Jan 13 2008
Friendly’s Guesthouse, Manila, Philippines
My first hostel is a dream for wireless workers. Their wireless connection is reliable and didn’t go down at all while I was there. In fact, I don’t think it even disconnected once. The internet connection even oozed down into my room which was great for when I just wanted to send a quick email or something without having to cart my gear upstairs.
There are plenty of power points scattered all around the common area with tables nearby as well. This is something I never would have even thought of but it really important if you’re looking to get a lot of work done without having to stop and charge up or work in an awkward position just because it’s near a power point.
I wasn’t alone either, there were always at least four or five other people tapping away at their laptops which was great because it made me feel like less of a nerd. I met one guy who was an internet marketer and he told me his idea which is an interesting one which I’ll share in a later post. Then there were a couple freelance photographers and I didn’t get a chance to ask anyone else if they were working on the move.
Friendly’s Hostel was a great place to stay for anyone who needs an internet connection and beyond that, the guy who runs the place makes sure everyone has fun. They even do a wine and cheese night on Saturdays which quickly deteriorated into a boozefest.
I’d stay there again in a heartbeat so add it to the list of wireless worker friendly places.
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I've been travelling since January 2008 living off earnings from the web. Follow me as I bum around Asia and beyond, getting up to mischief and working online as I go. 
sounds like you’ve got a better internet connection than i’ve got in the UK!
Good to know
I think cataloging these spots could make a great site add a few photos of the accomodation details & prices directions from airport etc & the chance for others to upload details about places they have stayed in & you’d have a very profitable site.
http://www.wifi411.com/index.php
I checked the Philippines and there were quite a few listed, but Friendly’s Guesthouse wasn’t one of them. Maybe you can add it. Anyone know of any other directories like this?
I just now found this one too:
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
It’d be cool to have one that’s geared more toward travelers, with pictures of the places like Free Directory said, and some more information and reports about the quality of connection, etc. It could have a Google map of the locations too. If you don’t want to make this, I can probably throw something together.
I came across www.mindanao. com with a list of wi-fi hot spots but in the Mindanao (the southern island) area. For those going at least to Davao where he lives, he seem to be a very good resource.
Hi Kirsty, great that you are on the road now!
How are you finding Manilla?
It’s great when you find a hostel with free wifi - they should all have them for us working nomads.
How are the speeds in the Phillies?
I’ve never checked out any wifi resources before but I will start. No wifi where I am now and it makes a big difference having to make the trek out to the net cafe. It would be ok if I had my PHP thing on my computer set up but I don’t yet.
Manila was a lot better than I was expecting but I was only there a couple nights. Back tomorrow for a night to pick up my passport from the Bangladesh visa office so will try to explore a bit more. Trying to set up my first couchsurfing session too so that will be good if it works out!
No idea of speeds really compared to anywhere else but it seemed ok. I didn’t think it was a problem, at least.
wow
its very interesting point of view.
Nice post.
realy gj
thank you