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Manila

Arrival.

Mabuhay - Welcome to the Philippines!

When you arrive in the Philippines chance are that it will be at the NAIA International Airport, unless you are flying PAL which comes in at the new International and Domestic Terminal.

NAIA is not the best Airport in the world - Infact it is one f the worst! If you are traveling with hand luggage only, then a reasonably quick exit will be possible. When you depart the plane you head straight for Immigration and join the queue's to get through. This can be time consuming. Then the baggage hall is a joke... Many Filipinos coming home will have box after box of stuff and the wait can seem endless. The luggage trollys are supposed to be FREE now, so do not get conned into paying US$1 for the hire and use of one.

Once you have your luggage you go through customs and just before the main arrivals hall exits are a couple of money changers. These can give you a fair rate to have a few peso's to get a taxi to your hotel or destination.

In the Arrivals hall there are two exit doors leading on to the hot and humid approach road. You will be herded down to the Arrival Extension area (down a ramp) if your are meeting someone or have a hotel taxi from AC waiting for you etc. This area is known as the 'circus.' Alphabetical letters are spaced around, and your friends, or taxi should be under the letter of your surname... Sound simple? It is - however in the Philippines nothing is simple :) You will find this 'circus' area full of Filipinos with every member of their family waiting for one passenger, and all those boxes of stuff they had with them!!.... Now multiply that by several thousand and you will understand it can be like looking for a needle in a haystack looking for a driver....

Which is why BEELINE TRAVEL try to take that ordeal away by meeting clients back UPSTAIRS as you leave the arrivals hall of NAIA. We have two full time reps at the Airport who will meet passengers and hook them up with their driver. (See the special Beeline Airport pick up page)

If you have no driver or taxi waiting for you, you will find Nissan Cars just outside the main exit doors (to the right) and they are reasonably priced. (P1800 to Angeles)

Having got yourself out of the Airport and into a taxi you will be off and on your way.... Angeles is a 2-3 hour drive away depending on traffic and the time of day. (can be done in 90 minutes with no traffic) But, we will start this review section off with Manila.

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Makati

Hotels.

Manila is split into three areas for the TSM tourist. Makati the business district with a nightlife area, and Pasay and Ermita also with nightlife area's.

Makati has some of the finest hotels in the Country and would in some cases match the 5 star quality of anywhere else in the World. The Shangri La for example. The New World Renaissance, The Dusit, is another that comes to mind. For those that want something a little more economical there is the Century Citadel, Amorsolo apartments (ideal for those staying more than the odd day) The selection of hotel in Makati is wide and varied.

We select three here for your consideration - all of which can come recommended from both myself and various members.

Business Class

New World Renaissance price approx $100

Based in the heart of Makati the New World offers top quality and comfortable surroundings. Rooms are spacious and come equipped with bathroom with bath tub and shower. Remote control TV and Air conditioning. A mini bar well stocked. king sized beds and bathrobes slippers etc.

The restaurant is top quality and there is a fitness center and swimming pool as well as conference room and business facilities that you may also require. Also located within walking distance of the Ayla Shopping mall. Rooms start at over $160 a night But, there are usually promo offers and deals available, through Beeline Travel.

The Mandarin Oriental is another in the top quality bracket within the Makati district as of course is the Shangri La. All three of these hotel are highly recommended.

Economy Class

Century Citadel price approx $60

Based in the heart of the nightlife area. The Century Citadel is a good hotel at a more economical price. rates around $60 But, again promo offers available through Beeline Travel. This is an ideal place to stay if you are in town to enjoy the nightlife and go out wining and dining. The rooms are clean and tidy and come with cable TV, Air-con and mini bar etc.

The Inn Suites located in P.Burgos St, is another inexpensive place to consider staying at.

Restaurants

You will find jus about every style and Nationality of restaurants and food available around Makati, from small cafe's through to fast food chains, fresh fish restaurants, big exclusive and some not exclusive types of places as with any other major City in the World. Popular restaurants like TGIF. in Glorietta Mall Ayala.

Shakey's, is another popular restaurant chain. Italiannis is a good quality Italian pasta restaurant we can recommend in the Ayala center. Thank God it's Fridays can also be found in Ayala center as well as Makati Ave. They also have a place at Robinson's Mall in Ermita. Outback, the Australian Steakhouse restaurants, are all available. Jade Garden is a good quality Chinese restaurant. Again located in Ayala center.

L'Opera Ristorante Italiano is another great pasta and pizza restaurant. This is located on the corner of Pasco De Roxas and Esperanza S Makati. Also located in Adriatico Square and Robinson's Place in Ermita.

Thai, Japanese, Korean, American, Australian, German, Italian, Swiss, Mexican and all kinds of specialties are plentiful throughout Makati and Manila in general.. We suggest you take a look at this link to see a listing of restaurants and coffee shops.

We would also recommend you try one of the fresh fish restaurants. There are many located around Manila where you can select your chosen fish and then have it cooked and prepared while you wait.

The Nightlife.

The nightlife is basically focused around P Burgos St and the side streets off P.Burgos St. With the Century Citadel and Inn Suites also located in P.Burgos St we highly recommend those as the two TSM destination hotels. No need for taxi's as everywhere is in walking distance.

The bars in the area are mainly go-go type of bars. Prices reflect the business district. Local Drinks are around P100 and Ladies drinks can be upwards of P300! Equally the TG fee can be high. There are some bars where the TG is still reasonable, (P1000) Wild West, Bandido's and Magumbos are three we highly recommend in the area. Tipping the girls of course is expected, they will usually want around P3,000. Try negotiating, it is possible to get a better price.

Many visitors bemoan these high prices, but again we remind you that Makati is the business district designed for businessmen clientele. The prices also reflect that the bars and clubs in the area having huge uttility overheads in terms of lease prices, rents, electric etc, etc. Far more than anywhere else in the Philippines. - Basic advice is to try elsewhere in Manila if this is beyond your budget... It is very easy to spend US$200 in a night here.

Wild West - Makati Ave

On Makati Ave itself you will find one of the most popular bars in the area with business patrons, fellow bar owners/managers, tourists and the Ex-pat community. Wild West as it is now known, is managed by Martin (Mjibbo on the various message boards) who is a great host and can be found there most nights. The bar is very busy most of the time, and has a friendly and fun atmosphere. A go-go type of bar with a happy hour and bar games. The bar is always good for a visit, and let Martin know if you see him that you saw this review - I'm sure he'll shout you a beer or two. One of the less expensive bars if your looking for company. I feel it is fair to say, that this is a definite, must visit place in the area.

Rogues - P.Burgos St

Situated on the right at the bottom of P.Burgos Street. The club is upstairs above Pizza Hut. It has the usual dancers with a Pool table at the back It was completely renovated and refurbished last year and is a good bar to visit. I have to be honest and say I have only briefly popped my head in since these refurbishments, so I'm not too sure if the bar is still as good as it was. I'm sure it is though. A go-go type bar.

Hollywood - P Burgos St

Located next door to Rogues on the right hand side of the Street as you walk up from Makati Ave. Again a go go bar with some GRO's. On the small side and on the occasions I have visited it was a little noticeable that there was a fair amount of Ladies Drinks pressure. But, not a major problem if you learn to say "hindi" (no) a few times.

Magambo's - first St on the right off P Burgos.

Just around the corner there is another great bar, with a very friendly and fun feel about it. Magumbo's is more of a GRO type of drinking bar, with the ladies there ready to keep you company with one of the many available bar games. This is certainly worth a visit for a drink or two, and there are some very attractive staff. They serve food as well. If you play one of the bar games be advised they expect a Ladies Drink if they win.... If they lose you can normally get a drink from them. There is also a large wooden Tiger that they have to perform a little ritual with if they lose - can be fun. Drop in and find out.

Bandidos - P Burgos St

Back on P Burgos St and just past London Underground bar and restaurant, is Bandidos. One of the areas newer additions. This is yet another friendly and fun bar to visit in line with Wild West on prices and structure. Lot's of attractive dancers and GRO's in sexy costumes.

Bottoms - P Burgos St.

Across the road are a series of bars all next too each other. Bottoms is one that usually gets mentioned frequently although again it is not one of my regular haunts. Understand as I have mentioned elsewhere, I don't get to Makati that often and usually don't have the time or stamina to get round them all - I will do some of the one's I have frequented less next trip - promise! As I recall the bar was fairly big inside and I had a fairly good time.

Again my recollections are a bit vague. I recall this being a long narrow bar, with a stage at the end. A little like Rhapsody in Angeles is... Red interior, dim lighting. Good service, with nice GRO's as well as the dancers.

Illusions - P Burgos St

No not the Angeles Illusions. Another go-go bar with sometimes over friendly staff. Good looking line up in a medium sized bar.

Papilion - P Burgos St

Sister bar in Angeles as well. And very much the same style of bar. Well worth checking out. On the small side situated on the left as you walk up P.Burgos St before you get to the cross roads. The girls were O.K. several "freelancers" with a VIP room. Got severely fondled in here and was offered services not on the menu within five minutes of entering the place. I politely refused of course :-) believe there is a second Papilion bar there as well now. Called Papilion Enchanted Room or something like that.

Rascals - P Burgos St

Another go-go bar on the right hand side past Bandido's.

Ivory's and Ivory's Jungle - Cnr of P Burgos and Kalayaan Ave (formerly Emelda Ave)

Two popular bars, I prefer the jungle slightly.

Go Bananas Bar - Kalayaan Ave

Formerly Ritzy's that was closed down. A change of name and a new look and still one of the best bars around Makati to spend an evening. There is live music and food upstairs at Fibs not to be missed as well.

Playhouse - Kalayaan Ave

Above Ritzy's had live bands playing before. Not sure if it is effected by the closure of Ritzy's.

Fridays - P Burgos St

Never have managed to get into Fridays until now, in all this time.

High Heels

Now to reach high heels go to the top of P.Burgos St just past Jools and the small Street on the left is where it is located. A little off the beaten track but worth checking out now and again.

Jools - P.Burgos St.

Now, this has to go on the MUST VISIT list of bars in the Philippines not just Manila or Makati. Yes, it is worth a trip to Manila in itself. Jools has two floors. There is a cover charge that was P150 to see the shows.

Upstairs :Monday-Wednesday there are the Dancers who are stunning, well dressed "freelancers" and four floor shows which are an absolute Must see. The dance shows have some of the best looking girls around in stunning costumes doing erotic dance routines. But, there is no nudity, so don't be expecting any.

Downstairs: Thursday-Sunday and the same cover charge gets you a Band in addition to the floor show. We had a great night one Saturday and the Band (James Brown ...not the real one!!!) was the best I'd seen in Manila for as long as I can remember. They do change the Band though each week, so it maybe pot luck if they are good or not! This is the BEST place in Makati for sure.

Cuddles - Corner of P Burgos St and Kalayaan Ave.

Nice looking bar and worth a few visits.

Foxy's - Kalayaan St

Down on the left as you walk down. A massive two floor bar with a huge ground floor area. A large stage that they also do shows on from time to time. Upsairs is a VIP room and a sushi restaurant as well as balcony seating over looking the ground floor. Another of my favorite bars in Makati. Check it out.

Blue Velvet. - Kalayaan St

Another Great Bar, that the ex-pat community also like, Just about the right size for a go go bar friendly staff and management. Well worth a few visits.

Nightwatch. - Kalayaan St

A showgirl bar - that is worth visiting. Shows start around 10pm nightly. There is a cover charge, last time I was there it was P150. Inside they have a go go bar set up until the show starts. The have a restaurant as well so you can have a meal and enjoy the show.

The girls, number about 20, all come on stage and do a dance then they start doing "solo" spots. Hell, there was some real good lookers and a few not so good but, hey this was the BEST "showgirl" bar I had seen in the Philippines outside of one in DAVAO that I used to visit called square circle.

The solo spots are still a little slow and boring for my tastes but, they were quite good compared as I say to what I've seen elsewhere in Manila. Some would reveal all, some just topless (at the end of the dance) some just "sexy." At the end, there is a group show which is nice and lively and worth staying on for. Try it out. It was quiet when I was there (maybe 5 customers) but, we were given the personal touch :-). Drinks are reasonably priced, and I had a meal there on the night. (I had company with me and our bill was around P1000.

Other bars I have heard off and yet to visit in Makati are Go Bananas and The Inn Suites is a restaurant come cafe with accommodation attached that some girls and freelancers hang out at, after work

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Pasay City

Hotels

Pasay is another area for the TSM tourist. The area has nothing special in terms of attractions. Other than the nightlife of the EDSA complex bars. Located on the edge of the Ermita district and near The Bay, there are only a couple of hotels we have always recommended for over night stays whilst visiting the complex.

HERITAGE HOTEL Top Quality

I have been inside the Heritage and had a look as well as a expensive cup of Coffee.!! The rates are $220 a night (P9000) However, there are promo rates that Beeline can do to get the rooms for around $95-$110 depending on the time of year. It is friendly for over night guests. Still if you can afford the price who cares and a bonus is this is where all those cute Asian stewardesses stay!! -- who knows who or what you'll meet in the bar. Very classy place with all the extras

COCACABANA APT HOTEL Mid-Range

264 EDSA Extension
Passy, Metro Manila
831-8711

Sitting right next store to the Heritage and a third the price. This is a semi- modern Dakota Mansion style hotel. A full kitchen in a very modern hi-rise, this is your best bet for quality at a semi-moderate price. Rooms have balconies (yes, some road noise), views, big pool, stocked refridge, cable T.V, and more contemporary than the Dakota. Not much to do except walk across the street to the EDSA Bars and party. But, then again ideal for the odd night on arrival or before departure.

If you've never been to Manila I'd still suggest the Dakota, Royal Palm, Mabini Mansions, or the more luxurious Pan Pacific. Because all are located along Adriatico/ Mabini St which has numerous restaurants, small bars and shops as well as Robinson's shopping Mall within easy and comfortable walking distance. Roxas Blvd is also within easy reach, as is the American Embassy and Swagman hotel for the Fly the bus service. The Batangas shuttle bus for Puerto Galera also leaves from Royal Palm. Being based in this area gives you a feel for the vibrant city of Manila.

The Nightlife.

Pasay Nightlife includes the bars along Roxas Boulevard and the EDSA complex. The bars mainly go-go are less expensive than the bars around Makati. Local drinks remain the same, around P100 whilst ladies drinks are around P200. TG fee's are P1000 as a rule and the ladies tips are between P1500-P2000 (US$30-40)

Chaos Bar - you could almost say "forget the rest go for the best" most of you that know me, know I swear by this bar even though it has moved twice from it's original location and has changed names frequently... (Visions/Vixons/Axions) It is located along Roxas Blvd opposite the BOOM BOOM fair ground (love that name) The bar has a similar lay out and style as it previous locations and any prospective bar owners should take note! The formula works... There are usually 100-200 girls in this bar most nights. It opens at 7pm and closes at 4am. All the seating is facing the stage and it also has a small dance floor. Dancers and GRO's aplenty.

some more from Chaos. 1 2

Just outside there are two 'showgirl' type bars. Both have a cover charge (P300 last time I went) and are open around 8pm with shows around 9.30-10pm. They are reasonably priced re drinks, but no TG - you arrange with girl to meet after work if they like you. To me, they are just a little boring... The shows are revealing - EVENTUALLY. If you have never tried these Showgirl bars - do so, maybe you will like them, maybe not But, they are worth trying.

Pussycat Bar.

A few yards further along you reach the Korean owned Pussycat bar. Now I have to say although this is a go-go bar, there is too much lighting and very little atmosphere. Recently I noticed the doors were locked so it may have closed down. But, as with many bars that do, they usually open again fairly quickly. Try it out you may find a gem or two.

Iseya Bar at Traders Hotel also along Roxas Blvd. To be honest I have never attended the place. It was there when the old Food and Entertainment centre was back in the 90's and when the Traders hotel was the Holiday Inn. I'm told it is a little like karaoke style and there are some good looking women there but a little pricey. You will also find the Boulevard Health Club here for massage services.

Back up the Blvd and past Chaos you cross over Gil Puyat Ave and reach Visions. This was former from the old partnership after the old entertainment centre was raided and closed. Again similar style but not quite as good as Chaos.. God fun bar though for sure.

Fetes is another go-go bar. And another alas that I have never quite made it too yet. This is located next door to Visions so next time I must get in there and take a look.

Up past Fetes and you run into a series of Karaoke type bars Filipino owned and managed in many cases. Don't let that put you off. Diamond Royale Super Club does a showgirl type bar and they are worth visiting. Again small cover charge. Ask for manager Joe Tan he seemed very hospitable last time we were there.

From here a quick taxi ride up to EDSA and opposite the Heritage and Copacabana hotel you will find the EDSA entertainment centre.

There are several bars inside. And no trip to Manila is complete until you have visited this complex.

Cotton Club - formerly known as the Australian Club.... A large bar with two floors. Two stages downstairs and quieter seating and observation upstairs with one stage also upstairs. Cowgirls on the door - (The quality of these cowgirls is nowhere near as good as the previous under the Australian Club name.) These usually cost a little more to TG as they are supposed to be the real '.cream'. A good bar.

My Fair. Love the stage layout here. Figure of 8 with bridge in centre and bar underneath. Then at one end is a pole where the girls slide down when starting their shift. In the old complex other than Gemma. The place was not very good at all. However, since moving here it is one of the better bars in the complex.

Firehouse. Ahhh the famous Firehouse. Been around for years. Again the lay out is almost identical to the old Firehouse and the line up is usually pretty damn good. I spent many afternoons and evenings going back and forth between the old Visions and Firehouse and most of my 'special' friend (some of which I still see) were from one or another of these bars. Firehouse is another must visit place.

Across from Firehouse is a Arab bar that replaced Esperanze. The bar I always forget the damn name of! However, on the two or three visits in there I have not been that impressed to stay - not even the huba-buba pipes can keep me past one drink.

Pitstop - Not a bad bar at all. A little on the smaller side but again usually a pretty good line up and worth and extended stay whilst you take in what is on offer. Good decor as well with the car.

Casino - Last couple of visits it has improved greatly and worth looking over a few times... Smallish like Pitstop but fairly large stage and a good line up most of the time.

Boardroom - upstairs. Owned by the Cotton Club Group and do shows every night. Stays open longer than the rest of the complex. There is an entrance outside as well as inside.

In addition to these bars, there is a food hall and gift stall.

Whatever your tastes you will probably have fun and enjoy this complex more than any other part of Manila for the choice under one roof. If it is quiet in one bar, move to the next and you can easily end up spending all night in here going from bar to bar.

The bars in here are all GOOD regardless of what I have written here. I'm going on my own personal experiences and preferences. Be advised to try them all out several times. :)

If you turn left as you leave the complex and left at the first junction you are onto Harrison St. Down here you will find a few more karaoke type bars and Miss Universe another showgirl bar worth visiting. Although they too have had problems and been closed a couple of times they are open again now.

Again as well as those listed you will find many other bars around - maybe not as popular as the ones mentioned or not even go-go types. But, a little exploring can reveal a treasure or three :) Red Rooster was one of those gem type bars to find tucked away in one of the back streets. It has been so long though now since I last visited it, I'm not sure if it is still operating. It was located on one of the back streets behind the old complex near Traders Hotel. However, now as then... Some of these hideaway places are best visited with a local as a guide. (One of the girls maybe)

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Ermita

Hotels

The most ideal place to base yourself in Manila by far. Ermita was once a hive of the nightlife

City Gardens hotel is one of the latest additions to a growing list of recommended hotels in the area. Located on Mabini St - this sister hotel to what was the Royal Palm hotel (now Lotus Garden hotel) further up the street has been recently completely refurbished. The deluxe rooms are excellent value at around P2000 a night. King sized beds, a bathroom with shower and bath tubs, a separate living room area with TV and DVD player - there is a TV in the bedroom as well.

DAKOTA MANSIONS
Hotel and Residential suites
555 Gen Malvar cor. M Adriatico St
Malate
Manila
A standard room consists of a large living room/Kitchen with A/C and Cable TV a fridge and cooking facilities and utensils. A spacious Bedroom with twin beds or a double bed. And a Marble floor to ceiling, bathroom on suite. The cost is P1700 per night but with 10% through me that is down to P1530 which is excellent value for Manila. This is a basic style accommodations and not for the picky business man (many dark rooms, older building), but a great value for what you get. The rooms above the 7th floor have a window that actually have a view, but are about 300 pesos more.

There is a swimming pool on the roof and the hotel has a bar and restaurant with room service for food and laundry. They exchange Dollars and Yen and have safety deposit boxes free of charge. They are very TSM friendly, infact the Security Guard thought I was "Superman" when I had EIGHT girls arrive in shifts on my last night! They also call you when the girl/s are leaving to check with you that it is ok for them to leave.

The hotel sits in the middle of the Mabini area (thirty minute walk to Vixens) and if a fun area to walk around and explore. Watching the locals do their thing, all the knickknack stores and markets and touts pestering you as traverse the area gives you the feeling of what the city is all about -- colorful chaos! Most bars and Hot Night Life though are fairly far away. Cabs are cheap.

- Mabini Mansions & Boulevard Mansions are another two from the same group of hotels as Dakota Mansions, based on Roxas Boulevard, and Mabini St . Both of which come recommended.

For those that want a bit of quality and class then the Pan Pacific on Adriatico St is superb quality at around US$100 a night - promo offer from US$250 a night. This hotel is of 5 star class and quality and comes with each floor of the hotel having a butler. There is also a food court area and a fully equipped Gym. Mr Tsm stayed here and thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are a host of other hotels and rooms can be had for around P1000 with promo offers. Usually a mid-range hotel is around P1500-P1800 a night.

Shopping Plaza's and Restaurants

Robinson's Plaza

Just around the corner from the Dakota hotel (make a right on Andriatico, head towards the Midtown Hotel) is the Robinson Plaza, a new shopping mall which is ideally located for essential shopping (San Miguel Beers at P12.5 and Winston Cigarettes at P17 a packet!). The Supermarket is well located inside the mall to buy those essential provisions that the girls will cook for you later -- usually chicken with rice. There are numerous shops and restaurants inside as well like McDonalds, Wendys, TGI Friday, Pizza Hut, Kenny Rogers, and various Steak Houses and Cafe's and, also the Filipino owned JOLLYBEE which covers Burgers, Chicken RICE and such like. Try to use JOLLYBEE it is nice, cheap and helps the Philippine Economy. There is an internet cafe on the third level, next to computer stores.

Harrison Plaza

A P30 taxi ride from Dakota will take you too Harrison Plaza which is another good shopping mall and slightly cheaper than Robinson's. They have a "Shoe Mart" store inside (it sells more than shoes.) They have a money changer there but you need your passport as ID it is also excellent for those Souvenir Tee Shirts and Philippine Crafts to take home to Mom and Dad, Uncle Tom Cobbly and all. -- check it out. There are some good restaurants inside as well and a supermarket. It is worth mentioning that Harrison St and Harrison Plaza is an area with a lot of stay-ins where the girls from the bars live. Harrison is a day time hangout for many of them.

Resturants

Up and down Adriatico St, Mabini St, and Del Pilar St and around Remidos Circle are an abundant of good quality restaurants and cafe's, from Thai, Chinese, Korean, Steak houses, and Filipino Restaurants - One of the best places I have visited and recommend is the Zamboanga Restaurant on Mabini St. They do a cultural show at 7pm each evening. The food and show are excellent and the prices are reasonable - Another is The Aristrocrat Restaurant on Roxas Boulevard. There is absolutely no shortage of quality restaurants around the Ermita area and within the shopping Malls too you will find all the usual chain restaurants as well as local food halls. Also again worth mentioning is the fish restaurants around the area, that display live fish which is cooked fresh for you at your table.

IMPORTANT STREETS

Adriatico St

All along Adriatico St you will find numerous neon lit restaurants and drinking bars, one you won't miss has a crashed Airplane inbeded in the roof! Also along the Street you will find Sari-Sari stores (provisions) and Money Changers (use these they offer a better rate than the Hotels) at the top of Adriatico is the island which has other Bars Clubs (Discos) and Restaurants. Turn right there and your lead up to Roxas Boulevard. (Ten years after, the plane is still here -- a landmark!)

Roxas Boulevard

Runs right along Manila Bay and as you reach it from Adriatico St you will see my favorite Restaurant. THE ARISTROCRAT. This is a 24 hour place that both Locals and Tourist's eat at. The food is good quality and inexpensive, but be warned it gets very busy at peak eating times and the service at those times reverts to "Philippine Time" The Take Away service is useful when returning from the nightlife with company (saves cooking chicken and rice at 3am or later ).

Next door to the Aristrocrat is CASINO FILIPINO which has Blackjack Roulette etc., and charges P100 to enter. Be warned, smart dress essential. Minimum bet at Blackjack is P200

The Nightlife

Ermita's nightlife has been greatly reduced an affected by the Lim clean up in the early 90's. However, where as there are now no go-go bars, there are an abundant number of small bars and karaoke bars all of which have GRO ladies available.

Along M.H. Del Pilar St in Ermita is one of several theme type bars and one of the best 'hangout' places for off duty bar workers, GRO's and students etc. L.A. Cafe it has a disco and live bands and music and best of all is open 24 hours. This is a great pick up place. The also host The Ermita Cheese and Wine club, which meet the second Thursday of each month at 6pm. (P500 eat and drink all you can)

Alaska Music Lounge - Remidos St, Malate just off Remidos circle. plenty of GRO's. How about a massage at Reflexes Health Spa on A. Mabini St.? If you walk around up and down Del Pilar St, Adriatico St and Mabini right from UN Avenue one end to Remidos Circle the other and all the streets connecting you will find so many of these bars and places you will wonder where to go next....

Let's go through a few more then for you :

Speedys - A karaoke type bar with bands on occasionally. A bar area and plenty of GRO's. Friendly staff opens mid afternoon but few in there until early evening. Japlac - A larger club altogether. An area for all the GROs rather like the "fishbowls" you get in Thai massage parlours but without the glass.

A large stage and dance floor. Mariners Cup - A bar/restaurant. Nice and comfortable, can eat a light meal and has GRO's to keep you company. The Other Office - Another smallish bar/restaurant and again a pleasant place to while away a little time. Sugar Cane and Nobras Ballroom are also in this area but have not checked them out in a long time.

There are many others as well, a simple stroll around Ermita will turn up several bars like this, and you can find some nice company in most of them. There are also several Casa's around as well. Between Lakay and Japlac for example there is a small cafe that usually has a lot of ladies sitting around outside and they have been known to offer certain services. Lakay - Another Karaoke type of bar. One of my favourites. Very much like Speedys.

Along Pedro Faura St is Birdwatchers - Local Ex-pats hangout place. Also Ginza - a Karaoke type of bar.

Along Mabini St - The Hobbit House - Well known for having it staff made up of midgets. Or small people or dwarfs. Which ever is politically correct. They charge a minimum fee when they have a band on. They serve food and drinks as well. No real action here, unless your into small people.- Upstairs above Hobbit House is the Hideaway a British owned bar with two pool tables ands a bar. Several GRO's frequent the bar. Always get a warm welcome and enjoy an hour or two here.

There are many, many others in and around this area. All form Restaurant/bar labels or Karaoke. Don't be put off by that, and the fact that they are not 'go-go' bars. Inside you will find a warm welcome and usually a host of GRO's waiting just for you :)

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Quezon City

The Nightlife

Quezon City is not a place I would recommend staying in. North of the City and about a 45 minute taxi ride from Ermita there is a thriving nightlife scene which caters mainly to the locals (Filipino's) It is a good idea if visiting this area to have a local as a guide to show you around. A off duty hotel porter or a friendly taxi driver for example.

The bars are more like Karaoke and Showgirl bars - not GO-GO bars like elsewhere. There is usually a small cover charge but the girls tend to get wild and naked in some of the bars. The Quezon City scene is forever changing. Many times clubs that go a little over the top with 'bold shows' get raided and closed.

There are two types of places to look for. Massage places and KTV showgirl bars. Those worthy of a mention are:

Maalikaya Massage Parlor located on Quezon Ave. It opens around 2pm. This building has several floors on the first two floors the girls are in a room for you to view. On the top floor you view a photo album. Prices range from P500 - P1500 and then you negotiate a service and tip with the girl.

Sllvanus Health Club and Pegasus are also along Quezon Ave nearby, The Health club is another massage parlor whilst Pegasus is a night club. Pegasus is a plush nightclub with showgirls. Drinks are around P150 Ladies Drinks and VIP rooms are extra.

Quezon Avenue is full of these KTV type bars on either side of the Street. Others worthy of a mention are Metallica, Mystique, Catwalk, Heartbeat, ODC, Stardust and Steve's Place.

A lot of these places have cover charges of P100-300 which includes the first beer. Drinks then are usually around P100 - The VIP rooms are for Short time with the girls and cost anything from P1500-P2000 - Be aware that to take a girl out long time could cost upwards of P5000! They don't encourage long-time.

Quezon City is worth spending a few hours or an evening just exploring, but like I said it is mainly catering to the locals market and a guide or Filipino/a friend could be useful in these bars.

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