Cebu for Foreigners and Not
“Uy, AFAM!”
If you’re a foreign traveler and have just arrived in the Philippines, you’d probably wonder why you keep hearing the word AFAM here and there, right? You might come across people (ladies, most specifically) in the streets giggling away, whispering things you can’t make sense of. You’ll never figure it out until you dig into the complexities of local Filipino culture, where unique identity is born in the shadows of its vibrant nightlife, hidden away in corners and back alleys. Confuse no more! In this article, we’ll talk about this big question in your head: What on earth does an AFAM mean?!
Well, it’s not that hard to understand, to be honest. It is a colloquial term, a modern youth lingo. It refers to a “foreign national” working in Manila. To describe the foreigners that came to see these strip clubs, the performers in these clubs began abbreviating this identification “A Foreigner Assigned to Manila,” hence the acronym AFAM. Bar girls and homosexual men use this term to represent outsiders, particularly males, but Westerners in general.
Filipinos are legendary for inventing new terms for contemporary dictionaries at a dizzying rate! LOL! As in any other language, words change with time, blending terms, modifying them, resurrecting old ones, and finally creating something too weird to be called an expression. But, society exists to abide and hop on the bandwagon… so we wind up using these expressions on a regular basis without even realizing it.
Cebu for Foreigners
To keep up with the fast expansion of local locations, new restaurants, hotels, and other attractions are springing up one after another, which in parallel, corresponds to an increase in the arrival of AFAMs in the Philippines. And Cebu is one of these favored zones of curious, adventure-ready tourists.
As quickly as you step foot on Cebuano land, you’ll feel a sense of belongingness and familiarity, embracing you through its windy, tropical welcome. In a few calm breaths, you’re transfixed by horizons that connect islands one by one, leaving you speechless no matter where you travel. What’s more, does it have all the advantages with no drawbacks? Read on as we discuss more on this topic.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cebu
People who have traveled to Cebu for a few days or weeks can say nothing less than positive feedback about this naturally blessed island in the South. These visitors enjoy Cebu with rose-tinted glasses, absorbing the good aspects it has to offer.
On the other hand, we have those who come to Cebu to reside permanently or semi-permanently at least. These people come to live here for a few good years, long-term staying in to get to know the Philippines at a deeper level of acquaintance. What can we expect out of this pursuit?
Cons
Pollution in Metro Cebu
This naturally beautiful island may have stunning views of the sea or the mountains, but when you steer downtown, it is a place you may hate visiting. Even while Cebu City is a modern metropolis, just like any major city is, it is nevertheless quite polluted. Jeepneys, the Cebuanos’ primary means of public transportation, give off thick smog that keeps everyone scrunching their noses. It’s also no secret that rivers are contaminated by the people who live along the river banks. Residents who exploited these natural areas into dumpsters have soiled the rivers with plastic debris and other nonbiodegradable junk.
Congested Traffic
Traffic in Cebu City is at an all-time high, with long lines of automobiles honking in unison. Many motorbikes are circulating the streets, making it easier for people to go to their destinations quicker than in an old, cranky Jeepney.
Treacherous Streets for Unfamiliar Tourists
Foreign and local tourists alike must be wary of danger in Cebu City. Crime rates are somehow alarming, so never let your guard down. The most common risks are theft or scams. The authorities warn the public not to wander alone at night to avoid getting robbed or killed, in the worst cases, if you resist. People might also be lured into nightclubs where prostitutes are, which don’t often end well. If you’re looking to experience the best of Cebu, it’s better to evade these trap doors.
Despite these hazards, Cebu offers so much more to see and do.
Pros
Obtainable Accommodations
When we move to a new location, particularly if we don’t know what we’re getting ourselves into, accommodations are likely to be the first on our checklist. Where should we eat, sleep, or shower? We worry about how we’ll fare in a new setting, and that’s perfectly normal. We’re built to survive, after all. But Cebu, for certain, won’t be worrisome for you in terms of lodging. There are a wide variety of apartments, condos, and studio units of your choice, from skyscrapers towering along the busy streets of Cebu City. To fit your schedule, you may sign a monthly residential lease that you can extend at any time.
Accessibility to Other Islands
Cebu wouldn’t be dubbed the Queen City of the South for no reason. One of the most wealthy urban areas in the nation, it attracts more than 2 million foreign visitors each year. Nestled in the central part of the island, Mactan-Cebu International Airport stretches in availability to domestic and international flights equally. No need to stress if you want to tour adjacent islands by boat now that Cebu has easy access to nearby ferry terminals too.
Smiling Faces Everywhere
Feeling uneasy when exploring a new place for the first time is normal. If the people around you have an unwelcoming, dismal, harsh demeanor that makes you want to flee the area, it might be much more difficult. But you won’t have to worry about this with Cebuanos around. They are among the nicest, happiest, and most outgoing people in the Philippines. No matter where you go on the island, you won’t run upon somebody who is down and out. The smiles on the faces of Cebuanos aren’t contrived for the benefit of foreign tourists or locals; rather, they are genuine expressions of delight and hospitality.
Endless Summer Days
If you ever decide to go on a trip to Southeast Asia, visiting one of the world’s most renowned countries won’t disappoint you. The Philippines holds a reputation that many people all over the globe seek: the tropical glory of this archipelago. Cebu stands out among the many islands endowed with pristine waters and white sand beaches, a destination you’ll never forget. Four seasons can be magical, but starting each year with a sunny January month that lasts through December gives you the satisfaction you never thought you needed. Summer days with a few rain showers may sound plain and boring, but nope. It’s synonymous with more activities to do, leading to a boost in productivity.
There we have it! Of course, a few words can’t do justice to the experience of living in Cebu. There is no better way to experience reality than by physically going there and experiencing it for oneself in a way that words cannot convey. Visit Cebu and see these wonders for yourself!
