What is it like in the Philipines

deanoc

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was recently invited to see and meet the players
i mentioned it to my wife and she wants to go

She has no interest in pool,other than that I play

Are there nice beaches and places for her,is it safe?
What does it cost to fly there and are there nice USA quality hotels

As you can probably guess<i don't travel,never been out of usa

The only reason I am considering it,is because I like Efren Reyes and Manilla is the pool capitol of the world.
 

JoeyInCali

Maker of Joey Bautista Cues
Silver Member
If you book your flights way ahead of time, you can get tickets for $600.
EVA Air or Philippine Air Lines .
EVA is a better ride but you layover for 3 hours or so in Taiwan.
They have a beautiful airport there. Your wife would drool over the stores there.
It's like a giant mall of name brands.

Manila has plenty of world class hotels.
A lot of casino hotels by the ocean.
If you stay around Makati City or Pasay City, you wouldn't be too far from One Side Billiards.
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/jbc_2007/e/b814e14c29a6b8ae4a3d8347746a351b
A Japanese gentleman owns it.

To catch Efren play might be tough.
He plays mostly outside of Manila now.

The best beaches are outside of Manila.
The best ones are in Palawan. You will have to fly there. Plane tickets are cheap. $100 or so , roundtrip. You can book a tour . Costs around $300 a person, including hotel stay but not plane tickets. Boats take you all over the islands nearby . Plenty of great beaches and lagoons. Among the best in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYmILwPNjwc&t=8s
I'm going there the first week of February.
 

Black-Balled

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
It's like the wild west, dean. Trust that.

We should stay in the suburbs. I will take A ball and the cracks and see if I can't keep you entertained for a little while.
 

TEAM SLO

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was recently invited to see and meet the players
i mentioned it to my wife and she wants to go

She has no interest in pool,other than that I play

Are there nice beaches and places for her,is it safe?
What does it cost to fly there and are there nice USA quality hotels

As you can probably guess<i don't travel,never been out of usa

The only reason I am considering it,is because I like Efren Reyes and Manilla is the pool capitol of the world.

There are beautiful beaches and other places to site see....and the cost is way cheaper there, once in Manila, you can fly to pretty much anywhere for 100 bucks or under. If you want big hotels names, the prices are the same. If you can sleep simple like me..... It can be as cheap as 20 bucks a day, still having what I consider a civilized type room.....air-conditioning, hot water, bed, tv, etc. You can go cheaper but it's not advised unless you check out the room first. I found a place one time for about 13 bucks a day and it was great. But then again, I reserved another for about the same and left within an hour.

It is safe but as all places, there are certain areas to stay out of just like anywhere in the world. I go once...sometimes twice a year and each time is awesome. I went last Nov but going again in May. It is a huge help if you go your first time already knowing someone there.

The foreigners there that get into problems are usually the ones that make themselves a victim anywhere..... flaunting money, arrogance, etc. Let me know if you have more specific questions.... The food is awesome, people are extremely friendly, kind of like southern hospitality times 4. If you have a soft spot for kids from less that fortunate times..... you will be pouring your heart out while there seeing homeless kids, sometimes kids without clothes.

Each time I go, I take about 80lbs of kids toys and such to hand out. Here is a video I made from a trip in 2016:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hxlpzJroQ0&t
 
Last edited:

Black-Balled

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
If you wanna go, dean, take somebody with you as a guide.

I nominate joeyincali. He may have other thoughts on the matter (!!)

T
 

JoeyInCali

Maker of Joey Bautista Cues
Silver Member
If you wanna go, dean, take somebody with you as a guide.

I nominate joeyincali. He may have other thoughts on the matter (!!)

T

Sorry, I go way south of the islands.
My brothers and relatives are in the south where martial law is on right now.
But, it's still relatively peaceful there.
Safer than half of LA. :D

Get someone who lives in Manila now .
Jay H. knows Manila much more than I do.
Hell, he takes jeepney and train rides all over there.
 

KRJ

Support UKRAINE
Silver Member
Dean, it most likely will be the most dangerous place you have ever visited, or will visit. So prepare accordingly. I'm not one that would say, "oh my friend went there and he was fine". I've got a few neighbors from the area. They will NOT take their kids there if that tells you anything.

Manila has had over 6000 murders in the last year alone. Granted, many of those were at the hands of the governments strong fight against the drug cartels, but some weekends are bloodbaths with over 75 killed with the govt cracking down hard on the drug lords.

And if they are killing the bad guys in a huge crackdown, the bullets don't know who is the good guy and who is the bad guy.

To put in perspective, Chicago had over 1,000 murders during the same time frame and folks used as an example of crime out of control in America.

There is also a large terrorist threat in the country as reported by the US State Department. Several terrorist groups operate out of Manila.

Kidnappings are NOT uncommon in the country, especially foreigners.

And with all that said, the simple act of driving or riding in a taxi is most likely what will kill ya due to the dense and chaotic traffic that is very unpredictable and many folks do not follow even the most basic rules of the road.

The US Embassy in Manila is on high alert due to the demonstrations from many different groups, the last time they tried to scale the Embassy compound walls but were thwarted.

But, other than that, have a great time, should be fun :)


PS: i'm not really trying to be a jerk here, but think you should get the good with the bad. I'd rather you be safe than sorry.

Personally, if you really like your wife and she has treated you great during your marriage, you really need take her someplace else. Some place nicer. You owe her, time to pay up ;)
 
Last edited:

JC

Coos Cues
If you get into trouble Dean you can go to the US embassy. Crossing Roxas Blvd to get there will be the most dangerous thing you do on the trip.

JC
 

9andout

Gunnin' for a 3 pack!!
Silver Member
I was recently invited to see and meet the players
i mentioned it to my wife and she wants to go

She has no interest in pool,other than that I play

Are there nice beaches and places for her,is it safe?
What does it cost to fly there and are there nice USA quality hotels

As you can probably guess<i don't travel,never been out of usa

The only reason I am considering it,is because I like Efren Reyes and Manilla is the pool capitol of the world.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR WIFE! Reminds me when my wife said "I wanna go to Wing Bowl" I had never been and immediately said no. I went since and it was a very good decision lol.
I have a co-worker who goes to PI about 3-4 times a year. He has a great time!:wink:
And.... have you been watching the news?
It's not exactly the safest place.
 

HawaiianEye

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Dean,

If you go to the Philippines, be prepared to "sweat" more than the pool games. The heat and humidity are horrendous during the summer months and it doesn't get much better during the other seasons. Also, it rains like hell at times and the islands are prone to typhoons (hurricanes) during certain months of the year. Pay attention to what season you decide to visit. I lived there for three years and I have always said, "it is the only place I have ever lived where I sweated 24 hours a day for three years straight". The only place I ever found that got a bit "cold" was Baguio, a mountain city about 130 miles north of Manila. They have the Camp John Hay Golf Resort where you can rent cabins and play golf.

You can find lots of world-class hotels and restaurants in Manila and they have some of the largest malls in the world. No matter what you do in the Philippines, you are going to do it cheaper there than in the USA. They have some really nice beaches and resorts, but you will have to get out of Manila to experience them.

If you could find a Filipino friend to go with you, it would make it a lot safer and easier. I would venture to go alone, simply because I've lived there before, but visiting the place for the first time is quite a "culture shock" to people who have never visited Southeast Asia.

I haven't read up on the Philippines a lot lately, but I don't think the crime rate for foreigners is quite as high as it is in other places. That doesn't mean there aren't pick pockets and con-artists everywhere. You don't want to carry a lot of cash on you and I'd advise to carry your wallet in your front pocket when you are out and about. Purse snatching is something I'd worry about if I was a female.

I also would advise against drinking anything except bottled water and drinks. Almost everyone I ever knew got the "trots" after a few days there, until they got used to the bacteria. Bring something to "stop you up"...if you know what I mean.

If you like buying tailor-made clothes and shoes, you can get some good deals. I'm not much of a shopper, so I can't point you to things to buy. I'm sure your wife could find lots of stuff...whether you need it or not.

You can find tons of videos and information on the internet about the Philippines. I'd advise you to spend some time seeing what you are in for. There are lots of things there that will make you smile, but there are things that will "get your attention" (like the poverty and living conditions of some of the poorer population).

For anybody that plays pool, I'd have to say the Philippines is probably the "Mecca" of pool. Almost everyone plays, or knows somebody who plays, and pool halls can be found easily. Some "pool halls" consist of one ragged table covered by a tin roof to others that are in air-conditioned rooms with nice tables and atmospheres.

You need to talk to Jay. I'm sure he can steer you right.

Aloha.
 

junnel

Registered
Dean, you need to go there with someone who is familiar with the place. Don't go with just your wife. Expect to travel by plane if you wanna go to the beach. Pool scene is in manila but the great waterfronts are in the south. Boracay and Palawan beaches should be on your short list. Just like JoeyInCali, I don't stay in manila but I always go to the southern part of the philippines. here is a video that your wife might wanna see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBfUBoXzFHs
 

BmoreMoney

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Imo, the us has anything and everything anywhere else has ro offer. Other than the psychological aspect, we have everything. Cool, but many many downside to going anywhere.
 

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
There are beautiful beaches and other places to site see....and the cost is way cheaper there, once in Manila, you can fly to pretty much anywhere for 100 bucks or under. If you want big hotels names, the prices are the same. If you can sleep simple like me..... It can be as cheap as 20 bucks a day, still having what I consider a civilized type room.....air-conditioning, hot water, bed, tv, etc. You can go cheaper but it's not advised unless you check out the room first. I found a place one time for about 13 bucks a day and it was great. But then again, I reserved another for about the same and left within an hour.

It is safe but as all places, there are certain areas to stay out of just like anywhere in the world. I go once...sometimes twice a year and each time is awesome. I went last Nov but going again in May. It is a huge help if you go your first time already knowing someone there.

The foreigners there that get into problems are usually the ones that make themselves a victim anywhere..... flaunting money, arrogance, etc. Let me know if you have more specific questions.... The food is awesome, people are extremely friendly, kind of like southern hospitality times 4. If you have a soft spot for kids from less that fortunate times..... you will be pouring your heart out while there seeing homeless kids, sometimes kids without clothes.

Each time I go, I take about 80lbs of kids toys and such to hand out. Here is a video I made from a trip in 2016:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hxlpzJroQ0&t

Great video thanks for sharing that. Brings back many great memories for me. Pretty indicative of life throughout the Philippines. Lots of poor people who still manage to enjoy their lives. I love to see all the smiling faces wherever I go. Even in the malls, the young people working in the stores are all having fun at their jobs. Nothing like the glum faces I see in the USA.

I would recommend that any foreigner (white man) avoid the southern island of Mindanao altogether. Let's just say it can be dangerous for you there. Some parts of Manila are best avoided as well, just like any large city in the USA. Manila is way too crowded and traffic is a total mess, except on Sunday when everyone is in church. The Philippines is about 95% Catholic and the families are large, with 8-10 kids being average! The CR (comfort room) is the restroom. You want to remember that. In the cities, the majority of the people speak some English so communication is no problem.

There are a multitude of nice beach resorts you can visit all over the Philippines, with Boracay probably the most popular. I prefer Palawan (check out El Nido) and Bohol. There are literally hundreds of other choices there! You can stay in a very nice resort for less than $100 a day total. $50 a day in many places. The people are super friendly and accommodating as well wherever you stay. Follow their rules and you will be fine. If you're nice they will be extra nice to you. But DO NOT argue with or piss off a Filipino. You may regret it if you do. I've seen too many arguments over 100 pesos ($2) and it's not worth it. Enough said on that.

Many of the small local poolrooms (2-4 tables) have closed but there are still plenty of places to play. If a foreigner walks into a poolroom, he will almost certainly get asked to play, and always a bet must be made. It can be as small as 50p (a dollar) or as much as 1,000p (a hustler). You can be pretty comfortable betting 100-300p a game. Any more than that and you must take care, like any poolroom in the USA. I have been stiffed for 4,000p on one occasion (I did finally get my money but it was a headache).

My wife and I have a second home in Angeles City, about fifty miles outside of Manila and a world away. Still crowded but you can get around okay. I like it there. The old Clark AFB has been converted to a domestic airport and you can take flights from there to almost anywhere in the Philippines for $100-200 RT. Most flights are one to two hours tops. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are the main domestic carriers. The main street in Angeles (Fields Avenue) is lined with girlie bars and every one has at least one pool table. There are more foreigners living there than anywhere else in the PI (Philippine Islands). You will see guys walking up and down Fields carrying cue cases! Every bar has leagues and there are games going every night. Money games are rare but not unheard of. There have been big money games between local hustlers and foreign players from Europe and Australia (often in the thousands US!). Guys you never heard of and don't want to play. I played two hustlers some One Pocket and Bank Pool several years back and even though they really didn't know the games they beat me (at 1,000p a game). I was playing good too and looking for action. Someone brought these two guys in to play me.

Okay, the women. Filipinas love foreigners! They think we are all rich, lol. Actually, they know they will usually have a better life if they can hook up with a foreigner. They are not hard to meet, but I would recommend not getting attached to a bar girl. You can meet women in the malls and working in the stores. Many of them are college educated too!

My only regret is that I never came here until fifteen years ago. If I had come when I was a younger man I would have loved all the pool action and certainly married a Filipina. I could have avoided my second wife, who was a spoiled Jewish princess. Shame on me. :sorry:

P.S. There are street hustlers selling anything and everything, everywhere you go. Be careful in dealing with them! There are also beggars everywhere, often pregnant women with small children sitting on the street. A five or ten peso coin is a nice gift for them but be careful here as well. If you give one kid five pesos, the rest of them will follow you for blocks asking for money.

The infrastructure is not good most everywhere with crumbling streets and sidewalks and street lights that don't work. Get used to it, you're in a third world country. There can be long lines wherever you go, especially fast food joints like Jollibee or MacDonalds (yes, they have all the US franchises there). Learn to be patient, you just have to wait your turn and it can be slow.

Yes, it's hot and humid there, but not as bad as Houston or Miami in the summertime. Not nearly as hot as Vegas, Phoenix or Palm Springs either. DEFINITELY do not drink any tap water! Drink only bottled water or other bottled drinks! The murder rate has gone way up since Duterte took office, but they are after all the drug dealers. It's rare that a foreigner gets caught up in this (not so for Chinese and some other Asians who deal drugs). Don't buy or consume drugs and you will be all right! The real threat to foreigners is kidnapping and that is very rare in the north, but a risky proposition in parts of Mindanao. I could feel the vibes the two times I went to General Santos City (Gensan). I'm not going back there!
 
Last edited:
Top