Manila

While I am still researching, I came across several bars with a butt-load of girls on A Mabina Street. They seem to be Korean karaoke bars. And somewhat expensive as well.

Does anyone have more information about those bars?

Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=TomJackin;2921206]
Does anyone have more information about those bars?
[/QUOTE]If you enjoy disappointment and being taken advantage of this is one of the only places in the "philippines" you can be sure that happens. The least fun adult area in the philippines.

[QUOTE=TomJackin;2921206]While I am still researching, I came across several bars with a butt-load of girls on A Mabina Street. They seem to be Korean karaoke bars. And somewhat expensive as well.

Does anyone have more information about those bars?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]Korean bar? If that's the chance they most likely only want to Carter to Koreans they come and spends lots because their flights are cheap I watched bunch of videos where most girls only want to go with them because compare to South Korea the girls are cheap they'll pay pretty high prices compare to the market and they only want them in it (the girls don't look at westerns) maybe I am wrong but that's what I saw of expats living there going to Korean bars the girls didn't give him the time of day.

KTVs on Mabini St are only for drinking and lady company. They do have private rooms but you must bring really fat wallet with you.

They have strick rule not to go out with custumer as they are scared of getting fired. Almost all of them will ask for your whatsapp and luar you back to bar.

Seldom you get to meet her in your hotel if she trust you. For price of KTV you can get nice girl off PL, Massage republic or escort website.

[QUOTE=TomJackin;2921206]While I am still researching, I came across several bars with a butt-load of girls on A Mabina Street. They seem to be Korean karaoke bars. And somewhat expensive as well.

Does anyone have more information about those bars?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

I was in Manila recently and stayed in Makati. Visited many bars in Burgos street. One day I took a taxi and went to Malate to check the KTV / JTV scene. There were many of them on both sides of the road. As soon as I stepped outside a guy was insisting me to check some of them. He took me into few of them. All of them has similar set up. After checking few of the places I decided to sit in one of them. All the girls was lined up for me to choose. I select a young / slim beauty to sit with me. She was a university student and doing this job to support the school expenses. She asked for a drink and I ordered a beer for her. The inside was very bright not like Burgos bars. Some light touching was allowed. They had 90 minutes unlimited drinks but I only had a beer. The girl said most of the clients are older Japanese. There was only one other customer there besides me. I just felt like the playability was very low. I didn't ask the girl for her number or asked if she can go out. I think it takes probably multiple visits for her to be comfortable.

After that I went another one and the mama showed me all their VIP rooms. The rooms has complete privacy. I decided to take a VIP room and selected the most attractive girl from the line up. Bought her a drink for her and she won't even let me touch her. After some time I called the mama and choose a different girl from the line up. Again bought a drink for her. She told me the first girl was very new. They both were from Mindanao provinces. She said the JTV provided accommodation for the girls. Again nothing really happened and a total waste. Left there and checked many more places. Most of them has no customers or just one or two. They also add a 30% charge to the bill. Overall the girls looks better than Burgos girls. I think these places are a complete waste of money unless you want to just sit with a girl and drink. No wonder there was no customers in most them. Wasted 10 k not nothing.

[QUOTE=AlexBrown;2921358]I was in Manila recently and stayed in Makati. Visited many bars in Burgos street. One day I took a taxi and went to Malate to check the KTV / JTV scene. There were many of them on both sides of the road. As soon as I stepped outside a guy was insisting me to check some of them. He took me into few of them. All of them has similar set up. After checking few of the places I decided to sit in one of them. All the girls was lined up for me to choose. I select a young / slim beauty to sit with me. She was a university student and doing this job to support the school expenses. She asked for a drink and I ordered a beer for her. The inside was very bright not like Burgos bars. Some light touching was allowed. They had 90 minutes unlimited drinks but I only had a beer. The girl said most of the clients are older Japanese. There was only one other customer there besides me. I just felt like the playability was very low. I didn't ask the girl for her number or asked if she can go out. I think it takes probably multiple visits for her to be comfortable.

After that I went another one and the mama showed me all their VIP rooms. The rooms has complete privacy. I decided to take a VIP room and selected the most attractive girl from the line up. Bought her a drink for her and she won't even let me touch her. After some time I called the mama and choose a different girl from the line up. Again bought a drink for her. She told me the first girl was very new. They both were from Mindanao provinces. She said the JTV provided accommodation for the girls. Again nothing really happened and a total waste. Left there and checked many more places. Most of them has no customers or just one or two. They also add a 30% charge to the bill. Overall the girls looks better than Burgos girls. I think these places are a complete waste of money unless you want to just sit with a girl and drink. No wonder there was no customers in most them. Wasted 10 k not nothing.[/QUOTE]Good report Alex. This is a fairly accurate description. The KTV's are concentrated in Malate's Korea-town. Roughly del Pilar, Manbini, and Adriactico streets, for several blocks south of Pedro Gil St (Robinson's mall). There are bunches of them. You will usually see mostly groups of Japanese men (and sometimes Koreans) sitting with PYT's, buying them drinks all night long. The fellas smoke up a storm. The girls are not really for sex, just talk if sitting in the main drinking area, or some light play in the privado room. Costs: p500 to 'drink-all-you-can' for each 90 minutes for yourself. LD's are often p1000, and the girl will stay and chat with you for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you can buy her (or another girl) another p1000 drink for another 30 minutes. The asian guys who frequent these places are very comfortable with this scenario. This is not a mongering scenario as the girls are not available for takeout. You watch those asian guys sit for hours, chatting up this or that girl and buying LD's. At the end of their evening, the group departs. They often tip large to the girl they have been chatting (p5-10 k is not unusual), and tip a mama / manager. All for NO S*X. Part of their culture I guess. For the girls, speaking some modicum of Japanese or Korean is required to get the job.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;2921467]Good report Alex. This is a fairly accurate description. The KTV's are concentrated in Malate's Korea-town. Roughly del Pilar, Manbini, and Adriactico streets, for several blocks south of Pedro Gil St (Robinson's mall). There are bunches of them. You will usually see mostly groups of Japanese men (and sometimes Koreans) sitting with PYT's, buying them drinks all night long. The fellas smoke up a storm. The girls are not really for sex, just talk if sitting in the main drinking area, or some light play in the privado room. Costs: p500 to 'drink-all-you-can' for each 90 minutes for yourself. LD's are often p1000, and the girl will stay and chat with you for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you can buy her (or another girl) another p1000 drink for another 30 minutes. The asian guys who frequent these places are very comfortable with this scenario. This is not a mongering scenario as the girls are not available for takeout. You watch those asian guys sit for hours, chatting up this or that girl and buying LD's. At the end of their evening, the group departs. They often tip large to the girl they have been chatting (p5-10 k is not unusual), and tip a mama / manager. All for NO S*X. Part of their culture I guess. For the girls, speaking some modicum of Japanese or Korean is required to get the job.[/QUOTE]The girl told me most customers are older Japanese or Korean. In fact when I was there an older Japanese gentleman came and sat with 2 or 3 girls. He was falling and couldn't even walk. I don't know he was drunk or not. He left after few minutes. The girls are better looking than Burgos bar girls. I was just intrigued by all the YouTube videos of these JTV's. I think it's a good place to drink with girls and leave alone. I am not a heavy drinker so the unlimited drinks was a waste. LOL.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;2921467] This is not a mongering scenario as the girls are not available for takeout. You watch those asian guys sit for hours, chatting up this or that girl and buying LD's. At the end of their evening, the group departs. They often tip large to the girl they have been chatting (p5-10 k is not unusual), and tip a mama / manager. All for NO S*X..[/QUOTE]Great report Alex and Westie for the extensive info.

Not that I'd ever contemplate going down this path. My idea of a LD is making sure the contact I bring back to my room has something to drink in the bar fridge while I'm having a SML beer. I usually take the girls to a 7/11 or similar on the way back so they can choose beverages of their choice for the night.

When they pick a bottle of Tanduay I know things might get a bit messy, but I generally have a great time. Much better than paying for weak LD in a bar / gogo. Phil.

Fellas,

Just returned from a 7-day jaunt to Manila and my notes are as follows. I was truly sad to depart, the hallmark of any good trip!

Before you depart the US:

Cash.

Take only new, clean, unmarked, crisp 100's as the PI banks and money changers are getting very very strict and may not accept anything less. This could be a problem if your primary funding source turns out to be worthless for mongering purposes. Not the way to start the trip!!

[URL]https://etravel.gov.ph/[/URL]

Do not download the gov. Ph electronic declarations as you do not need it unless you're a local citizen. My airline called me and pressed me to do this, albeit incorrectly.

Grab App.

Download the Grab App (PI version of Uber). It's super easy to use and very similar to Uber. Just pay the driver directly, do not set up a funding source. This will save you big bucks as you depart the airport and if you're planning on getting around the city.

Prior to departing MNL Airport Terminal.

SIM card.

Get a SIM card at the airport, Smart or Globe, I have never seen a big difference on either and have used both several times. I made the mistake of buying a SIM card at a convenience store near the hotel the next day and got taken. While it could've been disastrous, I got out of the situation relatively unscathed. The attendant took a picture of my passport using his personal phone to send with the application and it didn't dawn on me until later this could be an issue. I was still having problems with my phone so I went to the local Smart Store in MOA to resolve. All told, I had to buy another SIM card and spend another 500 p load as the employee at the convenience store basically just pocketed my money.

Airport Transfer.

DO NOT make a deal or use any of the taxi hawkers as you exit the terminal, they will charge you 5 x-6 x the regular amount. For example, the Grab app was <300 p to my hotel in Pasay and the taxis were charging 1,500 p-2,000 p with no negotiation for the same.

ATM Machines.

If your card doesn't work with one bank ATM, try another. For whatever reason, my Chas Schwab ATM card didn't work at BDO but it worked flawlessly everywhere else, no idea as to why. There are several ATMs in the MNL Arrivals Terminal, strongly suggest getting $100 USD converted as it makes life super simple if you arrive late at night.

Hotel.

Golden Phoenix Hotel. Good hotel, great breakfast and great location. There are lots in the Pasay area.

LA Cafe.

I landed around 2300, checked into the hotel, took a shower and went straight to LA Cafe to get a drink and determine the level of talent. Mind you, it's been 10 yrs since I last stepped foot in the establishment so I was more than prepared to pull out and head to Burgos Street if necessary. However, upon entering, the place was just as I remembered. On the first floor, there were no less than a 100 pinays all waiting for the "ATM" to walk in. After a trip around the bar, I went upstairs to find a table, order a drink and just relax a bit. Within 20 minutes, three very willing mid-30's ladies arrive and want to chat. One thing I've learned from mongering in numerous countries is that "birds of a feather, flock together". If one is rude or has a bad attitude, then steer clear as the others will likely be similar. Basically, all three of these ladies had really nice attitudes and the perfect personality for me. No BS and straight to the point. After about an hour and a half, I was ready to take one home for a quick ride. Over the next 5 days, I ended up doing a rotation with each of them. All had solid bodies and were well above average with looks and service. I paid 3. 5 p plus 200 p for taxi for each round, lasting 2 hours. This was a perfect arrangement for me as I didn't want them spending the night due to work commitments.

PM for more.

N_R.

[QUOTE=Nite_Runner;2921690]Fellas,
Just returned from a 7-day jaunt to Manila and my notes are as follows. I was truly sad to depart, the hallmark of any good trip!.[/QUOTE]Great report N_R. Really helpful for those looking at this forum and are thinking of hitting the Philippines for the first time.

I've done Manila lots of times. I've never done LA Cafe though. Mainly due to some negative reports in the past on other platforms IE: web searches. Plus I have a routine of getting to the same hotel in Makati after I land (sometimes late), getting straight into the business side of the trip the next day or two, and then it's generally time for fun before a little more work in MNL before I leave.

That sounds like a great option. Also never stayed in Pasay previously.

I just don't know if I can do Manila for anymore than two days in a row these days. It's very hectic and I personally try to find a place by the water on any trips, even if that's Sabang. Having said that, I'll be in Angeles on business in August and will be planted there for about five days. I'm sure everything will be fine. Phil.

[QUOTE=Nite_Runner;2921690]..........Take only new, clean, unmarked, crisp 100's as the PI banks and money changers are getting very very strict and may not accept anything less. This could be a problem if your primary funding source turns out to be worthless for mongering purposes. Not the way to start the trip........[/QUOTE]I suppose one will be well advised to change your old notes for new ones at a bank before flying out.

[QUOTE=Turgid;2921893]I suppose one will be well advised to change your old notes for new ones at a bank before flying out.[/QUOTE]My Man,

Yes!! Basically, new, unmarked, no tears or significant creases and you should be fine. Also, having spent too many years traveling internationally, to never depart the US without at least two sources of (liquid) cash. Currency rules change do change on occasion and you never want to be reliant on one source if abroad.

N_R.

I have never been to a KTV in the Philippines (or anywhere else). I have been to Manila / Makati maybe 6 or 7 times and always pulled a "wife" (who worked during the day) for my stay from pinalove and then would monger during the day from Burgos or one of the malls. This routine certainly scratched my itch. But the last time, the "wife" fell in love with me (or fell in love with my wallet) and it was problematic when I left, so I was determined that the next time I visited, I would only do ST with the pinalove girls during the day and do KTVs at night. BUT I ALWAYS THOUGHT KTVs WERE FULL SERVICE PLACES, LIKE FKKs IN Germany.

I have a little experience with Karaoke places in Korea and China, but I was set up by local work colleagues with extremely pretty girls, and I never attempted to get one of the girls to have sex as my work colleagues were with me. I have always been amazed at how much they liked to get really, really stupidly drunk, rather than focus on fucking the girls (and the next morning behaved as if nothing had happened).

I honestly do not have any plans to visit the Philippines until 2026, as I will go to BKK on my annual trip to Asia in January 2025 with Pattaya as a side trip (usually I go to Manila as my side trip).

Are there any KTVs where full service is offered? Have I been misreading all the descriptions of KTVs for the last 15 years? I am not interested in hanging out with beautiful girls unless the night ends in sex.

[QUOTE=MamaGuevos;2921994]I have never been to a KTV in the Philippines (or anywhere else). I have been to Manila / Makati maybe 6 or 7 times and always pulled a "wife" (who worked during the day) for my stay from pinalove and then would monger during the day from Burgos or one of the malls. This routine certainly scratched my itch. But the last time, the "wife" fell in love with me (or fell in love with my wallet) and it was problematic when I left, so I was determined that the next time I visited, I would only do ST with the pinalove girls during the day and do KTVs at night. BUT I ALWAYS THOUGHT KTVs WERE FULL SERVICE PLACES, LIKE FKKs IN Germany.[/QUOTE]Whoa Nellie! Never been to the FKK's, but there would be no comparison. KTV's in the Malate Korean district are as I previously described. Besides the fact that there is no barfine (that I'm aware of) for takeout, and I've never heard of anyone bragging of hammering one of those girls in a privado room, consider that the girls are used to making thousands nightly in tips from drunken older K / J's for nothing other than looking cute and a few hours of chat in the bar. Why on earth would she want to go home with you and become a 2-pop cum-bucket overnight for a few thousand pesos?

For fun, there is an open-door restaurant on Adriatico (between Remedios and Nakpil Sts), across the street from Upstage Gold bar. Its open 24 hours. Shift change is 6 am. Have had breakfast there dozens of times (it was a go-to place when staying at Malate Bayview Mansion). At 6 am you will see the girls coming out of the KTV's at the end of their shift. They all look the same: Cute, usually short, hair ponytailed thru the back of a baseball hat, wearing shorts with cropped sweatshirts. They pile into lines of waiting taxis (lined up almost all the way back to Robinson's) to go home. But several will walk across the street to vest. They will sit down with 6-8 of her friends already waiting for her (already drinking, running up a bill), or the friends will show up shortly. Buckets of beer, breakfast foods, bottles of booze are wasted across the table. Thousands of pesos. The bill is quickly dispatched by the girl. Her earnings from the night allow her to spend half of her pay on a pinoy-style breakfast with friends. You don't see that from SW or gogo bar girls.

[QUOTE=MamaGuevos;2921994]Are there any KTVs where full service is offered? [/QUOTE]I think yes, but not like the ones in K-town. You can easily find YT vids of the Ktown KTV's. Other board members have mentioned dive-bar, low-end KTVs with girls available for privado action, near the old EDSA plaza. Not sure if the bars still exist, or prices.

[QUOTE=MamaGuevos;2921994]Have I been misreading all the descriptions of KTVs for the last 15 years? I am not interested in hanging out with beautiful girls unless the night ends in sex.[/QUOTE]Not sure what descriptions you have been reading. Here on ISG? YT? Various posters here have posted YT links to these places, but I don't recall any good FR's describing what you have in mind. There is also a similar place on Burgos called Junko Premiere; have never seen any girl walking out with a customer (same format: p500 for drink all you can for 90 minutes, pretty girls).

Other gents?

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;2921999]

Other gents?[/QUOTE]I have very limited experience in KTVs, in the Philippines and elsewhere. However, I have both gotten laid and been rejected in them.

MNL: super cute girls, Quoted $$ per 30 minutes and LD. No onsite facilities nor bar-out facilities. I didn't stay.

DVO: cute girls, $$$ per 30 minutes and LDs. I received onsite BBBJ and FS. Girl also offered her WA no for after hours hook up.

As a comparison:

China: girls paid per hour and per drink. I didn't sample but expect extras were available in the KTV room. I paid extra for a girl to follow me home to the hotel for uninspiring CFS.

China2: KTV with attached spa. Received great legit body massage then moved to a private room my introduction to Fire and Ice BBBJ. Girls were not stunners but definitely formally trained in how to please.

Enjoy. G.