As for going to the Philippines ..i made my first trip there in Feb 2002..i had all the worries about my safety etc...What i learned was that the filipinos are WONDERFUL people.. They are patient with foreigners and always seemed happy to help...The best advice that has been said many times on this forum and that i learned also is follow what your girl or her parents say when you are there they WILL protect you!!!

PS the only down side is the Philippines is a VERY beautiful country so it is very easy to get addicted to the Philippines :) (i made 4 trips there last year)

--Richard