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Holidaying In Manila

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Curious
  7/6/2004 23:54 EST

I'm a 34 year old Scottish male who has for sometime considered holidaying in Manila with the view to possibly taking up a more permanent residency.
I am curious about local customs. (Do's & Don'ts)
Also any information on Lifestyle expected for white male tourists (short or long term) would be appreciated.
Bringing a variety of skills & qualifications with me I'm curious as to what sort of reception I would receive from the locals not only as a tourist but also as a new member of the society.

slpj
  7/25/2004 06:06 EST

Hi curious

Like you I wish to visit the phils, and am trying to find out the same information you are seeking.

I was wondering if you have had any luck either from here or other sources.

Regards

Lawrence

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Curious
  7/25/2004 20:01 EST

Hi Lawrence,
Unfortunatley to date yours is the only reply I've received.
However I am currently using my Yahoo chat rooms to talk with a variety of people in the Phillipines this is proving kind of useful in a way except they all seem to want me to visit with them if & when I arrive.
They seem to be naturaly curious people with regards to other cultures themselves but so-far I've really drawn a blank elsewhere.
In saying that mind you I've learned that it can be a very pleasing place to reside but their are obvious limitations on many resources seems the best way to earn a profitable minimistic outlay living is to provide fresh produce for the catering industrys there as thee seems to be a shortage in that area as well as there being a need for more modern up to date Internet Cafes & Mobile Phone top up stockists.
It is a country of poor financial turnover so anything that is required for a "comfortable" life would possibly need to be made elsewhere.
I hope the little I've discovered has been of some use to you.

Regards

Garry (curious)

scooby
  7/27/2004 09:12 EST

Hi, firstly molidaying in the Manila is not the best idea,the reason is mainly the pollution,its terrible! I have been to the Philipines 8-9 times, as a single person,and as a married person. I found it very easy to travel as an independant traveller,if you know where to go! Its ok to stay in Manila for a day or two,any longer then your lungs WILL suffer. A great place to stay is the SWAGMAN hotel,its clean,cheap and run by ozzies. The food is great,and they really look after you! A great place to visit is Puerto Galera,an island just off Batangas,its superb for Diving and chilling out. And again its really cheap.Plenty of europeans and ozzies work as diving instructors. Its easy to get there,(Swagman will assist in getting there). You go to the Sundowner hotel,just round the corner,catch an air conditioned bus to Batangas,then a modern sea kat boat to Puerto Galera, it takes about 4-5hrs in total,and as i remember its a around 10-£15 return. The best advice i can give you is keep your bags close and your wallet closer,the people in general are no problem. If theres anything else you want to know feel free to ask. Take care.

rpmorley
  7/29/2004 09:10 EST

I read the other posting about the pollution and he is correct. There are a lot of 2 cycle motorcycles, some with side cars that they call tricycles, main form of transportation in the smaller cities/towns. Diesel jeepneys belch black smoke, traffic is horrendous . If you do go, by all means go to Baguio. it is up in the mountains, you drop several degrees of heat, lots to see, food is good and the people friendly.

tingting
  8/4/2004 05:32 EST

Hi Curious,

Philippines is a nice place to stay for expats who wish to retire or to invest in a business. Of which of the two is your reason? If it is "to retire", then I suggest you go for the "greener" places (middle class cities or coastal areas). Manila would not be a nice place to stay. It is very crowded, polluted, and the traffic is of worst case. We have other places here in the Phils that would surely of interest to you. Why not go somewhere in the Visayas Region, like Cebu, Samar, Iloilo? These cities are not really that backward.

Businesswise, it would be at your advantage if you will set up something new in these places. Filipino people are known for being fanatics of western establishments or products. Pretty sure, success is just a step ahead, given that you will manage it well. Also, your money can be stretched. You can buy more things there at a lesser price compared in Manila. Manila is a highly commercialized city. Do not be worry of the utilities and amenties in these cities. They have it too. Nyways, need to cut this short.

I hope that you will eventually come up with a nice decision. Good luck in your search for a place to live in. God speed!

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