General Information

[QUOTE=Pekkakoo; 1137222]I talked to a friend of mine, who is a filipina, a single mom, and she told me that she had been robbed recently near Ayala. She sais that she was walking to a jeepney to go to her work at 8pm near Marriott when some guy pointed a gun at her and told her to give him everything she had in her bag. Sounds like she was telling me the truth. Is Cebu really this unsafe a place these days? Or was she just telling me a story to ask me for money later? I don't think so because she never has done this and I don't think she will ask me but she just said she had now some problems with her ATM card.

Of course there are bad people everywhere in Phils and anything can happen sometimes. [/QUOTE]Shit can happen anywhere in PI. Less likely in certain parts of Cebu like the Ayala mall and more likely in the Carbon market area at nite. But can see if a mugger not getting anything at the low end of town heading to uptown to score is not out of the question either.

[QUOTE=Fslag338;1137253]I walked around the Marriott a lot both during day and night in the past weeks and not even 1 time did I have an uneasy feeling. Like you said P it can happen everywhere.[/QUOTE]I also walked around Ayala a lot when I was a few days in Cebu last year and felt like it was a very safe place with lots of security around because of the mall, Marriott, foreigners etc. And people around there seemed sort of from better class. I also walked from there to Robinson's, Fuente Osmana and Mango square during evenings without any trouble at all. No one ever stopped me. Still overall anything can happen there, some alleys where I was walking it felt like taking a cab could have been a better idea maybe only because Cebu is not built for pedestrians it seems and some streets are quiet and a bit creepy when alone.

Of course Thailand overall in probably more safe than Phils. At least in Bangkok where I stayed a few months I never ever could have imagined someone pulling out a gun to rob you in the streets.

Still I think I am heading back to Cebu in May...

[QUOTE=Pekkakoo; 1137222]. . . . . <SNIP

Of course there are bad people everywhere in Phils and anything can happen sometimes. [/QUOTE]Unfortunately, you're right. You just have to back the odds, and they are much lower around places like Ayala in Cebu. However, evn though this is the Cebu thread, I should add that after 13 years in the Philippines with absolutely no street problems whatsoever anywhere in the country during that time, I had a gold bracelet snipped off my wrist in the midst of a crowd of pedestrians on EDSA in front of SM Megamall in Ortigas Center at 3pm late last year.

The whole thing took 3 seconds, and even Jackie Chan couldn't have done anything about it.

Two guys. One tapped my left shoulder and as I turned to see who it was the second guy grabbed my right arm from behind, cut the chain with small pliers, and they both ran straight into the EDSA traffic and disappeared. I am tall and fit and I was striding along purposefully but they were still confident enough to tackle me using surprise tactics. I am always aware of where I am but I had absolutely no warning nor did I remotely expect that such a thing would happen. A few people around shrieked when they saw what was happening but it was so fast that there was no time for anyone to react.

A security guy who saw it said that it is one of those things that nobody can do anything about, and I was lucky that I was not injured. He told me that if I had by some chance grabbed the wrist of the guy who cut the chain, the other guy would have slipped a knife into me.

I wear no jewellery any more, carry my cell phone out of sight, use a money clip and not a wallet, because I have seen at first hand that shit can happen ANYWHERE, and such a thing could easily have happened strolling between (say) Marriott or Parklane or Fuente Osmena, strolls that I have done many many times.

Unfortunately, once you're targeted there isn't too much you can do about it, despite the invincible bravado that some wannabe Jackie Chan / Jean C Van Damme's might think they have.

[QUOTE=Pekkakoo;1137222]Is Cebu really this unsafe a place these days? Or was she just telling me a story to ask me for money later?[/QUOTE]Yes it is a fairly common occurrence with young women in and around jeepneys, usually at night.

One of my gf was robbed about the same time a month ago. She was on her way to her IT job and was relieved of her cell phone, purse and company ID. It was a first for her and she was crushed. But I would not be too worried about it personally as robbers always go for the weakest targets.

[QUOTE=Mattrick; 1137527]Yes it is a fairly common occurrence with young women in and around jeepneys, usually at night.

One of my gf was robbed about the same time a month ago. She was on her way to her IT job and was relieved of her cell phone, purse and company I'd. It was a first for her and she was crushed. But I would not be too worried about it personally as robbers always go for the weakest targets. [/QUOTE]I have a friend from Canada who was rob at knife point while walking one night in Manila. When he notice that the Filipino thug was small, he punch him on the nose and made the thug beg for his life. Funny but true.

I did my homework and it paid off. Apart from reviewing all the back pages in this section, I took the time to look at Cebu and the Ayala Mall with the help of youtube. I felt right at home as soon as I hit the pavement.

At the Ayala Mall, I recognived some of the freelancing duo acts that have been mentioned here before. The mall is packed with potential. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Having travelled to many parts of the world, my take on the safety issue here in Cebu is a definite a yellow alert. There are always groups of young punks sitting around areas where us foriegners frequent. Of course, they are looking for the weak ones so don't behave poorly. Anyone that wonders into side streets at night is asking for trouble.

In general, I like Cebu because of the people. So far, the service I've received from hotel and mall staff has been excellent. The next 2 weeks will be an interesting adventure.

CC

[QUOTE=Nolz7;1137540]I have a friend from Canada who was rob at knife point while walking one night in Manila. When he notice that the Filipino thug was small, he punch him on the nose and made the thug beg for his life. Funny but true.[/QUOTE]Your friend was lucky that he met a solo thug. Most of these guys work in pairs or threes and they watch out for one another.

If they target you and you fight back then you need to be careful there isn't someone behind you with a big-ass dagger or even a gun. All of my security briefings here have mentioned this factor so just be warned.

I know many guys here think they are 10 foot tall and bullet-proof but you may not be able to take on 2 or 3 of these wiry little buggers at the same time, even if your heroes can do it in the movies.

Guys.

Cebu City IMHO is no more dangerous than most European Cities, in fact I feel safer walking around Cebu City late at night than I ever would do in certain areas of London where I live.

Common sense is the order of the day, no matter what city or country you find yourself mongering in. Victims are often targeted because they look like victims and they are not alert or fully aware of their surroundings. Most attacks rely on the element of surprise and if you remain alert then you reduce the likelihood of an attack. However as RK has highlighted, attacks do occur when and where you least expect them and in broad daylight with hundreds of witnesses around.

I have never been so unfortunate to have been robbed although I have thwarted one or two attempts in the last few years. I have no illusions about being heroic, if I sensed there was a risk of serious injury or death I would gladly hand over whatever I had. At the end of the day, personal belongings can be replaced, your life cannot and your penis cannot!

FelloW Mongers,

Ready for my 13th trip to P. I but 1st to Cebu. Read alot of threads to this regard! Staying at a resort out on Mactan, how long in minutes by taxi into Cebu City (Mango Square). Will probably hire a dude for the night to hit all suggested spots .

I also Heard of a hotel on Mactan with a massage parlor on the top floor, anyone know of this treat? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Manila14

[QUOTE=Manila14; 1139354]FelloW Mongers,

Ready for my 13th trip to P. I but 1st to Cebu. Read alot of threads to this regard! Staying at a resort out on Mactan, how long in minutes by taxi into Cebu City (Mango Square). Will probably hire a dude for the night to hit all suggested spots.

I also Heard of a hotel on Mactan with a massage parlor on the top floor, anyone know of this treat? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Manila14[/QUOTE]You have been to the Phil already 12 times. But you have only 2 posts and only asking questions. So I assume you must have been very very busy between your 12 trips, but luckily for us you find the time to formulate another question.

Thanks

[QUOTE=Manila14; 1139354]FelloW Mongers,

Ready for my 13th trip to P. I but 1st to Cebu. Read alot of threads to this regard! Staying at a resort out on Mactan, how long in minutes by taxi into Cebu City (Mango Square). Will probably hire a dude for the night to hit all suggested spots.

I also Heard of a hotel on Mactan with a massage parlor on the top floor, anyone know of this treat? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Manila14[/QUOTE]You did not mention the reason for your trip, but if it is primarily for mongering then I would forget Mactan and stay in Cebu City. The subject you have asked about has been covered in great detail many times if you read back through the posts. Mactan can be a real pain to get to and from as most of the action is located in Cebu City and Mandaue. If you travel in the morning or evening rush hour, expect your journey to take around 45 minutes or more from Mango Square to Mactan. If you are travelling late at night and want to get back to Mactan getting a taxi can sometimes be a real problem and if you do find one willing to take you, expect to pay a premium for the pleasure. The resorts on Mactan are over priced and out of the way, the beaches are more like mud flats and the nightlife and bars though available are nothing in comparison to what you can find in the city

I have a friend in Cebu and he emailed me asking if there was any where in Cebu where he could catch the final four games. Anyone know of a place?

Thanks.

Robb

[QUOTE=Robbaf; 1139695]I have a friend in Cebu and he emailed me asking if there was any where in Cebu where he could catch the final four games. Anyone know of a place?

Thanks.

Robb[/QUOTE]I would think your best bet would be sports exchange in mango square.

Reports suggesting Cebu is as safe as many European cities is going a tad too far.

If you are alone and walking between Mango Square and Osmena Circle at night,

Beware the pack of young kids that cruise this area. Often they are high on gas fumes.

Or perhaps shabu. They can be very aggressive. Several may begin to hunt in a manner.

Similar to a wolf pack. They will test your reactions to their begging and if sensing

Vulnerability, can move in, shoving a little kid into you, as a distraction, as another goes for your wallet.

They can be quite brazen, not at all concerned that other pedestrians may be around.

Be aware, be careful, and always be prepared for potential danger at night in most areas of downtown Cebu.

[QUOTE=Robbaf;1139695]I have a friend in Cebu and he emailed me asking if there was any where in Cebu where he could catch the final four games. Anyone know of a place?[/QUOTE]There is a sports bar upstairs from Juliana in Mango Square but hard to say if they will be open that early.

First game starts at 6:00 AM local time, second game at 9:00.

Go Bulldogs!