Guess what, we don't live in a perfect world. Yes, the Philippines is Third World, but far better than many other countries you might chose to visit, including those in the higher echelons. You forgot to mention how courteous and kind the people are there, how inexpensive everything is compared to the USA and Europe (so many beautiful beach and mountain resorts at motel prices), great food too at very low cost, good service everywhere with large and energetic staffs of people in every mall and market (and they speak English too).
Unlike you I've never had a problem exchanging money, with money changing shops everywhere offering good rates of exchange. Yes, their culture is different than ours in many ways and I make sure to carry tissue with me. It's not a big inconvenience. Also true that their power grid often cannot handle the problems brought on by torrential downpours or prolonged heat spells. They are working now to upgrade it. We've been here two weeks and have had two brief (10-15 minute) power outages. The cheap hotels are more likely to have plumbing or electrical issues, also true. I prefer the nicer hotels that offer free full buffet breakfasts. They can be had for around $75-100 a night.
One other big thing you left out. It's much, much safer here than in any major city in the United States period. There are no random acts of violence or criminal gangs breaking into businesses. Women can walk the street alone at night and not be assaulted. Road rage is a very rare occurence on their heavily traveled streets and highways. You just won't see it here. Shoplifting is equally rare. People shop and they pay for their goods. It's that simple. They have beautiful clean malls with all the amenities you can find in the USA, plus every type of fast food place we all like from KFC to Shakeys to McDonalds etc. And there has never been a mall or school shooting as far as I know. Not one! Mass shootings just don't happen here!
Domestic airlines will take you anywhere here at discount prices, all with clean flight records. The longest flight is only two hours and most flights are an hour to 90 minutes.
There is a good reason the Philippines is a desired retirement community for so many foreigners.
You're right Jay, I didn't mean to come off as a complete Philippines hater. I'm actually the opposite for the most part. I really like the Philippines and I may retire there myself one day. However, many things are just broken or don't work right for no apparent reason which can be frustrating. Kind of like these brackets. There is no excuse for not using an online bracket that's regularly updated. No excuse at all.
But yes, the people are extremely friendly, most things are inexpensive, the resorts are top notch, the malls are massive, the flights are cheap, etc etc...but I have to disagree about safety. There might not be as much violence but there is way more theft. Also, I assume you've spent most of your time in Manila(?). I'm the opposite, I spent most of my time in Mindanao, in a small City a few hours south of Davao. I spent one night in Manila and the two areas are extremely different.
Mindinao is way less developed and not so safe. There's a rebel army (NPA) and Muslim terrorists in the area which are a constant threat to society. My family wouldn't let me go out at night as they were worried that I would be taken for ransom since I'm American. I didn't encounter any other Americans or foreigners the whole time I was there (except in Davao). Everytime I went out in public everyone would just stare at me like they saw a ghost lol. I played it safe though and didn't have any issues other than being cheated in a pool hall once. But that's a story for another time.
Somethings in the Philippines just don't make any sense to me though and just make me laugh. The toilet paper thing was one of them. I also couldn't figure out why they didn't have exhaust fans in the bathrooms either. I went to a state of the art mall, which was newly built and gorgeous. By far the nicest mall I've ever been to. But I go in the bathroom and it smells horrible and is extremely humid. You can almost taste the odor. Why in the world would you spend millions on a mall and not install a simple exhaust fan lol. I just don't get it.
Another funny bathroom story. I had to take a shit and the 3 stalls were are all full. So I stand aside, clearly waiting for the next stall to free up. Meanwhile, a few other people trickle in who also have to shit. But rather then stand in line behind me, they start to form separate lines in front of each stall. So I guess you have to commit to a stall and wait for them to finish or else you lose your turn lol.
Regardless, I love going to the Philippines and would definitely recommend it to anyone. I'll be back for sure (with toilet paper)
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