Because hanging out at malls all day is boring as hell.

But yeah, I guess not as bad as going to Enchanted Kingdom (lol, I got suckered into that about 2 weeks ago).

For the most part, yes. Pop culture (music, movies, TV) is very heavily Western influenced, there are a lot of Western restaurants, and as mentioned before most people speak English. Hong Kong comes close because of its architecture, and Bangkok is in a distant 3rd.

The magic really DOES stay with you!

A friend of mine in Korea is going to Borocay from oct 27th to nov 5th I think. He invited me out.

Is this place worth going? Fwiw I hate resorts i.e. the little I saw of Phuket, Thailand kind of turned me off. When I travel I like to stay in a nice hotel but if I can't experience the culture, then it just doesn't make for a fun trip imo.

That's totally correct. It's kind of fascinating in a way - it's both great, and not great. Pinoys would rank very highly on a global "Happiness Survey" - they have a very relaxed, chilled attitude. Time is a loose concept, to put it lightly. A lot of them just kinda cruise through life, which is enviable in many respects.

Whilst this obviously is, in part, a positive thing - it also has a negative aspect to it. Chilled and relaxed can also mean apathetic and lazy. I mean, most of you who visit there will see various levels of poverty you haven't seen before - but the poverty levels when you get into the outskirts (the slums) of Manila, let alone the isolated villages and islands...there is poverty there I couldn't deal with seeing it slapped in front of my face. It's poverty you expect to see only in war-torn African nations - it's...horrible.

So whilst they have learned to 'cope' and this allows them to be happy (by and large, happier than almost anyone I know from the first world) - can you see how it's also a bad thing? Sometimes you need to GET ANGRY. Sometimes you need to GET PISSED OFF. Sometimes you need to WORK YOUR ASS HALF TO DEATH. When there are kids dodging traffic and death on EDSA begging for coins, or girls as young as 13 or 14 working in the sex industry...chilled and relaxed is not an acceptable state of mind.

That picture of the demonstration was a beautiful picture. And says great things for the future of the Philippines - christ, they should be one of the richest countries in SE Asia due to English being almost universally spoken. The fact that they're one of the poorest countries in the world is not cool. And it isn't how it should be.

Corrections and clarifications:

1. When talking rental prices, you can't compare like you're doing. Rockwell is expensive yes. It's a LOT more expensive than Makati CBD. Makati CBD is a LOT more expensive than the middle-range areas of Manila (I forget the area names). Those places are a LOT more expensive than the lower-range areas. The rental range spreads are HUGE. It's the same in Bangkok, but not the same degree. Bangkok central (where I live) is VERY expensive. But I imagine you can get equally as nice a place for half the price 50 Soi's up Sukhumvit (and the SkyTrain is amazing and fast right down the Sukhumvit line).

2. Scams: You're going to find scams in poor countries. Scams are not a reflection on the people that live there, they are a reflection of poverty. The poorer a country is, the more 'alert' you need to be. On the flipside, a country like Spain is ridiculously expensive, much more expensive than Australia and US (in general). Yet there are a huge amount of pick-pockets and scammers there also. You could make an argument that, for the level of poverty in the Philippines, Pinoys are the most honest race in the world (on a weighted index). Just stay alert, don't get loose and stupid, don't put yourself in situations that are ******ed - and you'll be fine.

Example: On one of my last days in Manila I think, I was waiting in line at a Sanjays cash exchange, and this fat American lady in front of the line (which was about 20 people long) was converting a huge amount of money. I can't remember the numbers now, but we're talking more money than anyone in that line apart from me had probably seen in their entire lives. More money than they could ever hope to make in their lives. Sanjays in Greenbelt 1 are not a dodgy operation - they have advanced machines to count cash, detect forged notes, etc. The lady was disputing the machine count (sigh). In front of 20 people, most of whom were probably changing up $10 or something, she got into a heated debate which ended up with her manually counting through the 100,000 peso bricks in front of everyone. OF COURSE, after probably 10 min of tilt, surprise surprise, the machine was right and she was wrong. She didn't even apologise, just grabbed up this huge amount of cash and strolled off outside the mall alone. I mean...the fact that no one from the line followed her (I was watching, not that I think I really cared if got mugged or not) is AMAZING. Don't be ******ed stupid like that - and you'll be fine.

3. Visas: No. You can very easily get almost endless 2 month extensions for a token amount $60 or something - and you can just send your maid down to do it. I don't think you can get a permanent visa easily - but it amounts to the same thing. sooraw below is clueless regarding the visa situation. Ignore that advice.

4. Shopping: No. lol. Whoever told you that, don't listen to anything else they say. They are clueless. Bangkok is like the shopping / mall capital of the world. That statement is so ludicrous it's almost laughable. But yes, Manila has a lot of malls.

5: Rents vs Bangkok: Refer to Point 1. But no, Rockwell is cheaper than central Bangkok.

Everything else in that post I agree with, more or less. FYI, I think Paul B. is the only person in the world who isn't Pinoy that likes the food there

Rockwell will be wonderful for your son. It's a little safe, pristine haven. For what you want to do, it sounds perfect.

I cannot comment on budget estimates, I'm just too lazy sorry.

You don't minimise the risk of getting scammed on security deposits by staying in Rockwell. The security deposit mess is caused by no effective 'escrow' type system. I was staying in Manansala which is one of the more expensive Rockwell buildings. The idiots give the security deposit to the owner, who in my experience is 100% likely to scam you. 2/2 for me (small sample - but from what I hear, fairly common-place). sooraw gets this one right

Paul kinda gets it right imo. More simply: Culturally yes, infrastructure/standard of living, no. re: Westernised.

Phuket is horrible. Disgusting. It's not a fair or true reflection on Thailand or the Thai people. I hate beaches and islands myself (for a whole of reasons which aren't important), but if you like beaches, I'd wager you'll love Boracay.

One thing about Boracay - I think 2x (?) / year the place is insane. Packed to exploding. Almost every room on the island booked I think (this is during Holy Week and also Xmas, I think?). The rest of the year, it's close to deserted. So it depends on what you're after. We were there when it was deserted, and I was bored out of my f mind. I think I'd like it a lot better when it's packed and lots going on.

yeah I'd like there to be something to do at night...well basically I need something to do that I'd find to be a unique experience you know?

I've lived by the beach my whole life so a beach itself isn't enough to attract me.

Nightlife:
-Bars
-Clubbing (Disco)
-girly bars
-late night restaurants in upscale hotels, and if u're willing to trek to Malate by cab (about 30 mins. at night) lots and lots of cool late night eateries

None of the nightlife here other than the red light aspect is unique (although Thailand has similar stuff), however you can do most things you can do in a big city elsewhere in the world. The unique aspect of the Philippines that is appealing to a foreigner who is not interested in red light activity would have to be outside of Metro Manila involving natural scenery.

do the girls like americans?

No s-hit.

Which hotels have the best looking girls for massages?
I mean normal massages (Swedish , shiatsu) but for some you can propose 4 happy ending for extra money.

started reading through this thread. now i am considering living there for a year. just a thought, so i might change my mind. if i do decide to do this, it would be nice to be there before APPT Manila, which is November 12. is there anyone else that is considering this now that wants to live with another poker player? or anyone there now looking for a new housemate in a month or two? i normally would'nt mind living by myself, but i feel like moving to a new place would be a lot easier with someone, and all of my rl friends do not have the freedom i have to do something like this. pm me

Close to Malate (dont know the name of the area right now) not far from Hyatt Casinot, like 1000 yards, there is a shopping mall I believe. My friend has a condo in this building on top of the shopping mall.

Most of the apartments are brand new and there is a gym, pool, playgrounds for the children and some other stuff in the building which makes it intresting for me to live there.

It would also be nice to be able to just take elevator to come to a mall and also live in an area with alot of poker possibilities.

I had decided to live in Rockwell or Ortigas (because Metro Club is here), but have now gotten a chance to rent an apartment in this same building as my friend, and I dont know what to do. He knows the owner of the apartment which mean that I would not have to worry of losing deposits and other ****.

You guys that knows about this building and area please come up with advices and info!

I would also like to know what you think about living in Ortigas instead of Rockwell, is there a big difference?

Thanks!

Hi guys, I have been following this thread for the last 6 months or so due to me having booked an "extended" holiday to come out in June and am currently living in Sabang (Mindoro). I am a 24 year old Brit and am lucky enough to have a father bought a house and moved here approx 5 years or so and this is my first time visiting (also visiting asia).

Since I managed to get so much information out of this thread I think it would only be fair if I gave people my insight into the Phillipines and to what life is like living somewhere other than Manila.

First Impressions- Its a god damn crazy country.

The People- I think its been said before on this thread but the people are so unbelievable friendly. They are on a whole very good natured people and the vast majority speak very good English.

Scams- I could go into pages and its very hard to describe. But there are certain situations that you don't mind being scammed in and others which piss me off.

If you always agree a price beforehand you should be fine. But always haggle down.


The Police- over here are very corrupt and if you give them a situation for them to try and extort you they will
.
Situations where you will be forced to pay a bribe.

Gambling with a filipino. Unless you can 100% trust them you will either not be paid or someone will tip the cops off and you are paying a bribe to get out.

Getting caught doing drugs/trying to buy- If you are that way inclined get to know an expat at a bar drop some hints and they will sort you out.

If you don't do anything stupid you won't get into trouble its as simple as that.

The landscape- This really is a beautiful country. From backpackers who have been through here most have said it is the most visually amazing country in the world. From my limited world travelling i can see why they say it.

Cost of Living- Here in Sabang it is a little more expensive because it is a western tourist destination. But in terms of western prices is still dirt cheap. The only thing that is expensive would be restaraunt meals where prices vary from 200p-800p for a main course. But you can get fantastic street food for very little or cook yourself.

Accomodation luckily my dad owns a place out here so i pay minimal rent and bills. But i have been known to get hotel rooms for certain activities and basic fan rooms are available for 500p per night (low season) aircon say 1200p. A very nice room i guess would cost about 2-3500p

If anyones looking to come to Sabang feel free to PM about recomendations.

I think long term rentals you can get a one bed appartment with aircon for around 8- 10,000p a month plus bills.

Online poker- I would say only play on stars and would be careful about any wifi connections. Im lucky that i can plug directly into a router and our 128k line is ok for multi tabling sngs/mtt on stars.

Girls- I was wary before i came out what they would be like. If the reason you are coming is for girls you will not go home disapointed especially if you are semi good looking, young (under 35) and speak fluent English. But if your only there for a week do not fall in love. Because its highly likely that whilst she's getting all frisky with you during the night, shes visiting Western Union during the day to pick up money that her other boyfriends have been sending her.

What i would say is that its a country that is very hard to put into words. But if your made for here you will know the second you arrive. If you like drinking, nice views and women the place is insane.

I hope what i have written makes sense. If anyone wants me to answer any questions regarding sabang (puerta galera) then I will hopefully be able to answer them.

Maybe you describe puerta galera alittle? Also are there any pokerclubs or home games there? If so, what is the highest stakes that is running on a daily basis?

The reason I am asking is because I would love to find a nice beach place with live poker at 100-200 stakes on a daily basis. Maybe you know if there i a such place anywhere?

Thanks!

PS why should we only play on stars and is there any wonderful island with internet relaible enough for playing online?

it sounds like you may have a story. do tell!

Maybe you describe puerta galera alittle? Also are there any pokerclubs or home games there? If so, what is the highest stakes that is running on a daily basis?

Puerta Galera is an area on the north of mindoro. It is relativley easy to get to from Manila. About 3 1/2 hours by bus and banka. The ex-pat population is made up of a mix of retirees, travellers and scuba divers and nationalities wise European, North American, Aussies and kiwis oh and alot of Koreans (but they keep themselves to themselves).

The natural landscape around here is absolutley amazing. It has Hills and Jungles and most places have fantastic views over different parts of the coast depending where you were. The scuba diving here is meant to be some of the best in the Phillipines.

If its a big sandy beach you are after then your choices are limited. There is White beach but this gets very busy at weekends as its a popular destination for people from Manilla. Or day trip to Verde Island which is between Luzon and Mindoro.

The beaches around sabang are mainly coral based and quite small but the snorkeling is amazing.

Poker- I have been here 3 months now and there used to be quite a popular little live scene. Apparantly there were problems with the local police chief who got all pissy about it. From what i was told there used to be Tournaments most days getting maybe 20-30 players . Standard format would be a 500p rebuy. More of a social game than a serious game. At the moment we try and play once a week, drink beer and have a laugh. The Standard of play is not very high but its fun and i win there money!

I think the chances of you finding a place that spread poker and a beach resort would be quite slim. I haven't actually travelled much around the islands as much. I would say your best chance of finding your ideal location would be somewhere on Cebu. Im also guessing the quality of internet connection would be alot better than it is here on Mindoro.

Why only stars? Before i came out here i had active accounts on Ipoker/Party/Stars. I wasn't able to access Ipoker here so that had to go. I intially stayed in Subic visiting friends and i think it was a 1 or 2mb line (not entirely sure). But any major change in the weather or a power surge can have an impact on the connection for say a 30sec period and then its fine again.

With Party there software has no protection for you if you disconect or time out. As mainly a Sit and Go player if you have a problem with your internet for two mins you could miss some very important spots. The reason all my play is now on stars is that there Disconect Protection is so good compared to other sites. If the internet blips out for 20 sec i haven't usually missed my action.

Apparantly it is possible to get smart sticks up to 1m/b which are meant to be pretty reliable which im guessing could be used wherever you get smart coverage.

One thing i forgot to mention before is that the Mangoes here are so good

About the girls there are countless. The stories are what makes me love the country the most. Thankfully I was given the full briefing before I came out. The favourite around here is watching a girl leave too see her man off at Manila then returning on the last Banka of the day with Man no2.

Girls love young western men because we are not a 70 year old impotent German.

hi guys, iam german (but not 70 and absolutely NOT IMPOTENT! ) and plan to move over to boracay in the next months. im playing poker for a living and going to try to live a couple of months in philipphines. ive lived already in many countries like spain, south africa, australia and so on...

i got some questions about my moving, so here we go:

- is that truth that neteller will not work in philippines? because, in normal case, if u traveling around, u got only to contact neteller support and tell them that u plan to move here or there, and they will open your account for your special country u plan to go to. that was my experience many times before.
- if its truth, how easy it is to open a $ bank account for a western citizen in the phills? which bank do you prefer and why?
- especially boracay: how good and fast is the internet connection there ( is DSL 1MBit or more possible at all)?
- do you have some special tipps and tricks for my move to boracay like cheap and good longterm-rental appartments or ressorts with a good internet connection?

thanks in advance

Oh dude, I hate giving advice that people could make serious life decisions based on, so I'll just frame it like this:

Whilst the security deposit being 100% safe is a small plus.....I, personally, would not live anywhere near Malate if I had a child with me. To be honest (and there are those that disagree ofc, perhaps validly), I would not live anywhere near Malate without a child with me.

Ortigas is the name I was trying to think of in my last post when I mentioned the Rockwell > Makati CBD > middle areas > lower areas (in terms of prices). I have a friend who live/d in Ortigas in a very nice building near the big mall - it's super close to Metro obv and if you're going to be playing at Metro a LOT, I can see how this would be a serious (and decent) option for you to consider. It's a 'decent' area - I would say outside Rockwell / Makati, it would be the next safest area in greater Manila - I think.

Rockwell > Metro < Rockwell (for travel) is not *that* bad. You only really get pinged bad at the main peak times or if you're otherwise unlucky with traffic. This is because Rockwell banks straight onto EDSA pretty much. Whereas Makati CBD...ugh re: traffic. Sometimes 20-30min after getting in the cab, I notice (due to all the one-way streets) we've basically gone a block or two - worst feeling, obv. And neutralised / somewhat negated (in part) once you really know your way around Makati CBD grid directions.

Whilst I don't obv know if he has a personal experience with such, his advice is kinda IDO common-sense.

Like, it stuns me how people seem to lose a lifetime of common-sense and healthy cynicism when confronted by a pretty girl.

Keep your head in reality, and don't be a sap. But the honest truth is, the vast majority of Filipinas that I came across (small sample as I was hermit grinding geek mostly) were very good people. Some are completely upfront about their boyfriend/s overseas or locally-based. Some actually just really want badly to meet someone nice who will take care of them - I don't think that's necessarily a negative thing. But a foreigner who takes advantage of this situation (like the complete tool much much earlier in this thread who got a girl pregnant?) - those guys are scum. Don't be one of those guys. Don't lead them on - a lot of a girls are very young and have 'simple' values, often very naive. It's the ones that get embittered by mistreatment who are likely to 'juggle' multiple boyfriends - you can't hate on them for that. They've just learned the game, probably with a degrees from the University of Hard Knocks.

You can play iPoker with a VPN with no problems from anywhere - I grinded high volume from Manila and the US using my VPN from www.fullfwd.com (I have no financial or otherwise interest in promoting that site - it's just the one I've used a long time without any problems whatsoever [you will need a better net connection though it sounds like, but with my PLDT plan, playing via a VPN resulted in decreased speeds that were basically unnoticeable] - although the owners and I are cordial and friendly, I have never met them IRL).

NETeller will be dead to you in the Philippines - it's on their banned / blocked list. Moneybookers also blocks Asia payments to or payments from gaming merchants. A friend of mine uses his Moneybookers in Asia with no problems though - to problems, there are solutions at times.

Banks: I opened two bank accounts in Manila without an ACR. The first was an HSBC PowerVantage account which they locked and closed after paying me the balance in person without official reason given - the manager hinted they were concerned about money laundering as I'd received "large" (5-10k) transfers from HSBC account in Hong Kong.

I then went without a bank account for a long time as no other bank (not even Citibank) would let me open even a USD account without an ACR.

When I moved to Rockwell, I opened (with stunning ease) a HSBC Premier (requires a high min balance, can't remember the min...100k/200k or something) account - was fantastic - huge incoming and outgoing amounts never causing annoying phone calls or hassles. However, when I left Manila for Australia, about a month after I left, my Personal Account Manager called me and said "Wire all your funds out NOW!" - I am not the type that stops to ask questions upon receiving a message like this and I wired out the balance within half an hour and it hit my Australian account in 2 business days. Relieved, I asked her specifically what was the reason for the instruction to wire out and her avoidance of the multiple times I asked the question was intriguing, to say the least...

:unsolvedmystery

Net in Boracay: Like SO long ago, the owners of Metro said they'd wired up Boracay with full wireless. I hadn't been since, and haven't seen mention of it on this thread yet - so no idea on speed / reliability - or if it even really is in place.

My plan is to play NL 100-200 live poker in Manila on a daily basis. I know that Metro Club is the most popular poker room, and that the players there are a little bit better on average than at other places.

I have also heard from 2 different persons that some guys are colluding in this game there. I know this kind of rumors sometimes can appear from nothing, but I also do not want to play there if I can get this rumor confirmed. Anyone has any info about this?

I have called the Hyatt Casinot 2 times and asked them how often the 100-200 game is running there. One time they said it is running about 4 times per week, nest time they told me it is running 1 time per week. Anyone has a clue what the fact is?

I read in a forum that 100-200 was a pretty much standard game at most poker rooms lately, at the same time I have never seen any info that can confirm this when I searched for it. Anyone knows about a place that has this game on a pretty much daily basis?

I have also heard that the games is played higher than the blinds say the should. Can anyone tell me about the average buyins and average opening raises are in the 50-100 and 100-200 games they have played or watched?

Hope anyone has some info abut this stuff, Thanks!

From what i've heard/read the 100/200 at the metro plays alot higher (multiple straddles, local buisnessmen etc...) But i don't know any specific details for sure.

yoyos response = very good

plo games at hyatt?

That would be a negative... and please don't categorize me as scum. You know nothing about me nor the situation, my friend

is it cheap to live here?

The 50-100 game at Hyatt was really really soft, locals were terrible and the tourists were even worse. One american told me he was stuck 60K from the previous day. However the rake is a joke 10% uncapped im pretty sure.