Philippine Environs ...

Golf players look here!

The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and indeed would probably take a lifetime to explore! The Islands have several main places of interest to visit and Cebu is one hour by Domestic Flight from Manila, whilst Mindinao and Davao City with its pearl farms and deserted holiday islands is a two hour flight away. The hottest tourist destination now is the tropical island of Boracay -- again a few hours flying time from Manila.

But, on the Northern Island of Luzon, the short two hour drive from Manila to Angeles is where most guys go for their adventures. There are dozens of places and provinces to try out on near by to break up the bar/drinking/sleeping routine of Angeles. Bataan province (Bataan has a holiday resort center with a great pool and water slide and can be visited on the way to Olongapo or Subic. Prices for a day or weekend excursion are negotiable with Percy and are good value -- my favorite resort), Olongapo, Subic, Barrio Barretto, Iba, and La Union are close to Angeles as all beach resorts along the South China Sea -- Baguio City is in the mountains, maybe four to five hours away.

To the South of Manila is Puerta Galera, great diving and best beaches on Luzon but far from Angeles. At the moment there is NO reliable air connection to these destinations. Tsm and myself will be updating and adding information throughout to this newsletter, but for now I will concentrate briefly on excursions that can be arranged from Angeles.

SWAGMAN TRAVEL

932 C Fields Ave.
Balibago
Angeles City
Tel # (63) 045-8920378

Swagman Travel are a good source for information and excursions all over the Philippines but, also run tours from Angeles to all the places I have mentioned by the "Fly the Bus Service" There are regular daily buses out to Subic and La Union with information on hotels etc.

Most of these excursions are definitely best planned and booked when you arrive in Angeles and there is never any real need to plan ahead, as planning is something "Philippine Time" has a habit of screwing up good and proper. So just get there and take off when you are ready. Hotels are always available and most hotels in Angeles or Swagman will be able to recommend or offer a list too you.

Those on tight budgets are recommended to use the "Fly the Bus" service from Swagman (Manila) and (Angeles) to go back and forth P500 (or less through Swagman) one way. They are also cheaper to reach the resorts at Subic and La Union.

However, for those that require a little more freedom on travel times, comfort and SAFETY then a Hotel car/van service with the Driver acting as a guide is the BEST method of seeing what you want to see, when you want too see it.!!

Most hotels can provide such a service for you. The Vegas and Lord Hotel are no exception and 10% discount when booked through me. Percy Gonzales has a late model a/c Toyota and also a van at his disposal for such excursions and hotel transfers and airport service. He is also an excellent guide and a nice guy to know. Ask him where and when you want to go and he'll arrange it for you and don't forget your Tsm discount.

AIRPORT PICK UP/DROP OFF SERVICE

The trip out to La Union from Angeles is about 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Baguio is about two hours longer and up a a steep and windy (and scary) mountain road. There were two or three accidents along the way to La Union involving "Fly the Bus coaches" and the road disappeared in places and queues of heavy traffic bumped its way up and down dusty dirt tracks that were supposed to be roads! Appears the government ran out of money to finish them in places after Volcanos eruptions wiped out some bridges is the early nineties.

Travel by road in the Philippines is always an adventure in itself, another GOOD reason to hire a car with Driver/Guide rather than chance it with the local transport bus service that employed retired Japanese Kamikaze pilots I think!

As mentioned before you can hire Percy who will also take you on day excursions to La Union, Bataan, Olongapo and Subic where the beach resort has numerous hotels and scuba diving/jet skiing, boat trips etc. There is a limited amount of nightlife in Subic, but Percy knows where too take you, and is a mind of information. Subic is about one and a half hours west of Angeles on the South China Sea.

OLONGAPO-BARRIO BARRETTO-SUBIC CITY
(another view & report)

This is the closest and easiest side trip from Angeles (or Manila) that has something special to offer. Olongapo is where the Subic base is (base now has deluxe hotels, casinos and upscale bars) and is a pass through to the Barrio Barretto/Subic City area that contains the beaches and night life for us travelers. The whole trip from Angeles can be made under two hours and I paid Percy 1700 pesos for the transportation (2400 pesos from Manila airport). There is also a daily express hotel pick/up bus for 250 pesos. Ask your hotel about the " Subic Express bus" and if it stops at your hotel in Angeles -- this bus will drop you off in front of your hotel choice in Barrio Barretto or reverse routing back to Angeles!

There is also Eagle Ferry cruises, Inc. which now runs a shuttle between Manila and Subic twice a day. The entire trip takes just 2 hours 20 minutes and costs P130 for the air con deck or P110 for the sea deck. Subic to Manila is 7.00am and 1.00pm and return is 10.00 am and 3.30pm (Tel (047) 252-2148 or (047) 252-6707). In Subic it leaves from Eagle Fleet Landing (in front of SBMA Bldg. 229) and from Manila PTA Bay Cruise Terminal, beside CCP (Tel 725-6926 to 27 or 732-9370).

The Barrio Barreto area is a small beach city area about 10 minutes from Olongapo and is where I suggest you stay. Not only are there a dozen of hotels to choose from (cheap bungalows to the super deluxe White Rock Hotel) but there is even some interesting inexpensive night life. I stayed at a new hotel called "Zanzibar" which was in the middle of things -- the best beach in front (called "Long Beach") and a ten minute walk to Barrios Barretto night life and a short trike ride to the Subic City dance clubs (Subic City is not Subic Base and really is just an extension of Barrio Barretto).

ZANZIBAR RESORT HOTEL
Bo. Barretto, Beloy
Olongapo City
Phone 047-2235895

This is a new deluxe five story hotel with a large pool and very luxurious and sedate. Rooms went from 1400 to 2200 pesos (large master suite and great views of the nearby beach) and for half that price ( if your on a budget) you could stay at "Barts" (has internet setup), By the Sea (no beach, but great grounds and lots of accommodations choices), Marmont (older, block back from the beach, but big and active) or just a room (beach cottage with no a/c, but right on the water) on Long Beach rented by the local bars (not recommended on the weekend, it gets crazy with families). All these accommodations are within walking distance of each other and the local bars and action. I suggest you make Percey stop by a few so you pick out your taste and budget.

If you demand more, there is the White Rock Hotel on the way to Subic City and yes it is elegant but rooms start at 1950 pesos and looked more like a family and tour bus environment -- but is was by far the place to be if you are with a "special new love" and you only want the best!

BEACH

The main beach (Long Beach, also called Beloy) is about a mile long and was more inviting than expected. There are fishing boats to hire or just walk the hard gray sand and explore -- the water is clear and great way to cool off. What is different is there are no beach chairs or places to relax under the sun. As you might expect then, most tourists sit in the many beach bars and just watch. Now, the Filipinos either go directly into the water of picnic.

There are hundred of picnic table to rent by the hour and they take up most of the room on the beach. I talked to one of the girls and I asked why no chairs and she simply explained -- " who would want to get dark." Apparently these folks don't mind smoking themselves to death but a few open rays is a NO-NO! Also, the whiter the skin the more beautiful you are -- at least to them.

BARS -- Barrio Barreto

In early 1996 Mayor Kate Gordon made all the bars in the Barrio stop go-go dancing, but a few bars are still hanging in there with "entertainers." The main remaining expat bars in the Barrio are: The Rock Lobster (in Mangos), Main Attraction and Night Riders. These open around 6.00 p.m. and go on till around 2.00 am and the best is "Main Attraction" where the barfines are even cheaper than Angeles -- 600 pesos. Girls, well there were only 8 to choose from and maybe two were 6's. This is not Angeles! I never saw more than two girls in Night Rider and the next night Mangos was the place to make new friends (six to choose from) -- as in life, timing is everything.

All these bars have pool tables as there main entertainment, so if you're hot with the stick you'll be an instant hero. Across the street there are some sing-along-clubs.

Subic City

This area has a different Mayor so dancers are allowed. There are two main clubs -- Tahiti club and Foxhole. The trike ride from Barrio Barreto took seven minutes and cost 50 pesos. The girls dance in modest attire (some will pull there shorts down to reveal a bikini) and drinks are 20 pesos and lady drinks are 40 pesos. Wink at one (saw some 7's and 8's here) and she comes and sits with you and then it's up to you -- barfines are 800 pesos. These bars open at 2.00.p.m. and closes at 10.00 p.m. (then all the action moves back to Barrio Barreto). Girls though, must stick around to 11.00, so you can't wait outside for a freebie!

The lady I spent time with (Nori) from Foxhole was a bust :-(. Once back at the hotel she asked for the Walkman (to keep), soured her face when she couldn't watch T.V, demanded food and said when she was ready we might have a little hanky-panky after a few gifts. I sent her home (lesson learned -- don't take the prettiest, they have an ego as high as Mt. Everest)

These dance (go/go)bars are a/c, friendly and fun. But since there are only "two", you'll be know quickly and labeled a "butterfly" if you try and score twice in the same bar. These girls (as most Filipinas) are possessive and proud. Walking in and taking another makes them loose face, so after two days your options are limited (very limited) for new talent (as opposed to Angeles were you could take a barfine every night for a year and never be recognized twice :-)).

Next store to these dance bars is a "true find" -- Kinkys Bar! This is a pool hall/gaming room/brothel. You just sit and watch the pool and dart games and sooner or later a cutie will talk to you. I was never asked to buy drinks and the girls were easy going and attractive and explained she was trained as a data processor in Manila, but there were no jobs and was earning money to finish college. She stopped by the next day to say good-bye :-).

Although this bar was the lowest class of all places visited, it was the most fun and the girls (although not going to throw the Richter scale off the monitor) were very simple but lovable.

The ladies

The ladies in these bars seem to have a different attitude than those in Angeles. They are less professional.

If you get frustrated then just enjoy the warm China Sea, the friendly people (lots of Europeans here who own the bars and restaurants), the great seafood and the beautiful natural setting of Barrio Barreto -- Angeles City is only two quick hours away and always awaits you!

Or, try the Subic beaches, but bring your own girl :-)

LA UNION BEACH

We spent a weekend at La Union Beach. Transportation cost us P2400 for four of us traveling with a friend and two girls! We did pay Percys accommodation and did pay for a coupe of meals and McDonalds for him -- usual practice for a driver/guide. Although he could just drop you and then comeback and pick you up when your ready to return in a day or two, but that would cost you the price of another trip, so paying his overnight stay etc. works out cheaper. Remember also, he includes in the price a taxi service when at the resorts.


HOTELS in LA UNION.

Numerous Beach resort Hotels up and down the coast, all of which are on the beach itself, with Restaurants and Disco/Bars etc. Swimming Pools and Pool tables. Rooms can vary from pretty standard too quite good. The better ones usually have a porch overlooking the beach but, these cost a little more. Most Have A/C some just with fans some with both .

SOUTHERN PALMS Beach Resort.

Arturo M Baingot St
Pagdalagan Sur
Bauang 2501
La Union
Tel ' (072) 242 0854
E-Mail spalms@net.com.ph

Rooms are standard with mini bar and TV with A/C and bedside Fan. on suite Shower. Rates are P750 per night before discount. (please note Discount is available through Percy Gonzales at 10%) The sea front rooms are about P100 more.

Southern Palms is right on the Beach with a Restaurant over looking the beach. There is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi and a Nightclub/Bar on site called Stilettos.


BALI HAI Beach Resort

Paringao
Bauang
La Union
Tel # (72) 41-25-04
E-Mail balihai@net.com.ph
or book through any Swagman Travel Office.

Bali Hai is a few hundred yards down the beach from Southern Palms. It has a 24 hour International Restaurant and Bar with a evening BBQ and has a king sized swimming pool. It is located close to the Dive center, for shopping and Nightclubs. The rooms are A/C with mini Bar and TV. The rates up to March 31st (Has now risen in price check out new rates by e-mailing them) were P860 per night. A special package for four days for one person was P2580 and for two people for three days it was P2,890 -- VIP rooms are available at an additional P200.

We did not stay there but, have heard glowing reports about Bali Hai on TSM and from some guys I met at Vegas Hotel.

You can hire a boat on the beach for about P200 per hour, less if negotiated a longer trip, will show you around the bay and drop off on a secluded white "red hot" sand beach -- ideal for a beach picnic and a few Beers, if you are lucky like we were a few local fisherman will catch and cook fish for you on the beach.

There are also fishing trips and Scuba diving lessons and trips here all can be arranged through the hotel. My friend took a two hour and 45 minute scuba diving trip which he described as brilliant and awesome for less than P2000. But shop around.

The South China Sea is "blue" clear and warm for swimming and there are Coral Reefs to be explored when snorkeling and scuba diving.

A short ride from the resort found us at the center of the Nightlife this consisted of one street with bars, restaurants and live bands /disco's and one "SHOWGIRL" Bar which was probably the best of the lot!

Still, to be at Southern Palms you would not be alone for long at La Union, but as with many of the beach resorts and provinces it is probably best that you find a really good "girlfriend" to take along for a day or two..

BAGUIO CITY (City of Pines)

About 40 minutes away from La Union (and four to five hours from Angeles) is Baguio City -- sorry no photos but covered it all with my video. This is in the mountains (1500 meters above sea level) and the view was spectacular to say the least as we climbed all the way up round twisting roads with valleys all around.

Eventually at the top you hit the CITY OF BAGUIO, WHICH IS AMAZING IN ITSELF that there is a city of this size at the top of the mountain. Baguio even has its own lake for strolling and rowing (Burnham Park reserve) and is ideal for a shopping/sightseeing trip and a day is sufficient.

For the believer, Baguio has another claim to fame -- Faith Healers! These are those guys who open your skin and operate with their bare hands (like pulling out a cancer tumor just with their hands). A local taxi driver can arrange a visit, but be careful the wrong thing isn't removed :-)

There are numerous shops and restaurants like anywhere else but head for the market and you will find dozens of stalls selling Philippine crafts especially in this area WOOD CARVINGS which make excellent gifts and at a fraction of the price you would pay in Manila. Tee Shirts etc. as well. Most of my "gifts" for home were bought here and the words of Roy Schneider in Jaws -- I was telling Percy, " We are going to need a bigger CAR." Didn't see any Sharks on the trip, but they are there somewhere.

The climate in Baguio is so much cooler it reminded me of England in the summer! But, watch out for rain. The clouds came down late on and we had a torrential downpour followed by fog -- is this really the Philippines? So be warned that if the fog comes down really bad be advised to stay over somewhere the roads down are really bad and visibility can be NIL at times. This incidentally was the only time in five weeks that it rained and the temperature fell below 90f -- Bliss!!

For overnight and if you are alone there are some interesting options. Baguio has a nice hotel complex called the Chaparral Inn on Marcos Highway. It is a small complex with a hotel and go-go bars, about three of the and two nightclubs. Barfines are about P1200 (Nov. 97') with very good looking girls and a fun place was Peek a Boo Disco on Abanao St. Barfines there were P1000 (*info supplied by Paul K*)

Bicol Province

With the revelation of several TSM members knowing about Bicol/Albay from emails I have received, I have summarized the following aspects of my trip to the Legaspi City and Bicol Province. Others might want to add things, as they feel free to do so.

I would recommend this as a place to take a Filipina girlfriend for privacy and relaxation. However, the chances of meeting a nice, pretty and available "province" Filipina are very high if you act polite and can breathe.

I am sure there was more there that I didn't get to see. So, I asked alot of question and this is just a summary of two weeks and a few suggestions if going there for a visit.

The first thing that needs to be pointed out is the only flights in and out are through the Legaspi Airport. Flights are daily in the mornings and MWF in the afternoon. The plane is a 737 and usually full (plan ahead). Airport tax and excess baggage charges will surprise you if not use to domestic flights. Naga has an airport, but not advised.

I saw a total of three other non-Filipinos the whole time. I stuck out like a sore thumb and had to get use to the stares of everyone whenever I went about town. I am about 6'2" 200lbs and have slightly pale skin thanks to my Scottish heritage. Western men are rare and usually only accompanied by their Filipina wives or girlfriends. .

Taxis are great because they are air-conditioned and there are several that will take you all over the region. I paid 500 P for a whole day. The triks are fun and range around 50P for a trip to the Airport from the Hotel. English is not as common as in Manila, but they will understand you when it is to their advantage. Having a local gal with you improves you chances of not being overcharged and communicating where you want to go and what you want to do.

The Mayon Volcano is a major tourist attraction and is about 7,500 feet above sea level. It has erupted several times, the last time in 1992, as I was told. The biggest attraction related to the volcano (besides visiting it) in the area deals with the catastrophe in 1814 when lava buried hundreds of people in the town and church of Cagsawa. All that is left is the church tower and a garden. This is a nice tourist spot to visit. You can't miss the volcano from anywhere in the province. It stands out like a beacon.

Hotels

There are a couple good hotels in Legaspi City, but size of room varies. I stayed at the Casablanca Hotel in Legaspi. This is by far the nicest of several. The rooms are small, but get the Junior suite (1400 P/night). The other hotel that was ok was the Jennifer's Garden (between Legaspi and Daraga).

Casablanca Hotel
Legazpi City, 052-480-8334 (phone), 052-480-8338 (fax)
Lee@globalink.net.ph

Jennifer's Garden
Legazpi City, 052-480-1086 (phone), 052-4804 (fax)
They have Internet access at the hotel, but expensive/min.

Albay Hotel It has a pool, but the service is bad and a bit overpriced. Not recommended

Resorts

There are several resorts along the east coast of the Philippines. They are not big or 5 stars, but very affordable and quiet. I always seemed to run into someone that knew more about one than another did. Some people preferred the white beaches to the black volcano sand beaches and vise versa. My suggestion is to talk to the people at the hotels. They seemed to know good deals and drivers etcÖ The Casablanca was very good about this. I would recommend contacting Desire' in the office.

The most interesting resort I heard about was a place called Rapu Rapu Island. This was also mentioned to me by email from another TSM member and sounded just as I had heard from a group of divers that I ran into at the Legaspi Airport. It is a bit of a trip to get to, but it is basically untouched by western tourists. I tried to convince my girlfriend to travel down there, but it seems that the Filipinos believe that the inhabitants on the island are "black witches". The divers I ran into at the airport said they loved it. Their description was along the lines of "laying out on the beach with a beer in one hand and women waiting on them hand and foot." I finally got around to asking about TSM activities once my girlfriend left for a minute or two. They all smiled and said that it was real nice.

The women (married and single) on the island or working there, were responsive to nude swimming and overnight stays with the guests. Now, I didn't check it out and the girlfriend did not want to go, so this is a challenge to someone to find out.

The divers were a mix of Taiwanese and Australians. They were on a package tour that lasted one week from a tour group out of Manila. They mentioned that they saw some great sights and groups of whale sharks.

San Miguel Island is also someplace that is untouched and very affordable. I was told it was quiet and very private. Not sure if there are any hotels or resorts there.

Mayon Resort is on the east side of the Mayon Volcano. It has traditional huts with air-conditioning. There is no hot water, but the pool is natural spring water and a joy to swim in. It was relaxing and fun. Overnight rooms are available. Worth going to since you are way above the surrounding region right amongst the clouds that frequent the volcano.

Mayon Springs Resort is on the beach front with black sand, but not even a 2 star location. Do not waste you time here.

Balubagon Boiling Lake. This is located in Manito and is geothermal-like formation. The lake has an outlet near the shore and shoots up like a geyser at low tide. This is a great place for hot springs.

Guesthouse Pacific & Beach Resort was highly recommended to me by the locals. This is a beachfront resort with cottages with while sand beaches. It is off the beaten path and very affordable (1600P/night). It is up the coast about two hours. I didn't go there, so it is an exploration trip for someone.

Camarines Sur, Philippines
Telephone/Fax 063-54-454-7001

Costa Palmera Resort was also recommended to me by folks in the Casablanca for a quiet "out of the way place" to go. It is more for couples than TSM activities.

Kalayukay, Phlippines
Telephone 063-912-3379666 fax 063-0918-2122702

Kalayukaii Beach Resort was also mentioned, but I didn't get any information on it.
It is probably more suited for TSM activities.

Websites

I found a cyber cafe in Legazpi. The location is impossible to describe, sort of up two flights of stairs and down a hall, first door at the top of the stairs.etc. Ask a computer shop salesgirl, they love to be helpful. The following is a website I got for the Bicol province.

www.mozcom.com/naga/links.html

The Women ....

What to say... Overall I find the Filipinas in the provinces more enjoyable than those in Manila. They are usually very simple and bored to tears. Any "Western" male is treated like a king. They are far more shy than the ones in Manila, but once you get them to talk and loosen up, they are very very sweet.

I observed two things. First, there were a lot of pretty young things working in the different stores/offices. Once they figured you were a tourist and not married, you were fair game and the smiles came out. The vast majority of single women I ran into with (and without) my girlfriend were shy at first and I occasionally got a wink by the time I left the store/shop.

Second, I do not know how many of my girlfriend's friends asked her if I knew of a nice guy for them (preferably a Catholic). I was never asked directly, but she was asked by some of her really good looking friends (and some not so good looking). If you are looking for a girlfriend or wife, may I strongly suggest the Provinces. Bicol is the only one I've been to, but I could easily recommend looking there first. Bottom line is that there were lots of available women interested in talking and meeting "non-asian" men.

There is a local nursing college in Legaspi and there are plenty of student nurses running around the town. Problem is that I noticed that they all wander in groups and it would be hard to single one out of the herd. Furthermore, they are very shy around their friends or workmates. From what I learned in Manila, they are more responsive and opened up more once you got them alone or out of listening distance from the friends/workmates etc.

I have to put in a plug for the girls at the Casablanca hotel. The two front desk clerks were great and curious about if I needed to be shown around town until my girlfriend came to visit us at the hotel several days later. Any direct attention ended at that point. Desire' works in the office and was a lot of help and really wanted to go out of her way to make my trip more enjoyable. If not for my two teenagers, I am sure she would have visited the room to make sure everything was fine there also. Not a pro, just someone looking for a "western" guy to take her away from her job and to a better life. She wouldn't be too hard to convince to take off a few days and show you the countryside I am sure.

The last observation was the complete and total low key attitude that everyone had. It was relaxing and a pleasure to be there. They wanted me there and enjoyed my company. No one was trying to rip me off (maybe overcharge me). I only had one run in with two guys who wanted my wallet. My fault! I was with my girlfriend's brother (24) and we took a wrong turn down a side street at about 2:00 am. I got a knife put in my back and the one in front of me wanted my wallet. I gave it to him and the girlfriend's brother turned and ran.

I guess the two guys though I had run also so they just walked away looking in my wallet with their backs to me. Bad mistake... Long story, I got the wallet back, cleared everything up with the local police (of which one of my girlfriend's relative was a police officer in Legaspi), and only had minor cuts and bruises from beating the living shit out of the two. I was assured several times that the authorities want to protect and increase tourism in the region, but the fact is most people do not make much of a living there. There are alot of people out of work and not much hope for an upturn i the economy.

Be careful when travelling at night and travel with someone if possible.

Cebu City

I've been to Cebu City many times since 1993 and find it to be a fine destination. I usually stay at Park Place on Osmena Circle. This is the center of the nightlife with Silver Dollar, Thunderdome and Bigwigs all within one block. Inside the hotel is the Shangri-La massage service where they give Thai style massage. Silver Dollar has a relaxed atmosphere, no cover charge, friendly staff and some cute posters on the wall. Okay, here are some more details that are important ...

BACKGROUND

Cebu, the island and the name of its capital city, is a bustling metropolis strategically located in the heart of the Central Visayas. The capital, called "Queen city of the South" is only an hours flight away from Manila and it is the center of trade, arts (custom made guitars are their specialty), education and business in the South. Today, Cebu city is the second largest city in the Philippines and has been transformed into Asia's newest economic hub.

Home to export-oriented industries like furniture, electronics, shell craft and others, it has become one of the newest and most attractive Asian destinations. Blessed with white sand beaches, exotic foods and famous warm hospitality and now has its own international airport for easy access. Not only does this island provide the perfect jumping of point to explore the exotic islands of Leyte, Bohol, and the romantic Bantayan islands but there is unique history sites for the curious.

Besides 16'th Century forts to explore there is the oldest street in the Philippines - Colon St., Spanish churches and museums, and the Magellan's Cross to observe (Magellan died at the hands of Lapu-Lapu in 1521 on the island of Mactan, now the airport location). A bonus for the male traveler is a secret that only local aficionados know ...

Cebuanos women are the most friendly and beautiful of "all" the Philippines!

HOW TO GET THERE

The airport in Cebu is now international and there are direct flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. of course there are hourly flights from Manila and the surrounding islands

Cathay Pacific has non-stops to Hong Kong ( from LAX & S.F.) and a quick connection to Cebu. Although this airline is more expensive than PAL, you do get American Airlines frequent flyer miles. In actual flying time you can get to Cebu or Boracay in almost half the time it takes to get to Bali.

WHERE TO STAY

On the island of Cebu you have two areas to choose from ...

A.The airport area called Mactan with its beaches and easy life style
B.The city center of Cebu with its night time activities but a little boring during the day

The distance between the two can be 45 minutes when there is traffic (which is 99% of the time), so you need to make a choice.

On Mactan, you have many choices with many smalland intimate beach front hotels.The best being the Cebu Beach Club or the Blue Water Resort. The Blue Water is a semi time/share resort with affiliations with RCI. If you belong to this time share network they will give you a 30% discount- other wise expect to pay around $100.00 per/night. All have night time entertainment, pools, tennis courts, fishing boats, and scuba instructors.

For the ultimate lodging on Mactan there is the brand new Shangri-La Hotel on 20 acres of prime ocean front property. On par with the mega resort of Hawaii this is now one of the best hotel in the Philippines. Lush gardens, private beach, water sports center and water slide :-)), tennis coaches & four courts, five restaurants, double size Olympic pools with water slides, health club with stairmasters, weights, and 358 rooms (oversize rooms) -- this deluxe property has it all.


Note:

A word of warning, unlike Boracay, these properties are not beach connected and hotel browsing is difficult. You'll need a cab to move from one to another, so where you are during the day is likely where you will stay. The trip from Matcan Island to the night life in downtown Cebu can be an agonizing 50 minutes and traffic is crazy. Be prepared and give yourself lots of time!

In Cebu center, the best choice is the Cebu Plaza Hotel (on a hill over looking the city), the Midtown ( exact city center & next to those colorful bars) and the Montebello Villa Hotel. The later has a nice pool for lap swimming and although a ten minute ride to city center, it is adjacent to the new Gaisano Country Shopping Mall (great place to people browse). If a cheaper room is required (under $50.00) and a pool is not important your best bet is the Park Hotel, across from the Midtown or the St. Moritz hotel with that lusty bar/disco as a bonus.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE

On the island of Cebu there is more diversifications in things to do or see than Boracay. The main attraction in Cebu is fort San Pedro, a bastion built by the Spanish to repel the Muslim raiders in the 16th century. A couple of blocks away is the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, which house a bejeweled statue of Santo Nino, or boy Jesus, given by Magellan to Queen Juana, one of the first Filipinos to be baptized.

A little more exciting, especially for the shopper, is the Carbon market, which is a bargain hunter's bazaar and you can stop at the famous Casa Gorordo museum on your way to Beverly Hills.
No, you're not in Los Angeles now, but this is what the area is called where the wealthy homes are built and has an extraordinary exotic Chinese Taoist temple situated among the Cebuanos upper crust. For the more adventurous, there is a thrilling 30-50 "Banca" (local boats) ride from Mactan that will take you to two or three small islands jutting out along the channel.

The relatively unspoiled Sumilon Islands are only a few hours away by bus and boat and for a true adventure one can explore the lush interior valleys of Cebu and overnight at the deluxe Paradise valley Mountain resort. Here is where you capture the beauty of nature at its best -- a bonus being the fresh cool mountain air - a great change of pace from the steamy lowlands.

NIGHT LIFE

Bigwigs and Thunderdome have a show where the girls get topless. This helps for seeing the all of those beauties :-). The price for barfine is 3000 peso, a bit steep, only worth it for a 9+. The key to Cebu City is to go the Casa route. These are private quasi-legal places where the girls assemble in a large living room with long couches for your selecting company. Most Casas have 15 to 60 girls to start at 5 or 6 pm dwindling rapidly to the dregs by 10pm. Whereas at the bars you can arrive late and do fine, with the Casas the earlybird catches the worm. The girls report to work between 5 & 6 so 5 may be too early and 6 may be just right. There are 5 Cebu Casas that I know of:

1) Happy Valley- nearby to Osmena Circle, This is where the taxi drivers will take you if you ask for a girl. Large selection here but quality not as fine as Myuki.

2) Myuki- tops in quality, in central area, new place established 1997, get there early as the word is out and the girls go fast. Price about 2000 peso

3) New World- new place just opened Jan 1998 near to the Ayala Center. Price is lower here to attract new customers. Maybe able to get 1200 peso.

4) Para Para- in Lahug on hillside below Cebu Plaza hotel. Quality is the lowest here and this would be a last choice. Price 1500 peso

5) VIP- this is a hot, hot Casa in Lapu Lapu City which is on Mactan Island nearby to the Mactan Bridge. The price here is higher. They asked for 3000 and we settled at 2000. The quality is up there with Myuki with fewer patrons.

Please treat the girls with respect and kindness, many men have also found great wifes in these establishments -- report back your experiences!

AND MORE BARS

The Karaoke lounges are a little different. Here you pick a girl to sing with (at Steve's KTV there are a 100 girls to choose from after 10.00 P.M.) and then shown to a private room to watch the laser disk sing-along, drink and negotiate the after hours closing activities. The price of this entertainment is double that of the pubs, but if you like singing, cuddling, and drinking with the prettiest girls of Cebu, then maybe this is for you.

A more exotic form of entertainment is called the show disco! These fancy strip-show bars are in uptown Cebu with the best being "Thunderdome"and the " Puerto Rico Bar." The shows start every hour and they go the gamete of model poising in the latest fashions to the total take-it off and show ALL. These are the most beautiful girls in all the Philippines and worth the few dollars a drink just to watch. Yes, you can take this girls home with you but the bar fine will be more than the cost of your plane ticket to the Philippines.

If you still haven't found miss right, don't fret -- there is always the massage parlor on your way back to your hotel in Mactan Island. The best being "Caesar's Palace" in Mandue City (this area is half-way between Cebu city and Mactan Island). For about $20.00 you get to pick a masseuse from about 50 girls behind a glass window, a private room with shower, and one hour of massage. The extra's (I'll leave this to your imagination) are negotiated on the side and can easily double or triple your bill depending on you request! A good idea is to let your cab wait for you, (pay him once you're back at the hotel, this way you know he is waiting) for late at night they may be hard to find.

OTHER NIGHTLIFE

My favorite night-time activity in Cebu (besides the bars) is simply walking around the uptown area, until a restaurant, lounge, or new disco catches my eye. There are thousands of night time strollers, all waiting for the excitement to begin.

An interesting dinning experience is the "Lighthouse Restaurant" where you can pick your live ( indoor aquarium) fish, crab, or lobster and then give the chef instructions on how you like it cooked. A unique happening is the Circus Disco on Fulton Street that has Asias only roller skating service and on the weekends everyone shows up for the roller skate disco show. An advantage to this disco is that it provides an easy way to make new friends (female, of course), just fall over them and say you're just learning the art of skating.

INSIDE TIPS (looking for adult night life information, here are new Tsm member reports on Cebu and Matcan Island)

Cebu is the jumping off point for those exploring the Visayan region of the Philippines. I visited two new bars this trip that should receive some attention from the TSM membership.

1). It is cheaper to hire a car and driver for the day (less than $50.00) than to attempt to rent your own car. Worse, for the independent traveler, there are no street signs, directions, or good maps to lead you

2). When bringing a guest (you will) to your hotel, always ask the front desk if there are any extra charges. Some hotels just look the other way, some charge a double occupancy rate, and some charge a ridiculous high so-called " joining fee" It is cheaper just to register your guest and pay double occupancy (extra $10.00 or so) than an extra $40.00 to $50.00 joining fee.

3). If you find your new love in downtown Cebu it could be cheaper (and wiser) to rent a room at one many "love hotels" that dot the area. It seems Philipino men are nortorious for secret affairs and this cottage industry has sprung up. It is interesting, your cab will take you directly to a garage that is connected to a hotel room - once the garage door closes a bellboy appears and you pay for the time you request. Yes, you can even order dinner here, complete with your video pick of the night!

Cagayan de Oro City (more)

Cagayan de Oro City is on the Island of Mindanao. It has the virtue of having a high speed ferry to Camiguin Island. This is a new addition and saves the bus trip to Balingoan. Cagayon has several discos where the girls dance on a stage to music one at a time while stripping to topless. Love City has a show that is pretty boring and the girls there are jaded. It is interesting that GRO is the only carrer category I can think of where the less experience the worker has the more prized she is. I like two smaller places that often have new girls.

One is "Gold and Chump" and the other is "The New Starlet". These places have only 10-15 girls a night but the chances are good that she will be beautiful and caring (:-)) that will treat you like a boyfriend.

I like the informal personal nature of these bars. The Japanese businessmen are coming to CDO though and wherever they go pricing damage gets done. The good thing about "New Starlet' and "Gold and Chump" is that they have no aircon and are downmarket so retain value better than most places. For great live music I go to Thrives Disco where the musical talent is high. You can eat dinner and enjoy the show. They have girls there too and you can dance with them.

I like to stay at VIP Hotel which used to be the best hotel in town before The Pryce Hotel opened. It costs around 1,000 peso a night with no problem bringing the girl to your room. It is central and you can walk to the clubs. CDO is a dirty crowded city and is good only in transit to Camiguin. Camiguin is the paradise island of the Phil. The best part is the north side near Agoho. The locals here greet you with "hi friend".

This may be the last best place in the world. This is the place to bring your penpal.

Puerto Galera

GETTING THERE

Puerto Galera is situated on the island of Mindoro, south of Manila, and a short ferry ride across from the mainland at Batangas. Puerto Galera is itself a small inlet on the island that has become the main port for incoming Ferries and visitors to the island.

The large island of Mindoro itself gets its name from the days of the Spanish rule here. Mina de oro, meaning gold mine. Whereas there are no gold mines, the placeis certainly a tropical paradise with numerous beaches and coves to explore.

From Angeles there are two alternative methods of transport. Firstly, for those on a budget we would recommend Fly the Bus into Manila and then picking up the Si-Kat shuttle service from the Centerpoint Hotel in Ermita. Alternatively, for a little more comfort and convenience then a private car or van, can transport you from any hotel in Angeles straight through to the ferry terminal at Batangas.

From Angeles the journey is around 180-200 kilometers and can take anything from 4 hours to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Getting through Manila is never easy at the best of times, and then, once heading South, the road after you leave the Southern expressway at Laguna, goes back into a single lane road with heavy traffic nearly always occurring around Lipa City. Whilst on the journey through to Batangas from Manila try stopping off at one of the many roadside stores and trying the BUKO PIE this is a desert type snack made from coconuts and is masarap (delicious).

Remember:

For those who like to party late at a bar and between the sheets you'll need to remember that the return ferry leaves at 9:30 am. So you will need to hire a banca by 9:00 at the latest to make it into Puerto Galera. That will cost you 150 pesos if you can't locate anyone to share it with. P.S. This joke is from Don Morgan, a fellow San Diegan, at Firehouse. You know how you describe a filipina? Body by Fisher, brains by Mattel and batteries not included. I thought it was a little harsh as the girls can be very sweet even if they are a little scatter-brained at times. TSM ... Actaually I dated Filipina accountant once, but her car plates said -- " flip nip." Guess being scattered goes with the territory!

TRANSPORTATION COSTS

From Manila the Si-Kat shuttle costs P350 inclusive of the Ferry one-way. It is P600 for the return ticket. From Angeles you can fly the bus to Manila for P300 one way.

By private car through BEELINE TRAVEL, you can travel all the way through to Batangas for P3200 by A/C car or P3800 by van.

Si-Kat ferry times are Batangas to Puerto daily 11.30am Friday and Sunday also at 5pm.

Returning daily from Puerto Galera at 9.30am and on Fridays and Sundays 2.30pm

Si-Kat can be contacted at:

Centerpoint Hotel Ermita Manila or book via Beeline Travel.

Once you have made the crossing most Hotels will supply a bangka boat for you. This will take you to whichever beach their resort is located (P100-200). The boat ride through from Puerto Galera to Sabang and Small La Laguna beaches takes around 10-15 minutes and is a nice way to travel on the island, as the roads there are notoriously bad, and almost impossible to use during the rainy season.

SABANG BEACH

Sabang Beach is possibly the most active area on the island with a maze of alleyís and passages, to explore. You will find some really good restaurants and places to eat here such as the RELAX Thai Restaurant, which we highly recommend. Within these alleyways, three go-go bar type bars are located. The Sabang Disco had the best looking, and most energetic dancers, whilst the Umbrella Bar was also a good place to visit.

The Third Bar, located just along the way from them was The Sunset Paradise Disco. This bar actually looked more like the go-go bars we maybe used to in Manila and Angeles. It had a stage with seating all around, then a disco dance floor which was in the middle of the bar with bench type area for sitting and enjoying the conversation and hospitality of the girls and GROís.

All three bars were under the restrictions of the local authorities which allows a maximum of three dancers on stage at any onetime and the costumes were in line with how Angeles was, until recently.

They all had an abundance of dancers and GROís to entertain the guests, and they rotated dancers every third song. Opposite the Sabang Bar was the Philippine Disco Bar, which also looked like a place to dance and enjoy the night away.

It has long been advised to take a "friend" when visiting places such as Puerto, and whereas that remains to be true, there were an abundance of nice ladies around even on the beach where several approached offering massage services. The biggest problem with dating some of the ladies here was that they would almost all, shoot off in the morning, for various reasons, which can leave you unattached during the day.

Mingling along the alleys you could find various gift and local craft shops, along with numerous local eateries, where you could enjoy a cheap and tasty breakfast in the morning.

SABANG BEACH, PUERTO GALERA (hotels & activities)

CLUB TROPICANA BEACH RESORT HOTEL

Our recommend Hotel on Sabang Beach is the luxurious Club Tropicana Beach Resort Hotel.

There are, four standard types of rooms here, and the Hotel is built into the cliff-side with a medieval castle type look. Rooms are excellent and very reasonably priced. (Due to the very nature of the hotel setting this may not be suited for those handicapped or disabled)

The Penthouse has a patio with a hammock where you can layback and read or sleep in the shade of the brilliant sun. The Penthouse suite is large with two huge four poster beds and a large bathroom that has a jacuzzi. The Royal suite is one floor below and identical to the penthouse with the exception of the patio and hammock. The Suite rooms are smaller with just the one four poster bed but also have a bathtub in the bathroom, whilst the standard rooms are slightly smaller still, with just a shower.

The hotel has all rooms fully fitted with A/C and fans above the bed, which make them amongst the very best rooms I have seen outside of Manila and the Heritage Hotel. Rooms come equipped with a well, stocked mini-bar refrigerator and cable TV in the rooms.

The Hotel manager, Paul is a character himself. A likeable Austrian who makes all his guests feel welcome and goes out of his way to be friendly as well as adding the personal touch to your vacation. Hospitality with a capital "H" is the order of the day here.

The hotel restaurant has a wide and varied menu and specializes in fondue cooking at your table. A really nice touch, try the seafood or meat fondue, which we again highly recommend. In the evenings the hotel runs a movie at 7pm each night, and will also accept credit cards, and arrange cash advances as well as having money changing facilities. The only negative aspects I could see were that the daily papers don't arrive until after 11am from the mainland, and the steps are steep. Both very minor problems that cause no problems really. The hotel is still under development with a swimming pool and sauna to be added in the near future.

A second selected hotel/resort on Sabang Beach is the Atlantis Beach Resort Hotel. This hotel is located almost upon the beach itself. It is has stylish grounds with a swimming pool and has a quality restaurant ad well as spacious and luxurious rooms. The resort has it's own dive shop and is ideally located for the restaurants, shops and nightlife of the area.

Atlantis Resort Hotel

Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera
Oriental Mindoro,
Philippines

Atlantis a lost paradise rediscovered. Nestled in a lush tropical isle, rising from turquoise seas, sink into a luxurious haven, bathe in the calmness and tranquility, soak in the voluptuous union of light and water, share the fading of the last embers of the night, and sleep until the first songbird awakens the sun.

The Atlantis rooms are bright and beautifully designed in this tropical setting. Fully furnished with air conditioning, 24 hour room service, mini bar and fridge. There is a beautiful swimming pool as well.

I can also say that although I'm not a scuba diver I do keep getting rave and glowing reports about the diving on the island. So if you are into the world of scuba, I would highly recommend you add Puerto Galera onto your itinerary when visiting the Philippines.

I did manage to do some snorkeling on my last visit there and it was excellent. I was even feeding the fish from my hand. A great experience and fun, well worth the trip on its own.

SCUBA DIVING

South Sea Divers
Sabang Beach
Tel 0918-865-0246

paul@southseadivers.com

South sea divers, on Sabang Beach have been operating since 1983. Canadian run, this dive shop offers excellent dive facilities, at any of the 23 dive sites around Puerto Galera. The shop has all the equipment you could possibly need, and does various padi courses from beginners to divemasters. There is a 10% discount for anyone booking through Beeline Travel and an additional 10% for groups of 2 divers or more.

Check them out by visiting their web site. Dives cost $25 less discount. Ask for Paul Arpin, and mention Beeline.

SMALL LA LAGUNA BEACH PUERTO GALERA

Just a short walk up the beach from Sabang you will reach Small Laguna beach, which is an altogether, quieter more peaceful part of the coast. It is essential to bring a torch if you are intending to explore Sabang at night, as I found to my cost! Boat mooring ropes are lethal! And, the path is not exactly without its hazards.

However, during the day this is a nice section of beach with two hotels we recommend on the beach, front itself.

The Portofino Beach Resort Hotel.

Portofino at Small La Laguna Beach is Puerto Galera's newest and one of Mindoro's finest residential resort-retreats, catering to the international traveler and to Manila Embassy and executive families.

Portofino is a first class Spanish-Mediterranean design of award winning architectural character with white sand, beach front, diving, swimming and dining.

The hotel is comprised of 25 one and two bedroom studio homes, all elegantly furnished and air conditioned with full cooking facilities. There is cable TV and mini-bar, refrigerators and room service available as well as a laundry service. A pool side restaurant overlooking the beach with a wide and varied menu.

Exotic birds reside near a cascading fresh waterfall-swimming pool where patrons may enjoy a special rum drink and tostadas, quesodillas or huevos rancheros whilst overlooking the beauty of a reflected sunset and moonrise over Verde Island across the bay. Hey sorry, I know this is a hotel rather than a restaurant. But, then again I know the chef would possibly disagree!

This hotel has the finest, and I mean the finest food, I have tasted in the P.I. and it's part of their everyday standard fare not a special occasion thing. The menu is varied and the cuisine is cordon bleau, though I say so myself. My honeyko and I, had a meal there on this trip and it was so damn good, we returned for their equally as impressive brunch on the beach buffet on Sunday afternoons.

The chef is a certified German Chef and as well as Bavarian dishes there are great chicken dishes with creme sauces and the Mexican foods there are done by a Southwest American. Try it if you get to Puerto, and remember the Sunday Brunch as well.

Whilst on the subject of the Portofino they are offering a 20% discount on rooms from Mon-Thurs. But, are now exclusively offering Beeline customers a stay three nights get a fourth night free. (no 20% discount available on that offer) Again, see Beelines web-site hotel listings to book.

CARLOS PARADISE INN

Located right next door to the Portofino, is Carlos Inn Hotel. Set in the cliffs, in a quiet and secure cove, Carlos Paradise Inn is made up of apartments, private cottages and aircon deluxe rooms.

Carlos Paradise Inn is ideal for those more budget class minded, as this is an inexpensive resort Hotel on the beach at Small La Laguna. They are also friendly and well run by Gunther who is of German origin.

Carlos restaurant and bar serves mouth watering international cuisine and sumptuous seafood delights, fresh from the bountiful sea. Grilled to perfection or cooked just the way you want it. Feast on Filipino delicacies and indulge to your hearts content.

The views from the rooms are breathtaking and spectacular and the Hotel runs a special promotion offer through Beeline travel with 5% discount plus One day free every fourht day from May fifteen to November thirty. The hotel also organizes and runs beach trips, fishing trips, day trips to hidden paradise waterfalls, Mangyan Village, the cockfighting arena and a nearby gold panning site. They accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards and offer special room rates for long staying guests.

SCUBA DIVING

SMALL LA LAGUNA

ACTION DIVERS

Again our Scuba Diving operators, Action Divers have a second shop located on Small La Laguna beach, right next door to The Portofino and Carlos Inn Hotels.

Action Divers, is run by New Zealander Ross Thompson, and his son. They are a highly organized and professional scuba diving outfit. They offer a wide range of scuba diving facilities as well as keeping things once again on a personal basis. Something that Beeline, believe is of paramount importance for its clients.

Action Divers is a member of the PADI International Resort Association and offers dives for certified divers with personalized service, as well as all PADI dive courses from Openwater up to Divemaster and Assistant Instructor. Action Divers is also a IANTD Facility and offers Nitrox dives and Nitrox courses for beginners and advanced divers up to technical diving courses. Action Divers offer you a wide range of diving equipment to suit your diving needs in retail, wholesale and equipment rental. Action Divers is exclusive dealer for the Puerto Galera area for IST, SEAC SUB and IKELITE products and dealer and service center for ZEAGLE dive equipment with a trained technician on the premises at all times.

Also available through Action Divers, deep wreck and night dives. Drift and navigation, naturalist, search and recovery, multilevel, photography, and videography (BRING HOME EVIDENCE OF YOUR UNDERWATER ADVENTURES, A REAL MUST). Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, motorbike rentals, a fitness gym, day trips and even charter yacht "liveaboard" trips.

So, if you are looking for a little bit of a tropical paradise with diving? Then look no further, than Puerto Galera, all within easy reach of Manila and Angeles, and all aspects of Hotels, transport, and diving can be booked through Beeline Travel.

Big Laguna Beach Puerto Galera

If you follow the path along the beach and through the cliffs you will come to Big Laguna Beach. This is a small and quiet beach with more in the way of nice white sand than on Sabang or Small Laguna Beach. You can stretch out on a sun lounger here and get a tan whilst looking up to the sun through the buko trees (coconut).

You can become quite lethargic just lazing back wondering whether you should move just a touch to the right, or left, for fear that you could suffer the misfortune of a nut on your NUT! Hell, why not just take the chance and enjoy a massage on the beach J

LA LAGUNA BEACH RESORT HOTEL

The hotel we recommend on this beach is The La Laguna Beach Resort. Managed by the same group that, run the Southern Star in Angeles, and the Southern Palms in La Union. This resort Hotel has a swimming pool and it's own Dive Shop.

The hotel has a variety of rooms, all of which are spacious and are equipped with all the essential requirements you need. The staff, are friendly and the service is good. There is a restaurant and a fine area of beach right in front of the hotel. Again as one of Beelines featured Hotels you can avail yourselves to a 10% discount offer when booking through Beeline. There are a number of beaches on the island that we have not covered here, and these can be reached with ease by using a bangka boat and exploring some more secluded and beautiful beaches, such as "white beach" famed for it's white sands.

Puerto Galera is a beautiful place to visit and explore, it is the sort of pace you need at least a week to look around and explore at a pace that befits the area. Relax and enjoy the swimming, snorkeling, the coral and the Diving. Dine in some really fine restaurants and explore the alleys of Sabang. It is far less expensive than the more popular, and tourist generated Boracay Island Resorts. It may not have the beauty of the white beaches of Boracay. But, the diving and snorkeling, is some of the best in the Philippines. Puerto remains relatively free of the mass tourists of Boracay and the additional expenses that can lead to.

Puerto is still an island paradise. It is relatively easy to reach from the mainland and Manila it is used frequently as a weekend retreat by Manila business people. So if your visiting the best times to get a few bargains and enjoy a quiet and peaceful time, is Monday/Thursdays. Although the weekends are still fine as well.

 Boracay

Have been going to Borocay couple of times a year for the last 4 years. There are some freelancers hanging out around Cocomangas and Beachcomber bar (just down the road) and you might get lucky if there are only a few other single men out for the same thing. Better to take a lady with you from Manila or Cebu (they will jump at the opportunity).

The local authorities in Borocay discourage prostitution and dont want it to become like Phuket etc etc. There are no go- go bars. Still Borocay is a great place for a beach holiday - get there before it becomes over developed. Try Nigi Nigi Noo Noos for good food at reasonable prices (they have a jazz or blues band at the weekends) or The English Bakery for excellent bread and cakes and good healthy breakfasts. The area around Boat Station 1 is my favourite location for accomodation.

Boracay in April is fine but sometimes even the white sand on the White Beach will burn your feet. Not much of a breeze, but the water is nice and the nights are fantastic. You get there by Pacific Air from Manila. A small but reliable airline. Return trip P 3.600.

When you get to Caticlan (the small airstrip just across the strait between the mainland and Boracay), get a tricycle to take you to the boats and get across (nice but wet sometimes). Not expensive.

Get off at Station No. 1 at Boracay and you are on the SE end of the White Beach. Walk along and you will find places to stay. Prices vary a lot, but P 500 and up is a good start.

Concerning the ladies, I do not understand why you should bring anyone from Angeles there. (We have a saying here close to the North Pole -- " You should not bring cakes with you when you are going to a party :-)." There are some discos and bars and you will find whatever you are looking for. Not pushy, but more of the typical Filipina, low profile, tender, loving - OOHHH I start dreaming again!!

Prices vary from 0 to P 2.000. The 0 are the best ;-) but might take some time to convince ;-)

Rent a motorbike and ask you friend to guide you around the island. There are a lot of nice beaches that are totally empty - so why not enjoy life as you were born to enjoy it ;-)

(OK I confess, I have lost my heart to a Filipina and will probably move myself and my business there soonÖ)

Disclaimer:

This information is provided by Tsm Members and is done in good taste. Although geared for the single male, we feel the information is valuable for all traveling to the tropical paradise called the " Philippines." Tsm is not responsible for actions or procurements taken by this report. As in any travel purchase, research and references make for happy travels. Any additions, modifications or material not appropriate please contact TSM Travel