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Old 09-11-2012, 02:55 PM
blursam blursam is offline
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Re: phillipines, manaila, makati

Quote:
Originally Posted by etsys View Post
jakkalberry is on the spot

BTW, for vicinity, take a look-see in Google Maps ..

Essentially, Makati feels like Singapore, well, nearly, and most of the places in Makati (no beggers, and taxis don't bargain, and considered 'safe' .. )

While Manila looks like a run down version of any wild wild west .. street kids, hustlers, taxis who never switch on the meter .. and quite often, guys trying to trick you with this and that .. and rarely people like to return change - even if you pay with a 1000 peso note for a 200 peso bill, forget the balance - after all, foreigner must be generous right ??

And enough times, even I have almost let my guard down when some guy stops you in the middle of the road and goes "i am the hotel security, I will be your guard today .. Manila dangerous - people may kidnap you .. " and if you say "OK" think about loosing 10,000 peso or so for the guarding .. no kidding..

Or like when you smile at a guy, in a friendly way, when you get into the cab, he too will jump in and insist on accompanying you ..

Hence, if you are a first timer, try to stick around Makati - and you need to learn your sea legs .

Of course, if you have been to other places where such hassling is norm, and you can watch your six-O-clock, Malate it is .. cheaper and pretty closer to MBC, MOA .. and almost everywhere ..
Makati safe....Yes and no lah....you still get :
-Taxi drivers who wants to charge fixed share (they quote higher)
- Certain places in Makati we do not have (for example - Burgoes Street) and while you can go there enjoy, also need to take some basic care....
- Certain streets (for example - behind Legaspi Village) there are street walkers....

But generally right, first time that are not too adventurous, Makati is good place to start.....