Philippine Visit

[tom]

"Everybody stares at me, they are either in a state of shock at how handsome I am or cannot believe anybody can be that ugly. Unfortunately I suspect it is the latter."

maybe your answer can be found on the back of a red t-shirt?....

(just kidding... )

[Edwin]

"Everybody stares at me, they are either in a state of shock at how handsome I am or cannot believe anybody can be that ugly. Unfortunately I suspect it is the latter."

maybe your answer can be found on the back of a red t-shirt?....

(just kidding... )

This is funny Tom! Most of the 2 weeks that I was in the Philippines was spent with my friends filipina family in Amlan, near Tanjay City, near Dumaguete. My friend and I went for walks every day, early in the day as both of us are walkers. Al's filipno brother-in-law told us one morning that he was going to follow us on our walk. Al is a power walker, and I will walk any speed that suits me whether slow or fast. Well I hung back with Al's brother-in-law to keep him company while we walked as I felt like it was rude for both of us to walk off and leave him, and he is not normally a walker, and he told us that it made his legs hurt to try to keep up with Al. So I had a good time visiting with him while we were walking. He told us that it was not safe for two western guys to be out there walking on the highway. So he was going along to keep us safe, and that was really wonderful of him. He's a really good guy!

As we walked once in a while someone would yell at me, "Hi, Joe!" I would yell back, "Hi." Al's filipino brother-in-law told me that I should tell them, "I am not Joe, I am David!" It was funny. I guess all western guys in the Philippines are Joe, I don't know! We have "Uncle Sam," and "GI Joe." I had an uncle who was a high ranking officer in the Marines, and I think he was in the Philippines during World War II. I had a cousin that told me that his Dad got shot at during the War in the Philippines, and actually hit receiving metals of honor. He told me that he thought the Philippines was too dangerous a place for me to be going, and I needed to watch out for danger. I didn't see any danger, although it was probably lurking nearby. I really had a wonderful time, and I will go back to the Philippines as soon as I get a good chance. I loved the people that I mingled with while I was there.

[eStu]

I hope it's okay to dig up an old thread. I just revisited this thread, the photos and accompanying story, and I'm really keen to visit the Philippines. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to find reliable guides (or indeed recommendations and contact details for particular guides)?

[Edwin]

I see nothing wrong with digging up an old thread. Are you familiar with the book about the Philippines published by Lonely Planet? That book has all kinds of great information in it. My friend gave me his old one when he bought a new one. I read it through, and then I checked out from the library the latest one. It has been updated with current information, but a lot of the information in the old one is still good, except for prices, schedules, and so on. So if you want the latest information you need to get the newest book.

I can't remember who, but someone on here made a deal with a local filipina gal to lead him around, do the business with filipino people, and help with cab riding, and everything a foreign person might have problems with. Who ever it was, it worked out great for that person. Doing that you have less stress, worries, and you are safer as well. Then you have good company also!

[eStu]

Thanks Edwin, yeah, I'm fimiliar with the Lonely Planet guides and a few similar resources. I'm hoping someone can give me a lead on a tour guide/driver. I think I'm likely to spend most of my time on Cebu... but I'm just forming ideas at this point so I'm not sure. Any recommendations re: guide/drivers would be welcome.

[jadegil6]

I can't remember who, but someone on here made a deal with a local filipina gal to lead him around, do the business with filipino people, and help with cab riding, and everything a foreign person might have problems with. Who ever it was, it worked out great for that person. Doing that you have less stress, worries, and you are safer as well. Then you have good company also!

That was justmovenalong. I think he was in Cayagan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, and not in Cebu. I will ask a couple of lady friends of mine in Cebu if they have any suggestions.

[Edwin]

You have a good memory, Sir Michael! Yes, your friends in Cebu would no doubt have good ideas.

[eStu]

Thanks Michael.

[jadegil6]

I have sent your username and email address to 2 ladies I know in Cebu, and they may get in touch with you soon. Hope they can help.

[Chas]

I hope it's okay to dig up an old thread. I just revisited this thread, the photos and accompanying story, and I'm really keen to visit the Philippines. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to find reliable guides (or indeed recommendations and contact details for particular guides)?

I have sent you a PM with a couple of links to websites that I found very useful . Have a great time.