Other Areas

Sabang, Mindoro.

Hi all:

I've been living in Sabang for near two years. Sabang is ok for a tourist visit, but loses its appeal as an expat home over time.

I am in the process of relocating and am enjoying the posts in the forum to learn about other destinations that may suit my requirements. I am neither rich nor poor, in the middle in terms of monthly living budget. So I am reading posts for Davao, CDO, Leyte and Dumaguete, for example.

Here is a brief report about Sabang, Mindoro.

How to get there:

Bus from Manila to Bantangas Pier.

When you arrive at Bantangas Pier, ignore any offers of help from vendors. Make your way to the ferry terminal and ticket booths. Boat ticket booths are on left in the compound in front of the terminal proper. Each company is ok for the passage. Just review the departure times and get a ticket from the booth that best fits your timing.

Also if you want to game the system for another 30P, when buying the boat ticket, have 200P in your hand to pay for the ticket. Ask for resident passage / ticket. Or simply hand the 200P to the booth staff and say 'resident ticket' please.

If you are cheap Charlie, like me, then you can avoid paying the 50P environment fee, if asked for it, by saying you are a resident returning from abroad. You own / rent a house in Puerto Galera.

All passenger must pay the Terminal Fee. 30P, at a different booth.

Accommodation:

No need to book for accommodation in advance. When you alight from boat at Sabang, it is likely you will be approached by several middle aged ladies offering to help guide you to accommodation. They are useful. Tell them your budget for nightly stay.

Low season rooms can be had for 400-600P. Fan room is enough. Cold water shower is ok for me. Here are few suggestions:

Ronaldo's (Eastern end of Sabang beach. Walk left along beach after alighting boat). Behind Tina's restaurant.

Sonny's Inn (in same direction)

Sabang Inn Resort. I stayed there before. I little more upmarket. Daniel is the owner. Rooms can be nego for 600-800 per night. And if staying for a week, then can nego a better deal. This also applies to most places, if staying longer.

My advice if planning to stay a week or so, take a moderate room first night. Then use the second day to do your research on other rooms.

Bars for freelancers:

Big Apple Bar.

On the Sabang beach. Pool tables etc. The freelances are avid billiard players. So if you see 'sexy' girls playing billiard, and they do not have boyfriend watching them, then that is a good sign. It can make for fun waste of time to shoot a few rounds of billiard with them. Buy a few drinks, then see what develops in terms of a proposal. I am not a drinker, but from what I have observed, the sexier girls generally hang in Big Apple after 9pm.

Venue Disco, above Venus Club:

I do not hand at that Disco. However, every night there is a live band, good quality themed music. Check it out after 10pm to see if there are any small groups of girls. Buying them drinks will lubricate the situation in your favor. Some say that the bar / club girls sometimes go there after closing time. 1am, looking for opportunity.

Until 4 months ago, it was common to find freelance girls hanging around in Eddies Café and outside near Eddies and on the pathway to Tina's restaurant from about 9pm onwards. That is now not the case. The local Major stopped this practice. Why? Because he is a local bar owner and wants the foreigners to get their jollies from his girls and not the freelance girls. Welcome to the Philippines. Hehehe.

Girly Bars:

1. Pink Pantha: Small. Many girls if go early. 8-9pm. Friendly happy girls.

2. Broadway, nearly renovated. Popular and busy. Full of girls now because its sister bar, HammerHead Bar, is under renovation. So Hammerhead girls are now working in Broadway. Friendly happy girls.

3. Sabang Disco: Popular with the Koreans, Korean owner. But the girls also like all patrons and offer smiles and attention.

4. Venus Disco. This bar you must to early. 8pm, to see the best girls. Why? The Koreans go there at 7. 30 to collect their nightly playmates.

5. Village Disco: Again, popular with the Koreans. But all is good here also.

6. Vegas: on the way to Eddies. I like this bar because of lounge type seating options. Best time is early, before 9pm to see the full selection of girls.

The barfine here is 2K. LD is not mandatory, but the girls will ask for LD. I have never barfined a girl here, but from conversations with others, here are some tips:

- LDs are optional at 250P. Alternative: offer a standard drink, coke or sprite. 50P.

- If you want to BF the girl, give her the interview about your requirements to see if she will agree / accept your terms of engagement. If you want a guarantee, then talk to her mama and ask her to explain the terms to the girl. For example, if you want 2 or more or whatever rounds; how long you want her to stay (technically the BF is until morning).

- Tipping? Most girls will ask for a tip. At you discretion, perhaps 100 or 200 is welcomed.

- Given that Sabang is a small community, then you will get little trouble here from the girls. If, for example, the girl and mama have agreed to your terms and then the girl wants to make changes, namely go home early or not complete the set number of rounds, you have the options to return her to the bar and ask for a replacement. Why is this possible, because when taking the girl, you only need to give 1K to the bar. Then in the morning, give the girl 1K. So you retain some power. Explaining this to the girl if she becomes non compliant will usually change her intentions.

- The girls in Sabang are safe. What I mean, it is unlikely they pose a threat to the stuff in your room. However, exercise caution at all times in the PH. Secure your valuables so the girl is not tempted during the night.

- If you like the girl, ask for her cell number. If they like you, they are open minded to a return visit in during your stay here, in the mornings or afternoons. A simple txt message will have them visit you for ST. They will ask 1K or 700. Some will accept an offer of 500, but this is becoming rarer.

- Having the cell number is also useful for asking her to introduce you to any of her bargirl friends. Just tell her your requirements. Give her a tip. 100P, for her help. &61514;

My strategy tips as an expat:

I am a non repulsive; time generous; caring; intelligent; careful man with some experience in Indo and PH. I have developed my own set of 'rules' and 'boundaries' regarding the girls. The girls may form an opinion that I am not the most cash generous / stupid man, but I believe that I to not generate disrespect from the girls. In other words, I am learning to be deliberate when using the words: 'yes' and 'no'. Sometimes I will say 'yes' to their requests. While other times, I will say 'no', whether these requests are for: money; food; tips; or help of any kind. The girls will accept either of the 'yes' or 'no' response.

Do not be afraid to say 'no' sometimes. I have tested this with the 'no' word to all kinds of requests. And the girls accept and will still visit and share their time with me. Try to find the balance between the yes and no. And be consistent. The girls will at least respect you. And for me in the end, respect is more important than love or other such stupid notion.

BTW, and only ever say 'yes' on your terms, when it is right for you and only you to say the 'yes' word. For example, the girl asks to take one of my ripe mangos with her when she is leaving. I will sometimes just say 'no'. Then the next time she visits, I will cook her a meal after the BOMBOM. Or invite her for a swim in the pool on a super hot afternoon, just for fun and not BOMBOM, or pass her some load to her phone or give her some pocket money when I see her on the street.

The point is: I want to set a precedent at the outset with new girls. And the precedent is: I am the boss and I am in control; . We can never manage or control the girl's agenda, all we can do is manage our own response to events.

My Bar strategy in Sabang. May or may not work in other locations. Hehehe.

- I never buy LDs. If the girl approaches me, and I do not want her to stay, I explain that I am bar hopping only tonight and do not want BF. If I like her and want her attention, I ask her to sit with me and I will whisper in her her, if she gives me her time and attention, I will give her a cash 50P tip. Be discrete with passing the 50P before you leave to avoid any probs with other girls or her mama.

- If I do not want that particular girl's attention, I may ask her to introduce me to another girl I might spot in the bar. For example, 'who is that girl? '. Call her here, or can you bring her to me. Then when chatting to new girl, offer the same tip for her time.

- If you like girl number 1 or 2, and not want to pay the BF, tell her you like her, but tonight you have no 'power' or 'tired'. Ask her if she would like to meet / visit your room tomorrow morning / afternoon. If she agrees, give her your number, on pre-written card or slip of paper, discreetly so no one sees.

- I use the above strategy when I want to refresh my contact list. Most of my contacts, when they are ready, will visit me during the day. They expect 1K in the beginning. I will offer 500. 70% will accept. And most will evolve into repeaters when they do not have a better afternoon offer or when they need money for 'emergencies'.

- Other opportunities: given my longterm status, I have time to approach girls while walking around. Use a smile and some small talk and give your cell number on a card. Then just wait for the booty call.

Season.

The situation in Sabang, and perhaps this applies to other areas, depends on the season. Less tourists during the wet season means less BFs for the girls, so they get hungry and we as the expats get more attractive as prospects. So the girls are happy with the 500P at lunch time. However, during the high season, that 500P is less motivating for them to visit.

Koreans.

Sabang is increasing popular destination for the Korean's. They are buying and developing resorts and businesses here. They like the young girls and take them early from the bar. They are responsible for the changes here in terms of the girls now start to think BF = ST. Why? Because when the girl asks to be released after 1 round after the Korean has BF the girl for 2K, he politely agrees. So the girls quicky learn that a 2K BF=1 round ST. And then impose this new model on the old school types like me who expect multiple rounds and a sleep over till 10am. I have never BF a girl, so that does not apply to me. Heheh. The afternoon ST is the way to go for me.

Girlfriends:

I have been blessed with having 2 steady PH girlfriends in my 2+ years in PH. My experience in Asia only included Indonesia and PH. And I have to say, I a good Indo or PH girl make for a sweet girlfriend. They can embody all the best one can imagine in a woman. Caring, loving, devoted.

I read once from an Academic journal. In the West, the woman has achieved her emancipation by adopting a 'male model'. In other words, achieve their upward mobility by following the way men to things in life. How men achieve power and success according to the male definition. In PH, for example, woman are working on their emancipation by adopting a 'female model'. In other words, women embrace what it means to be a woman. In PH, woman build their power base within the family. Blah Blah.

The point is: at least with my Indo and PH girlfriends, they want to feel like a woman. They want to be with a leader / strong man. A fare man. A disciplined man. A man who is in control of himself and his environment. A man who sets rules and boundaries. A man who consistent with his rules and boundaries. A kind, caring and generous man, within his means and boundaries. Within this context, the woman can feel safe; secure and trusting.

Develop the above and sprinkle it with some: humor; spontaneity; fun; adventure; playfulness, then you will stimulate the best qualities to emerge in the indo and PH ladies. That has been my experience.

Currently I have a PH GF. But based on that experience, It is unlikely I will take another GF here in the PH. Why? I will move from Sabang soon. And it will break her heart when I leave. I will not take her with me to the South of PH because I want to sample other delights. Although the 1. 5 years with her has been a daily delight and my respect for her grows each day, the burden of breaking hearts is too much for me.

I am by no means, young or handsome, but the GFs I've had in PH have shown me genuine caring and affection and I've seen too many tears when it is time for me to move on to other pastures. So, although I do enjoy having a GF, I will make that sacrifice and avoid that in the future and option for the library model.

More on this topic in future posts. Time for a swim.

Enjoy your Sunday.

PS. Major fire here in Sabang 2 nights ago. One of the 'stop house' (accom for bar girls) burnt down. Rumor has it. 2 girls plus 1 baby died. Tragic given the context of the flesh business, eg: young single mother working in bar to feed new born baby etc etc. Easy to forget the details of a bar girl's life and prospects in a country like PH when enjoying their promo dancing in the disco / bar etc etc.

PSS. I agree, some of the expats in Sabang are an embarrassment, visually. But having said that, about a year ago, I met the most ugly disgusting repulsive man on God's planet in Sabang. It was 9pm as I was walking home. Bid him 'Hi'. Started some small talk. Aussie man. After listening to his story for 15 mins, my initial profiling of him changed 180 degrees.

For example, he is married to PH lady. 3 kids, all live in Aust. He supports her family. Bought them houses and land in PH based on their needs and within the context of the PH economy. In other word, not lavish but modest houses in the provinces etc. He is well spoken, kind and caring to his family. Responsible. Visits PH for his extra curricular activities, then back to Aust and his family responsibilities.

Take away message, I am reminded that we can not judge a book by its cover.

[QUOTE=Redim; 1165233]Sabang, Mindoro.

Here is a brief report about Sabang, Mindoro. [/QUOTE]What a great report Redim. Not a brief one but a very comprehensive one. Well done. For me a 'Report of Distinction' and I will try and post it as such, if I can crack the code to posting RoDs.

I see you have been a member for almost two years with only two postings. And that is fine; I appreciate good quality thoughtful postings such as yours. You have provided an interesting and useful perspective for someone who, I guess, is more or less is a retired Philippines resident. The modus operandi of a short in and out (pun intended) monger to the Philippines is different from someone like yourself who lives in the community.

You have provided a great insight into Sabang, its haunts and, for a resident, how to handle and manage Filipina relationships.

I see you are moving away from the tearful partings with gfs in favour of opting for a 'library model'. I guess that means taking your pick from what's available, borrowing, absorbing the contents, and returning without the need to buy and keep on the shelf. I wonder if anyone else who successfully utilises this library model without a regular gf. [Perhaps post any response in the Filipinas –Opinions and Advice forum]

KongKing

KingKong: Thanks for approving the post and reviewing.

I will attempt to post occasionally about Sabang and other destinations I visit.

Redim

BTW, if you plan to visit Sabang, send a PM or post in this thread.

Despite my plans to relocate, I may still be here for a month or two.

Redim

[QUOTE=KongKing; 1165303]What a great report Redim. Not a brief one but a very comprehensive one. Well done. For me a 'Report of Distinction' and I will try and post it as such, if I can crack the code to posting RoDs.

I see you have been a member for almost two years with only two postings. And that is fine; I appreciate good quality thoughtful postings such as yours. You have provided an interesting and useful perspective for someone who, I guess, is more or less is a retired Philippines resident. The modus operandi of a short in and out (pun intended) monger to the Philippines is different from someone like yourself who lives in the community.

You have provided a great insight into Sabang, its haunts and, for a resident, how to handle and manage Filipina relationships.

I see you are moving away from the tearful partings with gfs in favour of opting for a 'library model'. I guess that means taking your pick from what's available, borrowing, absorbing the contents, and returning without the need to buy and keep on the shelf. I wonder if anyone else who successfully utilises this library model without a regular gf. [Perhaps post any response in the Filipinas –Opinions and Advice forum]

KongKing[/QUOTE]KongKing,

I'm a convert to the library model. In my first stays I was strictly pay-for-play, because I was unaware of the opportunities available to me. Still in the US mindset, I thought I was too old (in my forties!) , not good looking enough, not rich enough, etc.

A friend, to whom I am eternally grateful, tipped me to the opportunity to score a Filipina girlfriend. I like the GF experience, and patted myself on the back for not being a "playboy" or a "user."

On my last trip, though, I began to see the flaws of the GF model. From the time my GF met me at the airport, I never had a free moment. All of a sudden I was on the hook for every disaster (mom in hospital, dad laid off, need cash to pay electric bill, etc.) that occurred, and some that didn't occur.

I was also slow to see what economists call an "opportunity cost." In other words, if I make one choice, it closes off other options, and I pay a price. In the US, if I settle down with my gorgeous 18 year old GF, there is no opportunity cost. The odds that I can do as well, or better, are about zilch. In the US, the smart thing to do is to latch onto an attractive young woman, but in the PI, this is NOT the smart strategy.

By going with a GF in the Philippines, unless you get some sort of an open arrangement, you are sacrificing other very abundant opportunities. Looked at logically, this makes no sense. Ultimately, you will pay far more for any GF than you would for a free lancer, casual date, friends-with-benefits arrangement, or just outright barfine, and you will sacrifice your freedom.

I think the obstacle for many men, as it was for me, is a lack of awareness of the opportunities, and a lack of self-confidence. Coming from the US, I still find myself thinking when approaching a young Filipina half my age,"Who am I kidding? This isn't going to work."

Another obstacle is the idea that having sex with more than one woman, sex without commitment, sex outside of marriage, sex for money, etc, are somehow wrong. It's even harder for someone like me who grew up in a deeply religious home. Men who have sex without strings attached are castigated as "users," "playboys," "selfish," "immature," "lustful," etc. All of this shaming is designed to get men to resign themselves to surrendering all of their income to one lackluster woman.

I've finally accepted that it is in the nature of male sexuality to seek variety. Due to the poor US economy, I can't go this year, but on my next trip I am committed to the Library Model.

[QUOTE=Redim; 1165422]BTW, if you plan to visit Sabang, send a PM or post in this thread.

Despite my plans to relocate, I may still be here for a month or two. Redim[/QUOTE]I tried to PM you Redim but I can't. To do that you need to be a subscribing member or a senior member. Check the forum FAO for details. I would like to contact you about some of your possible new residential destinations.

[QUOTE=KongKing;1165502]I tried to PM you Redim but I can't. To do that you need to be a subscribing member or a senior member. Check the forum FAO for details. I would like to contact you about some of your possible new residential destinations.[/QUOTE]Sergeant:

Good post.

Your experiences with PH GF#1 is a typical story. And sounds like not a lot of damage was done. But many lessons learned.

When I first stepped into the Asian context (Indo for a year and now PH for two years) , I was confronted, confused and angry at the modus operandi of many of the Indo / PH ladies in terms of their tactics to milk and manipulate their foreigner BFs. I could write a book about the stories I've heard about the creative methods used by the girls to achieve their material gain.

These stories shocked me. However I always and still do listen to any of the stories as a learning process. In the beginning, I was angry and judgmental towards to perpetrators (the girls and their associates). But over time I learned more about the context in which the girls live. In our countries there is a social security system. We come from a 'welfare' state system. There are safety nets for those less fortunate. Here in the Asian context, there is no welfare system. The only safety net is the family.

So, my position now is this: I do not judge or condemn the girls or their actions to better their lives, feed themselves, their child or family. Switch positions with the girl and I would do the same if I was fortunate to get the attention of a 'green', gullible, naive man. We all look for opportunities in life for our own gain. These girls are not doing anything different with their available tools and chances as we do ourselves in our worlds.

And further: so now when I hear stories of some guy getting fleeced by a cutie, I acknowledge the girl's strategy. And am more judgmental of the man for allowing himself to be manipulated.

We must remember, women are women and share common traits all over the world. Women will push their agenda in relation to men. Men must remember that have the power to either 'allow' things to happen to them or 'now allow' those events. When I hear stories now, I know that the man allowed the events to happen to him. He allowed her to extract funds from him for repairs to his GFs family home. He allowed her to manipulate him for her own gain. He gave permission to himself to be weak. He gave away his power to his GF.

The message here: As my older Italian friend once said (20 years experience in PH) , there is a place for all men in PH. I once saw a man playing in the water with 2 young ladies at the beach in Sabang. I watched as they finished and returned to shore. At the shore line, I could see he had NO legs, not handsome, overweight. But nevertheless, the 2 lovelies were smiling, attentive and carried him back into the shade of the coconut tree to relax.

So, never think that your current GF is the only woman who will ever show you some attention or affection. And therefore you must allow her to manipulate you for fear she may leave you and crush your delicate ego.

My moto is this: "I am the prize". And there are countless opportunities around the next corner. So no need to be fearful of losing a that GF. Either she is an asset or a liability. Be clear and make your decision.

More thoughts about GFs.

I have been blessed here in PH. I've accepted 2 GFs. And they are a couple of the best humans I've ever had the fortune of meeting and sharing some of my life. Both never ever asked me for 1 peso. For example, my current GF had no credit in her phone and rather than ask me for credit, she sent txt to her sister asking for phone credit. That is an indication of the character here although rare, is available.

Having said that, I do my best to care for my GF and all her personal needs. Her empty phone credit was my oversight for the day. Hehehe.

I've now forgotten the reason for this post or the main point. Hehehe. So it has developed into a 'train of thought' ramble.

Until next time.

Redim.

PS Kingkong:

No worries about the PM. I will simply post in the main threads about other locations.

PSS: A final tip: When using ATMs in PH. Check your bank notes to make sure they are genuine. The local ATM here in Puerto Galera (Sabang) on occasions dispenses fake bank bills. View and check the 1000P notes. I got 1 and so did my friend. When I spoke to and told the young bank manage, he leaned forward to me and said "impossible" that HIS ATM can dispense fake money. Welcome to the philipines. Heheh

[QUOTE=Mc Don;1165036]The only action there is the ktvs and Filipino bars. I was there 8 months ago and the only bar (strip bar, Filipino) that I found was on 23 Naguilan Road. Near it, there is a Korean restaurant and a KTV. I barfined a cute 19yr old with D cups but she could not speak any english. She spoke Korean though. I think I paid 2. 5K long time. The strip club had few girls but I didn't bother. Me and my friend were the only gringos there. Overall city is not really worth visiting for hobby purposes and I suggest byo from AC.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the info.

Ray,

It's been years since I've been to Baguio, and there wasn't much of a P4P scene, just a few girlie bars with steep barfines. Basically, the girls did a stage show dance routine while wearing numbers, and you could call them over and make arrangements.

The local Filipinos I was with never paid the barfine. They knew a girl or two who were "party girls" and were willing to perform after hours for a fraction of the barfine. These venues often screw themselves, making the barfine so high that fewer girls are hired out, and must make other arrangements after hours.

The big problem with Baguio, though, is the rain. When it rains, it rains hard and long. I've spent all day indoors in Baguio during a torrential downpour. When I first went to Cebu and it rained I thought,"Oh crap, a whole day shot down the tubes." I was surprised when the rain broke off in 15 minutes, the sun came out, and in a half hour I couldn't tell it had rained.

I have a friend in Cebu City who moved from Luzon just because Cebu doesn't have as much rains and flooding as Luzon.

I suppose the offsetting advantage of Baguio is that it is cooler.

[QUOTE=Bloke;1160088]There are also a lot of Koreans here and Koreans own a number of the establishments. Talking to the girls, they are not very keen on the Koreans who tend to treat the girls openly as if they were in a meat market.[/QUOTE]This was a very useful post, thanks. However, one comment : Pinay girls will often say things such as the above to white guys, and yet the younger, prettier ones will always choose Koreans above us. I am guessing it is the ones NOT attractive to Koreans who said the above!

[QUOTE=Yiddo;1167849]This was a very useful post, thanks. However, one comment : Pinay girls will often say things such as the above to white guys, and yet the younger, prettier ones will always choose Koreans above us. I am guessing it is the ones NOT attractive to Koreans who said the above![/QUOTE]You might be right, but as an aside I have just been having coffee with 2 women who are caddy girls on a golf course south of Manila near Bacoor, and they told me they dislike being caddies for Korean guys.

They said they are "bastos". When I asked in what way, they told me they are always touching them, grabbing at them, yelling at them if they do not have a club ready immediately they want it, treating them like dirt and then rarely tipping them anything over the official rate.

When I suggested that only some guys were like this they refused to agree. They said all are like it. Go figure.

D Cups asked the following on the Cebu thread:

Hi RK, any experience in Zamboanga? . They seem to have a high proportion of sexy ones on DIA. Thanks.

My response:

I think we have had a few different points of view here about the safety or otherwise of western Mindanao.

My own opinion is based on my working experience. I am permitted to go to Cagayan de Oro or Davao without restriction, and I agree that there are few problems in both cities.

Outside of them, like the road between them passing through Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur etc, we are advised not to go there without some form of security. There have been a few cases of groups being kidnapped along the road and a number of military were killed in an ambush a month or so ago.

Re western Mindanao: This includes Zamboanga, Pagadian City, Lanao del Norte and Cotabato / Maguindanao etc.

I am forbidden to go there and if I go it is at my own risk. The few times that I have been to Cotabato or ZC I have had security meet me at the airport and escort me all the way.

It is an uncomfortable place to visit because not only are there military and police roadblocks all the way if you travel by road but the risk of opportunistic banditry is high.

You cannot stroll around any of these cities like you can anywhere else, and the bar scene is zero anyway.

If you find a woman in these cities that you cannot resist I would suggest that you fly her to Cebu or Davao or suggest she takes the long haul bus ride to either Davao or CdO.

You will have to promise her the fare and you might even have to pay for it upfront with all the risks that entails.

My advice: Unless you can convince her to meet you in Davao or CdO or Cebu or even Manila, ignore her and click on by and look for other women. Some hardy adventurers will tell you all sorts of stories about me being too conservative but I don't like taking risks and going to places where the locals are unpredictable in all sorts of ways, and especially for mongering.

I go to Zamboanga about once every 4-6 weeks and have been doing so for almost 8 years. Two or three years ago I would have disagreed with RK's post, as the city is not, strictly speaking in the conflict areas. However, it's situated about 40 minutes by boat from Basilan (lots of bad guys) , and is about 45 minutes or an hour by air from Sulu (even more bad guys) and it's become somewhat of a staging area. I was there about 6-8 months ago when a bomb went off at the airport, no more than 300 meters or so from the hotel in which I was staying. As little as two years ago, I walked around the city with no worries. I would not do so now and I encourage others who don't know the place to stay away.

There are a few clubs-Las Vegas, Zamboanga White, a place near the airport that used to be called Love Disco-and they're all pretty grungy with no foreigners. There's also a "take out" massage place called Penguin, which is equally grungy. But all of this is somewhat besides the point, which is that it's an unacceptable risk to go there. Zamboanga has no taxis, so transportation is pretty well limited to tricycles, which means you're an obvious and visible target. There are very few foreigners, so they stand out wherever they are.

I'm at the point now that when I go there, and I always have a car and driver, I go between my meeting sites, my office there and my hotel. I venture nowhere on foot and nowhere alone. There are few restaurants and no restaurants worth talking about. There are two hotels that are more or less acceptable to foreigners: the Garden Orchid, which is very close to the airport and which is where I always stay, and the Lantaca, which is right on the beach and too open, with too little security for my tastes.

Obviously, my situation is different from that of RK since I'm permitted to go and indeed have to go because we have lots of activities in and around the city. I do not use guards when I'm there, but as I said I have a car and a driver, and if I do have to venture out in the dark for meetings, I go with people who are armed.

This is not a place for the casual visitor and I agree with RK. If you simply must meet someone from Zambo, pay the Php3, 000 or so and fly her on the daily Cebu Pacific flight to Davao.

GE

[QUOTE=KongKing;1165502]I tried to PM you Redim but I can't. To do that you need to be a subscribing member or a senior member. Check the forum FAO for details. I would like to contact you about some of your possible new residential destinations.[/QUOTE]Inbox full is a sure sign of Legend status. That other guy in that minor Davao thread, not the Official Davao thread, the minor one, often has his Inbox full, now your Inbox is full. Congratulations on reaching Legend status, thus can not answer your illuminating and secret pm, LOL.

Hey folks, I just returned from a 10 day visit to Negros Occidental. 3 days in Bacolod. 5 days at Sipalay Beach, then 2 days back in Bacolod. I was there visiting a pinay online friend so I didn't get to partake in any mongering. But I do have a tidbit of information that might be useful for some of you.


While in Bacolod I stayed at the downtown Westown Hotel. 1100 pesos for a really nice room. Breakfast was excluded, but I'm not much of a morning eater. It's in a great location, smack dab in the middle of downtown and within walking distance from the SM Mall. I can't imagine a better lodging value in Bacolod.


Saturday afternoon and the lady who was with me decided to take a nap (guess I had more stamina than she did, haha). Anyway, I decided to go out for a walk. I walked north and eventually came to the main park in Bacolod. The south side of the park has a large sign (Welcome to Bacolod, Home of the Masskara Festival) , see the attached pic. It's a busy place on the weekend, with all the benches in the park center occupied by people enjoying the day.


As I strolled down the cement paths under the tall trees, I spied a white guy sitting alone. Our eyes met and he gave me a wave, so I strolled over to him to make conversation. Turns out he was American, the first one I had come across in Bacolod. Actually seeing white folks in downtown Bacolod is a rarity, probably because it's no where close to any worthwhile tourist attractions.


He seemed like a pretty cool guy, so I eventually asked him where the good places were to find "paid company" in Bacolod. He chuckled and said,"man, you're right in the middle of it". He then said,"see those girls sitting over there?". I looked and there were 3 young girls around 18 to 20 years old, sitting on a concrete bench. Then he pointed to another bench in another section of the park where 2 more girls were sitting. He said the park is the place where girls come to ply their wares.


I asked him about prices, and he said the going rate is usually 500 pesos, but you can sometimes negotiate it down to 300. Of course he said that they probably would start the negotiating at 1000 for we rich westerners, which is the unwritten law of the land here.


I'm not about to tell you that any of the girls were primo material. They were average at best, and one was downright fugly. If this had been Cebu or Manila, there's no way I would have considered bedding any of them considering all the other options of finding company there. But in Bacolod it's not quite as easy to find someone, especially during the day. So in a pinch I guess I would have lowered my standards and gone for the bronze medal.


Hope this helps someone.