The reaction of many (especially Koreans) when they hear about my forthcoming move to the Philippines is along the lines of “oh, but isn’t it dangerous there?” This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that anytime a Korean comes to a bad end in the PI it is headline news here. But the fact is that relatively speaking, the Philippines is just about as safe as anywhere you might choose to live. I’d certainly feel safer in Olongapo than I would in Chicago, Baltimore or L.A.

Which is not to say that there is not a certain “wild west” feel to place. The key to safety and security is to be situationally aware and to not take unnecessary risks. In other words, don’t do stupid shit. Foreigners do stand out in a crowd and are considered by many Filipinos to be wealthy, which relatively speaking, many of us are. So you don’t flaunt that wealth with ostentatious displays of fancy jewelry or other temptations for someone criminally inclined who is looking for an easy mark. I normally do not carry a wallet when I’m out and about as pickpockets can separate you from that with relative ease. I tend to carry only the amount of cash I will need for a particular outing, and I keep the large and small bills in separate pockets, usually closed with Velcro tabs.

I just purchased some security supplies from Amazon, including this “wear around your neck” wallet like thing. Doubt I’ll use it all the time, but there will be occasions where it might prove useful.

And check out this new brush. I can stash some cold cash inside where it will be handy but still out of sight from anyone with sticky fingers who might enter my lodging…

The other thing to keep in mind is to not piss off a local or cause them to lose face. That’s a big thing to a Filipino and given that it is relatively cheap to hire a hit (around $100 dollars, or so I’ve been told) and that many folks own guns (a right denied to foreigners) it just isn’t wise to get into disputes with the natives. I have every intention to keep a low profile, be friendly, and wear a smile whether I’m feeling it or not. Patience isn’t my virtue, but I will strive mightily to “take a deep breath, relax, and accept the Filipino way” whenever I find myself in frustrating circumstances.

To keep my luggage secure during my travels I have these fine new “TSA approved” locks. There have been recent reports of bags being rifled at some PI airports, so at least this will keep me from being an easy target. Not that I’ll have much of value inside my checked bags, but still…

The other thing that is different from my previous vacation trips is that I’ll be carrying a much more significant amount of cash. This is necessary because I won’t be able to open a Philippines bank account right away and I’m going to have some largish expenditures during that first month, assuming I find a suitable house to rent. Once I secure my visa I should be able to transfer funds from the USA to my PI bank account without too much trouble. Still, carrying a wad of cash increases the risk factor so I’ll need to be doubly on my guard. For example, a Facebook “friend” I’ve not yet met in person suggested I use her neighbor for my transport from Manila airport to Olongapo. At first I thought, sure why not?. Then I pictured myself never arriving in Olongapo, so I opted for the hotel shuttle driver I’ve used in the past. Once I’m there I’ll certainly look at hiring her friend as my driver (I’ll use a driver a couple of times a week for shopping excursions and the like). But I’ll want to meet him in person first.

So much for security, let’s look at my social life.

Joey and Sonya treated me to a fine farewell dinner at Braii Republic, a South African eatery here in town.

My team at work thought an afternoon outing to a nearby Catholic church was a good idea.

So off we went and the church grounds were in fact quite lovely…

Team DHRM rocks!

Then we all had dinner at a country style Korean restaurant featuring the traditional pancake…

….and fried gizzards. It was surprisingly tasty!

Last night I enjoyed a dinner invite from one of my Korean staff, Mr. So. He’s been with USFK for 48 years and last night was the final time we’ll be together (he’s going on leave and I’ll be gone when he comes back).

Mrs. So put out quite a spread. Actually, some of the best eating I’ve ever done in Korea. Very nice evening.

And now I’m off to Seoul for the final round of my farewell tour.

14 days.