norman
Gender: 
Age: 39
Zodiac: 
Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Angeles City
Home Country: philippines
|
 Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 2:02 am Post subject: Practical Guide - Part Two: |
 |
|
Part Two: Dealing/understanding with street-vendors, beggars, and urchins who accost you as you step out of your cab, and walk around tourist areas.
So, you arrive at your hotel, directly from the airport, the bellboy (if they have one) gets your bags…as soon as you step foot out of the cab, you might be accosted by one or two vendors, and at least one beggar (adult or child). The desperation in their eyes is quite fierce, but do not be afraid. Clutch your purse or handbag close, be sensitive to the fact that they will most probably appear blocking your way, don’t touch them in any way (you are in a country where more often than not, the foreigner is at “fault”. Remember that in several tourist areas in the PI, you are unfortunately not viewed as an asset, rather a target. It is a continuation of the “you have so much and I have so little” attitude.)
Unfortunately, no matter what happens to these street people, the authorities have a warped sense of “human rights”, where the tourist/foreigner often loses. Avoid any confrontation with them. Hold your bag tight, ignore them, be careful, and keep on walking.
The vendors will peddle belts, wallets, US-coins (?), fake Rolex watches, and they also often alarmingly peddle knives. If you are a single man, you will be accosted by men selling generic/fake *censored*. Prices quoted are around FIVE times the norm…even than a typical shopping-mall-price. If you stop…even for a minute and show any interest…they will hound you to no end…even follow you down the street for 100 meters. It will also attract two or three more vendors, along with street beggars. They smell a “live one” and will proceed to harass you to death. IGNORE! Show absolutely no interest……not even a glance.
If you think I am kidding, you will experience this even if you are in the process of stopping at a street-corner to cross, when a vendor approaches you. You are stopping to cross the street, but they view it as stopping-in-interest, hence the hounding begins. Just don’t get so frustrated/distracted so that you might walk into passing cars. 
Please don’t get angry with them, as it will only aggravate the situation. Think of it like you are dealing with kindergarten-kids that can’t take no for an answer. You are in the land-that-logic-forgot, so accept it and don’t get flustered. Just smile and keep on walking. ALWAYS SMILE. It confuses them, and eliminates animosity. If you wish to gain the “upper hand”, you can always wave your hand and say “ayoko na”, which means “I don’t want”. They will look at you in surprise and leave you alone….assuming you are a local resident. If the vendor gets more pushy, you can say: “Hinde ako Tanga”, which means “I am not stupid”. They tend to avoid you thereafter. 
Remember, these vendors sometimes/often have an amazing memory of faces, so it poses no advantage for you to start a fight with them, which you will lose anyways. I have seen some expat locals in Manila simply say “Excuse me” in a raised, firm voice to vendors that block their way, which tends to make them veer away.
Never forget…not for a moment…that despite all the malls, restaurants, cellphones, and SUV’s you see around the place, this is still a country were over 60% of the population is considered at poverty-level and desperation is tantamount. For many, even their next meal is in-question.
You are often viewed as the “rich white whale” who has “so much”. Your measly dollar can feed three people a minimal amount of food. If the belt vendor sells you a belt for 500peso, at his cost of 100, he has just practically earned two days of the common national minimal legal salary (less deductions). For most people in the PI, that could be considered 4 days salary.
Yes, most of it might be spent on a Red Horse Beer drunkfest (at around 18 peso per bottle) with his buddies that night (usually ending up with a fist-fight) but that is irrelevant in this matter. Intoxication is often a “release from worries”...a “happiness” for these poor people, and it is their country, so let them be.
As long as you remember where they stand and where you stand…while in their country…you won’t get too aggravated. Understand were you are and the feelings of it’s people, and you will be much better off.
Remember, this NEVER categorizes ALL Filipinos…only many of those unfortunate ones that hang out in the tourist-populated areas. In non-tourist areas, most Pinoys would be far too shy to ask for, or even accept anything from you….in fact….would probably offer you their last beer if you visited. DO NOT GENERALIZE.
Stay tuned for Part Three: Dealing/understanding hotels in the Philippines, what makes them tick, and what makes them...make YOU tick. |
|
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
