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[QUOTE=RedKilt;1995517]I hope more people switch to Uber so that more regular taxis will be available for me. I don't have any hassles with regular taxis and certainly around my area they all seem to be clean and well-maintained.
I saw lots of very crappy units though when I was in Malate / Cubao yesterday.[/QUOTE]You mean condos?
[QUOTE=WestCoast1;1995557]You mean condos?[/QUOTE]Huh?
No mate.
Taxi Units. Vehicles. Cars. Kotse.
Decisions Decisions.
I have spent perhaps too much time planning my first monger trip to the PI. I would like to present my somewhat meager plan for any and all comments. I'll wrap it up with a few questions but I've tried to do the work and keep those to a minimum. I think I'll wait until late March to arrive and stay about 2 weeks. I am flexible on that. As my handle suggests I have been Thai centric, and for more than 10 years mostly living in Thailand. I used to prefer Pattaya over Bangkok but now that preference is reversed. I thought about skipping AC because of this but upon further reading of the board have decided that might be a mistake. I need to pause here for a second and say THANKS to the great majority of you who run a friendly and informative board! Digging for the details has really helped me decide how to proceed. As a NooB the scene seems a bit complicated from over here in Thailand but I have found some good summaries to help me.
I've been torn between Makati and Ermita and I'm considering doing both then a wrap up with AC. Maybe 5 days in each location. I've seen EDSA summaries comparing it to Nana Plaza so have no curiosity about it. QUESTION. Do you think I should limit my plan to two stops in 14 days instead of three? In Thailand I'm not so big on gogos. I go sometimes but have not pulled from one in a very long time. I am, BTW, in my senior years and I'm sometimes met with indifference with the young and hot Thai women even though I'm polite and well groomed. I tend to do better with FLs (my favorite regular is 30 and looks 22) and in the PSE themed oilies of BKK where anything goes. Also I have good fun and some success in the beer bars with pool often being a focal point. So I'm thinking Ermita should be not too tough to feel at home while still enjoying a new scene. In Makati I plan to take it as it comes. I've never done any "pipelining" but maybe will dabble in that just a little and explore. I understand online arrangements take time and effort to setup so I plan to start maybe a week or so before I arrive. I'm also wondering if I even need to do this.
I have become more fussy about hotels and the last 10 years of hotel development have been very good for me in Thailand. I'm thinking this means I'm going to have to up my budget for Manila. I can find real comfort for $50 to $75 in Bangkok and $40 to $60 in Pattaya. I do not need luxury or breakfast included. Clean, comfortable, big enough, not worn out, good wifi, a refrigerator even if small, and reliable hot water. I'd sure like to replicate that value on this trip but after researching the hotel thread it looks like so many of the top recommended places are often followed up with a "well worn" review. After quite a bit of thrash time in the hotel thread and then checking Google reviews I was a bit discouraged. Following Hutsori's lead on the Clipper lead me to [URL]Hotels.com[/URL]. That is because the website for the hotel would not show any available dates no matter what I entered. Going to [URL]Hotels.com[/URL] cleared out all the barriers and showed a choice of properties of real promise and I'm no longer discouraged. Each listing also includes a little Trip Advisor review rating alongside.
I'm also eager to check out some live music as I do not often find satisfaction in Bangkok on that topic. I have high hopes for this considering the reputation of Filipino musicians. First on my list is "The Roadhouse Manila Bay. Best blues bar in town. Good finger food. Great acoustics. TH-FR-SAT-SUN. " I've also gleaned recommendations on the board for "12 Monkeys music hall in City Centre Mall (Poblacion, Makati) can be a rocking place on a Friday or Saturday. Not that difficult to pick up either although it does mostly tend to be groups. Royal also in Poblacion is pretty damn good, but is more of a club. BTB on Kalayaan also great on a weekend, small and not too pricey, Brazilian Bar".
QUESTIONS-.
I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.
What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.
Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.
SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".
BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.
B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.
C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".
TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.
FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.
I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.
Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.
C4 T (P?
We are alike you and I; the pleasure of the experience begins with its anticipation. You are in for a treat and you will I fear you will also experience disappointment. You have had a lot of experience but you may also, like me, develop some preconceived ideas before you begin. To begin with, Ermita is a shithole (but so is Manila more so than Bangkok) and I would not advise to make that a focus. I am not an aficionado of Makati because I don't think it is worth the expense and it is not as convenient as other places.
I would suggest that you concentrate your efforts on AC because it will be easy to make a soft landing there. You will want to compare it your experience in Pattaya although some might claim apples and oranges. After you have your sealegs you might want to make a short sojourn to the nearby community of Barrio Barretto on the coast which is alternately mistakenly called Subic or Olongapo. It is a smaller and toned down version of Angeles. I have enjoyed both of these places. By that time, you may want to experience the big city.
[QUOTE=Crazy4Thai;1995953]Decisions Decisions.
I have spent perhaps too much time planning my first monger trip to the PI. I would like to present my somewhat meager plan for any and all comments. I'll wrap it up with a few questions but I've tried to do the work and keep those to a minimum. I think I'll wait until late March to arrive and stay about 2 weeks. I am flexible on that. As my handle suggests I have been Thai centric, and for more than 10 years mostly living in Thailand. I used to prefer Pattaya over Bangkok but now that preference is reversed. I thought about skipping AC because of this but upon further reading of the board have decided that might be a mistake. I need to pause here for a second and say THANKS to the great majority of you who run a friendly and informative board! Digging for the details has really helped me decide how to proceed. As a NooB the scene seems a bit complicated from over here in Thailand but I have found some good summaries to help me.
I've been torn between Makati and Ermita and I'm considering doing both then a wrap up with AC. Maybe 5 days in each location. I've seen EDSA summaries comparing it to Nana Plaza so have no curiosity about it. QUESTION. Do you think I should limit my plan to two stops in 14 days instead of three? In Thailand I'm not so big on gogos. I go sometimes but have not pulled from one in a very long time. I am, BTW, in my senior years and I'm sometimes met with indifference with the young and hot Thai women even though I'm polite and well groomed. I tend to do better with FLs (my favorite regular is 30 and looks 22) and in the PSE themed oilies of BKK where anything goes. Also I have good fun and some success in the beer bars with pool often being a focal point. So I'm thinking Ermita should be not too tough to feel at home while still enjoying a new scene. In Makati I plan to take it as it comes. I've never done any "pipelining" but maybe will dabble in that just a little and explore. I understand online arrangements take time and effort to setup so I plan to start maybe a week or so before I arrive. I'm also wondering if I even need to do this.
I have become more fussy about hotels and the last 10 years of hotel development have been very good for me in Thailand. I'm thinking this means I'm going to have to up my budget for Manila. I can find real comfort for $50 to $75 in Bangkok and $40 to $60 in Pattaya. I do not need luxury or breakfast included. Clean, comfortable, big enough, not worn out, good wifi, a refrigerator even if small, and reliable hot water. I'd sure like to replicate that value on this trip but after researching the hotel thread it looks like so many of the top recommended places are often followed up with a "well worn" review. After quite a bit of thrash time in the hotel thread and then checking Google reviews I was a bit discouraged. Following Hutsori's lead on the Clipper lead me to [URL]Hotels.com[/URL]. That is because the website for the hotel would not show any available dates no matter what I entered. Going to [URL]Hotels.com[/URL] cleared out all the barriers and showed a choice of properties of real promise and I'm no longer discouraged. Each listing also includes a little Trip Advisor review rating alongside.
I'm also eager to check out some live music as I do not often find satisfaction in Bangkok on that topic. I have high hopes for this considering the reputation of Filipino musicians. First on my list is "The Roadhouse Manila Bay. Best blues bar in town. Good finger food. Great acoustics. TH-FR-SAT-SUN. " I've also gleaned recommendations on the board for "12 Monkeys music hall in City Centre Mall (Poblacion, Makati) can be a rocking place on a Friday or Saturday. Not that difficult to pick up either although it does mostly tend to be groups. Royal also in Poblacion is pretty damn good, but is more of a club. BTB on Kalayaan also great on a weekend, small and not too pricey, Brazilian Bar".
QUESTIONS-.
I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.
What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.
Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.
SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".
BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.
B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.
C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".
TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.
FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.
I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.
Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.
C4 T (P?[/QUOTE]I've reproduced your entire post, because I'd like to respond to as many of your questions as I can. Like you, I'm very much a "senior," and since I have mirrors throughout my house and in the hotel rooms in which I stay, can no longer delude myself into thinking I'm other than a shadow of my former self. I think you will find that on balance, it won't matter much to your enjoyment, and I'm sure you'll be told, in standard bar girl banter, "age doesn't matter," or "age is just a number. ".
I agree with the prior poster who tried to dissuade you from hanging out excessively in Manila. It's a hole, not altogether safe on the streets, and the girls are, with some notable exceptions, pretty much the dregs. I'm speaking here of the well-known Ermita / Mabini haunts of LA Café and G-Point, though occasionally you can find some jewels amidst the dross of the freelancers who congregate there. In short, Ermita might be worth a night of your time, but probably no more. That said, I think all first-time visitors to Manila should go see LA Café at least once, just for the experience.
My preferred hunting grounds, aside from online chatting, is Makati for a few reasons. First, it's very safe. Second, there are good restaurants, cafés and other places to hang out during the day. You could, for example easily spend half a day at Greenbelt Mall, take in the Ayala Museum there, have lunch at any one of 3-4 dozen excellent places, and wind up at Café Havana, which is a free lancer hangout during the evenings, though again typically not staffed with the finest representatives that the city has to offer. Like everywhere else though, YMMV and ever now and again, there's a pearl in the oyster.
Much as been written about the pricing on Burgos St. , which is the primary bikini bar area. And while it's true that a first-time pick-up at the best bars--Kojax, Plan be, Coco Rock (my opinion only) --may cost you a Php3,000 ($60) bar fine and a Php2-3,000 "tip" (40-60), I think you'll find that many girls will be more than willing, once in your room, to provide their phone number and express a willingness to meet with you outside of the bar on subsequent visits. Girls also have no problem recommending friends who can recommend other friends, and so on, so one "expensive" Burgos visit can yield rich, less expensive future payoffs.
There's a lot that's been written herein about decent hotels on or near Burgos, including the Oxford Suites and St. Giles. I have friends who stay in both and seem satisfied with them. I stayed in Oxford several years ago and found it clean with acceptable amenities. My only problem was the scarcity of elevators, which made waits a bit long sometimes. However, I cannot comment on its present condition as it's been quite a while since I was there. Wicked Roger I believe stays often at the St. Giles and you may want to send him a PM to get his impressions.
Aside from rush hour, taxis are plentiful on and around the Burgos area and pretty much throughout Makati. You might want to download the "Grab Taxi" app, which is free and works quite well. Also, as I've described in prior posts, Uber works very well for me there, and if you don't already have the app you may want to consider downloading it as well.
I can't help much with the KTVs as I never go, and it's not my scene anymore. I prefer the initial Burgos troll and then using that as a basis for future adventures. I'm a Smart subscriber as Smart is marginally better in Davao where I live. I agree however, with those who state that Globe coverage is better in Manila, and if you're only going to buy one sim, I'd recommend Globe as well.
I stay well away from the MRT, which is known to break down frequently, and which is often crowded well beyond design capacity. It's nothing like the monorail system in Bangkok: not nearly as clean, fast or efficient and its route is more constructed. As a noob, I'd stay with taxis or Uber; both are fairly cheap and lots more comfortable.
The new expressway to Terminals 2 and 3 is now open, and I'm not sure it matters much anymore where you land. I was in Manila last week, landed at Terminal 2, and was at my hotel in the middle of Makati in less than 25 minutes. I think the return trip to the airport took about 15-20 minutes. This trip used to take me 45 minutes to an hour. I'm not sure where Thai Air lands, but PAL is likely Terminal 2, where you can easily get a "coupon" or fixed price taxi to take you anywhere you want to go.
Again, let me stress that Iv'e never seen a problem with age in Burgos bars. If you like, send me a PM and I'll give you the names of the mama sans in Kojax and Plan be, both of whom will doubtless prove very helpful in assisting you in finding what / whom you want.
In AC I only stay at the ABC Hotel which is, admittedly expensive. However, I find it convenient, quite congenial and completely safe. Others here have significantly more hotel experience in AC than do I. Despite what others have said however, about girls' preferences for younger (handsomer) guys, and / or Koreans and / or Japanese, I continue to have a great time there and there's no reason you should not as well. True, not every girls who appeals to you will want to go with you, but there are plenty who will and you should have an excellent time. The "tip" after the barfine really is up to you, and can range from nothing at all to Php3,000 which is routinely given by a friend of mine but by no one else I know. I' talking here about the bars on Walking Street, as I don't often go to the Perimiter bars. Unlike you, I prefer LT, through breakfast so my costs may be slightly higher. Again, I'd recommend investing in a drink for the mama San, explain to her exactly the type of chick you're looking for, and let he make some suggestions.
Hope some of what I've said helps, and please feel free to PM.
GE.
[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1996034]You might want to download the "Grab Taxi" app, which is free and works quite well. Also, as I've described in prior posts, Uber works very well for me there, and if you don't already have the app you may want to consider downloading it as well.
GE.[/QUOTE]GE,
Can Grab be used effectively by an English only speaker in the Philippines? I used it with great success in Indonesia but the drivers did have a habit of calling shortly before arrival to confirm I was ready and any directions to less known locations. As 95% of their clientele are local this conversation was generally in Indonesian.
[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1996034]
Hope some of what I've said helps, and please feel free to PM.
GE.[/QUOTE]My sincere thanks to you GE and to Pompetus (and a couple of PMs already too). I'll take your input to heart and adjust accordingly. It seems my primary interest in this, aside from a change of scenery is the theme that continually surfaces here on this board about more of a GFE than from the Thai lovelies. THANKS!
[QUOTE=Crazy4Thai;1995953]Decisions Decisions.
QUESTIONS-.
I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.
What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.
Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.
SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".
BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.
B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.
C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".
TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.
FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.
I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.
Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.
C4 T (P?[/QUOTE]For live music, consider Spicy Fingers if you are already in Greenbelt Mall (Makati). It is a very short walk from Havana Café and is popular with older "farangs" and their dates. You will find groups of single women here as well; some might be "available" but most are just out enjoying themselves. There are also a lot of other dining options at Greenbelt Mall but you pay more than eating "local". BTW, Filipino food is quite bad. When was the last time you saw a Filipino restaurant in your home country? Compare it to the number of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants you've seen. Enough said.
I've been to a couple of KTVs just to check them out; you can find some off Roxas street in the vicinity of EDSA. I did not stay long. You pay an hourly rate for the girls' company (and usually an entrance fee as well), and that is about all you get. The general consensus is that you have to be a long-time customer of the girl before she gives you benefits. The girls are a notch above what you will find in Makati or EDSA. The venue is tailored towards Asian clientele (Koreans and rich Filipinos) but you will be accepted.
In case you don't know, Grab Taxi is an app that uses regular taxis that sign up for it. You get the price on the app so you don't have to negotiate with someone who does not use the meter. It is very convenient during rain showers, or when you want to wait in the hotel lobby instead of playing the "Will you take me here" game trying to hail a cab. There are Grab stations at Malls and airport terminals where you can meet the taxi, or order one. But like Uber, you can just give your location via the app. Generally, Grab will get you a cab quicker then Uber.
Expect to pay a toll if you use the airport expressway (php30 if I recall, totally worth it). It pays to leave the airport with a collection of small denomination bills and coins, since taxi drivers may not have change for 1000/5000 peso bills.
Tip: most taxis that wait outside a venue will state a fix (too high) price over a taxi that is driving. They are there to rip of the tourists.
The MRT is a quick, cheap way to get from someplace like Pasay to Quezon City. But oh my God, the humanity! You will be pressed in and squeezed like you never have before, especially at rush hour. Pick pockets abound so take appropriate actions. Females have their own train cars. I did it once only.
If you go to EDSA Entertainment (and I recommend you try it for one evening, maybe before / after hitting a KTV in the area), the pricing structure is like Burgos St. You pay php1950-2000 to the bar and negotiate with the girl (2000-3000ST). They are age-flexible here as long as you look like you are fun and friendly. They still make a big deal about Japanese / Korean visitors for some reason, even though those clients seldom stay and spend money. Firehouse and Pitstop are my favorite clubs. I think there are a total of 7 or 8 indoors here.
Kojax is generally accepted as the best club on Burgos but they are not open every night so plan your Burgos visit accordingly (see the update in the Makati thread).
For dating apps, I say diversify you hunting grounds and use WeChat and Skout. Nothing lost. Just don't waste time meeting a girl that turns out to be a katoeey (included under the non-heterosexual term "bacla" here).
You may get bored quickly in AC since there are not many daytime activities. Inter-Philippines airfare is quite cheap and abundant. You can always book a flight to a beach resort on Cebu Pacific if you get bored in AC and Manila. The beach hotels are not anymore expensive than Manila hotels.
I used to solely visit Thailand for a run of 8 years or so, twice a year, but I can no longer pull the type of girl I want there, whether due to better economic conditions or me getting old, or perhaps a combination. I've been going to the Philippines for the last 4 years, 2-3 times a year and have had better experiences. I do not think the girls are as pretty (at least, not the girls available to us; but a top tier Pinay can hold her own against a top tier Thai, IMHO), but their warmth and enthusiasm will win you over. I have not been back to Thailand since.
Enjoy your trip and I'm looking forward to reading your FR.
[QUOTE=Crazy4Thai;1995953]Decisions Decisions.
I have spent perhaps too much time planning my first monger trip to the PI. I would like to present my somewhat meager plan for any and all comments. I'll wrap it up with a few questions but I've tried to do the work and keep those to a minimum. I think I'll wait until late March to arrive and stay about 2 weeks. I am flexible on that. As my handle suggests I have been Thai centric, and for more than 10 years mostly living in Thailand. I used to prefer Pattaya over Bangkok but now that preference is reversed. I thought about skipping AC because of this but upon further reading of the board have decided that might be a mistake. I need to pause here for a second and say THANKS to the great majority of you who run a friendly and informative board! Digging for the details has really helped me decide how to proceed. As a NooB the scene seems a bit complicated from over here in Thailand but I have found some good summaries to help me.
I've been torn between Makati and Ermita and I'm considering doing both then a wrap up with AC. Maybe 5 days in each location. I've seen EDSA summaries comparing it to Nana Plaza so have no curiosity about it. QUESTION. Do you think I should limit my plan to two stops in 14 days instead of three? In Thailand I'm not so big on gogos. I go sometimes but have not pulled from one in a very long time. I am, BTW, in my senior years and I'm sometimes met with indifference with the young and hot Thai women even though I'm polite and well groomed. I tend to do better with FLs (my favorite regular is 30 and looks 22) and in the PSE themed oilies of BKK where anything goes. Also I have good fun and some success in the beer bars with pool often being a focal point. So I'm thinking Ermita should be not too tough to feel at home while still enjoying a new scene. In Makati I plan to take it as it comes. I've never done any "pipelining" but maybe will dabble in that just a little and explore. I understand online arrangements take time and effort to setup so I plan to start maybe a week or so before I arrive. I'm also wondering if I even need to do this.
I have become more fussy about hotels and the last 10 years of hotel development have been very good for me in Thailand. I'm thinking this means I'm going to have to up my budget for Manila. I can find real comfort for $50 to $75 in Bangkok and $40 to $60 in Pattaya. I do not need luxury or breakfast included. Clean, comfortable, big enough, not worn out, good wifi, a refrigerator even if small, and reliable hot water. I'd sure like to replicate that value on this trip but after researching the hotel thread it looks like so many of the top recommended places are often followed up with a "well worn" review. After quite a bit of thrash time in the hotel thread and then checking Google reviews I was a bit discouraged. Following Hutsori's lead on the Clipper lead me to [URL]Hotels.com[/URL]. That is because the website for the hotel would not show any available dates no matter what I entered. Going to [URL]Hotels.com[/URL] cleared out all the barriers and showed a choice of properties of real promise and I'm no longer discouraged. Each listing also includes a little Trip Advisor review rating alongside.
I'm also eager to check out some live music as I do not often find satisfaction in Bangkok on that topic. I have high hopes for this considering the reputation of Filipino musicians. First on my list is "The Roadhouse Manila Bay. Best blues bar in town. Good finger food. Great acoustics. TH-FR-SAT-SUN. " I've also gleaned recommendations on the board for "12 Monkeys music hall in City Centre Mall (Poblacion, Makati) can be a rocking place on a Friday or Saturday. Not that difficult to pick up either although it does mostly tend to be groups. Royal also in Poblacion is pretty damn good, but is more of a club. BTB on Kalayaan also great on a weekend, small and not too pricey, Brazilian Bar".
QUESTIONS-.
I see conflicting info on pricing and this is what I have concluded; From the bikini clubs in Makati one pays the BF and negotiates with the girl about the tip before paying the BF. In other establishments the tip is up to me with the possibility of none if the service is not as agreed, including in the bikini clubs of AC. FL is whatever they can get. One report was about LA ladies starting at 5 k and he got them to 3 k after buying drinks. I was getting the idea that under 3 k might be more the norm. I almost always prefer ST. My norm has become about 2 hours. I am willing to pay premium when it is warranted and I like not paying over or under for "normal" encounters.
What's up with the KTVs? I could not tell you where any are in my usual Thai circles but apparently they are numerous in the PI. I do not see much reference on the board. I'm guessing that means they are not venues for us but are for Asians. I'm curious to check them out unless there is a reason not to.
Chat Apps and Online Dating. I currently have Line on my phone and I'll ad another if you say so. I might join PinaLove and will place my own Craigslist ad. I keep reminding myself that it's only for 2 weeks.
SIM CARD. Which one? Gleaned the following from the board; "Update: Having now tested both, I've found Globe's coverage and speeds to be notably superior to Smart's. Comparing the lines at the airport booths, others seem to agree. ".
BD wrote "A) Pick up a free SIM on arrival at any airport CEB, MNL or CRK.
B) get it loaded by the assistant with P100 or sometimes they will say P300 minimum.
C) Register (or ask them to register you) to promo GOTSCOMBODD70 for P70. ".
TAXI APPS AND MASS TRANSIT. For 10 days in Manila do I need a taxi app? (I just read RK's report and he does well with taxi's) I see there is an MRT and I see perhaps no reference to it on the board. I use the BTS and the MRT in BKK often. What's the story? Too crowded? Not located right for our hobby? Or just not written about.
FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines. And Thai Air. Offer similar schedules and similar pricing out of BKK. Cebu Pacific, would save me about $70 even after paying for a checked bag and arrive 2 PM. I've seen negative comments about them here though. And maybe the 7 PM arrivals of the other 2 are better as far as traffic issues go.
I currently have no details planned for the AC leg.
Thanks again and please do weigh in if you are so inclined.
C4 T (P?[/QUOTE]Hey C4 T.
Seems to me like you've received plenty of very sound advice from GE, reading his response I found myself agreeing with the most of it, so I will try to only add my point of view where I can.
First, between Makati and Ermita I tend to agree with GE, Makati is much (much) more welcoming for a newcomer. I wouldn't necessarily stay directly on Burgos st. As in the daytime there is little to do around there and I wouldn't call it walking distance to the Greenbelt / Ayala Center area in Manila's humidity. There are plenty of high quality and reasonably priced hotels halfway between Burgos and Greenbelt in the neighborhoods of Salcedo Village or Legazpi village which are great, have plenty of dining options and are both a 5 minute taxi drive /10-15 minute walk to Burgos / Ayala Center. Every hotel I stayed in Makati was guest-friendly and I would recommend you widen your options by taking a look at some options in those areas (I personally like Salcedo, but to each his own).
I would also not look to shift hotels from Makati to the Pasay / Ermita area. By the time one would want to visit Pasay (EDSA Complex, KTVs on Roxas Blvd.) or Ermita (LAC, etc.) taxis after 8 PM are not too long a ride (well under 30 minutes in my experience using Waze).
So to sum it up, while in Manila, I would stick to Makati.
As for KTVs, there are 2 types of them to my best knowledge.
There are the ones with massage places attached to them (AF1, Classmates, Pegasus) and there are the ones which are pure KTV / hostess bars like on Roxas Blvd. (Dczar / Apeiro I believe was the name? Though it does change frequently).
My experience in these places is that the massage type places are the normal fishbowl type, you take a look at the offering, pick a number, and the lady of your choice meets you in your room for a steam bath and a FS session. This is one of the cheaper options in MNL in some cases, and I've had several girls give me their number and become regulars. YMMV. The KTVs where there is a massage place the girls are very pricey, and in my single experience FS on premises was not permitted. Bar fining was almost 3 times a Burgos BF, which is ridiculous.
In the KTV in I've visited on Roxas Blvd I was accompanied / referred by a Filipino friend, the girls on offering were good looking, and I think that for about 2. 5 K FS sessions were held in the private KTV rooms. These had no bed, but the staff were very cool about taking two leather sofas together to make them into a double bed. Drink costs and per-hour fees still make this a pricey option, but it's pretty fun for a change from time to time.
I also recommend having Uber installed, it's just very comfy and is getting bigger in Manila.
As for Cebu Pacific, I've flown with the several times to different destinations. They're a low cost provider, I found flights with them to be decent, safe, can't say why anyone should avoid them per se.
If they're the better option for your circumstances, I would fly with them.
I am also happy to take any additional questions on Manila or AC in PM if you wish.
Enjoy your trip (as well as the build-up for it).
Dave.
[QUOTE=Goferring;1996065]GE,
Can Grab be used effectively by an English only speaker in the Philippines? I used it with great success in Indonesia but the drivers did have a habit of calling shortly before arrival to confirm I was ready and any directions to less known locations. As 95% of their clientele are local this conversation was generally in Indonesian.[/QUOTE]I am not GE, but I have used Grab many times in Manila. All drivers spoke good conversational English. Enough to get where I was going. Also when you order on the app you have stated your pick up point and destination. Really not even a need for a conversation other than to confirm your destination.
This past week taxis were lined up at T1 and I used a yellow cab and he used the meter, did not even try to up charge me! I was a little shocked. In Makati all taxis I hailed just used the meter. They did not complain of the short ride from P. Burgos to Powerplant Mall, less than P55.
I believe the threat of death by President Dutere or alternative taxis such as Grab has changed the market.
For Salty Pete and Babouy Dave. Thank you both for some great details. I am so glad I posted here to smooth out the wrinkles. I am getting just what I hoped for.
[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1995196]I've had new Uber drivers who have no idea where they're going, which is why I use Waze on every trip and insist that the driver follow those directions. On Thursday, for example, I had to get to a slightly out of the way address in Marikina, a part of the metro area that I don't know at all. No sweat at all as I just had the driver follow Waze and he took me right to the door; no wrong turns and no wasted time. I did the same thing on the return trip. As I've stated before, I prefer Uber to taxis for a couple of reasons: first, the cars are new (ish) and invariably clean and odor free and second, because should I prove absent minded and leave something in the car, I can always contact the driver and get it returned, as I've had to do on one occasion.
I rarely use taxis anywhere in the metro area these days.
GE.[/QUOTE]GE,
I use Google maps almost everywhere. Would you happen to know how that compares with Waze in Manila? Maps does flake out in some areas (I assume a bug or virus) but generally good with traffic and routing.
[QUOTE=Wimble;1996741]GE,
I use Google maps almost everywhere. Would you happen to know how that compares with Waze in Manila? Maps does flake out in some areas (I assume a bug or virus) but generally good with traffic and routing.[/QUOTE]Generally, I've had better luck with Waze, though it's been a while since I've used Google Maps here, so I may have missed out on the latest upgrades. Waze works extremely well for me and is quite popular with Filipinos, which means that the traffic information is updated quite frequently.
GE.
[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1996887]Generally, I've had better luck with Waze, though it's been a while since I've used Google Maps here, so I may have missed out on the latest upgrades. Waze works extremely well for me and is quite popular with Filipinos, which means that the traffic information is updated quite frequently.
GE.[/QUOTE]GE, thanks for the quick reply. When in Makati, I usually don't need to arrange my own transport or stray far from the hotel. So far I have been quite lucky though I had taxis take routes through some really iffy neighborhoods, worse than the Third Ave bridge in NYC ala Bonfires of the Vanities. Stay safe.
[QUOTE=Wimble;1996741]GE,
I use Google maps almost everywhere. Would you happen to know how that compares with Waze in Manila? Maps does flake out in some areas (I assume a bug or virus) but generally good with traffic and routing.[/QUOTE]Waze is more proactive about scanning for traffic delays and rerouting you. I believe the spottiness you refer to is due to a lack of Internet connectivity, which is required to download geographical data for any navigation app.