Live in the Philippines

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The Philippines: More than the Usual

Travel / by

The Department of Tourism here has a campaign where they advertise that the Philippines is “More than the Usual.”

For me, I really believe that! The Philippines is not the normal place. Things are different here! Some are good, some are not as good, but certainly different. That’s what I love about the Philippines, there’s something new around every corner!

What do you think?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MORE THAN USUAL GOOD THINGS:
    Beautiful people of female sex (asawa of course)
    Cheap beer
    Live bands
    Beaches
    Quick air routes to facinating places all over SE Asia
    The "feel-good" effect that arises from within (not necessarily due to SMB), which drive many expats to look into volunteering/donations

    MORE THAN USUAL BAD THINGS:
    Trash in the streets, empty lots,…
    Snatchers
    Traffic enforcers who are really good at doing their "job"
    Regurgitated tv programming (most recent being E.T. rip-off children's program)

  3. Yes Bob, youve hit the nail, the Philippines is certainly more than the usual, maybe thats its appeal, dont you think, I have that paticular video or similar version on my website, its very attractive to watch, being more than the usual means not boring, and its certainly never that ! thats what draws us all to it.

    Forget the bad things, we all know what they are !

    Lets look at the positive side… for me its this.

    The women !! (bright smiles – polite, attentive)
    The cost of living – certainly more attractive than my home country
    Labour – Getting just about anything done for a reasonable price.
    Scenery – sub tropical beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views.
    Life – hustling and bustling, something always happening around you.
    Friendship – having human beings to talk to – always someone around to chat.
    Nightlife – cheap, entertaining and easily affordable, or just sitting out with the one you love…having a capaccino.
    culture – different languages, different peoples, festivals, barrio fiestas, parties, gatherings.
    Education – easy to learn something in the Philippines – even if its Japanese Archery or shooting.
    Politeness – Respect and politeness is alive and well in the Philippines.
    Food – So many different types of food, and a different type every night if you want.

    The list is endless, for for all the negative aspects of the Philippines, one thing is for sure, it gets in your blood and once its in, its never going to be out again, sa mahal kong pilipinas, my beloved philippines.

  4. AAAAaaahhhhhh the Philippines ! Yes there are negatives but they exist everywhere ! Diversified food, best beaches in the world, awesome diving, reasonable living expenses, asian respect, a place where everyday life is slowed down to a livable pace. Mabuhay !

  5. Love the Philippines. 😎

    Strange twist–don't care for that commercial. 🙁 (Never was one for the "touristy" stuff.) It's pretty mercenary in nature, showing a lot of ways a visitor can spend big money in the Philippines. Resorts, fine dining, big dollar department store shopping, etc. Not for me.

    But, that commercial is GREAT for tourism. 😛 Like some say in Hawaii, "Come, but don't stay – just leave your money!" If only some of that tourist money could make it to the masses.

  6. Hi Guys – Yes, the Philippines has so many attractions! Even if there are a few things that are not so desirable, the overall experience is wonderful!

  7. The Philippines certainly has more than the usual, but I wasnt sure if I was watching an ad for Hawaii, Thailand, Bali, Tahiti etc. Had the same feeling when I stayed at Plantation Bay resort in Cebu earlier this year. The resort was really fantastic, but after five weeks in the provinces it felt like I could have been in any major tourist resort in a tropical destination anywhere in the world:???: I guess Ive been spoilt by being able to experience the REAL Philippines "expierience"

  9. It is a 'MUST' for the Dept. of Tourism to really give attention on establishments that charge a 'Tourist Price'. It is really a 'turn off' when a tourist learns that the price of goods and services he/she is paying is not the same as price for the locals. A tourist who experienced such thing like this would definitely not recommend to their family and friends to visit the country. I know that this is not only happening in the Philippines but I think Filipinos should think more on long term survival for the tourist industry rather than the short term one. Most of the prices that have 'tourist prices' are: room rates (hotel/cottages, transportation taxi/ banca, and other for hire vehicles), night clubs (food, drinks, and other charges..eg..table charges..etc..), and vendors in the beach.

  10. Hi Teng – I really agree with you on this! People should think of it this way – do they want a tourist to go home feeling like they had a great trip, or go home thinking that they were ripped off. Only one of those will bring people back again! 😕

  11. Hey Bob, wonderful video you link in here. Awesome photage of my lovable Home Country 😉 I wonder if I can save it on a cd. I love the intro of shopping with the cow riding. Very true about the "Bargain" thing.

  14. Nice video.Lots of positives in The P.I. and almost as many negatives.However, no place is perfect….. not even here in San Diego. We're on PR flt 103 LAX-MNL Sunday night.As usual, looking forward to our trip, and will spend most of our 2 weeks in Paranaque(Metro Manila).Unlike a lot of ExPats/Canos etc. I actually like many things about MNL. I guess since I've been there so many times and experienced so many different things in MNL, I'm not bothered( or maybe I'm numb or indifferent) by the obvious negatives that are present in MNL. I'm a city boy what can I say 🙂

    Ingat Po Kayo,

    aguho