Is Manilla Really so Bad?

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maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
#81
RoboOp,
Wow, that was quite a story.
Whenever I hear "Merry Christmas" in the Philippines I'll probably start looking for a policeman, lol.

Actually, the more reading I do, the more interested I'm becoming in Cebu.
 

tribesman

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
4,622
282
83
#82
A very sad reality of what people can do here just to earn money. Sad reality of how hard life is that lead to some people to take advantage to others. But nevertheless, I know a lot of them still choose to be fair and not take advantage despite of their situation.


I was 22 when I first went to Manila with a friend. We arrived there around 10 pm. It was a long story, but we paid 1500 pesos on a taxi at that night, the most expensive fare I ever paid on a taxi in my entire life.


Here in Davao I once paid an extra 200 pesos for a fare of 200 something, and that was around December too, so it's Christmas. When the taxi driver told me the fare I was shocked and checked the meter again, I tried to rebut, and he said cuz I picked a taxi from the airport and that's their policy really and said Ma'am it's Christmas anyway. Lol so yeaahh that's one thing here in the Philippines if it's Christmas "some" expect more from you as a gift.


I know it's annoying but I just wished the small extra money I gave to them would go something worthwhile if not... whatever...hehe. Anyway money is just money it will come and it will go. :)
I had experience of batinting (tampering of the meter) at least two times (as I know of). The first time I was busy on my cellphone and just paid and didn't think about if but afterwards...hey! that's way too much for that ride! Second time I saw the driver somehow tricking the meter with uncalled for break ins, I confronted the driver and also talked about my godfathers cousin at LTO and he got scared, giving him what was fair amount for the ride and not was on that meter. He was very quick to drive off.
 
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nettie

Guest
#83
A very sad reality of what people can do here just to earn money. Sad reality of how hard life is that lead to some people to take advantage to others. But nevertheless, I know a lot of them still choose to be fair and not take advantage despite of their situation.


I was 22 when I first went to Manila with a friend. We arrived there around 10 pm. It was a long story, but we paid 1500 pesos on a taxi at that night, the most expensive fare I ever paid on a taxi in my entire life.


Here in Davao I once paid an extra 200 pesos for a fare of 200 something, and that was around December too, so it's Christmas. When the taxi driver told me the fare I was shocked and checked the meter again, I tried to rebut, and he said cuz I picked a taxi from the airport and that's their policy really and said Ma'am it's Christmas anyway. Lol so yeaahh that's one thing here in the Philippines if it's Christmas "some" expect more from you as a gift.


I know it's annoying but I just wished the small extra money I gave to them would go something worthwhile if not... whatever...hehe. Anyway money is just money it will come and it will go. :)

Oooh, know what, I was 22 when I first went to Davao and I lived in Manila. I was really surprised how cheap one taxi ride in Davao. I mean, we arrived in Davao City and then we rode a taxi going to the Port where we will take a short boat ride going to Samal Island. We only pay a hundred pesos for the long ride (I'm not quite sure but I think we rode the taxi for half an hour).

Compare to Manila, yeah, a short taxi ride, like for an example from SM Megamall to Robinsons Galleria will cost around P70 pesos and that is just a few blocks away.

I don't think Manila is really bad, but people must just be careful because bad guys are just around. The same thing applies in the provinces....
 

dliz

Filipino Room/Forum Moderator
Jun 13, 2012
1,004
8
38
#84
I remember when me and family went to manila, we had to take 3 taxis because there were 9 of us. We paid 500 pesos each to arrive to our destination and the airport was just nearby robinsons. I was pretty sure there was something wrong with their meters. Even airport taxis charge twice or thrice the original amount. So I guess it's much cheaper to ride the ordinary taxi cabs.
 
Jul 2, 2009
54
0
6
#85
I sure hope Manila is really not that bad... Tomorrow I'll start working in Quezon City, and I hope God will protect me...
I'm having trouble with the pollution and the traffic...:( I have to admit that I am also terrified... ( with all the "negative" news reports ) I'm really having doubts sometimes... but I know that God will always be there for me, so there's no need to worry :D...
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
#86
I had experience of batinting (tampering of the meter) at least two times (as I know of). The first time I was busy on my cellphone and just paid and didn't think about if but afterwards...hey! that's way too much for that ride! Second time I saw the driver somehow tricking the meter with uncalled for break ins, I confronted the driver and also talked about my godfathers cousin at LTO and he got scared, giving him what was fair amount for the ride and not was on that meter. He was very quick to drive off.
That's messed up. Yeah, I'm not hearing a lot of happy taxi stores from the Manilla area, lol.


Oooh, know what, I was 22 when I first went to Davao and I lived in Manila. I was really surprised how cheap one taxi ride in Davao. I mean, we arrived in Davao City and then we rode a taxi going to the Port where we will take a short boat ride going to Samal Island. We only pay a hundred pesos for the long ride (I'm not quite sure but I think we rode the taxi for half an hour).

Compare to Manila, yeah, a short taxi ride, like for an example from SM Megamall to Robinsons Galleria will cost around P70 pesos and that is just a few blocks away.

I don't think Manila is really bad, but people must just be careful because bad guys are just around. The same thing applies in the provinces....
The most important thing to avoid crime when visiting another city, is to try really hard not to look like a tourist. But I'm pretty tall, and kind of pale... I don't think I'll be able to fake my way through.
:)

I remember when me and family went to manila, we had to take 3 taxis because there were 9 of us. We paid 500 pesos each to arrive to our destination and the airport was just nearby robinsons. I was pretty sure there was something wrong with their meters. Even airport taxis charge twice or thrice the original amount. So I guess it's much cheaper to ride the ordinary taxi cabs.
Until you mentioned the airport I was thinking you must have taken underwater taxis.
I was thinking, "Wow, travel in the Philippines is really high tech."
: )
 

dliz

Filipino Room/Forum Moderator
Jun 13, 2012
1,004
8
38
#87
That's messed up. Yeah, I'm not hearing a lot of happy taxi stores from the Manilla area, lol.



The most important thing to avoid crime when visiting another city, is to try really hard not to look like a tourist. But I'm pretty tall, and kind of pale... I don't think I'll be able to fake my way through.
:)



Until you mentioned the airport I was thinking you must have taken underwater taxis.
I was thinking, "Wow, travel in the Philippines is really high tech."
: )

hahaha..... not really our airport is uhmmm not so nice compared to other countries. LOL.
 
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nettie

Guest
#88
Oh maxwel, I really don't think you'll blend well here in Philippines! Seems like the word 'tourist' is written across your forehead. Just kidding! :)

But looking back, I definitely look like I came from other place, and yeah, the word 'tourist' is spelled across my forehead too! . Looking back when I went to Davao, when I was buying souvenir and stuffs almost everyone speaks a different dialect and I was like apologizing to each one of them because I really don't understand what they are saying. Too bad, perhaps I should learn a few words like "how much", "yes", "no", "can it get any lower (referring to the price)" before I went there... :rolleyes:
 

jangel

Senior Member
May 12, 2010
487
2
0
#89
Conclusion is...

Manila is bad but it isn't really so bad! :D :p
 
Jul 2, 2009
54
0
6
#90
Conclusion is...

Manila is bad but it isn't really so bad! :D :p
hahaha, jangel... i agree... ;)
the bus terminal is quite far from my workplace so with all the pollution...wow, i already have two pimples right now :mad:...
i avoid "taxis"... and i'm always in an "alert mode"... but still, it's not that bad...:D
 

Jilly81

Senior Member
Jan 16, 2011
2,367
138
63
#91
Girls, do you think we should all get Maxwel to agree to try balut? It's...um... it's a wonderful pastry, Max! Yeah, that's it; please agree to try a balut and tell us what you think of it; Filipino pastry at its finest :D!
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
#92
Oh maxwel, I really don't think you'll blend well here in Philippines! Seems like the word 'tourist' is written across your forehead. Just kidding! :)

But looking back, I definitely look like I came from other place, and yeah, the word 'tourist' is spelled across my forehead too! . Looking back when I went to Davao, when I was buying souvenir and stuffs almost everyone speaks a different dialect and I was like apologizing to each one of them because I really don't understand what they are saying. Too bad, perhaps I should learn a few words like "how much", "yes", "no", "can it get any lower (referring to the price)" before I went there... :rolleyes:
LOL.

All you have to do is stand out in some way, and you'll look like a tourist.

When I was very young I was in New York City.
I was walking around, staring up at all the skyscrapers.
A friend of mine said, "Hey, don't do that."
I said, "Why?"
He said, "You'll get robbed."
:)


hahaha, jangel... i agree... ;)
the bus terminal is quite far from my workplace so with all the pollution...wow, i already have two pimples right now :mad:...
i avoid "taxis"... and i'm always in an "alert mode"... but still, it's not that bad...:D
Everyone is telling me the pollution is pretty bad in Manilla.
Is it like that just in some places, or throughout the entire metro area?

Girls, do you think we should all get Maxwel to agree to try balut? It's...um... it's a wonderful pastry, Max! Yeah, that's it; please agree to try a balut and tell us what you think of it; Filipino pastry at its finest :D!
I'm sure you wouldn't be trying to trick me into eating something horrifying?
Surely no one here would do that?

: )
 

dliz

Filipino Room/Forum Moderator
Jun 13, 2012
1,004
8
38
#93
LOL.

All you have to do is stand out in some way, and you'll look like a tourist.

When I was very young I was in New York City.
I was walking around, staring up at all the skyscrapers.
A friend of mine said, "Hey, don't do that."
I said, "Why?"
He said, "You'll get robbed."
:)




Everyone is telling me the pollution is pretty bad in Manilla.
Is it like that just in some places, or throughout the entire metro area?



I'm sure you wouldn't be trying to trick me into eating something horrifying?
Surely no one here would do that?

: )

Maxwel, you haven't been to the Philippines. If you haven't tried the following:

1. Balut

Balut eggs are developing duck embryo that is boiled and usually eaten with with salt/vinegar. (I haven't tried balut yet so I guess I'm not from the Philippines then. hahahahahaha)

P.S because this thing actually looks horrid-looking so mostly likely you'll lose appetite after seeing it so I advice you to eat this during the night or somewhere dark. hahahahhaha....

balut3.jpg


2. Lechon
06570243.jpg


3.Riding a Jeepney and Habal-Habal

sarao.jpg
habal2.jpg
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
#94
Rofl.

1. Balut looks like something from a horror movie.
It looks one of those undead creatures that comes to life and kills everybody!
:)

2. Lechon... can't tell from the picture. Unless you tell me it's something horrible,
I'll just imagine it's a big piece of pepperoni on top of a cheese pizza.

3. The Jeepney looks like a ride at Disney Land.
:)

4. Habal-Habal... ummm.... that's a whole lot of big guys on one tiny motorcycle.
It looks like something invented by an evil doctor to bring in lots of accident patients!

: )
 

jangel

Senior Member
May 12, 2010
487
2
0
#95
Hmmm I thought balut originated in the Philippines but I just read that Chinese traders and migrants are the one who brought the idea of eating fertilized duck eggs in the country. Only the balut makers here have their own way of making it. Also it's common in China, Cambodia and Vietnam.


I guess the reason why it became popular was because people believed that eating balut is very healthy. It can make your legs stronger and an aphrodisiac for men.


But even if someone will pay me million I still wouldn't dare eating it (I guess... no I really won't!). I have a lot of friends who love eating balut but I think what they ate is 18 days old not yet fully developed, but that picture Dliz posted is just so yuckkky! :p
 

dliz

Filipino Room/Forum Moderator
Jun 13, 2012
1,004
8
38
#96
Hmmm I thought balut originated in the Philippines but I just read that Chinese traders and migrants are the one who brought the idea of eating fertilized duck eggs in the country. Only the balut makers here have their own way of making it. Also it's common in China, Cambodia and Vietnam.


I guess the reason why it became popular was because people believed that eating balut is very healthy. It can make your legs stronger and an aphrodisiac for men.


But even if someone will pay me million I still wouldn't dare eating it (I guess... no I really won't!). I have a lot of friends who love eating balut but I think what they ate is 18 days old not yet fully developed, but that picture Dliz posted is just so yuckkky! :p
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I know people might say I'm really picky because I don't eat balut but merely the sight of it makes me want to throw up. hahaha. But who knows, I might try it in the future. O.O I thought balut is very high in cholesterol. @______@
 

dliz

Filipino Room/Forum Moderator
Jun 13, 2012
1,004
8
38
#97
Rofl.

1. Balut looks like something from a horror movie.
It looks one of those undead creatures that comes to life and kills everybody!
:)

2. Lechon... can't tell from the picture. Unless you tell me it's something horrible,
I'll just imagine it's a big piece of pepperoni on top of a cheese pizza.

3. The Jeepney looks like a ride at Disney Land.
:)

4. Habal-Habal... ummm.... that's a whole lot of big guys on one tiny motorcycle.
It looks like something invented by an evil doctor to bring in lots of accident patients!

: )

Lechon is also known as suckling pig, Maxwel. It's already chopped so I guess it's hard for you to identify it. Ohhh you try lechon, it's really yummy.

lechon-610x300.jpg

Habal-Habal is the only mode of transportation when you live in the mountain areas. hahaha. I've only tried riding habal-habal twice and all can say is that it's some crazy ride indeed. If you are into adventure, then Habal-habal is a must-try! :p
 
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nettie

Guest
#98
I don't eat balut because I'm allergic to it and it makes my stomach upset... :( I also rarely eat lechon because of some health issues I have.


BTW, @dliz, we should add ADOBO in your list! :D
 

dliz

Filipino Room/Forum Moderator
Jun 13, 2012
1,004
8
38
#99
I don't eat balut because I'm allergic to it and it makes my stomach upset... :( I also rarely eat lechon because of some health issues I have.


BTW, @dliz, we should add ADOBO in your list! :D
I've never heard anyone being allergic to balut. Well,not unless you are allergic to eggs then I can understand. hahaha. OHHHH!! YUMM! I love adobo! It's my specialty, Nettie...:p
 
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nettie

Guest
I've never heard anyone being allergic to balut. Well,not unless you are allergic to eggs then I can understand. hahaha. OHHHH!! YUMM! I love adobo! It's my specialty, Nettie...:p
:(I stay away from all duck products. And I also develop some weird food allergy with a particular kind of fish. :(

Perhaps we should add some yummy desserts on your list too such as halo-halo! :rolleyes: nyam nyam!