i am moving to the Philippines soon to get marred to a lady i know in manila i would like any advice?

Question

on ways to fit in there and make a good inpression i meet her here in the usa and ive never been to the philippines i dont want to go there and do some thing stupied i would also like to learn more about philippine music and art what are the major differences between the usa and the philippines are the bars and dance clubs a dangerious place to go thanks a lot for your help any advice on flying

Answer 1

i guess i could help you quite a bit for the info you're asking for because i've been living here all my life. i understand some of the answers stated above because some of it could be true and maybe it was their experience. can't blame them. but anyways, it's not as aweful as it looks like living in Manila. you just have to choose a good place to live in. Makati and Alabang areas are most suited place for foreigners. Makati is more fast-paced. Clubs and bars out there are with class and you might find buddies there also because you're not the only white man around there. Alabang is more laid-back. fresher air and there are very good town houses. however, dance clubs are limited there and fewer bars. when it comes to safety, these are the most safest places of Manila. but still in every place you go you still should be careful, right? don't bring huge amount of cash.. things like that. music has not much more of a difference because american music are played here a lot. but the trend here now are the filipino local bands. you might not understand them so you should still have to learn tagalog. there are alot of gigs and band concerts too, you just have to be updated on the latest spots. there's no problem speaking to people because majority here speaks and understands english. you just have to be polite and be friendly and nothing will go wrong and then you'll gain friends. if you get bored, just travel. travelling around the Philippines is cheap but the sceneries are very appealing and good. people are hospitable and friendly. you don't have to give an impression unless your fiance's parents are strict. just be yourself. learn tagalog language would be a good thing. and get used on the filipino foods/dishes. families are very tight here and respect to elders are very important.

but my important advise is, you have to make sure of the decision you will make. you have to find a job before settling your life in the philippines. it will help keep you busy and make your finances stable within your stay here. however, life here is not as tough like in america because filipinos love to relax, dine, shop and watch movie even in their very stressful time from work. just don't rely on what you have saved or dollars, my friend. be practical. fly safely! have someone to fetch you from the airport, ok? you're welcome to our country.

good luck to you and to your fiance.

Answer 2

Punished? Good they are only sending you there, for it could be worse. Anyway to answer your questions, I haven't been to San Jose but I have a friend that lives there. I live in SoCal. 1. Newspapers, signs, most other mediums are in English. All the latest movies are showing and the latest music are on the airwaves. US Shows also, but could be 1 to 3 seasons late, most cable channels are also covered. 2. People are like everywhere else, many are friendly, many are uneducated, many are poor, some rich, and there are thugs, liers, thieves & ruthless criminals. Most people are religious, superstitious and most are Roman Catholic. 3. Cute girls? Depends on your type, but there are people from all walks of life and many other nationalities that lives there. The Philippine's population is mostly young and so there will be a lot of people about your age in there. 4. The city is chaotic, like downtown LA, most parts probably like South LA. Traffic and pollution everywhere. Malls is different, Metro Manila have 3 of the top 10 biggest malls in the world. Plus many other malls of different sizes, you probably will get lost in most malls there. 5.Schools? Depends on where you end up going. School is ongoing right now (for most schools anyway), it started in June and will end in March. And there could be a lot of similarities that you could see right away. Although gangs might not be that bad. Fraternities could be it's equivalent though. Pasig is not a bad place, but it is big and it just depends which part of Pasig you end up in. I do believe it has a lot of flooding during heavy rains at least, which is common there. Lots of good schools there as well. Any more questions, just ask it here. Enjoy your punishment. You probably will enjoy it more than you'd hate it. It might take some getting used to though, especially the heat and humidity and the rain and the floods and the traffic. Better to learn Tagalog now and continue doing so, you will need it there.

Answer 3

I spent several month in the Philippines before the US Navy pulled out.

Don't wast time trying to be something you are not. You are going to suffer colcher shock and there is nothing any one can do to help you avoid it.

Be polite, they are very family oriented over there. And stay alert. An American that looks like a tourist is a target. It is not as safe on the streets as it is here. Hide most of you money in a different location then usual. front pocket, sock. there is more of a pickpocket problem over there.

Most of the music has an America angel to it, unless you get away from the main part of the city. The bars and clubs tend to be fire traps but relatively safe. It is when you leave you have to stay alert. Don't be stupid and get drunk before you get use to the place.

A large part of the population can speak some English. Or at least they use to.

And never use any words you don't know, or you may find some one told you how to order something your lady would not a prove of.

Answer 4

Foreigners won't feel out of place if they are staying in Makati areas, etc. There are a lot of them around the city and you will be able to speak to most Filipinos because they can speak English. Filipinos are really acommodating and they will make you feel welcome. Just be polite to the elders in your intended's family, maybe give some gifts (pamamanhikan) and they'll accept you. Philippine music and art - we love to sing (a lot) and dance, there are a lot of bars and dance clubs. But there's always a downside... be careful because you might be targeted by pick pockets/hold-uppers. But if you are with a Filipino or a group of friends, you probably will be safe. On flying... it's a very loooooooooong flight (12-16 hours from US?) so take measures to keep you occupied during the flight. Have fun in Manila and good luck!

Answer 5

One good impression for you will be to respect the people there and not the white superemacy stuff I see common is Asia.

you may find some resemblance of Philippines cultural dance and music in the provinces, they are almost extinct today especailly in Manila.

Bars and pubs, they are great but you will probably regret your marriage once you get in there, stay clear if your marriage is clear.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Just remember NOT to use your cellphone while you're outside (like in the streets), it will be gone the second you bring it out, especially if it's the latest model or phones with cameras. A lot of people get killed because they won't give their phones up to the thieves, some also get killed for having a lousy phone model.

Answer 7

its gud to know that u decided to move in here..

there is positive and negative side in living here...if u r a foreigner..

but i guarantee u, wont regret living here "if" u chose the right person for u...and willing to go to extra mile to know our culture and learning the way of life here.

i suggest its better to live in the province than in the key urban cities unless ur already had enough with city, nyt life...

and want to live a simple yet meaningful lyf...

Answer 8

Just don't wear your avatar's mask!
Bon voyage!! ;o)

Answer 9

TRY WATCHING THE NIGHTLY NEWS....ANYWHERE OUT OF THE U.S.IS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE AMERICAN MY ADVICE IS DONT GO