UK citizen killed

The Brit who went there didn't do much research at all. Anyone who has spent time in poorer countries will know about people living in the moment.

Are you both still getting pressurised to send more money over, Keith?
Giving people over there fishing rods, line and hooks could be a positive sign.
Maybe change your signature for a week or two

You would be very surprised just how much research he did. Second to none.

I am not so sure of the comment on mothers, Timmers. I have known lots of mothers who kick their children out without a second thought!
Lots of mothers are alcoholics or drug addicts.
Not everyone is lucky to have had a loving mother.

He only needed to speak or chat online with people who had travelled a lot to find out about "living in the moment".
Everyone I met in many West African countries, third world countries like the Philippines, knew about this.
There have been millions of people who have spent time travelling abroad.
His research had many holes.

Well, my point in the posting is that despite a lot of research, it wasnt enough.

He seems naïve at best.

If you are talking about whom I think you are talking about,he is still very active in the researching dept... Just not on a computer and with boots on the ground!! lol.
He seems to be very happy here and I for one think he will end up being a long term resident!.
Probably!

In regards this murder.. If it occurred in the U.K,the Police would probably investigate a little closer to home before stretching the net wider..
Just saying.

Here`s an interesting perspective from someone that spent 3 years here.. To me,he makes a lot of sense.

"I spent nearly 3 years in the Philippines and came back to the States in 2012. Ever since, it's been my intention to "return as soon as possible."



I need to get things in order (make sure I can indefinitely sustain myself), and I'm perpetually optimistic on timetables...but I will get there and stay there for good.



In the Philippines, I am happy with whatever I have. Just being there is like a permanent vacation (even though I spent--and will spend--time working while there).



Life is just so different there, and it's impossible to describe so that someone else understands. You need to experience it first-hand. Living in the Philippines for a year (or longer) is very different from visiting for a month.



When you first arrive in the country, everything is new and interesting. You don't know what to expect, but have a blast anticipating. As you begin to understand the people and the culture (this takes a *long* time to even start to understand!), then you really appreciate the country.



It does take a certain mindset to enjoy your life there, though. The culture is extremely deceptive. So many Filipinos speak English and everyday life appears in many ways to be very similar to home (America for me...). But if you keep your mind open, you will discover many differences.



I've seen so many foreigners who can only see life through their own experiences and who expect the Philippines to mold to their beliefs and expectations. This is perhaps the biggest shock for many foreigners: they cannot change the way things are! BIG shock, right? Yet, time and again foreigners try their hardest to "fix" how Filipinos think.



Ain't happening. If these are your expectations, you're in for a life of stress and distress. You may say, "I wouldn't do that!" But I've seen more foreigners than not with that attitude. Fortunately, those that frequent this forum understand this concept.



Here at home, if I had to wait 20 minutes in a line to buy my groceries, I would probably put my groceries down and leave. In the Philippines? Somehow, my whole attitude is completely changed and I'm patient. Life is soooo laid back, and it's wonderful--most of the time. Yes, sometimes I get a bit frustrated, but not to the point of being stressed out about it.



Continuing my rambling...(the Philippines can do that to me!) people don't expect you to be someone you are not. For example, here at home, I hate parties. I am awkward around a lot of people who are drinking and making small talk. I don't drink or make much small talk. But I am perfectly comfortable with attending a barangay party or fiesta. It helps if I have some friends at the party, but it is unbelievably easy to make new friends. They will often keep the questions coming and listen intently to my answers.



I really miss the Philippines! No worries, though, I'll get back there soon."

I think this brings me back to a point I always make. One does not have to have spent much time in the Philippines to recognise its facets. This whole thread and its contents is a warning. One does not have to experience the mistakes of others to learn from others mistakes. Our "man on the ground" teaches us all a valuable lesson and good of him to be honest.

It is obvious that despite boots on the ground, this chap has made an error of judgement.

Interesting stance.

I feel that anyone who wants to live in another country should make the effort to give it a try for at least three months first and hopefully six or more.
It is not easy to do but a few weeks will not help anyone understand much.
This goes for people who move closer to home like Spain for example.
When I lived in Spain I couldn't believe the amount of expats who turned to the bottle to try to alleviate culture shock, isolation or both. They also could have been drunks both home and abroad. They end up congregating in small groups, constantly moaning about this, that and the other. It happens in the Philippines too.
IMO, the first thing anyone should do is to learn the language, sign up for proper lessons and set aside a strict regime at home with studying.
Surely speaking the language will help stop feeling isolated and the benefits of speaking with the "locals" are limitless, and FUN.
Besides learning interesting things about the country and the people, just having a small understanding of their sense of humour is well worth the effort.

Its been really interesting to read this thread about cultural differences and thank you for all the kind words about my Dad. He was a lovely man and loved his time in the Philippines.
@Timmers - I'm Brian's daughter. Regarding your comment about not understanding why we would we bring him home to the UK. My parents spend half the year in the UK, so its very natural for us to bring him home. My Step-mum will be back in time for the funeral, which we are planning for August, so she has time to recover first. I would not want anyone to think that we'd plan anything without her. That would be even more devastating - if that is possible. She has gone through so much already. We are a family.

My condolences to your family and I hope your mum gets out of hospital real soon. I do hope they catch those responsible for this horrible crime. God bless you

Condolences, Kerry.

D.B.. Hope you got permission to post that elsewhere!



Please accept my condolences Kerry. Your Dad was obviously a good and well loved man.. So sorry for your loss.

Its a sad fact but the Police often need a gentle push and some petrol money before they are able to start a proper investigation towards justice.. A lot of it comes down to the budget they have at their disposal.. Someone like Knightstrike would have a better idea about that than me.
I just hope beyond hope that they at least managed to find some evidence and clue`s before they sent him home to rest.

My condolences Kerry, good to see your step mum will be able to attend your fathers funeral after all, you said you are a tight knit family, that will help at a time like this.

God bless