I suppose that in truth, one can live in the Philippines for a good number of years and have differing experiences. My wife lived in the Philippines all her life till she left last year and she appears to be highly cautious in her outlook towards personal safety when in public. Having heard her out I have no doubt the caution is well founded. Her mother for example sewed up her hand luggage external compartment zipper before she flew to the UK just in case anyone attempted to plant any drugs in her bag. Was that overkill or just being sensible?
It was only last year that her sister had her gold chain ripped off her kneck while standing waiting for a Jeepney, while holding her son in her arms.
I could go on.....and now that she is here she and friends marvel at how different it is here, by contrast.
