Living in the Philippines

[Fastpiston]

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

My experience of one lovely girl going with a pig girl friend is that they are actually lesbians. I noticed this very much in Hong Kong where lesbianism is very common amongst the Filipina maids working there. Sometimes one piggy girl had a harem of nice girls she sexually did things with on days off. I guess best way is to pay the piggy some money for access - but then why bother....

[Ender]

After researching real estate in country, I have foud that foreigners may purchase real estate through a corporation. The corporation has to be 51% owned by nationals and may be 49% foreign. However, this corporation can be set up so that while the shares are in the above splits, the actual assets of the corporation can be specified and in the legal hands of the foreign owners. The only loophole is that corporations have a 50 year term where they must be renewed after that time. Technically, after 50 years it is possible that the 51% can choose not to renew the corporation leading to a sale of the assets of the company.

Anyone have any more information about this? Sounds like most people on the board rent, is this correct? Has anyone here had any success in purchasing properties in country?

Lastly, does anyone know of any real estate sites in the Philippines?

Thanks,
Ender

[Fred C Dobbs]

www.livinginthephilippines.com

Real estate will be on the left side under general information.

[Cebu Local]

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?Most defenitely and much cheaper then Manila.Gusto mo ilibre kita papuntang Cebu??Papayag si asawa??Anyway Lets start with something nearby,Like the takeout to Tagaytay....

[X Man]

Two ladies meet a stranger...and agree to have dinner with him. Stranger manages to isolate the cute one, but she bails out in the hotel lobby.

Good try, but ...lighten up!

I don't think you can call them "scammers". Ummm, you might want to call them "Normal".

X

[Cebu Local]

Two ladies meet a stranger...and agree to have dinner with him. Stranger manages to isolate the cute one, but she bails out in the hotel lobby.

Good try, but ...lighten up!

I don't think you can call them "scammers". Ummm, you might want to call them "Normal".

XX,If they were normal girls,You have a point,You cannot expect a girl to sleep with you just because you bought them a Pizza and a few beers.

[CanContrib]

Most defenitely and much cheaper then Manila.Gusto mo ilibre kita papuntang Cebu??Papayag si asawa??Anyway Lets start with something nearby,Like the takeout to Tagaytay....

Sempre! *NOW* I understand certain other "communications" received today, before I saw this posting.

[CanContrib]

X,If they were normal girls,You have a point,You cannot expect a girl to sleep with you just because you bought them a Pizza and a few beers.

Well, (as you well know) it *can* happen, but usually the dividing line is whether they solicit you (pros and scammers) or if you just play it cool and let it happen with a real girl (or several to hedge your bets). Of course, that's more likely if one is around long enough for the time and romance factor to kick in, which it surely does. My apologies for not timely responding the last little while partly due to overload caused by one such combined with need for discretion.

[CanContrib]

Two ladies meet a stranger...and agree to have dinner with him. Stranger manages to isolate the cute one, but she bails out in the hotel lobby.

Good try, but ...lighten up!

I don't think you can call them "scammers". Ummm, you might want to call them "Normal".

X

*IN*CONTEXT* Two "ladies" set up shop to fish foreigners and have their routine down perfectly, after likely years of practice.

[CanContrib]

Sounds like most people on the board rent, is this correct? Has anyone here had any success in purchasing properties in country?

Real Estate anywhere is typically NOt a short-term investment. Now compound that with investing in realestate in a foreigh country of which one is NOT a citizen!!!

Simple gratitous advice: short term, RENT. Your short-term cost is a small fraction of real-estate ownershiop. You have no investment to try to cash out so no worries, you pay your rent money and let the landlord have the headaches.

Long Term, if and ONLY IF you know what you're doing and aren't doing it alone without someone you trust with your life. Absolutely, Phils Real Estate seems to appreciate at least as much as Phils inflation (and likely more so). If you're going to live and die in the Philippines, absolutely, own your own home and whatever else you can afford Just make sure you've arranged suitable liquidity for when you might need it (especially given all the local laws that affect such).

Summary: Short Term: rent!
Lifetime (see above): buy.

This of course is mitigated by the amount of money you might have to burn and thus your risk-tolerance. If you're rich, sure, 10%, say US$100,000 is a good risk of your US$million in liquid cash. If US$100,000 is what you *owe* on your credit cards and you have no cash then do the math. If you're somewhere in between, do the math!

[Cebu Local]

Sempre! *NOW* I understand certain other "communications" received today, before I saw this posting.Ok,Glad you got it,Let me know if you can get temporary parole.Cheers

[Fastpiston]

Real Estate anywhere is typically NOt a short-term investment. Now compound that with investing in realestate in a foreigh country of which one is NOT a citizen!!!

Simple gratitous advice: short term, RENT. Your short-term cost is a small fraction of real-estate ownershiop. You have no investment to try to cash out so no worries, you pay your rent money and let the landlord have the headaches.

Long Term, if and ONLY IF you know what you're doing and aren't doing it alone without someone you trust with your life. Absolutely, Phils Real Estate seems to appreciate at least as much as Phils inflation (and likely more so). If you're going to live and die in the Philippines, absolutely, own your own home and whatever else you can afford Just make sure you've arranged suitable liquidity for when you might need it (especially given all the local laws that affect such).

Summary: Short Term: rent!
Lifetime (see above): buy.

This of course is mitigated by the amount of money you might have to burn and thus your risk-tolerance. If you're rich, sure, 10%, say US$100,000 is a good risk of your US$million in liquid cash. If US$100,000 is what you *owe* on your credit cards and you have no cash then do the math. If you're somewhere in between, do the math!

This is sound advice.
I would add in a few points in addition. Remember, property is only worth the amount you can SELL it. In other words, only invest in a market where you know you can later sell. If there are zero buyers of your property, it has zero value! Don't ask the sales guys what it is worth or how much it will be in the future. Best check if there are any actual re-sales and what amount it got.

Also remember that when you buy in the Philippines, you are also investing all that money in the Peso.

With rents so low, I cannot see any reason to buy.

[Bill Buxton]

all the advice on this is true.many guys that have purchased land in the baloy beach area outside subic are banking on the windfall of the new shipyard. and the road to angelis making there property worth big money.the problem is when and if the project starts.the people that payed 2-3 million p. for the beach houses are trying to rent them at a price of 25-30 thousand p. month,plus electric,and water.why? when you can get one of 15-20 new rental units not on the beach side for 12-20 thousand p.remember the rents are cheep!!!!2-3 hundred american per month,why lock your self into a place that might not ever return more than what you tie up.

many guys like the idea of being land barrons so to speek."i have more than the other guy".rent rent rent thats the deal, and keep the cash in the bank.

b.b...

[CanContrib]

This is sound advice.
I would add in a few points in addition. Remember, property is only worth the amount you can SELL it. In other words, only invest in a market where you know you can later sell. If there are zero buyers of your property, it has zero value! Don't ask the sales guys what it is worth or how much it will be in the future. Best check if there are any actual re-sales and what amount it got.

Very very true. If you're buying somewhere where no one else wants to buy, then you would only do so as a very long-term proposition - or of course if you know something is likely to happen that the locals don't yet realize to make buyers suddenly flock to you with BIG MONEY. Yes, that *IS* possible, but as "Fastpiston" points out, don't just take the word of the "agent" on that. Remember that the agent's primary concern is getting some of your money in commission, and some may be less honest than others. FYI, I would NEVER buy Real Estate in any country where I didn't have a local very close to me and equally concerned that we make rather than lose, personally and knowledgeably handling the local affairs. Not too many people (I surely wouldn't be able to) can do all this without, otherwise you will be one of those "pooreingners" they had a TV item about a few months ago, and then you can test just how much your favorite bar girl loves you - how long will she support and feed you in her house?


Also remember that when you buy in the Philippines, you are also investing all that money in the Peso.

Yes, but who said anything about using your *CASH*? I had commented from an *asset* perspective; always make sure you keep your liquid assets sufficiently in reserve, that was my point - have enough such to back you up! You can do it with a leaner ratio than what I posted, but ANY investment is always a gamble and smart investors understand that and use their knowledge to stack the odds in their favor.

How good is your crystal ball? Even if you pay some ridiculous interest rate, if your back-home investments appreciate 3-fold within the timeframe, and your hard currency now buys double the pesos, you're just made a huge windfall in pesos, which is great if pesos you want to have now. All that without even gambling on appreciation due to that new highway, etc. Of course, if your crystal ball is broken, you can lose it all, which again brings us back to my point about "risk tolerance". If you know what you're doing you can multiply your assets. If you screw up you can lose it all plus some. Knowledge and timing is everything, in any country, and more so when you play the exchange-rate game.



With rents so low, I cannot see any reason to buy.

Depends on your situation. I think we already covered that.

Given all the above, if someone without skills and local backup really wants to own something, Manila condos sell like hotcakes for that reason, it's much simpler. Wish I had (also) bought some a few years ago.

[Fred C Dobbs]

www.nytimes.com/2006/05/30/business/30tax.html

[Bill Buxton]

Lets all thank the IRS for getting moneys from the overseas workers and helping give the domestic man a break.And everyone here said they go and leave us here to pay because they are smarter.When it comes to government the arms are very long when they need money.Lots of guys are working overseas in the war zone, and making huge money.This might make them think twice before going over.Money is not a good enough reason to get shot at but the tax law will slow this thought process.

How funny,bullets will not slow me down but if I gotta pay the tax man "no way" am I gonna do that.Go for citizenship in the P.I. and just get all the benneys of a regular local. Go figure.

B.B.

[CanContrib]

Go for citizenship in the P.I. and just get all the benneys of a regular local. Go figure.
B.B.

Not having gone through *that* process yet, would you care to tell everyone reading just what further you needed to do to become a PH citizen after obtaining your PH Permanent Residency documents? I certainly want to know, and since your posting directly implies that you must have already beome a PH citizen, I'll just ask you here before I get around to asking the right local people privately.

What additional "benefits" did you really get with your PH citizenship that you weren't able to just buy "mura" as a Permanent Resident?

Also, while some of us can enjoy "dual citizenship", others of differing nationality might not have that luxury, so for them, is gaining PH citizenship worth giving up their old country citizenship (yes I know that would depend on what the "old country" might be). Given your US tax comments, you're in any event suggesting US citizens give up their US citizenship in favor of PH citizenship. I don't know whether US permits dual citizenship (tell us since you would know), but if it doesn't then doubly important - is giving that up worth it? Maybe the answer is 'yes', I don't know, so please spell it out.

Serious questions looking for serious answers, for anyone reading this thread.

[Too Jaded]

I am currently melting away in Iraq and looking forward to a couple months in the PI (my first time). I don't want to live in a hotel. rather I would prefer a monthly rental. What I am most interested in is finding one gal to spend that time with... I am getting too old to bang a different chick every night and would better enjoy a gal that did my laundry, cooked my meals, and serviced me regularly.

I'm not sure if this is possible or advisable in the PI. While doing some research on the boards I saw some warnings about bringing the gals back to your hotel room. Can you guys offer any advice?

Thanks,

Lev

[Bill Buxton]

I am currently melting away in Iraq and looking forward to a couple months in the PI (my first time). I don't want to live in a hotel. rather I would prefer a monthly rental. What I am most interested in is finding one gal to spend that time with... I am getting too old to bang a different chick every night and would better enjoy a gal that did my laundry, cooked my meals, and serviced me regularly.

I'm not sure if this is possible or advisable in the PI. While doing some research on the boards I saw some warnings about bringing the gals back to your hotel room. Can you guys offer any advice?

Thanks,

Lev
You can find a gal almost anywhere to do all of the above for you.Figure out where you want to live and I am sure within one day you will find a gal that fits the bill.Yes some or most bar gals will do what you request.Just because they boom boom guys from the bar does not mean they will not want a domestic situation with extra benefits.The count is endless.

Play safe, B.B...

[Bill Buxton]

Not having gone through *that* process yet, would you care to tell everyone reading just what further you needed to do to become a PH citizen after obtaining your PH Permanent Residency documents? I certainly want to know, and since your posting directly implies that you must have already beome a PH citizen, I'll just ask you here before I get around to asking the right local people privately.

What additional "benefits" did you really get with your PH citizenship that you weren't able to just buy "mura" as a Permanent Resident?

Also, while some of us can enjoy "dual citizenship", others of differing nationality might not have that luxury, so for them, is gaining PH citizenship worth giving up their old country citizenship (yes I know that would depend on what the "old country" might be). Given your US tax comments, you're in any event suggesting US citizens give up their US citizenship in favor of PH citizenship. I don't know whether US permits dual citizenship (tell us since you would know), but if it doesn't then doubly important - is giving that up worth it? Maybe the answer is 'yes', I don't know, so please spell it out.

Serious questions looking for serious answers, for anyone reading this thread.
I have many frends in Subic and they have permanint redicence, not a citicenship.My mistake.Please forgive me for the mix up.They have info for having investors visa?or simmilar reference so you post so much in a bank and can prove the required amount through the bank and somehow be able to own a piece of property.I never was that interested in staying more than 6 months at a time.

B.B...

[CanContrib]

I have many frends in Subic and they have permanint redicence, not a citicenship.My mistake.Please forgive me for the mix up.They have info for having investors visa?or simmilar reference so you post so much in a bank and can prove the required amount through the bank and somehow be able to own a piece of property.I never was that interested in staying more than 6 months at a time.
B.B...
Ah, ok, that's a different story, though Permanent Residency doesn't give you the right to own land, it simply means you can stay forever without any further visa renewal and you acquire a bunch of documents to make various financial transactions easier (though those are things you can do anyway). You can own anything else, just not land, according to the letter of the law you need to be a citizen to do that. Of course as many have pointed out, there are various ways around that restriction.

My earlier question about acquiring citizenship still stands in case anyone has some answers.

[Bill Buxton]

I have ben told about an anti dummy law that prohibits anyone using a person,resident of this country to purchase land,or houses.The deal as I understood it was that many guys would buy and do buy properties here and put them in another persons name.You can tigh it up with power of attorneys and such but that is a court thing.You can also put property in a corporation and proceed that way.That looks smarter to me and rent the property back to yourself at a per month fee.Paper shuffel.This must be done with a wife,girlfrend,and the other person must have a certain amount of shares in the corp.

Different ways and different styles for what ever you like.Better off renting and not getting caught with your pants down.

B.B...

[Too Jaded]

You can find a gal almost anywhere to do all of the above for you.Figure out where you want to live and I am sure within one day you will find a gal that fits the bill.Yes some or most bar gals will do what you request.Just because they boom boom guys from the bar does not mean they will not want a domestic situation with extra benefits.The count is endless.

Play safe, B.B...Having spent more time RTFF I am starting to understand your point all the better. Thanks, sounds no different than the Filipinas I've met working as expats.

What about short-time bungalow or condo rentals, for say 30-60 days? Can one simply pick up a paper and find one, or is there a better resource you can recommend? It turns out I am stuck here in Baghdad until at least October, but I want to start planning now if only to give myself something to look forward to and not toss myself under a hummer.

[Bill Buxton]

First thing STAY SAFE OVER THERE.Where do you want to stay in the P.I.? You can find many gals that can do the looking for you and you can follow up by making the final decision.Makes them feel wanted and useful.They will also get a better deal than you or I will because of the skin tax we are expected to pay.Many hotels give rates by the month,week and I have some info on the Subic area on those places.There are many condo's apartments available everywhere depending on price.I saw a post on the Angelis board about a rent today infact.Please anyone jump in here if you can give a heads up.

B.B...

[CanContrib]

First thing STAY SAFE OVER THERE.Where do you want to stay in the P.I.? You can find many gals that can do the looking for you and you can follow up by making the final decision.Makes them feel wanted and useful.They will also get a better deal than you or I will because of the skin tax we are expected to pay. ... Please anyone jump in here if you can give a heads up.
B.B...

Um, maybe. Maybe not. Yes there's seemingly a "skin" tax, but depending on how well you can negotiate in Tagalog (meaning once they believe you're as Pinoy as they are despite your looks) then it's down to your skill vrs their skill vrs their hunger for some of your money. Depending on the area, one might discover that having the girl negotiate for you gets you taken as the foreigner fool unable to make his own way in a strange country, and gets you a higher rate not lower.

If you have the skills to establish a level playing field with whoever you're negotiating with, you might just come out ahead doing the talking. If what you hear isn't what you need to hear, don't be shy about saying so (in clear Tagalog), thank them politely for their time and wander away. You might suddenly be offered a much better deal if the landlord is hungry, as is often the case. Of course if you're not up to it, then let the girl take your reigns, maybe she knows more than you do, or maybe not. Maybe you got off the place for the first time today, but is your girl fresh in "from the province" with grade6 education, still more capable than you? Maybe, you decide. Yes, I let my (now) wife do all this when I was completely green here. Your girl might not have the same education, experience, and maturity, so factor that in.

Needless to say, I rarely need to rent a place these days unless my wife's NOT with me. Otherwise now it's up to me to find the real deals, and if it's something she needs to know about I'll pull her into the negotiation if that seems prudent at the time. Pinays seem to be more willing to settle for higher prices when it's your money and not theirs. I'm "koriput" at the right times and don't mind being told so at all, since there's a fine line between being tight with one's money and being alternatively labelled as a "wise spender".

[CanContrib]

What about short-time bungalow or condo rentals, for say 30-60 days? Can one simply pick up a paper and find one, or is there a better resource you can recommend?
Without offhand knowing your intended venue, I'll make a general and hopefully useful suggestion. While it's hard to wind up somewhere where money won't get you an ok place to sleep the first night, if you really want a comfort factor then both a room somwhere in your intended venue via an X-pat-operated Phils travel agency. In this situation, if you already know the girl you're coming to see and know her well enough to trust her, let her book your first night here.

Once you've stowed your bags and wake up with your new loved-one the next morning, if you need to extend, you're very unlikely to get kicked out, and if the unthinkable happens then you've got all day to find out about numerous options for your second night. By your second night you should however have already done some local footwork, meeting, and negotiating what you want for you forseeable future residence requirements. Take a long walk your first day, or maybe a short one, pay attention, and you should find what you want. I walked by the place I stayed my first night here for the next year+, it turned out to be that close. That should give you a couple of years to figure out where you want to build your house to retire to.

[Too Jaded]

Thanks for the heads up. I've never been to the PI before, but I have heard good things about Cebu. I don't want a polluted city, rather I want something with modern comforts but somewhere I can relax, have no concept of time, and not worry about some dude yelling Allahu Akbar just before he pulls the pin.

And of course, not worry about laundry, cooking, or going blind!

Sounds like I have nothing to worry about... if I spend some more time wading through the reports here between now and then, I should have all the info I need to make this a successful diversion without too much planning.

Thanks guys,

Lev

[Spam Hog]

thanks for the heads up. i've never been to the pi before, but i have heard good things about cebu. i don't want a polluted city, rather i want something with modern comforts but somewhere i can relax, have no concept of time, and not worry about some dude yelling allahu akbar just before he pulls the pin.

and of course, not worry about laundry, cooking, or going blind!

sounds like i have nothing to worry about... if i spend some more time wading through the reports here between now and then, i should have all the info i need to make this a successful diversion without too much planning.

thanks guys,

lev

tolstoy give me a pm i can give you some info on rent etc. also check into some hotels such as northwinds (close to sunflower) castle peak, eddies and khan e rhag some of these places are under p1,000. safety wise you are probably safer in cebu than any where else in the pi, even drunk and acting like an asshole on colon street people are likely to let you alone, the mayor and the chief of police take a very dim view of locals harming foreigners, there is currently a davao style vigilante death squad sorting things out (armed robbers, kidnappers, [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) etc.) to show their displeasure over the local "justice system".

a few places to make "expat" connects are around, the cadillac in lapyu lapu (or is it mandaue) is a great place run by a good ol boy from alabama, treat you like royalty there, great place lots of cuties on the weekend, decent food, decent prices.

spamhog

[HenryV]

i would stay away from "eddies hotel." stayed there a few months ago and the room was terrible, i.e., not clean, broken toilet they repeatedly pretended to fix, while the food in the resteraunt was cold with poor service to boot.



tolstoy give me a pm i can give you some info on rent etc. also check into some hotels such as northwinds (close to sunflower) castle peak, eddies and khan e rhag some of these places are under p1,000. safety wise you are probably safer in cebu than any where else in the pi, even drunk and acting like an asshole on colon street people are likely to let you alone, the mayor and the chief of police take a very dim view of locals harming foreigners, there is currently a davao style vigilante death squad sorting things out (armed robbers, kidnappers, [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) etc.) to show their displeasure over the local "justice system".

a few places to make "expat" connects are around, the cadillac in lapyu lapu (or is it mandaue) is a great place run by a good ol boy from alabama, treat you like royalty there, great place lots of cuties on the weekend, decent food, decent prices.

spamhog

[Spam Hog]

I would stay away from "Eddies Hotel." Stayed there a few months ago and the room was terrible, i.e., not clean, broken toilet they repeatedly pretended to fix, while the food in the resteraunt was cold with poor service to boot.

Ok, Bill, sounds like you got a bad expereince, but on that note I would also caution any one that the same is like to happen anywhere at any hotel in the PI, its just how things are here. Actaully most motel 6 or "road apple mote;ls" the kind coast to coast truckers stay at in the US are five star hotels compared to most PI hotels, plumbing doesn't work, hot water is only available half the time, strange odors on the carpet and the cockroaches put on a floor show after 10 PM.

Most of the hotels I named I stayed at plus a few opthers and I've found faults in everyone of them, probably the worst place is Khan e Rhag, but for peso pinching you can't beat it.

Regards

Spamhog

[HenryV]

Its a shame, in the past Eddies was a place you could count on for a good room at a decent price, and good food.


Ok, Bill, sounds like you got a bad expereince, but on that note I would also caution any one that the same is like to happen anywhere at any hotel in the PI, its just how things are here. Actaully most motel 6 or "road apple mote;ls" the kind coast to coast truckers stay at in the US are five star hotels compared to most PI hotels, plumbing doesn't work, hot water is only available half the time, strange odors on the carpet and the cockroaches put on a floor show after 10 PM.

Most of the hotels I named I stayed at plus a few opthers and I've found faults in everyone of them, probably the worst place is Khan e Rhag, but for peso pinching you can't beat it.

Regards

Spamhog

[Yella Man]

I'm thinking about purchasing a condo in the Makati area and saw an add for the Makati Executive Tower 2 opening in 2007. Has anyone looked at this condo complex and location? And if you have could you tell me if the one bedroom units there are worth the $34,000 they're asking for? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Yella Man

[J Boy]

I'm thinking about purchasing a condo in the Makati area and saw an add for the Makati Executive Tower 2 opening in 2007. Has anyone looked at this condo complex and location? And if you have could you tell me if the one bedroom units there are worth the $34,000 they're asking for? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Yella Man

I don't know those particular condos but that seems like a fair price for Makati. In general I have found condos developed by Ayala to be more expensive than those developed by Robinson. You might want to see what Robinson Group has in Makati or maybe even in the Fort area - which may still be Makati.

[CanContrib]

I'm thinking about purchasing a condo in the Makati area and saw an add for the Makati Executive Tower 2 opening in 2007. Has anyone looked at this condo complex and location? And if you have could you tell me if the one bedroom units there are worth the $34,000 they're asking for? Thanks for any info you can provide.Yella Man$34,000, ok, but *WHAT* $ ? HongKong$ ?, Canadian$?, US$ ?, Ausie$ ? NZ$ ?, something else? We're talking "$" here, ok, not Francs or Kronas or Deutchmarks or Euros or Yen or Rubles or Dinar or domestic Cuban Pesos or something else weird, but *whos* dollars? Obviously the currency will have some dramatic effect on the math.

Making a wild guess at some momentary reference point, at the moment *if*US$ then that's what, about 1.8million PHP? That's between median and cheap for a condo in any decent place in Metro Manila in mid-2006, and at that price I would presume it's at best a "studio", not with bedrooms etc, otherwise one can easily pay between 2 and 8 million PHP for something more luxurious. That isn't meant to imply that better value isn't available elsewhere. You might be able to do better but it will be even harder from afar than from here. You need to do some legwork to determine that. There is no good bargain-hunting substitute for being on the ground in-place, meaning you can't pinch Pesos unless you can touch them. From afar, what's the "square-meter" count? Let that be your basic guide.

Also, current Phils inflation rates induce RealEstate appreciation at the 10-20% range, depending on loction and related factors. That may change tommorrow, but that's the fact over the last few years, basically lock-step with currency inflation, no surprise there.

Don't neglect that currency exchange rates flutuate. Let's put it this way, a few years ago most $ currencies were less than half of what they are now relative to PHP. You can just put up you cash in full on the spot, or gamble while making what I consider high-interest amortization payment and play the game depending on your economic knowledge and how good your personal crystal ball miight be. It made a whopping big difference for me in the last few years, though YMMY.

[Yella Man]

CanContrib,

That would be US dollars. I'll probably take you advice and do lots of leg work before I settle on my first purchase. I plan on buying several before I retire there in 2018. Cebu, Batangas, and the Angeles area's are other places I'm interested in. Thanks for the info.

Yella Man

[CanContrib]

CanContrib,That would be US dollars. I'll probably take you advice and do lots of leg work before I settle on my first purchase. I plan on buying several before I retire there in 2018. Cebu, Batangas, and the Angeles area's are other places I'm interested in. Thanks for the info.

Yella ManHappy to help, and I DO hope it helps!

Some related things to consider; let's start with population pressure. As long as there is a significant influx of population into an area, prices in the area core will certainly inflate, as will those in adjacent expansion areas. You don't need to be in the Phils to know that, it works the same in any other part of the world I've encountered. The trick is to guess correctly exactly *where* the most significant gain might be. If I was to try to bet right now, I'd be guessing anywhere peripheral to Metro Manila, but not so soon in some place out in the boonies like (example) a sliding hillside somewhere in Leyte.

Get your appreciation real-estate now, and if you have spare cash then sure, buy some nice hectarage out in the province to retire on. If not, just be patient and cash in and then buy your farm in the province later. Remote land won't go up in price nearly as fast as close to urban areas where you're already bidding against developers and speculators.

From a mongering perspective, don't be too hasty to move out to nowhere-land until you're really really really ready to settle down in your old age and no longer care about having "fun" with too many new acquaintances. Sure it's possible whereever you might be, but don't expect to be spoiled with short-time offers in the middle of nowhere the way you would be if you stop for 5minutes on Mabini or Del Pilar or Burgos.

Next note, sure the last few years (decades) have seen the PH Peso on that downward rollercoaster, and that seems likely to continue, humps and bumps notwithstanding. Do however pay attention to both Phils and international politics. There is always the possibility that things *could* significantly economically improve here if ever there was a government in a position of sufficient authority to make that happen over a period of time. Similarily, things *could* get a lot worse elsewhere. Any combination of that would have a dramatic effec on exchange rates. Hedge your bets if you can. Don't move *all* your assets into any particular geography or country, just in case. Keep some reserve, somewhere as safe as you can, and don't tell *anyone* it exists, so that if you ever need it in a worst-case-scenario, you still have something somewhere to draw on.

[Yi Ren]

Guys,

While I've been a fairly frequent visitor to PH in the last 2-3 years, I haven't posted much (mostly in Cebu section).

I'm currently living in Bangkok, but the nature of my business is such that I only require decent access to International (mostly SE Asia, Australia) flights.

I've been in Bangkok for a year now, but have lately been more and more disillusioned with the scene here: too much emphasis on lady drinks, too much emphasis on money (yeah, I know, that how they make their living), and not enough emphasis on service/value. Also it's very difficult to buy property.

I have to admit lately, places ranging from KL to Makati, I've had some rockin' times with Filipinas. In addition, as a US expat, I think in general the Philippines is a bit more friendly than Thailand. But I hate the Manila traffic, and Ninoy Aquino airport is the pits...

I'm considering moving from BKK to MNL. Any opinions? Advice? BTW, I have a few bucks and would be looking to buy property(ies) in the future.

Thanks!

Cheers,
-Y

[Khunk]

Hey guys,

I know a lot of you are expat's and have made the move to SE Asia. What is the best way to go about finding a job there that someone can survive on. I would like to move to anywhere in SE Asia, not real picky. I am your typical 40's, white male, college educated (Criminal Justice), and tired of the corporate babble in the good ole USA. Any advice on moving there, getting a job, and enjoying my last several working years would be greatly appreciated. I don't even care if it's in my line of work. I also do not know any Thai and limited Mandarin. If any of you know of any opportunities throw them my way. Thanks again,

[Spam Hog]

Hey guys,

I know a lot of you are expat's and have made the move to SE Asia. What is the best way to go about finding a job there that someone can survive on. I would like to move to anywhere in SE Asia, not real picky. I am your typical 40's, white male, college educated (Criminal Justice), and tired of the corporate babble in the good ole USA. Any advice on moving there, getting a job, and enjoying my last several working years would be greatly appreciated. I don't even care if it's in my line of work. I also do not know any Thai and limited Mandarin. If any of you know of any opportunities throw them my way. Thanks again,


Gentlemen:

I lived in both Thailand and the Phils (worked all over Asia and in those places too). But My strong advise for VD is DO NOT COME TO THE PHILS LOOKING FOR WORK without a pension plan, 401K or golden parachute buyout from you company that will allow you a basic income. VD YOU MAY PM ME for some work leads but by and large most expats I know rely on their pension. Some get by very well on social security @ $1200 a month. Any Expat with a brain will tell you the same thing regarding the Phils and work, many of the guys I know who started business here usually break even and would starve if not for their pension.

You might try looking into Thailand and teach EASL if you get a cert from any of the accreditted schools, many also place you but dont expect a big salary.
You may own land in Thailand but YOU CANNOT IN PHILS UNLESS YOU MARRY A PHILIPPINE CITIZEN then you "own" it jointly with your wife.

Y1 Ren I would look into Cebu vesus Manila which has worse traffic than Bangkok and dirtier than Klong Toey. SUbic might be Okay, it has special econmic zone for businesses & reklated property.

One can get by in Phils almost anywhere due to the english speaking population and media, however, in Thailand it would be better to learn the language (even write it). Econmically both countries are about the same, however, IMHO Thailand is a "mini dragon" economically with business groth potential far and above the republic due to the business law in TL. Here you can only own 49% of a business you started with 100% of you capital.

Women: I Love Thai women!!! best sex in the world, however I WOULD NEVER MARRY ONE, Filipina are much better in this regard.


Good Luck asnd hope to hear a PM from you.

The SPamhog

[Cebu Local]

Gentlemen:

I lived in both Thailand and the Phils (worked all over Asia and in those places too). But My strong advise for VD is DO NOT COME TO THE PHILS LOOKING FOR WORK without a pension plan, 401K or golden parachute buyout from you company that will allow you a basic income. VD YOU MAY PM ME for some work leads but by and large most expats I know rely on their pension. Some get by very well on social security @ $1200 a month. Any Expat with a brain will tell you the same thing regarding the Phils and work, many of the guys I know who started business here usually break even and would starve if not for their pension.

You might try looking into Thailand and teach EASL if you get a cert from any of the accreditted schools, many also place you but dont expect a big salary.
You may own land in Thailand but YOU CANNOT IN PHILS UNLESS YOU MARRY A PHILIPPINE CITIZEN then you "own" it jointly with your wife.

Y1 Ren I would look into Cebu vesus Manila which has worse traffic than Bangkok and dirtier than Klong Toey. SUbic might be Okay, it has special econmic zone for businesses & reklated property.

One can get by in Phils almost anywhere due to the english speaking population and media, however, in Thailand it would be better to learn the language (even write it). Econmically both countries are about the same, however, IMHO Thailand is a "mini dragon" economically with business groth potential far and above the republic due to the business law in TL. Here you can only own 49% of a business you started with 100% of you capital.

Women: I Love Thai women!!! best sex in the world, however I WOULD NEVER MARRY ONE, Filipina are much better in this regard.


Good Luck asnd hope to hear a PM from you.

The SPamhogYou have to rely on your own capital or pension to survive in the PI,Philippine salaries are low,I have a guy working for me with a degree from Cornell and 7 years experience in Marriot in the US.I am paying him about 1000 dollars a month and free room and board.Because He is working at local rate.Regarding special economic zones,You can own 100% of a business in a Special economic zone like Subic.But outside that you have to give majority control to a Filipino or Filipinos.so unless you have an expat package forget finding work here.Regarding Filipina women I differ from Friend Spam hog,I find Filipinas more passionate,But Chinese better at Sex.But each to his own opinion.I own several businesses in the PI and I am making good money BUT I have been lucky My 2 centavos opinion

[Cebu Local]

Guys,

While I've been a fairly frequent visitor to PH in the last 2-3 years, I haven't posted much (mostly in Cebu section).

I'm currently living in Bangkok, but the nature of my business is such that I only require decent access to International (mostly SE Asia, Australia) flights.

I've been in Bangkok for a year now, but have lately been more and more disillusioned with the scene here: too much emphasis on lady drinks, too much emphasis on money (yeah, I know, that how they make their living), and not enough emphasis on service/value. Also it's very difficult to buy property.

I have to admit lately, places ranging from KL to Makati, I've had some rockin' times with Filipinas. In addition, as a US expat, I think in general the Philippines is a bit more friendly than Thailand. But I hate the Manila traffic, and Ninoy Aquino airport is the pits...

I'm considering moving from BKK to MNL. Any opinions? Advice? BTW, I have a few bucks and would be looking to buy property(ies) in the future.

Thanks!

Cheers,
-YUnder Philippine law foriegners can only own Condos not houses,So that is why I have invested heavily in Condos,Have you considered living in Cebu instead of Manila,There are daily flights To HK via Cathay Pacific,Malaysia via MAS and Singapore via Silkair and Japan and Korea by PAL,You can pretty much connect from there

[Yi Ren]

Gentlemen:

I lived in both Thailand and the Phils (worked all over Asia and in those places too). <...>
Y1 Ren I would look into Cebu vesus Manila which has worse traffic than Bangkok and dirtier than Klong Toey. SUbic might be Okay, it has special econmic zone for businesses & reklated property.

One can get by in Phils almost anywhere due to the english speaking population and media, however, in Thailand it would be better to learn the language (even write it). Econmically both countries are about the same, however, IMHO Thailand is a "mini dragon" economically with business groth potential far and above the republic due to the business law in TL. Here you can only own 49% of a business you started with 100% of you capital.

Women: I Love Thai women!!! best sex in the world, however I WOULD NEVER MARRY ONE, Filipina are much better in this regard.


Good Luck asnd hope to hear a PM from you.

The SPamhog
Spam Hog,

Thanks for the feedback. I am aware of, and agree with your assessments.

Well, except for maybe the comparison between TG and Filipinas. :) I prefer the Northern Thais (Chinese heritage, not Lao from Issaan) and similar heritage Filipinas, but in general, regardless, find the Filipinas more genuine and sensual.

Regarding property in Thailand, it's technically not allowed for farangs to directly own landed property, but it has traditionally been done through companies (which must have Thai ownership) - but this is changing. Americans used to have a special exemption for company ownership, but I believe that lapsed a few years ago as well.

So on the property and business ownership issues, it would appear there is little to choose between the two. However, my gut feeling (completely un-researched) is that potential property appreciation in Phils is higher than most places in Thailand - especially Bangkok.

I have spent a fair amount of time in Cebu, and can attest to its advantages over Manila, and actually considered it before I settled in Bangkok. I also have some friends/business associates there as well. Maybe I should take another look.

Thanks again for your input!

Cheers,
-Y

[Yi Ren]

Under Philippine law foriegners can only own Condos not houses,So that is why I have invested heavily in Condos,Have you considered living in Cebu instead of Manila,There are daily flights To HK via Cathay Pacific,Malaysia via MAS and Singapore via Silkair and Japan and Korea by PAL,You can pretty much connect from there
Thanks for the property ownership clarification.

How about residency? Here in Thailand, even though I rent a condo, since my company has no legal presence, I have no status. I travel so often, I'm never in danger of over-extending my arrival visa limit (30 days), but I can't get credit cards, checking acounts, etc.

Yes, I'm aware of the flight connections (I fly CX and SQ frequently). I used to think Bangkok would be better, due to many direct routes, but with the two above, I often transit HKG or SIN anyway - as I did just the past week on my trip to MNL. I really should take another look at Cebu....

BTW, I had occassion to go to Amanpulo, Palawan on the private Pamalican island. While I can see why celebrities go there for isolation, all other aspects I think aren't any better than many beachside places in Phils -- and I would go crazy in 3-4 days there.

Thanks again for your input.

Cheers,
-Y

[Cebu Local]

Thanks for the property ownership clarification.

How about residency? Here in Thailand, even though I rent a condo, since my company has no legal presence, I have no status. I travel so often, I'm never in danger of over-extending my arrival visa limit (30 days), but I can't get credit cards, checking acounts, etc.

Yes, I'm aware of the flight connections (I fly CX and SQ frequently). I used to think Bangkok would be better, due to many direct routes, but with the two above, I often transit HKG or SIN anyway - as I did just the past week on my trip to MNL. I really should take another look at Cebu....

BTW, I had occassion to go to Amanpulo, Palawan on the private Pamalican island. While I can see why celebrities go there for isolation, all other aspects I think aren't any better than many beachside places in Phils -- and I would go crazy in 3-4 days there.

Thanks again for your input.

Cheers,
-YIf you are at least 35 years old,You can a special visa from the Philippine Retirement Authority,Where for investing 50,000 Us dollars in a Condo or placing it in a bank,you get Philippine residency and no taxes on foriegn income.Buy a Condo and get the resident visa.Then you can get credit cards,set up checking accounts etc.Drop me a line If there is any other questions

[Martians]

If you are at least 35 years old,You can a special visa from the Philippine Retirement Authority,Where for investing 50,000 Us dollars in a Condo or placing it in a bank,you get Philippine residency and no taxes on foriegn income.Buy a Condo and get the resident visa.Then you can get credit cards,set up checking accounts etc.Drop me a line If there is any other questionsI heard this went down to US $20k as there were so few takers. True?

[Yi Ren]

If you are at least 35 years old,You can a special visa from the Philippine Retirement Authority,Where for investing 50,000 Us dollars in a Condo or placing it in a bank,you get Philippine residency and no taxes on foriegn income.Buy a Condo and get the resident visa.Then you can get credit cards,set up checking accounts etc.Drop me a line If there is any other questions
CL,

I haven't seen the the 30's for some time, so I'm good there. :)

Salamat po - oh, wait, dakang salamat (assume you're in Cebu).

Will PM if I have more questions.

Cheers,
-Y

[Fred C Dobbs]

The Philippine Retirement Authority did lower the required investment to usd 20,000 through the end of December but they changed some of the rules too. You need to invest the money in one of their approved banks for 30 days then upon the approval of the PRA board, you can invest it in bank accounts, Philippine stocks, bonds or mutual funds, and/or a condo where not more then 40% of the building is owned by foreigners. Also after this 30 days you will need to pay a one time fee of usd 1500 to the PRA. However as you can see from the e-mail I received from the PRA there is an annual fee of usd 500. I was going to get this visa until they confirmed to me that I would have to pay the usd 500 annual fee. It is not worth it to me at this time as I have at least 5 years to go before retirement here in the states. I think the PRA will come up with something better in the future.

quote
All of this is the same as the usd 50,000 deposit prMy reply: You can split your time deposits in any of the currencies authorized (USD, Euro, CAD, A$, French Francs, British Pounds, among others) but for the sake of manageability limited to only 5 accredited banks or 5 accounts in one accredited bank. PSE stocks refer to equity or preferred shares. Any movement of the requisite investment from one mode to another needs authorization from PRA management. This is to make sure your investment stays in the country. The USD1500 is one time processing fee while the USD500 is annual to be paid by you so long as the aggregate value of your investment is not lower than USD20,000. If lower, you must make additional deposit to equal at least USD20,000. We are not hard on this rule. We treat each situation on case-by-case basis depending on the situation of the retiree.
unquote

[Martians]

Thanks for your reply. Thailand is straighter and better inho. The Philippines, for example, gives a special deal to ex Filippino citizitens and ex members of the Asian Development Bank. That strikes me as bollox.

Let's look at the facts and see what message they are sending out:

Group A: Big Sucker: pay $50 k and get ripped off. $50k is way too much to hand over to Gloria's banking friends.

Group B: $20 k plus $500 a year. The $500 is too much and why should Filippinos be allowed buy propert or emigrate to the States and Europe when all these rip offs are one way. And, as for being a minority shareholder, ha ha ha.

Group C: ADB: These guys have bene on great expat deals and only have ot put in US$1500. Why a special price for them? Connections?

Group D: Ex Filippino citizens. If they renounced their citizenship, they should pay a price for it. The govenrment is so corrupt and depends os much on ripping off htese people it is understandable but an awful message to groups a and b.

Group E: Get a one year tourist visa and renew it. Annual cost: price of visa. Downside: cannot run business there or must have it in wife's name. This is the best way forward and it should be easy to get a mortgage that makes sure your piece of fluff cannot do you over.

This just goes to show what a corrupt shower of wankers run the Philipines and why Thailand is much better. Good info Fred. Thanks mate.

PS: France isi n the Euro now so no more French frans. Tell Gloria.

[Cebu Local]

Thanks for your reply. Thailand is straighter and better inho. The Philippines, for example, gives a special deal to ex Filippino citizitens and ex members of the Asian Development Bank. That strikes me as bollox.

Let's look at the facts and see what message they are sending out:

Group A: Big Sucker: pay $50 k and get ripped off. $50k is way too much to hand over to Gloria's banking friends.CORRECTION
YOU DONT PAY 50K you deposit 50K in a Major Bank in your name,Since When has MetroBank been a GMA Crony,Its the biggest bank in the country and been around for years
Group B: $20 k plus $500 a year. The $500 is too much and why should Filippinos be allowed buy propert or emigrate to the States and Europe when all these rip offs are one way. And, as for being a minority shareholder, ha ha ha.CORRECTION If you read his question,He cannot get Residency in Thailand and He wants to get the status of residency to get credit cards checking accounts etc

Group C: ADB: These guys have bene on great expat deals and only have ot put in US$1500. Why a special price for them? Connections?CORRECTIONNot relevant because his work has him traveling and working short term around the region

Group D: Ex Filippino citizens. If they renounced their citizenship, they should pay a price for it. The govenrment is so corrupt and depends os much on ripping off htese people it is understandable but an awful message to groups a and bCORRECTION.He is not Ex Filipino

Group E: Get a one year tourist visa and renew it. Annual cost: price of visa. Downside: cannot run business there or must have it in wife's name. This is the best way forward and it should be easy to get a mortgage that makes sure your piece of fluff cannot do you over.CORRECTION A person on a Tourist visa cannot get credit cards or open checking accounts

This just goes to show what a corrupt shower of wankers run the Philipines and why Thailand is much better. Good info Fred. Thanks mate. I used to live in Thailand Since when has Thailand been a model of virtue,Prime Minister Thaksin sold his shares in Shin Corp worth a Billion dollars or so tax free,That had Thais screaming for his head.If you talk to the Thai Democrats,They can tell you the ruling party is just as corrupt,Correction the PI AND Thailand are BOTH run by corrupt wankers.

PS: France isi n the Euro now so no more French frans. Tell Gloria.NEXT TIME PAY ATTENTION TO YI REN S SITUATION BEFORE ANSWERING THE QUESTION

[Martians]

Cebu Local: I don't pretend to have the deailed knoweldge you do. However, I do feel my post, before you edited it, is useful not only to Yi Ren, who seems pretty clued in but to others who might not be as clued in.

The policies of the government of the Philippines have failed. This is evidenced by it reducing the levy from 50,000$ to 20,000$ but still penny pinching and making case by case (and bribe by bribe) cases. Trusing in the government of the Philippines is an exercise in danger. They and their policies are not to be trusted.

Thailand has a large expat community. Why does the Philippines not have the same. Why are ex citizens, people.traitors who have renounced their citizenship, given special deals? Why are the wankers of the ADB given a special deal?

Thailand may well be corrupt. But it is not the pitiful basket case the Philippines is. The Philippines is not conducive to inward investment. Nor will it be until the families who run the place are replaced. But I can't see that happening. All I can see is more tinkering at the edges to get big lodgements from guys like Yi Ren and tiny ones from the ex fat cats of the ADB. While Yi Ren has some problems specific to him, for almost everone else, Thailand is a much safer bet.

Just my 2 centabos/pence/cents etc. It is up to Yi Ren and others to listen to all advice proffered and take what they will. I offered five general choices before you edited it. Yi Ren should ponder wehy there are such differences between these choices Gloria's government offer.

The people of the Philipines are nice. But the same cannot be said of the parastites who rule them and who keep exporting their people and offering shady retirement deals to keep their little fiefdom above water.

[Cebu Local]

Martians
I respect your opinion and you have your valid points,Some of us chose the Philippines over Thailand.Spam Hog and I are Ex -Thai Residents.But each has his own reasons which I respect.Many others have chosen the PI but Many likewise chose the LOS or Malaysia etc.Different strokes for different folks,Currently the Philippines is home to 200,000 Koreans,About a couple hundred thousand Americans counting overseas Filipinos,Lots of Europeans.But each had his own reasons Erin Dornier and Nikos Gitsis who own Seaair also are EX LOS residents,they found the enviroment in the PI more hospitable to their businesss.So dont generalize There is a large expat community outside Manila,Have you seen how much of Boracay is owned by Expats or take Bohol,Germans own over 40% of the resorts on Panglao island.So enjoy LOS and dont knock us who have chosen to live here

[Yi Ren]

Martians
I respect your opinion and you have your valid points,Some of us chose the Philippines over Thailand.Spam Hog and I are Ex -Thai Residents.But each has his own reasons which I respect.<...>
Cebu Local and Martians,

I appreciate both of your perspectives and find the contrast good discussion - after all, if we all agreed on the best place to live, monger, own a business, buy property, etc., that place would be very crowded indeed! :)

From a mongering perspective, more and more lately I am enjoying the experience in the Phils over other places. Example: Monday was my birthday, so I had a little celebration Sunday night on one of the well-known streets in BKK, and took a little present home to unwrap. (See a photo in the Thailand forum.)

While I can't say a bad time was had, I can honestly state the last 3 Filipinas I had the pleasure of spending the night with in MNL (2 semi-pro, 1 pro) provided much more GFE, were more sensual and seemed to genuinely enjoy our time together. Also, not a bargaining word regarding money from the Filipinas- in fact, two didn't even mention it at all.

The TGs always seem to want to get you for additional "taxi money" or some other BS. Hell, I had one stay through to the start of her shift the next day, and asked for another barfine, even though I had spent a not inconsiderable amount on her during the day. *sigh*

Cheers,
-Y

[Martians]

Yi Ren, On the business/residence/transparency index side, I think Thailand currently wins hands down. On the human side, the Philippines wins by well more than a head. They are two great places.

I would love to know how Dragon Slayer pulls such beauties. But, on the subject of p4p, both have players who take no prisoners. Prostitutes fuck for money. Some of the greatest people I have met have been hookers. But I would not trust any of them as far as I could throw them.

There are two problems I have with the Philippines, The first is the system which reeks of corruption. The second is the amount of women begging for foreigners. They are too easy and I see problems there for any commitment.

No offence to Dragon Slayer, as an example, But if he can pull 10/10 birds just like that, they must be real easy come, easy go. This means no good for any but a short time relationship. The choice of women is much larger in the Philippines but there is something wrong there.

I spoke to a Ph lady online a few nights aho. Within 2 minutes, she was telling me how blessed by God I was and that I should share my blessings with her. I was amazed that she was so fast off the mark and that she was playing me to her cafe budddies who were admiring my fine body. I hung up after about 2 minutes but convinced she and her type snare easier game than me all the time. So it appears to me the Philippine ladies are short time only.


As regards living etc there, Cebu Local has obviously been very lucky. And there is no doubt he made a lot of his own luck by working very hard. But I wonder how many innocents go there and get rolled over big time. I doubt many of us could replicate his experience. And I laso wonder how many morons end up in the Philippines, like the suicide cases who end up in Pattaya.

I wlil have to check his emigre figures. I imagine the numbers he mentions are inflated by Korean govt-Phil govt deals and dual passport holders.

I'm glad you enjoyed the differences of opinion. That is what it is about. Poeple differ and adults moake up their minds and make their moves, a little bit more prepared for the risks and rewards. I have dwelt on the risks but the rewards are some of the most beautiful and nicest women on the planet. But some of those roses have very nasty thorns. Howeve,r I feel we Westerners, as a group, are more compatible with the Pinoys than theThais, Still, waht a wonderful choice ot havr to make.

[Yi Ren]

Yi Ren, On the business/residence/transparency index side, I think Thailand currently wins hands down. On the human side, the Philippines wins by well more than a head. They are two great places. <...>

While I won't dispute your assertion, I'm actually pretty comfortable with the system in the Phils (which by my experience is not all that different from LOS).

However, the one big caveat that I haven't mentioned before, is that I have a number of well-connected and well-placed friends and business contacts in the both MNL and CEB, allowing the system to work *for* me, rather than *against* me. I am sad to say I don't have the same level of influence in Thailand.


I'm glad you enjoyed the differences of opinion. That is what it is about. Poeple differ and adults moake up their minds and make their moves, a little bit more prepared for the risks and rewards. I have dwelt on the risks but the rewards are some of the most beautiful and nicest women on the planet. But some of those roses have very nasty thorns. Howeve,r I feel we Westerners, as a group, are more compatible with the Pinoys than theThais, Still, waht a wonderful choice ot havr to make.
Ed Zachary! Thanks for your input - I'm sure others have benefited as much as I have. If we ever cross paths, beers on me! :)

Cheers,
-Y

[LoveAsianWhores]

I am an ex-American that lives in the Philippines. I run a business here and have many friends that do the same. I don't want to start picking apart all these posts, but there is really a lot of crap posted in this thread. This board is a great place to find out about working girls in the Philippines, but there is just way to much mis-information about doing business/visa issues/corruption etc. Most of the posts are from people with impressions, but very little experiance. Not everyone of course, but I don't want to start naming names. Next time you are in Makati, pay special attention to who has the nice cars, who patronizes the nice restaurants, and in general, who has the money. Take a walk around the expensive villages such as Forbes Park, Urdanetta, etc (if you can get in). A very high proportion of Chinese, Korean and westerners. Most people that live here, earn money here. Corruption benefits those with some money, so if you want to start a business here, you will find that some money paid to the right people gets every problem solved. A good secretary will run you about $200 per month and will get you every license and permit you need, as long as you are not entering some special type of business such as a go-go bar etc. Some money will take care of any type of visa issue as well. Bribes go from 500P to get your car registration done without a hassle, to about 1 Million to get off on a serious felony. Personally, I love the corruption here, but it is not for everyone.

[Cebu Local]

Actually LAW is correct that there are a lot ot expats doing well here in the PI,We just keep a low profile.For example next time you are in Burgos,Ask who "Earl" and "David" is.The majority of bars are owned by Expats.Up in AC,Aussies own the majority of Clubs.In Cebu,Sunflower the biggest Disco club along with NASA are owned by Koreans.Many Expats do well because We have generally worked smarter and harder then the Filipinos.Remember this economy is run by Chinese,Koreans,Spanish and Foriegn Interests.We are just low profile.

[Khun Larry]

Thanks for your reply. Thailand is straighter and better inho. The Philippines, for example, gives a special deal to ex Filippino citizitens and ex members of the Asian Development Bank. That strikes me as bollox.

This just goes to show what a corrupt shower of wankers run the Philipines and why Thailand is much better. Good info Fred. Thanks mate.Not sure about The Philippines but I can assure you that you are mistaken about Thailand. Many recent changes have made the expats who invested in Thailand mighty nervous about now. My guess is that Thailand would be as bad or worse. Always better to rent.

[Amavida]

A good secretary will run you about $200 per month and will get you every license and permit you need, as long as you are not entering some special type of business such as a go-go bar etc. Some money will take care of any type of visa issue as well. Bribes go from 500P to get your car registration done without a hassle, to about 1 Million to get off on a serious felony. Personally, I love the corruption here, but it is not for everyone.I'm an Aussie with business interests in PI & I could'nt agree more with this post. A good secretary will be amazingly loyal & helpful (you're her meal ticket) and is worth taking care of. I hate red tape & love the way a little money makes problems 'go away' here.

[Amavida]

There are two problems I have with the Philippines, The first is the system which reeks of corruption.

The second is the amount of women begging for foreigners. They are too easy and I see problems there for any commitment.Firstly, to paraphrase Gordon Gecko from the 80's film starring Michael Douglas "Corruption is Good!". Honestly for a business person it's nice to know that problems can be made to 'go away' with the application of a little money here & there. Compare this with say Australia where you can be tangled in red tape for years sometimes with no way to resolve it quickly.

Secondly judging _ALL_ Phils women by hookers & desperates does them a disservice. I don't know whether to or cry everytime I see some 70 year old white guy marry a Phils sex worker or teenager from the province. What utter stupidity. If you want sex then by all means avail yourself of the amenities but finding a life partner??? C'mon you old guy's wake up!

i'm married to a Phillipina, I'm 10 years her senior which seems to suit us both. She is well educated & had a steady job for many years supporting others less fortunate in her family and still managed to do ok. She was still a virgin when we met which also tells a lot about her character. We have a beautiful young family.

She's an excellent wife in every way. In this society where there is a plentiful supply of young women with hungry eyes she knows she must keep me happy. In return I'm good to her & we're both happy. These day's I don't play around much anymore coz I'm well looked after & to be honest it's often too much trouble. But's it's nice to know I can go play occasionaly if I want to.

Please don't over generalise about things ok?

[Spam Hog]

Anybody who thinks corruption only exists in the Philippines is living on another planet. Corruption is a way of life in Asia, in my expereince the corruption expereince in the Philippines is more palatable than the heavy handed variety one meets with in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia or the worst of the worst Vietnam.

Then there is the good old USA where they wrote the book on corrupt practices, the only difference I can see is that in the Phils they are more open about it, they make a production out of exposing corruption (political purposes) more so than any where else. You won't see the Thais 'outing' corruption as that would be to embarassing to their national character where everything is perfect. (Thaskin found this out he hard way).

As far as winter spring couples go stop and consider a few things:

Foreigners usually get the "young" girls nobody else wants, usually with a baby or two, from a low income starta or is by Filipino standards "ugly" ie dark skinned, short etc. Most of these women are desperate enough to marry anything that has a pulse as they have little choice. Think of it this way.

I'm a healthy young woman, I marry an old man, fuck him silly(I don't even have to do it that much he can only get it up once in awhile) for a few years
then he'll die coz he's old. So I 'sacrifice' ten years of my life...if that, then I'm rich. What is the alternative?

Well I can go to the middle east as a maid and get force fucked in the ass by an Arab or have a Chinese matron beat the shit out of me for not doing the laundry right or stay here in the phils and marry a shabu smoking jeepney driver.

We all know of horror stories where such unions come to disaster, but what about all the ones that work?????

regards

Spamhog

[Martians]

Spam Hog: On corruption, I find the Pinoy system sucks big time and the greed of that coutnry's leaders has little equal in the modern world. It is the poor and their remittances that keep that God forsaken country afloat. It is a playground for the families who own it.

As regards marriage: I had a discussion with some foreigners in Davao about this. Many seem happy with their lot but some made comments that made my jaw drop. While the wallet does most of the talking for the foreigner, soem women are much more mercenary that others. Guys reading this board are not the purest of the pure and some of us have been round the block more than once. Still, just as in Thailand, there are legions of women there to be avoided or the be just fucked and forgotten.

Here is a practical question for you: Let's assume there are three basic readers of this board:
Mr A: blue collar, 40s, extrovert.
Mr B: white collar, 50s, introvert.
Mr C: small businessman, 30s.

(or change the above as you wish)
What type of Pinay women do you think would suit all three? I must preface that by saying I did extensive tours of Davao and met some of the main players there. But their takes were very different. Also, living in the Phils and bringing the booty back are two very different scenarios. The optimal one seems to be to have a part time wife there.

[SE Asia Joe]

Hi guys – especially Cebu Local, Yi Ren, L.A.W. Khun, Amavida, Fred Dobbs, Martians, J Boy and CanContrib (and how come you’re “not activated?” what does that mean?):
Sorry to be asking a non mongering question – not strictly anyway! But it’s a question that is related to mongering for if my plans works, I’ll have a bit of time in the PI partaking of our favorite hobby. Anyway./..
Perhaps you can shed a bit more light into the Philippine situation in regards to what I’m going to do there. I’ve consulted accountants and lawyers there – but somehow, am not quite satisfied that they’re telling me everything. What with their “Codicils’, Ifs’ Perhaps” – and worse, winks/harrumphs accompanied by a knowing smile. I realized early on that these guys are, after all, real professionals and thus cannot afford to actually acknowledge that there are any nefarious activities happening in the PI.
With some PI partners, we are going to set up a holding/trading company in Hong Kong where most of the (hoped for) profits will be accumulated. This HKG trading company will be a minority 49% partner in a distribution company that is to be set up in the PI with the Filipino partners. ALL the capital for the PI company though, will be contributed LOCALLY by the Filipino partner. The Filipino partner will sign a blank deed of assignment in Hong Kong abrogating their 51% back to our HKG company. We will credit the amount of Pesos they contributed in Manila towards their capital contribution in the HKG company. While the majority of the hoped for profits will be retained in Hong Kong (as the HKG company provides the goods to be distributed in the PI), we will still need to show some profits in the PI. The question is – is it easy for us to remit these profits (after paying the appropriate tax) back to HKG? And how about as far as the PI company PAYING a consulting or franchise fee back to Hong Kong (before tax of course). This is of course in regards to the Currency controls there.
My “experts” tells me that it will be quite easy to… harrumph…”do” - whatever that means!@@ What do you guys say and what do you think about my planned set-up?
Thanks beforehand and again apologies for this non-straight-mongering question.
SE Asia Joe

[Spam Hog]

Spam Hog: On corruption, I find the Pinoy system sucks big time and the greed of that coutnry's leaders has little equal in the modern world. It is the poor and their remittances that keep that God forsaken country afloat. It is a playground for the families who own it.

As regards marriage: I had a discussion with some foreigners in Davao about this. Many seem happy with their lot but some made comments that made my jaw drop. While the wallet does most of the talking for the foreigner, soem women are much more mercenary that others. Guys reading this board are not the purest of the pure and some of us have been round the block more than once. Still, just as in Thailand, there are legions of women there to be avoided or the be just fucked and forgotten.

Here is a practical question for you: Let's assume there are three basic readers of this board:
Mr A: blue collar, 40s, extrovert.
Mr B: white collar, 50s, introvert.
Mr C: small businessman, 30s.

(or change the above as you wish)
What type of Pinay women do you think would suit all three? I must preface that by saying I did extensive tours of Davao and met some of the main players there. But their takes were very different. Also, living in the Phils and bringing the booty back are two very different scenarios. The optimal one seems to be to have a part time wife there.



regards your question i would have to say my answer to all three or any combination thereof is compatability, in any catagory one wishes to list when one considers a wife, lifemate etc.

If you take a poll among those who come here seeking spouses, fiance's etc I think some of the answers you would get for a "model' pinay wife would be:

One who is NOT a prostitute, hooker, or scam artist. (Remember that these women must pass a background check if you want to bring 'em to the USA or elsewhere and any evidence of the former will shit can her application). One who has basic intelligence, doesn't have to be well educated, but not buffalo brain material, capable of learning and adapting to a foreigner and to our way of life if going to the US/Aussie land or wherever. One who has a stable background, has a good sense of family. Basic honesty. And (very important IMHO) is sexual compatability.

I'm very practical regarding Pinay women as well as other Asian women, sometimes we potray them in our minds what we want them to be or what we think they are. In the end, they are all human, none of them are perfect, the perfect woman DOES NOT EXIST. To me the issue is do you think you can get along with this woman, have you seen her bad side, can you accept that? I think some guys who come here are not aware of that fact and beleive they will find the "Godess" imagine their shock when they find out Pinay women have the same foibles as women anywhere else.

I also think a lot of Pinay women want to hook up with the first foreigner they meet that takes an apparent interest in them. That is not so good for them either as they find out later, the perfect foreigner doesn't exist either as I constantly tell them. Some of these ladies are more discriminating than others of course, but some are so desperate due to their bleak prospects or family pressure they will accept anyone who breathes.

There is no accounting for taste either, I've seen guys come over here and marry girls out of a bar and later wonder why his old lady is out screwing the next guy to come along with a fatter wallet.

It all comes down to personal prefence but on both sides the more expereince
each party has with cross culture relationships the better.

Regards

Spamhog

[Cebu Local]

Hi guys – especially Cebu Local, Yi Ren, L.A.W. Khun, Amavida, Fred Dobbs, Martians, J Boy and CanContrib (and how come you’re “not activated?” what does that mean?):
Sorry to be asking a non mongering question – not strictly anyway! But it’s a question that is related to mongering for if my plans works, I’ll have a bit of time in the PI partaking of our favorite hobby. Anyway./..
Perhaps you can shed a bit more light into the Philippine situation in regards to what I’m going to do there. I’ve consulted accountants and lawyers there – but somehow, am not quite satisfied that they’re telling me everything. What with their “Codicils’, Ifs’ Perhaps” – and worse, winks/harrumphs accompanied by a knowing smile. I realized early on that these guys are, after all, real professionals and thus cannot afford to actually acknowledge that there are any nefarious activities happening in the PI.
With some PI partners, we are going to set up a holding/trading company in Hong Kong where most of the (hoped for) profits will be accumulated. This HKG trading company will be a minority 49% partner in a distribution company that is to be set up in the PI with the Filipino partners. ALL the capital for the PI company though, will be contributed LOCALLY by the Filipino partner. The Filipino partner will sign a blank deed of assignment in Hong Kong abrogating their 51% back to our HKG company. We will credit the amount of Pesos they contributed in Manila towards their capital contribution in the HKG company. While the majority of the hoped for profits will be retained in Hong Kong (as the HKG company provides the goods to be distributed in the PI), we will still need to show some profits in the PI. The question is – is it easy for us to remit these profits (after paying the appropriate tax) back to HKG? And how about as far as the PI company PAYING a consulting or franchise fee back to Hong Kong (before tax of course). This is of course in regards to the Currency controls there.
My “experts” tells me that it will be quite easy to… harrumph…”do” - whatever that means!@@ What do you guys say and what do you think about my planned set-up?
Thanks beforehand and again apologies for this non-straight-mongering question.
SE Asia JoeYes It is doable,But please discuss with me via PM,It is a sensitive topic.Cheers.Sorry for the delay But I was busy in China and just got back today from Guangzhou.This agreement may violate the Anti Dummy Law,So let me Check Cheers

[Traveler1234]

Yes It is doable,But please discuss with me via PM,It is a sensitive topic.Cheers.Sorry for the delay But I was busy in China and just got back today from Guangzhou.This agreement may violate the Anti Dummy Law,So let me Check Cheers

Clear your pm box, it's full. In Bj and flying into Shanghai later this afternoon.

Will buzz Blacklisted when I touch down.

Cheers
T1234

[Spam Hog]

Okay, I admit it, I've got a thing for traipsing around in 3rd world backwaters.
Maybe it is because I am an avid outdoorsman and used to camp/hunt/fish a lot back in "the world" or maybe because I read too many national geographic mags when I was a kid (jerking off to the topless "native" girls) whatever the reason when Mrs spamhog informed me that we were going to a seldom visited interior province in Eastern Mindanao (Surigao del sur) I got "all het up". The purpose was two fold, her sister who had married a local lad had just given birth an we were to be "ninongs", second she wanted to look for more rice fields to 'pawnie' at 30%,one of her sidelides. She had not seen this area since she was a child but had a distant branch of her family living there and told me lots of stories about the place and the people. Floods, snakes that hang down on trees, dengue, malaria, NPA guerillas in the mountains, riding carabao's, Great!! what are we waiting for??

So what does all this have to do with mongering??? Well probably nothing maybe something, I dunno, you judge for yourself. See this is what the real Philippines is all about. This is what some of you guys don't understand about this country and the sweet things you bar fine and drill efficiently in your hotel rooms, where they come from and the grinding poverty that shapes their life and puts them in the bars (and other places catering to "the white mans world" in the first place). I know, I know, you heard all about it and had some experience with it last time out but this is something you got to see to appreciate. I also mention this as while in this area we constantly heard talk of how the 'Japiyuki' recruiters, having been kicked out of Davao, were filling their quotas in record numbers.

I also met two of my "cousins" who had bad experiences. One was a
thin, emaciated looking girl who stared at me with the eyes of a frightened rabbit as she cluthched her white looking year old baby. Later it was explained to me that she had been the mistress of a "foreigner" in Manila and she was on Shabu, culminating in the cops dragging her naked off the roof when she threatened a suicide jump. The other girl was a bit more worldy wise, first a bar in Manila catering to Japanese then a two year stint in japan where she developed a loathing for japanese men for being too SM/BD oriented.

The fun begins with a ride from Cebu to tandag in a somewhat cramped 16 seater Asian Spirit prop job. We bump to a halt at the "airport" which probably just had the run way paved being a former corn field, narrowly missing a wandering carabao. The only transportation is a "habal-habal" what we often call a trike, but we are in "luck". Greeting us is one of my wife's
long lost relatives, her "uncle", who, being a local town offical, has acess to a
vehicle. We throw our suitcase inside and motor to the "bus terminal". Actually an old gas station on the outskirts of town. Now I notice a few things, Im not the only foreigner around, I see quite a few white faces this is because of the upcoming surfing festival. I also see that people are really not staring at me as the usually do in rural areas. Anyhow we met another realtive at the "terminal" A short stocky fellow with his elder son, equally short. They give me gap toothed grins and we exchanged greetings in the local dialect thanks to my wifes tutoring, they dont speak a word of english.

The 'bus' is there, actually it is a big grey jeepney nicked named "the elephant". I scootch down and get inside, I notice that along with the two traditional bench seats a third "seat" is available in the middle, actually a 2 X 4 on saw horse style legs. People pile into this thing for the twenty peso ride to nowhere, a bunch of guys jump on top and ride for only five pesos. The bus pulls out, sounds its horn which sounds like an elephants trumpet and were off. Interesting array of passengers, old Moms with baskets of produce, a couple school girls in uniform (all staring an giggling) a few older guys, probably laborers, every once in awhile ion interesting specimen, an older jolly muslim in Kufi hat, the worlds oldest cock fighter (rooster under his arm) and a big fat woman with various produce in plastic bags.

The driver turns on Bon Jovi and with billy the kid sound track blaring we stop at various places loading and un loading people, produce, livestock. I notice the total agrarian set of the land, not an inch of usable land is wasted. I see rice fields for hectars, stretching to jagged mountains. All of a sudden a solid wall of water blasts us. No big deal but for five minutes we crawl along, no one can see in this mess. Then just as suddenly it stops. I was to learn this is common here, it rains every hour day and night, but only for a few minutes.

We have also left the paved road and are begining our somewhat uphill climb, the elepant negotiates the road only big enough for her, heedless of the occassional motor cycle that hurls by. The thrill ride portion of our journey is just begining, we blow by a blind curb, high jungle vegitation on all sides and come upon an over turned bike, two thin figures are struggling to upright the bike with a mountain of produce strapped to the back. The driver stops and half a dozen young starwalts jump off and horse the bike upright, the tweo stick figures remount and wave their thanks and we're off again. We pass a rikety bridge and Im almost suprised when we make it to the other side. this is a landmark says Mrs spamhog, welcome to the "town" of San Miguel.

The main feature is a river that runs through it, the river was at a low point now but every so often it floods, wiping out the poorer familys who pitch their pitiful huts, perched on long poles along side it, remember, the land is under cultivation, few can afford a "real" house like the luxurious bare cinder block and tin roof one were are invited to stay in as there are no hotels here.
We are in the house of a wealthy woman, we know this as she has indoor plumbing and lights that work. But my new "auntie" is actually the vice mayor
so naturally she has the best house in town. The Mayor lives on the edge of town and spends most of his time tending crops.

Im struck by how poor the place is, we later walk down the streets and see that even the "stores" have very little merchandise. everyone has to brave the bus ride into tandag for anything they want. This was not to prevent us from having many of the necessities of life but only because of the power of our cash. Life is much more difficult for everyone in every aspect. But despite this we had a nice time and I learned alot. Next part, I get into some of the more interesting people and things I experiences including my encounter with
a local tribal leader.

regards

Spamhog

[X Man]

Great post SH, I'm looking forward to the rest of the story.

It reminds me of a time I was in San Fernando La Union - as a young sailor with little cash. I met a lady and suggested we go to her place. What an adventure.

Riding a trike down a pitch black road, I begin to worry that I've got myself ino a bit of trouble. Somehow, she knows where to stop. We stop, but I can't see a thing. Heart rate quickens. We wander off the road down a trail. She tells me to be careful about snakes. Heart rate quickens some more.

We stayed in a bamboo house and woke to the rooster's crow -- he lived under the house as far as I could tell. It wasn't long before half the village had come around to see the white guy.

Great experience.

X

[Mahku]

Primo stuff Spam. And it absolutely IS relavant here because lots of guys correspond with girls from the provinces and may end up visiting them at some point. So it´s good to know what to expect.

It´s one thing to hear stories about how people live but it´s nothing like actually experiencing it. Sleeping on the hard floor, being kept awake all night by dogs and chickens, washing up at the community faucet outside with all the old ladies watching, giving up on counting how many kids people are having, the list of experiences goes on and on. I found that the most exhausting thing of all is having to be introduced to every damn friend or relative who lives in a 5 mile radius.

Also, this is one of the times when it´s safe to get drunk with the local guys. There will be too many friends and family of your girl around to start anything no matter how much Tanduay you drink.

Of course you wouldn´t want to spend all of your vacation living like this and I don´t do it as much as I used to. But it helps a lot with understanding why Filipinas meet foreigners, and why the guy often gets asked for money later. Also, if you´re just going to Angeles to meet bargirls a visit like this is a good insight into the forces that push girls into the ´business.´

Looking forward to hearing the rest.

[Surfer]

Great stuff SH. You mention running into guys for the surf festival so I must think you were in Lanuza (or nearby). I spent so much time in Surigao del Norte and was long interested in Del Sur but never got there.

Xman: San Fernnado La Union (another surf center of the PI) is much more civilized and less wild than NE Mindanao IMHO. Surigao city (provincial capital) has no Jollibee, unlike San Fernando (:

[Spam Hog]

Thank you all gentlemen for your kind comments and observations, so I shall continue with my sojurn into "Manobo land" I say that respectfully not tongue in cheek as I learn that the indigineous tribe that formerly dwelt here were manobo. Many of them are still in evidence, they are short, with very broad faces and thick powerful limbs for the men and rather shaply derierre's for the ladies. It was 4 PM on my day of arrival, I am sitting on a handcarved bench in a small "Buhay Kubo" sort of an open sided thatched hut, I claim for my headquarters, a wonderful view of the pig pen and a few hens perched in the rafters. A line of duck puts on a floor show as I sip lukewarm Ice tea and munch some delicious homemade cookies coutesy my affiable "auntie". Just in time for all the school kids to parade past and gawk at the big white guy. Most stare wide eyed, a few giggled and some cover their mouth and grin when I greet them, smile wave or whatever. I have a good time trying to talk with everyone but soon auntie appears in a nice dress along with Mrs Spamhog, almost 5 Pm and we are going to church. I wipe the sweat off my face and saunter down "main street" actually tip toe and avoid the mud puddles is more like it, the street is the only one paved, the rest are solid mud or covered with a thin veneer of water, bamboo slats serve as a sidewalk.

The church has been improved says my wife, when she was a child she remebered a dirt floor, now it has tiles but the roof still leaks. I avoid a flock of turkeys who act like they own the place and make my way to a pew, a dog wanders in and lay down in the middle of the aisle. Most of the congregation fills in, they are mainly women, all wear a lovely little white "mantilla" over their heads, even the young ones, Mrs Spamhog had to borrow one. Everyone wants to know all about me and Mrs Spamhog chats rapid fire re my personal history, every one is super friendly and suprised to learn im a catholic. Half hour later no priest, no mass. We learn why, the priest came down with chicken pox of all things.
That ain;t good coz we gotta baptize my godchild tomorrow, I see an extra day or two but what the heck so far so good. We say a rosary and leave. Now it is time to visit my sister in law and the new baby, we walk across town
and every where we go people gather and talk, gawk and gossip. Soon we reach our destination with what can only be described as an entourage. We pay our respects.

My sister in law is lucky, she lives in a house with electricity, a roof that doesn't leak and she doesn;t have to go far outside to use the CR. (open sided surrounded by bamboo and nipa with rice bags for a door.) The klady of the hosue insists on feeding us, they have some fresh fish and a mountain of rice, truth told Im embarassed, these people have so little I know I;ll eat enough for what would last them three days but to refuse would be an insult. So the Mrs agrees, I slip her a P 500 & tell her to send a runner for "extra".
Kid comes back later with a mountain of food, no coke, orange or pepsi all the sari sari are out of stock. I think half the neighborhood shows up so what, its like a big party. We limp back home, only to find Aunties house overflowing with relatives, she too has prepared a feast, in our honor. My uncles and male cousins are outside, respectfully they have appointed themselves my personal bodyguard, retainers for the new "king". I make sure Mrs spamhog isn;t looking then slip a few hundred pesos to my "Uncle" and tell him to come back with some tanduay. Eyes grow wide and toothless grins flash, we gonna blow the lid off the joint tonight pare!!! when he returns I go into my p[ack and distribute my personal presnts that I usually get for such occassion, American cirgaettes, I pass out packs and soon everyone is drinking, smoking and laughing.

Long story short these actions prompt what can only be called a huge "block party" Somebody turns on a radio and people start dancing, in the streets, in the house in the mud everywhere. The local cops show up, a relative, he gets several packs of cigarettes and a big plate of food, official blessing for the gathering.

I MEET A REAL TRIBAL CHIEFTAIN. I didn't know I was related to a Manobo "Datu" but sure enough I can now make the claim. I had heard stories about him, a multi lingual little man with many quirks, I was assured I would met him but know one knew when or how. He lived far in the mountains and no means of communication, but he had a way of finding things out. So it was no suprise when three diminutive magi showed up about 10 PM with the party in full swing. Standing 4'10, cross eyed, nut brown, splay footed a thin, almost toothless little man wearing old shorts and a soiled blue T shirt. He had an old leather belt around his waist supported a HUGE CURVE ENDED SWORD like a scimitar. This was my Uncle "Tobias". His two retainers were dressed poorly but in "western" clothes, each carried a smaller short sword and one a home made bolt action shotgun across his back.

Welcome to the party, after exchanging greetings as my wife coached me Uncle headed for the nearest tanduay bottle. I later learned that they had started travel yesterday and came mainly by river. Next day they would take me for a ride down river in a hollowed out tree/canoe that was their main means of transportation. Somewhere around two Am everyone had fallen asleep, passed out or went home. My voice was hoarse from talking (an laughing). I decided I would sling my hammock from the stout beams of the Buhay Kubo and bed down among the fallen, who were leaning, snoring, drooling or just plain "out" all around. Mrs Spamhog would share a bed with one of the ladies of the house. I tip toed out in the street, standing there looking at a clear sky, no street lights, few lights on in houses, the stars looked so close you could grab one. No sounds save that of snores, farts or once in awhile a rooster screaming is defiance to the world.

Dawn in three hours, my first full day. More of that in part three including the list of ladies who all pleaded with me to find a foriegner husband for them.

The Spamhog

[Bilbo Baggins]

Good story. I like to know these things in case I find myself deep in the province one day.

[Spam Hog]

Wake up call is circa 6 am in the form of a distressed pig that has been hauled out, rope around the neck. This is "my" pig, purchased by the wife to celebrate the christening, we may not have a priest but we gonna have a feast later no mater what. One stout lad twists the rope and the pig backs up trying to fight it, when the head lifts at the right angle a second guy plunges a long thin blade in the neck, slants into the body cavity and probably hit the heart due to the how fast the pig falls. Finishing stroke opens its neck and he catches the boiling blood in a sauce pan. Last nights celebrants barely stir. Later I walk with my two "guards" down to the only bakery in town, order some buns. The two teen aged girls behind the counter
stare wide eyed. Heading back to the house I pass out a few things to some kids who run yelling down the street. Mrs Spamhog says we got to make our rounds so I get cleaned up and head out.

We visit the towns only dentist, a freindly lady my wife's age, she is married to a local offical, an english articulate fellow who told me a lot about the area. This is what I learned:

There is NO: Doctor, hospital, pharmacy etc for one hour (Tandag). There is no Bank, no grocery, no internet, he doesn;t know if any one in the area even has a computer. There are few cars or private trucks, no gas station, all fuel comes in from Tandag, sold in coke bottles at a sari sari.

Agriculture is THE ONLY game in town, a few teachers, a few cops, city officials but everyone has a sideline: farming. Thousands of hectars are under rice cultivation, three cutings a year, every able bodied person works during harvest, some hire out, some sharecrop, some own the rice but for most it is the only source of income, three "big" paydays a year. The rest of the time everyone gets by as best they can. You can drive a trike or sell/cook something to eat, some work in Tandag but most a re idle unless rice harvets related. A number of families have daughters working as maids in HK or elsewhere in Asia. He doesn't mention japiyukis or Manila bars but I can see why the recruiters hit this place hard.

I also learn of the conflict in this area between the farmiers and the opending mining consortium that wants to dig for gold and copper deposits nearby. This will ruin the place as the chemicals (cyanide and Mercury) used in extracting gold will poison the land and the watershed just like it has in Montkayo/Diwalwal near Davao and probably bring the same violence and conflict. We check on the Christening, delayed until this evening, a priest has been sent for in Tandag as a weddingis also planned for the same day.

The day is overcast and intermittent rain. When we get back to the house I ask my "guards" to take me for a look at the river. We find Datu Tobias in his
Bahay Kalapati (Dove house) his home away from home, reminds me of the tree houses I used to have as a kid. The river is puppy shit brown, not too many fish left, I seee a fifteen foot dugout canoe made from a solid tree trunk, my uncle and his retainers came down from the upcountry in this thing. Im asked if I would like a ride, sure. Its starts raining like hell, I clip a banana leaf and make a rain hat from it, learned how in east Timor, my "relatives" almost fall down laughing.

A few minutes later residents are treated to the sight of three pygmys with a big white guy in their dug out, wearing a banana leaf for a hat. They break out cigartettes and fire 'em up, Uncle T lights one of the big cigars I gave him and offers me one, this is to keep the swarm of gnats away from your face. The ride lasts an hour, it was like going back a few centuries, native houses on stilts, a herd of Caraboa in the river, a big water snake gliding by, hazy mountains in the distance, rice fields everywhere. An hour or so later we back at Aunties house, Price: soaking wet and a few gnat bites on my arms, scolding from wife about being gone so long.

We go do the baptism, tradition has it that a parade of relatives walk the supplicant to the church whater the occassion, so we go line up and walk in the rain, I want to use another banana leaf but umbrella are available instead. We also stay for the wedding which we are invited to. To Aunties for the feast, a repeat of the previous night, I spring for Tanduay again and this prompts, of all things, a display of the Manobo war dance. Uncle T trades his long scimitar for a short sword called a Laplang. He and his aide beging a whirl lightening fast drill, swinging those blades in figure eights reminicent of arnis/kali fighting. The crouch, leap block parry and swing, spinning and stamping their feet. All the time a third man pounds on a bamboo length with a stick to keep rythym. I got it on film and glad I did.
Couldn;t play it back for them later...no tv.

Its another all nighter and again I fall asleep in my hammock surrounded by downed celebrants, this time, it rains all night. Tomorrow, we will journey back
but things get more interesting the following morning.

find out in part 4

Regards

Spamhog

[Cebu Local]

You really captured the feel of Rural Philippines,I have never stayed in the Poorer towns That is why It was a real interesting read.I only wonder werent there NPA concerns in Surigao???Just curious since one of my staff is from Tandag,But I never realized that conditions were that bad just a hour away.When you are finished,I will nominate you for ROD.

[Cebu Steve]

I'm sure I'm not the only one on the edge of my seat waiting to read Part 4. Really great report. Great reminder (at least to me) of how much I still haven't seen.

Thanks,
CS

[Barbarossa1]

These reports have really brought back memories. I really enjoy your writing style and I am seriously looking forward to your next installment! Makes me want to go native again when I am in country. We all owe you a round of beers.

[Spam Hog]

thank you cheerleaders one and all, especially CL, who raised an excellent point about NPA. They ARE a presence int he area, however, they seem to be contained in the mountaineous region that runs from Diwata to Agusean to Montkayao. Strong AFP presence nearby in a sort of mexican standoff, the rebs dont come into the open valley lest they be under the artillery peices and the AFP can;t penetrate their natural fortress. Oh they sneak in once n awhile and raid or bully outlaying farms, but the locals are really against them. I feel though that this miners vs farmers could win a lot of recruits like it did in Montkayao, near Davao's Diwalwal gold mining center.

Anyhow our story. I wake up staring at a Rastafarian, complete with dread locks & wearing a T shirt featuring Bob Marley toking a joint. For a minute my foggy brain tries to remember which country I am in, but I hear muttering in Visayan all around me and figure Im still in the PI. My knights/footmen and courtiers are all discussing the weather with Jah, hell of a rain last night and the flood season has come early. Dreds has been summoned as he and his friend have access to one of the few private vehicles, a 4x4 which my relatives decide is better than us braving the trip in on a jeepney. Guys name is Jeremy a local with a small sideline as a surfing guide and commutes to Tandag frequently he is used to foreigners, actually a pretty nice guy.

We all decide that it is best to leave as soon as possible rather than wait for the mid morning jeepney that will take us back. Some flooding is in evidence and I walk down and look at the river, yesterday placid during our float now more current and a different shade of brown. I notice that people are out everywhere catching frogs which is sort of a bonus, you see, anything that swims, flys, crawls or slithers, becomes food. (My Manobo friends say they eat bats, turtles and snakes). I actually like frogs legs and tell people so. when I sit down to breakfast (a big mountain of garlic rice) some of the "viands" are frogs freshly caught and cooked, not bad. We load up into the Rasta's jeep, a home made deal with a makeshift roof of blue plastic over a roll bar. actually the rain has stopped and we decide to make a run for it. Everything is fine until we get to the last bridge, end of the paved road and uphill, a slick mud slogged hill. Jeep goes through a small lake and sputters out a quarter way up the incline, we slide back and the driver hangs the left rear wheel off the end of the bridge. we manage to wrestle the wheel back on "solid" ground but the engine doen;t cooperate. Water is ankle deep for me, almost to wife's knee. Since my two original "bodyguards" are with me we decide to hump it to Uncles house "Not far away" to a filipino this can mean any thing from a few hundred yeards to a few miles. They shoulder our bag, I shoulder Mrs Spamhog, shoes around my neck/barefoot we take off. We wade through varying depths of water and through a dense jungle path to uncles house, it is perched on a hil, on stilts and made of rattan lattice and Nipa roof.

We dry off, he actually has electricity and a TV thanks to his daughters stint in Japan, we decide to wait until the afternoon jeepney into Tandag, we will miss our flight back to Cebu but so what, not sure i wanna fly in that littel prop job in a rain storm and I know we can get a hotel.

My "neice", lets call her "jane" is shy at first but later she opens up, always in English so her parents can;t understand, she is ashamed of her past and I can understand why. So listen up mongers, this is what I get over the next few hours.

Most of the girls in the valley would like to meet a "nice" foreigner like me (Baby, you dont wanna know!!!), however, they have no way of doing so, there are NO intenets, one would have to go into tandang to communicate and who has money for the ride and the hour fee? THe only hope most females have is to try and get work as an OFW, this means being someones servant in HK or Singapore or going into the bars (Manila recruits here for ermita area) the last is the Japiyuki route. Here is where "Jane" made her mistake. Three years ago she was desperate, the family wasn;t doing to well,
she has six brothers and sisters all trying to stay in school, no money.

Remember all those stories you hear from bargirls along the same lines? Sick water buffalo, hole in our roof, mom has the flu, brother needs money to fix his teeth? The hell of it is, what ever it is it is probably true, these girls decide to sacrifice themselves and that is what jane did
She went to work in a Manila bar that dealt EXCLUSIVELY for japanese. Lots of reasons for this which I wont dwell on other than to say they dont like "using" girls who have been with white men. She developed a little following and was so popular she got invited to go to Jap land. Now the parasites come in and before you know it she is utanged debt up the yingus for a passport, processing fee, doctors exams, clothes etc. Once in japan she was trapped, had to work it off "entertaining". Things got so bad she once though of suicide but found an older docile fellow to patron her, guy wasn;t into SM or beating her with a belt so it was a good thing for awhile.
Once her contract was over she didn;t renew, she had little to show for it other than what presents guys gave her. A video cam, cell phone, some jewelry, all quickly pawned once she returned home. No local boy will have anything to do with her and some hold her in quiet contempt. So her only hope is a foreigner. She begged the Mrs to accompany us to Tandang where she might be able to meet somebody here for the surfing festival.

In the afternoon we catch the jeepney after slogging through the mud towards the paved road. Another harrowing trip, we make it up the incline, the Dreds jeep is gone so I guess he got out okay. The Sun is shining when we get out at the "bus terminal" in Tandang, Jane is all excited as we check into a beach side hotel Called Secanse(???) glad to be in the air conditioning again and watching cable TV. That night we go into "town" and find a little inet, I check my stock portfolio and we get Jane an ID on yahoo and surf/chat a bit. Later we find the towns only videoke and sing a few songs,
I learn lots of local girls are in town, most from the two colleges, some stay for the "surfing festival" which features a bikini contest. odd, coz most of em cant afford to buy one, so most will probably appear in bra and panties. sorry I gotta miss that.

The next day we get the morning flight back to Cebu, we give uncle and Jane more than enough to get back home in style plus load up on groceries.

I had fun, enjoyed myself, but underneath it all I got to say I was a bit humbled by the experience. I've seen poverty before in the PI and a dozen different countries, none of which effected me as much as this little corner of the world, I dunno why, maybe coz they are relatives and I feel I know them from Mrs Spamhogs stories and interacting with them for a few days puts a more personal touch but I cant put my finger on it totally, maybe thats why I put this little 4 part tale down.

Yeah, we passed out a lot of pasalubong, playing Santa early, everybody got something even a cheap T shirt or B Ball hat delighted them and our sponsoring of the feasts will probably be legend for a long time. But tell you the truth I wish it could have been more.

finis


regards

Spamhog

[White Wolf]

Very nicely done Spam Hog, you have made a good story. Even giving a bit of insight in how girls from the provinces go and look for fortune in the larger cities and abroad. Seeing people cope with poverty or poor conditions is always bad, but if you have a personal connection it makes it even worse and more direct. In January I’ll be going into a bit of the provinces near Davao for the first time, with your report I at least know a bit what I can expect.

Thanx

[Spam Hog]

White wolf:

I used to live in Davao and am familiar with the outlaying areas, so if you need further info let me know. The Area from Tagum to Digos (Davao being in the middle) I know best but have also trekked about in Kidapawan,
Nabuntaran and Bukidnon, none of those places compare to Surigao Del Sur area for poverty/isolation lack of everything.

Regards


Spamhog

[Bill Buxton]

SH,

That is a great report and I also find you can get so much joy watching other smile for just a t shirt or bb hat.The problem is that for every honest story many have fallen victon to 100 other dishonest ones.I find that true for me and I am sure I am not alone.I guess you can never give up on trying to help others here because if and when the number 101 rolls around again the feeling of joy you and the other person feels is a great one.It does cost so little to put smiles on peoples faces here.And they do remember who is nice and who is not.

JUST MY 2 CENTS,AGAIN GOOD REPORT.


B.B...

[Wolfie Mike]

Spamhog - excellent reports.

It brought many memories of my stays and travels in Negros. Your observations on rural life, the family pressures and situations are very accurate.

I has a long term GF in Manila once and went back to Negros with her and met the family. When i met the father of the girl, and he and his wife know their little girl is working from the bars to support them, I felt both a shit and yet good that I was trying to help at the same time. So hard to put yourself inside the mindset and circumstances that they are in.

[Spam Hog]

Just a few things gentlemen that may be neither here nor there.

I have come to realize long ago that the Philippines is a TRIBAL society and in a tribal society you share everything with other tribal members, that is how you survive, your clan first of course but also with others. filipinos often truely "adopt" the husbands and even BF's of their female relatives. They share with you what little they have which of course is not much, they are often embaressed by their lack of anything or lack of what we westerners consider as valuable in our society, they cant give you material things coz they dont have 'em or can't afford 'em, that is why they tend to make you a mountain of food and share with you all the jocularity and Bonhomme that goes with it. I actually gained weight in the three days there, simply because somebody was putting a plate of food in my hand every time I turned around. I rarely eat pork but many lechon's had been prepared, along with other things like camote (a sort of potato).

True, there is a point when some people will take advantage of you and either scam you for the money, steal it or muscle it. But I have noticed more of this is true in the big cities like Manila where every one is trying to hustle.
Folks in the provinces take what you give them and no matter how small it is they are happy with it, they give you what they have which may only be their friendship.

Of course they all wanted to be my "bodyguard" and some argued over the "honor" but I thought it was a bit silly actually as I was in no danger, however this was another way to demonstrate their acceptance of me
watch out for my welfare etc. As I indicate I got along well with them and actually had fun, so did they. Now compare this treatment with that of another foreigner who is also married to one of my "cousins".

They freaking HATE this guy, some have said if he ever comes into the Barangay they will slice him up with machete's. Seems he married a local lass and lives in some distant Phil city, I wont say anything else so as not to ID him. Some of her relatives (and mine) went to visit her and they got a rude reception, he loudly told them they looked liked monkeys and to get out of his house. Additionally, he treats his wife poorly, slaps her around and constantly yells at her wont allow her to send gifts no money etc.

In short, a nightmare. The aggrieved party also talked about opening his guts with a knife at one point after some physical abuse to her but was restrained by cooler heads.

Thats is something else you want to think about before doing the whips and chains number on them. There is a lot of resentment towards the Japanese over WW2, the Japiyuki thing doesn't help, these folks are anythihng but stupid, they know excatly what happens in these "Gentlemen's" clubs.

I honestly felt that "Jane" was typical of a lot of these girls who go into the bars, they do so as they feel they have no choice. Something happens to them while they do this work and they either realize they like the money, like the scams and control they have over men or they get so disgusted they quit and leave for ever to go back to a nipa hut with a dirt floor.

That is why I always say treated the girls decently, if they try to pull a fast one so what? At least you have the sense (from reading this board) to realize it. Life is a dilbert cartoon, laugh it off.


regards
Spamhog

[Dragon Slayer]

Pals,

Just arrived home yesterday from 4 nights in Hong Kong, twelve nights in the Phils and three nights in So China. I have not been reading the WSG Boards for a couple months now. I enjoyed Spamhogs report on his Trip to the Provinces.

I limit my Province Trips to the Leyte seaside village where my daughter and her mother live. A nice, small, house I built for them on the beach. Compared to what Spamhogs mentioned, it is a Five Star Resort. I did experience what he mentioned in both Zamboanga City (outside the City, not in town) and northern Thailand. Both were in 1991 and 1992-1993. These days I stay in the Cities as I like modern amenities.

With my daughter's birthday coming soon and her desire to have all her classmates and friends in attendance, forces me to hold it where she lives. I was concerned about having my friends there as it is not like the big cities. But after reading Spamhogs report I think it will be enjoyable and fun. The "resort" in the jungle even has air conditioned rooms and a swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Dragon Slayer

[X Man]

ISG doesn't have too much info on Negros other than the Dumaguete reports. Please put up some reports.

I'm trying to entice a really cute Silay girl to come visit me in Dumaguete. I'm tempted to go to Silay or Bacolod myself.

Hope you can send us some info Wolfie.

[QUOTE=Wolfie Mike]
It brought many memories of my stays and travels in Negros. Your observations on rural life, the family pressures and situations are very accurate.

QUOTE]

[Rubio Tonto]

Spamhog, Dragonslayer, Goodenough, X-Man, thanks for all the contributions to the various boards for the Philippines. What an amazing, infuriating, and beautiful place, with beautiful and desperate and interesting women. As a lurker most of the time, I just want to let you guys know that your contributions are greatly appreciated. I hope you and yours have an enjoyable holiday season that I can again experience vicariously. :-)

[LoveAsianWhores]

Hi guys – especially Cebu Local, Yi Ren, L.A.W. Khun, Amavida, Fred Dobbs, Martians, J Boy and CanContrib (and how come you’re “not activated?” what does that mean?):
Sorry to be asking a non mongering question – not strictly anyway! But it’s a question that is related to mongering for if my plans works, I’ll have a bit of time in the PI partaking of our favorite hobby. Anyway./..
Perhaps you can shed a bit more light into the Philippine situation in regards to what I’m going to do there. I’ve consulted accountants and lawyers there – but somehow, am not quite satisfied that they’re telling me everything. What with their “Codicils’, Ifs’ Perhaps” – and worse, winks/harrumphs accompanied by a knowing smile. I realized early on that these guys are, after all, real professionals and thus cannot afford to actually acknowledge that there are any nefarious activities happening in the PI.
With some PI partners, we are going to set up a holding/trading company in Hong Kong where most of the (hoped for) profits will be accumulated. This HKG trading company will be a minority 49% partner in a distribution company that is to be set up in the PI with the Filipino partners. ALL the capital for the PI company though, will be contributed LOCALLY by the Filipino partner. The Filipino partner will sign a blank deed of assignment in Hong Kong abrogating their 51% back to our HKG company. We will credit the amount of Pesos they contributed in Manila towards their capital contribution in the HKG company. While the majority of the hoped for profits will be retained in Hong Kong (as the HKG company provides the goods to be distributed in the PI), we will still need to show some profits in the PI. The question is – is it easy for us to remit these profits (after paying the appropriate tax) back to HKG? And how about as far as the PI company PAYING a consulting or franchise fee back to Hong Kong (before tax of course). This is of course in regards to the Currency controls there.
My “experts” tells me that it will be quite easy to… harrumph…”do” - whatever that means!@@ What do you guys say and what do you think about my planned set-up?
Thanks beforehand and again apologies for this non-straight-mongering question.
SE Asia Joe

I am not sure of the details, but it sounds like a very typical setup for a foreigner that is setting up a business in the Philippines. Using a HK corp is the most common route for expats. Currency controls can be a hassle when you need to repatriate funds. But once you start living and doing business out here, you will find many people (but you should stick with expats) that will gladly change large amounts of Pesos into an uncontrolled currency like US$ for you at a rate slightly below the official rate. While there are currency controls, the flip side is that there almost none of the cash controls that there are in the US. You can deposit up to $20,000 cash in any 5 day period without reporting, and it perfectly legal to break larger amounts into $20,000 bundles and deposit them into different banks or use multiple 5 day periods (a big no-no in the us). Even the Citibank ATM's let you withdraw up to $3,000 in USD per day, as large amounts of cash here are quite normal. A good secretary and lawyer here are very cheap and will work out everything out for you.

[Buzz00]

Who said you can buy your way out of shit ?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061204/ap_on_re_as/philippines_us_marines

[Robbaf]

i just completed 21 years in the military (still active) and i am tired of seeing/hearing so much negative views about the us. i wish those who protest would understand that maybe the us being involved in their country, is the reason that they have the right to protest.

after reading about the trial (if you do the crime, you should do the time) and visiting the pi after the [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123), if they want us out (gi's) let's go...it is time that america stopped giving aid and money to countries that protest against us (iraq included).

"about 100 protesters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting and singing "bayan ko," or "my country," a popular nationalist song. they waved a banner that demanded justice for the woman and the scrapping of the visiting forces agreement."

now there is another mudslide, do we send help???

[Spam Hog]

i just completed 21 years in the military (still active) and i am tired of seeing/hearing so much negative views about the us. i wish those who protest would understand that maybe the us being involved in their country, is the reason that they have the right to protest.

after reading about the trial (if you do the crime, you should do the time) and visiting the pi after the [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123), if they want us out (gi's) let's go...it is time that america stopped giving aid and money to countries that protest against us (iraq included).

"about 100 protesters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting and singing "bayan ko," or "my country," a popular nationalist song. they waved a banner that demanded justice for the woman and the scrapping of the visiting forces agreement."

now there is another mudslide, do we send help???



i too agree with you sir and i too am a (combat) veteran of us armed forces and have served my country in local and federal govt service including a stint in e. timor after their independence from indonesia. however, as i now reside in the philippines and see this sorry incident unfolding daily, i would respectfully submit that you are wrong.

i have worked, lived and mongered in many asian and non asian countries. i choose to live in the phils as this country is one of the few places in the world that actually likes americans, something they demonstrate daily when finding out my native origins.

what you see in front of the us embassy and other places regarding this and other us concerns is a cabal of professional protestors, partially financed by a womens rights group called "gabriella" (they have a web site, look 'em up) guess where they hail from??? new york city, i've seen these people in davao hanging "anti" signs and the like when an aussie frigate dropped by a few years back and the lads hit the local places. bottom line, we've got so many jerk off in our own country ala micheal "fatass" moore that stir this stuff up.

look carefully at the protestors and their signs, see any red ones with a yellow star??? they are financed by the cpp (communist party of philippines) see any women wearing the malong head covering of the moro (muslim) people???? (milf) both of those groups have vested reasons in wanting the us military agreement scrapped so they can continue to plant bombs and raid remote villages. this cabal of idiots is paid anywhere between p200 to p350 a day to protest, you don't see your average filipino out there, nor will you.

1, fact, your average filipino thinks that the "[CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) vicitm" is a "borricutt" (*****) or a bar girl, she has little credibility.

2. the tale is not yet over, the convicted has a right to appeal and there is a move on to transfer him to us custody which is likely to happen after the hoopla dies down, i smell a dodgy deal with maybe a free pass back to the us and a general discharge???? hmmmmmm????

3. i really dont know all the facts of the case, i don;t know if he is guilty or not, but i also know how stupid a 19 yo gi can act with a few beers in him, having been one. whatever, those guys put themselves in a bad position.

i would seriously suggest that those of us good taxpaying americans not direct any venom towards the filipinos over this one. rather we should note some of the real morons in this world like the recycled banana farmer hugo chavez who just got reelected and says he wants to fight the us, yet venezuela imports how many millions of dollars worth of their crappy products to our economy, maybe we should declare them contraband and disallow us investment firms to sink us investor money in venzuelan bonds and securities.

total shit for brains mugabe, the sweetheart of zimbabwe and the retard mandela for that shit about anything less than 100 million in us aide to combat hiv was an insult, we should have sent them $1.99 worth of condoms and called it even.

i could go on and on but i think you get the point.


regards


spamhog

[Bill Buxton]

For all the know all rocket scientists here the trial is far from over.The superior court will here the charges against Smith at a later date.And the other 3 guys are free to go now.So lets not count this deal over and done with just yet.Lets see what the last breath is from the big bench over here.Just remember guys this could be any one of us any time you mope around with a gal here.And the danger here is now they know it works,Just fore a little while anyway.

I have seen worse done to bar galls in the bar than what happened to this chick.Who she foolin anyhow.Its about money and pointing a finger,thats all and why would they let 3 guys in the van go??? It would look bad if they all went free so lets keep at least 1 for the cameras.Why can a pedefile walk around angeles city and have his name published in several local and international papers and still be free.The reason is MONEY MONEY MONEY.Money talks and people here walk and thats the bottom line.Lets make an example of a guy from the strongest country in the world and show everybody what bad people they are.Guys,don't cuss the farmer with your mouth full!



B.B...

Stay sharp play safe and never get in a corner without a window to climb out.

B.B...

[Firedick]

Bingo.

I know this isn't a "political forum". But to anyone who would prefer to not line the pockets of a clear US enemy: Citgo is wholey owned by the Venzuelan Government.

FD

[LoveAsianWhores]

I am an ex-American living in the Philippines. Lots of pro US posts in this thread for whatever reason. Of course, they are almost all from Americans. All of the expats that I know here from Australia, France, Scandinavia, UK, and many others, are all quite decidely anti-American, at least to a point. For the most part, the only people that like America today are the Americans themselves. Filipinos generally like "Americans", as they are usually viewed as kind, gererous and fair people. But many Filipinos (those that have a basic understanding of world politics anyway) do not like the Bush America of today. All of my friends may like me personaly, but dislike America. The point is, don't confuse Filipinos perceptions of Americans and America.

Personally, I despise America. Besides pussy, I live out here so I don't have to support the place with my taxes. Chavez is a hero, as it takes a true hero to stand up to a powerfull country like the US. I would love to put Citgo gas in my car, but after problems that I have had with bad gas here, I only use Shell. Politics is important, but no quite as important as my car.

[Spam Hog]

Most of you regulars know I dislike fights and flames so I want to say up front Im not flaming anyone personally, but here goes:

Chavez maybe a hero to some people for standing up to the US, but So is Ben Laden and so was Hitler, Khaddaffi, Idi Amin the list goes on and in that list, most started wars, ethnic and political purges and genocides when they "Stood up" to somebody or something. Personally, I dont see how ANY politician can be considered a hero, most of them are *****s, fools and liars on the good side and psychopathic lunatics on the other, truth be told I dont like any of them no matter what country they come from, my own included.

No matter what country they hail from they have a few common traits. Some are better at deceit than others, some are dumber than others, some are able to impress the gullible and the feeble minded.

Reminds me of the district of Columbia where I worked for many years during the "Barry" Administration after all the hijinks and silliness and criminal acts perpetrated by "Hizzoner" he still got elected. Prompting the famous bumper sticker (which I used to display on my car) featuring a caricature of the Mayor smoking crack (at his arrest) which said.

"Stupid is as stupid does."


Nuff said


Spamhog

[LoveAsianWhores]

SD, I agree with everything you say. It is like if Hitler went into a burning building to save a baby. He is still the evil monster that we all know, but a hero for saving the baby. Chavaz is a person that I view in a negative light, but still a hero to me for standing up to the USA. It does nothing for him or his country, but he does it because it the right thing to do.

My enemy's enemy is my friend

[Fenniman]

After a painful, and costly divorce, I'm looking to come over to the Phillipines for a year to chill out and get a bit of diving in. Any idea's of places to visit and the cost of renting would be appreciated.

[Spam Hog]

After a painful, and costly divorce, I'm looking to come over to the Phillipines for a year to chill out and get a bit of diving in. Any idea's of places to visit and the cost of renting would be appreciated.


By all means come to the Philippines and drown your sorrows in the charms of the darked eyed damsels of the islands...BUT LEAVE THE CAR KEYS HOME!!!
I dont know what corner of the world you hail from, if you are from the USA, have you ever driven in NYC/Wash Dc or LA at the height of rush hour?
Well that is something like the PI except more motorcylces running by like thunderbolts.

Yes you can drive here, there are cars for rent and road 'rules" are much the same as generic USA in that we drive on the "right" side of the road. You can get an international drivers license which entitles you to drive in about fifty countrys including Thailand/Singapore/Malaysia etc. but the point is YOU SHOULD AVOID joy riding here, too many things can go wrong. There is no triple A here, your car breaks down somewhere in the province on some muddy barangay road and a guy shows up with a water buffalo to tow you into town, then you gotta wait three days to three weeks for the part to show up from manila so the mechanic, who works out of a little wooden/nipa hut can wire it together with spit and chicken wire. Always a chance some guy will see a "foreigner" at the wheel and intentionally hit you for the insurance.

You can get around in taxi cabs fine, you can "make tawad" (bargain contract) and get a driver to take you around for the day or the week, expect to get him at P800 to P1000 a day in the City. Better yet you can go from city to city on air conditioned bus, or get into these L300 vans with ten other people going to the same place, you can get on the intercostal ferrys like cebu ferries (they have a website) or transasia and go from Island to island, very scenic and relaxing.

Getting on a motorcycle is a death trap.

regards

Spamhog

[Santa]

Most of this anger towards "americans" is directed at George Bush and his administration. Let's not blame a nation and all of it's people because we don't like the present administration.

[X Man]

Good post Spamhog, but I think he was interested in renting a place to live.

X


After a painful, and costly divorce, I'm looking to come over to the Phillipines for a year to chill out and get a bit of diving in. Any idea's of places to visit and the cost of renting would be appreciated.

[In Korea]

He also talked about DIVING, not DRIVING.

I really recommend Puerto Galera -- Sabang beach for great diving. There are over 30 dive sites there ranging from novice to advanced.

I really love it there.

[Fenniman]

Good post Spamhog, but I think he was interested in renting a place to live.

XThanks for the advice on the transport, but yes, it was more in renting a place and any decent location.

[Spam Hog]

Thanks for the advice on the transport, but yes, it was more in renting a place and any decent location.


Getting harder to read the type, sorry about the mistake! If you are looking to rent understand a few things, remember that the same as real estate everywhere Location, location, location, rents get cheaper the further south you go. Manila is of course the highest, I would imagine Angeles is high and Cebu right in there. Cagayan De Oro and Davao are probably the cheapest. There is plenty of easy acces to DIVING in the three later locales.

Now for a few facts, Rents in Cebu run from about P10,000 to P25,000 or MORE for a furnished place, this is a house that would be "foreigner" standard, that means the plumbing works most of the time, the electric box can accomodate your computer and air con at the same time without melting and may even include hot water. You usually have to sign a contract for one year, three months advance up front. In some places you can rent hotel rooms by the three to six month stretch, I understand the Richmond Hotel in Cebu now wants P21,000 for a month, this includes maid service in a rather spacious roof top "penthouse" setting.

Rents in Cagayan de oro are cheaper, P5000 a month gets you a spacious townhouse. Rents in Davao run P7000 to P15000 for a detached home.

You can do a newspaper search and get some idea of rents in the area you want to live in by pulling up philnews or Sunstar newspapers, another media for rentals is "BUY TRADE SELL" periodical, I think they have a website so you can start checking.

Good Luck

Spamhog

[Santa]

You can do a newspaper search and get some idea of rents in the area you want to live in by pulling up philnews or Sunstar newspapers, another media for rentals is "BUY TRADE SELL" periodical, I think they have a website so you can start checking.

Good Luck

Spamhog

Anybody have the website address for "buy trade sell" etc.?

[Buko Max]

Hello Santa,

Here is the link: www.buyandsellph.com

Excelsior!

[Dafacer]

I'm wondering how many of you guys just packed a bag and went? Thats were I am now, still in my 40s, retired military, divorce coming up and me homeless. I've researched until my head hurt, but packing my shit and landing in Manila is pretty intimidating. Can I live good on $1800 monthly?

What was your biggest challenge/problem when you got there?

Is there anyway to setup mailing address or temporary storage place to send stuff over in advance and have it there when I arrive?

Thanks for any advise or info...these are pretty scary times!

[LoveAsianWhores]

I'm wondering how many of you guys just packed a bag and went? Thats were I am now, still in my 40s, retired military, divorce coming up and me homeless. I've researched until my head hurt, but packing my shit and landing in Manila is pretty intimidating. Can I live good on $1800 monthly?

What was your biggest challenge/problem when you got there?

Is there anyway to setup mailing address or temporary storage place to send stuff over in advance and have it there when I arrive?

Thanks for any advise or info...these are pretty scary times!

There are months where I will spend more then $2,500 on just girls, but I have a friend that has three maids, pays them $60 per month each, bangs all of them, and changes them on a regular basis. His agency only sends him girls that are pre-screened to "put out". The point is, the amount of money you need out here depends a lot on what your budget for girls will be. I know expats that live in Manila on less then $1,800 per month, some that spend a lot more. The expats that live out here that appear very happy, comfortable, with a good social live tend to live on more then $1,800 a month. Just like the question "how much does it cost to live Los Angeles", there is no magic answer.

The biggest challange was finding a nice place to live. You can get an agent that will show you rentals all day long, but they will all tend to be overpriced (the commission that an agents get can be so much in peso terms, that you will only see the properties that give her the most commision). And evicting tenents in Manila is very time consuming, so many owners do not "list" their rentals will only rent to people that have a personal refferal. The place I ended up renting was vacant for 3 years because the owner was concerned about renting it to a "bad person". And I had to pay a year's rent up front, which is not unusual for a newly refurbished place.

The first year I lived here without a car. No problem for me. But now that I have a car, I feel lost without one. I think to really feel at home here, you need a car, but many expats would disagree.

[X Man]

You should probably consider Cebu, Davao or even AC. Your money will go further. The biggest expenses for me (I don't live in PI) are accomodation and poonyang. Both are cheaper outside of MLA.

Maybe others have better advice, but wouldn't it be better for some of your friends or family to mail you stuff after you get situated? What are you mailing?

And what kind of lifestyle are you used to? Is this the first time to the Philippines? Ex-military...if you're used to the digs in a tin can destroyer, then you can probably live simple for a while until you get a feel for the place. Hotels will give discounts for long term guests.

Find out where the expat hangouts are and ask questions after arrival. G Point in Ermita. Kiwi Lodge or Our place in Cebu....

Good luck. X


I'm wondering how many of you guys just packed a bag and went? Thats were I am now, still in my 40s, retired military, divorce coming up and me homeless. I've researched until my head hurt, but packing my shit and landing in Manila is pretty intimidating. Can I live good on $1800 monthly?

What was your biggest challenge/problem when you got there?

Is there anyway to setup mailing address or temporary storage place to send stuff over in advance and have it there when I arrive?

Thanks for any advise or info...these are pretty scary times!

[Dafacer]

Thanks for the replys guys. I asked the shipping question because I am sad to say that I am seriously low on friends and family! Id like to set up a mailing address that I could send stuff to in advance of my arrival.

Xman, Yes 1st time in the PI. The language, pussy, and cost of living appeal to me. I've thought alot about moving to AC, but my concerns are basically access to medical care and a lack of things to do other than chase bar girls around. Lifestyle...I need a good cook/maid, good internet/cable tv access, and a piece of ass 2/3 times a week.

Loveasian*****s: $2500 a month on girls, good god man, what are you doing to them? What is the maid agency you speak of?

Where do you rent and what is the setup and costs?

Thanks again guys, your saving the day!


You should probably consider Cebu, Davao or even AC. Your money will go further. The biggest expenses for me (I don't live in PI) are accomodation and poonyang. Both are cheaper outside of MLA.

Maybe others have better advice, but wouldn't it be better for some of your friends or family to mail you stuff after you get situated? What are you mailing?

And what kind of lifestyle are you used to? Is this the first time to the Philippines? Ex-military...if you're used to the digs in a tin can destroyer, then you can probably live simple for a while until you get a feel for the place. Hotels will give discounts for long term guests.

Find out where the expat hangouts are and ask questions after arrival. G Point in Ermita. Kiwi Lodge or Our place in Cebu....

Good luck. X

[Santa]

I asked the shipping question because I am sad to say that I am seriously low on friends and family! Id like to set up a mailing address that I could send stuff to in advance of my arrival.

Yes 1st time in the PI.


I'm an habitual traveller and I'll tell you what I would bring. Almost nothing! Just store all that junk you have collected in a friends basement and go to the airport with one small bag. The weather will be hot, so you don't need many clothes. All you really need is a passport, ticket, money, a few shirts, pair of shorts and a toothbrush.

Travel around the country for a while. Visit all of the main islands. Get to know the place, make some friends before you settle down. After a few weeks you'll start to feel like a local and begin to forget about the troubles you left behind.

If you don't have any personal belongings, it is easy to move around and enjoy some tavelling adventure. Maybe fly to China and do some Dongguan girls. If you have an apartment full of stuff it will be your home, yes, but it will also prevent you from travelling around.

Send me a PM when you get to Asia and maybe we can hook up for a beer.

Just my two cents. Good luck. I'm presently in Shanghai.

[X Man]

Someone says, "It's so hot you don't need clothes".

Yea right. Think about that inane comment a little bit more. You should double the number of underwear and socks you bring. It's hot and things stink twice as fast. I usually fill up a film canister with detergent and drop a few laundry clips into my bag. I wash some of my socks and underwear by hand. Yes, the cleaners are cheap an efficient, but you'll have to wait a day or more....

Simple guys like me do a bit of laundry by hand.

X

[Genuis8]

Can I live good on $1800 monthly? Thanks for any advise or info...these are pretty scary times!

http://website.lineone.net/~philwpagestl/philippines/property/rent/rent.htm

For easy calculations, use a 50-1 conversion. The above will allow you to rent around P22,000/mo ($440). Eat like a native in restaurants (Chinatown has good chinese food for all price range) can be had for P500/day (P15,000/mo $300). Utilities (electricity, cellphone) allocate P5,000 ($100). You dont need a maid. Add up various toiletries, haircut, misc P3,000 ($60). This will add up to P45,000 ($900). Which leaves you $900 for other activities.

Shagging in an inexpensive MP in chinatown will be about $30-50 each time. 3/wk x 4week = 12 x 50 = $600. You got $300 for your other hobbies.

[Santa]

Someone says, "It's so hot you don't need clothes".

Yea right. Think about that inane comment a little bit more. You should double the number of underwear and socks you bring. It's hot and things stink twice as fast. I usually fill up a film canister with detergent and drop a few laundry clips into my bag. I wash some of my socks and underwear by hand. Yes, the cleaners are cheap an efficient, but you'll have to wait a day or more....

Simple guys like me do a bit of laundry by hand.

X

Defacer.

There are three seasons; hot, hotter and hottest. You don't need many clothes! Suits, sweaters, overcoats, boots? Don't need them.

As for an apartment? You have never been to Philippines before, right? Have you been to Asia? Maybe you will hate Manila and AC.

I suggest you travel as light as possible, travel around a lot, get to know the area, and see lots of places before you choose a place to settledown.

Cost. Depends on your lifestyle. This is the kind of country where you can live in a cheap bungalow, ride around in a jeepney for pennies, eat bananas and coconuts, spending only a few dollars a day. OR Stay in 5 star deluxe private island resorts with your own helicopter pad.

Feel free to PM me.

X Man. I think you misquoted me, but that's ok. Peace brother!

[LoveAsianWhores]

Loveasian*****s: $2500 a month on girls, good god man, what are you doing to them? What is the maid agency you speak of?

Where do you rent and what is the setup and costs?

Thanks again guys, your saving the day!

On average, it is about $90 a day for a bargirl from EDSA and $150 for a burgoss girl (including bar hopping to find the right girl and a short time room). And when I need two girls in a day, I have often spend over two hundrend. In months where I am out almost every day, it adds up to about $2,500. But that is the high end. On an average month, I spend $1,500 to $2,000.

I don't want to mention the agency on this board as it is not a typical service that they offer. You have to be tactful. Drop the right hints and you will get the right girls from many agencies, especially the ones that advertize in the expat weeklys.

Setup costs are just like in the US, except that many landlords want a year up front, but that can be negotiated way down depending on the unit. Things like getting a land line (phone) can be a hassle, but you do not need one (I don't know of you can get DSL without one however). Phone calls are MUCH cheaper using a cell phone than a land line. Just remember to only deal with Globe and not PLDT for landline and DSL needs. If you deal with PLDT, you will be asking yourself "why did I come to this fucked up country". And if you are able to get though the maze of paperwork to get the line, cancelling it can be even more difficult and expensive (PLDT gave me 50,000P cancellation bill. The nice thing about the Philippines is that I could just laugh. No credit reports to get ruined over here)

[Spam Hog]

I'm wondering how many of you guys just packed a bag and went? Thats were I am now, still in my 40s, retired military, divorce coming up and me homeless. I've researched until my head hurt, but packing my shit and landing in Manila is pretty intimidating. Can I live good on $1800 monthly?

What was your biggest challenge/problem when you got there?

Is there anyway to setup mailing address or temporary storage place to send stuff over in advance and have it there when I arrive?

Thanks for any advise or info...these are pretty scary times!



When you pack your bag in "The World" you are going to need whatever it is you can't get here...common sense. You need CLOTHES THAT FIT COZ MOST EXPATS I KNOW HAVE A HELL OF A TIME FINDING THAT!!!!!

Most essential are Shoes, thats right, SHOES, throw several pairs of cheap tennis shoes like the ones at pay less in the bag, a few pair of "dress" shoes. Remember the average Filipino here is the size of a High school kid in "The World" So if you have a size 32 waist, a size 7 shoe and a 36 chest, you are in luck. Now trying to find clothes/shoes over those sizes gets less and less the higher the numbers go. Oh it can be done but the choices you have are limited. I can still find jeans in size 38W/31 inseam here in Cebu, it was impossible in Davao or CDO, but I have to go with Dickies or Wrangler imported which are more expensive. It is almost impossible to find a size 12 E shoe that I need for my big feet. Shirts, T shirts and dress shirts are different one can find Large or XL, just a note, Large here is probably a medium and XL is large, you have to ask the clerk if they are "American size". Also, I would forget about bringing your suits/ties and anything long sleeve
You might bring a sport jacket or something for going out to Casino Filipino but it is doubtful you'll "need" such attire unless you plan on working in an office, even then most men dont "suit up" but wear a dress barong. Once again hard to find if you take a 44.

You can live the life style you want and living on $1800 a month can be living well indeed or not enough if you go out whoring and drinking every night and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) away your money. We've had so many discussion on this one.
I know guys living here (Well) on their social security checks which are around 1200 a month, married, maybe a kid, wife drives him around in a second hand car etc. Personally I live on less than that in Cebu with a wife. Of course I dont drink, smoke or ***** it up in bars.

My last thought, DONT make a permanent move here (or anywhere) unless you do On the ground field research. come here for three weeks, look at places for rent and get some idea what you are going to be living in for the money, remember, things dont work here, plumbing is always fucked up, electric shorts out and as pointed out PLDT is horrendous, lower your standards for workmanship and quality and you'll get along fine.
Regards

Spamhog

[Bill Buxton]

When you pack your bag in "The World" you are going to need whatever it is you can't get here...common sense. You need CLOTHES THAT FIT COZ MOST EXPATS I KNOW HAVE A HELL OF A TIME FINDING THAT!!!!!

Most essential are Shoes, thats right, SHOES, throw several pairs of cheap tennis shoes like the ones at pay less in the bag, a few pair of "dress" shoes. Remember the average Filipino here is the size of a High school kid in "The World" So if you have a size 32 waist, a size 7 shoe and a 36 chest, you are in luck. Now trying to find clothes/shoes over those sizes gets less and less the higher the numbers go. Oh it can be done but the choices you have are limited. I can still find jeans in size 38W/31 inseam here in Cebu, it was impossible in Davao or CDO, but I have to go with Dickies or Wrangler imported which are more expensive. It is almost impossible to find a size 12 E shoe that I need for my big feet. Shirts, T shirts and dress shirts are different one can find Large or XL, just a note, Large here is probably a medium and XL is large, you have to ask the clerk if they are "American size". Also, I would forget about bringing your suits/ties and anything long sleeve
You might bring a sport jacket or something for going out to Casino Filipino but it is doubtful you'll "need" such attire unless you plan on working in an office, even then most men dont "suit up" but wear a dress barong. Once again hard to find if you take a 44.

You can live the life style you want and living on $1800 a month can be living well indeed or not enough if you go out whoring and drinking every night and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) away your money. We've had so many discussion on this one.
I know guys living here (Well) on their social security checks which are around 1200 a month, married, maybe a kid, wife drives him around in a second hand car etc. Personally I live on less than that in Cebu with a wife. Of course I dont drink, smoke or ***** it up in bars.

My last thought, DONT make a permanent move here (or anywhere) unless you do On the ground field research. come here for three weeks, look at places for rent and get some idea what you are going to be living in for the money, remember, things dont work here, plumbing is always fucked up, electric shorts out and as pointed out PLDT is horrendous, lower your standards for workmanship and quality and you'll get along fine.
Regards

Spamhog

Like SH said you should try it before you make the big step forever.You will see in a short amount of time you will have things here that are absolutely not like they are at home.Some things are ok and you deal with no problem,and others are not so easy to handle.You make the choice and try it you might find it's ok for you once you see it for yourself.

Example; when was the last time you went to mickey'D'S and ws greeted by a 5'3 inch guy sporting a shotgun.When was the last time you had to wipe your ass with 1 paper and throw the rest in the waste basket for feer of stopping up the plumbing.Yes that was a little bad but true.That sign was posted in a new hotel where I stayed.It is a hole hew adventure here each and every day.Just when you think you have seen it all just wait 5 minutes and another new page for the book will unfold before your eyes.

It's a geat place but you must be the judge and jury here see and find out on your own.

B.B...

[Columpuss]

Dafacer

My 2 cents
I am in my mid 30s. No pension, retirement, SS but just a few bucks in my CD to make me about $500 a month in interest. Six months ago I put 3 pairs of jean and shirts in a back pack, canceled everything, laughed in my boss'es face, threw my IT career away, and left.

After wandering around the PIs for 3 months, I am currently living in one metropolitan area in another SE asian country, less dangerous and with more superior cusine, with rent of about $130 a month in a 6x30 meter house with a small front yard. Ulitility + 60 channel cable + Adsl connection = $20. I do most of the cooking and eat out couple times a week and all amount to about $100. Short time around here is about $20 with decent quality which I only need once a week. The rest is whatever. I can do this in the phillipines also but not manila of course, and do this for a long time.

If I had to compare myself to a typical local with 2 kids making around $200 a months then I would say I am too blessed. Defacer, unless you are on crank or have major medical problem, with your budget, you should live like a king there until you decide to get marry again, then nothing is enough.

Man, don't worry about petty stuff like clothes and shoes, the tailors there can do wonder. You are in your 40's, still a kid by today's standard, just go. Either the North Korean or the Iranian will send their missiles your way soon so live for today.

I wish you all the luck

[Dafacer]

Dafacer
My 2 cents
I am in my mid 30s. No pension, retirement, SS but just a few bucks in my CD to make me about $500 a month in interest. Six months ago I put 3 pairs of jean and shirts in a back pack, canceled everything, laughed in my boss'es face, threw my IT career away, and left.

After wandering around the PIs for 3 months, I am currently living in one metropolitan area in another SE asian country, less dangerous and with more superior cusine, with rent of about $130 a month in a 6x30 meter house with a small front yard. Ulitility + 60 channel cable + Adsl connection = $20. I do most of the cooking and eat out couple times a week and all amount to about $100. Short time around here is about $20 with decent quality which I only need once a week. The rest is whatever. I can do this in the phillipines also but not manila of course, and do this for a long time.

If I had to compare myself to a typical local with 2 kids making around $200 a months then I would say I am too blessed. Defacer, unless you are on crank or have major medical problem, with your budget, you should live like a king there until you decide to get marry again, then nothing is enough.

Man, don't worry about petty stuff like clothes and shoes, the tailors there can do wonder. You are in your 40's, still a kid by today's standard, just go. Either the North Korean or the Iranian will send their missiles your way soon so live for today.

I wish you all the luck

Many thanks Columpuss for the advice and it sounds like your a brave man tossing everything aside for the unknown...reminds me of 25yrs ago when I did the same. Just a kid off to the military and scared to death. And no, there will be no more wifes, you know the saying...fool me once...

Are you able to say what this other SE Asian country is? Maybe PM me if needed, I"m curious. Also, what made you feel unsafe in the PI? Where did you like the best? I'm leaning toward settling in the Subic area.

Again, thanks for the info and all the best

[Dafacer]

http://website.lineone.net/~philwpagestl/philippines/property/rent/rent.htm

For easy calculations, use a 50-1 conversion. The above will allow you to rent around P22,000/mo ($440). Eat like a native in restaurants (Chinatown has good chinese food for all price range) can be had for P500/day (P15,000/mo $300). Utilities (electricity, cellphone) allocate P5,000 ($100). You dont need a maid. Add up various toiletries, haircut, misc P3,000 ($60). This will add up to P45,000 ($900). Which leaves you $900 for other activities.

Shagging in an inexpensive MP in chinatown will be about $30-50 each time. 3/wk x 4week = 12 x 50 = $600. You got $300 for your other hobbies.

Genius, thanks for the breakdown, very helpful...where is this chinatown you mention, and are there actually chinese babes to be had?

[Sammon]

There are chinese "babes". But they are mostly mixed Chinese - philippino. Regular chinese girls do not prostitute because they are in a higher economic caliber.

[Steve74]

Dafacer

My 2 cents
I am in my mid 30s. No pension, retirement, SS but just a few bucks in my CD to make me about $500 a month in interest. Six months ago I put 3 pairs of jean and shirts in a back pack, canceled everything, laughed in my boss'es face, threw my IT career away, and left.

After wandering around the PIs for 3 months, I am currently living in one metropolitan area in another SE asian country, less dangerous and with more superior cusine, with rent of about $130 a month in a 6x30 meter house with a small front yard. Ulitility + 60 channel cable + Adsl connection = $20. I do most of the cooking and eat out couple times a week and all amount to about $100. Short time around here is about $20 with decent quality which I only need once a week. The rest is whatever. I can do this in the phillipines also but not manila of course, and do this for a long time.

If I had to compare myself to a typical local with 2 kids making around $200 a months then I would say I am too blessed. Defacer, unless you are on crank or have major medical problem, with your budget, you should live like a king there until you decide to get marry again, then nothing is enough.

Man, don't worry about petty stuff like clothes and shoes, the tailors there can do wonder. You are in your 40's, still a kid by today's standard, just go. Either the North Korean or the Iranian will send their missiles your way soon so live for today.

I wish you all the luckColumpuss - Great post. I admire you for taking the chance and just moving. I've been considering it myself although I need to save up more money first. Most of my savings is in a retirement account which I can't touch for close to 20 years without penalty. I'm also curious as to what country you're in now if you don't mind letting us know.

[Billy Ibrox]

Lads,

I have tae agree with Columpuss who is probably in South Vietnam now. Genius8 is talking about dropping $2000 a month. Faer fuck's sake lads. That is big fucking dough there. You would be pisisng more than most high enders earn there. As I see it, ye have a few choices. Ye can live like Columpuss, cheaply and with more pussy than yue can handle. Or ye can live in yer own wee world, with other expats and blow wads of cash awae every fucking month.

Cop yerselves on lads. Ye could live in a civilised world for $2,000 a month. Why waste it living in a place ye dinnae belong and will never belong?

[MasterBlaster]

what money? maybe you should try taking a dick or broomstick up your ass. if ever, how much do you need as compensation? know the details so you could write intelligently.

it is a fact that many women were raped by american servicemen in korea, japan and the philippines. a few are serving their sentences in korea and japan and many cases were "white washed". just recently, an american soldier was convicted in a military court on [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) and murder charges for [CodeWord125] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord125) a child and murdering her entire family http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/articlenews/story/ctvnews/20061117/soldier_90years_061117?s_name=&no_ads= . if you're going to "wave flag", find something better; or, maybe so should try being a little more "human" than "american" and show some sympathy for the suffering of a human being.




for all the know all rocket scientists here the trial is far from over.the superior court will here the charges against smith at a later date.and the other 3 guys are free to go now.so lets not count this deal over and done with just yet.lets see what the last breath is from the big bench over here.just remember guys this could be any one of us any time you mope around with a gal here.and the danger here is now they know it works,just fore a little while anyway.

i have seen worse done to bar galls in the bar than what happened to this chick.who she foolin anyhow.its about money and pointing a finger,thats all and why would they let 3 guys in the van go??? it would look bad if they all went free so lets keep at least 1 for the cameras.why can a pedefile walk around angeles city and have his name published in several local and international papers and still be free.the reason is money money money.money talks and people here walk and thats the bottom line.lets make an example of a guy from the strongest country in the world and show everybody what bad people they are.guys,don't cuss the farmer with your mouth full!



b.b...

stay sharp play safe and never get in a corner without a window to climb out.

b.b...

[Columpuss]

Defacer

I'm not brave but practical. Brave is leaving your job and move to the PIs, with no financial backups, to find a job there. My case, I am experiencing a better quality of life than back home and will never have to wake up to the
anoying alarm sound and struggle to the office to see my "angelic" boss with the middle-finger face. I think I must have been a monk in my pass life to deserve retirement at 36.

Where I live is safer than the PIs, not necessarily means the PIs is unsafe. I would choose Manila over any major metropolitan US city in a heart beat as far as crime rates.

I've been traveling to SE Asia in the past 6 years and not much is unknown to me. The PIs is the ideal spot to live for mongering and for English speakers. Not much signing is needed.

Filipinos are extraordinary kind and friendly, BUT- they will not hesitate to ask for or expect you to pay for "things" once they know you. I think this is the island-culture thing. The haves are supposed to share with the not-haves.
It's up to you to find a way to handle it.

Subic is great, so is Baguio, Puerto Gallera, Bohol or Cebu. You need to stay for a few months to find out. The feeling is great when you start over, like being born again.

The answer for you and Steve 74: Read Billy Ibrox's post

Billy

What gives it away or you're just an amazing psychic. I am on my knees bowing.

[Bill Buxton]

what money? maybe you should try taking a dick or broomstick up your ass. if ever, how much do you need as compensation? know the details so you could write intelligently.

it is a fact that many women were raped by american servicemen in korea, japan and the philippines. a few are serving their sentences in korea and japan and many cases were "white washed". just recently, an american soldier was convicted in a military court on [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) and murder charges for [CodeWord125] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord125) a child and murdering her entire family http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/articlenews/story/ctvnews/20061117/soldier_90years_061117?s_name=&no_ads= . if you're going to "wave flag", find something better; or, maybe so should try being a little more "human" than "american" and show some sympathy for the suffering of a human being.
i am quite sure i do know the details my friend and you maybe do not.this is a media circus and if you think otherwise i do feel bad for you.this is not an american flag thing but a thing that can happen to any foreigner at anytime here.what about what the japs did here or the germans did to the jew's.i am sure you have a greater wisdom of all these case's also.this is a shame and if it did happen to a honest schoolgirl i would be the first one in line to want justice for the victom.this is not the case in this matter.this cas is a smoke and mirrors deal and the gal is a bar **** in plain english.the guy's did not do the right thing and they all should be convicted not just one.this was a joke from the start and nothing more.she was working in a bar before this happenednd.i an sure she got raped by the bf customers everynight she went out from the bar if you want the truth.every time she went with one of us i am sure she did the deal for cash not love.why do you think the streets are full of gals when the boats,or plain's touch down here.the gals go by van or any possable way to the base's to meet there new found atm for a night or two and nothing more.can a bar gal get raped yes and can anygirl say she was raped the answer to that is also yes.

i am sure you think every gal that goes with you wants to spend the rest of her days with you right? thats fucking wrong!this is a fucked up mess by all the people involved and thats the facts.i got my facts from the mayors office 2 days after the thing happened and it was a mess then.i also know that in america all 4 guys would be going to jail if they did not stop the stupid friend from being an asshole.go figure.

this is not a finger pointing arena but a lession we can all use when it comes to getting what we might think we want.this cand and will happen more to foreighner here depending on the final outcome.lets hope we stay away from the cameras and the press in our happy new found life here in the p.i.

remember that this can be anyone of us when we bf any gal here.who will they beleave anyway you,me,or the sillypina!


b.b...

b.b...

[Billy Ibrox]

columbopuss: elementary, mah dear watson

lads: a wee word on the philippines' finest. what gives? we have all kinds of conflicting reports. spam hog speaks about a brotherhood (of thieves?). another guy speaks about being hijacked with a hooker and forced tae hand over a big wad o cash. more ae ye argue the toss abouot some yank getting done faer [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) while his mates and kiddy lovers in angeles walk aroond free. others tell us of other shakedowns. whae fucking gives?

ah know the old bill there are on all kinds of scams. but shaking lads doon and taking their entire wad? and as for angeles, it seems the cops are just waiting to unload yer pockets.

ah reckon the locals are might upset at this gang [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123). ah don't know about innocence or guilt but it's nae much an advertisement for taking a holiday there.

some lad gets waylaid by the cops. not pannelled by some made shemale in a back alley but stopped in a taxi with a lass. and lye ads say: what do fuck do ye expect; he had it coming tae him? fraem some of yer reports, a lad wd have tae be stark raving mad to go to the philippines. ye go fae a ride and a few scoops and ye end up doing life. not nice.

[Spam Hog]

i am quite sure i do know the details my friend and you maybe do not.this is a media circus and if you think otherwise i do feel bad for you.this is not an american flag thing but a thing that can happen to any foreigner at anytime here.what about what the japs did here or the germans did to the jew's.i am sure you have a greater wisdom of all these case's also.this is a shame and if it did happen to a honest schoolgirl i would be the first one in line to want justice for the victom.this is not the case in this matter.this cas is a smoke and mirrors deal and the gal is a bar **** in plain english.the guy's did not do the right thing and they all should be convicted not just one.this was a joke from the start and nothing more.she was working in a bar before this happenednd.i an sure she got raped by the bf customers everynight she went out from the bar if you want the truth.every time she went with one of us i am sure she did the deal for cash not love.why do you think the streets are full of gals when the boats,or plain's touch down here.the gals go by van or any possable way to the base's to meet there new found atm for a night or two and nothing more.can a bar gal get raped yes and can anygirl say she was raped the answer to that is also yes.

i am sure you think every gal that goes with you wants to spend the rest of her days with you right? thats fucking wrong!this is a fucked up mess by all the people involved and thats the facts.i got my facts from the mayors office 2 days after the thing happened and it was a mess then.i also know that in america all 4 guys would be going to jail if they did not stop the stupid friend from being an asshole.go figure.

this is not a finger pointing arena but a lession we can all use when it comes to getting what we might think we want.this cand and will happen more to foreighner here depending on the final outcome.lets hope we stay away from the cameras and the press in our happy new found life here in the p.i.

remember that this can be anyone of us when we bf any gal here.who will they beleave anyway you,me,or the sillypina!


b.b...

b.b...



gentlemen:

bb makes several excellent points, most of this thing is a political motivated free for all, remember, there are four different seperatist movements in this country and none of them like the fact that us troops are here to make sure the "no ham for lunch bunch" don't get a bigger toe hold in the country than they already do, lest we forget our bolshevik freinds either, most of whom are behind the daily protests at the us embassy.

now for the real skinny, this "[CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123)" thing stinks on ice, have any of you ever heard of a "honey trap?" well, that is what i think this one is, real simple, set up some idiot gi too inexperienced or dumb to know better, embarass the whole military and make and issue out of us troops in the first place. just add one shop worn ho' (btw, did any of you see the x rated video she made previous to this "[CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123)"?) i understand it is available from the street vendors. seems she certainly didn't mind various cocks in various orifaces (sometimes all at once) before, that was a little suprise the defense sprung on the prosecution, it made the national news, the offensive parts cut of course, that is what caused the riff between her and the first lawyer. basically you have someone convicted for being stupid.

now some info for the rest of ye boyo's, have a care laddies, for devilment lurks in these hot lands, saints preserve us, the heathen are after a donnybrook with sons of the olde sod as well as ye highlander. meself was advised by a blocklish or two of a sad way the heathern were set upon ensaring a poor tim or two.

the heathen would be usin' a fair colleen to lure the poor lad to moro land, thinkin he was to meet his sweetie, then waylay the laddie and hold him for lucre, the way of the bastards, treacherous as a campbell, aye but that is the lay of it. so be careful ye who would venutre too deep in those devil sotted venues of cortobato, illigan or marawi, stay safe in the cradle east of those hellish places and pick yer joy junk from many the fair ones.

beware, scams and schemes abound as always, and many of the trulls are in league with law who are wayling the hagus eaters, this being the time of xmas and many a purse threadbare. make sure its a taxi of yer own choosin' not hers and if in doubt return her to the bar and report the episode to mamasan. just remember, he who holds the biggest wad of cash makes the rules.


regards

spamhog

[MasterBlaster]

don't feel bad about me. i know were i stand.

it doesn't happen to every foreigner anytime. not all foreigners would take a non-bargirl woman to a bar, have her drink until drunk, carry her in a van over his back, have sex with her in van, throws an unconscious woman out naked and admit to it.

with life imprisonment as punishment for a [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) conviction in the philippines, your "friend" have all the reason to claim innocence. sh*t, i'd call myself a saint and everybody else a wh*re if i were in his shoes.

courts decide on guilt and not on innocence. the 3 who got away were found "not guilty" - doesn't mean they are innocent. let the 3 count their "blessings". it is a pity the court doesn't let the 3's "blessings" rub off to the convicted's benefit.

it doesn't matter what you or me think. the fact is he was convicted. justice? maybe. anyways, you already arrogantly assume that your "friend" would skip this mess. with the media title "first american serviceman to be convicted of [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) in the philippines", i don't think he'd get out of this mess that easy.


i am quite sure i do know the details my friend and you maybe do not.this is a media circus and if you think otherwise i do feel bad for you.this is not an american flag thing but a thing that can happen to any foreigner at anytime here.what about what the japs did here or the germans did to the jew's.i am sure you have a greater wisdom of all these case's also.this is a shame and if it did happen to a honest schoolgirl i would be the first one in line to want justice for the victom.this is not the case in this matter.this cas is a smoke and mirrors deal and the gal is a bar **** in plain english.the guy's did not do the right thing and they all should be convicted not just one.this was a joke from the start and nothing more.she was working in a bar before this happenednd.i an sure she got raped by the bf customers everynight she went out from the bar if you want the truth.every time she went with one of us i am sure she did the deal for cash not love.why do you think the streets are full of gals when the boats,or plain's touch down here.the gals go by van or any possable way to the base's to meet there new found atm for a night or two and nothing more.can a bar gal get raped yes and can anygirl say she was raped the answer to that is also yes.

i am sure you think every gal that goes with you wants to spend the rest of her days with you right? thats fucking wrong!this is a fucked up mess by all the people involved and thats the facts.i got my facts from the mayors office 2 days after the thing happened and it was a mess then.i also know that in america all 4 guys would be going to jail if they did not stop the stupid friend from being an asshole.go figure.

this is not a finger pointing arena but a lession we can all use when it comes to getting what we might think we want.this cand and will happen more to foreighner here depending on the final outcome.lets hope we stay away from the cameras and the press in our happy new found life here in the p.i.

remember that this can be anyone of us when we bf any gal here.who will they beleave anyway you,me,or the sillypina!


b.b...

b.b...

[MasterBlaster]

the "honey trap" happen to be a non-prostitute college educated middle class woman on vacation with her sibling. with three highly regarded ex-senator lawyers and a feminists lawyer forming her legal team, she isn't part of anybody's scam.

about the scene of the crime, it is in the area of the old us naval base (now a multi-billion export processing zone) which got scrapped by a national referendum - which is more than enough of a statement to say "we don't want you here" - mainly because of the many atrocities american servicemen had committed back then; american servicemen were not able tell between a prostitute and a non-prostitute and a cow from a native. the people haven't forgotten. people already know about the "ugly american".




gentlemen:

bb makes several excellent points, most of this thing is a political motivated free for all, remember, there are four different seperatist movements in this country and none of them like the fact that us troops are here to make sure the "no ham for lunch bunch" don't get a bigger toe hold in the country than they already do, lest we forget our bolshevik freinds either, most of whom are behind the daily protests at the us embassy.

now for the real skinny, this "[CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123)" thing stinks on ice, have any of you ever heard of a "honey trap?" well, that is what i think this one is, real simple, set up some idiot gi too inexperienced or dumb to know better, embarass the whole military and make and issue out of us troops in the first place. just add one shop worn ho' (btw, did any of you see the x rated video she made previous to this "[CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123)"?) i understand it is available from the street vendors. seems she certainly didn't mind various cocks in various orifaces (sometimes all at once) before, that was a little suprise the defense sprung on the prosecution, it made the national news, the offensive parts cut of course, that is what caused the riff between her and the first lawyer. basically you have someone convicted for being stupid.

now some info for the rest of ye boyo's, have a care laddies, for devilment lurks in these hot lands, saints preserve us, the heathen are after a donnybrook with sons of the olde sod as well as ye highlander. meself was advised by a blocklish or two of a sad way the heathern were set upon ensaring a poor tim or two.

the heathen would be usin' a fair colleen to lure the poor lad to moro land, thinkin he was to meet his sweetie, then waylay the laddie and hold him for lucre, the way of the bastards, treacherous as a campbell, aye but that is the lay of it. so be careful ye who would venutre too deep in those devil sotted venues of cortobato, illigan or marawi, stay safe in the cradle east of those hellish places and pick yer joy junk from many the fair ones.

beware, scams and schemes abound as always, and many of the trulls are in league with law who are wayling the hagus eaters, this being the time of xmas and many a purse threadbare. make sure its a taxi of yer own choosin' not hers and if in doubt return her to the bar and report the episode to mamasan. just remember, he who holds the biggest wad of cash makes the rules.


regards

spamhog

[Robbaf]

I am not starting anything, just saying my opinion. I was in Olongapo for 30 day last April and I talked to a lot of store owners and locals and they seemed to not care about what happened, only how much money that I wanted to spend. I was never treated with any disrespect and every smile that I gave, I got in return.
I took a three day trip to Grande (sp) Island, off Subic Point and it was great. Only 3000P per night, with all food provided and a live band every night.
I also went into a lot of bars and never got anything but first class treatment. I just found out that I got a 6 month business trip (vacation) back to the PI and I am really happy to go again.
My point is: if you act like the ugly american (or ugly anything), you will be treated like one.

I also tell my 80 troops: Do not put yourself in a place where you can be charged with a crime. If you were not there, you cannot be accused of anything.

Stay safe,
Robb

[Cebu Local]

i was intrigued by the reports on "nicole" the alleged [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) victim being a hooker.here is what came out,the mom is an employee of the philippine navy working in the personnel department for the last 25 years,while the dad runs a canteen on the zamboanga naval base.nope,this does not look like a bolshevik family to me.she was educated in private school then was in subic looking for adventure.the mom has apparently spent over a million pesos of their own money for expenses like airfare,lawyers expenses etc.this is the result of savings from their small business and her salary.apparently they have turned down a multi million peso offer to drop the case.as to whether it was [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) or not,i have no idea whatsoever.but she is defenitely a middle class school girl on vacation from college,when this whole thing erupted.my source was a philippine navy lt commander assigned to the zamboanga naval station.he had eaten at the family canteen on several occasions and met the dad then."nicole "was present there at that time helping out

personally i dont believe it was a forced [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123),bur rather a girl from a conservative family getting dead drunk then waking up sober buck naked so screams [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) to rationalize what she did.but that is my personal opinion.but honey trap,hooker she defenitely was not,more like a girl who should have not be going to where she should not be.

[HenryV]

good analysis, based on the culture and all available info.



i was intrigued by the reports on "nicole" the alleged [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) victim being a hooker.here is what came out,the mom is an employee of the philippine navy working in the personnel department for the last 25 years,while the dad runs a canteen on the zamboanga naval base.nope,this does not look like a bolshevik family to me.she was educated in private school then was in subic looking for adventure.the mom has apparently spent over a million pesos of their own money for expenses like airfare,lawyers expenses etc.this is the result of savings from their small business and her salary.apparently they have turned down a multi million peso offer to drop the case.as to whether it was [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) or not,i have no idea whatsoever.but she is defenitely a middle class school girl on vacation from college,when this whole thing erupted.my source was a philippine navy lt commander assigned to the zamboanga naval station.he had eaten at the family canteen on several occasions and met the dad then."nicole "was present there at that time helping out

personally i dont believe it was a forced [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123),bur rather a girl from a conservative family getting dead drunk then waking up sober buck naked so screams [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) to rationalize what she did.but that is my personal opinion.but honey trap,hooker she defenitely was not,more like a girl who should have not be going to where she should not be.

[Bill Buxton]

I am sure we will never know what happened here.I want to say that everytime a U.S.ship comes into port here the gals empty out and hitch a ride to the base looking for pesonality!

I could care less where this guy was from all I want you dick heads to know is this is not a thing about any country but what can happen any night to anyone of us.If you don't like the U.S. turn your head but lets see what country gets the next hit and lets run our SUCKS about that.

OPINIONS ARE LIKE ASSHOLES EVERY ONE HAS ONE.

B.B...

[Bad Santa]

OPINIONS ARE LIKE ASSHOLES EVERY ONE HAS ONE.

B.B...


Yes, but some assholes are stinkier than others.......

BS

[Natik27]

spamhog,

i read your few reports from the jungle just today after being away for a long time from the board. wonderful report, and thanks for the insight to the tribal way of life, which is pretty similar to the interiors or most of india where i am from. not actually, but the motivations and way of thinking of the people seem the same.

just a bit of background on me: i am an on and off mongerer, done a bit of we and ee mongering in my early days (non-pro mostly), and then later in cuba and mexico when i was living in the states about 5 years ago. have been in india since then and was about to move to the philippines last year on a job offer which i sadly had to reject due to some differences with the employer. i made the biggest mistake of my life a couple of months back, getting married to an americanised indian girl (indian heritage but brought up in the us) after a very short courtship period of 3 months thinking that with her i could have my cake and eat it too. she was supposedly in love with me but turned to be no better than most aw you americans keep complaining about, thankfully, i realised soon enough and am weaving my way out of the marriage.

i guess my dad, who was my best friend as well, felt like how many of those of us who read your posts did, sympathy for these people and think of a way to help them permanently. it was his dream to build a biggish english-medium school for his village and the villages around in the interiors of northern india. he passed away sadly about 18 months back, leaving me a bit of money which i am using to start realising his dream, have already bought the land and the school building is coming along nicely at the moment. hope to get that finished soon before i move from here, though i have a partner in the trust setup who can manage it as well.

i completely agree with your viewpoint regarding how we should treat the poor girls/people who hustle you all the time decently despite their behaviour, they do always believe that the "rich folk" come from where the roads are paved with gold and have no idea about where they come from. however, i do believe that sometimes when they go a bit too far it is only fair that they get what they deserve. for example, i remember cebu local's story (i believe it was his) where he got drugged and almost robbed or something to that effect but got lucky, was able to come out of it unrep001hed. these kind of hustlers really do deserve a big kick in their backsides and something worse as well. we mongerers and the providers are doing something that by definition is illegal in most countries, but they really shouldn't try to take advantage of actually trying to rob us blind or worse try to physically harm us intentionally. i had an incident in an area in goa a couple of years ago where a girl and her pimp tried to rob me of my money, but luckily i could get out of it as well. i couldn’t find them later but would have loved to get them reported to the police and get them in some serious trouble. but other than that particular incident, i have always treated the girls decently although not let them hustle me, the biggest mistake most mongerers do make a lot of times. i must have too, but as long as i don’t know about it, i am happy.

by the way, i do have this fascination and attraction to filipinas and their culture ever since i had this filipina short term girlfriend about 4 years ago and have always at least wanted to come for a visit if not longer, hope i can make it soon. so thank you eveybody for contributing to this forum and making it even more interesting and educating and enticing me to get my butt over there real quick, thanks cebu local, spamhog, mahku, ilongo, xman, law, yi ren, can contrib, traveller 1234, se asia joe and all the other regular posters i am missing over here.

[Spam Hog]

Natik:

Thank you for the kind comments and observations, I've always been interested in India, I find it facinating and would love to visit it someday. Had a pure Indian GF when working in Singapore, older lady, kinda kinky but dont think a marriage would have worked out between us. One thing I have noticed about tribal societies is that they tend to get along AMONG THEMSELVES much better than with outsiders or RIVAL/TRIBES CLANS, in most cases you have to win their trust, being married to a female (or male) relative does not automatically guarantee one acceptance, they see what type of human being you are and how you treat people in general before they make a decision, remember these folks have been screwed around and screwed over by outsiders. STill they are very accomodating and hospitable. There are also subtle differences between tribal people in Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, maybe because of the relative factor or perhaps I've been in The Phils longer but it seems to me that Filipinos have stronger ties to each other, that is the key to understanding and getting along with them.

You are right about treating people with respect and a measure of dignity even if poor, have nots etc, BUT, I certainly do not advocate letting them walk all over you, the true hustlers in any situation will surface immediately, easy to deal with them, under no circumstances should you permit yourself to be out and out vicitmized or submit to violence, therefore important to recognize the warning or danger signs. The situations where I've had to fight my way out of something usually occurs in Urban areas and among the low lifes, hustlers and players, if one chooses to mix with that crowd, run about in Angeles, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta or Brooklyn NYC then one can expect the gamesters, con artists and the more dangerous cousins the predators to be in abundance.

You are in for an interesting experience with the Filipina, always remember to be polite and "gentlemanly" with them, even the bar queens. You are probably in less physical danger in your average Phils city than in the average US city.

Good Luck


Spamhog

[Natik27]

Hi Spam Hog,

You have made some very interesting comments about tribal societies and when I actually think about it in relation to my experiences, you are right. This is especially true when I compare the still tribal societies in certain areas of India to other societies that are currently more opened up, especially the ones in North India. Of course, here in India, where one has 15 “official” languages (can be used for government paperwork), more than a hundred unofficial ones and over 2000 dialects, end up just travelling 200 kms and not speaking the local language most of the times, it is tough to keep up with every religion, culture, their rituals or societal habits. And what does surprise me at times about India is what I learn on National Geographical or Travel n Living Channel programs, knowing that this vast country still has much for me to see and learn. :)

I completely understand and agree with your quotes regarding hustlers, con artists in major cities, and i find that true for most cities of the world to some extent or the other....and no worries here about travelling to the Philippines, coming from a third world country myself I have been in enough violence ridden areas myself and I am sure with my usual precautions, and the tid-bits one picks up here and there such as this site and its generous posters, I would be quite safe. I am just busy currently with certain projects that inhibit me from travelling for more than a weekend, however I definitely will make it someday, soon hopefully, to that lovely corner of the world.

In my previous post, maybe I was not clear enough, but I was referring to an ex-Filipino girlfriend of mine as to who got me attracted to their culture. However, I am confident I will be able to latch onto another one I have recently started conversations with here in Delhi who works for a major call centre and has been sent here on a exchange program with one of their branches in Manila. Now, if only I could get her to change her god-awful timings of getting off-work at 6 am to suit the American clock, then maybe we can meet up before the weekend. :)


Natik:

Thank you for the kind comments and observations, I've always been interested in India, I find it facinating and would love to visit it someday. Had a pure Indian GF when working in Singapore, older lady, kinda kinky but dont think a marriage would have worked out between us. One thing I have noticed about tribal societies is that they tend to get along AMONG THEMSELVES much better than with outsiders or RIVAL/TRIBES CLANS, in most cases you have to win their trust, being married to a female (or male) relative does not automatically guarantee one acceptance, they see what type of human being you are and how you treat people in general before they make a decision, remember these folks have been screwed around and screwed over by outsiders. STill they are very accomodating and hospitable. There are also subtle differences between tribal people in Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, maybe because of the relative factor or perhaps I've been in The Phils longer but it seems to me that Filipinos have stronger ties to each other, that is the key to understanding and getting along with them.

You are right about treating people with respect and a measure of dignity even if poor, have nots etc, BUT, I certainly do not advocate letting them walk all over you, the true hustlers in any situation will surface immediately, easy to deal with them, under no circumstances should you permit yourself to be out and out vicitmized or submit to violence, therefore important to recognize the warning or danger signs. The situations where I've had to fight my way out of something usually occurs in Urban areas and among the low lifes, hustlers and players, if one chooses to mix with that crowd, run about in Angeles, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta or Brooklyn NYC then one can expect the gamesters, con artists and the more dangerous cousins the predators to be in abundance.

You are in for an interesting experience with the Filipina, always remember to be polite and "gentlemanly" with them, even the bar queens. You are probably in less physical danger in your average Phils city than in the average US city.

Good Luck


Spamhog

[Starchild2012]

Spam..

I loved your reports and its my small contribution to you.

Never Ever come to India, In terms of finding a women or pussy.

Im from India and you can see my reports in the Indian forum, Its not what it looks like from outside.

India, is a deeply religious country and women are not allowed much freedom and are supressed in everyway they can be.

Women here are married at the age of 18 and 99 % of marriage here still are arranged.

If you have any plans to come to India..you will be sucked out of your energy and life and left oout wandering here for a women.

ofcourse, You can find women in Mumbai bars for a short term..BUT for relation..forget it..IT WILL NEVER EVER MATCH UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONs.

here sex is seen as some kind of crime and thats the reason..guys shag all there way to adulthood and when they get married...are soo frustated...bang and get 5 or 6 children in couple of years..no wonder we are 1 billion now.


In religion you have freedom, but not in social life..here you can curse a god and still love him..no one will ask you anything..but if you go outside the limits of society you will be barred from everything..

Guess, the social restrictions were necceassry for religious development.

On the positive side...india is a very peacefull country and if u walk alone at 2 am dead drunk in any part of the country there is a 99 percent chance you will survive..unless in Rio or new york or london..where u have 50 percent chance of survival. and here we are calculating with 1 billion in hand...just imagine if America was 1 billion..there will be a dead guy every second out there.

here people will cheat you left and right...in bars and taxis...BUT only YOUR money..THEY WILL NEVER EVER physically harm you.

and be carefull of the food and water you take....i previouslly used to hate tourist..who used to drink minerall water in front of us and say low about our water and food and everything.

Now i know they are correct....we are really an ignorent society and lot needs to be done ..in terms fo social awareness..

SPAM..my man..ITS A BIG DRAGG HEREEEEEEEE...ON EVERYTHING>>struggle..sturggle...

No matter how much you read on papers and see on TV..India still is the land of snake charmers and yogis and mystics around.

The whole of india is controlled by gurus and yogis....not my ministers and diplomats..though it may look like that from outside.

lot of people in india or indian would not like what i tell you and they will tell you otherwise.

thats just ignorance and not letting to get the world around.

As said..we are really a tribe..not yet able to mingle with other societies and share values.

Good Luck with your trip..You will find India facinating.

[Natik27]

I guess to each their own viewpoint. I would agree with Born Loser as far as mongering goes India is far from any country anyone would want to visit, but most of what else is mentioned about the country is as far away from the truth as I can see. The Indian forum is not very well maintained mainly due to a perception of a large online LE presence and the fact that most mongerer Indians generally do not look at the net for their resources. The reports I find in a couple of the city forums there are far from the truth about the situations available. Urban Indians such as me and a couple of other board members don't generally get involved in P4P situations anyways here, and the so-called freebies aren't as bad as they say in western countries. Infrastructure, politics and any other which way wise India is one of the better developing countries with a major difference between the urban and rural areas.

Again these are all my own opinions and not in any way meant to start a flame war or anything. And anyways, if Born Loser would like to to continue this, I suggest we take it to the India forum, this would be the last anyone would hear from me on this topic here.

[Ender]

As a proud New Yorker and ex-canadian I take offence newbie. New York for the last 10 years has been the safest city in the United States per capita. That makes it safer than 32 of the largest 50 cities in the world. You will also notice that countries like Belgium and Canada (where I grew like a weed) are technically more criminal than in the safest city of the country that I now call home. Come on guys not bad eh..?

ENDER

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004902.html

http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/crimjust/stats.htm#international




Spam..

I loved your reports and its my small contribution to you.

Never Ever come to India, In terms of finding a women or pussy.

Im from India and you can see my reports in the Indian forum, Its not what it looks like from outside.

India, is a deeply religious country and women are not allowed much freedom and are supressed in everyway they can be.

Women here are married at the age of 18 and 99 % of marriage here still are arranged.

If you have any plans to come to India..you will be sucked out of your energy and life and left oout wandering here for a women.

ofcourse, You can find women in Mumbai bars for a short term..BUT for relation..forget it..IT WILL NEVER EVER MATCH UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONs.

here sex is seen as some kind of crime and thats the reason..guys shag all there way to adulthood and when they get married...are soo frustated...bang and get 5 or 6 children in couple of years..no wonder we are 1 billion now.


In religion you have freedom, but not in social life..here you can curse a god and still love him..no one will ask you anything..but if you go outside the limits of society you will be barred from everything..

Guess, the social restrictions were necceassry for religious development.

On the positive side...india is a very peacefull country and if u walk alone at 2 am dead drunk in any part of the country there is a 99 percent chance you will survive..unless in Rio or new york or london..where u have 50 percent chance of survival. and here we are calculating with 1 billion in hand...just imagine if America was 1 billion..there will be a dead guy every second out there.

here people will cheat you left and right...in bars and taxis...BUT only YOUR money..THEY WILL NEVER EVER physically harm you.

and be carefull of the food and water you take....i previouslly used to hate tourist..who used to drink minerall water in front of us and say low about our water and food and everything.

Now i know they are correct....we are really an ignorent society and lot needs to be done ..in terms fo social awareness..

SPAM..my man..ITS A BIG DRAGG HEREEEEEEEE...ON EVERYTHING>>struggle..sturggle...

No matter how much you read on papers and see on TV..India still is the land of snake charmers and yogis and mystics around.

The whole of india is controlled by gurus and yogis....not my ministers and diplomats..though it may look like that from outside.

lot of people in india or indian would not like what i tell you and they will tell you otherwise.

thats just ignorance and not letting to get the world around.

As said..we are really a tribe..not yet able to mingle with other societies and share values.

Good Luck with your trip..You will find India facinating.

[Starchild2012]

I agree....when Juliani came ...he changed the face of the city..however, still there are some spots in the city where you don't wanna go alone like Bronx as a tourist. Well, anyway..tourist never go to these places. they circle around the usual spots.

I was just going through the las vegas reports in our sister site USAsexguide.info, as i was planning a trip there.

I was shocked that, people are actually getting murdered in the strip clubs by bouncers for not paying. There are 10's of reports in the las vegas section, how the strip clubs/bars over charge the patron and then break there bones.

Its not one off occurance, but it happens quite often and if you are alone and a tourist, you are in the hands of gods mercy to come alive. They will just rob you.

In Mumbai or Indian bars, i have never ever come across a news that a tourist has being killed for not paying the bill. it just does not happen here.

yeah..its not related to this thread..i have nothing against any city..but its the truth we all need to be equipped with, when we venture to a new destination.

I got lot of Information about cebu from this thread, and jumped on hearing about Indian venture from senours mongers here.

im sorry for any misintrepretations, please take all info in positive sense.

Thanks.

[Spam Hog]

Gentlemen, thank you for the heads up about mongering in India, but have no fear If I ever get there it will not be to monger but rather as a tourist and most likely with Mrs Spamhog, my fiesty little Filipina. Frankly I had my fill of Indian women in Singapore, dated one who was a widow, kinky, fun but geez the constant complaints, too damn annoying (no offense) tried a few in Geylang for the experience, (Big mistake).

Interesting that you should say that India is controlled by Yogi's, mystics and other Fakir's, so is the Philippines, they are called Arch Bishops. As you may be aware the Catholic Chruch controls this place and has the real power. Even *****houses have a shrine/cross etc. I wont get into the control the Imams have in Moroland but the movie "The Godfather" is a good facimile.

NYC reduced crime!!!! What a crock! Listen, Never beleive statistics, crimes are reclassified to reflect whatever the administration wants...remember 70% of all crimes go unreported. Unless things have changed drastically in the USA since March of 06, (last time I was in the US and got to check in with some of my former LE colleages) A FOREIGN TOURIST IS FAR MORE likely to be a victim of a crime than anyone else.

What does all this have to do with pussy???.My suggestion is dont go out on the Hunt in any MAJOR US city, the street hookers are ALL DRUG ADDICTS
working for PIMPS or protected by gangs who have no qualms about robbing, killing or otherwise ripping you off. Big difference from the Philippines where tourists are STATISTICALLY rarely the vicitms of violent crime.

Regards

Spamhog

[Dashing Don]

NYC reduced crime!!!! What a crock! Listen, Never beleive statistics, crimes are reclassified to reflect whatever the administration wants...remember 70% of all crimes go unreported. Unless things have changed drastically in the USA since March of 06, (last time I was in the US and got to check in with some of my former LE colleages) A FOREIGN TOURIST IS FAR MORE likely to be a victim of a crime than anyone else.

Spam, your advice is usually spot on, but this is an exception. NYC is very calm now and has been for over ten years. The sense of security is palpable: on the streets, in the parks, everywhere. I don't say that out of civic pride or anything like that, its just for us that live here, a walk in Central Park after dark is quite safe and has been for years. The bad years were the early eighties with the crack epidemic....a distant, ugly memory. There were 500+ murders in 2006 and I'd guess that most of them were in poor neighborhoods in Brooklyn and a fair number were drug related.

As far as mongering in NYC is concerned, the safest, cleanest and nicest experience is to be had at the Asian 'incall' places. They undress you, bathe you and fuck you all for $200, and they smile while they do it! Usually they are Korean places. Well run, secure and a great experience.

Don

[Yankee 617]

For anyone interested in learning the language(s) of the Philippines...

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Tagalog_mainpage.htm

I will also post this in the "General" thread.

[Artlicks123]

masterblaster hits this one correctly on the head. it was no honeytrap. the kid was on holiday and no she never made an x-rated movie, some other scum have made a movie called the "nicole [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123)" just proving that some people will try to make a quick buck in any part of the world!

the facts are she came up from zamboanga with another member of the us forces who is a family friend - got into the posiedon in subic with her sister and friends and was then plied with drinks by the accused. she was carted off semi-conscious over the shoulder of daniel smith into their van where he proceeded to have his way while she was almost unconscious and was then dumped shipside out of the van with her panties round her ankles and
smith's used condom sticking to them.

in other words a drunken idiot completely taking advantage of someone who was too drunk to speak while his mates looked on and cheered! and then dumped out the van like a piece of garbage...in the us that would be considered [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123), so why not in the philippines? to my mind all of them should have been locked up - too bad the judge played it cautious - smith for [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) and the others for doing nothing to stop a crime!

of course it rouses strong feelings here...it reminds filipinos of the kid who was shot at almost point-blank inside the grounds of the base whilst collecting scrap and the serviceman who said he shot him 'cos he thought it was a wild pig!

i know what i'm talking about i've got friends who know the girl. no angel she may have been, naive she may have been, but she never deserved to be treated like trash by trash!

[Artlicks123]

masterblaster hits this one correctly on the head. it was no honeytrap. the kid was on holiday and no she never made an x-rated movie, some other scum have made a movie called the "nicole [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123)" just proving that some people will try to make a quick buck in any part of the world!

the facts are she came up from zamboanga with another member of the us forces who is a family friend - got into the posiedon in subic with her sister and friends and was then plied with drinks by the accused. she was carted off semi-conscious over the shoulder of daniel smith into their van where he proceeded to have his way while she was almost unconscious and was then dumped shipside out of the van with her panties round her ankles and
smith's used condom sticking to them.

in other words a drunken idiot completely taking advantage of someone who was too drunk to speak while his mates looked on and cheered! and then dumped out the van like a piece of garbage. in the us that would be considered [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123), so why not in the philippines? to my mind all of them should have been locked up - too bad the judge played it cautious - smith for [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) and the others for doing nothing to stop a crime!

of course it rouses strong feelings here. it reminds filipinos of the kid who was shot at almost point-blank inside the grounds of the base whilst collecting scrap and the serviceman who said he shot him 'cos he thought it was a wild pig!

i know what i'm talking about i've got friends who know the girl. no angel she may have been, naive she may have been, but she never deserved to be treated like trash by trash!

[Columpuss]

Can anyone comfirm that the US mil cancelled some sort of join exercise wth the Phil. mil. because of the verdict?

If this is true then one must ask, what happened to Bush'es primary agenda on fighting terrorisism?

[Spam Hog]

Can anyone comfirm that the US mil cancelled some sort of join exercise wth the Phil. mil. because of the verdict?

If this is true then one must ask, what happened to Bush'es primary agenda on fighting terrorisism?


That is the latest word, oh they threatened to pull the plug completely but I think that is an idle threat, too much at stake here for that. However, the US military is working hard to screw itself over. Just tonight it was all over national news about this IDIOT master Sgt in Davao, drunk and started a fight with a filipino disc jokey over a bar girl. he was carrying a pistol which he has no license for and no right to do. So once again stupidity reigns. Msgt was assigned to the task force in Gen Santos and the news mentioned how he was on leave from the 'joint exercises' held there.

There is also some hard feeling towards the US again over this blasting of JanJalani and one of his chief henchmen last Sept (Abu Sayeef head). He was killed by Filipino Marines and they were told by someone on the US side(Wrongly) that they were elligible for the 5 Million reward. Now on National news that has been denied them as they are regular Army.


Regards


Spamhog

[Mugroso]

I frequently hear about guys who retire and live in the PI but what about working? What are the chances of that?

Mugroso

[Giannibella]

I think that who retire and go to live i PI don't want, maybe, have a job there, but just a lot af fun, possible every fuck days.


I frequently hear about guys who retire and live in the PI but what about working? What are the chances of that?

Mugroso

[Finrod]

I frequently hear about guys who retire and live in the PI but what about working? What are the chances of that?

Mugroso
For what the local jobs pay, why would you want to? And you couldn't even if you wanted to. Unless you marry a filipina or stay long enough to get a permanent resident status that would allow you to work.

You could start a business, but you would only be permitted to own 40% of it. So you would have to trust your wife/gf or find some other trustworthy filipinos to own the other 60%. Definitely not an easy thing to do. I won't elaborate, but this isn't the same business environment that you will find in your host country.

So the advice about having an offshore income plus retirement savings is still the most sound, tried and true way of staying in the PI. Sure there are people who come there to work or run a business and manage to succeed, but they are the exception, not the rule.

Remember the joke with some truth in it: the way to make a small fortune in the PI is to start with a large one.

[LoveAsianWhores]

[QUOTE=Finrod]You could start a business, but you would only be permitted to own 40% of it. So you would have to trust your wife/gf or find some other trustworthy filipinos to own the other 60%. Definitely not an easy thing to do. I won't elaborate, but this isn't the same business environment that you will find in your host country.[
QUOTE]Expats that start a business in the Philippines generally do so under a Hong Kong corporation. A couple of thousand USD on the Hong Kong side, plus another $1000 or so in the Philippines. Very straight forward and a common arrangement. You can then own 100% of the business. A lawyer on each side can do everything for you. Once setup, a good secretary (about $200 per month) can handle all of the ongoing requirements.

[Spam Hog]

If you want to go somewhere to run a business go to Singapore, nobody comes to the PI to start a business, if they do they fail or break even at best.
You need an income to survive here, not much of one but one as a steady source to be sure. I have worked in Asia mostly as a hired consultant but I had a few things I started up, one busienss was in Thailand and more of a hobby than anything. Since I have been living here I have noticed not just westerners are at a disadvantage here, anybody not a filipino and not part of the priveliged few can forget it.

Yes you can have a business through your wife but it isn't going to make much money, I know of beauty parlors, resturaunts, eateries and internet cafe's, all of which are kept floating month to month by a retirement income from the husband. My wife lends or pawns rice fields, it brings in some cash but it is mostly something for her to do. I had a gym once in Davao but didn;t make any money at it, but then again I wasn't trying to.

Suggestion, if you have some money to invest, put it in the US stock market, do a little day trading (night trading here due to time difference). You will make more money that way than sinking it into a doomed enterprise here.

regards

Spamhog

[Bill Buxton]

If you want to go somewhere to run a business go to Singapore, nobody comes to the PI to start a business, if they do they fail or break even at best.
You need an income to survive here, not much of one but one as a steady source to be sure. I have worked in Asia mostly as a hired consultant but I had a few things I started up, one busienss was in Thailand and more of a hobby than anything. Since I have been living here I have noticed not just westerners are at a disadvantage here, anybody not a filipino and not part of the priveliged few can forget it.

Yes you can have a business through your wife but it isn't going to make much money, I know of beauty parlors, resturaunts, eateries and internet cafe's, all of which are kept floating month to month by a retirement income from the husband. My wife lends or pawns rice fields, it brings in some cash but it is mostly something for her to do. I had a gym once in Davao but didn;t make any money at it, but then again I wasn't trying to.

Suggestion, if you have some money to invest, put it in the US stock market, do a little day trading (night trading here due to time difference). You will make more money that way than sinking it into a doomed enterprise here.

regards

SpamhogMost people have a BIZ here for a place to hang and waste away there time never making a dime.When you are talking money lets not talk about just paying the food bill or the rent at 200 dollars a month please.I AM talking about "MONEY, POUNDS,EURO'S DOLLARS SURELY NOT THE PESO" The BAR trade is not any home run unless your thing is trying out the new talent before they sign on. The way to survive is money in the bank AT HOME NOT HERE. Its hard to put a new business twist into action here. The only twist will be you into the ground. And also, never think you are smarter than the drunken slob sitting beside you when it comes to a business idea here. Could be he had a pile of cash at one time, great plan, and a sober head, but he started his plan here! Now all he has left is B.ODOR, bad breath, and some fond memories of what he had before.

Try this on for size.Tell a guy you know "a local BIZ GUY" you wish you could find a friend here that could hook you up with your biz idea. "MUCH BETTER A LOCAL WHY BEAT UP A FOREIGNER WE ALL GOT OUR HANDS FULL ALREADY"You would start out and give many good jobs and there is a chance for global networking.Set the hook,and watch the guy go and run with the ball himself.Yes,that meens cutting you out 100% and he thinks he will do what you told him all alone.I have seen the act,and watched many go through the motions and never get to first base.Talks cheep,costs money to buy rum.This is not a cheep trick just a fast way to see who is your so called newist friend.Beleave me you will have many.I have never seen a place that breeds so many stupid people handeling cash.Most would never listen to anyone selling them anything at home.They get on the ground here and BAM!! they gotta get in, or get over on a plan.Could be it's something in the water ha?

Much better to sit back relax and watch the wanna bees run around and never get ahead.

Make yhe money home, keep it at home, and stay here and enjoy.

B. B.

[LoveAsianWhores]

I always read these posts regarding doing business in the Philippines that are very negative. Things like "you will lose your shirt" or "only connected Filipinos can make money". There are many expats who fail at business here, and many that do exceedingly well. I don't know what percentage fail, or what percentage succeed, but I personally know many of both types. If you are smart and know the business you are getting into, you can do very well. As is the case anywhere in the world, you will generally do well in business that you are experienced in.coming here and trying to start a business that you have no experience in will generally fail. You are competing with people with experience. No rocket science here. But morons do it every day. Like the guy I was chatting with in LA cafe the other day. He was looking to start a business in the Philippines. But his only experiance for the past 10 years was managing a gas station in Germany. Now, unless you have a couple of million $$ to start your own gas distribution business, what the fuck are you thinking! My condo is in one of the nicer buildings in Makati. 60% of the tennants/owners here are foreigners. Many are Asians that don't speak a word of tagalog but make a fortune doing every type of business THEY ARE GOOD AT. I have never noticed any significant disadvantage in doing business as a foreigner here. Maybe I am missing somegthing, but I find it a great place to do business.

[X Man]

LoveAsianWh,

Well written. If you can find the time can you do a write up on purchasing a condo and the arrangements one might make to rent it out. Yellaman once mentioned purchasing as well, so I'd like to hear from him.

And has anyone boinked the lovely Julie at the agency condomillion?

Lastly, I agree with a previous poster that LA CAFE women are HIDEOUS (see pics). It's not worth a visit. Go to Pattaya instead.

X Man


I always read these posts regarding doing business in the Philippines that are very negative. Things like "you will lose your shirt" or "only connected Filipinos can make money". There are many expats who fail at business here, and many that do exceedingly well. I don't know what percentage fail, or what percentage succeed, but I personally know many of both types. If you are smart and know the business you are getting into, you can do very well. As is the case anywhere in the world, you will generally do well in business that you are experienced in.coming here and trying to start a business that you have no experience in will generally fail. You are competing with people with experience. No rocket science here. But morons do it every day. Like the guy I was chatting with in LA cafe the other day. He was looking to start a business in the Philippines. But his only experiance for the past 10 years was managing a gas station in Germany. Now, unless you have a couple of million $$ to start your own gas distribution business, what the fuck are you thinking! My condo is in one of the nicer buildings in Makati. 60% of the tennants/owners here are foreigners. Many are Asians that don't speak a word of tagalog but make a fortune doing every type of business THEY ARE GOOD AT. I have never noticed any significant disadvantage in doing business as a foreigner here. Maybe I am missing somegthing, but I find it a great place to do business.

[Spam Hog]

I always read these posts regarding doing business in the Philippines that are very negative. Things like "you will lose your shirt" or "only connected Filipinos can make money". There are many expats who fail at business here, and many that do exceedingly well. I don't know what percentage fail, or what percentage succeed, but I personally know many of both types. If you are smart and know the business you are getting into, you can do very well. As is the case anywhere in the world, you will generally do well in business that you are experienced in.coming here and trying to start a business that you have no experience in will generally fail. You are competing with people with experience. No rocket science here. But morons do it every day. Like the guy I was chatting with in LA cafe the other day. He was looking to start a business in the Philippines. But his only experiance for the past 10 years was managing a gas station in Germany. Now, unless you have a couple of million $$ to start your own gas distribution business, what the fuck are you thinking! My condo is in one of the nicer buildings in Makati. 60% of the tennants/owners here are foreigners. Many are Asians that don't speak a word of tagalog but make a fortune doing every type of business THEY ARE GOOD AT. I have never noticed any significant disadvantage in doing business as a foreigner here. Maybe I am missing somegthing, but I find it a great place to do business.


Yes most Asians are good at doing business, best in the world IMHO, but remember they tend to POOL their money and form powerful "cohongs" financed by some big money probably into the millions you are comparing to the guy in Germany who is coming here with his savings etc, so it is hard to miss with that kind of capital.

Then again you have to account for the "fishy" type of business I know being run here, a lot of it is off shore money laundering as the PI is to Asia what Belize and the Caymans are to the western world (drug money).

The Korean syndicates who stuff money in"businesses" here dont worry about failure as they have a constant source of supply from "back home".

Neither does the Yakuza, who are legendary in their generosity to local officials, the Chinese "shabu" manufacturers also must have a place to launder their illicit gains. we won't even get into the Middle east demons and their financing of various terrorist cells.

Interesting to note that Filipino bad guys (and not so bad guys) favor investing money in the US,(real estate) or they did before things got tough.

But I still maintain the average guy no matter where he is from is at a disadvantage, common sense would tell you that you dont run a business in one of the poorest countries in the world and expect to get rich.

Spamhog

[Pete The Beat]

LoveAsianWh,

Lastly, I agree with a previous poster that LA CAFE women are HIDEOUS (see pics). It's not worth a visit. Go to Pattaya instead.

X Man

Hehehehehe yep really HIDEOUS - especially the last one!! - almost, but not quite, enough to turn me off the LA Cafe!

Funny guy
Cheers
Pete

[LoveAsianWhores]

But I still maintain the average guy no matter where he is from is at a disadvantage, common sense would tell you that you dont run a business in one of the poorest countries in the world and expect to get rich.

SpamhogThis maybe one of the poorest countries in the world, but the current growth rate is around 4. 5%, which is double the USA. In addition there is a growing middle class. Maybe small based on the population, but still large enough to sustain a good business venture. Now, I am not saying that it easy to make money here in business, but just that is no more difficult than in the US. I just think that all of those failures that both us know in this country were due to the fact that they entered a business out here that they knew nothing about. Let me give you a text that I received a couple of days ago from a very good friend out here: "you know xxxxx I am so depressed of late. I just don't know what to do anymore. Not used to living this lifestyle anymore. I feel like a big loser and I even puked last night because how everything is going your the only person I can really talk to I just hate myself of late ". This is a guy who has lived here 7 years (doesn't use this board, I hope) and had tried, and failed at several business: a bar, an arcade, export, etc etc. But this is someone who worked in salaried construction back in the US. Not a business person by any stretch. Yes, he keeps failing out here, but I am quite sure he would fail in the US as well.compare him to several friends I have out here who suceeded in their business ventures right out of the bat. This is country where most people are just not that smart and have very little, if any capital. If you are smart, have business experience, and some money (At least 100K USD, preferably 200K) you should do very well out here. Let me give you some examples of people who fail out here those who suceed.

1) Export: If you have familarity with brokerage, letters of credit, inventory control, accounting, etc, and have a good product to export, you can do very well. But If your idea of export is selling local handicrafts on Ebay, well, that isn't even an idea.

2) Bar/restaurant: If you have a couple of years experience with the various difficulties of running a restaurant including promotions, service, fixtures, sanitation, scheduling etc, western style restaurants do VERY well out here. But if you plan on opening up some shack, filling the place with cute waitresses, and selling pancit, you need to be happy with living on 200P a day in profit.

3) Francising: The Philipines has a higher success rate for foreign franchises than the US. Many foreign companies are actively looking for people, local or foreign, to run one their stores in the Philippines. Experience is not required, but a good business sense and capital is a MUST.

3) IT outsourcing: If you have experince in IT project management or some IT consulting experience, have a strong customer base in the US, and know IT systems inside and out, there is a huge and growning market for the outsourcing of local IT skills to US customers. The Philippines in only behind India for that market. But If don't know what a SQL server does and figure you can just hire a bunch of local IT guys and outsource them, think again.

4) E commerce. If you know how to develop a website, handle merchant accounts, automated order processing, and are selling a product/service that you have in depth knowledge of, the Philippines is FANTASTIC. Lots of cheap local talent, and if you do it right, you won't owe a penny of tax to anyone. Trust me, I am quite knowlegeable about this area. But if your idea of a website is a page on Myspace, you may have trouble paying for the $40 a month DSL connection.

Also, if the idea of flying to Hong Kong and meeting with an attorney to start a corporation is run of mill, excellent. If it seems daunting, just stay home. A foreign corporation is the only practical way for most foreigners to start a business here.

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. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[X Man]

The last one? You want more of that ugly duck from LA cafe? That pic is over a year old.

Funny thing is just last month she walked right by me, and into the hotel I was staying at. She was with another woman who had a child with her.

I didn't fully realize who she was until we had passed eachother. She never made eye contact with me because whe was with a friend. I was tempted to turn around, follow and get in the elevator with her. I didn't.

Over on the Manila thread there is talk about what a dump LA Cafe is. I can't help but suspect some of the Makati and EDSA bar owners and their friends have an agenda.

X



Hehehehehe yep really HIDEOUS - especially the last one!! - almost, but not quite, enough to turn me off the LA Cafe!

Funny guy
Cheers
Pete

[Fastpiston]

This maybe one of the poorest countries in the world, but the current growth rate is around 4. 5%, which is double the USA. In addition there is a growing middle class. Maybe small based on the population, but still large enough to sustain a good business venture. Now, I am not saying that it easy to make money here in business, but just that is no more difficult than in the US. I just think that all of those failures that both us know in this country were due to the fact that they entered a business out here that they knew nothing about. Let me give you a text that I received a couple of days ago from a very good friend out here: "you know xxxxx I am so depressed of late. I just don't know what to do anymore. Not used to living this lifestyle anymore. I feel like a big loser and I even puked last night because how everything is going your the only person I can really talk to I just hate myself of late ". This is a guy who has lived here 7 years (doesn't use this board, I hope) and had tried, and failed at several business: a bar, an arcade, export, etc etc. But this is someone who worked in salaried construction back in the US. Not a business person by any stretch. Yes, he keeps failing out here, but I am quite sure he would fail in the US as well.compare him to several friends I have out here who suceeded in their business ventures right out of the bat. This is country where most people are just not that smart and have very little, if any capital. If you are smart, have business experience, and some money (At least 100K USD, preferably 200K) you should do very well out here. Let me give you some examples of people who fail out here those who suceed.

1) Export: If you have familarity with brokerage, letters of credit, inventory control, accounting, etc, and have a good product to export, you can do very well. But If your idea of export is selling local handicrafts on Ebay, well, that isn't even an idea.

2) Bar/restaurant: If you have a couple of years experience with the various difficulties of running a restaurant including promotions, service, fixtures, sanitation, scheduling etc, western style restaurants do VERY well out here. But if you plan on opening up some shack, filling the place with cute waitresses, and selling pancit, you need to be happy with living on 200P a day in profit.

3) Francising: The Philipines has a higher success rate for foreign franchises than the US. Many foreign companies are actively looking for people, local or foreign, to run one their stores in the Philippines. Experience is not required, but a good business sense and capital is a MUST.

3) IT outsourcing: If you have experince in IT project management or some IT consulting experience, have a strong customer base in the US, and know IT systems inside and out, there is a huge and growning market for the outsourcing of local IT skills to US customers. The Philippines in only behind India for that market. But If don't know what a SQL server does and figure you can just hire a bunch of local IT guys and outsource them, think again.

4) E commerce. If you know how to develop a website, handle merchant accounts, automated order processing, and are selling a product/service that you have in depth knowledge of, the Philippines is FANTASTIC. Lots of cheap local talent, and if you do it right, you won't owe a penny of tax to anyone. Trust me, I am quite knowlegeable about this area. But if your idea of a website is a page on Myspace, you may have trouble paying for the $40 a month DSL connection.

Also, if the idea of flying to Hong Kong and meeting with an attorney to start a corporation is run of mill, excellent. If it seems daunting, just stay home. A foreign corporation is the only practical way for most foreigners to start a business here.

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. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

The posting is well written and makes some very good points. Balanced against the good points is the fact one still faces a strong headwind in a country where there is little spare cash. On the manufacturing side, electricity costs (same as in Europe) and militant labor unions also add to the headwind. When considering investing, one would be advised to also look at Thailand, Vietnam and PRC.

[LoveAsianWhores]

The posting is well written and makes some very good points. Balanced against the good points is the fact one still faces a strong headwind in a country where there is little spare cash. On the manufacturing side, electricity costs (same as in Europe) and militant labor unions also add to the headwind. When considering investing, one would be advised to also look at Thailand, Vietnam and PRC.Absolutely. The only reason to consider investing in this country is if you happen to also want to live here. If you have some spare cash and do not have a preference on where to live, the Philippines would certainly not be the top choice for SE Asia. In fact, I can't think of anyone ever telling me that they searched the world and figured the Phillipines was the best place to start a business. But plenty of people have told me that they needed Filipina pussy on a daily basis, so necessity forced them to figure out how to make money.

[Spam Hog]

Absolutely. The only reason to consider investing in this country is if you happen to also want to live here. If you have some spare cash and do not have a preference on where to live, the Philippines would certainly not be the top choice for SE Asia. In fact, I can't think of anyone ever telling me that they searched the world and figured the Phillipines was the best place to start a business. But plenty of people have told me that they needed Filipina pussy on a daily basis, so necessity forced them to figure out how to make money.


Some very good points LAW, however you are reinforcing my position that businesses in Phils is a losing proposition, incompetance and lack of businesses sense is another reason why people fail, you need both to succeed here AS THE ODDS ARE STACKED AGAINST YOU.

INVESTING: It depends on what you are talking about here, Personally, if you live here or if you don't the only investing one should consider is the Philippine stock market. I have tried many times to invest in the Philippines stock/currency market, going through a broker opening an account etc. One can do this in most countries quite easily, I have accounts in TD waterhouse (Singapore) and Others in the USA, easily managed by computer, here you got to stay on the phone with the broker, the Bank holds the certificates etc, 1950's style. Plus you have to get a business license therefore a work pemit (so say the brokerage companies I checked) Now any system which makes it that damn hard to open an account when you are talking about half a millions pesos in cash should tell you something.

I find it much easier to go through my Stateside (or singaporean broker) to buy Phils stocks traded on wall street vs Manila brokerage firms.

The story you quote about the seven year man is typical.

This is the gist of what I am trying to point out, The average Joe comes here and thinks as he has a "lot of money" and a degree or many years earning in the US he can make it anywhere. Unfortunately one of the first fantasies the guy has is:

"I Want a bar filled with cute waitresses and BG's I can bang anytime I want and all the liquor I can drink."

That fantasy lasts five minutes in the face of reality. Yet no matter how much we warn the unwary they still try.

Case in point:

Guy from USA, X commercial fisherman comes to the PI (I wont say what city but NOT Manila or AC) his fantasy is to open a bar with GRO's. OK, so he does it, some hole in the wall, fills it with liquor and pussy and sits there all day drinking, his ass is so big it droops over the bar stool he sits on. I checked out the place just for laughs, When I walked in, he was face down on the bar, drunk at one in the afternoon, his employee's are busy stealing everything they can and the BG's give him a freebie BJ once in awhile to keep the thing going.

Now this fool is going to die in about a year if he keeps this shit up, but before he does I gaurentee you he will die broke.

Anyhow, that is the stupidity I am trying to discourage here, most people on this board (and those who never heard of it) come asking are thinking about small time operations with their "life savings" or financed with a monthly pension, for whatever reason, they are like to fail, AND I AGREE 100% that incompetence is a primary reason.

Regards

Spamhog

[Fastpiston]

Some very good points LAW, however you are reinforcing my position that businesses in Phils is a losing proposition, incompetance and lack of businesses sense is another reason why people fail, you need both to succeed here AS THE ODDS ARE STACKED AGAINST YOU.

INVESTING: It depends on what you are talking about here, Personally, if you live here or if you don't the only investing one should consider is the Philippine stock market. I have tried many times to invest in the Philippines stock/currency market, going through a broker opening an account etc. One can do this in most countries quite easily, I have accounts in TD waterhouse (Singapore) and Others in the USA, easily managed by computer, here you got to stay on the phone with the broker, the Bank holds the certificates etc, 1950's style. Plus you have to get a business license therefore a work pemit (so say the brokerage companies I checked) Now any system which makes it that damn hard to open an account when you are talking about half a millions pesos in cash should tell you something.

I find it much easier to go through my Stateside (or singaporean broker) to buy Phils stocks traded on wall street vs Manila brokerage firms.

The story you quote about the seven year man is typical.

This is the gist of what I am trying to point out, The average Joe comes here and thinks as he has a "lot of money" and a degree or many years earning in the US he can make it anywhere. Unfortunately one of the first fantasies the guy has is:

"I Want a bar filled with cute waitresses and BG's I can bang anytime I want and all the liquor I can drink."

That fantasy lasts five minutes in the face of reality. Yet no matter how much we warn the unwary they still try.

Case in point:

Guy from USA, X commercial fisherman comes to the PI (I wont say what city but NOT Manila or AC) his fantasy is to open a bar with GRO's. OK, so he does it, some hole in the wall, fills it with liquor and pussy and sits there all day drinking, his ass is so big it droops over the bar stool he sits on. I checked out the place just for laughs, When I walked in, he was face down on the bar, drunk at one in the afternoon, his employee's are busy stealing everything they can and the BG's give him a freebie BJ once in awhile to keep the thing going.

Now this fool is going to die in about a year if he keeps this shit up, but before he does I gaurentee you he will die broke.

Anyhow, that is the stupidity I am trying to discourage here, most people on this board (and those who never heard of it) come asking are thinking about small time operations with their "life savings" or financed with a monthly pension, for whatever reason, they are like to fail, AND I AGREE 100% that incompetence is a primary reason.

Regards

Spamhog

SH, interesting that this misconception of 'investing' also exists in Costa Rica where pussy is cheap and Joes go down there on an 'investment' fantasy.
At the minimum, LIVE in the Philippines at least 3-4 years and research before putting a dollar into 'investments'.
I agree on the Phils stock market. One then has to ask, if investing in stocks, does Phils market offer the best potential return globally? Maybe best to invest in stocks / market with greatest potential anywhere in the world, and live in Phils off proceeds?

[Spam Hog]

Fastpiston I beleive you are correct, Perhasps Costa Rica attracts its share of would be's but Also Thailand, once again it seems that the higher the poon count in a given 3rd world country the higher the rate of retired guys who want to live there and "run a business" in it that is doomed to failure. It seems like the "Bar" fantasy is the most prevelant, at least when I lived in LOS. But you cant blame guys for trying, I mean it all boils down to being close to all this pussy and being able to pay for it!

Anyhow, one should invest in sound, STABLE, companies. Note I say stable as economic stabliity (as well as POLITICAL STABILITY) is the primary ingredient before you fork over the money.

There are some good Filipino stocks that are owned by the countries richest
people and are unlikely to fail unless the Govt is overthrown and we have to quote Chairman Mao or face Mecca and pray five times a day. But either is unlikely. So if you can buy some stock in San Miguel, Ayala land and Union cement and of course PLDT, Good returns. If you want some other GLOBAL
stocks or some traded on wall street that invest in Phils and other Pacific rim countries give me a PM.

No Im not a broker but I do supplement my retirement by earning a few bucks
in the market and of course I spend it here.

regards
Spamhog

[LoveAsianWhores]

One more caveat. When you invest in the Philippines, you are investing in Pesos, which is a controlled currency. If you take out your investment/sell your business/sell you condo, it can be quite difficult to get your pesos changed back into USD or any other foreign currency. The paperwork and hassles can be daunting, even with a lawyer, and you will likely end up changing your money in the black market, or more likely, through friends and associates you have met. However, nobody will give you the official rate since it is illegal, and nobody likes dealing with large amounts of cash for obvious reasons. Just to clarify, I am quite negative about investing here. I was just trying to make the point that if you want to live here and have the requisite skills, there are plenty of opportunities to make money.

[Captain America]

LAW,
not ure what you mean by that. It usually means that the exchange rate is fixed, as in the UAE Dirham for example. PHP is a fluctuating exchange rate set by the market. Can you explain your meaning?
CA

[Blunderer]

folks,

i am looking at doing an extended stay in the philippines (several months to a year) but am a bit worried about getting a good high speed internet connection. i will be travelling around, so it is going to be an ongoing issue.

i'd be wanting to leave the laptop connected overnight for pulling down some big bits of data.

now, my phone is capable of hsdpa or utms although i have never used either. i am trying (with little success) to work out if there are networks in the phils that provide these services. they should provide internet connectivity at at least 1mbit/sec (although, i think hsdpa goes all the way up to about 15mbit/sec - if the network supports it).

have any of you guys tried high speed internet access through your mobiles in the phils? if so, what sort of download speeds do you get (in kb/sec), what is the coverage like, cost etc.

i have had a look at smart's website and can't seem to find what i am looking for, although, there are news articles on a few uk sites about how smart have been the first to roll out hsdpa.

failing the mobile idea, how hard is it going to be to get rooms with wireless/wired high speed internet access all the time while trying to maintain a modest budget (50k pcm ish)?

many thanks,

blunderer.

[Darth Sushi]

folks,

i am looking at doing an extended stay in the philippines (several months to a year) but am a bit worried about getting a good high speed internet connection. i will be travelling around, so it is going to be an ongoing issue.

i'd be wanting to leave the laptop connected overnight for pulling down some big bits of data.

now, my phone is capable of hsdpa or utms although i have never used either. i am trying (with little success) to work out if there are networks in the phils that provide these services. they should provide internet connectivity at at least 1mbit/sec (although, i think hsdpa goes all the way up to about 15mbit/sec - if the network supports it).

have any of you guys tried high speed internet access through your mobiles in the phils? if so, what sort of download speeds do you get (in kb/sec), what is the coverage like, cost etc.

i have had a look at smart's website and can't seem to find what i am looking for, although, there are news articles on a few uk sites about how smart have been the first to roll out hsdpa.

failing the mobile idea, how hard is it going to be to get rooms with wireless/wired high speed internet access all the time while trying to maintain a modest budget (50k pcm ish)?

many thanks,

blunderer.both smart and globe are the big mobile carriers. when i inquired about 3g-hsdpa, globe wanted a 2 year contract plus some strange promise to pay paperwork from your embassy even if you pay the entire amount in advance so i balked. i could not get reliable info from an actual hsdpa user. personally, with cellphones, i've experienced better coverage with smart when you leave the big cities (i've tried both). but keep in mind smart just demonstrated hsdpa january of 2007. my gut feeling is it's a work in progress. i know it's not a direct answer but perhaps it will be useful.

[Captain America]

blunderer, even if you could make that hspda wor, wouldn't you think the connection cost alone would exceed your budget? i know it?s a killer for my service and i only sync a couple of times a day and at much lower datat rates.
the only way i see you getting high speed access and maintain a 50k/mo budget is to hook your laptop up in an internet cafés. just the hotel charges for 30 days would be more than 50k. fortunately, almost every internet café lets you hook up your own laptop, either wired or via 802.11b or g
ca
p.s. better turn all your firewalls on and make sure your anti-spyware stuff is up to date.

[LoveAsianWhores]

LAW,

not ure what you mean by that. It usually means that the exchange rate is fixed, as in the UAE Dirham for example. PHP is a fluctuating exchange rate set by the market. Can you explain your meaning?

CAPesos cannot be changed into foreign currency without permission from the government. A tourist will never notice it as there are exceptions for departing tourists and the money exchangers will exchange small amounts without issue (you are technically required to show them the receipt you received when you bought the pesos, but in practice, they will rarely ask for it). The problems arrise when you have lived here for several years, obtained sizable Philippine assets which are sold for pesos, and want to repatriate your money (for a foreign investment or emmigration out of the country). Banks will require a document issued by the government (DTI or bureau of customs, I forget which one) before they will change the pesos for you. To get approval, you must show them where the money came from. If the money to buy the condo, for example, came from outside the country, then fine. If it came from earnings from the Philippines, they may not grant approval. Either way, a hassle. If you need to change $50, 000, you should be able to get that done easily enough as there are plenty of expats you should know that buy lots of pesos and will be happy to change the money for a good rate. But if you sold your condo and a business and now have $500, 000, it is obviously going to be more difficult.

I have one large investment in the Philippines, and one of the reasons I have been hesitent to buy a condo is because of this control (9. 5% interest rates are a bigger concern however).

[LoveAsianWhores]

Both Smart and Globe are the big mobile carriers. When I inquired about 3G-HSDPA, Globe wanted a 2 year contract plus some strange promise to pay paperwork from your embassy even if you pay the entire amount in advance so I balked. I could not get reliable info from an actual HSDPA user. Personally, with cellphones, I've experienced better coverage with Smart when you leave the big cities (I've tried both). But keep in mind Smart just demonstrated HSDPA January of 2007. My gut feeling is it's a work in progress. I know it's not a direct answer but perhaps it will be useful.I use Globe HSDPA. It is 2,000P month, unlimited useage, for a two year contract. I connect at 3mps, but in practice, I get about 800kbs downstream. This is slightly better then my Globe DSL. Considering that they issue a USB device, you can set your PC up as an internet gateway and share it with your whole house, as well as plugging it into your laptop when you are on the road. A very good deal considering what unlimited HSDPA costs in the west.

Smart offers their weroam service, offered in partnership with PLDT. Sure, you MIGHT get better coverage, but you will be dealing with PLDT. As soon as the salesrep at Smart told me to apply over at PLDT, I headed straight to Globe. My experiences with PLDT have been completely negative, the opposite being true with Globe. Just walk into a filthy PLDT office, with their retarded employees, and then walk into a sparkling Globe office, with their college educated employees, and you will see what I mean. And don't you find it funny that smart are selling a wireless internet service, but never thought about even mentioning it on their webiste???? Yes, that is how fucked up PLDT/smart is.

As a foreigner, there will be some extra requirement, but you should have no problem getting around it (and you can be sure the PLDT requirement will be worse, and the employee less flexible). As I remember it, I just typed up some fake document on my PC, which they accepted without issue.

[Miao28]

My friend will be locating to Manila with his family in the coming months and he wonders how to get a maid for his household. Basically he wants someone to cook, clean and look after his two children.

What is the basic pay for a maid and how many maids would one usually employ for a family of four, consisting of hubby, wife and two children who are teenagers? Does anyone know of any reputable agency that one would strongly recommend and are the maids live in or live out?

[Spam Hog]

My friend will be locating to Manila with his family in the coming months and he wonders how to get a maid for his household. Basically he wants someone to cook, clean and look after his two children.

What is the basic pay for a maid and how many maids would one usually employ for a family of four, consisting of hubby, wife and two children who are teenagers? Does anyone know of any reputable agency that one would strongly recommend and are the maids live in or live out?


Maids are readily available in the Philippines, sounds like he needs to hire a "Catulong" or general helper. Take my advise, tell him to hire an OLDER
woman, never, ever under any circumstances hire a young pretty one. You will have problems with the BF or whatever assorted males happen to be around, this means trouble as this is how burglars work, ingratiate themselves with a love starved maid working for a foreigner and then get in the house when you are not there. The young cute ones can also falsely accuse you of fooling around and threaten a complaint unless you pay up.

You would be wise to check with one of the many certified agencies that employ such persons. You can expect to pay a little more for that, I'm guessing that in Manila perhaps P5000 a month for a "live in" maid, (you have to give her a room and feed her), maybe more for one who lives out. The agency gets a piece of it. In the provinces domestics usually get P1000 to P1200 a month and room and board, Expect to give them Sunday off.

I dont like servants, too much of an intrusion on my privacy but my wife insists on having them, so I have an older lady(Shes fat and ugly at my insistance) who comes by to do the cleaning etc. I tolerate it as long as she goes home at night. Some Filipino familys have a whole retinue of helpers as a status symbol, a maid, a nanny,a cook, a driver (male) I would never be able to stand that many people or have a desire to referee their differences. Try to convince your friend he needs as few people as possible.

One last thing, if she is to cook, you are likely going to have to teach her how to use an oven, a microwave and how to cook western food.

Good Luck

Spamhog

[Blunderer]

i use globe hsdpa. it is 2,000p month, unlimited useage, for a two year contract. i connect at 3mps, but in practice, i get about 800kbs downstream. this is slightly better then my globe dsl. considering that they issue a usb device, you can set your pc up as an internet gateway and share it with your whole house, as well as plugging it into your laptop when you are on the road. a very good deal considering what unlimited hsdpa costs in the west.


law, thanks for that - truly excellent news, just what i was after. now i just need to see if they'll do a shorter contract. as i said i already have the handset, so we'll see what happens i guess. do they block (or try to block) anything? i am thinking of mainly skype (and similar technologies) as well as peer to peer (bit torrent)?



blunderer, even if you could make that hspda wor, wouldn't you think the connection cost alone would exceed your budget? i know it?s a killer for my service and i only sync a couple of times a day and at much lower datat rates.

thanks for the response ca. i was hoping with fingers and toes crossed there'd be cheap all you can eat startup deals like they did in malaysia and indonesia a while back for gprs. malaysia was rm80 ($23ish) a month which was nice. can't remember what indo was, but seem to remember it was cheap. in the uk the prices are extortionate, but for some reason (probably because they are not trying to offset the investment they made in a wired infrastructure - wireless is orders of magnitude cheaper to roll out, despite what your mobile phone bill would have you believe). 2000p a month would be ok for me, even 4000p a month would be something i'd be willing to swallow.

thanks also to darth sushi for his response.

if anyone has any more info or has managed to strike any shorter term deals (i'll sign up for 2 years if i have to and just burn a year, but 1 would be nicer) i'd be delighted to hear of them.

blunderer.

[LoveAsianWhores]

law, thanks for that - truly excellent news, just what i was after. now i just need to see if they'll do a shorter contract. as i said i already have the handset, so we'll see what happens i guess. do they block (or try to block) anything? i am thinking of mainly skype (and similar technologies) as well as peer to peer (bit torrent)?they block port 25, which is the smtp port, so you wont be able send email other then web based (hotmail, gmail etc). then don't use any packet sniffing (at least for smtp), so if your email provider allows use of an alternate port, you should be fine.

none of the philippine landline providers block the sip (voip) port, but i am not sure about globe telecom. globelines (provides globe dsl and phone service) does not, but they are a different company from globe telecom. a much bigger problem is how the ip is addressed. globelines uses a nifty dsl modem that will assign a publically addressable ip to multiple devices that are attached to it, so no problem with them. generally, when you can't get voip to work, the vop service provider does not support nat, which is being used somewhere along the connection. eastern telecom uses a crappy modem, with nat turned on by default for all the ports, and i coundn't get the firmware password out of them. i don't like pldt, but their dsl service/hardware/support was actually quite good and their hardware was the only one that worked with my voip services by default.

i used to run an adult chat line, so this is one of the areas that i was quite knowledgeable about. nowadays, some of the voip providers are nat compatible, in which case, you should have no problem whatsoever.

and don't sweat the contracts too much. i walked out on eastern and pldt contracts, and no one came knocking on my door (actually, eastern did, but i told him their service sucked and to get lost. and he did.)

as far as bit torrent goes, i use it without issue on globelines, but have never tried it with globe telecom.

[Miao28]

Spam Hog,

I shall pass on your advice on maids to my friend. Many thanks for your informative report on the what to do and what not to do on finding a maid.

[Further]

I've always brought enough condoms on my trips to not have to buy them in country. I hear the quality is poor and they're slightly less thick than bicycle inner tubes. I'm planning an extended trip (that's so much easier to say than I'm retiring) and will be needing to resupply after a month or 3. Are US quality condoms available locally or will I be stuck paying for overseas UPS shipments? I'm especially interested in the availablity of Durex Avanti, or any other condom made from polyurethane.

[Pute Nut]

I've always brought enough condoms on my trips to not have to buy them in country. I hear the quality is poor and they're slightly less thick than bicycle inner tubes. I'm planning an extended trip (that's so much easier to say than I'm retiring) and will be needing to resupply after a month or 3. Are US quality condoms available locally or will I be stuck paying for overseas UPS shipments? I'm especially interested in the availablity of Durex Avanti, or any other condom made from polyurethane.

The "filipino condoms" are usually manufactured in Malaysia and oftentimes not a pleasant experience (incl. smell).

Japanese Okamotos and other quality brands are readily available at Watson's (in SM malls). IMO the Japanese make the best rubbers in the world. If you're well hung you may want to check the size of the particular condom variant though as some are "asian size" (no offense intended).

Having said that, I usually prefer to stock up in HK or Macau where the Watson stores usually carry a larger assortment, including the super thin Okamotos.

[Andyem]

This thread has been one of the most informative ones I have found yet on ISG. I'm a 29 year old and living in the Phills sounds great and has really peaked my interest.

A couple of question I do still have is:

Place to Live?

Here's what I'm looking for:

I'm a single guy who only needs the basics to work, electricity, A/C, water/ etc.

I have looked all over the buyandsellPH but it uses (what I assume) street names like:

KINGSVILLE, LAGUNA, etc and don't know which of those are safe areas to live.

Also most of them post 4 bedroom, 3bedroom ,etc. I've lived in a studio and currently in a 1 bedroom and I have no problem just living in a safe area with a stupid apartment which is about 3-400 Sq Ft.

Can I expect a studio that size for 5000 PHP a month or less?

Women:

Is it unreasonable to think I can hook up with a woman to just hang out or bang once and a while? Or are they always expecting to be paid?

Thx guys

[Further]

Don't know which of those are safe areas to live.The usual advice is go there and start looking. Stay in a Pension house or a apartelle while you hunt for a place to live. You'll need at least a two bedroom, you live in maid will expect her own room. Advice I've heard is if you dont' want to be burglarized, somebody has to be there 24/7.


Is it unreasonable to think I can hook up with a woman to just hang out or bang once and a while? Or are they always expecting to be paid?
Hang & Bang? Yes. BUT, the typical advice is: 1) Don't even think about sleeping with a virgin unless you plan to marry her. 2) Don't deceive her. If you're looking for sex and not marraige she needs to know that before the clothes come off. Her relatives, and there will be many, will be happy to administer the consequences to you for your deception.

I've read many reports from guys who prefer short or long term girlfriends and are not looking to marry and have found what they are looking for. There are many times more from those who found that their entire outlook on marriage changed once they realized how different wives and marriage is in the Phils than in their home country. And of course, there are those who can't imagine anything other than Angeles City or the like. Take your pick.

But hey, you're probably better off getting advice from somebody who's actually lived in-country for a while.

[Andyem]

The usual advice is go there and start looking. Stay in a Pension house or a apartelle while you hunt for a place to live. You'll need at least a two bedroom, you live in maid will expect her own room. Advice I've heard is if you dont' want to be burglarized, somebody has to be there 24/7.

Hang & Bang? Yes. BUT, the typical advice is: 1) Don't even think about sleeping with a virgin unless you plan to marry her. 2) Don't deceive her. If you're looking for sex and not marraige she needs to know that before the clothes come off. Her relatives, and there will be many, will be happy to administer the consequences to you for your deception.

I've read many reports from guys who prefer short or long term girlfriends and are not looking to marry and have found what they are looking for. There are many times more from those who found that their entire outlook on marriage changed once they realized how different wives and marriage is in the Phils than in their home country. And of course, there are those who can't imagine anything other than Angeles City or the like. Take your pick.

But hey, you're probably better off getting advice from somebody who's actually lived in-country for a while.Thx Bert. I'll take a closer look at the end of the year for 3 weeks. We'll see how things go :)

[GoodEnough]

I think, before you make any other decisions, you ought to narrow down the locations in which you think you might like to live. The PI has more than 7,000 islands, and they're all different; different climates, different cultures and different attractions and perhaps different detractions. I love the cities of Mindanao, others prefer Luzon and Manila, Tagaytay or some of the other cities. Still others love the Visayas, and especially Cebu. All of these places are totally different from each other.

If this is your first trip here, you might want to select three or four places and spend a few days in each. Then you can make up your mind what appeals to you most.

Take care and good luck.

GE

[Jacaranda]

Getting sick in country is something of a real worry for us visitors. Especially if you travel alone as I do and you can't call on a relaible network of family or friends who you know will look after you if you are really out of it etc.

My PI girlfriend who I hook up with when I visit Davao has just sent me an e-mail saying that her little boy has got thyphoid fever!

I read Thyphoid Mary and saw the TV doco some years & it scared the **it outta me, and that was the '20's!

All you expats that live in PI, can you give any info on systemic health problems?

Thanks in advance.

[Chuhai]

There is some great information on this board, thanks to those contributing.

I am thinking of starting to run a business in the Philippines. Setting up a shelf company in HongKong looks like the way to go. All of the income will be made offshore.

I was wondering if you also need to set up a company in the Philippines to employ staff.

For visas, is it easy to get just a 1 year business visa like say in Cambodia?

[Fastpiston]

There is some great information on this board, thanks to those contributing.

I am thinking of starting to run a business in the Philippines. Setting up a shelf company in HongKong looks like the way to go. All of the income will be made offshore.

I was wondering if you also need to set up a company in the Philippines to employ staff.

For visas, is it easy to get just a 1 year business visa like say in Cambodia?
Yes you do and if you employ staff you have to be especially careful. If the company relates to recruiting Filipinos for overseas employment, the requirements are brutal. They require a Filipino owner, large capital deposit and even require a substantial minimum office space! Strongly advise checking with a Filipino lawyer - Philippines generally discourages business. It is definately not a Hong Kong!

[Chuhai]

If the company relates to recruiting Filipinos for overseas employment.Thanks for the tips, but it's not related to that. Perhaps I could get a couple of people to work on contract and if my idea works out then establish a company.

It is a shame if the government discourages business in a poor country that needs entrepreneurs to start businesses. Are lawyers very expensive? If you start a company to employ staff do you need a local partner?

[Sugoi]

Thanks for the tips, but it's not related to that. Perhaps I could get a couple of people to work on contract and if my idea works out then establish a company.

It is a shame if the government discourages business in a poor country that needs entrepreneurs to start businesses. Are lawyers very expensive? If you start a company to employ staff do you need a local partner?

Chuhai,

I tried to send a PM but realized you can not receive them. I may be able to help out a little with some advice if I know some specifics.

[FireWalker]

Getting sick in country is something of a real worry for us visitors. Especially if you travel alone as I do and you can't call on a relaible network of family or friends who you know will look after you if you are really out of it etc.

My PI girlfriend who I hook up with when I visit Davao has just sent me an e-mail saying that her little boy has got thyphoid fever!

I read Thyphoid Mary and saw the TV doco some years & it scared the **it outta me, and that was the '20's!

All you expats that live in PI, can you give any info on systemic health problems?

Thanks in advance.

I think you should first verify with doctor that illness is real, my friend. Check to make sure that the family water buffaloe is not sick as well.

[Tungsten Chef]

Did I read on here it's 100k for a Jollibee franchise? Any hints to the type of "internet work" 1 might do?

[GoodEnough]

I think you should first verify with doctor that illness is real, my friend. Check to make sure that the family water buffaloe is not sick as well.
Probably good advice to verify, but I assure you that typhoid is real here. Then again, getting cholera and typhoid vaccinations is pretty easy, and anyone who plans to visit the rural areas of the Philippines, or any other third world country should get inoculated. It's just common sense. While you're at it, get vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B as well. Hepatitis A can be sexually transmitted and it's rampant here.

Here's the deal on medical care, and this is my opinion only. Even in the big cities, it's second rate at best. There's often not enough money to maintain sophisticated diagnostic equipment, and the training of the technicians is not always adequate. Plus, hospitals are under-funded and payment is always required up front. In the smaller cities and rural areas medical care is far worse and in the most remote areas, it's non-existent. The good news is that most medicines are readily available over the counter and the care is adequate for routine medical needs. Anyone with a complicated problem can and should go to Singapore which has state-of-the-art medical care and facilities and will accept many foreign medical insurance plans.

GE

[Tungsten Chef]

Did I read on here it's 100k for a Jollibee franchise? Any hints to the type of "internet work" 1 might do?Jollibee franchises not available no more in Phils?? Read on their site their having quality issues with some of the restaurants.

[Tungsten Chef]

Did I read on here it's 100k for a Jollibee franchise? Any hints to the type of "internet work" 1 might do?Any profitable businesses in Phils?? I know where you live matters. 50k..can i get anything decent or am I dumb to chance my money there?

[Buko Max]

while you're at it, get vaccinations for hepatitis a and b as well. hepatitis a can be sexually transmitted and it's rampant here.
hello ge,

your advice is usually excellent but you have your hep types mixed up. but your right in that hepatitus is endemic in the p.i. and many people do not know they have it. hepatitis is much more contageous than hiv. here is a review:

hepatitis a - this is usually less dangerous than b or c and is spead by contact with infected person's [CodeWord113] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord113), usually through contaminated food, water, utensils or hands. wash your hands often. there is a vaccine for hep a.


hepatitis b - this type is spread from blood to blood and sexual contact including oral sex. there is a vaccine for hep b.


hepatitis c - spread from blood to blood contact which includes sexual contact when blood is present. most people who have hep c have it for the rest of their lives. there is no vaccine against hep c.

[Pute Nut]

hello ge,

your advice is usually excellent but you have your hep types mixed up. but your right in that hepatitus is endemic in the p.i. and many people do not know they have it. hepatitis is much more contageous than hiv. here is a review:

hepatitis a - this is usually less dangerous than b or c and is spead by contact with infected person's [CodeWord113] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord113), usually through contaminated food, water, utensils or hands. wash your hands often. there is a vaccine for hep a.


hepatitis b - this type is spead from blood to blood and sexual contact including oral sex. there is a vaccine for hep b.


hepatitis c - spead from blood to blood contact which includes sexual contact when blood is present. most people who have hep c have it for the rest of their lives. there is no vaccine against hep c.


anyone staying any longer period of time in pi should get the hepa/b vaccinations imo. no need to take them separately, there are a/b combination vaccines available (usually a 3 shots series, but if you're not able to complete the series before the trip it's better to start with # 1 as your immunity starts building right after shot one)

as mattrick correctly pointed out there is no vaccine for hepc but there might be one on the way according to some promising trials.

[Elmerfud]

Hello GE,

Your advice is usually excellent but you have your hep types mixed up. But your right in that Hepatitus is endemic in the P.I. and many people do not know they have it. Hepatitis is much more contageous than HIV. Here is a review:

Hepatitis C - Spread from blood to blood contact which includes sexual contact when blood is present. Most people who have hep C have it for the rest of their lives. There is NO vaccine against hep C.
[/list]Hepatitis see is very hard to transmit thru sexual contact even when the bitche is in her period, I can confirm because ex girl friend (*****) had hepatitis see been with her for 2 years and fucked her even when she had her period, been tested and the result is negative, doctor told me that it is possible but rare but caution should be used when she is in her period

Hep see is transmitted thru needle sharing or blood transfusion.

EDITOR'S SUGGESTION: This is interesting, but you might consider re-posting it under the Safe Sex topic in the Special Interests section of the Forum where it will benefit the Forum Members who are specifically looking for this type of information. Thanks!

[Fastpiston]

any profitable businesses in phils?? i know where you live matters. 50k..can i get anything decent or am i dumb to chance my money there?
yes, you are dumb to invest 50k in a private phils. business. i would say 95% chance you will lose it all! 100% you will not make a profit to live on.
i presume you mean 50k us dollars. as phils peso seems to be getting regularly stronger against us dollar (and is very likely to gain speed), why not convert the 50k into peso, then invest in a phil bond in a good bank with a good interest rate. at least that way you protect yourself against a falling us dollar and get a return on top. shop around of course. i have heard china trust bank tend to have better offerings in that line.

[Ol Timer]

Did I read on here it's 100k for a Jollibee franchise? Any hints to the type of "internet work" 1 might do?Try checking the Jollibee website and click on franchise. Dont know where you got your info from but are you talking $100k US or Peso? If you go on the website its says a franchise starts from 15 to 30 million Peso which roughly translates to about $332-664K US.

Far cry from 100k and pretty cheap for a Jollibee franchise if you asked me. I think if it was that cheap, you would see alot of foreigners shelling out the 100k because that business makes tons of money.

Good luck.

Ol Timer

[Subaculture]

Anyone know of a fairly decent dentist that carries out laser teeth whitening or office bleaching (one session) in Manila or AC.

SC

[Blunderer]

Fastpiston,

I too am considering starting a business in The Philippines with about $US 50k.

This isn't a slur, but I'm wondering what your credentials are, and why you think only 1 in 10 is going to be even mildly successful. You answered neither of these questions in your post.

Good advice needs context man, context!!




Yes, you are dumb to invest 50K in a private Phils. business. I would say 95% chance you will lose it all! 100% you will not make a profit to live on.

[Joe Island]

Anyone know of a fairly decent dentist that carries out laser teeth whitening or office bleaching (one session) in Manila or AC.

SCSubaculture,

I never been to any of these dentists so can't say if any good or if they whiten teeth. I came across this a while back when I was checking out AC. There is a list on this website with names,address and Phone numbers. Heck one even has a website.
http://www.angelescity.org/dentists.html
http://www.angelescity.net/

[Marconista]

I visited Mall of Asia in Manila a few months ago and noticed a dentist in there, that had an add outside re whitening/bleaching.
If I recall correctly they said it was about php25.000 (usd.500). They could not do me right away, so they tried to talk me in to an appointment the following day. However, I found the price just as expensive as in Scandinavia, so I past...


Anyone know of a fairly decent dentist that carries out laser teeth whitening or office bleaching (one session) in Manila or AC.

SC

[Buko Max]

Anyone know of a fairly decent dentist that carries out laser teeth whitening or office bleaching (one session) in Manila or AC.
If you are going to be in AC, check this place out: www.smilemakeoverdental.net

BTW, if your thinking about getting the "Zoom" treatment done, I would think twice because it weakens your teeth.

[Finrod]

Fastpiston,

I too am considering starting a business in The Philippines with about $US 50k.

This isn't a slur, but I'm wondering what your credentials are, and why you think only 1 in 10 is going to be even mildly successful. You answered neither of these questions in your post.

Good advice needs context man, context!!
First, there are the business ownership laws in the Phils: foreigners cannot own more than 40% of any business so one must take on filipino partners to cover the other 60%. Finding one or more partners you can trust is quite a trick. If you should find one, he (or she) will be hit on by their family for help from day one. Chances are they won't be that good at saying no. So while you may be the boss, you won't be the majority owner.

Second, the foreigners cannot own any real estate except condos or a portion of a commercial building. And only then if filipinos own at least 60% of the condos or the commercial space in the building.

Yes, someone will always have a story about how they did the dummy corporation or something like that, but whatever they tell you, it is not legal and if their filipino partners turn on them, they will lose. Alternatively, you could have your filipina wife own everything, but if she dies or you separate, you can count on losing it all to her family.

There is much, much more to it than that, but not enough space or time here. There are foreigners who have made it in the Phils, I have met some, but they are few and far between. Yes, it's possible to make money there, but not through your knowledge of western business practices, though that helps.

I've done the research and I won't do it unless I am living there full time and can be onsite every day. Two other bits of advice I've been given:
1) don't start anything until you've been in the country continuously for at least 6 months to a year so you get to check out the area and the environment.
2) don't do it unless you can afford to lose it all.

[Marconista]

My knowledge is that the foreigner can only have 25% ownership. But there are ways around it using thrustworthy lawyers ;) , but I am not in a position to help out, or give advise. sorry.


First, there are the business ownership laws in the Phils: foreigners cannot own more than 40% of any business so one must take on filipino partners to cover the other 60%....

[Blunderer]

Well, from what I have read, that isn't strictly true - have a read here:

http://www.siongpo.com/invest2.htm (this isn't the only source of this information I've found).

To give you the gist of it:

# Foreign ownership of up to 100% is allowed for export enterprises. Export enterprises are defined as those businesses wherein at least 60% of output is exported.
# For domestic market enterprises, foreign ownership is allowed up to 100%, except for specific areas listed under the Foreign Investments Negative List. Under the Negative List, investment is limited to up to 40%.

<snip a whole list of things on the negative list one of which include things like media, 'retail trade', a few industries that are either well handled by the locals or considered too risky to allow into foreign hands (recruitment, healthcare etc)>

Special Investment Areas (which allow 100% ownership)

* export activites;
* agriculture, food, and forestry-based industries;
* basic industries such as iron, steel, cement, mining, chemicals, petroleum, natural fibers, leather;
* engineering industries such as machinery and equipment, aluminum rods, shipbuilding;
* infrastructure and services such as power generation, transportation, telecommunications, industrial estates;
* tourism such as tourism estates, hotels, resorts, and other tourist accommodations, tourist buses;
* socialized housing;
* health products and services;
* modernization and rehabilitation programs;
* environmental conservation and protection;
* science and technology-oriented research and development.

Phew!


My knowledge is that the foreigner can only have 25% ownership. But there are ways around it using thrustworthy lawyers ;) , but I am not in a position to help out, or give advise. sorry.

[Finrod]

You will notice one thing about those areas that permit 100% ownership: almost every one of them require a lot more than $50k investment. This list is targeted to companies and individuals with deep pockets. Caveat: they will be the targets of locals with their hands out looking for their cut. I know a construction executive who refuses to do business in the Phils due to the corruption and material thievery.

Your best bet as a single man (and mine too) would be to find something export-based that could be started up for $50k or less.

[Blunderer]

Thanks.

You'll notice tourism is on the list. I've a few ideas for things that'd cater to tourists that wouldn't be too expensive to set up. The funny thing about tourists (and I say this without a hint of racism, merely from my observations all over the globe) is that they prefer to deal with expats (assuming the expat is reasonably well presented and friendly) than locals - particularly if they are well heeled.

Obviously, this isn't a blanket rule, but it holds true most of the time for folks that come into a country for a couple of weeks, aren't too fussed about the budget because everything is cheap anyway and don't mind spending a bit more for the kind of service they are used to (read high standards of safety, money back guarantees which are honored etc).

While these attitudes to locals certainly aren't something to be encouraged, they are bound to be helpful to expats setting up shop.




Your best bet as a single man (and mine too) would be to find something export-based that could be started up for $50k or less.

[Nvslim]

in case you missed it.

manila (reuters) - former philippine president joseph estrada was sentenced to life in prison on wednesday after an anti-graft court found him guilty of plunder.

fears that a guilty verdict could trigger widespread street protests and possible riots in manila seemed misplaced. pro-estrada activists staged rep001tered low-key demonstrations in the city of 12 million people but all were peaceful.

[SillyBastard]

I am currently considering retirement in Angeles City. I am not a big drinker and I will go "Bar Hopping" 3 times a week which means 3 to 4 girls per week. I would like to rent a nice apartment central in the action area. Living a normal life, is there anyone out there that can tell me the monthly cost of living this life including all expenses?

Many Thanks

[Porty]

I am currently considering retirement in Angeles City. I am not a big drinker and I will go "Bar Hopping" 3 times a week which means 3 to 4 girls per week. I would like to rent a nice apartment central in the action area. Living a normal life, is there anyone out there that can tell me the monthly cost of living this life including all expenses?

Many Thanks

Just to let u know of currant cost for appartment
I have one in antipolo ! town house 2 bedroom ! 8500 per month! cable 545 per month average electricity 3000 per month with aircond in bedroom! gas tank 1 per month 450 peso. landline telephone around 700 per month not to many calls!
have had appartment in lapu lapu always 2 bedrooms i get. cost there was 5500 per month then tagatay was 7500 per month ! my only advise is to get a filipino friend to arrange this ! as being a foriegner and if the land lord knows you are the price goes up. normal 2 or 3 months in advance rent and usually 12 months lease ! i hope this gives you an idea of the cost of having an appartment.
good luck

[Bikeman]

This past June myself and 2 buddies went to Coron town on Busuanga for a week and had an excellent time. Coron is famous for its wreck diving but the lakes, lagoons and beaches around Coron Island (different from Coron Town) were magnificent. We dove with SeaDivers which has a good hotel (3rd floor rooms are the best-1200p AC/queen bed), excellent bar and seperate restaurant (even has imported beef, home made fries, and free coffee refills in the am). Motorcyles are available for rent ($10-15) and is a great way to travel around the Island (very scenic but you have to be experienced on dirt roads). Get the lonely planet guide to the Philippines for details and also condsider traveling on to El Nido (no mongering) Now for the local mongering scene. There are a number of KTV bars in town catering to mainly to the locals but with a little hunting, some OK action was found. The best KTV bars are in an area of town called Caltex. There were three very average looking dive bars with karoke video machines. The girls were lined up out front (10-20), it was a little dark but we found some real cuties (the english is minimal) The going rate was 1500p for 3 hours and you probably could haggle for more time/less money. I want to repeat this is not a farang scene and you should have some street smarts but we did have a great time. There were a couple of other KTV bars, just ask Jim or Chris at Sea Divers/ If you are looking for a cheap buzz check out the Old House for happy hour, 50pesos for all the rum and coke you can drink between 5-7 Also DO NOT wonder around Coron Town at night alone and drunk, keep your wits about you at all times (and for that matter anywhere in the Philippines), we did not have any problems but a another guy we were diving with was coming back from the KTV bars at CalTex late one night, drunk, alone and got robbed. There was no violence but he was surronded by a group of 6-8 young males, a fool and his cash soon parted ways. Overall, Coron town is a fun place, lots of stuff to do and has some mongering possibilites for the experienced Philippines traveler.

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. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[MichaelTheOne]

Guys, am coming to manila. Expat posting - setting up a multinational subsidiary. Yup, I am gonna be the head honcho. Some preliminary questions. I am Asian. In recruiting my secretary/PA, any advise if I would like her to do more than just secretarial work ? Secondly, any advise for getting a student/young gurl as a "companion". Bar gurls and pros are too easy. I am not interested in them - maybe for a fuck and forget, that's all. What I am looking for is a "companion with perks". No , am not into marriage and stuff. Money is no object. Just Looking for someone looking for a little pocket money and some laughs.

Mike

[SillyBastard]

Thanks Porty - That's very helpful!

[GoodEnough]

Michaeltheone, nice opportunity for you. My advice would be to keep your business and personal lives separate. Recruit the best Secretary/PA available and keep the relationship strictly business. The labor laws in the Philippines are fairly strict and believe it or not, they are enforced. Thus, if you have any sort of personal relationship with her, and if it ever heads south, which it inevitably will, you will not have an easy time getting rid of her. If she feels wronged, and wants to make some trouble for you in the area of sexual harassment, she's got several legal avenues open to her. It's not worth the effort or the potential embarrassment and hassle in my opinion.

As to finding sweet young things with whom to while away the non-work hours, this is Manila! It ought to take you less than a day to find someone. Just stroll around Greenbelt, or Rockwell Power Plant Mall where the more upscale ladies love to shop, be a bit charming, dress decently, and take it from there. Go hang around Cafe Havana or Hard Rock Cafe, especially on week end nights, and you will have your pick of potential targets of opportunity.

Have a great time.

GE

[Wander Luster]

I ran an IT company and burned through about 200K in 2.5 years. It's complex doing an "outsourcing" company. There are many cultural things you can't prepare for. If I did it again I would do LOW SKILL outsourced work.

Go through a "foreign investment office" GREAT way to find contacts you can trust. This work GREAT for me in Cebu. The owners in my corp own about 2USD together-- not much they could do to rip me off. Only need them as officers, not investors, in cebu.

For sure do it in a "special economical zone!" I could not have done 1/2 of what i did otherwise. Many places in cebu are eco zone, but skilled labor is VERY competative in most areas and they only want to work for mega corporations.

Real Estate is soooooooooo cheap...like labor. Class A office for 15 employees can be had for 900USD a month easy-- mine was already built out, but that was lucky.

I totally agree with what Finrod says in 1 in 2. I am in a bad way with debt now. Don't agree that my corp was "dummy"...I was even registered with gov and got tax free status...very legit.

You are best off if you have exhisting costumers or clients in the West! I did not. And come to the new biz with a VERY solid knowledge of that line of work.

I know a lot of people used to be successful working out of a nice house and keeping pretty hush.....like phone sales using VoIP through DSL. It's a decent option.



First, there are the business ownership laws in the Phils: foreigners cannot own more than 40% of any business so one must take on filipino partners to cover the other 60%. Finding one or more partners you can trust is quite a trick. If you should find one, he (or she) will be hit on by their family for help from day one. Chances are they won't be that good at saying no. So while you may be the boss, you won't be the majority owner.

Second, the foreigners cannot own any real estate except condos or a portion of a commercial building. And only then if filipinos own at least 60% of the condos or the commercial space in the building.

Yes, someone will always have a story about how they did the dummy corporation or something like that, but whatever they tell you, it is not legal and if their filipino partners turn on them, they will lose. Alternatively, you could have your filipina wife own everything, but if she dies or you separate, you can count on losing it all to her family.

There is much, much more to it than that, but not enough space or time here. There are foreigners who have made it in the Phils, I have met some, but they are few and far between. Yes, it's possible to make money there, but not through your knowledge of western business practices, though that helps.

I've done the research and I won't do it unless I am living there full time and can be onsite every day. Two other bits of advice I've been given:
1) don't start anything until you've been in the country continuously for at least 6 months to a year so you get to check out the area and the environment.
2) don't do it unless you can afford to lose it all.

[GoodEnough]

There's an old bromide in the expat Philippine community that the way to make a small fortune in the country is to start with a large one. In most cases, that's true. Not only is everything WL saying true, but add to these constraints the fact that you do not understand local labor laws, and can be hassled for bribes because you failed to enforce some provision or other, at any time.

I've lived in the country for five years, and I know and have known lots of guys who have started businesses. I can count the number who have actually made any decent money on one hand, and these guys work their asses off trying always to stay one step ahead of pending disaster. Add to this the fact that you can be dumped on by your local "partners" at any time and you would be better off putting whatever capital you have into the market.

Most of the guys I know who have actually made money have done so not but starting businesses, but by investing in pieces of the businesses of others and then taking returns on their investments. This too can be tricky of course, and you really have to know the people in whom you're investing and the local business climate. Still, I people I know who have done this have done reasonably well.

The biggest impediment to doing business in the country is that you, as a foreigner, have no real legal protection whatsoever. The justice system is totally corrupt and depends on contacts and an endless stream of money. Thus, whoever has better contacts than you do--and that's going to be just about everyone--can take away whatever you thought you had fairly easily and there won't be much that you can do about it.

Just my two pesos worth.

GE

[Blunderer]

You guys seem to know what you are talking about, however, I thought I'd just draw your attention to a post of mine I made a while back in this thread....

The ownership rules have exceptions for various industries. Just off the top of my head, if your product is completely or mostly exported (which would be the case with offshoring stuff) and if you invest at least $US200k ($US100k if you are doing something innovative or something like that) then 100% ownership is fine... + you get all the tax breaks + duty free capital equipment imports etc etc.

The real ***** is of course still real estate. I wonder if you have a legit 100% foreign owned corp whether that corp can legally own real estate. If so, what happens if the corp ceases to meet the 100% ownership rules, or, goes under completely?

[MichaelTheOne]

GE,

Thanks for the heads up. Read about a similar advice given for this dude who was looking for similar stuff from the maid that he intended to hire. The threads on this country are massive. Rest assured, you guys will hear from me.

cheers mate
mto

[Fastpiston]

There's an old bromide in the expat Philippine community that the way to make a small fortune in the country is to start with a large one. In most cases, that's true. Not only is everything WL saying true, but add to these constraints the fact that you do not understand local labor laws, and can be hassled for bribes because you failed to enforce some provision or other, at any time.

I've lived in the country for five years, and I know and have known lots of guys who have started businesses. I can count the number who have actually made any decent money on one hand, and these guys work their asses off trying always to stay one step ahead of pending disaster. Add to this the fact that you can be dumped on by your local "partners" at any time and you would be better off putting whatever capital you have into the market.

Most of the guys I know who have actually made money have done so not but starting businesses, but by investing in pieces of the businesses of others and then taking returns on their investments. This too can be tricky of course, and you really have to know the people in whom you're investing and the local business climate. Still, I people I know who have done this have done reasonably well.

The biggest impediment to doing business in the country is that you, as a foreigner, have no real legal protection whatsoever. The justice system is totally corrupt and depends on contacts and an endless stream of money. Thus, whoever has better contacts than you do--and that's going to be just about everyone--can take away whatever you thought you had fairly easily and there won't be much that you can do about it.

Just my two pesos worth.

GE
Agreed.
Look, don't stick your head in a shark's mouth.
If you must invest in Phils., buy some Phil. Peso government bonds at 6% annual return. Add to that very likely drop of USD against PHP of 10% and you will net 16% annual return in USD terms. Otherwise buy some Philippine stock market shares.
From what I have seen over many years, with a business you have a 10% chance of breaking even, and much less chance making a profit, and even far less chance making a profit that is meaningful. Factor in the stress, time and legal dangers and it really is a shark's meal!

[Dafacer]

Agreed.
Look, don't stick your head in a shark's mouth.
If you must invest in Phils., buy some Phil. Peso government bonds at 6% annual return. Add to that very likely drop of USD against PHP of 10% and you will net 16% annual return in USD terms. Otherwise buy some Philippine stock market shares.
From what I have seen over many years, with a business you have a 10% chance of breaking even, and much less chance making a profit, and even far less chance making a profit that is meaningful. Factor in the stress, time and legal dangers and it really is a shark's meal!

Yes! You have my attention, can you share the who/when/where to buy these bonds also?

[Blunderer]

Yes! You have my attention, can you share the who/when/where to buy these bonds also?

You might want to do a little more research...

First off, a further 10% drop in the dollar is by no means guaranteed.

Actually, let me simplify this, your are talking about rolling 2 different types of investment into one.

The first investment type is government bonds - all very safe and sensible and a 6% annual return *sounds* great, until you start to think about inflation. I was curious and have a quick dig around for the annual inflation numbers over there, and, from
http://indexmundi.com/philippines/inflation_rate_(consumer_prices).html it looks like the inflation this year is going to be about 6%. If you invested at 6% this year then, you would have made exactly nothing in real terms (ie, you'd have 106 Pesos for every 100 pesos you put in, but, everything that used to cost 100 Pesos now costs 106).

Another way of looking at it is it'd be the same as investing at 3 and a quarter percent in the US in 2006 (according to the US inflation stats here http://www.miseryindex.us/irbyyear.asp).

Anyway, at least with the government bonds you aren't actually losing money in real terms, but you aren't making anything either.

Now, if the US dollar does the do like you hope, then, yes you'd do nicely to the tune of a bonus 10% in dollar terms, or, you wouldn't lose 10% of the value of the dollars you own, depending on how you look at it.... this is currency speculation which I know fuck all about though, apart from the fact that it can get pretty complex and a bit like going to the casino - people even have 'systems' to beat the odds, so, I'll leave it there :)

Now - this may be a *great* idea, and unless the peso takes a dive then you won't lose money, but, it isn't as good as it sounds at first glance.

It is also worth thinking about what currency you actually want..? If you are living in the Phils and spending in pesos, how does making a massive gain in dollar terms, but no gain in peso terms help you? If you have a foot in both camps, I'd suggest keeping some of your savings in each currency - you've got double the chance of something going wrong, but if it does, you'll only get half as screwed.

[Fred C Dobbs]

I've read about these on several Yahoo chat groups about savings accounts in these rural banks. People living in the Philippines claim to be doing it and making 20% not the 16% mentioned below. Does anyone have any info on this? The following was found by a google search.

quote
Taking Advantage Of The PDIC Insurance



The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation or PDIC guarantees every bank depositor that their deposit is insured if and whenever a bank goes under up to a deposit of P250,000 or its equivalent in dollars. How do we take advantage of this? By investing in rural banks and thrift banks that offer interest rates far beyond what our current and more well know commercial and savings banks are offering.

In our present business environment, loan rates have taken a big dive down which means those looking to take out a loan whether be it housing, car, equity or personal loans are at an advantage in our current situation. But since loan rates have gone down, deposit rates have also taken a big nose dive. Top commercial banks have already taken steps to reduce a normal savings account rate from the previous 1% p.a to 0.75% p.a and time deposit rates are at an all time low. Even savings banks have adopted this trend of lowering rates. Bad news for retirees and people who rely on time deposit interest to pay for their monthly expenses such as food, utilities and other expenses.

This is where investing in rural banks and thrift banks becomes very attractive. Some offering as high as 16% p.a or double your money in 6 years in which monthly interest rates are credited to a savings account which can be withdrawn anytime. But before you go rushing out and placing your entire life savings in these banks be warned. Most of these banks have names you probably have never heard before like rural bank and thrift bank of so and so, usually a name of a city or province in the Philippines. And these banks have a high risk of going under. This is where the PDIC insurance of P250,000 comes in handy.

Having experienced getting my money from PDIC, from banks that have closed before. I'm in the position to say that the trouble is worth the returns you are getting. I got my money from a closed bank in about 2 weeks from PDIC. Just make sure your total deposit at any given time in a thrift or rural bank does not exceed 250k. If you have lots of money don't forget to diversify them in different thrift and rural banks, each not exceeding the PDIC limit. And make sure that the banks you are depositing into are really PDIC insured which can be verified by a quick phone call or by visiting the PDIC website. Lastly, read lots of news papers or browse the website of the PDIC to keep yourself up to date on what is the current state of the banks you have your money deposited in.

unquote

[Blunderer]

Yeah... I've been interested in those as well.

Now, I'm feeling like a bit of a naysayer here, but, the thing that has been stopping me making a trip over to check them out and get some money in there, is on the various lists I've discussed this on and the various bits of research I've done is, I can't work out why the rural banks are offering such high rates.

Now I understand they desperately need investment... makes sense, but what I do know about banks is more than anything, they want to make money. That means effectively borrowing money from you (by way of deposits in your account) and paying you interest on it, and loaning the money out at a higher rate than they are paying on it.

Now assuming they are lending at 4% more than what they are paying you (which is a rough guess based on the difference between long term deposits and mortgage rates in the West), that means they are lending out money at 20% or more. This makes no sense to me... why would a rural dweller not go to the city to get a loan if the country banks aren't competitive? Is the bank's whole business model based on very high risk lending (with no more return that other banks I should add unless they go even higher than that 20%)? They could be using the money for the short term money market or something I guess, but they'd be lucky to average profits equalling the interest they had to pay out.

Really, my point is, money has to come from somewhere. Where is this 16% coming from? Think of it like Texas. Sure, noone seems worried about the stench of charred human flesh in the air, people just try not to think about where it comes from - but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try and understand what is going on.

[Fred C Dobbs]

I had the same thoughts. It maybe even more dangerous in the future given the state of world banks and the bad mortgages they hold. If things are bad for banks in the first world that can't be good for banks in the third.

I know a girl in Subic that has talked to the rural bank she knows there. She told them I was her boyfriend and they said in that case I could open an account with them even though I don't live there. I will be in Subic in mid November and will talk to them about their savings vehicles. One of my motivations for doing this is to get a little money out of the US dollar that is questionable and into the currency of the country where I will be retiring at in a few years.

[GoodEnough]

Yeah... I've been interested in those as well.

Now, I'm feeling like a bit of a naysayer here, but, the thing that has been stopping me making a trip over to check them out and get some money in there, is on the various lists I've discussed this on and the various bits of research I've done is, I can't work out why the rural banks are offering such high rates.

Now I understand they desperately need investment... makes sense, but what I do know about banks is more than anything, they want to make money. That means effectively borrowing money from you (by way of deposits in your account) and paying you interest on it, and loaning the money out at a higher rate than they are paying on it.

Now assuming they are lending at 4% more than what they are paying you (which is a rough guess based on the difference between long term deposits and mortgage rates in the West), that means they are lending out money at 20% or more. This makes no sense to me... why would a rural dweller not go to the city to get a loan if the country banks aren't competitive? Is the bank's whole business model based on very high risk lending (with no more return that other banks I should add unless they go even higher than that 20%)? They could be using the money for the short term money market or something I guess, but they'd be lucky to average profits equalling the interest they had to pay out.

Really, my point is, money has to come from somewhere. Where is this 16% coming from? Think of it like Texas. Sure, noone seems worried about the stench of charred human flesh in the air, people just try not to think about where it comes from - but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try and understand what is going on.

I suspect the whole thing is a national pyramid scheme that will ultimately come crashing down. You have to hope you will have the chance to get out before the pyramid collapses. Remember, there's no stability here, and the financial protection laws are virtually meaningless, so timing is everything. The reason that rural dwellers don't come to the big cities to get funds at lower interest is that they would never get loans as they (mostly) lack the collateral required by the major banks.

[Fastpiston]

Yes! You have my attention, can you share the who/when/where to buy these bonds also?

You can buy Phil Peso bonds at any bank in Phils. If you buy Bonds, you take the risk of the Bond issuer, not the bank that sells it to you. You can buy such bonds from offshore banks as well.
For a US Dollar based person, maybe best bet is to buy a mutual fund emerging markets bond fund. That way you are diversified (across eg. Brazil, Malaysia, Philippines etc.) and, even though you buy fund in US Dollar, not exposed to any US Dollar fall (which has dropped a lot since my last forum posting). The US Dollar may undergo a recovery sometime in next 12 months, but trend over long-term is down, as it has been over past 15 years. A weak Dollar actually suits the US.

[Further]

For a US Dollar based person, maybe best bet is to buy a mutual fund emerging markets bond fund. Agreed. Check out Vanguard's Emerging Market Index fund's performance in the last 11 years.

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=VEIEX&t=my&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=

[MichaelTheOne]

GE & Gang,

Am arriving on 23rd. Putting up at Makati Shangrila.

Am also looking at some residential possibilities. Am interested in suitable apartment (middle to high end) between Makati (most business conducted)and Novaliches, Quezon City (my office).

Any suggestions on location or even apartment/condos/gated houseing areas?

[GoodEnough]

GE & Gang,

Am arriving on 23rd. Putting up at Makati Shangrila.

Am also looking at some residential possibilities. Am interested in suitable apartment (middle to high end) between Makati (most business conducted)and Novaliches, Quezon City (my office).

Any suggestions on location or even apartment/condos/gated houseing areas?

Sorry, I don't know enough about Manila real estate to give you any help at all. There are lots of condos in Makati from which to choose though I would be worried about resale.

[Amavida]

GE & Gang,

Am arriving on 23rd. Putting up at Makati Shangrila.

Am also looking at some residential possibilities. Am interested in suitable apartment (middle to high end) between Makati (most business conducted)and Novaliches, Quezon City (my office).

Any suggestions on location or even apartment/condos/gated houseing areas?

Hit the web for your initial research then hit the pavement.
You can find what ever you want.
A lot of foreigners have been burned in the Phils, its cheaper & easier to rent rather than buy... sup2u.

Be prepared for the piranha feeding frenzy of real estate reps who will come after you hehehehe :)

Happy mongering
Amavida

[FreebieFan]

Buy in Ft Bonifcaio. I bought 3 apartments there 3 years ago. And now with the development ongoing there. You can just see the value rising every day. I bought when dollar was ok. Now its useless. So even more reason to get your money into a decent currency.

I'm my building there are many Embassy staff. And with the new Singapore Embassy and Britsh Embasy being built there. Rental market will be good and strong too.

[MichaelTheOne]

Pinoy Geng,

Thanks for the quick feedback. I am planning for LT lease actually. Company paying. No plans to buy assets

[Iainmore]

Have been reading this forum with interest - being a Brit(Scottish)I would diversify currency holdings away from the US dollar and do so on the principle that you have to look after number 1 - the dollar is going to be weak for some time to come I think! Hey you guys worked hard for your money I take it - you have to protect what you worked hard for!For myself I invest only in energy and commodities now!That is till China implodes that is?Then I will move into property when the slump truly arrives?
As for banks - any of you guys heard of the Northern Rock?I dont keep anything in a bank over and above what I am guaranteed by Law to get back!As banks now no longer hold enough deposits to cover all the dodgy loans they have made - and that is just in the so called developed west?

[LoveAsianWhores]

So I broke my bong yesterday. I brought it from the US and had it for three years. Does anyone know where I can buy a new one? The various cigar shops around town sell little glass pipes and those big hookahs with 4 tubes, but I am looking for a nice glass bong. I've never seen them for sale, but I guess they must be legal if glass pipes are available. Has anyone ever seen them? I am just lost without it.

[Cansx]

I have a chance to buy a famous bar in the Philippines. My question is there a legal way to own the business i am from usa. I don't want to have any partners and dont plan on hooking up with a filipina I trust nobody.

Thanks guys

[LoveAsianWhores]

Thanks guys[/QUOTE]
I have a chance to buy a famous bar in the Philippines. My question is there a legal way to own the business I am from usa. I don't want to have any partners and don't plan on hooking up with a filipina I trust nobody.

Thanks guysYou can own a 100% of a business, but not land, through a foreign corporation in the Philippines. Most expats setup a Hong Kong corp. A couple of thousand $$ and a quick trip to HK can get everything setup. However, for a foreign corporation to own 100% of a retail business requires a minimum capitalization of 2. 5 million USD. Not a problem for McDonalds, but usually a deal killer for most individuals. If you have 2. 5 M, then most foreigners would chose to just retire here. In addition, if the business is a "Sauna and steam bathhouses, massage clinics and other activities regulated by law because of risks to public health and morals" you are limited to 40% equity. Go-go bars generally fall under this limitation, but regular bars do not.

The above is just a synopsis. It is a very complicated issue. Some business, like IT and manufacturing for export, not only allow 100% foreign ownership without any minimum investment, but are allowed privilages not available to Filipino investers (like several years of years of tax free income). I would sugest that you scrap the bar business and go into something that the Philippines welcomes, not discourages. Make no mistake, all those foreigners driving around in nice cars are not bar owners.

Also, consult a lawyer. There are too many punters that like to post nonsense when it comes to doing business in the Philppines, so this is not a good place to get your question answered.

Hopefully I answered your question. Now if somebody could answer mine. WHERE CAN I BUY A FUCKING BONG.

[X Man]

You'd expect expats with biz in PI would be using this site, but they seem to keep a low profile. Understandable. Thanks for the post LAW.

X




Thanks guysYou can own a 100% of a business, but not land, through a foreign corporation in the Philippines. Most expats setup a Hong Kong corp. A couple of thousand $$ and a quick trip to HK can get everything setup. However, for a foreign corporation to own 100% of a retail business requires a minimum capitalization of 2. 5 million USD. Not a problem for McDonalds, but usually a deal killer for most individuals. If you have 2. 5 M, then most foreigners would chose to just retire here. In addition, if the business is a "Sauna and steam bathhouses, massage clinics and other activities regulated by law because of risks to public health and morals" you are limited to 40% equity. Go-go bars generally fall under this limitation, but regular bars do not.

The above is just a synopsis. It is a very complicated issue. Some business, like IT and manufacturing for export, not only allow 100% foreign ownership without any minimum investment, but are allowed privilages not available to Filipino investers (like several years of years of tax free income). I would sugest that you scrap the bar business and go into something that the Philippines welcomes, not discourages. Make no mistake, all those foreigners driving around in nice cars are not bar owners.

Also, consult a lawyer. There are too many punters that like to post nonsense when it comes to doing business in the Philppines, so this is not a good place to get your question answered.

Hopefully I answered your question. Now if somebody could answer mine. WHERE CAN I BUY A FUCKING BONG.[/QUOTE]

[Pumpkinko]

The tax free is a bit of a myth. You have to put your business in an economic development zone. This is great if you are a call center where you have a big pool. Specialized (Java developers, . NET developers) tend to cluster. There is no point in going to an economic development zone if you can't get you people there.

There are two types of IT businesses. Foreign owned with a chunk of money left in the Philippines and partially Filipino owned. If you have Filipino share holders (nominal shares) and officers (again minimum requirements) The only down side if you own an IT business. You will meet people and say, "I have a business in Makati". Everyone says "What the name of girlie bar you own? "

Biggest is you face is if you do business in the U. S. You are getting killed on the exchange rate. The Euro has remained stable against the Peso so U. S.companies are at a disadvantage.

The reason I don’t answer here is most people do not have predefined direction in their business. I want to work in the Philippines but I know nothing about it. What do you tell such people? You are betting your life savings in a land that you have little to no experience in.

If you’ve been here for a bit. You’ve bribed a judge or two. Paid lots of "expedited service fees" to government officials and you know a couple of police officers who do you favors.

[Honan]

Hey fellas,

I'm a long time reader, but I don't post a lot, I hope you don't hold it against me, LOL but I need a little advice from those who know. I'm thinking about trying to go live in the P. I. For a while. I guess a little background might help. I'm 28 and no stranger to Asia, but I think living on af bases and going native may be completely different. I lived in Korea for 2 years and then Okinawa for another 2 after that. I've been to Pattaya and Bangkok for 2 weeks each all play, good times of course. I would not have a lot of money just whatever I save and $1200/month (ty GI Bill), I don't even know if I would be able to work there to supplement the income. So the question is, would it even be feasible for me to set up camp there? Even if it was like just a year, that would be good times I think, but again I need the voices of experience. I do have a few specific questions like, how much start up money would I need, where would be a good place to live, I was even thinking of trying to go to the university on manila, but that doesn't matter due to internet classes these days. Anybody ever done anything like this, if so what was it like for you? Any advice would be welcome! Thx

[Honan]

Hey fellas,

I'm a long time reader, but I don't post a lot, I hope you don't hold it against me, LOL but I need a little advice from those who know. I'm thinking about trying to go live in the P. I. For a while. I guess a little background might help. I'm 28 and no stranger to Asia, but I think living on af bases and going native may be completely different. I lived in Korea for 2 years and then Okinawa for another 2 after that. I've been to Pattaya and Bangkok for 2 weeks each all play, good times of course. I would not have a lot of money just whatever I save and $1200/month (ty GI Bill), I don't even know if I would be able to work there to supplement the income. So the question is, would it even be feasible for me to set up camp there? Even if it was like just a year, that would be good times I think, but again I need the voices of experience. I do have a few specific questions like, how much start up money would I need, where would be a good place to live, I was even thinking of trying to go to the university on manila, but that doesn't matter due to internet classes these days. Any advice would be welcome!

Thx

[GoodEnough]

Hey fellas,

I'm a long time reader, but I don't post a lot, I hope you don't hold it against me, LOL but I need a little advice from those who know. I'm thinking about trying to go live in the P. I. For a while. I guess a little background might help. I'm 28 and no stranger to Asia, but I think living on af bases and going native may be completely different. I lived in Korea for 2 years and then Okinawa for another 2 after that. I've been to Pattaya and Bangkok for 2 weeks each all play, good times of course. I would not have a lot of money just whatever I save and $1200/month (ty GI Bill), I don't even know if I would be able to work there to supplement the income. So the question is, would it even be feasible for me to set up camp there? Even if it was like just a year, that would be good times I think, but again I need the voices of experience. I do have a few specific questions like, how much start up money would I need, where would be a good place to live, I was even thinking of trying to go to the university on manila, but that doesn't matter due to internet classes these days. Anybody ever done anything like this, if so what was it like for you? Any advice would be welcome! Thx

My advice would be to live somewhere other than Manila. You could try Cebu perhaps, or Davao where I live, or one of the smaller cities in Mindanao (CDO comes to mind) or elsewhere. The cost of living will be significantly lower, and you should have no problems living decently. There are guys in Davao for example, who live on about $1,200 a month.

You cannot work here legitimately, but you might be able to find some under the table employment teaching call center English if you find the right connections. However, the money will be small and it might not be worth it to you. It's better to plan on not being able to work.

You can certainly enroll in classes at any one of dozens of universities, and you needn't be in Manila. Here in Davao for example, you could enroll in Ateneo de Davao or any one of a dozen others.

GE

[Cansx]

Thanks for the info.

Sorry I don't know anything about bongs.

Good luck

[Honan]

Hey GE,

Thx for the direction, I'll have to start looking at those schools. Planning on not working would prob be ok, I would definitely need to go to school to meet people and find more stuff to do.

Thx again

[Warbucks]

Hey fellas,

I'm a long time reader, but I don't post a lot, I hope you don't hold it against me, LOL but I need a little advice from those who know. I'm thinking about trying to go live in the P. I. For a while. I guess a little background might help. I'm 28 and no stranger to Asia, but I think living on af bases and going native may be completely different. I lived in Korea for 2 years and then Okinawa for another 2 after that. I've been to Pattaya and Bangkok for 2 weeks each all play, good times of course. I would not have a lot of money just whatever I save and $1200/month (ty GI Bill), I don't even know if I would be able to work there to supplement the income. So the question is, would it even be feasible for me to set up camp there? Even if it was like just a year, that would be good times I think, but again I need the voices of experience. I do have a few specific questions like, how much start up money would I need, where would be a good place to live, I was even thinking of trying to go to the university on manila, but that doesn't matter due to internet classes these days. Any advice would be welcome!

Thx

Bro I am 26 and damn near the 80 grand mark in savings which isn't a lot of money. I just bought a house in metro Manila but me and my lady (not wife yet) will not stay there. No jobs and minor wages. 28... Man you are in the prime of your life. The Philippines is not going anywhere. Work in a first world economy somewhere save your money and then go there when you won't have money to worry about. If you notice most expats I have ran into our retired or own a lot of property and our surviving off rent money.

[Smilin Davet]

Hey guys,

I've been a long time reader and frequent travelar to Phil the past 7 years for work and fun. I was hoping to get some feedback on a proposition I have. My friend/previous work partner and his family have offered me a job promoting / hosting at their new bar/resto in Boracay. I was there a few months ago for holiday to see the construction. I'm not going for the money of course but more for a year long break from the States/work. However, I don't want to use any of my savings. They have offered me $900usd a month and will be taking care of my housing, food, drink, cell phone and travel expenses. After my usa expenses (health, life ins.) I will have about $600 left over per month. Is this do-able in boracay?

Thanks

[FreebieFan]

Well you got a few choices Mr 26 but nonoe of them good.

1. Be rich. Manila is cheap but living there is like anywhere else. Because of car. Gas, food, enteratinment, golf, massage trips etcetc.

2. Save and then go there for a three month stay and just enjoy to the max.

3. Find a company that will end you there as an expat. However most copmanie won't do that as a first job unless you have some specialist skills they badly need and can't find internal candidates.

4. Wait. I was only assigned there when I was 40. Spent 5 years there. Had been going there for many years before that on trips as I was based in Hong Kong. Had great life.

Now I'm over 50. I have a condo in Fort Bonfacio (very smart area close ot Makati. Car.) and go there a few weeks a year for chasing tail. Life is good there and cheap for me. But like I say, I'm over 50, been working many years, have a great expay job in another Asian country and not a newbie anymore.

This may not helo but its my version of things. Realistically 26 too young to have any money unless it was left to you in a will.

[X Man]

Do you have H$R management experience and is the job rather large? If your answer is yes, I'm not sure what/why you are asking.

This post is so ridiculous in my mind that I have to suspect that I have completely misunderstood, or you have gone beyond idiocy and are making an effort to find a new category.

You said, "They have offered me $900usd a month and will be taking care of my housing, food, drink, cell phone and travel expenses."

So, what is left? 600 dollars as spending money? In the Philippines?

No, no, no way. The people making the offer are pulling your chain. Send me their contact info so that I can give them a piece of my mind!

X Man

warning: sarcasm was used in this post.






Hey guys,

I've been a long time reader and frequent travelar to Phil the past 7 years for work and fun. I was hoping to get some feedback on a proposition I have. My friend/previous work partner and his family have offered me a job promoting / hosting at their new bar/resto in Boracay. I was there a few months ago for holiday to see the construction. I'm not going for the money of course but more for a year long break from the States/work. However, I don't want to use any of my savings. They have offered me $900usd a month and will be taking care of my housing, food, drink, cell phone and travel expenses. After my usa expenses (health, life ins.) I will have about $600 left over per month. Is this do-able in boracay?

Thanks

[Smilin Davet]

X-Man,

Sorry to sound like an idiot... I hope by the "sarcasm" you feel I will be Ok on $600 a month. But maybe I have misunderstood you also.

I dont have any "real" financial living experience in Phil. I usually only stay 2-4 weeks and budget $1500 a week not including hotel. I have discussed finances with some Filipinos here in the States (entry level workers) some say 20-25k pesos/mo is good, and some say its cutting it close. A former "girlfriend" from Somersett Olympia hotel in makati who now works for a hotel in Miami told me she earned about 25k/mo. She felt I would be on a very tight budget. That being said, she did live in Manila which is more expensive. One additional note, in June when bora dies down, i will be relocated in Manila to work in his Qz.City resto/bar. Room still furnished but I assume my expenses will rise. (taxis,food, etc.)

Hopefully the dollar doesnt keep falling!

Smilind

[LoveAsianWhores]

X-Man,

Sorry to sound like an idiot... I hope by the "sarcasm" you feel I will be Ok on $600 a month. But maybe I have misunderstood you also.

I dont have any "real" financial living experience in Phil. I usually only stay 2-4 weeks and budget $1500 a week not including hotel. I have discussed finances with some Filipinos here in the States (entry level workers) some say 20-25k pesos/mo is good, and some say its cutting it close. A former "girlfriend" from Somersett Olympia hotel in makati who now works for a hotel in Miami told me she earned about 25k/mo. She felt I would be on a very tight budget. That being said, she did live in Manila which is more expensive. One additional note, in June when bora dies down, i will be relocated in Manila to work in his Qz.City resto/bar. Room still furnished but I assume my expenses will rise. (taxis,food, etc.)

Hopefully the dollar doesnt keep falling!

SmilindYes, as X-men said, he was just being scarcastic. There are lots and lots of expats who would love to live in Boracay with $600 a month in spending money. Most expats who work out there in the dive/tourism industry barely make ends meet, with little or nothing left over. They do it because Boracay is a very nice place to call home. Sounds like a deal you should jump on.

[Smilin Davet]

Yes, as X-men said, he was just being scarcastic. There are lots and lots of expats who would love to live in Boracay with $600 a month in spending money. Most expats who work out there in the dive/tourism industry barely make ends meet, with little or nothing left over. They do it because Boracay is a very nice place to call home. Sounds like a deal you should jump on.Thanks for the input.. Yes, if their offer still stands, i'm going to take it. Should be an interesting experience. I was just a little nervous about living/working in Manila / Quezon during those months in low season of Boracay. But i need to stop being so chicken sh@%. Thanks for the push.

Hopefully after doing my time in the RPI I can contribute to this board.

Cheers,

smilind

[LoveAsianWhores]

Thanks for the input.. Yes, if their offer still stands, i'm going to take it. Should be an interesting experience. I was just a little nervous about living/working in Manila / Quezon during those months in low season of Boracay. But i need to stop being so chicken sh@%. Thanks for the push.

Hopefully after doing my time in the RPI I can contribute to this board.

Cheers,

smilindYes, you should be nervous about Quezon. It is an expensive place to live and have fun, and has a lot of crime. Most Manila area expats live in Makati / Malate / Mandaluyong / Muntinlupa (just about any area beginning with M). You will find you will be traveling through heavy trafic to get to most of the places you will want to go. The train will help, but very crowded with long lines.

[Smilin Davet]

Yes, you should be nervous about Quezon. It is an expensive place to live and have fun, and has a lot of crime. Most Manila area expats live in Makati / Malate / Mandaluyong / Muntinlupa (just about any area beginning with M). You will find you will be traveling through heavy trafic to get to most of the places you will want to go. The train will help, but very crowded with long lines.If i get the job, I will be staying in St. Magallanes Village, Makati. Their family has a house there. I stayed there one night when I was in Manila during November. My room at the Oxford (burgos) was not available one evening.. The neighborhood seems pretty exclusive. The downside side is distance to get to QC. Also, since his parents live their (70's+old), it will not be appropriate to bring girls home :( Fortunately, they have about 5 housekeepers to choose from!! Hehehe