Philippines, One of the Lowest Aids Rate in Asia

The Philippines, a nation of 84 million inhabitants, has one of the lowest AIDS rates in Asia. Some say if is because almost all men are circumcised or other strange reasons, not that that may not be true. But I think it is because Filipinos are more conservatively sexually than most in this region and the West too. Studies have show, some cited here, how strict social criticism of pregnancy outside of marriage is not respected and what respect of peers means here. Virginity and monogamous relationship are preached by most, practiced by many despite concerns about sex tourism. Few are involved in that from what I see, the masses isolated from it. If not for so many over seas workers, there may be an even lower rate of HIV, AIDS infection.

Almost 20 years after the nation's first reported HIV infection, the number of HIV/AIDS cases is just 9,400 -- only 0.1 percent of people age 15 to 49, according to UNAIDS, the United Nations program that monitors the spread of the disease. In contrast, Burma, with about half the Philippines' population, has at least 400,000 people infected with the virus.

While UNAIDS' estimates are well regarded around the world, nobody knows exactly how many Filipinos actually have HIV/AIDS. The government puts the number as low as 1,810, while a former health minister said the true figure could be as high as 100,000.

But most AIDS experts agree on two things: The low number of reported infections is not the result of poor record-keeping and there is no clear reason for the nation's success in keeping the lethal virus at bay. Most experts don't care about my observations about conservative sexual practices, of course. I agree with the President's comment below.

At an AIDS conference last year in Manila, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cited "high morality" as a major factor in the low infection rate.

"Local studies over the past 10 years show that Filipinos tend to start having sex later than in the United States, Europe and neighboring (Asian) countries," said Dr. Michael L. Tan, a medical anthropologist and an AIDS expert. I guess Michael Tan, an anthropologist does too. Lets hope it gets even better and so what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones, certainly those who must go abroad where it is dangerous to earn money.

Don Herrington, Dec. 2007.

Retiring in PI

I would really like to hear what might be the positives for a retiree like me who is not ready to be put out to pasture just yet. I have about a year to go to retirement. Am considering areas outside of Cebu or Davao based on my research and visits.

Top Ten Positives for me are as follows:

1. Attractive women half my age still flirt with me.

2. The cost of living is lower (at least for the present) and my retirement income enables me to have a better lifestyle than in my hometown in the states.

3. It's a whole new adventure. And a new beginning that seems exciting.

4. It's a nice location for visiting other places in Asia.

5. I don't have kids and worry about being able to afford long term care if I need it. I can hire a live in nurse for a month for what I'd pay for a day back in the states.

6. If you happen to miss the states, it's easy enough to get a Big Mac, KFC, Shakey's pizza, Starbucks, 7-11, etc; find US shows on TV; and the malls are like malls anywhere else in the world.

7. At least for now, I don't think I need to be anchored down with a car - and don't want to.

8. There is a range of lifestyles available - from going native to living in an uppity suburban neighborhood. From country to highly urbanized, from tropical beaches to cool mountain living.

9. The people are generally friendly. I have everyone from taxi drivers to realtors wanting to introduce me to a woman.

10. Did I mention that young attractive women still flirt with me?

Of course there are negatives, but you just asked for the positives so that's my list. I think with your background, you'll be able to fit in well.

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