Guys, let me splain it to you. I've been to the PH many times and other place in Asia and elsewhere. In poor countries men are almost always expected to provide gifts for their girlfriends. And when you leave the country for a while your girlfriend will be someone else's while you are gone. You are expected to take them shopping and/or pick up their rent and/or utility bills. If you are upper middle class they will expect you to buy them a car and take them with you when travel to luxury destina…
A friend of mine is supposedly engaged to this mid-30's Phillipina. Poor guy, he sent her serious $dough and will never see it again. He has alcohol-induced dementia and is convinced they are in love and will be marrying soon.
In addition, her relatives will also be moving in to live with you in the West and sending a good chunk of the cash they earn back to the elders also. Its systematic looting, organized on a shocking scale. Be very leery of these gals and NEVER send them money for "investments" or "sudden medical crises" either.