Quote: (03-22-2016 05:40 PM)idane Wrote:
Status as of March 22nd: 1st vote for USA as a country to visit for introverts like me - it can't be that bad :-).
Sarcasm?
Quote: (03-22-2016 05:40 PM)idane Wrote:
2. The Phils seems to be mainly a Christian country - same values as in the Anglo World.
Phils and Anglo countries generally have
very different values. Phils is a Catholic country, so there generally isn't a lot of overlapping with the values of Protestant Europe. I think the biggest difference socially is the clash between a Filipino's priority of saving face over a Northwestern European's priority of honesty and frankness. It may be frustrating to you at first if you're not familiar with it.
Just giving you a realistic picture and not trying to discourage you. Filipinos are, in general extremely nice and polite people. As a Dane, I think you will get along well with them. There will be some cultural nuances beneath the surface that will take adjusting to, but you should be fine.[/quote]
Quote: (03-22-2016 05:40 PM)idane Wrote:
1. What is going on in the southern part of the country? They advice against all travel. How serious is it?
What you see playing out is a long (over 100 years old) and ongoing conflict between the Muslim moros of the Sulu archipelago and the centralized Filipino military based in Luzon. I spoke about some of the background of the conflict briefly in the Philippines thread:
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If you look back on their history, it's not hard to understand their distrust and hostility to westerners, and especially Tagals. Throughout the Spanish colonial period, there was hostility between the Non-moro Pinoys and Moros. When the Americans came, they encouraged the Non-moro Pinoys to settle in Mindanao and demographically expand. The Yanks wanted to exert control in the region, launching a large campaign which decimated the Datus and overturned millenia of tradition.
Eventually the Datus agreed to disarm in exchange for efficient markets and protection from Tagal expansion from Luzon into Mindanao. This was after years of trust was built up between American administers and the Datus of the region. It was a huge move, as personal protection was considered an inseperable aspect of manhood in their culture for centuries. When the Philippines gained independence, the Americans reneged on their part of the deal and the Moros were left unarmed while the Non-Moros continued to populate the island with the protection of Luzon.
thread-34766...pid1254989
Currently the Filipino military (And some US special forces) are conducting guerrilla operations against the paramilitary groups Abu Sayeff and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) in Mindanao. The paramilitary groups have been known to kidnap westerners for ransom, and that is where most of the concern stems from. I am not sure how overblown the fears are, but I certainly wouldn't venture west of Cagayan de Oro if I were a first time traveler there. I would definitely avoid Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi tawi.
Quote: (03-22-2016 05:40 PM)idane Wrote:
2. I understand the key to success is logistics. The girls are attracted to the wealth of white, western men and possibly become his future wife. Does this mean that the key to success is a nice Airbnb appartment or a nice hotel in a good neighborhood where you automatically convey your wealth? Contrary, traveling backpacking style will severely lower the success rate (much more budget oriented) - or are they attracted no matter what as long as you are white?
I've also seen women fall for Western men of all ethnic backgrounds. I've spoke with Pinays on what they liked about Western men and it varies. I don't spend too much time worrying about what the motive is because the results speak for themselves.
The main reason I'd suggest staying in a condo next to a mall is because 1) the mall provides an easy centralized location to meet up and spend a few minutes in a public place to get comfortable with each other 2) having a place within walking distance makes going back to your condo to "pick up something you forgot" or whatever a very easy sell.
It is not necessary to get it in a wealthy neighborhood, but that depends greatly on your comfort level as someone who's used to a Western European environment. You can go to very poor areas and do well, but you have to be more conscious of pickpocketers and it might cramp your style. If you want to barely notice you're out of Europe, I'd stick with certain parts of Makati, and BGC in Taguig.
Quote: (03-22-2016 05:40 PM)idane Wrote:
3. When reading the posts most guys are succesful doing the Airbnb style vacation in a big city where they game as much as possible. But how is the situation in the rural areas of the Philippies? Those would be areas you would pass by as a backpacker, maybe if you like adventures and would like to explore small towns off the beaten track. Will it be easier to meet girls in these more rural areas?
All of my time in the province was while I was in monogamous relationships so I have no experience here. Maybe you can give it a try and report back your results.
Quote: (03-22-2016 05:40 PM)idane Wrote:
4. Compared to all the other SEA countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia ... why are philippine girls so open to western men - and ready to bang right away? Is it a cultural thing, something about having been a Spanish colony (later US), more poverty than the other countries etc?
Difficult to say. I have my theories, but it is all speculation. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
On a final note, I just want to put forward the notion that you don't need to be 100% prepared in order to set off on a journey. There is no perfect preparation and there is no perfect journey. It is fine to plan, but don't let all of the unknown questions discourage you from traveling. Sometimes stepping foot in a new environment and exploring everything for yourself is the most enjoyable part of travel.