Richard Romando asked:




The culture of the Philippines is based mainly on the various native religious groups, which have different cultural backgrounds and traditions. These groups include the Tagalogs, Ilokanos, Bikolanos, and others. The culture of the Philippines is greatly influenced by the Chinese and American cultures as well as those of other countries. The Hispanic influence on the Filipino culture is the result of the Mexican and Spanish cultures as a result of colonial rule.

Every year the citizens of the Philippines host major festivities that are known as the Barrio Fiesta. This fiesta honors all the patron saints of different towns, villages, and regional districts and is celebrated by ceremonies that are held in the church followed by street parades in honor of the saints. There are various contests that include dancing and singing, and cockfight tournaments before the grand finale of the fireworks.

The Chinese also influence the Filipino culture to a large extent, and this is clearly evident in the Filipino cuisines. The locals here have termed the famous Chinese noodles as Mami. Other dishes like meat and other foodstuffs also reflect the influence of the Chinese cuisine. The influence of the Chinese culture in the Philippines is reflected in the fact that citizens occasionally use Chinese surnames, and some are proficient in speaking the language as well.

Over a century ago, the American culture began having a relative influence on the Philippines. The frequent use of the English language in the Philippines is due to the American culture influence. The American culture has also increased the demand for fast food and its chains have spread all over the Philippines. Filipinos have also started listening to the latest American music, taken to watching American movies, dancing to the American tunes, and also started fancying Hollywood actors. The basic principal of the Filipino people is to follow their moral values and to respect their elders and family members. These qualities help them grow into better human beings and have a friendly and pleasing personality.

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Allan Merin asked:




Visiting the Philippines, which is home to some of the world’s famous tourist spots, is enjoyed best when you are equipped with the basic Philippines travel information about the country. Blessed with rich natural resources and fascinating landscapes, the predominantly Catholic nation offers a wide selection of luxurious and affordable hotels and vacation homes choose from while enjoying numerous travel destinations.

Vacation rentals are steadily becoming a popular alternative to expensive hotels in the Southeast Asian nation. You can rent a villa that features a kitchen to fulfill your gastronomic needs, a living room to let your family gather together, and other basic amenities to make your stay in the Philippines memorable. Renting a vacation home also gives you a feel of the local neighborhood; making you closer to the Filipino people.

Here are some of the great accommodations that give both value and quality for your money while spending your holiday in the Philippines. Rates may vary depending on the size, location, and services offered by property owners.

Anito Beach House
If you are planning for a relaxing vacation in the Boracay Island, you must try the Anito Beach House. Created by the renowned Oneplace Design Group, this luxurious place gives its guests a clear view of the island’s famous white beach. It is fully air-conditioned and equipped with cable television and wireless Internet. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, this is the perfect vacation home to stay in as it offers surfing, parasailing, snorkeling, and diving. Accommodation rates start at USD 238 per night.

Luxurious Mountain Log Cabin
When in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, one (a) way to enjoy its cold weather and tourist spots is to check in at the Luxurious Mountain Log Cabin. Located at a private subdivision in the “City of Pines,” the house is built on traditional logs but (is) equipped with modern facilities for relaxation. This 3-bedroom cabin costs at least USD200/night.

Clear Water Resthouse
To enjoy a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano in Tagaytay City, you should make a reservation at the Clear Water Resthouse. The resthouse has a splendid view of the volcano. An hour drive from Manila, this ancestral place can also be the perfect venue for weddings, corporate functions, and simple get together with family and friends.

There are many other accommodations and temporary residences to stay in while taking a vacation in the Philippines. For your convenience, contact a rental agency ahead of time. They will be able to provide you with enough information about the best vacation homes that offers the most competitive rate and service that you surely deserve.

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Mary Cecile Lluisma asked:




Are you curios about the transportation in the Philippines? The Philippines has different kinds of public transportation’s depending on what region you are. The Philippines has very cheap expenses compared to other western countries public transport. You can also choose what kind of public transport you want to avail, it depends upon your choice.

The most common in the Philippines in different areas is the so-called “The king of The Road” which is Jeepneys. It is also one of the most affordable public transportation’s in the Philippines. There is also so-called “Tricycle or a motorcycle with a side car”. It is kind of fun to travel in Jeepneys and Tricycle. But if you wanted to choose a more comfortable way of rides than Jeepneys, you can try to use the Bus. You have two choices, you can ride in an air-conditioned Bus or a non air-conditioned bus. It is also a very affordable public transport. Just tell the conductor where you are going, he will then tell you to know how much it costs.

Wanted a faster transportation? You can use the LRT (Light Rail Transit), it is fast and affordable as well. It is mainly in manila from Monumento to Baclaran. There is another type of transit, which is the MRT (Metro Rail Transit), it provides access more on areas that are businesses districts of Makati and Ortigas Center. The Philippines has taxi also, but it is cheaper compared to other countries. You can see them lined up in some tourist spots like hotels and some restaurants. If you wanted a more private ride with your family, you can rent or avail private rental cars, including Jeepneys and even limousines.

There are so many different kinds of public transportation in the Philippines. These are just the main public transport that is commonly used in different areas or regions in the Philippines.

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Amelia Generalao asked:




Philippine archipelago comprises 7, 101 islands with three major group of islands; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This Southeast Asian country is home to peace loving and diligent Filipinos with warm smiles ready to greet you. Philippines is a country that exudes beauty, rich culture and wonderful stories that is evident in all parts of the archipelago.

The captivating wonders of Philippines allured tourists and travelers, foreigners and locals, from the breathtaking views of Batanes down to the southern island of Tawi Tawi. You need not spend a fortune to experience a truly tropical holiday as everything you love can be found in the Philippines at cost effective rates. Its world class scuba diving spots with amazing coral reefs and inviting powdery white sand beaches in Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu make a perfect destination to kick off pressures at work and temporarily forget the crowded city life. The amazing wonders of Philippine archipelago never fail to amaze backpackers, thrill seekers and adventurers from its highest peak, Mount Apo to the wild river of Cagayan de Oro. Whether it is a family vacation, romantic getaway, group outing or educational tour, Philippines has it all.

Discover colorful festivals and in different towns and cities that enchants the imagination of the world. These annual festivals have long been a part of the Filipino culture not only to party but to boosts spiritual belief. Among these major celebrations are: Sinulog in Cebu, Kadayawan in Davao, Maskara festival in Bacolod, Ati Atihan in Aklan, Dinagyang in Iloilo and Panagbenga in Baguio.

Experience its diverse culture, charm, mouthwatering foods, sweet fruits and exotic sceneries! Discover Philippines!

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John Grant asked:




In old times, Ilocandia has been described as a God-forsaken land because of its arid and difficult terrain. But the hardy people of this province had the patience and the will to survive, and eventually turned it into a lush and abundant highland. Amidst all these is a rich history consisting of legendary uprisings, monumental edifices, and noble men and women who has made Ilocos a unique and remarkable place that it is today.

Vigan is a sleepy town at the heart of Ilocos Sur. It’s easy to find your way around because the people are friendly and warm to visitors. At the center of the town is Plaza Salcedo erected in honor of Juan Salcedo who named this place Ciudad Fernandina after King Ferdinand of Spain. Right across the plaza is the St. Paul’s Cathedral built in 1641 and which came under the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in 1758.

A few minutes walk will bring you to the Burgos House. Now converted into a museum, the house is the birthplace of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of the priests executed in Cavite during the revolution. The museum houses what were left of the Burgos family belongings which include antique furnitures, clothing and other artifacts donated by some prominent families in Vigan.

Indeed, Vigan is best known for its Castillian houses with old tile roofs, hardwood floorings and azoteas. These houses are located in Heritage Village which is the core of the Mestizo district. Some of the houses remain in possession of descendants of their original owners with the antique interiors and furnishings intact, while some of these ancestral homes have been turned into cozy inns, museums, and souvenir shops.

Although many of these houses have been converted into commercial establishments, the brick structures are preserved. The whole block breathes in an eerie feeling emphasized more by the calezas or horse-drawn carriages which remain a mode of transportation around town.

You can buy real or reproduction antique furniture around VIgan’s antique stores or visit pottery factories along Rizal street for ceramic products. These factories will be more than happy to give a demonstration on pottery-making. You can also buy woven blankets and table napkins at low prices.

Vigan has been declared a World Heritage Site and it is recommended that you view the houses at night with the streets lighted perfectly and the air cool.

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John Grant asked:




Donsol used to be sleepy coastal town in Sorsogon-a province in the southernmost tip of Luzon. Nobody knows Donsol except for, of course, its local inhabitants until a few years ago when tourists from all over the world began to flock this remote place to get a look-see at the largest fish on earth: the whale shark.

Before, fishermen in Donsol were ignorant of the ecological (and tourist) value of whale sharks. They used to hunt, slaughter and sell the poor gentle sea creatures to Japanese traders. Local folks call them “butanding” or “big fish” in the vernacular. Early sightings of the butandings were reported in the Visayan seas in Bohol further south. It was said that massive slaughtering caused their migration to Donsol waters.

Although, according to stories, the first butanding that was netted out in the area was also butchered. A marine biologist witnessed it and instantly recognized the fish as a rare marine specie. The biologist immediately reported the incident to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international organization promoting the preservation of the wildlife.

WWF wasted no time and launched an education campaign about the giant creature. After coordinating with the Department of Tourism, whale-watching soon became a tourist activity that allowed extra income for the people of Donsol.

Whale sharks can grow up to 50 feet in length. It has a rather wide mouth with hundreds of pointed teeth. It usually comes in grey or greenish brown color with white or yellow spots all over its body.

It earned the label gentle giant of the sea because of its harmless nature, considering it is of the shark family. It has nothing in common with whales except for its size, thus the name. Divers can swim and interact with them and are only known to sink deeper into the ocean when it gets upset. There has been no known attack on humans of whale sharks.

Scientists are still baffled with the large migration of whale sharks in Donsol. These fishes are known to prefer the cold waters, not the tropical seas that we have. One explanation would be the flourishing of planktons in the area. Planktons are organisms that fill the diet of the whale sharks. It is also hard to record the number of whale sharks that now thrive in Donsol. But early studies show that whale sharks can travel 14,000 miles in 40 months and is capable of breeding in different sea environments.

Whale sharks swim on the surface of the water especially during the morning and early afternoon. It opens its mouth rhythmically when feeding on the planktons and visitors may be treated to this wondrous sight if they spot the fish at the perfect time. But don’t expect them to jump up and down the water like the whales or dolphins. That’s actually another beauty of the whale shark experience because this makes it perfectly east and safe to get near them.

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Allan Merin asked:




Looking for an idyllic setting for your next vacation in the Philippines? Pack your bags and head to the beautiful island province of Guimaras. Located in the Western Visayas region, Guimaras is highly touted for its unspoiled beaches that are considered one of the world’s finest. It has a wide array of resorts and accommodations that cater to the needs of both local and foreign tourists.

Like other provinces in the country, Guimaras also has its fine share of tourist attractions. Since the province is blessed with vast agricultural lands, the local government has been stepping up efforts to promote Guimaras as a premier agritourism site in the Philippines. Orchards, bee farms, and aqua culture ponds have been added to list of must-see attractions in the island.

Guimaras made headlines in 2006 when an oil tanker carrying more than two liters of bunker fuel sank off the coast of the province and spilled over 500,000 liters of oil. It was considered the worst oil spill in Philippine history. However, with the efforts of the national and local government, as well as the private sector and international donors, Guimaras is on its feet again. Tourist arrivals have picked up in the aftermath of the oil spill.

The following are some of the reasons why you need to visit Guimaras.

Guisi Beach and Lighthouse

Atop the list of tourist attractions in Guimaras is the Guisi Beach. Its azure waters are a perfect escape from the hassles of the city life. Guisi Beach is famous for its short coastline and awesome rock formations. To get a breathtaking view of the beach, you must visit an 18th-century lighthouse that once guided sailors passing through the island.

Guimaras Adventure Park

Guimaras also offers something enticing for the adventure-seekers. Located in the capital city, Jordan, the Guimaras Adventure Park has a wide range of amenities for paintball, war games, rappelling, target shooting, and horseback riding. The compound is also ideal for team building, camping, and other corporate functions, and family gatherings.

Trappist Monastery

A tour of the Trappist Monastery in Jordon is also a must while in Guimaras. It offers a quiet place to rekindle your spiritual life. Processed food, including jellies, jams, and candies, made by Trappist monks are available at a souvenir shop in the monastery. There are also guest houses that are available for rent at affordable rates.

Turtle Feeding Station

Get up close and personal with the pawikans with a visit to the Turtle Feeding Station in Barangay Lawi, Jordan. A floating cage, wherein visitors can take pictures and touch sea turtles, is the main attraction at the center. The station was established to raise awareness on wildlife protection and turtle preservation in Guimaras.

Guimaras Mangoes

You cannot miss out on Guimaras’ famous fruit crop, mango, while taking a vacation in this island paradise. Its mangoes are said to be sweetest in the world. They are already being exported to foreign markets such as the United States and Australia. Mangoes are also the center of the annual Manggahan Festival, which seeks to promote the fruit industry.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

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Teresita Herrera asked:




When you travel to the Philippines, it’s good to have a basic knowledge of English and Spanish, because even among Filipinos who don’t speak Spanish fluently, there are thousands of Spanish loan words in the indigenous Malay languages of the Philippines.

Many people are mistaken in assuming that the Filipino culture is intermixed with influences from the Spanish culture, but that’s actually a mistake, since the national Filipino culture didn’t exist until the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, and neither did the word Filipino. The Filipino culture is a result of the cultural mix of the indigenous Malay cultures, Spanish influences which are inescapable in the names, the languages, and in the ancestry of the Filipino people, and also a strong Chinese influence.

I always go to forum and message boards and have a good read, and common sentences are “If Filipinos spoke Spanish…”, “Filipinos don’t speak Spanish” “If Filipinos spoke Spanish today…” “Only old Filipinos speak Spanish.” “The only kind of Spanish in the Philippines is Chabacano…”

I’m 24 years old. When I was in Manila two years ago, I visited my great aunt, who I was told was becoming senile, so I assumed that she probably wouldn’t recognize me since it’s been 13 years since she had seen me, but I was amazed that the moment I arrived, walked up the steps to our old Spanish colonial style home, and entered the sala, she called me by my first name and began telling me about how tall I became and how I look so “mestizo” with my brown hair combined with my ****** features. I told my great aunt, “No, you look mestiza!” And she laughed and said, “No, I’m an indio!”, the irony being of course that these words were coming out of my great aunt standing there with her porcelain white skin, striking green eyes, sharp pointed nose, and wavy hair that used to be black but is now a beautiful snow white.

Of course, we’re just using the word mestizo in Philippine vernacular referring to appearance. Referring to my previous articles on our blog about the word mestizo, far be it for me to give a lecture to my great aunt about how the word mestizo is being used in a different way in the Philippines and is spreading miseducation among Filipinos about our actual racial ancestry as a country, especially when she’s the one who speaks perfect Spanish and learned it as her first language. But at the same time, it’s also understandable that words change meanings in different countries, and it’s just a natural part of language evolution.

I never thought that I looked Spanish or Latin, but it seems everybody else I ever met that wasn’t a family member or family friend in my entire life always did. But that same thing always happens to my mom and my aunts and uncles, since we don’t have features that are typically Malay. My Filipino friends always told me, “You know you don’t look Filipino…” a comment which is intended to praise you, but at the same time, also made makes one feel excluded. And I always thought it was ironic because I’m not that white looking, there are a lot of Filipinos especially celebrities that have a lot more and stronger European features than I do, compared to the rest of my family, I’m practically an Aeta, hehe. But of course, that’s okay, because Aetas are beautiful people.

I remember I worked for Fuji, the Japanese photo company in New York, and I’d speak in my broken Tagalog to our Filipino clients, “Oh! You’re Filipino!” And a funny thing is because I was used to speaking with my Spanish speaking clients and they always greeted me with “?Como esta?” whenever they entered my office, so I was used to saying “Bien!”. Well, one day, I was busy doing some work, a woman walked in and she said “?Como esta?” and I said, “Bien, gracias!”, and I looked up from my work, and realized that it was that nice Filipina woman I knew who was our repeat client, so I scrambled and said, “I mean, mabuti!” Hehe. It was when I looked up at her face I realized that she had said “Kumusta?” not “?Como esta?”, since to the discerning ear, the way Filipinos and Latinos say this common greeting in our culture is indistinguishable, and it certainly was for me that day and I’ll never forget it, hehe.

So I’m at my great aunt’s house, which is actually the former house of my grandfather, which she inherited when he died. One time, I visited by myself, and after merienda, she sat me down at the window, and we had a long talk in Spanish, about a lot of things, and I kept thinking to myself, why is everybody saying she’s becoming senile when her memory is still there? And in Spanish, I asked her about her life growing up, because I realized that since I hardly visit the Philippines and this is my last connection to my grandparents and to my family history, I have to soak up everything, and I have to find out as much as possible before the inevitable happens. She would speak to our maids in Tagalog, and speak to me in Tagalog and English also, and I’d reply in my broken Tagalog, but mostly in English since my Tagalog is so broken, hehe. But when I switched to Spanish, she spoke only in Spanish to me, and proceeded to scold me in Spanish, saying that I need to do good in school, and do something good with my life, and work hard, etc. which became really irritating since she began to say the same things over and over again. And then I asked her about her childhood, and she told me all kinds of stories, still in Spanish since it was her first language, about World War II, and how my great uncle died in the war, and all kinds of great things that I scrambled to write in a piece of newspaper so I could save it for later.

The thing I noticed was that she seemed okay but a little exasperated when she would conversate with her maids in Tagalog, and it was nice, but when I spoke to her in Spanish, it’s like an entire section of her memories just flooded back to her, and her eyes lit up, and I soon realized that it was because a great portion of her entire childhood and youth was lived in the Spanish language, and to have someone awaken that in her now, it was just an amazing thing to feel. It felt like when I looked into her green eyes and she told me all these stories about her childhood and her university life and the war and about my grandparents, I was literally stepping back in time to a Manila that no longer exists today, I was stepping back in time to my family’s own history, and it was just surreal.

My uncle also visited the house, and we had a short chat in Spanish also. And my aunt, who works in Canada for IBM,. There are also many Filipinos in this world that are highly educated and entered the U.S. or Canada through scholarships, and that proudly includes my mom and my aunts, anyway, she always tells me how this Spanish woman always likes to chat with her during lunch, because my aunt and uncles also grew up with Spanish (not Chabacano) as their first language, before they learned Tagalog or English.

My family is from Manila (and has been for generations ever since our family history has been recorded), not from Zamboanga or Ermita and certainly not from Cavite, although those are beautiful places, and and we have family members that speak Spanish, not Chabacano. There are Spanish speakers that are Filipinos that are not from those two provinces, but the miseducation about this topic seems to be deep among Filipinos.

But Chabacano is a beautiful creole language, and I love hearing it being spoken since it’s extremely easy to understand, at least for me, since it’s a mix of Tagalog and other local dialects with Spanish, and I understand Spanish and Tagalog fluently, so put it all together, it’s Chabacano, and I love it, I love hearing it.

It is absolutely true that Spanish is no longer widely spoken in the Philippines, and one step out of the airplane, it doesn’t take long for anybody to realize that, however, the Philippines does have it’s own unique version and accent of Spanish that is not Chabacano, it’s proper Spanish meaning that it’s not a creole, but it’s a Spanish that has it’s own influences from Tagalog, including dental stops between vowels that are influenced from the Malay languages. However, the only people that seem to be researching this very important and endangered part of our heritage are not Filipinos, but are American university scholars, and while Filipinos speaking Spanish today might seem like a grand myth to many young Filipinos, especially those overseas many of whom seem to be completely clueless about it among other things related to Filipino culture, it is in fact real. And it’s real in my own family.

So, the point is, always take everything you read on Filipino forums and message boards with a grain of salt, because all the statements above that I’ve read before, and I’ve heard repeated over and over before, I certainly know for a fact aren’t true considering that I am living proof of it, and so is my family, and I experience it and see it with my own eyes, and I live it everyday.

And don’t forget about the Filipinos celebrities in the public eye who do speak Spanish: Pilita Corrales, Junior, Isabel Preysler, Enrique Iglesias, Julio Iglesias Jr., Shaila Durcal, Tamara Falco, Ana Boyer, Chabeli Iglesias, Carmen Morales, German Moreno, Jaime Fabregas, and many many more.

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Allan Merin asked:




Got enough of the Philippines? If not head down to Iloilo to explore more astonishing tourist attractions in the archipelago of 7,107 islands.

With an area of 4,829.1 square kilometers, this beautiful province is the commercial, industrial, financial, and cultural center of the Western Visayas region. Iloilo, which is also considered the cradle of early Philippine civilization, is subdivided into 42 municipalities, one component city, and one highly urbanized city. The province is bordered by Antique to the west and Capiz and the Jintotolo Channel to the north.

Like Boracay and Palawan, Iloilo’s beaches are worth exploring. Its beaches are known for its white sand and gentle waves. Tourists can also select from a wide array of resorts and vacation packages that suit their interest and budget. Here is a sampling of the premier tourist attractions in Iloilo.

Miag-ao Church

Recognized for its fortress-like design, Miag-ao Church is deemed as one of the country’s architectural and religious masterpieces. Located in the first-class municipality of Miag-ao, the church was built in 1786 by Augustinian priests, making it one of the oldest in the Philippines. In 1993, Miag-ao Church, which is also known as Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was included in the UNESCO Word Heritage List.

Agho Beach

Agho Beach is a perfect weekend destination for travelers looking for a serene atmosphere. Its white sand and crystal-clear water are comparable to some of the world’s finest. Agho Beach also caters to the needs of the adventurous. Diving, boating, and snorkeling are some of the water recreations visitors can enjoy here. There are also cottages and picnic sheds for the whole family near the beach. Beautiful and pristine beaches can also be found in the towns of Concepcion, Carles, San Joaquin, and Ajuy.

Dinagyang Festival

Dinagyang Festival is the pride of Iloilo. Celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of January, this colorful event in Iloilo City is a way of honoring the Santo Niño. It is also held to commemorate the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay. During the festival, street dancers dressed in vibrant costumes shout the thundering words “Hala Bira” (Hit them).

Iloilo Museum

To know more about the province and its culture, you should visit the Iloilo Museum. Located beside the provincial capitol, the museum houses various artifacts such as fossil collections, Chinese potteries, and war relics. It also showcases new and Spanish-era masterpieces made by local artists and craftsmen.

Ilonggo Delicacies

Aside from fascinating man-made and natural attractions, Iloilo is also famous for its food. Thus an ultimate Iloilo adventure is never complete without tasting dozens of mouth-watering Ilonggo delicacies such as Cabanatuan’s tinuom, Pototan’s aripahol, Alimodia’s sinakol, and Passi City’s dried pineapple. But two of most famous among Ilonggo dishes are the La Paz batchoy and inasal (grilled chicken).

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

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A. Hathaway asked:


What to know when considering a Philippine Bride

The Philippines is a poor country and has a reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the key question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical “emergencies” where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she’s a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia’s site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to the Philippines. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you’re dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Philippine woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Manila and Cebu. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in the Philippines.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway