Have you been in the Philippines? What can you say about the Filipino People ?

Question

I want this question to be answered by non-filipino. I was an embassy employee. Next month, I will be assigned in the Asia pacific Region particularly Philippines. I have heard a lot about the Philippines and it scare me so much. The Abu sayaf, terrorist bombing, communist insurgency, kidnapping, robbery, etc. My family are very worried and told me to reconsider resigning on my post.

Answer 1

I've been to the Philippines many times and the people are very nice to foreigners. But remember that this is a very poor country and you will be seen as someone who has a lot of money that they want. Keep your money hidden and don't go to paces alone or out of the general populous. Be respectful of their country and culture and you will make friends. Please don't be the "Ugly American". If you are genuine with them, they will be the same with you. Remember all countries have people that will not like you because of where you come from. Most are curious about you and your country. they want to learn as much about you and you want to learn about them. experience the Philippines for what it is and don't have unrealistic expectations. If you make Filipino friends they will share with you their culture will make your time their an experience that you will never forget.

Answer 2

I am an American that just moved to the Philippines. I know it is easier said, but really there should be no extra worries (assuming you are in Metro Manila). Like any other major metropolitan, there are certain concerns but I do not feel that much less safe than in San Francisco. There is however EXTREME poverty that you may not be used to depending on how traveled you are. Either way, I am sure the embassy will put you in a great location.

Abu Sayaf is WAY south, same with bombings (which are rare), coup plots are always talked about in the papers here but I never see anything (we were here on vacation during an attempted coup in 2003--just a lot of check points), kidnapping is mostly Chinese, robbery--just be careful. Do not be too flashy and be aware of surroundings. There are definitely areas that will feel just like the states. Hardest part for me (I am white) are the stares I get from people when I am not in areas with lots of Americans. It feels really awkward but you notice it less and less as time goes on.

Is there anyway you can take a vacation out here for a week or so? It would really help give you a feel for the country. Assuming you are in Manila, perhaps you should check out Eastwood City (shopping mall w/offices and condos). Lots of Americans and balikbayans there. Randomly there are a lot of Mormon missionaries there as well.

Answer 3

As long as you stay in Manila (as well as in Luzon and Visayas), all will be absolutely fine. Manila's as modern as any city in the United States, so might as well as enjoy it. My friends even told me that the Philippines was way more safer than back in NY. You know, Filipinos do love Americans more than any Asian people. Their culture is throroughly Americanized. Virtually all Filipinos are English-speakers. There are lots of cars, shopping malls (the world's third, fourth, and seventh largest are in Manila), condominiums, skyscrapers, and discos. Kids and teens toting cellphones, IPods, and the like. Everyone is Christian. Everything from the latest music to books to fastfoods (Yes, McDOnalds, KFC, Carl's Jr., Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, and other American chains are here) you can find in Manila. European brands not in the U.S. are also present in Manila. Plus, there are 110,000 American citizens (not included are Americans and Amerasians of Filipino citizenry) in Manila alone. The elite is also made of Caucasian origin(primarily, European Spanish) Chances are, you'll meet them anywhere. Hey, don't be paranoid. Whenever there's a news, say, in CNN, my Flip colleagues just laugh - mediamen sensationalize everything! Just prepare for your trip here and enjoy it. Just don't go to Mindanao (which is in the deep south of the Philippines) and everything will be fine. Enjoy while you're still in the country. The Philippines is the 5th diverse country in terms of race (ethnicity), the 3rd in the whole world for the number of excellent diving spots, the 3rd largest English-speaking country, the best beach in Asia (and possible in the whole world), the liveliest discos in the world, the top manufacturer of Intel Pentium chips (Yes, it's here), the largest number of American citizens in Asia, and Manila, the only genuine Eurasian city in Asia, is the 3rd most modern city in that continent.

Answer 4

I would say the biggest concern is that because of the poverty they find it acceptable to beg-mercilessly. They often will try to make you feel guilty or have really sad sad stories many of which just aren't true to try to help their family. It is not that the people are anything but nice but the begging can get tiring very fast.

Answer 5

I have never been to the Philippines but my mom's friend are Filipino and I havent heard anything bad about there but I did hear thia they have alot of ghost's that come out at night and it's true.

Answer 6

Filipinos are hospitable, helpful and kind people. It depends on the person on how he will treated when the Philippines. Be kind and they will be kind to you.

Answer 7

Beautiful people. Kind, considerate, friendly,help full. Just stay away from trouble spots, if you can. Would you visit New Orleans at night?

Answer 8

Theyre short xD and sweet and they cook amazing pancit canton!!!!:D

Answer 9

They are good neighbors and generally keep to themselves.

Answer 10

they have diffrent attitudes to ppl of diff countries, ive been mistreated by them :(