Hey everyone,
Been lurking in the shadows for a few days after joining and figured it was about time to say hello and pop in with some questions I had about my next Manila trip.
So I had my cherry trip at the end of last year, and true to form I came down with a sever case of PPD. However it was a bit of an uphill battle from the start, hence the questions.
I know some reading some posts that some like summarized and other prefer detailed. I'll toss the questions at the top here and then explain in detail below...
1. Do those of you that (like me) look Filipino have a naturally tougher time with the ladies? If so, what do you do about it?
2. To those who have stayed at the executive plaza inn in Manila; how do you secure your items there?
Regarding question 1: This has to be my biggest question of all. From the time I arrived to the time I left I was constantly asked if I was pinoy. I'd thought my height (6'1") would set me apart automatically but apparently not. I even tested this theory by taking a stroll at night in the Ermita/Malate area. I absolutely agree that it was a very stupid thing to do, but at no time did I feel eyes on me nor did I have an urge to pick up the pace and make a run for the hotel. If it helps elaborate my general ability to observe my surroundings, in a past life I had an occupation that drove a crown vic with pretty red, white and blue lights on top.
So forward to La Cafe, I am passed over time and time again. First time in there I was with two white business men who live in the area. Naturally (sadly just like in the states) the ladies gravitate towards the two men leaving me in the dust. The guys even felt bad and tried to pull some over to me...the ladies had zero interest, none more-so obvious than with her response of laughing right at me (yeah that hurt a bit). Please keep in mind i'm not the shy/quiet type but i'm not an over-imposing a**hole. I typically like to play it cool.
Next night: With two white tourists staying at the same hotel I try La Cafe again...same result. Except this time we went upstairs and the two guys found girls, and jetted quickly leaving me with the whole bar tab. (now mongers have to be wary of other mongers now? is nothing sacred anymore? kidding)
With time running short (and even the Cafe waitress girls feeling bad for me at this point), I finally say "f*ck it" and start getting overly friendly and massively sweet with the waitresses. For some bizarre reason that did the trick and pulled two girls out that same night. My last night I had 7 women at the downstairs bar intently conversing with me till 8am and that is with me telling each of them I wasn't taking anyone home from the start.
So I do know that the pinoy look didn't help, but what tactics do you fellow "look-a-likes" employ to make the best of your time there?
Side note: I've never had much interest in AC. I (sadly) like the chase of FL's as well as large cities in general.
Regarding question 2: Thankfully not much detail to this question. I know the place doesn't have in room safes, but does it have anything else to secure items? If not, what creative ways do you use to keep you stuff away from temptation?