Why would anyone want to visit the Philippines?

[Scouse123]

I am fairly well travelled in South East Asia and been here 23 years or more and visited most of it.

I have never been to the Philippines and have been thinking about it and having a look for the experience BUT a friend of mine, who is a Thailand regular, has recently returned. He is streetwise and knows his way around a few big South East Asian cities as well as the popular places.

His take was this:-

1. He never relaxed or felt safe at all whilst moving around in Manila. He says he was constantly on edge and waiting for bad things to happen. He was on his guard but all the time felt nervous.Going out at night unless by taxi was a big no-no.

2. He said when he went to Clark, a cyclone came in and scared him to death and weather was terrible for about three days.

3. He couldn't eat a Mc Donalds without chidren or women with babes in arms banging on the restaurant windows asking for money. He also stated he had never seen as much poverty or as many slums as in Manila and children begging. It had all the sounds of a dysfunctional country.

4. He mentioned the only positives were the women spoke English and understood him better.

5. He said he was constantly hassled by beggars in the street and really believes Manila to be the worst city he has ever visited.

6. Food on the streets, he says was by and large greasy, unhealthy and inedible unless he went to lousy fast food joints. He likes the soup stands and BBQ stands around Bangkok!!

I then went on to many Flipino forums to research this morning and all I read is people being mugged in broad daylight in Manila, gangs of well dressed Filipinos robbing people without shame in Jeepneys working in groups of up to 8, terrible poverty, drugs being placed in peoples drinks knocking them out and getting robbed, credit card scams in restaurants,agressive and nasty attitudes from Manila taxis threatening and refusing to open meters,cheating and scamming as soon as you get off the plane, police and security with machine guns at shopping malls and ever increasing threats from Muslim insurgents.

My God, it makes Pattaya sound like kindergarden!!!

I have made a few friends from there on Facebook and can assure readers ALL BAR NONE are trying to get out of there and work elsewhere. I have not met one, male or female, that says they love the Philippines and want to stay. Also, I have unfriended a few on FB as they constantly are trying to ram ' GOD ' down my throat and I am a long time atheist.

So, the question is, is it really that bad those of you who have been??

If it is, Why would anyone want to visit the Philippines???

[Gutenberg]

It is called Sex tourism.

[Scouse123]

Well,

If that's why they go, let them keep it.

It doesn't sound remotely like a holiday to me. I was in Vietnam recently and it was fantastic and none of the above mentioned.

I think I will steer clear.

[steven100]

sorry to hear about your friends condition .....

has he been to a hospital in Bangkok to seek treatment ?

[1FinickyOne]

I have also never been and you seem to be mostly referring to Manila - I know of people who have gone and spent time on other islands and love it - one friend I know said he would never stay in Manila but goes often… the photos I have seen the beaches look lovely… and so, I too have had mixed feelings as I have heard stores have armed guards [to keep out the people that I will be walking around amongst?]

Though my first thought was some of the negative posters from TV might have moved there - - and you can't trust everything you read on the internet…

but still everyone reports of these armed guards and I am sure they are there for a reason that will not appeal to me…

[Scouse123]

sorry to hear about your friends condition .....

has he been to a hospital in Bangkok to seek treatment ?

Yeah,

Nana plaza hospital I think the name of the place is.

I don't think he will be returning to the Philippines anytime soon.

[neitmoj]

Why? Delightful people. Warm welcome everywhere. None of the surliness so common in Thailand these days. Easy communication in English. Wonderful scenery. Gorgeous beaches. Low prices. Why not? Scruffy cities. Boring, unhealthy food. Above all, skip Manila. Worst city in SE Asia by far. Fly into Angeles/Clark (CRK) from KL, Singapore, or HK if you can and start from there. On the armed security guards everywhere, I admit it's off-putting at first. But the profession is a job-creation scheme. Most of them are too mild to shoot rabbits. The murder rate by gunshot is far lower than in Thailand.

[Gutenberg]

The murder rate by gunshot is far lower than in Thailand.

Can you list some sources because I cannot find them.

[Scouse123]

Guys,

I really don't want to get into a pissing contest on a country I have never been to, but this seems to show the Philippines way ahead of Thailand in the murder stakes.

It is 2012 survey and I am unsure of all the data.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate

[MaeJoMTB]

The hookers are cheaper and younger.

That's why they go.

[KittenKong]

The best thing about the RP is that all signs and labels are written using a readable script with no strange pronunciation, and much of it is in English anyway. English is very widely spoken.

The second best thing is that Filipinos basically think exactly like Westerners and rarely do anything bizarre or incomprehensible (well, no more bizarre than the US bible belt). And, unlike many Thais, most Filipinos dont have a massive dose of xenophobia or believe that they know everything when in fact they know little or nothing.

The third best thing is that the beer and cigars are cheap and good quality.

Apart from that there is much spectacular scenery, no official dual pricing (rarely any unofficial dual pricing either), and a notable (and delightful) absence of the 23 million tourists that come to Thailand every year.

Downsides:

Many natural disasters (storms, earthquakes, volcanoes) which the people really do not deserve.

Much poverty, which again is undeserved.

Food is often bland.

Taxation on world-wide income (only of interest to those wishing to live there).

[craigt3365]

The comments about Manila are spot on. It's not a great place to visit. I landed, got to my hotel, and beat a hasty retreat the next day. Went to Cebu and surrounding islands. It was good. Food is nowhere near as good as here. Diving is very good. Guns are everywhere. But it's OK. Just avoid Manila. The same might be said of Jakarta?

[happy Joe]

The hookers are cheaper and younger.

That's why they go.

I can confirm this assertion having lived a year in this country . Not real prostitute girls seeking on dating sites Their goal is marriage. Breaking up is always difficult and often tearful.

We go for girls (as in Thailand, huh ), but also stays there for the incredible kindness found everywhere. It is said that Filipino are the friendliest people in the world and I can believe.

But otherwise everything is inferior to Thailand to keep this item:

- The ubiquitous grime

- The catholic bigotry seems an insult to the intelligence

- The filthy food where each dish is bursting with fat and sugar

- Too low roof Jeepneys where it enters and leaves squatting

- All types of more expensive and less good housing.

- As stated above beggars, slums, garbage everywhere, misery, rats ...

Happy holidays

[Scouse123]

Thanks everyone.

Any places to avoid the squalor and rat infested areas?

If I go to Philippines then Manila is completely off the list and so would be dangerous areas of Muslim insurgent kidnappings.

They say the Philippines is the only place where consular assistance is needed by UK nationals more than Thailand.

Where is to be recommended where you are not constantly looking over your shoulder?

[animalmagic]

The best thing about the RP is that all signs and labels are written using a readable script with no strange pronunciation, and much of it is in English anyway. English is very widely spoken.

The second best thing is that Filipinos basically think exactly like Westerners and rarely do anything bizarre or incomprehensible (well, no more bizarre than the US bible belt). And, unlike many Thais, most Filipinos dont have a massive dose of xenophobia or believe that they know everything when in fact they know little or nothing.

The third best thing is that the beer and cigars are cheap and good quality.

Apart from that there is much spectacular scenery, no official dual pricing (rarely any unofficial dual pricing either), and a notable (and delightful) absence of the 23 million tourists that come to Thailand every year.

Downsides:

Many natural disasters (storms, earthquakes, volcanoes) which the people really do not deserve.

Much poverty, which again is undeserved.

Food is often bland.

Taxation on world-wide income (only of interest to those wishing to live there).

Sorry, but I have to query your assertion that "Filipinos basically think like Westerners and rarely do anything bizarre or incomprehensible". My mother in law from my first disaster bought a pair of football boots because she thought the studs were for keeping your feet out of puddles when its raining! I could go on.....and on........and on!

[OldSalty]

I have to agree with everything your friend says and I am living in Thailand with a Filipine family. My family loves it here and they do not want to go back to the Philippines. We all know that there is corruption in Thailand, but it is nothing compared with the Philippines, the banking system there is just shit, they learned from the Americans, the road system is shit and the traffic is unbelievable, the train system does not exist and the ferries are overcrowded and dangerous. Since Marcos every government came in on the promise to do something against corruption and than hey just filled up their own pockets and disappeared. So if you don't want to be disappointed make a circle around the Philippines and call it a "No go Zone"

[Woofer]

The scuba diving is good there and quite cheap.

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

We stay in Thailand how would we know ?

[BookMan]

! I could go on.....and on........and on!

Please do

That's what we are here for

[Roota]

The murder rate by gunshot is far lower than in Thailand.

UNODC, which is a very credible source, ranks the overall homicide rate of the Philippines as #70 in the world. They put Thailand at #104. The Philippines has always seemed more risky to me, though it's probably not as dangerous as it feels. As always, your real risk depends mainly on behaving yourself and not acting like a knob. Things can get very rough very quickly in the Philippines if you treat people badly.

As for reasons to go . . . well, better mountain climbing and better bars. Those are the two reasons I go there. Though to be fair, the people are very nice. And seeing the scruffiness and sleaze will probably give you a new appreciation for Thailand.

[samsensam]

Why? Delightful people. Warm welcome everywhere. None of the surliness so common in Thailand these days. Easy communication in English. Wonderful scenery. Gorgeous beaches. Low prices. Why not? Scruffy cities. Boring, unhealthy food. Above all, skip Manila. Worst city in SE Asia by far. Fly into Angeles/Clark (CRK) from KL, Singapore, or HK if you can and start from there. On the armed security guards everywhere, I admit it's off-putting at first. But the profession is a job-creation scheme. Most of them are too mild to shoot rabbits. The murder rate by gunshot is far lower than in Thailand.

the people are great, so much more motivated and hard working than thais. filipinos express opinions, can make decisions and can speak great english, they can solve problems and use initiative. sure it's not as safe as thailand but then it's more exciting too. depends what you want. i wouldnt live there but a visit can be an exciting, rewarding and satisfying experience.

[johnno2]

^{manila is a shit hole. philippines is bloody hard to get around. you can't jump on a train or bus to go from the top to the bottom. air travel is the only way unless you are going to stay on one island. the food is <deleted>. the people are nice but when you get out of the city, they usually only speak whatever their local dialect is. English is probably the 3rd language behind tagalog, visayan and then english.}

[marioc]

The best thing about the RP is that all signs and labels are written using a readable script with no strange pronunciation, and much of it is in English anyway. English is very widely spoken.

The second best thing is that Filipinos basically think exactly like Westerners and rarely do anything bizarre or incomprehensible (well, no more bizarre than the US bible belt). And, unlike many Thais, most Filipinos dont have a massive dose of xenophobia or believe that they know everything when in fact they know little or nothing.

The third best thing is that the beer and cigars are cheap and good quality.

Apart from that there is much spectacular scenery, no official dual pricing (rarely any unofficial dual pricing either), and a notable (and delightful) absence of the 23 million tourists that come to Thailand every year.

Downsides:

Many natural disasters (storms, earthquakes, volcanoes) which the people really do not deserve.

Much poverty, which again is undeserved.

Food is often bland.

Taxation on world-wide income (only of interest to those wishing to live there).

Sorry, but I have to query your assertion that "Filipinos basically think like Westerners and rarely do anything bizarre or incomprehensible". My mother in law from my first disaster bought a pair of football boots because she thought the studs were for keeping your feet out of puddles when its raining! I could go on.....and on........and on!

[NickJ]

Well.....I have been here a full 23 years. No thoghts ever to go to the PI.Most suggestions that I Should check it out seem to be all based on whoermongering.....Something I care nothi g about......

[RachaRob]

Definitely more poverty so more crime in the Philippines and a lot more guns around than Thailand. It is a lot cheaper than Thailand and

its better not to stay in Manila. Cebu or Davao is a better choice if going for tourism.

[Scouse123]

We stay in Thailand how would we know ?

I thought you might take the occasional day/week off from your fantastic one liners on here and actually travel around the region you " live in "

[callaway]

Any places to avoid the squalor and rat infested areas

If I go to Philippines then Manila is completely off the list and so would be dangerous areas of Muslim insurgent kidnappings.

They say the Philippines is the only place where consular assistance is needed by UK nationals more than Thailand.

Where is to be recommended where you are not constantly looking over your shoulder?

Subic bay or Olongapo is ok. Cebu area is great

[PhuketFarang]

Everyone has thier own reason to visit any country. For me, the Philippines has great diving that is much cheaper than here in Thailand. And they have unique dive sites that you can't find here. Such as Thresher Shark dives.

[off road pat]

The murder rate by gunshot is far lower than in Thailand.

Can you list some sources because I cannot find them.

Same for me,...went to the Philippines several times, every day I read a newspaper there, there was a story about drunks arguing and shooting there best friend....and lots of armed robberies...went to Subic, Angeles, and Puerto Galera often. read newspapers every day and there were full of gun violence...

It was a lot more violent Than Thailand but still a beautiful place, great scenery, lovely islands, Boracay was one of the 10 most beautiful islands on the planet in every survey, gorgeous beaches. Manilla has great historical places but is to violent.

Nothing violent ever happened to me there, but the feeling of insecurity was present in not all but many places.

Best regards.

[soc]

Why? Delightful people. Warm welcome everywhere. None of the surliness so common in Thailand these days. Easy communication in English. Wonderful scenery. Gorgeous beaches. Low prices. Why not? Scruffy cities. Boring, unhealthy food. Above all, skip Manila. Worst city in SE Asia by far. Fly into Angeles/Clark (CRK) from KL, Singapore, or HK if you can and start from there. On the armed security guards everywhere, I admit it's off-putting at first. But the profession is a job-creation scheme. Most of them are too mild to shoot rabbits. The murder rate by gunshot is far lower than in Thailand.

the people are great, so much more motivated and hard working than thais. filipinos express opinions, can make decisions and can speak great english, they can solve problems and use initiative. sure it's not as safe as thailand but then it's more exciting too. depends what you want. i wouldnt live there but a visit can be an exciting, rewarding and satisfying experience.

My ex-wife was a Filipina.

Thats enough to put me off ever wanting to go back there, lol!

Agree that Manila is a shithole, the countryside is much nicer.

She came from Cavite City where there is/was a lot of Spanish blood.

Some pretty Mestiza girls in Cavite.