Quote Originally Posted by IanB View Post
Arthur, I find these concepts hard to understand in a country where so many people are starving and suffer from lack of health care. I think there are two sets of moral values in the Philippines, one for the rich and one for the poor.

I admit that my experience is meagre in the Philippines, but I have seen nothing that encourages me to think otherwise. Crime is truly outrageous. Government officials treat poor people like ****. doctors and lawyers lie and sell quack medication - or kick sick people onto the streets. Prostitution and rape are common, but asking for a divorce from a man who left you for another woman is considered morally wrong.

Ask for a divorce? You are a bad woman! Ask for money? How immoral! Get sick? A potential scam!

I do not want to offend the many Filipinos out there, because very one I have met has been lovely, decent, and honest. But lets not be blind to the bad things in society over there, and lets NOT impose middle class values on poor people.
Ian,

Not wanting to upset you no no no!!! But your argument on what Arthur has said does not really fit in here. Ok, I also do not have a vast experience, but will tell you of my situation. I am not married to my Mahal yet, we are still courting long distance as many are and do here. My Mahal is exactly as Arthur has described, she has high family and moral values. She works away from her family i n Singapore to support them and works extremely hard for the small money she gets. So many times I have offered to help her, but she will say no, and wants to work out her problems herself. It gives her a greater feeling of achievement and self worth. I think many philippinas are like this.

We hear so much about the scammers and people who want to rip off the so called 'rich westerner' but are these just the few bad apples? We only (generally) hear of the bad statistics... and sh*t sticks.
Are there not just as many scammers here in the Uk?

In this situation above, extreme care must be advised. If you can afford to loose the money she is asking for, take a gamble.....BUT.....laying your cards on the table right off the bat might clear up any misunderstandings that might come up in the future if you stay with her.

Just my thoughts, no offence intended

Steve