What are the reasons to travel to Philippines?

[Dianne Jamaica]

What are your impressions about the locals?

[Tukaram (Tim)]

Depends on where you go.  There are good & bad people everywhere.  In the touristy areas you are going to find more scammers and petty theft - just like in the US (or anywhere).  Overall... I find the Filipinos to be mostly friendly, honest, hardworking people - just like the US (or anywhere). 

[Dave Hounddriver]

3 hours ago, Dianne Jamaica said:

What are your impressions about the locals?

Great people, except for the ones who are not so great.

[expatuk2014]

I have been here 5 years The locals are friendly and helpful.

Although being a " Rich Whitey " when I first arrived here we did get a few asking for money

but they soon realised when I said to them you need to speak to the wife !! 

As they knew what the answer would be no !

My only gripe about the Philippines is the way some Gov departments operate !

lots of paperwork etc and then  the Number Plate problem.

I love the malls and the roadside repair places.

 

[Snowy79]

In think a lot depends on what you are doing and who you are with as to how you'll find the locals. They are pretty much like people the World over and have some qualities that put most to shame but can also show a dark side.

Walk around a poor area dressed casually and you'll stick out like a lost foreigner, wear flash clothing and jewelry and you'll look like a target. I've walked around El Nido with a tour guide that hit a few branches when she fell out of the tree and the locals were fine with me, very sociable and drank with me. I returned again about 6 months later with a pretty friend and had the locals muttering under their breath at me to an extent that even my friend commented on it.

They tend to be very family orientated and will go out if their way for family. Often at the expense of others though so be careful.  

Get in with the right crowd and you'll meet some fantastic people that will compliment your life. Mix with the wrong ones and prepare for a whole lot of hurt. In the UK people will talk about you behind your back over here they hold a grudge.

[Old55]

By locals you mean Filipinos, most are wonderful genuine and kind. Certainly there are exceptions but for the most part Filipinos are good people.

[RBM]

15 hours ago, Dianne Jamaica said:

What are your impressions about the locals?

Wonder if your referring to chic......s

We'll wonderful I would Say! !!

Edited December 9, 2016 by RBM

[afathertobe]

17 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

Great people, except for the ones who are not so great.

Except for the great people who seem not so great because you think they look like people who are not great even though they are great, of course. 

[Kuya John]

What are your reasons to travel to Philippines, well....

Firstly welcome to the forum Dianne.

Most people on this forum are here because they like all the Philippines has to offer.

Some came to meet up with the ladies, some came because there is much to see.

If you are looking for a travel holiday plenty here too.

Much to read about Philippines on the forum whatever you're own reasons for asking.

One word of warning though, as a female, in any new Country, it is not advisable to travel alone.

Read on and enjoy, as they say "It's more fun in the Philippines"

[Happyhorn52]

It's actually an affordable alternative to a US vacation, if you can live with the long flight. You pay a couple $100 more for the airfare, but hotel costs in the Philippines are much cheaper than a place like Las Vegas or Key West Florida.