Anyone been to the Philippines?

edprush

Platinum Member
Sep 18, 2000
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Is there anything you recommend seeing/doing/visiting?

I would be interested in anything from visiting the harshest poverty stricken areas to incredible ocean waters...
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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I am thinking of going there - for different reasons than you... :evil:

There's some good travel guides online. Some creative Googling will get you quite a bit of info...
 

dainthomas

Lifer
Dec 7, 2004
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I'm pretty sure all the brothels and strip clubs outside of the old naval base in Subic are closed. So no, I can't think of anything.
 

AnthroAndStargate

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Oct 7, 2005
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Originally posted by: SuperSix
I am thinking of going there - for different reasons than you... :evil:

There's some good travel guides online. Some creative Googling will get you quite a bit of info...

Going from the core to the periphery to buy for cheap what you cant get here!!! (If I read your message right).
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: dainthomas
I'm pretty sure all the brothels and strip clubs outside of the old naval base in Subic are closed. So no, I can't think of anything.

No, they arent.

BTW OP...what part? That would determine what to see. Or at least what set of islands...Luzon? Mindinau? Visayas?

I've been probably 10 times, and my wife is filipina so I could answer just about any question you had...
 

edprush

Platinum Member
Sep 18, 2000
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Originally posted by: blackangst1
Originally posted by: dainthomas
I'm pretty sure all the brothels and strip clubs outside of the old naval base in Subic are closed. So no, I can't think of anything.

No, they arent.

BTW OP...what part? That would determine what to see. Or at least what set of islands...Luzon? Mindinau? Visayas?

I've been probably 10 times, and my wife is filipina so I could answer just about any question you had...


I'd be willing to go about anywhere (except where the rebels like to kidnap Americans. I think that might be in Mindanao).

May I ask what types of things you and your wife visit/do when you go there?

I have been to Bagio but that's about it for sight-seeing. I am not so much into beautiful beaches as I am swimming in crystal clear water. Any suggestions for that?

thanks.


 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Yeah, avoid Mindanau, at least until you are a seasoned traveller there.

In Luzon (north provinces) I would definately go to Mt. Samat in Bataan (about 2 hours north of Manila). It's a giant (I mean giant) cross atop a mountain. You can ride an elevator to the top (the arms of the cross) and see for miles and miles. It is a memorial to the American and filipino heroes that eventually ended up surrendering to the Japanese army. If I remember correctly it is still the largest US surrender in history.

Also in the same province of Luzon and just west of Manila is Corregidor. This is a historic landmark, as it is where General Douglas McArthur was based during his time there. It is very very cool.

I was going to mention Baguio also. I would plan another trip there as there is so much to see. I visited Camp John Hay, which was a Japanese concentration camp for filipinos and Americans when they had control. Its a cool cool place.

There are many volcanoes still active in the islands, most of which have a park associated with them. I've been to a few in the Visayas, but theyre all over. Check out this page for more details:
http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/volcanoes1.htm

Spend some time in Manila also. See the public market, visit a few of the super malls, etc.

If you want adult related activities, PM me for details.
 

Kevin1211

Golden Member
Dec 14, 2004
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why would anyone possibly want to vacation in the Philippines? theres so much nicer places to go to in asia.



o and yeah Im filipino. The only reason i like going to the philippines is because my family is there.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: edprush
Anyone been to the nice beaches in the Philippines?

Yes, The Sea of China is wonderful! Its postcard blue/green and warm. And if you scuba its breathtaking.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: Kevin1211
why would anyone possibly want to vacation in the Philippines? theres so much nicer places to go to in asia.



o and yeah Im filipino. The only reason i like going to the philippines is because my family is there.

I've been to 4 different Asian countries for vacation, and the PI is usually my top destination. China is a close 2nd. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to go to an American-like city and see boring siteseeing crap and stay at a posh hotel, then maybe the Phils isnt for you. However, for those of us who adore the culture and the hospitality of the people, and natual beauty you cant find in the US of A, then its grand :) I ask myself why do people vacation in USA when there are much better places to go? It's all perspective ;)

And mabuhay to you!
 

rudder

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
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Originally posted by: edprush
Is there anything you recommend seeing/doing/visiting?

I would be interested in anything from visiting the harshest poverty stricken areas to incredible ocean waters...

Go visit the Smoky mountains... no they are not in Tennessee. Right along Manila bay in the capital there are some big piles of garbage that are constantly smoking. You can get up close and watch all the little kids rummaging through the garbage to collect a few pieces of plastic or whatever they can to resell.

Then you can go on down to Boracay and enjoy the tropical scenery.


pics
info
 

Qacer

Platinum Member
Apr 5, 2001
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Originally posted by: ISAslot
I'm trying to plan a trip to Cebu. But I dunno where to stay! :(

I'm originally from Cebu. For those interested in going to this place, you may want to try visiting a local cebu message board at Istorya.net. They know more about the places to stay since I haven't lived there for so long. You can also try Google Earth and look for some community posts. They recently updated the satellite images, so Cebu has some nice resolution imagery.

Personally, I try to avoid bringing large sums of cash and just withdraw money from the ATMs at the local malls. Just make sure that nobody is observing you from behind. Also, make sure that you bring lots of toilet paper. This is especially true when you go to the public bathrooms in the mall. They do not have any.

If you want to check out some nice beaches, go directly to Mactan Island. You can find Plantation Bay and Shangrila resorts there. You can also check out Plantation Bay's website at: PB Website.

One other thing. Make sure you bring some DEET. There are lots of mosquitoes, and they like to follow newbies. Also, if you are trying to pick up girls, watch out for the posers. There are a some guys of like to dress up like girls -- and some of them look like the real thing.

If you want to try some local food, I would avoid getting it from the sidewalk vendors. Sometimes they use recycled water to do their cooking. You're better off getting food from established restaurants.

Do not forget a massage. You can get a 1 hour massage for just $2. That is a sweet deal! There are many massage parlors in the vicinity.

Do not rent a car unless you are an expert in driving. In my opinion, driving in Cebu City is worse than driving in NYC.

Well, if you ever get lost in Cebu, just find a local Internet cafe and send me a message. I can get you in touch with my relatives, and they'll take care of you until you get back to wherever you are.