Philippines

Imgembo

My girl friend is going to Mannilla for three months this summer to work on an economic development project with the Canadian Urban Institute. Since there is a very diverse group of people on this fourm i wanted to find out if any of you have spent any time over there. We are trying to find some decent living arrangement's for her. In addition to communication options while she is there and travel options ( what is the best method). If any one has any tips or general suggestions it would be wonderful to help put her ( and mine) minds at ease.

danielzreyes

Where in Manila? I was born in Pandacan Manila Phil.

Imgembo

danielzreyes:

Where in Manila? I was born in Pandacan Manila Phil.

Said a place called Makati (sp?)

rzaman

I have been to Manila few times. Just avoide Makati and Roxas Blv. Area. Makati is a business district and traffic jam is really bad. However, all the foreign missions and donor offices are in Makati area. In that sense living around there would save transportation time. The best option is ask her parent organization which area they prefer her to stay. All the foreign organization has a HR department and they should be able to help her with the right location.

Manila offers many multinational Cousins. Phillipine has huge Japanese and American investment. You will find more or less all kids of food. Asian foods are exotic. Do not forget to visit Sea Food Restarent in the Roxas Blv. Area. Also one day brunch in Manila Diamond hotel. They have Hard Rock cafe if you miss a decent burger. Manila is little different than other South-East Asian capital cities such as Kualalampur, Jakarta, Bangkok or Singapore. Great city to buy wooden curving. people are super friendly. You have to try one Phillipino dish- sweet and sour Lapu Lapu fish.

About travel, Palawan island which has world's longest underground river. Boracay island if you like coral island and snorkeling. Honda Bay is a remotes islands with nice private resort, runs by a Swiss or Austrian guy. It is not so expensive. if you want to see WWII history then do not miss Corregidor Island. It is well preserved. You can take a hovercraft from Manila. General MacArthur had to abandon the island under heavy Japanese air attack.

Please get a lonely planet travel book which can provide you all the information you need about traveling, hotel, apartment, restaurants everything.

About politics. We have historic relationship with this country. However, do not be surprise if you meet some people with anti-American feeling. Our relationship suffered last couple of years for various reason but warming up again. We are Helping Phillipine to claim their share in the Spratly Islands dispute with China. Overall, it is love and hate relationship but getting better. Most probably we will have a Naval base there soon. If you have time please visit our former naval Subic Bay... Now a casino zone. Avoid visit Southern Mindanao island for Sudden violence. Terrorsit organization Abu Sayyaf are active in that area.

Finally, please respect the local culture. many foreigners disrespect the locahe. They are simply friendly people and enjoy talking to the foreigners. Of course, you need to use your judgement as a foregnier. You will see many thing you won,t like but again that is simply a different culture. A little understanding can make you and your girlfriends experience memorable. Also do not forget to register your name with the American Embassy. In case, of emergency evacuation the embassy need to locate you. I will try to get back to you with more information later. Phillipines is a beautiful country with islands, culture, art and history. Enjoy your trip..Mabuhay

Imgembo

rzaman:

I have been to Manila few times. Just avoide Makati and Roxas Blv. Area. Makati is a business district and traffic jam is really bad. However, all the foreign missions and donor offices are in Makati area. In that sense living around there would save transportation time. The best option is ask her parent organization which area they prefer her to stay. All the foreign organization has a HR department and they should be able to help her with the right location.

Manila offers many multinational Cousins. Phillipine has huge Japanese and American investment. You will find more or less all kids of food. Asian foods are exotic. Do not forget to visit Sea Food Restarent in the Roxas Blv. Area. Also one day brunch in Manila Diamond hotel. They have Hard Rock cafe if you miss a decent burger. Manila is little different than other South-East Asian capital cities such as Kualalampur, Jakarta, Bangkok or Singapore. Great city to buy wooden curving. people are super friendly. You have to try one Phillipino dish- sweet and sour Lapu Lapu fish.

About travel, Palawan island which has world's longest underground river. Boracay island if you like coral island and snorkeling. Honda Bay is a remotes islands with nice private resort, runs by a Swiss or Austrian guy. It is not so expensive. if you want to see WWII history then do not miss Corregidor Island. It is well preserved. You can take a hovercraft from Manila. General MacArthur had to abandon the island under heavy Japanese air attack.

Please get a lonely planet travel book which can provide you all the information you need about traveling, hotel, apartment, restaurants everything.

About politics. We have historic relationship with this country. However, do not be surprise if you meet some people with anti-American feeling. Our relationship suffered last couple of years for various reason but warming up again. We are Helping Phillipine to claim their share in the Spratly Islands dispute with China. Overall, it is love and hate relationship but getting better. Most probably we will have a Naval base there soon. If you have time please visit our former naval Subic Bay... Now a casino zone. Avoid visit Southern Mindanao island for Sudden violence. Terrorsit organization Abu Sayyaf are active in that area.

Finally, please respect the local culture. many foreigners disrespect the locahe. They are simply friendly people and enjoy talking to the foreigners. Of course, you need to use your judgement as a foregnier. You will see many thing you won,t like but again that is simply a different culture. A little understanding can make you and your girlfriends experience memorable. Also do not forget to register your name with the American Embassy. In case, of emergency evacuation the embassy need to locate you. I will try to get back to you with more information later. Phillipines is a beautiful country with islands, culture, art and history. Enjoy your trip..Mabuhay

Thanks for all the wonderful information!. Sadly i will not be going with her this summer =( kinda jealous of her now due to all the wonderful sights you described. If i can get 2 grand for the plane ticket though i will certainly be going with her though

ug dan

I deloyed there in '02. The country was beautiful and the people were the friendliest of all the places I went to. I would like to go back some day

cabinetmaker

My wife is from Mindanao.

bigfnsteve

Imgembo:

My girl friend is going to Mannilla for three months this summer to work on an economic development project with the Canadian Urban Institute. Since there is a very diverse group of people on this fourm i wanted to find out if any of you have spent any time over there. We are trying to find some decent living arrangement's for her. In addition to communication options while she is there and travel options ( what is the best method). If any one has any tips or general suggestions it would be wonderful to help put her ( and mine) minds at ease.

Alrighty so i`ve spent some time in Manila and out in the provinces the last 3 years. With regards to a place to stay. I would look in the makati, green beltglobal city area. I guess it would also depend on where most of her work will be. Eastwood and ortegas are also nice areas. Traffic is bad everywhere. Get use to it. Regarding communication skype and magic jack are the best methods I`ve a crossed. If she is still needing living arrangements I may be able to set you up with someone who may be able to help. Feel free to pm me.

danielzreyes

bigfnsteve:

Imgembo:

My girl friend is going to Mannilla for three months this summer to work on an economic development project with the Canadian Urban Institute. Since there is a very diverse group of people on this fourm i wanted to find out if any of you have spent any time over there. We are trying to find some decent living arrangement's for her. In addition to communication options while she is there and travel options ( what is the best method). If any one has any tips or general suggestions it would be wonderful to help put her ( and mine) minds at ease.

Alrighty so i`ve spent some time in Manila and out in the provinces the last 3 years. With regards to a place to stay. I would look in the makati, green beltglobal city area. I guess it would also depend on where most of her work will be. Eastwood and ortegas are also nice areas. Traffic is bad everywhere. Get use to it. Regarding communication skype and magic jack are the best methods I`ve a crossed. If she is still needing living arrangements I may be able to set you up with someone who may be able to help. Feel free to pm me.

As bigfnsteve said, Makati is very crowded and congested. It's considered to be the business/higher class compared to other areas in Manila. As far as transportation, the amount of ways of travel is limitless. FromTaxis, Jeepneys (most common), Tricycles, Motorelas, rickshaws etc. +1 on Skype and majic jack etc. Plus there are countless numbers of internet cafes there. I'll also recommend a simple phone card. Just remember that live communication can be tricky because Phil is 16 hours ahead. Btw, the Philippines has a pretty decent selection of Cigars. I have smoked a few (I even may have bombed a few BOTL with a few). Maybe you can tell your GF to come home with a box or 2 of some Filipino cigars

bigfnsteve

danielzreyes:

bigfnsteve:

Imgembo:

My girl friend is going to Mannilla for three months this summer to work on an economic development project with the Canadian Urban Institute. Since there is a very diverse group of people on this fourm i wanted to find out if any of you have spent any time over there. We are trying to find some decent living arrangement's for her. In addition to communication options while she is there and travel options ( what is the best method). If any one has any tips or general suggestions it would be wonderful to help put her ( and mine) minds at ease.

Alrighty so i`ve spent some time in Manila and out in the provinces the last 3 years. With regards to a place to stay. I would look in the makati, green beltglobal city area. I guess it would also depend on where most of her work will be. Eastwood and ortegas are also nice areas. Traffic is bad everywhere. Get use to it. Regarding communication skype and magic jack are the best methods I`ve a crossed. If she is still needing living arrangements I may be able to set you up with someone who may be able to help. Feel free to pm me.

As bigfnsteve said, Makati is very crowded and congested. It's considered to be the business/higher class compared to other areas in Manila. As far as transportation, the amount of ways of travel is limitless. FromTaxis, Jeepneys (most common), Tricycles, Motorelas, rickshaws etc. +1 on Skype and majic jack etc. Plus there are countless numbers of internet cafes there. I'll also recommend a simple phone card. Just remember that live communication can be tricky because Phil is 16 hours ahead. Btw, the Philippines has a pretty decent selection of Cigars. I have smoked a few (I even may have bombed a few BOTL with a few). Maybe you can tell your GF to come home with a box or 2 of some Filipino cigars

Regarding transportation. Jeeps are fun.,they do take a little time or atleast for me it did to become comfortable. You dont see to many 6+ foot 280 pound white guys riding in them now regarding taxis ive never had an issue however there have been some issues with them and people being robbed. These cases are somewhat rare but they do happen. The bus system leaving Metro Manila is nice and simple. Getting out to clark/subic or even out to bagio is easy and cheap. When I dont have a driver this is my preferred method to get out of the hustle n bustle of MM. One of these days i should post some pics of my big a$$ in a tricycle or riding hunched over in a jeep. The Filipinos,get quite a good laugh. I hope she`ll be able to venture out into the provinces as they are beautiful along with some of the other Islands. Palawan, Cebu , Borocay and northern Luzon are awesome. Each one has something special about them . Especially Pomponga .... such good food. I wanted to add that if your a blackberry user BBM works awesome and is cheap to get using over there. You could also use whatsapp or something similar.

danielzreyes

Hey bigfnsteve. If you don't mind me asking, what brought you out to visit the many islands of my home country? A 6'+ 280 white man getting in and out a jeepney filled with little Filipinos lol. Wish I was there to see that.

MVW67

danielzreyes:

Hey bigfnsteve. If you don't mind me asking, what brought you out to visit the many islands of my home country? A 6'+ 280 white man getting in and out a jeepney filled with little Filipinos lol. Wish I was there to see that.

that would be funny! Them jeepneys are small!

bigfnsteve

danielzreyes:

Hey bigfnsteve. If you don't mind me asking, what brought you out to visit the many islands of my home country? A 6'+ 280 white man getting in and out a jeepney filled with little Filipinos lol. Wish I was there to see that.

I use to work with quite a few pinoys. They hassled me about not ever going considering I`ve to upwards of 30+ countries. So back in 2010 I went for the first time. Stayed with the family of a co worker. Since then I`ve been 10+ times. I`ve made allot of friends and some I consider family. The generosity and hospitality keep bringing be back. Frankly the way Filipinos eat and drink sam mig light (although i prefer red horse) is right down my alley also:) for the record no I dont have a girlfriend or go over there for the "sex tourism". Just had to get that stereotype out of the way. Theres is no much more to the people and country than that. Although fillipinas can be beautiful while being down to earth, fun and kind hearted. More so than the majority of women I`ve encountered around the globe. But thats a whole other topic for another day Its kinda funny when i come back my mind has to switch from taglish mode back to American English haha

danielzreyes

bigfnsteve:

danielzreyes:

Hey bigfnsteve. If you don't mind me asking, what brought you out to visit the many islands of my home country? A 6'+ 280 white man getting in and out a jeepney filled with little Filipinos lol. Wish I was there to see that.

I use to work with quite a few pinoys. They hassled me about not ever going considering I`ve to upwards of 30+ countries. So back in 2010 I went for the first time. Stayed with the family of a co worker. Since then I`ve been 10+ times. I`ve made allot of friends and some I consider family. The generosity and hospitality keep bringing be back. Frankly the way Filipinos eat and drink sam mig light (although i prefer red horse) is right down my alley also:) for the record no I dont have a girlfriend or go over there for the "sex tourism". Just had to get that stereotype out of the way. Theres is no much more to the people and country than that. Although fillipinas can be beautiful while being down to earth, fun and kind hearted. More so than the majority of women I`ve encountered around the globe. But thats a whole other topic for another day Its kinda funny when i come back my mind has to switch from taglish mode back to American English haha

Dude, you speak tagalog???

Imgembo

bigfnsteve:

Imgembo:

My girl friend is going to Mannilla for three months this summer to work on an economic development project with the Canadian Urban Institute. Since there is a very diverse group of people on this fourm i wanted to find out if any of you have spent any time over there. We are trying to find some decent living arrangement's for her. In addition to communication options while she is there and travel options ( what is the best method). If any one has any tips or general suggestions it would be wonderful to help put her ( and mine) minds at ease.

Alrighty so i`ve spent some time in Manila and out in the provinces the last 3 years. With regards to a place to stay. I would look in the makati, green beltglobal city area. I guess it would also depend on where most of her work will be. Eastwood and ortegas are also nice areas. Traffic is bad everywhere. Get use to it. Regarding communication skype and magic jack are the best methods I`ve a crossed. If she is still needing living arrangements I may be able to set you up with someone who may be able to help. Feel free to pm me.

I will deff send you a pm after i get a little more info from her host organization. They are taking for ever getting back to her about the project. Also going to have to look into theses cigars you speak of .

bigfnsteve

danielzreyes:

bigfnsteve:

danielzreyes:

Hey bigfnsteve. If you don't mind me asking, what brought you out to visit the many islands of my home country? A 6'+ 280 white man getting in and out a jeepney filled with little Filipinos lol. Wish I was there to see that.

I use to work with quite a few pinoys. They hassled me about not ever going considering I`ve to upwards of 30+ countries. So back in 2010 I went for the first time. Stayed with the family of a co worker. Since then I`ve been 10+ times. I`ve made allot of friends and some I consider family. The generosity and hospitality keep bringing be back. Frankly the way Filipinos eat and drink sam mig light (although i prefer red horse) is right down my alley also:) for the record no I dont have a girlfriend or go over there for the "sex tourism". Just had to get that stereotype out of the way. Theres is no much more to the people and country than that. Although fillipinas can be beautiful while being down to earth, fun and kind hearted. More so than the majority of women I`ve encountered around the globe. But thats a whole other topic for another day Its kinda funny when i come back my mind has to switch from taglish mode back to American English haha

Dude, you speak tagalog???

Very little... i understand more than i speak. Shhh i keep that a secret though... haha.

danielzreyes

Imgembo:

bigfnsteve:

Imgembo:

My girl friend is going to Mannilla for three months this summer to work on an economic development project with the Canadian Urban Institute. Since there is a very diverse group of people on this fourm i wanted to find out if any of you have spent any time over there. We are trying to find some decent living arrangement's for her. In addition to communication options while she is there and travel options ( what is the best method). If any one has any tips or general suggestions it would be wonderful to help put her ( and mine) minds at ease.

Alrighty so i`ve spent some time in Manila and out in the provinces the last 3 years. With regards to a place to stay. I would look in the makati, green beltglobal city area. I guess it would also depend on where most of her work will be. Eastwood and ortegas are also nice areas. Traffic is bad everywhere. Get use to it. Regarding communication skype and magic jack are the best methods I`ve a crossed. If she is still needing living arrangements I may be able to set you up with someone who may be able to help. Feel free to pm me.

I will deff send you a pm after i get a little more info from her host organization. They are taking for ever getting back to her about the project. Also going to have to look into theses cigars you speak of .

Here is a few of what I've had