Thank you Rayna for posting this .


The “ world traveller “ who wrote the “ musings and ramblings “ ( or rant ? ) claims he was based in the country for 18 months.


What was his motive – was it out of genuine concern ? Did he have to live in the country for this length of time ? It’s insulting to Filipinos and one really doubts things are as bad as he says .


I’m not qualified to comment on many points which he raises. I sincerely hope Rayna, other Filipinas / Filipinos , and members from the UK who have lived or are living in the Philippines, will respond.


Aspects of his blog which made me question the overall accuracy :-


• “ …. the vast majority of whom ( 75 + % ) struggle to survive on a daily basis …who live in cockroach-infested homemade shacks where malaria and dengue are rife … but who cannot afford hospital care and medication “ .


• “ … the Philippines is the centre of drug trafficking in Asia “


• “ 26 million have no toilet and commune with nature ( i.e. defaecate outside )


• The lowest IQ in Asia – 86 – and one of the lowest in the world


• “ NAIA repeatedly captures the prize as the world’s worst airport “


• “ Best advice, wear a filter mask, and don’t risk driving


• “ Best advice – avoid bus tours “


• “ Baguio … after a 5 hour journey ... hair-raising at times … marked by regular accidents “



• “ The nicer places – such as Boracay and Cebu – are rapidly falling victim to the Filipino characteristic of over-developing “


• “ Language – Filipinos do speak pidgin American English “



• “ Cuisine – Filipino cuisine merits a special place in the kitchen – the waste bin “


• “ brain dead boxer Manny Pacquiao is a congressman – with the highest absentee rating … and the least effective “



• “ Hospitals – they seem OK … but the good nurses and doctors have already left to work abroad … Best advice – gold insurance and a ticket home “


• “ 40 % of all brand drugs are actually counterfeit from China / India “


These claims seem – IMHO – exaggerated, or wrong, but I look forward to reading any responses !