The Townhouse Hotel

William Collings is a long-time asawa who, with his wife Lorna, runs a hotel not too far from the airport in Manila. He happened upon ASAWA and was kind enough to email me with a few of his recommendations for first-time travelers to the Philippines. As he's been around the block a few times himself, and as he runs a hotel in Manila, I think we can classify him as somewhat of an expert on these things. Here's his advice, and better yet, some information about his hotel below the tips.

BILL'S TRAVEL TIPS

1.) Always carry small change in Pesos, Coins and 5, 10, 20 and 50 notes. That saves you the annoyance from the very common reply, "sorry no change".

2.) Ask someone about taxi or jeepney, tricycle fares BEFORE you get in. Pay and walk away. NEVER ask "How much?" because the price goes up. A MOVING Taxi is too busy working so it's a better, more honest taxi and a parked taxi is waiting for victim. Also give directions in short phrases which are easier to understand. Tip the taxi driver P10 to P20 to reward him for not hassling you. Good Karma always comes back to you.

3. ) Never change money on the street nor inside a restaurant. You will ALWAYS lose and usually almost half your money. These money change scam artists are VERY good and show that the hand is always quicker than the eye.

4. ) Never gamble with Filipinos not pool, cards, chess or any game for money and not even for drinks. It's safer not to gamble. It's one example in life where when you win you lose and when you lose you lose.

5. ) Never raise your voice at a Filipino away from your own neighborhood. Never call a Filipino "STUPID". They are very sensitive about it. If you do get angry and make the mistake. Please leave the place as soon as possible .Go Away Fast because you are in more DANGER than you realize. Filipinos do not like to fight and "fair fights" are not the custom, "fight to kill" is.

6. ) Forget about the 2 words "WHY" and "SHOULD" or you get constant headache trying to understand why things happen like they do in places outside your own country, especially the Philippines. Acceptance is the preferable attitude. There are too many things for you to question, so it's better for you not to start. So just relax and enjoy the positive aspects of your surroundings with a sense of humor.

7. ) Expect everything to be late and slow. Life stops at LUNCH. Schedules change and the weather is unpredictable. Telephones, electricity, and water - sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

8. Never accept drinks, candy, or fruit from strangers, especially young women, in Manila. In the past few years a few of our guests have been drugged using the above methods after being met in Rizal Park, shopping malls, the open markets and even on the bus. We have never heard about this happening in other parts of the Philippines.

9.) Always wear a cloth type money belt which is worn around your waist under your clothes instead of those leather or vinyl pouch waist bags with several zippered pockets because psychologically they appear as you are advertising your valuables. It may seem a bit awkward to reach under the edge of your pants to get your money or travelers checks at a bank but it's MUCH SAFER. Even when you drink or otherwise indulge too much your money is much safer near your - - -"Ano, Ano"

10. ) DON'T WORRY - BE HAPPY.

Philippines Budget Travel website at: http://pages.zdnet.com/AsiaBill/index.html

Any questions about life and travel in the Philippines, about our Boracay Beachfront resort or our family, owned hotel near the Airports? Tel.632-833-1939, 632-833-3923 Fax 632-804-0161

Now, if you're traveling to the Philippines alone for the first time, wouldn't it be nice to have a place to stay where the owner has guaranteed rates, decent rooms, and, to coin a phrase "knows where you're coming from"? Bill's an American, his wife is Filipina, and he has a hotel in Manila, one of the most crowded and confusing places you'll ever visit. Why would you want to throw yourself to the wolves when there's a place like this to stay? Note that I've not stayed there myself (yet), but based on Bill's emails to me and the description of his place, it's made my list on the next go-around.

Here's what he has to say about his place:

The Townhouse Hotel-Manila is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from both the domestic and international airports at: Villa Carolina Townhouse # 31, TAMBO, Paranaque, Metro-Manila. We're about 4 to 5 KM (3 miles) from both Ermita and Makati. There are nightlife places VERY near about a mile away at the EDSA Entertainment center among others. Two shopping centers are nearby, Coastal Mall & Pearl Plaza, with cinemas and transport like taxis, buses and jeepneys are near maybe 40 yards.

The Townhouse Hotel Manila is the only place in Manila that provides a blend of a world travelers' meeting place with safe, clean tourist style comfort. Rates start at P180 for dorm beds, P300, P350, P400 and P500 for rooms with share bath, P550 for large rooms with private bath, P650 for rooms with private bath, fan & Cable TV, P980 rooms with private bath, Cable T.V. and air-conditioning. P50+=$1US. We offer one day FREE with one week paid in ADVANCE. Monthly rates are also available upon request. Half day rates available for transit passengers. FREE Storage.

We do not have an organized tour of Manila yet but have all the information available that you need to see whatever you like. FEEL FREE to borrow our old editions of travel guidebooks to plan your travels.

MANILA ARRIVAL: After you finish with immigration and customs you'll pass through sliding doors, look for several taxi/ transportation booths( one is NISSAN Transport ) BEFORE going outside the airport. Buy a coupon P115($2+) to get to our place; be sure and stress TAMBO so they know we're near the airports and you will not be overcharged which is common.

The Townhouse Hotel Manila's Staff and Bill and Lorna wish you HAPPY TRAVELS! If you need more information about life and travel in the Philippines, our family owned hotel near the Manila airports, or our Boracay Beachfront resort feel free to check our web sites at: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Resort/2276/

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Island/7106/

OR call us at Tel. ++(632)-833-1939, ++(632)-833-3923 Fax.++(632)-804-0161 LIFE'S a BEACH!! SO MANY ISLANDS SO LITTLE TIME! Fax ++(632)-804-0161