I just made ANOTHER trip to AC recently. Since I “locked down” with my fav, I’ve really got no “lay by lay” or “blow by blow” to give you, just some travel, food and bar notes.

EVA Air

I usually fly China Airlines for business, and its first class is simply outstanding. However, since this trip was on MY dime, my wingman and I chose to fly EVA deluxe class. Since I’m used to traveling in big wide seats, with a lot of pitch, I would rather not fly coach if I can help it. At the same time, I also don’t like just tossing my money at the airlines. EVA’s deluxe class provides a nice value-based compromise.

The deluxe class seats are a few inches wider with a few inches more pitch. Also, you share the lavs with fewer people. All for about a couple hundred more than coach. Given summer peak fares, I think we paid about $1,300. Non peak would cost about 400 or 500 less. This time though, EVA really earned full marks from us.

Since we had flown a bunch of times on EVA to BKK, we had enough miles to upgrade from Deluxe to Business Class from LAX to TPE. Yeah, traveling in style. But the best part was that when we checked in we found out that we were being upgraded to First Class! As anyone who has flown a lot across the Pacific will tell you, a long-haul complimentary upgrade is extremely rare. Even more rare is an upgrade when you have already upgraded using miles!!! Yes, we have status with EVA, but only Silver; there are two status classes above us. A very nice with which to start our trip.

Now, neither First nor Business is SUPER plush vis-à-vis China Air, Singapore or Cathay, but I’ll take it any day. The food was not that impressive, but I was extremely happy with the lie flat seats. We didn’t get an upgrade on the TPE-MNL leg, but we DID get upgraded from MNL – TPE. I’ve had Emerald status w/ China Air for some time now, and have been offered an upgrade only once (short haul). Twice in one trip. Kudos to EVA!

Hotel Royal Amsterdam

I always choose the HRA, and except for a few days at the Wild Orchid, have stayed no where else in AC. I’ve stayed in the Superior ($35/night), Superior Deluxe ($45/night) and the Jacuzzi suite ($55). The Superior rooms are the best value, as long as you don’t get the loud ones in the back facing the videokes. The Superior Deluxes are roomier, but there are only two of them and sometimes they have a bit of a musty smell. I like the Jacuzzi rooms, but you should be aware that they take a long time to fill and the size and shape of the tub makes it awkward to, well, you know. Still, fill it up ahead of time, add some bath or body oil (you’re going to be in there for a while and you don’t want wrinkly skin afterwards), and some shower gel for some bubbles.

The HRA is not a five (or even four) star hotel by international standards, but the staff is unfailingly nice and helpful. They say that extra towels will cost extra, but just do NOT call down to the front desk to ask for them. Ask the chambermaids and always treat them well. They remember.

FOOD

I’ve spent a lot of time in Brazil, Thailand, Taiwan and China. By FAR, the worst place culinarily is the PI. Nothing you can do about it. Just accept it and make do as best you can.

Stephanies

The food at the HRA is okay. “Okay” doesn’t’ sound like much, but compared to most places in the PI . . . . The chicken and corn soup for 110P is a nice deal, especially if you’ve got the sniffles. Also, unlike most places, the restaurant is air conditioned.

Dollhouse

Another air conditioned place nearby is the Dollhouse Hotel (hotel part not yet opened) restaurant. Pretty standard menu, with a few extras. I liked the Pork Tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet). The fries were horrible. Still, I went there a bunch of times.

Red Sea

I didn’t go there this trip, but I like Red Sea across from Blue Nile. Nice Mediterranean food. The mixed grill is good and plentiful. The shwarmas are cheap, tasty and filling. Beware, the hot sauce is really hot.

Salvatore’s

Upstairs from Angelwitch, it serves mediocre, but very cheap Italian.

Mo’s

Mo’s is Mo’s. You get what you would expect. So so food, no aircon, lots of flies (not because it is filthy or anything, just because it isn’t enclosed). I love their mango ice tea coolers in huge mason jars. Also good are the chicken tenders and crab cakes. Service is often excruciatingly slow.

Cottage Kitchen and C’s Italian

Both are amongst the best (and most expensive) restaurants in AC. CK serves very fine Cajun/creole/southern cuisine. C’s good Italian food. I recommend their panniza’s (thin crust pizza-type dish), very large and not too pricey (for AC standards). Both of these places might be a little wasted if you bring your BG, although CK does have local dishes on its menu.

Onami

Spelling is probably off, but it is a newish Japanese restaurant way down in the Perimeter. Decent teriyaki, sashimi, tempura, etc.

Fortune and Shanghai

Two Chinese restaurants across Macarthur from each other. I’ve only been to Shanghai once (and Fortune many times), but I thought Fortune was much better. Pretty good standard Cantonese cuisine at Fortune.

Jerry’s

Located at the new SM mall. Service wasn’t so hot, but the food was pretty good. Pinoy cuisine, the grilled chicken was really good. SM has a number of choices available, including Max (well known in PI for its fried chicken) and Sbarro’s (the American Italian food chain), but I didn’t get a chance to sample them.

Rodizio

Located in the Clark Holiday Inn, this is the new Brazilian restaurant. I was REALLY looking forward to trying this place. In a word, YUCK! Nice place, well appointed, but the food was HORRIBLE. Like everything else in PI, the meat had too much sweet marinade. Given the fact that most brazilian meat is cooked only with salt, the taste was really tough to take. And it was very pricey too. Do yourselves a favor, skip it.

STUFF TO DO

SM

You know, I never thought I would be celebrating the opening of a mall, but this has definitely added something to AC. More restaurants, more shops, a big supermarket, bookstore, movie theatre and two arcades. The arcade was a nice little diversion if you bring your BG. Most arcade games cost only 1 token (6P). I can only barely recall when games in the US cost only 25 cents. They don’t exist anymore. The foolish (or brave) can even sing karaoke there, on stage or in private booths.

Massage (Hanky Panky-less)

Halla Spa, way down the end of the Perimeter, isn’t bad. Nice shower facilities and good strong massage, but you share the facilities and massage room with sometimes a lot of boisterous Koreans.

Body Bliss is between Norma’s Money changer and Mister Frosty. Nice place with tables separated by curtains. Air con a little weak, but easily the nicest place within walking distance from the main hotels.

MediSpa is a new place located on Macarthur, just a few doors down from Fortune. Nice place with private rooms available for parties of two or three. I liked my massage there, but my companions weren’t so impressed by their massages. The one bad thing was that it was clear that they had just fumigated. A big turn off, but still worth a try.

Footzone is located across the street in the Casino. Although the entrance is on MacArthur, you actually have to use the casino entrance, go through the metal detectors, and up the stairs. 350P for an hour, you can get a regular body massage and/or a foot massage. I really liked this place. Once again private rooms for parties of two or more, and there is a television in the rooms. The air con was just right. My favorite place.

TRIKES

I used to wonder why people complained about the trikes so much. Yes the drivers can be annoying, but the cost was really small relative to what I’m used to at home or virtually anywhere else. Now I know why. I can accept the 50P for the short to intermediate jaunts. I hate the fact that the Fields trike guys try to charge a lot more for anything further. I know we’re still talking about small change, but 100P or more to go to the far end of the Perimeter is ridiculous.

For comparison, you can get in an airconditioned taxi (another bunch of rip off artists) in Manila, and go a LOOOONG way for 100P. I went with my girl to her home past Dau. We went flat out for about 20 minutes (let’s say about 7 miles) in a trike (hurt like hell too). It cost 35P. From Dau to Fields, less than half that distance, they wanted to charge over 120P. Remember, the trikes on Fields aren’t just charging foreigners more, they are trying to gouge everyone, including locals.

BARS

Since I didn’t barhop as much as in the past, here are just some quick hits on a few of the places I checked out. Since a lineup changes daily (if not hourly), this is just a snapshot. Take it all with a large dose of salt.

Blue Nile and Blue Nile Exec

In both places, there are a lot of girls. Unfortunately, they no longer have a lot of hot girls. At most a couple in each. A big disappointment. Where did the super hotties go?

Dollhouse

Over the past year, I’ve always stopped by to take a gander, but I have never even once found a stunner here. That’s why I always read with surprise reports that there were a lot of hotties here. This time, I went in a couple of times, and I now stand corrected. They had more than its fair share of attractive barfineables.

La Pasha

Because I am far more assertive and gregarious than my wingman, I often find myself hooking him up. Still, because I am admittedly greedy and selfish, I openly tell him that I will only help him find B+ or lower girls. I hate the idea of hooking him up with an uber hottie that I could have had (if not locked down). Still, because he was having a run of bad luck, I found the one and only A- here and helped him out. The gist of this story? There is a huge lineup, but only one girl that I would have been thrilled to barfine.

Lancelot

Another place with a huge lineup but no one I found barfineable.

Camelot

Lots of girls, a nice method of rotating around the stage and quite a number of attractive girls and waitresses. The girls seem to have more fun here than in most places too.

Agasya

By far, the highest number of hotties here. Unfortunately, this is a bar geared towards the Japanese and Koreans. Therefore, there is a very strong emphasis on short time. Too bad because they had a lot of eye candy.

Bunny Ranch

Always a fair number of pretty girls here. The one problem I have with this place is that a lot of the girls seem to be borrowing the IDs of other girls. Unfortunately, this practice is not known only here. Buyer beware.

MISC.

Is it me or do cell phone rates here seem exorbitant for a third world country? I think the prepaid local calls range between .12(6.5P) and .15 (7.5P). International calls are around .40 (20P). I know that most locals text rather than call, but given their average wages, isn’t that quite a bit? Calling TO the PI is super expensive too. Given the cost of living here, I spend an hellacious amount on load. Looks like gouging to me.

The most interesting language thing I learned this trip is the meaning of “honeyko.” I always assumed that it was the local way of saying “honey.” Experts correct me if I’m wrong, but it actually means “MY honey” or “honey of mine.” Therefore, you would never say “YOUR honeyko.”

At the end of every trip, we always spend the last day or two in Manila and splurge a little. The last few times, we’ve stayed at the Mandarin (one of the best hotels in Manila). It cost (through an internet site) $95/nite including a VERY nice breakfast buffet. Although it is a little pricey by AC standards, please note that it’s not that much more than the least expensive room (w/o breakfast) at the Wild Orchid. Just don’t buy any meals at the Mandarin, they do ream you on non-included meals.

I love Brazil, and wish it was not o expensive now. I love the Thai culture, beautiful women and fantastic cuisine. Philippines? Hard to explain, but it has a certain charm all its own.

You pretty much have the same opinions as myself regarding AC, the bars and its food. Amazing that I was just there 4 months ago and so much has changed since then. Would like to hear about you being monogomous on this trip with a new "girlfriend". Many have done it before so it would be interesting hearing your perspective on it. Suprised you stuck it out with one girl in AC as the place is an absolute shithole. Might want to try traveling around to nicer places instead of just going to bars and camping out in the room...that is, if you really like this chica.

Surprisingly, the monogomous part hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. At least part of the reason is that we don't barhop that much any more (less temptation) and I haven't seen a whole lot of stunners anyway.

As for going away to nicer places, I agree completely. Unfortunately, this past trip it rained about everyday. I didn't want to spend any money going to a beach locale (Cebu, Boracay, even Subic) and be stuck inside. Blame it on the neverending train of typhoons that passed by while we were there.

I like this girl. Fortunately, she doesn't live anywhere near the Fields area, has a nice family that cares about and helps her, and has good friends not in the bar business. Still, I'm pretty realistic about how long-distance, multi-cultural relationships usually end up.

I find that being honest, making and asking for no promises help.

I just got back from six nights in AC, and I would agree with a lot of what you are saying.

I had a great time this trip. I drank too much, ate too much, and I feel fucked out. However, I would say that the talent levels in the bars has really bottomed out. Lots of the girls I know, and think are doables, are home in the province right now. I would say that well over half the bars I visited just didn't have any doables at all, when I would say before most bars would have atleast one or two.

There were a couple of pleseant surprises. Blue Nile Executive, one night out of three visiting there, was only place were I saw a very good lineup and I was saying "Damn lots of really hot girls in here now." Also, the hotties here were of the spinner variety

Another noteworthy place is Limited Edition out on perimeter. I tried visiting the downstairs club that opens after 5PM. This place is interesting as was surprisingly popular with most of the customers being expats. However, once seeing the small 15-20 girl line-up I could see why the locals had driven here. A really nice looking selection of girls with a variety of looks and attitudes; a couple of cute spinners, pretty taller girls, sweet girl next door types, and some wild one's too. Also the place is cheap and the recent renovation has made it very comfortable in there.

As far as I am concerned there is a new king of in bar sleazy good times; Club Rio. While Nifty's has grown a bit stale and hasn't done a good job replacing it's departing stars, Club Rio has some cuties and the action in the bar is way up. It sure seems like i was getting my dick taken out a sucked on in the main bar pretty regulary. Also, they have added a curtain to one of last corner booth. My value and mileage greatly exceeded that of the usual "sample." Great to see the home of "Sweaty Cock" is back in such good form.

I also paid a first visit to The Big Easy. I liked the Rock 'n' Roll band in a GoGo bar. I thought the place was really fun and had lots of potential. A really nice change-up from the usual cookie cutter set-up. The were a couple fo cute girls and the Rock n Roll had them acting slutty. I definitely could see myself getting crocked and having a wild time. My wingman Porker wasn't so impressed and pushed that we move on to check out the new Heartbreakers club.

Heartbreakers is in the old pick up disco space. This is a really beautiful venue which has so much potential. However, unless the Thundering Herd is upgraded and somehow the energy level raised this place will last for long.

Dollhouse, is still a good place but I thought the talent was down quite a bit. However, there was still enough cuties and good bodies to find one here.

As for food I would say that the Dollhouse restaurant was real good and the place is a pleasure to hang out in and watch the street parade. Also, I tried Bretto's for the first time and would have to say it's excellent. Definitely one to put in heavy rotation.

Damn... I was planning to go back to AC this month - especially with Cathay Pacific's special... so when is it customary for the girls to come back? Actually, regardless of your answer - I am more than likely going back to AC Phillz whithin 3 weeks - I can't stand it anymore!!! Hopefully its just the girls on their periords that have left....

(Message edited by metalboots on August 04, 2006)

MB, Don't go changing your plans. You are still gonna party hard and gete laid by cutt sweet and sexy Pinays. The drop in talent will be noticeable but nothing serious enough to change any MO you may have had. When you hit like a dozen bars a day you will find and Angel or two, and have a blast. Even with the drop in talent, I still left town with several must do's items on my list not done.

But dude you must go to Club Rio and accept an invitation into the corner booth.

By the way I saw one of your "Angels" the other day passing by the Dollhouse restaurant.

BTW - We all know you are gonna fall in love by day three anyway! So why worry if a some of the girls have gone back to province for part of the rainy season?


(Message edited by mongerx on August 04, 2006)

Me fall in love? Well I'll attempt to make it to day 4 before I keep one for the remaining 8 nights.... hahahaa... thanks man... CheerZ to ya!

\m/

Blazers,

Where do you recommend taking a girl? Any particular places that are not particularly "bar-centric" but that is fun anyway? Thanks.

Boracay, Moalboal in Cebu...both have direct flights from Clark in AC via SEair. You can also go to Manila and then 45 minutes later to a beautiful place called Tagaytay.

Hey, great report, and thanks for taking the time to post your observations. I just spent 4 weeks in AC, and while I did have a side trip to Indonesia thrown in, I wasn't bored for a second, though I know I am in the minority in that regard. It REALLY helps to have friends in town at the same time, though, as time spent with friends are good times wherever the destination.

Re: food in AC, I managed to gain a good 15 lbs. on my trip. While it certainly isn't a reason to travel half-way around the world, you'd think the people complaining about the quality of the food there would be starving or getting sick something, and I highly doubt that's the case. I tried Dollhouse and Bretto's for the first time this trip, and for WESTERN FOOD, they serve up some prety damned good stuff. Cottage Kitchen made the best hamburger I've ever had in my life, and it was literally smothered with bacon and imported American cheese. Another thing: in most restaurants, the portions are FRIGGIN' HUGE for the money. There's a reason why the long term residents tend to resemble beached whales. If I lived in that place for a year I'd weigh 3 bills in no time.

hey guys ...i am very new here ...but i will be going to phil in early sept...and wanted to know has any one been to gensan city and how is the girl bars there ?