I want to visit Phillipines but I’ll stand out. Safety advice?
Feb,15
at4:57 am
byadmin
I’d love to visit to understand my husband’s culture. We’ll be escorted by family members everywhere but I fear for safety.
I’m asian and you can definitely tell I’m not from the Phillipines…I can’t tan no matter how long I sit in the sun. In fact, you could say my skin tone is too white, but I can’t do anything about it. I’m told honestly by my Phillipino friends that this could make me a target for anything.
Any advice? Truth or myth?
I want to visit Manilla and touristy places. Would have liked to see farms but I’m told that’s out of the question.
My man has only been to Phillipines twice in his life so can’t get much feedback from him. Just need general opinion first. Thanks!
I’m a filipino and i don’t think that’s true. Most people would just glance or for some–stare, but that’s just it. Maybe try learning our language, so people would think your just one of us; and if your with your husband I don’t think anything bad would happen. Plus filipino’s are known for being hospitable, aren’t they?
I’m a filipino and i don’t think that’s true. Most people would just glance or for some–stare, but that’s just it. Maybe try learning our language, so people would think your just one of us; and if your with your husband I don’t think anything bad would happen. Plus filipino’s are known for being hospitable, aren’t they?
References :
I’m a Filipina! I’ve seen lots of foreigners in Manila… and nothing bad happens to them… I think they look cool! they stand out and that’s not such a bad thing… you dont have to tan and try to fit in… It’s okay… Filipinos are hospitable and I’m sure they’ll respect you and make you feel like you’re home!
References :
the Philippines is a very beautiful country and our most admirable trait is our sense of hospitality. if you cannot feel safe in our country you cannot be anywhere else in the world even in your own country. come and visit and you’ll love your husband more. should you decide to see cavite, email me.
References :
I am white and went to General Santos City in Mindanao and had no problem
References :
No problem if you will be with your Filipino family members. They know the place. Marinduque is nice place to see. It is safe there. My brother can accompamy you there. Call him-Claro- 7113621.
References :
My wife is a filipina, and I’ve visited there 4 times now. There are some areas where you need to be careful. For the most part, the people are very friendly and hospitable. But some areas where poverty is widespread, people will try just about anything to get a leg up, so I would suggest not carrying a purse around…keep your money and other valuables in a front pocket, if possible. If you’re going to be escorted by your husband’s family, you should be fine though. Don’t let worrying about your valuables ruin a good time…have fun!
References :
Just be happy to be there, have the mindset of generosity and you will be golden. All people love kindness. Generate thoughtful behaviour and mindfulness.
The Dalai
References :
Dalai Lama
i could just give you these safety tips:
1. Learn a bit of our language. When you can communicate well with people, you will lessen the chance of getting tricked by dishonest citizens who would want to take advantage of you.
2. Before getting on taxis, jot down the plate number. This safety precaution has been really helpful. (especially in cases where people forget their belongings)
3. Get to know a bit about the current events. You might want to find out how much things cost around here & stuff.
Philippines is still a safe place for both filipinos & foreigners. There are tons of places to visit. You could check out this site to help you decide which places you should go visit:
http://www.tourism.gov.ph
Filipinos are the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Have a happy trip! : )
References :
myth, don’t believer everything you hear. if you are with friends, you won’t be targetted…enjoy yourself!
References :
Don’t go to unlit areas.
Try to avoid New Manila in Quezon City at night (ghost infested)
Keep your belongings in a safe place
Don’t show your money or jewelry in public places
The Manila baywalk (from the U. S. Embassy complex to the Yacht Club) is now devoid of restaurants but the sunset is good.
We have one of the world’s biggest malls (SM Mall of Asia).
The NAIA is not a "modern" int’l airport but it still has the ability to handle flights.
Try the Fort (in Taguig City) or Eastwood City (in Libis, Quezon City) for the nightlife.
The New Manila area in Quezon City is haunted. Please avoid it at night time.
There are quality fireworks being sold in Bocaue in Bulacan (north of Manila).
That’s the only advice that I’ll give to you right now. Try to email me if you want more.
References :
Legazpi city in Albay, Philippines is a great place to visit… You’ll learn about Mayon Volcano, the almost-perfect-cone-shaped volcano. But it’s very safe so u don’t need to worry anyway…
References :
Generally speaking as long as you don’t go wandering about by yourself in some dark alley somewhere you’ll be fine (which is true for any country). Being part of a group like your husband and family you’re doubly safe.
Like what everyone has been saying here, most Filipinos you’ll encounter will go to great extent to make you feel welcome… and not all denizens of the country have dark skin so you probably wont stand out as much as you think.
When you are in a commercial area especially the high end ones you’ll be left alone to wonder aimlessly about, which everyone do anyway. In touristy area however be aware that people who’s livelihood depend on foreigners will do their best to win over your business. Don’t be alarm, it can be annoying at times, but it’s part of the landscape. There could be cheats among them but most of them are trying to earn a decent buck …so just practice good judgement.
Be aware as well that if you find yourself giving attention to one of the vendors, others will flock your way, again no need to panic. My advise in this situation… if you do not want their attention simply look uninterested and move on along.
And if the farm atmosphere is what tickle your fancy, ask the locals (your husband’s family) and I’m sure more than a couple of really good and safe tourist spots will be suggested to you.
References :
Go only to places where there are also other tourists like boracay, baguio, etc. Don’t go to places that are secluded and out of town (i mean outside metro manila).
I feel I’d get a lot of thumbs down for saying this but i think you should avoid going to mindanao area just to play it safe. (to avoid Abu Saayaf and other terrorist groups)
References :
any where in the world are just the same
if u act weirdly
trouble for sure will come your way
act naturally
References :
I was with my Caucasian boyfriend just recently and he was safe… Though I feared for his safety, everybody else was very cordial and congenial to him, so dont panic about you being too ‘white’ or anything.
you are not going to be a target. your husband and his family will be there to make sure you are safe.
I am sure you will love it here and enjoy your stay, just like my boyfriend did!
Hope to see you around!
References :
I have been around the Pinoy Community all of my life and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was there because I wanted to be . . . Whether here in San Francisco or the few times that I visited the Philippines. I am whiter than you are. Of course, all of the Philippines is not safe, just as all of the USA is not safe for anyone . . . The fact that one may be considered an outsider is totally irrelevant. When I go to the Philippines, I always find myself being surrounded by young people . . . I love children though. As much as possible, I want to be with kids. That is just my personal opinion. I hope you have a safe trip . . . I wish that I could go there too. I really do love the Philippines. I have 11-Godchildren residing there and I love and miss them so much.
References :
you said you’re Asian. what’s the difference? the color of your skin is white? a lot of white skinned Pinoys in the Phils. The truth is, don’t go to places that are not safe. Even the locals don’t wander around late at night. there are a lot of mestizas in the Phils and your looks will not bother anyone unless you will wear skimpy dresses. hmmppp.
References :
WATCH OUT FOR TEH MOMO!!
just joking its a safe place just dont look so snob, be friendly.
mostly young children are amazed by the skin color (but they are not racist). you’ll be fine they’ll treat you hospitalby.
References :
Nope. I am another foreigner living here (white and living in an area with few foreigners) and have no problems. I go out alone all the time and never have a problem. If you are Chinese, many people will likely assume you are local. Either way, I do not think foreigners are targets for crime any more than anyone else. The kidnappings for ransom are VERY rare and are always local businessmen. Pickpocketing, snatching, etc is the same as everywhere in the world. I have never had a problem.
You will hear the scariest stories from Pinoys themseleves. Before my first trip here, all my colleages and friends from Philippines told me horror stories and all the bad things that would happen. They have yet to occur.
Worst thing that will likely happen to you is you will get the special foreigner price when shopping which means it takes you twice as long to get the price to a normal level. Oh, and more kids will hit you up for money then usual but it is really not a big deal.
I noticed you mentioned farms. I do not know where your farm is but most provinces are even safer than the city. Although Manila is great, really try to get out of the city. One hour in any direction and it is a whole new world–nature, beaches, wildlife. It is really worth your time to do a side trip out of the city…..in my opinion, the greatest beauty of the Philippines is outside of Manila.
References :
Try to avoid New Manila in Quezon City at night (ghost infested) <—That was so random! I love it!
your inability to tan is perfectly fine (:
in the Philippines, light skin is beautiful..
if you are going to be with family members, then you really should have nothing to worry about. try not to bring too many valuables, dont look ‘expensive’.
there’s really nothing to worry about.. the locals that you will be with will definitely warn you when you shouldnt bring a purse or something like that.
have fun [=
References :
I am a caucasian American that is 6′2" and weighs 260 lbs. If anybody stands out in a crowd it’s me. I have not had a single problem related to safety and generally I travel with family and sometimes on my own.
While it’s true you may stand out as a target, it’s mostly scammers and petty thieves. They won’t dare to approach you in the safety of a group of family members.
I won’t say don’t worry. But I will say just use common sence, don’t flash allot of money or expensive jewerley and you’ll be fine.
I just got back from Manilla and Bantangus and go to touristy and rural places all the time . Unless your going to Southern Mindano outside Davo city limits and the Sulu archepelligo, your fine.
References :
I have lived in the Philippines since 1/2002
It’s pretty safe. Yes there’s imperfection( poverty and pollution), but its not really bad compared to other countries in Africa or some of our neighbors( Asian countries)
References :
that is not true I’m not Filipino and i been several times with out have any problems i believe is if you going to places where there is no business to be there
References :