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Erik B.

Erik B.

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Dutch

Occupation/Location: Financial Controller/Amsterdam, the Netherlands

How did you find about the Philippines?

I travel to many places in the world as a tourist but Southeast Asia is my favorite destination. After visiting Thailand and Malaysia several times I wanted to discover the Philippines.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Manila, Puerto Galera in Mindoro , Sabang in Batangas, Angeles City in Pampanga, Boracay in Panay, Mactan in Cebu. Next destination will be Palawan.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Manila: Shopping malls such as Robinsons in Ermita, Ayala in Makati and the Mall of Asia by Manila Bay are great places to spend your time in Manila, as well as Intramuros where you find some rest in the bustling city. In the weekend evenings Greenbelt Three at Ayala in Makati is cool and the place to be.
Mindoro: Has great nature, diving spots and beaches (especially White beach)
Angeles City: For the guys who look for it: Fields Avenue. Aside from that and an international airport with a free tax zone, there is nothing to do there.
Boracay: They try to be the best beach in Asia and maybe they are succeeding. White beach is beautiful at the day and cozy in the evening. Don’t forget to visit the Amazing Show opposite the D-Mall. It is a bit expensive but it is it worth and the dancers really deserve your visit!!!
Cebu: Mactan Island for the beaches and Cebu City for sightseeing, shopping and going out at night. Don’t forget to visit the Chinese temple, Fort San Pedro and to make a day trip to Bohol Island.

     Food

So far I have not found out what the typical Philippine food is, it looks like a mix of Thai and Malaysian food.

     Culture

The culture is a mix of Asian soul, Christian religion, the American way of thinking and Spanish names.

     People

The people make you feel welcome in the Philippines: MABUHAY!

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

I dislike the typhoons and traffic jams. I do not close my eyes to the poorness of many people.

What do you like about the Philippines?

I like the people, the Asian culture, the nature, the beaches, the good dive and snorkeling places and the nightlife. Most of all: I find my rest in the Philippines because there is so far no mass tourism of Western people such as there is in Thailand or Bali. The Philippines makes me feel relaxed after a busy period of hard working.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Roy Santos

Roy Santos

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation/Location: Registered Nurse/Philippines and United States

How did you find about the Philippines?

I was born and raised here.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

I’ve been in major sites around the archipelago from Aparri to Zamboanga (but missed Batanes, Negros, Leyte, Butuan, Cotabato and Jolo)

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

A tropical paradise with rich historic past and awesome scenic views; Ecologically it’s megadiverse and very rich in natural resources; then of course those huge MALLS everywhere.

     Food

Sarap. Delicious and my favorite.

     Culture

Other than the fiestas, it’s fast fading; one must visit the museums or maybe watch cultural shows to better appreciate.

     People

Happy pipol (people); peace-loving; humble; approachable; helpful; resourceful; spiritual.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Too fanatical/engrossed with showbiz/celebrities/Western pop; colonial mentality; government corruption; urban.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Scenic views; Ecologic diversity; historic sites; Baroque structures; peaceful/humble people; good food; bargain shopping.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Rodney Douglas

Rodney Douglas

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: American

Occupation/Location: Photographer/Colorado

How did you find about the Philippines?

Before I meet my wife I had never even heard of the Philippines. During our courtship she educated me on the rich culture.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Naga, Garchitorena, Catanduanes, Baguio, Ifugao, Intrumuros, and all of Metro Manila

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

I love the scenery. Over 7,000 islands – It has to be beautiful!

     Food

Excellent mix of Polynesian and Asian.

     Culture

Beautiful! I think of the country as having the American Values of the 40’s and 50’s.

     People

Very kind and open to tourism.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Corruption. It causes a lot of the poverty issues they struggle with.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Scenery – landscape and culture.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Bobby Wong, Jr.

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Entrepreneur in the Philippines

How did you find about the Philippines?

Born here, live here.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Batanes, Ifugao, Cagayan Province, Palawan (El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Coron), Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Davao, Cebu, Boracay, Most provinces around Metro Manila: Laguna, Cavite, Quezon, Bicol

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

There are many yet undiscovered gems.

     Food

Great.

     Culture

They must be preserved.

     People

Great folks.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Corruption in government.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Resilience of the people.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Raymond J. Barlow

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Canadian

Occupation: Self employed photographer

How did you find about the Philippines?

I met my wife online in a chat room!

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Zamboanga City, Mariveles, Baguio, Batangas, Subic, Tarlac, Taal Volcano, Manila

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

I love all places in Philippines.

     Food

The food is excellent.

     Culture

Different, and interesting, relaxing.

     People

Kind, generous and wonderful.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Too many people out to take advantage.

What do you like about the Philippines?

The people, and fun places to see.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

David Wendel Robinson (a.k.a. Shaktai)

David Wendel Robinson (a.k.a. Shaktai)

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: American

Occupation/Location: Customer Service/Denver, Colorado

How did you find about the Philippines?

Worked in the Philippines for a year, for a call center company.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Manila, Makati, Cainta, Quezon, Cebu, Bacolod, Lipa, Bacoor

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Everywhere I went was interesting. The multi-cultural nature of Makati was fascinating but I also enjoyed the simplicity and beauty of Cebu, the one week I was there.

     Food

Can’t remember all the names of the foods I tried but enjoyed most of them. A dear friend however got me hooked on Ube Ice Cream and I wish I could find it here.

     Culture

Fascinating culture. I worked so much though that I didn’t get a chance to experience as much of it as I would have liked.

     People

Filipinos are some of the most friendly and gracious people I have met anywhere. Hard working (when they can find work), and eager to learn. I have never worked with better people anywhere.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

The traffic and pollution in the Manila area.

What do you like about the Philippines?

The people, the beaches, the food, the entertainment. (Sang a lot of Karaoke while there). Outside of Manila it is a strikingly beautiful place. A photographer’s paradise. I really miss the islands and my Filipino friends a lot and was very much at home there.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Archie Fresco

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation/Location: Electrical Engineer/Manila

How did you find about the Philippines?

I was born here.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Boracay, Puerto Gallera, Zambales, Baguio, Cavite, etc.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Beautiful and extraordinary.

     Food

One of the best in the world.

     Culture

A unique culture which distinguished us from the rest of the world.

     People

Friendly and hospitable.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Government and its employees, MMDA.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Nature and food.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Toto D. Abajero

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation/Location: Freelance Photographer/Kent, Washington USA

How did you find about the Philippines?

It’s my hometown.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Davao, Bataan, Manila etc.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Lots of nice places to explore but doesn’t have time.

     Food

Masarap (Delicious)!

     Culture

Diversed.

     People

Friendly and hospitable.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Politics.

What do you like about the Philippines?

The food and the beaches and Mt. Apo.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Isabelle

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: French

Occupation/Location: QA Manager in a web agency in Makati City

How did you find about the Philippines?

Following my husband for his work.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Anilao, Taal, Mactan, Boracay, Mindoro.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

These are the most beautiful beaches and waters I’ve ever seen! I love Mindoro for her divers landscapes and I would definitely like to go to Banaue.

     Food

I don’t know well the pinay food but I appreciate the buko pie, the ube ice-cream, the sisig. Philippines are also great for sashimi and seafood lovers!

     Culture

I can feel in the Filipina culture the influence of Spain, US and Asia and it makes a nice melting pot! Having fun, having time with family and friends, praying are important parts of the daily life as well as eating! Boxing and basket-ball are the favorite sports. A stranger entertainment is the cock fight! Religion takes a great place in Filipina culture and it makes a big contrast with the approval of gays and transvestite. I like this open-mindedness.

     People

People are very nice and kind but it is difficult to be sure of what they really think (I am a foreigner so it might be normal!). They are deep worshippers, superstitious. What else? They like having fun, are not stressed, eat all the time (at least 5 times per day!). They are found of love stories and social networks like Facebook or Friendster! They really take care of their look and hang out at brushing teeth and hair. Having a mirror on your desk at the office is a must! They are also like big kids with their figurines and dolls everywhere! Well funny people, very nice!

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

I dislike the junk food which is really too present everywhere in the street (MacDonald’s, Jolibee, pizzas, 7/11 and Ministop).

What do you like about the Philippines?

I like the people, the crystal-clear waters, the submarine life, the luxuriant vegetation, the bangkas.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Joserp S. Baluyut

December 10, 2020Add comment

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation/Location: Designer/Canada

How did you find about the Philippines?

I was born here.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Mostly Manila, the summer capital — Baguio, Zambales, Batangas, Bataan, Cavite, Others.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Philippines is a place that has a lot to offer, a perfect fiesta island.

     Food

There are just a handful of natural dishes you can found here, just ‘glorious’.

     Culture

Our culture of one Filipino is being hospitable to their guests.

     People

Filipino I would say is naturally cariñoso or romantico.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Politics and showbiz.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Foods, gimmicks and places.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

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