Post: #51

@booshala
Feel free to send me a PM.
You can also post on the meetup thread so we can keep track of who is in town.
/thread-29651.html

I think Paul B, deepgroove, and I will be around for a while.

Post: #52

(11-12-2013 12:24 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  Even Arnie banged the maid.

I have a strange desire to bang chicks I see on a regular basis that I wouldnt consider banging otherwise. The two cleaning lady's at my condo, all of the 7-11 girls on my soi, slightly overweight 40 year old who works the desk at my gym, etc.

It is not as bad as my desire to fuck my middle aged female boss. She is a nice slut but it feels wrong!

Post: #53

(11-15-2013 07:31 PM)Northern Wrote:  

(11-12-2013 12:24 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  Even Arnie banged the maid.

I have a strange desire to bang chicks I see on a regular basis that I wouldnt consider banging otherwise. The two cleaning lady's at my condo, all of the 7-11 girls on my soi, slightly overweight 40 year old who works the desk at my gym, etc.

It is not as bad as my desire to fuck my middle aged female boss. She is a nice slut but it feels wrong!

Northern:

Actually, in my personal belief, if you have the opportunity to bang up, that is much better than banging down - b/c if you bang up, then you have a certain blackmail leverage on the boss; however, if you bang down, then the blackmail leverage is borne by the person that you banged and NOT by you.

In sum, in my view banging up (when doable) is better and more preferred than banging down b/c it seems that you maintain more control over the situation.

Post: #54

For what it's worth...I agree with, Jay.

Going up is safe. Down.....less so.

Post: #55

Buying a Motorcycle

I love driving a motorcycle to explore a city.

I could write 5,000 words on the topic of driving a motorcycle in a huge city in SE Asia. Instead of going on and on I will wait to see if there is any interest in this topic. If so ask any questions you have and I will do my best to answer them.

My goal this week was to buy a motorcycle. I had already done my research and knew the exact bike I wanted to get which can be half that challenge. Bikes in the Philippines (or Asia) are going to be much smaller than what we see in North America or Europe.

Buying a motorcycle in Thailand required that you had more than just a standard tourist or student visa. You needed something like a work visa, or it had to be registered under a Thai citizens name. This is a huge hoop to jump through and means you have to make the decision to trust someone enough to put a bike in their name or just not own one.

The process in the Philippines could not be easier. All that was required is that I show them my USA drivers license, pay cash, and sign some papers. Thats it! I did not need a special visa or even show them my passport. Fucking Amazing.

How the process worked...

I walked into the Honda dealership told them which bike I wanted. They did not have the color I wanted but another dealership did so they took me over to that dealership. Checked the bike out and bargained on the price a little and then said I wanted it. That was it.

The purchase price covers the cost of the bike, all taxes, registration, liability insurance, and a tiny shitty helmet. The price we agreed on covered everything. They then did some work on the bike to get it ready checking fluids, putting on rearview mirrors, etc... and not long after I was driving it off the lot.

The simplicity of buying a motorcycle here is incredible.

Post: #56

Did you get a real motorcycle, or a motorbike? Safety wise, how is it riding in Manilla? I'd be sketched out to ride in BKK. If I lived in Saigon I'd definitely get one. Can scoot around anywhere in town pretty quickly because the traffic actually moves due to so few cars, unlike bkk where shit takes forever.

Post: #57

Great stuff DD but be extremely carefully as Manila is one of the worlds worst and most dangerous places to drive. How much was the bike if you don't mind me asking?

Be extremely careful while driving in Manila!

Post: #58

(11-16-2013 02:45 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  The process in the Philippines could not be easier. All that was required is that I show them my USA drivers license, pay cash, and sign some papers. Thats it! I did not need a special visa or even show them my passport. Fucking Amazing.

How the process worked...

I walked into the Honda dealership told them which bike I wanted. They did not have the color I wanted but another dealership did so they took me over to that dealership. Checked the bike out and bargained on the price a little and then said I wanted it. That was it.

The purchase price covers the cost of the bike, all taxes, registration, liability insurance, and a tiny shitty helmet. The price we agreed on covered everything. They then did some work on the bike to get it ready checking fluids, putting on rearview mirrors, etc... and not long after I was driving it off the lot.

The simplicity of buying a motorcycle here is incredible.

I find this an interesting topic, and I have a few question areas. I will number them for ease of reference:

1) You have to have a car license in the USA or a motorcycle license? I have both a car and a motorcycle license in the USA.

2) And, doesn't it rain a lot in the Phils? Isn't that rain gonna screw you up a lot in your enjoyment or getting caught in torrential down pours?

3) Did you buy a real motorcycle or a scooter? Actually scooters are becoming quite popular in Los Angeles, too.

4) How about picking up a girl, can you do that on your motorcycle? do you need to carry an extra helmet for the girl? is having a motorcycle gonna be better or worse for your social life and interacting with girls?...

5) Are you gonna better be able to squeeze through traffic by using a motorcycle...? I heard that traffic is a bitch in Manila.

6) How much did you pay, round about? Do you expect to take a loss on it when you sell it at the end of your trip?

Post: #59

(11-14-2013 07:26 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  @booshala
Feel free to send me a PM.
You can also post on the meetup thread so we can keep track of who is in town.
/thread-29651.html

I think Paul B, deepgroove, and I will be around for a while.

Thanks for reaching out, I'll definitely hit you guys up. Gonna be in town 11/20-11/25.

Post: #60

I bought a Honda CBR150R

Google it.

It is kind of a real motorcycle. It looks like a big bike and has a great sports bike look to it. But lets be real here, it is 150cc bike. It tops out at 80mph and is not exactly jumping off the starting line. Having driven many different sports bikes in my day it is laughable in comparison to something like a Honda CBR 600.

Having said that though. There is simply no justification to need something as big as a 600 in Manila. 90%+ of the time is going 35mph or less weaving in and out of traffic. The CBR150R is very light and easy to flick back and forth when compared to a bigger 600.

Positives of the CBR150r...
- Best looking bike you are going to find here.
- Fun to drive
- Faster than 95% of the other bikes so you will always jump in front of the pack when at a stop light.
- Easy to find at most dealerships. Anything bigger than this bike and it becomes an import and the price jumps dramatically.
- This bike is in demand and will be easy to sell.

Negatives
- Compared to my bike in Thailand, a honda scoopi (automatic scooter) this bike can be a challenge to drive in traffic. You have to constantly be on the clutch, changing gears, and it is not nearly as light as a scooter. Most people should be driving an automatic scooter. This kind of bike is only for people who love motorcycles.
- More than double the cost of a new scooter.
- I get a bit more attention than I really want. The amount of staring is to the point of making me uncomfortable sometimes.

-------------------

Price
Honda CBR150R - 160,000 pesos ($3,700 USD)
REV'It airwave Jacket - 8,800 pesos ($200 USD)
LS2 Modular Helmet - 3,800 pesos ($88 USD)
Mesh Gloves - 1,600 pesos ($37 USD)

Even with a so called summer mesh jacket it is still hot when you wear it because so much time is spent in slow traffic. I will not wear it when making trips around the fort and Makati. I plan to do some longer trips up to Bagio and will wear it for sure on big journeys like that.

--------------------------

I wear a helmet at all times no matter how far. Every time.

Safety...
It is NOT safe.

I could just stop right there with that statement. It is not advisable for any newbie to even think about it. I have been riding a motorbike since I was 13. I have a ton of experience driving all over SE Asia including a long time in Bali and Bangkok. Manila I would say is a bit more dangerous than BKK. Lots of Jeepneys making random stops all the time add to the chaos. There are also fewer motorcycles in Manila so vehicles are not as aware of them as in BKK. I would highly discourage anyone with out decent experience from driving here.

It is also going to be incredibly frustrating to most people. I had a friend who also bought a motorcycle in Bangkok and sold his a month later. The chaos brought so much stress to him that he was exhausted after any time he drove some where. I don't think this is an uncommon feeling. I happen to love driving a motorcycle in all conditions. The chaos is exciting to me.

The smog and pollution from the trucks and buses is as bad as you would imagine. I have picked some nasty buggers already from all the smog I am breathing.

-----------------

I have a USA car and motorcycle license. I also have an international drivers license. I have read that I am required to have a local license made after 90 days. I may or may not do this. I am going to see how often I get pulled over and how much the cops ask for bribes. If I don't get pulled over to often and the price is cheap I will just bribe the cops.

I never had the proper documentation on me in Bangkok and rarely got pulled over. When i did i would pay something like 200 baht ($7 USD) and be on my way. That is with out a valid license on me. $7 USD hahaha... If you have a little bit of money corruption is amazing.

------------------

Yes it rains a shit load in Manila. Twice as much as Bangkok. In the rainy season it will be shitty to drive the bike. It is now the start of dry season so I have 6 months before I have to worry about it.

-------------------

Will it help me pick up girls...

Yes and No.

No because for them to see you with it you will be driving. Not exactly a time you can go hollar at a girl. This is not driving on the coast of the ocean nice and slow stopping when you see a cute girl. This shit is intense. Your focus better be on the road or you die.

Yes because the girls I do meet up with when I take them on a ride they cream their pants. My bike will be the nicest bike they have ever ridden on. I am a good but aggressive driver and can get their hearts pumping with excitement.

All of them have asked to have their photo taken with it. All of them have commented how much people stair when riding around.

Helmets are the law here. You are asking to get pulled over if you or the girl don't have one on. Plus it is incredibly irresponsible not to wear one. I do carry a helmet around for them if I know I am going to pick a girl up. It is not difficult to attach it to the back of the motorbike. I just let them wear the free one I got from dealership when I bought the bike.

Don't get a bike for girls. Bad idea.

----------------------

Having a bike in Manila is the right thing for maybe 1% of guys who live here. If you were not a motorcycle guy before you came this is not the place to start.

I am that 1%. I fucking love it. The freedom it gives me is incredible. I see parts of the city others will never see. I simply just start driving and go explore and end up in some crazy areas. Eventually I just pull over, pull out my phone look at google maps and try to find my way home. It is just the kind of adventure that I need.

If I am being honest I know that there is a very high chance I will have an accident at some point. It's just the odds. I know it. I accept it.

-----------------------

If I missed any questions or you have more let me know.

Post: #61

(11-16-2013 04:47 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  I bought a Honda CBR150R

Thanks DD.

I have considerable experience on motorcycles as well, but I would NOT buy one right away b/c I would want to try walking around first and learning the lay of the land. However, i suppose the motorcycle could have come in pretty handy when you were shopping for your condo.

Anyhow, your response raises a couple additional questions from me.

1) since you acquired such a nice ride, are you at a very high risk for theft. Sometimes there can be ways to lock the bike with a U lock and or maybe a combination of ULock and cable to lessen the possibilities that it will get stolen.

2) helmets are mandatory, but what about insurance? Do you have it, and I guess there is accident insurance and then theft insurance?

3) renting may also be another option - even renting a scooter may give the practicality of being able to explore with additional flexibility - renting would probably be a lot cheaper, also, no? And, maybe for one week increments?

Post: #62

Quote:1) since you acquired such a nice ride, are you at a very high risk for theft. Sometimes there can be ways to lock the bike with a U lock and or maybe a combination of ULock and cable to lessen the possibilities that it will get stolen.

Yes a nice bike raises the risk of it being stolen. However over night it is parked in a very secure parking garage at my condo. I would say zero risk here. When I take it places I am usually going to be paying for parking in a parking lot or garage so that also means less risk. You can buy locks to place on the wheel to make it difficult to roll but 98% of the time there is not going to be something to lock it too. You just have to try and be smart but know you are taking a risk. Most of my time will be in the Fort and Makati so its not exactly a poor neighborhood.

Quote:2) helmets are mandatory, but what about insurance? Do you have it, and I guess there is accident insurance and then theft insurance?

Liability insurance is mandatory and you get it in the price of the bike. Accident and theft insurance are up to you. I am not going to get any additional insurance even for theft. It is $3,700 not a $50,000 car.

Quote:3) renting may also be another option - even renting a scooter may give the practicality of being able to explore with additional flexibility - renting would probably be a lot cheaper, also, no? And, maybe for one week increments?

I have never seen or been able to find a motorcycle/scooter rental place in Manila. Closest place I have seen online is in Angles City. If you can find a place to rent a bike that would be a great idea to test things out and see if it is for you.

I do not drive a motorcycle as much to accomplish things and get things done. I do it to explore the city and for the love of riding a bike. There is really not a very practical reason why you would "need" a motorcycle here.

Post: #63

(11-16-2013 04:47 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  Honda CBR150R

- Best looking bike you are going to find here.

Are you sure?

Post: #64

(11-16-2013 01:06 PM)Vice Wrote:  

(11-16-2013 04:47 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  Honda CBR150R

- Best looking bike you are going to find here.

Are you sure?

Yeah I am sure...
Unless you are talking about bikes that are 600c and higher, which new will cost upwards of $10K USD.

Can you show me a better looking bike under $5K USD I can find in a dealership here in Manila? I would be really interested as i did some decent research on my options.

Post: #65

(11-16-2013 01:35 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

(11-16-2013 01:06 PM)Vice Wrote:  

(11-16-2013 04:47 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  Honda CBR150R

- Best looking bike you are going to find here.

Are you sure?

Yeah I am sure...
Unless you are talking about bikes that are 600c and higher, which new will cost upwards of $10K USD.

Can you show me a better looking bike under $5K USD I can find in a dealership here in Manila? I would be really interested as i did some decent research on my options.

Yeah, you're right. According to this thread, a Ninja 250 costs 250K and a Duke 200 is 220K.

Post: #66

(11-16-2013 01:35 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

(11-16-2013 01:06 PM)Vice Wrote:  

(11-16-2013 04:47 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  Honda CBR150R

- Best looking bike you are going to find here.

Are you sure?

Yeah I am sure...
Unless you are talking about bikes that are 600c and higher, which new will cost upwards of $10K USD.

Can you show me a better looking bike under $5K USD I can find in a dealership here in Manila? I would be really interested as i did some decent research on my options.

Hehehehehe. Battle of the bikes.


DD: Didn't you say earlier that the licensing requirements are different, also, once you go over 150 CCs?

Vice: Does the Ninja come in a 150 CC version, and can a guy find it in the Phils?

Post: #67

No difference in licensing that I know of.

Once you go over 150cc the price seems to jump up a lot. To go from a CBR 150 to a CBR 250 or Ninja 250 is almost 100K pesos increase in price.

That much of a price increase makes little sense in the real world for how you actually use the bike in Manila.

Post: #68

My buddy had a Ducati here in BKK. Cost him a pretty penny for sure.

Post: #69

DD, have you ever ridden a motorbike in Vietnam?
They say it's dangerous, but in reality peoples' reaction speeds in Vietnam (not sure about rest of SEAsia, dont' see why it would be different) are so fast that it's just as safe as Chicago in my experience. I would rarely see accidents, maybe a bump about once a week. People's brains adjust to the stimulation. I'm just wondering why Manila would be any more dangerous - and why it would hinder logistics with girls. Beats the shit out of getting a taxi.

(I was in Hanoi, BTW; Saigon is a bit more straightforward traffic patterns)

Post: #70

(11-10-2013 06:11 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  I don't have the maid cook because I like to cook, I am better at cooking than most, and I eat very healthy Paleo (low carb) meals.

How would you rate the quality of meat and produce?

Post: #71

I have driven a motorbike in Vietnam.

Vietnam looks insane when you first see it. And it is chaotic to a certain degree but remember if you crash there it is almost always with another motorbike, if you get run over it will most likely be a motorbike. You will survive this.

Manila is more dangerous because there are a shit load of huge trucks, buses, jeepneys and lots of cars. The amount of motorbikes on the road in Manila is less than what you will see in Bangkok. This leads to drivers not paying nearly the attention to motorbikes. It also means any crash you have will be with a car, truck, bus, or jeepney and your chances of surviving that are much less.

If you are driving on EDSA or C5 like I do then those are major highways with very aggressive drivers.

There is no such things as driving lanes here. If you see a gap you take it. No matter what the lanes say here.

It is difficult to explain until you try it yourself.

(11-17-2013 09:40 AM)Cyclone Wrote:  DD, have you ever ridden a motorbike in Vietnam?
They say it's dangerous, but in reality peoples' reaction speeds in Vietnam (not sure about rest of SEAsia, dont' see why it would be different) are so fast that it's just as safe as Chicago in my experience. I would rarely see accidents, maybe a bump about once a week. People's brains adjust to the stimulation. I'm just wondering why Manila would be any more dangerous - and why it would hinder logistics with girls. Beats the shit out of getting a taxi.

(I was in Hanoi, BTW; Saigon is a bit more straightforward traffic patterns)

Post: #72

You are not going to find quality meat and produce at your local filipino grocery store. You have to hit up the nice places and you will pay a bit of a premium for this.

I am still searching this out so I can't give a definitive answer yet. SM Aura in fort bonifacio has a pretty nice supermarket. I am not impressed by the Meat even though they display it nicely and it looks good.

The best meats I have seen so far are at the supermarket in the bottom of Rockwell. They have quality meats and with a price.

It is not as easy to eat Paleo here but possible.

I am still in search of a place here in Fort Bonifacio with better meats. Would love to find a quality butcher or deli. If I find something I will let you know.

(11-17-2013 05:07 PM)babelfish669 Wrote:  

(11-10-2013 06:11 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  I don't have the maid cook because I like to cook, I am better at cooking than most, and I eat very healthy Paleo (low carb) meals.

How would you rate the quality of meat and produce?

Post: #73

In Bangkok there is a "Desperately Seeking" Facebook group that people post to to find stuff that isn't easy to find, like a good butcher. It always gets lots of quality responses quickly. Maybe there is something similar in Manila?

Post: #74

Where to rent a condo in Manila (short term)

A big decision on your happiness in Manila is going to be determined by where you live. If you are staying for a month your necessities are different from the guy who is staying long term.

I am going to break this down into 2 post starting with where I would live if I was going to stay in Manila for 1 month or less.

On a short stay in Manila my #1 goal would be to get laid as often as possible. Most guys aren't coming for the tourist attractions.

This is an easy decision for me. I would stay as close to greenbelt in Makati as possible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenbelt_(Ayala_Center)
I don't mean short taxi ride either. I would want to be a max 5 minute walk from greenbelt.

Why?
The reasons are many.
-Tons of restaurants. Most people on a short term stay are eating out all the time. Great to have lots of options.
-Lots of people. Great place to do day game, or just be social.
-Everyone in the Manila knows where greenbelt is located. Really easy to set up dates there because girls know where it is.
-Makati is centrally located in the city of Manila. Increases the chance you can get a girl from Quezon in the north or Alabang in the south to meet you.
-Makati has over 500,000 people living there and on a weekday it is over 1 million with all the people who commute for work. Meaning lots of girls you can meet up with.
-Being walking distance and not having to get a taxi is a huge advantage. If you are trying to get a taxi at 7pm in greenbelt there can be a line of people and the wait is over 30 minutes. Crushes any momentum you have going. You need to be a short walk away.


why not?
-The highest concentration of foreigners in all of Manila. In no way will you be unique here.
-with all the foreigners means at night there are some working girls you have to deal with.

No place is perfect. But the upsides outweigh the downsides when it comes to living next to greenbelt on a short term stay.

Post: #75

Is Greenbelt packed with foreigners the same as Sukhumvit and Silom, or is it not that bad?

Are many or most of the foreigners there sex tourists?

I get sick of seeing all of these old, fat fucks infesting Sukhumvit.