WHERE DO YOU GET ALL YOUR INFORMATION FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS?? AND DONT YOU GET TIRED OF SEARCHING FOR TH-cam CONTENT. WHY NOT J7ST LIVE YOUR LIFE OVER THERE?
I'm Living a great life here. Today traveling up to Cebu for a week then next month to Manila to visit friend. Thank you for your concern and comment Jammer
There's not much work for foreigners in the Philippines. I tried to look myself. English teaching jobs are taken by Filipinos, for example. Thus there are many foreign youtubers.
@timtarr. You may have worked in the steel industry, but your English is terrible. Are you a native speaker? And who would want to sit around and do nothing all day? Please put more thought into your posts and check your grammar.
I once lost my iphone in the Tricycle in the Philippines. Then with some locals we called the number, the guy picked up, and they talked to him and he brought back the phone. It fell out of my pocket and was at the spot where I was sitting. I gave the guy 500 pesos I was so happy.
Same here. I lost my phone while riding a tricycle to a store. I went inside and then realized I didn't have it. I ran outside, but of course the tricycle was already gone. I'm not sure how, but the tricycle driver brought back my phone a short time later. I was extremely grateful and gave him a big tip. I've kept my phone better secured ever since.
i always have two wallets carry one hide one. two id's with two different credit and debit cards. take pictures of everything. also most cards you can lock/unlock right on your phone. divide any cash so youre not carrying it all. I only drink from a sealed bottle of water.
@@lannyg I carry my Filipino drivers license and Philippines credit cards. Transactions online could only be approved by OTP. ATM withdrawals are 18 pesos. Many places also accept gcash or maya so little cash is needed and can be linked also to Philippine bank accounts. I encourage any foreignor to get an ACR card and open up a Philippine bank account.
@@wjebel Hotels are usually ok. The farther you get from the hotels the more chance you take. In my case it was a friend of my future wife that offered a soft drink with ice at her home. I thought this is Cebu so should be no problem. I was wrong. I was as sick as a dog all the way back to the states.🤮 I would stick with bottled water or Pepsi Cola from SM City or another supermarket.
I am 74 and was slightly drunk on walking street in Angeles City at 3 AM. My hotel was 6 blocks away. I automatically went to the trik corner to get a ride to my hotel. It wasn't worth the risk of walking in the couple of isolated blocks, with dark spots, to the hotel.
The Philippines is a wonderful place but you just need to use common sense. Most people there are awesome. You just need to be mindful of the scammers.
I met a Filipino girl online 2 weeks before my flight to the Philippines, she met me at the airport and said, let's go to my village in the province. I'll stay with her, because it will be cheaper, I won't have to pay for a hotel. On the very first day. Her cousins stole 300 euros from me.
@@mauimixer6040 There's only a few financially we'll to do foreignors. The Chinese Corporations through Philippines Corporations own a good wealth concentration. Same with Korean entities. The American foreigners are entirely overrated to many Filipinas as well.
My first time in the Philippines in 1989 at the airport in Cebu (Mactan) when we got off the plane there were Army personnel with machine guns watching everyone. It was very unnerving. Cebu was ok though.
i have lived in Cebu for over 2 years i have never had a problem everything you just said is basic common sense unless you have never traveled before and lived under a rock i felt more unsafe in vegas than here
Just watched this video. I've been here in the Philippines NCR Now a solid (21) years. From the states also. With regards to the water, I have never experienced any sickness from drinking any of the water here. From day (1)until now over (20) years later, I've been drinking straight from the tap, ice cubes as well made from tap water. Upon provincial visits, never had any issues with drinking water but use precaution of the water source. Still I find your video very informative, well spoken and extremely helpful to other foreigners/expats who decide to travel/visit or even live here. The advices presented very good with the common or unexpected scenarios. Excellent advice. Good video
You are so right about the water and the icecubes. After a small sip during breakfast at a restaurant I realized the cubes had a weird tastes. I knew then to ask for no cubes. One drink with unfamiliar pathogens can ruin a weekend, or worse✌🏾
I do the same and write where you sign see I'd. I take pics of the and email myself and put in a folder. Same as with the passport I make multiple copies and only go out with the copies.
@Mike I've been traveling Asia for many years, and I am aware of your talking points and live by them. Of all these TH-camrs, your advice is the soundest and most practical if you want to avoid unnecessary problems.
-My cousin was a Marine back in the late 70s over in the Philippines & he said they got robbed by about 9 to 12 kids who jumped them as they followed a sexy girl who was a hooker & her brother was her pimp. He said him & 1 other Marine went for it, followed her & got mobbed. So now I'm watching this video & it's a good public service & advice that you're giving here.
Great advise. You are on point! I am often in Cebu City visiting my GF. You are giving great advise here and any foreigner should take heed. I work often with the PNP in various parts of the country. I love the Philippines but it is still a developing country.
HI 👋 MIKE! Good informative video brother thanks 🙏 👍. Always be aware of your surroundings, money in front secure pocket, & don’t trust anyone you don’t know period👍. Respect one another & enjoy your time while in the Philippines 🇵🇭. Blessings 🙏🌼🌺🌸
I lived in Philippines 7 years, wow I have seen it all.. everything Mike says is true, Im more streetwise now but still very very careful. It's a minefield..
That is probably the best advice and everything he said is true. Myself living in and out from Philippines for the last 12 years. 100% true video 😅. Done one point at the time clearly stated. Thank, salamat.
I've been surrounded by heavily armed militant rebels here. Being extorted by corrupt cops was worse. I've seen an American shot in the back by an off duty Filipino cop over a 50 peso disagreement. Very little value is placed on human life in the Philippines.
You can delete just about anybody and all you need to do is pay about 50K pesos to the family and the problem goes away. You just have to know who to talk to when it happens.
@@Call_Me_Troy can you give me an article about this happening? Or is this not reported or even documented? I want to know how dangerous this country really is. Can you give some details like where it happened, the city, the barangay?
Do as much homework as you can first to avoid any surprises. I like these videos because they tell you the real picture. On my first trip to the Philippines in 1989 i got all my information from books that only told the good parts and not the bad parts. If you are looking for a wife It is a different culture, and it can be difficult at times to understand what is going on. Family is important. Study closely her parents. How do they conduct themselves? They may not speak English but that is not a problem as you can detect good vibes or bad vibes. If there are any red flags stop right, there because the apple don't fall too far from the tree. Chances are the daughter will become like them after a few years. Ask me how I know.
@@barrystewart6141 Funny Guy... I lived in a US County that only issued Carry Permits to the Politically Connected. PLUS, even if I did manage to "Kiss Butt" & get a Permit, the State I traveled in most, does not honor my Home State's Carry Permit.
Also you can get travel insurance. You can be airlifted out of the country on a private jet and sent to a medical treatment facility of your choice if you fall ill. It was not that expensive for the Philippines. Never needed it but it was nice to have.
It's good TH-camrs are finally telling the other side of the story about the Philippines. It certainly is not all negative, but so many videos I've seen is how wonderful the Philippines are, and don't even mention what can go wrong. This is a very realistic video, and I hope more guys see this video before they make their first trip.
here is a good tip: when you get into a trike take note of the body number (that large number on the front and inside the trike) then if you forget something in the trike go out and flag down any trike tell him what happen and the body number he may have the drivers phone number or if he sees him he can talk to him or know which trike stand he goes to.. i had this happen i left some groceries in the trike and when i got inside i notice a bag missing luckily my girl got the body number went out flag down a trike told him the body number he knew what trike stand he operated at and went there and told him..our trike came by about 15 minutes later with our bag of groceries..both drivers got a nice tip..this is of course not 100% but something to try..the trike drivers know each other.. the drivers alot of time do not have time to check to see if you left anything behind they are off to pick up the next fare.. NOTE: if you forget your girl in the trike odds are he will not bring her back hahahah..
A trick I learned some years ago. I carry a credit card and cash around my upper thigh using elastic bandage (tubing grip) . The cash and card goes in a fold in the bandage together with my hotel key card. It's not easily visible and I carry maybe $30 in a cheap wallet.
So true about physical limits. I’m 61 and have some issues dealing with the big waves and balance on island hopping tours. Just 13 years ago I didn’t have these issues.
Clark Airbase Phillipines 1984. Walked off base first liberty call. A group of about 9 kids ages 5 to 12 walked up to me asking for money, then grabbed my hands and tugged on my clothes until I finally broke free. I was a good overseas sailor, had all my money on my inside pocket of jeans and in my shoes. I get to the bar and pick up a girl. She says, "What time do you have to be back on base ?" I lift up my wrist to check the time, and all I had was a bare wrist ! Remember, they were just kids who probably needed that Citizen dive watch more than I did.
In Subic bay, Olongapo, 79, had an almost similar experience crossing the foot bridge to town as theypatted me down tryingtopick pocket me. Except , growing up in the projects of Philadelphia I was wiser than they thought and surprised the kids when I picked up on3 and threw him off the bridge! It was only about 8ft down and they would jump off regularly anyway chasing coins guys would toss off the ,and miss, to the girls holding baskets below . Well, they remembered me from that point onwards and didn't try again. Lol Once in awhile I would toss them bunch of change on paydays anyway. I don't recommend any doing what I did as because of my position and local friends (law enforcement)I had protection like immunity. 😊 Thanks for the flashbacks.
At the Santo Nino Church in Cebu City, a bunch of little street kids surrounded my wife and me. They were doing a lot of touching me, so I put my wallet in my hand and held it up out of reach. I’m 6’2” tall. I also saw the kids’ “handler” off to the side, staring at me. We already do a lot of what you suggest.
Very informative. It would be good to mention getting the hpv vaccination done before indulging in a trip. ..condoms won't protect against that or hsv but there are ways to limit and protect yourself against these too.
Great advice for first timers. I spent a month in Pampanga last year and heeded all of the advice you've given. I had a great time and trusted my street senses while there.
Here one that happened to me but I caught it in time before it got big. Went out to eat with friends at last minute and didn’t have any cash for the check so I used my credit card. I let the server take it and she went out of my sight. A few days later I signed into my online banking and was seeing small $1-2 charges on it. I called my bank and they said that’s how they see if it’s still active before they make big purchases.
Think all your warnings are valid. Have been to the philippines several times and the ice and water warning is so very true. Remember its all private hospitals here.
Good info, especially the one about knowing your limits at the waterfalls. Also with kids, WALANG PERA and be street smart with and look them in the eye with that! Thanks for sharing Mike!
Don't carry your credit/debit cards on you...Keep them locked up inside your residence...Only carry them if you are going to use them on a particular day...Leave the house with an amount of cash that you need for that day...Use ATM machines that are in safe places...Hotels...Bank Lobby...the Malls...Try to avoid using free standing ATM's that are out on "the street"...And never carry your passport unless you are going to use it that day...Then get it back to the house...Stay vigilant and don't let your guard down...
Hi Mike. It was good for yyou to chat about these sensitive topics and the good and bad side of the Philippines. This is the kind of information all of us want to hear. Thank you
@mikesphilippineretirement I'm doing great. Enjoying my retirement & working in my little home machine shop. Doing all the little projects I ve dreamed about making when I was working. Hope to visit the Philippines next year if possible. 🙂
Excellent information! All the points made were very good and the details, especially concerning the ice cubes from the water. Thank you from a future Expat.
nice informative video. I am impressed with this important information you gave. If you bring a young lady to your castle for the evening, put all your valuables in your safe, if you have one, then enjoy your quest. It's just like the locks on a door, it keeps the honest people honest.
Im glad you mentioned the ice cubes. Any time i have said that guys look at me like iv got 2 heads 😂 But its actually true. Another thing, if you're buying from a water station..... make sure its uv filtered and dont buy bottled water from guys selling it on the street. "But its in a sealed bottle" No matter. They can reseal them 😅
Great and important advice Mike! On my last trip, I did exactly like that. I was in Cebu and she was about 5 to 6 hours away by bus. I offered to pay for transportation expenses and she agreed. When I arrived in Cebu, her phone was dead or not connecting. She didn't arrive in Cebu on time. I had this sinking feeling, things are not going in the right direction. Next day she arrived and phone working. We spent 5 days together traveling to Moalboal, Oslob etc. She said she had to "load" her phone. Apparently in Philippines, people usually have to keep loading the phone to use it. My advice is in Philippines and other places be very patient have some cushion when booking schedule. I was lucky to have one extra day to spend in Cebu before going to other places. Otherwise all my Paid Hotel booking would have been messed up!
Good advice, I was in the Philippines in the mid 1970s, with the US Navy, the same set rules apply back then. The bad actors are playing the same games, I will say once you were hip to the tricks, there was not a more fun place in the world for liberty in my humble opinion. The ladies were always fun and friendly.
I always made copies of my passport and pit it in my luggage and backpack. I also split my crdit and debit cards up. Put some in luggage and some in wallet put some in carry on bag. Ive known some to put money in their sock. So if they lose everything.. you have some emergency cash. Also watch the cabs. Make sure the cab you ride in has a meter and make sure they are not taking you on the "scenic route" to the place you want to go. I have never been robbed, but i was once charged $35 for a cab ride when i didnt know any better.
Mike the same beggars are always hanging around when you leave the Quest hotel and go to the mall or the 7/11 . They are little professional thieves. Cheers 🍻
I lived on top of Quest for 3 yrs.. yes they are called the Bajao they are beggars that can earn 30k+ a month if you give them bur they are not thieves.
Thanks so much for your insights about staying out of trouble not just for the Philippines. Going overseas for whatever reason is not enticing for me anymore. Luckily I live very happily and safely in one of the best countries and cities on the planet .🙏
Yeah, I have been in many places in the world and when the plane lands in the states I like the feeling that I am home. Despite the problems the USA is still a nice place to call home.😊
Hi Mike, I'd like to hear more about finding safe things to eat. What grocery store meats are safe and restaurant foods. With all the power outages how do you know who has a backup generator to keep the power on and the food cold and safe?
always pack meds to take- 10 days of ciprofloxacin, 10 days of azithromycin, when im there i stock up on buscopan plus. cipro and buscopan will get you out of a stomach issue emergency in 24 hrs. always keep your go bag with you. bottle water- they love to refill bottles and resell them- always make sure the top is 'sealed' (crack it open like he says). keep a few bottles in freezer, bust em up if you want ice.
Before my 1st trip to the Philippines in 2018 I purchased a Life Straw 2 stage filter bottle. It filters even very bad water. Used by many hikers, campers and outdoorsmen. Never got ice for soda and used it unless bottled water. No problems in 5 trips except when on a cruise ship 1 day trip and had sweetened ice tea. Got very sick from it.
Even be careful when a bunch of friendly Little kids surround you patting you and asking just for a little change, Acting so friendly. You are being pick pocketed 😊. They are slick and start early there.
In general good advice Mike! Funny enough the city and country I have felt least safe in was Manhattan , NY, USA. I am 70, an experienced traveller with a Filipina fiancee and think your advice is sound!
Sorry, you failed to mention. YOU MUST HAVE PIN CODE access turned on on your phone and that even is not 100% because of wear patterns on your phone protector screen. Never EVER keep all you money and all your Credit/Debit cards in one single bundle. Take at least $500 USD and one or more plastic cars, wrap it tight, cover it with something like a sleeve or even thick piece of papers to obscure it's content and hide it somewhere in the lining of your luggage. Most thieves won't take your big bag of smelly clothes if the get access to your room. They will grab your backpack, camera bag and anything they can sneak out with. Divide your money into at least two piles and store separate. I really like the reminder about the PASSPORT ID card, I am ordering one next.
I also scratch the 3 numbers off on the back of the card. But i also have a bank account where i have to put money on the card to use it like prepay thing
These are all great tips Mike. I'd add that one danger can be a lack of familiarity. I've been to places in the Philippines where I felt perfectly safe during the day but at night, were not well-lit. Electricity is expensive in the Philippines. There was nothing wrong with the area but it would be very easy to get lost in the area I'm thinking about and if your phone runs out of battery, you could be in for a serious challenge trying to get to where you need to go. I wouldn't want to be in a situation where I'm knocking on strangers doors in the middle of the night, in an area that I've never been, hoping someone is awake and can help me figure things out. Some dangers can come not from the people but from the fact that you don't know your way around the area like you know your hometown in the US/UK/Aus/Canada/etc.
@@mikesphilippineretirement Hey Mike, hope you're doing well this weekend. I'm doing ok, in Vietnam currently but not feeling it. I'm thinking about heading to the PH earlier than expected but not sure yet. I'll be sure to let you know if that lines up, the PH is a big more complex logistically.
I let my wife do all the talking when in the Philippines. She could get things done that I would never be able to get done. Had an argument with the hotel staff over reservations. I was going nowhere. My wife said something in Cebuano to the hotel manager and like magic no problem. 😊
Was fortunate enough to travel to the Philippines several years ago. We headed 2-3 miles out to sea near Cebu and had an armed guard for the 10-12 person boat we rented. Seriously, the guard had a machine gun to deter pirating. Might wanna avoid traveling on boat in the south.
It’s little known that the origination of a lime with your bottled beer was to rub the citrus acids around the lip of the bottle including the juice from the rine to disinfect the area where your lips touch. It works. The liquid in the citrus rine is extracted commercially to make disinfectant cleaners.
Thank you so much for your help and your advice. I do appreciate and you’re helping me…. I was having a video chat with someone on my iPhone on the street and suddenly I noticed that everyone was looking at me and I realized I cannot show my iPhone like that. Thank you again.
The best advice site I have come across. Useful info in plain language. If you are in a public place and anyone touches or bumps you, they are probably frisking you. This is especially true with little kids because they will mob you and one or two will be patting you down /taking your wallet/watch, whatever, while you are distracted. You will not realize it - proven fact- because you bodily awareness is focused elsewhere.
WHERE DO YOU GET ALL YOUR INFORMATION FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS?? AND DONT YOU GET TIRED OF SEARCHING FOR TH-cam CONTENT. WHY NOT J7ST LIVE YOUR LIFE OVER THERE?
I'm Living a great life here. Today traveling up to Cebu for a week then next month to Manila to visit friend. Thank you for your concern and comment Jammer
There's not much work for foreigners in the Philippines. I tried to look myself. English teaching jobs are taken by Filipinos, for example. Thus there are many foreign youtubers.
@timtarr. You may have worked in the steel industry, but your English is terrible. Are you a native speaker? And who would want to sit around and do nothing all day? Please put more thought into your posts and check your grammar.
These videos are great!!
I’m a very experienced world travel and love Mike’s videos. You’re free not to watch ✌️
Good advise ... BUT NOT JUST FOR THE PHILIPPINES. This advise is true EVERYWHERE.
Absolutely. I was thinking the same thing. All pretty much common sense
I once lost my iphone in the Tricycle in the Philippines. Then with some locals we called the number, the guy picked up, and they talked to him and he brought back the phone. It fell out of my pocket and was at the spot where I was sitting. I gave the guy 500 pesos I was so happy.
and lucky
Same here. I lost my phone while riding a tricycle to a store. I went inside and then realized I didn't have it. I ran outside, but of course the tricycle was already gone. I'm not sure how, but the tricycle driver brought back my phone a short time later. I was extremely grateful and gave him a big tip. I've kept my phone better secured ever since.
@@lksdgh6058 bl9kemate u r 2 lucky shipmate
You lucky wife lost her phone and 200$ usd they never call to return it
that's why the trike driver didn't pull out the Sim Card waiting somebody
To call and return the phone to the
Rightful owner.
Although my home is with my wife in Philippines, this is a good reminder for anyone. Once in a while, I find myself being a bit too relaxed.
i always have two wallets carry one hide one. two id's with two different credit and debit cards. take pictures of everything. also most cards you can lock/unlock right on your phone. divide any cash so youre not carrying it all. I only drink from a sealed bottle of water.
good advice Lanny
Wear a money belt duh
@@lannyg I carry my Filipino drivers license and Philippines credit cards. Transactions online could only be approved by OTP. ATM withdrawals are 18 pesos. Many places also accept gcash or maya so little cash is needed and can be linked also to Philippine bank accounts. I encourage any foreignor to get an ACR card and open up a Philippine bank account.
what about coffee from a restaurant? Safe or not?
@@wjebel Hotels are usually ok. The farther you get from the hotels the more chance you take. In my case it was a friend of my future wife that offered a soft drink with ice at her home. I thought this is Cebu so should be no problem. I was wrong. I was as sick as a dog all the way back to the states.🤮 I would stick with bottled water or Pepsi Cola from SM City or another supermarket.
I am 74 and was slightly drunk on walking street in Angeles City at 3 AM. My hotel was 6 blocks away. I automatically went to the trik corner to get a ride to my hotel. It wasn't worth the risk of walking in the couple of isolated blocks, with dark spots, to the hotel.
@RandyRhode-yq5hq better safe than sorry.
A slightly drunk 74 year old walking the streets at 3am, wow either you got balls or a death wish lol
@@kennyl.TheSilverJewelryGuy I was on Walking Street and it was well lite and numerous people on the street.
AC is a huge slum
@@kennyl.TheSilverJewelryGuy 🤣🤣😂
I have no desire to go to the Philippines, but the advice given can work anywhere. Great video.
thank you
The Philippines is a wonderful place but you just need to use common sense. Most people there are awesome. You just need to be mindful of the scammers.
Never fight the current. It’s a losing battle. I used to work rescue. It’s amazing how much trouble people find.
Thanks for sharing
@jdtravels5140
That applies to scuba diving as well. You won't drown but it will ruin the dive
Swim 🏊♂️ too the Side of it , You might be able too get out of it if it's a Rip 😮
@@briansmythe3000 I've done the swim parallel to shore more than once while swimming in the ocean in Hawaii. It works.
I met a Filipino girl online 2 weeks before my flight to the Philippines, she met me at the airport and said, let's go to my village in the province. I'll stay with her, because it will be cheaper, I won't have to pay for a hotel. On the very first day. Her cousins stole 300 euros from me.
sorry to hear
@@mikesphilippineretirement I thought they were my family and I trusted them, but They took advantage of my trust.
😂
Very typical, you got scammed
DUMMY
Excellent advice. I never let my guard down in the Philippines. We foreigners are a TARGET!!! Never forget that, guys.
thanks for sharing
Never let your guard down in America or any other countries.
Because you are seen as Rich, no matter how poor you feel.
@@mauimixer6040 There's only a few financially we'll to do foreignors. The Chinese Corporations through Philippines Corporations own a good wealth concentration. Same with Korean entities. The American foreigners are entirely overrated to many Filipinas as well.
My first time in the Philippines in 1989 at the airport in Cebu (Mactan) when we got off the plane there were Army personnel with machine guns watching everyone. It was very unnerving. Cebu was ok though.
i have lived in Cebu for over 2 years i have never had a problem everything you just said is basic common sense unless you have never traveled before and lived under a rock i felt more unsafe in vegas than here
Much appreciated. It’s always amazing to me that a simple, common sense approach keeps one pretty darn safe! Peace ☮️
common sense is not so common they say Michael
Just watched this video. I've been here in the Philippines NCR Now a solid (21) years. From the states also. With regards to the water, I have never experienced any sickness from drinking any of the water here. From day (1)until now over (20) years later, I've been drinking straight from the tap, ice cubes as well made from tap water. Upon provincial visits, never had any issues with drinking water but use precaution of the water source. Still I find your video very informative, well spoken and extremely helpful to other foreigners/expats who decide to travel/visit or even live here. The advices presented very good with the common or unexpected scenarios. Excellent advice. Good video
I was in Vietnam two years and never got sick. The only time I got sick was in Cebu from Ice. The plane ride back to the states was not fun at all.
@mr.joshua, u really think this good video?? It's BS!
@@bradleymiller7375Where are you from from saying that? 😊
I think he was probably referring to avoiding someone dropping a drug in your water bottle.
You are so right about the water and the icecubes. After a small sip during breakfast at a restaurant I realized the cubes had a weird tastes. I knew then to ask for no cubes. One drink with unfamiliar pathogens can ruin a weekend, or worse✌🏾
thanks for sharing Max
So just basically act as you would in Mexico. 👍
🤣
@@Dennisthemenace-hp3wfor United States!
Exzellent Information, honest without scaring. Keep on going 👍👍👍👍
When I get my credit cards I write down the 3 numbers on the back and then scratch them off for that very reason.
wow never heard that before
@BrianSmith-yn2zg Great idea!
I do the same and write where you sign see I'd. I take pics of the and email myself and put in a folder. Same as with the passport I make multiple copies and only go out with the copies.
Great idea! Just make sure you don’t loose or forget it.
I was thinking the same. I have everything memorized from doing online orders, so it's not like I need those 3 digits there.
@Mike I've been traveling Asia for many years, and I am aware of your talking points and live by them.
Of all these TH-camrs, your advice is the soundest and most practical if you want to avoid unnecessary problems.
To me it's just common sense.
@mikespjilippineretirement thanks for this video -- a ton of good advice & excellent safety precautions. THANKS!
Our pleasure! Mr Joe
-My cousin was a Marine back in the late 70s over in the Philippines & he said they got robbed by about 9 to 12 kids who jumped them as they followed a sexy girl who was a hooker & her brother was her pimp. He said him & 1 other Marine went for it, followed her & got mobbed. So now I'm watching this video & it's a good public service & advice that you're giving here.
ITS NOT JUST IN THE PHILIPPINES IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD. IT'S ALWAYS HAPPENED IN THE UK. AMERICA IS EVEN WORSE. 😂😂😂😂😂
He's speaking about the Philippines, that's why he's speaking about the Philippines, and no other country.
@@Glenn-mq8tsand lies!
@@bradleymiller7375 about what? Show your work. Too Funny.
STOP YELLING 😂
@@Glenn-mq8ts come find it
Great advise. You are on point! I am often in Cebu City visiting my GF. You are giving great advise here and any foreigner should take heed. I work often with the PNP in various parts of the country. I love the Philippines but it is still a developing country.
HI 👋 MIKE! Good informative video brother thanks 🙏 👍. Always be aware of your surroundings, money in front secure pocket, & don’t trust anyone you don’t know period👍. Respect one another & enjoy your time while in the Philippines 🇵🇭. Blessings 🙏🌼🌺🌸
Thank you. Being smart and common sense will go a long way
@@mikesphilippineretirement COMMON SENSE ANYWHERE WE TRAVEL. SAFE TRAVELS TO CEBU & HAVE A GOOD TIME!! BLESSINGS 🙏🌸🌺🌼
I lived in Philippines 7 years, wow I have seen it all.. everything Mike says is true, Im more streetwise now but still very very careful. It's a minefield..
That is probably the best advice and everything he said is true. Myself living in and out from Philippines for the last 12 years. 100% true video 😅. Done one point at the time clearly stated. Thank, salamat.
Thanks
i been comming to the Philippines since 1978.I used to drink out of rhe faucet in Olongapo in 1978.I never got sick.I used to play pool in tondo.
good to hear
I've been surrounded by heavily armed militant rebels here. Being extorted by corrupt cops was worse. I've seen an American shot in the back by an off duty Filipino cop over a 50 peso disagreement. Very little value is placed on human life in the Philippines.
@@Call_Me_Troy I went and didn't like the place
You can delete just about anybody and all you need to do is pay about 50K pesos to the family and the problem goes away. You just have to know who to talk to when it happens.
Sounds like your going to the wrong places,7 yrs here,no peoblems!!!
@@bobwilson5041 ~ It doesn't matter where you are if you are being targeted by corrupt extorting cops.
@@Call_Me_Troy can you give me an article about this happening? Or is this not reported or even documented? I want to know how dangerous this country really is. Can you give some details like where it happened, the city, the barangay?
Thank you very much for your videos. I plan to visit the Philippines in December and videos like these are worth their weight in gold 👍
Do as much homework as you can first to avoid any surprises. I like these videos because they tell you the real picture. On my first trip to the Philippines in 1989 i got all my information from books that only told the good parts and not the bad parts. If you are looking for a wife It is a different culture, and it can be difficult at times to understand what is going on. Family is important. Study closely her parents. How do they conduct themselves? They may not speak English but that is not a problem as you can detect good vibes or bad vibes. If there are any red flags stop right, there because the apple don't fall too far from the tree. Chances are the daughter will become like them after a few years. Ask me how I know.
Glad you like them!
Even in the US, I travel with a Decoy Wallet in my back pocket. Real wallet in Front Pocket. Phone in a pocket INSIDE my Cargo Pocket.
Cargo pants a good way to carry many things
Exactly!
Why do all that when you can conceal carry a pistol in US 😂
@@barrystewart6141 Funny Guy... I lived in a US County that only issued Carry Permits to the Politically Connected. PLUS, even if I did manage to "Kiss Butt" & get a Permit, the State I traveled in most, does not honor my Home State's Carry Permit.
@ ah ok yeah I’m in Australia laws are fucked here
This is the best more through many advices that *everybody* visiting Philippines or any country needs to read, and remember. Great Job Mike!!
Also you can get travel insurance. You can be airlifted out of the country on a private jet and sent to a medical treatment facility of your choice if you fall ill. It was not that expensive for the Philippines. Never needed it but it was nice to have.
Thanks for the advice Mike ,I will take
On board your advice , if I go too the
Philippines.
GREAT ADVICE MIKE !! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🫡⚓️🇺🇸🇺🇸👋👋👍
Thank you my friend
Great LIES!
It's good TH-camrs are finally telling the other side of the story about the Philippines. It certainly is not all negative, but so many videos I've seen is how wonderful the Philippines are, and don't even mention what can go wrong. This is a very realistic video, and I hope more guys see this video before they make their first trip.
I do not know about other Tubers but I just do my thing
@@mikesphilippineretirement The Philippines 🇵🇭 just like many countries have both Negatives and Positives.
@mikesphilippineretirement , WITH NO CLASS MIKE!
I agree 💯 facts.All of what your saying is common sense
Thank you Mike. Hope it will help the one who want to stay safe.
I live in the Philippines and I can say that all your advises are correct.
here is a good tip: when you get into a trike take note of the body number (that large number on the front and inside the trike) then if you forget something in the trike go out and flag down any trike tell him what happen and the body number he may have the drivers phone number or if he sees him he can talk to him or know which trike stand he goes to..
i had this happen i left some groceries in the trike and when i got inside i notice a bag missing luckily my girl got the body number went out flag down a trike told him the body number he knew what trike stand he operated at and went there and told him..our trike came by about 15 minutes later with our bag of groceries..both drivers got a nice tip..this is of course not 100% but something to try..the trike drivers know each other..
the drivers alot of time do not have time to check to see if you left anything behind they are off to pick up the next fare..
NOTE: if you forget your girl in the trike odds are he will not bring her back hahahah..
A trick I learned some years ago.
I carry a credit card and cash around my upper thigh using elastic bandage (tubing grip) .
The cash and card goes in a fold in the bandage together with my hotel key card.
It's not easily visible and I carry maybe $30 in a cheap wallet.
thanks for sharing that tip Steve
So true about physical limits. I’m 61 and have some issues dealing with the big waves and balance on island hopping tours. Just 13 years ago I didn’t have these issues.
You’re not alone in that.
Clark Airbase Phillipines 1984. Walked off base first liberty call. A group of about 9 kids ages 5 to 12 walked up to me asking for money, then grabbed my hands and tugged on my clothes until I finally broke free. I was a good overseas sailor, had all my money on my inside pocket of jeans and in my shoes. I get to the bar and pick up a girl. She says, "What time do you have to be back on base ?" I lift up my wrist to check the time, and all I had was a bare wrist ! Remember, they were just kids who probably needed that Citizen dive watch more than I did.
great story thanks for sharing
In Subic bay, Olongapo, 79, had an almost similar experience crossing the foot bridge to town as theypatted me down tryingtopick pocket me. Except , growing up in the projects of Philadelphia I was wiser than they thought and surprised the kids when I picked up on3 and threw him off the bridge! It was only about 8ft down and they would jump off regularly anyway chasing coins guys would toss off the ,and miss, to the girls holding baskets below . Well, they remembered me from that point onwards and didn't try again. Lol
Once in awhile I would toss them bunch of change on paydays anyway.
I don't recommend any doing what I did as because of my position and local friends (law enforcement)I had protection like immunity. 😊
Thanks for the flashbacks.
At the Santo Nino Church in Cebu City, a bunch of little street kids surrounded my wife and me. They were doing a lot of touching me, so I put my wallet in my hand and held it up out of reach. I’m 6’2” tall. I also saw the kids’ “handler” off to the side, staring at me. We already do a lot of what you suggest.
@@roysheaks1261 Yeah that is not a good place to be. Most of Cebu is ok. I never had a problem.
I agree with you.
Very informative. It would be good to mention getting the hpv vaccination done before indulging in a trip. ..condoms won't protect against that or hsv but there are ways to limit and protect yourself against these too.
These are good tips for ANYWHERE in the world
Great advice for first timers. I spent a month in Pampanga last year and heeded all of the advice you've given. I had a great time and trusted my street senses while there.
Great to hear!
One month in Angeles.. ..Um, I mean pampanga? You should have joined a dating site and dated some nice girls and taken them to SM Clark.
I had a Mango shake at a hotel on Siquior Island and forgot to ask about the ice used. I was sick for 2 days with high fever and diarrhea. Be careful.
be careful always
@@CJfromFlorida I had the same issue for 3 days with the exact same symptoms. It was rough!
Here one that happened to me but I caught it in time before it got big. Went out to eat with friends at last minute and didn’t have any cash for the check so I used my credit card. I let the server take it and she went out of my sight. A few days later I signed into my online banking and was seeing small $1-2 charges on it. I called my bank and they said that’s how they see if it’s still active before they make big purchases.
Not in the Ph. Was here in USA.
I have seen that then BOOM a big charge
Cash really is best in these cases.
Think all your warnings are valid. Have been to the philippines several times and the ice and water warning is so very true. Remember its all private hospitals here.
Thanks Coach! Awesome advice :)
No worries!
correct. anywhere in the world. always be catious.
Good info, especially the one about knowing your limits at the waterfalls. Also with kids, WALANG PERA and be street smart with and look them in the eye with that! Thanks for sharing Mike!
Thanks for watching guys
Don't carry your credit/debit cards on you...Keep them locked up inside your residence...Only carry them if you are going to use them on a particular day...Leave the house with an amount of cash that you need for that day...Use ATM machines that are in safe places...Hotels...Bank Lobby...the Malls...Try to avoid using free standing ATM's that are out on "the street"...And never carry your passport unless you are going to use it that day...Then get it back to the house...Stay vigilant and don't let your guard down...
thanks for sharing
this was excellent for the newbies and a good reminder too
Glad you think so!
if you want to travel cheap, use the buses.. just go to local bus depot and ask where you want and you get bus ticket anywhere in the Philippines...
Hi Mike. It was good for yyou to chat about these sensitive topics and the good and bad side of the Philippines. This is the kind of information all of us want to hear. Thank you
Great content! Thanks for the advise and I will use your advice!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Good video Mike, always the voice of reason. Keep it coming.
Thank you Tom. How are you doing my friend?
@mikesphilippineretirement I'm doing great. Enjoying my retirement & working in my little home machine shop. Doing all the little projects I ve dreamed about making when I was working. Hope to visit the Philippines next year if possible. 🙂
Again excellent information . Cheeeerrrrssss..!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Good advice but it's not just applicable to the Philippines but every country in the world. Be respectful of your adoptive country 😊
very true
Excellent information! All the points made were very good and the details, especially concerning the ice cubes from the water. Thank you from a future Expat.
Thanks Russell
nice informative video. I am impressed with this important information you gave. If you bring a young lady to your castle for the evening, put all your valuables in your safe, if you have one, then enjoy your quest. It's just like the locks on a door, it keeps the honest people honest.
thanks James
Tape to back of hotel wardrobe
Im glad you mentioned the ice cubes.
Any time i have said that guys look at me like iv got 2 heads 😂
But its actually true.
Another thing, if you're buying from a water station..... make sure its uv filtered and dont buy bottled water from guys selling it on the street.
"But its in a sealed bottle"
No matter. They can reseal them 😅
some good advice
Great Video! Really helpful, I'll be going to Cebu in a couple of months. 1st time visit to Philippines.
Cebu is amazing!
Cebu cool visit one of the islands,just turn up at ferry port cheeper
Great and important advice Mike!
On my last trip, I did exactly like that. I was in Cebu and she was about 5 to 6 hours away by bus. I offered to pay for transportation expenses and she agreed. When I arrived in Cebu, her phone was dead or not connecting. She didn't arrive in Cebu on time. I had this sinking feeling, things are not going in the right direction. Next day she arrived and phone working.
We spent 5 days together traveling to Moalboal, Oslob etc.
She said she had to "load" her phone. Apparently in Philippines, people usually have to keep loading the phone to use it.
My advice is in Philippines and other places be very patient have some cushion when booking schedule. I was lucky to have one extra day to spend in Cebu before going to other places. Otherwise all my Paid Hotel booking would have been messed up!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you Mike for sharing. Everything you said are true. Specially the diseases. From water, foods and STD. Crimes are rampant.
Thanks for sharing
All very relevant and excellent tips.
Glad you think so!
Good advice, I was in the Philippines in the mid 1970s, with the US Navy, the same set rules apply back then. The bad actors are playing the same games, I will say once you were hip to the tricks, there was not a more fun place in the world for liberty in my humble opinion. The ladies were always fun and friendly.
glad you enjoyed the Philippines.
I always made copies of my passport and pit it in my luggage and backpack. I also split my crdit and debit cards up. Put some in luggage and some in wallet put some in carry on bag. Ive known some to put money in their sock. So if they lose everything.. you have some emergency cash. Also watch the cabs. Make sure the cab you ride in has a meter and make sure they are not taking you on the "scenic route" to the place you want to go. I have never been robbed, but i was once charged $35 for a cab ride when i didnt know any better.
Mike the same beggars are always hanging around when you leave the Quest hotel and go to the mall or the 7/11 . They are little professional thieves. Cheers 🍻
we see a lot on that part of the road going to Ayala Mall
I lived on top of Quest for 3 yrs.. yes they are called the Bajao they are beggars that can earn 30k+ a month if you give them bur they are not thieves.
Thanks so much for your insights about staying out of trouble not just for the Philippines.
Going overseas for whatever reason is not enticing for me anymore. Luckily I live very happily and safely in one of the best countries and cities on the planet .🙏
yes you are
Yeah, I have been in many places in the world and when the plane lands in the states I like the feeling that I am home. Despite the problems the USA is still a nice place to call home.😊
That is great advice. Ditto for people coming to the US too!😅😮
yes sir
Hi Mike, I'd like to hear more about finding safe things to eat. What grocery store meats are safe and restaurant foods. With all the power outages how do you know who has a backup generator to keep the power on and the food cold and safe?
the power is not off that often to spoil anything in a freezer most last a less than an hour and maybe 2 times a month
Always buy fresh meat in the market nwver in the store get if fresh fresh thats key if u can suffer the smell ha ha😅😅
always pack meds to take- 10 days of ciprofloxacin, 10 days of azithromycin, when im there i stock up on buscopan plus. cipro and buscopan will get you out of a stomach issue emergency in 24 hrs. always keep your go bag with you. bottle water- they love to refill bottles and resell them- always make sure the top is 'sealed' (crack it open like he says). keep a few bottles in freezer, bust em up if you want ice.
Before my 1st trip to the Philippines in 2018 I purchased a Life Straw 2 stage filter bottle. It filters even very bad water. Used by many hikers, campers and outdoorsmen. Never got ice for soda and used it unless bottled water. No problems in 5 trips except when on a cruise ship 1 day trip and had sweetened ice tea. Got very sick from it.
Thanks for sharing Paul
better than your run of the mill vanilla advise most vloggers dish out
thank you
Wow. Really . Everywhere you go around the world you have to be very careful. 😢
Wisest video ever. Down to earth advice especially for older expats.
thank you
And BS from NO CLASS MIKE!
This is the video that so many thers should hae made. Probably the most valuable of all on traveling, helps with my concerns
Even be careful when a bunch of friendly Little kids surround you patting you and asking just for a little change, Acting so friendly. You are being pick pocketed 😊. They are slick and start early there.
At least someone talk about safety
Thank you sir
welcome
In general good advice Mike! Funny enough the city and country I have felt least safe in was Manhattan , NY, USA. I am 70, an experienced traveller with a Filipina fiancee and think your advice is sound!
thank you and enjoy your retirement
GO BLUE !!!! OK I went to Penn State, you're both kicking our behinds 🤧
Sorry, you failed to mention. YOU MUST HAVE PIN CODE access turned on on your phone and that even is not 100% because of wear patterns on your phone protector screen.
Never EVER keep all you money and all your Credit/Debit cards in one single bundle. Take at least $500 USD and one or more plastic cars, wrap it tight, cover it with something like a sleeve or even thick piece of papers to obscure it's content and hide it somewhere in the lining of your luggage. Most thieves won't take your big bag of smelly clothes if the get access to your room. They will grab your backpack, camera bag and anything they can sneak out with. Divide your money into at least two piles and store separate.
I really like the reminder about the PASSPORT ID card, I am ordering one next.
Great Video Very much appreciated 65 Thinking about making the visit so glad I watched this video
Thanks Mike for all the great information. We are so lucky to have you giving us heads up on our Philippine travel.❤
Our pleasure! Herb. How are you doing?
@@mikesphilippineretirement Doing good Mike thanks my friend for asking. Can't wait for my return this January. Hi Janet 🙋
Good advice on the water and ice cubes. I got sick there many times. I got Dengue Fever from a mosquito bite there and thought I was gonna die.
Thanks for sharing
I also scratch the 3 numbers off on the back of the card. But i also have a bank account where i have to put money on the card to use it like prepay thing
A very safe way to go about having a debit card
very helpful good advice thanks
You are welcome. Glad you found it useful!
Awesome video thanks for the information
These are all great tips Mike. I'd add that one danger can be a lack of familiarity. I've been to places in the Philippines where I felt perfectly safe during the day but at night, were not well-lit. Electricity is expensive in the Philippines. There was nothing wrong with the area but it would be very easy to get lost in the area I'm thinking about and if your phone runs out of battery, you could be in for a serious challenge trying to get to where you need to go. I wouldn't want to be in a situation where I'm knocking on strangers doors in the middle of the night, in an area that I've never been, hoping someone is awake and can help me figure things out.
Some dangers can come not from the people but from the fact that you don't know your way around the area like you know your hometown in the US/UK/Aus/Canada/etc.
great point you are making. How is everything going with you?
@@mikesphilippineretirement Hey Mike, hope you're doing well this weekend. I'm doing ok, in Vietnam currently but not feeling it. I'm thinking about heading to the PH earlier than expected but not sure yet. I'll be sure to let you know if that lines up, the PH is a big more complex logistically.
Street dogs get pretty feisty at night, and band together with their equally unvaccinated brethren.
I let my wife do all the talking when in the Philippines. She could get things done that I would never be able to get done. Had an argument with the hotel staff over reservations. I was going nowhere. My wife said something in Cebuano to the hotel manager and like magic no problem. 😊
Hahahahahahahahahahaha
Great work, Mike!
Very good advice . Don't eat street food too.
Janet loves street food
Good advice on currents, that is a diver’s main concern. Know the local waters and have a safety plan.
thanks
Thanks Mike . all good advice .
Any time! Gary
Was fortunate enough to travel to the Philippines several years ago. We headed 2-3 miles out to sea near Cebu and had an armed guard for the 10-12 person boat we rented. Seriously, the guard had a machine gun to deter pirating. Might wanna avoid traveling on boat in the south.
Thank for the good advice. That made sense. I memorized my card number, expiration date, and 3 digit code.
Excellent Michael thank you for the video
Another great Deterrence Safety Video 👍
hahaha. Safety Video love it. Take care
@BenzJaguar and thank you for watching
It’s little known that the origination of a lime with your bottled beer was to rub the citrus acids around the lip of the bottle including the juice from the rine to disinfect the area where your lips touch. It works. The liquid in the citrus rine is extracted commercially to make disinfectant cleaners.
did not know that
yes. just common sense. those dangers are the same in every country
Thank you so much for your help and your advice.
I do appreciate and you’re helping me….
I was having a video chat with someone on my iPhone on the street
and suddenly I noticed that everyone was looking at me
and I realized I cannot show my iPhone like that.
Thank you again.
The best advice site I have come across. Useful info in plain language. If you are in a public place and anyone touches or bumps you, they are probably frisking you. This is especially true with little kids because they will mob you and one or two will be patting you down /taking your wallet/watch, whatever, while you are distracted. You will not realize it - proven fact- because you bodily awareness is focused elsewhere.