I like Hawaii very much and have been there many times-tropical .I have been to St Lucia and that is a 3 rd world country. So I imagine the Philippines to be a mix of the two.
I'm the tall white asawa of a filippina.
What should I expect ?
2007-12-02 05:12:01 · 14 answers · asked by mantisrapture 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
So you're coming home for christmas huh?...expect to stand out. Hmmm...warm (hot) weather and english ranging from bad to impeccable
But they'll be smiling a lot, they'd give you special treatment. All guests get special treatment.
The food is very salty, that's why you need rice with it. A lot of complex flavors and a lot of really simple ones. It's okay to cringe at the dishes that use inerts just as long as you try it and love it afterwards. They'd ask you about it. "How do you like the food?" cause it's part of the Filipino experience.
If you give out pasalubongs, expect to get enthusiasm. Anything from abroad is already fancy, even if it's a can opener. and you're kind of expected to give out pasalubongs. chocolates are nice. just snickers will do, enough for everyone. but yeah...beware of those who'd want to take advantage of you. Don't show off. Don't be the sugar daddy. Humility is key.
be a gentleman. Don't kiss your wife in the lips in front of people. Nothing sexual. It's a conservative country.
Don't play the dumb American. They'd be expecting you to not know anything at all about the Filipino culture. Show them the Filipino words you've learned, you're gonna earn some respect. Ask your wife about the Filipino stereotypes she hates. Avoid them.
Good Luck! Hope you discover the better side of this country :)
2007-12-02 17:58:34 · answer #1 · answered by nrtql8 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is a poor country, especially in the Provence's, many people earn only 150Peso a day so they see westerners as rich. Which if you think about it we are. However I traveled with a friend all over Luzon and Cebu and not just in the cities and I found the people warm friendly and on the whole a damn sight better than where I live in Colchester in South East England. I also felt safer there !!!
2007-12-02 08:49:01 · answer #2 · answered by Steve 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Airport taxes - Last thing after you've got ticket and checked in - on the way to board the plane -BAM !!!! Airport tax. I think 500 pesos in Manila, 100 pesos in CdO.
Airports that close overnight
Airports that you can't get close to without a ticket
People who will stare because you are tall and white
Everyone will think you're rich
A third-world country in certain parts
PS. Always get an airport taxi. BEFORE you exit the airport building after you get luggage, find the taxi office INSIDE the building. They'll give you a flat price and they record the taxi tag number before you leave.
2007-12-02 09:45:23 · answer #3 · answered by snvffy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that any boom is expected. the country is trying to entice foreign investment and to get large companies to move here. The next big boom should be the infrastructure. The whole country has a sense of old but in large areas decay.
2016-04-07 03:42:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expect to have fun. Our country is such a beautiful place. We're the most hospitable people in the world.
2007-12-02 21:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by McTraveller 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dont's
-don't drink the water, watch out for the ice in your drinks
-don't leave your wallet in your back pocket, put it in your front
-dont leave valuables in the hotel out, put them in the safe
-dont go anywhere with anyone you dont know, especially alone
do's
-do be polite to the filipinos
-do visit the beaches, ie palawan, cebu, bohol, boracay
-do enjoy their food, its great!
-do bring toilet paper wherever you go, they dont use that stuff over there.
-do exchange your money in the airport, never trust a person on the street.
basically you will be fine because your with your wifey, enjoy urself, its a great place!
2007-12-02 17:54:44 · answer #6 · answered by tyler 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
while filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality, you should be aware of those who would want to take advantage of you (charge so much cuz you're white) and pick pockets..
since it is christmas season, there would be so much traffic, human congestion in the malls and you'd have a harder time flagging down taxis esp in metro manila
anyway, enjoy your stay!
2007-12-02 07:32:03 · answer #7 · answered by Hot Chick 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you will hear this alot "HEY JOE!" LOL! specially in the countryside. manila is congested,its like TIJUANA on steroids. but, you will definitely love it there. nitelife is awesome! i prefer the province myself. it's safer,nicer people, fresh air,excellent food. i would recommend some bars to go to but then ur wife would cut ur * * * * off,LOL! enjoy ur stay in the phils!
2007-12-03 01:12:46 · answer #8 · answered by juan_tamad 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't go anywhere without your wife and watch out for people who will try to take advantage of you.
2007-12-02 14:11:19 · answer #9 · answered by MADLAW72 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Philippines is such a wonderful place... if you have the RIGHT GUIDE to show you around.
2007-12-02 08:17:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋