Philippines Books

Archive for January 8th, 2009

I read today that an Australian businessman and 12 year expat resident of the Philippines was murdered, stabbed to death by thieves who stole $42,000 worth of cash and jewellery from his Manila home. While this is a tragedy and quite uncommon, it does happen often enough for us to pause and think about our personal security.

There are two basic times of greatest risk; the first time tourist and the long term expat who thinks he has it all under control. The reality is that you can never have a place like the Philippines ‘under control’. You are to a degree at the mercy of the country and the culture as well as the various members of the community.

It would be wrong to comment on the murder based just on the few details included in the news report however it is appropriate to make some general observations. First of all whether you are just visiting or live there permanently, keep a low profile. Do not be like the locals and flaunt your wealth, even if it is modest wealth by our standards. Whereas the local big noises can drive around in mirror tinted SUVs and wear lots of bling, you have neither the family connections or the armed guards to back it all up!

Members of The StreetWise Philippines Club can access a terrific documentary about a British businessman who married an Angeles bargirl, had two kids with her and then she had him murdered by her Filipino boyfriend. A tragic story in many ways and a sober reminder that not everybody thinks the same way you do when it comes to what is worth killing someone over!

Common sense is called for but sadly it often isn’t all that common, either by first time excitement or long time lethargy. Ego and complacency will get you into trouble, perhaps even killed. Invest thirty bucks in the ‘Philippines Survival Handbook’ and take heed of the wealth of collected personal experience that volume contains. It could be the cheapest insurance you ever bought!