Living in the Philippines

[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

If you really need some cash. Try call centers. Entry is easy and the pay is about 375-400 dollars a month if you can live off that go for it. I have one lady friend in Cebu who lives off that amount with plenty to spare.

[Dan Hawaii]

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
My friend lives in Central Manila, Makati. He gets 1500 usd per month and lives a pretty high standard of living there. He has a 2 bedroom condo - 600 usd, a maid - 100 usd, a kid -??? , and lives pretty good. Movies at malls cost less than 3usd, food is dam cheap 3usd for a fiesta meal, taxis are dam cheap 2 usd, clothes and everything else is dam cheap, girls - not sure he participates, but probably does. So you get the picture. In Angeles city, never been there, but I'm pretty sure it is cheaper than Manila. So get $1500 per month forever and retire like a king in AC. That's my plan.

[Dan Hawaii]

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
What about investing in real estate? I know foreigners can not buy property, however, they can buy apartments and condos. Why not buy some and live off the rent? Of course in this scenario, you need money to make money.

Any feedbacks on this type of "business"?

[Dan Hawaii]

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
Looks pretty do able, the only thing you need to spend the 600 is on is girls. Looks like your employers are covering everything else:)

[Blink157]

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
Hello,
read your post, just a story on the side. One guy, I think from US also tried to buy a bar in AC, small bar upper fields, name escaped me now..He made a downpayment on the bar...when he moved in, some motorbike mafia mobs from Manila chased him away and of course kept the downpayment..


SOmetimes the so called "foreigners or mates" livin in the Philipines for long time are more worse to deal with, than with the so called "locals"

Im not sure if you have experiance with the "barbusiness". If you consider AC now I would say NO NO NO, but on the other site if there is a crisis, there is also opportunity to make a "good deal"

If you buy the bar , youconsider yourself to be the papasan, youhave to consider also visa issues. Permanent resdient visa is granted if you show up now with 50 000 US $ deposit in PI bank account. After that you can withdraw the money again...

SO, if your also the papasan/manager of the bar, consider yourself drinkin all night with the blokes, ehem I mean tourists or person like me :D, if thats your thing, ok....

Being a bar manager in AC can give you also a lot of other problems, paying bribe to the cops, exposed to crime, flesh trade etc...Allways rember your a foreigner, if you have trouble with the locals in most cases your f..d.if you have money or make money, be sure somebody will get that..

Keep a low profile, dont f..k ur own gurls when owning a bar..

Just my 2 cents ....

Happy hunting

Blink

[Blink157]

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

Hi,
just my 2 cents... YOur a young guy, so why not go for it, just make sure you can allways come back to your own counrty if things will get worse..Allways leave a backdoor open like we used to say in my country :D

Take care of your visa, keep a low profile, as a foreigenr you allways exposed to crime etc...but I have to say I never been in really serious trouble, just smile and walk away if some shabu druggie pinoy is looking for trouble. I saw foreigners quareling with "locals" and the when they start to fight all pinoys jumped on them, so be wise, you cant bitchslap them in their own country..

Happy hunting and heads up!!

Blink

[Smilindavet]

Thanks Blink and Hawaii for the feedback..

Any of you Americans in RPI know of a good expat medical insurance company based in USA? There are lots online but I'm sure some are scams or dont pay out in emergencies.. Im looking for emergency medical coverage and evacuation coverage. Email addresses or phone numbers would be good. I'm early 30's and in very good health. I assume basic coverage would suffice.

Please advise,

Thanks

[LoveAsianWhores]

Thanks Blink and Hawaii for the feedback..

Any of you Americans in RPI know of a good expat medical insurance company based in USA? There are lots online but I'm sure some are scams or dont pay out in emergencies.. Im looking for emergency medical coverage and evacuation coverage. Email addresses or phone numbers would be good. I'm early 30's and in very good health. I assume basic coverage would suffice.

Please advise,

ThanksOf all the expats I know, only one carries medical insurance in the Philippines. He uses Blue Cross. He is an old man and feels he needs it. But you need to consider a few things before making the decision to get medical insurance. First, even in the US, Blue Cross is notorious for denying large claims. And that is a country with a functioning legal system. They tend to deny any claim they think that can get away with. Publicity and legal issues are the only things that keep them from denying a large claim. In this country, where going to court is a long shot at best, I would speculate that getting paid by them is also a long shot. And when you consider medical treatment is so inexpensive here, is it really worth it? Sure, open heart surgery is expensive, but would you want it in the Philippines? Your best bet is always to get to Singapore if you can. However, blue cross Philippines will not cover either your transport or treatment to Singapore. This is why so few expats get medical insurance in the Philippines. Personally, I think medical insurance out here is just throwing your money away, but that is just my opinion. I have no medical insurance, no car insurance, and no property insurance. Any expats on this board disagree with my decision?

[Smilindavet]

Of all the expats I know, only one carries medical insurance in the Philippines. He uses Blue Cross. He is an old man and feels he needs it. But you need to consider a few things before making the decision to get medical insurance. First, even in the US, Blue Cross is notorious for denying large claims. And that is a country with a functioning legal system. They tend to deny any claim they think that can get away with. Publicity and legal issues are the only things that keep them from denying a large claim. In this country, where going to court is a long shot at best, I would speculate that getting paid by them is also a long shot. And when you consider medical treatment is so inexpensive here, is it really worth it? Sure, open heart surgery is expensive, but would you want it in the Philippines? Your best bet is always to get to Singapore if you can. However, blue cross Philippines will not cover either your transport or treatment to Singapore. This is why so few expats get medical insurance in the Philippines. Personally, I think medical insurance out here is just throwing your money away, but that is just my opinion. I have no medical insurance, no car insurance, and no property insurance. Any expats on this board disagree with my decision?I found this info on the U.S. State Department web-site
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html

They list several US companies that offer med insurance for expats working / traveling overseas. Most seem to be based in Washington D. C. Area. I checked out a couple and they seem to be normal medical insurance coverages with the addition of evacuation plans. Depending on deductibles, rates for 12 months coverage run form $70-$140 month.

I agree about low cost of med treatment in Phil. My only concern for coverage was for emergency/trauma situations requiring surgery and evacuation to 1st World med facilities like Singapore and Hong Kong. I don't plan on loosing any fingers or getting shot, but you never know. Maybe some crazy jealous bar girl will stab me. Hahahah.

If I can't fit it in my budget, I will not buy it.

[Notanocker]

Gentllemen, I have an Australian mobile phone (cellphone). Am I correct in asserting that upon arrival in Phils, I should go to a PLDT, Globe or Sun telco shop and take out my Australian SIM card, and buy a new SIM card for local use, retaining my Australian phone number but by thsi method making sure calls are 'charged' at Filipono local rates and that they don't appear on my Australian telco provider's invoices to me? Or do I need to buy a second hand (or shudder, new) phone in Phils with a local SIM card and local number?
Apologies for what is probably a basic question but my knowledge in this area is rather limited: I'm not a technocrat, but a generalist. Thanks!

[Dan Hawaii]

Gentllemen, I have an Australian mobile phone (cellphone). Am I correct in asserting that upon arrival in Phils, I should go to a PLDT, Globe or Sun telco shop and take out my Australian SIM card, and buy a new SIM card for local use, retaining my Australian phone number but by thsi method making sure calls are 'charged' at Filipono local rates and that they don't appear on my Australian telco provider's invoices to me? Or do I need to buy a second hand (or shudder, new) phone in Phils with a local SIM card and local number?
Apologies for what is probably a basic question but my knowledge in this area is rather limited: I'm not a technocrat, but a generalist. Thanks!
Your thinking is way off. You buy a sim card for only 5 pesos at any 7-11 or any phone shop in PI. Then you buy load, this is to charge your sim card, it is like a prepaid cell phone minute plan. Talking live with cell is kind of expensive in PI, so many people just text message.

You need to know, that anytime you change your australian sim card, your australian phone company will not even know you are in PI and your australian bill will never see the usage on another company's sim card. Does this make sense??? Just to make this clear, Once you change to a PI sim card, you will be not using australian cell company anymore. So no bill.

First you need to unlock your phone, and you need to make sure your phone can adjust to the PI band or frequency. Usually, most tri band cells can always work around the world.

[Pompolino]

Notanocker,

I am from Australia too and have just come back from Phil a few weeks ago. When in Manila I purchased a SIM for 1 Peso from a phone shop in SM Mall and a 500 Pesos prepaid card from the provider recommended by the girl in the shop. She was correct as everyone I sent txt to or rang used the same provider meaning it was cheaper than calling another provider - I'm sorry I've forgotten which one. It was also cheaper than using my own SIM to ring home as I had to make a few business calls. My provider in Aus is Telstra but I don't think it matters. I was there for 2 weeks and at the end gave my card to my favourite friend with about 250 Pesos in credit. It means that you will get a new number for your phone. One advantage is that when my office rang me they used my Phil. number meaning they paid for the call not me. Every so often I would swap my SIM card with the Australian one and get messages and then if necessary return the calls on my Phil. card which was much cheaper.

Your Australian phone will work in Phil. I think Americans have to have a triband whilst our phones will work. When I go to the US my phone doesn't work because I don't have a triband so I have a separate phone which I purchased in the US just for use in the US.

Hope this helps.

P

[El Greco]

Your thinking is way off. You buy a sim card for only 5 pesos at any 7-11 or any phone shop in PI. Then you buy load, this is to charge your sim card, it is like a prepaid cell phone minute plan. Talking live with cell is kind of expensive in PI, so many people just text message.

You need to know, that anytime you change your australian sim card, your australian phone company will not even know you are in PI and your australian bill will never see the usage on another company's sim card. Does this make sense??? Just to make this clear, Once you change to a PI sim card, you will be not using australian cell company anymore. So no bill.

First you need to unlock your phone, and you need to make sure your phone can adjust to the PI band or frequency. Usually, most tri band cells can always work around the world.

Any idea if when traveling around Philippines, with lets say MNL sim card, roaming charges are applied or is it a flat rate all over Philippines.

eg Greece no roaming charges all over. Brasil charges roaming when used in another state of the country.


Thanks

El Greco

[Finrod]

Any idea if when traveling around Philippines, with lets say MNL sim card, roaming charges are applied or is it a flat rate all over Philippines.

eg Greece no roaming charges all over. Brasil charges roaming when used in another state of the country.


Thanks

El Greco
No roaming charges all over the Phils. Same flat rate for calls and texts. You will notice that PI mobile phone numbers have their own area codes that are 3 digit and begin with 9. Some area codes belong to Smart, others to Globe. There are other smaller competitors, but those two are the big ones and you generally can't go wrong picking one of them.

Texting to another PI mobile is cheap: just 1 peso per text. That's why texting is sooooo popular; filipinos like to call themselves the world capital of texting. It will be 6.50 or 7.50 pesos per minute for calling another PI mobile or a PI landline. Not so cheap.

This is a caller pays country so receiving calls is free. Your lasses will be delighted to take your calls. They will often dial your number and hang up before you can answer, a sure sign they want you to call back.


Your thinking is way off. You buy a sim card for only 5 pesos at any 7-11 or any phone shop in PI.
I seem to recall that SIM packs are something like 195 pesos and include some initial load. But that was a year and a half ago. I can't believe just 5 pesos... But even at 195 pesos, it's still very cheap to have your own local number. And very cheap for the lasses to text you...

Australia operates on the same GSM bands (900/1800) as most of Asia so your Australian dual band phone will work fine in the PI if you get it unlocked. For Americans, I recommend buying a quad-band phone if you want a phone that works at home as well as in Asia (or Europe).

[Cowboy Mike]

I have an Australian mobile phone (cellphone).Keep your fancy Oz phone and SIM. But a cheap second hand phone there in Phil's and insert a local SIM. You dont want your Oz number going out in Phil and the girls will never let you sleep with all their miss calls and pestering text.

If you meet a girl you fancy and want to stay in touch, give her the cheap phone when you leave or keep it and the number.

I've had the same PI number for 1 year. I ring them up when I arrive and arrange for a Hanky Panky date.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Gentllemen, I have an Australian mobile phone (cellphone). Am I correct in asserting that upon arrival in Phils, I should go to a PLDT, Globe or Sun telco shop and take out my Australian SIM card, and buy a new SIM card for local use, retaining my Australian phone number but by thsi method making sure calls are 'charged' at Filipono local rates and that they don't appear on my Australian telco provider's invoices to me? Or do I need to buy a second hand (or shudder, new) phone in Phils with a local SIM card and local number?
Apologies for what is probably a basic question but my knowledge in this area is rather limited: I'm not a technocrat, but a generalist. Thanks!
I have my 2 year old tri band phone and I did exactly that took out my Optus sim and put in a "smart buddy talk and text' I paid about 75 to 95 pesos for the sim card with number my price may be way off as I had just arrived after a 2 day trip and was still disorientated. You then can buy load for as little as 5 pesos I guess I usually buy 300 to 500 load cards as I ring Australia sometimes. I get a lot of free texts with these cards something in the order of 180 etc. This is a texting country good place to learn how to do the one handed texting lol

I bought my friend a 2nd hand cell phone for about $A45 so you could leave your fancy phone at home as suggested. Mine is 2 years old and because its an unfamiliar brand (not a nokia) they do think it is fancy and the latest but it cant do half the stuff a new phone can.

[Dan Hawaii]

I seem to recall that SIM packs are something like 195 pesos and include some initial load. But that was a year and a half ago. I can't believe just 5 pesos... But even at 195 pesos, it's still very cheap to have your own local number. And very cheap for the lasses to text you...

Ooops sorry, I typoed it, it was suppose to be 40 pesos, or 1 usd. Sorry and thanks for getting it to my attention.

[Dan Hawaii]

...

Australia operates on the same GSM bands (900/1800) as most of Asia so your Australian dual band phone will work fine in the PI if you get it unlocked. For Americans, I recommend buying a quad-band phone if you want a phone that works at home as well as in Asia (or Europe).

You are correct.

The following networks operate in Australia:

Hutchison 3G Australia Pty Limited
3G 2100
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map


Singtel Optus Limited (YES OPTUS)
GSM 900/1800
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map

Singtel Optus Limited (YES OPTUS)
3G 2100
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map


Telstra Corporation Limited (Telstra MobileNet)
GSM 900/1800
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map

Telstra Corporation Limited (Telstra MobileNet)
3G 850
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services


Vodafone Pacific Limited
GSM 900/1800
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map

Vodafone Pacific Limited
3G 2100
Live





The following networks operate in Phillipines:

Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise Inc (CURE)
3G 2100
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services


Digital Telecommunications Phils, Inc (Digitel Mobile/Sun Cellular)
GSM 1800
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services


Globe Telecom
GSM 900/1800
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map

Globe Telecom
3G 2100
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services


Innove Communications, Inc. (Islacom)
GSM 900
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services


Smart Communications Inc (SMART Gold)
GSM 900/1800
Live

Network Information Roaming Partners Services Coverage Map

Smart Communications Inc
3G 2100
Live

[Dan Hawaii]

Keep your fancy Oz phone and SIM. But a cheap second hand phone there in Phil's and insert a local SIM. You dont want your Oz number going out in Phil and the girls will never let you sleep with all their miss calls and pestering text.

If you meet a girl you fancy and want to stay in touch, give her the cheap phone when you leave or keep it and the number.

I've had the same PI number for 1 year. I ring them up when I arrive and arrange for a Hanky Panky date.
I don't understand? The SIM card is the phone number. The actual cell phone does not hold the phone number. In other words, when you change the sim card, you are changing the phone number too.

[Bilbo Baggins]

I don't understand? The SIM card is the phone number. The actual cell phone does not hold the phone number. In other words, when you change the sim card, you are changing the phone number too.
Yes the phone number is on the sim card and if the phone is not locked into a service provider you can have several sim cards and each has a different number. We have prepaid cards in Australia where you can buy a sim card and then recharge it for about $30 and if you want you can buy another sim card, one for work and one for play and all you have to do is swap them around. Some phones when purchased are locked into a service provider you can pay about $80 and get it unlocked in Australia. My phone was bought unlocked and I could have several sims if I wanted so I have an Australian sim and a Philippine sim neither will work in the other country unless you set up roaming which is too expensive for my needs.

The same seems true here in the Philippines except you can purchase cards with phone credits unlike Australia they have a very sensible system here in the Philippines. I have heard you can get your phone unlocked easily so you can swap sim cards around in the Philippines. You just need to join a service provider and then buy their cards as needed.

My cell has a phone memory where I keep all my important numbers and the sim also has a memory so you can put all your Filipino contacts on your sim memory and when you change back to your country's sim there is no record of your new friends on your phone memory.

[Amavida]

This is a valentine to all the wonderful women I've know in this quirky country...

with apologies to Willie Nelson for his song

To all the girls I've loved before
Who travelled in and out my door
I'm glad they came along
I dedicate this song

To all the girls I've loved before
To all the girls I once caressed
And may I say I've held the best
For helping me to grow
I owe a lot I know

To all the girls I've loved before
The winds of change are always blowing
And every time I try to stay
The winds of change continue blowing
And they just carry me away

To all the girls who shared my life
Who now are someone else's wives
I'm glad they came along
I dedicate this song

To all the girls I've loved before
To all the girls who cared for me
Who filled my nights with ecstasy
They live within my heart
I'll always be a part

Of all the girls I've loved before
The winds of change are always blowing
And every time I try to stay
The winds of change continue blowing
And they just carry me away

Happy Mongering
Amavida

[Longhorn2000]

Would be interested in hearing from anyone who has relocated to Phils, and who had to make a living there as well. Please PM me.

Thanks!

[Finrod]

would be interested in hearing from anyone who has relocated to phils, and who had to make a living there as well. please pm me.

thanks!
you won't find it easy; wages are much, much less than the us. for one thing, you would be taking a job away from a local. any local business you start will require 60% filipino ownership. have fun finding a local you can trust. the favored quote is "the way to make a small fortune in the pi is to start with a large one".

there are guys who make a successful living that i would term much better than just scraping by, but they are very few and far between. if you don't have sufficient investment income, then the best deal is to have an internet-based job or business you can do anywhere. that way, you're not dependent on the local customers and you can charge at 1st world rates.

another option may be to do something tourist-related that's marketed toward travelers from the 1st world. one more option for those so inclined: be an english teacher. my understanding is that expat teachers in the pi aren't paid as well as in korea or japan. and you would have to have previous teaching experience to get anything but the lowest level teaching jobs available to expats.

search this thread at least 1 or 2 years back for more. also there are several yahoo groups related to the phils; you could look over there.

[Dead Star]

I've posted this in the Manila Hotels forum, but just saw this forum and think it's probably better suited here.

I'm thinking of staying in the Philippines for 2 or 3 months and would like to rent a decent apartment in Makati. Looking to spend no more than 800 US$/month on a decent apartment in a nice area. The apt must have an excellent internet connection. Any recommendations?

[TSMDave]

Just a fantasizing. If I were to leave the U. S. And relo to the PI, how long would $110,000 last? Living a middle class life (with a maid) with occassional mongering.

Two years? Three? Forever if invested correctly?

[HornyGeorge]

TSMDAVE: depends WHERE. In Makati 2 to 3 years is a good estimate, depending on your spending habits. In the the provinces a hell of a lot longer. Also dependent on whether the dollar rebounds in value. If each dollar gets you 56 Pisos (like a couple years ago) instead of 41 (now), that would make a HUGE difference.

[Cenoteguy]

Returning from the Philippines. Subic Bay, Sabang, and Manila. After 3 weeks. I am more than sure one could last 5. 10 years living very well---middle class. Most people earn 300 P a day or alittle over $7 a day! Rent and food is cheap. Sex is the best value anywhere in the world that I know. And I have been to over 36 countries. The girls are eager to please, smart, and don't play games. They want to be loved as I have fallen in love with a cutie from Olongopo. I am returning to New York today to liquify all my investments, sell my house, etc. Will return to live out the rest of my life in the Philippines. Thank God I finally found heaven on earth.

Go for it and fuck the stock market, gas prices, US housing and credit worries, and the very stressful life I'm used to.

Cheers.

M

[Pumpkinko]

I've posted this in the Manila Hotels forum, but just saw this forum and think it's probably better suited here.

I'm thinking of staying in the Philippines for 2 or 3 months and would like to rent a decent apartment in Makati. Looking to spend no more than 800 US$/month on a decent apartment in a nice area. The apt must have an excellent internet connection. Any recommendations?Asian Maner on De La Rosa.

[Further]

how long would $110,000 last?If you invest wisely and take out 4% of your assets each year, it will probably last forever. That's $367 a month. At 5% a year, you have about a 95 percent chance of outliving your money, and that gives you $458 a month. That's way less than most expats live on.

[Cunning Stunt]

Go for it and fuck the stock market, gas prices, US housing and credit worries, and the very stressful life I'm used to.

MGo for it and live the dream. But don't forget that this is only pussy heaven and in other respects life in the Philippines can be quite stressful I. E poverty, pollution, corruption etc not to mention the strange (to western eyes) Pinoy psyche. So its probably only a good plan if you are young enough to abandon it and return to wage slavery if it becomes necessary. Whatever the case living off capital is never a good idea.

[Wazza88]

Returning from the Philippines. Subic Bay, Sabang, and Manila. After 3 weeks. I am more than sure one could last 5. 10 years living very well---middle class. Most people earn 300 P a day or alittle over $7 a day! Rent and food is cheap. Sex is the best value anywhere in the world that I know. And I have been to over 36 countries. The girls are eager to please, smart, and don't play games. They want to be loved as I have fallen in love with a cutie from Olongopo. I am returning to New York today to liquify all my investments, sell my house, etc. Will return to live out the rest of my life in the Philippines. Thank God I finally found heaven on earth.

Go for it and fuck the stock market, gas prices, US housing and credit worries, and the very stressful life I'm used to.

Cheers.

MHi Cenoteguy,

A most interesting report. Did your travels include Thailand, South America or China. I am curious and I would like to know how you found the mongering in terms of GFE, prices and communication in those countries.

You are right on the money about your current situation, stuff the stress and be happy. I am pleased you found a girl you love, good things happen to good people. That is life.

Enjoy your day, stay safe.

[Amavida]

Just a fantasizing. If I were to leave the U. S. And relo to the PI, how long would $110,000 last? Living a middle class life (with a maid) with occassional mongering.

Two years? Three? Forever if invested correctly?

You could set up a little internet cafe, they are heavily patronised & easy to run. Good way to supplement your income. Need to be mindful of the way business is done here & don't fall into the trap of employing relatives.
Maybe a little crop financing. Just tossin some ideas around.

Cheers
Amavida

[Cunning Stunt]

You could set up a little internet cafe, they are heavily patronised & easy to run. Good way to supplement your income. Need to be mindful of the way business is done here & don't fall into the trap of employing relatives.
Maybe a little crop financing. Just tossin some ideas around.

Cheers,

AmavidaHi Amavida,

Interested to know if you have any experience of running internet cafes. I was considering investing in one but kinda unsure as the market seems saturated. Guess the key thing is location (near a school or college). Investment is pretty low (rent, computers x 6. 10 and ISP). What are the returns?

Another reasonable investment opportunity at the moment is in low cost gated condo developments aimed at locals. They are springing up all over Manila and are remarkably cheap particularly if you can pay upfront cash and avail of the discount (often 30%). A building company called DMCI seems to be leading the way in this kind of development. I picked up a 2 bed unit in a lovely lowrise development 2 km from Makati last year. It cost P2. 1M and although not rented yet, I am told I could achieve P18-20T per month furnished. A tidy sum which might just cover my monthly mongering bill.

[Finrod]

Hi Amavida,

Interested to know if you have any experience of running internet cafes. I was considering investing in one but kinda unsure as the market seems saturated. Guess the key thing is location (near a school or college). Investment is pretty low (rent, computers x 6. 10 and ISP). What are the returns?

Another reasonable investment opportunity at the moment is in low cost gated condo developments aimed at locals. They are springing up all over Manila and are remarkably cheap particularly if you can pay upfront cash and avail of the discount (often 30%). A building company called DMCI seems to be leading the way in this kind of development. I picked up a 2 bed unit in a lovely lowrise development 2 km from Makati last year. It cost P2. 1M and although not rented yet, I am told I could achieve P18-20T per month furnished. A tidy sum which might just cover my monthly mongering bill.
I looked into internet cafes too as I have the technical expertise to set it up myself, but I found that the barrier to entry is quite low even for filipinos, that's why you see the saturation. Outside of the tourist areas in Manila and Makati, the locals do not pay more than 15 to 25 pesos per hour. For a westerner, the income will be spare change at best. The usual downside is that since you could not own more than 40% of the business, you would have to find a local you could trust to hold the other 60%. As far as I'm concerned, that's too much work for too little income.

Condos might be a decent investment if you're comfortable with the direction of the local real estate market. It is the one form of real estate foreigners can buy and own 100%. The 40% rule does come up again in that foreigners can only own up to 40% of the units in a given building. Not sure how they enforce that one, but it's on the books. If you're counting on the rental income, then you'll need to do your due diligence before you jump in.

[Amavida]

Hi Amavida,

Interested to know if you have any experience of running internet cafes. I was considering investing in one but kinda unsure as the market seems saturated. Guess the key thing is location (near a school or college). Investment is pretty low (rent, computers x 6. 10 and ISP). What are the returns?

Another reasonable investment opportunity at the moment is in low cost gated condo developments aimed at locals. They are springing up all over Manila and are remarkably cheap particularly if you can pay upfront cash and avail of the discount (often 30%). A building company called DMCI seems to be leading the way in this kind of development. I picked up a 2 bed unit in a lovely lowrise development 2 km from Makati last year. It cost P2. 1M and although not rented yet, I am told I could achieve P18-20T per month furnished. A tidy sum which might just cover my monthly mongering bill.

You are correct about location for sure. Up selling things like drinks, snacks, eload adds nicely to the income. As with all business here gotta watch out to schmooz the correct officials otherwide hassles can come your way. I regard things like Internet cafe's as hobby business's unless you go into it in a big way by leasing a big area in a high profile mall. I have a nice GF who I set up in a net cafe business so she has something to do & doesn't bother me for money all the time. She's doing ok with it. As you say entry costs are low so you could build up a string of them to provide more income.

Condo's are a good bet if you have the money & do your homework thoroughly. Renting furnished apartments to Koreans can be lucrative.
There's lots of opportunity in real estate.

Foreign ownership restrictions can be circumveted. go to Hong Kong set up a shelf company, find a good lawyer in PI & discuss your - ahem - 'needs' and nudge nudge wink wink you can get a proxy pinoy for your company in the Phils. Gotta be big enough business to be bothered with this though.

Happy Investing
Amavida

[TSMDave]

If you invest wisely and take out 4% of your assets each year, it will probably last forever. That's $367 a month. At 5% a year, you have about a 95 percent chance of outliving your money, and that gives you $458 a month. That's way less than most expats live on.Wow. I didn't realize most expats are living there for under $500 a month. I was expecting something in the $1, 500 to $2, 000 range. Of course there are location differentials. But $500 a month. Wow.

It's somewhat easy to get 4%-5% return on your money. So your post is really surpising.

David

[GoodEnough]

I think you misunderstood. Most expats here, life on lots more than $500 a month. In fact most of the people I know in Davao spend well over $2,000 a month. Living on $500 or less here would mean going pretty "native" and I doubt there are many expats out there who would like it much. You could get a little house in a rural area or in a lower-middle class neighborhood of a city other than Manila for about $150, which would give you about $350 to meet all other needs. It's doable, but not much fun.

[Goose101]

I know of a few living on 500$ or less but they aren't in the bigger cities and have a near total native lifestyle.Most I know that keep a nearly western lifestyle are spending 1500$ and up.Some much up from that in the higher rent gated guarded subdivisons in the bigger cities.Personally leaving out the rent costs but including utilities ,food etc I wouldn't want to try it for less then 1200$ a month if single, 1500$ if married as the minimums.My requirements in a lifestyle isn't terribly high either for an american,call it very middle middle class.Many forget about adding in the visa extensions and the total costs of the required trips out in their budgets.However everyones mileage will vary in their personal requirements.

Goose

[Sleepy Floyd]

Just wondering if anyone has an idea on the costs to hire an English tutor for my girlfriend in the province. Looking for around 10 hours a week from a Filipino who has good command of English.

[Amavida]

Just wondering if anyone has an idea on the costs to hire an English tutor for my girlfriend in the province. Looking for around 10 hours a week from a Filipino who has good command of English.

Dude you cross posted this question to more than one forum...

my answer:

Pennies.
We have a live in (24/7) Yaya for our home, 1200 pesos/month salary.
English tutor is gonna be cheap. Ask at the school local to her.

Cheers & all the best to you both.
AV

[Dangerzone2]

Returning from the Philippines. Subic Bay, Sabang, and Manila. After 3 weeks. I am more than sure one could last 5. 10 years living very well---middle class. Most people earn 300 P a day or alittle over $7 a day! Rent and food is cheap. Sex is the best value anywhere in the world that I know. And I have been to over 36 countries. The girls are eager to please, smart, and don't play games. They want to be loved as I have fallen in love with a cutie from Olongopo. I am returning to New York today to liquify all my investments, sell my house, etc. Will return to live out the rest of my life in the Philippines. Thank God I finally found heaven on earth.

Go for it and fuck the stock market, gas prices, US housing and credit worries, and the very stressful life I'm used to.

Cheers.

MI like your style dude and envy your sense of adventure. Bon Voyage!

Ernest

[Fastpiston]

Hi Amavida,

Interested to know if you have any experience of running internet cafes. I was considering investing in one but kinda unsure as the market seems saturated. Guess the key thing is location (near a school or college). Investment is pretty low (rent, computers x 6. 10 and ISP). What are the returns?

Another reasonable investment opportunity at the moment is in low cost gated condo developments aimed at locals. They are springing up all over Manila and are remarkably cheap particularly if you can pay upfront cash and avail of the discount (often 30%). A building company called DMCI seems to be leading the way in this kind of development. I picked up a 2 bed unit in a lovely lowrise development 2 km from Makati last year. It cost P2. 1M and although not rented yet, I am told I could achieve P18-20T per month furnished. A tidy sum which might just cover my monthly mongering bill.

I have looked at so many business ideas in the Phils over many years and still have not found one that makes more money than a good investment offshore. So many friends have been ripped off which is a major danger.

[X Man]

Amavida's advice seems good, but what province? Sorry to be my usual caustic self, but WTF! People ask questions and give absolutely no background information....then they wonder why they get so few responses.

There are a lot of English teachers in Cebu, and I know a few. PM if you want more info. Oh, and does your gf have a sis?

X



Just wondering if anyone has an idea on the costs to hire an English tutor for my girlfriend in the province. Looking for around 10 hours a week from a Filipino who has good command of English.

[X Man]

Don't listen to GE. He has two mansions ...on the beach, on the mountain, and of course the downtown penthouse suite at the top of xyz hotel...has a slew of maids...all wearing very alluring French maid outifts, they spoon feed him imported cheese...and pour him his French wine. His chauffeur works part time as the chief of police. His gardner flies to Japan once a week to trim the Emperor's bonsai. His manicurist was a former Miss Mindanao.

Not everyone needs to live on $2200 a month.

X


I think you misunderstood. Most expats here, life on lots more than $500 a month. In fact most of the people I know in Davao spend well over $2,000 a month. Living on $500 or less here would mean going pretty "native" and I doubt there are many expats out there who would like it much. You could get a little house in a rural area or in a lower-middle class neighborhood of a city other than Manila for about $150, which would give you about $350 to meet all other needs. It's doable, but not much fun.

[GoodEnough]

X, you forgot to mention the condo in Cebu as well, and the fact that the maids wear nothing under the outfits. Thanks for sharing all my secrets.
GE

[TSMDave]

Not everyone needs to live on $2200 a month.

XSo what do you live on?

[Sleepy Floyd]

Amavida's advice seems good, but what province? Sorry to be my usual caustic self, but WTF! People ask questions and give absolutely no background information....then they wonder why they get so few responses.

There are a lot of English teachers in Cebu, and I know a few. PM if you want more info. Oh, and does your gf have a sis?

XI use "in the province" as a generalization for any poor, non-metropolitan area in the Philippines. But to be specific the province in this case is Leyte. Having traveled there recently, I've noticed the standard of English is not too great. I read on another board that my best bet might be to get a teacher from the local high school to tutor her, but I never go any info on what that should cost.

And yes, she does have a sis. In fact, she has so many siblings that I can't even keep track of who's who. Why do you ask?

[FreebieFan]

I guess I have to smile when I hear about people living on US$ 500 per month. I'm sure its doable but what kind of life. The outside toilet or only cold water in the room. Taking trikes and jeepneys. Sitting in dull dark bars with locals and putting ice in the beer to keep it cool. I've spent a few months in Baguio doing just that and no thanks.

I prefer the house in Alabang, the two maids who work there. The two cars, the gardener (and so as not be extravagant he doubles as the pool boy). Vacations to Phuket and Bali every few months.

Trips to Makati three times per week to take care of my freebie friends and lifes good. And its a heck of a lot more than US$ 500 per month.

Then again I've worked 30 years to enjoy my time now so why not.

Ultimately we all pay what we can afford. So some can make do on 500 and more power to them. My time of cheap living though is over.

[Mongering1]

Rent=P10,000
Eclectric around P2,500
Internet=P1,350 (I only pay half since I split it with my neighbor)
Cable=P565
Garbage=P100
Water=P200

Those are my bills. I'll also list my usual spending:
gas for scooter=p400
bottled water=P320
food, well that's iffy, but average around P6,000+
Cell phone load=500
Laundry=P800
Booze=P1,500
barhopping when buddies come to town=Too much!

Then figure in tourist visa stamps, shopping, little bit of travel and of course spending money on my honey...

Bud

[LoveAsianWhores]

Rent 100K
Electric 13K
Groceries 30K
Maid 3.5K
Gasoline 3k
Bar fines/tips/bar drinks 80K
etc etc etc. Lots of etc.

I live in a household of three, so it will obviously a lot less if you will be living alone. Sure, I live well, but a friend of mine who owns a house in Alabang spends 40K on electric and 60k on groceries. He lives a lot better than me. I also have another friend who lives in a tiny apartment in a Filipino area that rents for P3,500. He is quite happy

The point is, you can live on 500 bucks a month or 10,000. It depends on how well you want to live. But if you only have 500 bucks, you will still eat and fuck very well. I wouldn't try to live here on less than $500, as I would say that it was a minimum.

[GoodEnough]

Interesting to see the costs for living in and around Manila. The costs will be lower of course if you live in other metropolitan or rural areas. I live extremely well in Davao, but I would estimate that my costs--for what I imagine is roughly the same lifestyle as those cited by Freebie and Love Asian, is probably 25-30% less. Even in Davao, you can survive on $500 a month probably, but I wouldn't call it living. The minimum you would need here to live decently is about $1,000 a month and at that level, you would still have to be fairly frugal. Of course, with the devaluation of the US $ against the peso, it's costing all of us who get paid in dollars more than it did a couple of years ago.

As both of the other guys have said, how much you spend depends partly on how you want to live and partly on how much you have available to spend.
GE

[X Man]

My exchange with GE was in jest. The things I describe would cost more than $2200. I don't live in the philippines but I tend to spend $150 a day when I'm there -- not counting the flight in of course.


So what do you live on?

[X Man]

WHy do I askj about sisters? Either you are being sarcastic, or you really are SLEEPY!

I had the same impression as you when I was in Leyte regarding English.

I suppose I would try to find some university alumni groups and ask them for recommendations / connections. I think my friend gets 150 an hour to teach Koreans via webcam. That is probably high. Offer 100 an hour and see what happends. In the meantime, send her some audio recordings -- yourself for example and then put some music on it...Listening practice would be a good start and it's a way for you to keep in touch with her.

X



I use "in the province" as a generalization for any poor, non-metropolitan area in the Philippines. But to be specific the province in this case is Leyte. Having traveled there recently, I've noticed the standard of English is not too great. I read on another board that my best bet might be to get a teacher from the local high school to tutor her, but I never go any info on what that should cost.

And yes, she does have a sis. In fact, she has so many siblings that I can't even keep track of who's who. Why do you ask?

[Warbucks]

Interesting to see the costs for living in and around Manila. The costs will be lower of course if you live in other metropolitan or rural areas. I live extremely well in Davao, but I would estimate that my costs--for what I imagine is roughly the same lifestyle as those cited by Freebie and Love Asian, is probably 25-30% less. Even in Davao, you can survive on $500 a month probably, but I wouldn't call it living. The minimum you would need here to live decently is about $1,000 a month and at that level, you would still have to be fairly frugal. Of course, with the devaluation of the US $ against the peso, it's costing all of us who get paid in dollars more than it did a couple of years ago.

As both of the other guys have said, how much you spend depends partly on how you want to live and partly on how much you have available to spend.
GE

I live in a upscale subdivision in Manila. I am out of about 1500 dollars a month on everything mortage included. Don't monger much in PI as it is the home base and I don't like to shit where I sleep. That COL is about to increase as I will be purchasing a car soon.

Take It Sleazy

[Warbucks]

Rent 100K
Electric 13K
Groceries 30K
Maid 3.5K
Gasoline 3k
Bar fines/tips/bar drinks 80K
etc etc etc. Lots of etc.

I live in a household of three, so it will obviously a lot less if you will be living alone. Sure, I live well, but a friend of mine who owns a house in Alabang spends 40K on electric and 60k on groceries. He lives a lot better than me. I also have another friend who lives in a tiny apartment in a Filipino area that rents for P3,500. He is quite happy

The point is, you can live on 500 bucks a month or 10,000. It depends on how well you want to live. But if you only have 500 bucks, you will still eat and fuck very well. I wouldn't try to live here on less than $500, as I would say that it was a minimum.

Damn dude you pay 2500 dollars for rent? Where the hell do you live Forbes Park? Ouch!

[Cunning Stunt]

Fuck me but some of you guys must live like kings, but I guess you must have expensive habits When I'm in the P. I I live relatively frugally. I have a cute little house in a large Manila subdivision with predominately middle class Filipino neighbours (they make good, very friendly, security conscious neighbours but are nosy. Could never bring a girl back there). It makes me laugh when you seem to think that $500 is peanuts. Christ that is a handsome wage for a Filipino about on par for the take home wage of a bank manager!

I think that you can roughly equate standard of living on a 4 to 1 basis. Therefore $500 in the Philippines is like living on $2000 in the west. Doable but not very comfortable. Much better if you can afford $1T ($4T estimated equivalency) where you can have a pretty good lifestyle particularly if you own your own house/condo and don't have the major outgoing of rent (quite expensive in the Philippines). Saying that I do have a retired Brit friend living near me who lives quite well on about $700 a month, married to a Filipina, but maintaining a cute little 20 year old gf on the side and has the odd mongering session. If your reading this you know who you are you randy old goat!

[Further]

I found this somewhere on the net (probably in one of the yahoo groups for PI expats) in July 06.

The author added the follow up after his original posting, but I'm putting my edited version of it first because it helps put the rest in perspective

=== follow up ===

(Since I was speaking to the newcomer to the Philippines, who is just getting established, I'm considering the situation before he marries his Filipina, where he would want to acquire rental housing which is paid for within his budget by the month. [as opposed to buying]. ... Many of the prices I cite may be "Kano prices", which can be avoided by having a Filipina do research for you. But again, if you're just getting started, avoiding paying these prices for most people may not be realistic.)

=== original post ===

What kind of lifestyle do you want?

The serious answer, from all my research, goes something like this:

$500-$1,000 a month - you live like a Filipino, and you probably won't like it. Substandard housing, Filipino-style food (dry fish, etc), no hot water. You might live on the water but you would be far away from any services. Most westerners would probably prefer an urban lifestyle. Note that some people live quite successfully at this level. It is, after all, still considerably above what most Filipinos, even educated professionals, make. However we Westerners are accustomed to some luxury, and we also want to give our Filipinas a taste of it too. Remember, things like cars are big-time luxuries here. There are more Jeepneys (public transport vehicles) than cars on the streets.

$1,000-$1,500 - a good lifestyle is possible but you will watch your pennies. You might want to take public transport or taxis instead of a car. You will almost certainly have a maid and (once you find her) a Filipina live in lover/wife. There's enough money for DSL and an on-demand hot water heater for the shower. You can buy a mix of Filipino and American-style food that should be acceptable to the Westerner, but you're probably not eating out every day.

$1,500-$2,000 - you'll live a nice upper middle class lifestyle with your wife. You can get a car and driver and not kill your budget. You could eat out every day and the food would be oriental style food of western quality - i.e. no high-quality steaks and the like.

$2,000-$3,000 - you'll live a nice middle class lifestyle with your wife and kids. Your kids will go to the best schools. You could afford an oceanfront house or a house on a high hill in every urban area but Manila or Cebu City (which are both quite expensive now).

$3,000-$4,000 - you'll live a luxurious lifestyle with your wife and kids. If you pinched your pennies, you might be able to afford payments on a nice high-rise condo in Manila or Cebu. You could afford to rent but purchase payments are very high because they are financed over a relatively short period. You could also afford a nice single-family home on a high hill in a top subdivision, but it will be relatively small.

$4,000 - you're pretty much at the top of the scale if you are outside of Manila or Cebu and you can settle for just one house and one mistress. You might even be able to swing both an in town house and a beach house if you build the latter in an undiscovered part of the country. You could afford payments on a spectacular high-rise condo in Manila or Cebu.

$8,000 - you could afford the largest house in the most expensive subdivision in the Philippines (renting for 150,000 pesos or US$3,000 a month). This might seem expensive but it would be similar to a lifestyle costing $100,000+ a month in California. I do not believe you ever need to get above this figure in order to be perceived as extremely wealthy, unless you have plans to emulate John Gonkwei and found your own version of the Robinsons conglomorate.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting 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.

[LoveAsianWhores]

Damn dude you pay 2500 dollars for rent? Where the hell do you live Forbes Park? Ouch!It is a condo in Makati. It was only $1, 400 when I moved in here 3 years ago, but with 5% annual increases and the devaluation of the $, the rent has gone way up in dollar terms. And while it sounds expensive, it is 2, 700 square feet, on the 25th floor, with unobstucted views from every room in the house. Back in Los Angeles where I come from, a similar place on Wilshire blvd (the Ayala equivilent) would cost about $10, 000 per month, so I can't complain.

But this is my last month. Next month I move to a place near subic. I wanted to buy a house, but a nice house in Makati runs about a million USD. I couldn't afford that, and don't want to by a condo for various reasons. Subic (You can only rent on the base, but you can buy just outsite) is much more affordable, and has a lot less pollution and traffic. And with the expressway that just opened, Angeles is only 30 mins away. By comparison, it can take me more than 30 mins to go from Makati to passay in traffic (and up to an hour if traffic is very heavy). Not that I am a big fan of the quality of Angeles girls, but they will do.

So anyway, you will start to see my reports on the Olongapo thread. But I will miss Makati very much. The last three years have been the best years of my life.

[Blink157]

Hi to all,
just bought a new Lcdtv from Philipps in Sm Mega edsa,
price was 49k pesos...I got it for 37k pesos plus a free homecinema soundsystem also from Philipps worth 5k pesos...


Life is gud :D

LG

Blink

[GoodEnough]

I paid the same thing for what I guess is the same system; a 42" Philips with sound system, here in Davao at Emcor on Bajada Rd.

[Warbucks]

It’s been five months since I made the move from a suburb of Tokyo to Metro Manila and these are my thoughts and experiences.

Money:

Japan

This subject seems to be on everyone mind more then normal now and days so I will start with this. I rented a small one bed room apartment in Japan for $1500 dollars a month. Utilities came out to about 11,000 yen ($111) a month. Food, filling the fridge usually hit me for about 8000 to 10,000 yen every two weeks about $80-$100.

Transportation:

I mainly got around using Japan’s intricate train system. The taxis in Japan cost and arm and leg and you’re first born. Even though I could afford them the train was more feasible and I consider myself a people watcher. It was nice to see the motley J girls in their various get ups. Depending on where you was going the trains didn’t cost that much and was your best option of travel. Owning a car is in Japan is similar to owning one in the states. A lot of headache, registration insurance etc…

Philippines:

I am out of $1500 dollars (61,500php) a month in PI simple as that. Boarding consists of a two story three bedroom house in an up-scale subdivision in Metro Manila.

Transportation:

Inexpensive is an understatement. Public transportation in PI is intricate in its own way. Jeepneys crowded to capacity, hot as hell nosy. I have not been on a Jeepney because I refuse to subject my self to such torture but my other half tells me about the fun of it when I am out of town. Taxis claim air con but feel like they are trying to roast and marinate you. Also meter what meter? Most of the Taxi drivers belong in a Mad Max movie and not on any road. Owning your own car? Be my guest so as soon as you have an accident you can get blamed for it and sued. Any takers?

Safety:

Japan

Besides the UAE, Japan is probably the safest place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It was not crazy to hit the pavement with pockets full of yen and enough jewelry to imitate a Christmas tree. Never thought about getting robbed or getting scam it just wasn’t an issue.

Philippines:

I have been visiting the Philippines since 04 and I have never been a victim of a crime. That being said I would never wear jewelry or walk around with pockets full of cash. Too many friends have told me tells of woe. Also I read the newspapers daily. In PI once you leave your subdivision (gated community) you are fair game. Ice picks on Jeepneys purse and cell phone snatchers the whole nine.

Misc:

The Japanese stared at me my hip clothing and gaudy jewelry. The Filipinos stare also. The jewelry is left home in PI except for an earring. The Japanese stared and looked away when I made eye contact. The Filipinos say things like “A 50 cent” or yell “Akon.” Those are two American hip hop super stars. In Japan people rightly assumed me and my girl was a legitimate couple. In PI she is assumed to be turning a trick. After strolling the Glorietta mall and Makati in general I see they have good reason for their thoughts.

This month sent a wire transfer from the US to my account in Manila. Bank manager for one week told me the transfer was not there. After having my bank in the US put a trace on it. They find the money in PI. Manager say sorry I was looking at withdrawals instead of deposits….Can you say what the fuck?

More to follow…..

[Amavida]

G'day D Etat! Intersting comaprison.


Jeepneys crowded to capacity, hot as hell nosy. I have not been on a Jeepney because I refuse to subject my self to such torture but my other half tells me about the fun of it when I am out of town.
Sometimes my relatives drag me on them. They are very cheap but slow & uncomfortable. I've never been robbed but relies tell me it happens..


Taxis claim air con but feel like they are trying to roast and marinate you. Also meter what meter?
Its hilarious to read posts from some guys here sternly admonishing other mongers to 'always insist on using the meter'. No body uses the meters here...


Most of the Taxi drivers belong in a Mad Max movie and not on any road.
Aw! come on! Its kind fun to tell them 'Im in a hurry' then sit back watch them drive on the wrong side of the road for blocks ignoring traffic signals :) I love the laxity of rules here compared to my over policed homeland.


Owning your own car? Be my guest so as soon as you have an accident you can get blamed for it and sued. Any takers?
Agreed, its madness to even consider it. When Im going someplace illicit a taxi is anonymous & untraceable.


Safety
A little common sense goes a long way here.

Cheers mate!
AV

[HK Guy 2003]

To Senior Members,

I am considering buying a property in Manila. A small home when I visit rather than staying in hotel. I have a local friend that will act as the buyer. But I need a reliable lawyer to assist me in making sure the legal title, etc for my purchase is without problems.

The property is pretty reasonable, less than $2M pesos. So I have not looking for any high-price specialist, just a local lawyer that works on property sales.

Feel free to send me PM or respond to my post here with any good referrals.

Much appreciated in advance.

[Fastpiston]

To Senior Members,

I am considering buying a property in Manila. A small home when I visit rather than staying in hotel. I have a local friend that will act as the buyer. But I need a reliable lawyer to assist me in making sure the legal title, etc for my purchase is without problems.

The property is pretty reasonable, less than $2M pesos. So I have not looking for any high-price specialist, just a local lawyer that works on property sales.

Feel free to send me PM or respond to my post here with any good referrals.

Much appreciated in advance.
One thing people forget to check is the construction of the building. Virtually every one of those cute new houses they are building have only ONE support post, with thinnest possible reinforcing steel rods. When the next earthquake strikes, most of those cuties will fall like a pack of cards. Remember, foreigners can only own condo flats. If you have a girl, buy a condo in YOUR NAME and let her live there at your pleasure. Buying a house is a GIFT to the Filipino/a. That is why they keep that law! Best to rent and keep your capital safe.

[HK Guy 2003]

Thanks for the word of advice. But I may have a legal and inexpensive way to reduce the risk that my girl will run away with the little house.

I just need a reliable lawyer to give me the comfort that the buyer is the legitimate one and that the house has clean title. Anyone know if they have title insurance in PI?

[Cunning Stunt]

To Senior Members,

I am considering buying a property in Manila. A small home when I visit rather than staying in hotel. I have a local friend that will act as the buyer. But I need a reliable lawyer to assist me in making sure the legal title, etc for my purchase is without problems.

The property is pretty reasonable, less than $2M pesos. So I have not looking for any high-price specialist, just a local lawyer that works on property sales.

Feel free to send me PM or respond to my post here with any good referrals.

Much appreciated in advance.Hi HK,

I was in the same position about 3 years ago when I was buying a property. It was a perfect property for me sizewise, in an excellent location and the price was just right. So I went out looking for a decent lawyer who could deal with the paperwork. Could I find one? Could I hell.

Luckily I had a very experienced agent who knew the business inside out and who I trusted. She supervised the whole procedure for me and it went like clockwork and within a month I had the deeds in my hand. You do not even have to pay them as their commission comes from the seller although she had done such a good job that I took her for a meal and slipped her a couple of thousand (would have liked to have slipped her something else. She was a cracker but I digress).

So my advice is find a good agent. Its the way it is done in the Philippines. The only time you need a lawyer (well commissioner of oaths or the equivalent in the Philippines) is to attest all of the paperwork once drawn up.

The rest involves trekking round the city hall/land registry which your agent will do.

Of course everything is in the name of your Filipina partner.

Hope this helps.

GH

[Cunning Stunt]

To Senior Members,

I am considering buying a property in Manila. A small home when I visit rather than staying in hotel. I have a local friend that will act as the buyer. But I need a reliable lawyer to assist me in making sure the legal title, etc for my purchase is without problems.Sorry another couple of things occurred to me that might help. One is to ensure that you have sight of the property title before you proceed. If the seller says they are lost or not available sense trouble. Even so copies are held and I think can be seen at the local city hall. Ideally there will be only one or two names on the title and these will be the person (s) selling the property. If not you got trouble and best not to proceed.

Secondly although as a foreign national you cannot own land, you are within your rights to have your name on the title deeds. This might and might not offer some degree of protection in case of a future dispute with your partner. But don't bank on it as after all this is the Philippines

GH

[HK Guy 2003]

Hi,

Thanks for all the good input. The seller's wife is actually a real estate agent and they are selling their home. So they actually know what needs to be done. My partner has seen the home and will get a copy of the title to ensure the name is correct. I actually feel fairly ok with it. The owner is actually living in the USA and has good income so it appears legit.

The owner even suggested that I get a new sale contract pre-drafted with my partner and hold it in my possession as a way to protect myself in the event my partner and I come to any misunderstanding in the future. Apparently this is another of the subtle practices in the local market. Hope this helps for those also interested in buying a home.

HK

[X Man]

Interesting post D'etat. Last time I was in a Tokyo taxi it was 700 yen for the first 1/2 kilometers -- I guess that is about 250 or 300 pesos. As you say the streets are safe, but foreign women often have trouble with the chikan.

I did have a wallet disappear on a AC jeepney, and once had a money changer in Ermita try to steal, but never had any huge problems in the Philippines.

I think some people go to the Philippines and they see the people are poor (and staring at you), they live in shacks, the infrastructure is a mess and they assume the place is dangerous. Usually it's a false assumption. Flash a smile they'll smile back. Of course if it's late at night and the locals have been drinking it's probably good sense to move on.

X


It’s been five months since I made the move from a suburb of Tokyo to Metro Manila and these are my thoughts and experiences.

Money:

Japan

This subject seems to be on everyone mind more then normal now and days so I will start with this. I rented a small one bed room apartment in Japan for $1500 dollars a month. Utilities came out to about 11,000 yen ($111) a month. Food, filling the fridge usually hit me for about 8000 to 10,000 yen every two weeks about $80-$100.

Transportation:

I mainly got around using Japan’s intricate train system. The taxis in Japan cost and arm and leg and you’re first born. Even though I could afford them the train was more feasible and I consider myself a people watcher. It was nice to see the motley J girls in their various get ups. Depending on where you was going the trains didn’t cost that much and was your best option of travel. Owning a car is in Japan is similar to owning one in the states. A lot of headache, registration insurance etc…

Philippines:

I am out of $1500 dollars (61,500php) a month in PI simple as that. Boarding consists of a two story three bedroom house in an up-scale subdivision in Metro Manila.

Transportation:

Inexpensive is an understatement. Public transportation in PI is intricate in its own way. Jeepneys crowded to capacity, hot as hell nosy. I have not been on a Jeepney because I refuse to subject my self to such torture but my other half tells me about the fun of it when I am out of town. Taxis claim air con but feel like they are trying to roast and marinate you. Also meter what meter? Most of the Taxi drivers belong in a Mad Max movie and not on any road. Owning your own car? Be my guest so as soon as you have an accident you can get blamed for it and sued. Any takers?

Safety:

Japan

Besides the UAE, Japan is probably the safest place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It was not crazy to hit the pavement with pockets full of yen and enough jewelry to imitate a Christmas tree. Never thought about getting robbed or getting scam it just wasn’t an issue.

Philippines:

I have been visiting the Philippines since 04 and I have never been a victim of a crime. That being said I would never wear jewelry or walk around with pockets full of cash. Too many friends have told me tells of woe. Also I read the newspapers daily. In PI once you leave your subdivision (gated community) you are fair game. Ice picks on Jeepneys purse and cell phone snatchers the whole nine.

Misc:

The Japanese stared at me my hip clothing and gaudy jewelry. The Filipinos stare also. The jewelry is left home in PI except for an earring. The Japanese stared and looked away when I made eye contact. The Filipinos say things like “A 50 cent” or yell “Akon.” Those are two American hip hop super stars. In Japan people rightly assumed me and my girl was a legitimate couple. In PI she is assumed to be turning a trick. After strolling the Glorietta mall and Makati in general I see they have good reason for their thoughts.

This month sent a wire transfer from the US to my account in Manila. Bank manager for one week told me the transfer was not there. After having my bank in the US put a trace on it. They find the money in PI. Manager say sorry I was looking at withdrawals instead of deposits….Can you say what the fuck?

More to follow…..

[Amavida]

Sorry another couple of things occurred to me that might help. One is to ensure that you have sight of the property title before you proceed. If the seller says they are lost or not available sense trouble. Even so copies are held and I think can be seen at the local city hall. Ideally there will be only one or two names on the title and these will be the person (s) selling the property. If not you got trouble and best not to proceed.

Secondly although as a foreign national you cannot own land, you are within your rights to have your name on the title deeds. This might and might not offer some degree of protection in case of a future dispute with your partner. But don't bank on it as after all this is the Philippines

GHGH, Im glad you brought this up. Problems with title's are a MAJOR trap here. Title needs to be VERY thoroughly researched. It has happened that titles are found to be worthless when a past owner (national) shows up & launches a legal challenge to title held by a foreigner. (guess who loses). I have seen this personally. House bult on land, every body happy? Several years later one of the neighbors fall's on hard times & 'discovers' that the house is infringing a boundary requiring financial compensation or a past owner several times removed turns up & claims that based on a past debt on the property he or she is the rightful owner requiring financial compensation. Your choice is to pay up or face years of litigation.
AV

[X Man]

Wow, that is pretty scary.

I don't have anything to add myself, but GoodEnough has made some interesting posts on the subject in the past -- something about leasing the land if I recall. If the original poster hasn't already found this info, he might look for it or send a pm to GE. GE seems to most often hang out in the Dragon Slayer forum these days.

X


Several years later one of the neighbors fall's on hard times & 'discovers' that the house is infringing a boundary requiring financial compensation or a past owner several times removed turns up & claims that based on a past debt on the property he or she is the rightful owner requiring financial compensation. Your choice is to pay up or face years of litigation.
AV

[Warbucks]

Interesting post D'etat. Last time I was in a Tokyo taxi it was 700 yen for the first 1/2 kilometers -- I guess that is about 250 or 300 pesos. As you say the streets are safe, but foreign women often have trouble with the chikan.

I did have a wallet disappear on a AC jeepney, and once had a money changer in Ermita try to steal, but never had any huge problems in the Philippines.

I think some people go to the Philippines and they see the people are poor (and staring at you), they live in shacks, the infrastructure is a mess and they assume the place is dangerous. Usually it's a false assumption. Flash a smile they'll smile back. Of course if it's late at night and the locals have been drinking it's probably good sense to move on.

X

All I know it was more expensive then catching the train. My girlfriend was simply against it trying to save me duckies.

As for the danger in PI. X don't kid yourself.

Kill (Pussy) At Will

[Warbucks]

GH, Im glad you brought this up. Problems with title's are a MAJOR trap here. Title needs to be VERY thoroughly researched. It has happened that titles are found to be worthless when a past owner (national) shows up & launches a legal challenge to title held by a foreigner. (guess who loses). I have seen this personally. House bult on land, every body happy? Several years later one of the neighbors fall's on hard times & 'discovers' that the house is infringing a boundary requiring financial compensation or a past owner several times removed turns up & claims that based on a past debt on the property he or she is the rightful owner requiring financial compensation. Your choice is to pay up or face years of litigation.
AV

I let my ole lady handle the matters. I have seen all the paper work and it looks legit. My ole lady "ate" is a real estate mongul who operates out of Japan and we used all her people to take care of the matters.

[Warbucks]

Entertainment:

Japan
Besides world class amusement parks it was kind of dry to put it mildly. You had soap houses and massage parlors which housed some Thais and North Koreans but that was about it. I never tried these institutions as freebies are not hard to come by. Freelancers are available but they are mostly ugly as hell and Chinese. There are some escort places with Japanese ladies who work there but they are few and in between. Half all the mongers in Japan use these same joints centered around Tokyo so for me I would be inclined to stay away.

Hostess bars: Are damn near in every neighborhood of Japan and are interwoven into the society. These establishments consist of Filipina, or Eastern Europeans were you pay a flat rate to basically talk to them and get drunk(Sounds Fun). All type of alcohol is served and food but all this is an additional fee On top of an hourly rate. Most of these joints ran about $100 an hour. You can sing karaoke and look at them in their sexy outfits. Sex is not on the menu but if you can get the woman to go home with you that’s between you and her as they get paid a hefty salary no matter what.

I would watch the stressed out Japanese come in these joints and say charming things like this to the girls: “You are stupid” “ the Philippines is a dump.” “Blacks have big dick but it is weak” “Japanese have little one but strong” why in the fuck that was being discussed I have no idea can you say insecurity? Most of these joints are “Japanese Only” I have a good friend who was Filipino but he passed for a Japanese having lived there his whole life so we could get in with no problem. Most of the clubs will let a foreigner in as long as he was escorted by Japanese.

PI

Well we all know about the entertainment in PI don’t we?

Social Issues:

Japan

Though I was never been a victim Japan is rife with discrimination. I watched many times my girl and her family try to rent apartments and get loans and other normal things even though they have residency was told they need a Japanese guarantor. Many times they were stopped for Id and visa credentials for nothing at all.

PI
The corruption, poverty the simple things we westerners take for granted seems so hard to come by. Things we think are common sense are not as common in PI as I am slowly but showly finding out.

[Amavida]

The corruption, poverty the simple things we westerners take for granted seems so hard to come by. Things we think are common sense are not as common in PI as I am slowly finding out.Thanks for these comparisons D. I've never been to Japan so I find it interesting.
AV

[LoveAsianWhores]

While title problems do occur at a much higher rate than in the west, they are not common. Once you have obtained title, the legal process to get it taken away is very long and expensive for both parties, so if a challange does come up, it is usually valid. Much less likely to happen in metro manila than the provinces. A good lawyer (not expensive, less than a $1, 000) will ensure that everything is in place to obtain title before proceeding. The best way to keep title is to live there (leaving a property vacant is an invitation to lose it, either through a title transfer or to a squatter) and PAY THE PROPERTY TAXES. The taxes are quite small, but nobody will send you a tax bill, and if they are not paid, the property can be lost as easily as someone paying the taxes. In many parts of the Philippines, the owner of a property is simply the person who shows up at the recorders office and pays the taxes.

I own two properties here. The first was purchased through BPI. My significant other just went to the BPI office and asked for a list of foreclosed properties. We ended up with a bargain, about a third of the cost of what the agents/private sellers were offering. Title was obtained, and since the seller was the bank, a title problem is much less likely to occur in the future.

The second property was purchased from Ayala. An expensive way to go, but I have only the best things to say about the company. We moved in last week, and everything is has been great. The house, landscaping and service has been first class. Even the smallest problem gets a team of people here to get it resolved. They handle security, landscaping, the pool and everything else you can think of. And you can get 15 year financing through BPI.


EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting 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.

[Maple Red]

The best way to keep title is ... and PAY THE PROPERTY TAXES. ... In many parts of the Philippines, the owner of a property is simply the person who shows up at the recorders office and pays the taxes.


This seems like such a simple (and good) solution. It would be difficult for another person to argue the property was theirs if they were not the person paying the property taxes.

[Warbucks]

Still putting new furniture in the house it was a day for shopping. When we walked into the electronic store all of sudden rap music came on loud as hell before they were playing rock music. Was it because I am black and happen to wear baggy clothes?

Every damn store you are swarmed by what looks like a race car pit team that are trying to get you to buy every damn thing. Feels kind of uncomfortable as hell. Imagine being surrounded by six to seven individuals telling how nice a toaster is :)

While in the gocery store a young girl gets so close behind me she probably heard my heart beat. I go to beg up and turn my grocery cart and then she is ran over by my solid 170 pounds and gets angry as it is my fault in her eyes. Some guy looked in my cart saw some bananas and said "Nice Choice" ?Every where I go there is an audience. My baggy clothes and big diamond earring I guess are too much. My girl reinterates they are only starring because you are a forienger.

We catch a taxi home back and while in the taxi the taxi runs over a guy I mean smacks the shit out of the guy on the left side and guess what he or my girl didn't say one fucking word!

WOW!

[Amavida]

This seems like such a simple (and good) solution. It would be difficult for another person to argue the property was theirs if they were not the person paying the property taxes.On the other hand it shows how pitifully easy it is to steal another persons property. Buyer BEWARE & PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAXES!
AV

[Amavida]

Every damn store you are swarmed by what looks like race car pit team that are trying to get you to buy every damn thing. Feels kind of uncomfortable as hell. Imagine being surrounded by six to seven individuals telling how nice a toaster is :)Hehehe :) You get used to it D Etat (or go nuts raling against it). You would have seen some examples really over the top service in Japan I guess? I've gotten to the point where I am completely oblivious to them (not out of rudeness). Walk through an SM and notice the echo of 'Yes Sir, Yes Mam' as you pass from aisle to aisle. At first I would smile & be polite to all of them but soon enough you begin to ignore them as part of the furniture, only pausing to interact if you want something. Of course as a foreigner its that much harder because you get a lot of female atttendants giving you unusual attention...ahem.
While in the gocery store a young girl gets so close behind me she probably heard my heart beat. I go to beg up and turn my grocery cart and then she is ran over by my solid 170 pounds and gets angry as it is my fault in her eyes.Yeah you get that. Have you noticed when walking in crowded malls young women walk directly into each other. My asawa does this too. It seems to be a pecking order thing. If she is coming towards an older woman, she yields with much smiling. But a woman her own age? Nah, she & the other woman will walk straight into each other rather than yield. Im always saying to her 'Just pass to the right, same as driving a car' but no she always does this.
We catch a taxi home back and while in the taxi the taxi runs over a guy I mean smacks the shit out of the guy on the left side and guess what he or my girl didn't say one fucking word! WOW!Self preservation - dont get involved is the prime directive - you risk monetary loss.. or worse.
AV

[Cunning Stunt]

Yeah you get that. Have you noticed when walking in crowded malls young women walk directly into each other. My asawa does this too. It seems to be a pecking order thing. If she is coming towards an older woman, she yields with much smiling. But a woman her own age? Nah, she & the other woman will walk straight into each other rather than yield. Im always saying to her 'Just pass to the right, same as driving a car' but no she always does this.Self preservation - dont get involved is the prime directive - you risk monetary loss.. or worse.

AVYeah I've noticed this as well. Another thing I've noticed is the way Filipinas stop at the top/bottom of an escalator, either to chat with friends/take a cellphone call or just for no reason at all. I used to be polite and wait but, having had it happen to me countless times, I'm as rude as everyone else and push past. Mind you its funny as hell watching them drift along, texting, blithely bumping into everyone and everything coming their way that doesn't take evasive action. I swear, I've twice witnessed Pinays walk headlong into walls whilst busy texting. I think that the balance/steering gizmo is absent in the cotton wool fluff balls that serves most Filipinas as brains.

[X Man]

When a person is hit by a car/taxi, ignoring the situation is not the correct nor the honorable thing to do.

If in MM, there is usually a phone number printed on a taxi, both inside and out. You can call that number to report any irregularities.

X

[X Man]

Oh, so you don't like it when people judge you by looks? Weren't you the one recently who commented about good looking women dating ugly, older men?

People who live in glass houses....




Every where I go there is an audience. My baggy clothes and big diamond earring I guess are too much.

[Cunning Stunt]

When a person is hit by a car/taxi, ignoring the situation is not the correct nor the honorable thing to do.

XWhy assume responsibility for what the taxi driver did? Not very sensible, particularly in a third world country. That path heads towards a real heap of trouble.

Besides D' Etat never said that the person hit was damaged or not.

[Warbucks]

Oh, so you don't like it when people judge you by looks? Weren't you the one recently who commented about good looking women dating ugly, older men?

People who live in glass houses....

I would love to continue this battle of wits X but its unfair against a unarmed man child.

At any rate I don't think they are judging me X by my appearance or by staring I am just not something they see everyday. Troll looking loser guys are not an uncommon occurrence.

[X Man]

D'etat

I simply pointed out a contradiction in your posts. You resort to personal insults to counter my point. Battle of wits?

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but guys with heavy gold jewelry, diamond earrings and hip hop fashion strike me as a bit ...ridiculous. Guys who come to ISG and tell us about their fashion also strike me as odd. But my son has the same fashion sense and I can accept that - he's 15. We all have differences and we should try to accept that.

Hope you had a good trip to Puerto Galera. I'm looking forward to your FR.

X Man

Sorry to you young self-made men like D'etat....sorry for soiling your Philippines experience by showing my old "child-man", bald, beer bellied sorry ass walking down the street with an attractive lady. Depending on which dictionary you use, and who you ask, I'm also [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) POOR.




I would love to continue this battle of wits X but its unfair against a unarmed man child.

At any rate I don't think they are judging me X by my appearance or by staring I am just not something they see everyday. Troll looking loser guys are not an uncommon occurrence.

[Warbucks]

D'etat

I simply pointed out a contradiction in your posts. You resort to personal insults to counter my point. Battle of wits?

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but guys with heavy gold jewelry, diamond earrings and hip hop fashion strike me as a bit ...ridiculous. Guys who come to ISG and tell us about their fashion also strike me as odd. But my son has the same fashion sense and I can accept that - he's 15. We all have differences and we should try to accept that.

Hope you had a good trip to Puerto Galera. I'm looking forward to your FR.

X Man

Sorry to you young self-made men like D'etat....sorry for soiling your Philippines experience by showing my old "child-man", bald, beer bellied sorry ass walking down the street with an attractive lady. Depending on which dictionary you use, and who you ask, I'm also [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) POOR.

X I have tried and tried with you. This arguing over the internet is high-school pussy shit. You know the old Beavis and Butthead routine. I am going to act like the older adult here thats hard to do since you are twice my age and ignore you for now on.

[Amavida]

Trolling
Deliberately provoking arguments on newsgroups or bulletin boards, with no other intent than to gain attention for the sake of attention.

[Originally: fishing by dragging a line fitted with one or more hooks behind the boat]

This defintion was found in the glossary of internet terms found here : http://4umi.com/web/glossary.php

AV

[Cunning Stunt]

Trolling
Deliberately provoking arguments on newsgroups or bulletin boards, with no other intent than to gain attention for the sake of attention.

[Originally: fishing by dragging a line fitted with one or more hooks behind the boat]

This defintion was found in the glossary of internet terms found here : http://4umi.com/web/glossary.php

AVYeah the trouble is that, when he in the mood, he is a useful contributor to the boards. But he does have a trolling devil. Running wild inside his nut which encourages him to make the most I'll advised comments designed to rub people up the wrong way. Best to smile and ignore him when he dashes by being pursued by his legion of personal demons: D

GH

[X Man]

Well, look who pops up when he has a chance to "provoke an argument" for no particular reason. Keep saying "troll" enough times and maybe a few newbies will believe you.

BTW, since we were supposedly ignoring each other, I didn't bother pointing out that your Puerto Galera advice was, ummm, lacking. If you don't know much about a place, you should at least add some kind of disclaimer. I'll assume you'll ignore my advice as usual.

Anyway, just finished a 50 kilometer bicycle ride out to Odaiba and back. Damn, I'm tired. Let me relax and drink my cold beer.

Have fun.

X


Trolling
Deliberately provoking arguments on newsgroups or bulletin boards, with no other intent than to gain attention for the sake of attention.

[Originally: fishing by dragging a line fitted with one or more hooks behind the boat]

This defintion was found in the glossary of internet terms found here : http://4umi.com/web/glossary.php

AV

[X Man]

Good point Gamahucher, but I didn't mean to imply that a passenger should take responsibility for an accident caused by a taxi driver. After I read your post, I thought about it a while and could see a scenario where that might happen. Taxi driver claims you asked him to "hurry", so it was your fault.... As for "heap of trouble", I'd love to hear what you had in mind. PM me if you'd rather not drag out the taxi discussion....

As for the severity of the accident, D'etat seemed surprised that the taxi driver and his girl ignored the situation so I assumed it was bad enough to upset him. Maybe it was just a brush off -- in which case I probably would have done the same thing.

I'd like to think that I would do the right thing (whatever that is) ...and I can spout off about what I think others should do, but in the end it wasn't me in the car.

Once I found myself trying to push the brake pedal (in the back seat) as a Manila driver barreled down the road right at an oldish woman and a child. They had to run and the taxi driver never seemed to attempt to slow down. I fumed about it the rest of the way and then explained to the driver about why he wasn't getting any tip. Well, he failed to see the error of his ways and got all huffy. (Why do I have a knack for pissing people off?).

So in the end, I probably didn't do any good at all.

GH, has a good point, but once again, I think there are regulatory agencies that you could call if you want to complain about a taxi. In Manila, the number is on the back of most taxis.

X


Why assume responsibility for what the taxi driver did? Not very sensible, particularly in a third world country. That path heads towards a real heap of trouble.

Besides D' Etat never said that the person hit was damaged or not.

[X Man]

at my advanced decrepit age, the body actually starts to shrink. loss of hair and bone mass has put me under 6ft for the first time since i was 16 --- seems like a hundred years ago - maybe it has been! alzheimers may have also set in...so the brain is regressing. soon, i'll have some nurse changing my [CodeWord132] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord132). i can't grow up. sorry.

beavis and butthead? i've seen a few episodes, but i've lived most of my adult life in asia and i generally don't watch tv. i think i get your point though. beavis and butthead are two foul-mouthed morons, the target audience is teenagers. you aspire to be one of them and think i should also?

darn, i was just getting used to the "man-child" label - now i have to consider "butthead".

x, the man-child! has a nice ring to it.

d'etat, i don't want to battle you -- wits or otherwise. sorry for having pissed you off (again). and i'm sorry for being somewhat condescending regarding the taxi incident. my post was meant as a general "code of conduct" and not an attack on your personal decisions based on incidents which only you know about.



x i have tried and tried with you. this arguing over the internet is high-school pussy shit. you know the old beavis and butthead routine. i am going to act like the older adult here thats hard to do since you are twice my age and ignore you for now on.

[Nvslim]

The sniping is ruining a very nice forum. Come on guys just let it go and get back to the business of chasing Pinay pussy.

Slim

[X Man]

This is the forum for "living in Philippines", not "chasing pinay pussy" forum. So what do you suggest?

I've thought about retiring in the Philippines, but constantly come across the minor problem that most competent medical professionals leave the country to work elsewhere...

X


The sniping is ruining a very nice forum. Come on guys just let it go and get back to the business of chasing Pinay pussy.

Slim

[Amavida]

The sniping is ruining a very nice forum. Come on guys just let it go and get back to the business of chasing Pinay pussy.

SlimAgreed. everybody look at this pic & concentrate rreeeaall hard ok? :D
AV

[X Man]

Well that's a start. This is an oldie, some of you may have seen it before. AC girl blowing up a condom.

[Amavida]

Friends and relatives often ask me why I like living here.
For me access to attractive willing sexual/life partners is only a small part. Im not ugly, not poor & don't have trouble getting along with/attracting women.

But still i prefer this country because of the attitudes of people & women here.

The warm friendly happy go lucky lifestyle is both a blessing & a curse but I'd rather cope with that than other attitudes.

Cost of living is much better value than many other places. This country is trying hard to attract the medical tourist dollar like other Asian/Sub Continent countries. My personal experience is that you can get health care on a par with most developed countries but at lower cost. In many cases costs here can be as low as 1/10 of western countries.

The strong emphasis on family & respect for elders is something i deeply admire. Im happy my kids are growing up in schools where teachers are listened to, pupils dont come to school armed with knives & guns.

The thing I love a lot about being here is that you live life a little closer to the edge. There is no suffocating social welfare state dictating your every move. You are responsible for your health & well being here. I find that refreshing & empowering.

My asawa & I both love business, we enjoy the challenge of finding & developing business opportunities here.

While you're all solemnly contemplating your contributions please gaze intently at this pic :D
AV

[Warbucks]

AV how do you deal with all the scamming. I am broadcasting live from Cebu right now. I was scammed at the airport and starting to find it is a daily occurence like overcharging for house work etc....You know double price because I am a foriegner living in the village.

You confront it or say fuck it?

[Amavida]

AV how do you deal with all the scamming. I am broadcasting live from Cebu right now. I was scammed at the airport and starting to find it is daily occurence like overcharging for house work etc....You know double price because I am a foreigner living in the village.

You confront it or say fuck it?The problem of 'foreigner price' exists in every country. I take it on a case by case basis. I do make an effort to be informed about prices and not allow myself to be ripped off excessively, but small stuff I let pass rather than get a migraine about it.

I tend to not display wealth ostentatiously.
I speak the language a little & never miss an opportunity to establish my bonafides as as Balikbayan or at least expat.

I've noticed that you get a feel for haggling. When I know someone is asking me a kano price I come back at them with a counter offer closer to the local price and then say nothing & wait them out. Usually they guess correctly Im not gonna do business unless they get real. This is all done with direct eye contact but no visible emotion. Just keep smiling. Venting displeasure is a big no no in this culture - everybody around you loses face. If anyone is gonna vent its always left to one of the helpers if im in a group situation.

It helps to have a trusted local to check with regarding prices.
Asawa ko is a very tough little negotiator & knows prices well but suffers from the same Filipino ego problems as many others. Sometimes she will deliberately over pay just to demonstrate her wealth, Im like WTF? & don't hesitate to let her know she's out of line.

Hope you have a great time in Cebu D!
AV

p.s. everybody complains about the rip off taxi fares at Cebu airport

[Fastpiston]

AV how do you deal with all the scamming. I am broadcasting live from Cebu right now. I was scammed at the airport and starting to find it is daily occurence like overcharging for house work etc....You know double price because I am a foriegner living in the village.

You confront it or say fuck it?

Yes, foreigners get scammed, so do locals. I know many Filipinos who have had to get out of taxis frequently because of overcharging / no meter etc. Get a feel of when you have the upper hand - e.g. many taxis around looking for fares out of rush hour. Strategic paying a bit over the odds is sometimes a good strategy such as if you want an that extra out of normal service, you know what I mean.

[Amavida]

Yes, foreigners get scammed, so do locals.Very true FP, happens to my family as much as anyone elses.

I hesitate to use the word 'scam' which implies an organised criminal intent. These people are simply practicing economic rationalist capitalism... they charge as much as the market will bear. Its up to the purchaser to know what is a fair price & haggle for it.

We do the same in our business, Chinese always come in with a low ball offer & expect you to bargain hard with them, we always jack up our prices to start with to give ourselves some maneuvering room.
AV

[Punter 127]

Cost of living is much better value than many other places. This country is trying hard to attract the medical tourist dollar like other Asian/Sub Continent countries. My personal experience is that you can get health care on a par with most developed countries but at lower cost. In many cases costs here can be as low as 1/10 of western countries.

AV Amavida has touched on a subject of interest to me, I’m planning my 1st trip to the Philippines (Cebu) this month, I’m looking at the PI as a possible retirement spot. I would like to know more about the health care system, is some type of health insurance available, and what’s the cost and who can get it? Any info would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Punter 127

[Spam Hog]

Amavida has touched on a subject of interest to me, I’m planning my 1st trip to the Philippines (Cebu) this month, I’m looking at the PI as a possible retirement spot. I would like to know more about the health care system, is some type of health insurance available, and what’s the cost and who can get it? Any info would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Punter 127


If you are married to a Filipina, you can be eligible for "Phil health" which is the national HC system. Certain hospitals do have local plans, like Cebu Dr.s
they are not expensive compared to US or western world HC pans. Most guys here just check into a hospital or go see a Dr and pay cash same with a dentist, dirt cheap. I've never stayed in a hospital but last september one of my nieces got Dengue fever and it was a week in the hospital for her, the works only cost me P8,000, about $175 US, imagine what that would of been anywhere in the real world with blood work ups and medicine plus Dr visits on follow up.

If you/ve got anything MAJOR wrong with you I suggest you DO NOT try to get it treated in the Phils, it is cheap but the hospitals here are sorely lacking in equipment and techs to run them, St Lukes in Manila is by far the best, Cebu Docs isnt bad, I hear there is better hospital facilities in Singapore (This acccording to good enough), a short jump by air.

Spamhog

[Amavida]

... is some type of health insurance availableYes there are several private health funds here. Some American guys try to use their home grown funds I believe. Im an Aussie & so cant comment further on that.
and what’s the cost and who can get it?Its relatively costly like all private medical cover anywhere. Its available to anyone.

If you are retiring on a reasonable nest egg I recommend you 'self insure' ie keep money aside for occassional medical expenses. good private medical treatment is available here & usually cheaper than western countries. You must judge for yourself what your medical risk is before making a decision. My family is young so the bulk of our medical expenses are child related.

Others lurkers may have different experiences.
Cheers
AV

[Fifty Fifty]

p.s. everybody complains about the rip off taxi fares at Cebu airport


WE didnt complain - Exit Airport, bear right and see the ''organised'' Taxi Mob.

Lady say - "Where you go?"
I Reply - "Fuente - Osmena"
Lady say - "OK Price 350"
I Reply - "250"
Lady say -"OK, you was here before, I remember you"
I Reply -"Thank you very much, you have a good memory"
Lady say - "OK I see you many times before, you like Cebu"

We smile and get into decent aircon cab for the 20 min ride on our first ever visit to Cebu. (I just hope I dont have a twin, but if I do, I hope he doesnt [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) any drivers off :) )

Now 250 may be high, but for 2 (well off) guys with luggage, it was a $6.25 bargain.

Cheers, F/Fifty

[GoodEnough]

Nice to see you back posting Spam Hog. I have no confidence at all in the medical system here. Others however, disagree and think that places like Makati Med and St. Lukes are fine. One thing's for sure, and that's as soon as you get out of the Metro Manila area the quality of available care declines rapidly since, as Spam Hog has noted, the hospitals simply cannot afford the equipment, the maintenance and the supplies. Singapore offers first world care at about two thirds of what you would pay in the US, but the hospitals there seem to accept US insurance policies without a problem. During my two weeks in hospital there, and the additional two weeks of out patient service, I paid nothing out of pocket.

On the subject of scamming, I find it amazing that relatively well off foreigners get morally outraged at a cab driver trying the cheat them out of a couple of dollars. I wonder if there's similar outrage over the multi billion dollar scam that George Bush and company have pulled on the entire world!

GE

[Fastpiston]

Most expats who work in Phils. go to Bangkok for their medical checkups etc. as they do not trust the quality of service in Phils. Recently someone I know stayed for an overnight op at Asian Hospital Alabang (one of best private hospitals in Philippines). The surgery was fine. The room and nursing afterwards was a disaster. Locals were allowed to ignore hospital rules which state only one visitor may spend night with patient. In next bed 4 stayed and partied, complaints to nurse were ineffective. Add to that the toilets adjacent the public canteen in basement were dirty and had no toilet paper or soap!!! That is in a place where, presumably, there are contagious diseases. If you are an outpatient, never go there on a Saturday, you can hardly get in the building it is so crowded. I would strongly advice going to Singapore or Bangkok (Bumrungrad hospital) instead.

[Punter 127]

Thanks for the feedback on health care guys, it sounds like it leaves a lot to be desired. Health care is something I will definitely consider before moving there.


Punter 127

[Cunning Stunt]

If I get sick or need anything medical done I will taking the trip to Bangkok. I have seen to much incompetence here from all levels of people. One girl asked me is my home very hot since my skin is so black. I am from one of the coldest places in America :)

Facilities and treatment aren't so bad. Friend of mine from blighty got sick of the never ending NHS waiting list (now there is incompetence for you) and came out to the Philippines. He attended the Asian Hospital in Alabang, had his lithotripsy kidney stones procedure successfully carried out in a couple of hours and declared himself cured and mega-impressed with the professionalism and standard of care. He then proceded to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) and w**** himself silly for the rest of his stay, blissfully free of pain for the first time in years.

The whole thing, including airfare and spending money came to less than £3T (about $6T) which he reckoned was less than it would have been, had he had it done privately in UK. Plus he had a lot of happy memories to take home with him.

So it works for some.

GH

[LoveAsianWhores]

If you/ve got anything MAJOR wrong with you I suggest you DO NOT try to get it treated in the Phils, it is cheap but the hospitals here are sorely lacking in equipment and techs to run them, St Lukes in Manila is by far the best, Cebu Docs isnt bad, I hear there is better hospital facilities in Singapore (This acccording to good enough), a short jump by air.

SpamhogI would have to agree with the above. I am relatively young and have set things up to spend the rest of my life here in the Philippines, or at least try to. But to be honest, health care is the big "what if". I figure I'll get an angiogram around 60, and every couple of years after that to see how the plumbing looks. Sure, getting your kidney stones removed here is not so bad, but If you have a stroke or need emergency bypass surgery, the Philippines is not where you want to be, and you might be dead before you can get to Singapore. But then again, I am not looking to be kept alive until 100 hooked up to a machine, so who knows. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

[Soapy Smith]

Reason I/m asking is I'm trying to find out about this incentive money the govt is supposed to be doling out, I don't know how it works if I'm eleigible or if one has to apply, it seems that most people I talk to say they aren't eligible because they make too much money.Income level doesn't matter. You are eligible if you file a 2007 tax return and lived in the U.S. for some substantial period of the year in 2007. Details are on the IRS website.

[Soapy Smith]

the hospitals here are sorely lacking in equipment and techs to run them, St Lukes in Manila is by far the best, Cebu Docs isnt bad, RP is experiencing a major drain of medical professionals emigrating to the U.S. and Britain. Nurses in RP often make no more than 300-400 pesos per month, and doctors may not make more than about 800. Philippine nurses are in great demand in the U.S. and Britain, because their professional training has been in English, the U.S. and Britain both have serious nursing shortages, and the nursing exams in the Philippines generally meet the standards in the other countries. In many instances Philippine doctors are retraining as nurses so they can qualify to emigrate as nurses with initial earnings in the U.S. at $4-5,000 per month. So the entire dynamic essentially just shifts the professional shortages from the U.S. and Britain to RP.

[Warbucks]

I am with my ole lady not wife but might as well be when I am out about 90 percent of the time. Those few moments I have been alone I have been accosted by the pros the semi pros the up-standing citizens :)

In a couple of months my damn phone is filled with the numbers of accountants, nurses go-go girls call center workers you name it. I am starting to think moving here at my age was a bad idea. Even the girls with decent jobs still have financial incentives of getting involved with a foreigner. I can only guess but this is what it must feel like to be a celebrity in US in someways.

[GoodEnough]

At the risk of boring all of you, let me share, briefly, my experience here of about two years ago. I developed a nasty infection in the bones of one of my feet, which became worse over time and eventually prevented me from walking. First, I tried the Davao Doctors Hospital, the best in Davao. The docs there xrayed the foot, told me it was broken and would heal in a few weeks. After two weeks of intense pain and worsening swelling, I went to the head of Orthopedics at St. Lukes, who took an xray and told me that the foot was broken and that it would get better. When it did not, after another ten days, I went to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Singapore, carrying my x rays in hand. The orthopedist I saw there (who did his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic) told me the x rays were useless as a diagnostic tool as they had been so badly done, and immediately ordered new films. After receiving the new x rays, it took the Doctor in Singapore about 30 seconds to tell me I had a severe infection. He then called his Infectious Disease specialist colleague (who did her fellowship at Harvard) and I was put on a month-long regimen of IV antibiotics, which cured me.

So, neither the best hospital in Davao, nor the best hospital in Manila was capable of making a diagnosis that took a competent physician in Singapore five minutes to make. When I was in Singapore, I underwent a minor operation to remove a small sliver of bone from my foot so that the doctors could culture and identify the bacteria to prescribe the most effective antibiotic. I was later told by a physician at Davao Doctors hospital that such a test could not have been performed there as they could not afford the lab equipment necessary to conduct it.

You can all draw you own conclusions from the above about the quality of medical care here.

GE

[Maple Red]

... I'm trying to find out about this incentive money the govt is supposed to be doling out, I don't know how it works if Im eleigible or if one has to apply, it seems that most people I talk to say they aren't eligible coz they make too much money...


Spam Hog,

If you are referring to the "IRS 2008 tax rebate check", this website will answer your questions and provide the information (or links to it) you need.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/incometaxandtheirs/a/rebates2008.htm


There is an income component to eligibility, "Single tax filers with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) less than $75,000 and couples filing jointly with AGIs less that $150,000 will qualify for full rebates.". Above this threshold, the rebate gradually decreases to zero.

[Spam Hog]

Income level doesn't matter. You are eligible if you file a 2007 tax return and lived in the U.S. for some substantial period of the year in 2007. Details are on the IRS website.


Thanks to all who answered my question on rebates.

Spamhog

[Spam Hog]

I am with my ole lady not wife but might as well be when I am out about 90 percent of the time. Those few moments I have been alone I have been accosted by the pros the semi pros the up-standing citizens :)

In a couple of months my damn phone is filled with the numbers of accountants, nurses go-go girls call center workers you name it. I am starting to think moving here at my age was a bad idea. Even the girls with decent jobs still have financial incentives of getting involved with a foreigner. I can only guess but this is what it must feel like to be a celebrity in US in someways.

Welcome to the Phils Hoss, yup, thats pretty much what it is, everybody and anybody hitting you up for $$$$$$$$$

Now you need to have a serious talk with your Wife/pretendwife/GF. Part of her job is to keep such peso sharks at bay, of course if you are going around a bit on the sly...well if they suspect you are a player then they are gonna play you, even so called "professionals" like nurses and what not.

Spamhog

[Blink157]

Hi,
raining season is coming and I get annoyed with cabs who dont wana go where I go and the way they drive. So im thinking to go for the big thing..no, not the marriage thing... I want to buy a car. Im thinking bout a nice secound hand 2006/7 Ford Focus hatchback, but with gear, no automatique, thats for grandpas or Pinoys who made their drivin license in the Phils :D

I wnt to some pages on the net...Can anybody recomand decent cardealer, website or share experience with 2nd hand cars???

Please PM me or share here...

Thanks


Blink157

[Cunning Stunt]

hi,
raining season is coming and i get annoyed with cabs who dont wana go where i go and the way they drive. so im thinking to go for the big thing..no, not the marriage thing... i want to buy a car. im thinking bout a nice secound hand 2006/7 ford focus hatchback, but with gear, no automatique, thats for grandpas or pinoys who made their drivin license in the phils :d

i wnt to some pages on the net...can anybody recomand decent cardealer, website or share experience with 2nd hand cars???

please pm me or share here...

thanks


blink157

hi blink,

try philippine buy & sell. get it on the newsstand or browse online (http://www.buyandsellph.com/). lots of good offers in there but obviously, being the philippines, you have to take care.

i originally wanted a newish model, and then remembered the style of driving, and the number of cars seen with dents/scrapes, and thought no, i won't go that way, and ended up buying an oldish van with darkened windscreen so the bent traffic cops can't see a kano driving. great for shopping and moving the extended family about. suggest you go for one of the ubiquitous models (i.e corolla, lancer or accord) as parts are cheaper and easier to obtain.

hope this helps. gh

[LoveAsianWhores]

Hi,

The raining season is coming and I get annoyed with cabs who dont wana go where I go and the way they drive. So im thinking to go for the big thing..no, not the marriage thing... I want to buy a car. Im thinking bout a nice secound hand 2006/7 Ford Focus hatchback, but with gear, no automatique, thats for grandpas or Pinoys who made their drivin license in the Phils :D

I wnt to some pages on the net...Can anybody recomand decent cardealer, website or share experience with 2nd hand cars???

Please PM me or share here...

Thanks

Blink157I have bought two second hand cars here. One from a dealer and one from a private party. Both transactions went smoothly. A dealer is the way to go for your average car. I was looking for something in particular for my personal car, so I ended up going privately for that one. I looked for several weeks online on both adpost and buyandsell, but ended up finding the right car on ebay Philippines. Just lucky actually, as there are very few cars listed on ebay.

There are two kinds of dealers in the Philippines. Those that own the cars they stock and those that just maintain a "showroom" for cars owned by others. Most of the used car showrooms (more like cages) you see along EDSA, buendia and all around Makati are of the later kind. The problem with some of the dealers that do not own their own cars is that they often do not even have the keys and completing the transaction can be a hassle. A really large one is on Buendia (or maybe jupiter, I forget). Going down Makati ave from Ayala ave, turn right on Buendia or Jupiter and you will see it on the right hand side. The nice thing is about this place is they own most of the cars. If you are looking to buy a better used car, something in the 700K and up range, I can hightly recommend Elf Auto Mart. They are located on the 6th floor of the Shangrila EDSA carpark and have a very nice selection of good used cars. They are much more professional then the typical used car dealer and great if you want a no-hassle experiance. I bought a 2005 x-trail from them that was 11 months old, 9K on the clock, 2 years left on the dealer warrenty, and in like-new condition. It was the top of the line 250X model with a CD changer, 4x4, leather etc. I paid 950K for it, and the original bill of sale showed the original buyer paid 1. 3M 11 months earlier. I've never had a single problem with it over the last two years.

If only I was so lucky with other second hand car I bought. In and out of the shop on a VERY regular basis. I am taking it in tomorrow to fix one of the door locks. 25 FUCKING THOUSAND PESOS TO FIX A DOOR LOCK. By comparison, the xtrail was involved in an accident that destroyed the front bumper and side light, and damaged the fender. Getting a new bumper and light, and painted at the nissan dealer cost only 23K for everthing.

[Spam Hog]

Hi,
raining season is coming and I get annoyed with cabs who dont wana go where I go and the way they drive. So im thinking to go for the big thing..no, not the marriage thing... I want to buy a car. Im thinking bout a nice secound hand 2006/7 Ford Focus hatchback, but with gear, no automatique, thats for grandpas or Pinoys who made their drivin license in the Phils :D

I wnt to some pages on the net...Can anybody recomand decent cardealer, website or share experience with 2nd hand cars???

Please PM me or share here...

Thanks


Blink157


I've bought two second hand cars in the PI, one from a private individual the second from a dealer, the car mall in Cebu. My 2 cents. If you buy a second hand car, have your own mechanic come along and check it himself. DO NOT BUY VEHICLES THAT ARE HARD TO BUY PARTS FOR!!!!!

Especially a Mazda, I owned a mazda PU when in Davao, couldn't find parts for it despite the fact it was a newer model. Of course That end of the PI
it is always hard to find parts for anything. I now have a Honda Accord. It's easier to take care of, easier to find parts for. Most 2nd dealerships have 90 warranties.

Spamhog

[Goose101]

my view on buying a car here is look around you on the street then pick out something commonly seen.besure to get tinted windows so people can't easily see inside.this way you'll blend in better and not be a mark for someone plus you know theres parts around.if you can fit in it a multicab is good as they are everywhere and parts/repairs are cheap,they don't have a great ride tho and are no good driving at higher speeds imo the a/c sucks in the van version too.the driving here is difficult if your used to following rules and expect others to do the same,its more like playing a bumper car game where constant narrow misses gain points.plan on a few dents scratches etc,parking lots are bad for that in davao.

goose

[Soapy Smith]

Nurses in RP often make no more than 300-400 pesos per month, and doctors may not make more than about 800. Philippine nurses are in great demand in the U.S. and Britain, because their professional training has been in English, the U.S. and Britain both have serious nursing shortages, and the nursing exams in the Philippines generally meet the standards in the other countries. In many instances Philippine doctors are retraining as nurses so they can qualify to emigrate as nurses with initial earnings in the U.S. at $4-5,000 per month. So the entire dynamic essentially just shifts the professional shortages from the U.S. and Britain to RP.Nurses in RP make $150-300 per month, doctors make $400-$800 per month. I apologize for the obviously bogus peso amounts. Nurses' work loads in RP may be as high as 60 patients each per shift. So there's a vicious circle in trying to keep doctors and nurses.

[Amavida]

my view on buying a car here is look around you on the street then pick out something commonly seen.be sure to get tinted windows so people can't easily see inside.this way you'll blend in better and not be a mark for someone plus you know there's parts around.if you can fit in it a multicab is good as they are everywhere and parts/repairs are cheap,they don't have a great ride tho and are no good driving at higher speeds imo the a/c sucks in the van version too.the driving here is difficult if your used to following rules and expect others to do the same,its more like playing a bumper car game where constant narrow misses gain points.plan on a few dents scratches etc,parking lots are bad for that in davao.

goosethis is good advice goose! we have a seven series beemer in the garage in manila which practically never gets driven. out in the province im a big fan of multicabs with tinted windows. i love belting around in it. every mechanic knows how to fix these things. many times i have seen local officials pull over juicy targets for 'fines'. i have an anarchist driving style which suits the conditions here. people expecting order & rigid rules are in for a bloody big shock!
av

[MichaelTheOne]

Personally, I would stay away from any secondhand vehicles in Philipines. Just look at the way vehicles are driven here and the road condition. Maintenance are not exactly a priority (hey money is better spent on other things).

My advise: Go for the brand new Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Diesel or 2x4 gas. Can't go wrong, rides like a dream, all those potholes, flood, etc and you get a decent return when you decide to sell. Its only P1 million. That is less that USD 25k but if you still wanna a second hand car (dont understand why people wanna drive a cr in Manila), Ford Focus is not the way to go. A Toyota Corolla 1.8 Altis is a better bet. Solid car and you cant go wrong with it. Shop around.




Hi,
raining season is coming and I get annoyed with cabs who dont wana go where I go and the way they drive. So im thinking to go for the big thing..no, not the marriage thing... I want to buy a car. Im thinking bout a nice secound hand 2006/7 Ford Focus hatchback, but with gear, no automatique, thats for grandpas or Pinoys who made their drivin license in the Phils :D

I wnt to some pages on the net...Can anybody recomand decent cardealer, website or share experience with 2nd hand cars???

Please PM me or share here...

Thanks


Blink157

[GoodEnough]

My vote goes to the Pajero, at least here in Davao. I've been driving a diesel Pajero for the past 18 months and I love the car. It gets anywhere and it's totally reliable.

[Blink157]

hi to all,
thanks for the comments on 2nd cars, I will think about it. My favoured is still Ford focus hatchback..and if I buy 2nd hand I look who is the owner before, if he is an old lolo, fine, if he is a young wana bee michael schuhmacher...no thanks..I like to buy secound hand cause I feel more comfortable to drive with the idiots here, like having a brand new car and be anxious to get one scratch when I drive around with the brainless....

I think Phils is one among the few countries in the world where busses overtake big fast cars...I would be ashamed if I drive a 200 horse power car and would be constantly overtaken by busses cause I crawl like a snail along the highway..Maybe the locals are just good enough to blow the horn and block other cars if they lost (..oh god where am I, I need to txt my asawa..help help :D ) but when it comes to fast and secure driving they completly lost...well I hope some day it will improof and they really need to undergo driving lessons like anywhere else in the world...

Happy hunting and drink moderatly when driving

Blink

[Fifty Fifty]

My favoured is still Ford focus hatchback..

but when it comes to fast and secure driving they completly lost...

OMG despite the good advice of fellow members when answering your original question e.g Buy a Toyota, The Pajero is good etc etc You still favour the FORD FOCUS ???

F.O.R.D = Found On Road Dead, First On Rubbish Dump, Fix Or Repair Daily

TOYOTA = World reknowned reliability, and cheaply available spare parts, virtually anyone can fix them for you in the Phils or anywhere else for that matter.

Why not take the advice offered from the guys here, or maybe disregard the question?

Cheers, F/Fifty

[Finrod]

Just returned from a few days in Manila. I've resolved that if I retire there I will not have a car, even in rainy season. The traffic sucks just that bad. And I've been there when it pours. I'll just keep a bunch of phone numbers of drivers in case I'm going to be where there aren't many cabs.

Outside of Manila, sure, get a car. Preferably dinged all over and with tinted windows all around and easy to get parts for.

[Darth Sushi]

F.O.R.D = Found On Road Dead, First On Rubbish Dump, Fix Or Repair Daily
Cheers, F/Fifty
AKA: Fucked-up Or Rebuilt Dodge

[Blink157]

hi guys,

I love the design of the Ford focus, I drive one at home and had to sell it. Its a good car. Im talking about the ones made in Germany and they excellent.

My friend here drives one and he is very happy also. Maintenance is cheap.

I know Toyota is also good, BMW is good and Merecedes Benz is also good,Honda is also good, but I think you get the best value for money for a ford :D.

But maybe we should discuss this over a cold SM light, I feel much better today, 2 more days and I can have SM light again, perfect cause then its weekend. Not sure if I go to AC, but I like to stay in their newly built hotel..

ok thanks for the advice.

Happy hunting

Blink

PS thanks for the comments 50/50 :D but you know my GF looks better then yours hahahaha..joke

[Fifty Fifty]

PS thanks for the comments 50/50 :D but you know my GF looks better then yours hahahaha..jokeHi Blink, good to see you are now recovered and back on the SM Trail.

I just posted a couple of pics of my present long term GF in the Kazakhstan Forum which IMHO dispute your theory regarding better looks :)

Yes, Kazakhstan, that is where I am at the moment, basically having a fairly good time, with plenty of girls and the added bonus of earning money so I can return to the Phils for more SM related fun. ;)

Cheers, F/Fifty

(Sent you a PM reply to your other questions)

[Member #4647]

I am thinking of renting a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo w upstairs and downstairs AC and 80 channels on cable. The cost is 15,000 pesos per month. It is in las pinas which is about a 300 peso taxi ride to la cafe. I prefer to stay outside of Manila so i can actually get some work done instead of mongering non stop. There are actually quite a few ktvs along Alabong Zapote Road near the BF Resort Village. Is 15,000 a reasonalbe price per month?

[Fifty Fifty]

I am thinking of renting a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo w upstairs and downstairs AC and 80 channels on cable. ......... Is 15,000 a reasonable price per month?

Actually I dont know if it is a reasonable price, but it sounds good to me. I am considering something along the same lines and would also be interested to know more details.

The thought of living in a nice Condo with the ability to work and monger at will seems ideal, especially with a nice pair of live-ins ;)

Cheers, F/Fifty

[Warbucks]

I am thinking of renting a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo w upstairs and downstairs AC and 80 channels on cable. The cost is 15,000 pesos per month. It is in las pinas which is about a 300 peso taxi ride to la cafe. I prefer to stay outside of Manila so i can actually get some work done instead of mongering non stop. There are actually quite a few ktvs along Alabong Zapote Road near the BF Resort Village. Is 15,000 a reasonalbe price per month?

Bruh there are a couple of little clubs in Las Pinas nothing to shake a stick at and its hell trying to get to the hotspots (Makati, Quezon, no taxis) most locals have cars in this area during the day at night forget it. Hope you are also good with directions....

You could rent a nice house in Las Pinas for that much also but staying in Las Pinas is good choice if you want safety peace and quiet.

Take It Sleazy

[Cunning Stunt]

I am thinking of renting a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo w upstairs and downstairs AC and 80 channels on cable. The cost is 15,000 pesos per month. It is in las pinas which is about a 300 peso taxi ride to la cafe. I prefer to stay outside of Manila so i can actually get some work done instead of mongering non stop. There are actually quite a few ktvs along Alabong Zapote Road near the BF Resort Village. Is 15,000 a reasonalbe price per month?

Is this the one you asked about before in BF Resort? Rental seems reasonable. Another option nearby is BF Homes which has a hotel group called Tropical Palace (which is funny really as the hotel burned down years ago) which has quite nice, large, air con chalets for rent at a similar price. I believe that the are fully furnished. They are in a quiet area and you get free use of the old hotel swimming pool.

There is a apocryphal story pertaining to the burning down of the old hotel. Apparently Fidel and Imelda were frequent guests at the hotel and took such a liking to the place that Marcos decided he wanted to own it. Of course the offer made to the owner was well below its real value so he decided to torch the place to spite Marcos (and presumably collect the insurance money)>

OK guys, I know I'm a mine of useless information :D GH

[Finrod]

I saw this area of Las Pinas on my recent visit and I have to say it's not bad. If you don't need to monger in Manila or Makati all the time, if you like a quiet place not too far outside of Manila, it could be worth trying this one out. Do let us know how it works out. Is broadband internet available there?

But I saw taxis to Manila only during the day. If you need to get there at night, best to have some drivers' phone numbers handy. It's possible to catch a return taxi before sunset, but I didn't see any after. And you might have to pay more than 300p to go home late at night since the driver knows he isn't going to get a return fare.

[Cunning Stunt]

i saw this area of las pinas on my recent visit and i have to say it's not bad. if you don't need to monger in manila or makati all the time, if you like a quiet place not too far outside of manila, it could be worth trying this one out. do let us know how it works out. is broadband internet available there?

but i saw taxis to manila only during the day. if you need to get there at night, best to have some drivers' phone numbers handy. it's possible to catch a return taxi before sunset, but i didn't see any after. and you might have to pay more than 300p to go home late at night since the driver knows he isn't going to get a return fare.

hi finrod, just to answer a few of your queries. bf resort is quite large but much bigger is bf homes which is the biggest subdivision in manila and has some of richest filipino's living within its bounds (theres even a polo field which gives some indication of the level of wealth). although an enormous subdiv with several guarded access points, it is furher subdivided into many gated villages, each with its own security. there is many expats living there (including moi); it is particularly popular with the koreans but there are also many westeners. there is everything you need within its bound, schools, churches, laundries and many bars and restaurants and southmall is just outside its bounds on the las pinas side and shoemart mall sucat on the paranaque side. it is a 20 minute drive to the airport (allowing for traffic). it is the not so hidden secret of manila.

i have never had any problem getting a taxi within the bounds of bf homes and i imagine the same can be said of the smaller bf resort. anyway there are tricies everywhere and all you need to do if you don't want to wait for a taxi is take a tricie to the main gate and then transfer to a taxi. resort has alabang-zapote highway outside the front gate, bf homes has sucat road on one side and a-z highway to the other. with both these main arteries you can catch taxi's day or night (or jeepneys, buses and fx's if you so wish). there are many ktv local and korean style bars (with girls) on both sucat and a-z road and airport one is an easy drive away.

within both subdivs cable tv and high speed internet are available, indeeed bf homes has its own dedicated cable network - paranaque cable. destiny cable is the most reliable isp.

hope this gives you an idea of subdiv living in manila. i also own a condo, much nearer the manila action but use it only occasionally and infinitely prefer living in a subdivision where its quiet (almost rural) with much more space to live and breath and yet only 45 minutes from the action. gh

[Member #4647]

Yes, I decided to rent it for the month for 15, 000 pesos. Very quiet, nice neighbors, and I feel safe which is the most important thing. The place is fully furnished, the owner even stocked it with bottls of water, noodles, and towels. It has a washer/dryer, driveway and an internet cafe about 50 yards away. My only complaint is that the electricity bill will be an extra 5, 000 pesos for the month.

Trikes are everywhere and will take me to alabang zapote road for 14 pesos. The only problem is the damm taxi drivers REFUSE to put on the meter so I usually have to get out of the taxi several times in order to find a decent one. There are lots of ktvs here but they only open at night. It is quite difficult for me to get out at night so I haven't yet frequented the ktvs. Which KTV is the best here? The SM mall in las pinas is close and nice with lots of girls to check out.

[LoveAsianWhores]

I know the area quite well. I have mongered there many times and have a few friends there that I often visit. I have found the bars along Zapote to be very good. None of the gogo bars of Manila, but plenty of KTV's that have barfines. My favorites: Saftey Zone, Glamori (AKA Galmori), and Alerio (2 doors down from the Cowboy Grill). In my opinion, Alerio has the best line up of any bar I have been to in the Philippines, and I have been to alot. However, it is expensive and many girls will not go out.

I do not think that Las Pinas is the area to live in without a car. You can do it, but life will generally be a hassle. Most foreigners in that area have cars, and without a car, well.

And on the subject of cars, my girl goes and crashes the x-trail again, just last week. She didn't know that going downhill on a winding road, in the rain, is a time to GO SLOW. She loses control and sideswipes a tree. Smashes the door and rear quarter panel.

So we go to the Nissan dealer and get a quote for 30, 000P. Now considering that the damage to the door was quite severe. It wouldn't close and it bowed outwards. I wasn't even sure that it could be repaired and thought that we might need a new door. 30,000P wasn't a bad price, but when looking at the quote, it was 15, 000 for bodywork and 15,000 for painting. That didn't make much sense, especially when you consider that when she smashed the bumper and right fender, the painting portion of the quote, from the same dealer, was only 2, 500P. So I told the guy that, he went into back, and about 2 minutes later the painting portion was reduced to 2, 500, for a total quote of 17, 500. Just like that!

Something fishy about the whole thing. It was too easy. I guess that means that the body work was also inflated, but how could I complain. 17, 500P for a job that would have cost probably tripple back in the states. And a nissan dealer in the US would likely want to replace the door. At a cost over $2,000.

[Finrod]

Thanks, GH and Blaze. I only saw the area of BF Resort off of the Alabang Zapote road. I was not aware of BF Homes; I had never heard of it. I will definitely check out the area some more when I go back!

[Blink157]

Hi,
last weekend I witnessed an US guy handcuffed and taken away from the brgy cops. I told the story my fren and he told me it was wise not to interfear when witnessed that. Even I got angry at this lookin at the scumbags and their behavior..He told me another story happend in Subic last year. Foreigner witnessed how a child got drunk in swiming pool, so he jumped into the pool to save the childs life, but the kid didnt survived.

After that the was accused to kill the child. Typical pinoy style.child was dead , so it might be a good idea to get some money out of a foreigner. According to my friend he really had big trouble getting out of this. So, in my opinion, better do nothing, dont help, cause if you do , you get stabbed in ur back when turning around.

Last weekend I also went to Subic , stayed at the new wild orchid at Subic Baloy beach and had some good meal at Johanns. Good meals for reasonable price. I talked to a swedish guy where to go if you looking for a nice beach in Subic and he point to a new spot across the sea where korean built up new docks/havor un/loading containers...nearby he says is a nice place, but koreans bought it, so you cant go there..:D
I was wondering...I was also told that koreans bought bars at Puerto Galera. Before it was impossible to buy, but my guess was if they paid that much like they pay for barfining gurls in AC they got it for a high price.
Lets take a look in the future.. best places are bought by koreans...now the pinoys realize their aint no more good places left where they can built something up...Guess what will happen..RIGHT, they will get their things back :D...First you sell it for a high price and then you get it back for ZERO..

I see some problems there in the future for the korean comunity, cause the past teached us how it is to make business in the Philippines :)

Any comment on that?? Its just my point of view how I see things here in the Philippines...

Happy day to all

Blink

[FunnyGoLucky]

I know the area quite well. I have mongered there many times and have a few friends there that I often visit. I have found the bars along Zapote to be very good. None of the gogo bars of Manila, but plenty of KTV's that have barfines. My favorites: Saftey Zone, Glamori (AKA Galmori), and Alerio (2 doors down from the Cowboy Grill). In my opinion, Alerio has the best line up of any bar I have been to in the Philippines, and I have been to alot. However, it is expensive and many girls will not go out.

I do not think that Las Pinas is the area to live in without a car. You can do it, but life will generally be a hassle. Most foreigners in that area have cars, and without a car, well.

And on the subject of cars, my girl goes and crashes the x-trail again, just last week. She didn't know that going downhill on a winding road, in the rain, is a time to GO SLOW. She loses control and sideswipes a tree. Smashes the door and rear quarter panel.

So we go to the Nissan dealer and get a quote for 30, 000P. Now considering that the damage to the door was quite severe. It wouldn't close and it bowed outwards. I wasn't even sure that it could be repaired and thought that we might need a new door. 30,000P wasn't a bad price, but when looking at the quote, it was 15, 000 for bodywork and 15,000 for painting. That didn't make much sense, especially when you consider that when she smashed the bumper and right fender, the painting portion of the quote, from the same dealer, was only 2, 500P. So I told the guy that, he went into back, and about 2 minutes later the painting portion was reduced to 2, 500, for a total quote of 17, 500. Just like that!

Something fishy about the whole thing. It was too easy. I guess that means that the body work was also inflated, but how could I complain. 17, 500P for a job that would have cost probably tripple back in the states. And a nissan dealer in the US would likely want to replace the door. At a cost over $2,000.You can get a door in Manila surplus Japan ( means second hand) for around 5000- 6000 peso when repaint max 2 000.

[Nvslim]

"Typhoon Fengshen, with maximum gusts of 195 kph (121 mph), has killed at least 155 people in central and southern Philippines, including 101 in Iloilo province, where floodwaters submerged whole communities".

Hope all is well. News reports sound pretty bad. The ferry capsizing was most disturbing.

Slim

[Warbucks]

"Typhoon Fengshen, with maximum gusts of 195 kph (121 mph), has killed at least 155 people in central and southern Philippines, including 101 in Iloilo province, where floodwaters submerged whole communities".

Hope all is well. News reports sound pretty bad. The ferry capsizing was most disturbing.

Slim

That ferry disappearing really fucked with me too. Yeah I have a small amount of water coming into the house and the cable TV is all but dead. Other then the inability to see the news not much going on in my parts...

[Dickhead]

Gee, what a bummer your cable is out. What about all the people who died, homey?

[Cunning Stunt]

What the fuck was the ferry doing out at sea in a typhoon? Did the captain ignore the weather forecast or was it the greedy company, worried about the loss of a few lousy pesos. Instead they have lost one of their ferries and more importantly 800+ souls including 55 kids. Guess they will cry a few crocodile tears and then go collect the insurance money. You need a screw loose to go anywhere near one of their ferries. They were the company who had the Dona Paz which was the world worst peacetime maritime disaster when it went down in 1987 with over 4,000 drowned!!

Just hope my house still has a roof when I get home next week. GH

[Fifty Fifty]

What the fuck was the ferry doing out at sea in a typhoon? Did the captain ignore the weather forecast or was it the greedy company, worried about the loss of a few lousy pesos. Instead they have lost one of their ferries and more importantly 800+ souls including 55 kids. Guess they will cry a few crocodile tears and then go collect the insurance money. You need a screw loose to go anywhere near one of their ferries. They were the company who had the Dona Paz which was the world worst peacetime maritime disaster when it went down in 1987 with over 4,000 drowned!!

Just hope my house still has a roof when I get home next week. GH

Truth is the ''Captains'' are often of limited experience and knowledge, basically they are made to keep to the timetable or they will be sacked.
The Ferry Company is in most cases always to blame, not the guys themselves.
I use Weesam and other fast ferries, but will never get on to a slow boat to anywhere, and I've been on some floating junk in my time too.

Cheers, F/Fifty

[X Man]

Well, I'm sure you guys are reading the news just as I am. But this is what I've heard so far.

Ship left at 8pm, typhoon warning came a few hours later. Whether they could have found shelter enroute is another story.

It wasn't overcrowded as has been the case in the past.

Some news sources suggest poor cargo loading.

Captain was experienced -- since 2004 on the same vessel.

Engine trouble -- (my personal theory follows) I suspect this is the real problem. When waves are really big, it is best to ride into the wave bow first. If you have no engine (or any other diminished power to control), you can't steer and you are likely to end up with the waves hitting you broadside. Pictures show the vessel upside down about a mile offshore. So, the waves and wind pushed them to the island, they ran aground, a big wave pushed them over.

A ship this big has two engines. So, still a lot of questions to be answered. Maybe the captain was looking for shelter in waters he wasn't familiar with. He ran aground, same scenario.

Let's hope they find about 500 survivers hanging out on the beach a few miles downshore.

X Man


What the fuck was the ferry doing out at sea in a typhoon? Did the captain ignore the weather forecast or was it the greedy company, worried about the loss of a few lousy pesos. Instead they have lost one of their ferries and more importantly 800+ souls including 55 kids. Guess they will cry a few crocodile tears and then go collect the insurance money. You need a screw loose to go anywhere near one of their ferries. They were the company who had the Dona Paz which was the world worst peacetime maritime disaster when it went down in 1987 with over 4,000 drowned!!

Just hope my house still has a roof when I get home next week. GH

[Fifty Fifty]

.......Captain was experienced -- since 2004 on the same vessel............

Maybe the captain was looking for shelter in waters he wasn't familiar with.........

He ran aground, same scenario.....

X Man

He ran AGROUND ?? I reckon he ran AROUND a bit as his ship went AGROUND mate.

Shoot that Parrot X ;)

Cheers, F/Fifty

[Cunning Stunt]

ship left at 8pm, typhoon warning came a few hours later. whether they could have found shelter enroute is another story.

x man

yeah but why did the vessel leave port at all. you cannot tell me, in these days of satellite meterological tracking that pick up a gull farting 100 miles out at sea, that they were not aware of the approximate path, speed and strength of this fucking typhoon due to hit a few hours later. strikes me they knew full well and decided to play russian roulette with 800+ lives rather than fuck up their schedule and maybe lose a few hundred thousand pesos.

as fifty rightly points out the captains of these vessels are not the most competent and are probably under pressure from the company to maintain the schedule. unfortunately the captain of this particular vessel made the wrong choice and probably paid for it with his life. if he survived, his nuts and those of his boss ought to be nailed to the mast of one their remaining ferries. unfortunately this won't happen although i hear gma is pretty steamed up about the senseless waste of so many lives. so finally the government might do something to force improvement to the safety of these ferries. but i wouldn't hold your breath :(

[Rubio Tonto]

They knew about it before they left Manila, but expected it to pass to the west. It took a sudden turn to the north, right into the path of the ferry. Apparently, some of the passengers tried to talk the captain into tucking the ship into a safe harbor (probably Mindoro) for a few hours, but the captain assured them that such a large ferry would have no problem in a typhoon. Pathetic, but not surprising.

[Pute Nut]

If you checked the Sulpicio lines' website for information right after the accident, all they put up was an email address, no hotlines, no updates, no nothing!

On national TV the shipping line went on air regretting the loss of the ship: "of course we're concerned, it's our vessel" (or words to that effect). News footage from outside the company's HQ indicates the information was very sparse and the handling of information-seeking relatives was not conducted in a particularly professional way.

Well, that's really the 3rd world for ya. Pay peanuts...

[Puerto La Cruz]

Maybe he didn't know why Puerto Galera is called "Puerto Galera.

Brass at the company should be indicted.

[Pute Nut]

The shipping line just announced they will pay P 200000 (US 4480) per body to the relatives, and P 20000 to each of the survivors.

[Silk Fan]

Can anyone tell me what a tagalog word means? Sounds like bugala, used to name / call someone, can't get a straight answer from the gals what it means, thanks for everything.

[Buko Max]

Can anyone tell me what a tagalog word means? Sounds like bugala, used to name / call someone...
Not sure about 'Bugala' but 'Buga' means to spit or spill out.

[Hobby Knob]

can anyone tell me what a tagalog word means? sounds like bugala, used to name / call someone, can't get a straight answer from the gals what it means, thanks for everything.

um.. there is something they say to kids. "eat....bulaga" its a game like peek a boo" where you hide your eyes them show them.

there is also a tv show called eat bulaga.

[Blink157]

ehehehe,
yeah dont ask gurls bout that, they will get shy, ask hookers they ok :D

bulaga means or stand for worm, tarugo stands for snake....now being in the Philippines and knowing that evryting is sexually related it stands for the size of the male Penis :D

Either you have a bulaga..a tiny little worm or you have a snake /anaconda...

SO, you ask the gurls, you want bulaga or tarugo...:D


Blink

[Psdai]

Or they could be saying beluga ....refering to very white skin. It is a reference to the beluga whale ,or white whale, and I am often called that given how pale my skin tone is.

And I know for a fact this is what they are talking about, and not a mistake and being refered to in the since that Blink explains because I am in no way small when it comes to penis size :)

[IgoforAsian]

My Filipina GF says Bulaga doesn't mean anything. She don't know what Tarugo is either. She says snake in Tagalog is AHAS.

[Warbucks]

Can anyone tell me what a tagalog word means? Sounds like bugala, used to name / call someone, can't get a straight answer from the gals what it means, thanks for everything.

We have gotten way too many different responses here. I am confused like a mother fucker...:)

[X Man]

Damn, D'etat and I finally agree on something!

I liked the "sex" theme answer the best and it sounds logical.

Even hitting the online dictionaries doesn't shed any light on this.

I guess we have to keep asking the locals until the cows come home.

He, he, let them try to look that up and see what they can find...

X


We have gotten way too many different responses here. I am confused like a mother fucker...:)

[Psdai]

Just giving my thoughts on it as I have three "friends" who often refer to me by the way I posted it. All three are from differnt areas (Visayas, Davao, and Pampanga), and all three are very dark skinned so I appear even whiter in comparision. The one time I asked for a meaning was with the first of the three many years ago whom I happened to be engaged to at the time and the whale definition was the explaination I got.

Truth is we may never know :)

[Wizard561]

Its not bakla, which is a word for gay, but a lot of girls use it to call their friends or for Aussie guys its simular to mate.

Wizard

[Puerto La Cruz]

Any new information on the retired marine and his daughter that were kidnapped in Tagaygay? He was let go but does anybody know anything about the daughter?

[Warbucks]

Any new information on the retired marine and his daughter that were kidnapped in Tagaygay? He was let go but does anybody know anything about the daughter?


http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/07/04/news/american.killed.inside.his.residence.html

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/07/15/news/american.national.70.found.dead.hogtied.with.towel.used.to.cover.his.mouth.html

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2008/07/22/news/ex.us.soldier.daughter.kidnapped.html

[Soapy Smith]

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/07/04/news/american.killed.inside.his.residence.html

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/07/15/news/american.national.70.found.dead.hogtied.with.towel.used.to.cover.his.mouth.html

I think this is the story PLC is asking about:

http://tagaytaylodge165.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/kidnap-update/

Tagaytay is a resort and retirement town about two hours south of Manila by toll road and secondary roads. This ex-marine was apparently Fil-Am. I've been told by other Fil-Ams that it's a favorite retirement location for them because of numerous golf courses, good restaurants, and a relatively higher elevation that overlooks Lake Taal and has great cooling breezes. It's been built up with lots of nicer homes in recent years, so for professional thieves and kidnappers, it's a rich environment for well-healed potential victims.

[Fastpiston]

I think this is the story PLC is asking about:

http://tagaytaylodge165.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/kidnap-update/

Tagaytay is a resort and retirement town about two hours south of Manila by toll road and secondary roads. This ex-marine was apparently Fil-Am. I've been told by other Fil-Ams that it's a favorite retirement location for them because of numerous golf courses, good restaurants, and a relatively higher elevation that overlooks Lake Taal and has great cooling breezes. It's been built up with lots of nicer homes in recent years, so for professional thieves and kidnappers, it's a rich environment for well-healed potential victims.
Remember, Lake Taal is an active VOLCANO. A few years ago, most people were evacuated from that area due to volcanic pressure activity and mountain bulging. Remember Pinutubo. Rent, don't buy!

[KongKing]

You know you are in the Philippines when:

1. After travelling uninterrupted through 5 international air terminals with all their associated security checks you then need to remove your shoes for a security check for a simple domestic Philippines flight (Manila to Davao);

2. The plane you arrive on goes past all the air bridges on an otherwise empty (Davao) tarmac to disgorge you and other passengers down some rickety stairs;

3. Your Executive non-stop bus trip (Cagayan de Oro to Davao) stops just 20 minutes before reaching its destination for the driver and 8 “executives” to have a [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) in a banana plantation (photo);

4. You see an expensively written sign congratulating Mr Juan Rodriquez to the position of Immediate Past President of the local Rotary Club;

5. You read in the Public Notices of the local paper that “Mrs XXX YYY, whose picture appears above, is no longer authorized to transact business for and on behalf of ABC Company. Any transaction made by her shall be considered null and void and will not be honoured by the company”;

6. On a “Cross Now” pedestrian crossing at night you are almost bowled over by a weaving motor cyclist on the wrong side and without lights on;

7. You pass repeated roadside signs saying “GMA Cares” (photo). It shows a picture, often paint-splattered, of President Gloria promoting herself, with taxpayers money, for local projects (eg road up-grades, school extensions, bridges, etc) and for which she probably doesn’t have a clue;

8. When ordering a beer in a restaurant/bar you find ice cubes in it (photo). That is pollution by dilution!

9. On a ferry between the islands (eg pristine Camiguin Island) you sail through a thick slick of garbage (photo);

10. In a mall department store you are met by many lovely sales ladies, virtually on every stand, then escorted to, and line up at a slow cashier desk; she passes your purchase to someone to pack and staple. Then at the door you are intercepted by a security officer who scribbles on your purchase butt;

11. You marvel at the intricacies of the overhead street wiring system (photo) which often sparks on a rainy night;

12. And through all of this you meet beautiful Filipinas who still smile and chat to you and are prepared to have a relationship with you no matter your age, shape, or disability.

KongKing

[Zimbo66]

And KongKing, that is why the Philippines is such a wonderful country to visit!

You agree?

[KongKing]

And KongKing, that is why the Philippines is such a wonderful country to visit!

You agree?
YES!

And that is why my visits are becoming more and more frequent!
KK

[Momo Epez]

You know you are in the Philippines when:

1. After travelling uninterrupted through 5 international air terminals with all their associated security checks you then need to remove your shoes for a security check for a simple domestic Philippines flight (Manila to Davao)

KongKingYuo forgot: Reading a sign painted on a street wall that says " Bawal Umihi Dito" translated = It is prohibited to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) here.

[Seva Lurker]

8. When ordering a beer in a restaurant/bar you find ice cubes in it (photo). That is pollution by dilution!


I won't argue the pollution point, but when my family was stationed in the Philippines (Clark) many years ago, let's say I was way too young to drink or knew about partaking of the ladies charms, I recall my Dad would get San Miguel with ice. He even added salt to it.

I know I asked him why to both, but don't recall the answer.

Damn, I wish the company would send me there now. Knowing what I know now and learned then. Such is life. :(

[Cunning Stunt]

Yuo forgot: Reading a sign painted on a street wall that says " Bawal Umihi Dito" translated = It is prohibited to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) here.

Normally where you see this sign you will also notice an overpowering stench of uric acid :D

Another thing which I find quaint and quintessentially Filipino is when you are buying something the sales clerk will always say 'one only', no matter what you are buying. So you are buying a new P100,000 LCD screen - 'one only, sir' or a brand new beamer - 'one only'. It seem to apply no matter what it is you are buying. I used to reply 'no, I'll take a dozen' but gave up as you could almost see the attempt at humour bouncing off the walls after it flew over their heads.

[Wizard561]

Question to those living in the Philippines, I know you cant buy property there unless you are a citizen etc. I know I can rent a condo not a problem.

What about cars can you buy a car and register it in your name and insure it etc.

And as I have seen how they drive it would be a SUV

Thanks for any help.

Wizard

[Cansx]

Question to those living in the Philippines, I know you cant buy property there unless you are a citizen etc. I know I can rent a condo not a problem.

What about cars can you buy a car and register it in your name and insure it etc.

And as I have seen how they drive it would be a SUV

Thanks for any help.

WizardYou can own a condo in the Philip.

[Mr Hawaii]

Question to those living in the Philippines, I know you cant buy property there unless you are a citizen etc. I know I can rent a condo not a problem.

What about cars can you buy a car and register it in your name and insure it etc.

And as I have seen how they drive it would be a SUV

Thanks for any help.

WizardFYI - you don't have to be a citizen to buy property in the P.I. If you wife (or husband) is a P.I. citizen, you can buy a house. If you are NOT a citizen, you can still buy a condominium there..many Americans have bought condos there.

[GoodEnough]

FYI - you don't have to be a citizen to buy property in the P.I. If you wife (or husband) is a P.I. citizen, you can buy a house. If you are NOT a citizen, you can still buy a condominium there..many Americans have bought condos there.
Sorry, but no. If your wife/husband is a citizen, he/she can buy land. You still cannot. You can, as indicated, buy a condo.

There's no problem purchasing cars or motorcycles. It's easy to have them registered in your own name and there's no hassle involved.

GE

[Warbucks]

Sorry, but no. If your wife/husband is a citizen, he/she can buy land. You still cannot. You can, as indicated, buy a condo.

There's no problem purchasing cars or motorcycles. It's easy to have them registered in your own name and there's no hassle involved.

GE

Just want to touch on GE post. You can't own land there period and you can not become a citizen. It's ironic since Filipinos try like hell to plant their roots all over the world someone needs to bring this up in a more public arena. I would like to say its not fair but life is not fair :)

[Cunning Stunt]

Just want to touch on GE post. You can't own land there period and you can not become a citizen. It's ironic since Filipinos try like hell to plant their roots all over the world someone needs to bring this up in a more public arena. I would like to say its not fair but life is not fair :)

Why would anyone in their right mind want to become a citizen of this 4th world shithole anyway? Only those with money and connections have a good life here; as you mention most other Filipinos with brains but no money cannot wait to abandon the place and make a better life elsewhere.

The retirement or investment visa (or whatevers its called) is the way to go but the paperwork involved is horrendous and its quite expensive as well. Amavida used to be the resident expert on these matters but he seems to have done an aussie runner (scared off by XMan - I think not!).

[Ham Yai]

Gamahucher,

I agree with you, even though I have there only twice. Once to Dipolog Mindanao area and once to Manila. On both occasions I couldn't wait to get back to LOS. Even though my Phili filly likes LOS she suggests we szee Davao. Does anyone think it has a patch on living in LOS.comparisons have been made about the life styles including buying property, safety, shopping, driving, health care, getting there and away. Is Davao all its cracked up to be and how about these factors of life style?

[Flying Saucer]

Why would anyone in their right mind want to become a citizen of this 4th world shithole anyway? Only those with money and connections have a good life here; as you mention most other Filipinos with brains but no money cannot wait to abandon the place and make a better life elsewhere.

The retirement or investment visa (or whatevers its called) is the way to go but the paperwork involved is horrendous and its quite expensive as well. Amavida used to be the resident expert on these matters but he seems to have done an aussie runner (scared off by XMan - I think not!).Why? Because you are a professional basketball player and each team is allowed one import. So you can be a well paid athelete born overseas yet no longer fill the import slot on your team.

[Warbucks]

Why would anyone in their right mind want to become a citizen of this 4th world shithole anyway? Only those with money and connections have a good life here; as you mention most other Filipinos with brains but no money cannot wait to abandon the place and make a better life elsewhere.

The retirement or investment visa (or whatevers its called) is the way to go but the paperwork involved is horrendous and its quite expensive as well. Amavida used to be the resident expert on these matters but he seems to have done an aussie runner (scared off by XMan - I think not!).

I would become a citizen to buy property in my name and exploit the economy. Condos are a waste of time/money you lose them after about 50 years I want something I can past down.

[Warbucks]

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

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

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

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

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

:D

GE

As for putting stuff in the girlfriend name well guys put stuff in their wife names back in the states and get cleaned out. I don’t trust anyone on earth 100 percent but if I couldn’t trust my girl at all why would I be with her? I put my medium size house in my girls name if she decides to fuck me over for it well.... For me the money is not going to break me… but that whole condo thing 50 years then I have to give it up or they can tear it down when they feel like and build another no thank you…

Also if you met your girl in an establishment of ill-repute bar, ***** house and the relationship was short lived...well then your odds of being fucked over are great. I have known my ole lady for years and we lived together in Japan for a over a year before we made the move so I feel good about the situation.

[Cansx]

As for putting stuff in the girlfriend name well guys put stuff in their wife names back in the states and get cleaned out. I don’t trust anyone on earth 100 percent but if I couldn’t trust my girl at all why would I be with her? I put my medium size house in my girls name if she decides to fuck me over for it well.... For me the money is not going to break me… but that whole condo thing 50 years then I have to give it up or they can tear it down when they feel like and build another no thank you…

Also if you met your girl in an establishment of ill-repute bar, ***** house and the relationship was short lived...well then your odds of being fucked over are great. I have known my ole lady for years and we lived together in Japan for a over a year before we made the move so I feel good about the situation.Love GE quote good to know.

[Cunning Stunt]

I would become a citizen to buy property in my name and exploit the economy. Condos are a waste of time/money you lose them after about 50 years I want something I can past down.

Basketball Player ... umm...never thought of that ...silly me ;).

Yes, I guess the only valid reason to become a Philippine citizen is to own property ... although I know of no westerner who has done this and I imagine there would be innumerable obstacles to actually achieving this. It has always struck me as amusing that the bureaucratic red tape involved in visa/naturalisation applications are usually in inverse proportion to the actual attractiveness of visiting/living in a place. So third world dumps in Africa, the Middle East and Asia often have the most complicated and expensive visa systems in place when you would think that they would pay you just to visit their shithole countries. Its a funny old world.

[Finrod]

Yes, I guess the only valid reason to become a Philippine citizen is to own property ... although I know of no westerner who has done this and I imagine there would be innumerable obstacles to actually achieving this.
It is possible to become a Philippine citizen though it takes a very long time (12 to 14 years, IIRC). But it doesn't do the foreigner any good because he still won't be allowed to own land which is why we haven't heard of any westerner doing this. The laws are written to favor the native born or their descendants in this matter.

[Cunning Stunt]

It is possible to become a Philippine citizen though it takes a very long time (12 to 14 years, IIRC). But it doesn't do the foreigner any good because he still won't be allowed to own land which is why we haven't heard of any westerner doing this. The laws are written to favor the native born or their descendants in this matter.

Yes Finrod, they have it stitched up all ways as if citizenship of the godforsaken place has any merit. I believe that even born Filipino's who become naturalised citizens of another country also lose the right to own land and pass it on to their descendants.

Daddy - The way condo's are thrown up, they are unlikely to last 50 years anyway :). Strictly a short term investment.

[Warbucks]

It is possible to become a Philippine citizen though it takes a very long time (12 to 14 years, IIRC). But it doesn't do the foreigner any good because he still won't be allowed to own land which is why we haven't heard of any westerner doing this. The laws are written to favor the native born or their descendants in this matter.

This makes no sense to me. You are saying if you became a citizen you still cannot own. The law says a foreigner cannot own. If you became a citizen you by law would no longer be a foreigner. Guys anybody ever thought about suing the Philippine government for their racist real estate and immigration laws I got a couple thousands to throw at these cases if plausible. Some of us pay taxes here but yet still get treated like second class citizens.

Please read the story of Debito Arudou he is an American who moved to

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arudou_Debito )

Japan and forced Japan to take a long hard look at their racist laws by protesting and drawing extraordinary media attention to his cause.

[Finrod]

This makes no sense to me. You are saying if you became a citizen you still cannot own. The law says a foreigner cannot own. If you became a citizen you by law would no longer be a foreigner. Guys anybody ever thought about suing the Philippine government for their racist real estate and immigration laws I got a couple thousands to throw at these cases if plausible. Some of us pay taxes here but yet still get treated like second class citizens.

Please read the story of Debito Arudou he is an American who moved to

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arudou_Debito )

Japan and forced Japan to take a long hard look at their racist laws by protesting and drawing extraordinary media attention to his cause.
It makes no sense to me either, but that's how the laws are written. I suppose one gets the other benefits of citizenship, like voting, having a Philippine passport, owning your own corporation and so on, but only the native born can own land. Ex-citizen Filipinos who return under the balikbayan program can own a limited amount of land. For everyone else, nothing. I first found out about this from Cebu Local who had been in the Phils for several years at the time I talked with him. His view was that without the landownership, it was not worth the obstacles one has to go through to get it.

About suing, the foreign ownership issue has already been decided in the Philippine Supreme Court so one would have a real uphill climb to get that reversed. One would also run into opposition from the "families" that like to keep things the way they are.

[Puerto La Cruz]

It makes no sense to me either, but that's how the laws are written. I suppose one gets the other benefits of citizenship, like voting, having a Philippine passport, owning your own corporation and so on, but only the native born can own land. Ex-citizen Filipinos who return under the balikbayan program can own a limited amount of land. For everyone else, nothing. I first found out about this from Cebu Local who had been in the Phils for several years at the time I talked with him. His view was that without the landownership, it was not worth the obstacles one has to go through to get it.

About suing, the foreign ownership issue has already been decided in the Philippine Supreme Court so one would have a real uphill climb to get that reversed. One would also run into opposition from the "families" that like to keep things the way they are.

I am not 100% sure but I believe that a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines can own land. I encountered this when I had my home in the Dominican Republic. It was necessary to have a Dominican as a member of the corporation. A well referred attorney was an officer of my company but I controlled 100% of the company. The problem in Phils, DR or anywhere else is finding an honest attorney that will undertake being an officer of the corporation and not fleece you when setting up the corporation. Of course there are annual corporate fees, etc., but I was able to keep mine going for less than $200.00 a year.

[Cunning Stunt]

Is it just me but why does it seem to me that every Filipino with a mop are all out to get me? They are in every mall and restaurant these young men with their mops. They never seem to have an accompanying rinse bucket so their job seems to be to move the dirt and germs from one place to another. As soon as they spot my sandal clad feet, they are off like a tiger after a gazelle with the avowed aim of giving a good mopping to my poor plates of meat with their evil, dirty mophead. What have I done to deserve this?

Mind you if it was my job to push dirt around all day with a whacking great fucking mop, I would probably be the same and take malicious delight in attacking the feet of all those smug, affluent foreign devils who shag all my lovely young countrywomen.

And will someone tell me whats the meaning of those pink lines what have appeared on the sidewalks all over town. Its driving me nuts.

Really think I need a break :D.

[Betong]

And will someone tell me whats the meaning of those pink lines what have appeared on the sidewalks all over town. Its driving me nuts.
Another brainchild of the ambitious Mr. Bayani. They indicate 'no parking'. Of course in most cities people know enough not to park completely in the middle of the sidewalk, but in Manila this passes for a visionary new idea.

[Cunning Stunt]

Another brainchild of the ambitious Mr. Bayani. They indicate 'no parking'. Of course in most cities people know enough not to park completely in the middle of the sidewalk, but in Manila this passes for a visionary new idea.

Should have known Bayani Fernando was behind it. What a complete waste of thousands of gallons of pink paint and untold man hours. And all for a Bayani 'eureka' moment. Is the guy so out of touch that he doesn't know his own people who are hardly likely to heed a pink line (assuming they know what its for) when they park up. Now one of the zillions of traffic enforcers - that is another matter.

And to think that this idiot is likely to be in the running at the next presidential race. The lunatics are well in control of the assylum.

[Betong]

And to think that this idiot is likely to be in the running at the next presidential race.
No doubt you've seen the big 'traffic enforcement' posters featuring his matinee idol face. And the 'Bayani' Filipino flag stickers on the windscreens of many cars and buses -- the cops are supposedly instructed to go easy on drivers who display one. What a world-class wanker.

[Nvslim]

Yes Finrod, they have it stitched up all ways as if citizenship of the godforsaken place has any merit. I believe that even born Filipino's who become naturalised citizens of another country also lose the right to own land and pass it on to their descendants.



My Pinay wife says the law was changed in 2003. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, she can apply for dual citizenship in the PI and get all of her PI rights back. I guess the law was changed due to so many Filipinos living overseas.

Slim

[X Man]

I thought the pink urinals were one of the more attractive sites on Manila streets -- beside the young lovelies of course.

Below is a 5min clip taken in Manila. Starts out in pink urinal territory and is mildly amusing. G-rated, so sorry to disappoint the lurking horndogs.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ7cYCSZopA

X


Should have known Bayani Fernando was behind it. What a complete waste of thousands of gallons of pink paint and untold man hours. And all for a Bayani 'eureka' moment. Is the guy so out of touch that he doesn't know his own people who are hardly likely to heed a pink line (assuming they know what its for) when they park up. Now one of the zillions of traffic enforcers - that is another matter.

And to think that this idiot is likely to be in the running at the next presidential race. The lunatics are well in control of the assylum.

[Cunning Stunt]

I thought the pink urinals were one of the more attractive sites on Manila streets -- beside the young lovelies of course.

Below is a 5min clip taken in Manila. Starts out in pink urinal territory and is mildly amusing. G-rated, so sorry to disappoint the lurking horndogs.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ7cYCSZopA

X

Hahaha X - don't tell the tourist board that. It shows the absolute direness of Manila streets if you are pinpointing urinals as one of Manila's attractions :D.

Had to use one once when I was caught short in Baclaran. Very embarrassing - think the traffic stopped and felt hundreds of pairs of eyes focused on me. Result - instant shrivelled prostate. Now if I was French, it would have been no problem.

[Cunning Stunt]

My Pinay wife says the law was changed in 2003. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, she can apply for dual citizenship in the PI and get all of her PI rights back. I guess the law was changed due to so many Filipinos living overseas.

Slim

Only for US citizens I think, Slim. Tough on the countless thousands of Filipino's who have become naturalised citizens of other countries. GH

[HornyGeorge]

I was told the pink lines painted on sidewalks are no vendor zones designed to keep a portion of sidewalks open for walking, rather than no parking zones. IF it was enforced it makes a lot of sense as traffic is affected by pedestrians walking in the street because there is no room on the sidewalk.

ANYBODY elected Mayor of Manila would be an improvement over Atienza or Lim (the last two Mayors).

[Yellow Fever #2]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this post...

A few months ago I met a Filipina in Shanghai. We have an awesome relationship together. I am very impressed with her.

I have asked her to retire from the 'entertainment' industry and never be a WG again. We have had a very difficult heart to heart talk about this, it was really an ultimatum - if you ever go to Shanghai - I will never see/speak/think about you again. It had to be black and white - no gray.

I think in general PI girls would rather not work at home and I believe her when she tells me that she would not consider to 'work' at home.

In return I will take care of ALL your expenses and give her a chance to make a better future for herself and potentially for the two of us, if we are lucky together.

She is working to take care of her son and 3 nieces. To give them an education so that they will never have to work this way. I respect her for doing this and I love her. She has a home in Manila, where basically the whole family lives, perhaps 14 people in 90m2.

She has listed her expenses as:
Water ~2500pesos/month (every day 170pesos)
Mineral? every 3 days 60 total 600pesos a month (is this gas)
School fees/allowance: 3000pesos per week (all 4 students?)
Electricity: 2000pesos/month
Landline Telephone/DSL Internet: 2000pesos/month
Food (whole house) between 6000 and 8000 per month

My question to the forum is are these reasonable expenses? I will have no problem to cover her costs, she is wonderful but I want to be sure that these are reasonable. They SEEM reasonable and fair to me.

Do you think that it is possible for her to really retire from this work? Or is the adage "you can take the girl from the bar but you cannot take the bar out of the girl" necessarily true? If we are together, we plan to stay in the PI so the same adage (substitute PI for Bar) is not applicable at this time.

Thanks for you help. You can write me a PM or reply to the forum.

[Darth Sushi]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this post...

A few months ago I met a Filipina in Shanghai. We have an awesome relationship together. I am very impressed with her.

I have asked her to retire from the 'entertainment' industry and never be a WG again. We have had a very difficult heart to heart talk about this, it was really an ultimatum - if you ever go to Shanghai - I will never see/speak/think about you again. It had to be black and white - no gray.

I think in general PI girls would rather not work at home and I believe her when she tells me that she would not consider to 'work' at home.

In return I will take care of ALL your expenses and give her a chance to make a better future for herself and potentially for the two of us, if we are lucky together.

She is working to take care of her son and 3 nieces. To give them an education so that they will never have to work this way. I respect her for doing this and I love her. She has a home in Manila, where basically the whole family lives, perhaps 14 people in 90m2.

She has listed her expenses as:
Water ~2500pesos/month (every day 170pesos)
Mineral? every 3 days 60 total 600pesos a month (is this gas)
School fees/allowance: 3000pesos per week (all 4 students?)
Electricity: 2000pesos/month
Landline Telephone/DSL Internet: 2000pesos/month
Food (whole house) between 6000 and 8000 per month

My question to the forum is are these reasonable expenses? I will have no problem to cover her costs, she is wonderful but I want to be sure that these are reasonable. They SEEM reasonable and fair to me.

Do you think that it is possible for her to really retire from this work? Or is the adage "you can take the girl from the bar but you cannot take the bar out of the girl" necessarily true? If we are together, we plan to stay in the PI so the same adage (substitute PI for Bar) is not applicable at this time.

Thanks for you help. You can write me a PM or reply to the forum.
The water seems a little high but I never had 14 people living with me. But rates in Manila are different from AC. Her electro bill is a lot lower than AC. The quote is probably, legit.

[GoodEnough]

The water seems high to me too. I've got five people in my house including two helpers, and my water bill is less than Php700 a month. School fees also seem pretty high unless the kids are in private school, in which case they're reasonable. The food costs are more than reasonable. I do not get the impression that this is any sort of major misrepresentation on her part and of course the costs in Manila are higher than where I live in Davao.

As to whether it's possible to truly "retire" from that line of work. Of course it is. Most of these girls do what they do out of the sense of "utang na loob," or the grinding, permanent debt they feel they owe their families. Most do not do this because they want to--they do it because of the crushing obligation that they feel the owe their families, which is to say they do it because they feel they have no choice. This doesn't mean of course that she cannot/will not scam you, but from the figures she gave you, I do not think that she is.

The problem with this culture, and with foreign/filipina relationships is that you're never going to know for sure, since her family is going to take priority over her relationship with you and she's going to do whatever she needs to do to make sure that the family is taken care of. Either learn to live with that uncertainty, consider moving here, or consider moving her to wherever you happen to be. I'm not criticizing the girl, but just trying to state a cultural reality that you cannot change.

GE

[Warbucks]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this post...

A few months ago I met a Filipina in Shanghai. We have an awesome relationship together. I am very impressed with her.

I have asked her to retire from the 'entertainment' industry and never be a WG again. We have had a very difficult heart to heart talk about this, it was really an ultimatum - if you ever go to Shanghai - I will never see/speak/think about you again. It had to be black and white - no gray.

I think in general PI girls would rather not work at home and I believe her when she tells me that she would not consider to 'work' at home.

In return I will take care of ALL your expenses and give her a chance to make a better future for herself and potentially for the two of us, if we are lucky together.

She is working to take care of her son and 3 nieces. To give them an education so that they will never have to work this way. I respect her for doing this and I love her. She has a home in Manila, where basically the whole family lives, perhaps 14 people in 90m2.

She has listed her expenses as:
Water ~2500pesos/month (every day 170pesos)
Mineral? every 3 days 60 total 600pesos a month (is this gas)
School fees/allowance: 3000pesos per week (all 4 students?)
Electricity: 2000pesos/month
Landline Telephone/DSL Internet: 2000pesos/month
Food (whole house) between 6000 and 8000 per month

My question to the forum is are these reasonable expenses? I will have no problem to cover her costs, she is wonderful but I want to be sure that these are reasonable. They SEEM reasonable and fair to me.

Do you think that it is possible for her to really retire from this work? Or is the adage "you can take the girl from the bar but you cannot take the bar out of the girl" necessarily true? If we are together, we plan to stay in the PI so the same adage (substitute PI for Bar) is not applicable at this time.

Thanks for you help. You can write me a PM or reply to the forum.

Those expenses sound about right I live in Metro Manila and minus the mortage I am out about 600 dollars a month... but why do you want to get involved with a women of ill-repute there are plenty of nurses, doc, IT techs young college educated Filipinas who would jump at the chance to have a foreign boyfriend. I am not saying hookers don’t deserve love but these relationships rarely work out.

Is it love or lust? Can she hold an intelligent conversation? What is in her head? What will you do when the thrill of sex with a new partner vanishes does she have any other qualities to sustain your interest?

Also sound like her family is totally dependent on her. What this means is a substantial financial investment.Yes it is possible for her to give up the life but will you trust her 100 when you are away on business?

Think about things before rushing in. I am in my late 20s and I am still paying for mistakes I made in my early 20s….in this game we call dating and mating…

[Psdai]

I am not saying hookers don’t deserve love but these relationships rarely work out.



While I agree with the majority of your post, on this one comment I must through the bullshit flag.

I have many friends and former co-workers (over 20 of them in fact) who married bar girls from throughout Asia and they all have been married for numerous years and are happy with nothing more than the normal complaints all married people have. I would say that on the whole of all the people I have known that married a bar girl maybe 5-10% of them regreted it.

Hell, for that matter I am currently married to a college educated, "good girl"as you put it and have been miserable for all 13 years of it.

Like the others said you will never know 100% and there are some big cultural differences you will have to adjust to but it is completely feasible that it can work out.

[Warbucks]

While I agree with the majority of your post, on this one comment I must through the bullshit flag.

I have many friends and former co-workers (over 20 of them in fact) who married bar girls from throughout Asia and they all have been married for numerous years and are happy with nothing more than the normal complaints all married people have. I would say that on the whole of all the people I have known that married a bar girl maybe 5-10% of them regreted it.

Hell, for that matter I am currently married to a college educated, "good girl"as you put it and have been miserable for all 13 years of it.

Like the others said you will never know 100% and there are some big cultural differences you will have to adjust to but it is completely feasible that it can work out.

That’s your experiences but from what I have seen, heard and read they don’t make the best wives. From a personal perspective I couldn’t do it and I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend. Then it depends on what you are looking for my friend. What could a man from a first world country possibly see in run of the mill SE Asian hooker for a long term commitment? Love dies and lust even faster.

[GoodEnough]

I'm not sure that the education level makes all that much difference unless the lady has been educated at an international school. Public education here is pretty much of a joke and at best, most of the universities are roughly equivalent to a decent US/European/Japanese high school. Most of the educational institutions here do not encourage (in fact most actively discourage) critical thinking, and the fields of study do not correlate highly with what's covered in the west. The bottom line is that, even with "educated" women, you're not going to have a lot in common about which to talk. The frames of reference are just too different and the whole cultural context is so different that there's just not much common ground.

My compromise on this is to look for intellectual stimulation largely from my expatriate friends and from my work and not to impose that burden of expectations on my relationship, which could not support it. Conversely, I'm sure that there are needs that I don't fill for her either, and that she satisfies through her work and Filipino friends. No relationship can meet every need regardless of the cultural in which it exists.

The bottom line is that the part of our personalities that's formed and informed by our cultures differs so radically from cultural circumstances here that there is not nor will ever be much congruence between the two. To me this means that your expectations of any long-term relationship with any Filipina must be grounded in reality.

GE

[Cunning Stunt]

She has listed her expenses as:
Water ~2500pesos/month (every day 170pesos)
Mineral? every 3 days 60 total 600pesos a month (is this gas)
School fees/allowance: 3000pesos per week (all 4 students?)
Electricity: 2000pesos/month
Landline Telephone/DSL Internet: 2000pesos/month
Food (whole house) between 6000 and 8000 per month

My question to the forum is are these reasonable expenses? I will have no problem to cover her costs, she is wonderful but I want to be sure that these are reasonable. They SEEM reasonable and fair to me.

Do you think that it is possible for her to really retire from this work? Or is the adage "you can take the girl from the bar but you cannot take the bar out of the girl" necessarily true? If we are together, we plan to stay in the PI so the same adage (substitute PI for Bar) is not applicable at this time.

Thanks for you help. You can write me a PM or reply to the forum.

Expenses seem very reasonable. Even the high water cost is probably legit as many areas do not have running water so have to have it trucked in to fill an overhead tank.

Psdai - your experience is not mine. Don't think that many members here would offer anything but advice against marrying a girl met in a bar. It really is a recipe for disaster as many guys have found to their cost. It does work occasionally but for every fairy tale you tend to hear shitload of horror stories. GH

[Warbucks]

First off GE I feel I am at a disadvantaged position to debate you being you are one of the most respected members on ISG and also due to your 5 year tenure in PI but I just want to touch on few things you said…..


I'm not sure that the education level makes all that much difference unless the lady has been educated at an international school. Public education here is pretty much of a joke and at best, most of the universities are roughly equivalent to a decent US/European/Japanese high school. Most of the educational institutions here do not encourage (in fact most actively discourage) critical thinking and the fields of study do not correlate highly with what's covered in the west. The bottom line is that, even with "educated" women, you're not going to have a lot in common about which to talk. The frames of reference are just too different and the whole cultural context is so different that there's just not much common ground. GE

I find your assessment of the education system in PI hard to believe and condescending I mean where are all these nurses the US is importing from PI coming from. What about Dubai a place where I have been in and out of for the past three years. Most of the Filipinas are first generation and they are basically the driving force behind the labor force there. I have met Filipinas from all parts of PI in Dubai and the “professionals” are generally well spoken and I would bet they could hold their own in any professional arena.
As for having something to talk about such as politics and what not I have met many who could hold a meaningful conversation and debate convincingly.

As for having things in common no I will not have much in common with uneducated hooker but with a Filipina who is working and has been to college and has did a bit of traveling I will have a lot in common. PI culture is not that intricate in comparisons to exotic places like Thailand and Japan which I have visited and lived respectively. I really don’t find pinoys all that tough of a nut to crack as I do Thais. People tend to forget Americans colonized this place for almost 100 years. They seem more American in a lot of ways than most people can see.


My compromise on this is to look for intellectual stimulation largely from my expatriate friends and from my work and not to impose that burden of expectations on my relationship, which could not support it. Conversely, I'm sure that there are needs that I don't fill for her either, and that she satisfies through her work and Filipino friends. No relationship can meet every need regardless of the cultural in which it exists.



GE


If I can’t get anything intellectually stimulating out of my girlfriend what is her purpose? Can’t be sex that’s to abundant in PI. Need her to clean my house and cook? It would be cheaper and more practical to hire a maid. As for my background I find the expatiate community in my neighborhood how could I put this… lacking. Not to sound condescending but I am 20 something year old black guy I am not going to have much in common with the majority of the expats in the PI community no need for me to go into further details about that.

I don’t think intellectual stimulation is a burden on a relationship. If you ask your girl “So what do you think of McCain?” and she gets a headache now that’s a situation I would have to reassess.



The bottom line is that the part of our personalities that's formed and informed by our cultures differs so radically from cultural circumstances here that there is not nor will ever be much congruence between the two. To me this means that your expectations of any long-term relationship with any Filipina must be grounded in reality.

GE

As I stated earlier Filipinos and Americans cultures are not that all that diverse. Any wonder Filipinos who immigrate to the US take to it like a duck to water. Guys we all create our reality if your reality bites you put the teeth there.

[Psdai]

Psdai - your experience is not mine. Don't think that many members here would offer anything but advice against marrying a girl met in a bar. It really is a recipe for disaster as many guys have found to their cost. It does work occasionally but for every fairy tale you tend to hear shitload of horror stories. GH

True, but I personally believe that is because people are much more likely to feed you horror stories than good stories. Much like main stream news media in every country, horror stories sell. Feel good stories and happiness do not. In my life time I have heard just as many horror stories, maybe even more, about a non bar girl as I have about bar girls.

I realize there are many bar girls that will never change and I am not advocating marrying one if that is not what you want, but the seemingly common thought process that every girl working the bars in SE Asia is a money grubbing little, lying tart that is out to rob you blind is just as bad as the multitude of early Americans that thought all black men should be slaves, were unintelligent, and a step just above apes. It is complete nonsense! There are just as many "good" girls that are worth keeping working the bars as there are running around the business areas of Makati. Hell, by and far many of the girls working bars probably have sex less times in their lives than your normal college girl in a first world country as the numbers of girls working the bar compared to the number of customers usually does not equate to the girls being bar fined more than a few times a month unless she really is a spinner.

Just my opinion mind you. I still like to tell myself I will never marry a Filipina, bar girl or not, but I also know that you simply cannot say those things because life is real strange and never seems to go the way you truly think it will (otherwise I would have married a Thai 13 years ago instead of a Japanese lady).

[Bob Bowie]

Over the last couple of years I have chatted or "dated" many Pinays that were in college or recent Graduates. Many times I have asked to see there school books (mostly Xerox photos of books). With the exception of the nursing programs, the education is a joke. I am sure most average suburban high school kids would have no problem passing the classes.

Also keep in mind they start college at 16, so be sure to always double check there Id's if you meet one near a campus.

Since most of the classes are in English, an educated Pinay will be much easier for you to communicate with and she will be more likely to find a job if you bring her home.

[IgoforAsian]

The bottom line is that, even with "educated" women, you're not going to have a lot in common about which to talk. The frames of reference are just too different and the whole cultural context is so different that there's just not much common ground.

My compromise on this is to look for intellectual stimulation largely from my expatriate friends and from my work and not to impose that burden of expectations on my relationship, which could not support it. Conversely, I'm sure that there are needs that I don't fill for her either, and that she satisfies through her work and Filipino friends. No relationship can meet every need regardless of the cultural in which it exists.

GEGE,

I could not agree more! When I was younger (perhaps around Daddy Warbucks age), I would look for a girl who could fill all needs. With age, and after a few failed relationships, I realize the most important attribute is the presence of a romantic/sexual chemistry and if you enjoy each other's company.

After finally getting out of a long term relationship with a kind, intelligent, well-educated woman who had all the attributes I looked for but was lame in bed, I have come to realize that sexual chemistry is a must and everything else is secondary. Yes, you can hire a maid, and yes, you can seek intellectual stimulation amongst your friends, but once you are getting sexual fulfillment in other places, the primary relationship is pretty much doomed.


I have many friends and former co-workers (over 20 of them in fact) who married bar girls from throughout Asia and they all have been married for numerous years and are happy with nothing more than the normal complaints all married people have. I would say that on the whole of all the people I have known that married a bar girl maybe 5-10% of them regreted it.

Hell, for that matter I am currently married to a college educated, "good girl"as you put it and have been miserable for all 13 years of it.

Like the others said you will never know 100% and there are some big cultural differences you will have to adjust to but it is completely feasible that it can work out.
True, but I personally believe that is because people are much more likely to feed you horror stories than good stories. Much like main stream news media in every country, horror stories sell. Feel good stories and happiness do not. In my life time I have heard just as many horror stories, maybe even more, about a non bar girl as I have about bar girls.

Hell, by and far many of the girls working bars probably have sex less times in their lives than your normal college girl in a first world country as the numbers of girls working the bar compared to the number of customers usually does not equate to the girls being bar fined more than a few times a month unless she really is a spinner. Psdai, thank you for sticking up for the bar girls! Hopefully my low-mileage bar-girl will work out. As you quite rightly point out, many are sweethearts. Mine certainly is, and has been with many less guys than the average college girl here! I will keep you guys posted on how it all works out for me. Stay tuned!

[Robbaf]

I think in general PI girls would rather not work at home and I believe her when she tells me that she would not consider to 'work' at home.
You didn't say how old she is and how much money is she making there. I tried this once and it lasted 2 months. As soon as she said that she needed more money and I didn't give ASAP, she was in LA Cafe (friend snapped cell photo and sent to me) as a non-pro needing money. Hmmmm, getting paid for sex and saying she is not a pro.
I wish you luck, because I know that you will go through with this, because we think more with the little head, then with the big head.
I have been burnt, but if I meet the right girl, I would do it again. Sometimes we have more money then brains:D

Good Luck and keep us updated on your results.
Robb

[GoodEnough]

I think you've done an excellent job on the debating front, and you've made some strong points. However, I think there's a flaw in the logic.

First, you make the assumption that because Americans colonized this place, that most of the folks share some cultural/social attributes with us, but my experience is that these so-called similarities represent, at best, a very thing patina. I can speak only for myself here, but I find that the longer I stay here the less I understand about the culture, which seems an admixture of Christianity, pantheism, mysticism, tribal ritual and survival behavior. That is, it's only very superficially western, and if you get into the bush, where most people live, you can feel, at times, as if you're on another planet.

The Brits and the French colonized 60% of Africa and doubtless left the marks of their cultures behind. But to think that most African countries are essentially French or British is to ignore the much deeper influences of centuries of tribal cultures and it's much the same here. There are so many tribes, so many clans, so many varied rituals and practices, that the "Western" aspects of the overall culture represent only a small fraction of the fabric of the country.

Second, when I spoke of the educational system, I was speaking of "education" and not vocational training. Yes, there are tertiary institutions here that succeed in instilling a narrow range of specific skills. This is not the same as teaching critical thought. Try discussing art or literature with an average Filipina and see how far you get. I work extensively with the public education system here and believe me, it's pathetic. I work, for example, with a small number of American civil engineers who manage a large workforce of Filipino engineers. The American guys are constantly stunned at how little their Filipino colleagues know, how poorly trained they are, and how difficult it is for them to engage in any sort of adaptive behavior.

Finally, you say that as a "20 something black guy" you have little in common with other expats. But if you feel that your background, your experiences and your outlook alienate you from other expatriates--with whom presumably you share certain cultural attributes--think how far removed you are from the average Filipino, who shares even fewer attributes with you. I'm probably 30 plus years older than you are and I'm white, but I would bet that you and I would have more in common and more to talk about that either of us would with the average Filipina.

My attitude toward the education system is less condescending than it is factual. I'm not arguing that Filipinos are any less intelligent than others, just that they're poorly served by a totally corrupt system that manages to spend less than $120 a year per student on education while adjacent countries spend between $1,500 and $2,500 a year. Crowding 50-60 kids in classrooms with no or few books, poorly-trained teachers and no resources does not make for a well trained population. Add to this the fact that this is the only country left in the world that offers ten, instead of twelve years of public education, and the outlook for education is not promising. This is not to say that Filipino kids have any less potential than anyone else. It is to contend that these kids are getting royally screwed by a lousy education system.

Anyway, I've gone on long enough. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my previous post.

GE

[Carmex]

Wow, I can't believe this question is still coming up. Believe me, I have debated with this question many times myself. And although Western men would like to believe they are in love, saving the pinay, changing lives, etc. , the fact remains that you are going to get involved with a girl from a third world country who accepts money for sex. Plain and simple, you cannot debate those facts. What is the term for a women who receives money for sex in your home country? No matter how you justify her behavior, the fact remains that she made a conscience decision to engage in a sex for money business. Please do not say that Western standards do not apply in the Philippines, because people are people all over the world.

I must ask you this question: How are you with trust issues? If you have any, then my advice would be to save yourself some anguish. Being in my profession, I see men marrying Bar Girl pinoy weekly. My buddy who has lived here since 1986, says maybe 1% work out. Here in S. Korea, it has not always been pinay. The first were Koreans, then Russians, and now pinay. Always the same story, over and over I must caution the men on who they are going to marry, and I always get the same response: "We are in love, She has not been in the bar long, She is only doing this to help her family, etc. " Mostly the fact remains that you have to contend with her having had sex with many guys, some of whom you may even know. If that is not a problem for you, then go ahead and continue the relationship. However, for most guys, this is a problem over time.

My next question to you would be: Would you marry the same girl in your home country? If you met a girl that has sex with men for money, and you were her customer, would you want to marry her? Think hard about that question because the same standards apply. Why do pinoy not marry bar girls? Are they different from you? Are we not all men? Some cultural differences aside, men are men from the last 5000 years.

I have tried to obtain the same in which you write. And after time, the sex/lust fades and you are left with her mind. Most are women motivated by great need, and a man must acknowledge this before her enters into matrimony (sp? ). Personally, I am leery of people who desperately need something from me. I ask myself why the person is so motivated to be with me. If it is not for my great company, beautiful personality, and handsome face (LOL), then I am cautious. I try to remember, she is doing what she is out of obligation to her family (OFW) et al.

If you are comfortable with all points, then please continue. I however, could not. It sucks learning there is no Santa Claus.

V/r

Carmex

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting 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.

[Darth Sushi]

Keep in mind that Spain colonized and ruled the PI for more than 300 years. The Americanos did help model their government after ours during the "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain" incident in 1898 but we were mainly hands off advisers. Their national language has a lot of Spanish influence and the country's big hero did kill Magellan. Colonization by America is an inaccurate statement, for leasing a couple of Military bases is a long way from colonization.

However, my statement doesn't really matter since I'm only here for the pleasure of my purple helmet. PEACE ;-)

[Nvslim]

Over the last couple of years I have chatted or "dated" many Pinays that were in college or recent Graduates. Many times I have asked to see there school books (mostly Xerox photos of books). With the exception of the nursing programs, the education is a joke. I am sure most average suburban high school kids would have no problem passing the classes.


I have to disagree. My Pinay wife has her degree in Civil Engineering and is way smarter than I with my US college degree. When she got here she went back to school for Computer Science. She was tutoring her US educated classmates in Algebra. She did have the advantage of private schools when she was growing up and a private engineering college. When we met she was doing house design and drawing her own plans.

Slim

[Warbucks]

Keep in mind that Spain colonized and ruled the PI for more than 300 years. The Americanos did help model their government after ours during the "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain" incident in 1898 but we were mainly hands off advisers. Their national language has a lot of Spanish influence and the country's big hero did kill Magellan. Colonization by America is an inaccurate statement, for leasing a couple of Military bases is a long way from colonization.

However, my statement doesn't really matter since I'm only here for the pleasure of my purple helmet. PEACE ;-)


That’s true but they are 100 years removed from Spanish rule. Why is news in America news in PI? Why is basketball for a nation of short people the national sport? Why are Americans so idolized in the country? My girlfriend whom I met in Japan listens to same music I do likes the same type of fashion designers I do. Likes the same food I do. Many Thais I have met would be hard press to name one damn American star ,when I am in Thailand I feel like I am not experiencing another culture but another planet as the people are so out of touch with westerners which is amazing considering the amount of tourist who flock there. The average Thai couldn’t tell you anything about America period now that’s what I called an eccentric culture. Most Filipinos I have really not seem anything from them out of the “norm” except their willingness to destroy their own lives for their families.


I have to disagree. My Pinay wife has her degree in Civil Engineering and is way smarter than I with my US college degree. When she got here she went back to school for Computer Science. She was tutoring her US educated classmates in Algebra.

Slim

Thank you

[Darth Sushi]

I'm still pissed-off about ESPN here showing more snooker and soccer than football(American). Boy do I miss PTI, Around the Horn, and college football. But you do have a good point about what's popular here. You're a lucky man to have a GF who likes the same food you do. I just dumped mine for all the deep fried mess she loves to cook. I still get a chuckle when I go to SM and find an entire aisle devoted to cooking oil!

[Wicked Roger]

I tried this once and it lasted 2 months. As soon as she said that she needed more money and I didn't give ASAP, she was in LA Cafe (friend snapped cell photo and sent to me) as a non-pro needing money.

I wish you luck, because I know that you will go through with this, because we think more with the little head, then with the big head.
I have been burnt, but if I meet the right girl, I would do it again. Sometimes we have more money then brains:D

Good Luck and keep us updated on your results.
Robb
Robb

I agree with the exception that my big head does the thinking too many times :). Then the little remembers I am being screwed somehow :)

There is a good FR on the UAE thread on this (Dating Regular Girls) by Cool Bear. He lost AED 38000 (say US$10000) so we all do it. I knw the monger and the WG he refers to so it is a true story.

[Bob Bowie]

Sorry, I don't know how to do the multiple quote reply function. I did not mean to say that Pinays were dumber, I just know that the class assignments that were shown to me by different girls, looked very basic and superficial.

As an American sports fan, I was very disappointed in the choice of sports programming on the different cable/sate-lite systems. The only regular baseball programing was delayed Yankee games and a couple of delayed pre-season games NFL games. Both CNN and ESPN did not cover much of the American news. One system did carry the FOX news channel that is shown in the US, but that was it for the most part. I was able to "survive" the situation using the Smart Bro for Internet and my laptop to view highlights of games.

Oh and the fact that I usually had a sexy 20 something year old Pinay next to me, helped keep me distracted.

As far as the Western influence, scroll thru some Friendster accounts, 99 percent of the girls have at least one account. You will get an idea of what kind of music and movies are popular in the Philippines, at least with the under 30 crowd.

[Finrod]

As an American sports fan, I was very disappointed in the choice of sports programming on the different cable/sate-lite systems. The only regular baseball programing was delayed Yankee games and a couple of delayed pre-season games NFL games. Both CNN and ESPN did not cover much of the American news. One system did carry the FOX news channel that is shown in the US, but that was it for the most part. I was able to "survive" the situation using the Smart Bro for Internet and my laptop to view highlights of games.
I'm a big NBA fan, but when I was in Manila earlier this year while the playoffs were going on, I had a hard time finding a place that was showing the games. For the record, there is a sports bar in Greenbelt in Makati that shows them. I don't remember the name of this place, but it's on the 2nd floor, go up the stairs from Havana Cafe and turn right, it will be on your left among several other restaurants. I have heard of a couple of other places, but I don't known anything about them.

I suspect that English Premiership fans run into the same lack of availability.


As far as the Western influence, scroll thru some Friendster accounts, 99 percent of the girls have at least one account. You will get an idea of what kind of music and movies are popular in the Philippines, at least with the under 30 crowd.
This advice is spot on.

[Bob Bowie]

I'm a big NBA fan, but when I was in Manila earlier this year while the playoffs were going on, I had a hard time finding a place that was showing the games. For the record, there is a sports bar in Greenbelt in Makati that shows them. I don't remember the name of this place, but it's on the 2nd floor, go up the stairs from Havana Cafe and turn right, it will be on your left among several other restaurants. I have heard of a couple of other places, but I don't known anything about them.
.
They had all of 7 of the NBA games live on one of the local channels. I watched every minute in both Cebu and Davao city. They started at 8am. They were in Tagalog(with English mixed in) but you don't really need it in English when you know most of the players.

[X Man]

There was a time when a Philippine education was the best value around. And depending on the situation, it may still be (as Nvslim alludes to).

NV, You didn't mention how long ago your lady attended college. No problem if that is a secret.

I can say that most Phil college grads speak pretty damn good English. Go to the best universities of China, Japan, Korea, UK, and the USA and I doubt you will find so many truly bilingual or trilingual people.

Which begs the question, how useful is Tagalog and/or Visayan....? That's a question beyong the scope of ISG.

X









I have to disagree. My Pinay wife has her degree in Civil Engineering and is way smarter than I with my US college degree. When she got here she went back to school for Computer Science. She was tutoring her US educated classmates in Algebra. She did have the advantage of private schools when she was growing up and a private engineering college. When we met she was doing house design and drawing her own plans.

Slim

[LoveAsianWhores]

My next question to you would be: Would you marry the same girl in your home country? If you met a girl that has sex with men for money, and you were her customer, would you want to marry her? Think hard about that question because the same standards apply. Why do pinoy not marry bar girls? Are they different from you? Are we not all men? Some cultural differences aside, men are men from the last 5000 years.I will not disagree with you, but I think you should consider the flip side: There are two girls, one a virgin, the other a bargirl. The virgin believes that her chastity is for her husband, and no matter what, she will keep it for him. Meanwhile, her family lives in a shack without running water, her mother is sick, cannot afford medicine and may die, and her siblings are growing up illiterate because they cannot afford education. However, to the virgin, her chastity (and it's perceived value in finding a husband) is more important than all those other things.

The bargirl, however, will sell herself to buy medicine, food, shelter and education for her family. She will do absolutely whatever she has to do to help her family.

The question I would ask, is who would you want to be the mother of your children? If you die of a heart attack, and your child needed medicine to live, would you want the ex-virgin that would let your son/daughter die, or the bargirl who will sell herself so your child can live. This is not just a hypothetical question, but a decision that is made many times around the Philippines every day. I once met a really cute bargirl who told me her price was 4, 000. Becuase she was truly exceptional, I agreed. I was quite sure I was her first (and probably last) customer. After she was done crying, she asked me if I could drop her off at the hospital as she needed the money to buy medicine for her mother "and there was not much time". I happen to believe her story and dropped her off at the hospital. She had no cell phone so I was never able to contact her again. I have heard similar stories from bargirls, but usually there is no way to tell if they are telling the truth. I am sure that sometimes the stories are just made up, but I am also sure that sometimes the stories are perfectly true.

So, back to the question that I poised earlier. Personally, I would marry the bargirl, allough it is a complicated issue and I could understand why someone might chose the virgin.

[Cunning Stunt]

I often idly muse as to how different the Philippines would be if the British had decided to hold on to the place in 1762, when we kicked the Spanish out of Manila, instead of pulling out 2 years later and letting the dastardly Spanish back in.

Imagine the place might be a economic powerhouse like Hong Kong or Singapore and have a efficient, equitable and effective legislative, governmental, education and legal system in place instead of the shambles we now see.

Visualise an efficient railway system covering the entire island of Luzon and probably beyond. The Brit colonists loved their railways.

Consider the place would play proper manly sports such as football, rugby and cricket instead of indoor hoop games played by lanky geezers.

Just think I might be able to get a decent pint of warm British ale, a meat pie or a full monty.

Ahh dream on.....:D GH

[Darth Sushi]

"warm British ale".....:D GH
I can live with all of the other stuff except that one. But I'll buy you a cold one any day. Cheers :D

[Nvslim]

NV, You didn't mention how long ago your lady attended college. No problem if that is a secret.


Since we have been married 20+ years, its been a while



I can say that most Phil college grads speak pretty damn good English. Go to the best universities of China, Japan, Korea, UK, and the USA and I doubt you will find so many truly bilingual or trilingual people.


She still has some problems with accents. She pronounces "girl" as "gull". I was born and raised in the US south and have not lost my accent so some time we have to stop and figure out what the other means. She speaks Tagalog, Ilocana, passable spanish.




Which begs the question, how useful is Tagalog and/or Visayan....? That's a question beyong the scope of ISG.

X

When she talks to relatives its Ilocana and Panay friends its Tagalog. She says its easier to speak this way so she does not have to translate in her head.

Slim

[IgoforAsian]

So, back to the question that I poised earlier. Personally, I would marry the bargirl, allough it is a complicated issue and I could understand why someone might chose the virgin.Thanks for this post and your support of the bar girl, LoveAsian. I could not have put it better myself!

[X Man]

Yea, dream on. Since Japan's archrival in the early 20th century was Russia, Brit power in SE Asia (Philippines) would have bottled up Japan. Big mistake.

Japan would have bombed Brit held MNL, not Pearl Harbor, destroying the far outreached Brit Asian Navy. Let's be real, it's only so long a piddly little island can expect to have an Empire where the sun never sets.

Whether you mean it or not Gamahucher, you inspire a great deal of humor.

X


I often idly muse as to how different the Philippines would be if the British had decided to hold on to the place in 1762, when we kicked the Spanish out of Manila, instead of pulling out 2 years later and letting the dastardly Spanish back in.

Imagine the place might be a economic powerhouse like Hong Kong or Singapore and have a efficient, equitable and effective legislative, governmental, education and legal system in place instead of the shambles we now see.

Visualise an efficient railway system covering the entire island of Luzon and probably beyond. The Brit colonists loved their railways.

Consider the place would play proper manly sports such as football, rugby and cricket instead of indoor hoop games played by lanky geezers.

Just think I might be able to get a decent pint of warm British ale, a meat pie or a full monty.

Ahh dream on.....:D GH

[MrFish]

Just let me add the 5 cents

If it comes to railways the swiss ones are not privat yet and on time not as the Uk ones. Otherwise your date out of the province would be late. Think about that.

The bad thing of the swiss is that we neutral so there would be unfurtunatly no clark airbase no fields ave. No nice

But I'm sure Fillipines would be like sing and hkg if the British would stay on there so the stock exchanges would be hammerd to the ground there to right now! And I guess that the fancy latin asia Genetic mix is handy and sexy so I guess UK/ASIA Modification would be noz at all atract as many of us!

Think about chose a short black coffee compair to make love in a cold frapuchino hard to get hard!

One week to depart to 6 days vn and folowed 4 days MNL and a glory night in sing to shoot of the ballance of leftovers. Pics to follow after the dead

Hasta la vista and shave the mini queens

MrFish

[Cunning Stunt]

Whether you mean it or not Gamahucher, you inspire a great deal of humor.

X

Did you not recognize in my silly, whimsical piece that that was the intention :D. Darth did and a member such as Skip Kost (if he was about) most definately would and come back at me with something similarly absurd. But I should have known that if anyone would interpret my nonsense literally, it would be you.

I would a thought that a guy who wears plaid shorts in public would have an excellent sense of humour ;).

[X Man]

You and Dildo have taken an unhealthy interest in my shorts. Are you two joined at the hip?

X


Did you not recognize in my silly, whimsical piece that that was the intention :D. Darth did and a member such as Skip Kost (if he was about) most definately would and come back at me with something similarly absurd. But I should have known that if anyone would interpret my nonsense literally, it would be you.

I would a thought that a guy who wears plaid shorts in public would have an excellent sense of humour ;).

[Cunning Stunt]

You and Dildo have taken an unhealthy interest in my shorts. Are you two joined at the hip?

X

You crack me up with your withering returns, X ... ;). Did you spend long thinking it up? Thats time wasted that could be better spent knitting your next pair of fashion shorts to give us all a laugh:D. GH

[X Man]

From what the Filipinas have been telling me, "withering" is your bedroom speciality. Maybe you could do better if you wear plaid. It has healing properties they say.

X


You crack me up with your withering returns, X ... ;). Did you spend long thinking it up? Thats time wasted that could be better spent knitting your next pair of fashion shorts to give us all a laugh:D. GH

[Khun Larry]

I am wondering why someone would marry either. What are the motivations, benefits? Why would someone marry a Filipina? Will happiness follow? If you marry a virgin you get first dibbs on her virgin pussy but then what? How about a filipina BG. If they are anything like Thai prostitutes you will be in for a world of hurt and financial ruin.

What does the western man get out of the marriage trap? Have a relationship for a year or two or three than move on free as a bird. Now, although I have not married, I am certainly having my problems with the move on part and things have stretched into a five year relationship. Still I see no benefit to marry whatsoever.

[Darth Sushi]

So, back to the question that I poised earlier. Personally, I would marry the bargirl, allough it is a complicated issue and I could understand why someone might chose the virgin.
Personally, sexual compatibility is priority number-1 before I would consider marriage, so no weirdgins for me. I wonder how many married guys are seeking hooker relief because the wife doesn't do BJs or her sexual skill set will never make varsity? :D

[Cunning Stunt]

From what the Filipinas have been telling me, "withering" is your bedroom speciality. Maybe you could do better if you wear plaid. It has healing properties they say.

X

Your so predictable, man. Why trade mature adult repartee when infantile playground insults is obviously more suited to your personality. But, sorry mate, I cannot stoop to your level so I won't ask the obvious question.

Why don't you give your head a break from childhood regression therapy and join the real world.

Will not bother to reply to your next :D barbed :D insult as its all so tedious and predictable and is undoubtedly boring the (plaid?) pants off everyone. GH

[Robbaf]

Personally, sexual compatibility is priority number-1 before I would consider marriage, so no weirdgins for me. I wonder how many married guys are seeking hooker relief because the wife doesn't do BJs or her sexual skill set will never make varsity? :DJust wondering if you are married? Sexual compatibility is important, but once you blow your nut, what do you do with her? IMHO I can always find sex, but it is hard to find a good wife!
That is my problem here in the Philippines, once I sleep with a "good" girl, I find myself wondering why I went through all the "BS" to establish a relationship, it is almost easier to go to the bar and pay them to leave.

YMMV
Robb

[Warbucks]

Just wondering if you are married? Sexual compatibility is important, but once you blow your nut, what do you do with her? IMHO I can always find sex, but it is hard to find a good wife!
That is my problem here in the Philippines, once I sleep with a "good" girl, I find myself wondering why I went through all the "BS" to establish a relationship, it is almost easier to go to the bar and pay them to leave.

YMMV
Robb

About guys marrying bar girls. It's not a lot going on in their heads bruh. After you fuck her for a couple of months then what?

[Darth Sushi]

just wondering if you are married? sexual compatibility is important, but once you blow your nut, what do you do with her? imho i can always find sex, but it is hard to find a good wife!
that is my problem here in the philippines, once i sleep with a "good" girl, i find myself wondering why i went through all the "bs" to establish a relationship, it is almost easier to go to the bar and pay them to leave.

ymmv
robb
never married and no urge to do so unless she's filthy rich and she has one foot in a coffin and the other on a banana peel :d

[GoodEnough]

I'm surprised at you guys. You live here and you've seen the ones who typically marry the B girls. Older (like my age) guys who have never in their lives been laid regularly, probably can count their blow job experiences on one hand, meet gorgeous/semi-gorgeous 20-somethings and feel like they're in heaven. I met one guy in Davao who was married within a week of arrival to a girl he met here, and she had been done by lots of other guys I know. He didn't care, or maybe he didn't know.

This is the place for willing suspension of disbelief. This is the place where, when you come as an older guy for the first time, your cerebral cortex ceases to function. Can't you imagine a fat, unattractive, 60ish guy from some dipshit place in the midwest, who has done it missionary position, once a week, with a fat, wrinkled lady for the last 30+ years thinking that he's found nirvana in the arms of a 20 year old who swears she loves him? Where's your compassion? Your understanding? Your sense of humor?

GE

[Darth Sushi]

I'm surprised at you guys. You live here and you've seen the ones who typically marry the B girls. Older (like my age) guys who have never in their lives been laid regularly, probably can count their blow job experiences on one hand, meet gorgeous/semi-gorgeous 20-somethings and feel like they're in heaven. I met one guy in Davao who was married within a week of arrival to a girl he met here, and she had been done by lots of other guys I know. He didn't care, or maybe he didn't know.

This is the place for willing suspension of disbelief. This is the place where, when you come as an older guy for the first time, your cerebral cortex ceases to function. Can't you imagine a fat, unattractive, 60ish guy from some dipshit place in the midwest, who has done it missionary position, once a week, with a fat, wrinkled lady for the last 30+ years thinking that he's found nirvana in the arms of a 20 year old who swears she loves him? Where's your compassion? Your understanding? Your sense of humor?

GE
I've met too many guys who take a vacation here for a week who then rush home to sell the condo. I always tell these guys to just live it up for at least a year or two before you marry, start a business, or buy a home here. Unfortunately, most never listen. :( I just buy them a beer when it all goes wrong.

[Cunning Stunt]

I'm surprised at you guys. You live here and you've seen the ones who typically marry the B girls. Older (like my age) guys who have never in their lives been laid regularly, probably can count their blow job experiences on one hand, meet gorgeous/semi-gorgeous 20-somethings and feel like they're in heaven. I met one guy in Davao who was married within a week of arrival to a girl he met here, and she had been done by lots of other guys I know. He didn't care, or maybe he didn't know.

This is the place for willing suspension of disbelief. This is the place where, when you come as an older guy for the first time, your cerebral cortex ceases to function. Can't you imagine a fat, unattractive, 60ish guy from some dipshit place in the midwest, who has done it missionary position, once a week, with a fat, wrinkled lady for the last 30+ years thinking that he's found nirvana in the arms of a 20 year old who swears she loves him? Where's your compassion? Your understanding? Your sense of humor?
GE

Hey - have a heart GE, you are making light of what is the sad reality for so many guys. You and I (and many others here) are lucky in that we are here 'living the dream' - residing in a land where eligible and attractive young girls for some reason go for us old dogs big time, and are beddable for minimal or no financial recompense (although we are not foolish and know they have an eye for the main chance). For example, a 24 year old from DIA virtually offered me her virginity (maybe yes, maybe no) yesterday and today a cute little chick in her late teen, early twenties, working in KFC, made it abundantly clear that she was also interested (I will definately work on this one!). Whereas back home, I would, in a similar situation, feel lucky if I got as much as a sullen snarl. Now I am presentable in polite society, but a million miles from being Brad Pitt.

So is it any wonder that guys heads are turned and they contemplate actions that would be unthinkable back home. Its going from the ridiculous to the sublime. From a once a week 2 minute relief astraddle wrinkly old dogs-breath (or perhaps relying on the five finger knuckle shuffle) to a place full of lovely young totty that all seems to have eyes (and often smiles) just for you.

So whereas I couldn't personally counternance marriage to a BG, I can understand it. But why take this route when there is so much better available to anyone who is willing to put in a little time and effort.

More than anything out here, you need a calm head and to try and avoid letting your dick lead you about making those important decisions. Its too easily done - I know :D.

[Nvslim]

I am wondering why someone would marry either. What are the motivations, benefits? Why would someone marry a Filipina? Will happiness follow? If you marry a virgin you get first dibbs on her virgin pussy but then what? How about a filipina BG. If they are anything like Thai prostitutes you will be in for a world of hurt and financial ruin.

What does the western man get out of the marriage trap? Have a relationship for a year or two or three than move on free as a bird. Now, although I have not married, I am certainly having my problems with the move on part and things have stretched into a five year relationship. Still I see no benefit to marry whatsoever.

I have been most happily married to a Pinay for over 20 years. I was single for a long time and went thru a bad marriage and never thought I would marry again. I get love, affection, the best sex still, and a companion. My wife is head strong and never misses a chance to bust my chops but I love it. She is well educated, hard working and we have built a pretty good life for our selves.

The only thing I would do different, would have been to find her sooner so I would have more time to spend with her.

She is very tolerant to my BS and has stood by me when most American women would have walked. She nursed me thru a nasty military vehicle accident and still loves me for who I am. It's not perfect but it's pretty damn good.

My God smiled on me and I thank him every night.

Slim

[X Man]

Thank you Nvslim. Nice to hear about a happy ending that is endless.

X


I have been most happily married to a Pinay for over 20 years. I was single for a long time and went thru a bad marriage and never thought I would marry again. I get love, affection, the best sex still, and a companion. My wife is head strong and never misses a chance to bust my chops but I love it. She is well educated, hard working and we have built a pretty good life for our selves.

The only thing I would do different, would have been to find her sooner so I would have more time to spend with her.

She is very tolerant to my BS and has stood by me when most American women would have walked. She nursed me thru a nasty military vehicle accident and still loves me for who I am. It's not perfect but it's pretty damn good.

My God smiled on me and I thank him every night.

Slim

[Soapy Smith]

Did you not recognize in my silly, whimsical piece that that was the intention :D. Darth did and a member such as Skip Kost (if he was about) most definately would and come back at me with something similarly absurd.

I'll concede that the Brits may simply have exercised common sense when they pulled out and left two and a half centuries ago. Westerners seem to assume that it's interaction between the institutions of nation-state and market that comprise the narrative of history. In the case of the Philippines, they'd be wrong. The real enduring institution that matters in RP is the Catholic Church. Marx was only partially right when he argued that religion is the opiate of the masses; what he missed is that the church can be a powerful institution in its own right, not always merely an opiate in the hands of others, and can reinforce its influence by simply whoring it up with the few families that control all the land. The result in the Philippines is that colonial powers come and go, but the Church and its common law marriage to the controlling families remain. England had had its own parting of ways with the Catholic Church about two centuries earlier -- thanks to a monarch with a voracious sexual appetite. So maybe they saw what they'd be dealing with in the Philippines and had the good sense to avoid entanglement.

Now back to what's important. G, when you took that dark-skinned, nicely rounded Pinay back to London, did you work out an agreement for money before you departed, or simply pay her what you thought it was worth after you returned? I know the question of how much and how to pay those extended free-lance arrangements has been discussed on the forum, so wondered how you resolved that one. Seems like too much potential torso-rubbing time would have been wasted in flight, unless you made a point to score a mile-high club shot.

Skip

[Robbaf]

never married and no urge to do so unless she's filthy rich and she has one foot in a coffin and the other on a banana peel :d
:d right back at you. i am twice divorced and yesterday i told a filipina exactly that, when she asked if i was going to get married again.

robb

[Cunning Stunt]

I'll concede that the Brits may simply have exercised common sense when they pulled out and left two and a half centuries ago. Westerners seem to assume that it's interaction between the institutions of nation-state and market that comprise the narrative of history. In the case of the Philippines, they'd be wrong. The real enduring institution that matters in RP is the Catholic Church. Marx was only partially right when he argued that religion is the opiate of the masses; what he missed is that the church can be a powerful institution in its own right, not always merely an opiate in the hands of others, and can reinforce its influence by simply whoring it up with the few families that control all the land. The result in the Philippines is that colonial powers come and go, but the Church and its common law marriage to the controlling families remain. England had had its own parting of ways with the Catholic Church about two centuries earlier -- thanks to a monarch with a voracious sexual appetite. So maybe they saw what they'd be dealing with in the Philippines and had the good sense to avoid entanglement.

Now back to what's important. G, when you took that dark-skinned, nicely rounded Pinay back to London, did you work out an agreement for money before you departed, or simply pay her what you thought it was worth after you returned? I know the question of how much and how to pay those extended free-lance arrangements has been discussed on the forum, so wondered how you resolved that one. Seems like too much potential torso-rubbing time would have been wasted in flight, unless you made a point to score a mile-high club shot.

Skip

Hi Skip, Interesting reply and not the absurd nonsense that I was anticipating. My post was jokey but had a kernel of fact at its heart. The British did run Manila for about 18 months in the 1760's and then decided to bail out as the place was not defensively viable or fall in line with their economic expansion plans. But had they remained, the influences of the British and their protestant work ethic would have been wide ranging indeed and the Philippines would have been a far different place.

Interested in your connection between Marxism and Catholicism. The bastard child of Marxism was Communism and there are great similarities between Communism and Roman Catholicism. They are both corrupt, promote the interests of its members above its target audience and have had great deeds of evil done in their name. It was no accident that after the conquistadores had taken a place, the next in were the priests to subdue and subjugate the locals by conversion. Is it not curious that, apart from Thailand and Indonesia, all of the great mongering destinations of the world are former colonies of this form of poisonous Iberian enforced Catholicism (I include Portugal who also used religion as a weapon of subjugation)? Not curious at all as it was always in the Spanish interest to have a broken people comprising of slaves and prostitutes and this heritage persists down the centuries.

Have a heart - that London photo shoot cost me dear. Three bottles of SML and a packet of Adobo flavoured cracker nuts. I wuz robbed :D. GH