Comments on: I want to visit Phillipines but I’ll stand out. Safety advice?

By: theiceman2005

theiceman2005 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:56:59 +0000

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
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By: pvteightball

pvteightball — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:25:59 +0000

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)
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By: oneiloilojeepney

oneiloilojeepney — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:55:59 +0000

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.
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I have lived in the Philippines since 1/2002

By: swtpnayloveeeeee

swtpnayloveeeeee — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:45:59 +0000

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 [=
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By: fakebobjones

fakebobjones — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:14:59 +0000

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.
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Try to avoid New Manila in Quezon City at night (ghost infested) <—That was so random! I love it!

By: nyorkz A

nyorkz A — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:45:59 +0000

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.
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By: Madame

Madame — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:36:59 +0000

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.
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By: SAMD010

SAMD010 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:28:59 +0000

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.
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By: nuttynellie

nuttynellie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:42:59 +0000

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!
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By: brix c

brix c — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:53:59 +0000

any where in the world are just the same
if u act weirdly
trouble for sure will come your way
act naturally
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