Post: #3326

Next time use Booking.com to reserve a hotel for visa purposes. They usually offer free cancellations upto 2-3 days before your check-in date. I'm guessing you booked the hotels directly or used another site.

Post: #3327

Vice. Best to book with hotels directly at the FLEX rate not the nonrefundable rate, which is slightly cheaper but locks you in.

Post: #3328

(04-05-2016 09:55 AM)Putin Closes Wrote:  Vice. Best to book with hotels directly at the FLEX rate not the nonrefundable rate, which is slightly cheaper but locks you in.

Depends on the hotel and the country. Good luck getting your money back in a timely manner from some places even if they offer refunds 'on paper'. I don't like to book directly for that reason.

You probably have western hotel chains in mind (Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt etc).

Post: #3329

What newbie mistakes did Kabuli make? Was this preventable had he done something differently, or was it just bad luck?

Post: #3330

Go to philippines if you want easy bangs or good English skills. Go to Taiwan if you want a nicer city, better looking girls, better food, less traffic, better transportation, better air quality. Both places are very inexpensive.

Post: #3331

Does anyone know any good gyms with free weights in Davao?

Post: #3332

(04-05-2016 08:09 PM)RawGod Wrote:  Does anyone know any good gyms with free weights in Davao?

Smashville in DCLA mall, a bit hidden inside the mall but just ask a guard where it is. Have heard good stories about Metro fitness also but not sure if they have a squat/powerrack.

Post: #3333

Im always curious why people dont consider the girls in the Philippines as attractive as other asian countries?
Personally Im not fussed if a girl has lighter or darker skin, so that isnt a factor in my case.

In my experience I found girls in Manila far more preferable to those in Tokyo or Beijing (though Japanese girls are held in high esteem) for example... I guess girls that look like Nicole Scherzinger do it for me.

Long story short, I find the girls in the PI to be close to perfection in feminine temperament, style and looks. What am I missing about the other places in Asia?

Post: #3334

(04-06-2016 12:29 AM)barrel Wrote:  Im always curious why people dont consider the girls in the Philippines as attractive as other asian countries?
Personally Im not fussed if a girl has lighter or darker skin, so that isnt a factor in my case.

In my experience I found girls in Manila far more preferable to those in Tokyo or Beijing (though Japanese girls are held in high esteem) for example... I guess girls that look like Nicole Scherzinger do it for me.

Long story short, I find the girls in the PI to be close to perfection in feminine temperament, style and looks. What am I missing about the other places in Asia?

Generally more "plump" and general dislike for dark skin means they are relatively unattractive to a big part of the asian population. But if you don't give a damn about skin tone, then this place is pretty good. Plus ugliness of maids and domestic helpers abroad perpetuates the stereotype.

Obesity is a serious problem here, these girls hit the wall hard.

Post: #3335

Aside from height, weight, and skin tone I feel facial features has a lot to do with this.

Filipinas on average generally look pretty rough. They seem to be on average the most "mixed" asian ethnicity too which really puts to bed the whole hybrid vigor theory as far as mixed race attractiveness goes over generations.

For example if you look at other SE Asians the other ethnicities fair far better when it comes to proportionate facial features and classic beauty except for maybe Cambodians which are maybe worse than Filipinas on average.

Filipinas just generally have facial features which are disproportionate and coarse. Body types tend to range towards the unhealthy spectrum but that's mostly due to diet.

The best out of the SEA bunch are by far the Vietnamese..they tend to have the prettiest facial features on average out of SEA and next would be the Thais with high % Chinese mixture.

It may sound like i'm bashing the Philippines but i'm not. There's still a huge population of <25 y.o. women out there. Out of that you will definitely find something that will do it for you. The Philippines isn't going through the birth rate crunch of other asian nations.

Post: #3336

Interesting. I can see why asian guys may not be so into pinays, since they are fairly hung up on skin tone... not being from asia this doesnt affect me at all.
I actually think the ethnic mixing is a huge reason for the attractiveness of the women here (this might be why they generally do well in beauty pagents too).
In fact, I think that the mixing that has happened in the PI makes it a candy store... so many flavors.

I do agree that the diet tends to cause people in general to baloon in the PI and brings the larger girls more in line with western women, though I am selective in this regard and dont find bigger girls attractive, while women who are in shape are in no shortage... (I also dont find very skinny girls attractive... thin is good, whereas asian men seem to desire extremely bony women).

I find that there are a whole bunch of things I could rattle off about any asian ethnicity that make the ugly girls ugly (eg: japanese bowed and stunted legs, bad teeth... korean wide faces, make sure you check baby photos etc).
Im more talking about the hot girls here, as opposed to what makes some below average.

This sounds like a case of personal taste to me. I still cant see why pinays would be considered any less attractive. I find them on par, if not better, with more variety to choose from, better temperament etc.

Edit: This is talking from the perspective of upper middle class to upper class girls. I dont think the lower classes are a good place to look for a good average in 3rd world countries. Life can be hard for them and it takes its toll.

Also, sounds like I should check out Vietnam some time.

Post: #3337

I just got a taxi back from P Burgos to my hotel in Greenbelt (1 mile distance) and on getting out asked him how much was the fare.
"You tell me" said the driver. Huh?
He would not give me a price.
So I gave him 200 pesos. I guess that's fare enough. Do all filipinas make it up as they go along?

Oh, and apparently the local Filipina women call the GreenBelt malls "the hunting ground". It is where they hunt for western guys.
I'm hoping to be one of their victims tomorrow morning when I get out of bed. I'm not used to being hunted by women

Post: #3338

No, they just like to scam Foreigners because anything you will give them is more then they would make normally... 200 pesos is almost 4 dollars. Which is half a days wage for someone that works at a jollibee or Starbucks there.

Granted westerners don't care about that amount because a taxi would charge 10-20 bucks just to pick you up in America. Another scam they have is that you give them a large bill say 1000 pesos when the fare was only 500 pesos they will then lie and say they have no change... So you are out 1000 pesos unless you find someone close enough to break it for you.

Post: #3339

(04-07-2016 01:12 PM)AvidArtisan Wrote:  No, they just like to scam Foreigners because anything you will give them is more then they would make normally... 200 pesos is almost 4 dollars. Which is half a days wage for someone that works at a jollibee or Starbucks there.

Granted westerners don't care about that amount because a taxi would charge 10-20 bucks just to pick you up in America. Another scam they have is that you give them a large bill say 1000 pesos when the fare was only 500 pesos they will then lie and say they have no change... So you are out 1000 pesos unless you find someone close enough to break it for you.

That's assuming that all the fare actually goes toward the driver. Even with trikes, most of the money likely ends up in the hands of the local government. Why else did they take such a concerted effort to shut down Uber until they struck a deal? As a matter of fact, the actual workers get almost nothing of what you pay in this country. After discussing with a bunch of people, I've found out that even with service charges and even personal tips 50% goes to the owner before it even gets split between the workers.

The no change scam is true. Carry small bills, have the drivers use the meter, and use waze or google maps to direct the driver. Can use the site http://www.worldtaximeter.com/ to get an idea before you go somewhere.

P. Burgos to Greenbelt looks to be ~100PHP
http://www.worldtaximeter.com/manila/P+B...ines/14-36

Most Filipinas I've met tend to be shy at first, it seems unlikely they'd be the one to approach first, though for sure they give plenty of signals to the point where it's painfully obvious if they're into you. Avoid the Cafe Havanna/Starbucks area of Greenbelt 3 at night if you're not into GROs (pros). If you're halfway attractive you'll be getting eyed almost anywhere you go. You're very nearby SM Makati and Makati Square, which are areas less frequented by foreigners (you will be more exotic there).

Post: #3340

Is the exchange rate good at Cebu-Mactan airport? or where else is better.

Post: #3341

(04-07-2016 02:58 PM)dodecahedron Wrote:  Is the exchange rate good at Cebu-Mactan airport? or where else is better.

Theres a lot of competition between money changers so you shouldn't have much trouble. Download a currency converter app on your phone to get an idea of the exchange rate in advance. Every money changer should post the exchange rate of a major currency before you hand them your money. It should be close to the published rate, otherwise, move on.

Alternatively, get a Charles Schwab high yield savings account through a brokerage account and withdraw at a local ATM. All your ATM fees are reimbursed.

Post: #3342

The Flippers are generally the ugliest Asians... I can't stand their flat noses.

The ones who are mixed Chinese generally look better, though.

Post: #3343

(04-08-2016 01:59 AM)dogthom Wrote:  The Flippers are generally the ugliest Asians... I can't stand their flat noses.

The ones who are mixed Chinese generally look better, though.

bahahha, this guy.

Post: #3344

(04-07-2016 01:48 PM)thoughtgypsy Wrote:  If you're halfway attractive you'll be getting eyed almost anywhere you go. You're very nearby SM Makati and Makati Square, which are areas less frequented by foreigners (you will be more exotic there).

Thanks for the suggestions.
I've just come back from Makati Square shopping mall. It was a bit untidy with few women.
Then I went to SM Makati, which I think is also called the Gloriana mall, next door to Greenbelt.
But despite spending 30 minutes walking through it, I was not "getting eyed" by the girls at all. Quite disappointing. I am an older guy though, age 45. But don't have good game (I got 2 lays from 1000 day game approaches in London two years ago).

So then I decided to approach some girls even though they had not been giving me any interest. The first two looked a little afraid when I spoke to them, so I didn't pursue them. The third seemed quite interested and friendly, and suggested we go to a bar for a drink. An instant date!
We walked back through GreenBelt together, and she told me she was a "VIP host". Hmmm sounds interesting. Then we arrived at the bar, which was in fact a downstairs nightclub that looked like a hostess bar. She said that she worked there. Bit of a red flag this. OK I'll risk it.
Downstairs she asked me to take a seat in the bar, and then said she had to go for a short while but would be back soon. Another bad sign was when the waiter came over and offered me the "drinks package" for 1000 pesos (£15). No thanks, I'll just have a glass of water.
15 minutes later she had not turned up. Then another girl sat down beside me, saying that she had been "sent to keep me company while the first girl gets ready". The final straw.
So I said I had to leave, offered to pay for the drink but was told it was free. Then when I reached the front door the bloke said I had to pay for the whole 1000 peso package. I said no, as I had not had the whole package, only a glass of water, but decided to bung him 80 pesos before making off at a fast pace.
100 meters down the street I could hear the girl calling my name - but I wasn't going back. A close call!

So all in all a bit of a disaster for a first attempt. But I'm not altogether surprised -I think it was Matt Forney who said that if you can't attract women in the west you won't be able to in the east.

So I need to decide what to do now. Should I try another technique? Perhaps go to another part of the city?
Or perhaps go to a quieter area such as Cebu or Dumaguete (as Manila is not a particularly nice place).

Post: #3345

KOF,
You did well to leave that bar as fast as you could! Glad you made it out without forking too much!
Always remember, a rejeection is not a failure, it's a lesson learned on what NOT to do next time! It's the best and most valuable lesson you'll ever get! So keep approaching, but do it in places with not many foreigners and during off hours, say mid mornings and mid afternoons where the girls working in the malls are bored out of their mind!

Also, try venturing into less touristy areas of MNL, such as Quezon for example.

I believe you'd have not only better results there but also a whole new perspective on things!

Best of luck!

Post: #3346

IMO money goes farther than looks, here. Simply take a look at what kind of guys the hot local girls are typically dating. Doofy looking local dudes with brand new econocar/SUV. Should tell you everything.

I bought a used (but nice) car and my success has skyrocketed with 8.5+ girls

Post: #3347

For sure money talks there, however, driving in the madness that is Manila traffic, let alone buying a car there is not something that is practical for most in here. Unless you leave there full time, buying a car is simply a waste.

But do tell more about car game in MNL with the 8.5+ lizards!

Post: #3348

(04-08-2016 09:59 AM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  For sure money talks there, however, driving in the madness that is Manila traffic, let alone buying a car there is not something that is practical for most in here. Unless you leave there full time, buying a car is simply a waste.

But do tell more about car game in MNL with the 8.5+ lizards!

According to erikak's profile, his home country is Phils so he may be a local and knows his way around the streets better than most on here.

Post: #3349

If you're going to buy a car just to get stuck in traffic jams to impress a few slappers you might as well just use that money to outright buy the slappers.

When you calculate it that way (including liability, insurance, depreciation) you might actually come out way ahead.

Post: #3350

(04-08-2016 09:23 AM)KingOfFire Wrote:  

(04-07-2016 01:48 PM)thoughtgypsy Wrote:  If you're halfway attractive you'll be getting eyed almost anywhere you go. You're very nearby SM Makati and Makati Square, which are areas less frequented by foreigners (you will be more exotic there).

Thanks for the suggestions.
I've just come back from Makati Square shopping mall. It was a bit untidy with few women.
Then I went to SM Makati, which I think is also called the Gloriana mall, next door to Greenbelt.
But despite spending 30 minutes walking through it, I was not "getting eyed" by the girls at all. Quite disappointing. I am an older guy though, age 45. But don't have good game (I got 2 lays from 1000 day game approaches in London two years ago).

So then I decided to approach some girls even though they had not been giving me any interest. The first two looked a little afraid when I spoke to them, so I didn't pursue them. The third seemed quite interested and friendly, and suggested we go to a bar for a drink. An instant date!
We walked back through GreenBelt together, and she told me she was a "VIP host". Hmmm sounds interesting. Then we arrived at the bar, which was in fact a downstairs nightclub that looked like a hostess bar. She said that she worked there. Bit of a red flag this. OK I'll risk it.
Downstairs she asked me to take a seat in the bar, and then said she had to go for a short while but would be back soon. Another bad sign was when the waiter came over and offered me the "drinks package" for 1000 pesos (£15). No thanks, I'll just have a glass of water.
15 minutes later she had not turned up. Then another girl sat down beside me, saying that she had been "sent to keep me company while the first girl gets ready". The final straw.
So I said I had to leave, offered to pay for the drink but was told it was free. Then when I reached the front door the bloke said I had to pay for the whole 1000 peso package. I said no, as I had not had the whole package, only a glass of water, but decided to bung him 80 pesos before making off at a fast pace.
100 meters down the street I could hear the girl calling my name - but I wasn't going back. A close call!

So all in all a bit of a disaster for a first attempt. But I'm not altogether surprised -I think it was Matt Forney who said that if you can't attract women in the west you won't be able to in the east.

So I need to decide what to do now. Should I try another technique? Perhaps go to another part of the city?
Or perhaps go to a quieter area such as Cebu or Dumaguete (as Manila is not a particularly nice place).

Hhahah, you picked up a juicy girl who was looking to make some Pesos.

Don't feel bad, I've got that T Shirt, too.

My favorite was at a night club in Bangkok... I'm dancing with this petite little 20 year old. I'm 41 and thinking, 'Yeah I still got it..."

I ask her if she wants a drink, and she says yes. When the waitress comes over the girl pulls out, I kid you not, this card that said "Foxy Lady" and hands it to the waitress.

So I know right away I'm dealing with a part time Pro who was getting a cut out of the drink I just bought her.

Oh, well... it's Asia... it's just part of the fun... Don't take anything seriously...