Booked my flight to Manila Philippines for June 19th-29th.

[LaFunTime]

Hey everyone, just booked myself a trip to Manila. I am going to get my feet wet in the traveling internationally, to see the culture and make sure I would want a wife from here, and to go on a few dates I have lined up. Been talking to these woman on skype and viber. I don't know if any of these hold any promise but still want to get a first trip out of the way. I guess for the most part I am just doing it for the experience since everyone for the most part agrees to just create you're own trip.

So, anyone have suggestions about hotels? Anything I should really try to see? Good restaurants?
Also, should I exchange here or wait until I get to Manila, and how much for 9 days would you bring?


Thanks,
John

[piglett]

don't exchange any money here


once you get to the airport in Manila before you go out the large glass doors


exchange $100 so you have taxi money. (ask for some small bills like p20 & p100's )


the next day go to the nearest SM mall , this is where you will get the best exchange rate.




my 1st time leaving the Manila airport i got screwed by the taxi driver


he wanted $40 & i hadn't slept in 2 days


i gave the bandit his money so we could leave & i could get some much needed sleep


the next time i had my wife find a taxi & meet me at the airport



make sure you ride a jeepney at least 1 time while there


it's only p9 per person , you have to check it out



put your wallet in your front pocket (clear all of the unneeded crap out of it so it's as thin as possible)


I also like to carry a money belt with a couple $100 bills


cash goes fast in Manila because it's like play money to your on your 1st trip


i always take $1000 with me & that doesn't count hotels


your on vacation so you will be wanting to kick up your heals & have a good time


in the states i am very tight with my cash


but once i am in the Philippines it's another story


don't book a hotel room for more that 2 nights


many times you can get a room cheaper in person than online




I guess you could almost set it up like a job interview


but instead it's a girlfriend interview LOL


we here understand that your looking for the "right"  lady


but trust me they will not !!!


don't tip your hand


& make sure any contact info for other girls there isn't phone


they may use the old "oh nice phone, can i see it" trick


this is common, so make sure there are no pics of old girlfriends or cr@p like that on it




just remember all the ladies there are looking for a good man even the bad ones




piglett

[thekfc]

In addition to what P. said:
 
As stated only book a hotel for a 2 day - if is not to your liking then you can always bounce to an other one. Plus the rates will be cheaper within the PI than from outside.
 
How much to bring is up to you.
 
If you have credit cards then tell your issuing bank of your travel plans - you don't want to be there  and can't use it - The bank may freeze it if they see transactions being made in a foreign country.
 

[thekfc]

Try not telling the ladies of your travel plans, contact them when your are there - you don't wan't 2 or 3 showing up at the same time at your hotel. 
 
Make/bring a small emergency kit with stuff like Pepto chewable tablets, Imodium ID, Iodine/water treatment tablets, your fav OTC medication, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent w/Deets.  Some you may never use but it's best to be prepared just-in-case.
 
What are your routing?
Very likely you using the old terminal 1 and not the new terminal 3 as T3 is not ready yet - currently the only international flight at T3 is via ANA.  Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Emirates and Delta are not schedule to move in until late August early September at the earliest.
 
First time I was there I tried as many dishes as possible except balut and day old chick - you guys can have my share I wll gladly donate it to everyone. 
I remembered the dishes that I didn't like (so I would repeat eating them) as well as those I like. There is an old there somewhere in the archives on dishes.
 
On places to see, there are places like The American Cemetery and Memorial, Heritage Park, Manila Zoo, Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park, San Miguel By The Bay/Mall Of Asia, Entertainment City, Solaire Resort & Casino as well as a few others.
But with only 9 days, that isn't enough time to see much. There are also a few old thread on places to visit in Manila.

[LaFunTime]

Ok, thanks for the good advice. I'm debating these hotels: Edda Shangri-la Manila, Diamond Hotel, Makati Shangri-la Hotel.


I will only book for two nights and then go from there!

[Ray]

Hi John,
 
To resolve the airport taxi rip-offs, I would book a hotel for the first day or two that provides a free airport shuttle service. If they know your flight info, they can have a driver meet you on arrival. Your hotel can either change some money for you or direct you to a nearby safe location with a good exchange rate.
 
For a good 24-hour restaurant with Filipino and American food, I recommend The Aristocrat in Malate, by the bay on Rojas Blvd. Try their BBQ chicken. 
 
I generally recommned $100 a day plus a credit card for hotel bills. Bring only new, crisp one hundred dollar bills! Check your credit card policies to see if you have any that don't charge a foreign transaction fee.
 
For your first trip, I would have a lady accompany you while you are out and about in Manila for safety reasons. Don't be surprised if she shows up with a chaperone.
 
Curtural trivia question: Which famnous Filipino celebrity was born on June 19? Ask your girl next time you're on skype and see if she knows.
 
 
Ray
 
 
 

[thekfc]

Ok, thanks for the good advice. I'm debating these hotels: Edda Shangri-la Manila, Diamond Hotel, Makati Shangri-la Hotel.


I will only book for two nights and then go from there!

These are all good hotels....though they are on the pricy/luxury side. I haven't been at neither so I cannot comment on them. The one hotel in that grouping that I did stay at was at the  Sofitel - they had a very good buffet (Spiral Buffet) and Fairmont Makati. Both were short stay.
I did 4 trips (or was it 5  ) that I never wrote a trip report about.

Now I am thinking of doing a short stay at either the the Mandarin Oriental or InterContinental on one of my upcoming trips. 

One place that I  (we) ate that was very good but pricy is at the Peking Garden at Greenbelt.

[robert angel]

The Aristocrat is nice, so is Max's in the Greenbelt Park (1) in Makati. There's a good Thai place in the upper level of the Glorietta Mall too. A hundred bucks a day for run around money--maybe $125, sounds about right. Manila's like any big city though--if you look around, there are fancy places that charge $100 for a dinner--you can burn thru money there in any number of ways.

Be careful--like many big cities, crime is a problem there too--use common sense.

Sounds like your hotels will have toilet paper, but I'd pocket at least a pack of Kleenex if you're out and about. That's no place to have the exploding bowel blues and no TP.

[piglett]

These are all good hotels....though they are on the pricy/luxury side.

K. by staying at a fancy hotel do you think he will be sending the wrong message

"rich kano"

it's not very keeping in the


"i'm just a common man"


 story he is trying to broadcast




pig 

[thekfc]

K. by staying at a fancy hotel do you think he will be sending the wrong message

"rich kano"

it's not very keeping in the


"i'm just a common man"


 story he is trying to broadcast




pig

Not really.
 
On the flip side it could send the message that he like quality & the better things in life.
Yes, these hotels are expensive by Philippines standards - 11, 000+ PHP per night. But as a first timer, I think a traveler should spend some time in a good quality hotel – these are all 5-star hotels.
 
This is also playing it safe.  You don't want your experience ruined by being in a "bad" hotel. You want the place where you stay to be part of the (overall) experience. Plus, with such a short amount of visit time, you don't want to spend it searching for hotels.
 
I have been in some great hotels and some bad one – so bad that they can  ruin the travel experience.  Now, wherever I go I always try to stay at a good  hotel.

[thekfc]

................................Curtural trivia question: Which famnous Filipino celebrity was born on June 19? Ask your girl next time you're on skype and see if she knows.
 
 
Ray

That's an easy one - JR. 

[LaFunTime]

Those are just the hotels I got recommended from a acquaintance who's mom is from the region. He said if I was bad sleeper which I am (pillows have to be big and soft and the mattress has to be perfect) to look into those hotels. I just want to be comfortable and staying at a nice hotel will help me with that. I guess I would be lieing to say I'm nervous as heck about this first trip but am really excited. One of the dates I lined up, said she would meet me at the airport.

I am really worried about my stomach and allergies acting up. I have a pretty weak stomach so that is also why I want a nicer hotel. If I get sick and am stuck in a hotel for a day, I want it to be nice. 

[Ray]

I am really worried about my stomach and allergies acting up. I have a pretty weak stomach so that is also why I want a nicer hotel. If I get sick and am stuck in a hotel for a day, I want it to be nice.

Two Pepto Bismol chewable tabs just before EVERY meal just may save your guts.
 
Bring alergy meds and Immodium for added insurance. A small bottle of Tabasco Sauce in my pocket saved my life many times, especially when visiting Filipino homes and strange foods are offered. Always try to eat at least a little so as not to offend.
 
My requirements for a hotel are pretty basic. Clean, no bugs, air conditioning, hot water, a working toilet, amd maybe Wi-Fi. The rest is just fluff... 
 
 
 
Ray
 

[Maverick]

Hey everyone, just booked myself a trip to Manila. I am going to get my feet wet in the traveling internationally, to see the culture and make sure I would want a wife from here, and to go on a few dates I have lined up. Been talking to these woman on skype and viber. I don't know if any of these hold any promise but still want to get a first trip out of the way. I guess for the most part I am just doing it for the experience since everyone for the most part agrees to just create you're own trip.

So, anyone have suggestions about hotels? Anything I should really try to see? Good restaurants?
Also, should I exchange here or wait until I get to Manila, and how much for 9 days would you bring?


Thanks,
John

Ah man! Too bad you weren't going to be there a couple of weeks later. I booked a trip just after you leave:


http://www.planet-love.com/index.php?topic=7832.0


Either way, keep us posted on how things turn out! I'm sure you're just as excited as I am!!

[LaFunTime]

Wow as this trip the nerves and excitement really kick in. I have also started to see changes in the two girls I lined up dates with. They seem to really be wanting to rush things, which is something I've told them I'm not going to do. Basically both have said they loved me already, with one really hinting at engagment.  Her sister added me on Facebook and told me she really loves me and want to be my wife . Then she started talking about a dorey to the parents and etc... Both woman are cool but starting to see more and more red flags with them. The bad part is I already went past my better judgement and continued to talk to them even though one is pregnant and the other has a 4 year old daughter.

I guess the nice thing is I met someone online that worked in North Dakota on a workers visa who has been teaching me on the culture and what to look for when it comes to the more sincere Filipino woman. She is really cool and even said she would show me around Saturday when she files for another workers visa. She even said she would introduce me to some friends that are looking. Any any case might just go to a coffee shop or the mall and see if I can't find one by myself. Keep you all updated on the trip though!

[piglett]

keep your eyes open for the red flags & you will be good to go


scammers can teach you a lot, so use them to learn what type of woman you DON'T want






good luck
piglett

[robert angel]

Sounds like those two are putting the full court press on you. Once they get you in person, there's a very good chance they'll be on you like white on rice--your arm, phone, hotel etc. Their already bringing in the family and putting forward plans for you on their own initiative are part of it. These chicks have designs on you big time. I hope they don't lose too much face in the very real scenario where it doesn't work out as they're planning/hoping.

At the same time, it sounds logical from what you say at this point, that you should be non committal with these two. I'd try and make it clear that this is a 'get to meet' them meeting--that it's way too soon to talk engagement, as "it wouldn't be fair to you--you don't even really know me" or something along those lines.

One is pregnant? That's a whole factory of red flags, along the other having a 4 year old--that makes everything more complex once again. Worst case scenario you go with either and it doesn't work out after they get here, the chances are you'll end up paying her and child support for 15 years or more.

Yea--sounds like you need to clarify things a bit if you want some freedom. Otherwise they will be trailing you real hard and close, making your stay uncomfortable.

To give you an idea of how aggressive these women can be, once I mentioned on-line the hotel I was staying at in Manila. Even though I had the same woman staying with me the entire time, it didn't stop a lot of women, some quite young and pretty, some bringing their Mothers, family members, etc. from pretty much camping out in the lobby, waiting for me. It was embarrassing. On the one hand, I sort of felt like a rock star, on the other, it didn't make the Filipina I was staying with too happy!

[robert angel]

Being a single, unwed mother in the USA is a walk in the park compared to the same scenario in the Philippines. Not many guys there will have anything to do with them. Then they often have to work to support the child, while their parents raise the kid. Very tough situation, even in a culture where family unity is often stronger than in the USA. No wonder the whole clan often gets in the mix when some guy from overseas presents opportunity.

There are certain situations where marrying someone with a child isn't a terrible idea. I considered it at one point, with a Filipina who had a son about the age of my two sons. But in such situations, it varies from nation to nation, the respective people's ages and other situational variables.

[LaFunTime]

Hey everryone, hope all is well. I ended up canceling my trip to Manila and went to Rome instead. Was all geared up to go but figured some signs happened to make me reconsider the trip. The morning that I was supposed to fly out, I was driving home and ended up getting a flat tire. I would have missed my flight if not for weather delays. Then the flight ended up being over booked so my bid for 800 flight voucher went in and they booked me for the next day flight. At that time I was kind of getting annoyed with the two girls I was going to hang out with. They kept making plans for what we could do and would not listen to me when I told them to calm down and at least let me get to Manila first. Then that day I got an email from someone with pictures of one of the girls with her boyfriend from New Zeland. I confronted her about this and asked her if this was the guy that she got pregnant by, never did get a clear answer from her so I cut ties with her right there and then. Then I called delta and booked my flight to Rome instead. I also decided that this whole thing is hard enough without bringing kids or baby's in the picture so I ended things with the other one to (we are still friends on Facebook and still talk once or twice a week), but as friends.

My trip in Rome was great and when I got back a took a break from searching. Just a couple of days ago I got back into searching with one of the first things I look at is if she is pregnant or has kids. I also believe that you have to be the one that asks more questions right away, because I know that when I have talked to these girls a lot of times I'm telling them what I want, my dream and goals. It can make it easy for them to in return tell you what you want to be told. I'm hoping to actually go to the Philippines in January that way I can get out of the cold to. I also decided to try my luck on cherry blossoms instead.

[robert angel]

Hey everryone, hope all is well. I ended up canceling my trip to Manila and went to Rome instead. Was all geared up to go but figured some signs happened to make me reconsider the trip. The morning that I was supposed to fly out, I was driving home and ended up getting a flat tire. I would have missed my flight if not for weather delays. Then the flight ended up being over booked so my bid for 800 flight voucher went in and they booked me for the next day flight. At that time I was kind of getting annoyed with the two girls I was going to hang out with. They kept making plans for what we could do and would not listen to me when I told them to calm down and at least let me get to Manila first. Then that day I got an email from someone with pictures of one of the girls with her boyfriend from New Zeland. I confronted her about this and asked her if this was the guy that she got pregnant by, never did get a clear answer from her so I cut ties with her right there and then. Then I called delta and booked my flight to Rome instead. I also decided that this whole thing is hard enough without bringing kids or baby's in the picture so I ended things with the other one to (we are still friends on Facebook and still talk once or twice a week), but as friends.

My trip in Rome was great and when I got back a took a break from searching. Just a couple of days ago I got back into searching with one of the first things I look at is if she is pregnant or has kids. I also believe that you have to be the one that asks more questions right away, because I know that when I have talked to these girls a lot of times I'm telling them what I want, my dream and goals. It can make it easy for them to in return tell you what you want to be told. I'm hoping to actually go to the Philippines in January that way I can get out of the cold to. I also decided to try my luck on cherry blossoms instead.

Sounds like you 'smelled the coffee' and realized a potentially serious couple of lemons and made lemonade out of the situation instead. Fate works in mysterious ways sometimes. And yea, try not to front load the questions! Thanks for posting--even if just a couple guys are the wiser for it, it was a good thing.

[Ray]

You’re learning fast John.   
　
Good move on the last minute trip change. I want to see Rome too one of these days.
　
Besides the obvious problems associated with hooking up with a pregnant lady or one with kids, there are other possible consequences to consider. If you apply for a fiancée visa for a woman with children, the consular officials processing her petition will likely assume that she may have also been married, which can open up a whole new bag of worms. Another fairly common trick is to hide the fact that she has children so beware of those ladies who are taking care of "nieces", "nephews", or other young ones.
　
Take your time, use your noodle, and I think you’ll do fine.
　
January can be one of the cheapest times for airfare, so plan the dates carefully to save money.
　
Ray
　

[Gato4Astrid]

Glad you had sorted it out quickly!    Going to Rome is one of my bucket list as I was in Italy 3 times last year (Milan, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Turin, Venice & Verona).

[robert angel]

Glad you had sorted it out quickly!    Going to Rome is one of my bucket list as I was in Italy 3 times last year (Milan, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Turin, Venice & Verona).

Gato, if you had to pick one of those cities--Milan, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Turin, Venice & Verona--- to go back to and spend 5 days in, which one would it be? Any close second placer?

[Gato4Astrid]

Gato, if you had to pick one of those cities--Milan, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Turin, Venice & Verona--- to go back to and spend 5 days in, which one would it be? Any close second placer?

I would go for Florence. 


Milan - Good enough for 1 day.  You see the World's largest gothic church and if you are into fashion, you walk in the fashion streets.  Visit San Siro football stadium if you are a keen footballer  (soccer lol)


Turin - 1 day to go up on the Tower lol plus if you have the time, go to the river - for a beautiful view


Verona - 1 day.  To see the coloissom and the house of Juliet  (Romeo & Juliet)


Venice - 1 day if you only want to see the St Mark's Square plus a famous bridge.   2nd day if you wish to ride on one of the taxi boats to go to another island


Pisa - definitely 1 day - for the leaning tower itself. 


Siena - definitely 1 day - to see the famous square.  Walk through the beautiful old walls


Florence - so many to see.  The dome, Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), see the paintings etc - 3-4 days would be an ideal


You can go to Pisa / Siena by train from Florence.  Only 1 hour to get to Pisa, and 1 1/2 hour to go to Siena.


2nd place:  Venice


I would like to see beautiful landscape of Tuscany,  the beautiful houses on the hill, Cinque Terre,  Rome,  Naples to eat Pizza, the ruins of Pompeii.  lots to see in Italy


One of my dreams is to travel all over Italy and make photo-Guide book !!

[kai #2]

Glad you're taking your first trip. It seems like every one has you covered on women. really try to learn the people and the culture. You'll be surprised at how much further it can take you. Whether it nice place most people don't find or a hidden restaurant. take something away from it, you'll be respected more