[little sage]

Hi Chocopie,

Thanks for the long response, I appreciate it.

I agree with you that the fear-factor in the news media skews reality, but I admit I do let it affect me even though I should know better... What ifs are still there in the back of my mind. Good to hear the reality perspective to drown out the CNN newsflashes in my mind.

Anyway, I do have a few more questions. Since I've spent all of 5 hours in Manila, I was wondering what the highlights are. And what is tourism like in the Philippines in general? Is Manila comparable to Bangkok in terms of how many tourist innundate the streets? I spent 10 days on Boracay over Christmas in 2001 and it was mostly European tourists, and plenty of them. Are there other less touristed places to go?

Maybe I should just learn to accept that tourist placard that is always on my head while I am, yes, touristing.