Fighting and danger in the streets of Manila

[krys]

Here is another story indirectly related to last elections.... two of one of my mas brother's relatives (2 cops) were riding a motorcycle somewhere in Basilan last tuesday....
Another motorcycle carrying two mens comes at the same level, one of the two guys pulls a baby armalite and fires, both cops died later at 5 p.m.

Out of curiosity, did any of you already have troubles with squatters in the Philippines?

[Crucible]

Krys,
How's the travel situation in Mindanao right now? Most of what I've read have warnings right now for the areas I'm interested in.

[The O]

When I was in the Philippines this past August, I had no problems with gangs or anything. For the first two weeks, I stayed in Davao City in my nanai's house near NCCC mall. It was a very nice place and the people were charming. At first, I was a bit scared with all the armed guards around and the military personnel at check-points. But I got used to it and actually felt safer with them around. My Tito Bok and Tito Ogie have a security guard for a 12 hour night shift, but he mostly sleeps and waters the plants.

I did not like Mindanao that much. I stayed in a nice 5-star hotel during my two days there. However, the people weren't as friendly as the ones in Davao and the streets were quite filthy. But I did enjoy visiting the Jose Rizal memorial and watching the Anime channel.

Too bad the metal detectors at the airport didn't work too well. The alarm didn't go off when I was wearing my belt and my mp3 player. They even let us carry our bolos and the batangas knives in the baggage area. American Customs didn't check for those either.

I had a great time, met a bunch of charming people, and learned a lot. I was able to bring back some weapons. My Tito Bok gave me two 33 inch long kamagong sticks that are also 1 inch in diameter. He also gave me 3 gunongs--though they were the kind given to tourists. My Tito Ogie gave my family 6 bolos and 6 balisong knives from Batangas. Unfortunately, the smiths didn't have enough time to polish the blades or make sheathes. At Aldevinco, I got a Kris for only 3,000 pesos. I wanted to get a Kampilan as well as some armour and a spear, but my parents said there was no more space in the Balikbayan boxes.

[johnzag]

I traveled over to the Philippines in 2003 straight after the Bali Bombings so it was a pretty edgy time being australian in the south east asia region. However we were treated really well everywhere that we went. Manilla was fine as long as you are careful. Just remember the filipino culture is very different to the western culture so you just hae to be aware of what you do and how it may be viewed by them.

[krys]

Krys,
How's the travel situation in Mindanao right now? Most of what I've read have warnings right now for the areas I'm interested in.

If you want to go to Basilan it's not such a good idea right now.... Lake Lanao and maranao country is quite dangerous.....

I like Mindanao, actually it's my favorite place, had a very good time in Davao del Sur.... but once you move out of Davao city things become quite dodgy especially at night and in remote areas. Life is very cheap there...

[Crucible]

Thanks. How long will you be in the P.I.? What's your travel itinerary?

[krys]

Unfortunately I had to come back to Europe this Sunday. I'll return in December for 4 weeks, after April I'll settle there (Manila). In December I 'll stay 1 week in Manila then 1 week in Zamboanga then the last 2 weeks in Manila.

[Karl_]

Philippines and Europe

Krys

where are u coming in Europe and since IM going to Manila again on December from the 1 to the 10th, are u goiing to be there on that time?
Thanks
Karl

[krys]

where are u coming in Europe and since IM going to Manila again on December from the 1 to the 10th, are u goiing to be there on that time?
Thanks
Karl

At the moment I am living in the UK but travel regularly to France and Germany.
I will probably arrive in Manila ~December 16.

[krys]

On cops shooting skills...

http://news.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=1&story_id=14280

[Crucible]

Maybe they should stick to making shoes....

[krys]

Ur cellphone or your life .....

http://www.inq7.net/cellphonetheft/

[ILONGGO]

brings back memories...