hi I am a Filipino....
I know where USA is, and where Europe is, Geographically I know more than the average Filipino Citizen, If you are white you will be considered as an American in the eyes of the average Filipino Citizen, If you are Chinese looking, even if you are from Japan or Korea the average Citizen will still call you Chinese at first glance.
In the Philippines its more complicated to segregate what is middle class, poor, or rich, some rich will still call you American even if you are from Europe. I think generally it boils down to the extent of what the individual Filipino know. The fact is only few Filipino or locals get to go abroad, even in their own country they can become Foreigner's, I once went to Luzon and find myself like I'm in another Asian country because I cant understand a word the locals are saying.
Why are American or Western people considered rich? why? well let me tell you , ever seen those movies were you find a plumber with a vehicle? (a vehicle is a necessity in the west but in the philippines and other asian countries its considered as a luxury, even if its a crappy car) or a movie where you find a jobless depressed western male eating pizza or burgers becoming fat? ( not everyone in the philippines can eat pizza) so you see what the middle class have in the western countries are considered rich in the Philippines. why? because not so many have the money to get those things that the average western man can have.
Me and my friends use to say to each other how lucky USA is or any western countries for that matter, and just becoming a Pizza delivery boy in the west, you can earn more than having a proper job here in the Philippines that requires a college degree, and still we wonder why hold ups, robbery are still happening in the USA? well maybe having too much money isn't too much at all. People always crave for more.
Lastly, not all will call you "hey Joe", There are people who are well educated enough in Universities to know the difference and yet not all, Why? Because some students have no interest on whats happening in the world. But still there are some of us, me and my friends, Who read books, history and watch international TV in cable Television.., and yes we also like to drink Red Horse Beer, Watch Boxing, European Foot Ball, NBA.. hehe hope I made a point
