current conditions in the Philippines ?

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans..

He's a politician - live with it

TheDigitalMage wrote:

Is this a country currently feeling anti-american?  Will I be safe? .

Other Americans there seem safe, but perhaps a couple will comment on their personal feelings regarding safety.

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I was thinking about going there to look for a wife.

Prepare to lose all your money, possibly ending up homeless.
Finding a lady as a result of an accidental meeting, hitting it off and getting married is one thing; looking for a woman commonly leads to problems.

JOE CLOUGH wrote:

...but with this new negative president hating americans , he is a muslims..

This is a pure 100% inaccuracy, and I'm unsure why anyone would make such a silly claim.

In fact he's Catholic (For what it's worth as he doesn't especially push any religion unless it suits him), and claims to be less interested in religion because he says he was abused by a priest as a child.
He goes on to claim God put him in office - a bit of a double standards going on there, but he's a politician, so we can expect lies and double speak.

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans.  I have to wonder...

Is this a country currently feeling anti-American?  Will I be safe?  I'm 67 and a bad leg...

I was thinking about going there to look for a wife.

TheDigitalImage,

While I think Scott1953 had a good answer, Fred's replies were also on the mark.  The U.S. president has been pontificating and blathering on about what groups of people in the U.S. he does or does not like for nearly 8 years and the Philippines president like Obama is a politician and full of bluster as is the norm with most politicians.  His statements are in part due to the U.S. Ambassadors comments made during the election cycle with regard to the drug policies and a statement made about a rape in the Philippines. Since that time Obama has decided to lecture Duterte on the proposed building of coal fired power plants in the Philippines while reminding him or the Paris agreement signed by Aquino with regard to climate change to which Duterte replied, I didn't sign it.  The Obama admin then sided with human rights groups and the U.N. to condemn Dutertes drug policies as well as canceling a meeting with Duterte in  in Vietnam because of a remark he made about Obama who then in his typical arrogant and thin skinned manner responded with a cancellation of the meeting and a few rude remarks of his own.  Mr. Duterte to put it all in a nut shell said that he was tired of interference and insults from the U.S. and judging from the U.S. foreign policy blunders over the past 8 years plus, it comes as no surprise.
Mr. Duterte has since clarified his comments in a statement made in Davao, stating that his comments were made with regard to foreign policy and not diplomatic ties. 

Link to current comments and clarifications by Mr. Duterte:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-21/d … na/7952628

That being said, I do not believe that Duterte "hates Americans" any more than he does any of group of people and at this time as Scott1953 said a little caution may be prudent and Cagayan de Oro IS on the list of possibly unsafe places to be in the Philippines.

My wife and I pay attention to the politics but do not comment and simply stay out of it. We have a neighbor with a cousin who was going to run of the office of president and is obviously well connected. She, he and others while participants in the federalist movement and have been participants at a number of meetings with Mr. Duterte present with regard to the federalist movement, have not made any comments about American or other foreigners in the country except for those who are deemed undesirable, with specific comments about loudmouthed drunks and womanizers.  I assume you are not one of those.

With regard to finding a wife!  Touchy subject here as many expats are married to very young Filipinas and tend to become a little defensive about the subject. Many claim to have long lasting loving relationships and some no doubt have, though coming here to find a wife will probably not end well, though you will no doubt have no trouble receiving the attentions of some woman old and young, why you are getting it should be your concern, for love? or money?  Loving relationships don't happen overnight and if you are willing to invest in the time it takes to really get to know each other, then maybe love will grow. But I doubt there is a magic love now potion.

Are you familiar with the many scams with Filipinas?  You may be given a rufie and accused of rape, An intimate one on one with a young lady can lead to a mugging or other accusations.  Caution, because this DOES happen.  You could wind up having your wallet, passport and belongings removed while you snooze leaving you homeless, penniless and without a passport begging for help at the U.S. Embassy. All are possibilities.

Lastly, my wife and I feel happy and safe in our area and have heard NOTHING with regard to anti foreigner sentiment except for the before-mentioned undesirables that seem to disgust some Filipinos but not to the point of anger. Be courteous, be humble, don't argue and keep your money out of sight. Enjoy the attention of the woman but hold them at arms length if you can and let the head on your shoulders and common sense make the decisions about women.

Be safe and enjoy and keep your wits about you, this is a foreign country and a culture unlike what you are used to in the U.S.

Regards,

TeeJay

TheDigitalMage wrote:

, IN MY CASE, a woman of at least 25 years would be required, to hold my attention in conversation.

Certainly, no offense meant

At least you're aiming at real women and intelligent conversation over a 'sex slave' type wife who is just a kid.
Many go to Asian countries after 16 year old kids (or younger), something I find less than reasonable.
However, the advice about gold diggers remains intact.
Avoid bars and dodgy massage places in favour of social events attended by 'normal' people.

JOE CLOUGH wrote:

I have lived in the philippines since 2009...but now working in india....my small cottage is on negros island....but its so boring 40 minutes from dumaguete..so i will go back to thailand after my work is finished here...Thailand has better food..better malls and you can travel easily to other countries....i found a very nice  studio condo with everything 200 m from the beach in hua hin for $217 a month....

I am sure you are more familiar with Thilland than I, JOE.  Apparently their King is dying and, when He does, there is bound to be turmoil.  Cambodia is close, more friendly and cheaper by far, from what I have heard.  I was in Pnam Pen

The very best of luck to you, my friend.  Come back - stay in touch?

USAMichael wrote:

I agree with most of what you say but Duterte, He really really hates Americans with a long-lasting and blinding fury and has hated us all his adult life.  It will not end from him.

I would tend to disagree (Probably)
He's a politician, and a very odd 'way out on the edge' one, meaning he'll say and do whatever suits him that morning, probably not much caring about, loving or hating anyone.

The real question here is, how does the general population react to foreigners?

USAMichael wrote:

My experience which spans over 10 years, 2 Phil. wives, and 4 years in country:  many, many  philippinos donot like foreigners especially Americans.  They will never tell you to your face but resentment and mindless blaming of America runs very deep.

If I may interject.
I'm going to enquire how other Americans in the country feel, and if they have the same very negative experiences.
I see from you're posts you enjoy the use of ladies who require payment, and that suggests you are in contact with a lot of less than pleasant people.

I recall a poster on another forum who insisted living in Indonesia was far more costly than living in the US and Indonesian girls were easy to bed, but he was also using prostitutes and hanging around in dodgy bars every night.
What I'm questioning is why you feel the locals hate Americans, and then considering the possibility they only hate some Americans, the ones who behave in a manner the majority of locals dislike.

Without making any assumptions or accusations, I wonder if ALL Americans are treated badly, or just some for given reasons.

Fred wrote:

USAMichael wrote:

My experience which spans over 10 years, 2 Phil. wives, and 4 years in country:  many, many  philippinos donot like foreigners especially Americans.  They will never tell you to your face but resentment and mindless blaming of America runs very deep.

If I may interject.
I'm going to enquire how other Americans in the country feel, and if they have the same very negative experiences.
I see from you're posts you enjoy the use of ladies who require payment, and that suggests you are in contact with a lot of less than pleasant people.

I recall a poster on another forum who insisted living in Indonesia was far more costly than living in the US and Indonesian girls were easy to bed, but he was also using prostitutes and hanging around in dodgy bars every night.
What I'm questioning is why you feel the locals hate Americans, and then considering the possibility they only hate some Americans, the ones who behave in a manner the majority of locals dislike.

Without making any assumptions or accusations, I wonder if ALL Americans are treated badly, or just some for given reasons.

Well, this has been rolling right along!  I just received a notice of a new post - must be for at least 5.

I don't think civilian Philippinos hate, or even dislike Americans.  OTOH, in a poor country it's really easy to get people to believe the reason they can't afford the things they see on TV is some far-away monster, called America (or whatever they choose).  I've been given to understand that the North Koreans, for example, truly believe that if the Americans come we will EAT their children...

I also tend to believe the Philippine people elected this wako...

I have little doubt that the government there controls the media, just as they do here....

Frankly, it doesn't look good.  I'd hate like he77 to get caught up in something...

USAMichael wrote:

.  I have been told, "you stink"

It's a hot country, so just take more showers and this problem will go away.

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I also tend to believe the Philippine people elected this wako...

Whichever candidate wins in the next US presidential elections, heaven help us all.

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans.  I have to wonder...

Is this a country currently feeling anti-American?  Will I be safe?  I'm 67 and a bad leg...

I was thinking about going there to look for a wife.

You stated that you are looking for a little peace. Aren't we all. I have found my version and I hope you find yours.

I will attempt to address a couple of things that may add or detract from that peace.

Patience:
In dealing with government offices or businesses here you will at times have your patience sorely tested, smile and sit back, your retired. If it doesn't take all day then spend the rest of it enjoying the fact that you have made it through the experience with most of your smile still in tact. Things move slowly and inefficiently at times.

When going to the grocery store (hopefully the area you choose has a decent one), remember that you are playing inventory roulette. What was there last time may not be there this time or you may never see it again. Adapt and try something different and look at the expiration date.

If you are on your own you may find it hard to do things without an ACR-I identification card which you will apply for after your first 59 days on your tourist visa.  Even then opening a bank account and getting a drivers license (for ID if nothing else) can be rough with the new FACTA laws in effect and the hassles the bank has in opening an account for foreigners.  One guy was told it is simply to much work for a low balance account that may only be open for a few months. Once again patience, check with all the banks in the area and you may find one more receptive than the others and I would try and use ATM's that a located inside the bank.

A friend on a tourist visa recently applied for a drivers license and was told he could not do so on a tourist visa or without and ACR-I card.  You could possibly receive a different response from one area to the next. Patience.

Internet is hit and miss at best and the little pocket WI-fi USB plugins or table top hot spot will give you service only in an area that has close proximity to a cell tower and then only if the equipment and antennas are maintained and can handle the traffic.  We have Globe and are happy with it. I would suggest purchasing a hot spot Globe or Smart (I pick Globe), and activate it with the employees assistance at the store and test it in their presence with your phone, Ipad, laptop or other device to make sure it works as it should,  Take it with you to what may be your new home and see if it works, if not. No internet and another test of patience and a lot of frustration.

Traffic is absolutely insane to say the least, you are not in Kansas anymore and the rules of the road are used to start a cook fire. If there is a space of more than 1 foot in front of your vehicle, every vehicle on the road assumes your are inviting them in, NO JOKE. Patience.  Let them in no matter how rude they may seem and you will be the winner. In an accident or confrontation as a foreigner the odds are NOT on your side. What's the hurry?  If you decide to drive, buy a dash cam and tint you windows with limo tint so your pasty white face cannot be seen. NO, it's not that bad, but it only takes one moron in a thousand to screw up your life. Caution and safety are good wherever you may be in this world and remember that driving at night here means vehicles with no lights, people in dark clothes standing in the road and obstacles like  a stack of concrete block in the middle of the road. Be careful.

When doing business, if you have a Filipino friend you can take along, it will help, possibly a lot. While English is understood and spoken, it is not done in most cases with fluency and a misplaced word can lead to misunderstanding and disappointment.

Climate:
Some like it hot, some like it cool. In Luzon, Baguio and Tagaytay (and it's surrounding area) are considered cooler than the lowlands or more southern areas. Though in the highlands you sacrifice the beach for cooler air. To be clear about cooler, I don't mean cold. While we lived in Imus Cavite near Bacoor the temperature would be 95 degrees F while at the location of our current home near Tagaytay the temp would most often be 7 to 10 degrees cooler. Currently per accuweather.  Makati is 91 F we are 80F.  The beach is about a 1 1/2 hour drive and that would be to a pay per use beach usually at a resort of some sort.
If you are in a hotter climate, more AC and fans and higher electric bills, a trade off. 
Close to our area is the Island of Mindoro and the Puerto Galera area where you can rent a furnished air conditioned apartment on or very near the beach for a reasonable price. 

Utilities:
Many areas of the Philippines are energy challenged and experience power outages every day or every other day and usually during the times you would like to have that AC on. That means a trip to the mall or your favorite beer or coffee spot that has it's own generator and you wait for the power to return. Patience.  The same can be said for water in some areas.  A big consideration if you are looking for a little peace and a cool breeze from the fan or a couple hours of AC.

Housing:
If you are looking for peace, choose carefully. Noise is a way of life here and is simply ignored by most local people. This includes 24/7 barking dogs, roosters who have no idea when sunrise is and loud music or karaoke's until .........sunup. 
We are about 10 minutes off the beaten path and at the end of a road where the neighbor's dog or dogs and roosters are heard faintly and we still hear the birds chirping clearly.  The places are out there, find the part of the Phil you like, rent a place temporarily and look for that permanent happy place to find your peace.  Patience.

Medical:
It's not the U.S. and your medicare is worthless here. The farther out you get the harder it is to find good medical care. We have found in our area decent medical care for minor problems and cannot speak to the more serious. I can only say that most of the many stories I have read find the patient at St. Lukes or a couple other around Manila or in some case when the budget allows and you have kept up your Medicare part B payments, you simply fly to the states or Guam, etc. to make use of your Medicare. 

Companionship will find you if you are open and many women like my wonderful wife of 10 years will be tighter with your money than you are and she is an excellent cook.  I for one have NOT been called names by locals except for the occasional "hey Joe".  The local businesses we frequent are welcoming and friendly as are our neighbors and barangay officials.  If you are hoping for a good woman I doubt that she will be at the bar or offering pay per play, I suspect you already know that.

Hope this provides some insight,

TeeJay

FilAmericanMom wrote:

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I also tend to believe the Philippine people elected this wako...

Whichever candidate wins in the next US presidential elections, heaven help us all.

Avoiding party politics as always, that pair are seriously rubbish.

Fred wrote:

FilAmericanMom wrote:

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I also tend to believe the Philippine people elected this wako...

Whichever candidate wins in the next US presidential elections, heaven help us all.

Avoiding party politics as always, that pair are seriously rubbish.

Seems like most country's are rudderless these days.

TeeJay4103 wrote:

TheDigitalMage wrote:

I've been considering a trip BUT the Philippine president does not seem to be overly friendly toward Americans.  I have to wonder...

Is this a country currently feeling anti-American?  Will I be safe?  I'm 67 and a bad leg...

I was thinking about going there to look for a wife.

You stated that you are looking for a little peace. Aren't we all. I have found my version and I hope you find yours.

I will attempt to address a couple of things that may add or detract from that peace.

Patience:
In dealing with government offices or businesses here you will at times have your patience sorely tested, smile and sit back, your retired. If it doesn't take all day then spend the rest of it enjoying the fact that you have made it through the experience with most of your smile still in tact. Things move slowly and inefficiently at times.

When going to the grocery store (hopefully the area you choose has a decent one), remember that you are playing inventory roulette. What was there last time may not be there this time or you may never see it again. Adapt and try something different and look at the expiration date.

If you are on your own you may find it hard to do things without an ACR-I identification card which you will apply for after your first 59 days on your tourist visa.  Even then opening a bank account and getting a drivers license (for ID if nothing else) can be rough with the new FACTA laws in effect and the hassles the bank has in opening an account for foreigners.  One guy was told it is simply to much work for a low balance account that may only be open for a few months. Once again patience, check with all the banks in the area and you may find one more receptive than the others and I would try and use ATM's that a located inside the bank.

A friend on a tourist visa recently applied for a drivers license and was told he could not do so on a tourist visa or without and ACR-I card.  You could possibly receive a different response from one area to the next. Patience.

Internet is hit and miss at best and the little pocket WI-fi USB plugins or table top hot spot will give you service only in an area that has close proximity to a cell tower and then only if the equipment and antennas are maintained and can handle the traffic.  We have Globe and are happy with it. I would suggest purchasing a hot spot Globe or Smart (I pick Globe), and activate it with the employees assistance at the store and test it in their presence with your phone, Ipad, laptop or other device to make sure it works as it should,  Take it with you to what may be your new home and see if it works, if not. No internet and another test of patience and a lot of frustration.

Traffic is absolutely insane to say the least, you are not in Kansas anymore and the rules of the road are used to start a cook fire. If there is a space of more than 1 foot in front of your vehicle, every vehicle on the road assumes your are inviting them in, NO JOKE. Patience.  Let them in no matter how rude they may seem and you will be the winner. In an accident or confrontation as a foreigner the odds are NOT on your side. What's the hurry?  If you decide to drive, buy a dash cam and tint you windows with limo tint so your pasty white face cannot be seen. NO, it's not that bad, but it only takes one moron in a thousand to screw up your life. Caution and safety are good wherever you may be in this world and remember that driving at night here means vehicles with no lights, people in dark clothes standing in the road and obstacles like  a stack of concrete block in the middle of the road. Be careful.

When doing business, if you have a Filipino friend you can take along, it will help, possibly a lot. While English is understood and spoken, it is not done in most cases with fluency and a misplaced word can lead to misunderstanding and disappointment.

Climate:
Some like it hot, some like it cool. In Luzon, Baguio and Tagaytay (and it's surrounding area) are considered cooler than the lowlands or more southern areas. Though in the highlands you sacrifice the beach for cooler air. To be clear about cooler, I don't mean cold. While we lived in Imus Cavite near Bacoor the temperature would be 95 degrees F while at the location of our current home near Tagaytay the temp would most often be 7 to 10 degrees cooler. Currently per accuweather.  Makati is 91 F we are 80F.  The beach is about a 1 1/2 hour drive and that would be to a pay per use beach usually at a resort of some sort.
If you are in a hotter climate, more AC and fans and higher electric bills, a trade off. 
Close to our area is the Island of Mindoro and the Puerto Galera area where you can rent a furnished air conditioned apartment on or very near the beach for a reasonable price. 

Utilities:
Many areas of the Philippines are energy challenged and experience power outages every day or every other day and usually during the times you would like to have that AC on. That means a trip to the mall or your favorite beer or coffee spot that has it's own generator and you wait for the power to return. Patience.  The same can be said for water in some areas.  A big consideration if you are looking for a little peace and a cool breeze from the fan or a couple hours of AC.

Housing:
If you are looking for peace, choose carefully. Noise is a way of life here and is simply ignored by most local people. This includes 24/7 barking dogs, roosters who have no idea when sunrise is and loud music or karaoke's until .........sunup. 
We are about 10 minutes off the beaten path and at the end of a road where the neighbor's dog or dogs and roosters are heard faintly and we still hear the birds chirping clearly.  The places are out there, find the part of the Phil you like, rent a place temporarily and look for that permanent happy place to find your peace.  Patience.

Medical:
It's not the U.S. and your medicare is worthless here. The farther out you get the harder it is to find good medical care. We have found in our area decent medical care for minor problems and cannot speak to the more serious. I can only say that most of the many stories I have read find the patient at St. Lukes or a couple other around Manila or in some case when the budget allows and you have kept up your Medicare part B payments, you simply fly to the states or Guam, etc. to make use of your Medicare. 

Companionship will find you if you are open and many women like my wonderful wife of 10 years will be tighter with your money than you are and she is an excellent cook.  I for one have NOT been called names by locals except for the occasional "hey Joe".  The local businesses we frequent are welcoming and friendly as are our neighbors and barangay officials.  If you are hoping for a good woman I doubt that she will be at the bar or offering pay per play, I suspect you already know that.

Hope this provides some insight,

TeeJay

Thank you very much for this post.  It contains more substance than I could ask.  And so I will ask for more.  Nervy little (!), aren't I?

PATIENCE:  Two buzzards are sitting on a high branch.  Says the one, "Patience.  Something will pass soon.  Says the other, "Patience HE77, I'm gonna KILL something!"

I hear you.  Been there, done that.  The delays are usually to "encourage" you to cough up a "mordida" (payoff).  In central/south America, at least.

Traffic.  I don't plan to drive or travel much.  When I do I guess I will know the price to be paid

CLIMATE:  I won't miss the "4 seasons."  Warm will do, just fine

One heading I would like to have seen is CUSTOMS.  Do they try to get 100% import duty on whatever you bring in?  I have only a stereo, a set of tools and a motorcycle that I would pay to ship there.  What can I expect?

COMPANIONSHIP:  I am all but certain you can not relate to how those words hit home...

All the talk has been of living there.  What of finding a Lady and bringing her back to the states?  Does that happen?

Finally I would ask again - what about people being killed with no trials over drugs?  Has anyone seen this happening?  It sounds insane!  Won't somebody address this for me?

USAMichael wrote:

In defense of my personal hygiene and in response to the wag that told me to "shower more frequently and the problem will go away,"

The wag was making a joke. You can google "Humour" (or 'Humor' if you're American) to get a definition.

USAMichael wrote:

And they believe all sorts of myths about us, e.g., we are "oversexed." or we are all amazingly rich

or using prostitutes and have loads of cash to pay for them - repeating these terrible myths should be illegal.

Dude, you need to chill out a little ... and take a look at why SOME locals think that about Americans.

I recall my trip to Phuket (A place I will never visit again) and the disgusting filth that goes as normal over there with prostitutes all all three (or more) genders literally trying to drag me into places for sex. I don't engage in trying to catch AIDS, so I refused the lot, sometimes having to break the physical hold the had on me with lightly violent action, usually just a snake action of my wrist to remove their grip (Martial artist will know that one), but one especially disgusting ladyboy had to be removed more forcefully as he/she/it (Pick a pronoun) refused to let go until I agreed to sex.

I came to wonder why these filthy creatures assumed it was a matter of price, not a matter of lack of interest, but that was explained by a couple of nice young ladies in my hotel.
They noticed I didn't take prostitutes to my room, after a couple of days plucking up the courage to ask me why . They assumed all British men did that as that's all they ever saw British men do, so I explained they only ever saw the idiot end of British men and we simply aren't all that way out.

The people of that beautiful but destroyed place tend to think white foreigners are all sex freaks that go out for sex with anything at the right price because all they see is sex freaks that go out for sex with anything at the right price.
Now consider the people you meet, seeing an oversexed American in areas where other oversexed Americans (and probably loads of other nationalities) hang around paying prostitutes for blow jobs.

I wonder what the people you know think of Americans, or I would wonder if I didn't already know.

This is easy, the people you know think Americans are what they see Americans do, and you pay prostitutes and have enough cash to do so regularly (s you freely state in your posts).
Had George Gershwin spent any time in the Philippines, it's unlikely he would have been viewed in the same way.