I am going to Philippines in April is it safe for African Americans, and will I get a lot of funny looks?

Answer 1

My girlfriend from Nigeria visited two times. She is black (not African American) and had no problems. She quite liked it, but did get a bunch of funny looks (ok, she is also 6ft tall).

With the exception of some remote areas (ARMM) the Philippines is one of the safest countries for anyone to be in. Far safer than the US for example. Filipinos are very tolerant of other people, and if you are there as a tourist you will be very wellcome, unless you are behaving badly.

Enjoy.

Answer 2

Please ignore the negative comments posted here.

Many people are going to stare at you because you are
a foreigner. It has nothing to do with your race at all.
It is as safe for you as it is for any foreigner visiting
the Philippines. Just have some street-smarts and
you'll be fine. I've seen African American people in
the Philippines, and there is an African American
actor that is married to a filipina and owns a home
in the same town as my fiance, so dont' worry.

Answer 3

Don't worry I've gone to the Philippines plenty of times. People will stare at you but not because your African American. They will look at you because your a westerner. You'll have a great time there, but just like anyplace else you go just be alert of your surroundings. If you were walking down the streets of Washington D.C. you'd watch your back right? Have a great time.

Answer 4

Being African American is not an Issue, however been American makes you a money target, have fun don't go anywhere alone and know where you are going. the bad guys are professional at what they do and they want your money. Lived there for six years and had a great time, however the issues with bad people and in the wrong place keep me from returning, check the threat level with the us embassy in manila and they will advise you on where to stay away from during your travel. Good Luck

Answer 5

A lot of people who posted are jerks and the only good answer so far comes from Antoinette. It's true that African Americans here are rare and you'll get curious stares but nothing more than that. There are students from Africa who come here to study and they have no problems. A lot of the long-term African Americans here are with multinational companies. You should encounter no major problems at all.

Answer 6

if you're a foreigner or someone new for the people living there, of course you'll get some stares but that's normal. they don't mean anything by that..filipinos according to many foreigners are the nicest and friendliest people they've met. see, we're very hospitable.we treat people nicely..
sometimes the media exaggerates the news to make the Philippines look like a dump but better see it for yourself and prove that we're not.

Answer 7

Hmm.. You'll get looks of Curiosity! hehe.. I do that sometimes..
Just being someone from the US, i try to look for someone who isnt from the Philippines~
Aaaand.. I happen to be friends with an African American~

You'll do fine. Trust me~
^^;

Answer 8

You'll get funny looks no matter what....and unfortunately, most of the older Filipinos I know are prejudice (I still remind my mother when she starts judging others) so just let the possible comments roll off your back....Side note: before you leave you should check out the State Departments for any travel warnings...

Answer 9

If people from Philippines feel safe in the US what do you think. Of course it is safe. Just be friendly and warm and be accepting of other cultures.

Answer 10

It is safe and you will get stared at but like others stated it is due to the fact that you are American more than anything. They are not mean looks and you will get used to it.

That being said, some words are used more frequently there, however it is through ignorance versus ill will.