How can I avoid embarrassing myself in the philippines?

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Happygrrl

Dang, I want to slap whoever said that to you!! :(

First off you are not fat, get that out of your head. Well all have our own issues, we are human :) That should not even be a factor when you are trying to plan a beautiful vacation far away.

Do not be worried. In Asia you may get a few looks, but that is because you are white and taller than them (the average Asian is much shorter than the average American). I am a 5'7" woman 130 and when I lived in Hong Kong and Korea, all people did was look at me.

The reason why some locals in some countries dislike Americans is because a small handful of bad seeds from America were rude to them. I have seen Americans be very demanding when traveling abroad, not factoring in that they are in another culture and people do not act/talk/treat people the way we do in America (Americans are sometimes too forthright).

Something tells me that you are not one of those bullish Americans, so you should not have any issues. To make your self a little less worried, just make sure you
1) plan your trip in advance (hotel, transportation, general idea of activities). Do not over plan or plan every detail
2) Understand a few words in Filipino (Tagalog). Such as hello, goodbye, can you help me, where is the bathroom, emergency, etc. That shows the locals that you have a certain level of respect and attempted to understand a bit of their language
3) do not push your American ideas on the locals or the other travelers. That is the kind of thing many other people in the world do not like.

Enjoy your trip.

Big P

I advise you NOT to wander off by yourself. Its best to have company with you if you know someone.

Some of the filipino answers here really don't understand what we go through sometimes as americans on vacation in the Philippines. Most of the people are nice.

Enjoy the Philippines but be smart because you stand out in public. I can tell you more but I don't want to upset the people here in Yahoo answers Ph.

Beware of overly friendly people because there are scams out there. I am being very honest and I am not putting the people down at all because I do enjoy the Philippines.
The young kids are always nice to me. They enjoy my presence and their greetings are very sincere.

Some locations are more safer than the others. It depends upon the region your in.

Lushbabe4ever

Filipinos don't really care if you're fat or thin, white or black... If they stare at you just ignore them. It's because we (Filipinos) appreciate foreigners as tourists in our country and it's not everyday we see americans like you. Just smile at them and they will do the same thing to you. Filipinos are warm & hospitable. Just try to respect the Philippines Culture, the people and they will do that to you in return.
Just don't do anything that will provoke Filipinos .(Golden rule)
Then follow the traveller's guidelines & safety tips then I guess you will be fine.

Check out this link: (--,)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/philippines
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/

oneiloilojeepney

Whomever told you that nonsence should be shot then hung. :)
I am a "fat white American" and have lived in the Philippines for the past 5 years with no problem at all. Philippinos are friendly and peaceful people. It's been my experiance if your nice to them, they are nice back.

BokBok

I don't know if this is a serious question or not, but I will answer it as if it is a serious question.

First off, I think that pinoys will respect you who every you are, they do not discriminate like that. Just be nice to them, they will be nice to you. They do not hate American people, they will actually adore you if you are fun to be around with. Just don't present yourself as snobbish. Mingle with the people, make laughs, help them out when they need help. Don't act Mayabang ok.. They wont like you if you act as if you are better then them.

oldsoftee2001

find a guide. then stay out of jeepneys and take taxis.

one warning I can give you is to not get in a jeepney with only men in it. Also, don't get in first. I did that once and it filled up with five other men. I hurredly jumped off. Was told that action might have saved my live.

don't throw money around. A guide will help you avoid that.

you are braver than me.

fakebobjones

People here are actually much more American-friendly than a lot of countries. No one will stab you on a jeepney--if you are that worried, sit up with the driver (for some reason these people often escape having their items taken in a hold up). People will likely stare at you because you are obviously a foreigner. The people who stare will namely be children and bored salesladies. It is not a mean stare, but it will take you a while to get used to it.

Honestly, the only thing that embarrasses me about my fellow countrymen here is when I see them with a MUCH younger, MUCH prettier woman. Could be love, but if the age difference is more that 20 years, I think bad thoughts about them.

phil_rover

Here, you might find this useful:

EVERYDAY GREETINGS
Magandang umaga po. (formal/polite) - Good morning
Magandang umaga. (informal) - Good morning
Magandang tanghali po. (formal/polite) - Good noon
Magandang tanghali. (informal) - Good noon
Magandang hapon po. (formal/polite) - Good afternoon
Magandang hapon. (informal) - Good afternoon
Magandang gabi po. (formal/polite) - Good evening
Magandang gabi. (informal) - Good evening
Kumusta po kayo? (formal/polite) - How are you?
Kumusta ka? (informal) - How are you?
Mabuti po naman. (formal/polite) - I'm fine
Mabuti naman. (informal) - I'm fine
Tuloy po kayo. (formal/polite) - Please, come in
Tuloy. (informal) - Please, come in
Salamat po. (formal/polite) - Thank you
Salamat. (informal) - Thank you
Maraming salamat po. (formal/polite) - Thank you very much
Maraming salamat. (informal) - Thank you very much
Wala pong anuman. (formal/polite) - You are welcome
Walang anuman. (informal) - You are welcome
Opo/ oho. (formal/polite) - Yes
Oo (informal) - Yes
Hindi po/ho (formal/polite) - No
Hindi (informal) - No
Hindi ko po/ho alam. (formal/polite) - I don't know
Hindi ko alam. (informal) - I don't know
Anong oras na po? (formal/polite) - What time is it?
Anong oras na? (informal) - What time is it?
Saan po kayo papunta? (formal/polite) - Where are you going?
Saan ka papunta? (informal) - Where are you going?
Saan po kayo galing? (formal/polite) - Where did you come from?
Saan ka galing? (informal) - Where did you come from?
Ano po ang pangalan nila? (formal/polite) - What is your name?
Anong pangalan mo? (informal) - What is your name?
Ako po si ________ (formal/polite) - I am ______ (name).
Ako si _________ (informal) - I am ______ (name).
Ilang taon na po kayo? (formal/polite) - How old are you?
Ilang taon ka na? (informal) - How old are you?
Ako po ay _______ gulang na. (formal/polite) - I am _______ years old.
Ako ay _______ gulang na. (informal) - I am _______ years old.
Saan po kayo nakatira? (formal/polite) - Where do you live?
Saan ka nakatira? (informal) - Where do you live?
Taga saan po sila? (formal/polite) - Where are you from?
Taga saan ka? (informal) - Where are you from?
Kumain na po ba sila? (formal/polite) - Have you eaten yet?
Kumain ka na ba? (informal) - Have you eaten yet?

DIRECTIONS
Below is a list of Tagalog words and phrases used in giving or asking for directions.
deretso - straight ahead
(sa) kanan - on the right
(sa) kaliwa - on the left
umikot - turn around
(sa) harap - in front
(sa) likod/likuran - at the back/behind
hilaga - north
silangan - east
kanluran - west
timog - south
(sa) itaas - on top
(sa) ibaba - below/at the bottom
(sa) ilalim - at the bottom
(sa) loob - inside
(sa) labas - outside

There are a number of Tagalog words and phrases which are rather vague in terms of specific distance but signify "nearness" or "farness" of a particular object, thing, or place from the speaker. These are:

doon - yonder (over there)
diyan lang po sa tabi - there, on that side
sa banda po doon - over on that side

Rev R

I am a
Fat,
Balding,
white,
American
Pastor
(6"3" tall-350lbs)
I have lived in Bogo, Cebu, Philippines for over 3 years,

the only thing you need to know is that if you ride a tricycle (motor with side car) they will double check their tire preasure LOL (that is true by the way)...

Also if you are older like me (51) and have knee problems it is best to ride in the taxi or the air conditioned bus
(the regular buses are always crowded and you can not stretch out your legs. The same holds true for getting in and out of the jeepney.

Make sure you bring enough underware if you are over a size x-large you will not find them here. I am (XXXL-tall)

If your shoe size is over 11 you will not find ready made shoes.I am (13 www)

I am not sure where you are going but for the most part unless you are going into a war zone here,

you are safer here in the Philippines then you would be walking to the 7-11 past 10pm in the U.S.

Just don't flash money,
don't flash jewlery
and for Pete's sake don't act like you are better than every one else
(but also don't just hand out money)
(kids now ask just to so they can play games and use the internet)

If you are coming to meet someone concentrate on that person and her needs (not all her wants).

You will find it hard here if you have any heart at all, but to a point everyone here has some needs and some wants,
you have to understand you can not help the whole Philippines, and they ask that you do not give hand outs to people as that can cause you and other visitors problems.

If I can help you with any other information email me I would be glad to answer for you.

â™« Tralala â™«

Just be yourself and be respectful.

â™« Tralala â™«

appleglaze28

Well being a fat American isn't like a big deal. But we can't avoid some people to mock you, its human nature to some of us. But just being able to enjoy yourself. If you want to exprience the Philippines first hand like some local. Find a friend whose gonna take you around places. Do local stuffs, riding a jeepney isn't really all that bad it depends on the area and sometimes it all by luck really.

siopaO

lushbabe is wrong my grand mother is mestiza and fat people always look at her......... but not in a bad way like, to laugh at her or anything its just simply because she stands out of the crowd....

+ never put you're wallet in you re pocket+
+always carry a bag, and always make sure that you are holding it tightly+ better safe than sorry..
+Filipino's LOVES foreigners!!+
+Filipino's would never think that you re an *** if you did something wrong because we know that youre new here+ well i wouldn't...
+if you need to ask something feel free to ask.... just find someone who looks that he can understand you......

+ always carry coins.... 10 pesos 5 pesos even one peso coins.....+

+before paying in jeepney's or tricycles ask someone if how much that fair is+

good luck!!!

Otaku in Need

Hmm... <thinks thoughtfully>

Sorry to hear dat...

However you must knw dat d reason Filipinos may seem dat way was because, like wat someone else here said, some of ur fellow americans here were real jrks. Dese Americans were these worst we Filipinos thought of them: Racist, arrogant, loud, hot-headed, and most of all

... horny.

Trust me man, I sometimes see americans here with hookers 10-15 yrs younger than them and it's guys lyk them that are the ones that made u Americans look reeeaaally bad over here.

However, I blame my people (and myself) for thinking that way about every American. You can prove us wrong by showing them the good qualities you Americans possess.

P.S.

As to not getting stabbed in a jeepney, just don't be like the bad americans I mentioned. Be humble, respect our culture, and be courteous. (Also, if it helps, don't wear anything expensive.)

soul of night shade

Simple just be yourself, not all of them hates you, and plus you feel a bit better if you just be yourself..

MusicObsessedâ„¢

just act natural. try to blend in.

Lola

aw! everybody there doesn't hate americans and don't be ashame of yourself. just be respectful and be polite. give a smile to everyone and don't take a jeepney. get a local that you can trust to show you around. enjoy your stay.

FILAMUSA

Loose some weight and then when you introduce the prostitutes that you get with to others they might pass as girls that actually like you for being a rich american and not just a rich american fat body.

tranquil

Aww... there will be people that will look at you, not because you appear like a possible victim but beause you look different.

If you live in fear, you will not enjoy your stay.

Do remain aware of your surroundings, please treat the people with respect, apply common sense when dealing with the people. Happy travels!

Filipina maiden

dakota, ur not FAT!!!did u know that being fat over there is considered rich?i hope that will make u feel better.second of all, if ur traveling with a filipina chick then THAT IS AWESOME because they'll be able to guide u.filipinos are very kind to u, dont wrry and they WILL show respect!!!(trust me, im a filipina [u can tell by my name] and they show me plenty of respect) and people wont care if ur "pleasantly plump" because if u mind your business over there then they'll mind theirs.DO NOT MAKE COMMENTS ON HOW DIRTY OR SMELLY THE MANILA STREETS ARE!(because to be honest, when i went there last summer in june, the weather was HOT and it was kinda smelly, but thats manila for u).also, i agree with ppl that u learn some minor filipino.in fact, go to wikipedia.com and type in "culture of the Philippines", start researching that page because it will tech you filipino mannerisms.

i hope this helps and remember: being fat MEANS YOU ARE RIIIIIIICH!!!

Servant_of_God

WTF? Filipinos literally lick the asses of Americans. They worship them.

Don't worry

Well

You can always immediately go on the Atkins diet and lose 15 pounds in two weeks so you won't come off as a sweaty porker after you touch down in Manila.

Seriously, the best and easiest thing you can do is to never drive a car there, mouth off to a local, keep your voice down and never ever get up in the middle of a crowd and declare "I am an American and I want service NOW!"

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