Post: #551

I get into Manila late in evening in a little less than two weeks..any recommendations on hotel with shuttle to keep things simple for my jet-lagged self? since I'll just be sleeping, I don't really want to spend 150 usd + like most of the big chains are charging

Post: #552

(02-15-2014 12:25 PM)iknowexactly Wrote:  I get into Manila late in evening in a little less than two weeks..any recommendations on hotel with shuttle to keep things simple for my jet-lagged self? since I'll just be sleeping, I don't really want to spend 150 usd + like most of the big chains are charging

I would say try agoda.com, though I still haven't been able to answer this question for myself. Another possibility is Philippines Village Airport Hotel. It really s*cks that you get there jet-lagged and exhausted from dealing with customs, baggage claim and immigration, and then you have to put up with all the [well-documented] stupidity of ground transportation at NAIA. One poster here mentioned that after clearing immigration you should take the elevator up to the departure area where they have reasonably priced white cabs instead of the rip-off yellow cabs. There's also supposed to be a cheap shuttle bus from NAIA to Pasay City (Gil Puyat and Taft, I think), where there should be reasonable lodging available. If anyone can figure out how to do this (or any other solutions), please let me know.

I'm also considering for my next trip flying into Angeles airport instead to avoid the hassles of Manila. Another option could be a layover in Taiwan for a night or two to sleep off the jet lag before proceeding to Manila.

Post: #553

Also, before you go, try to get a bunch of coins and small bills in Philippine Pesos (at least 20, 50, 100 peso notes) as making change seems to be a big production there. And everywhere you go, guys will try to grab your bags and carry them, and then expect 20-50 pesos as a tip. If you want to deal w/ these people, you could also give them $0.50 or $1.00 in US dollars and they'd prob. be happy.

Post: #554

To keep things in perspective, the rip off taxi rates from the airport is $US10-12, and the best rate is around $5, if you are going to Makati or the Fort.

Try for initial accom near Makati Greenbelt, then sort out an apartment for the medium / longer term.

Look at DD's previous map, and realise that the more affordable accom is west of Makati Ave.
This will place you in Legaspi Village, which is still very prestigious by local standards.

Post: #555

Guys a question about the Philippines. Is the dollar appreciated?

In Cambodia the dollar is the main currency, so when I went many years ago I brought brand new crips single dollar bills. The people look carefully at the currency and, I have heard, won't take fucked up US dollars.

In Vietnam it was also appreciated.

Just wondering for the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand if tipping in brand new singles is appreciated or makes no difference.

Post: #556

(02-15-2014 03:52 PM)Antipodean Wrote:  To keep things in perspective, the rip off taxi rates from the airport is $US10-12, and the best rate is around $5, if you are going to Makati or the Fort.

Try for initial accom near Makati Greenbelt, then sort out an apartment for the medium / longer term.

Look at DD's previous map, and realise that the more affordable accom is west of Makati Ave.
This will place you in Legaspi Village, which is still very prestigious by local standards.

My cabbie managed to charge me $20 to get from NAIA to Malate. True, it's still not a lot of money in the scheme of things, it's more a psychological annoyance. It's like, how else are people going to try to rip you off, and are they just laughing at you here or are they going to try to work with you.

Post: #557

(02-15-2014 12:25 PM)iknowexactly Wrote:  I get into Manila late in evening in a little less than two weeks..any recommendations on hotel with shuttle to keep things simple for my jet-lagged self? since I'll just be sleeping, I don't really want to spend 150 usd + like most of the big chains are charging

There's hotels right across the street from the airport at Resort World but they are probably on the high end, price wise. I can recommend the Great Eastern Hotel in Makati, its fairly cheap at about 1500 Pesos and basic but the area is a bit skanky (2 block from Burgos street where all the strip clubs are). I also stayed at a cheap one very close to the airport after I missed my flight, its was shitty but cheap, can't remember the name though. Just remember that rush hour in Manila lasts until 8 or 9pm, hopefully your flight is later than that because sitting in traffic in Manila isn't a great experience, especially after a long flight.

Post: #558

(02-15-2014 05:07 PM)scotian Wrote:  

(02-15-2014 12:25 PM)iknowexactly Wrote:  I get into Manila late in evening in a little less than two weeks..any recommendations on hotel with shuttle to keep things simple for my jet-lagged self? since I'll just be sleeping, I don't really want to spend 150 usd + like most of the big chains are charging

There's hotels right across the street from the airport at Resort World but they are probably on the high end, price wise. I can recommend the Great Eastern Hotel in Makati, its fairly cheap at about 1500 Pesos and basic but the area is a bit skanky (2 block from Burgos street where all the strip clubs are). I also stayed at a cheap one very close to the airport after I missed my flight, its was shitty but cheap, can't remember the name though. Just remember that rush hour in Manila lasts until 8 or 9pm, hopefully your flight is later than that because sitting in traffic in Manila isn't a great experience, especially after a long flight.

The Remington Hotel at Resort World might be OK at around $70/night -- just be aware that "right across the street from the airport" means across from Terminal 3, not Terminal 1 where international flights arrive, so you still can't walk there, you'd probably have to take an airport shuttle or cab, or call the hotel somehow (get a SIM card or find a pay phone or something) and wait maybe 1/2 hour for their shuttle.

Post: #559

Check my post on this page regarding the spa option after an early arrival.

/thread-32336-page-2.html

Van, i didn't delete her number, I just cut her off for asking for the iPad. If I decide to go back to the well, its not like it would be difficult. But its not exactly scarce over there…

When you come out of immigration/customs, walk past all the hawkers and turn left after crossing the first roadway. Head toward the island between the outer and inner roadway, outside exit 14. There is a taxi dispatcher station with posted prices per neighborhood. Tell him where you're going, he gives you a slip, voila. The furthest metro manila locations may cost around 600 pesos (USD-Peso 1USD-44pesos). Makati is far less. If you're going to Makati and the driver wants to take the skyway, its 20 pesos more, just give him the money if you have it.

Also, just out of immigration on the right against the wall of the terminal is an ATM. The fee for withdrawal with a foreign card is 5USD, I think, so I usually take out the max, which is around 200USD. Changing money may be a better option - when I was in Cebu airport, I got 44 pesos/dollar and no exchange fee for a hundred dollar bill.

Post: #560

Looks like my food guide that I posted yesterday was a bit premature. Century City Mall (next to Gramercy) is opening tomorrow.

Well, technically it's already open but the only thing open is Rustans Supermarket.



This mall is going to add a bunch of good food options in this area. From what I saw on the first two floors, there's:

Banana Leaf
California Pizza Kitchen
Kyochon Fried Chicken (!!!)
Pepper Lunch
Burger King
Lartizon Boulangerie
1837 TWG Tea
Starbucks
The Royal Touch Bakery
The Coffee Bean
IHOP

Post: #561

Thanks, G_Global. I will look for that taxi dispatching stand next time. I also found this site which may help: http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ninoy_Aqui...al_Airport

Post: #562

I just took the cab in Manila for my first time about 2 hours ago. I got in the line right outside and took a metered cab to Makati. It ended up being about 270 pesos and he wanted an extra 20 pesos to pay the toll to drive on some roadway. I ended up giving him 400 pesos since he drove me to an atm machine and waited for me.

I still don't know the usd to pesos rate so I'm not even sure how much I spent.

Edit: With the 100 peso tip I still only spent about 9 usd to for my taxi ride to Makati. I did make sure to say beforehand "This is a metered taxi right?"

Hit me up if you want to meet up. I'm getting a cell phone in the morning.

Post: #563

(02-15-2014 04:13 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  In Cambodia the dollar is the main currency, so when I went many years ago I brought brand new crips single dollar bills. The people look carefully at the currency and, I have heard, won't take fucked up US dollars.

Not to answer your initial question, but yeah, you're right that they'll decline them sometimes here in Cambo. I've had ripped baht declined in Thailand too.

You'll usually find that if you pretend it's all you have they'll take it though - or you can pop into a store or bank that is willing to take them. Sometimes there'll be a merchant right next door who will take it if you're insistent, and the one your haggling with will probably already know which to ask.

And I've had some just charge me an extra 1000 reil ($0.25) on the meal or whatever to take the bill. I try to purposely use them in restaurants, as I've already consumed the product when they ask me to pay. ha Then you play dumb. As always, some negotiating goes a long ways in these countries.

They sure are quick to offload them on the barang if you don't pay attention too; that's why I don't feel bad about getting tricky to spend them. I check my change more often now and refuse ripped bills from vendors.

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Rudyard Kipling

Post: #564

A lot of great info on this thread and others for the Phils. I looked at the "high end" thread, which has a lot of good stuff in it, too.
But where would one go in Makati/Manila for reasonably priced bars/clubs and meeting women? Most of the places mentioned in the "high end" thread seem to cost the same as any western city and I can't afford to be playing big baller for a week there. Part of the fun of going to a place like Phils is that the prices are so cheap and you can either afford to splurge, where you spend what you would at home and get so much more, or spend 1/3 for the same type of thing you'd get at home.

Also, how bad is it, really, to go around in sandals and shorts in Manila? I've seen a few comments putting it down, but is it really that bad? I mean, if fat 60-yr-olds can go around being fat 60-yr-olds and still land themselves some punani, then how is sandals and shorts going to be all that bad?

I'm not concerned with scoring HiSo girls or anything like that so I'm not going to extend myself and buy an Armani suit to impress anyone, especially in Phils where part of the advantage is the sexual arbitrage game. If she's cute, she's cute. I don't care if she's a billionaire's daughter or a peasant's. Hot punani is hot punani. (Although, sure, it would be nice to have a rich bitch take me around and pay for everything - but then again, if I've gotta sport some high end threads for that to happen, then I end up paying for it anyway.)

Post: #565

Oh, forgot to mention that my friend and I are going to Manila next week so if there are any meetups going on, we might be interested in going. Would be cool to meet some of the posters here IRL.

Post: #566

(02-17-2014 10:15 AM)Gaijin Wrote:  A lot of great info on this thread and others for the Phils. I looked at the "high end" thread, which has a lot of good stuff in it, too.
But where would one go in Makati/Manila for reasonably priced bars/clubs and meeting women? Most of the places mentioned in the "high end" thread seem to cost the same as any western city and I can't afford to be playing big baller for a week there. Part of the fun of going to a place like Phils is that the prices are so cheap and you can either afford to splurge, where you spend what you would at home and get so much more, or spend 1/3 for the same type of thing you'd get at home.

Also, how bad is it, really, to go around in sandals and shorts in Manila? I've seen a few comments putting it down, but is it really that bad? I mean, if fat 60-yr-olds can go around being fat 60-yr-olds and still land themselves some punani, then how is sandals and shorts going to be all that bad?

I'm not concerned with scoring HiSo girls or anything like that so I'm not going to extend myself and buy an Armani suit to impress anyone, especially in Phils where part of the advantage is the sexual arbitrage game. If she's cute, she's cute. I don't care if she's a billionaire's daughter or a peasant's. Hot punani is hot punani. (Although, sure, it would be nice to have a rich bitch take me around and pay for everything - but then again, if I've gotta sport some high end threads for that to happen, then I end up paying for it anyway.)

You sound exactly like the stereotypical westerner that comes through SEA and fucks it up for the rest of us. Do us a favor and just stay home. We don't need more poorly dressed white guys walking around with hookers on their arms in public thinking they scored something worthwhile. Everyone is laughing at you, they may even throw rocks.

Or....throw on some decent jeans/slacks/button up/v-neck/leather dress shoes/boots/whatever and try to fuck something that a fat 60 year old guy hasn't stuck his dick in. Do you really want to fuck a girl that fucks fat dudes for a living? Unless you like diving in head first after fat 60 year old men with bad teeth and questionable hygiene. Then by all means, knock yourself out sweetheart.

Post: #567

(02-17-2014 11:20 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(02-17-2014 10:15 AM)Gaijin Wrote:  A lot of great info on this thread and others for the Phils. I looked at the "high end" thread, which has a lot of good stuff in it, too.
But where would one go in Makati/Manila for reasonably priced bars/clubs and meeting women? Most of the places mentioned in the "high end" thread seem to cost the same as any western city and I can't afford to be playing big baller for a week there. Part of the fun of going to a place like Phils is that the prices are so cheap and you can either afford to splurge, where you spend what you would at home and get so much more, or spend 1/3 for the same type of thing you'd get at home.

Also, how bad is it, really, to go around in sandals and shorts in Manila? I've seen a few comments putting it down, but is it really that bad? I mean, if fat 60-yr-olds can go around being fat 60-yr-olds and still land themselves some punani, then how is sandals and shorts going to be all that bad?

I'm not concerned with scoring HiSo girls or anything like that so I'm not going to extend myself and buy an Armani suit to impress anyone, especially in Phils where part of the advantage is the sexual arbitrage game. If she's cute, she's cute. I don't care if she's a billionaire's daughter or a peasant's. Hot punani is hot punani. (Although, sure, it would be nice to have a rich bitch take me around and pay for everything - but then again, if I've gotta sport some high end threads for that to happen, then I end up paying for it anyway.)

You sound exactly like the stereotypical westerner that comes through SEA and fucks it up for the rest of us. Do us a favor and just stay home. We don't need more poorly dressed white guys walking around with hookers on their arms in public thinking they scored something worthwhile. Everyone is laughing at you, they may even throw rocks.

Or....throw on some decent jeans/slacks/button up/v-neck/leather dress shoes/boots/whatever and try to fuck something that a fat 60 year old guy hasn't stuck his dick in. Do you really want to fuck a girl that fucks fat dudes for a living? Unless you like diving in head first after fat 60 year old men with bad teeth and questionable hygiene. Then by all means, knock yourself out sweetheart.

One of the few negatives about living in Davao is there are so few white people around that all of those old lames in their velcro sandals and gay ass t-shirts think we're buddies when we see each other out in public...I don't want to be associated with your goofball ass, loser.

Post: #568

Gaijin,
I hope for your sake that you didn't mean some of the crap you wrote on your post! I hope for your sake that you will listen to Rio's excellent suggestions if you want to get the most out of your trip. Please, don't the be like the typical loser broke backpacker! You might erroneously think that you rock and are the shit, but everyone from the locals both men and most importantly the better and higher quality girls to the expats worth knowing.

What a lot of newbies tend to forget or worst, not even realize is that when you travel to a new place, you are a kind of ambassador of your type of people and your country. Cheapo slobby and smelly back papers are looked at as the lowest form of scum and its for a well deserved reason. Cause they are low end guys. The type that no local, both men and women want to associate with. Idem for expats and other foreigners who are worth getting to know.

Enigma,
Totally agreed with you on wanting to avoid like the plague those broke backpackers and old losers while overseas specially in Asia. They really are a sore sight.

How long have you been in Davao? How do you rate the place as a place to spend a dew months? I will get there in April.




Enigma,
How long have you been in Davao? I'm getting there in April.

Post: #569

guys, the dude is on his third post, so lets lift him up, not cut him down, maybe just a little bit, only if he's willing to listen to some sense. Otherwise, he can go post somewhere else, perhaps on a p2p forum.

Gaijin, I never wear shorts in the PI city culture, unless i am simply going down the block for a second to a 7-11 or going swimming. Pinoy men don't wear shorts, and if you want to fit in, you won't either.

I'd suggest, as these guys are telling you, to spend a moderate amount of money (even 50 dollars) to buy lightweight slacks, v neck fitted t-shirts, and a reasonable pair of walking shoes that are comfortable enough to spend a long day walking around, ugh, yes, shopping malls. You don't need Armani suits. And in fact, you can find this type of clothing quite easily in the PI and very cheaply. I visited a Guess store in Cebu and bought a beautiful button down shirt for 18 USD. Since some Pinoys are big, you'll be able to find western sized clothing.

Also, you don't need to bring much - laundry service is very cheap, girls won't care at all if you wear the same item twice (I'd say this is true almost anywhere in Asia where people don't accumulate clothing unless their wealthy) and you'll be seeing perhaps different girls each day anyway, so its not like they'll recognize what you wore the day before.

More than anything else, though, I'd be a good forum member, read the threads that have been written, consider the experience of those who have generously shared their time to provide their insight, and do your best not the be the "ugly american." I'll take it a bit further myself, even when I'm going through pickups, I am uniformly a gentleman to these girls. Maybe that seems crazy to some of you, its just the way I am. It doesn't mean I'll see them another time out of pity, or take them somewhere nice, but there's just a way you can treat people that requires just a tiny bit more effort than treating people as disposable, and its the way I am made.

A few things to consider, and welcome to the conversation….

Post: #570

(02-17-2014 10:15 AM)Gaijin Wrote:  A lot of great info on this thread and others for the Phils. I looked at the "high end" thread, which has a lot of good stuff in it, too.
But where would one go in Makati/Manila for reasonably priced bars/clubs and meeting women? Most of the places mentioned in the "high end" thread seem to cost the same as any western city and I can't afford to be playing big baller for a week there. Part of the fun of going to a place like Phils is that the prices are so cheap and you can either afford to splurge, where you spend what you would at home and get so much more, or spend 1/3 for the same type of thing you'd get at home.

Also, how bad is it, really, to go around in sandals and shorts in Manila? I've seen a few comments putting it down, but is it really that bad? I mean, if fat 60-yr-olds can go around being fat 60-yr-olds and still land themselves some punani, then how is sandals and shorts going to be all that bad?

I'm not concerned with scoring HiSo girls or anything like that so I'm not going to extend myself and buy an Armani suit to impress anyone, especially in Phils where part of the advantage is the sexual arbitrage game. If she's cute, she's cute. I don't care if she's a billionaire's daughter or a peasant's. Hot punani is hot punani. (Although, sure, it would be nice to have a rich bitch take me around and pay for everything - but then again, if I've gotta sport some high end threads for that to happen, then I end up paying for it anyway.)

Hey buddy try goin to Divisoria market you can pick up a really nice cheap clothes and heaps of day game too .
When you check in your hotel asked how much for extra guests as they stung me on this a few times charging me an extra 500 pesos.
Finding a regular taxi driver is also smart and could save you being robbed .

Post: #571

(02-17-2014 10:15 AM)Gaijin Wrote:  A lot of great info on this thread and others for the Phils. I looked at the "high end" thread, which has a lot of good stuff in it, too.
But where would one go in Makati/Manila for reasonably priced bars/clubs and meeting women? Most of the places mentioned in the "high end" thread seem to cost the same as any western city and I can't afford to be playing big baller for a week there. Part of the fun of going to a place like Phils is that the prices are so cheap and you can either afford to splurge, where you spend what you would at home and get so much more, or spend 1/3 for the same type of thing you'd get at home.

Also, how bad is it, really, to go around in sandals and shorts in Manila? I've seen a few comments putting it down, but is it really that bad? I mean, if fat 60-yr-olds can go around being fat 60-yr-olds and still land themselves some punani, then how is sandals and shorts going to be all that bad?

I'm not concerned with scoring HiSo girls or anything like that so I'm not going to extend myself and buy an Armani suit to impress anyone, especially in Phils where part of the advantage is the sexual arbitrage game. If she's cute, she's cute. I don't care if she's a billionaire's daughter or a peasant's. Hot punani is hot punani. (Although, sure, it would be nice to have a rich bitch take me around and pay for everything - but then again, if I've gotta sport some high end threads for that to happen, then I end up paying for it anyway.)

I don't understand why American tourists have such an insistence on slippers in hot countries. I refuse to wear slippers unless I'm on the beach. How hard is it to put on a pair of light comfortable cotton pants and some decent shoes? I mean, loafers and boat shoes are pretty comfortable with hot weather.

Post: #572

(02-17-2014 05:05 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Gaijin,
I hope for your sake that you didn't mean some of the crap you wrote on your post! I hope for your sake that you will listen to Rio's excellent suggestions if you want to get the most out of your trip. Please, don't the be like the typical loser broke backpacker! You might erroneously think that you rock and are the shit, but everyone from the locals both men and most importantly the better and higher quality girls to the expats worth knowing.

What a lot of newbies tend to forget or worst, not even realize is that when you travel to a new place, you are a kind of ambassador of your type of people and your country. Cheapo slobby and smelly back papers are looked at as the lowest form of scum and its for a well deserved reason. Cause they are low end guys. The type that no local, both men and women want to associate with. Idem for expats and other foreigners who are worth getting to know.

I appreciate the polite reply VP, but Rio didn't offer up any "excellent suggestions". All he did was go on a rampage of insults and tell me to stay home.

Post: #573

(02-17-2014 09:10 PM)G_global Wrote:  guys, the dude is on his third post, so lets lift him up, not cut him down, maybe just a little bit, only if he's willing to listen to some sense. Otherwise, he can go post somewhere else, perhaps on a p2p forum.

Gaijin, I never wear shorts in the PI city culture, unless i am simply going down the block for a second to a 7-11 or going swimming. Pinoy men don't wear shorts, and if you want to fit in, you won't either.

I'd suggest, as these guys are telling you, to spend a moderate amount of money (even 50 dollars) to buy lightweight slacks, v neck fitted t-shirts, and a reasonable pair of walking shoes that are comfortable enough to spend a long day walking around, ugh, yes, shopping malls. You don't need Armani suits. And in fact, you can find this type of clothing quite easily in the PI and very cheaply. I visited a Guess store in Cebu and bought a beautiful button down shirt for 18 USD. Since some Pinoys are big, you'll be able to find western sized clothing.

Also, you don't need to bring much - laundry service is very cheap, girls won't care at all if you wear the same item twice (I'd say this is true almost anywhere in Asia where people don't accumulate clothing unless their wealthy) and you'll be seeing perhaps different girls each day anyway, so its not like they'll recognize what you wore the day before.

More than anything else, though, I'd be a good forum member, read the threads that have been written, consider the experience of those who have generously shared their time to provide their insight, and do your best not the be the "ugly american." I'll take it a bit further myself, even when I'm going through pickups, I am uniformly a gentleman to these girls. Maybe that seems crazy to some of you, its just the way I am. It doesn't mean I'll see them another time out of pity, or take them somewhere nice, but there's just a way you can treat people that requires just a tiny bit more effort than treating people as disposable, and its the way I am made.

A few things to consider, and welcome to the conversation….

Thank you for being civil G_global, and taking a bit of time to answer my actual question.

That said, you guys seem to have inferred (not sure why or how though) that all I own is shorts and sandals. Believe it or not, asking whether going around in sandals and shorts is so bad does not imply that it's all I've got. LOL

And for those who can't just politely answer a simple question, maybe an explanation might help you. Being in Japan, I don't like to be associated with or compared to the backpack-wearing, shorts and sandals guys here either. I don't dress like that no matter how hot it gets. And I do have a couple of friends that refuse to wear a nice shirt to go out, which bugs me too. You're a full-grown man. You don't have to wear it every day but shit, you can wear something classy once in a while. So why would I even bother asking about Manila? Because I don't know the city and I don't know the culture. That's why I don't make assumptions and ASKED. Maybe shorts and sandals are as acceptable as slacks and a shirt. Maybe it's not for a Filipino but on a foreigner it makes no difference. What I do know is that people there, for the most part, are broke as it gets. For all I know, shorts and sandals is high-class in a comparative sense. The other thing too is that I am limited in baggage weight and if shorts and sandals are socially acceptable, then I'd rather bring just that. (I'm also going to the beach for a few days on this trip.) Bringing dressy stuff as well will almost surely put me over baggage weight because I'm only allowed 10kgs total. The suitcase is 4 so the remaining 6kgs is not a lot of stuff to bring!

What WAS implied in my question was, it the "sloppy dirty American look" YOUR view or that of the average 22-yr-old Filipina that I'm going to encounter? Because if it's only foreigners that see me as a slob and 95% of Filipinos and Filipinas think it looks perfectly acceptable and good, then why would I care what other foreigners think?

Anyway, no need to be rude. There were 6 replies and 3 of them were full of erroneous assumptions about my reason for asking, if not replete with baseless insults on my character for ASKING A QUESTION.

Post: #574

(02-17-2014 05:05 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Enigma,
Totally agreed with you on wanting to avoid like the plague those broke backpackers and old losers while overseas specially in Asia. They really are a sore sight.

How long have you been in Davao? How do you rate the place as a place to spend a dew months? I will get there in April.

It's been a little over two weeks now. I like it, definitely a nice place to spend some time. There's a good chance at this point that I'll still be here in April. We talked about this all on Skype though you forgetful bastard

(02-17-2014 09:10 PM)G_global Wrote:  guys, the dude is on his third post, so lets lift him up, not cut him down, maybe just a little bit, only if he's willing to listen to some sense. Otherwise, he can go post somewhere else, perhaps on a p2p forum.

That's the whole point. We have this same conversation like three times a week. It's a big forum and everyone can't read every post but when newbies get on here and ask the same questions over and over without even bothering to provide value first, it gets old.

(02-17-2014 11:01 PM)torontokid Wrote:  I don't understand why American tourists have such an insistence on slippers in hot countries. I refuse to wear slippers unless I'm on the beach. How hard is it to put on a pair of light comfortable cotton pants and some decent shoes? I mean, loafers and boat shoes are pretty comfortable with hot weather.

I don't get it either. Boat shoes, driving mocs, loafers, there are so many better options for slip-on shoes that are just as comfortable and much more stylish. Not to mention that we're talking about countries that can be downright filthy at times, not sure why you would want to walk around parts of Manila or Bangkok with open-toed shoes.

It's not like I never ever wear shorts or flip-flops either, I just don't feel the need to wear it every day.

(02-18-2014 03:29 AM)Gaijin Wrote:  I appreciate the polite reply VP, but Rio didn't offer up any "excellent suggestions". All he did was go on a rampage of insults and tell me to stay home.

How much do you want to bet this subject has already been covered in this same thread, not to mention at least 100 other times throughout threads on SEA, SA, and style?

Post: #575

(02-18-2014 03:53 AM)Gaijin Wrote:  

(02-17-2014 09:10 PM)G_global Wrote:  guys, the dude is on his third post, so lets lift him up, not cut him down, maybe just a little bit, only if he's willing to listen to some sense. Otherwise, he can go post somewhere else, perhaps on a p2p forum.

Gaijin, I never wear shorts in the PI city culture, unless i am simply going down the block for a second to a 7-11 or going swimming. Pinoy men don't wear shorts, and if you want to fit in, you won't either.

I'd suggest, as these guys are telling you, to spend a moderate amount of money (even 50 dollars) to buy lightweight slacks, v neck fitted t-shirts, and a reasonable pair of walking shoes that are comfortable enough to spend a long day walking around, ugh, yes, shopping malls. You don't need Armani suits. And in fact, you can find this type of clothing quite easily in the PI and very cheaply. I visited a Guess store in Cebu and bought a beautiful button down shirt for 18 USD. Since some Pinoys are big, you'll be able to find western sized clothing.

Also, you don't need to bring much - laundry service is very cheap, girls won't care at all if you wear the same item twice (I'd say this is true almost anywhere in Asia where people don't accumulate clothing unless their wealthy) and you'll be seeing perhaps different girls each day anyway, so its not like they'll recognize what you wore the day before.

More than anything else, though, I'd be a good forum member, read the threads that have been written, consider the experience of those who have generously shared their time to provide their insight, and do your best not the be the "ugly american." I'll take it a bit further myself, even when I'm going through pickups, I am uniformly a gentleman to these girls. Maybe that seems crazy to some of you, its just the way I am. It doesn't mean I'll see them another time out of pity, or take them somewhere nice, but there's just a way you can treat people that requires just a tiny bit more effort than treating people as disposable, and its the way I am made.

A few things to consider, and welcome to the conversation….

Thank you for being civil G_global, and taking a bit of time to answer my actual question.

That said, you guys seem to have inferred (not sure why or how though) that all I own is shorts and sandals. Believe it or not, asking whether going around in sandals and shorts is so bad does not imply that it's all I've got. LOL

And for those who can't just politely answer a simple question, maybe an explanation might help you. Being in Japan, I don't like to be associated with or compared to the backpack-wearing, shorts and sandals guys here either. I don't dress like that no matter how hot it gets. And I do have a couple of friends that refuse to wear a nice shirt to go out, which bugs me too. You're a full-grown man. You don't have to wear it every day but shit, you can wear something classy once in a while. So why would I even bother asking about Manila? Because I don't know the city and I don't know the culture. That's why I don't make assumptions and ASKED. Maybe shorts and sandals are as acceptable as slacks and a shirt. Maybe it's not for a Filipino but on a foreigner it makes no difference. What I do know is that people there, for the most part, are broke as it gets. For all I know, shorts and sandals is high-class in a comparative sense. The other thing too is that I am limited in baggage weight and if shorts and sandals are socially acceptable, then I'd rather bring just that. (I'm also going to the beach for a few days on this trip.) Bringing dressy stuff as well will almost surely put me over baggage weight because I'm only allowed 10kgs total. The suitcase is 4 so the remaining 6kgs is not a lot of stuff to bring!

What WAS implied in my question was, it the "sloppy dirty American look" YOUR view or that of the average 22-yr-old Filipina that I'm going to encounter? Because if it's only foreigners that see me as a slob and 95% of Filipinos and Filipinas think it looks perfectly acceptable and good, then why would I care what other foreigners think?

Anyway, no need to be rude. There were 6 replies and 3 of them were full of erroneous assumptions about my reason for asking, if not replete with baseless insults on my character for ASKING A QUESTION.

Gaijin:

You may want to consider that you are the "new guy" here and accordingly, think about the tone of your posts and the impression that you left in your second / third posts.

There are various newbie threads that can help to get you better acquainted with the forum. There are also several threads that go over various aspects of forum culture.

Even G_Global mentioned that you may want to read through various threads on the forum before posting very extensively.

Even though I am tempted to say more... I will leave it at that, for now. Good luck.