Manila

[QUOTE=Azmodeus Fl;1181948]Last time I left the Philippines Everything I had went through an X-ray at the door and I walked through a metal (Due to 3. 5 LBS of titanium strapped to my left knee in the form of a leg brace) I got a pat down. Leaving exit immigration my carry on bags went through another x-ray and I went yet another metal detector and again as explained previously I had another pat down. 20 Feet from the gate to my plane my carry on again goes through another x-ray and me through another metal detector and again I get a third pat down. HMMMMMMM can you say that the Philippines takes security seriously. In the US you go through one metal detector and you bags go through one x-ray. Why do people complain about airport security in the USA.[/QUOTE]Yes they try to make it look like they take it seriously but its all quantity and no quality. If it was a quality security then what happened recently to me would be impossible.

Arrived at check in counter a little late. Desk clerk could see I was hot and bothered so she promised to be fast.

Another lady interrupted the clerk to ask for something.

Desk clerk processed my flight and gave me my boarding pass and passport.

I go through not one but two passport checks, first being a match of boarding pass, and passport then the secondary one for the stamping.

I go to the boarding gate and check my seat number. I double check and realise that my boarding pass has a ladies name on it and its for a different flight to mine. Amazing.

Must have been the girl who interrupted my check in, but even so how could I go thru two levels of checks with a boarding pass that didn't match my passport. So much for the hundreds of armed guards. The security is still weak.

One day I will tell you my story about the 3 hour search at Los Angeles because the customs guy thought I was going to the US to work illegally. What a joke that was!

[QUOTE=Azmodeus Fl;1181948]HMMMMMMM can you say that the Philippines takes security seriously. In the US you go through one metal detector and you bags go through one x-ray. Why do people complain about airport security in the USA.[/QUOTE]Almost. When you enter the International terminal here, they xray the checked luggage first. Then you check it with the airline and once they take it from you, the airline x-rays it themselves. What I'm saying is, that for as many times as my luggage got xrayed, both in the States and in filipines (and possibly in the international transit airport in east asia) , maybe 10 times, not once did the inspector ask to see what is in those blister packs (even though they clearly show on his / her screen). At one point in US did they grab my carry-on just after it passed thru the xray and pulled out a bottle of water. In filipines they xrayed and pulled from my carryon an umbrella. Both times there were blisterpacks of medicines (also in my checked suitcase) , but nobody cared to find out what is in them. I'm guessing blisterpacked medicines are extremely common, and they don't like to stop and search every other passenger who carries cold medicines.

Another time recently, the inspector opened my bag for a domestic flight xray and removed some stuff, then put the bag back thru for another pass. Then he removed some more stuff and sent it thru again. Finally he looked thru and found a sharp pair of scissors that I had purchased in Manila at Robinsons. I had meant to check them in my suitcase under the plane, and forgot. Clearly sharp, clearly a possible weapon. He tossed them back in the bag, and told me to put the rest of my stuff in the bag, and said,"Have good flight sir." It was tempting to say,"Are you crazy to allow that on a plane?" But, its easier to just move on.

I'm convinced that airport security is MOSTLY for us to think we are flying safe.

I am also convinced that airport security is influenced by US paranoia. I once had to kill time at MNL airport. And in an emptly office (looked in thru the window) I found some US directive criticizing check in procedures regarding bottles and shoe search. God help the us if Filipinos arrive in the US with water!

In Tokyo you have to get a picture and fingerprints using the index finger. I heard the machines are a US import. A korean prostitute, busted, deported, used fake finger prints to get back into the country. I guess terrorists are not as smart as Korean hos. Also heard from a friend that he used his middle finger (his gesture was intended) and no one noticed.

Have a safe flight. X.

[QUOTE=Azmodeus Fl;1181948]Last time I left the Philippines Everything I had went through an X-ray at the door and I walked through a metal (Due to 3. 5 LBS of titanium strapped to my left knee in the form of a leg brace) I got a pat down. Leaving exit immigration my carry on bags went through another x-ray and I went yet another metal detector and again as explained previously I had another pat down. 20 Feet from the gate to my plane my carry on again goes through another x-ray and me through another metal detector and again I get a third pat down. HMMMMMMM can you say that the Philippines takes security seriously. In the US you go through one metal detector and you bags go through one x-ray. Why do people complain about airport security in the USA.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Azmodeus Fl;1181948]Last time I left the Philippines Everything I had went through an X-ray at the door and I walked through a metal (Due to 3. 5 LBS of titanium strapped to my left knee in the form of a leg brace) I got a pat down. Leaving exit immigration my carry on bags went through another x-ray and I went yet another metal detector and again as explained previously I had another pat down. 20 Feet from the gate to my plane my carry on again goes through another x-ray and me through another metal detector and again I get a third pat down. HMMMMMMM can you say that the Philippines takes security seriously. In the US you go through one metal detector and you bags go through one x-ray. Why do people complain about airport security in the USA.[/QUOTE]I have a pacemaker and always tip the guard outside the terminal. He takes me through a security area with no line and they just wave me through. 2 minutes.

I am a non smoker and I do not take or use any abusive drugs. I stay away from anyone whom I know smokes grass or anything like that. This happened last week in manila airport. Do you think the authorities would have let me go for a tip if I was carrying something else. They kept asking for prescription. I said it is not viagra its kamagra, than he goes "this one cannot bring you have prescription lets see the inspector." I really had a good time in the phills except for this damper. One thing I have noticed is that when you carry western passport they treat you with extra caution. I noticed this when I travel with western friends. I have an asian passport and probably look arab. Well I am only sharing, the next time it happens I will go and see the inspector. Probably check in and get in there early for the interview just incase.

My experience with authorities in asia they will find a small clause somewhere to get you for something if they want. They higher aouthorities you go to the higher you pay.

Probably it was just a bad day for me, should have just left it in the bag.

Cheers

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1181655]I find this extremely hard to believe if the airport to which you refer is in the Philippines.

They threatened to arrest you? On what grounds? Since when is it a crime to carry anything (other than prohibited drugs of course) in your pocket?

Kamagra, Cialis, Viagra et al are not prohibited drugs.

They are freely available on prescription. Legally.

I have been through many (most) airports in the Phils in my 14 years living here and NOBODY, ever, has asked to look in my pockets at scanners and checkpoints.

Most security guys would have no idea what Kamagra was anyway.

If you are talking about an airport in some other country then I cannot comment but if it is the Phils you are referring to, then there must have been some other issue that almost got you "arrested".[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1181633]OK now I'm sure were all going to chirp up here and say threatened with arrest on what charge? If "pushing viagra" is a crime how is allowed to happen in the open in Burgos.

I'm in and out of both Manila Intl airports very frequently with a bag full of tricks and tabs, especially kamagra tabs and gel. They arent in my pocket but for sure are in my bag. Been doing that for past 10 years plus.

So I think we request some more info about this "threatened with arrest" situation you were in. And where are your other reports.[/QUOTE]I do not smoke or use any kind of drugs. I also do not befriend anyone who does.

I was carrying 2 pieces of kamagra in my pocket, accidentally forgot to put in the luggage. There were no blue pills in my bag except for some vitamin see and charcoal. At the immigration security check in Manila upon crossing the metal detector they guy wanted me to empty my pockets. So I did. On the left hand pocket there was 2 pieces fo kamagra. He held it in his hand and said "this one you cannot bring, it is an offence in the Phillipines." You have prescription. I said I don't have it with me here now. And I also highlighted to him that this is not viagra. He brought another guy with him than they both started saying that I need to go with them to see the inspector as this is not allowed without prescription. I finally tipped 3000. And rushed to catch my flight. This is my 3rd visit. In the previous visits there were no such thing.

Probably sheer bad luck but hope these guys don't pull this again on others because they were successfully in extorting me for nothing. I also yielded to their request becuase my experience with asian country is that the higher you go the more you pay.

[QUOTE=MauiDude; 1181969]Yes and also they do not even let you in the airport manila or clark without I'd and some sort of ticket or paper to show you have a flight that day.

In Philippines they also do a lot of pat downs and feel your body and pockets. Sometimes they used hand held metal detectors.

They sometimes go through your pockets and I have had them take money out of my pockets and try to keep the money.

And more recent they counted the money in my wallet? What is up with that?

I.

They may want to take money or? Who knows here. But better to have a problem on the ground in the airport then.

Up in the air.

We get spoiled in USA I think.[/QUOTE]They don't let you in the airport without a ticket not for security, but as a means of keeping hoardes of people wellwishing / sending off a passenger out of the nice airconditioned terminal. Ever noticed its the only country that does that.

Of course perhaps its better than being harassed endlessly by panhandlers / mendicants and other professional beggars that cruise through the restaurants in LAX requesting money.

They go though your wallet (never happened to me) but as precaution against you taking out more pesos than is allowed by Bangko Sentral. Signs are posted about this in all airports.

Ok I'm not American, and dislike going through immigration there on my 2-3 vists a year to the US.

I'm stuck in a long long long line with some obese lady (they are always fat and black regardless of which city I fly into) shouting " Hey you, passengers from flight 3456 get in that line there!" : hey you make sure you you have filled in the right form " " no, there are no restrooms till you have cleared customs etc". Sorry to say but its like arriving in a 3rd world country.

This is from the perspective of a non American arriving. The numbers of visitors arriving are such that there must be security errors.

I feel way more secure arriving in Australia where they have the smartest dogs that are probably way more effective than xrays.

I actually enjoy travelling to and in the US. Just can't stand the very poor arrival experience.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt; 1181655]I find this extremely hard to believe if the airport to which you refer is in the Philippines.

They threatened to arrest you? On what grounds? Since when is it a crime to carry anything (other than prohibited drugs of course) in your pocket?

Kamagra, Cialis, Viagra et al are not prohibited drugs.

They are freely available on prescription. Legally.

I have been through many (most) airports in the Phils in my 14 years living here and NOBODY, ever, has asked to look in my pockets at scanners and checkpoints.

Most security guys would have no idea what Kamagra was anyway.

If you are talking about an airport in some other country then I cannot comment but if it is the Phils you are referring to, then there must have been some other issue that almost got you "arrested".[/QUOTE]Red,

I don't smoke or use any form of drugs. I do not befriend anyone who uses abusive substance, however that's their privilege.

In my case, at the manila airport as soon as I stepped across the metal detector there was no alarm. I thought I was free to go because I have emptied everything from phones to keys into my bag. I am a frequent traveler. The only thing that I had in my pocket was kamagra. Only 2 pieces and no prescription. The guy took it out from my pocket and said that this is not allowed in Phills. Well I told Hi this is not viagra. And it is also not an abusive drug substance. He called another guy over and they asked me for prescription. I said I don't have it with me. Than he wanted me to call my friends. He also asked do you have girlfriend here. I straight away asked him how mucas I was already late for my flight. I had to tip to get away from these guys so that O catch my plane. Damage 3xxx.

I have been to phils 3 times. I have bought and taken street viagra home from angeles. This was the first time I exited manila airport. On the whole it was a good trip except for this damper.

I hope they will not be motivated to carry this out on others after their successful attempt on me.

Feedback on local regulations will be very much appreciated

All this post on airport security are off topic there are a Travel section for all this please post it there instead and talk about Manila mongering info here.

Fast Eddie 48

[QUOTE=MilkMan2;1182663]I have an asian passport and probably look arab.[/QUOTE]I think that was the real issue right there. The pinoys were pissed about some arab guy getting hard on kamagra and boning their women. The recent insistence of Saudi Arabia to keep pinay domestic workers on slave wages probably didn't help either. You saved your ass by bribing them had you gone to see the inspector you might have been sitting in their infamous foreigner detention center. On the other hand, you also gave them an incentive to lean on guys with a similar profile and appearance.

[QUOTE=MilkMan2; 1182669]I do not smoke or use any kind of drugs. I also do not befriend anyone who does.

I was carrying 2 pieces of kamagra in my pocket, accidentally forgot to put in the luggage. There were no blue pills in my bag except for some vitamin see and charcoal. At the immigration security check in Manila upon crossing the metal detector they guy wanted me to empty my pockets. So I did. On the left hand pocket there was 2 pieces fo kamagra. He held it in his hand and said "this one you cannot bring, it is an offence in the Phillipines." You have prescription. I said I don't have it with me here now. And I also highlighted to him that this is not viagra. He brought another guy with him than they both started saying that I need to go with them to see the inspector as this is not allowed without prescription. I finally tipped 3000. And rushed to catch my flight. This is my 3rd visit. In the previous visits there were no such thing.

Probably sheer bad luck but hope these guys don't pull this again on others because they were successfully in extorting me for nothing. I also yielded to their request becuase my experience with asian country is that the higher you go the more you pay.[/QUOTE]Good epxlanation and probably the best thing to do in the circumstances. Maybe you just had an unlucky day when you had a couple of chancers at Customs trying their luck.

As a precauton against such folk I keep a few fake names on my phone (such as Mayor of Makati, a couple of well known congressman, businessmen etc.) and if I ever run into trouble I ask them " maybe I should call my friend to see if he can solve this problem" They always bottle it and let me proceed. But your tale will be remembered. I hope your next exit from Phils is peaceful and painless.

[QUOTE=MilkMan2; 1182674]Red,

I don't smoke or use any form of drugs. I do not befriend anyone who uses abusive substance, however that's their privilege.[/QUOTE]You posted this message 3 times, once was too many in the Manila thread when other threads are more appropriate.

Slim

[QUOTE=Fast Eddie 48; 1182747]All this post on airport security are off topic there are a Travel section for all this please post it there instead and talk about Manila mongering info here.

Fast Eddie 48[/QUOTE]There is no travel thread but would be better suited in the 'General Info' thread!

I'm going to try to stick with dates from DIA and CB (I've got a couple of pretty sure things lined up already) , but I'd like to go to a bar where I can play with a girl's tits and maybe get some handjob action while I'm buying her LD's. What's a good place for that, with some attractive girls?

[QUOTE=Orangevale Rob;1183168]I'm going to try to stick with dates from DIA and CB (I've got a couple of pretty sure things lined up already) , but I'd like to go to a bar where I can play with a girl's tits and maybe get some handjob action while I'm buying her LD's. What's a good place for that, with some attractive girls?[/QUOTE]Am sure every Manila here will tell you the same (other than telling you to fead the rucking forum) get to Burgos, try Dimples, Bottoms, Montana or Wowowow or some of the other bars in said area and go enjoy. Check that you are signing all the bar bills correctly and don't let anyone pad your bill. If you don't want to buy a girl a drink just say No. In Bottoms and Wow3 more than HJ's are available. Don't fall for the " Sir she's going to hold the curtain closed so please buy her a drink her too" BS.