Hi my name is ian i am 56 years old and i live in Bolton. I have a Filipino girlfriend who is my world. I went over to Manila last November & have just booked & paid for my flight to go over again this year for Christmas.
Hello Ian and welcome to British Filipino, Bolton eh, not too far from where I live. Christmas in the Philippines, you cant beat it
Hello Ian. Welcome to the forum. I have been to the Philippines three times - Xmas 2009, Xmas 2014 and got married in the Philippines in March 2015.
My wife lives and works in Cebu so that has been my destination but we spent our honeymoon in Manila so that she could attend the TB screening for her UK visa application.
The Philippines is a poor country, most people are on low income, somewhat below the UK poverty level and there is a lot of malnourishment according to a pharmacist I spoke to. As a foreigner, you will targeted by beggars even if you are like me and can barely walk at times!
True abt the poverty i have seen it for myself but i never give money i will buy food for them if i can becoz i never know wht the money will be used for.
Very good idea. I have done that myself when I could walk a bit better but when I was there in March to get married, I could barely walk using a wheeled walker so I gave cash only. My wife told me it was illegal to give money to beggars from your car as it encourages them to walk in busy traffic.
True, it is prohibited, that is covered with anti-mendicancy law.Please don't give money especially to children, as we will only be encouraging them to live on charity and dole-outs .My poor wee countrymen
Hi Ian, from a fellow Lancsman, I live in Germany now after leaving the army I decided to settle here but I am now looking to move over to the Philippines. My Fiancee is from Bacoor, I'm hoping to getting married Feb or March in the Philippines, just need to know more about the process. I spent last Christmas there which was my third visit and I enjoyed it, each time I left a piece of me has stayed there so I just cant wait to get back and never leave again (hopefully).
Hi David i feel the same abt the wonderful Philippine Islands the cpuntry may be poor but the people are rich in love & happiness. I met my gf through social network & people were quick to tell me abt scams & she only wanted to con me but they were wrong. When i flew over last November she was at the airport waiting for me even though i was 2 hours late
Well, just an enlightment..not all people here in the Philippines are poor! I can say that theres middle class and rich people too...and for you to know, there are also high pay jobs here,that can live luxurious.In all countries there are beggars! You are not forced to give if you dont like. It should come from your heart.....
True words and i always give from my heart a smile & a thank you can make just a small token seem so much to someone
I always like to use the term developing country when I refer to the Philippines, the Philippines does have plenty of middle class and higher class families as you say. There are many well off families due to the large amount on OFWs who look after their families back home. One of the things that I have always admired about Filipinos is the fact that they will work overseas for many years away from their families to fund their loved ones educations and look after their parents, that's why I personally have a lot of respect for the people as a whole. The Philippines for me is all about the people, nothing else.
