Be honest: What's the typical attitude toward Americans in the Philippines?

Question

My fiance is originally from Cebu. This May, I'll be going there for four weeks. Do Filipinos generally not like Americans? From some of the people I've chatted with on the internet, it would seem so. I won't be offended by honest answers; I just want to know what to expect when I get there. What's the typical attitude toward Americans in the Philippines?

I'm basically a nice guy. I definitely won't complain about the differences between the two cultures when I get there. I love learning about other cultures, and even if I didn't, my mother raised me better than that. My fiance says we both might run into problems with people who think she's only with me for money or a green card. Is it likely that we'll have to deal with people being rude to us because of that, or is she just being a little bit paranoid?

Answer 1

I have been there for work and I have not had a problem. Sometimes, on the internet, people can be much more rude than they normally are in person.

I believe most countries do not like the US right now, but when you meet them in person and they see you are not the arrogant war monger they might think you are, they will treat you nicely.

The best thing to do is not be arrogant, don't complain about differences in their culture from US culture, and just do as they do while you are there.

Comments to the Additional Details:
My fiance is from Costa Rica and some people who do not know us believe she is with me because I am an American. I am sure that some will think that in the Phillipines as well, but I have not had people say anything to me about it. Really, the only people who have acted weird about it are hotel front desk people, some think we are there for the wrong reasons, haha. Overall, I doubt you will notice anybody being rude to you though.

Answer 2

Just don't be a boorish American and you'll be fine. Filipinos are a generally warm and accepting people. If you treat us with respect, you will be accorded the same treatment.

However, please note that because of our colonial past, Filipinos with a background in activism are critical of the American government and its policies but don't worry, they will not take this out on you. :-) Just try not to take it personally if you do encounter some remarks about this.

It is true though that there are some Filipinos who don't look favourably at Filipinas with foreigner boyfriends or husbands. Heck, even I got strange looks when I was at the airport with a Dutch colleague while we were on our way to a meeting in Cebu but this is not something that you and our fiance should worry about. There will always be small-minded people anywhere in the world. Ignore them.

It is also true that some Filipinos look at foreigners as if they're walking dollar signs but this kind of thing is usual in many poor countries around the world and it happens to any other tourist, not just the Caucasian ones.

Once when my girlfriends and I went out of town with an American friend, a boatman insisted on charging us twice the usual price of the boat rental just because we had a foreigner with us [sigh]. If this happens to you, let your fiance and her family/friends do the negotiations. Also, smile a lot and tell them that you're just a poor American guy so they would stop insisting on charging you more than they should. That's what our American friend did (he was actually a missionary) and it worked.

Well, hope this helps and have fun in the Philippines.

Answer 3

Most of the Filipinos I met were very friendly and helpful, but yes, there is some resentment towards Americans, too--mostly due to our government always trying to bully other countries around & force it's own agenda. Knowing a little about the U.S.'s policies there does help a lot, whether you agree with it's policies or not. Try: http://countrystudies.us/philippines/92.htm
for a good overview. But honestly, I don't think you will encounter a lot of hostility there unless you go around mouthing off about how perfect & superior the U.S. is. Typical attitude I'd say is that they think Americans are rich, but a little dumb, generous and good-natured. And if you are going with your fiance, I'm sure they will treat you exceptionally well & want to impress you.

P.S. Yes, there are a lot of Filipinas who just want to marry a rich American & get a green card, so your fiance isn't being paranoid, but I doubt she will be hassled much about it--some women may be jealous, but can't imagine they would be very rude about it.

Answer 4

They love your money that's for sure. And due to your influence, i.e hollywood films, products, the filipino way of thinking of "white is right, west is best",and your government's never ending propaganda of "We're the good guys!", well of course most filipinos would be happy to accomodate you. But then again same as most people of different nationalities around the globe who think americans dont know anything beyond their borders, including myself..... well you get the idea. Im not generalizing though, I have sensible yankee mates as well, but most americans I met during my travels are wanks. They think they are hot sh*t though they dont even come close to a cold fart. That's as honest as I can get.

And about the wife, well its natural phenomenon in thirld world countries. Thailand, Vietnam etc. Dont worry too much about it, it really doesn't matter what other people think now does it?

Answer 5

I really want to retire to the Philippines. I have been married to separate Pinay for most of my life. I lost my first wife of 31-years of Glorious Marriage to a Massive Heart Attack. Then I remarried to another Filipina. I don't know who has been telling you such bunk and Filipinos look down on Americans or whatever other kind of relative idea but it's not true. Even here in the United States, when I attend Mass on Sunday, I choose to go to the Filipino Mass as opposed to another Mass in which all ethnicitys frequent. I do that because I want to do it that way. I prefer to be around Filipinos, anyway.

Answer 6

They look at Caucasian and Black Americans as being rich. Generally, the attitude outside the cities is of that big awe as foreigners are not that common in the suburbs. Seeing a slightly bigger built and a different featured person, of course, raises curiosity. Filipinos are generally shy and you might even notice people trying to not converse with you because of shyness. In the urban areas though, especially in big cities like Cebu City and Metro Manila, foreigners are a common sight. Please refer to my 1st sentence above for what people generally think. A common sight for an American with a Filipina wife is that American male tends to be far older than their spouses and people think that the girl is just taking advantage of the situation for financial reasons or vice versa with the American mostly interested in sex with young women. This mind set is unfortunate but I guess that it is the same anywhere around the world and even here in the US. I would probably categorize that speculation as human nature.

Filipinos like Americans generally unless they are one of the leftist. Even so, they do not hate Americans that are connected with any family members or a friend of the family. We like them as individuals. It's not like some parts of the world that condemns even the presence of Americans. We love Americans but I guess that the blame game and debate that you see in the media starts when the issue becomes political... The leftist usually blames the US government and the Philippine government for some issues. Also, any issues in regards to abuse, even if not yet proven, already becomes a trigger mechanism for pickets.

I hope this sheds light. This is just my collected thought and my 2 cents as a Filipino and probably is different from other's experiences. Good luck and don't hesitate to visit.

Answer 7

I have never had a problem in the Philippines. Most people are very nice. Some may think that your young lady is with you for a green card, but that is their opinion. They may try to charge you a little more money for things then they would a local, but thats kind of to be expected with most tourist destinations. Everyone is different, but if you are polite, you should have no problems with anyone.

Answer 8

You should not allow yourself to be put in a mold. When you show your real self, and Filipinos like waht they see, you will be a big hit. When your real self is one who is arrogant, condescending, know-it-all, you will still get some respect but they will only come from the poor who do not know any better. The Filipinos who believe in themselves will find you annoying. And the literati and the glitterati will see you as a pest.

If your true self is good, it doesn't matter to us that you are an American or French.

Answer 9

Are you kidding me? Filipinos love Americans because of the height and being a colonial country, the colonial mentality still pervades regarding complexion...but I will say something regarding Americans and our customer service...it's not as fast as Americans so don't complain loudly like you do in the states...we're not used to that

Answer 10

Yeah mate they'll only look at you and see a big dollar sign. You can't blame them its residue left from years of cultural misconception but they are generally pretty good. If your with your girl all the time then you'll be fine. Just be smart and don't try to act rich or that you have alot of money because thats when you'll start having problems. Some people will stare since your white but just don't try to be to wild.

I'm sure after afew days after arrival you'll understand how things work over there.