Post: #26

Just stay away from Jollibee.. got the worst food poisoning experience I've ever had from there.

Post: #27

(10-04-2015 07:29 AM)dreambig Wrote:  Yes BB you are being a contrarian.

I'd rate Filipino food as "OK" overall. There are some nice dishes for sure, but I don't think I'll ever love it.

However, I have to say that they do some of the better western food in Asia.

So the pictured and mentioned food above is not good food?

It's not Thailand or Vietnam, but I don't think it's fair to directly compare most countries in the world to those specific places.

Post: #28

^^ Like I said there are nice dishes for sure.

I enjoyed some of the meat dishes and stews in particular. It's not terrible if you know where to eat.

Overall though? Let's just say that I won't miss the food all that much.

In Dumaguete there is an area with a ton of street food stalls right by the ocean. I remember being excited for a moment, thinking there would be lots of cool stuff to try. Nope. Every single stall (I think there were 6 or 7) was serving the same balut and faux tempura. No variety at all. Can you picture that anywhere else in Asia?

Anyway, don't want to sound like a hater. I like the place, so I'll leave it at that.

Post: #29

^ Did you try the balut?

I did when I was in Boracay. Not telling what it tastes like... just try it

Post: #30

Since we're on the topic of food, what's the seafood toxicity levels out there in PI? Seafood in SEAsia in general is notorious for containing lots of mercury, etc. Excluding Manila (obviously) would you guys say the fresh catches throughout Philippines are safe to eat every day?
.

Post: #31

(10-04-2015 02:17 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  ^ Did you try the balut?

I did when I was in Boracay. Not telling what it tastes like... just try it

Haha...yes. No telling. You just have to try it.

I had mine when I was out with Skyleth and his crew at this seedy bar in the Bourgeois section of Manila. It's the place where for 1500 pesos you can pull a chain that drops a bucket of ping-pong balls on the stage and all the bikini-girls go scurrying after to pick them up. Funny to watch.

Anyways, they surprised me by having one of the girls bring out the balut in a plastic bag that had a separate bottom compartment with fluid. It was a pretty daunting thing to look at.

Before this I had never even heard of the balut, but I knew enough by how everyone was pressuring me to eat it that I was being hazed. Fortunately I pledged a fraternity in college that made us eat many, many things so I handled it pretty well. I'll never forget that.

Post: #32

I used to eat balut on a regular basis in Cambodia. I think if you're comparing it to being hazed at a fraternity you're putting yourself in the wrong mindset to enjoy it. hahaha I learned to enjoy it a lot, actually. I haven't eaten it here yet, but in Cambodia they serve it with a chili garlic salt/pepper sauce, which is real nice touch.

Post: #33

Another one: most girls are ultimately looking for a provider boyfriend for a lifestyle upgrade and even better the potential to leave the Philippines. Getting girls is easy in the Philippines, but if you'd like to keep one then keep in mind she has a long term plan to attain a lifestyle upgrade. If she doesn't get it then expect her to line up other potential candidates while she is still your "girlfriend".

So many of them have their foreign chump boyfriends sending them money while they fuck other guys. I guess the main reason why their foreign boyfriends are happy to send them money is because they aren't getting laid in their home countries.

Post: #34

(10-04-2015 02:28 PM)Cyclone Wrote:  Since we're on the topic of food, what's the seafood toxicity levels out there in PI? Seafood in SEAsia in general is notorious for containing lots of mercury, etc. Excluding Manila (obviously) would you guys say the fresh catches throughout Philippines are safe to eat every day?
.

If you are near a city or any industry, my guess would be "no way." There are tons of squatter shacks near the water, air pollution control is almost non-existent and locals are walking around with handkerchiefs pressed to their faces in a very ineffective attempt to keep the bad air away.

If the government does basically nothing to stop pollution that is obvious to everyone, how much LESS are they doing to relatively invisible water pollution by heavy metals and so forth?

Wealthy people who own industrial polluters probably couldn't care less what they dump in the ocean, that's for little people.

I think it is very unhealthy to live anywhere near an urban area in the Philippines for a long time.

Post: #35

(09-27-2015 04:29 AM)nick_ Wrote:  18 months in Bohol? Sounds like torture, what did you do all day?

Anyway, something that's happened quite a few times now is that I'm "scammed" via the girl i'm with. Example one: Toilet was clogged, 2 guys come over to fix it. Just sitting there watching TV but one of them see's me foreigner) and the free service is no longer free. To be fair it was clogged pretty bad, so maybe that was fair. Girlfriend strikes up long conversation in her language with the men, as she always does (or they always do...). Comes over to me and she says they want 1000 Peso (lmao) and she bargained them down to 500 (still laughable, 10 hours work here is like 300 Peso for the average labourer) because she is Filipina and shouldn't have to pay that much. When they're nearly done she comes over to me 3 times, almost tearing up the third time, saying i should pay them now before the're even finished, i just say ok each time. Let it slide this time, 500 isn't much.

Example two: Taking taxi to the airport, tell the driver to park so i can run in and grab my laundry, back in the cab in like 3 minutes. Get to the airport and she tells me they agreed to, with my money and no consent, it's +40 because he waited despite keeping the meter running (also being a long fare and able to get another long fare from airport pickup). It was a dollar, but shit like this pisses me off. Leave the cab for 2 minutes and he's such a pussy he can't even confront a man about it.

Are you talking USD or PHP?

If the amounts are in PHP, why bother fighting over it? (Unless it was really, really absurd amounts)

Assuming it is in PHP, it would cost me a lot more than 1000 PHP ($25USD) to have someone come to my apartment and fix a plumbing problem; and the 40 PHP taxi ride ($1USD) doesn't even cover the starting of the taxi meter in the USA.

It would seem to me that you are still getting a bargain in USD, and they are happy because they are getting much more than they would from a local in PHP.

The big advantage to you, is that you can afford to pay, what is a lot in local terms, but not that much in USD; and can expect that any time you need services or something done, the workers will gladly rush over 'to take advantage of you', but get the work done at once. My view is that you are paying a little extra to get a special level of service, like things done at once.

As an example, when I went to the Ukraine (Lughansk) for a week in 2001, I had a woman translating for me. I paid her $200 USD for her time, which at the time was about a months worth of pay, even though I was there only for a week, plus the translator was only with me, at most, several hours per day. Now, why would I do this when I probably could have gotten away with half or less? (She quoted her time as billed out as $5USD/hour. Most days I was only with her for 2 to 4 hours and some days not at all; so at most 20 hours for the week.) The reason I paid this is that it was not that much compared to how much translation services cost in the USA, plus if I had any problems in country, I wanted to make sure that someone would be there to help me, with a little money of their own if the situation called for it. If I went 'cheap', and something happened or went wrong while I was there, she might not have been as eager to help me or even unable to help me, depending on the problem.

Post: #36

(09-25-2015 03:55 AM)calwinston Wrote:  Disclaimer

The following views and experiences reflect those of a mid 30's Black American male living in Bohol, Philippines(18 months and counting)
They may or may not be the experiences or views of people that are of the same or different race, nationality, age, gender, visiting or living in the Philippines

I am leaving the Philippines soon for another adventure. Likely to my favorite place in the world for women, Eastern Europe. But will be back soon in the Philippines by the beginning of next year. This is a random thought list I just typed over 45 minutes. I will keep adding to the list as time goes and thoughts come to mind

Usually the haters are people that failed and need to deflect. Looks like that's the case with you. I started a smallish, global company in Cebu City and spent time in Bohol. I'd spend 1/3 of my years in the PH. Some best times of my life where there and I was banging women that would be models in the USA. My only complaint was it's a 3rd world country and women weren't too cerebral. Can't imagine what made you such a hater.

Post: #37

WanderLuster,

It is interesting you are going to give him a hard time about his experience. calwinston has been in many places around the world and he has been cool about sharing his experiences. And to be so judgemental?

Here is some judgement, you have been on the forum for over a year. You have 7 posts of which one was a negative one. But it seems like you have been in Cebu for a long time. How about a datasheet or something? How about giving something back to the forum?

(12-21-2014 12:11 AM)WanderLuster Wrote:  I ran a company in Cebu for 3 years, so I can also provide advice about Americans or Westerners getting dozens of flag points there.

Post: #38

(10-03-2015 12:53 AM)El Chinito loco Wrote:  

(10-02-2015 08:04 PM)RawGod Wrote:  

(09-29-2015 10:16 PM)El Chinito loco Wrote:  

(09-29-2015 09:30 PM)calwinston Wrote:  

The hardest thing in the Philippines is getting from lower class to middle class living. It's brutally hard because education isn't really cheap comparatively speaking for the living wage they make either.

Those girls working service positions in Robinsons or SM would NOT be able to make ends meet on their own. Their salary barely covers rent and food in Metro manila many cases. It's real subsistence level living unless they live with family and the reason why they can sometimes do well is that they have a whole family support structure there.

That's why some of these young girls are so quick to push for marriage (and want to get knocked up) they believe it brings some kind of stability. In many families the understanding is that if they have a family of their own then they are off the hook from having to kick in money to support siblings and other relatives who may be leeching happily off big sis/big bro who is barely making ends meet.

Of course if someone is a big dumb foreigner willing to kick money into the family till there is no end to the fleecing with that...

This is well put, especially the part about how it is to go from lower to middle class. Whereas in a First World country you don't even have to be that smart, just work like crazy 80 hours a week, buy a dump truck and start working 80 hours a week with the dump truck--
--In the Philippines it's , as you describe almost impossible to save up capital.

Some people do seem to make something from nothing, I talked to one guy that started a business with one 5 gallon bottle of water, then he sold cups of water on the street. He was driving a taxi and I swear told me now he was up to 5 bottles that he was reselling.

But it's a small minority that know how to maneuver like that.

Post: #39

(10-16-2015 01:40 AM)WanderLuster Wrote:  

(09-25-2015 03:55 AM)calwinston Wrote:  Disclaimer

The following views and experiences reflect those of a mid 30's Black American male living in Bohol, Philippines(18 months and counting)
They may or may not be the experiences or views of people that are of the same or different race, nationality, age, gender, visiting or living in the Philippines

I am leaving the Philippines soon for another adventure. Likely to my favorite place in the world for women, Eastern Europe. But will be back soon in the Philippines by the beginning of next year. This is a random thought list I just typed over 45 minutes. I will keep adding to the list as time goes and thoughts come to mind

Usually the haters are people that failed and need to deflect. Looks like that's the case with you. I started a smallish, global company in Cebu City and spent time in Bohol. I'd spend 1/3 of my years in the PH. Some best times of my life where there and I was banging women that would be models in the USA. My only complaint was it's a 3rd world country and women weren't too cerebral. Can't imagine what made you such a hater.

I am just giving my honest observations. Every place has the good and the bad. Seems like it doesn't sit well with you.
I like the Philippines and also do business here. Beautiful scenery and feminine women. But lets not pretend that it is easy to start a business here. You have to be on the ground, get to know people(high level), and the culture, before just jumping right in the fray. Once you get through the initial process you can be very successful. I wouldn't be coming back if I didn't like it and still be here at the moment. In all my favorite place for women is Eastern Europe. That is just my opinion. Everyone has a different view of what they want in a woman and a place.

Post: #40

(10-16-2015 05:19 AM)calwinston Wrote:  

(10-16-2015 01:40 AM)WanderLuster Wrote:  

(09-25-2015 03:55 AM)calwinston Wrote:  Disclaimer

The following views and experiences reflect those of a mid 30's Black American male living in Bohol,

Usually the haters are people that failed and need to deflect.

I am just giving my honest observations. Every place has the good and the bad. Seems like it doesn't sit well with you.

I think Calwinston's critiques of the disingenuousness and inefficiency of the Philippines is accurate, I still like them however. Because they lack malevolence, they are genuinely affectionate and cheerful although at the same time almost everyone I know has tried to mooch money off me.

At the same time, my American "friends" don't even have time to spend time with me because everyone is on a debt treadmill to try to stay /get into the middle class.

I've learned important lessons about humility here, they are not tpo proud to beg for money when a relative is sick, sometimes they are lying about that but not always. I never give out money now, one time I did on a whim when a girl who was not sleeping with had a painful breast lump I gave her about $10 to get a diagnosis on.

They are not the brightest, are passive aggressive but as far as being basically well meaning-- I feel they are.

I remember telling one girl I was impressed how well humored ladyboys are treated, and the girl responded "They have hearts too."

Geniune kindness, even when they don't have anything to give lol. What exactly is more important than that?

But starting to grow in the cities is the Princess Syndrome--

Post: #41

(10-16-2015 05:19 AM)calwinston Wrote:  

(10-16-2015 01:40 AM)WanderLuster Wrote:  

(09-25-2015 03:55 AM)calwinston Wrote:  Disclaimer

The following views and experiences reflect those of a mid 30's Black American male living in Bohol,

Usually the haters are people that failed and need to deflect.

I am just giving my honest observations. Every place has the good and the bad. Seems like it doesn't sit well with you.

I think Calwinston's critiques of the disingenuousness and inefficiency of the Philippines is accurate, I still like them however. Because they lack malevolence, they are genuinely affectionate and cheerful although at the same time almost everyone I know has tried to mooch money off me.

At the same time, my American "friends" don't even have time to spend time with me because everyone is on a debt treadmill to try to stay /get into the middle class.

I've learned important lessons about humility here, they are not to proud to beg for money when a relative is sick, sometimes they are lying about that but not always.

They are not the brightest, are passive aggressive but as far as being basically well meaning-- I feel they are.

I remember telling one girl I was impressed how well humored ladyboys are treated, and the girl responded "They have hearts too."

Geniune kindness, even when people are bizarre. They didn't need the proverbial SJW to teach them to be nice to ladyboys.

What exactly is more important than actual heartfelt kindness?

But starting to grow in the cities is the Princess Syndrome--

Post: #42

just know that most urban girls are playing the game as we are, or even more ruthless: like asking to stay at your place five minutes after posting eternal love declarations to their boyfriend on Facebook

Post: #43

Wanderluster,
Very interested to hear your thoughts on Bohol, Cebu but mostly on starting and running a biz in the Phils. Now that I'm in China, it's very easy for me to hop on a plane to the Phiks. Which I'll do as soon as I get some time off here.

IKE,
Very interested to hear more about this princess syndrome you're mentioning.

Post: #44

VP,

I have been involved with Filipinas for over 10 years. I have chatted with hundreds of females during that time. I have even traveled all over the Philippines. Back then, most Filipinas were kind, humble and open minded. I am noticing now that the younger generation of females are starting to mimic the attitudes of their counterparts in America.

Not only are they copying the attitudes of American women but they are using similar words. I once saw a Filipina post online that a foreigner who was trying to talk to her was "not in my league". This is something that a spoiled Americunt would say. I also see Filipinas online demanding gifts from guys even before they meet face to face.

I am not saying that all Filipinas are like this but I do see a noticeable difference in the attitudes from a decade earlier. There is a more snobbish attitude with many of the girls.

Post: #45

(10-25-2015 03:18 AM)BigTony Wrote:  VP,

I have been involved with Filipinas for over 10 years. I have chatted with hundreds of females during that time. I have even traveled all over the Philippines. Back then, most Filipinas were kind, humble and open minded. I am noticing now that the younger generation of females are starting to mimic the attitudes of their counterparts in America.

Not only are they copying the attitudes of American women but they are using similar words.

I saw a post on DIA by a girl who had an age range of 18-25 for her preferred guys.

To make sure no unqualified applicants applied, she added a smug

"P.S. No old guys."

It's still a minority and it's still in the cities however, I think.

If you're over 35 you have nothing to worry about, the poverty here is tenacious and will change slowly.

Post: #46

I think filipinas are a long way from becoming like American girls. Yes some do exhibit a little Westernisms.

But they actually reply back to my online messages. American girls just DON'T reply anymore.

Post: #47

I'm also seeing the same things BigTony mentions. It's inevitable with their access to the internet and infatuation with America. The only thing that keeps them in line is what IKE says. Poverty and needing a man to support them. However, the more they have their basic needs met, (Food, Shelter, Internet, iPhone) the more demanding and entitled they will be.

Now that just about every girl has Facebook and can attention-whore their inflated self-worth is getting larger. They post pictures and they have several orbiters, giving them heart faces and all the other cringe-inducing stuff. Just today I had a 30 year old, yes 30!! say she wasn't interested in me, but enjoyed my profile. She's 30 and looking for a guy under 43. Granted my profile says right from the start that I don't send money, so maybe that's why.

On the flip side I'm chatting with a cute 24 year old whose age range is 45-80. That's more like it! The 30 year old is in Makati and the 24 year old is someplace I've never heard of. That plays a big factor I think.

I've been chatting with a cute little spinner lately, but she doesn't know I know her Facebook and I can see she has a Filipino boyfriend who's in another city that thinks she's just waiting for him. Just yesterday they are sending heart messages to each other, while she's telling me I'm her Prince Charming.

You have to be very careful not to get hooked and believe anything they say.

Post: #48

What's the difficulty of chasing exclusively younger chicks here? Like within the 18-22 bracket. Does anyone know?

Post: #49

(10-25-2015 09:47 AM)Il Bersagliere Wrote:  What's the difficulty of chasing exclusively younger chicks here? Like within the 18-22 bracket. Does anyone know?

I think the difficulty is correlated with their own economic status. As a 44 year old man I was able to pickup girls in this age range via day-game. Were these poor girls? Absolutely.

I didn't have much success with the really attractive girls in this age-range who obviously come from a better off family.

Post: #50

Aside from superficial American culture you'd be surprised at what Filipinas absorb in their daily lives.

I noticed a lot of Filipinos (both male and female) are masters at taking things out of context.

They will take little bits of info and misinterpret it into a completely off the wall mental conclusion or something so uniquely Filipino it doesn't even retain any of its original point anymore.

Filipinos have decent english but comprehension/critical thinking is really wacky. They see things through a very filipino cultural reasoning type of lens. What seems obvious and common sense to us is not so obvious to them.

Some Filipinas have certainly overestimated their own value and think they are the shit based on limited information and the thirstiest responses.

I'll encounter these types from time to time but they are still pretty rare in my opinion. It's no big deal just avoid them. Don't get embroiled in their ego affirming games just next right away. I don't get that many outright cunty responses though but then again I don't fall into the demographic that a lot of the cuntier women try to run their program on.

The cunty ones are mostly looking for guys who are delusional enough to think they are picking up a high value woman at a discount or the most beta bucks type of guys anyways.

The best are still social circle bound girls that aren't online all that much and increasingly those that aren't too close to Makati as their work/life epicenter.

Keep in mind i've noticed a steady increase of young dudes from the west and IRT/arabs in Makati year after year. That's usually the sign that the good times are coming to an end in that area.