Hello

[johndavidc]

Hello everyone, forum virgin here! First time posting! Would just like to say hello to everyone and hope to hear from one or two of you. Regards John x

[Rosie1958]

Hello everyone, forum virgin here! First time posting! Would just like to say hello to everyone and hope to hear off one or two of you. regards John x

Hi John, welcome to the forum :Hellooo:, we all have to start somewhere! I see from another post that you have already been to the Philippines. What are you hoping to gain from the forum, is there something we can help you with?

Rosie :smile:

[Terpe]

Hello everyone, forum virgin here! First time posting! Would just like to say hello to everyone and hope to hear from one or two of you. Regards John x

Hello John, welcome aboard Filipino UK :welcomex:

[Anne2014]

:Wave: Welcome John

[les_taxi]

Welcome John.

[johndavidc]

Thank you all for your warm welcome. Regards John x

[johndavidc]

Hello Rosie.

Yes, hopefully there will be many things that I will need help and advice on. Ultimately I hope to marry someone that I have been talking to in the Philippines for several months. Marriage is away down the line yet - obviously - as I have yet to meet her in person, but get the feeling that we are made for each other. If and when she joins me here in the UK, I would want her to be able to feel part of the Philippine Community here.

Regards J x

[Arthur Little]

John ... you've come to the right place ... :welcomex:!

[johndavidc]

Could anyone tell me how safe it is to visit Davao? I obviously check the FO advice regarding traveling there, but would appreciate first hand experiences if there are any about. Regards John x

[Arthur Little]

Could anyone tell me how safe it is to visit Davao? I obviously check the FO advice regarding traveling there, but would appreciate first hand experiences if there are any about. Regards John x

John ... Davao City itself is widely regarded as being one of the safest cities in the entire Philippines ... principally, I suppose, because its Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte is exceptionally tough :xxaction-smiley-047 on lawbreakers.

Indeed, I'm sure my friend and co-moderator, Terpe will bear this out - as he and his wife emigrated there from England last November. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

Welcome to the forum John. :Wave:

Personally I'd be more inclined to take the view of someone like Terpe who actually lives in Davao more than the FO.

[Terpe]

Could anyone tell me how safe it is to visit Davao? I obviously check the FO advice regarding traveling there, but would appreciate first hand experiences if there are any about. Regards John x

Davao City is a very clean, disciplined and safe place.
I'm comfortable roaming around alone at day or at night on foot, jeep or taxi.
I've not so far felt insecure or threatened in any way.
Taxi's are all metered and the taxi drivers are generally helpful and trustworthy.
That's not to say there's no robbery or petty crime. No city is completely safe and you should always be aware of your surroundings.

If you smoke do be aware thatDavao City is a smoke free city.
This means that smoking anywhere in public, vehicles, shopping malls, bars and clubs etc is very strictly forbidden
You can be fined at best or end up spending a night in jail at worst.
Use only designated smoking areas.

There's not any major problems with beggars or street children and the like but do be aware that if you're caught handing out money to them you run the risk of getting arrested.

The Mayor the police and the military have the place under watch and are visibly evident. Criminals are warned not to mess around in Davao City.

Davao is also a safe place in terms of traffic. There are strict enforcements on the speed limits which are generally 30 - 40 kph depending on the area.
Oh, and be very sure to carefully and correctly follow those traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing zones or you stand a good chance of being arrested for jaywalking

[Terpe]

John, I'd suggest you seriously consider looking at booking a flight using Singapore Airlines going to Davao via Changi
So much better (and cheaper) than interchanging at Manila.

Where will you be staying in Davao City?

[Terpe]

John, I'd suggest you seriously consider looking at booking a flight using Singapore Airlines going to Davao via Changi
So much better (and cheaper) than interchanging at Manila.

Where will you be staying in Davao City ?

Look here at the latest sale from Singapore Air going to Davao at £580

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/uk-sale-flights.jsp

[johndavidc]

Hello thank you all very much for your helpful replies. I'm flying from Thailand to Manila then onto Davao. I'm meeting a lady that I have been corresponding with for months. I will probably be staying in Davao a few nights and with her family near Santa Cruz for a few days.

Regards,
John x

[Terpe]

Ah, Santa Cruz is just down the road on the Pan Philippine Highway.
It's a costal town with beach resorts :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lloydegbrick]

Welcome John
Pull up a chair and make yourself at home :smile:
but I'm sorry, you'll have to make your own tea and supply the biscuits too :smile:

[johndavidc]

Thank you for your responses Terpe. Would you have anywhere in the Santa Cruz, Prk. Manga,Tuban areas that would be worth visiting? I don't mean what the Tourist Boards recommend, I mean through local knowledge.

Regards,
John