Thursday, August 5, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Island Hopping - Cebu, Philippines - Mactan Island
Mactan Island provides some of the best Island Hopping Adventures in the entire Philippines. Being a coral island itself, Mactan has many relative close islands in which to hop to. There is vast diversity of islands to chose from, with each one having its own special interest. This article will lead you through, from years of experience and knowledge the best islands, most affordable, and best way to set up your island hopping tour
How to arrange your perfect Island Hopping Tour :
This alone has been a much discussed topic, with many different opinions. The best option for taking a island hopping tour from Mactan, for tourist here, would be to use a local, qualified agent, or tour operator. The cost for this will be a small amount higher than the actual cost. But in the end, it will be cheaper for you. If you try to do it on your own, 95% of the time, it will end up costing you more than the agency fee. This happens daily here on Mactan Island. Plus the fact of the stress, headache, and time and trouble it causes your vacation. It’s not worth it. Not for the minimal amount you will pay the tour operators for their services. It’s really a big deal to get all of the things in order, and find the trust worthy people, the best equipment, the best and most helpful, knowledgeable guides. That is no small task to accomplish, especially if you are just visiting the area. So allow the experts who are here on the island for years take care of all of that headache for you. Then all you have to do is show up, get on board, and you are off on your adventure..... Tour operators here only average making P 500 to 1000 per person on a island hopping tour. ( According to how many persons are on the tour ) . That is a great deal, especially when you do not have to deal with pier hustlers, street vendors, tri cycle drivers who will constantly be trying to add on charges later, and not tell you. Trying to get the money up front, in general all the time trying something. It will stress you out and ruin your island hopping just to always trying to keep on guard, and remember and wonder what’s coming next, will they be trouble, what will i do, is that included, did they bring the food, ect, ect... Even if you research and know what to look out for, its still a headache just to try to remember all what to watch out for and to ask about, and make sure is correct...
LIST OF QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED, TRUSTWORTHY OPERATORS ON MACTAN ISLAND:
Cheap Tours
Fun, Sun and Dive
K and R Travel and Tours
CHOOSE YOUR ISLANDS
Island hopping tours vary from one island to up to 5 islands. Of course the more islands, the more expensive. The farther islands away from Mactan also make the tour more expensive. The most popular and best tour is to choose two of the major islands, and couple of the smaller ones. They are 5 major islands to choose from, and many smaller islands.
Major Islands off Mactan : Listed in order of most popular and down.....
HILUTUNGAN ISLAND - Fish Sanctuary
Famous for its dive spots and great snorkeling. Many different fish to see and colorful. Island does have restaurants and beach at low tide only. Best of all islands for snorkeling and diving.
Pandanon Island - This island has cottages and nice beach also. Good for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling is not so good. More for beach which is very long and white sand. Mostly just relaxing place.
Nalusuan Island(Marine Sanctuary) - This is private owned island, which the staff lives right on the island. Cottages also available on the island. It also has a fish sanctuary with very good snorkeling. Has a restaurant, white sand on one side of the island. Good for snorkeling and swimming. Has its own pier, and drinks are not allowed to be brought on the island.
Caohagan Island(Marine Sanctuary) - Beach at high tide only, fish sanctuary, good snorkeling, swimming, cottages available. Good for snorkeling, relaxing...
Olango Island ( Bird Sanctuary) - This island is good for snorkeling, swimming. Has bird sancturary on the island. ( Seasonal ).
Other small islands to see is : Tingo, Sulpa,Talima, and others.
TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN ARRANGING YOUR ISLAND HOPPING:
* Most all island hopping tours never leave the boat. Most never go onto land. Please ask if you wish to go on land and visit one of the cottages, and beach..
* Make sure it all inclusive. Ask to make sure no hidden charges... Ask about gasoline charges, entrance fees, towels, snorkel, mask, fins. Also ask docking fees, pier fees. Ask if hotel transfers are included. Most each island charges a fee docking a boat or mooring a boat off shore.
* Ask what you lunch is in detail.. Some will just be BBQ on a stick and fruit and hanging rice. Others give better quality lunch’s..
* Be prepared for vendors in boats who will come on board your boat to try to sell you arts, crafts, coconuts, and many different items. They will price these very expensive, so you can try to bargain for at least half what they price...
* Do not take valuables on the boats. If you have watches, billfolds, or bags, put them in the hands of your guide. Boat captains will not be responsible, and crews are sometimes not regulars. So if something is gone, you will hear it fell overboard.. They won’t take responsibility for it... If you have no guide, give it to the captain, count it and show it to him. That way he and you know what is there...
* Restrooms on the boats are not much... Small Plywood room, and not lot of luxury. Don’t expect much.
* Bring extra towels, sun screen, underwater camera, extra batteries for camera, shoes that you can get wet. Sometimes you have to wade in the water to board the small dingy boats that will take you to the big boats at low tide.. Sharp rocks can cut your feet.. Bring extra snacks and drinks. Some do not bring any extra drinks except your lunch.. Again, this is the difference between a tour operator and just a local, street vendor.. They will not supply but the bare necessities. Some tour operators bring extra drinks, and snacks for you... Bring extra bread for fish feeding. You are supplied with only a certain amount. When it’s out, the fish will leave...
Thing to Watch Out for If you do it Yourself:
Outside of Resorts, at the beaches in and out of the resorts, at Tourist Spots, Tri Cycle Drivers, other Water Sport Activities, at most all these places you will find the local who does Island Hopping. " Hey Joe, Island Hopping, Great Deal, Cheap, Sir you want Island Hopping." That is what you will hear mostly. Sometimes you will have three or four asking you the same thing, trying to pull you in that direction. This is your first red flag.. If they were professional, licensed, they would not be doing this.. Avoid these...
If you must do it go to the piers of Mactan and ask.. Transport from your hotel to the pier will depend upon where you are staying. Least amount will be P 100, Small boat for Island Hopping will rent for P 2500 ( 10 seater ). A 15 to 20 seater will rent for P 3500. ( This includes gasoline, crew, lifejackets, and should include a snorkeling guide, if guide is not included then you will probably have to pay another P 500 for that.) Mask and fins are P 150 each, Island fees are Hilutungan P 100, Olango P 50, Pandanon P 150. Others are similar. ( Does not include cottage rentals or island docking fees) Lunch is whatever you want to make and bring. If you eat at one of the Islands be prepared to spend P 500 or more. Plates, spoons, forks, glasses, and also remember you will be eating in front of the captain and crew. They should bring their own, but most do not. Not required, but expected… Drinks and ice and cooler are also what you want to bring and spend. Do not forget, if you are going to cook on the boat, do not forget the charcoal, matches. Tips are not required but will be expected. Won’t be so bad with the captain or guide, but the ones who carried you cooler on the boat, the dingy you transferred to the large boat on, and those will follow you until you leave in taxi...
WARNING: What is stated above is the way it should be, and might even be the way some will make it sound. But, be prepared, because it will almost guarantee that if you don’t have a tour operator and guide with you, somewhere and somehow they will ask for more... Now they won’t do this when you return back to the pier.. They are too smart for that. They will do it when they stop on the back side of one of the small islands, in which you are wondering why they are stopping,,, then they will start to tell you the excuses of why you need to pay more.. Now with a captain, and three or four crew, plus his friends who are probably close on the island, who have run this scam all their life, are telling you what you need to pay, in the middle of the ocean, on the back side of some small island, with loud voices and mean looks. What will you do?? Have heard some to get up to P 6000 thousand from people by this tactic.. What your thinking now is, pay and call the police when you get back to the pier. WRONG, when they arrive, it’s your word against his, and remember where you are, and they are same nationality. That is just another waist of your time... Even if the police officer believes you were scammed, when the man slips him P 500 of the extra money he got from you, suddenly you should have had a written contract, or some other excuse.. Plus, in general, they know tourist will not fool with or take the time to go through all that hassle and time. They will just chalk it up to experience. That’s the key they work on......
So hope this article helps someone, and someone takes the time to read it... They are thousands of horror stories out there about this subject. Do not let yourselves be the next one. From one traveler to another, lived here for 8 years now, and been doing Island Hopping for 5 of them…
How to arrange your perfect Island Hopping Tour :
This alone has been a much discussed topic, with many different opinions. The best option for taking a island hopping tour from Mactan, for tourist here, would be to use a local, qualified agent, or tour operator. The cost for this will be a small amount higher than the actual cost. But in the end, it will be cheaper for you. If you try to do it on your own, 95% of the time, it will end up costing you more than the agency fee. This happens daily here on Mactan Island. Plus the fact of the stress, headache, and time and trouble it causes your vacation. It’s not worth it. Not for the minimal amount you will pay the tour operators for their services. It’s really a big deal to get all of the things in order, and find the trust worthy people, the best equipment, the best and most helpful, knowledgeable guides. That is no small task to accomplish, especially if you are just visiting the area. So allow the experts who are here on the island for years take care of all of that headache for you. Then all you have to do is show up, get on board, and you are off on your adventure..... Tour operators here only average making P 500 to 1000 per person on a island hopping tour. ( According to how many persons are on the tour ) . That is a great deal, especially when you do not have to deal with pier hustlers, street vendors, tri cycle drivers who will constantly be trying to add on charges later, and not tell you. Trying to get the money up front, in general all the time trying something. It will stress you out and ruin your island hopping just to always trying to keep on guard, and remember and wonder what’s coming next, will they be trouble, what will i do, is that included, did they bring the food, ect, ect... Even if you research and know what to look out for, its still a headache just to try to remember all what to watch out for and to ask about, and make sure is correct...
LIST OF QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED, TRUSTWORTHY OPERATORS ON MACTAN ISLAND:
Cheap Tours
Fun, Sun and Dive
K and R Travel and Tours
CHOOSE YOUR ISLANDS
Island hopping tours vary from one island to up to 5 islands. Of course the more islands, the more expensive. The farther islands away from Mactan also make the tour more expensive. The most popular and best tour is to choose two of the major islands, and couple of the smaller ones. They are 5 major islands to choose from, and many smaller islands.
Major Islands off Mactan : Listed in order of most popular and down.....
HILUTUNGAN ISLAND - Fish Sanctuary
Famous for its dive spots and great snorkeling. Many different fish to see and colorful. Island does have restaurants and beach at low tide only. Best of all islands for snorkeling and diving.
Pandanon Island - This island has cottages and nice beach also. Good for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling is not so good. More for beach which is very long and white sand. Mostly just relaxing place.
Nalusuan Island(Marine Sanctuary) - This is private owned island, which the staff lives right on the island. Cottages also available on the island. It also has a fish sanctuary with very good snorkeling. Has a restaurant, white sand on one side of the island. Good for snorkeling and swimming. Has its own pier, and drinks are not allowed to be brought on the island.
Caohagan Island(Marine Sanctuary) - Beach at high tide only, fish sanctuary, good snorkeling, swimming, cottages available. Good for snorkeling, relaxing...
Olango Island ( Bird Sanctuary) - This island is good for snorkeling, swimming. Has bird sancturary on the island. ( Seasonal ).
Other small islands to see is : Tingo, Sulpa,Talima, and others.
TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN ARRANGING YOUR ISLAND HOPPING:
* Most all island hopping tours never leave the boat. Most never go onto land. Please ask if you wish to go on land and visit one of the cottages, and beach..
* Make sure it all inclusive. Ask to make sure no hidden charges... Ask about gasoline charges, entrance fees, towels, snorkel, mask, fins. Also ask docking fees, pier fees. Ask if hotel transfers are included. Most each island charges a fee docking a boat or mooring a boat off shore.
* Ask what you lunch is in detail.. Some will just be BBQ on a stick and fruit and hanging rice. Others give better quality lunch’s..
* Be prepared for vendors in boats who will come on board your boat to try to sell you arts, crafts, coconuts, and many different items. They will price these very expensive, so you can try to bargain for at least half what they price...
* Do not take valuables on the boats. If you have watches, billfolds, or bags, put them in the hands of your guide. Boat captains will not be responsible, and crews are sometimes not regulars. So if something is gone, you will hear it fell overboard.. They won’t take responsibility for it... If you have no guide, give it to the captain, count it and show it to him. That way he and you know what is there...
* Restrooms on the boats are not much... Small Plywood room, and not lot of luxury. Don’t expect much.
* Bring extra towels, sun screen, underwater camera, extra batteries for camera, shoes that you can get wet. Sometimes you have to wade in the water to board the small dingy boats that will take you to the big boats at low tide.. Sharp rocks can cut your feet.. Bring extra snacks and drinks. Some do not bring any extra drinks except your lunch.. Again, this is the difference between a tour operator and just a local, street vendor.. They will not supply but the bare necessities. Some tour operators bring extra drinks, and snacks for you... Bring extra bread for fish feeding. You are supplied with only a certain amount. When it’s out, the fish will leave...
Thing to Watch Out for If you do it Yourself:
Outside of Resorts, at the beaches in and out of the resorts, at Tourist Spots, Tri Cycle Drivers, other Water Sport Activities, at most all these places you will find the local who does Island Hopping. " Hey Joe, Island Hopping, Great Deal, Cheap, Sir you want Island Hopping." That is what you will hear mostly. Sometimes you will have three or four asking you the same thing, trying to pull you in that direction. This is your first red flag.. If they were professional, licensed, they would not be doing this.. Avoid these...
If you must do it go to the piers of Mactan and ask.. Transport from your hotel to the pier will depend upon where you are staying. Least amount will be P 100, Small boat for Island Hopping will rent for P 2500 ( 10 seater ). A 15 to 20 seater will rent for P 3500. ( This includes gasoline, crew, lifejackets, and should include a snorkeling guide, if guide is not included then you will probably have to pay another P 500 for that.) Mask and fins are P 150 each, Island fees are Hilutungan P 100, Olango P 50, Pandanon P 150. Others are similar. ( Does not include cottage rentals or island docking fees) Lunch is whatever you want to make and bring. If you eat at one of the Islands be prepared to spend P 500 or more. Plates, spoons, forks, glasses, and also remember you will be eating in front of the captain and crew. They should bring their own, but most do not. Not required, but expected… Drinks and ice and cooler are also what you want to bring and spend. Do not forget, if you are going to cook on the boat, do not forget the charcoal, matches. Tips are not required but will be expected. Won’t be so bad with the captain or guide, but the ones who carried you cooler on the boat, the dingy you transferred to the large boat on, and those will follow you until you leave in taxi...
WARNING: What is stated above is the way it should be, and might even be the way some will make it sound. But, be prepared, because it will almost guarantee that if you don’t have a tour operator and guide with you, somewhere and somehow they will ask for more... Now they won’t do this when you return back to the pier.. They are too smart for that. They will do it when they stop on the back side of one of the small islands, in which you are wondering why they are stopping,,, then they will start to tell you the excuses of why you need to pay more.. Now with a captain, and three or four crew, plus his friends who are probably close on the island, who have run this scam all their life, are telling you what you need to pay, in the middle of the ocean, on the back side of some small island, with loud voices and mean looks. What will you do?? Have heard some to get up to P 6000 thousand from people by this tactic.. What your thinking now is, pay and call the police when you get back to the pier. WRONG, when they arrive, it’s your word against his, and remember where you are, and they are same nationality. That is just another waist of your time... Even if the police officer believes you were scammed, when the man slips him P 500 of the extra money he got from you, suddenly you should have had a written contract, or some other excuse.. Plus, in general, they know tourist will not fool with or take the time to go through all that hassle and time. They will just chalk it up to experience. That’s the key they work on......
So hope this article helps someone, and someone takes the time to read it... They are thousands of horror stories out there about this subject. Do not let yourselves be the next one. From one traveler to another, lived here for 8 years now, and been doing Island Hopping for 5 of them…
Living on Mactan Island - Culture and LifeStyle
This is a article i wrote for Trip Advisor for Mactan Island. Thought I would share it here also.
This article could pertain to almost all places in The Philippines. Although each Island, province, or city has a difference in the culture and beliefs. In general you will find most of the basic principles for The Philippines are pretty much general. When traveling to Mactan Island as a tourist from another country, you are going to see things and conditions that will be a large culture shock to you. If you have traveled to other 3 World Countries, you can use that experience to help you understand what you will most likely face while visiting PI, and Mactan Island.
Mactan Island Introduction -
Mactan Island is a Coral Island located across from Cebu City. The island is connected to Cebu by two major bridges. Mactan holds all of the beach areas and resort area's closest to Cebu City. The island is predominately Catholic, with very small units of Christian and Muslim factions. Their is no noticeable or active presence of any NPA, Rebels, Abu Saif, or any terrorist or warring faction on Mactan Island. Being a mostly Industrial Island, it holds all of the major Industrial might of Cebu. Things that travelers will want to prepare themselves for while visiting Mactan Island and many other places in The Philippines ::::
Transportation and Traffic / Driving
Although Mactan Island is not near as bad as most of the other larger cities and islands, be prepared for a complete different Culture of Transportation, Driving, and Traffic. When arriving here, you will notice that they are very few stop lights, stop signs, or controlled intersection control. Driving and commutation here is a free for all, who can get there first and fastest. They will be no courtesy, no speed limits, no changing lanes rules, no driving in the middle of the lane rules. Pretty much it will be a real shock. Expect drivers to go very fast, and overtake others in curves, pass each other with only inches to spare, stop anywhere at any time, right in the middle of the road. You will find here that motorcycles, tri cycles, multi cabs, taxi's, and even bi cycles all sharing the same road, at the same time. They will be no uniform, organized method to driving here. You will notice most Filipino walking off the sidewalks, out in the streets, with no regards for right of ways, rules of the road. At certain times you will find a few major intersections, manned by a traffic enforcer. They are no police cars on duty here to pull over offenders. If you are easily scared while driving, or riding, I would suggest preparing yourself to keep your eyes closed most of the time, or just take something to relax yourself. The culture of transportation and driving here will surely make your heart skip a beat..
You shall witness that most all Filipino's take public transportation in the way of buses, multi - cabs, tri cycles, and bi cycles, motor cycles. Very few Filipino have cars of their own. They sometimes will commute for hours, changing rides three or four times just to arrive at their work destination.
Living Conditions / Housing
Upon arriving on Mactan Island you will see many local road side shops, homes, squatter villages on your way to your hotel. Upon seeing these area's you will probably think they are not inhabited by persons. They are,, some of the places, homes and area's you will see will be no more than few pieces of tin roofing, on four bamboo poles, with tarpaulin wrapped around them for the walls. Some areas will be built out of the ocean on bamboo, with homes connected wall to wall with each other. Do not be shocked to see many places with no running water, no electric, or even sanitation.. The largest percentage of the Filipino population lives in these types of homes. Even the working class people home might be only the size of a nice bedroom in your country, with one plug in, one light, and a simple bathroom. Prepare yourselves to witness large piles of garbage on the road sides, and in the countryside. Waist sewage running down through the middle of neighborhoods in a small ditch. Chickens, goats, cows wondering the roads freely. Do not be surprised to find chickens tied up and goats feeding right outside your hotel or resort on other property's. To see these places, of course you would have to get out and do some site seeing. You will not notice or see that much of these places by only going to the tourist areas, and guided areas of the Island. You will see from a distance in your travel's some of the places in which is mentioned here. Please, remember that this is a normal way of life here, and even some of the staffing at your hotel, waiters, are the people who occupy these homes. Prepare yourself to see things that will shock you to the core, but are just a normal part of life on Mactan Island and Philippines.
On the other hand, you will also find many nice, modern subdivisions, apartment complexes, resorts, hotels, which are not much different than what your modern country has to offer. The major difference you will find is the size for these type of units are much smaller. Most of your upper middle class people live in this type of housing. They are very nice and well maintained, but just a few steps outside the boundaries of that complex, you can see the living conditions mentioned above. It’s a very diverse and mixed style of living here.
Being White and Tourist on Mactan
Being White and a tourist, or living here, expect to be treated very different from the local population. The culture of the Filipino people are taught if you are white, you are rich.. They are also taught, if you are rich, you should help the poor, and it’s a obligation. Also you will find in the culture, to take or overcharge, or lie or mislead a white ( rich ) person is completely ok and nothing is bad or wrong about that. You find this type of attitude more in the lower class people. You will find that the general feeling of the Filipino is that you are here at this moment, and what can they get from you. They do not look at whether you will return again, or how their actions will affect the future of travelers here. Their culture has taught them, you might never come back here, so get as much as you can, and make as much as possible from this person. So expect this is the way you will be conceived and looked upon while being here and when doing any kind of activity. Do not take offense to this conception, they truly will like and respect you, and do not think they are doing anything against you. On the other hand, the culture has also taught the Filipino to be the most gracious, kind, helpful hostess of anywhere. You will never find a more friendly, hospitable people in all the world as the Filipino.
You will often hear the word " Joe " used by the Locals. This is another cultural thing they have adopted from many years. Calling all white person's, especially the men, " Joe ". Do not be surprised to hear them calling to you " Hey Joe. " Another phrase you can be prepared to hear is " Hello my friend. " Another popular greeting.
Filipino Culture and Attitudes
Being a traveler here on Mactan Island, things that would be important to know about the Filipino Culture and Attitude are:
* Filipino are a shy. If wanting to have a conversation, always make the first move to speak with them. Being White or Foreign they will consider you as higher than them, and will not have the courage to approach you for conversation. Most also are very self conscious of their English speaking skills. So let them know their English is well ( if of course it is ) and they will feel more comfortable in talking with you.
* Filipino's are very religious, superstitious, and really naive about things. Speaking of sex openly, or body parts, or God or Religion in a negative or even joking way, sometimes will be very offensive to them. You will not even realize you are doing it. If needing to ask such questions or type of things, they will be more than happy to answer and help you. Just ask in private and not out in public. They are much more ok to answer you and feel comfortable with such topics if asked in private. If in public they will protect the image of The Filipino.. Simple things that we might say joking or things that would not upset western culture, will upset a Filipino such as, laughing at their speech, way they look, or for some action they done.
* Most Filipino's have never been outside the Philippines. Some not even outside the City in which they live. Even for most watching television or reading world events and lifestyles in news papers are a big deal for them. So as a traveler we need to remember they have not experienced the world, different places, venues, foods, service, sites, sounds, smells, in which other travelers have. So sometimes when travelers ask for simple things, or items, or services, which are recognized by others as just simple things, Filipino’s have not had the chance or opportunity to really understand or experience about those things. So it’s better to be just a little tolerant for certain things, but yet still expect good service and quality for our vacations.
* If invited by a local group to a local venue in order to set around and have some drinks and conversation, remember being foreigner, you will be expected to buy the drinks. The local culture here is that a group will set around and drink and everyone will share. Sharing is a big part of the Filipino Culture. Foods, drinks, Cigarettes, all are openly shared within each other. To sit down within a group that you are a part of, and invited to,, and not to buy drinks or to share foods that you might order or obtain is a disrespect. Or let’s say at least really bad manners, in their opinion. Most to the time if asked, they will say no it’s ok, but in reality, you should be the one to offer and give freely. That is just the culture. Be careful that some groups will take advantage of this. If at any time you feel like you are being taken advantage of, or just do not have the funds to continue, just simply say, sorry,, no more money.. They probably will not believe you, but they will respect that... In the Filipino Culture, if it’s your birthday, you are expected to give foods, drinks to all your friends. If you have a party, you are the one to supply everything...
* Tipping drivers, bell boys, waiters, taxi drivers, and others is not required but expected in the Filipino Culture. Things foreigners would think are really silly and not needed are ways of life here in Mactan and PI. Standing to wave down a taxi, when you can do it yourself, to open a door, when you can do it yourself. Carrying something as small as a camera case for you, is just some of the many small things that Filipino’s will want to do for you.. Most foreigners will look at this as scamming or un needed. Which in all actually is really is un needed and over board actions. Please remember in a Filipino mind, you are foreigner, rich, and from a world of luxury, gold paved streets, and servants and maids at your beckon call. They do not realize or understand, ( again because they have not experienced it, and only know what they have heard or seen on the Television.) So many times, they do it because they think it’s what you expect and they do not want to look like they do not know. So many times when you see this type of activity, it’s really in the mind of the Filipino, that is what your daily life is like where you are from, and they do not want to look like they do not know how to accommodate that. They have no realization that the true facts are, that most foreigners have the same struggles and hardships as them, and no one treated in their own country that way. Maybe not in as a severe way, but still the same. Filipino's, think money flows like rivers in foreign countries. Its taught to them from many years and years. So trying to explain it’s really not that way is just a waste of time. Once they believe something, changing that persona is almost impossible. So you have to learn as a traveler here, to understand it and work with it to the best of your ability. So while some might take advantage of the situations to get a tip, some really do not and just think it’s normal for you. Just have take each on a case by case basis and do what you think is right. Never tip to much...
* Expect as travelers, that the food you will experience at some of the more local places will be nothing like what you will experience in your home country. Food here is much different. The handling, packaging, cooking, is all different than what you would expect. Meats here are almost never packaged in separate containers. If you buy meats here its in open market. They cut it for you. You will find that fats, bones, skins, all are included with the meals. The very proper cleaning of fish, pork, chicken, in which foreigners are accustom to is not done here. When you want fish, that's what you get the whole fish, eyes, head, tail. If you do get part of a fish, it will not be fillet, boneless, it will just be chopped in half, and that’s what you get. When asking for a chicken to be cut up for you, do not expect a neat clean 8 pc of chicken. Expect a chopped up like with a large cleaver, into small pieces, bones and all. Again, they is no controlled method of butchery, or of food preparation, in the local sectors. Its just throw it all together and sort it out as you go... This is their culture, the way they love to eat, and if you want to eat with and at local establishments be prepared to experience this..
This article could pertain to almost all places in The Philippines. Although each Island, province, or city has a difference in the culture and beliefs. In general you will find most of the basic principles for The Philippines are pretty much general. When traveling to Mactan Island as a tourist from another country, you are going to see things and conditions that will be a large culture shock to you. If you have traveled to other 3 World Countries, you can use that experience to help you understand what you will most likely face while visiting PI, and Mactan Island.
Mactan Island Introduction -
Mactan Island is a Coral Island located across from Cebu City. The island is connected to Cebu by two major bridges. Mactan holds all of the beach areas and resort area's closest to Cebu City. The island is predominately Catholic, with very small units of Christian and Muslim factions. Their is no noticeable or active presence of any NPA, Rebels, Abu Saif, or any terrorist or warring faction on Mactan Island. Being a mostly Industrial Island, it holds all of the major Industrial might of Cebu. Things that travelers will want to prepare themselves for while visiting Mactan Island and many other places in The Philippines ::::
Transportation and Traffic / Driving
Although Mactan Island is not near as bad as most of the other larger cities and islands, be prepared for a complete different Culture of Transportation, Driving, and Traffic. When arriving here, you will notice that they are very few stop lights, stop signs, or controlled intersection control. Driving and commutation here is a free for all, who can get there first and fastest. They will be no courtesy, no speed limits, no changing lanes rules, no driving in the middle of the lane rules. Pretty much it will be a real shock. Expect drivers to go very fast, and overtake others in curves, pass each other with only inches to spare, stop anywhere at any time, right in the middle of the road. You will find here that motorcycles, tri cycles, multi cabs, taxi's, and even bi cycles all sharing the same road, at the same time. They will be no uniform, organized method to driving here. You will notice most Filipino walking off the sidewalks, out in the streets, with no regards for right of ways, rules of the road. At certain times you will find a few major intersections, manned by a traffic enforcer. They are no police cars on duty here to pull over offenders. If you are easily scared while driving, or riding, I would suggest preparing yourself to keep your eyes closed most of the time, or just take something to relax yourself. The culture of transportation and driving here will surely make your heart skip a beat..
You shall witness that most all Filipino's take public transportation in the way of buses, multi - cabs, tri cycles, and bi cycles, motor cycles. Very few Filipino have cars of their own. They sometimes will commute for hours, changing rides three or four times just to arrive at their work destination.
Living Conditions / Housing
Upon arriving on Mactan Island you will see many local road side shops, homes, squatter villages on your way to your hotel. Upon seeing these area's you will probably think they are not inhabited by persons. They are,, some of the places, homes and area's you will see will be no more than few pieces of tin roofing, on four bamboo poles, with tarpaulin wrapped around them for the walls. Some areas will be built out of the ocean on bamboo, with homes connected wall to wall with each other. Do not be shocked to see many places with no running water, no electric, or even sanitation.. The largest percentage of the Filipino population lives in these types of homes. Even the working class people home might be only the size of a nice bedroom in your country, with one plug in, one light, and a simple bathroom. Prepare yourselves to witness large piles of garbage on the road sides, and in the countryside. Waist sewage running down through the middle of neighborhoods in a small ditch. Chickens, goats, cows wondering the roads freely. Do not be surprised to find chickens tied up and goats feeding right outside your hotel or resort on other property's. To see these places, of course you would have to get out and do some site seeing. You will not notice or see that much of these places by only going to the tourist areas, and guided areas of the Island. You will see from a distance in your travel's some of the places in which is mentioned here. Please, remember that this is a normal way of life here, and even some of the staffing at your hotel, waiters, are the people who occupy these homes. Prepare yourself to see things that will shock you to the core, but are just a normal part of life on Mactan Island and Philippines.
On the other hand, you will also find many nice, modern subdivisions, apartment complexes, resorts, hotels, which are not much different than what your modern country has to offer. The major difference you will find is the size for these type of units are much smaller. Most of your upper middle class people live in this type of housing. They are very nice and well maintained, but just a few steps outside the boundaries of that complex, you can see the living conditions mentioned above. It’s a very diverse and mixed style of living here.
Being White and Tourist on Mactan
Being White and a tourist, or living here, expect to be treated very different from the local population. The culture of the Filipino people are taught if you are white, you are rich.. They are also taught, if you are rich, you should help the poor, and it’s a obligation. Also you will find in the culture, to take or overcharge, or lie or mislead a white ( rich ) person is completely ok and nothing is bad or wrong about that. You find this type of attitude more in the lower class people. You will find that the general feeling of the Filipino is that you are here at this moment, and what can they get from you. They do not look at whether you will return again, or how their actions will affect the future of travelers here. Their culture has taught them, you might never come back here, so get as much as you can, and make as much as possible from this person. So expect this is the way you will be conceived and looked upon while being here and when doing any kind of activity. Do not take offense to this conception, they truly will like and respect you, and do not think they are doing anything against you. On the other hand, the culture has also taught the Filipino to be the most gracious, kind, helpful hostess of anywhere. You will never find a more friendly, hospitable people in all the world as the Filipino.
You will often hear the word " Joe " used by the Locals. This is another cultural thing they have adopted from many years. Calling all white person's, especially the men, " Joe ". Do not be surprised to hear them calling to you " Hey Joe. " Another phrase you can be prepared to hear is " Hello my friend. " Another popular greeting.
Filipino Culture and Attitudes
Being a traveler here on Mactan Island, things that would be important to know about the Filipino Culture and Attitude are:
* Filipino are a shy. If wanting to have a conversation, always make the first move to speak with them. Being White or Foreign they will consider you as higher than them, and will not have the courage to approach you for conversation. Most also are very self conscious of their English speaking skills. So let them know their English is well ( if of course it is ) and they will feel more comfortable in talking with you.
* Filipino's are very religious, superstitious, and really naive about things. Speaking of sex openly, or body parts, or God or Religion in a negative or even joking way, sometimes will be very offensive to them. You will not even realize you are doing it. If needing to ask such questions or type of things, they will be more than happy to answer and help you. Just ask in private and not out in public. They are much more ok to answer you and feel comfortable with such topics if asked in private. If in public they will protect the image of The Filipino.. Simple things that we might say joking or things that would not upset western culture, will upset a Filipino such as, laughing at their speech, way they look, or for some action they done.
* Most Filipino's have never been outside the Philippines. Some not even outside the City in which they live. Even for most watching television or reading world events and lifestyles in news papers are a big deal for them. So as a traveler we need to remember they have not experienced the world, different places, venues, foods, service, sites, sounds, smells, in which other travelers have. So sometimes when travelers ask for simple things, or items, or services, which are recognized by others as just simple things, Filipino’s have not had the chance or opportunity to really understand or experience about those things. So it’s better to be just a little tolerant for certain things, but yet still expect good service and quality for our vacations.
* If invited by a local group to a local venue in order to set around and have some drinks and conversation, remember being foreigner, you will be expected to buy the drinks. The local culture here is that a group will set around and drink and everyone will share. Sharing is a big part of the Filipino Culture. Foods, drinks, Cigarettes, all are openly shared within each other. To sit down within a group that you are a part of, and invited to,, and not to buy drinks or to share foods that you might order or obtain is a disrespect. Or let’s say at least really bad manners, in their opinion. Most to the time if asked, they will say no it’s ok, but in reality, you should be the one to offer and give freely. That is just the culture. Be careful that some groups will take advantage of this. If at any time you feel like you are being taken advantage of, or just do not have the funds to continue, just simply say, sorry,, no more money.. They probably will not believe you, but they will respect that... In the Filipino Culture, if it’s your birthday, you are expected to give foods, drinks to all your friends. If you have a party, you are the one to supply everything...
* Tipping drivers, bell boys, waiters, taxi drivers, and others is not required but expected in the Filipino Culture. Things foreigners would think are really silly and not needed are ways of life here in Mactan and PI. Standing to wave down a taxi, when you can do it yourself, to open a door, when you can do it yourself. Carrying something as small as a camera case for you, is just some of the many small things that Filipino’s will want to do for you.. Most foreigners will look at this as scamming or un needed. Which in all actually is really is un needed and over board actions. Please remember in a Filipino mind, you are foreigner, rich, and from a world of luxury, gold paved streets, and servants and maids at your beckon call. They do not realize or understand, ( again because they have not experienced it, and only know what they have heard or seen on the Television.) So many times, they do it because they think it’s what you expect and they do not want to look like they do not know. So many times when you see this type of activity, it’s really in the mind of the Filipino, that is what your daily life is like where you are from, and they do not want to look like they do not know how to accommodate that. They have no realization that the true facts are, that most foreigners have the same struggles and hardships as them, and no one treated in their own country that way. Maybe not in as a severe way, but still the same. Filipino's, think money flows like rivers in foreign countries. Its taught to them from many years and years. So trying to explain it’s really not that way is just a waste of time. Once they believe something, changing that persona is almost impossible. So you have to learn as a traveler here, to understand it and work with it to the best of your ability. So while some might take advantage of the situations to get a tip, some really do not and just think it’s normal for you. Just have take each on a case by case basis and do what you think is right. Never tip to much...
* Expect as travelers, that the food you will experience at some of the more local places will be nothing like what you will experience in your home country. Food here is much different. The handling, packaging, cooking, is all different than what you would expect. Meats here are almost never packaged in separate containers. If you buy meats here its in open market. They cut it for you. You will find that fats, bones, skins, all are included with the meals. The very proper cleaning of fish, pork, chicken, in which foreigners are accustom to is not done here. When you want fish, that's what you get the whole fish, eyes, head, tail. If you do get part of a fish, it will not be fillet, boneless, it will just be chopped in half, and that’s what you get. When asking for a chicken to be cut up for you, do not expect a neat clean 8 pc of chicken. Expect a chopped up like with a large cleaver, into small pieces, bones and all. Again, they is no controlled method of butchery, or of food preparation, in the local sectors. Its just throw it all together and sort it out as you go... This is their culture, the way they love to eat, and if you want to eat with and at local establishments be prepared to experience this..
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Internet Has Made Us Lazy
I have not written for a while, so i thought I would share this entry with everyone. Since starting a business here in PI, I have used the internet and computer a lot more than in my previous life back in the USA. A construction worker has not a lot of need for a computer, well lets say the Internet. Mostly just files, and graphs, and building layouts and things of that nature. After starting The Jungle Restaurant, a lot of online inquiry's and bookings come in. So a lot more internet time and activity is the norm...
I am amazed and still get a laugh, along with the occasional getting angry, when someone will send in a inquiry asking how much, where at, what are the inclusions, blah, blah, blah. When the complete answers they need are just few more scrolls down the page, or simple little phrase that says "click here for more information". The information they request is just already right there, sometimes already written out..
I seem to think the internet has made everyone so lazy, as if you have to scroll a page or click more than once, or wait for something to load for a few seconds,, then you will just stop or simply write a email asking for it... Then again, my layout of the website could be a problem also. But i take a real interest in taking time to make sure all the info that could be useful is a close to the main topic as possible. I always include links to answer the questions.. So sometimes i really do not understand why it is that people do this... Maybe its just normal and some see things different than others. What might seem simple to me, might be more complicated to others. I sure feel this way when trying to fix a problem on the computer, and searching how to fix it. Then some technician has the problem all written out with links and everything, but still to me, they is no way i can figure it out... But the way he writes it, seems its very simple to him.
Anyways, that is my thought for today.... Now let me get some advertising in and some key words, so all of this typing will help my business in some way also.. HA aha ha ah ah....
Cheap Tours is our Newest thing here at The Jungle Cultural Center.. Cebu Cheap Tours will save you money, and give you a chance to enjoy some of Cebu's great activities at a Cheap price.
Cheap price, but expensive quality... Yes, you will get the above normal quality and service still at cheap and affordable prices with Cebu Cheap Tours. Check us out and take a look at our tours. If in Cebu, you will surely want to experience all it has to offer...
Cebu's Cheap Tours - click here
I am amazed and still get a laugh, along with the occasional getting angry, when someone will send in a inquiry asking how much, where at, what are the inclusions, blah, blah, blah. When the complete answers they need are just few more scrolls down the page, or simple little phrase that says "click here for more information". The information they request is just already right there, sometimes already written out..
I seem to think the internet has made everyone so lazy, as if you have to scroll a page or click more than once, or wait for something to load for a few seconds,, then you will just stop or simply write a email asking for it... Then again, my layout of the website could be a problem also. But i take a real interest in taking time to make sure all the info that could be useful is a close to the main topic as possible. I always include links to answer the questions.. So sometimes i really do not understand why it is that people do this... Maybe its just normal and some see things different than others. What might seem simple to me, might be more complicated to others. I sure feel this way when trying to fix a problem on the computer, and searching how to fix it. Then some technician has the problem all written out with links and everything, but still to me, they is no way i can figure it out... But the way he writes it, seems its very simple to him.
Anyways, that is my thought for today.... Now let me get some advertising in and some key words, so all of this typing will help my business in some way also.. HA aha ha ah ah....
Cheap Tours is our Newest thing here at The Jungle Cultural Center.. Cebu Cheap Tours will save you money, and give you a chance to enjoy some of Cebu's great activities at a Cheap price.
Cheap price, but expensive quality... Yes, you will get the above normal quality and service still at cheap and affordable prices with Cebu Cheap Tours. Check us out and take a look at our tours. If in Cebu, you will surely want to experience all it has to offer...
Cebu's Cheap Tours - click here
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Jealousy in The Philippines
From my experience here they are many types of jealousy that i have seen here in PI. They are the jealous women, jealous business, and just general jealousy... I have never quiet figured it out, or even attempt to anymore. Its just another one of those, things I will never understand.. I have come to have a lot of those in my time living here.
* The jealous girlfriend or wife - Now for sure Filipina's are well know for their jealous nature. Very kind and gentle, but look out if another girl gets to close, or you smile or talk to much.. This is a common thing all over the world, but here in PI, if you do not understand it, it can be hard to figure out.... In my experiences, it works like this::
Most Filipina do not show their jealousy outright and in a obvious nature. You can actually be talking or looking at another girl, and they will seem to join right in the discussion, laugh, smile, and you will think you are doing nothing wrong at all... Its later, sometimes much later, when you will get the hints or finally see actions and words that make you know she is very jealous... Sometimes when i am hiring girls at our business, we will interview them, talk, and the ones who seem very outgoing and friendly are usually the ones who i choose... Many, many times i see no adverse actions from my wife, nor do i think they is anything wrong at all. I will get confused why the ladies have not text-ed me back for a final interview, or why i am getting no response from them. Later to find out, my reply's were deleted, or the girls were told the position has been filled. When in reality it has not... When i ask why, she was not the right one... I have even had ladies who i have met for work purposes, tell me at a later meeting time. " Sir I text-ed you and your reply was you had died..... ha ha ha ha... Then i can tell that my wife must not had wanted her around me.... Its not me doing that, its my wife checking my texts and replying her own version of what needs to be said.... But, you will never hear a word, or see anything that would make you think she was jealous of that person...
Another one that is hard to understand is, when you are out with her friends, who she invited, and she asked you to come along,,,,, all go for a night out... During the night her friends will talk to you, and of course you will talk in return... Then she will tell you to dance with her friend, or walk with her friend, or something along that nature... Then up on completing the request she asks of you, the remarks start coming....... " Looks like you was having fun" --- " Set over there, seems like that's where you are more comfortable." or my favorite " Well she sure is a lot prettier than me, guess you wish you had her for a wife instead of me. "
The one i notice the most is when you see a real attractive girl, or a real attractive girl is in your presence, or around you at a mall or in our business. She will go all day long, busy, and really not having time to talk with you much, or pay attention... Then when the pretty girl is around, you will notice hugs, stroking the hair out of your face, and kisses on the cheek... I am wondering, where the heck did this come from. She never does this... BUT oh, do not mention that she is doing that,,,,, you will get the reply.... " I always do that, you just do not pay attention."
Got to love them....
Now the business jealousy, or just jealousy in general is one that I experience a lot.. For some reason, when you are doing good in business, or doing good at something, some Filipino's will always try to shoot you down. Find fault with what you are doing, always criticizing, even if you are doing a good job, and nothing wrong. Seems they hate to see someone doing good.. I have even had them as far as tell story's and make up things just to try to destroy what you have done. Do not know why they can not be happy for you, and even try to help, or join in and try to become a part of what you are doing... This seems to go for business, family, marriage, wealth, and many others....
Its hard for me to understand, why they will go to such lengths to tare down, and make hard something you have accomplished, especially when it affects them none at all, or they have no stake in it at all.... I have also seen this in my home country of the USA, but not to the extreme i have seen it here.... I have more people here who I have found out do not like me, or have said bad things about me or my business, that do not know at all.. Or have no dealings with, or even have ever spoken with in my life.... The more others praise you, the worse it gets....
This never really hit home with me until our restaurant, The Jungle , started getting all the big Japanese agencies and become Top Ranked restaurant on a Leading Travel Site. Since then, wow it has been one attack after the other... None with any merit, or making any common sense at all... Just pure jealousy.... Maybe because I run this business in a western fashion, and do not allow all the " accepted ways " of the Pinoy business style, maybe makes others just right out mad.
I had a experience the other day when a local guide brought two foreign guests into my establishment.... He asked my manager, " Your meal package is P 800 for seafood meal, charge them P 2500 for it and give me the rest." Of course I denied his request, and told him I would be happy to give him a commission for bringing the guests here, of 20%, and he was welcome to sell our package to the guests for what ever amount he agreed with them for.... But i could not allow to jack up the price that much, that would only make the business look bad, and its just in general not right. I asked him to talk with them, he could sell them the package for US 25, or something, in which other agents do... order the food for them. But he wanted me to charge that, when in fact our prices are clearly marked on our menus... I could not and will not do that... Well, in return he now tells everyone that we are not good, and we do not pay good commissions to his other " street agents ".... Knowing full well we are the best in this area, that does not matter.... He wanted to make it all, very fast, and quick. When in fact, if he would have only got the commission and nothing else. It would have been 400 or 500 peso, which is a great days salary for only bringing and dropping off two people and leaving..... Plus the fact i wont let stand by's hang around out front, and wont allow commissions to drivers and others who the guests request them to bring to our business. I have already paid for that advertisement, and all they did was bring them to where they wanted and already known about...
But, no matter how much it makes sense, and its correct, and right, and proper.... They still get mad or jealous, and will really cause as much hardship as they can..... Really do not understand that..... They are many restaurants in Mactan Island and in Cebu, that have a better selection of Korean foods, and Western Foods, and others... I will support them and recommend them for customers looking for that type of thing... But when it comes to Filipino Foods and a Filipino Cultural / Variety Show, they is none does it better than The Jungle.... But they seem not to care about that, or what kind of experience the tourist might want.... The concern is to take or talk them into something that will make them the most money, and not worry about the quality.....
Now in all fairness to The Filipino, which its obivous I support and promote very well, they are many Pinoy's who are very helpful, supportive, and who really understand quality, and who are top notch people... Plus, I have also seen and experienced many Ex Pats who live here, and own business, do the same exact thing I mentioned above..... They mostly do it to their own Nationality also....
It will always amaze me how that people can get so jealous, and spiteful for any person who is making something, or advancing their life through job, business, or talent, or any venue..... I hope and try to teach each and every employee of mine. Strive to be better, learn, and always keep you eye out for a better paying job... I can only afford a certain salary, and if one of my employees can better his life, or himself by taking another job, I would personally drive him there and help him to get it.. I want to see others do good.... That goes for other business also.... Now do not get me wrong.... If someone wanted to open the same venue as me, close to me, I surely would not be one of their biggest supporters.... BUT, if they done good, and done it properly, I would harbor no hard feelings, and instead of being jealous, I would want to help, or become part of it also, merge, or do something beneficial..... I would not tear down, or back bite, just for no reason........
Good is good, proper is proper, right is right..... No matter how you feel about a person or a business, if they are doing the right thing, in the proper way, fair, honest, and good quality,,,,, No one has the right to try to bad mouth or tear it down.... Anyone with decent moral character, and decent up bringing should and would know this.......
I will give you a personal example of one of my experiences back in the USA... In our town they is one man, who owns a car repair shop... This is one man who i really, really dislike... He has to be one of the most hateful, obnoxious, critical human beings alive... Me and him do not get along at all.... But his business, i will have to say, is top notch. Best quality service, fair, honest, fast, and on time. His and his staffs work is outstanding... He wont pad a insurance bill, he wont use a cheap part, and he has hundred's of satisfied customers and proven work to show for it.. Now no matter what i think of this man, or how much i dislike him or his personal practices, if anyone asked me where is the best car repair shop in my town... Out of pure honesty, and morals I would tell you his shop.... Its just the way it is.....
* The jealous girlfriend or wife - Now for sure Filipina's are well know for their jealous nature. Very kind and gentle, but look out if another girl gets to close, or you smile or talk to much.. This is a common thing all over the world, but here in PI, if you do not understand it, it can be hard to figure out.... In my experiences, it works like this::
Most Filipina do not show their jealousy outright and in a obvious nature. You can actually be talking or looking at another girl, and they will seem to join right in the discussion, laugh, smile, and you will think you are doing nothing wrong at all... Its later, sometimes much later, when you will get the hints or finally see actions and words that make you know she is very jealous... Sometimes when i am hiring girls at our business, we will interview them, talk, and the ones who seem very outgoing and friendly are usually the ones who i choose... Many, many times i see no adverse actions from my wife, nor do i think they is anything wrong at all. I will get confused why the ladies have not text-ed me back for a final interview, or why i am getting no response from them. Later to find out, my reply's were deleted, or the girls were told the position has been filled. When in reality it has not... When i ask why, she was not the right one... I have even had ladies who i have met for work purposes, tell me at a later meeting time. " Sir I text-ed you and your reply was you had died..... ha ha ha ha... Then i can tell that my wife must not had wanted her around me.... Its not me doing that, its my wife checking my texts and replying her own version of what needs to be said.... But, you will never hear a word, or see anything that would make you think she was jealous of that person...
Another one that is hard to understand is, when you are out with her friends, who she invited, and she asked you to come along,,,,, all go for a night out... During the night her friends will talk to you, and of course you will talk in return... Then she will tell you to dance with her friend, or walk with her friend, or something along that nature... Then up on completing the request she asks of you, the remarks start coming....... " Looks like you was having fun" --- " Set over there, seems like that's where you are more comfortable." or my favorite " Well she sure is a lot prettier than me, guess you wish you had her for a wife instead of me. "
The one i notice the most is when you see a real attractive girl, or a real attractive girl is in your presence, or around you at a mall or in our business. She will go all day long, busy, and really not having time to talk with you much, or pay attention... Then when the pretty girl is around, you will notice hugs, stroking the hair out of your face, and kisses on the cheek... I am wondering, where the heck did this come from. She never does this... BUT oh, do not mention that she is doing that,,,,, you will get the reply.... " I always do that, you just do not pay attention."
Got to love them....
Now the business jealousy, or just jealousy in general is one that I experience a lot.. For some reason, when you are doing good in business, or doing good at something, some Filipino's will always try to shoot you down. Find fault with what you are doing, always criticizing, even if you are doing a good job, and nothing wrong. Seems they hate to see someone doing good.. I have even had them as far as tell story's and make up things just to try to destroy what you have done. Do not know why they can not be happy for you, and even try to help, or join in and try to become a part of what you are doing... This seems to go for business, family, marriage, wealth, and many others....
Its hard for me to understand, why they will go to such lengths to tare down, and make hard something you have accomplished, especially when it affects them none at all, or they have no stake in it at all.... I have also seen this in my home country of the USA, but not to the extreme i have seen it here.... I have more people here who I have found out do not like me, or have said bad things about me or my business, that do not know at all.. Or have no dealings with, or even have ever spoken with in my life.... The more others praise you, the worse it gets....
This never really hit home with me until our restaurant, The Jungle , started getting all the big Japanese agencies and become Top Ranked restaurant on a Leading Travel Site. Since then, wow it has been one attack after the other... None with any merit, or making any common sense at all... Just pure jealousy.... Maybe because I run this business in a western fashion, and do not allow all the " accepted ways " of the Pinoy business style, maybe makes others just right out mad.
I had a experience the other day when a local guide brought two foreign guests into my establishment.... He asked my manager, " Your meal package is P 800 for seafood meal, charge them P 2500 for it and give me the rest." Of course I denied his request, and told him I would be happy to give him a commission for bringing the guests here, of 20%, and he was welcome to sell our package to the guests for what ever amount he agreed with them for.... But i could not allow to jack up the price that much, that would only make the business look bad, and its just in general not right. I asked him to talk with them, he could sell them the package for US 25, or something, in which other agents do... order the food for them. But he wanted me to charge that, when in fact our prices are clearly marked on our menus... I could not and will not do that... Well, in return he now tells everyone that we are not good, and we do not pay good commissions to his other " street agents ".... Knowing full well we are the best in this area, that does not matter.... He wanted to make it all, very fast, and quick. When in fact, if he would have only got the commission and nothing else. It would have been 400 or 500 peso, which is a great days salary for only bringing and dropping off two people and leaving..... Plus the fact i wont let stand by's hang around out front, and wont allow commissions to drivers and others who the guests request them to bring to our business. I have already paid for that advertisement, and all they did was bring them to where they wanted and already known about...
But, no matter how much it makes sense, and its correct, and right, and proper.... They still get mad or jealous, and will really cause as much hardship as they can..... Really do not understand that..... They are many restaurants in Mactan Island and in Cebu, that have a better selection of Korean foods, and Western Foods, and others... I will support them and recommend them for customers looking for that type of thing... But when it comes to Filipino Foods and a Filipino Cultural / Variety Show, they is none does it better than The Jungle.... But they seem not to care about that, or what kind of experience the tourist might want.... The concern is to take or talk them into something that will make them the most money, and not worry about the quality.....
Now in all fairness to The Filipino, which its obivous I support and promote very well, they are many Pinoy's who are very helpful, supportive, and who really understand quality, and who are top notch people... Plus, I have also seen and experienced many Ex Pats who live here, and own business, do the same exact thing I mentioned above..... They mostly do it to their own Nationality also....
It will always amaze me how that people can get so jealous, and spiteful for any person who is making something, or advancing their life through job, business, or talent, or any venue..... I hope and try to teach each and every employee of mine. Strive to be better, learn, and always keep you eye out for a better paying job... I can only afford a certain salary, and if one of my employees can better his life, or himself by taking another job, I would personally drive him there and help him to get it.. I want to see others do good.... That goes for other business also.... Now do not get me wrong.... If someone wanted to open the same venue as me, close to me, I surely would not be one of their biggest supporters.... BUT, if they done good, and done it properly, I would harbor no hard feelings, and instead of being jealous, I would want to help, or become part of it also, merge, or do something beneficial..... I would not tear down, or back bite, just for no reason........
Good is good, proper is proper, right is right..... No matter how you feel about a person or a business, if they are doing the right thing, in the proper way, fair, honest, and good quality,,,,, No one has the right to try to bad mouth or tear it down.... Anyone with decent moral character, and decent up bringing should and would know this.......
I will give you a personal example of one of my experiences back in the USA... In our town they is one man, who owns a car repair shop... This is one man who i really, really dislike... He has to be one of the most hateful, obnoxious, critical human beings alive... Me and him do not get along at all.... But his business, i will have to say, is top notch. Best quality service, fair, honest, fast, and on time. His and his staffs work is outstanding... He wont pad a insurance bill, he wont use a cheap part, and he has hundred's of satisfied customers and proven work to show for it.. Now no matter what i think of this man, or how much i dislike him or his personal practices, if anyone asked me where is the best car repair shop in my town... Out of pure honesty, and morals I would tell you his shop.... Its just the way it is.....
Monday, June 7, 2010
Best Entertainment in Cebu
The Jungle Restaurant and Cultural Entertainment Center is by far one of the Top Entertainment venues in Cebu. I guess to answer this question properly we should first ask what is Entertainment to each individual. Entertainment can hold many different definitions to many different people. So again its to each persons liking as to what Entertainment they wish to witness. Now for me to try to list each and every venue here on this blog would be useless. They are many guides and websites that already exist for that purpose. The best I can do here is to try to categorize the different types of Entertainment you might find here in PI.
* Karaoke - Very famous with the Locals and Korean and Japanese
* Disco - Another famous venue, since Filipino are know for their love of dancing.
* Comedy - A not so famous venue here. You will find mostly Gay's who perform this type of entertainment. Its so so wide spread and is harder to find.
* Shows - You will find these mostly in the tourist sectors, varying from Latin, Ball Room, Filipino Cultural, Gay shows. Most of these are at resorts or large hotels, and hard to find local business who offer this type of entertainment. Of course The Jungle Restaurant and Cultural Entertainment Center http://thejunglerestaurant.weelby.com/ is one business who excels and promotes the Filipino Cultural Dance / Las Vegas Style Variety Shows / Fire Eaters and Fire Dancers on a nightly basis.
* Concerts - This is a very rare thing to see . You will find some in the Larger City's on occasion.
* Live Bands - Very popular here, you can find them in almost any place, local and even in Famous venues. Live Bands are a big part of Filipino Traditions.
* Casino's - Again very popular, and can be found easily in most all city's in PI.
* Night Clubs and Bars - Thousands to be found, everywhere. No problem to find these.
* Strip Clubs - They are many what is called bikini bars, but it rare to find a completely naked strip club. Although they do exist, they are more rare....
* Baseball / Football - Almost non existent, you will rarely if ever see a baseball or football game in PI.
* Tennis / Soccer /others - Also rare to find. You will see some locals playing from time to time, but no stadiums or places to witness such events. Maybe only in the very Large City's.
* Pool / Billiards - Very famous here, very easy to find big matches and large events concerning pool games.
* Hunting and Sport Fishing - You would think with all the Ocean around that Sport Fishing would be a big thing. Very rare, only will find a few tourist based business who offer this type of entertainment. Hunting is almost none. Most all hunting is banned and does not exist here in PI.
* Boxing - Well this goes without saying that the PI, is very big on boxing, being the home of Best Pound for Pound fighter of all time, Manny Paquaio. But to find large fights here is also rare. Mostly they take place in USA. You will find local venues in which you can witness lower ranked boxers, but mostly rare.
* Chicken Fighting - Well this must be the biggest one of all. They are everywhere. You can find this type of sport in just about every baragngay and city in PI. Chicken Fighting is one of the biggest and easiest to find.
* Martial Arts - Philippines is very famous for Escrima, and stick fighting, but again only in certain regions is it easy to find event centers to witness this. This is another rare event to find, and must be in certain places to find it..
* Archery - Rare
* Track and Field Events - Rare
Now these are only my opinions and what i have experienced living here on Mactan Island and around Cebu, from watching the papers and what i have heard and seen. It is possible some of these are more frequent than i notice. Please leave comments if anyone can correct any of my statements..... Thanks
I am sure i have missed a few, and they are a lots more, someone can leave some comments on anything i have missed.
* Karaoke - Very famous with the Locals and Korean and Japanese
* Disco - Another famous venue, since Filipino are know for their love of dancing.
* Comedy - A not so famous venue here. You will find mostly Gay's who perform this type of entertainment. Its so so wide spread and is harder to find.
* Shows - You will find these mostly in the tourist sectors, varying from Latin, Ball Room, Filipino Cultural, Gay shows. Most of these are at resorts or large hotels, and hard to find local business who offer this type of entertainment. Of course The Jungle Restaurant and Cultural Entertainment Center http://thejunglerestaurant.weelby.com/ is one business who excels and promotes the Filipino Cultural Dance / Las Vegas Style Variety Shows / Fire Eaters and Fire Dancers on a nightly basis.
* Concerts - This is a very rare thing to see . You will find some in the Larger City's on occasion.
* Live Bands - Very popular here, you can find them in almost any place, local and even in Famous venues. Live Bands are a big part of Filipino Traditions.
* Casino's - Again very popular, and can be found easily in most all city's in PI.
* Night Clubs and Bars - Thousands to be found, everywhere. No problem to find these.
* Strip Clubs - They are many what is called bikini bars, but it rare to find a completely naked strip club. Although they do exist, they are more rare....
* Baseball / Football - Almost non existent, you will rarely if ever see a baseball or football game in PI.
* Tennis / Soccer /others - Also rare to find. You will see some locals playing from time to time, but no stadiums or places to witness such events. Maybe only in the very Large City's.
* Pool / Billiards - Very famous here, very easy to find big matches and large events concerning pool games.
* Hunting and Sport Fishing - You would think with all the Ocean around that Sport Fishing would be a big thing. Very rare, only will find a few tourist based business who offer this type of entertainment. Hunting is almost none. Most all hunting is banned and does not exist here in PI.
* Boxing - Well this goes without saying that the PI, is very big on boxing, being the home of Best Pound for Pound fighter of all time, Manny Paquaio. But to find large fights here is also rare. Mostly they take place in USA. You will find local venues in which you can witness lower ranked boxers, but mostly rare.
* Chicken Fighting - Well this must be the biggest one of all. They are everywhere. You can find this type of sport in just about every baragngay and city in PI. Chicken Fighting is one of the biggest and easiest to find.
* Martial Arts - Philippines is very famous for Escrima, and stick fighting, but again only in certain regions is it easy to find event centers to witness this. This is another rare event to find, and must be in certain places to find it..
* Archery - Rare
* Track and Field Events - Rare
Now these are only my opinions and what i have experienced living here on Mactan Island and around Cebu, from watching the papers and what i have heard and seen. It is possible some of these are more frequent than i notice. Please leave comments if anyone can correct any of my statements..... Thanks
I am sure i have missed a few, and they are a lots more, someone can leave some comments on anything i have missed.
Cebu Cheap Tours from The Jungle
The Jungle Restaurant has extended it reach by acquiring a partner in the tour industry. The Jungle is now offering affordable, cheap tours for Cebu and Mactan and Bohol. The tour industry has become so competitive with so many different tour company's, we feel prices are being drove up to western country standards. The Philippines has long been famous, and well know for its affordable vacations, and wonderful tourist activities. Being one of the major draws for tourist is this fact. With the state of many other lacking services and short comings of The Philippine tourist industry and the general standard operating procedure of many tourist related activities. The Philippines don't need to get overpriced. Tourist are used to getting what they pay for, and we want to keep that in check here.
With so many agencies and tourist activities, trying to make it all in one day, they do not realize that the standards for which service and excellence,,, regretfully is lacking here in PI. So we need to look out for the future, and not worry only about today and what we will benefit. We need to have responsible tourism and look to the future of the industry, and not just on what we can get from it now.
I often have personally compared the tourist industry of PI, to the housing market of the USA. Over pricing, over building, over competition. Its a recipe for disaster. Now PI falls way behind most other Asia countries for affordable, and cheap place to have a vacation. We need to start to realize that we cant sell a apple and charge the price of a watermelon.... It just wont work for long. We need responsible people who care and look out for the future, and just not what will benefit them for this time.
So The Jungle with other concerned and responsible people have come up with Cheap ( but great quality), affordable tours for Cebu. We want to help bring tourism to PI, and especially to the Island of Mactan, where it is needed very badly. So we have come up with Cebu Cheap Tours, for Filipinos and Foreigners alike to avail. So that everyone can have the chance to enjoy and benefit from the wonders and amazement of what the PI has to offer.
Island Hopping for Php 2000 per person
Sunset Cruise for Php 1500 per person
Twin City Tours for Php 2700 per person
Dinner and Filipino Cultural Shows Php Php 500 and up..
Also para sailing, diving, jet ski adventures, Bohol trips and many others to come online soon.
You can check out all the tours here at
http://thejunglerestaurant.weebly.com/cheap-tours.html
Quality tours, with a personal touch, no hidden charges, no hassle, easy for the customer.
With so many agencies and tourist activities, trying to make it all in one day, they do not realize that the standards for which service and excellence,,, regretfully is lacking here in PI. So we need to look out for the future, and not worry only about today and what we will benefit. We need to have responsible tourism and look to the future of the industry, and not just on what we can get from it now.
I often have personally compared the tourist industry of PI, to the housing market of the USA. Over pricing, over building, over competition. Its a recipe for disaster. Now PI falls way behind most other Asia countries for affordable, and cheap place to have a vacation. We need to start to realize that we cant sell a apple and charge the price of a watermelon.... It just wont work for long. We need responsible people who care and look out for the future, and just not what will benefit them for this time.
So The Jungle with other concerned and responsible people have come up with Cheap ( but great quality), affordable tours for Cebu. We want to help bring tourism to PI, and especially to the Island of Mactan, where it is needed very badly. So we have come up with Cebu Cheap Tours, for Filipinos and Foreigners alike to avail. So that everyone can have the chance to enjoy and benefit from the wonders and amazement of what the PI has to offer.
Island Hopping for Php 2000 per person
Sunset Cruise for Php 1500 per person
Twin City Tours for Php 2700 per person
Dinner and Filipino Cultural Shows Php Php 500 and up..
Also para sailing, diving, jet ski adventures, Bohol trips and many others to come online soon.
You can check out all the tours here at
http://thejunglerestaurant.weebly.com/cheap-tours.html
Quality tours, with a personal touch, no hidden charges, no hassle, easy for the customer.
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