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Hello. My husband and I have been approved by the ICAB and are waiting for our referral. I am half Filippino and my husband is Caucasion. With the recent threats of Al Quaida on the news, we are concerned with traveling to the Philippines. We are very excited but still a little concerned. My dad is full Filippino -- and hasn't been back for more than 20yrs -- is concerned for our safety. I'd love to hear from those who have traveled recently to pick up their child -- esp those who are not Filippino. Thanks!
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Hi,
We should be traveling here any day now, so we'll post back to this thread when we return, and let you know. My husband is full Filipino, and was adopted from the same orphanage we are going to, and I am full caucasian with blond hair and blue eyes - I probably couldn't stand out any more!
Jen
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We have adopted twice from the Philippines in 96 and 99, and traveled both times without any problems. It really depends on which island you are going to, most are very safe. The problems there are not new, just since the US attack they have been newsworthy. In 99 we traveled to Davao, which has been having problems for years, bombing and kidnappings are not unusual. It is usually in the remote areas, so if you keep your travel to major cities as we did you should be fine. things can happen no matter where you are, even at home. Everyone was very nice to us and most people were just curious as to why we were there. When we told them it was to adopt a Filipino child they were very supportive.
Thank you for all the support and feedback. I realize that each country has its share of problems and that no matter where you go - even in the US - you are not 100% safe. I do have some cousins that live in the Philippines and are planning on meeting up with us when we arrive. I guess there is just so much on the news about terrorism, etc. that it makes us nervous. However, the end result will be such a blessing!
Hi
I just wanted to share our experience.
We travelled to Manila in September 2003 and arrived home to Australia in October 2003. We loved every minute of our trip and felt safe the entire time. We were very worried for our safety before we left as the Aust Govt was issuing travel warnings about South East Asia especially after the bali bombings in Oct 02.
We had never travelled overseas before either which made it a bit more scary. However, we took precautions like not staying near embassies and other obvious targets. We stayed in the Holiday Inn Galleria Motel in Pasig City. Which was well located between the international airport and ICAB.
We only used the motel cars to travel around and found them very safe. We adopted our daughter from Manila so we didn't go to any of the other islands.
However, we found the Filipino people to be lovely, helpful and friendly at all times. They were interested in us as we stood out, especially after we picked up our daughter. But they were always wonderful to us. We loved our time in Manila and look forward to returning in the future to hopefully adopt another son or daughter.
I hope this helps you in some way.
Regards
Tina
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