The only guy in the village

[Viking]

25 minutes ago, stevewool said:

I understand what you are saying, but it’s just the nod or hello when walking past.

I have no problem doing that 

[Jake]

My experience is somewhat unique.  Me being a Filipino with an American accent gave me the luxury of incognito most of the time.  It is me who usually initiates a greeting that is often met with a pleasant surprise.  However, there are times when the expat is obviously an a$$hole -- usually drunk at 9AM or humiliating their wife or GF in public.  Back then when I felt young and invincible, I would raise my voice (in a restaurant) and say -- HEY DOUCHEBAG, BACK OFF.   He would stop immediately, wondering where that came from, among all the locals surrounding him.  

These days, stupid people will continue to do more stupid things in public.  Since I'm old and worn out, I have to think twice about standing my ground.  You never know these days what they are carrying, possibly a bladed weapon.  In today's society, people are more sophisticated scam artists, gentle and nice with hidden agendas.  Proceed with caution.......

Respectfully Jake  
 

[OnMyWay]

We a have a lot of expats here in Subic Bay Freeport, and they have many different backgrounds.  I think one big difference here is that we have many who are younger and still working.  Working or not, most in my neighborhood are married to Filipinas and many have kids.  That is how I have met several, as our kids go to school together.

I would say most expats in Subic usually give the nod in the mall and maybe say hello, which is what I do.  My problem is that I have met several at a few parties or Vasco's bar over the years, but I am really bad with names and faces, so at most I think "I think I know that guy".   If my wife is with me, sometimes she can jog my memory.

By contrast, we go to SM Angeles, and for the most part, the expats we see are a different breed.  Old guys with young girls on their arms, keeping to themselves.

[Jollygoodfellow]

5 hours ago, stevewool said:

I understand what you are saying, but it’s just the nod or hello when walking past.

Let's think about it. In your home country do you nod and say hello to everyone walking past? I doubt it . So here it's really no different and remember many of us live here so why should we greet other westerns with a hello when we dont say hello to the thousands of Filipinos we cross paths with each day ?  

[OnMyWay]

4 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

Let's think about it. In your home country do you nod and say hello to everyone walking past? I doubt it . So here it's really no different and remember many of us live here so why should we greet other westerns with a hello when we dont say hello to the thousands of Filipinos we cross paths with each day ?  

I agree, but here in Subic my nodding is usually a response to a nod or other acknowledgement by them first.  I think it is rude not to respond in some way.

I do nod at a few Filipinos, but while doing something polite for them like opening the door, letting them go first, etc.

[Ranger Andy]

21 hours ago, stevewool said:

I have felt like a celebrity as being ‘ the only gay in the village ‘

Me thinks that this must be a typo 

or have things really changed that much in the Philippines? 

 

[Tommy T.]

11 hours ago, Viking said:

I tend to not socialize very much with other foreigners when I am there. Never understood why going to a place on the other side of the world, if wanting to hang out with people just like me 

My feeling exactly. I did not come to the Philippines to just hang out with fellow American or other Western ex-pats. Otherwise I could have just stayed in Seattle and go the local Starbucks or other gathering place there?

Yeah... a nod or recognition of another person, Filipino or foreigner, but that's as far as it goes most of the time...

Edited December 6, 2019 by Tommy T.

[stevewool]

Lots of comments on here about just a nod here and there and even a smile too , and I know that many have said that they left there country and don’t fancy socialising with there fellow countrymen in this new land, I understand that if they are drunk, stupid or just a dick who you just don’t like then I don’t mix with people like that.

But ain’t it good to talk sometimes face to face to someone who may understand where you are coming from.

[Gary D]

1 hour ago, Ranger Andy said:

Me thinks that this must be a typo 

or have things really changed that much in the Philippines? 

 

It's a British joke.

In the Philippines it would have to be a very small village for you to be the only gay.

[graham59]

For those still scratching their head....  it's all about a gay Welsh 'character' in a British comedy show entitled 'Little Britain'.... here doing a one-off charity special:

.

 

Edited December 6, 2019 by graham59