PDA

View Full Version : Living in the Philippines



Pages : [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Admin
08-10-03, 20:44
Please select "Add New Report" to begin this section.

Genuis8
08-16-03, 22:04
If you want to know the latest news about the Philippines, these are the websites (updated daily) in english:

www.tribune.net.ph
www.malaya.com.ph
www.bworld.com.ph (businessword - for latest foreign exchange rates)
www.abante.com.ph (for those that can understand FIlipino/Tagalog)

Vchip
08-17-03, 02:08
Here is a website that is chock full of info for any retired U.S. military guys (others as well) considering living in the Angeles City area: http://www2.mozcom.com/~rao_cabr/

CanContrib
10-23-03, 18:39
For once I have a question instead of an answer.

It's time to hire a live-in maid to take care of things around the house. The wife deserves one. On the other hand, I have this preference that she should be young, cute, and enthusiastically ameniable to an extra private "arrangement" when there's opportunity.

The question then is how to best find the "right" maid, before the wife goes and finds one guaranteed to be someone I wouldn't _want_ to touch.

I know you import a maid from the provinces but how do you discretely find the right one? I know the going monthly rate is P1500 plus room and board and such. I'd be quite happy to make the *right* maid the best paid happiest maid in the subdivision.

Any ideas, guys? Any of you ever handled this situation to your satisfaction?

Bad Santa
10-23-03, 21:15
Cancontrib,

There are maid agencies which you could call. You could give them your preferences, i.e., what type of maid you're looking for, what age, duties.... so and and so forth. Although I think agencies charges more, around P3k and up, depending on their qualifications.
Look around your neightborhood. Most older maids have daughters which might have the same profession as them. IF the older mom is good looking, chances are her daughter might be one.

If you want my 2cent on this, I think you’re better off getting strictly a maid without the hanky panky. Two reasons:
1) Your wife already knows you’re preferences on women. When she hires someone, it would be the complete opposite of your “ideal” maid. Let’s say by chance you got lucky and was able to convince your asawa to hire someone you like. By default, her radar would be up 24 hours since her instinct would tell her that you might have some ulterior motive.
2) Trust: With economic hardship in PI. It’s difficult to get a hired help that you could trust. I’m not generalizing that all Filipino maids s would steal your belongings, but with the combination of “kabit” and maid in one, I think that would be a recipe for disaster.

I hope I’ve shed some light on your question.

Good luck, keep us posted.

SC.

Pinay Lover
10-24-03, 01:44
Cancontrib,

I would reconsider about getting a maid that is able to do double duty for you. For one, your asawa would definitely give you a hard time about it once you found one. Second, there could be confrontations between your maid and the misis. I think it would be a recipe for disaster.

If you go through an agency, like I did before. It cost me P 3,500 in 1999 prices so I think it would be way more now. If you reall want to go through this. Then why not go via word of mouth (that's how I got my current housekeeper) or go to the province and pick one out and tell them up front what you expect of them. Which I doubt there might be any takers. Many females in the province have this idea that we foreigners are sex maniacs or something. Sex addicts more likely.

My own housekeeper of 3 years is an old lady lady who I can trust which is really hard to find. She does have three beautiful daughters. One of which really caught my eye but I would want to ruin the arrangement I have now.

Cancontrib, think about it real well before making a decission. It does sound real great to have a spare around the house but sometimes what we want is not always what we get in the end.

Just my opinion lang, pare.

CanContrib
10-25-03, 19:22
SantaClaus, thanks for your observations and your perspective - you've made me think about it and conclude that you're absolutely right - keep the fun stuff elsewhere.

FYI, this is a newer subdivision so there are no old maids here, everyone I see is young and cute as hell; wish I could steal the one from down the street. It's enough to drive a guy nuts when stuck in the house. Maybe I just need to rebalance life a bit and get back to benefiting from what I already know.

TSMDave
10-26-03, 04:14
Hey Guys,

I been to the PI once and loved it. The people are down to earth and friendly. Cost of living is reasonable.

With that said, what opportunities are there for someone Stateside to relocated there? What type of work is available? How much does it cost per month to live there?

I know those are very open ended questions, but I am not looking to live in a high rise in Makati, but a reasonably good neighborhood (where I wouldn't be kidnapped) that's safe.

Thanks for the insight :)

CanContrib
11-16-03, 19:08
The Yaya question revisited:

A few weeks ago I dismissed (based on actually good advice here, thanks) the thought of having a double-duty maid. Then, as luck would have it, I tripped over the perfect candidate, whom I just happen to "know" from before. She's very interested in the position (really, no pun intended!), would have come home with me on the spot and started work if I'd let her, but it's not so easy to just show up and say "hey, yaya sa yo na dito, mabuti ha?".

The problem is how to get akin asawa to "find" here and hire her. As most of you know, it's the woman who looks after the household here, lock, bahai at pera. I won't bore anyone with the slew of thoughts I've had on this and dismissed as flawed.

Wastrel
11-17-03, 12:10
"The Yaya question revisited: A few weeks ago I dismissed (based on actually good advice here, thanks) the thought of having a double-duty maid. Then, as luck would have it, I tripped over the perfect candidate."

CanContrib,

Old Tagalog wise man say: "He who plays around in pantry should expect to find ass in jam."

That grating noise you will hear as you try to sleep is the sound of your maid and your wife sharpening kitchen implements while eyeing one another's neck, and yours. When I lived there a few years ago I found that short-time rooms in Manila are plentiful, safe, anonymous, and cheap; as are attractive young Filipinas available as mistresses to westerners, especially if you still hang out in Malate. They can even pretend to be a maid, if you like.

But some of us need to live on the edge, I guess. Good luck.

Wastrel

Member #1603
02-05-04, 00:03
hey there fellas,

ok, i lived in pi for several years and here is my findings!

the yaya or maid in laymans terms. first of all these are usually the live-in kind. i would strongly suggest you don't have one that you would want to be involved with. it will complicated things tremendus. besides, she will be living under the same roof. (expect jelousy fights if you decide to bring other females home). it's their nature and females nature in general. besides, you should pay no more than 2500 pesos a month for a live in.

if anyone has any questions let me know i will try and help.

as always

4japeepl

editor's note: this report was edited to meet the forum's posting guidelines (http://www.wsgforum.com/postingguidelines.html).

GoodEnough
02-14-04, 07:11
I've just agreed to move out of my hotel and to rent a reasonably large house here in Davao. Thanks for all of the "yaya advice." Because of the opinions expressed in this forum, I've decided to hire someone in her mid-forties, unattractive, married, and apparently uninterested in doing anything for me other than the job for which she was dired. Thanks for the sound advice. It's probably going to save me a lot of hassles.

Teddy Bear 99
02-14-04, 10:49
Jackson,

Please delete this if it violates TOS, thanks:

This maybe a little off topic, but I think this subject fits the bill:

I adopted a son over three years ago in the Philippines, but have been unable to bring him over due to US INS regs. I am wondering if there are any companies that can hire a US citizen to be able to travel back and forth or live in the PI for at least two years. What kind of paperwork is needed to become a "temporary resident?" Please PM me with information if possible.

Thanks,

Teddybear

GoodEnough
02-15-04, 03:48
teddybr99:

There are a number of US consulting companies here that hire specialists of various types for varying periods of time. These companies have the right, under the loan agreements which govern these projects, to have their employees granted temporary residence status. It takes an endorsement from the company, from the funding agency, from Immigration in the Philippines and from the Department of Justice here. The process takes about 6 weeks. I have just gone through the process, so I'm fairly familiar with it. I don't know what your background and interests are, but it you want more information, PM me and I will tell you whatever I can.

Sir James
02-15-04, 04:03
Teddybr99 "...I feel your pain..."

But sans knowing more of the particulars in your case my response must per-force be general. Hope it helps.

There are several classes of routine visas for extended stays in this asian demi-paradise most can be reviewed at: http://www.immigration.gov.ph/

An accurate layman's interpretation of a more generous visa for extended stays may be found at:

http://islands.topcities.com/faq-moving.htm

It speaks specifically to the province of Palawan, but the visa policy explained is national in scope. The agency responsibile for encouraging extended in-country stays is: PHILIPPINE LEISURE AND RETIREMENT AUTHORITY

29/F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Rosa Machete City, 1200 Philippines
Tel: (0632)-848-1415 to 19
Fax: (0632) – 848-1411
Email: inquiry@pra-visa.com
http://www.pra-visa.com/home.htm

Your situation, as described, may benefit from the class IR-2 visa described below.

"The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a SPECIAL NON-IMMIGRANT VISA that accords the HOLDER MULTIPLE ENTRY/INDEFINITE STAY PRIVILEGES including the right to reside permanently in the Philippines. Plus with the additional VALUE-ADDED SERVICES, PRIVILEGES AND BENEFITS. The SRRVisa Program includes one (1) Principal Applicant and two (2) dependents.

SRRV is especially designed for those would like to stay longer or even permanently in the Philippines. It is a “Lifestyle” Visa for those who enjoy perks and privileges.

A “Hassle-Free” Visa for the Frequent Business Traveler, and a “Retirement Visa” for the Elderly who needs special care - for their special needs."

After your research, if you want the name of a heavy duty Philippine immigration lawyer, drop me a PM and I'll send his contact info along. He was the head of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BOI) in the previous administration.

As an aside, you may or may not know, former Presidents Estrada (RP) & Clinton (US) have both been caught with their pants down, but in general the people they appointed to "technocrat posts" proved to be competent for the most part.

(Getting blown while talking to world leaders; now gentlemen, that is my kind of president! But I digress)

Back on topic, please bear in mind that there are TWO very different bureaucracies involved INS (US) & BOI (RP) which for some reason religiously avoid cooperating with each other to simplify things. Instinctively I'm a tad adverse to lawyers but in your case a savvy immigration lawyer may be worth consulting.

I too have an adopted young lass, cute as a button, turned 4 this past August. I will bring her to the States but not until she has absorbed more of her mother's culture, customs & mores. Good Luck.

Sir James

Sir James
02-16-04, 03:50
Re: "... There are a number of US consulting companies here that hire specialists of various types for varying periods of time..."

GoodEnough,

If you do come across any company that seeks US Trained Physicians, with pristine credentials, I'd appreciate a heads-up!

I don't hold out too much hope, simply because there are so many well trained Filipino doctors: Why hire an American at our pay scales. Still a friend said some years ago, at least, a few larger companies did have their own medical staff from the States. I'd appreciate working in Manila as I've a lovely wife & the commute from NYC has been hell.

That said I wish I could figure out how this PM system works as I suppose I already owe Jackson a more on-topic report which I will do as soon as I get back in-country. Happy hunting gentlemen! :-)

Sir James

For instructions on using the PM system, please read http://www.wsgforum.com/vforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1774

Thanks,

Jackson

GoodEnough
02-21-04, 03:30
After four months staying in a hotel in Davao, I will be moving to a large house in the near future. I need some advice on whether to hire a live in Yaya (there are maid's quarters) or to find someone who will come in every day but go home at night. I'm moving into a gated community so security is not much of an issue. Do any of you guys have experience in this area? If so, I would appreciate hearing about it. My worry with a "live-in" maid related to the possible infringement on my privacy. Thanks in advance for the help.

Bad Santa
02-21-04, 04:17
GE,

I think it would be beneficial to the both of you if you hire a live-in maid.

The working hours of a live-in maid in PI is not the same compared to U.S. If a maid lives with you, it is assumed that she is working for you to most of the day and night. Therefore, she is at your at your service almost 24hrs/day. To find a maid that would go home each night after her shift is done would be difficult, especially if you live in a gated community. Maids don’t generally have homes close to work since housing/apartment is too expensive. Most of them come from provinces so it would be difficult for them to commute daily.

Granted that you find a maid that would be able to commute to work, she still has to fight through traffic each day. Traffic in PI is the worst! I’ve never seen traffic that bad!

RE: privacy.
I’m not sure what you mean by privacy but once you hire a maid, whether she’s a live-in or not, the meaning of privacy to you may have to be redefined.

Good luck,
SC

GoodEnough
02-22-04, 09:05
sc:

thanks. your advice is similar to that which i have received from various expatriate friends here who have rented houses. there are separate servants' quarters, so i guess it won't be too bad. all i meant by privacy was that i don't want someone who feels free to stroll around the house while i am at home. i have already accepted the fact that, especially in davao which has only a rep001tering of expats, everything that you do is known as soon as you do it. i am sure that every lady in the office in which i work knows about every woman i have ever had in my room, how long she stayed, and for all i know, the details of what we did while together. the davao grapevine is quicker than email and there is no way to avoid it.

thanks again for the advice. i'm sure i will follow it.

ge

Dragon Slayer
02-23-04, 03:20
Santacious,

How did you get this name? Your comment about redefining privacy is right on the line. Filipinos DO NOT know the meaning of the work privacy. I do not think it even exists in the Vasayan or Tagalog languages. At my place on the beach in Leyte there is a lock on the bedroom door. My little girl constantly tries to break this down when I am sleeping there with her mother. All the children come and go in the house and my bedroom at will. I have to wake up and immediately get dressed.

I never spend much time there as it is too "native" for me. I always end up bringing my small family to Cebu. I can only suggest locks on all doors and keep valuable/private material, etc out of your home and in a safe deposit box or somewhere.

I once read an article on "Living in the Philippines" that said putting a lock on a door or chest only increased the curiosity of filipino household staff and relatives. It was a challenge for them to open this and see what you were hiding.

Pinay Lover
02-23-04, 21:22
Goodenough,

Finding a live-in Yaya shouldn't be a problem. In Mindanao, the going rate is about P1,200 a month but since you are a foreigner like me. We pay a little higher. I pay my housekeeper P3,000 a month but that is Makati. When I was in Cagayan de Oro for 6 months,two years ago. I was paying P1,000 only. Shoot, I was the only one in the house so it wasn't to hard to keep after me.

Isagani
02-23-04, 23:53
Privacy in a Filipino household setting can be quite a challenge if one is used to the Western concept of privacy. You should try to learn and study the filipino culture as far as privacy is perceived. The best thing for an individual to do is to put it in writing black and white one's privacy concerns and communicate it to however you are hiring to help with your household chores.

GoodEnough
02-25-04, 09:35
Isagani, Pinay Lover and DS:

Thanks for the response. I think I get the idea. Now, I just want to find someone old, ugly and honest to work for me. If she's going to live there, I do not want even a scintilla of temptation. Like Pinay Lover, I will be the only one in the house most of the time and since I do not much like the local cuisine, I sure won't ask her to cook.

Miao28
03-07-04, 05:04
As Pinay Lover says, the costs of living is certainly much lower in Cagayan de Oro. One thousand peso is enough to get one a housekeeper to do the daily chores for a few hours. There are housekeepers to suit every budget in the Philippines, I presume.

GoodEnough
03-09-04, 00:25
Just moved into my new house, and found a Yaya who, though pretty and reasonably young, will definitely not be any temptation. Thanks to all the guys who gave me advice on this matter. I think it's going to work out fine.

Pinay Lover
03-09-04, 18:51
Good enough,

Good luck on the new house and your Yaya. Just got back a couple of hours ago and I'm glad to be back. Had one of the girls meet me at the airport and is already passed out on the bed after doing her. I've got a lot of makingup to do while I've been gone.

PL

Viktor North
03-13-04, 01:26
I enjoy living in the West, but realistically speaking, I know I'll end up selling my assets here and moving someplace warm someday. I know that any country in the world can get boring if you stay there long enough, so I plan to travel a lot. But being able to call an exotic country home would be incredible.

I'm very young, decades younger than most people here actually, so i've yet seen very little of the world outside of the West. But i plan on visiting most continents during the next couple of years, so that should change.

Falling back to the original topic of this thread, what's it like to live in the Phils? I tried asking a Filipina that question, but all I got were complaints about the economy. Clearly, the economic hardships overshadowed everything else for her family, so i need a Westerner's perspective on this one.

What's good about the Phils and what's not? What's the cost of living there? I know these questions are broad to say the least, guve at least try to give me some idea. And how does the country compare to some of the other locations you may have visited?

EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to capitalize the word "I". To avoid future delays, please use a capital "I" to refer to yourself in future reports. Thanks!

Fastpiston
03-13-04, 10:11
Viktor,

I have lived in Asia over 20 years and can give you the following advice.

The best two places in Asia for warmth and women are Thailand and Philippines.

In respect of Philippines the advantages are the women are generally affectionate and come at low cost. The country is also quite beautiful. The disadvantages are law and order problems, poor infrastructure, poor airport connections as well as an underlying anti-foreigner biased, especially in the press.

With Thailand, advantages are slightly more beautiful women, great infrastructure, minimal law and order problem, terrific culture, great food, great air connections and very pro-foreigner attitude. Thailand is also a great jumping off point to Cambodia. Longer stay visa arrangements are also easier to manage. Against Thailand are slightly higher costs and English is not used so generally as in the Philippines.

My overall recommendation is to check out Thailand as well. I would prefer to live in Thailand and make visits to the Philippines.
I hope this helps.

Dragon Slayer
03-13-04, 14:26
GoodEnough,

Is it okay if I fool around with your maid? No telling what kind o dry spells I may experience this trip.

Fastpiston,

My impressions are a bit different from yours. I speak Thai and I was married to a Thai woman. Now, I have my Woman and daughter in a remote section of Leyte. Called earlier and as soon as the phone was picked up. first words I heard were, "hello Dad". Knows when I am calling.

I find that in both countries you will never be "truly accepted". On Leyte, most of the family there to this day still do not speak with me. But my Daughter is accepted totally into the Family even though looking exactly like me (white with wavy, light brown hair). But she was born there and speaks fluent vasayan.

In Thailand I think you can have a good relationship with a lady from a good, upper class family. Someone who is educated and gainfully employed (not in the sex trade). I had someone like this for three back in the early 90's. She worked as an Executive for an Import/Export Company in Bangkok. Ended when I did not marry her. We still had plenty of cultural differences.

Given a choice on any given day I would choose a Filipina over a Thai woman. My speaking Thai has made it easy for me to meet Thai women but nothing longer than a year relationship has emerged in the last 11 years.

Lately I have begun travelling to China where I have found the women to be very beautiful and very sensual. Not enough experience with them yet to make any other comments. Regular girls are very loving and aectionate, great at sex and totally uninhibited. But my experience has been limited to women age 22-30 so far in China. None were ever married though the one had twin daughters by a married HK business man for whom she was his mistress (or one of them).

D.S.

GoodEnough
03-14-04, 12:54
DS:

Mi casa es su casa. If it's okay with her, it's fine with me, but I have some other, more realistic possiblities for you the next time you come (no pun intended) here. As you and I discussed the last time you were here; I agree with you about the difference between Thais and Filippinas, but then I've never been with any middle class Thais.

As to dry spells, I don't think you will have any. Not with the new places to which I was exposed.

GE

Undray
03-22-04, 18:06
Hey Guys,

How much would a 1-2 bedroom apartment cost in Manila? Would I have better pricing if I go to the cities surrounding Manila?

Also, I'm American how much US dollars should I need to be able to live for 2-3 months? Im not gonna shop--Just eat, find girls, and sleep. I would mainly want non pros, is that hard to find in Manila?

Also, what shots do I need to get before venturing out to PI?

Thanks guys

Undray

Genuis8
03-24-04, 22:08
Undray,

You can get a decent apartment-hotel for around P30,000/mo. I would suggest a minimum budget of US$2500-3000/mo for your 3 month stay. This will provide you with decent place to stay, decent meals and be able to go out dating normal women. Remember that freebies (non-pro) are more expensive, because you have to wine & dine them, and then there's shopping or window-shopping. If you cant afford that kind of money, then cut down the time, instead of quality.

Genuis8
03-24-04, 22:10
Sorry, I forgot to put in. Apartment-Hotels in Manila (around US$600/mo) are: Mabini Mansion, Dakota Mansion, Boulevard Mansion (all in Ermita/Malate area in Manila). Try www.asiatravel.com

Dragon Slayer
03-25-04, 02:34
Undray,

Why Manila? More expensive and more trouble. My first choice would be Dumaguete City and second is Davao, my "home base". Third is Cebu. Rent for apartments where the ex-pats live in D/T Cebu are about $ 250-300 US but I would not stay there.

Furniture is really reasonable, including color tvs and DVD/VCR Players. I had to buy ALL of this or my place on Leyte. A lovely four piece all leather mint green furnitue set was only P 12,800 and free delivery.

I you get a live in maid it is not expensive but she needs a room. With her cooking you will save plenty. Regular ladies alwyas enjoy cooking for you. It is a hobby of mine and I often cook dinner at my leyte residence.

D.S.

Undray
03-27-04, 20:21
Dragon Slayer

I dont want to be in Manila per se, but in the surrounding cities. I heard that Queson City is a city thats safe and inexpensive. Is that true? I wanna stay in the north, and not the south due to the terrorists. The last thing I need is a terrorist kicking in my door while im humping two chicks.

Thanks

Undray

GoodEnough
03-29-04, 08:13
Undray:

I don't know where you're getting your information, but you need to double check the source. There are no terrorists here in Davao, nor have there been for quite a while. I think you're probably at more risk in Manila than here. This is a totally peaceful city, and the biggest threat is getting run over by a jeepney or a taxi. I have now been here for almost 6 months and have neither seen nor experienced anything that could be construed as remotely threatening.

GE

CharminFun
05-11-04, 23:49
I know Cebu its my hometown although I am in the US now. It is the best place to live anywhere in the PI. The city is clean, and you have everything- white sandy beaches with 5 star hotels nearby mactan island (shangrila, plantation bay) casino, big malls, cheap clothing (fake ralph lauren polo for $5, but no one can tell) cheap food, cheap chicks. You can rent a room with aircondition, cable tv,maid service, phone and maybe fridge in uptown pension houses ( like a bed and breakfast in the US) for under $300 a month. Try the smaller ones around the cebu capitol area.
The nighlife there is alive an kicking. Many bars and karaoke and strip joints where drinks are cheap. There are internet cafes all over the place for emails. You can get a 2 hour massage (clean) for 300 pesos ( $5.50) get a facial at Salon de rose for $10.Where else in the world can you get these deals? Hey I go there twice a year to relax and spend my $$ since it goes a long way. Looking forward to retire there too. If you are a retiree in the US, you can live like a king there with your pension or SS. Maybe find a 20 year old concubine or two. Cebu is the quiet paradise.

Robert Lee
05-12-04, 03:11
Charminfun,

You are so right about cebu. I have a friend there currently. He is 69 y/o, and has a 19 y/o girlfriends who he says is wild and very, very obliging. He is on a small pension and lives like a king.

He still says that when he goes out women come up to him to ask him if he needs or wants company. He has it made.

I am so envious of him. He has made me want to go there and retire, but alas unless I win the lottery I have a long time for that. However I can wish and dream about it.

GoodEnough
05-13-04, 00:35
After living in Davao for six months, I'm finally getting the chance to go to Cebu next week for a couple of days. Thanks you guys for letting us all know about it. I now look forward eagerly to the trip.

Frat Boy
05-28-04, 00:32
Buying furniture: A few of you have said not to ship your furniture because you can buy new so inexpensively. DS indicated the same for electronics. Is there anything you would ship? Anything that's a much better deal in the US?

It seems people prefer to retire in Cebu, Daveo etc but how do they compare to AC for girls including cost? I am having a hard time condensing all the info. I have only been to AC and did like it a lot. I am into no-strings sex. I had a wife and don't want another. No live in girlfriends either. This is why I am leaning toward AC.

Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.

Pinay Lover
05-28-04, 09:18
Frat Boy,

Almost everything available in the States can be found in the Philippines. Others can be replaced by the local versions. Or can be found in the Duty-Free shop. For me its good wine, cigars and a big screen HD/DLP TV (45"+) with TiVo. It is shameful watching the NBA Finals on a regular size set.

No matter where you decide to retire in the Philippines. You can still take the time to visit the other places you did not set up shop in.

One thing I would ship once retire here is my car back in the States. But with strict import laws, I know my '70 Malibu will require a lot of red tape and favors to pass.

Funny Go Lucky
05-28-04, 13:56
If you going for cheap sex stay in angles. Just to pay and have fun.

GoodEnough
05-30-04, 11:05
Frat Boy:

If you are heavy into designer clothes you may want to ship them. You can find them in Manila, and other cities, but they're expensive. As to the advice on the car, I'm not sure. There are really good mechanics and body guys here, and they can keep anything running for a long time. So it's easy to buy old cars that run well. I agree with most of Pinay Lover's advice though. It's easy to get around here, and easy to find women pretty much anywhere.

Good luck
GE

Tatoosh
05-31-04, 22:32
Frat Boy,

Pass on shipping electronics. Different power system. Computer might be okay depending on its power supply, but monitor and so forth ... zzzzap!

SEA generally uses 210-220v 50cycle power. USofA does not. Don't mix and the power converters you buy at the mall are of short duration and won't always do the job. I've heard of many appliances (electronic) working for awhile and then zzzzap! That is with a power converter.

Buy when you decide where you are going park your caboose.

Tatoosh

HotSam
06-10-04, 20:39
i'm looking some information about flight - fares from Philippines to Europe for a Philippino girl. There is some good website?

MasterBlaster
06-29-04, 06:36
Hot Sam,

Try http://www.philippineairlines.com.ph or http://www.klm.com.ph

Sojourner
07-16-04, 09:19
How does the Philippines compare to other places in asia for medicaitons? I have issues with cholestor andand noticed that prices were lower in Thailand where I got my namebrand stuff and Incredably low in India where I was able to find some quality generics. In one case the US name brand product was literally 80-100 times more than the maximum price allowed by law stamped on the generic in Indian.

In India Vitiman V was about 2.25 USD for four 100mg tabs which you usually split in quaters. if you are just looking for some added performance Does anyone know how the PI stacks up?

GoodEnough
07-17-04, 20:25
Sojourner:

In my experience, India has the cheapest pharmacuticals in Asia, and the most available. The Philippines has changed its laws recently, and you typically need prescriptions for most of the non over the counter drugs, with the exception of antibiotics which are readily available and fairly cheap compared to the US and Europe. It's more expensive here than Thailand, though not as expensive as the States and medications are typically sold by the pill. I would advise you to stock up in Thailand or India before coming here.

MasterBlaster
07-18-04, 01:21
Vitamin V is about $7 for a single 100 mg tablet in the Philippines.

GoodEnough
07-19-04, 00:15
There are several places here where you can buy a package of four Vitamin V tabs here for about $10. O'Flanagan's in Davao is one such place.

J Boy
07-19-04, 04:03
House Hunting! I want to look around the Manila area for a house or condo to rent. Not right in Manila but within maybe a half days drive. I think I would like a gated communiyt that caters to ex-pats. They don't have to be Americans but I do want the added security.

I will only have a couple weeks this next trip and I don't know anyone there so how do I get started? Should I be talking to real estate agents? If I don't find anything I like near Manila I will check out another area next trip - maybe Cebu or Daveo. I am at a loss how to proceed.

I am going to post this in four groups: Living in the Philippines, Manila, Makati and Angeles City.

GoodEnough
07-19-04, 10:22
J Boy:

I cannot help you with Manila or Cebu as my knowledge of residential properties there is too limited. However, if you ever want to consider Davao, drop me a PM and I can give you the names and numbers of a couple of good rental agents, and the names and locations of gated communities that meet your criteria.

Frequent Flier
07-20-04, 04:34
J Boy,

I am seeking a place to purchase in the Manila/Makati area. Have been looking for about two weeks and also was looking last year before I decided on renting a condo.

I have found a very useful local Buyer Guide, as they call it. It is really just a magazine. The name is Property Finder. It cost P20.00. List of properties with picture and it appears a new issue is printed every week.
I found it at the 7/11 down from the Heritage Hotel. I tell you this as I could not find it at other 7/11's in the area. I also purchased the paper Buy & Sell for P25.00. They have a real estate section.

It would be my suggestion to find the places your interested in and have your Filipina GF make the call and ask for a price. The reason is if the person selling the property hears a foreigners voice or if you just show up and they see a foreigner the price will increase immediately. If you have your local friend call you know the price before you get there.

This happened to me last year. We would call and get a price. When we showed up the lady would quote a higher price once she saw me. Of course we would tell her we already called and received the regular price. She would then go through an elaborate explanation that it was a different property she was quoting then. I would tell her to quit lying and get very rude. They would usually fall in to line. They would also talk to my GF in Tagalog to push me to buy and they would give her a commission. Ah yes, the Philippines, what a crooked little society the politicians have developed.

I am currently renting a 3 bedroom two story condo in Makati for $17,000 peso a month that I will be vacating as soon as I find a place to purchase. They list the property in Sq. Meters in the Philippines. The place I'm currently renting is approximately 110 sq. M.

If your interested let me know and I'll pass the information on to you. It is located in Makati and the landlord is right next door and He and his Wife are very nice.

Fastpiston
07-21-04, 03:48
If you are clearly foreign, the comments about fronting yourself with a Filipina is totally correct. There is an underlying theme in the Philippines to rip off the foreigner. One taxi driver recently told my GF in Tagalog not to protect foreigners, as she was doing, as the foreigner was a chance to make big money! Interestingly, my GF told him in return that it was people like him that made the Philippines a tourism desert. The same story holds on some hotels that seem to base their prices on race! Having said all this I have experienced clear exceptions, but the rotten apples are out there.
If you are renting a property, then bigger money is involved, so be cautious. Do check the rental contract extremely carefully. Do not leave them contract loopholes!
If you are buying, then be even more careful and use a lawyer to ensure the seller is the true owner. If you are buying new, builders usually offer cheap subsized loans. If you are not taking such a loan, work out the subsidy and ask for cash-back on the price.
Make sure the building has at least 2-3 steel reinforced posts if it is not ground level only. Philippines is in an active earthquake zone and some builders here are quietly taking short cuts and increasing their profit by building without reinforcing posts.
Personally, I would strongly advise against buying because of the depreciating Peso. This is especially the case if you are Euro / English Pound based against which such a purchase would depreciate against these currencies by an average 10% plus per year. For these currency based people it is better to rent and pay the rent through the currency gain! Also with the increasing serious deficit of the Philippines, I cannot see the Peso rate against the USD holding much longer. It can only go one way!

Member #1986
07-21-04, 23:14
Fastpiston,

It makes no sense to buy in the Philippines anyway, if you are not a PI citizen then you can't own property anyway, you can only lease. If you put it in your Gf or wifes name and something happens, split up, you will lose it and they will be more the happier.

Just rent or lease gentlemen, you will be money ahead. Some people will tell you if you have the right connections and money you can own but its a lie, if it comes down to a divorce or split up the PI Govt will rule in your wife or Gf behalf. Been there done that I have the experience to write this having had this happen to me already.

GoodEnough
07-22-04, 22:52
Member 1986:

Your point is absolutely correct. I have too many friends who have made the same mistake thoughout the years and lived to regret it. Buying in the name of a wife is risky enough, buying in the name of a agirlfriend is akin to playing Russian Roulette with 3 bullets in the chamber. Sooner or later, you are going to get your brains blown out financially.

Pussy Luvr
07-24-04, 21:41
Just thinking off the top of my head here on this. I have a Filipina wife, so it is a future possibility for me too. I don't really know the details of PI law.

What about having the wife/GF actually buy the property in her name? Tied with that, you would have an agreement to lease it back to you in your name only. The lease would provide her the funds to make the purchase. I believe a lease in the PI can be up to 99 years. You would be protected for that long. If you split up, you would still have the remainder of that period to enjoy the property. After the 99 years, the wife/GF and her family would be free to reap the benefits.

Any feedback on the feasibility of this type of arrangement would be appreciated.

PussyLuvr

Genuis8
07-25-04, 05:27
The lease law in Philippines is the Original Lease is or a Maximum of 50 years, with Renewal of 25 years for a total of 75 years. When you talk about buying property, you must mean land and house/bldg. By law, foreigners are allowed to own Condo Units.

Frequent Flier
07-27-04, 04:55
J Boy and others.

I recently discovered that Buy & Sell has a pretty good web site where you can find the property listings very easily in the Philippines.

PM me if you would like the web site address.

FF

Captain America
08-03-04, 23:27
I've been looking for a while and have found some pretty decent websites, such as islandsproperties.com, rpmlx.com.ph, etc. The problem seems to be that most of teh inventory is outdated and seems geared at foreigners. Also, real estate agents seem to only want to know when you'll be there so they can show you property. Even when I suggested I would make a special trip if they could find the right property, the response is lukewarm. Seems like we could use some help from members of this forum.

Once you found a property you face that fact that only philippine citizens can own property. If your honey-ko got a US pasport after you married her, she'll have to re-apply for dual citizenship. Otherwise, one of her relatives can help out. Also, this rule only applies to LAND, so foreigners can own condo's (such as the popular condotels in manila), or a foreigner could own the house that sits on the land owned by honey-ko.

Nomad54
08-04-04, 05:26
Hey there,

Am married to a Filipina and been in PI several times - enough to know "my way around" the topics typically discussed. The wifey wants to return home, and I wouldn't mind it except I've gotta keep working since I'm not rich, and I'm not old enough to think about retiring.

So, my question is this - got any input for a guy like me who's in the drug/biotech industry? My impression is why would someone in the PI hire me, asking for U.S. wages, when they can hire some Filipino for pennies a day? However, having been there, I see expats gainfully employed. I wanna live in the PI, but I gotta make something close to U.S. wages.

Responses would be gladly accepted, especially if you want to take this off-line and communicate via email.

Nomad

Titi Tigas
08-05-04, 14:12
I am looking for Web sites or phone numbers of contacts re apartments for rent in the Makati area. This is for my GF, not me, so it needs to be relatively cheap (10,000 pesos/month and down, preferably). However, a nice location (eg, proximity to Greenbelt) would be nice. Any personal recommendations anyone has would be great, also.

Thanks!

Pinay Lover
08-06-04, 06:26
Trav Man,

Check out www.buyandsellph.com and look at the real estate section for rentals. They offer more ads than any of the local papers in the internet and realtor's website.

PL

Titi Tigas
08-06-04, 16:06
I found about a dozen sites on apartments/condos for rent in Manila, but www.buyandsellph.com (recommended by Frequent Flyer and Pinay Lover) was by far the best. Tons of listings, with local phone numbers for contacts. The only things missing were entries for the big/fancy apartment complexes, which don't tend to advertise there.

Thanks to all for the advice and suggestions!

Isagani
08-10-04, 18:50
Non filipino citizens can own a condominium unit in the Philippines.

GoodEnough
08-13-04, 05:54
It's true that foreigners can own condos here. It's equally true that the purchase of same is still a high risk investment because foreigners, unless extremely well-connected, are not going to enjoy the measure of legal protection afforded to Filipinos. Thus, in any legal dispute regarding the condo, the chances are overwhelming that you will lose.

GoodEnough
08-17-04, 09:16
This is a duplicate of the post I just published in the Davao section. I feel alarmed enough about this situation to repeat the post here.

Guys:

This is a warning about getting too comfortable in any drinking establishment in the Philippines. Last night, the Slayer went to Ralph's, a pleasant wine bar in the Venue Complex in Davao. Both of us had been there, together and invidivually, several times, and both of us know the wait staff, and both of us felt comfortable in the place. Last night the Dragon Slayer went alone, and the bartender drugged his wine with the obvious intent of rolling him. He was the only client in the place.

He literally took two or three sips of his first glass of wine, felt dizzy and realized he was in danger of passing out! Fortunately, he's a big guy, and he had not ingested enough to pass out immediately. Therefore, he was able to leave, stagger to a taxi and, with the help of the taxi driver, get to the house and pass out on the sofa.

As you will realize from his posting history, the Slayer is hardly a newbie and is hardly naive. Even so, he let his guard down and almost immediately paid the consequences. The owner of the place by the way, is a Belgian guy, whom I know, but he's away in Europe for several weeks, and the bartender was left in charge in his absence. I'll try to get her fired once he gets back.

GE

Ben2
08-21-04, 04:50
Burned out on korea and koreans. Want a change. Been teaching SCUBA for years.

What are most of you guys doing for work? You're not citizens of The Phipippines and so, work visas? What type?

Do you have to do the Visa run every so often?

Fill me in on any advice about working, income average, where, what, etc. I appreciate it!

Thanks!

GoodEnough
08-23-04, 16:29
Scuba:

I don't really know about how easy it is to get a work visa. I work on a large, US Govenment-funded project and for me it was no hassle at all, but it takes a while. Probably some of the other guys who own businesses here know more than I do about what's involved.

Migrant One
08-23-04, 17:26
Scuba,

I don't know the Phillipines, but am dating a Phillipina here in the states that has lived on Saipan for many years. She really liked the islands, and the mongering reports are so-so.

It is supposed to be beautiful and a big vacation/ scuba spot for Koreans and Japanese.

As I said the mongering seems so so, but hearing her talk about the island, and people, I can see why she call it "temptation island". She says many contract workers from China and the Phillipines who are lonely and enjoy hooking up.

Anyway may be worth a check out, if good when I visit maybe you can give me a deal on a 2 tank dive

migrant

Firedick
08-23-04, 18:10
Scuba,

If you work for a larger company, your employer will usually handle the visa. Easy enough to make it part of your hire package. I worked in Makati for about a year and never had to make a "visa run".

If you speak Korean you shouldn't have any trouble finding work in the dive industry, either in Puerto Galera, Cebu, Palawan or elsewhere. But, speaking only English shouldn't be a problem with your level of experience.

I will be looking into the same sort of thing within the next couple months. I'll share what I find out, if you remind me. My memory sucks and the search function of this board is not working for me. May be the security messures I have in place. Shoot me a PM or post a question in a couple months.

FD

Pinay Lover
08-23-04, 20:21
Scuba,

I'm not a filipino citizen but I've been working here for several years now and my U.S. based company handles all my visa needs. I haven't made any "visa runs" to date but my job sends me some forms every now and then to fill up and sign. My secretary just tells me where to sign and then it gets FedEx Stateside.

You'll have no problem teaching scuba here if you can only speak english. The majority of Filipinoes can understand and speak english to a certain extent. But scuba is a hobbie that only those with money can afford and this upper-middle class or higher use english in their household as their base communication. Check out the Visayas Islands or places on the north and east in Mindanao. Lots of dive shops and diving spots.

I know several retired ex-pats who make their home here with just their pension or retirement funds. But then levels of comfort vary from person to person so the cost of living varies as well.

Teddy Bear 99
08-23-04, 22:55
I would like advice also.

My job experience is in transportation, focusing primarily on logistics. Is there any place I can look to see any possible job openings that a company may want someone with American experience.

I wouldn't mind it if even temporary as I am trying to establish residency with my adopted son to bring him to the US. I know the wages in the PI are tiny compared to what I make here, but I need to get his started.

Thanks for any assistance

GoodEnough
08-24-04, 05:41
Teddy:

There are dozens of US and European firms that specialize in transportation consultancy work, usually under the aegis of the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank. You can check out the web sites of these two institutions, find Transportation Sector projects in the Philippines, and that locate the firm that won the work. Alternatively, you can contact a bunch of these firms, send them your CV, and request that they put you in proposals being prepared for work in the Philippines. That way, you can work for a Western company, at Western wages, and live here.

Frequent Flier
10-14-04, 21:24
to whoever may be interested:

i'll post this in the other appropriate areas as well.

while doing internet searches for other reasons concerning the philippines i found this site that gives semi-street maps of certain areas. there have been times on this site where persons have requested to know or have an idea where a certain area may be. this may help

in the upper left corner there is a street search that can be slow.

in the middle there is a select destination choice and this works very quickly. i am on a high speed connection, so i'm not sure how fast this would load on a phone line (56k) connection.

the maps are flash animated and you can zoom in and out and use the arrow keys on your keypad to move the map around once you zoom in.

i'm not sure how accurate the maps are, but they seem pretty good for the makati area, which is all i'm familiar with. i found p. burgos street pretty easy by doing a select destination for makati and going to where i thought p. burgos street may be down makati avenue.

http://www.onthemap.com.ph





ff

Teddy Bear 99
11-10-04, 17:30
I wonder what schools are best for an American to take nursing courses. Is the quality of education better in Manila or will a school in the provinces rate just as well?

Marc25
11-14-04, 11:35
There are no 2 year nursing schools , only 4 year . The top three are as good as any, they are Dela Salle, University of the P;hillipines and I am not sure of the other one. Almost all the schools are good and much cheaper than US. My girl is going to shool here

GoodEnough
11-15-04, 01:35
I do not know anything about the Schools of Nursing in Manila, but there are at least 6 of them in Davao, and all of them seem to be reasonably successful placing students in the US and the UK. The best is probably the Davao Doctors' Hospital School of Nursing, but it's a toss up. Schools cost about 5% as much as equivalent schools in the States and all courses are taught in English, or what passes for English here.

Member #2340
11-15-04, 10:51
Has anyone had any experience buying a condo in the phillipines? I understand foreigners can own a condo but it has to be owned 60% phillipine citizen and 40% foreigner.

I'm looking in the Makati City area. I believe the places are Essensa and South of Market. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Genuis8
11-19-04, 20:37
Non-Filipinos can own 100% of a condo. The 60/40 ratio is the Total-Ownership restriction on the whole condo complex. You can own 100% of your condo.

Firedick
11-19-04, 21:43
Member2340

I believe that Genuis8 is correct.

FD

Travel to Monger
11-23-04, 17:04
Has anyone had any experience buying a condo in the phillipines? I understand foreigners can own a condo but it has to be owned 60% phillipine citizen and 40% foreigner.

Genuis8's information on condo owership is correct.

For those of you who are looking for non-mongering information about living in the Philippines I would recommend the following website:

http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/

The website has a great deal of information on most aspects of living in the Philippines with the notable exception of SEX TOURISM. The website and an associated mailing list are family oriented with a serious issue towards our preferred hobby.

That said, the mailing list is very active and you can usually get multiple responses to your questions within a day or two.

TTM
Better Loving Through Chemistry; San Miguel Beer, Vitamin V and Brown Women

Member #2887
02-05-05, 03:51
Im really interested in moving to the Philippines, however i need a job! I'm not the type who would move over and then seek employment. Can someone tell me what is the best way to find a job.

I have been searching throughout Australia, however it seems that there are not many companies here with branches over there. I have a BA in Management and experienced in international trade, has anyone got any ideas??? They'll be much appreciated.

Regard's

GoodEnough
03-07-05, 14:52
There are a number of Australian consulting companies with contracts here. This may be your best best for finding long term employement here. There are of course, lots of consulting firms from other countries that hire an international blend of people. If you go to the sites maintained by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, AusAid and other aid agencies, you can easily find out what companies have which contracts.

You could make a list of companies, which will be quite long, and then submit your CV to all of them.

GE

CharminFun
05-18-05, 20:23
I wonder what schools are best for an American to take nursing courses. Is the quality of education better in Manila or will a school in the provinces rate just as well?

There are 6 nursing schools in Cebu City. A lot of nurses and doctors working in the states graduated there. These schools usully operate their own hospitals too so you can be sure of a decent training. It is usually a 4 year course there if you are a high chool graduate in the states. If you have taken 2 years of college here they might consider it if you bring your transcript. After you graduate there, you can challenge the state exams here in the States. The cost is definitely cheaper compared to a private university in the states.

Harvey WB
05-19-05, 15:47
With the death of Telecomm's high paying jobs here, I've tried a couple of career changes in the last 4 years. In February, went to an open interview at a company. I got the entry level callcenter job.

I like being back in Telecomm, in a few months will be able to earn a subsistance wage, but unlimited OT now, so at least I can put in the hours and make OK money.

Incredible growth, doubling the company's size in 6 months, great opportunities. But the salaries are way down from yesteryear. I guess everyone figures we may strike it big in a few years on the stock options.

Spoke with the head of my department, they are sending teams to Manila, first one is there now. They are looking for people within the company who will spend a few months in each of several cities around the globe before rotating to the next city. When I told him my background, experience in Asia and that I'd be interested in a LT assignment in MNL, his eyes went very wide; seems like no one wants MNL! I think I have a good shot at an assignment maybe in the next 6 months, hope it's LT. Pay wouldn't be expat level package, maybe in the $50's, but all expenses (scaled down from expat days of old), basically my salary would be savings.

Ah, who knows. You know what they say: "If you want to make God laugh, make a plan."

Sugoi
05-19-05, 21:50
Harvey,

Where are you? Is your company looking for people? I am not sure I understand what your position is but I after consulting for call centers for the last several years, I am considering starting my own in the Philippines. But, I an looking to work/run one for another company for a couple of years first.

On The Go
05-19-05, 22:17
Thank you so much Harvey for the information and I would like to get some contact information from you if possible,as I am in the process of relocating to P.I and will be searching for employment as I have 20+ years midlevel to upperlevel management experience. Again thank you!

Member #2000
05-19-05, 23:40
Harvey,

Is the company you are working for looking for more people?? I am interested if they are.

Can you please PM me with more info.

Thank you.

Harvey WB
05-20-05, 06:04
They have enough in house people interested. I'm as low as you can go, I think even the janitor makes more per hour, LOL, but this could wind up being a very sweet deal later this year, I hope.

GoodEnough
05-24-05, 12:17
Harvey:

I guess it's no secret that call centers represent an industry undergoing explosive growth here. In fact, there's quite a large center a couple of floors above us in our Makati office. The problem though, is that those looking to establish centers in the Philippines, especially in areas outside of Manila, are having a really difficult time recruiting people whose English is good enough to deal with American customers; especially irate American customers. There are three new call centers in Davao, and they are rejecting about 96% of all applicants because the latter cannot pass the English exam. It should come as no surprise then, that opening ELT centers here is becoming a large growth industry as well.

Good luck.

GE

Long Stroker
05-25-05, 04:47
Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com, January 16th

Call centers are poised for bigger growth this year. But threats are already starting to emerge for this new industry—from declining English skills to power crisis

The boom in call centers is one of the biggest developments in the country’s business landscape last year. A whole host of industry bodies, government bodies and top level management of BPOs feel that the sector will continue to witness high growth as more and more companies outsource their work to the Philippines.

The challenge for call centers and the Philippine government is to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers who are proficient in English. Many large call center heads feel that the decline in English proficiency poses as a very large threat to the Philippines’ position of being a call center hub. With a considerable number of Filipinos lacking in English-language skills, call-center companies are forced to train the applicants, a task that should have been the responsibility of the educational system.

Moreover, the media must also promote call-center jobs as a genuine profession that are excellent training centers for developing English proficiency and customer-service skills in the specific industry that the call-center agent is assigned to, while paying very good salaries at the same time.

Another challenge for the industry is developing technical-support workers, such as network engineers, who will oversee the backroom or technical aspect of the operations of the call centers.

Another impending threat is the energy shortage. Rosalie Montenegro, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) senior vice president said this will be a major hindrance to the operations of call centers, which are geared for a 24/7 work setup. “If we do not address this, not all the generator sets will allow us to retain US customers who are looking for reliability and uninterrupted customer service,” she stressed.

“The government has to come up with a concerted effective means to ensure that the much talked about impending power failure is mitigated. Otherwise, it will be the kiss of death for the industry,” she warned.

Sugoi
05-25-05, 05:59
I hope this is appropriate for this forum but if not, I apologize in advance.

I will be returning to Manila in mid-June because we are opening a call center partnering with a 600+ employee existing call-center. We are always looking for good leads and have a contract drawn out for a finder's fee plus a regular, monthly residual income.

I would love to talk to someone and buy them a beer while I am there if you have any connections or leads.

Thanks.

Sugoi

Frequent Flier
05-25-05, 20:33
Mongering I can handle, this shit is driving me nuts.

Here is the situation.

I am renting a place in Makati for a girl and her child. Child is not mine, just helping her out till she can get on her feet.

The place is OK and the owner lives right next door. It is one of those places where the two houses are side by side.

The water is a problem with not much pressure. Two year ago I purchased a new water pump to increase the water pressure. I know it was purchased and installed as I over saw the process.

However I find now that there are still water issues. I have just found out the wife landlord is controlling the water pressure and even closes the valve completely at times to give her house good pressure.

This girl I am helping just had an operation and is not in the best of shape. When she asked the landlord to keep the water on she was told to buy a drum to hold the water in when she needed it.

Now this lady landlord, her husband is an OK guy, is a total *****. She likes to make herself feel upper class by treating others like shit if she can get away with it. If I was there I would give her plenty to consider and I am sure we would have no more problems with the water, but I am not there and work will keep me from going there for a little while

When I asked why only now is there a problem with the water, because when I am there it is always fine, I am told that the landlord always makes sure the water works fine when I am visiting and then turns it down or off after I leave.

This landlord ***** has asked this girl I know to search for a maid from the province for her to hire. Once the girl showed up she was expected to sleep in a small room on the floor with the dogs at night. Couldn't use the same dinner dishes or forks, spoon and knives as the rest of the family and was to fix one meal for the family that she wasn't allowed to eat and then a lessor meal that she was to eat along with a bed ridden 80 year old aunt who lived upstairs. The maid quit after four days.

The landlord ***** has some big issues with social status, but I am hoping that someone can help here with some knowledge of the legality of what she is doing with the water.

Sorry for the long rant.

So, can anyone help here? I would gladly hire a lawyer to file suit against this ***** to cause her trouble if it possible to do so.

Thanks,

FF

Genuis8
05-25-05, 21:47
I just got a good offer from a company in Ortigas and am looking for an apartment in the area also. Does anyone have any ideas where some good places would be to search? Preferably looking in the Makati area. Any and all help would be apreciated.

Trim-

Try www.asiatravel.com


FrequentFlier,

What you need is to either use your local connections (preferably Police or Political) and have someone in authority go have a chat with the landlord & landlady. Either that or move your friend someplace else.

Spam Hog
05-26-05, 04:59
Freq, this is a problem all over the Phils, Ie low water pressure, it is a major prob in Manila, as far as this jerk turning it on an off well.

There really isn't much you can do, the water utility is probably in his name or owner of the house if multi unit, about the best you can do is have your lady learn where the valve is and turn it on her self. Other wise she can complain and annoy him all hours of the day. Forget going through the legal system here, its and absolute joke, filing a civil case takes 2 years. Mrs Spamhog is involved in real estate here so I know a bit about it, also the attitude towards "Katulong" (domestic helper) is typical ...is this guy Chinese? sounds like it, you would be appaled at how they treat help here, ration the food, sleep on the floor, seperate eating area, scraps from the table, its awful, many Filipinos are very class concious and shitting on some poor soul in from the province trying to eke out a living is common, I'm sorry to say, once again nothing you can do except treat your help humanely.

I also suggest getting bottled water for her and a dispenser, lots of the water here sucks, specially in city areas and its safer for her and the child to drink bottled water.

Good luck

Spamhog

Wastrel
05-27-05, 05:39
I am renting a place in Makati for a girl and her child...Is the rent paid month to month? Does the Witch (i.e. landlord) like money?

As SH mentioned legal processes in the PI amount to a reenactment of the Bataan Death March, and this includes legally trying to evict a tenant. "OK mamasan, here's the deal, my dear friend is going to email me a monthly accounting of days she gets full benefit of all the accomodation I'm paying for, and any day she doesn't will be deducted from your rent. Too many problems too often and I'll just have to hold on to all payments until the next time I am there to investigate the situation myself. I'll be employing a local agent who happens to be a policeman and a friend of the Barangay Captain to check in on her from time to time, and I'm sure we'll all get along fine, won't we?"

Vinnie1369
06-02-05, 03:38
Hey Sugoi,

I am sure I can do something to help you out. My business partner (American) has lived in the Philippines for 15-20 years and has lots of contacts. I am moving there in the next month or two to help him out. Drop me a line and I will see what I can do to help you out.

Fastpiston
06-03-05, 00:40
On call centers, most UK companies look at India and Sri Lanka rather than the Philippines. These countries, no doubt, have infrastructure issues as well but there is definately no shortage of great English speakers, mostly highly educated. Check it out.

Sugoi
06-30-05, 21:15
I have a "friend" who works at a club but is trying to get out of the industry. However, she lives at her manager's house and can't live there if she leaves her job. She is from Cebu but wants to stay in Manila--particularly near the Green Hills/Pasig/Mandaluyong area.

Does anyone know where I could look for a room to rent that would be relatively cheap?

Cebu Local
07-01-05, 00:52
On call centers, most UK companies look at India and Sri Lanka rather than the Philippines. These countries, no doubt, have infrastructure issues as well but there is definately no shortage of great English speakers, mostly highly educated. Check it out.
Yes,But for many call centers in North America,They look towards the Philippines rather then India because they speak the" wrong"English,Dont use American slang,etc.and Vice versa Filipinos speak the "wrong" english for the UK

Cebu Local
07-01-05, 00:53
I have a "friend" who works at a club but is trying to get out of the industry. However, she lives at her manager's house and can't live there if she leaves her job. She is from Cebu but wants to stay in Manila--particularly near the Green Hills/Pasig/Mandaluyong area.

Does anyone know where I could look for a room to rent that would be relatively cheap?
Buy and Sell,The free Ad paper has lots of listings for rooms for rent

CanContrib
09-17-05, 21:29
freq, this is a problem all over the phils, ie low water pressure, it is a major prob in manila, as far as this jerk turning it on an off well.
we're pissed off when the developer decides to pipe *our* subdivision water to their neighbouring subdivision because they're too koriput to fix _their_ water supply. nuff said. yeah, it's a chronic problem no matter where you go. i suppose it could be a lot worse where i'm sitting, but on the average it's about the same as when we used to rent the condo in malate before we built our house in the province. buy some big pails and keep them full. as long as they're full you'll have water supply. if after 6 months you empty them to clean them, know that the water will stop flowing for too long. guaranteed!


{...} also the attitude towards "katulong" (domestic helper) is typical ...is this guy chinese? sounds like it, you would be appaled at how they treat help here, ration the food, sleep on the floor, seperate eating area, scraps from the table, its awful, many filipinos are very class concious and shitting on some poor soul in from the province trying to eke out a living is common, i'm sorry to say, once again nothing you can do except treat your help humanely.

so ok, i'm not chinese (though i am a northamerican foreigner here) and my wife is pinoy but not everyone treats their household help like shit. granted that by north american standards you wouldn't get out of bed for a local domestic's wages but let's get the real perspective. we pay them enough so that they can send more money back home than they ever could have otherwise. they eat the same food we do and they eat *more* than we do. we go through 5 times as much coffee-mate as we did before we had domestic help - how's that work? they get time off work - we don't have that luxury. they charge their cellphones (which we provided for them) with the electricity *we* pay for. they watch the big tv, we usually get to watch the little one - if we have time. they have a very nice room, honking huge electric fan, nice real beds, much nicer than where they come from. often they eat with us and come on family outings with us. if they need a salary advance we go out of our way to scrape it up to help them. that's "inhumane"? let's not even mention that the first domestic was useless, the next 2 were thieves basically enjoying their paid vacation here with my wife cooking for the domestics!

inhumane, o konti lang baliktad, di ba?


i also suggest getting bottled water for her and a dispenser, lots of the water here
sucks, specially in city areas and its safer for her and the child to drink bottled water.

depends on where you are. i notice mention of makati. i long ago tired of paying a ridiculous price for "mineral water" anywhere in metro manila or surrounding area. i just ask for isang baso tubig malamig (may jelo) and it's just fine. hasn't killed me yet! ok fine, in the house we have jugs of "purified water" but really, we brush our teeth with tap water and if we run out of "purified water" we drink what there is. if you go out and buy bags of ice for your bday party, what, you think those bags of ice are made from bottled water?

CanContrib
09-17-05, 22:04
Im really interested in moving to the Philippines, however i need a job! I'm not the type who would move over and then seek employment. Can someone tell me what is the best way to find a job.

No, you need a WORK PERMIT! Once you have that, *then* you can think about finding a job in the Phils. Get caught without it and they won't let you back in ever. If your employer will get a work permit for you then great, but make SURE it's legit and exists before you try working here. Otherwise, your choice is to come here on a tourist visa and get the work permit yourself (which will require your employer's cooperation plus maraming documentation), and about P5500 for fees and incidentals. (Unless of course you're already a Philippine citizen or already have permanent residency status, which your posting suggests isn't your situation.)

As for finding work in Phils, unless your particular skill is sufficiently unique to make people seek *you*, then expect to be competing with almost a million fresh native college graduates annually, most of whom can't find a job either. Remember that Philippines major export is qualified educated people, because they can't get a job domestically and even if they can the starting salary is at best ~P12K/mth, for which you will work 6.5 days/week 10 to 15 hours/day (holidays excepted, maybe).

Therefore, your only sensible choice is to find employment with a foreign (non-Phils)
company which just happens to have a branch in the Phils and which will want to pay the shot of moving you as an employee to Phils. That in turn means you need to be looking for such employment in the country you're already sitting in, unless as I mentioned above, you have scarce skills so much in demand that "they" will find you.

GettingTang
09-17-05, 22:40
Work in the Philippines is not easy to come by. The competition is so fierce it will astonish you. For example, in the Philippines it is not uncommon for an advertised position, for say a secretary to include what age limit you should be, sex and even have reference to your looks! See an add like that in America and the equal rights departments would eat down your door!

Philippines are being educated at very high levels not to obtain jobs in the Philippines, but elsewhere. It's not uncommon for there to be 1000's of applicants for a job that would barely support a single person.

Your best bet as a foreigner to obtain residual income in a place like the Philippines is to start a business that preferably caters to other foreigners. Labor is cheap, try $2 a day for a back breaking laborer, a skilled worker, e.g.. computer tech, can fetch $3-$5 a day depending on skill level and education. Soemthing like a nurse, or department manager, (higher skilled levels) can bring $7-$10 a day. So if you have a business model, a few bucks to invest, it might be worth a swing. Other then that, most foreigners living in the Philippines have some sort of residual income coming in from where they originated. Trying to obtain an income once there, can be all but impossible.

CanContrib
09-17-05, 22:52
Scuba:

I don't really know about how easy it is to get a work visa. I work on a large, US Govenment-funded project and for me it was no hassle at all, but it takes a while. Probably some of the other guys who own businesses here know more than I do about what's involved.

If you already have either Philippines citizenship or Permanent Residency then you don't need a work permit. Otherwise ... it's not really _that_ hard.

Scrounge up PHP6K, take an FX to BID in Intramuros. Ask for the "requirements" for a work permit. Get the required documentation from your employer. Properly draft and get the required letter signed by your employer or contractor, and have it notorized (lots of notory publics outside BID waiting for your P100 to do just that).; File it all. Pester them for a week, then pick up your work permit. Expect a 2 month work permit unless you have a good reason to ask for longer (6 months is I'm told about the longest you can reasonably get).

Alternatively, go to GPoint on Padre Faura in Malate and find Marcos. He's legit and knows the right people. You'll pay him a 25%-ish surcharge, and he'll take care of it for you. He's worth it, IMHO. He was long ago recommended to me by Xpats here over 10 years, and has competantly and reliably handled my Phils BID stuff ever since. Well worth it. Be nice, spend $2 and buy him a couple of beers while you talk. If you're not comfortable, then write off the $2, go out with a nice girl for P500 for a few hours and then do it all yourself starting the next day. :) Life is tough, di ba?

CanContrib
09-17-05, 23:39
Just thinking off the top of my head here on this. I have a Filipina wife, so it is a future possibility for me too. I don't really know the details of PI law.

What about having the wife/GF actually buy the property in her name? Tied with that, you would have an agreement to lease it back to you in your name only. The lease would provide her the funds to make the purchase. I believe a lease in the PI can be up to 99 years. You would be protected for that long. If you split up, you would still have the remainder of that period to enjoy the property. After the 99 years, the wife/GF and her family would be free to reap the benefits.

Any feedback on the feasibility of this type of arrangement would be appreciated.

PussyLuvr

As others have commented, only Philippine _citizens_ can own land. I suppose you could build your house on someone else's land but that's hardly practical since the
house is then attached to the land and thus goes with it. Yes, as others have commented, non-Pinoys can own condos (since that doesn't involve direct land ownership).

Can you trust your wife/GF? Explicilty? With your life, and perhaps more immediatelly important - with your life savings? If you have *any*doubt* whatsover, then move on because you are most likely not locally well connected enough to enforce any side-agreements. Do you keep a loaded gun where you both sleep to protect you and your mutual family and not have any worry about who you're sleeping with? If your wife protects you and your money because it's your *mutual* life forever and will always be that way then you have no worries. If not then don't even think, just run away.

I don't own our house. I don't own our car. Our bank account is and always has been a joint account. My Pinoy wife asks me before she spends 100peso I didn't already say "do it" for (which these days _her_ business earns!), to which my answer always is "you know where our money is and what we have". Keeping with Pinoy tradition, she handles the money, but she's never given me any reason over the years to doubt her motives or integrity. She always makes a proper intelligent decision. But that's *my* filipina. Not all are the same. I've rescued my Pinoy brother-in-law more than a few times from the witch he lives with.

I'm lucky so far, far luckier than I was with my NorthAmerican X-wife in bygone years. Unless you have reason to be as confident as I can be, don't take chances you can't reverse. If you *can* be as confident, then let her do what's best for you both.

You can either really trust or you should run.
Race and nationality are only a minor factor.
Most of the time "run" is the right answer. I hope yours is better than that.

CanContrib
09-17-05, 23:50
[very true comments deleted here]
Your best bet as a foreigner to obtain residual income in a place like the Philippines is to start a business that preferably caters to other foreigners. Labor is cheap, try $2 a day for a back breaking laborer, a skilled worker, e.g.. computer tech, can fetch $3-$5 a day depending on skill level and education. Soemthing like a nurse, or department manager, (higher skilled levels) can bring $7-$10 a day. So if you have a business model, a few bucks to invest, it might be worth a swing. Other then that, most foreigners living in the Philippines have some sort of residual income coming in from where they originated. Trying to obtain an income once there, can be all but impossible.
Right.

The general Permanent Residency requirement is a US$50K 6-month term deposit, to show that you have enough to invest in your future in the Phils so that you should be granted that PermRes. If you have that amount, then indeed, bank it here (in US$) for a year or more and live here and learn the country you're living in now. Don't be in any hurry, take 2 or 3 years to know it. Learn Taglog!

Once you do, you'll know exactly how to invest 1/2 of that for a nice place to live and the other 1/2 in a good business to keep you in groceries etc for the rest of your life.

FYI, it's MUCH easier if you do it in the prescribed order. I should know, having done it bass-ackwards. Wish someone had told me years ago what I just wrote above!

CanContrib
09-18-05, 00:16
If you are clearly foreign, the comments about fronting yourself with a Filipina is totally correct. There is an underlying theme in the Philippines to rip off the foreigner. One taxi driver recently told my GF in Tagalog not to protect foreigners, as she was doing, as the foreigner was a chance to make big money! Interestingly, my GF told him in return that it was people like him that made the Philippines a tourism desert.

My wife has vociferously scolded more than one taxi driver about that attitude!


I
The same story holds on some hotels that seem to base their prices on race!


No, the prejudice is agains people who can't make themselves sufficiently clear in Tagalog.

I rented a decent room for P250 a few weeks ago for a special friend, but I sure as hell didn't rent it in english. :-)
Next time *my* price is P200; got the discount card; they want me to go there next time too.



Having said all this I have experienced clear exceptions, but the rotten apples are out there.
If you are renting a property, then bigger money is involved, so be cautious. Do check the rental contract extremely carefully. Do not leave them contract loopholes!
If you are buying, then be even more careful and use a lawyer to ensure the seller is the true owner.

Especially true if you're buying privately. If you are, you'd better either be here for many years and Pinoy already. Otherwise, have your (intelligent !!) wife negotiate with the developer (better choice) and check with you about anything and everything.

If you really do want to buy privately, then be *very* careful about finagaling on the purchase price for tax-avoidance purposes on the part of the seller, lest you later discover that it's *you* who has to cough up a million or so pesos to pay the seller's capital-gains taxes.


I
If you are buying new, builders usually offer cheap subsized loans. If you are not taking such a loan, work out the subsidy and ask for cash-back on the price.
Make sure the building has at least 2-3 steel reinforced posts if it is not ground level only. Philippines is in an active earthquake zone and some builders here are quietly taking short cuts and increasing their profit by building without reinforcing posts.
Personally, I would strongly advise against buying because of the depreciating Peso. This is especially the case if you are Euro / English Pound based against which such a purchase would depreciate against these currencies by an average 10% plus per year. For these currency based people it is better to rent and pay the rent through the currency gain! Also with the increasing serious deficit of the Philippines, I cannot see the Peso rate against the USD holding much longer. It can only go one way!

That depends on the likelyhood of the currency you have appreciating vrs depreciating. Sure it's always a gamble, but if you have good reason to expect your currency to be worth a lot more in a few years, buy with minumum downpayment, mortgage the huge chunk at the usual 21% here, and pay in constantly depreciating (relative to your currency) pesos. Then, when the time is "right", just pay the whole thing off with your overvalued currency and smile when you look at your house that's now *also* worth triple what you bought it for. Remember that as the peso goes down, the value of your property generally goes up. You could have invested in *beer* a year ago and made an easy 20+% by sitting on it here.

But, like it said, it's a gamble! Just like the rest of life. Stack the odds in your favour if you want to play the game.

CanContrib
09-18-05, 00:33
i'm looking some information about flight - fares from Philippines to Europe for a Philippino girl. There is some good website?

Have yr filipina go to any Phils travel agency and discover that the cost for a flight booked in the Phils to overseas is generally 10 to 20% cheaper than if you booked it domestically. Add to that whatever additional savings you would enjoy by not paying sales/VAT taxes that don't apply in Phils. Be however aware that sooner or later the EVAT will be ruled legal and apply here on airfare - 10% soon and 12% coming after that.

Dashing Don
09-18-05, 04:04
Its been a long time but worth the wait. I'm sure that the posters will be amazed to see long ago posts getting answered. What happened? Got tired of reading WSG? I know I do at times. But eventually I return.

On investing in the Phils:
I believe that unless someone is planning on spending the rest of their life there, the largest investment in the Phils that an american should make should be a cell phone!!! I'm deadly serious. We're talking about money here. Maybe your life savings.

In the US and europe, the common path to wealth and security is to provide good service in your business; be reliable and trustworthy; provide value etc. In the Phils, they live for the moment. Everything is a ripoff. No rules, no law enforcement. No ethics. No nothing. Except the beautiful and compliant women.

The money you are risking on buying land or a building would be better spent in buying a condo anywhere in the US and renting it out. At minimum effort to you. The rate of return is low but its secure. If there's a dispute, there's a functioning court system to turn to. Not so in the phils.

I love the women. Show respect while I'm there. Am generous to waiters, girls and those I come in contact with. But, am fully cognizant of the ripoff mentiality that predominates. I'll say it again: a cellphone should be your biggest investment in the PI.

Don

Domino
09-18-05, 04:17
But, like it said, it's a gamble! Just like the rest of life. Stack the odds in your favour if you want to play the game.
The problem seems to be that the families who run this country do just that. They leave the gold mines of Mindanao underdeveloped as it suits them; they encourage emigration as it helps boost their reserves etc etc. They have a situation where they suckle servility with their mother's milk. The best most Pinoys cnan hope for is a job in Saudi or some other hell hole where their rights wil be minimal and where back chatting is not an option. The poor can shout all they like in the Phils but they are effectively powerless.
The Japanese Ambassador has complained, in ambassadorial language, that Japanese companies are regularly and systematically hit with rip off fines for operating here. Is there any major foreign investment here that works according to the rule of law? There are in Thailand but not, so far as I can see, here.
To operate here, one must suck up to the klpetpocracy and rely on the benevolence of these leeches. There are several cases of major foreign companies having to walk away from major rip off losses. The anti Gloria chorus is just a smokescreen while the real rules get on with the job of milking their private fiefdom.
As long as that continues, any investment larger than a mobile phone will be an unjustifiable risk. Or at least that is the unanimous opinion I get from expats here.

Cebu Local
09-18-05, 04:30
On the contrary
There are also farangs making good money here in the PI.They are making rates of return that they would not find in their home countries.They are aligned with the Politicians or the Powerful business families.The call center people are expanding,the majority of Burgos bars are owned by a Farang Aligned with Mayor Binay.There are casinos owned by Chinese,Americans in partnership with Politically powerful families.A American venture capital fund has several hundred millions of pesos lending out money in pawnshops at 60-70% interest a year,Citibank finance lends out salary loans at 48% to 60% interest a year.They key is that they are in bed with the powers that be.They cannot earn those returns at home.I for one know several well connected "farangs" that are doing extremely well.Just my two centavos observation

Cebu Local
09-18-05, 05:10
Somebody sent me a PM asking for Concrete real people examples of people or companies making good money in the Philippines.OK here goes People Support,The call center people aligned with Ayala Land 15,000 -20,000 employees and still growing.Greg Hutchinson Boracay Resort owner who owns Sand Castles Resort in Boracay and know developing Rental Villas on Boracay.Cebu Local 75-80% Occupancy in the Hotel in Cebu and 37% Gross operating profit.HSBC and Citibank self explanatory.Fiesta Casino -American Casino operators working together with Heavyweights.David Stone Burgos Club owner and resort owner and.......Yes you can make good money in the Philippines

CanContrib
09-18-05, 20:51
its been a long time but worth the wait. i'm sure that the posters will be amazed to see long ago posts getting answered. what happened? got tired of reading wsg? i know i do at times. but eventually i return.

thanks dd, though i'm not sure i deserve such a strong accolade; i just post it as i see things to be. as for wsg, i vaguelly remember peeking at that years ago when it splintered off and the wanted money for the priviliege of contributing. never went back there. i just haven't had the time away from finally making and having a life to wander back, but i was prompted by a kind message from our gracious overseer informing me of the new url's, so i bailed on work for a bit. hey, it was a saturday night at home anyway!



on investing in the phils:
i believe that unless someone is planning on spending the rest of their life there, the largest investment in the phils that an american should make should be a cell phone!!! i'm deadly serious. we're talking about money here. maybe your life savings.

i thought we *were* debating investments on the premise of spending one's life in the phils.
certainly that's my perspective. anything less, and i must to a compromising extent agree with you, though even if not there are some opportunities here if you're careful and choosy and limit your exposure - rather like not carrying around anything you'd be too pissed about losing.

if phils is your primary home, then make it that.
if phils is your seondary home, then make it that! (which will obviously be to a lesser degree)
if a tourist, then blow your wad (money and otherwise), have fun, go home, and come back next season.

i'm walking towards an exit at robinsons mall (ermita) this afternoon, and one of the money-changer-pimps hits on me with the usual incredible offer. i had to laugh. really.
then he hit me with his next proposition, to which my reply was ... "akin pera ay peso! walang dollar! meron magandang asawa, meron tatlong gf's, meron tatlong aso, at meron amortization payment!" that left him standing there half laughing himself while i escaped, off to have a few pitchers of beer at a round of my favorite but too-long neglected by me malate bars.

not knowing exactly how long we had before akin asawa finished mall-ing, my brother-in-law and i just had a good time playing the fishing game and collecting cell#s for days with more assured time-windows. of course the wife shows up about the same time as the really cute girls do. must be tuition-paying time again around here. :-)



in the us and europe, the common path to wealth and security is to provide good service in your business; be reliable and trustworthy; provide value etc. in the phils, they live for the moment. everything is a ripoff. no rules, no law enforcement. no ethics. no nothing. except the beautiful and compliant women.

we have this little business. more than one close-by competitor-wannabe has opened and then gone out of business. maybe we're doing something right in a pinoy-ized north-american style?
we don't earn a fortune but it's a very nice subsidy to paying the bills. the investment capital wasn't huge (by na standards) but we're already money ahead. then again, we have some decent clues as to how to take care of things, and yes, we've earned a lot of friends too, all of whom like giving us their pesos araw-araw.



the money you are risking on buying land or a building would be better spent in buying a condo anywhere in the us and renting it out. at minimum effort to you. the rate of return is low but its secure. if there's a dispute, there's a functioning court system to turn to. not so in the phils.

depends on your needs, your acumen, your goals, your risk-tolerence, your knowledge, your friends, and of course "who you know" that knows people who know people, and how good you are at having them on _your_ side. which reminds me, i should go and grease the guard at the gate tommorrow! yes, you might lose. yes, you can win big with less risk than buying stocks in north america on margin! know when to cash in and consolidate too.



i love the women. show respect while i'm there. am generous to waiters, girls and those i come in contact with. but, am fully cognizant of the ripoff mentiality that predominates. i'll say it again: a cellphone should be your biggest investment in the pi.
don

absolutely! but not to excess.i've made excuses to lots of p1000 girls as to why i'm not going to give them anywhere near an exhorbitant short-time rate. obversely, i've often discretely passed folded p500 notes into my friends hands when they need it and just said "see you when we can", or passed them cellfone load when they need it. though i today declined a one-hundred-peso bj, then a p50 "give me money if you're stupid" request and then a "give me p20 for nothing" plea. later, theguard at the bar wasn't expecting 20peso when i left, but once i got him to take it he was happy that i appreciate him ensuring that *my* parking space outside the door of my favourite bar is there when i want it and nothing happens to my car while i'm inside. actually that's not just one guard, but all they have there from time to time. it's a small investment with big returns.

i don't have money to throw away, but i do make little investments periodically.

see my point? -cc

CanContrib
09-18-05, 21:24
The problem seems to be that the families who run this country do just that. (...) The poor can shout all they like in the Phils but they are effectively powerless.
(..._ The anti Gloria chorus is just a smokescreen while the real rules get on with the job of milking their private fiefdom.

You're absolutely right about all that. I've learned not to get too closely involved in politics here (it's healthier that way), but when people ask me what my preference is I typically reply something like "ok, so you replace PGMA - with *what*? Will they be better, or will they just be better at getting away with lining their pockets while food and beer continue to escalate in price but the common wage remains at P300/day? Be careful what you ask for - you might like it even less than what you now have."



As long as that continues, any investment larger than a mobile phone will be an unjustifiable risk. Or at least that is the unanimous opinion I get from expats here.

I see absolutely no sign of the local econo-political situation changing to any noticeable degree, at least not within the near to medium term, unless the powers-that-be really f**k up and too many people start starving in a sober condition. The current "powers" know better than to permit that, or you really will have an EDSA3 and that won't likely be as "nice" as the first 2. The wannabes I'm not so sure about, and neither are those whos support is needed and is keeping PGMA on top until hopefully the next election some 3 years hence. Watch what some of the current senators stand for - there are some good ones, and while I won't mention names, I see one who would be good to have on top next time around.

As for investments, I never suggested betting one's life savings unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing and can protect it all somehow - in ANY country! However, if you're going to live the rest of your life someplace, your home and a small business to pay for essentials is IMHO a pretty good plan. Since in Phils you can do that for US$50K, and still leave your retirement assets "back home", that makes sense to me. So that's what I did. I'm however quite comfortable with the _way_ I did it and who I did it with. As I suggested in my postings yesterday, if you can't be 100% comfortable sleeping with that person with a loaded gun beside *her*, then you're not talking the same situation I am.

Cebu Local
09-18-05, 23:32
Can Contrib
Your posts are always insightful on how life in the PI can be.In each of our own ways,We have succesfully made the PI our home,For me its just a lot longer 15 years.You are correct that the powers that be dont give a hoot about the poor,but unfortunately any potential replacements are not any better.Being in the backrooms with them,you realize what a bunch of crooks they all are.

A Philippine Congressman told me something I should always remember about the PI,There are 3 branches of goverment,The Legislative which has the best Congressmen money can buy,The Judiciary Where Justice is for sale and The Executive Which does all the buying.

The Point is despite whatever warnings have been said,If you are lucky enough to be "connected"to the powers that be,It is also obscene the way they can make money.Coming from a country with a strong Social service system and High Taxes.Canada,the corruption level took a while to adjust to,But after a while the returns were much higher then I could ever earn back home.To cite 2 specific cases.I finance tickets on fly now pay later for filipinos headed overseas for leisure or jobs.Filipinos like to pay on installment,I end up earning 42% interest for 1 year plus my commision from the ticket sale.Imagine getting a 20,000 peso ticket and selling it for 32,000 pesos.My cost of money is only 10% back home financed by loans secured on my Canadian property.I do visa consultancy because I know people at the Diplomatic circle,I advise them and charge them how to get visas to the US Australia or Canada.A property developer just paid me 120,000 pesos to help her get a U.S visa.She had no plans to illegally stay in the U.S and she owned 4 small subdivisions.She just did not know how to put her papers and documents together,dress,answer the interview etc.It wasnt bad money for a couple of hours of work.

So anyway I wanted to share my PERSONAL take on earning money and investing in the PI and why I decided to make it my home.Cheers

MasterBlaster
09-21-05, 05:26
On call centers, most UK companies look at India and Sri Lanka rather than the Philippines. These countries, no doubt, have infrastructure issues as well but there is definately no shortage of great English speakers, mostly highly educated. Check it out.

That's precisely the reason why American companies are looking to the Philippines for call center services. The American consumer market is getting tired of hearing British English with an Indian accent. Take JPMorgan Chase, in an effort to join the outsourcing bandwagon (to save money no doubt) recently setup shop in India but a few weeks ago announced to set up a large call center shop in the Philippines. Must have heard complaints from JPMorgan customers not being satisfied with the abrupt shift (6 months ago all call center agents are Americans.) Sounds like a coup to me.

Vinnie1369
09-23-05, 16:59
So let me see if I got this right: Indians in India speak excellent english but Indians in America can barely be understood? Is that about right? LOL LOL LOL

MasterBlaster, in case you got confused again. THAT WAS A JOKE TOO!


That's precisely the reason why American companies are looking to the Philippines for call center services. The American consumer market is getting tired of hearing British English with an Indian accent. Take JPMorgan Chase, in an effort to join the outsourcing bandwagon (to save money no doubt) recently setup shop in India but a few weeks ago announced to set up a large call center shop in the Philippines. Must have heard complaints from JPMorgan customers not being satisfied with the abrupt shift (6 months ago all call center agents are Americans.) Sounds like a coup to me.

MasterBlaster
09-24-05, 23:24
So let me see if I got this right: Indians in India speak excellent english but Indians in America can barely be understood? Is that about right? LOL LOL LOL

MasterBlaster, in case you got confused again. THAT WAS A JOKE TOO!

Where did you learn that? The Klu Klux Klan joke book? If you are the only one laughing maybe it's not a joke. Pitiful. You make a good addition to Smokey Mountain.

MasterBlaster
09-25-05, 01:43
Were you trying to imply that WHITE TRASH belongs in Smokey Mountain???Was that a joke??That joke wasnt funny either

Who said it was a joke?

Firedick
09-25-05, 08:55
Let's consider how hypocritical a racist point of view is on a thread that mainly provides information to non Asian on where to find Asians (not always the case of course).

So can we please throttle back and keep inflamatory comments to ourselves ?

FD

Cebu Local
09-25-05, 16:13
FD
You are correct,I stand corrected for my insensitive post.I apologize to parties offended.I will take it down.Peace

Candyman2005
09-26-05, 08:51
I recently posted this question in the FAQ section but came to realize that I may have a better chance for a reply here, you guys live in the PI and some of you have experienced the PI life for over 10yrs, so who better to ask.

I am looking to make a wise investment in the PI, just wondering if any of you have or would invest in the PI (I know alot of you currently own or run businesses in the PI). I am not quite sure what area I would invest in (clubs, cell phones, security) but it seems like they are trying very hard to attract more tourist into AC and from what I have seen it may be a good investment move.

Can I get your opinion on investing in the PI, would AC be a good area?

J Boy
09-26-05, 17:11
I recently posted this question in the FAQ section but came to realize that I may have a better chance for a reply here, you guys live in the PI and some of you have experienced the PI life for over 10yrs, so who better to ask.

I am looking to make a wise investment in the PI, just wondering if any of you have or would invest in the PI (I know alot of you currently own or run businesses in the PI). I am not quite sure what area I would invest in (clubs, cell phones, security) but it seems like they are trying very hard to attract more tourist into AC and from what I have seen it may be a good investment move.

Can I get your opinion on investing in the PI, would AC be a good area?


There is an old saying: In order to make a small fortune in the Philippines invest a large fortune.

There is a lot of truth in that. The economy is bad and the government has a lot of policies that hurt foreign investment. With all the graft the good investments are the ones the politicians are in on. It seems one foreigner recently invested in a bar in Angeles, Dollhouse, and has been or is being squeezed out by his filipino partner(s) through police raids etc. I'm not an insider so don't know the whole story on that - just rumours - but I would be very careful.

GoodEnough
09-27-05, 00:36
Though I live and work here, I have made no investments, and would never consider making any. I do however, have several friends who own businesses and who do quite well despite the risks as correctly pointed out by J Boy.

The largest risk, at least from my point of view, is that you will have no legal protection whatsoever. The judicial system here is a joke and enforable, contractual protection does not exist except on paper. Your best and most important protection therefore, is the clout and honesty of the people with whom you associate. The best advice I could offer here if you're serious, is to find an attorney who is extremely well-connected to the powers that be. Do not worry about his or her legal prowess. It makes not difference. What you're buying is the access to political connections.

The second bit of advice I would stress is to come here and spend a long time speaking to folks who are actually in the business sector that interests you. You will find that expat club owners, restaurant and bar owners, exporters and others will talk to you quite openly once they get to know you a little bit.

Wait until you are convinced that you understand all of the risks and potential rewards before you make up your mind to invest.

Just my two cents.

:D

GE

Candyman2005
09-27-05, 06:48
I'll make sure I do my homework before I do any buying or investing in the PI. I see that I could run into alot of problems, even with good people on my side I stand a chance of losing out. I guess its best to invest or buy else where.

Wander Luster
09-27-05, 13:47
The second bit of advice I would stress is to come here and spend a long time speaking to folks who are actually in the business sector that interests you. You will find that expat club owners, restaurant and bar owners, exporters and others will talk to you quite openly once they get to know you a little bit.

Wait until you are convinced that you understand all of the risks and potential rewards before you make up your mind to invest.

Just my two cents.

:D

GEI've run a IT "outsourcing" biz for 1 year here now. 1/2 the year I'm here, other half I'm back home.

I'm willing to answer questions. Overall it's GOING to be good, but that first year was tough as hell. Anyone that wants to start a biz better be tough emotionally and very determined and ready to work their ass off for 1 year sraight.

CanContrib
10-06-05, 23:22
I am looking to make a wise investment in the PI, just wondering if any of you have or would invest in the PI (I know alot of you currently own or run businesses in the PI). I am not quite sure what area I would invest in (clubs, cell phones, security) but it seems like they are trying very hard to attract more tourist into AC and from what I have seen it may be a good investment move.

Can I get your opinion on investing in the PI, would AC be a good area?

The short answer is that the only good place is the place you know intimately and for long enough. You can't make a well-informed decision on anything in thePhilippines until you've *lived* in that place long enough. You will know where that is, when that is. If you don't know yet, then you've not lived there long enough. :-)

One small tip: make *small* investments and see how they turn out before you part with any significant coin.

Another thought, unless you're so wealthy that losing money doesn't matter, remember that the primary life goal of many natives is to part naive foreigners from their money, and there is certainly no need to do that legitimately. As long as the people you're dealing with still consider you a *foreigner" instead of that kinda-Pinoy-ish-dude that came from somewhere else a long time ago but who still has an enviable long nose, then you're not Pinoy enough to be able to trust most Pinoys - and most Pinoys know better than to trust most Pinoys!

Would you hand over any significant sum of money to people you don't really know? To quote akin asawa, "Don't trust!" She herself learned the hard way to be 110% right about that, lest you see your money for the very last time. Now she's got me as her mostly uncooperative sanity check, but at least we can still buy bigas, di ba?

CC

Firedick
10-07-05, 23:38
[QUOTE=CanContrib
Would you hand over any significant sum of money to people you don't really know? CC[/QUOTE]

If the answer to this question is yes, I'd like to steer you toward my favorite charity. "The 2006 DSB* Relief Fund". We will happily take donations of any size.

Please send checks to: Firedick c/o Jackson @ ISG.

Thanks for your support.

FD

* (Deadly Semen Bulidup)

Marconista
10-08-05, 01:57
Firedick!

hmmm... DSB - where are you locked up? In the US of A with Martha Stewart?
Biro lang - as I know she is released already, and you would not need the DSB-fund if serving in the same prison as her!

BTW - where are you now? I was hoping to meet you in RP this autumn.

LoveAsianWhores
10-09-05, 06:55
With the cost of well educated labor here so cheap, it is not to difficult to make a good living out here if you have good business management and internet skills. I currently run a couple of online business including a cyber-sex studio and some other sites. You shouldn't have to invest much at all, except your time. If you have the business and IT skills in your home country, they can be put to very good use out here if you have a little money to invest. However, if you have never run a businesss, or at least a large project, you are doomed to failure. The most important thing that I have found is to find a good accountant who can take care of all the licensing, utilities, leasing, etc and generally be your Filipino side to the business. Mine is very well educated, can get almost anything I need done, works 40 hours a week for me, and earns $180 US per month.

Frequent Flier
10-09-05, 21:39
I currently run a couple of online business including a cyber-sex studio and some other sites.


Lots of bad news concerning this type of business in the Philippines. Aren't you worried?

Some other sites have had quite a bit of information on this.

FF

Firedick
10-10-05, 21:08
Yeah, I'm back in L.A. but no, not incarcerated ! Martha Stewart ? Please. It would be a physical impossibility for her to milk a single drop of precious fluid from me. What a total f'n HAG !

I had to cancel my RP side trip. Came home early for a job interview. Funny thing is, I'm not even sure I want the job (or any other for that matter) !

Next time. I'll be back relatively soon if I don't get the job.

FD

Candyman2005
10-11-05, 08:02
With the cost of well educated labor here so cheap, it is not to difficult to make a good living out here if you have good business management and internet skills. I currently run a couple of online business including a cyber-sex studio and some other sites. You shouldn't have to invest much at all, except your time. If you have the business and IT skills in your home country, they can be put to very good use out here if you have a little money to invest. However, if you have never run a businesss, or at least a large project, you are doomed to failure. The most important thing that I have found is to find a good accountant who can take care of all the licensing, utilities, leasing, etc and generally be your Filipino side to the business. Mine is very well educated, can get almost anything I need done, works 40 hours a week for me, and earns $180 US per month.Just curious to know how you are able to make it in the cyber-sex business with all the hoopla it gets over there in the PI and do you need a business partner. Sounds like a good money making Biz, with all us mongers running around, we know one thing is for sure. SEX SELLS

LoveAsianWhores
10-11-05, 11:27
Lots of bad news concerning this type of business in the Philippines. Aren't you worried?

Some other sites have had quite a bit of information on this.

FF


A very small risk in this type of business, and much smaller then owning a bar, for example. Remember, the media reverses perceived risk. Issues with cyber sex cafes are so rare that they usually make the news, while raids on bars are so common that they never make the news. I run a licensed business out of a Makati office building. Owning one of those studios that run out of a residential neighborhood with 15 year old's that stick dildos up their asses, is risky, but even then, you have hundreds of them without much issue in Manila.

LoveAsianWhores
10-11-05, 11:39
just curious to know how you are able to make it in the cyber-sex business with all the hoopla it gets over there in the pi and do you need a business partner. sounds like a good money making biz, with all us mongers running around, we know one thing is for sure. sex sells


the hoopla was because the business got a little to big and some of the studios, to make the big money, started with **** girls and live sex shows, and then even combining the two for the big money. the government had to step in to draw the line.

and i don't care what business you are thinking of getting into, if it is the type of business that needs a filipino business partner, don't go into it! filipinos should be your employees, not your partners. and stay away from businesses that have filipinos as their primary customers. leave that for the well capitized filipinos and chinese.

Candyman2005
10-18-05, 01:34
And I don't care what business you are thinking of getting into, if it is the type of business that needs a filipino business partner, don't go into it! Filipinos should be your employees, not your partners. And stay away from businesses that have filipinos as their primary customers. Leave that for the well capitized filipinos and chinese.Thanks LAW, that sounds like some real good advice, I will keep that in my memory bank as I plan and continue to process the thought of investing or owning a business in the PI.

Starchild2012
10-20-05, 10:18
Yeah !! atlast my dreams coming to reality with my philiphines trip !!

I have planned a lot about settling in philiphines for a year now, due to economic cost of living than in my country india, everything is 25 percent less here, and the quality of life is much better overall !!

I have computer skills and was planning to set up a cyber cafe around some town.

I heard that cyber cafe, VOIP services etc are a good way to start with initially , i was planning to set a 20 seater call centre in the long run !!

Well, if you have any inclination for this type of set up, i was planning for a joint partnership for setting up cyber cafe and managing !!

all ideas are welcome !!

Thanks !!

LoveAsianWhores
10-20-05, 10:37
Yeah !! atlast my dreams coming to reality with my philiphines trip !!

I have planned a lot about settling in philiphines for a year now, due to economic cost of living than in my country india, everything is 25 percent less here, and the quality of life is much better overall !!

I have computer skills and was planning to set up a cyber cafe around some town.

I heard that cyber cafe, VOIP services etc are a good way to start with initially , i was planning to set a 20 seater call centre in the long run !!

Well, if you have any inclination for this type of set up, i was planning for a joint partnership for setting up cyber cafe and managing !!

all ideas are welcome !!

Thanks !!

Sounds similar to my business plan when I first came to the philippines. I planned on setting up a phone sex operation and starting a special VOIP operation to connect American men and Filipinas on their cell phones. I planned on putting my regular business under Filippino management/operation and focusing on my new plans. The reality was that my regular business earns so much that I became very concerned that it would not work well under any management that was not my own, and that left me no time for anything else. I make more in a good day than my cyber sex operation makes in a month, so I just couldn't take the risk of doing anything that could jeapordize my regular income. My VOIP business never made it past the business plan stage, but I did make a significant investment in hardware and software.

Anyway, I am thinking of closing my cybersex business as I have no time for it. If you are interested in a good price on about 10 used computers, PM me when you areready.

Starchild2012
10-21-05, 06:59
Well,

I was thinking about setting up just a cyber cafe and those computers will be very good for a price, but still after reading your report not sure how im gonna work it out.

I think i have to change my priorities now and go to my regular freelancing and trading for the start.

But, i would definetely be needing couple of PC's once i land there,

I be in touch !!

Thanks !!

Conciliator
11-14-05, 20:42
Dear Phillipines resident,

I am leaving the U.S. for a year or so to live in the Phillipines (I'm taking a year off to think, meditate, reflect, relax, complete my thesis, maybe play a little guitar, tell and listen to some funny stories, drink some mai tai's, etc.). Is there anyone living in an upscale place who will let me rent a room there? I prefer a residence with a live in maid and cook on the premise. Please reply in confidence. Thank you.

C

Genuis8
11-15-05, 21:40
Dear Phillipines resident,

I am leaving the U.S. for a year or so to live in the Phillipines (I'm taking a year off to think, meditate, reflect, relax, complete my thesis, maybe play a little guitar, tell and listen to some funny stories, drink some mai tai's, etc.). Is there anyone living in an upscale place who will let me rent a room there? I prefer a residence with a live in maid and cook on the premise. Please reply in confidence. Thank you.

C

Conciliator, If you can post what your budget is for rent, food, or total monthly expenditure, maybe we can recommend someplaces to stay, etc.

Spam Hog
11-16-05, 02:54
first thing you have to factor in is your available income, if you have a pension, 401 k, a windfall from selling your company or just won the lotto big time, that is what you need. once you got that finacial freedom, you can live well anywhere in asia and live like a feudal war lord in the phils.

now it depends on where you go, personally i would go to cebu, lots of amenities that us expats like (you'd be suprised how much you miss"real" bread an dother everyday foods and items that are hard to find in the phils)
cebu also has plenty of upscale bars, close to some playgrounds like bohiol etc....not to mention so many beautiful available and horney women.

a few guys who live there full time can tell you the best places, go hang around ayala mall near the coffee shops and talk to some of those guys, they can tell you the ins and outs. stay in some hotel like the richmond or eddies which will give you monthly rates for around p15000 to p20000, then look around for pensionne or apartelle, you can hire maids or housekeepers to come by onc eor twice a week, personally i cant stand full time servants (my wife insists) make sure you hire old ugly ones not young girls who will claim [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) or molestation.

check the cebu want ads, i've seen "executive" apartelles for rent that feature many amenities you are looking for.

you got the right idea hoss, just do it, also travel to thailand and singapore using cebu as a you base of operations, int airport here goes to most of those places.

Regor
11-16-05, 12:32
Spam Hog,please what's 401K in US doller or Euro ?What about the heat, can you stand it?

Wulfe13
11-17-05, 18:40
Spam Hog,please what's 401K in US doller or Euro ?What about the heat, can you stand it?A 401k is a retirement plan, not an amount of money. It's like an IRA. The heat rarely gets above 37 celsius. It is humid with heat often. Not too bad.

Dinghy
11-17-05, 22:28
401K is a savings plan - you put in money tax sheltered and get it back later. It's a variety of of a retirement income account (you aren't 'Murcan, I can tell) - it's NOT an amount of money

Boston9
11-27-05, 08:37
Once I was interested in setting up a bar on the Philippines. I spoke to a friend that manages one and other knowledgeable people. For a business to be legal a foreigner can only own 40% of the business. The best way is to form a corporation (get a good lawyer!). If you do not do it right, you can be kicked out of the country and your profits seized. There is one bar owner (I am sure there are others) in Angeles that makes a good income by selling his bar. As soon as he sells it, he buys another and does it again. The fact is, businesses in the Philippines generally do not pay well especially if geared towards the locales.

HenryV
11-27-05, 20:53
Check this out before you think about buying a bar in the Philippines

www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/

HenryV
11-28-05, 21:59
Sorry wrong cite.

Again, check this cite out before you think about buying a bar in PI.

http://www.margarita-station.com/buy_bar.html

Spam Hog
12-03-05, 12:16
DONT...thats my advise,

First off, this country has some of the worst laws in the world concerning foreign ownership of property or business, with 100% capitol invested, you get to own 40% of the business...who does business like that?

As far as bars go... poison...you would have to be crazy to try that, now IF you had a Filipina wife, one you trusted, you MIGHT try it. If you go into business with your Girlfriend, you are dumber than we thought, you will pay the price and be left without a penny. You are gonna have to deal with alot of nonsense like paying off officials and cops and everybody else. Sooner or later you are gonna sample your product and as soon as your wife catches you boning one of the dancers or barmaids thats it for you, unless you are lucky enough to have one of those women that also let you do other women if she can do other guys. Just about everybody I know in the Philippines (including myself) who has owned or started business be they internet cafes, sport fishing/boating, resturaunt or whatever, breaks even, the profit margin for most businesses is very very thin beleive me. Most foreigners here live on the pensions alone, if they had to depend on business they would starve.

If you want to buy a bar, go to a country that you can legally own one 100% Thailand for instance, personally I would look at going to Phuket and getting one of the wrecked places and renovate it.

Spam hog

Wulfe13
12-03-05, 13:58
I have read a few sites talking about men getting divorced from their filipina wife in the Philippines and being taken for everything, house, car, bar, or whatever. However I thought divorce in the Philippines is nonexistent... only annulments. So how can a wife there in the Philippines get a lawyer and take everything in a divorce??? I know they could divorce in the states but if they married in Phils, they are married forever unless they get an annulment, right?

Cebu Local
12-03-05, 14:29
DONT...thats my advise,

First off, this country has some of the worst laws in the world concerning foreign ownership of property or business, with 100% capitol invested, you get to own 40% of the business...who does business like that?

As far as bars go... poison...you would have to be crazy to try that, now IF you had a Filipina wife, one you trusted, you MIGHT try it. If you go into business with your Girlfriend, you are dumber than we thought, you will pay the price and be left without a penny. You are gonna have to deal with alot of nonsense like paying off officials and cops and everybody else. Sooner or later you are gonna sample your product and as soon as your wife catches you boning one of the dancers or barmaids thats it for you, unless you are lucky enough to have one of those women that also let you do other women if she can do other guys. Just about everybody I know in the Philippines (including myself) who has owned or started business be they internet cafes, sport fishing/boating, resturaunt or whatever, breaks even, the profit margin for most businesses is very very thin beleive me. Most foreigners here live on the pensions alone, if they had to depend on business they would starve.

If you want to buy a bar, go to a country that you can legally own one 100% Thailand for instance, personally I would look at going to Phuket and getting one of the wrecked places and renovate it.

Spam hogForiegners can own 100% within SEZ s or Special Economic Zones like Subic,Clark etc.A couple of bars and other businesses within Subic and Clark are owned by foriegners.Secondly Foriegners can own higher then 40% ownership in many domestic enterprises as long as they have equity of 500K US or higher.I own 70% of my business,Some buddies own a call center,resorts,hotels,a casino etc.To cite a few,Thunderbird gaming owns majority of a casino,Most of the call centers are majority foriegn owned,Ocean Adventure in Subic is 100% foriegn owned.It is the smaller businesses that foriegners cannot own majority .

Cebu Local
12-03-05, 14:31
I have read a few sites talking about men getting divorced from their filipina wife in the Philippines and being taken for everything, house, car, bar, or whatever. However I thought divorce in the Philippines is nonexistent... only annulments. So how can a wife there in the Philippines get a lawyer and take everything in a divorce??? I know they could divorce in the states but if they married in Phils, they are married forever unless they get an annulment, right?
They can get a legal separation

Bigchez
12-06-05, 11:53
I am married to a Filipina wife and I was thinking about doing a business in the Philippines, but a business that has to do with foreigners. For example: a web business, Teaching English to Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese, or maybe a tour business, etc... I was thinking about doing a business that would bring in foreign money and that goes around the locals as much as possible. The last thing I want to try to deal with is paying everyone off to open a business. Also a business where I do not need to get my wife involved to much either, because I know her and she will want to get her family involved. And I know people who have had failed business in the Philippines because their wife got her family involved. So if you want to be successful, you need to start a business where it will get money from foreigners not locals.

Now I have 2 questions for you guys living in Philippines. I actually teach English in Korea and my wife and I are planning to the USA. Reason why is because we are now having a baby and my family wants us live close to them to help us with the baby. Instead of doing a business I want to go to the Philippines and get a medical technical degree in Radiology. My questions are if anyone knows: Can I go to school in the Philippines and get a Radiology degree? And can I get a job in the USA with a degree from the Philippines? I know a lot of Filipina nurses go to the USA and have no trouble getting jobs.

Bigchez

Teddy Bear 99
12-07-05, 02:39
Now I have 2 questions for you guys living in Philippines. I actually teach English in Korea and my wife and I are planning to the USA. Reason why is because we are now having a baby and my family wants us live close to them to help us with the baby. Instead of doing a business I want to go to the Philippines and get a medical technical degree in Radiology. My questions are if anyone knows: Can I go to school in the Philippines and get a Radiology degree? And can I get a job in the USA with a degree from the Philippines? I know a lot of Filipina nurses go to the USA and have no trouble getting jobs.

Bigchez

Hey Chez,

I started studying in the PI for nursing, but had to take a 4 year course, due to no degree in the US. You need to check that the school's degree is recognized internationally. Most aren't in provinces. These schools though will accept international students and help you get a student visa for the PI.

I am not sure about radiology, but a nursing degree is recognized by most US state boards. You would still need to pass the state boards for your licenses.

One other note, if you would be there solo, many opportunities to meet college age girls.

Marc25
12-07-05, 16:50
My fiancee has her final interview at the embassy in a week,,anyone know what the time period usually is from that interview to getting the actual visa,,also to the guy who wants to take radiology,,it would be better to go to singapore as their educational institutions are more recognized,,have not heard of any radiology programs in the PI but i assume the colleges would make it a 4 year program so as to soak the students,,I think all nursing program are 4 years or more and in the states there are tons of 2 year programs that allow you to take the nationla rn test

Bigchez
12-07-05, 22:59
Yes but the biggest problem with the USA schools are they are very hard to get into and they keep the number of students very low allowed into the schools. Out of 500 people trying to get into a radiology program they will only take 25. In nursing out of a 1000 people they will only take 100. So it is much better to go overseas and get your degree, than in the usa. I agree with you marc it proberly be better to get the degree in singapore but I am married to a filipina. I want to spend some time in the Philippines. I going to have my family in my state ask some of the hospitals and the state board to see if I would be ok doing this. I pretty sure I would be considering there is a shortage. You are right about the collage girls Teddy Bear to bad I am taken :(

Bigchez

Wulfe13
12-08-05, 03:37
My fiancee has her final interview at the embassy in a week,,anyone know what the time period usually is from that interview to getting the actual visa,,also to the guy who wants to take radiology,,it would be better to go to singapore as their educational institutions are more recognized,,have not heard of any radiology programs in the PI but i assume the colleges would make it a 4 year program so as to soak the students,,I think all nursing program are 4 years or more and in the states there are tons of 2 year programs that allow you to take the nationla rn test

10 business days after the interview she "should" receive her Visa... When did you get the final approval from the U.S. offices? My wife is waiting for her Medical and Interview, our approval for the I129 was on July 5 and we were told up to 5 months until she would receive her letter. Well 5 months was up a few days ago. Just wondering how much longer we have to wait.

Marc25
12-08-05, 05:31
There is a number you call, in manila call the embassy and they will give you a pay number , I think 50 pesos a minute ,give them your visa approval number and they will most likely tell you the dates,,we applied in may and got our information for the medical and interview in november but our dates are mid dec,,,the local manila number once you are approved by the us visa office has all the documents and is the only one who can help you,,have your girlfriend call it if she has cell phone they are very helpful with everything and will let you know your dates and if or when the packet will be sent out...good luck,,

Hobby Knob
12-09-05, 04:27
I am not looking to do the bar thing, internet cam site or even internet Cafe.

I have been looking to buy a Jolliebee franchise. The startup cost is 30 to 50 million pesos plus land.

Would a legit business such as this spare you from the payola crap? Or I still have to deal wit the corrupt Govt.

I just got back from meeting my new GF from ABC and will not let her or her family get involved in the business even though she insisted her family would "help me"

Spam Hog
12-09-05, 07:17
Yes Chez you can get a degree from a Filipino university and have it recognized in the USA, the medical sciences are particularly structured so that one can find employment in most western countries (particularly the USA) I have noted a lot of foreign students her in DAVAO most are from Korea a few from China and many from other asian countries the reason is simple...it is so damn cheap. To my certain knowledge Singapore is more expensive in cost of living, it might have better schools but in the end its gonna cost ya.

Now there are qualifiying fees for a foreigner, you have to have a visa and all approved for study, unless you are married and reside here legally or whatever
I looked at taking some college courses just for the hell of it a year or so back, not medicine, it would have cost me a $1,000 qualifying fee and the tuition up front for some busines related courses full time.

Look into Davao Drs college or St Lukes in Cebu for medicine, I dont know if Anteneo has radiology but they are generally noted as being the best school int he country, check out their web site for more info.

regards


Spamhog

Spam Hog
12-09-05, 07:24
I have read a few sites talking about men getting divorced from their filipina wife in the Philippines and being taken for everything, house, car, bar, or whatever. However I thought divorce in the Philippines is nonexistent... only annulments. So how can a wife there in the Philippines get a lawyer and take everything in a divorce??? I know they could divorce in the states but if they married in Phils, they are married forever unless they get an annulment, right?

There is no such thing as divorce in this country,that call it something else... there IS annulment. Lots of Ladies are going thru this process, typical situation, gopt married wehren she was 20, guy took off hasen't been seen if ten years, no support etc. now she wants to marry "El Salvador" big 'rich' foreigner, got to have the papers first sweetie.

In a lot of these cases they go thru a lawyer and declare the former pinoy husband "dead" and get a paper from the court annuling the marriage.

I know of one foreigner right now with a legal seperation from his wife and he wants the marriage annuled, going to be interssssting as to how it will turn out.

Yeah, you gonna lose everything thats in the PI, the house, land and what ever else she wants like a business, technically you cant own anything like that just for the eventuality that if you leave, the pinay wife is entitlted to it all. So its economic love in many cases.

Any body got anything to add to this???? Im curious if anybody went thru a full blown annulment.

Spamhog

Bigchez
12-09-05, 12:23
I will check out their website today. Also I am married to a filipina so would I need a qualifiying fee? I proberly still do, I know unless I become a filipino citizen, I have to pay a visa fee every three months to stay in the philippines. My wife is thinking about petition me to become a citizenship but I want to make sure first that it would be a bi citizenship Usa and Philippines. If it messes up my usa citizenship I do not want it. Thank you for the information spamhog.

Bigchez

Bigchez
12-10-05, 00:24
I am not looking to do the bar thing, internet cam site or even internet Cafe.

I have been looking to buy a Jolliebee franchise. The startup cost is 30 to 50 million pesos plus land.

Would a legit business such as this spare you from the payola crap? Or I still have to deal wit the corrupt Govt.

I just got back from meeting my new GF from ABC and will not let her or her family get involved in the business even though she insisted her family would "help me"Hobby Knob,

I do not know for a fact but I have a friend that is the districted manager of jolliebees for Cebu. I could ask her for you. Pm message me if you are interested.

Bigchez

Fastpiston
12-10-05, 03:09
I have heard so many stories of guys marrying a 'wonderful' dream Filipina, only to be totally wiped out financially by the girl later on. A story that recurs is a foreign husband flies on vacation to see his relations back home. While he is away, the wife sells the house and contents, takes the cash, and disappears (totally legal - it is hers!). The guy returns home to his sweet loving wife and home - nothing. In one case the husband found his beloved even sold the dog! Bottom line, if you must marry (benefits are highly debatable, especially in the Phils.), then be very frugal in bringing money in the Phils., and never disclose what you have offshore, no matter how sweet the wife is. Also, as stated in many previous posts, 'investing' in a business in the Phils. has a very low probability of breaking even. One way or another, expect to lose all - again many cases. Why not just go to Phils, enjoy the fruit thats on the tree and move on to the next tree. No need to buy and live in the tree!

Cebu Local
12-10-05, 07:13
I am not looking to do the bar thing, internet cam site or even internet Cafe.

I have been looking to buy a Jolliebee franchise. The startup cost is 30 to 50 million pesos plus land.

Would a legit business such as this spare you from the payola crap? Or I still have to deal wit the corrupt Govt.

I just got back from meeting my new GF from ABC and will not let her or her family get involved in the business even though she insisted her family would "help me"
The Jollibee Franchise system is reporting a 98% Sucess rate,My neighbour owns 4 Jollibees and My Business partners family owns 2,I personally can vouch that a Jollibee is a no brainer AS A BUSINESSS,But If it is all in the name of your Philippine wife..........

Cebu Local
12-10-05, 07:18
[QUOTE=Fastpiston. Also, as stated in many previous posts, 'investing' in a business in the Phils. has a very low probability of breaking even. One way or another, expect to lose all - again many cases. Why not just go to Phils, enjoy the fruit thats on the tree and move on to the next tree. No need to buy and live in the tree![/QUOTE]With all due respect,I have to disagree,I personally can name dozens of people doing well,Off course I can think of several dozens who also lost their shirts.The key is the right business,As previously posted forget a bar,its fun but go more towards the franchises,boring but profitable.

HenryV
12-11-05, 00:56
A wise old mongerer once told me: "make your money in a rich country and spend it in a poor one."

Bigchez
12-12-05, 23:17
You can always do what my friend does. He teaches english here in Korea and saves his money. Then he will go to the Philippines or Thailand for a year. Once the year is done he comes back to Korea and teaches english for another year. Once again if you want to make money in the Philippines you need to do a service or business that will make the foreign money. This means doing an internet business most likely. I have a filipina friend that does this. She buys jeweliry and watches in the Philippines cheap and then auctions them off online and is make good money at it. Now this is good money for a filipino. She is making around $400 to $700 a month. Foreign money is the way to go in the Philippines or any country like the Philippines.

Spam Hog
12-13-05, 05:16
I will check out their website today. Also I am married to a filipina so would I need a qualifiying fee? I proberly still do, I know unless I become a filipino citizen, I have to pay a visa fee every three months to stay in the philippines. My wife is thinking about petition me to become a citizenship but I want to make sure first that it would be a bi citizenship Usa and Philippines. If it messes up my usa citizenship I do not want it. Thank you for the information spamhog.

Bigchez

You cannot be a citizen, you can be a duly registered alien, permanent resident called a 13a visa which entitles you to stay here but you still dont have certain "rights" like owning property or businesses.

Also no matter what your status you still have to pay fees to the colleges.


Nopw for fast piston concerning guys who get houses, businesses and other property and leave to go to the USA or elsewhere for a bit and return to find everything gone yeah that happens, it is uch more frequent in Thailand with those cold hearted bitches but it happens in the PI, careful who you marry, remember you have no proerty rights even if you are married, it is joint propoerty but the title is in your wifes name....she can go to the bank, borow money on it to the hilt and max out then bag ass and leave you with the debt.

Spamhogs advise, always have a stash of cash somewhere in a USA bank your wife doesnt have access to and know about, you can always beat feet on an airplane to the US if you have to, let 'em try to collect the debt there!
Haha!

Im still looking for any stories on seperation, annulment etc, anybody got any?

Spamhog

Tooch
01-04-06, 21:55
From my understanding of the posts in this section, getting into a Phil business takes much thought and experience.

How about this, take $100,000 USD and live off the interest? If you can make 10% per annum, is that enough? I don't have expensive tastes. As long as I can live, laugh, love (er...monger)

Genuis8
01-05-06, 22:45
Tooch,

First - you will not be able to get 10% interest (for your $100,000) unless you want to convert it to Pesos, which will lose its value due to exchange rates. You can get 4.5% now in the USA .... which you can put in a bank like Citibank, Bank of America, etc, where you can access the interest in your PI acct of the same bank.

2nd - In order to live a simple life, and enjoy the female charms, and get the best value for money, you will need US$1,800 in Metro Manila area or US$1,200 in smaller places like Cebu. This allows you to have no problems w/ loding, food, clubbing and medical expense. It could even allow a 1-week trip to any SEAsian country for 2 per year.

GoodEnough
01-06-06, 01:14
As with any other place in the world, how much you need here depends heavily on the type of lifestyle that you want to maintain, and the converse is also true. I know guys here in Davao who get along fine on about $1,200 a month and others who spend four times that monthly. The type of house in which you live, the kind of car you want to buy and drive, the toys you want to have in your house, how frequently you want to eat in the better restaurants and play in the better clubs all should figure into the calculations you make.

I think the best thing to do is come over here for a few weeks and spend some time in each of three or four different cities. Speak to the expats who live in each city and get a feel for what it's like to live there. Then make an informed decision.

I do agree with genius8 that it is highly unlikely you're going to get a 10% return on $100,000. He's also correct that you might be able to get that, or nearly that much on a peso account. The exchange risk is not as great as it may seem. Over two years the peso has flctuated between 53 and 55 to the dollar. It's reasonably stable and it's not a problem to convert your pesos back to dollars. This may in fact, be a viable option for you. You can also maintain dollar and peso accounts and move money back and forth between the two.

:D

GE

Wander Luster
01-08-06, 08:53
I haven't seen much here on doing outsourcing biz, but it is very real and very viable. I have about 17 employees who are creem of the crop in their field.

I honestly don't think it's rocket science to start an outsourcing biz and live 11 months of the year in somewhere like cebu like a king.

It's true that you need to have some management skills or people will pray on you. I used to buy into all this BS about only trusing a wife. No. I know a lot of people who should trust their wives less and people they've know for 2 weeks more.

One thing to remember is that if you're doing a biz with an established person he or she is not going mess with you if there is a reputation to hold up. Get INTRODUCTIONS to people.

In the time that I've run this I've had 2 people try to skrew me in small ways. But more importantly, the people running things have always been honest, even devoutly attached to the success of the biz.

Look around you. Any semi-skilled job is very easily exported to the phils.

You're an accountant? Great, go hire some accountants in the phils and train them to do simple accounting work.

Hire paralegals.

Oh, and then hire your sales people in the Phils and have them do telemarking with VoIP-- then you don't have to do the reall nasty-- sales (to westerners who are outsourcing. And I'm 1/2 kidding because I do respect people that do sales, I've just grown out of being able to motivate or enjoy it).

Starting your own cold calling for employees in the Phils is not easy though. Take care if you do that and don't have a lot of experience in the area.

Outsorcing is good for everyone-- I really believe that now after doing this for quite some time. It's only growing, and I really don't think it's a bubble like the .com fiasco was.

Give some thought.

And if you're already running a small biz in Cebu, send me a YM. I don't hang out with a single Westerner in the 8 months a year I'm there. It's about time I get to know some who are also working in the city.

Cheers!

Tooch
01-09-06, 22:43
Thanks to all for your insights. I have been to the Philippines three times now - although I admit it wasn't to check out the business environment.

It looks like I'll need to risk some some capital if I want to have a little slice of Philippine paradise. Could I ask another question please? I have an opportunity to go on a Trade Mission sponsored by the Canadian Government and The Philippine Chamber of Commerce/Philippine Gov't early next month. I imagine it will be the regular trade mission agenda where you tour facilities (Manila and Subic in this case), with some customized Business matching services. I don't have a reason yet for the Business Matching because I don't know what business to choose. Could I get some opinions please? Seeing as how connections are so important in the Philippines, is it worth the trip just meet some VIPs?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks
Tooch

[QUOTE]

I think the best thing to do is come over here for a few weeks and spend some time in each of three or four different cities. Speak to the expats who live in each city and get a feel for what it's like to live there. Then make an informed decision.

GoodEnough
01-10-06, 00:07
My experience is limited to what I've observed here in Davao, and indeed things might be different in Manila, Cebu, or other areas. Here, however, the local market for services is very, very limited and it's a poor ledge on which to construct a business. Wander Luster for example, mentions accounting, but the simple fact is that most individuals here don't use accountants and the businesses that need them use local folks and pay local (very low) rates. The export-driven companies here typically use the large, international accounting companies with branches in the PI.

The middle and upper middle classes here; that is, those with disposible income, are small and even they are not accustomed to paying high prices for skilled professional services including accounting and medicine. I have a good friend here who is a surgeon, and he suffers because there are so few people who can afford operations for elective surgery. Outcall servvices are growing, it's true, but the outcall companies have a huge problem finding a sufficient number of competent English speakers. One good, potential business is the fee-based teaching of "call center" English with a guaranteed job at the completion of training for those who can pass the call center exams. This is a simple business to create, and it's not particularly capital intensive. The major problem in this case is finding competent English language instructors.

There are a number of special export zones, in Manila, in Mindanao, in Cebu, that offer packages of incentives for export-driven, employment-creating businesses. Therefore, small manufacturing businesses that assemble and re-export may be viable. However, the problem with the EPZs is that many lack acceptable infrastructure such as reliable power, water and road/rail transportation.

Small businesses that cater to expats and wealthy filipinos havs proven to be good niche markets for some. There is a reasonably robust market here for imported speciality foods and wines for example. There's also a market for dive tour operators who sell and lease dive equipment.

As I have said before, it's important to study a number of locations before even thinking about investing.

:D

GE

Cebu Local
01-10-06, 01:49
[QUOTE=Tooch]Thanks to all for your insights. I have been to the Philippines three times now - although I admit it wasn't to check out the business environment.

It looks like I'll need to risk some some capital if I want to have a little slice of Philippine paradise. Could I ask another question please? I have an opportunity to go on a Trade Mission sponsored by the Canadian Government and The Philippine Chamber of Commerce/Philippine Gov't early next month. I imagine it will be the regular trade mission agenda where you tour facilities (Manila and Subic in this case), with some customized Business matching services. I don't have a reason yet for the Business Matching because I don't know what business to choose. Could I get some opinions please? Seeing as how connections are so important in the Philippines, is it worth the trip just meet some VIPs?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks
Tooch

[QUOTE]
As a Canadian doing business in the Philippines,I am an active member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and I think that it is useful to have contacts in the Philippines.We have a fairly closeknit community of Canadians here who mostly would be willing to give you advice and leads.PM me and I could give you more advice privately.Unfortunately rules are very different here then back in the great white north,You need to know the rules to avoid getting burned.

Wander Luster
01-10-06, 06:43
for example, mentions accounting, but the simple fact is that most individuals here don't use accountants and the businesses that need them use local folks and pay local (very low) rates. The export-driven companies here typically use the large, international accounting companies with branches in the PI.

GEI was talking about outsourcing. It doesn't matter what local people want. For example, I have an account for my company. She does the book-keeping for the partner US company.

I think it would be pretty set up a company that does book-keeping for small US companies for 1/2 what they would otherwise pay. You can even train good accoountants-- of which there are many in cebu-- about the basics of US tax returns. Or pay for them to learn for a whole 2 months. Even read books to learn on their own.

Tooch
01-10-06, 21:12
I've done just a little research on ESL schools in The Philippines and there are many locals looking for investors to start their school.

If I wanted to invest in a school (which seems to be not too much capital risked), how would you suggest I perform my due diligence? Would you suggest being in the area for a while until I know some reputable players? This seems to be the advice from other posts.

BTW: do any of you have any experience with Subic Special Zone? I like that city and the liberties that go with it. Also, it seems to be gaining momentum as a logistics center. Or, is this all appearances?

Cheers,
Tooch

Cebu Local
01-10-06, 23:31
I've done just a little research on ESL schools in The Philippines and there are many locals looking for investors to start their school.



BTW: do any of you have any experience with Subic Special Zone? I like that city and the liberties that go with it. Also, it seems to be gaining momentum as a logistics center. Or, is this all appearances?

Cheers,
ToochHi
I have a business located in Subic and It is not as it always looks,I am partners in a school teaching English to Koreans as well as a small hotel.Please PM me and I can tell you looks can be decieving.The red tape and other petty corruption can also be a headache.

Member #1005
01-10-06, 23:51
I've done just a little research on ESL schools in The Philippines and there are many locals looking for investors to start their school.

If I wanted to invest in a school (which seems to be not too much capital risked), how would you suggest I perform my due diligence? Would you suggest being in the area for a while until I know some reputable players? This seems to be the advice from other posts.

BTW: do any of you have any experience with Subic Special Zone? I like that city and the liberties that go with it. Also, it seems to be gaining momentum as a logistics center. Or, is this all appearances?

Cheers,
Tooch

Tooch

Don’t take this personally, but I do wonder why many people seek business advice on a web site dedicated to finding good sex, when there is already a large business advice network out there already?

I would suggest that before investing in anything you do some leg work and speak to a few people to get a feel for the market and learn of any pitfalls.

One, speak to the Board of Investment, located in Makati.

Two, go the American Embassy and ask for the details of the Philippino –American Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club, I suggest you attend a meeting and press the flesh, speak to as many people as possible. You’ll be surprised what information you can glean for buying someone a free meal or taking them out for a drink.

Third, spend some time and look at the type of business you are looking to invest in, if you are told that there are on average there are 50 students per day, I suggest you go wait outside and count them for yourself.

No charge for the free advice, but if you do your homework you will find there is a great deal of information already in the country, OK most of it will look rosy, but if it sounds too good to be true, nine times out of ten it is.

Remember every dollar spent in your preparation is only a tiny fraction of what you could possible loose by a bad investment decision.

Cebu Local
01-11-06, 00:06
Tooch

Don’t take this personally, but I do wonder why many people seek business advice on a web site dedicated to finding good sex, when there is already a large business advice network out there already?

I would suggest that before investing in anything you do some leg work and speak to a few people to get a feel for the market and learn of any pitfalls.

One, speak to the Board of Investment, located in Makati.

Two, go the American Embassy and ask for the details of the Philippino –American Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club, I suggest you attend a meeting and press the flesh, speak to as many people as possible. You’ll be surprised what information you can glean for buying someone a free meal or taking them out for a drink.

Third, spend some time and look at the type of business you are looking to invest in, if you are told that there are on average there are 50 students per day, I suggest you go wait outside and count them for yourself.

No charge for the free advice, but if you do your homework you will find there is a great deal of information already in the country, OK most of it will look rosy, but if it sounds too good to be true, nine times out of ten it is.

Remember every dollar spent in your preparation is only a tiny fraction of what you could possible loose by a bad investment decision.Hi Junior
With all due respect,The Canadian Embassy Commercial section and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are really helpful to us CANADIANS,the US embassy and US Chamber tend to help AMERICANS primarily.I have provided him some information by PM.The Canadian community here is generally supportive of each other.But that advice would be applicable to Americans
Cheers

Member #1005
01-11-06, 08:35
Hi Junior
With all due respect,The Canadian Embassy Commercial section and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are really helpful to us CANADIANS,the US embassy and US Chamber tend to help AMERICANS primarily.I have provided him some information by PM.The Canadian community here is generally supportive of each other.But that advice would be applicable to Americans
Cheers

Cebu Local,

I was assuming he was an American, since I am a Brit and already know how to access the information I require from the British community, but I expect it works much the same way for former Commonwealth countries Canada, Australia and New Zealand alike.

Good Luck in your venture Tooch.

LoveAsianWhores
01-14-06, 10:01
I do agree with genius8 that it is highly unlikely you're going to get a 10% return on $100,000. He's also correct that you might be able to get that, or nearly that much on a peso account. The exchange risk is not as great as it may seem. Over two years the peso has flctuated between 53 and 55 to the dollar. It's reasonably stable and it's not a problem to convert your pesos back to dollars. This may in fact, be a viable option for you. You can also maintain dollar and peso accounts and move money back and forth between the two.

:D

GE

2 years is not a long time. Over the past eight years, there have been two major devaluations. The first was from 26 to 35, the next was from 40 to 50. There were likely other devaluations before those as well, but my experiance does not go back before 8 years. The history of the country has been to keep the currency stable, and then devalue it in a surprise move (to keep people from dumping their pesos). Also, I maintain several bank accounts with connected peso/dollar acccounts. None of them let me move pesos into dollars. It is illegal. It can only be done if you can prove that the pesos were originally bought with dollars, and is quite a hassle. In addition, all interest will be automatically taxed and taken out of your bank account. Buying pesos to get high interest rates should be left to the professional currancy trader, as it is a very high risk endeavor.

GoodEnough
01-14-06, 19:08
I bow to what is obviously your far greater expertise. Actually, I do not even have a bank account here, though I may open a small peso account soon, and I should not pretend to know what I do not know. I assume however, that you could always withdraw pesos and then buy dollars on the street, which does not seem to be a problem.

GE

White Wolf
01-15-06, 17:26
I bow to what is obviously your far greater expertise. Actually, I do not even have a bank account here, though I may open a small peso account soon, and I should not pretend to know what I do not know. I assume however, that you could always withdraw pesos and then buy dollars on the street, which does not seem to be a problem.

GEYou can't buy dollars on the street legally. And if you find someone willing to do it you'll always pay a premium.

Starchild2012
01-16-06, 09:36
Hi,

Please advice me were i can find apartment for rent for a single person on a middle class neighborhood, The rent around would be 5000 pesos.

Well, it's being too long i being taking stuff from here and not giving enough reports...well..all i can say is wait till i come there....i would be daily banging cutie in my apartment and making the pic stories out here !!

Loser.

Verywack
01-16-06, 14:23
How would one find work in the Philippines?

I am 27 years of age with 10 years of management experience.

I have experience in the hospitality and education sector.

Johan007
01-21-06, 15:23
How would one find work in the Philippines?

I am 27 years of age with 10 years of management experience.

I have experience in the hospitality and education sector.


I don't know...but i did some pretty good reading on many internet forums and i found out it's damn hard to find ANY work if you are a forreigner in the Philipines..!!They ahve many protective laws for their own people.

best bet is to start an own company/small business....BUT this is extremely dangerous and NOT without any financial hazzard.
The (economical) law in the Filipinas is not exactly a school example of openess and inviting westerners to invest!!!!many have tried...and many have failed.
needles to say that massive corruption is widespread in the country.

YOU ARE WARNED.


regards,

Johan.

Bigchez
01-21-06, 17:41
The best bet is to make a business that will get you foreign money. Also a business that does not depend on the filipinos for it to be sucessful. There are many things you can do: an internet business, teach english to koreans and japanese, write books, start an sex chat, tour company, resort, etc... But I will stay away from an partnership with filipinos. In my opinions some sort of internet business will be best.

Bigchez

Harvey WB
01-22-06, 03:18
The best way is to find a job with a company in your home country that has representatives working in RP and have them assign you there. Good luck to that, LOL, I did but I don't know if I ever would have gotten selected, there were so many contenders and many were of Filipino ancestory. To go there and solicit/accept a position could get you in legal trouble without the proper visa. It's the same as a Filipino (or any other foreigner) coming to the US without corporate sponsorship and accepting a position without the proper visa.

GoodEnough
01-22-06, 08:55
i don't know...but i did some pretty good reading on many internet forums and i found out it's damn hard to find any work if you are a forreigner in the philipines..!!they ahve many protective laws for their own people.

best bet is to start an own company/small business....but this is extremely dangerous and not without any financial hazzard.johan.
it is not advisable to come here looking for work, though it's not exactly illegal. what is illegal, and what can get you into a world of trouble is to undertake any money-making activity here while on a tourist visa. all it take is for one jealous filipina, or one greedy filipino to report you to immigration and you could go into immigration detention for a long, long time. this happened recently to a friend of mine and his case is not yet resolved. he's free, at least temporarily and he had his passport confirep001ed. his embassy was of only limited assistance. jobs are scarce enough here for citizens of the country, and before any company can hire a foreigner, it has to prove that the job could not have been done equally well by a local. this is similar to us employment laws and the granting of work visas. true, you an start a business here, but it's important never to risk more capital than you can afford to lose as your odds on making a go of a new enterprise are slim,and your legal protections are at best marginal.

:d

ge

Anonymous
01-22-06, 14:22
Well, while most of the comments here may be true, I did not find any trouble in acquiring work here. I previously was in Hong Kong before coming here to the PI. The job I have now was not difficult to get although it just took a while for them to keep the position available. They opened and closed it due to the type of position I have. Finally 4 months later, they made the offer and I accepted. Of course my gf was the real reason as to why I accepted.

Since then, I have started my own business, (doing well) and have just passed my probationary period and regularization was capped off by a 20% increase in salary. Oh, I might add they also are paying for my visa! That in itself was a hassle as I had to travel home earlier last year and forgot to give my passport back to immigration which made my visa process a bit of a problem. They tried to make me pay for it but after some haggling they agreed to ask immigration to resubmit for the work visa. Should be done in the next few weeks though.

But for those interested in finding work, just check alot of the local job boards depending on the type of work you're looking for. Most of the higher or management level positions will pay for your visa if necessary you just need to inquire. Good luck!

X Man
01-24-06, 05:06
If the link doesn't work, you can find this article at Reuters, Jan. 23. It's about J guys who lose it all in PI.

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=2006-01-23T091855Z_01_MAN1006_RTRIDST_0_OUKOE-UK-LIFE-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN.XML&archived=False

Kill Bill
02-03-06, 02:29
Hi guys,

I am thinking of buying a condo just outsid makati. I am an american please give me your thoughts and or sugestions.

Thanks

Blink157
02-03-06, 07:54
Good day to all,

I have a plan to live permantly step by step next year in PI. My favoured place would be to rent an apartment either in Angels city or in Cebu.

Now I'm asking you experienced guys in your opinion whats the better better place to live, or lets say postive and negative aspects of those locations.

I have to say that my last visit in Cebu was 2000 and I just came back from Angeles city , so I know what the place look like now. I have to admit, I also dont find it much safe at night when I was away from fields, despite stupid comments from pinoys about gurls who accompany foreigners (not evry girl with a foreign guy works in a bar) Angels city has some positive aspects for foreigners, like the nightlife scene and also shoemart is coming there in 2007 so you have to do also something during day time :)

In Cebu I liked at most that there was never a discussion with cab drivers to put their meter one or not, I found the place also cleaner and less dangerous at night as Angels city and people seems to be more nicer to foreigners and Cebuanas tent to be more liberated if it comes to sex. I had a gf there and when I took a girl out from a bar she did a good job :)

Unfortunately I dont have any friends in Cebu, the one nice german guy know from kuckusnest died a while ago,, that was also a great spot to hang out.

In AC I have a very gud friend of mine.

I like to compare cost of living in Cebu and Angels city, apartments etc. and nightlife. While living there permantly I like to know also about alowance for your gf a month and chances to get a non pro girl there, since bargurls ( speaking bout angels city ) are not my taste to hang around with more then a day/night. I do respect them, but I found nothing intersting which keeps me hanging out with them for more then a night.

So Im talking about dating non pro girls from AC to non pro girls in Cebu.

I had some experience in dating girls from hotel staff and I can say only one thing , either they want to marry right away, prefereble a US guy from Texas or it will be very difficult. Maybe its because that place seems to have so many foreigners.
Besides that I heard rumours that while starting shoemart in 2007 , plans are to clean up the fields place, means some bars will disappear.

Any PM s on this topic are welcome. I hope I can invite you guys to have a discussion in here. also other locations are welcome, like Puerto Galera, etc.

Happy hunting!

X Man
02-03-06, 10:18
Kill bill, WHY?

There was a Herald-tribune article a while back in the real estate section. The jist of it was that some guy and his Fil wife bought four condos, lived in one and lived off the income of the others.

Bigchez
02-06-06, 13:30
There are opportunities where you can make money in the philippines. My friend makes $800 a month working on the web. He has talked to the company and I will be doing the same thing online when I move to the Philippines this October. $800 does not sound like a lot but in the Philippines that is pretty good. There are also other opportunities on the web and in the Philippines, but I will let you guys figure that out on your own. I know of atleast 5 things where people have successfully made livings in the philippines. The key is go for the foriegn money. Do not do something that relies on the philippine economy or has to do with filipino partners. There are a lot of opportunies out there. You just need to do a little research on the web and maybe you can find them.

Bigchez

Bigchez
02-08-06, 14:37
Good day to all,

I have a plan to live permantly step by step next year in PI. My favoured place would be to rent an apartment either in Angels city or in Cebu.

Now I'm asking you experienced guys in your opinion whats the better better place to live, or lets say postive and negative aspects of those locations.

I have to say that my last visit in Cebu was 2000 and I just came back from Angeles city , so I know what the place look like now. I have to admit, I also dont find it much safe at night when I was away from fields, despite stupid comments from pinoys about gurls who accompany foreigners (not evry girl with a foreign guy works in a bar) Angels city has some positive aspects for foreigners, like the nightlife scene and also shoemart is coming there in 2007 so you have to do also something during day time :)

In Cebu I liked at most that there was never a discussion with cab drivers to put their meter one or not, I found the place also cleaner and less dangerous at night as Angels city and people seems to be more nicer to foreigners and Cebuanas tent to be more liberated if it comes to sex. I had a gf there and when I took a girl out from a bar she did a good job :)

Unfortunately I dont have any friends in Cebu, the one nice german guy know from kuckusnest died a while ago,, that was also a great spot to hang out.

In AC I have a very gud friend of mine.

I like to compare cost of living in Cebu and Angels city, apartments etc. and nightlife. While living there permantly I like to know also about alowance for your gf a month and chances to get a non pro girl there, since bargurls ( speaking bout angels city ) are not my taste to hang around with more then a day/night. I do respect them, but I found nothing intersting which keeps me hanging out with them for more then a night.

So Im talking about dating non pro girls from AC to non pro girls in Cebu.

I had some experience in dating girls from hotel staff and I can say only one thing , either they want to marry right away, prefereble a US guy from Texas or it will be very difficult. Maybe its because that place seems to have so many foreigners.
Besides that I heard rumours that while starting shoemart in 2007 , plans are to clean up the fields place, means some bars will disappear.

Any PM s on this topic are welcome. I hope I can invite you guys to have a discussion in here. also other locations are welcome, like Puerto Galera, etc.

Happy hunting!I am planning to move to Cebu City with my Filipina wife this coming October. I like Cebu much better than AC and Manila. One thing I am not interested in the night life, but also it is safer and less crowded in Cebu City. There are a lot of Foreigners in Cebu City, so making friends will not be hard. And Cebu City is Quickly becoming the Foreigners city of the Philippines and that includes the nightlife and bargirls. The bars and bargirls will follow to where the money is. I will fill you in more when I move to Cebu this October. :d

Bigchez

Porty
02-08-06, 18:09
Most taxi's use metters ! the weather is ok and beaches are never to far away!
You have a quick international terminal and good domestic.
People are so friendly and so kind.
Very easy to start a relationship with good or working girls.
prices are good compared to manila !
Rents are very good with good neighbours always see foriegners around. Not in bars or s/centers but just normal supermarket and down the street. english is very well spoken .
ok its still a poor country but hey can have a great life with out to many hassels
This is only my thoughts and as i traveled the world one thing i have found is that the people tend to make the place good or bad !
I am lucky to have so many friends there and they are mostly filipino's but a few foriegners too.
So before you settle on one city try cebu and pm me if I am in town.
Salamat Porty From australia

Cebu Local
02-08-06, 23:10
Most taxi's use metters ! the weather is ok and beaches are never to far away!
You have a quick international terminal and good domestic.
People are so friendly and so kind.
Very easy to start a relationship with good or working girls.
prices are good compared to manila !
Rents are very good with good neighbours always see foriegners around. Not in bars or s/centers but just normal supermarket and down the street. english is very well spoken .
ok its still a poor country but hey can have a great life with out to many hassels
This is only my thoughts and as i traveled the world one thing i have found is that the people tend to make the place good or bad !
I am lucky to have so many friends there and they are mostly filipino's but a few foriegners too.
So before you settle on one city try cebu and pm me if I am in town.
Salamat Porty From australiaI like Cebu best of all and when Asiaweek rated the most livable cities in the PI,In terms of Crime,Lower then AC and Manila,Economy,Cebu is the most rapidly economically booming part of the PI,Pollution,Lower then Manila or AC.Tourism 60% of all the tourists in the PI go to Cebu,Manila and the rest of the PI share the remaining 40%.Make it CEBU also.

Harvey WB
02-08-06, 23:48
Cebu was my favorite place until I visited Davao. For full time living, Cebu offers many western amenities (food, malls, restaurants) that are hard to come by in many cities in RP. My "gut" tells me that Cebu is about 20% cheaper than MNL and Davao seemed to be 20% cheaper than Cebu. (I was a LT visitor, living in hotels and the last trip was 2002, so take the info with a grain of salt.) I guess my perfect "retirement" would be Cebu, with frequent trips to Davao. But since I married an Ilocana, it will probably be Baguio or La Union, realistically speaking. Laoag is nice but does not have the amenities that Cebu has. Oh well, 6 years to go (dream, LOL).

Never been to Angeles, just passed through Dau on my North and South.

Bigchez
02-09-06, 23:12
Cebu was my favorite place until I visited Davao. For full time living, Cebu offers many western amenities (food, malls, restaurants) that are hard to come by in many cities in RP. My "gut" tells me that Cebu is about 20% cheaper than MNL and Davao seemed to be 20% cheaper than Cebu. (I was a LT visitor, living in hotels and the last trip was 2002, so take the info with a grain of salt.) I guess my perfect "retirement" would be Cebu, with frequent trips to Davao. But since I married an Ilocana, it will probably be Baguio or La Union, realistically speaking. Laoag is nice but does not have the amenities that Cebu has. Oh well, 6 years to go (dream, LOL).

Never been to Angeles, just passed through Dau on my North and South.I never been to Davao though I have some Filipina friends here in Korea which are from Davao. My wife tells me Davao is a very nice city. As for Cebu, it a really good place to retire, but also it is a really good place to make a living in the Philippines. There many Foreigners there so it is the place in the philippines to make foreign money. Also my wife taught me yesterday that another good source of income is making money off the OFW (Overseas Filipino Works) or OPW. I cant remember which one it is. They also have money and my wife and one of her friends are going to start a business where they will will be selling items to the filipinos here in Korea. My wife taking care of the Philippines parts and my wife friend doing stuff in Korea. Also it keeps my wife seperated from my and my 2 american partners business. As for retiring, I am far from it, but I am planning to move to the Phillipines. You just need to know what you are doing and have a good plan to make foreign money and a back up plan if your business fails. For example if my business fails I can always go back to Korea and teach english.

Bigchez

LoveAsianWhores
02-17-06, 14:50
There are opportunities where you can make money in the philippines. My friend makes $800 a month working on the web. He has talked to the company and I will be doing the same thing online when I move to the Philippines this October. $800 does not sound like a lot but in the Philippines that is pretty good. There are also other opportunities on the web and in the Philippines, but I will let you guys figure that out on your own. I know of atleast 5 things where people have successfully made livings in the philippines. The key is go for the foriegn money. Do not do something that relies on the philippine economy or has to do with filipino partners. There are a lot of opportunies out there. You just need to do a little research on the web and maybe you can find them.

Bigchez

Absolutely, the web is the way to go. I make a pretty good living online, and just about every expat I know out here makes his living online. I think you would need to make more then $800 to live comfortably by Western standards, but you could still do it on $800 as it is still a lot more than a college educated Filipino makes. And of course outside Manila, $800 a month is lot of money.

Bigchez
02-17-06, 21:39
Absolutely, the web is the way to go. I make a pretty good living online, and just about every expat I know out here makes his living online. I think you would need to make more then $800 to live comfortably by Western standards, but you could still do it on $800 as it is still a lot more than a college educated Filipino makes. And of course outside Manila, $800 a month is lot of money.You are right Manila is a lot more expensive, but personally I do not like Manila. To crowded, to much traffic, crime, pollution. Most foreigners who want to live in Manila are interested in AC. Personally I would recommend any foreigners wanted to live in the Philippines and are not interest in AC to live in Cebu. Along with making a living off the web, Cebu city has many Foreigners you can make money off of. Not just American/Westerner, but Japanese, Korean, Chinese, etc...

As for working on the Web, I going to be doing that and another type of job that has to do with the foreigners in Cebu City. Also my wife and her friend are going to start a business where my wife sends filipino food to Korea and her friend is going to sell it to the other Filipinas living in Korea. We will be make more than $800 a month, but it is a lot of work to make a good living in the Philippines. You need to know what you are doing and have a lot of patience doing it.

Also it helps to be married to a Filipina. My wife can deal with the best of them and get really good prices of items and food from the market. She also gets the local prices where as if I show up to the market the prices go up. So a Filipina wife or Girl friend is a great asset in the Phillipines. They will make life much easier when it comes to dealing with the locals.

Bigchez

Johan007
02-25-06, 15:43
Guys,

i did some intensive reading about this subject...and I must say up till now i didn't realy saw many GOOD things about this.
Main negative aspect seems to be you can NOT have (own)any property or business FULLY on your name in the Filies. So i other words you'd have to cut in your filipina wife/business partner...well and we all know that could be very tricky.

Most forreigners who actualy LIVE permanently in the Filipinas are most elderly men...pensioned...so they have a regular income from whatever country they are.
fact is if you are younger...(in your thirties or early 40's) you have to WORK.....or be employed by an international company with a branche down there.

Well finding a good (as in: enough $$$ so you can live decently) job will be very hard as a forreigner.

I realy like to invest in the Filipinas later....but given all the facts the economical laws and regulations are scarring me off right now.

cheers

Johan

Cebu Local
02-26-06, 00:04
Guys,

i did some intensive reading about this subject...and I must say up till now i didn't realy saw many GOOD things about this.
Main negative aspect seems to be you can NOT have (own)any property or business FULLY on your name in the Filies. So i other words you'd have to cut in your filipina wife/business partner...well and we all know that could be very tricky.

Most forreigners who actualy LIVE permanently in the Filipinas are most elderly men...pensioned...so they have a regular income from whatever country they are.
fact is if you are younger...(in your thirties or early 40's) you have to WORK.....or be employed by an international company with a branche down there.

Well finding a good (as in: enough $$$ so you can live decently) job will be very hard as a forreigner.

I realy like to invest in the Filipinas later....but given all the facts the economical laws and regulations are scarring me off right now.

cheers

JohanSubic is a Special Economic Zone where Foriegners can own 100% of their businesses,I know several restaurant,bars,dive shops etc directly in the name of the Foriegner.Look into this some more,Cheers

GoodEnough
02-26-06, 04:15
There's an agency here called the Philippines Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) which is responsible for the operation, certification and regulation of economic zones throughout the country. Subic is probably the biggest, but it's not the only one. I would suspect (though I do not know for sure) that the rules regarding business ownership, the right to import and export goods and capital, and tax indemnities are the same for all of them. It's easy enough to get a copy of PEZA's rules and regulations for anyone who may be interested. These zones are designed to attract businesses and investment and to create employment, so it would make sense to allow 100% ownership by foreigners.

:D

GE

Dood53
02-26-06, 14:16
There's an agency here called the Philippines Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) which is responsible for the operation, certification and regulation of economic zones throughout the country. Subic is probably the biggest, but it's not the only one. I would suspect (though I do not know for sure) that the rules regarding business ownership, the right to import and export goods and capital, and tax indemnities are the same for all of them. It's easy enough to get a copy of PEZA's rules and regulations for anyone who may be interested. These zones are designed to attract businesses and investment and to create employment, so it would make sense to allow 100% ownership by foreigners.

:D

GEThis might help those interested.

http://www.peza.gov.ph/

Dood53

Diet Cola
02-28-06, 05:41
I was chatting to a lass online (I chat to a lot but this one is clearly more educated than the average Filipina as she uses bigger words than me) and we were discussing Special Econonic Zones. She seemed to think Cayagan de Oro was one of them. We discussed Subic Bay though presumably as she was a Mindanao girl, she was rooting for her own local one.

For quite a while now I have had this idea to set-up a web design agency in the Philippines and employ a small team of motivated programmers specialising in PHP+MySQL applications.

One thing that puzzles me is how you go about recruiting staff that can actually program. If I was opening a shoe shop then I could take the average person off the street but finding competent PHP programmers is completely different.

CanContrib
03-26-06, 22:30
DONT...thats my advise,

First off, this country has some of the worst laws in the world concerning foreign ownership of property or business, with 100% capitol invested, you get to own 40% of the business...who does business like that?

As far as bars go... poison...you would have to be crazy to try that, now IF you had a Filipina wife, one you trusted, you MIGHT try it. If you go into business with your Girlfriend, you are dumber than we thought, you will pay the price and be left without a penny.

Spam hog

True, foreign ownership in Phils corporations is limited to 40% max. So? If yr Phils partners put up 60% of the capital and you can work with them and make money to put into *your* pocket, what's the problem?

Wow, sounds like someone had some very bad experiences! (we're not talking about corporations now, just the family business):
In our case, "she" owns the business 100%, but she asks me every time she would like a couple hundred pesos to go buy something fresh to make for dinner. That business pays about 1/2 our total living expenses (including the whopping amortization payment on the house). Yeah, sure it's "her house" legally, but hey, if it ever got down to it, she's *earned* it!

Of course "yer mileage will vary"; depends on who you pick for an SO.

Cebu Local
03-27-06, 00:39
True, foreign ownership in Phils corporations is limited to 40% max. So?

Wow, sounds like someone had some very bad experiences! (we're not talking about corporations now, just the family business):
.Actually I know foriegners who own 100 percent who own Bars,Dive shops,restaurants,Hotels etc in Subic,Clark and other SEZ.Likewise There are PEZA certified IT buildings in Manila where foriegners can own 100 percent of an IT business.Do you think Filipinos own those call centers?? and I know at least 2 ISG members who own software development companies in the PI that gets contracts in their home country then has it done in the PI

Cebu Local
03-27-06, 00:45
[QUOTE

For quite a while now I have had this idea to set-up a web design agency in the Philippines and employ a small team of motivated programmers specialising in PHP+MySQL applications.

One thing that puzzles me is how you go about recruiting staff that can actually program. If I was opening a shoe shop then I could take the average person off the street but finding competent PHP programmers is completely different.[/QUOTE]So where do you think Microsoft Philippines,Intel Philippines,Citibank and all the other software development operations in the Philippines get their tens of thousands employees???Certainly not India

LoveAsianWhores
04-10-06, 12:12
So where do you think Microsoft Philippines,Intel Philippines,Citibank and all the other software development operations in the Philippines get their tens of thousands employees???Certainly not India

I've used jobstreet.com with much success. I received hundreds of resumes from my last posting. However, keep in mind that everyone and their mother is into web development in the Phillipines and the hard part is not finding talented employees, it's finding customers. There are hundreds of companies that employee web devlopers and sell their services to foreign companies. I have an expat friend that lives out here and is doing just that, but to be honest, I think he is still searching for his first customer. Unless you have a particular angle, forget it. Sites like Guru.com take about 90% of the small business market, leaving the hundreds of Philippine and Indian firms to fight over the remaining 10% or so.

Bcarting1
05-10-06, 06:05
I heard countless stories of guys that baught land in the PI and houses using girlfrends and lost what ever they had overnight because of the laws there. Another amazing fact is I was never around so many millionares in my entire life as I was over there. Every guy wanted me to know how important he or she was and how big the bank account was after knowing them forr a very short time "5-10 minutes" after meeting them. The best rule of thumb there is to have a low profile and not give out to much info.

Remember the police can put you in jail for anything and do do it for the smallest complaint and you can just PAY AND GET OUT OF ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU. This is a fact and I saw just that happen to a guy I know from another country.

The story goes like this, this person I know got a girl from the bar and stayed with her for 2-3 days. One day she got jelous about something when they were drinking together. She hit him in the head with a bottle in front of 8-9 people in the restaurant, and walked out after. After he got up he continued to drink and 20 minutes later the PNP PHIL NATIONAL POLICE came and arrested him because she told them about the fight. The guy went to jail, and they took his cell and used up or passed the load from his phone to another. This was after they wanted 100 thousand p to get out of jail. He said he did not have that much, so every hour on the hour they came and wanted a little less from him. After 12 hours they asked for 10 thousand p. And he gave them the money and they let him out no problems. 200 us dollars and 12 hours in a cell is what he got for the foreigners word over that of a philipino. They gave half the money to the girl her later learned from her and the cops kept the rest. Never forget that YOU ARE A FOREIGNER IN OUR COUNTRY, they will I am sure say that phrase to or around you sometime when you are here. And head to the words because you will never beat a person there in there own country.

Play safe

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread.

GoodEnough
05-10-06, 07:20
Bcarting1's advice is sound, though the examples he uses are the exceptions, and by no means the norm. Most of the guys here who get into trouble regarding the purchase of land are those who act impulsively and do not bother to get advice from either local lawyers or from expats who have been successful in this area.

The fact is, foreigners cannot own land, and if you're sufficiently brain dead to place an asset in the name of a girlfriend under the assumption that "she loves me and would never screw me over," then you deserve what you get. On the other hand, it is possible to protect yourself pretty completely and without too much effort. For example, though you cannot, as a foreigner, own land, you can own real property. Some guys therefore, will buy land in the name of a girlfriend or wife and, at the same time that the deed of sale is executed, will execute a lease, renting land from the wife or girlfriend for 50 or 100 years at a rate of 1 peso per year. They then build a house in their own name. I've never heard of anyone getting screwed under this arrangement. Other guys, who have children from local relationships will buy property in trust for the children, naming themselves as the sole trustee. Again, I've never heard of anyone getting screwed under this type of arrangement.

As to the possibilty of the local cops creating a pretext for arrest in the hopes of getting money, this is possible, and it does happen. Mostly though, this kind of stuff occurs in down market establishments, often frequented primarily by locals. These include the sleazier girlie bars and local eateries. It simply does not happen in the higher class establishments where most expats congregate. The likelihood of this happening to you, therefore, depends more on where you hang out and the types of people with whom you hang out.

The best rule of thumb is to use your head (the big one, not the little one) and be prudent in whom you befriend. Get advice from those who know the area and do not come into a situation, as a stranger to the place, believing that you know it all.

The ability to thrive and enjoy yourself without fear here in the PI (and in many other places) depends to a large extent on using common sense and in no small measure to treating people in the manner in which you would prefer to be treated. In my 30 months of living here, everyone I know of who has gotten into trouble has done so because he forgot about these simple rules.

:D

GE

CanContrib
05-20-06, 23:59
I was chatting to a lass online (I chat to a lot but this one is clearly more educated than the average Filipina as she uses bigger words than me)
Be aware that employers generally out-of-hand reject employment applications from anyone who isn't:
1/ College graduate
2/ The "right" age
3/ The "right" height and build (with "pleasing personality")
4/ NBI clearance
5/ - whatever else they may want to ask for!

Those seem to be the *mimimum* qualifications for "salesgirl" at SM, or cook at McDonalds; from there you can move up.

Of course, if the applicant knows the right people then you are auto-qualified.

[I hate interviewing job-applicants, it's just SO WEIRD here.]

CanContrib
05-21-06, 00:10
I The best rule of thumb there is to have a low profile and not give out to much info.

Strange, that's what my (Pinay) wife preaches at me day after day!
She also tells me to stay the f**k out of politics, and no matter how many locals ask me to get involved i must respect that she's absolutely RIGHT about that.


Remember the police can put you in jail for anything and do do it for the smallest complaint and you can just PAY AND GET OUT OF ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU. This is a fact and I saw just that happen to a guy I know from another country.

The story goes like this, [...] The guy went to jail, [...] Never forget that YOU ARE A FOREIGNER IN OUR COUNTRY, they will I am sure say that phrase to or around you sometime when you are here. And head to the words because you will never beat a person there in there own country.

Play safe



Right so have your act together, and be able to call on your personal PNP friends and have them rescue you on the minute if you ever need them, and keep those favours for when you need then if you ever need them. Better not to need to call on them, but if you don't have them handy then don't go places you shouldn't go and don't do things you shouldn't do and don't [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off the wrong people if you don't have the right (local) backup available close at hand. Money is good, but having the RIGHT friends is much better, and you don't get those overnight without living here and helping them when they need your help too!

I happen to know that it's no longer 100pesos, but rather 500 (Marunong ka, pasko araw-araw na!) to get out of a trumpted-up traffic "violation" in metro Manila. (yeah, I gave the girl shit and a smack for not having her seat-belt on right as the "traffic enforcer" was smiling at receiving his dinner money), and we all understood each other, no doubt.

A PNP friend later told me that I should just have called him - I told him that if ever I call him it'll be for something worth bothering him about.

And yes, never forget, even if you're legallly a permanent resident, that you *LOOK* like a foreigner. You can only play "dumb" to a point; after that you need to know how to play very very smart. Better not to go there.

Smart tourists won't of course ever get into situations where any of that could be an issue. If you *live* here, then make the right friends fast.

Natik27
05-23-06, 08:25
Hi guys,

I am a call centre manager in India who ahs been given an opportuntiy by one of my American clients (medium size financial services company) to go to Cebu and manage their brand new contact centre there. They don't have too much experince in outsourcing and I know a bring a lot in from my experience here and my business developemnt contacts and ideas for them, whihc is why I ahve ben recrutied. I ahd a few questions I would like to ask you guys :

1. The salary we ahve agreed to us US $ 2000 a month and housing + transport. Please tell me whether this is a good amount sicne I really dont know the cost of licing in Philippines, other than what I ahve read on the net. I would need tos ave moeny too, and am doing pretty wel in india right now earning approx. USD 1500 a month (gross).

2. While immedaite accomodation is not an issue, I would need to rent out a bachelor pad/apartment for myself soon, do let me know if anyone has good contacts for that.

3. How about some contacts from you mongers? I am not that interested in pro girls, but ahve heard about Cebu, so would be looking for places to go and hang about in and enjoy, please advise. If someone can guide me to where I can meet expats and chill, would like that too.

4. Everyone knows about Thai massages, but I ahve a slight back problem as of now, and take a regular nomral massage everyday two days, is it possible to get a good cheap massage in Cebu ?

5. Forgot one question, if there are any guys rnning callc entres there, how successful are they as compared to indian ones or just in general ?

Please help.

CanContrib
05-26-06, 00:18
Hi guys,

I am a call centre manager in India who ahs been given an opportuntiy by one of my American clients (medium size financial services company) to go to Cebu and manage their brand new contact centre there. They don't have too much experince in outsourcing and I know a bring a lot in from my experience here and my business developemnt contacts and ideas for them, whihc is why I ahve ben recrutied. I ahd a few questions I would like to ask you guys :

1. The salary we ahve agreed to us US $ 2000 a month and housing + transport. Please tell me whether this is a good amount sicne I really dont know the cost of licing in Philippines, other than what I ahve read on the net. I would need tos ave moeny too, and am doing pretty wel in india right now earning approx. USD 1500 a month (gross).



100,000pesos+/mth? Expenses paid? Damn fine salary for Philippines! You can live like a king here for that, but you do have one little problem, no disrespect intended, and that's racial. Pinays typically flock towards:
1/ love & money (translation, a westerner)
2/ money (translation, a westerner)
3/ love (translation, a westerner)

4/ settle for a Pinoy until they can find 1, 2 or 3.

You have an uphill battle with Pinays. That's not my opinion, that's what *they* tell me. They don't like Indians, so it's up to you to convince them you're the same as the rest of us. Please excuse my brutal honesty about everything they have ALL told me. Best of luck, and I hope you get a good one once you're here. Even if you don't, hey, you can always take your money home.

Cebu Local
05-26-06, 01:04
100,000pesos+/mth? Expenses paid? Damn fine salary for Philippines! You can live like a king here for that, but you do have one little problem, no disrespect intended, and that's racial. Pinays typically flock towards:
1/ love & money (translation, a westerner)
2/ money (translation, a westerner)
3/ love (translation, a westerner)

4/ settle for a Pinoy until they can find 1, 2 or 3.

You have an uphill battle with Pinays. That's not my opinion, that's what *they* tell me. They don't like Indians, so it's up to you to convince them you're the same as the rest of us. Please excuse my brutal honesty about everything they have ALL told me. Best of luck, and I hope you get a good one once you're here. Even if you don't, hey, you can always take your money home.One of my managers is an Indian living in Cebu and he is living well on 1,000 dollars a month plus housing.Contact me by PM and will give you his details so You can compare notes and Here are some figures Bachelor pad rental about 200 dollars a month,Meal at food court 1$ normal massage 5-10$,Full Service 20-30$,Meal at 5 star hotel 10$.Beer 50 cents us at cheap bar,Hope this gives you an idea of living costs

Mahku
05-26-06, 04:37
Actually I've found Filipinas to be much more open about pairing up with various ethic groups than girls from other Asian countries. They seem to be less race-conscious than most.

Here in the Emirates I've seen several Indian-Filipina couples. I've also met some in the Philippines that were planning on marrying Indian guys they met online. I'll grant you that there's a lot of possible trouble because there's less mutual knowledge about each others' cultures. But once people spend time together stereotypes are broken down and they start finding things in common.

It's true that you meet lots of women who only like westerners and don't want any thing to do with guys of this or that race. But I've also never a guy who couldn't find someone in the Philippines, regardless of his nationality.

Anyway, if this guy's makes that kind of money in Cebu he'll have no lack of female companionship, guaranteed.

Natik27
05-26-06, 09:54
I appreciate the help, Cebu local mahki, please do give more comments if you wud like to. And for the others, well yes I agree that there are some girls who are in for the money or completely materialistic and hence go only for westerners and will tell them that too, to make them feel special, have seen those kind of women everywhere. I am not looking for those kinda girls or for actual mongering but just general fun time out and if I do come across whom I get along with, great.

CanContrib
05-26-06, 11:00
Actually I've found Filipinas to be much more open about pairing up with various ethic groups than girls from other Asian countries. They seem to be less race-conscious than most.

Yes, that's generally true. I was only passing on the coments I'd heard from various girls. I didn't mean to imply that there aren't others.


Anyway, if this guy's makes that kind of money in Cebu he'll have no lack of female companionship, guaranteed.

Also very true. Money is a powerful motivator, especially for girls that don't have any. The Indian gentleman might also consider meeting someone online and establishing a relationship in advance with a few girls, of which then surely one or more will click when later meeting in person.

Muf Diver
05-27-06, 02:21
i agree with cebu local. i am not 100% in tune with cancontrib!

i have several african-american friends who have had either pinoy g/fs in u.s. or have married pinoys. i know some pinoy girls as dark as african-americans. so, the adage that pinoys doesn't like indians or only like white-skin is stereotypical, and has no merit.

it is true that they would rather prefer a white-westerner than a black- westerner or a person with darker skin. i noticed the pinoys who look more chinese peferring people with lighter skin. persoanlly, i like the tanned look! i remember a pinoy (chinese looking gal) in college in chicago who never dated asians - she only fucked blond-blue eyed guys!

in philippines, i think pinoy girls are more interested in:

1. falling in love;
2. going over-seas;
3. having money to spend;
4. showing off among peers and classmates;
5. having someone to show off;
6. having the security of money; and
7. having a family.

i noticed that almost all the girls i met asked me whether i smoked. they don't like smokers. also, most of them didn't care for drinkers! they liked the fact that i dressed modern clean clothes, wore aftershave/cologne, without body odour or bad breath. many times my aftershave got the girls attention when we started kissing! one girl even started using my cologne even though it was men's!

our indian brethren will have to convince these girls that he is serious for a nice girl, he has money to "take care," of them, and he is romantic. i think these girls are suckers for flowers and candy! i bought some roses for one of the girls i took to sunflower disco. she was hanging on to the roses and me for the entire night and the next day, as she had a lot of compliments for her roses! even the receptionist at the hotel looked at her jealous!

compared to my experience in mumbai and banaglore, i would say the indian gentleman will have an easy time laying nice girls, one after another. just use a condom and stay away from the religious/bible hugging, sunday school teacher girls!

md




yes, that's generally true. i was only passing on the coments i'd heard from various girls. i didn't mean to imply that there aren't others.


also very true. money is a powerful motivator, especially for girls that don't have any. the indian gentleman might also consider meeting someone online and establishing a relationship in advance with a few girls, of which then surely one or more will click when later meeting in person.

Ace of Spades
05-27-06, 02:45
As a Black man who is well travelled in Asia, I can speak to the nature of how girls can discriminate based on looks/appearances, both “normal girls” and “hookers.” Men of color, especially, Black men are not the highest on the totem pole, in terms of ideal marriage partners. The poorer, least developed countries seem ok, but the richer more affluent countries are a different story and coloured at best a desired taste for a small few. I have been to 6 countries, including the Philippines, and the story is almost always the same. You will simply find girls totally into white guys (the kind that will do anything to get one) and some other girls who are either neutral or totally into Black guys or some other racial/ethnic flare. The girls totally into white guys are usually the best educated, speak the best English, the most marriage minded and most status consciousness. I am not sure if I would want a girl like that, they tend to be really shallow, but I must admit, it is not totally their fault, these girls are programmed from day one through the media to believe white people (men) superior to all others.

With this all being said, some girls can “warm up” and change based on a positive experience, but it might be hard to get close at first. Not impossible, but it can be done. DOLLARS TALK AND RESPECT DOES TOO. If a girl has to choose between life in the Philippines in poverty and marrying a non-white person, most are smart enough to know what to do. MOST WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY

If a girl can’t accept you for you, MOVE ON and FIND ANOTHER THERE ARE MANY WAITING IN LINE.

Cebu Local
05-27-06, 05:32
There is a large Filipino Indian Community and a large number are married to Filipinas.One of the Top Travel agents in the Philippines is an Indian married to a Filipina.One of my best friends is a Filipina married to a Christian Pakistani.You will just have to overcome the predjudice that Indians Smell to Filipina girls.Just Mahku said,Be neat,clean looking and have a good job and you will be fine.You can have an upper class lifestyle in Cebu with that salary level.Look me up if you get to Cebu

CanContrib
05-28-06, 00:23
I agree with Cebu Local. I am not 100% in tune with CanContrib!

I have several african-american friends who have had either Pinoy g/fs in U.S. or have married Pinoys. I know some Pinoy girls as dark as african-americans. So, the adage that Pinoys doesn't like Indians or only like white-skin is stereotypical, and has no merit.
MD

Yes, the issue about Indians is stereotypical, but you should recall that it's just what Pinays have told me.

Further, exactly were did I *ever* write anything about "white-skin"???? That is NOT related to this topic nor is it to my knowledge any sort of factor to Pinays.

Even further, I never even aluded *anything* about african-american or african-anything, and if you go back and read *precisely* what I actually wrote you must admit that. You must also admit that I explicitly stated I was only passing along what girls had told me about one particular ethnic group, which was NOT afro-american nor did I ever mention such!

As for Afro-americans, I have one friend who very recently got tired of waiting for me and met and married an afro-american, and I wished her all the best and I hope she has a very happy life with him. I once had a many-year relationship with a wonderful afro-american gf before someone induced me to find Philippines on the globe, so I know of no reason why the obverse should not be true (though some white-American recently commented negatively to me about that, but hey, that's what you get when you talk to a redneck American).

As for the Indian gentleman, I wish him all the best, and I did my best to provide him with such information as others have to this point made available to me. Is it not better to provide a "heads-up" than let someone's query be ignored?

Please read what I actually wrote, not what what you would like to improperly think that I didn't actually write. Please in future take the time to properly respond to what you quote instead of making improper accusations about what you would like to think was written but was NOT.

CanContrib
05-28-06, 00:38
....
1. Falling in love;
3. Having money to spend;
6. Having the security of money; and


If there is no money, love fades very quickly.
One should reasonably expect that any Pinay, as would any woman, will very quickly forget "love" if there's no food for them, their kids or their extended family, let alone the "luxuries" they hope to realize through their relationship with a foreigner.

Yes I know some exceptions to that general rule, but exceptions they are!
Simarily, it's foolish to expect that money will buy long-lasting love.

CanContrib
05-28-06, 00:51
As a Black man who is well travelled in Asia, I can speak to the nature of how girls can discriminate based on looks/appearances, both “normal girls” and “hookers.” Men of color, especially, Black men are not the highest on the totem pole, in terms of ideal marriage partners. ...
DOLLARS TALK AND RESPECT DOES TOO. If a girl has to choose between life in the Philippines in poverty and marrying a non-white person, most are smart enough to know what to do. MOST WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY

The comments passed to me by Pinays I know, exclusively state that "color" has absolutely nothing to do with their decisions. They first want love combined with stable support and a possible expanded future income to support their extended family. They however (at least the ones I know) have developed a prejudice against certain Asian ethnic groups. Certainly that would be less so in less-urbanized less-educated areas, especially if they don't have much chanced to be brainwashed by TV commercials. However I must emphasize, it's NOT a "color" issue, that stated even when all the TV commercials induce them to spend money to be (very stupidly) more "white".

Ace of Spades
05-28-06, 01:58
I don't think anybody white is qualified to make a statement that color does not matter for these girls. It clearly does especially considering the nature the Philippines, as a post-colonial society, whereby lighter skin people are preferred over more "traditional" looking features, e.g., DARK SKIN.

This does not mean that Black or Indian guys can’t get laid, but it can mean that there are some girls out there with a color bias who may not want to associate or marry someone who is not white. This has little or nothing to do with education or urban versus rural mentality. Fortunately, countries like the Philippines have such a large surplus of women that it becomes economically necessary for the women to marry without serious regard to color or race. I admit that color is not the only factor, but it is at the top of the list. Nationality and citizenship, but also financial security are IMPORTANT factors. If they had a choice, like they do here in Canada and in Western countries you would never see them with anybody, but white guys.

Bud Leeeeeeee
05-28-06, 02:26
Where is the best chat spots? With their pics posted. On Yahoo I never get a pic even in their profile. I haven't spent that much time on it really. But out of 4 times on Yahoo its like no pics. I don't wanna chat and ask for pics. I would like to know its a potential hotty on the other end with a pic or 3 in their profile.

X Man
05-28-06, 05:19
I think Ace has overgeneralized a bit, but I generally agree with him. In the good old days of Subic Bay there was clearly a white area and a black area. That may have been partly due to the tendency of the sailors / marines themselves, but the girls in the black area were'nt quite as attractive. A bit naughtier though! I spent a few days with a girl from the black area once. She wore three pairs of panties to try to make her butt look bigger.

I remember her bed had bed bugs. I was itching all night. But the real turn off was a pair of panties she was wearing which had this embroidered on the front: Chief's Club USS xyz was here. Hey, if you meet any Filipinas with panties that say "X-man was here" - let me know!

I met a girl in CDO earlier this year. Her cousin is engaged to a Af.American. They told me they endured numerous snide remarks from the local boys...mostly about his color.

All that being said, I think most Filipinos are open minded about race. And we shouldn't mix up personal preferences with overt racism. I'm very happy with a brown Filipina, but never felt attraction Indian women of the same shade. I don't know why, that's just the way it is.

X

Ace of Spades
05-28-06, 11:19
X-MAN:

Yes, I can overgeneralize a bit at times, but there is truth to what I am saying. Good humorous story, it really illustrates my point. It is obvious the hookers for Black guys were of a “lower market value” than the ones for white guys. Their circumstances were perhaps the worst of all. Poorest of the poor. Now what filipina would want to have that kind of stigma associated with their family?

On the same note, I have heard from several people that have visited bars around the former bases, including, Angeles city, that half white, half Filipina bar girls get top dollar bar fines and are the most sought after. The black ones are at the bottom, typically.

Sorry to bring up the race issue, but it is such a big part of mongering. Black and white guys sometimes have such different experiances, it needs to be talked about more often.

X Man
05-28-06, 11:50
Well, Ace, let's go bar hopping sometime. I bet the girls would love a little salt and pepper to spice up their lives.

Of course now there is a tendency for girls to go after the Japanese market. Is that about color or about perceived economic benefits? Or is it really that the J men have tiny ones. Ha, ha, something you men of color have never been accused of....

X




X-MAN:

Yes, I can overgeneralize a bit at times, but there is truth to what I am saying. Good humorous story, it really illustrates my point. It is obvious the hookers for Black guys were of a “lower market value” than the ones for white guys. Their circumstances were perhaps the worst of all. Poorest of the poor. Now what filipina would want to have that kind of stigma associated with their family?

On the same note, I have heard from several people that have visited bars around the former bases, including, Angeles city, that half white, half Filipina bar girls get top dollar bar fines and are the most sought after. The black ones are at the bottom, typically.

Sorry to bring up the race issue, but it is such a big part of mongering. Black and white guys sometimes have such different experiances, it needs to be talked about more often.

Muf Diver
05-28-06, 16:06
CanContrib,

I beg to diasgree!

For Pinoy girls, falling in love, is number one! Even bar girls I bonked wanted to be in love, get married and have kids. Yes, money is there in ALL relationships - all over the world! Not in PH alone. So, the assertion that money is number to Pinoy girls does not hold water.

The reason for more GFE with Pinoy bargirls must have come from their desire to be in love. Unlike the Colombianas, each and every Pinoy is in love when you fuck them even if it is P4P.

M D


If there is no money, love fades very quickly.
One should reasonably expect that any Pinay, as would any woman, will very quickly forget "love" if there's no food for them, their kids or their extended family, let alone the "luxuries" they hope to realize through their relationship with a foreigner.

Yes I know some exceptions to that general rule, but exceptions they are!
Simarily, it's foolish to expect that money will buy long-lasting love.

FrenchK
05-28-06, 18:34
Hi guys,

I need advices, I am a 35 yrs old, IT engineer working and living in Hong Kong and would like to move to Philippines can you guys advice me?

About where I should look for a job? , how much should I expect for salary? And how much is it to rent a house?

Thanks for your advices.

Have a wonderfull day.

CanContrib
05-28-06, 22:13
Of course now there is a tendency for girls to go after the Japanese market. Is that about color or about perceived economic benefits?
X

Japaeoke's I've talked to 100% exclusively went to Japan for the money, and come home as soon as they are half-confortable with their savings. If they run out of money they try hard to go to Japan again for just long enough to rake in some more bundles of Yen.

I do know one Pinay who's "happily" married and living comfortably in their rather large paid-for house, and married now for well over a decade to a very nice Japanese guy. Of course, she gets to go out whenever she likes and so does he, no questions asked, or so they both tell me when we get together for a party. Though I've been invited several times I haven't had a chance to go bar-hoping with him yet, but I'm inclined to believe him when he tells me that his idea of "going out" is more than just to drink beer. I know he can afford more than just beer, no wonder he likes living here too. Relating back to the quoted thread, he's more "western" looks and build than sterotypical Japanese.

CanContrib
05-28-06, 22:15
Hi guys,

I need advices, I am a 35 yrs old, IT engineer working and living in Hong Kong and would like to move to Philippines can you guys advice me?

About where I should look for a job? , how much should I expect for salary? And how much is it to rent a house?


Rather than asking everyone to retype their numerous already posted reports answering those questions, why not just go and READ them?

CanContrib
05-28-06, 22:22
CanContrib,

I beg to diasgree!

For Pinoy girls, falling in love, is number one! Even bar girls I bonked wanted to be in love, get married and have kids. Yes, money is there in ALL relationships - all over the world! Not in PH alone. So, the assertion that money is number to Pinoy girls does not hold water.

It's certainly your privilege to disagree with my experiences and with what the girls themselves tell me. Sure they want to be in love, who doesn't! However, their need to *EAT* is just a little bit more important to everyone. I recently got hit on by a nice wannabe-bar-girl, and said "ok". For once I was dazed that she was in such an immense hurry, and left the same minute she had money. So I went back to the bar for some more beers and to see if any friends might show up. Guess who comes back an hour later - the girl I had been with for 10 minutes! Now she has lots of time, and apologizes for running out the door to get her first meal in 3 days. Having finally eaten, now she's in the mood for love. Strange that you seem to think Pinays (or any girls) think about love when starving.


The reason for more GFE with Pinoy bargirls must have come from their desire to be in love. Unlike the Colombianas, each and every Pinoy is in love when you fuck them even if it is P4P.

M D

True, but only true after they've eaten some food.

Cebu Local
05-29-06, 00:57
It's certainly your privilege to disagree with my experiences and with what the girls themselves tell me. Sure they want to be in love, who doesn't! However, their need to *EAT* is just a little bit more important to everyone. I recently got hit on by a nice wannabe-bar-girl, and said "ok". For once I was dazed that she was in such an immense hurry, and left the same minute she had money. So I went back to the bar for some more beers and to see if any friends might show up. Guess who comes back an hour later - the girl I had been with for 10 minutes! Now she has lots of time, and apologizes for running out the door to get her first meal in 3 days. Having finally eaten, now she's in the mood for love. Strange that you seem to think Pinays (or any girls) think about love when starving.


True, but only true after they've eaten some food.I recently met a working Girl I know at 3pm,She looked hungry,So I offered to feed her Merienda at Wendy s,she ate it like a famished dog,Later on,She said thay was her first meal since,Coffee and bread that morning.Later on She offered me a quickie to say Thanks for the meal.1 ST=Wendys 105 peso value meal.This is a girl I normally pay much higher.Her roommate actually does people for Cell Phone load.But you have to be a local to play this game

Muf Diver
05-29-06, 04:34
Two weeks ago I met two girls at Robinson's mall. They were handing out fliers for selling homes at the same level as Bo's Coffee shop.

One was cute and the other coyote ugly. After speaking with them for an hour I asked the cute girl out for a beer. She said yes, but only if her friend (the ugly girl) could come along. So three of us went and had a few beers. When the ugly toad went to the bathroom, I asked the cute girl to go with me to Sunflower. She agreed, but she wanted me to take them to dinner first. I asked her why I should take her ugly friend. She said that both of them had not eaten anything that day because they had no money as they haven't sold any houses for 2 months!

Well, I took both of them to Pizza Hut next to Rajah Park Hotel. These 2 girls put away a large pizza in 5 minutes!

Here comes the bad news! After dinner the ugly girl thanked me and ditched to go home. The cute girl accompanied me to the hotel, but when we got to the lobby at Midtown, she got a call, and she said sorry that she has to leave on an emergency. So I struck out! The call appeared to be preplanned.

Fast forward to last Thursday evening. Met the same girls at the same place - in front of Bo's Coffee shop handing out fliers. Both were very happy to see me. The cute one was sorry that she cwasn't able go with me to Sunflower. Both wanted to meet me after work for beers.

But I told the cute one that I can take you out, but not your friend as I wanted to spend more time with my date. She said the same story - about not selling any houses. So I asked them whether her interest in me is just to get a few free beers and a dinner as she was hungry. She turned and walked away! I saw her again Thursday, but she did not even smile. I guess she realized that I caught her on her act.

If you see a cute girl and an ugly girl working as a pair at Robinsons handing out fliers for new homes keep in mind that they are scammers!

M D








I recently met a working Girl I know at 3pm,She looked hungry,So I offered to feed her Merienda at Wendy s,she ate it like a famished dog,Later on,She said thay was her first meal since,Coffee and bread that morning.Later on She offered me a quickie to say Thanks for the meal.1 ST=Wendys 105 peso value meal.This is a girl I normally pay much higher.Her roommate actually does people for Cell Phone load.But you have to be a local to play this game

X Man
05-29-06, 14:25
I don't know muf diver. Seems like "scammer" is kind of a serious accusation considering the ladies just wanted to have dinner with you.

Is it really surprising that she's unfriendly after you accused her of begging for beer and food?

And an invitation to Sunflower is a little different than an invitation to your hotel.

She wasn't an easy lay. That doesn't mean she's scamming.

Of course I don't know the whole story. I'm just responding to what you wrote in your post.

X

HenryV
05-29-06, 15:57
I agree. There is a connotation with "scammer" someone is out to harm you beyond a meal. The girls are probably just hungry and have limited funds. Scammette would be more appropriate.

Who among us has not had this happen in the US. A woman using a date as an excuse to go to a nice restaurant.

On the other hand, could be a personal thing with me. I have been called "pretty cold," but when kids or a woman tell me they are hungry I go to jelly.


I don't know muf diver. Seems like "scammer" is kind of a serious accusation considering the ladies just wanted to have dinner with you.

Is it really surprising that she's unfriendly after you accused her of begging for beer and food?

And an invitation to Sunflower is a little different than an invitation to your hotel.

She wasn't an easy lay. That doesn't mean she's scamming.

Of course I don't know the whole story. I'm just responding to what you wrote in your post.

X

CanContrib
05-29-06, 20:20
Two weeks ago I met two girls at Robinson's mall. They were handing out fliers for selling homes at the same level as Bo's Coffee shop.

One was cute and the other coyote ugly. After speaking with them for an hour I asked the cute girl out for a beer. She said yes, but only if her friend (the ugly girl) could come along. So three of us went and had a few beers. When the ugly toad went to the bathroom, I asked the cute girl to go with me to Sunflower. She agreed, but she wanted me to take them to dinner first. I asked her why I should take her ugly friend. She said that both of them had not eaten anything that day because they had no money as they haven't sold any houses for 2 months!

Well, I took both of them to Pizza Hut next to Rajah Park Hotel. These 2 girls put away a large pizza in 5 minutes!

Here comes the bad news! After dinner the ugly girl thanked me and ditched to go home. The cute girl accompanied me to the hotel, but when we got to the lobby at Midtown, she got a call, and she said sorry that she has to leave on an emergency. So I struck out! The call appeared to be preplanned. [3rd try ...] So I asked them whether her interest in me is just to get a few free beers and a dinner as she was hungry. She turned and walked away! I saw her again Thursday, but she did not even smile. I guess she realized that I caught her on her act.

If you see a cute girl and an ugly girl working as a pair at Robinsons handing out fliers for new homes keep in mind that they are scammers!

M D

Yup Muf, you done bin scammed right in the heart of the Pinoy scam capital. I have little doubt the girls you mention have been eating free (and more) for years. You should know better!

Wish I'd seen your posting yesterday, since I was at Robinsons Ermita today. Next time I have an hour to kill in Ermita, walang asawa, I'll try to find them and have some fun playing their game. If I do, I'll report back here. This could be amusing, since of course I have some weird burning need to spend at *least* 5million on yet another house, should I happen to see them. :-) Let's see if *they* want to buy *me* beer and pizza; I'll make sure I'm hungry and thirsty.

CanContrib
05-29-06, 20:42
I agree. There is a connotation with "scammer" someone is out to harm you beyond a meal. The girls are probably just hungry and have limited funds.

Nope, the description and operation is tried and true and well well known, especially in Ermita. "Scam" is the right word.



On the other hand, could be a personal thing with me. I have been called "pretty cold," but when kids or a woman tell me they are hungry I go to jelly.

Years ago when I used to *live* in Ermita, I remember decent locals politely chiding me for giving coins to street urchins. They took the time to explain to me (in english back then) that they are just rounded up by pimps and put to work to beg. The kids don't get any money to keep and live with! It goes to the pimp (or else!) and if lucky the kids get some leftover cold rice come nighttime. True.

On that street-beggar note, I also remember (it was close to Robinson Ermita about 4 years ago), some crazy woman asked me for coins. I told her I didn't have any coins, so she asked me for US$10. I laughed at her, shook my head, and walked away faster than she could chase me in the crowd.

About 3 years ago, I'm walking up Santa Monica to Mabini, and a very well dressed woman in full and very colorful Muslim garb asks me for money; obviously she eats more regularily than I have time for. Nice try!

One early evening about 3-ish years ago a young girl carrying a baby asks me for money. I ask her "saan asawa mo". She replies "walang asawa". I ask "cge, pero anong papa bata mo" - she says "borrowed baby"!!!! Caught her dead in her scam. Nice try and she knew that.

Last year, I'm at corner of Mabini and Padre Faura, and some woman follows me pestering me incessantly for money. She kept ignoring me telling her "wala wala" so rather annoyed I finally said something like "GRABE! WALA! TAMA NA!", completely shocking her into stopping dead in her tracks. she finally figured out I didn't get off the plane first time that day.

Today, I told several groups of kids "wala" when they're hitting on me in Baclaran. Nice try. As soon as they knew that I knew, they stopped wasting time on me and went looking for some slightly stupider foreigner to hit on.

Sometimes you have to be insistant, sometimes they get the message right away if they can see that you're just not going to fall for it. Just be careful about kids, since there may be adults around that would very much like to part you with whatever you have on you, especially if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, especially at night in dark. Of course if you've read my and everyone else's previous posts about such, you already know that.

I however do give the one-legged old guy 5 pesos when I see him, and yes, there are times it's just safer to give 10 or 20 pesos and remember that you should have been somewhere else and don't make that mistake again.

CanContrib
05-29-06, 21:23
Where is the best chat spots? With their pics posted. On Yahoo I never get a pic even in their profile. I haven't spent that much time on it really. But out of 4 times on Yahoo its like no pics. I don't wanna chat and ask for pics. I would like to know its a potential hotty on the other end with a pic or 3 in their profile.

I once met a woman in the US, who's "profile" pic looked suspiciously like what I thought I remembered seeing in an old Sears catalog. Turned out it was, and she was absolutely not at all anything in appearance like her profile pic.

In fairness, I've seen real pics being scanned in internet cafe's for posting on "friendster", but given the ration that's very much the exception. Usually they just want to save it to a diskette and send it to someone they already think they care about.

My best advice is to get to know the girl, online is fine, works great in fact. Just don't expect to do it overnight. Odds are the pic she emails you a few months down the road is much more likely her than anything posted in an online profile. I don't post *my* picture publicly! Would you?

Cebu Local
05-29-06, 23:19
Yup Muf, you done bin scammed right in the heart of the Pinoy scam capital. I have little doubt the girls you mention have been eating free (and more) for years. You should know better!

Wish I'd seen your posting yesterday, since I was at Robinsons Ermita today. Next time I have an hour to kill in Ermita, walang asawa, I'll try to find them and have some fun playing their game. If I do, I'll report back here. This could be amusing, since of course I have some weird burning need to spend at *least* 5million on yet another house, should I happen to see them. :-) Let's see if *they* want to buy *me* beer and pizza; I'll make sure I'm hungry and thirsty.
Hi,Sorry to burst your bubble,But SunFlower,Midtown etc are in Cebu!!!!

CanContrib
05-29-06, 23:57
Hi,Sorry to burst your bubble,But SunFlower,Midtown etc are in Cebu!!!!
Well, yeah, I hesitated for a minute given that the Manila Midtown in Malate was torn town over the last year or so and is in the process of becoming another Robinsons Condo Tower complex with a brief interruption when part of Adriatico caved in due to the a combination of rain and excavation. Watched the huge construction crane toppling on TV and glad nothing I owned was parked around there at that time.

However the topical rest certainly did fit for Malate. So Cebu has the equivalent of Ermita? Care to elaborate?