General Info

[Mr Enternational]

Those unlimited-call SIM packages do not include landlines or international, only cellular; businesses normally use mobile numbers to accommodate.

Who is talking on the phone like that these days? It is 2025. You can send messages all day long on whatsapp. You can message pharmacies, doctors offices, and damn near anybody. If need be, you can even call people on whatsapp. These days you only really need the data. Most people I know will not even answer the phone unless you first message to ask if they are available to take a call. For me it is much easier to message and be able to respond at my leisure. I am never sitting by idle as to where I can take calls. It actually frustrates me when people call. Even my parents know to send a message on whatsapp.

even locating a store in a warren-like mall without signage, information desk or staff to ask. Try chain-restaurant Zark's excellent beef burger patties (P95): e.g. 3F of Glorietta 4 mall, Makati. Which meet-up sites and locations in Manila do you find best for your '$20+ online or street options'?

You are supposed to ask the security people where the stores are. But I know what you mean. I was in Robinsons and they had only one of those screens to look the stores up. I was in H&M and the lady told me to check Uniqlo. I asked where is Uniqlo. She pointed out into the mall abyss and said that way. Took me about 15 minutes to find that shit. Would make sense if malls were still actual malls, but these days they have so many twists and turns that you end up walking in circles not being able to find what you are looking for.

Why do chicks always want to meet in malls? I tell them it is better to meet at a place outside. A mall full of people is too big to be trying to track down one person. Somewhere you can pull up to and walk in and immediately see the person makes more sense. I understand that in many third world countries being in a mall is their pastime. At home I shop online and have no need to go near a mall. They are phasing out in first world countries.

[PhilJoy]

WRT locations, I don't go searching for streetwalkers but will meet girls at a 7/11, JollieBee or similar if she doesn't come straight to my room. I will admit that $20 in Manila propper isn't going to be a stunner. Away from the foreigner ghettos it's very doable.

Enjoy. G.

Thanks G,

A man with my own strategy.

G makes a good point about having a contact list.

I arrive again tomorrow and I've already basically got everything lined up in advance and it avoids the hunt.

Sure, a few have dropped out, but there's always been a replacement to take their place.

Any girl I hook up with, I grab their details and place on my list because you never know when you might require their services in the future.

(This is generally always via WhatsApp in my case).

A handy fall back plan to have.

_Phil.

[Goferring]

Fair comment. It can be the Madagascar of SEA in terms of third-world frustration, despite the English-language veneer of modernity. Those unlimited-call SIM packages do not include landlines or international, only cellular; businesses normally use mobile numbers to accommodate. Moderate data load is important for Grab taxis, apps, or even locating a store in a warren-like mall without signage, information desk or staff to ask. Try chain-restaurant Zark's excellent beef burger patties (P95): e.g. 3F of Glorietta 4 mall, Makati.

Which meet-up sites and locations in Manila do you find best for your '$20+ online or street options'?

I'm struggling to remember making a regular phone call on my last visit. All of my voice or video calls were data or app based eg WhatsApp or in app on Grab etc. I doubt I sent more than a handful of sms's.

I've got a pretty extensive contact list that I fall back on but online I'm pretty much exclusive to PinaLove though I am starting to test Facebook too. WRT locations, I don't go searching for streetwalkers but will meet girls at a 7/11, JollieBee or similar if she doesn't come straight to my room. I will admit that $20 in Manila propper isn't going to be a stunner. Away from the foreigner ghettos it's very doable.

Enjoy. G.

[Trevor2522]

You make a good and valid point. If signing up for a SIM card is too difficult or frustrating then PI may not be the best destination for you to enjoy. I don't mean that in a derogatory or insulting way. Many people prioritise order and predictability and the PI has neither. Good luck. G.

Fair comment. It can be the Madagascar of SEA in terms of third-world frustration, despite the English-language veneer of modernity. Those unlimited-call SIM packages do not include landlines or international, only cellular; businesses normally use mobile numbers to accommodate. Moderate data load is important for Grab taxis, apps, or even locating a store in a warren-like mall without signage, information desk or staff to ask. Try chain-restaurant Zark's excellent beef burger patties (P95): e.g. 3F of Glorietta 4 mall, Makati.

Which meet-up sites and locations in Manila do you find best for your '$20+ online or street options'?

[Mr Enternational]

Many people prioritise order and predictability and the PI has neither.

It certainly works out when one is able to use the disorder and unpredictability to their advantage in certain situations.

[Goferring]

Wise words. However I am still not going to get far online without a local SIM card that the operator doesn't steal the paid load from. I did ask the American resident, who invited me, to obtain an extra SIM card in advance -- but he refused. I asked for his Wise account name to 'Buy him a coffee' -- again he refused.

The PI does seem to attract the type of people who can tolerate its 'Third World' character, exonerate its inefficiencies and duck physical requests for assistance. I was here in PI for 3 months in 1988, when life was simpler and calmer: without cellphones or Internet. Sad to see what effects they have had on formerly-pristine Boracay island, and even GI-ruled Angeles.

You make a good and valid point. If signing up for a SIM card is too difficult or frustrating then PI may not be the best destination for you to enjoy. I don't mean that in a derogatory or insulting way. Many people prioritise order and predictability and the PI has neither.

Good luck. G.

[Transporter]

Good news is, today I've lined up all my Manila contacts in advance, so there's no need to go on the hunt.
Enjoy the game _ Phil.

Never known any game to follow the plan in the PI, but wish you luck.

[PhilJoy]

Well it's that time again, when I'll be doing another frequent Business / Pleasure trip to the Phils in few days.

(I hope to add a few reports along the way).

Yes, I'm a Cheap Charlie, but most of us are, who either make multiple visits a year or live in The Phils.

I'm on a fairly tight schedule with work over the next few weeks and will be in and out of Manila quite a few times.

Good news is, today I've lined up all my Manila contacts in advance, so there's no need to go on the hunt.

For the newer guys, and I may have said this numerous times before, to keep in touch with your previous encounters works wonders.

You can avoid the barfines and expensive lady drinks by setting your own terms, as opposed to the bar rules they adhere to, and you can reward them personally for a job well done.

Sure, the vast majority will be at you for cash all the time once you're gone, but it's best just to ignore them.

They'll be back for some action in the future, and as soon as you say you'll be back in The Phills soon, it's like flies surrounding freshly laid shit.

Just my experience and I'm now fully booked for Manila.

If only this phone would stop pinging with "I love you messages".

Enjoy the game _ Phil.

[Aml3740]

The pitfall of PI are over hyped. Sure somethings are blindingly frustrating but the same can be said of other countries too. Especially for a for a first time visitor.

I don't see PI as expensive when comparing like for like in other areas of Asia. PI, LOS and Indo all have $20 online or street options thru to $200 gogo nights. It's a mistake that many are making to compare $20 girls in one area to $200 in another.

There has always been someone else to blame. 30 years ago it was the Japanese. Then the Chinese. Now it's the Koreans. Soon it will be the Indians. The truth is that while some are complaining, others are still having a great time. For the two extremes have a read of my provincial exploits or Sir Lancelot's redlight reports. We both had a great time in very different ways.

Go have a good time. If you don't like it, that's fine but don't fall for all the hype and rule it out before seeing for yourself.

Enjoy.G

I agree with G. I think almost anyone can have a good time here if you are open minded and know what you want. Honestly, if I am going to the Philippines for a month or less, I am not worrying about a SIM card. I'm just roaming and using my US number. It is an extra $50-$100, and isn't worth the hassle otherwise. And, for taxis, you live and learn.

If you are maarte and want a city with your 4-5 star hotels and women to match, your options are maybe limited to Makati and Burgos. Lower the bar for where you stay and the city a little bit, and maybe that's Angeles. And so on and so forth. As for me, I love the province. I didn't do a pussy your like G, mostly because I already have two ladies and don't need that. But I've experienced things that most on this board never have, and probably never will. And, for me, that is part of the draw. I'm at home on a jeepney or tricycle, and I'm at home on a motorcycle going up a rocky mountain road. I love rice and and I'm not picky about ulam (and I can cook most Filipino food, too).

It's all about what you're looking for and what you can and will tolerate. Jarango has a post in the "Living in the Philippines" thread. There are a lot of drawbacks. My biggest pet peeve is how long it takes for everything. For most things, you have to just show up and wait. No matter what it is. It's annoying. But, if that's really the worst I have to deal with (and it doesn't happen that often), it's not really that bad, and good days far outweigh the bad ones!

[Jarango]

The pitfall of PI are over hyped. Sure somethings are blindingly frustrating but the same can be said of other countries too. Especially for a for a first time visitor.

I don't see PI as expensive when comparing like for like in other areas of Asia. PI, LOS and Indo all have $20 online or street options thru to $200 gogo nights. It's a mistake that many are making to compare $20 girls in one area to $200 in another.

There has always been someone else to blame. 30 years ago it was the Japanese. Then the Chinese. Now it's the Koreans. Soon it will be the Indians. The truth is that while some are complaining, others are still having a great time. For the two extremes have a read of my provincial exploits or Sir Lancelot's redlight reports. We both had a great time in very different ways.

Sir Lancelot got what he wanted. He beezed about, shot some pool abnd speared lots of young women, which he admits is the reason he went there. As he worked within a 10 day time frame, stayed beside Walking Stand stayed sober, his visit was a success for him. He did not find the love of his life but he was not looking for that. (There is always Broken Britain, as he says).

All that said, there are lots of downsides, as walking St is a dive uilt on aslum. The food is problematic (as in geting sick), petty crime, noisy bikes, weather, a long way to travel and so on.

But, in Sir Lancelot's case, he got what he wanted and, if it is within his budget and so on, then success.

One of the most obriong things in life is loking at people's holiday pics. There was a time when overseas travel was exotic. That ship long ago sailed.

Pussy in Angeles is no different from McDonalds or Jolibee, the difference being that, as Sir lancelot affirmed, it is much cheaper and more pleasant. Jolibee with a smile andan ice pair of boobs.

Edit: I am more price conscious that Sir Lancelot. However, given the amount of bonks and their quality he had, he came out leagues ahead if bonking is ourt unit of currency. I am at home now and have a chance of a €100 bonk, which is very cheap here but which would be considered very low quality in Angeles. As my carnal needs have subsided, I am best putting that €100 to the price of returning to Angeles or some similar place. YMMV.

[Trevor2522]

If you don't like it, that's fine but don't fall for all the hype and rule it out before seeing for yourself.

Wise words. However I am still not going to get far online without a local SIM card that the operator doesn't steal the paid load from. I did ask the American resident, who invited me, to obtain an extra SIM card in advance -- but he refused. I asked for his Wise account name to 'Buy him a coffee' -- again he refused.

The PI does seem to attract the type of people who can tolerate its 'Third World' character, exonerate its inefficiencies and duck physical requests for assistance. I was here in PI for 3 months in 1988, when life was simpler and calmer: without cellphones or Internet. Sad to see what effects they have had on formerly-pristine Boracay island, and even GI-ruled Angeles.

[Goferring]

Addendum: given the taxi and phone hassles outlined in the posts below -- plus high P4P prices and the Korean influx -- is the Philippines still a worthwhile destination for our hobby?

The pitfall of PI are over hyped. Sure somethings are blindingly frustrating but the same can be said of other countries too. Especially for a for a first time visitor.

I don't see PI as expensive when comparing like for like in other areas of Asia. PI, LOS and Indo all have $20 online or street options thru to $200 gogo nights. It's a mistake that many are making to compare $20 girls in one area to $200 in another.

There has always been someone else to blame. 30 years ago it was the Japanese. Then the Chinese. Now it's the Koreans. Soon it will be the Indians. The truth is that while some are complaining, others are still having a great time. For the two extremes have a read of my provincial exploits or Sir Lancelot's redlight reports. We both had a great time in very different ways.

Go have a good time. If you don't like it, that's fine but don't fall for all the hype and rule it out before seeing for yourself.

Enjoy.G

[Dg8787]

ATMs should beat money changers who have to deal with physical cash -- but the rates can be quite close with the best MCs. Airport ATMs, like most in town, only dispense P10,000. HSBC in Ayala Avenue, Makati, dispenses P40,000, which is useful if you are paying the local skin tax of P250 per transaction.

Addendum: given the taxi and phone hassles outlined in the posts below -- plus high P4P prices and the Korean influx -- is the Philippines still a worthwhile destination for our hobby?

I am talking about money changers. ATM and money transfer companies are a different matter along with debit cards and not a comparison.

Addendum: if any of those are concerns then best to stay away from PH.

[Trevor2522]

The other week coming in to terminal 3 the money exchanger's rate was USD1. 00 - 57.90 pesos. The official prime rate was 58.11. Which no one gets the prime exchange rate. I have found the Terminal 3 rates to be very good. At times better than street money exchangers. The only downside side is having to show your passport, if that is a concern.

ATMs should beat money changers who have to deal with physical cash -- but the rates can be quite close with the best MCs. Airport ATMs, like most in town, only dispense P10,000. HSBC in Ayala Avenue, Makati, dispenses P40,000, which is useful if you are paying the local skin tax of P250 per transaction.

Addendum: given the taxi and phone hassles outlined in the posts below -- plus high P4P prices and the Korean influx -- is the Philippines still a worthwhile destination for our hobby?

[Trevor2522]

No need for the Grab app while you're at the airport. Each terminal has a Grab kiosk you can use to book your Grab ride. I use the Grab app all the time when I am in Manila, but I never have booked a ride on the app at the airport; the drivers give preference to the Kiosk. It is much cheaper than the taxis. I got scammed 1. 5 k one time from Terminal 1 to Newport City. Never again.

Thanks. If Grab has a kiosk where tired travellers can book without a phone or Internet, that's a great facility which no one on YouTube has mentioned. It is hard to believe the authorities have not clamped down on the P1,500 scammers by now.

s far as the SIM card issue, it is better to download the Globe One app prior to entering the country. You can get a local number on eSIM and avail a promo before you even arrive. Or, if you're there for a short time, just use your phone plans roaming feature.

Thanks. I originally thought eSIMs were data only but maybe numbers are coming online now. How long do they give you to register your number and documents with the government? It is normally 30 days for a physical SIM. Is there a similar eSIM service prior to arriving in Thailand?

I thought it really oppressive having to upload selfie, passport, proof of address and ticket out just for a local phone number! Even then, they never approved the application via text and I had to go into Glorietta Globe store in Makati to find out the status. They said it was working, then regaled me with dozens of Machiavellian promotions, packages, durations and countries. I settled on P350 for unlimited calls/texts & 3GB data, valid for 30 days. Paid cash into the machine, confirmed the load, but the balance was P1 back at my AirBnB, without any usage! How can anyone monger or do business in a country where they spend half their time in phone shops sorting out this crap?

There is clearly now institutionalised theft by Globe and Smart of customer's loads, shortly after paying, loading and displaying the new balance. Also happened to a friend using Smart. There is a reason why tourist arrivals to Thailand outnumber those to the Philippines by over 5:1 ! Philippine cheating and incompetence levels meant I cut this trip short to go to Thailand, where one can buy and top-up a SIM in any 7/11 within 5 minutes and the SIM does not have to be registered for 6 months. At Bangkok airport I just go up to the departures level and take a metered taxi dropping passengers off; we are both happy!

https://seasia.co/infographic/international-tourists-arrivals-in-southeast-asia-2023