tropicalpenpals.com A UK - Philippines family

What makes the Philippines different from my birth place of the UK to the point I call Cebu City my home? The reasons are many some can be explained some need to be experienced. A lot of other people I know have had the same thoughts as the plane touches down on the tarmac.
The first thing as you approach the islands is the beautiful green lands and sea that you can see below you. Once the plane stops the excitement has already begun to build. You exit the plane and get hit with the warm heat, an almost perfect climate where its not as hot as florida and not as cold as europe in winter. Then your visit begins. Some things may bother you more if your in another part of the world such as the Taxi drivers trying to overcharge on the off chance your just a nieve foreigner who wont grumble at paying double because the prices are so low. But this and the fact that nothing is urgent is part of life here. But its partly why I love it so much. People are generally nice and everywhere you go you will see a smile or here a “hey Joe” (saying left from WWII). Regardless of where you are from you will always be thought to be Kano (American).

The food in the Philippines especially in the cities is abundant and varied. From Japanese Sushi
to Kenny Rogers chicken. Big difference I find though is the price. Expect to be paying around $20 for more than you can eat in a nice restaurant for 2. Me and my wife normally have 2 main courses, Calamari while we wait and drinks, plus leave a tip for less than P1,000

Hotels Expect to be paying around P1,600 depending on what you are looking for and the length of your stay. For example you can source a house rental for P10,000 a month with a bit of hunting around. The hotels vary a lot and advise just booking as you go not because I expect the hotel standards to be low but quite simply allows you to move around and with the prices so low you can get to see more of this beautiful country.

What to see there are the usual things with tropical islands such as the diving, yachting, snorkling, wind surfing etc. but there is also jungle treks. Trips up into the mountain regions which is very beautiful. Visiting Santo Nino (church in cebu). If you are here for a 2 week stretch you will find not enough time in the day. If your here for a few months strongly advise travelling round and most importantly meeting the people of the Philippines who generally are a friendly population that are proud to have you as a visitor to theyre country.

Shopping is fantastic for clothing but many other items are cheap and nasty chinese imports you are better to avoid. Electronics better to get a flight to Hong Kong on the way out the Philippines home to get the best deals or head into other countries which are heavy into electronic production and not heavily taxed on the import of the goods.
Things to avoid the southern Island of Mindanao I have heard good and bad stories for. Especially around Davao. Personally I havent visited the area and with there still ongoing problems with terrorism I would advise to avoid. Manila has been the target for bombings although I believe that its as likely there as it is in London, have visited Manila myself and found it a safe city. Some people say avoid driving but personally I use a scooter to get around because not only does it give you the freedom of being able to come and go as you please, cut through traffic jams and get anywhere quicker than others. But you can take photos when you see things which you couldnt do in a car being driven by someone or by yourself. If you drive a car be aware you are in a country where you may be blamed for whatever happens in an incident quite simply because of your wealth and nationality. Your not wealthy? your in a third world country you will always be seen as wealthy and be expected to pick up the tab for an accident. I would advise a scooter or motorbike for anyone who is confident on the road and can keep your eyes open.

Corruption there is corruption running through anything involving the government and bribes are often expected as a “express fee” but to be honest the amounts are very small and generally speed up things such as having paperwork processed for visa extensions.

My advise visit the Philippines dont be flash with the cash split your money around your body incase of a robbery as it is possible. Dont argue with someone or raise your voice as this can be dangerous due to someone losing face pass the problem to someone local but keep your cool. Dont wear any jewellery you dont need and a cheap watch. Nothing worse than losing something that is personal or expensive and both could happen very easily if its glittering from your arm or neck. You are in a country where people struggle to eat each day. Do enjoy your holiday and keep to areas you know are not black spots such as Colon Street at night.

Posted by Matt at 02:11 0 comments
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About Me

Matt
Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Im Matt primarily an engineer and building Inspector. Im from the UK and 34. My wife is April who comes from The Philippines.

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Do long distance relationships work?
The simple answer is they CAN doesnt mean its an easy road and certainly not suitable for many. Most people I have come across since I began dating my now wife have had mine fields of things go wrong and right. Ask them would they do it again to get the woman they love the answer will always be the same. But after talking with some Filipino women I know you begin to understand how hard things can be.

When you here about a guy crying on the eve of leaving his girlfriend behind in a foreign country as he heads back to his country of work things become more obvious. The love many find in the woman from the Philippines and other parts of asia are the women they have spent a life time seeking where morals, family loyalty and respect that hasnt been changed by western influences. Many people will say these women are seeking passports and wallets for which I can agree with some but not all. My wife for example lives in the Philippines and we have no interest in moving to the UK. Im not a rich man and never have been. BUT I can say all women are looking for security not only financial but a one woman man. Many have been cheated in the past and believe that a western guy is less likely to cheat. Which may sound bizarre but many are like me they have found a woman they are content with and no longer need to seek another and may have even changed some peoples view of women.

Getting back to the can it work the answer is Yes but there is a lot of heartache involved and a lot of being apart which makes things very difficult at times. Also due to the internet and its ways there have been many cottage scamming industries appearing in the East and the Philippines as many other countries suffers with these. Strong advice NEVER send any money. The problems were there before you came along leave them alone.. many will be pure lies from some of the women you will meet and some will be true. The differences between the two can be so suttle you may not notice the difference between a loyal loving woman needing help and a thief and con artist. My advise on this will always be if its so urgent go and see for yourself take 2 weeks off work, perfect reason to visit. If its all fake then youll know within no time and save a lot of heartache and worry and if genuine you will get to meet in person. The fact being most Asian women will not ask for money out of pride and it “not being the right thing".

How to spot a scammer you can buy my E-book for $10.00 and its likely to save you at least $1000 there are many traits hidden within conversations and they are not all straight for the cash many will work months on building your trust before they start harvesting theyre work with sick relatives needing medicine etc.

The positive side being many people I have delt with or met have been scammed in various forms but they have also met theyre match with another women, so dont think everyone is out to rob you because they arent. But there are many horror stories purely down to the simple maths. If you meet a geniune woman she may be talking to you and a couple of other guys until you know each other better and things become more progressive. A scammer can be talking to many guys, which is why the horror stories seem to show up more and also the fact most people are happily married.. when did you last read a newspaper story saying “hey everyones happy and nothing really happened lately?” simple answer no one cares about what good things are happening it doesnt make the news.

The dating game it takes many months to meet someone and build up the confidence and thoughts that I really want to meet this person. But it can be well worth the visit and wait and in my case im living proof. My experiences are mainly related to the Philippines so dont expect me to have all the answers. But one thing I will say is be patient your girlfriend is in a country that suffers with powercuts, telephones down and water that is on and off daily. So if you dont hear from her for a few days could be quite simply there is no electricity. Which has happend to myself on a few occassions same with mobile phone networks. Terrorism still exists here and one of the things blown up regular are Global communication towers (mobile phone masts). Your girlfriends life will be pretty harsh to come to as a reality and understanding what is what will take a bit of time. I was suprised when I got to the Philippines although not an OMG situation it was something I will remember. Not all things will be large enough to make a fuss but lots of little things such as having a large water container that you fill each time water is available so you can Pot wash because there is no running water for the shower when you get home at night. The culture shocks will be pretty big if youve lived in a part of the world where everything runs efficent and there is little poverty or crime.

Dating I would strongly advise visiting after you have known a bit about each other also if you have any doubts about things make sure your 100% about things before committing to anything serious. You are dealing with a country that has a lot of poor over 70% of the population and although your girlfriend may be wonderful she may have members of family creating pressure on her because “YOU” yes YOU are a millionaire. anyone earning more than around $20,000 or £10,000 makes you a millionaire and that amount goes a long way in the Philippines so be warned your new found love maybe the best thing since sliced bread but there are many who are willing to part a fool from his money.

The relationship can work and will work as long as you “both” are sure you can make it work there is a lot of deception which breeds from poverty and also the fact you being so rich that you can afford to lose it. Sound like a bad answer?? then your in the wrong mental state for long-term relationship. The problems in the Philippines arent yours you may be able to help in some ways but in many you will come out worse off. I have many examples and experiences I have come over which include helping members of family which then meant the guy was expected to help all members of family purely because theyre related. Other things included another person buying a motorcycle for a relation to run a small business and they ran the bike into the ground not even buying oil for it. Then expected the guy to repair the bike for them. My strongest advice dont get involved unless your prepared for the headaches that could follow. Dont give anything if your expecting anything back (many loans are seen as gifts and never even expected to be repaid). If you can get round this and you will get the support of your your girlfriend soon to be wife then your on to a happier and more fufilling life.