;1985539]Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.

In addition, I will add to goffering than being in my late 20's and early 30's most of my visits, I have had an average of more than 1 girl per trip in Burgos or EDSA complex that would take my number and ask to meet for free after they left.[/QUOTE]I think this is precisely why Halifax is getting so much assistance. Many of us have very fond memories of arriving in Asia in our 20's. For me it was decades ago and thinking back nearly brought a tear to the eye. Aaaah them were the days!!

This reminds me of a story where we had a young guy arrive - 20 something, tall, blond, surfer dude. We took him out and needless to say the girls were very very receptive. When the old hands spread the story that he was a virgin as his fiancé had died of cancer before the wedding they were positively frothing at the mouth. The guy never know what was happening nor what hit him as the entire bar wanted to take him out back and solve his perceived problem. For some reason he was "sick" and never made it to work the next day. Lucky bastard.

[QUOTE=BaboyDave;1985539]Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.

[/QUOTE]I imagine a lot of us want to help out a fellow former service member. Also, he spent some time writing up a post, not just asking for girls' digits, bro.

I think most if us are in agreement that H shouldn't commit to any long-term plan but rather, just go with the flow. If you will be in Manila, then I suggest spending 2-3 nights in Makati to check out Burgos Street, and another 2-3 in Pasay to explore EDSA. These venues are not in close proximity to each other and sitting in traffic between Pasay and Manila for 1-2 hours during rush hour is a waste of time, and quite painful if you have to take a leak. You can reach Ermita / LA Café easily enough from Pasay.

I forgot that you are relatively young; the clubs will definitely be a fertile hunting ground for someone your age with game. I believe the cheapest option there would be to buy a bottle and share with girls, rather than but individual drinks. But I have never been, being 50 without much game.

[QUOTE=SaltyPete;1985595]I imagine a lot of us want to help out a fellow former service member. Also, he spent some time writing up a post, not just asking for girls' digits, bro.

I think most if us are in agreement that H shouldn't commit to any long-term plan but rather, just go with the flow. If you will be in Manila, then I suggest spending 2-3 nights in Makati to check out Burgos Street, and another 2-3 in Pasay to explore EDSA. These venues are not in close proximity to each other and sitting in traffic between Pasay and Manila for 1-2 hours during rush hour is a waste of time, and quite painful if you have to take a leak. You can reach Ermita / LA Caf easily enough from Pasay.

I forgot that you are relatively young; the clubs will definitely be a fertile hunting ground for someone your age with game. I believe the cheapest option there would be to buy a bottle and share with girls, rather than but individual drinks. But I have never been, being 50 without much game.[/QUOTE]Hey SP,

I didn't mean to come off as if it is a negative thing, I'm totally up for giving a helping hand to a fellow monger in need. Kudos to everyone willing to contribute.

I have always been a Makati guy myself, and never found any trouble travelling towards EDSA Complex or Roxas Blvd in general (It has several venues on it which are also pretty nice, though become very expensive when a foreigner sets his foot inside them). The worst traffic I got stuck in going west (towards EDSA Complex / Roxas Blvd / MOA / COD) from Makati took me 35-40 minutes around noon-time or in the evenings. I do agree leaving Makati anytime between 4-7 PM in any direction other than straight to skyway is totally insane.

I found that the best hotels, restaurants and overall activities are in Makati, and by using Waze one can reach pretty much anywhere when needed. The only really horrible traffic I met was when travelling to QC after 3 PM.

[QUOTE=BaboyDave;1985539]Oh wow, I haven't seen such a welcoming response from the gents here to a question since, give or take, ever.

It must be your lucky day, Halifax.[/QUOTE]The Phils threads are a bit different (regarding helping newbs) than other threads, and for good reason. I'm torn every time a newb writes for help. Should I respond on the open forum? I choose not to, I ask him to contact me in PM. Especially if he is not yet a member; nothing is as low-life as going on a public forum, not joining, then asking [I]"Hey bro's where can I find the hottest chicks in Manila? Its my first time there next month. Can anyone help me with digits, I'd like to seed your girl!" Alternately: Where can I find the best hotel?[/I] The reason: The vast majority of 'bro's get their information from the old guard, then never post a Field Report (no kidding, look thru the posts from the long history of this board). We call that "Taking without giving". Its a bit like showing up at a pot-luck meal without bringing food. Thanks! But NO THANKS! I'd rather not help someone who takes but does not give back. I'm sure Halifax will write us up at least one descriptive FR later.

[QUOTE=Goferring;1985559]I think this is precisely why Halifax is getting so much assistance. Many of us have very fond memories of arriving in Asia in our 20's. For me it was decades ago and thinking back nearly brought a tear to the eye. Aaaah them were the days!! [/QUOTE]Phils is a mystical (and sometimes dangerous), magical (and odd), and wonderful (and always changing) place filled with an eastern culture (read throwback / tribal) and extreme poverty that runs smack-dab (180 degrees counter) into your (our) Western thinking, where you see something new (and strange) every day. Mabuhay (Welcome)! Example: In the province, I saw a red firetruck (nothing unusual there). Back in Malate a few days later, walking down the street, I saw a purple firetruck on Adriatico, with flames painted on the sides. Who paints a firetruck purple? It seems so strange, yet: why not? The flames were small just behind the front axle, building to large near the rear of the vehicle (appearing to be blown backwards, making the truck appear to be moving fast), similar to a quarter-mile rail dragster. Now *that's* funny!

[QUOTE=Goferring;1985559]This reminds me of a story where we had a young guy arrive - 20 something, tall, blond, surfer dude. We took him out and needless to say the girls were very very receptive. When the old hands spread the story that he was a virgin as his fianc had died of cancer before the wedding they were positively frothing at the mouth. The guy never know what was happening nor what hit him as the entire bar wanted to take him out back and solve his perceived problem. For some reason he was "sick" and never made it to work the next day. Lucky bastard. [/QUOTE]*Great* story! ROD!

[QUOTE=SaltyPete;1985595]I imagine a lot of us want to help out a fellow former service member. Also, he spent some time writing up a post, not just asking for girls' digits, bro. [/QUOTE]Halifax was kind enough to also contact some of the old guard in PM. TYS.

[QUOTE=BaboyDave;1985617]I have always been a Makati guy myself, and never found any trouble travelling towards EDSA Complex or Roxas Blvd in general (It has several venues on it which are also pretty nice, though become very expensive when a foreigner sets his foot inside them). The worst traffic I got stuck in going west (towards EDSA Complex / Roxas Blvd / MOA / COD) from Makati took me 35-40 minutes around noon-time or in the evenings. I do agree leaving Makati anytime between 4-7 PM in any direction other than straight to skyway is totally insane.

I found that the best hotels, restaurants and overall activities are in Makati, and by using Waze one can reach pretty much anywhere when needed. The only really horrible traffic I met was when travelling to QC after 3 PM.[/QUOTE]Taxi drivers have called the area of Makati Avenue (both directions) between Burgos and Greenbelt, approximately between 5-7 pm-ish, "The parking lot". Last June my girl and I taxi'd from A Venue to Greenbelt about 3 pm; the traffic was not too bad and the trip (how far is that gents? 1 or 1. 5 miles?) was about 10-15 minutes in the taxi. Past 5 pm, the return could easily be 30-40 minutes, and you might have great trouble:

1. Getting a taxi from the mall back to your hotel, as they cannot reach the mall because traffic is so bad, and.

2. Getting an Uber / Grab, for the same reason.

I greatly appreciate all the help you guys have provided and the warm welcome. I definitely need this trip and I have felt for awhile that I needed to get away and relax. I am going through all the advice and keeping track of needed adjustments I should make. I'll make sure to stay well under the 30 day visa limit now. Maybe I could do 10 days in AC and 10 in Subic with and additional 5 in Manila. I am an easily excited guy and I tend to over think things. But I do enjoy moving on from place to place so I'll make sure not to get tied down at one hotel for too long and go with the flow more.

I should say I was planning on covering the cost of hotels with my credit card. I will make sure to look into Airbnb's as well and not get locked in to long term hotel bookings. I will be avoiding ladyboys like the plague and will heed the advice on how to spot them. I will definitely continue to RTFF and learn all the wisdom I can before departing.

I will check out the Arizona hotel in Subic. A rolling bar fine would be a great idea for me as I am pretty easy to please after I've had a few wild nights. And I would certainly enjoy the nicer beaches.

I will make sure to post here about my trip. Until then I will sit back and learn all I can.

You guys have been a huge help and I already feel more at ease about the trip. Thank you everyone.

[QUOTE=BaboyDave;1985617]Hey SP,

I didn't mean to come off as if it is a negative thing, I'm totally up for giving a helping hand to a fellow monger in need. [/QUOTE]

I did not take offense. Also, the "digits, bro" comment was not aimed at you, but at folks from the sub-continent who just come on here looking for telephone numbers.

I once jetted from Heritage Hotel in Pasay to Greenbelt in Makati in about 35 minutes in rush hour, a couple of years ago, and 25 minutes back later in the night. Maybe it is just me, but traffic seems so much worse now and I just do not have the patience. But checking out from a hotel and checking in to a different one is a PITA as well. Thanks for adding your thoughts.

On my last visit, I left the Heritage at 6pm for a 7:30 date in SM Megamall, Oritigas (Waze showed it to be a 50 minute drive; my taxi driver was using it as well). I could have run there quicker. After 2.5 hours my date and I called it a day and I had the taxi turn around to take me back. Thank God for EDSA right across the street.

A good guide to pinoy language and the cultural equivalents, such as "utang na loob", "bahala na", "tampo" etc. Probably good primer reading for anyone visiting the country.

[URL]http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3868.html[/URL]

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;1985979]A good guide to pinoy language and the cultural equivalents, such as "utang na loob", "bahala na", "tampo" etc. Probably good primer reading for anyone visiting the country.

[URL]http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3868.html[/URL][/QUOTE]Westie,

Great informative and accurate site.

Thanks.

[QUOTE=Halifax2016;1985798]I'll make sure to stay well under the 30 day visa limit now. Maybe I could do 10 days in AC and 10 in Subic with and additional 5 in Manila. [/QUOTE]I don't know whether you actually want to stay longer than 30 days, but extending a tourist visa is easy to do. Here's the info, [URL]http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/extensionofstay[/URL] and [URL]http://www.immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/extension-of-authorized-stay-beyond-59-days.[/URL] As a Yank, you may stay up to 36 months without leaving the country provided you complete the extension applications. You can check the website for Immigration offices.

Regarding traffic, it's definitely getting worse fast. Lately, the main road to Batangas has been jammed every weekend I've tried driving it, whereas it wasn't that bad this time last year.

Restaurants are also frequently packed these days, even the more expensive ones like Shakey's.