Why is Philippine diving snubbed?

[Zeeman]

Yup, I just checked with the US Embassy... Sounds dangerous... they warned not to go... I'm cancelling my trip to the the Aug. Photo Workshop...

do they warn you against going to the USA as well?

"The USA is a no go area for tourists - there are so many Jerry Springer lovers with guns that you will get shot and die."

Z...

 

[jonix]

@nyc: you're referring to some places in the city of manila right? 'coz most of those who live in metro manila (covers more than 10 cities and municipalities) avoid the malate area because of its....shady reputation. there's more to the philippines than just the city of manila.

 

[pakman]

A co-worker of mine got severely beaten at the Point Bar in Puerto Galera by some locals.

you got to be *****ting me? The Point Bar? RFLOL... that is gotta be the safest children/ family friendly bar in the Philippines... your coworker must have really pissed off that local...

 

[jonix]

you got to be *****ting me? The Point Bar? RFLOL... that is gotta be the safest children/ family friendly bar in the Philippines... your coworker must have really pissed off that local...

and that too :lol:

 

[pakman]

actually know that I think of it, I have heard of a few scuffles at the point, but usually just a few drunken pushing matches... no broken bottles on heads or bodies flying over the bar or rail... some may have involved Larry... hehehe... just kidding..

 

[Zeeman]

A co-worker of mine got severely beaten at the Point Bar in Puerto Galera by some locals.

See what happens when there is no one willing to ring the bell?

z...

 

[jonix]

See what happens when there is no one willing to ring the bell?

z...

:lol: :lol: :lol: most likely

 

[NYC-Diver]

It probably was his fault. The guy was a ho-hopper and had few qualms about telling Pinoys about what he found wrong with their country and culture. Still, as I say Phils is a country that can be kind of rough.

Another reason why Phils is snubbed. All those karaoke machines. Whether from locals or Korean tourists. They will drive you NUTS.

 

[jonix]

Another reason why Phils is snubbed. All those karaoke machines. Whether from locals or Korean tourists. They will drive you NUTS.

i couldn't agree with you more, i hate those machines

 

[NYC-Diver]

Don't get me wrong. I love Phils and would be back in a second if another expat package came along.

But, it is a tough place for tourists.

About Malate, it is a shame it is going to waste. It has proper sidewalks, organic street life, and if you pay attention you can still see beautiful examples of Spanish and indiginous Pilipino architecture not destoryed in WWII. It is ripe for redevelopment. I love it there. It feels like a real city. But is being abandoned to sleaze -- or when I last visited baklas.

Instead, pinoys follow the example of San Diego, just more suburban sprawl. Greenbelt, Glorietta, etc, is just a sterile mall you could find anywhere in the world. Tourists aren't going to travel halfway around the world to go to a mall, you know.

Malate and downtown Manila apparently was a worldclass city from the 50s to 70s. Remember the Beatles played there. But no international music acts visit anymore. Its a shame what became of Roxas Blvd and Manila Bay. It has so much charm. But it is being forgotten in the favor of gated communities way out in Itchy City or QC or the Pineapples.

Anyway, most important, many tourists want to spend a few nights in town and sight see before or after diving. Bangkok offers that. Even Jakarta offers more than Manila.

And, don't even get me started on how WWII was almost completely forgotten. Except for the struggle for Army pensions.