Dear Allan, Of all people, why a foreigner - - have to write about our country. I read you story and I am very happy that you found Philippines a beautiful place to visit.I also read some of the comments of your readers.
Cecile Pena <cecilpena@edsamail.com.ph>
MANILA, PHILIPPNES - Wednesday, July 25, 2001 at 10:19:44 (EDT)
great site! kamal <kamal@tripod.cl>
USA - Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 13:42:13 (EDT)Hey I like the site!!--I was born in the Philippines and moved to England when I was only six....I am now 15 and Have a lot of Pinoy in me!!....
I think this site just needs more information on the food there, because many people love the food but dont know how to desribe it so maybe you could add few recipes?...The pictures are very well taken.....So where exactly did you go, Manila (im afraid to point out) Is not very nice....what do you think? Boracay and Palawan, Negros and Mindanao are definitely the best for scenery!!......
Anyway, well done on providing this information of my beautiful homeland.....thanks xxxxxxxxx
Hearty Rose (Lorezo) Horner <hrhighness@hotmail.com>
London, England - Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 15:05:58 (EDT)Thanks for Teds February 3rd Posting! And to you for having such a great site!
I just want to say that for 2 years I have been writing to Filipina, Pinay in the Philippines in the hopes of meeting the right one. I have even sent some money to them due to some sob story or the other (like, medical, need to fix the house, tuition for school, food, and others).
Anyway, I was getting ready to cough up the cash to travel to Philippines to meet a couple when I came across the web site for the "Philippine Traveler" at http://www.philippine-travelers.com" .
This was the luckiest day of my life! I had Philippine Traveler check out four of the ladies I was writing to when he went back to Philippines and it turns out that 3 of the 4 were totally scamming me. (And he got it on video tape and photos!) One even had a live-in husband and 2 kids I was not told about! And Philippine Traveler caught this on VIDEO TAPE and in PHOTOS!! It was NOT what I wanted to hear or see, but it IS the best thing ever happened for me!! When I confronted her with the photos, she had to confess to me.
Anyway, the third one checked out ok and I am still writing to her. But even better is that I will also be accompanying Philippine Traveler to Philippines in August of 2001 to meet her as well as many more Filipino ladies who's photos he sent me. (These are other ladies he has met on trips there and many that "checked out" OK, but the American man never went to Philippines to meet them.)
Thank God!! This saved me thousands of dollars with plane tickets, expenses, etc.. I would have gotten there and not known how to check them out or what to look for. Or in one case, the common-law husband would have hidden while I was there visiting his wife (who claimed to be my virgin fiancee!).
You guys should be very careful. Even though the Philippines has the most beautiful ladies on earth, there are also so many who now know how to "play" or "use" the on-line pen-pal clubs to make a modest income for their families.
If you do contact philippine traveler, feel free to tell him his SATISFIED client "FRED from Sacramento wrote about him!
Good Luck!!
Contact him at: http://www.philippine-travelers.com or e-mail at philippine_traveler@yahoo.com FRED <gustoko_filipina@yahoo.com>
Sacramento, CA USA - Wednesday, June 20, 2001 at 09:42:26 (EDT)Just got back from Philippines 2 d ago. Mostly in Pampanga, Zambales, and Puerta Galera.
The place is enchanting as ever. Will return in Sept.
The exchange rate was over 51 P to the US$, and there seemed to be fewer tourists thanx to the Abu Sayef. Scotty <kaibegone@glowireless.com>
Santa Monica, CA USA - Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at 17:02:27 (EDT)great site! rajini <rajini@tripod.de>
USA - Friday, June 08, 2001 at 06:01:27 (EDT)Is your guest book comments working?
Scott
England - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 15:50:50 (EDT)This is great site!!
I've been to Alaminos,Pangasinan it was a nice peaceful town. I enjoyed Cindy's restaurant & Hundred Islands though! TURNED OFF's,I stayed at (MAXINE'S HOTEL/RESTAURANT)by Hundred Islands,I was disappointed staying there,their hotel rooms have "stinky urine smell" toilet & their shower stall & curtain are full of "molds". (The management was disgustingly Poor,it's not up to standard ). That was the most disgusting hotel I've ever been to. I don't recommend staying at Maxine's Hotel at all. Stay away from
from that motel,you waste your money. My advise to foreign visitors in Philippines.before you check in a hotel or motel you must check their toilets and showers if they smell urine and full of molds forget staying in that hotel or motel. Don't waste your money on bad smelly toilets and
molding showers,you cannot sleep restfully at night! Smelly
toilet's will not put you to good sleep. My advise on finding a hotel or motel in Philippines is find a brand newer hotel or motel with nice and clean toilet's and shower's. Check the toilets and showers first,before you book in or check in.
Scott
England - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 15:37:42 (EDT)This is great site!!
I've been to Alaminos,Pangasinan it was a nice peaceful town. I enjoyed Cindy's restaurant & Hundred Islands though! TURNED OFF's,I stayed at (MAXINE'S HOTEL/RESTAURANT)by Hundred Islands,I was disappointed staying there,their hotel rooms have "stinky urine smell" toilet & their shower stall & curtain are full of "molds". (The management was disgustingly Poor,it's not up to standard ). That was the most disgusting hotel I've ever been to. I don't recommend staying at Maxine's Hotel at all. Stay away from
from that motel,you waste your money. My advise to foreign visitors in Philippines.before you check in a hotel or motel you must check their toilets and showers if they smell urine and full of molds forget staying in that hotel or motel. Don't waste your money on bad smelly toilets and
molding showers,you cannot sleep restfully at night! Smelly
toilet's will not put you to good sleep. My advise on finding a hotel or motel in Philippines is find a brand newer hotel or motel with nice and clean toilet's and shower's. Check the toilets and showers first,before you book in or check in.
Scott
England - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 15:27:51 (EDT)great site! sathish <sathish_7@email.com>
USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 12:54:11 (EDT)
Great Site
USA - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 16:52:42 (EDT)I THINK THAT YOURE WEBSITE!! I LOVE GOING TO THE PHILIPPINES, AND JUST LOOKING AT PICTURES BRING BACK MANY MEMORIES. I WISH YOU COULD HAVE VISITED THE ISLAND THAT MY PARENTS ARE FROM, WHICH IS THE ISLAND OF SIQUIOR(ISLAND OF FIRE). THANK YOU FOR MAKING SUCH A WONDERFUL WEBSITE AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Hazel-Kay Yurong <Justg0ttaluvmeeh@aol.com>
Stockton, CA USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 21:12:44 (EDT)Nice website. My only question is di you and Lani marry and move to the Phillipines yet?
Matt H <Matthew_H@webtv.net>
USA - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 07:26:14 (EDT)it is true lil bow wow does have to many girls on his you know what....but ifv he gets one look at me all that will change!!!!!
Destiny Austin <daustin@ztelllll>
new york, bronx USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 20:25:09 (EDT)This is Lil Bow wow site why is people talking bout other
peoplo.
Erica Jones <hotygirls@yahoo.com>
Grand Rapids, MI USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 19:24:25 (EDT)This is Lil Bow wow site why is peoplo talking bout other
peoplo.
Erica Jones <hotygirls@yahoo.com>
Grand Rapids, MI USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 19:23:27 (EDT)All these lil girls on here sweatin Bow Wow Give the man some air to breath. If I met Bow Wow it would be on a friendship type thing!
But I ain't got notin but love for Bow!!!!!!!!!
Diva <Ms_Moss14@hotmail.com>
chicago, ill USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 19:23:00 (EDT)Lil' Bow Wow look soooooooo Good. Man you just don't know.
Erica Jones <hotygirls@yahoo.com>
Grand Rapids, Mi. USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 19:19:33 (EDT)Lil' Bow Wow look soooooooo Good. Mean you just don't know.
Erica Jones <hotygirls@yahoo.com>
Grand Rapids, Mi. USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 19:18:46 (EDT)i just love lil romeo and he is so fine i love u boo boo. PRECIOUS <TWEETYBIRD117398>
BUFFALO, NEW YORK USA - Sunday, April 29, 2001 at 20:39:56 (EDT)great site seenu
USA - Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 12:44:28 (EDT) this is a nice web oage 4 a little information, but in other words it stinks!!! lol buh bye!
ashley sunderhaus < peaches4u01@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, April 03, 2001 at 12:42:02 (EDT)Mabuhay! ( To Life! ), Hi Allen, Hi Everyone who Loves the Philippines. NEED A GOOD PLACE TO STAY NEAR THE MANILA AIRPORTS ON YOUR NEXT TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES? TRY US:
TOWNHOUSE AIRPORT SERVICE: Usually we advise our guests to take one of the Taxi /transport services (like Nissan) which is inside the airport AFTER immigration and customs BEFORE going outside. We' ve had problems meeting new arrivals at the Int. airport because of its design but if you can follow directions and get to the ARRIVAL EXTENSION AREA where you call us then our driver can pick you up ( 6AM to 6PM Monday to Saturday ).When you change a little money inside the airport be sure and ask for small change in coins for the phone.
Okay?
When you first go outside the airport you can NOT see this area. You go through the second set of sliding glass doors and see a 4+ lane road with a dividing island. Whether you exit on the right or the left move toward the center and walk across the 4 lanes ,proceed downward, turn left or right continue downward on the sloping ramp. In the middle are phones where you can call us. 833-1939, 833-3923, 854-1435, 854-1436. We're only a mile and a half away but with the traffic it should take 15 -20 minutes max. Our Airport Service is a RED Daihatsu Mini-Van with "Townhouse Airport Service" painted on the outside.or on Fridays a White Toyota Corolla. We charge P65 for 1 or 2 persons and P90 for 3 or 4 persons. Have a good flight and enjoy your stay in the Philippines. Good Luck! Bill and Lorna
OR Follow the directions below.
MANILA ARRIVAL: After you finish with immigration and customs you'll pass thru sliding doors, look for several taxi/ transportation booths ( Nissan Taxi is one )BEFORE going outside the airport. Pay ONLY P115($2+), & they give you a receipt that you sign when you arrive at our place; Give the address: Villa Carolina Townhouse , unit 31, 201 Roxas Blvd. near Bayview Towers, between NAIA Road and Baclaran be sure and stress TAMBO so they know we're near the airports and you will not be overcharged which is common. When the taxi driver approaches Roxas Blvd MAKE SURE he turns right on the SERVICE ROAD and it's the first right turn.(300 meters)
RESERVATION POLICY:
We can confirm your reservation as soon as you let us know your arrival time but we usually require advance payment for reservations. If you arrive before 4 PM we always have rooms available. Sometimes, if you arrive late past 8PM during our busy months of Dec. to May, it's difficult for us to save the room you want but since we can not accept credit cards yet. We can only TRY OUR BEST to save you the room with the rate you requested. If you need a 100% CONFIRMED booking please send a check with the approximate room rate in U$ to my wife
Lorna Collings , 212 Toll House Lane Fairfield, CT 06432, USA Tel. 203-372-2523
Due to MANY email, tel or fax reservations not showing up and consequently refusing other guests who wanted the room we MUST maintain a " FIRST COME FIRST SERVE" reservation policy to WELCOME new arrivals. EVERYDAY about half of our guests check out in the early morning so there's plenty of rooms to choose from day after you arrive. We realize many of guests are staying only one night but can only try our BEST to make you happy.
BUDGET TRAVEL INFORMATION
We do not have an organized tour of Manila yet but have all the information available that you need to see whatever you like. FEEL FREE to borrow our old editions of travel guidebooks to plan your travels. Our small library of books is also available to our world traveler guests by leaving a deposit or by trading in books. When you check-in look at Bill's Travel Tips and other updated travel warnings and information on the wall where the maps of Metro-Manila and the Philippines are displayed. Happy Travels
Bill and Lorna
The Townhouse Hotel-Manila is 2.5 kilometers (1.5miles) from both the domestic and international airports at: Villa Carolina Townhouse # 31, TAMBO, Paranaque,Metro-Manila
Tel.632-833-1939 Fax 804-0161. townhousemanila@msn.com or bill_lorna@yahoo.com
We're about 4 to 5 KM (3miles) from both Ermita and Makati. There are nightlife places VERY near about a mile away at the EDSA Entertainment Center among others. Two shopping centers, Pearl Plaza and Coastal Mall are nearby walking distance with cinemas and transport like taxis, buses and jeepneys are near maybe 40 yards.
TOWNHOUSE HOTEL ROOM RATES
The Townhouse is the only place in Manila that provides a friendly meeting place for world travelers from 78 countries, Filipinos from many island provinces and Balibayans from around the world to share travel stories and relax among friends with safe, clean, comfortable rooms in a your "Home Away from Home" in the Philippines.
Room Rates start at P180 for dorm beds,
P300, P350, P400 and P500 for rooms with share bath,
P550 and P600 for large rooms with private bath,
P650 for room with private bath, fan & cable TV,
P980 rooms with private bath, CableT.V. & air-conditioning.
P49+=U$
Half Day Room Rates for transit passengers arriving in the morning and leaving in the afternoon or early evening.
WEEKLY DISCOUNTS: We offer one day FREE with one week paid in ADVANCE.
Monthly discounts: are calcalated at 22 times the daily rate( 8 Days FREE ) for air-conditioned rooms and 24 times the daily rate( 6 Days FREE ) for ALL other rooms.
The Townhouse Hotel Manila's Staff and Bill and Lorna wish you HAPPY TRAVELS! If you need more information about life and travel in the Philippines, our family owned hotel near the Manila airports, or our Boracay Beachfront resort feel free to check our web sites
at:
Life's a Beach on Boracay Island http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Resort/2276/
Welcome "Home" , our place in Manila http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Island/7106/
OR call us at Tel. ++(632)-833-1939, ++(632)-833-3923 Fax.++(632)-804-0161
LIFE'S a BEACH!! SO MANY ISLANDS SO LITTLE TIME!
Fax ++(632)-804-0161
Bill and Lorna <bill_lorna@yahoo.com>
Fairfield / Manila / Boracay, Ct USAPhilippines - Saturday, March 31, 2001 at 10:00:25 (EST)Thanks for sharing your experience during your visit to PI. Will be visiting PI this summer and looking forward to it. The places you visited were gorgeous and wish we have the time to get out to Palawan. The warnings were of great help to prepare ourselves.
June
USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 01:06:18 (EST)I came across your site by accident and couldn't help but feel amused at your experiences though at times, I felt sorry for you guys for not being able to experience better accomodations and eating places which are also available outside Metro Manila. Next time you travel in the Philippines (that is if you still would want to return like your countryman, General MacArthur, whose "I shall return" lines are still well remembered), try those places that are rated 4 1/2 - 5 stars. You can be sure of good quality toilet papers, hot & cold showers (no "timba" and "tabo" unless you request for it), appetizing continental or American breakfast, 110 and/or 220 volt wall plugs, etc. All the amenities you have back in the USA can also be had in these places provided, of course, you can afford it.Money begets luxury!
Travelling in the different parts of the Philippines can be quite an experience and each experience, a bit different from the other.The country has a smorgasbord of culture because each region have a different language, cultural beliefs and practices, cooking recipes, etc. People from the north such as the Ilocanos speak differently from the Maranaos in the South and the Warays from Samar in the East talk a different language from the Ilonggos in the West and the Cebuanos in the Central Visayas region. These people have different ways and standards of living although what is noticeably common among Filipinos are the love of entertaining, the love of food and drinks (though these people have their own brand of local wine.For example: Warays have their "bahalina", Cebuanos have their "tuba" and the Tagalogs from Quezon have their "lambanog")and the love of people.This is why Filipinos are known for their hospitality. A visitor to a Filipino home whether a family friend or a complete stranger will never leave the place hungry or thirsty no matter how poor the hosts are, not to mention sharing the same "timba" and "tabo" as well!I have lived in the USA before and even if I have been in the neighborhood for a couple of years,I have never come across a neighbor who would invite me for a cup of coffee at their place. The same thing is true here in Australia. Maybe it's because I'm a bloody Filipino! People are not as warm or friendly as the Filipinos. Is it an Anglo-Saxon(or Caucasian)trait of feeling insecure with strangers? or is it just signs of the times?
Hope you can go back and see more of the Philippines. Although some of these places do not offer 5 star accomodations, I still recommend a trip to Cebu, Tacloban, Eastern Samar(especially for those who love surfing and scuba diving or just plainly enjoying a dip in the sea), Iligan City, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City, and Legazpi City. You can contact the local tourism offices of these places I've mentioned (or why not the governor or mayor of the place itself?) as they can assist you with your requirements including a reliable guide. Good luck and have fun!
Anne <amcp@mailcity.com>
Australia - Sunday, February 18, 2001 at 23:50:27 (EST)
Great Site! I am glad to report that I read the posting in November 2, 2000 regarding the "Philippine Traveler". GREAT SITE! Before I went to the Philippines in January, I had him check out a couple of the filipina, pinay ladies I was writing to. My God do I ever suggest the rest of you American guys do the same! Even though I admit I was writing to five different ladies, I found out that three of them had been scamming me! Now I was onl sending an occassional $20 to each, but I found out that three (who did not even know each other) were "playing" the internet. I guess this is a new industry over there or something. Two of them were working at cyber cafes. I have learned that when it comes to pen-pals, you only know what they TELL you.... like an illusion.
Anyway, the "Philippine Traveler" was reporting to me by e-mail from Philippines, and even made video and stills for me of each, plus brought some documentation back for me. He also gave me a cellular phone number so I could reach him anytime in the Philippines.
My case is different then the one I read here in November... after he conducted the investigation and research for me, he returned. After many telephone calls back and forth and many more e-mails, he ansered all my questions and referred me to links and information I needed.
He even sent me photos and videos of many single ladies he knew over there. NO CHARGE! The one who's photo I fell in love with was in Mindinao. Of course I learned from my internet search engines that there are problems with the muslim fanatics in parts of Mindinao (and kidnappings, etc..). But I just had to meet her, danger or not!!
Anyway, I asked him if I wanted to go there if he would accompany me. To my surprise, he agreed!! And I have to tell you that not only did I meet the most beautiful ladies ever, but I am now waiting for my fiancee to arrive!! We already gathered most of the documents she needs, he brought the bio and other forms she had to sign. I can't tell you strong enough how important it was to have someone there who knew his stuff!! Especially speaking the language. There were many customs and foods there that I did not know and or was not used to. It was worth every penny of the small cost!!
If you have never been to Philippines before, I strongly suggest you contact Philippine_traveler@yahoo.com. I found his website which I also listed here. It's at: http://www.philippine-travelers.com/ . The website itself is most informative.
This was also the best vacation I have ever had in my life!! And the American Dollar was equal to 50 pisos!! Talk about a great time and place to go!!!
By the way, before we went there, I requested (and received) referrals from other satisfied gentlemen who have used his services and also two who traveled there with him.
Oh yes, and he even arranged to get airline tickets at a greatly reduced cost! About 60% of the regular price!! Using air ticket consolidators that I didn;t even know existed! This also included inter-island travel, because we went to four provinces and cities. Manila, where we landed, Cebu, Butuan in Eastern Mindinao, Tacloban and Sogod in Leyte, and Dipolog in Western Mindinao. (Every province and city we went to in the Philippines was like a different country!! But with some similarities. Primarily, the people were the most friendly I have ever encountered anywhere in my life.)
I hope this posting helps others, just as gustoko filipina's November posting helped me!! Feel free to write me if you need to.
If you have never been to the Philippines, but are soon going..... you are in for the vacation and trip of your life! Especially if you have someone with you to guide and assist you. (You need this because it seems that EVERYONE there is out to "take advantage" of the americans! Like it was a national game. Trying to charge double, triple and even more than to the locals. I found this everyplace, but he knew how to handle it. This was probably the one thing that always made me crazy and most angry.) It is like going to HAWAII, but at one tenth (1/10th) the price!! Good Luck and Viva La Pilipinas!! Ted Ted <single_americanohotmail.com>
Madera, CA USA - Saturday, February 17, 2001 at 19:56:17 (EST)
Very good site. Pavle Spoljaric
<PavleSpoljaric@lycos.com
>
London
, UK - Friday, February 16, 2001 at 05:10:51 (EST)Greetings from the beautiful city of winnipeg!
Indeed! Indeed! you have a gorgeous website! thanks for sharing. I am a filipina, married to a canadian. anyway, it doesn't matter....dengue fever, malaria, dysentery,
hepatitis, typhoons, "timba and tabo", still...............
my paradise is philippines! mabuhay!!!!!!
purita <phuster@home.com>
wpg., canada - Monday, February 05, 2001 at 21:57:35 (EST)I had such a good laugh at your storys of food and bathrooms! I just came back from there after a months vacation with my wife,(opo...asawa ko ang Pina) in her home town of Cabanatuan City,Nueva Ecija.I found it funny,because,I too had to learn how to bathe myself with a bucket of water and a ladel.(I felt like I was going thru toilet-training again!)
The things that I remember the most were:The smell of talipa in the mornings(BAHO! BAHO! BAHO!!!!)The pollution in Manila:the utmost hospitality of the neighbours:Don't take a ride from someone trying to usher you in to their tricycle(always go to the street and flag down someone else...it's cheaper):if someone is trying to sell you something for 1500 pesos,you can talk them down to 200 pesos:VERY SMALL food portions:HUGE flying cockroaches!:cheap beer & smokes:and being called "Joe" all the time.
I could go on,but there are just too many things!
Would I move there? In a heartbeat!What an amazing place!
I have to cut this short,so,I look forward to hearing your views on the Philippines.
Duncan Galt
Duncan Galt <cygnus_09@hotmail.com>
Calgary, Ab Canada - Monday, January 29, 2001 at 11:35:09 (EST)Hello, my name is Rhona Iam fom cebu I!M Looking my cousins Here in USA.if somone know me just e-mail my e-mail rtm253@aol.com
Rhona caballes <rtm253@aol.com>
spartanburg, sc USA - Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 16:56:30 (EST)Hello, my name is Rhona Iam fom cebu I!M Looking my cousins Here in USA.if somone know me just e-mail my e-mail rtm253@aol.com
Rhona caballes <rtm253@aol.com>
spartanburg, sc USA - Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 16:56:28 (EST)WOW!!! Am i glad i stumbled onto this site this morning... it brought back alot of fond memories of PI. I spent a month there in May/June of 1996, and didn't want to come home!!! What a great tribute this site is to the Phillipines as a whole and to the people of PI, who are the friendliest people i think i have ever met. When i was there, i was somewhat of a oddity myself, evidently the romote places that i stayed with my friend (who's mother is filipina) was not frequently visited by fair haired, fair skinned women. I had to get used to being watched constantly when out in the market or wherever. I am planning a trip back for December 2001, and can't wait!!! Maybe i won't come "home" this time!!! thanks for the site, it's obvious you enjoyed the Phillipines and its people as much as i did. God Bless!! Ingat Ka.
AMY <Aimless7@hotmail.com>
Sherwood, Ar USA - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 06:47:01 (EST)just wanted to say that i am also half and i think that mixed are the best.......
veronica lopez <veronica lopez>
san antonio, tx USA - Wednesday, January 03, 2001 at 12:25:24 (EST)
waiting for friend ship on my mail address.
thanks.
lokking hot blooded
usman <iffi137&email-lawyer.com>
lahore, m Pakistan - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 01:23:03 (EST)Just nice! I also invite you to visit my Bali web site http://bali.skynet.be . Kurt <oz457@hotmail.com>
Belgium - Friday, December 15, 2000 at 16:02:17 (EST)Just came back from P.I. I want my ashes spread there if I die. Had a great time in Pampanga(A.C.), Zambales(Barrio Barretto + Subic) and Palawan (P.P. and Sabang) with honeyko.
My only warning: Me and another American Male rented 2 motorcycles for the "3" hr drive from Puerto Princesa to Sabang. We were told the road wasn't paved all the way, but what happened was a nightmare. The "road" is about 80 km
and the paved part is quite the exception. It started raining ("No, I can tell you as a local, it WILL NOT rain today"), and it became a mudstream intemixed with areas of shiny clay covered shale. Driving it with our passengers on the back while it constantly "fishtailed" made for quite some excitement except I didnt bring any shoes to asia, and my feet were getting torn on the rocks, trying to remain upright. When visiblity started approaching zero, we were already past the midway point(translation:"in the middle of nowhere"). Our honeyKo's even tried to mutiny, and after assuring them we were experts(I thought I was), I proceeded to wipeout my bike on a particularly rainy steep slick hill, lacerating my legs in several places and jamming pieces of shale into my legs convincing me I had broken my leg. Only 8km left to go and we went all the way back to Puerto Princesa Adventist ER for Xrays and suturing my open wounds. (There is a first aid station by the Half Way point but they didnt have suture capability.) Needless to say the person renting the bikes may not have had only financial interest in mind, but actually can make money if you damage the bike(you are responsible and need to pay in full to get your passport back). The ER visit is very nice, although they don't have ER specialists there, you will be sewn up by a very nice intern and the fee is dirt cheap by American standards (~30$ US for Xrays,sutures,meds,and all services and supplies). And any repairs to property are generally cheap, so all in all I feel lucky to be alive.
BTW, I am about to sell all my motorcycles, having driven them for 30 yrs with only 1 incident, and now this....so I'm getting out while I can still walk...lol
This story is meant just to let you realize danger is relative, the locals not thinking this trip dangerous, so be careful.
PEACE,
LaLa <- typing this with my swollen leg elevated, but in the comfort of my home now. My sutures come out this week. LaLa <itizlala@hotmail.com>
Santa Monica, CA USA - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 05:55:16 (EST) PHILIPPINE PEN PAL or FIANCE?? I just want to say that if you are an American man and have a Filipina, Pinay, Pen-Pal or Fiancee and plan to get married, do as I did! I was surfing the web and came across this GREAT WEB PAGE! I then contacted the philippine_traveler@yahoo.com and had my three top choices (filipina) investigated! Great job! One had many pen pals sending her money every onth, the other had a live-in boyfriend but she was not married. The other one, who was my second choice is PERFECT, and after he checked her out, I went over to visit, and it was a perfect match! (I have been back from Philippines for a week now.)
When he was there, he took almost a hundred photos (4 rolls) of stills, and made a 2 hour video tape of her, her family, home, market and much more. By the time I went, I was so comfortable and felt we already knew each other. Heck, I even knew where the CR (Restroom) was when I arrived at the house, due to the video. I knew all the family members by name from the video, and that alone made such a great impression!!
The petition was easy! Philippine Traveler helped her to obtain all the necessary documents for her when he was there, and even sent me and helped me with the INS forms (NO CHARGE) and when I went over all was done, so my time was spent with HER and not hunting down documents, clearances, etc.. I cannot recommend this site strong enough for others who have the same situation! There are many scams and games being perperated against american men, and this web site is a MUST! The web page is at:
http://people.goplay.com/philippine_traveler/ there is also one at:
http://www.geocities.com/philippine_traveler/index.html
I saved HUNDREDS (or more) of dollars!! Be smart and check it out! I almost paid thousands to a "tour" company... I hope this helps others in the same situation I was. Feel free to write me. By the way, the Philippines is GREAT, but many will try to take advantage of you. It seems like a cultural "game" to see how much they can cheat american tourists out of. And it starts with the cab driver who picks you up at the airport, who will tell you his meter is broken and charge you 500 pisos for a 50 piso ride!
Check out the Philippine Traveler's page!! Oh yes, and the exchange rate is almost 50 to 1 right now!! (GREAT for us Americanos!)
By the way, if you are interested, I met my fiance at http://www.singlefilipina.com . Amy there is most attentive and helpful. She is a filipina and married to an American. I believe they are in Texas. And the cost for the names was dirt cheap! We even had many e-mails back and forth about the ladies. The other two names I got from another pen-pal club. GOOD LUCK!!
PS: The Philippine Traveler is a paralegal-investigator at a California law firm, who travels to Philippines a couple times a year. Which is probably why he was so good! (and inexpensive). Later!!
Oh yes, if you guys have never met a filipina, pinay woman, lady, girl before, you are in for a complete surprise! They are the BEST for wife, spouse. Very loving, caring, attentive, beautiful, industrious, and LOYAL! Nothing like American ladies! GOOD LUCK!!
Al <gustoko_filipina@yahoo.com>
CA USA - Thursday, November 02, 2000 at 17:28:45 (EST)Hi, actually i'm looking forward to visit your country and at the same time try to get some contact especially with those involved in IT and Consultancy. I'm trying to expend the company business. Can you help me? You are welcome to visit the company website: www.ncbgroup.com.
Noraini Mohamed <noraini@ncbgroup.com>
Kuala Lumpur., Malaysia - Saturday, October 28, 2000 at 00:12:35 (EDT)hi. i randomly found your site, but i was very very impressed! keep up the good work. please visit my site if you get a chance. mark (click to vote to keep love alive in our families)
USA - Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 14:30:04 (EDT)My partner and I are interested in visiting Cebu next year and are contemplating staying at the Alegre Resort. Would love to hear from anyone who has stayed there and could give me their views on the resort. We also like to get out and about when on holiday and would welcome any information about car hire, open top jeep preferably - thanks
Carol <carol.cook@nm.willisparsons.co.uk>
New Milton, England - Wednesday, September 06, 2000 at 13:03:09 (EDT)
I just returned from the Philippines and found your comments, photos, etc. an excellent potrayal of the people, facilities, food, customs, transportation...etc. I wish I would have known of your site before I went. You're right about Lonely Planet. Sketchy at best. I can pay tribute to the Philippine hospitals. That's where I spent 6 weeks of my time, unfortunately. The hospitals could use a coat of paint, but the staff and care are fabulous.
Thanks for this site. I'll be back for the names of things I'd forgotten, like...'Timba' and 'Tabo' We had no showers in the hospital either. :-)
Arlene
Arlene <aflawson@home.com>
Vancouver, Canada - Wednesday, August 23, 2000 at 21:49:24 (EDT)
G'day! I haven't finished reading yet. But I think this is
a very nice site. I am thinking of going back again soon.
To Luke, You lucky bastard. She's a beauty.
Andrew <sugardaddysr@hotmail.com.au>
- Monday, August 07, 2000 at 09:17:08 (EDT)A verry interesting site.I need some help please. Can anyone advice me,
where I can find a school for a 8j. girl with a good physio
Therapist and a speech and language therapist around Bohol?
or Cebu? I need this advice for the German officials. The Germans are thinking, we
live on threes and dont know, that we have good schools and therapist's.
Had anyone some Contact addresses or some Informations for me, that I can come bach to the
Philippines, where the girl had 1 year a very good privat Teacher with a great learn succes.
I need this very quickly for the german officials.
Thank you for help. helma Helma Jung <helmarmp@compuserve.de>
Frankfurt/M, D germany - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 19:17:38 (EDT)Hello,
I was searching the net about the San Agustin Church so that I can show my fiance where we are booked to get married next year. He got no idea how the church look like. That was a very fantastic photo among other I have seen...
It's a a good idea prmoting the PHILIPPINES as well.
CHEERS!!!!
Leng <leng_ml@hotmail.com>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Friday, July 21, 2000 at 06:56:01 (EDT)Thank you for the great info! My husband and I are traveling to the Philippines this August and we'll definitely use your advice! Cheers! Joyce
Joyce <rjtravel>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, July 14, 2000 at 20:36:35 (EDT)I never been in the philippines my self and I enjoyed your photos and storys. Im a US.Marine and I was born in the philippines the last time I was there I was 12 yrs old. I guess its about time to visit *smile*
Eric <talpok19@hotmail.com>
san jose, ca USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 02:15:16 (EDT)I would like to thank you,first of all for all, for the info and beautiful pictures. I am going to the Philippines November of next year. I have a very good friend who came to Canada from there and we are going to stay with her family. I was kind of nervous before I found this web page because I wasn't sure what to expect. I still have many questions about the safety of the water, the bathroom situation,the food I will be eating and dieases I can be subject to. I will probably be staying in a poorer part of the Philippines so it makes me nervous. Please if anyone has the answers to my many questions. E-mail me. katwiebe@hotmail.com
Kathryn Wiebe <katwiebe@hotmail.com>
Winnipeg, Canada - Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 20:32:51 (EDT)
I am from Ukraine and my girlfriend is from Philippines, although she is of mixed heritage...
I want to emigrate to USA and of course, to take her with me...
The main problem now - how to hold her interest ?
I have neither money nor possibility to visit her, emigration will take about a year or more...
I do not want to lose her and do not want her to think that I tarry...
I wish I could get advice from couples which went through it... Alexander Nikonov <elrancho@mail.ru>
Kyiv, Ukraine - Friday, June 09, 2000 at 18:43:05 (EDT)
What a great place to visit...and IS an adventure with so much to see and do!
God bless!
Linda Linda <lindalammie@hotmail.com>
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 15:38:11 (EDT)planning to leave usa for good would like any photos of cebu or subic and housing prices or even have female pen pals from there,the money is here usa the good life is there in phillipines,take care HT2 Russell usn ret
JOHN RUSSELL <jade2k@earthlink.net>
sandiego, CA USA - Monday, May 22, 2000 at 16:41:58 (EDT)
Hi, Cebu. Calling all fellow Carolinians especially my buddies. If you travelling to Japan and have the right visa, try to contact me I could hire you as English teachers. I'm manager language department- Hironaka Educational Research Institute. If your qualified why not? We are always looking for not only English but also languages. This message is also for people who are already here in Japan.
Mike Macairan <macairan_miguel@email.com>
Tokyo, Japan - Monday, May 08, 2000 at 00:59:51 (EDT)I enjoyed your web site. I am a big fan of the Philippines.
In February of this year I visited the Philippines for the
third time in the last ten years with my Filipina wife.
Check out our photo albums at
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=55392 Paul LaFlamme <plaflamme@home.com>
Toronto, Ont. Canada - Sunday, May 07, 2000 at 14:10:38 (EDT) Michael & Marivic's Home Page
Our site has information on:
Michael <donmiguel1@hotmail.com>
Cocoa Beach, FL USA - Sunday, April 30, 2000 at 17:57:39 (EDT) Carlos Corner: Marivic's Homepage
My site has info about me, my Interests (movies, online games, internet chat, etc), and living in the US as a legal alien. Marivic Carlos <marivic_carlos@yahoo.com>
San Fernando, FL Philippines - Sunday, April 30, 2000 at 17:52:53 (EDT)This is a very nice place !
Protector 1uno <spavle@nightmail.com>
Gospic, Li Croatia - Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 09:04:01 (EDT)hai and welcom to noha at her email
noha saeed <noha19@now.com>
al ain, u.a.e - Tuesday, April 25, 2000 at 06:54:45 (EDT)Nice page. We have the biggest travel page about the Philippines
here in Germany. In three weeks we come back again to this beautiful
country. This mail reach you with the hope to meet new friends.
Maybe you can print this lines with my address and show it to
some single girls in your neighborhood, which want to marry
a foreigner. It's up to you to use this information commercial.
We will respond every mail we get very individual.
Some introducing words about myself:
My name is Henry Wedekind and I'm a German.
I'm 29 years old. I work as an engineer with a good salary
to support a big family. I live in a small town near Berlin.
I'm a single and was never married.
If you visit my homepage you will understand, that I like
to marry a Filipina only.
For details look at my web:
http://www.filipinas.de/
http://home.t-online.de/home/h.wedekind/index.htm
http://www.statiknet.de/index.htm Henry Wedekind <h.wedekind@t-online.de>
Strausberg, Germany - Sunday, April 23, 2000 at 11:51:42 (EDT)Harry E. Joost
Baloy Long Beach Resort
Bo. Barretto, Olongapo City
Guest Book
Michael & Marivic's Home Page
Carlos Corner: Marivic's Homepage