Finally here

[aromulus]

But the ugliness is right there in my face, the sight of so many people struggling to get by and the streets are dirty.. The next time I am here it will not be for as long.

It seems to me that you are finding it very difficult to get over the cultural shock.....

Poverty in Phil is in your face, you cannot escape it, is all around you, from morning till night, it follows you and keeps reminding you it is there all the time, it is endemic.

Despite all the problems caused by this poverty, you cannot stop admiring the Filipinos, for their contagious smiles and resilience, against all the adversities that life and destiny throw at them.

It is your first time overthere, and everything looks and feels strange, out of place, nothing that you can compare it with and so leaves you slightly disillusioned and wanting to put it behind you... Escape it...

You can't.

The sooner you realize that Phil is different, the sooner you will be able to relax to it and enjoy your experience that little bit more.

If you are going to the Ayala centre in Cebu, I can recommend a very good and inexpensive eating place, The "Cafe Laguna" on the basement floor is outstanding.

[D&G]

Despite all the problems caused by this poverty, you cannot stop admiring the Filipinos, for their contagious smiles and resilience, against all the adversities that life and destiny throw at them.

The sooner you realize that Phil is different, the sooner you will be able to relax to it and enjoy your experience that little bit more.

amen to that!

wow! it made me appreciate my hunny even more...he never ever whine at all and he seemed alright as long as we're together...must be love eh

[Bluebirdjones]

Sean
I think many of us here have seen that movie….
I think that as a reaction to the poverty and general dirtiness, many Filipinas want to take their beau somewhere nice… ie the local, newly built, air-conditioned Mall, where to wander aimlessly around (in my opinion) is the norm, and stop & inspect in minute detail every offering in every shop.
To me (and obviously & many, many others) and to you …. it is mind numbingly BORING.
Most Filipinas seem to think that we want a quiet, relaxing time, sitting there drinking coffee etc ….. WE DON’T !

I went to the Philippines to meet my “intended”, and also see and experience the Philippines ….. the good, the bad, and the ugly…….. not to wander from one shopping mall to another. And it’s an INCREDIBLE country !

Mrs BBJ and I now have a “standard” system……. if/when we visit a shopping mall (which is rare these days) I give her a set time & meeting place, then wind her up & let her go !
I usually find a coffee shop & sit & read my book.

I’d suggest that you search the internet (or ask members who’ve been there) to look what is around there ….. make it plain that you want to “explore”, to see outside the City, to visit the natural beauty / historical sites. Go out for the day just you & her, then return at night to eat /talk with the family.

Also….. be upfront with Rizza…. explain that you are there to see her & her family, and understand/see the Philippines, and altho’ the UK is not the Wild West, you have common sense, are street-smart and can look after yourself.
As nice as the Mall is, it is NOT the reason you are there ……

[JimOttley]

It seems to me that you are finding it very difficult to get over the cultural shock.....

Poverty in Phil is in your face, you cannot escape it, is all around you, from morning till night, it follows you and keeps reminding you it is there all the time, it is endemic.

Despite all the problems caused by this poverty, you cannot stop admiring the Filipinos, for their contagious smiles and resilience, against all the adversities that life and destiny throw at them.

It is your first time overthere, and everything looks and feels strange, out of place, nothing that you can compare it with and so leaves you slightly disillusioned and wanting to put it behind you... Escape it...

You can't.

The sooner you realize that Phil is different, the sooner you will be able to relax to it and enjoy your experience that little bit more.

If you are going to the Ayala centre in Cebu, I can recommend a very good and inexpensive eating place, The "Cafe Laguna" on the basement floor is outstanding.

Couldn't agree more , for me it's all about the people, the beauty of the philippines is in the people (most of them).

I can see how hard it can be to adjust for some folk though.


Jim

[JimOttley]

Aye Sean, 100 peso is an awful big gift in Cebu, hard not to, but not the best thing to do to be honest, he probably will follow you all the way back to Manchester


Jim