For the American men that went to Cebu

[The_Sage1 2]

I'd like to hear your fun/interesting experiences and compare them to mine. This was my first time out of the country and I went to Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City.

There's a lot that happened in 2 weeks, but I'd like to throw some interesting stuff in there. I'd like to start off by saying that the people I encountered in Cebu are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I truly enjoyed it there and I hope to go back again. They treat foreigners so nicely. But here's some interesting things I noticed.

-Everytime I walked out of the hotel, a bunch of people would involuntarily flag down a taxi for me...even if I didn't want one. They probably thought I was crazy for actually wanting to walk. I guess not all Americans are fat and lazy. I love to hike. I enjoyed riding the tricycles and jeepneys way more than the taxis.

-I felt like people saw me as a giant wallet with legs walking around with hundred dollar bills sticking out the sides. There's no such thing as window shopping if you're an American there. When you walk in the store, they expect you to spend big dollars. I did buy a new acoustic guitar for 45 dollars, and it plays like a dream.

-I also felt like I was being eye-humped constantly. Being a younger American guy, walking around the women were just constantly giving you those looks. I only went there for one woman so I needed to stay by her side to avoid women flirting with me. The only time I was ever seperated from her in public was when she went to try on some clothes at the mall. This girl came running up to me with this big smile and I could tell she was trying to flirt. I was just looking at Oakley Sunglasses and marvelling at the price. I don't think I've ever got that much attention in my life. I felt like a super-model woman walking into a bar full of single guys. It was an awkward feeling at times. But you now what? This is the true test of love. You're in love...and all these girls tempt you...and you stay true...you've passed the hardest test!

-The food was awesome. America is all about cheap processed foods and hardly anything is natural anymore. I had some chicken in the Philippines and it was the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had in years. I'm not sure that it's the best place to get a good ol' burger though. Go for the chicken and rice!

-Philippine Airlines is nicer than any American airliner that I've flown on. They sure took care of you and fed you delicious foods. And when there's big delays(and there was), they just give you more food.

-I'm a big fan of history since I'm going to be a history major. I loved seeing the old Spanish architecture, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, the Taoist Temple and the Mountain Top. I got bombarded by a mob of beggars at Magellan's Cross. I feel bad for people that are struggling, but you can't give money out to everyone...or you'll go broke in no time. I enjoyed the Mountain Top the most...would have liked to have a picnic up there!

-Coming out of the Cebu Mall at night was SCARY. There was a mob of around 2 dozen people trying to get me to give them money while I was scurrying into the taxi. I thought they were going to mug me. Lucky for me, I carried a decoy wallet with no money in it and no personal information...and old expired credit cards. I kept my money in a belt below the waist. When I got into the taxi with my fiance, we quickly learned the driver was drunk and took us this ridiculously long route back the the Crown Regency. He tried to charge us double the fare until my fiance scared him by threatening to call her father who is a cop. It worked.

[Loolie 56]

I'd like to hear your fun/interesting experiences and compare them to mine. This was my first time out of the country and I went to Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City.

There's a lot that happened in 2 weeks, but I'd like to throw some interesting stuff in there. I'd like to start off by saying that the people I encountered in Cebu are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I truly enjoyed it there and I hope to go back again. They treat foreigners so nicely. But here's some interesting things I noticed.

-Everytime I walked out of the hotel, a bunch of people would involuntarily flag down a taxi for me...even if I didn't want one. They probably thought I was crazy for actually wanting to walk. I guess not all Americans are fat and lazy. I love to hike. I enjoyed riding the tricycles and jeepneys way more than the taxis.

-I felt like people saw me as a giant wallet with legs walking around with hundred dollar bills sticking out the sides. There's no such thing as window shopping if you're an American there. When you walk in the store, they expect you to spend big dollars. I did buy a new acoustic guitar for 45 dollars, and it plays like a dream.

-I also felt like I was being eye-humped constantly. Being a younger American guy, walking around the women were just constantly giving you those looks. I only went there for one woman so I needed to stay by her side to avoid women flirting with me. The only time I was ever seperated from her in public was when she went to try on some clothes at the mall. This girl came running up to me with this big smile and I could tell she was trying to flirt. I was just looking at Oakley Sunglasses and marvelling at the price. I don't think I've ever got that much attention in my life. I felt like a super-model woman walking into a bar full of single guys. It was an awkward feeling at times. But you now what? This is the true test of love. You're in love...and all these girls tempt you...and you stay true...you've passed the hardest test!

-The food was awesome. America is all about cheap processed foods and hardly anything is natural anymore. I had some chicken in the Philippines and it was the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had in years. I'm not sure that it's the best place to get a good ol' burger though. Go for the chicken and rice!

-Philippine Airlines is nicer than any American airliner that I've flown on. They sure took care of you and fed you delicious foods. And when there's big delays(and there was), they just give you more food.

-I'm a big fan of history since I'm going to be a history major. I loved seeing the old Spanish architecture, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, the Taoist Temple and the Mountain Top. I got bombarded by a mob of beggars at Magellan's Cross. I feel bad for people that are struggling, but you can't give money out to everyone...or you'll go broke in no time. I enjoyed the Mountain Top the most...would have liked to have a picnic up there!

-Coming out of the Cebu Mall at night was SCARY. There was a mob of around 2 dozen people trying to get me to give them money while I was scurrying into the taxi. I thought they were going to mug me. Lucky for me, I carried a decoy wallet with no money in it and no personal information...and old expired credit cards. I kept my money in a belt below the waist. When I got into the taxi with my fiance, we quickly learned the driver was drunk and took us this ridiculously long route back the the Crown Regency. He tried to charge us double the fare until my fiance scared him by threatening to call her father who is a cop. It worked.

my hubby and i love to hike too...we rode tricycles and jeepneys and he liked it too coz he always see different faces in the jeepneys but one thing that he didnt like in jeepneys was when girls or gay guys lean on him so much especially when the jeepney is full... lot of girls flirt on him too...some girls will even filrt on him in front of me and even ask if my hubby has a brother...

actually even your a fatso american as long as your american...girls will really flirt on you.

[evemonte 0]

I'd like to hear your fun/interesting experiences and compare them to mine. This was my first time out of the country and I went to Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City.

There's a lot that happened in 2 weeks, but I'd like to throw some interesting stuff in there. I'd like to start off by saying that the people I encountered in Cebu are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I truly enjoyed it there and I hope to go back again. They treat foreigners so nicely. But here's some interesting things I noticed.

-Everytime I walked out of the hotel, a bunch of people would involuntarily flag down a taxi for me...even if I didn't want one. They probably thought I was crazy for actually wanting to walk. I guess not all Americans are fat and lazy. I love to hike. I enjoyed riding the tricycles and jeepneys way more than the taxis.

-I felt like people saw me as a giant wallet with legs walking around with hundred dollar bills sticking out the sides. There's no such thing as window shopping if you're an American there. When you walk in the store, they expect you to spend big dollars. I did buy a new acoustic guitar for 45 dollars, and it plays like a dream.

-I also felt like I was being eye-humped constantly. Being a younger American guy, walking around the women were just constantly giving you those looks. I only went there for one woman so I needed to stay by her side to avoid women flirting with me. The only time I was ever seperated from her in public was when she went to try on some clothes at the mall. This girl came running up to me with this big smile and I could tell she was trying to flirt. I was just looking at Oakley Sunglasses and marvelling at the price. I don't think I've ever got that much attention in my life. I felt like a super-model woman walking into a bar full of single guys. It was an awkward feeling at times. But you now what? This is the true test of love. You're in love...and all these girls tempt you...and you stay true...you've passed the hardest test!

-The food was awesome. America is all about cheap processed foods and hardly anything is natural anymore. I had some chicken in the Philippines and it was the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had in years. I'm not sure that it's the best place to get a good ol' burger though. Go for the chicken and rice!

-Philippine Airlines is nicer than any American airliner that I've flown on. They sure took care of you and fed you delicious foods. And when there's big delays(and there was), they just give you more food.

-I'm a big fan of history since I'm going to be a history major. I loved seeing the old Spanish architecture, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, the Taoist Temple and the Mountain Top. I got bombarded by a mob of beggars at Magellan's Cross. I feel bad for people that are struggling, but you can't give money out to everyone...or you'll go broke in no time. I enjoyed the Mountain Top the most...would have liked to have a picnic up there!

-Coming out of the Cebu Mall at night was SCARY. There was a mob of around 2 dozen people trying to get me to give them money while I was scurrying into the taxi. I thought they were going to mug me. Lucky for me, I carried a decoy wallet with no money in it and no personal information...and old expired credit cards. I kept my money in a belt below the waist. When I got into the taxi with my fiance, we quickly learned the driver was drunk and took us this ridiculously long route back the the Crown Regency. He tried to charge us double the fare until my fiance scared him by threatening to call her father who is a cop. It worked.

you're not alone in this unique philippine experience. my hubby had the same observations (although this was in manila) during his 3 visits there. filipinos look up to caucasians like gods/goddesses/saviors. it's the colonial mentality i guess. and people always think anybody who is caucasian is american. lol. don't worry, you'll get used to it.

[tallcoolone 102]

Philippines Rocks, Especially if your an American Male.

Great food, Great People, Cheap prices on everything, and the treat you like a Rock Star

We are taking a guys trip back to PI in February, Gonna hit Cebu and Davao.

I will post up when it's firm, You should join us, It's a good time

[Westindy 0]

Well I am and American Woman and when I went to Cebu City to visit my fiance it was like i was a celebrity. I am 6'0 and Slim so when I arrived at the airport people were looking at me and pointing. They would come up to me and ask to take a picture with me. They would also stand on things to try to be as tall as me. At first I was uneasy about it, but my fiance explained that they were not use to seeing such a tall girl.

[robbie jeannet 5]

Well I am and American Woman and when I went to Cebu City to visit my fiance it was like i was a celebrity. I am 6'0 and Slim so when I arrived at the airport people were looking at me and pointing. They would come up to me and ask to take a picture with me. They would also stand on things to try to be as tall as me. At first I was uneasy about it, but my fiance explained that they were not use to seeing such a tall girl.

i am from cebu too, my fiance visited me last august.he will going to visit me again this coming december 19 2009 and i know how american love to walk...and gosh.>!!!!to be honest i hate walking under the sun...shall we say am lazy...american love to become tan, thats true. and we pilipina love to become white....so...goodluck to you guys and have a nice stay in cebu..

[Ndrangeta_one 0]

I'd like to hear your fun/interesting experiences and compare them to mine. This was my first time out of the country and I went to Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City.

There's a lot that happened in 2 weeks, but I'd like to throw some interesting stuff in there. I'd like to start off by saying that the people I encountered in Cebu are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I truly enjoyed it there and I hope to go back again. They treat foreigners so nicely. But here's some interesting things I noticed.

-Everytime I walked out of the hotel, a bunch of people would involuntarily flag down a taxi for me...even if I didn't want one. They probably thought I was crazy for actually wanting to walk. I guess not all Americans are fat and lazy. I love to hike. I enjoyed riding the tricycles and jeepneys way more than the taxis.

-I felt like people saw me as a giant wallet with legs walking around with hundred dollar bills sticking out the sides. There's no such thing as window shopping if you're an American there. When you walk in the store, they expect you to spend big dollars. I did buy a new acoustic guitar for 45 dollars, and it plays like a dream.

-I also felt like I was being eye-humped constantly. Being a younger American guy, walking around the women were just constantly giving you those looks. I only went there for one woman so I needed to stay by her side to avoid women flirting with me. The only time I was ever seperated from her in public was when she went to try on some clothes at the mall. This girl came running up to me with this big smile and I could tell she was trying to flirt. I was just looking at Oakley Sunglasses and marvelling at the price. I don't think I've ever got that much attention in my life. I felt like a super-model woman walking into a bar full of single guys. It was an awkward feeling at times. But you now what? This is the true test of love. You're in love...and all these girls tempt you...and you stay true...you've passed the hardest test!

-The food was awesome. America is all about cheap processed foods and hardly anything is natural anymore. I had some chicken in the Philippines and it was the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had in years. I'm not sure that it's the best place to get a good ol' burger though. Go for the chicken and rice!

-Philippine Airlines is nicer than any American airliner that I've flown on. They sure took care of you and fed you delicious foods. And when there's big delays(and there was), they just give you more food.

-I'm a big fan of history since I'm going to be a history major. I loved seeing the old Spanish architecture, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, the Taoist Temple and the Mountain Top. I got bombarded by a mob of beggars at Magellan's Cross. I feel bad for people that are struggling, but you can't give money out to everyone...or you'll go broke in no time. I enjoyed the Mountain Top the most...would have liked to have a picnic up there!

-Coming out of the Cebu Mall at night was SCARY. There was a mob of around 2 dozen people trying to get me to give them money while I was scurrying into the taxi. I thought they were going to mug me. Lucky for me, I carried a decoy wallet with no money in it and no personal information...and old expired credit cards. I kept my money in a belt below the waist. When I got into the taxi with my fiance, we quickly learned the driver was drunk and took us this ridiculously long route back the the Crown Regency. He tried to charge us double the fare until my fiance scared him by threatening to call her father who is a cop. It worked.

LOL...another satisfied tourist.....heheheh

Been in Cebu few times myself too....and visited most of the places you mentioned...and will go again sometime in the future...maybe.

I also suggest checking out BOHOL resorts, about an hour away from Cebu with those fast boats....

maybe not be as lively as some other resorts in RP but if you enjoy unspoiled natural beauty, white sand and the turquoise sea water and some quality time with your loved one is worth the trip.

Oh...yes, i forgot to mention the low tide in the afternoon where u can walk another 200-300 feet from the beach into the sea and be mesmerized what you can find on the bottom...not to mention seeing the locals and their customs.....

Cheers...

[Scott and Mhay 57]

I am contemplating Bohol or Boracay for over valentines day. My buddy went to Bohol and said it was really nice. I talked to my wife's friend and she said that both were nice, but if Mhay wanted to possibly go to a bar or 2...go to Boracay this time and Bohol the next.

the philippines is awesome. How many times did you get call "Joe"? I cant wait to go back to be with my wife for awhile in feb.

[Jared and May 16]

I can attest that Boracay is just simply amazing.. If you're going, you might want to check out the Red Coconut hotel. It's right on the beach and a small walk to all the restaurants / shops. I'm going back to PI in April and am considering taking the fiancee to Boracay. (If I can afford it)

[Nenita and David 1]

to be honest i hate walking under the sun

This was something that hit me as quite odd on my first visit - that Filipinos really hate the sun. I was surprised to see all the ladies walking with umbrellas to keep the sun off of themselves and the men wrapping t-shirts around their heads as though they were trying to hide their faces. I would have thought that people living in such a hot place wouldn't notice the sun so much - I was wrong on that one. People couldn't believe that the sun wasn't bothering me. My wife also seems to think she looks better when her skin is light, but I think she looks beautiful either way. It also still seems a bit strange to me that everyone there carries a handkerchief or towel with them wherever they go.

I agree with the OP on most of his observations, but I don't recall getting a lot of attention from women - aside from my wife of course. Then again, I was usually with my wife, so it would have been obvious that I was taken.

Boracay was nice, but it seemed a little "touristy" to me. Cebu was nice in a lot of ways, but by far my favorite places were Dumaguete and my wife's small hometown in Negros Oriental. You can't beat the scenery and small-town atmosphere in the rural areas of the Philippines. Also, you don't have so many beggars, thieves, con-artists, and other miscellaneous trash that you find in Cebu and Manila. Still, Cebu is nice, as long as you stick to the right parts of the city.

[tallcoolone 102]

I am contemplating Bohol or Boracay for over valentines day. My buddy went to Bohol and said it was really nice. I talked to my wife's friend and she said that both were nice, but if Mhay wanted to possibly go to a bar or 2...go to Boracay this time and Bohol the next.

the philippines is awesome. How many times did you get call "Joe"? I cant wait to go back to be with my wife for awhile in feb.

Bohol, is ok. Nothing special.

Boracay, Never been I hear you pay American Prices for hotels. I guess I need to check it out for myself to give my opinion.

I did find a great island that will blow away Bohol, it's called Camiguin Island. Very Clean white beaches, Clean water, very little people on the island, it is so far my favorite place to hang out in PI with my wife. It has Hot Springs, Cold Springs, Soda Springs, it's a cool place. It has not yet become a Tourist Trap and is still a quiet gem in PI.

From Cebu, you can take the Super Shuttle and I think Asian Air flies into Camiguin. I went to Camiguin from Davao via Bus / Van / Ferry it took about 10 hours.

Next time I will find a quicker and easier route to Camiguin Island

Edited December 5, 2009 by tallcoolone

[Mark&Gladys 0]

My wife is from Talisay City just outside of Cebu. We have traveled to Bohol which was interesting and had some extraordinary features, but was not really too exciting. Our favorite place so far has been Malapasqua Island off the Northern tip of Cebu. A tiny island about 45 minutes from the dock, it is clean with numerous resort and diving options, awesome snorkeling, great restaurants and nice white sand beaches. It is relatively quiet and relaxed with few people - mostly European and Chinese tourists/divers. It was an awesome visit for me!

The only problem I had was I about lost my eye balls when a group of Chinese men diving in speedos went by! HA. Not an image I care to remember.

[Veemer 0]

Philippines Rocks, Especially if your an American Male.

Great food, Great People, Cheap prices on everything, and the treat you like a Rock Star

We are taking a guys trip back to PI in February, Gonna hit Cebu and Davao.

I will post up when it's firm, You should join us, It's a good time

Im in, keep me informed !!!

[Veemer 0]

Philippines Rocks, Especially if your an American Male.

Great food, Great People, Cheap prices on everything, and the treat you like a Rock Star

We are taking a guys trip back to PI in February, Gonna hit Cebu and Davao.

I will post up when it's firm, You should join us, It's a good time

How about we also go to TAWI-TAWI island, Basilan Island and JOLO Island ?

We can wear "PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN" T-shirts there.