| Author | Post |
|---|
kevin_usa
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 17 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 13th, 2006 03:50 pm |
|
Hi Board Members,
My name is Kevin and I'm from the USA as you can surely tell by my name. I'm 42 yrs. old and "dating" a girl cam to cam from Lanao Del Norte. I plan to visit her very soon, probably six or eight weeks from now. We've been chatting cam to cam for eight months now, usually twice a day.
This will be my first trip to the Philippines. The plan is to have her male cousin meet me at the manila airport and make sure I get on my flight to Cagayan de Oro. My GF and her female cousin will meet me at Cagayan de Oro and we will travel to the maria cristina area. We will stay at her grandmothers for a couple days before boarding the super ferry to visit her parents in norther Samar via Cebu. We will stay in Samar for a day and then return to the Iligan City (maria cristina) area by super ferry with her mother and young sister where we will stay at her grandmothers for a few more days. I will then return to the states.
My question is, does this sound like a safe trip? I know nothing is guaranteed but in general, is this area safe for an american traveler accompanied by a local girl?
Thanks for any replies,
Kevin
|
Carabao Kevin
Super Moderator
|
Posted: Fri Jul 14th, 2006 03:44 am |
|
Hey Kevin......
My wife is from Mindanao ALSO. You need to be on gaurd at all times there. But overall in the north it is pretty safe.
My wife - JHING is from MISAMIS ORIENTAL, that is where C.D.O. City is located. Knowing where you live, I can give you names of 2 other FILIPINAS from MINDANAO, that are married AND live in your town!!! One is from Ozamis and the other is from Iligan City. Their husbands can give you a lot of advice also.
Cagayan is great - you shouldn't have any problems there. LANAO del NORTE has had problems in the past, but nothing lately.
Keep in mind (all respect given to Filipinos) that they seem to think it is ALL SAFE, kidnappers usually take Americans or Europeans - we look different. They usually don't bother the locals.
Can't tell you anything about SAMAR.
One more thing, traveling from Island to Island is not as smooth as you may think. There may be a day or 2 (or week) wait just to get a Ferry. Its all different there.
One more thing, you say that you are traveling with her only?
Make sure that SHE UNDERSTANDS that she has to be very cautious. My first trip there my wife wanted me to do all of the "talking" & "deal making" Of course, the locals will speak at warp speed in Cebuano if they are trying to overcharge you. Don't fall for the give me the money, I'll bring you the tickets. I got burned $200. on that one - and the thief was "family". As I said - It's all different there.
Good Luck..Keep in touch
-Mabuhay-
|
Patric THEPHILS.COM
Administrator
| Joined: | Sat May 20th, 2006 |
| Location: | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Posts: | 396 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 30th, 2006 09:20 am |
|
Well, i have a question for Jhings_husband.... After checking out the link for the Duka Bay Resort in the Photo forum i was really impressed of how beautiful it seems.
Now, i have no experience of Mindanao what so ever. The thing is... My experience of muslims just aint the best & i mean arab muslims. So, what´s (if there is any) the difference in attitude you get as a Kano from the muslim population in Mindanao? Are u considered a dirty infidel that they really dont want anything to do with? How does it work, is all of Mindanao populated with primarily muslims or do u have sections/citys/areas that are non muslim?
The reason i´m asking is;´It´s not that i´m "Ooh so scared of beeing kidnapped or vorse". I just dont want to waste any time going to a place where i dont feel welcome.
This post & question is not regarding the terrorist threat from some tribal Abu whatever Jokers .... It´s about the general population in Mindanao.
Cheers !
Last edited on Sun Jul 30th, 2006 09:29 am by Patric THEPHILS.COM
|
Carabao Kevin
Super Moderator
|
Posted: Sun Jul 30th, 2006 03:23 pm |
|
Hey Patric,
Great Questions! I must admit that I had my concerns when I first traveled there myself.
First, I called the U.S. Embassy in Manila! They told me that it was NOT a wise idea to travel to MINDANAO. Well, this just wasn't going to set good with the new-soon-to-be-inlaws. So I bought maps, and researched the areas on the internet and spoke with other Filipinos. I decided that I was going to Mindanao.
We landed in the Capital of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City ("The City of Golden Friendship".) We went to Bukidnon, to see family. Then back to MISAMIS ORIENTAL. The people in Northern MINDANAO seemed as friendly, or at times friendlier than in CEBU. The only time I noticed any Muslims was when we went to the mall in C.D.O. Northern Mindanao, esp. Misamis Oriental seems to not have many. The Filipinos in the north speak VISAYAN-CEBUANO, so if you or your spouse speak it, you are in good hands language wise.
Near MEDINA, we stopped and ate at a "roadside" place on the sea. It had built out over the water. Sorry, I can't recall the name. 7 of us ate FRESH food right out of the water . Tito Willie even pointed out some of the fish (huge fish nets) he wanted. They cooked it right up, and brought it out. RICE, FISH, SQUID all kinds of stuff. Platters and Platters of it. We all had a soda pop, 4 of the adults had a beer each. Total for the bill - 6 Adults, 1 child ---- $14. (fourteen) U.S. dollars! I asked "Is this total or just for my food?" They looked at me like I had just been Cobra bit and was enjoying it. Then they told me "TOTAL". I gladly gave a good tip. friendly, nice, courteous people! I wish that I had pics of the place, I'll get some next trip!
I know 2 other guys that have married MINDANAO ladies, 1 from OZAMIS CITY the other is from ILIGAN CITY. Both men have been there more than once, and had a GREAT time. Starting their journey in Cagayan De Oro City (C.D.O.) and going west.
I say - GO FOR IT! You will have a GREAT time. And the prices are the best!
Links:
Cagayan De Oro City:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_de_Oro
http://www.cagayan-de-oro.com/
http://www.cdo.ph/
MISAMIS ORIENTAL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misamis_Oriental
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medina,_Misamis_Oriental - "jhings home town"
http://wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=55
I hope this answers your questions.
-Mabuhay-
|
GIRL-from-MINDANAO
Member
| Joined: | Thu Aug 3rd, 2006 |
| Location: | Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 7 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 12th, 2006 06:00 am |
|
Hi Kevin and all fellow members at thephils.com.
Well, I can't say about all of Mindanao, but only my place. I am from Misamis Oriental, the capital is CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, as stated before by JHINGS HUSBAND. Misamis Oriental is called REGION 10.
Region 10 includes:
Northern Mindanao (Region X) consists of the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, plus Cagayan de Oro City. The province of Camiguin is also an island just of the northern coast. The administrative center and capital of the region is Cagayan de Oro City.
From all that I know, Region 10 is very safe. Of course, you always need to take care when you go some place new. I'm not real sure about Lanao del Norte, I was there 1 time when I visited Iligan City. It seemed like a nice place. I now have a friend from Iligan, and her & her husband have never had a problem when they go there.
Most of Mindanao, is really different than the MANLIA area. We have a simple life style, we like to think we are more relaxed in the province.
I am sure that if you visit Mindanao, you will have a good time , but also, I am sure if you look hard enough, you can find a "bad" story....just like anyplace . In my opinion, Kevin, it sounds like you have a safe trip planned.
For more information see the links:
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/ph-x.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao
http://www.answers.com/topic/northern-mindanao
Have a SAFE & Happy trip . PLEASE take many pictures and show us some (post them).
Good Luck & God Bless
Mindanao IS Beautiful!
Last edited on Sat Aug 12th, 2006 06:05 am by GIRL-from-MINDANAO
|
at7000
Member
|
Posted: Tue Aug 15th, 2006 01:21 am |
|
I've been to Mindnao twice, once to Butuan City and once to Davao City.
You'll be okay there, just keep your guard up and you precautions like others have said.
Sounds like you are from Sweden? Hard to imagine that place being too dangerous, but think of something like Berlin Germany, heck, you could get killed in many neighborhoods there if not careful right? So the same applies, just always be alert and don't do anything crazy, flash your rolex watch or wads of cash, etc..
It takes time to adjust to being in the provinces like Mindanao. We are not sued to seeing such poverty and things do look a bit run down at times. But it's just the Philippines, after being there for long enough, it starts to seem normal. Which in itself is a scary thought....ha ha
But yeah, parts of Manila are just as dangerous, if not more dangerous!, than Mindanao I think. Try walking around in the Tondo or the Recto/Quiapo areas of Manila at night. You would not survie long. I'd take my chances in Muslim villages of South Mindanao anytime over that.
Muslims in Mindanao generally could not care less about foreingers visting there. 99.9 percent of them are just like other Phils, reasonably friendly to Americans and other foreingers.
It's just the 1% of muslim lunatics that make all the troubles.
|
kevin_usa
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 17 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 4th, 2006 03:51 pm |
|
Well I'm back safe and sound. My time I spent in PI was the most wonderfull of my life. I truly loved just about everything about it. My fiancee is more beautiful in person than any picture I have see of her and she is the most loving and caring person I have ever met.
We spend 5 nights in Iligan City, Mindanao with her Grandparents. We then traveled by ferry to Cebu and on to Samar. We spent about 5 nights at her parents home before returning by ferry to Iligan City. I never felt in any danger during my travel even though I was usually the only foreigner everywhere I went. The people were all very kind to me.
I don't really have time to go into details now but I would be happy to answer any questions anybody has.
kevin_usa
Attached Image (viewed 91 times):
|
Patric THEPHILS.COM
Administrator
| Joined: | Sat May 20th, 2006 |
| Location: | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Posts: | 396 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 4th, 2006 04:02 pm |
|
kevin_usa wrote: Well I'm back safe and sound. My time I spent in PI was the most wonderfull of my life. I truly loved just about everything about it. My fiancee is more beautiful in person than any picture I have see of her and she is the most loving and caring person I have ever met.
Congrats!
Good for u ! Happy that your trip & u meeting your Pinay was a success.
Cheers !
|
Paul
Moderator
| Joined: | Sun Nov 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Cebu, Philippines |
| Posts: | 90 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 4th, 2006 06:43 pm |
|
Hi Kevin,
She's absolutely beautiful. For years, I have had issues with the US (and other governments) issuing Travel Advisories to the Philippines, specifically to Mindanao. I have been in Mindanao tons of times, not once having had an issue of any kind come up.
Anyway, you have learned something that many only read about, Filipinas are not done justice by the photos taken of them. They are truly, the most beautiful creatures on the earth, inside and out.
I'm glad to see you had a great first experience in Mindanao.
Take care man,
|
Rickg
Member
| Joined: | Thu Aug 10th, 2006 |
| Location: | Sydney, Australia |
| Posts: | 5 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 8th, 2006 03:41 am |
|
Hi, I have just returned to Australia after getting married in Zamboanga City on the
28th October.
Now the Australian govt. advises travel to Mindanao should not take place. I now
have an apartment in Zamboanga City and moved around the city ok. But you
definitely stand out as there a very foreigners there. Locals tell me certain parts of
the city I should not go to though. I feel ok moving about down there but do follow
recomendations from my family anmd friends. Cheers Rickg
|
Paul
Moderator
| Joined: | Sun Nov 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Cebu, Philippines |
| Posts: | 90 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 13th, 2006 10:12 am |
|
Hi Rick
I have never been to Zambo, but I would go there as well, just as I have gone anywhere else in Mindanao.
It's great to see other foreigners who will go to places that our governments deem "unsafe" for us.
Cheers!
Paul
|
TheSwede
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 20th, 2007 |
| Location: | Nyköping, Sweden |
| Posts: | 74 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun May 20th, 2007 09:23 pm |
|
| Hi! I am a Swedish guy who just like Kevin met a girl form Mindanao (Iligan city) on the net and I am going to visit her in July. She seems wonderful and kind. I am aware of the internet dating pitfalls so I am always careful with it. I will go to Manila and of June and go back to Sweden in the end of July. I just joined this forum today after I found it appealing. I have been travelling in almost all countries in South East Asia and a few others in the world. I also went to the Philippines in July 2005 for one month. All this makes me consider myself a quite experienced traveller. My gf says it is very safe there in Iligan city, but it would be nice to have a foreigners view of that too. What is the situation there now regarding safety for foreigners?
|
lumbia
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jan 30th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 39 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon May 21st, 2007 12:58 am |
|
TheSwede wrote: Hi! I am a Swedish guy who just like Kevin met a girl form Mindanao (Iligan city) on the net and I am going to visit her in July. She seems wonderful and kind. I am aware of the internet dating pitfalls so I am always careful with it. I will go to Manila and of June and go back to Sweden in the end of July. I just joined this forum today after I found it appealing. I have been travelling in almost all countries in South East Asia and a few others in the world. I also went to the Philippines in July 2005 for one month. All this makes me consider myself a quite experienced traveller. My gf says it is very safe there in Iligan city, but it would be nice to have a foreigners view of that too. What is the situation there now regarding safety for foreigners?
This website may also help you: http://www.mindanao.com
|
TheSwede
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 20th, 2007 |
| Location: | Nyköping, Sweden |
| Posts: | 74 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon May 21st, 2007 10:10 am |
|
| Very good information! Thank you!
|
Carabao Kevin
Super Moderator
|
Posted: Mon May 21st, 2007 05:25 pm |
|
Hello TheSwede,
MELCOME to thephils.com Thanks for the post!
I have not been to Iligan City, but I have been Through Northern Mindanao, we were just there a few weeks ago.
Most Filipinos will tell you their town is safe, that is a natural thing, we all feel fairly safe in our own town, or at least we should. I met some Americans while I was in Cagayan De Oro City, they have been to Iligan, they liked it. I have heard of the BIG waterfalls there, we have considered going there next trip, we have friends from Iligan.
I know of many people now that have been to ILIGAN CITY and never had a problem, I followed the U.S. Government warnings my first time to the Philippines, they said DON'T GO TO MINDANAO.....I wish I would have ignored that warning and went there. You should have no problems. Stay with your lady and family when in public, you will be less likely to be over charged for things.
Bring back some nice pics & post them
Here are some more links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Cristina_Falls
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iligan_City
http://www.iligan-city.gov.ph/
http://www.iligan-city.gov.ph/attractions.htm
http://www.photo.net.ph/thumbnails.php?album=824
Have Fun...
-Mabuhay-
-Kevin.....Carabao Kevin
|
TheSwede
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 20th, 2007 |
| Location: | Nyköping, Sweden |
| Posts: | 74 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Tue May 22nd, 2007 09:29 pm |
|
Hi all! Thanks for your reply Carabao Kevin. I have made up my mind going to Iligan now. Just wanted to check other foreigners opinion about the place. My actual problem with the philippines is actually all the places I want to go to, and try to fit them all into a one month vacation! That problem is of a positive nature  . It also belongs to another thread...Last edited on Sun May 27th, 2007 11:58 am by TheSwede
|
TheSwede
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 20th, 2007 |
| Location: | Nyköping, Sweden |
| Posts: | 74 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 28th, 2007 01:05 pm |
|
| Just want to say I didnt go to Mindanao ;-)
|
TheSwede
Member
| Joined: | Sun May 20th, 2007 |
| Location: | Nyköping, Sweden |
| Posts: | 74 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sat Mar 1st, 2008 12:29 pm |
|
I did meet my pinay chat mate in Manila back in july 2007. She lives in Iligan city. We split after only a few days and she went back to Iligian. I didnt have any reason to go to Mindanao on that trip.
This January I decided to go. I have already written a travel report about the trip in another post on this site.
I might be naive, but I never felt threatened, nor did I hear about anyone having problems or see something dangerous during my weeks in Mindanao. Davao is a place I could consider to live in! I am sure there are dangerous places in Mindanao. When I was in General Santos I heard from the locals that it could be dangerous to go to Gumasa beach south of town. So I took their advice and didnt go as I had planned.
All the places was absolutely fantastic. What scares me most is that this island will become a big tourist destination soon. I want it for myself!!!!!
Last edited on Thu Mar 6th, 2008 04:37 pm by TheSwede
|
Current time is 08:08 pm | |
|
