Manila

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker;1536078]So may be some smart guys in Manila would stop pounding his pregnant Pinay GF for a few hours and try the same trick setting up independent web-based taxis for huge profits.[/QUOTE]I don't know how independent they are but web-based taxis already exist, [url]http://grabtaxi.com/manila-philippines/[/url]. The surcharge is p70, and there may also be a charge levied by the mobile service provider. They aren't widely available yet. My driver told me it costs the driver or, more likely, the fleet owner p1500 to fit out the taxi. The driver needs a smartphone and always-on Internet service for it, too. For many it's a bridge too far.

[QUOTE=LukeSkywalker; 1536078]I realize cabbies still have to pay rent for the taxis, which leaves them little profit.

A 24-hour continuous driving shift can be very dangerous. The drivers would be half asleep after 12 hours. They can cause big accidents. Man. It is a very hard life, having to drive 24 hours straight everyday to make a living.

I was at San Jose Int Airport in Silicon Valley. A lot of people are using smart phone to hire independent cabs managed by a few internet companies. They all drive the very fuel. Efficient and big Toyota Hybrid Prius. While there were plenty of normal cabs waiting around the terminal, the passengers were willing to wait fairly long for the indy cabs to show up, like half hour.

Apparently they must be much cheaper than the normal taxis without having to pay for license and rents for the cabs. Taxi drivers unions are all pissed off at these newbies stealing the food off their mouths. A few cities have started looking into the legal status of web-based taxis.

So may be some smart guys in Manila would stop pounding his pregnant Pinay GF for a few hours and try the same trick setting up independent web-based taxis for huge profits.[/QUOTE]LS, you & H are right, its a tough way to earn a living as a driver. I always advise against hiring a street cab to go to AC. Use a hotel car. More expensive but clean, safe, hassle free.

I researched the taxi industry whilst back in Oz with a view to having a little fleet in Manila. Its profitable for us owners but tough for drivers. Last time I checked daily leases in Manila were north of P1600 + gas. Don't forget breakdowns, fines & food.

Drivers need their wits about them & a little luck.

Honest, clean, friendly drivers get tips which helps a lot. I'm constantly surprised how many drivers don't get this.

All over the world cab companies are a franchise. In the west trying to work outside these franchises will quickly get you on the receiving end of expensive litigation. In Manila doing so will find you on the receiving end of a couple of. 45 cal pistol slugs to the brain from a passing motorcycle. I'll pass on that one. Business is tough in hyper competitive Asia.

AV

[QUOTE=Slippery;1534831]Asshole wanted 200. Study the language? They learn "fuck you" very quickly.[/QUOTE]It might feel good to say "fuck you" but it doesn't achieve anything. You don't get a ride and the driver doesn't go off and think, hey you know, that guy was right. All he thinks is "Fuck you too, fucking porreigner".

Watch the locals (because once in a while the drivers try it on them too) or the old-hand expats. They'll say a few words, usually with a bit of humor, and often the driver will just switch on the meter. If he doesn't, no problem, they just move on to the next cab without saying another word.

I can't think of anywhere in S. E. Asia where there's an advantage into getting upset over a driver who won't do what you want him to do in his own cab. Making a fuss over something like this is classic bull-in-a-China-shop Western newbie behavior. It doesn't impress anyone.

Not sure how much I can add here since I'm a newbie in Manila and there are a lot of veterans here. But since I got some good advice before my trip, I think it's only right to share my experiences.

I don't travel primarily for mongering-but I'm fortunate enough to love my work and to be able to choose my travel destinations based on the possibilities for after-hours fun. Really my favorite destination is Germany. I love the efficiency of the FKK clubs, and I really love tall, thin Eastern European girls. But sometimes it's a bit too easy, and maybe somewhat cold. So I thought Manila would be a good spot.

I'm often quite busy with work during the day, and this trip was no exception. Unfortunately my work is also a bit unpredictable, so I might not know for sure what time I'll be finished on any given day.

I started working DIA and FC a week or two before my trip, and I had emails and phone numbers for a dozen or so girls. But in the end I only met one. And she was a "good" girl. I'm sure I could have worked the situation, but she was also on the other side of town. I also got the distinct feeling that she would have been a handful if I fucked her. I'm not looking for intimacy or a relationship. I want good sex and I want them to leave without a hassle. I'm not looking to fall in love and I rarely repeat unless a girl is really amazing. I like variety.

In the end I spent most of my time at MBC, but I also picked up a few girls at Robinson's Mall. I'm not going to go through a play-by-play, I spent two weeks there and fucked 18 different girls, I just repeated with two who I will mention below.

I really like MBC, but then I like freelance bars in general. It's a crazy place that everyone should visit at least once. The girls range from 1's to some really solid 9's if you look hard. The hottest girls seem to hang out either upstairs or in the room down the hallway to the right from the main bar area. The hottest girls there seem a bit standoffish or cold at first. Often they congregate around the Korean guys. One girl clued me in to the rule of three-they have 3-inch dicks, they pay 3000 pesos and they are done in 3 minutes. (This was told to me by a girl, I'm not making any statements about the sexual prowess of Korean guys, since I have no first-hand information on the topic.) If there are no Koreans around, these a-list girls congregate in groups and sit around talking amongst themselves.

My first day or two I ended up somewhat frustrated. I mean I pulled sweet girls, but not the hottest ones. I sat there turning down the constant stream of ugly girls and ended up sitting alone. And it's like any real club, the hot girls aren't going to approach a loser sitting alone. After a few days I made friends with some of the bartenders (some of whom are really hot, BTW). I also got over my fear of rejection and would just approach the groups of hot girls to chat them up. They are real people, not automated hookers, so if you're fun and interesting and if you engage them in conversation, you can pull any girl in the place and you'll have a great time.

I was staying at the Best Western La Corona down the street, but I decided I wanted to limit, somewhat, the number of girls I brought back. Not because of any rules at the hotel, the hotel was fine with girls. But I knew some of my work colleagues might occasionally be at or near my hotel, and I didn't want any crazy girls around. So I generally read the situation and if I thought a girl might be crazy, high-maintenance or a problem, I took her to a short-time hotel.

If you walk out of MBC and turn to your left, a few doors down there is a pretty nice hourly hotel. It's almost next door, there is a hallway that leads into the building and no sign. The girls mostly know the place, though a few of the newbie girls don't. It was 400 pesos for three hours. The place was very clean and I had no problems. Went over time once or twice and no one cared.

Most of the girls at MBC will ask for 2-3000 pesos. The hot ones will at least. But almost all will take 1500, at least in my experience. I am 35, not too ugly, they liked my tattoos, etc. So YMMV. But I'm not rich and not extremely good looking either. So I think my experiences were normal.

Anyway, I ended up with some really pretty girls, and at least two who were solid 9's. One, was very slim with large natural tits and a really pretty face. She was amazing. The first time we went to the short-time hotel next door. She was obviously a bit new at this, but she was a great fuck and everything was on the menu. She never talked money and I gave her 2000 since she was so good. I met her three days before I left, and I ended up spending my last two nights with her too. Second night she came back to my hotel and spent the night. After some great sex before bed and in the morning, I totally forgot to pay her, and she didn't ask. I felt really bad but I didn't realize it until a while after she left. On the last night I expected her to be pissed at me, but she said nothing about it and was very passionate. It's a good thing I was leaving the next day since I easily could have fallen for that girl. She gave me her number and cried when I told her I was leaving. She didn't ask for money again but I slipped 3K into her purse when she left. She texted me all the next day until my plane took off. Ok, I kind of did fall for her which I never do with a working girl.

My other notable MBC experience was with one of the waitresses. She was really cute and I had to work her for more than a week, but it eventually paid off.

Other than MBC, I picked up a few girls at Robinson's mall. There are a few obvious streetwalkers in front of the mall. A few were doable, but I never bothered. Also some looked to be ladyboys. I found the girls in Manila to be very approachable and kind in general. I picked up one waitress at Fridays just by chatting her up. After she got off work we walked around a bit then she came back to the hotel and spent the night. Again, no money asked for, but I gave her 2k. We repeated a few days later on her day off, we actually spend the day together since I was not working, then had a fun night.

I met another few girls just walking around and had similar experiences. One thing I never managed to do was get one of those cute little Robinson's department store girls. I wanted one to wear her uniform, but no luck. I'm sure management frowns on such things, or maybe they just didn't like me.

The other thing I never managed to do was make it to other parts of Manila. It's kind of a pain to get around. And if you try to get a taxi to another part of town in the evening, it can be difficult. Some outright refuse and some want large amounts of cash. One day I planned to check out Makati but I gave up after the first few taxi drivers said no or wanted a huge fare. I'm sure it's easier at other times of day, but when I finished work in the early evening it was very difficult.

I do somewhat regret not checking out some of the other mongering spots. But there's always next time. I had a great time and can't wait to return.

Likemflat, Your info here will help me much when I work the Manila action for the first time come this May. I especially like your info regarding the finer babes in Manila. This is where my game plan always breaks down. I have been to Cebu a few times and there are some real fine ones working the Mango Bars but they just play me for drinks. I have taken one or two back to the hotel and they will just quit on me as soon as we get started. I have brought more than one back to the bar and there is no manager so no refund or credit. It is really fucked.

At the Cebu bars the Ks get the special treatment and all the filipinas trip all over themselves to be picked by the K guys. Here I am, looking good (albeit 61, but still in good shape) sipping my drink and giving them the "come over here look" but am ignored. Then if I do get action I am played for a sucker (which I do very well on occasion) buying drinks and getting led on. When I do realize I'm being played I express my displeasure and go for plan # 2, which is the nearest cute 6. I really want the hotties so your optimism (re; the 9's) is very good to hear. Be patient haha, I think throwing money at them might be another option. So work the hotties no matter how you feel, just go for it, haha, I like that game plan.

Your whole report is very honest and helpful for a monger like me. I am not into misleading DIA girls into my bed by deception and I would never reward a good fuck w / a measly 200p, WTF will 200p do for her? I assume that some DIA girls know it's about casual sex so DIA is a good option if no deception required. For me I'll stick w / the clubs and the malls.

Looking forward to finally walking into the LA Cafe after reading about it for years.

I like your style but wish you had taken a few pics.

Thanks Again.

Here are the 2 that quit on me after a huge effort on my part. Maybe I gave them too much camera? They just quit and they were extraordinary in their own ways, believe me. It still pisses me off 3 years later.

Both worked at the Mango St bars, the very little one was still there last Feb 2013 and she was spent. I would not be into her now, but in the pic she was a super hot spinner, very pretty. The other was very shapely, sex appeal was just dripping off her, and soon after these pics, real gone. Both ladies were w/ me in my Parklane hotel room for about 15 minutes. haha

I wonder if this shit happens to anyone else? Probably just me, haha, ayyyyyy....

[QUOTE=Betong; 1536943]It might feel good to say "fuck you" but it doesn't achieve anything. You don't get a ride and the driver doesn't go off and think, hey you know, that guy was right. All he thinks is "Fuck you too, fucking porreigner".

Watch the locals (because once in a while the drivers try it on them too) or the old-hand expats. They'll say a few words, usually with a bit of humor, and often the driver will just switch on the meter. If he doesn't, no problem, they just move on to the next cab without saying another word.

I can't think of anywhere in S. E. Asia where there's an advantage into getting upset over a driver who won't do what you want him to do in his own cab. Making a fuss over something like this is classic bull-in-a-China-shop Western newbie behavior. It doesn't impress anyone.[/QUOTE]LIKE. Every word you say is so true.

[QUOTE=Ccntesz;1534639]I tried searching and rtfm but could not find my answer. I'm visiting MNL again and trying to decide where to stay. I really had good luck with EDSA last time and MBC was hit and miss. My question is how early do the bars open at EDSA?[/QUOTE]Could you please clarify what MBC stands for & where is it located.

Thanks,

BD

[QUOTE=Bull Dozer; 1537293]Could you please clarify what MBC stands for & where is it located.

Thanks,

BD[/QUOTE]MBC = Manila Bay Cafe. Now just called La Cafe. As to where it is located? Why don't you do some reading of the forum pages. Or make the search on your own. That is what is generally done. And you'll find out.

the mayor's new plan to limit 8 wheeled trucks from the city between 5am to 9pm is working. despite protests from truckers, trucking companies and the port, traffic time has been reduced dramatically. in some areas traffic is moving at the speed limits. if there is such limits. today at 11:00am i went by taxi from makati to angeles and did not encounter one traffic jam. almost like it was unbelievable. trip took less than 90 minutes and he had stopped for gas along the way. traffic on edsa was moving right along. come to think about it, i don't recall any cars honking either.

hope the mayor is strong enough to fight off the trucking interests to keep it on the 6 month trial period. some of the manila traffic nightmares might be gone. as least for a while.

I've lived here for over a year now and if it happened only once a week it would be about 60 times. Move on to the next cab? There's no taxi line out there. I only see those at the airport and malls. Maybe it has something to do with being a white guy?

[QUOTE=Bull Dozer; 1537293]Could you please clarify what MBC stands for & where is it located.

Thanks,

BD[/QUOTE]I do this as you are a senior member. Corner of Del Pilar and Salas in Ermita. Be careful of the neighborhood.

[QUOTE=Bull Dozer; 1537293]Could you please clarify what MBC stands for & where is it located.

Thanks, BD[/QUOTE]Or consider doing a simple google search for either Manila Bay Cafe or LA Cafe, Manila. You will find address and related map and several interesting youtube videos.

[QUOTE=Socker;1537199]At the Cebu bars the Ks get the special treatment and all the filipinas trip all over themselves to be picked by the K guys. Here I am, looking good (albeit 61, but still in good shape) sipping my drink and giving them the "come over here look" but am ignored.[/QUOTE]You can't really blame the girls, the Korean guys I saw tended to be young, good-looking and they seemed to be fun. The main thing that I learned is that while these are working girls to be sure, they're also human. So they like to have fun. If you approach one or a group, chat them up, and if you're polite and entertaining, you probably won't be rejected. I was never rejected if I approached a girl. But in the beginning I found I could wave, stare or otherwise try to make contact from a distance, and they would just ignore me or smile and move on. But again, they were all really kind and fun once I approached them.

The place is an experience to be sure. I forgot to mention. You might find some good girls during the day and afternoon, but really the scene is better at night. Also, the upstairs is charging a 200 peso entry fee, and for the most part it's not worth it unless you want to listen to the band.

[QUOTE=Socker;1537199]I am not into misleading DIA girls into my bed by deception and I would never reward a good fuck w / a measly 200p, WTF will 200p do for her? I assume that some DIA girls know it's about casual sex so DIA is a good option if no deception required. For me I'll stick w / the clubs and the malls.[/QUOTE]I agree. Now there are some girls on DIA and FC who are just looking for fun. But personally I don't want to mislead a girl and lie to her to get her in bed, especially when there are so many other easier options. One girl from DIA did offer me a massage in my hotel room, but our schedules never matched up.

[QUOTE=Socker;1537199]I like your style but wish you had taken a few pics.[/QUOTE]Yeah, sorry about that. I'm used to places like the German FKK clubs where cameras are strictly forbidden so I'm just not in the habit. Taking pictures would be fun, so I'll have to bring a camera next time.

[quote=dg8787; 1537414]the mayor's new plan to limit 8 wheeled trucks from the city between 5am to 9pm is working. despite protests from truckers, trucking companies and the port, traffic time has been reduced dramatically. in some areas traffic is moving at the speed limits. if there is such limits. today at 11:00am i went by taxi from makati to angeles and did not encounter one traffic jam. almost like it was unbelievable. trip took less than 90 minutes and he had stopped for gas along the way. traffic on edsa was moving right along. come to think about it, i don't recall any cars honking either.

hope the mayor is strong enough to fight off the trucking interests to keep it on the 6 month trial period. some of the manila traffic nightmares might be gone. as least for a while.[/quote]just read in this morning's paper the mayor buckled and modified the truck ban. loaded trucks are exempted from the ban hours but unloaded trucks are not. traffic will be back to a mess. seems self-interest or i mean paid self-interest is still the rule of the land.

[quote=dg8787; 1537414]the mayor's new plan to limit 8 wheeled trucks from the city between 5am to 9pm is working. despite protests from truckers, trucking companies and the port, traffic time has been reduced dramatically. in some areas traffic is moving at the speed limits. if there is such limits. today at 11:00am i went by taxi from makati to angeles and did not encounter one traffic jam. almost like it was unbelievable. trip took less than 90 minutes and he had stopped for gas along the way. traffic on edsa was moving right along. come to think about it, i don't recall any cars honking either.

hope the mayor is strong enough to fight off the trucking interests to keep it on the 6 month trial period. some of the manila traffic nightmares might be gone. as least for a while.[/quote]sounds great. my last trip three months ago it took 4+ hours to get to ac. freaking dreadful. it was so bad i have booked my flight next month into clark just to by-pass the traffic.