Post: #76

(11-18-2013 09:29 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  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.

No where does Manila have as many foreigners as Bangkok. But Greenbelt is going to have the most. It might be comparable to a place like terminal 21 in how many foreigners you will see.

If your goal is to avoid sex tourist come hang out with me in Fort Bonifacio

Post: #77

The closest scenes to Bangkok's Cowboy / Nana / Patpong that I've noticed here in Manila is the P Burgos area around the northern end of Makati Ave.
Walking around there the other day noticed several bars with older, out of shape western guys sitting with local girls. There are also "clip joint" bars in the area.
There is also the "famous" LA Cafe in Malate. A big bar full of freelancers.

There's probably many more in the greater Manila area. These are just what I've noticed on my visits here. Not my scene, or probably any guys on here, but good to have an overview of how things work.

Post: #78

DD, I'm definitely itching to check out the Phils and also Indonesia. I need a break from bkk. Good motivator to keep working every day.

Post: #79

@RioNomad
Come hang out anytime man. Would be happy to give you the grand tour of Manila.


I should give @Antipodean some credit in helping me realize what an advantage it can be to live near greenbelt especially short term guys. He has a lot of knowledge about the area he has been sharing with me.

Post: #80

Next Manila meet up planned.

/thread-29651-...#pid582080

Post in that thread if you plan to make it.

Post: #81

OK, Miss Earth pageant is underway in Manila.

Swimsuit finals are tonight at Ft. Bonifacio, finals are on December 7.

http://www.missearth.tv/

There are 90 contestants. I think they are at the F1 Hotel in Ft. Bonifacio or maybe the Manila Hotel down by Rizal Park in Manila.

It seems they are hanging around a long time.

Who will rise to the challenge?

Post: #82

Are they all staying in Manila for a few weeks? Need to find where they are staying and what their schedule is going to be. This could be really cool if they are just wondering around fort bonifacio for a few weeks.

Post: #83

(11-22-2013 04:35 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  Are they all staying in Manila for a few weeks? Need to find where they are staying and what their schedule is going to be. This could be really cool if they are just wondering around fort bonifacio for a few weeks.

It looks like they are sticking around, here's one story:

http://amandala.com.bz/news/earth-belize...-saturday/

The finals are in Muntinlupa City:

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/522568/20...o8r-cTI1mk

Tonight is the swimsuit final, it would be a good idea to wander down there and talk to people.

Post: #84

Lemme know if you guys are planning to check out this scene tonight!

Post: #85

They hype is warranted: Manila is by far the easiest place in the world to get laid... Well, at least in the 40+ countries I've traveled to. Flip girls are cute, sweet and have great bodies.

Got hooked in with my expat friend here and was able to leverage his social network in getting great results. Definitely looking into visiting here more often. Everyone should try getting out here soon, it's like a breath of fresh air: no bitch shields, friendly locals, cheap prices and everyone speaks English.

Post: #86

Those are indeed some upsides of living in Manila, but FYI once the honeymoon period wears off the downsides become apparent. Over my years I've seen people come and go... most don't even make it a year before they get sick of it here.

Not to take anything away from your post though! Just playing devil's advocate.

Post: #87

(11-24-2013 11:11 PM)Paul B Wrote:  Those are indeed some upsides of living in Manila, but FYI once the honeymoon period wears off the downsides become apparent. Over my years I've seen people come and go... most don't even make it a year before they get sick of it here.

Not to take anything away from your post though! Just playing devil's advocate.

It's the same in BKK. After being here a year solid this time, things start to get a bit old and annoying. It's important to get out of the city for a week or month at a time frequently.

Post: #88

(11-24-2013 11:11 PM)Paul B Wrote:  Those are indeed some upsides of living in Manila, but FYI once the honeymoon period wears off the downsides become apparent. Over my years I've seen people come and go... most don't even make it a year before they get sick of it here.

Do many expats who leave end up taking a great filipina with them?

I have been to the PH several times, spent some time in expat social circles and have to say that I was underwhelmed at the quality of the expat filipina GFs or wife's there.

The expats I met living in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea had, an average, much better quality women in terms of looks and "intellectual firepower"

Post: #89

@Paul B and RioNomad speak the truth. Once the honeymoon phase of banging tons of chicks wears off your perception of the place changes.

@steve9
The difference in the quality of girls with the expats has more to do with the quality of the expats themselves. Expats living in Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea are generally their for business reasons. Expats in Thailand and the Philippines are old divorced guys living off modest retirement income.

Post: #90

@Paul B and Direct Danger, I think I could anticipate some of how you would answer, but what do you both see as the downsides Of Manila seen over time that lead people to leave? By the way, great posts from you both - thanks!

Post: #91

(11-25-2013 11:35 AM)TravelerDude Wrote:  @Paul B and Direct Danger, I think I could anticipate some of how you would answer, but what do you both see as the downsides Of Manila seen over time that lead people to leave? By the way, great posts from you both - thanks!

It's polluted, noisy och pricey compared to other places. That everyone speaks english is annoying because people approach you from every angel day and night. There is not much to see. Not many places are clean. Traffic is terrible. I'm in Puerto Galera now but it's to small to stay more than a few days. Any suggestions about where to go? How big is the difference between Boracay and El Nido, Palawan? I'm looking forward to go back to Thailand and hit on tourists in December.
Greenbelt got the biggest forging crowed in Manila. At least during daytime, except maybe the immigration office.

Post: #92

Personally I don't mind those downsides that much, but that's probably because I grew up in a polluted, noisy, big city.

I always say the best thing about living in the Philippines is the people, but the worst thing about living in the Philippines is the people.

Positives:
- laidback, fun, carefree, playful, etc. Obviously a great perk when it comes to girls but beneficial in many other ways.
- extremely friendly, not just to foreigners but toward each other. Filipinos have this ability to treat complete strangers like long time friends. It's actually quite uncanny.
- surprisingly generous even if they don't have much.

Negatives:
- poor work ethic. Many Filipinos are unmotivated/lazy and have a "bahala na" don't-give-a-shit attitude (comparable to "mai bpen rai" in Thailand). Getting stuff done right and/or on time can be extremely difficult and simple problems often take weeks to resolve.
- undeveloped logical reasoning / lack of long-term thinking -> massive inefficiencies at all levels of society.
- I find some people are kinda rude, mostly unintentionally but sometimes because they don't know any better.

I think almost every 3rd world country is similar, but these qualities seem particularly polarized in the Philippines.

Post: #93

Great insights from both PaulB and DirectDanger. I think you guys have a view on it as locals and long term expats in SE Asia. I'm coming at it from a visitor's perspective, albeit one that can come 2-3 times a year if I really wanted to. Living in LA, I get an OK amount of trim (probably average 1-2 new bangs a month) but it was just shocking how in Manila, I was able to take girls home early on, bang, kick them out, go back to the club and do it all over again. Also, very interesting how "boyfriends" and "girlfriends" just basically swap out partners. This French guy was basically telling me, "fuck my girlfriend for me so that I can sleep with her cousin tonight". *insert mind blown gif*

As for the inefficiencies in the Philippines, I can totally see that as a huge drawback in living there... however, they also breed great opportunities for entrepreneurs who can think outside the box. At the risk of being politically incorrect, this is one of the main reasons you see Chinese immigrants from 50-150 years ago running shit in Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, etc. They immigrate, blend in and apply the East Asian work ethic to fertile breeding grounds in laid back SE Asian countries.

Anyway, had a great time meeting up with DD, PaulB and quite a few other guys. I'm dipping my finger into some of the business ideas that my local buddy is germinating and so I'll probably see you sooner than later. Just cooling my heels in Seoul now and hanging with my local girl. Need a break from all of the ridiculousness that was Manila Slutfest 2013.

Post: #94

Where to rent a condo in Manila (Long term)

I am staying 6+ months in Manila so my priorities are going to be different then short term guys. I prioritize lifestyle and convenience.

All these things are personal preferences that I have found to be important to me. I am not making an argument as to why this is the best spot for everyone or that you should absolutely live in the same area. Your ideal spot in Manila is likely to be different.

This is going to sound insane to most guys with little experience in SE Asia but a huge priority is to live near a mall. Almost no where else would that be a priority but here in Manila life seems to revolve around malls and I want to live a short walking distance to one. Some reasons why...
- It is an easy meet up point with girls.
- Restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters and day game all in one spot.
- Most malls have supermarkets. This is a big priority for me. I try to eat healthy and if I live next to a supermarket I am much more likely to cook at home. If it requires me to get in a taxi and becomes a hassle I end up eating out all the time.
- Easy place to go be social. I work, sleep, and eat in my condo. If I have to get in a taxi every time to get to a mall it would feel like a huge effort and I would end up spending more time in my condo. Having a mall a short walk away makes getting out of the condo much easier.

If you want to live in the bubble and next to a mall that leaves you with Greenbelt and Rockwell in Makati or Market Market and SM Aura in Fort Bonifacio. Other places to consider are Eastwood in Quezon City and Ortigas Center.

-----
Eastwood in Quezon City is great for someone who wants to be away from almost all tourist. Not a lot of white people in this area and the few who are will not be tourist. It is a big mall surrounded by condos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastwood_City

-----

Ortigas is a big business area with a ton of call centers. Which means lots of girls 20-30 years old working there. It has several malls the big one being SM Megamall and many condos. Lots of activity in this area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ortigas_Center

-----

Greenbelt in Makati I already talked about in this post...
/thread-29738-...#pid581200

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Rockwell in Makati is one of the nicest areas in Manila. It has the Powerplant mall that is surrounded by luxury condos. I considered this place but decided I didn't care for the location. It is on the edge of Makati and not much surrounds it. Once you leave Rockwell it is a bit of a journey to get anywhere.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_Center

-----

Market Market and SM Aura are malls right next to each other in Fort Bonifacio. I decided this was my preferred area to live. Market Market is more of a filipino style mall that is always crowded and not high end. SM Aura is brand new and is more of a "luxury" mall so it is really nice and not nearly as crowded. This mall has a nice supermarket on the bottom floor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market!_Market!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_Aura_Premier

Also within walking distance is Bonifacio high street. This area is an outdoor shopping area and lots of places to eat. It is one of the most pleasant places in Manila to walk around and people watch.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonifacio_High_Street

If you want to be walking distance to all of this you have a few options. First is Serendra which is a huge complex of condos right between the malls and high street. It is very nice but comes with a high price. Ideal if you have the money but you are not going to stay here if you are on a budget. There is also two other towers within walking distance called South of Market and Infinity Tower. There are lots of other condos in Fort Bonifacio but they are no longer a comfortable walking distance to the malls and high street. Once you have to start driving/parking or taking a taxi things just become a bit more of a pain.

The other advantage to living in this area is you are near most of the high end clubbing. Prive, Hyve, Haze, Draft, Urbn, Skye, etc...

Downsides ---> $$ It is going to be more expensive to live here. Condos cost more to rent, restaurant and clubs are of a higher class, fewer lower cost alternatives for anyone on a tight budget. It is still cheap compared other cities in the world. You could pull it off on a budget of $2,000USD if you just watched your spending.





1. Market Market
2. SM Aura
3. Bonifacio High Street
4. Burgos Circle
5. Serendra
6. South of Market, Infinity Tower

scotian has already done an amazing job detailing the area so do yourself a favor and read his post.
/thread-22906.html

Post: #95

(12-02-2013 01:07 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  This is going to sound insane to most guys with little experience in SE Asia but a huge priority is to live near a mall. Almost no where else would that be a priority but here in Manila life seems to revolve around malls and I want to live a short walking distance to one.

That's also a huge priority for me as well in SEA cities; not insane at all. Great info.

Post: #96

Even More Apps

For anyone who thinks they don't need a smart phone in the Philippines you are missing out. I have found having an iPhone to be incredibly useful here.

----------
WeChat




This is now my preferred messaging app with girls. A very cool feature is you can see all the girls who are within about 2km of you and it sorts by distance. So when you are in a mall you can see what girls are also at the mall who have WECHAT and then send them a message. I have banged a few girls already because of this feature.

This app has more "social" features where you can add pictures to your profile. This is very helpful as apps like LINE, VIBER, and WHATSAPP only have your profile pic. Every girl has that one good pic they use for the profile that can trick you. Having those extra pics to look at is incredibly helpful and all the more reason to use WECHAT.

This might be my favorite app.


----------
GrabTaxi
http://grabtaxi.com/manila-philippines/




I have only used this service twice but it has been great both times. I have heard mixed reviews about it from others. Basically an App that sends you a taxis. You will pay 70 pesos + meter. It is easy to get a taxi in any busy place but sometimes late at night or in areas with little traffic it can be a pain in the ass to get a taxi. This solves that problem and you are only paying an extra 70 pesos ($1.65 USD)


----------
looloo
http://looloo.com
You can also just use it on your computer or download the App. It is the Philippines version of YELP. Really helpful when picking a place to eat.

Post: #97

(12-02-2013 10:30 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  This is now my preferred messaging app with girls. A very cool feature is you can see all the girls who are within about 2km of you and it sorts by distance. So when you are in a mall you can see what girls are also at the mall who have WECHAT and then send them a message. I have banged a few girls already because of this feature.

Thanks DD:

I wonder if some guys have problems with this feature location knowledge feature.

Certainly, the feature is good to identify girls who are nearby; however, if a guy is trying to avoid a girl or girls that he has banged or that he is saying that he is going to be working in his hotel room this afternoon, when he is really roaming the mall. Then that (those) girls may be able to stalk him or to otherwise create drama for him.

Would a guy be able to block certain girls b/c I imagine if girls are allowing guys to see where they are, then the guy has to set up the application in the same way, to allow others to see his location.

Post: #98

(11-25-2013 12:42 PM)friheten Wrote:  

(11-25-2013 11:35 AM)TravelerDude Wrote:  @Paul B and Direct Danger, I think I could anticipate some of how you would answer, but what do you both see as the downsides Of Manila seen over time that lead people to leave? By the way, great posts from you both - thanks!

It's polluted, noisy och pricey compared to other places. That everyone speaks english is annoying because people approach you from every angel day and night. There is not much to see. Not many places are clean. Traffic is terrible. I'm in Puerto Galera now but it's to small to stay more than a few days. Any suggestions about where to go? How big is the difference between Boracay and El Nido, Palawan? I'm looking forward to go back to Thailand and hit on tourists in December.
Greenbelt got the biggest forging crowed in Manila. At least during daytime, except maybe the immigration office.

The difference is pretty big, El Nido is much, much less developed than Boracay and the main strip is way smaller. Boracay caters to the international tourist crowd and caters to a higher budget, while El Nido has a more back packer vibe to it and is much more rustic. I only spent two days in each spot but liked both overall, it depends what you're looking for really, both have great beaches and good diving and neither are great places to find a girl, but both would be excellent places to take a girl.

One consideration is getting to El Nido, its either a five hour (I think), rough bus ride from Puerto Princesa or an equally rough 8 hour boat ride from Coron, you would fly to either one of those places from Manila. Boracay is a quick flight from Manila or Cebu, much easier to get to, but will definitely be more expensive than El Nido.

Here's my El Nido trip report from earlier this year, I don't think I did one for Boracay.

Post: #99

Quote:Would a guy be able to block certain girls b/c I imagine if girls are allowing guys to see where they are, then the guy has to set up the application in the same way, to allow others to see his location.

You can turn the feature off.

In WECHAT -> Settings -> General -> Features -> People Nearby -> Disable.

You can also block girls.

Post: #100

Randomly decided to buy a ticket to Cebu last night. Will be hanging out there from today December 4th to Sunday December 8th. If anyone is around and wants to hang out send me a PM or reply in this meet up thread...
/thread-15215-...#pid592988

Plan on renting a motorbike and just going exploring most days.