@@PaulWorldZoom Thanks, your videos are very helpful. A cool video would be about the popularity of water sports like paddle boarding or kite surfing over there in Negros.
Hello Paul , I have always found the Philippines safe , but I think if you leave anything on a bench or in a a mall it would not be there when you go back for it , the people are amazing as you say very friendly , all the armed guards at the malls and shops I am ok with you get used to it all ,you never hear of anyone going crazy with a gun mass shooting I have never seen a problem with anyone at a mall .When I travel I tend to stay at the same places if I am in Cebu / Manila I call ahead when they know you , you really get treated well as you know. The key as you said is not to be in a hurry for anything once you get past that life becomes very easy there . If you are over 60 as I am you can use the senior line and that really does make a big difference and also as I have mentioned before you can get 20% off a lot of things even grocery store , sometimes they do ask for senior citizen ID for the Philippines I just show my diver licence and that works most of the time , where its really helpful is for hotels and restaurants . Thanks Paul .
The shotgun weilding guards at most locations are usually very friendly and courteous as they greet and open doors for you. Sometimes they may even want a selfie with you. Guards at the door may be a better alternative then police showing up after the crime has been commited, only to question the victims/witnesses
Duterte became a legend and president with his hardcore laws for Davao, "3 strikes and your out", regardless of the crime. After 2nd strike there is a warning. after 3rd strike you disappear. In the end, crime dropped to near 0% and you could leave a purse on a bench and a week later it would still be there or turned into nearest store or brgy police. your very right. long lines or waits are the norm, no place for impatience.
@@flwoods1 Well of course that works if you want to live in a police state like Xis China. As long as you approve of legal mafia tactics. Throw out due process at the same time, and you see how cheaply life is valued in Asia. Duterte is viewed as a criminal in the eyes of the world court and can be arrested at any time. Does the end justify the means? Ask Putin another criminal.
I have lived here for twenty years. Over that time I have gotten jaded. In that time I have learned a lot too. It didn't take me long to look for the safest place I could find in the Philippines. Camiguin Island. When I came here Muslim extremists were beheading foreigners in Southern Mindanao. That has calmed down on the surface now but resentments between Muslims and Christians exist under the surface. I would not live in any of the big cities and if I did, I would have armed guards at the house. I lived for a short while in a subdivision in CDO my Filipino neighbor had a man constantly on patrol in his yard holding an AK47. It was a gated community, and he had his own guard at the front gate to warn him if anyone entered that might be a problem like POLICE. I didn't stay long in that community. The guards are there in the malls and stores for a reason. To deter smash and grab robbers. This isn't the US and the culture we take for granted there is nonexistent here. Here in the Philippines you need someone to act as a representative for you. Someone to shop for you, or you will be taken advantage of by businesses. There is one price for Filipinos and another for foreigners. Have your trusted rep ask questions for you. That avoids you being misled. Yes, as soon as they see you they will act like it is so wonderful to see you but underneath they resent you for the most part. Do not be so trusting and gullible they will say to you whatever they think you want to hear. They will smile at you and at the same time mislead you every chance they get. Also, they all to one degree or another understand English so beware if they act like they do not. As far as restaurants are concerned they watch the money carefully because they have learned through experience that money will grow legs and walk away, so they do everything in a way that checks and balances. Hence, the written notes and hand-delivered change because the boss made the change not the one who took the order or delivered the change. They cannot trust the hired help here, so the owner controls the money point. In my time here I have experienced fraud, theft, violence, and all manner of scams. On the surface all seems well but little by little in not so obvious ways the goal is to separate you from your money in the short run if possible or the long run if necessary.
Thank you very much for taking so much of your time to write this comment. I hope a lot of readers take the time to read your thoughts. I feel bad you have had several negative experiences but still sound as if you love the Philippines. I enjoyed the read and learned a lot. Again, thanks so much
I agree with you. People can smile at you while they hate you. The National Sport is getting the most out of the other person. Maybe by being friendly, or buy playing on your sympathy, or hopping over your fence when you are not home.
On the safety issue, it's the same way in Panama. Word has it that Panama is very safe, yet, there are armed guards in businesses. Bank doors are locked during business hours. Police run road blocks and board buses. Bags must be checked upon entering some stores. Purchases are double-checked before leaving some stores. Some stores have cashier's behind plexiglass. I could go on and on.
@@PaulWorldZoom I don't mean to spread fear of living in Panama. There isn't a lot of violent crime there, but your belongings need to be watched and secured. The safety measures are needed and they do a good job. I didn't feel unsafe there, but I don't like police approaching me.
@@jonsalliss5331 Overall, I'd say, yes, it's safe. The bank I attempted to enter is in Boquete. I wanted to use their ATM. The guard pointed me around the corner and outside of the bank. I felt extremely safe in Boquete, day and night. I felt equally safe everywhere I went in Panama. The police presence seems to be effective and the Panamanians didn't threaten me at all, but the taxi drivers may not be your friends. Panamanians will negotiate on price if you bargain with them. I went for a walk into a wooded area in David. Along the way, dogs were loose everywhere and a couple times they surrounded me, barking and snarling. They sniffed the bag in which I carried a large bottle of water. They followed me to the top of the hill where the road is. That was the extent of my frightening ordeal.
I lived for 3 years in mexico and now 1 year in dumaguete. These 2 countries are extremely alike. Same thing occurs in mexico. Barbed wires, bars on windows, ARMED GUARDS at business entrances etc. I never feel in danger in dumaguete, friendly people but there is a petty crime and Break and Enter Problem. Never leave your valuables unattended or someone will walk away with what you have.
You provide the best information about the Philippines. Thank you. Just found your channel recently and have been binge watching your videos. So much good information. It seems like most other RU-vidrs focus on finding a good Filipina. Don’t get me wrong, that is on my list…but you have been covering all the other important things. From you I learned about the Gcash app, grab ride, what my budget can buy, the negatives (which nobody wants to talk about)…on and on. I will be arriving in April and I have learned so much from you! Anyways, you take the time to make these videos so I wanted to take the time to let you know it is appreciated. Time to find out how to select a physician…😊
Hi Paul! Great topic, extremely informative. Thank you. Hope 2023 has been great for you in Duma. The Philippines is a 2nd world country and is thriving in its own way. People are kind, friendly and brutally honest. SOME Filipinos have “mañana” mentalities. Why fix the roof when it’s not raining. However, I was hoping after 4 decades the CC acceptance would have improved. Can’t keep carrying “wad” in brown bags going to lumber yard when purchasing building materials. Are you visiting US anytime soon?We are flooded here in Los Angeles from too much rain. (At least the drainage system is a bit better compared to other countries.) The inflation is about the same, but the stock market is slowly picking up. Have a fab day.
Thanks, I agree with the frequent do it tomorrow mentality. It usually makes me smile. I get CNN and Fox so I see the USA daily. Crazy weather everywhere. Talk soon.
Thanks Dr. Paul, I am learning so much from you and Pea. PN and Cambodia seem so similar, not sure where I want to retire. I do enjoy humanitarian work, but I am not able to learn the Khmer language other than the basics. So maybe PN because of the English speakers.
Plenty of that type of work in both countries. Hundreds of NGO’s in Cambodia. Many opportunities in the Philippines as well. You will be spoiled for choice and they need help. Thanks for your kind words 👍
@@kantrellstrong9879 NGO is "Non-Govermnent Organization" . I volunteered at the NGO in Cambodia, Angkor Association for the Disabled being an MC (Master of Ceromonies ) for their musical and theatrical performance, as well as street cleaning, etc.
I spoke with a shop owner in Mandaluyong and he told me the armed guards are required by some law. I don't really understand what the point was, but it seems like it's some sort of a work program to give jobs to people. Also a lot of the armed security guards are for show only. I'm fairly knowledgeable about guns and you can see a lot of their guns are either rusted and beat to heck and useless or they have a completely empty holster. The only place I've seen guards that look like they're well trained and properly armed was in Makati, and they seemed like they were there for show. They weren't on edge or alert for anything in particular.
Interesting. I do find it intimidating. Interesting that would for employment and job creation. I remember the Makati guards also. Thanks for commenting
@@PaulWorldZoom yeah the guards around Greenbelt mall in Makati are the ones I'm talking about being actually armed. If you stop and chat with them they're super nice and friendly like everyone else in The Philippines.
Nice video. Thanks for the info. A short flight, hotel for a night, and breakfast for $50. Wow! I think I last saw that here in the US maybe 40-50 years ago. The Phils bring back the good old days when times were a lot more affordable. As for the armed guards in and out of the shopping mall. Reminds me when I lived in Israel. Everywhere I looked there was someone holding a fully-automatic rifle. Moving to the US was culture shock.
The fact that there are armed guards 🔫in front of every store is, I believe, due to the fact that labor is so cheap in the Philippines and guards suggest to customers a pretended security and concern for the welfare around them. I know the phenomenon from Hungary, which is much safer than Germany and where, unlike in Germany, even in front of cheap supermarkets like "Aldi" there is at least one security guard - you can simply afford this staff in Hungary. As for the bars in front of the windows and the barbed wires on the walls, I believe that in the Philippines, as everywhere else, the saying "opportunity makes thieves" applies. And if I'm the only one in my neighborhood whose home invites burglary, then I'd rather put bars in front of my window, too. Of course, I could be wrong. 🤷♂
Made me laugh a few times... especially about how they write the food order on a sheet of paper. 😅 As far as the cash, another point is to make sure you have pesos.... I've traveled to other countries and most of them are happy to take US dollars. I can't find that in the Philippines. Leaving the Manila airport one time, I stopped at a Jollibee (not recommended) and only had USD with me. I offered them 5x the cost of the food if they would let me pay in USD.... they would not. Haha. Luckily my taxi driver could front me enough for a burger (if you MUST get Jollibee.... get the chicken 🤣). I've found, as you have, sometimes it's interesting to just sit and watch the process of some things. And because I'm NOT real patient, when I need most things, I send a Filipino friend to run my errands...they seem to never care about how long things take. 🙂
Yup everything everything everything everything is cash everywhere. I’ve never seen a credit card transaction and debit card is particularly rare . Surely they know foreigners use Debit and Credit cards for many and most transactions but Filipinos pay everything in cash cash cash even land and condos 🙄🙄🙄
I am used to fast pace, go, go, go, in almost everything i do. I had a not so good experienced few years back about having so little cash ( pesos) in my pocket. I found out that they don't take our money $$$, so I ended up returning returning the food except the desserts (halohalo) which was my original planned to buy, 😆 🤣 😂 No pesos, no food! Silly me 😆
Just got back from the Aalabang area a few days ago, fist time visit. At first the large security presence at every entrance and exit at malls, gas station and even at Burger king was almost a shock. All were heavily armed, complete with pistol grip shotguns There was even a large contingent of Army and Special forces at the airport, plus a major police presence. After a few days i was comfortable with it and I even felt secure. Unlike at some malls in the US where roving gangs and rampant theft are common and can be dangerous places to visit, especially at night..
Watching now, Security at Malls = JOBS, JOBS , JOBS! Sense of Security !!! It's not that Phils is dangerous but people go the Mall for comfort from the Heat and SAFE!
Turkey had security guards. In the Philippines they often have holsters and no pistol or a bandana in the pistol holster. The shotguns are not loaded. The bank guards on armored cars are legit armed. I 100% agree on FB and leases. It is the way to go. I use credit cards: Robinsons, PAL, The Market Place, McDo, Pho Hoa (most restaurants), Watsons, Mercury Drug, Penn, Uniqlo, etc... I taught my wife to use credit cards and now she is hooked at the convenience.
My Filipino friend told me that security guards are remnants from the Marcos Regime. The Security Industry is large and politically influential. Most people still wanted the enhanced security after Marcos was kicked out. One thing for sure they don't have the mass murders there like here in The United States. Thanks for a lot of great info!
In Macati at a nice mall a guard stands rifle in hand at the entry. As a US mall security specialist with a holstered flash light I would be envious. The Smokey the Bear hat helps though, especially in a mass shooting.
We have no bars on our windows in rural Mindanao, but we are surrounded by family. If I were to install bars, I would simply mount them on hinges, with catches easily released from INSIDE!
The other day here in USA somebody got hungry and went to McDonald drive-thru. He ordered 200 pieces of chicken nuggets, 1 large fries and 1 large drink. The total price was $79.89. He/she must have realized that the total price is basically $80 for just 1 meal. He left without his order.
I thought I could eat a lot. Yesterday at the the McDonald’s beside Robinson’s Mall the guy in front of me was on his bicycle in the drive thru. So funny
US National credit card debt is crazy!! Some Americans owe more than what they own or can afford. Cash means you spend what you have. Sometimes I wonder who is poorer - the one with cash or the one with a credit card? It depends? Some with credit cards are all paid up while some may owe more or maxed out. The ones that pay in cash will only owe nothing.
I am so ready for my trip !! planning for feb saving and such since i am on SSDI but this will be my first visit out fo the country since i was a kid in Germany lol.
About 7-8 years ago, I visited Bogata and Cartagena Columbia, and in both places, there were armed soldiers with assault weapons walking around. Same thing in Acapulco a few years ago. Figured if something broke out, just hit the deck and hope you don't catch one. Lol The bars and gates at homes in the Philippines are basically deterents for the honest people. If a robber wants to break in, they can and will. I don't feel unsafe here at all, but if you drop money, phone, etc. on the ground here, you'll never see it again. In general, filipinos are good people, but let's face it, it's a poor country compared to many, and poverty levels are extreme along with the high inflation. Red onions right now are higher in price than most meats. Can't even get white ones for months now. Be friendly and patient, but never let your guard down completely, and you'll do fine.
Thank you for mentioning Iloilo. Seldom do I hear about Iloilo from foreign vloggers. It's a hidden gem of the country. We have great walking places called the Esplanade.
Please don’t argue with the young workers. Most of the workers you are going to encounter are going to be young. They are so grateful to have a job for the six months or year before they are laid off. ( this is how employers get around paying insurance). Don’t argue with them They are goodie to shoes. They play by the rules. There is no wiggle room. Don’t think it’s like giving the maitre d a c note for a better table. They don’t understand that game. Especially the young ones.
I bought a ticket for my GF and her 2 kids from cebupacificair and used my CC. After paying for the tickets I immediately realized I had made and error. No customer service phone number and after multiple messages to customer service failed to resolve it. I disputed the charge to my credit card company and 2 months later got a credit back to the card. $478US. Had I paid cash I would have out of luck.
Another insightful vlog. I have a different perspective on cash based society. Yes, it can be very inconvenient, but it gives you control and privacy on how you spend your money. Going fully digital means less freedom and more government control. To get around the line ups at the ATM, here are my suggestions: 1. If you can, open 1 or 2 bank accounts in the PH. In a pinch, you can use their mobile banking app to send money to yourself and pick up at one of their partners....ie. Lhuillier, Cebuana, Palawan, LBC etc. You can even have your money delivered door to door as an option or GCash. As I get older, I tend to gladly pay extra for convenience. 2. If you don't have a PH bank account, you can use remittance service app to send money to yourself from your credit card or foreign account. You can pick it up, delivered door to door or straight to GCash. Always have plan B, C, and D anywhere you go and not just in PH. Filipinos in general are creatures of habit. I know, I grew up in Cebu before moving to Canada. There are better ways of doing things but old traditions and mindsets takes time to shift. It is both a curse and a blessing :) Take care and enjoy your stay in PH.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comments. I especially appreciate your suggestions. I was able to get a BPI account and that helps a lot. Plus, GCash is helpful for me.
FYI. In the past there is an incident of robbery in a big mall, paricularly a jewelry store. That's the reason malls are required to have an armed security guards.
the Atms are a nightmare. also if you bring cash to exchange be careful where you do it at. there are several locations but some with lower the exchange rate for folded money or bent corners.
Hi sir the first 5 years DON'T COUNT were in the same boat and its going around in circles all that i know is that i know nothing at all iv been in bohol now for 36 months
security guards in malls or public places prevent mass shooting except if the guard is the one who is crazy have you read a news in Ph where mass shooting occurs none right? in Thailand it happens
After watching a drive from Bacolod to San Carlos City on RU-vid, I have come to the conclusion that I would have the need to change my car horn very frequently.
when i first came here the guns on security were a bit unsettling. this time in angeles, i only see the shotguns on atm refill security at the mall or whatever only ocassionally do i see a mall security guard at the entrance withna handgun most have empty holsters at SM. the worst thing you want to do is introduce a weapon by someone getting the jump on an armed guard and take the weapon. thats why prison guards dont carry them. i also wonder if the shotguns are less then lethal rounds as they always look pretty beat up. maybe salt cartridges. i think its more safety from property crime then physical injury. it always cracks me up at the pharmacy that they dont use cctv and instead have a guard standing on a box peering over people..lol but yea, like any poor country you leave something it will be gone in seconds. heck back in boston…you leave something its gone. this isnt south korea where you save your seat with your wallet or purse or 1500 dollar cellphone.
Actually, check your phone for the exchange rates. Leave the airport for sure before changing all but the essentials. Hit a mall with your exchange rate and search the currency exchanges. Most are very close to an actual rate. Thanks
Regarding all the security I would want to know how often they ever engage with anyone with nefarious intentions. My experience traveling to and from the Philippines over many years I hear less about serious crime there than where I live. But maybe I am just outside the know.
You are right when you said that the country is in the third world or developing category. income per capita is low, therefore it follows that there are basic needs for most that are not met...therefore crime like, theft, etc. are there..
Might the title here not be “life in the province”. I’m an Australian living in Makati, inconvenience factor zero, clean, efficient, walk to everything I could possibly need, a joy. If I chose to live in the outback in Australia I would have to accept certain inconveniences. Same deal here.
Any time I have problems with service in Philippines I never get angry or upset. I say “only in the Philippines .” I see it as a comedy and laugh it off. Small price to pay for living with pleasant people
I've seen quite a few of these on line and the bedrooms are extremely small, the bathrooms have no counter space and the kitchens have very minimal counter space. I saw 1 yesterday outside of Valencia, looked great on the outside but the kitchens and the bathrooms really poorly designed, but it was 30k php.
Small CRs, bedrooms and livingrooms minimal counters and no bdr closets are the norm, It's not poorly designed. It's Philippine design. Most building lots are minimal square footage, with many houses under 150sq ft, even condos.
I saw one today in Valencia for 14K. It was not bad. They do have similar styles. Marina Spatial here has 2 bedrooms that on have 25 square meters. Tiny tiny.
Security Guards have three purposes. First is the illusion of security (these guys barely check my bag whenever I enter premises and none at all during Xmas season). The second as Doormen as they greet me and open the bank doors for me when I enter and exit. It's a nice added touch to the service. The third is asking for directions especially at a mall which has been the most useful for me.
Do you know I don’t mind the security I believe they even had security guards in the 7-Eleven stores course of my hotel head security guards it creates jobs for them too if you think about it I think President Reagan said trust to verify so it keeps everyone honest….
You made some great points about the safety I always found it so contradictory that they talk about the safety in the Philippines but as you said there's always so many armed guards most homes prefer to have high security gates and nobody ever speaks about the murders and how cheap life is..
5 months? Been retired here 16 years,,,I have 100's of lessons to share. But too busy saving the Oceans from all the plastics that no one seems to care about....
@@PaulWorldZoom Your doing a good job informing people. Most of what I have learned is kinda dated now. I enjoy listening to recent information....you have a new sub.
Labor is very cheap there. If you think of the amount they have to pay for security versus the value of the sales, it makes more sense to have more guards. In the USA the people holding guns probably make enough daily to pay for a quality item in a high end store. How many days of security can they buy in dumaguete with the value of one nice item? Plus, I think westerners have a negative vibe when uniformed guys with guns are watching, but there it’s more of a status thing that they can shop in such a place. That’s partly a guess, but for sure the ratio of merchandise value to the cost of guards is a factor.
I latched on to what you said about immigration in Dumaguete. When I will be in Philippines, I will need to do the same in Cebu, but I will be staying very far from Cebu. Therefore I was concerned at your mention that you need to leave your passport with immigration for 3 days. Do they have a faster system for those living at a distance so that you don't have to book 3 or 4 nights in a hotel just to visit immigration? I do know that now you can get the first extension online, so for the initial extension after to extend your tourist visa from 30 to 59 days there is no longer a need to travel. If they provide an online service in future for further extensions, well that will solve my problem. Otherwise its a hassle to catch ferry then travel and then even stay in a hotel for some days each month.
The bars on windows, fences, walls , gates etc. in countries like the Philippines is due to poverty and lack of social support which causes a lot of petty and property crime. Desperate people do desperate things. Countries that have high taxes and strong health and social programs get bashed for having high taxes but don't need the jail like home security.
But US cities with bars on most homes doors and windows are due to ?? Many many many US neighborhoods and subds many, many homes are barred and electronic protection, cctv..paying big.bucks to live in jail like security
@@whatsnext-007 Is that really true, or is the rise/access to media that just it's more reported? I'm 61, and remember a time house break-ins, car break-ins, and even your basic assault or fights NEVER were reported. Now with everyone having a camera then posting the video, seems nothing goes unreported. Just saying. In my life, I had an apartment broken into, my cars broken into twice, and an attempted theft of my motorcycle, all of which were "Unreported". It seems the type of theft that's hugely on the rise is electronic, something we didn't really have 20+ years ago. Just saying.
@@bigjohnson7415 crime was much worse in the late 80s early 90s in my city crime is almost non heard of but ur correct the media trys to divide us people are starting to wake up here in the states
New to your channel. Great content, very informative. I am 48 and am starting to kick around the idea of taking an extended vacation to the Philippines. I have a neurological condition. It’s a lot like MS. It affects my gait and balance. I still get around but I need a cane or trekking poles. I have seen that the Philippines might not be the most hospitable for folks with handicaps. I’ve heard everything from the infrastructure and just getting around to dating can be tough on people with handicaps. What are your thought?
The Phils does not have the handicap infrastructure as the US. Sidewalks with gaping holes, cracks and buckled is common, or no sidewalk at all, broken escalators is common, jeepneys, and tricycles would be very difficult for you to exit and enter, they are for me. But it can be done. Taxis are the way to go for you, and affordable, or hiring a car/van with driver for major outings, again affordable. I've seen more then 1 foreigner with a walker and oxygen bottle with their partner in the mall. Much depends on location. Dating, not much of a problem. Most filipinas are nurturers and caring. It's in their nature. Even a full time care giver, around $100-200 mo.
IT Park in Cebu, Makati and BGC in Manila. They are new so have handicap accessible sidewalks and curbs. The building have wheelchair ramps and the sidewalks are even and smooth. Duma is not the place for an unsteady gait. Holes, slanted sidewalks, or no sidewalks. Dating is no issue at all. The Philipinas are very caring and nuturing.
I think this serves as a warning to others trying to make their way to Philippines. Especially those that complain that's it's not like the US. How come it's not like the US? How Come their English isn't fluent? How Come we can't use credit cards? If you go online you can buy a plane ticket easily with your credit card. Complainers don't go there.
I would think carrying around $100 or so would be safe and enough. Leave the rest in the safe. Depending on your visit area, credit cards are possible. Manila and Cebu for sure
I remember watching a vlog about Zamboanga city, guards and military everywhere with guns. Still not sure how I feel about it. You’re either extremely safe or very unsafe. It’s weird to us cultural differences but as long as the guards are good guys you’re probably very safe. Kind of like nyc in town square with police everywhere
I agree. It looks and feels safe but is visually so odd. I was in Thailand when the yellow shirts were fighting the red shirts. Army and police everywhere but didn’t even glance at foreigners, but it was strange. I missed a flight to Hong Kong when protestors took over the airport. So weird for simple Thailand
I have never felt unsafe here in the PH in the 4 yrs. I have been here. I am from a large US city. Anyone who thinks it is dangerous here has never been in the Greyhound station in St. Lous at 3AM. BDO that I have an account with is located in SM mall and has 9 ATMs in the mall & 3 outside of it. I have never been able to access my funds. My SS is dieposited into it. No ATM fees & I can withdraw 50 K a day. U r right their R somethings that cost more than in the US. The grocery store in Davao City. They just scan what you buy & give you an electronic receipt. U do not leave your PP here and it takes about 30 minutes to extend in Davao.
@@PaulWorldZoom There where drunks passed out on the floor all over the place & some shady people watching every move we made. I never took a bus after that. LOL
i cant get an Uber to Atlanta Airport from where i live,, for $50 ( one way--30 miles or so ), and you can fly R/T and a hotel night, for $50... dayum.... ! !
