Support NeoGAF

[Battersea Power Station]

Uh this is messed up. Luckily I've never had any trouble flying anywhere as a foreigner (in neither Palawan, Bohol, Boracay, Mactan, Caticlan), other than once not having enough money for the airport fee. Hoping to go back early next year, for a month or so, having previously spent half a year in Mandaue City. Fell in love with that place and hope to figure out a way to live there for good one day. The one thing I to hate about the Philippines is Globe and Sun.

That's interesting to me that you loved it so much you'd consider living there. My wife and her family are from Cebu and some from Mandaue, and it was great visiting there. But it never struck me as a place I'd like to live. Probably for me the biggest mental obstacle is the sharp division between luxury and poverty, and the classism that is accepted and perpetuated by otherwise friendly people.

 

[Pachimari]

I always had plans to move there and live there permanently as well. Even had plans to build a house and somebody offered to sell a lot to me. But I'm not fond of another one having ownership of my house so I dropped those plans.

It doesn't help that large parts of my family are moving abroad, so now I dream of moving to Mallorca.

 

[Sun Bather]

That's interesting to me that you loved it so much you'd consider living there. My wife and her family are from Cebu and some from Mandaue, and it was great visiting there. But it never struck me as a place I'd like to live. Probably for me the biggest mental obstacle is the sharp division between luxury and poverty, and the classism that is accepted and perpetuated by otherwise friendly people.

It took me some time to feel comfortable there for sure, but the people there are all so very nice so quickly enough you felt welcome anywhere. The contrast and classism is certainly weird and uncomfortable, luckily not a problem for us personally as we worked with the very poorest of the people there, and managed to blend is as well as white people can. But then of course you see stuff like

and shake your head

 

[inked_illusion]

and shake your head

At least they're honest? Yeah it is disturbing some stuff we accept sadly

 

[Zoe]

Heads up, tons of gross Filipino food in next week's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7HRE3EyKY

Seriously though, almost every Asian with a speaking role on this show is Filipino, including the male lead. The guy introduced last night, Father Brah, is even the show's executive story editor.

 

[addik]

It took me some time to feel comfortable there for sure, but the people there are all so very nice so quickly enough you felt welcome anywhere. The contrast and classism is certainly weird and uncomfortable, luckily not a problem for us personally as we worked with the very poorest of the people there, and managed to blend is as well as white people can. But then of course you see stuff like

and shake your head

I actually did a quick search, and the sign is fake (thankfully).

However, what you explained is real, sadly. What's worse is that there are people from the lower classes who believe that they really are the bottom rung of society. Some would tell me that they are embarrassed to be talking to me.

 

[Pachimari]

Heads up, tons of gross Filipino food in next week's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7HRE3EyKY

Seriously though, almost every Asian with a speaking role on this show is Filipino, including the male lead. The guy introduced last night, Father Brah, is even the show's executive story editor.

Now I HAVE to convince my girlfriend to watch this with me! I didn't know there were Filipino actors on this.

 

[Sun Bather]

I actually did a quick search, and the sign is fake (thankfully).

However, what you explained is real, sadly. What's worse is that there are people from the lower classes who believe that they really are the bottom rung of society. Some would tell me that they are embarrassed to be talking to me.

Oh I'm sorry about posting that if that's the case, a guy in a group I was in claimed it was real and it wouldn't seem too out of question for me to be real, after all, I have seen with my own eyes a "pool prohibited for people with tattoos" sign there haha.

 

[Pachimari]

Is it true that they have taken care of the bullet problem in the airport?

 

[Sun Bather]

Is it true that they have taken care of the bullet problem in the airport?

What airport are you going through? Seems to be mostly in Manila it is happening... and it has been on the decrease

I see people saying they just want you to pay 500 pesos. It's dumb as hell, but I'm not worrying about it when going soon. Just going to keep my luggage close to me like always.

 

[WAR recon zero]

Hi Filipino Gaf.

I am going to Manila from 12/14 to 12/17. I am staying in Makati.

Need a few tips:

Areas to avoid
Areas to go in day time (not intramuros )
Does the imax theater have a matine screening. I want to see star wars
Any decent shop with sfc japan imports?


Any tips? Not looking for nightlife since i am not into that.

 

[Pachimari]

Are any of you in here on Steam?

 

[Pachimari]

So we finally won Ms. Universe!

 

[Quick]

What's up, guys.

I might be in the country later this year to attend a wedding and stay in Manila for a couple of weeks. What's typical wedding guest attire there? I was thinking of just wearing a suit (or something semi-formal).

What else is there to do in and around Manila? That sounds dumb, but the last time I was there, I didn't get the opportunity to really look around.

I'm interested in checking out Mall of Asia for starters. How is it? The two occasions I've been back, I never got to go there since people always dismiss the place as being really busy and, in some ways, trashy or something. I'm really curious about the ice rink, too.

 

[Pachimari]

Woah, hi Quick, didn't expect to see you in here!

Mall of Asia is huge. And you can get lost easily, because each section looks the same. You could eventually check out the arcade scene in there as well. But you are around MoA, then you should go for a walk at the bay when it's dark. It's very atmospheric and nice to spend a few hours there.

It being busy I really find nice, it's a very lively place, and stuff is always going on, day and night. But be careful with your stuff and what you wear, and also bring some kind of blanket you can cover your mouth with. There are literally places were the pollution is so bad, that you almost can't breath.

I love Manila and I am going there again this coming April, and I'm gonna have to watch the premiere of Captain America: Civil War in either Manila or Ilocos. I just hope there's no Tagalog dub, seeing that English is an official language there too.

 

[Quick]

Sup Madridista.

I know about the smog too well, combined with humidity, too. lol

I've seen movies in Manila, they're all in English, no dub or sub. I actually like the theatre that I went to before. For reserved seating with full surround, I paid way less than a regular ticket in Toronto.

I went to get water at the theatre, and they gave me a small popcorn with it. I ended up giving the popcorn to a little kid watching behind me with his dad.

 

[Pachimari]

Sup Madridista.

I know about the smog too well, combined with humidity, too. lol

I've seen movies in Manila, they're all in English, no dub or sub. I actually like the theatre that I went to before. For reserved seating with full surround, I paid way less than a regular ticket in Toronto.

I went to get water at the theatre, and they gave me a small popcorn with it. I ended up giving the popcorn to a little kid watching behind me with his dad.

My experience in the cinemas (have only watched Tagalog movies) is, that people are always on their phones. But maybe this have changed through the last few years?

 

[Quick]

My experience in the cinemas (have only watched Tagalog movies) is, that people are always on their phones. But maybe this have changed through the last few years?

I was there three years ago and I saw Man of Steel. I was probably too focused on the movie to even pay attention to anyone else, to be honest.

I can't deal with Tagalog movies or any of the TV show (Sorry, guys).

 

[StarlordDial]

Are any of you in here on Steam?

steam? sure man what's your steam name? i'll add you !!

 

[Mieu]

Are any of you in here on Steam?

I believe there's a handful of Filipino steam users. I am not one of them. Lol!

Hi Filipino Gaf.

I am going to Manila from 12/14 to 12/17. I am staying in Makati.

Need a few tips:

Areas to avoid
Areas to go in day time (not intramuros )
Does the imax theater have a matine screening. I want to see star wars
Any decent shop with sfc japan imports?


Any tips? Not looking for nightlife since i am not into that.

I'm really sorry I wasnt able to see your post right away :S

What's up, guys.

I might be in the country later this year to attend a wedding and stay in Manila for a couple of weeks. What's typical wedding guest attire there? I was thinking of just wearing a suit (or something semi-formal).

What else is there to do in and around Manila? That sounds dumb, but the last time I was there, I didn't get the opportunity to really look around.

I'm interested in checking out Mall of Asia for starters. How is it? The two occasions I've been back, I never got to go there since people always dismiss the place as being really busy and, in some ways, trashy or something. I'm really curious about the ice rink, too.

@wedding it really depends on their motif. You can just pattern your suit or barong tagalog (it's the Fil ver of the suit) according to their motif. You may just rent stuff or buy RTW.

@MOA it's actually a good mall but it's really huge-like GTA huge! Haha just kidding!

Yes the place really gets busy during weekends, holidays, concerts, and sports games. And traffic can get horrible. It can transform into a horror story.

Ice rink is pretty big too. Always keep a low profile when you go out to avoid getting mugged

 

[Pachimari]

What is ice rink?

 

[Mieu]

Another term for the ice ring where people do ice skating and sing let it gooo.. let it goooooo!!

Youll have to pay for rent if the shoes and the locker on top of the skating fees.

 

[gimmmick]

Made KareKare for family meal at the restaurant I work during the holidays. The look on people's faces when they saw me adding peanut butter and shrimp paste lol.

 

[sol_bad]

My experience in the cinemas (have only watched Tagalog movies) is, that people are always on their phones. But maybe this have changed through the last few years?

I spent 9 months in Makati last year, unfortunately it's still the same and it frustrates me to no end. In Australia I would ask the person to put the phone away but I feel weird doing that in a foreign country.

 

[Pachimari]

Another term for the ice ring where people do ice skating and sing let it gooo.. let it goooooo!!

Youll have to pay for rent if the shoes and the locker on top of the skating fees.

oh yeah I know that. I love ice skating there.

Made KareKare for family meal at the restaurant I work during the holidays. The look on people's faces when they saw me adding peanut butter and shrimp paste lol.

Mmmmmm that looks delicious, I would love some of that but without peanut butter.

I spent 9 months in Makati last year, unfortunately it's still the same and it frustrates me to no end. In Australia I would ask the person to put the phone away but I feel weird doing that in a foreign country.

Ugh. Yeah I feel the same way. But it's often not just one person but a lot of people sitting other phones. I just need to ignore it.

I'm a little excited for my vacation this April now. It's gonna be so awesome. I'm gonna play Tekken 7 for the first time. I'm gonna watch Captain America: Civil War on April 27 and it's gonna be my birthday there.

 

[WAR recon zero]

Going back next week to increase tfa foreign revenue

 

[darkwing]

yes! we finally have Netflix!

 

[Mieu]

Made KareKare for family meal at the restaurant I work during the holidays. The look on people's faces when they saw me adding peanut butter and shrimp paste lol.

I spent 9 months in Makati last year, unfortunately it's still the same and it frustrates me to no end. In Australia I would ask the person to put the phone away but I feel weird doing that in a foreign country.

Yep, you are gonna sound rude to Filipinos. Try SM's director's club there are fewer people who do that there

Going back next week to increase tfa foreign revenue

Haha! Please patronize out local restaurants.

yes! we finally have Netflix!

Netflix and chill for only 500 peysows

 

[UnObtainium17]

yes! we finally have Netflix!

Fantastic. Gotta tell my homeboys back there to try it out. Netflix is life.

Made KareKare for family meal at the restaurant I work during the holidays. The look on people's faces when they saw me adding peanut butter and shrimp paste lol.

This made me drool. If there is a Filipino food I would want to be available to me 24/7 It's the Oxtail and beef tripe Kare Kare and lots of bagoong. The first time I ate that my mom made sure I get a taste of it first before breaking out the news that it's got PB on it lol.

So we finally won Ms. Universe!

Yep. The moment the top 3 was announced my mom was so sure Philippines will win it all. Then Steve Harvey comes along....

 

[Pachimari]

Yep. The moment the top 3 was announced my mom was so sure Philippines will win it all. Then Steve Harvey comes along....

She were leagues better than the other two in appearance. Miss USA and Columbia weren't beautiful. At least to me.

Do anyone know if she'll be in the Philippines in April/May? Maybe she would do some events? Or she already did?

 

[waby]

Wow, I didn't know this thread exist on the Off-topic.

Born and raised in the urban jungle of Manila. People who would like to ask question regarding tourist spots, places to eat or any issues you would like to ask regarding the country feel free to post in this thread or pm me. My pro tip to maximize the stay in the country, don't stay in the metropolis. The true fun is outside Manila area.

I'm so ashamed that airport bullet scandal happened. I got some Japanese friends who were going to take their vacation here in the country just canceled their plans, hopefully I can convince them when I go to Japan this year.

Edit:
Netflix is live in the country but not all US program is in the package.
Movies available on Netflix Philippines
TV shows available on Netflix Philippines

 

[WAR recon zero]

Yep, you are gonna sound rude to Filipinos. Try SM's director's club there are fewer people who do that there



Haha! Please patronize out local restaurants.



Netflix and chill for only 500 peysows

Recommend some in the metro manila area! Would love to try some food.

My stomach is a bit shy.

And i was scared of the naia bullet scam. My only gripe of the stay there. Everyone is so kind and the country is foreign friendly.

Any beaches or resorts near manila?

 

[waby]

Recommend some in the metro manila area! Would love to try some food.

My stomach is a bit shy.

And i was scared of the naia bullet scam. My only gripe of the stay there. Everyone is so kind and the country is foreign friendly.

Any beaches or resorts near manila?

You can look on this site for some resto in the area. link here

For some beach or resort near manila. link here.

 

[paolo11]

Haven't visited this OT for a long time. Musta mga friends?

I love Pinas. I went home last November on a three week stay. I went to

A) Manila (duh)
B) Pangasinan
C) Baguio
D) Cebu
E) Bohol
F) Boracay

Pro tip. Go to wet market in Boracay and eat in Dampa. Buy fresh seafood in the wet market and you can have someone cook for you.

 

[paolo11]

Recommend some in the metro manila area! Would love to try some food.

My stomach is a bit shy.

And i was scared of the naia bullet scam. My only gripe of the stay there. Everyone is so kind and the country is foreign friendly.

Any beaches or resorts near manila?

Near Manila. Not sure about beaches but there are resorts out there. Antipolo is one of them.

But go Palawan or Boracay. You will love it.

For food, go to DADs buffet or Vikings. If you got cash, Sofitel. Like budget? Mang Inasal or Jolibee. Good Chinese pork buns? Mamon luk in Quezon City. There are a lot.

You want to unlock your smartphones, go to Greenhills. They have good anime merchandise as well.

Street Fighter community or Tekken is at Timezone in Megamall

 

[Quick]

@wedding it really depends on their motif. You can just pattern your suit or barong tagalog (it's the Fil ver of the suit) according to their motif. You may just rent stuff or buy RTW.

@MOA it's actually a good mall but it's really huge-like GTA huge! Haha just kidding!

Yes the place really gets busy during weekends, holidays, concerts, and sports games. And traffic can get horrible. It can transform into a horror story.

Ice rink is pretty big too. Always keep a low profile when you go out to avoid getting mugged

Thanks a lot.

Big reason I ask about wedding attire is because all expectations I have of appropriate attire for events went out the window when I was back a few years ago to attend a funeral, and I was told I didn't need to be formal and I could just be casual (no red colour though).

What is ice rink?

Where people skate. I play ice hockey, and I've always been intrigued with the MOA ice rink because it's an actual Olympic-sized rink (based on Wikipedia's info). I've only ever skated on North American-sized rinks (NHL sized).

 

[DEATH™]

May nagsasalita ng tagalog dito? Pwede ba kong mag-type ng tagalog dito?

Either way, subbed. Nice to know there's a Noypi-GAF Thread here.

 

[Quick]

May nagsasalita ng tagalog dito? Pwede ba kong mag-type ng tagalog dito?

Either way, subbed. Nice to know there's a Noypi-GAF Thread here.

Pretty sure most of the people here speak Tagalog.

I can still speak, but I don't do it often because I have an accent when I do apparently.

Reading and understanding is no issue, but some of the slang I'm lost on.

 

[DEATH™]

Pretty sure most of the people here speak Tagalog.

I can still speak, but I don't do it often because I have an accent when I do apparently.

Reading and understanding is no issue, but some of the slang I'm lost on.

Why? Keep speaking tagalog dude! Kay may accent o wala, ok lang!

Seriously, we need more Filipinos talking with their language. Most of our kids tend to not learn it if we don't...

 

[waby]

Thanks a lot.

Big reason I ask about wedding attire is because all expectations I have of appropriate attire for events went out the window when I was back a few years ago to attend a funeral, and I was told I didn't need to be formal and I could just be casual (no red colour though).



Where people skate. I play ice hockey, and I've always been intrigued with the MOA ice rink because it's an actual Olympic-sized rink (based on Wikipedia's info). I've only ever skated on North American-sized rinks (NHL sized).

Oh I should tell you, the ice rink moved outside the mall. Probably for the best as it can get crowded on that part of the mall.

 

[WAR recon zero]

Is there an uber service in metro manila? Is it safe?

 

[Raysoul]

Is there an uber service in metro manila? Is it safe?

Yes, and it is safe. Way safer than a taxi.

 

[Cpt.Underpants]

Is there a substitute to fish paste for the dish?

 

[GamePnoy74]

Is there an uber service in metro manila? Is it safe?

Used Uber during my trip to the PI in November, so much better and convenient than a taxi...and cheaper too. I think it covers most of metro Manila, though my use was mostly limited to Makati, Fort Bonifacio, and SM Mall of Asia.

 

[Pachimari]

Oh I should tell you, the ice rink moved outside the mall. Probably for the best as it can get crowded on that part of the mall.

Oh really? It looked so good inside but it makes sense. I assume new stores have opened in its place then?

Used Uber during my trip to the PI in November, so much better and convenient than a taxi...and cheaper too. I think it covers most of metro Manila, though my use was mostly limited to Makati, Fort Bonifacio, and SM Mall of Asia.

How does it work? Can I use an app to call for one?

 

[waby]

Oh really? It looked so good inside but it makes sense. I assume new stores have opened in its place then?



How does it work? Can I use an app to call for one?

The Mall of Asia is on heavy renovation as of recent months. The rink is still there but not in used.

Uber app on PI works the same ways as in other countries. I still can't believe I rode a Hummer going to my buddies place. lol

Yearly feast on Quiapo, Manila will take place this weekend.

 

[jombag]

Musta mga parekoy! Aldub you! Lol!

 

[Mieu]

Recommend some in the metro manila area! Would love to try some food.

My stomach is a bit shy.

And i was scared of the naia bullet scam. My only gripe of the stay there. Everyone is so kind and the country is foreign friendly.

Any beaches or resorts near manila?

Sabao, seda, basilio, vikings buffet, conti's, mamou, theres a lot. Really depends on where youll be.

Go outside luzon. Boracay, Palawan, or Batangas.

Haven't visited this OT for a long time. Musta mga friends?

I love Pinas. I went home last November on a three week stay. I went to

A) Manila (duh)
B) Pangasinan
C) Baguio
D) Cebu
E) Bohol
F) Boracay

Pro tip. Go to wet market in Boracay and eat in Dampa. Buy fresh seafood in the wet market and you can have someone cook for you.

Boracay Wet market is pretty much a safe bet. Thats a lot of places for three weeks. You should stay longer next time.

Near Manila. Not sure about beaches but there are resorts out there. Antipolo is one of them.

But go Palawan or Boracay. You will love it.

For food, go to DADs buffet or Vikings. If you got cash, Sofitel. Like budget? Mang Inasal or Jolibee. Good Chinese pork buns? Mamon luk in Quezon City. There are a lot.

You want to unlock your smartphones, go to Greenhills. They have good anime merchandise as well.

Street Fighter community or Tekken is at Timezone in Megamall

Haha alam na alam mo!!

Thanks a lot.

Big reason I ask about wedding attire is because all expectations I have of appropriate attire for events went out the window when I was back a few years ago to attend a funeral, and I was told I didn't need to be formal and I could just be casual (no red colour though).



Where people skate. I play ice hockey, and I've always been intrigued with the MOA ice rink because it's an actual Olympic-sized rink (based on Wikipedia's info). I've only ever skated on North American-sized rinks (NHL sized).

As long as you wear the Filipino-defined clothes, it's fine. Long sleeved collared shirts paired with slacks is good

May nagsasalita ng tagalog dito? Pwede ba kong mag-type ng tagalog dito?

Either way, subbed. Nice to know there's a Noypi-GAF Thread here.

Anong kailangan mo? Ilagay mo lang dito.

Is there an uber service in metro manila? Is it safe?

Yep! Your current uber account should suffice.

Is there a substitute to fish paste for the dish?

I don't think there is

Musta mga parekoy! Aldub you! Lol!

#AlDub 25 weeks na!!

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

I want to learn more about the culture. I have a Filipino cousin but I hardly ever speak to her because she's so far away.

 

[ss_lemonade]

Musta mga parekoy! Aldub you! Lol!

Ayus lang dude, kaso aldub isn't my thing lol. Too cringey.

That and there's also this Vince & Kath thing now going on....