The Philippines: Not What It's Cracked Up to Be

[globe-trotter]

its not like you walk up to any woman and she goes straight to your room LOL

Yes, exactly. But you would never know this about the Philippines by listening to the giddy ravings of idiot expats who would have you believe that the moment you step off the plane, women will be swooning and fainting at the sight of you.

[globe-trotter]

same thing. They wouldn't believe you cause its in your head maybe like your other problems. Just get out of your head, marry a girl and youll be happy. You think way too much.

I knew it was a huge mistake to bring up something that's completely over everyone's head here. But I know one group of people who know exactly what I'm talking about: bodybuilders. They know about issues such as bloating, holding water, "carb loading", etc. It's critical for them to control these issues before going onstage for competitions. What I talk about might sound crazy and esoteric here, but it's common knowledge among bodybuilders.

So, just as bodybuilders are aware of bloating, and how it affects their appearance onstage & the reaction from the judges, I, too, am aware of how bloating affects my appearance & the reaction from the judges (women). It's not that far-fetched as you all might think. It's the same principle.

But let's forget that I ever mentioned my bloating issue, OK? It's too technical for laypeople to understand, and will only create controversy and ridicule. Let's stick to my original point, which was that the Philippines is a nice country, but it is not a place where you will become a rock star overnight by virtue of being a Westerner (despite what many men claim). Believe it or not, this is the only point I have been trying to get across, and we're on the 11th page now....

[newlifeinphilippines]

same thing. They wouldn't believe you cause its in your head maybe like your other problems. Just get out of your head, marry a girl and youll be happy. You think way too much.

I knew it was a huge mistake to bring up something that's completely over everyone's head here. But I know one group of people who know exactly what I'm talking about: bodybuilders. They know about issues such as bloating, holding water, "carb loading", etc. It's critical to control these issues before going onstage for competitions. What I talk about might sound crazy and esoteric here, but it's common knowledge among bodybuilders.

So, just as bodybuilders are aware of bloating, and how it affects their appearance onstage & the reaction from the judges, I, too, am aware of how bloating affects my appearance & the reaction from the judges (women). It's not that far-fetched as you all might think. It's the same principle.

But let's forget that I ever mentioned my bloating issue, OK? It's too technical for laypeople to understand, and will only create controversy and ridicule. Let's stick to my original point, which was that the Philippines is a nice country, but it is not a place where you will become a rock star by virtue of being a Westerner. Believe it or not, this is the only point I have been trying to get across, and we're on the 11th page now....

well then that shows you how much you know cause im well versed in bodybuilding i used to be hardcore into that stuff. I spent years on those forums LOL. Nice try. its all in your head.

but I do agree with the general jist of your original post. But i think you exaggerated that even a bit. cause ive certainly gotten some attetenion but it was nothing like what winston or will n dowd implied and its usually by the darker or less attractive girls which left me dissapointed. Th e girls i really want with big boobs or light skin and pretty generally wont even give you eye contact. although in angeles some of those girls are friendly and could be datable i found the girlst here very friendly maybe its cause they are used to foreigners. maybe thats the place to find a girlfriend if they aren't working in a bar.

[globe-trotter]

same thing. They wouldn't believe you cause its in your head maybe like your other problems. Just get out of your head, marry a girl and youll be happy. You think way too much.

I knew it was a huge mistake to bring up something that's completely over everyone's head here. But I know one group of people who know exactly what I'm talking about: bodybuilders. They know about issues such as bloating, holding water, "carb loading", etc. It's critical to control these issues before going onstage for competitions. What I talk about might sound crazy and esoteric here, but it's common knowledge among bodybuilders.

So, just as bodybuilders are aware of bloating, and how it affects their appearance onstage & the reaction from the judges, I, too, am aware of how bloating affects my appearance & the reaction from the judges (women). It's not that far-fetched as you all might think. It's the same principle.

But let's forget that I ever mentioned my bloating issue, OK? It's too technical for laypeople to understand, and will only create controversy and ridicule. Let's stick to my original point, which was that the Philippines is a nice country, but it is not a place where you will become a rock star by virtue of being a Westerner. Believe it or not, this is the only point I have been trying to get across, and we're on the 11th page now....

well then that shows you how much you know cause im well versed in bodybuilding i used to be hardcore into that stuff. I spent years on those forums LOL. Nice try. its all in your head.

but I do agree with the general jist of your original post. But i think you exaggerated that even a bit. cause ive certainly gotten some attetenion but it was nothing like what winston or will n dowd implied and its usually by the darker or less attractive girls which left me dissapointed. Th e girls i really want with big breasts or light skin and pretty generally wont even give you eye contact. although in angeles some of those girls are friendly and could be datable i found the girlst here very friendly maybe its cause they are used to foreigners. maybe thats the place to find a girlfriend if they aren't working in a bar.

I was into bodybuilding hardcore as well throughout my 20's, and if you're telling me that water retention and bloating is not a major issue in bodybuilding, I doubt that you were that hardcore at all. In fact, one of the main criticisms of Creatine was that it caused bloating. It made you big, but tended to smooth out your definition (although Creatine was generally used in the bulking phase, not in the cutting phase, so it wasn't a problem onstage).
Professional bodybuilders go to dangerous extremes to remove as much water (and bloating) from their skin prior to posing on stage as humanly possible (diuretics anyone?). The goal is to have razor sharpness and extreme definition to impress the judges.
One final note. What looks good for your body also looks good for your face. Many guys with sharp muscular definition are completely unaware that the reason why girls are checking them out is not because of their bodies, but because of their FACE. The fat and bloat that's absent from their body is also absent from their face, making it look chiseled and sexy. This is a secret that I don't think even many bodybuilders are aware of.

But, anyway, getting back to Philippine girls. Let me stress that, yes, they are better (sweeter, nicer, more humble) than their American counterparts. I am not saying that they are the same. What I am saying is that if you are old and ugly in America, the same will be true in the Philippines. You will not magically transform into a sexy young stud there. Will the chances of hooking up with someone be better than in America? Maybe. But that's a far cry from expecting the miracles that many guys claim will happen to you once you arrive there.

[globe-trotter]

You know, I'm starting to wonder, how many of the guys here who--in typical tribal fashion--have turned this thread into a dissing contest against me have actually been to the Philippines?

I have lived in the Philippines for a total of seven months, traveled around the country for several times, married a Filipina and had a family. Will relocate permanently to the Philippines by August of this year. Tell me more about how your week inside a hotel room makes you some sort of expert.

Also: if your dermatogolist says your condition is not a real thing, that means it's a mental thing and exists only in your own head. Purely out of curiosity, could you share a picture of yourself? It can be a picture that does not show you "horrible skin disease", just any regular picture would do so we can have an idea of what you are working with here. I'm not entirely convinced this thing isn't like what anorexic girls have, where they see themselves as fat in the mirror even when they are starving to death, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.

I already covered the picture thing in an earlier post. Please read it.

I never said I have a horrible skin condition. You guys must be picturing me as someone who transforms into a monster when I get inflammation in my skin. The effect is actually kind of subtle, but it makes the difference between night and day in my facial appeal (read my bodybuilding comments to understand this better. If you don't, I'm sorry but I can't help you any further).

Finally, I don't have to be an "expert" to tell you that the Philippines is not what many people claim it is. Please spare me the snobbishness.

[globe-trotter]

I read it. What makes you think I didn't? I am just curious to see what your face looks like in its natural state, because a lot of people overestimate their own level of attractiveness. Chances are you're one of those people.

Then if you read it, what makes you think that I would change my mind and post a pic of myself, given the sensitive nature of this forum discussion? I understand your curiosity, but that would be asking a bit too much.

[globe-trotter]

You were there only for a very short visit and barely saw anything of the country. Did you ride the jeepneys with every day Filipinos, did you drink with them, talk to them, get to know them? Or did you just live the life of a rich foreigner, hidden away from the reality of the world, and think this means you now know the country? All you know is the most depressing and fake part of the country, but you were so far removed from everyday life that you cannot possible make a judgement on the entire country based on this.

Also, please take note: the women in Manila are the most arrogant, self-centered and materialistic of the entire country. You will meet far nicer, more honest and real girls in the province, in Cebu and in the further corners of the country. What you see in Manila, is not representative of what you see in the rest of the country. Your entire opinion on the country as a whole is rubbish, because it's based on such a tiny part of what the Philippines is about.

I was in Manila, Angeles, Olongapo and Baloy Beach.

First of all, let me make it clear that I am not judging the entire country of the Philippines, only the cities that I visited. I did not stay exclusively in the tourist districts, though. I moved all around within those cities. I saw the reaction (or lack thereof) that I got from ordinary girls. It was a far cry from what I was promised. It is this discrepancy that I am criticizing. I have nothing against the Philippines, and it owes me nothing. But to hear SO many people rant and rave about how wonderful a place is to meet women, only to be disappointed, warrants a discussion. That's why I created this thread.

[globe-trotter]

But to hear SO many people rant and rave about how wonderful a place is to meet women, only to be disappointed, warrants a discussion. That's why I created this thread.

Alright. Tell me: how many women did you talk to during your stay?

None. I was assured that they would talk to me (I was supposed to be a rock star in the Philippines, remember?). I was told that they would take the initiative and help me get over my shyness. Again, completely false. If anything, I found many Philippine girls to be cranky and standoffish.

I will tell you what did impress me about the Philippines, though-- the food. I ate Filipino food every day. It's delicious and indulgent. Good, hearty soul food. Love garlic rice, and those fatty strips of pork. I have no idea why the same guys that said the Philippines is a p***y paradise also said that Filipino food sucks. They got it ass-backwards.

[publicduende]

None. I was assured that they would talk to me (I was supposed to be a rock star in the Philippines, remember?). I was told that they would take the initiative and help me get over my shyness. Again, completely false. If anything, I found many Philippine girls to be cranky and standoffish.

It depends a lot on who you are and what you look like. If you're only average looking, not exact fit (quite easy to tell when you wear summer clothes) and in your mid 40s, you can't expect to be treated like the late Mick Jagger You will probably attract a giggle or two from younger girls who get naturally curious at anything that deviates from their routine. The occasional cashier or shop assistant might ask your name and where you're from, plus some intimate questions like if you are taken or free and even how much you earn (it's common in Filipino culture, as it is in Latin America), but it's really up to you to take anything further.

With woman it's always "no pain no gain"...unless you want to pay upfront for it. The bar might be ridiculously lower in the Philippines, compared to US and Western Europe, but to think that everything comes easy & free like fruit fallen from a tree is just delusional.

It also depends on where you go. Women in Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu and touristic places like Boracay are used to seeing foreigners around all the time, many of whom of the expat/businessman kind, and won't exactly jump at the chance to have a casual conversation with yet another one of them. Unless they have to, or are genuinely interested. The latter assumes - once again - some work on your side.

About your shyness, though, it is true that Filipinas and Filipino people in general are so welcoming and friendly, it's hard to put down that mask of cautiousness and indifference we Westerners are often forced to wear in public. You just have to go with the flow. My advice is, don't just stick to the ladies at all costs. Hanging out with male Filipinos your age or a few years younger is incredibly easy, as they will find an excuse to invite you as soon as they have established you're not a complete creep. Then they will easily introduce you to their family and friends, and as your social circle widens you will find more opportunities to meet people...among whom the cute single girl you might be looking for.

Filipinos are gregarious and like when foreigners immerse themselves in their culture and social rites. You just have to leave your prejudices at bay and, really, go with the flow.

I will tell you what did impress me about the Philippines, though-- the food. I ate Filipino food every day. It's delicious and indulgent. Good, hearty soul food. Love garlic rice, and those fatty strips of pork. I have no idea why the same guys that said the Philippines is a p***y paradise also said that Filipino food sucks. They got it ass-backwards.

Wow, this is the first time I read someone praising FIlipino food in here.

I am a massive fish/seafood and, while living in Davao City, I had some of the most delicious fish-based food ever in my life. It was unsophisticated, fresh and above all cheap. And I'm Italian and have Mamma's meals as a benchmark, so I won't judge food quality lightly. The fried pork belly strips you mention are probably liempo. I love them too. I love fish much better though. The way the grill squid and shrimp, with tomato and onion, and garnish with thick soy-based BBQ sauce is simply nirvana! Tuna, milkfish (bangus) and swordfish are always succulent and fresh, and need very little condiment to bring out their taste. I also tried some very delicious soups and chowders which names I can't remember. Excellent stuff, too.

The difference about the Filipino food haters (most) and the few who praise it might simple be down to the kind of establishments they normally go to. I have noticed most Americans aren't too keen about venturing into the local cuisine and prefer to stick to the acquired taste. They would walk straight into a known franchise (McDonald, Pizza Hut, etc.) or a restaurant that offers that same kind of menu they have back home, in the hope that a burger will make their day, or a burrito will taste exactly like one prepared in Texas. Limited budget might also play a big part. However cheaper than the West, a good 2-3 course meal in a reputable restaurant, say Antonio's Grill, will always cost you about 500 pesos. You can't have quality and pay nothing for it...unless you go straight to the market and cook it by yourself.

[droid]

That was exactly my whole point of starting this thread. It was to point out that if you're an average-looking guy who gets no attention here, the same will be true in the Philippines. You will not be a rock star in the Philippines unless you are one in America. Thirty years ago, it might have been a different story.

God damn it how many logical fallacies do you like to engage in? You a had a bloated face that's bad enough to turn women off in general, you've said yourself, so how can you judge a place for their reaction? Don't you see the contradiction? you state that you don't look like a monster but simultaneously say that they even avoid looking at you.

So what is it? you either really have a condition that's bad enough to repel women, in which case the place is not at fault; or it really is only in your head and the place sucks. But you can't have both.

But let's forget that I ever mentioned my bloating issue, OK? It's too technical for laypeople to understand,

No, again, it's key to the issue at hand; read above. Why couldn't you have kindly stated it on the OP/title? unless your intention was to mislead.

Finally, I don't have to be an "expert" to tell you that the Philippines is not what many people claim it is.

pfff
</thread>

[globe-trotter]

You don't become a rockstar by stepping off a plane... it's in the things you do. And you did none of those things, so word never got out.

Women almost universally expect men to take the initiative. Filipina girls are no different in this. A great deal of them are shy too, and do not forget they come from a country were women are traditionally still more feminine then their Western counterparts. Perhaps in Western countries, women will approach you, or make their interest very known otherwise. This type of dominance and taking matters in their own hands attitude is typical for modern women. Why would you expect this from a Filipina?

Then I really wish that all those expat men would have just STFU, or at least painted a more realistic picture of what to expect in the Philippines, instead of leading me to believe that, by stepping foot on Philippine soil, I would be plugging into a different matrix, or a different dimension. It just proves my point that women's nature is the same no matter which country you land in. There is no such thing as a free lunch anywhere.
Again, I'm not blaming the Philippines for this, I'm blaming the advice I got. I'm also angry at myself for believing it, even though I was skeptical at first.

[globe-trotter]

It depends a lot on who you are and what you look like. If you're only average looking, not exact fit (quite easy to tell when you wear summer clothes) and in your mid 40s, you can't expect to be treated like the late Mick Jagger You will probably attract a giggle or two from younger girls who get naturally curious at anything that deviates from their routine. The occasional cashier or shop assistant might ask your name and where you're from, plus some intimate questions like if you are taken or free and even how much you earn (it's common in Filipino culture, as it is in Latin America), but it's really up to you to take anything further.

Bingo. Though I must mention that I did not (even once) have a cashier asking me any questions at all. They all kept a very somber face and businesslike demeanor, with minimal eye contact. No one was mean to me, though.

Wow, this is the first time I read someone praising FIlipino food in here.

I am a massive fish/seafood and, while living in Davao City, I had some of the most delicious fish-based food ever in my life. It was unsophisticated, fresh and above all cheap. And I'm Italian and have Mamma's meals as a benchmark, so I won't judge food quality lightly. The fried pork belly strips you mention are probably liempo. I love them too. I love fish much better though. The way the grill squid and shrimp, with tomato and onion, and garnish with thick soy-based BBQ sauce is simply nirvana! Tuna, milkfish (bangus) and swordfish are always succulent and fresh, and need very little condiment to bring out their taste. I also tried some very delicious soups and chowders which names I can't remember. Excellent stuff, too.

The difference about the Filipino food haters (most) and the few who praise it might simple be down to the kind of establishments they normally go to. I have noticed most Americans aren't too keen about venturing into the local cuisine and prefer to stick to the acquired taste. They would walk straight into a known franchise (McDonald, Pizza Hut, etc.) or a restaurant that offers that same kind of menu they have back home, in the hope that a burger will make their day, or a burrito will taste exactly like one prepared in Texas. Limited budget might also play a big part. However cheaper than the West, a good 2-3 course meal in a reputable restaurant, say Antonio's Grill, will always cost you about 500 pesos. You can't have quality and pay nothing for it...unless you go straight to the market and cook it by yourself.

Yes! I even loved some of the hole-in-the-wall local Filippino establishments, where I would select many little dishes of meat, fish and vegetables (like tapas). Tremendous value, too, and I never got sick from it, like many people warned.
Some of the dishes you mention sound really mouth-watering. I wish Filipino food was more widely available where I live, I would include it as one of my regular go-to cuisines....and this is also coming from a (first generation) Italian!

[newlifeinphilippines]

same thing. They wouldn't believe you cause its in your head maybe like your other problems. Just get out of your head, marry a girl and youll be happy. You think way too much.

I knew it was a huge mistake to bring up something that's completely over everyone's head here. But I know one group of people who know exactly what I'm talking about: bodybuilders. They know about issues such as bloating, holding water, "carb loading", etc. It's critical to control these issues before going onstage for competitions. What I talk about might sound crazy and esoteric here, but it's common knowledge among bodybuilders.

So, just as bodybuilders are aware of bloating, and how it affects their appearance onstage & the reaction from the judges, I, too, am aware of how bloating affects my appearance & the reaction from the judges (women). It's not that far-fetched as you all might think. It's the same principle.

But let's forget that I ever mentioned my bloating issue, OK? It's too technical for laypeople to understand, and will only create controversy and ridicule. Let's stick to my original point, which was that the Philippines is a nice country, but it is not a place where you will become a rock star by virtue of being a Westerner. Believe it or not, this is the only point I have been trying to get across, and we're on the 11th page now....

well then that shows you how much you know cause im well versed in bodybuilding i used to be hardcore into that stuff. I spent years on those forums LOL. Nice try. its all in your head.

but I do agree with the general jist of your original post. But i think you exaggerated that even a bit. cause ive certainly gotten some attetenion but it was nothing like what winston or will n dowd implied and its usually by the darker or less attractive girls which left me dissapointed. Th e girls i really want with big breasts or light skin and pretty generally wont even give you eye contact. although in angeles some of those girls are friendly and could be datable i found the girlst here very friendly maybe its cause they are used to foreigners. maybe thats the place to find a girlfriend if they aren't working in a bar.

I was into bodybuilding hardcore as well throughout my 20's, and if you're telling me that water retention and bloating is not a major issue in bodybuilding, I doubt that you were that hardcore at all. In fact, one of the main criticisms of Creatine was that it caused bloating. It made you big, but tended to smooth out your definition (although Creatine was generally used in the bulking phase, not in the cutting phase, so it wasn't a problem onstage).
Professional bodybuilders go to dangerous extremes to remove as much water (and bloating) from their skin prior to posing on stage as humanly possible (diuretics anyone?). The goal is to have razor sharpness and extreme definition to impress the judges.
One final note. What looks good for your body also looks good for your face. Many guys with sharp muscular definition are completely unaware that the reason why girls are checking them out is not because of their bodies, but because of their FACE. The fat and bloat that's absent from their body is also absent from their face, making it look chiseled and sexy. This is a secret that I don't think even many bodybuilders are aware of.

But, anyway, getting back to Philippine girls. Let me stress that, yes, they are better (sweeter, nicer, more humble) than their American counterparts. I am not saying that they are the same. What I am saying is that if you are old and ugly in America, the same will be true in the Philippines. You will not magically transform into a sexy young stud there. Will the chances of hooking up with someone be better than in America? Maybe. But that's a far cry from expecting the miracles that many guys claim will happen to you once you arrive there.

once again that water bloat in your face effecting your attractiveness day to day is mostly in your head. Thats why you have other issues with sex. you can't get out of your head for once.

[globe-trotter]

God damn it how many logical fallacies do you like to engage in? You a had a bloated face that's bad enough to turn women off in general, you've said yourself, so how can you judge a place for their reaction? Don't you see the contradiction? you state that you don't look like a monster but simultaneously say that they even avoid looking at you.

So what is it? you either really have a condition that's bad enough to repel women, in which case the place is not at fault; or it really is only in your head and the place sucks. But you can't have both.

I never stated that my bloating issue turns me into a monster. I merely said that it makes me look barely average, which in turn causes women (no matter where I go) to be indifferent towards me (not 'repelled' by me) & avoid eye contact because they don't see anything particularly attractive about my appearance (whereas, when I am not bloated, their eyes dart towards me). I do not end up looking like John Merrick when I get bloated, only the average Joe. But since many people have claimed that the average Joe will be a rock star in the Philippines, I'm here to tell you that this is not the case at all.

[globe-trotter]

same thing. They wouldn't believe you cause its in your head maybe like your other problems. Just get out of your head, marry a girl and youll be happy. You think way too much.

I knew it was a huge mistake to bring up something that's completely over everyone's head here. But I know one group of people who know exactly what I'm talking about: bodybuilders. They know about issues such as bloating, holding water, "carb loading", etc. It's critical to control these issues before going onstage for competitions. What I talk about might sound crazy and esoteric here, but it's common knowledge among bodybuilders.

So, just as bodybuilders are aware of bloating, and how it affects their appearance onstage & the reaction from the judges, I, too, am aware of how bloating affects my appearance & the reaction from the judges (women). It's not that far-fetched as you all might think. It's the same principle.

But let's forget that I ever mentioned my bloating issue, OK? It's too technical for laypeople to understand, and will only create controversy and ridicule. Let's stick to my original point, which was that the Philippines is a nice country, but it is not a place where you will become a rock star by virtue of being a Westerner. Believe it or not, this is the only point I have been trying to get across, and we're on the 11th page now....

well then that shows you how much you know cause im well versed in bodybuilding i used to be hardcore into that stuff. I spent years on those forums LOL. Nice try. its all in your head.

but I do agree with the general jist of your original post. But i think you exaggerated that even a bit. cause ive certainly gotten some attetenion but it was nothing like what winston or will n dowd implied and its usually by the darker or less attractive girls which left me dissapointed. Th e girls i really want with big breasts or light skin and pretty generally wont even give you eye contact. although in angeles some of those girls are friendly and could be datable i found the girlst here very friendly maybe its cause they are used to foreigners. maybe thats the place to find a girlfriend if they aren't working in a bar.

I was into bodybuilding hardcore as well throughout my 20's, and if you're telling me that water retention and bloating is not a major issue in bodybuilding, I doubt that you were that hardcore at all. In fact, one of the main criticisms of Creatine was that it caused bloating. It made you big, but tended to smooth out your definition (although Creatine was generally used in the bulking phase, not in the cutting phase, so it wasn't a problem onstage).
Professional bodybuilders go to dangerous extremes to remove as much water (and bloating) from their skin prior to posing on stage as humanly possible (diuretics anyone?). The goal is to have razor sharpness and extreme definition to impress the judges.
One final note. What looks good for your body also looks good for your face. Many guys with sharp muscular definition are completely unaware that the reason why girls are checking them out is not because of their bodies, but because of their FACE. The fat and bloat that's absent from their body is also absent from their face, making it look chiseled and sexy. This is a secret that I don't think even many bodybuilders are aware of.

But, anyway, getting back to Philippine girls. Let me stress that, yes, they are better (sweeter, nicer, more humble) than their American counterparts. I am not saying that they are the same. What I am saying is that if you are old and ugly in America, the same will be true in the Philippines. You will not magically transform into a sexy young stud there. Will the chances of hooking up with someone be better than in America? Maybe. But that's a far cry from expecting the miracles that many guys claim will happen to you once you arrive there.

once again that water bloat in your face effecting your attractiveness day to day is mostly in your head. Thats why you have other issues with sex. you can't get out of your head for once.

Sigh. Never mind.