Why, will I get robbed if I wore on jewelry, incl. a gold watch, in public? Just curious, so I'm asking.
In the country I live in now, everybody, esp. women wear a lot ot of 22 K gold jewelry as part of their daily attire. There are jewelry robberies (it's called 'chain snatching') but compared to the quantity of gold worn daily, it is small.

Not wearing flashy jewelry is a sound advice because like in any country, there are unsafe places and bad people, and even some good people tempted to commit bad acts (unfortunately to some people here, it could be a matter of life and death for a family member; survival -- many people are poor and starving). So it's safer for a foreigner, who is not familiar with unsafe places and people to keep out of danger by not calling attention to themselves.

In a small quantity its ok,but dont wear a diamonds and your new iphone6 or more expensive one in slum area,unless you live there and friends all of them.
I don't want to destroy the tourism here what I said is a hint to all foreigners who wants to visit RP.What I saw in 19robert54's profile picture is that his with real people who loved him and protect him no matter what,that the true pinoy.Love them,respect them and you can have all the respect and hospitality you ever wanted as a tourist.

I would also like to visit there. The people are just so nice and polite I am sure I would love it there.

I lived there on the countryside for 6 months. I been to Manila, Cebu Tacloban. And i spend a long time in Ormoc city. I survived the supertyphoon Yolanda. And witnessed the kind and warm spirit of the people there. Even after the disaster, people where more then willing to help out. Even when they also lost their house like me. They are the kindest people i have met this far. Especially in the countryside.

Why you don't wear jewelry in Philippines would you eat ice cream in front of children . No when in Rome do as the romans. Philippino people are simple. If you wish to really enjoy the Filipino people don't go there looking like a movie star. The president makes $1200 a month a congressman makes $1000 a month. A good wage is$500 a month ddon't go there and be arrogant n flashy. You won't not walk south end Chicago dressed like a movie star either. They are simple happy people your going to their home.

If that happens,I'm happy to welcome you here and I'll cook Adobo for you.

Manila by far safest city I've been to. Any fool can get into trouble in any city.

I'll be home soon..cook some for me ate amilia..miss it much...

why not just message me and love to meet you,kaibigan.

ohhh..they wont robbed you Sam..just bring that lightsaber with you..

salamat..yes..yes..I will..

Just tell when,but not on New year's day.I'm going home that time to spend the holiday with my tatay.

Things I suggest if you go even if you stay nice resort. Find a local fisherman and trade a lechon party (roast a pig) for a day fishing on the sea. It will cost about $200 u will be helping the village party all day into the night really get to know them and a day on the sea. They will climb for a coconut for u. Fresh coconut u eat with a spoon its soft n masarap.

Yes, the president of Phils may make US $1200/month, and the senators US $ 1000/month, but how is it, like in many other Asian countries, they become multimillionaires after they enter politics? What happened to the few billion dollars in int'l aid the Phils govt received after typhoon Haiyon hit last November? In the worst hit region, Samar, there is no return of people, or reconstruction to speak of! Why? Because all this int'l aid has been syphoned off by these people who make $1200/mo. and $1000/mo! I'm sure India and the Philippines are mighty proud they are ranked 94/131 on Transparency International's Corruption Index 2013 inspite of both countries being democracies!!!
Btw, going by your logic, even most middle class Indians would look like movie stars in Phils going by the amt of gold they wear as part of their daily attire!!!
The problem is that 99% of westerners of all hues visit Asian countries wearing on rose-tinted glasses and think the poverty around is exotic!!!

I don't go to Palawan Bohol or any fancy resorts stayed squatter village in antipollo fishing village daan bantanyan I take their poverty very serious. They already think all foreigners are rich. You go to province looking rich they will be too shy to talk to you. Keep it simple shorts T-shirt if you are flashy they will be too shy. U will miss a lot.

If. You are just going to resort wear what ever you like. There is plenty protection there.

Speaking of democracy here, it is well manifested, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. I love my country but NOT our government.

Helping others despite the disaster,we called it "Bayanihan".Countryside are more warmth to accept tourist.We loved to see blonde hair,red hair or no hair at all coming to our place.

Mabuhay ka Pilipinas! Long live to all the Countries.... Salamat to all the appreciation.. God bliss everyone! Welcome to the Philippines.