Other Areas

[QUOTE=GoodEnough]I don't think this is very sound advice. Pagadian is fine, and you can go without much worry, though it's a pretty boring place without much to do. You should check on that factor before you go.I don't know what the power situation is there at the moment, and you might want to check to see how often the power goes, and for how long.Zamboanga however, has changed drastically in the last three years, and I wouldn't recommend it to the casual tourist. I go there frequently (and again later this week) and I rarely look forward to it.

The problem with advice about Mindanao is that, unless you're on the ground and get constant updates on the shifting security situation (which I am and which I do), the advice is likely to be incorrect.

GE[/QUOTE]

OK GE point taken.
But I suspect you spend time down there because of work and not as a matter of choice.
I cannot see any reason to go there at present unless you need to go.
I spend a lot of time in Mindanao but mainly in Davao and short trips to Cotabato City for work. We have an escort when we travel, and we don't go out of the hotel in Cotabato after we return from the office unless escorted to a function of some sort. I know this is not Pagadian, but I am extrapolating that scene across to ZC and Pagadian City.
I know that ZC currently has power black-outs for 3 or 4 hours almost every evening from around 8-12, but not sure about Pagadian.

Reading your post you seem to be saying that it is still not a good idea to go wandering around, and you make mention of the "shifting security situation".
I still say don't go there unless you are getting up to date information on the current security situation. You may feel quite isolated if you are alone, unless your girl and her family act as bodyguards for you. There is always the risk of random banditry, but I guess you can get that anywhere in the world.

I repeat my earlier warning that my friend in Pagadian is too scared of the situation to have me come visit her in her home town.
You cannot get much more "local" or "on the ground" than that.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt]OK GE point taken.
But I suspect you spend time down there because of work and not as a matter of choice.
I cannot see any reason to go there at present unless you need to go.
I spend a lot of time in Mindanao but mainly in Davao and short trips to Cotabato City for work. We have an escort when we travel, and we don't go out of the hotel in Cotabato after we return from the office unless escorted to a function of some sort. I know this is not Pagadian, but I am extrapolating that scene across to ZC and Pagadian City.
I know that ZC currently has power black-outs for 3 or 4 hours almost every evening from around 8-12, but not sure about Pagadian.

Reading your post you seem to be saying that it is still not a good idea to go wandering around, and you make mention of the "shifting security situation".
I still say don't go there unless you are getting up to date information on the current security situation. You may feel quite isolated if you are alone, unless your girl and her family act as bodyguards for you. There is always the risk of random banditry, but I guess you can get that anywhere in the world.

I repeat my earlier warning that my friend in Pagadian is too scared of the situation to have me come visit her in her home town.
You cannot get much more "local" or "on the ground" than that.[/QUOTE]


The Pagadian - Cotabato road is good and was at least during the election time well protected.
Pagadian itself is somewhat spooky. Heavy security, at one hotel guys with laser pointers on their M-16, plus the local hotel guy with an AK 47.
People were surprised that I walked around alone. No cinema. I was advised NOT to visit the villages on the bay.
Allegedly very high kidnapping risk. So it is a bit on the border. Better to date in Dipolog, Ozamis or Iligan. In Pagadian any foreigner sticks out like a light tower.
I certainly felt uneasy in Pagadian, not much different than in Cotabato.

[QUOTE=Thaifun]The Pagadian - Cotabato road is good and was at least during the election time well protected.
Pagadian itself is somewhat spooky. Heavy security, at one hotel guys with laser pointers on their M-16, plus the local hotel guy with an AK 47.
People were surprised that I walked around alone. No cinema. I was advised NOT to visit the villages on the bay.
Allegedly very high kidnapping risk. So it is a bit on the border. Better to date in Dipolog, Ozamis or Iligan. In Pagadian any foreigner sticks out like a light tower.
I certainly felt uneasy in Pagadian, not much different than in Cotabato.[/QUOTE]
Okay TF, I take your point as well. I guess the bottom line is, if you don't feel comfortable don't go. I agree totally about Cotabato. I never venture outside the hotel at night for any reason, and the hotel itself is pretty much of a hole, so it's not lots of fun being there. ZC hasn't had problems for a while, but there are all kinds of less than desirable types, affiliated with various groups wandering around the town, and they've been known to take pictures of obvious foreigners. So that's another place where I don't go out at night.

Davao and CDO are fine, as most people know, and General Santos is reasonably safe, though I'm not sure why anyone who didn't have to would want to go there either. Iligan had some minor problems a few months ago but seems to have settled down. Again though, the town is a hole, so I cannot understand why anyone would go there.

As for casual visitors to Mindanao, I advise that you stay in and around Davao and/or CDO. That way, you need not have any concerns.

What I meant by "shifting security situation" is simply that the more mobile bad guys--the NPA and the Abu Sayyaf--flit from one location to another within a reasonably large area, so what's safe and secure on one day may not be so secure the next day or the next week.

GE

I will be there very shortly.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough]Okay TF, I take your point as well. I guess the bottom line is, if you don't feel comfortable don't go. I agree totally about Cotabato. I never venture outside the hotel at night for any reason, and the hotel itself is pretty much of a hole, so it's not lots of fun being there. ZC hasn't had problems for a while, but there are all kinds of less than desirable types, affiliated with various groups wandering around the town, and they've been known to take pictures of obvious foreigners. So that's another place where I don't go out at night.

Davao and CDO are fine, as most people know, and General Santos is reasonably safe, though I'm not sure why anyone who didn't have to would want to go there either. Iligan had some minor problems a few months ago but seems to have settled down. Again though, the town is a hole, so I cannot understand why anyone would go there.

As for casual visitors to Mindanao, I advise that you stay in and around Davao and/or CDO. That way, you need not have any concerns.

What I meant by "shifting security situation" is simply that the more mobile bad guys--the NPA and the Abu Sayyaf--flit from one location to another within a reasonably large area, so what's safe and secure on one day may not be so secure the next day or the next week.

GE[/QUOTE]

I m not easily scared and I do spend my time in places others dont go. In Pagadian the situation was very tense. Great scare of bombs and the main hotel is owned by the governor which makes it THE TARGET. I had all radars on and I "smelled" trouble was brewing. Bad vibrations left and right.

I walked around Cotabato city at night, the night market, i found some hideouts (hidden behind a front shop) etc. The Muslims were very friendly, the others less so. Pagadian was distinctly more tense.
The hookers near the market are very scary (so we're not off topic).

Iligan was relaxed. Lots of students, clubs open till late night, cafe, ktv with girls negotiating before you even enter. A high street full of shops, plenty of food. I had a great time there.

Iligan had bad luck with the raid but Pagadian felt like resident evil around the next corner.

To compare Abu Sayyaf with the NPA or even to name them in one sentence is not correct. I have been in the mountains with activity within a few miles, nervous military, helicopters in the air. All assured me that I m perfectly safe, just I should keep a little distance from those guys in uniform. The support for the NPA in the rural areas made it more than likely that I had a meal or drink with sympathizers or members without even knowing it. A.S. would simply assault or kill you.

The problem on the Zamboanga Peninsula and areas of Cotabato and around is aggravated by the fact that private gangs have joined the lucrative hijacking business. So it is difficult to calculate. Endless nights with guys working for the police and military in rural ktvs etc confirmed this. A couple of beers and we were brothers and I got all the input I might need.

So my advice for Pagadian would be to limit the visit to the essential greetings and then off to the next larger destination. Dipolog is 5 hrs over the mountain - scenic trip.

Pagadian has lots of nice women and hardly any white male skin to meet the demand. Problem is, tight public control. :(

I'll going to baguio soon. I know there is not much action in baguio. Any information about bar or karoke where i can bar fine the girl will be appreciate.

Salamat

I felt okay about being in Pagadian, last year. It's a tough call. Most of us who have been to places like Cotobato City or Pagadian, are seasoned travellers with well-tuned antennae. GoodEnough, Thaifun, and Red Kilt,

All took the time to respond to your question. You should feel flattered.

These guys are all 'heavy hitters'. Advice doesn't come any better than that.

I was In Dipolog and Dapitan a couple of months ago. A DIA contact in Ipil was very anxious for me to visit (That's between Pagadian and Z. C.).

It just didn't feel like a smart move, so, I didn't go. That's the bottom line.

If you are experienced, trust your gut. If not, then trust the guys who know. I'd send her 500 pesos for bus fare to Dipolog or Dapitan.

The Dapitan City Beach Resort on Sunset, is a great place to spend some time with a new girl. Even better, Dakak Resort, is one of the best resorts on Mindanao and it's about 15km. North of Dapitan.

[QUOTE=The Departed]I will be there very shortly.[/QUOTE]Reminds of when I was working in Saudi Arabia many years back.

I took a vacation to Bali and the singer in the band in Sanur Beach hotel, was kind enough to ask me if I wanted pussy.

Yes please I said.

He said did I want large or small girl, tall or short. No I replied, I just want to do a Muslim girl!

[QUOTE=Thaifun]I m not easily scared and I do spend my time in places others dont go. In Pagadian the situation was very tense. Great scare of bombs and the main hotel is owned by the governor which makes it THE TARGET. I had all radars on and I "smelled" trouble was brewing. Bad vibrations left and right.

........... Pagadian has lots of nice women and hardly any white male skin to meet the demand. Problem is, tight public control. :([/QUOTE]

Hmmm looks like we have gone around 360 degrees back to what I said in my original advice post #1142.
Go to Davao or the northern parts of Mindanao (or maybe even Cebu) unless you want to run a risk of something happening in Western and South-western Mindanao

[QUOTE=X Man]I haven't been to Bohol in a few years. I noticed that Ocean jet now charges 800p.

Can anyone give a review of Panglao hotels? I've stayed at ISIS (not very large) and Bohol Beach club, and was quite happy with both places, but that was a few years ago.

I'd also like to know what the going rate is to hire a boat out to one of the outlying islands -- mostly for snorkeling.[/QUOTE]
What better place to get away from the hustle and grime of Cebu City?
Bohol is a great choice!

Last time I visited Panglao island, I was put up at Playa Blanca Beach Resort by a friend who knew the brother and sister owners. Situated on a beautiful piece of property amongst coconut trees, this resort was the first one built on Alona beach.

The accomodations are duplex cottages set back from the beach like idyllic little grass shacks! The huge bed takes up 75% of the room with attached bathroom. No TV, no hot water so only a hardy beach goer/diver would feel at home! No problem for me as I only use the room for the five S's (shit, shower, shave, sleep and last but not least a shag). :D

They had a bar and resto on the beach but it burned down years ago.
An a/c room can be had for 1500 php. Half that price for a fan room.

Hired a banka for a half day trip to Balicasag island for 1500 php. The water was so clear you didn't need tanks as the area is a wildlife preserve so snorkeling is the way to go!

[QUOTE=Malibu21]I'll going to baguio soon. I know there is not much action in baguio. Any information about bar or karoke where i can bar fine the girl will be appreciate.[/QUOTE]
There is plenty of action in Baguio you just have to find it!
In the downtown core, there is a handful of Asian style KTV bars massed together. These are the kind of places where the girls don't strip down completely and just tease you on stage. LD are 300+ and BF 3000+.

But I suggest a KTV located out a ways on Naguilian Road. Forgot the name of the place and would not doubt their name has changed to protect the innocent. Taxi drivers should know the place since it has been at that locale for over seven years. You will probably be the only westerner but maybe see a few Koreans. The beers are cheap so you can hang out and see the show, get something to eat (food is decent) and pick out a girl. They have VIP rooms if that is your thing. Still the BF will be as quoted above.

If you have got some game, there are numerous music clubs and discos off Session Road like Arturo's and Paddy's.

Please file a FR upon your return!

[QUOTE=Mattrick]There is plenty of action in Baguio you just have to find it!
In the downtown core, there is a handful of Asian style KTV bars massed together. These are the kind of places where the girls don't strip down completely and just tease you on stage. LD are 300+ and BF 3000+.

But I suggest a KTV located out a ways on Naguilian Road. Forgot the name of the place and would not doubt their name has changed to protect the innocent. Taxi drivers should know the place since it has been at that locale for over seven years. You will probably be the only westerner but maybe see a few Koreans. The beers are cheap so you can hang out and see the show, get something to eat (food is decent) and pick out a girl. They have VIP rooms if that is your thing. Still the BF will be as quoted above.

If you have got some game, there are numerous music clubs and discos off Session Road like Arturo's and Paddy's.[/QUOTE]Yes the Naguilian road KTV was still there 6 months ago.

Another alternative is to go sit in Burnham Park, during the daytime.There are lots of university ladies there and for a guy with good game theres a lot that you could try. Remember this is the Phils.. girls arent shy and all college kids need some additional pera most of the time.

As the very worst alternaitve, head to La Union... can reach there in an hour on a good day. Lots of resorts there and lots of ladies there willing to enjoy beachtime with you.

[QUOTE=Questor 55]

I was In Dipolog and Dapitan a couple of months ago. A DIA contact in Ipil was very anxious for me to visit (That's between Pagadian and Z. C.).

It just didn't feel like a smart move, so, I didn't go. That's the bottom line.

If you are experienced, trust your gut. If not, then trust the guys who know. I'd send her 500 pesos for bus fare to Dipolog or Dapitan.

The Dapitan City Beach Resort on Sunset, is a great place to spend some time with a new girl. Even better, Dakak Resort, is one of the best resorts on Mindanao and it's about 15km. North of Dapitan.[/QUOTE]

I was in the area a few months ago and thought about going to Zamboanga. In Pagadian I had talked to the bus drivers about schedules etc (it is basically a 24 hrs service). But then I spoke with a security guy on one bus, M-16 with him, lots of extra ammo. Very low key, going to his post. He said it is 95%+ safe but they never know when they hit and they have their informants.

Van drivers might be a better option. Faster, not many stops, not many people getting off before the destination is reached. Ipil had a horrible massacre some years back.
In general, the combination of forest, mountains, and Muslim population majority make a bad combination on Mindanao. In Cotabato city the houses might have replaced the trees and give cover.

Dipolog and the surrounding area is very nice and safe, good sea food at ridiculous prices. Lots of clubs in Dipolog and ladies to attend to your needs if the date does not work out.

Pagadian has some nice hotels, dont go to the governor's hotel. There is a new 'business' hotel nearby in a side street (on your right hand side when you drive down the hill from the bus station. Prices are OK and better than in the other spots.

[QUOTE=Mattrick]What better place to get away from the hustle and grime of Cebu City?

Bohol is a great choice!

Last time I visited Panglao island, I was put up at Playa Blanca Beach Resort by a friend who knew the brother and sister owners. Situated on a beautiful piece of property amongst coconut trees, this resort was the first one built on Alona beach.

The accomodations are duplex cottages set back from the beach like idyllic little grass shacks! The huge bed takes up 75% of the room with attached bathroom. No TV, no hot water so only a hardy beach goer/diver would feel at home! No problem for me as I only use the room for the five S's (shit, shower, shave, sleep and last but not least a shag). :D

They had a bar and resto on the beach but it burned down years ago.

An a/c room can be had for 1500 php. Half that price for a fan room.

Hired a banka for a half day trip to Balicasag island for 1500 php. The water was so clear you didn't need tanks as the area is a wildlife preserve so snorkeling is the way to go![/QUOTE]Hey Mantrik,

Where did you get the girl?

Is there any available in Bohol?

[QUOTE=Mattrick]There is plenty of action in Baguio you just have to find it!
In the downtown core, there is a handful of Asian style KTV bars massed together. These are the kind of places where the girls don't strip down completely and just tease you on stage. LD are 300+ and BF 3000+.

If you have got some game, there are numerous music clubs and discos off Session Road like Arturo's and Paddy's.

Please file a FR upon your return![/QUOTE]Thanks for the info.

I'll bring my own girl there, but my friends might want to try some FL university student there. Will go there end of the year, sure will post some Fr when back.