Philippines

[toybits]

Scuba diving in Davao City (Southern Island of Mindanao).

Surfing in Surigao (Siargao).

Bohol Island for beach resorts.

Casino gambling is legal in the Philippines. This is run by the government-run PAGCOR. Casinos in Manila, Baguio and other places. Cebu also has a casino.

Go to Corrigidor Island at the mouth of Manila bay which was a garrison built by the Americans to prevent Japanese warships from enterring the bay. They have WWII relics like mortars, 18 in cannons. Takes to hours by ferry. I believe there is a hovercraft service to the island as well.

If you have a large enough budget, you might want to go to El Nido Resort on Palawan Island.

[SnS]

You cant beat Boracay and Peurto Galera

Boracay would have to be close to the best beach in Asia that has ALL facilities IMO

[sunholidaysun1]

Reference the RP, this is still used in converstaion with my friend who lived in Makati for 20 years .

Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, that is a nice place also . Not far from Cebu.

As for Olongopo, there are a few dive places there , that is why I mentioned it and not specific to Subic bay city but is in subic bay.

I never actually got to go into Subic city but I will next time.

Bantayan , I want to go there also , as a man from Wales had the Moby Dick Resort, not sure if he is still there or the resort ?

In General , I think the Philippines is a very nice place but like everywhere else in the world you have to be careful of where you go and who you mix with.

They are experts in scamming people also , so I hear , no one has tried on me as yet and I have enjoyed the 3 holidays I have taken there .

If push comes to shove then if I leave Thailand , then the RP will be my destination of choice in the area.

[Jingthing]

Sorry, I do believe PI is used by the PInoys! Really!

I picked up the term in the US from my Pinoy friends. If you don't believe, do some googling, you will find the use of PI for Philippine islands all over the the place.

Edited August 28, 2009 by Jingthing

[bartender100]

Just a deviation on the original question, where would be a good place to live?? I've only ever been to Manila and AC. I imagine some of the island would be heaven, but we get used to the good dining, fast'ish net and convenient travel options in LOS

[Hawaiian]

Back to the subject. Ahem.

I recommend, for a scenic place near Manila, Lake Taal. A volcano-in-a-lake-in-a-volcano-in-a-lake. Amazingly beautiful place.

Must agree with you. Did you go all the way up the road past Tagatay to Palace in the Sky? Fantastic views on a clear day!

[Lancelot]

And having travelled around PR I wouldn't want to live anywhere but Manila.

If you really believe Manila is the best place in the Philippines and all other places are worse, then either you're living on another planet than most of us or having us on.

I doubt you've ever been there.

Hey PP,

Don't pay any attention to Tropo, he delights in rudeness to others and often posts his expert opinions as THE only correct view/belief/judgement. I don't spend much time in Manila but some folks are big city types and some are not. Your liking Manila is just as valid as someone who detests it. Different strokes for different folks.

To the OP, if you like nightlife why not give Angeles City a try? The new Subic-Clark-Tarlac highway connecting Angeles to Subic has reduced travel to around 45 minutes. In anycase, after your visit do post a trip report

[tropo]

Hey PP,

Don't pay any attention to Tropo, he delights in rudeness to others and often posts his expert opinions as THE only correct view/belief/judgement. I don't spend much time in Manila but some folks are big city types and some are not. Your liking Manila is just as valid as someone who detests it. Different strokes for different folks.

To the OP, if you like nightlife why not give Angeles City a try? The new Subic-Clark-Tarlac highway connecting Angeles to Subic has reduced travel to around 45 minutes. In anycase, after your visit do post a trip report

Hey, Lancelot,

Showing where PP put his foot in his mouth is hardly rude. It's doing the thread a favour.

In case you missed it, PP hates the whole of the Philippines including Manila.

Instead of looking for threads where you can have a dig at me, why don't you read the OP and give a sensible answer. The OP is looking for a beach with nightlife. Angeles is far to distant from the ocean to qualify. That's why no one else suggested it...duh!

[Lancelot]

Hey PP,

Don't pay any attention to Tropo, he delights in rudeness to others and often posts his expert opinions as THE only correct view/belief/judgement. I don't spend much time in Manila but some folks are big city types and some are not. Your liking Manila is just as valid as someone who detests it. Different strokes for different folks.

To the OP, if you like nightlife why not give Angeles City a try? The new Subic-Clark-Tarlac highway connecting Angeles to Subic has reduced travel to around 45 minutes. In anycase, after your visit do post a trip report

Hey, Lancelot,

Showing where PP put his foot in his mouth is hardly rude. It's doing the thread a favour.

In case you missed it, PP hates the whole of the Philippines including Manila.

Instead of looking for threads where you can have a dig at me, why don't you read the OP and give a sensible answer. The OP is looking for a beach with nightlife. Angeles is far to distant from the ocean to qualify. That's why no one else suggested it...duh!

Hey Tropo,

I disagree.

Reasonable people can disagree without being disagreeable. I don't anxiously follow every post written by PP. If he loves the Philippines great; if he hates the place, who cares?

About reading the OP, I did and I merely offered the suggestion that he might consider making a side trip to Angeles City since he did mention that he also enjoyed a bit of night life. Angeles is about 45 minutes from the beach, hardly an epic journey full of hardship and woe.

Every thing is not black and white dear Tropo. There is actually a middle ground where compromise and mutual understanding can occur. Duh X 2

[tropo]

Hey Tropo,

Reasonable people can disagree without being disagreeable.

Dear Lancelot...

You should try that yourself, because from where I'm sitting you're very disagreeable.

Reasonable people don't usually hijack threads in order to leave comments on their feelings toward other members they dislike.

If you wish to start an argument, do it via PM and spare us the BS here.

[toptuan]

Back to the subject. Ahem.

I recommend, for a scenic place near Manila, Lake Taal. A volcano-in-a-lake-in-a-volcano-in-a-lake. Amazingly beautiful place.

Must agree with you. Did you go all the way up the road past Tagatay to Palace in the Sky? Fantastic views on a clear day!

Don't remember that specific spot. All I remember was that the whole area was breathtaking!

[tropo]

Back to the subject. Ahem.

I recommend, for a scenic place near Manila, Lake Taal. A volcano-in-a-lake-in-a-volcano-in-a-lake. Amazingly beautiful place.

Must agree with you. Did you go all the way up the road past Tagatay to Palace in the Sky? Fantastic views on a clear day!

Don't remember that specific spot. All I remember was that the whole area was breathtaking!

I used to live in Cavite not far from Tagaytay. Apart from the view it is about the most boring place you could imagine. Nothing to do apart from looking at the view.

[cdnvic]

Enough of the fighting.

Back on topic.

[OOB]

If it is mainly "Nightlife" you are concerned with stay in LOS. Visit Patpong, Soi Cowboy, and finish off in Pattaya. We don't want your kind in the RP.

Despite all the bickering, I find this the most disagreeable statement on the thread. The OP never once said he wanted to engage in girl bars/pole dancers/paid for sex etc. Quite frankly if you are typical of expats in the Phillipines I would personally aim for a location where one mixes solely with the (fantastic) locals.

[tropo]

If it is mainly "Nightlife" you are concerned with stay in LOS. Visit Patpong, Soi Cowboy, and finish off in Pattaya. We don't want your kind in the RP.

Thanks for pointing it out 'OOB'. I missed this asinine comment in all the bickering.

With an average age of 22.5 and a population of almost 100 million, the "nightlife" in Thailand already doesn't hold a candle to that in the Philippines.

Limited to a few small pockets in Bangkok, but all over Manila, Cebu and anywhere else you care to venture.

Here's some frightening stats to consider:

Population of PI: 98 million; Population of Thailand: 66 million

Average age of girls in PI: 23 years; Average age of girls in Thailand: 34.2 years

Girls aged 0 - 14 in PI: 16.91 million; Girls aged 0 - 14 in Thailand: 6.69 million

Population growth in PI: 1.959%; Population growth in Thailand: 0.615% (less than one third!!!)

As far as the "Nightlife" goes in the Philippines - you aint seen nothing yet!

'Gunnyd' had better figure out how to feed this growing population of youngins rather than making stupid comments about which visitors are worthy and trying to give the impression that "nightlife" doesn't exist in the Philippines.

Edited September 1, 2009 by tropo

[gunnyd]

If it is mainly "Nightlife" you are concerned with stay in LOS. Visit Patpong, Soi Cowboy, and finish off in Pattaya. We don't want your kind in the RP.

Despite all the bickering, I find this the most disagreeable statement on the thread. The OP never once said he wanted to engage in girl bars/pole dancers/paid for sex etc. Quite frankly if you are typical of expats in the Phillipines I would personally aim for a location where one mixes solely with the (fantastic) locals.

We all know what "Nightlife" refers to on TV and the OP choose to emphasize that in his post (bolded and large font used). Since the explicit discussion of the exploitation of girls/women, and boy/men for that matter is against forum rules. Personally I can't stand people who exploit the poor. That is my personal opinion.

And before it is assumed a few facts about me and the Mrs. We met at work in the United States, we are both Registered Nurses in the US, my wife is a M.D. working on getting her Arizona medical license. We did not meet in a bar or nightclub. Not all men need to find/pay for companionship.

Not that I need to tell y'all but, I take great care of my 2 lovely children. That is one of the main reasons we are currently back in my home in Arizona. Frankly The Philippines has extremely poor health care. But we do have a nice hectare in Balirong on the Island of Cebu and are building our vacation home there.

Sorry in advance to the Mods and Admins I know this is Please delete if you find it inappropriate.

@tropo was the personal attack really nessesary? I am very aware of the povery in The Philippines and I do my part to help, do you?

Peace and love GunnyD

[OOB]

If it is mainly "Nightlife" you are concerned with stay in LOS. Visit Patpong, Soi Cowboy, and finish off in Pattaya. We don't want your kind in the RP.

Despite all the bickering, I find this the most disagreeable statement on the thread. The OP never once said he wanted to engage in girl bars/pole dancers/paid for sex etc. Quite frankly if you are typical of expats in the Phillipines I would personally aim for a location where one mixes solely with the (fantastic) locals.

We all know what "Nightlife" refers to on TV and the OP choose to emphasize that in his post (bolded and large font used). Since the explicit discussion of the exploitation of girls/women, and boy/men for that matter is against forum rules. Personally I can't stand people who exploit the poor. That is my personal opinion.

And before it is assumed a few facts about me and the Mrs. We met at work in the United States, we are both Registered Nurses in the US, my wife is a M.D. working on getting her Arizona medical license. We did not meet in a bar or nightclub. Not all men need to find/pay for companionship.

Not that I need to tell y'all but, I take great care of my 2 lovely children. That is one of the main reasons we are currently back in my home in Arizona. Frankly The Philippines has extremely poor health care. But we do have a nice hectare in Balirong on the Island of Cebu and are building our vacation home there.

Sorry in advance to the Mods and Admins I know this is Please delete if you find it inappropriate.

@tropo was the personal attack really nessesary? I am very aware of the povery in The Philippines and I do my part to help, do you?

Peace and love GunnyD

You don't seem to want your kind in the RP either then...

[gunnyd]

^^Huh??

Unless you are commenting on my assessment of the state of healthcare and the fact that my babies are too young for me and my wife to be comfortable taking them to Cebu to visit the family. The only decent hospitals are located in Manila. But since we don't have family on Luzon we have no reason to visit.

And again what the heck are you referring to? I happen to thoroughly enjoy the Visayas and Cebu. Now I could be wrong. For all I know the OP could be talking about enjoying a night with family and friends singing karaoke and having a few drinks.

[tropo]

@tropo was the personal attack really nessesary? I am very aware of the povery in The Philippines and I do my part to help, do you?

Peace and love GunnyD

Yes "gunnyd", it was necessary because your comment gave the impression that people who make use of the "nightlife trade" are not welcome in the Philippines and should stay in Thailand. It was a backhanded insult to Thailand and the Thai people beause the industry in the Philippines is alive and well and in fact larger than the corresponding industry in Thailand.

Yes, I probably have helped more poor people in the Philippines than you ever will. My asawa comes from a family so poor that they couldn't afford to keep her in school....parents are both illiterate...right at the very lowest level of poverty in the Philippines. I've spend a lot of time in very poor Philippine communities.

You on the other hand met your asawa in the USA. She had an education and could travel abroad. That makes her extremely rich by comparison....and I've found that people living at your asawa's level are blind to the real suffering of the poor communities. I find that when I talk to Filipinos living abroad (even ones here in Thailand), they just don't have a clue what's really going down in the Philippines.

[OOB]

^^Huh??

Unless you are commenting on my assessment of the state of healthcare and the fact that my babies are too young for me and my wife to be comfortable taking them to Cebu to visit the family. The only decent hospitals are located in Manila. But since we don't have family on Luzon we have no reason to visit.

And again what the heck are you referring to? I happen to thoroughly enjoy the Visayas and Cebu. Now I could be wrong. For all I know the OP could be talking about enjoying a night with family and friends singing karaoke and having a few drinks.

"We don't want your kind...". You don't even live there and yet you speak on behalf of a nation, very noble.

[tropo]

^^Huh??

Unless you are commenting on my assessment of the state of healthcare and the fact that my babies are too young for me and my wife to be comfortable taking them to Cebu to visit the family. The only decent hospitals are located in Manila. But since we don't have family on Luzon we have no reason to visit.

And again what the heck are you referring to? I happen to thoroughly enjoy the Visayas and Cebu. Now I could be wrong. For all I know the OP could be talking about enjoying a night with family and friends singing karaoke and having a few drinks.

"We don't want your kind...". You don't even live there and yet you speak on behalf of a nation, very noble.

Gunnyd sits comfortably in an armchair back in the US talking about the Philippines and gets all his info second hand from his wife who also doesn't live in the Philippines. This of course makes him an expert.

Then of course we had to hear the classical "my girl is better than yours because she didn't work in a bar" brag. In his own words: "We did not meet in a bar or nightclub. Not all men need to find/pay for companionship".

What he doesn't realise is that a large percentage of Filipinos living in the US were dragged out of bars in the first place. (mail order, internet, bar workers - same same)

Of course his educated Filipino wife is just another middle class Filipino snob with just as limited a grasp on Filipino poverty as he. I've witnessed first hand how these people treat the poor in the Philippines.

Edited September 2, 2009 by tropo

[Hawaiian]

I am not an authority on the Philippines like a few of our posters. Some of my experiences there go back to the late 50's. My last visit was about 10 years ago.

I met people from all walks of life and spent time in the boondocks and in Manila and other smaller towns and cities. Having Filipino friends, both young and old, while growing up gave me a good idea of what to expect. So no real cultural shock. I got to meet people from all walks of life in my travels. Not only professionals like judges, lawyers, doctors, and college professors, but building contractors, policemen, clergy, soldiers, and various types of businessmen. I also visited with dirt-poor farmers and fishermen.

Not all of moneyed people took advantage of the poor. Some were extremely good to their workers and domestic help. How do I know? I was told in private by these employees how their employers paid for their education and gave them stable jobs. And yes, know all about the obligation involved.

Besides the Catholic Church, there are others factors contributing the high rate of poverty. Rampant corruption in both government and business, obligatory nepotism and a "bahala na" (God will provide) mentality are just some of the obvious reasons.

My worst experience was getting my wallet stolen on a jeepney. The people I was traveling with apprehended the culprits. We negotiated a settlement. Keep the pesos and return rest of the wallet intact. Asking the police for help was out of the question. They were most likely in on it.

While my conversational ability in any Filipino dialect is very limited, I ate and enjoyed almost everything offered to me. So long as the food was safe (from food poisoning) I didn't have a problem most of the time. About the only thing I refused was balut. I would mention that I didn't care for the taste and was respected for being honest.

Incidentally, I met a lady who sent three of her children to medical school from the profits of her balut farm. She also raised

goats which are highly prized by Filipinos for preparing a certain ethnic dish which I won't describe.

Quite sure that I will be honored by derogatory posts from our authority(ies) on the Philippines.

[tropo]

Quite sure that I will be honored by derogatory posts from our authority(ies) on the Philippines.

Your begging for derogatory posts with a final statement like this, but there is no need because there's no doubt you're an authority on the Philippines. Of course you many find that things have changed a bit from decades ago.

Edited September 2, 2009 by tropo

[PattayaParent]

In case you missed it, PP hates the whole of the Philippines including Manila.

It seems like YOU missed it.

Let's see if you can find the post where I say I don't hate Philippines.

Bet everyone else can.

[tropo]

In case you missed it, PP hates the whole of the Philippines including Manila.

It seems like YOU missed it.

Let's see if you can find the post where I say I don't hate Philippines.

Bet everyone else can.

What substances are you on?

I proved you put your foot in your mouth already and now you're coming back for more.

Remember this:

Best place in PR is the airport as you're leaving.

Why would I need to find any posts where you say you DON'T hate the Philippines when that statement clearly indicates your sentiments.

Now why don't you shove off and start a "I hate the Philippines thread".

[gunnyd]

Gunnyd sits comfortably in an armchair back in the US talking about the Philippines and gets all his info second hand from his wife who also doesn't live in the Philippines. This of course makes him an expert.

Then of course we had to hear the classical "my girl is better than yours because she didn't work in a bar" brag. In his own words: "We did not meet in a bar or nightclub. Not all men need to find/pay for companionship".

What he doesn't realise is that a large percentage of Filipinos living in the US were dragged out of bars in the first place. (mail order, internet, bar workers - same same)

Of course his educated Filipino wife is just another middle class Filipino snob with just as limited a grasp on Filipino poverty as he. I've witnessed first hand how these people treat the poor in the Philippines.

How presumptuous and pompous of you.

The majority of my family lives on the cusp of homelessness. The home where most of my wife's side of the family lives in doesn't even have a street address. That is why my wife got her medical degree along with a nursing degree so she would be able to emigrate to the US and send money home. Admittedly I have a brother and sister in law that are rich, I mean rich my US or European standards. The one time I met them they didn't like me because i didn't feel compelled to kiss their backsides. They treat the rest of the family like <deleted> and are soulless human beings.

And If not for our concern for our newborns right now, we would love to be in Balirong right now. It would be nice to have some help with the twins. But as I said before the medical care standards in the Philippines are atrocious. We would not want to risk their health, God forbid something happens and they need real emergency attention we would be completely buggered.

My wife comes from extremely meager means and if not for her exceptional mind and help from my brother-in law she would still be there living in a corrugated steel hovel. God/(Insert Personal Beliefs Here) had bigger plans for her and brought us together.

And I do realize the quick and sometimes filthy way that many Filipina's are forced to survive. My wife had the gift of education, not money. And if you have ever seen the OFW offices in the Philippines you would know that many Filipinos choose to go overseas to help their families.

And save the 2 years she stayed full time in the US so she could get her citizenship while she was a resident alien, we have been home at least once a year. The Balikbayan stamp gets us 1 year no fee in Cebu.

Why oh why do I bother.... You are simply being an ass tropo. I guess it gives me something to do while the children sleep.

Peace, love, happiness, and Pahawa tambok baho bilat sa baka tropo

[tropo]

Here's something else to keep you occupied while the kids are sleeping at 6 am. (why didn't you just go back to sleep?)

How presumptuous and pompous of you.

Why oh why do I bother.... You are simply being an ass tropo. I guess it gives me something to do while the children sleep.

Peace, love, happiness, and Pahawa tambok baho bilat sa baka tropo (translation: "F***off fat stinking cow-cun_t Tropo"

You are totally clueless.

These are your earlier comments:

If it is mainly "Nightlife" you are concerned with stay in LOS. Visit Patpong, Soi Cowboy, and finish off in Pattaya. We don't want your kind in the RP.

We met at work in the United States, we are both Registered Nurses in the US, my wife is a M.D. working on getting her Arizona medical license. We did not meet in a bar or nightclub. Not all men need to find/pay for companionship.

Then you have the audacity to call me presumptuous and pompous, and that I'm being an ass. That's pretty lame don't you think?

Then you make this ridiculous comment in your latest offering:

. My wife had the gift of education, not money. And if you have ever seen the OFW offices in the Philippines you would know that many Filipinos choose to go overseas to help their families.

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that education costs money. Any female able to get out of the Philippines and travel to the USA to study medicine has money....a lot more money than 95% of the population...no matter what bs picture of her poverty you're trying to paint.

You really are deluded. You've been totally hoodwinked by your educated wife.

(Is it ok to abuse someone on this forum in a foreign language?)

Well, peace and happiness to you too.......

Edited September 3, 2009 by tropo

[Hawaiian]

Why all the pettiness by some posters on this thread? And other threads?

Don't judge a man by his opinions, but what his opinions have made him....Georg Christoph Lichtenberg.

[toybits]

Ha ha... some people just CANNOT get over their infantile behaviour. Clearly a sign of a very disturbed mind.

Why all the pettiness by some posters on this thread? And other threads?

Don't judge a man by his opinions, but what his opinions have made him....Georg Christoph Lichtenberg.

[bubba]

Best place in PR is the airport as you're leaving.

And even that is a very unpleasant ordeal if you are leaving from NAIA Terminal 3.