Calessa driver in manila

[,febtember]

One sunday afternoon we decided to visit Luneta park.We were approached by Calesa driver to take a ten minutes ride around the park for 50 pesos.We started to get worried when the trip last longer and he veered off from the park.He took us in Intramuros and some of the places was almost deserted,which was worry some.Calesa driver thought we are all tourist,but did not realize my brother live in manila.My brother got the idea that the Calesa drivers no good when he stated he was from Cebu.It became obvious to us that he was up to no good when he started taking us to port.Brother told him to take us to map of the philippines back in Luneta park.The driver was not about to do this since there is a police station nearby,but just drop us off along the street.He then demanded 50 dollar for the tour we give them a hundred pesos which he refuse.Brother and him almost got into a fight,and he grab the hundred peso and left when we told him we were going to the police station.It scares us to think of what bad could have happen to us.We thought"what could happen to us on a ride on a calesa?"thankfully my brother was along to keep us out of trouble.If we had been alone who know's what would have happen.The driver and some bad friends could have had us floating out in  manila bay.You know his intensions were bad when try to take us to the port and it's getting dark.The moral of the story is to always be on guard even when you think that you can't get in trouble, because everything look safe.

[greg]

... in response to Calessa driver in manila, posted by ,febtember on Feb 24, 2002

Thats a good story, maraming salamat for warning us to be more Careful. This show that you care about Your PL family smile. Pls give us more....greg

[Jay]

... in response to Calessa driver in manila, posted by ,febtember on Feb 24, 2002

When I was run over by a calesa in Manila, the guy wanted $1,000 "damages". He blamed it on me and I was the one run over. Needless to say he didn't get the money. A fight broke out and I didn't do so well, but I did kick his horses butt! I feel bad about that horse to this day.

Jay

[Humabdos]

... in response to Calessa driver in manila, posted by ,febtember on Feb 24, 2002

Those guys are known for doing that. Your brother did the right thing by not paying that jerk. It's best do do your Calesas riding up north at Vigan Ilocos.

Hum

[Willy]

... in response to Re: Calessa driver in manila, posted by Humabdos on Feb 24, 2002

I will be there in April and would like a little info if you can. I hear its a beautiful place..thanks in advance,

Willy

[Humabdos]

... in response to Have you been to Vigan?, posted by Willy on Feb 25, 2002

I tried to make it there once from Sagada but the roads where washed out or something. A friend of mine spent a week there and really loved it. Lots history was made in Vigan : Legazpi once owned the port there. Diego Silang assassinated 1762, The first woman to lead a revolt in the Philippines Garbriela Silang was publicly hanged in the town square.ect ( Lonely Planet TB)
It's on my top 5 places I must see in the Philippines.

Hum

[SJ]

... in response to Calessa driver in manila, posted by ,febtember on Feb 24, 2002

We too were also ripped of by Calesa. We were offered a trip thru old Ft. San Pedro and other sites, supposed to be about an hour and P300. As we pulled away from the curb, a second guy jumps on. We didn't think anything of it. The tour was OK, but being on election day, most areas were closed. Our tour suddenly ended on a seedy side of (Roxas?) Park, with claims the horse was tired, hungry and ill. The original guy demanded P3000 saying the P300 was just for him(tour guide) and I owed 2700 for the horse and driver. May have had a choice, but being close to dark, some locals starting to gather and 10 blocks away from the hotel, figured it best to pay and get out of there.I later talked to a lady who accepted offer to have her picture taken which she accepted, she climbed on, driver jumped in went 1 block and then demanded $50 to get her camera back. This was at Manila hotel. My advice, stay away from Calesa, there not controlled or regulated, SJ