American's Conduct in the Philippines?

Question

Hi All,
I am a North American of Spanish decent, I have had the privilege of being born and raised in what I would call the greatest country on the planet! Of course, this is just my opinion. I had plans to visit Cebu and then Central Luzon. However, after hearing how American’s act while visiting, what I believe is a truly hidden paradise rich in its beauty’s also as far as the Filipino’s over here in Miami, Florida go they are the sweetest most respectful individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And I have heard other’s who also confirm I am not alone in this assumption.

Now it worries me that the opinion generated by the rude generic load mouth American slob’s that could not find a wife here in the US so they over there representing their country like a wild fat cowboy’s from the 1800’s could have made it too dangerous for the average American to travel there to the PI. This is great disappointed because I had my sight’s set on going for a while. Remember the average American doe’s not usually go to the Philippine is because it is never the beautiful landscape scenery or the exotic tropical plants or wildlife. It is always the exotic women in the mail order bride catalog’s most American has seen or rememberd.

Now the vary Americans that would have proved to the avarge filipino we are all not that bad does not go to visit. I am sorry the filipino people either see or remember the crazy solider or the person we do not like here is the US either as samples of American’s. Really, there is no such thing as an American unless you are Native Indian, everybody here is came from a different culture and all are immigrants. Cuban, Puerto Rican, Pilipino, Russian, Japanese and the list goes on and on. In addition, a good majority of us respect each other and culture’s we may not understand! Yes we still have old fashion thinkers here in the mid-west but they are all almost dead of old age  and we are working on the other’s. Please be patient and understand we are all human, there is good and bad in everyone. You have only experienced the bad ones.

I am interested in improving relations between the US Citizen’s (Not Government) and the Pilipino People. I believe there is a lot more there then meets the eye’s or ear’s, if anyone knows of such an organization that already exists Please let me know. [e-mail].

Lots of Love and Respect to all!

Your American Buddy!

Answer 1

Some ignorant people give everyone a bad name. It is too bad. I wish everyone could be respectful when they travel.

Answer 2

I am an American and have been living in Iloilo the past 5 years with my Philippine wife. I am not old (46) my wife is 38. I retired from the U.S. Navy 6 years ago.

I personally get embaressed by the way I see some of my countrymen carrying on in Cebu and Manila or Angelis.

I live in the Visayas and we don't have a glut of divorced and retired ugly americans living here.

It's too bad that a select group of morons carry on that way and give us all a bad name. I can tell you for a fact although the Philippine people here are the most hospitable, kind and tolerant people I have ever known, they won't put up with jerks like that here and neither will I.

Don't think we all fit into that category. Check the Yahoo group for some real people that are married and happy to be living over here and are responsible enough to act as adults and guests of the hospitable Philippine people.

Paul in Iloilo

Answer 3

Some Americans are bad,the epitome of the so called "ugly American" stereotype
They want everything done like it is in the US, they get belligerent and say stupid things like"that's not hoiw we do it at home" or "that wouldn't happen in the states"
I butt in when I see obnoxious behavior from Americans, I have told more then one that if they don't like it we who love the islands wish they would leave
I however try my best to fit in, I do things to help my little community and the people. I get along well with my neighbors and they do not ask for thing's, ..Unlike some
Expats I don't get bugged for money by family or friends and they will protect me from outsiders

Answer 4

I have lived in the Philippines for many years and I did not come here for sex. I came here to do social work and contribute to the health and well being of the Philippine people. I have never done anything as I traveled around the world to bring disrespect to the U.S.A. and there are millions of other just like me. I am insulted that you imply you are one of only a few good American capable of representing the U.S.A. in an honorable way.

There are several ways of becoming an American one is birth rights and the other is naturalization. Regardless of how you become an American you are an American. You say the only true American is the American Indians are you not aware that the American Indians migrated to America from the Alaska and Canadian area of the Continent and possibly even Russia. If one should use your analogy there is no "true" American.

In my opinion you are being disrepectful to the Philippine people by assuming they are not intelligent enough to realize Americans come in a variety of races, shapes, culture and character. These people are not stupid they know there are good and bad people in the U.S.A. just as it is in the Philippines. These people are not children that need you to patronize them. These people are not savages that seek revenge on people simply because they are of a particular race or nationality.

On one hand you say the Philippine people in the U.S.A. are wonderful yet you say you are afraid the ones back home in the Philippines may be savages and not know how to treat foreigners in a civilized manner. I think you may be more racist than you realize. If you are really interested in improving relationships then start by improving yourself.

CRAZY SOLDIER how judgmental you are. I suppose you also think every man and woman that has given of their time, energy and possibly their lives so you can be free is CRAZY. I think the people of the Philippine are also smart enough to know there are good and bad with in their own arm forces and the arm forces of other countries. My freinds many CRAZY Philippine soldiers lost their lives in World War II to help the USA defeat Japan so you could be free.

In my opinion it would be best you stay in the U.S.A. and not spread your prejudice, judgmental hate. Perhaps the people of the Philippine are called PILIPINO but the most common term is FILIPINO.

For your information the beauty of the Philippine is not as well known as it should be because the Philippine Government has not until recently properly advertised it world wide. They do not presently have enough hotel rooms in the country to accomodate the number of people that presently visit the Philippines each year and cannot do much to attract other tourist until that problem is solved. Millions visit the Philippines every year and the majority of them do not come for sex as you so narrow mindly believe. If the majority of the people come here for sex as you say I suppose you believe the Philippine people are mostly prostitutes. You seem to know quite a lot about the "mail order bride catalogs".

Answer 5

It is a shame the way foreigners act here in the Philippines. It ruins it for all of us. I am white but I'm not an American although I am always mistaken as an American.

Most foreigners that I've come across here are loud mouth, druken slobs. It seems just coz they're white and got money that gives them an excuse to behave any way they please. The wife of the couple doesn't help much. Been married to a kano goes to some girls heads and makes them think they are better than everyone else.

You find em all over the place. Some may even respone to this question ;o)

Answer 6

I think many of us who answered this guy's post missed his point. Of course he is not referring to the ones who DO RESPECT the Philippines. He is referring to the Americans who do NOT. For what he said on that score,and for what he meant, I applaud the guy. To him I say this: If we were all like you there would never be any wars !!! Well done on a great post. -- I agree with you 100%. Anyone who is genuinely nice is normally abused by the less intelligent and that has been the case of the Filipino people. Fortunely you represent an increasing number of Americans who are concerned with peace and understanding and, as an European, I applaud you. As for the Filipino people I love them. I have been to the Philippines 5 times already and want to go again and again. As for the Filipino girls... you hit the right button. They are beautiful, the most feminine girls in the world, the most moral, the most dedicated to the family... and they are only for guys who truly deserve them -- idiots like the ones you mentioned need not apply and should keep away. I MARRIED A SUPER BEAUTIFUL FILIPINA GIRL and have been super happy since... have a super beautiful daughter and super beautiful son. So DO NOT HESITATE TO VISIT THAT beautiful land... Trust me, you will not regret it. I am NOT Pinoy/Filipino... I am a white English guy who was fortunate enough to fall for my wife.

Answer 7

I was born, lived, educated in Angeles City, I now live in California. My children, my grandchildren call Angeles City their second home. I havent seen any of the "ugly" Americans that you are talking about also I have no idea where you got your assumptions. Our country dont need your help improvin the relationship between Americans and my people. We know how to act accordingly. Put your efforts to a better cause such as helping your President to send the troops back home. I bet you will have a lot more response. Or find some other good cause that your own country will benefit from and leave our country alone. Thanks.

Answer 8

Well, Mr North American of Spanish descent, if you have not been to The Philippines how is it that you can criticize the behavior of those of us who have? Your diatribe says a lot about your own personality. (BTW, Miami is not in the Midwest) Hint: You can only improve relations between yourself and one other person. You do not and cannot represent me or any other US Citizen in your ambitious and noble quest to "improve relations". (sip sip) If you want to meet and marry a Filipina just go on over there on your own and do it. Maybe show us all how it's done. We'll be watching for you. You signed off with "Lots of love and respect to all" Does that include us white guys?

Answer 9

Don't worry Bud, we all think the same, no matter what country you came by. As long as no disrespect is given, none is taken.
But trust must be earned on both sides first in order for us to proceed. Harm was done before and some cannot forget and forgive easily. One thing for sure, I always thank an American soldier, sailor, airman for liberating my country during WW2 or I won't be here. Thanks.

Answer 10

I like your answer Tom1941. I am with you all the way.