The dark sides are many.
- Most likely a foreigner will get sick. This is because of the terrible hygiene in the Philippines. This includes personal hygiene (you don't want to know how they wipe their butts after toileting, as it is not with toilet paper). Food hygiene is also terrible. They will leave uneaten food out for the next day, and eat it then. While they have amazing immunity to the bacteria this breeds, a foreigner will get very sick from this. Tap water is not fit for foreigner consumption. Make sure u don't get any in your mouth or eyes when washing. I ended up in hospital from this. Drink only bottled water, either distilled or properly filtered.
- They think all foreigners are rich. Many will see you as a cash cow. Many will follow u and nag u for money. Or befriend you, in the hope you will give them money. When you hear the story that my mother is ill and i can't afford her medication, you know where this will lead.
- For this reason, you are at risk of being kidnapped, especially on the western side of Mindanao, do not go there.
- Filipinos have grown up with corruption, lying, and manipulation. It's cultural. So be careful of that. Police are also frequently corrupt, so don't rely on them for help.
- Filipinas can be so attractive and lovely in nature, until you marry them and bring them to your home country. There are so many gold diggers.
- Human life is not valued in the Philippines. Also, animals are not valued. The animal cruelty i have seen has been heartbreaking.
But these are the negatives. There are also a lot of positives when holidaying there.
- Labour is so cheap, you can get an awesome guide to drive you around for not much money. And if you tip them well, which does not cost much, you will make their week, or month! They are also proud to show off their country, which is wonderful.
- You are like a movie star when you are there. People will look at you, kids will follow you. I visited a small island where the kids had not been up close to a white man maybe their entire lives. They followed me around, giggling. They were so full of joy and excitement. I stopped and talked to them occasionally, and they just loved it. The brave ones would come up and touch my white skin, and feel the hairs on my arms. It was amazing to them. They were so cute and fun. If you give a kid like that a few pesos to go and get you a cool drink, they will be so honoured, or u might not see them again. A risk worth taking in my opinion.
- If u stay at a reputable resort, the service is fantastic. It helps to make it a wonderful experience.
- Don't stay in Manila. Get into the small regional towns or cities. It can be a wonderful experience. The locals love to show you around and take you to the popular spots, or even those that are not on the tourist map. Make sure you have someone you trust with you though.
Enjoy your holiday in the Philippines!
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