Blind Guy Coming to the Philippines

[CDApple]

Hello Everyone,

This is my inaugural post to this forum.  I want to say first of all, that I think this is an awesome site.  So without more babble here is my question.

I have met a Filippina Girl and she lives in Dubai currently.  Things have progressed to the point that I am going to fly to Dubai in mid August to meat her and then we will fly to Manila.  I do admit that I have no vision but I am not blind to the possible pitfalls that could await me. 

If she turns out not to be the person she has represented herself to be and I find myself in Manila on my own as a blind guy; is there security that would be reliable to hire? 

I am not so foolish to think that I would not make a tempting target being alone with my white cane to announce to everyone that I am blind.

I absolutely believe that my girl is real and genuine.  I also know after reading many horror stories that I would not be the first western guy to be played.  Regardless of that; if I find myself in Manila without my Filippina I am not going to just get on a plane and return to Maine.  If I travel that far I am gonna stay and enjoy the country and all it has to offer.

So any suggestions?  Is there a large Xpat community in Manila?  Well I guess I have bent your ears enough in this post; I will await any good advice y'all can give.

Clint

[Jollygoodfellow]

Welcome to the forum

The Philippines is not a good place to be with good eyesight. Many obstacles, holes in the middle of the path ,you name it and there are dangers everywhere. Basically nothing to help you get around. 

If your only coming to perhaps meet her family then maybe but if your thinking of living here I suggest to research more.

 

[Joey G]

Do not count on finding security if needed in Manila.  Mid-August doesn't look good at the moment for leaving the US to the Philippines at the moment, but assume you know that. 

My advice, if you go through with this and if you can afford it... bring someone you trust with you. Not necessarily because you are blind, but so if it doesn't work out, you have someone to enjoy your trip with.

 

[CDApple]

Hi Jollygoodfellow,

Thanks for responding.  I have no concerns at all as it relates to just walking around in the physical environment.  I have traveled in woods, mountains, and every kind of urban situation with just my cane and been perfectly fine.  Those things I can deal with.  The things that would present me with problems would be the human element.  I intend to make the Philippines my new home regardless how it turns out with my Filippina.

I have read so much about the country, its people and culture that I have decided that the Philippines is where I want to live.

I have the resources and the determination to make it happen.

It would help a lot if I could meet some other western guys whom I can trust and who could guide me toward the best places to live and what type of personal security is available.

So given the fact that I am committed to this course any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Clint

[Mike J]

Welcome to the forum.   Perhaps someone who maintains and/or monitors the website below can offer suggestions.

  http://www.blind.org.ph/

 

[Dave Hounddriver]

2 hours ago, CDApple said:

Is there a large Xpat community in Manila?

Manila Metropolitain area is the 11th largest in the world.  There is every kind of community there.

I have not spent much time in Manila except for shopping and visiting.  However I suggest you will see a lot of blind people there. 

[earthdome]

For Manila I would recommend that you book a quality hotel so they can arrange for someone to help if you feel it is needed. Hotels commonly will help people find a car and driver, etc. Note that you may want to find one close enough to your filipina's family so that it won't take to long to get their because it can take hours if you have to go any distance at all in the National Capital Region. Setup in advance to use the Grab ride share app. Grab is so much better than taxis and you could find one you could hire on a daily basis. Once you are more comfortable with your situation you could book an AirBnB in a nice condo. Remember that modest tips will be appreciated by those who help you. Finally it may be a while before you can make this trip due to all the international travel restrictions.

 

Good luck and hope these answers help.

[fototek1]

Hello Clint. Your current location is about 45 minutes away from me and my wife. My wife worked in Dubai and was from Quezon City. I have traveled all over the world and have a had a few blind friends. I will tell you Manila Philippines and Mumbai are 2 cities where I would not recommend a blind person visit. Other parts of the Philippines will be ok! It's nothing like being in the woods. As far as your security question, my wife says it's unlikely you will be able to find security. We may be able to help you out with lots of information and suggestions. If you want, send me a private message with your phone # and my wife and I will give you a call. We have many friends in Dubai and my brother-inlaw is a Kagawad ( Barangay Councilor)in Manila. 

I do strongly recommend you bring someone with you for safety and in the event things don't work out. Why Manila anyway? Is that where the girl is from?

[scott h]

3 hours ago, CDApple said:

I find myself in Manila on my own as a blind guy;

I will not comment on your possible relationship except to say I hope it works out well.

Now, the negatives. Unless your girl lives in Makati, Bonifaco Global city or an upscale subdivision you will be completely reliant on others. I have lived in Manila for 8 years and have seen absolutely ZERO aids for the visually impaired in public places. No cross walk sound aids, none of the bumpy things (sorry don't know what they are called) on the ground at street corners. I have seen some elevators in upscale hotels with brail on the elevators, but that is it.

If your lady lives in a regular barangay (everyday community) you will not be able to cross the street with out aid. cane or no cane the traffic will not slow down for you but just beep their horns, especially the motorcycles. 

As for safety, unless you are very unlucky and stumble into a really bad area, I doubt seriously you will be mugged just because your blind. That would be the least of my worries. But without someone with you who speaks English you will be completely isolated.

The Philippines as a whole and Manila in particular is not a good place for a person with any type of disability to live or even visit IMHO

1 hour ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

I have not spent much time in Manila except for shopping and visiting.  However I suggest you will see a lot of blind people there. 

Dave, there are lots of blind people here in Manila, but the only place you see them is at the airport. They all work as blind Masseuses' in the waiting area. In the 8 years I have lived here in Manila I seriously can not recall seeing one in public. I usually see them on my walks and they are sitting outside thier houses talking to neighbors. But never in the malls or streets.  

[CDApple]

Thanks all for your responses.  My sincere desire is that none of this will even be necessary but I try to leave as little as possible to chance.  If it works out I will be living in Tagum City and not Manila. 

I would bring a friend but they either aren't able to leave work or do not have my adventurous spirit.    So it appears that I will hope for the best and prepaire for the worst as best as I can.

Fototek1 I tried to message you but it said I had 0 messages.  If this doesn't get flagged or changed my email is (removed for your safety Clint)  Please feel free to mail me.

Thanks All,

Clint

Edited July 17, 2020 by Old55
Removed Clint's email