[barrel]

(05-16-2016 01:39 PM)AvidArtisan Wrote:  

This is funny that you wrote this as I had a similar experience. I went to Manila recently and bought a 4 week round trip ticket and , while yes it was cheap and the girls were easy and fun to be around. There wasn't much culturally going on there because all the areas I stayed were trying to emulate america(makati/fort) so after a week I felt like I may as well be home except I'm just getting cheaper beer/food. I ended up booking a trip to Tokyo after like a week and a half in Manila and stayed in Tokyo for 7 days and in a day alone of just walking around shinjuku I already felt like the trip was worth it and my mind was completely altered( and I didn't even end up purchasing anything significant in Tokyo) . I flew back to Manila and stayed the extra week cause of my ticket and then enjoyed it alittle more because of Tokyo.

Sounds like you were slumming it in Manila with regards to girls and doing the opposite with regards to where you live. The waters are the slum are deep and dark if you choose to swim in them... but I wouldn't advise it, though the girls are easy. Upper class areas tend to seem quite westernized, but that is very much a facade.
But you know, I understand why, path of least resistance and all.
Its ok, more for us that know

If you think Filipinos have lost their culture you have truly not even scratched the surface of this extremely interesting and unique culture.
To be clear, they dont think like you... if you think that you simply never got to know anyone.

Edit: I am seeing 3 camps in this discussion.

Sexpats: Want easy and cheap... meh, standards are not high, many slums will suffice.

Those who want to see sites and experience a different culture but dont want to get their hands dirty.
The tradeoff here seems a more convenient experience with an easier entry barrier into seeing a bit of culture. But you will also be walking a well trodden road which is catered towards tourists.

I fall into the third: Those who want something raw and unadulterated. Not particularly interested in sight seeing or first world convenience. Tourist traps make you want to poke your eyes out. I find this more authentic and enjoy getting to know people over seeing landmarks or scenery (though those can be amazing too in the right company). The places you will enjoy will not cater themselves to your tastes. They will force you to bend and learn. You will need to work for that authentic experience.

No one place will satisfy all of these. In SE Asia... slums of Thialand and Philippines will satisfy the sexpat. Tourist trail in Thailand will satisfy someone who wants a bit more of a catered experience and the Philippines will satisfy someone who wants something unadulterated.
All of these perspectives seem valid to me, all depends on your needs.