Why foreign nationals like the Philippines

@JER616 (545)
Philippines
December 2, 2011 8:14am CST
Everywhere you go now in the Philippines, you will surely spot Americans, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese and Indians mingling with Filipinos in the streets, in malls and other familiar places. This tempts one to question what do these foreign nationals like about the Philippines and its people? What do they share in common with the Filipinos? If you enjoy living in the Philippines and get along with its natives, would you care to give your insights on these?
1 person likes this
14 responses
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
One reason why the Philippines is a favorite destination for foreigners is our ability to converse in English. Even the less educated citizens can understand and talk in English. I remember one friend of mine who is a British citizen. It was his first time to step foot on the Philippines. While we were going around Manila and the surrounding areas, he was surprised at the vendors talking to him in English. Even at the malls and groceries, salespersons would greet him in English. Another thing that he enjoyed were the cheap prices of commodities. His favorite meal was lechon manok, the price if converted in to pounds is considered too cheap by his country's standards. He even enjoyed the street food except the balot. When he went back home, he bought a lot of our instant noodles. According to him,our local noodles can compete with what he has tasted in his world travels. He was not particularly impressed with our hospitality because one taxi cab driver tried to scam him with the fare. Same goes with the tricycle drivers who would ask double whenever he goes out unaccompanied. It's a pity because sometimes these petty scams reflect on the whole population.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
It is because we Filipinos are known to be Friendly, hospitable and we know how to respect other race. The Philippines has a good weather that's why some or most Foreign National like to stay here and we also has a lot beautiful scenery here in the Philippines. Try to visit the Philippines!
@JER616 (545)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
"Try to visit the Philippines!" Is this for me, craziestqueen? If yes, I need not because I am already here. Otherwise, I second the motion.
@CTHanum (8234)
• Malaysia
3 Dec 11
There are many factors involved and all members have stated above some of the reasons. I believe that very country is unique and I am sure the uniqueness will always attract visitors to come and have a visit. I will feel proud if there are many visitors come to my country and indeed every country is heaven.(^^)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
because they all want to know the secret on how Manny Pacquiao raked up those boxing titles in 8 different divisions. hahaha!
@JER616 (545)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
Hahaha... You must be referring more of Marquez who held his training in Baguio. But he didn't quite get what he wanted to know, did he?
@davaome (1826)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
My opinion on this topic would be that Filipinos are very hospitable and very respectful to guests. may it be a local or a foreigner, you will notice how a common filipino will react to guest. They invite them to their house, serve them food and drinks. have a very long conversation. Also advantage of Filipinos we speak english very well. whatever the nationality of the foreigner, he/she is bound to speak english and filipinos being good at that, there will be no gap of communication between the two parties. Not like in some countries that they are very poor with the english language. and lastly, cost of living in the Philippines is very cheap compared to other countries. So, even a taxi driver from Japan can have a good time when he plans a vacation in the Philippines.
@MilesC (7)
3 Dec 11
It's a mix really. Obviously the GROs and their like have a contributory factor, though the impression I get is people go to Thailand for that. I think it's two major factors: - Purchasing power: The P Peso is weak as all get out, and has been since the 70s. The average american serviceman's pension can support him like a king in the filippines. - English: The majority of filippinos speak english making it more appealing. Lastly, the magandang beaches and islands and diving opportunities probably help ;)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
I think its because the cost of living of Philippines is not that high compared to their countries. Also, maybe our tourism dept is successful in pulling foreigners into our country for them to start business and stay. I think its a good sign since it helps to improve our country. If we don't have corrupt govt officials, we could have maximize our money and become one of the richest in the world.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
2 Dec 11
They are here for different reasons. One thing that brings them here is this "BPO's" outsourcing companies runs by foreigners. And most of those who are in higher positions are foreigners and clients are visiting the company too.
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
2 Dec 11
Welcome to Mylot Jer. I sure hoped that foreigners would answer in this discussion. I, for one think that it is because language is no barrier here.
@incus99 (1083)
• Philippines
2 Dec 11
The Philippines is a tourist haven... Filipino's are very friendly the weather is only dry and wet.. no freezing winter... we have thousands of coastal shores all over.. Filipinos are proficient in speaking the English language and are very amiable to foreigners. The cost of living is generally cheap in comparison to its first world neighbors.
@jdex_143 (1093)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
Yeah, right.. Foreigners seem to invade our country. Here in Cebu, you can really see lots of foreigners. Perhaps, they love our country or the people. There is really something in our country that keeps them coming in here.
@cearn25 (3456)
• Philippines
2 Dec 11
Here in Cebu I see a lot of foreigners, Asian or Westerners. I think the reason why they are here is that they just simply to be here in the Philippines. It is like there is something that Philippines have and can't be found in other country. The Filipinos as well all know are very hospitable and friendly.
@ardoy0731 (7308)
• Philippines
2 Dec 11
Filipinos are friendly,approachable and hospitable.Easy to go along with and nice personalities.
@champoy186 (1638)
• Philippines
2 Dec 11
I think because Philippines is a tourist haven. The people here are friendly and hospitable. They are nice to be with. The language is not an issue here. I think everybody understands English. It is a diverse country. Rich in culture and tradition. I know they also like the weather here. I guess they like sun. Lol. This are just my own opinion. I want to hear foreigners' point of view about this topic. I am also interested of knowing it.