Biggest Danger to Foreigners is themselves, lack of self discipline, be respectful and aware of your soroundings at all times.

Not just dogs cats also, lady from Norway, that befriended a kitten, the kitten bit her,when she returned to Norway, where she died of Rabies,

From my personal experience, I never felt like I was ever in danger or unsafe the couple times I visited, both the Luzon and Visayas regions. The one thing I found common with almost all the Filipinos, was the excellent customer service and general manners towards foreigners.

1. Driving - I won't be doing any driving - bike or car 2. Flooding - I'll be in the city, in a high rise 3.Taxis - I always make sure the meter is on and have lots of change 4. Dating - I won't be dating any women, but if I do meet a woman I'll check her status with The P.S.A. 5. Dogs - I'll be carrying pepper spray (legal in P.I.) Most likely, these preventions will save me from harm.

I've ridden a scooter in CdO, Mindanao. Two things I really hated was oncoming traffic turning left in front of on coming traffic and overtaking just as you are making a left turn. These two things can make it deadly if you're not road savvy.

When the wife and I moved to Davao City, I bought a Yamaha 750 from a fellow American with worn breaks and a broken shifter. I repaired it and spent time telling myself that guy just didn't know how to ride. In six months of going from Emily Homes in Cabantian to G Mall in Buhangain a few times a week, I broke the shifter, wore out the breaks, replaced the tires, and probably never went above 30 mph for more than a few hundred feet. Sold the bike to another American who flat-out told me I didn't know how to drive. The last I saw of the bike was 2 weeks later from a taxi where it was bent, broken, and half way down an embankment

I'm a local and my friends and I almost got scammed by a taxi driver. You can get out of the taxi and wait for another. Do it politely though

All you said are true. You just need to be aware of your surroundings. Even local got scammed too.

Very true. I agree. Thank you for bringing it up.🤗👍

I drive in General Santos and the surrounding provinces, it is different - you have to get used to it and Dr Laway is simply offering advice (not Filipino bashing). I probably will never get used to it, but like driving and it is more convenient than taxi or tricycle. The road rules are simple; big cars get preference, first in first served when turning, stopping etc - pedestrians have no rights. The government is trying to change the driving culture to a more organised and safer environment for all - but this will not happen overnight and trying to change people's attitudes is hard. The government is cracking down on emissions introducing compulsory vehicle testing every year for both cars and motor cycles. As most people who drive tricycles can not afford extra burdens like taxes, licence and tests - most will try to avoid it. As long as you understand these simple rules you have better chance of not making mistakes. Also, DO NOT forget you (The foreigner) are in their country and will always lose the argument/mis- understanding. My advice is - stay calm, obey the rules and accept the situation, even if you think you are in the right. Accepting my own advice is difficult even for me, as I regularly get "curve balls" where my patience is tested, but moving on is definitely the best way to keep out of trouble. Us foreigners can not have it both ways or throw stones at glass houses. All this is said as advice only as help for foreigners (as is the point of Dr Laway's Channel), and hope this accepted in the spirit it is meant to be taken. Gonna go and lie down now....

Good video. I have been living here for over a year and this man knows what he is talking about.

Great advice. Thank you very much for this video!!!

Taxi drivers in Baguio are the most honest in the whole country

Good job for sharing that.. Beware and be wised..

Good stuff Dr.L.

Thanks for the info !

Good to know. Thanks

Thanks man! 👍

Thanks!

Great advice

good stuff man !

nice practical advice, thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the heads up, subscribed.

On point Dr.L

Thx for taking the time to pass that along

your very right about the TAXI issue. It can get very expensive. The one good thing about staying in nice hotels is if a taxi driver cheats or over charges one of there customers, they wont let them come back if you report them an turn in to the hotel the taxi number. Also, do not date a married Filipina. WARNING.....IT CAN GO SOUTH. Most of the time there husband an kids are involved an maybe the family too. They do it for money. I was once blackmailed. Be CAREFUL. There kids will be part of it also. Just use good judgement. Its a really good idea to really know your Filipina, she can save you lots of money in the long run. Also, if you choose to stay in a very nice hotel, only reserve for 1. Then let your Filipina come in after you go to your room. It can save you hundreds of dollars. The hotels are use to Filipinas going an coming in the hotels. Always reserve an rent for only 1 person. Have a good day guys. Just use the best judgement an ALWAYS stay on your TOES if you move around at night alone. Be careful wearing nice shoes an jewelry an never act like you are a STUD. 3 or 4 guys can come out of no where, and it can get bad. If your with a Filipina, its different. Imnot saying be Paranoid. I'm saying watch your surroundings very well if you move around at night.

Filipina pea made a video with a lawyer on a document to ask for which will say if she is married or not. If she has kids she’s probably married or have a boyfriend so I avoid kids altogether unless they are my own.

Thank you sir

1:23 Yep.... motorcycle accidents happen alot everywhere in the Philippines, same thing happened to my father back then, a goat went on the middle of the road and my father's driver had to stop quickly and almost got catapulted.

Its always good to watch your post no nonsense info. Adds to ammo against screwing up. On you stay in the Philippines.

Excellent information thank you for taking the time to put the video out you helped so many people Take care and keep up the good work Oh yeah and be safe

Nice list, ride safe, be alert and stay safe,

I like this guys voice, helped me fall asleep

Your good and fair, keep it up. I've been following you . good job.

THINK. Yes, just think how much revenue a city could get if all the traffic violators were cited including jeepneys, motorcycles, taxis and tricycles.

Thanks very informativ Video, Greetings Form Berlin 🙏🌸

Thank you for your advice. It's good that there's someone like you who notice these kinds of problems here in the Philippines and sorry for the people who had these problems. To all the people who will visit or want to be in the Philippines, think clearly and seriously before you decide. Again Thank you and Hope you had a great day!

Hi, I just started watching a few of your videos. You do indeed have worthwhile content for those of us who either want to return to the Philippines or visit for the first time. Good Stuff. I am now a New Subscriber. 😎

Love your channel. And hi from manila metro

One of the worse love scams I ever heard of is a ‘Filipina’ hooked an American and convinced him ‘she’ was in love with him…. The cano sold all his assets in USA that amounted to a substantial amount. His plan was to come here and marry ‘her’. Upon his arrival in Cebu he realized he had been talking to a bakla. He was so disappointed in himself for allowing himself to be so deceived is that he ended up suicide by jumping off a bridge.

Floods depends on what island you are ... but love your videos man ... keep it up

Good video

Also you can visit at zipper/backbone pineapple platation at polomolok south cotabato...

Nice video

enjoyed the video ,like you said , its not just "rich white foreigners" in the Philipines who get scammed , philipinos also get scammed . I did not know that rats carried rabies ,thank you for that warning .Ive seen more dead teenagers from motorcycle accidents in Mindanao than ive seen in 65 years in the UK , and i am a Biker here but i really do not fancy riding a bike in the Phils

In 2021, road accidents involving cars in Metro Manila in the Philippines accounted for 48 percent of the total road accidents involving vehicles. This was followed by motorcycle accidents which accounted for about 24 percent of the total vehicular accidents in the area.

I learned that taxi trick in 2006. Just don't get into the cab unless they turn the meter on. It's easier for me because I have a Filipina wife.....

There are rules, people just don't follow them, esp when there is no traffic police. I was living in Manila. When I went to Davao, I was surprised that the taxis gave me the change, even the centavos. I was so confused and did not know if I should accept the change. I was so used getting ripped off by taxis in Metro Manila lol

I’m a Filipino American. Yes feel your frustration. I was the same way when I was there just a few weeks ago. I don’t blame the brain dead motorist the Government should be blamed for not implementing the rules Nd enforcing them! No. Two: the street signs are missing everywhere: three: there’s no left turn lane. I can go on and on and my frustration will not end. It’s absolutely drive me insane every time I drive on the streets. You put stupid people to manage the government you get a stupid results!!!!!!

Thanks

Jeepies, running with no head lights and driving on wrong side of the road almost got me once

Yes there is never a dull moment in the Philippines, it's like the wild west here so don't be surprised when you see something crazy happen

My biggest concern is infrastructure. I can't tell you how many times I almost shattered, an ankle, plummeted to my death or serious injury by the many cracks, holes. drop steps, protruding pieces of steel etc, that defy the laws of physics. The sidewalks are very dangerous in the big cities. Even Bagiou is no exception.

Yup. Completely different kind of traffic..Lawa,are different there

Had a different experience with dogs when I went to visit Baguio. I was terrified at first, but noticed the dogs didn't care if you were there. Most of them just minded their own business, Lol. The only ones who showed any aggression were the ones who had pups and guard dogs.

In Davao City, I always had good luck with the Herna taxi app

I myself would mo longer take taxis as much as possible. I would prefer taking Grab.

My Husband loves to live in Davao city. Taxis are nice and also have so many fruits! He never complains about food because my mom has a vegetable garden

Yes You must be takecare even Filipinos and Foreigners Must be Pray to the Almighty for Protection.

I had the taxi scam happen to me in Cebu. I got in and I was distracted, and the driver never started the meter. So instead of 150 pesos he asked for 850 pesos. I ended up handing him 700 pesos and he was on his way, but after that I also check that they start the meter after I get in. I also generally limit the cash I have on hand and always make sure I have smaller bills. I also pretty much never use my credit/debit card here. I'll use it for Grab and that's about it.

Driving is very crazy here. I'm scared to drive in town but the transportation it's very easy here

I just happened upon this video. It's really funny because you could be just as easily talking about Taiwan. We have a lot of the same problems here, ESPECIALLY the scooters! We say, "Look both ways before crossing the sidewalk". Of course, there are almost no sidewalks in Taiwan. I really liked that you added the point of personal safety. It's something that FOBs are really shocked at. I am never aware of people around me when I go out at 3:00 in the morning because I'm always safe here. Try going out ignoring everything around you at 3:00 in the morning back home.

In about 3 months ill go to Davao. Your video helps me a lot. Thank you so much. If you have more tips, tricks and important things to know, please let me (us) know. Keep up the great work.

Great information, in the next video please list all the dangerous creatures that's can seriously hurt you or kill you...such as centipedes, vipers, cobras, jellyfish etc.. thanks 🙏

I live in Thailand with my son but I am moving to Davao to homeschool my son. Your videos are great

rent my mountain home in Cebu, what a beautiful view and sunsets, cool, no air con needed !

A very large number of traffic accident fatalities in the Philippines are pedestrians.(around 40%) passengers make up a large proportion too.

A girl I’ve been chatting with from there told me her brother died in a motorcycle accident 3 years ago. It’s very sad.

I use grab when i can instead of taxis when i can. Honest taxi drivers miss out unfortunately, atleast i know my cost first

Definitely agree with first 2, hadn't really thought much on the others. As a rider, the motorcycle issues irk me to no end (whether I am riding, driving, or walking) - there are established laws (generally viewed as suggestions) but zero enforcement until there is an accident (oh, well, you're at fault for violating law xyz). The typhoon dangers get me. It's odd that they can have an average of 5 "chika minute" (celebrity gossip) per newscast, but no weather segment, even with a named storm rampaging through the islands.... It's just expected weather, and "Siyang" if there's a loss of life or property that's weather related. (My opinion or observation at least) But, for all that, it's part of what makes the Philippines the Philippines, and a place that is unlike anywhere else - an amazing place to live. (I've been in Batangas Province for just shy of 7 years at this point)

Yeah, you're right. These things does happen here in the Philippines. It's a painful and ugly truth. But it really is undeniably happening.

Grab solves Taxi issues

Top 10 Pop or Density or High Up There. They sleep in cemeteries too.

You are right but you forgot to mention the "brown outs", "water stoppage", traffic enforcement, LBM, bad street food.

I agree with your assessments. I love going back to visit relatives and friends in my country of origin, but the disorderly traffic drains my energy each time we go out. The streets were not as crowded when we first left the Philippines. Dogs, there is always a pack or two on the streets, scares me, too. No taxis, relatives fetch us at the airport. Typhoons and flooding, we usually visit in the dry months. Nothing about love, we know what these women will do for the $$ or for a "bridge" to make it to the U.S.

Yeah, thanks - will get my rabies vaccination before travel.

The difference between motorcycles in Philippines and other Asian countries and the US is that drivers in the US spend a lot of time driving cars so they understand driving around cars but in Asia most motorcycle drivers have never driven a car.

It's quite common when at Manila Airport quite regularly coming out of the airport going for a taxi you will be stopped saying taxi these are overcharges in most cases. I always refuse and say I will get coupon from desk. It states the price which is fixed based on destination. But also if going to the shuttle bus to other terminals they will try and get you to use those taxis. It's recommended to always refuse. If you need a taxi get the coupon from the desk, and if you want the shuttle bus. Again refuse and proceed to the shuttle bus area, last time I traveled on the shuttle bus it was free but before the pandemic it used to cost 20 peso a fixed rate for all.

Yes.. you talking it in real talk. Most of them are scammers.Don't take taxi mostly here in the city.

#1 threat of violence. Many Filipinos believe it's your duty as a foreigner to give them money on command. In Manila i've run across 5-10 year old kids that immediately approach me with open hands saying "money, need money". Had they said hello and tried to make conversation first I'd gladly give them money. There are people inside and near every convenience store for begging. After i checked out at 7 Eleven a kid snuck up behind me and demanded i give him my change. He looked drugged out and approached me while moving up and down threateningly. People hold the door open at convenience stores and then hold their hands out. The begging is aggressive and demanding compared to the rest of the world. In other countries beggers often approach with a smile and a plea. Here it's often just hands out and gimme gimme. On my grab ride from the airport the driver wore oversized and dark sunglasses, several necklaces and braceletes and looked like an Asian gangsta. He asked me in his slurred terrible English if I wanted to take the "circle highway" for 50 peso more. After asking him to repeat several times I said, "i'm a tourist I don't know what that is". I was patient and polite with him but during the conversation he had the gall to ask me if I spoke English because I couldn't understand his monkey speak. Compared to Vietnam this country has low culture and self respect. #2 Low attention to details and lack of food safety. In two weeks of being in BGC/Makati i've had continuous food born sickness. Even in surprisingly affluent BGC almost every meal at an expensive restaurant has several mistakes in what I ordered or how its prepared and that eliminates confidence in food safety. Restaurants in BGC are much more expensive than they should be. There is an endemic lack of attention to detail in everything. The quality of construction of hotels and long term stay buildings is atrocious with uneven floors, slanted walls, ultra cheap everything including plastic bathroom fixtures. Vietnam is like a luxury destination compared to here and the price is far LOWER for far higher quality of accomodation and food. Despite all this it must be said that the people are warm. They want to make an acknowledgment of you on first sight and say a hello with a stare or a nod. It is affectionate and endearing. They like to make connections with others and talk. They are usually patient and happy about ever interraction. However, you VERY often cannot understand their English and when they repeat what they say they never slow down their cadence or change intonation to improve intelligibillity.

The dangers you mentioned are not only to foreigners. These are dangers to us Filipinos also.

8:20 saved by your angel 😇

Good info i was in laguna last year for our first meeting. Very sweet people. She was married before and found out after a few years that her husband was already married. So we have been waiting for the slow court system to rule that the marriage was invalid. Its been 2 years now since that started. Im coming there again 3 days after hopefully the final ruling. Many obstacles over the past 2 years with court system

I will be in Manila May 4th -11

Weather is dangerous anywhere

I was in province driving 25 days scooter if you obbey laws all is good !

In the airport NAIA .. there are shuttle buses that are free of charge .. for airport transfers to different airport terminals. Don’t ride taxi. And if you choose to ride a taxi, there are taxis in queue w/ meter & they can’t cheat! Just give the exact amount . Be ready to have small bill available with u or else wait till they give u the change.

5:36 I know a few cases like that. 😄

Very interesting and useful information, but why didn't you talk about Cobras blue ringed octopuses stone and rock fish or salt water crocks??? I get the impression that it's unlikely to encounter those things but they are potentially lethal unfortunately.

As a filipino I agree, but theres' more!

I’m wondering which vaccines if any that people recommend getting (such as Encephalitis, etc) for a 3 week trip including rural natural areas.

Advice from a Filipino, watch out for TAXI DRIVERS and RECKLESS MOTORCYCLE RIDERS and ROAD HAZARDS.

So tired of hearing about online dating scams. At this point if you’re dumb enough to fall for it you deserve all the pain you’ve got coming

Common sense goes a long way if used. A lot of people don't use it. Also paying attention to your surroundings. And a lot of people don't do that either.

"The motorcycle danger!" (Stress on the noise) 😂

Also forgot to mention that often buses and other crowded spaces are overfilled with coughing, sick Filipinos that make one sick. I do not know if this changed since I left just before the pandemic. The Philippines is really a pita. There are some things to love about it, but these do not for me outweigh the pain-in-the-ass things, noise, congestion and health threats. The arduous driving to get anywhere far from the congestion, etc..

ask for "cenomar". This is a certificate of no marriage from Phil Statistics Agency. Ensure it is a certified true copy. Otherwise, just order it online yourself and address it to someone you know. With it you'll know if a person is married or not. Unless, he/she cohabiting with a person (live in).

When I was there ever Filipina I met had a scar from motorcycle accidents.

I'm sssso skeeerd now

I made it to Davao!