Just an introduction...

[KBD]

Hello, this is my first post here, but I have been reading this board for some time now..lots on info to take in! I have been interested in a Filipina girlfriend for some time now...and Im quite familiar with there culture/language. I work on a ship as a merchant mariner, and I work alongside many Filipinos. About three months ago I registered on Filipinaheart.com to start my search. I got lucky, and started talking to a very nice girl whom lives in metro Manila. We get along very well, and we have alot in common so that is good. She has a very good sence of humor...so that's nice as well! She has not asked for one penny yet either, lol. I plan on visiting her in Manila in mid April, when its time for me to go on vacation. She lives with her aunt, and her aunts husband...who happens to be American! I have talked to her aunt and her aunt's husband many times...and they seem to be nice people. Her aunt has invited me to stay in there house...for free, but I plan on giving her something for letting me stay there. Now, I am sure I found the right girl...but im still very nervous about this trip, as im sure she is nervous about me being there as well. I plan to be there for three weeks. Any advice for me? Should I bring gifts? By the way, I am 23 years old, she is 22.

[Jeff S]

Hi KBD and welcome aboard! Just take your time with this or any relationship and really get to know the other person. Yes, gifts are appropriate for Asians, and be sure to get something for each family member. They don't have to be expensive but should be something kind of unique and American.

Looking forward to seeing your posts.

- Jeff

[Dave H]

Hi KBD,

Welcome to P-L!

Some small gifts would be appreciated. Maybe your lady has some specific ideas of what would be appreciated by the others. When you are there you can also help out with the groceries. Good Luck!

I have been married to my Filipina for 7 years. joemc58 (Fester Sr.) was also a merchant mariner. He has been married to his Filipina for many years.

Dave (Fester Jr.)

[Ray]

Welcome aboard KB!

I would not advise giving them anything in the way of payment for letting you stay in their home. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and they just might take it as an insult.

Instead, you can buy some groceries/beer/tanduay rum to bring home on the advice of your girl and do invite the family out to dinner at a decent restaurant. Again, consult your girl for suggestions.

For pasalubong, some small gifts native to your hometown or area of the country would be appropriate. Ballcaps, T-shirts, or even a nice calendar with local views.

Also, a good bottle of American whiskey (Jack Daniles Black) or scotch for the uncle. For the aunt and the ladies, Victoria’s Secret colognes/lotions and Bath & Body Works stuff is always good.

I would try limit the total gift purchases to maybe $100 or so. It’s the thought that counts.

Ray

[Bear]

Welcome KBD.

Ditto and lots of chocolates.

The Bear Family

[KBD]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! I will discuss the gifts with her...I know she really like chocolate, and red wine so those are are must!

[Bob_S]

Hey guys,

A quick check here.  What's the temperature like in the Phils in April?  Are candies that can melt a good idea?  Or is it still cool enough that they'll survive the travel before he can put them in his GF's hands?  For example, I know Japan to the north is still cool, so chocolates would survive (I once sent my wife, then still a penpal, fudge for her B-day in March), but I would never bother to bring any after May.  I'd just be delivering soft brown goo.  Tasty goo, but still messy.

[Bear]

I sent 10 bags and they all survived the delivery but not the receivers.  Didn't save me a single piece!  It is very cold out side the airplanes and I've heard they do not condition the baggage area so I'm sure its safe there.  The time from you getting your bags might to delivery might be the question.

The Bear Family

[Romello]

IMO

I took chocolate on my recent trip to the Philippines.  I kept the candy in my carry on for the whole trip.  Not only did it survive the trip, but it survived the hour it took for me to get out of the airport and to the hotel.  It also survived the night and into the next day when I gave it to her.

She only ate two at a time, so the box lasted a few days in my hotel room.

Romello

[jm21-2]

Also, a good bottle of American whiskey (Jack Daniles Black)

Might I suggest Maker's Mark or Knob Creek for bourbon?
Johnny walker black label (scotch) seems to be very popular all over the world.
(sorry, couldn't help myself...JD is way over-priced for what it is imho...but maybe the brand recognition is worth it as a gift)

[KBD]

Hey guys just an update-things are still going well for me and my girl. I've purchased my ticket, I leave for Manila April 6. I also booked us a 5 night stay in Boracay! I'll be in the Phils for 3 weeks. Super excited.

[evoltnvii]

Im leaving on April 7th man is it going to be hot. bring lots of shorts and t-shirts. FYI my girl says to bring lots of chocolate for all the girls in her family so its a good bet to bring some. I bought a whole bunch of organic bars at trader joe's its good quality.

[joemc58]

Good luck KBD,
                    I used to sail with the S.I.U. in the 80's, it was a Pinoy sailor that introduced me to my
                    wife. make sure take some pics and write a trip report on your experience.

[Dave H]

Im leaving on April 7th man is it going to be hot. bring lots of shorts and t-shirts.

I finally broke down and bought a couple packages of colored 'wife beater' T-shirts to wear around the house. I never wore them before in my life. I've got to admit, they are very comfortable...and all the ladies say that I am 'sexy!' 

Dave

[Bear]

...and all the ladies say that I am 'sexy!' 

Why do you think they'd lie like that Dave?

Just kidding

The Bear Family

[KBD]

Im leaving on April 7th man is it going to be hot. bring lots of shorts and t-shirts. FYI my girl says to bring lots of chocolate for all the girls in her family so its a good bet to bring some. I bought a whole bunch of organic bars at trader joe's its good quality.

Yeah, she told me the same. One more week left!

[KBD]

Good luck KBD,
                    I used to sail with the S.I.U. in the 80's, it was a Pinoy sailor that introduced me to my
                    wife. make sure take some pics and write a trip report on your experience.

Thats funny, cause I sail with SIU right now! I'm thinking abut joing MSC though...
I met lots of Pinoys while sailing with SIU!

[joemc58]

Hey KBD,
                 I was a 77 Piney Point grad. And ship out all over the country. I dropped one deck down
                 off a ladder, lucky to be alive. with a shady contract back then with the well fare and
                 sickness benefit , It was eight dollars a day. And having 2 kids I decided to work ashore.
                  8 dollars a day was workmen's comp. I  took out of court settlement and that was it.
                  Only thing I regret is not retiring my book.  MCS is a good way to go if you are ex-military

[KBD]

Hey KBD,
                 I was a 77 Piney Point grad. And ship out all over the country. I dropped one deck down
                 off a ladder, lucky to be alive. with a shady contract back then with the well fare and
                 sickness benefit , It was eight dollars a day. And having 2 kids I decided to work ashore.
                  8 dollars a day was workmen's comp. I  took out of court settlement and that was it.
                  Only thing I regret is not retiring my book.  MCS is a good way to go if you are ex-military

Wow, sorry to hear that. I guess things have changed since then...the benefits are great...and the pay is way more than what Id be making ashore. Working on ships is very hard work (as you know), but it allows me to save most of my salary.