Why are Filipinos so Rude to Foreigners?
The Philippines is dependent on two things to keep its economy afloat. It needs the contributions of the OFW’s and it needs the foreign money of the tourists. It also does not hurt if many foreigners move to the Philippines permanently, usually those who are married to Filipinas, set up a home , and spend LOTS of money in the Philippines on goods and services. Agree?
If these things are true, and I certainly believe they are, then why is it that foreigners are targeted by pickpockets, scam artists, those wanting “basketball team sponsors”, the locals in the neighborhoods and even the police? Can some Pinoy answer that for me, please? I am an American who has been married to a Filipina for almost 21 years now. I have been living in the Philippines on the isle of Cebu since March of 2009 and I have personally either witnessed or been a victim of those things I just mentioned so don’t dare tell me I am exaggerating or that I don’t know what I am talking about. I do.
Just today, for example, my American neighbor from Ohio, me, my wife and some others were sitting in chairs out in the yard here at our fenced apartment complex when a young Filipino guy poked his head over the locked iron gate. My wife said, “Who are you looking for?” He said, “That FAT American there”…indicating my buddy from Ohio…and yes, he is fat. He was waving an envelope in his hand and we all mistakenly assumed that he was with the post office and was bringing him a letter of some sort. He was on a bicycle, which is the usual way our mail here gets delivered to us. Wrong. He was just wanting a basketball sponsor! Oh, me. John, my neighbor, did not give him anything and sat back down, disgusted, as we all were, at this silly ploy for money.
If you are a Filipino and you go to America, you will be treated with respect. You will not be excessively made fun of, targeted for scams or be the victim of a crime just because you are a “foreigner”, especially if you move to one of the southern states like, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, or Mississippi. Folks there are very friendly and you will be treated well, I promise you. So…why are foreigners who visit or move to the Philippines treated like fools, suckers, and just rich people with money?
The first landlord I had here in the Philippines tried to steal water from my outside hydrant to water his chickens with and even tried to tap into my electric line to use my electricity for FREE….until I caught him red-handed and made him stop. What the hell?!?? We “foreigners” are people too. We have two hands, two feet, ten fingers, ten toes, one head. We are neither higher or lower in stature than you Filipinos. I am sorry if some act that way, but the ones I know do NOT act that way…and I know quite a few Americans, Australians and a few Germans here in the Philippines permanently. Tricycle drivers try to overcharge me quite often when I ride tricycles. The old ladies selling vegetables at the market will UP their prices on fruits and vegetables if I go with my wife to the market…so she usually leaves me at home so she can only pay the “Filipino” price. The car salesman at Toyota of Cebu tried to screw us out of an additional 70,000 pesos on the price of a new 2009 Toyota Altis. Cashiers at the grocery store repeatedly short us on the change we are due when we pay our grocery bill. I have heard MANY derogatory statements made about me by Filipinos who do not realize I understand just enough Visayan to know that they are insulting me. And you still expect me to praise the Philippines and encourage other Americans to move here?!??
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Really… this Steven Macon guy is pathetic and he wants the world to know it!
If you despise the Philippines so much, why are you so dumb to stay here?
And if you complain too much about the rudeness of the Filipinos, why did you marry a Filipina in the first place?
Can’t you see how pathetic you are?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you are just a grumpy old man. Only one things you know to complain how bad your life their. How bad people treated you and how you feel pity for yourself as a victim. I think wherever you live thats you always know to complain.I feel sad for you Mr. Macon, I think you don’t feel happy at all and it was sad.
You said Filipino living in the U.S.A treated with respect? You might look up the news online. I’m sure since you left in your state a lot things change since then.
I wish you find content and happy someday .
God Bless you Steve, you need it!!!!
So don’t feed them those things they are hungry and sick for. Don’t show you got money even if you do don’t show them you care when they say somehting pathetic to try to put you down because they are saying it because they are sick not you you don’t need that they do they are the weak and they are all over the world you just see more in poorer places.
LOL do you really care about the people when you are in the Phils. I don’t blind myself to the rest but there just nouns to me in a sense where I watch them make sure they are in check but better not to waste your time with most of them. If one got hurt I would help but thats about all I care. I only go to the Phils to take advantage of the place and be leisurly and lazy for awhile and I like the trip through the grunge world for awhile sometimes. There is some beautiful places to go to also but why are you in the Phils anyway? Ask yourself that first. You said you like the church and fruit that’s not enough to stay. It’s enough for me to stay to avoid going back to work and I get alot of free time to work on things I like to do and learn things I always wanted to learn that’s all on me I don’t need no one around me for that. In the US I work all the time and don’t get to do that. It’s cheap as heck to live here cheap to start a business. What’s his face said it’s an everyday struggle to survive here what the hell does he think it’s like in the USA like its green meadows and honey cows for all or what? USA is probably the hardest working or close to in the world considering we got no choice or else were on the street. In the Phils you rarely see people make an effort to get a job they live together the whole family including relatives in most cases and live farely simple lives. Whats his face also says it’s not cheap we just think it is LOL that’s not true either it really is cheap heck you can rent a nice little house for like 50 bucks a month and you can get food for so cheap here. They don’t want to work or they filled out one application did not get hired so gave up. I know they are not all that way I have very good philipino friends that are like normal people but there’s alot more that are just like permanent 12 year olds in the Phils. So don’t flaunt you are rich even if it bothered you that some flip had 100 pesos and acted like he was better than you now because you lose either way in a flips eyes. Your damned if you do and your damned if you don’t in the Phils when dealing with alot of flips so enjoy YOURSELF and don’t mind the irritating one’s. I don’t even need to go out much myself but I love to go out to the mall or on special trips to nice places. For the rest of the Phils it’s pretty trashy smells like pee people don’t care about litter let them build there home into a trash can we be Americans we can always leave they can’t but it’s there issue not ours. We tried to help them but they cried for there freedom and independancy. America just laughed and said OK now they are in worse shape less freedom and there govs are financially screwing them harder. So 10 years later after the flips cried leave US military we want our freedom which they had now they cry oh please come back and help China is picking on us. That’s how they are here you know why because they just got out of the jungle less than 100 years ago.
So expect you are dealing with people and a society that doesn’t have the maturity passed a 12 year old. They are easily manipulated and easily distracted by material things greed can consume them in less than a split second to say the least and they are weak minded to peer pressure. Only so many of them have obtained a level that we are used to in the states so that’s the thing you have to realise.
Here is another “man” with the language skill of a 10-year old saying to us in the Philippines that we have the maturity of a 12-year old. Please, you have got to be kidding me.
yes indeed, we haven’t get passed the age of a 12 year old, but let me ask you? have americans get passed the age of 2? really??? most of you are about “me” “me” “ME” that you screwed up the entire planet by your me attitude!!! and another thing that bothers me . . . your country boast as to being the land of the free and equality, really??? hmn, equal to whom?? please look at your country’s ills first before you point fingers, racism is such prevalent in YOUR country. and do get your grammar corrected, i had a hard time reading your comment.
That’s how you defend your pride and why the Phils is how it is like I said, instead of admitting your failures and fixing them you just want to be right no matter what. I lived in the Phils 5 years it’s ugly for the most part unless you go to tourist areas and I enjoyed being able to be lazy and be a hermit but did not enjoy the HEY JOE and wise ass giggles that is how 12 year olds act. I can say this now I LOVE AMERICA glad I experienced that to know how much I love my country. I can go out in my country and not be stared at and watch so many people play the whisper in there friends ear game lol like a 12 year old. Sure you see that in the USA but not from people older than 12 usually. I can go shopping in the USA and people mind there own business for the most part here they stare at you like what the hell am I doing here. I hate 90% of the Phils and it’s people and I love 10%. I hate having to go to work every day because I don’t really love my job that much but I love almost all the rest in my life in America. I love my bath tub and hot and cold water. I love my aircon and house not made of concrete blocks. I love my big fat Italian beef sandwiches and gourmet pizzas. God bless America please. God bless the Phils too.
pardon me mr. jadz, there’s too many “I” in your comment. it seems that your just one of those who are interested on themselves. no my pride was not hurt by your comment, we do know our problems and we are starting to fix it so don’t complain too much, why would you hate our country? just because you’ve lived here for 5 years you think that you know all about this country and its people?? really? are you sure those people that you see whispering are whispering about you??? don’t flatter yourself too much. every country has some bad points and good points so don’t over generalize because of that.
I don’t see things getting better there I see them getting worse. 10 Years ago you did not see all the punk street gang wannabees like you do now in the Phils and they dare to call themselves a fraternity. Most of them are just trash talking little punks that like to get 10 of there trash talking wannabee gangstas together and go pick on some innocent person who is defenseless. Alot of Philipinos get too jealous if they see there neighbor is doing better than them rather than being happy for them or doing better themselves they just try to copy them or they say bad things about them behind there backs or both. Too many Phils are 2 faced act nice in your face then as they walk away trash talk about you with there buddy. Don’t tell me they are not weak minded in that sense making themselves feel good by putting others down is a major sign of weakness. I don’t believe very many Phils are aware of what’s going on in the world at all they make up what they want to believe. They hate Americans they love Americans that’s depends on what the American does for them. Talk about self centered. America provides alot to the Phils and most really are not grateful you know why because they have no clue that’s why. I hear some bastard today on youtube a philo say America is on China’s side and just wants the oil in that area. LOL The ignorant ass obviously don’t know that the Phils gov cried for help form us and we have battleships now there to help protect your asses once again but hey so many Phils make up fairy tales in there heads based off the fake bullcrap there fake sick jealous parents taught them so no matter what America does it is rarely appreciated by Phils although you see how the Philos try to copy Americans all the time HELLO. Like I said in the Phils your damned if you do and your damned if you don’t so expect that if you go there but yes it’s not always that way. I can make a huge list of bad things in the Phils I can make a list of good things too that makes it worthwhile but don’t try to do what alot of Phils do and justify what is wrong. You know why they do that? EGO sick minded EGO PRIDE money as their god and many parents making there children work overseas to send them money my parents worked till they were 60 and never asked us to do that. It’s called lazyness. There’s alot to be said but like I said there is a good heart in almost all the Philipinos. They will offer you help when they see you really need it they will give you a ride if you need it etc etc but why all the BS on top of it well who knows it’s a good thing there’s that good part still left inside most of them at all.
Americans are way more evolved think about it. I know you don’t like that truth most philipinos don’t so they create gossip to compensate which by the way is evil but. In fact Americans found you guys in world war 2 and you in fact were still living in the jungles. White people not to sound bias have been working with technology for hundreds maybe thousands of years and if we were 2 year old thats fine we are smarter than you grownups because we have had so many years more of experience. Do you honestly tell me now seriously believe philipinos are smarter than Americans? Is it our fault China wants your resources. No we are just helping you keep them. We are nothing like you you see if you were the strong ones and you were in the USA and we asked you to leave you would not and you would never help us again if you did. You kicked us out of your country why well thats easy. Bullcrap philipino pride there is no other reason. We never had to leave we just said EXCUSE ME and laughed and left. Look at us now American spirit even though you do things like that to us we are helping you with the China issue. Even though you the Philipinos do not appreciate anything we have done for you in the passed and all the help we still provide to you we still help you ALOT. Free meds and food disaster recovery name it. What do the Phils do for us? hmmmm hmmmm nothing and 90% of them don’t care just as long as it is there and are ungrateful but we still help.
I don’t hate 90% of the PEOPLE I hate how 90% of the people BEHAVE. Just to make that clear.
the other day i just saw a foreigner ranting at a pedicab driver..he’s doing it at the top of his voice..the driver only stopped for a while to rest…
maybe a before a foreigner leave his country to stay in the philippines, one should learn the language/dialect first…then learn to be sociable..if one thinks that the place is doing him harm then better not stay in the philippines, why would one choose to live in hell if there is a heaven somewhere….
So true Jessa. There is no paradise on earth. We have to be aware of our surroundings at all times, cant blame the country. There are good and bad people everywhere..
Knock it off,kiddoes. No excuse in the world can excuse the fact that my wife was standing 10 feet from the front door of one of the most popular banks in Cebu City, with THREE ARMED BANK SECURITY GUARDS outside near her…when a 16 year old teenage snatcher came running up, tore the gold chained necklace off my wife’s neck, with my wife screaming at the top of her lungs and they did NOTHING! I was in the car,trying to move it out of the parking space so she could get in when I heard her scream bloody murder. I thought she had been injured. There is next to no chance of something like this happening in my hometown back in Texas, just no chance. And YES..we are moving back there. I have had it up to my eyebrows with the rudeness, FILTH, CRIME, and attitudes in the Philippines. I have seen and experienced it first hand. If others have been to the Philippines and have not, count your blessings. I will be going home to God’s country..TEXAS in 2 years or perhaps less, thank you.
i love my country and will defend it for always….and as a teacher i teach something good to my students..thank God our place is not like the same as what was being described..at any rate how come foreigners marry Filipinos if they cant even accept the family, the country…and talk about Filipinos as if good for nothing people..? I wonder why….
You are so right Jessa..The first thing they do is look for a Filipina woman when they arrive and alot of them already have families in their country of origin..As a woman I have seen it on many occasions, even here in the Middle East. Nothing against my Filipina sistas but if these men are looking to marry, they need to educate themselves on the culture and the country, if that is where they plan to live. Dont start complaining about it after the fact.. I mean really. I am so sick of these weak ass men..
Come on Steve…I live in Houston, Texas and been all over the State of Texas..I know a lot of places where that would happen. Unless you live somewhere like VIDOR, Texas!!! Anyway Steve, I am so sorry this happened to your wife and especially since she is a Filipina. This happen to her in her own country. I am glad she was not hurt. I have heard some real horror stories of people being injured during a robbery. Material things can be replaced.
Earth to Paula! Why do you keep defending the Philippines?? Look,Paula, I have been to Houston, Texas a few times. To compare it’s crime to the daily in-your-face crime of the Philippines is a joke. Ever been on Bissonett Street in Houston, Texas? I have. It is chock full of ethnic stores, including a few Filipino grocery stores. We shopped at 2 there and had a great time. No one came running up and ripped my wife’s necklace off her neck while we were there. The Philippines is UNSAFE, period, if you are a foreigner..or..married to a foreigner. That fact cannot be whitewashed or ignored. By the way, Greenville, Texas, my home town…anyone trying to steal a woman’s necklace at a bank in broad daylight would probably get the crap kicked out of him by some “good ol’ boy” rednecks there. Know what I mean?
Earth to Steve?? First of all, I have never attacked you here..i may have commented on some of your views, but I have never been ugly to you or tried to demean you or your wife. Yes, as a Black American I know all about you ‘Good Ole Boys’ you don’t want to go there with me!! Bissonnet is a long road good, bad and ugly. You must not have been there in a long time. But you take your White ass over to Bissonnet and Fondren and let your wifey walk around with some Bling-bling, I bet you wont do it twice…Why dont you just do everyone a favor and take you and yo wife on back to Greenville with the rest of the Good Ole Boys..Stay yall asses in your country surroundings. You dont really need to mix with real people…Dont mess with me Steve, I am not the one!!!
LOL! There it is, folks. The token, “I’m a Black American”, reference. I was waiting for it. Why is it that black people from America feel the need to let everyone know they are black? Who cares? Do I write, “I am a French-Irish, Cherokee Indian American every time I post? LOL! The REAL Paula Hall has come out. Ha. I knew it would. The point I was trying to make is that even in a run-down neighborhood in Houston, Texas both me and my wife felt 10 times safer than standing in front of a BANK with armed guards in the Philippines. I think everyone except black Paula probably got that.
Poor thing, you are such a petty little man, trying to insult others to make up for your shortcomings!!…hahahaha
I wont defend my Race to someone like you A Good Ole Boy!!! Yeah BOY, not MAN!!!
I will pray that GOD blesses you and surrounds you with love!!!
Woo! A little touch,aren’t we, Paula? Oh..I forgot…you’re a “BLACK AMERICAN.” Yeah. That gives you special privileges,right? Wrong. I am an Irish-French, British, Cherokee Indian American. So what? The real Paula Hall has come out, as I knew it would. LOL!
You are beyond belief. You argue like a kid, and are crude in your language and even in your reasoning. I would not usually waste my precious time on you, but you are beginning to irritate me Mr. Steven.
Go home and free us of your tireless rant. I am certain there was some financial reason (not having enough money) why you are here in the Philippines, vis-a-vis in the U.S.A., so please do not insult our intelligence by saying your land of milk-and-honey (the U.S.A.) is better than ours.
Secondly, you have to ask yourself why your wife was victimized by a snatcher. Brandishing expensive jewelry in the street is a temptation for those around you who are poor. I have lived in Metro Manila all my life, and I know that for a fact. I rarely wear expensive jewelry now except when I know I will just be moving from our car, to the office, or to the mall. These things are just common sense things and are a reflection of being street-smart or having lack thereof.
Lastly, my husband has lived here for more than two years now, and I can guarantee you, no one has robbed him of money or taken advantage of him. You know why? Because I protect him… not only because I have the capacity to do so (being a lawyer), but also because I KNOW my territory (Metro Manila). If you KNOW these things you do not become anyones victim.
LOL! That is an idiotic argument, Claudette, and if you do not realize that, you should not be a lawyer. First of all, any country where a woman cannot wear a simple gold necklace in public is no kind of decent country at all! The necklace was NOT gaudy or extraordinarily expensive by U.S. standards. She actually FORGOT she had it on that day, to tell the truth and I did not notice. Shame on me. The funny part is that she had just worn it down to the market where all the thieves are supposed to be with no problem! LOL! Goody for your husband. Not all of us are lawyers or have lawyers for wives you know. My wife constantly protects me, by the way, for your information. I ..have never been robbed. How bout that?
I am a lawyer whether you like it or not. And you are in my country whether you like being in it or not. What say you I find a way to have you deported so that you can just enjoy your life outside my country for good.
I am loving you Claudette!!!! hahahahaha go girl!!!!
From: Paula Hall the BLACK AMERICAN….hahahahahaha
As always,Paula has got the balls. And you being fair and I know you’ve been in the Philippines longer than Steve, not only in Manila but in other parts as well, you will know and understand what’s really happening in this beautiful country and loving people. I still don’t get why Steve has so many bad things to say about the Philippines and he thinks that part of Cebu is hell. Now, I believe, hell is in a state of mind of one who wants to live a life in hell. And I bet Steve is in it now.
Yeah Violet! When someone says”I’m in Hell” or “I’m in heaven” is a state of mind, because a person’s point of view of what is hell and heaven can differ from each person. I believe that when one thinks negatively his ending result will be negative. I experienced thinking negatively about others and my surroundings and future aspects,bad things just keep happening and I did not understand why (self-fullfilling prophesy), until I prayed to God and thanking him for the little things he has given instead of the thanks that was taken from me. Then when I finally think positively everything changed and worked out better than expected. There are reasons why things happen/does not happen, all we can do is learn from that and be stronger/wiser from that. Blaming other, complaing about the negative things does not do anything good. Bad mouthing or calling other people names just shows immaturity,you just have nothing else better to say,or don’t have better explaination/reason to what you are trying to prove. When Jesus Christ lived showed kindness and love even many showed the opposite towards him. Of course when a person loses something, it can be very frustrating. So there is just a part of wanting to blame someone.And want justice to catch the theif. Why did you not file a complaint to the police, of what happened? One person’s action you should not blame the rest of the country/people who live in there, becasue each person is different. By culture, relegion, status, morals/values, and status. Each person different things/lives so their perspective and how they live will vary. Instead of complaining and blaming others for the loss of such a material thing. Be thankful for what you have instead!Thank God that he keep you and your wife alive and safe, because people are more important than material things. Everything that goes wrong/bad is a sign to cry out to God,that we need him his life. So far God has kept me, my family, and even my (material)things safe/secure. Everything belongs to God anyway, what has taken from you/what you given others will return to you.Many people has lost many things, more than the jewelry that was stolen from your wife.Sometimes if someone does not take action to help you, then you yourself or your wife(since she was the victim)must take action then, she should have run after the guy to take back what was hers(if it was so precious to her), instead of waiting around to be rescued. I remember in middle school(here in America), I was counting one dollars to make sure I had enough money, Some schoolmate took it from me, I saw him take it from, and took I took it back from. I also remembered in middle school my old Gym shorts was stolen right in front of me, when I just recently put it in my locker .Hey! I guess God was saying I needed to buy a new one!!.I had so many things stolen from here in America and it was not even as valuable as jewelry, it valuable because it belonged to me. It you lost something, probably God was saying: someone probably needs it more than you do and I’ll will give you a better one!!…So learn from your mistake and always be aware where you are and not flash jewelry where it is mostly likely gonna be stolen. Good luck and God Bless to you Steve Macon on you way to Texas, USA!!
Yes, exactly Laraine.. You just have to pray for people like this that want to attack you and your Race for no reason. Racism is all over the place and still exists with these small minded people…
I laugh at them, because they really dont know and they think they do…hahahaha!!!
Good for you, Steve Macon…
Steve Macon, the only solution to your rantings is go home where you belong… You definitely don’t belong in the Philippines and I cannot even imagine how you have lived here for over 20 years. If you are indeed of the “privileged” race, why haven’t you spent your precious dollars packing up and going someplace else?
Well, I could guess it’s probably because our beautiful country is the only place you can afford to live in?… Pathetic, poor, grumpy, old man! I pity your wife. I wonder what kind of grumblings she has been hearing from you?
Glad I did not marry someone of your kind, hahaha!
i do apologize for my fellow countrymen who treated you badly. i do apologize about that. regarding to your post please be informed that most Filipinos here has a mentality that if you were a foreigner, must have lots of money. especially if your Caucasian.
please be informed also that do not blame the entire race for that or those incident you are seeing. you have not seen the middle class of this country who truly runs the economy. the Filipinos who took time to read your posts. and by the way, we foreigners were treated with respect in the US? i dont think so.
My wife, a “foreigner” in the USA worked for 23 years at the same bank as a cashier. She WAS treated with respect by everybody. When she left, they threw her a going-away party and I personally witnessed MANY of her customers and co-workers CRYING because she was leaving. So…..
is your wife only the foreigner and the filipino in the US?
Anyone talking about culture shock should be in jail. So your culture is about making fun of and ripping off people because they are white? So all in one sentence your culture is to be racist and steal. Nice culture. Culture shock would be like wow alot all ride in jeepneys and tricycles or man i cant believe how all the houses have tin metal roofs and concrete blocks for walls. So idiots who say the first above is culture shock you just trashed your own culture and thats not what culture is anyway. Yes alot of flips are arrogant and hard headed they already know everything thats why they are in the position they are in. You cant ever learn anything if you already know everything and everyone knows you dont know everything flippy except you. They make fun of us because it makes them feel good its like a sick drug addict needs his drugs to feel good flips need to put down the ones they know are better than them to feel good about themselves. Just ignore them they want you down at there level because they already know your so high above them.
Well Said!!!!
My wife just had a gold necklace literally ripped off her neck by a “snatcher” in front of PNB bank in Cebu City with 3 armed guards standing right there! Filipino culture is full of thieves and crooked security guards. Add that to the list.
You don’t know the difference between what culture is and what corruption is. Those are not cultural people they are corrupted people.
Best at all, You must stay in your own country and the others same. No mix and enjoy your own culture. You can not compare cultural differences as you are living in your own.Phillipines is a land which population comes from Negrito, Malays, Polinesian etc, races, Spaniards brought them the western civilization, religion and language, names and surnames and they took at least what they feel most suitable for them. Now what remains for that times is religion a lot of spanish words in their languages, the names and surnames and some spiritual conception from the western culture. Nevertheless Philippinos are the most western people in Asia, but dont forget they are also insular people. The rest is question of culture and quality of life. Make good things.
I am not talking about just cultural differences. I am talking about basic human decency, which seems oft times, to be in short supply in the Philippines. No matter if you are a Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Brit, or American, you should treat everyone with respect. Filipinos, (some), only want to be your “friend” so they can get into your wallet. I literally get cold shivers when I see a strange Filipino approaching me somewhere saying loudly, “MY FRIEND!” Yikes!
yes your right Mr. Macon it is indecent to approach a complete stranger and call you “my friend!”, which is why we Filipinos should not be too nice to foreigners anymore because of twisted concept like yours, i am sorry for what happened to you and your wife but don’t generalize the entire Filipino nation because a LOT of US are decent working people that tries to get by and get our family fed ans well supported by LEGAL means a.k.a. jobs and businesses which is the same as ANYBODY else on this planet is doing! and finally, NOT everyone that calls you “friend” here wants YOUR MONEY!!! i have my own, I WILL NEVER NEED YOURS!
Reyann, you are kicking ass and taking names…I love it girl!!!Keep it going…hahhahahha
yeah paula, im tired reading the rants of this macon character!!! i and don’t like his insults, its so untrue! sure he got a bad experience but there is no need to condemn an entire people for it!!! very typical western racist. i wonder if his wife knows how he lambasted her countrymen.
Best at all, You must stay in your own country and the others same. No mix and enjoy your own culture. You can not compare cultural differences as you are living in your own.Phillipines is a land which population comes from Negrito, Malays, Polinesian etc, races, Spaniards brought them the western civilization, religion and language, names and surnames and they took at least what they feel most suitable for them. Now what remains for that times is religion a lot of spanish words in their languages, the names and surnames and some spiritual conception from the western culture. Nevertheless Philippinos are the most western people in Asia, but dont forget they are also insular people. The rest is question of culture and quality of life.
This entire PLANET IS CRACKED!!
GOOD PEOPLE OF THE WORLD UNITE!
Ive seen COUNTLESS acts of kindness from filos to kanos
and just as many from foreigners to natives.
What we all fail to see is US VS THEM
is not based on origin but HEART!
Good people of the world only need to stick up for each other against the sociopathic mainstream apathetic norms accross this entire planet.
FUKUSHIMA about to cause an extinction level event and we are ripping each others heads off cause we are all
COWARDS TO FIX THIS PLANET and rid ourselves from oppressive oligarchs from Phils to Washington To london.
SMELL THE SLAVERY – divide and conquer.
The ones posting on this board are like teamates bickering all the while the invisible fist of illegal debt based fiat banking robs ALL of our children
WAKE UP!
I am going to quote Nancy Reagan’s now famous line to you friend…”Just say NO!” (to drugs) What in the world are you on anyway? Wow.
this country is not that bad if you go to the right places, and mind you author that even in the states Filipinos get prejudiced by the locals just as you get prejudiced here, and the last time i checked it happens in all the continents of this planet.
You’re a typical Southerner from the US. Ethnocentric and judgmental to the point of being prejudice. Now that you have had all the nightmarish experiences that you’ve had, you now consider yourself an expert in “Philippine survival”?
What you’re lacking is the common sense to judge situations as they come. If this is the first time that you’ve ever experienced living in a poor country, then this is what you get. You let your guard down and did not mentally prepare yourself for people who are in everyday “survival” mode. Nothing in the states is expected to be followed when you’re in a poor country. You’re misjudging the whole of Philippines and wish that it could be “just like the ‘states” so you can be comfortable and pay for everything at a fraction of the cost in comparison to the US. THAT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! You’re gullibility and ineptness in willing to adapt to the ways of a poor country has led to you being dissatisfied with its people and the country as a whole. If only you changed yourself and changed your way of thinking to that of living in a poor country, then you would do fine. Many before you have done it and still continue to do so.
Let me make it short, you’re ethnocentricism has given you the experience that you deserved. Keep in mind that parts of the US also have towns, cities, communities that behave just like the Filipinos in the Philippines.
When you finally get situated back in the US, take note on how the US Filipinos conduct themselves when the government does work, when the police and the public servants are held accountable. There is a big difference. I’m sure you’re aware of that. How else would you have chosen to marry a Filipina.
I’m sure you know that the Philippine government has conditioned the Filipino mind (ones who are in the Philippines mainly) to scam, beg, cheat, steal and lie amongst themselves. Just because you’re a non-Filipino doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a number target. Believe me, it’s not your race, it’s your economic well being that has made you a target.
Good luck and learn to think outside of your Southern mindset, aka ethnocentric views.
Gee. golly, gosh, thanks, Tommy. I will now go out and steal some bread at the local bakery, beg money from total strangers, offer to help foreigners park their cars at Gaisano mall, go caroling with my guitar, (I do have a guitar), and start picking up recyclable trash in the alley. Next, I will drink only water from the mud puddles and the runoff water along the street to save money. I will buy my clothing okie-okie at the economy store like the locals do and continue to steal anything I can by watching to see when the security gates are open at private homes. Thanks for your advice.
The Koreans scam Filipinos all the time! How do you think they survive? The Chinese, Indians and the Arabs are equally as devious. How do you think they survive? If you’re a kindhearted fool who gets distracted by the fake smiles and soft voices then you deserve to be cheated.
Where’s your sense of adventure? Or are you too proud to learn from others?
If you don’t have the business savvy or “street smarts” to outwit a fool then it is you who must be the fool that’s getting outwitted.
Please spare me the lectures, Tommy. My wife and I have already thrown in the towel. I give up. I have looked at house after house and apartment after apartment. Bottom line is this…once you leave your safe, secure house or apt. you are thrown out there amongst thieves, pickpockets, rapists, murderers, and people with the morals of an alley cat, at best. Don’t anyone dare make any comparisons between street crime in the Philippines and street crime in an American city. There is NO comparison. After I turn 62 in May of 2014, my wrinkled butt is gonna be back in Texas where it belongs. My sense of adventure? Uh…it dissipated rapidly, beginning when I got pickpocketed $500 on a jeepney here. Things sort of went straight downhill after that. I just want to live a nice, peaceful life and I don’t see no way to do that staying here permanently in the Philippines. The thing I will miss the most here is our little Baptist church we are members of here. It is wonderful and the preaching and singing is out of this world. I will miss that. That and the fresh fruits and vegetables.
BUBBA, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO MALAYSIA ?
ENGLISH IS SPOKEN. GOOD FOOD, SAME TROPICAL FRUIT’S SIMILAR WEATHER.
IT’S STILL CLOSE,IF YOU STILL INTEND A VISIT CEBU . EXCHANGE RATE DECENT TOO.
The Filipinos that live and work in the USA are a whole separate “breed” from the local Filipinos I deal with in Talisay and Cebu City every day. The OFW’s and others in the USA have shown exemplary courage, initiative,drive and determination in going to the USA to live and work. You know nothing about me, Tommy, just because I have posted some comments on the internet. Don’t assume you know me. You don’t.
Now don’t get all butt hurt on what I said. As expected, “you know nothing about me” will be used. I do know where you’re coming from. I am married to a Filipina myself and have had what you are going through. Unless you changed you’re judgemental point of view, nothing will change. Of course you’ll throw your antagonistic views against me because i’ve described you exactly to a tee. BUT, leave your pride aside, especially your ethnocentric American flag waving pride aside and listen, take note, don’t emulate, but change how you present yourself, how you carry yourself, how you furnish yourself and your surroundings. Unless you look, feel, act differently than most foreigners, you’ll always been looked at as the “cash cow”. I have tons of ex-pat buddies who live in the provinces and have “adapted”, which is the word you need to learn. Again, your pride has resulted in you belittling what I’ve said by suggesting that you push aside your ethnocentric US flag waving pride aside and take on a more humble role. Quit your nagging, quit your pride, show humility, avoid hostility, quiet down and FIND ANOTHER PART OF THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU ARE NOT A TARGET! Very easy to do when you have the means to do it.
I’m tempted to predict that you’re an old dog who can’t or won’t learn new tricks, which is a necessity especially when you leave behind 50 plus years of American living for a poor, olgarchy governed, dead end Philippine society.
The OFWs that you speak of are what I have suggested you let yourself become. Work hard to get yourself a position in society. Don’t complain but make something of your situation,assimilate as if that’s the only choice you have in society, observe the do’s and don’ts in society and follow them. By all means, ADAPT! No one will bend over and be your lapdog. It’s just not going to happen. Scammers are all around you and you have to be firm 24/7.
What I say isn’t going to matter to you due to your stubbonness and inability to let go of your American standards. If that’s the case, just be miserable and whine yourself all the way back to the US.
The Philippines has always been and will continue to be for people who can take a loss and still keep going. You come from a country that has it all and probably has never taken a loss. First time for everything.I guess you’ve taken the culture shock to heart and now your feelings are hurt. Get over it, you’re too old to cry and too well off to consider having lost anything more valuable than a peso.
hahaha! you’re not that mad, right, tommy? for Mr. Macon, considering he’s been in the Philippines for a year now or more, still haven’t gotten over the culture shock. I guess not everyone can adapt well to their environment. they want the environment to adapt to them… set their own standard. and when it’s not to their taste, they whine.
Let them whine alone. That’s how he can cope with his inability to cope
that’s a how grumpy old man will always be!
Yes, I will eventually end up living my remaining years in Texas, which is where I was born, grew up and where I belong. I realize that now more than ever. The sad part, for those stuck in the Philippine Islands, is that this is a beautiful country but one that is plagued by government corruption, pollution, unheard of crime and greediness among its citizenry, and a standard of living that I cannot adapt to no matter how hard I try, and for those skeptics out there, believe it or not, I have tried. My last little visit as a hospital patient at Chong Hua Hospital pretty well made up my mind for me. The inefficiency here is intolerable to me and my wife. I wish you could have seen the gal typing up my release paperwork. I swear she was moving in SLOW MOTION. I can’t handle it here and Tommy is right. I am too old to cry and too smart to stay in a country where workmen tell you that will be at your house early to fix your plumbing and show up at 12 noon, NO TOOLS, and expecting me to feed them! LOL! Can’t handle these attitudes, sorry. In Texas, if a plumber says he will be there at 9 AM, he damn well better be there at 9 AM….WITH HIS TOOLS! LOL!
Every country has a ghetto, you just happened to live in one but you actually believe that the whole of Philippines is a ghetto. Get your old fart out of that ghetto and find yourself a place where ex-pats actually reside. Once you see how they handle things, you’ll be convinced that it was your wrong decision to stay in the ghetto part of the Philippines.
It’s a big mistake to generalize the whole country based on what you experienced in that ghetto. If anything, you’re the one who is to blame for being a pee-on to scammers, liars, thieves and crooks. Face up to the fact that you’re just a Texas country bumpkin who does not any street smarts to survive in the Philippines even with a Filipina wife. You have no clue what the country is like before you came and you still refuse to adapt and in order to make the playing field work in your favor.
Simply put, it ain’t Texas!
Hey, now!! I am from the Ghetto in the USA…Louisiana and Texas…Believe me, the USA Ghettos are a hell of a lot worse than any Filipino Ghetto. I been in most of the Barangays aka ‘Ghettos’ in Manila, and received a lot of love because I respect them the same as I would respect my homies in my USA Ghetto. We drank San Mig and talk trash..I have received love all over the Philippines from the Ghetto to the Surburbs. Its all about treating people the way you want to be treated and steering clear of the users and abusers..They are everywhere…I am in the Arab Country now, and its the same here..I find that if you unhappy with your surroundings, you should find new surroundings. Enough Said!!!!!!!!!
There’s a difference. Macon, like it or not, represents white America. The image of white Americans are rich, opinionated and arrogant. Which is why he experiences what he experiences in the Philippines.
Even white Europeans will, more or less, face the same stigma that he has experienced.
African Americans have a different image in the Philippines. Stereotypes, whether you like it or not, follows black and white Americans where ever they go. African Americans in the Philippines are stereotyped as athletic, musically inclined and/or oppressed in the US.
Sad but true.
Well I hear you Tommy…I don’t RAP or play Basketball; yes stereotypes are what they are…It does not bother me as I don’t need someone that’s been watching too much BET TV to define me.
There is good and bad everywhere..I am here in the GCC, Kuwait to be exact..Its a trip over here as well. But the one thing I feel is safe…I can walk out of my home at 2 am and not have a problem..Also, you must respect the Country you are in…Educate yourself on the culture and the rules and regs before you get there..I think Mr. Macon will be fine back in Texas…He must not live in the CITY as he must know the levels of crime that are there as well…Much worse than the Phils…God Bless him and I am still in love with the Philippines…
For those still “in love” with the Philippines, consider this. My wife and I have been banking at the same bank in Cebu City for almost 4 years because we opened an account here while on vacation since they have a branch back in the states. Anyway, yesterday, May 3, 2012, I was already in the car pulling it out away from the building and my wife was standing directly in front of the bank, at the bottom of the step with THREE SECURITY GUARDS around her. A “snatcher”, a 16-year old, or thereabouts, kid, grabbed her gold chain necklace with the green emerald stone, (fake stone), and ran off. She screamed like she had been shot or something. NONE of the security guards made a move. I sent a nasty TEXT to the branch manager, who is a friend of ours, a FIlipina, indicating we will be closing all our accounts there and moving them to another bank. In love with the Philippines? I don’t think so……
Steve, I am so sorry about your adventures with the Bank..That is a horrible experience and I dont wish that on anyone. Yes, I live there 3 years and never had any of your experiences, but as a Black American, (as Tommy said); I am viewed differently…We are viewed as Ghetto Blasting, Gang Related, Ass-Kicking people that dont give a damn about kicking some ass…Yeah I have to agree!!!…I like it if they view me that way so they leave me the hell alone..Because, YES, I will kick some ass, whether in the USA or any other Country I am being dis-respected or robbed, or taken advantage of..I dont play..But again, I know you have to single out the Philippines, as that is where you are, but it happens everywhere Steve…Believe me… Also, carrying $500 on a Jeepney made you a big ole target..Who does that?? Why would you get your White Ass on a Jeepney, I would never place my Black Ass on a Jeepney!!! Do you have any idea how many crimes are committed on Jeepneys?? Crimes committed on Filipinos, so you really thought you would make it through?? Come on Steve, you got to be aware of your surroundings…
Jake believed me, trust Juan he truly knows what he is talking about. Napaka laking pagkakaiba kung naninirahan ka lang sa isang lugar kahit ano pa ang sabihin mo na open-minded person ka hindi mo maiikumpara kung lalabas ka ng bansa at manirahan duon kahit na siguro mga isang taon lang any country will do. At muli i-assest mo yang pagiging open-minded mo nang malaman mo ang tamang sagot.
Worst travel experience of my life was returning to our rented campervan parked in one of the main streets of Washington DC on a Sunday afternoon, to find a window smashed and all our clothes and other possessions had been stolen in broad daylight. Worst case of attempted exploitation was a (white, middle-aged) auto mechanic in some godforsaken New Mexico town trying to convince us the campervan needed a couple of thousand dollars spent on fixing ‘very unsafe’ problems with the suspension (there was nothing wrong with it). And the ‘customer service’ we experienced in many shops, restaurants and hotels was rude and careless compared to what I am used to in other countries.
Nothing remotely as bad has ever happened to me here in The Philippines. But I don’t condemn all Americans as ill-mannered thieving con-men because of my own personal experiences in the USA.
I had a flat tire while driving to Catmon. I put on the spare and when I got back to Cebu City, I took the flat tire to a local tire shop, recommended by Toyota of Cebu, where I purchased my car. The guy over at the tire shop kept INSISTING that I needed a new tire, that the flat one was ruined and would never hold air. I made them fix it anyway and it has held air at 34 PSI for over 4 months now. Need I say more about the integrity of SOME Filipinos when they see an American??
You are so right Ken!!! I have had worse experiences in the USA than I have ever had in any other country…
sorry Mr Steven Macon and to all foreigners living here in the Philippines. it is because of low quality of education, good manners and right counduct are not being taught by their parents from home mostly in depressed areas. lack of patriotism, lack of respect to themselves and non sense mainstream media which are biased and controlled by corrupted government instead of setting a good trend by example. Philippines is not a democracy country, it is a lucrative family buisiness by oligarchs. we’re like in hell and wants to break out of this pathetic mediocre life. again as a Filipino, i am sorry.
I find these strange bec.I met some people who had visited the country many times and decided to live there one of them who go to Phils.2x a year the same place where you live.I heard a lot good comments from him..
If you think filipinos are rude and as i can see fr what u complaint,
it’s like you live in a place of gangster..it’s better to pack your bags and go back to your own country and since you said they all don’t have respect to foreigners you might as leave your wife also because she too is filipino and there is no way that filipino will forget his/her relatives they are for them their blood..anyway,these people you mentioned ask you if you can help.they did not steal.if you find that too rude go back to your country and live in peace..showing these blog doesn’t help u but will just make the people hate you and you’re family.
It’s beyond me why someone would choose to live in a country they so obviously despise.
After more than four years living in one of the poorest parts of the world, Navotas City Metro Manila, I have to say that I have found most Filipinos to be welcoming and respectful. Of course they ask sometimes to sponsor local activities; it’s the Filipino culture to expect people to share their blessings. I am happy to help when the budget allows and there is no animosity if I smile and explain walang pera.
Within walking distance I have a mother-in-law, three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, with assorted nieces and nephews and cousins etc, all desperately poor. My partner has told them that all requests for financial assistance go through her, and we only assist in serious emergencies (usually potentially life-threatening illnesses). I would expect to do the same for my extended family anywhere in the world, but of course here the family is the only source of welfare and foreigners who want to live here need to understand that and accept their obligations.
As for the argument that foreigners are never treated as inferior by Americans … pleeeeaaase!!! The doctrines of American exceptionalism and pre-emptive war treat the whole rest of the world as inferior! Just ask Muslims if they feel respected and treated as equals by white Americans. I have personally experienced far more arrogance and contempt for other races from white Americans than I ever have from Filipinos.
Ken, situations change. My situation will change, too. In about 2 and a half years I will start drawing my Social Security. My already is getting hers since she is older. At that time, I will make an assessment on whether or not to stay in the Philippines.
Better leave Ken…If you don’t like it here why stay?…like the saying goes…’there’s a snake in every jungle’every corner of the world has one…but it’s not right to label everyone as such…all os us are rude? why,I’ll even castigate some of my countrymen for looking up too much to our fair-skinned brethren…some give white people too much special treatment to the detriment of us,locals…you can even get into an establishment in shorts while we are not allowed to.I say they are not rude but too naive to the notion that caucasians are better than us…pity.I’m not picking a fight with you guys but you are not as perfect as you think…here’s an example:… http://manettesnow.com/Discrimination.html…read.
ken didn’t say anything bad, jake. better read his comments again before you say something.
Maybe you mean Steve Macon not Ken???
Yeah…sorry for the slip…
Hey Steve!
You talk too much nonsense… just leave, okay? The Philippines will be alright without you; the Filipinos will never miss you, I promise!
And why wait 2 years? I bet you don’t have the money to pack up your bags and leave???
Pathetic!
I am in agreement with you Ken…
Luv you Paula!
We welcome foreigners like you Ken. I guess it takes somebody with a good heart to understand people, wherever they are.
Thats right Violet…I am so sick of Weak Ass Men and them complaining about the Philippines…If you aint happy take your ass back where you came from…DAMN!!!!
Yeah right! When are you visiting? Really want to meet up with guys like you!
Thanks Violet, at present it looks like around April…I will keep you posted…
That’s great! Hope to see you around Paula.
tsk tsk tsk…
it’s ok Ken. you don’t need to defend us. tell us your bad experiences and we would gladly accept and apologize and do something about it. without foreigners we will never realized our mistakes. it’s like we’re in inside a box and someone has to break in.
Really Juan…apologize for what…do you really need a foreigner to tell you your mistake??? pityful dude… the reason why they have no respect for us…it’s like saying we are not worthy…and they are so damn perfect…stop thinking so lowly of yourself…have some dignity and self respect…
i have dignity and respect but I have good manners too. kaw meron kaba nun? ang alam mo lang yata eh puro puot at galit sa ibang tao eh. be a considerate person tsong. huwag mong lahatin. there are good and bad foreigners and Mr Macon is a good foreigner. therefore you should provide the right response. right? i have already overcome the kind of thinking that you have Jake. Now i have a much broader sense of thinking that’s why I have come to a conclusion of apologizing. try to live in a different world and put yourself in Mr Macon’s situation so you will have a much wider understanding
really Juan? I am not angry at all…I am just pointing out to you that you don’t have to apologize for anything to anyone…or if you would,just speak for yourself…ok?and self respect?anyone with it will not take every insult thrown at him sitting down…and apologizing at that…what wrong have you done to them dude?…and me…why do you have to apologize in the name of the filipino people…and thats including me…don’t feel sorry…I’m not…
sana makapag abroad ka specially sa US para kainin mo lahat ng sinasabi mo
Hah!…You assume too much Juan…You have no idea where I’ve been…but i don’t have to brag about it…kaya nga nakakapagsalita ako ng ganun e…there are a lot of worse places than the Philippines…pero di ako nagrereklamo o sinisiraan ko sila dahil lang di ko nagustuhan ang isang lugar or may bad experience ako …ang solusyon lang naman jan e pag di mo gusto umalis ka…ganun ka simple.And your true color is showing Juan…US??? kung gusto mo balikan mo yung early comment ko about sa discrimination ng mga puti sa mga Pinoy sa california nung 20′s…I’m very sure walang pinoy na gumawa ng ganun sa mga dayuhan…at wag mo masyado tapakan ang kapwa mo Pilipino kasi kahit magpableach ang isang Pinoy…kayumanggi pa din sya loob…what I’m saying is…di mo kelangan gustuhin ang mga ginagawang di maganda ng iba nating kababayan pero wag mo naman i-justify ang ginagawang pag generalize ng isang bigoted foreigner sa mga kababayan mo…isa ka rin sa kanila…and quit blaming the government ganun na sila dati pa…if you want change…why don’y you start with yourself…kung lahat tayo ganyan ang gagawin mapagbabago natin ang bansa natin…isa na lang Juan…alam mo ba yung kasabihang “sa bawat gubat e may ahas?”…ganyan lang kasimple ang sagot sa usaping ito…walang nasyon na makakapagyabang ng lahat ng kabutihan ay nasa kanila…wala.
I agree with Ken. Many times, it is even the locals who treat Caucasians like gods better than fellow Filipinos in our own country. If this man has been living for 20+ years in the Philippines, he should have understood what was going on. Any third world country would have been like this- unfortunately. Surely the arrogance of the writer speaks of his ignorance. Who’s the racist here? who’s rude here? Who’s ignorant here?
Ken,
I find you to be the typical wise and observant “foreigner” who survives by not complaining.
By complaining, you magnify the negatives of the country that attracted you in the first place. If every migrant were to magnify their pet peeves about America, America wouldn’t be a nation made up of migrants. But if one were to really think about it, the US is one of a kind in that it has so many diverse people yet they make the society work. In contrast, the Philippines is run by a homogenous race and ruled by an oligarchy yet it is one step away from anarchy.
Living in the Philippines, like you Ken, takes a lot of patience and adaptability. Without it, an ex-pat would not survive, case in point, Steve Macon. It is not a country for every foreigner who doesn’t have the patience nor the understanding of a survivor. This country takes a lot out of anyone who won’t adapt. It is only for people who have experienced many losses physically, monetarily, financially and politically. If you can put up with that, then people like Steve Macon may have a chance.
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i had car in the philippines and believe me that police forces in the philippines Are just some kind of beggar and I had to pay many times money to them in day light?
In university they told me if you do not sing Filipino national anthem, then you cannot take your clearance from university. While I did not know their language.
Filipino girls just hate foreigner and prefer be with one Filipino boy. Many of them marry with foreigner just for money.
They do not believe god or anything else. They want to enjoy in all ways they can. Even some of them sell their wife.
now is good place yet??????
Oh hell yeah, the Police are corrupt as hell, but you got to know how to handle them…I went thru some of this myself..Again, it happens in most countries..Its just the way it is…I suggest you get connected with a Precinct Head, and that should limit the amount you would need to pay..Or one of the Barangay Police Heads…That’s what I did, and I just kicked him down a little money every month to make sure the others left me the hell alone…Remember this is their country and they can make it very hard for you to live there…You dont like it, get the hell out…But you got to respect the Game…
ever wonder why lots of filipino leaving my country?… you’ve experience some of the answer. now pack your bag then go back to your paradise.
I guess…..you stayed in a wrong place. Try to explore other places in the Philippines and meet more Filipinos.
Vio, NO THANKS! LOL! Isn’t that sort of like saying, “Oh…I see you had a bad experience with SHARKS…they chewed off your leg…how about going out further into the ocean and meeting other sharks??” LOL! No, thanks. I have met plenty of Filipinos already.
I try my best to educate MEN heading to the Philippines..I have seen so many of them get taken..But its their own damn fault. Stop thinking with your penis and use your brain…Believe me, if she is 2o years old and you are 65, she probably not with you for your looks… I have seen it all the time..A lot of the women are doing what they have to do to support their families, if you chose to fall victim to it; don’t go around complaining.
You decided to use the wrong Brain..Prostitution is illegal, but please, it goes on a lot, especially in Makati…Come on guys, get a backbone,…DONT BLAME THESE WOMEN, YOU CAN ALWAYS SAY NO!!!!!!
LOL Paula!! You’re so right!!