Having such a terrible (and unexpected) time in China (and Macau), and my money was running out rather quickly than initially planned. Furthermore, I wasn’t having any fun trying to keep an eye on where my money is disappearing so rapidly. I needed a plan B and did something that I have never done before… planning a trip in the middle of trip. It turned out that it was a good thing, at least a fresh destination and new experience was added to my travel log.

Quick 3 days trip to Manila.

Reading previous reporter’s report and having only 3 days to stay on first visit to the country, I decide to stay in the area known as ERMITA. My plan was to stay at Best Western La Colona Hotel and visit Robinsons Mall for eating and picking up non-pro and Manila Bay Café for free lancers.

1. Hotel
Best Western La Colona Hotel www.bestwesternhotelmanila.com
I went to their website and booked a room. Make sure you click on reservation and then click on “Click here to see promotions” at the bottom. I got a deluxe room for $45 a night deal this way and also booked airport pickup. From the report, I knew 800PHP ($20) for airport pickup is high price but I didn’t mind since it was my first visit. Room was quite good. Good water pressure, clean sheet, nice bed, cool air-conditioner, complementary water, packed refrigerator. No mildew, no smell of any kind… In fact, a surprise for the price.

2. Airport, Taxi
The flight from Macau to Manila was a short one. The plane was quite empty so I had plenty room. Even for such a short flight, Philippine airline was proving a full meal and drink service. So by the time the meal service was done, it was time to land already. Airport is relatively small and process is quick so I was out of the airport in no time. As I walk out, I see the person with sign from my hotel. I ask for money exchange and SIM chip and she leads me to the information desk where they sell SIM chip. (Really? This is first time I see the information desk selling a SIM chip). The girl at the information desk takes my cell phone and insert the SIM chip and test it, all looks good. It cost something like $5 but she does not have change (like $1) so I said fine. It took us about 20-30 min to hotel.

3. Robinsons Mall & Manila Bay Café
I tried to pick a girl from here. A shopper or store girls whoever I could make excuse to talk to …. they were all nice to me when I try to talk to them but not one girl fell for immediate date. Maybe I needed more time or not as popular look as someone on this report had experienced. After about 10 tries, I gave up and just got a girl from MBC. It looks like MBC girls are basically divided into two groups. Girls on 2nd floor are looking for Asian customer (Japanese, Korean…) and they look and behave more like a pro. Girls on 1st floor are either beginner or not so good looking. 2nd floor also has live stage so they charge you 100PHP to go upstairs. 2nd floor is less crowded but 1st floor often don’t have a seat. I forgot what the beer cost and how much the lady drink cost, but it was cheap. (I just came from overpriced China!). Just don’t order anything to eat (like Hamburger). It is way over priced and taste like x.
Girl wants 2000PHP but usually ok with 1500. But some 2nd floor girl may only go for 2000PHP. If they have friends (many 2nd floor girls work together with their friends), they all ok for 3 some and more. (Same price per person)
I had other clubs on the list but I did not go anywhere, even The Amazonia which was near MBC.

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Considering the unexpected and overpriced China and Macau.. I think I had decent time in Manila. Everything was cheap there. However I did not feel anything special about the girls or place and could not see what was all the hype about Philippine. Maybe because I needed to go to AC? Or needed more time? To me, the street was dirty and looked unsafe to walk at night. Girls OK but nothing special in bed, in fact I felt that they lack passion in bed.

With limited time it's difficult to get a feel for any destination. I'm not sure AC is your best bet in the future but there are a lot better options in the PI than MBC in Ermita if you are able to spend a week or two.

Manila, the armpit of the world...

The poverty

The pollution

The traffic

The heat and humidity

The crime....

My Chinatown, Jake.

If passion is what one wants...it can be found in the Phils...but not to the degree that one finds...

Brazil, Colombia, the Caribbean, Africa...

Generalizing of course and playing the percentages...

Phils chicks are sweet and funny though...