Is Manilla Really so Bad?

[maxwel]

I'm planning my first trip to the Philippines, sort of business mixed with vacation, and I have a lot of questions.

I've heard a lot about Manilla being horrid, and polluted, and even having high crime.
Is it really so bad?
I'd love to get some first hand info from people who actually live in the Philippines.

Thanks.

 

[jangel]

Yes! Nahhhhhh I've only been to Manila once for 3 days so I can't really say anything much to the place, but it's not really that bad. You'll be fine. Just don't forget to visit other provinces , you'll appreciate your stay more if you do that.

 

[maxwel]

Lol.
Thanks Jangel.

I may also be popping into Cebu and Davao.
If anyone wants to give me any info those places,
or recommend things to see, that would be great.

Also, I'm wondering if Mindanao is safe these days for visitors?

 

[gideon007]

Manila is not that bad at all only that it is crowded (buildings and people) though i never been there it's just what i've seen in the news and TV..and one thing also the commodities are a little bit pricey compared on the countryside..

 

[dashadow]

I've never been to the Philippines, but I would offer one piece of advice for any single male going there. Be careful, or you'll end up leaving with a wife in tow.

 

[maxwel]

I'm sure Filipino girls are very nice.
But I still can't even understand American women.

I think I'll just try to stay busy with work.
: )

 

[dashadow]

I'm sure Filipino girls are very nice.
But I still can't even understand American women.

I think I'll just try to stay busy with work.
: )

Wish I had your wisdom when I was a younger man.

 

[jangel]

Well...Davao is my place, if you love nature you can visit Eden Nature Park and Malagos Garden.
If you love white sand beaches you can go to Samal Island, just a 45 minute ride on a ferryboat, you can go island hopping or you can visit the famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Most resorts have private boats to transport guests from Davao City, you can just contact them for details.

I haven't been to Cebu, and would love to know also what it has to offer, but will be flying there in a few months I already bought a ticket. Yay! (thanks to the promo seat sale of Cebu Pacific, it would really save you lots of money) I'm going to its nearby island Bohol, but I'm planning to tour the City on the last day before going back to Davao.

 

[Brighthouse]

Hi Maxwel. I know this was a while ago,but I lived there for almost 3 years back from 1972-1975 I visited Manila as well.So because the landscape has I am sure changed a great deal, I will tell you of the people there.They are some of the hardest workers I have ever seen,many work 16 hour days, they are for the most part a very humble people,and very kind.

You will really enjoy how far your dollar goes there!! If you become very daring, catch a ride somewhere in a jeepnie, a taxi to us here.LOL Hope you heart is strong!! LOL The driving skills are ah how can I say this?? Kind of different?? LOl You will understand what I mean by that, if you get in one!! LOL

As another said prior, the woman there are very disciplined and many are very beautiful! I myself if I had money to be able to afford would have gotton married to a beauthiful woman i met there! They like the U.S.and if you go out on the town for a little fun,the temptaion factor is very high! It is a beautiful place bro!

It was, and to be very honest with you still will always be my second home!I loved the people there,and loved the fact that my money sure goes much further there then here in the U.S!! You will be somewhat shocked yourself at this, I think! People are always busy there,in everything they say and do has great purpose!

Many of us can learn a great deal from these wonderful people! here is a promise!! You will never forget the time spent there!!NEVER! You will come to be most thankful for many things you have they do not have. Many are VERY!!! devout believers in Christ Jesus as well!

They do not play Church,they know they are part of the Church! WORKING PARTS!! I know you will enjoy yourself a great deal,and be glad to come back to the U.S yet longing again to return to the land which shows love, not just talks about it! The P.I!! Beautiful,like a picture from a storybook,disciplined,which many in the U.S have forgotton about! And the best part!! LOYAL!! Both to there familys and to each other! The sun does not set upon this land bro, it rests upon the land.enjoy!

 

[jimmydiggs]

Manila isn't as bad as Tokyo.

It's almost that time of year.

 

[aprilandkeion]

much better if you have filipino friend that will accompany you...

 

[JCluvsme]

Oh i live here in manila..its not that bad as you think..just always be careful not to be showy as ur valuable things like cellphone or any gadgets specially if u are not in the safe zone..the safe zone mostly of course if you are inside of any establishments with security guards or even with police men..if u have some questions with regards the place make sure u will ask in security guards and police personnel ( if you want to ride a taxi ,see to it that is color yellow with dark blue stripe combination because the fair is fine unlike of white taxis..some of white taxis cost high and even unfair...but of course it could help u a lot for having a translator gadget for tagalog..heheheh....yeap its so crowded in here specially in rush hour 7-10 in the morning which that was the time all people going to work and school...and 5- 8 pm people going home mostly people ride only at (LRT and MRT) the rail transit because we know that is the fastest way how to get to work or to school..we used jeepney here and buses for public vehicle but u can ride in here if u know where route ur going to..and yes Filipinos are hardworking..and filipinos are wise so be careful too hahah..but im sure you will enjoy here .. many people here are GOD fearing they know how to respect foreign people..very hospitable and accommodating, just don't be out around 11pm till morning but i would suggest to pick some place in makati i prefer so GODBLESS sir maxwell..

 

[claidy_08]

well, it's not that bad...however, being alert and cautious will definitely help, & if it's a business trip, i think you already have contact persons to take care of your accommodation, travel etc. There are areas/places that are really unsafe, so having a filipino friend/guide would be a great help, or ask someone you can trust to help you out. And if you are the type of person who can tolerate a "bit of pollution" and traffic, you'll be ok =).

Regarding the jeepney ride ( mentioned by brighthouse )...well what can i say, just prepare yourself lol...
But I'm sure that there are places that you can visit and enjoy.

I've been to Mindanao, and it is a wonderful place, especially Camiguin (lot of hot springs and beautiful beaches). I really enjoyed visiting tourist destination here in my country. I hope you enjoy your trip, God bless you and take care.

 

[maxwel]

Hey Guys,

Thanks everyone for all the good info.

When staying in the Manilla metro area, would it be better for a visitor to stay in Makati, or in Quezon City?
Also, I'll be wanting to visit some churches while I'm there.

I'm not sure if I'll go as far as Davao, but I'll probably at least spend a few days in the Cebu area.

 

[dliz]

Manila isn't that bad. It's just crowded and the traffic is horrible but you'll manage. I think it would be better if you know someone in the area so that you would spend less in accommodation and they will show you around for free. Cebu is like mini manila but it has one of the nicest beaches in the country. Mindanao is safe. Lol. Trust me im from there! If you wanna go to mindanao. Please stop by camiguin and take a dip in their hotspring. If you wanna go on river rafting, cagayan de oro is the best place. If you wanna try the longest zipline in asia, go to dahilayan. It is one hour away from cagayan de oro. Davao is a bit far around 6 hours away if you go on land trip. I think the highlights in davao is samal island and pearl farm.... And it would be nice to do some reasearch as well.

 

[dliz]

Ohhhh and palawan is like a paradise!!!!!

 

[maxwel]

Dliz,

Thanks for all the info.

I've been concerned about Mindanao because of some things in the news lately. But I also realize you never really know what's going on in a country until you talk to the people who live there... news reported by a foreign journalist, thousands of miles away, is seldom accurate.

I would assume that if I do go to Mindanao, I should still stay out of the A.R.R.M.?

 

[claidy_08]

I understand if you are a bit concerned about Mindanao, we also experienced that same feeling of doubt and maybe fear. Way back 2004, we went to Cagayan de Oro and we wanted to visit Davao, then there were reports of attack from militant groups, i'm not sure though if the reports were true, but we decided not to push through with the plan. Fortunately, the people who helped us with the tour really did an amazing job, we saw the beauty of Mindanao rather than the "negative image" of that place. However, I am not an expert, I'm not a resident of Mindanao,and as of now, I really don't much about the conditions there. I also rely on news reports, so I think it would be better if you check out websites (trusted travel websites/agencies) that will help you with your tour, or do some research about the place you plan to visit. I think it's a good idea to avoid conflict-affected areas Well, i hope you will be able to visit the wonderful places here in our country. Enjoy and God bless...

 

[rejoice83]

I would assume that if I do go to Mindanao, I should still stay out of the A.R.R.M.?

I would say Yes, if u want to avoid danger .There are restricted places part of Mindanao where pre occupied by Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or predominantly Muslim areas .I don't criticize Muslim as i have some friends known who are peace-loving community perhaps there are just rebellious people especially of those who against the government. I live in Davao where there are foreign people taking their vacation, business or religious organization purposes. For now, just in this city I am confident to go or can walk around even late at night though you have to take caution too ......
I remember a Pastor said wherever u plan to go in any certain places if God is not with u then don't go.We are only safely secured in His presence ^__^

 

[dliz]

Dliz,

Thanks for all the info.

I've been concerned about Mindanao because of some things in the news lately. But I also realize you never really know what's going on in a country until you talk to the people who live there... news reported by a foreign journalist, thousands of miles away, is seldom accurate.

I would assume that if I do go to Mindanao, I should still stay out of the A.R.R.M.?

Hi maxwell,

You are most welcome! Since you are a foreigner, I think it wouldn't be safe for you to go there but then again if you know someone then it would be okay. My place is part of ARMM and lately i've been seeing a lot of foreigners residing in my town. My advice for you is to never walk around without a company since you are not really familiar with the place.