A Few Things

[thekfc]

I am creating a new topic so that I will not hijack some other threads. What posted in here will relate to other threads.

Putting a few personal things out there you will get criticize, chastised, berate, chewed out, scolded & jumped all over. That I have noticed. Well it is human nature for people to do that. Some people do not know how to express themselves, some people also take things the wrong way and sometimes something may mean one thing to a person but something completely different to another.

There are things that I will put out there & things that I will not. The same should go for everyone.

I have asked questions before that seems "out of place" - I asked these question because I wanted to "know". A few of them may not pertain to me but I still wanted to find out the answer/solution in-case it comes up or just too know. Knowledge is everything as well as how you use it. And I will be asking more questions & asking more advice in the future.
 
When I first started my search, I went in "blind" - I made mistakes & I have learn from them and are still learning. You guy have given me advice & insight - things that I would may not have gotten on my own or taken a while to get & that I am thankful for.

The advice, knowledge, wisdom, experience & support of this board/forum are monumental.

Now I will throw a few things out there.

My current girl is one of the few ladies that I have chatted with that is not in the medical field; she is a teacher - but currently not teaching. She have even convinced one of her older sisters to go to college - now that sister will be graduating next year along with a niece & nephew. I have chatted with 3 of her 4 sisters, most of her nieces & nephews as well as a few friends.  I am getting to know her better & how she relates to her family & friends. And when I say chat - I mean talk - do not get the wrong idea guys/gals. 

I will not be taking away the bread winner/earner of the family, but an important member of the family & I will have to compensate for that (I am not talking money here). She is the "cook" of the family, she is the one who taught some of her nieces & nephew how to cook. All her family member can & does cook but she does it the most & they look to her to do it. She is willing to relocate but she is in no rush to go anywhere.  From the time That I have chatted with her until now - she have had only ONE request (that is to bring when I visit): Colgate. She have never asked or hinted for any money or asked for anything else.

Will she be the right one for me? I hope so. We will know more about each other when we meet face to face.

The thought about "setting up" a girl have crossed my mind before. That previous lady gave me a reason & also at that time I didn't know any better.
This current lady that I am chatting with have not given me the reason to even think about doing something like that. I am more comfortable talking to this one than most of the ladies that I have chatted with. We have been chatting since the late spring/early summer. At first out chats was "rocky" but now it is..........

There are times that I may not be comfortable with the things that she say. That is to be expected. There is a cultural difference or at times I just didn't understand what she was saying. I think the same is true on her end.

I have stopped looking for other ladies, but I have not completely cut-off all ladies.
I am NOT seriously chatting with any other ladies. I have told the other ladies that there is someone that I am chatting with & serious about. I can still chat with you but only as a friend or pen pal. I can give you advice, exchange idea, culture, recipes, movies, music etc,.  Could I be making a mistake telling them that: Maybe.

I may ask a few questions that may seem that I want to do something now but they are for later. Like asking Dave about the 36" pizza, I do want to know where he get it from. I do now want to go to the Philippines & then try to find somewhere to eat or a place to go - I want to know before hand. There are things that I am writing down - I am keeping a "journal" of places and restaurants. A few of these places will not help me because I will be in the Manila area when I visit....but I still take notice.

As for the aspect of gifts & "stuff" - I am collecting all I can. Whatever lady I end up with - her family will be my family and I will be giving the gifts to them. I have collected  things from Ipod Nanos to VS Lotions and Barbie dolls. I get these items at a cheap price - sometimes less than half their retails price (and sometimes free). To some people some of these gifts may seem extreme but I don't view it that way.

For the past couple of year, I worked retail: mid to high end clothing & I have gotten to see, learn & experience high quality. I have become a quality first person. Some of my friends & colleagues call me a sophisticated shopper. But I view myself as an educated & wise shopper. I am someone who can & like to get quality & brand names for a cheap price. If I walk into a store & see 2 products - I will pay the extra $1 for the better quality product because it will last longer, better warranty & the likes (but that may not always be the case). It is better to pay a little extra upfront than buying a product & having to exchange/re-buy it in a month or so. That is how I view things.

I do not have a house or car like most people - I live in a big city (NYC) and in an apartment. Pre 9/11, I had the chance to move to Augusta, GA - but I never did because at that time I didn't feel comfortable about moving. I would like to have a house now but I cannot afford it. I think that I can provide for me & my lady and give her a good comfortable place to live & a good life.

I can walk away from a situation without any "backlash". I have done it many times.

I am going to the Philippines in late January (hopefully). I only have a plan A - it is this current lady that I am chatting with. A lot of people say to have a plan B or back-up plan. My plan B/back-up plan is to enjoy the place & to learn all I can.

Are you tired of reading yet? 

[Ray]

Putting a few personal things out there you will get criticize, chastised, berate, chewed out, scolded & jumped all over.

Unless someone advocates doing something illegal, immoral, or downright stupid, I don't think that is a fair assessment of the typical interaction here. Has that happened to you?

I think almost everyone here is treated fairly and with respect. Now if someone comes off as an arrogant ass from the start, he or she may get a cool welcome, but that certainly is not typical.

It sounds as if you are well prepared for your trip and I’m sure you will do just fine.

Ray

[thekfc]

Unless someone advocates doing something illegal, immoral, or downright stupid, I don't think that is a fair assessment of the typical interaction here. Has that happened to you?

I think almost everyone here is treated fairly and with respect. Now if someone comes off as an arrogant ass from the start, he or she may get a cool welcome, but that certainly is not typical.

It sounds as if you are well prepared for your trip and I’m sure you will do just fine.

No Ray it have not happen to me nor have I seen it here, but I have seen it happen other places.  This is one of the few "courteous" forums I have been to. And yes, no matter where you go - there will be an a-hole or two who pop up.

I am almost prepared for my trip - with the exception of a hotel. I am still undecided on where to stay: Makati or Pasay.

[robert angel]

Makati or Pasay? They're both about as nice as Manila gets, but if all else is the same (distance from your gal's place and room price) I would go with Makati. Just more to see and do and you're a bit more in the middle of the good stuff. The malls alone are amazing. The Glorietta, SM, Greenbelt and Mega Malls are all sights to see, and the Mall of Asia isn't that far off and is world class too.

Sounds like you're in good shape and man, if you grabbed that China Air airfare, you got a great deal. Even the Cathay fare was pretty good--those fares have me thinking--my wife's almost for sure going (the Somalian pirates just released the ship her lil bro was on and he's headed home too) and I might just join her when she goes.

 Anyways, a good airfare gives you a little more to spend later. Especially on my first trip, when I saw how far the dollar was going there, it was like I was spending monopoly money--unreal. It can add up into 'real' money though

You're going with serious, good intentions and they will look forward to hosting you. It's the right thing to do to come bearing gifts at this point. I bet you'll enjoy seeing them receive as much as anything--those things will mean a lot and you'll see how sharing is a big deal there.

A few things?--buy your camera memory cards here (I bet you have bunches already) and maybe throw a few small USB flash drives you can buy here in your bag to give to students in the family--those kinds of things (Chinese and Japanese goods) are much, much cheaper here. Good thing you're watching luggage weight--I always wear pants with big cargo size pockets when flying..

I am excited for you!!

[thekfc]

Makati or Pasay? They're both about as nice as Manila gets, but if all else is the same (distance from your gal's place and room price) I would go with Makati. Just more to see and do and you're a bit more in the middle of the good stuff. The malls alone are amazing. The Glorietta, SM, Greenbelt and Mega Malls are all sights to see, and the Mall of Asia isn't that far off and is world class too.

Sounds like you're in good shape and man, if you grabbed that China Air airfare, you got a great deal. Even the Cathay fare was pretty good--those fares have me thinking--my wife's almost for sure going (the Somalian pirates just released the ship her lil bro was on and he's headed home too) and I might just join her when she goes.

 Anyways, a good airfare gives you a little more to spend later. Especially on my first trip, when I saw how far the dollar was going there, it was like I was spending monopoly money--unreal. It can add up into 'real' money though

You're going with serious, good intentions and they will look forward to hosting you. It's the right thing to do to come bearing gifts at this point. I bet you'll enjoy seeing them receive as much as anything--those things will mean a lot and you'll see how sharing is a big deal there.

A few things?--buy your camera memory cards here (I bet you have bunches already) and maybe throw a few small USB flash drives you can buy here in your bag to give to students in the family--those kinds of things (Chinese and Japanese goods) are much, much cheaper here. Good thing you're watching luggage weight--I always wear pants with big cargo size pockets when flying..

I am excited for you!!

Thanks Robert, she is in Taguig City so the distance are about the same. I am leaning towards Makati myself - her sister & her nephews recommended Makati to me. Plus it looks like Makati have more hotel choices. She was trying to find me an apartment/ house to stay, she found a few cheap good places but none had A/C. So It looks like it will be a hotel for me. I am seeing hotel anywhere from $32 to $150 per night.

I did a pair fare price search yesterday & it look like some of the fares are going down- other airlines included.  And China Air for $726 RT is pretty good.

Yep I do have a couple of 8GB memory cards for my camera. I also have 2 flash drives - I may get a couple more.

[Ray]

kfc, I think you would be in heaven in the Divisoria shopping district in Manila. It’s wild and crowded but it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise. Your girl can assist with the haggling. Plan to spend at least a half-day and beware of pickpockets!

Be sure to visit the American Cemetery in Taguig, Metro Manila.

Try the barbecued chicken or sample some good Filipino foods at the Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate near the bay.

They generally don’t do a thorough inspection of your baggage on arrival, but just to be safe, if you are bringing any electronics items for gifts, it would be a good idea to remove them from the original packaging to help avoid customs duties. Used items for personal use should not be taxed. Overall, Philippine customs agents are very accommodating to tourists, but never try to BS them. 

For hotels: Unless you are personally familiar with a hotel, I wouldn’t book for more than a day or two in advance. If you like it, you can extend your stay or you have the option to look around for another hotel. Sometimes the best prices can be had by walk-ins.

Ray

[william3rd]

I am going to the Philippines in late January (hopefully). I only have a plan A - it is this current lady that I am chatting with. A lot of people say to have a plan B or back-up plan. My plan B/back-up plan is to enjoy the place & to learn all I can.



Very good thinking and very good approach. .  . .  . enjoy your trip.

[thekfc]

kfc, I think you would be in heaven in the Divisoria shopping district in Manila. It’s wild and crowded but it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise. Your girl can assist with the haggling. Plan to spend at least a half-day and beware of pickpockets!

I think that is where the nieces & nephew may come in - They want to take me to the different malls.

Be sure to visit the American Cemetery in Taguig, Metro Manila.

Added on my list

Try the barbecued chicken or sample some good Filipino foods at the Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate near the bay.

Would this place also be good for a "family" brunch/dinner?

They generally don’t do a thorough inspection of your baggage on arrival, but just to be safe, if you are bringing any electronics items for gifts, it would be a good idea to remove them from the original packaging to help avoid customs duties. Used items for personal use should not be taxed. Overall, Philippine customs agents are very accommodating to tourists, but never try to BS them.  

I do plan on taking the electronics out of their original packaging. One thing I will never try to do is BS a custom agent - no matter what country they are from. Wherever I go - I always respect, obey & follow the rules & regulations of that country.

For hotels: Unless you are personally familiar with a hotel, I wouldn’t book for more than a day or two in advance. If you like it, you can extend your stay or you have the option to look around for another hotel. Sometimes the best prices can be had by walk-ins.

I am not familiar with any hotels in the Philippines. I have heard & do recognize some of the hotel names - but that is all.  I do not need something expensive as most of my time will be spent "outdoors" - I may not even eat at the hotel. The only times I may spend at the hotel is to shower change & sleep. I am looking for something not too expensive, clean, have A/C &  good security.

[thekfc]

I girl sister recommended 2 Hotels to me:
Copacabana Apartment-Hotel in Pasay City & the Tropicana Suite in Malate.

They both look good and are just below $50 per night - I may choose one of these. 

There are cheaper hotel - as low as $33 per night.
Previously I was looking into the following:  Regalia Tower Hotel Suites, The Garden Plaza Hotel & Suites, Makati Crown Regency Hotel, Hostel 1632, Executive Plaza Hotel Manila and Executive Plaza Hotel Manila.

Anyone had any experience with any of the 2 recommended hotel (or the ones I was looking into)?