Visiting The Slums

[omnivorism]

I'm sure the average member here makes a distinct effort to avoid the slums of the philippines.And I am aware they would be some of the most dangerous areas to be in.By digging I found the answer to one of the questions i have been wondering for a long time. The cost of bodyguards.One member on here quotes the price at 150-200 PHP per day which is roughly $3.50-$5.00 USD per day. Pretty cheap. And I would expect it to be advisable to travel with at least one, if not multiple guards if going into the more sketchy areas.But I am also very interested in seeing them. It is part of the culture after all. And I am sure some of it is a surreal sight to see.Although I don't think of it as a cheap thrill really. I am quite interested.This question crosses over some into "charities". I see some members discussing donating, and it was stated it was not advisable to help yourself. I don't understand this. Because if I were there, and I was going to help, I would rather do something personally than just give money to someone else.As in either on my own or through volunteer work. Although I'm not sure I would fit in with the missionaries either, being as that I am an athiest.

[Jake]

I'm sure the average member here makes a distinct effort to avoid the slums of the philippines.And I am aware they would be some of the most dangerous areas to be in. By digging I found the answer to one of the questions i have been wondering for a long time. The cost of bodyguards.One member on here quotes the price at 150-200 PHP per day which is roughly $3.50-$5.00 USD per day. Pretty cheap. And I would expect it to be advisable to travel with at least one, if not multiple guards if going into the more sketchy areas. But I am also very interested in seeing them. It is part of the culture after all. And I am sure some of it is a surreal sight to see.Although I don't think of it as a cheap thrill really. I am quite interested. This question crosses over some into "charities". I see some members discussing donating, and it was stated it was not advisable to help yourself. I don't understand this. Because if I were there, and I was going to help, I would rather do something personally than just give money to someone else.As in either on my own or through volunteer work. Although I'm not sure I would fit in with the missionaries either, being as that I am an athiest.

Hello Omnivorism, I must admit that I had to look up its definition: taking in everything, as with the mind: an omnivorous reader -- also a person that consumes both plant and animal products. Your determination to explore the slum communities speaks highly of your intellect curiosity. One does not need to jump in a taxi. You may find young beggars staring through the glass window while you down a Big Mac and fries. Some will be inhaling a yellowish liquid glue (brand name Rugby) to suppress their extreme hunger pains. Additionally, on some street corners of Manila, a toddler is temporarily leased out to be carried by an older beggar in order to increase their daily take. Most are sponsored/protected by syndicado with deeper pockets. Speaking of syndicates, many slum communities are populated with "professional squatters" - read votes that are cashed in during re-election of city officials. As you travel throughout the Philippines, the novelty of trying to help the poor and the oppress will quickly turn into frustrations. We have many NGO's that are not as effective. Simply because the government overall needs to eliminate corruption -- not going to happen in my life time, unfortunately. However, one of our members (Bruce) seems to be successful in assisting his local community by providing medical supplies and educational materials. He has come a long way and you can discuss with him about the pros and cons regarding private body guards. As far as personal interactions with the poor, some foreigners would prefer anonymity for obvious reasons. Unless you're into the type of direct contacts like what the peace corps does. Yes, they are still active in the Philippines. Best of luck to you sir -- Jake Edited August 7, 2011 by Jake
Korrect my Inglesh agin

[brock]

I'm sure the average member here makes a distinct effort to avoid the slums of the philippines.And I am aware they would be some of the most dangerous areas to be in.By digging I found the answer to one of the questions i have been wondering for a long time. The cost of bodyguards.One member on here quotes the price at 150-200 PHP per day which is roughly $3.50-$5.00 USD per day. Pretty cheap. And I would expect it to be advisable to travel with at least one, if not multiple guards if going into the more sketchy areas.But I am also very interested in seeing them. It is part of the culture after all. And I am sure some of it is a surreal sight to see.Although I don't think of it as a cheap thrill really. I am quite interested.This question crosses over some into "charities". I see some members discussing donating, and it was stated it was not advisable to help yourself. I don't understand this. Because if I were there, and I was going to help, I would rather do something personally than just give money to someone else.As in either on my own or through volunteer work. Although I'm not sure I would fit in with the missionaries either, being as that I am an athiest.

I am also an Athiest, It has never been a problem for me, I have been to my wifes church and met her president and many of her church going friends, All very nice people,My wife warned them of my views, But they treat me with respect as I did them, And they often visit my house to hold meetings, No problem whatsoever with me, So don`t worry.Regards Brock.

[omnivorism]

Thanks for both responses.I have done a lot of reading, both on this forum, and many other places, and I already saw the discussion about the women and their "babies", and the street children.I am very familiar with the homeless in America already as well. I lived for years in the gritty/bohemian areas of Atlanta, where discussions with crackheads and/or beggars are the norm. I am aware that the poverty situation in the PI is different, and culturally there are differences, but then again some things are universal. I am familiar with scammers and con artists, and the downright dangerous.Some situations have been downright amusing. From people asking for a ride and actually trying to open your passenger car door to jump in (locked), to asking for money for food, but rejecting an offer for food i had instead, by saying they are "allergic" to it, to the guys who hang out on the same corner for years with leg braces they found in the trash, and put on a show with a fake limp, or with signs saying they have cancer, even though hes been doing it ten years and shows no signs of especially bad health.Then you have the fact that many people I know have been victims of muggins, car theft, burglary etc. One amusing story (which is more harmless than many) is when a local homeless man got through the front door in my friends apartment building (there are many in the area), got to the nearby community laundry room and defecated into one of the washing machines.And trust me, we have Ladyboys too.I don't think I would give much money away in the PI to beggars, but instead offer food, or maybe ask them what they wanted the money for, and see if that might be something I could easily provide. If it's for medical cost etc, I probably wouldn't trust it.I understand that poverty is widespread and one doesn't have to look hard for it, but I would also like to actually see the real slums, the garbage dumps etc.

[Mr Lee]

My advice would be, instead of a bodyguard who you also may not be able to trust, lets face it, you will pay the person a couple of dollars a day and then he will watch you give out hundreds, that could be a problem if he gets greedy, so instead I would say to find a trusted local friend who speaks good English and that you take care of well, and then have them escort you into an area and have them ask to speak (translate) to the barangay captain, and then coordinate through them. What you wish to do is a nice idea, but in reality it would most likely only work if you have a member of their community helping you. Member Bruce does that and it works for him because the lady and family who helps him are well known and liked in the area he helps out in. Possibly you can contact Bruce and find a way to go with him on one of his trips where he helps out in Samar, and then donate some of your money into some of the expenses he has for medicines and food, and that way you would be helping the poor and learning how he does it, so you could possibly then find your own niche to start in an area that you wish to help. My advice, do not give money, possibly start a collection in the area you now live for good used clothing and especially children's clothing, and then have someone ship it to you in a BB boxes once you get there, and then give that out as well as rice etc. Finding out who really needs the food and who just is taking because you are giving, is where a local who lives within the area comes into play because everyone will take, and best to give to those who need it most unless you are very rich and can afford to give to millions.

[Jake]

My advice would be, instead of a bodyguard who you also may not be able to trust, lets face it, you will pay the person a couple of dollars a day and then he will watch you give out hundreds, that could be a problem if he gets greedy, so instead I would say to find a trusted local friend who speaks good English and that you take care of well, and then have them escort you into an area and have them ask to speak (translate) to the barangay captain, and then coordinate through them. What you wish to do is a nice idea, but in reality it would most likely only work if you have a member of their community helping you. Member Bruce does that and it works for him because the lady and family who helps him are well known and liked in the area he helps out in. Possibly you can contact Bruce and find a way to go with him on one of his trips where he helps out in Samar, and then donate some of your money into some of the expenses he has for medicines and food, and that way you would be helping the poor and learning how he does it, so you could possibly then find your own niche to start in an area that you wish to help. My advice, do not give money, possibly start a collection in the area you now live for good used clothing and especially children's clothing, and then have someone ship it to you in a BB boxes once you get there, and then give that out as well as rice etc. Finding out who really needs the food and who just is taking because you are giving, is where a local who lives within the area comes into play because everyone will take, and best to give to those who need it most unless you are very rich and can afford to give to millions.

Excellent point Kuya! Having a body guard without uniform carrying a concealed weapon may invite unwanted attraction.As you suggested, coordinating your efforts through the barangay captain, tanods and local PNP may reduce the likelihood of stepping on somebody's toes. Perhaps, after time the locals will realize your efforts are genuine and will protect their new asset as a true friend and neighbor.Respectfully -- Jake

[Bruce]

Bruce Bruce Bruce..... Well lets see what Bruce would say about this.....FIRST and FOREMOST...................... DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!There are positive and negative opinions about giving, what to give and who to give. The important word here is GIVE. If you are in Manila any taxi can take you to a depressed area. Just ask to be taken to a poor squatter area. Or the local city dump where you will see a lot of poor people trying to get thru the day.About security... Just don't go alone. Get the taxi to take you to the local barangay hall. When there, ask for a 'tour'. Pay them a few hundred pesos and you will be well taken care of and protected. Before you go, take several thousand pesos in small bills. Stop at the local pharmacy and buy BABY // CHILDRENS fever reducer and antibiotics. No script needed. Make at least 2 trips to the same area. 1st is to introduce yourself and make a plan for your next trip. Bruce would make a budget. With that budget buy antibiotics and RICE! A sack of rice on Samar costs between 1350p to 1550p. also buy plastic bags to divide up the rice. Make a date to return with (??) sacks of rice and the people at the barangy hall will divide it up and give it to the needy. Rumor has it that Bruce pays for 6 sacks a month to be divided between 3 widows and other poor families he knows. If you do it this way, the barangy hall people like it because it makes them look good and in return you will be well protected and make new friends....DO SOMETHING ........................ MAKE A DECISION!..................... MAKE A PLAN............................ I work mostly on Samar. I suggest you pick an area and stick with that area. That way your budget, whatever it is does more and is not so thin and spread out that it really does not help. Also........ did you know that school fees for kids are as little as $50 USD (fees and projects) depending on grade. So also work with the barangy hall people to 'sponsor' 1 or more kids education. Bruce (also a card carrying atheist) is currently paying for 11 students. But again.............. DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pay little attention to the negative views. Security is NOT really as bad as you think, during normal daylight hours. If you walk in like Sly Stone with a 'entourage', it draws negative attention. Remember it is NOT about you looking good as much as it is about making a positive change in the daily life of some poor bastard who if you did not 'help' may not eat that day or even better, may not be able to go to school with out your help. About the school fees and kids...... The point is not to take some squatter kid(s) and pay their way up to and thru med school! The purpose is to get them thru at least 6th grade and able to read and write and count and FUNCTION equally with others in society. Bruce is building a boarding house which will be rented rooms as well as some free rooms for local widows who can't work and whose families are struggling to support (feed) them. But that is Bruce's PLAN... you feel free to set your own budget and make your own plans.Or, you can throw money at Bruce and 100% gets used with the poor on Samar! That dumb schmuck works for free and pays all his own travel expenses! You can see more in Bruce's video........ and here are the latest boarding house pics.

[omnivorism]

I live in the USA. I have just given a lot of thought as to wanting to move to another country. I shopped around and did a lot of research. I decided on the PI. I am specifically interested in the cooler mountain region of Baguio. It seems there isnt as much info online about expats there though, etc.I am a forex trader. I am far from wealthy, but I am working my way up to more financial freedom. I am not doing forex full time yet, but I do well with it in terms of winning. But what you win is based on what you invest. I don't have deep pockets, but percentage gains wise, I do well.Currently I buy and sell restaurant equipment, which I do to make money to increase my trading funds (and therefore profits).Being able to just trade makes me able to be mobile, and relocate to where I want. And that is exactly my goal.I am just looking to live on something in the range of $1500-2000USD per month there. Which if i have enough money (for trading) is completely doable. I wont be moving soon, and I can't say I will for certain. I just have goals. And I have been doing my research and working towards them. I have had this idea in my head for months now. It's something I really want to do.I would be interested in helping if i did live there.I appreciate all the advice, but its all just theory to me at this point, but it's good to know what I am looking to walk into.

[FlyAway]

Best to develop a friendship with someone already there. Pen pal or an expat perhaps? I have walked into the heart of a squatters area in Sampaloc. The only motorized vehicle going through there would be a bulldozer. Going through there felt like "caving". Getting inside some peoples houses was like going through a basement crawlspace. I kid you not! No way would I go through there without someone who lived there. We took long ways around certain areas. I was told people just do not go in there or pass by there unless they want trouble. You get the feeling you are in one big house that people have sectioned off parts. Many times you have to pass through someones living room to get to anther's place. My sister in law owns a 30sqm lot in Pasay close to NAIA. Very very poor area. She is almost paying people to live there so squatters do not take it over. We had a thought of building an internet cafe there but after seeing it, no way. The taxi driver was getting nervous when crowds started to form. People were knocking on the windows holding hands out and back to their mouths motioning for food. That was about the scariest postition I had ever been in during my visits to Philippines.

[Jake]

Best to develop a friendship with someone already there. Pen pal or an expat perhaps? I have walked into the heart of a squatters area in Sampaloc. The only motorized vehicle going through there would be a bulldozer. Going through there felt like "caving". Getting inside some peoples houses was like going through a basement crawlspace. I kid you not! No way would I go through there without someone who lived there. We took long ways around certain areas. I was told people just do not go in there or pass by there unless they want trouble. You get the feeling you are in one big house that people have sectioned off parts. Many times you have to pass through someones living room to get to anther's place. My sister in law owns a 30sqm lot in Pasay close to NAIA. Very very poor area. She is almost paying people to live there so squatters do not take it over. We had a thought of building an internet cafe there but after seeing it, no way. The taxi driver was getting nervous when crowds started to form. People were knocking on the windows holding hands out and back to their mouths motioning for food. That was about the scariest postition I had ever been in during my visits to Philippines.

Hello FlyAway, Boy, next time I want to venture out, I would like to have you accompany me. From that road accident earlier this year (car completely turtled) and then having to walk through the slums of Sampaloc, your luck is astonishing! You're absolutely right about the impossible maze trying to navigate the slums. Can you imagine all the fire hazards due to illegal electrical connections (ultimate rats nest overhead) and water pipes being "tapped" to multiple shanties. Your quote "the only motorized vehicle going through there would be a bulldozer" -- a stark reality check for those that have never seen or smell this dark side of the Philippines. Bless their hearts -- personally, I would never survive. Respectfully -- Jake Edited October 12, 2011 by Jake
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