Philippines : Safety by City
The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia.
It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, just south of Taiwan and east of Vietnam.
The Philippines consists of more than 7,600 islands and is typically divided into three major regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
- Luzon, in the north, is home to Manila, the busy capital city, historical landmarks, and vibrant urban centers.
- Visayas, centrally located, is known for scenic beaches, dive spots, and rich cultural heritage, particularly on islands like Cebu, Bohol, and Negros.
- Mindanao, in the south, is the country’s agricultural hub, though it has regions that travelers typically avoid due to security concerns.
Historically, the Philippines has been shaped by centuries of colonial influence, first by Spain in the 16th century and then by brief American rule.
These influences heavily influenced the country’s language, education system, and culture.
Its complex past is reflected in diverse architecture, religion (primarily Roman Catholic), and multicultural traditions.
Tourists visit the Philippines primarily for its natural beauty—world-famous beaches, islands like Palawan and Boracay, and lush jungles—and its welcoming locals.
Activities range from scuba diving and hiking to exploring colonial-era towns, making it a versatile destination for the nearly six million people who visit annually.
Warnings & Dangers in Philippines
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
The Philippines is generally safe for tourists, but caution is important. Petty crimes and scams happen regularly, especially in crowded cities, making it a medium-risk destination. Staying aware, planning ahead, and following local safety advice will significantly reduce your risk during your travels. You can't afford to let your guard down here.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Public transportation and taxis can pose a medium risk. Always use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Grab to ensure safety and fair pricing. Public transport options like jeepneys and buses are affordable but crowded and occasionally attract thieves. Keep personal items close and be alert during rides.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpocketing carries a high risk, particularly in crowded tourist areas, markets, and public transport hubs. Always keep your valuables secured and hidden. Using a money belt or zipped bag and limiting the cash or valuables you carry reduces vulnerability to theft. Some even recommend wearing a backpack on your chest instead of your back.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Natural disasters are a real concern in the Philippines, making this a high-risk country in this area. Typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic activity occur regularly. Pay attention to local warnings and travel advisories, and have a flexible itinerary, especially from June through November.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The Philippines has a medium risk of mugging. Incidents mostly occur at night, particularly in isolated or poorly lit areas of large cities. Reduce your risk by staying in busy, well-lit places, traveling in groups after dark, and avoiding unfamiliar areas. If you stick with a tour group, your chances might be lower.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium risk of terrorism, mainly limited to specific regions in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. It's essential to avoid areas identified in official travel advisories as high risk and stay informed about local security developments. We'll go through those locations later in this article.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
The risk of scams is high, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Common scams include inflated taxi fares, fake tour operators, and overly friendly locals offering suspicious "deals." Always confirm prices upfront, research reputable companies, and politely decline unexpected offers from strangers (no matter how "nice" they seem).
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
It's wisest not to walk around alone as a woman, and you should expect some harassment or verbal abuse since it's far too common. It will help a lot if you know people who live there. My best friend is from the Philippines, and she feels completely safe when walking around with her relatives.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Tap water in the Philippines poses a high risk. It's unsafe for drinking and may cause stomach illness or infection. Always drink bottled or filtered water, even in hotels. Ensure ice cubes come from purified sources, and avoid uncooked food that may have been washed with tap water.
Safest Places to Visit in Philippines
The official tourism website for the Philippines is “philippines.travel,” but I’ll be honest by saying that at the time of this publication, I couldn’t get that site to load.
You can also get more information from “beta.tourism.gov.ph.”
That’s the official government Department of Tourism.
Since there’s a lot to see and do here, we’ll just give you a sampler of some of the safest cities, islands, and attractions to consider for your Philippines itinerary.
In Luzon, the safest and most globally known spot is Metro Manila, particularly areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
These neighborhoods have secure shopping malls, excellent restaurants, international hotels, and cultural spots such as the Ayala Museum.
The historic walled city of Intramuros offers colonial-era architecture, historic forts, and the famous Manila Cathedral.
For outdoor adventures, Mount Pinatubo, about two hours north, offers guided treks to a dramatic volcanic crater lake.
Heading south to the Visayas region, Cebu Island is a popular and relatively safe destination.
Cebu City combines historic sites like Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro with modern conveniences, nightlife, and great food options.
Mactan Island, just offshore, is known for luxury resorts, clear waters, and safe snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Further south, Bohol island draws visitors to its unique geological formations known as the Chocolate Hills, peaceful river cruises, and the Tarsier Sanctuary, home to tiny native primates.
Palawan Island, frequently listed among the safest and most picturesque Philippine destinations, offers places like El Nido and Coron.
Both towns are gateways to island-hopping tours, pristine lagoons, and secure, reputable dive sites featuring World War II shipwrecks and coral reefs.
Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, offers visitors the UNESCO-listed Underground River National Park, an impressive natural attraction that can safely be explored via guided boat tours.
Places to Avoid in Philippines
The Philippines has a general advisory of Level 2 out of four levels, but some islands and regions are much more dangerous.
According to the U.S. State Department, here are the places to avoid as of early 2025.
- The Sulu Archipelago
- The southern Sulu Sea
- Marawi City in Mindanao
The U.S., Canadian, and Australian governments also suggest reconsidering travel (Level 3) to the rest of Mindanao because of civil unrest and terrorism concerns.
It’s worth noting for those living in the United Kingdom that the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FDCO) “advises against all travel to parts of the Philippines.”
Safety Tips for Traveling to Philippines
- Dialing 911 gets you connected to police, fire, and medical services. In popular tourist spots, you’ll even find special tourist police—easy to spot, helpful, and trained to deal with visitor concerns. Save these numbers and know your nearest police station, just in case.
- Stay ahead of disasters by following local news or checking updates from PAGASA, the official weather service. Also, consider registering with your home country’s travel advisory system—like the U.S. State Department’s STEP program—to get timely alerts directly via email or text.
- Filipino (Tagalog) and English are both official languages, so language barriers are usually minimal, especially in tourist areas. Most locals speak at least some English, and many are fluent. You won’t struggle much with communication, especially in cities or well-known tourist destinations.
- If someone approaches you quickly after arrival, offering friendship or unsolicited help, be cautious. While the Philippines is known for hospitality, scammers sometimes target tourists who seem lost or overly trusting. Be friendly, but stay alert, and politely decline if things feel off.
- Driving here? You can use your home driver’s license for up to 90 days. After that, you’ll need a Philippine license. However, traffic can be chaotic—roads are crowded, rules are flexible, and patience is essential. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a local driver or using ride-sharing apps.
- Make sure your vaccinations are current, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and possibly rabies. Mosquitoes are common, bringing risks like dengue fever and malaria, especially outside cities. Pack insect repellent, wear sleeves at dusk, and check with your doctor about preventive meds. The CDC provides a list of updated vaccine recommendations and requirements.
- The Philippines has extremely strict laws about illegal drugs—even medical marijuana or prescription painkillers can get you into serious trouble if they’re not allowed locally. Always carry your medication in original bottles along with clear prescriptions, and verify their legality before you travel.
- Some hotels and resorts partner exclusively with specific medical providers, potentially restricting your options during emergencies. It’s worth asking when you check in so you aren’t caught by surprise during a stressful situation. Also, don’t agree to medical care before you know the cost to avoid being scammed or upcharged.
- If you plan to fish or go boating, check local rules first. Depending on the area and type of activity, you might need permits. Resorts and tour operators usually have details and can guide you through any required paperwork.
- Avoid showing obvious signs of wealth, like flashy jewelry or expensive gadgets. Even looking at your newer version of iPhone or Android can suggest that you’re rich. Pickpocketing and theft are far too common, especially in busy areas.
So... How Safe Is Philippines Really?
Most countries provide travel advisories for international visitors, which are usually ranked across four tiers to indicate safety levels.
These typically range from Level 1 (lowest risk, normal precautions) to Level 4 (highest risk, advising travelers not to visit).
For the Philippines, here’s how the advisories break down:
- S. — Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution
- K. — All travel to the Philippines is advised against due to safety reasons (per the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, FDCO).
- Canada — Level 2, Exercise a High Degree of Caution
- Australia — Level 2, Exercise a High Degree of Caution
As noted earlier, some parts of the Philippines come with higher safety warnings, including some locations determined to be “Avoid All Travel.”
Everything from petty crime to violent robberies to kidnappings has happened here, but it’s not a daily occurrence.
Using smart and vigilant safety steps is the most important way to limit your exposure to crime.
Don’t plan a trip here without checking the most updated government advisories and headlines.
We hope this guide has helped you get a head start on preparing for a safe journey, but information can change.
For example, we updated the CDC warnings but check the CDC website before your trip to see if there were new ones.
While it’s not the safest place to visit for someone who isn’t skilled at international travel, it also isn’t the most dangerous.
How Does Philippines Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 47 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Mauritius | 80 |
| Kazakhstan | 72 |
| Germany | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
For American travelers—and really anyone visiting the Philippines—the visa situation is straightforward. U.S. passport holders can typically stay for up to 30 days without a visa as long as their passport remains valid for at least six months beyond their visit and has blank pages for entry stamps. You'll need proof of an onward or return ticket, too.
Currency
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in big hotels and malls, but smaller businesses usually prefer cash. Exchange your currency at banks or licensed money changers in malls for the best rates—airports typically offer poorer deals. Also, give your bank a heads-up before leaving home to avoid getting locked out of your accounts mid-trip.
Weather
The Philippines stays warm year-round, but there are some distinct seasons worth noting. March to May is the hot, dry season—expect high temperatures and plenty of sun. June to November brings rain and sometimes typhoons, especially from July to September, so packing an umbrella or rain jacket is wise. The coolest months, December through February, provide milder temperatures and less humidity.
Airports
The biggest and busiest is Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), but you can also fly directly to Cebu via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) or Clark International Airport (CRK) near Pampanga. If you're heading farther south, Davao International Airport (DVO) serves Mindanao.
Travel Insurance
Don't skip travel insurance. It might seem like just another expense, but it's a smart investment in case things go sideways. Good travel insurance will cover medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Since medical services vary across the Philippines, insurance ensures you have access to quality care without worrying about big bills. Just make sure the policy covers all the activities you plan on doing. You might want to explore adventure insurance policies if you're planning high-adrenaline activities.
Philippines Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 30 | 31 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 |
| High °F | 86 | 88 | 90 | 93 | 93 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F | 75 | 75 | 77 | 79 | 81 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 75 |
Philippines - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cebu City | 53 |
| Davao City | 71 |
| Iloilo | 70 |
| Makati | 60 |
| Manila | 40 |
| Quezon City | 55 |
Incorrect
I just came back from the Philippines and I am pretty shocked to read all that.
I spend there nearly a month and as a single female traveler, I felt safer there than in many European cities (including London where I live)! Of course Cebu or Manila (or probably any other big city) is different but then you can either rely on Grab (their version of Uber) which will also help you avoid any taxi scams.
Internet is widely available (4G), police and any private security guards are also quite ‘protective’ of western tourists (I have been checked on by them on numerous occasions), female travelers (especially solo) attract curiosity but not aggression.
Yes, some people will try to scam you but let’s be honest: under-informed and distracted tourists are an easy target. Locals often live in extreme poverty and they see us “white people” carrying expensive stuff and splashing money left and right on “silly things” that they can’t afford.
It is true that they often claim that they have no change to large bills (especially in the morning) but no one ever forced me to buy anything and more than that – them accepting less money, if you don’t have enough cash in small bills, is equally common!
Misinformed
Probably you haven’t been to Philippines yet..your assessment were incorrect. Try visiting and staying in the country for sometime. Maybe then you can give a proper advice or a better insight.
Strongly disagree
Going to completely disagree. I was there for a couple of weeks. Visited Manila, Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu. Never had a problem with anyone the people were super friendly I was a solo traveler and made lots of local friends. I had even dropped my visa at a point and a guy came running after me to give it back. Beautiful place, beautiful people, nothing to worry about will definitley go back.
Completely Incorrect
Maybe it’s because I’m Filipino, but this country is amazing and so safe. I go to visit family every year and I always see lots of tourists, and it’s 100% safe.
This country review is extremely incorrect.
1) Overall the Philippines is safer or just as safe as any of the other Southeast Asian countries. If you avoid high risk areas in Mindanao, you’ll be fine.
2) There has been an increase in assassinations by hitmen on motorcycles but I can’t recall a single foreigner or tourist that has been attacked. Most victims are local politicians, police or business owners.
3) The biggest risk to tourists are the scammers but that’s a risk that present in just about any country in the world.
4) Solo female travelers can travel safely around the country. In some remote areas you’ll get stared at if they’ve experienced very few foreigners passing through but that’s the worst of it; in general Filipino men are very courteous toward foreign women.
I would say it is mostly safe, but some tourist hotspots do have a lot of low level crime. I have been pickpocketed a couple of times. Had people try to scam me. Manila I have had people try to grab my backpack off me. Also I have seen one drive by shooting. But this was a local gang, about drugs I think. Get away to the quieter areas and it is much more safe. Like La Union for example. Mindanao was actually my favourite place even though its on the do not travel list. People were friendly and it was safe at night as there were the”death squad” patrols looking around for any criminals. Armed police at the night market etc. Also they had a tank outside the Cathedral in Davao! I wouldn’t want to go to the Muslim controlled areas though as I have been told my locals that ISIS kidnap locals.
Agreed
I have cousins from my 2 uncles that are Filipino, and I haven’t been there, but I have 5 plus 1 (Uncle isn’t blood-related) Filipino cousins and 2 love the Philippines, and others don’t, and from what they said:
It is not clean, high crime, bugs, and more
Plus, from what 1 explained the Philippines, it sounds better in Thailand
And so I’ve never been there, and different for everyone but…….. yeah.
A bit hot, but a nice place!
I found Bangkok to be pretty much like Manila, except the signage in Bangkok isn’t in English. Other than that, the experience you’ll have in both countries is about the same, at least in the big cities.
Very Safe
The Philippines Is Very Safe
Safe for the short term , yes .
Dont follow the advice of tourists in the comments section . Their experience is limited to temporary touristy safey spots. Yes your safe for vacays , but living here is another story. Lived in Phils over 10 years and just like anywhere in Asia do not be lulled by smiles . Sure there are mostly good people here . The bad ones come in disguise as friendlies too tho . There is a lot of sh!t that can take you out here in Phils . The longer you stay the more you’ll notice . Rampant STD’s , jungle nasties like giant crocs , poisonous snakes and insects , bad water , food poisoning , spiked drinks , poorly maintained infrastructure , weather disasters , crazy taxi drivers , corrupt cops ,Duterte lol , Gangs , Jihads , Commie guerilla fighters mostly in the southern islands . Oh and crazy ex’s . I know first hand about those. Still safer then Thailand tho . Check out my other review on that crime zone .
FUNNY MAN
He/She lived for 10 years in poverty
NOT THIS BAD FOR TRAVEL
I DONT KNOW. ITS SAFE,NOT VERY SAFE JUST SAFE. THEY ARE POOR AND A LOT OF PEPOLE LIVE THERE BUT THEY ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL AND SO FAR NOT VERY BAD.
Love it
Best country I ever visited for friendliness. Been twice.
Can’t wait to go back.
Just apply common sense.
Mabuhay 🙂
whoever you are to say, that Philippines is not safe,,, I guess your travel experience are 0.00 to none. I been to the Philippine multiple times, and never have to worry about. people are friendly, happy, and kind. as for pick pocketer, never experiences, for muggers never, scammers, none,, we have more scammers her in the US than anywhere in the world. I got pick pocket in France, Barcelona. Philippines is 120% safer than the European countries whom always have bombs either on-trains and gun violent in the US from movie theater to schools
As an American I went to the Philippines thinking how poor everyone was and left realizing I was the one who was poor.
Beautiful, kind, loving people.
It's not that bad, really.
Been living there for about 5 years and I never got robbed, stolen, or anything. Sure, tourist spots are ridden with scams, but what do you expect, the country is ridden with poverty.
Taxi drivers are definitely a problem but you can use Grab, and discuss with the driver as he’ll be happy to give you his mobile phone and become your private driver for a few days. You can also hire van drivers for cheap. Habal-habal can also be hired for a few days if you bargain with them.
Have some small bills is definitely good advice. Most ATMs will spit PHP1,000 bills but no small shop can give you the change on that.
Cops, well… just avoid them. The national police (PNP) is OK though, but local police are pretty much useless.
Traffic is absolutely awful in Cebu and Manila, and there is no rule on the road, just don’t die. If you get involved in an accident, take pictures of everything and everybody. They will try to get money out of anything you do.
Other than that, people are really nice, always welcoming and smiling. Just avoid the places where you have a horde of old American dudes trying to get laid, that’s where all the problems converge (prostitution, alcohol, drugs, crimes, etc), and you will be fine.
No Source
im an american and i have been living here since 2010. it is a safe place to live. alot of americans, europeans, koreans and chinese live in the philippines so dont say it isnt safe lol. who wrote this crap!
95% Philippines are safety for tourist,people are polite and friendly.
It is safe
It’s reviews like this that give the country such a bad rap. The Philippines is generally safe. The entire world had a hard time battling covid, and it was just recently that the country once again opened to vaccinated tourists. In the big cities such as Metro Manila it is right that getting a Grab ride is better or go to the taxi stands by the mall where there’s a guard and the taxis have to behave. I’ve travelled from far North to far South of the country and the only downside is they ask the tourists to pay more than the locals in the area. Otherwise, everyobe is friendly and helpful. Try visiting Bonifacio Global City for an organized and clean area at Metro Manila.
Safe as long as you don't wander around bad neighborhoods
Our first Philippines stay was in an overwater bungalow. The whole week we did nothing but soak up all the sun, swim, snorkel and go through books like I had an exam. We didn’t explore the area, we stayed put.
The second time around we decided to stay at a different resort, a resort that will allow us to see more of the place. I don’t live in my own bubble, I know people all around the world deal with a lot of problems on a daily basis, poverty being one. But believe me when I tell you, I was shocked to discover the sheer discrepancy between the luxury you get to experience in one of their resorts.
I’ve read all these reviews and I wholeheartedly agree with the majority here. The Philippines is a poor country which forced some of the locals to resort to scams/petty theft to make some spare change. It doesn’t justify, by no means, but you somewhat understand why people do such things.
Obviously, you should avoid buying or taking drugs, they’re very strict about this.
Touristy destinations will always be a magnet for scams of all sorts so be aware of your surroundings while also saying no to any “great deals” that might come your way. I do this regardless where I‘m traveling, there’s really no way to avoid these characters.
Be nice, mind your own business and no one will jump at you. I would avoid the outskirts, there’s really nothing to see and experiment there, you will only get into trouble.
I recommend starting with one of the following: Luzon, Palawan, Panay, depending on your budget and what type of activity you have in mind. However, if you want peace and quiet, smaller, less known islands are your best bet. Batanes aka the New Zealand of the Philippines was a huge surprise for us, so chill and pleasant.
It’s Not That Dangerous. It’s Literally Very Safe.
Worries of Jealous Locals
Okay as an American, I just like to relax at the beach, workout at the gym, and stay in a resort near Cebu with my girlfriend who is a local filipina. My worry is how the locals would react to seeing an American male holding hands and being affectionate in public with a local filipina. I have been to countries where the local men did not like outsiders courting their local women and so they would assault, rob, or mistreat the American traveler due to jealousy. I know that most of the people in the Philippines are good, kind, and respectful people. But there will always be the exception of criminals.
Safe and friendly country
I’ve been to the Philippines two times already and I can say that in my opinion it’s safer than what media or some websites are trying to portray. Yes of course there might be no go zones or more dangerous and sketchy areas but overall I felt really safe there maybe even safer than in some European countries. The Filipinos are very friendly, welcoming and helpful towards tourists and no one tried to overcharge or rob me. So if you question yourself if you should visit or not the country I think you should totally do it.
I disagree
Absolutely incorrect. I’ve lived here for 20 years and never had an issue. Our crime rate here in Lucena city is super low. Some drug busts every now and then and the occasional petty theft but that’s it. It’s been a wonderful place to live and waaaay safer than my home town of Portland Oregon.
This Country Is Safe For The Foreign
It is safe in Philippines because of foreign touristw and residents alike are going to Philippines for a good plce I am just going to Mindanao area but becareful if you go to the terrorist areas in Mindanao even some of the people are Muslims I am using Grab to avoid scamming I am just love travel here as a foreign woman
Just got back from 2 weeks with my husband and children ages 13, 18 amd we felt safe the entire time. We travelled to Bohol, Cebu and even camped from Coron to El Nido on a boat though various islands. Use common sense and you will enjoy the beautiful country amd the many people there to welcome you. Would love to go back one day.
Philippines Crime Rate is Similar to the USA
According to statistics, the USA crime rate is similar to the Philippines. UK, Canada and Australia have lower crime rates.
I’m still alive
Philippines never had mass shooting in school, shopping malls or public places but don’t travel still not safe. Philippines have a population of 113 million but only few deaths during Covid pandemic compared to other rich and developed countries but still not safe don’t travel. Philippines have too many islands with palms trees, white sand beaches and blue waters but still not safe don’t travel. Philippines tap water is dirty and dangerous and people in the Philippines are drinking from tap water from the time they were born until they died at age 80 plus still not safe don’t travel. It’s more fun in the Philippines still not safe don’t travel.
Travel to Butuan
I’m considering planning a trip to Butuan city to meet a girl who I’ve been chatting to for around 7 months now. I will be staying in Butuan, hiring a vehicle and would like to visit some areas in the North of the country primarily around Nasipit.
She lives on the outskirts of Bayugan city so I will probably be visiting this area and her home to.
Is it safe for a guy from the UK to make this trip as I’ve read there are incidents of kidnappings for ransom and high levels of terrorist activity in this part of the philipines.
Yes it is! You’ll miss a bunch of paradise such as white beaches, mountains and many tourist attractions in the Phils. if you won’t give it a shot.
May retire here
I met a Filipina widow on line in early 2022, we wed in early 2023. I have never been so respected as an elder in my whole life. They have some old fashioned values here that we seemed to have lost in the USA. Manila seemed a lot like NYC, but my woman is from Pangasinan, which is somewhat rural. I told my coworkers back in the states, it is twice the size of Florida, with 5 times as many people.
Much safer than the USA
I am Canadian and I have visited more than 10 times (business and pleasure). NEVER, not once, did I feel unsafe, threatened or scammed. Boracay, Palawan, Manila, Mandaluyong, El Nido, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Makati, Bulacan, to name a few. We also forgot a purse at night in Boracay, while eating from a beachside vendor. 10 minutes later the owner of the cart caught up with us and returned the purse. At one restaurant, we didn’t like the filipino cuisine, a few minutes later, the waiter brought out a fancy silver tray, pulled the lid off, and there were 4 Big Mac each on their own plate. Incomparable friendliness, (best hospitality in the world), superb manners and respect, excellent English and for the most part, cleanliness. I actually feel safer there than I do in USA or Canada’s major cities. Filipinos take great pride in their country, their culture, their family, and it shows wherever you go. The writer of this article either has never been to the Philippines, or should issue a correction. I highly recommend visiting, it’s a beautiful country with beautiful people.