In as much as I would like to say/write to dress as a local, it would be funny in the sense that even locals don't dress accordingly as the location demands. I am referring to downtown Cebu here. Though it's comprised of different streets that intersect including Colon Street, it is locally known as Colon, a hub of different activities and interests. You could never say you have been to Cebu without visiting this part of the city. A warning though, it's notoriously known for petty crimes.
Colon, pronounced as Koo-lon, is one busy and crowded place. Besides the business establishments in the area, it is also teeming with street peddlers(legal or not), students(since it's within the university belt), tourists, and mixture of shady characters. By shady characters, I meant swindlers and snatchers. Because it's crowded with the constant flow of traffic(vehicles and people alike), the police authorities have a difficult time pursuing criminals. Also far ahead is the Carbon Market which is as busy as Colon Street. It's another place where you have to activate your alert level in case you choose to go there. Carbon Market by the way, was part of my itinerary I briefly mentioned in my previous entry (Get up, Get out, Fear not). Though I know my way in and around the area, I could never be too careful. Even locals fall victim to pickpockets and the like, how much more if you are first timer.
So to protect yourself from falling the same fate as the others, here are few tips to hopefully ensure your safety and help you walk in Colon unscathed with your pride and possessions intact. I don't say they're foolproof but so far I never had incident of bag slashing or losing of valuables.
1. Dress to blend in.
By this, I meant dress down and leave your fancy dress at home. Dress casually and dress in something that does not make you conspicuously stand out.
2. Dress not just for comfort but also for safety.
You define your own comfort, that's a given. They come in any form, in whatever you fancy as comfortable; a pair of jeans, shorts, skirt, dress, sleeveless top, etc. Men have no problem with this actually. But with women it's different. There are incidents of "accidental" brushing of intimate parts and exposed skin such as the legs and upper arms. If you don't want it to happen to you, it's best to wear a t-shirt and a pair of jeans.
3. Don't wear your bling or minimize it.
Some people just love wearing all their jewelries whether they're in shining gold, glittering silver or sparkling diamonds. I get that part in which you feel bare without your accessories because they become a part of you. But please, don't wear them in downtown Colon. They're attractive to snatchers. Without you knowing it you're being trailed only to be mugged when they have the chance at less crowded spots. Also for women, don't wear dangling earrings if you don't want your flesh to be torn apart by snatchers.
4. Wear a sling bag.
Don't carry a backpack or knapsack. You would be surprised how some snatchers are quicker than the others you would not notice your bag being opened and emptied while you're walking. Place your sling bag in front of you where you can see the zipper or buttons or whatever lock it has.
5. Don't bring a lot of money.
Bring only the amount required to buy the stuff you need and stash it where you feel is safer.
6. Separate your loss coins from your bills.
That way you don't have to empty your pocket's contents when all you need are coins. Don't tempt the snatchers and swindlers by displaying your wad of bills in public. If your bills are not thick, you can fold them and put them in the secret pocket of your jeans.
7. Turn off your phone or put it in silent mode.
Any phone models or gadgets are attractive to snatchers. If you could, don't take them out from your jeans or bags. But also take note, it's not advisable to put your phone in the pocket of your jeans, especially if you're wearing tight ones. It's likely to fall off besides making it easier to be snatched. Be mindful of strangers "accidentally" bumping on you because some of them will feel your pockets for the prospective loot and some have companies few yards ahead that will do the dirtier work of pointing sharp objects, e.g. knife or ice pick, at you and robbing you.
8. Please don't, for your own sake, look ignorant.
Even if it's your first time in the area, feign like you know the place and know where you are going. Look with your eyes without moving your head from side to side, which is a clear indication that you're looking for something or a place. If you're lost, ask someone you think can be trusted, like a security guard or saleslady or policeman if you see one around the area.
9. It helps if you speak the dialect/language.
People warm to strangers who speak the dialect or language. It means you try to blend in, to be understood and to understand. It also prevents you from getting duped since you can follow the conversation.
10. Bring an ID with you.
This is actually for the worst case scenario. In case something will happen, you'll be identified.
*If you have something to add, please feel free to do so in the comment section of this blog or in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlinrippedjeans
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