Post: #526

(02-13-2014 03:17 AM)G_global Wrote:  Scott Free, what city are you from? Where in the PI do you live?

In the Philippines? I used to live in Fairview, Quezon City. Currently, I am in San Franpsycho, Cuntlifornia. >.>

Post: #527

Thanks Scott, great info. It was actually only one of the six hotels I stayed in where I was bothered by bugs, so it seems to me it should be a fixable problem. And aside from that, that hotel prob. would have been my favorite in Manila.

The roosters OTOH seemed to be everywhere-- downtown Manila, Mindoro island, Baguio, you name it. But you're right that the higher floors on the newer hotels are more insulated from the noise. I will definitely check out that Penthouse place next time.

Post: #528

Crocodile meat? Various stages of balut? And coconut ice cream sandwiched on bun with sticky rice? Sold! Perhaps minus the balut that is! Lol

Great stuff guys! You guys and your stories, specially Scott Free and G Global are making me very much looking forward to get to the Phils in about 2 monts!

Leighton, totally agree man that ice cream is the happiest food there is!

Scott, is it true that balut is an aphrodisiac and gives you extra staying power? That's what I've heard from girls. Wouldn't mind giving it a try when I'm really piss drunk that is. Lol

Post: #529

VP, hahaha! Not exactly, however, you will most likely impress whoever you're with if you do try balut without flinching. As Enigma illustrates, foreigners don't usually get down and dirty with the street food because of obvious risks, so if you do, you subliminally communicate your adventurous nature to the girl. In short, it's not an aphrodisiac for you, it's an aphrodisiac for *her* when you try balut. Hahaha!

Post: #530

Ok good to know.
Long shot of a question: could balut be turned into a franchisable product? First in the Phils then overseas? Lol

Post: #531

Hahaha! If someone is ever able to... I'd love to be there to see it happen!

Post: #532

Scott, I've actually been to SM Fairview. I didn't realize how far from my hotel it was when I made a date there. Even headed to a local town/village nearby afterwards, not a foreigner in sight.

Post: #533

(02-13-2014 09:48 PM)G_global Wrote:  Scott, I've actually been to SM Fairview. I didn't realize how far from my hotel it was when I made a date there. Even headed to a local town/village nearby afterwards, not a foreigner in sight.

Funny thing is, I grew up within walking distance of that mall. After school, you couldn't go through the mall without seeing your teachers and other students alike, it was like at 5 pm, you took the whole damn school and dropped the people off at SM Fairview...

Yeah, there's not much to do on that side of Q.C. Since leaving, there hasn't really been any reason for me to go back there... There is an Irish saying: You can never truly go back home. I think I now understand what it really means...

Anyhow, how long is your stay there? Will you get a chance to take mini trips out of Metro Manila?

Post: #534

Do you guys think a smartphone is a must for 3 weeks in the Philippines?

I just bought a cheap shitty phone when I went to Thailand for around $35 usd.

What should I expect a smartphone to be in Manila?

Post: #535

(02-13-2014 11:50 PM)Teddykgb Wrote:  Do you guys think a smartphone is a must for 3 weeks in the Philippines?

Yes.

Post: #536

I've spent about a month out of the last two - three months in the Philippines, posted some on the other threads about it. Been to some areas in South Luzon, and to Cebu, aside from around metro manila. Haven't really had a tourist experience, as I have meetings schedule regularly, though I would like to scuba dive more (I went once in Anilao, near Batangas City) and also see some beach time in Palawan and perhaps Bohol.

(02-13-2014 10:02 PM)Scott Free Wrote:  

(02-13-2014 09:48 PM)G_global Wrote:  Scott, I've actually been to SM Fairview. I didn't realize how far from my hotel it was when I made a date there. Even headed to a local town/village nearby afterwards, not a foreigner in sight.

Funny thing is, I grew up within walking distance of that mall. After school, you couldn't go through the mall without seeing your teachers and other students alike, it was like at 5 pm, you took the whole damn school and dropped the people off at SM Fairview...

Yeah, there's not much to do on that side of Q.C. Since leaving, there hasn't really been any reason for me to go back there... There is an Irish saying: You can never truly go back home. I think I now understand what it really means...

Anyhow, how long is your stay there? Will you get a chance to take mini trips out of Metro Manila?

Post: #537

(02-14-2014 01:10 AM)G_global Wrote:  I've spent about a month out of the last two - three months in the Philippines, posted some on the other threads about it. Been to some areas in South Luzon, and to Cebu, aside from around metro manila. Haven't really had a tourist experience, as I have meetings schedule regularly, though I would like to scuba dive more (I went once in Anilao, near Batangas City) and also see some beach time in Palawan and perhaps Bohol.

Ah, nice. I see you've dropped a pretty robust datasheet on the Manila-Cebu-Davao thread. Great work on that man!

I highly recommend Palawan. The only issue would probably be the local talent... I'd say bring a girl with you. If you watch for airfare promos on Cebu Pacific you can get away with a really cheap flight for two to Puerto Princesa. If you end up staying at PP before going off to El Nido, I had the Crocodile Sisig at a restaurant/bar not far from the airport called Kinabuchs (kee-na-BOOCHS). Puerto Princesa is also where you can book a tour to the underground river which is about an hour and a half shuttle ride away (tour fee includes shuttle ride and buffet lunch.)

My Pinoy and Pinay friends over there tell me of another diamond-in-the-rough island paradise to check out, however, I'll verify for myself before I recommend it. Will be in 'Pinas in October.

EDIT: Added links.

Post: #538

(02-14-2014 02:02 AM)Scott Free Wrote:  

(02-14-2014 01:10 AM)G_global Wrote:  I've spent about a month out of the last two - three months in the Philippines, posted some on the other threads about it. Been to some areas in South Luzon, and to Cebu, aside from around metro manila. Haven't really had a tourist experience, as I have meetings schedule regularly, though I would like to scuba dive more (I went once in Anilao, near Batangas City) and also see some beach time in Palawan and perhaps Bohol.

Ah, nice. I see you've dropped a pretty robust datasheet on the Manila-Cebu-Davao thread. Great work on that man!

I highly recommend Palawan. The only issue would probably be the local talent... I'd say bring a girl with you. If you watch for airfare promos on Cebu Pacific you can get away with a really cheap flight for two to Puerto Princesa. If you end up staying at PP before going off to El Nido, I had the Crocodile Sisig at a restaurant/bar not far from the airport called Kinabuchs (kee-na-BOOCHS). Puerto Princesa is also where you can book a tour to the underground river which is about an hour and a half shuttle ride away (tour fee includes shuttle ride and buffet lunch.)

My Pinoy and Pinay friends over there tell me of another diamond-in-the-rough island paradise to check out, however, I'll verify for myself before I recommend it. Will be in 'Pinas in October.

EDIT: Added links.

With 7000 islands, a guy would be lead to believe that there must be quite a few hidden natural gems in terms of natural beaty? even though these natural gems may be in very under developed states... and maybe even completely (or near completely) unoccupied?

Post: #539

(02-14-2014 03:23 AM)JayJuanGee Wrote:  With 7000 islands, a guy would be lead to believe that there must be quite a few hidden natural gems in terms of natural beaty? even though these natural gems may be in very under developed states... and maybe even completely (or near completely) unoccupied?

7107 Islands to be exact. High Tide.

This one, inhabited, but still out of reach of the mainstream tourists. There is a small community on the island and I have heard great things... I'll have to leave it at that for now until I can vouch for it.

Post: #540

101 East : Stray Bullets
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101e...75891.html

It is on Al Jazeera English which is not available in the USA. Sorry dudes.




I have driven through parts of Tondo several times already. Maybe I should stop doing that.

Post: #541

(02-14-2014 07:12 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  101 East : Stray Bullets
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101e...75891.html

It is on Al Jazeera English which is not available in the USA. Sorry dudes.




I have driven through parts of Tondo several times already. Maybe I should stop doing that.

That sucks that we are censored in the US... what bullshit!!

Post: #542

(02-14-2014 10:03 AM)JayJuanGee Wrote:  That sucks that we are censored in the US... what bullshit!!

We can read the text, though, and it's pretty interesting.

Post: #543

(02-14-2014 01:14 PM)Vanthassel Wrote:  

(02-14-2014 10:03 AM)JayJuanGee Wrote:  That sucks that we are censored in the US... what bullshit!!

We can read the text, though, and it's pretty interesting.

Pray tell, Vanthassel!!!!!

How does a guy go about reading the text? What are the steps to get to the text the most quickly? I tried clicking on the YouTube link, and that clicking did NOT bring me to the text.

Am I doing something wrong? don't answer that last question too broadly, its kind of rhetorical....

Post: #544

@JayJuanGee

Click the aljazeera link I posted. Not the Video.

Post: #545

(02-14-2014 12:03 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  

(02-13-2014 11:50 PM)Teddykgb Wrote:  Do you guys think a smartphone is a must for 3 weeks in the Philippines?

Yes.

Do you guys have trouble receiving texts when you're messaging multiple girls at the same time? I need to unlock my smartphone so I've just been using a basic Samsung I picked up with a Globe prepaid sim. If I'm texting more than one or two girls simultaneously I start getting delays in messages or they outright disappear into the ether.

Not sure if it's the phone or the network in general but it's definitely a pain in the ass.

Post: #546

I've had various problems on SMART, especially in Cebu where its not the dominant carrier.

Post: #547

(02-04-2014 04:16 AM)gamma_male Wrote:  [*] I stayed in a new condo called Gramercy in Makati. It cost me around $60 per night. The building itself was almost perfect. Super luxury, great swimming pool, acceptable gym (open 24 hours!) and an awesome video projection room that you could book and they would show the movie of your choice. was fun. But I cannot say the same thing about the location. You don't have many options for eating around the building

I just wrote up a quick food guide for one of my guests at Gramercy.
Sharing it here because it could be useful for anyone staying in or visiting this area.

8 Great Places to Eat in the A.Venue / Burgos area of Makati

1. El Chupacabra
Cuisine: Mexican
Recommendation: The street tacos (my favorites are the Carnitas, Barbacoa, and San Franciso style sisig) and the burritos.
Budget: P200-300 per person
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/Da7cv

2. Seoul Sootbool Galbi
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Recommendation: L.A.-style galbi and samgypsal
Budget: P400-500 per person
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/q6YhF

3. Palsun Restaurant
Cuisine: Korean-Chinese
Recommendation: Jja jang myun (black bean noodles) - good for two.
Budget: the above dish is P250
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/2634H

4. Andok's
Cuisine: Filipino
Recommendation: BBQ liempo with rice, pork sinigang, leche flan
Budget: P150-200 per person
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/bTEOy

5. Chicboy
Cuisine: Filipino
Recommendation: Cebu lechon liempo rice meal, liempo/chicken combo meal
Budget: P150 per person
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/rgl5p

6. Beni's Falafel
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Recommendation: Falafel, if you like falafel.
Budget: P200 per person
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/C50Bx

7. Al Batra
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Recommendation: Their sandwiches (lamb, shish tawouk, etc.)
Budget: P100-120 per sandwich
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/QEWj2

8. Argos Cafe
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Recommendation: Shawarma sandwich.
Budget: small sandwich is P140, large is P180
Location / walking directions on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/i7LCG

I'll probably do another guide for outside of this area, including Rockwell, The Fort, Greenbelt, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Binondo, etc.

Post: #548

Even though many of the people here, especially the younger generation, have at least a basic grasp of English, the language barrier can still be a bitch at times.

Me in the supermarket in the ketchup aisle:

"Excuse me, where can I find mustard? MUSTARD???", as I mimic squirting the condiment on a hot dog.

*employee is scratching his head in confusion and saying some shit I don't understand*

The girl I'm with: "Mustard?"

Employee: "Oh, aisle 23"

The only difference was I was pronouncing it muss-turd and she pronounced it muss-tard

Post: #549

Another thing I noticed about Manila is that there are certain streets-- e.g. Pedro Gil, Mabini, Remedios-- where as a Westerner you will be constantly accosted by people trying to sell you stuff. If you show the slightest interest in their products or services they will be extremely persistent and will follow you for blocks.

They will be offering either electronics items, or scruffy old "antique" US dollar coins, or tour guide services, or will try to get you to go to some bar where you can rent out a girl for the night. For the latter service (I am told) the going rate is P2000 per night, with the girl and the bar splitting the amount 50-50. The guy or girl taking you to the bar will charge you some higher amount and will keep the difference as a referral fee. They will caution you about the disadvantages of getting a girl "off the street" and will say that the bar girls are higher quality, or something.

In general it seems that people will try to get from you what they can, but won't hold it against you if you decline politely or counteroffer. I had one guy help me w/some translations, and I gave him a few hundred pesos. He wanted me to buy him a cell phone also, but I said no and he still gave me his address to keep in touch. Someone above posted that he deleted a girl's phone # when she asked for an iPad, and this is an overreaction IMO.

Post: #550

(02-15-2014 08:55 AM)Enigma Wrote:  Even though many of the people here, especially the younger generation, have at least a basic grasp of English, the language barrier can still be a bitch at times.

Me in the supermarket in the ketchup aisle:

"Excuse me, where can I find mustard? MUSTARD???", as I mimic squirting the condiment on a hot dog.

*employee is scratching his head in confusion and saying some shit I don't understand*

The girl I'm with: "Mustard?"

Employee: "Oh, aisle 23"

The only difference was I was pronouncing it muss-turd and she pronounced it muss-tard

The language situation is interesting as they are always sprinkling in English phrases and sentences even when speaking Tagalog. I am told that the higher classes and younger generations skew more towards English, and the nephew of the president doesn't even speak Tagalog at all.

Nevertheless, I am busting my butt to learn Tagalog as I figure it will be a DHV to be able to speak some next time I go. After a month I think I've finally come up w/ a pretty good system for learning it. Feel free to PM me if anyone wants more info.