Need some info on Misamis Occidental

[Rick C]

Good Morning All...

I posted quite a while back under the alias 'Grimrickster' (nixed that alias on Ray's advice a while back), but I'll give another brief intro of myself.  Currently 33, work in IT, divorced (yeah!), and am going to CEBU in December (WOO HOO!).  Been lurking, but am now ready to get down to the nitty gritty with the questions.

I have been corresponding with a very nice, intelligent, and dare I say absolutely beautiful Pinay in Lapu Lapu and have decided to go and visit her in December.  Putting nothing in writing just yet, but just to meet and get to know one another.  I've been scouring the archive for a nice hotel and reading everyone's opinions.  I've made a weeks worth of reservations at Cebu Plaza and may extend or change to another hotel or resort for the second week of my trip.

My first major question is regarding the province of Misamis Occidental.  Has anyone spent time in this area, north of Oroquieta City? Will I, at 6'3", stick out to those individuals who may want to make me 5'5", if you know what I mean?  I've tried doing some research on the internet, but most information is rather dated.  I will bring up this topic when I am there with her, but I am looking for some first hand knowledge from people who have experienced the area.  I don't want the discussion of her family home to revolve around the central idea that it is Abu Sayyaf, MILF, etc. country and I would not be safe visiting there.  I would rather our conversation revolve around her family, friends and the scenery in the province!

Thanks in advance.

Rick

[outwest77]

... in response to Need some info on Misamis Occidental, posted by Rick C on Oct 13, 2002

Having just spent 2 months in the phils, i think i have some knowledge of the subject,

Abu sayeff is not as dangerous as they once were and they are on the run from the govt, and are mostly confined to Basilan island, I would not worry if i were you, Its like people saying, please dont go to the usa, especially new york, after all they crashed planes into the world trade center., True but it gave a distorted view of New York, and you are more in danger driving your car down the freeway.

I would be more concerned about, just acting normal, not flashy, dont flash money, or nice watch, be polite, courteous, etc,

Your are more in danger if you are on luzon, From the Communist rebels, in Quezon province, etc, than you are from the Abu Sayeff. Still the phils can be a very dangerous place, if you are in the wrong place at the wwrong time, Just be humble, polite, keep your voice down, dont look like a rich white guy, and you should do fine, I love the phils, but, as anywhere, you have to be prudent,
and try to blend in, haha

[Matthew]

... in response to Re: Need some info on Misamis Occidental, posted by outwest77 on Oct 13, 2002

Sorry Outwest.I realize you have just returned from two months in country but from what I read it us more dangerous down south than in Luzon.Now, that is assuming Misamis Occidental is down south.I don't know.Do you?

The New Peoples Army has been running around Luzon for 40 years or more.Nowadays,they are mostly thugs,holduppers and kidnappers.Very little real political asperations there.Filipinos would make lousy communists.

I agree with your other advice about not being flashy,ect,

tito Matt

[Stephen]

... in response to Re: Re: Need some info on Misamis Occide..., posted by Matthew on Oct 13, 2002

How are you feeling?  Hope things are going well for you and Jay.

Stephen & Tess

[Matthew]

... in response to Hey Matt........., posted by Stephen on Oct 14, 2002

Thanks Stephen and Tess.I am doing pretty good.Alot of the recovery from a heart attack is mental.I am taking care of myself,eating right, and not smoking so I am beginning to believe I just might make it and not drop dead!!Things are returning to normal.Jay is doing OK also.They just changed up his medicine.He'll be fine.Jay is like an old Timex...he takes a lickin and keeps on tickin:)

tito Matt

[Rick C]

... in response to Re: Re: Need some info on Misamis Occide..., posted by Matthew on Oct 13, 2002

Hi Matt...
Misamis Occidental is located in North Western Mindanao, just to the east of Zamboanga del Norte.  I have been reading Jeff Hollis' web page and his wife is from Ozamiz City, in Misamis Occidental.  

I feel much more comfortable now after reading his description of the Province.  I'm not a real flashy, partyin' type of guy...kind of low key.  I will stick out physically, but otherwise I think all will be ok.  Safe, not stupid should see me through...I guess that means no Balut!!!!! haha

Rick

[Matthew]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Need some info on Misamis Oc..., posted by Rick C on Oct 13, 2002

Rick,

Thanks for pinpointing where Misamis Occidental is.I thought it was somewhere down there:)

Cebu Plaza will be a nice home base while you get the lay of the land.The RP in December is nice,Christmas starts after All Souls Day(Nov 1)Keep your eyes and your mind open.Have fun.

tito Matt