My first trip to the Philippines

[darren-b]

are you referring to terminal 3? we're already using it... for like.. 3 years now I think...

It's being used but only since July last year - so just over a year.

[Northerner]

Thanks for the info James. I've been to Thailand before so the culture shock of seeing so many people with far less money than myself should not be too strange. I will always remember the beggars on the streets of Bangkok, and when a young boy tried in vain to sell me flowers (I gave him my change but bought nothing). So I would imagine that Cebu will be similar. As for Manila, all I will see of that city is the journey from one terminal to another. Not really hanging round as there is nothing for me to see or do there when my Mahal is many miles down south.

I can see how many expats get upset when every day somebody begs them for money, but these days it is the same in Manchester. Except I know the beggars are often earning more than some working folk (Once saw a beggar count about £50 from his day collecting £1 coins)! But then they probably lack the empathy most of us have.. I could imagine what it would be like if I were in those shoes, so who am I to judge?

As for flashing my cash.. Well, it seems I have not saved as much as I had first wished for. I will be taking about £1100 with me and only the first 3 nights paid for. Now I know that is plenty and considering my mahal is demanding that I not take her any place fancy, that should be more than enough.. Even with my planned Lechon feast for her relatives.

And triple5 you're right, I have done my homework and I have no doubts I will be fine

[James Hubbard]

Thanks for the info James. I've been to Thailand before so the culture shock of seeing so many people with far less money than myself should not be too strange. I will always remember the beggars on the streets of Bangkok, and when a young boy tried in vain to sell me flowers (I gave him my change but bought nothing). So I would imagine that Cebu will be similar. As for Manila, all I will see of that city is the journey from one terminal to another. Not really hanging round as there is nothing for me to see or do there when my Mahal is many miles down south.

I can see how many expats get upset when every day somebody begs them for money, but these days it is the same in Manchester. Except I know the beggars are often earning more than some working folk (Once saw a beggar count about £50 from his day collecting £1 coins)! But then they probably lack the empathy most of us have.. I could imagine what it would be like if I were in those shoes, so who am I to judge?

As for flashing my cash.. Well, it seems I have not saved as much as I had first wished for. I will be taking about £1100 with me and only the first 3 nights paid for. Now I know that is plenty and considering my mahal is demanding that I not take her any place fancy, that should be more than enough.. Even with my planned Lechon feast for her relatives.

And triple5 you're right, I have done my homework and I have no doubts I will be fine

hey dude,

It's good that you've been to places like this before and have experiences ... I am sure you will be alright you know what you're doing mate


like tawi said, in cebu dude, most of the kids who're asking you for dosh will just spend it on rugby ( glue sniffing ) ... if they look hungry, and you're the charitable sort, just get em a burger from McD or Jolibees.

Ya, it's good to know wot you're in for. ... for me it was my first time to the 3rd wrld and my (now) wife knew it. . . . so she cushioned me (at that time )


Look if you have a thousand quid to play with, just pretend you have a hundred when you get to the Philippnes.

Also ... when your lovely gf/fiancee is negotiating price, get the heck out of sight until she's finished, or an extra 0 will be added to the end of every purchase!

I remember the first time I came here, I went to the okay okay (second hand charity shop thing) ... and I asked the price of a big big teddy bear. They told me like, 1200 pesos!
Then mama *mother in law now* went a few hours later and asked and the Pinoy price was like 250 pesos! LoL!

Just watch out, it's ok if you don't care, but don't set a precedent that people can take advantage of you, coz they will. Over and over again!