tropicalpenpals.com A UK - Philippines family

The scammers in the Philippines is something that really annoys me because although I understand why some of them do it. Most couldnt care less about the damage they are doing for the real Filipinas and also the hurt they cause. Most of the guys ive met from the Expat community arent only nice people but helpful. The one thing you will also find is most have been scammed at some point. Some of us for $1000s! your thinking no this could never happen to me, right?

The girl your talking with seems genuine and she loves you but what is really going on…

There is the chance of some of the following going on..

She talks to multiple guys.
a relative is sick and she cant afford the medicine who is coming to the rescue?
About to be evicted for none payment of rent.. whos going to pay?
Internet is about to be cutoff.. another bill to pay?
Computer is broke can you send money to get it fixed..?

The list goes on and although $100 here and $100 there doesnt sound a lot it adds up and the worst case scenarios it adds up with multiple guys being scammed regular. Not only is it the money thats a problem its the false belief that you have a woman that loves you and when you finally agree to meet and fly out to see her… she wont be there at the airport and a good chance you will never see her. Leaving you feeling a bit lost, out of pocket and a ripped out heart.

Best option all round is NEVER SEND MONEY!! always make excuses if she loves you she will find a way to survive, get online etc. Dont get blind to a person you have never met you dont owe this person a thing in life and to expect or ask you for money should start ringing bells straight away. Filipinas generally would never do this..

Now before you start to get disheartened there are more than a fair share of genuine women out there that are loyal, loving and looking for a guy who will love and treat her well. All im saying is be very aware of things around you and if you ever need any help please just get in contact. This is an area I want to help guys from being ripped off but to also help genuine Filipinas.

Many people when they first meet are not only nervous but not quite sure what to expect.
I can give you a run down on what to expect, as you get close to landing the first thing you notice is how green the land is and how much Ocean there is. This is where I instantly fell in love with the Islands and couldnt wait to get off the plane.

Before now you will have recieved a piece of paper from the aircrew this is a simple short entry visa which should only take a couple of minutes to complete. Always a good idea to know where you are going as it asks for it on the form. Although I have put hotel names without addresses before and it has never been questioned.

As you depart its always worth getting off asap to quite simply jump the queue at immigration that sometimes takes 30 - 40mins but time it right and your through before most people have got theyre overhead luggage. Its all formality just be nice and dont do anything you shouldnt be doing. Also worth noting if you are questioned about any items to do with luggage please remind the officer “you will be taking it when you leave the Philippines".

Your now on route towards the automatic doors at the front of Cebu Airport after you collecetd your luggage. If you have no Piso change a little at the airport although the rates arent great. Doors open.. and chaos begins! First thing you will find is people asking if you want a cab.. and a woman who will happily find you a cab (who adds a charge for this service!). The other side of the road is full of people waiting for relatives to arrive. Ok get your bearings here.. ignore everyone around you and cross the road.
Through the piles of people and up the ramp towards the departure lounges and pick your taxi from there. What you will need to do is have an idea of where you are going if meeting a girlfriend for the first time and she cant meet you at the airport arrange to meet at Ayala or SM Mall because if she is running late you can still wander around the stores. Also there are booths that will take your luggage while you shop.
Advise if doing this to remember your bearings because the Malls are pretty big and you could take a while to find your bags! I dont have to explain a mall but generally everyone speaks english and are very used to foreign visitors infact your likely to bump into some there are that many there. Food wise there is plenty to choose from and most things are available for purchase. When you get in your taxi make sure the meter is running if the driver suspects you of being a newbie in Cebu he may go without the meter and youll end up paying double the normal rate. If the Meter is off tell the driver “Metro na lang” (Basically means meter only). Bearing in mind its illegal to ride without a meter you aswell as the driver could be fined. So if the meter is off and the driver refuses to put it on just get another cab. Another phrase you may find useful is “Lugar Lan” which means Pull over. Most drivers will pick up locations in your conversation so dont worry to much.SM and Ayala everyone knows.

I wont give to much advice on money to carry with you etc. Because it all depends on your budget and where you are looking to stay. But generally everything is paid for in cash with most businesses and with corruption levels so high I would be weary of using a Visa unless you are sure its insured 100% Banking can be a very slow process and withdrawals are limited. There are a few major banks in town such as HSBC which has easy access to cashpoints. IN THE CITY. But the easiest way to send money although not the cheapest is to setup a few Western union transfers from the U.S. With a relative or friend basically stand there and get them to send your money for you. Then when you arrive you will have some money on you and a few Western union numbers that you can collect your money off. Because Western union is everywhere and gives you access to your money without the hassle of going into the City and sourcing a bank.

Meeting your girlfriend/future wife I wont offer advice as its an area you need to resolve yourself.

The Poverty in the Philippines is everywhere and will be at every corner of a building when you arrive so be warned. What I generally do is carry sweets and give them to the street kids strongly advise never to give money because drug habits by themselves or relatives is likely where your money will go. But if you feel particulary bad about someone then buy them dinner its cheap and you can make sure they get it.

Some does and donts..

Dont wear Jewellery you will draw unwanted attention.
Dont carry anything you cant afford to lose.. leave it at home!
If you are confronted by a robber let them take the items your are literally taking your life in your hands.
Dont go on about how bad things are and how much things are better in your own country.. because everyone is already aware of it they dont need it pointing out.
If you get a vehicle while in Cebu try to hire one with a driver its cheap and if there is any incidents its not your problem (may sound like the wrong attitude but you really dont need to be a foreigner involved in an accident because it will be your fault regardless of what happens).

Whatever location you meet your Other half for the first time you will find she will arrive with an Aunt/sister both or other relative or relatives. Dont worry its normal! If you meet an aunt with your better half then you want to be very nice generally everyone is nice and are really happy to see you, especially because you have travelled 1000s of miles just to meet your future partner. You will be well taken care of and made to feel part of the family.

Hotel wise your other half can arrange this for you on your behalf as she is likely to get a good deal and also know the best hotels in the area for you to stay.

But if you sort this yourself unless your going in peak season sort it when you arrive as you may decide to move round to different areas of the islands so avoid booking in for 2 weeks in one place etc. Book a couple of days while you look around to decide what your doing. Besides hotels there are also Bedspacer or Pension houses these options are a lot cheaper than a hotel but paying $30 for a nice hotel room doesnt break the bank either depending how long your staying.