Another Nebie Note. How bad is the Billyboy problem? Any info....

Not the same as in Thailand. There are more than a few walking around but hang in groups and generally at predictable places.

In the Phils the fact they are men is painfully obvious. Surgery has not advanced in the PI . You can spot a billyboy even if blind drunk.

And even if you were blind, in the phils they don't mix billy boys in with the girls in the bars.

Well less than 14 days and I just got my tickets. All the guys in the office are jelous as hell and all I hear all day are PI stories. Look to be staying at Sunset, but have not got an email back from them. Thanks for the info and hope to see some of you there. I am a bald dude so I should stick out like a sore thumb.
T

Don't expect any e-mail reply to your request. It's better you use a crowbar to pry out a couple of dollars out of your wallet and make that international call to the Sunset. Also you better do it soon as the Sunset has been selling out for a while and you may not get a reservation for your entire stay even two weeks out.

Tazzt99,
I'll be arriving in Manila May 12 and will be there until 22nd but have several albatrosses that will be around my neck, meaning I have family there and more family members meeting out there AND we are sharing the same suite LOL. I'm going to try and break free of my chains and visit some in-call places or massage places. Don't think I'll ever be in a position to bring any chicks back, unless they are really really quiet and the entire family is chloroformed

MongerX
Thanks for the heads up. I will try and call otehwise I will go with another hotel. Really excited to have some fun in the sun. Should be a good time, but some many choices and where to start is confusing.
T

Tazz, I would strongly advise you to get your hotel in order ASAP. There is definitely a real shortage of decent hotels rooms with a good location in AC now. Anything that is somewhat clean, OK location, and not outrageously price will be very difficult to get into on short notice. The few good hotels that are responsive to e-mail will likely be sold out on the short notice, eg. Central Park hotel. If you show up without a hotel you are likely gona pay through the nose for a tiny clean room with a good location aka Blue Nile Executive hotel,or settle for a lousy location and overpriced room like the Clarkton.

Grownd zero, several places renting short time rooms in AC, just ask around if that appeals to you.

Re: getting rooms on short notice in AC, Pacific Breeze is one of the better hotel options in town, and seem to have had rooms readily available my last two trips if you're willing to spend ~50 bucks a night.

Thanks for the info Porker. Looks like my family want to go to Boracay also. I'm not much of a beach guy, so I may be able to wiggle away for 2 days. If I find good tailors in Manila, I may consider traveling to AC. If not, I can catch a Phillpine Air flight to Bangkok for about $250 usd and be in Thailand in 3 hours. Solves issue about the tailors cause BKK has good ones, puts some distance between me and family, and BKK seems cheaper. After two days then head back when they are done at the beach.

Tazz...I got my confirmation email from SG yesterday....about 5 days after emailing them for a second time...persist!!

Looking forward to sharing some beers mate! Oh...and I also have to buy Bud a Shwarma!

I also just got my conformation from SG. So looks like we will be close by. Get there on 4 May probably around noon. Little food and then the first barfine of the day to take the edge off.
T

How about I leave you my room number and then we can get some brews? PM with your registration name and I will leave you a note w my room # at front desk.

Going on my cherry trip to A/C since Clark in 1979,,,Arriving Jul 1 til Jul 20 ,,Been Lurking for a couple of weeks,,I would like to meet anyone who is going to be there then for some barhopping and get some good immmediat advice on hotels thanks,,,Bruce

Hotel: Stay at Central Park or Pacific Breeze on your first trip. You will be right smack in the middle of the action, and they are the most professionally run hotels in town, with reasonable rates for the quality and location.

Anyone gonna be in AC in mid June? I will will be showing up in AC on June 16th and be there until June 20th before I head back to Iraq. If anyone wants to party just send me a message.

Porker ,,Thanx for the advice,,Do they have a websight or do i need to call them for reservations,,,,Bruce

Alright I got tickets in hand and a new wardrobe (as I had no shorts). I am 48 hours out from starting the trip of a lifetime. ANY LAST MINUTE ADVICE NOW IS THE TIME.
t

Bruce

It's all in the Discus section -- Phillipines --AC -- Hotels . Or if it's too much trouble to look try --


http://centralpark-ac.com

http://www.pacificbreezehotel.com

Hi, I will be in AC from 24 may to at least the 30th. Really looking forward to my first trip back since spending time in Subic back in the 80's. I just sent a reservation request to central park and requested a car pickup at MNL. p 2,400 for the car. Any better ideas? Prob is my flight arrives late, at 10:50 pm, and I dont want to get stuck in Manila. Any help or suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Rusty

Nothing wrong with taking your hotel's car service on your first trip to AC (sucks, though, to pay that damned much for that ride!). Unlike a travel agency that books rides (Margarita Station, Beeline) they have a vested interest in getting you to your destination, and their prices are all the same anyway. Just make sure you re-confirm your reservation and flight arrival info with them a week or so before your arrival -- Central Park/Pacific Breeze should actually send YOU an email asking you to re-confirm, and if you don't they will cancel you.

11 PM arrival in Manila means you'll probaby arrive in AC around 1 AM, assuming you don't get held up too awfully long waiting for your luggage, a possibility due to Filipinos and their HUGE number of boxes packed with CRAP to take home to the relatibs. Might be 2 AM before you're ready to sh-sh-sh and head out to the bars, but you'll find at least a dozen of them still going strong.

I will be going to USA on May 15th, and the plan is for a week or two but of course subject to change as I won't buy tickets until I get there. Until then I'm in AC and will be back in AC nlt mid June.

Bud
0920-244-7850 PI cell number

PS
Am I the only hombre currently living here? Most expats I talk to never heard of our site.

Imrusty

Agree with Bigballs that unless you're really strapped for cash the Hotel's drivers are the best way to go. They're dependable and the fastest route to Paradise. F**k all that take the bus and save $25 shit.

After a long flight the last thing I want to do is schlep around looking for a taxi to get to a crowded bus.


Bud

Most expats I talk to never heard of our site.


Please keep it that way. The less this site is known in AC the less likely some A-hole will roll over on one of us if he knows a girl we are reporting on. I never mention CH to guys not on this site already when I'm in SEA just for that reason.

See ya in June . I'll PM you my PI cell number when the date gets closer.

I'll be coming in on the 14th. I hope to meet up with some of you then.

I'll be staying at the PACIFIC BREEZE...

jHarrison

Jharrison

14th of ???? May, June -- later ?

Sorry Porker I was agreeing with you not Bud. My brain is messed up since my accident I guess.

Hey all,
Thanks for taking the time to repond. I had tried to reserve a room at Central Park from 23 may to 30 may, but got an email from Roselle saying they were booked at that time but would put me on a list. She suggested Pacific Breeze, but as I will be in SEA for 35 days, I need to try to keep it on some kinda budget. Am interested in maybe getting off the beaten path and would be interested in any ideas. Porker, I plan on flying carry on only, so no prob waiting for baggage. Had to laugh at the "relatibs" comment. I can still hear the accent. And Khun mor, yea, thats my thoughts about just getting outta the airport and on the way. After a long flight and arriving after 10:30 pm, I'm much more interested in saving sanity than money. From Florida we're talking 12 time zones. A long trip. Another question if I may. My R/T is for 35 days. I understand visas are 3 weeks. I plan on prob visiting LoS for a week. You see any prob at the Mnl? What are the options if I choose to stay the 35 days in Phil? Again, thanks for your help.

Rusty

PI initial tourist visa is indeed only for 21 days, but is easily extended to 59 by paying a small fee through a travel service once you're in the country. Chances VERY, VERY small anyone at immigration in the PI will say anything to you about it, as they know it's easily extended. Slightly more chance that your AIRLINE might bring it up before you board your plane to Asia, but I have never had it mentioned on any of my longer trips either. I DO usually have an onward inter-Asia e-ticket booked before I leave on my trip, though, and if you KNOW you're going to another country, booking in advance would totally erase any possible headache of this type. If you're not traveling on one of the budget airlines, though, the inter-Asia ticket will often end up being cheaper if you buy it from a travel agent once you land.

Pacific Breeze is nice, but, yeah, on a 5 week trip, the price difference adds up. Even at a place like Central park, I usually don't think spending 200 USD a week for a hotel is bad, but when I do the math, that still is over a thousand dollars for a 5 week trip, which is no small chunk of change. Pacific Breeze weighing in at nearly 50 USD per night is obviously more dear than that. Swiss Chalet is in an excellent location and has nice rooms and might be an option if Central Park's booked. Or Royal Amsterdam.

Thanks for all the advice on this board. SG was a waste and we have been staying at Pacific Breeze where the serfvice, employees and facilities are really great. Wild Orchid and ABC offer the same at bouble the price.
I have pretty much been confinede to Fields as Perimeter looks a little more run down. Some great clubs on Fields and the Blue Nile Group has to be the tops for this trip. Cambodia is the only one so far that looks like a dancer retirement home.
I have enjoyed the company I have meet and have enjoyed the travel thus far. I will extend till Friday since the 14th is elections. Trying to get back yesterday from Subic was an absolute nightmare. So a little longer is fine.
I am currently booking my return for June for about 20-30 days. I will definetley stay a Pacific Breeze. Again guys thanks for the info and the advice. Wish I could tell who is who downtown vs the board as it would be nice to meet some of you.
T

Porker arriving in AC in early July. Will be somewhere bumming around the PI and maybe the rest of SEA for 6 weeks or so.

Tazzt99

I'll be in AC for most of June - mid month. Let me know what your dates are . I'm already booked at Pacific Breeze. If we are there at same time I'll PM my PI cell phone number to you.

Hope to see you.

Hey all,
I'm having a tough time finding lodging. Swiss chalet is also booked up. Waiting to hear if there is a room available at Pacific Breeze for my first week in PI starting late 23rd/early 24th of may. Glad to hear others will be "in country" at the same time. Be good to hook up and share any insights. Anyone have info on the Patio Inn? Found it online and rooms are pretty cheap, they say close to the VFW, not that I plan on hanging there. But I could rent there for a month and use as a base camp. As I mentioned previously I will be in SEA for about 35 days and need to keep expenses reasonable. Any help or input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Rusty

Patio Inn's OK if you want to stay out on Perimeter Rd. (I wouldn't at least at the beginning of my first trip). Rooms decent sized for the price, pool's a little small.

Very laid back there. They have a communal kitchen area, but many semi-permanent residents living there almost full-time, so it can get crowded cooking at usual mealtimes. Most long-term types have live-in girlfriends, so if you're looking for guys to party with in the bars, that's probably not the place to meet up with like-minded folks.

Keep in mind that to get the cheapest rates there that you need to pay the entire amount upfront and in cash. Don't think you'll have much luck getting your money back if you decide to travel around or if there's any sort of problem in your room.

Bud recently said they now have very good high speed wireless internet there.

As far as getting a room in AC on short notice, just gotta keep trying. Can call all the places listed on www.balibago.com "where to stay" until you find something. Many places that say they're booked in advance may have rooms become available due to cancellations once you arrive. Some find it's easier to tell you "we're booked" when they can't put you into one room for the entire length of your stay (It's the Philippines!!!). Another excellent option that always seems to have a room when I need one is Apartelle Royal above Camelot. A lot of stairs to climb and no air-con in their hallway, but rooms are big and a great value.

Thanks Porker. I do have emails out to other places and expect to hear more soon. Did'nt expect it to be so busy at this time. Not that I know exactly when "high season " is. I'll look into Apartelle Royal. Could you explain your thoughts on my staying away from perimeter rd as this is a first visit? I travel quite often and spent a few weeks each of the last couple years in Ukraine. Few spoke english there, but as being ex military, and having made both west pacs and med cruises, I do feel comfortable in a foreign country. Is it more of a matter of convienence? Or safety? Or does it just suck around perimeter road? Thanks for your input.
Rusty

I'd suggest you try to get something on or near Fields for the first week. Long before that week's over you'll have the lay of the land and be comfortable moving to some place out away from Fields, where the rooms will be cheaper and more readily available.

PS - If you can't find anything on Fields, the Clarkton usually has rooms, but you'll be taking trikes or jeeps down to Fields (the main bar strip). But it's only a 2-3 minute, $1, trike ride. Just tell the trike driver "kokomoz" and they'll drop you right in bar central.

Reasons not to stay on Perimeter Rd. at the beginning of one's first trip, as Phxguy mentions, is that you don't really know where you're going, and while some are more adventurous than others, I, personally, would prefer to be at ground zero amongst the bars in Angeles, within stumbling ditance of my hotel when I'm out hunting for barfines or looking for something to eat or something to do. Once you get used to things (have a barfine take you around on a jeepney and a trike), you'll find that getting back and forth to/from Perimeter Rd. and Fields is not that hard, but I think most would agree that they don't much like trikes or trike drivers, and riding around on jeepneys is just a sweaty mass of humanity that life is more pleasant avoiding.

While MongerX seems to love the perimeter bars uber alles, I think most on this board would agree that Fields bars just offer MORE across the board, unless all you're interested in is raunch or cheap(er) booze.

Going to Markarti for the first time. I have just got divorced. This is my divorce present. I have never done this type of thing. I need all the advice I can get and hope to hook up with someone to show me the ropes. Will be in Markarti June 22-29 then Leyte June 30-July 11.

(Message edited by sonny17373 on May 13, 2007)

Why Makati and especially why Leyte and not Angeles City ? Seems like the wrong places to really enjoy your divorce present.

I'll be in AC June 22- 26 if you do make it there. Send me a PM or e-mail ( adress on my home PAD} if you're around.

khun mor I didnt know where to go in the Phillipines. Do you think I should cancel my Markarti Plans and go to Angeles City, and how do you get there from the Manila Airport. I have friends in Leyete so I'm going diving there. I think I might change my Markarti plans and head to Angeles City any suggestions on hotels.

Sonny,

I haven't been to Makati so you can take this piece of advice with a grain of salt if you choose. Go to Angeles. You won't regret it! It's point and click mongering at it's best. Best of all, from what I've read, it's cheaper than Makati. I've also read that the level of the girls is slightly lower in Angeles. But, I can say from my recent trip, unless you're the pickiest guy in the world you will find several someones to latch onto in Angeles.

I will be returning to Angeles on July 25. If anyone is around PM me for a beer.

EA

Well I finally found a place to stay. There was room at Pacific Breeze. They also arranged my pick-up from MNL. They gave me a $48 room the 1st couple nights, then I move to the $41 room the next 4 days. Where I'll be from there is anyones guess. I want to do some diving and also play some golf while in PI. Also, I might like to visit Pattaya. Thanks for all suggestions, and if anyone wants to hookup for a drink, let me know. Thanks for all suggestions and help.
Rusty

>Do you think I should cancel my Markarti Plans and go to Angeles City

Hell yes!

>how do you get there from the Manila Airport

Book a room at Pacific Breeze (http://www.pacificbreezehotel.com) and have them arrange your transportation from the airport. Couldn't be simpler - and their driver will know exactly where to go.

Sonny
You get a whole lot more fun for your dollar in AC. The girls in Makati may be a lil bit better looking but not enough to justify paying triple the price. Plenty of good looking girls in AC.The main thing is the bars are 10 times more fun and buying drinks will not break your bank.

as Phoenixguy said book a hotel room - cannot go wrong with Pacific Breeze- that's where I'm staying. Royal Amstedam is another good option. Check under hotel section in Discus Phillipines When you book the room arrange airport pickup by hotel limo (car or van). Runs about 2,400 pesos about $50 US.

Hope to see you there-- You will NOT regret it.

Khun mor. Phoenixguy. Just cancelled my hotel in Markarti and heading to AC will be there from July 22 to the 30. Hoing to hook up with ya. I thank everyone for the advice.

Sonny I will be gone in July. I thought you were in Makati June 22-29 then on to Leyte. Have you changed your dates ? If you meant AC from June 22- 29 I'll be there for the first 5 days of that stay and would be happy to meet up.

I'll PM you my cell # if you will be there in June. You do plan on having a cell phone while there right ? It's almost a necessity to find other guys but more importantly to collect BG's cells for future delights.

Khun mor was going to Markarti but changed my mind with all the advice on going to AC. Cancelled Markati and now going AC from June 22-29 then Leyte after that.

Looks like I'll miss both of you by a few days - I'll be in AC July 3-8.

Sonny - I'm sure you'll have a blast in AC as long as you don't go expecting something high class and fancy. My recipe for having fun right away - walk into a bar and buy a drink for the first gal or two who come over to join you. Right away you're not alone. And as they molest you , you can always have them call their friend - the hottie you really want - over to join you.

Sonny,

As a Cherry Boy until I got back yesterday listen to the board. I stayed in AC until returning last night as I fell ill the last day or so. Dtay on Fields at the Pacific Breeze. I stayed at 4 hotels and visited every other one in the area that was decent. I have to say for 41 bucks the dollar goes a long way there. The staff is helpful. As for your golf thoughts, you are only about 10 min taxi ride from the course which is situated on Clark AB. Don't know about tee times or the lot, but Holiday Inn is situated there and can help with any ?'s in that regard.
As for the dames, there is nothing like them in the world. A true GFE experience and willing to handle what you can dish out. If you enjoy it as much as me then you will be booking your return before you get back home.

T

hello again,
I'm kinda new to the board but will be in PI next week for 30 days on and off, and want 2 visit LoS for a week or so. I joined this site to meet like minded guys, so if any will b around SEA the month of june, shoot me an email and we can hook up for a drink and compare notes.
Thanks,
Rusty

I'll be back in PI on the 19th of June. Will head to Biliran Island a few days after that. So if anyone wants to see this place you be sure to look me up. I'll go there via Tacloban and may return to AC via Cebu.

Bud
0928-244-7850<----PI cell

Sorry for posting the wrong number a couple times, I get confused on the 0928 part.

(Message edited by bigballs on May 21, 2007)

6/19? Ouch. Did your ticket cost less than 1500 bucks? If so, you probably got an OK deal. Of course leaving 2 weeks earlier would have meant paying 50% less...