Be honest: What's the typical attitude toward Americans in the Philippines?

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frogskin13

I have been there for work and I have not had a problem. Sometimes, on the internet, people can be much more rude than they normally are in person.

I believe most countries do not like the US right now, but when you meet them in person and they see you are not the arrogant war monger they might think you are, they will treat you nicely.

The best thing to do is not be arrogant, don't complain about differences in their culture from US culture, and just do as they do while you are there.

Comments to the Additional Details:
My fiance is from Costa Rica and some people who do not know us believe she is with me because I am an American. I am sure that some will think that in the Phillipines as well, but I have not had people say anything to me about it. Really, the only people who have acted weird about it are hotel front desk people, some think we are there for the wrong reasons, haha. Overall, I doubt you will notice anybody being rude to you though.

SAMD010

I really want to retire to the Philippines. I have been married to separate Pinay for most of my life. I lost my first wife of 31-years of Glorious Marriage to a Massive Heart Attack. Then I remarried to another Filipina. I don't know who has been telling you such bunk and Filipinos look down on Americans or whatever other kind of relative idea but it's not true. Even here in the United States, when I attend Mass on Sunday, I choose to go to the Filipino Mass as opposed to another Mass in which all ethnicitys frequent. I do that because I want to do it that way. I prefer to be around Filipinos, anyway.

chas

i have been to manila 20 times for business. i never detected a problewm with americans. i love the PI's

Ray H

I have never had a problem in the Philippines. Most people are very nice. Some may think that your young lady is with you for a green card, but that is their opinion. They may try to charge you a little more money for things then they would a local, but thats kind of to be expected with most tourist destinations. Everyone is different, but if you are polite, you should have no problems with anyone.

Leander

They look at Caucasian and Black Americans as being rich. Generally, the attitude outside the cities is of that big awe as foreigners are not that common in the suburbs. Seeing a slightly bigger built and a different featured person, of course, raises curiosity. Filipinos are generally shy and you might even notice people trying to not converse with you because of shyness. In the urban areas though, especially in big cities like Cebu City and Metro Manila, foreigners are a common sight. Please refer to my 1st sentence above for what people generally think. A common sight for an American with a Filipina wife is that American male tends to be far older than their spouses and people think that the girl is just taking advantage of the situation for financial reasons or vice versa with the American mostly interested in sex with young women. This mind set is unfortunate but I guess that it is the same anywhere around the world and even here in the US. I would probably categorize that speculation as human nature.

Filipinos like Americans generally unless they are one of the leftist. Even so, they do not hate Americans that are connected with any family members or a friend of the family. We like them as individuals. It's not like some parts of the world that condemns even the presence of Americans. We love Americans but I guess that the blame game and debate that you see in the media starts when the issue becomes political... The leftist usually blames the US government and the Philippine government for some issues. Also, any issues in regards to abuse, even if not yet proven, already becomes a trigger mechanism for pickets.

I hope this sheds light. This is just my collected thought and my 2 cents as a Filipino and probably is different from other's experiences. Good luck and don't hesitate to visit.

danny boy

You have nothing to fear. You may get some stares (not of the nasty kind but more of curiosity) but otherwise you'd be fine. Lots of Americans have been in and out of the Philippines - some are even repeat visitors - and most seem to have enjoyed their stay. You will too!

Anathema Device

Just don't be a boorish American and you'll be fine. Filipinos are a generally warm and accepting people. If you treat us with respect, you will be accorded the same treatment.

However, please note that because of our colonial past, Filipinos with a background in activism are critical of the American government and its policies but don't worry, they will not take this out on you. :-) Just try not to take it personally if you do encounter some remarks about this.

It is true though that there are some Filipinos who don't look favourably at Filipinas with foreigner boyfriends or husbands. Heck, even I got strange looks when I was at the airport with a Dutch colleague while we were on our way to a meeting in Cebu but this is not something that you and our fiance should worry about. There will always be small-minded people anywhere in the world. Ignore them.

It is also true that some Filipinos look at foreigners as if they're walking dollar signs but this kind of thing is usual in many poor countries around the world and it happens to any other tourist, not just the Caucasian ones.

Once when my girlfriends and I went out of town with an American friend, a boatman insisted on charging us twice the usual price of the boat rental just because we had a foreigner with us [sigh]. If this happens to you, let your fiance and her family/friends do the negotiations. Also, smile a lot and tell them that you're just a poor American guy so they would stop insisting on charging you more than they should. That's what our American friend did (he was actually a missionary) and it worked.

Well, hope this helps and have fun in the Philippines.

kokey14

Im a Filipino and love the Americans.

Kojak

....This is not an easy question to answer.....While most Filipinos like America and Americans ,there is a growing faction that dislikes all foreigners. Their distaste is not entirely unjustified. Many foreigners come here and behave badly.
As to your girlfriend.....The problem with cross cultural relationships here is compounded with an additional faction of Filipinos that dislike miscegenation..... the debauching of young Filipinas by "rich" foreigners. The real ugliness of this is you will often not know it is happening. Many of these cowards will accost her in public using her language. They call her foul disgusting names. They ask her equally disgusting personal questions of a sexual nature. You will not even know it is happening unless you notice the hurt in your girlfriends eyes.
Your lady friend sacrifices a lot to be seen in public with you. Her virginity will be questioned and her general reputation will be damaged.
The overwhelming majority of Filipinos are gracious and friendly. Their culture makes them generally non-confrontational, sensitive and compassionate people.
You seem to be an intelligent person. You have displayed a concern to be a good guest. Just behave as you would want others to behave were they guests in your home. Be sensitive to your host and they will guide you to a pleasant visit.

mrs. t

I am Filipina and I'm married to an American. My husband been to the Philippines. He never experienced bad things when he was in the Philippines. Actually, he told me he wanted to retire there. Its good for you to experience to stay in the Philippines and you will know what's really the truth.

mysterian

You will be treated great by the family. If you are getting married there, it can be a wonderful time. Show respect to elders, try to not get angry, they really do hide their feelings.
There are scam artists there that will try to separate you from your money, some of them quite cleverly. Always be with a family member, don't walk around by yourself and you should be fine. Most Filipinos are quite shy and reserved, but they have a great dignity.

Rouge

I agree with Kojak. You see and others see a different outside picture. I am a Filipina but only those are more educated enough will never judge you and your fiance.... Same accusing and dirty looks have been gifted to us with my caucasian fiance (european) when we were there... but don't be so worried, the love always win. You and your fiance are the ones who know what is the truth... how real the love is. I know the feeling. Good luck to you two and enjoy your stay. Mabuhay!

brick

It depends... Most of the Americans who visited our country are very friendly people, talkative and very honest with their opinion... There are some though who are really pain in the ***...

Generally, we are used to having foreigners around and so we treat them the same way we treat others... If you are ok, we are ok... You screw us once, we'll screw you three times... Those guys who have negative opinion are probably talking about your government not the people...

eezy_jex Â®

Ok, I got two aunt who married foreigners. Tita Heidi got an American husband and my Tita Josephine had a British. So, there was no problem in our whole clan.... for years of observation, people (not our relatives) always greet them. Sometimes bringing local delicacies. To my own amazement, no payment or whatsoever. Then, I found out that they treat my foreigner uncles as part of the neighborhood.

You will be respected ....

Kelbid

Most of the Filipinos I met were very friendly and helpful, but yes, there is some resentment towards Americans, too--mostly due to our government always trying to bully other countries around & force it's own agenda. Knowing a little about the U.S.'s policies there does help a lot, whether you agree with it's policies or not. Try: http://countrystudies.us/philippines/92.htm
for a good overview. But honestly, I don't think you will encounter a lot of hostility there unless you go around mouthing off about how perfect & superior the U.S. is. Typical attitude I'd say is that they think Americans are rich, but a little dumb, generous and good-natured. And if you are going with your fiance, I'm sure they will treat you exceptionally well & want to impress you.

P.S. Yes, there are a lot of Filipinas who just want to marry a rich American & get a green card, so your fiance isn't being paranoid, but I doubt she will be hassled much about it--some women may be jealous, but can't imagine they would be very rude about it.

chief8

To everyone above me, I add my 2 cents worth: Filipinos are the friendliest people in that part of the world. There are thousands of American expats living there. Most are married to Filipinas. And they speak English. Common courtesy and decency are all you need to enjoy your stay there.

Make the trip and enjoy.

Johny

Yeah mate they'll only look at you and see a big dollar sign. You can't blame them its residue left from years of cultural misconception but they are generally pretty good. If your with your girl all the time then you'll be fine. Just be smart and don't try to act rich or that you have alot of money because thats when you'll start having problems. Some people will stare since your white but just don't try to be to wild.

I'm sure after afew days after arrival you'll understand how things work over there.

Bopols

You should not allow yourself to be put in a mold. When you show your real self, and Filipinos like waht they see, you will be a big hit. When your real self is one who is arrogant, condescending, know-it-all, you will still get some respect but they will only come from the poor who do not know any better. The Filipinos who believe in themselves will find you annoying. And the literati and the glitterati will see you as a pest.

If your true self is good, it doesn't matter to us that you are an American or French.

Flip

They love your money that's for sure. And due to your influence, i.e hollywood films, products, the filipino way of thinking of "white is right, west is best",and your government's never ending propaganda of "We're the good guys!", well of course most filipinos would be happy to accomodate you. But then again same as most people of different nationalities around the globe who think americans dont know anything beyond their borders, including myself..... well you get the idea. Im not generalizing though, I have sensible yankee mates as well, but most americans I met during my travels are wanks. They think they are hot sh*t though they dont even come close to a cold fart. That's as honest as I can get.

And about the wife, well its natural phenomenon in thirld world countries. Thailand, Vietnam etc. Dont worry too much about it, it really doesn't matter what other people think now does it?

themasterwork

Are you kidding me? Filipinos love Americans because of the height and being a colonial country, the colonial mentality still pervades regarding complexion...but I will say something regarding Americans and our customer service...it's not as fast as Americans so don't complain loudly like you do in the states...we're not used to that

Queena

I still think that Americans are looked upon with respect in the Philippines because of its history. To the Filipinos, the Americans were the ones who freed them from Japanese opression during WWll.

Honky Kong

As for me and most of the people that I know, we don't really care one way or another. We don't have much interaction with Filipinos.

DinoAnswersalot

I am an american and to us they all look the same

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