(07-18-2014 10:34 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Could someone comment on the air quality in the large shopping malls. I could not find any such information when conducting a Google search.

I would assume that the large malls have air filters or air scrubbers of some type, but I suppose that I should not assume anything in regard to the Philippines. Is the air quality noticeably better in large malls located in heavily polluted areas?

Seriously, could someone please comment on the the issue of air quality in the large malls versus outside. Are the malls simply cooling down the filthy air from the outside or are they also filtering the air? Just as some people want to remain vegetarians, run, or lift weights when they travel, I want to know what the potential health ramifications are before I travel. Thanks.

(07-21-2014 05:23 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(07-18-2014 10:34 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Could someone comment on the air quality in the large shopping malls. I could not find any such information when conducting a Google search.

I would assume that the large malls have air filters or air scrubbers of some type, but I suppose that I should not assume anything in regard to the Philippines. Is the air quality noticeably better in large malls located in heavily polluted areas?

Seriously, could someone please comment on the the issue of air quality in the large malls versus outside. Are the malls simply cooling down the filthy air from the outside or are they also filtering the air? Just as some people want to remain vegetarians, run, or lift weights when they travel, I want to know what the potential health ramifications are before I travel. Thanks.

You don't notice the pollution in the malls, it's not the eye-stinging, nose-and-throat burning, lung poisoning air that you find along the EDSA or in areas in and around Makati. I make no warranty as to actual air quality in the malls, only perception.

The problem is you have to go to and from the malls.

I suggest if you are in Manila and care about air, be close to the bay, there is a nice onshore breeze sometimes in Malate and at the Mall of Asia.

(07-21-2014 02:58 PM)G_global Wrote:  But Cebu, for me, was easy mode just like Manila, and in fact, logistics were better as traffic wasn't bad. You could actually move around. I didn't find girls to be so conservative in Cebu at all, and I liked the way that many of them looked better than the ones in Manila. Of course there is crossover as many in both cities came from somewhere else, but that Visayan look, to me, was preferable to the plumper Luzon look more common in Manila girls. Manila wins just on quantity, of course.

What is the difference between the Visayan look and the Luzon look? Which one has lighter and fairer skin?

(07-21-2014 05:38 PM)Sp5 Wrote:  

(07-21-2014 05:23 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(07-18-2014 10:34 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Could someone comment on the air quality in the large shopping malls. I could not find any such information when conducting a Google search.

I would assume that the large malls have air filters or air scrubbers of some type, but I suppose that I should not assume anything in regard to the Philippines. Is the air quality noticeably better in large malls located in heavily polluted areas?

Seriously, could someone please comment on the the issue of air quality in the large malls versus outside. Are the malls simply cooling down the filthy air from the outside or are they also filtering the air? Just as some people want to remain vegetarians, run, or lift weights when they travel, I want to know what the potential health ramifications are before I travel. Thanks.

You don't notice the pollution in the malls, it's not the eye-stinging, nose-and-throat burning, lung poisoning air that you find along the EDSA or in areas in and around Makati. I make no warranty as to actual air quality in the malls, only perception.

The problem is you have to go to and from the malls.

I suggest if you are in Manila and care about air, be close to the bay, there is a nice onshore breeze sometimes in Malate and at the Mall of Asia.

Thanks. I do not want to overlook the obvious without the benefit of boots-on-the-ground intelligence. Hell, I would pay to bring an extra carry-on bag with an air purifier for my apartment, if necessary. I just need to know the situation in advance.

I have just begun planning a tentative trip for next February, which is the month with the best weather in Manilla that also has no holidays to inflate apartment and airline prices (unlike December and January).

I want an apartment within five minutes walking distance of the Greenbelt Mall. I have already done some basic research, so perhaps others can benefit from it. Here are the malls and mega-stores in "the Greenbelt zone" located within about a five minute walk of each other:

1) Greenbelt (1-5) in Ayala Center.

2) Glorietta Mall, located on east side of Greenbelt on Makati Avenue.

3) SM Department Store, located directly east of Glorietta Mall and connected by walkways to the Glorietta Mall. A huge standalone store that has the amenities of a mall.

4) Makati Cinema Square (the old mall), due west of the residential area that is located west of the Greenbelt.

5) The Landmark. A huge department Store located in Makati, next to Greenbelt. Downstairs is a supermarket, a bakery, and a food court.


Other major malls located within a 30-minute auto ride (without traffic) of the Greenbelt area (I am sure that there are many others):

1) A. Venue Mall, located at other end of Makati Avenue, on B. Valdez, 1-1/2 miles from Greenbelt.

2) Power Plant Mall, located 8 minutes away by car from Greenbelt Mall (less than two miles away, near the river).

3) Fort Bonifacio, located 8 to 10 minutes away by car from Greenbelt area.

4) Shangrila Plaza, Ortigas, located 13 minutes away by car from Greenbelt area.

5) SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Blvd., Pasay City, located 13-15 minutes away from Greenbelt area.

6) Tiendesitas shopping complex, located 15 minutes away by car from Greenbelt area.

7) Greenhills Shopping Center, located 20 to 30 minutes away by car from Greenbelt area.


This is all from on-line research, so feel free to correct any inaccuracies or supplement with any additional information regarding any omissions. I also welcome any other comments on whether the malls or apartment complexes filter incoming air.

Holy shit, so many malls? I thought Filipinos are generally poor, how do these malls even make money?

I have similar plan as you Tail Gunner, except I don't have the budget to stay at the Makati area. I am hoping to find a decent place within a 5 minute walk from SM North EDSA and Trinoma in Quezon City.

@Tail Gunner

Those traffic times you have are not even close...

3) Fort Bonifacio, located 8 to 10 minutes away by car from Greenbelt area.
Maybe at 1 am on a monday morning you can make it in 8 to 10 minutes. It can honestly range from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on time of day. McKinley road which most taxis would take to get from Greenbelt to the Fort is under construction right now and adds to the time.

5) SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Blvd., Pasay City, located 13-15 minutes away from Greenbelt area.
Not even close. 30 minutes to 2 hours.


Do not under estimate how much traffic will dictate your life here. That is why picking the right location is so important.


Traffic is terrible from 4pm to 9pm Monday-Thursday, 3pm-11pm Friday. Saturday is not that bad and Sundays have no traffic.

Air pollution is a real problem here. But it can be minimized.

The majority of the pollution is coming from traffic. You will see cars, jeepneys, trucks, all spewing out black smog. They do not have any kind of restrictions keeping cars off the road due to not meeting emission standards like many of us are used too.

If you want to avoid the air pollution you need to stay off the roads. Avoid riding jeepneys which are open air and you can just sit in the smog on the road. I am constantly getting covered in smog when I drive my motorcycle. If you take an Uber or taxi at least the smog is not directly flowing into your face.

I have found no problem with the air quality in any of the malls. I would suggest getting a top floor in a tall condo building to get as far away from the smog and roads below.

(07-21-2014 05:23 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Seriously, could someone please comment on the the issue of air quality in the large malls versus outside. Are the malls simply cooling down the filthy air from the outside or are they also filtering the air? Just as some people want to remain vegetarians, run, or lift weights when they travel, I want to know what the potential health ramifications are before I travel. Thanks.

Damn, Tail Gunner seriously loves his air. If I ever need to get you a present, I know exactly what to get you

(07-21-2014 10:36 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  @Tail Gunner

Those traffic times you have are not even close...

3) Fort Bonifacio, located 8 to 10 minutes away by car from Greenbelt area.
Maybe at 1 am on a monday morning you can make it in 8 to 10 minutes. It can honestly range from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on time of day. McKinley road which most taxis would take to get from Greenbelt to the Fort is under construction right now and adds to the time.

5) SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Blvd., Pasay City, located 13-15 minutes away from Greenbelt area.
Not even close. 30 minutes to 2 hours.


Do not under estimate how much traffic will dictate your life here. That is why picking the right location is so important.


Traffic is terrible from 4pm to 9pm Monday-Thursday, 3pm-11pm Friday. Saturday is not that bad and Sundays have no traffic.

Agreed. I obtained the cited time estimates directly from Google Maps with no traffic. I am not sure that Google Maps even has the ability to calculate time with traffic flow outside of the U.S.

I appreciate the BOTG intel. It sounds as if I need to visit malls that are outside of walking range on the weekends. Fortunately, there are plenty of malls within walking distance in the Greenbelt area for the weekdays.

(07-21-2014 11:35 PM)Espresso Wrote:  

(07-21-2014 05:23 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Seriously, could someone please comment on the the issue of air quality in the large malls versus outside. Are the malls simply cooling down the filthy air from the outside or are they also filtering the air? Just as some people want to remain vegetarians, run, or lift weights when they travel, I want to know what the potential health ramifications are before I travel. Thanks.

Damn, Tail Gunner seriously loves his air. If I ever need to get you a present, I know exactly what to get you

I once had a bad time with air pollution in a South American city. In retrospect, it was most likely the temporary result of adrenal fatigue (resulting from my type-A personality) rather than a chronic respiratory issue, but I am still taking some precautions based on that prior experience. No reason to ruin a trip because of ignorance or lack of simple preparation. So, thanks to those who supplied information regarding air quality in the malls.

BTW: I often take one of these with me on international trips as cheap insurance, but I seldom use it. I have the feeling, however, that it may come in handy on the streets of Manila. It creates a bubble of clean air around your face. I try to hide it just inside the top of my shirt. lol

http://www.21st-century-goods.com/produc...ifier.html

@Tail Gunner

If air quality is a top priority for you then I would recommend a condo at one of the Bellagio towers in the Fort facing the golf course if that is in your budget. No Jeepneys or trucks allowed in that area. Very little traffic. No roads near your window as you are facing the golf course.

You can check out prices on http://www.olx.ph

(07-22-2014 12:16 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(07-21-2014 11:35 PM)Espresso Wrote:  

(07-21-2014 05:23 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Seriously, could someone please comment on the the issue of air quality in the large malls versus outside. Are the malls simply cooling down the filthy air from the outside or are they also filtering the air? Just as some people want to remain vegetarians, run, or lift weights when they travel, I want to know what the potential health ramifications are before I travel. Thanks.

Damn, Tail Gunner seriously loves his air. If I ever need to get you a present, I know exactly what to get you

I once had a bad time with air pollution in a South American city. In retrospect, it was most likely the temporary result of adrenal fatigue (resulting from my type-A personality) rather than a chronic respiratory issue, but I am still taking some precautions based on that prior experience. No reason to ruin a trip because of ignorance or lack of simple preparation. So, thanks to those who supplied information regarding air quality in the malls.

BTW: I often take one of these with me on international trips as cheap insurance, but I seldom use it. I have the feeling, however, that it may come in handy on the streets of Manila. It creates a bubble of clean air around your face. I try to hide it just inside the top of my shirt. lol

http://www.21st-century-goods.com/produc...ifier.html

I'm just messing with you man. I once looked into taking an oxygen tank on an airplane as hand luggage to breathe my own oxygen instead of the shitty recycled plane air, but it turns out you can't really do that haha. Btw, that device you mentioned - the minimate - worth it on flights?

So it is rainy season in PH till November. How bad of a cockblock is that? Is it better to wait until the end of the year to travel to PH?

Makati cinema square is pretty close to the Greenbelt. Maybe 10 minutes walking, but it's in a flood area, and it's also where Makati starts to look like the Philippines.

I'd stay there without hesitating, but there is a reason that rents are cheaper on that side of Amorsolo. Still good, but it's not as nice as across the street.

Another issue in the malls (according to an article that I read) is the theft of cell phones (which can be worth a month's income in the Philippines). While you are already distracted checking messages or web surfing, one thief bumps into you hard enough for you to drop the phone and then continues to distract you while the second thief snatches it in mid-air before it even hits the floor. Then the first thief continues to misdirect you away from the phone snatcher (as in "He ran over there.")

I will most likely leave my new Galaxy at home. I obtained a four-year old Blackberry for free. For fifteen bucks on ebay, I just ordered a new battery, a charger/data cord, a new glass screen, and a tool kit (to install the glass screen). I hope to simply slam a SIM card into the phone when I arrive. I will then have a low-cost quad-band smart phone (only 3G) with an anonymous telephone number that I will not agonize over if it gets stolen.

(07-22-2014 02:37 PM)jackleballs Wrote:  Makati cinema square is pretty close to the Greenbelt. Maybe 10 minutes walking, but it's in a flood area, and it's also where Makati starts to look like the Philippines.

I'd stay there without hesitating, but there is a reason that rents are cheaper on that side of Amorsolo. Still good, but it's not as nice as across the street.

Thanks for that post, jackleballs. I am looking for a good rental location for the purposes of working at De La Salle University (Taft Avenue) and doing day game. If everything were by walking, that would be great, and 4 km is about the limit of how much I'm willing to walk. By Google Maps, the Makati Cinema Square looks like a possible place for that purpose. Anything else comes to mind where the rent is below the regular Makati level and the walking distances are acceptable?

I just booked a condo via AirBnb near the GreenBelt mall, 3-5 min walk so I won't have to sweat for too long. There were a couple listings that said, "no overnight guests", but most didn't mention it all.

When I was emailing back and forth with the owner I didn't ask if overnight guests were allowed. I'm kinda kicking myself now for not making sure since I booked it for several weeks. This owner has quite a few properties on AirBnb though and seems to treat it as a business. Good reviews from old kano's like myself too.

He said he will personally be there to greet me when I arrive which will be like 11pm or later and he asked for flight itinerary so he can keep track if the plane is late. Any guys here been through this already? Am I being paranoid about the potential cock-block from the owner/building?

Onto,
Book it first for say 2-3 nights and if you like the place and the area around it, then you can commit to longer am directly with the owner, without having to pay the airbnb fee. Or of you don't like it, you can always hit the pavement and find something else. As a rule of thumb, I wouldn't commit to anything long term without first test driving for a few days per say.

I'm sure you can cancel your long term one and rebook for say 2-3 nights.

I would just cab it from the airport. You do t know the guy, better be safe than sorry. Unless it was someone you knew and or referred to you by trusted friends.

Be safe my fiend and enjoy your trip!

(07-22-2014 06:19 PM)Onto Wrote:  I just booked a condo via AirBnb near the GreenBelt mall, 3-5 min walk so I won't have to sweat for too long. There were a couple listings that said, "no overnight guests", but most didn't mention it all.

When I was emailing back and forth with the owner I didn't ask if overnight guests were allowed. I'm kinda kicking myself now for not making sure since I booked it for several weeks. This owner has quite a few properties on AirBnb though and seems to treat it as a business. Good reviews from old kano's like myself too.

He said he will personally be there to greet me when I arrive which will be like 11pm or later and he asked for flight itinerary so he can keep track if the plane is late. Any guys here been through this already? Am I being paranoid about the potential cock-block from the owner/building?

I have been wondering the exact same thing. Talk about a potential disaster. It pays to be upfront with the owner/manager rather than ruin a trip.

I would suggest contacting the owner/manager and confirming that it is not a problem. It he says that it is a problem, then ask for a consensual cancellation based on non-disclosure of that important fact. Point out that other listings disclosed the "no overnight guests" limitation -- and that he should have done so.

(07-22-2014 07:18 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Onto,
Book it first for say 2-3 nights and if you like the place and the area around it, then you can commit to longer am directly with the owner, without having to pay the airbnb fee. Or of you don't like it, you can always hit the pavement and find something else. As a rule of thumb, I wouldn't commit to anything long term without first test driving for a few days per say.

The problem with this strategy is that the best apartments with the best reviews at the best prices get booked well in advance. I doubt that such apartments would be available under such a strategy, unless you travel during the off season and there are many apartments available and you do not care whether or not you cannot remain at your initial choice because it is booked -- despite how much you might like it.

I agree that it is an excellent strategy if you are staying longer term. You will always get the best deals that way and you will also know in advance what you are getting for your money. I just have my doubts about that strategy working with airbnb for short-term stays (a month or less) -- unless you rent in a huge market or you travel during the off-season. Makati, especially near the Greenbelt, is a rather small geographic area.

VP and TailGunner, you both make good points. It's true, I noticed the good places were getting booked including this one, and the savings on a monthly rate in this case was very good. The cancellation policy on this apt is strict and I booked it long term (1 month) so I would lose my whole month of rent if I cancelled. (Ouch) I'll make do and be sure to post on how it goes. If anything I can probably grease the doorman some pesos. Shouldn't have to, but it is what it is.

No worries VP, I meant the owner is meeting me at the building, not the airport. I liked how you said "fiend". LOL It's true, the angel and devil are battling it out on my shoulders.

Angel is saying, "Onto, we're only going to bang super hot, high-end Pinays that are good, LTR material", while the Devil is saying, "Let's be real Onto, you're going to bang just about anything 18-21 that moves."

Re "guest friendliness" for accommodations ...

Is generally pretty easy in Philippines.
To be sure, just book based on 2 occupants, then when you arrive say that your girlfriend will be joining you later.
The inference may be that she is also a foreigner or that she is a local.

I have never had anyone try to steal anything from me here. Normal precautions should be taken like you would any place. But there is not some kind of large theft problem in Manila compared to anywhere else.

You don't need to hide away your Galaxy phone. You will see tons of people with iphones and andriod phones.

The only times I have ever had my shit stolen while traveling has been in Europe.

(07-22-2014 05:13 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Another issue in the malls (according to an article that I read) is the theft of cell phones (which can be worth a month's income in the Philippines). While you are already distracted checking messages or web surfing, one thief bumps into you hard enough for you to drop the phone and then continues to distract you while the second thief snatches it in mid-air before it even hits the floor. Then the first thief continues to misdirect you away from the phone snatcher (as in "He ran over there.")

I will most likely leave my new Galaxy at home. I obtained a four-year old Blackberry for free. For fifteen bucks on ebay, I just ordered a new battery, a charger/data cord, a new glass screen, and a tool kit (to install the glass screen). I hope to simply slam a SIM card into the phone when I arrive. I will then have a low-cost quad-band smart phone (only 3G) with an anonymous telephone number that I will not agonize over if it gets stolen.

(07-22-2014 08:58 PM)DirectDanger Wrote:  I have never had anyone try to steal anything from me here. Normal precautions should be taken like you would any place. But there is not some kind of large theft problem in Manila compared to anywhere else.

You don't need to hide away your Galaxy phone. You will see tons of people with iphones and andriod phones.

The only times I have ever had my shit stolen while traveling has been in Europe.

I'll second that.

This phone bump out of your hand, quick catch and misdirect scam isn't anything I've ever seen happen.

I've never felt unsafe anywhere in Manila, and it's not too hard to find a shady area. I've even rode Jeepneys and tricycles and never even seen an attempted pocket pick.

Manila is like anywhere. Shit does happen, but if you're aware of your surroundings, and smart about where you go and when, you should be fine.

Trouble is easy to find but not that hard to avoid IMO.

(07-22-2014 05:33 PM)ZayanZaken Wrote:  Thanks for that post, jackleballs. I am looking for a good rental location for the purposes of working at De La Salle University (Taft Avenue) and doing day game. If everything were by walking, that would be great, and 4 km is about the limit of how much I'm willing to walk. By Google Maps, the Makati Cinema Square looks like a possible place for that purpose. Anything else comes to mind where the rent is below the regular Makati level and the walking distances are acceptable?

I'd look for somewhere close to work, because traffic is insane and the public transportation system isn't that great (IMO). Women are everywhere. If you're looking for "normal" girls then away from the foreigner hot spots is probably your best bet. Places like Greenbelt and the Fort are full of P4P girls. There are "normal" girls there too, but any girl that hangs out in a bar is probably looking for a foreigner, and there is a good possibility that she will ask for money.

Tinder and Wechat are the same, though this reality seems to russle jimmies around here.