Manila

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]
1. I can get to Manila airport at 1:45 am on June 27 - at that hour how long will it take to get to a hotel, it is too late to bother looking for a girl? Can I get a general taxi quickly at that hour or should I arrange for pickup through my hotel?[/QUOTE]Hmm, I've arrived the latest at 11 pm and it's been pretty crowded. I'm assuming you'll fly into T3. You'll take a long walk to customs and then to baggage. That will add at least 15-30 minutes. You'll probably get to your hotel around 2:45 am. LA Cafe is 24 hours, but the pickings get slim at the early morning hours.

(I think you'll be ok with the metered taxi, but *shrug* - it's the Philippines, you never know.).

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]
2. I plan on being in Manila for 2-3 days and then the rest in Angeles 5-6 days. I can fly out of Clark so it makes sense to end in Angeles. Is this a good time mix? Should I also try to check out Subic for a night or two?[/QUOTE]Personally, I would pick 1 spot, but I'm probably in the minority opinion. Seems like you'll be very rushed if you split the trip in mini-trips, but some people adjust faster than others.

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]
3. For Manila I see plenty of debate between staying by La Caf area in Malate or in Makati near Burgos St or Havana Caf. As I am focused on quality and less concerned about price (for both girls and hotels), should I go with Makati? I read Sir Lancelot's excellent trip reports on Manila but its clear he had to do a fair amount of digging, and spend a fair amount of time at La Caf, to find the gems he did. I am not quite so into the "hunt" to find a diamond in the rough. Is the crowd at Havana caf significantly better than La Caf?[/QUOTE]Makati will give you a little more sense of normalcy as it's in a nicer neighborhood.

I think LA Cafe is a little more straight-forward and easier to scope out the women. The setup at Havana Cafe is not conducive to table hop and girls don't move around the area as much. It's dark and I think Havana is a little more awkward. They dress a little better at Havana, but not sure the quality is better. (note: I've never taken a girl back to my hotel from Havana.).

Hmm, I think Havana is closed 1 day during the week, not sure if it's Sun or Mon.

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]
4. I understand this is "low" season, any insight on weather? I read an El Nino may suppress rains until later in July. Am I going to just hit occasional showers or serious monsoons?[/QUOTE]LOL, are you going to cancel your trip if it's too rainy?

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]
5. If this really is "low" season, can I be last minute on my hotel bookings so I can stay flexible or should I worry about sold out hotels and make commitments now?[/QUOTE]Jump on Agoda or another site and just browse through and see if they have vacancies.

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]
6. ABC and the Lewis Grand seem like the high end properties in Angeles. Just wondering if the people staying at these places are from Asia or if there are more English speakers around? I assume almost all the guests are there for the hobby, is that correct? In my limited travels, I have always enjoyed chatting with guys in the hobby (this isn't really a hobby I can usually discuss with others), so I want to make sure I don't wind up in a place only non-English speakers go. For the hotels in Makati and Malete I assume these are more for general travelers, not punters, is that true? I see there is a Peninsula Hotel and Shangri-La in Makati, these seems to be walking distance to Havana Caf, are they also walkable to the P Burgos area. Am I better off at the New World Makati?
[/QUOTE](never been to Angeles).

All Manila hotels are used to having overnight guests. It's no issue.

All the hotels are in general walking distance of Havana Cafe, but New World is the closest. Ascott, Dusit, Intercontinental and Shangri-la are only a few blocks further away. Peninsula is across Ayala Ave, so you'll have to go under the street to cross to get to Greenbelt 3, but it's a smidge closer to P Burgos. Personally, I would take a cab to Burgos regardless. It's only $1-2 taxi ride and you won't be sweaty if you get hot easily.

Ascott probably gives you the best value if you like a lot of space (although I don't think they have 24 hour room service).

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;1735658]If you can afford to stay at the New World MB (the old Hyatt), then don't waste too much time at LA Cafe. Most of the LA girls are sub par - 5 stars or less although you may find a rare diamond if you are lucky. Go instead to the EDSA Entertainment Complex. COTTON CLUB, FIREHOUSE, and PITSTOP are the bars you want to check out. The quality is much higher than LA Cafe. EDSA is only a 5 to 10 minute taxi ride away. Go early around 8 pm. If you don't find what you are looking for, then go to LA Cafe afterwards.[/QUOTE]For both places, LA Cafe and EDSA, do not take the taxis that are sitting outside unless they turn on the meter (which they most likely won't). Flag a taxi as they go by and ensure they turn on the meter, so you don't have to get into a money fight when he drops you off at your destination.

Just be polite about the meter as some drivers will insist on a flat fare. Don't get angry or start a fight and you may need to get out and flag another taxi. Typically, they'll try to at least double a meter fare when quoting a flat fare.

Some drivers will refuse to take you to certain places. It's illegal, but it still goes on.

[QUOTE=Random99;1735838]For both places, LA Cafe and EDSA, do not take the taxis that are sitting outside unless they turn on the meter (which they most likely won't). Flag a taxi as they go by and ensure they turn on the meter, so you don't have to get into a money fight when he drops you off at your destination.

Just be polite about the meter as some drivers will insist on a flat fare. Don't get angry or start a fight and you may need to get out and flag another taxi. Typically, they'll try to at least double a meter fare when quoting a flat fare.

[/QUOTE]Dealing with some Manila taxi drivers can be vexing at times, but don't let them get to you. Going to EDSA Entertainment from say the Diamond Hotel (across from the former Hyatt) is no problem. My policy is: no meter no fare and I find that a majority of taxi drivers hit the meter without my asking anyway. But going back from EDSA to the Diamond or some other nearby hotel with a girl is more problematic because some taxi drivers think they have an advantage and they do... kind of. But I know what the meter will run so, I am willing to pay a little more when I am with a girl just to be done with it and not to haggle in front of the girl. For a meter ride of 60 to 65 p for example, some taxi drivers will ask for 100p or more. I counter offer with 80 and they usually take it. If not I start looking for another ride, but keep in mind, we are only talking about 20 p to 40 p over the meter for a ride back to the hotel. I would normally give a driver a 20 p tip anyway. But, you are right, never show anger towards them. That's crazy. Just walk away if they are asking too much.

There is a much larger scam going on at the airport. I was quoted a crazy rate of 1500p to Makati the last time I landed at Terminal 2 on Philippine Airlines. I just started walking away and the rate magically fell to the 650p/800p range. That is still approximately 400 to 550p over the meter rate, but I never feel like waiting in line 30 to 40 minutes for a metered taxi. Time is money and I am anxious to get the fuck out of the airport. I may give Uber a call next time I land at the Manila airport. Some BM's have reported favorably about them.

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]Hi,

6. ABC and the Lewis Grand seem like the high end properties in Angeles. Just wondering if the people staying at these places are from Asia or if there are more English speakers around? I assume almost all the guests are there for the hobby, is that correct?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.[/QUOTE]I've stayed at the Lewis Grand many times in AC. It's a well run hotel with a white expatriate GM in charge. Many of the clientele are English speaking foreigners on business, probably at the Clark Freeport Zone. They chose to stay in AC proper so that they can partake of horizontal refreshments after work. The place is expensive for budget mongerers who have to make their pension check last as long as possible, so they will stay elsewhere. I've never seen a Korean, Chinese or Japanese guest at the Lewis. The only time I have seen Asian guests at the Lewis where when a bunch of senior Filipino military and police officers were having a conference there. No doubt deciding how they can screw more out of the bar owners. The place is also popular for grand Filipino weddings on the weeekend.

[QUOTE=NWGuy;1735803]Thanks so much for all the help guys, it has been extremely helpful. I have learned much as I read the replies and as well have read the forums a bunch.

New question: How would I go about finding a woman while there for role play scenarios? For example she is the sexy female manager or secretary, she would have to be dressed like that when she showed up to meet me, or maybe the doctor or nurse, policewoman, or something like that. [/QUOTE]For any first time visitors to Manila looking for P4 P action, it's best to keep everything really simple. Your senses will be working overtime. You need to learn the culture very quickly and there is a lot to absorb. Manila is a huge city with too much going on. The girls will always have the upper hand as it is their city. So don't complicate things unnecessarily first time round looking for particular fetishes, wining and dining at expensive restaurants or booking too many dates in one-day. Save all of that for subsequent trips when you have learnt how things work.

In the 9-days, if you can get 6-7 good sessions from a combination of LA Cafe, EDSA, Burgos Street and Robinson Mall (if you're really desperate) then you have done really well for a first visit.

As others have pointed out, EDSA has some high quality ass. We are talking seriously beautiful girls. I like LA Cafe as it's fun to hang out there and amusing to watch what is going on. Sure, the girls are mediocre, but the crazy atmosphere makes it worth it.

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]1. I can get to Manila airport at 1:45 am on June 27 - at that hour how long will it take to get to a hotel, it is too late to bother looking for a girl? [/QUOTE]You should go through the airport quickly at that time and the taxi queue won't be long. Get one of the metered taxis. I stayed recently at Citystate in Ermita, near LA Cafe, and the fare was 202 pesos from the airport. Often the taxi driver will pretend he doesn't have change to try and extract a big tip. You'll probably check in to your hotel about 2. 15 am which is not too late to find a girl as LA Cafe is open 24 hours. If you get there as soon as possible there will be plenty of girls but if you leave it too late the standards will drop.

I know you said you weren't so keen on the 'hunt' but LA Cafe is an experience. I recommend getting there for 8 pm on one of your other nights, have a few drinks downstairs and go upstairs at about 11 pm. Sit in the area to the left at the top of the stairs, where the band plays and you'll have lots of girls smiling over in your direction. Just smile back if you see one you like and wave her over. The best place to sit is on one of the tables near the top of the stairs. You don't need good game, just look approachable. Bear in mind the girls are evaluating you as much as you are evaluating them, so dress smartly but the most important thing to wear is a smile.

There are lots of nice girls to be found in LA Cafe. Admittedly downstairs can be like a bear-pit sometimes and there are lots of average girls, but if you are patient you'll find some great girls. Below I've posted a few pics of girls I've taken from LA Cafe.

A few tips. When you get chatting to a girl you like, she will almost certainly ask 'you been here before?' which is her way of working out whether you are a newbie which may affect her price. Never let on it's your first time. Tell her "third time, my last time this bar was called Manila Bay Cafe" or something like that. That way she'll know that you know your stuff.

LA Cafe doesn't operate a lady-drink system like gogo bars where the girls get a commission each time they're bought a drink. Management insist girls have a drink if they want to stay upstairs or before they leave with a customer, so the girls often get themselves the cheapest drink, those bottles of water with the orange cap. The girls get no money if you buy them a drink and on my last trip I offered three girls a drink and oddly they all refused. You'll find therefore that there is quite a relaxed atmosphere in LA Cafe and you won't be hassled all the time.

The other thing I'd recommend is never ask a freelancer "how much?" Instead do your research and when the time comes, say to her something like "would you like to come back to my hotel with me and stay tonight?" When she nods or says yes, tell her your offer. I picked up a very pretty 26 year old for 2500 pesos all night, pictured in the black and white dress below. I'd say she was one of the best looking girls in the bar that night but I would say, wouldn't I? My friends agreed though. 3000/4000 is too high to pay in my experience. Some of the girls in the Korean section upstairs might hold out for a price like this but the majority of the pretty girls will go for 2500 long-time. Most girls, especially those downstairs, will go cheaper than this.

LA Cafe is open 24 hours but sometimes it is sleepy during the afternoon. Gems can be found though. I picked up two pretty girls who told me they were sisters (normally I take stuff like that with a pinch of salt but they had exactly the same smile). I paid 2000 to each of them for a proper threesome (ie not just fucking one after the other, like some threesomes you get). 4000 is steep for short-time but for two girls of their quality (and the memories they gave me!) it was a fair price.

Do not pay upfront. You pay in the morning when the girl is getting ready to leave. Engine driver says "it's important to take her to the room straight away and get on with Round 1 immediately" but I disagree. I think it's fun to take her to G-Point for a drink or two perhaps, or maybe something to eat. I don't see what the rush is and if you pay her in the morning, she's hardly likely to do a runner. In my experience, the more effort you make with a girl, the more effort she will make with you. Not everyone agrees with this.

Tip generously if a girl gives you a good time. Almost all of these girls are doing the job to help support their family and they are not the hardcore pro's that some would have you believe. They're ordinary girls looking to make an honest buck. Another thing I've noticed is that the girls always tip the beggars outside LA Cafe with loose change. They are generous people so if you have a good time with them, give them a tip as well.

Have a great time and feel free to private message me again if you have any more questions. Also make sure you post a report on here. I look forward to see how your trip goes.

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;1735861]Dealing with some Manila taxi drivers can be vexing at times, but don't let them get to you. Going to EDSA Entertainment from say the Diamond Hotel (across from the former Hyatt) is no problem. My policy is: no meter no fare and I find that a majority of taxi drivers hit the meter without my asking anyway. But going back from EDSA to the Diamond or some other nearby hotel with a girl is more problematic because some taxi drivers think they have an advantage and they do... kind of. But I know what the meter will run so, I am willing to pay a little more when I am with a girl just to be done with it and not to haggle in front of the girl. For a meter ride of 60 to 65 p for example, some taxi drivers will ask for 100p or more. I counter offer with 80 and they usually take it. If not I start looking for another ride, but keep in mind, we are only talking about 20 p to 40 p over the meter for a ride back to the hotel. I would normally give a driver a 20 p tip anyway. But, you are right, never show anger towards them. That's crazy. Just walk away if they are asking too much.

There is a much larger scam going on at the airport. I was quoted a crazy rate of 1500p to Makati the last time I landed at Terminal 2 on Philippine Airlines. I just started walking away and the rate magically fell to the 650p/800p range. That is still approximately 400 to 550p over the meter rate, but I never feel like waiting in line 30 to 40 minutes for a metered taxi. Time is money and I am anxious to get the fuck out of the airport. I may give Uber a call next time I land at the Manila airport. Some BM's have reported favorably about them.[/QUOTE]That's funny shit about the 1500 p quote. I arrived in MNL once, directly from a meeting with clients in Japan. Didn't have time to change out of my suite before boarding the flight to MNL. As soon as I walked outside the airport, those guys were quoting 6000 p for a ride to Makati. Walked away, and the price dropped down to 1500 p. Of course I chose option "see" and waited 10 minutes for the metered cab.

The only way I could make sense of that quote was either A) I appeared rich (which I'm not) or B) I looked like I just stepped off the banana boat (quite possible).

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;1735658]If you can afford to stay at the New World MB (the old Hyatt), then don't waste too much time at LA Cafe. Most of the LA girls are sub par - 5 stars or less although you may find a rare diamond if you are lucky. Go instead to the EDSA Entertainment Complex. COTTON CLUB, FIREHOUSE, and PITSTOP are the bars you want to check out. The quality is much higher than LA Cafe. EDSA is only a 5 to 10 minute taxi ride away. Go early around 8 pm. If you don't find what you are looking for, then go to LA Cafe afterwards.[/QUOTE]I agree. I would use LA Cafe during the day. I used to spend three or four hours in LA Cafe to kill time and 99% of the time, I found a diamond. I always tell my friend to meet in Amazonia and walk down to meet her. This helped when a very cute LA Cafe waitress asked me why I never take anyone and I told her that I was just killing time waiting on a business meeting and she asked me to meet her at 7-11 an hour later, when she finished her shift. Haha.

Everyone. Thanks for the help on the questions I posted yesterday.

Sir Lancelot, you really seem to have my best interests at heart and are doing what you can to save me money. I think you should manage my investment portfolio.

From the advice, I may just fly in on Saturday morning rather than trying to get in super late night. While there may be girls available at 3 am, not so sure they will be what I am looking for or that I will be awake enough to handle a girl at that hour.

Sorry to be asking about the weather, but in my Asian travels, what you call rain, traffic and a city block are often very different in Asia than the States. Yes, if it was going to be constant monsoon rains for a week, I would probably pick another destination like Bangkok / Pattaya. However it seems Manila / Angeles will probably be fine and just a bit wet. Seems like there is no point to try Subic on this trip.

Random99 - I looked up Café Havana, it appears to be open every day. But I appreciate you thoughts on the scene there. Here is the website for it.

[URL]http://ljcrestaurants.com.ph/cafe-havana/[/URL]

Assuming I decide to stay in Makati but want to cab over to LA Café around 8-9 pm on Saturday or Sunday, how long would that take? Is weekend traffic better in Manila?

Thanks again for your help.

It is nice to listen to someone who can pass along quality info in a way that does not disrespect the girls involved. I am moving to the Philippines next month and am going to go back and read all the posts of Sir Lancelot.

[QUOTE=NWGuy;1735832]So I have read that some of you just contact the same woman from earlier in the week and meet her again later in the week. I am thinking that seems like something I would do (assuming the first visit went well). What are the reasons not to do this? Or the criticism of this practice? So if everything went well is there a reason that I shouldn't ask her if she would like to meet me again at location X at X o clock? Or even for a third time even? Seems like it would be easy on the planning and I wouldn't have to spend so much time on the hunt and doing interviews at possibly loud bars if I already had an appointment with someone who I met earlier. As long as we both understood clearly it was just business and we are not becoming any kind of relationship and she got paid for her time is there any problem with this? Thanks in advance for all replies guys.[/QUOTE]Dude. I am sure this is not your first time for pay-for-play. You are starting to ask questions that veer on a subjective question of dislikes and likes. There is no right or wrong answer, but all to each individual's taste.

It seems like you have already answered your own question as you don't mind having a good repeat experience rather than hunting for a "possible" better one. LOL, I feel like your next question will be: should I use a condom or not? And if so, how do I put a condom on?

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]Hi,

Total noob here. Just found out that I can fit 8-9 nights in the Philippines in after a business trip to China. However I leave for China in 2 days and will get to Manila June 27. I know there is plenty of Philippines info here and the standard answer is RTFF. I have been a casual reader for a while, but reading to enjoy the trip reports is different than reading with the focus of immediate trip planning. I have tried to do what I can, but given the sudden timing of my trip, I would greatly appreciate the advice from PI vets. As this is at the end of a business trip, I have minimal travel costs and I really am not at all concerned about being on a budget. I am a short, fit, 40 year old American, looking for good GFE experiences with cute, slim girls in the 20-30 year old range. Don't have to be total stunners, but want to avoid the Jolibee bellies I have heard about.

My questions:

1. I can get to Manila airport at 1:45 am on June 27 - at that hour how long will it take to get to a hotel, it is too late to bother looking for a girl? Can I get a general taxi quickly at that hour or should I arrange for pickup through my hotel?

[/QUOTE]Since you'll be arriving late, traffic won't be a problem. Take the Yellow Taxi (metered) from the airport to the Makati Shangri La (since money doesn't seem to be an issue), check in, and then, take a taxi (have the doorman get you a taxi driver who turns on the meter) directly to P. Burgos (where the clubs are open to 4 am) and Plan be. Talk to either Mommie Vannesa or Mommie Red telling either what you want, and they should be able to hook you up. If it doesn't work out there, go over to Plan be's sister bar, Kojax, and ask for Mommie Emmie. Also, Mommie Tracy at Bottoms (across from Plan B) is another option. All those bars are top notch on P. Burgos especially late.

Here's the kind of girl you'll find at Plan be.

Here is a report from Stickman's BKK site. The writer has explained it well, but the prices are obviously out of date.

[URL]http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/Reader2007/reader3480.htm[/URL]

Other things that Newbies need to know about Manila is that it is hot, humid, traffic is insane and noisy. If you are hanging out in Ermita / Malate, there are large holes in the sidewalk, beggars everywhere and you risk being run over by a Jeepney if not careful. If you are from the UK or Australia, look the other way when crossing the street! If you try to do too many things in one day you will fall over in a big heap. So just pace yourself.

[QUOTE=NWGuy;1735803]

New question: How would I go about finding a woman while there for role play scenarios? For example she is the sexy female manager or secretary, she would have to be dressed like that when she showed up to meet me, or maybe the doctor or nurse, policewoman, or something like that. I would not expect the women there to have many costumes or maybe the right wardrobe for those things. Is that correct? Would this be an ad I placed on Backpage or Craigslist, or another site beforehand explicitly stating what I was looking for and the requirements, the time to meet me and where, the pay would be clearly detailed etc. Or no this is not a good idea? Thank you for your thoughts.[/QUOTE]Yes, pack an additional suitcase filled with costumes. If you're into 'furry' cosplay, i.e. animal costumes, you may need very large luggage or several bags. Probably you'll need to type out scripts for her to read to enhance the experience; you may be able to find role-play scripts online. I can't figure out what scripts a gal in a bunny costume working as a secretary at the police station would need, though. Come to think of it, what does the fox say? Sure, post an ad on CL. Or another site that attracts the community of Filipina role players. I'm sure there are many dozens of them, sites that is. It won't hurt. Unless that's what you're looking for too. Up to you.

[QUOTE=NWGuy;1735832]So I have read that some of you just contact the same woman from earlier in the week and meet her again later in the week. I am thinking that seems like something I would do (assuming the first visit went well). What are the reasons not to do this? Or the criticism of this practice? So if everything went well is there a reason that I shouldn't ask her if she would like to meet me again at location X at X o clock? Or even for a third time even? Seems like it would be easy on the planning and I wouldn't have to spend so much time on the hunt and doing interviews at possibly loud bars if I already had an appointment with someone who I met earlier. As long as we both understood clearly it was just business and we are not becoming any kind of relationship and she got paid for her time is there any problem with this? Thanks in advance for all replies guys.[/QUOTE]Really?

[QUOTE=Hutzesq;1735540]Hi,

1. I can get to Manila airport at 1:45 am on June 27 - at that hour how long will it take to get to a hotel, it is too late to bother looking for a girl? Can I get a general taxi quickly at that hour or should I arrange for pickup through my hotel?

2. I plan on being in Manila for 2-3 days and then the rest in Angeles 5-6 days. I can fly out of Clark so it makes sense to end in Angeles. Is this a good time mix? Should I also try to check out Subic for a night or two?

[/QUOTE]Since you will be staying at the Shangri-La Makati, it will be better if you arrange for them to pick you up in a hotel car (since cost is of no object). No need to worry about taxi queues or rip offs. Since you want to get to the bars before 4. 00 am closing, ask the driver to take you straight to P. Burgos Street from NAIA. After he has dropped you off at the bars, he can then take your bags straight to the hotel. After you have picked out your honey, you and your girl can get a taxi to the hotel before checking in and then fucking her brains out.

No need to go to Subic unless you are into technical diving and are seeking a wreck divers certification. Every type of amusement you need is in AC. Subic might only be 80 km away from AC, but you will waste half-a-day getting there and the pussy is not any better than at AC.