Manila

[QUOTE=MoonShot;3029508]Zero long term memory is a gross generalization. I would say the opposite. Girls from 5 years ago still remember me while I can't remember them and they can recall details about the visit too.[/QUOTE]A valid point. When it suits them, Asians in general can have excellent memories of names and personal interactions.

I was more talking about promises to meet or quid pro quos to reimburse the GCash transfers.

G.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3029528]Why would anyone carry 5 k USD into any bar in any city worldwide?[/QUOTE]I've got a buddy who loves the strip clubs back home. He'll go through a several grand a night but that includes a couple of grams.

I certainly do not recommend doing the same anywhere in Asia.

G.

For the Bush-and-boob lover. One of Manila's joy critters.

[QUOTE=Goferring;3029583]A valid point. When it suits them, Asians in general can have excellent memories of names and personal interactions.

I was more talking about promises to meet or quid pro quos to reimburse the GCash transfers.[/QUOTE]That is not lack of long-term memory. They do remember that promise to meet and to reimburse the money. They just choose not to honor those promises. They have not forgotten those things at all. They are well aware that they said it to you but they are hoping that you will forget about those promises.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3029528]Why would anyone carry 5 k USD into any bar in any city worldwide?[/QUOTE]That's exactly what I asked him. It's also exactly what I warned him against doing.

It was his first time traveling outside the confines of his hometown region (I. E. Small town in the midwest USA).

So, yes, he was quite naive, in spite of me telling him how things work.

He learned an expensive lesson.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;3030094]For the Bush-and-boob lover. One of Manila's joy critters.[/QUOTE]Thanks Westie,

Much appreciated.

With so many bald gristle grippers about, it's always nice to find one with a bit of hair on it for a change.

_Phil.

[QUOTE=Dinosaur9;3029549]When I got to Boracay the first thing I noticed was every single man had a cross body wallet or bag. I had one too so I wouldn't be pick pocketed but I didn't know it would be that popular. It would be silly to walk around with that much money in a unsecured back pocket, while getting drunk, in that crowded of an environment.

When I was walking down the beach path in Boracay at night by all the hookers, I was mobbed by kids that started hanging on my arms. I knew what was up and was conscious of my jewelry. After I finally got away my watch was dangling off my arm. Somehow one of the kid was able to detach the link from the dial. I was horrified and impressed at the same time. I have no idea how they pulled that off.[/QUOTE]Interesting I've been to boracay two times before I never seen any hookers anywhere maybe I miss something where exactly?

[QUOTE=Detwing1;3030140]That's exactly what I asked him. It's also exactly what I warned him against doing.

It was his first time traveling outside the confines of his hometown region (I. E. Small town in the midwest USA).

So, yes, he was quite naive, in spite of me telling him how things work.

He learned an expensive lesson.[/QUOTE]I've never understood travelling with bulk USD.

Sure, have some cash to get out of the airport but some guys arrive with enough cash to fund their whole holiday. Not only does this open up the opportunity to loss or theft but once it's gone, it ain't coming back.

I lost my Wise card last trip. That was a PITA but it was easy to find a work around. Cash would have been totally different. These days, there are so many low fee and easier options than cash.

There is also far less need for cash than before. Hotels, meals, transport can all be paid for electronically. Shit, after losing my Wise card, I was even paying hookers by Gcash to preserve my physical cash.

Enjoy. G.

[QUOTE=Goferring;3030177]I've never understood travelling with bulk USD.

Sure, have some cash to get out of the airport but some guys arrive with enough cash to fund their whole holiday. Not only does this open up the opportunity to loss or theft but once it's gone, it ain't coming back.

I lost my Wise card last trip. That was a PITA but it was easy to find a work around. Cash would have been totally different. These days, there are so many low fee and easier options than cash.

There is also far less need for cash than before. Hotels, meals, transport can all be paid for electronically. Shit, after losing my Wise card, I was even paying hookers by Gcash to preserve my physical cash.

Enjoy. G.[/QUOTE]I bring cash and never use a ATM for money. BTW, I exit PH with 20-30 k and come back with it as my starter kit. Once I land I am ready to go! Starter kit includes 50's, 100's, 500's and 1,000's.

I land in the mornings at T3, hop on Genesis bus and 2 hours at SM mall. Trike to hotel and am ready to go.

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;3030094]For the Bush-and-boob lover. One of Manila's joy critters.[/QUOTE]Very nice. Rare to see that anymore.

[QUOTE=FlyGuyEddie007;3030156]Interesting I've been to boracay two times before I never seen any hookers anywhere maybe I miss something where exactly?[/QUOTE]Hi Eddie. Station 1 outside the late bars. Lots of Bakla though. Anywhere in The Phils where there are tourists, there will be girls willing to spread them for cash. Pina Love is always a great option there, however it's best to negotiate from experience. You'll be able to drag the prices down and sort out all-nighters for the price of a short term gig in Manila. Or much less _ Phil.

[QUOTE=Dg8787;3030220]I bring cash and never use a ATM for money.

BTW, I exit PH with 20-30 k and come back with it as my starter kit. Once I land I am ready to go! Starter kit includes 50's, 100's, 500's and 1,000's.

I land in the mornings at T3, hop on Genesis bus and 2 hours at SM mall. Trike to hotel and am ready to go.[/QUOTE]To each their own. Your certainly not the only guy I know that arrives with enough cash to fund their entire holiday. I prefer to avoid the associated risks and hassles but that's me. I'm not really cash focused. Even at home, $500 in cash lasts me months. There was a time when cash was king in Asia. Now, I'm finding that that's less and less the case every trip.

I do the same. For the repeat visitor, it doesn't make sense to convert everything back to home currency. I just keep it so that I have something on arrival when I return. And it's not only cash. I've got positive balances on my Maya account, my Wise card and my Globe load. As you say, it's good to hit the ground running. However, remember that many countries change their notes frequently and withdraw old notes out of circulation. I have quite a few that are no longer legal tender and can't be spent or exchanged.

Even if you're like me and not bringing a lot of cash, don't arrive with none. I've arrived in countries to find closed exchange booths and / or airport ATMs that won't accept my cards. It's no fun if you can't even get a taxi, buy a SIM etc.

Enjoy. G.

[QUOTE=Goferring;3030393]To each their own. Your certainly not the only guy I know that arrives with enough cash to fund their entire holiday. I prefer to avoid the associated risks and hassles but that's me. I'm not really cash focused. Even at home, $500 in cash lasts me months. There was a time when cash was king in Asia. Now, I'm finding that that's less and less the case every trip.

I do the same. For the repeat visitor, it doesn't make sense to convert everything back to home currency. I just keep it so that I have something on arrival when I return. And it's not only cash. I've got positive balances on my Maya account, my Wise card and my Globe load. As you say, it's good to hit the ground running. However, remember that many countries change their notes frequently and withdraw old notes out of circulation. I have quite a few that are no longer legal tender and can't be spent or exchanged..[/QUOTE]BTW, as a backup plan I can wire money to myself via Cebuana or to a trusted local Pinay's bank account. Funds arrive in 2 banking days max either way. Cebuana has a 50 k limit. Pinay's account is <250 k to avoid question from the bank.

Always have a back up plan for money folks.

Heading to Manila this month. I've never been, but I've been going to German (FKK) and Thailand for 20 years.

I fly into Manila and I'm staying at Makati Palace Hotel for 3 nights before I move on to Angeles or Cebu.

I don't like to waste time trying to find the diamond in the rough jumping from dive bar to dive bar, I want the best of the best.

What strip clubs, gogo bars should I hit up when I arrive and what about checking out the freelancer bars late night after hours.

What advice can anyone give me for my 3 nights in Manila?

[QUOTE=BackpackBrian;3030445]I don't like to waste time trying to find the diamond in the rough jumping from dive bar to dive bar, I want the best of the best.

What strip clubs, gogo bars should I hit up when I arrive and what about checking out the freelancer bars late night after hours.

What advice can anyone give me for my 3 nights in Manila?[/QUOTE]You want the fastest? Or do you want the bestest? The two things don't always coalesce. Also what do you mean by the 'best of the best'? Best looking? Youngest? Best (pleasing) personality? Un-rushed? Stays LT? Multiple pops? Keeps her yappy mouth shut and bangs and gets the eff out? Etc.

You are staying in the heart of the gogo bar / freelance area, so its easy pickin's. But there is a quality difference between the two. Also there are online possibilities. Your time in Thailand is a good guide to the Makati / Burgos scene.

Another thought. The nature of your freshman question suggests a lack of RTTF.