Need Philippines information

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Williebetmore

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Silver Member
Just starting to plan my pool pilgrimage to the Philippines. I expect to visit in the middle of next year; plan on staying at least 16 days. Probably with one or two other guys - we are crazy about pool. One of them knows many of the Filipino pro's.

I was thinking I would just stay in Manila, BUT:

Where are the best pool halls?

What are clean, comfortable hotels near the pool hotbeds (does NOT need to be luxurious, but needs to be bearable)?

What time of year is the best weather?

Food recommendations (its a long time to be eating out every meal)?

Bodyguard recommendations?

What to take as gifts for the local players, and local people helping us out (I have LOTS of Black Widow swag, and heard she is very popular there)??

What to practice ahead of time (??is rotation king??)?

Clothing recs (?what would be "too fancy"?)?

Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?

ALL advice is welcome, many thanks.
 
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Williebetmore said:
Just starting to plan my pool pilgrimage to the Philippines. I expect to visit in the middle of next year; plan on staying at least 16 days. Probably with one or two other guys - we are crazy about pool. One of them knows many of the Filipino pro's.

I was thinking I would just stay in Manila, BUT:

Where are the best pool halls?

What are clean, comfortable hotels near the pool hotbeds (does NOT need to be luxurious, but needs to be bearable)?

What time of year is the best weather?

Food recommendations (its a long time to be eating out every meal)?

Bodyguard recommendations?

What to take as gifts for the local players, and local people helping us out (I have LOTS of Black Widow swag, and heard she is very popular there)??

What to practice ahead of time (??is rotation king??)?

Clothing recs (?what would be "too fancy"?)?

Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?
Click to expand...

Oh dear, where do you plan on going???
 
jalapus logan said:
Oh dear, where do you plan on going???
Click to expand...

JL,
I have several friends that have visited Efren for periods up to 3 weeks. He recommended they have a local "bodyguard" with them at all times out of the hotel. Very inexpensive, but all of the players appreciated having a local with them who knew where to go and where not to go.
 
Have a great trip!

I think Jay Helfert probably knows as much as anyone about the foreign experience in the Philippines...and, as you probably have seen, has posted some really exciting and informative travelogues.

I'm guessing that a "body guard" in Manila is a bit excessive, but a local will definitely make things much easier. At least you won't have the language barrier that I had last month trying to navigate through a pool hall in Vietnam. I've heard that English is widely spoken in Manila.

I hope to go one of these years.

--Steve
 
beetle said:
Have a great trip!

I think Jay Helfert probably knows as much as anyone about the foreign experience in the Philippines...and, as you probably have seen, has posted some really exciting and informative travelogues.

I'm guessing that a "body guard" in Manila is a bit excessive, but a local will definitely make things much easier. At least you won't have the language barrier that I had last month trying to navigate through a pool hall in Vietnam. I've heard that English is widely spoken in Manila.

I hope to go one of these years.

--Steve
Click to expand...

Steve,
I notice you have an Edwin Reyes cue...I corresponded with him thru AZB, and he had offered to host me in the Philippines, then was unfortunately killed. It would have been great to have a friend that knew the ropes so well. Very tragic for his family.
 
I couldn't believe it when I awoke that day to the news. What a horrible tragedy. I hoped to meet him one day. I own three of his cues and I consider them true masterpieces.
--Steve

Williebetmore said:
Steve,
I notice you have an Edwin Reyes cue...I corresponded with him thru AZB, and he had offered to host me in the Philippines, then was unfortunately killed. It would have been great to have a friend that knew the ropes so well. Very tragic for his family.
Click to expand...
 
Williebetmore said:
Just starting to plan my pool pilgrimage to the Philippines. I expect to visit in the middle of next year; plan on staying at least 16 days. Probably with one or two other guys - we are crazy about pool. One of them knows many of the Filipino pro's.

I was thinking I would just stay in Manila, BUT:

Where are the best pool halls?

What are clean, comfortable hotels near the pool hotbeds (does NOT need to be luxurious, but needs to be bearable)?

What time of year is the best weather?

Food recommendations (its a long time to be eating out every meal)?

Bodyguard recommendations?

What to take as gifts for the local players, and local people helping us out (I have LOTS of Black Widow swag, and heard she is very popular there)??

What to practice ahead of time (??is rotation king??)?

Clothing recs (?what would be "too fancy"?)?

Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?

ALL advice is welcome, many thanks.
Click to expand...

I've was in and out of the RP over my 20 plus year Naval Career and now have lived here full time for about 5 years. I haven't played much in Manila. Hate going there it is an absolute quagmire of traffic and people. Star Billiards on Joy street in Quezon City, is the most famous. But it's sort of "exclusive".
If you go Angels City (Efren's Home Town) or AC as it's often known locally there are a couple places. And you may want to go to AC to check out the shear number of GO GO bars and associated escorts available. In AC it's probably "Miss Magic". It's on perimeter road near the Phoenix Hotel. Large GO GO bar, with a Brunswick and a Star Billiards table. Always plenty of action going on there both on the pool tables and dance floor. Both Foreigners and Pinoy's play there. They had a money game there between Efren and Daryl Peach earlier this year. "Eruptions" bar has a Brunswick and again action on the table and dance floor. Ted Learner's internet cafe is directly across the street, you can often find him there and knows all sort's of "pool connections". Another club with "Both" types of action is called "Just my Luck", it's upstairs on Perimeter road. Mika Immonen Usually goes to AC when in country for some R&R, and he likes to go there.
Safety wise. I've never felt like I needed a bodyguard. You practice common sense as you would in any foreign country. Don't trust local's that are too friendly etc... Although I would say in Manila, I wouldn't walk down the street in the Tondo section of town.
Clothes. Shorts and T-shirts are in order. I can count on one hand how many times I've worn trousers in five years. Of course some upscale places would like you to be dressed up a bit.
We are in the heart of rainy season now. It's rained everyday for it seems like 3 weeks. The best time of the year is January/February. It's the coolest time of the year, still shorts and T-shirt weather, but not the stifling heat that starts normally in mid-march. But that's "high season" for the tourist trade, so hotels charge their "high season" rates.
The locals Love rotation, but the more advanced players will play anything. Especially if it's for Peso's.
I've never felt the need to pose as a Canadian or anything. Most Pinoy's common slang term for all foreigner's is Cano, as in Ameri"Cano". Most Filipinos dream of moving to the USA and in fact "Old Glory" is on the 100 peso note.
Learn a little Tagolog. Salamat Po = Thank you. Bayad Po = pay my bill. The Po part is used in many terms, it's like saying thank you very much instead of just thank you. Maganda = beautiful, Pangit = ugly, Pogi = Handsome, Masarap = taste's good. Sayang = shucks, that's too bad (pronounced like Cy Young the Baseball player). Your Pinoy host's would likely get a kick out this if you say it after you narrowly miss a pool shoot. You meet an attractive young Lady you might say "oh my gulay, Ikaw Maganda talaga. Which means "oh my goodness, you are very beautiful". The girls like it.
Hope this helps.
 
In my trips I've never felt the need for a bodyguard, nor did any of the others I was around.

A lot of people who feel they need bodyguards feel that way because they aren't "street smart" or they don't understand other groups of people.
 
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Williebetmore said:
Just starting to plan my pool pilgrimage to the Philippines. I expect to visit in the middle of next year; plan on staying at least 16 days. Probably with one or two other guys - we are crazy about pool. One of them knows many of the Filipino pro's.

I was thinking I would just stay in Manila, BUT:

Where are the best pool halls?

What are clean, comfortable hotels near the pool hotbeds (does NOT need to be luxurious, but needs to be bearable)?

What time of year is the best weather?

Food recommendations (its a long time to be eating out every meal)?

Bodyguard recommendations?

What to take as gifts for the local players, and local people helping us out (I have LOTS of Black Widow swag, and heard she is very popular there)??

What to practice ahead of time (??is rotation king??)?

Clothing recs (?what would be "too fancy"?)?

Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?

ALL advice is welcome, many thanks.
Click to expand...

Believe me, everyone knows the "I'm Canadian" trick. Everyone. Just stick with "American."

Clothes for kids will go quick, and are usually ther most appreciated I think.

You want to come near US Christams plus or minus a couple months.

I think the number one advice i'd give though, and this isn't meant to scare you, but always order unopened drinks, watch them open them, and keep an eye on them. Other than that, I would think you'll be totally fine.

Most importantly, and i guess depending on personal tatse, but get ready to see some truly beautiful women. And get this, not all the beautiful ones are *****es too!!
 
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Williebetmore said:
Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?
Click to expand...
Why would you pretend to be Canadian in a country that loves Americans?
Perhaps you should start by reading a little Philippine history.
Taking the time to acquaint yourself with the history of the country
will go a long way towards endearing you to the Filipinos you meet.
 
Get a local girl for an escort. This doesn't have to include sex. Let her handle purchases because she'll save you money. You'll probably save way more than you'll pay her. Furthermore, will you probably be helping her out quite a bit. I've always had a soft heart for the girls. They just laughed at me. They think I need a paradigm shift. I'll keep my values.

I haven't been there since the late 80's. It's a great place with great people. But, you do have to watch you back and your wallet at all times.

Pancit and lumpia is the Philippines gift to the world cuisine. I would eat it twice a week if I could find it here. San Miguel was my beer of choice.

It's been so long since I've been there that my info for pool is worthless.

Have a safe trip. I'm jealous.
 
Williebetmore said:
Just starting to plan my pool pilgrimage to the Philippines. I expect to visit in the middle of next year; plan on staying at least 16 days. Probably with one or two other guys - we are crazy about pool. One of them knows many of the Filipino pro's.

I was thinking I would just stay in Manila, BUT:

Where are the best pool halls?

What are clean, comfortable hotels near the pool hotbeds (does NOT need to be luxurious, but needs to be bearable)?

What time of year is the best weather?

Food recommendations (its a long time to be eating out every meal)?

Bodyguard recommendations?

What to take as gifts for the local players, and local people helping us out (I have LOTS of Black Widow swag, and heard she is very popular there)??

What to practice ahead of time (??is rotation king??)?

Clothing recs (?what would be "too fancy"?)?

Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?

ALL advice is welcome, many thanks.
Click to expand...

Willie, you're going to have to call me. Just too much here to answer any other way. I think you have my number already. If not PM me.

A couple of things you should know right from the start. Filipinos for the most part are the friendliest people you will ever meet! So much so that you may feel like you're getting conned. I know I did at first.

Second, filipinos LOVE anything American! It is one place where we are still respected for our nationality. They haven't forgotten who came to their aid in WWII. Everything about American culture is copied and enjoyed by filipinos. So there you have it. To go with this fact, most filipinos speak English as a second language. At least those with any education do. And those who work in the tourist industry (hotels, restaurants, mall stores, taxis, etc.). Not necessarily fluent English but passable nonetheless. You will be able to communicate with most everyone. This one fact alone makes the Philippines unique in Southeast Asia.

As far as having a "bodyguard," what they may be referring to is the common practice of having a full time driver/guide to take you around in Manila, which is much larger and more densely packed than New York (by far!). My opinion is that Manila is safer than any large metropolitan area in the USA! What you will find are plenty of street hustlers hawking knock-off goods and cheap crap that you really don't want. I look them in the eye and let them know I'm not interested. Otherwise they will follow you down the street.

You can get a better rate of exchange for your dollars (to pesos) at the various Money Exchange places that you will find everywhere. The going rate now is about 42 pesos to a dollar, so for $100 you get back 4,200p. That will go a long way over there. But be careful in these places. Most are legit but a few will try to "short change" you. If you don't know what that means, you better stick to the local banks to exchange your money. A very nice hotel room will cost you about 2,500-3,000p per day, and a decent room may be as little as 2,000p. Get outside Manila and the prices go down. That goes for just about everything. Manila is the most expensive city in the PI (Philippine Islands). And it's still quite inexpensive compared to anywhere in the USA.

There are many fast food places all over the place, some of them American brands like KFC, Taco Bell, Shakeys and MacDonalds. My favorites over there are Jollibee and Chow King. These are popular Philippine fast food places. You can also get some pretty good stuff from street vendors selling fruit and shish-ka-boob style chicken or beef right off the grill. Pennies on the dollar and it tastes good too. I happen to like the coconut drinks they serve you straight from the coconut. It comes in a plastic bag with a straw. In the provinces (again outside Manila) the fresh fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.) can be better than anything you will find in the USA. I've eaten fruits over there that are not available here, and they are superb! Also, check out the local 7/11's and the larger markets. You won't believe the very low prices for the exact same goods we buy here for far more. :rolleyes:

You can get a good sit down meal (great fresh fish here!) for about $5 a person. Call me and I'll tell you more.
 
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Just starting to plan my pool pilgrimage to the Philippines. I expect to visit in the middle of next year; plan on staying at least 16 days. Probably with one or two other guys - we are crazy about pool. One of them knows many of the Filipino pro's.

I was thinking I would just stay in Manila, BUT:

Where are the best pool halls?
Click to expand...

Metro Manila is where the great players converge. The pro's are here especially when they're not on tour

Pool halls, in terms of ambiance & playability, you won't go wrong with the PUYAT SPORTS group bowling & billiard centers which are mostly located in the malls. The brands are AMF-PUYAT, PUYAT SPORTS, & PAENG'S (after the Guinness Book title holder Paeng Nepomuceno). They have Simonis cloth, Super Aramith TV balls, and AMF Grand Prix tables. Table rates are round USD5 or PHP200. The branch in Makati Cinema Square also has 1 Diamond table. You can easily go to these branches by public transportation like the bus, taxi, MRT train, and the famous JEEPNEY.

Here's a sample pic of Paeng's Eastwood Bowl billiard area
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__WR5DoIhIac/S3g3mmpupFI/AAAAAAAAA2U/PDfR4KaBvus/s320/Photo0208.jpg


There's also STAR BILLIARDS center which is located inside the Star Paper compound in Quezon City. They have the TV balls but they're using a different cloth (made in China I think). Although the table time is free, you have to register there which is done every Saturday. Going there is quite difficult as the only public transportation that can reach that compound is taxi.

All your needs, especially if you're feeling homesick, are readily available in Metro Manila

What are clean, comfortable hotels near the pool hotbeds (does NOT need to be luxurious, but needs to be bearable)?
Click to expand...

You can search online. This one is quite comfortable & is very accessible to the major cities where the great pool halls are located http://gohotels.ph/. The rate is around USD12/day. This is located along the major road, EDSA, and is a walking distance from the MRT train station. I think this will be an ideal location for you if you really want to go around the metro.


What time of year is the best weather?
Click to expand...
December-February are the cold months (25C-30C)
March-May are the summer months (30-35C)
June-October is the rainy season, hence going around will be difficult especially because of street floods

Food recommendations (its a long time to be eating out every meal)?
Click to expand...

Least of your worries... The international delicacies are here & often found in or near the malls.There's also deliveries from your favorite brands like KFC, Shakey's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, etc. which are all over the Metro.


Bodyguard recommendations?
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No need for body guards, we're not war freaks... Respect the locals and they'll respect you in return...

Local guide? No, unless you're gonna go out of town a lot. He can easily take you to the nice places.

What to take as gifts for the local players, and local people helping us out (I have LOTS of Black Widow swag, and heard she is very popular there)??
Click to expand...

Treating the locals out for food & drinks will already establish a great bond.


What to practice ahead of time (??is rotation king??)?
Click to expand...

Rotation if you wanna play with the veterans. 10 or 9 ball for the younger players.


Clothing recs (?what would be "too fancy"?)?
Click to expand...

Don't be flashy. T-shirts & jeans are fine especially during the wet season to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes. Wear something comfortable since it's quite humid.

Is it better to pretend NOT to be American (take some Canadian t-shirts??)?
Click to expand...

Filipinos have high tolerance to all kinds of races since there are a lot of foreigners living in the Philippines. We are very hospitable people, many of visitors can attest to that :smile:


ALL advice is welcome, many thanks.
Click to expand...
 
The Go Hotel is a good deal, but the rates are about $26-30 a night, 1,088p-1,288p. A nice gift is also American chocolate. I can attest to the fact that the girls love it. :rolleyes:
 
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The Chinchilla said:
Believe me, everyone knows the "I'm Canadian" trick. Everyone. Just stick with "American."

Clothes for kids will go quick, and are usually ther most appreciated I think.

You want to come near US Christams plus or minus a couple months.

I think the number one advice i'd give though, and this isn't meant to scare you, but always order unopened drinks, watch them open them, and keep an eye on them. Other than that, I would think you'll be totally fine.

Most importantly, and i guess depending on personal tatse, but get ready to see some truly beautiful women. And get this, not all the beautiful ones are *****es too!!
Click to expand...

Truly beautiful women? I've never been to PI but I've never seen one anywhere near the beauty of your average Viet or Thai.
 
TheThaiger said:
Truly beautiful women? I've never been to PI but I've never seen one anywhere near the beauty of your average Viet or Thai.
Click to expand...

There's your answer, you've never been there! Let me know what you think after your first trip. :smile:
 
Wow, many thanks for all of the responses. Very helpful.

I will continue to investigate, and give Jay H. a call in a month or so. It is getting quite complicated with many of my friends wanting to go along...this may be a major expedition.
 
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