An Introduction an Seeking Future Guidance

[smore 19]

22 hours ago, RO_AH said:

@smore In every response of yours you retell us all about you, and your girlfriend, the type of people you are and why you cannot do anything that has been suggested. Everyone understands this and is here giving advice based on your situation. You can explain the same thing 10x more, but do not expect the advice you are getting to change. The people here have, and or are, going through the same thing that you are planning on, and they/we are very knowledgeable about it. You always say I appreciate the advice, "but". Do you say the same thing to your doctor, mechanic?

From what you have said I have extreme doubts you can or will be able to navigate this process. You are in a 1 1/2 year relationship and still can't use the word love. You said you both like each other. That gives me concern.

You say that you and her are not world travelers. From what you have said it seems that she definitely is but you are not. I had been to Mexico and Canada prior to my first of 7 trips to the Philippines so I would not have considered myself a world traveler. I would venture to bet that most here were not world travelers before starting the process. If you live your life as who you are and not who you want to be or become, your future will be very limited. If you are planning or do marry a Filipina, you will become a world traveler. Do you think you will go there once and be done? Family is very important in the Philippines and if she moves to America you and her will be going to visit.

You are also talking about 4 or 5 months away as if it's a year or 2. I have planned almost every trip to the Philippines more than 4-5 months in advance. 4-5 months happens in a flash and with the constant changes in all countries and travel restrictions if you were wise you would plan now. And not just one plan but plan A, B. D & D as @Lemonslice suggested.

You have been given great advice and I wish you the best.

 

Is not responding to someone and giving them more and more detail about my situation a normal thing, you make it sound bad that I explain about me and her. If I happen to repeat myself to you or someone else its because I am responding to them and their comments and they might not of read every reply on here so I might have to provide the same info again. YES I do explain why I cannot do some of the things that are suggested, anything wrong with that? seems pretty normal to me to have a conversation where you explain things and reasons why one cannot do something right now so there is understanding like OH OK I see why he cannot do that right now, what do you expect me to just go OK yeah I will do what you have suggested, sorry cannot do that, need to think about things and this is not walking across the street, its going across the world. I certainly don't expect the suggestions to change, but yet also perhaps you understand why I cannot do the things at this moment, not to say that those suggestions won't be useful in the future. I take all the suggestions into my thoughts and will process them and hopefully come up with a plan, and thanks in part to many suggestions on here. Why do you think I am on here because there are VERY knowledgeable people who can provide advice who are or have went through the same thing. Its nice to be around others who can relate.

 

So you have extreme doubts I will be able to navigate this process, and here I thought I was making some wonderful friends who could help me, THANKS. Well YES I have not used the world LOVE, I am old school, old fashioned, and so is she. Long distance relationships are certainly new to me, and I hear of people all the time who have never met saying they are in LOVE, but yet they have never met and I find that strange, again I am old school and while I can have thoughts about LOVE, until I actually meet someone face to face I cannot say I love them, or am in love with them, LOVE and being in LOVE is very powerful to me. I can be on the edge of LOVE, but seeing them, spending sometime together that is when it sends it over the edge to LOVE and to send it over that edge to LOVE after this long would not take but meeting and seeing that connection remains in person. So sorry to give you concern, but YES we like each other and YES are on that edge of LOVE especially after this much time, but my beliefs might vary from yours which is totally fine, but believe me LOVE is certainly what I am seeking.

 

No me and her are not world travelers, and NO she is certainly not a world traveler having been in a few different locations. I have been to Mexico and Canada as well but certainly don't consider myself a world traveler. I am fine with a simple life and certainly do not feel that is limiting who I am, I am me and I am fine with that, if you enjoy traveling than great you are who you are, some people enjoy traveling and others do not and there is nothing wrong with that, and me and her have discussed plenty about travel and neither of us have intentions of being world travelers.  Of course I expect to go and visit her family, and have even had thoughts that it might even be a yearly vacation or every other year vacation and I am totally OK with that, in fact I look forward to those times, but I do not think that makes me a world traveler, maybe we just have a different view or definition of world traveler.

 

Being a planner I certainly under normal conditions would already have this trip planned out but with the uncertainly of covid and changes almost every day its very hard to plan, and there is also uncertainly about when exactly she will be going home, the exact dates and hopefully she will actually be allowed to go back home, but does she have to quarantine, etc, all things we are figuring out. And as soon as she gets home does not mean I have to be there the next day, if we wait weeks, few more months its OK, I mean YES we want to meet as soon as we can but we have waited this long and have to wait the 4-5 months anyways if we add another month or so it will be OK. At least we are making progress for a plan to be able to meet which makes us both feel happy.

I am certainly taking in all the suggestions and need to have a conversation with her about plan A, B, C, D and get her input as well as to what she is comfortable with, and also more details about her trip back home. Yes I have been given great advise and that is why I signed up, and I certainly am taking all that advice in.

 

 

 

[smore 19]

7 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

I was trying to avoid commenting on this thread, mainly because the posts are so long.   However I have skimmed over alot of them and you have received some good advice from many of the posters.  I, myself could also write a book on this topic, but unfortunately dont have time.  One of the earlier posts by @Joe Kano is correct, that if you have never met in person she is only a chatmate.  Even if you profess your undying love for each other, you will always just be a chatmate until meeting.  Most likely (meaning around 99%), she has other chatmates especially if you met over the internet.  There is nothing wrong with this, but foreigners need to understand that this is how the game is played. 

 

If you are serious on meeting I think a good source for you is the below Youtube channel.  99% of Youtube videos on the Philippines are junk, but I agree with alot of what this lady mentions in her video. (in the decades in the country I have experienced many things she talks about).  I think it would be a huge benefit if you were to watch many of these and develop a general understanding about the Philippines as well as the culture.  I would not tell your chatmate that you are watching these or doing your open separate research.  Its best you educate yourself and then look for red and green flags when chatting with each other.  If you do decide to meet, there are key things to be aware of but those can differ depending if your meeting her by herself or if family will be present.  Im a pretty firm believer in meeting the person first without family as if you dont recognize the warning signs, you could find yourself in a tricky situation with family around.  Also, if you do decide to meet, you can always post on this board where you're meeting and with who and many can chime in with further input.   

 

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheFilipinaPea

Thanks for commenting, I know the posts are VERY LONG, but I appreciate your input. I do recall Joe Kano comment about chatmate and I believe my response was I think of this as more than a chatmate especially after this much time, but YES I agreed 100% that until we meet we will not know if our connection via messages, phone, etc remains in person to proceed forward. I know that many women chat with many guys and that is how the game is played, I guess it maybe depends on where they met online, she has expressed she is only talking with me (heck I do not think she even would have time to talk with others with her work and all), and she has been curious if I am talking with others, which I am not. I believe both of us wanted to make sure no game was being played and all. But yes it does seem like that game gets played alot which is sad.

Thanks for the suggestion and link to the youtube channel I will certainly check out the videos. I agree about it being beneficial to learn more about the Philippines and the culture, and yes what warning signs to watch out for. I honestly have not seen or felt any warning signs with her that I have heard of happening to others, everything seems very genuine and real, but I certainly still being open minded and cautious as well.

[smore 19]

8 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

Your first suggested video.  As I said, she has a strong following with foreigners who have lived a long time in the Philippines as she speaks to almost everyones experience at some point in time.  Good luck.

 

 

Thanks for the youtube channel suggestion and I did watch that first recommend video, and it was a great informative video. I will watch more when I have more time.

A few things about my situation based on info in the video.
1 - she has never asked for money and we have been talking for over a 1 1/2 now (not ONE mention of money has ever been said)

2 - we have not even really talked about anything financial, and she has never talked about hardships, needing money, etc

3 - YES we met online but not on a specific overseas dating site or Filipino dating site, it was just your mainstream dating site and I decided to expand my search and seen I could choose other countries, so I went for it. I responded to her.

 

As I believe RO_AH had mentioned after all this time if she has not asked for money she is not a scammer. But still I am cautious.

Thanks again for your suggestion of the videos, input like this is very helpful for sure.

[Stevephoto 230]

On 7/10/2021 at 2:49 PM, smore said:

 

I have researched the flight a bit just to get an idea but with covid it does not provide a normal picture of what costs and actual flights would really look like as there have been so many scale backs. But I am a planner and preparer so wanted to just get somewhat of an idea. Looks like about a 20 hour flight, and depending on options I only have to transfer once or twice. There used to be a direct flight to Manila from Los Angeles via Delta and I could fly from MN to Los Angeles easily than direct to Manila which sounds better than the South Korea route, but it seems Delta has pulled that route for now due to covid, hopefully it will return. I think Japan Airlines or something still goes from Los Angeles to Manila.

 

I am sure after that amount of time on a flight I will be tired, I think the flights I was looking at arrived at night there so at least I can just go to bed as that day is already over with anyone. Like you mentioned I am sure there will be some culture shock as well, but also it will be interesting as well to learn. With my work and responsibilities around home and life I am thinking I can do about a week, probably 10 days total if I span it over 2 weekends so hopefully that will be enough time. I have discussed meeting me, and asked if she could meet me at the airport as I will be in a country I have never been to so I will feel a bit nervous for sure, I have not traveled much, and never overseas, mainly been around the US to a few places and vacationed alot in my own state to like a cabin or camping as I am an outdoor type of person.

 

She certainly wants me to meet her family, which I think is really great,  some of her family are in Manila and others are south so we would have to go from Manila airport to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport or Tacloban City Airport than taxi I think from there 2 hours I think. Maybe some other arrangement can be made, we have not discussed yet, maybe her family can meet us at that airport or something, that is something to discuss in the future when we are able to plan meeting.

 

Yes I am sure the time will fly by which I am sure will be difficult to leave, if only one did not have responsibilities in life huh and could stay longer. That is what I like about the Philippines that they are family oriented. My relationships I have had in the US have not been very family oriented, come to think of it I do not recall 1 that has a good relationship with there family or at least someone major in there family. So I embrace that the Philippines is family oriented.

 

After having talked for 1 1/2 and counting I hope that all works out great, so far we seem compatible, but as I have mentioned I am a realistic person and know that we have to meet in person before knowing for sure and being able to move forward from there.
 

Again I really appreciate all the feedback, advice.

Leaving Joan for the first time was the hardest thing I have ever done. I am not ashamed to say that I cried at the airport for a very long time. Fast forward 9 years and we are celebrating our 8th anniversary next month. I admit that I did not read this entire thread, but I know you read a lot about the possible scams out there--yes, I know a few personally. However, I also know more of the honest, caring, loving couples (including us) out there. Go and meet her where ever and whenever you can. You will know what to do when you are sitting in that airport for hours waiting to board your flight home. Me? I came home, booked a return flight, bought a ring and we have never looked back. Good luck.

[smore 19]

On 7/20/2021 at 9:26 PM, Stevephoto said:

Leaving Joan for the first time was the hardest thing I have ever done. I am not ashamed to say that I cried at the airport for a very long time. Fast forward 9 years and we are celebrating our 8th anniversary next month. I admit that I did not read this entire thread, but I know you read a lot about the possible scams out there--yes, I know a few personally. However, I also know more of the honest, caring, loving couples (including us) out there. Go and meet her where ever and whenever you can. You will know what to do when you are sitting in that airport for hours waiting to board your flight home. Me? I came home, booked a return flight, bought a ring and we have never looked back. Good luck.

Thanks for posting a message. Congratulations on 9 years together. Thanks again for sharing your success story and your comments, I hope to have a success story as well.

[Joe Kano 327]

On 7/19/2021 at 11:52 AM, flicks1998 said:

Your first suggested video.  As I said, she has a strong following with foreigners who have lived a long time in the Philippines as she speaks to almost everyones experience at some point in time.  Good luck.

 

 

This chick is very westernized and I heard she had some western bf who did her scripts for her so she can monetize on Youtube.  She kinda odd looking with the widespread flat area between her eyes

[Stevephoto 230]

On 7/10/2021 at 2:49 PM, smore said:

 

I have researched the flight a bit just to get an idea but with covid it does not provide a normal picture of what costs and actual flights would really look like as there have been so many scale backs. But I am a planner and preparer so wanted to just get somewhat of an idea. Looks like about a 20 hour flight, and depending on options I only have to transfer once or twice. There used to be a direct flight to Manila from Los Angeles via Delta and I could fly from MN to Los Angeles easily than direct to Manila which sounds better than the South Korea route, but it seems Delta has pulled that route for now due to covid, hopefully it will return. I think Japan Airlines or something still goes from Los Angeles to Manila.

 

I am sure after that amount of time on a flight I will be tired, I think the flights I was looking at arrived at night there so at least I can just go to bed as that day is already over with anyone. Like you mentioned I am sure there will be some culture shock as well, but also it will be interesting as well to learn. With my work and responsibilities around home and life I am thinking I can do about a week, probably 10 days total if I span it over 2 weekends so hopefully that will be enough time. I have discussed meeting me, and asked if she could meet me at the airport as I will be in a country I have never been to so I will feel a bit nervous for sure, I have not traveled much, and never overseas, mainly been around the US to a few places and vacationed alot in my own state to like a cabin or camping as I am an outdoor type of person.

 

She certainly wants me to meet her family, which I think is really great,  some of her family are in Manila and others are south so we would have to go from Manila airport to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport or Tacloban City Airport than taxi I think from there 2 hours I think. Maybe some other arrangement can be made, we have not discussed yet, maybe her family can meet us at that airport or something, that is something to discuss in the future when we are able to plan meeting.

 

Yes I am sure the time will fly by which I am sure will be difficult to leave, if only one did not have responsibilities in life huh and could stay longer. That is what I like about the Philippines that they are family oriented. My relationships I have had in the US have not been very family oriented, come to think of it I do not recall 1 that has a good relationship with there family or at least someone major in there family. So I embrace that the Philippines is family oriented.

 

After having talked for 1 1/2 and counting I hope that all works out great, so far we seem compatible, but as I have mentioned I am a realistic person and know that we have to meet in person before knowing for sure and being able to move forward from there.
 

Again I really appreciate all the feedback, advice.

 

See if Philippine Airlines has a direct flight from LA to Manila.

[flicks1998 1,044]

2 hours ago, Joe Kano said:

This chick is very westernized and I heard she had some western bf who did her scripts for her so she can monetize on Youtube.  She kinda odd looking with the widespread flat area between her eyes

I heard the same thing. It would make sense though adding a western and Filipino perspective. I’ve found 99% of the YouTubers on the Philippines to be just bad but a lot of what she says is correct.  Especially the one on tampo!

[Stevephoto 230]

On 7/13/2021 at 2:02 PM, smore said:

Thanks for adding to my topic. And congrats on your progress. You had quoted a part of  RO_AH response to me in your reply “One person on these forums flew him and his fiance to Costa Rica so they could get married and skip the K-1 process knowing the K-1 was going to take forever. They are now waiting for their CR-1.”

 

I have mentioned it a few times that info I have seen is the K-1 Visa is the way to go over the CR-1 Visa, now this might of been prior to covid and all the issues covid has created? And now CR-1 is the quicker method?

This is all new to me as I have mentioned as well so I apologize, so I take it that "documentary qualified" means all your documents have been processed, looked at, and are good and no further documentation is necessary? and you have moved into the interview process which is the last step? 4 months from filing the paperwork till your documents were qualified seems like a decent time frame for sure, certainly reasonable per what others have waited or are waiting on.

You mentioned your glad you changed to doing the CR-1 process versus the K-1. Before marring had you met in person before? I guess with my situation we have not met in person (due to covid we have not been able to), so would I really be ready to meet and marry? I mean YES we have spent over a 1 1/2 getting to know one another, we certainly have a connection, certainly want to be together, but also being realistic with myself and one another meeting in person to make sure that connection is there as well in person is the wise thing to do. So my thought process is could I meet her in some other country and get married? My thought process continues and I guess we could spend a bit of time in that other country (5-7 days or something, I cannot spend weeks away from work, home, etc) and get married not like 1st day but several day in or at the end of the trip, my brain is trying to comprehend this and think it through. I mean with the K-1 I would not ask her to marry me as soon as I got off the plane, it would be spend some time together (5-7 days), than if all is going great in person than YES I would ask her to marry, than file K-1. So the other alternative of the CR-1 having never met seems difficult to comprehend without having ever met.

Its all great advice and gives me things to think about and options so always appreciated. Lots of conversation me and her will have to have. To bad covid has made things so difficult.

My thoughts are meet her first, spend time with her and as others have said, get to know the culture. I am nine years with Joan and I am still learning the culture of the Philippines (personally, I think it is beautiful). I, personally, would not get married during my first visit, even though I KNEW we were going to get married when I was sitting in that airport going home. I believe that you really do need to spend face to face time before tying the knot. I fully realize that not everyone has the "luxury" I had, but I made four trips to the Philippines within 12-months. We spent time in resorts and in her home town with family. Some of those trips were two rainy weeks in a Manila Hotel. Believe me, you get to know each other really well living in 250 square feet together in the rain. Smore, this IS DOABLE. Take a step back and realize that you already have 1 1/2 years together. 6 more months before you even meet her sounds like an eternity, but how fast did the last 18 months go by? Shoot, I blinked and 9 years went by. Breathe. Stop. Chat with her. Breathe. Stop. Video chat with her. Stop. Breathe, etc. She will meet you at NAIA and you will be in a taxi together before you know it. Please feel free to PM me if you want to talk more privately. Yes, this is hard, but many of us have gone through it and many of us are very happy. You CAN DO THIS!

[Stevephoto 230]

On 7/16/2021 at 12:33 PM, smore said:

Yes she is currently working as OFW and will finish that contract in 4-5 months (it had to be extended due to not being able to get home because of covid). While she is OFW I cannot go and meet her, she would not be able to take the time off work to be able to spend time with me, she barely has time at the end of the day to do anything, pretty harsh long hours, but that is what she has to do to keep the job, and most OFW sound like its the same. We were hoping that in 4-5 months things will be different around the world and in the Philippines (none of us know what it will be like than or what restrictions will be or not be).

So you said "Philippines everything becomes about 50 times more difficult than meeting just about anyplace else" why is that, I mean before covid I think it was not an issue at all correct? but are you saying its more difficult due to covid and the Philippines lagging behind on vaccinations, and lifting restrictions. One would THINK that they at some point have to lift restrictions, I know I keep commenting about that but I mean come on they have to start getting with the program here if the country and people are to survive, its already been a long time of shutdowns and restrictions and loss of economic income for the country and people as I believe tourism is huge in the Philippines.

It sounds like other countries are not like the Philippines is being? sounds like its easier to meet elsewhere as other countries have started to lift restrictions and allow travel and travelers? I am not sure of her ability to travel elsewhere first before going home to the Philippines? I have thought about if these Philippines restrictions are still in place in 4-5 months than I will have to have a conversation with her about meeting her where she is OFW (which is Hong Kong) and meeting at the end of her contract before she goes home? But its not ideal as she wants me to meet her family, plus I do not even know currently what the Hong Kong restrictions are for travel, and what they will be than.

What a mess this has been. Seems Philippines is really a difficult place right now to get into or out of and prior to covid it was no issue at all and people were able to meet and proceed with there relationship.

I love the Philippines. I have been there 6 times. It is home to some of the world's most incredibly beautiful places (El Nido comes to mind), AND some of the most beautiful people in the world, so I say this without intending to disrespect my second home: it is the Philippines. Things are done..."differently" there. Those who may want to chime in less delicately, please do, but you get my drift. Yes, it was easy for Joan and I to meet in hindsight, but there were plenty of issues with paperwork for the K-1 visa. Advice: read up about the bureaucracy involved and plan ahead. You are actually somewhat ahead of the game because she has her passport, so one less major headache. OH...assuming all goes well and things proceed, read up on the uniquely Filipino requirement known as CFO  

[Stevephoto 230]

On 7/18/2021 at 4:20 AM, smore said:

Sorry I am just really frustrated with how our world has been put into this predicament. WHY my LUCK put me in this predicament, I choose to expand my horizons to meet someone outside of the USA at the wrong timing, WHY did I wait to do this, well after horrible relationships time and time again with USA women I got tired of it and finally said I am expanding my horizons and than look what happens I am being blocked by this pandemic, sorry for ranting but this is very disheartening to me, life is short and I have wasted lots of time in my life with horrible, selfish women with no values, morals and with many issues. I just want to find that ONE to enjoy LIFE with.
 

Time for a perspective shift: You ARE INCREDIBLY LUCKY to be in this predicament. There are almost 8 BILLION people in the world and you might have found the ONE for you (that's like sticking your hand into a barrel with 8 billion balls in it and pulling out YOUR gold ball!) COVID S***S but as many before have said, the time put in now can be used to strengthen your relationship. Any relationship is hard, but long distance is brutal. As I said, in hindsight, my personal journey with Joan was, in reality, "easy" and "quick," but it sure didn't feel like it at the time. There were MANY times when I got up to use the restroom at 3 in the morning and then check my email and say a quick hello to Joan. Like I said in a previous reply: BREATHE. This is not going to any faster by hoping it will. The advice you received from others is spot on: COVID and all it's C**P is not gone: plan accordingly. It will all be worth it when your "gold ball" is wearing a white gown!

[Stevephoto 230]

On 7/18/2021 at 4:44 AM, smore said:

OK not sure what you mean by this statement? what is OP?

 

Not sure if you are referring to the K-1 as what I know is you have to meet once, does not matter the amount of time, or the location.

 

Sorry but multiple visits is not something I can do and many who have done this process are also not in situations where they could do that, would it be ideal for sure it would be, but its not something most could do. I am not a world traveler, where some travel the world and have met others in many locations, that is not part of my life, would it be nice sure it would be nice to do that but thats not my lifestyle. This is not the most ideal situation either for me and something very different but I am open to the idea of it to meet that wonderful person. Having talked with her for so long has helped me to be more comfortable with the idea of meeting 1 time and than going through with the K-1 and at least than we would still have more time getting to know one another from a distance as well as once K-1 is approved to make sure we want this. As you have mentioned many have done this process of meeting 1 time and have been successful, one never knows with anything in life whether you meet 1 or 10 times it might now work, but having talked for so long has also helped in building a strong connection.

Yes hope is not a plan, and as I have mentioned I am not simply relying on hope or faith but also NONE of us know what the future will be, especially not in 4-5 months when she is able to meet. How can one really put a concrete plan together when things are changing so much due to covid. Right now they are just ideas, and sort of watching as time gets closer to that 4-5 months and see what options are going to work. I do not feel I am wasting time trying to wrap my brain around options and getting advice, I am trying to absorb all the info, but again NONE of us know the future and I cannot make a concrete plan based on such wildly changing restrictions in every country, but I can absorb info and try to steer towards a path perhaps.

You are certainly not wasting your time getting advice from us old dogs. COVID has been a once in 100 year or more event and none of us know when or how it will end, but for now we are all stuck with family we cannot visit. Repeating myself and others: forget visiting the Philippines for now and as you are already thinking, plan a visit together in a different country when her contract expires.

[flicks1998 1,044]

52 minutes ago, Stevephoto said:

I love the Philippines. I have been there 6 times. It is home to some of the world's most incredibly beautiful places (El Nido comes to mind), AND some of the most beautiful people in the world, so I say this without intending to disrespect my second home: it is the Philippines. Things are done..."differently" there. Those who may want to chime in less delicately, please do, but you get my drift. Yes, it was easy for Joan and I to meet in hindsight, but there were plenty of issues with paperwork for the K-1 visa. Advice: read up about the bureaucracy involved and plan ahead. You are actually somewhat ahead of the game because she has her passport, so one less major headache. OH...assuming all goes well and things proceed, read up on the uniquely Filipino requirement known as CFO  

Next time you can visit, forget El Nido and do this tour......Keelooma.   It was the best tour I have ever done not just in the Philippines but anywhere in the world.  Truly phenomenal.  Im sure they will eventually start back up whenever travel normalizes. 

https://www.keelooma.com/

 

[Joe Kano 327]

7 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

I heard the same thing. It would make sense though adding a western and Filipino perspective. I’ve found 99% of the YouTubers on the Philippines to be just bad but a lot of what she says is correct.  Especially the one on tampo!

Yea, I watched a couple of her videos when they came out, she pretty accurate with things.  There are way too many mostly guys out there having youtube channels based in the Philippines.  Sunshine Scammer he is always looking for handouts, then you have a large group based in Dumaguete area, they tend to be pimping out women there, I hear they call that area Epstein Island now.

 

Then last week there was some riff raff from a Omar dude vs Tim K, they saw each other at the VA center at the USEM while getting covid shots, I heard Tim K dude called out Andy Omar and he tucked tail and walked away, he should of either duked it out or settled there riff.  There is way too many of them YouTube bloggers over in the Philippines now of day.  I rarely even listen to them now of days. 

[Joe Kano 327]

5 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

Next time you can visit, forget El Nido and do this tour......Keelooma.   It was the best tour I have ever done not just in the Philippines but anywhere in the world.  Truly phenomenal.  Im sure they will eventually start back up whenever travel normalizes. 

https://www.keelooma.com/

 

That looks cool, when I went there we were in smaller boats we did Coron for a few day, and I got bored in Coron since there is almost no night life, it was just boring.  Then I hoped a ferry boat to El Nido and the boat trip was actually fun for the sites, I found El Nido more happening and much more fun for entertainment and some night life