Post: #3601

I am curious what other Manila cities feature on your radar.

Makati/The Fort/Quezon are obvious bubbles, and I have spent a fair bit of time in each. Quezon is probably my favorite.
Mandaluyong and Pasay are interesting too.

I wouldnt mind scratching the surface a little deeper if you have any recommendations for things I may have missed.
Not particularly after specifics since I do agree that sharing too much is a bit of an issue on here, and I wouldnt want to see your favorite places swamped.

Also, has anyone been to Black Market? Worth checking out?

Post: #3602

I'm sitting in a little restaurant watching the election coverage and according to the numbers on the screen, Duterte has over 5,084,173 votes while here nearest rival Poe had 2,938,878 votes. I'm not sure what percentage of the votes have been counted but from what I've seen so far, Duterte is going to win by a landslide

EDIT: +1, Last night I went out with a Filipina who approached me and did all the work. We went to a bar, then sealed the deal on the beach.

Post: #3603

(05-08-2016 09:58 AM)pheonix500000 Wrote:  

(05-08-2016 09:41 AM)Sp5 Wrote:  WB Grace Poe

WNB Duterte

Welcome back dude

Thanks, got into town yesterday, I have some personal business for a 10 day visit.

I think the election is a legit subject for the effect it will have on the PI. A guy made a joke last year that he was pulling for Binay, because a win by him would ensure girls poor and desperate to escape through his plunder sucking money out of the economy.

I took a walk to a polling station today, talked to a policeman there, he said things were ok and average turnout at that location. There were a couple of Phillippine Marine Corps guys looking bored with unloaded automatic rifles.

Looks like Duterte is going to win from my small poll walking around today and the early returns. It could be a wild ride with him, I doubt he will clean up the real problems which are related to oligopolies run by the top families. It's why everything seems relatively expensive here compared to the rest of SE Asia and other places, too! I just hope he does not unleash the corrupt police to run wild.

Poe basically elected Duterte, the strongest pairing on the traditional reform/liberal side would have been Roxas and Poe, but she had to run for president herself despite little time in politics.

You'd think they'd change the system to have a run-off with the two top candidates, but then again they are still splitting tickets between president and VP, even after the debacle of Aquino and Binay ending up as presz and VP.

Post: #3604

http://ph.rappler.com/elections/2016/results

Its over. Not even close. Landslide. Marcos' son going to probably win VP nod.

Post: #3605

Thanks for sending the link!

Post: #3606

(05-09-2016 06:45 AM)Sp5 Wrote:  Poe basically elected Duterte, the strongest pairing on the traditional reform/liberal side would have been Roxas and Poe, but she had to run for president herself despite little time in politics.

The other issue with Poe i've heard a lot about is that she's a U.S. citizen on top of that and spent a lot of time outside the country. A lot of pinoys are (perhaps rightfully) suspicious of her because of that. She's more or less a fil-am with limited in country experience when it comes to the political situation at the ground level in the Philippines. I really doubt she has the true grit necessary to deal with the type of politics that goes on in a developing world country. The locals would definitely run roughshod over her.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Duterte as president. It's too early to tell if this will be good or bad yet as with all southeast asian politics. Maybe a couple years from now we'll get a better look at the effectiveness of his policies.

Post: #3607

By the way, Duterte (a version of Dutertre) is a very French family name (from the North of France)... Anyone aware of French roots, for (new) president Duterte?

Post: #3608

I don't know anything about Ferdinand Marcos Jr apart from the fact that he is the junior of the Ferdinand Marcos but why would Filipinos even consider voting to let the son of Marcos become their vice president? What's so special about him? I found it mind boggling enough that so many people legitimately support Binay.

Post: #3609

(05-09-2016 06:47 AM)Putin Closes Wrote:  http://ph.rappler.com/elections/2016/results

Its over. Not even close. Landslide. Marcos' son going to probably win VP nod.

Bong Bong now behind, but just barely.

Post: #3610

Im very curious to see what happens next.
Worst case scenario the PI have a new dictator in power.
Best case they have a strongman who will clean things up a bit.

It seems that the vote is a reaction to Filipino people wanting a protector from the crime and corruption that surrounds them.
They are probably giving up some freedom for it, but it may be worth it if they are lucky.

Some political stability will be great... the deciding factor might be if Duterte gives up his seat when his term is over.

Post: #3611

(05-11-2016 07:10 PM)barrel Wrote:  It seems that the vote is a reaction to Filipino people wanting a protector from the crime and corruption that surrounds them.
They are probably giving up some freedom for it, but it may be worth it if they are lucky.

Aquino hasn't been bad for the economy all things considered and they've managed to grow the middle class. The problem is for the vast majority of impoverished filipinos it doesn't even move the needle. It also doesn't help when there's no improvement to public infrastructure which impacts the daily lives of filipinos the most. If Duterte keeps the economic aspects growing but cleans up the bureaucracy and improves infrastructure visibly he will be a legend.

Post: #3612

(05-11-2016 07:10 PM)barrel Wrote:  Im very curious to see what happens next.
Worst case scenario the PI have a new dictator in power.
Best case they have a strongman who will clean things up a bit.

It seems that the vote is a reaction to Filipino people wanting a protector from the crime and corruption that surrounds them.
They are probably giving up some freedom for it, but it may be worth it if they are lucky.

Some political stability will be great... the deciding factor might be if Duterte gives up his seat when his term is over.

I don't see how he can be a dictator if he was voted in by a landslide which is beyond the scope of poll "tampering".
As for staying beyond the 6 year term, I recall him saying that at his age he was not even sure if he will last the 6 years.

Post: #3613

(05-11-2016 08:47 PM)El Chinito loco Wrote:  Aquino hasn't been bad for the economy all things considered and they've managed to grow the middle class. The problem is for the vast majority of impoverished filipinos it doesn't even move the needle. It also doesn't help when there's no improvement to public infrastructure which impacts the daily lives of filipinos the most. If Duterte keeps the economic aspects growing but cleans up the bureaucracy and improves infrastructure visibly he will be a legend.

Completely agreed. I think what the average Filipino sees very clearly is the tax/aid money which is intended for public infrastructure getting drained into bank accounts of the public servants/politicians meant to serve them (schools, roads, drainage etc). Same goes for the police that are meant to be protecting them.
These are certainly things that will help lift the population up over time.

(05-11-2016 11:30 PM)Antipodean Wrote:  I don't see how he can be a dictator if he was voted in by a landslide which is beyond the scope of poll "tampering".
As for staying beyond the 6 year term, I recall him saying that at his age he was not even sure if he will last the 6 years.

Well, this is why it will be interesting to see if he does in fact give up his seat.
The deciding factor will be the end of his term, not how it began.
What politicians say and do are two very different things.
Durtere considers Marcos to be the best president the PI has had. An interesting perspective for sure and shit gets real fast in this part of the world.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/763290/dute...f-them-all
I dont think it will actually turn out this way, but at the same time I think it is a very real possibility.

Just to be clear, I didnt say it was a coup. Many dictators have been voted in.
Dictators are the type of leader who do what they want no matter the opposition from the systems in place to keep things under control. This includes not giving up their seat when their term ends.

Having said that:
He has promised to take a jet ski out to many of those contested islands and personally face off against the Chinese.

He would have my vote.

Post: #3614

What do you guys think of the Penthouse 8747 bar for dates in Makati? Anybody been?

There's not much info here on date venues. Would be good to add some.

Post: #3615

Just saw a post in the "Philippines is the worst country i've ever visited..." thread about trades training in PH. Thought this would be a more relevant thread to post about it.

I got my PH 6G pipe welding tickets for SMAW and GTAW/SMAW combination last year in Cebu, SMAW course is P35K for 35 days of training and GTAW/SMAW combination was P24K for 15 trainings days if I remember correctly. All courses are with unlimited steel, welding rods, grinding disks etc.

You can also get a extra package at the SMAW course which gives you automatic welding helmet, 2 pairs of overalls, full face mask for grinding and a few pairs of gloves. Also there will then be an employee preparing all your steel for you so you don't waste time on preparing too much and have more time for actual welding. Price P7K.

If you want an employee to prepare your steel during GTAW/SMAW it will be an extra P100 a day.

Only did 2 or 3 days of welding a week, you just tick off the days that you've consumed.

Pro's vs western world
Cheap
You're in the PH
Walk in and weld anyday/anytime

Con's vs western world
PH certificates are not recognized in most western countries and will not land you a job, you will have to do some form of crossover in your own country.
No theory, just 100% pratical.
Language barrier
Everything goes slow, appointments aren't met. (For example ask an instructor to do 1on1 with u at 1pm, instructor nowhere to be found at 1pm)

Post: #3616

I'm still trying to catch up on this thread, however there was a question about resources for learning Tagalog somewhere around page 100 or so.

I wanted to share this resource with the forum:

https://fsi-languages.yojik.eu/languages/tagalog.html

It's the US FSI course with links on the left for other languages. It's in the public domain. It looks like this course is 30 years old, but it probably still has some value.

Post: #3617

I'm currently lying on the beach smoking a Montecristo no.2, reading a book on the history of the French Revolution and am in the company of two German girls ( 6's or 7'sdepending on taste) , life is good.

I should be in South Korea by Tuesday, that's the plan anyway.

Post: #3618

Hey guys. I have a booked trip to Cebu next month. I was there a few months ago and it was okay but I didn't screen well and I want to go back to see if I have a better time. I'm considering cancelling going there and going to Manila instead. My main purpose is to hook up with a lot of girls and also to go to the beach. I'm thinking I can find a girl in Manila to go to Boracay with. Any advice on what I should do and if I do go to Manila where do you recommend I stay for best logistics? I'm thinking of checking out some places on airbnd.

Post: #3619

(05-12-2016 01:21 PM)deneuk Wrote:  Just saw a post in the "Philippines is the worst country i've ever visited..." thread about trades training in PH. Thought this would be a more relevant thread to post about it.

I got my PH 6G pipe welding tickets for SMAW and GTAW/SMAW combination last year in Cebu, SMAW course is P35K for 35 days of training and GTAW/SMAW combination was P24K for 15 trainings days if I remember correctly. All courses are with unlimited steel, welding rods, grinding disks etc.

You can also get a extra package at the SMAW course which gives you automatic welding helmet, 2 pairs of overalls, full face mask for grinding and a few pairs of gloves. Also there will then be an employee preparing all your steel for you so you don't waste time on preparing too much and have more time for actual welding. Price P7K.

If you want an employee to prepare your steel during GTAW/SMAW it will be an extra P100 a day.

Only did 2 or 3 days of welding a week, you just tick off the days that you've consumed.

Pro's vs western world
Cheap
You're in the PH
Walk in and weld anyday/anytime

Con's vs western world
PH certificates are not recognized in most western countries and will not land you a job, you will have to do some form of crossover in your own country.
No theory, just 100% pratical.
Language barrier
Everything goes slow, appointments aren't met. (For example ask an instructor to do 1on1 with u at 1pm, instructor nowhere to be found at 1pm)

This is one of the most helpful posts I've ever read on RVF, +1.

Post: #3620

What is the typical spread on the exchange rate in the Philippines? The local currency exchange around here (I live near the border) quoted me 42 pesos to the USD when the exchange rate is 46.6. I know I'm going to lose some because I'm not moving a block of 100k, but a nearly 10% loss seems excessive. I'm used to paying maybe 3% for other currencies.

Will I do better going to SM Department store while I'm there?

Post: #3621

(05-14-2016 03:01 PM)tarquin Wrote:  What is the typical spread on the exchange rate in the Philippines? The local currency exchange around here (I live near the border) quoted me 42 pesos to the USD when the exchange rate is 46.6. I know I'm going to lose some because I'm not moving a block of 100k, but a nearly 10% loss seems excessive. I'm used to paying maybe 3% for other currencies.

Will I do better going to SM Department store while I'm there?

If I'm understanding right, you aren't in the Phil yet?

I think you'll do better if you have a bank account with branches in the Phil like Citibank and then take the money out at the ATM in the Phil.

Or possibly have a Schwab checking account and do the same. Schwab re-imburses you for your ATM fees. You'll lose some on the exchange but I'm sure it won't be 10%. I remember the exchange not being as good as a credit card's, but not that terrible and the credit card's were very close to the published exchange rate

I do remember US branches raping me when I wanted to do an exchange back to dollars

Post: #3622

That's correct. I'm not touching down until the 8th of June. I know the other option is a Charles Schwab account or get a Debit Card through my own bank(I've declined to have one for years), but I don't know if I can get one in time. Poor planning on my part.

Post: #3623

I think you have time, but you can always ask if they can expedite it to you. It might just cost a small fee.

Post: #3624

I have used Sandry money changers in Greenbelt 1 to buy USD. I think that their buy-sell spread was less than 1 peso.

Post: #3625

Tarquin, that is more then enough time to open a schwab account and get a card, should take 1 week tops.

Stumbled upon this video of a "beautiful" Duterte supporter going viral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1omoJMiqRA

Filipino guys can just be as thirsty as any other locals in their respective countries. Only difference is the standards of beauty are completely farked here. Chubby 5 at best with lots of makeup (look at those hands), but as you can see in the Philippines they prioritize white skin above anything else. Pretty much explains WGF here in the PH. Been noticing a trend in BGC where you see some pretty good looking white girls roaming around with security in tow. Wouldn't be surprised if they are being imported in.