WHERE DO YOU GET ALL YOUR INFORMATION FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS?? AND DONT YOU GET TIRED OF SEARCHING FOR UA-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.
@@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 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.
It's good UA-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 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.
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.
This is THE BEST education video I have seen yet for Middle Ages and over visitors to the Philippines. Well done!! I am a Canadian who has been to the Philippines seven times now. I have a lady friend who is a teacher in Mindoro. I visit regularly and stay at her place and we travel. She is well educated and I know her sexual history. Neither of us have anything in terms of STD’s. However I have to say that you give excellent advice to any new traveller. And also to Filipinos going back after many years being away. My ex wife and I went there in 1998. She nearly drowned, and got deathly sick from the water after. I was fine. Went swimming laps at the YMCA for a couple months before to build up muscle and was careful with water. (Being ex military helped) Education and preparation are the keys. Great video!!
Do your homework first before going to any country for best results. I did a lot of homework and still had some problems on my first trip to the Philippines.
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 also have a money belt tucked inside my shirt. Plus, a fanny pack in front of my belly. My small cash that I use is in a plastic (used to be for my face mask storage) that I put in my front pocket.
As a seasoned foreign traveler especially to Costa Rica and I've been to the Philippines since my wife is from there, A lot of the ideas and thoughts on your very good but just listen to this for a moment. wearing a money belt is an excellent idea to keep people from finding out they have money on your person. around your neck wear a small passport holder that you can also put some of your credit cards and money in. You can also take some money and put it below the sole inner soul of your shit if they're removable. consciously decide you're going to have some small bills in a pocket in the front so if you need to pay for tips or small transportation charges you can pull from that money. most of the time just use your credit card for pulling money out of an ATM but not going to the restaurant and using it there. dress casual but clean so you're not wearing really expensive flashy stuff. If the cab you get into has a meter make sure it's turned on and it works If not get out of the cab immediately. never use a wallet in a foreign country always keep your money in a little bag either around your waist in a money belt or around your neck.
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?
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.
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✌🏾
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.
They have a lot of scammers there. These people are ruthless, don't care, and will do anything to exploit you. So I would be really careful who you give your phone number to.
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.
Mike, Thanks for this reminder. As it relates to the water etc., it got me @ 25 years ago. I was so sick that all I ate for 2 days was Kit Kat(s), Saltine Crackers and Sprite. I had forgotten. It was bad. Also, I was stung in Batangas by a jelly fish. OUCH! I should be there in a week or 2 to visit.
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.
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! 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 was in Okinawa in 1990 so I was 30 years old. I used to snorkel a lot and I always wore my inflatable life preserver. It’s the kind that they’re flat and airless unless you pull the handle, then the CO2 cartridge will inflate it. Don’t be stupid if you’re gonna be out in those beautiful waters. Always wear one of these things, especially if you’re older or a sub-par swimmer!
Thank Mike for this video. As of today, August 30th, 2024 yours contains ones of the MOST Honest & Practical advices about the Philippines that I've ever seen. Others, they talk about coming there to find a girlfriend but they never talk about the diseases.
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.
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 😅
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.
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.
The BDO (Banco De Oro Unibank) ATMs spit out P1k notes like there's no tomorrow. Sometimes it'll spit out a few P500 notes, but that's not often in my experience. I guess you could withdraw P500 notes one at a time, but you'd be there all day if you want to withdraw P5k 🤣
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!
@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. 🙂
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.
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!
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.
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.😊
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.
Mike, you're the first vlogger I can recall mentioning STD's. With all the Passport Bros now touring SE Asia more for a good time than a wife (in addition to the usual SexPat group) I have been very curious about what the stats must be like in PH.... especially given the reluctance of Filipina's to want to use a condom. There's probably many more Vloggers mentioning it but I haven't seen em and I think it's good to put that issue more in the spotlight. Peace and Love, B Goat
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
Nice posters as normal Mike! I agree on the water bottle of water is the best i've been drinking it all along but then again i am in the province. An hour away from any big city that's what you gotta do. Also gentlemen please check the meats when you go to the stores especially the smaller not the big chain or not but the smaller stores and all that. I got violently sick after eating some grond round from one of the local stores here in stuff and got put in a hospital for a couple of days with a mass of bacteria in the stomach and intestines! When i talk to the doctor about he said oh yeah that store has got that problem they've had failed inspections in the past i guess or something that's well known. Try to get a sniff of it too if you can you know how meat gets when it gets a little tangy i don't know how else to say it. Good luck
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.
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. 😊
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.
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?
I always get the girl to travel to meet me you have to remember its a stranger your meeting. What if the girl has a jealous ex boyfriend or worse has a boyfriend. I have 4 bank cards with me and i keep them all in different places i lock my cards with the bank app when im not using them just make sure to have more than 1 phone with the bank app in case all your cards are locked and your phone gets lost or make sure to keep 1 card unlocked.
Mike all valid and very important points for all Expats to use learn and deploy whatever common sense in all you. Develop a heightened of awareness. Another big one to keep in mind and let be on your mind as you enjoy yourself is unless you are proficient in Tagalog, you will be at a distinct disadvantage. That means someone could be plotting your demise, while smiling in your face and being friendly and you may never catch on that they are planning some action against you. Yes these are in the minority very few Filipinos would do you harm but if you go down the wrong alley in the dark of night it may not end well. Filipinos are warm,welcoming, friendly and genuinely welcoming but due all that but to widespread poverty the motivation is there to get some of what you have the easy way by relieving you of what you have. Its a case of Have And the Have nots.
Having grown up in Detroit, Michigan during the 1960s and 1970s, and being a Marine Corps Veteran - I learned street smarts long ago. Watch out for those "Too Good To Be True Deals, also!
Daddy always said if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Also told me that Jesus saves from all this mess. Let every man have his own wife and flee sexual immorality.
Great Video Mike, first time I came across one of your videos, and you have gained a subscriber. Although I believe that I am quite "street smart", it doesn't hurt to hear you point out the specific situations that you shared with us. THANK YOU !!! I'm planning to retire in approx. 18 months & get the heck out of the crazy USA. The Philippines is at the top of my list..... to go & check out soon, for a possible permanent place to live. Now I gotta go & figure out how to buy you a coffee. I hope to see more of your videos soon. Take care..
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.
number one never never talk about money, form foreigner to the Filipino, you don't know them. had foreigner tell me that his girlfriend family is constantly asking for money. come to find out he bragged to the father of the girl friend that he was a millionaire.💸💸💸💸💸
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!
Some great tips, thanks for taking the trouble to make this video! As for food and water, I'd add two things: use your bottled water for brushing your teeth too! And don't buy food from places where they handle the food with bare hands (eg some street stalls). I know someone who went to hospital with dysentery from that. Bathroom practices are different to what we're used to in the West, they don't use toilet paper to wipe, and might be washing their hands in a bucket rather than under a running tap with plenty of soap. (Before anyone comments, this isn't a reflection on personal hygiene - all the Filipinos I've met are meticulous about it - but how can you tell if they washed their hands thoroughly enough to destroy some germ they're used to but you're not?).
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.
hey mike , thanks , very good tips there is a dark side every place . most honest people do not think that way , as a result there the marks . thanks again, good job...
everything you say is right ....should be vigilant anywhere ...bigger city in u.s....same ...or anywhere ...over there ....i use 2 phones ..1 cheap one to carry in public with ..not much on it ...a better phone with important info on it ..kept in a safe palce like hotel safe ...small cash in one pocket bigger cash in different pocket ..nothing in back pocket
Great advice my friend. I traveled to Cebu from London UK in 2010 to meet my future wife after meeting her online a few months before Luckily for me all worked well but also used my head and good instincts to stay safe but must admit that I was a lucky fellow. We prepared all the necessary documents to get a fiance visa and she traveled to London to get married and is now a British citizen. I am 75, she is 41, and we take care of ourselves and are happily married. Wish you all the best also.
Mike, a lot of good information here... On credit cards, I scratch off the expire date and cvv date on the back. It does not have to be there to use the card, you just need to know them. I have memorized all of my numbers, it's an easy way to help protect them. I have never had a card turned down... I used to carry 2 wallets also but have gotten out of that habit here in the states and not traveling hardly any. The water and ice deal are a guarantee, they will make you deadly sick. First time (2005) I came over there caught a bug from my brother-in-law filling up our water bottles. Learned the lesson quick. The last 2 times I have visited I had my doctor here in the states give me a prescription of antibiotics to bring with me for a just in case. My wife and I are planning on retiring there next year. Me being married to a wonderful Filipino for over 20 years I don't have to worry about some of your warnings anymore, chasing the tail... I'm excited about the move it, but very cautious also. Watching all of these videos to learn what I can. Thanks for the videos.
If you're trying to protect your 'little guy', you can find that protection in the Phillie Willie, but if you're trying to protect a 'big guy', I think you're out of luck. Better to bring Magnum's with you from the U.S. than to be surprised by a small raincoat that doesn't fit. For those who don't know what Magnum's are, you'll just have to do some research.
Province water beware of bottled water too if the only place in the province uses bore water for sure they don't filter it and bang your crook even though you have drunk bottled water. This happened to me on my last visit. The best thing to do is boil your water then in the fridge.
I saw those children selling the towels. The mother was there with what appeared to be a one year old. She sent the one year old across the street in front of a vehicle to ask for money.
You got to be careful with ice. You can get sick. I got as sick as a dog from ice in a soft drink and that was in Cebu. I should have known better as I lived two years in Vietnam. If it is not in a sealed bottle forget it.
All good advice. Watch out for the foods there too, not just the water. Think it was the Church of Simala we visited, south of Cebu City on my second visit. We stopped for lunch just outside of the church at a buffet type restaurant and pretty sure one of the vegetables I ate must have been sitting out too long (maybe from the day before), anyways got a stomach bug and got it treated when back in the US, wasn't too bad but if it happened when I first got there instead of at the end of my trip would have been a real bummer. Thanks for the great videos, Mike...Jim
WHERE DO YOU GET ALL YOUR INFORMATION FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS?? AND DONT YOU GET TIRED OF SEARCHING FOR UA-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 ✌️
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.
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.
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
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
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.
It's good UA-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 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 🤣🤣😂
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.
This is THE BEST education video I have seen yet for Middle Ages and over visitors to the Philippines. Well done!!
I am a Canadian who has been to the Philippines seven times now. I have a lady friend who is a teacher in Mindoro. I visit regularly and stay at her place and we travel. She is well educated and I know her sexual history. Neither of us have anything in terms of STD’s.
However I have to say that you give excellent advice to any new traveller. And also to Filipinos going back after many years being away. My ex wife and I went there in 1998. She nearly drowned, and got deathly sick from the water after. I was fine. Went swimming laps at the YMCA for a couple months before to build up muscle and was careful with water. (Being ex military helped)
Education and preparation are the keys. Great video!!
Thanks Blake
Do your homework first before going to any country for best results. I did a lot of homework and still had some problems on my first trip to the Philippines.
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!
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!
Thank for the good advice. That made sense. I memorized my card number, expiration date, and 3 digit code.
Keep $500 concealed in a money belt that you wear every day and it won’t matter where you’re at in the Philippines you can get to the other end
good point
I also have a money belt tucked inside my shirt. Plus, a fanny pack in front of my belly. My small cash that I use is in a plastic (used to be for my face mask storage) that I put in my front pocket.
The other end of what?
As a seasoned foreign traveler especially to Costa Rica and I've been to the Philippines since my wife is from there, A lot of the ideas and thoughts on your very good but just listen to this for a moment. wearing a money belt is an excellent idea to keep people from finding out they have money on your person. around your neck wear a small passport holder that you can also put some of your credit cards and money in. You can also take some money and put it below the sole inner soul of your shit if they're removable. consciously decide you're going to have some small bills in a pocket in the front so if you need to pay for tips or small transportation charges you can pull from that money. most of the time just use your credit card for pulling money out of an ATM but not going to the restaurant and using it there. dress casual but clean so you're not wearing really expensive flashy stuff. If the cab you get into has a meter make sure it's turned on and it works If not get out of the cab immediately. never use a wallet in a foreign country always keep your money in a little bag either around your waist in a money belt or around your neck.
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?
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.
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
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
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!
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.
They have a lot of scammers there. These people are ruthless, don't care, and will do anything to exploit you. So I would be really careful who you give your phone number to.
Are you sure filipinos are ruthless where you from ,go back to your country
I live in the Philippines and I can say that all your advises are correct.
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 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!
Mike,
Thanks for this reminder. As it relates to the water etc., it got me @ 25 years ago. I was so sick that all I ate for 2 days was Kit Kat(s), Saltine Crackers and Sprite. I had forgotten. It was bad. Also, I was stung in Batangas by a jelly fish. OUCH! I should be there in a week or 2 to visit.
Thanks for sharing
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.
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
@mikespjilippineretirement thanks for this video -- a ton of good advice & excellent safety precautions. THANKS!
Our pleasure! Mr Joe
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 was in Okinawa in 1990 so I was 30 years old. I used to snorkel a lot and I always wore my inflatable life preserver. It’s the kind that they’re flat and airless unless you pull the handle, then the CO2 cartridge will inflate it. Don’t be stupid if you’re gonna be out in those beautiful waters. Always wear one of these things, especially if you’re older or a sub-par swimmer!
Yep only if u can't swim or u come around me I'll hit that handle and laugh!😂😂😂
@harleyrdr1 hi I was in Ok a now a Japan on a flight back to america from Korea in the army I was 20 it was 1991 were you stationed in oki now a
@@WilliamMarcotte-io4go man, you got to go to my dream country.
Thank Mike for this video. As of today, August 30th, 2024 yours contains ones of the MOST Honest & Practical advices about the Philippines that I've ever seen. Others, they talk about coming there to find a girlfriend but they never talk about the diseases.
Thanks for the comment
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.
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
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
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
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.
Never get the P1k notes. No one has change. Never carry over higher than P500 peso note. Wear a damn money belt.
i carry 1k notes not a problem but having smaller bills and change is a good idea
@@119jle never fold the new 1000 note made of plastic. 🤣🤣🤣
The BDO (Banco De Oro Unibank) ATMs spit out P1k notes like there's no tomorrow. Sometimes it'll spit out a few P500 notes, but that's not often in my experience. I guess you could withdraw P500 notes one at a time, but you'd be there all day if you want to withdraw P5k 🤣
P1k notes are usually no problem in cities that have a 7-Eleven.
Yes they do..I use them all the time.
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
Excellent Advice!
thank you
GREAT ADVICE MIKE !! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🫡⚓️🇺🇸🇺🇸👋👋👍
Thank you my friend
Great LIES!
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. 🙂
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
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
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.
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.😊
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.
Mike, you're the first vlogger I can recall mentioning STD's. With all the Passport Bros now touring SE Asia more for a good time than a wife (in addition to the usual SexPat group) I have been very curious about what the stats must be like in PH.... especially given the reluctance of Filipina's to want to use a condom. There's probably many more Vloggers mentioning it but I haven't seen em and I think it's good to put that issue more in the spotlight. Peace and Love, B Goat
Ask Ace about StDs with bar girls he pays for.
thanks Billy take care hope we get to see you soon my friend
STD's are much more prevalent than you think. HIV and STD cases are rising sharply!
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
Nice posters as normal Mike! I agree on the water bottle of water is the best i've been drinking it all along but then again i am in the province. An hour away from any big city that's what you gotta do. Also gentlemen please check the meats when you go to the stores especially the smaller not the big chain or not but the smaller stores and all that. I got violently sick after eating some grond round from one of the local stores here in stuff and got put in a hospital for a couple of days with a mass of bacteria in the stomach and intestines! When i talk to the doctor about he said oh yeah that store has got that problem they've had failed inspections in the past i guess or something that's well known. Try to get a sniff of it too if you can you know how meat gets when it gets a little tangy i don't know how else to say it. Good luck
Bad food sucks. That care Charles
Great advice if I ever get to go to the Philippines like want to. I grew up in Brooklyn New York so I have street smarts.
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 🙋
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.
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
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
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😅😅
All very relevant and excellent tips.
Glad you think so!
I always get the girl to travel to meet me you have to remember its a stranger your meeting.
What if the girl has a jealous ex boyfriend or worse has a boyfriend.
I have 4 bank cards with me and i keep them all in different places i lock my cards with the bank app when im not using them just make sure to have more than 1 phone with the bank app in case all your cards are locked and your phone gets lost or make sure to keep 1 card unlocked.
Thanks for sharing
Paranoid!
Mike all valid and very important points for all Expats to use learn and deploy whatever common sense in all you. Develop a heightened of awareness. Another big one to keep in mind and let be on your mind as you enjoy yourself is unless you are proficient in Tagalog, you will be at a distinct disadvantage. That means someone could be plotting your demise, while smiling in your face and being friendly and you may never catch on that they are planning some action against you. Yes these are in the minority very few Filipinos would do you harm but if you go down the wrong alley in the dark of night it may not end well. Filipinos are warm,welcoming, friendly and genuinely welcoming but due all that but to widespread poverty the motivation is there to get some of what you have the easy way by relieving you of what you have. Its a case of Have And the Have nots.
thanks for sharing your insights
Having grown up in Detroit, Michigan during the 1960s and 1970s, and being a Marine Corps Veteran - I learned street smarts long ago. Watch out for those "Too Good To Be True Deals, also!
Daddy always said if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Also told me that Jesus saves from all this mess. Let every man have his own wife and flee sexual immorality.
Great Video Mike, first time I came across one of your videos, and you have gained a subscriber. Although I believe that I am quite "street smart", it doesn't hurt to hear you point out the specific situations that you shared with us. THANK YOU !!! I'm planning to retire in approx. 18 months & get the heck out of the crazy USA. The Philippines is at the top of my list..... to go & check out soon, for a possible permanent place to live. Now I gotta go & figure out how to buy you a coffee. I hope to see more of your videos soon. Take care..
Thank you Anthony
When you talked about equipment, I was wondering if hotel rooms have safes where I could store my VR headset, if I bring one.
ask or better yet e mail the Hotel to see how big the safe is in your room
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!
Great advice Mike !! So true what you say !! it's 35 C in Alberta , Canada - Hot and dry like your past hot season , Cheers
Thanks 👍Stay cool and safe George
Thanks very much for all the tips.
this was excellent for the newbies and a good reminder too
Glad you think so!
Awesome video thanks for the information
number one never never talk about money, form foreigner to the Filipino, you don't know them. had foreigner tell me that his girlfriend family is constantly asking for money. come to find out he bragged to the father of the girl friend that he was a millionaire.💸💸💸💸💸
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
Very good advice . Don't eat street food too.
Janet loves street food
Some great tips, thanks for taking the trouble to make this video! As for food and water, I'd add two things: use your bottled water for brushing your teeth too! And don't buy food from places where they handle the food with bare hands (eg some street stalls). I know someone who went to hospital with dysentery from that. Bathroom practices are different to what we're used to in the West, they don't use toilet paper to wipe, and might be washing their hands in a bucket rather than under a running tap with plenty of soap. (Before anyone comments, this isn't a reflection on personal hygiene - all the Filipinos I've met are meticulous about it - but how can you tell if they washed their hands thoroughly enough to destroy some germ they're used to but you're not?).
thank you for watching
Thanks Mike . all good advice .
Any time! Gary
Mike and Janet love your content nice watching your videos. Thanks a lot Mike from Florida.
Glad you like them!
Wisest video ever. Down to earth advice especially for older expats.
thank you
And BS from NO CLASS MIKE!
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
Have a companion to be your security
I have Janet
thank you for the advice!
Our pleasure!
hey mike , thanks , very good tips there is a dark side every place . most honest people do not think that way , as a result there the marks . thanks again, good job...
Well said!
everything you say is right ....should be vigilant anywhere ...bigger city in u.s....same ...or anywhere ...over there ....i use 2 phones ..1 cheap one to carry in public with ..not much on it ...a better phone with important info on it ..kept in a safe palce like hotel safe ...small cash in one pocket bigger cash in different pocket ..nothing in back pocket
@latch043 thanks for sharing
Great advice my friend. I traveled to Cebu from London UK in 2010 to meet my future wife after meeting her online a few months before Luckily for me all worked well but also used my head and good instincts to stay safe but must admit that I was a lucky fellow. We prepared all the necessary documents to get a fiance visa and she traveled to London to get married and is now a British citizen. I am 75, she is 41, and we take care of ourselves and are happily married. Wish you all the best also.
Thanks for sharing!
@@mikesphilippineretirement
🙂👍
That is great advice. Ditto for people coming to the US too!😅😮
yes sir
Mike, a lot of good information here... On credit cards, I scratch off the expire date and cvv date on the back. It does not have to be there to use the card, you just need to know them. I have memorized all of my numbers, it's an easy way to help protect them. I have never had a card turned down... I used to carry 2 wallets also but have gotten out of that habit here in the states and not traveling hardly any. The water and ice deal are a guarantee, they will make you deadly sick. First time (2005) I came over there caught a bug from my brother-in-law filling up our water bottles. Learned the lesson quick. The last 2 times I have visited I had my doctor here in the states give me a prescription of antibiotics to bring with me for a just in case. My wife and I are planning on retiring there next year. Me being married to a wonderful Filipino for over 20 years I don't have to worry about some of your warnings anymore, chasing the tail... I'm excited about the move it, but very cautious also. Watching all of these videos to learn what I can. Thanks for the videos.
If you're trying to protect your 'little guy', you can find that protection in the Phillie Willie, but if you're trying to protect a 'big guy', I think you're out of luck. Better to bring Magnum's with you from the U.S. than to be surprised by a small raincoat that doesn't fit. For those who don't know what Magnum's are, you'll just have to do some research.
If someone doesn’t know what magnums are they don’t need them.
@@dr.richmann4477 magnums are too small for me.
Province water beware of bottled water too if the only place in the province uses bore water for sure they don't filter it and bang your crook even though you have drunk bottled water. This happened to me on my last visit. The best thing to do is boil your water then in the fridge.
"Just be a regular Joe" 😵💫🤣🤣 Me: 6'3" white hair, built like a giraffe 😄
don't stand out in a crowd. Bend your knees when walking . Hahaha
I saw a guy like that in Cebu sitting alone on a motorbike. 😂
I saw those children selling the towels. The mother was there with what appeared to be a one year old. She sent the one year old across the street in front of a vehicle to ask for money.
As always good practical advice Mike
@UberToeknee thank you for watching
You got to be careful with ice. You can get sick. I got as sick as a dog from ice in a soft drink and that was in Cebu. I should have known better as I lived two years in Vietnam. If it is not in a sealed bottle forget it.
Love your video's but let's have a positive,happy video about the Philippines once in a while.
Like what? I have one funny video about a you tubers who was thinking he had a cute girl going up to his room but found out she was a he. Hahaha
I lived there for 3 years....This is GREAT advice!
Thanks Lance
Another great video Mike, very useful information ❤
Thanks Cully
I concur
Why Thank you
All good advice. Watch out for the foods there too, not just the water. Think it was the Church of Simala we visited, south of Cebu City on my second visit. We stopped for lunch just outside of the church at a buffet type restaurant and pretty sure one of the vegetables I ate must have been sitting out too long (maybe from the day before), anyways got a stomach bug and got it treated when back in the US, wasn't too bad but if it happened when I first got there instead of at the end of my trip would have been a real bummer.
Thanks for the great videos, Mike...Jim
thank you so much Jim
Another great Deterrence Safety Video 👍
hahaha. Safety Video love it. Take care
@BenzJaguar and thank you for watching
Lots of useful info here, thanks Mike
welcom
Great tips for just about any country
Glad you think so! Thank you for watching
So glad you enjoyed 😊
7-11s u can pull out 20000 very safe. Excellent advice on CC ! Know ur surroundings I’ve never had a issue in Philippines in 18 yrs
not everyone is that lucky
Thanks Mike for all the info
you're welcome
When I got to the Philippines in 1999 there was very little venereal disease whether it be syphilis gonorrhea STD's etc.
Another great video Mike.
Glad you enjoyed it Gary
I have no desire to go to the Philippines, but the advice given can work anywhere. Great video.
thank you