General Information

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger]So where are you now and how long in town for? Am going to look over the Elizabeth (opens November) and maybe Golden Peaks (am told it is nice).[/QUOTE]I stayed at Golden Peak last night. It is a dump. How it is listed as 3 star is beyond me.

I'm checking into Waterfront today and staying until tuesday. My membership should be active at some point soon so I can be PMed.

What soured me on the Parklane was that they told me at the front in advance that I would have the same rate on the extension, then lost any record of it. I wouldn't have minded paying the higher rate if they told me up-front.

So far this trip my take-aways from the bars have been mostly average, with the exception of one girl from Pussycat (Yeah, I know the most expensive overrated bar on Mango and most of the girls there kinda fat but I pulled a solid 8/9, full of energy and a total minx back at the hotel. Also apparently particular who barfines her, heard she shot down at least one guy the next night.).

Going to stay tuesday night in Tacloban (my DIA girl there's cherry most likely in the offering, though I'm not sure if I want to deal with the consequences), then off to Manila and home wed morning.

[QUOTE=David_33]Fine with me, I still think he may be a troll. Saipan? Doubtful.[/QUOTE]
Maybe he is Bopalula under yet another disguise....but certainly lots inconsistencies in his FRs as well some better articulation when challenged...Stroker Ace and Fslag138 and I discussed this last night ..... whatever the outcome I wont be here so leave him to others :D

I know there is not a specific thread but a few of us have asked Jackson so hopefully we will get one in the future

Despite rumours to the contrary, I do not spend all my time chasing pussy but I thought I would do a little research around the Ayala area on other hotels - I like variety as some of you know ;).

Last night with SAce and FSlag we noted the new hotels coming up including the Radisson Blu and Elizabeth and felt that eventually prices will come down as these new ones start to market heavily for business. So in between other activities I went for a walk and this is what I found. Remember, all are close to Ayala.

Golden Peak: nice place has some special deals on asiarooms.com now (2200 pesos net per night)..but I asked about wifi/Internet and they said 100 pesos per hour. So not for me as that adds significantly to my cost as I need 24/7 access in the room

Elizabeth: soft opening until Dec 15th, nice hotel, saw the triple deluxe room (ie 3 single beds in room), well apppointed, walk in showers, rate until December 15th starts at 2200 pesos per night net. Internet/wifi free as well. Impressed and certainly one to consider for me. Did state in the lobby "no short shorts" and when I asked the front desk so no ultra micro mini skirts...unless she goes straight to the room I suppose and does not hang around the lobby :). Also bans all wearing of vests for men and women! Bookings via hotel only.

Diamond Suites and Condotel: across the road from the Parklane (a further to to the right). New, opened last week, wifi throughout. Told me free in lobby but when pressed free all the time in rooms. Friendly staff. Still sorting out power etc so extremely soft opening but soon a soft opening. Rack rates 3000-4000 pesos. Nice place and rooms. Book via hotel and its web site

Now, in comparison. Parklane, I got for 2800 pesos a night with free wifi/Internet ([url]www.hotels.com[/url]). SAce has Crown Regency for around $70 a night. Ultrapilot is in the Marriott for a higher price but in general the Marriott is much higher.

Rack rate at Radisson Blu is 7700 pesos when I called them a while back (but this is RACK) so will be less and suspect rates will be in and around the Marriott (maybe Crown Regency) especially if on the various discount hotel web sites. Has free Internet etc and given what I stayed previously with this hotel chain would be a nice place to stay. Free internet etc am informed. Near SM Mall not Ayala and my preference is Ayala

Ultrapilot was also/is going to do some research for alternate hotels and try and see the Appletree Suites hotel that was advertising at around 1000-1200 pesos a night. He was possibly trying to get a look at rooms in the Crown Regency Residences also. he saw my room at Parklane today as may move from Marriott as getting too expensive versus what he gets in return

SAce did stay at an hotel a while back (Sarasosa I think) and says it will not be repeated as was not that fantastic.

Did not visit the Golden Prince Hotel which is opposite the Elizabeth, looked at it before and was not greatly impressed. But is close to Ayala

A few more condotels are opening up in and around the Ayala Centre so lets see what next year brings. With the extra rooms in Cebu economics tend to suggest rate erosion unless Cebiu suddenly becomes increasingly popular. But at least there is more choice

[b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]This report was deleted because the content of the report was [u]largely argumentative[/u]. Please read the Forum FAQ and the Forum's Posting Guidelines for more information. [i]Thank You![/i][/blue]

If I have 8-10 days in Cebu alone then what do you suggest for a 1st timer? Maybe a small trip (with a girl?) to Bohol or some other place? Or are there nice beaches around Cebu City? Is there enough to do for that long a time? I was thinking about booking Marriott but don't know for how many nights. Maybe better to book just for a short time and then get an extension maybe when I see how and whre to spend the time.

Pekkakoo,

I've been in Cebu once, but stayed there for 2 weeks. Here some info...

Bohol is nice. I've been there for just one day. Took a fast ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran (aprox. 1,5 to 2 hours), then took a minivan with driver and have seen the chocolate hills and the Tarsier monkeys (which aren't actually monkeys). Do some research on the internet if you want to stay longer than just one day.

Another idea could be staying in a resort on Mactan Island. This is the island where the airport is. I've stayed in "White Sands Beach Resort" with my sweety. The deluxe room is accomodating enough. Click onto the "Livin' free promo" to see if you can stay there at a cheaper price than rated on their website (depending on the season): [url]http://www.whitesands.com.ph/[/url]

A last but splendid idea could be a trip to Malapascua Island. Stayed there for 4 days with another candy in "Malapascua Exotic Island Dive & Beach Resort". Booked a "deluxe room" in advance, but got a free upgrade to a "Super deluxe room" at arrival, because all deluxe rooms were taken. I've used their private transport (normal car) from the airport to the island and back again. Bit pricey, but relaxing and no concerns. [url]http://www.malapascua.net/home.html[/url]

Success...

[QUOTE=Pekkakoo]If I have 8-10 days in Cebu alone then what do you suggest for a 1st timer? Maybe a small trip (with a girl?) to Bohol or some other place? Or are there nice beaches around Cebu City? Is there enough to do for that long a time? I was thinking about booking Marriott but don't know for how many nights. Maybe better to book just for a short time and then get an extension maybe when I see how and whre to spend the time.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info Brastrav. Looks like I could easily spend around 10 days after flying to Cebu Mactan from Bangkok. I have a 2 week vacation so I am just starting to think how to allocate it. I have never been to Phils but a few times to Thailand so maybe I limit my days in Bangkok to save more days to Phils. Mactan island beach resort and Malapascua sound nice. I have some DIA and Facebook contacts who I could maybe meet. Maybe it would be best to go first to Cebu City and try to meet some girls, maybe it will easiest there? Malapascua and beach resorts might be too late. Maybe I book e.g. Marriott in Cebu City for 2-3 nights and then let's see. Is it easy to find hotels at a decent rate without a pre booking? Because plans might change depending on feelings and girls that are available. First thing is to find some company and maybe check out some wife material hopefully.

[QUOTE=Pekkakoo]. Mactan island beach resort and Malapascua sound nice. I have some DIA and Facebook contacts who I could maybe meet. Maybe it would be best to go first to Cebu City and try to meet some girls, maybe it will easiest there? Malapascua and beach resorts might be too late. Maybe I book e.g. Marriott in Cebu City for 2-3 nights and then let's see. Is it easy to find hotels at a decent rate without a pre booking? Because plans might change depending on feelings and girls that are available. First thing is to find some company and maybe check out some wife material hopefully.[/QUOTE]

I would spend time in Cebu and then take side trips to Bohol and Malapascua as easier.

Always have back up plans for DIA girls as some will not show, some bring relatives etc so have additional plans and contacts

Hotels - best book before you arrive to get the best rates as if you book when arrive it will be more expensive. Seems that [url]www.hotels.com[/url] is cheaper of the sites to date but this varies so check them all and watch for add on. Marriott is most expensive try others but your budget will determine it, plenty choices of all standards

Also depends on budget and see my FR below for some ideas as you may not want 24/7 Internet etc. I use Parklane as I need free Internet 24/7 and suits me as close to Ayala Centre other monngers like Mango Park, Kiwi Lodge, Beverelys (Eddies), Crown Regency, Richmond Plaza, Golden Prince...so many so research for an hour then you can compare prices and locations

[QUOTE=Bopalula][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]This report was deleted because the content of the report was [u]largely argumentative[/u]. Please read the Forum FAQ and the Forum's Posting Guidelines for more information. [i]Thank You![/i][/blue][/QUOTE]
Jackson I thought this 'member' was banned. We appreciate your efforts as this guy is a persistent pain in the proverbial. Thanks

[QUOTE=Pekkakoo]Thanks for the info Brastrav. Looks like I could easily spend around 10 days after flying to Cebu Mactan from Bangkok. I have a 2 week vacation so I am just starting to think how to allocate it. I have never been to Phils but a few times to Thailand so maybe I limit my days in Bangkok to save more days to Phils. Mactan island beach resort and Malapascua sound nice. I have some DIA and Facebook contacts who I could maybe meet. Maybe it would be best to go first to Cebu City and try to meet some girls, maybe it will easiest there? Malapascua and beach resorts might be too late. Maybe I book e.g. Marriott in Cebu City for 2-3 nights and then let's see. Is it easy to find hotels at a decent rate without a pre booking? Because plans might change depending on feelings and girls that are available. First thing is to find some company and maybe check out some wife material hopefully.[/QUOTE]

2 weeks is a pretty short time, especially if you will stay a few nights in BKK.
The question you need to ask is whether what you are really looking for is (1) to meet up and try a selection of say 10 girls or (2) to find one nice girl and take her somewhere beautiful and romantic to see if you are compatible long term.

Cebu is not an attractive city IMHO. Outside the malls, big Hotels and upmarket residential areas its dirty, unattractive and polluted and the hotels are rather overpriced. There isn't a bunch of cultural things to do as in say BKK or great beaches. HOWEVER, Cebu is a great place to meet open minded Filipinas so is one of the world's best destinations for those in search of GFE, with a young attractive and sexy girl who speaks good English and isn't going to cost alot.

There are plenty of attractive and in some cases jaw droppingly beautiful places to go in the Phils. Bohol and Malapascua are both nice and easy to get to from Cebu. I love Palawan , which has regular flights to and from Cebu and Manila which if bought in advance can be very economical (2000P) but bought at the last minute more expensive (5000P) . HOWEVER its not easy to find open minded girls in most of these provincial tourist places, you certainly arent going to be able to try 10 different girls and even if you find some hot prospect on DIA you may find some bait and switch: Yes I love sex, we'll have a great time: then when you actually get there she's either busy because another guy has come along or "Yes I Will love sex AFTER we are married"

For this reason UNLESS you have some pretty reliable prospect(s) in such places it is probably safer to find a girl in Cebu /Manila and take her with you. There are many girls in the Phils who are unemployed perhaps only moderately attractive and such girls will probably jump at the chance to come with you to a nice place at a day's notice. If you are more interested in a girl with a job or who is really going to college or who is very attractive (and thus probably has many guys courting her), she may well not be able to go at a day or twos notice as she needs to plan her life more carefully.

Summary

If you are looking for (1) plan on spending most or all of your time in Cebu and if you are lucky to find a great girl early in the trip then go to Bohol/Malapascua with her

If you are looking for (2) identify 1 or 2 really promising prospects on line, and discuss wit them the prospects of going to Malapascua/Palawan/Bohol etc if you get on well. That would be your Plan A then if things dont work out and she is disappointing etc just continue in cebu and meet a bunch of other girls.

As for hotels. IMHO Marriott is overpriced and not so flexible. If you can get Waterfront for say $70-80 thats a nice option, but you would need to book ahead. Otherwise the mid range hotels at 1800-2500P are perfectly OK and you dont really need to book ahead.

Last full day here in Cebu for me.

Had another great night yesterday with the 9 from Pussycats. Top drink earner in that bar and would probably be the top earner overall if she barfined more often.

Finally linked up with WR and another board member whose handle I didn't catch this morning. Shot the bull for a while, but Roger had some stuff to attend to and I hung around until 10 when the other board member had a date coming. Invited me to come along as his "cousin". Went along and said Hello, to her. The name was familiar, too familiar. Went to my phone, sent a text, asked her to check her phone and there it was. DIA girl that I had talked with and was going to ring up later on. We all laughed a bit about that one. Excused myself and had to leave to get some pasalubong shopping done.

Trying to juggle 3 dates today, the above girl coming up to my room now, another DIA girl (probably not a sure-thing) late this afternoon and a referral from WR's little black book tonight. Texting on 2 phones (all of the above plus my Leyte cutie for tomorrow night) and trying to type this before getting ready.

[QUOTE=GregLondon]If you can get Waterfront for say $70-80 thats a nice option, but you would need to book ahead.[/QUOTE]FWIW I booked 2 nights at the Waterfront for USD80/night all-in ($64.50 + $15 in overhead) through expedia yesterday and checked in 3 hours later.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt]They do already mate.

There is a local 'sindenaphil" equivalent called "Andros" - available from Mercury drug.

Comes in a box of 5 tabs. You can get 100 mg or 50 mg for almost the same price. Buy the 100 mg ones and break in half.

Cost is around 1400 pesos per box of 5, but if 50 mg is all you need then it is 140 per tab.

Box all sealed and legit. Much safer than buying off the street ( for me anyway)[/QUOTE]Hi RK,

This is new info. Can buy at the normal over the counter places in Mecury? So why all the fuss then for a scrip for the real thing I wonder?

[QUOTE=FreebieFan]Hi RK,

This is new info. Can buy at the normal over the counter places in Mecury? So why all the fuss then for a scrip for the real thing I wonder?[/QUOTE]

I also got "Sidenafil ANDROS" 100 mg in F.Ramos St. in this pharmacy opposite that hospital. A 5-pack costs me php 1,750 2 yrs ago

[QUOTE=D Cups]I hope the Diplomat is not a dump. That is where I will be staying.[/QUOTE]

Stayed at the Diplomat 2 nights this last February and it was a dump, though I might have been in one of the older rooms. I transferred to the Parklane and was satisfied for the duration of my first - only - trip to Cebu.

Visited Ultra at the Marriott and I think rates were a good bit higher, though it was a pretty swank place.

Please post how your accommodations are at the Diplomat, as perhaps with any renovation or different wing etc, you might get a good value.