How Do Philippine Romantic Relationships Differ From Western Cultures?

If you are a westerner having a relationship with a Filipina, you might want to know how do Philippine romantic relationships differ from Western cultures, especially if you are serious with the girl and want your relationship to last.

Romantic relationships in the Philippines have greatly evolved with the emergence of modern technology, specifically the internet. The availability and abundance of online dating sites and social networking sites make it easier for “people to find people”, for foreigners to hook up with Filipinas, as well as for Filipinas to look for their lifelong partners.

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Western influences, too, are now becoming apparent in the way Filipinas dress, look, act, and yes, even handle relationships. Indeed, many Filipinas now sport chic blond hair, sculptured faces and mini skirts, and many speak English so comfortably you’d think they might as well have been born and bred in the United States.

But where romance is concerned, the Philippine dating culture is not entirely dead, thankfully. Many Filipino women still treasure and practice the values they have learned from generations past, such as the values of humility, loyalty, and respect, and these values would make Philippine romantic relationships differ from Western cultures.

Humility

Humility is maintaining a low profile.  Being humble means not boasting or thinking highly of one’s self. It is not acting superior to others, but is not being inferior, either. In a relationship, humility is shown by being submissive to one’s partner, for as long as it is within reason, of course. The Filipino woman does not compete with  her husband, but instead is supportive of him. In a typical Filipino family, the husband acts as the breadwinner, while the wife (whether she’s a career person herself or not) manages the home and takes care of the needs of the husband and the rest of the family.

Loyalty

Loyalty means being faithful. When a Filipino woman is loyal to her partner,she stands by him, through thick and thin, come rain or shine. A one-man-woman, she will not double-cross her partner, and many couples live together well into their golden years.

Are you looking for a Filipina girlfriend?
You can find her now at www.findfilipinagirlfriend.com.
Meet Filipina women from the Philippines at www.filipinakisses.com.

Respect

Respect means admiring a person deeply or thinking highly of another. Filipino women understand their roles in the home and respect their husbands’ as well. Perhaps it is but normal for any Filipina to be , but almost always, she respects his views and doesn’t question her partner’s decisions. Filipino women also respect their bodies, regarding them as something sacred. So if you’re thinking of taking a Filipina out to a date, don’t expect she’ll be sleeping with you when the night ends.

Having an understanding now of the values that make Filipino women stand out, you might want to work on these same values yourself. Remember that you cannot dance the tango by yourself. If you want your relationship with a Filipino woman to last a long time, if not a lifetime, you must learn to adapt to the Philippine culture, and the Filipino way of life.

One other thing you have to know, and this has nothing to do with any of the  values mentioned, is that there is no divorce law in the Philippines. Marriages in the Philippines may only be annulled, or the couple may opt for legal separation, but even then the processes can be long, costly, and stressful. So unless you are very sure of the woman you want to marry, don’t proceed with the marriage ceremony. Not only will it dig holes in your pocket, it will also break your heart and the Filipina’s if you’re not in for the long haul to begin with.

All things considered, a long lasting relationship with a Filipina women is expected when you know how to play your cards right.

Are you looking for a Filipina girlfriend?
You can find her now at www.findfilipinagirlfriend.com.
Meet Filipina women from the Philippines at www.filipinakisses.com.

How To Approach Asian Girls If You Are A White Guy?

White guys may think Asian girls are an easy catch, but really, it’s not a walk in the park. Although white guys look pretty interesting to Asian women, one can never be too confident. You may look attractive, yes, and your being from a developed country like the United States may give you the edge, but keep in mind that Asian women are smart people whose appreciation of things go beyond the physical.

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So how do you approach Asian women if you are a white guy?

1) First rule, don’t approach an Asian woman if she’s all alone. That can scare her off and leave you with no second chances at all.  Wait until you see her with friends before making your move.

2) Tone down on the confidence level.  Don’t act as if you own the world. Asian girls prefer guys who are down to earth. Don’t boast that you have a fat wallet. Asian girls don’t really care much about that.

3) Strike up a conversation and keep the ball rolling. Stay off topics that are too personal and issues that are sensitive, like religion, for example. You don’t want to get on a heated debate on your first date, do you? Instead, ask her about the tourist attractions in her locality or the places she has been. Perhaps, you can also get into a conversation of things she likes to do after work or during free hours. Refrain from talking too much about yourself.

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4) Work on your sense of humour. Not everyone is gifted with the ability to make people laugh naturally. If you are not blessed with this gift, either, it’s not too late to work on it. Make time to research on a few pick up lines and know exactly how and when to use them!

5) Understand that barriers exist. Know what these are and learn to get past them. Communication is very important but considering that you are worlds apart, this can pose a problem. There won’t be much of an issue if the Asian girl is a Filipina because Filipino women speak and understand the English language. But girls in other Asian countries may not be very comfortable expressing themselves in English. Some may not even be able to fully understand spoken English. It you are planning to visit an Asian country, then, do make an effort to learn a few catchy lines in the native language so when you do have to approach an Asian girl you can try to impress her with words spoken in her native tongue.   

You have to understand, too, that Asian girls are more conservative than their Western counterpart. So be careful with the language you use. And don’t try to seduce her on your first date.

6) Look and act like a gentleman. Does it sound archaic? Apparently not, when you are dealing with an Asian woman. Looks are not everything, yes, but make an effort to look neat and clean at the very least. Hygiene, for Asian women, are very important, so don’t leave home without shaving your beard or taking a bath if you have plans of meeting or approaching an Asian woman. Also, gain her respect by being courteous and not talking too loudly, cursing, drinking heavily, and being overly demanding. It is also rude to stare or ogle.    

7) Dazzle her with your smile. What girl can resist a smile that extends from one ear to the next? But make sure you have nice teeth to go along with the smile.

Asian girls are an interesting lot and if you want to enjoy their company, you’ll just have to make the right move from the start.

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If You Are Planning to Visit the Philippines Which Places Would You Like to See and Check Out?

You must have heard it said all too often – “it’s more fun in the Philippines”. A tropical country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is truly blessed with abundant natural resources, world-class beaches, historic locations, and scenic spots. If you’re planning to visit the Philippines, here’s a shortlist of places you would like to see and check out:

1) Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located on the northern coast of Palawan (an island province southwest of Manila, named as the World’s Best Island) is Puerto Princesa, where lies the now world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, declared as one of New Natural Wonders of the World. This underground river is the longest navigable river in the world, but even more amazing are the natural rock formations (yes, they are nature’s very own carvings!) tourists will find while paddling through the cave.

Just around 98 miles southeast of Puerto Princesa is the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, declared as a World Heritage Site because of its coral islands and immaculate coral reefs that are home to marine life of various kinds and color. Hailed as a diver’s paradise, the Tubbataha Reefs is a must visit by people who want to explore the great beyond.

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2) El Nido, Palawan. Another place to visit in Palawan is the municipality of El Nido, home to the world-famous El Nido Resorts, where guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as snorkeling, hiking, island-hopping, or experience nature at its very best. El Nido boasts of white-sand beaches and emerald-colored lagoons, and the title as one of the best beaches in the world.

3) Boracay Island, Malay. The white sandy beaches of Boracay Island in the province of Aklan have literally put the province of Aklan on the map. Tourists from all over the world, and from all parts of the Philippines, make time to visit this world-famous beach resort, which besides the white sandy beaches and the crystal blue waters does offer plenty of other activities for everyone.

After your Boracay escapade, do stop by the Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington, Aklan, which sits on a 2.6 hectare property, and is owned by Sam Butcher, the man behind the Precious Moments dolls. Within the Sampaguita Gardens, where it’s Christmas all throughout the year, are the Samuel J. Butcher Mansion, the precious Moments Meditation Chapel, and Jojo’s Christmas Cottage.

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4) Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur in Northern Luzon, is another World Heritage Site, famous for the beautiful Spanish homes on cobblestone streets. Also a must-visit in Vigan are the Baluarte (fortress) that houses a mini zoo, the Bantay Belfry which sits on a hill and provides an amazing view of Vigan, and the Playa de Oro Resort, to name a few. Amidst wars and natural calamities, Vigan has kept its beauty throughout the years.

5) Donsol, Sorsogon. Donsol used to be considered a “sleeping fishing village” until it was discovered to be inhabited by whale sharks. Now tourists flock the once sleeping village not only to see the whale sharks but to interact and even swim with them!

6) Bohol. The Province of Bohol in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines is home to The Chocolate Hills, which are actually mole hills of about 30 to 50 meters high. During the rainy season, the green grass covers the mounds but come summertime, the grass withers and turns brown. Bohol is also home to virgin forests where you can find the smallest monkey in the world, the Tarsier.

There are still many other places in the Philippines where one can spend a memorable vacation. The important thing is to plan your itinerary well, especially if you do not have a lot of time in your hands. Sometimes, a great amount of time is spent arguing on what to do and where to go next. If you are planning to visit the Philippines, it may be wise to consult a travel agent or a tourist guide to help you make the most of your time. If you would rather do things your way, find out the weather conditions of the area on the period you intend to visit, and find out as much as you can about the places you wish visit. It’s more fun in the Philippines, isn’t it?

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True or False: Filipino Women Generally Make Great Partners and Know How to Treat a Man?

It  seems funny how the statement is made to sound like it’s a test question in social science. But, truth  be told, Filipino women generally do make great partners and, yes, they very well know how to treat a man, as well.

Maybe it is because it is in the very nature of Filipino women to be nurturing. Or maybe it is also because Filipinos generally are family-oriented. Only in the Philippines can you find several generations of families still living under one roof, or in the same compound at the very least.. Indeed that’s how close their family ties are.

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Filipinos consider their families as their strongest support group. Values are learned and developed from this smallest unit of society. It is here where they learn and experience being loved and how to love in return. This is where they learn values of respect and patience, values that keep a relationship solid and strong, and values that they carry with them when they grow up and get into a relationship.

Why Filipino women generally make great partners and know how to treat a man is also because of the nature of Filipinos to be hospitable. Yes, hospitality is a key trait of Filipinos, and it’s something that’s known all over the world. Indeed, Filipinos give their visitors the red carpet treatment. They prepare the best foods, lay down their best utensils, pull down their new curtains, offer them the best room in the house. Filipinos go the extra mile to make sure that their guests are well-fed and happy. If that’s how they treat their houseguests, how much more the men in their life?

Filipinos are brought up to be God-fearing and religious. Their faith teaches them that marriage is sacred, and adultery a big sin. Although western influences and modernization have influenced the way Filipinos live their married life, many still remain faithful to their vows. Things are not always smooth-sailing, of course, but because Filipinos believe that marriage is meant to last a lifetime, they try their best to save their marriage at all cost.

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So, exactly what can you expect when you have a Filipino woman for a partner? In a nutshell:

1) Career person or not, you can expect her to take care of your needs, like cook for you, prepare the things you need for work, etc. You can depend on her to keep the house clean and organized, and the children taken cared of as well.
2) She will eagerly await you when you get home and listen to your stories.
3) She will make you laugh when you’re feeling low and dejected.
4) She will keep you company when you get home late from work.
5) She can serve as your conscience; someone to tell you you’re going wayward or doing things wrong.
6) She can remain faithful till the end for as long as you don’t abuse her physically or emotionally, and for as long as you don’t give her any reason to leave you..
7) She can be your best friend for life.
8) She will protect your family and fight for your relationship.
9) She will light up your home, and your life.
10) She will stand by her man, through thick or thin.

Needless to say, it always “takes two to tango”, as the saying goes. The Filipino woman shouldn’t be the only one doing all to save a relationship. Her partner should also do his share to make the relationship work and last a lifetime. If you are a foreigner who desires to marry a Filipina, you must try harder as there are more barriers to break, such as communication, cultural and religious differences. But once you have broken through these barriers, you will realize that Filipino women generally make great partners and know how to treat a man.

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What Are Some Aspects of Filipino Culture That is Attractive to Western Tourists?

Lately, a tremendous increase in the number of Western tourists has been experienced in the Philippines. While the recognition of Boracay and Palawan as among the World’s best resorts and the naming of the Undergound River in Puerto Princesa as one of the New Wonders of the World have without a doubt immensely contributed to the statistical results, there are many aspects of the Filipino culture Western tourists find attractive and which make them want to come back to the Philippines over and over again.

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For one thing, there’s the hospitality thing which Filipinos are very well known for. It is part of the Filipino culture to be hospitable. Anywhere in the Philippines, you’ll find Filipinos attending to their guests as if they’re royalty. When Filipinos know you are coming for a visit, they will put their “best foot forward”, not to show off, but to make you feel comfortable. Filipinos will hang their new curtains, change the beddings, polish the floors, and serve you the best foods on their best china! They will even offer you their own bed if they don’t have a guest room for you to stay in. And if you are staying for a few days, they will take some time off from their daily activities to get you around town. It’s really very rare for a Filipino not to go the extra mile for a guest, and this is one aspect of the Filipino culture that many Western tourists appreciate greatly.

Filipinos are also family-oriented. Filipinos uphold family ties and they have a deep respect for the elderly. In the Philippines, it is not uncommon to see families (up to the 3rd and 4th generations in many instances) living together, getting together or doing stuff together. Such a sight brings a warm feeling to anyone, especially to Westerners who may not have seen their own parents since they left home at 18.

The fiesta celebrations and festivals in the Philippines which showcase the Filipino culture and which have themselves formed part of the Filipino culture also serve as an attraction to Western tourists. Fiestas are held even in small political units like the barangay, and in almost every part of the country, festivals are being celebrated monthly. For Western tourists coming to the Philippines, witnessing these events first-hand is truly de-stressing.

The Filipino’s way of celebrating Christmas is another tourist attraction. Only in the Philippines will you experience the celebration of Christmas beginning as early as September. The Philippines, it is said, is one country that has the longest Christmas celebrations. Come September, radio stations start playing traditional Christmas hymns and, the malls are decorated with Christmas stuff. By November, the houses are well lit with Christmas lights, and by December, everyone, wealthy or not, is in a gay and generous mood. It’s almost impossible for anyone not to be influenced or affected by the Christmas spirit.

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There are many Filipino traditions that Westerners delight in, such as the Mano Po, which is the Filipino way of greeting the elderly. Mano Po is done by taking the right hand of the elderly and bringing the back of it (hand) to one’s forehead.

Filipinos eating with their hands is an interesting sight to Westerners. It’s called Kinamay or Kamayan, a well-loved Filipino tradition right to this day. I don’t know how this affects the taste, but it does make eating Filipino dishes more fun.  

Western tourists are attracted to Filipino courtship and wedding traditions, which typically involve practically every member of the Bride’s family. In the Philippines, it is customary for a foreign guy to meet the girl’s family if he wants to get serious with her. He will have to make time and effort to go to the Philippines to show the girl and her family that his intentions are pure. Getting together and blending with the girl’s family in the Philippines is usually what makes it a fun experience for the foreigner.

Usually, the bride’s family will insist on a church wedding being held in the Philippines. Weddings in the Philippines are more fun, with the long line of entourage, and almost everyone in the barangay invited to witness the occasion. The night before the wedding, festivities are usually held in honor of the engaged couple, and on the wedding day itself, another party will be hosted. Although the entire process may take a longer time, for many Westerners, the Filipina is worth going back to the Philippines for!

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What is the Process to Marry a Girl From the Philippines and Bring Her to the United States?

We’ve heard it said all too often, “A Filipina’s worth everything!” Indeed, many foreign men will go through all the trouble to marry a Filipina. But really, it can’t all be that troublesome with the availability of tools and information online. Following are some guides should you decide to make the next move following a successful courtship and marriage proposal:

First, and foremost, you need to present proof that you have legal capacity to contract marriage, presuming of course that the girl you want to marry is beyond 24 already, otherwise the first thing that needs to be done is to get parental consent (if the girl is between 18-21 years old) or parental advice (if the girl is between 22-24 years old). Granting that is not the case or has already been taken cared of, make an appointment with the US embassy in Manila or Consular Agency in Cebu  to execute an Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage. You will be asked to present the printout of the confirmation of your appointment, as well as your passport, documents proving that you are free to marry and other relevant documents, so make sure you have these ready when you visit either office. Payment of the filing fee may be done in cash or through credit card.

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Having hurdled that, you can now apply for a marriage license at the Office of the Civil Registrar in the municipality or city where you or your fiancee is residing, bringing with you the Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, your US passport, documents showing you are single or free to marry.

With a Philippine marriage license, you can get married to your Filipina fiancee before a judge, mayor, or anyone who is authorized by the Philippine government to administer the ceremony.

It has to be understood that your marriage to a Filipina does not grant her eligibility to enter the United States. It is necessary that you, a US citizen, file a Petition for Immigrant Visa (also known as I-130) with the local USCIS (that’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). The process can take up to two years, however, and that means you will not be able to take your wife to the United States till then.

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A shorter route to get your wife to the United States when you have already filed the I-130 Visa is to get her  the K3 Visa (otherwise known as the Non-immigrant Visa for Spouse). This normally takes around eight months to a year to process. Of course, it is understood that you are qualified to file the petition in this case. Needless to say, you need to present proofs of your US citizenship and your wife’s FIlipino citizenship, valid IDs issued by the government, your marriage license, and some photos of you as a couple.

Once your wife receives her K3 Visa, she may now enter the “Land of the Free” where she can move to change her non-immigrant status to immigrant.

If one year still sounds like a long time, you may want to consider getting a Fiancee Visa (I-129F), which can be done in just about six months or even less. The Fiancee Visa a non-immigrant type of visa that will allow you to take your fiancee to the United States and get married there. The Fiancee Visa is conditional, however. It requires that marriage must take place within 90 days from arrival to the US.

But as they say, “it’s more fun in the Philippines”, and that includes getting married. Indeed, for many Filipina women (and foreign men), there’s nothing like getting married in the Philippines, where not just the whole family, but the entire barangay, can witness the proceedings. Getting married in the Philippines is an experience you really wouldn’t want to miss. From the preparation right to the reception, are funny and memorable moments you are sure to cherish for the rest of your life.

Time flies, anyway, so one year or two years of waiting may only seem like a long time, but really it’s not. Besides, there’s the internet to keep you connected until you can be together physically in the United States.

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What Attracts A Filipina To A Foreigner?

These days it is not uncommon to find Filipina women in the arms of foreign men. But why the attraction between these two races? What attracts a Filipina to a foreigner?

There is the notion that Filipino women who go for foreign men are just after one thing – money. That’s largely debatable, of course. After all, not all foreigners are wealthy. True, the Philippines is still a developing nation, and the US is already a fully developed country, but it does not mean that all Filipinos are poor and all those living in the United States are rich.

Filipina Wedding
Filipina Wedding in the Philippines

Well, it may also be that one dollar can go a long way in the Philippines, but it’s an entirely different scenario back in the States, especially in the midst of recession. People are losing homes and jobs in the states, and yet there doesn’t seem to be a downtrend where romance between Fil-Ams is concerned. Moreover, in the US, spending a dollar is spending a fortune, which also goes to say that what appears to be loads of money in the Philippines isn’t all that much when spent in the US, so, really, it can’t be all because of money that Filipinas are attracted to foreigners.

So what attracts a Filipina to a foreigner?

There are many things that draw a Filipina to a foreigner, such as the need to try something different, for instance.

Long gone are the days when women would just content themselves with provincial life. It’s not that it’s a bad thing, of course. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong, either, with venturing out or tasting a different menu, so to speak. For a Filipina, it can be a thoroughly exciting experience to have a relationship with foreign men, with their free spirit, and amid cultural and religious differences. Dating a foreigner is not necessarily an upgrade in what one may be used to, but the many differences between them do give a relationship some spice.

Foreign men are also seen as one’s ticket to visit other countries outside the Philippines. True, it’s more fun in the Philippines, but for someone who has lived in the Philippines all her life, there is that longing to see the the United States with all its glamour and glory. Who can blame her, right? Think about Hollywood, designer clothes and bags, and world-class tourist spots, to name a few!

But everyone knows just how difficult (and expensive) it is to get a tourist or even a working VISA to the US. It’s been said, in fact, that if you are a professional who simply want to see the world, your chances are better if you simply look for an American fiance to get you out of the Philippines and bring you to the United States than apply for a tourist VISA. Then once your passport has been stamped, it will be loads easier to travel to other parts of the world. Having said this, it’s not at all surprising why Filipinas would be attracted to foreigners.

A Filipina may also be forced by a need to start anew, even if it meant being away from her family. A bad experience at home may have left her with no other recourse but to seek refuge or comfort in the arms of someone who is not at all Filipino. It does happen at times that it takes someone from a completely different background to appreciate you or make you realize what’s important to you. A complete change of environment and an entirely new set of friends may be good for a Filipina’s soul, in this case.

A Filipina who was once married to a Filipino may also be attracted to a foreigner so as not to make the same mistake. Surely, you have heard it said too often, been there, done that. Well, indeed, if she didn’t find true love with a Filipino, she might have better chances of finding true love with someone who’s not. Who could tell, right?

Can Anyone Give Me Some Information About Some Hotels in Iloilo City, Philippines?

Can anyone give me some information about some hotels in Iloilo City, Philippines?

Throngs of people are coming to Iloilo City for a number of reasons. Some want to witness the city’s grandiose festivals, such as the Dinagyang or Paraw Regatta. Others make time to visit family and friends, and see for themselves some of the city’s most magnificent, and oldest structures. Business people are in the city, too, to attend conventions, seminars, and events.

Iloilo, Philippines
Iloilo, Philippines

Regardless of whether you are in Iloilo for business or pleasure , you will need a place to stay, and you will not be disappointed as there are many choices of hotels, pension houses, inns, and boarding houses (that offer transient accommodations) to suit one’s lifestyle and budget.

Among the finest and more established hotels in Iloilo City are:

1) Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. A four-star hotel located at General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Sarabia Manor and Convention Center, is the biggest hotel in Iloilo City, with 187 air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with internet access, TV, and refrigerator, just to name a few. There’s a kiddie pool and adult pool, and several function halls in Sarabia Manor that can accommodate up to 1,200 persons. There are several restaurants, too, that specialize in Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Filipino cuisines. Sarabia Manor Hotel has been named “Best Hotel” on two occasions, one in the year 2000, and the second time in 2006.

2) Hotel Del Rio. A Spanish European inspired hotel located in Molo, Iloilo City, Hotel Del Rio is one of the more reliable and frequented hotels in the city. It has 60 air-conditioned rooms, each with plasma TV, refrigerator, telephone, and wifi-access. It has a small kidney-shaped pool overlooking the scenic Iloilo River.

3) Days Hotel. Days Hotel is located at the fourth floor of the Atrium Mall, right in the heart of Iloilo City. It has 70 air-conditioned rooms, carpeted flooring, a restaurant, function rooms, a spa and gym. Days Hotel may be a bit pricier than the other hotels in Iloilo City, but the fact that it’s accessible to almost everything makes it all worthwhile.

4) Amigo Terrace Hotel. Amigo Terrace Hotel, along Iznart Street (a business street), Iloilo City, has just completed a major renovation, and has re-established itself as one of the best hotels in the city. Major attractions are the Amigo Terrace Arcade, the restaurant, and the boutiques and shops found within the hotel itself.

There’s also a shortlist of business class hotels in the city:

1) Grand Dame Hotel. The Grand Dame Hotel is conveniently located in LaPaz, Iloilo City, just across the LaPaz Public Market. It’s a boutique hotel with only 35 rooms, but is quite well known because of the Emilion Restaurant that sits on the third floor of the hotel, offering lunch and dinner buffet.

2) The Iloilo Grand Hotel. The Iloilo Grand Hotel is an imposing structure in front of the Central Market in downtown Iloilo. It has 110 rooms and many large function rooms that are often used as venues for meetings, conferences, seminars, and conventions.

3) Century 21 Hotel. Century 21 Hotel along Gen. Luna Street, Iloilo City, has one of the lowest room rates, starting at only P825.00 (for single occupancy). It has 63 air-conditioned rooms and several KTV rooms, and a restaurant .

Hotels at Smallville Complex:

Right inside the Smallville complex (a party place, no less!) in the district of Mandurriao, Iloilo City (a business district) are three-star hotels such as:

1) Iloilo Business Hotel. The first hotel to have opened in Smallville, Iloilo Business Hotel has 60 rooms, all air-conditioned, and with LCD cable TV, refrigerator, minibar, and wifi access. The hotel is also noted for its delicious buffet dinners.

2) Westown Hotel. Westown Hotel is located just across Iloilo Business Hotel. This four-storey hotel has 90 air-conditioned rooms, a KTV and billiards hall, several function rooms and a swimming pool.

3) Smallville 21 Hotel. The newest hotel to have opened in Smallville Complex, Smallville 21 Hotel boasts of 60 air-conditioned rooms, all affordably priced, and KTV rooms, where friends and guests can jam the whole night.

For the budget-conscious, there are several budget hotels to choose from:

1) Iloilo Midtown Hotel. The Iloilo Midtown Hotel at Yulo Street, Iloilo City, is a popular choice not only because of its very affordable rates, but also because of its restaurant which specializes in Chinese dishes.

2) River Queen Hotel. River Queen Hotel along Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City (beside the Iloilo River) is an old hotel in Iloilo City. It’s one of the oldest, in fact, but still reliable.

Notwithstanding your budget, it is always wise to read reviews of hotels in Iloilo City from credible sources. Make time to visit the hotel’s website, if it has one, and try to read up on what others are saying about it. True, you may only be needing a place to sleep in, but surely you will want to be comfortable and happy while you are in Iloilo City, the City of Love!

What should an American guy do to start courting a woman from the Philippines?

It may be easy for an American guy to be attracted to a woman from the Philippines, but getting her to fall in love with you may be far easier said than done. There are many barriers to courting a Filipina and these conflicts have to be dealt with properly if you want a serious, long, and lasting relationship.

Filipino American Sam Milby with Filipina Judy Ann Santos
Filipino American Sam Milby with Filipina Judy Ann Santos (TV Series “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala”)

Among the major issues are the differences in culture, the very thing that defines a country. Culture is what’s unique to a particular country, so it’s definitely a huge challenge to break through this barrier.  Although you are not expected to adapt yourself to the Filipino culture, you need to, at the very least, respect it. But first of all, you must familiarize yourself with the Filipino culture. That only makes sense, doesn’t it? What is the FIlipino culture, and how does it differ from the American culture?

Going over some materials on the web, you’ll discover that generally, Filipino women:

1)  are very attached to their families. It’s often the case that even married Filipinos still live under one roof with their families. So when planning to court a Filipino girl, expect to involve her family in the entire process. Get to know, not only her, but her siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, and so on.

2) are religious.  The Philipines is, by and large, a Catholic nation. So don’t be surprised if the woman you want to date is Catholic. If that’s the case, and you’re not, just be sure to show respect to her religious beliefs. And even if you feel strongly about your religion, don’t force her to change hers.

3) have a deep respect for the elderly. Americans usually call the elderly by their first names, but Filipinos regard them with more respect. If you are “meeting the parents” for the first time, address the mom and dad as “Ma’am” and “Sir”, respectively. A more formal approach is to call them Mrs. or Mr. so and so, but don’t talk to them on a first-name basis, unless that’s what they really want.

4) are conservative. Western influences may be apparent in the way modern Filipinas dress and act, but many Filipinas are still pretty much conservative. So don’t criticize or don’t be turned off when you see your Filipino girl not in a revealing outfit. And don’t expect that your first date will end up in bed as that is not very likely to happen.

There are also communication barriers that you need to address if you want to start courting a woman from the Philippines. Filipinas are generally educated and smart people, and many of them, in fact, have strong English communication skills, but always give due consideration to the fact that Filipino is still her primary language.

Keeping these in mind, you need to show utmost sincerity to the Filipino woman of your dreams. If are meeting online, it is important that you keep this up, but it is just as important to make time and effort to meet her and her family personally. True, America is miles away from the Philippines, and you’ll be needing a lot of money for plane fare, little souvenirs for everyone, and other essentials, but going through such trouble is one of the ways you can prove that you really are sincere.

An American guy has to be true to her, as well as to himself. Don’t play around with her dreams because her dreams represent her future. If you think you can fool her with false promises and lies, don’t expect you can simply get away with it. The Filipina woman does not deserve to fall victim to such an act. And remember, there is such as thing as bad karma, so if you want to start courting a woman from the Philippines, make sure that your intentions are pure, to begin with.

What do women in the Philippines think about dating an American born Filipino Men?

Does it really matter what do women in the Philippines think about dating an American born Filipino men? Well, not all modern Filipino women think the same when it comes to dating Amercan born Filipino men, that’s for sure. Some say it’s cool to have a Fil-Am boyfriend because it makes them look and sound “sosyal” (in English, that means classy).

Filipino American Sam Milby with Judy Ann Santos
Filipino American Sam Milby with Judy Ann Santos

You see, although English is widely used and understood in the Philippines, not all Filipino women speak English like it’s their primary language. Those who do are usually the “colegialas” and society’s top guns (the “upper class” in other words) only. Dating an American-born Filipino man will enable you to practice conversing in English, making you “sosyal” in the eyes of many.

Dating American-born Filipino men is also seen as a passport to the US. Getting a VISA to the United States, whether to work or go on vacation, is very difficult these days, especially if you are young, single, and ambitious. Without a fiance VISA, you might as well say “bye-bye” to your dream of going to the “Land of the Free” for now. But on the other side of the fence are Filipina women who may not like the idea of dating American-born Filipino men. For one thing, there’s the language barrier. As was said earlier, not all Filipinas can express their thoughts eloquently in English. So to save them from utter humiliation, they may prefer not entertain guys who speak American English at all.

There’s also the connotation that American-born Filipino men are overconfident, arrogant, and too full of themselves, and for some women, that’s a huge turnoff.

So guys, if you think you can get just get about any Filipina girl out there simply because you are an American born Filipino, think again. The road may be a lot tougher to walk on than you think!

Filipino American Sam Milby and Judy Ann Santos
Filipino American Sam Milby and Judy Ann Santos
(TV Series “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala”)

Differences in culture are also another factor why some Filipino women are hesitant to date American-born Filipino men. If the American-born Filipino has adopted the American way of life, he will appear to be more liberated, and unafraid of speaking his mind. And that can be scary for a Filipina who has spent her life at home, cloistered, and protected by her own family. This brings me to yet another point, that Americans, are not as family-oriented as Filipinos, and that can become an issue sooner or later.

Indeed, the American culture is entirely different from the culture women in the Philippines grew up in, but the challenge can be faced fair and square. True, there are many relationships that have blossomed between a Filipina and an American-born Filipino, and that is because, one, both parties are willing to meet halfway, and two, the desire for each other is not influenced by the lure of money or pride.

What do women in the Philippines think about dating an American born Filipino men does not matter in the end when you embrace the other person for who he is deep inside without forgeting who you are.