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Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines?

03-30-2011 , 11:08 PM
Are there any good bars to watch Major League Baseball games in Manila?

Opening day less than 24 hours away!!
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
03-31-2011 , 06:52 AM
If anyone has a 30" for sale, let me know. Will pay well.

Thanks
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
03-31-2011 , 07:58 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandviper23
Are there any good bars to watch Major League Baseball games in Manila?

Opening day less than 24 hours away!!
Howzat in Makati will probably have it on.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-01-2011 , 08:15 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by langer_rol
nice documentary... some parts are really sad, but one part that made me laugh was when he was in the jeepney and he pulls over for diesel to refuel half way through a jeepney trip with all the passengers still on board.

same thing happened when i was in cebu riding on the back of one of those motorbikes where you pay them to take you somewhere, on the way to the "top's" lookout. the motorbike driver randomly pulled over into the fuel station halfway through... i wasn't sure what was going on... and then we get back on. then a few minutes later, he stops at a shop to buy some biscuits ^_^ lol
Yeah, driver did that on the way to the airport in Manila. He did ask what time my flight was. "ok you have time". In the Dominican Republic the cab driver filled up on the way to the airport and was like "ok thats 300 pesos". Had me by the short ones, bastard...
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-04-2011 , 08:26 AM
Anyone tried Globe WiMAX 4G?
Or other similar prepaid/wireless stuff, or more expensive wireless solutions, convenient for moving around a decent amount. Switching apartments a lot, which I guess many ITT do.

Basically looking for a wireless solution as primary connection and wonder if anyone's done a lot of testing/research.

Like this is one of the most common Qs in this thread, however this is constantly changing, new promos etc, what ever.

What's the best 3g stick for the pokers?
I'm on sun now 1st day. Haven't tested it for longer sessions yet. Seems it doesn't like downloading and browsing at the same time tho.

Also, thanks a lot of the replies for my previous Qs.

Side-Q: Anyone figured out how to exploit the new taxi system? Drivers said everyone were getting the 40 meter from April, however that doesn't seem to be the case. Drivers also said it alternated on months, depending on last number on license plate. So it should be possible to taxi-select pretty effortlessly based on that, therefore consistently save approx 40%.
I must sound like a huge nit btw

Also,

Moved to Eastwood. Renting a furnished 1BR here. I must say it seems like the best value place to live (price/"stuff"), but can't confirm yet as it's only my 2nd day. This is my 7th apartment in Metro Manila fwiw.

Cheers

Last edited by fanapathy; 04-04-2011 at 08:34 AM.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-04-2011 , 09:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by fanapathy
Anyone tried Globe WiMAX 4G?
Or other similar prepaid/wireless stuff, or more expensive wireless solutions, convenient for moving around a decent amount. Switching apartments a lot, which I guess many ITT do.
I friend of mine lives at Greenbelt and was using 4G. He said it was very sensitive with location, it apparently worked good for people living on lower floors but not for him who lives higher up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by fanapathy
Side-Q: Anyone figured out how to exploit the new taxi system? Drivers said everyone were getting the 40 meter from April, however that doesn't seem to be the case. Drivers also said it alternated on months, depending on last number on license plate. So it should be possible to taxi-select pretty effortlessly based on that, therefore consistently save approx 40%.
I must sound like a huge nit btw
The exploit sounds interesting, would be interesting if someone can confirm the alternation system.
I personally like the new meter. Yes you pay slightly more but personally I haven't had a single taxi asking for fixed price during rush hours/evenings. I also find it easier to get a taxi at buzy places around rush hours.

Quote:
Originally Posted by fanapathy
Moved to Eastwood. Renting a furnished 1BR here. I must say it seems like the best value place to live (price/"stuff"), but can't confirm yet as it's only my 2nd day. This is my 7th apartment in Metro Manila fwiw.
I considered Eastwood for a while, you really get a good value there. I found an amazing 1 BR there with amazing layout and view for 20k. But the location sucks imo unless you work in the area and don't like to hang out in Makati. I asked 6 taxi drivers before I found one who was willing to drive me to Makati.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-04-2011 , 10:20 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by L4Freedom
I personally like the new meter. Yes you pay slightly more but personally I haven't had a single taxi asking for fixed price during rush hours/evenings.
Confirmed. I have had 1 asking for 50 more, but we were 2 foreigners going to Malate from Taguig, we said WTF u have the new meter nice try. They just seem to snap-put on meter a lot more now.

I am honestly happy for them and happy in return for it. It might be sick variance that things are much more smooth now but it seems unlikely. After all, it had been 30 for IIRC more than 9 years. It's starting to get so obvious how deliberate it is to leave the wounded bleeding in the 3rd world.

Quote:
Originally Posted by L4Freedom
But the location sucks imo unless you work in the area and don't like to hang out in Makati. I asked 6 taxi drivers before I found one who was willing to drive me to Makati.
Likely samplesize or during rush hour. C5 is "OK" in my experience..
I've not went back and forth that many times though, however orchard rd flourishes in taxis most of the time it seems.

I don't see that much more significant stuff in Makati tho. We're nearer Ortigas and QC in EW but also far from Malate and Pasay.

Depends what you value obv, however from a "u got everything u need right here + a bit extra" perspective I really think this is underestimated somewhat when you can slash Makati prices in atleast half.

I'll have a better idea in a while. Lived near GB for 4 months and really got sick of Makati. In that area 100% of drivers were ****ing with me, GB is low value for money in the long run (talking food and drink options), and when 3 months ago Dela Rosa somehow got infested by rose selling kids following for 5 minutes I had enough..
I'm NOT giving a centavo to kids obv working for someone else.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-05-2011 , 08:29 AM
what's the new meter system? has it come in since early march?
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-05-2011 , 09:08 AM
meter starts at 40. goes up in 3.50 increments.

used to be 30 and 2.50 increments

those looking to save a few pesos taxi's with license plates ending in 0 or 9 are still not calibrated until the end of april i think.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-05-2011 , 09:02 PM
whats the best place to stay under 3k peso a night, for 2-3 weeks in manila. looking for an apartment, wondering about how much they ask for up front, what should i look for to not get scammed. how much deposit they usually want, etc
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-05-2011 , 10:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by theguy123
whats the best place to stay under 3k peso a night, for 2-3 weeks in manila. looking for an apartment, wondering about how much they ask for up front, what should i look for to not get scammed. how much deposit they usually want, etc
In which area do you plan to stay? What do you plan to do in Manila?

Apartments are usually 6 months minimum lease but you can negotiate down to 3-4 months depending on the place. 1 month deposit is the standard I think. If you are concerned about your deposit, rent from proper lease offices in good areas since they are very concerned about their reputation. Also, make sure to take pictures and get everything noted down on check-in so the owner can't claim on things you haven't done.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-05-2011 , 11:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by theguy123
whats the best place to stay under 3k peso a night, for 2-3 weeks in manila. looking for an apartment, wondering about how much they ask for up front, what should i look for to not get scammed. how much deposit they usually want, etc
For 3k a night just look for a short term renting agent. Think u can get an ok hotel in Makati for that price (I think that would be a waste tho). Look for a short term renting agent. Many of them do rent out apartments day to day. For 3k you have tons of options fwiw and it depends what you looking for, I am gonna suggest Makati near Greenbelt tho as a base to get to know the city.

Rent is...
Usually either
-Everything up front
-1-2 months up front and post dated checks for the remaining period

Deposits vary a ton. I have gone anywhere from 1/5th of monthly rent to full 2months

How to not get scammed is so weird to explain...I just get a feel for if a person is sketchy now I think. It's like you pick up on the vibe, it feels like their body language is telling a different story.
Basically anyone that are offering more service, or "help" you more than you would expect, are to be avoided. When people want to do medium or big favours for you when it seems like there's nothing in it for them, something's going on.*

I dunno about typical things.. but when ads are boastful, they treat you too friendly, they avoid your questions, they are not paying attention to what you are saying or repeating themselves. Ie stuff like "I'm looking for a quiet area right now, my dad just passed away and I want to take it easy for a while" and they reply "I see sir! Do you like young girls? Many bars there. They can really help you rest!"

Seriously though. When looking for ads, look for the ones with multiple pictures of the apartment, either own website, multiple contact numbers/methods. Just stuff that looks legit but not overdone. There are many legit brokers/websites that look like typical scamming websites or design that looks 15 years old of common web standard.

Use www.sulit.com.ph to find places and to figure out average value of places, what's normally included in rent, advance payment/deposit/etc.

*Not necessarily true for towns, provinces and non-touristy areas.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-06-2011 , 08:41 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by fanapathy
stuff like "I'm looking for a quiet area right now, my dad just passed away and I want to take it easy for a while" and they reply "I see sir! Do you like young girls? Many bars there. They can really help you rest!"
Ah Philippines, so hilarious interacting with the locals sometimes.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-06-2011 , 11:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by fanapathy
For 3k a night just look for a short term renting agent. Think u can get an ok hotel in Makati for that price (I think that would be a waste tho). Look for a short term renting agent. Many of them do rent out apartments day to day. For 3k you have tons of options fwiw and it depends what you looking for, I am gonna suggest Makati near Greenbelt tho as a base to get to know the city.

Rent is...
Usually either
-Everything up front
-1-2 months up front and post dated checks for the remaining period

Deposits vary a ton. I have gone anywhere from 1/5th of monthly rent to full 2months

How to not get scammed is so weird to explain...I just get a feel for if a person is sketchy now I think. It's like you pick up on the vibe, it feels like their body language is telling a different story.
Basically anyone that are offering more service, or "help" you more than you would expect, are to be avoided. When people want to do medium or big favours for you when it seems like there's nothing in it for them, something's going on.*

I dunno about typical things.. but when ads are boastful, they treat you too friendly, they avoid your questions, they are not paying attention to what you are saying or repeating themselves. Ie stuff like "I'm looking for a quiet area right now, my dad just passed away and I want to take it easy for a while" and they reply "I see sir! Do you like young girls? Many bars there. They can really help you rest!"

Seriously though. When looking for ads, look for the ones with multiple pictures of the apartment, either own website, multiple contact numbers/methods. Just stuff that looks legit but not overdone. There are many legit brokers/websites that look like typical scamming websites or design that looks 15 years old of common web standard.

Use www.sulit.com.ph to find places and to figure out average value of places, what's normally included in rent, advance payment/deposit/etc.

*Not necessarily true for towns, provinces and non-touristy areas.
thanks. u say it would be a waste to get an ok hotel in makati city and i agree. what i meant to ask was, knowing what u know now, where would u stay and outside of makati is fine. just looking for nice and nice mall, but not ghetto. like why is eastwood so cheap, or hows mandaluyong. what have been legitimate short term renting people/ agencies in peoples experience. driving around in the traffic and heat there for hours while i only have 3 weeks there is a head-ache im trying to avoid lol.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-07-2011 , 10:50 PM
Selling viewsonic 26 inch monitor for 250$ (sell for FTP $) in cebu (bought for 500+$ in ayala), used it for only 2 months.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computi...d-lcd-monitor/

interested PM.
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04-08-2011 , 07:21 PM
in makati i stayed in the berjaya hotel, thought it was pretty sweet, really good service and it cost me about 2500 a night. good location. getting jolibees delivery is the best.
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04-11-2011 , 03:11 AM
Does anyone know what the biggest NLHE games Metro is currently running on a fairly regular basis:
a) on weekdays
b) on weekends

Is there a 500/1000 peso or 1000/2000 peso game open to anyone, or are the games this high invite only?
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-12-2011 , 04:01 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HomeyG30
Does anyone know what the biggest NLHE games Metro is currently running on a fairly regular basis:
a) on weekdays
b) on weekends

Is there a 500/1000 peso or 1000/2000 peso game open to anyone, or are the games this high invite only?
Highest you can find is 100/200 and a couple of times a week 1/2/4
The higher games are as you say invites only but its easy to get invites anyway.
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04-12-2011 , 11:04 AM
Hey, I've been reading this thread for a little while now, and I'm thinking of heading over there towards the end of the month for a much needed escape. I'm 26, Australian male, love heavy metal, have long hair, beard and tatts, and am a really nice guy I think the pics I've seen of the beaches are amazing. I'm drawn to the Philippines because of the things I've read, like the people being friendly and the drinks being cheap haha. I'm looking to probably stay a couple of weeks. Would be awesome to experience a bit of live poker in a place so different from where I'm used to as well. I play PLO generally, any steaks lower than 10/20... or is that 10/20 PHP?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul B.
Example 2:
I wanted to get LASIK surgery done. I researched the **** out of this because eyes are important amirite. Well, the research says that Dr. Jack Arroyo of American Eye Center is the leading refractive surgeon in the country with over 20,000+ LASIK procedures under his belt. So obviously I went with him, did the surgery on Tuesday and I'm very happy with the result (20/20 vision after 10+ years of wearing contacts/glasses).
Cost: this would cost around $4600-5600 back home.
Here it cost me 45k pesos ($1k).
This excites the **** outta me. I've been eagerly reading this thread recently since getting the bug to go to the Philippines, and this has just sealed the deal. I had an evaluation for the LASIK procedure here in Australia 6 months ago, and am almost due for my follow up visit (to see if my vision has stabilized enough to permanently adjust the vision). The fee would be $5,200 AU (235k PHP). To hear that I could get it done for $1000 AU.. well, let's just say I'm very interested. Has anyone else had any experience getting LASIK done in the Philippines? Would be great to get a little more assurance from others who have had positive experiences.

Great thread btw. Would not have developed such a strong interest in this topic without it
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-12-2011 , 11:22 AM
I had the Lasik done there in Manila last summer. My left eye has blurry vision at night and spotty vision in the day, but my right is a perfect 20/20 and everything is fine if I just close my left eye sometimes. Plus I got a 50% refund, $500 USD back afterwards so they don't ripped you off.
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-12-2011 , 11:36 AM
Jesus! Are you serious?? They screwed up the procedure?
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-12-2011 , 10:50 PM
Also I have to other questions: Is there anywhere that offers low stake live poker, like 10/20 php or does that just not happen? And also, are there places that have skilled tattooists? I'd love to get some work done over there, but obv wouldn't want to get something that was inferior, although I have no reason to believe that they would be any less capable that western tattooists...?
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-13-2011 , 02:49 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Never Was Been
Also I have to other questions: Is there anywhere that offers low stake live poker, like 10/20 php or does that just not happen? And also, are there places that have skilled tattooists? I'd love to get some work done over there, but obv wouldn't want to get something that was inferior, although I have no reason to believe that they would be any less capable that western tattooists...?
metrocardclub has 10/20. it's not easy to beat the rake in that game with all the shortstacks. my 2 cents
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote
04-13-2011 , 03:40 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Never Was Been
Also I have to other questions: Is there anywhere that offers low stake live poker, like 10/20 php or does that just not happen? And also, are there places that have skilled tattooists? I'd love to get some work done over there, but obv wouldn't want to get something that was inferior, although I have no reason to believe that they would be any less capable that western tattooists...?
Angeles has a 5-10 game and a 10-25. The rake is impossible to beat but you do get free beer + Jollibee.
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04-13-2011 , 05:17 AM
Just to clarify, is that php?
Anyone to ask about living in the Philippines? Quote

      
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