Fighting and danger in the streets of Manila

[yentao]

Yup that's what a lot of people actually did. They got tired of the system & moved into the mountains w/ the rebels.

FPJ won?! I don't want to talk politics here but that'll be REALLY scary!

You know, I'm in fact guilty of the same decision by a lot of martial artists in the Phil. I picked Karate over Arnis when I was there. I only took up Kali here in the US! But I guess part of the reason is that the government itself never really took the issue seriously. I know they did try to put arnis as part of the curriculum in schools at one point but the way it was taught back then was negating its practicality. It was just not what you would see schools here in the States do. And it is a known fact that a lot of the really good grandmasters teach privately & in their own schools – not in the country’s school system. And being that Karate, TKD & Judo schools were more aggressive in marketing back there, arnis never had the chance to prove itself. Again, it went back to government support.

Hi, Homey! Thanks, & I understand your skepticism. Reading all these stuff & you do get a sense that we're trying to make it sound like it's some gangsta place. But like I said, it's a way of life. I wouldn't be surprised if you met another Filipino here in the US who'd say it's not really that violent there. But ask that same Filipino how many violent stuff they see on the news every single night & you'd be surprised w/ their answer.

I'm impress in Filipinos. Especially their enthusiasm. They can excel to any martial arts. Any martial arts that came in the country will find its uses here.
They adopted different fighting styles. Boxing for example, Manny Pacquiao and Flash Elorde.

[jubaji]

I'm impress in Filipinos. They can excel to any martial arts. Any martial arts that came in the country will find its uses here.

WTF?



You really should provide a translation for those of us who don't speak whatever language it is that you are using.

[krys]

I’m not too sure about Manila being kindergarten. Not the whole of Mindanao is as bad as everyone sees it on the news. I’ve been to Mindanao a number of times & I never experienced anything bad really. Mindanao is such a huge region & it is not uncommon for most people (even Filipinos) to associate Mindanao as the worst area in the country. Places known to be bad areas are more likely those that are presently having problems w/ rebels.

I lived in Davao del Sur for a while, used to date one of the daughters of a ranking police official who showed me around and explained me how things work in the area. They use unothodox methods.

Life is cheap there, for some of the guys killing a dog and a human being doesn't make a big difference.... actually there is a death squad in the area called the Davao Death Squad who kills small pushers and snatchers (the druglords themselves are untouched), once a well known mayor was asked by journalists if he was behind that group. He denied it, but admitted he supported the Davao Dog Squad whose task is to eliminate stray dogs...

I didn't feel secure there, couldn't move freely around especially at night, some places were definetly off limits, either had protection or had to carry firearms. At least two peoples I met were kidnaped after I left and that's not the end of the story...

The problem isn't just the rebels, as Yentao said this place is very far from Manilla and there isn't much governmental control.... many warlords (politicians, big business owners) reign there and don't want the law enforced in order to stay in power.
They cultivate a climate of violence. Southern Mindanao is a very important place: lots of potential ressources, very cheap uneducated labor, the southern smuggling gate of the country and last but not least a place where elections are decided. Much of the vote buying take place there too and is very cheap.

Another point is that the military doesn't want the conflict to end in order to sell weapons to rebels and to justify it's expenses.

Yes Cagayan seems to be a nice place, I plan to visit it this coming September as well as Surigao.I really like Mindanao for a lot of different reasons but one should not forget the violence.

[krys]

In province you got to kill for land.

True.

My friend migrated to Jolo for business opportunities and he told me its really harsh there he has to hire military men to guard his business.

Yes there are good business opportunities in the area and I may get involved in a few too.
Many of my brothers are muslim filipinos living in Basilan.... If you don't have connections with local clans you will need police or military protection.

Death squad are really plenty in Davao. The reason this groups were established was to scare people of doing crime. It is like martial law there. But I do appreciate vigilance. Better than before where crime is more rampant. Drugs and robbery are everywhere in Davao. But now people are scared. That's how things work here like I said, takutan(scaring).

Isn't it bizarre just small scale criminals are killed for the good measure? Curiously the good mayor never touches the big bosses although they are well known. Maybe he isn't that innocent ....

Do you have any advice on how to deal with this kind of life?

You need connections with important peoples of the area, try also to befriend local poor folk who may warn you, lending them a little money, helping them when they are in need has always it's use later.... utang ng loob... It may also be usefull to be in good terms with police-army officials.

Speaking of tad tad, may I ask you if you know what kind of knife or blade, the mambubuko use? You know that thin curvy blade that can split a buko in two. Man, where can I find such blade? Do you know how it was made?

In Basilan they use a kind of bolo to cut the bukos ... I saw the blade you mean for sale in Mindoro but don't know where it can be bought in Manila.

[krys]

I don't think Yentao meant to have this thread give this impression. Thinking about it, Manila is like a place in the twilight zone. I've lived there... we had parties, we went out to go bar hopping, we went everywhere & I experienced a lot of really great things... did a lot of stuff similar to what people do here... I met my wife & got married - just like in a movie.

I experienced some of the best parts of my life there too, lots and lots of really good memories..... speaking of bar hopping are you familiar with a place called Giraffe? Was quite famous among expats until it closed a few years ago. I too met my (japanese) wife to be in Manila......

I love Philippines. So do you think if FPJ won in the election things could have change?

Unfortunately I don''t see how things can change in a positive way for the Philippines given the same a....les always stay in power. If FPJ had been elected he would probably have been a puppet but what is to be expected from a trapo like Gloria?

[krys]

cops strike again

I think this goes well with the topic:

http://beta.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=1&story_id=1365

the comments of the fellow officers are amazing.

[Beginner]

Hi, Krys! You know what? I think we're actually talking about the same point as far as violence is concerned in Mindanao, because you did mention that you find Cagayan De Oro City is a very nice place. I guess I'm just looking at it from a different angle. The angle that Manila & Mindanao are not comparable as the circumstances surrounding the two places are different. And besides, Mindanao is a region. Manila is a capital. As for Davao City, well, you're right that is one dangerous place at this point. But put the same circumstances in Manila & the capital of the country's going to be one heck of a place to stay away from. I just don't want to put the impression on a public forum that Mindanao is the worst place in the country because it is not. There are still a lot of places in Mindanao w/c are one of the best ones to visit. I have too many friends from Mindanao who just hate it when the first thing I ask them is whether it's safe to go there. They never liked the idea that people think it is such a bad place to go to.

Anyway, Giraffe? Yep. Although, it's not really one the bars I frequent, hehe. From the sound of it, you're into Manila's night life, huh?

[Beginner]

I think this goes well with the topic:

http://beta.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=1&story_id=1365

the comments of the fellow officers are amazing.

I have one on this topic. Last year, one of my best friends back home, together w/ my brother were loading up his pick up w/ their mountainbikes at 5AM in front of his apartment. They're going to be doing some downhill riding at trails 2 hrs. away from Manila.

A car needed to get into the street (his apartment is at the corner of the street) & the driver is finding it difficult to drive through. His pick up is set up for four wheeling so it had huge wheels & it didn't help that back streets in the Phils. are pretty much narrow. Well the driver of the car started blowing his horn & shouting curses at my friend & brother. Naturally an exchange of curses ensued but being that they just wanted to ride their bikes that day, they just moved the pick up even closer to the curb (it really didn't make much of a difference, it was just to ease things up). When they finished moving the pick up, they shouted at the driver to go ahead & pass through. Instead of passing through, the driver got out of the car w/ a gun in his hand. He was obviously drunk.

The driver started threatening them that he'll shoot them. My friend is one of the Shooting Range Officers in the town & even trained police officers in the range. Seeing the threat in front of them, he went inside the house quickly to get his gun (he obviously did not utter a word during his movement). The driver started to walk towards the gate of the apartment upon w/c my brother blocked him & begged him to not do anything & to just forget about the whole thing & drive away. The man pointed the gun at my brother's head & asked him if he wanted to be the one to get shot. My brother thought he was done for when the man just kicked him on the chest pushing him to the ground, from where he just jumped away from him. The man continued going inside the garage & all my brother heard was my friend shouting to the man not to shoot inside the house because there were kids there & then gunshots. My brother just curled into a ball right by the concrete wall beside the gate, a few feet from the driver. Then, he saw the man drop to his knees & lean on the gate from the outside. He got two shots grouped in his right eye.

My brother called the police (w/c took over an hour to get there) & checked the man for identification. The man was a cop from another city! Then, about 15 mins or so, they discover the cop had his 10-yr old son in the car! My friend wanted to slap him more. Investigation showed the cop made shots scattered all over the place, proving even more that he was drunk as he%$. A cop relative of ours who also went to the scene told my brother & my friend that it was good that he killed him. It was a good bet that had the cop got him first, he would've killed my brother & everyone else inside the house.

The case is still pending to this day. My friend lost his business, his wife went abroad to work overseas & their two children live w/ the wife's family in the province. My friend, eventhough it was a clear case of self-defense, still has to keep a low profile - even went into hiding for several months because the cop's friends might get him. Last I spoke to him, he sounded alright but you could tell that he still feels so much guilt that now his children are far away from them & his wife had to leave the country to work for both of them.

Events like this makes me happy I'm thousands & thousands of miles away from home.

[yentao]

WTF?



You really should provide a translation for those of us who don't speak whatever language it is that you are using.

What's the matter with you? Reply to the other topic. I got a message for you there. You are the only one who can't understand, chimp. Go back to the zoo, I'll give you treats later. Anyway maybe you are thrying to say WWF not WTF. Are you belong in the wild life foundation sanctuaries? Silly chimp.

[yentao]

WTF?



You really should provide a translation for those of us who don't speak whatever language it is that you are using.

If you can't relate, just get out. Eat some fruits or whatever.

[yentao]

I have one on this topic. Last year, one of my best friends back home, together w/ my brother were loading up his pick up w/ their mountainbikes at 5AM in front of his apartment. They're going to be doing some downhill riding at trails 2 hrs. away from Manila.

A car needed to get into the street (his apartment is at the corner of the street) & the driver is finding it difficult to drive through. His pick up is set up for four wheeling so it had huge wheels & it didn't help that back streets in the Phils. are pretty much narrow. Well the driver of the car started blowing his horn & shouting curses at my friend & brother. Naturally an exchange of curses ensued but being that they just wanted to ride their bikes that day, they just moved the pick up even closer to the curb (it really didn't make much of a difference, it was just to ease things up). When they finished moving the pick up, they shouted at the driver to go ahead & pass through. Instead of passing through, the driver got out of the car w/ a gun in his hand. He was obviously drunk.

The driver started threatening them that he'll shoot them. My friend is one of the Shooting Range Officers in the town & even trained police officers in the range. Seeing the threat in front of them, he went inside the house quickly to get his gun (he obviously did not utter a word during his movement). The driver started to walk towards the gate of the apartment upon w/c my brother blocked him & begged him to not do anything & to just forget about the whole thing & drive away. The man pointed the gun at my brother's head & asked him if he wanted to be the one to get shot. My brother thought he was done for when the man just kicked him on the chest pushing him to the ground, from where he just jumped away from him. The man continued going inside the garage & all my brother heard was my friend shouting to the man not to shoot inside the house because there were kids there & then gunshots. My brother just curled into a ball right by the concrete wall beside the gate, a few feet from the driver. Then, he saw the man drop to his knees & lean on the gate from the outside. He got two shots grouped in his right eye.

My brother called the police (w/c took over an hour to get there) & checked the man for identification. The man was a cop from another city! Then, about 15 mins or so, they discover the cop had his 10-yr old son in the car! My friend wanted to slap him more. Investigation showed the cop made shots scattered all over the place, proving even more that he was drunk as he%$. A cop relative of ours who also went to the scene told my brother & my friend that it was good that he killed him. It was a good bet that had the cop got him first, he would've killed my brother & everyone else inside the house.

The case is still pending to this day. My friend lost his business, his wife went abroad to work overseas & their two children live w/ the wife's family in the province. My friend, eventhough it was a clear case of self-defense, still has to keep a low profile - even went into hiding for several months because the cop's friends might get him. Last I spoke to him, he sounded alright but you could tell that he still feels so much guilt that now his children are far away from them & his wife had to leave the country to work for both of them.

Events like this makes me happy I'm thousands & thousands of miles away from home.

What happened to your friend is unfortunate. You know that some people deserve it than your friend. Lots of brats here in the country. Life is hard if you have no friends from the government. In here you got a contacto or a friend in the LTO, you got your license right away.

[krys]

There are still a lot of places in Mindanao w/c are one of the best ones to visit. I have too many friends from Mindanao who just hate it when the first thing I ask them is whether it's safe to go there. They never liked the idea that people think it is such a bad place to go to.

Mindanao is the best place to visit! When I arrived there my first thougt was "this is home"...Lot's of beautifull spots (I love outdoor activities diving, trekking), for instance in Davao del Sur there is a place called "little Boracay"... same kind of sand-beach with coral reefs likein Boracay but without any tourists.
Mindanao has lots to offer and most peoples are very friendly, so sad violence spoils this jewel.

Anyway, Giraffe? Yep. Although, it's not really one the bars I frequent, hehe. From the sound of it, you're into Manila's night life, huh?

Haha... I was really active in that area but most of the good places closed (Giraffe, Porch...sayang na sayang talaga!), right now I'm too afraid of my gf to dare anything .


I'm sorry for your friend, hope things will get better for him.

[darrianation]

truely kungfu will not work against stupids in the streets of Manila.......

Note:

In Manila:
if they loose (street gangs) - no one will cry
but if you loose - plenty of your relatives will cry, cause your life has a big value......

Are you saying kung fu doesn't work, or it's not as inviencable as you tries to lead us to believe?

[krys]

Life is hard if you have no friends from the government. In here you got a contacto or a friend in the LTO, you got your license right away.

If you have the right friends in the PNP you can even practice target shooting at camp crame....

Ah yes there are also tad-tad in Manila, but the initiation ritual isn't as barbarian as in southern Mindanao, only you get hurt, you just get slashed with a bolo (machette). They say it takes 3-4 weeks to recover. I guess there is a way to strike without opening the belly...

A friend who is an Arnis expert was going to be initiated as well as another guy but the ceremony wasn't carried out because the MC thought his companion wouldn't survive as he wasn't in great shape.

[Beginner]

Are you saying kung fu doesn't work, or it's not as inviencable as you tries to lead us to believe?

I guess he means a lot of people in Manila are not CONVINCED!!!!