General Info

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker; 1441837][url]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=915_1372854037[/url]

[url]http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2013/06/21/16/33/video-shows-thai-man-assaulting-pointing-gun-at-russian-expat[/url][/QUOTE]Although the video seems to be re-enacted (why didn't he lock the door when the guy left? Why did he meekly allow the guy to come in the room and then get down on his knees before the guy pulled the gun?) , it does point to the prevalence of violence in society, no matter what provokes it.

[url]http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/cgi-bin/virtcdlib/index.cgi/5772776/FID2/pdf/apvsvc.pdf[/url]

[I]Violent crime is largely the affair of young men between the ages of 20 and 30, who are often poorly educated and come from working class or poor backgrounds.
When young men are unhappy with their position in society, they are more likely to resort to violence when their self-esteem is slighted or challenged[/I]. (from [url]http://theconversation.com[/url])

I never mess with young filipinos, and I keep away from any situation in which they might be lurking in the background.

I'll say Cebu city. DIA seems to have some good opportunities when it comes to regular Cebu gals. You say you're willing to spend some money, so then I might suggest the p4p MM / AC combo.

But you don't give enought information. A better answer might be offerred if you gave some rough information about who you are, your flight options, and how much time you have. And next time you post on ISG, I recommend you do not start your message with "Dears". Good luck. X.

[QUOTE=Djinth; 1441184]Dears,

I am planning to go to Philippines and starting making contacts thru DIA to some non-P4P cuties.

Which city / cities in Philippines has / have best chance of getting girls in the range of 18-24 years.

I do not mind to spend some money on them.

Thanks in advance for your advice,

DJ[/QUOTE]

I know some of you are well informed on many levels in the phil community / society so I try my luck for some knowledge regarding probably a difficult issue. One dear friend of mine (probably the kindest and most straightforwards guy I know) have made one pinay pregnant. This girl was turning out ok and seemingly also quite honest keeping a decent job and everything. He was in a communication with her claiming that the embassy wanted DNA test for giving citizenship to the baby (which it automaticaly gets if the father is norwegian but they want a DNA report). Then this mother to be went mental bcs she blamed him for not trusting her and has cut off every communicationline there are(as long as you don't work in any intelligentservice and he does not). All he did was actually refering to embassy rules for obtaining citizenship and passport for phil/norwegian babies. She even changed her FB, mails and phonenumbers. He knows ofcourse her name and whereabouts as in Manila adress and her workplace. He has every reason to believe it is his as he stayed together with her for almost 3 months(as he worked in Manila himself). Which set of rules can a foreign guy (he realy wants this baby) put into work to claim fatherhood and even get the baby to Norway? It is not born yet so it is only for educational purposes at this stage and so he maby can prepare countermeassures to prevent any hazzle? I know some of you now my history with Ms Preggy and everything but here everything is going smoothly and we are very good friends. He is not a member and not a very big mongerer so I told him maby some people in a forum i did know of could be helpful.

[QUOTE=Skogis;1442292]I know some of you are well informed on many levels in the phil community / society so I try my luck for some knowledge regarding probably a difficult issue. One dear friend of mine (probably the kindest and most straightforwards guy I know) have made one pinay pregnant. This girl was turning out ok and seemingly also quite honest keeping a decent job and everything. He was in a communication with her claiming that the embassy wanted DNA test for giving citizenship to the baby (which it automaticaly gets if the father is norwegian but they want a DNA report). Then this mother to be went mental bcs she blamed him for not trusting her and has cut off every communicationline there are(as long as you don't work in any intelligentservice and he does not). All he did was actually refering to embassy rules for obtaining citizenship and passport for phil/norwegian babies. She even changed her FB, mails and phonenumbers. He knows ofcourse her name and whereabouts as in Manila adress and her workplace. He has every reason to believe it is his as he stayed together with her for almost 3 months(as he worked in Manila himself). Which set of rules can a foreign guy (he realy wants this baby) put into work to claim fatherhood and even get the baby to Norway? It is not born yet so it is only for educational purposes at this stage and so he maby can prepare countermeassures to prevent any hazzle? I know some of you now my history with Ms Preggy and everything but here everything is going smoothly and we are very good friends. He is not a member and not a very big mongerer so I told him maby some people in a forum i did know of could be helpful.[/QUOTE]Based on your description, the baby is not his. If the DNA was going to be conclusive she has nothing to hide. In this case her scam has come undone. She could well be hiding from one of the other mongers whom she was also scamming. Why would she cut herself off from a person whom has a biological reason and the means to support her and her baby?. Because it isn't his and / or she doesn't know to whom it belongs.

As hard as it is on your friend, it isn't his baby and he is welcome to visit Manila again.

[QUOTE=BrainDrain; 1442332]Based on your description, the baby is not his. If the DNA was going to be conclusive she has nothing to hide. In this case her scam has come undone. She could well be hiding from one of the other mongers whom she was also scamming. Why would she cut herself off from a person whom has a biological reason and the means to support her and her baby. Because it isn't his and / or she doesn't know to whom it belongs.

As hard as it is on your friend, it isn't his baby and he is welcome to visit Manila again.[/QUOTE]Skogis,

Firstly was a relief to know it was not you (this time LOL). I did have a friend who thought he had to tell wifey he had made 2 pinays pregnant but that proved a false alarm (much to his relief) after a lot of angst (and calling me for advice)

Am with BD on this, why would any girl throw away support etc unless she was scamming your friend who seems to be honourable and fair in that he wants to take responsibility. Also your embassy has it head screwed on in that it must know of the scams and tries to help its citizens with the DNA procedure.

So I would tell your friend to forget and move on, plenty more cuties and some will still get pregnant. Do the Norwegians eat something that make you outpourings so fertile? The raw fish LOL.

For those of you who may be supporting a filipina in her training to be a nurse, I hope you have chosen a reputable school that will give her a better chance to pass the Licensure Exam.

From today's press:

[I]More than 16, 000 new nurses have been added to the country's workforce, but a health advocate said the Philippines is far from achieving ideal nurse-patient ratios.

[B]Of the 37, 887 applicants for nursing licenses. 16, 219 have successfully passed the June 2013 exams, the Professional Regulation Commission on Monday said.[/B]

Sadly, not all of these nurses will find stable employment in the country, admitted Universal Health Care Group advocacy coordinator. [/I]

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1443709]Sadly, not all of these nurses will find stable employment in the country, admitted Universal Health Care Group advocacy coordinator. [/I][/QUOTE]My last two very cute flight attendants on Cebu Pacific were nursing graduates.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1443709]Sadly, not all of these nurses will find stable employment in the country, admitted Universal Health Care Group advocacy coordinator. [/I][/QUOTE]And since the made volunteering in hospitals illegal, I wonder where they will clock the required 2 or 3 years experience, even to seek work overseas.

Heck, maybe the ban on volunteering is the way to stop them fleeing the country. Did I get that right?

Just like insisting nurses going to Germany via X company are the only legal workers, all others are illegal. And like wise in Singapore, nurses not getting jobs from PH and comnig here and securing jobs are illegal.

Damn, PNoy has maybe found a way to stop the People leaving en-masse.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1443980]Damn, PNoy has maybe found a way to stop the People leaving en-masse.[/QUOTE]I think the more damming statistic is that [B]"Of the 37, 887 applicants for nursing licenses. 16, 219 have successfully passed the June 2013 exams. ."[/B]

It means 21, 668 people have paid for 4 years of nursing training but cannot work as nurses because they have not passed the Licensure Exam.

The same statistic is reflected in the very low number of persons who have acquired a 4-year Education qualification and who manage to pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET).
Only 1/3rd of the number who tried passed the most recent exam.

Without going into the merits or otherwise of having Licensure Exams, it shows that so many of the so-called "tertiary-level" programs are sub-standard and are simply diploma mills, owned and operated by powerful political figures who use them as cash cows to generate income from poor students who pay for a useless qualification.

As I said in my earlier post. Don't anyone be mislead into paying for anyone to "go to College" or to finish off their 3rd or 4th year UNLESS you do the due diligence on the status of the College, and whether it has a good track record in terms of Licensure Exam statistics.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1444009].

It means 21, 668 people have paid for 4 years of nursing training but cannot work as nurses because they have not passed the Licensure Exam.[/QUOTE]I remember, recently in a Survey Fililpinos scored as one of the most happiest nations in the world. And promptly a comedienne friend asked "if they are so happy, why the F they all want to leave. As they get the chance."?

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1444009]As I said in my earlier post. Don't anyone be mislead into paying for anyone to "go to College" or to finish off their 3rd or 4th year UNLESS you do the due diligence on the status of the College, and whether it has a good track record in terms of Licensure Exam statistics.[/QUOTE]Isn't it likely that many who finish degrees but cannot pass licensure exams will end up in the service industry? Many have some skills in English communication and have demonstrated persistence and a willingness to take directions. So for jobs like hotel receptionists that require following procedures and getting along with people rather than discretionary decision making, they may be well suited. Maybe compliant behavior and a demonstrated ability to follow a routine is substituted for acquisition of concrete knowledge. So maybe we're at fault for trying to impose Western expectations about higher education :).

If the Western sponsor is satisfied with Eliza Doolittle landing a hotel reception job, perhaps not all is lost. Interestingly, technical knowledge may not be enough any more:

[url]http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_23567711/what-employers-want-new-grads-adaptability-quick-thinking[/url]

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1444030]I remember, recently in a Survey Fililpinos scored as one of the most happiest nations in the world. And promptly a comedienne friend asked "if they are so happy, why the F they all want to leave. As they get the chance."?[/QUOTE]We should put it into perspective. After all its only 10 million that have left. Its not like its the whole country. (tongue firmly inserted into cheek at time of writing)

I am in New York City.

I am working but also with an eye on planning my next vacation / holiday to the Philippines in the early part of 2014 for 1 month.

I have rented a home in Angeles City the past few times but would like to find something a bit better in Angeles City or Manila.

I would like at least 2 bedrooms, bath, kitchen, air con, hot / cold water and of course privacy.

If you know of a place that is worth renting please message.

It would be great if its close to dependable transportation, especially because I refuse to drive in Philippines.

I didn't know where to place this inquiry.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1444009]As I said in my earlier post. Don't anyone be mislead into paying for anyone to "go to College" or to finish off their 3rd or 4th year UNLESS you do the due diligence on the status of the College, and whether it has a good track record in terms of Licensure Exam statistics.[/QUOTE]And where can these statistics be found?

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1444060]Isn't it likely that many who finish degrees but cannot pass licensure exams will end up in the service industry? Many have some skills in English communication and have demonstrated persistence and a willingness to take directions.[/QUOTE]Then again, due to the loads of Nurses and all coming to Singapore as Call Center Assistants (or CSRs.) and taking up hospitality and such jobs, means, local home grown hospitality talent is getting pushed out. And Singapore govt has started to weed out those whose job doesn't match their qualification.

If they don't do it, I bet, a few thousand nurses will switch jobs.

BTW, a lot nurses who end up in Canada, as care-givers, are actually glorified maids, if I am to believe some nurses who jumped ship from Singapore to Canada. I. E. Maids, like live-in maids, with more freedom thrown in. And allowed annual vacation and more. So why fret, says some who 'migrated' to Canada.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1444074]We should put it into perspective. After all its only 10 million that have left. Its not like its the whole country. (tongue firmly inserted into cheek at time of writing)[/QUOTE]Then again, with their reproduction rate, they may refill the missing 10 million pretty fast LOL. Yah. You are right.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1444060]Isn't it likely that many who finish degrees but cannot pass licensure exams will end up in the service industry? Many have some skills in English communication and have demonstrated persistence and a willingness to take directions. So for jobs like hotel receptionists that require following procedures and getting along with people rather than discretionary decision making, they may be well suited. Maybe compliant behavior and a demonstrated ability to follow a routine is substituted for acquisition of concrete knowledge.[/QUOTE]You may well be right SK (in fact, I agree that any additional years beyond Year 10 will surely "help") , but for many filipinos and flipinas the major focus is getting a piece of paper (and any paper will do) because they have the rosy idea that it is a necessary passport to a job.

Every hotel receptionist job advertised attracts more than 1000 applicants (personal communication from a 5-star hotel Human Resource Manager in Cebu).

Only the creme de la creme get these jobs despite hundreds (thousands?) of HRM students graduating every year.

The point that I was (trying) to make for those generous and thoughtful souls who want to sponsor a girl through College is not to be deluded that you are necessarily "getting her a job or a career" by sponsoring her through any old Higher Education course. The number of jobs available in the "middle income" sector is quite astounding simply because employers cannot find sufficient persons capable of doing the work required. This population of unemployed persons in the Philippines contains 1000s of "graduates".

Check out [url]http://ph.jobsdb.com/ph[/url] And see the number of vacancies available on the Home page. Employers cannot fill these jobs. Applicants are not competent to undertake them.

Most of these "graduates" from second-rate institutions are literally unemployable in their chosen field, and become fast food counter staff or, more usually, maids and / or OFWs cleaning and cooking for others for minimal salary.

It's a tragic loss of human potential, all brought about by a seriously un-regulated HE system.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1442354]Skogis,

Firstly was a relief to know it was not you (this time LOL). I did have a friend who thought he had to tell wifey he had made 2 pinays pregnant but that proved a false alarm (much to his relief) after a lot of angst (and calling me for advice)

Am with BD on this, why would any girl throw away support etc unless she was scamming your friend who seems to be honourable and fair in that he wants to take responsibility. Also your embassy has it head screwed on in that it must know of the scams and tries to help its citizens with the DNA procedure.

So I would tell your friend to forget and move on, plenty more cuties and some will still get pregnant. Do the Norwegians eat something that make you outpourings so fertile? The raw fish LOL.[/QUOTE]Yes this is what he also have concluded by now. This was also my first initial thought which i also brought to him. But he was so persistent that no way could he have been scammed. But most likely have this girl had her philo bf close by without my friend knowing. Atleast investigations made by him also looks in this directions. The question you asked, why on earth would a pinay be offended bcs the embassy needs DNA proof for citizenship and passport for the baby and she even can look for a lifetime of good norwegian oilmoney, hehe, is a good one. It is written scams all the way. He has put himself to rest with this at the moment and as I told him, atleast he tried to be supportive and not just fled the scene. Then there is realy not much more he can do at the moment. If a girl doesn't want to be found well better not find her (my thoughts)then i believe nasty shit can take place..

And to your last remark about fertility, hehe, well no problem in that direction. If it is the fish, milk or the fresh mountain air in Norway doing this I don't know. Most likely explenation is we are horny bastards fucking everything and everyone within reach.

As you may know by now I have 2 pregnancies going (one ms Preggy in Quezon and ironicaly my half pinay GF back home). Logisticaly I don't know how I will manage both of them and it seems maby I will become father to two babies within this year. OMG well well whats happened has happened. I may just move into the wilderness without reach from modern technology using smoke signals when i need new pornmagazines and other supplies. I will travel down to Makati in a couple of weeks to arrange some soulution with ms Preggy as i will not leave my GF back home..

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1444135]Only the creme de la creme get these jobs despite hundreds (thousands?) of HRM students graduating every year.[/QUOTE]Ph has the reputation as being the human resource of the world. These graduated HRM students are very welcome why the Phil's economy to leave the country and work as OFW remitting money back home.

Sure the reason they graduate so many nurses and HRM is not for the domestic economy but for the overseas markets.

And I agree that sadly the educational standard does not make the grade in many cases.

[QUOTE=BrainDrain; 1444359]Ph has the reputation as being the human resource of the world. These graduated HRM students are very welcome why the Phil's economy to leave the country and work as OFW remitting money back home.

Sure the reason they graduate so many nurses and HRM is not for the domestic economy but for the overseas markets.

And I agree that sadly the educational standard does not make the grade in many cases.[/QUOTE]The other factor impacting the OFW theory is that those economies which used to take them in their droves are also suffering and the opportunities are getting less. Many western countries have cut back, seeking to find local staff. In some countries immigration etc is a political football and the OFWs are caught up in this also.

Having seen the accounts exam (for example) at a good uni in Cebu, I tend t agree with the statements earlier on the education system. And I thought the UK was dumbing down education.

Interesting article about the new guns issued to the police. IMHO says a lot about the economy etc when the cost of the gun is twice the salary of an average policeman. And of course no one will be tempted to sell it and claim they lost the gun. See the last paragraph.

[url]http://t.news.ph.msn.com/regional/philippine-police-warned-against-selling-guns-1[/url]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1444371]Interesting article about the new guns issued to the police. IMHO says a lot about the economy etc when the cost of the gun is twice the salary of an average policeman. And of course no one will be tempted to sell it and claim they lost the gun. See the last paragraph.

[url]http://t.news.ph.msn.com/regional/philippine-police-warned-against-selling-guns-1[/url][/QUOTE]I have a distant connection in PNP, who had to buy his own gun, as he was given an antique revolver when he got inducted. And the personal-gun is perfectly accepted in PNP, as is using your own vehicle for official purposes, where, like in provinces, PNP has less motor resources.

[QUOTE=BrainDrain;1444359]Sure the reason they graduate so many nurses and HRM is not for the domestic economy but for the overseas markets.[/QUOTE]Sad, but true, that a lot of HRM Grads end up working as table cleaners, dish washers, and drink servers, in coffee shops etc. In Singapore for a start, and Mac / KFC / Subway jobs in SG and in Malaysia and most of Mid-East.

If you are going to work as a low level crew, a HRM Certificate seems to be the minimum requirements, as per POEA. Then again, in SG, for a start, Ministries are coming down on employers who depend a lot on Foreigners, Filipinos specially, as the Filipino crowd became too large for not to be noticed here. Well, with their loud communication, and often PDA, Dressing up and the like and making themselves the center of the world, it didn't help much!

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1444368].In some countries immigration etc is a political football and the OFWs are caught up in this also.[/QUOTE]Well, me don't think so. Recently had the chance to rub shoulders with a Filipino Politico, who felt were emotional and upset about many OFWs loosing out their contract renewal in Singapore, and is on course to raise it in the Congress, and form a Welfare society of sorts, for returning OFWs and make sure they can get back to their feet, running Sari-sari shops Selling San Mig Beers and Smart / Globe Load.

I felt like asking the fellow if the PEOA and the like don't allow legalised robbing the returning OFWs will have more money left to stand on their own feet. And then reminded myself that I am a guest in their country and their politics work differently and kept quite!

Heck recently I found out the PH embassy / POEA team is penalising those who don't finish their contract. Regardless of the reasons. Seems the POEA team will be loosing money if any employee cuts short their contract, so instead of sympathising, screw them over again, seems to be the policy all over PH.

[QUOTE=Ed Rome;1444108]I have rented a home in Angeles City the past few times but would like to find something a bit better in Angeles City or Manila.[/QUOTE]Manila OR AC? LOL Try Bluebook, that has a lot of legitimate advertisers.

Yes, RK, these statistics sadden me twice a year when exam results are posted. But graduates can retake the exam any number of times, meanwhile taking review courses at a better university. And the government does close programs with low pass rates. And governments do hire loads of qualified nurses for health care in the hinterlands. Maybe not what many dreamed of, but they can become call center agents if they want to live in the city.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1444009]I think the more damming statistic is that [B]"Of the 37, 887 applicants for nursing licenses. 16, 219 have successfully passed the June 2013 exams."[/B]

It means 21, 668 people have paid for 4 years of nursing training but cannot work as nurses because they have not passed the Licensure Exam.

The same statistic is reflected in the very low number of persons who have acquired a 4-year Education qualification and who manage to pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET).

Only 1/3rd of the number who tried passed the most recent exam.

Without going into the merits or otherwise of having Licensure Exams, it shows that so many of the so-called "tertiary-level" programs are sub-standard and are simply diploma mills, owned and operated by powerful political figures who use them as cash cows to generate income from poor students who pay for a useless qualification.

As I said in my earlier post. Don't anyone be mislead into paying for anyone to "go to College" or to finish off their 3rd or 4th year UNLESS you do the due diligence on the status of the College, and whether it has a good track record in terms of Licensure Exam statistics.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Cbea20;1444433]. And the government does close programs with low pass rates. And governments do hire loads of qualified nurses for health care in the hinterlands.[/QUOTE]Wrong Chea.

The Government (ie CHED, the Commission on Higher Education) regularly tries to close programs with low or zero pass rates but it is VERY difficult to do when the owner is a politician or related to a politician or retired military or PNP or someone "connected". They just take out a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) which allows them to keep functioning until it can go to a hearing (which rarely happens) and CHED must justify the reason for the closure. If, miraculously, CHED manages to get the program closed, then it still manages to keep functioning until the 4 years of the program are "taught out" and just expands other programs in the same low standard institution.

In other words, it is not happening as it should.

The "qualified nurses" in the hinterland that you mention are non-passers of the Licensure exam who are employed by LOCAL GOVERNMENTS as para-medical support and they are paid local wages, sometimes with rice and other "in-kind" payments.

Corrupted education a good explanation as any. Decades ago RNs in the USA were predominantly trained in 2 year (ADN) and 3 year (Diploma) programs but then a national push in the 60's and 70's led to ever expanding 4 year programs, and attempts to eliminate the Assoc Degree and Diploma programs. I think the movement in the US to exclude 2 and 3 year nurses was more provincial than outright corruption; more prestige for the professional nursing associations, more students and moulah for the Universities. (I think the exact same impetus arose from PI nursing and medical "thought leaders" who were trying to replicate anything American in their medical delivery system particularly as defined by their academic elite counterparts in the US; I don't think the origin of the 4 year requirement for RNs in the PI was inherently corrupt, though the multitudes of corrupted schools of course are a different story).

In the US, the 3 year Diploma was largely driven to extinction, almost, but the ADN thrived and today there are many more RNs trained in Assoc Degree programs with comparable pass rates on their state board or professional exams, compared to their BSN / 4 year colleagues. One of the few areas where the US educational system has avoided "dumbing down" and keeping a very practical and economic means of training highly competent health care pros.

Attached: 2012, last full year RN pass rates in US.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1444135]The point that I was (trying) to make for those generous and thoughtful souls who want to sponsor a girl through College is not to be deluded that you are necessarily "getting her a job or a career" by sponsoring her through any old Higher Education course. The number of jobs available in the "middle income" sector is quite astounding simply because employers cannot find sufficient persons capable of doing the work required. This population of unemployed persons in the Philippines contains 1000s of "graduates".

It's a tragic loss of human potential, all brought about by a seriously un-regulated HE system.[/QUOTE]Your point was clear; unfortunately the decision point for some erstwhile sponsor comes up frequently and randomly and, given the shelf life of useful information on this forum, the potential sponsor will probably never see your advice.

A relevant question might be: what proportion of poorly prepared graduates would have been capable of completing a more rigorous program?

Recently somebody posted in one of the threads about the swelling ranks of middle class Filipinos. I think the upshot was that the economy is improving and our hobby is thus endangered. What think others?

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1444488]Recently somebody posted in one of the threads about the swelling ranks of middle class Filipinos. I think the upshot was that the economy is improving and our hobby is thus endangered. What think others?[/QUOTE]I disagree for two reasons. Firstly, the numbers of urban poor and rural subsistence-level peasants are still quite high. Secondly, economic success does not mean they shun foreigners. Almost all the girls I meet online (dating sites, Craig's List, and Pinoyexchange) , all of whom are non pros, are uni educated or presently attending school ranging in quality from UP to the diploma mills. The graduates are gainfully employed (call centre, medical, real estate, hospitality or back-office services such as accountancy and legal) or have done an overseas stint, some of whom are presently awaiting re-assignment. All state they want to have nothing to do with the local guys. All know that we're meeting for fun, and they know I'm meeting other women.

Here's a list of the 10 most recent girls I've met at least twice over the past month:

1) V. Early 30's, UP graduate, formerly overseas ad agency presently marketing for real-estate developer.

2) C. Early 30's, Ateneo graduate, formerly overseas air hostess presently in real-estate sales.

3) Y. Early 30's, provincial state uni, real-estate sales

4) J. Late 20's, provincial state uni, call centre.

5) M. Mid 20's, provincial state uni, accountancy.

6) M. Early 30's, De La Salle & law school graduate, legal services.

7) E. Early 20's, NCR private college, real-estate sales.

8) P. Early 20's, diploma mill, call centre.

9) A. Mid 20's, provincial private college, office worker and runs her own pastry / dessert business.

10) K. Early 20's. Provincial state uni, call centre

Four of the above own a car and three own a condo. M (#5) spent the night and left this morning, V will come over tonight, P will come over tomorrow morning after her work, and C will be at my place tomorrow night.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1444514]Almost all the girls I meet online (dating sites, Craig's List, and Pinoyexchange) , all of whom are non pros, are uni educated or presently attending school ranging in quality from UP to the diploma mills. The graduates are gainfully employed (call centre, medical, real estate, hospitality or back-office services such as accountancy and legal) or have done an overseas stint, some of whom are presently awaiting re-assignment. All state they want to have nothing to do with the local guys. All know that we're meeting for fun, and they know I'm meeting other women.

Here's a list of the 10 most recent girls I've met at least twice over the past month:[/QUOTE]This suggests there are numerous young Pinays attracted to a young (I assume) Western man like yourself. But might there be a selection bias here? They know from your online posts that you are Western, and my hunch is in your description you don't hide what you regard as your better attributes under a bushel basket. So you are getting hits from women who preselect themselves to Western men with your attributes. But is this representative of middle class pinays of this age group?

Hey man, thanks for the tip on Panabo. I couldn't wait to check it out. There's a pharmacy there where I sat and ate a sandwich I brought. That really freaked them out. But the best part is like you said, the chicks. One of these two came down to Davao and tried to break my bed.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1437241]More appropriately would be to ask where they not are, LOL. But to answer your question, the absolute best place is actually just a little north of beautiful downtown Davao City, it's official name is: "CIW Mindanao, Panabo, Davao". There's thousands of women there who are desperately waiting just for you![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1445039]Hey man, thanks for the tip on Panabo. I couldn't wait to check it out. There's a pharmacy there where I sat and ate a sandwich I brought. That really freaked them out. But the best part is like you said, the chicks. One of these two came down to Davao and tried to break my bed.[/QUOTE]Your welcome and nice looking ladies BTW; especially the one on the right.

By any chance were they guards or recently released inmates? Catch a girl fresh out of the state prison and she'll not only break the bed, LOL.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1444881]This suggests there are numerous young Pinays attracted to a young (I assume) Western man like yourself. But might there be a selection bias here? They know from your online posts that you are Western, and my hunch is in your description you don't hide what you regard as your better attributes under a bushel basket. So you are getting hits from women who preselect themselves to Western men with your attributes. But is this representative of middle class pinays of this age group?[/QUOTE]Well, define "young". Most of the girls are in the mid 20's to early 30's. I thought young 'round here is 18 to 22. The girls I meet in their late 20's and up consider themselves over the hill. I'm 38. I'm fit, not bald, tall but not towering, and I dress well (no shorts, torn jeans, t-shirts, ill-fitting shirts, garish patterns or colours, flip flops or trainers) and am well groomed. No, I certainly don't hide what I'm looking for nor do I trumpet I'm meeting others. The girls tell me I'm "honest", which I take to mean I'm not fooling them with the possibility of fairy tale endings. Of course I don't rub their noses in it by failing to sanitize my place to remove another girl's residue, though I do slip up from time to time - a hair clip on a window ledge being the most recent. I'm neither possessive nor controlling; it doesn't bother me that some of them meet other guys. Some of them even logon to their dating sites and share with me the messages they exchange. Almost all the messages they get are from guys from overseas who may come here in the future. Many of these guys are rude, crude or angry. Others are excessively needy. And others profess love on the second message - the girl knows this is malarkey. Living here rather than just visiting I feel gives me a leg up in their eyes. I know they "preselect themselves to Western men" because they scowl when I suggest they date local guys to improve their chances. Deserved or not I am seen as better. I talk to them at length, never ridicule their country (even when they do) , don't take them for granted, and make an effort to show I care. Each and every girl is really impressed I cook for them. We see movies, go dancing, etc. On this site you'll see much made of the GFE, but rarely, if ever, see a BFE mentioned. I give the girls a BFE. Have things blown up in my face? Many, many times. Inevitably the girl will want more, namely exclusivity. Then this is when we part ways.

Are these girls representative of the middle class? I have no idea. I do know they don't fear for their present or future economic well-being. If I had to guess I reckon not because most middle class girls are with local guys. Believe it or not there is a stigma of Pinays with foreigners.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1445101]Well, define "young". Most of the girls are in the mid 20's to early 30's. I thought young 'round here is 18 to 22. The girls I meet in their late 20's and up consider themselves over the hill. I'm 38. I'm fit, not bald, tall but not towering, and I dress well (no shorts, torn jeans, t-shirts, ill-fitting shirts, garish patterns or colours, flip flops or trainers) and am well groomed. No, I certainly don't hide what I'm looking for nor do I trumpet I'm meeting others. The girls tell me I'm "honest", which I take to mean I'm not fooling them with the possibility of fairy tale endings. Of course I don't rub their noses in it by failing to sanitize my place to remove another girl's residue, though I do slip up from time to time. A hair clip on a window ledge being the most recent. I'm neither possessive nor controlling; it doesn't bother me that some of them meet other guys. Some of them even logon to their dating sites and share with me the messages they exchange. Almost all the messages they get are from guys from overseas who may come here in the future. Many of these guys are rude, crude or angry. Others are excessively needy. And others profess love on the second message. The girl knows this is malarkey. Living here rather than just visiting I feel gives me a leg up in their eyes. I know they "preselect themselves to Western men" because they scowl when I suggest they date local guys to improve their chances. Deserved or not I am seen as better. I talk to them at length, never ridicule their country (even when they do) , don't take them for granted, and make an effort to show I care. Each and every girl is really impressed I cook for them. We see movies, go dancing, etc. On this site you'll see much made of the GFE, but rarely, if ever, see a BFE mentioned. I give the girls a BFE. Have things blown up in my face? Many, many times. Inevitably the girl will want more, namely exclusivity. Then this is when we part ways.

Are these girls representative of the middle class? I have no idea. I do know they don't fear for their present or future economic well-being. If I had to guess I reckon not because most middle class girls are with local guys. Believe it or not there is a stigma of Pinays with foreigners.[/QUOTE]I just read your post and nod quite a bit. Simular MO as me besides the obvious I do not live in Phils (as I presume you do). Even if it is just for picking up a freelancegirl for the night or if it is for meeting a "normal" girl (datingsite or from other sources) I allways groome up. Only exceptions are for quick take outs (pipeline pressure release) from MBC, Beachroad and Beergarden (2 latter in Thai) there you can see me in pirates and flipflops but still clean ofcourse. For a few more months I am still 40, ok fit and never had any trouble fixing ladies no matter where my location have been (but by far no Brad Pitt). Others than that I put a lot of energy, first in the screenings when it comes to datingsitegirls (here ofcourse looks will matter and quick live webcam session is very important and fast) and secondly in creating a thrustful and good chemistry. Allways do I behave nice towards the girls (even if she is from Beachroad I might add) and I have understood that quite a few of especially pinays have a good sense of humor, it is often childish but they love to chuckle so I try to be a good sport. I can only come up with 1 no show from many many girls coming over as agreed, ofcourse delayed as most girls in Asia and South America, but atleast they come.

I would say a big percentage of the datingsitegirls (incl girls met from other sources but excl freelancegirls Havana etc) I've met in my trips can call themself middleclass and maby more with atleast bachelor but mostly Uni education. Since I know most likely our meeting will be just here and know (I am not allways totaly honest about this upfront I have to admit) I allways pride myself no one will walk emptyhanded out my door no matter what (this is mostly to ease my own concious). From the latest 50 or so girlencounters (all categories) I can just remember 2 asking for some money as the main motivation for a meet (ofcourse many more than that I believe have some sort of compensation as main motivation but it never surfaced so only my speculations). For the P4P girls(incl in the nuber 50)I also never talk about money upfront as it takes away the glow in the sessionhandling to me. I like the compensation to resolve itself around its own momentum and let factors as performance, friendliness and PSE decide at the end. But they never walk out my door unhappy. When we talk I get the impression that for the first category girls a pinoy bf is out of the question. Some of these girls have allready got a taste of the life outside Phils and it seems that this is a life they would like to repeat. Some have also ofcourse tried to relationship a unfaithful pinoy. I have no problem hooking up with girls we could call also well educated (I will incl my very pregnant ms Preggy into middlecalss and well educated) and it is pretty big different from an uneducated P4P girl as all she needs is Disney channel to be entertained between shags and you can actually discuss others than nailpolish and "problems" (simular to moneytrouble).

I obviously don't have repeats like you atleast not by your numbers. From all my girlencounters in phils I have only 3 on my repeat list. Ms Preggy obviously, one former Emirates cabincrewgirl and one businesswoman working for big Korean company in Makati (all in mid 20ies or so). For the rest I compensate in the range from 2 to 6K (write gift on a envelope and put the money inside or simply just put money in their purse) that makes me feel good. Could ofcourse take these girls out shopping instead but I hate shopping so much so some money is better and more easy for me. Normaly it is roomservice for food so I am not a big outside walker, hehe.

Maby I like a more diverse girlcrowd (from the rough beachroadworker to more sofisticated "HiSo" girls in BKK / MNL mostly as mentioned middleclass ofcourse) than you or do you also do normal P4P girls? I have 3 times in my life barfined a girl from GoGo and that is it. I don't like the setting at all (nothing to do about beeing cheap) so not my thing. But I have no problem going along with friends to such places. I just skip the take out and do it later instead. I have to admit one of them was in Asian Entertainment in Pasay and it was a 8K barfine price plus additional cost to the "lucky" lady. I was probably fucked but I don't mind I don't visit places like that so often. I hear good things about Liberty Island can that be correct?

But great readings. Thank you for your heads up.

Interesting article, for me nothing new in it happens all over, pinay agents likely involved and know what goes on. Despite the obvious wealth of the employer, she still can't resist chopping the salary etc once they arrive (a common practice as with taking the passport which is illegal in Saudi now). Girls are naïve or worse which helps the employer.

Am sure a deal will be done as this will be another embarrassment but all the same I any of your ladies ever say they are about to work in the region as a DH etc let them read this as there are many more unreported cases and many pinays staying at various POLO / consulates shelters

[url]http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/07/11/4-pinays-police-custody-boss-nabbed-291963[/url]

[QUOTE=Skogis;1445138]I just read your post and nod quite a bit.[/QUOTE]Yes, I do book many hours on the dating sites. Also, I've done quite well with Craig's List casual encounters (it was the success of my CL ads that convinced me to revise my dating site profiles to be much more sexually direct) ; for the past few weeks I've been nurturing several girls on pinoyexchange and these have begun to pay off. Much of the fun is the hunt, so I'm always thinking where I can try next, and I like the challenge of doing so in off-the-beaten track places, hence pinoyexchange.

Your question about the mongering bars had me delve the depths of my memory. Over the years I've visited here many times so the well-known places are familiar and I've enjoyed many a girl. Yet the stories of woe and the dullness of many kind of diminished the experience. On this go I've been here almost 10 months, during the time I visited Edsa Complex once, no girl pulled; Havana once, no girl pulled; Burgos bars not visited though there's an Arab place I smoke shisha on occasion; and the Ermita bars (MBC, Amazon, GPoint) six times, 5 girls pulled. There have been several non-p4p girls I've picked up in watering holes that don't cater to punters. It's been almost exclusively girls I meet online.

FC has been most kind to me followed by DIA. I've met girls from Okcupid (OKC) , Tagged, Badoo, Hornymatches, Filipinofriendfinder (FFF). The highest quality girls (attractive, intelligent, employed, personable, and charming) I found are on OKC. Girls on FC and DIA have been the most assertive in initiating contact.

[quote=wicked roger;1445145]interesting article, for me nothing new in it happens all over, pinay agents likely involved and know what goes on. despite the obvious wealth of the employer, she still can't resist chopping the salary etc once they arrive (a common practice as with taking the passport which is illegal in saudi now). girls are naïve or worse which helps the employer.[/quote]it really is a mess for domestics in the gulf. on almost a daily basis the papers report a suicide by leaping from the employer's home. abduction + gang [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] is another common one. if the girl is young and attractive she'll most likely have problems with the lady of the house. hot irons have been used on the faces of some to stop her "tempting" the man of the house.

I lived in Saudi Arabia for a year in Dammam and around back in 1990. They used to have Pinay workers and most of them were permitted to go to the malls and shopping with the kids or employers. Due to my special job with US Government, I had a chance to visit most of Saudi Arabia (including Mecca, Medina) , Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, Quatar and Bahrain. Their working conditions are not the best. My heart goes to anyone has to work for a Saudi as an OFW.

However, this Kenyan lady went thru US Customs upon arrival like everyone else. Why didn't she tell the customs agen instead of telling it in Irvine, CA. I think there is more to it. There are many individuals ask for asylum like this to get the sympathy from US officials. To me, I am very skeptical about the story of the Kenyan lady.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1445145]Interesting article, for me nothing new in it happens all over, pinay agents likely involved and know what goes on. Despite the obvious wealth of the employer, she still can't resist chopping the salary etc once they arrive (a common practice as with taking the passport which is illegal in Saudi now). Girls are naïve or worse which helps the employer.

Am sure a deal will be done as this will be another embarrassment but all the same I any of your ladies ever say they are about to work in the region as a DH etc let them read this as there are many more unreported cases and many pinays staying at various POLO / consulates shelters.

[url]http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/07/11/4-pinays-police-custody-boss-nabbed-291963[/url][/QUOTE]

This woman is a good journalist, and addresses sex topics with wonderful frankness.

[url]http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/25884-unprotected-anal-sex[/url]

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1445586]This woman is a good journalist, and addresses sex topics with wonderful frankness.

[url]http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/25884-unprotected-anal-sex[/url][/QUOTE]I like her candor, and much of what she argues parallels both the tone and findings from Elizabeth Pisani, whose book on HIV / AIDs, *The Wisdom of Wh...s**, has been out since 2008:

Pisani's HIV field research in Southeast Asia also challenges the "clean models" (my word, not hers) epidemiological work that has studied HIV in the developing world, specifically because epidemiologists have generally failed to burrow into the lives and environments of sex workers and intravenous drug users. I have no doubt that anal sex is under-appreciated among Pinoys, in part because of discomfort and denial around the topic, but I think there is one caution we might observe about this rappler column. It is the idea that research that has used well worn Western epidemiological methods in Canada and elsewhere in the industrialized world necessarily is generalizable to the Philippines.

I had pasted three hotlinks here but they didn't work, presumably because they came from bing, which is a real piece of crap. If you're interested browse for Elizabeth Pisani on your own.

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1445663]At last some validating information that supports my earlier posts about barebacking in the Phils and its relationship to HIV.

G[/QUOTE]Barebacking anywhere carries risks Gangles not just in the Philippines. Africa for instance has huge HIV issues.

Is just because your (RK and G) cricket team is currently getting a battering by the Poms that you like to find such morbid (but interesting all the same) articles? Maybe it cheers you up LOL (oh why are there no smileys anymore he asks).

[QUOTE=Gangles;1445663]At last some validating information that supports my earlier posts about barebacking[/QUOTE]On methods in the CATIE analysis provided by the author:

"Furthermore, a person does not always know the HIV status of their partner (s). For this reason, researchers usually enroll HIV-negate individuals who are in stable relationships with an HIV-positive partner (also known as serodiscordant couples). Researchers can then conclude that any unprotected sex reported by a study participant counts as an exposure to HIV."

[url]http://www.catie.ca/pif/summer-2012/putting-number-it-risk-exposure-hiv[/url]

So, in another way of considering, if your risk of contracting HIV on an uncovered vaginal tap is 0. 04% or 1:2500 on a 100% positive partner pop, then what would it be for the general pop of young pinays (let's be liberal, I think, and just say HIV is 5% in the PI which I don't think it is but just sayin). Here your risk on an uncovered tap in the "general population" might be nearer 1:50, 000.

Nobody knows what the actual numbers are but I'm certain if the original authors were straight up they would be concede they might be off by orders of magnitude. Ironically, post date all of this surveyed data and CDC et al has proven that if your mate IS positive on HIV, make sure he or she is on retrovirals and then you can boink away sans cover and NEVER contract HIV (at least from your partner).

Either way, I think you're still waiting for your validation.

I agree that barebacking carries risk.

But so does using the roads. The number of fatalities on Australian roads per year is a thousand times the number of fatalities from AIDS contracted through heterosexual sex. Yet Australians still take the risk. Even though it is relatively high.

The figures for Australia published by the government and regularly trumpeted by the nay-sayers is about 1100 new reported cases of HIV per year. This is then quoted widely to berate heterosexual couples to use condoms to be safe. But if you drill down, and deduct the number of those who are homosexual, and the number of intravenous drug users, then the number is about 5.

The population of Australia is a bit over 20 million, but lets round it to 20 mill. That means that about 10 million are sexually active, that is. 5 million couples. The rate of sexual activity in Australia is about 2 fucks per month, say 25 per year. So for 5 million coup[les, at 25 per year, is 125 million fucks per year in the country. That is, an infection rate of 5 in 125 million. This is less than negligible.

What is not available is how many of the 5 reported infected heterosexuals are barebacking anal.

You are right to raise the issue of Africa. However, the elephant in the room in all of the programs for AIDS prevention in Africa is that anal sex is the traditional method of contraception. Because nobody will openly speak about this in donor country discussions and strategy planning, the practice has not changed, and the infection rates remain high.

If you actually look at international tables for infection rates, the USA is right up there at the top. And therefore it is among the most dangerous countries in the world for barebacking. Interesting.

G

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1445741]Barebacking anywhere carries risks Gangles not just in the Philippines. Africa for instance has huge HIV issues.

Is just because your (RK and G) cricket team is currently getting a battering by the Poms that you like to find such morbid (but interesting all the same) articles? Maybe it cheers you up LOL (oh why are there no smileys anymore he asks).[/QUOTE]

Pete Benetar posted an interesting guide to prevention on infection with STI quite some time ago.

I did not fully understand it, so I printed it, and took it to my doc to explain.

He was very reluctant to do so, but I dragged it out of him, and subsequently verified it.

There are 2 forms of STI. Those that are bacterian and those that are viral.

You can protect yourself from the bacterial forms (including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea) by taking a combination of doxycyclin, and amoxycillin. I now take these when I am mongering.

Among the viral forms, you can be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. I have now had this done.

This combination greatly reduces the risk of contracting STI by barebacking.

Yet this information is never published by government, nor by the medical profession in my country.

I wonder why?

PB, would you like to comment? Did I get it right?

G

[QUOTE=Pete Benetar; 1445933]On methods in the CATIE analysis provided by the author:

"Furthermore, a person does not always know the HIV status of their partner (s). For this reason, researchers usually enroll HIV-negate individuals who are in stable relationships with an HIV-positive partner (also known as serodiscordant couples). Researchers can then conclude that any unprotected sex reported by a study participant counts as an exposure to HIV."

[url]http://www.catie.ca/pif/summer-2012/putting-number-it-risk-exposure-hiv[/url]

So, in another way of considering, if your risk of contracting HIV on an uncovered vaginal tap is 0. 04% or 1:2500 on a 100% positive partner pop, then what would it be for the general pop of young pinays (let's be liberal, I think, and just say HIV is 5% in the PI which I don't think it is but just sayin). Here your risk on an uncovered tap in the "general population" might be nearer 1:50, 000...[/QUOTE]

Here is a simple statistical research project which punters can undertake for themselves.

Go back through all on the Photo Galleries in ISG.

Whenever the guy's cock is visible, and he is in vaginal or anal sex, make a count of those that are covered and those that are uncovered.

Now this is a biased sample, in that the number of P4P are much higher than in the general population. However, it will give a reasonable representation of punters attitude to covered vs uncovered sex.

G

[QUOTE=Pete Benetar; 1445933]On methods in the CATIE analysis provided by the author:

"Furthermore, a person does not always know the HIV status of their partner (s). For this reason, researchers usually enroll HIV-negate individuals who are in stable relationships with an HIV-positive partner (also known as serodiscordant couples). Researchers can then conclude that any unprotected sex reported by a study participant counts as an exposure to HIV."

[url]http://www.catie.ca/pif/summer-2012/putting-number-it-risk-exposure-hiv[/url]

So, in another way of considering, if your risk of contracting HIV on an uncovered vaginal tap is 0. 04% or 1:2500 on a 100% positive partner pop, then what would it be for the general pop of young pinays (let's be liberal, I think, and just say HIV is 5% in the PI which I don't think it is but just sayin). Here your risk on an uncovered tap in the "general population" might be nearer 1:50, 000...[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1445953]Yet this information is never published by government, nor by the medical profession in my country.

I wonder why?

PB, would you like to comment? Did I get it right?

G[/QUOTE]Yes, largely IMO you got it right G. The elephant in the room is liberation of our anatomy, LOL. Every schlong in the western world is bombarded and indoctrinated into stifling our manhood. Including (especially?) MDs. Sure, there is very good public health policy in using covers vis a vis limiting the bacterial and protozoan bugs but there are ways around that as you have educated yourself (I only would suggest you do this SHORT term however as chronic usage of antibiotics is NOT without it's own set of risks and complications).

The HIV thing, IMO and seemingly corroborated by the CATIA data, is a complete ballyhoo and has / had its place in limiting transmission of HIV for the boy toys, but femi nazis have conflagrated this topic with great effect.

[QUOTE=Gangles;1445949]The rate of sexual activity in Australia is about 2 fucks per month, say 25 per year. G[/QUOTE]Gee, as low as that? I guess that excludes the sheep fucks!

But interesting analysis Gangles.

KongKing

Montana in not is Ozzy Country.

[QUOTE=KongKing; 1446187]Gee, as low as that? I guess that excludes the sheep fucks!

But interesting analysis Gangles.

KongKing[/QUOTE]

In my situation I always use a condom even when the girls offers not too. I really don't want any baggage coming home with me.

And certainly don't want to add my DNA to the pool of 100, 000, 000. While I accept I have good DNA, spreading my DNA does carry the risk for supporting a future baby and education. I'd prefer that it be a cost of choice.

[QUOTE=Fifty Pesos;1446686]and they even traveled to Boracay together (at my expense).[/QUOTE]Can you elaborate your post so that the readers can understand what you are on about?

[QUOTE=Bionicman;1446721]Can you elaborate your post so that the readers can understand what you are on about?[/QUOTE]Easy, our friend cut and paste-info from Harry the Horse.

Not our friends words, but HTH's words.

[blue][Unsafe Sex Bragging deleted by Admin][/blue]

[b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]This report was edited in accordance with the Forum's Posting Guidelines prohibiting the posting of reports inquiring or bragging about [u]Avoiding Safe Sex Practices[/u]. Please read [url="http://www.usasexguide.info/forum/custompages.php?pageid=custompages_forumrules"]the Forum s & Posting Guidelines[/url] for more information. [i]Thanks![/i][/blue]

[QUOTE=OkiCali1011;1447434]I noticed in the picture forum that main of you don't use condoms. HoW do you not get STD or HIV? Are these girl really that clean?[/QUOTE]Oh, most here do the well proven method of 'withdrawal' whereby, before climax, into touch with the germs, withdraws. I think so.

That's what I do and it is working fine so far. You should try it. Or you can simply go Mary Palmer.

Now, if you do Anal, I don't know.

I have noticed that someone has been accused of cutting and pasting a story. Not long ago, I have been accused also for doing it.

#1 There are some want to be moderators here and jump everything and everyone. Take a chill pill and relax. Let people feel comfortable and post messages without getting worried by getting jumped on.

#2 I like to thank everyone who shared their experiences and made my trips pleasurable and safe.

#3 Enjoy and let someone else enjoy too.

PS: Yes I did cut and paste into this board but from my own notes. First I wrote my notes on simplenote (I hope you know the service) and pasted them from there to here upon my return to USA. So, before you accuse someone, think twice.

My $0. 02

Is it worth Joining this site (paying the fee) get plenty of interest more then on DIA But have a nagging doubt about is this site worthwhile?

[QUOTE=Col Law;1449936]Is it worth Joining this site (paying the fee) get plenty of interest more then on DIA But have a nagging doubt about is this site worthwhile?[/QUOTE]

What I have done is paid for one month a couple weeks before before I arrive in the Philippines. Any further ahead they lose interest and move on. That way I also have my membership for a couple weeks while I am in the Philippines so I can continue to make contacts while I am there. I have had about the same results from either site.

[QUOTE=Col Law;1449936]Is it worth Joining this site (paying the fee) get plenty of interest more then on DIA But have a nagging doubt about is this site worthwhile?[/QUOTE]If you're getting a lot more interest on FC you've already answered your question. But, let's analyze it.

There are a few variables that will determine the value of membership.

1) Do you live here or frequently travel here? If yes, join. If no, go to 2.

2) Do you have a specific itinerary to visit the Philippines coming soon? If yes, join. In no, go to 3.

3) Are you just testing the waters and mulling over a Philippine visit? If yes, don't join.

I love FC; it's my go-to site. Many girls on the site who I met tell me that they find the men on FC older than those on DIA. If you're a younger guy (20's and 30's) this may work to your advantage. DIA is "noisier", I. E. Many more members competing for the girls' attention.

I think in almost all cases being here or very often here, or having a profile that indicates this, gives you a leg up over everyone else overseas on any dating site. Of course if your profile says you're here it behooves you to have answers that support this if and when asked.

Many of us in the past have suggested exactly what Amaut advises. Cherry blossom was the first I paid for, and it was well worth the investment.

BTW, there is a thread her called,"chat rooms and whatever" which is dedicated to such pursuits.

[QUOTE=Amanut;1449940]What I have done is paid for one month a couple weeks before before I arrive in the Philippines. Any further ahead they lose interest and move on. That way I also have my membership for a couple weeks while I am in the Philippines so I can continue to make contacts while I am there. I have had about the same results from either site.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Col Law;1449936]Is it worth Joining this site (paying the fee) get plenty of interest more then on DIA But have a nagging doubt about is this site worthwhile?[/QUOTE]I always spend the $30 for a month of cb or Fc before each trip. They both eliminate most of the ladyboys and offer very precise search options. Also a BIG time saver is they Encourage you to copy and paste to hundreds of potential dates. DIA forbids copy and pasting.

*CB has much less scammers (rule of thumb, if they have been a member for over a month, they have been vetted for the most part.) *

Has been discussed for a long time and finally someone has seen the light and said it is a good idea (which it is). See the link. Still need show that we are leaving the country before we arrive ("welcome to the Philippines Sir and when are you leaving" LOL)

[url]http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=1&Itemid=78[/url]

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/452209/poll-exec-sues-woman-over-stupid-remark-vs-chaos-at-listup[/url]

The effect of having too many lawyers and too many laws.

So when the taxi or trike driver next asks for a P500 fare for a 3 minute ride and you call him stupid. Beware!

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1450202][url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/452209/poll-exec-sues-woman-over-stupid-remark-vs-chaos-at-listup[/url]

The effect of having too many lawyers and too many laws.

So when the taxi or trike driver next asks for a P500 fare for a 3 minute ride and you call him stupid. Beware![/QUOTE]You don't know calling a Filipino stupid ranks higher than calling a pinay a working girl?

Don't ask me. I learnt that the hard way, and was reminded a couple of times when I was about to be exterminated by angry pinoys / pinays, only to figure it was due to me calling "them stupid". Not for calling them working girl or mad.

I stand by the Poll Exec.

on my credit card. it showed up. i flew from butuan to cebu. online purchase of the ticket, and i purchased (for extra pesos) a seat in the first row (extra legroom). when i got my boarding pass and got on the plane, i was assigned to the second row. i pointed out the discrepancy to the f / a, and she said to take it up with the ground cp folks once we landed. i did. they huddled around a computer (5 of them) for half an hour trying to figure out what went wrong. told them i wanted a refund of p80 (difference between the p230 extended legroom seat and a regular p150 seat assignment). they took me to the ticketing office and explained. the kid (and i mean kid) there told me that the manila office would have to look into it. i spent over an hour in the cebu airport not because i wanted the p80, but because it was enjoyable watching how this simple thing threw a monkey wrench into their day, causing 6 employees to look into how this attrocity could possibly have happened (they were oddly incredibly concerned with getting to the bottom of how this happened. not with getting me my refund). the kid took my number and said he would be in touch.

he was never in touch. upon my return to the cebu airport a week later, i happened to walk by the ticket office and stopped in. a month later, i get a $5. 96 credit on my credit card from cp. the only thing slower than the cp refund process? their a319 final approach speeds in davao (ouch).

[quote=westcoast1;1451486]he was never in touch. upon my return to the cebu airport a week later, i happened to walk by the ticket office and stopped in. a month later, i get a $5. 96 credit on my credit card from cp. the only thing slower than the cp refund process? their a319 final approach speeds in davao (ouch).[/quote]boy oh boy. before sea air merged with tiger air, i had to cancel a domestic flight mnl-bso- and the refund was within 2 days. that was pretty fast, for ph standards.

The Department of Tourism has just released a list of the top overnight tourist destinations in the Philippines. Might be useful for those planning trips to tourist destinations, in addition to mongering locations.

The list is:

1. Metro Manila – 974, 379.

2. Boracay Island – 702, 798.

3. Cebu City – 613, 279.

4. Lapu-Lapu City – 396, 289.

5. Puerto Princesa City – 359, 320.

6. Baguio City – 338, 992.

7. Albay (Legazpi City) – 290, 845.

8. Batangas – 281, 243.

9. Cagayan de Oro City – 200, 295.

10. Davao City – 184, 362.

11. Bohol – 171, 823.

12. Iloilo City – 152, 377.

13. Clark – 151, 454.

14. Negros Oriental – 150, 067.

It is interesting that Clark / Angeles City is way down the list, and areas / cities like Albay and Cagayan de Oro are ahead of Bohol (with its Chocolate hills and tarsier) and Davao.

Reference:

[url]http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/lifestyle/tourism/17067-metro-manila-is-top-overnight-tourist-destination-dot[/url]

KongKing

[QUOTE=KongKing; 1452300]The Department of Tourism has just released a list of the top overnight tourist destinations in the Philippines. Might be useful for those planning trips to tourist destinations, in addition to mongering locations.

KongKing[/QUOTE]You know the secret? Mongers make a small number. Insignificant enough for even people like AC mayor etc, are willing to forego the bar crowd.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost; 1444488]Your point was clear; unfortunately the decision point for some erstwhile sponsor comes up frequently and randomly and, given the shelf life of useful information on this forum, the potential sponsor will probably never see your advice.

A relevant question might be: what proportion of poorly prepared graduates would have been capable of completing a more rigorous program?

Recently somebody posted in one of the threads about the swelling ranks of middle class Filipinos. I think the upshot was that the economy is improving and our hobby is thus endangered. What think others?[/QUOTE]In general the Philippine economy is growing at 7. 8 % unofficially reported on Fox financial news show. There is increase interest of investing by foreigners in the Philippine economy.

In my opinion any real progress is a long ways away when so many college graduates cannot find jobs in their field of study.

We know things are bad in general when most jobs are 6 month contract types and the general rule is once you reach the age of 27. No one will hire you. You are forced to start your own business / work for family or end up in the bar scene or worse.

In another thread about bragging about getting sex for free and pay just for a few drinks / some taxi money. One member put it correctly. 1000 pesos can make a big impact for her and her family.

My point is we should have empathy and a wiliness to help the women who trust us and be friend us. I think most members know what I mean. Yes, I know there are scammers and liars / cheaters but we also know there are many good woman who trying make it to the next day / week / month.

No. I am not a bleeding heart. I think we should be "fair and caring. Not just being users.

Ok I will wait to get blasted for my post.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1451817]Boy oh boy. Before Sea Air merged with Tiger Air, I had to cancel a domestic flight MNL-BSO- and the refund was within 2 days. That was pretty fast, for PH standards.[/QUOTE]ET: From the time I made the complaint, then a week later when I went back to the airport, it was another month before the thing showed on my CC.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[QUOTE=MangoBob68; 1452345]In general the Philippine economy is growing at 7. 8 % unofficially reported on Fox financial news show. There is increase interest of investing by foreigners in the Philippine economy.

In my opinion any real progress is a long ways away when so many college graduates cannot find jobs in their field of study.

We know things are bad in general when most jobs are 6 month contract types and the general rule is once you reach the age of 27. No one will hire you. You are forced to start your own business / work for family or end up in the bar scene or worse.

In another thread about bragging about getting sex for free and pay just for a few drinks / some taxi money. One member put it correctly. 1000 pesos can make a big impact for her and her family.

My point is we should have empathy and a wiliness to help the women who trust us and be friend us. I think most members know what I mean. Yes, I know there are scammers and liars / cheaters but we also know there are many good woman who trying make it to the next day / week / month.

No. I am not a bleeding heart. I think we should be "fair and caring. Not just being users.

Ok I will wait to get blasted for my post.[/QUOTE]No one should blast you as what you say is fair honest and represents a decent approach. Maybe being a monger isn't totally decent but we can at least behave reasonably decent in how we treat people.

Re the economy, the Philippines has simply too many people for the local econmoy to handle. For that you can thank the fabulous church. The current boom is a mix of some overseas investment increasing from a very low base, to a lot of ofw money being remitted and being used to fuel a property boom for nearly all classes of society. Of course the rich are getting super rich these days. The whole system of patronage and top20 families controlling everything hasnt and will not change.

The London Fire Brigade said Monday, July 29, it was facing a rising number of callouts for people trapped in handcuffs, blaming it on a best-selling erotic novel's "Fifty Shades of Grey effect".

In the past three years the fire service has rescued 79 people unable to escape handcuffs, as well as nine men with rings stuck on their penises, one with his penis trapped in a toaster and another in a vacuum cleaner.

"I don't know whether it's the Fifty Shades effect, but the number of incidents involving items like handcuffs seems to have gone up," fire officer Dave Brown said in a statement."I'm sure most people will be fifty shades of red by the time our crews arrive to free them."

British author EL James has sold more than 70 million copies of her erotic romance novels, a trilogy starting with the sado-masochistic tale "Fifty Shades of Grey". The fire brigade urged those using handcuffs in the bedroom to "always keep the keys handy."

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1452821]The London Fire Brigade said Monday, July 29, it was facing a rising number of callouts for people trapped in handcuffs, blaming it on a best-selling erotic novel's "Fifty Shades of Grey effect".[/QUOTE]Reminds of the one I heard about the BA stewardess whose husband liked some kinky stuff including being handcuffed for a few hours until she returned from her short haul flights (ie she was always back the same day). The plane went tech in Paris and she forced ti call the Fire Brigade to let him out LOL.

As for the advice very sensible but easy to use leather and velco. Looks better from a fashion viewpoint IHMO.

[url]http://business.inquirer.net/135963/henry-sy-9-other-taipans-top-forbes-rich-list-in-ph[/url]

Whats interesting though is that out of the 10 names. 7 are Chinese Filipinos generally all originated from Fujian province a few generations ago.

Ayala is a Spaniard pretending to be Filipino (they say their pre-dinner prayers in Spanish, if you ever get invited to dinner with them) and there are 2 Filipinos there.

If you figure that every car thats parked in a car park in Manila, for every call in Globe, for every transaction in BPI, for everything spent (10% of all revenues, as rental) in Greenbelt and Glorietta plus New World, Raffles and Fairmont, a portion goes to Ayala, it shows just how rich those above the Ayalas are.

I agree completely with your sentiments, M B. No flames from this quarter. Lots of genuinely nice girls who deserve both our respect and a little assistance to show our appreciation.

Got this nice sms from number +639283307352: "notice frm (DTI) your Sim# won Php 880. 000. 00 From: GLOBAL REMITTANCE Of DFW / BSP, To claim your price, Call me now? I'm Sec Gregory L. Domingo (DTI) permit# 5719 S'13"

According to google a well known scam attempt. Anyone else got sms like this? I carry a SMART Buddy sim. And I am sorry if this is been debated in ISG in the past. I admit I did not do any research before posting this scam attempt. The recieved sms is bad written as well..
I put this number out as well as it belongs to scammers. Pls forgive me..

[QUOTE=Skogis; 1453663]Got this nice sms from number +639283307352: "notice frm (DTI) your Sim# won Php 880. 000. 00 From: GLOBAL REMITTANCE Of DFW / BSP, To claim your price, Call me now? I'm Sec Gregory L. Domingo (DTI) permit# 5719 S'13"

According to google a well known scam attempt. Anyone else got sms like this? I carry a SMART Buddy sim. And I am sorry if this is been debated in ISG in the past. I admit I did not do any research before posting this scam attempt. The recieved sms is bad written as well.

I put this number out as well as it belongs to scammers. Please forgive me.[/QUOTE]Congrats! You're well on your way to catch and perhaps even surpass Henry Sy's fortune. Anyway, the drinks are on you tonight.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1453683]Congrats! You're well on your way to catch and perhaps even surpass Henry Sy's fortune. Anyway, the drinks are on you tonight.[/QUOTE]Haha I have not gotten any info where I can collect the money yet. But I am in no hurry as I have invested some millions norwegians kroner in some nigeria letters I still wait to florish. LOL
Actually i was so excited when recieving this big 880k php price so my heart rate jumped from 50 per minute to atleast 60. Most due to the fact i had to move for picking up my phone to read the sms..

Some of the 'excuses' I have heard but not in response the specific question posed by the author. But it made me chuckle and shows how some in the country think.

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/8-ways-filipino-politicians-justify-corruption-104559330.html[/url]

Maybe those that live in the Philippines can say if this is tongue in cheek reporting (to a certain degree) or realistic.

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/8-laws-philippines-better-100035747.html[/url]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1454126]Maybe those that live in the Philippines can say if this is tongue in cheek reporting (to a certain degree) or realistic.

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/8-laws-philippines-better-100035747.html[/url][/QUOTE]Is the author now going to be thrown out of the country too?

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1454114]Some of the 'excuses' I have heard but not in response the specific question posed by the author. But it made me chuckle and shows how some in the country think.

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/8-ways-filipino-politicians-justify-corruption-104559330.html[/url][/QUOTE][I]6. 'Think of me as Robin Hood. '[/I]

Haha. In "One-more time?" category.

I used to date this gal in a tiny mindanao province. Talk about a perfect setup. I'd fly into the seacoast province, and she'd bus in from her (much smaller) province. Tiny. 24, cute as a button. Always happy. Coming to the small seaside town was coming to the 'big city' for her. A perfect sex-toy, her tiny body was incredibly limber; her fav thing was in mish to pull her knees back to the mattress and throw her knees over my shoulders and hold on for the ride, drool often coming out of her mouth while her tiny twat soaked the bed. Whew, giving me a stiffy just thinking of her! Extremely easy to please just by taking her to Joliebee."My second time ice cream till now!" Lordy I miss her.

Back to #6 above. Some politicians being corrupt, taking from the rich to give to the poor was not what they were doing. They take from the poor, keep part for themselves, and give some back (not much). In one of our online chats she mentioned a barangay scandal, where some barnagay official got caught with his hands in the jar, but kept his job. She sent an online link so I could read the story. She thought he should be canned. Later when we were having lunch at a restaurant we were talking about the same guy and corruption again. A few months later her father passed away. The usual request for some pesos for burial (a casket can be quite expensive). Thru the family's various sources (including me) , the family could not pay for the entire funeral. The next day in chat she was pleased to tell me that the barangay was providing the casket at no cost. What? Really? Who got them to do that? It seems the office of the corrupt barangay guy she mentioned before was ponying up the money for both the casket, the transfer to the cemetary, and the burial. Suddenly the corrupt guy was her hero. She couldn't talk more positively about him or his office. Amazing.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1454184]Is the author now going to be thrown out of the country too?[/QUOTE]Normally they shoot journalists in the Philippines not do the nice thing and exile them. See the links below. Last 2 days 3 journalists have been murdered.

[url]http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/05/29/13/hrw-ph-still-dangerous-place-activists-journalists[/url]

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-inbox/unsolved-media-killings-keep-ph-3rd-most-dangerous-061507982.html[/url]

Only Iraq and Somalia are more dangerous places to live if you are a journalist.

As GE and others noted, airlines here are not great at working out the number of people that can comfortably squeeze into a bus when the airbridge is not working.

This from Philstar today suggests we may need to get used to it. Something I would prefer not to think about in my wildest dreams having had the same experience as other posters recently.

[url]http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/04/1048241/naia-running-out-professional-aerobridge-operators[/url]

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1453217][url]http://business.inquirer.net/135963/henry-sy-9-other-taipans-top-forbes-rich-list-in-ph[/url]

Whats interesting though is that out of the 10 names. 7 are Chinese Filipinos generally all originated from Fujian province a few generations ago.

Ayala is a Spaniard pretending to be Filipino (they say their pre-dinner prayers in Spanish, if you ever get invited to dinner with them) and there are 2 Filipinos there.

If you figure that every car thats parked in a car park in Manila, for every call in Globe, for every transaction in BPI, for everything spent (10% of all revenues, as rental) in Greenbelt and Glorietta plus New World, Raffles and Fairmont, a portion goes to Ayala, it shows just how rich those above the Ayalas are.[/QUOTE]They control many of the rights there, and were fuming when SM built a mall to compete with them a stone throw's away from market market.

[QUOTE=OnePackGuy;1454491]They control many of the rights there, and were fuming when SM built a mall to compete with them a stone throw's away from market market.[/QUOTE]Yeah, that shit fight isn't over yet. Ayala is doing a great job making access to the new SM mall as difficult as it can, putting up temporary barriers overnight, suddenly doing "power checks, no power today" etc. Its the same nonsense when trying to access a smart signal in an ayala mall. Those ayalas really know how to press the "lets be childish " button. Then again, they don't care and will never have to care.

[QUOTE=OnePackGuy;1454491]They control many of the rights there, and were fuming when SM built a mall to compete with them a stone throw's away from market market.[/QUOTE]I think you need to provide some verification to this unsupported statement.

There was not the opposition to it that you suggest. Rather, it was seen as bringing many more shoppers into the vicinity, which can only be positive for both groups. Anyway, the clientele of both malls is very very different (one is "elite and premium" (SM Aura) ; the other (Market Market) is more for the "great Taguig masa".

Have you not wondered why SM Makati is embedded slap-bang in the midst of Ayala Center and linked to Glorietta with pedestrian walkways etc? Hardly likely to happen if they are "fuming" as you put it and "fighting" each other.

The so-called antagonism between the Sys and the Ayalas is just not borne out by the facts. For one thing, they collude on many fronts to ensure that no unionism ever raises its head to give the low-level workers any job security or anything resembling a "decent' salary.

This news article corrects RK's mistaken impressions.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/458697/nurses-to-become-govt-employees[/url]

"THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) plans to hire as regular employees the thousands of unemployed nurses it sends to the countryside annually, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said Sunday.

Ona said the government would also double the salaries of the nurses deployed under the RN Heals (Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service Project) program once they become regular government employees.

'That is what we are proposing—that by next year we will regularize them. They will no longer be known as RN Heals. We will also double their salary to P22, 000, ' Ona said in an interview.

He said that with the billions of pesos PhilHealth will be pumping into the health care system across the country, local government units would also be able to hire their own nurses within the next two years.

The DOH started the RN Heals program in 2011 after it was found that around 200, 000 nurses in the country were unemployed.

The project was aimed at improving the access of the poor to quality health care by creating a pool of registered nurses with enhanced clinical and preventive health management competencies that would also increase the nurses' employability.

The nurses, however, were not considered regular employees but 'pre-service trainees' who were given allowances and not salaries. —Philip C. Tubeza"

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1444438]Wrong Chea.

The "qualified nurses" in the hinterland that you mention are non-passers of the Licensure exam who are employed by LOCAL GOVERNMENTS as para-medical support and they are paid local wages, sometimes with rice and other "in-kind" payments.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Cbea20; 1454845]This news article corrects RK's mistaken impressions.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/458697/nurses-to-become-govt-employees[/url]

"THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) [B]plans to hire[/B] As regular employees the thousands of unemployed nurses it sends to the countryside annually, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said Sunday.

Ona said the government would also double the salaries of the nurses deployed under the RN Heals (Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service Project) program once they become regular government employees.

'[B]That is what we are proposing[/B]—that by next year we will regularize them.[/QUOTE]All this is true Chea but I am talking about "what is" at the moment.

I have lived here for 16 years now and seen so many of these "proposals" come to nought. I hope all of the plans and proposals actually come true as the article says, but as many of us know, there is always a malfunction between the grandiose plans here and what happens.

As I said. I hope you are right but it is NOT what is happening at present. At the moment they are " not considered regular employees but 'pre-service trainees' who were given allowances and not salaries" and it is through Local Government agencies.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1454883]All this is true Chea but I am talking about "what is" at the moment.

I have lived here for 16 years now and seen so many of these "proposals" come to nought. I hope all of the plans and proposals actually come true as the article says, but as many of us know, there is always a malfunction between the grandiose plans here and what happens.

As I said. I hope you are right but it is NOT what is happening at present. At the moment they are " not considered regular employees but 'pre-service trainees' who were given allowances and not salaries" and it is through Local Government agencies.[/QUOTE]I tend to agree with RK. Look at other governments around the world, lots of promises and positive spin but in the end nothing. And no one to hold them accountable. Is just for the current day media to say some nice things but in reality there is no budget. This happens where I live with government contracts. So many say great things and wonderful promises but ask (directly)"is there a budget for all this" and you get a sheepish reply.

GE has noted before the issue of lots of nurses and no work and I know some who complain bitterly about the lack of opportunity in their own country so they re forced to work abroad some as DH which is a terrible job in some parts of the world or caregiver. Some are airline crew!

Look at Palestine. All the promises made a few years ago all the hype and smiling politicians and where is it now. In the same mire it has been for decades.

So while I hope the reports are correct I am not holding my breath.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1454883]All this is true Chea but I am talking about "what is" at the moment.

I have lived here for 16 years now and seen so many of these "proposals" come to nought. I hope all of the plans and proposals actually come true as the article says, but as many of us know, there is always a malfunction between the grandiose plans here and what happens.[/QUOTE]If all came to fruition, well, those so many training centers who 'retrain' nurses as HRM grads (for now.) and those who suck every drop of blood of the OFWs and all and sundry will loose out a lot. And a lot. Billions of peso is at stake.

Somebody will find a missing comma or full stop or pagination and hold the implementation, unless the president issues an EO, which, coincidentally, will not do so, lest his next election coffers dry up.

I was told by a reliable person that, must from one foreign employment agency, they pay upwards of 10 million peso to senators et al. Per year, for 'facilitating' operations. Now, if they can pay 100 mil peso, per agency, how much is the agency going to loose, if they see their source dry up?

This is what comes when you are able to sit and read lots of things (not surf the net though) in coffee shops.

Has been previous discussion and FRs on the state of the economy, how much it grows (or not) and what this means and a few have voiced a more skeptical viewpoint which this editorial seems to agree with. A good read for those who like business and maybe those who live here would understand the undercurrent etc

Politics is dirty all over the world though and decisions are made for what 'joe public' think are odd reasons.

[url]http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/opinion/17479-schumacher-and-the-sanctity-of-contracts[/url]

Well, I'm doing my bit to fully employ and 'retrain' unemployed nurses...lol!

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1455540]Well, I'm doing my bit to fully employ and 'retrain' unemployed nurses.lol![/QUOTE]With a body like hers and sosos so suckable. I would be tempted to pay her 22, 000 pesos per month to supply my every need.

(gov't. Health services propose to double nurse salary from current 11 to 22, 000 a month).

That would be 5500 pesos per month = 785 plus pesos per day.

I guess a p4p girl. That would be a bargain.

For a DIA gf type. I am not sure.

I guess I would have to demand she buys her own things. Personal / clothing and foods with a salary like that?

What do the other members say? What are you willing to shell out each day / week or month to be kept sexually entertained and more?

I had entertained the thought (fantasizing) of hiring a non live in caregiver who gives plus plus for say 10, 000 a month. The plus plus encludes blow jobs 5 times a week.

Maybe a bonus if she rides me 2 or 3 times a week!

How do you get the best bang for your pesos?

The objective is to get the best value for our pesos. Sometimes we win and sometimes we loose.

I forgot the members name who lives in Cebu with 4 or 5 girls. I know from his posts he is a happy camper. I wonder what his expenditures are on his girls.

Some things are priceless.

I love to drive a BMW 5 series but I can only afford a used Volkswagen getta.

[QUOTE=MangoBob68;1455721]I forgot the members name who lives in Cebu with 4 or 5 girls. I know from his posts he is a happy camper. I wonder what his expenditures are on his girls.[/QUOTE]If we are thinking of the same person it was eleven girls and I don't think that "happy camper" would be a good way of describing his present circumstances.

[QUOTE=David_33;1455785]If we are thinking of the same person it was eleven girls and I don't think that "happy camper" would be a good way of describing his present circumstances.[/QUOTE]You said that right.

When you are in PH, the lower you fly, the lesser you are going to be noticed. Fly higher and a few AA rounds are on their way, whether they sender gets impacted by you or not.

The 'happy camper' is the poster boy.

Oh, the fantasies that guys have! Actually, your figure of P10k per month is standard for taking a girl out of the bar. She gets to stay home with her kids and service you, her patron, a couple of times a week. Manila playboys call it garaging a girl, and it's much more expensive in Metro Manila-her rent alone would be more than that. And it's only appropriate for school dropouts and airhead models. (A live-in girl? That's best entertained as a fantasy. When you want to have fun with others, you will have domestic problems. Further, most bar girls and models do not cook. A visitor who does not cook, I can tolerate only 2 or 3 days. Then it gets to feel like raising a lazy teenager.)

Most nurses are not appropriate for garaging. They didn't pass 4 or 5 years of school plus a board exam to service one guy, whether Filipino or foreigner. Unless you are ready to marry her! She wants to get 2 years of work experience, however she can, and then go abroad. You'd do better to find someone graduated as a caregiver.

And finally, a non-live in girl will not stay faithful. You'd better make sure she takes birth control pills, and get her tested regularly for STDs.

[QUOTE=MangoBob68; 1455721]With a body like hers and sosos so suckable. I would be tempted to pay her 22, 000 pesos per month to supply my every need.

(gov't. Health services propose to double nurse salary from current 11 to 22, 000 a month).

That would be 5500 pesos per month = 785 plus pesos per day.

I guess a p4p girl. That would be a bargain.

For a DIA gf type. I am not sure.

I guess I would have to demand she buys her own things. Personal / clothing and foods with a salary like that?

What do the other members say? What are you willing to shell out each day / week or month to be kept sexually entertained and more?

I had entertained the thought (fantasizing) of hiring a non live in caregiver who gives plus plus for say 10, 000 a month. The plus plus encludes blow jobs 5 times a week.

Maybe a bonus if she rides me 2 or 3 times a week!

How do you get the best bang for your pesos?

The objective is to get the best value for our pesos. Sometimes we win and sometimes we loose.

I forgot the members name who lives in Cebu with 4 or 5 girls. I know from his posts he is a happy camper. I wonder what his expenditures are on his girls.

Some things are priceless.

I love to drive a BMW 5 series but I can only afford a used Volkswagen getta.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=David_33;1455785]If we are thinking of the same person it was eleven girls and I don't think that "happy camper" would be a good way of describing his present circumstances.[/QUOTE][url]Http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?1004-General-Information&p=1412707&viewfull=1#post1412707[/url]

MangoBob68 read the above link to see what David alludes to.

[QUOTE=MangoBob68; 1455721]What do the other members say? What are you willing to shell out each day / week or month to be kept sexually entertained and more?

I had entertained the thought (fantasizing) of hiring a non live in caregiver who gives plus plus for say 10, 000 a month. The plus plus encludes blow jobs 5 times a week.[/QUOTE]

Do not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas

I know of one old Filipino who is happily spending his kids inheritance. He employs not one but three attractive young caregivers to look after his every need. He regularly sleeps with all three, is proud of it, and doesn't care who knows it. Probable that he is no longer able to get it up these days but I'll bet he has a lot of fun trying!

I'm asking here because the Phillipines threads get the most replies. I am interested in a vibrator but want one that is a proven orgasm donor. I have heard great things about the hitachi magic wand but its too bulky and needs to be plugged in. I want to get something for my very soon to be trips but want something much smaller. Any recommendations, I would be buying in amazon or anywhere else online.

[QUOTE=Nclpimp;1455979]I'm asking here because the Phillipines threads get the most replies. I am interested in a vibrator but want one that is a proven orgasm donor. I have heard great things about the hitachi magic wand but its too bulky and needs to be plugged in. I want to get something for my very soon to be trips but want something much smaller. Any recommendations, I would be buying in amazon or anywhere else online.[/QUOTE]Regular straight dildo vibs are preferred by pinay (IMHO) in the small size. 5" or 7". I use amazon.

I prefer to get them a small rabbit vibe as this stimulates their clit as well. And there are plenty other toys to make them naughtier also LOL.

You can but vibes in Manila and there a few online shops that delver to your hotel using LBC.

Of course there are some members who think even suggesting a vibe to a pinay is bad news but then we all have different views on many things LOL (and different flavours).

[QUOTE=MangoBob68; 1455721]I guess I would have to demand she buys her own things. Personal / clothing and foods with a salary like that?

What do the other members say? What are you willing to shell out each day / week or month to be kept sexually entertained and more?

I had entertained the thought (fantasizing) of hiring a non live in caregiver who gives plus plus for say 10, 000 a month. The plus plus encludes blow jobs 5 times a week.

Maybe a bonus if she rides me 2 or 3 times a week!

How do you get the best bang for your pesos?

The objective is to get the best value for our pesos. Sometimes we win and sometimes we loose.

I forgot the members name who lives in Cebu with 4 or 5 girls. I know from his posts he is a happy camper. I wonder what his expenditures are on his girls.[/QUOTE]Paying or helping with money will not guarantee loyalty. Phi girls irrespective of what they say are not to be trusted. They are good actors and as long as money keeps on coming they will do whatever you want.

I know some foreigners who live in Phi have live in girls.

Best thing is to look for a real poor girl and help her. Poor girls IMHO do not demand much and just happy to be with you as long as you take care of them. They are not the partying type and look for good bargains.

I have had some from the provinces even hated going to a restaurent and wants to eat jollibee or roadside barbeue. Even when we went shopping they look for the cheapest personal items.

This will last as long as the poor girl starts to think to fleece a moneyed foreigner. Other way is she is just happy that she has a decent place to stay and eat.

[QUOTE=Nclpimp;1455979]I'm asking here because the Phillipines threads get the most replies. I am interested in a vibrator but want one that is a proven orgasm donor. I have heard great things about the hitachi magic wand but its too bulky and needs to be plugged in. I want to get something for my very soon to be trips but want something much smaller. Any recommendations, I would be buying in amazon or anywhere else online.[/QUOTE]You can see it in action. If they upload. Oh, and charges with USB port up to two hours

Just looked up the brand and for that money it better have sex with both you and the girl. The cheapest was $159. 00 US.

[QUOTE=Redman69;1456167]You can see it in action. If they upload. Oh, and charges with USB port up to two hours[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Azmodeus Fl;1456181]Just looked up the brand and for that money it better have sex with both you and the girl. The cheapest was $159. 00 US.[/QUOTE]Lelo is a class brand though not cheap I agree but something that lasts the test of time. Guess how I know LOL.

[QUOTE=Nclpimp;1455979]I am interested in a vibrator but want one that is a proven orgasm donor. I have heard great things about the hitachi magic wand but its too bulky and needs to be plugged in. I want to get something for my very soon to be trips but want something much smaller. Any recommendations, I would be buying in amazon or anywhere else online.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;1455991]Regular straight dildo vibs are preferred by pinay (IMHO) in the small size. 5" or 7". I use amazon.[/QUOTE]

The Hitachi is a great one, but it is a monster and too bulky for travel.

For travel a quality compact, portable, waterproof, and rechargeable vibrator is what is needed. The two best that fit all the criteria are the Lelo Mia 2 and the We-Vibe Tango or Salsa which are all available on Amazon for less than $50. I have a black Lelo Mia 2. It works pretty good. Of course does anything work better than tongue on clit? Some girls say no and some girls can't live without their Magic Wand.

[QUOTE=Sammon; 1456057]Best thing is to look for a real poor girl and help her. Poor girls IMHO do not demand much and just happy to be with you as long as you take care of them. [B]They are not the partying type and look for good bargains. [/B]

I have had some from the provinces even hated going to a restaurent and wants to eat jollibee or roadside barbeue. Even when we went shopping they look for the cheapest personal items.

This will last as long as the poor girl starts to think to fleece a moneyed foreigner. Other way is she is just happy that she has a decent place to stay and eat.[/QUOTE]That's what you think.

From what I know and seen in the past 10 years of pinaying. They are province girls as long as they are in the province. More often than ever, they get influenced by others who 'made it' and start to learn stuff. Like going to Manila, or moving to a bigger town etc. Etc.

There is no sure guarantee.

Even in Singapore, I have seen maids, who are demure initially, and after their friends show them the ropes, go on 'social climbing' not in the society, but within their own circle of friends.

My 2 cents? Those middle class girls are not into scamming, thieving, borrowing (if you know what the Filipino word for borrowing is. In the majority of the crowd. Borrow = take and don't bother to return.)

Over and out.

According to the link (below) Philippine immigration officials are not stamping some passports (Chinese) upon entry as a form of protest. A number of other countries are doing this as well. Has anyone with a western passport been able to enter / exit Phils without getting your passport stamped?

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-refuses-stamp-chinese-passports-234654944.html[/url]

Thanks.

One of my stops will be Zamboanga. That is the first place in the country where the Spanish were allowed to marry local girls. Supposed to be the most beautiful women in PI there. Anyway. Has anyone been there lately? How is the atmosphere? Tense? Kool. I have concerns more about bandits on the road than trouble in the cities. I plan to buy a cheap Chinese motorcycle Davao and hit the road. I have done this a few times before in Africa, ect and it has always worked out well. But Mindinao is kind of pushing the evelope. Any advice or experience with this plan would be very welcome. Thanks. Yours in mongering.

Lonely

[QUOTE=Houziwang; 1458257]According to the link (below) Philippine immigration officials are not stamping some passports (Chinese) upon entry as a form of protest. A number of other countries are doing this as well. Has anyone with a western passport been able to enter / exit Phils without getting your passport stamped?

[url]http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-refuses-stamp-chinese-passports-234654944.html[/url]

Thanks.[/QUOTE]No Western nations, nor most Asian ones for that matter, make the ridiculous claim that the entire West Philippine Sea (aka South China Sea) is theirs and theirs alone. Therefore their passports are stamped.

[QUOTE=Lonely566; 1458282]One of my stops will be Zamboanga. That is the first place in the country where the Spanish were allowed to marry local girls. Supposed to be the most beautiful women in PI there. Anyway. Has anyone been there lately? How is the atmosphere? Tense? Kool. I have concerns more about bandits on the road than trouble in the cities. I plan to buy a cheap Chinese motorcycle Davao and hit the road. I have done this a few times before in Africa, ect and it has always worked out well. But Mindinao is kind of pushing the evelope. Any advice or experience with this plan would be very welcome. Thanks. Yours in mongering.

Lonely[/QUOTE]Are you serious? WOW. Zambo is Wild Wild West, and any foreigner, white or black, is good for 'trade'.

Don't worry, they only demand cost of accommodation from your dear ones. .

Good luck.

PS: a friend married a girl from Zambo, made sure he relocated the family to Davao city proper, before anything else happened. Davao is safe, relatively, as the gangsters are the Mayor's team. Do what they say or "die".

If you're running Google's "Chrome" browser on your machine then you should be aware of this password security issue. Anyone who uses or has access to your puter can easily obtain ALL of your user names and passwords by going into the settings; password section. Google is reportedly working on a fix for this.

[url]http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241508/Chrome_s_password_security_insanity_can_be_cured[/url]

[url]http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/save-passwords-chrome-browser/story?id=19908237[/url]

This story has been overhyped. The only real flaw occurs when transferring passwords from safari to chrome on a Mac. All browsers (except safari on a Mac which stores the passwords encrypted in the keychain) are vulnerable if someone has access to your computer. If someone has access to your computer they can install a key logger, copy your hard drive, etc. So you are already in a world of hurt.

If you are concerned about password security (and you should be) then never store passwords in any browser. Use a password manager like lastpass or 1password with a long, strong master password and randomly generated passwords for every website you visit.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger; 1458457]If you're running Google's "Chrome" browser on your machine then you should be aware of this password security issue. Anyone who uses or has access to your puter can easily obtain ALL of your user names and passwords by going into the settings; password section. Google is reportedly working on a fix for this.

[url]http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241508/Chrome_s_password_security_insanity_can_be_cured[/url]

[url]http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/save-passwords-chrome-browser/story?id=19908237[/url][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=JPF;1458664]If you are concerned about password security (and you should be) then never store passwords in any browser. Use a password manager like lastpass or 1password with a long, strong master password and randomly generated passwords for every website you visit.[/QUOTE]I have been using Lastpass for about a year. Highly recommended.

I don't know man, but I was just in Davao and I wanted to go trolling provinces. I asked 6 or more Davao locals about Marilog, just up the hill. 2 or 3 said no problem, the guys with guns that stop you will be the good guys. Around 3 or 4 said there's goons there that might steal your motor. I didn't have an extra 63k to replace the bike I borrowed so I canned the idea. Others said the same about Malita and Sigaboy. That's a long ride, nowhere have I ever rode a motorbike where I got a dozen flat tires in 2 months. The tubes they have are garbage, they come apart at the stem. You may want to go to one of those bulkanizing shops and beef them up. Also a liner between the tube and the tire.

[QUOTE=Lonely566; 1458282]One of my stops will be Zamboanga. That is the first place in the country where the Spanish were allowed to marry local girls. Supposed to be the most beautiful women in PI there. Anyway. Has anyone been there lately? How is the atmosphere? Tense? Kool. I have concerns more about bandits on the road than trouble in the cities. I plan to buy a cheap Chinese motorcycle Davao and hit the road. I have done this a few times before in Africa, ect and it has always worked out well. But Mindinao is kind of pushing the evelope. Any advice or experience with this plan would be very welcome. Thanks. Yours in mongering.

Lonely[/QUOTE]

Well, Lonely, your proposed bike trip around Mindanao could be a great adventure, or a great disaster. All depends on your comfort zone, your karma and your luck. Most guys on this board won't go to Mindanao, period! Most of those that do, will only visit Davao or CDO. A few others travel there on business and only travel by private vehicle and stick to the main highways. Very few of us go off the beaten path. I have travelled extensively around much of Mindanao on several different trips. I have covered South Cotobato in the south east all the way up to Surigao in the north east. Main roads and God awful secondary ones.

I have travelled all across the top of Mindanao from Surigao to Dipolog on the north west corner. Travelled through the Budkidnon Valley several times. Been as far into Zambo Peninsula as Pagadian. Almost all my travels have been by public bus transport and V Hire. I rely on my personal radar and gut feeling. I have steered clear of Cotobato Province and southern Zamboanga. Why? Because my gut was telling me,"That's far enough. Don't push your luck." So, if you are the kind of person who is prepared to accept the consequences of your actions and 'Suck it up' if things go sideways, then go for it!

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1459003]I don't know man, but I was just in Davao and I wanted to go trolling provinces. I asked 6 or more Davao locals about Marilog, just up the hill. 2 or 3 said no problem, the guys with guns that stop you will be the good guys. Around 3 or 4 said there's goons there that might steal your motor. I didn't have an extra 63k to replace the bike I borrowed so I canned the idea. Others said the same about Malita and Sigaboy. That's a long ride, nowhere have I ever rode a motorbike where I got a dozen flat tires in 2 months. The tubes they have are garbage, they come apart at the stem. You may want to go to one of those bulkanizing shops and beef them up. Also a liner between the tube and the tire.[/QUOTE]A few years ago I bought a bike to tour Cebu island. That damn thing had flat tires at least once per week. Serendipitiously, wherever it went flat, there was a guy nearby with the little kerosene candle and the other stuff to fix it. Pretty amazing. Yeah I think the ticket would be to replace the tube as soon as I buy it. I bought a Chinese bike last year in ghana for touring and I asked the guy about the tires and he said,"These are tubless and you will have no problems with them at all." I didn't beleive him but he was correct. Not one flat in 4 months of horrible roads all over West Africa. So, go figure.

I have this question about Zambo up on a few sites and from the feedback I'm getting; I'm tinking of giving up the idea and just crossing between Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Normally what happens is that I hit town, meet a few girls and then a few more; pretty soon they are bumping into each other at the hotel desk. That's when I like to have my moto handy to get out of dodge. I don't know what's wrong with me. I meet a beautiful girl that wants to screw me all the time and then my eyes start wandering to others. I just want to fuck everybody, I guess. Oh well, it's a big world; I can try. Later and thanks for the info dude. PH

If he changed his nationality to Filipino (I know a big assumption) am sure he would fit in nicely given the alleged pork barrel scam, the MRT issues and a previous posting of a link from MSN about the background of some of the elected officials LOL.

[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23700945[/url]

I've lived in Mindanao (Davao) for more than 10 years and, largely due to my job, have traveled without incident to most parts of the island region. Of course, when I've been in the more dangerous places like Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Cotabato, etc. I've generally been met by well known locals so in a sense, I was protected. Aside from CDO, Davao and General Santos I wouldn't recommend solo travel, particularly now that things are heating up because of the imminent peace agreement with the MILF. There are-as is always the case here-dissident groups who don't like the agreement and thus manifest their displeasure by killing people. Zamboanga is one of several areas that's been getting more restive for quite a while, and it's really not a great idea to wander around the city, especially on a bike which offers no concealment of the fact that you're a foreigner.

The ride from Davao, through Buda, Bukidnon and to CDO offers some excellent scenery. However, the road is awful, the drivers are worse, and if you blow a tire on the more remote stretches you could be well and truly screwed.

GE

For you guys that are still on the fence, a couple things.

Con;

Many guys may not admit it, but friends I've known concur that they have lost some blasting power after time. Some just don't reload as fast. I'm presently managing 2 girls and I sometimes will alternately hold out and save the load for the next one.

You can also of course supplement naturally with maca root, or with a glandular product like Male Caps.

Pro;

You may get a text like this.

"Shittt hell haha well was real fun, I love it yeah and its more fun because I dnt nid to worry 4 being pregnant I trust you on it"

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam; 1459639]For you guys that are still on the fence, a couple things.

Con;

Many guys may not admit it, but friends I've known concur that you do loose some blasting power after time. You just don't reload as fast. I'm presently managing 2 girls and I sometimes will alternately hold out and save the load for the next one.[/QUOTE]As someone who was vasectomized in 1991, I can say that I am as strong if not stronger than 10 years ago.

I can get at least 2 shots in 2 hours, and, depending on the woman, sometimes 3.

I reload same as always and sometimes fast too.

The BIG factor is that you know you cannot get scammed with "I am pregnant and it is yours" line.

I still use condoms 98% of the time but I can assure those who are wavering that, for me, my vasectomy was the best thing I ever did (in a mongering sense)

That's good to know RK, no regrets here either. So it depends on the individual and their aging process I guess. Or maybe I'm just getting the wrong women. I know my friends are, all they got is chubby old white chicks. Haha

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam; 1459639]Con;

Many guys may not admit it, but friends I've known concur that they have lost some blasting power after time. Some just don't reload as fast. I'm presently managing 2 girls and I sometimes will alternately hold out and save the load for the next one.

You can also of course supplement naturally with maca root, or with a glandular product like Male Caps.

Pro;

You may get a text like this.

"Shittt hell haha well was real fun, I love it yeah and its more fun because I dnt nid to worry 4 being pregnant I trust you on it"[/QUOTE]

I got mine done mine for over twenty years ago. I did not experience any change in power or reload other than perhaps lately which I attribute to aging. I have countered that with appropriately timed doses of vitamin C and V.

And yes, the comfort level of the ladies is more relaxed. Only once in the Philippines did a lady question if perhaps my vasectomy may not still be effective. That lasted for only one encounter. After that she literally begged "cum inside me" in every following session.

I have often used it as a sales pitch when chatting online by telling ladies that I have had a vasectomy. It opens the door to discussions of sex and our anticipated encounter because it eventually turns to me saying "I can not make you pregnant when we meet". Most Filipinas do not to like using condoms so bare sex without the risk of pregnancy seems to be a big plus for them.

And news from PH!

[url]http://dailym.ai/1cSr649[/url] Hero US diver murdered in the Phillippines 'after being blasted him in the face with a shotgun.

[url]http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-n.-killed-298163[/url]

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story.arch-shot-dead[/url]

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/466991/.american-diver[/url]

[QUOTE=Ricardo Torres;1460124]Thought you guys here on the Philippine board would get a kick out of this broke monger that you all are familiar with.[/QUOTE]Interesting RT and given CPs recent posts on his budget for his mongering trip to the Philippines and the prices he expects to pay for accommodation, I am sure those on the board in Colombia could suggest real estate in the price range of around $10-20 a night equivalent (he said 500 pesos a night roughly). I could give that advice for Brazil, part of Africa and India as well as the Philippines.

I would post a few links to show his budget etc as he did lay it out in a recent FR but while I can see them in the search function when you click on each FR they mysteriously disappear from view. Clicking on "see original report" on the Medellin again does not show me the original FR.

Maybe Cali Pro has decided to now ask lots of questions of the Colombian members as he does the Philippines as he sees Colombia as a country where he can spread his wealth and wisdom.

I'm planning to visit Manila in the next couple of days and the news on Manila flooding is worrying me. As such I'm not too worried about the rain and the safety but I feel uncomfortable to stay at the hotel throughout the day with no chances of visiting malls and little chances of visiting pubs and for mongering.

Looking for advice from the residents who are currently experiencing this flood in Manila. Can you please let me know whether it is a good time to visit Manila and when will things return back to normal over the next 2 weeks. Also, how is the bar scene will look like now? Will all the entertainment centers are closed during the current flooding period?

Also, I may be staying in EDSA Shangri-la and may need to go to Quezon city for work. Please let me know whether I can commute to office daily (in taxi) during this heavy rain period?

If this is not a good time to visit Manila, please indicate by when I should consider travelling again.

[QUOTE=JustForFun21; 1460896]I'm planning to visit Manila in the next couple of days and the news on Manila flooding is worrying me. As such I'm not too worried about the rain and the safety but I feel uncomfortable to stay at the hotel throughout the day with no chances of visiting malls and little chances of visiting pubs and for mongering.

Looking for advice from the residents who are currently experiencing this flood in Manila. Can you please let me know whether it is a good time to visit Manila and when will things return back to normal over the next 2 weeks. Also, how is the bar scene will look like now? Will all the entertainment centers are closed during the current flooding period?

Also, I may be staying in EDSA Shangri-la and may need to go to Quezon city for work. Please let me know whether I can commute to office daily (in taxi) during this heavy rain period?

If this is not a good time to visit Manila, please indicate by when I should consider travelling again.[/QUOTE]I just went walk and wade-about in my Makati neigbourhood and it's kinda screwed. Buendia, a major thoroughfare, is largely impassable in several areas. Solar News just broadcast of gov't press conference where the spokesperson stated 50-60% of metro Manila is flooded - 1030 am 20 AUG Manila time. EDSA Taft and Magallanes (which you'll need to pass on the way to the Shangri-la) are NOT passable to ALL VEHICLES reports MMDA. We're currently 100mm short of 2012's habagat rainfall, and it's still raining. You may not be concerned about the rain, but that's what causes the floods ;) Right now if I had to travel from the airport to QC I'd take the skyway to Makati which will get you beyond the current EDSA flooding. Drive through Makati back to EDSA, say along the unflooded section Buendia, and then up to the Shangri-la. The main wrinkle to this is the flooding currently near NAIA.

I haven't ventured out to bars since Sat night, and it seems unlikely that a girl will be able to travel far, if at all, but I got lucky in that one of my girls arrived back to Manila Saturday afternoon and she hasn't even considered leaving my place. Her Aussie boyfriend is to fly in on the 23rd, but we'll see.

Just my 1 cent worth.

The transport facilities will be in tatters, the hotels will be overloaded, the clubs and bars that have not been flooded will be an option, but the entire infrastructure will be wrecked.

I actually left Manila the day before the heavy rain, it had been raining every day for the previous week, but only 1 hr a day, so the ground was weel saturated before the storm hit.

I have a house in the city on relativly high ground, and it is still safe, as is my family.

The storm is moving very slowly away, but dragging all the monsoon rain with it.

Avoid the country, for at least 2 months.

Bumz

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1461031]I just went walk and wade-about in my Makati neigbourhood and it's kinda screwed. Buendia, a major thoroughfare, is largely impassable in several areas. Solar News just broadcast of gov't press conference where the spokesperson stated 50-60% of metro Manila is flooded. 1030 am 20 AUG Manila time. EDSA Taft and Magallanes (which you'll need to pass on the way to the Shangri-la) are NOT passable to ALL VEHICLES reports MMDA. We're currently 100mm short of 2012's habagat rainfall, and it's still raining. You may not be concerned about the rain, but that's what causes the floods. Right now if I had to travel from the airport to QC I'd take the skyway to Makati which will get you beyond the current EDSA flooding. Drive through Makati back to EDSA, say along the unflooded section Buendia, and then up to the Shangri-la. The main wrinkle to this is the flooding currently near NAIA.

I haven't ventured out to bars since Sat night, and it seems unlikely that a girl will be able to travel far, if at all, but I got lucky in that one of my girls arrived back to Manila Saturday afternoon and she hasn't even considered leaving my place. Her Aussie boyfriend is to fly in on the 23rd, but we'll see.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the details. I kind of finally decided to postpone my travel by one month as I didn't want to spoil the fun of my maiden trip to PH.

[QUOTE=Bumz Rush; 1461606]Just my 1 cent worth.

The transport facilities will be in tatters, the hotels will be overloaded, the clubs and bars that have not been flooded will be an option, but the entire infrastructure will be wrecked.

I actually left Manila the day before the heavy rain, it had been raining every day for the previous week, but only 1 hr a day, so the ground was weel saturated before the storm hit.

I have a house in the city on relativly high ground, and it is still safe, as is my family.

The storm is moving very slowly away, but dragging all the monsoon rain with it.

Avoid the country, for at least 2 months.

Bumz[/QUOTE]Two months? The city recovers much quicker than that. More lie two weeks max.

[QUOTE=JustForFun21;1461851]Thanks for the details. I kind of finally decided to postpone my travel by one month as I didn't want to spoil the fun of my maiden trip to PH.[/QUOTE]Keep in mind it's a large country. Though Luzon and several islands south were rained upon and large parts flooded in islands further south, say Cebu, life carried on unaffected. If you want the guarantee of great weather then it's the dry season; August is the wettest, and wettest = floods. But plenty of folks come throughout the year and things work out for the most part.

[QUOTE=OnePackGuy;1461922]Two months? The city recovers much quicker than that. More lie two weeks max.[/QUOTE]I was in Baguio when the market burned down. Three days later, all spruced up, and all back in operation, while the soot and all are still being cleaned up.

Same when Malate was flooded, and two days after floods subsided. All was good to go.

The filipinos are tough people and very capable of getting things back to life, so fast that they forget the dozens dead in the Cebu Ship accident calamity and focus on the upcoming Pork Barrel Scam. LOL.

And so tough, they quickly forgive the mass murderers of the 4000 people, Dona Paz, and let the go on peddling their rusted tin pots for trade.

Interesting artlicle what the 10 billion thats supposedly been " looted" from the pork barrel allocation could buy. Interesting that is, until one comes to the final part, whereby a country awash in guns both legal and illgal discovers it could buy a further 600, 000 Glock pistols.

It failed to mention that the same 10 bill could buy a mall full of tbacks, and almost a mall full of bikinis, not to mention millions and millions of vibrators, or mega millions of condoms. Oops, can't offend those good ol cathlolics by talking about population management.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/471705/imagine-what-p10b-can-buy-8000-classrooms-in-2-story-buildings[/url]

[QUOTE=JustForFun21; 1460896]I'm planning to visit Manila in the next couple of days and the news on Manila flooding is worrying me. As such I'm not too worried about the rain and the safety but I feel uncomfortable to stay at the hotel throughout the day with no chances of visiting malls and little chances of visiting pubs and for mongering.

If this is not a good time to visit Manila, please indicate by when I should consider travelling again.[/QUOTE]Australia may be a better bet right now. Who can go wrong with all this fresh meat? Be sure to take a pair of cowboy boots. I read somewhere if you get their hind legs in the boots, you've got them right where you want them. But don't forget, these are Western females. You can tell from the nonstop protest.

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcE5aDTszrY[/url]

[QUOTE=JustForFun21;1461851]Thanks for the details. I kind of finally decided to postpone my travel by one month as I didn't want to spoil the fun of my maiden trip to PH.[/QUOTE]I was out of the loop there for a couple of days with internet / computer problems so sorry for the late reponse.

You and other first time travelers to MNL might want to keep Robinsons Place Condos in mind. They're attached to Robinson's Midtown Mall and no matter how hard it might be raining, you won't get a drop on you. Just go to the first floor of the condo, walk through ar security door and voila, you're in the mall. Walk, window shop, and they'll find you assuming of course the mall is not shut down but I've never seen that. MBC is just a 5 minute walk away if its not raining / flooding. The lovely ambiance of the Del Pilar neighborhood is at your fingertips. Condo cost is about $60. 00 a night.

[QUOTE=Slippery; 1462785]I was out of the loop there for a couple of days with internet / computer problems so sorry for the late reponse.

You and other first time travelers to MNL might want to keep Robinsons Place Condos in mind. They're attached to Robinson's Midtown Mall and no matter how hard it might be raining, you won't get a drop on you. Just go to the first floor of the condo, walk through ar security door and voila, you're in the mall. Walk, window shop, and they'll find you assuming of course the mall is not shut down but I've never seen that. MBC is just a 5 minute walk away if its not raining / flooding. The lovely ambiance of the Del Pilar neighborhood is at your fingertips. Condo cost is about $60. 00 a night.[/QUOTE]Thanks Slippery for the very useful info. I just checked the website and the property looks very good. By the way, can you please let me know whether this property is girl friendly as this is a key requirement for me.

Indeed they are girl friendly. You most likely will be renting from a private party / investor. Flipkey. Com should have some listings or just google Robinsons place short time condo.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1462969]Indeed they are girl friendly. You most likely will be renting from a private party / investor. Flipkey. Com should have some listings or just google Robinsons place short time condo.[/QUOTE]Airbnb dot com also has a few places at Robinson's listed.

Confirmed. I was snorkeling with whale sharks earlier this week with mostly cloudy skies in south Cebu island. In the evening I was watching news reports about the flooding in Manila.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1461939]Keep in mind it's a large country. Though Luzon and several islands south were rained upon and large parts flooded in islands further south, say Cebu, life carried on unaffected. If you want the guarantee of great weather then it's the dry season; August is the wettest, and wettest = floods. But plenty of folks come throughout the year and things work out for the most part.[/QUOTE]

I'm reading and planning a trip to the Philippines after Christmas for six weeks. I'm curious. What percentage of the girls shave their public hair?

[QUOTE=Legal Tender;1464737]I'm reading and planning a trip to the Philippines after Christmas for six weeks. I'm curious. What percentage of the girls shave their public hair?[/QUOTE]As many as I and others can persuade LT LOL

In fact ask them when you chat and many will (I always ask and if they not shaved I say if we meet you will be and they dutifully agree)

If you are a deviant and like a forest / Bush etc then fine your flavor is your flavor but for many we like the smoothed look and as it will be Christmas a great present would be Brazilian wax and maybe a small pocket rocket as well.

[QUOTE=Legal Tender;1464737]I'm reading and planning a trip to the Philippines after Christmas for six weeks. I'm curious. What percentage of the girls shave their public hair?[/QUOTE]I have never met a Filipina that shaves. So I bring my shaver and do it for them. Its fun and they like it. The nice part is I get to enjoy the fruits of my labors, so to speak.

Public hair? Do you mean the hair on her arms?

If you are referring to the gals in the bars or doing p4p on the online sites, I going to say most. Please tell us more about how you plan to spend your six weeks. I envy you.

[QUOTE=Legal Tender;1464737]I'm reading and planning a trip to the Philippines after Christmas for six weeks. I'm curious. What percentage of the girls shave their public hair?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=X Man;1464852]Public hair? Do you mean the hair on her arms?[/QUOTE]Better there than on her upper lip. Some of these Pinays are incredibly hirsute. Of the bars I can't report on, but I reckon it's a very high percentage who are shaved.

Of the dating sites: 10-20% are completely natural; 30% or so trim; and the rest shave. Many of them do a [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] poor job maintaining it. Ingrown hairs on the vag - blech! Not too many wax.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1464865]10-20% are completely natural[/QUOTE]Hopefully this percentage will increase. Guys who know appreciate pheromones.

[QUOTE=David_33;1464898]Hopefully this percentage will increase. Guys who know appreciate pheromones.[/QUOTE]Guys who know appreciate a Brazilian and a nice smoothe surface, plus the odd pocket rocket. But I see it as a mission to get the girls toe wax more or even laser it off. Effective IHMO.

[QUOTE=Legal Tender;1464737]I'm reading and planning a trip to the Philippines after Christmas for six weeks. I'm curious. What percentage of the girls shave their public hair?[/QUOTE]Too many, in my opinion. I just don't get that plucked chicken, prepubescent fetish that has become so popular of late.

RG

The £ is strengthening, pleasing not only ourselves, but expat Filipinos who send money home. Imagine the £ rising to it's former glory at 90p?

Current price: 1. 00 GBP = 69. 1762 PHP

[QUOTE=Noddy; 1465567]The £ is strengthening, pleasing not only ourselves, but expat Filipinos who send money home. Imagine the £ rising to it's former glory at 90p?

Current price: 1. 00 GBP = 69. 1762 PHP[/QUOTE]When I bought my condo a few years back, the rate was over 100 to the pound. Glory days indeed, particularly when you consider that a ST out of LA Caff was then only 1k!

You may be losing your edge Mr. Stunt. I got a whole night for 1. 5k out of MBC earlier this month. I gave 2k, and might have given more if she hadn't whined so much about her financial difficulties. Nevertheless, I wish I had a condo in the Philippines, or anywhere for that matter.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1465685]When I bought my condo a few years back, the rate was over 100 to the pound. Glory days indeed, particularly when you consider that a ST out of LA Caff was then only 1k![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=X Man;1465737]You may be losing your edge Mr. Stunt. I got a whole night for 1. 5k out of MBC earlier this month. I gave 2k, and might have given more if she hadn't whined so much about her financial difficulties. Nevertheless, I wish I had a condo in the Philippines, or anywhere for that matter.[/QUOTE]To X Man.

You are a kind Man give the girl extra 500 p tip, you should know most of the thing she tell you is lie but 2k is a fair price for all nighter if service is good.

Fast Eddie 48

[QUOTE=X Man; 1464852]Public hair? Do you mean the hair on her arms?

If you are referring to the gals in the bars or doing p4p on the online sites, I going to say most. Please tell us more about how you plan to spend your six weeks. I envy you.[/QUOTE]I don't know how I'm going to spend my six weeks. I'm certainly open to suggestions. It's nice to be excited about new experiences with a different "look" than the women I'm used to. For the last five years, I'm spent a lot of time in Colombia. Almost exclusively Medellin. And I love it there. Perfect climate (It is called the City of Eternal Spring) friendly people, and some of the hottest women on the face of the earth. But it's time for a change. In Colombia I have several "novias" or girlfriends, all of which are university students, except a colleague, who is a lawyer and former model. A friend recently married a girl from the Philippines, I like her style and sexiness. What you veterans take for granted, I am looking forward to learning about and experiencing. Of course, I'm reading what has already been written, but any suggestions and direction will be appreciated.

Only good energy, amigos

Online gals. AC, MM, etc. So many choices. If I had a six week holiday I would go to Palawan for a few days. Easy choice, but I'd have to think a bit about which gal to take.

[QUOTE=Legal Tender; 1467439]I don't know how I'm going to spend my six weeks. I'm certainly open to suggestions. It's nice to be excited about new experiences with a different "look" than the women I'm used to. For the last five years, I'm spent a lot of time in Colombia. Almost exclusively Medellin. And I love it there. Perfect climate (It is called the City of Eternal Spring) friendly people, and some of the hottest women on the face of the earth. But it's time for a change. In Colombia I have several "novias" or girlfriends, all of which are university students, except a colleague, who is a lawyer and former model. A friend recently married a girl from the Philippines, I like her style and sexiness. What you veterans take for granted, I am looking forward to learning about and experiencing. Of course, I'm reading what has already been written, but any suggestions and direction will be appreciated.

Only good energy, amigos[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Legal Tender; 1467439]I don't know how I'm going to spend my six weeks. I'm certainly open to suggestions. It's nice to be excited about new experiences with a different "look" than the women I'm used to. For the last five years, I'm spent a lot of time in Colombia. Almost exclusively Medellin. And I love it there. Perfect climate (It is called the City of Eternal Spring) friendly people, and some of the hottest women on the face of the earth. But it's time for a change. In Colombia I have several "novias" or girlfriends, all of which are university students, except a colleague, who is a lawyer and former model. A friend recently married a girl from the Philippines, I like her style and sexiness. What you veterans take for granted, I am looking forward to learning about and experiencing. Of course, I'm reading what has already been written, but any suggestions and direction will be appreciated.

Only good energy, amigos[/QUOTE]Welcome to my other hunting grounds. The PI is awesome "in your face" fun, a world away from Colombia. AC is the Las Vegas of the country, a dirty little town that lites up at night, it has crazy energy. I go once a year for 2/3 weeks and that's plenty for me per visit. I would prefer 2 trips a yr. But right now it's only one. My stops in the PI are AC and Cebu, from Cebu there are a lot of little paradises 3 hrs. Away where you can take a girl (or 2) and enjoy the incredible beauty of PI. My last trip included Bohol, stayed near Alona Beach (real nice). From my experience the bigger cities have the hotter looking women and also more expensive. The bulk of my time is spent in AC even tho the quality level has drop a bit since my first visit in 2010. That said there are a lot of cuties not beauties and I that's fine w / me. If I had 6 weeks I think I would explore the region, including Thailand and Indonesia, staying in the PI that long would drive me a little batty. By the way, tonight I leave for Medellin for a 8 day break, it'll be my fifth trip there. Good luck w / your new adventure, you're in for some great fun.

I'm with you man, I don't dig that either. In my experience the ones that keep that thing shaved have gone pro. Nothing wrong with either of the two, but I'll take a hair stuck in my throat any time. I could live without that eyebrow picking too. I know a girl in Davao City that plucks them clean out and then uses eye liner to paint them back on. I thought maybe it was a religious trip but she denied it. Something not as crazy, I suppose.

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1465107]Too many, in my opinion. I just don't get that plucked chicken, prepubescent fetish that has become so popular of late.

RG[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1467965] In my experience the ones that keep that thing shaved have gone pro.[/QUOTE]

On my last two trips I have met a couple of ladies in their early forties who in anticipation of my trip asked my preference. Both were intelligent, and professionals with limited sexual encounters. Both asked the question in almost the same way, asking if I preferred bald, trimmed, or bushy.

The first is separated with two children and had only one other sexual experience after separating from her husband several years ago. When she was married she only had sex in bed with her husband and we fulfilled her fantasies of sex in the shower, on the couch, on a desk, and on and on. The first time we met she was shaved bare. The next time she was trimmed neat and tidy.

The other is single with relatively few sexual experiences. The single lady stated she prefers bald for hygienic and scent reasons. She said she goes through different phases of preference ranging from bare to bushy. My only complaint was that she tended to let it get stubbly and scratchy before shaving again.

I was somewhat surprised at their openness at their age, but if they are aware of the different preferences of men have for pubic hair one can be sure that the younger ladies are also aware and open to try new hairstyles.

My Filipina experience has primarily been with ladies in their late thirties or early forties. The others never discussed my preference and were obviously comfortable with a full pelt.

Personally, my preference is bare for oral, trimmed for visual, and a full soft Bush for touch.

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1467965]I'm with you man, I don't dig that either. In my experience the ones that keep that thing shaved have gone pro. Nothing wrong with either of the two, but I'll take a hair stuck in my throat any time. I could live without that eyebrow picking too. I know a girl in Davao City that plucks them clean out and then uses eye liner to paint them back on. I thought maybe it was a religious trip but she denied it. Something not as crazy, I suppose.[/QUOTE]My experience is that a rather high percentage of the pinays I've banged are on a hairless program. A few of them are obviously pros as in freelancers but the rest of them are girls would not go into the p4p world (incl 7 phil au pairs in my country). I would estimate my pussyboldness experience up to 80. A few have grown bushes ofcourse.

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1467965]I'm with you man, I don't dig that either. In my experience the ones that keep that thing shaved have gone pro. Nothing wrong with either of the two, but I'll take a hair stuck in my throat any time. I could live without that eyebrow picking too. I know a girl in Davao City that plucks them clean out and then uses eye liner to paint them back on. I thought maybe it was a religious trip but she denied it. Something not as crazy, I suppose.[/QUOTE]I don't like it either. I've come to the conclusion that women do it because they sleep around a lot and don't want to risk getting crabs.

LexLuther

[QUOTE=Legal Tender;1467439]I don't know how I'm going to spend my six weeks.[/QUOTE]I'm sure you know about Angeles City. That's should be your first stop. You can do lots of bar hopping. If you want relaxation head to Subic City.

Not as many bars, but the Pinays (not chicas) are much sweeter, not as hardcore and less chance of a runner. And there is Baloy Beach to kick back on.

I would give a nut to do Colombia and Brazil run. Maybe later.

[url]http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/09/10/1-in-4-asia-pacific-men-admits-to-[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]-survey[/url]

the study was based on men's self reports, acknowledging that they had engaged in [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] at some time. i heard that the study created anonymity by allowing respondents to respond to questions on some sort of tablet device, thereby avoiding the difficult social interaction of reporting face-to-face. philippines was not one of the six countries studied. i would guess that [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] rates are fairly high in the philippines, at least among poor people. lots of social pressure not to report, and it's often likely the police do not investigate very seriously. with higher status females, on the other hand, it may be more likely to be taken seriously, especially since the culture is very concerned about protecting young women's virginal virtue.

[QUOTE=Legal Tender; 1467439]I don't know how I'm going to spend my six weeks. I'm certainly open to suggestions. It's nice to be excited about new experiences with a different "look" than the women I'm used to. For the last five years, I'm spent a lot of time in Colombia. Almost exclusively Medellin. And I love it there. Perfect climate (It is called the City of Eternal Spring) friendly people, and some of the hottest women on the face of the earth. But it's time for a change. In Colombia I have several "novias" or girlfriends, all of which are university students, except a colleague, who is a lawyer and former model. A friend recently married a girl from the Philippines, I like her style and sexiness. What you veterans take for granted, I am looking forward to learning about and experiencing. Of course, I'm reading what has already been written, but any suggestions and direction will be appreciated.

Only good energy, amigos[/QUOTE]I like creating new memories and experiencing the different girls of Pi.

Bar scene, bar fines and 2-3 girls per night. Angeles.

Date an office career girl, dating sites. Metro Manila.

Meet a string of university students. Cebu.

Meet a girl looking for a future. Province girls.

And always remember that almost every pinay you come into contact with can receive your phone number. They will call you if they are open. Others will ignore it.

Happy holidays.

BF

[quote=skip kost; 1470716][url]http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/09/10/1-in-4-asia-pacific-men-admits-to-[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]-survey[/url]

the study was based on men's self reports, acknowledging that they had engaged in [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] at some time. i heard that the study created anonymity by allowing respondents to respond to questions on some sort of tablet device, thereby avoiding the difficult social interaction of reporting face-to-face. philippines was not one of the six countries studied. i would guess that [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] rates are fairly high in the philippines, at least among poor people. lots of social pressure not to report, and it's often likely the police do not investigate very seriously. with higher status females, on the other hand, it may be more likely to be taken seriously, especially since the culture is very concerned about protecting young women's virginal virtue.[/quote]that reports is so comical as it could be. if you look up the source report.

a country in the list, has 20 million people, but in the report states it has 50 million and 7.5 million are [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126][CodeWord126][/url] and. if i go by their logic out of the 20 mill (actual population) 7.5 men makes it. all the men their discounting for kids and woman. so all men in x country are [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126][CodeWord126][/url].

i think that report is a work of fiction.

[quote=econo tech; 1470774]that reports is so comical as it could be. if you look up the source report.

a country in the list, has 20 million people, but in the report states it has 50 million and 7. 5 million are [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126][CodeWord126][/url] and. if i go by their logic out of the 20 mill (actual population) 7. 5 men makes it. all the men their discounting for kids and woman. so all men in x country are [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126][CodeWord126][/url].

i think that report is a work of fiction.[/quote]i did not find the slip-up you refer to. can you point it out to us? feel free to pm if you think it's not of general interest.

the study was based on a sample of approximately 10, 000 men from nine sites in six different countries. i believe they claim that only the cambodia sample is representative of the country as a whole. as i read their sampling description i understood them to say that the results were only representative of populations for the sites from which their research subjects were drawn. their tables reported 95% confidence intervals. so if they report that 10. 9% of men in one site's sample acknowledged having engaged in [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord125][CodeWord125][/url] a single woman, they also reported that the likely percentage for the population as a whole might be, for example, between 10. 5 and 11. 3. this is akin to political pollsters reporting research polling results for a candidate of 45 percent, plus or minus 3 percent. i can't speak for other countries, but in the u.s. political polls are often based on 1000 or 1200 voters. so the sample sizes these folks are reporting are actually quite large as social research goes.

the lancet, in which this was published, has been shown in various evaluations to be the second most influential health science journal in the world. i believe it's published in britain by elsevier. this article would have been peer-reviewed. this means that one or more editors, themselves distinguished doctors or scientists, would have looked at it first to determine whether the article was of sufficient quality to be considered for further review. if they decide it is not of sufficient quality, they send it back to the authors: a rejection. if it may merit further consideration, they send it out to three or more anonymous reviewers who are known experts in the general subject matter. from there it may still be rejected, or it may be sent back to authors for recommended revisions (which means they will review it again after revisions have been made) , and a few articles are ultimately accepted for publication. i would guess that the acceptance rate for the lancet is very low.

as a result the articles that get published in a journal like the lancet typically have a pretty low fictional content. the stakes are very high for refereed publications in the health field-many times a lot of money is at stake. even a social science study like this is going to attract a lot of attention-from other researchers and from politicians and other influential folks. in this case the results may be tied to large amounts of foreign aid from the major donor countries, large philanthropic foundations, and so on. where politicians are concerned, some international ngos will also be paying attention. the editors are under tremendous pressure to uphold the quality of the process and the content of the journal.

here's the actual article, in case anybody else wants to check out the research design:

[url]http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/piis2214-109x[/url]%2813%2970069-x / fulltext

for some reason part of the web link is not active, so you can't get through to the full article. if you are interested do a search containing the keywords lancet asia pacific [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] study. this article is not for the statistically faint of heart.

[quote=skip kost;1471677]for some reason part of the web link is not active, so you can't get through to the full article. if you are interested do a search containing the keywords lancet asia pacific [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] study. this article is not for the statistically faint of heart.[/quote]i think this is the proper link.

[url]http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/piis2214-109x(13)70074-3/fulltext[/url]

the draconian autocorrect settings in isg insert spaces either side of "/" marks, which causes the [/url] delimiter to be misplaced. i do begrudge editing to get things to properly display. obviously, not my ball, but methinks settings could be loosened up a bit.

gist of article seems to define "[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]" more in terms of broad "intimate partner violence." violence is violence, but keep in mind the statistics are not purely referring to the actions that typically come to mind associated with the word "[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]."

now this article does in fact refer to "[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]" as typically defined, of non-partner victims -

[url]http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/piis2214-109x(13)70069-x/fulltext[/url]

although there may be some degree of bias in terms of study design and definitions used, in general the lancet is highly reputable internationally. there ample food for thought in these articles.

considering the re-reporting of the information as news in a us publication, it is easy to see how media bias can skew perception considerably by changing the tone of terminology and selectively emphasizing statistics or extrapolations. the 1-in-4 claim trumpeted in this article lack the same credibility as the stats referenced in the lancet, in my view.

[url]http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/09/10/1-in-4-asia-pacific-men-admits-to-[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]-survey[/url]

[QUOTE=Ebauche;1471754][url]http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(13)70069-X/fulltext[/url][/QUOTE]Thanks E. The second link you posted is the article I read. Same authors as the first. I haven't read the first but presume different variables may have been presented.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1471792]Thanks E. The second link you posted is the article I read. Same authors as the first. I haven't read the first but presume different variables may have been presented.[/QUOTE]The USNEWS "article" drew from both Lancet pieces, combining and putting their own spin to make a more sensational article & headline.

Interesting article about how we are bad and want to marry pinays to make them work (shock horror) and worse. Only foreigners not pinoys note as they are God fearing kind generous and loving human beings unlike us.

[url]http://cebudailynews.ph/news/story/19862/gwen-bill-to-stop-bad-foreigners-from-marrying[/url]

And a little about the sponsor of the bill.

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/311664/news/regions/gov-t-prosecutors-file-motion-to-suspend-incoming-cebu-rep-gwen-Garcia[/url]

[url]http://www.rappler.com/nation/18193-aquino-suspends-cebu-gov-garcia[/url]

And of course least we forget the recent storm in Cebu regarding cyber dens being run by locals (mother and father using their daughters) , police taking 13 children from school as they had allegedly been involved in similar in Cordova.

But we are the bad guys of course LOL so best we don't marry the pinays just do naughty things and leave them LOL.

She never stated nor implied that foreigners could not marry Filipinas. She simply stated that the typical foreigner who arrives are social, moral and financial outcast in their native countries which is not far from the truth. She proposed a bill that that would assure those that wish to marry Filipinas would be in good standing financially and legally in their native countries which is not too much to ask.

The American Ambassador to Philippines was quoted making a disparaging remarks about the type of individuals who arrive here.

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/233088/news/nation/40-of-male-foreigners-come-to-phl-for-sex-us-envoy[/url]

On the flip side (pun intended) There is no reward for the foreigner who intends to marry the typical local women from the Philippines. The typical Filipina most foreigners will encounter will be nothing but a financial and mental burden who will look to exploit the foreigner at every turn.

The real Filipinas the ones with well paying careers (by western standards) or financial clout inherited from wealthy parents who take trips aboard at a whim and shop at the finest malls wouldn't attend a funeral with your average Philippine foreigner let alone marry one.

Tidbits from the rouges gallery of foreigners:

[url]http://globalnation.inquirer.net/85857/korean-jailed-charged-after-resisting-cop-mmda-man-probing-traffic-accident[/url]

MANILA, Philippines — A Korean national who had a few drinks before driving home figured in a traffic accident and also landed in jail for allegedly resisting a policeman and a traffic enforcer who came to investigate.

[url]http://www.cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=18194[/url]

[url]https://www.facebook.com/alf.i.madsen[/url]

A Norwegian man who is facing a string of cases was arrested in barangay Catarman in Liloan town yesterday and was detained in Danao City Jail.

[quote=fifty pesos;1473858]she never stated nor implied that foreigners could not marry filipinas. she simply stated that the typical foreigner who arrives are social, moral and financial outcast in their native countries which is not far from the truth. she proposed a bill that that would assure those that wish to marry filipinas would be in good standing financially and legally in their native countries which is not too much to ask.[/quote]there is bad in any country and the issue am sure for some is recipricosity. that is why does it work one way and not have the lady checked and give the guy all the certificates of good moral standing etc.

at the wedding ceremony of a friend the priest actually said in the vows etc that the guy would no longer chat to girls on the internet and would stop looking at other women wtf lol.

on the other hand there is the case of a guy who did take his lady to his embassy and found she was ****. he had no clue, family knew of course.

or another who when he went to get married to a bar girl found out (via the his embassy again i think as he has registered there) that his bride was already married and had a kid.

so of course fp we the foreigner are bad, morally reprehensible and downright scoundrels. no pinay would act dishonestly.

i just like the fact the bill is being promoted by someone who is facing graft charges and should in a another world not be allowed to stand as a member of the senate / parliament.

as for the us ambassador's comment. someone i know close to the situation said he was wrong as the figure was higher lol so he was rightly scolded! lol

[QUOTE=Fifty Pesos; 1473858]She never stated nor implied that foreigners could not marry Filipinas. She simply stated that the typical foreigner who arrives are social, moral and financial outcast in their native countries which is not far from the truth. She proposed a bill that that would assure those that wish to marry Filipinas would be in good standing financially and legally in their native countries which is not too much to ask.

The American Ambassador to Philippines was quoted making a disparaging remarks about the type of individuals who arrive here.

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/233088/news/nation/40-of-male-foreigners-come-to-phl-for-sex-us-envoy[/url]

On the flip side (pun intended) There is no reward for the foreigner who intends to marry the typical local women from the Philippines. The typical Filipina most foreigners will encounter will be nothing but a financial and mental burden who will look to exploit the foreigner at every turn.[/QUOTE]I get your argument, but could you cite some reliable empirical evidence that the typical foreign visitor is a social, moral or financial outcast in his own country? Was Harry Thomas able to provide some evidence in support of his claim about sex tourists? Similarly, can you cite some empirical evidence that the typical poor Pinay who moves to a Western husband's country becomes an exploitive burden?

From where I live in the states I typically pay upwards of $2000 in airfare alone to get to Manila. Food, lodging, transportation, and incidentals run my typical two or three week trip to at least $3500. I think most of us who have the wherewithal to do this are not financial outcasts. Social and moral outcasts? Maybe, but the Congresswoman's assertions were about those who seek to marry Filipinas, not those who come only to get laid.

There is another way to investigate her assertions: looking at the actual Filipina-Westerner marriages in Western countries. There are certainly many on this forum with bitter feelings about Filipinas who marry men, for example, here in the states. But there is a sampling bias in those reports, because most on this forum are men who are not in contended marriages with Filipinas-with a few exceptions. That is, those who enter into happy marriages with Filipinas have little reason to engage this forum.

But let me add evidence from relationships between American men and Filiipinas in the medium-sized city where I live. I know most of them because I know most in the Fil-Am community, and I know the community works hard to draw Filipinos and Filipinas into their local association. Out of the scores of such relationships with which I am familiar, I know of two that give me pause. One is a former cop who reportedly browbeats his Filipina spouse; but physical abuse? Other Filipinas in the community keep a close eye on her and think not. Another relationship, quite new, does have some physical abuse, and others in the community are helping the woman to extract herself from the relationship.

From the other side of the equation, are the Filipinas in these relationships exploitive and burdensome? Absolutely not. I know these couples quite well, and with these two exceptions, these are marriages that most men would envy. So I reject the assertion that most Filipina brides, even poor ones, become burdensome and exploitive. There is a reason that many on this forum report GFE experiences with Pinay p4ps-quite unlike what they are accustomed to with p4ps back home: These women are attentive and affectionate because they have been socialized to it. Exceptions? Of course, but not usually.

The real problem with the Congresswoman's model is that the moral standing of these Western men is not the critical factor. The determining factor is the women's poverty. To the extent that SOME Filipinas glom onto undesirable Western men, the Filipinas who are easily fooled by the undesirables will not be dissuaded by a Good Housekeeping Seal of Disapproval from a foreign embassy. Finally, is this Congreswoman so silly that she thinks these foreign governments are going to be pressured into spending taxpayers' money to undertake these extensive background checks? Just like Harry Thomas' statement about sex tourists was intended to play to a local Philippine audience, this Congresswoman is playing fundamentally to her Cebu audience. Hopefully she understands her bill is not going anywhere in the Congressional halls at Batasan.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1473905].The real problem with the Congresswoman's model is that the moral standing of these Western men is not the critical factor. The determining factor is the women's poverty. To the extent that SOME Filipinas glom onto undesirable Western men, the Filipinas who are easily fooled by the undesirables will not be dissuaded by a Good Housekeeping Seal of Disapproval from a foreign embassy. Finally, is this Congreswoman so silly that she thinks these foreign governments are going to be pressured into spending taxpayers' money to undertake these extensive background checks? Just like Harry Thomas' statement about sex tourists was intended to play to a local Philippine audience, this Congresswoman is playing fundamentally to her Cebu audience. Hopefully she understands her bill is not going anywhere in the Congressional halls at Batasan.[/QUOTE]Add to it, from the scores of Filipinos. Males and females I know in Singapore, the amount of abuse by Filipino men towards their women, not necessarily physical, but undue demands for money, gifts etc, either when he guy is here with his spouse or the guy is in PH, vs any foreigner who is either shacking up or married to Filipinas. For latter, I never heard of any guy asking money from the girl, I mean girls who are gainfully employed.

And in Philippines, I have also met enough freelancers who are forced to 'make money' for their husband / lover / bf's expenses. How does that compare then?

Maybe Gwen should also start lobbying for 'capacity to marry' for Filipino men. In terms of financial capability.

Let's see how that goes.

Overall, well said Skip.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1473905]Finally, is this Congreswoman so silly that she thinks these foreign governments are going to be pressured into spending taxpayers' money to undertake these extensive background checks?[/QUOTE]I can't speak for other countries, I can only add that part of the K-1 fiancée visa process for US citizens already requires a criminal background check of both parties. Some police dept's don't charge for a basic NCIC criminal history, some do; applicant pays; cost (when applicable) varies from about 75 to 125 USD here in the USA. In addition, a work history as well as bank / investment statements to prove financial liquidity & stability are required in order to show that you are capable of supporting your intended bride and that she will not become a "burden to society".

The criminal background check will not necessarily eliminate an applicant if he has a record, but it will weed out any habitual offenders and those with a history of domestic violence. And yeah, there's always ways for, as Gwen put it: "vagabonds or social and moral derelicts" to beat the system. It can and does happen; and these are the cases that the media grasps onto and sensationalizes. You seldom hear about the thousands of success stories of happily married couples.

What she proposed is not all that bad, but IMHO the USA already has a fairly good screening process in place and I'm sure that most other western governments do as well. The Philippine government can require a criminal history record check and financial records (if they don't already) , but how in the hell can they require a "morals" check? I know of no way for any one to summarily judge a person's "moral character".

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1473943]The Philippine government can require a criminal history record check [B]and financial records [/B](if they don't already) , but how in the hell can they require a "morals" check? I know of no way for any one to summarily judge a person's "moral character".[/QUOTE]Uh ho. You mean if I don't' meet the financial standards set by the PH Govt, I can't marry a pinay?

I think if they use the same yard stick, as I said elsewhere, not many of the girls will be able to find even Filipino men meeting their requirements! Welcome to reality.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1472882]Interesting article about how we are bad and want to marry pinays to make them work (shock horror) and worse.[/QUOTE]Oh shucks... guess I can't get marry you, sweetie. Nor can I marry you too, baby. Oh darling, what can I do? My hands are tied.

Thank you Rep. Garcia!!!

We are just very bad boys, who love the country, culture and (lets be honest) the sexy girls.

I for one never expected to marry a Filipina.

If 40% of male visitors are in the Phils for sex, what the Fluck are the rest doing.

If the Phils government attempt to stop sex tourism, they will just migrate to Viet, Cambodia, or Thailand.

I wonder just how they plan to stop "export" sex tourism, as many members will remember, the ladies in Dubai, are not all exploited, (yes I agree a percentage are trafficked) this is also true in most middle east countries.

The remittances back to mother Phils is large, and should not be ignored.

Lastly, should the USA government stop returning citizens from Phils and other countries, and ask on the customs form, how many times did you have sex, (unprotected / protected whilst out of the country.

And perhaps why did you need to travel overseas, when your country needs your big bucks.

Long live the natural solution to ED, stand proud chaps.

Bumz

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1474137]Oh shucks. Guess I can't get marry you, sweetie. Nor can I marry you too, baby. Oh darling, what can I do? My hands are tied.

Thank you Rep. Garcia![/QUOTE]Ha ha good one, Huts! If I could vote there she would have my vote! Or maybe she just needs a big Western schwantzooka filling her up to soften her up against all us bad Western boys! Is anyone up to the task?

[QUOTE=Fifty Pesos; 1473858]The American Ambassador to Philippines was quoted making a disparaging remarks about the type of individuals who arrive here.

This guy (Ambassador Thomas) must be gay. Hillary Clinton, too, probably prefers munching rugs. I'm sure Bill Clinton would be ok with the way things are in the PI, tho.

Guys, you can always tell customs jerkoffs that you are doing proprietary research. I am researching the inside of those tiny little twats with my schwantzooka!

They could perhaps be patient, contribute to the economic success of Philippines which would reduce the need for foreigners to support the women.

I know some guys are worried that they might get set up to be charged under Philippine Law with "adultery".

Fear not.

It will instead be a charge of concubinage.

[url]http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/gender-issues/39701-laws-that-discriminate-against-women[/url]

It's amazing what sorts of archaic interpretations exist within some of these laws.

I also bet that it is not only Filipino laws that have these funny sub-articles etc. I am sure most other countries have out-dated provisions buried in some of their 19th century laws.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1476081]I know some guys are worried that they might get set up to be charged under Philippine Law with "adultery".[/QUOTE]Have a lawyer in my bed presently. We discussed this law last night, and she added that being charged with a crime may be a more desirable outcome. Why?

Article 247 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines allows husbands and parents to kill their wives and daughters caught having sex with another man.

Article 247 states the following: "Any legally married person who, having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act of or immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer the penalty of destierro. If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from punishment. These rules shall be applicable, under the same circumstances, to parents with respect to their daughters under 18 years of age, and their seducer, while the daughters are living with their parents."

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1476694]Article 247 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines allows husbands and parents to kill their wives and daughters caught having sex with another man.

Article 247 states the following: "Any legally married person who, having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act of or immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer the penalty of destierro. If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from punishment. These rules shall be applicable, under the same circumstances, to parents with respect to their daughters under 18 years of age, and their seducer, while the daughters are living with their parents."[/QUOTE]The link I quoted wants that article changed.

But the key factor is that nobody has yet got away with using that Article to kill a "seducer". They all were hit with murder (according to my legal adviser, an academic in a local law school)

Let's be thankful for small blessings.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1476728]The link I quoted wants that article changed.

But the key factor is that nobody has yet got away with using that Article to kill a "seducer". They all were hit with murder (according to my legal adviser, an academic in a local law school) [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1476694]Article 247 states the following: "Any legally married person who, having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act of or immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer the penalty of destierro. If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from punishment. These rules shall be applicable, under the same circumstances, to parents with respect to their daughters under 18 years of age, and their seducer, while the daughters are living with their parents."[/QUOTE]What the fuck. How can they automatically assume the male to be the seducer? What if it's a gay or lesbian relationship? Do they just automatically kill the one who is not related to them?

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1476694]Have a lawyer in my bed presently. We discussed this law last night, and she added that being charged with a crime may be a more desirable outcome. Why?

Article 247 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines [B][I]allows [/I][/B]husbands and parents to kill their wives and daughters caught having sex with another man.[/QUOTE]That is not particularly true. Being allowed to do something implies no penalty, whereas the penalty for the act that you cite is imprisonment for between 6 months and six years.
In reality it is a defence that the killer could use and it is up to the court to decide whether to accept that defence. If the court does not accept the defence the killer would get life for murder. France has a similar defence which it terms a crime of passion.

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;1476913]How can they automatically assume the male to be the seducer? What if it's a gay or lesbian relationship? Do they just automatically kill the one who is not related to them?[/QUOTE]I think in a lot of countries the traditional assumption is the male is the actor and the female is the acted upon, hence the man is the seducer. For the gay situation, since it says "his spouse" it seems to me a wife if not given the same opportunity to act upon her spouse, whether he is with a man or a woman. For the lesbian situation it appears to me the husband may act since the wife is "committing sexual intercourse with another person". Article 247 states the husband or parent of a minor daughter "shall" act upon "any of them or both of them".

[QUOTE=Python75; 1477034]That is not particularly true. Being allowed to do something implies no penalty, whereas the penalty for the act that you cite is imprisonment for between 6 months and six years.

In reality it is a defence that the killer could use and it is up to the court to decide whether to accept that defence. If the court does not accept the defence the killer would get life for murder. France has a similar defence which it terms a crime of passion.[/QUOTE]Perhaps. If someone is killed or seriously injured the husband or parent "shall suffer the penalty of destierro". Had to look that up in legal wiki.

[quote]"Banishment or only a prohibition from residing within the radius of twenty (25) kilometers from the actual residence of the accused for a specified length of time." It is also defined as: "A penalty in a criminal case wherein the accused is precluded from entering the place or places designated in the sentence, or within the radius therein designated, which shall include a distance of 25 kilometers at least, and 250 kilometers at most, from the place designated."

Destierro is mere banishment and, as held in a case, is intended more for the protection of the accused than a punishment. However, as noted in another case, although destierro does not constitute imprisonment (which is a typical example of deprivation of liberty) , it is nonetheless a deprivation of liberty[/quote]

[quote=econo tech; 1470774]that reports is so comical as it could be. if you look up the source report.

a country in the list, has 20 million people, but in the report states it has 50 million and 7. 5 million are [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126][CodeWord126][/url] and. if i go by their logic out of the 20 mill (actual population) 7. 5 men makes it. all the men their discounting for kids and woman. so all men in x country are [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord126][CodeWord126][/url].

i think that report is a work of fiction.[/quote]ngo report is a shit. they always lie on the real situation to get more justification, and most important-more fund!

Maybe all women but that depends on your views of course.

See link below, very nasty. I know a girl who this happen to her, neighbours in a legal dispute made up a fake Facebook with fake naked photos etc and posted it her family and husband. Very nasty and took her a long time to resolve (in her favour)

[url]http://cebudailynews.ph/news/story/20459/frenchman-files-libel-case-against-cebuana-for-online-attack[/url]

So be careful and watch for that nasty jealous streak as many Pinays tell me "jealousy shows I love you sweety". Like hell it does LOL.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1478563]Maybe all women but that depends on your views of course

See link below, very nasty. I know a girl who this happen to her, neighbours in a legal dispute made up a fake Facebook with fake naked photos etc and posted it her family and husband. Very nasty and took her a long time to resolve (in her favour)

[url]http://cebudailynews.ph/news/story/20459/frenchman-files-libel-case-against-cebuana-for-online-attack[/url]

So be careful and watch for that nasty jealous streak as many Pinays tell me "jealousy shows I love you sweety". Like hell it does LOL.[/QUOTE]Ok, my 2 cents? A simple explanation.

Most likely the girl shared her facebook password with her BF / lover / partner and that guy decided to screw her in return. Have seen it happen in 9 out of 10 girls who had other lovers while screwing me. Suddenly you get some abnormal message in Yahoo / facebook and when my wanring atenna kicks up, I call the girl and she will not be at home and say "oh, don't worry, my bf knows all about you and me.". Yah right.

Well, it happens and will happen, and the girl will conjure up some major conspiracy story. That admit the truth that she fucked up her own money making venture.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1478563]Maybe all women but that depends on your views of course

See link below, very nasty. I know a girl who this happen to her, neighbours in a legal dispute made up a fake Facebook with fake naked photos etc and posted it her family and husband. Very nasty and took her a long time to resolve (in her favour)

[url]http://cebudailynews.ph/news/story/20459/frenchman-files-libel-case-against-cebuana-for-online-attack[/url]

So be careful and watch for that nasty jealous streak as many Pinays tell me "jealousy shows I love you sweety". Like hell it does LOL.[/QUOTE]This one looks likes a nasty setup. It doesn't seem like a monger trip gone wrong, more a deliberate scam to attack a person. Still looks bad though.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1478563]Maybe all women but that depends on your views of course

See link below, very nasty. I know a girl who this happen to her, neighbours in a legal dispute made up a fake Facebook with fake naked photos etc and posted it her family and husband. Very nasty and took her a long time to resolve (in her favour)

[url]http://cebudailynews.ph/news/story/20459/frenchman-files-libel-case-against-cebuana-for-online-attack[/url]

So be careful and watch for that nasty jealous streak as many Pinays tell me "jealousy shows I love you sweety". Like hell it does LOL.[/QUOTE]The guy gave out far too much personal info. His employer?!? That's just stupid to give out. If one must give out calling cards outside professional meetings get some personal ones made that are just one's "name" (incomplete or fake is better) and one's mobile number. Key to doing this successfully is to compartmentalize, using separate and toss-away email address(es), mobile number(s), etc. I'm not a FB user, but if I were it would be a separate account and I'd make certain photos I use are low res and are not used elsewhere.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1479283]The guy gave out far too much personal info. His employer?!? That's just stupid to give out. If one must give out calling cards outside professional meetings get some personal ones made that are just one's "name" (incomplete or fake is better) and one's mobile number. Key to doing this successfully is to compartmentalize, using separate and toss-away email address(es), mobile number(s), etc. I'm not a FB user, but if I were it would be a separate account and I'd make certain photos I use are low res and are not used elsewhere.[/QUOTE]I only give my Facebook info to girls I am no longer interested in. The girls can't help noticing that all my other friends are single ladies in their 20's. If I am "courting" a new girl I don't give her a Facebook page because nothing positive can result from them viewing it. All of the girls that are on my friends list are girls that understand I am 100 percent single. Most importantly all of my info is very vague in case a girl wants to disrupt your work or family life.

I notice one way a girl marks her territory is to tag you in one of her pictures, even if you have never met her in person. All your friends see the tag and many get jealous.

[QUOTE=Bob Bowie; 1479543]I only give my Facebook info to girls I am no longer interested in. The girls can't help noticing that all my other friends are single ladies in their 20's. If I am "courting" a new girl I don't give her a Facebook page because nothing positive can result from them viewing it. All of the girls that are on my friends list are girls that understand I am 100 percent single. Most importantly all of my info is very vague in case a girl wants to disrupt your work or family life.

I notice one way a girl marks her territory is to tag you in one of her pictures, even if you have never met her in person. All your friends see the tag and many get jealous.[/QUOTE]I cannot see any value in getting involved with FB in any way but that is JMHO.

I suggest that the only way to set up a genuine fake FB page is one with a fake picture of yourself (or no photo at all).

If you set up a fake FB but with your own photo on it you will run the risk of your real friends (including your wife or wife's friends) in your real life seeing it. That link on FB that shows "Maybe you know these people" seems to be quite random but it is linked to contacts you may have looked at or even to your ISP and there is always the real risk that it will pop up unexpectedly on someone's site who will recognise you.

I have a friend who was sprung very quickly by his gf when her friends reported seeing his face on another profile.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1479733]I cannot see any value in getting involved with FB in any way but that is JMHO.

I suggest that the only way to set up a genuine fake FB page is one with a fake picture of yourself (or no photo at all).

If you set up a fake FB but with your own photo on it you will run the risk of your real friends (including your wife or wife's friends) in your real life seeing it. That link on FB that shows "Maybe you know these people" seems to be quite random but it is linked to contacts you may have looked at or even to your ISP and there is always the real risk that it will pop up unexpectedly on someone's site who will recognise you.

I have a friend who was sprung very quickly by his gf when her friends reported seeing his face on another profile.[/QUOTE]Facebook is the best for checking up on a girl. Some don't think it is a big deal to lie about their age on the dating sites. They will usually put true facts on their FB because they have hundreds of friends that are linked to her account (including family) also if she has a boyfriend he will most likely have his picture on there or at least some comment.

FYI I normally keep a funny picture or sports team as my profile and then a picture off myself buried in a photo album. So it is hard to spot you but the girls don't think you are being deceptive by not having at least one picture.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1477104]I think in a lot of countries the traditional assumption is the male is the actor and the female is the acted upon, hence the man is the seducer. For the gay situation, since it says "his spouse" it seems to me a wife if not given the same opportunity to act upon her spouse, whether he is with a man or a woman. For the lesbian situation it appears to me the husband may act since the wife is "committing sexual intercourse with another person". Article 247 states the husband or parent of a minor daughter "shall" act upon "any of them or both of them".

Perhaps. If someone is killed or seriously injured the husband or parent "shall suffer the penalty of destierro". Had to look that up in legal wiki.[/QUOTE]For me I will just file a case against them because I can't kill any person. And a mistake is cannot be corrected by another mistake. Just my opinion.

It won the Miss World and the Senate immediately passed a resolution congratulating the pinay who won. Clearly the politicians have thier priorities correct LOL.

Now this new award, well the second time around. Now I have been to some really awful African airports in my time but these are designated 3rd world, while Manila tries to claim it is 'international' and wants to attract an ever increasing number of tourists.

Maybe those who are alledged to have dipped their hands on the pork can help improve NAIA which was fast and quick last time I was there (as was around 6am). Just how it should be so we don't spend too long there LOL.

See the link below.

[url]http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/10/17/1246260/naia-1-rated-worlds-worst-airport-again[/url]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1484811][url]http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/10/17/1246260/naia-1-rated-worlds-worst-airport-again[/url][/QUOTE]Then again, a very optimistic Filipino guy here in Singapore looked at it positively. If NAIA won the worst airport award that means more people are using it, to cast more votes. LOL.

Talk about "the Cup is half full."

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1484811]See the link below.

[url]http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/10/17/1246260/naia-1-rated-worlds-worst-airport-again[/url][/QUOTE]Its bad but I can't believe it has been voted worse than Calcutta. I still get nightmarish flashbacks about the time that I was delayed there for 10 hours and had to use the toilet facilities.

Aaarrrggghhh, its only mid October and malls and hypermarkets are already playing Christmas jingles on a loop. I swear that if I hear 'I saw mummy kissing Santa Claus' one more time, I will be physically ill.

Stock up on bismuth or stay home for the next 2 months because the Christmas countdown began mid September (100 days before the big event, I believe). The artificial Christmas trees are on display at the hardware stores. The parols are on sale beside the roads. I know Cash & Carry is still trying clear the shelves of the enormous Edam cheese balls from Christmas past.

Happy Christmas, all.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1485141]Its bad but I can't believe it has been voted worse than Calcutta. I still get nightmarish flashbacks about the time that I was delayed there for 10 hours and had to use the toilet facilities.[/QUOTE]While I have some sympathy it is limited. I agree some Indian airports are bad, Africa worse. Try Djibouti. Now that is something else. But none have the combination that Manila can have on a bad day of total uselessness. Admittedly my last (recent) experience was very pleasant (read "amazed") as I arrived early morning, no queues, bags off first, no need to brave the toilets and no queue for taxi. Almost felt like Singapore, HK, KL etc but then the road system, pollution etc knocked me back to reality.

However there are always other sights to take our minds off that and that is why we keep returning despite the airport LOL.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1485220]Stock up on bismuth or stay home for the next 2 months because the Christmas countdown began mid September (100 days before the big event, I believe). The artificial Christmas trees are on display at the hardware stores. The parols are on sale beside the roads. I know Cash & Carry is still trying clear the shelves of the enormous Edam cheese balls from Christmas past.

Happy Christmas, all.[/QUOTE]Lowes Canada has been selling Christmas decors since last month.

Ya, for weeks now every single time I set foot in Robinsons, it's Santa Clause is Coming to Town by that same high pitched woman's voice that's in all the other songs. That goes on for a quarter of the year? But what I wanted to mention is a while back someone was saying he kept experiencing smelly pussy. I ran across this and I thought I'd pass it on: "Povidone / iodine douche is used for: Relieving minor vaginal irritation and itching. It may also be used to cleanse and deodorize the vaginal area." That's just the iodine sold over the counter in any pharmacy. I hope that helps.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1485142]Aaarrrggghhh, its only mid October and malls and hypermarkets are already playing Christmas jingles on a loop. I swear that if I hear 'I saw mummy kissing Santa Claus' one more time, I will be physically ill.[/QUOTE]Sales girls in Metro wearing Santa hats yesterday.

Santa hats I can live with. Simbang Gabi is a pain in the asas. Good for farmers (as the history goes) , but not so good for some of us night owls.

[QUOTE=David_33;1485932]Sales girls in Metro wearing Santa hats yesterday.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1485789]I ran across this and I thought I'd pass it on: "Povidone / iodine douche is used for: Relieving minor vaginal irritation and itching. It may also be used to cleanse and deodorize the vaginal area." That's just the iodine sold over the counter in any pharmacy. I hope that helps.[/QUOTE]Smelly pussy irrespective of minor or major cause is to be avoided. Iodine douches may take away the smell for the time being but not the solution.

In Phi IMHO smelly pussies are definitely because of chlamydia or gonorrhea they caught through sex with locals or foreigners.

As everybody knows clean pussy is odorless before and after sex. This is especially true in Philippines. In Thailand because they eat spicy food their pussy might smell different before shower. In Japan also if they eatsushi there is some smell before
shower. But overall a sexually wet pussy should not have any smell.

Western women like here in USA there is some pussy smell mainly because of sweating and western women do not take shower before sex.

Phi girls take great pride in being clean irrespective of if they live in dirty shanties or upscale apartments. Unless she is drug or alcohol addicted her hygiene is good. Only problem is their sex education is not good.

They do not worry about bare backing and consequentially get exposed. Even when they have a smelly pussy they are too embarrassed to talk about it or get treatment. If you get such a girl she will try to clean it as much as possible but smell never really goes away. Some of the girls denied having smelly pussy when I tell them. It is a big turn off for me and I get rid of them with compensation and advice to get treatment.

One chat girl had the same problem when I met her. I convinced her to get treatment and when I met her next visit she smelled good.

Moral is let them know the problem and try to convince them to get treatment. Also let them know left untreated will cause more problems to their body.

Definitely Iodine douche is not the solution!

Hi folks,

I am taking a side trip to Phil next year. Flying out from BKK.

Currently, I am planning 3 days in Manila and a week in Angeles on the basis that Manila is more expensive. The BKK of Phil.

Currently thinking of Best Western La Corona in Manila and ABC in Angeles.

Taxi down and back?

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks.

Peter

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1484811]It won the Miss World and the Senate immediately passed a resolution congratulating the pinay who won. Clearly the politicians have thier priorities correct LOL.

Now this new award, well the second time around. Now I have been to some really awful African airports in my time but these are designated 3rd world, while Manila tries to claim it is 'international' and wants to attract an ever increasing number of tourists.

Maybe those who are alledged to have dipped their hands on the pork can help improve NAIA which was fast and quick last time I was there (as was around 6am). Just how it should be so we don't spend too long there LOL.

See the link below.

[url]http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/10/17/1246260/naia-1-rated-worlds-worst-airport-again[/url][/QUOTE]Those wankers never been to Kabul and KIA the worst goat fucked airport in the world.

[QUOTE=Greek Niko;1486163]Those wankers never been to Kabul and KIA the worst goat fucked airport in the world[/QUOTE]Likely not GN but those airport don't claim to be world class international and have millions of tourists passing through the airport each year (and hoping to more millions in the years to come)

Would not class Kabul as a tourist desination at this moment LOL so that likely why it (and some Afircan airports I have visited) are not on the list either.

[QUOTE=Petertaylor;1486110]Currently thinking of Best Western La Corona in Manila and ABC in Angeles. Taxi down and back? Any thoughts or advice?[/QUOTE]La Corona is probably okay, but there are other hotels closer to the Ermita action (MBC, Amazonia, G-Point, Robinson's Mall) that also offer better value for similar quality. But if you stay at La Corona check out a map for the location of Southern Cross and Swagman Hotels. Both have bus services from the front door of the Manila hotel to AC and return, and both are near La Corona. To get to Southern Cross turn right out your hotel door on del Pilar St. ; it's on the left about a block and a half. Go the same direction for Swagman, but stay on the right side of del Pilar, take a right on Flores just beyond the Ermita Church; Swagman is about a block and a half on the left on Flores.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1486349]La Corona is probably okay, but there are other hotels closer to the Ermita action (MBC, Amazonia, G-Point, Robinson's Mall) that also offer better value for similar quality. But if you stay at La Corona check out a map for the location of Southern Cross and Swagman Hotels. Both have bus services from the front door of the Manila hotel to AC and return, and both are near La Corona. To get to Southern Cross turn right out your hotel door on del Pilar St. ; it's on the left about a block and a half. Go the same direction for Swagman, but stay on the right side of del Pilar, take a right on Flores just beyond the Ermita Church; Swagman is about a block and a half on the left on Flores.[/QUOTE]I would add in Rivera Mansion too in Ermita.

Take SK's advice and save about 2, 000 php. Swagman and Southern Cross both offer bus service to Angeles. Swagman costs 600 php and drops you off at your hotel. They run to AC 3 times a day. Not sure how often SC runs as I've only taken them once. Any taxi driver is going to charge you a minimum of 2, 500. Not much math to do there.

Thanks guys. Really useful. The bus is a "no brainer". I saw reference to buses, but did not know if restricted to people staying at Swagman.

Which hotels do you think are better value than La Corona?

I'd like to see as much as I can in manila. Would I be better heading for Hyatt or Heritage?

Peter

[QUOTE=Petertaylor;1486610]Which hotels do you think are better value than La Corona?[/QUOTE]ET mentions Riviera Mansion. In the same block, all connected by a common restaurant area and common ownership, are also Executive Plaza, Las Palmas, and Palm Plaza. RM, EP and LP all face onto Mabini: PP faces Pedro Gil. Around the corner on Adriatico, and connected to an inner courtyard with the other four hotels, is Rothman. Of these Rothman is my favorite, simply because most rooms have large refrigerators that you can stock with whatever you want and small dining areas. Many on the forum have found fault with every one of these--street noise, worn furniture, loud AC, etc. But they still are roughly in a class with La Corona and probably a little cheaper--usually between US$40 and $45 on Agoda and other websites, plus tax. On the other hand, although it is a couple blocks further from MBC and other action, La Corona is much closer to the Swagman and Southern Cross buses. May want to confirm with others, but I don't believe you need to stay at SC or Swagman to reserve seats on their buses. Both hotels have their own websites and bus services are described.

[QUOTE=Petertaylor; 1486610]Thanks guys. Really useful. The bus is a "no brainer". I saw reference to buses, but did not know if restricted to people staying at Swagman.

Which hotels do you think are better value than La Corona?

I'd like to see as much as I can in manila. Would I be better heading for Hyatt or Heritage?

Peter[/QUOTE]I am not a cheapstake guy, but I would rather not spend money on Hyatt or such, and spend in Rivera or such, and leave the rest of the money for 'premium' barfines, if I cross path with such, like in P Burgos, Classmate etc.

That's me, BTW

You need not stay at either place to ride the bus. Show up, buy a ticket and get on the bus. Nobody has mentioned City State Tower on Mabini Street. Three blocks from MBC and less than a block from G Point. Many other bars within 5 minutes walking distance.

[

I'm feeling old. I've stayed at everyone of the hotels mentioned except Swag. And I've ridden both buses.

QUOTE=Skip Kost; 1486793]ET mentions Riviera Mansion. In the same block, all connected by a common restaurant area and common ownership, are also Executive Plaza, Las Palmas, and Palm Plaza. RM, EP and LP all face onto Mabini: PP faces Pedro Gil. Around the corner on Adriatico, and connected to an inner courtyard with the other four hotels, is Rothman. Of these Rothman is my favorite, simply because most rooms have large refrigerators that you can stock with whatever you want and small dining areas. Many on the forum have found fault with every one of these-street noise, worn furniture, loud AC, etc. But they still are roughly in a class with La Corona and probably a little cheaper-usually between US$40 and $45 on Agoda and other websites, plus tax. On the other hand, although it is a couple blocks further from MBC and other action, La Corona is much closer to the Swagman and Southern Cross buses. May want to confirm with others, but I don't believe you need to stay at SC or Swagman to reserve seats on their buses. Both hotels have their own websites and bus services are described.[/QUOTE]

I am arriving into MNL in Nov, 14 10:30pm. That will be too late to take the swagman bus. Should I jut let the hotel pick me up for 2700? I then have a flight out at 7:30am on Sunday. Should I take the swagman bus Saturday? I don't want to miss my flight. What would be the best way to handle this?

[QUOTE=Zero Dude;1487589]I am arriving into MNL in Nov, 14 10:30pm. That will be too late to take the swagman bus. Should I jut let the hotel pick me up for 2700? I then have a flight out at 7:30am on Sunday. Should I take the swagman bus Saturday? I don't want to miss my flight. What would be the best way to handle this?[/QUOTE]If you can afford, you can take the Robinson R44 direct from Airport to Hotel.

Me, no. I would prefer to bunk in Manila for less and take Swaggy bus. And return same.

Seriously. 2,700 is not a lot of money, for that time pick up.

[QUOTE=Zero Dude;1487589]I am arriving into MNL in Nov, 14 10:30pm. That will be too late to take the swagman bus. Should I jut let the hotel pick me up for 2700? I then have a flight out at 7:30am on Sunday. Should I take the swagman bus Saturday? I don't want to miss my flight. What would be the best way to handle this?[/QUOTE]Yes, it would be too late upon your arrival to take FTB to A. C. (the last one leaves at 8:30p) ; take the hotel car. The last FTB from A. C. Leaves at 3pm; so, it would be best to arrange another private car to take you to the airport after a Saturday night of partying. Your hotel could probably do it, or Swagman could arrange an early morning ride too as could a number of other travel companies.

[QUOTE=Petertaylor; 1486610]Thanks guys. Really useful. The bus is a "no brainer". I saw reference to buses, but did not know if restricted to people staying at Swagman.

Which hotels do you think are better value than La Corona?

I'd like to see as much as I can in manila. Would I be better heading for Hyatt or Heritage?

Peter[/QUOTE]There are many hotels in Ermita from low end to high. My favourite is Bayview Park mainly because of location and cost approx $56 total with taxes if booked through Asiatravel. Com website.

All hotels are girlfriendly. Sometimes they ask you to register the girl. When you book, book for two persons and it is the same charge. Bayview has buffet breakfast for two. La Corona has it too but I do not like La corona

Window air conditioners. Bayview is right around the block from Swagman if you are taking their bus to AC.

Upscale hotels in the area include some casino hotels.

Hyatt is good but Heritage is kind of rundown.

There are three main areas for girls. Ermita with its freelancer bars famous being Manila Bay Cafe.

Makati with its expensive bars and equally expensive girls, streetwalkers and freelancer Havana Cafe place.

Opp Heritage hotel is EDSA entertainment complex with number of bars full of girls. Some have really good looking young girls. Unlike AC barfine is not all inclusive. You pay barfine and negotiate with the girl for her payment.

There are freelancer girls you meet on the street, malls. 7-11 stores and generally everywhere. If you are bold enough taxi drivers will take you to casas which contain many girls.

Whatever you do negotiate first. You do not want problems later. Generally if you have pre-negotiated the price girls honor it and will not demand more money.

Although there are isolated scams these girls are afraid of dragging the police as much as you are. They are locals and will be hassled by police continuously if the police help them one time.

If you want to do touristy things in Manila search the web.

Before my trip to Phils, I had already read numerous reports on how bad the food is in the Philippines so I was prepared. What was surprising to me was during my week long trip which covered AC, Manila and Sabang Beach, I had really good luck with the local cuisine.

First in Sabang Beach at the Big Apple restaurant. Instead of ordering off the menu, I simply asked the waitresses to suggest a local dish for me. And each time, my dinners came back as very nice choices. The only time I didn't enjoy the local food was when I bought a quick lunch off a local street vendor. One day was okay and another day the meat was pretty tough. But for 60 to 80 pesos, I really couldn't complain.

Dinners in Manila were only at the Swagman hotel and again I ordered only Filipino dishes. Each time was very tasty.

In AC, I had brunch each time up at the rooftop restaurant of the Devera hotel where I was staying. I had my girl order Filipino dishes again and I must say they were among the tastiest breakfast brunches I have ever had. For dinner, we went out to a local Korean / Filipino restaurant and she ordered the Filipino dish while I ordered the Korean (I'm not Korean). Both choices scored well.

So maybe the secret to enjoying food in the Philippines is not to order any western fare. I have a feeling the cooks do a much better job in preparing their own local dishes as opposed to trying their hand at any western dish. On top of that, the local dishes were always cheaper than the western choices. I always try to eat the local fare wherever I travel.

So that's my two cents on the food there as I was more than satisfied during my entire week in the country.

As my father used to say, if you get hungry enough, you'll eat it.

My problem with the food here is less with the preparation than with the content. I find it bland, unimaginative and generally unhealthy given the high content of salt, sugar and cheap oil.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1488797]As my father used to say, if you get hungry enough, you'll eat it.[/QUOTE]It goes against the common wisdom here, but I'm with E-Spirit. The food IS fairly bland, and has too much salt.

However, one can find both deliscious and healthy food in the grocery stores if nothing else. I like the street BBQ stalls also. Recently my half-my-age date and I walked from Robinson's Malate to Bedrock Cafe on Adriatico for some live band and beers. She had eaten before we met up and wasn't hungry. A few hours and drinks later we were walking / stumbling back to my hotel, and we stopped at a street bbq on Bocobo (across from Bellagio square and a new high-rise condo). Four sticks of bbq chicken, a bag of rice, and 2 juices were about 120 pesos. Not a lot of food, but dirt cheap and a fine evening cap-off. She was more horny than I was and nothing happened in the room. In the morning she was still frisky and so was I. Her kisses had enough calcium in them to cause a six-inch bone to spring to life, and the street foods seem to have sustained me enough hours later to give her some protien back. Everybody won. What a wonderful memory; I can still smell the sex lingering in the air afterwards.

Oh, the food is bland. Did I say that?

Tanigue steak. Love it.

I have been living here about a year. The only dish I liked at first was fried eggs on rice, but I have grown weary of that too.

A few months back we invited the neighbors to join us at an Italian restaruant. Afterwards the husband told me it was his first meal ever without rice.

There is a new Buffet restaruant here in Davao called Vikings, it has a huge selection and is not inexpensive. My wife, her friend and I went there for lunch the other day. We got our table and headed off to fill our plates. When we came back to our table they each had a mound of rice dominating their plates. I got pissed and said why did we pay 588 php each to eat rice?

Today I made Rachel Ray White Bean Chicken Chili. (Google it). I almost got into a fist fight with my wife's niece who stands 4'7" as she insisted on making rice.

Fuck it.

[QUOTE=Wjmpsr; 1488947]A few months back we invited the neighbors to join us at an Italian restaruant. Afterwards the husband told me it was his first meal ever without rice.

When we came back to our table they each had a mound of rice dominating their plates. I got pissed and said why did we pay 588 php each to eat rice?

Today I made Rachel Ray White Bean Chicken Chili. (Google it). I almost got into a fist fight with my wife's niece who stands 4'7" as she insisted on making rice.

Fuck it.[/QUOTE]I loved this story and it made me chuckle so wich as I experience the same.

In Cebu I go to Tavalota and the chef refuses to serve rice, even when the cuties flashes the eyelids etc and asks. I tell all the girls I take there that there is no rice and to enjoy the food without the carb boost. Some are like your niece, others enjoy the food and like to return.

I also tell the girls that white rice is fattening and makes them chubby, brown rice is better and wild rice really good. Those that know there are alternates say only white tastes best. We can't win! But those who stop eating rice for a month or so lose weight and tone a little and voila, they understand white rice is bad (my latest squeeze lost 6 lkgs even though she really need t but she proved to herself rice in moderation is OK)

When I tell them it makes them chubby I also say I am chubby enough for 2 so I don't want any more LOL.

But the no rice policy at meals is a hard one to break and is one of those conundrums we face for liking and loving pinays.

[QUOTE=Wjmpsr; 1488947]A few months back we invited the neighbors to join us at an Italian restaruant. Afterwards the husband told me it was his first meal ever without rice.

There is a new Buffet restaruant here in Davao called Vikings, it has a huge selection and is not inexpensive. My wife, her friend and I went there for lunch the other day. We got our table and headed off to fill our plates. When we came back to our table they each had a mound of rice dominating their plates. I got pissed and said why did we pay 588 php each to eat rice.

Today I made Rachel Ray White Bean Chicken Chili. (Google it). I almost got into a fist fight with my wife's niece who stands 4'7" as she insisted on making rice.

Fuck it.[/QUOTE]Even the breakfast buffets at hotels always include rice. Way of life. I even see fish selections in the breakfast buffet sometimes.

[QUOTE=Wjmpsr; 1488947]I almost got into a fist fight with my wife's niece who stands 4'7" as she insisted on making rice.

Fuck it.[/QUOTE]Been married to a Pinay for 25+ years in the US. She still eats plain white rice all the time. She uses the smoke detector as a cooking timer and can really stink (I think it stinks) up the house. She buys fish and mussels, etc from the local Oriental market and when she cooks, she wakes me up from a sound sleep with the smell. She bought some fish sauce that smell rancid but says it tastes great. Rice cooker is at the standby and it's always plain white rice. Got to have some gravy on my rice being a southern boy. I like my fish rolled in cornmeal and fried, she just pours a little cooking oil in a pan and throw the fish in. Finally got used to eating fish that stares back at me. She did find a frozen white fish that had its guts removed and stuffed with I don't know what. I have found if I like the taste, don't ask what's in it. She's recently gotten on a big health kick after both her parents contracted type 2 diabetes. She keeps asking me if I read the label before eating what I like.

All I can say about Filipino food, is it's pretty good if done right. Plus you have those cute little Pinays to share it with.

So quit complaining about the food and eat more sweet young pussy.

Enjoy youth while you have, growing old sucks.

Slim

Rice is the staple food to be eaten every day in much of the world. Most of Asia if not all use rice. They eat it for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Rice is very healthy as plain rice without mixing it with other fatty foods.

In Phi they use two kinds of rice. One plain and the other garlic rice. It is the garlic rice which can stink up the whole house if the house in enclosed.

I happen to like garlic rice. Always served at breakfast buffet. Of course it leaves a garlicky breath after. Nice brushing with mentadent will cure that.

I like adobe style seafood. The taste is an acquired one. I avoid most other Phi food. Girls love fried chicken and will eat all day again and again. I have stopped taking them to expensive restaurants since all they want is the same.

Thankfully Phi is full of cuisine from all over the world readily available.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1488957]I also tell the girls that white rice is fattening and makes them chubby,[/QUOTE]But can you imagine what they'd look like if they ate those greasy fries that seem to accompany every meal at the fast food joints in the USA? Soon they'd be just like the majority of the American girls; very chubby to obese and in comparison you'd then look thin next to one of them. So be grateful, and besides, I think a little rice belly can look cute sometimes.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1489533]But can you imagine what they'd look like if they ate those greasy fries that seem to accompany every meal at the fast food joints in the USA? Soon they'd be just like the majority of the American girls; very chubby to obese and in comparison you'd then look thin next to one of them. So be grateful, and besides, I think a little rice belly can look cute sometimes.[/QUOTE]Putting that way I would agree but I am fussy. Look at me I eat healthy and sensibly LOL.

I does seem that many pinays who move to the USA get chubby ad / or grow huge boobs (most the corn fed chicken). That is a good advert IMHO not to take them anywhere except on vacation (the chubbiness not the boobs!).

[QUOTE=Nvslim;1489344]Finally got used to eating fish that stares back at me. Slim[/QUOTE]LOL. For many Filipinos, the head of the fish is the most delicious part. It is quite disgusting to watch a pretty young Filipina sucking the brains out of a fish head. But I keep my peace as I know that, a little later, she will be sucking the brains out of me!

However, what I really find stomach churning, is the way they will tuck into cold leftovers from dinner the night before, as their breakfast the following morning. How the hell anyone can eat lumps of cold rice first thing in the morning is anyone's guess.

It is about culture. As long as you accept and go with the plan, you can always have fun as much as I do. .

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt; 1489588]LOL. For many Filipinos, the head of the fish is the most delicious part. It is quite disgusting to watch a pretty young Filipina sucking the brains out of a fish head. But I keep my peace as I know that, a little later, she will be sucking the brains out of me!

However, what I really find stomach churning, is the way they will tuck into cold leftovers from dinner the night before, as their breakfast the following morning. How the hell anyone can eat lumps of cold rice first thing in the morning is anyone's guess.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Mbsl65;1489590]It is about culture. As long as you accept and go with the plan, you can always have fun as much as I do. .[/QUOTE]I've accepted and gone with the plan for over 20 years now, and yes, there has been the odd fun moment along the way (insert winking smiley face).

On another topic entirely, I was surfing facebook and came across this fine pic of a proud, expectant mum-to-be. Wonder if any of the older members can guess the identity of this one time fabled provider.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1489542]Putting that way I would agree but I am fussy. Look at me I eat healthy and sensibly LOL.

I does seem that many pinays who move to the USA get chubby ad / or grow huge boobs (most the corn fed chicken). That is a good advert IMHO not to take them anywhere except on vacation (the chubbiness not the boobs!).[/QUOTE]I was in Hong Kong for a few days recently and was amazed at how generally large the over 30's Filipinas were. Big flabby arms, the expected growth of butt, and the general belly swelling bought on by excessive amounts of white rice and other sugared crap. They all looked older than they were because of this.

The slim 42kg. 32 year old helper cutie who helped me destress seemed to be the exception to the rule.

Even the Indonesians there also seemed to have generally grown.

Glad to know WR, that you are maintaining your slim svelte athletic self. LOL

My wife hired a girl from her town as our maid. Talk about not sexy; fat, bad teeth and she burps a lot. I had the misfortune of seeing her in a bathing suit. Some ladies look nice in a one piece, others in a two piece, this lady belongs in a green peace. Save the whales!

[QUOTE=Wjmpsr;1490553]My wife hired a girl from her town as our maid. Talk about not sexy; fat, bad teeth and she burps a lot. I had the misfortune of seeing her in a bathing suit. Some ladies look nice in a one piece, others in a two piece, this lady belongs in a green peace. Save the whales![/QUOTE]Your wife is clearly an intellignet person Wjm as she knows hiring anything sexy would mean you would be giving the maid lots of personal instructions on cleaning your pipes LOL.

Happened to a mate who before the wife arrived hired a very sexy maid. I told him she would be fired as soon as wifey arrived. Only to find Day 2 after wife arrived the maid (pinay) had been replaced buy a chubby older Indian. Worse than that was she fancied my mate and made it clear to him she was happy to clean his pipes!

Some wives are very mean LOL.

[QUOTE=Sammon; 1487749]There are many hotels in Ermita from low end to high. My favourite is Bayview Park mainly because of location and cost approx $56 total with taxes if booked through Asiatravel. Com website.

All hotels are girlfriendly. Sometimes they ask you to register the girl. When you book, book for two persons and it is the same charge. Bayview has buffet breakfast for two. La Corona has it too but I do not like La corona

Window air conditioners. Bayview is right around the block from Swagman if you are taking their bus to AC.

Upscale hotels in the area include some casino hotels.

Hyatt is good but Heritage is kind of rundown.

There are three main areas for girls. Ermita with its freelancer bars famous being Manila Bay Cafe.

Makati with its expensive bars and equally expensive girls, streetwalkers and freelancer Havana Cafe place.

Opp Heritage hotel is EDSA entertainment complex with number of bars full of girls. Some have really good looking young girls. Unlike AC barfine is not all inclusive. You pay barfine and negotiate with the girl for her payment.

There are freelancer girls you meet on the street, malls. 7-11 stores and generally everywhere. If you are bold enough taxi drivers will take you to casas which contain many girls.

Whatever you do negotiate first. You do not want problems later. Generally if you have pre-negotiated the price girls honor it and will not demand more money.

Although there are isolated scams these girls are afraid of dragging the police as much as you are. They are locals and will be hassled by police continuously if the police help them one time.

If you want to do touristy things in Manila search the web.[/QUOTE]Many thanks for this helpful advice.

I will try Baypark View.

Peter

[QUOTE=Petertaylor; 1490730]Many thanks for this helpful advice.

I will try Baypark View.

Peter[/QUOTE]It is BAYVIEW PARK. Address is UN avenue and Roxas boulevard.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt; 1489595]I've accepted and gone with the plan for over 20 years now, and yes, there has been the odd fun moment along the way (insert winking smiley face).

On another topic entirely, I was surfing facebook and came across this fine pic of a proud, expectant mum-to-be. Wonder if any of the older members can guess the identity of this one time fabled provider.[/QUOTE]Anna from Dubai?

[QUOTE=CallSign Papa;1490738]Anna from Dubai?[/QUOTE]Give that man a lollipop. Oh, sorry, Ana pinched it! Before she was Anna of Dubai, she was Analyn of Manila.

Here are a couple of her pre-Pete Burns lip job.

[QUOTE=Fifty Pesos;1490842]Wonder who is the lucky father?[/QUOTE]I'm sure she is asking the same question LOL.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1490844]I'm sure she is asking the same question LOL.[/QUOTE]The only difference now from Dubai / Manila IMHO is she is chubbier than before but we all know a few members who would like to shag a very pregnant lady for some fun. Where are you Barba when you are needed LOL.

Are you sure? I thought it was called Parkview hotel on Unroxas street in the Vardave area.

[QUOTE=Sammon;1490733]It is BAYVIEW PARK. Address is UN avenue and Roxas boulevard.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt; 1490801]Give that man a lollipop. Oh, sorry, Ana pinched it! Before she was Anna of Dubai, she was Analyn of Manila.

Here are a couple of her pre-Pete Burns lip job.[/QUOTE]Hmmmm so are you the baby's daddy CS?

[QUOTE=Greek Niko;1491048]Hmmmm so are you the babys daddy CS?[/QUOTE]She would need to have the gestation period of an elephant (and then some) , but looking from the size of her, that is not impossible. I'll bet she will make someone the milker of a lifetime.

Even a tortoise would be faster than this one. 1994 COA found issues and now the gentleman is found guilty (second time as well as they likely let hm to return to office to do more of the same!)

[url]http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2013/11/03/1252488/ex-disbursing-officer-guilty-malversation[/url]

And am sure that he will employed again.

I realize this may be the most bizarre website to post this question but I'm running out of options after searching for several hours on the internet.

I feel for the Filipinos affected by Typhoon Haiyan and would like to do more than just donate money, which I've already done. I'd like to travel there to help with boots on the ground. I've spent quite a bit of time in the PI previously, have literally been in war zones and would have no problems going to the affected areas to help. I've been searching for hours trying to see if any relief organizations need volunteers but everyone is just asking for money. I understand that will be the biggest need for the foreseeable future but I have be believe there is some need for volunteers on the ground. If anyone knows of a way to find something like this, I'the appreciate some advice.

Also, I know everyone reading ISG likes to receive some pleasure when they 'donate' money but hopefully some of you can donate a Jackson (no, not THE Jackson) or two to a relief organization to help the PI victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Again, if you know of an organization that needs boots on the ground, let me know.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic;1494957]I've been searching for hours trying to see if any relief organizations need volunteers but everyone is just asking for money. I understand that will be the biggest need for the foreseeable future but I have be believe there is some need for volunteers on the ground. If anyone knows of a way to find something like this, I'the appreciate some advice.[/QUOTE]From watching local Philippine TV tonight it seems they are overwhelmed with volunteers, especially from students willing to help pack relief bags etc in Cebu and Manila.

If the major organizations like Red Cross and the NGOs like World Vision and Care International are not responding to your offer of assistance but just asking for money then you could just get yourself here and turn up in person and help. However, there will be a problem getting in to Tacloban since only restricted flights (mainly C130s) are going in at present.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1494965]From watching local Philippine TV tonight it seems they are overwhelmed with volunteers, especially from students willing to help pack relief bags etc in Cebu and Manila.

If the major organizations like Red Cross and the NGOs like World Vision and Care International are not responding to your offer of assistance but just asking for money then you could just get yourself here and turn up in person and help. However, there will be a problem getting in to Tacloban since only restricted flights (mainly C130s) are going in at present.[/QUOTE]RK, thanks. There are only a few relief organizations that have an online method to volunteer to travel to areas needing volunteers but some of these sites just sent me in circles. There is an organization called All Hands that had an ongoing earthquake relief project in Bohol and is now trying to help in areas affected by Haiyan, but they don't elaborate on how or where they are helping. I've applied with them but we'll see where that goes. The Salvation Army also appears to be moving volunteers into the affected area but I can't find a way to actually volunteer with them. That was one of the sites that led me in circles. The rest of the relief organizations mention volunteers but don't have a way to actually volunteer and just steer me towards a donation page. I'm still looking and hopefully I can find a way to help. The devastation is incredible and I'the like to go hands on if possible.

I've thought about just flying there and I'm sure I could make it to Leyte despite the issues but I want to make sure I can serve a purpose there rather than becoming a burden on the resources necessary to sustain life.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic;1494957]Again, if you know of an organization that needs boots on the ground, let me know.[/QUOTE]I have heard it from disaster management experts numerous times: volunteers showing up to offer their services after a disaster constitute a crowd control problem. There are two key elements to volunteer service following a disaster. First, the volunteers who can really help are those who have been a) trained by and b) coordinated by a disaster services organization-such as the Red Cross or World Vision. This is because these organizations match capabilities to needs on the ground, plan for the logistical support that their volunteers will need, and keep in touch with officials and their volunteers throughout their participation.

In the absence of a qualified sponsoring organization, unsponsored volunteers can be helpful if they are processed through a volunteer coordination center set up by local or national government. In some of the United States-California, Florida, New York, etc. (but definitely not Mississippi or Louisiana).there are good systems in place that process volunteers when they show up, send them where they are needed, and take responsibility for the volunteers' food and shelter needs throughout the deployment. In the Philippines local governments and the national government are not prepared to process volunteers in this way. Not at all!

I strongly recommend you do not go unless you are there with a capable sponsoring organization. Remember, there is not enough food and shelter for the Filipinos who live in the affected areas. You just add to the huge problem if you show up. The Philippines has lots of people on the ground-who already know the culture, the language, and the lay of the land. You probably know none of these. The Filipinos on the ground are not much help, even with their local knowledge, because they need coordinating organizations, such as their own government to tell them what to do, arrange for their food, shelter and equipment, etc. But the Philippines' government is not prepared enough to do that. You cannot possibly help in that situation.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1495044]Please don't go[/QUOTE]Skip, see my comment about not wanting to become a burden on resources. Also, read my 1st post.

I've spent close to 2 years in the PI, over 1 year in a war zone, and a good part of my adult life outside the US working in 3rd world shit-holes. I've endured food and water shortages, lived in a tent, and taken once weekly 20 ounce (bottled water) showers more times than I care to remember. I once had to sleep with my boots on for 2 weeks straight because the Taliban were attacking our FOB daily and I knew I wouldn't live through the 30 seconds it would take to put my boots on, get out of my living quarters, and run for my life. Does sleeping with your boots on and getting shot at qualify as emergency preparedness training?

As far as language difficulties, I never encountered ANY during the 2 years I spent in the PI or when I worked with Filipinos in Afghanistan. This is just a guess on my part but the Philippines has to have one of the highest Engrish speaking populations anywhere outside the US. Judging from all the signs I see in US stores these days, the percentage of Philippine citizens who can speak Engrish may be higher than that of United States citizens. I have probably met several thousand Filipinos and I have to yet to encounter even 1 who cannot speak Engrish. Have YOU ever been to the PI? I'm not sure where your comment about a language barrier is coming from.

I'm not looking to go there to hand out bags of food; I have a background which I know without question is needed there.

There is a lot of good information in these posts. Thanks OF for raising the question. RK, and SK thanks for your responses.

Let me digress a bit about some of the organizations that coordinate volunteers and the fact that most seem to charge volunteers a fee to be placed. My daughter is a nurse. Her childhood dream had always been to volunteer as a nurse in Africa. She finally found an organization she wanted to work with so a few months ago she went to Kenya. They charged her about $1, 000 to register and place her for a month plus she paid her own airfare. The airfare I have no issue with, nor do I have a problem paying a reasonable amount for a billet, but somehow to me it is just wrong to ask a volunteer to pay for the opportunity to "volunteer".

Shortly after she arrived in Kenya she started texting about Safaris she was going on. I asked how she was able to book the time off right away and her response was that the volunteers just tell the agency when they are available. It sounded to me like they were acting as a glorified travel agency offering discounted safari packages but who accepted a little help from time to time. Her first placement was at a private hospital where she said she watched the staff sit around most of the time because there was nothing to do. She was pissed so requested a different placement and was placed in an orphanage which she said was only somewhat better. The day before she was due to leave, the airport burned down and a couple weeks after she got back to Canada terrorists took the shopping center she and her associates frequented. So she has had her eye opening experience in third world countries.

She is now preparing her credentials to work in Australia for a year. A few weeks ago she and I were talking and I suggested that on her way home she stop and spend a bit of time volunteering in the Philippines. For me it would be fun to meet her there and show her some of the sights I have been enjoying on my trips to the Philippines. Just the sights, not the Filipinas. She was questioning if she would allowed to do this and would any of the communities need or be willing to accept her help. Are any of you aware of agencies there that would accept the help of, and place a nurse without charging fees. Feel free to post here or respond with a PM. Thanks.

Nut

"I'm not looking to go there to hand out bags of food; I have a background which I know without question is needed there."

Well, Team Rubicon (all-veteran relief org) just hit the ground in country check with them:

[url]http://teamrubiconusa.org/[/url]

[url]http://teamrubiconusa.org/launching-operation-seabird/[/url]

Amanut, I know I saw a site somewhere that needed medical personnel but I didn't look to see if a 'fee' was required. I don't have the time to look for it right now but I'll find it and post it before tomorrow morning, Eastern time. They have a dire need for medical personnel.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic;1494972]I've thought about just flying there and I'm sure I could make it to Leyte despite the issues but I want to make sure I can serve a purpose there rather than becoming a burden on the resources necessary to sustain life.[/QUOTE]As you've guessed by now, by just showing up you would indeed become more of a burden. The problem isn't just finding an organization to work with and get sponsorship from, but it's also the time needed by them to "hire" and vet you. I asked around here a little bit about doing the same thing and was met with confusion; this included speaking with an official from the Catholic church, no one here was able to point me in the right direction.

I don't know what your research has turned up, but here's a few you may not have considered:

Doctors Without Borders:

[url]http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/?ref=main-menu[/url]

Mercy Corp:

[url]https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/help-typhoon-haiyan-survivors?utm_source=media&utm_medium=press[/url]

%2Brelease&utm_content=help%2Btyphoon%2Bhaiyan%2Bsurvivors&utm_campaign=Philippines%2Btyphoon%2Bresponse.

Americares:

[url]http://www.americares.org/who-we-are/jobs/[/url]

World Food Programme:

[url]https://www.wfp.org/about/vacancies[/url]

International Rescue Committee:

[url]http://www.rescue.org/volunteer[/url]

And here's a link to CNN's vetted list of chartable organizations; perhaps you can find one here who can use your help:

[url]http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/impact.your.world/[/url]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1491433]Even a tortoise would be faster than this one. 1994 COA found issues and now the gentleman is found guilty (second time as well as they likely let hm to return to office to do more of the same!)

[url]http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2013/11/03/1252488/ex-disbursing-officer-guilty-malversation[/url]

And am sure that he will employed again.[/QUOTE]I'm still named as a defendant in a case of " unfair dismissal " from 1998 when I worked there.

I thought that as the said gentlemen had 16 written warnings on his file, had been absent from work without notification for 3 weeks, was paid 3 months to get the heck out of our employment, signed a letter stating he had no further claim on myself and the company I headed, that it was all done and dusted.

Wheels of justice barely turn. I expect to be grave bound before this particular case is resolved.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic;1495103]I'm not looking to go there to hand out bags of food; I have a background which I know without question is needed there.[/QUOTE]You may have important skills and training, but that isn't the issue. The problem is their capability to accommodate and support your services. It is notable that you are battle-hardened and know how to live in uncomfortable conditions, but the issue is not you, it is them. Most importantly, you will need supporting organizations on the ground that will recognize your capabilities and be able and willing to take you on board. There may be exceptions, but many of those organizations will not welcome you with open arms. And where the international NGOs are concerned, despite your self-sufficient skills, they might not want to be liable for your safety if you go all maverick on them.

Even in non-crisis, relaxed times Philippine organizations resist outsiders whose motivations they do not trust. Historically, the military has dominated disaster management in the Philippines. Despite some attempts in the 2010 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act to decentralize responsibility, the Secretary of Defense retains the Chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Military control of disaster management leads to an emphasis on immediate response and initial recovery. That is why in the photos and videos coming out of the Philippines response is characterized by helicopters, C-130s, and military radio communications, and the military is being sent in to restore order. Grunts may appreciate your comradeship, but regardless how extensive your military training for another country was, I doubt the military brass will welcome having you tread on their turf.

What the Philippines does not do well is to prepare—build safe evacuation centers and evacuation plans; educate people about preparation; create stocks of food, water, tents, and other supplies in areas outside Manila; install backup generators at key places in the provinces (police stations, hospitals, etc.) ; install and train locals with alternative communication systems—and mitigate vulnerable areas by moving squatters out of the most vulnerable areas, building protective sea and river walls, build more disaster resistant bridges and highways, enhance building codes and construction practices, simply enforce the existing building and zoning codes, and so on. Under the new law local governments are supposed to take more responsibility for preparation and mitigation, but many local government units have been resistant. So with these units, where you might otherwise be useful, they simply don't have systems in place to screen volunteers. In addition, they are operating in crisis mode; if you can even find people who are authorized to make decisions, they are not operating in the kind of reflective mode that could recognize what you have to offer.

Westerners are part of the problem. We see the horrific photos and videos and we want to jump in and help the suffering people. So huge amounts of private contributions and foreign aid get sent for humanitarian assistance, and less is available for the ongoing development that would strengthen Philippine communities and infrastructure and make them less vulnerable. Furthermore, our contributions lead to bloat in International NGOs for mission areas that attend to immediate relief work rather than poverty alleviation and long-term development.

Regarding English competency, keep in mind that your interactions in the past have been with commercial interests who hire people with reasonable English skills. Many of the people most affected by this typhoon are poor, uneducated people, and many have limited English skills. Furthermore, in Leyte and Samar, the two hardest hit areas, the local language is Waray-Waray, not Tagalog. How's your Waray-Waray?

If you think I am making this stuff up, let me suggest a good screening procedure. Print out your posts and mine, delete or redact any ISG markings, and take our respective messages to the authority in your locale that has lead responsibility for coordinating volunteers and donations in emergency / disaster management. Assuming you are from the states, it might be the local Red Cross chapter, or the Salvation Army, a county volunteer office, or sometimes a nonprofit volunteer agency. Ask them for their advice. If they concur with your plans, by all means spend your money and travel to the Philippines. Many commercial interests, in your country and the Philippines, will appreciate your money.

For several years running, the Philippines has ranked third among the world's nations in terms of disaster vulnerability, behind only the small South Pacific island nations of Vanatu and Tonga. Because of climate change typhoons are not going away (24 this year already, I read) , and the Philippines is vulnerable to volcanic and earthquake activity because of its location at the edges of major tectonic plates. So, if you really want to help, get in touch with World Vision, Christian Aid, or one of the other large NGOs that do disaster assistance in the Philippines, and ask how you can get involved in helping prepare for or mitigate against future disasters.

Ps. I commend your donations and understand that you wish you could do more. I feel likewise, and I have friends here in the states from Tacloban who have no idea whether their families are alive. I have been to Tacloban, used the now wiped-out airport, and find the locals there as endearing as they are in most other parts of the Philippines. But the reason NGOs ask for money rather than volunteers or contributions of food and supplies is that the latter require much more coordination, storage, and handling. Money, on the other hand, can be wired internationally, and with it they can make local purchases that help the local economy and can be delivered more quickly, with minimal storage and logistical requirements.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1495228]. There may be exceptions, but many of those organizations will not welcome you with open arms. .[/QUOTE]Don't' forget the influence of the "yellow" Insiders, who supposedly use every occasion to attack the govt, on human rights and what not. And of course, when you find out who make up most of the numbers of NPA. No surprise there.

Add to it, Parts of the areas impacted are NPA strong land, though NPA exists all over PH.

[QUOTE=Amanut;1495109]My daughter is a nurse. Her childhood dream had always been to volunteer as a nurse in Africa. She finally found an organization she wanted to work with so a few months ago she went to Kenya. They charged her about $1, 000 to register and place her for a month plus she paid her own airfare. The airfare I have no issue with, nor do I have a problem paying a reasonable amount for a billet, but somehow to me it is just wrong to ask a volunteer to pay for the opportunity to "volunteer".[/QUOTE]I have seen these organizations before. They are, as you depict it, essentially shams. They prey on young people from more prosperous countries and basically make profit from offering a "summer camp" sort of experience. Except that, since they are mostly into collecting money, they rarely have good connections with the organizations to which they send the young people. There are many legitimate NGOs in the world that will take volunteers and give them good experiences in international development.

There is an important distinction between International NGOs (INGOs) and those that are Philippine-based. The Philippine-based NGOs, especially those based in Manila, are among the most politicized in the world; that is, their energies are directed to advocacy—with members of Congress, with executive branch agencies, and with local government units. Obviously there are exceptions; there are some that have direct service missions. Most INGOs, by comparison, are more focused on service delivery. Some INGOs also direct support to local community-based organizations which they have vetted, and some of these may have local health or health-education needs. The local NGOs pay Philippine-level salaries, and often not particularly good ones. Traditionally they have gotten their money from Western donors—mostly Western philanthropies and bi-lateral and multi-lateral aid agencies. But they now find themselves in a squeeze: the Western money is drying up as Western compassion has moved on to Africa and other poor areas of the world. Many are having trouble balancing their budgets, and they are laying off staff.

If your daughter's interest is to do an internship which she does not pay for, she should perhaps start with the INGOs that operate in the Philippines. I describe a few of them below.

Here is a fairly comprehensive listing of NGOs in the Philippines, although these are not exclusively health-related:

[url]http://www.psdn.org.ph/NGOs/profile.htm[/url]

I don't know if they have a permanent mission to the Philippines, but the largest health-oriented NGO in the world is Doctors Without Borders. In recent years they have sent missions to the Philippines to deal with disasters. They might be a good place to inquire:

[url]http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/publications/ar/report.cfm?id=6222[/url]

Here is a link to World Vision's health and nutrition activities in the Philippines. World Vision is the largest International NGO in the world (based on budget). They are faith-based, but they work hard to balance their faith component with pragmatic solutions. Example: low-key condom distribution programs in Africa. Your daughter could ask them about other international NGOs operating in the Philippines. She might also ask World Vision about the Philippine International NGO Network (PINGON). A few years ago this was a viable group that included many of the bigger INGOs, but it now seems to have no internet presence. The point here is to find out the names of other INGOs operating in the Philippines:

[url]http://www.worldvision.org.ph/our-work/health-nutrition[/url]

Weblinks specifically to health-related NGOs. Most, but perhaps not all, are Philippine organizations. Some, like the Deseret group (Mormons) clearly have Western affiliations. I can't vouch for these organizations, but many if not most of the links work:

[url]http://aboutphilippines.ph/Health-organizations.htm[/url]#Health.

There is also CodeNGO, the Caucus of Development NGO Networks. These are Philippine-based NGOs. This is a large national umbrella organization. Its 12 members are regional or mission-oriented networks of individual NGOs and People's Organizations. There are easily hundreds of NGOs within this structure. Unfortunately, only a few of them have health-related interests. But a person can easily check out the various sub-networks to see what is included:

[url]http://code-ngo.org/home/[/url]

Finally, she could check with Gawad Kalinga. This is a housing development NGO, similar to Habitat for Humanity, but their programs are broader in that they also provide job training, health and nutrition education for poor people, and so on. OF take note: they also pull together teams quickly to build homes for disaster victims. They have a place to sign up for their on-call volunteer list. About seven years ago they moved in very quickly following a mudslide in Southern Leyte that buried a village of 1200 people, and built a new village within three or four months for survivors. I can almost guarantee they will be building villages on Leyte and Samar. For anything else you may need to contact them directly to really get their attention, since they are sort of into mass recruitments for one-day builds. As a part of their mission they spend a lot of time in poor communities doing nutrition and prenatal care training. They have a separate sign-up for internships:

[url]http://gk1world.com/volunteer[/url]

Also see PJ's great list of NGOs that do disaster relief.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1495157]As you've guessed by now, by just showing up you would indeed become more of a burden.[/QUOTE]This is true in the vast majority people who wish to jump in and just do something. In a pair of NGO vetted missions to Haiti post earthquake I spent about 1% of my time in my given specialty area and the remainder of my clinical time providing primary care, quite inefficiently at that. Generally much better to give donations to a group that does its work efficiently.

FWIW, the group I'm using for Haiyan is Direct Relief International which has one of the highest efficiency ratings for any relief organization (about 99%). First link is Charity Navigator that reviews charitable groups.

[url]http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3626#.UoHPxPl96Sp[/url]

[url]http://www.directrelief.org/[/url]

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1495228]You may have important skills and training, but that isn't the issue. The problem is their capability to accommodate and support your services.[/QUOTE]Skip (and anyone has who may have missed this) , I guess I should have written this in bold all-caps, flashing text, and focused a spotlight on my comment – 'I've thought about just flying there and I'm sure I could make it to Leyte despite the issues but I want to make sure I can serve a purpose there rather than becoming a burden on the resources necessary to sustain life'.

I'm not sure how I could have been any clearer on my understanding that simply showing up in the affected area would be a burden on already scarce resources. Been there, done that, understand completely the implications.

Skip, you are still way off base on the language barrier; my interaction with Filipinos has NOT been on a commercial basis; 99% of my interactions with Filipinos has been with the 'poor, uneducated' people you mentioned, not college pukes. Aside from the Philippines, I have lived and worked in countries where no one spoke Engrish and I didn't speak one word of their language. Although that presented difficulties, I didn't find anything that was impossible to achieve, including finding and negotiating a piece of ass in the middle of nowhere in an Arabic speaking country.

The PI may not be quite up to the level of the US for emergency preparedness, but they didn't do too badly with Haiyan. They did manage to evacuate 800, 000 people in advance of the storm although some were not moved inland far enough. Many of those who died, tragically, were warned to leave but did not. The US had roughly 1, 800 people killed by Katrina, a storm milder than Haiyan, so I think the authorities in the PI deserve a LOT of credit for saving lives with far less resources and infrastructure than what the US has. Americans (I am one) are in no position to lecture others.

Amanut, I couldn't find the exact website I was in yesterday but Pip Jaeger posted some excellent sources below. The 'Mercy Corp' name is where I think I saw a way for medical personnel to volunteer but I couldn't find the page this time. The link Pip posted for Doctors Without Borders seems like a better source anyway and they actually pay a small stipend.

Thanks to all who have posted links to relief organizations. I donated to Catholic Relief Services and want to provide a link for that.

[url]https://secure.crs.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6140&6140.donation=form1[/url]

The Salvation Army supposedly commits 100% of funding to relief efforts and could also be considered a good place to donate.

[url]https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/TyphoonHaiyan[/url]

You can also donate $10 by texting TYPHOON to 80888 and reply 'yes' to confirm your donation. That service is available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile subscribers and goes to the Salvation Army.

I didn't expect to see this many responses to my query and perhaps I should have started a new thread. It is heartening to see so many of you (me too) despicable sinners opening your wallets to help people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Father Cobb would be proud.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic;1495356]The PI may not be quite up to the level of the US for emergency preparedness, but they didn't do too badly with Haiyan. They did manage to evacuate 800, 000 people in advance of the storm although some were not moved inland far enough. Many of those who died, tragically, were warned to leave but did not. The US had roughly 1, 800 people killed by Katrina, a storm milder than Haiyan, so I think the authorities in the PI deserve a LOT of credit for saving lives with far less resources and infrastructure than what the US has. Americans (I am one) are in no position to lecture others.[/QUOTE]I agree that we Americans can be quite arrogant about these things. But as to the Philippines being third most vulnerable, that assessment came from the Germans, with help from the UN and Nature Conservancy. In the report the Philippines is noted for its "exposure" to hazards, but its vulnerability is also due to "lack of coping capacities" and "lack of adaptive strategies." Here is an English language version of the Germans' report.

[url]http://www.ehs.unu.edu/file/get/10487.pdf[/url]

Calculations are shown on p 64.

Here's a link to one of three front page stories from today's New York Times. The simple fact is that this countries lacks the planes, the supplies and other equipment necessary to provide massive relief, so most of the heavy lifting seems to get done by the international community. For all it's vaunted economic growth it seems the country hasn't yet gotten around to buying the supplies and equipment it needs or to building adequate infrastructure.

[url]http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/world/asia/concerns-grow-over-pace-of-aid-to-philippines.html?ref=international-home[/url]

GE

[QUOTE=Skip Kost; 1495408]In the report the Philippines is noted for its "exposure" to hazards, but its vulnerability is also due to "lack of coping capacities" and "lack of adaptive strategies." Here is an English language version of the Germans' report.

[url]http://www.ehs.unu.edu/file/get/10487.pdf[/url]

Calculations are shown on p 64.[/QUOTE]Could have added to that list the endemic corruption of politicians (vis a vis the pork barrel scam) in which so many have allegedly stolen the cash that was destined for other matters. While it would not have stopped the typhoon it could have helped alleviate issues (was reading something about infrastructrure) and there would be plenty of cash in the pot to help survivors. But of course there is not.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1495413]Here's a link to one of three front page stories from today's New York Times. The simple fact is that this countries lacks the planes, the supplies and other equipment necessary to provide massive relief, so most of the heavy lifting seems to get done by the international community. For all it's vaunted economic growth it seems the country hasn't yet gotten around to buying the supplies and equipment it needs or to building adequate infrastructure.

[url]http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/world/asia/concerns-grow-over-pace-of-aid-to-philippines.html?ref=international-home[/url]

GE[/QUOTE]The article doesn't highlight how deficient the Philippines is. In a disaster a C-130 becomes the workhorse to bring in the needed supplies and personnel; the Philippines has three. Three?!? On a good day. Usually only one is airworthy. Often in an emergency those that aren't airworthy are pressed into service.

Given how important airports are I have to wonder why many are covered in tin roofs. Pretty much guarantees the airport will be destroyed.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1495455]The article doesn't highlight how deficient the Philippines is. In a disaster a C-130 becomes the workhorse to bring in the needed supplies and personnel; the Philippines has three. Three? On a good day. Usually only one is airworthy. Often in an emergency those that aren't airworthy are pressed into service.

Given how important airports are I have to wonder why many are covered in tin roofs. Pretty much guarantees the airport will be destroyed.[/QUOTE]To Hustsori.

The Philipipines government are good at dragging their feet when helping their own people, they should just sent in the Army on Helicopter and ship bring in supply and water, they are waiting for donation from other country and see how much they can pocket, most of the relief agency like red cross and Salvation army if you donate money only less than half will get to the people that need it, US will commit 20 mil USD to the Philippines relief hope the money will go to helping the people not to Aquino pocket.

Fast Eddie 48

This massive typhoon Haiyan may well be one of the worst natural disaster this century for the poor island country of the Phil. It was a cat 4 compared to hurricane Katrina against New Orleans, which was a cat 3. The pictures of bloated dead bodies are shocking, just like the Tsunami that happened to the Adaman sea.

I am a soft touch. I cannot forget all the fun times and tender moments I spent with the nice, sweet girls of the Philippines. Their pains are my pains.

Below are sites to make direct donations to typhoon Haiyan:

[url]http://news.yahoo.com/how-to-help-do.195111618.html[/url]

They take credit / debit cards on line so you don't have to bother mailing.

I understand some non-profit charities are just pork barrels for their highly-paid executives to loot and fatten themselves. Some charities send very low percentages of donations to relieve victims, but pay their executives outrageous salaries. You need to concentrate your hard-earned donations on those charities that will benefit victims the most.

Below are the ratings of the best ones:

[url]http://www.charitynavigator.org/inde.3#.UoKL-_k_slI[/url]

Rank Charity Overall Score.

1 Globus Relief 69. 95

2 Matthew 25: Ministries 69. 95

3 Books For Africa 69. 94

4 Project C. U. R. E. 69. 92

5 Direct Relief 69. 90

6 Midwest Food Bank 69. 89

7 Step Up For Students 69. 88

8 Charities Aid Foundation America 69. 85

9 American Endowment Foundation 69. 85

10 Medical Teams International 69. 83

DIRECT RELIEF ranks as top 5 and is appealing for donations to the Phil. I urge the bros to send their donations via DIRECT RELIEF:

[url]https://forgood.yahoo.com/donate/67/news[/url]

Sorry. Posted in manila thread in error

Rarely see destruction in such large scale:

[url]http://news.yahoo.com/photos/typhoon-ravaged-philippine-islands-slideshow/[/url]

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker;1495597]I understand some non-profit charities are just pork barrels for their highly-paid executives to loot and fatten themselves. Some charities send very low percentages of donations to relieve victims, but pay their executives outrageous salaries. You need to concentrate your hard-earned donations on those charities that will benefit victims the most.[/QUOTE]You're right, many of them are. It's best to check to see what their admin cost and fundraising percentages are. I recall reading somewhere that for US based charities it can not exceed 35% (combined) of all moneys received, but that's still a rather high figure IMHO. Whenever possible I personally prefer to make a direct contribution of goods or, if donating cash, I seek out a charity with a very low admin / fundraising percentage of not more then 20% (combined).

I was having this very same discussion with one of my girls on Monday (after my last post) and she informed of the relief effort being made here by Comcast Cable, specifically the ABS-CBN News network, where 100% of the cash donations received are being used to purchase goods and pay for the transport to get it to the affected areas. They are taking cash donations via text, online, phone in pledges as well as direct donations at their stations and they are also accepting direct donations of goods, what they call "In Hand" donations, at all of their stations / offices as well as a couple of distribution / logistic centers they've set up around the islands, with the primary one being located in Quezon City.

So if you're here in the Phils you can do what I did, even if you have a small budget I'm sure you can spare enough for a couple of kilos of rice or a few boxes of energy bars. I decided to make a donation of food and personal hygiene items, but as my budget may be a little more then many of the cheap charlies who visit I hired a mini-van from a taxi service and went to a local a SM Hypermarket. BTW, to show you how lovely the people are here, once the driver found out what my intent was, he not only refused any payment, but also helped at the store and happily pitched in with the loading and unloading. The driver also suggested we first speak to the SM store manager, which we did. I told him my budget and we made up a list. The manager rounded up a couple of stock boys, who went and loaded up the carts with the provisions and then help load the van for us as well. Also, after making a brief phone call to his regional manager for consent, the store manager provided all of the goods at cost; so I was able to get more supplies for the amount I was donating.

Links to the Comcast donation sites:

[url]http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/tv/2013/11/11/typhoon-yolanda-relief-and-contact-information/[/url]

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/international/articles/2013-11-11/214/GMA-Kapuso-Foundation-Calls-for-Donation.[/url]

And of course a link to the ABS-CBN news site, which has been providing excellent coverage! :

[url]http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/[/url]

Some great shared information here on how individuals can best help the Philippines.

Also encouraging is the way many countries have rapidly offered help. The Philippines is primarily a catholic country. I will be interested to see how much the Vatican will give (return) to the Philippines in addition to giving prayers.

KongKing

[QUOTE=KongKing; 1495646]Some great shared information here on how individuals can best help the Philippines.

Also encouraging is the way many countries have rapidly offered help. The Philippines is primarily a catholic country. I will be interested to see how much the Vatican will give (return) to the Philippines in addition to giving prayers.

KongKing[/QUOTE]So will I. As the third largest landholder in the country one would expect them to be on a par in their generousity with SM / Ayalas etc. But no doubt, they will say " we helped people to pray ".

This is after all, the one and only corporation in the Philippines that is allowed to pay ZERO, yes ZERO tax on all its substantial revenues.

They go directly an untouched to Rome.

The current Presidents mother let that happen, and god fearing Gloria continued it.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1495414]Could have added to that list the endemic corruption of politicians (vis a vis the pork barrel scam) in which so many have allegedly stolen the cash that was destined for other matters. While it would not have stopped the typhoon it could have helped alleviate issues (was reading something about infrastructrure) and there would be plenty of cash in the pot to help survivors. But of course there is not.[/QUOTE]The Germans did include that. I misstated the facts in the previous post. In addition to "Exposure" (severity and frequency of earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and sea level rise) , there are actually three capacity indicators. They are:

Susceptibility.

+ Indicator A: Share of population without access to improved sanitation.

+ Indicator B: Share of population without access to clean water.

+ Indicator C: Share of population undernourished.

+ Indicator D: Share of under 15- and over 65-year-olds in the working population.

+ Indicator F: Gross domestic product per capita (purchasing power parity)

+ Indicator G: Gini index; a measure of income inequality.

Coping capacities.

+ Indicator A: Perception of corruption.

+ Indicator B: Good governance.

+ Indicator C: Number of physicians per 10, 000 inhabitants.

+ Indicator D: Number of hospital beds per 10, 000 inhabitants

+ Indicator E: Insurances.

Adaptive capacities.

+ Indicator A: Adult literacy rate.

+ Indicator B: Combined gross school enrolment.

+ Indicator C: Gender parity in education.

+ Indicator D: Share of female representatives in the National Parliament

+ Indicator E: Water resources.

+ Indicator F: Biodiversity and habitat protection.

+ Indicator G: Forest management.

+ Indicator H: Agricultural management

+ Indicator I: Public health expenditure

+ Indicator J: Life expectancy.

+ Indicator K: Private health expenditure.

Obviously nobody wants to give to nonprofit organizations that pay disproportionately high executive salaries or whose fundraising costs exceed their program expenditures. But it is also possible to overdo the emphasis on "efficiency." I am surprised that Charity Navigator still promotes the relative proportions of funds going to overhead and program, respectively, since its leader loudly pronounced a few years ago that 'overhead ratios and executive salaries are useless for evaluating a nonprofit's impact. '

[url]http://blogs.hbr.org/2009/12/charity-navigator-fixes-its-compass/[/url]

Critics have pointed out that these single indicators are suspect for a number of reasons.

[url]http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news/studies-slam-charity-watchdogs[/url]%e2%80%99-ratings.

Maybe it makes more sense to do a little additional research about the performance of some of these charities rather than trust exclusively this one simple, often misleading, indicator. It strikes me that a few of the posts about specific charities have been based on personal experience. I would sooner hear recommendations from some of the thoughtful people on the forum than put all my eggs in the Charity Navigator "efficiency" calculation. And keep in mind that the principal charity watchdogs-Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance-have their own ideological axes to grind, as do most of the charities.

Pip is quite a compassionate bro.

I applaud his personal involvement in the relief of typhoon Haiyan victims.

When I come back to the Phil, will PM you, perhaps buy you a few drinks.

Take care and good luck!

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger; 1495612]I was having this very same discussion with one of my girls on Monday (after my last post) and she informed of the relief effort being made here by Comcast Cable, specifically the ABS-CBN News network, where 100% of the cash donations received are being used to purchase goods and pay for the transport to get it to the affected areas. They are taking cash donations via text, online, phone in pledges as well as direct donations at their stations and they are also accepting direct donations of goods, what they call "In Hand" donations, at all of their stations / offices as well as a couple of distribution / logistic centers they've set up around the islands, with the primary one being located in Quezon City.

So if you're here in the Phils you can do what I did, even if you have a small budget I'm sure you can spare enough for a couple of kilos of rice or a few boxes of energy bars. I decided to make a donation of food and personal hygiene items, but as my budget may be a little more then many of the cheap charlies who visit I hired a mini-van from a taxi service and went to a local a SM Hypermarket. BTW, to show you how lovely the people are here, once the driver found out what my intent was, he not only refused any payment, but also helped at the store and happily pitched in with the loading and unloading. The driver also suggested we first speak to the SM store manager, which we did. I told him my budget and we made up a list. The manager rounded up a couple of stock boys, who went and loaded up the carts with the provisions and then help load the van for us as well. Also, after making a brief phone call to his regional manager for consent, the store manager provided all of the goods at cost; so I was able to get more supplies for the amount I was donating.

Links to the Comcast donation sites:

[url]http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/tv/2013/11/11/typhoon-yolanda-relief-and-contact-information/[/url]

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/international/articles/2013-11-11/214/GMA-Kapuso-Foundation-Calls-for-Donation.[/url]

And of course a link to the ABS-CBN news site, which has been providing excellent coverage! :

[url]http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/[/url][/QUOTE]

Never seen a report like before in a local newspaper during a major crisis. Speaking to many pinoys etc, they agree with the sentiments of the article and wonder when the allegded pork barrel senators will come and offer cash and aid- well one is in the USA.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/526693/cnn-bbc-intl-media-slam-aquino-for-disorganized-yolanda-aid-response[/url]

Same sort of article on Yanoo Philippines.

[QUOTE=KongKing; 1495646]Also encouraging is the way many countries have rapidly offered help. The Philippines is primarily a catholic country. I will be interested to see how much the Vatican will give (return) to the Philippines in addition to giving prayers.

KongKing[/QUOTE][QUOTE=FreebieFan;1495652]So will I. As the third largest landholder in the country one would expect them to be on a par in their generousity with SM / Ayalas etc. But no doubt, they will say " we helped people to pray ".[/QUOTE]The Pope authorized 150, 000. 00 USD to be sent to the hardest hit dioceses here. Considering the tens of millions collected every week and the billions in assets held by the church it's, IMHO, a rather paltry sum.

[url]http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-sends-150000-as-vatican-sets-up-fund-for-victims-of-super-typhoon-in-philippines-english-11575.html#.UoP1-E3xs5s[/url]

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker; 1495750]Pip is quite a compassionate bro.

I applaud his personal involvement in the relief of typhoon Haiyan victims.

When I come back to the Phil, will PM you, perhaps buy you a few drinks.

Take care and good luck![/QUOTE]Thanks Luke. As many of us who've been here already know, the people here are wonderful. So to me it seemed only natural to give back to the people in their time of need.

As a side note, I'm in AC now for a couple of weeks and I'll continue to donate, but on a much more personal level, LOL.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger; 1496039]The Pope authorized 150, 000. 00 USD to be sent to the hardest hit dioceses here. Considering the tens of millions collected every week and the billions in assets held by the church it's, IMHO, a rather paltry sum.

[url]http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-sends-150000-as-vatican-sets-up-fund-for-victims-of-super-typhoon-in-philippines-english-11575.html#.UoP1-E3xs5s[/url][/QUOTE]Popes US$ 150, 000 is on a par with Chinas offer of US$ 100, 000.

The Americans are coming out of this as heros. Report, front page of Guardian (UK newspaper) says " Americans make first delivery of food to Tacloban". No mention of Philippines efforts.

Front page of Daily Telegraph, (UK newspaper) says " Convoy of dead bodies held up by gunmen".

Sub head states that " Belgium Israel and Australia setting up field hospitals.

Lower headline states " UN aid workers leaving after being threatened by knife wielding gangs".

Philippines government looking inept and incapable and the Europeans / Americans are being " reported" to be doing a lot more than the local government. Fair of biased reporting, who knows.

The only mention of President is that he says it will be only 2300 dead not 10, 000. Internationally hes seen to be silent about all this, as is Vp Binay. They need a leader and there doesn't seem to be one who is both seen and heard as a chief, who acts as a chief.

You've got a good point.

We should look at the needs and find the charities best equipped to service those needs right now. People will die of hunger, thirst and diseases if exposed to the environment within 1 to 2 weeks.

With roads washed out and bridges swept away, the roads may be difficult to navigate, making delivery of aids on land difficult, if not possible.

The quickest means to deliver aids right now would be by helicopters or airdrops, providing there are people on the ground who are coordinated to distribute aids and administer medicines etc. Drinking water pouches or bottles and instant food can be thrown out of helicopter to crowds of people as had been done after the tsunami in the Adaman sea.

Look for charities who have worked with the US government and US military in the past, like Red Cross, Catholic Charity, World Vision, Direct Donations etc.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost; 1495748]Obviously nobody wants to give to nonprofit organizations that pay disproportionately high executive salaries or whose fundraising costs exceed their program expenditures. But it is also possible to overdo the emphasis on "efficiency." I am surprised that Charity Navigator still promotes the relative proportions of funds going to overhead and program, respectively, since its leader loudly pronounced a few years ago that 'overhead ratios and executive salaries are useless for evaluating a nonprofit's impact. '

[url]http://blogs.hbr.org/2009/12/charity-navigator-fixes-its-compass/[/url]

Critics have pointed out that these single indicators are suspect for a number of reasons.

[url]http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news/studies-slam-charity-watchdogs[/url]

%e2%80%99-ratings.

Maybe it makes more sense to do a little additional research about the performance of some of these charities rather than trust exclusively this one simple, often misleading, indicator. It strikes me that a few of the posts about specific charities have been based on personal experience. I would sooner hear recommendations from some of the thoughtful people on the forum than put all my eggs in the Charity Navigator "efficiency" calculation. And keep in mind that the principal charity watchdogs-Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance-have their own ideological axes to grind, as do most of the charities.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1496075]Popes US$ 150, 000 is on a par with Chinas offer of US$ 100, 000.

The Americans are coming out of this as heros. Report, front page of Guardian (UK newspaper) says " Americans make first delivery of food to Tacloban". No mention of Philippines efforts.

Front page of Daily Telegraph, (UK newspaper) says " Convoy of dead bodies held up by gunmen".

Sub head states that " Belgium Israel and Australia setting up field hospitals.

Lower headline states " UN aid workers leaving after being threatened by knife wielding gangs".

Philippines government looking inept and incapable and the Europeans / Americans are being " reported" to be doing a lot more than the local government. Fair of biased reporting, who knows.

The only mention of President is that he says it will be only 2300 dead not 10, 000. Internationally hes seen to be silent about all this, as is Vp Binay. They need a leader and there doesn't seem to be one who is both seen and heard as a chief, who acts as a chief.[/QUOTE]Looks like the USS George Washington and four other ships will arrive in the Leyte Gulf today.

"We have water purification units that are coming today. I won't give you the technical details of that, but these are coming out of Japan. We have got expeditionary runway sets that are coming out, so that will include what we call a mini tower. It won't be an actual radar, but it will be more than just a beacon to allow airplanes to land at night, and then we have light sets that are going up today. So we can start doing 24-hour operations starting today," said Kennedy.

[url]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-carrier-group-to-arrive-in-philippines-wednesday/1788838.html[/url]

Interesting to see a few native voices demanding US deliver the goods and stuff directly, not via any Local Govt / Politico, as a reminder of the Bohol Earthquake where the local mayor apparently demanded all things must go through him.

Though people forgot that when it goes via the Govt, also, the Big Cheese plonks his name / photo, as if it came from him.

Caroline Kennedy was recently sent to japan as US ambassador.

Being victim of a horrendous tragedy herself, she's probably crying her heart out for the victims of the typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda.

She's probably been bugging all US military commands in Japan to rush aids to the Philippines.

This is the time we can show the world how noble, compassionate and caring Americans are.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker; 1496079]Looks like the USS George Washington and four other ships will arrive in the Leyte Gulf today.

"We have water purification units that are coming today. I won't give you the technical details of that, but these are coming out of Japan. We have got expeditionary runway sets that are coming out, so that will include what we call a mini tower. It won't be an actual radar, but it will be more than just a beacon to allow airplanes to land at night, and then we have light sets that are going up today. So we can start doing 24-hour operations starting today," said Kennedy.

[url]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-carrier-group-to-arrive-in-philippines-wednesday/1788838.html[/url][/QUOTE]

This obviously relates to the criticism of Aquino's leadership:

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/526811/ochoa-almendras-now-in-charge-of-yolanda-relief-ndrrmc-chief[/url]

The NDRRM Coordinating Council was retained by the military in the 2010 law despite appeals by NGOs and some scholars to move it into the Office of the President. Now it looks like Del Rosario, who worked for the military as Executive Director of the Council, pissed off Aquino. And so now control appears to have been moved to a couple of Aquino's lieutenants. Problem is, they probably know squat about disaster management. But perhaps it is irrelevant given how many other responsible officials appear to have performed poorly. Lots of blame to go around here, and they are unlikely to fix their systems and perform well in subsequent disasters until fundamental changes occur in the institutional structures that perpetuate control with the oligarchy of families that run the country. In other words, the 2010 law theoretically devolved responsibility down to coordinating councils in the provinces, cities, and municipalities, but people down in the LGUs either doubt their actual authority to act or resist being directed from the national government in what they see as an unfunded mandate. These performance failures were predictable.

" none of the aid passing through the airport had been distributed to the needy crowd at its gates."

what the hell are these officials doing holding up relief from the needy crowd at the airport? are they crooked or just plain stupid?

if people are dying of thirst and hunger and officials are hoarding or holding up reliefs, they and their bosses deserve to have 2x4 's rammed up their asses.

[url]http://news.yahoo.com/aquino-under-pressure-over-typhoon-aid-u-carrier-024020592--sector.html[/url]

aquino under pressure over typhoon aid, usa carrier on its way.

reuters by stuart grudgings and andrew r. c. marshall.

tacloban, philippines (reuters). philippine president benigno aquino was under growing pressure on thursday to speed up the distribution of food, water and medicine to desperate survivors of a powerful typhoon and to revive paralyzed local governments.

while international relief efforts have picked up, many petrol station owners whose businesses were spared have refused to reopen, leaving little fuel for trucks needed to move supplies and medical teams around the devastated areas nearly a week after typhoon haiyan struck.

"there are still bodies on the road," said alfred romualdez, mayor of tacloban, a city of 220, 000 people reduced to rubble in worst-hit leyte province."it's scary. there is a request from a community to come and collect bodies. they say it's five or 10. when we get there, it's 40."

the scarcity of trucks presents grim options."the choice is to use the same truck either to distribute food or collect bodies," he added.

outside taclaban, officials began burying about 300 bodies in a mass grave on thursday. a larger grave will be dug for 1, 000, city administrator tecson john lim told reuters.

the city government remains decimated, with just 70 workers compared to 2, 500 normally, he added. many were killed, injured, lost family or were simply too overcome with grief to work.

the uss george washington aircraft carrier was due to arrive in the philippines on thursday evening, with 5, 000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft. japan was also planning to send up to 1, 000 troops as well as naval vessels and aircraft, in what could be tokyo's biggest postwar military deployment.

aquino in spotlight.

aquino has been on the defensive over his handling of the storm given warnings of its projected strength and the risk of a storm surge, and now the pace of relief efforts.

he has said the death toll might have been higher had it not been for the evacuation of people and the readying of relief supplies, but survivors from worst-affected areas say they had little warning of a tsunami-like wall of water.

the philippines formally asked washington for help on saturday, a day after the storm slammed into cities and towns in the central philippines, the usa state department said.

aquino has also stoked debate over the extent of the casualties, citing a much lower death toll than the 10, 000 estimated by local authorities. official confirmed deaths stood at 2, 357 on thursday, a figure aid workers expect to rise.

city administrator lim, who on sunday estimated 10, 000 likely died in tacloban alone, said aquino may be deliberately downplaying casualties."of course he doesn't want to create too much panic. perhaps he is grappling with whether he wants to reduce the panic so that life goes on," he said.

the preliminary number of missing as of thursday, according to the red cross, remained at 22, 000. it has cautioned that that number could include people who have since been located.

tacloban's main convention center, the astrodome, has become temporary home for hundreds of people living in abject squalor. families cooked meals amid the stench of garbage and [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109][CodeWord109][/url]. debris was strewn along rows of seats rising from dark pools of stagnant water.

"we went into the astrodome and asked who is in charge and just got blank stares," said joe lowry, a spokesman for the international organisation for migration, which is setting up camps for the displaced.

survivors formed long queues under searing sunshine, and then torrential rain, to charge mobile phones from the only power source available: a city hall generator. others started to repair motorbikes and homes. a rescue worker cleared debris near a wall with the spray-painted words "we need food".

more the 544, 600 people have been displaced and nearly 12 percent of the population affected, the united nations said. but many areas still have not received aid.

"it's true, there are still areas that we have not been able to get to where people are in desperate need," u. n. humanitarian chief valerie amos told reporters in manila."i very much hope that in the next 48 hours, that that will change significantly.

"yes, i do feel that we have let people down because we have not been able to get in more quickly."

anger and frustration have been boiling over as essential supplies fail to reach many of those in need. food and other goods have stacked up at the airport in tacloban, for instance.

some areas have appeared to teeter near anarchy amid widespread looting of shops and warehouses for food and water.

medical charity medecins sans frontieres (msf) described a bleak situation in guiuan, home to 45, 000 people.

"people are living out in the open. the needs are immense and there are a lot of surrounding villages that are not yet covered by any aid organizations," alexis moens, msf's assessment team leader, said in a statement.

as darkness fell on wednesday, philippine special forces held back hundreds of people, many of whom had walked for hours to reach the airport and then waited for days with little or no food or water.

when asked how she and her four children endured three days of waiting in searing heat and torrential downpours, marivic badilla. 41, held up a small battered umbrella."we have been sheltering under this," she said, tears streaming down her face.

the overall financial cost of the destruction was hard to assess. initial estimates varied widely, with a report from german-based cedim forensic disaster analysis putting the total at $8 billion to $19 billion.

(additional reporting by rosemarie francisco and eric dela cruz in manila, and phil stewart in washington. writing by jason szep. editing by dean yates and nick macfie)

The total incompetence of this government, and it's apparent indifference to the suffering of it's own people is simply staggering. Turns out the president's vaunted pre-positioning of vital supplies was complete bullshit. Also turns out he never ordered evacuations, merely suggested that people leave.

The following story, which illustrates the ineptitude of this ridiculous excuse for a government is poignant.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/at-a-philippine-hospital-survivors-face-quiet-despair.html?ref=international-home

GE

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1496194]The total incompetence of this government, and it's apparent indifference to the suffering of it's own people is simply staggering. Turns out the president's vaunted pre-positioning of vital supplies was complete bullshit. Also turns out he never ordered evacuations, merely suggested that people leave.

The following story, which illustrates the ineptitude of this ridiculous excuse for a government is poignant.

[url]http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/at-a-philippine-hospital-survivors-face-quiet-despair.html?ref=international-home[/url]

GE[/QUOTE]But, well, even in Singapore, the amount of Pinoys standing up for PNoy, on his leadership, his 'courage' to visit the place, and his 'cleanliness' as just sufficient reasons for him not to be berated.

Though, as I said before, a Filipino voice has started saying "donate directly, not via the govt" and then the PH Govt says, items that are routed through them are the only items duty exempt, all else taxable.

PS: I wonder how long he will take, before PNoy blames this one also on Gloria, as he even recently did so, as recent as this June, for the Economic woes of Philippines.

[quote=skip kost; 1496164]this obviously relates to the criticism of aquino's leadership:

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/526811/ochoa-almendras-now-in-charge-of-yolanda-relief-ndrrmc-chief[/url]

the ndrrm coordinating council was retained by the military in the 2010 law despite appeals by ngos and some scholars to move it into the office of the president. now it looks like del rosario, who worked for the military as executive director of the council, pissed off aquino. and so now control appears to have been moved to a couple of aquino's lieutenants. problem is, they probably know squat about disaster management. but perhaps it is irrelevant given how many other responsible officials appear to have performed poorly. lots of blame to go around here, and they are unlikely to fix their systems and perform well in subsequent disasters until fundamental changes occur in the institutional structures that perpetuate control with the oligarchy of families that run the country. in other words, the 2010 law theoretically devolved responsibility down to coordinating councils in the provinces, cities, and municipalities, but people down in the lgus either doubt their actual authority to act or resist being directed from the national government in what they see as an unfunded mandate. these performance failures were predictable.[/quote]the ineptness of the government is being overshadowed (at least in the international media) by the arrival of the americans both as conquering heroes and new colonisers. brigadier general kennedy, leader of relief, is looking like he will be the savior.

now obviously the americans aside from being humanitarians are happy to help to spite china. but what happens when people realise that the americans can help / will help / do help and will stay to help. a hankering for the good old days?

the president and binay are both dithering when its a time for bold clear decisive leadership. remember mayor giuliani after 9/11. he knew what he was doing and he showed everyone he knew what he was doing.

when the mess starts to get cleared, the politicians will all surface, poke their heads over the parapet and tell the nation how they alone saved the day. and then in true filipino back biting fashion, others will try to bring them down. meanwhile juan will be asked to vote soon for the wankers who can talk a good game, but can't exactly organise squat.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1496211]The ineptness of the government is being overshadowed (at least in the international media) by the arrival of the Americans both as conquering heroes and new colonisers. Brigadier General Kennedy, leader of relief, is looking like he will be the savior.[/QUOTE]I don't necessarily agree with the 'conquering' part of the American arrival but there is no doubt it will mark a dramatic change in relief efforts.

USA Brig Gen. Paul Kennedy promised a response akin to the widely praised USA military one after the 2004 Asian tsunami, when fleets of helicopters dropped water and food to hundreds of isolated communities."You are not just going to see Marines and a few planes and some helicopters," Kennedy said."You will see the entire Pacific Command respond to this crisis."

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker; 1496078]You've got a good point.

We should look at the needs and find the charities best equipped to service those needs right now. People will die of hunger, thirst and diseases if exposed to the environment within 1 to 2 weeks.

With roads washed out and bridges swept away, the roads may be difficult to navigate, making delivery of aids on land difficult, if not possible.

The quickest means to deliver aids right now would be by helicopters or airdrops, providing there are people on the ground who are coordinated to distribute aids and administer medicines etc. Drinking water pouches or bottles and instant food can be thrown out of helicopter to crowds of people as had been done after the tsunami in the Adaman sea.

Look for charities who have worked with the US government and US military in the past, like Red Cross, Catholic Charity, World Vision, Direct Donations etc.[/QUOTE]I think in Phi best thing to do is distribute aid through the church. Phi people are generally afraid of the church. They are not afraid of government, police, military.

If the our military aid is air dropped local corrupt leaders will hoard it and sell to people. There needs to be a distribution system so the needy people get it. I hope in this time of need people do not keep the aid for themselves rather share it with others.

Back in the 19th century when the US Navy was running on diesel fuel and coal, it did need land bases in the Pacific for supply and maintenance of the Pacific fleet. That was the main reason for the US to purchase the Hawaii islands and to fight the Spanish out of the Philippines.

After kicking out the Spanish, the US took over the Phil as her colony. Japan seized the Phil during WWII and was later driven off by Gen Douglas McArthur. After WWII, the Philippines petitioned US congress a few times to be annexed as a state into the US, but they were all declined, primarily due to Filipinos' lack of intelligence, drive and morals.

The US bought Hawaii long before that. I don't see how Hawaiians, being the same Polynesian stock, were any better than their neighbors in the Philippines such that the US had to pay a very high price to buy over their islands, but their location was smack in the center of the Pacific with a deep harbor in Honolulu, enabling the US' diesel-driven fleet full coverage of the entire ocean.

Without the US' presence, Japan would have quickly taken over and enslaved Hawaiians in WWII just like the Philippines. Remember Japan' s sneaky attack on Pearl Harbor in 1942? All they needed was 1 ship load of soldiers and they could have taken all Hawaii islands over.

After WWII US aircraft carrier fleets and submarines were all designed to run with atomic reactors. There is not much need to supply them frequently with massive amount of diesel fuel like before. The US no longer needed land base in the Philippines, and upon demands for much higher lease costs, abandoned her bases at Subic bay and Clark in the 80's.

Of course, having US helicopters from aircraft carriers throw water pouches and instant food to the hungry crowds gains lots of quick credit, trust and confidence for the US, a very cheap marketing campaign, but something China and Russia do not have the means to do.

Asian countries need the US far more than the US needs them. They need the US' superior weapons and technologies to fight off Imperialist China who's brazenly robbing them of their islands and territorial waters full of oil, gas and fishing resources.

The US will soon have to shed her youngsters' blood again to help The Phil, Vietnam, Malaysia, even Australia, japan and South Korea, fight off the stupid, greedy, arrogant Chinese bully, who's been acting way out of line recently.

As of 2012, 1 division of US Marines has been sent to Australia to cooperate with Australian defense forces to dig in a defense line on the North coast.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic; 1496231]I don't necessarily agree with the 'conquering' part of the American arrival but there is no doubt it will mark a dramatic change in relief efforts.

USA Brig Gen. Paul Kennedy promised a response akin to the widely praised USA military one after the 2004 Asian tsunami, when fleets of helicopters dropped water and food to hundreds of isolated communities."You are not just going to see Marines and a few planes and some helicopters," Kennedy said."You will see the entire Pacific Command respond to this crisis."[/QUOTE]

I hope Catholic Charities and The phil's Catholic church, have enough trained manpower, resources, means and networking to distribute aids quickly to the needy.

US Navy' commanders should instruct their air crews to throw aids directly on the population and into churches' properties liek they did before in the Adaman sea tsunami.

When the needs for victims' survival are so large and so urgent as in this typhoon Yolanda disaster, any means or any organizations should be used to fill the needs quickly first. Then afterward, I hope the bros will analyze the effectiveness, efficiency and failures of various organizations and charities, and let the rest of the world know the results.


[QUOTE=Sammon; 1496305]I think in Phi best thing to do is distribute aid through the church. Phi people are generally afraid of the church. They are not afraid of government, police, military.

If the our military aid is air dropped local corrupt leaders will hoard it and sell to people. There needs to be a distribution system so the needy people get it. I hope in this time of need people do not keep the aid for themselves rather share it with others.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker; 1496310]The US bought Hawaii long before that. I don't see how Hawaiians, being the same Polynesian stock, were any better than their neighbors in the Philippines such that the US had to pay a very high price to buy over their islands, but their location was smack in the center of the Pacific with a deep harbor in Honolulu, enabling the US' diesel-driven fleet full coverage of the entire ocean.

As of 2012, 1 division of US Marines has been sent to Australia to cooperate with Australian defense forces to dig in a defense line on the North coast.[/QUOTE]The US never really "bought" the PI, nor Hawaii for that matter; not as in a land purchase agreement such as the Seward Alaskan deal or the Louisiana land purchase. The 20 million USD paid circa 1898 was more to settle the Spanish American war in part simply because funding the war itself was going to cost that much or more. Hawaii in contrast was "purchased" by individuals (US, European) who negotiated private sales of real estate with individual chieftains. The US did annex and later incorporate HI into statehood, but by the 20th century most "Hawaiians" were ancestral descendants of immigrants and not truly Hawaiian nationality. So by the time "democracy" and voting were established in HI, the original tribal Hawaiians had lost all forms of power. HI has also always been worth much more to the US in strategic and commercial terms than PI ever has or will be. In the PI of course the US ended up killing quite a few pinoys to impose her rule. From the Spanish to US and Japan, pinoys have only been stepchildren and that's how their Govt and for that matter disaster management has evolved.

It will be interesting to see how much actual aid is delivered by the USN et al especially with the sequestration effects on the US military. The joint chiefs are howling about the US military in general losing all manner of combat preparedness, resources etc; will a humanitarian crisis in the PI get a meaningful response from the US govt and DOD?

Small correction on the Aussie based USMC; really that's an augmented battalion there, maybe a brigade in the coming years; just enough for a footprint, plant the flag and let the Aussies know we have their 6. I think we have about 1500 there now and a division is more like 15-20, 000.

[quote=econo tech;1496197]though, as i said before, a filipino voice has started saying "donate directly, not via the govt" and then the ph govt says, items that are routed through them are the only items duty exempt, all else taxable.[/quote]i was stunned to read et's comment but a quick check indicates it may (emphasis on may) have been a rumor and was quickly clarified that there would be no taxes on donated items. the customs commissioner, ruffy biazon, said it was a rumor started over a lufthansa shipment and that the relief goods were released immediately and exempted from taxes.

however, i did find that donated goods must be accompanied by paperwork and items of clothing will apparently be confirep001ed by the philippine department of social welfare and development (dswd). i'll assume these asshats think adding an additional, unnecessary step in the process will make things better. i've managed to talk to a few people in the tacloban area and there were 3 items they said they needed critically; food, water, and clothing. i was surprised there was no mention of shelter but i would also imagine filipinos are finding a way to shelter themselves; they are a resilient people. if the dswd is in fact fucking things up by confirep001ing clothing, they need to be shot.

[url]http://customs.gov.ph/news/2013/11/12/processingreleasing-of-foreign-donated-shipments/[/url]

The coverage of the post-Yolanda disaster is massive, both in the international and local broadcast and print media. Many of the articles and programs express astonishment that no one from the government is in charge. It's only the enormity of the international relief effort that's offering any solace and assistance to the survivors. One Tacloban resident who survived the storm was quoted in Le Monde as saying that he thought the helicopters of the Philippine government were there to look at the scenery since they weren't being used to provide any assistance.

The bland indifference on the part of the national government to the suffering of it's own citizens is more than bewildering; it's incomprehensible.

GE

Yo Gents, I hope I'm not the only perv to donate to the relief effort of the Philippines. The tragedy is catastrophic and they need help badly. I donated a couple of bills to [url]https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/onetime.cfm[/url] 2 days ago. When I donated the funds they had a box you could check stating that your donation was strictly for the Philippines. Now I don't see that box. I called them to complain and they said it was a technical glitch. Well I don't know if I can recommend DWB but if you look around there are other options.

I hope there are guys here that can afford to help these people in their time in hell and maybe make it survivable. These people in Tacloban and a huge surrounding area have no water, food, or a roof over there head. The survivors (many of them) watched their loved ones die in the rushing waters. If they found their dead loved ones there is no where to bury them, we're talking thousands of dead bodies twisted in the mud and rubble, the survivors are left to sleep and starve in the same rubble.

This is beyond words to understand. I gave $200 and I will give another $200 in a week or so. To watch this disaster play out on CNN is heartbreaking, I feel really bad for every one of them. I never liked Anderson Cooper but he is doing a great (and I mean great) job, describing the hell the locals are going through. I have to say he is very impressive in this coverage. Before his reporting from the PI I thought he was just a talking head. I am stunned by the strengh of these people that live there. I hope all mongers can spare some dough for this cause.

Good luck to the survivors.

[QUOTE=Socker;1496463]Good luck to the survivors.[/QUOTE]PS: to those not in the know, keep your criticism of Aquino's leadership within the expat crowd, or online.

As usual as many Filipinos are disgusted by his style, many more are madly ready to commit harakiri to defend PNoy's honour. After all, he took over from a dirty president (Arroyo) and he has cleaned out corruption, and of course, he lost his mother and that was a great reason to elect him in right?

And as usual the PH Church has waded in to not see his mistakes, but to glorify PNoy's good deeds, like being onsite, firing some govt officials. Not declaring Martial Law. Etc.

Here in SG, a local almost got beat up by Proud Filipinos, who don't believe anybody could have done a better job. Though it is 7 days since the disaster hit and nobody knows who is in control, nor did anybody own up to not preparing for a well-recognised Cat 5 storm.

And to add to the comedy, many Filipinos insist that the weather warning didn't warn of Storm surge, and that could have saved lives. Yah right.

[QUOTE=OralFanatic;1496368]I was stunned to read ET's comment but a quick check indicates it may (emphasis on may) have been a rumor and was quickly clarified that there would be no taxes on donated items. The Customs Commissioner, Ruffy Biazon, said it was a rumor started over a Lufthansa shipment and that the relief goods were released immediately and exempted from taxes.[/QUOTE]In Singapore the PH Embassy has reminded to route all donations via DWSD, to avoid taxation. No, I didn't want to bother asking too much details.

Of course, the comedy is, those kababayan boxes are rarely taxed. So many are anyway not bothering and sending stuff via the Kababayan boxes.

I remembered when I was stopped in NAIA years ago, and asked to pay tax for a old sound system I was taking to gift a church. The Officer did say if I had packed in normal boxes, he could have let me go, but I packed in the original boxes, and he didn't want to be seen inept if he didn't intercept it. Especially since a Foreigner was bringing in "taxable" items.

No kidding, when I told him the thing was worth not more than 100$, he made ma pay 10$ or so in taxes, I have the recipt. As he again, didn't want to be seen letting me go without any tax being levied.

That's the reality.

My Filipino friends are all shipping any relief stuff by LBC / AFreight, JollyB Box and the likes, knowing they will not be taxed, as they are all declared as 'personal effects'

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1496400]The coverage of the post-Yolanda disaster is massive, both in the international and local broadcast and print media. Many of the articles and programs express astonishment that no one from the government is in charge. It's only the enormity of the international relief effort that's offering any solace and assistance to the survivors. One Tacloban resident who survived the storm was quoted in Le Monde as saying that he thought the helicopters of the Philippine government were there to look at the scenery since they weren't being used to provide any assistance.

The bland indifference on the part of the national government to the suffering of it's own citizens is more than bewildering; it's incomprehensible.

GE[/QUOTE]A further depressing fact is that some think the international media is not telling the truth GE.

I was shown some Facebook posts shwoing a picture of Anderson Cooper and the lady anchor from one of the local news stations. She was quoted as saying "I don't know what he (ie A Cooper) is talking about"). Based on ths likley stupid post many pinays all believed the lady and felt that the government was doing a good job and the media were wrong and biased agianst Filipinos and the country (cpmpletely barmy IMHO). I did point out the girl that this was rubbish and the post was someone trying to deflect criticism etc but she said I was anti Filipino if I thought that and on the side of the international media (I also pointed out that much of the aid work and workers are foreign. Tho\is made her think!)

Again PNoy has been caught with his pants down, saying recently that the death toll was around 2000 when the BBC today quoted a sign in Tacloban that said the death in the city alone was 4500. And the President is asking the media to be fair (maybe a veiled reference to the local boys to "tow the government line or else"?)

Other educated pinays I know and meet are more forthcoming and outspoken. They understand the problems and allocate blame fairly IMHO and are saying the government will pay at the ballot box but what would the next lot of family dynasty politicians do?

As a post script and not on the subject of the typhoon but based on what some are saying, a recently article in the Inquirer about young Estrada complaining that the DOJ wanted his passport due to his alledged dealings in the pork barrel scam resulted in many (all negative) comments. One guys called hima "pig" and felt he should be in the "pig pen with all the others", was an interesting read and I was surprised to read such vitriole. As it was Estrada left the country saying he would return soon (watch this space).

Lots of heart-breaking images:

[url]http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/typhoon-haiyan/[/url]

Just watched an Anderson Cooper video in which he interviewed the US Marine Corps General, who lamented that he didn't have enough trucks to distribute relief supplies. When questioned, he indicated that the Government of the Philippines has provided a total of 8 trucks! Eight trucks! What the hell is the matter with the government here. In another video Cooper said that the people here are used to being let down by their government, and in fact have decades of experience in realizing that their government will do nothing for them. In this case, he said, the Government is living down to expectations. Here's the link to the videos; a link that I copied from Luke Skywalker, whom I thank.

[url]http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/typhoon-haiyan/[/url]

GE

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1496532]Just watched an Anderson Cooper video in which he interviewed the US Marine Corps General, who lamented that he didn't have enough trucks to distribute relief supplies. When questioned, he indicated that the Government of the Philippines has provided a total of 8 trucks! Eight trucks! GE[/QUOTE]Nie FR GE.

Further to my earlier FR this is a link to the issue Korina Sanchez (aka the wife of the Interior Minister Roxas) had with Cooper and his reporting in Ta cloban. His reply is somewhat pointed. I did like his comment about "am sure she can get a flight to Tacloban"

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/527763/anderson-cooper-to-korina-sanchez-go-to-tacloban[/url]

As you said GE "what the hell are the Philippine government doing" However as the video stated citizens are used to being let down. So why bother to vote them out as at least the politicians are a constant source of disappointment. Imagine what a new ser of non aligned family politicians could do with the taxpayers LOL.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1496532]Just watched an Anderson Cooper video in which he interviewed the US Marine Corps General, who lamented that he didn't have enough trucks to distribute relief supplies. When questioned, he indicated that the Government of the Philippines has provided a total of 8 trucks! Eight trucks! What the hell is the matter with the government here. In another video Cooper said that the people here are used to being let down by their government, and in fact have decades of experience in realizing that their government will do nothing for them. In this case, he said, the Government is living down to expectations.

GE[/QUOTE]On another mongers forum lots of comments and kudos to Anderson for reporting the truth.

He made a well reasoned rebuttal to Korina Sanchez by showing what he had said, in response to her questioning his statement as to whether hed actually seen any Philippines government people in Tacloban. He suggested Korina go there and see what he had seen. Korina, well known for being the type of journalist who says, then checks later. A quite unpleasant lady up close and personal.

Anderson a real thorn in the side of Philippines at the moment, purely for saying what he sees.

BBC is equally is equally factual and brutally honest about the lack of aid and the suffering of the people.

And in response, The Pres says he would like to see more "uplifting stories" Anything to deflect from the torrents of criticism.

GE[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1496541]He made a well reasoned rebuttal to Korina Sanchez by showing what he had said, in response to her questioning his statement as to whether hed actually seen any Philippines government people in Tacloban. He suggested Korina go there and see what he had seen. Korina, well known for being the type of journalist who says, then checks later. A quite unpleasant lady up close and personal.[/QUOTE]Remember of course that her husband is Mar Roxas, the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which is one of the front-line agencies that will be blamed for the failure of support systems.

Mar Roxas is trying to position himself to make a run for the Presidency in 2016, but this disaster might see him fall of the track.

I want to know where is VP Binay? No sign nor sound of him anywhere.

I guess he is another of the invisible leaders.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1496543]Remember of course that her husband is Mar Roxas, the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which is one of the front-line agencies that will be blamed for the failure of support systems.

Mar Roxas is trying to position himself to make a run for the Presidency in 2016, but this disaster might see him fall of the track.

I want to know where is VP Binay? No sign nor sound of him anywhere.

I guess he is another of the invisible leaders.[/QUOTE]

Where is Manny Pacquiao? Mr Philippines himself.

The USA should just send over Silvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger and clean it up. In 1 hour and 50 minutes.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1496543]I want to know where is VP Binay? No sign nor sound of him anywhere.

I guess he is another of the invisible leaders.[/QUOTE]I think his invisibility will be his trump card. We both know he will say he was busy working behind the scenes, and didn't want to take any attention from the President. Hes probabyl got his Boy Scouts packing noodles.

[QUOTE=Socker; 1496547]Where is Manny Pacquiao? Mr Philippines himself.

The USA should just send over Silvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger and clean it up. In 1 hour and 50 minutes.[/QUOTE]Manny wanted to put in an appearance, apparently, but Freddie Roach wouldn't let him out of his gym in Gensan. When you are in the final stages of training for an important fight (probably his last if he gets beat) , distractions are to be avoided, and he listens to his coach. I'm sure Rocky would understand.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1496559]I think his invisibility will be his trump card. We both know he will say he was busy working behind the scenes, and didn't want to take any attention from the President. Hes probabyl got his Boy Scouts packing noodles.[/QUOTE]Maybe but was not invisible in Zambo when the MILF attacked and royally stuffed that p with his claims of brokering peace . Many said he did it as he felt he was ignored and was a clinical political move nothing to do with helping the poor buggers caught up in the violence.

Maybe this time PNoy has told him to keep quiet and let others fail and show ineptitude so then PNoy can claim that many in his Cabinet are not fir for the presidency so he should say an extra term LOL.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1496559]I think his invisibility will be his trump card. We both know he will say he was busy working behind the scenes, and didn't want to take any attention from the President. Hes probabyl got his Boy Scouts packing noodles.[/QUOTE]And some relief goods have apparently turned up with VP Binay's 'label' stuck there. And somebody posted the picture in FB. Whether it is a recycled photo or really a new one, I don't know

BTW, the Lopez family chartered the AN 225, to fly in some stuff for their own project and somehow the natives went all out thanking Russia (though the plane is Ukranian) and even calling on Gods to ensure the safety of the Russians. Damn, the natives don't even bother to read the news stating the delivery was planned ahead and only for some transmission upgrade, not to do anything with Tacloban,

Wonder why the politicos keep winning? That's why. Once swayed, or a suggestion X person is doign the right thing, the rest don't bother to see if it is real. Including many crying out for Imelda to come and save them.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1496532]Just watched an Anderson Cooper video in which he interviewed the US Marine Corps General, who lamented that he didn't have enough trucks to distribute relief supplies. When questioned, he indicated that the Government of the Philippines has provided a total of 8 trucks! Eight trucks! What the hell is the matter with the government here. In another video Cooper said that the people here are used to being let down by their government, and in fact have decades of experience in realizing that their government will do nothing for them. In this case, he said, the Government is living down to expectations. Here's the link to the videos; a link that I copied from Luke Skywalker, whom I thank.

[url]http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/14/world/asia/typhoon-haiyan/[/url]

GE[/QUOTE]Fret not. Still come next election, the natives will dutifully vote in again those blundering fools or their appointed subjects.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1496653]Fret not. Still come next election, the natives will dutifully vote in again those blundering fools or their appointed subjects.[/QUOTE]Because they will have been paid to do so.

The politicians will appear during the rebuilding phase when contracts are awarded from the donated millions. They do not want to miss out on their cuts and must be rubbing their palms as they are about to get filthy rich quickly.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1496653]Fret not. Still come next election, the natives will dutifully vote in again those blundering fools or their appointed subjects.[/QUOTE]It starts already.

[url]http://technology.inquirer.net/30669/binay-lambasted-online-for-epal-relief-bags[/url]

You can imagine the thought process in Juans house."The VP saved me from hunger so it means hes a good man so I should vote from him.

Logic says he probably borrowed some food from an international aid agency's contribution, paid for the cute little bags, wasted time in delivering the aid by having it packed in his cute little bags and he thus hopes to be the president by doing this. Some peoples ambitions both know no bounds and know no limits on greed.

I watched a report on aid in the Tacloban area earlier today on Al Jazeera. It was very well done and not too too sensational or full of accusations. At one point the reporter showed a family pack of food one of the local recipients was complaining about. A bloated can of sardines (which means do not eat). And a kilo or so of rice which was old, yellow, and apparently had gotten wet then dried as it turned to powder once in water.

I've started seeing my FB pinay friends starting to fall for the line about calling on the world to stop global warming which they say caused the typhoon.

[url]http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=did-climate-change-cause-typhoon-haiyan[/url]

I love seeing the posts that they spread, about some vitamin that causes weight loss, super fitness and long life.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1496652]Wonder why the politicos keep winning? That's why. Once swayed, or a suggestion X person is doign the right thing, the rest don't bother to see if it is real. Including many crying out for Imelda to come and save them.[/QUOTE]Imelda, like Binay has been invisible. She was apparently in hospital with high blood sugar. All that lechon will ventually get to you.

Her family "kept the news about the typhoon from her " (now who believes that sweet nonsense ). And on finally hearing there was a typhoon, she demanded to be let out of hospital immediately.

Her family talked her into staying.

What a lovely full of crap story.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1497957]Imelda, like Binay has been invisible. She was apparently in hospital with high blood sugar. All that lechon will ventually get to you.

Her family "kept the news about the typhoon from her " (now who believes that sweet nonsense ). And on finally hearing there was a typhoon, she demanded to be let out of hospital immediately.

Her family talked her into staying.

What a lovely full of crap story.[/QUOTE]Pst, the above will win sympathy votes, when Bong Bong comes to power as president. Trust me. The natives, atleast the majority of the voting natives, are swayed by anything that can sound emotional.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1497690]It starts already.

[url]http://technology.inquirer.net/30669/binay-lambasted-online-for-epal-relief-bags[/url]

You can imagine the thought process in Juans house."The VP saved me from hunger so it means hes a good man so I should vote from him.

Logic says he probably borrowed some food from an international aid agency's contribution, paid for the cute little bags, wasted time in delivering the aid by having it packed in his cute little bags and he thus hopes to be the president by doing this. Some peoples ambitions both know no bounds and know no limits on greed.[/QUOTE]Still the bottom line is, the poor are not going to put logic into asking "whose money it was". They will still vote in those. Unless those powers-be. As been mooted, switch to a more transparent parliamentary system where each representative is responsible for his ward, and only his ward, and ministers etc are responsible.

Look at those jumping at Binay's defence. Saying it was from another disaster. They miss the logic that regardless, benefiting from any disaster is a crime. Then again, in PH Law, they may have a million loop hole to get away with it.

BTW, you also know Binay has corruption charges pending? As is his wife and daughter? That didn't' stop people voting them in. Right? So how?

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1497969]BTW, you also know Binay has corruption charges pending? As is his wife and daughter? That didn't' stop people voting them in. Right? So how?[/QUOTE]Yes, he has several from his first and second terms. And his wife has from her single term.

I went to his daughters wedding which was well over 100 tables. Not bad to afford that on a then Mayors salary.

Only in the Philippines could this happen.

Kris Aquino was batting for the other side and her side lost, Roxas is clearly a Presidents man. The horrifying commnet in this article (ha; f was down) is that the Mayor was given only 2 trucks! GE's comment from the US General said he got 8 trucks. Clearly helping was not a priority but trying to score points against an incumbent oppostion memeber is LOL.

Only in PI!

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/529621/roxas-muscling-romualdez-out-of-tacloban-city-hall[/url]

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/529883/aquino-roxas-romualdez-strike-deal[/url]

And Roxas has the the radio / TV show wife (Korina Sanchez) who thought CNN and Anderson Cooper were not being fair. So she will be giving some more fair reporting on this LOL.

Not to seem insensitive, but this IS a mongering forum. Any thoughts about what, if any, effect the big typhoon may have on the mongering market? One might speculate that because of the sudden rash of homelessness and financial catastrophe in Leyte, we might see a massive influx of fresh pussy in the Manila and AC markets, thereby increasing supply and lowering prices. What do you all think?

RG

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1498310]One might speculate that because of the sudden rash of homelessness and financial catastrophe in Leyte, we might see a massive influx of fresh pussy in the Manila and AC markets, thereby increasing supply and lowering prices. What do you all think?

RG[/QUOTE]Someone in the AC thread said that bars expect an influx of new ladies as a result of the supertyphoon. Manila not sure but AC is definitely a magnet RG.

I would guess a massive influx of foreign military, U. N. And NGOs in Cebu completely ruining P4P and filling up hotels and restaurants as in Port au Prince, Haiti. I really hope I am wrong on this as my favorite destination will be destroyed.

[QUOTE=David_33;1498321]I would guess a massive influx of foreign military, U. N. And NGOs in Cebu completely ruining P4P and filling up hotels and restaurants as in Port au Prince, Haiti. I really hope I am wrong on this as my favorite destination will be destroyed.[/QUOTE]Sitting in my 'office' the other day David I did notice a larger than normal amount of westerners some with huge backsides (thus proving why we prefer Asian women). Lots of new faces some with name badges!

While my 'office' is a small sample you know that it does attract lots of new people so best to assume this is happening. I hope the NGOs focus on relief help and don't start doing more of the IJM stuff as that will ruin your / my and others favourite destination even further. My usual hotel was also much busier.

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1498310]Not to seem insensitive, but this IS a mongering forum. Any thoughts about what, if any, effect the big typhoon may have on the mongering market? One might speculate that because of the sudden rash of homelessness and financial catastrophe in Leyte, we might see a massive influx of fresh pussy in the Manila and AC markets, thereby increasing supply and lowering prices. What do you all think?

RG[/QUOTE]As I already mentioned in the Cebu and AC threads, an influx of girls will certainly happen. However, I don't think you'll see any price decreases, if anything they'll most likely ply on your sympathies and probably try to get as much as they can. One girl I met last night is awaiting her 19 year old sister to arrive from Leyte via Cebu. She asked if I would be interested in seeing her; of course I'll make another donation for the cause, LOL.

[QUOTE=David_33;1498321]I would guess a massive influx of foreign military, U. N. And NGOs in Cebu completely ruining P4P and filling up hotels and restaurants as in Port au Prince, Haiti. I really hope I am wrong on this as my favorite destination will be destroyed.[/QUOTE]Good point David, but me thinks you're just worried about competition at the Marriot's buffet, it was bad enough with those fat white NGO ladies last time, LOL. Hopefully they'll stay out on Mactan as the airport seems to be the hub / primary staging area for the relief efforts or maybe the Radisson, it was almost empty when I left and was undergoing extensive repairs too.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1498047]And Roxas has the the radio / TV show wife (Korina Sanchez) who thought CNN and Anderson Cooper were not being fair. So she will be giving some more fair reporting on this LOL.[/QUOTE]Of course, she is objective, and has won enough sympathy votes. So much so many Pinoys have started to curse Anderson Cooper for making life miserable for Filipinos. Etc. Etc. Including some Letter from a retired Govt Servant who said "I will bear the pain of Anderson Cooper's bad reporting, for the good of my people."

That wins votes, my friend.

[quote=radical guy;1498310]not to seem insensitive, but this is a mongering forum. any thoughts about what, if any, effect the big typhoon may have on the mongering market? one might speculate that because of the sudden rash of homelessness and financial catastrophe in leyte, we might see a massive influx of fresh pussy in the manila and ac markets, thereby increasing supply and lowering prices. what do you all think?[/quote]bound to see an influx of homeless families hitting cebu city and many perhaps heading for the ncr, which will mean more itinerant beggars on the streets, many with nothing to sell except their offspring. a human tragedy. also an increase in [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908][CodeWord908][/url] with many of the women and girls fetching up in casas, bars or working the streets but not entirely voluntarily.

[url]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10444849/typhoon-haiyan-relief-effort-we-are-failing-thousands-of-girls-at-risk-of-[url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url]-or-trafficking-says-justine-greening.html[/url]

[QUOTE=David_33;1498321]I would guess a massive influx of foreign military, U. N. And NGOs in Cebu completely ruining P4P and filling up hotels and restaurants as in Port au Prince, Haiti. I really hope I am wrong on this as my favorite destination will be destroyed.[/QUOTE]Recent history with American CIA, Secret Service, and State Department employees suggest that some among their ranks also like pussy. They always have. They will, of course, be accompanied by women colleagues who might look dimly on their prurient pursuits. Even NGO workers may be human. There's a recent book out (*Chasing Chaos*) by an American woman, probably 30ish, describing her ten years in humanitarian NGO aid work. I haven't read it yet but probably will. Among other things, she apparently argues that most NGO workers are humanly "flawed"; they are not angels, despite the stereotypes. I have heard that she offers some background on the ways that aid workers often party hardy and do short-term hookups as a part of relieving their own stress and exposure to trauma. I think the jury is still out about the effects these groups will have.

We might, on the other hand, fear the longer-term effects these foreign professionals will have on lifting the Philippines out of poverty, and thus removing the conditions that lead all the SWTs into plying the trade. Fortunately, the track record for professionals from "the North" lifting Third World countries out of poverty is not strong. Ultimately, if the light bulb doesn't want to be changed, it doesn't matter how many shrinks try to twist it out of the socket. Development in the Philippines, and all over the developing world, hinges much more on the locals than the foreign change agents.

Sorry to kick sand in the face of Westerners in this forum who do development work; I guess I am one of them. But hopefully most of us realize that our job security rests much more with policy makers in our own countries than with much of anything in our interactions with the locals.

BTW, for those who don't believe Filipinos can get super emotional, do read the comments. The comments are more hilarious than the actual news item!

[url]http://adobochronicles.com/2013/11/20/philippines-disqualified-from-beauty-pageants-for-the-next-two-years/[/url]

[QUOTE=David_33;1498321]I would guess a massive influx of foreign military, U. N. And NGOs in Cebu completely ruining P4P and filling up hotels and restaurants as in Port au Prince, Haiti. I really hope I am wrong on this as my favorite destination will be destroyed.[/QUOTE]I don't think the numbers of military will ever be that overwhelming, not American anyways. There being routed to different areas and able commanders will want to keep troopers on a short leash in an already chaotic environment. You may know Haiti better then me but the few times I've been there the list of cons is so long I'd be running out of days of the week counting them. The regulars down in PAP were notably more fed up with UN folk who were there in big numbers and flush with cash which they were seemingly obliged to give away at quasi western rates for satisfying their libido. Nowhere close to the PI, IMO. Add the PI is much larger as well. Even if US gets "invited" back to PI I can't imagine a reopened Subic as she once was unless we empty out the Korean peninsula which of course is not going to happen anytime soon. US DoD is facing big cuts and still have to extricate from US self absorbed mess SW Asia.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech; 1498762]BTW, for those who don't believe Filipinos can get super emotional, do read the comments. The comments are more hilarious than the actual news item!

[url]http://adobochronicles.com/2013/11/20/philippines-disqualified-from-beauty-pageants-for-the-next-two-years/[/url][/QUOTE]Brilliant!

[quote]Me: "Baby, did you hear the sad news? The Philippines is banned from competing in all international beauty pageants for the next 2 years."

Girl: "What? What?"[/quote]I read aloud the "report" and she spontaneously combusted.

If I fess up that it's only a joke should I fear for my life?

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1498809]Brilliant!

I read aloud the "report" and she spontaneously combusted.

If I fess up that it's only a joke should I fear for my life?[/QUOTE]I am sure there is a PNG notice against you. Forget visiting PH.

It is only a matter of time before a prompt senate resolution is passed, condemning you (yes, you, don't' ask the logic of shooting the messenger.)

Welcome to PH.

[QUOTE=David_33;1498321]I would guess a massive influx of foreign military, U. N. And NGOs in Cebu completely ruining P4P and filling up hotels and restaurants as in Port au Prince, Haiti. I really hope I am wrong on this as my favorite destination will be destroyed.[/QUOTE]You are right. They ain't going no where. Its not a relief and rescue mission but creating a base for American empire. Like they did in Haiti. Everyone must read the below article and today UK is sending its biggest warship to the region. One of the biggest aircraft carriers from US is already there.

[url]http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-military-continues-massive-build-up-in-philippine-disaster-zone-took-over-air-traffic-in-tacloban/5358799[/url]

Washington has deployed a massive military force to the region. The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, with 5, 000 sailors and 80 aircraft, is in the Leyte Gulf, along with its strike group of two guided-missile cruisers, two guided-missile destroyers, a cargo ship, an oceanographic survey ship and a submarine tender. These are to be joined by 3 amphibious warfare ships and 2 littoral combat ships. Some 850 US troops are on the ground in Leyte and are to be joined by an additional 1, 000 US Marines in the next two days.

Joint Task Force 505, under the command of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler, has set up headquarters for the US forces in Camp Aguinaldo, the military headquarters of the Philippine Army.

While this build-up is referred to as 'providing assistance, ' it is clear that the US military is just not 'assisting' their Philippine counterparts, but commanding them. US forces are operating the air traffic control tower at the Tacloban airport, controlling which flights are allowed to land and take off there.

'We are controlling 250 ops (operations) per day, ' USA Air Force Master Sgt. Clinton Dykes told the US military publication Stars and Stripes on November 15. The number of operations has increased significantly since then.

The Philippine military is being deployed as armed crowd control in the city of Tacloban, implementing a de facto system of martial law, with an 8 pm–6 am curfew. The hundreds of armed military and police patrolling streets are further supplemented by the armed private guards who defend the homes and property of the wealthy.

[QUOTE=Starchild2012;1498958]While this build-up is referred to as 'providing assistance, ' it is clear that the US military is just not 'assisting' their Philippine counterparts, but commanding them. US forces are operating the air traffic control tower at the Tacloban airport, controlling which flights are allowed to land and take off there.[/QUOTE]Well, it is fair, that the US use these opportunities to hone their skills.

Post 2004, a few Asian countries do regular exercises with USAF, flying in their FLY-away ATC, first delivery of road clearing crew / fork lifts / dozers etc. And letting them simulate a disaster relief op. Which, if PH govt had asked US Govt as the shit hit the ceiling (I. E. The day the Typhoon hit) , the US crew would have been more than happy to put practice to use.

Then again, the PH govt sort of sat on it for days, till others had to nudge them that winning the upcoming mayoral election is ok, but not sacrificing the people in lieu.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1499201]Which, if PH govt had asked US Govt as the shit hit the ceiling (I. E. The day the Typhoon hit) , the US crew would have been more than happy to put practice to use.[/QUOTE]I'm not here to defend the Philippine government but reports of the devastation didn't begin to arrive until Saturday. The first American team, led by a USMC colonel from the embassy's Joint Military Assistance Group (JUSMAGPHIL) , was in Tacloban on Sunday. This group did the assessment that was provided to Pacific Command in Hawaii and the Pentagon and then orders to 7th Fleet, etc. were sent.

That the relief team, currently the size of a battalion, is led by a lieutenant general (3 stars) , a rank that commands an army such 8th Army in Korea or a fleet such as 7th Fleet in Japan, demonstrates the seriousness of the mission. Lt Gen Wissler is the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) based in Okinawa.

Another commentator here stated: "Its not a relief and rescue mission but creating a base for American empire." Bollocks.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1499266]I'm not here to defend the Philippine government but reports of the devastation didn't begin to arrive until Saturday. The first American team, led by a USMC colonel from the embassy's Joint Military Assistance Group (JUSMAGPHIL) , was in Tacloban on Sunday. This group did the assessment that was provided to Pacific Command in Hawaii and the Pentagon and then orders to 7th Fleet, etc. were sent.[/QUOTE]Errr. Sort of everybody, other than the PH govt knew what havoc a Cat 4 storm can create, so much so, the USN is supposed to have pre-positioned their survey ship even before the Typhoon hit.

[i]The Military Sealift Command-operated USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) , a USA Navy vessel purposely built to survey the seafloor, and one of the first vessels on scene in the Philippines. This ship was actually anchored in the Philippines immediately before the storm hit and had sortied in advance. [/i]

My point is, the whole world knew what will happen, except PNoy and his excellent team. Then they blamed it on the Storm Surge. Surge or no surge, they must have evac'd the place clean.

After all, the overwhelming majority of the educated masses believe he left Tacloban and Leyte to go to hell as they were not under his friend's rule (I. E Marcos' controlled areas.)

It is fair in Politics, says most of the educated masses, knowing what happened and is happening. And Pnoy can rest assured his friends of Team PNoy will be the next powers-be in that area.

[QUOTE=Starchild2012; 1498958]You are right. They ain't going no where. Its not a relief and rescue mission but creating a base for American empire. Like they did in Haiti. Everyone must read the below article and today UK is sending its biggest warship to the region. One of the biggest aircraft carriers from US is already there.

While this build-up is referred to as 'providing assistance, ' it is clear that the US military is just not 'assisting' their Philippine counterparts, but commanding them. US forces are operating the air traffic control tower at the Tacloban airport, controlling which flights are allowed to land and take off there.[/QUOTE]Wow. Are there still US military forces in Haiti? No, they left in 2010; all of them.

Regarding the temporary control tower / radar system; does anyone in the Philippine military (or private sector) have any training on this equipment? No doubt the volume of aircraft coming in to Tacloban has surged and from the sounds of it. 80% to 90% are US military aircraft. When you are contributing 90% of the hardware, you get to run the show. With the safety of my American brothers and sisters on the line, as well as the billions of American taxpayer funded hardware, I don't see this happening any other way.

Washington did not 'deploy' a massive military force to the region; we were already there. The region is called Asia and we've had hardware and ass on the line in Asia for as long as I've been alive.

I don't pretend to know what's going on with US/Phil relations because I don't, but Naome Klein talks about that kind of behavior in her excellent book The Shock Doctrine, the Rise Of Disaster Capitalism.

[QUOTE=Starchild2012; 1498958]You are right. They ain't going no where. Its not a relief and rescue mission but creating a base for American empire. Like they did in Haiti. Everyone must read the below article and today UK is sending its biggest warship to the region. One of the biggest aircraft carriers from US is already there.

[url][url]http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-military-continues-massive-build-up-in-philippine-disaster-zone-took-over-air-traffic-in-tacloban/.[/url][/QUOTE]

The USA has $16, 000, 000, 000 in debt. Just tell us to go, we can divert funding to fixing the healthcare website.

[QUOTE=Starchild2012;1498958]The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, with 5, 000 sailors and 80 aircraft, is in the Leyte Gulf, along with its strike group of two guided-missile cruisers, two guided-missile destroyers, a cargo ship, an oceanographic survey ship and a submarine tender. These are to be joined by 3 amphibious warfare ships and 2 littoral combat ships. Some 850 US troops are on the ground in Leyte and are to be joined by an additional 1, 000 US Marines in the next two days.[/QUOTE]All large aircraft carriers travel as a battle group. Almost always present with any such carrier are one or more surface ships such as cruisers, destroyers, cargo ships (UnRep must occur reguarly for all such ships) , and possibly a medical ship (hospital) , and boats (attack submarines). Massive aircraft carriers must be defended (by other ships / planes) at all times, and never travel alone. An military assault ship can produce tens of thousands of gallons of fresh water per day. You'd have to be crazy to say no to fresh water and dozens of helicopters that can bring it (and medivac victims).

[QUOTE=Starchild2012; 1498958]While this build-up is referred to as 'providing assistance, ' it is clear that the US military is just not 'assisting' their Philippine counterparts, but commanding them. US forces are operating the air traffic control tower at the Tacloban airport, controlling which flights are allowed to land and take off there.

'We are controlling 250 ops (operations) per day, ' USA Air Force Master Sgt. Clinton Dykes told the US military publication Stars and Stripes on November 15. The number of operations has increased significantly since then.[/QUOTE]Oh THANKS BE TO GOD (that someone has taken the initiative)! It would be just as well if the British or Chinese navies could have provided similar assisstance had they been on hand. WHO provided the help is unimiportant. What is important is that the US military is suited for such relief efforts. What, you want relief efforts left to Filipino expertise?

[QUOTE=Starchild2012;1498958]The Philippine military is being deployed as armed crowd control in the city of Tacloban, implementing a de facto system of martial law, with an 8 pm–6 am curfew. The hundreds of armed military and police patrolling streets are further supplemented by the armed private guards who defend the homes and property of the wealthy.[/QUOTE]That's what they are good at. Let them keep crowd control with their presence. Those who control them are ill-equiped to handle this situation (as witnessed by the dozens of such news reports).

Sorry for the generic post. I have searched throughout this forum and I still can't find the best places for the best beaches and the best place for mongering. It looks like the 2 are exclusive, is that the case with the Philipines? Boracacy doesn't seem to have a freelance scene, is that the case with everywhere. If you guys could list good areas I'll do further research in to them.

Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=Wjmpsr;1499390]The USA has $16, 000, 000, 000 in debt.[/QUOTE]That was last week. [url]http://www.usdebtclock.org/[/url]

I've just tuned into this debate, and it's entirely possible that I've missed something, but the comments I've read so far seem overly simplistic. As one who has followed the arguments here over the desirability or lack thereof of an enhanced US military presence, my conclusion is that the US has multiple motivations for it's massive response to the Haiyan disaster. First and foremost, the US did what it did because it's the only nation that could, given its military assets and the level of technology to which those assets have access. The need was undeniable, and without the sizable rapid deployment, more people would have died. A secondary benefit is doubtless the ability to demonstrate to China (and other Asian countries) its indispensability and perhaps it's continued primacy. That the US also wished to create a tacit argument for the expansion of its military presence here is also likely true, but it's at best a tertiary motivation.

The Philippine military is almost pathetically starved of equipment, supplies and expertise, as reiterated in the national and international press. It was, and remains incapable of providing meaningful support to the victims of the disaster. The government here is inept, indifferent and equally incapable of doing much but spewing empty rhetoric.

The desire of the US to re establish military hegemony in the Philippines is, in my opinion, over stated. It also ignores the huge deployment of military assets sent by other countries such as the UK and Japan, which responded by sending the largest ships available to them. I doubt anyone believes that these two countries seek any sort of long-term advantage in the country

Given the history of US-Philippines relations, ascribing some more sinister motivations to the US response is, I suppose, inevitable but in this case it's too facile and, I believe, incorrect. For the most part, I believe that the enormity of the entire international response was proportionate to the enormity of the calamity and was motivated by a genuine desire to do what the government is both in capable and unwilling to do.

GE

Manny beat the shit out of an American. All is well in the world and Filipinos have something to cheer about.

Wonder if he gets the babes to his right as part of his purse?

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1499968]Wonder if he gets the babes to his right as part of his purse?[/QUOTE]He'll need to get after that before CS or AR gets to manhandle and photograph the girls getting jizzed.

Actually we are 16. 7 T in the hole. Other than ourselves, the US owes China the most and then Japan

Excellent comment, GE. Bravo!

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1499918]

The Philippine military is almost pathetically starved of equipment, supplies and expertise, as reiterated in the national and international press. It was, and remains incapable of providing meaningful support to the victims of the disaster. The government here is inept, indifferent and equally incapable of doing much but spewing empty rhetoric.[/QUOTE]This is true on a staggering scale. I've spent the past several nights at Villamor Airbase in Pasay participating in OPLAN Hatid, the volunteer organised and run operation that drives Yolanda survivors / refugees from the base to a relative's home or one of the tent cities sent up in metro Manila. Though on an airbase the air force's involvement aiding the people once they deplane is minimal, mostly limited to directing traffic and sweeping up litter. There's a hospital on the base with military medical staff, but people are examined in a tent by outside medical volunteers. SM sent a mobile clinic to assist. The military has buses and trucks that could be used to transport people to far off places such a Laguna and Bagiuo but instead volunteers have to save the day. The government's efforts are being run by the Department of Social Welfare's (DSWD) social workers and these employees, almost all women, have done wonderfully. Volunteers man the kitchen, distribute clothing, etc and a few companies such as Smart, Globe, and Coca Cola have booths there.

I can understand why it was chaotic and poorly run in Tacloban because the local government was shattered. But I think there is little if any excuse for the hands-off approach taken by the military and civilian authorities here.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1499918]The desire of the US to re establish military hegemony in the Philippines is, in my opinion, over stated. It also ignores the huge deployment of military assets sent by other countries such as the UK and Japan, which responded by sending the largest ships available to them. I doubt anyone believes that these two countries seek any sort of long-term advantage in the country[/QUOTE]Sometimes people think first about the "right thing to do". Israel also cannot be looking for some long term interests. [url]http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/15/21477819-dr-nancy-snyderman-in-awe-of-israeli-medics-in-philippines[/url]

I'm sure the many foreign specialists in this forum will know more but what is the additional marginal cost of providing this 'aid' by any of the countries.

The ships are already owned, the staff are already paid, the troops are paid etc. The bandages and dressings were going to be disposed when they go out of date if not used. The Drs and medics that Australia are sending can broaden their experiences and add to their stories for their speaking circuit and fundraising activities.

Even Australia sending containers from Australia to Phil shouldn't cost too much. Most of the ships return to Asia empty at the moment due to our love of imported goods.

I'm not being cynical, just pointing out that in many case there is not a lot 'out of pocket' for the donor countries even though it may get dressed up as $$$mm.

In fact, these type of events I would consider are excellent skills development opportunities for leaders. The troops get to be involved in something tangible instead of yet another drill exercise.

And, no doubt, there will be a few deposits of DNA and a couple of future marriages I'm sure.

[QUOTE=BrainDrain; 1500249]I'm sure the many foreign specialists in this forum will know more but what is the additional marginal cost of providing this 'aid' by any of the countries.

The ships are already owned, the staff are already paid, the troops are paid etc. The bandages and dressings were going to be disposed when they go out of date if not used. The Drs and medics that Australia are sending can broaden their experiences and add to their stories for their speaking circuit and fundraising activities.

Even Australia sending containers from Australia to Phil shouldn't cost too much. Most of the ships return to Asia empty at the moment due to our love of imported goods.

I'm not being cynical, just pointing out that in many case there is not a lot 'out of pocket' for the donor countries even though it may get dressed up as $$$mm.

In fact, these type of events I would consider are excellent skills development opportunities for leaders. The troops get to be involved in something tangible instead of yet another drill exercise.

And, no doubt, there will be a few deposits of DNA and a couple of future marriages I'm sure.[/QUOTE]Good points BrainDrain!

[QUOTE=BrainDrain; 1500249]I'm sure the many foreign specialists in this forum will know more but what is the additional marginal cost of providing this 'aid' by any of the countries.

The ships are already owned, the staff are already paid, the troops are paid etc. The bandages and dressings were going to be disposed when they go out of date if not used. The Drs and medics that Australia are sending can broaden their experiences and add to their stories for their speaking circuit and fundraising activities.

Even Australia sending containers from Australia to Phil shouldn't cost too much. Most of the ships return to Asia empty at the moment due to our love of imported goods.

I'm not being cynical, just pointing out that in many case there is not a lot 'out of pocket' for the donor countries even though it may get dressed up as $$$mm.

In fact, these type of events I would consider are excellent skills development opportunities for leaders. The troops get to be involved in something tangible instead of yet another drill exercise.

And, no doubt, there will be a few deposits of DNA and a couple of future marriages I'm sure.[/QUOTE]Nice post. I agree that the costs associared with logistics-the planes, the ships, the military personnel, amd the heavy equipment-would have been in use elsewhere and the marginal costs are likely not excessive. However, the supplies-tents, food, water and medicines-likely represent "new" money that was either diverted from other countries or reflects additional appropriations.

Slighty off topic, there was quite a comprehensive article in today's "Philippine Daily Inquirer," contended that the government is being flooded with so much money that it lacks the ability to handle. It doesn't have the procurement and disbursement systems in place to begin to cope with the funds it's getting which means that the funds will not be spent effectively or efficiently. The government is as inept at creating and implementing projects as it is in providing relief.

GE

[QUOTE=BrainDrain; 1500249]I'm sure the many foreign specialists in this forum will know more but what is the additional marginal cost of providing this 'aid' by any of the countries.

The ships are already owned, the staff are already paid, the troops are paid etc. The bandages and dressings were going to be disposed when they go out of date if not used. The Drs and medics that Australia are sending can broaden their experiences and add to their stories for their speaking circuit and fundraising activities.

Even Australia sending containers from Australia to Phil shouldn't cost too much. Most of the ships return to Asia empty at the moment due to our love of imported goods.

I'm not being cynical, just pointing out that in many case there is not a lot 'out of pocket' for the donor countries even though it may get dressed up as $$$mm.

In fact, these type of events I would consider are excellent skills development opportunities for leaders. The troops get to be involved in something tangible instead of yet another drill exercise.

And, no doubt, there will be a few deposits of DNA and a couple of future marriages I'm sure.[/QUOTE]Nice post. I agree that the costs associared with logistics-the planes, the ships, the military personnel, amd the heavy equipment-would have been in use elsewhere and the marginal costs are likely not excessive. However, the supplies-tents, food, water and medicines-likely represent "new" money that was either diverted from other countries or reflects additional appropriations.

Slighty off topic, there was quite a comprehensive article in today's "Philippine Daily Inquirer," contending that the government is being flooded with so much money that it lacks the ability to handle it. It doesn't have the procurement and disbursement systems in place to begin to cope with the funds it's getting which means that the funds will not be spent effectively or efficiently. The government is as inept at creating and implementing projects as it is in providing relief.

GE

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1499379]I don't pretend to know what's going on with US/Phil relations because I don't, but Naome Klein talks about that kind of behavior in her excellent book The Shock Doctrine, the Rise Of Disaster Capitalism.[/QUOTE]SC and others seem to suggest that the American military is taking up control. Klein's argument was not about military or government taking control, it was that Private sector interests manipulate the disaster situation to get essentially proprietary rights to redesign systems, thereby creating a sort of monopoly. The new system, designed as though the private interest's solution becomes a fait accompli, and hemmed in by regulation, prevents others, including government, from offering alternative policy options.

[QUOTE=Pita123; 1500240]Sometimes people think first about the "right thing to do". Israel also cannot be looking for some long term interests.

[url]http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/15/21477819-dr-nancy-snyderman-in-awe-of-israeli-medics-in-philippines[/url][/QUOTE]There are heaps of Filipinos in Israel. *yes, I know. *.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1500683]SC and others seem to suggest that the American military is taking up control. Klein's argument was not about military or government taking control, it was that Private sector interests manipulate the disaster situation to get essentially proprietary rights to redesign systems, thereby creating a sort of monopoly. The new system, designed as though the private interest's solution becomes a fait accompli, and hemmed in by regulation, prevents others, including government, from offering alternative policy options.[/QUOTE]

I'm not familiar with Klein's work. However, I have had several meetings over the past ten days about the possibility of involving our company in some of the contracts for reconstruction that will start flowing soon, funded by the mountains of cash being contributed by bi and multilateral donors. I think in the case of the Philippines, placing most of the onus of program implementation with the private sector makes eminently good sense, given the callous indifference and incompetence of the national government; an entity that few trust. It would not surprise me at all if the donor community insisted on the award of implementation projects to private donors, within the context of national policies, and loosely monitored by the national government. I've got some very recent, personal experiences that suggest that the government is overwhelmed and has little idea what to do.

Typically, the government here spends years debating policies, which are often outdated by the time they're enacted into law. Many policies are never implemented, and many more are interpreted differently by various departments of the agencies responsible for their implementation. The government here is so totally incompetent that giving it the latitude to create alternative policies is irrelevant. Then too, the government here doesn't lack for policies: it seems to have one for almost every occasion. Policies and supporting statutes help create the illusion that this is a country of laws. The fact is however that policies are ignored once profits are at stakes and many key laws are never enforced.

The contention that the US military is somehow taking over is, I believe, specious. The 5, 000 or so troops aboard the aircraft carrier have departed, and responsibility for reconstruction and relief is increasingly being turned over to the NGOs and aid organizations. Given the enormity of the devastation, and the likely years-long duration of the recovery efforts, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. I note that over the past few weeks the shrill voices routinely raised by militant nationalist groups about the intrusion of US military presence and the threat that poses to sovereignty, have been uncharacteristically silent.

GE

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1500791]responsibility for reconstruction and relief is increasingly being turned over to the NGOs and aid organizations.[/QUOTE]I just hope they stay out of Cebu City.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1500791]I think in the case of the Philippines, placing most of the onus of program implementation with the private sector makes eminently good sense, given the callous indifference and incompetence of the national government; an entity that few trust.

<snip

Policies and supporting statutes help create the illusion that this is a country of laws. The fact is however that policies are ignored once profits are at stakes and many key laws are never enforced.[/QUOTE]Klein is not arguing that private sector competition is a bad thing. What she argues is that disasters create a punctuation in the equilibrium, and that shrewd, powerful, well-connected private firms pounce on the situation, convincing policy makers (and sometimes also the public) to give them a monopolistic handle going forward that crowds out all other alternative policy approaches. I do not have her book under hand to cite some of her illustrations, but I seem to recall that Halliburton figured prominently in the story. Obviously the same results can be achieved by governments controlled by a narrow band of societal elites.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1499918]I've just tuned into this debate, and it's entirely possible that I've missed something, but the comments I've read so far seem overly simplistic. As one who has followed the arguments here over the desirability or lack thereof of an enhanced US military presence, my conclusion is that the US has multiple motivations for it's massive response to the Haiyan disaster. First and foremost, the US did what it did because it's the only nation that could, given its military assets and the level of technology to which those assets have access. The need was undeniable, and without the sizable rapid deployment, more people would have died. A secondary benefit is doubtless the ability to demonstrate to China (and other Asian countries) its indispensability and perhaps it's continued primacy.

The Philippine military is almost pathetically starved of equipment, supplies and expertise, as reiterated in the national and international press. It was, and remains incapable of providing meaningful support to the victims of the disaster. The government here is inept, indifferent and equally incapable of doing much but spewing empty rhetoric.

The desire of the US to re establish military hegemony in the Philippines is, in my opinion, over stated. For the most part, I believe that the enormity of the entire international response was proportionate to the enormity of the calamity and was motivated by a genuine desire to do what the government is both in capable and unwilling to do.

GE[/QUOTE]Agree with this. The USA has been a light to the world for the last century. We helped them because we could. We helped them because the Phillipine government is too corrupt and inept to help anyone.

When I went to Cebu, I was in a taxi going to town, and I saw a restaurant on fire, flames in the air, burning to the ground. The owner was outside crying. About 1/2 mile down the road, there was a fire station. All the firemen were asleep, the lights out, the trucks parked in the garage. I asked the taxi driver about this, and he said,"This is Cebu."

And why the hell we would we want a military presence in the Phillipines? No oil. No Al qaeda. If we want to make China nervous, we already have a huge military presence in South korea that will never go away. Anyone conspiracy theorists that think that we have an ulterior motives are idiots that watch too much TV.

[QUOTE=Manny51;1501021]And why the hell we would we want a military presence in the Phillipines? No oil. No Al qaeda. If we want to make China nervous, we already have a huge military presence in South korea that will never go away. Anyone conspiracy theorists that think that we have an ulterior motives are idiots that watch too much TV.[/QUOTE]Whilst not having a dog in this particular fight, its so wonderful to read ISG and be told that if an opinion that held is different to yours, makes the holder of said opinion " a TV watching idiot ".

Maybe you don't know how the fire stations work in the Philippines and who pays what to whom.

Have a read about the self administered fire brigades in Tondo, you will learn something.

[QUOTE=Manny51;1501021]And why the hell we would we want a military presence in the Phillipines (sic)?[/QUOTE]Well, one of the world's most important shipping lanes is in the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca.

[QUOTE=Manny51;1501021]No oil.[/QUOTE]In the SCS there is.

[QUOTE=Manny51;1501021]No Al qaeda.[/QUOTE]In Mindanao there's a hot Muslim insurrection. Perhaps you've heard of Zamboanga? Guess not.

Wonderfully succinct.

If Manny needs further edutainment, let me add that three of the top ten oil importers depend on oil tankers going thru the Malacca Straits. And then traveling north thru the SCS (China to the west / Philippines to the east) to countries Japan, Korea, China.

I would be especially interested in hearing from Manny how the US forces in Korea are valuable and why the US might be there forever. Does Korea subsidize the US forces like Japan does? X.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1501119]Well, one of the world's most important shipping lanes is in the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca.

In the SCS there is.

In Mindanao there's a hot Muslim insurrection. Perhaps you've heard of Zamboanga? Guess not.[/QUOTE]

"Maybe you don't know how the fire stations work in the Philippines and who pays what to whom.

Have a read about the self administered fire brigades in Tondo, you will learn something."

No we don't. Can you enlighten us or give us a relevant link? I saw their website it's a volunteer outfit.

The USA today repoet that Manny Pacquiao own the Philippine government 2. 2 be peso back tax and he have to borrow 1 MIL peso for the Haiyan typhoon relief.

Fast Eddie 48

While driving to Makati one evening recently, the taxi driver said that he could take me to plenty of places where women are available for a fee.

He mentioned "The Dormitory", and I recalled that this was the topic of discussion some time ago.

In fact, it was not a dormitory, but a casa in a quiet location. If anyone needs the location, just PM me. It is in Makati, on the boundary with Pasay.

Gangles

[QUOTE=MidniteRider; 1501379]"Maybe you don't know how the fire stations work in the Philippines and who pays what to whom.

Have a read about the self administered fire brigades in Tondo, you will learn something."

No we don't. Can you enlighten us or give us a relevant link? I saw their website it's a volunteer outfit.[/QUOTE]Tondo is a predominantly Chinese area. Filipinos consider Filipino Chinese (Tsinoys) to be slightly different and know they are generally more wealthy.

Many years ago, there were some fires in Tondo. Fire brigades manned by Filipinos attended the fire but refused to put them out until payment was made. This continued for some time till the local tongs (groups of tradespeople) announced they could no longer be blackmailed and set their own volunteer fire brigades.

So as not to confuse they painted their fire fighting vehicles a different colour and used smaller veihicles to better negotiate the narrow roads of Tondo.

Quezon city, with a large Tsinoy population also has some sporadic volunteer brigades.

In other cities, dependent on the population mix this can also occur, although its mainly in Manila.

Anyone know of a place doing an American-style Thanksgiving supper tonight in Makati, Pasay or Manila. I can only find a place in Ortigas, and I don't want the travel hassle. Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1501430]While driving to Makati one evening recently, the taxi driver said that he could take me to plenty of places where women are available for a fee.

He mentioned "The Dormitory", and I recalled that this was the topic of discussion some time ago.

In fact, it was not a dormitory, but a casa in a quiet location. If anyone needs the location, just PM me. It is in Makati, on the boundary with Pasay.

Gangles[/QUOTE]Please PM with the specifics, thanks.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1501555]Anyone know of a place doing an American-style Thanksgiving supper tonight in Makati, Pasay or Manila. I can only find a place in Ortigas, and I don't want the travel hassle. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]Based on your British spellings I had assumed you were from the mother country. Keep in mind that, even though the Pilgrim dinner was ostensibly to celebrate surviving (minus those who didn't) the first harsh year, the Pilgrims and British were equally pleased to be rid of each other. Pilgrims were escaping what they perceived to be British, and before that Dutch, persecution. The British were glad to see them leave. They didn't like the Pilgrims' version of Puritanism, their rabble-rousing, and their wife-swapping. So just be sure you know what you're celebrating.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1501650]The British were glad to see them leave. They didn't like the Pilgrims' version of Puritanism, their rabble-rousing, and their wife-swapping.[/QUOTE]Fortunately the Brits have matured. Smile.

[QUOTE=X Man;1501279]Wonderfully succinct.[/QUOTE]None of these are cogent reasons for any significant US base in the PI.

Ten years ago deep water was thought to be the solution for world oil and then along came the Bakken. With fracking and directional drilling N Dakota produces more oil than most middle eastern countries and by 2017 the IEA states USA will be the top oil producer ahead of Saudi. Off shore oil fields newly discovered almost seem like a monthly event to anyone following the DW driller markets and with time it's very likely the impact of an undeveloped SCS will have negligible economic and strategic effects, for certain, on US politics.

Where's Zamboanga? I guess if those guys make inroads and manage to take out MOA or hit the embassy there off Roxas that might be a different story. Take your pic on any given African or SW Asian country for reasons to set up yet more US bases since the threat from the southern archipelago there in the PI is almost negligible.

On Korea (ok, I'm just butting in) today you've got Chinese running sorties to meet and greet our guys flying over the "New" air defense zone in the East China Sea. You have a bushy haired never do well with some number of nukes and a penchant for exporting nasty things to guys who really hate the US. If all that's not enough, the guy hangs out with Dennis Rodman.

No doubt we'll end up with some status agreement with the PI and perhaps even a few small leased bases. Korea will remain huge in the US strategic plan; the PI not so much, like it or not. Some messages are said with marginal tact, but maybe valid nonetheless.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1501650]Based on your British spellings I had assumed you were from the mother country.[/QUOTE]You mean the correct spellings, yeah? ;) No matter the nationality a tasty bird is a tasty bird. Same goes for turkey.

Over the years I've had a few Yank Thanksgiving feasts and even a Canucki one. Not bad. Not bad at all.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1501922]You mean the correct spellings, yeah?[/QUOTE]Let's just say the spellings for those whose keyboards appear to lack the letter z, and rarely can leave an o and r alone without tacking a u in between.

[QUOTE=Pete Benetar;1501810]Ten years ago deep water was thought to be the solution for world oil and then along came the Bakken. With fracking and directional drilling N Dakota produces more oil than most middle eastern countries and by 2017 the IEA states USA will be the top oil producer ahead of Saudi. Off shore oil fields newly discovered almost seem like a monthly event to anyone following the DW driller markets and with time it's very likely the impact of an undeveloped SCS will have negligible economic and strategic effects, for certain, on US politics.[/QUOTE]
I am not sure whether to interpret your post as prescriptive or descriptive / empirical. If your concern is that the U.S. ought to avoid yet another entanglement as the world's policeman, I am with you. But setting aside whether the U.S. should get involved, I think the empirical reality is that we are already heavily involved. Protecting the Philippines is not the primary objective, but our Philippine friends do seem to be offering a welcome, and the welcome may fit with other American concerns.

The significance of oil in the region is not that we need it; it is that other large economies need it, including several (Japan, Korea, etc.) that are close allies of the U.S. We are also concerned with international policy circles to keep China in check, and China's oil dependency is one point of leverage the U.S. is unlikely to ignore. Yes, China and Walmart need each other, but other geo-strategic and economic dynamics may keep the U.S. perpetually concerned with keeping up pressure on China.

In addition, South Asia (especially India) and Southeast Asian countries (led by Indonesia) are among the fastest growing economies in the world. American foreign policy and military strategy are shaped by this reality. So it's not just oil that gets shipped through the South China Sea; lots of other kinds of trade flow through the area as well.

Thirteen of the world's 20 busiest ports are either in East or Southeast Asia, and Singapore ranks second only to Shanghai.

[url]http://storymaps.esri.com/stories/2013/ports/[/url]

And clearly the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its members see great strategic importance in Southeast Asia:

[url]http://www.uschamber.com/press/releases/2013/august/new-poll-finds-us-businesses-optimistic-about-growth-opportunities-despit[/url]

[url]http://www.uschamber.com/international/asia/southeastasia[/url]

Furthermore, some analysts predict that by 2030 India will surpass Germany as the fifth largest consumer economy in the world. It's already a large exporter of various products. Indonesia is also on a strong upward economic trajectory, and its primary trading partners are Japan, Singapore, and the United States. Other growing economies in Southeast Asia include Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and, dare we say it, the Philippines.

The largest Islamic country in the world is in Southeast Asia (Indonesia) , and several other populous countries in the area are predominantly Islamic. So although we may not want to get into armed forays in Muslim areas, and we have no great wish to get bogged down in Muslim Mindanao, the U.S. is also unlikely to turn a blind eye to these areas. I think the notion that we can dispense with global security concerns in the area, while an appealing idea, is simply unlikely to materialize.

The U.S. is likely to continue to play its hand in the arena as long as China continues to play hardball with our allies, whether they be Japan, Korea, or the Philippines:

[url]http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/28/us-japan-china-idUSBRE9AR0AH20131128[/url]

The Navy's shifting its 50-50 fleet alignment (Pacific to Atlantic) to 60-40 was not an idle gesture. It reflects serious foreign policy. Why should we assume this stance will shrivel in coming years?

[quote=skip kost;1501952]the navy's shifting its 50-50 fleet alignment (pacific to atlantic) to 60-40 was not an idle gesture. it reflects serious foreign policy. why should we assume this stance will shrivel in coming years?[/quote]some of your comments belie the substance of what i was offering. in fact, the one thing i wanted to say was the less than elegant declaration by this manny fellow seemed more accurate than some of the replies to his post. read between the lines as i was suggesting wrt to recent events in the east china sea, n korea etc that the asian "pivot" will likely continue. most of the ports you refer to (i think) are nearer to the east china sea than the pi. so if you are suggesting we need a much larger usn presence in asia, than perhaps it would be in japan or korea. i don't really think that is what you are suggesting, but it is the same vein of logic i am reading in your post.

your verbiage obfurep001es my point about the off shore fields as well. configuring the us policy on the scs fields will not only be dependent on the us wanting to be "top cop" (we will) , it will be dependent on the global oil markets and in particular the n american oil market. much of the strategy is based upon global demand and depletion of oil reserves and there is a plausible argument that fracking in general and n america in particular will have a substantial impact on the global peak oil theory within the decade. yes, i know about the asian economies and the shipping lanes and wall street wants stability etc, etc. so if we decide to forward deploy the 3rd fleet with alot more us debt, then i guess the pi might work. but if we do need another base for those jihadists populating indonesia, or chinese migrating southward, what better place than northern australia which geographically, culturally and politically might make more sense?

as for the mindanao area, we certainly don't need another subic bay to support the pi for smallish operations. in that respect, a larger "footprint" might clearly be counterproductive. generally, just about every scenario throughout se asia will be planned for with smaller, faster and more specialized responses, save china or korea. the us is becoming a debtor nation for china and nobody wants an expensive commerce damaging brawl. ok, maybe a few generals, admirals and defense contractors would like that. but budgets and doctrine will i think increasingly shape strategy toward the "less is more" mentality and to that end we don't need another (big) base in the pi.

Guys, I don't have any experience in the Philippines. I looked at the boards but didn't find what I was searching for. I was actually looking for someplace in the Phlippines with really nice beaches, and also good food, and hiking, swimming- that sort of thing. I chance to meet working girls, and / or non pros at the site would be a fantastic bonus. Anything even remotely similiar to Bali or Phuket in Philippines, or maybe something on a much smaller scale. I know that Manila and Angels are the hot sports for working girls, but I'm putting the priority for the trip in finding a gorgeous beach, and hopefully some friendly ladies for extra fun.

[QUOTE=New Bound;1502517]Guys, I don't have any experience in the Philippines. I looked at the boards but didn't find what I was searching for. I was actually looking for someplace in the Phlippines with really nice beaches, and also good food, and hiking, swimming- that sort of thing. I chance to meet working girls, and / or non pros at the site would be a fantastic bonus. Anything even remotely similiar to Bali or Phuket in Philippines, or maybe something on a much smaller scale. I know that Manila and Angels are the hot sports for working girls, but I'm putting the priority for the trip in finding a gorgeous beach, and hopefully some friendly ladies for extra fun.[/QUOTE]Its possible to find a sexy willing girl at one of the beach destinations but the local girls are usually shy and more conservative and take a little more work for them to stay with you plus they will need to come up with a story to tell their parents.

How much time do you have available in Phil? How much patience do you have to find the right girl on a dating site like dateinasia or Filipina Cupid that will meet your needs prior to your trip?

Even if you click with a girl online it does not guarantee that you will enjoy each others company for a week and sex will be good.

The best thing would be to set up a number of dates with potential girls via a dating site in an area like Manila or Cebu. Then spend a few days meeting and fucking. If you click with one then snatch her up and take her with you to your beach destination.

I like to go to Manila then take the 1hr flight to Puerto Princessa. Honda Bay is nice but if you want a pristine beach and clean clear water then jump a bus and you can get to El Nido in 6hrs. Its worth the hasstle and time.

You should test drive the girl before you take her for a number of days. And if you don't like the dating sites you can find a girl once your feet hit the ground in one of the many places talked about on this site.

Did you stumbled on this site looking for food reviews in Philippines lol.

An interesting video about the newest ships in the US Navy.

[url]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=21f_1385871477[/url]

SANTA RITA, Guam (Nov. 29, 2013) – The littoral combat ship, USS Freedom (LCS 1) , arrived in Guam, the furthest western USA territory, as part of her return transit across the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 29.

While the crew will have time to rest, relax and reset, Freedom will receive fuel and supplies for the next underway period as the ship wraps up a maiden overseas deployment to Southeast Asia that began last March.

[url]http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39975:uss-freedom-visits-guam-while-transiting-pacific&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156[/url]

[quote=pete benetar; 1502117]most of the ports you refer to (i think) are nearer to the east china sea than the pi. so if you are suggesting we need a much larger usn presence in asia, than perhaps it would be in japan or korea. i don't really think that is what you are suggesting, but it is the same vein of logic i am reading in your post.

your verbiage obfurep001es my point about the off shore fields as well. configuring the us policy on the scs fields will not only be dependent on the us wanting to be "top cop" (we will) , it will be dependent on the global oil markets and in particular the n american oil market. much of the strategy is based upon global demand and depletion of oil reserves and there is a plausible argument that fracking in general and n america in particular will have a substantial impact on the global peak oil theory within the decade. yes, i know about the asian economies and the shipping lanes and wall street wants stability etc, etc. so if we decide to forward deploy the 3rd fleet with alot more us debt, then i guess the pi might work. but if we do need another base for those jihadists populating indonesia, or chinese migrating southward, what better place than northern australia which geographically, culturally and politically might make more sense?[/quote]

i'm glad one of us could find a 'vein of logic' in my post. please note i never suggested what the usn 'needs' to do. if i had an intended message, it was simply that the u.s. is likely to continue to act as though it has a strategic interest in the south china sea. regardless how much bakken shale shapes world oil prices and insulates the u.s. from direct interest in scs oil, if our allies and enemies care about scs oil, then we too have a strategic stake in it. most reports suggest that the u.s. has resisted taking sides in the scs territorial disputes, but we also made a concerted effort at recent asean meetings to get member countries to reach agreement on a common set of maritime principles for the scs. why would we invest this diplomatic energy if we don't perceive strategic importance in the area? shipping lanes in the scs appear to be strategically important to our leaders.

of the 20 busiest ports in the website i linked, one is in korea (busan) , one is in the middle east, two are in the u.s., three are in europe, five are in the east china or yellow seas, and eight are in the south china sea or in southeast or southwest asia—and therefore probably sending traffic through the south china sea.

is korea still a viable defense position given apparent threats in the east china and yellow seas? sure. but is it a certainty? who knows? a few years ago i was with a korean friend in seoul watching hundreds of koreans demonstrating outside the american embassy. he observed that, "the u.s. has become our new japan."

is darwin, australia a viable u.s. site, given its location, common language, and prevalence of rule of law? it appears it already is. so you will not find me advocating in any posts for a large u.s. base in the philippine. i did say the philippines is welcoming and we may take advantage of the welcome. are mobile deployment and budget-constrained approaches part of any likely trajectory? of course.

but history has shown that sometimes shit happens. i am not a fan of tightly-coupled foreign policy projections. the idea that we can stake out a likely or preferred set of policy decisions as though our foreign policy apparatus represents a unitary rational actor does not hold up well to the test of history. many interests internal to a country push and pull on the direction of foreign policy. john mccain never saw a potential war he didn't like, and rand paul never saw a foreign incursion he did like. and they are of the same party. other countries with whom we interact, both friend and foe, are subject to similarly divergent interests and voices. the guys with biggest sticks are more likely to get their way, but sometimes shit happens.

inelegance and marginal tact were not the first things that came to mind when i read manny's post: naivete was. but 'verbiage'? ouch.

Tally, thanks for the reply. I will take your advice and go to Puerto Princessa- and take it from there. It should be a lot of fun. I'm taking about six weeks, so plenty of time to meet some babes once I git the ground. I figure I can find hot babes almost anywhere, so I like to focus on finding a fun location, nice beaches, outdoor fun, and food, then work on finding some nice babes from there. I will post a report on my return. I like working girls, but when I have time enjoy the non pro scene. Thanks. NB

[QUOTE=Skip Kost; 1502605]Please note I never suggested what the USN 'needs' to do.

Of the 20 busiest ports in the website I linked, one is in Korea (Busan) , one is in the Middle East, two are in the USA, three are in Europe, five are in the East China or Yellow Seas, and eight are in the South China Sea or in Southeast or Southwest Asia—and therefore probably sending traffic through the South China Sea.

A few years ago I was with a Korean friend in Seoul watching hundreds of Koreans demonstrating outside the American Embassy. He observed that,"The USA has become our new Japan."

But 'verbiage'? Ouch.[/QUOTE]Of course you didn't and that's exactly why I said I don't think that is what you believe. But your comments take some liberty interpreting others so I thought I might point that out for your benefit. And yes, 'verbiage', but don't be distressed as no doubt much of what I spread might be coined in fertilizer terms as well.

Korean nationalism can't seriously be compared to pinoy fervor (which could be resuscitated by opening any us base in the PI) and the closure of Subic decades ago; the threat is much more imminent and too much S Korean wealth would evaporate for any serious movement for the US to leave there. Nationalist fervor is of course not entirely predictable, but a US departure from Korea would be a far, far different scenario for the S Koreans and especially those Koreans who hold the wealth and power.

The SCS, ports, lanes, drilling etc all are red herrings for hawks promoting the military containment strategy. I agree that the "pivot" will put emphasis on this area, but the rationale is BS IMO. Many of those ports and lane traffic in the SCS belong to the Chinese. SCS commerce disruption would be a mutually destructive economic strategy for the Chinese. Or anyone else there.

Oil delivered from the SCS is an almost negligible amount on the world market. Most of the production in the SCS is in uncontested littoral waters anyways. I'm not aware of any significant known reserves in PI waters and there has been very little if any production coming out of SCS deep waters. The amount of production there is such that the rationale for positioning more navy assets is hardly to assure our allies of economic benefits of more oil / NG, but to have more hard assets in place for a bigger show or impression. Back on Bakken which may indeed insulate the US; add also that the demand for SCS fuels will have a lesser impact on the oil markets (even there in SEA) and that may even be encouraged by American or any oil, even LNG, exporters for price support. The oil landscape could seriously look quite different in just a few years from now and the SCS might be equally affected by this.

OTOH, of course, my own verbiage is only opinion and sadly will do little to nitrogenize the compost.

As one who is very interested in the topic I have to say both Pete and Skip have brought forth germane facts and valid views.

What has not been mentioned is credibility. It's certainly less tangible than ports, shipping lanes and oil platforms, but it's so much more important. Whose views are given more credence in capitals around the world? This matters. Deeply. Is the SCS to become a "Chinese lake" or remain open to international transit? Beijing seeks to establish the former and the US seeks to maintain the latter. Credibility is not only important internationally but is pertinent in the domestic sphere. Note the reactions of the Chinese (government controlled) press and (government monitored) public after the US flew two lumbering, no-stealth-whatsover B-52s right through China's new air defence identification zone (ADIZ) for an hour almost immediately after China proclaimed it. Many there have deemed this a national humiliation. Note how Beijing was ridiculed as kuripot (stingy) both at home and abroad for its niggardly donation of $100, 000 to the Philippines for typhoon Yolanda relief. (Yes, China later donated more and even sent a hospital ship, but the damage done by the first impression can't be undone. Of course in its "peaceful rise" China will misstep but it'll learn.)

I strongly disagree with Pete's analysis that Pinoy nationalism is more fervent than Korean. As someone who has worked and lived in both Korea and the Philippines (and the Gulf states) for a long time, though in Korea for much longer, Korean xenophobia and anti-Americanism is much more palpable. I have friends who were Peace Corps workers in Korea in the '70s and '80s and they often mention how Korea was a much friendlier place prior to the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Olympics, but as it developed economically it became a nastier place. Perhaps the Philippines, if and when it becomes more successful, may follow suit, but I personally doubt this will happen. In Korean culture is "han", a word that isn't perfectly translated into English, that roughly means never-to-be-assuaged grudge. Pete is correct that the Koreans would suffer immensely if the US were to withdraw. Much is this is due to Korean suckling Uncle Sucker's teat for too long; it still flies F-4s and F-5s whilst spending billions on national aggrandisement projects.

I also disagree that Korea is the place where the US can monitor and secure the SCS. Firstly, the 7th Fleet has nothing but a few office buildings there; it's anchored in Yokosuka, Japan, about a 4-day sail from the SCS. Secondly, the US military in Japan (and Guam) fulfills a regional role; in the Korea the US military (largely army) is Korea centric.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1502860]I strongly disagree with Pete's analysis that Pinoy nationalism is more fervent than Korean. As someone who has worked and lived in both Korea and the Philippines (and the Gulf states) for a long time, though in Korea for much longer, Korean xenophobia and anti-Americanism is much more palpable. I have friends who were Peace Corps workers in Korea in the '70s and '80s and they often mention how Korea was a much friendlier place prior to the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Olympics, but as it developed economically it became a nastier place. Perhaps the Philippines, if and when it becomes more successful, may follow suit, but I personally doubt this will happen. In Korean culture is "han", a word that isn't perfectly translated into English, that roughly means never-to-be-assuaged grudge. Pete is correct that the Koreans would suffer immensely if the US were to withdraw. Much is this is due to Korean suckling Uncle Sucker's teat for too long; it still flies F-4s and F-5s whilst spending billions on national aggrandisement projects.

I also disagree that Korea is the place where the US can monitor and secure the SCS. Firstly, the 7th Fleet has nothing but a few office buildings there; it's anchored in Yokosuka, Japan, about a 4-day sail from the SCS. Secondly, the US military in Japan (and Guam) fulfills a regional role; in the Korea the US military (largely army) is Korea centric.[/QUOTE]My apologies Hutsori for not being clearer on the pinoy vs Korean nationalism bit, but my intent was not to say Koreans were less fervent (they may insanely be so) , only that our good friends at Samsung, Hyundai, Kia et al will be far more effective in controlling this fervor out of self interest than the pinoys. I've been to Korea a few times and know several Koreans stateside so I do understand their culture and their nationalism somewhat. My 16 yo son's mother is half Korean half American courtesy a GI wedding and every time he goes to visit his mother's household he returns home and I hear "Korean this" and "Korean that" for days on end. They are quite an obstinate lot and truth be told, I could care one iota if the whole peninsula fell under Kim Jung-In and his pal Dennis except that my equity portfolios would come crashing down as well.

Below is my comment and I understand that it could have been misconstrued.

"Korean nationalism can't seriously be compared to pinoy fervor (which could be resuscitated by opening any us base in the PI) and the closure of Subic decades ago"

I agree with your point as well about not being able to cover SCS from points north and if the pivot does come to fruition may likely advance assets from the 3rd fleet based in the Puget Sound and place them further south as you suggest. I don't think I actually said we could effectively deal with issues in the SCS from Korea or Japan. My retort is and has been that I personally don't see it as a major strategic region (compared to the real estate about the east sea) vis a vis ports and lanes and such, though bases in the SCS would obviously threaten China with a much more comprehensive containment scenario. SCS bases might also buy more points from the other contestants down there who are neutral or just leaning toward an alliance with us, but that's not a given either as many peoples just don't like cops and now we're back into the rigmarole of USA playing enforcer-in-chief, yet again. I'm a military guy and I like to be circumspect about these things, especially if it's my ass on the line or anywhere near it. But the ramifications of playing the enforcer has other very deep potential downsides which I think most on this MB would agree with. Again, just some more fertilizer for thought.

[quote=pete benetar;1503036]only that our good friends at samsung, hyundai, kia et al will be far more effective in controlling this fervor out of self interest than the pinoys.[/quote]the chaebols as well as the small and medium enterprises do play the nationalist card quite often.

[quote=pete benetar;1503036]i could care one iota if the whole peninsula fell under kim jung-in and his pal dennis except that my equity portfolios would come crashing down as well.[/quote]likewise here. i would shed no tears if kim jong-un took the southern half of the peninsula.

[quote=pete benetar;1503036]my retort is and has been that i personally don't see it as a major strategic region (compared to the real estate about the east sea) vis a vis ports and lanes and such, though bases in the scs would obviously threaten china with a much more comprehensive containment scenario. scs bases might also buy more points from the other contestants down there who are neutral or just leaning toward an alliance with us, but that's not a given either as many peoples just don't like cops and now we're back into the rigmarole of usa playing enforcer-in-chief, yet again. i'm a military guy and i like to be circumspect about these things, especially if it's my ass on the line or anywhere near it. but the ramifications of playing the enforcer has other very deep potential downsides which i think most on this mb would agree with. again, just some more fertilizer for thought.[/quote]we differ here wrt the value of the scs and the straits of malacca (som). east asia depends on me oil (far more so than the us as you mentioned earlier, but since oil is a commodity its disruption has a knock-on effect to all) and they are export-driven economies. i recall reading something like 50% of international commercial trade passes through the region - in 2011 over 15 million bbl per day passed through the som. for its part beijing has sought to bypass this strategic choke point through multi-billion dollar megaprojects, such as building a port and oil and gas pipelines in myanmar (kyaukpyu special economic zone); built and operates gwadar port in pakistan; proposed building road and rail links between chittagong, bangladesh and kunming, china; proposed building roads and a high-speed rail link that would connect kunming with the cambodian capital via laos; and even explored the feasibility of constructing a canal through thailand's kra isthmus that would allow it to bypass the som.

it's a helluva lot cheaper to use the existing som and scs shipping lanes, so beijing's investments to diversify its supply channels away from the scs and som indicate the leadership is very uncomfortable with the power vacuum there and the us naval and air presence in japan and guam. once it has a fully operational blue-water navy with 2 or 3 carriers the chinese could very well be the dominant force in the region.

the downsides of the us re-entry in the region are very true, but with the us more closely present the se asian states have an option. the absence of the us leaves everyone with china. for dozens of years the us has maintained military ties with thailand, malaysia, indonesia, singapore and the philippines through exercises such as cobra gold, carat, balikatan as well as visiting force agreements (vfa), and it has improved military ties with vietnam. this multi-year investment would be a waste if the us was to acquiesce to china's bullying. the damage to us credibility would cascade beyond the region.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1502860]Whose views are given more credence in capitals around the world? This matters.[/QUOTE]And in capitalists' offices around the world. Perceptions matter and major players work hard to create their own constructed reality. I acknowledge I am not a peak oil scientist, but I understand it is based on models that project some point in time where oil production will necessarily begin to decline due to exhausting supplies and technologies. (Please educate me if I have this wrong.) But it seems to me that oil consumption is also largely dependent on demand. Otherwise, BP would not spend so much money trying to convince the American public about their sensitivity to the environment, nor would oil and auto industries invest lobbying effort to get ongoing government subsidies (relative to their bottom lines) poured into highway construction and maintenance. At risk of sounding redundant here (it is),"many interests internal to a country push and pull on the direction of foreign policy." And all are reading signs from each other's actions and actively constructing their own realities. Perceptions matter and the underlying dynamics often don't lend themselves to hard science.

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1502860]As one who is very interested in the topic I have to say both Pete and Skip have brought forth germane facts and valid views.[/QUOTE]Am glad you are happy Hutsori but can I remind you this is a mongering board not one to for you a select few others to discuss ad naseum the minute details of your (and others views) on USA, Korean, Japanese influences / invasions / occupancies etc in the ASEAN region. There is a specific thread called Philippines politics try take the chat there where most of don't bother to read.

If any of this has any impact on mongering please enlighten me (and others who I have PMed with) it all started I think with the comment "will it increase prices for us monger" or something like that.

If I wanted to know what you and others are yacking on about in detail I would sign at one of the unis here and be a student surrounded by lovely female students who I would encourage to form a 'study group' and invite selected professors to come and give there inputs on the topic.

Now for general mongering information that is important to our 'hobby'. Did anyone read about the increase in HIV cases in the country, recently reported in the media but given all the other stuff happening not given the prominence it really deserves? It did say that most of the increase was to M2M contact (ie homosexuals) but it pays to be careful gentlemen.

Over and out.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1503205]If I wanted to know what you and others are yacking on about.

Did anyone read about the increase in HIV cases in the country, recently reported in the media but given all the other stuff happening not given the prominence it really deserves? It did say that most of the increase was to M2M contact (ie homosexuals) but it pays to be careful gentlemen.[/QUOTE]Yes, PNAC's report ascribing increased rate of contraction to M2M, needle use and mother to newborn with no mention of heterosex contributing to the increases. Rates in the PI still relatively low; even more concerning I think is identification of a super strain in west Afirca that shortens progression (mean) of HIV to AIDS from about 12 years to 5 years. Same article with data from WHO indicates AIDS is also increasingly plaguing eastern Europe, probably due to paucity of anti-retrovirals available for treatment coupled with poor screening. The report on the superstrain by the way did note that while it progresses faster from HIV to AIDS, the strain remains sensitive to treatment. If you monger bareback (especially if you have "alternative" lifestyle habits) get tested annually and, if seroconverted to HIV positive, get on retrovirals immediately and stay on them.

BTW, guilty as charged on yacking ad nauseum. One more on SCS etc by me and I will change tag line to "yacker"

[url]http://healthland.time.com/2013/11/28/new-aggressive-hiv-strain-found-in-west-africa/[/url]

[url]http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/18619-un-alarmed-by-increasing-hiv-aids-incidence-in-the-philippines[/url]

Fellow Mongers,

I have been mongerin' all over latin america and my home the USA for some time now. Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador (where I was born). I have contributing posts in the respective countries. My fav of all time is Medellin. Been there 4 times. Tryin to do Peru the summer 2014.

But before I go to Peru. I want to hit up a asian country. I do a lot of MP in the states like Dallas TX, California just so I can get my asian fix. Mainly Korean and Thai beauties and some Chinese.

So my questions is which asian country do I go too. My main countries I'm looking at are Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia.

I don't really have a body type that I prefer. I usually like spinners with a little curves and thick girl with Phat booties. My requirements to going to a asian country is:

Price of serivces, GFE, and convenience of going from one place to the other for service. I like to do multiple pops a day. Thats why I like go to Medellin. (go from brothel to brothel then to the centro strip club) Love it!

Where do I get more bang for my buck? Correct me if I'm wrong. Thailand seems to have a lot of MP and bars which I like, but you end up pay $80 US for for an hour so. I might as well stay in the states.

The Philippines has a lot of skinny ladies with no shape. But the appeal of the ladies knowing some english does help.

I don't know what I get with the Indonesian chicks.

I would like to do all-nighters on this trip. Which place is better for this?

Please guys help a fellow mongerer out!

Dcfan77, you are funny. You posted this same question in every possible thread. Ok I will try to answer you here. On the question of where to go in Asia, well, all the places where you posted are damn good choices. Pick one. It doesn't really matter where you go because you will have a great time in either BKK, Pattaya, AC, Subic, or Jakarta plus your first Asian sortie will most likely not be your last. It is so easy to get hooked on the girls out here.

For the most bang for the buck the choice is simple. It comes down to either AC, Subic or Soi 6 Pattaya. For all-nighters and GFE the best place is the PI specifically AC and Subic. For multiple short times with as many different girls as possible your best choice is Soi 6 Pattaya. For best looking girls, hang the expense its BKK, and Macau.

Lastly, you wrote that you like 'spinners with a little curves and thick girl with Phat booties' well Jakarta might be best for that, but take note: most Asian girls have natural 'A's' and 'B's' and are not near as curvy as Latinas, although Pinays generally carry more weight than Thai girls and Indos generally are more endowed. Personally I can't stand large bundas and fake tits so I prefer Asian women. I also think Asian girls (PI, Thai, and Indos) have much nicer personalities. That is why the last time I was in Colombia was over ten years ago. Don't get me wrong, they have some beautiful women down there, just overall, I prefer Asian girls by a wide margin.

Thanks bro. My writing is all over the place. LOL. How much would I spend for services in AC subic or soi6 Pattaya for services. Prices for hourly and all night?

[QUOTE=Natty Bumpo; 1504100]Dcfan77, you are funny. You posted this same question in every possible thread. Ok I will try to answer you here. On the question of where to go in Asia, well, all the places where you posted are damn good choices. Pick one. It doesn't really matter where you go because you will have a great time in either BKK, Pattaya, AC, Subic, or Jakarta plus your first Asian sortie will most likely not be your last. It is so easy to get hooked on the girls out here.

For the most bang for the buck the choice is simple. It comes down to either AC, Subic or Soi 6 Pattaya. For all-nighters and GFE the best place is the PI specifically AC and Subic. For multiple short times with as many different girls as possible your best choice is Soi 6 Pattaya. For best looking girls, hang the expense its BKK, and Macau.

Lastly, you wrote that you like 'spinners with a little curves and thick girl with Phat booties' well Jakarta might be best for that, but take note: most Asian girls have natural 'A's' and 'B's' and are not near as curvy as Latinas, although Pinays generally carry more weight than Thai girls and Indos generally are more endowed. Personally I can't stand large bundas and fake tits so I prefer Asian women. I also think Asian girls (PI, Thai, and Indos) have much nicer personalities. That is why the last time I was in Colombia was over ten years ago. Don't get me wrong, they have some beautiful women down there, just overall, I prefer Asian girls by a wide margin.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Dcfan77;1504102]Thanks bro. My writing is all over the place. LOL. How much would I spend for services in AC subic or soi6 Pattaya for services. Prices for hourly and all night?[/QUOTE]I haven't been to countries other than the Philippines, but I can tell you that it is universally agreed that the girls in the Philippines will give you much more of a GFE than any others. They are very emotional and sentimental, and very possessive, in general. And, depending on where you go, the cost is much lower.

Most girls are very happy with 2000-3000 PhP (like $45 to $65) for an all-nighter, especially if you find college students or others who aren't regular PFP types. You can seek these girls out in advance on free websites like dateinasia. Com, and have them waiting for you. And don't limit yourself to the popular mongering destinations. Even a place like Davao or Cagayan de Oro will have an abundance of talent just waiting to devour your body and heart. Just try chatting up some choice ones online before your arrival.

It is my understanding the girls in other countries see you as just a customer. Filipinas will see you as a boyfriend and potential husband, even if you make it clear that you are making no such commitments. But be careful, it is sooo easy to fall in love with these beauties! Good luck.

RG

Thanks guy!

Looks like Phillippines is looking more favorable. I'm always looking for GFE and falling in love LOL!

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1504125]I haven't been to countries other than the Philippines, but I can tell you that it is universally agreed that the girls in the Philippines will give you much more of a GFE than any others. They are very emotional and sentimental, and very possessive, in general. And, depending on where you go, the cost is much lower.

Most girls are very happy with 2000-3000 PhP (like $45 to $65) for an all-nighter, especially if you find college students or others who aren't regular PFP types. You can seek these girls out in advance on free websites like dateinasia. Com, and have them waiting for you. And don't limit yourself to the popular mongering destinations. Even a place like Davao or Cagayan de Oro will have an abundance of talent just waiting to devour your body and heart. Just try chatting up some choice ones online before your arrival.

It is my understanding the girls in other countries see you as just a customer. Filipinas will see you as a boyfriend and potential husband, even if you make it clear that you are making no such commitments. But be careful, it is sooo easy to fall in love with these beauties! Good luck.

RG[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Dcfan77; 1504093]The Philippines has a lot of skinny ladies with no shape. But the appeal of the ladies knowing some english does help.

Please guys help a fellow mongerer out![/QUOTE]I wouldn't say that most of the Filipinas are skinny with no shape. I think that's just what the avid photo posters seem to like and share here. I've seen plenty of shapely Filipinas.

Oh yeah! Thats what I like and bigger. Do they get bigger?

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1504147]I wouldn't say that most of the Filipinas are skinny with no shape. I think that's just what the avid photo posters seem to like and share here. I've seen plenty of shapely Filipinas.[/QUOTE]

Did I mention I like puttin it in the butt! LOL!

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1504147]I wouldn't say that most of the Filipinas are skinny with no shape. I think that's just what the avid photo posters seem to like and share here. I've seen plenty of shapely Filipinas.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Dcfan77;1504149]Oh yeah! Thats what I like and bigger. Do they get bigger?[/QUOTE]Yea they get bigger and so do their stomach's. Filipinas in general don't go for the butt thing although I've poked a few.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1504147]I wouldn't say that most of the Filipinas are skinny with no shape. I think that's just what the avid photo posters seem to like and share here. I've seen plenty of shapely Filipinas.[/QUOTE]That's a great a$$! I like them with either nice natural boobs or butt, and when I see a woman with both (double whammy hour glass figure) , I get freakin stupid! All kinda money comes out and promises get made that I can't keep. She could have a face like a mule, but I got to have that body!

Lmao! Me too dude. She could be a dog in the face but if she has a shapely figure, thats a wrap for me.

[QUOTE=Naked Gunz;1504188]That's a great a$$! I like them with either nice natural boobs or butt, and when I see a woman with both (double whammy hour glass figure) , I get freakin stupid! All kinda money comes out and promises get made that I can't keep. She could have a face like a mule, but I got to have that body![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Dcfan77;1504152]Did I mention I like puttin it in the butt! LOL![/QUOTE]Ick. Yuck factor going up. Soooooo dirty. Stay out of there, ok? Sicko's. Pervs.

Dumb question, but would I have any shot of getting any non-Filipino girls down in the Philippines? Would be cool to get with someone from another Asian country.

[QUOTE=Great Muta;1504223]Dumb question, but would I have any shot of getting any non-Filipino girls down in the Philippines? Would be cool to get with someone from another Asian country.[/QUOTE]Did you ever make it to the Philippines like you said you were in early 2012? Btw your right its a dumb question.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1504147]I wouldn't say that most of the Filipinas are skinny with no shape. I think that's just what the avid photo posters seem to like and share here. I've seen plenty of shapely Filipinas.[/QUOTE]Nyce!

This is a rare picture of shapely pinay (from what I have seen here). If there were more like these (and less of the skinny, shapeless kind) I would have gone to Fillipines on a mongering-only trip.

May be some day.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1504167]Yea they get bigger and so do their stomach's.[/QUOTE]Quite partial to the occasional Jolliburger muncher, myself, belly and all. Makes a pleasant change from the usual skinny bints. The angle of penetration is so very different and the ride that much plusher. Like jumping atop a Harley Super Glide after puttering along on a moped!

[QUOTE=Dcfan77; 1504093]So my questions is which asian country do I go too. My main countries I'm looking at are Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia.

I don't really have a body type that I prefer. I usually like spinners with a little curves and thick girl with Phat booties. My requirements to going to a asian country is:

Price of serivces, GFE, and convenience of going from one place to the other for service. I like to do multiple pops a day.[/QUOTE]As you've probably already figured out the Phils, and in particular AC, would offer all that you seek; including 3 holers, but you can generally expect to add about 1, 000p donation for entering the back door.

You didn't mention how long you plan to stay in SEA. Why not combine destinations? Plan for a longer stay in the Phils and take a short hop over to Thailand or Indonesia. Airfares from the Phils to either place can be quite cheap.

[quote]The Philippines has a lot of skinny ladies with no shape.[/QUOTE]Not necessarily true. Although many of us come here looking for small and skinny spinners, there's plenty of shapely ladies here too. Do a Google search of some of bars' web pages, check out the photos posted and you'll see all kinds of body shapes. You can also see quite a few videos on You Tube as well by searching for "Angles City bars". Just be careful with some of the girls, many look like they have C cups, but often its "Breasts by Bali". They do love those padded bras here and I've been deceived (but never disappointed) a few times when they the bra came off and those lovely looking B+/C cups turned out to be A's or B-"s, LOL.

A couple of days ago I traveled from Cebu City across the island to the west coast, and then about 50 km north.

Also had some time walking through the mountains and general countryside. I saw no evidence of serious damage, A few trees uprooted, some very minor damage to the occasional building. One small field of corn blown flat.

The gal that I was with took me round to the back of her house to show me the damage from Yolanda. A single sheet of corrugated iron had been folded back on the roof of a lean-to.

I pointed out to her that the iron was full of rust holes, and had nil strength, and all of the woodwork in that room (and indeed the whole house) was riddled with termites. So nails and screws would not hold. She seemed to be a bit pissed at my lack of sympathy.

So, any of you who are still getting requests for assistance related to Yolanda, from this area, can take it with a large grain of salt.

G

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1504276]Quite partial to the occasional Jolliburger muncher, myself, belly and all. Makes a pleasant change from the usual skinny bints. The angle of penetration is so very different and the ride that much plusher. Like jumping atop a Harley Super Glide after puttering along on a moped![/QUOTE]I love the Chubby / Small BBW girls (no one over 200). I love big boobs and asses and stomach's don't really bother me. Skinny girls are okay but when I'm sucking their tits or slapping their asses and I feel bone, it's not a pleasant experience.

From a yachtie mate, who is in Port Carmen, about 40 km north of Cebu:

The northern end of the island of Cebu was also in the path of the typhoon and apparently sustained serious damage. We haven't travelled north of Pt Carmen, so can't report firsthand about that, but one of the yachtees from Carmen rode up to Bogo Town 2 days ago. He said that there were a lot of damaged buildings there, with many trees and power lines down along the way. One news report also said that Malapascua Island was in ruins. We have been hearing the ambulance sirens travelling down from north, heading for Cebu City, ever since Saturday afternoon.

Not long ago, one or more punters were discussing the effects of Yolanda on mongering, suggesting that the disaster would be pushing more girls into the business to earn some additional revenue.

My observation from hotels in Cebu is that aid workers are booked into hotels, taking up rooms, driving up prices.

I can only assume that many of these will be mongering, just like us. This increase in demand may well drive up prices. And many of them will be here for a long time.

Maybe too bad for us.

G

[QUOTE=Dcfan77; 1504093]Fellow Mongers,

I have been mongerin' all over latin america and my home the USA for some time now. Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador (where I was born). I have contributing posts in the respective countries. My fav of all time is Medellin. Been there 4 times. Tryin to do Peru the summer 2014.

But before I go to Peru. I want to hit up a asian country. I do a lot of MP in the states like Dallas TX, California just so I can get my asian fix. Mainly Korean and Thai beauties and some Chinese.

So my questions is which asian country do I go too. My main countries I'm looking at are Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia.

I don't really have a body type that I prefer. I usually like spinners with a little curves and thick girl with Phat booties. My requirements to going to a asian country is:

Price of serivces, GFE, and convenience of going from one place to the other for service. I like to do multiple pops a day. Thats why I like go to Medellin. (go from brothel to brothel then to the centro strip club) Love it!

Where do I get more bang for my buck? Correct me if I'm wrong. Thailand seems to have a lot of MP and bars which I like, but you end up pay $80 US for for an hour so. I might as well stay in the states.

The Philippines has a lot of skinny ladies with no shape. But the appeal of the ladies knowing some english does help.

I don't know what I get with the Indonesian chicks.

I would like to do all-nighters on this trip. Which place is better for this?

Please guys help a fellow mongerer out![/QUOTE]It does look like you have made the same post on 5 different threads. I responded as follows to your post on the Indonesia thread (General Info) but I'll repost it here to respect the recommendations for the Phils that I have made in my reply, also because you dont seem to have seen my reply on the Indonesia thread.

[QUOTE=Raverboy; 1504378]Early 40s Singapore-born Canada-raised contributor here. Have also lived and worked in the US and in Vietnam. Have mongered in all the aforementioned countries, as well as in most ASEAN countries, with the exception of Myanmar, Brunei and East Timor.

Always pleased to share my 0. 02 cents on such a question.

Based on the info provided in your post, I would suggest the following based firstly from a purely [b]logistical standpoint[/b]:

Depending on how much time you have allocated for this trip (clarification also as requested by the previous post) , and considering you are flying in from the US for a first time visit to Asia purely for mongering, why not do all three on your list. Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia? I would first shop around for fare deals from your city of departure in the US to any one of the three capital cities in the 3 countries on your list and use it as a 'hub' for trips to the others.

FYI Bangkok to Manila is a 3. 5 hour flight (budget: Cebu Pacific, flag carriers Thai and Philippines Airlines) , Manila to Jakarta is about 4 hours (budget: Cebu Pacific, flag carriers Philippines Airlines and Garuda) , Jakarta to Bangkok is 3. 5 hours (budget: Air Asia, flag carriers Garuda and Thai).

Alternatively, based again purely from a logistical standpoint, you could fly in to Singapore (United, Northwest, SQ, ANA, JAL, Korean, Asiana, etc. All have deals occasionally) and use it as your base since it is well connected to pretty much everywhere:

Singapore to Manila is a 3 hour flight (many airline choices) , Singapore to Jakarta is about 1. 5 hours (many airline choices) , Singapore to Bangkok is 2. 5 hours (many airline choices).

For this alternative, plan your itinerary well to spend the minimum time as possible in Singapore as it is not cheap for hotels, however there is a stopover deal offered by Singapore Airlines if you fly with them. More details on their website.

Bottom line: I think what is key is what deals you can get from your departure city in the US. For example, if you can get a good deal on Philippines Airlines for LAX MNL and don't mind flying with them, then it makes sense to start your fun in Manila then look at flight options from there to the other cities.

Ok. Now for my objective point of view. You're Ecuadorian descent and have mongered all over Latin America. You have an affinity for mujeres Colombianas.

I have a feeling you will naturally be quite pleased with Filipinas, as they are as close as we can get to a 'Latin' Asian. But thats just my opinion. Oh yeah and three-and-a-half centuries of Spanish colonization probably helped with that.

Indonesia. Since you are already on this thread, I don't suppose any hard sell on Indonesia is required. All I'll say is, for the world's most populous muslim country, be prepared to be amazed. This is a country as diverse as its 18, 000+ islands and its ironies, juxtapositions and extremes (. And women!) never cease to amaze me with every trip.

Growing up in Singapore and with a strong SGD, Thailand has always been the destination for cheap and good eats, shopping, massages and sex (not necessarily in that order) for us 18-21 year old army boys with raging hormones. Not to mention everyone else around the world!

But that was in the 90s. Gone are the days of the full 100-200 strong fishbowl lineup at the soapys (Ap-ob-nuat) , ONS pick-ups at the RCA clubs (freebie or 'taxi money' only very possible) , invitation to after-after parties by beautiful strangers, THB 1000 ST and THB 1500-2000 LT at Soi Cowboy / Soi Nana, and most importantly, IMHO, gone is any semblance of the Thai GFE.

Of course there are, as always, exceptions. But that just my opinion. I invite you to draw your own conclusions.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Dcfan77;1504093]...The Philippines has a lot of skinny ladies with no shape. But the appeal of the ladies knowing some english does help...[/QUOTE]

I suppose this is an example of what you mean by 'skinny lady with no shape' who was once upon a time my regular in AC, yes?

Selfie from the common changing room of one of the more popular bars on Fields.

A while back I wrote about almost coming to blows with my wife's niece who stands 4'7" tall. She has been living with us for a few months, and has been quite helpful. But she is driving me up the wall with her "fresh from the province mentality". I had the misfortune of taking her to the grocery store. He shopping skills are strictly "sari sari". Each item I would purchase she would ask "only one tito". My wife gave me strick instructions to purchase feminine napkins, I attempted to have her niece do it, but she cannot understand the concept of thinking ahead. Instead of her coming in my room at 10pm in blood soaked panties asking if we have any napkins I prefer to keep some in stock. When I attempt to explain the fact that we paid a cab to go to the store and I want to stock up, she just gives me a dumb look which is exacerbated by her missing front tooth. I would never fuck this girl, she is family, but her small size reminds me of a pro I screwed in Brazil a few years back. She got on her hands and knees right below me on all fours and we fucked in a position I would describe as "in flight refueling".

I am considering retirement next year at age 54. Having visited several places in the world, I am giving some consideration to 3 places. Angeles city PI, Chiang Mai Thailand, or Medellin Colombia.

Having visited all 3 places several times in the past, and upon drawing up lists as to the merits of each location, I have one concern I would like to ask a Retired person in similar circumstance.

I would like to know your long term thoughts of living in a place that you have only visited on vacation, as compared to long term retirement living. More to the point.

1. In AC for example, are you still going out hitting the bars 3 plus nights a week 1 year into retirement?

2. Do most Expats end up hitting the Bars early in Retirement and then settling down with a steady GF after a few months?

3. Does what seem like a great place for vacation turn out to be a very boring place after a few months?

In essence, does the appeal of the "monger scene" lose its luster after you live there.
Additional data. Do not consider monthly budget as a factor when responding. Also. My plan is to always rent in all locations.

Interesting read on NAIA and the passport control officers there.

More alarming (?) is the last paragraph. Justice moves slowly in the country.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/543559/abusive-immigration-personnel[/url]

Most of the expats I know of that retire in those places drink themselves to death in the bars. Being stuck anywhere is a drag, so best be sure you have the means to travel still. If you're living in Phil, it will be nice to get up into the peaceful hills of Thailand and mellow down for a while. And be able to go back to your home country at least once a year, like maybe around Christmas. Then you won't have to hear the chipmonk version of the 12 Days of Christmas through blown out speakers a million fuckin times.

[QUOTE=ZipGun6; 1506544]I am considering retirement next year at age 54. Having visited several places in the world, I am giving some consideration to 3 places. Angeles city PI, Chiang Mai Thailand, or Medellin Colombia.

Having visited all 3 places several times in the past, and upon drawing up lists as to the merits of each location, I have one concern I would like to ask a Retired person in similar circumstance.

I would like to know your long term thoughts of living in a place that you have only visited on vacation, as compared to long term retirement living. More to the point.

1. In AC for example, are you still going out hitting the bars 3 plus nights a week 1 year into retirement?

2. Do most Expats end up hitting the Bars early in Retirement and then settling down with a steady GF after a few months?

3. Does what seem like a great place for vacation turn out to be a very boring place after a few months?

In essence, does the appeal of the "monger scene" lose its luster after you live there.

Additional data. Do not consider monthly budget as a factor when responding. Also. My plan is to always rent in all locations.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1506848]Interesting read on NAIA and the passport control officers there.

More alarming (?) is the last paragraph. Justice moves slowly in the country.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/543559/abusive-immigration-personnel[/url][/QUOTE]Yeah. No matter how jet lagged, tired or eager you are to get thru and head to Pussyville the advice is good.

These guys are the guardians of the gate and can accept or reject you, and are super sensitive to any negative comments.

The sign says " no talking on the phone" so whilst you don't, its ok that they talk on phone to each other with earpieces on, often making comments about how the next person in line looks.

The last time I enterered one fat cow immagration lady, thinking I don't understand tagalog said to her equally fat neighbour " wow this guy here looks impatient". I replied in English that I was sorry I looked impatient, but I needed a bathroom and had been in line for 20 minutes. Memo to self " act dumber in future".

She stamped the passport and threw it back at me.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1506848]Interesting read on NAIA and the passport control officers there.

More alarming (?) is the last paragraph. Justice moves slowly in the country.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/543559/abusive-immigration-personnel[/url][/QUOTE]So far I have always been incredibly polite. I mark 'business' as my reason for travel but my fear is that one day, the outgoing immigration officer will see that as an invitation to ask for a little assistance. Currently making about 4 trips per year on business to Pi, I know that it is just a matter of time until I face off against one of the more adaptable officers.

BD

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1504424]So, any of you who are still getting requests for assistance related to Yolanda, from this area, can take it with a large grain of salt.

G[/QUOTE]Had one bg on my facebook profile whom I met a year ago in Angeles. She had been good fun and I always try and keep in contact with them for a followup visit with a relationship built on time.

Anyway, following multiple visits back to AC and she never replied to any of my FB messages I guess she had moved on. Well it has taken her about a month to learn about how to milk foreigners via FB and she now has a solid 'Yolanda' story. She even now miz me so much and wish we can be bf / gf. I did point out that she hasn't miz me for the past twelve months. Consequently I haven't heard from her again.

I feel sorry for the many armchair mongers whom are sending Western Union to this new story.

I feel sorry that the money does not get to the intended people.

BD

[QUOTE=BrainDrain;1506948]Anyway, following multiple visits back to AC and she never replied to any of my FB messages I guess she had moved on. Well it has taken her about a month to learn about how to milk foreigners via FB and she now has a solid 'Yolanda' story. She even now miz me so much and wish we can be bf / gf. I did point out that she hasn't miz me for the past twelve months. Consequently I haven't heard from her again.[/QUOTE]I would have never told her that she lost contact for 12 months. Pinays are not good in deciphering sarcasm. And will think you are an evil person. End of story!

I will just act dumb, if she was a good screw. To get her to bed. If she was good.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1506939]Yeah. No matter how jet lagged, tired or eager you are to get thru and head to Pussyville the advice is good.

These guys are the guardians of the gate and can accept or reject you, and are super sensitive to any negative comments.

The sign says " no talking on the phone" so whilst you don't, its ok that they talk on phone to each other with earpieces on, often making comments about how the next person in line looks.

The last time I enterered one fat cow immagration lady, thinking I don't understand tagalog said to her equally fat neighbour " wow this guy here looks impatient". I replied in English that I was sorry I looked impatient, but I needed a bathroom and had been in line for 20 minutes. Memo to self " act dumber in future".

She stamped the passport and threw it back at me.[/QUOTE]Those who support NAIA and BI people as nice are those who are really subservient and very demure. Try to question them. They go mad. Power mad idiots all in the govt service. Imagine those virtually shivering in their boots and being extremely polite. Or else. You will be subject to secondary screening (whatever term they use to drive anybody nuts.)

Like this trip, I was asked my purpose of visit and I went "visit my wife."

The BI officer goes "oh so you have a wife here." I said "I am offended by your suggestion that I have [B]A[/B] Wife. I only have one wife and I am only married once." (of course, one wife don't mean I don't have gfs. Last count, it was just 3.)

She gave me the look and said "You don't have to be rude to us."

Yah right.

Of course I know in The PH grammer. 'you have a wife' is the same as 'you are married to a Filipino. ' though I couldn't resist trying to see how they react.

And when I was leaving, after paying terminal fee, I still had the balance pesos in my hand, and the BI guys after the counter openly asked "sir, you can donate the balance for Christmas fund." I Smiled and said "will I get a receipt." and before he could digest it with a smiling face I moved away.

[QUOTE=Pimpin Sam;1506866]And be able to go back to your home country at least once a year, like maybe around Christmas. Then you won't have to hear the chipmonk version of the 12 Days of Christmas through blown out speakers a million fuckin times.[/QUOTE]Sure wish that I'd followed your advice. I made the mistake of visiting an SM Hypermarket earlier today and now I've got 'Frosty, the Snowman' going round and round in my head in an endless fucking loop. Its driving me barmy.

Zippo, you lucky dog, I wish I could retire at 54. I haven't been to Chiang Mai, nor Columbia, so I don't have any enlightening information for you. But I think it's a great question and will create a lot of discussion here.

As for question 1, in Ac, it seems some of the long timers do hit the bars regularly. But they sit around and chat with themselves. I personally get bored with the place in less than a week.

If I was thinking about living in Philippines I might look at Cebu or Davao. Nevertheless, if you go to the Manila thread, you'll find several regular posters who seem to live and love the place.

Take a look at the Davao thread and peruse Good Enough's messages. He's not retired, but has a few years under his belt. He's landed on your number 2.

And when I visit Philippines I often meet guys who live in more remote places and seem to have created their own little utopia wherever they are. Different strokes for different folks.

X.

[QUOTE=ZipGun6; 1506544]I am considering retirement next year at age 54.

SNIP.

1. In AC for example, are you still going out hitting the bars 3 plus nights a week 1 year into retirement?

2. Do most Expats end up hitting the Bars early in Retirement and then settling down with a steady GF after a few months?

3. Does what seem like a great place for vacation turn out to be a very boring place after a few months?

In essence, does the appeal of the "monger scene" lose its luster after you live there.

Additional data. Do not consider monthly budget as a factor when responding. Also. My plan is to always rent in all locations.[/QUOTE]

Risky, if she is / was a bar girl. She has needs that you might not be able to give after a few years.

If you settle in Phils, your GF will become very jealous if you go out without her. She met you in a bar (I assume) and will expect you to go back to old habits.

It is a major problem, to balance the new GF, with your needs.

Try seeking a non WG, difficult I know.

But I managed it, and love the attention I receive, but very aware of the jealous looks, and "discussions".

Be faithful, and you will have a great life in retirement.

Bumz

[QUOTE=Bumz Rush; 1507181]Be faithful, and you will have a great life in retirement.

Bumz[/QUOTE]Bumz, the word "faithful" and "living in the Philippines" are not words I associate together in the same sentence LOL.

But you are right, the girls suddenly change from a loving and naughty girlfriend who knows who are naughty, goes out with you mates to bars etc and is cool about it to a wife who knows you are naughty and goes to bars with your mates and will not like it!

I had a girlfriend who was jealous of ex girlfriends I have before she was born. Now that was funny (well I thought it was but she took a very dim view of chuckles!)

This is why men can never really understand women am sure LOL.

Faithful is a big word, which with respect to all the "Old School" in Piper and Wicked is not muttered in the same breath. However it is possible to settle in Phils, and be faithful, but very difficult.

The more you walk around and try just to admire from afar, it is not easy. Just a wander round a mall or two. Life is hard.

Wicked thanks for reminding me that there is life in old age.

Bumz

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1507339]I had a girlfriend who was jealous of ex girlfriends I have before she was born. Now that was funny (well I thought it was but she took a very dim view of chuckles!)

This is why men can never really understand women am sure LOL.[/QUOTE]I've had the same problem WR. Just couldn't get over the fact that I had been with other women before meeting her. She kept telling me how unfair it was that I was "used goods" when she was fresh. But she loved how my past experiences could be used to teach her how to feel good while making me feel good at the same time. Hahaha We broke up in 2010 because she became a very jealous during video chats. Even though I spent almost all of my free time chatting with her, she started saying that she thought I had a new gf in my bedroom, even while we were chatting. Now she is sending me emails asking for us to get back together. I think about just writing her off as a past experience and enjoying my freedom with many other Filipinas. But then the memories of great sex with her sets in. I've got to figure out how some of these guys have a regular honey that allows them the freedom to monger also.

Enjoy the hobby!

HW

A Filipina "friend" on facebook posted this article about the health benefits of daily sex. I think it is a good basis for excusing charges of prostitution. Hahahaha.

[url]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=583310388388362&set=a.530638886988846.1073741827.427891673930235&type=1[/url]

Enjoy the read!

HW

[QUOTE=X Man; 1507109]Zippo, you lucky dog, I wish I could retire at 54. I haven't been to Chiang Mai, nor Columbia, so I don't have any enlightening information for you. But I think it's a great question and will create a lot of discussion here.

As for question 1, in Ac, it seems some of the long timers do hit the bars regularly. But they sit around and chat with themselves. I personally get bored with the place in less than a week.

If I was thinking about living in Philippines I might look at Cebu or Davao. Nevertheless, if you go to the Manila thread, you'll find several regular posters who seem to live and love the place.

Take a look at the Davao thread and peruse Good Enough's messages. He's not retired, but has a few years under his belt. He's landed on your number 2.

And when I visit Philippines I often meet guys who live in more remote places and seem to have created their own little utopia wherever they are. Different strokes for different folks.

X.[/QUOTE]Just a slight clarification regarding"landed on number 2." My partner and I have been together a long time, but she's a university graduate, never worked in any sort of bar, and was a realtor when I met her. As to the "few years under his belt" comment, it's true.

GE

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I was thinking of a couple who made it work. Thank you for the clarification. You should have skinned me alive.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough; 1507628]Just a slight clarification regarding"landed on number 2." My partner and I have been together a long time, but she's a university graduate, never worked in any sort of bar, and was a realtor when I met her. As to the "few years under his belt" comment, it's true.

GE[/QUOTE]

My daughter is in the process of obtaining a visa to work as a nurse in Australia for a year. She will likely be in the Brisbane area. I expect that she will finally be approved and on her way in about March. 2014. I am planning to coordinate my next trip to the Philippines in about May and then carry on to visit her in Australia. I will buy a return seat sale ticket to Manila from Canada and am planning to go onward to Australia and then return to Manila for my return trip back to Canada.

My question is about the cost of flights. Am I better off to just buy the ticket in Canada or are there better and cheaper options Manila to Australia? From what I can see here it looks like the ticket will be in the $500 to $800 range. Are there better times of year to travel when the airlines tend to run specials. I know that the airlines there tend to throw out some crazy unannounced special prices from time to time.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Nut

[QUOTE=Amanut; 1507942]My question is about the cost of flights. Am I better off to just buy the ticket in Canada or are there better and cheaper options Manila to Australia? From what I can see here it looks like the ticket will be in the $500 to $800 range. Are there better times of year to travel when the airlines tend to run specials. I know that the airlines there tend to throw out some crazy unannounced special prices from time to time.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Nut[/QUOTE]Try Jetstar and Air Asia. Am doing same and AA via KL is about 21000 pesos including all taxes so $500.

I use Jetstar as reasonable and if you book long time in advance I can get cheaper seats.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1507970]Try Jetstar and Air Asia. Am doing same and AA via KL is about 21000 pesos including all taxes so $500.

I use Jetstar as reasonable and if you book long time in advance I can get cheaper seats.[/QUOTE]Thanks very much. Still a bit of time away so I will keep an eye on these two.

[QUOTE=Amanut;1508255]Thanks very much. Still a bit of time away so I will keep an eye on these two.[/QUOTE]I have been booking now as the prices may increase. At the same time for one of the dates I wanted there were no seats left for the day I wanted! (This is for end February / beginning March).

[QUOTE=Amanut; 1507942]My daughter is in the process of obtaining a visa to work as a nurse in Australia for a year. She will likely be in the Brisbane area. I expect that she will finally be approved and on her way in about March. 2014. I am planning to coordinate my next trip to the Philippines in about May and then carry on to visit her in Australia. I will buy a return seat sale ticket to Manila from Canada and am planning to go onward to Australia and then return to Manila for my return trip back to Canada.

My question is about the cost of flights. Am I better off to just buy the ticket in Canada or are there better and cheaper options Manila to Australia? From what I can see here it looks like the ticket will be in the $500 to $800 range. Are there better times of year to travel when the airlines tend to run specials. I know that the airlines there tend to throw out some crazy unannounced special prices from time to time.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Nut[/QUOTE]There is tiger to Singapore from ac and Airasia from Manila I think now to kl then airasia to gold coast, I stay on kl a night as its good place to stay, or Singapore is ok as well, just wait till a sale is on and join up to Airasia. Tiger, and Cebu pacific to get there flyers when they have a sale getting form Singa to kl or visa versa is easy and only about 10? 20$ and some times Royal Bruni have good fares as well.

[QUOTE=Bumz Rush; 1507507].

The more you walk around and try just to admire from afar, it is not easy. Just a wander round a mall or two. Life is hard.

Bumz[/QUOTE]If you ever want to see the definition of " dissapointed and frustrated", take a look at an expat in a mall in Manila. There he is with his (often) fat white wife, a couple of kids. Hes pretending to be the happy loyal dad not seeing the pretty young things in front of him, but if you look, you will see hes slyly seeing all the girls all the while smiling at whatever his wife is saying.

The wife is aware she's 100 pounds heavier than the pretty girls, and at least 10 years older and she's slyly watching her husband.

It happens in every mall every day.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/467127/man-accidentally-shoots-own-penis-dies[/url]

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1508398]If you ever want to see the definition of " dissapointed and frustrated", take a look at an expat in a mall in Manila. There he is with his (often) fat white wife, a couple of kids. Hes pretending to be the happy loyal dad not seeing the pretty young things in front of him, but if you look, you will see hes slyly seeing all the girls all the while smiling at whatever his wife is saying.

The wife is aware she's 100 pounds heavier than the pretty girls, and at least 10 years older and she's slyly watching her husband.

It happens in every mall every day.[/QUOTE]And it happens in every mall around the world too, not just in Manila. It's fun to sit at a café and watch them, but what really gives me a good laugh is when you're walking through a mall in the Phils with some arm candy and you see one of those guys furtively checking out your girl. You know exactly what he's thinking as he's barely able to keep from drooling. Then he see's you watching him, the "busted" look and sheepish grin that often follows is priceless! And sometimes what's even more priceless is when they get busted by their fat wife. I can only imagine the consequences, LOL.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1508517]And it happens in every mall around the world too, not just in Manila. It's fun to sit at a café and watch them, but what really gives me a good laugh is when you're walking through a mall in the Phils with some arm candy and you see one of those guys furtively checking out your girl. You know exactly what he's thinking as he's barely able to keep from drooling. Then he see's you watching him, the "busted" look and sheepish grin that often follows is priceless! And sometimes what's even more priceless is when they get busted by their fat wife. I can only imagine the consequences, LOL.[/QUOTE]When I'm this guy looking at the monger with the arm candy, far from looking sheepish, I usually give the guy a thumbs up. Kind of a monger's handshake. I hope implying. I'm a monger in husband clothing.

BD

[QUOTE=Paulr1950;1508361]There is tiger to Singapore from ac and airasia from manila I think now to kl then airasia to gold coast, I stay on kl a night as its good place to stay, or Singapore is ok as well, just wait till a sale is on and join up to airasia. Tiger, and cebu pacific to get there flyers when they have a sale getting form singa to kl or visa versa is easy and only about 10? 20$ and some times royal bruni have good fares as well[/QUOTE]Hi,

You can also fly to the Gold Coast (1 hour sth by car from Brisbane) with Air Asia and Scoot. Get on there email list. Both are budget operators. The Goldie is a good place to stay for a couple of beach days and you can get bus / train options to Brisbane but does add to the cost overall as well.

Cheers

Congrats to any Aussies reading. They will know what I mean. We wuz robbed (only kidding, we were firmly spanked!).

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1509499]Congrats to any Aussies reading. They will know what I mean. We wuz robbed (only kidding, we were firmly spanked!).[/QUOTE]Many thanks, CS. It was a great relief, after being kicked around by you Poms for the last three series!

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1509499]Congrats to any Aussies reading. They will know what I mean. We wuz robbed (only kidding, we were firmly spanked!).[/QUOTE]Cheers. I was in Thailand for the first 2 tests and spent the second day of the first test sitting with a Pom and it was just nice to be able to chat and enjoy the cricket. We've been down for a few years now but but hopefully we've turned the corner. It's interesting that Johnson only got his spot in the first test by default after a few bowlers ahead of him got injured. Sometimes things just work out.

[QUOTE=Amanut; 1507942]My daughter is in the process of obtaining a visa to work as a nurse in Australia for a year. She will likely be in the Brisbane area. I expect that she will finally be approved and on her way in about March. 2014. I am planning to coordinate my next trip to the Philippines in about May and then carry on to visit her in Australia. I will buy a return seat sale ticket to Manila from Canada and am planning to go onward to Australia and then return to Manila for my return trip back to Canada.

My question is about the cost of flights. Am I better off to just buy the ticket in Canada or are there better and cheaper options Manila to Australia? From what I can see here it looks like the ticket will be in the $500 to $800 range. Are there better times of year to travel when the airlines tend to run specials. I know that the airlines there tend to throw out some crazy unannounced special prices from time to time.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Nut[/QUOTE]Hi mate,

Keep a look at Philippines air lines the do good deals out of Manila to Darwin then to Brisbane its almost a dricet flight. Jets star are now going to stop flights from drwin to Manila as air Philippines taking pepole of them. Air Asia ok in to gold coast but if she going to be living in Brisbane better to get flight to Brisbane as its a pain getting from gold coast airport to train station. Then she looking at a over one hour train trip to central station. Is this going to be her first trip to Australia. My gf tried to get work here in Brisbane as nurse but no luck. If your daughter or your self need any help or in fo on Brisbane drop me a line I may be able to help.

Ps I live in Brisbane.

I am flying to the Philippines from the US next month, taking Delta. They charge $159 extra to upgrade to an "Economy Comfort" seat for the international part of the trip. They say there is a bit more legroom, more seat recline, and free drinks. Does anyone know if the Economy Comfort upgrade is worth the extra cost?

RG

[url]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e8e_1387496215[/url]

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojFGo9RN5mY[/url]

Look for 2:20 onwards, when you see a clumsy guard cocking his gun, and then at 12:00 onwards, when Private security 'volunteered' to go to the Police station to show proof of their guns (as per the police.) or, to chit chat with the Makati police (as per the sister of the security company owner). While the Dasma management team says they were plain simply arrested.

Binay junior, in his defence, says, he told the cops not to treat the private security bad. And just tell them to show courtesy and Binay Sr says the private security Didn't follow protocol. And then, Miss Binay says the video is proof of haters of her family.

It is Fun in the Philippines.

Three dead. Probable assassination. If you're flying Cebu Pacific wear your body armour. Stray bullets.

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/340628/news/metromanila/zambo-sur-town-mayor-shot-dead-at-naia-terminal-3[/url]

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1509864]Three dead. Probable assassination. If you're flying Cebu Pacific wear your body armour. Stray bullets.

[url]http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/340628/news/metromanila/zambo-sur-town-mayor-shot-dead-at-naia-terminal-3[/url][/QUOTE]Wow my gf just arrived in the same terminal 30 min before that.

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1509729]I am flying to the Philippines from the US next month, taking Delta. They charge $159 extra to upgrade to an "Economy Comfort" seat for the international part of the trip. They say there is a bit more legroom, more seat recline, and free drinks. Does anyone know if the Economy Comfort upgrade is worth the extra cost?

RG[/QUOTE]I flew Delta for the first time last month to Manila. I was able to find a seat with an isle on one side and an empty seat next to me by checking the seating chart online. I prefer doing that than spending $200 each way for a couple of extra inches.

[QUOTE=Bob Bowie;1510111]I was able to find a seat with an isle on one side and an empty seat next to me by checking the seating chart online.[/QUOTE]I've done economy upgrades a few times and the aisle seat option is adequate enough I do the same thing; gives you plenty of room to stretch your legs into the aisles as needed. Exit rows are also great economic options if you can get one.

Either way, it's advisable to get up and walk at least a few paces regularly especially if you are big, overweight, diabetic, smoke, hypertensive etc which are all risk factors for developing a leg clot (deep vein thrombosis) and its potentially lethal brethren (pulmonary embolus or clot thrown to lungs). I don't have any of these risk factors but age over 40 is another risk factor so I take a baby ASA or single 325 mg aspirin the morning of any very long flight to prevent clots. Short of that, staying hydrated, moving around regularly and avoiding your legs latched (eg in middle seat) for long periods helps avoid leg clots. That said, upgrade seats do give you more room and if you're 6 feet or above, on a full flight and can't get an aisle seat, $159 might be a very good investment.

[QUOTE=BeerCans; 1509620]Hi mate,

Keep a look at Philippines air lines the do good deals out of Manila to Darwin then to Brisbane its almost a dricet flight. Jets star are now going to stop flights from drwin to Manila as air Philippines taking pepole of them. Air Asia ok in to gold coast but if she going to be living in Brisbane better to get flight to Brisbane as its a pain getting from gold coast airport to train station. Then she looking at a over one hour train trip to central station. Is this going to be her first trip to Australia. My gf tried to get work here in Brisbane as nurse but no luck. If your daughter or your self need any help or in fo on Brisbane drop me a line I may be able to help.

Ps I live in Brisbane.[/QUOTE]Thanks BeerCans. I will do just that. I may have been a bit premature here as she is still in the process of having her credentials verified which has been a rather slow process. She has her youth working holiday visa approved, but won't go until agency confirms her RN status and that she can work as a nurse there. She applied to agency in Brisbane but wants to work on gulf coast. I am going to have to brush up on my geography.

[QUOTE=Pete Benetar;1510154]I've done economy upgrades a few times and the aisle seat option is adequate enough I do the same thing; gives you plenty of room to stretch your legs into the aisles as needed. Exit rows are also great economic options if you can get one.[/QUOTE]I recently made the mistake of paying extra for an exit row seat so I could get extra leg room since I'm 6'4". The problem was the tray table was one that flipped down in to the side arm rest making the seat width another 2" or more narrower. It was an uncomfortable 13 hour flight.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1510166]I recently made the mistake of paying extra for an exit row seat so I could get extra leg room since I'm 6'4". The problem was the tray table was one that flipped down in to the side arm rest making the seat width another 2" or more narrower. It was an uncomfortable 13 hour flight.[/QUOTE]Best solution I have found is Seatguru.com

I have been trying to plan a trip to the PI, but in my research, have been shocked by the travel times everywhere. It seems like everything is an 8 hour bus ride. Why is that? Is it that the roads are bad? Traffic slow?

The Rice Terraces are a 9 hour bus ride from Manila. NINE HOURS!

Has anyone ever rented a car in the PI? Why aren't more people talking about that?

And before anyone comments on it, I would NOT drive in Manila. Just from the airport to everywhere else.

Thanks in advance!

[QUOTE=Manny51; 1510219]I have been trying to plan a trip to the PI, but in my research, have been shocked by the travel times everywhere. It seems like everything is an 8 hour bus ride. Why is that? Is it that the roads are bad? Traffic slow?

The Rice Terraces are a 9 hour bus ride from Manila. NINE HOURS!

Has anyone ever rented a car in the PI? Why aren't more people talking about that?

And before anyone comments on it, I would NOT drive in Manila. Just from the airport to everywhere else.

Thanks in advance! [/QUOTe.

To many cars and buses not enough roads and highways. The bus stops along the way makes the trip longer But the bus is the way to go most places and I never thought it to be a hassle even on times when I got on some pretty packed buses

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1509729]They charge $159 extra to upgrade to an "Economy Comfort" seat for the international part of the trip. They say there is a bit more legroom, more seat recline, and free drinks.[/QUOTE]I don't think the seats recline that much more then the standard ones, you get about 3 to 4 inches of extra leg room and beer & wine are already included in your fare on the international leg. For me it's not worth it, but if you're over 6'2" tall and / or really fat then it might just be a viable option.

But here's another way to think spending your hard earned cash. At the current FXR, USD 159. 00 equals about 6, 900p. That equates to about 8 ST bar fines plus about 500p left over for a dinner and / or a few drinks; or 3-4 LT barfines and about 900p left over. So what's more important, a few inches of leg room or hours upon hours of pleasure? And that's just if you pay for the seat upgrade for one way; double it for the round trip or you can double your pleasure too, LOL.

For me the choice is obvious. I'd grab an aisle seat at the standard fare and add the $159 (or $318 for RT) to my mongering budget.

I'm 6'5" and I always fly Delta when I go back to the States. The best thing to do is download the delta app. Right before they start boarding, check the seating chart and make a change. The exit row seats, unless you get one with no seats in front of it, do not have any extra space. On long flights there are usually empty seats, I just change to a seat that has another empty seat next to it using the app. Much better than the exit row. Also, the flight staff is always very accommodating, especially to tall people. They will always look for something better for you, with the exception of an upgrade.

FLT.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger; 1510252], but if you're over 6'2" tall and / or really fat then it might just be a viable option.

For me the choice is obvious. I'd grab an aisle seat at the standard fare and add the $159 (or $318 for RT) to my mongering budget.[/QUOTE]What if you are both Pip? Don't answer that it is rhetorical LOL.

For me Delta is not an airline I call first class. I have flown the carrier and never enjoyed it especially long haul. But I appreciate those who live in the USA have limited choice if one wants an affordable option.

I agree with Pip that regardless of size etc save the see ash for more important matters LOL.

I have done them all from the states. Cathay Pacific is by far the best Airline servicing the US to Manila. Thru Hong Kong, plus we get to stop over in HK at no charge to play in Wanchai for a couple of nites. US United and Delta carriers suck long haul with their Bitchy Grandma Flight Attendants and charging for drinks and other things. I am going to Asia to forget about bitchy American ladies I don't want to be reminded of them in flight. ANA is not much better and food sucks too much Japanese. China Airlines suck also. For me and my travelling companions for about $200 more than US carriers you can't compare the service food and comfort of Cathay Pacific. Their Flight Attendants look like Porcelain Dolls and are so friendly and accommodating. Cathay is indeed in a different league.

For some, Philippine Airlines may offer an answer. They have a flight out of Las Vegas with a short stopover in Vancouver then direct to Manila. If you book on Monday, Wednesday or Friday they use their 777 which is never full. As soon as the doors are closed tell the flight attendant that you are looking to sit alone and they will let you move to the back to chose another seat. Any time I have flown on this flight I have had all four seats in the center row to myself and stretched out. It leaves Vancouver around midnight arriving Manila at around 05:00 so immigration is pretty quick at that time of day with no other flights arriving. I could save a few dollars with other airlines but like the idea of getting there by a direct flight. The rest of the fleet, at least from Canada are pieces of crap.

They will also let you have an exit row with lots of leg room for $50 which I have tried but I found out the arm rests in those seats do not lift up and ended up moving back anyway.

[QUOTE=Manny51; 1510219]I have been trying to plan a trip to the PI, but in my research, have been shocked by the travel times everywhere. It seems like everything is an 8 hour bus ride. Why is that? Is it that the roads are bad? Traffic slow?

The Rice Terraces are a 9 hour bus ride from Manila. NINE HOURS!

Has anyone ever rented a car in the PI? Why aren't more people talking about that?

And before anyone comments on it, I would NOT drive in Manila. Just from the airport to everywhere else.

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]I rented a car once and drove from Manila to Santiago, Isabela which was about a 10 hour drive plus a few wrong turns. Rental cars are very expensive and if you break down it would be a problem getting assistance. The roads are not marked well and there are no street lights so its easy to make a wrong turn and good luck getting accurate directions from a local. Once out of Manila the roads were open and the scenery was great. Remember that most roads go through the center of every little town and city so there will be traffic. It was a fun experience and we were lucky there were no mishaps.

Busses are probably the better mode of transportation and are inexpensive. The air conditioned busses usually make less stops and are not as packed with people but are slightly more expensive. I took a bus from Puerto Princesa, Palawan to El Nido which was a great experience. The first bus available was a non air conditioned one but it was a newer style bus with decent seats. My gf arranged the driver to move his things off the seat right behind him so we could sit there which gave us more leg room and a great view out the front window. Having the window down made a cool breeze and I was able to take some nice photos as we traveled. The bus stopped many times to pick up and drop off people and when school let out the driver allowed the kids to jump on and ride for free to get home. It was great to get a taste of the people that live along the roadside but took forever to get to our destination.

The newer bus below was the one we took and the other bus over packed with people and farm animals I just had to take a photo of.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1510385]I rented a car once and drove from Manila to Santiago, Isabela which was about a 10 hour drive plus a few wrong turns. Rental cars are very expensive and if you break down it would be a problem getting assistance. The roads are not marked well and there are no street lights so its easy to make a wrong turn and good luck getting accurate directions from a local. Once out of Manila the roads were open and the scenery was great. Remember that most roads go through the center of every little town and city so there will be traffic. It was a fun experience and we were lucky there were no mishaps.[/QUOTE]It does sound like a great time. I have been planning a road trip like this for awhile. From AC or Subic, depending on where I rent a car, I want to take the coastal highway all the way up to Pagudpup stopping overnight at places like San Fernando and Vigan. Then spend as much time as we want at Maira-Ira Beach before taking the mountain road back through Tuguegarao, Tabuk, and Sagada. I think 10 days is the minimum I should plan for a trip like this. I have narrowed down my possible travelling companion to two great little girls. On my next trip to PI I will select one of them.

I rented a car in the PI for the first time on my last trip and it was nice having the freedom to explore around the small towns easily. However, the biggest negative is that the roads are full of slow moving pedestrians, bikes, trikes, farm vehicles, etc. And you have to be very alert. I was most afraid of the kids walking to / from school who weren't watching traffic but were playing with their friends as they walked (or ran, skipped, etc.). I have taken many long distance buses (4 on the last trip) and think that is a better way to travel in the PI.

On a previous trip I went to the rice terraces in a car with a driver / guide. It wasn't much faster than the bus as some of the roads were being worked on and we had to wait for long periods of time. You have to be prepared to relax and not worry about time (like the locals).

[QUOTE=Manny51; 1510219]I have been trying to plan a trip to the PI, but in my research, have been shocked by the travel times everywhere. It seems like everything is an 8 hour bus ride. Why is that? Is it that the roads are bad? Traffic slow?

The Rice Terraces are a 9 hour bus ride from Manila. NINE HOURS!

Has anyone ever rented a car in the PI? Why aren't more people talking about that?

And before anyone comments on it, I would NOT drive in Manila. Just from the airport to everywhere else.

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Mongerer69;1510369]I have done them all from the states. Cathay Pacific is by far the best Airline servicing the US to Manila. Thru Hong Kong, plus we get to stop over in HK at no charge to play in Wanchai for a couple of nites. US United and Delta carriers suck long haul with their Bitchy Grandma Flight Attendants and charging for drinks and other things. I am going to Asia to forget about bitchy American ladies I don't want to be reminded of them in flight. ANA is not much better and food sucks too much Japanese. China Airlines suck also. For me and my travelling companions for about $200 more than US carriers you can't compare the service food and comfort of Cathay Pacific. Their Flight Attendants look like Porcelain Dolls and are so friendly and accommodating. Cathay is indeed in a different league.[/QUOTE]Agree 100 percent, Cathay is the best to Asia. Beautiful attendants, nearly always on-time, no lost luggage, and their VIP lounge in HK is the nicest I've seen. Also, their Premium Economy seats are perfect for those who want some extra room and / or booze but don't want to shell out for Business or First.

The Cathay lounge is the only thing I actually like about HK.

First, on the subject of airlines, I agree that Cathay Pacific is the best, though I've not flown Singapore Airlines to the States. I took Korean Airlines to New York in August, and in September back to the Philippines from LA, and while it wasn't bad, it wasn't as good as Cathay, and the seats in Business Class were not as comfortable.

As to road transportation, there are no good options. The road transport infrastructure is a shambles, with little investment, poor design, spotty maintenance and unsafe drivers. I've been driving here for 10+years and if anything it's getting worse: no law enforcement, undisciplined drivers, and the roads are full of vehicles that would never be permitted to operate in most countries. That said, I don't agree that buses present a safer alternative. As evidenced by the bus accident last week in Manila that killed about 18 people, the buses are poorly maintained, the drivers are reckless, and they're reputed often to take amphetamines to stay awake. I think renting a car and driving yourself is marginally safer however driving here is not for the faint of heart.

This is a country that, platitudes of the politicians aside, cares little for public safety and it's entire transport sector provides evidence of this contention.

GE

Have you ever stayed in Wanchai HK? Every trip to PI I do a 2 night stay over in Wanchai with my friend and have the time of my life with. Admittedly. More expensive Filipinas, Indos, Vietnamese. I really enjoy the club scene in Wanchai. Amazonia (Ice Box Band) Rock and Roll. It is the perfect way to begin or end a trip to the Philippines.

[QUOTE=Driveallnight;1510490]The Cathay lounge is the only thing I actually like about HK.[/QUOTE]

Whoops, wrong thread.

I dunno, I put CP there with Korean Air. From Chicago to Hong Kong is one of the longest flights on the globe and that's on CP. I've done it a few times and its just toooooooo long. I break things up by going from Chicago to Incheon on Korean Air. A break at Incheon and 3+ hours to Manila. Excellent treatment by both airlines both on the ground and in the air.

Guys,

I am trying to decide in which country to retire. Regarding Philippines : is it possible to travel to Philippines

For one month and to open a bank account without the ACRI card. Because I would like to return to my country for 2 months to.

Deal with all the legal issues and transfer money into that account and then return to Philippines and apply for the ACRI card after 59 days. Thanks in advance.

I have opened two accounts on two occasions in RP. Both with BPI which is owned by a Ayla sub. It takes 20 working days for US checks to clear. You need to open a account with a min. Of 500 dollars and it will be called a dollar account. You can get a ATM card also. All I can say is from experience all things in RP. Are subject to change. So today you might not be able to do what I said.

HSBC, has a program if you keep 100K in your US account you can tap it from anywhere in the world we no fees. I do not know your price range. But there are Branches in Manila and Cebu that I have seen. If you are traveling that part of the world. And can afford it. I would say that HSBC is the best way to go as you can tap your funds where ever there is a branch. If in the special program of a min. 100K.

[QUOTE=Johan Waans; 1511384]Guys,

I am trying to decide in which country to retire. Regarding Philippines : is it possible to travel to Philippines

For one month and to open a bank account without the ACRI card. Because I would like to return to my country for 2 months to.

Deal with all the legal issues and transfer money into that account and then return to Philippines and apply for the ACRI card after 59 days. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]I would speak to the bank in your home country and see if it has a correspondent bank in the Philippines. If so try and pen an account in the country from your home base bank.

If not for all local banks I think you will need to show you are a resident.

As Redman says try HSBC. If you are an existing account holder it is easy to open an account here but check the minimum amount to hold in the account. If a Premier holder there is not such nonsense and it is simple to open. If not there is a minimum account balance but is not $100k it is much less and in pesos. Also get a dollar and pesos account

Best is to seek out HSBC in your home country and see hat it advises for the Philippines.

Thank you for the information, guys. I found 3 banks which have a branch in my country. HSBC is not one of them.

I guess I will just travel to Philippines and see what happens. As I am used to dealing with none Western economies.

As a last resort I can always transfer my accounts to one of these 3 banks in my home country.

[QUOTE=Johan Waans;1511713]As a last resort I can always transfer my accounts to one of these 3 banks in my home country.[/QUOTE]If you are not happy with the local banks and can't open from your home country I would do the above, and visit HSBC as the staff helped me open accounts and it is fairly quick.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1511571]As Redman says try HSBC. If you are an existing account holder it is easy to open an account here but check the minimum amount to hold in the account. If a Premier holder there is not such nonsense and it is simple to open. If not there is a minimum account balance but is not $100k it is much less and in pesos. Also get a dollar and pesos account

Best is to seek out HSBC in your home country and see hat it advises for the Philippines.[/QUOTE]Remember that each HSBC is a franchised operation for each country even though they are a linked international bank.

This means that HSBC Philippines is a separate entity and subject to Philippines banking laws (including how much of your deposit is insured).

However, the HSBC ATMs everywhere are linked and it is easy to withdraw cash anywhere in the world (in my experience, and I have used them in HK, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Australia with ease).

Special arrangements can be made whereby you pay zero fees for withdrawals. For example, if you deposit whole-of-salary or maybe whole pension cheque in your account each month you will get special benefits.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1511719]Remember that each HSBC is a franchised operation for each country even though they are a linked international bank.

This means that HSBC Philippines is a separate entity and subject to Philippines banking laws (including how much of your deposit is insured).

However, the HSBC ATMs everywhere are linked and it is easy to withdraw cash anywhere in the world (in my experience, and I have used them in HK, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Australia with ease).

Special arrangements can be made whereby you pay zero fees for withdrawals. For example, if you deposit whole-of-salary or maybe whole pension cheque in your account each month you will get special benefits.[/QUOTE]Didn't know how HSBC operated, but in PH Law, foreigners can only own 40, so sure anybody doing business will have to rope in a local partner.

Have a question for the senior members: Where is it best to spend New Year's in the Philippines? Manila? Cebu? Davao? Or Angeles City? The simple answer is: it depends; but I was wondering where you think the most fun is to be had. Currently I'm in Cebu. It's a nice place. Lots of girls in the malls, but a bit low-key and I'm not sure about the quality of nightlife for a New Year's celebration.

Any advice, suggestions, or opinions are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[QUOTE=Shango;1512383]Where is it best to spend New Year's in the Philippines? Manila? Cebu? Davao? Or Angeles City? The simple answer is: it depends; but I was wondering where you think the most fun is to be had. Currently I'm in Cebu. It's a nice place. Lots of girls in the malls, but a bit low-key and I'm not sure about the quality of nightlife for a New Year's celebration.[/QUOTE]The problem with your question is that, not only does it "depend" (on what kind of experience you want), but individuals' answers hinge on their tastes and experiences, and these may be quite different than your own. A better question might be, "in which city do sufficient numbers of women remain over New Years rather than retreat home to the provinces"? I think somebody asked this question in one of the threads, maybe this one, a couple weeks ago. You need to do some homework.

More important, it would behoove you to pay up the 20 USD and join the forum officially. Experienced mongers are much more willing to impart information if they think you are not a freerider. Then check out threads for the various cities, note who spends time in each one and has tastes similar to yours, and ask them privately via PM. Then you can also carry on a give-and-take conversation to get at the details. This all takes some focused effort; if you've spent enough to be in the Philippines over the holidays, you should not squander the opportunity by depending on "quick and dirty" inquiries. Joining the forum is one of the best $20 investments you'll ever make.

[QUOTE=Shango; 1512383]Have a question for the senior members: Where is it best to spend New Year's in the Philippines? Manila? Cebu? Davao? Or Angeles City? The simple answer is: it depends; but I was wondering where you think the most fun is to be had. Currently I'm in Cebu. It's a nice place. Lots of girls in the malls, but a bit low-key and I'm not sure about the quality of nightlife for a New Year's celebration.

Any advice, suggestions, or opinions are welcome.

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]Cebu is great at New Years but as Skip said, no one will PM you as you have zero PM facility. Also you have 3 FRs all asking question (2 being the same in Cuba). If you give you get (as many have said and this board repeatedly before) and there is always Google to find the answers to your questions or RTFF if you go through some of the archives etc.

Google is the best bet I think plenty of information there.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1511848]Didn't know how HSBC operated, but in PH Law, foreigners can only own 40, so sure anybody doing business will have to rope in a local partner.[/QUOTE]Note that under Philippine Law, the PDIC is only liable for 500, 000 php maximum if any bank goes belly-up (unlikely with HSBC Philippines)

[url]http://www.pdic.gov.ph/index.php?nid1=6&nid2=1&nid3=4[/url]

You can check out all the details of HSBC Philippines here:

[url]http://www.hsbc.com.ph/1/2/personal[/url]

ET's comment about ". Foreigners can only own 40." refers to ownership of either a business or, more importantly, a condo. Only 40% of the units can be owned by foreigners, so it is worth checking this before you buy.

Thinking about a short visit (one week) in March to use up some air miles before they expire I was considering Cebu or Davao just wondering what would be my best bet

[QUOTE=Riverstar;1512765]Thinking about a short visit (one week) in March to use up some air miles before they expire I was considering Cebu or Davao just wondering what would be my best bet[/QUOTE]I think you'll like Cebu.

[QUOTE=Riverstar;1512765]Thinking about a short visit (one week) in March to use up some air miles before they expire I was considering Cebu or Davao just wondering what would be my best bet[/QUOTE]Cebu hands down!

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1512734]ET's comment about ". Foreigners can only own 40." refers to ownership of either a business or, more importantly, a condo. Only 40% of the units can be owned by foreigners, so it is worth checking this before you buy.[/QUOTE]This rule has been discussed many times in the forum. But what I don't understand are the many businesses in sex tourist areas owned by foreigners. Various reports about bars and hotels in AC and Subic, for example, in which posters refer to an Xpat "owner." Similarly, several Australian-owned small hotels in Ermita, and G-Point bar (Norwegian, I think?) , and maybe even MBC is reported to have foreign owners. I would be interested to know what one of these typical ownership models looks like.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1513244]This rule has been discussed many times in the forum. But what I don't understand are the many businesses in sex tourist areas owned by foreigners. Various reports about bars and hotels in AC and Subic, for example, in which posters refer to an Xpat "owner." Similarly, several Australian-owned small hotels in Ermita, and G-Point bar (Norwegian, I think?) , and maybe even MBC is reported to have foreign owners. I would be interested to know what one of these typical ownership models looks like.[/QUOTE]As far as I know all have silent partners who are pinoys as the rule is the rule. There maybe some legal juggling with shares issued etc and a Filipino corporation but ultimately there is a pinoy partner somewhere in the deep and distant background IMHO.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1513290]As far as I know all have silent partners who are pinoys as the rule is the rule. There maybe some legal juggling with shares issued etc and a Filipino corporation but ultimately there is a pinoy partner somewhere in the deep and distant background IMHO.[/QUOTE]Yes, a senator, congressman, mayor, barangay captain, puroc official, etc. And ohhhhhhh, I forgot the highly regulated and honorable attorneys in the country. Sometimes, a wife. BTW, G Point owner is Swedish.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1513290]As far as I know all have silent partners who are pinoys as the rule is the rule. There maybe some legal juggling with shares issued etc and a Filipino corporation but ultimately there is a pinoy partner somewhere in the deep and distant background IMHO.[/QUOTE]You are right, from my business friends in PH.

If you want to go it alone, you can do, by forming shadow companies, who take up a portion of the stake etc. Etc. But somewhere, you need to get a Few Filipinos onboard. And if you even [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] off the locals, and if it goes big time, they can make sure all your investment is forefeited,

For those who are not in the know, a lot of Oligarchs in PH didn't make money the traditional way. Though they will claim otherwise: they took over foreign assets forefeited, by making govt pledge the loans and the like. I. E they spent almost nothing to take over businesses worth billions.

Of course, the govts in charge always claimed they did the best in the interests of the working populace, by guaranteeing the loans. And the poor public believe the govt did the best, and the poor foreign investor is left to lick his wounds, and as per PH Law, any foreigner who violates local law must be deported, so he would have been kicked out long time ago.

BTW, do some reading on the Supreme court's decision in kicking Fedex out, since, as per PH Law, foreigners cannot engage in local utilities, and a few UP and Ateneo Law Profs came out in Defence of the Supreme court. Despite the fact that Fedex had partnered with local delivery teams, the point raised was Fedex didn't have local partners on board. (I. E. So the local partners can milk the profits without putting up much capital.) now try figuring that out.

If that's not an example of Philippines Protectionism, tell me what it is.

Heck, when one of the famous Local cigerette makers was accused of avoiding taxes, his defence was "go after the foreign companies, like Philipp Morris and the like. Heck, you mus invoke laws to protect local manufacturers like us." despite the fact Philip Morris is manufactiuring locally and employing thousands, the point is, it is foreign, so it is fair game.

Welcome to doing business in Philippines. You can never expect 100% of your profits, as you have to give off 50 to 60% to a local.

At least they are trying to sort out this bad habit.

The last line of the article is the key point for those of us who work here and attend meetings.

[url]http://anc.yahoo.com/news/dost-aims-to-change-negative-connotation-of-[/url]%E2%80%98filipino-time%E2%80%99-060938264. Html

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1513733]At least they are trying to sort out this bad habit.

The last line of the article is the key point for those of us who work here and attend meetings.

[url]http://anc.yahoo.com/news/dost-aims-to-change-negative-connotation-of-[/url]

%E2%80%98filipino-time%E2%80%99-060938264. Html[/QUOTE]Wow just think if they tried to introduce daylight savings there.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1513733]At least they are trying to sort out this bad habit.

The last line of the article is the key point for those of us who work here and attend meetings.

[url]http://anc.yahoo.com/news/dost-aims-to-change-negative-connotation-of-[/url]

%E2%80%98filipino-time%E2%80%99-060938264. Html[/QUOTE]Me still says mixed priorities, like the the senate was fighting over an anti-planking law, and another one over felicitations for a Miss something or other winner. And now Marcos fighting tooth and nail over his "Half cup rice" law.

There are bigger things to worry about, me thinks.

There are basically two ways for a foreigner to open a business here.

1. You have o have a deposit of $200,000. 00 USD IN a Philippine bank. The you can be 100% owner of a business and open it Philippines.

2. You must have a Filipino partner or partners who are resident Filipinos born here. Plus there needs to be a total of 5 directors of the company. The majority (3) must be Filipino. Then you do not need to put down anything except $1,000.00 USD in local bank. If you go this way here is the catch. Your Partner / s must have 60% of the company. They have the controlling interest. Now, there are ways to "figure out" how you set up your partners and they even do not have to know each other. There are some ways which are legal to make sure you get the controlling interest.

Anyways that is basically it. Its pretty easy to open and you can hire a consultant to do all the work. You just have to pay thier price. And the Fuckers really give it to you.

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1513738]Wow just think if they tried to introduce daylight savings there.[/QUOTE]What I think is needed here is a permanent time zone shift, not a seasonal daylight savings. We are in the same time zone as Singapore, a two and a half hour flight to the west. It means that at this time of the year (shortest day-length, longest night) daylight starts much earlier, well before 6am, and gets dark quicker, before 6pm, than in Singapore which enjoys daylight to well after 7pm.

There are significant economic, safety and social benefits if daylight hours were positioned more to the end of the day than to the beginning. More people are at home at 5-7am, even asleep, when it is light and more people are up and about, returning from work, or school at 5-7pm, when it is dark or getting dark in the Philippines. Less power is consumed with lighter hours at 5-7pm, roads are safer, and there is more opportunity for social activities. The Philippines would be better off if they moved to a GMT +9 time-zone and into the same time as Japan and Korea.

KongKing

[QUOTE=Tally Wacker;1513738]Wow just think if they tried to introduce daylight savings there.[/QUOTE]Yeah right, that would not only add more confusion to an already confused country, but every spring it would also give the populace another excuse for being late; and not just one hour, but two (and they'd milk it out through the summer)! On the other hand, for a day or two in the fall they might actually be on time or even a little early! Imagine the horror? LOL

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1513733]At least they are trying to sort out this bad habit.

The last line of the article is the key point for those of us who work here and attend meetings.

[url]http://anc.yahoo.com/news/dost-aims-to-change-negative-connotation-of-[/url]

%E2%80%98filipino-time%E2%80%99-060938264. Html[/QUOTE]The odd thing RK is when they are OWWs this bad habit never appears. I was keen to employ Filipinos as generally on time, no crap and did a diligent job.

So, what is it about this country, is it the water? The fact that the jeepneys rarely leave on time (that excuse I have heard many times) , the fact they seem to love to sleep all day and ignore any alarm? Who knows but to me this is a conundrum.

[QUOTE=OneIpole; 1513757]There are basically two ways for a foreigner to open a business here.

1. You have o have a deposit of $200, 000. 00 USD IN a Philippine bank. The you can be 100% owner of a business and open it Philippines.

2. You must have a Filipino partner or partners who are resident Filipinos born here. Plus there needs to be a total of 5 directors of the company. The majority (3) must be Filipino. Then you do not need to put down anything except $1, 000. 00 USD in local bank. If you go this way here is the catch. Your Partner / s must have 60% of the company. They have the controlling interest. Now, there are ways to "figure out" how you set up your partners and they even do not have to know each other. There are some ways which are legal to make sure you get the controlling interest.

Anyways that is basically it. Its pretty easy to open and you can hire a consultant to do all the work. You just have to pay thier price. And the Fuckers really give it to you.[/QUOTE]Interesting. I never heard about the first option of depositing $200k in a Philippine bank.

I myself went with the second option, the one requiring 5 Filipino partners. With respect to the legal methods of retaining "controlling interest" in the company that you mention, my tactic was to designate the Filipinos as "B" class shareholders with no corporate voting / administrative rights, while designating myself the sole "A" class shareholder with full rights.

[QUOTE=OneIpole; 1513757]There are basically two ways for a foreigner to open a business here.

1. You have o have a deposit of $200, 000. 00 USD IN a Philippine bank. The you can be 100% owner of a business and open it Philippines.[/QUOTE]With the corrupt and impotent governmental and legal infrastructure they have there, I wouldn't put twenty cents in a Philippine bank!

RG

Thanks Radical for calling a spade a spade. All the discussions about Philippine legalities and how to protect oneself are meaningless. The whole country is basically medieval. Its a fiefdom. Importing legal concepts from the West is a waste of time. Sperm deposits are the only deposits worth making.

[QUOTE=Driveallnight; 1513952]Interesting. I never heard about the first option of depositing $200k in a Philippine bank.

I myself went with the second option, the one requiring 5 Filipino partners. With respect to the legal methods of retaining "controlling interest" in the company that you mention, my tactic was to designate the Filipinos as "B" class shareholders with no corporate voting / administrative rights, while designating myself the sole "A" class shareholder with full rights.[/QUOTE]That's a interesting idea. I split up the shares so no one person has more than my 40. I am the majority share holder, and the other share holders do not know of or have meet each other. Once I have the $200,000 (which can also be held in things like owned equipment and products) I will than remove the other share holders.

[QUOTE=Radical Guy; 1513965]With the corrupt and impotent governmental and legal infrastructure they have there, I wouldn't put twenty cents in a Philippine bank!

RG[/QUOTE]Don't sound so paranoid.

Whenever any bank went down, the owner's other businesses were left untouched, including the owner's other banks (if he had any). But BSP made sure every depositor got back the maximum of 50,000 peso, as per Local law.

See, it is not that bad. LOL.

A recent case is LBC Bank, closed, but the bosses are rolling in big $ as always as the BSP can't touch them legally, nor do they have any interest. And all depositors got back their maximum 50,000 p.

If you want to do big time robbery, open a bank. In Philippines.

[QUOTE=OneIpole;1513980]That's a interesting idea. I split up the shares so no one person has more than my 40. I am the majority share holder, and the other share holders do not know of or have meet each other. Once I have the $200,000 (which can also be held in things like owned equipment and products) I will than remove the other share holders.[/QUOTE]Yah, and hope your lawyer doesn't play you off? Yah right. Did you ever figure out how most of the info leak happens whenever there is a high profile hoo-haa in PH?

And why lawyers are often targeted for murder, even if they never go for Criminal cases? For latter, that's because a lot of proxy property is relieved from owners, by lawyers.

Lawyers? Well, guess who make up the majority of the senate and congress? Lawyers.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech; 1514315]Yah, and hope your lawyer doesn't play you off? Yah right. Did you ever figure out how most of the info leak happens whenever there is a high profile hoo-haa in PH?

And why lawyers are often targeted for murder, even if they never go for Criminal cases? For latter, that's because a lot of proxy property is relieved from owners, by lawyers.

Lawyers? Well, guess who make up the majority of the senate and congress? Lawyers.[/QUOTE]Sounds just like the USA. Lawyers suck!

[QUOTE=Econo Tech;1514315]And why lawyers are often targeted for murder, even if they never go for Criminal cases? For latter, that's because a lot of proxy property is relieved from owners, by lawyers.[/QUOTE]I'm surprised more are not murdered in the US. They serve no value to society.

[QUOTE=OneIpole;1514374]Sounds just like the USA. Lawyers suck![/QUOTE]Agreed but sometimes they are a necessary evil (and infrequently benevolent). Most of them would sell their mother to make money. I have met even stupid attorneys which amazes me given the rigorous course of study. Surely we have mongers who are attorneys and equally sure they are used to the occupational criticism.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech; 1514085]Don't sound so paranoid.

Whenever any bank went down, the owner's other businesses were left untouched, including the owner's other banks (if he had any). But BSP made sure every depositor got back the maximum of 50, 000 peso, as per Local law.

See, it is not that bad. LOL.

A recent case is LBC Bank, closed, but the bosses are rolling in big $ as always as the BSP can't touch them legally, nor do they have any interest. And all depositors got back their maximum 50, 000 p.

If you want to do big time robbery, open a bank. In Philippines.[/QUOTE]You can probably do alot better if you open one in USA.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech; 1514085]Whenever any bank went down, the owner's other businesses were left untouched, including the owner's other banks (if he had any). But BSP made sure every depositor got back the maximum of 50, 000 peso, as per Local law.

A recent case is LBC Bank, closed, but the bosses are rolling in big $ as always as the BSP can't touch them legally, nor do they have any interest. And all depositors got back their maximum 50, 000 p.[/QUOTE]I know your response was tongue-in-cheek ET but the actual regulation covers accounts up to a 500, 000 php maximum and not 50, 000 php.

[url]http://www.pdic.gov.ph/index.php?nid1=6&nid2=1&nid3=4[/url]

So the obvious conclusion is to keep your balance under 500, 000 php in your Philippines account (especially if you are paranoid).

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1515219]I know your response was tongue-in-cheek ET but the actual regulation covers accounts up to a 500, 000 php maximum and not 50, 000 php.

[url]http://www.pdic.gov.ph/index.php?nid1=6&nid2=1&nid3=4[/url]

So the obvious conclusion is to keep your balance under 500, 000 php in your Philippines account (especially if you are paranoid).[/QUOTE]Oh, its 500k peso? I stand corrected then. Thanks for correcting t.

So there you gave it folks.

If you are prudent don't keep more than 500k peso in each bank.

[QUOTE=Econo Tech; 1515234]Oh, its 500k peso? I stand corrected then. Thanks for correcting t.

So there you gave it folks.

If you are prudent don't keep more than 500k peso in each bank.[/QUOTE]I don't want to labour the point too much or appear pedantic or paranoid but in the Philippines the fine print is very important and so guys who live here or are staying here for extended times and want to move larger amounts of cash into their Philippines account should be careful they are depositors in one of the larger banks.

In addition to my post #7519 and ET's comment above about being prudent, note that the 500k PDIC Insurance covers the balance of all your accounts added together, so if you have a USD account and a PHP account in the same bank, you should keep the TOTAL balance below 500k php.

If you are in one of the major banks that are linked to the huge corporations (such as BDO, BPI, Metrobank) or HSBC Phils, you shouldn't be too concerned about your money but the large number of other banks that seem to be everywhere in different cities might be susceptible to closure (as happened last year with Rural Bank of San Fernando (Cebu) and Export and Industry Bank (Export Bank) in 2012 (which, incidentally, was one of the larger banks).

With the staggering amount of money involved with the current on-going "pork barrel scam", there may be some problems emerge if people holding billions hidden away in one of the smaller, "private" banks decide they want to shift it elsewhere. That's why I maintain an Australian bank account as well.

[QUOTE=Screaming Beaver;1515126]I'm surprised more are not murdered in the US. They serve no value to society.[/QUOTE]Haha. I agree. Between Politicians and lawyers I don't know who the biggest pieces of shit are!

Not sure what forum to post this.

I'm sure you've all been amused or at least noticed the strong desire of filipinas to marry, and their lack of understanding of those persons who don't want to get married. They often, in chat (internet or in person) will want to know why I don't want to remarry. Recently I ran into a pinoy taxi driver who discovered in talking that I'm not married (they can on occasion be quite chatty and quite nosy).

I hopped into a taxi one afternoon and the driver was chatty. Two days later I was transferring hotels, and the same driver picked me up. Same chatty guy, early 20's. Halfway to the destination:

"So you have filipina wife here." No son, I don't.

"So you have filipina gf here." Not so.

"But you want to marry filipina yes?" No, I don't want to get married.

"You mean you will marry later? Filipina yes?" No, stud, I don't want to get married again. That caused consternation.

"Sir, can I ask? Why not marry?" Too hard to explain son, my previous marriage was a mistake. I'm not marriage material, nor do I want to be.

"But sir we have many good pilipina here." Yes, I know. I did not share with him that I've photographed quite a number of 'good' filipinas who were (at the time) married pinay who were glad to a) cheat on her hubby, and be) vainly show her body for photographs.

We rode on in silence for a few minutes and he came back to the subject again. It was gnawing at him, the same way I've seen pinay come back to the subject repeatedly. I cut the conversation off by suggesting we change the subject, and we did. Then, a few minutes later as I was stepping out of the taxi at my new hotel:

"Sir, you wait." He was fishing in his shirt pocket. He pulled out a piece of paper with his phone number on it."You call me if you need taxi. We can talk it you marry girl here." Wow!

[QUOTE=WestCoast1; 1515706]"But you want to marry filipina yes?" No, I don't want to get married.

"You mean you will marry later? Filipina yes?" No, stud, I don't want to get married again.[/QUOTE]I'm sure that had you even hinted that you may be looking for a wife he would have wanted to introduce you to one of his 7 sisters or 59 cousins, LOL.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1515755]I'm sure that had you even hinted that you may be looking for a wife he would have wanted to introduce you to one of his 7 sisters or 59 cousins, LOL.[/QUOTE]Well that's not so bad. He can just sample each of them before deciding.

RG

[QUOTE=WestCoast1; 1515706]I'm sure you've all been amused or at least noticed the strong desire of filipinas to marry,

They often, in chat (internet or in person) will want to know why

"So you have filipina wife here." "So you have filipina gf here." "But you want to marry filipina yes?" "You mean you will marry later? Filipina yes?"

"Sir, can I ask? Why not marry?"

"But sir we have many good pilipina here."[/QUOTE]Had same converstaions with Filipinas and taxi drivers at times Westie. All want to marry as many have relatives who love to gossip (chismis) who say to the girl "you have white bf, why you don't marry him" This is really a euphermism for " marry him so we can benefit and get lots of cash from him via you"

I actaully say this to some and say that families are not who I want to marry but the girl and if I ever did we would live a long way from the family nest. Another big problem for many who must live with or next to mother / father and thus you will support all along the way.

After a while I tend to use a repeated reply of 'work too hard, travel too much and I am a butterfly" that makes the taxi driver smile and tends to shut him up. Unti he gives you his business card!

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1515785]After a while I tend to use a repeated reply of 'work too hard, travel too much and I am a butterfly" thats makes the taxi driver smile and tends to shut him up. Unti he gives you his business card![/QUOTE]Of course, the easier way to shut up the nosy taxi driver is simply lie and say,"I am here to spend time with my wife." LOL.

RG

Phi people cannot understand western notion that you can live alone and enjoy life without being married and kids.

All the girls I met wondered why western men choose to live alone. When I mentioned it is easy to get new girls all the time they said married guys also can do it all the time. I guess quite a few married guys in Phi fool around and sometimes it maybe OK with the wives.

Contrary to popular belief Phi people are not always extending a hand for help if their daughter or niece is dating foreign men. Usually it is the girl who gets obligated to help relatives or foot the bill for a lunch or dinner. Usually a firm NO will keep them away. Like anything else in Phi you need to take charge of all decisions and not let your girl do it.

I have had few long time relationships and I have always made the decision on how much money to send her and if or whether to meet any of her relatives. There is really no point in feeling sorry. You cannot solve poverty in the world. If you choose to host it should be your decision and not because of the pressure from the girl or her family.

[QUOTE=Sammon; 1515804]Phi people cannot understand western notion that you can live alone and enjoy life without being married and kids.

All the girls I met wondered why western men choose to live alone.[/QUOTE]Yes, this is what I was getting at. The taxi driver made no attempt to set me up with his sister / cousin / friend, etc. It was just the cultural difference shining through. Nobody in the west gives a crap if someone else chooses to be un-married. Other cultures can see this differently, and I run into it often with pinay. Some girls have asked me oodles of times *WHY* I don't want to marry. Any and all explainations fail. They continue to ask, there is no satisfactory answer for them.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1; 1515706]Not sure what forum to post this.

I'm sure you've all been amused or at least noticed the strong desire of filipinas to marry, and their lack of understanding of those persons who don't want to get married. They often, in chat (internet or in person) will want to know why I don't want to remarry. Recently I ran into a pinoy taxi driver who discovered in talking that I'm not married (they can on occasion be quite chatty and quite nosy).

I hopped into a taxi one afternoon and the driver was chatty. Two days later I was transferring hotels, and the same driver picked me up. Same chatty guy, early 20's. Halfway to the destination:

"So you have filipina wife here." No son, I don't.

"So you have filipina gf here." Not so.

"But you want to marry filipina yes?" No, I don't want to get married.

"You mean you will marry later? Filipina yes?" No, stud, I don't want to get married again. That caused consternation...[/QUOTE]I have had a few conversations start out like this in a cab. I have a way to get them to shut up as they try to talk about marrying a pina. Sister or friend.

I usually say. Interesting, do you have naked pictures of them I can see?

Short responses, rather than explanations, resonate best with filipinas. Here are a couple that I use:

"If I were married, I could not be here meeting you. Someone would be screaming at me!"

"I'm retired from work and from family life too. No more children for me!"

These seem to be convincing. More difficult is to get across that I am not bored and lonely because I live alone, nor made uneasy by a quiet house and neighborhood."

The questions about marriage, I think, reflect dismay at the waste of an eligible foreigner.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;1515921]Yes, this is what I was getting at. The taxi driver made no attempt to set me up with his sister / cousin / friend, etc. It was just the cultural difference shining through. Nobody in the west gives a crap if someone else chooses to be un-married. Other cultures can see this differently, and I run into it often with pinay. Some girls have asked me oodles of times *WHY* I don't want to marry. Any and all explainations fail. They continue to ask, there is no satisfactory answer for them.[/QUOTE]

I've told a few drivers and girls that I'm a polygamist, but since you can only have one wife in the Phils then I can't get married as it would violate my religious beliefs. That usually shuts them up, LOL.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1515995]I've told a few drivers and girls that I'm a polygamist, LOL.[/QUOTE]You are Pip as you proved in Cebu with at least 2 ladies with you LOL.

The Christmas pressie is coming I just need to be more tech savvie and in a place where I can access it and send!

Not sure if this is the best thread.

Living in the Philippines was an option but I went for General Info because this might interest some of you guys who are contemplating retirement soon and have The Philippines on your list.

Forbes left it off their top 16 places.

[url]http://ph.she.yahoo.com/15-best-countries-retire-2014-160000625.html[/url]

The rationale for each choice is very interesting. It certainly opened my eyes.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1516540]Not sure if this is the best thread.

Living in the Philippines was an option but I went for General Info because this might interest some of you guys who are contemplating retirement soon and have The Philippines on your list.

Forbes left it off their top 16 places.

[url]http://ph.she.yahoo.com/15-best-countries-retire-2014-160000625.html[/url]

The rationale for each choice is very interesting. It certainly opened my eyes.[/QUOTE]Good link. Thanks.

Here will work; strange there is no "Retirement" thread, though "Residency / Visa" could suffice.

Forbes says: "The information was then used to score each of the top countries out of 100 in categories such as 'Real Estate, ' 'Climate, ' 'Special Benefits for Retirees, ' 'Health Care, ' 'Retirement Infrastructure, ' 'Entertainment and Amenities, ' 'Ease of Integration' and 'Cost of Living. '

Forbes forgot one: "Poosy"

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1516540]Forbes left it off their top 16 places.[/QUOTE]Here's a quick synopsis of places that may be of interest from their list:

1. Panama.

2. Ecuador.

3. Malaysia.

4. Costa Rica.

6. Colombia.

7. Mexico.

10. Thailand.

17. Philippines.

24. Cambodia.

The Philippines got its lowest score in Special Benefits: This category considers government provisions that make moving to and living in each country easier and more affordable for foreign retirees. Second lowest was climate (which includes natural disasters).

[QUOTE=JPF;1516761]The Philippines got its lowest score in Special Benefits: This category considers government provisions that make moving to and living in each country easier and more affordable for foreign retirees. Second lowest was climate (which includes natural disasters).[/QUOTE]Did they also include the fact that any foreigner can be quickly declared persona-non-grata, if he steps on any local's foot?

On that score, it should be right at the bottom.

But, hey, as per SWS, Philippines is doing good for other things. Why fret?

Hi,

I have 10 days in Phil from 31 March.

I plan to spend 3 days in Manila, but wondered what to do with the rest / Originally, I thought a week in Angeles, but wonder whether Cebu or Davao would offer more variety?

Any thoughts?

Peter

I've been in Thailand for almost six weeks. One thing I was not prepared for was how [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] poor most Thai's English language skills are. It's kind of been a spoiler on the holiday (no one can answer questions about local customs) and on mongering. I was planning to enjoy six weeks play here then go somewhere more exotic (such as Burma) for some cultural tourism, but really I am so disappointed by the linguistic (and other) skills of the girls that I have bedded here that I am thinking of going to the Philippines, where apparently the girls can string a couple of sentences together.

From ISG's web site the girls in PLP are far prettier / skinnier. So some advice please – it I reschedule what can I expect in the Philippines, how do living / hotel / girl costs compare to Thailand and hats a good destination to choose?

Thanks in advance.

Ripple

[QUOTE=Petertaylor; 1517520]Hi,

I have 10 days in Phil from 31 March.

I plan to spend 3 days in Manila, but wondered what to do with the rest / Originally, I thought a week in Angeles, but wonder whether Cebu or Davao would offer more variety?

Any thoughts?

Peter[/QUOTE]There's discussion on Cebu vs. Davao not too far back, but I would just remind you that Davao isn't the best place for fast sex unless you like gays or a limited selection of pros. The girls here are conservative for the most part. There's thousands of college students but you're not going to have much luck sitting by UM trying to find someone to help with their tuition. (Don't ask how I know that). You're not going to see independents roaming the malls waiting for you. You may have luck in the clubs if you can handle that, or you may get lucky just strolling around if you got decent looks and game. I accomplished a personal best today, I planted my sterile seeds in three beautiful 18 and 19 year old's in less than 24 hours, and two were sisters. But it took months to get to the point of having a steady stream of quality. One was a sales clerk at the mall and the younger sister I think I met outside the mall, I don't remember it was so long ago. I just remember that she stood me up two times, left me sitting in the meeting place, no text, nothing because she is so shy. That happens most of the time. I have at least a couple hundred numbers in my phone, but 95% of them Ill probably never see again. They will text you, but it's hard to get them to meet again. They're usually "bzy"

[QUOTE=Ripple67; 1517529]From ISG's web site the girls in PLP are far prettier / skinnier. So some advice please.

Ripple[/QUOTE]Smaller, I think so, but Skinnier? Not sure about that. Their diet is horrific compared to Thais. A girl came to my place and she was starving. I served her a smoothie made of strawberries, blueberries, tropical fruits, nuts and coconut water along with a bowl of cashews. She preferred to starve. Last week, I offered 2 girls buko. It's these coconut stands where they dilute the buko water with sugar and something else. They were so excited until I brought them whole coconuts with straws. I drank 3 coconuts.

[QUOTE=Ripple67; 1517529]I am so disappointed by the linguistic (and other) skills of the girls that I have bedded here that I am thinking of going to the Philippines, where apparently the girls can string a couple of sentences together.

From ISG's web site the girls in PLP are far prettier / skinnier. Ripple[/QUOTE]As PS points out, diet is not good. The poor ones in rural areas may not have a lot of dietary options, and many poor Filipinos in the urban areas just gravitate to candy, soda, and snacks-in addition to a steady diet of plain rice. The svelte lines of women in the photo gallery probably reflect the selectivity of ISG photographers more than some body type that's inherent among the natives.

Most women do speak enough English to make communication possible, but for many the reason they are working as pros is that they do not have enough education to get other kinds of jobs. Many, perhaps most, of the pros have not even finished high school. Many did not get past 6th grade. So they speak some English, and it improves the more they hang out with Western customers. But most will not be stringing together sentences that permit a meaningful conversation about world events, most are not very intellectually curious, and most can't name any national heroes or martyrs other than Jose Rizal, even though the streets are named after them.

But if you want a pleasant partner whose English is good enough to follow your directions during sex, the Phils is a good place to be.

[quote=skip kost;1517828]most women do speak enough english to make communication possible, but for many the reason they are working as pros is that they do not have enough education to get other kinds of jobs. many, perhaps most, of the pros have not even finished high school. many did not get past 6th grade. so they speak some english, and it improves the more they hang out with western customers. but most will not be stringing together sentences that permit a meaningful conversation about world events, most are not very intellectually curious, and most can't name any national heroes or martyrs other than jose rizal, even though the streets are named after them.[/quote]a statement of breathtaking condescension even for you, skip. when a 'pro' friend recently graduated from her college course, she sent me a bunch of her graduation photos, one of which i post here. i felt like a proud (if [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord130][CodeWord130][/url]) dad! even more pleased that my (and no doubt other patrons) financial donations to her had not been squandered. an academic she certainly is not, but nor is she a high school drop-out waster and she is able to converse, in english, quite coherently and intelligently.

she is not, by any means, unusual. i have met and 'helped' quite a few such young ladies and heard many such examples from others. just because they come from a poor and disadvantaged background doesn't mean that they are necessarily intellectually challenged or less ambitious. their ability to use the one precious commodity that they possess (need i be more explicit) to help them get ahead is often testament to their resourcefulness.

The past few times I've bought my 59 day visa upon arrival at MNL airport (thanks WC for that tip) , but next time I'm considering bypassing MNL and flying straight to Cebu or maybe even AC for a day or three before heading to Cebu. Anyone know if a 59 day visa can be purchased directly at either CRK or CEB airports or will I need to make a trip to the BOI office in Mandaue?

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1517865]A statement of breathtaking condescension even for you, Skip.[/QUOTE]I'm sorry that it came across as condescension. My thoughts at the time were guided more by resignation.

I think that your situation, and especially your ability to recruit and cultivate, gives you access to women very different than those that Ripple-to whom PS and I were responding-is likely to find. You have time available and much experience in these circles, and that gives you an angle on women that a newbie is unlikely to reach. But even in your case, haven't your recruitment methods changed over recent years? A few years ago, as I recall, your typical recruiting was from LA Cafe or Harrison Place Mall. You had it down so well that you once reported having the walk from Pedro Gil LRT station to LA Cafe gauged at about 10 minutes. I presume now you depend more on online resources and personal networks with the young women you meet.

I don't doubt that numerous college graduates come from poor families whose parents never went beyond 6th grade. I have known a few as well. Education is, in theory, the great equalizer. (I am skeptical.) And there are a few others in the forum who may similarly have access to women like those you describe. But I contend that although women from poor backgrounds make up some given percentage of the women in undergraduate study, women as a whole in poor communities will overwhelming remain uneducated and in poverty-at least for the foreseeable future. And even as increasing numbers of young Filipinas work in call centers and technology outsourcing, bringing new money into poor families, the sheer proportions of poverty and slum life in the Philippines suggest to me that this deeply entrenched poverty will dissipate very slowly. I don't think the supply of poor young single mothers that Ripple will readily find is going to dry up any time soon.

When I am in the Philippines I spend time both around well-educated professionals and also nosing about the slums-but only in the company of trusted locals. I think the description I gave about poor diet, lack of interest in world events, and so on, is an accurate depiction of the slums. Sad, but accurate. I might add to that the total incomprehension of what we call "delayed gratification." When you live constantly on the edge, the principle of reserving a little for tomorrow or planning for payoffs in the future-such as foregoing leisure in order to complete a college education-is an incomprehensible idea. I believe these are the women Ripple is most likely to meet.

By the way, the financial support you lend to these young women has a growing parallel in the states. We have entire websites and use of personals in Craigslist for the "sugarbabes" phenomenon. Young women looking for a helping hand from well-healed gentlemen to support them through college. A few hours on her back replaces many tiring hours waiting tables or cashiering at the Target store. In the Philippines we might regard it as a form of economic development with beneficial outcomes. In the states it merely reflects our declining political will to underwrite public higher education for the masses.

If this discussion continues we should consider moving it to another thread.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1517927]The past few times I've bought my 59 day visa upon arrival at MNL airport (thanks WC for that tip) , but next time I'm considering bypassing MNL and flying straight to Cebu or maybe even AC for a day or three before heading to Cebu. Anyone know if a 59 day visa can be purchased directly at either CRK or CEB airports or will I need to make a trip to the BOI office in Mandaue?[/QUOTE]Not at Cebu as when I once asked "where can I get a 59 day visa as I can in Manila" the immigration officer looked dumbfounded. Ignorant actually. But you can always get the extension when in Cebu while you extend yourself on more meaty and perverse matters Pip.

Now this may have changed since I last asked but things don't move fast in the country.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1517927]The past few times I've bought my 59 day visa upon arrival at MNL airport (thanks WC for that tip) , but next time I'm considering bypassing MNL and flying straight to Cebu or maybe even AC for a day or three before heading to Cebu. Anyone know if a 59 day visa can be purchased directly at either CRK or CEB airports or will I need to make a trip to the BOI office in Mandaue?[/QUOTE]It can be got at Cebu, as I have done a few times but not at Clark but as you know every thing can change 1 day to the next.

[QUOTE=Paulr1950;1518008]It can be got at cebu, as I have done a few times but not at clark but as you know every thing can change 1 day to the next[/QUOTE]Thanks Paul, but where in the airport as see my last FR I have asked and got the blank stare from the passport officer so I gave up and did t the other way.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1517972]I'm sorry that it came across as condescension. My thoughts at the time were guided more by resignation.[/QUOTE]Sorry, I guess that I was just trying to get you ticking, Skip. You are right, of course. The kind of girl that the majority of members here will encounter is far different than my target audience. This is not to denigrate anybody as the majority of the players who come to The Philippines are far more hamstrung by time constraints than I. So they have, by necessity, to gravitate towards the packaged side of the market. This consists mainly of bargirls and available dating site contacts. The former are often the type of girl you describe, ignorant, poorly educated and often single mothers, usually lifted directly from their provincial barangays and plonked directly into the bar scenes of Manila, Angeles and Cebu. The latter is much more my fertile hunting ground but I have the advantage of more time and patience to spend in the development of contacts and potential and being in location to exploit it. A girl who most of the time would not dream of meeting a foreign stranger for NSA sex, suddenly finds herself in need of rapid cash and it is then that on-site opportunists, such as me, are in position to help. This has happened numerous times.

You are also correct in that my modus operandi has altered quite a bit over the years. As I have got older, so my methods have changed and become much more cerebral. I used to enjoy the thrill and excitement of the on-the-ground pussy chase in the malls, on the streets, in fast food joints and in bars such as LA Cafe in its heyday (MBC in its present form is a pale shadow of its former glory). Nowadays most of my hunting is done online and by texts and video calls. Far less exciting but much safer and more comfortable. I still enjoy the thrill of the chase but largely do it now from the comfort of home.

BTW. I think that the concept of 'delayed gratification' is one that is completely alien to the Filipino mentality per se. Filipinos are, in my experience, default set to live for the moment and have limited ability to forward plan and to sacrifice the 'now' for a better future.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1518042]Thanks Paul, but where in the airport as see my last FR I have asked and got the blank stare from the passport officer so I gave up and did t the other way.[/QUOTE]I did not try it my self, but on the non-monger cebu site I read, the say it can be done in cebu.

"when you arrive at Mactan on an incoming international flight, you go through passport control before claiming your bags and going to customs, right? Before you go through the passport booths to get your passport stamped, you will see an office door on the back wall (I think it's even got a sign saying "Immigration""

[QUOTE=Ripple67;1517529]I've been in Thailand for almost six weeks. One thing I was not prepared for was how [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] poor most Thai's English language skills are. It's kind of been a spoiler on the holiday (no one can answer questions about local customs) and on mongering.[/QUOTE]Funny enough their poor English used to be the reason why I preferred Thais to Pinays. Tales of misfortune and misery kind of got me down. Of course I was mostly to blame as I was hanging in places where down-on-their-luck women congregate: go go bars and the like. On this go I've almost exclusively met women found on dating sites and Craig's List and it has been one of the most enjoyable periods of my life.

[QUOTE=Makeupaname; 1518074]I did not try it my self, but on the non-monger cebu site I read, the say it can be done in cebu.

"when you arrive at Mactan on an incoming international flight, you go through passport control before claiming your bags and going to customs, right? Before you go through the passport booths to get your passport stamped, you will see an office door on the back wall (I think it's even got a sign saying "Immigration""[/QUOTE]I will need to take a look next time but I have never seen it there. But that is not to say it is not there I am just a man who according to female logic can't multi task (well true maybe unless she is cute and lots of toys LOL)

But the immigration guys did not know. But then no surprises there at times I suppose.

Will also check out the non monger site as am sure I know which one you mean.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1518061]Sorry, I guess that I was just trying to get you ticking, Skip.[/QUOTE]I think I knew what you were up to. It's probably easy to get me ticking, but at least this time I didn't get off on some tangent on Hofstede and others writing about national culture. Maybe after a few months you can get an update from your recent graduate as to her employment situation. Although the call center industry offers some hope, I think there's such a disjuncture between the education Philippine colleges provide and the actual needs of Philippine society and business that her employment situation may still not be that great. Or perhaps you coached this one in throat exercises so that you contributed to improving her English skills as well, and that alone could improve her chances for call center work.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1518153]Maybe after a few months you can get an update from your recent graduate as to her employment situation. Although the call center industry offers some hope,[/QUOTE]She tells me that she has got a job stocking shelves at an SM Supermarket. And there was me thinking that she would disappear into some leafy bower of academia or start training to be a brain surgeon. Should have known. This is The Philippines after all where you need a college education to land a job shoveling shit!

[QUOTE=Ripple67; 1517529]I've been in Thailand for almost six weeks. One thing I was not prepared for was how [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] poor most Thai's English language skills are. It's kind of been a spoiler on the holiday (no one can answer questions about local customs) and on mongering. I was planning to enjoy six weeks play here then go somewhere more exotic (such as Burma) for some cultural tourism, but really I am so disappointed by the linguistic (and other) skills of the girls that I have bedded here that I am thinking of going to the Philippines, where apparently the girls can string a couple of sentences together.

Ripple[/QUOTE]Or you could just go back to your own English speaking country where you can expect many people to "string a couple of sentences together." Sometimes I wonder about that here in USA though. It never ceases to amaze me how arrogant English speaking people are when they decide to travel around the world. English may be a global language for business, but not for the masses. If you want to talk to girls, learn to speak their language. You will get so much more benefit from this small amount of effort than you ever thought possible. For most mongers, conversation is not really an important aspect for the time spent with the honeys in any nation. But showing those same honeys that you are interested in them enough to try speaking their native language just might get you a little more of the GFE. It worked great for me on multiple stints in South Korea, and the small amount of Tagalog I have learned has helped in Philippines as well. In any country, the girls you meet in mongering areas are most likely not the best for explaining local customs. Many of them travel far from their family homes to avoid the embarrassment of their family knowing what they are doing. If you want information on local customs and cultural tourism, you will most likely have better luck at a tourist information office.

Done with my rant now. Flame on!

HW

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1518153]Although the call center industry offers some hope, I think there's such a disjuncture between the education Philippine colleges provide and the actual needs of Philippine society and business that her employment situation may still not be that great. Or perhaps you coached this one in throat exercises so that you contributed to improving her English skills as well, and that alone could improve her chances for call center work.[/QUOTE]The call centres are an option but generally the girls I know get burned out or just can't hack the hours. Real life wake up small the coffee working hours (yes for a small salary but better than a stacking shelves at SM salary). I know some who have quit call centres twice and wonder why other call centres wnt take them.

Many talk about how hard working Filipinos are and I have done this on the forum and emlpoyed some but always overseas. Many here that I meet don't seem to understand that waking up at 7am and going to work is mandatory not optional LOL. Some I know happily ask me (seriously) what jobs can they do tht start in the afternoon as they like to sleep in.

Go figure but it is still more fun here as CS throat education pictures show.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1518153]Although the call center industry offers some hope, improving her English skills as well, and that alone could improve her chances for call center work.[/QUOTE]My girl ' du jour ' last time worked in a call center. They do not pay much she said. Besides it is not a regular contracted job. More like as needed basis. At least this is from her. Not sure if she was trying to elicit sympathy and more donation?

She seemed honest and stayed with me for three days except the time she had to go to work which varied from day to day. Not sure if she is in the training phase or actual job. She is well educated and has a business degree.

Problem is too many applying for same jobs. None of the jobs are permanent unless the girl gets government job. But to get a government job she needs good connections.

However I give it to these girls who take their life in stride. She told me she got a degree hoping to get out of Phi because she knows very well job opportunities in Phi are few and far between. Unfortunately she said all the foreign jobs require experience at least 2 years. Even after that it costs approx 24, 000 pesos to get the documents, medical, agency commission etc. Not all agencies are honest. Some just collect the money only.

Majority of the girls I met in Phi are smart. Even if some are not fluent in American English they try hard to learn.

In general wheels of life chugs along. Have not seen real malnourished people like we see on TV in Africa.

Was skimming thru some of the other forums last night. Africa, europe, india, middle-east. Makes me appreciative of the SE asia boards. Go take a look for yourselves: Difficulty finding girls, begging for girly information, over-priced ladies ($ hundreds / hour. Really!) , ladies who run off after the first finish, days between posts, photogalleries with more comments than pics.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;1518300]Was skimming thru some of the other forums last night. Africa, europe, india, middle-east. Makes me appreciative of the SE asia boards. Go take a look for yourselves: Difficulty finding girls, begging for girly information, over-priced ladies ($ hundreds / hour. Really!) , ladies who run off after the first finish, days between posts, photogalleries with more comments than pics.[/QUOTE]Which boards do you have in mind Westie as there are many LOL.

India is really bad and the UAE is moving that way as the demographics of the country change (ie more Indian expats arrive). In the UAE I recently noted that paying AED 600 (around PHP7000) for a massage with FS and second HJ was a tad excessive and clearly way to much but put in context of the country etc. Also the CIS girls in the UAE get a bad reputation and IMHO rightly so as so many just drink the mini bar, get very drunk (and possibly violent as in the case of 2 good friends who ignored ny advice) and then disappear very early (ang maybe with some of your goodies). And that paying PHP 4000 for a 'mature' ugly PRC who already has shagged 2-4 guys that night is crazy but the environment is what drives that behaviour. More so when some ethnic groups just over pay and the girls will fleece them.

We are lucky in the Philippines and the board is self moderating so it is readbale, informative (if people RTFF) and enjoyable. Posters such CaliPro / THB etc tend to cme and then disappear after a few months when they get called out on some of their outrageous comments / views. And when some posters boast about saving $10-20 on a girls tip it really annoys as they don't realise how lucky they are in the country.

See you soon, sorry we missed each other in Makati recently as you would liked who was with me LOL.

[QUOTE=Sammon;1518290]Have not seen real malnourished people like we see on TV in Africa.[/QUOTE]I think you are right that those extremes are rare in the Philippines, but do ask the girls if they know anybody who eats "pagpag."

[url]http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/30/world/asia/philippines-pagpag-slums/index.html[/url]

Did a search, could not find any info on this. Has anyone exchanged the new $100 USD yet? Any problems? I will be going back in March for first time in a long time. 5 years.

[QUOTE=Mr Hawaii;1518470]Did a search, could not find any info on this. Has anyone exchanged the new $100 USD yet? Any problems? I will be going back in March for first time in a long time. 5 years.[/QUOTE]I just got back from Manila and Cebu and did not have any problems exchanging the new US $100 bills.

Does anyone have a view on whether it is worth visiting the Philippines around the Easter holidays? The last time I was in Manila / Makati at Easter (admittedly about 6 years ago) , everywhere was closed (or dead) on Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, and I recall that (in addition to the gogo bars) even the restaurants were closed, so we had to go to a hotel to eat. Also I believe that a lot of bar girls appeared to have taken the opportunity to go back to their provinces, so the week after Easter was quieter than usual as well.

Would any members with more recent experience care to comment? Secondly, is the situation at Easter perhaps better outside Manila / Makati. For example in Angeles City?

[QUOTE=Altered Ego; 1518613]Does anyone have a view on whether it is worth visiting the Philippines around the Easter holidays? The last time I was in Manila / Makati at Easter (admittedly about 6 years ago) , everywhere was closed (or dead) on Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, and I recall that (in addition to the gogo bars) even the restaurants were closed, so we had to go to a hotel to eat. Also I believe that a lot of bar girls appeared to have taken the opportunity to go back to their provinces, so the week after Easter was quieter than usual as well.

Would any members with more recent experience care to comment? Secondly, is the situation at Easter perhaps better outside Manila / Makati. For example in Angeles City?[/QUOTE]I wanted to add that I just spotted a post on the Angeles thread saying that the bars stay open there on Good Friday at least, but other than this (and subject to confirmation of it) my enquiry below still stands.

[QUOTE=Mr Hawaii;1518470]Did a search, could not find any info on this. Has anyone exchanged the new $100 USD yet? Any problems? I will be going back in March for first time in a long time. 5 years.[/QUOTE]Must not have searched too hard or RTFF, your question was answered on 12/13 in the AC thread; by me! LOL.

[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?1972-Angeles-City&p=1507427#post1507427[/url]

[QUOTE=D Cups;1518498]I just got back from Manila and Cebu[/QUOTE]Hope you had great trip D; we're anxiously awaiting some pics of the heavy breasted ladies you found!

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger; 1518643]Must not have searched too hard or RTFF, your question was answered on 12/13 in the AC thread; by me! LOL.

[url]http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?1972-Angeles-City&p=1507427#post1507427[/url][/QUOTE]Thanks. Geez, I typed in "new","100" "bills" USD into the search engine, and got nothing. Hmm. Thanks again.

Hi Skip

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't looking for meaningful conversations about world events, but maybe just the ability to arrange a meeting tomorrow or go beyond 'Me. I 1 brother 2 sisters I 23 years old. You want boom boom? '

[Quote]But if you want a pleasant partner whose English is good enough to follow your directions during sex, the Phils is a good place to be.[/QUOTE]Well that would be an improvement at least.

Ripple

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1518646]Hope you had great trip D; we're anxiously awaiting some pics of the heavy breasted ladies you found![/QUOTE]PJ: I had a great trip to PI and BKK, HKT and SGN, too. I am not posting photos because 1) it's too much trouble and 2) most of the girls I promised Iwouldn't.

[QUOTE=Mr Hawaii;1518870]Thanks. Geez, I typed in "new","100" "bills" USD into the search engine, and got nothing. Hmm. Thanks again.[/QUOTE]Mr. H,

Just before Christmas, I received a batch of the new 100's from my bank (my first time to see those.) I took those to one of the money changers across from the Checkpoint Jeepney station in Angeles. No problem.

I would think that the money changers are starting to see a number of these now. I can't speak for other locations like Manila or Cebu.

Munch

[QUOTE=Makeupaname; 1518074]I did not try it my self, but on the non-monger cebu site I read, the say it can be done in cebu.

"when you arrive at Mactan on an incoming international flight, you go through passport control before claiming your bags and going to customs, right? Before you go through the passport booths to get your passport stamped, you will see an office door on the back wall (I think it's even got a sign saying "Immigration""[/QUOTE]I made the mistake of going thru immigration to collect my luggage, because I had a lady grab my bag and was almost out the door before I caught her on my last trip. Then when I tried to get my 59 day extension they said, Sorry sir! You cannot get it now, have a nice day.

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1518646]Hope you had great trip D; we're anxiously awaiting some pics of the heavy breasted ladies you found![/QUOTE]Don't hold your breath Pip. Posting a pic or a meaningful field report would require a "contributor" mentality. But rest assured there will be plenty of juvenile "boobie" contributions in the Photo Gallery to endure. Too difficult to use the PG Chit Chat thread as well. Hehe. Enjoy the Philippines, AsianRain

[QUOTE=D Cups;1518890]PJ]I am not posting photos because 1) it's too much trouble and 2) most of the girls I promised Iwouldn't.[/QUOTE]Are you sure its not because you are unable to master the technological complexities involved in posting a photo? LOL.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1519228]Are you sure its not because you are unable to master the technological complexities involved in posting a photo? LOL.[/QUOTE]I am indeed unable to master those complexities however, I made my decision long ago not to take or publish pics after being shook down hard in my favorite city, Detroit, by Homeland Security. My issue is I doubt if D Nuts was even in the Phils.

There is that exquisite moment when, after a long incarceration in sex prison, you fall into the open arms of a loving woman. She opens herself up to you, and invites you into her secret space.

As you feel her close in around you, and you are in her warm, moist innards, you know that you are in heaven. Life is worth living again.

Gangles

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1519450], and you are in her warm, moist innards.

Gangles[/QUOTE]Intestinal probings? Pancreatic procreation? Sexy spleening? What were you doing in her innards! LOL!

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1519450]SNIP.

She opens herself up to you, and invites you into her secret space.

As you feel her close in around you, and you are in her warm, moist innards, you know that you are in heaven. Life is worth living again.[/QUOTE]That kinda gave me a stiffie.

[QUOTE=Ripple67; 1518882]Hi Skip

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't looking for meaningful conversations about world events, but maybe just the ability to arrange a meeting tomorrow or go beyond 'Me. I 1 brother 2 sisters I 23 years old. You want boom boom? '

Well that would be an improvement at least.

Ripple[/QUOTE]Yah, but sometimes, they can get on your nerves and it hurts your bad, when they decide to go non-stop talking and non-stop texting and you know what the hell it is all about, since it is in English LOL.

Well the Church has finally got into spin business in an attempt to make sure over population is seen as positive. The following is so funny as the guy says it is good to be over populated as then pinays an be all be DHs. WTF? A funny article if he was not being serious and am sure many will believe him and spout forth the same later.

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/331529/overpopulation-good-for-filipinos-says-bishop[/url]

Not sure if this is positive or negative for FP as not heard from his recently. Maybe he is travelling around the Philippines and in the provinces has no internet access? LOL.

[QUOTE=Altered Ego; 1518613]Does anyone have a view on whether it is worth visiting the Philippines around the Easter holidays? The last time I was in Manila / Makati at Easter (admittedly about 6 years ago) , everywhere was closed (or dead) on Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, and I recall that (in addition to the gogo bars) even the restaurants were closed, so we had to go to a hotel to eat. Also I believe that a lot of bar girls appeared to have taken the opportunity to go back to their provinces, so the week after Easter was quieter than usual as well.

Would any members with more recent experience care to comment? Secondly, is the situation at Easter perhaps better outside Manila / Makati. For example in Angeles City?[/QUOTE]I have gone to AC and the PHILIPPINES the last 4 Holy weeks and things are cool. Bars open like usual but some girls go home. PLUS its something else going to see a LIVE Crucifixion which I highly recommend if you can stomach it. Also like the guys walking the roads with HUGE crosses to bare

[QUOTE=Streetlooker;1519838]I have gone to AC and the PHILIPPINES the last 4 Holy weeks and things are cool. Bars open like usual but some girls go home. PLUS its something else going to see a LIVE Crucifixion which I highly recommend if you can stomach it. Also like the guys walking the roads with HUGE crosses to bare[/QUOTE]Many thanks Streetlooker. Perhaps things have changed a bit since I was last there at Easter (which, as I mentioned, was around 6 years ago).

But I think I will pass on the re-enactment of the Crucifixion!

Are you talking mainly about AC, or do you know if Burgos is fully open during Holy Week as well?

[QUOTE=Altered Ego; 1520077]Many thanks Streetlooker. Perhaps things have changed a bit since I was last there at Easter (which, as I mentioned, was around 6 years ago).

But I think I will pass on the re-enactment of the Crucifixion!

Are you talking mainly about AC, or do you know if Burgos is fully open during Holy Week as well?[/QUOTE]I am talking AC slower at that time but a good time can be had. Most times I am with a GFE Long time by then anyways and am not barhopping

[url]http://news.yahoo.com/authorities-break-international-****-ring-095122378.html[/url]

[quote] london (ap) — child abuse investigators have dismantled an organized crime group that live-streamed child sexual abuse to order from the philippines.

britain's national crime agency said thursday that a joint investigation with authorities in the united states and australia broke up the ring, resulting in 29 arrests people in 12 countries who had paid to watch the abuse.

"this investigation has identified some extremely dangerous child sexual offenders who believed paying for children to be abused to order was something they could get away with," said andy baker, the deputy director of the agency's command for child protection."being thousands of miles away makes no difference to their guilt. in my mind they are just as responsible for the abuse of these children as the contact abusers overseas."

the investigation began after a routine visit to timothy ford, a registered sex offender in britain. police found a number of indecent videos on his computer and contacted child abuse investigators, touching off a global investigation beginning in 2012.

uk authorities worked with the australian federal police and usa immigration and customs enforcement officers as well as the international justice mission, a non-governmental group. together the agencies presented their data to authorities in the philippines to identify offenders and victims.

the investigation — codenamed operation endeavour — identified 733 suspects and has resulted in some convictions, including ford, who was sentenced in march to 8 ½ years in prison. the agency said ford paid to watch the live abuse and had planned to move to the philippines to set up an internet cafe.

another customer, thomas owen, who was sentenced in july to seven years in prison had discussed traveling to the philippines together. ford, who uses a wheelchair,"suggested that owen could act as his carer so they could travel to the philippines together in an attempt to avoid detection," police said.

the probe began in 2012 and resulted in 15 children aged between 6 and 15 being safeguarded from abuse.

stephanie mccourt, of the uk's child exploitation and online protection center, which is now part of the nca, told the bbc that ****s should know that the internet is not a "safe place for them."

"they must also not be under the mistaken impression that this is a crime which carries no guilt because it happens on the other side of the world," she said."it is just as bad, just as harmful as though it was happening to the children right here in the u. k."

the arrests underscored the well-established problem of cybercrime rings victimizing children in impoverished communities.

community support to eradicate the problem is crucial because the crime often is concealed in the privacy of homes away from the attention of authorities, said mayor michael rama of cebu city in the central philippines, a region where some of the abuses have been reported.

"when you have some poverty, the availability of information and technology and the attraction for easy money, these abuses happen," rama told the associated press by telephone."city hall can fight this but if the villages don't get involved, what's going to happen?"

philippine police senior superintendent gilbert sosa, who heads an anti-cybercrime unit, said incidents of abuse have been monitored in cebu, manila and angeles city north of the capital.

impoverished parents allow their children to be sexually abused and watched by paying foreigners via the internet in exchange for $100 to $200, sosa said.

"we're continuing with our operations," sosa said."we've not eradicated this."

___.

gomez reported from manila, philippines [/quote]

[QUOTE=Altered Ego; 1520077]Many thanks Streetlooker. Perhaps things have changed a bit since I was last there at Easter (which, as I mentioned, was around 6 years ago).

But I think I will pass on the re-enactment of the Crucifixion!

Are you talking mainly about AC, or do you know if Burgos is fully open during Holy Week as well?[/QUOTE][QUOTE=Streetlooker;1520243]I am talking AC slower at that time but a good time can be had. Most times I am with a GFE Long time by then anyways and am not barhopping[/QUOTE]Thanks again Streetlooker. If anybody has any info on what the scene is like in Manila / Makati at Easter then I would be pleased to hear it.

[quote=wicked roger; 1517983]not at cebu as when i once asked

snip

now this may have changed since i last asked but things don't move fast in the country.[/quote][quote=paulr1950;1518008]it can be got at cebu, as i have done a few times but not at clark but as you know every thing can change 1 day to the next.[/quote][quote=makeupaname; 1518074]i did not try it my self, but on the non-monger cebu site i read, the say it can be done in cebu.

"when you arrive at mactan on an incoming international flight, you go through passport control before claiming your bags and going to customs, right? before you go through the passport booths to get your passport stamped, you will see an office door on the back wall (i think it's even got a sign saying "immigration""[/quote]let's see: one "no", one "yes" and one "heard through the grapevine", lol. well, i guess i'll find out for myself in a few weeks as i've decided to go directly to cebu via clark. i'll be sure to post my findings.

In Cebu, arriving from Clark you would already be in the domestic area. In Cebu it must be done in the International area before passing immigration control.

[QUOTE=Makeupaname;1520677]In Cebu, arriving from Clark you would already be in the domestic area. In Cebu it must be done in the International area before passing immigration control.[/QUOTE]Good point, sometimes it's the obvious things we overlook that'll bite us in the ass. I've only flown into CEB on domestic flights and I've never paid much attention when I've arrived, but since it's all one terminal maybe I can still get it taken of.

I am sure this may bring a few laughable comments but hope for a few serious ones.

I am in Tokyo.

I met a woman from Pinaluv here in Japan working as a live in teachers so she says.

We have had sex 2 times so far.

The last time I introduced her to a vibrator, the kind with a big round end.

I have seen women use these before and this so called wife of mine always used it.

When I used it on her, she was arching ber pussy to it and moaning some too. One thing for sure she did not push my hand away while I was doing this to her.

After a bit she she enough and told me she did not like it, which seemed odd due to reactions. She said she does not want to see the vibrator again.

Last night we were talking and she mentioned again how she disliked it. I told her not to worry as I will not bring it again, and apologied that my idea did not work out as a gentleman.

Obviously I want to keep this fuck buddy relationship going, since Japan is a shitty place to monger for a 54 year old. She has not said No to me about a next meeting but she said I hurt her pussy. But if it hurt then why did she not push it away which would be a normal reaction?

I am thinking that she is may be playing a game with me to try and dump me. And using this as an excuse. Well what ever will be will be. But I always treated her kindly in and out of bed.

Anyone on this forum have any of their ideas what she is really up to? Or what her game may be? Or is she just a lier?

Your thoughts?

Catholic guilt. It was too much fun for her.

JP,

Some have said to me after enjoying a vibe and / or other toys that it could damage their pussy and / or ass and give them cancer. Rubbish spouted by friends, what they read on the internet (plenty fake disinformation sites) etc.

Plenty reasons and maybe get a small pocket vibe and show her? Not the glorious rabbit types my cuties all love.

And we know it does not cause cancer. Only having a hairy pussy can do that LOL.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1520768]Catholic guilt. It was too much fun for her.[/QUOTE]That makes sense. One girl I did fuck this afternoon came straight from church. She asked for upfront forgiveness I presume, LOL.

[QUOTE=Jp Slicky; 1520756]I am sure this may bring a few laughable comments but hope for a few serious ones.

I am in Tokyo.

I met a woman from Pinaluv here in Japan working as a live in teachers so she says.

We have had sex 2 times so far.

The last time I introduced her to a vibrator, the kind with a big round end.

I have seen women use these before and this so called wife of mine always used it.

When I used it on her, she was arching ber pussy to it and moaning some too. One thing for sure she did not push my hand away while I was doing this to her.

After a bit she she enough and told me she did not like it, which seemed odd due to reactions. She said she does not want to see the vibrator again.

Last night we were talking and she mentioned again how she disliked it. I told her not to worry as I will not bring it again, and apologied that my idea did not work out as a gentleman.

Obviously I want to keep this fuck buddy relationship going, since Japan is a shitty place to monger for a 54 year old. She has not said No to me about a next meeting but she said I hurt her pussy. But if it hurt then why did she not push it away which would be a normal reaction?

I am thinking that she is may be playing a game with me to try and dump me. And using this as an excuse. Well what ever will be will be. But I always treated her kindly in and out of bed.

Anyone on this forum have any of their ideas what she is really up to? Or what her game may be? Or is she just a lier?

Your thoughts?[/QUOTE]If I may put my two cents on this situation,

1. When I was young I had a American GF and we were having sex almost every day. One time I asked her if she likes to try anal. Nobody used condoms at that time. She agreed. So we had good anal sex.

After a couple of days she complained to me that I hurt her badly and got annoyed. Although during anal sex she never said anything and enjoyed it. After sex she said it was really enjoyable.

So why suddenly start accusing me?

Only thing I can say is some girls do not like pain although during sex they are enjoying and do not say anything. \

2. Another time another girl. We usually did missionary. One time I suggested from the rear. Did not complain but next day yelled at me for hurting her pussy. Her complaint was in that position I was hitting her uterus and causing pain. She could have stopped me but did not.

3. Another girl wanted me to use a big vibrator on her. I told her it was too big for her small vagina. She insisted that I shove it all the way in and make her happy. Next day she complained of pain and would not give me sex for whole week till it healed. Worst thing is she blamed me for rough handling.

4. I have had few virgins who got their vagina very sore blaming me. In fact they are the ones pushing me to have sex with them many times a day after they found out how pleasurable it is.

It is very hard to figure out feminine mind. In spite of us being kind and considerate they will find some excuse to blame us.

Usually they come around and apologize. Having said that I have also encountered many girls who really love rough sex and associated pain.

In your case just explain to the girl that usually both the man and the woman get carried away during sex and if she felt pain she should express it. Tell her she is in control and if she wants you to stop you will.

[QUOTE=Sammon; 1520829]It is very hard to figure out feminine mind. In spite of us being kind and considerate they will find some excuse to blame us.

Usually they come around and apologize. Having said that I have also encountered many girls who really love rough sex and associated pain.[/QUOTE]Sammon,

If we could figure out what goes on in a woman's mind we would be a much happier bunch of men. It is one of those unsolvable mysteries (some of those tough maths theorems would be easier to solve LOL)

Also you should know we are always to blame even when we have never been anywhere near the scene of the crime!

And yes we al get carried away and your reasoning is good IMHO.

But I know a few girls who love rough sex, BDSM etc and they truly love it. For them the pain is pleasure and the rougher the better.one I know comes a lot when she is enjoy some serious pain. Each to their own I say!

[QUOTE=Jp Slicky; 1520756]The last time I introduced her to a vibrator, the kind with a big round end.

When I used it on her, she was arching ber pussy to it and moaning some too. One thing for sure she did not push my hand away while I was doing this to her.

After a bit she she enough and told me she did not like it, which seemed odd due to reactions. She said she does not want to see the vibrator again.

She has not said No to me about a next meeting but she said I hurt her pussy. But if it hurt then why did she not push it away which would be a normal reaction?[/QUOTE]In addition to some of the things already mentioned, it could just be a simple case of over exertion. Ever work out at the gym and the next day your muscles are sore?

It could also be that in the heat of the moment you used a little too much pressure. If given the chance to break out your toy again, either let her use it on herself, use light pressure or only use it intermittently.

I guess I could have used the low setting or have her do it to herself.

If she pushed my hand away I would have complied, but she did not.

I do meet her after her church mass on sundays but she can be very aggressive in bed too so I figure she be more open minded to it.

She like me to lick and suck her pussy.

Just do not get it

[QUOTE=Jp Slicky;1521001]Just do not get it[/QUOTE]None of us ever will.

Here is a screen shot of a conversation with a pinay. She is going to join me for a few days this week and this is our conversation we have already been together once.

Gentlemen,

I am heading back to PI soon.

One gf who I will meet up with in Manila needs to buy a gasoline engine powered water pump. Buy somewhere in Manila. For her rice farm.

I know that it is easy to buy Honda powered, or Briggs and Stratton powered pumps. But they are bloody expensive.

I know that there are lots of Chinese made pumps that are suitable, and much less expensive.

Can anyone advise where I can buy such a water pump in the greater Manila area?

Thanks in anticipation,

Gangles

[QUOTE=Gangles;1526602]Can anyone advise where I can buy such a water pump in the greater Manila area?[/QUOTE]Ace Hardware stock shitloads of pumps. I'd try there first.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1526827]Ace Hardware stock shitloads of pumps. I'd try there first.[/QUOTE]Agreed. I bought one there. It wasn't that expensive. Also "Handyman" has a range of options too.

Check out [url]http://www.alibaba.com/[/url] . They sometimes have bargains, and lots of Chinese brands too

Just use the search facility for water pumps or diesel water pumps or whatever you want.

Good afternoon everyone,

Local time here is 4:50PM. Decided to get an escort on backpage. Noticed courtesan had a girl for 3k / 2hours.

Struggling to find a review online, I bit the bullet.

Called at 2:38PM- she came at around 3:40 after Mr Ray called me and confirm that she'll be 30-45minutes.

15minutes late. Not too much to worry. She came and I suggested a shower.

Next thing we get on the bed and she gives me a very mechanical blow job saying she doesn't like giving blow job.

I said fine, lets fuck. She will not do cow boy, some doggy and some of her on top facing me. I haven't ejaculated yet and she just kept complaining.

My mood was off chops, she wouldn't let me finger her either. I said fine go shower, gave her the 3k and told her to leave.

I went back on the website and complained, they say they'll get Mr Ray to talk to her and see what happens.

Please avoid this ad below.

[url]http://manila.backpage.com/FemaleEscorts/fresh-new-cutie-available-now-new-to-the-business-lily-3k2hours-20/2773818[/url]

I skipped breakfast and lunch, was going to go after this fucking but I'm just so pissed that I have to post this up first.

I do have a video recording of this which will be uploaded once I am back from vacation (4weeks, Manila, vn and hk).

Stay away from Manilacourtesan.

MrTran

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1526602]Gentlemen,

I am heading back to PI soon.

Can anyone advise where I can buy such a water pump in the greater Manila area?

Thanks in anticipation,

Gangles[/QUOTE]

Try this site.

http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/classifieds+directory/q/gasoline+engine+water+pump/province/Metro+Manila

[QUOTE=MrTran; 1526873]Good afternoon everyone,

Local time here is 4:50PM. Decided to get an escort on backpage. Noticed courtesan had a girl for 3k / 2hours.

Struggling to find a review online, I bit the bullet.[/QUOTE]Seems to me you're 0 for 3.

Whilst I admire your willingness to venture off to uncharted places I think you'd do much better for yourself by reading the forum and visiting the more tried-and-true places, such as MBC (again LA Cafe) , Havana, Burgos St, etc. Before taking a girl back to your place clearly establish what acts you expect her to perform and receive; the negotiation may also include positions, how long she'll stay, etc. You ought to include the requirement of "no complaining".

[QUOTE=Hutsori; 1527231]Seems to me you're 0 for 3.

Whilst I admire your willingness to venture off to uncharted places I think you'd do much better for yourself by reading the forum and visiting the more tried-and-true places, such as MBC (again LA Cafe) , Havana, Burgos St, etc. Before taking a girl back to your place clearly establish what acts you expect her to perform and receive; the negotiation may also include positions, how long she'll stay, etc. You ought to include the requirement of "no complaining".[/QUOTE]Well, some have to take on challenges, like the guy who swore he will check the cheap corner in AC, with not much money, forgetting that cops can 'invite him over to the station. ' etc. Etc.

Well, for some Pinay Logic:

Pinoy logic, for some fun.

I met this girl, A, who is a semi-Pro. And was building up the case for a screw session.

Then so happened, I came to know her friend B, is a pro, and want me to screw her too.

So I ask A, what is her thinking if I screw B.

First A says "if you fuck my friend, it is ok, have no concern, she need the money anyway."

And then she says "oh, by the way, if you fuck B, you must use condom when you fuck me."

No, she didn't ask if I use Condom or not with B. Just her logic, if I sleep with her friend, who she consider 'dirty' I cannot go bare anymore with her.

Just like the pinay who got married told me."I have husband now, must use condom now onwards."

Welcome to PH!

Another thing you learn in PH.

I booked a flight for April, in Philippine Airlines, non refundable, and then decided to pre-pone the flight to March. And duly bought a ticket for March, and did the rest.

Since I am 100% sure I am not going to travel for the April season, I was going to inform the airline that my April Flight is not to be used, and consider it cancelled. And maybe they can release it for sale.

Then a light bulb moment happened. I felt the idiots may cancel the wrong flight, as many things get lost in translation in PH.

Decided to keep quite. Let the airline have an empty seat, than they be allowed to re-sell in view of pax cancellation. Than the airline cancel the wrong booking of mine.

We learn inn PH.

I read the article in the Philippine Star but here is a link to the same article (different headline, though) :

[url]http://news.xin.msn.com/en/regional/philippines/young-internet-driven-filipinos-more-sexually-active[/url]

The survey was of Filipinos aged 15-24. One third said they had pre-marital sex up from 23. 2% in 2002 and 17. 8% in 1994. That seems low to me.

The number of female "teenagers" (their term but doesn't jibe with 15-24 age range) who reported being pregnant was 13. 6% last year compared to 6. 3% in 2002. That number seems better to me.

You can read the article for their explanations about the Church's waning influence, media, etc.

Certainly the more attractive urban Filipinas will be having pre-marital sex as a matter of course. The church has little influence when it comes to crime, corruption and sex. Technology has definitely enlarged the talent pool, lucky for us!

Thanks to the guys who could offer advice re sourcing and purchasing a water pump.

Looks like the deal is sealed, or will be in a couple of days.

Gangles

Go have some fun:

[url]http://www.lostateminor.com/2012/11/24/women-read-classic-literature-while-being-secretly-pleasured-by-a-vibrator/[/url]

Check out girl #4, Teresa, from 7:10 onward in the video. Who IS this Clayton Cubit guy?

Thanks Aussiegaigin for the website.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1; 1529362]Go have some fun:

[url]http://www.lostateminor.com/2012/11/24/women-read-classic-literature-while-being-secretly-pleasured-by-a-vibrator/[/url]

Check out girl #4, Teresa, from 7:10 onward in the video. Who IS this Clayton Cubit guy?

Thanks Aussiegaigin for the website.[/QUOTE]F'ing hysterical and oddly erotic at the same time, gives me a few ideas for my upcoming visit and I already have the perfect toy for it too! But I guess I'll have to up my standards and find girls who can read, hahahaha!

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger;1529377]F'ing hysterical and oddly erotic at the same time, gives me a few ideas for my upcoming visit and I already have the perfect toy for it too! But I guess I'll have to up my standards and find girls who can read, hahahaha![/QUOTE]You should let your lady use the vibrating (remote control) egg and then give the remote to the waitress and ask her to press the buttons. Lots of fun LOL.

And I think I have one you can borrow Pip plus others as I am a good boy scout and always accessorize for the ladies

And who cares if they can read LOL.

Just a heads-up for those of you who walk on the wild side and get off the beaten path and who wander down the road less travelled.

If ever any dog in the Philippines bites you, no matter how small the nick might be, get yourself straight to the nearest hospital and get the rabies shot.

My neighbor's sister's little boy (7 yo) , who lives in a northern province, died today of rabies from a bite inflicted on December 30.

The child never said anything until 2 weeks after the bite when he started showing all the symptoms of rabies. The doctor discovered that he had been bitten when he saw the symptoms and asked the boy when he was bitten.

He was too far gone for anything to be done.

Takeaway lesson: Stay away from all (most?) dogs in the Philippines and get a rabies shot if ever a dog bites you.

Make sure your wives, gfs, fubus and others know how deadly rabies is. Faith healers and prayer don't stand a chance.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1532336]Just a heads-up for those of you who walk on the wild side and get off the beaten path and who wander down the road less travelled.

If ever any dog in the Philippines bites you, no matter how small the nick might be, get yourself straight to the nearest hospital and get the rabies shot.

My neighbor's sister's little boy (7 yo) , who lives in a northern province, died today of rabies from a bite inflicted on December 30.

Faith healers and prayer don't stand a chance.[/QUOTE]Heard from one Filipino co-worker that dog meat is part of local delicacy. If this is true, dogs should stay away from strangers as well! LOL.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1532336]Just a heads-up for those of you who walk on the wild side and get off the beaten path and who wander down the road less travelled.

If ever any dog in the Philippines bites you, no matter how small the nick might be, get yourself straight to the nearest hospital and get the rabies shot.

My neighbor's sister's little boy (7 yo) , who lives in a northern province, died today of rabies from a bite inflicted on December 30.

The child never said anything until 2 weeks after the bite when he started showing all the symptoms of rabies. The doctor discovered that he had been bitten when he saw the symptoms and asked the boy when he was bitten.

He was too far gone for anything to be done.

Takeaway lesson: Stay away from all (most?) dogs in the Philippines and get a rabies shot if ever a dog bites you.

Make sure your wives, gfs, fubus and others know how deadly rabies is. Faith healers and prayer don't stand a chance.[/QUOTE]Got bit by all things, a chiuaua in DR several years back. I saw it barking at the gate at its owner's home. Little bastard was so small he went under the gate, got behind me and nailed me across the achilles. I had to shake the little bastard off. Was seeing a doctor within 30 minutes. Saw my little friend a couple days later, ran home and got the special burger I made for him. Never saw him again.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1532336]Takeaway lesson: Stay away from all (most?) dogs in the Philippines and get a rabies shot if ever a dog bites you.

Make sure your wives, gfs, fubus and others know how deadly rabies is. Faith healers and prayer don't stand a chance.[/QUOTE]Excellent advice RK! Years ago I got bit by a rabid raccoon that had gotten into my garage and had to go for treatment. Back then I had to get 17 injections in the abdomen spread over a 21 day period. Extremely painful, but left untreated the consequences would have been far worse. At least now it's usually only 5 shots given with a regular smaller sized needle and spaced out over a few days; the first one at the site of the bite and the rest in the shoulder or thigh.

This isn't really a mongering topic, but more like travel advice. We all want to make the best out of our mongering time and one thing that can certainly make your trip uncomfortable or maybe even ruin it: bedbugs. And the last thing you want to do is bring these things back home with you. A senior member here PM'd me with question about my recent review of the Queens (mirrors on the BR walls. And no, there aren't any) and also mentioned that he had a severe problem with bedbugs at the Bourbon St Condotel.

Worldwide there's an increase of the little critters showing up in hotel rooms (and not just the cheap hotel chains or mom & pop places either). An inexpensive and good home remedy for repelling them is scented dryer sheets like "Bounce". Pull back the covers, rub one around the bed as well as the pillows and then tuck one under each corner of the bed. You can also tuck one into each pillow too. Be sure to change them weekly and no more bedbugs! Also, keep one in your suitcase too and you can put one in the hotel closet as well. Google "dryer sheets as bed bug repellent" and see for yourself.

They really do work and I've been using dryer sheets for years in my motor home to keep ants and bugs out when I store it during the off season (put them in cabinets, storage lockers, etc). In addition, I also put one in my suitcase whenever I travel; keeps roaches and other creepy crawlies out too.

Not comprehensive, but two good resources for anyone concerned about bedbugs in their accommodations:

USA / Canada:

[url]http://www.bedbugregistry.com/[/url]

International:

[url]http://registry.bedbugs.net/[/url]

[QUOTE=Slippery;1532360]Saw my little friend a couple days later, ran home and got the special burger I made for him. Never saw him again.[/QUOTE]There's this kid down the block that I don't like.

(kidding)

Fellow mongerers,

I recently was treated to the discovery of a special newly discovered talent my girlfriend has. We have been apart for quite some time now, which initially put a big strain on our relationship. But we have done our best to keep things going good, because she is the mother of my only son. Since I am stuck here in sex prison (a. K. A. USA) , and the price of flights never seems to come down to a decent value when I have time to travel, we are limited to using the internet chat services to keep in touch. Thank God for Skype! During a recent chat session, she decided to completely disrobe on camera and began playing with herself for me to watch. Now this is not the first time she has performed on camera for me. But it did take quite a bit of coaxing to get her to pleasure herself the first time. I'm happy to report that she does it like a pro now, with no hesitation. What made this session different, is she discovered that she can make herself squirt! At first, she screamed with surprise when it happened. She was ready to quit the session in order to run to the bathroom and clean herself, but I convinced her to keep going with it. That first time was difficult for me to see on the video, but she quickly brought herself to the level of squirting a good stream at least 6 to 8 inches above herself. She told me that she was trying to control it in order to keep from soaking all of the furniture in her room. Hahaha I kept encouraging her to continue, hoping that she would completely loose control. But, although she squirted at least 20 times during our session, she maintained control. So I told her that I want to see her do this again when I visit her the next time (in May I hope) , and I will buy some plastic sheets to cover the furniture so she will not need to control it. I fully expect the room to be dripping when she is finished. She asked me to take a video of her doing this because she wants to watch herself. Unfortunately, she knows about this site, and told me that she will cut off my balls if she ever sees herself on here. So, I'm sorry, but I will have to continue to enjoy this gem by myself.

Happy mongering!

HW

[QUOTE=Pip Jaeger; 1532373]Not comprehensive, but two good resources for anyone concerned about bedbugs in their accommodations:

USA / Canada:

[url]http://www.bedbugregistry.com/[/url]

International:

[url]http://registry.bedbugs.net/[/url][/QUOTE]Appreciate the effort. I've never seen them in any Hotel I've ever stayed at.
I've seen & treated scabies/bed bugs in poor disadvanted communities like aboriginal Australians.

One single report about Bourbon St Condotel I would take with a grain of salt. Occasionally I see an odd isolated comment of bed bugs on sites like TripAdvisor but no confirming reports from any other guest. Could be just just a disgruntled guest also?

Your links are to a private blog that has nothing but links to ads for treatments. Hmmm.

Westmead Hospital department of Etymology has factual info here : [url]http://medent.usyd.edu.au/bedbug/[/url]

AV

At the end of my last trip, as always, I got tested for the complete spectrum of STI.

As before, the report came back negative.

That brings to 436, the number of women with whom I have had sex in my life, never used condom, and never contracted an STI.

For your consideration.

G

I know a couple of Filipinas who have had a child, and whose boobs have gone soft as a result.

I discussed it with a local cosmetic surgeon here, and he suggested that all that they need is a breast lift, which is relatively simple.

If I can find reasonably good surgeons in Cebu and Manila, who charge an acceptable price, I will be prepared to fund them for the procedure (s).

Can anyone provide recommendations for suitable cosmetic surgeons in Manila and Cebu?

Thanks in anticipation,

Gangles

While I appreciate the trip reports from AC that are currently ongoing where are the pics? Are current pics not an important part of any forum? Why does this even need to be asked?

If you're going to give reports then give some proof too. Pictures are proof. Pictures put us all where the reporter is. Why are there no pics?

There are many bars that allow pics. There are many bargirls that like to pose for pics. On other boards there are great pics of whats available right now in AC. What is the problem here?

Where are the freaking pics? I want to see what's going on. I want to see some honeys. Is that toooooo much to ask?

Sheeeeeeeeeeez, some freaking weak TR's.

There are at least 10 other websites out there where you can see all of the pics of AC bargirls that your heart desires. Or in the alternative, go there.

[QUOTE=Slippery;1533826]There are at least 10 other websites out there where you can see all of the pics of AC bargirls that your heart desires. Or in the alternative, go there.[/QUOTE]I guess you're one of the lazy guys too, as is your right, but I do like your response, very good.

What is the difference between a good TR and a boring one?

I'm going to go to the other sites now to see a few pics but I'll be back later for more of this.

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1533735]I know a couple of Filipinas who have had a child, and whose boobs have gone soft as a result.

I discussed it with a local cosmetic surgeon here, and he suggested that all that they need is a breast lift, which is relatively simple.

If I can find reasonably good surgeons in Cebu and Manila, who charge an acceptable price, I will be prepared to fund them for the procedure (s).

Can anyone provide recommendations for suitable cosmetic surgeons in Manila and Cebu?

Thanks in anticipation,

Gangles[/QUOTE]Gangles,

The cost of a decent breast enhancement in Cebu is around 160,000 pesos or more am advised (well I do get bored and like to research!) but some of the cuties seems to think just pumping some chemical into the boobs will help. Which I think it does but this is a temporary solution am told.

Best you PM etc (you know the address) for more.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1533862]Gangles,The cost of a decent breast enhancement in Cebu is around 160,000 pesos or more[/QUOTE]Hello G and WR, I would hope that for that kind of money some double Ds were possible! I saw a place right across the street from Hotel Cesario in Mactan but did not inquire.

Hello WR,

Thanks for the info.

I am not looking for a breast enhancement, only a breast lift.

This puts the breasts back how they were before the baby.

It involves removing some of the loose skin which was stretched, from around the breast, so that it becomes firm again.

No need to pay for the inserts, which are expensive.

Thanks,

Anyone else have some info?

Gangles

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1533862]Gangles,

The cost of a decent breast enhancement in Cebu is around 160, 000 pesos or more am advised (well I do get bored and like to research!) but some of the cuties seems to think just pumping some chemical into the boobs will help. Which I think it does but this is a temporary solution am told.

Best you PM etc (you know the address) for more.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=D Cups;1533910]Hello G and WR, I would hope that for that kind of money some double Ds were possible! I saw a place right across the street from Hotel Cesario in Mactan but did not inquire.[/QUOTE]Well these were done in Cebu but not at Belo but another surgery and cost upward of 160-180k pesos.

[QUOTE=Amavida; 1533514]Appreciate the effort. I've never seen them in any Hotel I've ever stayed at.

I've seen & treated scabies / bed bugs in poor disadvanted communities like aboriginal Australians.

Westmead Hospital department of Etymology has factual info here :

[url]http://medent.usyd.edu.au/bedbug/[/url]

AV[/QUOTE]The only place where I had bedbugs while mongering was about 10 years ago in Cuba. As I had stayed in a Hotel and at that time I could not bring a Cuban back to the hotel, we had to do our stuff in either the places where they lived or rent a room in someone's house / apartment for about USD 5. 00 ST. Those buggers were big but I have never had them anywhere else.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger;1533961]Well these were done in Cebu but not at Belo but another surgery and cost upward of 160-180k pesos.[/QUOTE]Yum, yum! Thanks, WR! (. V.)

guys, just thought i'd share a little about dia, since i have been tardy about doing my first trip to phils.

i hunted down some pinay pussy in my hometown in oz, and in where i have been doing some work in germany.

to me, both lovely finds, and both 50 something! i know, but read on. i am 58 by the way. berlin babe is pale skinned, long term. 30 yr resident, divorcee. toned body from everyday gym work, classy, with some dough, so leads a middle-class german life. she is mad into sub / dom stuff, and pissing sex, which i have never done before hooking up with her. i have enjoyed it a lot! only had two weekends with her, and we hole up in a posh pub, the ritz-carlton, and do our thing. a very good value find on dia!

other babe is a more typical small, brown fucking machine pinay. 53 yrs, lives alone in a nice suburban bungalow in melbourne, a very good tropical garden she has cultivated herself. i want to fuck her under full moon in that garden one night, once i have warmed her to the idea. hehe thing about madam is she had only one kid. 25 yrs ago, and she has got a fabulous shaved pussy like a 20 something. i am not kidding, it is tight and luscious. and she knows her bed stuff, no starfish here. revved up and firing she has a great habit of biting my nipples hard just as i am building to the vinegar stroke and i come buckets, neighing and bucking like a stud stallion serving his first mare of the season hehe we then typically collapse asleep, and then greet the next day with a morning glory balls deep doggie! it's all good stuff, almost more than i can stand. i have to ration myself on her and make myself scarce for 2 weeks or so between fucks. took me a long time to winkle her out on dia.

all that has come about because of my inability to get to phils, but this will change soon. i am absolutely determined to spend a month there later in the year, with every day being paid by my employer since i finally have got a good gig. i am in engineering. with well paid holidays. yippee! had a couple of lean years there due to gfc. anyone want to help me lynch a banker? . thing is, more dia promo coming up, i have spent a lot of time on dia, and have linked up with a small select string of pinay fillies in manila / angeles, where i will spend a week, and in cebu and davao, where i will spend 2-3weeks. i have sent literally hundreds of messages and mails, photos etc, cultivating this list so very eager to get on the ground and fuck my balls off for some weeks. due to my german and oz experience, i am interested in all ages, and currently am in close dia contact with ladies from eligible late teens, through 20s. 30s. 40s. damn right, i am looking forward to it.

so, my advice, give dia a go.

take it easy, or any other way you can get it!

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1534796]Socker,

I prefer that percentage to be 0% and I do my best and hardest each time to ensure the girls know the benefits of waxing fully (or a good shave using baby oil as smoother LOL). Some will find this FR distasteful etc but who cares as those eating a forest should eat black forest gateau (cake) rather than black forest pussy LOL.[/QUOTE]No doubt there's some scary pinay pussy but to find a pretty one w / a soft Bush on top is a delicacy. I know you're a pussy barber and so be it. I like your style anyway.

Kudos on your pics these days. Got to get a collar but in Colombia they'd put it on me, better not bring it there.

Here's a pretty little Bush that I don't remember except for the pic.

It just looks so GOOD!

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/579695/widow-of-american-diver-offers-reward-in-hunt-for-killer[/url]

Manila, Philippines – The widow of slain American diver and Coast Guard volunteer Matthew Caldwell is offering a cash reward for anyone who can help the police capture the alleged killer, a security guard who fled after the August 2013 incident in Las Piñas City.

[QUOTE=Socker; 1534933]No doubt there's some scary pinay pussy but to find a pretty one w / a soft Bush on top is a delicacy. I know you're a pussy barber and so be it. I like your style anyway.

Kudos on your pics these days. Got to get a collar but in Colombia they'd put it on me, better not bring it there.

Here's a pretty little Bush that I don't remember except for the pic.

It just looks so GOOD![/QUOTE]Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about! .

[QUOTE=Radical Guy;1534953]Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about! .[/QUOTE]The first little cutie after a long flight in 2011 AC

Hi,

My plans for my upcoming photo shoot in Cebu have been upset when I found that the huge hotel room / s that I have used in the past are now leased for the rest of the year.

So I am now looking for one very big room, or a very big suite, or two very big adjoining rooms.

But not expensive.

The place that I used previously is a dump, but had two unused penthouses.

Now I need a new venue.

Can anyone let me know if they know of such a place in Cebu?

I will post this also in the Cebu thread.

Thanks in anticipation,

G

[QUOTE=WazWallaby; 1534361]I am interested in all ages, and currently am in close DIA contact with ladies from eligible late teens, through 20s. 30s. 40s. Damn right, I am looking forward to it.

So, my advice, give DIA a go.

Take it easy, or any other way you can get it![/QUOTE]Thanks for the reminder about using DIA for hometown adventure. When I did my first trip to Phils I too was looking at the 20-45 age range. I've since been narrowing my sweet spot to 23-28.

If you are a few months away from getting to Phils you can save yourself a lot of messages "when are you coming? Have you had breakfast etc etc" by putting your account on hold. I usually tell them I will be away travelling on business for a couple of months, I will contact you a week before I come. They really don't plan too far ahead as each week is the same.

My next trip in late March I will just leave my contacts until day of arrival or even when I have arrived.

Enjoy your trip.

[QUOTE=Gangles; 1535325]Hi,

My plans for my upcoming photo shoot in Cebu have been upset when I found that the huge hotel room / s that I have used in the past are now leased for the rest of the year.

So I am now looking for one very big room, or a very big suite, or two very big adjoining rooms.

But not expensive.

The place that I used previously is a dump, but had two unused penthouses.

Now I need a new venue.

Can anyone let me know if they know of such a place in Cebu?

I will post this also in the Cebu thread.

Thanks in anticipation,

G[/QUOTE]If you need for a week or more try contacting local real estate agents. They handle holiday lettings. Usually a fully furnished condo or house is way better value than hotels. I do this in Manila. Sorry I don't have a contact in Cebu but Google will give you plenty to canvass.

AV

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1532336]Just a heads-up for those of you who walk on the wild side and get off the beaten path and who wander down the road less travelled.

If ever any dog in the Philippines bites you, no matter how small the nick might be, get yourself straight to the nearest hospital and get the rabies shot.

My neighbor's sister's little boy (7 yo) , who lives in a northern province, died today of rabies from a bite inflicted on December 30.

The child never said anything until 2 weeks after the bite when he started showing all the symptoms of rabies. The doctor discovered that he had been bitten when he saw the symptoms and asked the boy when he was bitten.

He was too far gone for anything to be done.

Takeaway lesson: Stay away from all (most?) dogs in the Philippines and get a rabies shot if ever a dog bites you.

Make sure your wives, gfs, fubus and others know how deadly rabies is. Faith healers and prayer don't stand a chance.[/QUOTE]Better yet, get the shots (multiple) before you travel. They are valid for 5 years and if you are bitten it gives you more time to find a hospital that has the proper antidote. Additional advantage: if you didn't take the shots before your trip you only have approx. 24 hours to find a hospital. If you had the shots you have some more leeway.

Regards,

Ko

Amusing article in many respects and shows what not to do when at immigration. Guy was 'intoxicated' read likely pissed ot of his head as why else would do what he did and then be banned from the Philippines (probably for life?).

[url]http://www.margaritastation.com/readfull.php?m=1436[/url]

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1537495]Amusing article in many respects and shows what not to do when at immigration. Guy was 'intoxicated' read likely pissed ot of his head as why else would do what he did and then be banned from the Philippines (probably for life?).

[url]http://www.margaritastation.com/readfull.php?m=1436[/url][/QUOTE]Yes, its been said before on this board and many others, Philippines Immigration are a super sensitive bunch.

Protected in their jobs by a very strange Civil Service code, that prevents them being fired.

They may talk to their colleagues on their phones but you are forbidden from using yours.

Your persona when passing Immigration should be to look straight, be quiet, only talk when asked to respond to a question and be polite.

Many are denied the keys to the kingdom for telling these fine Immigration staff what they think of the slow lines etc.

This guy must have indeed been well oiled, as in 30 years of entry / exits, haven't seen an immigration officer who's buttocks I would want to actually squeeze.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1537495]Amusing article in many respects and shows what not to do when at immigration. Guy was 'intoxicated' read likely pissed ot of his head as why else would do what he did and then be banned from the Philippines (probably for life?).

[url]http://www.margaritastation.com/readfull.php?m=1436[/url][/QUOTE]Another idiot foreigner thinking they can do as they please like they were back home in the mother country. Whether it is Philippines or any other country you have to behave at immigration. I don't even know why this is even news-worthy. The guy got off easy with deportation. If it happened in the US, he would be doing time in Federal prison for sexual battery on a Federal officer and deportation at the end of prison time.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;1537674]This guy must have indeed been well oiled, as in 30 years of entry / exits, haven't seen an immigration officer who's buttocks I would want to actually squeeze.[/QUOTE]LOL he was also an Arab / Turk by his name and my Arab / Turk mates love meaty, chubby ladies as more to hang onto so clearly this guy got horny. But while we al have different fetishes I don't see anything cute of sexy in their uniforms.

FF- there was a cute one the other week stamping my passport but I refrained from saying / asking anything such as her mobile number. As you said best not get into a conversation with them.

Odd job if they can't be sacked. Imagine letting a fugitive through immigration (as has happened) , maybe get a payment for it and then when found out know that the service can't dismiss you. Can I have that job please also LOL.

I think we should say that Philippine immigration officers are 'mostly' immune to intervention into their actions:

[url]http://www.pinoyexchange.com********showthread.php?t=277322[/url]

[url]http://thepinoy.com/?p=341[/url]

And apparently some Filipinos share outsiders' views about the actions of their immigration officers:

[url]http://myepinoy.wordpress.com/2006/11/04/the-arrogance-of-celebrities-and-immigration-officer/[/url]

In defense of Philippine immigration I note that in my last two visits through NAIA 1, since they added a separate bank of immigration booths for Philippine citizens, the wait at immigration has been negligible, perhaps even shorter than for Filipinos. Most of my recent experiences returning through American immigration have seen fewer immigration officers available and taken considerably longer.

ps. The board chopped characters out of the first url I tried to post. Do your own browser search with keywords--Evangeline Arroyo immigration officer--if you want to look at the article that appeared in the Inquirer.

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker; 1537744]I picked up a new nice, young, slim girl at MBC last year. She was sitting gossiping with half dozen older MBC pros. She was so new to the business she did not know how much to charge me.

She was a student who ran out of money, tried a couple sales jobs that did not make her enough money to pay rent and eat. She was taking me around showing me all noteworthy sites in Manila with her local knowledge.

For a girl from a remote island, she had very good manners in most situations. We would walk hands in hands like lovers. The street vendors were always staring at her, commenting that I had a sexy, good-looking young GF.

For a couple days, she treated me with care and honesty. I was really thinking of her and treating her as a date, not a prostitute. We exchanged a lot of knowledge, mostly hers about life the Phil, not much mine. With her I did not have to keep all my guards up as if I were dealing with the nasty, hard-core hookers and escorts, more like sneaky, venomous snakes, in California. I was totally relaxed with her.

We had a great time together in and out of bed. She felt good enough to initiate sex couple times. I trusted her enough to fuck her bare back for a couple days. She was smiling shyly, telling me how good I was making her feel as she was grinding her pussy hard into my stiff dick. We were whispering erotic, but not dirty things to each other. I had a much better time with her overall than most escorts I took in China, except a few who spoke English.

She's a nice, clean, thoughtful, somewhat educated girl. She's more reticent than the typical ugly and loud brats in MBC. Don't know if, in mixed companies, she would prefer to chat away with her friends over me.

I was very impressed with this little girl for the nice, clean, fun, sexy, good, caring and thoughtful company she gave me in Manila. I wish all my dates are like her.

In contrary, my "dates" in Angeles City turn out to be crude, mercenary and generally big disappointments. The girls are just crude and not polished enough to be selling anything left alone sex or intimate companies. I would probably never return to AC again until there are better girls working there.[/QUOTE]

It was in the Angeles City Forum and now it's here in general information. Why? Because there's nothing in it about AC.

AAAAAND

This post by LSW is very revealing in that he really likes GOOD GIRLS.

He is very clever in knowing NOT TO TREAT a prostitute like a regular date. What this means I guess is, no trip to moms for some cocoa.

The good news is the crude AC mercenaries will have to do w / out our brave young lad in white.

Haha, never know what you'll learn here.

[QUOTE=Skip Kost; 1537790]I think we should say that Philippine immigration officers are 'mostly' immune to intervention into their actions:

[url]http://www.pinoyexchange.com********showthread.php?t=277322[/url]

[url]http://thepinoy.com/?p=341[/url]

And apparently some Filipinos share outsiders' views about the actions of their immigration officers:

[url]http://myepinoy.wordpress.com/2006/11/04/the-arrogance-of-celebrities-and-immigration-officer/[/url][/QUOTE]Those are VERY old news statements SK. (2006)? As you acknowledge, they are from the time of President Arroyo.

Things are very different now.

There have been 3 Immigration Commissioners since 2006 and each one has become tougher than the last.

I was actually at BoI in Intramuros today (Friday) and one of the heads of section (who I happen to know quite well) told me the current (new) Commissioner is very strict and bringing in more and more tougher measures to cut down on illegal actions by staff (including CCTVs on every booth etc).

He is also trying to streamline procedures for foreign visitors, but is finding it difficult to get past entrenched behaviors.

My experiences at BoI office and arriving and departing at all of the NAIA airports 1, 2 and 3 in the past 2 years has been mostly positive and without any aggro at all.

Oooeerrhh...am I the only one here turned on by women in uniform in positions of power? Most Pinay immigration officers are, I admit, old harridans but last time I entered the country, I did spot a young, attractive one. Needless to say I joined her queue and alleviated the boredom of the wait by indulging in a spot of idle fantasy in which she and her uniform figured prominently. When I reached her, she turned out to be a thoroughly competent and polite young lady who actually smiled at me. Obviously hadn't had time to develop the trademark immigration officer supercilious smirk or scowl.

Do wish that they would change the dowdy uniform though. Perhaps to something more like this.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1537830]Those are VERY old news statements SK. (2006)? As you acknowledge, they are from the time of President Arroyo.[/QUOTE]All right, so maybe I was trying to show off my memory for trivial events. It made an impression on me because I read about it on about the second or third day of my first visit to the Phils. And maybe it's a striking event because it's an instance of an Arroyo taking a visible public-interested (sort of) action. (Actually, I've read that Evangeline is sort of an environmental advocate [? ])

By "tougher" you seem to imply tougher on immigration officers, as in running a tighter ship. Probably generally a good thing, except for when one of us wants an immigration officer to exercise discretion and give us a break.

[QUOTE=Cunning Stunt;1537894]Do wish that they would change the dowdy uniform though. Perhaps to something more like this.[/QUOTE]Or why not try to get your hands on one of those dowdy uniforms and put it to a more exciting use in one of your excellent photo shoots at Eurotel?

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1537919]By "tougher" you seem to imply tougher on immigration officers, as in running a tighter ship. Probably generally a good thing, except for when one of us wants an immigration officer to exercise discretion and give us a break.[/QUOTE]Yes SK unfortunately that is the fall-out from the tougher impositions.

I have already experienced an example where the officer wanted to exercise her discretion and help me avoid some trivial bureaucratic step but "Sorry Sir, the new Commish insists that we follow the rules".

[QUOTE=Skip Kost;1537921]Or why not try to get your hands on one of those dowdy uniforms and put it to a more exciting use in one of your excellent photo shoots at Eurotel?[/QUOTE]Would that I could but its not the kind of thing that you can pick up everyday on ebay. What are more realizable and which I'd love to add to my collection are the sexy green one-piece SM hypermarket uniform and the mind blowing red Air Asia trolley dollies kit which I'd happily remove with my teeth alone. Just thinking about it brings me out in a lather. Whew!

Just further to the point I made a few posts back about improved efficiencies in the BoI, note the following innovation.

[url]http://www.rappler.com/nation/51882-naia-paperless-passenger-clearance[/url]

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1538206]Just further to the point I made a few posts back about improved efficiencies in the BoI, note the following innovation.

[url]http://www.rappler.com/nation/51882-naia-paperless-passenger-clearance[/url][/QUOTE]On my last return to the states through JFK they had readers up that apparently scan off the bar code on the edge of the inside of the passport. But it doesn't save on paperwork for the traveler, since the form for the states is for both customs and immigration-still need to complete it for customs. But it does save waiting and processing time in the immigration lines. And too bad for me: machines are unable to read my bar code.

The dude put out more then a few decent pics, needs a better camera but nonetheless he produced the pics. Kudos for that.

But the gist of my post was about respect and being generous. WR lays it out a little better then me.

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger; 1538125]I won't hold my breath either as MM is concerned those who respect the girls and like quality will screw up his cheap Charlie approach but as you said CS plenty "stunners" at 500 or less (just the now departed from the board CaliPro who boasted here and elsewhere amongst others). Issue with 500 pesos girls is they may have the wrong gonads or age (under or granny / tranny LOL) but each to his own flavor.

Just why spend thousands to get here and then boast about stiffing a taxi / trike driver etc 50 pesos or pay 500 pesos. Odd behavior IMHO. Discussed with a fellow member or two recently and we all agreed these people are really the types who give the girls a bad impression of the better more respectful guys.

MM we welcome your contributions but post a pic or two before CS, me or others find those 500 pesos stunners and posts them for you LOL.[/QUOTE]

Shipping, telecommunications, casinos, malls, utilities, housing. The Chinese (Tsinoys) own it all.

[url]http://business.inquirer.net/165351/forbes-10-richest-in-ph-for-2014[/url]

Not a Filipino name amongst them, most of these names can trace their ancestry to Fujian province.

The size of their wealth can be measured by the fact that for all the Ayala malls in the country, for all that you spend on Globe, for all the apartments they build, for all the p25 you spend in parking fees, for all the 10% in leasing fee they make from almost every business in Makati including New World, Peninsula, Dusit, Shangri La etc. Not one Ayala has made it to this list.

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;1539297]Prepare to get ragged on dude. According to Socker this known hooker lowballed herself and actually spent money on you. So that makes you a miser and a low life.[/QUOTE]Mr E-nutzski,

As an ole president once said,"there you go again". LOL. You're a riot Mr. E, I love your stuff.

Read it Bro!

[QUOTE=Streetlooker;1539294]Had a girl once that I bar fined for a few days before show up uninvited unannounced to my hotel room. We spent 2 days locked up in the Clarkton doing nothing but watching movies on the TV and shagging with a few calls to room service never left the room really.[/QUOTE]Why the f would he be obligated to pay her when she came to his room uninvited looking to hide out and fuck.

Everything that is happening to this guy is instigated by the bargirl. Of course he has no obligation to pay her. He's doing her a fucking favor.

More of the story.

[QUOTE=Streetlooker;1539294]Well anyways this guy and her supposedly got into a fight about it and she needed a place to hide out for a few days so he would not be able to find her and asked me if she could stay in my room for 3 days and I could shag her and watch movies again all day like we did before. I took her up on the deal and I got free sex for the next 3 days. Hell she even bought me a few meals at the Clarkton restaurant which is not cheap by Philippines standards.[/QUOTE]Once again, as explained here the monger did her a favor / service by helping her stay off the streets. But Mr E reads it differently. Why? That's the million dollar question.

Your on an island Mr E and no amount of spinning or twisting facts will get you off. You don't need to do this either and you know it.

I know you're a good guy and a while back you even made fun of yourself about being a cheap charlie. That's when I started liking you and nothings changed. I would share a drink w / you, buy you a drink too but I wouldn't do business w / you.

Mr E, I said a lot of relevant things about ethical methods of negotiating and you would rather point the finger in another direction because my points are indisputable (I guess).

I'm a 2 week millionaire 3 or 4 time a year so I know I have a bigger budget for each individual transaction. I understand that there are mongers that have to be more cost conscious because they're in the market place much longer than I. I don't fault people for getting good deals. That is part of,"what it's all about", part of the fun. Getting good deals on pussy, mango, bbq chicken, whatever, deal making is a skill to be enjoyed. But there is an extreme too and you know it.

I talked about extremes in my last post but you can't / won't address those extremes. It's cool, lets just take a breather alright bro?

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1537674]Yes, its been said before on this board and many others, Philippines Immigration are a super sensitive bunch.

Protected in their jobs by a very strange Civil Service code, that prevents them being fired.

They may talk to their colleagues on their phones but you are forbidden from using yours.

Your persona when passing Immigration should be to look straight, be quiet, only talk when asked to respond to a question and be polite.

Many are denied the keys to the kingdom for telling these fine Immigration staff what they think of the slow lines etc.

This guy must have indeed been well oiled, as in 30 years of entry / exits, haven't seen an immigration officer who's buttocks I would want to actually squeeze.[/QUOTE]Aww come on FF, this is not a Phil's thing. In any airport you lose all legal rights & protections. In order to have as little stress as possible you swallow your pride, smile, go along with whatever nonsense they mandate & behave with decorum. Behaving as if NAIA is equivalent to an AC bar is just off the charts dumb. One assumes Germanic temperament combined with an intoxicating substance contributed to this fiasco. Having a deportation stamp in ones passport goes against you wherever you go in future. What a pea brain!

We all know this is a third world country with a large pool of young women desperate enough to do anything to escape but its wrong to automatically assume all Pinay are sluts.

AV