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HotDog
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Beware of sidewalks , where they even exist in the first place . There are electrical wires dangling over them , some may be live wires , holes in the sidewalks , things jutting from them , peddlers selling on the sidewalk , motorcycles , bycycles , cars , trucks , jeepneys and everything imiganible parked on them . Car horns constantly going , so much so that locals do not even hear them . Better just to walk in the street as you will see others doing . Dont carry much money or all your credit cards at any one time , dont flash money , dont show cell phone in public . Be prepared for the trash all up and down every street , and people urinating on the sidewalk everywhere . Most speak English , even though very badly , they will understand what they care to understand . |
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Rommel V
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OK!! I went over Christmas break, im filipino, but lived in the USA all my life and my tagalog (the language there) is HORRBILE!! if you go somewhere like shopping in a market place, HAGGLE! dont give into the price they start with, because the can rip you off.. but in fixed places like a mall you cant :-p thad be funny tho. It's VERY hot there so pack shorts and shirts and stuff.. there's lots of things to do, mainly malls and recreation places. Well just always be aware of your surroundings, don't be afraid. Philippines is awesome.. Just expect it to be hot and ENJOY your stay.. again do not be afraid. OH! and expect a 24 hour flight going there and another 24 coming back.. it's a LONG trip. maybe some sunscreen if you get irritated easily.. There's aLOT of traffic, so go to the bathroom b4 you go on road journey's..so yea. Have fun, i'm jealous that you're going! :-p lol Be safe. Enjoy! |
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Aramat16
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Before you go, go online and research different attractions that you would like to visit near the area where you will be staying. Find several good sports with positive online reviews. Then, ask your aunt to show you these attractions, and anything else she may think is a good experience. Try the food, go along with the customs, don't go anywhere by yourself due to the language barrier. I think you'll have a great time, its a beautiful country! |
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bob taskbar
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it depends on what place you are visiting.
if you are going to manila. bring an ipod, because traffic can be a problem. a good rubber shoes from a lot of walking and maybe shopping. and because i have american cousins, so i think i know. do not just drink water from the faucet here, or ordered from a restaurant. if you do order a drink, demand a sealed/ unopened bottled water or softdrinks. don't even think of gettting drink from a fast food - bec they are not sealed. don't forget those flu shots and vaccinations, esp if you're going to other places. the thing is that filipinos are used to get their systems bombarded with different kinds of bacteria and viruses everyday. but because americans live in a more clean environment, you are not that immune to the same bacteria/ viruses - meaning drink only sealed bottled water or canned softdrinks. be street smart esp in the way you dress, no unnecessary jewelry and keep it simple. keep watch on your bag esp walking the streets of manila - there are thieves always on the watch. it is better to walk in the morning than at night even if you are near your hotel. it is better if you are staying in a hotel in makati near a hotel, because it is safer to walk around the mall area at night. but the hotels in manila and in malate, you must not walk around at night. these are notorious to have holdups esp at night. but it is safe during daytime.
manila is not really a good place to visit. because the usa have more and bigger malls, cheaper outlet malls. it is better if you can skip manila, and head to a beach somewhere down south. if you are on a budget, get to boracay. if you are not on a budget, try el nido or amanpulo.
there is 1 thing that is cheap here and expensive in the usa - get a good massage! try suriya (in makati or in tiendesitas, pasig), or try the spa at the bonifacio high street at the fort.
tipping, taxis, no need to tip. restaurant, about 10 percent of your bill, but do not tip more than 100 pesos! esp if your bill has a "SC" or service charge added. haircut is also cheap here - tip the hair washer 50 to 100 pesos; and the hairdresser about 100 to 200 pesos, depending on service. regarding the massage, tip the person doing the massage at least 100 pesos. i tip mine at least 200 pesos, esp if you're going back for more. so the next time you go in, the person will do a better job; also depending on service. these people (massager) don't usually earn a lot from the work they do, they usually depend on the tips. hotel people and valet parking people - 20 pesos would do. |
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Cowgirl
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it's hot there...really hot |
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riclavmei
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I feel so bad for some horrific answers here. Visiting the Philippines is like visiting any other country. These people made it look so bad, I wonder if these people have ever been to the Philippines. There are bad things about the country of course, just like in any other country but the good things you get and all the beautiful things the Philippines could offer will make your stay worthwhile and unforgettable. First of all, where in the Philippines will you stay? Will it be in Manila, other parts of Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao? Every area, every province offer different tourist spots and activities.
I suggest you google out Philippines here and you will find some useful information about this beautiful country.
It is not true that US has bigger malls than the Philippines, the truth is we have 3 of the 10 biggest malls in the world! Make sure you stop by the Mall of Asia and there are a lot of things to do there. You are white, dont worry about that, you will see a lot of white American kids here, we even have an International School here. Most people are friendly, some may stare at you for your looks but that is pretty normal in all foreign countries, don't let it bother you, you will find that most Filipinos are used to seeing different races with diverse cultures and stuffs so it is not really a big deal. The family of your aunt may find you amusing but I am pretty sure they will make you feel very welcome and will make sure you are comfortable and you will learn a lot about the Filipino culture just by hanging out with your aunt's relatives.
We have a lot of world class beaches like Boracay, Puerto azul, Subic, even Pagudpod in the northern part of the philippines, Batanes and many more, ask your auntie and I am sure, wherever province you will be, there is a nearby beach for you to enjoy. If you want the mountainous area, we have a city in the mountains, we call it Baguio City, just ask your auntie if you have time to go there to enjoy the scenic spots and you will find many good souvenir items there.
Also try to visit Cebu, it has also many beaches and hotel resorts that will pamper your every need. You may even visit Bohol and some other Visayan cities. In Mindanao, Davao and Cagayan de Oro are good spots.
There are a lot of good things really to see in the Philippines and I hope you will not be discouraged to come and visit by some of the nasty answers here.
TO SEE IS TO BELIEVE, so you better come to see it for yourself. enjoy!!! |
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Johny
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Christ don't worry so much. If your with older people then they'll do all the worrying for you. All you will need is your own spending money really. You'll most likely go to the shopping malls and go to afew tourist attractions maybe even afew islands. But you seriously don't need to be scared. Manila is a really busy place and can be intimidating for some foreigners but its also very interesting. My tip don't act rich because your white. |
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♥kimi♥
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it's really hot here, especially now that it's summer. you should have told us what city you're going to be staying in. anyway, check out the malls here, they're huge! and since you're 15 yrs old, you probably love shopping. you should definitely visit Greenhills Shopping Center. it's a bargain heaven where you can anything, from clothes to gadgets. wherever you go, just be careful. try not to look stupid and innocent when walking around.
you really shouldn't be scared. just don't go to places thats too ghetto. |
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kyt
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Our country is a tropical one, so it's quite humid especially this season because it's summer. Yeah, heavy traffic jams are usual. But Filipinos are known for hospitality.
Moreover, other Filipinos really 'stare' because they are think caucasians are good looking. Also, we are just thankful that foreigners come to visit our country. But if you don't like being the center of attention, avoid rural areas. Go to high end places like Makati, Ortigas or Libis, QC.
I advice you to tour the Philippines. It's full of wonderful places, especially scenic beaches and mountains.
There are also plenty of malls, especially in Metro Manila.
You don't have to be scared. We do not eat humans.
I'm sorry I can't tell you everything I know here, it would take a lifetime to narrate how things are in my beloved country. Just ask me questions and I'd gladfully answer them. =) |
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anna m
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what to expect...
weather is pretty hot..& very humid at times.
but filipinos have the nicest smiles & warmest welcome to foreigners.
people will stare. filipinos are natural curious beings.just ignore but smile every once in a while.
when bargaining for items, dont be too stingy.
traffic is heavy at some roads.
explore the philippines. we have our fair share of the worlds most beautiful beaches, great cuisine, nice people, great music & gigantic malls ;) |
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ronald_pwll
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this is the best advice to be found on any site . most of the answers are right . so read them all . then you decide . but i took my 9 year old son to the philippines the last summer . he had a great time . the people of the philippines are welcoming , friendly , helpful , smart and genirous . you can't find any nicer people on the planet . everytime i go to the philippines i feel like i have come home . ( by the way i am a white american guy married to a filipina ) just relaxe have fun and enjoy a wonderful country and people . because they are the best |
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ken_r41
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Some of the responses were inappropriate and others were negative. I think some just want to educated you on the harsh realities of the Philippines and thats ok.
Those who have tried to scare you, I wonder why they even post. If they do not like the Philippines, why do they still come and visit
Check out this web site - www.ricexpats.com Though the Philippines does have some serious problems, it is also a very beautiful country and over all the Filipino people are awesome.
I have lived, and worked in the philippines on and off for some 28 years. I have never experienced any serious problems in the Philippines. Most who find trouble in the Philippines do not use common sense and associate themselves with the wrong people, or bring problems on because of their attitudes. Treat people with respect, do not flash money around, use common sense and just be yourself. You will be ok. |
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midwaypalace
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By the way for you to Enjoy your stay here in the Philippines make sure that that someone will come with you anywhere you go because some Filipinos might take you for granted. When they see White people they can also see some $$$ in you :) anyway since you're coming with you're Filipino relatives . you should not worry about anything .
There are lots of thing to see in the Philippines you can ask your relatives where to go.Don't worry to much don't be scared |
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princessangelle
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sounds fun! |
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sheer♥black
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You're scared because you're a girl and 15? I don't really see the point. Two weeks is so short and there's nothing to be scared of here in the Philippines. It's just like a two-week vacation. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy the company of your relatives, the food, the people, the culture. You're 15 not 12, it's a good age to explore. |
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animegal_cute
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just try to get along with the people there. be friendly..be normal.=] |
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zodeus
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good women |
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You're Welcome ☺ ♫ ♪
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There's no need to be scared here's danger, it's not like you're going alone. Filipinos are the friendliest people that you could ever meet but expect otherwise if you'll show rude behavior. Don't believe to those who make bad comments about Philippines and haven't even been there. |
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Nessie
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Expect to see art bell there with his 22 year old wife! |
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Beyonce_lova
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cool. i know this really hot guy who is philipeno and black. oooh, he is so sexy. sorry that i'm of topic. if u lookin for a girl to mess around wit while you there. i'm sure you'll find some pretty philipeno girls. |
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lil
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when you go there everyone is going to think of you as a goddess b/c ur from the US
expect a lot of poor ppl. 2 beg 4 money
its really hot&humid
a lot of ppl speak english but w/ REALLY bad accents
DONT ever go out alone b/c not-so-nice filipinos WILL know if ur from the US&will try to do bad things to you |
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Shalise B
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oh! i live there its hot always umm they eat dogs(but i dont).you will get sick Americans always.um there are wild cats.oh i hate this problem.......coproaches!its buetifull though....there are wild rats from the sours..everyones pretty much poor.and thats about it! |
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I'm a fruitbooter... So what
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are you fat? |
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Ð¼Ï…Ñ•× Î±Î±Î±.♥
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Oke First Off All be Careful Cause There Are people who might kidnap you and will force you to do on prostitution.. Voila That's A Fact =) Good Luck further |
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