My 10 year old daughter is "mistiza" (her father is filipino). She and I have never been to the Philippines, and she wants to go there on vacation. She is very curious about her heritage. Do you think that it would be safe for a caucasian mother and mixed daughter (10 years old) to travel in the Philippines without a male to accompany us? I have heard horror stories of young American girls being abducted. Do you think she would be safer because she is a filipina? Any travel tips for us? Should I put this trip off until she is grown?
2007-02-25 01:49:56 · 14 answers · asked by Sabrina 6 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
For those who are wondering why we don't go with her father...we are no longer together. She talks to him on the phone every weekend, but only sees him once a year. He lives on the west coast and we live on the east coast (USA).
2007-02-25 02:14:58 · update #1
Don't put off the trip. It will be a good education for both of you to go there. You will both be safe with the suggestions of all those answers here. But, beyond that. Your own observations of the "average" filipino man while you visit might clarify some things for you regarding your ex. Your daughter will be the envy of every 10 year old filipina she meets there. They will treat her like a princess. I find Filipino people to be pretty accommodating to foreigners. Just keep in mind they are mostly poor and desperate. If you meet with some of her fathers family they will most likely be as protective of her as you are. Enjoy your trip, bring a sweat rag.
2007-02-25 05:29:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to be in Manila, Philippines, I think you will be fine. The big cities are used to seeing foreigners everywhere and they even live and work there permanently and they are not harmed. Most Filipinos can understand and speak English so you will always be able to ask someone for help or just find out information. Where you will stay while in the Philippines matter a lot. You wouldnt want to be in the high crime areas, you wouldnt want to be in the Muslim rebels saturated area (they were the ones who kidnapped those foreigners a couple years ago). If the father of your daughter has relatives in the Philippines, perhaps your daughter would want to meet them too, I think they would be able to help you find the right place to stay in. You just have to be aware and careful. Like hold on to your purse or wallet (like you would if you were saying walking at night in New York city), you just have to avoid and not talk to people who are on the streets trying to hustle you for money. If you intend to go to the provinces, they are safe too as long as its the right province (again, those not saturated by rebels). I think you and daughter will be fine. In 2005, I had my wedding in the Philippines and my hubby is Italian American. He was in Manila for 3 months and was safe and unharmed because he was at the right kind of places and didnt talk to people he didnt need to and only talk to people who are reliable and trustworthy (hotel employees, staff of restaurants etc) and stayed away from places where he will stand out as a Caucasian. His entire family flew to Manila for the wedding and they were there for 2 weeks and they were all ok. In fact, they all had a grand time there! They even went to the beach in an island. Given the right precautions and being careful, you are guaranteed to be ok. Commonsense and not being so gullible is the key to making sure you wont be harmed. Those abduction stories are really played up by the media, in fact in the more recent months or year, I have not heard of abductions of foreigners. I agree that its not like the US where you would allow your 10 yr old to walk around alone but you know, even here in the US ( I also live in the east coast), there are predators and bad guys. If you always accompany your daughter and be aware of your surroundings, you will be ok. Have fun!
2007-02-25 10:35:52 · answer #2 · answered by pinayinpenn 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Media has hyped several bad stories into monstrosities so that even the littlest problem turns into a worldwide issue. The Philippines is one of the friendliest places for tourists. I am not saying that it's the safest place on earth, but I don't think LA is either, or New York, even London for that matter. I guess if you stay out of the rough areas, you will be fine. Abductors will only prey on your kid if you let them. Be watchful, although it doesn't require you to be any more than when you are in the US.
I have several Caucasian friends who have decided to settle down in the Philippines because of its beauty and the way of life there. Not so bad at all, and they don't feel threatened. Look for a qualified tour guide to take you out, stay in a decent hotel in a safe area and enjoy your vacation.
If you still feel scared, put it off until YOU are no longer afraid. Maybe your daughter can handle it, but it seems you can't.
2007-02-25 10:21:12 · answer #3 · answered by Tammy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, as an instant information to you, Philippines is not as what you think. There are some residents who are doing that but not all. Living in Metro Manila is like living in freedom....you are free to go shopping, eating out, etc. Why bother for this kind of news that you've got?
Not everybody in the Philippines are hoodlums, gangster, criminals, theft, etc.... There are good Filipino people out there who can show you the way to find a place that can give you satisfaction in visiting the Philippines.
I suggest that you have to learn the customs and traditions of a Filipinos, their scenic spots, the legal advisory, the travel advisory, etc..before planning to visit the Philippines with your daughter.
2007-02-25 10:48:43 · answer #4 · answered by FX777222999 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should be safe enough. However, opportunists might take advantage of you being caucasian like expensive taxi rides etc. so you might want to have relatives meet you at the airport. As for the safety of you and your daughter it would depend on the places you want to visit. I certainly won't go to the places where insurgents and the military fight it out even if I'm not caucasian. Please feel free to drop an email. I'll try to answer your queries and maybe alleviate your misgivings, hesitancies or fears. The Philippines is made up of hospitable and friendly people I'm sure you'll have a nice time here. =)
2007-02-25 10:14:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I strongly suggest that you be cautious when it comes to travelling, not only in the philippines but anywhere because you're an easy prey to criminals. I don't take offense with this question and I completely understand your fear so I would suggest that you defer your trip here until she's grown or have a father figure. Another advise, don't ever entrust her to her stepfather, if ever she will have one in the future. God bless.
2007-02-25 12:09:34 · answer #6 · answered by gameplan_xtreme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i grew up in the philippines and i haven't heard of stories of young american girls being abducted. what you hear or see in the news are exaggerated. same with all the other countries.
filipinos in general are really nice as long as you remain nice to us as well. though there are some precautions that you have to make which is i think applies even there in the US. be constantly aware of your sorroundings, keep your things with you all the time, stay at well-litted places particularly at night - those kind of safety tips or measures.
it would be good for her to see her dad's place at an early age and i assure you you'll both have fun staying there.
2007-02-25 10:05:29 · answer #7 · answered by warrior is a child 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
i guess your filipino husband is philandering other woman so you left him. good for you. you deserve better.
i think it would be a little unsafe with a ten year old girl to travel any place. much worse in a third world country. but nothing really bad will happen. only small glitches travelling with a kid. but my advice for you is the have contact here from someone that will accompany you a certain time.
and don't forget to have fun when you come here. filipinos are happy person.
2007-02-25 11:22:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Check this website: It's very helpful for the travellers. (- -,)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/philippines
2007-02-25 10:01:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think as long as you keep a close eye on her all will be fine. I think its impressive that someone so young is so keen to learn about her heritage.
2007-02-25 09:59:03 · answer #10 · answered by Mighty C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋