(08-18-2014 10:58 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  500 bucks for 4 days is kinda pricey

I paid a premium to get the full size sedan a Toyota Camry. It is a pretty nice car. I also had insurance.
14,887 php =~ $340 USD

I could have gotten a manual compact car like a Toyota Vios. With out insurance.
9,000php =~ $205 USD

Not super cheap prices but not outrages either.

(08-18-2014 10:58 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  How did you find driving in MNL? It made the list one of the worst cities in the world to drive in.

Driving in the Philippines is knowing what it is like to drive when no one is around to enforce the law. This has both major downsides and a few upsides.

Lanes? what lanes? I don't see no fucking lanes.
No one gives any attention to the markings on the road. If there is a gap between two cars you are expected to take it. If a road has two lanes expect there to actually be 3 lanes of cars.

You can also break the law and get away with it if you want. There are no police cars, highway patrol, motorcycle cops, etc... waiting to chase you down when you speed by. Only the occasional random road block that are usually focused on catching trucks or motorcycles.

In BGC there are lots of traffic marshals at intersections whose jobs mostly seem to be dealing with keeping out trucks and jeepneys that are not allowed. You would have to do something pretty drastic to get in trouble with them and BGC has the most traffic marshals compared with anywhere else in the country. Most places have no one enforcing any rules.

While I am overall a big fan of the Filipino people in most aspects of life, when it comes to driving they are generally a bunch of dick heads. They show no kindness to each other while driving. I think much of this comes from the Jeepney drivers. They are very aggressive drivers, stopping and going constantly clogging up traffic. There is little to no enforcement on jeepneys. That leads to a normal guy driving a car to start driving just as the jeepney drivers.

You have to remember that many people driving do not have a license as no one really enforces anything. You get trike drivers that drive the wrong way down the street and just expect you to avoid them. Tons of cars do not have there lights on at night. People walking in the street all the time.

I have driven cars and motorcyles in lots of asian countries and Manila is at the top of the list for most frustrating places to drive. But you can also do shit like get in a car race on the toll road with a Toyota Fortuner for 20km and never have to worry about the cops chasing you down.

Most people would hate driving anywhere in the Philippines. But I think it is certainly possible if you wanted to do it. Some of you guys might even enjoy driving in the chaos. I do.

(08-19-2014 12:55 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  In BGC there are lots of traffic marshals at intersections whose jobs mostly seem to be dealing with keeping out trucks and jeepneys that are not allowed.

That is a very interesting observation from several perspectives:

1. Are there other areas of Manila that prohibit trucks and jeepneys? For example, the Greenbelt area? That is an important indicator for someone who wishes to live in an area with both less air pollution and less noise pollution.

2. I have read, on this forum, that Filipinas do not like to visit the BGC because of the time-consuming traffic caused by the limited number of major roads into the BGC. The prohibition of jeepneys into the BGC would seem to be a REAL killer in terms of convincing girls to visit the area. Is this a serious detriment to the ability to pull girls from other areas of the City (versus Greenbelt, etc.)? Or are buses and other modes of transportation available?

Plenty of jeepneys around Greenbelt/Glorietta area. You are next to two busy roads Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue. It's one of the most polluted cities in the world. If you are looking for clean air, Manila is not the place for you.

BGC is a little escape from the real Manila. It's probably the cleanest and safest area in Manila. In general though, I think you under-estimate the congestion in peak hours all round Manila. Have a look at the taxi queues outside Greenbelt/Glorietta at 6pm. You're not going anywhere in a hurry. It's one thing I missed in Manila that's common in Jakarta: the o-jeks. They can save a lot of time in even the worst traffic.

That's why if you are within 5 minutes walking distance of a mall, you have a massive logistical advantage. For me, it's ok to live within 1-2km of Greenbelt, I put the headphones and get walking or take one jeepney, but you don't want to be breathing in thick black jeepney smoke so I wouldn't recommend this.

(08-18-2014 10:47 PM)RawGod Wrote:  And how was Baguio, DD?

I really enjoyed it. But two things made a big difference.
-I brought a girl with me
-I had a car

I did not see one really attractive girl while there. If you go there expecting to bang girls you will be very disappointed.

Baguio has temperatures around 75 in the day time and 60 at night. What a pleasant change from Manila.

I stayed in the Camp John Hay area, It has been decently preserved area with lots of great nature and trees. Waking up to birds chirping and a cool breeze is good for the soul.

(08-19-2014 11:09 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  1. Are there other areas of Manila that prohibit trucks and jeepneys? For example, the Greenbelt area? That is an important indicator for someone who wishes to live in an area with both less air pollution and less noise pollution.

BGC is the only area that restricts Jeepneys. Other areas have restrictions on the big trucks.

(08-19-2014 11:09 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  2. I have read, on this forum, that Filipinas do not like to visit the BGC because of the time-consuming traffic caused by the limited number of major roads into the BGC. The prohibition of jeepneys into the BGC would seem to be a REAL killer in terms of convincing girls to visit the area. Is this a serious detriment to the ability to pull girls from other areas of the City (versus Greenbelt, etc.)? Or are buses and other modes of transportation available?

It is not a major problem to get girls to BGC, just not as easy. Jeepneys go to Market Market.

More girls are going to know how to get to Greenbelt, and more jeepneys are going that way. It can be an advantage to live near greenbelt if your priority is meeting up with girls from online.

2 famed nightclubs to open at City of Dreams Manila

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/08/1...ams-manila

Quote:MANILA, Philippines - Two world-renowned nightclub brands will be entering the Philippine market soon.

City of Dreams Manila will be the location of ultra-luxe nightclubs Pangaea and Chaos.

Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation on Tuesday said it is collaborating with The Ault Group, a nightclub consulting firm led by Michael Van Cleef Ault, who is also known as the "international king of clubs."

"Introducing world-class clubs and a sophisticated international nightlife experience to City of Dreams Manila reinforces our overall entertainment destination strategy, as envisioned by Lawrence Ho, co-chairman and CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, and further enhances the regional and international leisure destination appeal of Manila," Clarence Chung, Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines, said.

Chung said the Pangaea and Chaos are expected to set the standards for nightlife in Manila, "with a clear focus on meeting the needs of the region’s large and ever growing market of leisure and entertainment destination seekers."

Pangaea is known for pioneering the “ultra-lounge” concept in the 1990’s. At City of Dreams Manila, Pangaea will have tables encircling a rotating grand piano DJ booth, as well as the Study Lounge and the VIP-only Peacock Room.

Chaos, on the other hand, is said to be the world’s first "bottle service" night club. The New York Times Magazine even branded it the "hottest club in New York" when it opened in 1996.

At Manila's Chaos Nightclub, acrobats and performers will entertain alongside world-class DJs in the dance club. The nightclub will have two levels over some 3,000 square meters and can accommodate more than 2,000 clubbers.

Both nightclubs will be located at the City of Dreams Manila’s iconic Fortune Egg. No opening date for the two nightclubs was given.

Pangaea and Chaos at City of Dreams Manila will be The Ault Group's first foray into the Philippines. The group has recently opened nightclubs in Singapore and India.

"The Philippines is a highly important market with extraordinary growth potential. It has a huge young and educated demography, many of whom have travelled the world and seek the very best in nightlife entertainment. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Melco Crown Philippines to deliver the ultimate in international nightlife offerings as part of what will be the extraordinary destination resort that is City of Dreams Manila," Ault said.

The City of Dreams Manila, scheduled to open this year, is part of the $1.3 billion integrated casino resort that Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd will open this year in Entertainment City, Manila's version of Las Vegas gaming strip.

It will have three hotels -- Crown Towers hotel, Nobu Hotel and a Hyatt hotel.

I don't have Danger's experience in BGC (or Manila for that matter) but I had no problem getting girls to meet there. So long as you're not pulling from way-the-fuck-away, just meet at Market Market, which has nice seafood (a bit pricey by PI standards, though not at all pricey by High Street standards) or head into the mall next to the fish market area and go to a restaurant/ice cream place/whatever inside. It's also a decent place to wait, as there is an unlimited amount of food traffic around there, and its not trashy like some of what you might find outside greenbelt.

Agreed. Also do not think the overall quality of women in greenbelt and BGC are the same, particularly for night game. BGC girls can easily go to greenbelt to party if they wanted to for some reason (where? Prohibition? Palladium? Pfft) but GB ladies in general cannot make entrance into BGC nightlife. There are plenty of gems to find in GB I'm sure, especially when combined with how well it is known. However, I would warn you against limiting yourself there, BGC is a beautiful place to pull if you are in the metro.

On a side note. Anyone been to Raven at the top of W yet? I have heard good things. Might try to check it out soon if no one here has yet.

Newbie question, What is BGC?

(08-21-2014 08:46 PM)Onto Wrote:  Newbie question, What is BGC?

BGC = Bonifacio Global City aka The Fort aka Fort Bonifacio aka Direct Danger's Poon Playground

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Bonifacio

Went to Raven last night, very similar to prive although decor cant compete, a bit younger, but yiu need a table otherwise you look like an asshole (at prive and esp 57 not needed as much although of course always better.

Are there any meet ups scheduled? Wld be fun to get a table together somewhere.

Chris, DD,
What's the talent like in these clubs? Do you need to be suited to stand up or that's not necessary?

And how much is table/bottle in these places?

(08-22-2014 08:26 AM)ChrisGambi Wrote:  Went to Raven last night, very similar to prive although decor cant compete, a bit younger, but yiu need a table otherwise you look like an asshole (at prive and esp 57 not needed as much although of course always better.

Are there any meet ups scheduled? Wld be fun to get a table together somewhere.

Hey, I will be in Makati September 9-14. I am down for getting a table anytime.

I stopped in Manila on the way from Japan, and one thing I noticed is the prevalence of chickstaches in the Phil women, what's up with that?

Otherwise the vibe reminded me a lot about Mexico. Friendly people, smiley. But those chickstaches were real boner killers . . .

(08-23-2014 10:34 AM)Fortitudinal Wrote:  I stopped in Manila on the way from Japan, and one thing I noticed is the prevalence of chickstaches in the Phil women, what's up with that?

Otherwise the vibe reminded me a lot about Mexico. Friendly people, smiley. But those chickstaches were real boner killers . . .

It's true it can be a bit of problem. but it may help you to keep things in perspective to remember that you will soon be holding in your hands big levitating tits that god only made 20 years ago. it's like sunshine on a cloudy day hahaa. in time you'll notice other minor flaws too...

Is there any place in Phils where smoking weed would not be so "risky" ? Maybe somewhere on the beach for a nice weekend goaway haha. I know Cambodia is perfect place for this but a bit too far.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, most of the time you need to show your airline an exit ticket before they will let you board the flight to the Philippines. I believe it needs to be no more than 30 days from your arrival date. Anyways, I was scrambling to find the best option for a throw away ticket or a photoshopped one. I ended up on Orbitz and they allow free 24 hour flight cancellation without any fee. So I bought the ticket, printed it up, and cancelled it. Full refund back to credit card. If the airline gives me shit I can do it again, buy it in the terminal and when I get to Manila cancel it.

One more thing, in case any of you guys missed it, JJJames posted in the "Living in Manila" thread about the best option for a morning after pill in the Philippines. Basically when Nordette is taken a certain way it serves as a morning after pill and it's just $4. Check it out here

(08-24-2014 06:43 AM)username Wrote:  As mentioned earlier in the thread, most of the time you need to show your airline an exit ticket before they will let you board the flight to the Philippines. I believe it needs to be no more than 30 days from your arrival date. Anyways, I was scrambling to find the best option for a throw away ticket or a photoshopped one. I ended up on Orbitz and they allow free 24 hour flight cancellation without any fee. So I bought the ticket, printed it up, and cancelled it. Full refund back to credit card. If the airline gives me shit I can do it again, buy it in the terminal and when I get to Manila cancel it.

One more thing, in case any of you guys missed it, JJJames posted in the "Living in Manila" thread about the best option for a morning after pill in the Philippines. Basically when Nordette is taken a certain way it serves as a morning after pill and it's just $4. Check it out here

Thanks for this post username.

Last week I went to buy an onward ticket for anytime in September since I'm flying out a week from now. All the tickets form the Phils seem to be about $125 and up? I am going to follow your approach but I would rather buy a real ticket and keep it if it were just like $30 or something.

(08-24-2014 07:20 AM)Onto Wrote:  

(08-24-2014 06:43 AM)username Wrote:  As mentioned earlier in the thread, most of the time you need to show your airline an exit ticket before they will let you board the flight to the Philippines. I believe it needs to be no more than 30 days from your arrival date. Anyways, I was scrambling to find the best option for a throw away ticket or a photoshopped one. I ended up on Orbitz and they allow free 24 hour flight cancellation without any fee. So I bought the ticket, printed it up, and cancelled it. Full refund back to credit card. If the airline gives me shit I can do it again, buy it in the terminal and when I get to Manila cancel it.

One more thing, in case any of you guys missed it, JJJames posted in the "Living in Manila" thread about the best option for a morning after pill in the Philippines. Basically when Nordette is taken a certain way it serves as a morning after pill and it's just $4. Check it out here

Thanks for this post username.

Last week I went to buy an onward ticket for anytime in September since I'm flying out a week from now. All the tickets form the Phils seem to be about $125 and up? I am going to follow your approach but I would rather buy a real ticket and keep it if it were just like $30 or something.

I just spent the last few weeks reading through the Phils threads in my spare time (a great deal of information here on the Phils!) -- and I noticed the same thing. A few years ago, people were raving about the cheap regional airline prices to hop back-and-forth to the Phils for about $30 to $50.

So, a few weeks ago, I did some quick research and encountered the same issue, i.e., prices well above $100. I think that I looked at two of the discount carriers that someone mentioned. The cheapest price on one was $140. The other carrier no longer provided service to the Phils!

If someone does have an update regarding the best current discount carriers for hops back-and-forth to the Phils that would be very helpful. The information available here is kind of stale regarding that issue.

I just did a search on CebuPacificAir.com for Manila to Macau for mid-September and it was 3,287.30 pesos (about $76USD) one way. Just make sure you deselect all the addons, no checked bag, no travel insurance, no meal, no seat assignment, etc.

Thanks Username! I didn't know that airline existed.
Thanks for tips on deselecting all the add-ons. At every turn they try to sneak something else in there. Even from the get-go the default is two passengers instead of one. Welcome to the Philippines I guess?

(08-23-2014 07:25 PM)ballybally Wrote:  Is there any place in Phils where smoking weed would not be so "risky" ? Maybe somewhere on the beach for a nice weekend goaway haha. I know Cambodia is perfect place for this but a bit too far.

As far as I know, the only place in the PI with a decent ganja scene is Baguio, I puffed a bit up there when I was touring the rice fields, its nowhere near a beach, its actually kind of cold up there. I also had a very horrible experience when I got caught smoking a J on Alona beach in Bohol, I was threatened with violence and extorted and basically ran away from a gang of local thugs and thankfully they didn't catch up to me. Basically its not worth it to puff in the Philippines unless its a very controlled situation, you're getting it from a trusted source and no one will rat on you and you don't smoke it around anyone who would take offence.

Have any of you been to the city of Santa Ana at the very northern tip of Luzon? I met a girl from there at work today and she said its a nice spot worth checking out, I haven't heard much about that far north.

(08-24-2014 06:43 AM)username Wrote:  As mentioned earlier in the thread, most of the time you need to show your airline an exit ticket before they will let you board the flight to the Philippines. I believe it needs to be no more than 30 days from your arrival date.

They gave me shit for it but it doesn't have to be within 30 days.

I made 5 entries into the PI this year with a legitimate ticket for a departure 7 months after my arrival date. The female immigration officers would always ask:

"Why are you staying so long?"
"What is your work?"
"Do you have a girlfriend here?"

(08-19-2014 12:55 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  Lanes? what lanes? I don't see no fucking lanes.
No one gives any attention to the markings on the road. If there is a gap between two cars you are expected to take it. If a road has two lanes expect there to actually be 3 lanes of cars.

I drove in Manila for near seven years. Two things you have to learn really quickly:

1 - Westerners' driving behavior is based on flow. Filipinos' is based on territory taking. DirectDanger's comment is right on: you are expected to take any gap. Once you get used to the concept that right of way in the constant traffic jams is based solely on whose front bumper is ahead by even an inch, driving is tolerable, just a pain in the ass.

2 - Aside from the absence of skills, be wary that many chauffeurs and commercial drivers need (and own) glasses but won't wear them, as that would impair their macho image. (The car-owning level of middle class and up wear contacts or have had corrective surgery.)

That's for your own driving. If a female is driving and you are the passenger, just sit back, pray if you must, but do not even try to understand her theory of dealing with the traffic. At the end of the journey, just say, "I had no idea you were so skilled."

(08-25-2014 12:03 AM)Openbar Wrote:  Aside from the absence of skills, be wary that many chauffeurs and commercial drivers need (and own) glasses but won't wear them, as that would impair their macho image.

Does wearing glasses have any negative effect on gaming the local female population -- or is that simply a self-imposed machismo issue with the men?

My eyes are just bad enough that I wear glasses for driving (although I could get by without them), but I really do not need them for much else. But it still useful information to know.