I am sure everyone who reads these entry's are tired of hearing about The Jungle Restaurant. I can not blame everyone for that. But, since it is a big part of my life, well come to think of it, it consumes my life daily. It stands to reason you will hear a lot about it in my writings. We are very proud here to have worked really hard and to support and promote the Filipino and Filipino Culture to the Entire World. It has come at a great sacrifice and suffering on our part also. From the first time I moved here over 8 years ago, I seen something beneath all the corruption, beneath all the lies, deceit, scams, and even beneath the poverty. I seen a nation full of history, culture, diversity and pride. This has also come at great sacrifice and suffering for the Filipino.
In starting this business I knew it would be a struggle, and would be a uphill battle. Getting support for Filipino Cultural Dance, Filipino Heritage and Traditions from Filipino's themselves is a hard battle. If you have a Westernized venue, or theme, its much more accepted and patronized than a Traditional Themes. But, even knowing this, It was something that needed to be done. Not just done in a limited and sometimes put in the back of class, ( so to speak). But promoted, organized, accessible, activity for tourist and locals alike to enjoy and witness on a daily basis. This has come at great cost to my wife and I. Working long hours, spending days and days on the phone. Inviting and inviting people from all around to come and witness this time honored art form. The struggle's and time and money we have involved is staggering to what we have been give in return financially. But we did not quit or give up. Even through times when we did not know where to turn, how we would survive the next day. We stayed the course. We turned not away to yet see another business fall by the waist side here in PI. Not again to sacrifice the Heritage and Traditions of the Filipino for a mere profit...
Look at us now... We have come through the dark times, we have stood strong and endured. You might ask, well this is all great and good, but whats the point your trying to make here. Here is the point. Not only did The Jungle do all of this through hard work, integrity, sweat and suffering. WE DRAWN A LINE IN THE SAND. We will allow no one to cross that line. We not only represented the Filipino Culture and Way of Life to the entire world. We done it, without allowing any of the corruption, or allowing any of the so called Under the table moves in which has plagued the reputation of This Country for so many years. How could we be representing the Heritage and Culture of The Filipino and still allow this. If we allowed that, then again we are just prostituting the values and culture again.
We drawn the line and said, " we will not allow this line to be crossed". Major newspapers have contacted us so many time from all around Philippines. We would love to do a article on The Jungle and its Representation of The Filipino. But you have to pay the hosts airline tickets, you have to pay for their transportation, you have to pay a rescheduling fee, and talent fee. WAIT, WAIT, I thought you wanted to cover The Filipino Heritage and Traditions because you are proud of it. Sounds more like you are trying to pocket money, and scam. You crossed the line and no thank you we decline your offer. Anytime they wish to cover The Jungle for the correct purpose, we will be happy to feed you and cater to you, but we will not be part of such corruption for the greed of money. Will defeat all we are working for here if we do that.
We drawn the line when " Trip na Trip " a well know ABS-CBN affiliate said the same thing. Received the email. Trip na Trip is coming to Cebu and would love to cover you Restaurant. We feel it would make a great addition to Tourism and to The promotion of The Filipino People. We were so proud. I replied, thank you and I will sponsor your whole staffing and drivers with Free Meals and Drinks. We will help to promote the airing over the internet and our media contacts. The reply from Trip na Trip. Ok, but due to scheduling problems we will have to ask that you pay for the flights of the cast and crew, plus transportation charges, and a rescheduling fee if you shall wish us to cover your venue. WAIT, WAIT, you said you would love to cover it because of the pride and how good it would be for tourism and the Filipino.. NO thank you, I decline your offer, you have crossed the line..
We have also said :
* No we will not allow you overcharge a tourist in our establishment.
* No we will not allow our shows to be shorten so you " the guide" can go home early.
* No we do not allow stand by's to stand outside and aggravate the guests.
* No we do not allow taxi touts to scam guests.
* Yes we take plate numbers and car numbers of each and every taxi. If you overcharge, you will be reported.
* Yes dancers, you will practice at least four times a week. Yes we will demand perfection.
* Yes Kitchen staff, you will prepare the food in a timely manner.
* Yes Waiters and Waitress you will be knowledgeable you will be friendly, and your service will be what The Filipino is Famous for.
* Yes marketing and stocks staff, you will not run out of stocks for our customers.
* No they will be no hidden charges, cooking fees, or anything allowed.
* Yes if a manager or owner is asked for you will get to speak with someone.
* Yes if they is a problem, or dis pleasure with your experience, we will make it correct to your wishes, and fix the problem so it does not happen in the future.
* No they will be no cell phone use during working hours.
* No local travel agents we will not serve your guests a P 150 meal while you charge P 1500 for our package.
* No we will not give you, taxi driver, tricycle driver, or anyone commissions for bringing someone here to The Jungle, when they have already requested you to bring them here, or they have a flier or advertisement, or even a internet booking already. You will have to actually work and promote if you want a commission.
* No to the local travel agents who call with such friendly words and acts of their interest in our business , IF we can """HOST"" your monthly meeting for 20 people, when in fact 80% of your business is ticketing only. Plus the fact you have no intentions of including us in your tours. ( We know this through many that have already failed us, and never did anything when we hosted their event.) ( This problem does not exist with Foreign Travel Agents.)
* We say no to the local resorts if they try to give guests coming to the business a hard time with transportation, in the hopes they will stay inside the resorts.
* We say no to event planners, guides, or anyone who we see undermining guests that are reserved to attend The Jungle, and they are co horsed into going to other establishments for commissions from family or friends. In the lack of quality and price in which they do not care. We go straight to the guests or to the agency in which they work for, and let them know what is going on. We do it right in front of the person. We do not hold back or allow such things.
* We say yes to the Great Filipino guides, event planners, agency's and support them, and work with them, and always are ready to change or do what they ask of us.
These are just some of the things that we have said. Do not cross that line. How much easier would have our job have been if we allowed these things. How much quicker might we have grown. But to what expense, selling out what we are actually trying to protect and promote. We advertise " A True Philippine Experience ". We have more respect then to allow those things to happen, if we did, that is really not the true Philippine Experience. Its only a sell out. Filipino's are better than that really.
So when you hear or see about our Place, remember it is real deal. Even behind the scene. Filipino's, when you hear or see the shows and the business, remember that you can actually really for sure, feel proud and honored that it is a true representation of what a Filipino really is. Do I take credit for this success. NO... I am just a American with a lovely Filipina wife, who has been a catalyst, leader, and adviser that has allowed the amazing staff of Filipino's to see and understand, and be very proud of their ability, Heritage, Culture. No money can buy that, no worth can pay for that. If i done anything, all i done was let them see me struggle beside them, and say no. Even when I could have profited more, easily taken things that would have made success more easily, I could have taken the easy road..
So now The Jungle has grown into a major Tourist Attraction. People from many countries are knowing and finding out about us. Appearing now on TV, Newspapers, and media all around the World. ( Still not in Philippine Media to much. ) Its been a struggle, even at great personal sacrifice and suffering for my wife and I. So who do i give credit. The Filipino people. DRAW A LINE IN THE SAND, and say, I will not allow that line to be crossed, for no reason.
** Draw a line in the Sand - Its a old Phrase, in which I am not sure where originated, which means. " Our feelings on a subject or our beliefs are this.. The line represents if you intrude, dis obey, or go against what we belief or stand for, then you have crossed the Line." Also used in terms that you can do a lot of things that are almost against someone, you will be given given compassion and understanding, until you push to far and Cross The Line.....
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Is They Discrimination in The Philippines ???
I have often sit and wondered on this subject many times while living here. Is they discrimination in The Philippines, and who does it affect ?? It's really a double edge sword for me as a foreigner here. Some times I feel like I am so discriminated against, and other times I feel, I have special privileges here. One thing I do know for sure, is that since living here, I have come to have a better outlook and understand more the feelings of Blacks, Hispanic, and others in the USA. Before I did not have a enlighten outlook, you could say. Again, the old saying, If you have never experienced it, how can you really know what it is like...
I often find myself so upset and really treated unfairly and unjust. Then on other times, I feel like I am privileged where others are not.. So its really hard for me to completely go one way or the other. I do feel as a foreigner here I contribute a lot to the community I live in, I give more than even the local government gives to certain persons. This is not a vacation for me, but this is my home. I live here, eat here, spend my money here, I do not have ties or funds coming from the US. I do not travel back and forth, i have staked my life here. But sometimes, I can not feel like its home.. I sometimes feel like I am still just a visitor, and also treated that way a lot of the time. If someone steals from me, only a half hearten effort is put into helping, I feel those around me treat me as though I am White, it does not matter if I have a loss. Even after 8 years, still find myself singled out and left behind in conversations, jokes, and just in general chat. Find myself standing by myself and the Filipino's all in their group just having great time. If I try to join in, in moments the group will disband and gather up in another area little later. If I shall sit with a individual, seems like soon they will get up and leave. Like I might have a disease or something.
Now I do give credit, that I stay most of my time around my business, and most of my interaction is with my employees. So I do give the credit that in the Filipino Culture they consider me high, and they do not speak or hang out with " The Boss ". Also I give credit to the fact that they are not highly educated people who might feel inferior trying to speak and interact with me. But, never the less, its still makes me feel like the other person. I am different, I am not allowed to be in the group because of my skin color, or because of my different heritage. It really gives me the feeling of how the Black's must feel when they are treated likewise.
Also when going out with a group of Filipino's mixed with Whites, the Filipinos will most always form their own groups, and the white's form their own groups to socialize. I often hear, you are only a visitor here, respect that. I hear, you can own land, a gun, vote, run for office, own a business, no matter how long you live here. ( Unless I assume you get citizenship, in which case you could do some of those things.) But still, makes me think how the Black's in America must have felt during the days of Martin Luther King and before..
On the other hand, certain situations give me presidence over even Locals. First to be waited on, always given a chair to sit in, talked to treated with more respect then others, someone always wanting to carry something for me, never insulted or abused, ( at least to my face, that I can understand.) So am I discriminated against ?? Am i treated fairly ?? Sometimes it is really a mixed emotions struggle. This is my home, and I do live here, I am a resident here, ( not a Citizen ). So what should be the treatment one should get ?? Although some of the comments I have spoken here, might come from just economic reasons, or cultural reasons, in which no ill will or purpose is intended. But does that make me feel better ?? Or do I still feel alienated, and in a place where I feel sometimes I do not fit in, or am not welcome to live out my life...
Like I said earlier, a double edge sword for me.. Not really sure the answer. I do know I never felt this while living in the USA.. Also could be the fact, that the area I live in does not hold a lot of upper class, educated people. Most all around here are the lower to medium class people. Maybe I could never fit in with them. Maybe like USA, where poor and rich do not mix in the same circles. I have never ever tried to act, boast, or even have things to try to show off my " Richness " ( which is absolutely not so ). But still, even my thinking I am not, maybe I am still,, to them...
So am I discriminated against ?? Are Whites discriminated against in Philippines ?? Sometimes I feel I am, sometimes I feel I am not.. So maybe I just think to much, or living the land of Milk and Honey, all my life, except for the last 8 years I took for granted too much. We in the USA, are taught to respect everyone no matter what skin color, ethnic background. Treat everyone the same. But still China Town is China Town, Black Living Community's exist, They are Black Churches, White Chruches, maybe its just a fact of life and I have to learn to accept it, and live with it.. But still makes me lonely and sad sometimes.... Ohhh, and before you might think, why does he not hang out with expats and other whites there ??? I would rather be lonely and sad...... ( But, I do have a few great ex pats friends who are good guys. Very Few.)
I often find myself so upset and really treated unfairly and unjust. Then on other times, I feel like I am privileged where others are not.. So its really hard for me to completely go one way or the other. I do feel as a foreigner here I contribute a lot to the community I live in, I give more than even the local government gives to certain persons. This is not a vacation for me, but this is my home. I live here, eat here, spend my money here, I do not have ties or funds coming from the US. I do not travel back and forth, i have staked my life here. But sometimes, I can not feel like its home.. I sometimes feel like I am still just a visitor, and also treated that way a lot of the time. If someone steals from me, only a half hearten effort is put into helping, I feel those around me treat me as though I am White, it does not matter if I have a loss. Even after 8 years, still find myself singled out and left behind in conversations, jokes, and just in general chat. Find myself standing by myself and the Filipino's all in their group just having great time. If I try to join in, in moments the group will disband and gather up in another area little later. If I shall sit with a individual, seems like soon they will get up and leave. Like I might have a disease or something.
Now I do give credit, that I stay most of my time around my business, and most of my interaction is with my employees. So I do give the credit that in the Filipino Culture they consider me high, and they do not speak or hang out with " The Boss ". Also I give credit to the fact that they are not highly educated people who might feel inferior trying to speak and interact with me. But, never the less, its still makes me feel like the other person. I am different, I am not allowed to be in the group because of my skin color, or because of my different heritage. It really gives me the feeling of how the Black's must feel when they are treated likewise.
Also when going out with a group of Filipino's mixed with Whites, the Filipinos will most always form their own groups, and the white's form their own groups to socialize. I often hear, you are only a visitor here, respect that. I hear, you can own land, a gun, vote, run for office, own a business, no matter how long you live here. ( Unless I assume you get citizenship, in which case you could do some of those things.) But still, makes me think how the Black's in America must have felt during the days of Martin Luther King and before..
On the other hand, certain situations give me presidence over even Locals. First to be waited on, always given a chair to sit in, talked to treated with more respect then others, someone always wanting to carry something for me, never insulted or abused, ( at least to my face, that I can understand.) So am I discriminated against ?? Am i treated fairly ?? Sometimes it is really a mixed emotions struggle. This is my home, and I do live here, I am a resident here, ( not a Citizen ). So what should be the treatment one should get ?? Although some of the comments I have spoken here, might come from just economic reasons, or cultural reasons, in which no ill will or purpose is intended. But does that make me feel better ?? Or do I still feel alienated, and in a place where I feel sometimes I do not fit in, or am not welcome to live out my life...
Like I said earlier, a double edge sword for me.. Not really sure the answer. I do know I never felt this while living in the USA.. Also could be the fact, that the area I live in does not hold a lot of upper class, educated people. Most all around here are the lower to medium class people. Maybe I could never fit in with them. Maybe like USA, where poor and rich do not mix in the same circles. I have never ever tried to act, boast, or even have things to try to show off my " Richness " ( which is absolutely not so ). But still, even my thinking I am not, maybe I am still,, to them...
So am I discriminated against ?? Are Whites discriminated against in Philippines ?? Sometimes I feel I am, sometimes I feel I am not.. So maybe I just think to much, or living the land of Milk and Honey, all my life, except for the last 8 years I took for granted too much. We in the USA, are taught to respect everyone no matter what skin color, ethnic background. Treat everyone the same. But still China Town is China Town, Black Living Community's exist, They are Black Churches, White Chruches, maybe its just a fact of life and I have to learn to accept it, and live with it.. But still makes me lonely and sad sometimes.... Ohhh, and before you might think, why does he not hang out with expats and other whites there ??? I would rather be lonely and sad...... ( But, I do have a few great ex pats friends who are good guys. Very Few.)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Finders - Keepers, even Babies.
Living in The Philippines for long time now, I am still amazed at The Shocks,, that i get sometimes. You would think I would have seen it all and experienced it all. Well, last Monday night I was to find out that I still have lots to learn and experience in The Pearl of The Orient.
Coming from a get together with some friends, were walking in Cebu City. It was a decent part of town, quite, no one out much. We had decided to walk down to a local club where my wife has some friends and say hello before heading home. It was about 2 am in the morning and taxi's were not so many at this time. It was only a short distance so we walked. While walking I noticed something coming down the sidewalk, in which I thought was a dog. The closer we approached, I said Oh My God. My wife said what, what is it. I said look, and to our amazement there was a baby of no more than 7 to 8 months old. Just at the stage of crawling ( Not for sure the actual age of the child, but it was only able to crawl, not walk yet. )
Now at first i will have to say that I was not totally in shock, because lot of street people will sleep on cardboard boxes with children in The City. ( Only in certain areas.) But, as I looked up the road, and back behind me, and then across the road, they was no one in sight. I told my wife, oh look at that. Where is the mother ? How did it get here? It could not have come from a long way... So as we stood there in shock, looking at the naked little child, I said to my wife, what shall we do. Of course my wife being a Filipina, and understanding and more accustom to the way of life here, said ,,, " Just leave it alone, do not bother it, someone is close here, we just can not see them." Of course my Western Culture kicked in and I told her to stay with the child and I walked for a good distance up the road from which way the baby was crawling from. Looking for alley way, home, people... Nothing, only store front after store front. No homes, no alley someone might live, no people sleeping on the street.
I came and asked my wife, what shall we do.. Reluctantly, she said we should not involve ourselves with it. But even with her cultural hardness, she still would not say to leave it. So I said ok, lets call the police and they can take care of it. I can not just leave it crawling up the streets or maybe fall off the elevated sidewalk into a drain, or even dogs to attack it.
So we called the police, the officers arrived and we told the story. Now this is where things are going to get interesting. The officer was talking to me, and just general chit chat. The normal Filipino conversation. How long you been here ? Are you married ? Do you have Children? Of course i answered all the questions, one of which being my wife and I do not have children.
So the officers were talking, I was thinking we would be going now, and things would be taken care of. The officer returned and said, well sir, the DSWD has no one in at this time, and we are on our way to another call. Since you and you wife do not have children, just keep it.. WHAT!!!!!! Yes , he said just keep it, you and your wife have no children so you can raise it and give it good life. We can prepare the papers for you later.. I can only say I was speechless.. The next words that come out of my mouth is , I do not want it , ( not meaning It as bad, but i was sure it belonged to someone.) The officer still insisted we should take it, saying its good for a Filipina woman to have a baby in their culture. It would be good for my wife, and would also be good for the child.
By this time I am at the point I do not know what to say, or do. My wife was even talking with the other officer and getting the same speech.. At this time a small crowd, that i have no idea where come from, started forming. Well needless to say, I said how can finding a baby and trying to help it, turn into all this. I am sure these people are thinking what in the world My wife and I have done. What could be going through their minds. Plus, I know how here in The Philippines some local people will see a situation, and just make up a story that best suits the circumstances as what they see. Not knowing the real facts about anything.
So here I am standing and thinking of how somewhere tomorrow you will see a article in the Paper of Foreigner and wife trying to steal a baby in Cebu City.. lol ha ha ha ha ha. Its funny now, but at the time it was not so funny. So anyways, I had finally come to the decision that i was going to just strongly say NO and we had to go, it was a police matter for them to handle now. By this time another street lady had wondered in to see what was going on. The police officers talked to her and she said, She had no idea or had never seen the child before. So next thing i know one of the officers hands the child to the lady, and say its ok sir, everything is taken care of. The woman began walking up the street with the child and that was it. Not for sure if the child was actually her's, or she just also just took it.
The next morning, I began to tell my story to some of my employee's and to my amazement, come to find out, that is a common practice here. Not so much the finding and keeping a child, but that friends, and really poor people will give their children to richer people, or even not rich people. They maybe can not feed them, or have to go away, or i guess they are many reasons. I was shocked to find that many of my employees were the same situation. Lot of parents I had met, were not actually there parents. One young lady said her parents lived somewhere in Mindanao and had given her to her ( Father ) now when he was working there on a ship. So he brought her home and been with them ever since. You will find this with Aunts, Uncles, and many family members taking children from other family members and raising them their entire life. Also many with just strangers, politicians, and just in general a lot of people.
So i guess the old attache of " Finders, Keepers." really hold true here in Philippines, even for Children. LOL ha ha ha ha ha. Thought i would just share just another Great Cultural Experience of mine while Living here in Philippines.
Coming from a get together with some friends, were walking in Cebu City. It was a decent part of town, quite, no one out much. We had decided to walk down to a local club where my wife has some friends and say hello before heading home. It was about 2 am in the morning and taxi's were not so many at this time. It was only a short distance so we walked. While walking I noticed something coming down the sidewalk, in which I thought was a dog. The closer we approached, I said Oh My God. My wife said what, what is it. I said look, and to our amazement there was a baby of no more than 7 to 8 months old. Just at the stage of crawling ( Not for sure the actual age of the child, but it was only able to crawl, not walk yet. )
Now at first i will have to say that I was not totally in shock, because lot of street people will sleep on cardboard boxes with children in The City. ( Only in certain areas.) But, as I looked up the road, and back behind me, and then across the road, they was no one in sight. I told my wife, oh look at that. Where is the mother ? How did it get here? It could not have come from a long way... So as we stood there in shock, looking at the naked little child, I said to my wife, what shall we do. Of course my wife being a Filipina, and understanding and more accustom to the way of life here, said ,,, " Just leave it alone, do not bother it, someone is close here, we just can not see them." Of course my Western Culture kicked in and I told her to stay with the child and I walked for a good distance up the road from which way the baby was crawling from. Looking for alley way, home, people... Nothing, only store front after store front. No homes, no alley someone might live, no people sleeping on the street.
I came and asked my wife, what shall we do.. Reluctantly, she said we should not involve ourselves with it. But even with her cultural hardness, she still would not say to leave it. So I said ok, lets call the police and they can take care of it. I can not just leave it crawling up the streets or maybe fall off the elevated sidewalk into a drain, or even dogs to attack it.
So we called the police, the officers arrived and we told the story. Now this is where things are going to get interesting. The officer was talking to me, and just general chit chat. The normal Filipino conversation. How long you been here ? Are you married ? Do you have Children? Of course i answered all the questions, one of which being my wife and I do not have children.
So the officers were talking, I was thinking we would be going now, and things would be taken care of. The officer returned and said, well sir, the DSWD has no one in at this time, and we are on our way to another call. Since you and you wife do not have children, just keep it.. WHAT!!!!!! Yes , he said just keep it, you and your wife have no children so you can raise it and give it good life. We can prepare the papers for you later.. I can only say I was speechless.. The next words that come out of my mouth is , I do not want it , ( not meaning It as bad, but i was sure it belonged to someone.) The officer still insisted we should take it, saying its good for a Filipina woman to have a baby in their culture. It would be good for my wife, and would also be good for the child.
By this time I am at the point I do not know what to say, or do. My wife was even talking with the other officer and getting the same speech.. At this time a small crowd, that i have no idea where come from, started forming. Well needless to say, I said how can finding a baby and trying to help it, turn into all this. I am sure these people are thinking what in the world My wife and I have done. What could be going through their minds. Plus, I know how here in The Philippines some local people will see a situation, and just make up a story that best suits the circumstances as what they see. Not knowing the real facts about anything.
So here I am standing and thinking of how somewhere tomorrow you will see a article in the Paper of Foreigner and wife trying to steal a baby in Cebu City.. lol ha ha ha ha ha. Its funny now, but at the time it was not so funny. So anyways, I had finally come to the decision that i was going to just strongly say NO and we had to go, it was a police matter for them to handle now. By this time another street lady had wondered in to see what was going on. The police officers talked to her and she said, She had no idea or had never seen the child before. So next thing i know one of the officers hands the child to the lady, and say its ok sir, everything is taken care of. The woman began walking up the street with the child and that was it. Not for sure if the child was actually her's, or she just also just took it.
The next morning, I began to tell my story to some of my employee's and to my amazement, come to find out, that is a common practice here. Not so much the finding and keeping a child, but that friends, and really poor people will give their children to richer people, or even not rich people. They maybe can not feed them, or have to go away, or i guess they are many reasons. I was shocked to find that many of my employees were the same situation. Lot of parents I had met, were not actually there parents. One young lady said her parents lived somewhere in Mindanao and had given her to her ( Father ) now when he was working there on a ship. So he brought her home and been with them ever since. You will find this with Aunts, Uncles, and many family members taking children from other family members and raising them their entire life. Also many with just strangers, politicians, and just in general a lot of people.
So i guess the old attache of " Finders, Keepers." really hold true here in Philippines, even for Children. LOL ha ha ha ha ha. Thought i would just share just another Great Cultural Experience of mine while Living here in Philippines.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)