Well I am in writing mood, so I thought I would give another short post.. The Philippines is so wroth with problems.. I could go on and on about the problems of the really Great Country.. It really is a Great Country.. Good people, great beauty, beaches, and so many wonders to experience.. I really hope this post does not offend any one.. This post is for Filipino's and Foreigners alike.. It's my way of trying to wake up someone.. If this post can change just one person, it was worth writing..
So in all the strife and troubles, Would you consider yourself part of The Problem, or Part of The Solution... We all have to agree that Philippines is a country in trouble.. Now, I am sure they are many more countries that are also in trouble.. Many that are in the same or worse shape.. BUT, they are not my home.. Philippines is my home... So I am not picking on PI, I am truly concerned about it...
Please read each of the following and see what your answers would be :::::
Government : If you are a government official of any kind would YOU :::::
* Have you or would you take a bribe or small donation for helping someone with a government related issue ?
* Have you or would you price something on a government project higher than the actual cost, to have more money for yourself ?
* Have you or would you use your authority to help a friend or person who committed a crime, or have it covered up in any way ?
* Have you or would you steal cheat, lie, or mislead the public ( who elected you ) in any way, for any reason, at any time ?
* Have you or would you allow any office under your authority to be un productive, not properly on duty, or be un fair or rude to any citizen of The Philippines, or Foreign National living or visiting here ??
*Have you or would you use any tax payers money, whether from local or national government, in any form, for personal gain in which would be against the laws or code of conduct of a government official ?
* Have you or would you support and help Large Interest Groups, Companies, Friends, Campaign Contributors, or anyone, with monies or favors from your office,,, that is immoral, or against code of conduct or laws of this land ?
If You answered YES to any of these questions :::: YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM
* Have you or would you use your authority and office to upgrade you existing services, and make yourself more available to hear your voters needs and wants ??
* Would you set up Local Barangay meetings where voters could come together and voice their concerns on local issues in their place, with a copy of the concerns being given to a committee to address these problems ??
* Have you or would you give 60 to 70 hours of your personal time,, per week,,, in your office, working and overseeing, and auditing all parts and divisions of your office ???
* Have you or would you, terminate ,, immediately,, friend or family,, for any corruption or immoral act or unacceptable code of conduct of duty,, that would harm the public trust ??
* Would you make sure , to the best of your ability, that every available monies goes for the proper projects, and the enhancement of your community ???
* Have you or would you turn down, and NOT accept any types of favors, bribes, living in Large Homes, driving Fancy Cars, in which you should not be able to afford. ( Not including those appointed for use by your office. ) ???
* Have you or would you go out into your community's and talk and listen and watch over projects, and make sure your community is becoming a better place to live.. Help Schools, Education, Infrastructure, The Poor, and other important endeavors, RATHER than going to the All Expense paid Golf Trip and Expensive Dinner that the local Big Interest Group offer to you ??
If you answered YES to any of these questions YOU ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION ..
Tourism : If you involved in the tourism industry in any way at all would you :::::
* Overcharge a tourist,, just because he is white or foreigner ???
* Cut short a tour so you can get home earlier and be with friends or family ???
* Leave your guests at a tour location so you can go outside and text, or talk ???
* Let you staff be rude, or not knowledgeable, or have poor English skills ???
* Allow you tourism business to be Dirty, Out of Stocks, Hot Beer, Cold Foods, Small Napkins, No Slat and Pepper on Table, use Banana Ketchup ( I put that one in for me.. lol..) , No Knife for Cutting Meats, Loud Music, Texting Employees while on Duty, Stand by around the Entrance, Street Children standing at Entrance asking for money or selling something, Guides or others adding on large amounts to the bill, Charging cooking charges, Charging extra charges that are not stated in writing on the menu or very visible signage in the business, Allowing poor quality shows or entertainment due to lack of practice or effort, and not up to foreign standards ??????
* Have establishments to lie or cheat a tourist for your benefit, in any way ???
* To give a tourist a worse quality experience, because your friend or family owns it, or because you will get a bigger commission , when you know they are better experiences or establishments you can take them to, or recommend ????
* If you are a government tourism official, who only promote and recommend places in which you or your family or friends are invested in. ???
If you answered YES to any of these questions -- YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM
* Give all of your effort and time, forsaking everything else, to make sure your guests get the best experience, at a fair price, and that their once in a year vacation ( for most ) is the best and greatest experience ???
* Worry and think about future of tourism and how to improve it daily, in your actions and life ??
* Give a tourist, even in the case you will not get any commission, what they ask for and make sure they are satisfied for that certain experience. ( Ex : One Dinner or Activity )
* To give a tourist the best and most exciting and good activity, even if your commission is less, or you do not have, or even like the owners.. ( If the place is considered the best . )
* Stop and warn a tourist when you see they are being overcharged, or being mis lead, or lied to, even if you make the person doing it mad at you ????
If you answered YES to any of these questions : YOU ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION..
Now each of you can only answer for yourself.. Be honest, no one here will know, you are the only one who will.. What do you want to Be ??? Part of The Problem, Or Part of the Solution ???
I really would like to continue this post later... So tired right now.. I will have more soon...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Pricing and Failure of Business in PI..
After reading a article on a good friend,, Matt Wilkie website,, http://tropicalpenpals.com/blog/things-related-directly-about-the-philippines/would-reducingfixing-the-prices-on-hotelsresorts-and-rentals-help-the-philippines-to-boom/ , which by the way is a excellent website with lots of great information.. Plus he updates it daily.. He really works hard..
Now back to what I was saying.. I can not talk about the entire Philippines, but I can talk of my Experience here in Cebu and Especially on Mactan Island.. I would not be afraid to say most of the Rest of The Country is about the same.. Being in business here for long time, studying and watching most all business industry and tourism industry,,, I can say that the Philippines really lack a good base of business educated and lets say business smart people.. Now, most foreigners who come here to do business has somewhat of a excuse. They are trying to start a business in a strange culture, and do not understand the laws and do not study enough. Plus they come with the intention, even if they do not mean to,,, of running a business like are used to back in their home country.. Not realizing that is it NOTHING at all like that.. For Filipino business people, I really see a lack of business knowledge and business sense on basis skills.. These which they should know.. These lack in the local and tourism industry...
From my Almost 9 years living here, I can tell you for a fact,,, including some of my own,,,, 80% of business that starts here in Cebu, fails and closes within 3 years......
I am happy to say now,,, The Jungle Restaurant and Cultural Entertainment is doing Great. But through many trials and tribulations and after many failed attempts at other things...
Lets take this a problem at a time.. First lets Start with :
Pricing ---- I can see one major problem here is the major variation in pricing.. Its very rampant. You have Mactan Island Hotel's and Tourism related activity's priced almost as High as American standards.. Then you have Boracay even higher.. Then you have El Nido, where pricing is much different.. Even within one community you can find a guitar at one shop for P 1500. Then you can go down the road a few kilometers and find the same guitar at P 15,000. This is just one example, but they are many, many more.. You will find hotels priced way to high for the service and quality of the place.. Then you will find another not so high.. Some of the Problems I see here with pricing:
* Tourist numbers are low, so increase the pricing so you can make more. This should just be the opposite.
* Add on, add on.. Big Problem.. Example :: We sell our Dinner and Show Packages for P 600. Then the local street guys, or agencies, taxi drivers, ect... will add on a crazy amount such as P 1000. Selling it to tourist walking the street for P 1600. This just mostly turns tourist away because its too high.. Which in return hurts business , cause they will not go at all, which in turn hurts economy. All for just greed and trying to make a lot from one person... Bad, bad business ways...
* Knowing the merchandise you have is P 200 and you are making good profit.. THEN, seeing it is a Foreigner or White, you make the Price P 500. Which in turn, before its all over, you will not sell it at all, because most of the tourist will just walk away. When they could have sold it for the P 200 and still been ok.. So they just loose the sell all together.. BAD, BAD Business ways..
* Places already charging a over priced amount, and then hitting the customer at the end with cooking charges, corkage for bringing a bottle of water in the resort, charge for extra pillow, extra blanket.... on and on, they are many more.... Again bad business choices...
* Taxi's overpricing, No Posted Prices, and many others..
Now lets look at the other side of the coin :
Underpricing ----- You see this mostly with local Pinoy business... You see this with Sari Sari Stores, Road Side Shops, and you even see this with some upper scale business.. They make the price of things so cheap, in the end they can not even make enough profit to pay the rent, the electric, overhead... All in hopes of getting more customers.... This again is a recipe for disaster. I see this with a lot of Expat's.. They will want a P 200 meal, or they will want beer for P 30 to 35 a bottle... They want rooms for P 500 a night.... But at the same time, they want nice Air Conditioned place, with top notch waiters and waitress, with good tables and chairs, great decor, fancy surroundings. You would think, at least foreigners would be smarter than this.. But you will find many, many of them are NOT.. How can a business owner build a very nice building, pay rent, have great staffing, fancy decorations and all that when his prices are so low for that type of environment. Again bad business decisions.....
Now lets look at the next ::
Competition ----- This is another one that seems to lack good business sense, not to even say common sense.. This is done by Pinoy and Foreigners alike.. More with Pinoy... I see it everday, I am still amazed... A new BBQ Open's up in a area.. Only one there... Well in less than a few months they will be three or four more.... NOW here is where it gets even more crazy..... They will put them right beside each other... When you go to the Public Markets,,, Fruit Vendors all beside each other, BBQ all beside each other, Chicken..... Bad, bad business decisions.. For the foreigners... Bikini Bars --- One opens, soon someone will open another right beside it.. All this does is bring down the sales for everyone and cuts profits in half... The more doing the same thing in a small area, the more loss, which sooner or later causes most to close.... Same for tourism,,, If someone opens something tourism related, and its doing ok, just enough to survive, someone will come in and open the same thing very close, if not even beside... Then the one who was just making it then starts to fail, then the new one can not get enough to get started good..
Seems no one researches or does any kind of advisability studies, or market studies, or looks at any important factors when starting a business... They just do it... Then the government itself does nothing to help. Like putting limits on how many Resorts or Restaurants, or Dive Shops, or BBQ Houses, or Sari Sari Stores can be in one area... And lets not even get started on Multi Cab and Tri Bikes, Buses, Ect....... Bad Bad Business decisions...
Now lets talk about new industrial and foreign business that want to come in.......
Foreign Business and Industry---------- Here is another one... Although Cebu has a lot of Foreign companies and industry, how much more could they have.. Industry wants to open in PI.. Well lets see :::
* A foreigner can not own a business, has to let a Filipino hold at least 60% ownership.
* Have to spend a lot for back up electric system, because most of PI does not have enough electric to sustain.
* Have to put up a Large Concrete or Metal Security fence because not enough local police, or good enough security to keep out vandalism, theft, stand by .......
* Processing of documents and shipping is not computerized.. Government is so slow in processing and even doing simple documents that are needed regularly in industry...
* Corruption is so rampant, you have to figure in a budget to pay the Port Authority, Police, Mayors, Tax People, and many others..
* Over One Month a Year is Holiday or some kind of non working Holiday..... Which means your labor increases for workers to work those days......
* Have to have Security Force almost as large as the work force,,,, Just to keep the work force in line and make sure the factory does not take a loss......
* Have to Hire and Train most Top Management personnel, because they do not receive proper training here in PI, to run and operate a foreign company in the manner in which its required to run....
Now last but not least, lets look at ::
Service and Quality --------- This goes for tourism and local and well,,,, lets just say about everything here in PI..... Government offices run poorly, untrained staffing, not qualified staffing, no computers, no one in office during most part of the day..... One hand does not know what the other hand is doing.....
Then you have tourism, in which most places are not trained properly on how to handle foreign tourist.. How to treat them, what they expect, the conditions property and business needs to be kept in.. Keeping establishments up to Foreign standards, bad quality service... Taxi Drivers, overcharging, price differences, inflated prices,,, i could go on and on.....
These are all bad business decisions on the part of government and individuals here in PI.. Now if PI, could take just my simple list above, which I am sure is not complete with all the problems, and they could fix that.... WOW, how much more would industry, tourism, local economy improve and increase.. Isn't that really what we all want.. Those of us living and working here, and residents and citizens.. Is this what you want for you country and your lives... I sure know it is what I would love to see, for the country and the people... Well, I am not a Nobel Prize winner or claim to have the highest IQ in the World.. BUT, If you are one of the people who is doing something on the list mentioned above.... STOP IT... Then you will see you country get better, and your economy grow....
Now, if you are one of the people who are doing what is on the list above, and you continue to do it.. then you can credit yourself with the state of the country now.... No need to be a hypocrite and complain... If your doing those things, then you are part of the problem, not the solution.
Everyone might say,, We want to get our part, we can not stop doing those things mentioned above, we are poor and need to get as much as we can.. We want to open a BBQ next to that one, he is making money, we want to do that.... First watch and see how much he is making and the amount of business he is doing... Now cut that in half when you open yours beside his... Is that enough for you both to sustain ??????
When you see the tourist walking down the road.... Do not sell him the P 600 package for P 1600.. Sell it to him for P (900 ). You have give him a good deal, and you can see he will want to come back to visit you and your country again... You have still made P 300 for a few hours work, plus helped your country.. Tell the 3 extra friends who are walking with you, HOPING and Expecting to get a cut FOR WHAT>>> Just walking with you.... Tell them you do not need them.
Do Not Overcharge the foreigner, do not have the CR look like a piggery in your tourism business. Have all your staff trained to serve foreigners.. Have your cooks know how to cook for different cultures..
Government officials, stop making it so hard for foreign investors to come here. Stop lining you pockets with bribes and kickbacks... You are making a good living away. Start doing something that will not only help your children future, but the future of your community.. If we all do not stop trying to GET IT ALL FOR OURSELVES, and start learning how to do sustainable tourism, industry, and local economy... We are going to see ourselves in the same place, with the same problems, with the same life, still struggling, 10 years from now, while the rest of the World Pass US BY....
Now back to what I was saying.. I can not talk about the entire Philippines, but I can talk of my Experience here in Cebu and Especially on Mactan Island.. I would not be afraid to say most of the Rest of The Country is about the same.. Being in business here for long time, studying and watching most all business industry and tourism industry,,, I can say that the Philippines really lack a good base of business educated and lets say business smart people.. Now, most foreigners who come here to do business has somewhat of a excuse. They are trying to start a business in a strange culture, and do not understand the laws and do not study enough. Plus they come with the intention, even if they do not mean to,,, of running a business like are used to back in their home country.. Not realizing that is it NOTHING at all like that.. For Filipino business people, I really see a lack of business knowledge and business sense on basis skills.. These which they should know.. These lack in the local and tourism industry...
From my Almost 9 years living here, I can tell you for a fact,,, including some of my own,,,, 80% of business that starts here in Cebu, fails and closes within 3 years......
I am happy to say now,,, The Jungle Restaurant and Cultural Entertainment is doing Great. But through many trials and tribulations and after many failed attempts at other things...
Lets take this a problem at a time.. First lets Start with :
Pricing ---- I can see one major problem here is the major variation in pricing.. Its very rampant. You have Mactan Island Hotel's and Tourism related activity's priced almost as High as American standards.. Then you have Boracay even higher.. Then you have El Nido, where pricing is much different.. Even within one community you can find a guitar at one shop for P 1500. Then you can go down the road a few kilometers and find the same guitar at P 15,000. This is just one example, but they are many, many more.. You will find hotels priced way to high for the service and quality of the place.. Then you will find another not so high.. Some of the Problems I see here with pricing:
* Tourist numbers are low, so increase the pricing so you can make more. This should just be the opposite.
* Add on, add on.. Big Problem.. Example :: We sell our Dinner and Show Packages for P 600. Then the local street guys, or agencies, taxi drivers, ect... will add on a crazy amount such as P 1000. Selling it to tourist walking the street for P 1600. This just mostly turns tourist away because its too high.. Which in return hurts business , cause they will not go at all, which in turn hurts economy. All for just greed and trying to make a lot from one person... Bad, bad business ways...
* Knowing the merchandise you have is P 200 and you are making good profit.. THEN, seeing it is a Foreigner or White, you make the Price P 500. Which in turn, before its all over, you will not sell it at all, because most of the tourist will just walk away. When they could have sold it for the P 200 and still been ok.. So they just loose the sell all together.. BAD, BAD Business ways..
* Places already charging a over priced amount, and then hitting the customer at the end with cooking charges, corkage for bringing a bottle of water in the resort, charge for extra pillow, extra blanket.... on and on, they are many more.... Again bad business choices...
* Taxi's overpricing, No Posted Prices, and many others..
Now lets look at the other side of the coin :
Underpricing ----- You see this mostly with local Pinoy business... You see this with Sari Sari Stores, Road Side Shops, and you even see this with some upper scale business.. They make the price of things so cheap, in the end they can not even make enough profit to pay the rent, the electric, overhead... All in hopes of getting more customers.... This again is a recipe for disaster. I see this with a lot of Expat's.. They will want a P 200 meal, or they will want beer for P 30 to 35 a bottle... They want rooms for P 500 a night.... But at the same time, they want nice Air Conditioned place, with top notch waiters and waitress, with good tables and chairs, great decor, fancy surroundings. You would think, at least foreigners would be smarter than this.. But you will find many, many of them are NOT.. How can a business owner build a very nice building, pay rent, have great staffing, fancy decorations and all that when his prices are so low for that type of environment. Again bad business decisions.....
Now lets look at the next ::
Competition ----- This is another one that seems to lack good business sense, not to even say common sense.. This is done by Pinoy and Foreigners alike.. More with Pinoy... I see it everday, I am still amazed... A new BBQ Open's up in a area.. Only one there... Well in less than a few months they will be three or four more.... NOW here is where it gets even more crazy..... They will put them right beside each other... When you go to the Public Markets,,, Fruit Vendors all beside each other, BBQ all beside each other, Chicken..... Bad, bad business decisions.. For the foreigners... Bikini Bars --- One opens, soon someone will open another right beside it.. All this does is bring down the sales for everyone and cuts profits in half... The more doing the same thing in a small area, the more loss, which sooner or later causes most to close.... Same for tourism,,, If someone opens something tourism related, and its doing ok, just enough to survive, someone will come in and open the same thing very close, if not even beside... Then the one who was just making it then starts to fail, then the new one can not get enough to get started good..
Seems no one researches or does any kind of advisability studies, or market studies, or looks at any important factors when starting a business... They just do it... Then the government itself does nothing to help. Like putting limits on how many Resorts or Restaurants, or Dive Shops, or BBQ Houses, or Sari Sari Stores can be in one area... And lets not even get started on Multi Cab and Tri Bikes, Buses, Ect....... Bad Bad Business decisions...
Now lets talk about new industrial and foreign business that want to come in.......
Foreign Business and Industry---------- Here is another one... Although Cebu has a lot of Foreign companies and industry, how much more could they have.. Industry wants to open in PI.. Well lets see :::
* A foreigner can not own a business, has to let a Filipino hold at least 60% ownership.
* Have to spend a lot for back up electric system, because most of PI does not have enough electric to sustain.
* Have to put up a Large Concrete or Metal Security fence because not enough local police, or good enough security to keep out vandalism, theft, stand by .......
* Processing of documents and shipping is not computerized.. Government is so slow in processing and even doing simple documents that are needed regularly in industry...
* Corruption is so rampant, you have to figure in a budget to pay the Port Authority, Police, Mayors, Tax People, and many others..
* Over One Month a Year is Holiday or some kind of non working Holiday..... Which means your labor increases for workers to work those days......
* Have to have Security Force almost as large as the work force,,,, Just to keep the work force in line and make sure the factory does not take a loss......
* Have to Hire and Train most Top Management personnel, because they do not receive proper training here in PI, to run and operate a foreign company in the manner in which its required to run....
Now last but not least, lets look at ::
Service and Quality --------- This goes for tourism and local and well,,,, lets just say about everything here in PI..... Government offices run poorly, untrained staffing, not qualified staffing, no computers, no one in office during most part of the day..... One hand does not know what the other hand is doing.....
Then you have tourism, in which most places are not trained properly on how to handle foreign tourist.. How to treat them, what they expect, the conditions property and business needs to be kept in.. Keeping establishments up to Foreign standards, bad quality service... Taxi Drivers, overcharging, price differences, inflated prices,,, i could go on and on.....
These are all bad business decisions on the part of government and individuals here in PI.. Now if PI, could take just my simple list above, which I am sure is not complete with all the problems, and they could fix that.... WOW, how much more would industry, tourism, local economy improve and increase.. Isn't that really what we all want.. Those of us living and working here, and residents and citizens.. Is this what you want for you country and your lives... I sure know it is what I would love to see, for the country and the people... Well, I am not a Nobel Prize winner or claim to have the highest IQ in the World.. BUT, If you are one of the people who is doing something on the list mentioned above.... STOP IT... Then you will see you country get better, and your economy grow....
Now, if you are one of the people who are doing what is on the list above, and you continue to do it.. then you can credit yourself with the state of the country now.... No need to be a hypocrite and complain... If your doing those things, then you are part of the problem, not the solution.
Everyone might say,, We want to get our part, we can not stop doing those things mentioned above, we are poor and need to get as much as we can.. We want to open a BBQ next to that one, he is making money, we want to do that.... First watch and see how much he is making and the amount of business he is doing... Now cut that in half when you open yours beside his... Is that enough for you both to sustain ??????
When you see the tourist walking down the road.... Do not sell him the P 600 package for P 1600.. Sell it to him for P (900 ). You have give him a good deal, and you can see he will want to come back to visit you and your country again... You have still made P 300 for a few hours work, plus helped your country.. Tell the 3 extra friends who are walking with you, HOPING and Expecting to get a cut FOR WHAT>>> Just walking with you.... Tell them you do not need them.
Do Not Overcharge the foreigner, do not have the CR look like a piggery in your tourism business. Have all your staff trained to serve foreigners.. Have your cooks know how to cook for different cultures..
Government officials, stop making it so hard for foreign investors to come here. Stop lining you pockets with bribes and kickbacks... You are making a good living away. Start doing something that will not only help your children future, but the future of your community.. If we all do not stop trying to GET IT ALL FOR OURSELVES, and start learning how to do sustainable tourism, industry, and local economy... We are going to see ourselves in the same place, with the same problems, with the same life, still struggling, 10 years from now, while the rest of the World Pass US BY....
Thursday, November 25, 2010
How to Treat Foreign Tourist in PI.
First off let me say sorry to all my followers.. I have not written for a long time. It seems have been so busy with the business and i am making a travel guide for Mactan Island. Started weekend events here at The Jungle, and along with seems a thousand other things, I have not had a chance to write much.. Anyways....
I have long tried so hard to teach and mentor my Filipino Staff here about service and about how to treat a foreign guests while they are here in PI.. I want to pull my hair out !!!!!!!! Seems no matter how much I teach them, or how much i try, it just seems I can not get through.. I laid in bed the other night and really tried to think how can I get this across.. What am I doing wrong... Its not only with them, but I seem to see it everywhere, in all kinds of business.
The part i have tried to teach them is that foreigners are so much of a different culture, that service and things in which are normal and acceptable to them, a foreigner ( especially white ) will find unappealing and bad.. I tell them you have to be so careful in everything you do.. Things like large size napkins, knife with meats, salt and pepper on the table, serve the drinks first, fill the glass with ice, no bones in the fish, no little bones in the meats, no hair on the pork, cut vegetables into bite size pieces, no big pieces of fat, pork chops should be larger than 1/16 of inch thick, greet you guests at the door. All of these things are just normal small things in which a foreign guests will expect. Its really not a big extravagant extra.. But just normal things they are accustom to in their country..
Coffee cup needs to be full, not half, do not move foods on the buffet with you hands, bring out dishes all together, COLD beer does not mean room temperature, and I could go on and on... Now for us foreigners this is just second nature and its just normal and not a big deal.. But here, its actually a special go out of the way, very fancy and very demanding to do those things. I find my staff getting so nervous and shaken when we large groups of foreigners ( especially white ) and they really have to try hard to get those few things in order and correct..
Now do not get me wrong. I have a very well trained and experienced staff and waiters and waitress who are very knowledgeable in service of foreign guests.. It is the new ones, and even sometimes the older ones who I still have to remind of some of the small things... Now, I have wondered, WHY????? So as i thought about it more, I come to the same conclusion as I have about other things... They have never experienced that, and they have been born and raised void of those types of things... So its really hard to teach them because they do not use it in their daily lives, and even in general the culture does not use some of the simple things...
I thought, take me and say ok, now organize and set up this fiesta, or this meal, or what ever.. Do it Filipino Style, that will please Filipino.... I also would not know or have a clue as to what to do.. I have not experienced that enough to be able to do it.. I also would probably leave out things and forget things because I am only doing it from being taught, not from real experience, or real visual on hand experience...
Soooo.. My solution was, I started taking them to Places that cater to only Foreigners and their way.. Some times to Foreigners homes where I am invited and allowed to bring someone, and to let them see first hand how it really is... I will have to say, its has been a blast.. So funny at times I really get big laugh... On the other hand, when they also take me to their homes, they really get a big laugh out of me also.....
I have long tried so hard to teach and mentor my Filipino Staff here about service and about how to treat a foreign guests while they are here in PI.. I want to pull my hair out !!!!!!!! Seems no matter how much I teach them, or how much i try, it just seems I can not get through.. I laid in bed the other night and really tried to think how can I get this across.. What am I doing wrong... Its not only with them, but I seem to see it everywhere, in all kinds of business.
The part i have tried to teach them is that foreigners are so much of a different culture, that service and things in which are normal and acceptable to them, a foreigner ( especially white ) will find unappealing and bad.. I tell them you have to be so careful in everything you do.. Things like large size napkins, knife with meats, salt and pepper on the table, serve the drinks first, fill the glass with ice, no bones in the fish, no little bones in the meats, no hair on the pork, cut vegetables into bite size pieces, no big pieces of fat, pork chops should be larger than 1/16 of inch thick, greet you guests at the door. All of these things are just normal small things in which a foreign guests will expect. Its really not a big extravagant extra.. But just normal things they are accustom to in their country..
Coffee cup needs to be full, not half, do not move foods on the buffet with you hands, bring out dishes all together, COLD beer does not mean room temperature, and I could go on and on... Now for us foreigners this is just second nature and its just normal and not a big deal.. But here, its actually a special go out of the way, very fancy and very demanding to do those things. I find my staff getting so nervous and shaken when we large groups of foreigners ( especially white ) and they really have to try hard to get those few things in order and correct..
Now do not get me wrong. I have a very well trained and experienced staff and waiters and waitress who are very knowledgeable in service of foreign guests.. It is the new ones, and even sometimes the older ones who I still have to remind of some of the small things... Now, I have wondered, WHY????? So as i thought about it more, I come to the same conclusion as I have about other things... They have never experienced that, and they have been born and raised void of those types of things... So its really hard to teach them because they do not use it in their daily lives, and even in general the culture does not use some of the simple things...
I thought, take me and say ok, now organize and set up this fiesta, or this meal, or what ever.. Do it Filipino Style, that will please Filipino.... I also would not know or have a clue as to what to do.. I have not experienced that enough to be able to do it.. I also would probably leave out things and forget things because I am only doing it from being taught, not from real experience, or real visual on hand experience...
Soooo.. My solution was, I started taking them to Places that cater to only Foreigners and their way.. Some times to Foreigners homes where I am invited and allowed to bring someone, and to let them see first hand how it really is... I will have to say, its has been a blast.. So funny at times I really get big laugh... On the other hand, when they also take me to their homes, they really get a big laugh out of me also.....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Trip to The Mall - Understanding the Purpose
For many years here I have had the opportunity to go to most of the major malls in Manila and also here in Cebu and Mactan Island. While I was at SM Mall yesterday with my wife, we were going to the bank to check on some issues. Very simple task, not complicated, and I assumed we would get it done rather quickly. We went to the bank, stood in the normal long line and finished our business and we were done. Four hours later we exited the mall...... We bought nothing, was looking for nothing, so I said to myself, what the hell are we doing. I found myself caught up in the culture of what I would call " Malling "...
I noticed as we walked around, lots and lots of young people, and many others. 90% of them carried no bags, had no merchandise with them. As I followed my wife, we would walk down this way, then into this shop for a few moments, then out, up the escalators and again another shop. I found myself looking at items that I had no interest in or cared the least thing about. We would sit down a while, then off again. Walking, up, down, pass the same place three or four times. It actually took me a while to realize, when I finally stopped and said, what the hell are we doing??
We had no extra money to spend, we was looking for nothing special. Then as I looked around and watched others, I could see that most all were doing the same thing. At that moment I knew I had been here a long time. I would have never done that in the States. Just another wonderful Culture Experience to visit the malls with no money, and nothing to go for except just going.
Oh and by the way, walking in the malls in PI, are a lot like the traffic on the roads. No organization, no yielding, it a who ever gets there first. Lot of chicken playing, if you know what I mean.. One person walking towards you, on the same direct path as you, then its like ok, which one will get out of the way first. How close can you get, will he move, then at the last moment, someone will give way, or its very possible you can end up face to face in a stand off, looking at each other, and saying nothing. lol ha ha ha ha... I notice this with the Filipino's very much. Of course as a foreigner they tend to give way at the last moment for me... My wife, well lets just say if you are in the mall with her, look out. She walks through middle of groups, straight forward, backwards, cuts lines, she does not move for no one. lol ha ha ha.. I am constantly pulling her from side to side, tapping her on the shoulder to tell her watch out someone is trying to get through.. Its just really a completely different way than I am used to.
Getting on the escalator sometimes she will be already to the top, while I am still trying to get on and be proper with yielding and trying orderly to get on. I find when i hesitate to let someone who arrives at the same time as me, then 10 others will start right in behind them, and I am left standing there still trying to get on... Not to mention riding multi cabs, V Hires....
Once I was waiting for a V Hire. I thought I would be smart, so I stood at the edge of the road. I kept looking around, seen no one much. A few behind me sitting down on a bench. I thought to myself, dam I got this one. So I patiently waited and here the V Hire come. I said to myself, I was smart and will get a good seat.. I looked around again, very stealthily, like a secret agent.. No one much in sight, no movement around me, I got it. The V Hire stopped and opened the door, before I could make one step...... Dam, it was full. Coming past me on all sides like bullets, from out of the bushes, and just from no where. They had to see me standing there so long in the front. They had to know I paid my dues waiting in the hot sun. Honorably I should have got on first... Did not happen... It was like a swarm of killer bees, and I was in their way.. lol ha ha ha.
The funniest part was the driver was standing there waving me with a very fast hand motion like, hurry, hurry they are coming..... lol ha ha ha... What a life.....
I noticed as we walked around, lots and lots of young people, and many others. 90% of them carried no bags, had no merchandise with them. As I followed my wife, we would walk down this way, then into this shop for a few moments, then out, up the escalators and again another shop. I found myself looking at items that I had no interest in or cared the least thing about. We would sit down a while, then off again. Walking, up, down, pass the same place three or four times. It actually took me a while to realize, when I finally stopped and said, what the hell are we doing??
We had no extra money to spend, we was looking for nothing special. Then as I looked around and watched others, I could see that most all were doing the same thing. At that moment I knew I had been here a long time. I would have never done that in the States. Just another wonderful Culture Experience to visit the malls with no money, and nothing to go for except just going.
Oh and by the way, walking in the malls in PI, are a lot like the traffic on the roads. No organization, no yielding, it a who ever gets there first. Lot of chicken playing, if you know what I mean.. One person walking towards you, on the same direct path as you, then its like ok, which one will get out of the way first. How close can you get, will he move, then at the last moment, someone will give way, or its very possible you can end up face to face in a stand off, looking at each other, and saying nothing. lol ha ha ha ha... I notice this with the Filipino's very much. Of course as a foreigner they tend to give way at the last moment for me... My wife, well lets just say if you are in the mall with her, look out. She walks through middle of groups, straight forward, backwards, cuts lines, she does not move for no one. lol ha ha ha.. I am constantly pulling her from side to side, tapping her on the shoulder to tell her watch out someone is trying to get through.. Its just really a completely different way than I am used to.
Getting on the escalator sometimes she will be already to the top, while I am still trying to get on and be proper with yielding and trying orderly to get on. I find when i hesitate to let someone who arrives at the same time as me, then 10 others will start right in behind them, and I am left standing there still trying to get on... Not to mention riding multi cabs, V Hires....
Once I was waiting for a V Hire. I thought I would be smart, so I stood at the edge of the road. I kept looking around, seen no one much. A few behind me sitting down on a bench. I thought to myself, dam I got this one. So I patiently waited and here the V Hire come. I said to myself, I was smart and will get a good seat.. I looked around again, very stealthily, like a secret agent.. No one much in sight, no movement around me, I got it. The V Hire stopped and opened the door, before I could make one step...... Dam, it was full. Coming past me on all sides like bullets, from out of the bushes, and just from no where. They had to see me standing there so long in the front. They had to know I paid my dues waiting in the hot sun. Honorably I should have got on first... Did not happen... It was like a swarm of killer bees, and I was in their way.. lol ha ha ha.
The funniest part was the driver was standing there waving me with a very fast hand motion like, hurry, hurry they are coming..... lol ha ha ha... What a life.....
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Manila Bus Hostage Crisis - Black Eye for Philippines
First off let me start by saying, here at The Jungle Restaurant we serve many Chinese and Hong Kong Guests. I would like to say from The Jungle and all Filipino's, we are very sorry this tragedy occurred. We condemn this act of taking of human life, by a crazy mad man. We can not control the acts of one deranged man. Our heart felt condolences go out to the family and friends who lost loved one in this horrific event. Although our police force tried with the best of their ability, it was not good enough to secure the situation in a proper time frame. We again apologize for not being able to protect your countrymen properly while they visited us here in Philippines.
We do hope that as your disappointment and anger eases, you will know that this was one man, and a isolated instance, and not all Filipino's are like this. Nor, is this country unsafe for you to visit. China, Hong Kong and Philippines has had a long history of traveling, working together. I feel like that can continue for many years to come.
What really happened? What went out of control ? I will not get into all of the fine details of who did what, who should have done what, or how the event was handled. It's all on the videos, not really a lot of excuses can be made. The thing I wanted to discuss here, is what brings such a event as this to happen? I think we are so wrapped up in the horror and the not handling correctly the situation, in these early stages, that we still have to take time to think about why this happened. Before I go further, I will say, they is no reason for any person, no matter what happen to them, to act in this manner. That is not what I am after here. What I am after is what makes these things happen. I am firm believer you can bandage a problem, but you never really solve it unless you can get to the root of it, and stop it there.
What has went through my mind here lately is, what if the gunman was really innocent of his charges? What if he did not extort money from anyone, and he was railroaded by a corrupt system? ( Very Possible ) What if he actually did the crime he was accused of, but because of the Cultural acceptance of these kinds of acts, he feels he done nothing wrong ? ( Very possible ) Something was for sure really wrong here. He did not take this action for no apparent reason, he did not seem to be a real mentally disturbed person. So to get to the root of the problem, we have to wonder why he would do this ? What outcome did he think would happen ? Surely he did not think he would get his job back, everyone would say sorry, and he would return to a normal life. Ohhh. wait, maybe he did....... Maybe from the culture of The Philippines, from the weakness to catch murders, corrupt politicians, and the culture of excuse making, killing, and many who are never brought to justice. Or, if they are brought to justice, they are let go. Some rule with fear, killings, and blackmail... Maybe he actually thought since he was a high level police official it would all be washed under the rug somehow.
Think about it, Marco ruled with a iron fist, and never spent a day in jail. Thousands of Political killings, and force used to control elections are never punished. Arroyo accused of wasting and hording millions and millions. She will probably never see a day in jail.. Kidnapping for ransom, using a organization as your cover, never go punished. Rampant police corruption, exhortation of money, clubs paying cops off, politicians taking bribes, buying votes, fixers. We see it everyday, we all know who they are, they are never punished. I know and see daily and openly illegal activity's being done by high ranking officials and police. Everyone knows it. No one punished, even if caught, the culture has a forgiving attitude. Could this have played a role in his thinking???
Then you have the other side. Maybe he did the crime he was found guilty of, but because of culture and attitude which has run rampant here in Philippines for so many years, he felt he done nothing wrong. Maybe he felt he was being treated unfairly, because everyone does it. It common practice, its lets say ""acceptable"". Maybe the culture has molded his mind that he really, really thinks he has done nothing wrong. Now being a foreigner here, I can tell for sure, that I have seen this in almost everyone I know here. I know it to be a fact that one of the biggest mind blowing experiences I have witness here is the cultural values of taking or extorting, or scamming money from foreigners, dating a foreigner and having a Filipino boyfriend, not paying back a debt because you are poor, throwing trash onto a property owned by a rich person that can afford to have it cleaned, is all acceptable and nothing at all wrong with it... Even a young lady who works for me, has a Filipino boyfriend which she fights constantly with. I asked her why she does not leave him and go with another Filipino boy who likes her very much. She says " It will make me look like a easy girl or a bad woman." This same girl, many, many times has gone out with foreigners on a date, two or three a week sometimes for gifts, money, and free foods, ect... But she says they is nothing at all wrong with that. Everyone understands that. Could these be some of the issues in which has caused situations like the horror in Manila.
For sure we have to agree, something more than just being a mental case caused this to happen. I often wonder, what he really thought the outcome would be? What did he really think was going to happen? Maybe we will never know. The culture of the USA, where disgruntled employees do things such as this a lot more than here in PI. Do they face the same thing??
For what ever reason, it should have never happened. But these are the day and times we all live in. Here in Philippines and all around the world. To be harsh on The Philippines for this, is just unfair. This happens all over the world daily, in some form, in some way, in every country. Unlucky I guess it was Philippines turn... I started thinking about all this from reading a comment on a blog from a Hong Kong resident that said , " I have fond memories of my time in the Philippines. I hate that this happened, but the police should have done better. Since my last trip 20 years ago I have seen no change in Philippines. Other countries move on, prosper, move forward. Philippines has stayed the same for 20 years with no improvement" ( quoted from Facebook by Hong Kong resident. )
Now we all have to wonder, why is that....... What can we do to improve??? This is my home now, even I am not a Filipino, I have a stake in what happens here.
We do hope that as your disappointment and anger eases, you will know that this was one man, and a isolated instance, and not all Filipino's are like this. Nor, is this country unsafe for you to visit. China, Hong Kong and Philippines has had a long history of traveling, working together. I feel like that can continue for many years to come.
What really happened? What went out of control ? I will not get into all of the fine details of who did what, who should have done what, or how the event was handled. It's all on the videos, not really a lot of excuses can be made. The thing I wanted to discuss here, is what brings such a event as this to happen? I think we are so wrapped up in the horror and the not handling correctly the situation, in these early stages, that we still have to take time to think about why this happened. Before I go further, I will say, they is no reason for any person, no matter what happen to them, to act in this manner. That is not what I am after here. What I am after is what makes these things happen. I am firm believer you can bandage a problem, but you never really solve it unless you can get to the root of it, and stop it there.
What has went through my mind here lately is, what if the gunman was really innocent of his charges? What if he did not extort money from anyone, and he was railroaded by a corrupt system? ( Very Possible ) What if he actually did the crime he was accused of, but because of the Cultural acceptance of these kinds of acts, he feels he done nothing wrong ? ( Very possible ) Something was for sure really wrong here. He did not take this action for no apparent reason, he did not seem to be a real mentally disturbed person. So to get to the root of the problem, we have to wonder why he would do this ? What outcome did he think would happen ? Surely he did not think he would get his job back, everyone would say sorry, and he would return to a normal life. Ohhh. wait, maybe he did....... Maybe from the culture of The Philippines, from the weakness to catch murders, corrupt politicians, and the culture of excuse making, killing, and many who are never brought to justice. Or, if they are brought to justice, they are let go. Some rule with fear, killings, and blackmail... Maybe he actually thought since he was a high level police official it would all be washed under the rug somehow.
Think about it, Marco ruled with a iron fist, and never spent a day in jail. Thousands of Political killings, and force used to control elections are never punished. Arroyo accused of wasting and hording millions and millions. She will probably never see a day in jail.. Kidnapping for ransom, using a organization as your cover, never go punished. Rampant police corruption, exhortation of money, clubs paying cops off, politicians taking bribes, buying votes, fixers. We see it everyday, we all know who they are, they are never punished. I know and see daily and openly illegal activity's being done by high ranking officials and police. Everyone knows it. No one punished, even if caught, the culture has a forgiving attitude. Could this have played a role in his thinking???
Then you have the other side. Maybe he did the crime he was found guilty of, but because of culture and attitude which has run rampant here in Philippines for so many years, he felt he done nothing wrong. Maybe he felt he was being treated unfairly, because everyone does it. It common practice, its lets say ""acceptable"". Maybe the culture has molded his mind that he really, really thinks he has done nothing wrong. Now being a foreigner here, I can tell for sure, that I have seen this in almost everyone I know here. I know it to be a fact that one of the biggest mind blowing experiences I have witness here is the cultural values of taking or extorting, or scamming money from foreigners, dating a foreigner and having a Filipino boyfriend, not paying back a debt because you are poor, throwing trash onto a property owned by a rich person that can afford to have it cleaned, is all acceptable and nothing at all wrong with it... Even a young lady who works for me, has a Filipino boyfriend which she fights constantly with. I asked her why she does not leave him and go with another Filipino boy who likes her very much. She says " It will make me look like a easy girl or a bad woman." This same girl, many, many times has gone out with foreigners on a date, two or three a week sometimes for gifts, money, and free foods, ect... But she says they is nothing at all wrong with that. Everyone understands that. Could these be some of the issues in which has caused situations like the horror in Manila.
For sure we have to agree, something more than just being a mental case caused this to happen. I often wonder, what he really thought the outcome would be? What did he really think was going to happen? Maybe we will never know. The culture of the USA, where disgruntled employees do things such as this a lot more than here in PI. Do they face the same thing??
For what ever reason, it should have never happened. But these are the day and times we all live in. Here in Philippines and all around the world. To be harsh on The Philippines for this, is just unfair. This happens all over the world daily, in some form, in some way, in every country. Unlucky I guess it was Philippines turn... I started thinking about all this from reading a comment on a blog from a Hong Kong resident that said , " I have fond memories of my time in the Philippines. I hate that this happened, but the police should have done better. Since my last trip 20 years ago I have seen no change in Philippines. Other countries move on, prosper, move forward. Philippines has stayed the same for 20 years with no improvement" ( quoted from Facebook by Hong Kong resident. )
Now we all have to wonder, why is that....... What can we do to improve??? This is my home now, even I am not a Filipino, I have a stake in what happens here.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Jungle Restaurant - Drawing a Line in The Sand
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.....
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 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
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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